Hairstyles are Dresses Now?

So I'll keep things short this week because it's HOMECOMING WEEK ZOMG!

But I saw some truly disturbing pictures of celebrities sporting "Mullet Dresses"
Before I even looked at these pictures I had to ask myself who came up with that fabulous name!? At that point, I didn't even care what the dresses looked like--mullets went out for a reason.

To prove my point, I'll just showcase some special failures involving mullet dresses.

First, we have Victoria Beckham (POSH Spice! Come on!) in a mullet dress that looks almost like lingerie.. On the red carpet at a MET Gala, too!



That's just disappointing.

As we move on to the biggest failure I saw, I challenge everyone to simply google "mullet dress". This picture will come up INSTANTLY because of how horrible it is.

This is Elizabeth Banks. B-list actress. Definitely Maybe, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, and other Oscar-worthy films. At a film festival in Cannes.



So now that we've seen these fashion failures, let's remind ourselves that there are some celebrities out there that can pull off ANYTHING. Let's redeem the mullet dress. Carey Mulligan and Anne Hathaway know what they're doing.

Carey Mulligan being beautiful and flawless as always. Wearing Prada.



And, to conclude my quick little fashion post, I will unveil one of the most gorgeous pictures I've ever seen of Anne Hathaway. WHY CAN'T I BE HER? At the premiere of Rachel Getting Married (which I love).



Have you seen any fashion fails lately? Let me know about them. They make me laugh.

Things Finally Get Political...

As we near what could possibly be the most stressful and exhausting week of my life, I've decided to share an essay I wrote in response to a question on the George Washington University Supplement. Of course a college in D.C. asks me to "Write about a political belief you stand by. Defend it and elaborate on it". ....If you say so!

Normally, I steer clear of politics in my writing because, let's be honest, no other topic gets under peoples' skin as quickly as political opinion. I'll say right now that if you disagree with my opinion, or anything in my essay, you are more than forgiven for closing the window and moving on with your life. But please, for both of our sakes, don't vomit your caps-lock, exclamation-point-ridden opinion on my page.

I chose to write about one of the more humanitarian political issues--No, not health care, the war, or where we should build mosques. I believe in the respect and dignity that all humans deserve. I believe in gay rights.

I now pronounce you man and wife. I used to take joy in this statement, weep for a family member that had found their soul mate and could publicly profess their love. This was before I knew about the heinous movement to deny rights to gay and lesbian individuals, ignoring their love just because they were different. I am disgusted by the fact that discrimination of this caliber still exists in our society. We live in America, home of the brave and the homophobic.

One of my favorite movies of all time is a documentary by Reed Cowan entitled 8: The Mormon Proposition. I had always supported gay marriage, but seeing this powerful and disturbing documentary only strengthened my feelings on the issue. Delving deeply into the motives of anti-gay activists, the documentary explores the clash of California’s gay and lesbian community and the Mormon agenda, namely to ban same-sex marriage for good. The beginning of the film showcases thousands of overjoyed gay and lesbian people as they line up outside city hall to receive a marriage license. Only moments after the decision was broadcast to California residents, the Mormon “prophets” started devising a plan to overturn the decision. From that day forward, the Mormon Church donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the campaign for Proposition 8 and forever became infamous for their overwhelming disapproval of gay marriage. A considerable chunk of that cash came from cornered members of the church, forced by their superiors to either get their checkbooks out, or leave the church forever. How do people so hateful and discriminatory still exist?

The Mormon Church is not the only assembly responsible for the plight of the gay community. Everyday people judge the same sex couples walking down the street holding hands, and especially the same-sex couples that fight for the right to express their love publicly in the act of marriage, how dare they? The opposition profusely claims the marriage is a sacred institution and that same sex marriage skews God’s vision of the family. In my opinion, divorce skews the vision of all families, yet fifty percent of the population thinks that’s perfectly fine. And if same sex marriage is such a divine gift, why are groups like the Unitarians and Presbyterians coming out of the woodwork and accepting gay marriage? It seems to me that only certain groups of people in certain divine institutions have decided that same sex marriage is out of the question, but where does that leave those of us that want to see change?

I was overjoyed when I saw this headline in the paper: Proposition 8 Overturned: Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional. I was immensely proud of California’s government for coming back to justice with this decision. Finally, a judge saw the despicable flaws in this proposition and deemed it unconstitutional. How far have we really come from slavery, discriminating against Mexican Americans, and denying voting rights for women? I would like to believe in a country that can stop this vastly degrading discrimination before it reaches the White House.

In what world is this acceptable? In whose mind is this blatant hatred and disrespect just? Are we much better, the silent bystanders? An entire demographic of people live their lives in a society fueled by discrimination, disrespect, and a complete absence of morality.


I, for one, will not tolerate it.












