An American Idol Hater

So i would offically like to announce that i, Kristin Najarian am an American Idol hater. I have tried season after season so watch the show and i have actually become fans of some of the contestants. But leave it to America to screw it up! I don't know what goes on out there but the voters are wack! They always seem to be screwing with the show. Last season they used to vote for the people that the judges hated just to spite them, and now this season they are just mindlessly voting for the WORST contestants. Last night my favorite, Brooke White, got voted off and that is when the American Idol break up occurred. Clearly America thinks differently than i do because she was clearly the best and had the most potential to be a star!!! And David Archuleta the biggest dork EVER is still on!?! WHAT!! sorry i needed to vent

Meeting Dashboard

Alright so I am not a super fan of Dashboard Confessional, but my friends are!! They played at school last night for free and then went to barley house after. So of course we followed them to barley and MET THE BAND! They were sooo nice and honestly made me want to go out and buy their CD. I wouldn't say that i was star struck, but definitely impressed by how laid back and cool they were. If I were a celebrity or someone famous i feel like i would be much more like dashboard then i would be like lindsey lohan. Grateful for what i had and at the same time nice a friendly to people who wanted to meet me. Ahh that would be the day... when people cry when they meet me and beg for my autograph

Super Size Me

 Recently i watched the documentary "Super Size Me". It was really interesting and my favorite fun fact i learned was that Mississippi is currently the fatest state where 1 in 4 people are obese YUCK!. I started thinking about my perception of Americans. Are the majority of Americans i see on a daily obese? I feel like we don't even notice overweight people any more. They just blend in, they don't stick out and being different because so many people are obese these days it almost seems natural. The number of overweight people in America is rising and this means that when i have children they are at an even larger risk for being overweight. How do we resolve this problem? I suggest going back to our roots...the traditional meals where the mother (or father) cooks a healthy dinner at home. Nothing deep fried and nothing take out. All natural made inside the home. People didn't used to be overweight until we built all the fast food chains and made ding dongs and Twinkies a staple. Lets take a step back and go back to the traditional way of eating. Family style!

Urban Myths

 So I am sure you have all heard about the urban legend that says if you mix soda (coke) and mentos the mixture will explode. Well here is my question to you urban legend experts... What if i was to drink a coke while eating a mentos? Would my stomach explode? haha It seems funny but why not? 

Urban legends are stories that have been around for many many years. They are not usually true, but they are entertaining because they have been told and repeated for generations. I think that Urban legends are definitely a part of people's culture. Legends and myths vary through out cultures and one of ours just happens to involve two of my favorite things : coke and candy!

Astrological Signs

I am a Taurus! And i find myself checking the paper or the back of magazines occasionally to check my horoscope. While doing this the other day, I started to think how silly it was. I can get so excited or bummed out just by what some fool at the magazine company decided to write for Taurus this month. An astrological sign having some meaning about your future just seems like such an ancient belief, yet people (like my mom and I) check our horoscope daily in hopes of getting a fortune we like. Even though we all know they are bogus, people still tend to check them and rely on them daily. Its like a fortune cookie, we know what they say don't really matter, yet we still check them and get our hopes up when they something to the effect of "Love is near in your future". Ah ha it just seems so crazy!

Mommy Dearest

So those are my parents (HEY mom and dad). Alright so don't judge me, but yesterday i was flipping through the channels and came across the Muary Show (white trash i know). I was intrigued so obviously i stopped and watched. The episode was full of drama and baby mamas, but the one thing i did get out of it was how sad these people's life's are. I understand not everyone can be as fortunate as me, but I don't feel sympathetic for people who never had strong parental figures in their life. I think about how i grew up and my amazing relationship with my parents and i feel so lucky to have that in my life. I really think that your parents and how you are raised influences and molds you into the person you are. If you look at any of the guests on the Muary Show i can guarantee they do not come from parents who put in much effort parenting them. Sometimes it takes little things like the Maury Show to remind you how good you really have it!

Illegal Downloading

So I am going to admit something illegal that some of you may not agree with. Yes, my name is Kristin Najarian and i am an illegal downloader. Wait Wait, hear me out first. 

So if you think about it, illegal downloading can help an artist in its own ways. For example, everytime i hear a song of the radio that i like i go and download it on limewire and since it is free, i may even download other new songs by the artist. It is like free advertising and exposure for aspiring musicians. Also, if i grow to like the artist and their music i may buy tickets to their concert, or i may buy their entire CD and Best Buy. I just think that all this hype about illegal downloading needs to chill out. People are always going to illegal download and find ways around the system. As my dad would say "Rules are meant to be broken"

Blogging

So although I have my moments when I enjoy blogging, most of the time I hate feeling like I HAVE to do it. I feel like some of my blogs are forced and that I could have a better blog and actually have some comments if I had a blog that was more about something I was interested in. For example, Perez Hilton has a celebrity gossip blog and people like me comment and look on it everyday. Perez has this blog because he is interested in celebrity gossip so he created a blog that he enjoys and that he wants to share with other people. If I had to create a new blog I would do the same thing as Perez. I would center my blog around a common theme like fashion, or music and keep all my blogs updated on the latest clothes or music artists. Keep your eyes out for a new blog.. coming soon!

