A new concept.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Music
I have always admired and loved music. From birth my parents would play artists such as Simply Red and Blur around the house. My parents always encouraged me as a child to listen to music and Friday night became the highlight of my week when I became introduced to the music show, Top of the Pops.

Throughout my life I have heard music from bands such as Oasis, U2 and Coldplay which has consequently lead me to have a great love for music of all types. Although I love music I never really made the effort to learn to play a musical instrument.

Two years ago my Dad started learning the acoustic guitar. He greatly regretted never learning and encouraging me and my sister to learn so he attempted to inspire us later on in life.

Throughout my life I have excelled at different hobbies but never seem to follow them through due to fear of failure. From the age of 3 I did ballet, carrying on until I was 11. But after a move in location, out of fear, I never restarted. My teacher recommended I go to proper dance school but I just never had the faith that I’d be good enough. Now I look back at these moments with much regret but I acknowledge that maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.

I now have no real talent or hobbies so I thought it was about time I found something. Last week after discovering a music shop in Ventura called Pulse Drumming, which  advertised Ukulele lessons, I began to learn how to play the Ukulele.  It’s a small start but after going to buy my first Ukulele today I have become truly inspired.

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Prom Dress Post…Again

yrreskrapLeave a comment

Well, I could not get my hands on that beautiful French Connection Samantha Sequins dress that I previously blogged about. It’s really such a shame. I called the corporate office and a snobby sounding woman snapped at me, telling me that seasons change and as a result, the clothes come and go. My dress had long gone.

So, as of today, I am still on the search for “the one.” This is the only prom that will really matter since my date will be the only one that matters! So this is the big hurrah, shopping for my dress. I found one on Bloomingdale’s website called the Kimberly Taylor Long Sleeve Button Down London Dress. But, the slight problem is that my good friend Wendy was also contemplating this dress.

AHHH there is always seems to be a problem when I find a dress that I like! Today’s goal: ask my good friend Wendy if I can buy the dress.

Assuming that I will buy the dress online, I will most likely be shopping for shoes and earrings this weekend with my mom. My mom is taking me out this weekend before she makes her big move to Denver, Colorado. A really random move. I already know I want nude colored heels and turquoise earrings so I can’t wait till tomorrow!

Boys Don’t Cry

yourgingerkid1 Comment

According to studies, men are turned off by women who are crying.

I’m pretty sure that this information was common knowledge before this research but it’s still something to be reminded of.

The article directly states “Women’s Tears Reduce Sex Drive in Men.” How more direct can they be? I just find it fascinating that there is now scientific proof to back that statement up.

I’m not going to lie, I’ve cried in front of a lot of guys lately for multiple reasons, but does that mean that their “turned off” by that? I think that guys are attracted to tears sometimes because they pretty much signify a weak girl and therefore they can make an epic entrance into their lives and maybe win them over.

The study also stated that tears actually have a pheromone that can lower testosterone which would then decrease their sex drive although men could not tell the difference between simple saline drops and actual tears. Who would’ve thought!

Top 5 Movies Coming Out In 2011

dmilesburtonLeave a comment

Top 5 Movies Coming Out In 2011

These are my favorites

1: The Hangover 2

The highly dreaded sequel to the Hangover can either make or break the success of the first movie. Set in Thailand, Phil, Alan, and Doug are all invited there for Stu’s wedding. This sequel has more riding on it than just its own success; the comedy of the first one will be lost forever on many people, or, if the sequel to a movie that needs no sequel works out, will be exponentially funnier.

2: The Tree of Life
This is one of those movies for which the trailer says almost nothing about the plot, but still makes you want to see it. As far as I understand, Brad Pitt is Sean Penn’s father, but that’s about it. The trailer, however, shows a powerful display of incredible filmography and has a beautiful soundtrack, moving in its own right. This movie has the potential to be an Oscar Winner from the looks of it, I just hope it lives up.

