Auditory Cheesecake?

This is my Opinion Editorial that I wrote for my English class.

I'll say it up front – I am a music nerd and a band geek. And I'm okay with that. I have taken a combined total of over 20 years of music lessons, and I'm only 17 years old. Music plays a central part in my life and I have always valued that. In general, I am not an outspoken person, but when it comes to music I have to say my part in its defense. Music is important. It is not useless “fluff.” In fact, music has been proven to make you smarter.
Music seems to be depreciating in value in our world today. Many people take music for granted – you push a button and it's there, no questions, no waiting. Music is on the radio, on TV, in the movies, on our computers, and for some of us it is constantly plugged into our ears, as well. Yet with this constant consumption of music, people do not seem to appreciate its value anymore. Music does not only have worth as entertainment; it is a skill that, if mastered even a little bit, can be culturally-, creatively-, and even academically-enlarging.
While there are many ardent supporters of music and its importance, there are plenty of nay-sayers as well. Cognitive psychologist Stephen Pinker said, “Music is auditory cheesecake. It just happens to tickle several important parts of the brain in a highly pleasurable way, as cheesecake tickles the palate.” Pinker and others think that music exists purely for the pleasure it affords, and for nothing else. Considering the cultural, creative, and academic advantages of music, however, I must agree with neuroscientist Daniel Levitin's rebuttal to Pinker's claim. “All the available evidence is that music can't be merely auditory cheesecake,” Levitin states. He cites historical evidence that suggests that music actually pre-dates language among humans. In fact, music is perhaps what led to the development of language and human civilization.
Music has always been a part of our culture. All the major events in life tend to have music entwined in the commemoration – singing “Happy Birthday”, a wedding march, a funeral dirge. Spiritual hymns, silly songs, and fully-orchestrated masterpieces all have their place and value in human culture. Daniel Levitin said, “As a tool for arousing feelings and emotions, music is better than language.” Music expresses what words may not be able to say; it is a form of communication so poignant that it can bring tears to the eyes of listeners. Could you imagine a people that doesn't have music of any sort? It seems such a people would be lacking in something that makes each of us human. Such a culture would seem alien to us, who are continuously surrounded by music. With this constant exposure to music, we need to remember not to take it for granted. We need to remember its integral part in human culture. If we dismiss the value of music, we are dismissing the value of our culture. If we lose our appreciation of music, we lose our appreciation of our culture, too.
But music has more meaning than a cultural awareness exercise. Music encourages creativity and abstract thinking. It requires listeners and composers alike to “think outside the box” in order to interpret the piece being played or written. Composing or even simply listening to music requires that you find different pieces and parts within the music and put them together to make a cohesive whole. The same coalescing skill is required in many forms of art, whether it be visual, performing, or written art. Abstract thinking is also useful in mathematics, science, design, writing, and so many other fields as well.
The creative process that goes into composing or analyzing (ie: listening to) music utilizes multiple faculties of the brain simultaneously, creating new connections and strengthening the ones that already existed. What this means is that what we learn – in any setting – “sticks” better in the brain because our musical experience is exercising the brain. Research has shown that music lessons improve memory and IQ scores. Most people have heard of the “Mozart effect,” which claims that listening to Mozart's compositions will help to boost your IQ. This turns out to be a general effect of any musical activity, no matter the composer. Brain-imaging studies have shown that music activates almost every region of the brain, using more brain areas than any activity involving language alone. Whenever you hear a sound, the sound waves travel from your ear to the auditory centers of the brain where they are processed, partially involving the reasoning centers of the brain as well. That same process happens no matter whether you hear a horn honking, a dog barking, a person talking, or a phone ringing. However, when your brain hears music, it goes into overdrive. Primal brain regions (responsible for controlling the timing of your heartbeat, breathing, and movements) kick in to keep time with the music. Reward centers activate, bringing the pleasure of the sounds. Music with lyrics switches on the language centers to translate what is being sung. A familiar song heard again brings in the memory circuits, allowing you to remember and anticipate what comes next. This flood of brain activity strengthens your mental acuity by working the brain harder than almost any other activity.
The point of that neuro-nerd explanation is that music gets inside your head and works the “muscles” of the brain. Like any other muscle in the body, if the brain doesn't exercise and keep getting worked, it loses its “strength,” its ability to think as quickly and as abstractly. What music does in the brain, on a less technical level, is make more pathways available for learning new material. My point is this: music makes you smarter. Research has proven it time and time again.
It is not only classical music that makes you smarter. Don't worry, you don't all have to listen to Rachmaninoff to boost your IQ. And not everyone would want to. I understand that not everyone likes the same kind of music, nor can everyone learn to play a plethora of instruments. Some people like rap, some like country; some prefer jazz, some classical. There are people that play every instrument imaginable and some that can't tell a staff from a whole note. Music taste and talent vary. That is part of what makes our musical culture so wonderful; there is something for everyone. It is this diversity that needs to be treasured. Music, with all of its side-effects, is very beneficial; but it also needs to be valued for its own merits.

