Fun ads

I found a couple of fun ads that remind me of some ads that we had viewed in class. They are witty and unique and have a shock value. What a perfect combo!

Introducing KOR Water

People use water bottles everyday. They are a staple at SMU because everyone totes them to class. The problem is that not everyone is recycling them and all the plastic is becoming an issue. Also the results of recent studies state that multiple contaminants have been found in water bottles. Some of these contaminants are cancer-inducing. The KOR One water bottles is referred to as a "hydration vessel". It has an incredibly slick design that catches the eye. It is made of BPA free plastic and is reusable. It can be washed in the dishwasher and it can be opened using only one hand. This makes it ideal for workouts or running errands. It also only costs $29. The only thing I find a little unnecessary about this "hydration vessel" is that you can insert a small disc with an inspirational message that appears when you drink it. It is supposed to be a type of motivation, but I think that might be pushing it a little bit. I would definitely consider investing in one though because it is so environmentally-friendly and the design is very chique.

Why are chopsticks so hard to use?

I love sushi but the task of handling chopsticks proves to be too much sometimes. I feel like a complete spaz when I try to use chopsticks. It takes me about fifteen attempts to pick up my sushi and another 5 to actually get the sushi into my mouth. I am not opposed to using a fork to eat my sushi or noodles instead of chopsticks. Plus, most of the time the sushi roll is too big to fit in my mouth so it would be great to have a fork and knife to cut it in half and then just use a spoon/fork to scoop it up. Not to mention usually when they hand me the chopsticks I end up breaking them instead of separating them... the whole situation is really just embarassing. I credit the Japanese for mastering the art of eating with chopsticks. But, on my new favorite website (5min.com) they have a video on how to properly use chopsticks!

How to Use Chopsticks

Tell Us How You Really Feel

I have been noticing lately on the news and in multiple commercials that younger celebrities are encouraging teens to vote and make a difference. All of the commercials I have seen are in support of Obama...and I don't really know how I feel about that. I do not want to discuss the way I feel about the election, but I find it very interesting that almost all of young Hollywood is democratic. I think this probably will have a big impact on 18-19 year olds who are trying to figure out who to vote for in the upcoming election. If they are really passionate about a certain celebrity they might be more influenced to listen to what they say instead of thinking about their own personal feelings. Here are a few commercials I have seen recently in support of Obama.



Hayden Panettiere was also EXTREMELY vocal about her feelings towards McCain. While she did a very sarcastic commercial, I think many people will find it offensive. **There is some foul language in this video!**

Pixar animation

It all began with "Toy Story". Later came "Monster's Inc", "Finding Nemo", and "The Incredibles". These were some of the first movies made using Pixar animation. Most of this animation is designed using sculptures and models and then placed into a computer to complete the actual film. This type of animation is very cutesy and easy to watch. Younger children adore this because it is pleasing to the eyes. There is a 14 step process to this type of animation before it is complete and ready to be made into a movie.
1. Pitch an idea
2. Summarize the main idea
3. Draw storyboard and incorporate voice talents
4. Make reels and the art department creates the look and feel of the characters through sculptures and web designs
5. Sets are built in 3-D
6. Virtual camera then creates shots and then the shot is animated
7. Software programs begin to shade certain shots to create efficient drawings
8. Incorporate digital light
9. Computer data is "rendered"
10. Add finishing touches and VOILA the animation is complete!

This is just a fun, cute video using Pixar animation.

Intertextuality

A great example of intertextuality is the old Gap commercial for the comeback of "The Skinny Black Pant" featuring Audrey Hepburn. It refers to the past by using Audrey Hepburn's dance scene from Funny Face and by making a reference to the old skinny black pant. By using Audrey's iconic dance moves, Gap makes the new skinny black pant an irresistable "must-have" buy. This uses horizontal intertextuality to show old and new cultural texts within the genre of clothing.

Street paintings

This artwork is 3D Graffiti... it is UNREAL! Depending on where you are standing near the painting it either looks like it is coming out at you or it looks like an actual painting on the ground.
http://weburbanist.com

the perfect "how to" websites

In Self magazine, there were 3 websites listed that basically hire a virtual expert to show you how to do anything you would ever want to know how to do.

I checked out www.5min.com which I loved! You really can type in anything that you are interested in wanting to know how to do, and in a you-tube fashion, videos pop up onto the screen. There are multiple categories you can click on such as fitness, food, fashion, games, business, and arts. In the food section I learned how to make crepes which was exciting. I also learned how to solve a rubik's cube. Here's a simple video on how to make a ring!

