An Open Letter to Chester Bennington

I know I came late to your fan base and that you're already gone, but that's not going to take away the words that I have to say about you and your beautiful soul. I know that your music has impacted a lot of people all over the world; I know that a lot of people wish that you were here and miss you, myself included. Every time I listen to your music, I can't help but feel those tears forming not just from your struggles, but also out of loss.

I hope that you're resting well and that you're not in pain. If you're in heaven, then I hope that you're able to see and watch over your family. Your wife, kids and parents are in my thoughts as I'm sure that it's not easy for them to live on without you. Your life was more precious than you could even care to see, and so many people cared for you despite any hardships you went through.

People can be hypocrites and it's easy for us to not reach out until it's too late; that's probably one of the most unfortunate facts about society. I wish that that would change because people like you need to know that they are heard and that their voice matters. Mental illness is something that I will always speak up about because it's a very real and important matter that should be handled with patience, compassion and understanding. This worlds needs more people who carry those traits because life is too short to dwell on the negatives of life, and I know that you were someone who's tried to be like that.

We all know that life isn't meant to be easy, but giving up or committing suicide shouldn't be an option. And as hard as it is to believe for some people, that pain you're carrying will cease eventually and you'll live to see the light at the end of the tunnel- you just have to keep fighting and try to hold on.

A big thank you to Chester and Linkin Park for making such great music for anyone and everyone to listen to. Every song is a story of its own and it's easy to see how deeply the lyrics resonate for some people. It's amazing how this band continues to remain successful and gain more followers even months after Chester's death. So while this goes without saying, you are and will always be a legend and an inspiration to those who need it most.

Favorite TV Actors: Top 25

1. Leighton Meester- Blair Waldorf; Gossip Girl

2. Stephen Amell- Oliver Queen; Arrow

3. Katie Cassidy- Laurel Lance; Arrow

4. Sam Witer- Aiden Waite; Being Human (US)

5. Tom Cavanaugh- Harrison Wells; The Flash

6. Grant Gustin- Barry Allen; The Flash

7. Jesse L. Martin- Joe West; The Flash

8. Hartley Sawyer- Ralph Dibney; The Flash

9. Lauren Graham- Lorelai Gilmore; Gilmore Girls

10. Kelly Bishop- Emily Gilmore; Gilmore Girls

11. Scott Patterson- Luke Danes; Gilmore Girls

13. Dominic Purcell- Mick Rory; Legends of Tomorrow/The Flash

14. Wentworth Miller- Leonard Snart; Legends of Tomorrow/The Flash

15. Victor Garber- Martin Stein; Legends of Tomorrow/The Flash

16. Maisie Richardson-Sellers - Amaya Jiwe; Legends of Tomorrow

17. Krysten Ritter- Jessica Jones; Jessica Jones

18. David Tennant- Killgrave; Jessica Jones

19. Katie McGrath- Lena Luthor; Supergirl

20. Chyler Leigh- Alex Danvers; Supergirl

21. David Harewood- J'onn J'onzz; Supergirl

22. Gaten Matarazzo; Dustin Henderson; Stranger Things

23. David Harbour- Chief Hopper; Stranger Things

24. Millie Bobbi Brown- Eleven; Stranger Things

25. Natalia Dyer- Nancy Wheeler; Stranger Things

The Phantom of the Opera: Who Fits the Role Best?

If you don't know what The Phantom of the Opera is, then you need to educate yourself IMMEDIATELY! This Broadway hit has been around for several years and a lot of people have played the Phantom's character for as long as this musical has been around (i.e. Michael Crawford, Timothy Nolen, Steve Barton, Davis Gaines, Ramin Karimloo, etc.). Now so far for me, I've only been exposed to 3 actors who have played the Phantom, so forgive me if I didn't mention one of your favorite actors.

1. Ramin Karimloo: This man has captivated me to a new level with his powerful voice. Originally I had discovered him through the "sequel" for Phantom (entitled Love Never Dies), but after repeatedly listening to him sing "Till I Hear You Sing", I became an instant fan. It's just amazing how much emotion he puts into each song he sings. No one can quite make your heart break for Erik's sad fate like Ramin can, and that's why I love him so much. 

2. Gerard Butler: Now obviously Gerard is better known for his roles in a lot of action movies, but I'd say he did a pretty decent job at playing the Phantom for the movie adaptation. His voice holds enough brooding darkness to seduce anyone, but I have noticed that he does hold a couple pitch issues in some of the songs. Ironically enough, some people think that his lack of musical experience gives him an advantage, but it all depends on one's perspective. Now when it comes to Gerard's acting, he definitely knows how to scare or intimidate people as the Phantom, but overall, I do think he did a pretty good job. 

3. Michael Crawford: Now I'll admit that I haven't fully listened to the first cast recording, but from what few songs I have heard Michael sing, I'd say that his voice definitely has this eery and haunting element that's hard to forget. Here's the thing though; when I heard him sing the reprise for "All I Ask of You", I couldn't pick up any sense of sadness in his voice. The anger was definitely there, but that's all I could detect. 

So when I think of Erik, I think of someone who's obviously angry at the world for not giving him more compassion, but he still has a heart in there somewhere and it's longing for someone to just understand his pain, torment and loneliness. When you take this description into consideration, Ramin is who comes into my mind first with Gerard coming in at a close second. Both of these men obviously have a lot of talent (Michael as well) and while I understand the criticism that the movie adaptation gets, I just feel like people shouldn't be so rude and abrasive about it.