Miley Cyrus has an OOPS!!

OO NOO!!! it looks like Miley Cyrus is having an uhuhoo.... It is bound to happen. No teen star is perfect (Britany being the prime example). Unfortunately no teenage role model for young kids these days seems to have their shit together. Miley of all people was no someone I would have suspected to have racy photos on the Internet so soon, she seems so sincerely sweet and innocent. Too bad things are never really how they seem in Hollywood. I really feel like it is unfortunate that celebrities always have to have some bad side or something that comes up that makes them less appealing. Miley is a role model to all young girls right now, my younger sister being one of them. She is only 10 and is a crazy fan!! If she saw this pictures i would not be happy, but in Miley's defense they could be worse. It is just so sad these days that even the most Innocent seeming celebrities have to have some flaw. I know it is only natural to have flaws, but not everyone needs to have racy photos and sex tapes these days... COME ON MILEY... pull yourself together girl!

Going Organic

So my roommate is an organic freak.  Literally my other roommates and I know what food is hers just because it says organic on it. The funny thing is that she thinks that organic food works as a diet supplement almost. AHH we have tried to explain to her that it just means it was grown and made with out chemicals, but she refuses to believe that is all it is about. Not only does my roommate drive me crazy with her organic crap, but how much stores charge for organic food is NUTS! Why would you pay so much more for food that is made chemical free. We have been eating chemical ridden food for decades and we have all turned out fine, so why change now?! I can assure you one thing... I will be eating the most non organic ding dongs and twinkies until someone can convince me otherwise. 

9/11 ... Too soon?

New Oliver Stone 9/11 Film Introduces 'Single Plane' Theory

So Oliver Stone has been producing a film called "World Trade Center" that is staring Nicolas Cage. The premise of the film is based off a 9/11 theory that only one plane hit the world trade center. The theory will be explained and show in greater detail in the film with realistic reenactments of what Stone thinks had happened. 

My question is ... Is it too soon? I think a 9/11 film that proposes another theory about the incidents that happened that day may make audiences uncomfortable. I feel like this film may be picking at the 9/11 scab. Americans are not fully healed, and a film such as this one may do more harm than it would good. To some this theory may be fascinating, but i think to the majority of others it may just be a good idea too soon. 

Job Searching

So I have decided that looking for a job (a summer job) is the hardest most stressful thing I have done in a while. It sucks because no one is looking to hire a second year college student with little experience in their field. Job positions are so competitive these days too. If you think you have it all I guarantee someone else out there is better. It never seems to fail, there is always some one there to one up you. It worries me because I am finding it difficult to find a summer job, but this isn't even the real world yet. If i can't find a summer job, how am I ever going to find a real job out in the real working world once college is over. Do i just hope i get lucky and make some great connections while I'm here? What if those connections don't actually work out? Am I supposed to work at McDonald's until a better opportunity comes along?  Well until now I am still in search of some work...

A Hairy Situation

So the other day my friends and I got take out from California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). It is one of our favorites! So when we got back to my house we all gathered around and began to eat. After I was almost done with my macaroni and cheese what do I discover??? a BLACK HAIR!! not just one but TWO!! Immediately I freaked out and remembered something I wish I had remembered before we ordered the food. This exact same hairy situation happened to me a year ago at the SAME place. CPK!! gross. It is so sad that one of my favorite restaurants has been ruined for me. Just think though, the word of mouth this place is getting is going to be horrendous. Not only were my friends disgusted, but I can assure they just lost some business because my friends nor myself will be eating there for a while! YUCK!

Security Scanner!! ahhh NUDITY!!

  I am all for airport security, trust me I hate flying and anything to make me feel safer on an airplane would be wonderful!! This new device that literally scans your naked body seems a little off beat to me. I mean I understand why a new system like this could help, but how awkward is that? To stand in a class cage while some old creepy airport security guard literally gets to check out a computer image of your naked body! This makes me wonder how other people are going to react to this. People may object or not like this type of security check and will there be another method for them to be checked by security? These are some of the issues I think will need to be addressed if TSA is serious about installing this new system. Personally, I think the scanners are a good idea, but in reality they may not have the same positive results that airport security would like :(

New Beer's Eve

Today beer drinkers, who know a little bit about beer history, are celebrating what some people are calling New Beer's Eve. CNN.com ran a story today about American beer drinkers celebrating the 75th anniversary of the return of beer. As the prohibition era came to an end, beer officially became legal on April 7th, 1933!! If only this could be come an official holiday! 

