Damn That's Awesome

This song is good for today. Plus a grilled cheese from Sonic...

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:54:00 -0600

This song is good for today. Plus a grilled cheese from Sonic and a lemon-berry slush. Good day.

Enjoy The Tallest Man On Earth….so damn awesome.

Paint It Black By Janet Fitch

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:17:17 -0600

Janet Fitch may be most well known for her book White Oleander, which was also made into a major film, but her understated follow up novel, Paint It Black, is equally as powerful.

With the famous Rolling Stones lyrics “I see a red door and I want it painted black. No colors anymore I want them to turn black.” typed on the first page, Paint It Black, is nothing short of bold.

Janet Fitch’s book, Paint It Black, is a heavy and captivating tale of artist model, Josie Tyrell. Deep into the grunge and punk-rock scene in Los Angeles during the 1980s, Josie’s story is a bit of a twisted one.

After the death of her boyfriend, Michael, Josie is thrown into an unexpected relationship with his wealthy, and overbearing, concert pianist mother, Meredith. Meredith, however, despises Josie and accuses her of having taken Michael from
his prim and proper “Harvard” lifestyle, and dragging him into the grungy art world she so hated.

The book follows Josie as she struggles with the death of her lover, the hatred of her lover’s wealthy mother, and the music, drugs, and alcohol she just can’t seem to get enough of.

This book is deep, dark, and amazing. With twists and turns chapter by chapter you won’t be able to put this down. The imagery of the 1980s punk rock scene contrasted with that of Meredith’s grand piano and mansion in the hills makes for an interesting 400 page journey.

Photo Inspirations

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 10:50:21 -0600

I spend a lot of my down time perusing through photographers online portfolios and dreaming of doing work even close to the quality of theirs. I think a lot of these images are so beautiful and down right amazing that I’ve saved them all to my computer in their own album and I go look at them when I get bored. Lame? I know. Anyways, since I’M so enthralled by them, I figured I’d share them with you.

(all images in this post can be found on each photographer’s website)

Richard Avedon

My all time favorite photographer is Richard Avedon. His fashion portraits are epically beautiful and his ability to capture the stunning features of females is incredible and his black and white images of fashion are historically famous. Avedon was best known as being a staff photographer at Vogue. After his death in 2004, his images have immortalized his name and talent forever.

Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz is currently one of the world’s most famous photographers. Leibovitz began her career in San Francisco with Rolling Stone Magazine before they were a popular publication in the 60s. After touring with “The Rolling Stones”, Leibovitz’s career took off. Since then, Leibovitz has photographed just about every known celebrity, including President Obama, and is featured in just about every issue of Vanity Fair and Vogue.

Image: John Lennon and Yoko Ono, taken the day of, and just hours before Lennon was shot and killed in front of his New York City apartment.

William Eggleston

William Eggleston is most well known for what he did with color photography. Born in 1939, Eggleston came into photography at an interesting time. Color photographs were not yet instant or easily available to the public and the medium of color photography was not yet a popular or widely respected format. Eggleston’s work with color film is like no other photographers. The colors in his images are profound and pop out at you as if the purpose of the photograph was to immortalize the colors in the shot. Blatant and true, Eggleston’s images will forever be taught to photography students as the photos that broke ground for color images everywhere.

Helmut Newton

Helmut Newton, who passed away in 2004, was another one of Vogue’s majorly talented photographers. His images were often erotic by nature but undeniably dramatic in the fashion world. Working mostly in black and white, Newton almost created his own genre of photography. These sexually charged black and white fashion photographs set Newton’s name apart from the rest through out his life time and will continue to do so for years to come.

DAMN RICHARD AVEDON, ANNIE LEIBOVITZ, WILLIAM EGGLESTON, AND HELMUT NEWTON ARE AWESOME!

Playing In My Car: Wavves

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:56:00 -0600

Considering I haven’t take these guy’s CD out of my player in my car for the last 2 months…..I figured I’d write about them. Who knows maybe I’ll even bless some of you with the gift of one CD that you never get sick of.