3: Battle: LA

Ok, two things. One, I know it’s already out, but I haven’t seen it, so it still counts on this list. Two, I also know that it didn’t get the best reviews, but think about it, Battle… LA… Aliens attack… what did you expect?

4: Cowboys and Aliens

This movie looks even more mindless than Battle: LA. For one, it’s called “Cowboys and Aliens,” and from the looks of the trailer, the cowboys win. Also, it looks like seeing it would make me just that much dumber. It’s redeeming quality that put it on this list is that I get the feeling that after I walk out of the theatre, I will have an incredible argument as to why my previous claims are false that will only make sense to others who have seen the movie as well.

5: Limitless

This movie is mostly on this list because of its concept; also because of its brilliant ad campaign, but mostly because of the concept. The idea behind it is based on the concept that the human brain harnesses only 10% of its maximum capability at a time. Eddie Morra is a writer with a bit of an unlucky streak until he comes across a drug that will unlock his brain. He becomes rich and famous quite quickly, but as he begins to run out of the drug, his mind reacts in unexpected ways. I really like the idea of a movie based on unlocking your brain where the main character doesn’t suddenly have superpowers, and the idea that he would have withdrawals from the dug is a stroke of genius. This movie is going to be a fun one, if done right (i.e. focusing on the main characters perception of the world throughout, and not on the results of his perception).

Honorable Mentions:

Thor

Harry Potter 7 (Part 2)

Captain America: The First Avenger

Paul

Paranormal Activity 3

Little Pea

therightliberal1 Comment

He was expected to be great, but not this soon.

This past summer, Manchester United signed Javier Hernández Balcázar, also known as Chicharito (which is “little pea” in English). His nickname comes from his father, who also was a professional soccer player, named Chicharo. The last three generations of his family have played for Chivas, a very impressive family tree.

United signed him at age 21, a young but very mature player. Chicha had been on the Mexican team that won the U-17 World Cup. He also scored two goals for Mexico in last summer’s world cup.

When he was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, United fans were surprised. Chicha was not a well known player in England and although he had proven himself playing for Chivas (leading the Mexican Primera with 17 goals) he was not being hailed as a prodigy.

But as usual, Sir Alex Ferguson showed his brilliance. Chicha is the second leading scorer for Manchester United with 10 goals in the Premier League.

10 might not seem like a huge number but Chicha has only played in 20 games. Even more impressive, those 10 goals came off of only 37 shots, a very good rate.

In all competitions he has 29 goals in 80 games, an absolutely incredible record.

The EPL is very different from the Mexican Primera where Chicha was playing but he has adjusted beautifully. He is an exciting player to watch and is already showing leadership among some of the most famous players in the world.

In United’s most recent game against Marseille, Chicharito scored two goals, winning the game for United.

Manchester United's Javier Hernandez scores the opening goal

Chicha brings a Latino American soccer style, one that is flashy and exciting, to Manchester United. He looks to be an extremely promising player, a goal scorer and leader. With his skill, Manchester United has a lot better chance of winning games.

The Moment

theycallmedameLeave a comment

One step forward.
Seven steps back.
The train is still moving,
But it’s running off the tracks.

One stunning truth.
Twelve useless lies.
We can never be trusted
If we can’t even try.

One real friend
And another with a knife.
They’ll stab you in the back
To take away your life.

One more day
‘Til your life begins.
Live in the moment,
This isn’t a game you can win.

1907-2011

theycallmedameLeave a comment

It seemed like it was going to be a good day on Monday, 3/14/11. But when I went to my dorm room for lunch, everything kind of went down the drain.

Glancing at my phone, I saw I had a voice mail from my dad. Checking said message, a frown creased onto my face.

“Hey, Aria, it’s Dad, just, call me later today, okay?”

He sounded worried and maybe even a bit sad on the phone. Briefly I thought I might be in trouble, but I laughed to myself, what could I have done?

But after calling my dad, I wished I had been in trouble.

The phone rang five times before I hear my dad pick up on the other line.