How to Make a Ring in Few Simple Steps

the other websites are howcast.com and videojug.com. Apparently on videojug they even have a video on "how to treat dandruff".

Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and I am already excited! I haven't come up with a costume yet, but I've been trying to think of something original. I am more excited about all the Halloween candy. It is EVERYWHERE. I think my absolute favorite Halloween candy is candy corn. Whoever invented candy corn is a genius. It is probably the most sugary thing in the world, but I could eat it for days. It even comes in personalized packs now which I love. But there are so many different other fun candies for Halloween... too bad I'm too old for trick-or-treating. Those were some fun times... except for some of the older neighbors who were pretty stingy and had signs hanging next to the candy that said "Only take one... we're watching you!" That was enough to keep me from coming back the next year. I really like the tradition of Halloween as well. Goblins, witches, scarecrows, pumpkins... love it all!

Love this movie

I saw this once in theaters and watched it again tonight... I love it! Check out the trailer...



It's definitely a romantic movie. Patrick Dempsey is my idol.

driving issues

I will never understand why people, animals, objects do not MOVE out of the way when a car is coming towards them. Bikers seem to think that they are cars and do not stay in their lane when they ride. They even glance behind them and see that a car is coming towards them at a fast speed, but choose to ignore it. Rollerbladers are even worse. Especially if they are roller-blading couples (wearing a full set of helmets and knee pads), holding each other's hands. I'm sorry, I can't handle that... that needs to stop immediately. And even worse than that are squirrels thinking they are people. Squirrels will run out into the middle of the street and just stand there staring at the car coming towards them. They must have seen that Geico commercial where the squirrels are plotting how to wreck a man's car and they stand in the middle of the street not moving an inch. Regardless, cars will always be bigger than people and bikes so I think it would be smart for smaller objects to move out of the way when a car is approaching so everyone can get on with their lives...

Well, times have changed... priests cuss.

As I went to church today with my family, we were ushered up to the 3rd row because no one ever likes to sit in the front. We were late so those were the only seats available and the usher motioned to us to walk towards him as soon as we stepped in the door. It is awful to parade down the aisle with the whole church looking at you especially since the mass had already started. I actually was able to pay attention more since I was sitting up so close to the altar. The priest was a man I had never seen before. He was older and I assumed he would be boring and give an extremely long homily. Boy, was I wrong. He was hilarious! He actually said "shit" during his homily which I'm pretty sure has never come out of a priest's mouth before, or at least not during a homily. It just goes to show that even priests can cuss. He kept the congregation entertained and I felt bad for assuming that he was going to be boring.

airports

I always love going to the airport because it is the best place to see and observe new people. The whole process is a little overwhelming because you have to plan it so strategically. You have to know exactly what time you should leave your house to be able to park, check in your bags, and make it to your gate so you can board on time and not miss the plane. It was always so stressful traveling with my entire family because there are so many of us. By the time the plane would land, we would have crying children and aggravated parents. But, the great thing is that now I mostly am flying by myself. The only person I have to worry about getting to the airport is me. Granted, that is a challenge in itself. I have to remember to get my boarding pass which always seems to be an issue. But I love entering the airport and feeling like a world traveler even though I am just going on a short flight home. I feel like a true adult. The only bad part is going through security. I always forget to remove jewelry or scarves and it takes me about 5 attempts before I can stop beeping through the censors. Lovefield is my favorite airport because it is user-friendly. It is small enough so that everyone knows where they are going and the location is so convenient. People in airports are fun to observe because they always looked rushed and frazzled. Businessmen are rapidly talking on their phones and whipping out their laptops. Moms are trying to figure out how to get the stroller onto the airplane. Kids are restless. Once actually on the airplane, trying to stuff your carry-on bag over the seat is always interesting. I've also noticed that no one ever takes the middle seat. That's why it's important to be in the A group (if you fly Southwest) because then you can pick if you want a window or aisle seat. Luckily I haven't had any bad airplane experiences where I have had to sit next to people who can't stop talking. I usually just take my airplane time to sit back, listen to my iPod, and nap and occasionally snatch up a bag of pretzels/peanuts. Flying still scares me sometimes but I am trying to become more trust-worthy of it. Let's just say that once we touch ground and have pulled into the gate I can fully relax.

it's a sad day in baton rouge

LSU played Florida last night and it was just pure misery to watch. I am not a huge football fan, but I do love my LSU Tigers. The tigers had been going strong all season long and then BAM we get annihilated by Florida. My little brothers were having a fit and there were some unhappy faces glaring at the TV. I know that many of my friends who went to the game had a very long ride back home. I actually had to turn the game off in the last quarter because I knew the outcome would not be good. The final score was 51-21, I couldn't believe it. The great thing about LSU is that even though we lost the game, I know that every LSU fan still kept the spirit alive.

monkey waiters... WHAT?