California based noise-pop band, Wavves, is an infant in the entertainment industry, only becoming recognized about three years ago. Frontman Nathan Williams is responsible for the majority of the song writing, but set the band back a few steps when he had a breakdown in front of a crowd in Spain that was induced by an ecstasy cocktail.

But, nevertheless the band has signed with Fat Possum records and released three albums recognized by publications like The Onion and Pitchfork.

The latest album, “King Of The Beach”, was released in August of 2010, and has undoubtedly brought them more success than the previous two.

Wavves was recently featured at the popular Austin musical festival, Fun Fun Fun Fest where thousands of attendees had the chance to see them play.

“King Of The Beach” is filled with your slacker summer and drug taking anthems but never have those themes been so appealing. The upbeat and energetic attitude of the intro song, “King Of The Beach”, carries through whole album.

With 12 of the catchiest driving tunes I’ve heard in a long time this album is jam packed with talent.

After recruiting Jay Reatard band members, Billy Hayes and Stephen Pope, the band has officially taken a turn for the better. The instrumental qualities coming together to make each of these songs is fantastic.

I hope you are motivated to go pick up a copy of Wavves newest album, “King Of The Beach”. Be sure to check out #11, “Linus Spacehead”.

Click HERE to listen to it on youtube.com

DAMN WAVVES IS AWESOME

it really seems like a newspapper? but I really likes, it's beautiful

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:22:15 -0600

This blog was started for an entertainment journalism class. It has some reviews, some feature stories, some interviews, some trend stories, and then some randoms that I threw in their for my own entertainment! A lot of it is journalistic but there are also a lot of personal reviews of albums, movies, shows, and photographs.

Thanks for reading!

-Caroline

Photographer Denis Darzacq's Hyper

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:45:04 -0600

Paris based photographer, Denis Darzaq is an inspiring and intuitive artist whose gravity defying images are captivating viewers worldwide.

Darzaq released a series a few years ago which he titled, “Hyper”.

For the series Darzaq hired dancers and athletes to leap into unnatural looking and gravity defying poses inside of a grocery store. The images are unbelievable and eye catching, and Darzaq claims none of them to have been photoshopped.

Here are a few images from the series:

Darzacq has images in The Nation Museum of Modern Art and several other galleries and has also released 5 books of his work.

Visit his website at http://www.denis-darzacq.com/

and keep up with his work because he is so inspirational and talented.

DAMN DENIS DARZACQ IS AWESOME!

New Years Eve In New York City

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:22:00 -0600

I think everyone dreams of being in Times Square on New Years Eve at some point in their life. It’s a fantasy that many of us have in common, but few of us get to live out.

Every year up to a million people gather in Times Square to scream and count down from for the last minute of the 360 day calendar, until the clock strikes midnight, the year changes, and the infamous glowing ball reaches the bottom of the pole.

For most of us, about 1 billion to be more precise, that experience is had in front of a television screen thousands of miles away and thousands of times smaller, quieter, and less fun than the actual event.

Some of us throw parties, and some of us attend those parties. And some of us try to replicate the dramatic countdown at their parties, and most of them fail.

Regardless what you do, the countdown from 10 one will never be as exciting as it would if you were in Times Square.

The first year for the Times Square Ball was in 1907, and since then the crowds have grown from 200,000 to nearly a million people.

I’ve made it my goal to save up for taking a trip to New York City on New Years Eve 2012, and I’m thinking you should too. I don’t want to be one of the 100,00 Americans watching it from their TV next year. What could be more beautiful, fun, and historic experience than being in Times Square on New Years Eve?

DAMN NEW YEARS EVEN IN TIMES SQUARE IS AWESOME!

CAKE, a California based band that first became popular in the...

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:01:00 -0600

CAKE, a California based band that first became popular in the late nineties, is playing at the Austin Music Hall on New Years Eve.

Even with ticket prices at $50-$75 the event is almost sold out. Balcony tickets were set at $75 and have already sold out, but the cheaper general admissions tickets are still available at $50.

