98% of the human genome is noncoding DNA. Termed junk DNA, this vast majority of all human DNA has no known biological function. Why would we have so much nonfunctional genetic material? Are these the instructions for superpowers that are waiting to be tapped or are they really just junk left over from millions of years of modification? I don't know about you, but I'm hoping for superpowers.
I heard a song on the radio in the car this morning and it made me think about some of the music I used to listen to in high school and college. Like a lot of people, music was very important to me back in the day. I would regularly sit down and listen to an entire cd while reading the lyrics to each song in the liner notes. I also loved making mix tapes. I don't spend near the amount of time listening to music these days. Maybe I should work on that a little. Here are the 3 musicians that influenced me the most back in the day. Leave a comment and tell me your musical influences past or present.
1. Tori Amos - She's pretty much amazing - the perfect mix of provocative lyrics and beautiful melodies. Sometimes I have dreams that Tori and I are buddies.
2. Neil Young - I think Neil is an acquired taste. What I like about him is that he embodies the phrase "Keep it simple, Stupid." His lyrics are simple. His melodies are simple. But together, they make up some of the most powerful and beautiful songs that I know of.
3. Stevie Nicks - I learned guitar so that I could play and sing Landslide. End of story.
