K. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey

2010-03-12T21:04:00.001-08:00

When I first saw the title of this documentary (or, as VH1 Classic called it, 'rock doc'), I figured it would just be the story of some metal bands and where there are today.

That was so not the case.

Metal: A Headbanger's Journey did feature short stories of metal stars like Alice Cooper and Dee Snider, but it wasn't the focus. This rock doc was all about the heavy metal genre as a culture. When I put it like that, I guess it sounds sort of creepy--like all metalheads are in some sort of cult and worship Ozzy Osbourne, but it wasn't a scary documentary, either. It was exactly what the title says it was: a headbanger's journey, looking for why metal is contantly stereotyped and metal's ties with religion, sexuality, fans, and musical influences.

It was competely fascinating. I was glued to my TV screen, the whole time thinking about how I have to blog about it or I would never forgive myself. I don't even think you have to be a fan of heavy metal to enjoy this movie. I'm more of an 80's hair metal fan, but I still loved hearing what members of Slipknot and Cannibal Corpse had to say; there's a little something for everyone.

It's totally eye-opening, too. Bands like Slayer are proven to not be Satanists. Dee Snider of Twisted Swister speaks about censorship in court (that part was my favorite). Controversial issues like violence and death are discussed. You get to see the sense of belonging, empowerment, and safety that fans of metal feel. Some information is shocking--like how churches were burned down by some Norwegian black metal band members. Some information is just interesting, like how groupies really did want to be with the band and don't regret one thing.

The entire film showed heavy metal--along with all of its subgenres, which are pretty mind-boggling when they're all listed--as a social movement. It was awesome, and I do not use that word lightly. The influence that metal has obviously had on people all over the world is incredible, and that power (from any musical genre) is one of my favorite things about music.

This movie is for anyone--anyone who adores metal, anyone who doesn't know anything about metal, anyone who has never understood metal, anyone that just doesn't get it--because it is so informative. It's informative and interesting in the best way possible.

One moment of the film that really touched me was during an interview with a teen. He was asked what was it he liked so much about music (he had posters all over his wall, he played bass, and was wearing an Anthrax T-shirt. You could tell from one glance that music was a huge influence on him).

He answered by saying that music was always there.

Wonderland

2010-03-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

"You've lost your muchness!"

It's finally here! Tim Burton and Disney's Alice in Wonderland is now in theaters, and if you didn't rush to the theater to see it last Friday, then stop reading this blog now and go see it. You don't even have to see it in 3D (I didn't, but I want to soon!). Just see it. I am sure the effect will be the same.

I was too excited for this movie to come out. I kept seeing pictures of Jonny Depp in is Mad Hatter getup, The Red Queen's fabulous makeup, the gorgeous scenery...March 5th couldn't come fast enough. I have to admit, at first I was a little upset that Tim Burton was doing a 'remake' of this movie--to remake a Disney classic is a sin.

And then I found out it was actually a Disney movie, and I felt a lot better.

For those of you who are concerned like I was about this twist on a childhood favorite, don't be. Yes, it's real actors and fancy animations and scenery and some of the characters look absolutely crazy (but it's Wonderland--what do you expect?), but it's not a movie that wipes away the original movie at all. It's just another adventure for Alice. It left me thinking that everyone should have his or her own little Wonderland; for Alice, it was a place that taught her so much. I know that's incredibly vague, but I hate even the tiniest of spoilers. I'm a dork like that. Besides, once you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about. All of the hype is greatly deserved. Alice in Wonderland is a beautiful movie, and if you're wondering why...go see it, because there is no way I am giving it away. =)

Movie Night

2010-02-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

Comedies are by far my favorite type of movie to watch. Comedies don't have to have a stellar, confusing plotline that critics seem to love so much and they can still have their adorable moments (Have you seen The Ugly Truth? That hot-air balloon part was awesome!) without getting ridiculously cheesy. What's not to love?

If you're in need of a good laugh, here are my top picks for an hour and a half (minimum) of non-stop hilairty:

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy- Will Ferrell plays Ron Burgundy, a news anchor in the classy city of San Diego. Everything in his life is one big party, but when a woman--Veronica Corningstone (who has beautiful eyes and hair that smells liek cinnamon)--joins the news team, things get a little crazy. "60% of the time it works EVERYTIME."

The Brady Bunch Movie- Every word the Bradys say in this movie cracks me up. This parody of the popular sitcom is one huge Brady adventure. They still think it's the 1970s; Jan can't seem to get any attention because it's always about MARCIA MARCIA MARCIA; Greg tries to win a groovy girl's heart by writing a song; Cindy learns about tattling; and the kids call an emergency family meeting and try to come up with $20,000 before they have to move! "But Jan...you don't have any friends."

Young Frankenstein-Mel Gibson's scary-movie parody is in black and white and has everything a terrifying movie should...except it's downright hilarious. Dr. Frankenstein's grandson (Gene Wilder) leads a happy life, teaching science in New York and denying that he is related to Frankenstein (It's pronounced Fronk-en-steen). When his grandfather dies, his will leads the young Frankenstein to his castle in Transylvania. With the help of hunchbacked, hilarious Igor, his sexy assistant Inga, and his grandfather's ex girlfriend, Dr. Frankenstein creates a monster of his own.

