I grew up on Disney movies and would watch them over & over. However, I had a favorite. Everyone in my generation had their favorite Disney movie. Every girl had that certain Disney princess that they would pretend to be. To me, Jasmine was a tramp, Ariel was an idiot, and Cinderella was boring.
My favorite and the best is Belle.
She is intelligent, beautiful, and eccentric. Finally there was a princess that didn't change her species for a man or didn't act like she was clueless. Belle was a girl who, when the jackass put the moves on her, didn't fall weak at the knees. Jasmine, Aurora, and Ariel would've loved Gaston. Just sayin'. They all fell in love with men who they had known for about 2 days.
Belle cares about her family, reads, gets to know the man she falls in love with, sings, and is "a beauty, but a funny girl." BOOYEAH.
I was always a bit eccentric, funny, weird, whichever adjective you want to use. I found it helpful that it was okay to have a role model that was kind of strange. Belle was independent and wanted adventure more than anything and the other princesses wanted an MRS degree. Maybe this is why the girls in my generation are obsessed with marriage. Perhaps their favorite Disney princesses were in the movies with misogynistic ideals. This is probably why I could never identify with stereotypical princesses.
Just Belle.
The funny one.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
bold + what i love
Going out with friends. It's what you do in college. You all act like idiots and have hilarious stories to recant when you are all in the right mind.
I am loving everything that is happening right now. I feel like I am a stereotypical college kid right now but I'm having fun with people who don't fill that stereotype and I love it. My friends are awesome. They are so funny and absolutely non-perfect in the most fantastic way. They are interesting and sometimes offensive, but they are with me for a reason.
The fact that we are all experiencing defiance together makes me so happy.
After all, we're just kids.
I would so much rather have a night of crazy, running around fun with just my friends than going out to frats and stumbling home in a stupor. Sorry- that's just me.
I'm all for partying- I'm mainly just all for partying with the people I am glad to call friends.
Let's go amigos.
I am loving everything that is happening right now. I feel like I am a stereotypical college kid right now but I'm having fun with people who don't fill that stereotype and I love it. My friends are awesome. They are so funny and absolutely non-perfect in the most fantastic way. They are interesting and sometimes offensive, but they are with me for a reason.
The fact that we are all experiencing defiance together makes me so happy.
After all, we're just kids.
I would so much rather have a night of crazy, running around fun with just my friends than going out to frats and stumbling home in a stupor. Sorry- that's just me.
I'm all for partying- I'm mainly just all for partying with the people I am glad to call friends.
Let's go amigos.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
muy bien
When I contemplate how I feel when I venture to a Mexican restaurant, I cannot contain my jubilation. I know full well that my taste buds will soon experience an elation that is unlike any joy I receive from other types of nourishment. This delectable cuisine is unparalleled in its culmination of delicious flavors. For example, the taco is an envelope that catches the spicy and flavorful contents that rest in its sleeve. Lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and tomatoes accompany the delicious meat of your choosing. Ground beef, chicken, and shrimp are among the mouthwatering selections. Often these entrees go together with mountainous sides of rice and plentiful refried beans. These two sides in conjunction with one another make for sumptuous and appetizing bites in between your main dish. Even though there are numerous reasons for adoring Mexican food, the best and least acknowledged is that of the chips, queso, and salsa. These three magnificent appetizers often go unnoticed next to the glitz and glamour of the main dishes. Chips, queso, and salsa is, and will always be, the foundation of a wonderful Mexican restaurant.
A bountiful basket is carefully placed on the table. Its contents hold innumerable warm and perfectly seasoned triangles. Immediately the smell fills my nostrils with the familiar scent of countless corn-tortilla chips. When the second waiter brings two ample containers, I look upon them in all their glory. Both are filled with an abundant and magnificent mix of pureed tomatoes, onions, spices, jalapeños, and cilantro. My hands grab as many chips as I can hold in my fists, and pile on as much of this heavenly mixture as the chip will fit. Taste buds rejoice when they savor the tortilla bits complimented by the skillfully made salsa. One who realizes that this is no ordinary free appetizer will and should repeat this act several times before revealing his or her true order. Your stomach will thank you and beg for more. Your tongue will been branded with the familiar cuisine. The mild salsa burns and only the relief of a Diet Coke will turn that sizzle into bliss. This carbonated euphoria keeps this cycle continuous until the waiter comes back. Then, one at the table will utter the words, "Queso, por favor."