Character Models

I'm trying to get mental images of all my major characters. Mind, I'm not compiling a "cast list" or anything like that. All I'm trying to do is visualize my characters more clearly. Unfortunately, I have the image links on my other blog. If interested, here is a link to see them. Simply scroll to the bottom of the main page, where you will see lists (the first one is "Ercon Eligibles"). Go to http://earthseye.blogspot.com Thanks. Sorry for the inconvenience!!

Another look at my Antagonist

Here's a bit of clarification/elaboration on the previous preview to the antagonist. Again, this was originally just meant for me (and my friend I used as a sounding board) so it might not all make perfect sense. As always, feedback is welcome.


Just to clarify a few things (I tend to think it all out in my head, and then only tell you part, so it doesn't make sense to you). When I said "feline" I meant tiger/lion type feline, not tame housecat. Definitely not feminine-type feline, but the dangerous hunter-cat type. Malacant really, truly does want the reunification of Amria. I haven't thought out his entire back-story, but his family was almost definitely affected by the anarchy-ridden chaos left after Galdred's death. He has good intentions, it's just that he also wants to be put on the throne once he's unified the country. I think he could start out as a basically good guy, trying to help his country - a patriot. But after he has talked it up a bit, gotten some people to think like him, something makes him see the personal gain he could get out of this - perhaps someone tells him that with the ideas and the following he has he could be the next king, or something similar to that. And that sets him off with the selfishness. Which, of course, he justifies because he truly does want Amira to be unified and life to be better. in the beginning, he wouldn't harm anyone, just convince them or leave them be. But after a while, when he becomes more power-hungry, whenever he is rejected/opposed he becomes violent. Perhaps resulting in scenes like Idhrin's destruction??

As for Atrianna becoming like Joan of Arc... I really don't want to bring religion/gods/divine missions into this. Also, at least at first, she doesn't want to draw attention to the fact that she has the Star. It would only bring more attempts to kill her in order to get the Star. But once she has a significant following, then she would reveal it. Perhaps ... hmm. Maybe Atrianna could see a vision of Malacant destroying a city when they reject him, before he has actually gotten to that point - a premonition. Then she could start trying to convince people that he will become power-hungry. They would scoff. She would eventually move on to another person/town/city, trying to spread her warning. Only for people to not believe until it was too late. She might have a few believers along the way, but few. Then after Malacant snaps, people would believe what she had been saying all along, and begin rallying behind her!! She would not want to lead anyone, but it would start slowly, then she would wonder how she got herself into the situation where she's been voted as the leader.

My Antagonist thus far

Here is a preview at my antagonist. This is just a rough thought exercise, originally meant only for me, but I figured I'd see if I could get some feedback on it. So here it is in blog form. Sorry, some of the examples I used might not make sense to everyone, but, again, this was originally meant just for me.

