It’s been an exciting week for Hunger Games movie news. New images are appearing, and merchandising, most of which makes my skin crawl, is really going wild. But for me, the big news revolves around music. From Grammy shout-outs to the release of the first official video and two more songs from the soundtrack (as well as the complete official soundtrack list), this week may not make the mockingjays fall silent, but it has provided some very interesting food (er, music?) for thought. Join me after the jump for some thoughts on these very intriguing musical developments and what the The Hunger Games has to do with the loss of one very beautiful voice.

There is no denying that The Hunger Games is a remarkably musical story. Despite Katniss’s protests that she little values music (placing it somewhere between hair ribbons and rainbows), she is a singer like her father, and songs like Rue’s Meadow “lullaby” and “The Hanging Tree” are resonant aspects of the trilogy. When I first heard that T. Bone Burnett was going to be producing the film’s soundtrack,I was ecstatic. I knew he would beautifully capture the Appalachian Culture undertones while bringing in amazing, edgy, traditional musicians.

When the first soundtrack single was released, the haunting “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars, the odds seemed very much in favor of a fantastic musical backdrop for the film. The new video for the song does not disappoint. Filmed in the bleak winter in Nashville with rain (and some digital fire), the video ideally captures the novel’s tone. Swift, barefoot and in a ragged white gown, wears little make-up as she croons the song she calls “a death lullaby”; interestingly, with her blond hair and white dress, she strongly resembles Madge Undersee, a character who appears to have been cut from the film (I tweeted a question to MTV about this touch, but the after-preview interviewer instead chose really important questions like whether or not Swift likes cheese; she tried to turn it back to Prim’s goat cheese, but it was pretty useless).

The video cuts from dark, indoor, fireside shots of the Civil Wars, ( this emerging duo also has another song on the soundtrack as well) to Swift, wandering aimlessly across the sodden, bleak landscape, lying on the ground, clutching dead flowers (maybe Rue. I couldn’t identify it), or even sitting huddled on crumbling gravestones. Toward the end of the video, she enters a burned-out house that looks much like the one used for the Everdeen family (but the video was shot in Nashville, not North Carolina). Here she picks up a scorched Mockingjay pin, only one of the wonderful, subtle symbols woven throughout the whole video: the stopped clock in the burned house foreshadowing the arena of Catching Fire, the rain-sodden berry bushes and thorn trees, a deer that turns to ash, and, of course, all those flames. In her post-premier interview, Swift noted that the graves were from 1853 (they certainly look like ones I see in Civil War-era cemeteries) and that she was deeply moved by filming there.

Swift also stated in her post-video interview that this is her favorite video ever, and that’s quite a statement considering some of the ones she’s produced. The after-interview was super, despite the absolutely clueless host who had not bothered to read the novel (honestly, MTV, couldn’t you find someone on your staff who at least understood a third of what made Swift so happy about the way the video turned out? Caesar Flickerman, where are you?), was very revealing. Swift herself is extremely familiar with the novel, which she read after many friends suggested it and there was the possibility of her doing a song. I particularly like how she described how the novel changed her. Like me, she has become a “tree-watcher”–always sizing up trees to evaluate their potential if there is a need to climb one. She also quickly revised her initial ideas about the song she would write and perform. When she first heard about the possibility, she thought she would be writing a “we’re gonna win” kind of song for an action film, but once she read the book, she realized she would be doing something very different. The sparse, eerie song, accentuated by the gorgeous but understated tones of The Civil Wars (they do unbelievable murder ballads), may not completely clue non-readers in to the true nature of the novel, but it certainly shows that at least some of the musicians know what they are about.