CAKE’s first hit was “The Distance” which came off their album, Fashion Nugget. Since 1994 the band has released 7 albums and 1 live album each containing hit songs.

The release of Comfort Eagle in 2001 sent their song, “Short Skirt, Long Jacket” to number 7 on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks.

Check out the video above for one of my favorite CAKE songs and go see their show on New Years Eve at the Austin Music Hall if you can!

DAMN CAKE IS AWESOME!

This, my friends, is a tribute to my all time favorite...

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:45:16 -0600

This, my friends, is a tribute to my all time favorite Christmas movie, “A Christmas Story”.

Every year during Christmas time my family gathers around the television to watch this hilarious cult classic holiday film. This is not your sweet cheerful Christmas tale where everyone happily drinks hot chocolate around a warm fire together. No, this movie is more like a story about a disastrously embarrassing Christmas told from the view point of the eldest son “Ralphie”.

Ralphie wants nothing but a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas, but every adult he encounters seems to think he will just “shoot his eye out”.

So, after a few encounters with a bully, some day dreams, a couple punishments, and a handful of embarrassing family moments, Ralphie runs downstairs to see if he got his precious BB gun.

You seriously need to see this movie if you never have. It is hilarious, dry, and honest, and you will be quoting it for the rest of your life. Grab a copy or come borrow mine because it’s officially Christmas time!

Watch the video above for my favorite scene where the family goes to a Chinese restaurant for Christmas dinner, and gets serenaded.

DAMN A CHRISTMAS STORY IS AWESOME!

Sign Up To Be a SXSW Volunteer

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:13:27 -0600

The time is upon us Austin folks! SXSW 2010 is creeping around the corner! More and more bands are registering every day and it’s time for the volunteers to start signing up too.

Each year SXSW is run largely in part by its massive amount of helpful volunteers. Volunteer workers work a certain amount of hours in exchange for a perk aka a pass to the festival.

Volunteers who work up to 50 hours are eligible to receive either an interactive badge or a music wrist band which will get them second tier priority to music shows.

Volunteers who work up to 60 hours are eligible for a gold badge which grants them entry to all interactive and film events, or a music badge which will get them into all music events.

And finally, any volunteer who works 80 or more hours (5 or 6 shifts) can acquire a platinum badge, getting them entry into all parts of the 2010 SXSW festival.

There are two types of volunteer crews, Conference Volunteers and Music Production Volunteers. Applicants must choose one of the two categories when filling out their forms.

Details on the different volunteer crews, hours, scheduling, dates, duties, perks, and the application process can be found on the SXSW volunteer site: www.volunteer.sxsw.com/home

SXSW is the one of the world’s largest film and music festivals and it goes down right here in Austin. Don’t miss out on this epic week of activities and volunteer today!

DAMN VOLUNTEERING AT SXSW IS AWESOME!

A new film starring Jim Carey and Ewen McGregor has an...

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:43:00 -0600

A new film starring Jim Carey and Ewen McGregor has an interesting plot reminiscent of one of Carey’s other recent films, “Yes Man”.

A man, played by Carey, reevaluates his life after a car accident and decides to live life to the fullest and pretty much do whatever he wants. Carey’s character becomes open about his homosexuality, and after various schemes and cons ends up serving time in jail. During his stay in jail Carey’s character falls in love with another inmate, Phillip Morris, who is played by Ewen McGregor.

In another miraculous scheme Carey’s character proceeds to finagle a way out of jail so he and Phillip Morris (McGregor) can live a life happily ever after.

I love Jim Carey, and I love all of his films, new and old, and I am excited to see this one, but I can’t help but notice that the part of the plot where he decides to live life to the fullest seems awfully similar to “Yes Man” where his character decides to lighten up and say “Yes.” to everything.

The plot of this new film, “I Love You Phillip Morris”, is undoubtedly creative and intriguing and I always love what Jim Carey brings to the table. So check out the trailer above and go see it when it comes to theaters! I know I am.

DAMN I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS AND JIM CAREY ARE AWESOME!

