Something There...

disneylicious

2006-11-26T21:43:52Z

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!

Beauty and the Beast's The Beast:

Ok, so let me admit straight-out that Beauty and the Beast is my FAVORITE Disney movie. The music, the fact that Belle is an intelligent main character, the French castle, and did I mention the music? ... all make this movie for me. HOWEVER, the Beast isn't my absolute favorite Disney hero. Sure, I love the-spoiled-guy-turns-sweet plot (Pride and Prejudice, anyone?) but let me indulge in my shallowness for a bit by stating that the Beast-turned-human resembles Fabio, and THAT is never a positive association, at least in my mind. And I know many who state that they love the Beast prior to his human-change, but I also find that rather unbelievable. All that fur? Umm, will have to pass. (And yes - I understand the "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" theme of the movie. I'm just jesting, that's all.)

Aladdin's Aladdin:

Oh, Aladdin. Many people, I understand, salivate over this guy. He's flexible, sure, and reallllyyy tan, yes, and has a geniune love for Jasmine, ok ... but I never really was into him. Perhaps it's his street lifestyle, his barely-there outfits (nice bod tho, must admit!), but primarily I think it's his... enthusiasm. Ok, that sounds terrible, but Aladdin always seemed rather immature and childish to me. I can't really explain it... it's just an opinion I've always had. Hmm. Must think of examples in support of that one. But Jasmine? One of my favorite Disney princesses! She's fierce. V. inspiring.

The Little Mermaid's Prince Eric:

So physically, Prince Eric is IT for me. He's basically the epitome of my dream guy. (Ok, I KNOW I'm so cliche, falling for the dark-hair-blue-eyes gimmick. Forgive me!) And I love his voice. And I can look past his attraction to fish creatures. And yes, he's attracted to girls with beautiful singing voices - and I'm almost tone deaf. That's ok, I still think it's possible...

Cinderella's Prince Charming:

He's Prince Charming. Enough said. (To be truthful, his voice is my favorite out of all the Disney Princes. It's so low and gorgeous. Although, I would have preferred a bit of intellectual discourse between him and Cinderella, it's all good. I'm satisfied regardless.)

Sleeping Beauty's Prince Philip:

Another of my favorites. He's a freaking dragon slawyer, for goodness sakes! Willing to risk one's life for love is quite admirable, as I'm sure you'd agree! And there's something about a guy riding on horseback. With a sword. And a robinhood-esque outfit. And the fact that he wasn't turned off by Aurora's 100-year-old morning breath? Keeper material. Although, I am distressed to realize that here is another such example of a Prince being initially attracted to the main character for her voice. That's all fine and dandy for the songstresses of our age, but what about representation for the can't-carry-a-tune-for-her-life viewers? Namely: me? This is fairly discouraging. (On a side note: I had no idea that Aurora's slender figure was supposedly inspired by Audrey Hepburn's figure, as she was THE star of the age when the film was released, in 1959. Thought that was interesting, as I am a huge Audrey Hepburn fan... ok, I apologize. I digress. Moving on.)

Pocahontas's Captain John Smith:

Pocahontas? Have to admit, not my favorite Disney movie. A fan of "Colors of the Wind," most definitely, but my partiality pretty much ends there. Captain John Smith was just the ruggedly handsome explorer/conquerer of an indigenous people who I liked to look at, but rarely sympathized with. Such sentiment only increased upon my learning of the real Captain John Smith of history textbook fame, whose pompous nature, potbelly-like physicality and the debating validity of his book, A Description of New England, (which I had to read for an English class) solidified my vague dislike. (In terms of strictly the Disney character himself, I am merely neutral.)

Mulan's Captain Li Shang:

I must agree with my friend's praise of the all-mighty Shang. His strength - and at the same time - his underlying vulnerability, make him one of my favorite Disney heroes. His ability to see Mulan as the lovely girl she is, despite all the trickery of her scheme to convince him otherwise, is wonderful. And he cuts a nice figure on screen... OMG, I need to remind myself someone DREW this character... well, whatever, he is as my friend described him - HOT.

So, I conclude my little descriptions here. And yes, I realize I may have missed some v. important Disney heroes. Like Simba. Hercules. Peter Pan. Tarzan. And there are others, I'm sure. But I feel presently exhausted, and will hopefully update with additional descriptions at a future time. For now, enjoy, and I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

we survived. no, seriously.

2006-06-30T05:02:25Z

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.

Class Dismissed!

