Thought, Art, Love and Music

All Good Things...

2011-08-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Nope, not kidding. Literally and figuratively, and in all different directions. Big bek's all growed-up and going to college, and the rest are off to (The Wild) Conneticut. Collectively: Ewwwwwwwwwwwww.

See ya round, kid.

Culture of the Week

2010-03-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

So I couldn't get the actual page on here, but it's still pretty funny.

(I'm still convinced-along with the rest of the family- that my grandparent's cats are plotting against the Admiral. It's them or him.........)

Quote of the Week

2010-03-04T20:47:00.001-08:00

Physics is always so interesting.

"Hey buddy, check out this butt, let's go have babies."

(accompanied with a poker face and frantic hip-wagging.)

Culture of the Week

2010-02-22T21:26:00.001-08:00

Serious stress relief here. (Although probably only funny if you watch Lost!)

"Ben Linus In Hats"

My favorite is 'Keyboard Ben:'

and 'Wendy Shall Be Mine'.

Quote of the Week

2010-02-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

"My dear girl, cynicism and realizing the truth are two entirely different things."

Quote of the Week

2009-10-16T15:04:00.001-07:00

"Ignorance may be bliss, but you can't be a naive little halfwit all your life."

Culture of the Week

2009-10-10T20:06:00.001-07:00

Okay, this DVD seriously needs to come out...like, now. I can't wait until November 17th! It's just WAY to far away!

But until then, I'm loving Michael Giacchino's music. It's a perfect blend of the old and new Star Treks- and, of course, he does stuff for Lost too. Win. (and, as it turns out, The Incredibles, Alias, Cloverfield, Up, etc.)

These are two of my favorites from the soundtrack, particularly the End Credits.

Do enjoy.

Quote of the Week

2009-10-10T20:05:00.001-07:00

"Yeah! It's like....extreme apple picking!"

Happy Birthday Grandalf!

2009-10-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

Happy 27th, Grandalf.

"You haven't aged a day."
:)

Happy Birthday Jacob!

2009-10-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

(I'm sorry, I meant Luke.)

Pictures of actual birthday up soon, but wanted to get the shout-out out. I can't believe you're five!

Sure love ya.

Culture of the Week

2009-09-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

I seriously died laughing at some of these.

(This [above] is my favorite. I think all the teachers should show this.)

I love this show. The sad thing is, this is probably how they actually write them!!

The Right Elements

2009-09-25T16:17:00.001-07:00

This is the story I told to Jacob and Jane tonight.

"Once upon a time, there was a Jedi named Anakin traveling in a wagon pulled by a horse to the ball to dance with the princess Jane. But, he was a bad Jedi, so when he got to the castle the brave knight-prince Jacob came out to meet him and said, "Stop right there, Anakin! You can't come in! I won't let you!"Anakin said, "Oh yes I can!" and pulled out his lightsaber. So Jacob pulled out his sword and said "Then let's fight!" They fought and fought for ages and ages and aaaaaaages- but then finally, Jacob kicked Anakin down and said "That's it! I win! Guards, come and take him away!" So the guards came and took him to the dungeon, and Knight-Prince Jacob and Princess Jane went in the wagon with the horse, and lived happily ever after.

The end.

Quote of the Week

2009-09-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

I really missed Player's Club.

"Yeah! Your kids might have like.....five toes or something!!!"

Quote of the Week

2009-09-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

"I love how the school always tries to institute new things every year.....and a week later nobody remembers what they are."

School's Back In Swing!

2009-09-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well, needless to say, you probably won't hear much from me this year. Although it'll be really tough, I know it'll also be a lot of fun- and way worth it at the end!

Both my teachers and classes are fantastic, and of course the Player's Club season began this week- and rehearsals have already started! The comedy this year is "While The Lights Were Out"- auditions were gruelling, but I'm absolutely psyched out of my mind to have got the part I really wanted- and the cast list is absolutely amazing. It's gonna be a great show, even after the amazing success of Urinetown!

Quote of the Week

2009-09-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

I finished season 5 of Lost last night (it's my newest obsession, especially the seductively charismatic, sociopath-ic leader of the Others, Benjamin Linus) and so my quote this week is one of my favorites from Ben.

"We have two giant hamsters running in a wheel in our underground lair."

(when asked how the island has power.)

Culture of the Week

2009-09-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

THEY ARE SO AMAZING. My only issue is that my box only had one Spock waffle.

A Perfect 100th Post

2009-08-30T15:06:00.001-07:00

My friend linked this video onto my Facebook wall, and the second I started listening to it I loved it! I can't wait to go get the Mp3!

Plus, he made it for his daughter. Major bonus points.

WIN

2009-08-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

So the third Star Trek reference in three weeks happened on Warehouse 13 today. I was very happy and excited. My aunt and grandmother were less enthusiastic, however, when the small children woke up.

BUT ALL THE SAME.

Who loves this show? I love this show!

Culture of the Week

2009-08-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

I LOVE that tea, and have been looking for it everywhere. If anyone sees it, PLEASE buy like 1o boxes for me! It's amazing!

Quote of the Week

2009-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

"I practice random acts of AWESOME."

Uncanny Parallels

2009-08-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

So I've been rewatching Lost, and when I watched the first season, they crashed on a flight from Sydney to Los Angeles- a month before I flew from Sydney to Los Angeles.