Austin's Own Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:14:53 -0600

One of the things I love most about Austin is the number of local businesses and the amount of support they receive from the people. Deep Eddy, one of the many local businesses, has been expanding it’s name and brand since 1913.

This local sweet tea vodka is one of few of its kind. Deep Eddy’s Sweet Tea Vodka is distilled 10 times with all natural ingredients and when added to a splash of water is a ready-to-drink mixture that is refreshing even on the muggiest of days.

Here is what the Deep Eddy website had to say about their history:

Back in the day, pilots had Bomber
Girls painted on their planes to
remind them of the comforts of home.
This bottle reminds us of our home,
Austin. Our favorite things at home
are Deep Eddy – (One of the oldest
spring-fed swimming pools in Texas),
pretty girls in bikinis and a cold
beverage on a hot day. Clayton and
Chad use only the best vodka,
distilled ten times, and add
hand-selected premium whole
leaf teas – then sweetened with
local clover honey. You won’t
find any high fructose corn syrup
or Red no. 5 here. Enjoy your
Deep Eddy with a splash of water
and make your own good ol’ days.
Take a dip… the vodka’s perfect.

Support a local Austin company and grab a bottle of Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka for your next gathering, you won’t regret it!

DAMN DEEP EDDY SWEET TEA VODKA IS AWESOME!

Arcade Fire and Chris Milk Push Creativity With New Video

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:34:00 -0600

A new music video featuring Arcade Fire’s single, “We Used To Wait”, pushes the creative window with what creator, Chris Milk, calls an “interactive film”.

Arcade Fire is a Montreal based, alternative-meets-indie-rock band that has won numerous awards for its’ inventive and instrumentally profound sound. The group is made up of several members who play every instrument under the sun including the hurdy gurdy.

After two Grammy nominations and the release of their newest album, “The Suburbs”, in 2010 the group has come together to give fans yet another reason to continue supporting their style.

Chris Milk, a music video director who has done videos for people such as Kanye West, Courtney Love, Modest Mouse, Gnarls Barkley, U2, and Green Day, is the mastermind behind the new interactive film. Milk’s innovative film ideas have won him several awards as well as a nomination for best music video of the year at the 2005 Video Music Awards.

For his newest endeavor, Chris Milk has teamed up with Arcade Fire and their song “We Used To Wait” to create an interactive film titled “The Wilderness Downtown”.

To watch the video viewers must go to the website that was created especially for the project ( www.thewildernessdowntown.com ). The use of Google Chrome is required, but can be downloaded free of charge on their website ( google.com/chrome ).

Upon entering the sit the viewer is greeted with an eerie and wispy twig-like display of the video’s title and the request of putting your childhood home address in the empty box below. After selecting your correct address a screen pops up and the experience begins.

The seemingly average music video takes a turn when you realize that you are looking at a satellite view of the home you actually grew up in as a child. The sentimental value of seeing 3-dimensional images of your childhood home while the lyrics “Now our lives are changing fast. Hope that something pure can last” play in the background is out of this world.

As the film continues, more and more internet windows pop up each featuring a different visual; Some with views of your street with computer generated greenery growing on top of it, and others with birds flying silhouetted against the sky.

The experience of watching this video is warming, sentimental, creative, and beautiful. Let this film leave you in awe at its’ inventive and passionate nature because it is truly the only one of its kind.

DAMN THE ARCADE FIRE, CHRIS MILK, THE WILDERNESS DOWNTOWN, AND WE USED TO WAIT ARE AWESOME!

Victoria’s Secret Runway Show, An Epic Production

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:08:22 -0600

Every year a handful of the world’s hottest females hit the runway in the Vitoria’s Secret holiday fashion show, one of the biggest, most theatrical, and impressive fashion shows of all time.

Every year housewives, teens, and celebrities alike anxiously wait to see how Victoria’s Secret will trump the previous years show; And every year millions of people gather round to watch these gorgeous and powerful women strut their stuff in designer underwear and custom made wings.

With a 90 ft. long glittered runway, 32 of the world’s hottest girls, 5 different themed lingere lines, and musical performances by Akon and Katy Perry, the 2010 Victoria’s Secret fashion show was an epic success.