I also have high hopes for some of the other songs on the soundtrack. Two others have already emerged for purchase on iTunes: The Decemberists doing “One Engine” and the spine-tingling “Tomorrow will be Kinder” by The Secret Sisters. “One Engine” is a folksy yet industrial-sounding piece that made me think of some of the more tech-oriented/factory districts, like 3 and 8. “Tomorrow will be Kinder” is a phenomenal song that perfectly embodies the Appalachian mindset: our way of saying “don’t worry, be happy” is more along the lines of “God willing, we’ll still be alive tomorrow, perhaps even with food and a warm place to sleep.” Fatalism is what we do best, and our brand of optimism is usually pretty bleak. The song also evokes early country music recordings, like Hank Williams’s definitive “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” taking us to the Depression-era look the filmmakers have given District 12.
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No other songs have emerged yet, but the official soundtrack list is exceptionally promising, inlcuding additional songs from both The Civil Wars and Swift. I actually jumped into the air at the sight of the Carolina Chocolate Drops on the list. This amazing group beautifully preserves traditional African-American musical and performance styles. I hoped in an earlier post that we might be able to have a song from this amazing group on the soundtrack (I often hear them in my head as I read). What a treat to know they will, indeed, be included. Alas, no Gillian Welch doing her little bird song that I always have in the back of my head as I’m working with the novel, but you can’t have everything, I guess.

Of course, this album is being marketed as a different product than the actual score, which will likely include Jennifer Lawrence singing the Meadow Song as well as all the orchestral arrangements for the film.

Speaking of marketing, it was nice to see the Hunger Games spot during the Grammys, and the appropriate positioning of the Civil Wars and Taylor Swift (with her show-stopping number in Depression-era garb, like the video, yes, but also like District 12; don’t get too excited, folks, she’s had that 13 on her banjo/guitar for some time.).

At the same time, I could not help thinking, as presenter after musician paused to acknowledge the just-announced death of Whitney Houston, how this world, with its uber-glam singers, its special effects, and its goal to keep audiences glued to their seats, reflects the Games. It is a world in which these gorgeous young talents must produce ever more glorious performances, or they are tossed to the wolves. Many of them, with a huge prep team in tow, work to create increasingly shocking, surprising, or just plain weird looks for themselves–No one had cat whiskers like Tigris yet; I give Lady Gaga three years before she tries it, if that. There are those who survive this world, even seeming, like Bruce Springsteen, remarkably balanced, though his declaration that we “take care of our own” seemed a bit hollow in light of another lost star. Others, though, like the District 6 morphlings, try to numb their misery with drugs and alcohol, all the while painting on a happy face for the crowds (remember, they love camouflage). While commentators kept asking “what killed” Ms. Houston, I noticed no one had the right answer: She was a Victor who was eventually overcome by the Games, like so many of the others. It always amazes me when people express surprise over these dreadful deaths. I am surprised they don’t all have such tragic fates. Only time can tell which of the darlings of the music, movie, and television industries will be embittered like Johanna Mason, chemically dependent like Haymitch, victimized by their own allure like Finnick Odair, level-headed but cold-blooded like BT, or like Katniss and Peeta, wondering for the rest of their lives what is real, and what is not real.

Complete Soundtrack list
1. Safe & Sound (feat. The Civil Wars) – Taylor Swift
2. Eyes Open – Taylor Swift
3. Abraham’s Daughter – Arcade Fire
4. Come Away (feat. Rozzi Crane) – Maroon 5
5. The Ruler and The Killer – Kid Cudi
6. Run Daddy Run (feat. Pistol Annies) – Miranda Lambert
7. Kingdom Come – Neko Case
8. One Engine – The Decemberists
9. Take The Heartland – Glen Hansard
10. Lover Is Childlike – The Low Anthem
11. Dark Days – Punch Brothers
12. Tomorrow Will Be Kinder – The Secret Sisters
13. The Daughter’s Lament – The Carolina Chocolate Drops
14. Nothing to Remember – Neko Case
15. Just a Game – Birdy
16. Rules – Jayme Dee

Hogwarts Professor

Addiction

Without rehab, an addicted person could eventually die from their addiction. All it takes is one bad batch or one batch that was too strong. Street heroin is often cut with items like baby powder or sugar, but there is an increasing amount that is much purer, possibly leading to death. There is also the possibility of coming into contact with a contaminated needle which could lead to health conditions that are deadly, such as AIDS.

Treatment Programs

Once a person has decided they need to get into a treatment program, the first step is detoxification. During the detox process, the patient could become very ill physically including nausea, convulsions, shakes, headaches, nightmares, night sweats and much more. Sometimes medicine is given to them in order to help with these symptoms.