My sister showed me this video that she found browsing through YouTube and all I have to say is... WHAT?!!?!



It involves monkey waiters in Japan... yep, I said it. Monkey waiters! It was probably the most entertaining thing I have seen in days. I particularly enjoy the monkey outfits with shorts that are wayyy too short. But apparently, these monkeys are not only waiters but are counseling buddies to lonely men. The best part of all is that the monkeys understand Japanese. Simply amazing!

just a little food for thought!

My Daily Horoscope says:

It's a good time for you to move forward with any travel plans you've had brewing, but you should not sign any legal documents or invest any large sums of money in this trip just yet. Ride things out for a few more days and wait to see if prices go down or a better option crosses your path. Keeping your options open is a smart thing to do as a rule right now -- committing yourself too early will only get you involved in something you might want to get out of later.

hmm... does this have to do with airplane prices and fall break?? Who knows!

dedman center

I just got back from working out at Dedman and I observed a few things while I was there. First of all, I love how all the cardio machines are dominated by the girls and the weight area is dominated by the boys. I like to do weights, but I hate being on display in front of everyone at SMU and apparently many girls feel the same way. I also find it interesting how many people still work out late at night... it just goes to show that people do make an effort to try to work out whenever they can, regardless of what time it is. I have recently started using the upstairs track which I really enjoy because it is not as boring as the treadmill and you can observe people below you playing basketball or volleyball which makes the time pass more quickly. Dedman is also great because they offer so many classes which help you mix up your workout routine. I feel like working out is really important and I am addicted to reading magazines like Shape and Self to find more workouts. Both of those magazines are so encouraging to get in shape. Self's website also uploads all their workouts into a video format so you can see how to properly execute them. Now if only I could say no to dessert, I would be set!

cleaning is miserable

I am definitely a messy person, but I am not a dirty person. However, I have discovered that truly living on your own in an apartment requires way more work than I thought. I guess I was pretty lucky living at home because my mom did most of my cleaning. The only thing I like about cleaning is the smell of pine-sol and pledge wipes! It really is so time-consuming, granted after it is done I feel better about myself. But whoever said cleaning a toilet was fun was telling a big lie. And who knew showers could have so many tiles that build soap scum so easily? Not to mention just going down the cleaning aisle itself is overwhelming. There are so many different brands and choices but I just stick to the basics- lysol, windex, scrubbing bubbles, and sponges. I have personally become a fan of Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. I love it! But by the time you finish scrubbing everything you feel as though you just been doing bicep curls for hours. Vacuuming is no fun either especially vacuuming on shag rugs. Trying to push the vacuum over tons of flying pieces of fur is ridiculously hard because it basically just sticks to the rug and doesn't move an inch. But considering I don't have a maid and my parents aren't here, I guess I'll just have to suck it up. The main benefit of cleaning on my own is I realize how much work my mom really has done for me in the past and I am so much more appreciative of her hard work now.

Babysitting... possibly the best job ever?

I really think I hit the jackpot in the babysitting department. I have babysat for the same family 3 times now and have yet to actually meet their 2 children. Crazy, right? Lucky for me the kids go to bed at 7:00 and I am always asked to come to the house at 7. So everytime I go, they are already asleep. I basically just sit on the couch, watch TV, and get paid for doing it. I actually really want to meet the kids one of these days and play with them, but for now I will enjoy getting a little rest and relaxation. It really just makes me feel bad for the babysitters that used to watch me and my siblings because we definitely did NOT go to bed by 7. If anything we were whining and complaining about having to go to bed at 11. But, I really envy all the sleep those kids get. What I wouldn't do for kindergarten nap time or 12 hour nights of sleep!!

John Zogby

Last Wednesday night I attended John Zogby's lecture. I had actually never heard of Zogby before and it was really interesting to find out exactly what he does and how involved he is in the media. I expected him to be a really serious speaker, but he was so laid back and funny and completely captivated the audience. I did feel a little uncomfortable when he started talking about politics because I am a republican and I felt I was surrounded by democrats, but that's ok! I enjoyed the last part of his lecture where he did Q&A because he was so straightforward and didn't beat around the bush. I also really liked how positive he was in encouraging the first globals to take on the world because our generation are the people who can change the world. Zogby put everything into a perspective that I had not seen before. It's really crazy to think about how many polls Zogby has done and how much information and knowledge he has gained by doing all the polls. All in all, I really enjoyed his lecture and his opinions.