Each of the five different runway processions featured a binding theme that tied the lingere pieces together. The first walk showcased some of Victoria’s Secret’s more classic undergarment articles, which made for a smooth and subtle introduction to the show.

Following the first walk was a video clip in which each of the models was introduced and interviewed. Seeing the girls in their normal clothes, with no make up on while they joked and talked about each other’s personalities and how much they enjoy working with each other was one of the most important features to the show.

Listening to the girls talk about their experiences as Victoria’s Secret models with each other allowed people to see them as ordinary girls (who happen to be smoking hot) and turned the show into a celebration of confidence, beauty, and being a women instead of just a way to see hot girls in their underwear.

Erin Heatherton, Lily Adridge, Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo, Chanel Iman, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Candice Swanepoel made up some of this year’s stunning angels. Naughty or nice, these girls were empowered and fierce during each walk down the runway.

The second line to walk to the runway was a sort of southern bell themed collection that featured lightweight robes, corsets, and other various layering articles that all carried the old south feel they seemed to be aiming for. The line in itself was girly and sweet, but the slow country song in the background made the overall walk a little drab.

A sports themed line made the third walk fun and energetic. As models walked the runway dressed as various sports including baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and football, a handful of muscle men did acrobatics in the background. With Lady Gaga blaring in the background, cameras caught each of the girls perfect bodies, and endlessly long legs as they walked the length of the runway in 4 inch platform heels.

The fourth line was introduced by a video clip of newest model, Chanel Iman, receiving her first pair of custom designed wings made for the runway; something that every Victoria’s Secret model dreams about.

Above: Chanel and her first wings.

With Akon on the runway singing his hit single “Angel”, Chanel appeared in matching white and gold underwear and bra with her new giant white-feathered wings dragging like a train on the glittery runway behind her. Following Chanel and her wings were several angel themed outfits decked with wiry rhinestoned skirts, halos, and even more wings.

The girls were appropriately angelic and stunning in their rhinestones and halos, but Akon stuck out like a sore thumb in the sea of glitter and feminine beauty. His performance was sub par, as it appeared he was singing on top of a previously recorded version of the song, and his leathery skin and bulging eyes made me think that Flavor Flav was actually the one on stage at least twice.

After a gorgeous and powerful safari themed line that featured the girls dressed as peacocks, and wearing mossy capes, Katy Perry took the stage to sing during the final walk.

As Perry sang, the models showcased the infamously colorful and youthful PINK line that Victoria’s Secret launched a few years back. As one of Maxim’s hottest females, Perry’s look and sound fit in perfectly with the PINK line.

Bubbles, bright colors, sequins, and balloons made the show’s finale an on stage party with all the girls waving and jumping on the still fully glittered 90 ft. runway. The girls didn’t seem to want it to end, and honestly neither did I.

This year’s Victoria’s Secret runway show set itself apart from all other fashion shows. Each of the 5 featured lingere lines were masterfully designed and the production value of the show was close to that of a musical. With a relaxed atmosphere, the girls waved and smiled as the made their way to the end of the runway where cameras captured their faces close up in a dramatic slow motion.

Background dancers, props, multiple sets, live music performances, and 32 of the world’s hottest women make the Victoria’s Secret runway show one of the biggest fashion shows every year, and 2010 was no exception.

Happy Turkey

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:10:00 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here are some turkey posts to brighten your day and potentially wake you up out of your food coma….

Apple announced Tuesday that it would release all 16 of...

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:39:03 -0600

Apple announced Tuesday that it would release all 16 of “The Beatles” albums for digital download on iTunes.

“The Beatles” had long held out from selling their songs with iTunes but as of Tuesday night they are no longer amongst the few remaining artists who have with held from making the transition to digital download.

Image found HERE

Within hours of their release “The Beatles” had eight records on the top 25 albums and some 59 songs on the top 200 for iTunes sales.

More than 50 years after “The Beatles” began playing as the infamous foursome, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, they are still topping charts.

Individual songs can be purchased on iTunes for $1.29, individual albums are $12.99, and a box set with all 13 albums is $149.

