tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56371002257367900652024-03-13T13:29:42.907-07:00FascinationBecause oversharing is my thing.APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-40235052198967598462012-01-12T00:10:00.001-08:002012-01-12T00:13:45.367-08:00I packed up and moved!If anyone still reads this, my new way better and more often-updated blog is at <a href="http://DailyChinUps.com">http://DailyChinUps.com</a>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-31100381767924763732010-10-15T00:14:00.000-07:002010-10-16T11:15:31.872-07:00With How Funny Life IsI don't have time to write a real post (the more accurate explanation is actually because I am not very motivated to do one), but I feel obligated to introduce a more optimistic tone into this blog after all the negativity that is the dark black hole of job hunting... <br /><br />It will take too long for me to describe exactly what's been happening in my life recently, but basically, I went from :( to :). As simple as that. Factors/reasons include: <br /><br />- I got hired as a paid full-time marketing intern 2 weeks before I was supposed to give up on marketing and become a clothing retail salesgirl during the day who moonlights as a go-go dancer at night. <br /><br />- Even though I was sad that I couldn't live with one of my best friends Priya anymore due to her job, I have found a great apartment to share with 3 amazing older dudes. They're my older brother/father figures who are 30 years old. I love them, and I'm learning a lot about men (translation: they never mature). <br /><br />- I am loving living in San Francisco. City girl at heart, wassup? <br /><br />- Overall successful albeit slow rebuilding of relationships with my family. <br /><br />- Discovering that true friends stay in touch and care about each other no matter how far away or how busy they are. (You know I'm talking to you: Melissa, Ashley, and Priya)<br /><br />- And many other smaller things, of course. <br /><br /><br />There are also things that made me change my attitude and worldview for the better:<br /><br />- Yoga, excluding my impure ulterior motive, too. <br /><br />- The book "Eat, Pray, Love." I HIGHLY recommend everyone to read this true story. The movie is a shallow adaption of the book but that's always expected. <br /><br />- SO. MANY. MIRACLES. <br /><br />I'm not talking about miracles like I found the cure for cancer but miracles on a small personal scale. Think when Anne Hathaway's character Mia in the movie "Princess Diaries" says she wants a miracle different from discovering that she's an European princess (Yes, I just admitted that I love that film). That kind of miracles. Two examples:<br /><br />- I got hired as an intern on Friday the 13th. And earlier that day I received 4 other calls for 4 other interviews. And later that day I ended up not needing to pay for dinner by accident on the waiter's part...and no, I'm not that good of a person to let him know that my dinner wasn't on the check. All on supposedly the unluckiest day ever. <br /><br />- I was able to reconnect with my (long-lost in a way) high school best friend Kali through finding her beauty blog on Eliza Dushku's tweet. Yea. WTF, right?!<br /><br />I've realized lately how incredibly powerful the timing of things is. Thankfully, it has been favoring me instead of acting against me... I don't know if you can tell (most likely), but I have control issues. I want to plan out everything. I want to know what's on schedule for me at all times. The scariest part of quarter life crisis for me is the uncertainly and unpredictability of what will happen when. For other people it may be fun and spontaneous; for me, it's something that I try desperately to prevent from happening. <br /><br />With everything happening lately though, I've been able to let loose a bit and let things come to me naturally without worrying THAT much. It's not an easy task for me to do at all to "go with the flow," "roll with the punches," and "play it by ear" (*secret groan because I dislike these phrases*) but optimism does come natural to me, so at least I got that. <br /><br />I've also started to pray almost daily. I am still non-religious and one of the most secular people ever though because my prayers are said to an unnamed higher power of no organized religion. It's more for organizing my own thoughts and feelings, and sending positive thoughts and energy to those whom I think need help. And it's pretty casual. I just pray lying in bed right before I fall sleep. Basically, I stole this from the author of "Eat, Pray, Love" Elizabeth Gilbert. So far, it's been going really well. Can't really tell if my prayers are coming true per se, but they make me feel better. <br /><br />I am sensing a new part of quarter life crisis coming my way though as I start to worry about my career path since I can't possibly be an intern forever. But this time, instead of freaking out with sheer panic as I see a storm approach, I chill on the beach and say "eh, I will deal with it when it comes closer." <br /><br />Life is so funny. It's like I never got its humor until recently, and I am only able to laugh at its old jokes now. Good one, life!APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-56846720490765926012010-07-17T13:05:00.000-07:002010-07-17T15:09:17.596-07:00With SportsFor those of you who know me well, the title of this post may have shocked you. Sure, I did cross country and track & field in high school, but I still don’t understand the rules of American football, mainly because I don’t care enough to learn, and I used to refuse to watch most of sports events unless there are really attractive players involved, or if it’s the Olympics. Figure skating was the only sport that I regularly watched willingly. For fun, I play volleyball, badminton, pool, ping pong (yes I get that those are very “East Asian sports”) and more recently tennis, but mainly my forms of exercise consist of pilates, yoga, and dance classes. And honestly, I could think of a million things I would rather do before watching sports. <br /><br />Basically I never have been really into team sports or contact sports, both participating and watching. I never understood fans of sports teams. Why are they so sad when their team loses? It’s not like they themselves played. What’s the point of hating the other team’s fans? They’re just like you, no? Of course, Michelle Kwan held the strings to my heart whenever she took a leap during the winter Olympics, but I was never going to drink heavily if she fell or anything. I just couldn’t relate to the camaraderie of sports fans at all. <br /><br />Lately though, I have started to voluntarily watch the NBA finals and World Cup. I realized that the reason it was never fun for me to watch these games is that I wasn’t watching with the right people. When I watched the Celtics vs. Lakers finals with Vivian, she always answered all my questions patiently and even told me which players were cute. When I watched the World Cup with Ashley, she would explain everything to me and of course, pointed out when an attractive