Now, when I've started rewatching it, an Australian girl (black hair, nails, combat boots, blue eyes) is learning to drive and gets in a crash- leaving her mom in a coma for years and years.

Needless to say, I'M TERRIFIED!

Mum, PLEASE don't drive with me for a while!!!

Quote of the Week

2009-08-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

"I've always thought it would be the greatest cosmic injustice if [Star Trek] wasn't real."

(and no, this one is NOT from me!!)

Oh Boy...

2009-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was finally able to photograph my artwork, and then post it to my art blog. 30 posts in about an hour. Would LOVE feedback!!!!!! :(

Trek Fest

2009-08-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have much going on these days (as you can well imagine!) about Star Trek- converting my friends, learning new phrases in Klingon and Vulcan, seeing the movie again...and again...and just generally being a Trekkie.

So, first of all, THE MOVIE.

I thought it was amazing. I was going in with SUCH a high standard, particularly for Zachary Quinto. It was either met or exceeded by everyone. The story was good, the acting was fantastic (everyone nailed the characters!) a suprise apperance by Nimoy was awesome, and the special effects (in IMAX!!) were off the charts. The only issue I have with the movie is the Spock/Uhura thing....only because he's mine, and she better back off my man or we're gonna have problems. Otherwise, I'm really glad to learn that the cast is on for two more movies...yay!!!

Second is my latest assignment for art- she gave us free reign for a subject (and oh boy is she regretting it!) but here's mine:

and the original picture:

I'm working on another one of Kirk, and I'll post it when I'm finished.
(Original Picture)
(On his way!)

I've also found these shirts, and I REALLY WANT THEM.

Transformers Game

2009-08-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

I've been playing this intensely for the last week or so, and absolutely love it. Smashing Decepticons, playing as Optimus....etc.
Absolutely loved it, only today I finished the Autobot campaign, so I started the Decepticon one...only I really hate it! I almost couldn't bear helping the Decepticons out....and when I killed Ironhide I almost burst into tears.
But! Otherwise it's highly recommended!

Culture of the Week/Warehouse 13

2009-08-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

So I've wanted to start watching this show every since I saw the previews on Syfy, and I missed the pilot (blast!) but, (I love the times) they're all online. So I started watching them tonight, and let me say, it is RIGHT up my alley. Weird, quirky, supernatural, hard to follow, fast, intense....love it. :D

And all the stuff about the unknown....I know Grandalf joins me in that love.
The show centers around two government officials who get relocated to (literally) the middle of nowhere- and I know it's the middle of nowhere, because it's shot in South Dakota and I had to drive through it last summer. There they meet Artie, who tells them that there are many, many things in this world that we don't understand, and so we must simply "stick it on a shelf somewhere until we do." Pete seems a little more gung-ho for the idea, although Myka finally, reluctantly gives in. They make quite the duo, as Artie puts it: "He leaps, you look."

Remind you of Indiana Jones?

Pumpkin

2009-08-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

At 10:16 Friday morning, my own little furry companion passed on. Thursday morning, I'd noticed she was lethargic, sprawled out on the floor of her cage(she's ALWAYS hiding) and with her eyes only have open. I noticed also that she was breathing rather heavily, using her whole body. I cleaned out her cage with bleach, but then had to go to my driver's ed lesson. I quickly hurried back after, and she was the same.

Muffin and I kept a close eye(s) on her the whole afternoon, and when she didn't get any better by nightfall I put her cage on my floor (where the temperature is more regulated), wrapped myself in a blanket and prepared for an all-night vigil. Pumpkin was always, always there for me to cuddle and hold and tell all my problems to. I'd be damned if i wasn't going to sit with her when she needed me! Around 4 or 5 I collapsed, but with her cage right close by my head so she'd know I was there.

Unfortunately again the next morning driver's ed pulled me away, but I explained to her that I wasn't abandoning her, I had to go and I'd be back as soon as I could be.

When I did get back, I noticed she was only worse. I gently pulled her out and held her on her side in my hand, stroking her fur softly until her breathing slowed and then finally stopped. For a few minutes after, all I could do was cry. It was totally expected, and I didn't believe that she'd make it through the day, but when it actually happened it was such a shock that my stoicism couldn't handle it. A few minutes later I called Mum and the small ones up, because I knew they should probably say goodbye.

After, I held her for a while more until I finally realized that she was gone, and wasn't coming back. I cleaned her up and wrapped her in paper towel, then put her back in her strawberry bed until we could bury her on Saturday morning.

I think what I'll miss most is the things I didn't realize I was so accustomed to- like closing my drawers gently so I won't wake her up, or the sound of her wheel at night (Friday and Saturday night I couldn't fall asleep without it). Or her nibbling on treats when she rode around in my pockets during the day (Mum doesn't realize how frequently she'd be in there- but we did all kinds of stuff together, like taking out the garbage, vacuuming- although she was scared of the vacuum) or letting her crawl around and explore my bed at night before I went to sleep.

Or, actually, when I smuggled fruit or vegetables up to my room, I'd always give her a piece or chunk. I'd love to watch her reactions to new foods! And then sit on her haunches and stuff her pouches full(once she tried to fit a whole baby carrot in there. She got about half in her pouch, sticking straight out, and the other half hanging out her her mouth. It was adorable)

Love you, my little Spider-Hamster. Hope you have lots of blueberries and exploring space where you are now.