Individualized Plans

While detoxing, the medical professionals overlooking the rehabilitation must determine a treatment plan. There is no one treatment plan for all heroin addicts, as many factors could play a role in how they are treated. These factors may include their level of addiction, age, gender and more. Their current physical health and condition will also be taken into consideration when a treatment plan is being written. The plan could also be adjusted later if need be.

Therapy

After detox, a patient may then begin therapy. Both individual and group therapy may be prescribed to help the person understand their addiction. In some cases, family therapy is prescribed, particularly in the case of minors or people who still live at home.

Sobriety

Therapy is not just for the rehab facility. It should continue long after the patient leaves rehab. This therapy helps keep the addict sober, as there are many temptations after leaving the facility. It also provides a place where they can vent and ask questions as they try to stay on the right path.

Sobriety

The post-heroin detoxification therapy helps them continue to build the life skills necessary to deal with the challenges to their sobriety. It helps them understand that they will forever be an addict but that doesn’t meant they can’t stay sober. This is especially important with heroin addicts because it has one of the highest relapse rates of all the addictive drugs available. Only 30-50% of heroin addicts stay sober a year after treatment.

Flying To Amsterdam

The airport in Amsterdam is called the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and is one of the busiest airports in the world. Amsterdam is a major tourist destination for young travelers wanting to get a taste of European life. People come from all over to experience the exciting districts and nightlife Amsterdam has to offer. Getting around Amsterdam is very easy for travelers who are on a tight budget. They have fantastic public transportation services including trains and busses. However, in the warmer months especially, many tourists choose to see Amsterdam by bike. Riding along the famous canals and parks on bicycle are a fantastic and unique way to see the beautiful country. The pasport services will handle the hard part.

Historical Buildings

Home to some of the most stunning and most beautiful architecture in Europe, Amsterdam has one of the biggest historical centers in Europe. Many of the famous buildings in the city have been standing for centuries. This is due to the fact that there has never really been any major bombings take place in Amsterdam. Due to this, the street patterns have remained largely unchanged since they were built centuries ago. Downtown Amsterdam is made up of 90 small islands that are interconnected with bridges.

Anne Frank Museum

Historically speaking, Amsterdam is home to some very unique and interesting sites. One of these is the Anne Frank house. There, visitors can go and see where she kept her famous journal while hiding from the Nazis. This is a very sobering experience to see where she hid out for all those years. If you are in Amsterdam, even for a short while, you should go and see this historical site.

Parks

One of the most beautiful aspects about traveling through Amsterdam is getting to see all of the beautiful parks that are scattered throughout the city. In fact, there is at least one park for every district in Amsterdam. It is very common for people to take time out of their days, pack a picnic, and head down to one of these beautiful parks by the water. It is a great way to get away from the hustle of the streets and see the more naturalistic side of Amsterdam.

Red Light District

The Red Light District in Amsterdam is a notorious tourist destination for young people who want to experience what Amsterdam’s nightlife has to offer. Even though there are many police patrolling this area the people in the Red Light District party like that is not the case. Prostitution and marijuana are prevalent in this area of Amsterdam and are widely tolerated by the police there. The Red Light district is also the oldest part of the city.

Read all about it at The Sounds of District 12 (and the Capitol, too)!

Hogwarts Professor

The Language

The Italian language is the native tongue of over 65 million people worldwide. It is the national language for many countries, including Italy and it is one of the four national languages of Switzerland. It has a long history. The predecessor of the Italian language was Latin; Italian grew into a more poetic romantic language in comparison.

Renaissance

The Renaissance was a turning point for the Italian language. Italian was being used in the courts of every state of the country. Dante’s De vulgari eloquentia had been revived and a new vibrant interest regarding the linguistic field took shape within the 16th century. This renewed attention sparked much controversy regarding the criteria that should be responsible for the institution of a modern literary Italian language as well as a modern spoken language.

Debate

The 16th century Renaissance ignited many debates regarding the Italian language. These debates between scholars lead to distinct factions. These factions of thought were known as the purists, the Florentines, and the courtiers. There was a fourth faction as well. They strongly believed that the best form of Italian and the one that should be used was that verions which was adopted by the papal courts.

Purists

Pietro Bembo who was a Venetian heading the purist school of though. He believed the language should be based solely on the great literary classics like Petrarch and parts of Boccaccio. Although the Divine Comedy is considered a great classic, the purists did not believe it was good enough; it did not contain lyrical Italian and had elementary elements.