Jelly Helm Article

In response to an article written by Jelly Helm about social responsibility:

I agree with Morrison and Helm when they talk about the good that advertising can do for our society. Although many people view advertising negatively, many agencies and people working with in the advertising industry are taking social responsibility and using advertising as a means to do good. Helm points out that advertising creates wants and desires, thus creating unnecessary over consumption . Adverting does create the desire for more and more and more, but he offers 3 great suggestions and revisions to the advertising code of ethics. I think these 3 principles are great and that any agency who does not follow along these guidelines is not taking social responsibility. To work in such a public and persuasive industry, agencies must take responsibility for their actions and realize that their actions effect our society.

Laser Eye Surgery

So this summer I want to get laser eye surgery. I am sure you have all heard about the relatively new technology that is nearly painless and can correct your vision and make it nearly perfect. This surgery is ideal for people like me who have been wearing contacts for years, but unfortunately there are some complications that come along with the surgery. These complications are so risky that I am almost considering not getting the surgery. The complications include seeing with double vision or seeing things with a halo of light around their head. If these complications do occur, they unfortunately can not be fixed, not even with more surgery or with contacts. So here is my dilemma, I have been wearing contacts for 12 years and although it is a small pain to take them in and out everyday, for the most part I do not even notice them. So is it worth risking walking around with double vision for the rest of my life because I was greedy and had to have the surgery? Sometimes I feel like the complications outweigh the positives. Here is my plan... since technology is always improving, I think I am going to wait until the possibility of complications goes down because I am only 19 and the thought of walking around with double vision for the next 50 or 60 years just doesn't sound appealing! ahh 

April Fools?! Really Hilary?

So apparently, Hilary Clinton is just getting all the laughs today. NOT! This is the lamest April Fool's joke I think I have ever heard. Challenging Obama to a bowl off? That's the best you could think of Hil Clint? Well you may think your presidential campaign is the shit, but your jokes SUCK! Not only was the delivery of the joke dry and horrible, the actual idea blows. Bowling?? Maybe you should challenge Obama so that when he kicks your ass in bowling we'll all have the last laugh! 

Okay all Hilary bashing aside, I thought this was an unusual thing for a presidential candidate to do. She is trying to show a lighter, more humorous, side to her, but unfortunately I don't think this will give her any leg up in her campaign and may even hurt her if taken out of context. If someone watched her deliver her "hilarious" April Fool's joke on TV and changed the channel before she said it was a joke, there goes a few hundred votes! Let's just keep it strictly business for now Hilary, and leave the jokes for someone else. 

The Tudors

My mom is literally obsessed with this new show on HBO. It is a show about King Henry VIII and Anne Bolen. It is supposed to be a spiced up documentary about his life and the history of the Catholic Church. 

The sad part about this show is that to get people to learn about history, they need to make a show that is full of sex and violence and attractive characters. Let's face it, King Henry VIII never look like that guy in the picture and no one back in the day was having nearly as much sex as they are on the show. Although this show is based on real events that have happened in history, it is terribly sad that for people to learn such important history they have to watch a show on HBO. Now don't get me wrong, I love my mommy, BUT she calls me all excited  to tell me how interesting the show is and how amazing the whole history of the Catholic Church splitting up is because she has just learned it from some sex driven tv show. My dad feels exactly the same way. Although my dad knows a lot more about history than I do, we can agree that history should be learned in school out of a text book, BEFORE it is watched and revamped for pleasure on TV!

Hell's Kitchen Motivation

So I was watching Hell's Kitchen the other day and it was my first time watching it. I was literally appalled and felt soo bad for the contestants. The head chef, Chef Ramsey yells the worst, most hurtful things I have ever heard someone say to someone. The horrible thing is that he yells at them so harshly for some of the smallest mistakes. Watching this show and seeing how Chef Ramsey motivates his contestants I started thinking about if this type of negative motivation works. I agree that harsh, punishment-filled motivation is a successful way to motivate, but why is it that positive motivation doesn't have the same effect. How sad is that? We need someone screaming profanity in our face to get us to do something properly, but by asking nicely we might just blow it off. Personally, I think I work best with people who are harsh on me, but at the same time offer positive support. I need someone who will push me to my limits, but will know when to back off at the same time right before I may break down. Lets just say I won't be on Hell's Kitchen anytime soon!

41 Hours of Torture

 This video just amazes me and kind of scares me at the same time. A man was literally trapped in an elevator for 2 days, 2 days of living hell that is. Last year I lived in Boaz Hall, a very run down dorm, and the elevators were infamous for breaking down with people in them. A girl on the 4th floor got stuck by herself once for only one hour, but that was enought to make me never want to ride the elevator alone. My friends and I always tried to take the stairs, but in other places my lazy butt always takes the elevator. Fortunatley for me I have never gotten stuck, but this video just makes me realize how easy it is to get hurt, or be endanger every day doing the most commong things. We get scared to jump out of a plane with a parachute attatched to our back, but don't think twice about getting into an elevator. Just like this guy probably didn't think that getting into the elevator could be potentially deadly! Ah we literally are never safe! watch out 

Sour Babies

There is nothing that can put a smile on your face like this video can. Although a little cruel, this video is sure to brighten your day. There is nothing cuter than babies and it made me think of some of the things that can cheer me up when I need it the most. 