Definatly A Worthy "Second Quote"

2009-07-29T08:41:00.001-07:00

You think killing people would make them like you but it doesn't.
It just makes people dead!

Quote of the Week

2009-07-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

"Seeing is.....very.....important."

(this is my driver's ed teacher. While talking about driving. Lol.)

Think I Might Need This One.

2009-07-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

It's pretty awesome. And then Optimus can be on my wall all the time. Just like Dr. Manhattan. :D

(you can find it here......;p)

Can't Get This Song Out of My Head!

2009-07-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's really really amazing. Makes me think of Sunshine.

"Capital M-E" -Taking Back Sunday

(lyrics)
The nicest man I ever met
Was more malicious than malcontent
Yeah, he taught me how to hold my tongue
And wait to strike till their backs were turned
And you slither away like the snake that you are
Yeah, you slither away like the snake that you are

All I ever did was look up to you
And if all I ever did was let, let you down
Ain't nothing stopping me now

Divinities fell correctly beneath
The receding pride of his twenties
Was capital M-E
(I couldn't self describe)
Was capital M-E
(But you can't say I didn't try)

So you say what you want
(Maybe I didn't get my way)
So you say what you want
(Maybe I didn't get my way)
I got, I got away

All I ever did was look up to you
And if all I ever did was let, let you down
Ain't nothing stopping me now

Was it everything you hoped for?
Was it all that and more?
Too much, too soon
Or too good to be true
Was it everything you hoped for?
Was it all that and more?

All I ever did was look up to you
And if all I ever did was let, let you down
Ain't nothing stopping me now
All I ever did was look up to you
And if all I ever did was let, let you down
Ain't nothing stopping me now...

Culture of the Week

2009-07-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

Finished Enterprise this week...While I really enjoyed it, I think it fell into the routine of too many 'to be continued' episodes. The third season's Xindi escapade was tolerable, because each episode was at least original, albeit focused. But the 'three-episode clumps' of the fourth season just got annoying.

I really liked Trip and T'Pol together, and was really upset when she married what's-his-ears on Vulcan....and with Trip watching, no less. That was a definite 'what the HELL?!' moment. But, at least (unsurprisingly) they split up so the angry fans could be satiated. But then they have a baby, the baby dies, and they split....and then Trip dies. WHAT?! That was almost as disappointing as the Janeway/Chakotay deal.

But, all in all, a really good series.

Culture of the Week

2009-07-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS SONG.

Really, it's amazing. AND it's the new Transformers theme, so it had to be awesome anyway. But the music video is absolutely phenomenal as well (although they could have shown more of Optimus and a little less of Megan Fox. Yeah she's hot, but the movie's about the robots.)

But! Here it is. :)

Quote of the Week

2009-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

"IT'S A ROCK!!!!"

Sooooooo Cute!!!!

2009-07-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Guinea Pigs Love Watermelon @ Yahoo! Video

I really think this is absolutely adorable. I really love guinea pigs, always have, and am on a hard campaign to get one (well two, because they're very social) and I hope this will help!

Transformers 2

2009-07-20T06:57:00.002-07:00

Okay, so of course my best friend and I saw it at midnight, screaming like teenage fangirls (wait....) and we loved it (of course we were sobbing hysterically when Optimus "died", even though we both knew he wouldn't stay that way) and we sat for three hours analyzing the entire movie...and we came to the general consensus that we liked it a lot, despite the GAPING plot holes. And yes, Optimus 'rises' on the third day. No, it's defiantly not a coincidence. We also love the philosophy that Sam has when asked if how he knows that the 'key' will work. He responds, "I know it'll work because I believe it."
What is true must stay true, and to him, it is truth.

Wife and I are also planning on going as Optimus and Megatron for Halloween....it'll be interesting, but awesome.

I looooooooove youuuuuuuuu

Culture of the Week

2009-07-20T06:34:00.002-07:00

Really. I told you so.
I actually got this as a gift for someone, but figured I'd read it first. Most of the time while reading, it's a "I KNEW IT!" thing. But it's great, really.

Quote of the Week

2009-07-20T06:34:00.001-07:00

"You look good in maroon."

Hello Hello

2009-07-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, she's back. Spending my relaxing summer with Driver's Ed, Work, and Summer Theatre. Although, admittedly, I am spending heinous amounts of time watching Star Trek and painting. (I'm also planning on photographing all my artwork and putting them on the art blog.) I love my work (at Metro Desserts, 8 Palmer Ave Scarsdale...do come visit!) and also really love the fact that I'm making 8 bucks an hour. Xp

Driver's Ed, however, is a lot more painful. I was terrified when I didn't know how to drive...now I theoretically know how to drive, have driven, and am even more, paralyzingly terrified. At least the car has 'student driver' bumper stickers....when I as making a difficult turn, the thought popped into my head: "They're more afraid of you than you are of them."

Thank heaven for small miracles.

Birthday Shout Out

2009-07-04T00:13:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I have several posts in the works, but before I do that I wanted to send a special birthday shout out to 'Sunshine' (short for 'Sunshine-Of-My-Existence'.... and yes, it is a tad sarcastic.)

But you know you're awesome and I wouldn't have made it this far without you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

This Is Just Too Funny.

2009-06-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

My cousin/grandad sent this to me, and it was just so hilarious that I had to make one too.

My life-long dream!!!

