90s throwback

When I think of late 90s hip hop and rappers like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., old school Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, my mind inevitably thinks of the so-called Coast Battles and the violent way in which Tupac and Biggie ultimately died. But seeing big-name rappers get involved with fatal shootings seemed to be a thing of the past in my mind.

Thus my shock upon reading about the death of Dolla, a relatively new rapper who was shot today in Los Angeles. Now, I neither know much about hip hop or Dolla himself, but from what I can gather here, it's obvious that homicide and assassination were in play, and the obvious question that arises (besides who committed this crime) is the motive for the crime.

Without knowing anything about the rapper himself, and trying to make as few judgments and assumptions as possible, I still find it very interesting that in 2009, rappers and homicide can still be linked together. It's situations like these that lead people to make the assumption that violence in music leads to violence in America. Whether its violence in hip hop, punk, heavy metal or even country (for example, The Dixie Chicks song "Earl"), terrible situations like these serve as the evidence for those arguments.

It's official: I'm allergic to Spain

Yesterday, I took a visit to the doctor in hopes that he could tell me something about the incessant itching and runny nose I have. During my 10-minute consultation (no joke!), he prescribed me some antihistamines and some ointment for the inside of my nose. Much as I imagined, he confirmed my theory that there's something in the air giving me that stuffed up feeling in my sinuses as if I'm getting sick, without the mucus, coughing and tiredness that actually accompanies a cold.

But in addition to the pollen and pollution in the air giving my nose a hard time, apparently Madrid also has particles of cocaine making it difficult for me to breathe.

It's...interesting, perhaps, to know that in addition to all other grievances I have against the people of this country, I can add "likely to be a coke head" to the list. Jo'e, macho!

Growing

Taking a walk down memory lane (thanks to facebook), I suddenly realized how long my hair has gotten over these last few months. What's funny is that my hair normally takes ages to grow even an inch. In the past 8 months, my hair has gone from being a bit under the shoulder to nearly touching the middle of my back. I'd say its grown a good 4 fingers-length.

I've also noticed that my nails grow much faster as well. Could it be the fantastic Spanish water, encouraging my roots and nail follicles to speed up the growth process? Maybe its all those fruits and veggies that I eat on a much more regular basis. Or perhaps its due to the fact that even when I'm the most stressed out, it's still nothing compared to the anxiety I would feel while at NU when four papers, three exams, working for 12 hours and meetings would pile up on my plate.

Looking at things that way, life is pretty sweet right now. My biggest worry is whether or not I should try to book a trip to Florence or get a new camera. Yep, I'm definitely living the good life.

New jams

Thanks to my friend Andrea's blog, I am now able to keep track of exactly how much time needs to pass before I find myself back in the Mile High City, back in a country where eating on the street and wearing flats without stockings isn't offensive, and where cafes aren't literally covered with garbage.

In anticipation of my return, I have given up on trying to find Spanish music that I can listen to. Most of the stuff I've found is either heavily influenced by the Gypsy rhythms of Flamenco (see Ojos de Brujo), or they are yet another imitation of some modern rock/emo/pop fusion that's been done to death by bands throughout the UK and the US (see El Canto del Loco).

Rather than focusing my efforts on Spanish music, I am re-kindling my love with "rock en Ingles" and discovering cool new bands. Well, new to me. Amongst my favourites: The Horrors, a London-based band that remind me quite a lot of Joy Division. The heavy bass lines, the use of synthesizers and the lead singer's voice, especially in the song "Primary Colours," reminds me of the jams off "Unknown Pleasures."

I'm convinced that all of this has already been explained much more eloquently and analyzed to death by those better in touch with music in the States, but cut me a break. I've been in Spain for 8 months!