There is nothing like taking a long, peaceful nap after a hard test and a late night of studying. There is nothing better than going home for the holidays when all you need is a break from school. There is nothing more comforting than knowing you have a best friend who wants to listen to all your drama. There is nothing more inspiring then knowing you have 2 parents who push you to do your best, but who will also be there when you fall and there is nothing better than being content with you are!

Canine Companions for Autistic Kids

 I stumbled upon this video online and when I found it I literally sat and watched the entire thing. I found it fascinating that a dog can help treat some of the symptoms of an autistic child and can actually calm them down and help them function more normally. I am sure we are all used to seeing dogs being used as seeing eye dogs, but this idea of having a canine companion for an autistic kid is amazing. I think it is fascinating that essentially a wild animal can be trained and taught to work so wonderfully with these children. After hearing what some of the parents have said, it seems that these dogs have truly worked wonders for the autistic kids as well as for their family. It breaks my heart to see how happy these kids look with their dog and how well the dog actually cooperates with the child. I know how much I love my dog at home, but imagine the connection this family feels with their pet! 

What Does This Say About Us?

This Nonfiction best seller list from the New York Times is very revealing of American culture. Look for yourself! The list starts with a book about depression and becomes for morbid with a book about drug use. It also touches on our culture's insecurities and diet obsession with a health book and ends with a hard cover book about pop culture and an actress's biography. I feel like this list actually highlights the top 4 things our culture is centered around. Let's face it, almost everyone i know is depressed about something (ding ding that hits nonfiction hardcover number 1). Our world has become smothered with drug addicts who have probably become drug addicts because they were depressed (once again book #1). There are even popular reality TV shows now that depict drug addicts and their depression (Celebrity Rehab and Intervention are 2 great examples). Also, our culture is so sickly obsessed with pop culture and celebrities it is almost sickening. The amount of tabloid magazines, tabloid websites, and TV shows about celebrities is overwhelming, so it is no surprise to me that an actress's biography made the top 4 list. And lastly, who can get passed our health/diet conscious society. Every thing at the grocery store is organic or low fat or low calorie. The popularity of shows like the Biggest Loser and Celebrity Fitness draw attention our cultures interest in being thin and fit. In addition, there are diet magazines, diet commercials, and diet food every where you turn. \

This list basically highlights the top 5 American culture obsessions:

1) Depression (emotional issues)

2)Drug addictions

3)Celebrities (pop culture)

4)Dieting (health conscious)

Wisdom Teeth

OKAY! listen up!. This spring break while everyone else was out at the beach living it up, I was at home getting my wisdom teeth taken out! How's that for an awesome spring break!!?!?! I pretty much looked like this girl or maybe even guy in the picture for an entire week. Whoa hold back that jealousy!

So the morning I went in for my surgery I was under the impression that I was only getting ONE of the four wisdom teeth removed (I am a little dental phobic), but to my surprise I woke up in a daze with ALL FOUR teeth missing! I paniced! Although, I am so happy that I got it all over with at once, I didn't understand how all of a sudden the dental plans got changed! So apparently, even though I'm 19 years old, my mother took the liberty upon herself to allow the dentist to take out all 4 of my teeth without my permission. I was mad at first, but the I started to wonder how that was allowed. Since when does my mom still run control over me? I don't even live at home anymore, but I come home fora dental operation and she all of a sudden is taking back the reins. I don't think so!! Anyways, in the long run I was happy to have gotten them all out in one procedure, but still a little weary about what other tricks my mom has up her sleeve! 

Audi Commercial (intertextuality)

  
Audi R8 Luxury Sports Car Super Bowl Commercial Ad - For more of the funniest videos, click here
This advertisement for the Audi R8 ran during this years super bowl. It shows an obvious amount of intertextuality. This commercial is using a specific scene from the movie "The Godfather" to advertise their product. In fact, they even have the same character from the movie staring in the ad! This Audi ad refers to the movie when it shows a rich man awaking in his bed to find himself covered in oil and grease (rather than blood), with his old car bumper and grill at the foot of the bed under the covers (instead of a horse head). I would say that this advertisement is a demonstration of vertical intertextuality because it is a different genre (a commercial advertisement) that is referencing a movie. I think the use of intertextuality was important to the advertising plan, because it forces viewers to make the association of a luxury vehicle (the Audi R8) and a classic, successfully Hollywood film. I think the advertising team who created this commercial made a conscious effort to use intertextuality to their advantage in appealing to their target market. 