Another Victory Lap

2009-06-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

I just got my tickets. Really, the only thing keeping me on the charts is the fact that I have to learn Spanish by Monday. (But after that final? Prob'ly won't see me for a week or so.)

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Picnick

2009-06-15T12:34:00.001-07:00

So Facebook has an editing application that allows you to take photos that are on your profile and edit them- it's SO much fun, and I did three of them a while ago- although I plan on doing a lot more once the summer finally hits. (I'll also probably be sleeping a LOT too!)

This one from the Fall Out Boy song 'I Don't Care'-
"I don't care what you think/as long as it's about me/the best of us
/can find happiness in misery"

'Rome' and I, both Lockstock and the understudy for Lockstock. (Lol u guis)

And of course, the lyrics from Cop Song. (*tear*)

Just Too Good..

2009-06-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

So I'm in the midst of finals (and final reviews) but I really just had to post this, because it's really just too priceless to pass up. My aunt works at the Israeli Embassy in Sydney, and she sent it to me.

*Understanding International Security Levels*

The British are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats in Islamabad and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." Brits have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorised from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror
alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France
are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent
fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

It's not only the French who are on a heightened level of a lert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful
Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose".

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Americans meanwhile are carrying out pre-emptive strikes, on all of their allies, just in case.

In the Antipodes ...

New Zealand has also raised its security levels - from "baaa" to "BAAAA!". Due to continuing defence cutbacks (the airforce being a squadron of spotty teenagers flying paper aeroplanes and the navy some toy boats in the Prime Minister's bath), New Zealand only has one more level of escalation, which is "crap, I hope Australia will come and rescue us". In the event of invasion, New Zealanders will be asked to gather together in a strategic defensive position called "Sydney ".

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries"
to "She'll be right, mate". Three more escalation levels remain,
"Crikey!', "I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend" and "The barbie is canceled". There has not been a situation yet that has warranted the use of the final escalation level.

How Much Does The Tooth Fairy Give For Four At Once?

2009-05-01T17:57:00.001-07:00

As I'm sure many of you know, I had all four wisdom teeth out today- and as a result, have been going through soup, ice cream (berry sherbet...you can't go wrong with that.) and vicodin like a dying man.

All things considered, I was pretty calm this morning- until I found out that they were going to knock me out with an I.V. Then I started freaking out. I HAAAAAATE needles and consequently flip out whenever they have to stick me. (I also frequently tell mum to look at the bright side- at least I'll never be a junkie!) It also didn't help that the doctor (who I would recommend- he did a very good job and had a great bedside manner except this part) couldn't find a vein in my arm and had to first dig around my elbow and then eventually stick my wrist. Ouch!

After that though, he started pumping the meds and the Novocaine, and that's all I remember until I woke up with half a pack of gauze in my mouth. I was really out of it, (although admittedly not as much as David, who I did quote to make mum laugh) and immediately wanted both my phone and to go home, and by protesting them quite vehemently, I thought I made these demands quite clear. Or....not.

I do feel a bit bad for mum, who probably had a hell of a time understanding me- which, with the aforementioned gauze alone would be troublesome, but I was also high as the clouds at this point.

We then came home, I took some penicillin and vicodin, and then crashed- woke up an hour or two later and finished a Star Trek episode (want to be finished by the time the movie comes out), practiced my guitar, did some homework(ha! see there Ms. Lindell, I did do some) and slept again.

That's pretty much been my routine, except for at 5 Bumblebee and Squirrel came to visit- they brought an awesome pastry tasty-looking thing ("It's soft!") and we caught up and played some Apples To Apples before they left. Thanks guys!!! Love you.

Please feel free to stop by....you may even get some ice cream out of it. :)

BEGIN TOTAL LOSER FLIP-OUT NOW.

2009-04-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

So last night I finally finalized the group and got the tickets...to this:

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'M SO EXCITED! From what I've heard so far, it's amazing - and it certainly looks like it.
Not to mention, it'll also have SPOCK in it (who, I'll freely admit, I have a strange obsession and huge crush on), but he's played by Zachary Quinto, who, aside from being completely delicious, is the 'seductivly charismatic' sociopath Sylar from 'Heroes'- which is one of my favorite shows, and he's in 24. (Which would be enough in itself.)

"Q'PLAH!"

yum.
Staring at this for two whole hours?!
Well...if you insist....

Down Once More...

2009-04-30T14:46:00.001-07:00

Hello, and welcome back.

To me, that is. Sorry I haven't been updating, but with both the deadline to show (and then show!) for URINETOWN, the mourning for said URINETOWN, and now the fallout to URINETOWN...AND the AP exam in two weeks, I haven't had much time to post.

However, I'm back now. :)

London was amazing, hopefully I can put some pictures up soon (and I'm now on a broken-record-pitch of LESMIZLESMIZLESMIZLESMIZ to my director- love you John [:) and then from URINETOWN as well.

Thank-you to all who came to the show (which, suprisingly, we made money on and went extremely well) and the sales of Prozac have now doubled thanks to the cast and crew. (You're welcome, economy!).

peace, love, all that stuff-

bek

Just a taster...

2009-03-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Enjoy.
From the 54th Tony Awards- it was up for Best Musical.