Killer Clowns From Outer Space-This movie is supposed to be terrifying, but it is far from it. Just watch it and laugh. You know you want to.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall- Peter's life will never be the same once his girlfriend Sarah Marshall dumps him for a vegan hippie rock star. He tries to hook up with other girls, but when that doesn't work out too well for him, he decides to go to Hawaii and forget his heartbreak...only to find Sarah Marshall is staying in the same hotel.

Napoleon Dynamite- Napoleon's brother Kip has to brag about all the hot babes he chats with online; his grandma had a bike accident and now his football-obsessed Uncle Rico had to stay with them; and he can't get a girlfriend because girls only date guys with skills. Can't anyting go right? Turns out, it can! When his best friend Pedro decides to run for class president, Napoleon does everything he can to help--and learns some pretty sweet dance moves along the way.

Bruce Almighty- Bruce is 100% sure that God is picking on him, not doing his job, and laughing at him up in heaven. God decides to give Bruce all of His powers and see how he fixes the world, but first Bruce has some changes in his life he's going to make...

Have fun, everyone! I know I left a lot of funny movies out, so comment below with your favorite comedies! =)

Music is Universal

2010-02-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

Before I get to the actual post, I just wanted to give everyone who has read my entries, given my blog a glance, or commented on my entries a huge THANK YOU. It totally makes my day when I see I have a new comment and without people visiting I probably wouldn't continue this blog. So thank you and much love. xoxo

Okay, let's do a little exercise. I'll list a band or an artist, and you try to think of the type of people who listen to that type of music. Ready? Set? GO!

Britney Spears
Anthrax
Mayday Parade
Avril Lavigne
The Sex Pistols
Ke$ha
Lady Gaga
Fall Out Boy
Chester French
Disturbed
Elefant
blink-182

If you're like most people, Britney Spears and Ke$ha probably made you think of cheerleaders clad in Abercrombie & Fitch and Juicy Couture; Elefant and Chester French made images of hipster/indie kids sipping on coffee and discussing the next art show/fim festival they're attending; Mayday Parade, Fall Out Boy reminded you of so-called emo/scene kids who enjoy covering their face with their hair; Anthrax and Disturbed made you think of head-banging guys with long hair; blink-182 and the Sex Pistols made mohawks and punks pop into your head; Avril Lavigne made you think of more preppy girls or girls who thought they were punks, and Lady Gaga made you think of wild, over-the-top chicks who liked to dance (or maybe just everyone in the world, since so many people love her catchy tunes).

Every artist had a sterotype matched up to it. Does anyone else see how wrong that is?

Our culture has come to accept that only this type of person listens to this type of music and if they listen to anything else, it's weird.

I was at a forensics/debate tournament one day, jammin' out to the music on my Zune when my friend came up to me and asked me what type of music I was listening to.

"Uhhh...Killswitch Engage," I said, sort of hesitantly. I knew he would be surprised, and sure enough, he looked at me sort of funny, laughed, and then said, "I expected you to be listening to some happy pop song."

Yeah, I love the song "Holy Diver" by Killswitch Engage. I love "Cowboys From Hell" by Pantera and I also love anything by Skid Row. I'm a metal-head! Whoohoo!!

But I also adore the sweet, springy sound of A Fine Frenzy, Broadway showtunes, the dance tunes of Ke$ha and Lady Gaga, and the older punk/emo tracks of Fall Out Boy. Say whaaat?!

Maybe it's the fact that I never thought I fit into any of those labels our society likes to assign people (skater, punk, prep, emo, scene, goth, jock, nerd, etc.), but I'll listen to anything, not just the type of music I'm 'supposed' to like (which is apparently 'happy pop music'). Sometimes I get into those moods where I HAVE to listen to some heavy metal or classic rock right NOW (or the Rent soundtrack or some Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy to remind me of my early teenage days), but that doesn't mean it's the only thing I'll listen to.

At this point, some of you may be thinking, This girl is nuts. I don't think people listen to music they're 'supposed to' at all, so here's another example for you:

One night my cousin was eating dinner with me, my parents, and my brother. Somehow we got into a discussion of these labels we seem to like so much, and my mom asked, "What's the difference between goth and punk and emo and all of those?"

And if you've never had to answer this question before, it's actually really hard. As a teen in America who is exposed to these stereotypes every day, it's not something you consciously think about. You just sort of...know.

As I tried to think of the best way to explain these differences, my cousin said jokingly, "It depends on what sort of music you listen to."

"That is so true!" I said, amazed at this revelation. It is true. Think about it for a minute; don't certain bands like My Chemical Romance remind you of certain stereotypes? I know it's a yes for me. Why?

Unfortunately, to make it in the music business, you can't just have a good album. You need good marketing, and a lot of it. Everything a band does appeals to a certain group of people that our society has made up (because those labels we talk about so much are completely ridiculous too). There are always exceptions, of course--but the majority of people will only listen to bands in the same genre, the genre that our society says they should listen to.

