So last night, I was talking to one of my friends during dinner. We somehow happened upon the topic of Disney movies, both of us agreeing that such beloved classics of cinema are not only watched - but secretly appreciated - by everybody. "You know," she suddenly remarked, twirling a piece of spaghetti on her fork, "this might sound really weird - but I think Shang from Mulan is HOT."

Umm... and your point is...?

Apparently my friend thought it shameful to admit her crushes on fictious characters!! Blasphemy, right? At least, I thought so. Well, after all, I'm the one who has written countlessly in this journal of my constant quest to meet the Phantom of the Opera, and I even devoted an entire entry to my ranking of the Top 20 Literary Crushes. Well... today I will be guilty of writing an entry of a similar vein. Such a resolve was sparked from the news of Gail Carson Levine's newly released book Fairest, based on the fairy tale Snow White. Now, Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted (which - if you have not read - I demand you to, AT ONCE) is one of my all-time favorite novels. The relationship between Ella and Char is truly amazing, and Char... well... he's sort of too good to be true, to tell you the truth. *sigh* (And regardless of the blasphemy that is the Ella Enchanted movie - sooo many facts were wrong in regards to the novel - Hugh Dancy is marvelous! And actually, Anne Hathaway is a wonderful actress... it was the poorly adapted plot that proved the problem in that film fiasco.)

Now, before I diagress further, let me address the whole point of this entry. Whether we admit to it or not - all of us, and I mean, ALL of us - have watched/do watch Disney movies. (The animation type, specifically.) I admit to it fully that at the age of 18, I continue to watch said movies as often as I can, and continue to drool sickly over said heroes of said movies. (Come on, don't look at me like that!! I know you know what I mean.)

Oddly enough, many of us (and I speak primarily to the female population here) have our own respectful "favorites" pertaining to the Disney heroes. Some adore the original Prince Charming cerca Cinderella, some go ga-ga over Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid, and some can't resist Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty.

So, because I'm hopelessly narcissistic and adore writing about anything that pertains to myself (ok - so that's not true, at least in most cases - lol) I've resolved to list several of the most popular Disney heroes and write my opinions concerning them. Whether I love them/hate them/agree with their hype/struggle to understand their appeal... etc. I completely welcome you to express your own views concerning these legendary (mostly stock) characters!

( Once Upon A Time... )

It has been a little over a week since I officially graduated from high school. I promised an entry devoted to the ceremony, but I am hesitant to even do that... not sure if my incessant ramblings would be nostalgic enough or heartfelt enough. My four years have been incredibly worthwhile, and I can say that truthfully. I've made great friends, taken interesting courses, and had fun at dances/parties/etr. But I'm not emotionally torn. I'm at peace - a little nostalgic, maybe - but hardly upset. I've done my duty, accomplished what I set out to... and I'm ready for college. Amidst the frantic studying and mental cramming... I've grown a fondness for DHHS (much as I hate to admit it). To all my friends: PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH! Thank you for making my four years the best they possibly could be. Congratulations to the Class of 2006! And because I couldn't have said it better...

Speed, weed, rock 'n' roll
sex & drugs out of control
this is how we get our kicks
party on class of '06!!


Uh...


Nights we'll never remember, Friends we'll never forget
Tons of busted parties with that special brownie mix
Random hookups with guys, One night stands with chicks
But hey that's what happens when you graduate in 06'.


Ok... seriously...


Faces of old and faces of new. People we know and people we knew.
Growing together then drifting apart. Always an ending and now a new start.
At graduation we all grow nearer, and all of our friends seem to much dearer.
And as we say our final goodbye, one last embrace and one more cry.
A "keep in touch" and a "promise I will," a "remember when"
but, better still; a place in my heart, you'll always stay.
This is what's said as we go our own way.

So... I am officially done with high school.

Ok, so not officially... (my graduation ceremony is the 21st of June) ... but I no longer have any classes. And sure, graduation is a common rite-of-passage for most American teenagers, but it's still unnerving. Exciting. And a bit scary, too.

I'll be sure to post the details of my actual graduation day on the 21st... but tomorrow, expect an update on something amazing. (Ok, so I lied about the 'amazing part'. But I will update!)

American writer Dr. Seuss once said, "“If I were invited to a dinner party with my characters, I wouldn't show up.”

I am certain, however, that if I were invited to the same dinner party as the 20 characters listed below - not only would I show up, I'd bring dessert! :) Without further ado, here's my list (inspired by a discussion w/ Becca!) of my Top Twenty Literary Crushes:

1) Mr. Darcy - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
"The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which tuned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend" (58)
Why? .... Ok, so he's haughty. And restrained. And sometimes rude. But he's intelligent! Wealthy! Brooding! And forever & always #1 on my list.