Oh, and btw-

In 2002, the musical won three Tony Awards:

Best Director(John Rando)
Best Original Score (Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis)
Best Book Of A Musical (Greg Kotis)

It was nominated for an additional seven Tonys:

Best Actor In A Musical (John Cullum)
Best Actress In A Musical (Nancy Opel and Jennifer Laura Thompson)
Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Spencer Kayden)
Best Choreography (John Carrafa)
Best Orchestrations (Bruce Coughlin)
Best Musical

Culture of the Week

2009-03-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

I'm currently watching High School Musical 3 while I babysit for the Blair kids, and then this came on screen:
and you know what? Kicklines are awesome. Especially when you've got hot pink leather boots on. And white suits. And top hats. So this picture is my 'culture' this week. Rejoice in its amazingness.

(Not to mention, Lucas Grabeel....just...epic.)

Here's the video, sorry about the quality but it's the best I could find!

Quote of the Week

2009-03-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

"It doesn't really matter which way I'm going, as long as I get there."
>"Wow......like.....wow. That was really deep."
"Haha I didn't mean for it to be, I was just talking about Spanish"

Quote of the Week

2009-03-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it was a tough choice this week- I just had so many! But I think the winner is:

"JOHN MCCAIN!"
>"BARACK OBAMA!"
"SHUT UP!"

Lockstock & Barrel, you make my week.

Some runners up:

1) You are delicious. I'm going to nom you. (duh!)
2) I'm going to staple his head to a dartboard and play a round!
3) All God did was make a pyramid scheme.
4) Love it. Sniff more people.

<3

Culture of the Week

2009-03-06T14:27:00.001-08:00

Cell Block Tango from Chicago.
Addictive song and totally anti-men. Not to mention- it's a tango. That alone makes it worth it. The Mormon joke is a little bad, but...if you can't laugh at yourself and take a joke, what kind of life do you have?

Quote of the Week

2009-03-06T14:22:00.001-08:00

"Turns out I was constipated."

...sorry...

2009-03-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know I haven't posted in forever, but the musical (which is AWESOME, by the way) is in full swing now, and AP crunch is on- and I've been pressured into catching up on LOST by Ariel and Dana... I made the mistake of letting them know that I'd seen the first season, and that was the end of that.

With that said, expect a as-regularly-as-I-can-keep it blog from now on. *smiles!*

Quote of the Week

2009-02-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

"HOLY CROW, HE FINALLY GOT IT!"
('he' spins around, after messing up)
"Would you SHUT. UP?!"

"dude. best. moment. ever."

Culture of the Week

2009-02-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Watchmen.

I read the graphic novel, and absolutely loved it. I originally got 'into it' because of my friend Max, who read it and thought it was great, but also because of the Desolation Row video/cover by my favorite band. Went to Borders, bought it, read it in a day, loved it. It's really too bad that the movie's R (it should be though, it was very violent) because I'll have to wait to see it(wait...of course I mean NOT see it at all....)but it looks like they stayed very close to the novel.

And, of course, I'm riding the 'high' and have loaded up on Watchmen gear- my Dr. Manhattan poster looks awesome in my room.

Quote of the Week

2009-02-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

"Well, she's got the karate chop down."

Culture of the Week

2009-01-31T18:28:00.002-08:00

Pride and Prejudice- just the story in general! I love the book and the movie- but only the 5-hour BBC production! The other ...thing...doesn't exist. (No, really. The entire time I watched it I was like....where is everybody?!)

The writing, the twists, the problems of memories strewed and interpreted so differently because of bias- not to mention the closeness and sweet relationship between Jane and Elizabeth really make me love it.

And the fact that Darcy admits, first off, that he loves Lizzie and wants to marry her despite his family's wishes and even his "own better judgement" makes it amazing. I've felt this emotion(well, besides the marriage part...most people who know me know I'm happy enough on my own!) plenty of times in my life, so it makes him easy to identify with.

Not to mention that in the BBC production the Bennet family (in particular Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) remind me so much of my maternal family it's really just like watching a scene from early childhood!!

And at any rate, I have a new logo-

"Fitzwilliam Darcy: sexier than Edward Cullen since 1813."

Hey, it's true.

Quote of the Week

2009-01-31T18:28:00.001-08:00

"At what point did you lose your pants?"

NEW MCR VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting for AGES to see this! I'm so glad I finally did.....it's AMAZING!

I also can't wait to see/read Watchmen...apparently it's really good!

But I will DEFINITELY be running to the store tomorrow to get an iTunes gift card to get the video...which is currently #1 on iTunes!

Good work again, boys!

Desolation Row - My Chemical Romance

Happy Australia Day!!

2009-01-26T15:40:00.001-08:00

To all my Aussies out there, HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

Mum's making sausage rolls and Lemingtons for dinner...yum!

And Tori, no we did NOT come from Outback Steakhouse.

When I Grow Up...

2009-01-26T15:24:00.001-08:00

The other day in seminary, we were asked what we'd most like to be when we 'grew up,' and what we'd have to do to be that. Most people said typical answers- Chef, Greenpeace, Lawyer, etc- but I knew my one true ambition. When they came to me, I said simply:

"Jack Bauer."

"And I'll probably need a few years in a POW camp and to learn Chinese and Russian, but I can do it."

The teacher paused for a second, then blinked, said "O-KAY!" and wrote it on the board. Later, he was a little confused as to how I'd "become a man."

I told him to not worry about it.

Anyone know which college has "how to kill a man six different ways with a pen" classes?

