我真不喜欢我中国朋友的音乐

I just spent the last hour listening to music videos of Avril Lavigne (Did I spell that right?  Actually, nevermind…I don't care) and Taylor Swift, accompanied by exuberant singing—at top volume—from the folks in my living room.  It was one of the most profitable hours I've ever spent.  With lyrics as brilliant as, "Hey, hey, you, you I don't like your girlfriend.  No way, now way, I think you need a new one.  Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend" how could you go wrong?  Just imagine the amount of time she must have spent writing such life-altering rhymes!  Or maybe someone did the writing for her; I'm not sure who deserves the credit.

Good taste ought to be recognized.  It's important to know quality when you see it.  If you can't  recognize that something is praiseworthy, you can't begin to create something to be proud of.  That's why I'm in such awe of the popular music around these parts.  Every week during English Village—those blessed two hours I get to spend surrounded by students who quiver in fear as they attempt to ask me questions—I also get to listen to Backstreet Boys.  I'm so glad I didn't get enough of their music when I was in middle school.  It would be such a shame if I were sick of it ten years ago since I get to jam out to it so often these days.

And just a few weeks ago I was asked to judge an English-speaking competition.  Imagine my delight when there was a singing section to the contest!  I got to hear the following line-up:

1. Because of You by Kelly Clarkson (I think)
2. Big Big World
3. Take Me To Your Heart by …I have no idea
4. Take Me To Your Heart
5. Big Big World
6. Take Me Home Country Roads
7. Because of You
8. …well you've pretty much got the idea

"I'm a big, big girl in a big, big world; it's not a big, big thing if you leave me.  But I do, do feel that I too, too will miss you much.  Miss you much."
-Clearly one of the world's great lyricists