This labeling makes people afraid to explore different genres and share with others the music they love. For example: me and Killswitch Engage. I LOVE "Holy Diver", and I knew, just knew, that that type of music was unexpected from a girl who acted and dressd the way I did. Stereotypes and music have almost become instinctive.

When telling one of my friends to listen to Say Anything, he asked what type of music they played. I should have just kept it simple and said "alternative", but I tried to think of how to explain their sound and said, "They're an alternative band...they're sort of like Fall Out Boy."

"Fall Out Boy? That cutter emo band?"

Yes, because every single person who listens to Fall Out Boy is an emo kid who hates their life. And every single kid who cuts themselves dresses in black, and every single kid who likes to dress in black cuts themselves.

And I don't know about you, but when people diss my music like that, it makes me feel bad, like the music I love did not pass a test. So I go on trying to find music that I 'should' be listening to that other people 'approve' of and think is 'good.' I drive myself crazy sometimes by hoping that others will tell me that I have a wonderful taste in music. It's ridiculous.

How exactly does anyone define what 'good' music is? To me, good music is things I like. That's all. Nobody knows what is considered 'good music'. We all know what good means to us personally, but it's impossible to have a universal definitition of good music because everyone is so different.

I understand that certain songs will appeal to you; maybe you can't stand those hardcore bands or the twangy sounds of Tim Mcgraw. There's nothing wrong with that. What's wrong is the way we stick to one type of music because our culture makes us hesitant to listen to anything else.

People shouldn't be afraid to like a certain genre of music. People shouldn't have to worry about if the band they love is one that will get the world's nod of approval. It's music. Music is supposed to bring joy, inspire, help your hearts heal, and make you want to dance. It's for you, and it shouldn't have to go with the norm or please anyone else but you. You're the one listening to it!

Music was not meant to be something we were assigned or ashamed of. Music speaks in a way nothing else can; it's universal and should be shared with everyone, not one tiny group in a world of millions. Go forth, find songs you love, and jam out fearlessly.

Olympic Games

2010-02-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

With the 2010 Winter Olympics underway, everyone has skiing, figure skating, and snowboarding on their minds. As well as all sports wintery, I remember great moments from the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing (MICHAEL PHELPS! SHAWN JOHNSON! Oh my gosh, they were so much fun to watch!) and I am super excited for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Along with my favorites, swimming and gymnastics, we may be watching...pole dancing?

Yes, believe it or not, campaigns have been launched to add pole dancing to the Olympics. Yes, this is the same 'pole dancing' that automatically reminds you of strippers.

But does pole dancing always have to mean strippers?

When I first heard of this campaign (and when I heard there was a men's league of pole dancing...), my mind was a little boggled. My thoughts were something like this: Uh... yeah... okay... let's not.

And then I thought, well...gymnastics is an Olympics sport. Figure skating is an Olympic sport. Both combine graceful movements and require incredible altheteicism. I don't know about you, but I can't do any of those twirls and leaps that gymnast or skaters do, and I certainly wouldn't be able to do a pole dance if someone told me to (a legitmate pole dance routine, not just walking around a pole seductiveley in boots and lingerie). Pole dancing requires the same sort of flexibility and strength that dancing, gymnastics, and figure skating does (and probably a lot of other sports, too).

WATCH THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5zBOVwYlI

When I saw this video, I was blown away. Can you do all of that?

I didn't think so.

And look at how buff she is!

Pole dancing shouldn't have to have a bad rep and be kept out of the Olympics because of it, especially when a routine like that would take years of experience. Pole dancing is good exercise; it requires incredible strenght and flexibility; there are competetitons. It's a sport. Put pole dancing in the Olympics, I say--I want the rest of the world to be blown away, too.

More information

http://newslite.tv/2009/07/21/campaign-to-make-pole-dancing.html

http://deadspin.com/5049614/pole-dancing-the-next-olympic-sport

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/156462

I know some of this information is not the most recent, so if anyone has any updates, please leave a comment and I'll add it to the list.

Also, NO RUDE COMMENTS. Think what you will and state your opinion, but do so in a polite and intelligent manner. Thank you.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now...

2010-02-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Where would you go?

New York, New York, USA.

"New York City. Center of the universe."("Sante Fe", Rent Soundtrack). Shopping, Broadway. Strawberry Fields, China Town, Little Italy, subways and taxis and bright lights and daydreams...sigh. I love New York.

Toyko, Japan. Japanese fashion? Yes, please! Japanese food? Yes, please. Japanese shops? Yes, please. I'd looove to viist this city--it reminds me of a foreign NYC and I'd be jamming out to Gwen Stefani's "Harajuku Girls" the entire time (I have no idea if the Harajuku fashion district is in Tokyo, but I really enjoy that song. Does anyone want to enlighten me?).

Venice, Italy. If you have ever read the book The Thief Lord, then you know why I want to go. A vacation without cars or the regular stop at McDonald's and filled with magic.