2006-06-16T20:43:30Z

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!)

Top 20 Literary Crushes

2006-05-29T03:18:56Z

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

what's in a name?

2006-05-15T21:43:02Z

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?)

then and now

2006-04-23T04:50:22Z

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.

Elizabeth Hurley:

It is amazing what an eyebrow waxing can do!

Angelina Jolie:

The braces come off... and viola! A new woman.

Sarah Jessica Parker:

This current wardrobe is certainly an improvement from Sarah's "Square Pegs" days!

Nicole Kidman:

Nicole, bring back your lovely red hair!

Gisele Bundchen:

Doesn't Gisele looks prettier sans the highlights and over-the-top lingerie outfits?

Paris Hilton:

Both of these pictures scare me. Horribly.

(All photos courtesy of The Fashion Spot.)

and I thought I was obsessed...

2006-04-13T21:03:07Z

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?

literary snobs

2006-04-12T02:41:32Z

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."

por qué yo no me gusta español... y otros cuentos

2006-04-09T20:00:55Z

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!

put down the kite, Ben

2006-04-03T01:03:30Z

"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.

10 years down the road...

2006-04-01T16:24:46Z

It is officially April 1st. Spring has arrived!

The second there is a succession of white clouded, clear blue skies, I'm mentally unpacking my summer clothes and visualizing graduation. Subconsciously, I've realized that this is my last year of high school... but the fact that it will be finished in less than 3 months? Amazing, yet at the same time unbelievable.

I was reflecting on this (hey - don't laugh!) and thinking about our class's ten year reunion. I was trying to imagine people (besides my friends) who I'll never forget from high school... the sort of figures immortalized by their own quirkiness. I kept picturing a Romi and Michele's High School Reunion sort of situation - but I'm sure, that in reality, it will be a lot less exciting.

I remember my mother returning from one of her high school reunions, only to tell me about a classmate of hers who she hadn't seen since graduation. In highschool, this girl was morbidly obese, insecure, but at the same time extremely loud and opinionated. When she returned for the reunion? No one recognized her! She had lost over 150 lbs, looked amazing, and was a barricuda divorce lawyer.

But seriously? The ten year high school reunion seems far away. I mean, I'll be 28. 28! That is just strange...

legally... broadway?

2006-03-19T04:52:12Z

I have officially died and gone to heaven...

According to Playbill.com, one of my favorite movies of all time, Legally Blonde, is being made into a BROADWAY PLAY! Now, for the all important question, who is going to play ELLE?!? (Reese Witherspoon, after all, owned that role.)

Top 100 Books

2006-03-15T21:38:59Z

Several years ago, the BBC Channel broadcasted a television special called The Big Read. The program searched for the UK's "Best Loved Novel" and ultimately comprised a list of the Top 100 books in the country. As one who enjoys reading, I was curious to see how many of the Top 100 books I had read. Not many, I realized! Much to my mortification, I hadn't even read the #1 selection, which was The Lord of the Rings. (I admit, however, that I'm not much of a fantasy fan - this may explain my aversion to Harry Potter.)

Below is the Top 100 list, and the titles in bold are the books that I have read. Have you read all 100?

The Top 100 UK Books

1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen My favorite novel of all time! I may be a sore loser, but IMO, it should claim the top spot!
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman Despite not being much of a fantasy fan, I loved this series. Pullman is an amazing writer.
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell Leitze's class, anyone?
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë Classic love story. If you enjoy 'Pride and Prejudice' and want to read more 19th century Victorian lit, read this!
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë Some readers are huge fans of this book... but it was a little too depressing for me.
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger Holden Caulfield = my hero.
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott Wasn't Teddy the best? *sigh*
19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy This is the next classic on my reading list.
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell Scarlett O'Hara & Rhett Butler were perfect for one another. That is why I will forever hold a grudge against Margaret Mitchell for not writing a sequel.
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
26. Tess Of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy Glasser's favorite book!
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett Does anyone remember reading this in Pags freshman history class? I really enjoyed it.
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen The only Austen book I have yet to read!
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald Gatsby? Amazing. Daisy? Not so much.
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck
53. The Stand, Stephen King I just read my first Stephen King book 'Carrie', and I'll make sure to start the 'The Stand' soon.
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell I remember being on the verge of tears after reading this book when I was a child.
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden Great book... still have yet to see the movie!
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens Sydney was clearly the better look-alike.
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding RIP Piggy.
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl One of my favorite childhood books.
75. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins Is the new Andrew Loyd Webber Broadway play inspired by this?
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar Should I be ashamed that I have the songs from the Holes movie soundtrack on my IPod?
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo Seen the movie(s), haven't yet read the book.
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot If it's a teen-angst book, there's a 99% probability I've read it.
100. Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie

and best dressed goes to...