If you want to learn more about Reed Cowan's documentary, 8: The Mormon Proposition, go to:

http://www.mormonproposition.com/

America-Conscious and American Apparel

This past week I decided to mix up my reading pattern with a nonfiction selection. Okay well, it's more of a political commentary.

RADICAL CONSERVATIVES--CLOSE OUT OF THIS PAGE NOW!
For this book was written by none other than esteemed film maker, Michael Moore.



With chapter titles like "Kill Whitey" and "Idiot Nation", Moore's tone is blatantly obvious from the start. The book opens with a small foreword by Moore in which he explains the year long battle he had to fight with his publishers to get this book on shelves. Ironically enough, the battle began on September 11th. Moore wrote Stupid White Men in the sheer DAYS leading up to the memorable attack. His book was scheduled to be on the shelves by the 11th. Needless to say, Moore's publishers weren't too keen on the idea of releasing a harsh political commentary of America right after such a horrible tragedy.

They told Moore to rewrite the book. He refused.

Because he stuck to his guns, we have one of the most successful nonfiction books in the past two decades. Days after 9/11, people were barging into bookstores hungry for some tough love. They got what they ordered.

The first chapter, A Very American Coup, is a play-by-play of the Bush vs. Gore election--and how America was cheated. From Florida's mistaken ineligibility list, to Florida's governor, one of the lead conspirators, relative Jeb Bush--Moore has the facts, and he spits them like venom to wake everyone up.

Beyond the startling first chapter, Moore never ceases to shock but also comfort as his sarcastic sense of humor fills the pages. With full chapters devoted to the sorry racism of white men, and the possible end of the male race, Stupid White Men is entertaining from beginning to end.

*Deep breath* Now on to...



Anyone that's been shopping with me knows that I'm obsessed. I counted in my head today and I think it comes out to about 25 American Apparel pieces in my wardrobe. That means that just about every outfit I put together has something from American Apparel thrown in.

But more specifically I wanted to write about a trend I finally picked up on this afternoon, harem pants. Looking at them, one usually wonders "Are they supposed to look like that?". So floppy, so saggy, so awesome. With the help of a girl working in the store, I tried on some comfortable, 90's reminiscent, black and white harem pants today.



Just a visual aid for those that haven't seen these before. Mine are exactly like this, except black and white.

They're extremely comfortable, extremely trendy, and I hope to see more this fall/winter.

Thanks for reading!

Come Around Sundown, KOL Chills Out

So Kings of Leon, band of brotherly love, was so kind to release an album the day before my birthday! Thank you guys, this means a lot. Best birthday present ever.

Anywho, Come Around Sundown is hot off the..uh, CD-making-machines? Eh, well I don't think it's on Piratebay yet. That being said, I haven't read very many critiques. The band admitted to "calming down a bit" and producing a more "chilled out" album..which scares me a little. My Bible, the Rollingstone, mentioned the upcoming album in one of the July issues (Lady Gaga machine gun boobs cover). At this point, Kings of Leon had played a couple of shows debuting four new songs from the album. I admit that I'm not a bow-down-at-Caleb's-feet kind of person; I was newly converted when my boyfriend made me listen to Because of the Times and Aha Shake Heartbreak.
Since I don't pretend to have enough credibility to review the whole album, I'll take the four songs that the Bible interviewed KOL about.



1. "Radioactive"
Radioactive is intriguing, no doubt. The bright guitar tapping intro contrasts almost immediately with Caleb's earnest tone and the pounding bass line. Over all Caleb sounds anxious, looks sweaty and impassioned--that's just how we like him. Though a bit repetitive, the song has a gimmick. Caleb's voice takes it's wonderful liberties in the chorus, moments that weren't really captured on Only By the Night.


Oh hey, Caleb

2. "The Immortals"
There isn't a lot of video for this one yet. However, I think this selection is a testament to the band's pledge to "calm down". It's immediately pleasing with harmonies in the chorus and a very soothing tempo. Once again the boys work the contrast with a strong, popping bass line in the verses. This is definitely the most "chill" of the four.

3. "Going Down South"
Okay. Everybody makes mistakes, right? Even gutsy southern rock bands that let producers dial them down for a whole album..right? I won't lie, when the video for this song started playing, I had to seriously contemplate dying. Yes that was an exaggeration BUT this song sounds more like Kenny Chesney than the Kings of Leon. Did they sign some sort of contract that I didn't know about? Or maybe all the Leon boys have a soft spot for mainstream "country" music. Suffice it to say I am NOT impressed. The song has little energy and shamelessly trudges along. I bet Kenny was in the front screaming "Good job boys! This is mah jam!"