London, England. The land of Annie in The Parent Trap, The Great Mouse Detective, and of course Harry Potter! I would spend a day visiting castles, seeing a show at London's West End, and shopping--oh, boy, would my bank account be empty then!

Picture credit:

http://www.dynamicarchitecture.net/Events/GCC.html

http://www.galenfrysinger.com/europe/venice13.jpg

http://www.magicaljourneys.com/Japan/japan-interest-tokyo-discover.html

http://www.popartuk.com/photography/henri-silberman-photo/manhattan-skyline-new-york-city-6305-giant-art-print.asp

Cheaper Than Therapy

2010-02-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

I am completely obsessed with How I Met Your Mother.

My addiction and love for this show is the equivalent of Harry Potter freaks lining up at midnight at Barnes and Noble to get their hands on J.K Rowling's latest stroke of genius (and you fellow Potter fans know how deep that love for Hogwarts goes...I love How I Met Your Mother the same way).

For those who have never experienced the awesomeness of How I Met Your Mother, it is a show about Ted Mosby and his friends (Marshall and Lily, the married couple; Barney, the womanizer; and Robin, the single Canadian, 'gun-enthusiast' girl) living in New York City. Every girl he dates and every event leads him a little bit closer to his future wife and mother of his two future children, and the person he has to become in order to meet her. No, we still do not know who exactly the mother is, but we have some huge clues.

I could go on for HOURS about how much I adore this show. Mondays are no longer a day of tourture, because this show comes on at 7:00 PM (central time) on CBS on Monday nights. It totally makes my day. I own every season on DVD (aside from the fifthg season, of course, because that's the season going on now) and watch an episode or two before or while I fall asleep. I watch my favorite episodes when I am having a bad day. I enjoy quoting Barney Stinson in every day conversation. I can apply things like The Lemon Law, The Platinum Rule, and the Chain of Screaming to every day life. I always feel so dissappointed when CBS is shows a rerun instead of a brand new adventure.

I'm serious. This show is completely AWESOME.

My favorite thing to do (especially when I have had a rough day) is grab some ice cream, sit down in my living room, and watch this show--the BEST show in the whole world.

Why?

These characters are hilarious. They are so well-developed and realistc that it's hard to believe they are fictional. The things they do are hilarious--Robin tries to shave her legs in a restaurant bathroom, using a stick of butter as shaving cream; Barney dresses up as an eighty-year-old-man to try to hook up with girls; Ted has five shots and wakes up the next day with a broken ankle, a girl in his bed, and a pineapple. What's not to love?

Aside from it's hilarity, there's something magical about Ted's journey in finding his perfect girl. It's comedy sprinkled with some heartwrenching moments (uhh, Season 1 finale, anyone?) mixed in with completely romantic, melt-worthy moments. It has all of this and more, without going compeltely romantic-comedy and girly. It makes me laugh and forget about real life for a while. It makes me daydream about my future life as a young person in New York and my future husband. It makes me think of how incredible my friends are, because if there is any group of friends on TV (at least, on a show that is still going on) who completely love each other, it's this one. How I Met Your Mother is a party of laughs, friends, and romance, and if you have never watched it before, go watch it RIGHT NOW.

Bottom line: watching How I Met Your Mother while eating spoonfulls of vanilla ice cream is cheaper than therapy.

Episodes You Should Watch:
Pilot, Season 1
The Pineapple Incident, Season 1
The Limo, Season 1
Milk, Season 1
Come On, Season 1
Slap Bet, Season 2
Something Borrowed, Season 2
Something Blue, Season 2
Wait For It...Season 3
The Bracket, Season 3
Ten Sessions, Season 3
Everything Must Go, Season 3
Miracles, Season 3
Do I Know You?, Season 4
Shelter Island, Season 4
The Naked Man, Season 4
Three Days Rule, Season 4
Right Place Right Time, Season 4
Fast As She Can, Season 4
The Leap, Season 4

What's your cheap therapy?

I dare you to be weird.

2010-01-31T07:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am daring all of you lovely people to be weird. How weird? Crazy, random, fantastically funny weird. I dare you to grab some friends, go out in a public place, and do something completely out of the ordinary for that location. Start a dance party in the middle of Target. Play Red Rover while you are waiting for a concert to begin. Walk in a single file line while singing showtunes while you're at school. Do something--anything--that is fun that will get people to stare.
Yeah, people are going to stare at you. When you're playing Red Rover at a place that is definitely not a playground (and you're clearly older than seven years old), people will stare. They will probably laugh and say things like, "What are those weirdos doing?"
But that's a good thing! Because you're supposed to be doing weird things!
The incredible thing about being weird in a public place?
People will join you.
Seriously. Maybe for the game in its entirity or maybe for a mere five minutes, but eventually you'll look behind you and see people you don't know grooving to the CD samples at Target, or strategically sending people over for the Red Rover game, or marching in that single file line and belting out 'The Sound of Music.' You may meet some new friends, and you may never see those people again, but you did something awesome that made you and everyone around you laugh in amazement.
I am speaking from experience. It's an incredible phenomenon. So get your best friends together and get ready for the most random afternoon of your life....just be sure to bring your camera!

