Music: Some of my classical favorites

Here are some of my favorite classical/blues/ragtime/etc (not this century) composers:

1. Toccata & Fugue and D minor - J.S. Bach
2. Swan Lake theme - Tchaikovsky
3. Rhapsody In Blue - George Gershwin (You may know this from Disney’s, Fantasia)
4. O Mio Babbino Caro - Puccini (from Opera, Madame Butterfly)
5. Maple Leaf Rag - Scott Joplin
6. Canon In D - Pachelbel (In many weddings)
7. Clair De Lune - Debussy
8. Skater’s Waltz - Waldteufel
9. Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Orff (Everyone knows this one)
10. Blue Danube - J. Strauss

If you didn’t know....

I’m sure many of you have heard about the tragic death of 27-year-old British pop artist Amy Winehouse and the Norway shootings just a few days ago. The reason I bring this up is I can’t help but notice the lack of respect, and impact this has had on Americans, mainly through Facebook.

I’m not saying that Amy Winehouse’s death should have a big impact on us, but all the disrespect I have seen towards her, her addiction, and music has led me to total and utter disgust. Regardless if she was a “junkie” or not, her talent and tastefully done old school pop should be what this star was known for. Although addiction is mainly controlled and caused by the addict him/herself, many of us do not realize that this term “addiction” is actually a disease and it is no doubt one of the most harmful. Regardless if this was under her control, it is just a shame to see another young star’s talent go to waste and get consumed by her not-so-secret demons.

On another note, here is a toast to all the Americans (and others) that actually have cared enough to watch/read the news and are aware of the Norway shootings! If you have not caught up on the news however, some things you must know: the death count that was up to 92 was miscalculated and is now down to 68 (what a relief!!!) also, apparently the shooter is “not guilty” and will face 100 days of jail time for each person IF found guilty.... therefore, 21 years MAXIMUM. Yes, I said maximum. I’m afraid that killing many innocent people AND children is worth at least 2 to 3 times as many years in prison (correct me if I’m wrong). I also suggest that Norway and the rest of Scandinavia create a more conventional way for their police and Delta Force Squad (Emergency Unit) to navigate through Norway, improve their preparation, and the ability to foresee bad situations such as the shooting. Nonetheless, there is no room to underestimate a crew that worked so hard unprepared to rescue these innocent people.

Regardless if you hate Amy Winehouse, don’t care about what tragedies are happening in other countries, or you’re simply just close-minded, here are some tips on this certain situation:

1. Addiction not only affects the addict but EVERYONE around them and if you know an addict seek medical help IMMEDIATELY. 
2. No one's death is more important than others (unless you’re Einstein or Beethoven) and if a family member dies in a world-known tragedy maybe you’ll have more sympathy for others and countries that are effected. 
3. Learn to be respectful and think before you speak, especially when it comes to Facebook and other social networking sites. (DON’T BE A HATER) If anything, you may end up offending someone.

Also to put it out there, here are some other tragedies: 17 killed and 3 missing in a South Korean landslide and 17 dead in a prison fight along Mexico’s border on Tuesday.