2006-03-06T22:41:10Z

So... last night was the Academy Awards! Granted, I didn't actually watch the entire ceremony (I was too busy drooling over my newly-purchased Pride and Prejudice DVD) but I did, of course, catch the pre-show. Truly, we all know it's about the fashion! Therefore, I'm not going to comment specifically on any of the awards, but I am going to post my favorite and least favorite looks of the night. (The rest of the entry is behind an lj-cut, as it includes lots of pictures. So enjoy!)

FAVORITE LOOKS:

Keira Knightley in Vera Wang: I just loved Keira's dress, and thought it was totally appropiate for the ceremony. The necklace? Stunning. The only part of the look I wasn't too crazy about was the hairstyle... I'm glad she wore it up, but I would have liked it less ponytail-ish. (Also, am I the only one who likes Keira's hair darker? I thought the color she wore it in Pride and Prejudice suited her well... I'm not really a fan of that shade of blond.)

Reese Witherspoon in vintage Dior: The Best Actress Winner! Apparently, this year's Oscars theme was a "Return to Old Hollywood Glamor" (but don't they say that every year?) and the only person who I thought really dressed the part was Reese. I was slightly afraid of what she would choose for the ceremony (I wasn't much of a fan of her Golden Globes dress) but the gown is beautiful. (P.S. I still can't quite believe that the star of Legally Blonde now has an Oscar! Not that I'm criticizing Legally Blonde - it's one of my favorite movies - but still. Reese has truly come a long way.)

Salma Hayek in Versace: The color of her dress was probably my favorite color of the night. That blue is so gorgeous. Plus, her hair! It looks fabulous. Just loved it all around.

Michelle Williams in Vera Wang: When I first spotted Michelle's dress, I thought the color was hideous. It took me a few minutes to adjust to it... and then... and then I realized I actually loved it. It helped that her hair and make-up looked tremendous. (Can you believe that she was once a drab character on Dawson's Creek? Talk about motherhood changing someone!)

Honorable Mentions: Jessica Alba in Versace (loved the gold color!), Felicity Huffman in Zac Posen (she always looks elegant at awards shows), Rachel Weisz in Narciso Rodriguez (pregnant and beautiful! I loved her acceptance speech, it was short & sweet), Matt Dillan (overall, I just love Matt Dillan!)

LEAST FAVORITE LOOKS:

Charlize Theron in custom-made Dior Couture: Oh, Charlize. Usually I applaud all of your dress choices... but this? What was this? If you had gotten rid of the giant bow perched on one shoulder, the dress may have been salvaged... maybe. Overall, I'm rather disappointed. (Brownie points, however, for the hair and make-up! Very simple and elegant.)

Hilary Swank in Versace: There's nothing wrong with a simple, black dress... but on Oscar night? I would hope most women would opt for something a bit more colorful and daring. Plus, I thought the neckline looked rather bare and I would have loved to see an elegant necklace... a beautiful one might have saved the dress. Hmmm... I think Hilary was channeling a little more Million Dollar Baby than I would have liked!

Maggie Gyllenhaal: There's something often refreshing about Maggie's bohemian, quirky style - but I wasn't quite feeling it last night. I didn't think the color of the dress was the most flattering on her pale skin tone, and the overall fit wasn't too eye-catching. She would look amazing in something either really light or really dark - midway, and it doesn't work out.

Sandra Bullock in Angel Sanchez: Sandra Bullock is one of my favorite "feel good movie" actresses (everytime Miss Congeniality comes on, I have to watch it - seriously - it's like some sort of obsession) but I thought this dress was sort of... bland. And I immediately disliked the whole hands-in-the-pockets thing. I know she was raving about it to the reporters, claiming that she felt so relaxed and laid-back, but come on! It's the Oscars! The only time you're excused to put your hands in your pockets is if you're George Clooney wearing a tux, and even then it's pushing it.)

Honorable Mentions: Paris Hilton (is that much of a surprise?) and Ludacris (he should have ditched the glasses).

Whew! Hopefully I covered most everything. : ) Agree with me, disagree with me? Tell me!

channel sickness

2006-03-02T02:21:37Z

TV is like a disease.