Facebook

I love this little facebook paraody/song!

While checking my facebook for the 1000 time today, I started thinking about facebook images. Every college student has one these days, and your profile really can say a lot about you. Everything from your pictures, to your wall posts, to your bumper stickers or status can say something about you. I know that I have looked at people’s profiles and was surprised at what I saw. Not only is it a personal self-image your are displaying on you profile, but I’m sure you’ve heard that employers are starting to look at personal websites like facebook and myspace when they are deciding about hiring a client. How much would that suck if you didn’t get a job or got fired from a job because you just had to have that one bumper sticker that said, “Let’s get pants shitting drunk tonight!” (I’m serious I’ve seen that). The bottom line is, don't have anything on your facebook, or myspace for that matter, that you wouldn't want your parents to see for example. There is no reason to portray a negative self-image on the internet for anyone to look at. Plus, this just feeds fuel to the fire for those gossip websites like juicycampus, and dirtydtown!

The Moment of Truth

This new show "The Moment of Truth" is AWESOME! It asks contestants personal, sometimes even embarrassing questions,and for every question they answer truthfully they get money, but the second they start to lie they walk away with nothing. In this recent episode the woman was asked a series of questions that literally destroyed her marriage. Her ex-boyfriend comes onto the show and asks if she thinks she should have married him, and then asks her if she had cheated on her husband at any time during their marriage; she answered a truthful yes to both questions. The ironic part is that when she was asked if she was a good person and answered yes, the lie detector said she was telling a lie and she walked away from the show empty handed. Is the pain and consequences this show entails really worth the money? How could your marriage be worth the shot at $200,000 ? As much as I think this show is terribly entertaining, I am shocked that there are people in this world who value you money more than their family and friends feelings. I am appalled that people are willing to risk their marriage and their reputation for the chance to be on TV and a shot at winning a few grand. Never in a million years will you see me on "The Moment of Truth", for now my secrets are staying put. 

Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker has a put a new clothing line out called Bitten. It is her first clothing line and is sold exclusively at Steve & Barry's. The best part about her collection is that everything she sells is under $20!! To my surprise, the clothes are adorable and fashion forward. Sarah Jessica Parker believes that people should not have to pay outrageous prices to keep up with the fashion trends, so as an alternative, she offers her own designs at a lower cost. I think this idea is genius! We all know you can find cheap clothes at tons of places like Target, but these clothes are designed by a woman who is known for her killer outfits and for being fashion forward and they are available to costumers at the same low costs. I think Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line is brilliant and she knows she will sell tons of clothes not only because they are cute and cheap, but because her name is on it and her name alone on the product will make it sell. Way to go Carrie Bradshaw!!

Dream Big

LYRICS:
When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes,
'Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile, be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride,
And don't show the hurt inside,
Because the pain sill soon be gone.

(Chorus)
And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean, blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
But when you dream, dream big.

And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself,
And it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on,
But when the troubles come your way.


I absolutely love this song. I have actually been listening to it for a while and recently it came up on my ipod shuffle. I was listening to the words and it reminded me of what good music is really all about. I feel like I get so caught up with the latest Britney Spears song or Justin Timberlake's newest album that I forget what real, genuine music lyrics are all about. I find these lyrics to be really meaningful and really good words to live by. These lyrics remind me of the advice my parents gave me growing up and the type of values my parents wanted me to have. My parents have always taught me I could do anything I wanted as long as I worked my hardest. They have always encouraged me to be better at everything I do and that the bigger I set my goals and the harder I work at achieving them, the more likely they are to come true! 

Dean Kelly

SMU girls BEWARE! There is a new scam artist on the loose running freely around the SMU campus and surround areas. In all seriousness, recently there has been a man, who goes by the name Dean Kelly, going around SMU and other frequented Highland Park areas asking younger, female students if they would like to be on an MTV show, in a music video, or even pose for him in pictures. He presents fake business cards, and lures girls into giving him their number, thus making it almost impossible for him to get charged with any wrong doing. Once he get the numbers, he constantly text messages the girls asking them to meet up with him to discuss a show or a photo shoot he is going to set up exclusively for them. His intentions are really to meet up with the girl, corner her into taking nude pictures with him and in extreme cases even sleeps with them. I know it is hard to believe something like this could possibly be happening in such a protected place like Highland Park, but it is! Fortunately, the SMU police have been contacted and are currently taking care of the situation and warning the students to steer clear of Dean Kelly. If you type his name into Google, you get a whole bunch of sexual predator websites and stories of angry woman who have had horribly experiences with this man.

This situation really opened my eyes to the real world. I have always lived in nice areas and have always felt protected and safe growing up. I came to SMU because I felt the same sense of security here, but stories like this Dean Kelly character really showed me that I no longer live in a little bubble protected by my parents. I think it is definitely time for me to grow up a little and be more aware of my surroundings and to stop being so naive!