player is on screen. It’s totally different from when I used to try to watch sports with my guy housemates. They just became impatient with my questions: “It would take like, an hour to explain to you” (such lies!) because they just wanted to watch in peace. <br /><br />It’s funny because I never was rooting for any particular team, but I would get super nervous nonetheless, to the point where I ate a lot of extra food out of stress. To prevent stress-eating, I actually chewed through 3 pieces of gum once just in one half of a soccer game. <br /><br />This year was my first time ever watching the NBA finals and World Cup, but I’m glad that I started sooner than later. I look forward to enjoy more sports in the future! I’m thinking tennis.APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-9208081479502361542010-06-17T17:49:00.001-07:002010-06-17T17:49:37.708-07:00With Cute AnimalsThere's just something about small mammals (okay birds, too): Their unusual body proportions. Their unique movements. Their innocence and curiosity. They just make me so happy, all warm and fuzzy on the inside, or giggle uncontrollably. In any case, they always make me feel better, no matter what, which explains why I've been spending a lot of time on <a href="http://www.cuteoverload.com">Cute Overload</a>. This website is so a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I feel like the whole world changed when I discovered it Freshman year of college. Here are some recent video gems that I absolutely adore. <br /><br /><a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2010/05/23/digital-alarm-clock/">Super cute kitty getting disturbed during sleep</a> "No...stop it..."<br /><br /><a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2010/05/13/redonkulously-cute-attempted-meowing/"><br />One of those kitties that kind of looks like its face is a bit squashed playing</a> This makes me go into baby voice, fur sure. <br /><br /><a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2010/05/16/this-just-in-bun-noms-daisy/">Baby bunny eating a daisy</a> Enough said, right?!<br /><br /><br />And here are just some fun ones:<br /><br /><a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2010/05/14/winston-really-really-really-loves-his-potassium/">Cat guarding bananas</a> This is HILARIOUS! Watch until the very end! <br /><br /><a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2010/05/07/thats-hamazing/">Most epic hamster ever</a> I used to think they're stupid...Naw, dude. They fooled you. <br /><br /><a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2010/05/13/gravity-101/">Kittens on a slide</a> I literally yelled out loud toward the end. NoooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo!!!<br /><br />And I don't mean to be dissing on dogs, but it's <a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2010/05/07/i-am-the-kibble-dancer/">videos like this</a> that make think, man, dogs are so uncool, unlike cats. <br /><br />No hatin' here, y'all. I still like dogs. I just like cats more. <br /><br />Yea, I need to get a kitty soon. Very soon.APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-27649083991469629042010-06-12T09:53:00.000-07:002010-06-17T22:18:20.447-07:00With This State of LimboI graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. degree in Mass Communications in May. W00t. Now what?<br /><br />I’ve been searching for jobs and applying, but it feels like I am throwing my resumes and cover letters into a dark silent abyss that very occasionally responds and only when it feels like it. I know our economy is currently suffering a recession, but DAMN. I can stand waiting when I know when the end is expected, but it seems like the end may never come. I’ve talked with a lot of my friends who are in the same boat as me about this, and we honestly wonder, if we’re the ones who supposedly have our s*** together, then what’s happening to those who don’t? <br /><br />Many people have asked me how I feel as a recent graduate. Honestly, I don’t feel that much different, perhaps due to the fact that I’m still here in Berkeley. Plus it’s summer. I’m used to not being in school during summer. I’m still going to be in Berkeley for a few more weeks or so, just subletting from a friend, before I move to San Francisco with Priya. At this point, it looks like I’ll move in before I land a job, which is fine. From my research online about job hunting, the average person takes 4 months to do it. Hmm. I started about 1.5 month ago so I suppose I have 2.5 months left. I have until September. By September 1st, I’m going to give up looking for marketing jobs and start searching for something that isn’t what I have planned. There are a lot of listings out there for marketing, and I've applied to what seems like a lot, but besides a few interviews that are miniscule compared to the amount I've applied for, nothing. I have pretty awesome alternatives in my mind, but still terribly worrisome. <br /><br />I have a routine now every weekday: I wake up, I eat breakfast, I job hunt, I eat lunch at home or with a friend, I job hunt, I go work out (most of the time), I come back, eat and shower, I job hunt, I sleep. I surf the internet or chat with my friends on IM once in a while during this daily schedule. I go to bed almost every day around midnight and I wake up every day around 9 am. I pretty much stare at my computer all day...So I almost have the schedule of a full-time working professional. Getting ready too soon? I guess I've always liked to prepare early! *sarcastic guffaw*<br /><br />OK now I’m going to throw in a completely weird analogy, but hear me out. This limbo state between college and “the real world” is similar to the situation regarding my hair right now. I’ve had my hair short for 10 years. I love it and I’m so used to it. Earlier this year I decided to grow it out because it seems like a good change, but it’s taking way longer than expected. The layers of my hair were cut in a very extreme way for my short hairdos, but as they grow longer, they look really stupid, for the lack of better terms. The hair salon lady has to slowly even them out every time I go in, taking a large chunk of my hair off. Sure, if I don’t do anything to it, I probably would have much longer hair but I will certainly look silly. <br /><br />This situation is extremely awkward. I’m not accustomed to it; sometimes I have doubts about my decision (“What if I just go back to my old ways?! Oh but I already spent a lot of time on changing it”). Sometimes I even wonder if I’m doing it for the right reasons. Sometimes I see other women with awesome short hair and I get jealous. <br /><br />I am not going to lie; I alternate among the following stages of emotions about this whole thing: gentle optimism, complete panic, restless anxiety, jealous bitterness, irritated upsetness, escapist avoidance, and stoic nonchalance. <br /><br />Everyone (older and young, in school and working) keeps telling me the same advice: it’s difficult times right now, life will present its path to you eventually, etc. I appreciate the kindness, but is there anyone