P.S.
Not sure where to start? This list has some ideas for ya: http://astrology.yahoo.com/channel/none/333-ways-to-get-kicked-out-of-wal-mart-233838/

P.P.S.
If by some chance strangers don't join you, no worries. You had fun with your friends and it's probably somethign you won't ever forget. =)

Hey everyone!/ Add To Your Playlist

2010-01-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
I know I've been sort of unavailable lately, but I haven't forgotten this blog. School has started up again, which means that homework and other extra curriculars and more social life, so I've been busy. =)
No worries, though, I will have some free time soon and I have many ideas for some articles up my sleeve. In the meantime, here are some amazing artists you should check out:

Swing the Coast- These boys have produced catchy pop-punk that makes me want to dance. Their songs remind me of summer and I cannot get enough of them (does pop-punk have that effect on anyone else?)! Swing the Coast is just getting started, but I'm sure that they're going to make it big. Thety have an amazing Katy Perry cover, an original Christmas song, and an entire EP on iTunes. All songs are incredible and give me that happy, summery feeling on the inside. (http://www.myspace.com/swingthecoast)

Ke$ha-We've all heard 'Tik Tok', we know how to spell her name but nobody knows how to pronounce it (Keesh-ah? Kesh-ah? Cash-ah? Kee-Cash-ah?! I have heard so many pronunciations and I still have no idea which one is correct. I think it's Keesh-ah. Some things we may never know.). Whatever. I love this girl. Like Swing the Coast, Ke$ha makes me want to dance like crazy--and party. If you can get through Ke$ha's entire album without wanting to party all night and hooking up with some cute boys and getting sort of drunk, then something is wrong with you. It's infectious dance pop that is now a pehenomenon. Since you all have probably heard 'Tik Tok' a billion and one times by now, check out 'Your Love is My Drug', 'Dinosaur', and 'Stephen' (and then get her whole album so you can have a dacne party). (http://www.myspace.com/kesha)

Otep- I mentioned pop-punk, dance pop, and now it's time for some headbanging, gut-wrenching, incredible face-melting metal. Otep is a band I found this week and I am smitten. The band's vocalist is a woman (the band's namesake); I can't listen to a song without wanting to bob my head; I can understand the words; and Otep is a vegetarian and a gay-rights activist (and probably a lot more). What's not to love? My favorties so far are "Ur A Wmn Now" and "Smash the Control Machine." Give them a listen. Yes, I swear that's the same band. Isn't that amazing? =) (www.myspace.com/otep)

Have fun jamming out, my dears.

2010

2010-01-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

This year, I will:

Eat more vegan food. Not only will I be helping animals everywhere, I will be helping the planet and I will be healthier. I am shooting for one vegan meal a day. =)

Write a journal entry at least once a week. I fall on and off the journaling wagon, but journaling really is an amazing way to not only express your emotions, but reflect on them, come up with a solution, and feel better. Even if I have to write about something totally random, it keeps my creative juices flowing.

Use free time on weekends for yoga, pilates, or weight lifitng. I used to be on my school's swimming twim, and it was the most fit I had been in my entire life. I was more muscular, had more endurance, and I was sleeping better. I stopped swimming last year, though, and my entire body has changed again...but not for the better. My arms are back to the useless skinny things they once were, and I think it's time to get some muscles back.

Finish big projects. This was also my resolution last year, and it didn't get done. I will devote myself to working on things that seem a little big for me--this blog, NaNoWriMo, Script Frenzy, etc., and feel wonderful when everything comes together.

Get out of my comfort zone. It sounds scary, but in the long run I think it will be good for me. I will wear outfits that aren't my typical attire, I will do things that seem a little crazy, and I will look at change as an adventure. For once I am thrilled for some changes.

Live. Everyone has been told to live life to the fullest, but I don't know many people who take it to heart. Last year (it seems so funny to say that, doesn't it?), I learned the messages behind the musical Rent and read a fantastic book called Going Bovine. Both stories are screaming at you to make the most out of the time you've got. I'm going to do things that make me happy. I'm going to do this that scare me. I'm going to do something sort of stupid every once in a while. I'm going to be the person I want to be and fill 2010 up with incredible memories. ♥

Happy New Year, everyone. What are some things you want to accomplish this year?

To Add to Your Playlist: Week of 12/28/09

2009-12-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

Music is by far one of my favorite things in the entire universe. I love listening to it, learning about it, sharing it--and that is where this blog will come in handy! These are artists and albums that I adore and that I think deserve a mention. My goal is to do an article like this every week, so feel free to give me feedback and enjoy. :)

Fun.- First of all, this is the coolest band name ever (the period is included in the name). This band certainly lives up to its name with catchy tunes and amazing vocals; they remind me of the singer Mika ("Grace Kelly", "We Are Golden"). If I had to set a scene for Fun.'s music, it would be at a party with girls wearing little black dresses and pearls and guys in suits, doing the same dance at the same time as if they were on Broadway. Fun. is fun. Listen to "All the Pretty Girls" and you'll see what I mean. (http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=9781236&ap=0&albumid=13539498)