Juicy Campus

There is a new website out devoted to making people turn against each other at SMU, it's name is JUICY CAMPUS! This website is literally going to be the demise of friendships at SMU. Juicy Campus is an Internet blog site that allows anyone to access it and gives Internet users the opportunity to write anything about a fellow classmate. Unfortunately, no one goes on Juicy Campus to talk about how nice and friendly some one is, it of course has to turn into a blood bath of shit talking. Thankfully I have not made my debut on the site, but the things I have read about my fellow sorority sisters and good friends is horrifying. The comment are anonymous so virtually anyone can go on the site and say whatever they want about anyone they want and they don't have to take any responsibility for their actions. In addition, bloggers can make up stories about anyone and people who do not know them will believe it. I just think that the people who created this website have serious issues, because it does nothing but hurt people and turn people against each other. There is absolutely no reason for a website like this and the people who go onto the site and write about their friends are just as much in the wrong.

All in the family: Hiltons who have DUI's

Recently Barron Hilton, Paris Hilton's younger brother, was arrested in Malibu, California for a DUI charge. SHOCKING I know. The question everyone is asking is: How can Barron not have learned from his sister's mistake? My response to that question is, he wants the same attention his sister has been getting for the past few years. Anyone who passed middle school health knows the consequences of drinking and driving and if your own family member has gone to jail because of a DUI charge I am pretty certain Barron Hilton knew that driving while under the influence can get you into some serious legal trouble. I think this is Barron's attempt at fame. Unfortunately for him it was his only 15 minutes of fame because his story barely got any press coverage. If I were to psychoanalyze Barron, I would say that he is envious of his two sister's fame and the fact that they are pretty much famous for doing nothing more than what he is doing. Poor Barron, my advice to him is to stay out of trouble and steer clear of the path his sister Paris is going down, because the only direction Paris is heading in is trouble.

Studying Abroad

Just recently I was admitted into the London Study abroad program here at SMU. It is a summer program that offers classes in advertising and cinema/television. I am so excited to study abroad because I have traveled around Europe before. London is by far my favorite city in Europe and I can not wait to go back there to study. I think that every college student who can afford to study abroad should. The experience of taking classes and learning to live in a foreign country is beneficial to everyone. It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience and I can't wait for this summer!

The Electronic Baby

My brother is currently a middle school student in 8th grade. His health teacher has recently assigned a project that requires all her students to care for an electronic baby for an entire week. The purpose of this assignment is to teach students the responsibilities of parenthood and to hopefully encourage students to engage in safe sex. This baby my brother is currently carrying around, has a small micro chip in it that records every time the baby is neglected, dropped, or left unattended. I remember when I had to do the same assignment when I was in 8th grade. Although it sounds far fetched, this assignment really works. The hassle of carrying a baby around everywhere and listening to it cry all the time is definitely enough to make any 13 year old rethink parenthood. I thought this assignment was one of the more helpful experiences I got in school. It was the only assignment that I felt I could relate to my real life and that is why it was so beneficial. 

If more students could have an assignment like this I think we could avoid teenagers like the one that was on the Maury show!! Watch this, you won't believe your eyes: 

Celebrity Rehab

I absolutely love this new show on VH1. It is a show that follows around celebrities in rehab and their steps to recovery and sobriety. Unfortunately, there are no big name celebrities on the show (aka no Britney Spears appearances), but I love the fact that these semi-celebrities have enough courage to go on national television and share the struggles and stories of their addiction. It is by far the only "reality" tv show I can think of that is actually real. They even talk about how the cameras and there effect on the patients. I just really enjoy a "reality" show that doesn't envolve fake dating or scripted drama. If more "reality" shows were actually real then maybe they would have higher ratings. And with the writers strike over, those "reality" shows are going to have to try a lot harder to keep their viewers watching, and my suggestions is making it more REAL!

Side note: maybe Amy Winehouse should follow the example that the celebrity rehab contestants have set and take a trip to see Dr. Drew. I would love to see her on the next season of Celebrity Rehab! 

Change

I am not one of those people who is afraid of change, I would say I am apprehensive of change. I think change is good for everyone. It can not be healthy to live life in one place, in a certain set way. Change is not always easy, in fact in most instances it is difficult and that is why I would say I am apprehensive of change. I believe in change for the better, but sometimes have a tough time with it at the beginning. Generally speaking, I think for the most part change is for the better. Good things usually come from change, sometimes unexpected things. 