who can give me more practical tips? <br /><br />Thanks, quarter life crisis. You’re driving me nuts.APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-71931656328155145702010-03-01T00:39:00.000-08:002010-03-01T00:56:14.757-08:00With My Alter Ego/MusesSo in my Sexy Ladies Hip Hop dance class (the name may seem laughable but we take it as a very serious business, and it's fantastic), the instructor often tells us to channel our inner alter ego, ie. Beyonce and Sasha Fierce, in order to bring out more of a character to our moves. <br /><br /> I haven't named mine yet (sidenote: whatever name I thought of, it just sounds like a porn star/stripper's name), but I can tell you now who together in combination will make up my alter ego, because obviously I am too complex to have just one type of personality for my doppelganger: <br /><br /> Lady Gaga + Beyonce + Lily Allen + Rihanna + Tina Fey <br /><br /> This may be slightly confusing and impossible, but for instance, if you look at my dramatically different outfits from day to day, then you'll realize that I am always channeling one or two of those wonderful ladies' attitudes' with each of my outfit. And I am sorry that I am not deep enough to have anyone besides pop stars and a comedian, but this is MY alter ego. <br /><br /> Well I've also bought the art/feminist studies book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Women-Perils-Femmes-Fatales/dp/2080301284/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267433427&sr=8-1">Dangerous Women: The Perils of Muses and Femme Fatales</a> recently. I've begun to read it and it's really fascinating. Maybe I'll find more inspiration there soon. ;) <br /><br />P.S. This semester so far has been AMAZING. <3APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-13090741233402769602010-02-19T14:56:00.000-08:002010-02-19T14:59:06.706-08:00With This Rainer Maria Rilke Quote"I beg you... to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."<br /><br /><br /> For myself and others who look for explanations and cannot find them.APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-63586901812914487182010-01-03T22:24:00.000-08:002010-01-14T01:35:24.914-08:00With This Decade/ New Year’s ResolutionsIt might seem like a trite thing to do, but really, I haven’t made New Year’s Resolutions since we were forced to for an essay in 4th or 5th grade. I am not the type of person to only set personal goals that have to be completed within a year, because for me, everything in myself that I want to improve should be an ongoing work in progress.
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<br />However, 2009 has been absolutely terrible for me overall. I know that a lot of people say that the past year was crappy for everyone because of the economy and all, but trust me, a lot of my problems and the issues I had to face in 2009 were not caused by the recession at all. Therefore, I am determined to steer my life back into the right direction, starting in 2010.
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<br />Actually, I am really excited about the possibilities of this DECADE. I feel like decades apparently have a lot of impact on me. I was in Taiwan the first 12 years of my life, and then in 2000, we immigrated to California. Needlessly to say that from 2000 to 2010 brought on numerous and massive changes for me. Also, I graduated from elementary school in 2000 and I will be graduating from university in 2010! I really enjoyed my grade school experience and I certainly can say that the 4 years at Cal have been quite influential for me. As for the years of middle school and high school...they went by rather painfully and hazily. I couldn't get out of Modesto fast enough.
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<br />If things go my way, for 2010 to 2020, I plan on finding the right career path for me, finding the right apartment, have my family life finally settled down, and perhaps starting a family of my own? That last one kind of depends on a lot of things.
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<br />On a lighter note, I had my hair long (down to my waist for the most part) for almost a decade, and then I’ve had my hair short (always between touching my shoulders and ear length) for another ten years. I plan on growing my hair out starting this year.
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<br />It’s weird that I love consistency and stability for the core of things, yet I crave exciting changes and want variety all the time for the peripherals of things.
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<br />Anyway, onto my abridged version of my 2010 New Year Resolutions- some were taken out because they were too silly, some because they were kind of mundane.
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<br />1. Never fully trust someone until they have absolutely earned it: A lesson learned from the hard way. I really like being optimistic and I like to trust people, but I just keep getting disappointed. I should be cautious about giving second chances as well.
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<br />2. Get a kitty, or foster one, or at least try really hard at it: I adore cats. I am not going to get into a dogs vs. cats debate, but cats make me unbelievably happy. I really think that having a loyal and affectionate pet for a companion would be incredibly beneficial for when I graduate and move out of the campus.
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<br />3. Cook and bake according to recipes more: I used to always look up new recipes to try and plan on elaborate meals frequently, but I haven’t done it as often in 2009 due to various negative reasons. I know that it can be a very therapeutic and or rewarding activity for me though. I want to challenge making and possibly mastering pies, crème brulée, various kinds of soup, and quiche specifically. Next step will be soufflé! I also want to try cooking other type of cuisines. So far I have only really tried making Chinese, Italian, and American.
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<br />4. Stop caring so much about people and things when they are not worth it: Pretty self-explanatory. I am certain that I have wasted way too much of my energy and effort and time over a lot of unnecessary events in the past.
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<br />5. Waste less money and time: Need to manage money better and procrastinate less.
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<br />6. Elevate and maintain level of physical fitness: When I did sports in high school, it seemed like I would never run out of energy and get sick ever. It’s not practical for me to try to become that athletic again, but I really hope to have a better sleeping schedule and to keep up with yoga, Pilates, hip hop, and belly dancing. Also I reckon that if I work hard now, it’ll be easier to get into the habit of it for the later parts of my life.
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<br />7. Read more: And magazines do not count. Libraries are cool places.