There are times I absolutely don't, won't, CAN'T watch the garbage that is being aired on screen... but I find myself doing so anyway.

Like watching The Real World Key West, for example. Or putting my homework aside because I just needed to catch that episode of The Bachelor: Paris. It's at times like these that I hang my head in shame, mortified that I have succumbed to the evil temptation of trashy programming. I mean, I understand that what I'm watching is complete and total garbage. I understand that 80% of those "reality" situations are scripted. I understand that my brain cells are likely dying by the hundreds as I continue to watch. But the sad part about it all? I. CAN'T. STOP.

Tell me, is there a cure for this?

shots & band-aids

2006-02-28T04:50:10Z

I really dislike trips to the doctor's office.

Whether it's for a routine physical, an emergency visit, or a my-throat-is-sore-I-guess-I-should-see-if-it's-strep check-up, I always cringe in anticipation of it. After turning 18 a few weeks ago, I was forced to make my yearly trek to the family physician. Not only was I due for a finger-prick AND a vaccine shot, I had to suffer the usual interrogation by my doctor, including an additional spiel about my being a "legal adult" now, and how I was "responsible for my own decisions."

After being lectured on my new adult status, I was given my two shots. My finger and arm were wrapped in Charlie Brown band-aids and I was presented a "Good Job at the Doctor!" smilieface sticker. Oh, the ironies.

sites of the city

2006-02-23T19:41:50Z

Since I'm attending college in Philedelphia next year, I was thrilled to find the website Girl's Guide to City Life, which features female reporters from around the world who list the top restaurants, boutiques, athletic facilities, and salons in their respective cities. The website posts reviews for such places as: Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Amsterdam, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Vancouver. My favorite section of the site was their Photo Gallery, which provided high-quality pictures of the places that were mentioned in their reviews.

dearest jane

2006-02-21T23:46:39Z

Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre is a book that has constantly been on my personal reading list, but up until this weekend, I had failed to actually read it. This was not due to a lack of interest - I heard often from excited fans of the book who professed their love of its main character, the dark, love-sick Mr. Rochester - and you know I am always up for a good romance! But I had been in an Austen phase for so long, re-reading my favorite books by that author, that I had failed to divulge in any new material. Now, however, with a week-long February vacation, I finally had the chance to step into the world of the governess Jane Eyre... and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As a poor, plain orphan, Jane Eyre had a bleak and dismal existence ahead of her - until fate placed her in the position of governess at the home of a Mr. Rochester, an older man starving for love and passion who immediately fell under the spell of his young, spirited employee. I dearly loved the character of Jane - she was sweet and simple, but also extremely intelligent and one who stood up for her morals. And while I still believe there is no greater romantic hero than a Mr. Darcy, say, or a John Thorton, Mr. Rochester was a lovely romantic interest. Unlike Mr. Darcy, who was in denial of his feelings at first for Elizabeth Bennet, and then after realizing such feelings, tried to dissuade them - Mr. Rochester loved Jane from the moment he set eyes on her. He didn't try to hide it and he wasn't embarrassed by it - in fact, one of my favorite scenes from the book is when he describes to Jane his passion for her from the moment of their first introduction.

Now that I've finished the book, however, I've been searching for a quality film adaptation... has anyone seen one? I know there is a 1983 BBC Production of Jane Eyre which I'd like to rent, but I'm also aware there's a 1997 film as well. In the meantime, I've rented several new books from the library to keep my interest - and although they're completely different from nineteenth-century romance (some of which include Bernard Goldberg's 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America and John Morgan's Debrett's New Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners) I'm sure I'll enjoy them.

football = America?

2006-02-20T01:55:33Z

According to my father, football is a metaphor for "the struggles of America."

After I finished laughing at his statement, I realized, from his stern expression, that he was serious. My father was a college football coach more than twenty years ago, but I never realized he had such a philosophical view of the sport. Apparently American football represents all our nation advocates: acquisition of land (aka getting a touchdown by occupying the other team's side of the field), superpower (aka the brute strength required to tackle opponents), and nationalism (aka the high ratings of most televised games.)

Hmm. I now feel bad I was too preoccupied to concentrate on this year's Superbowl... according to my father, I would have been watching an allegory of American life.

tv with marguerite

2006-02-19T06:30:46Z

I have seen the Anti-Christ. And her name is Marguerite Perrin.