“Hey Dad, what’s up? Are you okay?”
“No, no, I’m fine, Aria.”
“What’s up?”
“Aria, your… Great-grandma DeeDee died last night.
“Wha…What?
“I’m so sorry, Aria, she just, she stopped eating and they took her to the hospital to replenish her fluids and she just, she just died. I’m here for you whenever you need me, you know that, right?”
“Yeah Daddy, yeah I know.”
“Call me later, honey.”
“Okay Daddy, I will.”

The rest of the day was kind of ruined. I spent the majority of it crying in my room, and the minority coming to terms with it.

I finally reasoned that, hey, Great-Grandma DeeDee was 104-years-old, and she far surpassed her life’s expectations.

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Das Predictions

shredicusmaximus1 Comment

With March Madness looming, the science of bracketology has taken America by storm. With 64 teams in the running, I’m sure you are all aware of the competition to name the exact winner and who beats who etc., etc. Now I must inquire, where the hell is my german zoo animal when I need one?

If it were up to me, I’d have them predict my choices or at least my 8/9 and 7/10 games. Between Paul the octopus correctly predicting the world cup (r.i.p) and Heidi the cross-eyed possum predicting the Oscars, last year’s winner Jake Johnson’s method of deciphering and guessing the winners was not one of classical analysis and probability based on past contests and statistics. He used the help of his pet guinea pig.

As you can see nowadays, the commercial for March Madness has shown us all kinds of uses. While some believe it is simply luck and others believe that it is science, I opt for the animal kingdom. Who knows, it might work out for me.

Happy betting.

Disgraceful United Fans

therightliberal4 Comments

The game between Manchester United and Liverpool’s youth teams was an ugly one. The game saw 4 red cards as well as riots and fights in the stands. It was a Manchester United home game.

The trouble in the stands started when United fans started singing songs about the Heysel and Hillsborough tragedies of the 1980’s, a subject that is close to all Liverpool fans hearts.

Although I love a good rivalry, this is going to far. In these tragedies, 135 people died including players. These songs were insulting to the families that have lived through it.

Unfortunately there is not an easy or effective way to prevent people from singing abusive songs inside the grounds in my mind.

Former Liverpool player John Aldridge was at the game, and was also present during the Hillsborough tragedy, called the actions of the United fans “disgraceful”.

Although the United fans actions were not acceptable by any means, I can be more than sure that Liverpool fans were less than friendly. There were many reports after the game of ugly clashes between the fans.

As I said I love a healthy rivalry. I would go as far to say that I love bad blood where teams hate each other because they play so hard for the win. But it is not ok for any fan or player to publicly insult the people who lost their lives and the families that have had to live through it.

I am upset that United fans would stoop down to that level especially because they went on to win the game 3-2.

For more go to: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/893953/fans-arrested-as-liverpool-united-youth-tie-turns-ugly?cc=5901

Fairy Tales To Prance Into Theaters Soon

Paloma SpencerLeave a comment

I can remember being read the classic fairy tales by my mother. I remember my love for Snow White and the handsome prince that would come rescue her.

As a child, I couldn’t wait to read the next fairytale spin-off and of course the classic animated movies took up most of my free time.

About a decade later, these classic fairy tales are still just as popular as before. However, the cinema in particular has taken a sudden new interest in these story lines.

Of course the re-invention of age-old fairy tales is hardly new, but recently these love stories have been recreated into more twisted, dark movies. In order to fit the interests of young adults, these movies have taken out the innocent cartoons in exchange for sex, violence, and satirical humor.

The most recent production is that of “Red Riding Hood,” a production by Twilight’s Catherine Hardwick in which a teenage romance triangle is twisted in with the fairy tale’s gruesome wolf character.

Alongside little red riding hood is a twist of Beauty and the Beast entitled “Beastly.” This is the story of a shallow young man who is taught a lesson after he is turned into an ugly “beast” and forced to find love. In addition, three different features of “Snow White” will be entering the big screen, ranging from an action flick to a dark comedy.

Each twist of classic fairy tales is hoping to bring much revenue as well, so hop on your horse-drawn carriage and come watch!