Florentines and Courtiers

The other schools of thought included the Florentines in which Niccolo Machiavelli was a member of and the courtiers. The Florentines believed that the best Italian for the country was that which was spoken by the common people in their own time. The courtiers felt that each local vernacular should be taken into consideration and contribute to the new standard Italian for the peninsula. Although equally heady arguments, the purist school of thought won.

The Italian Language Institution

The purists eventually triumphed over the Florentines and the courtiers. This victory lead to the formation of the Accademia Della Crusca in Florence. It was formed between 1582 and 1583. It is known as the official legislative body governing the Italian language. The Accademia Della Crusca published the Floris italicae linguae libri novem. They also published the world’s first Italian dictionary in 1612.

There was much debate during the time of the Renaissance regarding the Italian language and how it should be spoken. Unfortunately back then they didn’t have language programs for learning languages like rocket Italian or Rocket German reviews. The different schools of thought fought and debated the best modern Italian and instilled one of the greatest romance languages in the world.

When Do You Need A Passport

First, when is a US Passport needed? Basically, it’s necessary when travelling outside the United States and its territories. Even when travelling to Mexico or Canada, there are certain requirements that a passport can satisfy because all persons entering Canada must show proof of identity and citizenship. US Citizens, including children, who want to travel past the “border zone” and into the interior of Mexico also need a valid US Passport.

E-Passports

In order to acquire a passport, the first thing to do is to apply. You can apply online by filling out the required form or you can apply personally at the US Department of State. The website will provide instructions for those who are first time applicants and for those who need to renew their passports. As of August 2007, the US government started issuing e-passports. This booklet has the same function as the previous document but with the e-passport, the data is also stored on a computer chip.

Where Do You Get An Application

It is important that a passport acceptance agent gets to see the application form before you sign it. No matter what age you are, everyone, including infants, needs a passport when travelling outside the boarders of the US, whether by land, air, or sea. Because it is such an important document, the procedure is very strict.

Primary Documents

The application must be submitted in person, even by minors under 16. These can be submitted to any of the passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies. These locations can be found through an online search. Evidence of US citizenship must be presented. This can be through a certified birth certificate or a previous passport. If you don’t have the primary documents, secondary evidence may be submitted.

Other Acceptable Documents

Acceptable identification must also be submitted such as a driver’s license or an undamaged, previously issued US Passport. Government or current military identification is also accepted as primary identification. Once again, if you don’t have a primary identification document, there are several secondary ones from which to choose.

Secondary Identification

The evidence must be a combination of documents such as a credit card or an employee ID. You may also have a witness accompany you. This is considered to be a primary form of identification. Photocopies will also need to be provided. Next, you will pay the fees and provide the required US pass port renewal photos.

Scenery

If you are a traveler who is unsure about crowded streets you will be glad to find out Hong Kong is also filled with beautiful, rural landscapes. Much of the countryside is classified as parkland and it is not hard to find secluded wilderness. Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical climate that offers fantastic weather year round. Hong Kong also boasts some of the most renowned airports in the world, making it the perfect stopover for those traveling deeper into the orient. Make sure you have your U S passport on you at all times.

Democratic Principles

While Hong Kong is technically a part of China, it is secluded from the mainland. It has its own constitution that lays out its own laws, separate immigration policies, and financial system. Hong Kong is officially bi-lingual as Cantonese and English are both spoken everywhere. Hong Kong enjoys many western style freedoms that are not found in China’s mainland. The democratic principles of a free and open society are strongly encouraged.

Skyline

The best place to get a view of the Hong Kong skyline is by visiting Victoria Peak. The Peak Tower offers an observation platform, shopping destinations, wonderful restaurants and museums. From the observation platform you can take in stunning views of both Kowloon and the Victoria Harbor. Hong Kong is also a great walking city that has many great trails. This is one of the most effective methods of learning how people in Hong Kong live. You can wander and observe the local customs of Hong Kong residents without having to go very far.