I wait impatiently for our waiter to bring the scrumptious queso. My friends try to strike up a conversation, but the ravenous "cheese beast" in me will not respond until it tastes the blend of melted cheese on a chip. Finally, after what seems like an era, the waiter comes back with the copious amounts of melted cheese. He sets it down. I stare, enamored with its contents. My mouth aches for the first flavorful taste. I tell me friends to hush and let me enjoy what I have come for. Anyone who tries to plunge their chip into the bowl first will get a glare from me that, were it a weapon, would get them seriously injured. I slowly grab the tortilla chip with the perfect amount of salt and secure it between my thumb and forefinger. Carefully the chip is placed in the divine concoction. The queso looks more like a white soup, rather than that carnival glop of yellowish-orange nacho cheese. This kind is real. It doesn't come from a can in warehouse. It is homemade, not sold in bulk. The greatest and most delectable queso is the kind that has the secret recipe and is not available for purchase on a shelf in a fluorescent-lit stockpile.
Once I savor the flavor of my favorite, flawless queso, I once again reach for my carbonated, Splenda-infused joy. The culmination of these three things makes my elation peak. A main dish may not even be necessary because of the joy from this sustenance. Food cannot get any better than this. I long to be delivered a bag of chips and two containers of salsa and queso for each and every dining experience. If each restaurant offered this combination before an entree, everyone could experience the joy and happiness I have found when tasting my beloved three: chips, salsa, and queso.
A bountiful basket is carefully placed on the table. Its contents hold innumerable warm and perfectly seasoned triangles. Immediately the smell fills my nostrils with the familiar scent of countless corn-tortilla chips. When the second waiter brings two ample containers, I look upon them in all their glory. Both are filled with an abundant and magnificent mix of pureed tomatoes, onions, spices, jalapeños, and cilantro. My hands grab as many chips as I can hold in my fists, and pile on as much of this heavenly mixture as the chip will fit. Taste buds rejoice when they savor the tortilla bits complimented by the skillfully made salsa. One who realizes that this is no ordinary free appetizer will and should repeat this act several times before revealing his or her true order. Your stomach will thank you and beg for more. Your tongue will been branded with the familiar cuisine. The mild salsa burns and only the relief of a Diet Coke will turn that sizzle into bliss. This carbonated euphoria keeps this cycle continuous until the waiter comes back. Then, one at the table will utter the words, "Queso, por favor."
I wait impatiently for our waiter to bring the scrumptious queso. My friends try to strike up a conversation, but the ravenous "cheese beast" in me will not respond until it tastes the blend of melted cheese on a chip. Finally, after what seems like an era, the waiter comes back with the copious amounts of melted cheese. He sets it down. I stare, enamored with its contents. My mouth aches for the first flavorful taste. I tell me friends to hush and let me enjoy what I have come for. Anyone who tries to plunge their chip into the bowl first will get a glare from me that, were it a weapon, would get them seriously injured. I slowly grab the tortilla chip with the perfect amount of salt and secure it between my thumb and forefinger. Carefully the chip is placed in the divine concoction. The queso looks more like a white soup, rather than that carnival glop of yellowish-orange nacho cheese. This kind is real. It doesn't come from a can in warehouse. It is homemade, not sold in bulk. The greatest and most delectable queso is the kind that has the secret recipe and is not available for purchase on a shelf in a fluorescent-lit stockpile.
Once I savor the flavor of my favorite, flawless queso, I once again reach for my carbonated, Splenda-infused joy. The culmination of these three things makes my elation peak. A main dish may not even be necessary because of the joy from this sustenance. Food cannot get any better than this. I long to be delivered a bag of chips and two containers of salsa and queso for each and every dining experience. If each restaurant offered this combination before an entree, everyone could experience the joy and happiness I have found when tasting my beloved three: chips, salsa, and queso.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
alien language
Falling asleep in class is a serious problem for me. Scratch that. It's the lecture classes that are my weakness. I honestly start off alert but, sure enough, 20 minutes later I start dozing and my notes look like I scribbled down a dead language in fury.