Say Anything-Say Anything's sound has evolved ever since their first album ...Is a Real Boy, yet they're still the same honest, quirky, awesome band that everyone loves when they hear the song "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too." These alternative rockers have songs that cover everything from loathing the world to missing a band to falling in love. Say Anything is possibly the most honest band I have ever heard; they're the type of band who have songs that you listen to and say, "I'm glad I'm not the only one." Say Anything is incredible, and if you've never listened to them before, sprint to the nearest CD store (or your iTunes) and get all three CDs.(http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=13474734&ap=0&albumid=14141362)

Passion Pit- Passion Pit is a new favorite of mine, thanks to a video that Gala Darling posted on her blog (http://www.galadarling.com/). Passion Pit sounds like it came straight out of a dreamworld, unicorns and all. They're not the typical alternative sound most people are used to, but they're loveable all the same. And like both of the bands mentioned above, their music is great to listen to when writing or cleaning your room. :) The album cover to Manners is gorgeous, too: a night sky filled with stars. Listen to "Sleepyhead or "The Reeling" and get ready to dance. (http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=12724560&ap=0&albumid=12494183)

What are some of your favorite bands and recent discoveries? Did I talk about any of your favorites? Leave a comment. :)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T13:40:00.001-08:00

When I was younger, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day did not feel like regular days. There was always that tingle in the air that let me know that Christmas was special. Santa had gone down the chimney and I went to my grandma's house for a week and I could watch the VHS tape my mom had recorded of Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and Charlie Brown Christmas. Christmas was pure magic.

As I got older, Christmas began to feel like a regular day again. Sure, I got presents and visitied family, but that tingle in the air was missing. It felt like any normal day. Maybe it was the fact that I was getting clothes and makeup instead of actual toys, or maybe it was because I didn't believe in Santa anymore, but some of the Christmas magic was missing.

For the most part, Christmas still feels like a regular day. Sometimes I feel like Christmas snuck up on us and we don't have time to appreciate the beautiful lights and shiny wrapping paper.

But there's still the wonderful anticipation that only presents under the tree can bring. There's still the thrill you get when you opened the perfect gift and the thrill that giving the perfect gift. There's the warmth you feel with family and the cute, cozy winter clothes and the pure glee tthat you get when you see a few snowflakes.

Christmas may feel like a regular day sometimes, but even if you're "too old" for Santa Claus and toys, take a look around. Look at the freshly fallen snow on your driveway, your neighbor's Christmas lights, or the beach you went to for vacation. Look at the Christmas ornaments and children's faces when you say that you heard Santa's sleigh ring. Look at the natavity scene and the Christmas carolers and the haphazardly decorated Christmas cookies. There's still some magic left.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

<3
Katie

Websites To Make You Smile

2009-12-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

If it's been a rough day, chances are you went straight for the ice cream and TV shows recorded on your DVR. You curled up in a Snuggie (or just a regular blanket for those who are talented enough to use their arms while holding a blanket around themselves) and took a nap, because nothing's better than chowing down ice cream while watching your favorite show and falling asleep. That's my favorite remedy to a bad day, but sometimes nothing good is on TV or we don't have the luxury of DVR or good DVDS. The solution? The Internet!

The wonderful thing about the Internet is that there are millions of things to look at. With blogs, YouTube, social networking sites, and Urban Dictionary, it's a wonder we can make ourselves leave our computers at all--there are so many entertaining things to add to your favorites. The Internet shouldn't be your life, but there are tons of sites that are sure to make you feel a little better after a crappy day. So without further ado, here is the wonderful list of Websites To Make You Smile*:

Funny Sites

http://www.fmylife.com/ A site where people share stories about their terrible lives, and readers feel nothing but joy.
http://www.mylifeisaverage.com/ A site where people share stories about their normal lives, and readers feel more joy.
http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/ If you were were drunk last night and texted your best friend about your latest one night stand, you may or may not be on this site. The numbers next to the text messages are zip codes. It's both hilarious and disturbing to search your own zip code.
http://www.regretsy.com/ A parody of etsy.com, Regretsy displays arts and crafts that people worked really, really hard on...but probably shouldn't have.
http://www.hatepost.com/ Share your biggest pet peeves with others and read about what gets on everyone else's nerves. Some are things everyone can relate to; others are just ridiculous and are bound to crack you up.
http://www.youtube.com/ Okay, not everything on here is funny, but you're bound to find something awesome. Try videos under 'Watched Right Now', Fred videos, Shane Dawson, or iJustine. Or search random words until you find something you like.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/ Riduculous slang to use on a day-to-day basis. It's also useful if your friend uses a word you don't understand; then you can just log on and look up the word without feeling stupid (but the result might shock you).