My dad raised me on “The Beatles” so while I already own all their albums, it’s great to see them being appreciated on iTunes so long after they started the band.

DAMN THE BEATLES ARE AWESOME

Pixar Animation Domination

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:07:00 -0600

After 31 years of expansion and progress, Disney’s Pixar Studios can rightfully claim itself to be one of the most successful film studios of all time.

Recently, the release of ”Toy Story 3” has brought Pixar more than $1 billion in sales worldwide, and quickly earned it the title of number one successful animation film studio of all time.

To gross over $1 billion on one feature film, Pixar studios must be doing something right. Their films seem to speak to people of all ages and no matter how young or old, everyone seems to be able to find humor and joy in each of their films.

Anyone involved in the entertainment industry can tell you that it is not an easy road. Contrary to popular belief, Pixar wasn’t created the same year they made “Toy Story”. In fact, Pixar wasn’t even an animation studio when it began.

Image found HERE

Pixar was originated in 1979 as part of the computer division doing graphics for George Lucas at Lucasfilm Ltd. After a bitter divorce and some financial downfalls, Lucas sold Pixar to Apple Inc.’s Steve Jobs, who turned it into an independent company for $10 million.

With Jobs as chief executive officer, Pixar began marketing a computer called the Pixar Image Computer. Most of those purchasing Pixar Image Computers were government agencies, but Walt Disney Studios also happened to use one in its animation process as well.

In an attempt to make money, Jobs sold part of Pixar studios in 1990 and made a deal in 1991 with Disney for $26 million and 3 computer animated movies.

Pixar employee and supervising animator for “Toy Story”, “A Bug’s Life”, and “Toy Story 2”, Glenn McQueen, made the move to work with the company shortly before the making of the original “Toy Story”.

“I think pretty much everybody in the industry…when they heard about “Toy Story”..was like, What? They’re doing a whole film? With no live action plates? You’ve got to be kidding!” McQueen told FilmForce correspondent Kenneth Plume.

In 1995 “Toy Story” became Pixar’s first big feature animation hit grossing more than $350 million worldwide.

Pixar introduced viewers to a new style of animation that appeared to be more 3-dimensional and more realistic than your kids typical 2-D Saturday morning cartoon (“Rugrats” comes to mind).

Perhaps it is these bubbly and shiny characters that have made Pixar films so successful and recognizable over the years.

“After a while i started thinking, well you know, this Lasseter guy has done absolutely the best work in the industry. There’s no way he’s not going to make a good film.” McQueen said to Plume.

With Chief Creative Officer, John Lasseter, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios has released a total of 11 feature films over the past 15 years, 6 of which were made before the company was officially bought by Disney Studios in 2006.

The release of “Toy Story” in 1995 was followed by “A Bug’s Life” in 1998, “Toy Story 2” in 1999, “Monsters Inc.” in 2001, “Finding Nemo” in 2003, “The Incredibles” in 2004, “Cars” in 2006, “Ratatoullie” in 2007, “Wall-E” in 2008, “Up” in 2009, and “Toy Story 3” in 2010.

Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatoullie, and Wall-E

Image found HERE

George Lucas, Steve Jobs, John Lasseter, Walt Disney Studios, and each of these 11 films has led to the rise in success of Pixar Animation Studios over the last 31 years. Today, Pixar is seen as the most successful animation film studio of all time for its smart, successful, comedic, heart grasping, and inspiring, family films. Pixar never fails to inspire people of all ages around the world as they continue to release their witty animations.

DAMN PIXAR IS AWESOME

Holly Does ATX Peer Blog Review #8

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:59:39 -0600

The next blog I am going to review is Holly Aker’s, “Holly Does ATX”.

Holly’s blog is one of my favorites. Her skills as a journalist are fantastic and I can really tell through her writing that she is well trained. But the first thing most people will notice on Holly’s blog is her excellent choice in backround/format.