It's not my fault I swear. You aren't a boring teacher. I just need around 9 hours of sleep and if I don't get it at night, my body finds a place to make it up. Especially if it's inconvenient.
I really could sleep anywhere. In class, on the ground, in the car (not driving obviously), on a couch. It sucks that I fall asleep in class-- but I really don't care. It's what makes me who I am + makes for really funny stories.
It's not my fault I swear. You aren't a boring teacher. I just need around 9 hours of sleep and if I don't get it at night, my body finds a place to make it up. Especially if it's inconvenient.
I really could sleep anywhere. In class, on the ground, in the car (not driving obviously), on a couch. It sucks that I fall asleep in class-- but I really don't care. It's what makes me who I am + makes for really funny stories.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
laid back forever
I use to think I was a high strung dramatic person. I know I'm dramatic, but it's funny dramatic. Lately things have been serious dramatic with sorority stuff & friends. Life can sometimes be a drama, but does it have to be that way 23 hours of the day? I guess so.
I want to do well in school, but I also want to have a social life. However, how do those who go out 4 times a week manage?? I don't get it. Life seems to be a paradox and I am always in the middle. Like, ALWAYS. It's a funny thing to think about how some people care too much, and some too little.
I'm in the middle. The middle child. The middle of a friend battle.
I like how all of my friends are laid back. Can everyone be that way?
Don't get me wrong, I love drama. I'm a girl so I love talking about it & gossiping.
Some people love it all the time. TOO MUCH TOO MUCH.
It's a lot to handle and I can barely handle myself sometimes.
Get me through the semester. Let me be a good friend. Let things work out.
DON'T FREAK.
I want to do well in school, but I also want to have a social life. However, how do those who go out 4 times a week manage?? I don't get it. Life seems to be a paradox and I am always in the middle. Like, ALWAYS. It's a funny thing to think about how some people care too much, and some too little.
I'm in the middle. The middle child. The middle of a friend battle.
I like how all of my friends are laid back. Can everyone be that way?
Don't get me wrong, I love drama. I'm a girl so I love talking about it & gossiping.
Some people love it all the time. TOO MUCH TOO MUCH.
It's a lot to handle and I can barely handle myself sometimes.
Get me through the semester. Let me be a good friend. Let things work out.
DON'T FREAK.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Radically Boosted CGI
Once I sat down in the theater for the highly anticipated Rise of the Planet of the Apes, I couldn't contain my geeky mind. How will the special effects look? Who is doing the score? This movie has a lot to live up to considering its' predecessor. And no, I'm not talking about the 2001 remake.
If you have seen the 1968 original Planet of the Apes with Charlton Heston, you realize what retelling the story means to fans. It must be done well and must not be a copy of the original. Thankfully, this movie explains the process of how Earth became a planet of apes. The character Will Rodman, played by James Franco, is a scientist searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease, not only for the company he is employed by, but also for his father, who suffers from the disease. Will and his team experiment with medicine on apes, which makes one in particular more intelligent. All of these events lead to one ape, Caesar, who Will is close with, discovering that the apes bend to the will of the humans. Caesar realizes that this must be stopped and hostility between man and ape ensues.
Weta Digital, the special effects team that created Gollum for Lord of the Rings, worked on Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Andy Serkis, who actually provided the movement and voice for Gollum, brought Caesar to life in this movie. The CGI in this film has made the character of Caesar and all of his ape companions believable. Often this type of imagery is used to create robots or explosion scenes, but this story uses it to humanize an essential non-human character. The CGI was very impressive and took great strides in its credibility. This film, although not a remake, reminded fans of why they loved the original. A few mini tributes were added throughout the film. Caesar's mother is named "Bright Eyes,” a tribute to what the apes called Taylor, Charlton Heston's character. When Caesar is in captivity he is often treated in the same manner as Taylor was when the apes experimented on humans. About three lines are direct quotes taken from the original. And finally, my favorite homage, a glimpse of a Charlton Heston movie plays on a television in the background right before a suspenseful breakout from captivity by the apes in the 2011 movie.