To Anyone Who Ever Buys Any Apple Product, EVER:

2009-01-26T14:33:00.000-08:00

Get the Apple Care. (the extended warranty).

Do it. I don't care how much extra it is, go buy it! It's completely worth it, and it can and will pay for itself down the road- if not pay you back!

Now I go on this rant because Apple Care just saved me $179 dollars- subtracting the $250 it cost me in the first place. (and for you math-impaired people out there, that's $429 total). Majel's (my computer, named for the computer voice on the modern Star Trek- yes, I'm a loser, I accept and admit that willingly) disk drive committed suicide a week and a half ago, and on the 17th I took her into the Apple Store to get her fixed- since I'd bought the Apple Care, I didn't have to pay the $429- yes, FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE DOLLARS to get her fixed. I picked her up today- and she works beautifully, as well as having a nice, shiny new keyboard and top case!!

So, very long story short, go get Apple Care. It's worth it.

note for the video- it's long, but if you skip to the more modern stuff it's hilarous. Mostly the Voyager ones!

I Do All My Own Stunts

2009-01-24T18:01:00.000-08:00

When I was sledding with family over the break, we went to a place where there were two sloped sides leading to a skinny stream in the middle. Several people had made make-shift ramps and were attempting to jump it- so, of course, I vowed I wouldn't leave until I did. Tried twice and failed, but then finally landed it on the third (totally messed up my back, but I did it) and my aunt got an awesome shot of me:

VICTORY IS MINE!!!!

Quote Of The Week

2009-01-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

This week's quote is a piece of President Obama's (w00t!) inauguration address- I thought the whole piece was fantastic, but this part especially stood out to me.

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."

Hopefully the next few years will see a reform in society and government, and a peaceful, more equal world in which we can live in.

(video of address)

Culture of the Week

2009-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

I was talking about this song yesterday, and thus, of course, it's been stuck in my head all weekend- I originally got 'into it' because of an episode of Star Trek: Voyager titled after it, and it was prominently featured in the episode (The Doctor and Seven were having 'dating lessons' and The Doctor realized he was in love with Seven...it was actually a rather sad episode, really) but I really liked the song. Still do!

Someone To Watch Over Me- Frank Sinatra

(I apologize for the lack of a link, but I couldn't find a good video on YouTube!)

In Retrospect...

2009-01-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

I got called out today on my Quote of the Week last week, where I claimed that, quote, "Mr. Boyle, you are my favorite person in the whole world."

Mr. Ellis was very offended, and so I would like to rectify the situation by editing my claim-

"Mr. Boyle, you are my second-favorite person in the whole world, since Mr. Ellis is simply the coolest, most awesome guy out there."

Happy now?

Culture of the Week

2009-01-16T19:53:00.001-08:00

I love Maroon 5. Like, I really, really like Maroon 5. I have no idea why, but I love them. So despite having downloaded all their tracks online (of COURSE it was legal) I was in Borders this week and decided to buy the CD version of their latest album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long. Which, then, is this week's "culture."

But really, it's great- and the CD also came with bonus tracks and a DVD (which I look forward to watching....Adam's face for 2 hours? BRING IT ON!) and all their music videos.

YAY ME!

Quote of the Week

2009-01-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

Mr. Boyle....you are my favorite person in the whole world.

"If any of you get a Zheng He question wrong on the AP I'm going to come to your house over the summer and beat you up."

Alright, Gentlemen...How Do We Save Broadway?

2009-01-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

This was on SNL last Saturday, and while I didn't watch the show, the clip got passed around us theatre-folk faster than a pop song around preppies. I thought it was absolutely hilarous, and sadly true.

Person/Culture Of The Week

2009-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, so technically this is last week's...sorry! Auditions and callbacks were over the weekend, it was very stressful.

I decided that my 'Person' for the week would be my math teacher- yes, I do realize that's a little "strange," but...well, a) it's me, and I'm 'out there' anyway, and b) who cares? It's my blog, after all. :)

Anyway- back to the subject. Mr. Ellis (or 'my logical friend,' as I am wont to call him- he does frequently remind me of Spock. Sorry.) is AMAZING. All the way back in September, I probably would have said the complete opposite- I hated math, and thus, all math teachers. It was only after I was on a horrible downward spiral that I decided I HAD to like this teacher, and thus, by default, this class. One Wednesday when I had rehearsal at 3:30 and again at 5:30 I just sat down and chatted with him for a good, long while- after all, I figured if I had to like this guy, I may as well find something there!

And I did- without any pretending! Turned out he's really into Opera/musicals, theatre, etc, he's been all over the world (loves France, actually, and my Liverpudlian roots have to disagree with that, but, well....nobody's perfect.) and frequently holidays in foreign places. He's also got great life advice (yes, I do think if he got in a fight with Oprah, Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil combined, he'd win) and he's got exactly the same sense of humour that I do- actually, I confess I occasionally feel bad for my math class when I'm the only one in the room who realizes that he's making fun of them. Ever so politely, of course, but I still feel bad.

Our 'verbal spars', to quote my mother, are always what I crave from a conversation- quick, intelligent, and with lots of facial quirks when you deliver a particularly difficult comeback.

Here's to you, Mr. Ellis- may your logic always be lightning-fast. :)

Quote Of The Week

2009-01-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

"If I was a job, I would definatly hire people."

