A friend of mine asked in her facebook status recently; "Why do they show us these love stories that will never happen, they just set us up for disappointment!"
How true my friend. So in honor of K2 (my clever nickname for her) and following in the steps of books like He's Just Not That Into You I offer up some advice/knowledge on the subject of love and happily ever after...
1) The way to a man's heart is not his stomach..its actually a complicated path that starts with his eyes, travels downward to his *cough* ya know, and then heads toward his brain. If you can successfully navigate the path, you may get a chance to cook for him, in which case, his stomach may play a small part in the final result of the relationship.
2) You are most likely never going to get a makeover that knocks his socks off. In real life, the number of pretty girls who go around looking "ugly" until someone runs a brush through their hair and plucks their eyebrows (a la Miss Congeniality or She's All That) is pretty slim. Be realistic, a new outfit, hairstyle, or lip gloss is probably lost on most guys...they're not too into that sort of thing, in case you haven't noticed. And oh yeah, the fat girl who loses a bunch of weight and suddenly has boys all over her...that doesn't happen very often either. And lets face it...even if you get a killer makeover and suddenly look like Angelina Jolie's kid sister...do you really want a guy so shallow that even though he's known you forever and knows what a great personality you have, only now shows interest in you? At least go for a shallow guy who doesn't know you at all, that way you can pretend he likes you for your personality.
3) Love at first sight is a myth. Lust at first sight...very real! Do not mistake the latter for the former. Its true that you may feel an instant spark or connection with someone...this does not mean you are meant to be together forever. That's not to say you shouldn't pursue it, see where it goes, but lets not be Romeo and Juliet about it. You do realize they had known each other for, like, 20 minutes when they decided they were in love. Also...its fiction. Try and remember that people.
4) Don't settle for less than you deserve...but don't pass on someone because they aren't everything you imagined when you were 12. If you feel I've been harsh on the male half of our society, don't worry, this is where the girls get it. Listen up ladies! He may not look like Brad Pitt, but really, who does? Is he nice? Funny? Interesting? Do you have common interests and ideals? Does he love you? If the answer to all these questions is yes, and the thing holding you back it that he's a 2 and you're an 8...get over yourself! You want someone who will be with you forever...and in fifty years neither one of you will look that good.
5) Lastly, remember this: You are a valuable person, whether or not you have a significant other. Nothing frustrates me more than a girl (or guy) who feels like they are worthless because they aren't in a relationship. Or that they can't live without their "one true love." (Hey Twilight fans...ring any "Bella"s?) Being single has its negatives, but it can be a positive as well. Use that time to work on yourself. Are you where you want to be in life? Have you done everything you want to do? Make sure you are able to live life no matter what..single or in a relationship. There is no guarantee that even if you fall in love and get married, that you will never be single again. Look at the divorce rate! Or, your spouse could die in a car accident, from cancer, or the swine flu. (Okay, maybe not swine flu) My point is this: Yes Cher, there is life after love, and I believe in it.
You may not have understood that Cher refrence...
You may think that I'm too cynical...
You may be right.
But that doesn't make what I said any less true.
Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Why are these people talking during my movie?
While I do not condone talking in a movie theater, I will listen to someone talk over my movie...on a commentary.
I am going to take this opportunity to try and make you see why commentaries are so wonderful. I am a (capital F) Fan of movie commentaries. I will pay more for a deluxe or special edition of a movie if it comes with a commentary. Forget deleted scenes or outtakes, the real thrill is sitting down and hearing exactly what the director and/or actors were thinking while filming a scene. Also included in many commentaries are bits of trivia and moments of humor that can make you laugh more than the actual movie.
Maybe you have never listened to a commentary and have no opinion, or maybe you are like my friend Gretchen who finds the talking during the movie annoying, but either way, I consider it my personal duty to sway your opinion towards commentary. With this in mind, I have compiled a short list of my favorite movie commentaries. It is my hope that you will watch one or more of these movies with the commentary on, and by so doing, find yourself to be a Fan of the commentary as well.
She's The Man - Leading actors and the director tease each other with the easy familiarity of friends...you know they all got along while filming, and Andy Fickman throws in all sorts of interesting tidbits.