Although I was enamored by the production of special effects and storytelling, there were one or two things I could have done without. There is a scene where the character Dodge Landon, who works at the Primate Sanctuary where Caesar is kept, decides to let his friends tour the cages where the apes are held. His friends are all drinking beer while Dodge harasses the apes. The girls in this scene act stupid and screechy, while the boys act macho and idiotic. It seemed like these characters had nothing better to do on a Saturday night than get drunk and go look at monkeys. This part of the movie felt unnecessary and boring. The rest of the film I thoroughly enjoyed, with its suspenseful and inspirational soundtrack and realistic imagery of the computer generated characters.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes would please any audience member who enjoyed the computer graphics of Avatar or Lord of the Rings. To any fan of the original who is wary of seeing it, for fear of one of their favorite movies getting ruined, I recommend that you see this one. A great effort was put forth when it comes to special effects and storytelling in general. This movie has made great strides in cinematic effects, but the story is not lost within them. The audience can relate to its main messages of self-empowerment and freedom as well. Rise of the Planet of the Apes will take you on a journey through believable CGI and memorable tributes that will leave you wanting to watch it again and again.
If you have seen the 1968 original Planet of the Apes with Charlton Heston, you realize what retelling the story means to fans. It must be done well and must not be a copy of the original. Thankfully, this movie explains the process of how Earth became a planet of apes. The character Will Rodman, played by James Franco, is a scientist searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease, not only for the company he is employed by, but also for his father, who suffers from the disease. Will and his team experiment with medicine on apes, which makes one in particular more intelligent. All of these events lead to one ape, Caesar, who Will is close with, discovering that the apes bend to the will of the humans. Caesar realizes that this must be stopped and hostility between man and ape ensues.
Weta Digital, the special effects team that created Gollum for Lord of the Rings, worked on Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Andy Serkis, who actually provided the movement and voice for Gollum, brought Caesar to life in this movie. The CGI in this film has made the character of Caesar and all of his ape companions believable. Often this type of imagery is used to create robots or explosion scenes, but this story uses it to humanize an essential non-human character. The CGI was very impressive and took great strides in its credibility. This film, although not a remake, reminded fans of why they loved the original. A few mini tributes were added throughout the film. Caesar's mother is named "Bright Eyes,” a tribute to what the apes called Taylor, Charlton Heston's character. When Caesar is in captivity he is often treated in the same manner as Taylor was when the apes experimented on humans. About three lines are direct quotes taken from the original. And finally, my favorite homage, a glimpse of a Charlton Heston movie plays on a television in the background right before a suspenseful breakout from captivity by the apes in the 2011 movie.
Although I was enamored by the production of special effects and storytelling, there were one or two things I could have done without. There is a scene where the character Dodge Landon, who works at the Primate Sanctuary where Caesar is kept, decides to let his friends tour the cages where the apes are held. His friends are all drinking beer while Dodge harasses the apes. The girls in this scene act stupid and screechy, while the boys act macho and idiotic. It seemed like these characters had nothing better to do on a Saturday night than get drunk and go look at monkeys. This part of the movie felt unnecessary and boring. The rest of the film I thoroughly enjoyed, with its suspenseful and inspirational soundtrack and realistic imagery of the computer generated characters.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes would please any audience member who enjoyed the computer graphics of Avatar or Lord of the Rings. To any fan of the original who is wary of seeing it, for fear of one of their favorite movies getting ruined, I recommend that you see this one. A great effort was put forth when it comes to special effects and storytelling in general. This movie has made great strides in cinematic effects, but the story is not lost within them. The audience can relate to its main messages of self-empowerment and freedom as well. Rise of the Planet of the Apes will take you on a journey through believable CGI and memorable tributes that will leave you wanting to watch it again and again.