Club Fondren

Growing up I rarely went to the public librarys, I never needed to. I always used to do my homework in my bedroom and always got my work done efficiently. Just recently, as a college student, have I had to go to our on campus library to get work done. I knew freshman year it would be nearly impossible to get quiet, alone time, but my sophmore year? I live off campus in an apartment and even have my own bedroom, so what's the problem? The problem is Club Fondren, the nickname given to our library (Fondren Library) on campus. It's so hard because most students share in my frustration of not being able to get work done anywhere, even if they do have their own space off campus. So to find relief students go to Fondren, but if they are actually looking to get work done they are in for a surprise. The problem lies in the fact that so many people need to use the library as a study tool, but when all these people are together in one place it turns into a mini social scene. This social scene creates loud talking and cell phone usage, the elements that make studying impossible and all the things people going to the library are trying to get away from. It's a total catch 22, people need to study and concentrate so they go to the library, but then when they get there it turns into a social event and they end up getting nothing done. So I guess the only semi-solution is to figure out where they get more done, at home, or at Clube Fondren because at this very moment I can't even decide!! 

Life Water

 This Life Water commercial aired during the super bowl, but is still running to this day. The less I have to see this commerical the better. I mean since when do advertisers think that computer generated dancing lizards is going to make me jump off my couch and go buy Life Water. If the product isn't lame enough, why not just throw some bad advertising in the mix. There's nothing left to lose!

My Favorite Things (Texas REMIX)

Here are a few of my favorite things about TEXAS:

1) Everything is named "Billy Bob's" something

2) It is so darn flat here you could bike ride for hours and never get in a good work out

3) BBQ is the state food

4)The confederate flag is still in fashion

5)Ya'll is the state slang

6)Cowboy boots are sold on every street corner

7)People are so nice

8)Unlike California they actually have a football team

9)Lily Pulitzer is actually considered cool

10)You can proudly wear Birkenstocks with socks and not get pulled over by the fashion police!

Dog Cross Breeding

GoldenDoodles are a new type of cross breed dog that is a poodle and golden retriever mixed. My dog at home is a goldendoodle! This new trend has taken dog breeding by storm. They have labradoodles, puggles, and maltipoos now. The whole theory behind the golden doodle is that the breed is supposed to benefit from the good genes of the golden retriever and the poodle. For instance, they guarantee that a golden doodle will be hypo-allergenic and smart like the poodle and friendly and family oriented like the golden retriever. Unfortunatley, the genes a dog is going to get from both the poodle and the retriever can not be predicted. My family dog got a case of the "bad" genes and consequently is dumb as a rock and sheds like crazy! The breeders had the right idea though, too bad we got the bad seed of the litter!

Poor Amy Again!

 The other day I blogged about Amy Winehouse and her ridiculous Grammy nominations. Sure enough the icon of sobriety won in pretty much every category she was nominated in. I know anyone who has read my last blog about Amy knows my feelings about her, but just a minute ago I had the TV on the "Daily 10" and they actually asked Janet Jackson what she thought about the controversy of Amy Winehouse winning all these awards even though she is a bad influence for her younger fans. Clearly I am not the only one with these concerns. Amy's peers, other celebrities, even think she has problem! That has to prove something to her.

This video Is just proof that Amy needs help. At the end of the video she snorts a line of coke off her wrist infront of a live audience during one of her concerts. She actually has the "balls" to do drugs infront of her fans. If that is not a bad influence on kids who watch her and like her music than I don't know what is. The guy who is holding the camera even gasps when he sees her do drugs on stage!! Get some help for everyone's sake Amy!!

Hunting Heather Mills

 This is a video that Heather Mills McCartney made herself. She kept a camera with her for an entire year and video taped the paparazzi who are constantly following her. She now is using the footage in court to prove that being maried to the Beatles star comes with baggage. I think this is just pathetic. Not just Heather Mills, but tons of celebrities complain about constantly being in the spotlight and the annoyance of the paparazzi, but they know what they are signing up for. Everyone knows that when you have "made it" in the entertainment indsutry, you are subject to being followed by the paparazzi and if that is something that you really don't want then maybe should you should rethink if being a "star" is for you. Step aside and let someone else who can handle the pressure take over because this industry is competitive and there is always that next best person looking to take your spot!

Amy Winehouse

Since I've been traveling this weekend I've done nothing but read pretty much every tabloid magazine on stands this week. Since the Grammy's were on Sunday (I havn't watched them yet), all the magazines are predicting who is going to win in each category. While I'm reading it I realized Amy Winehouse was pretty much nominated in every category. I still am trying to figure out what songs of hers I actually have heard on the radio besides her awful single, "Rehab", which is very fitting for her. So not only was I surprised to see how many nominations she had, but I was even more surprised to see how many wins "OK" magazine predicted she would get. I obviously don't think she is very deserving of numerous Grammy's based off talent, but should other outside factors, like her very public drug addction, play into effect? I don't think that all the celebrity gossip should be a party of the judges decisions, but when someone like Amy Winehouse has a serious drug problem maybe it should. People look up to her and admire her, yet she is open about her addiction and doesn't think she needs help. Maybe it's just me, but I do not think that someone so messed up in drugs should be winning numerious Grammy's. Sorry Amy!! After all, I read that she won't even be attending the Grammy's because her visa got denied!! Not heading in the right direction towards sobriety girl!