2) Mr. Rochester - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Why? ... He's brooding, he's passionate... I'm beginning to see some sort of correlation here...

3) Mr. Thorton - North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Why? ... Not only do I love the character in the actual book, but he became Top 5 in my rankings after I watched Richard Armitage play him in the BBC Production.

4) Rhett Butler - Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Why? ... He's sarcastic, he's cunning, and he's doesn't give a damn... ideal traits in any fictional crush.

5) Prince Char - Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Why? ... Ella Enchanted may be a children's story, but Prince Char has remained a favorite long after my 11th birthday.

6) Jesse - Mediator Series by Meg Cabot
Why? ... Who wouldn't fall in love with a sweet, protective ghost?

7) Will - Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Why? ... So he may be a bit idealized, but does it matter? Heroic, smart, athletic, kind, funny, strong... I can go on ...

8) Holden Caulfied - The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
Why? ... So Holden may be a little 'different' ... but that only makes him more interesting!

9) Erik - The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Why? ... So he's hideously deformed, a murderer, and emotionally repressed - that doesn't sound like an ideal guy. But Erik is the fantasy extreme that is oddly so appealing.

10) Jay Gatsby - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Why? ... His endearing love for Daisy made him truly crush-worthy. It's too bad that he was attracted to a dimbat like her, though. *shakes head*

11) Paul Slater - Mediator Series by Meg Cabot
Why? ... So he's bad - but at the same time - so, so good.

12) Mr. Knightley - Emma by Jane Austen

13) Sydney Carton - A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

14) Gideon - To Love a Thief by Julie Ann Long

15) Laurie Laurence - Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

16) Pip - The Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

17) Jonathan Harker - Dracula by Bram Stoker

18) Will - His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

19) Ivanhoe - Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

20) Westley - The Princess Bride by William Goldman

I would like to give my sincerest apologies to anyone who has been offended by my obvious neglect of this livejournal - (yes Becca, that was directed to you!) - and I hope to renew my promise of (somewhat) daily updating. If it's any consolation, the world of livejournal has been in my thoughts, but I've simply lacked inspiration.

Yesterday afternoon, I was browsing through the Sunday New York Times only to read one of my favorite pages - the wedding section. (So I'm a hopeless romantic - at least I admit to it! : ) ) One of the recent bridegrooms had the most amazing, distingushed name: Bradford Royce Aston. This name got me thinking: What's in a name? What are your favorite names? Are you happy with your name? If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

It's a topic I haven't really given much thought to until recently. I've always considered my name - "Kristin" - to be as constant and permanent as my own self. It began with me at birth, and it surely won't change after my death, when someday it will be etched on a gravestone. But I've realized in the last few months that a name can often be a subject of great controversy. My cousin's first child, for instance, is a two-year-old boy named "Maximilian". While the name isn't on my Top 10 List, it's perfectly respectable - but there's a slight problem. My cousin is annoyed that most people, when referring to her son, call him by his name's shortened version - "Max". Apparently my cousin expects every stranger to address her son as "Maximilian". "Sit down, Maxmilian." "Eat your dinner, Maximilian." "Thank you, Maximilian." "Good bye, Maximilian." Geez! The name's enough syllables to leave you struggling for breath after you repeat it several times. My point is: Names take a life of their own. Someone may have one intention with a name, but others may change its pronounciation or shorten its lettering regardless. Personally, i think there's something comforting and affectionate about a nickname. (Right, Max?)

I am mortified to admit that I enjoy a juicy tabloid story, watch E! news regularly, and am unable to resist a magazine with my favorite starlet on the cover. Certainly I am no stalker, of course, but at times I am dangerously close to needing an intervention! While gleefully viewing these primped celebs in all their plastic surgery glory at award shows, I also find it fun to compare current pictures of these stars with their pre-fame snapshots. Such 'celebrity transformations' are often proof of the magic that is Hollywood lighting... but they are also sometimes nostalgic looks at good ol' days past.

( Dare to take a peek? )

I freely admit that the majority of my livejournal entries are superifical. Professions of fangirl love are numerous; posts describing my latest celebrity obsession *cough* Gerard Butler *cough* are common. While my infatuation with that actor has since diminished, I am relieved to report that another man has replaced Butler as my newest fascination. The only problem, however? My latest "project" died about 180 years ago.



Lord Byron, a Romantic poet who lived between 1788-1824, was described by my Western Civilization textbook to be "an aristocrat, rich, handsome, defiant - his affairs with countless women earned him reputation as a libertine, or a Romantic rebel against conformity and inhibition."