The Impact font is fun, bold, and clear, and when paired with the photo of the Austin city scape her blog seems to develop some personality. The milky green background and big loud dates paired with the postings gives me the feeling that the blogger is smart, but fun. I think having those two qualities backing your blog is really really appealing to readers (or at least me).

Aside from all of this, Holly’s blog seems the most professional to me. I would compare her and Megan Ganey’s in terms of writing quality and content. Holly’s content mostly revolves around music but when she throws something else in the mix, it always receives the same attention as her music posts, and it is always just as interesting.

Her use of pictures is good and helps enhance her already fantastic writing skills. The pictures just give the reader a visual representation of what she has already created with her words. I love reading Holly’s blog and I think all in all she has collectively the most successful blog.

To read Holly’s full blog go here: http://hollydoesatx.wordpress.com/

A Lot About Nothing Peer Blog Review #7

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:46:41 -0600

The next peer blog I will review is Rachel Simpson’s, “A Lot About Nothing”.

Rachel seems to have an affinity for celebrity posts. Though I feel blogging about celebs is over done, I envy her ability to take the most interesting and current stories and put them on her blog. One of the things I have a big problem with when I think about blogging about celebs is that there is just so much information and so many things happening at every minute of every day that I would lose my mind just trying to pick a story to write about. Rachel has done a great job over the course of the semester at picking interesting and current stories about celebs to write about, without telling us every single little thing that has happened in the celeb world on a daily basis.

While I like the celebrity posts, I wish that Rachel would change it up just a liiiiittle bit more. I say this because when she does post something un-celebrity related, it is almost always something that I can’t stop reading about. Rachel does a great job of finding quirky little tid bits, as well as big pressing stories to throw into the mix with her celebrity posts, but in my opinion she should do more.

Overall, I enjoy reading Rachel’s posts, celebrity or other, but because there are so many celebrity blog spots around already, she’s going to have to step it up a few notches to keep readers coming back!

To read Rachel’s full blog go here: http://rachelsimpson.tumblr.com/

Cougars At Sea?

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:01:14 -0600

It has come to my attention in the past few years that America seems to have a sick obsession with the “cougar”. For those of you who do not know, a “cougar” is an older, typically wildly attractive, woman who goes after younger, and also typically attractive boys.

You’ve heard it in TV shows, songs, movies, and every day banter, but now it is official….the “cougar” is taking over (much to the dismay of older men). Here are some of our “cougar” icons today:

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher

Image found HERE

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon= 11 year age difference

Image found HERE

Just a few short years ago, “Friends” star, Courtney Cox, began starring in her new series titled, “Cougar Town”. Not only is the show about “cougar” women hooking up with younger men, but Courtney was living “cougar” with David Arquette. Though the two may be getting divorced in the future, if they ever make up their minds, they are indeed another “cougar” couple.

Image found HERE

This brings me to my final relative point. Today, I saw an article about a cruise. Not just any cruise. A COUGAR CRUISE!!!!

No joke people, there is a cruise dedicated to 40-50 year old women and 20-30 year old men. This will be the third year in a row for the “Cougar Cruise” to leave Miami and cruise around the Bahamas with its age defying older women and cub-like younger men.

Image found HERE

The cruise will depart on December 3rd, and since the sponsors ( Singles Travel Company and The Society of Single Professionals) cannot afford to rent out the ENTIRE cruise ship, only a small section (about 2,000 people) of a normal cruise will be reserved for the “cougar” happenings.

Image found HERE

This blows my mind. I mean I totally get the cougar thing. Not only that, but when I’m unmarried at age 45 I can only hope that hot younger men will want to marry me still. But what weirds me out is the fact that these people are signing up for this cruise for the exact purpose of finding either an older woman or a younger man.

I mean come on! Do you really want to narrow your search that drastically? Are you really that picky? And is it really that different from a fetish? Would anyone really want to marry someone because they met the other person’s fetish requirements?

Not cool world. Not cool.

On the other hand, what older woman wouldn’t want to go party with a bunch of hot younger guys? Honestly, I’m torn. Inappropriate or totally freaking awesome?

You decide.

DAMN COUGAR CRUISE MIGHT BE AWESOME….