4. "Mary"
I saved this one for last because it's my personal favorite. The second the music starts I thought "This was a really good idea". Caleb plays lover boy standing outside Mary's house with his guitar and roses or something like that. The surf rock feel lulls the audience and you can't help but sway as you listen (even as I sit alone in my room, I'm swaying). Above all, the song is heartfelt. This is what we WANT from the Kings of Leon. I WANT to hear Caleb's voice crack. I WANT to feel his pain and longing. "Mary" is definitely a winner with me. Please go to Youtube and watch the video. It's so worth it!

Comment if you agree, disagree, or you just want to feed my ego. It all sounds good to me.

Doublethink, Telescreens, and Flies

As I say goodbye to summer with the rest of my BL comrades, I'm putting my time to good use..writing reviews of our summer reading. I DO HAVE FRIENDS, I PROMISE.

I was particularly inspired to put my opinions out there this year because, as seniors, my class read two phenomenal books, very different yet classic in their own ways.


Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Well here is your Survivor and Man vs. Wild gone horribly, horribly wrong. When their plane crashes on a deserted island, roundabout sixteen school boys are left with no adults, no food, and very little hope. At the outset, a seemingly normal boy named Ralph becomes the leader of the "clan". However, a pushy and controlling boy named Jack also wants power, and he's not ready to share. The story is essentially a power struggle between the good and moral (Ralph) and the cruel and self centered (Jack).
JUST TO CLARIFY
Yes, people get killed. No, they don't actually eat each other.

The story is revolutionary and the writing is fantastic, courtesy of Nobel Prize winning William Golding. However, the downside to this selection is the slow pace. The buildup seems to last forever. However, the last ten or fifteen pages make the slow climb worth it.

Favorite Character-Piggy
Favorite Scene-Ralph hiding from Jack's tribe
Favorite Line-"Sucks to your assmar!"


1984-George Orwell

Silence. I was stunned absolutely silent when I started this book. After merely reading the first line it's blatantly apparent that this book is a masterpiece. The sheer creativity and mind power required to not only create a haunting, completely different world, but to create characters as rebellious and dynamic as Winston and Julia. I've heard a variety of things from my peers, but this was an incredibly fast read for me. Of course buildup is required if Golding wanted readers to understand his new world.

In a world where people can be incarcerated because of their thoughts (Thoughtcrime), where everything is ruled by a small, bigoted group of nobodies (The Inner Party), where every normal person is required to install a camera in their own home (telescreen) so that the Party can watch their every move, who wouldn't want to kill themselves? This is precisely the view of protagonist Winston Smith. Although he works for the Party erasing all discrepancies from the publications, making the Party always right and the people always wrong, he dreams of a normal life. According to the novel, this totalitarian way of life began in the mid to late sixties. Though they are faint, Winston has memories of the past and he wants it back.

The chilling story of what Orwell calls "negative utopia" has been scaring readers since he published it in 1945. Winston's fearless rigor propels him into the life of an anarchist. Of course, he isn't safe for long. No one can be trusted in 1984..

Favorite Character-Winston
Favorite Scene-Winston and Julia being arrested by the Thought Police
Favorite Line-"The clocks were striking 13.."

Hopefully I didn't bore you too much! To the BL kids, I'll see you at school tomorrow *gag*. And to the rest of you who are going back on a reasonable day, suck it. Especially you Ursuline.

Welcome to the Monster Ball. Now Dance Mother Fuckers!

Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour hits Dallas.



Months ago, my Mother approached me proposing a "girl's night out" of some sort. Whoop. But the cards were in my favor because this girl's night would lead me to one of the most spectacular concerts I have ever seen.

I confess to being less devoted to Gaga than a lot of people I know, but I was excited nonetheless. As I walked into the American Airlines center to take my seat on what felt like a different planet than the glorious Earth Lady Gaga was dancing on, I felt nervous anticipation.

The lights dimmed and as the crowd cheered, a transparent curtain surrounded the stage. Fans could see Gaga's silhouette as she sharply posed, changing her poses to the beat of the music. Dancing in the Dark boomed through the arena as the opening song.



The Monster Ball tour is a brilliant concept album, as is every show in the world tour. Gaga explains that the Monster Ball is a terrific party thrown for all the misfits and freaks to free themselves without worry. At one point in the mere beginning of the show, Gaga stares into the crowd and with conviction says:

"Let's go to the Monster Ball where you are free to be yourself with all the freaks. And let me tell you, I like freaks!"



So Gaga leads her fans on a whirlwind of a trip to find this great Monster Ball. With themes similar to those of the Wizard of Oz, Gaga takes her role as Dorothy as she and her pals follow the "Glitter Way" to find the Monster Ball.

Now it goes without saying that Gaga's outfits were just as magnificently perplexing as they always are. But perhaps a new favorite from the House of Gaga is her gorgeous new piece, reminiscent of Glinda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz.