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<br />8. Attend more concerts, performances, and exhibitions: My usual excuse was that I don’t have the time or money or that I am too lazy to travel that far for that experience. Such crap.
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<br />9. Appreciate more: As in myself, friends and family.
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<br />10. Maintain my high standards: Others always tell me that I expect too much of people, but honestly, I shouldn’t have to lower my standards. They should rise up to mine. I may sound like a unreasonable bitch, but really, I just expect everyone to be decent human beings.
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<br />The end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 so far have been amazing for me (I will blog about my winter break once it is complete). I really hope that this will continue.
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<br />To wrap it up, to all my lovely fellow UC Berkeley (yes, I hella play favorites) recent and almost graduate friends, this decade is ours. Carpe diem.</div>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-22060032194309835332009-11-30T23:22:00.000-08:002009-11-30T23:36:22.805-08:00With Quarter Life CrisisI think the first time I encountered the term “quarter life” was when I was looking for internships (from the <a style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);" href="http://www.internqueen.com">internqueen</a>, actually). It seems strange because all I heard about before was “mid life” and of course the crisis that comes associated with it.<br /><br /> Quarter life crisis has become a more common concept. Books have been published about it. Articles have been written devoted to it. Some TV news segments have been done on the topic. I personally have very mixed feelings about it, because according to <a style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-hassler/are-you-having-a-quarterl_b_326612.html">this Huffington Post article</a> that identifies the "symptoms," I definitely am experiencing it right now, yet to admit that seems like I am almost using it as an scapegoat. And I know for a fact that some of the issues I am facing have nothing to do with my age.<br /><br /> And just because it’s “normal, and everyone else does it” doesn’t mean that I should fall prey to it as well. I hate being peer pressured into anything. At the same time, apparently my need to “have it all” and often “insisting to do it alone” are also signs that I am going through a quarter life crisis. =_=<br /><br /> I know what I want to do with my life; the trouble is how to get every piece of the puzzle in place. I disagree with the idea that 20-somethings are still “figuring themselves out,” or at least as applied to me. I think the core of me is fully developed and pretty set. The minor things might change but that’s it.<br /><br /> And apparently quarter life is even <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-hassler/part-2-the-rite-of-passag_b_212840.html">more difficult for women</a>?! (*grumble* of course, again)<br /><br /> Most authors say that this is kind of a “rite of passage” that’s inevitable (…like puberty?). Good news is that it shall pass. I am going to try to make this phase of my life go by faster then.<br /><br />Anyway, I have looked through some online articles on how to survive your 20’s/quarter life (ok I admit that most of them happened to be by Christine Hassler. I am sorry! But I like her advice the most). Here are the best ones. I paraphrased most of them and the phrases in quotation marks are direct quotes. <br /><br />1. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice – I actually do this often, but whether or not I take the suggestions is another story. Some sources say to browse through the self-help sections at bookstores as well.<br /><br />2. “Up your financial IQ”- I really agree with this one, and I really need to do it.<br />3. “Know that you’re not alone”- Yes, it’s comforting to know that I am not the only one messed up.<br />4. “Don't wait for permission, approval or validation” – I whole-heartedly agree with this one! Case in point: my tattoos and recently dyed blue and purple hair.<br /><br />5. It’s ok to rely on other people…- such as friends and family<br />6. …but then remember to have some<span style="font-style: italic;"> me time</span> – AKA self-reflection and self-investigation time. This one may seem silly especially if you’re a busy person with little resources (um, who can afford a soul-searching journey right now? In terms of money and time?), but honestly, being alone by choice is pretty awesome sometimes. I love watching movies and TV shows by myself because I don’t have to contain my emotions for others’ sake.<br /><br />7. Balance and prioritize- Eh, I think I do that pretty well. Otherwise I would have breakdowns every month. However, sometimes it really seems like those two things are mutually exclusive of one another.<br />8. Appreciate what you do have… - Hmm, I probably don’t do this frequently enough.<br />9. …but a pity party is allowed once in a while- it’s okay to just wallow in sadness or anger in a given time, because it helps you get the upsetness out and then you can move on.<br /><br />10. Stop comparing- Ie. don’t be jealous of your peers. Know that everyone’s different and are in different situations.<br />11. Be in the present- In other words, stop being nostalgic about the past and worrying about the future… I think this one will the most difficult one for me to follow. I have extremely good, detailed memory of the things I want to remember, and I am a planner. <br /><br />12. Stop overanalyzing things, including yourself- But I like and am good at critical thinking and looking at things from multiple angles!... This is going to be another hard one.<br />13. “Know That 'Having It All' Is a Myth”- Very hard to accept when I want to be the best that I can and improve myself and all that jazz!...<br /><br /> …and then there are a bunch on career, which I personally think I can do without.<br /><br /> That’s all I got. Hopefully I can practice what I preach.<br /><br />*Sources cited <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-hassler/10-tips-for-twenty-someth_b_216591.html">1</a> <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/Holistic-Living/2008/09/10-Tips-to-Survive-Your-20s.aspx?p=1">2</a>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-42962415405086620412009-11-27T16:32:00.000-08:002009-11-28T23:53:08.121-08:00ThanksgivingBerktown has been so quiet and empty for the past few days. The kinds of people I see around campus can be categorized into the following groups:<br /><br />(1) international students<br />(2) out of state students<br />(3) a few Bay Area locals who were just hanging out in Berkeley<br />(4) people who are on the way to somewhere else<br />(5) homeless people<br /><br />Yes, it’s quite depressing. It’s like being single on Valentine’s Day. You know it’s just like any other night, but the fact that you know other people are doing something special makes it slightly difficult to be alone.<br /><br />This Thanksgiving is arguably the only “real one” I have ever experienced. My nuclear family is immigrants and we do not really care about this holiday. For the past two years, I went to a boyfriend’s house for Thanksgiving, but I felt that I was experiencing it from an outsider’s point of view. Literally it’s their relatives, the people they have married, and then me, both times. It was like I was making a guest appearance in some other family’s gathering. And before that, I think I just thought of Thanksgiving as a freebie day off from school.<br /><br />My friend Melissa’s family was going to kindly adopt me this year, but at the last minute, I was informed that our entire huge extended family are all going to one of my aunts' house because one of my uncles is here from Taiwan, and he’s not here often. It was super fun. About 50 Taiwanese-/Chinese-Americans under one roof. A lot of Chinese food, alcohol, and picture-taking were involved. ☺<br /><br />It’s really weird to think about how much our family is going to expand. And even weirder to imagine how I am going to fit into all of it in the future. I have about 20 first cousins alone. And some of them are already married. Few even already have kids. At my cousin Amy’s wedding last week, the group of us 18-25 year old first cousins was talking about making a bet about which of us will get married soon.<br /><br />Anyway, I am thankful for the following.