Last evening I watched a two-hour episode of FOX's Trading Spouses, the television show where two mothers from completely different families switch houses for several weeks in an attempt to answer the question, "Is the grass really greener on the other side?" I have watched this show before and loved it, therefore I was pleasantly surprised to see it being aired again last night. The episode I watched, however, was positively horrifying.

Marguerite Perrin is a wife and mother who calls herself "the God warrior" aka "the fanatic Christian woman." She switches places with a family who have no organized religion, but who instead express their spirituality through tarot card readings, astrology maps, and the use of psychics. The minute Marguerite enters the house, she begins wailing and crying, claiming that living with her new, non-Christian family is "God's test" and an "unbearable life ordeal." When she returns home, she proceeds to tell her own family that the non-Christian people are evil and of Satan-origin, screaming, "THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIAN!! I WILL NOT HAVE THEM IN MY HOUSE TO TAINT MY CHILDREN! THESE PEOPLE WHO GO BY ASTROLOGY ARE SATAN-WORSHIPERS!!" Her little rant lasts oh, about two hours.

Marguerite Perrin is no Christian. She is a psychopath who uses God as her shield to function (albeit not normally) in society. She is one of those women who claims to be able to "speak to God" and to be a "true worshipper of the Lord," when in reality she is one of the least respectful and least Christian-like women in existence. She clings to an abstract idea of warped "religious purity" that fails to align with any of the principles taught by Jesus Christ. Whatever happed to the commandment promoting love, and respect for one's neighbors? Clearly this woman needs not only a therapist, but a good a** kicking.

Witness the maddness for yourself here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2006-02-14T23:58:04Z

In the spirit of today's Cupid-inspired holiday, I've decided to post a few of the lamest pick-up lines ever. Enjoy!

Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?

If I told you that you had a great body, would you hold it against me?

Are you a parking ticket? Because you've got fine written all over you.

Do you have a Bandaid? Because I just scraped my knee falling for you.

Do you have a map? Because I just keep getting lost in your eyes!

Do you have any raisins? No? How about a date?

Are you a Visa Checkcard? Because you're everywhere I want to be!

Wow! You're like Gillette. You're the best a man can get.

Do you eat lots of Lucky Charms? Because you look magically delicious!

Dream Birthday Party

2006-02-13T20:43:48Z

Since I'm turning 18 on Wednesday, I thought it ironic when I found this article from Austenblog.com (my source for Jane Austen news!) The article said that according to The Daily Mail, Princess Beatrice, the elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York in England, will have a "Pride and Prejudice theme at her 18th birthday celebration at Windsor Castle! Here's the complete article below:

According to the Daily Mail, Princess Beatrice, the elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, will have a “Pride and Prejudice” theme at her 18th birthday celebration. Guests are being asked to dress up as characters from the novel, and the newspaper has some fun speculating which characters various royal guests will choose.

And Beatrice herself is likely to follow in the footsteps of British Oscar nominee Keira Knightley and opt for the character of Austen’s most-loved heroine, Elizabeth Bennet.

The Royals traditionally wait until their 21st birthdays for a major celebration. But because of Beatrice’s unusual birthdate - she was born at 8.18pm on 8/8/1988 - her family has agreed to an 18th celebration instead.

Beatrice is unlikely to face a shortage of potential Mr Darcys from her guest list of eligible bachelors.

She has already been linked with a string of potential suitors - she was pictured holding hands with Nikolai Bismarck, great-great-grandson of Prince Otto von Bismarck, while Carlo Carello, son of the former chairman of the Italian car manufacturer Fiat, has also been touted as a possible boyfriend.

Her mother, the Duchess of York, is likely to attend as matchmaker Mrs Bennet. But whether Beatrice’s cousin Prince Harry will choose to dress as handsome soldier - and womanising cad - Mr Wickham is open to debate.

Prince William is the obvious choice for Mr Darcy, although whether he goes for the sopping wet shirt made famous by Colin Firth’s portrayal of the character in the 1995 BBC TV dramatisation remains to be seen.

The Princess Royal’s daughter Zara Phillips could go as the reckless and flirtatious Lydia Bennet and Beatrice’s father Prince Andrew is an ideal Mr Bennet.

The beleaguered character, a father of five girls, spends much of his time hiding from his wife in his study.

The Queen might attend the party dressed as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. A proud and domineering woman, she is keen to marry her daughter off to Mr Darcy.

And if Tony Blair gets an invitation, he could go as William Collins - a sycophant who thrives on the favour of Lady de Bourgh and who spends much of his time lecturing his female cousins.