Malacant (name subject to change) is raising forces to “reunite” Amira. He is a revolutionary of sorts. He has been traveling, and spreading his ideas by word of mouth, trying to find recruits. He uses flattery and deceit to win followers. He says that he will end the anarchy, bring peace to Amira, and better the lives of the people if they will follow him. Wait, if there is no ruler, why does he need an army behind him? Maybe he's just recruiting disciples. Yes, he wants a large body of supportive followers before he tries to take the throne. But how do you unite a nation??? There is no evil king to overthrow, there is no real government to oppose. He would have to simply gather supporters. Perhaps there is a loosely-governing body, someone/thing that the people generally look to. I mean, total anarchy couldn't last that long, could it? There could be a system of judges, for instance, like in the Book of Mormon, after King Benjamin. Or each city-state could be challenged by Malacant and fall. Some city-states could surrender, or (in other words) join his side. Some might defy him. But at first I think he should quietly take some smaller cities, getting most/all of the people to see things his way.

Malacant is a young-ish man, by no means old but most definitely outgrown childhood. He is slightly tall of build, muscular but not overly so. His eyes are slightly almond-shaped, (see image here). He has blue, blue eyes. Startlingly icy blue. His face is nothing out of the ordinary, if perhaps a little on the elegant side of masculinity. A square-ish jaw, strong noseline, solid cheekbones. Yet through all this there is almost a regal cast to his features. See picture of tiger (here) to see if you can mesh the two images. Both the tiger and Malacan are beautiful, blue-eyed, and dangerous. Even something about the way Malacant moves and talks reminds you of “feline.” He has a cunning wit, allowing him to see exactly what people want to hear, allowing him to twist his ideas into pleasing words. Think Korihor here. He says exactly enough to be telling the truth, but he presents it in such a way that it is in fact a deception. He tells the people that their lives will improve when Amira is whole again. No need for anarchy and fear when there could be a kind, compassionate ruler to keep the peace. He makes the people see the happy future they could have, then presents his plan as the “only” course of action to reach that. A bit of persuasion for the common good, right?
OK. So Malacant has gathered/is gathering support. Word starts to spread about him. Atrianna and Ercon have been traveling a bit, now, on the run after being followed by who-knows-what in Dörset. The star is guiding them, their own Liahona. Malacant's support is growing, and smaller city-states are beginning to see some damage when they oppose him. (He's avoiding the largest strongholds.) It is becoming obvious (at least to our heroes) that Malacant's aims are not as altruistic as they he claimed. How can she come across supporters, though???? Of course, Ercon would be by her side, and they could make friends along the way...

OK just to clarify a few things. When I said "feline" I meant tiger/lion type feline, not tame house cat. Definitely not feminine-type feline, but the dangerous hunter-cat type. Malacant really, truly does want the reunification of Amria. I haven't thought out his entire back-story, but his family was almost definitely affected by the anarchy-ridden chaos left after Galdred's death. He has good intentions, it's just that he also wants to be put on the throne once he's unified the country. I think he could start out as a basically good guy, trying to help his country - a patriot. But after he has talked it up a bit, gotten some people to think like him, something makes him see the personal gain he could get out of this - perhaps someone tells him that with the ideas and the following he has he could be the next king, or something similar to that. And that sets him off with the selfishness. Which, of course, he justifies because he truly does want Amira to be unified and life to be better. In the beginning, he wouldn't harm anyone, just convince them or leave them be. But after a while, when he becomes more power-hungry, whenever he is rejected/opposed he becomes violent. Perhaps resulting in scenes like Idhrin's destruction??

As for Atrianna becoming Joan of Arc... I really don't want to bring religion/gods/divine missions into this. Also, at least at first, she doesn't want to draw attention to the fact that she has the Star. It would only bring more attempts to kill her in order to get the Star. But once she has a significant following, then she would reveal it. Perhaps ... hmm. Maybe Atrianna could see a vision of Malacant destroying a city when they reject him, before he has actually gotten to that point - a premonition. Then she could start trying to convince people that he will become power-hungry. They would scoff. she would eventually move on to another person/town/city, trying to spread her warning. Only for people to not believe until it was too late. she might have a few believers along the way, but few. Then after Malacant snaps, people would believe what she had been saying all along, and begin rallying behind her!! She would not want to lead anyone, but it would start slowly, then she would wonder how she got herself into the situation where she's been voted as the leader.