<br />… that I am still very close with my brother, despite rarely seeing him anymore<br />… for my friends who have helped and supported me in any manner possible<br />… for UC Berkeley (even though I have very, very severe senioritis, I have really learned here)<br /><br />… realizing that my extended family is pretty awesome and that I do like them (long story short: I didn’t meet most of them until I immigrated here and when they first met me, I was too young and spoke terrible English. And then after that I became more occupied with school and stopped attending family events. It was more like I didn’t know them enough to like them, but recently from Amy’s wedding and Thanksgiving, I have gotten to know them better.)<br /><br />… for health, mine and other worthy figures' in my life<br />… that Taiwan is still there, not bombed, in the middle of a war or anything<br />… that this year is almost over and 2010 will be a brand new year (2009 has been very rough on me, but hey, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?)APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-50753820573472151862009-11-02T01:56:00.000-08:002009-11-02T02:59:05.091-08:00With How People Don't Take Marketing Seriously At AllI am so fed up about the fact that in general, people do not think marketing is difficult or complex. Oftentimes, they think it's common sense because they are exposed to it every day. <div><br /></div><div>But let me ask you this: Do you know what a good portrait painting of a person look like? Right, it should look like the person realistically, of course... Does that mean everyone who knows that can paint good portraits? NO. Do you know what food tastes good? YES. Do you know how to make every single dish of these cuisines then? NO. </div><div><br /></div><div>And this kind of "If I have experienced it enough, then I must be good enough to do it myself" logic seems to strangely only apply to marketing for some reason. For instance, I don't think anyone without proper training and education would walk into an accounting firm and demand a job because he or she "deals with money all the time." Unless they're crazy, I guess. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most people (educated, and or successful people included) do not understand the delicate subtleties and the intricate planning that go behind marketing. The computer that you're using right now to read this? What the model is called and how much it's priced were carefully calculated by a group of marketers, and the packaging that it came in? Ditto. </div><div><br /></div><div>The ad that you saw in that magazine you read at the dentist's office? Strategically placed in a section with content that would not contradict the ad's message or lead the reader to something else other than the preferred meaning AND the ad was placed in that magazine based on the demographics and interests of the magazine's average reader in order to optimize the ad's effectiveness. </div><div><br /></div><div>All the commercial websites you go to? If it's a good enough company, the website design was carefully made in order for the highest usability to ensure the best user experience and to draw attention to the most important aspects of the website. If it was a REALLY good company, they probably have conducted focus groups to make sure the first time users have no problem navigating their websites that they are going to the sections that they're supposed to be most focused on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everything I mention IS part of marketing. Product naming, packaging design, brand management, media planning, product marketing... and there are so much more to marketing that those aspects, too. A lot of times, doing anything in marketing requires evidence from research, of the current market, of competitors, and of consumers as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's totally fine that you don't understand what goes on in marketing, but please, do not downplay the difficulty of marketing if you have actually never worked on it or even learned about it in some way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a little anecdote: This person I used to work with in my student organization (I am not going to name him) really did not see the point of marketing AT ALL. He told me that it's like that baseball field thing: "If we build it, then they'll come." His argument was that if the product is good enough, then people will want to buy it. After he resigned, he somehow got involved in this crowd-sourcing marketing campaign for an energy drink. And guess what? He ended up apologizing to me and telling that marketing is a lot harder and more complex than he imagined. </div><div><br /></div><div>...Why can't everyone just respect each other's job? Is it because people just think of marketing negatively? But somehow, I don't agree with giving plastic surgery unless the person were deformed, but I am not going to say, "Oh, liposuction is so easy to do! Anyone can stick a needle in someone's stomach and suck all the fat out!" The fact that you don't like something, doesn't mean that it loses its significance or level of complexity. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can dislike marketing, but don't you dare tell me that it's easy. If it was easy, then all of our commercials would be reduced to "BUY THIS PRODUCT RIGHT HERE" over and over again, every product's name will just be what item it is (a PC will be computer type 1 and a Mac will be computer type 2), there'll be no need to have different prices for products within the same product category, you'll be wearing the same type of clothes as your grandpa, everything will just come in one color, everything's packaging will be in plain brown paper bags or white cartons, and everything ever produced will get bought, and there is no need to worry about surplus at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yea, why don't you have fun with that. </div>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-61797443780926922492009-10-11T22:56:00.000-07:002009-11-30T23:34:42.582-08:00With Marketing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://11.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kpzilqgUhY1qzzzl7o1_r1_500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://11.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kpzilqgUhY1qzzzl7o1_r1_500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I want to go into marketing as a career.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">There, I said it. I've come to the realization that this is what I want as a job since I was in high school. I fully understand that other people have extreme disdain for it. Capitalism, consumerism, and materialism are words that cannot be unassociated from marketing. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But guess what? I love it. I love things. I love buying things. I love watching a really great commercial. I love a really attractively-designed packaging. I love catching my own impulses for impulse-buying. I love noticing all the little details that go into social media marketing. I definitely have pulled a few Don Draper moments where I sneakily asked my friends why they bought certain items and asked them where they heard about it. I love it, I love it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It's strange that I understand the principles of marketing, yet I full-heartedly give in. Nosedive in, even. Sometimes I even feel like I should reward the marketer by buying the product when I recognize excellent marketing. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Very often I feel really uncomfortable in my media studies or American studies classes about advertising. These classes exposes some of the marketing tactics that I do not agree with and the values that marketers insert into advertisements that I find horrible. Sitting there listening to my career goal being attacked as worthless and evil, I feel slightly queasy and defiant. The whole point of learning about this is to <i>do better in the future</i> when I get the chance, no? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">One of my favorite professors, Jean Retzinger, closed her last lecture of a class last semester with that line. She also said that many of her past students e-mailed her in frustration that it is too hard to go against the status quo in the industry though. That makes me feel more uneasy than listening to another professor (whom I shall not name, because I actually do liker her a lot) share her total contempt for advertisers. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This other professor states that it is not even empirically proven that advertising always stimulates the economy, because there are studies out there that show in some cases, NOT advertising actually increased sales in certain products. That's fine. I can deal with it. The other point she mentioned though was that people back then did not possess nearly as many items as the contemporary individual does now, and they were fine and dandy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">That is true, but uh, people back then also had way lower hygiene standards and die earlier. Dogs are happy with a chew toy, too, but because we are human beings who try to progress forward (even if that's only an intention sometimes) and have complex minds, we need more than a squishy plastic item to be happy. I am not saying that products are essential for human happiness, but is it really so wrong to acquire happiness from an item? Nature is composed of things, too. What is the difference of being satisfied by eating a crisp Pink Lady apple and being giddy over using your new MP3 player? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Don't get me wrong. I do frown upon those who have to wear designer brands from head to toe, especially when they can't really afford it. But then again, anything is bad for you in extreme doses. You can't judge everything by only looking at its worst examples. It is very unfair. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And all the emphasis on being "cultured" now... All aspects of culture are being commodified. Foreign countries are products advertised to potential tourists the same way presidential candidates are portrayed to voters, which is the same exact manner how breakfast cereals entice kids with their packaging and strategic shelving in a supermarket. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">All I am sayin' is, it is too late to change a system that has been deeply ingrained in the contemporary society. Everything costs something now. What do you want to do? Make things free? I don't think so. Although the system has its ups and downs, it is the best one we've come up with so far with trial and error, no? So we might as well do our best to make it work...that is my personal opinion. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I do have my doubts. I am definitely not going to be one of those people who advertise cigarettes to kids, but what about the more subtle things? Am I going to be unknowingly pushing the values that I despise?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">All I want to is to create marketing campaigns that are enjoyable/creative/effective. I am slightly worried but not really. I know that I am a person of integrity and I don't think that my character will be changed drastically easily from now on when it's almost entirely formed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Image courtesy of Shoe Lust. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">P.S. That's the kind of shoes that I think Cinderella wears! </span></div>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-54281814734896935292009-09-29T10:06:00.000-07:002009-10-11T22:55:07.821-07:00With Motivational/Feminist-ish Songs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> For the past hectic month or so, I've been living on some of these songs. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div> <a href="http://hypem.com/#/track/918883/Lykke+Li+-+I+m+Good+I+m+Gone"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">Lykke Li- I'm Good, I'm Gone</span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><pre style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal verdana; line-height: 16px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal; "><pre style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal verdana; line-height: 16px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Working in the corner Peaking over shoulders Waiting for my time to come Working in the corner One day to the other Butter for my piece of bun Stepping a stone and I'm all gone Give me the tone and I'm all gone Yeah, I'm walking by the line Not here, but in my mind I'm working a sweat, but it's all good Breaking my back but it's all good 'Cause I know i'll get it back Yeah, I know your hands will clap I'm working, I'm working To make butter for my piece of bun And if you say I'm not okay with miles to go If you say there ain't no way that I could know If you say I aim too high from down below Well say it now 'cause when I'm gone You'll be calling but I won't be at the phone And I'm hanging around 'til it's all done You can't keep me back once I had some Wasting time to get it right And you will see what I'm about" </span></span></pre><pre style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal verdana; line-height: 16px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal; white-space: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It really helps to hear this kind of "wel,l screw you if you think I can't do it" song when you've been repeatedly told that you do too much, and you're always doing things that people think that you can't do.</span></span></span></pre></span></pre></span></div><div><div> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJHdT1j6hH8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">Here's a live version</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> with Robyn on YouTube (Embedding function was removed). I especially love how her voice is so sweet, yet her attitude is so irreverent. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I was reading an article on how the first generation of female rappers' feminism is different than the second for my media studies research methods class when I found this song:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgD3fJXw2iU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">Salt-N-Pepa- Ain't Nuthin' But A She Thing</span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I would say that I love 90% of the music video (except the scene where it seems like a man tries to sexually assault a woman, and then she ends up beating him up...what?), but 100% of the lyrics. Here are some of my favorite lines. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "It ain't a man's world.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> No more sugar and spice (And everything nice)."</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 33px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Powerpuff Girls are cute, and I did watch it often :D, but no. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "Now I can bring home the bacon, fry it in the pan</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 25px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Got to break my neck just to get my respect</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Go to work and get paid less than a man</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> When I'm doin' the same damn thing that he can"</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> One of my biggest fears for my the future career path. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "When I'm aggressive then I'm a bitch </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> When I got attitude you call me a witch"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> To quote Tina Fey: "Bitch's the new black," and you should get used to it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The next one somehow I can't find the lyrics online anywhere, so I am going to try my best to transcribe it. The song is so jazzy. It's incredible. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNT6kUfqEb0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">Choklate- Waitin'</span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Oy. She sings too fast. I am just going to try to capture the best parts. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I knew I had to go through somewhere to get where my destiny had in store. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> So I planted my feet, stuck out my chest, and got to stomping. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> But I skipped the drama, and any other distractions, and I think I've got the winner right here. Sing it along with me if you dig it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I've been waiting a long time for this. I've been waiting oh so long for this. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Knew I was about to give it, but then it's back to the beginning. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> And if you want it, you can have it; you've just gotta stick with it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Just 'cause you got what it takes doesn't mean that you ready. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> No, you won't get where you're supposed to be without integrity. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I know that you mistake the detour for a shortcut, but you just might end up taking the scenic route. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> You got to know where you're going before you can figure out how.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Once you can do all of this, stick to the plan, it's important. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> And one day you'll have the winner like this."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Ahh it's so good! The melody and the lyrics make up an instant mental pick-me-up, at least for me anyway. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The last two are slightly awkward, because mainly the first one is about a woman courting a man with a big ego, which in turns reveals her own huge ego, but there are inadvertently too many sexual innuendos, and then I couldn't help but wonder if she can use her confidence somewhere else, like work. And the second one is a woman talking how she's the best...but in the context of that's the reason why a man should pick her as a mate....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> But I do love me some Mary J. Blige and Beyonce sassy songs: </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bnr_5DuFpU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Upgrade U</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> is also one of my personal favorites, and not just because she gets to dress up and act like Jay-Z in her music video, but because it's all about making your partner an equal. It does make me uncomfortable that apparently the way to do that is to buy him designer clothes and luxury cars, and through other consumption of goods... Ah media studies. You have simultaneously ruined me and opened my eyes at the same time. Anyway, back to the song. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt4wqDmwZ2A"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">Beyonce- Ego</span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I don't like the version with Kanye not because I think he's a pompous ass (C'mon, guys. It's how he sells himself. Chill out.) but because I feel like then it takes away the focus from the woman. Anyway, there is a chuck-load of quite explicit connections of comparing a man's ego to his reproductive organ:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "It's too big</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> It's too wide</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> It's too strong</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> It wont fit</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> It's too much"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 26px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal; white-space: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Whatever. We're all adults here. The other parts of lyrics are more about female empowerment.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Some call it arrogant</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I call it confident </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I walk like this cuz I can back it up </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I talk like this cuz I can back it up"</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 26px; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal; white-space: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">W</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal; white-space: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">hy shouldn't a woman be proud of her achievements? Why shouldn't she talk about what she's able to do if she has the capabilities? I am not saying that we should overestimate our limits, but being well aware of one's own abilities and having the confidence to communicate that to others and asking for what one deserves is important. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Here's Mary J. Blige's "The One."</span></span><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Co941gzKj2Q&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Co941gzKj2Q&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">First of all, she looks amazing for her age, but again, the song is about a woman courting a man because she thinks that she's worth it. And it's just slightly awkward to pair her with Drake, who's like, what, 20 years younger? Just sayin'. Anyway, best line right here: "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I ain't saying that I am the best, but I am the best.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">" So true, Mary, so true. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ah I just realize this turns out to be a continuation of my fascination with black sassy women as well. Oh well. </span></span></div></div>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-60849033712192751862009-08-10T21:40:00.000-07:002009-08-10T22:23:30.257-07:00With Sassy Songs<span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >Today I was talking to a friend (Shahadat) and I realized that I oftentimes put more emphasis on the lyrics of a song rather than the actual melody, which is why sometimes I end up liking songs that the majority of the population deems crappy. Oh well. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >Anyhow, onto music.</span><br /><br /><br /><object style="font-family: arial;" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O6h95jpWgVs&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O6h95jpWgVs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >(Note: This music video is not an official one)</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >So this song actually came on my "Esthero + Bitter:sweet station" on Pandora a couple times before, but I was interning so I never paid attention to the lyrics until today. The lyrics are (kind of) the story of my life (...ok to be honest, probably also the story of the majority of women who are forward). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >"</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >Hey Boy</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > Why you didn't call me?</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > I waited for days</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > I can't believe you didn't call</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > A. You're gay</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > B. You've got a girlfriend</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > C. You kinda thought I came on too strong or</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > D. I just wasn't your thing</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > no ring</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > When we sat outside for an hour at the party and talked</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > I thought something good could be starting</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > It's not a lot that I want</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > just some talking</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > and really, you just injured my pride</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > Susan said that maybe you're scared</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > Shelly says there always is a reason</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" > and Chris said you're probably surrounded by girls and I'm just not one of them you're needing</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >To be honest, I rarely give out my phone number or ask for them, hence I even more rarely don't get called back, but it's the whole waiting and interpreting and asking friends for possible reasons that are eerily similar to what I do.<br /><br />And yes, I am incredibly forward and my ego is bruised. Basically this song is the kind of train of thought that goes through my head.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> :O The singer tells this story in such a honest sincere way, too. I feel like she's talking to her best friend (the voice inside her head or me the listener). Love it!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><object style="font-family: arial;" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mZYUnvjKR-k&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mZYUnvjKR-k&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I heard this song repeatedly at NSM during class but I never figured that it was Ciara and Missy! FAIL! I love the bright color scheme of the music video (of course). And of course, I always love Missy and sometimes Ciara (sorry). This song just makes all the dance genes in my body jump with excitement, and also it also hits the spot for my cravings for strong-ladies-fierceness.