Lernen und Musik
Oct. 5th, 2013 11:31 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ofearthandstarsSo afuna evilly opened the gateway to Duolingo.com, and ever since then I've been spending a few minutes a day learning German. I am surprised at how easy the lessons are - I'm usually a bit slow at learning languages (I have some French and Italian courses under my belt), but I really appreciate the verbal and written exercises. It's an addictive fun way to spend my time more constructively in the evenings. So much so, I had to add it to my List of Happy. The only downside is that I've been playing with Duolingo instead of practicing guitar. Maybe I'll pull the guitar out today to compensate.
In other news, because of the gov't shutdown, there's not a whole lot that I can do in the office (and get paid for), so I've been taking some leave. This means I've had a little time to relax and do things I never have time to do (I'm starting to get used to midday naps). And though it probably isn't the best time to do so, I went searching for a used iPod nano (3rd generation) and found one on Amazon that wasn't too expensive. I used to have the same iPod, but lost it on our honeymoon. However, I still have a couple of accessories for it, including a sleeve for workouts/running. So I decided to buy a used one so that I can have some tunes while running again.
Which gets to the fun part of this post.fenjer posted some of her top favorite songs right now, so I thought I'd do the same.
Songs I love because they are amazing works of art:
Danny Schmidt - This Too Shall Pass - A song to remind you of the transient nature of life - the lyrics are simply amazing.
Jason Webley - Last Song - Another Weather-find, this song gives me hope.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Man on Fire - This song is like cacophony of the joy of living.
Daughter - Landfill - Daughter is immensely talented; this song captures everything about ending a relationship. (I've been trying to learn it on guitar.)
Birdy - Shelter - Another immensely talented female artist; Birdy's voice is amazing and this song is like raw, pure emotion.
Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs (Arcade Fire cover) - Mr. Little Jeans makes Arcade Fire sound good. This song is sultry, sexy, smooth; I can totally cruise in my car to this, nodding along, feeling on top of things.
The XX - Intro - Seven minutes of feeling like you could soar the sky...or the universe.
Songs that get me moving:
Aviici - Wake Me Up - Jaunty acoustic guitar and foot tapping rhythms... this song makes me feel alive. (Stolen fromfenjer)
Sara Bareilles - Brave - Do you need a poppy, peppy song with empowering lyrics? We got ya. This song appeases my inner little girl, and I want to share it with every little girl I know.
Armin van Buuren featuring Trevor Guthrie - This is What it Feels Like - I don't even care about the revving engines and other cheesiness. This song makes a long commute bearable.
Woodkid - Run Boy Run - Gothy, Dark, but beats that will have you unable to sit still.
David Guetta - She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) featuring Sia - Party remix of Shakira's "She Wolf". Dance!
Aviici - Levels - Sometimes, I get a good feeling, yeah... (Just try not to move to this!)
Speaking of, if you have good recs for songs that I can run to, I'd love to hear them. :D
afuna evilly opened the gateway to Duolingo.com, and ever since then I've been spending a few minutes a day learning German. I am surprised at how easy the lessons are - I'm usually a bit slow at learning languages (I have some French and Italian courses under my belt), but I really appreciate the verbal and written exercises. It's aIn other news, because of the gov't shutdown, there's not a whole lot that I can do in the office (and get paid for), so I've been taking some leave. This means I've had a little time to relax and do things I never have time to do (I'm starting to get used to midday naps). And though it probably isn't the best time to do so, I went searching for a used iPod nano (3rd generation) and found one on Amazon that wasn't too expensive. I used to have the same iPod, but lost it on our honeymoon. However, I still have a couple of accessories for it, including a sleeve for workouts/running. So I decided to buy a used one so that I can have some tunes while running again.
Which gets to the fun part of this post.
fenjer posted some of her top favorite songs right now, so I thought I'd do the same. Songs I love because they are amazing works of art:
Danny Schmidt - This Too Shall Pass - A song to remind you of the transient nature of life - the lyrics are simply amazing.
Jason Webley - Last Song - Another Weather-find, this song gives me hope.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Man on Fire - This song is like cacophony of the joy of living.
Daughter - Landfill - Daughter is immensely talented; this song captures everything about ending a relationship. (I've been trying to learn it on guitar.)
Birdy - Shelter - Another immensely talented female artist; Birdy's voice is amazing and this song is like raw, pure emotion.
Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs (Arcade Fire cover) - Mr. Little Jeans makes Arcade Fire sound good. This song is sultry, sexy, smooth; I can totally cruise in my car to this, nodding along, feeling on top of things.
The XX - Intro - Seven minutes of feeling like you could soar the sky...or the universe.
Songs that get me moving:
Aviici - Wake Me Up - Jaunty acoustic guitar and foot tapping rhythms... this song makes me feel alive. (Stolen from
fenjer)Sara Bareilles - Brave - Do you need a poppy, peppy song with empowering lyrics? We got ya. This song appeases my inner little girl, and I want to share it with every little girl I know.
Armin van Buuren featuring Trevor Guthrie - This is What it Feels Like - I don't even care about the revving engines and other cheesiness. This song makes a long commute bearable.
Woodkid - Run Boy Run - Gothy, Dark, but beats that will have you unable to sit still.
David Guetta - She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) featuring Sia - Party remix of Shakira's "She Wolf". Dance!
Aviici - Levels - Sometimes, I get a good feeling, yeah... (Just try not to move to this!)
Speaking of, if you have good recs for songs that I can run to, I'd love to hear them. :D
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Date: 2013-10-05 08:29 pm (UTC)As for running. When I attempted it, I didn't run to upbeat things. I ran to Marilyn Manson and Bon Jovi and generally ranted my way through the run. I don't like running but I want to be fit :P
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Date: 2013-10-05 11:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-06 01:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-06 01:30 am (UTC)I know the feeling - I want to learn ALL the languages!
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Date: 2013-10-05 11:27 pm (UTC)There was a Kickstarter to fund an official video for the song (which has only just been released)--this one was put together as a birthday present for the artist by friends of hers.
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Date: 2013-10-06 01:17 am (UTC)(For running, mostly I'm just looking for the sort of music that makes you want to dance/move. And that's perfect.)
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Date: 2013-10-06 05:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-06 03:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-06 03:47 pm (UTC)