Traditions

There are plenty of historic locations to check out while in Hong Kong. You can go to the Ping Shan Heritage Trail and pass some of the most famous, ancient sights including the walled Hakka village of Tsang Tai Uk, the Fu Shin Street Bazaar, as well as a number of beautiful temples. These temples, having been around for centuries, are a must-see destination in Hong Kong. The most famous museum to see in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Museum of History in Kowloon. This museum offers an innovative overview of Hong Kong’s unique history.

Getting Around

While in Hong Kong, it is best to travel on a bus or tram to view all the different sides of Hong Kong. Not only is this a frugal way to see Hong Kong, it also allows you to view many varying lifestyles in the different districts in a short amount of time. Hiking is another recommended way to take in Hong Kong. It is a good method for appreciating the beautiful landscapes that include mountains, beaches and luminous cityscapes. The starting points for a great number of these hiking trails are accessible by bus or taxi stops.

Yeah, you’ve got me right, Harry Potter star Emma Watson is rumoured to be starring in a new Beauty and the Beast film. Emma is about to sign the contract that will let her play a leading role in a new version of the Disney classic. To my mind, Emma will be perfect Belle.

They say that the film is thought to be just entitled Beast and is currently pending to release sometime in 2014.

Good luck, Emma!

ReadingHarry

Global Travel

Passports are issued through the United States Department of State. There is usually a lengthy application process that is required before a passport can be issued. Expedition is often available, but will still take several weeks at the least. The best option for a person who wants to make an immediate international trip is to rely on the services that are offered from an independent, expedited U S passport agency. They can provide a person with all of the necessary papers to leave the country quickly.

Passport Protection

There are several ways that a person can prevent their passport from being stolen. It is important to keep passports safe at home and abroad. Experts recommend that when traveling to another country you keep your passport in a safe place that no one but the holder can access. This eliminates the chances that a burglar can steal these documents. There are several tips that can ensure anyone is able to enter and leave a foreign country without losing their passport.

Hotel Services

Hotels and other establishments have safety deposit boxes located at the front desk, and visitors are encouraged to leave their passports with the concierge when they arrive at check in. There is no need to have documentation on you while traveling within a country. You won’t need it and it only increases the possibility that it may be stolen. Passports can easily be picked up from the concierge at check out. This is a very safe way to store your passport when traveling abroad.

How To Handle A Stolen Passport

If a traveler does have their passport stolen while they are on vacation, there are a few things they should do immediately. The local consulate should be alerted of the situation. They will contact the authorities and tell them of a missing passport. This will hopefully enable a person to recover their original documents. Embassies will also help citizens make the required arrangements to have a duplicate passport issued. This is required before a person can Travel back into the United States of America.

Timetable

A passport takes four to six weeks from the time the application is submitted to receipt of same. If the international trip is urgent, the US Department of State also offers expedited services. These services will shorten the duration of processing and delivery to two weeks.

Expedited Service

An expedited passport will cost more than the initial cost. The amount will depend on how fast you want the passport. Some travel agencies also provide these services. Their turnaround time ranges from 24 hours to 12 days. If you do not want the passport delivered quickly, you can get a low price range.

Government Licensing

There are both online and offline passport expediting services available. The only criterion that you should consider is whether the service provider is government licensed. These agencies will collect your data and help you through the entire application process. If you are using an online service provider, you will need to check your email regularly. The expediter will send you further instructions. Offline providers will contact you by phone for necessary instructions.

Payment

There are varieties of payment options. These are also subject to the agency you select. Online agencies provide the following options; PayPal, bank wire, e-check and credit card. The offline agencies accept credit/debit cards, money order, bank deposits and checks. You can then select the most appropriate option that suits you best.

Additional Charges

The agency helping you with the expedited passport will charge you for the standard government’s passport fee. They will also charge you for their service. If they are the traveling agency in charge of your traveling arrangements, the charges might be included with other services.

Parental Involvement

The parents or guardian of a child is actively involved in the entire process. The present laws of the United State stipulate for both parents be available when the application for the passport is submitted. In the absence of parents, guardians are allowed. The role of the parent/guardian also includes paying the required fees. All agencies offering this service are bound by this law.

Book or Card

You would also be required to indicate the infant American passport needed. The two types available for minors are the passport card and passport book. The card only covers transportation by land and sea. The passport book avails the holder the freedom to travel through any means (land, air and sea). Each of these passports is priced differently.