Though the theatrics, costumes, and dancing were breath taking (as usual), the real money of this show was in the multiple speeches Gaga gave to her loving audience. A strong advocate for gay rights, Lady Gaga constantly spoke of a charity she supports for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and transgendered people. Inspirational quotes were ringing through the arena as Gaga said things like:

"Forget anyone that told you you couldn't do it because you weren't pretty enough, thin enough, or had a trashy mouth. You're a star and you were born that way!"



Known for her devotion to her fans, Gaga gushed many times about her love for her supporters:

"You mean more to me than any fame or any record I sell. I haven't always been brave but you have made me brave! Let go of all your insecurities. You've been brave for me and now I'm going to be brave for you!"

As I wrap up the Gaga madness, I'd like to share my three favorite memories of this show.

3. Gaga rocks a nun's habit for Love Games


I couldn't help but laugh as Lady Gaga pounces out of a subway car wearing a nun's get up. But the true hilarity didn't come until the catchy "Let's have some fun this beat is sick.." started to repeat itself at which point Gaga yells: "Now get your dicks out, boys!" Classic.

2. Speechless, written about Gaga's father.


As Gaga situates herself at the piano for what all fans know will be the viral slow-jam hit "Speechless", she muses about her home life.

"You know what I've realized lately? I know too many drunk assholes. All the men in my life drink too much. But I guess my favorite drunk asshole is my father."

The quote came way out of left field for most Gaga fans expecting a delightful story of some douche ex-boyfriend. But Gaga leans into her piano and begins to play Speechless saying: "This is a song I wrote about my father."


1. Lady Gaga, humanized


At one point in the show, Gaga is lying in a heap of smoke. Her back up dancers all watch as she wiggles around in theatrical agony (she's been fake bleeding for the duration of one song by this point).

As she stares to the sky, she offers her fans some truly inspiring words:

"Jesus, some people think you only love one kind of person. One race, one ethnicity, or one sexual orientation. But as I lie here, bleeding, in front of 20,000 people--I am sure that Jesus loves EVERYBODY!"

The crowd goes absolutely mad as Gaga jumps to her feet to claim her well deserved applause.



I knew I'd leave this show astounded, but I never thought good ole' Lady Gaga would touch me. She made me laugh too when, in a lull of near silence from the crowd she screamed: "It's hot as horse fuck here!"


Good night, all.

Ra, ra, ah-ah-ah..ro-ma, ro-ma-ma..Ga-ga, ooh-la-la
You know the rest.

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

*Mrs. Doubtfire voice* Well hellllooooooo there!
My last post was eons ago and I'm here to admit that I've been shit-out-of-excuses lazy lately. School ended. Summer began. You can connect the dots. Anyway, though my blogging efforts have fallen by the wayside, my nerd-a-licious reading efforts have not. I've been reading profusely this summer and, damn it, I plan to blog about it! So if all (two or three) of my readers are ready, I will begin my darling comeback post with a book review for the first novel I read this summer.


Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut


Just thinking about this novel creates a tornado-like super storm in my mind. In Vonnegut's most famous novel, he dishes it all out. And by "it" I mean that eccentric, unique, slightly violating weirdness that makes the man a genius. As is the case with most Vonnegut books, Slaughterhouse attempts to make a very bold point. Rather than woo readers with character studies, love stories, or adventures, Vonnegut captivates his fans with commentaries on the world at large. In particular, this book features a demented main character (Billy Pilgrim): World War II veteran, optometrist, and snowballing psycho.

Like Cat's Cradle, Slaughterhouse Five is not shy of gimmicks. The choppy paragraphs, repetition of phrases, and main plot line (alien abduction meets post war trauma) all come together to form a mishmash of Vonnegut genius. Billy Pilgrim has utterly lost control of his life since he fought in the second World War. As a result, he is placed under strict house arrest and must be looked after constantly by his young daughter. As the craziness begins to unravel, the reader learns that Billy Pilgrim can travel through time. A severe effect of his dementia, Billy Pilgrim imagines himself traveling back to wartime and forward to the future. Eventually, Pilgrim tells his young daughter that he was abducted and sent to the planet Tralfamadore. Well...leave it to Vonnegut to weave a story that twisted. Famously and hilariously anti-war, anti-violence, and anti-sanity, Slaughterhouse Five will not disappoint. To get a subjective view, it is definitely my favorite Kurt Vonnegut selection.

Now that I got that out of my system, I will leave you with some lovely photographs from local artist Andrew Tolentino. Rin Tin Tin is very proud to be a part of a great non-profit organization called ArtLoveMagic. Created solely to support artists, ALM is a big part of my life. I leave you with some of Andrew's mixed media as well as photography. If you have any artwork you would like to be showcased, let me know! I'd be happy to do a post about it.

Andrew Tolentino

Mixed Media




Photography