Isn't that crazy? I am sooooo jealous!! (Plus, I thought it was funny that the article lists one of the potential "Darcy's" as Nikolai Bismarck, the great-great-grandson of Prince Otto von Bismarck! Talk about a weird AP Western Civ. connection!!)

model behavior

2006-02-11T22:50:48Z

I've been struggling to think of what to write in here lately, as nothing exciting has happened! So, since I'm still having an extreme case of writer's block and because I'm a Fashion Spot addict, I've decided to devote an entire entry to my favorite model, Eugenia Volodina. She's a Russian twenty-one year old who I think personifies grace and class. Here's some pictures of her from various designer shows:

baby got brains

2006-01-30T02:12:38Z

Wow. I have no words.

Baby Got Brains
by Jonathan Tannen (Harvard Class of 2007)

(To the tune of Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-lot)

I like big brains and I cannot lie
Y'all Harvardians can't deny
When a girl walks in with a TI-89
You don't care about her behind,
You get Crimson!
Wanna talk about ether,
Then do a problem set with her,
Her frame of reference is cookin
And you know I can't stop looking

Oh, baby I wanna conversation
Bout gamma radiation
My suitemates tried to stop me
But with that IQ of yours just just just
Drops me
So, brilliant girl
You say you wanna go for a date?
Well let's go to the language lab so we can collaborate.

I've seen her learnin'
Just gets me burnin'
In class, she's fast, and I wanna see her?notes.

I'm tired of Princeton Review
Saying Harvard's number 2,
Cause I'd take an Ec concentrator over a floozy from BU

So Fellas (yeah), fellas (yeah)
Is your girlfriend really smart? (hell yeah)
Well flaunt it, flaunt it, cause you got science down to an art
Baby got brains

I like'em quick, and bright
And when I'm up at night
I just wanna help myself
I'm acting like Summers,
Commencing new comers

You can help my math
And we can add, double and, add, add
You know I just go flat when,
I meet a girl in expos ten,
My thesis needs your revision
My atom needs your fission,
My object's wishin,
It comes after your preposition.
So when I read Immanuel kant
Theres only one thing that I want,
That's your Autonomous will,
Maximize my happiness like Mill
A word to the smarty sistas

I wanna get wit ya
Want to early admit ya
But I cannot tell a lie when I cry I wanna drive
Your harmonic oscillator
Baby, got it really right
Want to stay up through the night,
Cuz you know that if she's bright
Then my imagination can take flight.
Cuz you're intelligent, and I'm really bent
On showing you Mr. Magnificent.

So ladies (yeah), ladies (yeah)
You gonna earn your own Mercedes? (yeah)
Then turn around
And celebrate
Cause you know I think you're really great.
Baby got brains

Yeah baby
When it comes to double x chromosomes
SAT scores matter more than the body
36-24-36?
Only if that's her IQ

So your girlfriend's part of Mensa,
Gotta huge intelligensa,
Well sign me up for some of that turbulenca
My Number two pensa don't want any unless you know the log of 10 e
You can look like the missing link, girl as long as you can think
Some guys don't like your kind
Cause they're threatened by your mind
So they turn and try to flee
And I come runnin at point 8 c.

So Glamour calls you a nerd,
Well I abhor that word
Cause the things I wanna do with you are ludicrous and absurd!
L-L-Lick you from your head to your toes?
Stupid girls gonna have to wait,
Cause I only got hos in one area code
0-2-1-3-8
So ladies if you need a man,
Y'all come runnin straight to J-Tan
Cause I got me an affliction
For a girl who's got good diction
Harvardians, if your scores are high,
And you know the square root of pi,
Dial 3-8265 fo sho'
To take care of my natural log
Baby got brains

belle_17 @ 2006-01-27T19:35:00

2006-01-28T02:44:30Z

It's always odd when you're flipping through the television channels, only to discover that the beloved plot of one of your favorite books has been adapted into a made-for-tv movie. It happened to me this morning as I watched the Lifetime drama Speak, a film based off the book of the same name. I was actually pleased with the film adaptation - the actress Kristen Stewart accurately conveyed the depression felt by the book's main character, and the movie itself portrayed teen suicide, which is surely a challenging issue, in a light of respect and concern that would make the film ideal for high school health-class showings. (P.S. I truly recommend the book itself - although it is a dark narriative of teenage angst - the underlining theme of "there's light at the end of the tunnel" makes it a universal story sure to be appreciated by most readers.)