Welcome to the Monster Ball
On April 4th, 2011, the city of Tulsa knows that a concert is in town. Thousands of little monsters gather downtown at the new BOK Center to see Lady Gaga. When you are at the Monster Ball, the arena is filled with continuous deafening screams. All of her fans don eccentric pieces of clothing or accessories to show their "Mother Monster" her impact. Quite a few of these outfits are replicas from music videos or television appearances. The lights shut off and the fans know that the show is about to start. A purple light comes up and a silhouette of Lady Gaga appears.
Lady Gaga is a pop artist with multiple chart-toppers and number one records. However, she is infamous is for her outrageous outfits and being outspoken about certain topics. Gay rights, bullying, and being who you want to be are messages she constantly stands for. This anti-bullying message, which has been in the media quite frequently, is and will be relevant to anyone growing up who has felt disenfranchised or alone. Perhaps that is some of her appeal, these subjects are so easily identifiable to many kids struggling to find out their place in this world that they take comfort in knowing someone who is famous felt the exact same way. The lyrics of her songs are a testament to her ideas of feeling detached from society. But, a lot of her songs are mainly great dance singles.
The first song, "Dance in the Dark", begins and, true to her form, it is intensely theatrical. Gaga sings while remaining completely still and only moving on the chorus of the song. The audience then sees the stage with an electric green truck in the center with a keyboard in the hood, and neon words and props everywhere. She plays some of her more popular records like "Poker Face," "LoveGame," and "Telephone". The stage continuously changes throughout the show, as does Lady Gaga. Although the glitter, props, lights, instruments, and costumes make the show a true spectacle, the most entertaining part of the show is when Lady Gaga is at the piano. She hammers away at the keys and belts out her ballads. "You & I" and "Speechless" are among her powerhouse anthems she sings at the piano. These songs showcase her natural talent and ability as a pop artist. Everyone in attendance can see how passionate she is about her music and how she loves the dramatic theatricality of each performance.
The Monster Ball was a concert unlike any I have ever seen. Gaga played numerous number one hits. But, she also sang some of her unreleased demo songs like, "Glitter & Grease" and "Vanity", which only her most devoted super fans know. She preaches the message of self-love, which each little monster can relate to and screams for. The Monster Ball is a show for anyone who loves theatre, electronic pop, fashion, powerful ballads, hard rock, or someone who may be lost or confused in their life and might need direction. Maybe Mother Monster has just the words or lyrics to help you.
Lady Gaga is a pop artist with multiple chart-toppers and number one records. However, she is infamous is for her outrageous outfits and being outspoken about certain topics. Gay rights, bullying, and being who you want to be are messages she constantly stands for. This anti-bullying message, which has been in the media quite frequently, is and will be relevant to anyone growing up who has felt disenfranchised or alone. Perhaps that is some of her appeal, these subjects are so easily identifiable to many kids struggling to find out their place in this world that they take comfort in knowing someone who is famous felt the exact same way. The lyrics of her songs are a testament to her ideas of feeling detached from society. But, a lot of her songs are mainly great dance singles.
The first song, "Dance in the Dark", begins and, true to her form, it is intensely theatrical. Gaga sings while remaining completely still and only moving on the chorus of the song. The audience then sees the stage with an electric green truck in the center with a keyboard in the hood, and neon words and props everywhere. She plays some of her more popular records like "Poker Face," "LoveGame," and "Telephone". The stage continuously changes throughout the show, as does Lady Gaga. Although the glitter, props, lights, instruments, and costumes make the show a true spectacle, the most entertaining part of the show is when Lady Gaga is at the piano. She hammers away at the keys and belts out her ballads. "You & I" and "Speechless" are among her powerhouse anthems she sings at the piano. These songs showcase her natural talent and ability as a pop artist. Everyone in attendance can see how passionate she is about her music and how she loves the dramatic theatricality of each performance.
The Monster Ball was a concert unlike any I have ever seen. Gaga played numerous number one hits. But, she also sang some of her unreleased demo songs like, "Glitter & Grease" and "Vanity", which only her most devoted super fans know. She preaches the message of self-love, which each little monster can relate to and screams for. The Monster Ball is a show for anyone who loves theatre, electronic pop, fashion, powerful ballads, hard rock, or someone who may be lost or confused in their life and might need direction. Maybe Mother Monster has just the words or lyrics to help you.
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