Twilight - Robert Pattinson's self-deprecating humor steals the commentary from his costar and the director. It is possible I like this movie more with the commentary than without.
Ocean's Eleven - Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon are a power team, nuff said.
Anchorman - Will Ferrell does a commentary of his best movie ever, and he's freaking Will Ferrell, how could it not be funny?
Juno - In this case, less funny, more introspection on the movie, but still very interesting. Commentators are Diablo Cody (writer) and Jason Reitman (Director)
Connie and Carla - Nia Vardolos, writer and star, offers a glimpse into her inspiration for the movie, and you get to learn about all the drag queens' real lives.
A Walk To Remember - Any commentary with Adam Shankman is good, but I really like this one, because Mandy Moore and Shane West can be both poignant and amusing.
Pirates of the Caribbean - Any time you can listen to Johnny Depp talk for over two hours is time well spent.
Love Actually - With this movie, pretty much any way you watch it, its good. You could put on mute. But why, when you can listen to Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy and more discuss the movie with insight and genuine affection for their work.
I encourage you to take a chance on a commentary...and do let me know how it goes!
I am going to take this opportunity to try and make you see why commentaries are so wonderful. I am a (capital F) Fan of movie commentaries. I will pay more for a deluxe or special edition of a movie if it comes with a commentary. Forget deleted scenes or outtakes, the real thrill is sitting down and hearing exactly what the director and/or actors were thinking while filming a scene. Also included in many commentaries are bits of trivia and moments of humor that can make you laugh more than the actual movie.
Maybe you have never listened to a commentary and have no opinion, or maybe you are like my friend Gretchen who finds the talking during the movie annoying, but either way, I consider it my personal duty to sway your opinion towards commentary. With this in mind, I have compiled a short list of my favorite movie commentaries. It is my hope that you will watch one or more of these movies with the commentary on, and by so doing, find yourself to be a Fan of the commentary as well.
She's The Man - Leading actors and the director tease each other with the easy familiarity of friends...you know they all got along while filming, and Andy Fickman throws in all sorts of interesting tidbits.
Twilight - Robert Pattinson's self-deprecating humor steals the commentary from his costar and the director. It is possible I like this movie more with the commentary than without.
Ocean's Eleven - Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon are a power team, nuff said.
Anchorman - Will Ferrell does a commentary of his best movie ever, and he's freaking Will Ferrell, how could it not be funny?
Juno - In this case, less funny, more introspection on the movie, but still very interesting. Commentators are Diablo Cody (writer) and Jason Reitman (Director)
Connie and Carla - Nia Vardolos, writer and star, offers a glimpse into her inspiration for the movie, and you get to learn about all the drag queens' real lives.
A Walk To Remember - Any commentary with Adam Shankman is good, but I really like this one, because Mandy Moore and Shane West can be both poignant and amusing.
Pirates of the Caribbean - Any time you can listen to Johnny Depp talk for over two hours is time well spent.
Love Actually - With this movie, pretty much any way you watch it, its good. You could put on mute. But why, when you can listen to Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy and more discuss the movie with insight and genuine affection for their work.
I encourage you to take a chance on a commentary...and do let me know how it goes!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Trouble With School Is, They Always Try and Teach The Wrong Lessons
It's not that I have anything against the idea of school. I love learning, and I have had teachers in my life that made me want to go to class. My main problem is that 75% of what I learned in school is useless in the real world. Certainly there are applications of math and science in the real world. And there is certainly some proof behind that old "those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it" phrase you always hear. But, in general, schools do not prepare you for life after graduation. Home Economics, which many schools do offer as an elective, is not nearly enough. They try to cram everything into one class. I think it would be more appropriate to separate the subjects and teach a class on each issue.
With this in mind I have prepared a sampling of classes I wish had been offered in my high school.
Finance: Where you learn to balance a check book and budget to live within your means, and they should certainly teach you about the danger of credit cards. Students should also learn how to do their own taxes. Even if you don't end up doing your own taxes later in life, knowing how the government figures out what you owe them is important.