So basically? This "sensitive" poet was an 18th century playa.

Already a fan of his poetry, I was intrigued to learn more of his romantic endeavors. What I discovered was juicier than any Brad-Jen-Angie tabloid headline. Seriously. Here's the low-down on just one of his infamous love affairs, according to Englishhistory.net:

--------------------------



Lady Caroline Ponsonby Lamb, at the time of her first meeting with Byron, was 27, married, and the mother of an autistic son. (Byron was 24, respectively.) Upon reading one of Byron's works, Childe Harold, she conjured up a romantic image of the poet and fancied meeting him. A few day's later, the two were both at the house of a Lady Westmoreland, but Byron was surrounded by women and Caroline, nervous, left.

Byron, of course, always preferred women he had to pursue. Once Caroline Lamb had avoided the introduction, Byron was determined to meet her. They were introduced at Lord and Lady Holland's, but Byron was initially disappointed. Caroline did not resemble his traditional conquests, or his concept of feminine beauty. She was tall and very thin, with short, curly blonde hair and hazel eyes. After the meeting, he told his friend Medwin, 'The lady had scarcely any personal attractions to recommend her.' Her figure 'was too thin to be good' and her eccentric habit of dressing as a page shocked him. But Caroline was attracted to him instantly; she wrote, 'That beautiful pale face is my fate.'"

Byron got over his initital dislike for her figure, however, and the two became lovers. Relationship problems began early on: Byron's supposed flirtations with other women and Caroline's waltzing with other men made both parties jealous. The passion - while for a short time intense - died for Byron. He had the ultimate romantic flaw: He loved to pursue women but, once captured, he longed to leave them. Unfourtunately for Caroline, however, she was still deeply in love with Byron. When he left London for Newstead, Caroline bombarded him with letters. Byron's friends, however, convinced him not to respond; they did not want to further encourage the affair that had already scandanlized London society. Caroline was angered by Byron's deliberate avoidance, and when he returned to London, she showed up unexpectantly at his home. (This was a huge no-no: a married woman showing up alone at a man's house had serious social reprecussions.) It was there at his house, in an act of desperation, did Caroline grab a knife and try stab herself. Byron held her down until she was calm. Eventually, she let Hobhouse take her to a friend's home. He was desperate to prevent any public declaration of intent from either party. Before leaving, she made Byron promise to visit her before he left London again.

Caroline, however, still could not resist Byron. She sent him a letter enclosed with a pubic hair (ew!) and a letter addressing herself as "Caroline Byron." The letter she sent read:

'I asked you not to send blood but Yet do - because if it means love I like to have it. I cut the hair too close & bled much more than you need - do not you the same & pray put not scissors points near where quei capelli grow - sooner take it from the arm or wrist - pray be careful....'

Byron agreed to continue writing to her, perhaps because he feared another hysterical outburst. He also still cared for her. And for Byron, absence always made the heart grow fonder. He could now play the role of the gracious former lover. Since she was safely away, he could avow passion he no longer felt.

Byron soon engaged himself in another affair with Jane Elizabeth, Countess of Oxford (I told you he was a player!) and Caroline was devestated. She held a dramatic bonfire in Hertfordshire; village girls dressed in white and danced while Caroline threw copies of Byron's letters, and a figure of Byron she had made, into a fire. Caroline could not forget Byron, however - she would visit his home at inappropiate hours unwelcomed, writing "Remember Me!" on books on his desk. She also forged a note in Byron's handwriting to his publisher John Murray, requesting a painted miniature of the poet. Byron found out, and was furious. In revenge, when Caroline requested a lock of his hair, he sent one of his mistress's hairs instead.

Their last public scenes together ended any remaining semblance of the relationship. They both attended a masked ball at Burlington House in honor of the Duke of Wellington. There, Byron (dressed as a monk) scolded her in public, embarrasing her terribly. Four days later, they saw each other again at a waltzing party at Lady Heathcote's. There, Caroline - who remembered his earlier pleas (when they were still together) for her to sit with him instead of dance - walked up to him and asked, 'I conclude I may waltz now.' Byron replied: 'With every body in turn - you always did it better than anyone. I shall have a pleasure in seeing you.' Later, he said to her sarcastically, 'I have been admiring your dexterity.' Caroline picked up a table knife, 'not intending anything', she later wrote. Byron was amused and contemptuous. 'Do, my dear. If you mean to act a Roman's part,' he told her, 'mind which way you strike with your knife - be it at your own heart, not mine - you have struck there already.' Caroline cried out, 'Byron!' and fled in distress. When some ladies tried to take the knife from her, she cut her hand. The entire affair was reported in the papers.