Quote of the Week

2009-01-09T16:59:00.001-08:00

"So how did you meet her?"
>"OMG SHE ATE SOMETHING OFF THE FLOOR? HOW GROSS!"
"WHAT???"
>"NO, NOT HER- IN THE MOVIE!!!"

Culture of the Week

2009-01-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

Hamlet. I LOVE all Shakespeare (and, of course, you haven't fully experienced it until you've read it in the original Klingon) but I think out of all I've read (Which are Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet, Othello[also a favorite] King Lear, Julius Caesar and am reading The Merchant Of Venice, A Midsummer Night's Dream and the Sonnets) but I'll always have a special place in my heart for Hamelt. The tale of anger gone worse, complete revenge, and madness really stuck with me....I wonder why. :)

Still, it's a great story, and has lasted throughout the ages. I have the Folger version, and a place marked for the graveyard scene.

Quote of the Week

2009-01-03T17:42:00.000-08:00

"You have a multi-legged creature crawling on your shoulder."
(Then a Vulcan Neck Pinch).

Status Update

2009-01-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

I would just like to point out.
That I am watching Transformers.
(The Special Edition, that I got,
FOR Christmas,
that I can now watch
WHENEVER I WANT)

RIGHT.
NOW.

I'm trying to contain my excitement.

I Want This Shirt

2009-01-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's amazing. I want it. I neeeeeed it.
XD

Mostly, though, because of my intense, incredible love of and for all things Q.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Just wanted a post from the first day in 2009, and also wanted to wish many happy returns to everyone! (And, after all, I haven't posted since last year...)

Culture of the Year

2008-12-31T08:50:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know this is kind-of a 'duh,' 'well, of course she would do that' post, but this year's 'culture' is Star Trek. Not a specific series or season or episode in general, but just Star Trek in it's entirety. When you look at the impact that it's had and how much it's grown since the original episodes aired in '66, it's a wonder. There are still old fans that watched the originals growing up, and new fans like me and my cousins that love them and hope for new series!

So, good job, and we hope to see a new series soon!!

Happy Birthday Jesse!

2008-12-31T08:45:00.000-08:00

Alright, it's a day late, but be glad I'm posting at all! Yesterday was Jesse's 16th birthday, and many happy returns!!

Quote of the Year

2008-12-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

While 2008 was a crazy year, and I have many, MANY hilarious quotes, I thought that they best one to describe this year was:

TRUFFALDINO!!!!!!

Quote of the Week

2008-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am a Lord Of The Rings freak, and I'm proud to admit it! My whole family is, and we were able to watch the first two movies with my cousin for the first time this week. My entire family is totally devoted to Sam, and quite often his quotes are the best. We were watching The Two Towers last night, and so this week's quote comes from there.

Frodo: I can't do this, Sam.

Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.

Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?

Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.

Culture of the Week

2008-12-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

I found these on my friend's facebook, and absolutely love them. All credits and props to Rio, they're hilarious. A few of my favorites:

There once was a man named Bertold
Who drank beer when the weather grew cold
As he reached for his cup...
"NEEEEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP!!!"
Oh, snap! You just got limerickrolled!

There once was a girl named Lenore
And a bird and a bust and a door
And a guy with depression
And a whole lot of questions
And the bird always says "Nevermore."

There was a young woman named Bright
Whose speed was much faster than light.
She set out one day
In a relative way,
And returned on the previous night.

There is a young poet named Herman.
He's not very good, but he's learnin',
Though he often offends
Because he so often ends
Alle sein Limericks auf Deutsch.

There was a zookeep from Nantucket
Who was struck by a fish -- couldn't duck it
He was thrown from the cage
By a pinniped's rage.
Quoth the walrus, "You can't has mah bukkit!"

Among all these poems, a few
of the best recite old jokes anew.
But there's one I don't see,
And the reason must be:
In Russia, the limerick writes you.

A friend of mine -- Charlie by name
Is a strategist with deadly aim.
He wants you to know
(So I'll say 'ere I go)
That you, friend, have just Lost The Game.

A certified poet from Slough
Whose methods of rhyming were rough
Retorted, "I see
That the letters agree,
And if that's not sufficient, I'm through."

There once was a girl named Jude,
Who's skirt by the wind was strewed.
A man came along,
And unless I'm quite wrong,
You expected this last line to be lewd.

Santa Tracker

2008-12-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

My grandpa showed me this this morning and I've been tracking him all day- it's quite fun, and the videos are hilarious.

Check it out!

Flying

2008-12-22T06:56:00.000-08:00

Alright, I'll admit it. I am a total princess when it comes to traveling. I love to travel, and frequently do....but I'm downright nasty until I get from point a to point b!! I really hate flying any other airline than JetBlue, and I really hate non-direct flights....because, like yesterday, your pilot can be 1 1/2 late and you'll miss your connecting flight by 10 minutes and then be stuck in Dallas FOR. EIGHT. HOURS. We actually would have been stuck until Tuesday morning, but luckily our names moved up on the standby list and we only spent a day there- especially good, because our luggage was already in Utah!! So in reality, it all worked out in the end...but I always feel really bad for the people around me, because I think the rage just seeps off!

Culture of the Week

2008-12-19T05:56:00.000-08:00

Alright, I know Ma will be pleased with this, but I liked it a lot too. It's a video that students at BYU made for Christmas, and I thought it was sweet, despite my misgivings and emotional nuances regarding this time of year!

aqui

Quote Of The Week

2008-12-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

"Why do you have a spoon on-"
>"Dan Khun."
"Oh. Well, that's really all that needs to be said."