Cooking: Baking cookies will not cut it. Everyone should know how to make at least five dinners. Healthy meals that aren't expensive or difficult to prepare. My generation lives on frozen pre-prepared meals and fast food. Its not healthy and its not economical. (I actually didn't need a class like this, as my mother is a throwback from the olden days and taught me not only how to cook, but how to can vegetables and make jam, but I have many friends who can't make anything more difficult than mac & cheese)
Speech: It's true that many schools do offer a class like this, but it is not always mandatory. it is important to know how to speak before a group of people. You never know when this situation might pop up, but I can guarantee you that it does.
Health: I don't just mean a teacher who tells you to eat right, and exercise. I think students need to learn about the health care system in America. Insurance need to be explained. Also included should be a comprehensive Sex Ed. Most schools teach either abstinence, or they offer a short session on birth control options. Both of these are bad. Students should know and understand all of the effects of sex, on their physical well being and their mental and emotional levels as well. If they choose to have sex anyway they need to be clear that no birth control is 100% at preventing pregnancy, or STDs. And they need to be familiar with all the options.
Employment: <--(So not an accurate name for what is to follow, but its all I've got.) Students need to understand how to create a resume and cover letter. They also need practical experience on how to conduct themselves in an interview. Additionally, students should be made aware of the reality of the work force at that particular time. They need to understand that just because they want to be on Broadway, doesn't mean they should major in theatre. (I'm not saying you shouldn't follow your dreams, but I do think people should be practical when picking a major...you are shelling out a ton of cash for this degree...are you going to be able to use it?)
Reading: Trying to cram reading into English classes is a major problem in America. English should be about proper sentence structure, how to write a good paper, research techniques, etc. Reading should be about learning to expand your horizons by trying new authors and genres. Students need to understand that there is no easier way to expand your mind than to read. Reading increases vocabulary, can help with understanding social situations, and can increase your base of factual knowledge. In addition, reading anything, even a romance novel or magazine article, exercises your brain and keeps it younger.
What do you think? Am I completely crazy, or would you also have appreciated knowing some of these things before you graduated and stepped out into the "real" world?
With this in mind I have prepared a sampling of classes I wish had been offered in my high school.
Finance: Where you learn to balance a check book and budget to live within your means, and they should certainly teach you about the danger of credit cards. Students should also learn how to do their own taxes. Even if you don't end up doing your own taxes later in life, knowing how the government figures out what you owe them is important.
Cooking: Baking cookies will not cut it. Everyone should know how to make at least five dinners. Healthy meals that aren't expensive or difficult to prepare. My generation lives on frozen pre-prepared meals and fast food. Its not healthy and its not economical. (I actually didn't need a class like this, as my mother is a throwback from the olden days and taught me not only how to cook, but how to can vegetables and make jam, but I have many friends who can't make anything more difficult than mac & cheese)
Speech: It's true that many schools do offer a class like this, but it is not always mandatory. it is important to know how to speak before a group of people. You never know when this situation might pop up, but I can guarantee you that it does.
Health: I don't just mean a teacher who tells you to eat right, and exercise. I think students need to learn about the health care system in America. Insurance need to be explained. Also included should be a comprehensive Sex Ed. Most schools teach either abstinence, or they offer a short session on birth control options. Both of these are bad. Students should know and understand all of the effects of sex, on their physical well being and their mental and emotional levels as well. If they choose to have sex anyway they need to be clear that no birth control is 100% at preventing pregnancy, or STDs. And they need to be familiar with all the options.
Employment: <--(So not an accurate name for what is to follow, but its all I've got.) Students need to understand how to create a resume and cover letter. They also need practical experience on how to conduct themselves in an interview. Additionally, students should be made aware of the reality of the work force at that particular time. They need to understand that just because they want to be on Broadway, doesn't mean they should major in theatre. (I'm not saying you shouldn't follow your dreams, but I do think people should be practical when picking a major...you are shelling out a ton of cash for this degree...are you going to be able to use it?)
Reading: Trying to cram reading into English classes is a major problem in America. English should be about proper sentence structure, how to write a good paper, research techniques, etc. Reading should be about learning to expand your horizons by trying new authors and genres. Students need to understand that there is no easier way to expand your mind than to read. Reading increases vocabulary, can help with understanding social situations, and can increase your base of factual knowledge. In addition, reading anything, even a romance novel or magazine article, exercises your brain and keeps it younger.