--------------------------

So... you may ask, why I am now obsessed with Lord Byron? It's because he is the quintessential "bad boy." In addition to Caroline and Jane Elizabeth, he was reportedly involved with Lady Annabella Milbanke, Augusta Leigh, and Lady Frances Webster. Byron was also the master of the love letter. After learning about him, who needs a historical Harlequin romance?

As of late, I have begun to "broaden my literary horizons," so to speak, by choosing books of various genres. Never, for example, would I have considered myself to be a crime/mystery fan - but I recently read Postmortem and
Cruel and Unusual by Patricia Cornwell, both of which I greatly enjoyed.

It is often in life that one comes across the quintessential "literary snob," and by that I mean someone who is quick to disregard every bestseller; sure that the book in question must be of little substance if it attracted the praise of the common reader. For such persons, the definition of a "good book" is not one that evokes emotion - leaving the reader breathless with anticipation, trembling in fear, or marveling at the events to come - no, the "literary snobs" definition of a "good book" is one with complicated symbolisms, perfectly formulated sentences, and unique use of adjective and verb. While many of these grammatically-perfect books are "good books" - no, often "great books" - they are not the only worthwhile pieces of literature.

Case in point: I once had a discussion with an adult who could be considered, on all accounts, to be well-read. She was a member of a weekly book club, a constant peruser of several literary journals, and once an English major at a prestigious university. When she asked of my current reading, however, I mentioned several titles, most of which could be found on the New York Times Bestseller List. Her reaction, to put it mildly, was frightening. After rebuffing the majority of my reading selections (including my favorite book of all time,
Colony, by Anne River Siddons) I could no longer listen to her. While I respect everyone's opinion on what constitutes "good literature," it angered me to find out that the very titles this woman had rejected for being "too commercial" were ones she had never even read! To criticize a book before reading it? A shocking offense to all, I'd imagine.

What "literary snobs" fail to keep in mind is that a book can be both commerically and critically successful. Charles Dickens, all the rage in his day, continues to be of great influence to most modern writers. He was seen, however, as little more than an entertainer by critics early in his career. It was not until Dickens mastery of prose was recognized by writers like George Gissing and G.K. Chesterton, did the author finally become the material of the day's "literary snobs."

Forewarning: The following entry was written for ranting purposes. To those who have no knowledge of the class I speak of, you are blessed. To those who do... I share your pain.

As a senior in my last trimester of high school, I expected to be "breathing easy." The classic stereotype of senior year conjurns up images of keg parties, prom preparation, and shopping for college. Homework? ... It dooesn't exactly figure into the equation. Nonetheless, I found myself with reading assignments, physics problems, and *gasp* TERM PAPERS? Someone must surely be joking.

Not only is senior year not a walk in the park, I have to deal with an intensely frustrating Spanish class that grinds my nerves. Now... I enjoy most foreign languages. Heck, I've visited Spain and loved it. But this class has crossed the limits of sanity and delved into the surreal. Here's a list of the reasons why:

1. The Grading System. Despite the class's fair number of tests and quizzes, a portion of each student's grade also consists of how frequently he or she answers questions in class. When the teacher calls on one of us after we've raised our hand, we recieve a slip of paper worth a point. At the end of the trimester, these slips of paper are collected and counted for our final grade. Sounds effective, right? Wrong. There are times I have had my hand raised for the entire class, only to be called on once or twice. Thus, this grading system does not reward how much you know, but how many times the teacher calls on you.

2. The 'Games.' In order to review for said tests, our class often plays "games" which are meant to test our knowledge before the exam. The only problem? These "games" are not games at all - they're simply questions posed by the teacher to test each student independently. One "game", for example, consists of three teams of students hustling up to the whiteboard to write down a correct answer in the fastest possible time. Wow. Surely that activity is a fun time had by all!

3. The Difficulty. When I signed up for this class, I did so because its description in the student directory was "Level 2." As in, not Level 1. I would expect, in a Level 1 class, difficult tests, nightly homework, and psycho teachers. But this is LEVEL 2. Someone, apparently, forgot to fax my teacher that memo.

Ugh. I have grown frustrated just writing this post. I will be sure to remember more reasons why I so dislike this class... and I will add them to this entry accordingly. Until then, adiós!

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." ~ Benjamin Franklin

It is strangely frightening when you realize that one of your country's founding father's (not to mention the principal founder of your university) ... was apparently quite the party animal.