Dorset - the setting, kind of

Dörset is a small village tucked away in the Theudal Mountains on the northern border of Amira. It is situated about 2 miles from Widow's Lake, an easy walk along a winding trail. Dörset is centered around a town square, wherein is a well and pump. There is neither inn nor boarding house in Dörset; they are so small a town and so far from travelers that whenever visitors do come, they are simply accommodated in any empty/spare rooms in townsfolk homes.

Atrianna - my protagonist

Atrianna is a village girl in her late teens. She has dark wavy hair, that falls to about the bottom of her shoulder blades. She often wears her hair in a single braid, but not always. She also wears it down loose, or with a section tied back (a half-pony, with thin braids running to the back of her head). Her face is soft, and when she laughs you can see her dimples at the corners of her mouth. She almost never blushes, but when she does, she has very good reason to (ie: greatly embarrassed or flattered, awkward situation, etc). Her nose is a bit on the smallish side, but not tiny. All in all, an average face but not plain. Her brown eyes are flecked with gold, and they sparkle when she laughs or when she's up to something. She loves adventure, and her curiosity often gets the better of her good sense. Always up for a challenge, the tedium of village life tends to bore her, even though it's all she has ever known.

Atrianna's family is small. Her father and mother (Ca'el and Meinwen) and herself make up the whole family. No grandparents or relatives in town. Ca'el came with his new bride to Dörset almost 20 years previous to the start of this story. They were fleeing the ravages of war and anarchy in the larger cities. He came from Nor-Holst, near the coast, originally. Meinwen was from a nearby town. She had been in town with her father when she met Ca'el in his father's bookshop. Meinwen loved to read, but rarely got the chance to see new books. She read the few volumes on her family's shelves countless times – The Hystorie of Amiran Civilization, Tales of Narthazell Forest, and other histories and instructional books. Seeing shelves upon shelves of new, thick books had mesmerized her. As had the golden-brown eyes of the shopkeeper's son, who had been hiding amongst the shelves and sneaking peeks at the gorgeous farmer's daughter who had wandered into his father's shop. They were married soon after. When Galdred was killed and war destroyed the peace of the country, the newlyweds fled to the seclusion of the mountains. Ca'el had always lived in a large city, and it took him a while to adjust to village life. Meinwen, however, having grown up on a farm in a small community, felt at home in Dörset. Nor-Holst was destroyed in the war; neither Meinwen nor Ca'el ever knew the fate of their parents/families.

Meinwen's mother (R'hira) was never really known. She was Galdred's daughter. When rumors of war spread, Galdred's worry for his people and his family led him to send R'hira into hiding. He sent her to the Theudal Mountains for her protection, knowing that war would touch that secluded area last. R'hira was beautiful. She appears as the Widow in Atrianna's dreams of the lake. Atrianna will later learn that the woman in her visionary dreams is in fact her grandmother, and thus she (Atrianna) is royalty. This may be brought to light by a sage or a historian, or perhaps by a vision of Atrianna's. This will refute any claims by Malacant or anyone else that she has no right to rule.

An Introduction

"This Is My Brain on the Web" is basically my place to put all of my ideas "on paper" for others to critique. I might post some school assignments eventually, but for now I just have my pre-writing stuff for my novel-in-the-works (which you can read at earthseye.blotspot.com). Keep in mind that the things posted here are not edited for spelling, grammar, or clarity; they're just my thoughts running wild.

If you have any comments, I would love to hear any that are not vulgar, profane, or idiotic (sorry to some of my friends on that last one - you can't spam me with stupid comments, ok?) This is a creative forum of sorts, so welcome!