Fifty Shades of Grey (Music)

You know, I'm sure the few of you that remember the write up I did about the book 50 Shades of Grey, know how I feel about the idea of a movie. I'm far from, excited about it. But I was intrigued when I logged into my email at the library and Projekt Records had sent me an email about an album. Not a formal one, sort of a what if we did it type deal.

So I thought about it for a second and realized that some of you might enjoy a chance at experiencing the album too.

Check it out at the Projekt Records Web site.

(No this is not spam, it's more of a rush rush rush I wanna post something so you all know that I haven't forgotten you more than anything else.)

As far as the MOVIE is concerned, I have mixed feelings really. I assume that they will have sanitized it to some degree in order to be able to show it in movie theaters and not be classified as pornography. So we shall see what happens when it does finally release.

We already know it will get a great turnout initially due to the books popularity. But that doesn't mean that the movie is good. It just means that there are a lot of people that are interested in seeing the imaginary brought to play visually.

^_~ Anyway check out the album and we'll see you soon, I hope ~_~

Miss you all tons

Moving Mainstream?

It baffles me to no end the way that Shades of Grey has been snapped up by various outlets. The book series is very popular, and although it doesn't necessarily present a positive or factual scenario; It has brought the idea of BDSM type activities into a brighter light. I can accept that the movie industry is thinking about making a movie out of it. Popular literature is an appealing source for them, because they have a pre-made target audience and don't have to hope that there is a niche for them.

But this, I wasn't expecting. *points at the cropped photo from her phone*

Yes, they're moving to accessories already. Cutsey t-shirts, underpants, jewelry and thigh high stockings of various sorts are what I saw when I investigated the display in the store. It's not really anything too bad, but are they blurring lines that they ought to leave alone? There are people that are figuring that the books are something to base ideas and activities around. That isn't a bad thing.

But there are lifestylers that may find it annoying to see some things used so flippantly. There are a lot of people that just think that they're dealing with a fashion statement, or expressing their adoration for the interesting "Mr. Grey". But unlike Harry Potter fans, Grey fans may find themselves in some interesting conversations. These can be uncomfortable for both parties involved.

So what I'm trying to get at is this: know what you're wearing. Think about the multi-facets that something can express. Educate yourself on symbolism, and don't be afraid to express yourself. But don't expect everyone to see what you're wearing and interpret it to mean what you've intended it to. So please, I know a number of you DO know what you are doing, and you are all (I think anyways) adults and entitled to do as you like. But take into mind the message your choices may send to those around you.

There are many beautiful things available to accessorize and express yourself. I personally have a set of neon rainbow plastic bamboo look bracelets. I was trounced after work one night (rl) by a group of gay men who felt that if I wasn't gay I shouldn't be wearing them. I had a very long discussion with them, and after we went on our ways. I won't forget it because they seemed slightly hostile at first, but calmed down as we discussed why I wear them. This is only an example of what I mean though. Am sure a number of folk have their own experience, good and bad.

Please have good ones.

Thoughts on Fifty Shades Of Grey

I never planned to read this book. I agreed to because opinions were asked for on the matter, and the only way to form an opinion and understanding about a book is to read it. After reading the first book to this three part series I am left understanding why it is that people might find it both appealing and offensive. On a whole the piece is complex, but written in a manner that pulls a reader in. We want to know what is happening to our characters, and we want to see them go through their actions. So before we even get into my thoughts on this first book, I am going to say that yes. Yes I think I will read the next book. Perhaps it will give a fuller reflection on things.

Fifty Shades Of Grey
EL James
356 pages

First off, I am going to say that the main characters shine. Each of them are presented not as flat, but as vibrant creatures with a deeper existence. They each have their reasons to hesitate, and they each have their reason to want to move forward in the relationship that is the focus of the book. Ana is our lead female character. Christian is our lead male character. The other characters are also very vibrant and I personally felt drawn into the book because of this.

The book itself though is best described as a harlequin romance novel on crack. It has the feel of a modern fairytale. In all honesty, it isn't a realistic situation. But it is a fiction piece so that is to be expected.  The thing that I can see having upset some people is the romanticized feel. It is written from the perspective of Ana, and at times it feels like a diary. We are never issued the perspectives or thoughts from other characters, other than what they may have said, or how she viewed them. It is very one sided in that respect.

I really think that having a copy of the supposed contract smack dab in the middle of the book was a bit annoying, and gives a false lead  to those who might be interested in this kind of situation. It is a whirlwind of activity in this book, and things move far to quickly. It is very unrealistic, and that said readers should be wary of what they think of parts of the book. There are a lot of things that are far from normal when it comes to BDSM, and there is no reason that this book should be used as a way to measure a relationship. In fact, if you're actually interested in BDSM as more than just something to read about for giggles, this book is  NOT for you.

Why do I say that? Well, it's not meant to be educational. It's meant to entice the imagination and give some of us  fluffy fuzzy thoughts. Of course, the situation would not seem fluffy to most people, but there are some of us to which this kind of book and parts of the situation are appealing. And I feel like I'm chasing my tail now.

In all honesty, after finishing the book. There's a few points I would like to express. Fans will likely disagree with me, but I already said that I do plan to read book two, to see how this may pan out. My first point is this, if you take out the contract and the proposed "room of pain", you are left with the kind of relationship many of us would call a high school stalker relationship. It's very high school-esque, but that makes it an easy read.

The book is definitely aimed at mature readers. But the unfortunate reality is that there are dozens of teens and tweens that are going to get a hold of this because of the hype, and parents not being discerning. If you are thinking about letting your teenager read this book, or see them doing so PLEASE read it, and feel free to explain to them that it is a work of fiction. It is not fact in the slightest.