Blogs

http://www.galadarling.com/ This blog is wonderful! You can find everything from Daily Outfit photos to letters of advice. It's fun to type words into the search bar to see what type of articles you can find. The graphics are really pretty, too.
http://www.doedeereblogazine.com/ If you love makeup, fashion, and color, then this site is for you. The Doe Deere Blogazine is like the fairytale book of the blogoshere. Unicorns are mentioned regularly and being out of the box is celebrated. Be sure to check out Doe Deere's makeup line at http://www.limecrimemakeup.com/, too.
www.megcabot.com/diary Meg Cabot is one of my favorite authors (she's the one who gave the world The Princess Diaries and All American Girl--do I need to say any more?) , and her blog is fantastic. Meg always has something funny to share on her site, and you don't have to be a fan of her books to love her blog (but her books are incredible).
http://www.govegan.net/ Vegan cookbook author Sarah Kramer has a fun blog on her site with vlogs, daily adventures, and information about upcoming events, calendars, and books.
http://www.michellephan.com/ Just like her YouTube channel, Michelle Phan's blog has great information about makeup, the beauty industry, and loving yourself.

Shopping

http://www.sephora.com/ Who doesn't love to look at luxurious beauty supplies to add to their wishlist?
http://www.fredflare.com/ Fred Flare is home to everything cute and colorful. Find books, clothes, and home decor that are wonderfully adorable.
http://www.lazyoaf.com/ Another place for anything cute, Lazy Oaf has an awesome selection of quirky clothes. It's a UK based company, but when you order the currency will change to the one that matches your country.
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/ Pretty, sophisticated clothes, indie music, and classic literature. UO is the perfect store that celebrates art and culture.
http://www.zuboutique.com/ Fun T-shirts that are limited to 100 each, so you can feel special once you get your hands on one.
http://www.modcloth.com/ ModCloth has an incredible selection of vintage clothing. Contests are held weekly and they have a really fun blog, too!

Social Networking

http://www.facebook.com/ My personal favorite. It's a great way to keep up with family and friends, and you can become a 'fan' of fun things like 'using my phone to see in the dark.'
http://www.twitter.com/ I have found out about so many awesome companies and people through Twitter. Many companies like Urban Decay also let their followers know about upcoming sales and discount codes.
http://www.myspace.com/ I don't really use MySpace to keep up with friends anymore, but I think it's a great way to get in touch with bands. MySpace Music is awesome because you can search for albums and listen to the entire thing, and looking at a band's friends is a good way to add more music to your collection.

Miscelleaneous

http://www.cuteoverload.com/ Get ready to squeal and giggle like a little girl when you visit this site There are pictures and videos of cuddly animals galore, and it is sure to cheer anyone up with its cuteness.
http://www.neopets.com/ It's a trip down Memory Lane.
http://www.fuckyeahtattoos.tumblr.com/ Pictures of tattoos that are sure to impress you.
http://www.lookbook.nu/ Fashion and photography unite for one amazing website dedicated to sharing clothes with others.

*Disclaimer: These sites are not paying me or rewarding me in any way for spreading the word. These are sites I truly love and I think others would love too.

Measure in Love.

2009-12-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Whenever I mention the musical Rent, I usually get one of these reactions:

Reaction Number One: "I LOVE RENT! IT IS SO AMAZING!"

(This is the reaction that makes me want to do a little jig out of pure happiness.)

Reaction Number Two: "Rent is all about gay people and AIDS, it's weird and creepy!"

(This is the reaction that makes me want to punch that person in the face and never talk to them again.).

Yes, Rent focuses on people living with AIDS. Yes, some charcters are homosexual; one is a drag queen. Yes, one of them is a stripper and addicted to herion. Yes, there is sexual content, drug references, and foul language. If you're a little shocked by all of the mature content as you watch the musical or even the film version, ask yourself how real it all is.

It's very real. Rent is a story about characters with struggles that people have to battle every day; through all of those battles, they choose to celebrate life and make the most out of the time they have left. Rent is not just a story about modern Bohemians in New York City. It's about all of us.

Now, Reaction Number Two people, find yourself a Rent DVD or buy tickets to the next local show, and keep that in mind. And then if you don't like it, fine, but don't shut it out just because the thematic elements are not the same as High School Musical. Reaction Number One people, see it again, just because you know you want to. =)

"There's only us. There's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today."

Understanding Vegetarianism and Veganism

2009-12-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

"Okay, so we'll get a Supreme Pizza for everyone to share... and you can pick all of the meat off."

"Why won't you eat marshmallows?"

"Do you eat fish? Can you wear leather and fur? What about plants, aren't you concerned about them? If you were on a deserted island, and there was nothing there but you and a cow, what would you eat?"

If you aren't a vegetarian or a vegan yourself, chances are you don't understand why gelatin is a big fat no or why 'eating around the meat' isn't the solution. A little over a year ago, I went vegetarian and found myself answering all kinds of questions that every veggie lover is bound to hear. Even after all of thse questions are answered, there are still so many more than reamin unasked. Vegetarianism is a strange and fascinating world to anyone who munches on burgers on a regular basis--of course there are questions! I'm sure frustrated vegheads and meat lovers agree that it's time to get to the bottom of this confusion.

Vegetarian versus Vegan

The first step to understanding vegetarianism and veganism is knowing what the heck those words mean! Luckily, it's easy enough to remember.