Quote of the Week

2008-12-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

This week's isn't a funny, out-of-context joke, but I'm not feeling very light-hearted, so this is something my Spanish teacher said to us (and considering my mom also almost killed him this morning), and I really like it.

"The day you totally grow up, you die. You have to understand that."

Famous Last Words

2008-12-05T19:16:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I know that technically this would be a 'culture of the week,' but I figured what the hell- it's my blog, after all. I'll do what I want. =)

As some of you may know (and all of you now do), the last song on My Chemical Romance's third album, The Black Parade, is called Famous Last Words- it's all about hanging on, keeping strong(or at least appearing to) and enduring until life gets better. The chorus goes like this-

"I am not afraid to keep on living,
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Honey, if you stay, I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home."

Whenever I'm feeling really lost, confused, emotional or panicked, I like to curl up under a huge pile of blankets and blast it on my iPod. After 3 or 4 times through, I feel a lot better. All of MCR's songs do that, to be honest, but this one really hits home- and the video is SICK.

Thanks boys!!!

Culture of the Week

2008-12-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

I watched season 6 of TNG this week, and so it's my culture of the week- while still being 'old school' in the sense of graphics and color scheme, it gives a more sophisticated air to the Star Trek universe. There's ALWAYS hidden metaphors, mysterious symbolism and really, really deep, complex themes- sometimes you can't even wrap your mind around it!

But here's to a job well done, and another 26 hours of confounding my brain!

Quote of the Week

2008-12-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

Then find someone whose life handed them vodka and have a party."

Movies I Want To See

2008-11-28T10:20:00.001-08:00

Any takers?

Quantum Of Solace
Australia (yes, again)
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Seven Pounds
Milk
Star Trek
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Bedtime Stories
Last Chance Harvey

Australia

2008-11-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I really enjoy movies, and there aren't a lot that I don't like, so when I say a movie was amazing, people tend to not take me seriously.

BUT THIS MOVIE WAS AMAZING.

I actually cried- and teared up several more times. I am (and always have been) VERY proud to be an Aussie, and whenever I see the beauty of my country my soul sings, lost in the untamed familiarity of the Outback, the Bush- everything. And it wasn't just the scenery- the story, the acting, the script, the music- all fantastic. A really, really good love story, where the love isn't the ONLY aspect, is hard to find these days. It was a very long movie, but it didn't feel too long- the story needed to be told, and so it was. (After all, it does take place between a few years.)

The sense of karma, I thought, was very strong in the movie- everybody got what was coming to them. What people sent out, people got back. It made me regain a little faith in the world.

But really, go see it, even if, at least, for the scenery.

Culture of the Week

2008-11-26T15:51:00.000-08:00

Alright, the new Star Trek movie counts. See earlier post. =)

Quote of the Week

2008-11-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

In honor of show ending this week, I chose the Player's Club mantra:

"We rock. We will rock. Forevermore."
-Tom O'Connell

I CAN'T WAIT!

2008-11-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I was transformed into a total Trekkie by my grandfather this last spring, who is the only one in our family (prior to me) who was one. He's thrilled to have another of his kind, and we keep each other frequently updated on Trek updates.

I called him the other day, screaming, about this.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks SO awesome, and the special effects are going to be amazing. Not to mention that Spock is played by Zachary Quinto, who's one of my favorite actors and plays Sylar/Gabriel on Heroes. (Does anyone else get the joke about 'Spock's Brain'?.....probably not)

My friends and I are going to see it at midnight.

Post Show Sydrome

2008-11-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

As (gasp!) the show is now over, a warning to many of my companions- you may see the members of the Player's Club wandering around with glazed eyes, hunched shoulders, and a gloomy, depressed demeanor.

DO NOT BE ALARMED!

We have not been transformed into zombies. We're all suffering from the rare, twice annual disorder known as Post-Show Syndrome (PSS), which affects the entire theatre group for a week or two after the end of a show, although in significant cases it can last much longer (coughLIZDEVITOcough-<3 ya girl) and may cause feelings of despair. Never fear. The musical will be here soon enough.

Culture of the Week

2008-11-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

Another weekly promise- songs, books, plays, etc. =)

This week it's Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card-
I read it in eight grade, but a friend of mine was telling me all about how they're his favorite books (there's a whole plethora of them) and so I'm re-reading it before I start the others.

It's a really good book- very futuristic (although written in the 70's) still holds true to a future that we could forsee- unlike some "futuristic" literature from the past that's really just ridiculous. It's about a 6 year old boy, Ender, who is taken into Battle School with other boys his age in order to prepare them for Earth's defense against then next attack by the 'buggers,' an insect-like race who've attacked Earth before. A short narration before every chapter of Ender's superiors show they ulterior motives of the adults in the novel (who are the true enemies) attempting to better Earth's odds by isolating Ender and making him into a skilled, powerful leader- by age 8.

All in all, a very good read though. Can't wait to get to the others.

Slight update- I also saw online today that there's a movie 'in production'- but the writer's doing the screenplay (as it should be!) so hopefully it'll all work out!!

Quote of the Week

2008-11-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm going to have a quote from the show this week in order to celebrate- and practice. =)

"I prefer you without pants."