Sleeping Miserably on a Plane

So this weekend I went home to surprise my dad for his 50th birthday!! I flew out early friday morning on an American Airlines flight and it wasn't too pleasant. There is just that one thing (well there are many others, but this one just bothered me the most) that drives me nuts on a plane. The fact that it is nearly impossible to sleep on a plane. I mean I literally took a 6:50 am flight out and left my house at 4:30 am to get to the airport. I mean the ptotential for a good nap on the plane seemed high, but don't be mistaken!!! I fell asleep and literally every 5 minutes I woke up with my neck hurting or the flight attendent making an announcement or the person next to me wanting to get out to go to the bathroom. The real problem is that there is nothing that can be done to fix the problem. Lets be honest the neck pillows are worthless and your seat barley goes back, and if you were like me this weekend then your seat was broken and didn't go back anyways. All I wanted was to shut my eyes for a solid 20 minutes. But noooo. Heres an idea for an entreprenur out there: make a plane that's all about comfort!! See how your business will succeed!

"Real Beauty"

So I know this is a fairly old Dove campaign, this "Real Beauty" stuff, but it was brought to my attention recently and I had some thoughts about it I wanted to get down. First off, I applaud Dove for taking on such a risky campaign. It's not easy being the first to do something new and inovative, but because they took the risk it really paid off for them. Secondly, I think the women who pose for these adds are extremely self-confident (something which I lack) and brave to be able to put their imperfections out there for the world to see and criticize, but also for other women to feel comfortable in their own skin. I think this add just really supports the majority of women who aren't model skinny and do struggle with their weight and imperfections. I know this ad personally makes me feel better about myself. I know that if these women can bare all in front of the world then I can be more self confident as well. 

Book Advertising

Okay so while I was watching the premier for "Lost" last thursday an interesting commercial came on. It was a commercial for a book. As I watched this commercial I was trying to guess what movie was coming out or what sequel to a movie they were trying to advertise, but to my surprise they were actually advertising for a new book. It made me wonder why more authors and/or book publishing companies don't advertise their new books more. Maybe if they did it would guarantee a best seller every time. I mean TV commercials advertise everything from food items to foot cream yet we still never see advertisements for books. Maybe one day our society will become intellectual enough to want to watch commercials about books and novels instead of car and beer commercials. 

Lost

So as I sit anticipating the premier of the ABC show Lost it makes me think about how this show is so unlike any other show on TV. Not only is it not so mindless and is incredibaly addicting, it is the only show that has been entirely already written. The writers of the show have already written out the entire show and each episode brings us closer to the finally. The best part of the show already being written is that although there are so many unanswered question, we know that there will eventually be an end. Unlike other mystery shows that just drag out the episdoes so viewers keep tuning in, Lost doesn't have to do that. So watch the premiere!! Tomorrow at 8!! two hours!! 

Macbook Air

So my home page is apple.com and every time I open a new internet page I have to pass by the apple.com website first. The other day their new ad for Macbook Air caught my eye. It is their new laptop design that is the thinnest personal computer ever made. I watched the ad and after being wowed by watching them pull a lap top out of an envelope, I started to think about all the other exceptional products Apple has made that have been hugely successful. I feel like everything Apple touches turns to gold. Their technology always seems to be ahead of everyone else. When their new products come out they are always so new and exciting and always blow any other competition out of the water. For example think about the ipod. They were one of the first companies to put out a portable mp3 player and to this day I can barely think of another company that makes a good mp3 player other than Apple. So the bottom line is that I NEED Macbook air!!

 

Double Sided Peanut Butter Jar

So as my blogger name depicts I am in fact an advertising major. In my marketing for advertising majors class this afternoon a friend of mine and fellow classmate was called on by our teacher and instead of answering her question he instead brought up an invention he had thought of and how easy it would be to market. His invention was a double sided peanut butter jar. At first it sounds laughable but if you take the time to think about it the idea is not so far off. His idea came from his frustration at never being able to get to the peanut butter at the end of the jar. It's hard to reach and your hands get all sticky and peanut buttery in the process of fishing for the last morsels of peanut butter. So instead he proposed: why not just have a lid at the other end of the jar that you can unscrew and successfully get the rest of the peanut butter and therefore get your moneys worth.

Although I doubt we will see a double sided peanut butter jar in the grocery stores soon it made me think about how people come up with ideas, because to me this "invention", although it sounded interesting, was totally off the wall, off topic and random. What was he thinking about in class that made him ponder up such an "invention"? I know just as well any one the way your mind tends to wander in class, but I think it is interesting the different things people think about. I would never wish to be a mind reader because I do think there are some people's thoughts I just don't necessarily need to hear, but it would be interesting to know the processes which lead people to think or act the way they do.