Vegetarians won't eat any part of a dead animal--no meat, poultry or fish (chicken and fish are both animals, people!) or ingredients like gelatin (which is made out of crushed up animal bones) are consumed. These vegetarians are called lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Some vegetarians don't consume dairy products but eat eggs (ovo-vegetarians), and some eat eggs but not dairy products (lacto-vegetarians). Vegetarianism is often considered to be a way to convert to veganism.

Vegans won't eat dead animals or anything that comes from an animal (eggs, honey, and dairy products). Vegans also avoid animal products in their cosmetics, clothing, and other household products and don't use products that are tested on animals. There are also many vegetarians who avoid products like leather in their lifestyle.

Why can't you just take the meat out/eat around it/eat something that touched meat/etc.?

This is one of the things that isn't a 'rule' of vegetarianism or veganism. Everything is crystal clear: no leather, no meat, no dairy. While eating a fry that just touched a big steak on a plate or taking the pepperoni off of a pizza is technically not eating meat, many vegetarians have problems with this. I can't tell you everyone's opinion on this, because it varies from not caring at all to requesting using a different fryer for their food at a resaturant, but for me it is a matter of annoyance and discomfort.

When I'm at a restaurant, I want to be able to enjoy my food just like everyone else. I don't want to have to share a meaty meal with you and and have to make sure every bit off meat is off of my share. When I was first thinking about becoming a vegetarian, my family ordered a supreme pizza, and since I was determined to not eat any meat that day, I made sure I took every bit of sausage was off of my plate. It worked for the moment when I wasn't an official vegetarian, but it's not something I am willing to do now. It's a pain. So, no, I'm not going to order a chicken salad and eat around it (because that would be defeating the purpose of being a vegetarian, first of all), I'm going to request it without chicken. I'm not going to share your beefy nachos with you, either--I can get my own animal-free food that I don't have to pick at for an hour and a half.

My problem with meat touching food is that it's uncomfortable. I'm not going to freak out if it happens at a restaurant (some things you can't help, and ordering a vegetarian meal is still saving an animal whether it touches meat or not), but if I'm at my house, I'm going to use a different spoon to get my bowl of vegetarian chili. It's just weird for me; if there was a food you didn't like or didn't want to eat, you wouldn't want it touching your food either. Like I said earlier, people's opinions vary on this subject, but if you kindly ask for an explanation I'm sure they'd be more than happy to answer.

Sneaky Ingredients

There are many foods that are 'vegetarian'--that is, they contain no meat--but use ingredients like gelatin, chicken stock, or rennet. I hate to break it to you, but these foods are not vegetarian (or vegan). Gelatin is made out of crushed up animal bones and tendons, rennet is taken from cows' stomachs, and chicken stock is made out of dead chickens. These ingredients are all taken from animals and are not vegetarian. Nobody is trying to hurt your feelings if they refuse to roast a marshmallow (gleatin) or eat vegetable soup you made with chicken stock. Vegans also hav little ingredients they have to avoid. Vegans avoid any animal product in their diet. For example, any snack containing honey or whey is off limits. It may seem minor to you, but these ingredients are not part of the vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. It's not so we can be rude or act like we're better than you--we just want to make sure no animals or animal products are consumed.

Hypothetical Questions and The Plant Issue

For the love of all that is holy, do not ask a vegan or a vegetarian if they would eat a burger for a million dollars, if they would eat a cow if they were on a deserted island, or if they would be okay if everyone became a cannibal, thus making animals and people equal (I HAVE been asked that before, and it does not make any sense whatsoever). It's annoying, and demanding answers for hypothetical questions is not proving anything about vegetarianism or eating meat.

No, I would NOT eat a burger for a million dollars. First of all, that would never happen. Secondly, it's against my beliefs. I went vegetarian for ethica reasons. I believe the way animals are treated before they reach someone's plate is terrible, and I wouldn't eat that bruger, nor would I do anything else against my beleifs for a million dollars. Would you murder a person for a million dollars?

I didn't think so.

As for the deserted island thing?

When asked what he would do if stranded on a deserted island with nothing but a cow in sight; "I would find out what the cow was eating and join him."

(If anyone knows who said this, PLEASE let me know! I can't find it anywhere.)

There you go.

Don't you miss meat and dairy?

The only person who has ever asked me this was my father, and he said it very carefully. "I'm not saying this to be mean, it's an actual question that I've been wondering...do you ever miss eating a cheeseburger or anything?"

He's the only one who has ever asked me this, but I feel like this is the question everyone wants to know.

Here is my answer: No. I don't.

I don't miss cheeseburgers or chicken wings or bacon because I don't want them anymore. After I learned about the horrors of factory farming (which is the main reason I went vegetarian and may go vegan in the future), eating meat made me uncomfortable. You can't miss what you don't want anymore.

Vegetarianism and veganism may still seem like an overwhelming and confusing world to any omnivore--and it was for any vegetarian at one point, too. With an open mind and kind, positive attitudes (from both vegetarians and meat eaters), vegetarians might not seem like the infuriating, annoying hippies you thought they all were. =)