What do you think? Am I completely crazy, or would you also have appreciated knowing some of these things before you graduated and stepped out into the "real" world?
Monday, February 16, 2009
At 5' 5'' in the Editorial Column we have....
This first post will serve as an introduction to my blog and to me. I feel it only fair to warn you that I have opinion and I am not afraid to share it. This is, in fact, the very problem that keeps me from pursuing a career in anything remotely related to my college degree. When I majored in Journalism, I had high hopes. Dreams of a column in a famous music magazine, my own radio show, fame, fortune, you get the picture. What I failed to realize (as many young college students do) is that in order to obtain these things, I would first have to work in menial, low-paying, thankless jobs at little newspapers and radio stations, slowly working my way up the ladder of notoriety and success. While in theory I am not against these things, I have a few problems actually practicing them.
The most important problem, which I touched on earlier, is my opinionated nature. In journalism, most newspapers are looking for fair, balanced, non-biased, objective (the list of adjectives could go forever) articles. I am a very talented writer....of editorial pieces...my talent does not run to hard news. Woodward and Bernstein I am not.
My second major problem with the aforementioned menial jobs is, to be frank, money. If you are alive (and since you are reading this, I assume you to be) you cannot be unaware of the economic problems facing pretty much everyone on the planet. I, sadly, am not a celebrity and therefore have just as many bills to pay as every other person. My biggest debt is my college education that I am not even using...gee dad, so glad I listened to you when you said this was an investment in my future.
My third problem, and the least important, is that I lack a virtue known to most as patience. I just don't want to wait to earn my opinion column, I want to write it now.
When I am not at my day job, I read. Books, magazines, newspapers, and blogs. I said myself, "Self, everyone has a blog, you can too. Maybe no one will read it, but that's okay, because you can write whatever you want." And I was convinced. Plus, despite what my younger, teenage brother says, I find my self, at the very least, slightly amusing. If I can bring a smile to a person's face, what more could I ask? Besides a million dollars that is.
In this, my first post, I want to share with you, my readers, some pertinent statistics regarding my life. I am 23 years old, female, and currently single. I live and work in Southwest Michigan and went to school at Grand Valley State University. I absolutely love listening to music, reading, watching movies, and spending time with my family.
Anyone who reads this blog is welcome to comment, but I do ask that it be respectful. This will be a place where I speak my opinions freely. If you don't agree with me, that's okay. If you call me names, that's not okay. I feel like that is a fairly easy rule to follow.
And so, gentle reader, I bid you adieu until next I post, and wish you all many happy returns.
The most important problem, which I touched on earlier, is my opinionated nature. In journalism, most newspapers are looking for fair, balanced, non-biased, objective (the list of adjectives could go forever) articles. I am a very talented writer....of editorial pieces...my talent does not run to hard news. Woodward and Bernstein I am not.
My second major problem with the aforementioned menial jobs is, to be frank, money. If you are alive (and since you are reading this, I assume you to be) you cannot be unaware of the economic problems facing pretty much everyone on the planet. I, sadly, am not a celebrity and therefore have just as many bills to pay as every other person. My biggest debt is my college education that I am not even using...gee dad, so glad I listened to you when you said this was an investment in my future.
My third problem, and the least important, is that I lack a virtue known to most as patience. I just don't want to wait to earn my opinion column, I want to write it now.
When I am not at my day job, I read. Books, magazines, newspapers, and blogs. I said myself, "Self, everyone has a blog, you can too. Maybe no one will read it, but that's okay, because you can write whatever you want." And I was convinced. Plus, despite what my younger, teenage brother says, I find my self, at the very least, slightly amusing. If I can bring a smile to a person's face, what more could I ask? Besides a million dollars that is.
In this, my first post, I want to share with you, my readers, some pertinent statistics regarding my life. I am 23 years old, female, and currently single. I live and work in Southwest Michigan and went to school at Grand Valley State University. I absolutely love listening to music, reading, watching movies, and spending time with my family.
Anyone who reads this blog is welcome to comment, but I do ask that it be respectful. This will be a place where I speak my opinions freely. If you don't agree with me, that's okay. If you call me names, that's not okay. I feel like that is a fairly easy rule to follow.
And so, gentle reader, I bid you adieu until next I post, and wish you all many happy returns.
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