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I am going to have to say though, Ciara sometimes scares me in the video. Is she going to attack me with her ponytail? I don't know! Is she going to stomp on me with those sky-high heels? I have no clue! ...Those ARE the hottest construction outfits and workers ever though. Kind of reminds me of Rihanna's hot mechanic co-workers in "Shut Up and Drive." Also, what is that GIGANTIC machinery that Ciara's dancing next to?! What is that for? Building condos for giants?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object style="font-family: arial;" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4n7nKNLSJCU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4n7nKNLSJCU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This music again isn't an official one. It's actually a project from UC Berkeley's Music Video DeCal. I love both the song and the video.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The song because well, that's exactly how I feel sometimes (*cough* more like often). I think it's good to let anger and irritation out instead of holding it in. And I love how Lily Allen basically </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">coos</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> the following obscene lyrics. Putting on a smiling face while you curse someone out is one of the best ways to swear in my opinion.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"Fuck you</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Fuck you very very much</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cause we hate what you do and we hate your whole crew</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">So please don't stay in touch"</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://hypem.com/track/773231/Electrik+Red+-+Friend+Lover">"Friend Lover" by Eletrik Red</a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Another gem (ok so that's debatable) by the gurl group. It's wonderfully catchy and I love the tong-in-cheek rhyming lyrics.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"He's my friend lover</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Lover like no other</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">He fills me up when I'm running low on love</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I just take the phone</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Dial him up</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Tell him what I want</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Need a little this</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Need a little that</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">From the front</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">From the back</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">He don't want talk about where I been</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't want to talk about what he did</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">For me he'll leave his homies'</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Come over and put it on me</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">We don't want to talk about what we do</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Its' just between us two</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">He's not my man all day</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">But all night he's my boo</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">..........</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll never break the rules</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Rule One: No poppin up un-announced</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Rule Two: Never leave no clothes at my house</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Rule Three: Can't speak if you see when I'm out</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Rule Four: You cant' stay pass five, I gotta be to work by nine"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Obviously the song is about hook up buddies/friends with benefits, and I don't think I've ever heard of another song on the same object. Plus it's just so...happy and fun. Also the song makes me want to do a lot of ridiculous hand gestures and facial expressions. Ask me and I'll be happy to demonstrate.</span>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-64085244581356498602009-07-29T23:53:00.000-07:002009-07-31T19:06:40.157-07:00With Fierceness<span style="font-family:arial;">Oh man. We learned this dance routine at the "Sexy Ladies Hip Hop" class at <a href="http://newstylemotherlode.com/">New Style Motherlode</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> to a song called "We F*** You" by Electrik Red. (Listen to the song </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://hypem.com/track/843912/Electrik+Red+-+W+F+Y+">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;">)</span></span> <span style="font-family:arial;"> Last week I was not aware of what they were singing at all since I was more concerned with learning the steps, but then I decided to look the lyrics when I got home. OH BOY.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">"Like a kid with a cake you can really eat it</span><br /> <span style="font-family:arial;">Like a stray dog happy every time I feed him"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"Y'all don't f*** us, n***** we f*** you"<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My initial reaction was- I was dancing to THAT?! :O Oh geez! But the song has grown on me. I've followed the instructor's commands to live the lyrics and perform the persona while we dance...and guess what, I love it! The routine was very sensuous but also tough in a girl power kind of way (in her words, "scary-sexy"). Here are some reactions to it in the dance studio.<br /><br />Dancer #1: "Whew! It's hard being a ho!"<br />Dancer #2: "Too bad I don't have anyone to perform this for."<br />Me: "I am definitely going to have bruises on my knees"<br /><br />*sigh* It was beautiful. I am adding this to my list of deliciously vulgar songs. Heh heh. The ending lyrics are hinting at sleeping with hipsters?...<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">But you gotta get your mind together</span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">And them jeans is a little too tight...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">It's cool. I f*** with it. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">I get it. It's some fashion."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">HA! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Speaking of fierceness, just when I was really proud of my little fauxhawk, my imaginary best guuurl friend Rihanna (her birth date is exactly one day after mine) just went ahead and one-upped me.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.b96hits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/90716X7_RIHANNA_B-GR_06-800x600.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 600px;" src="http://www.b96hits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/90716X7_RIHANNA_B-GR_06-800x600.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Goddammit, Rihanna! *shake fist*<br /></span>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-54902024356216815102009-07-27T23:30:00.000-07:002009-07-27T23:58:29.811-07:00Sheningans<span style="font-family:arial;"> The K/T MUNI never ceased to impress me with the kind of (mis)adventures I encounter while riding it. Today, a heated argument turned into physical fight on the T line. The bus had to be stopped for a long time and cops were called.<br /><br />One of the most ridiculous reasons to be late to work for. I don't think anyone would have believed me at Mixamo had a co-worker not also been on the bus with me. He actually unfortunately got a front row seat of the whole thing while all I heard was shouting.<br /><br />Anyway, what is even more RIDIC is how the fight started. According to my co-worker, a female nurse just lashed out at these two flamboyant men because she thought they were gay.<br /><br />There are so many things wrong in that situation.<br /><br />First of all, why the F did a homophobic person choose to unlease basically a gay hate crime on public transit in <span style="font-style: italic;">San Francisco</span>? Either move to somewhere else or shut the hell up is my opinion.<br /><br />Secondly, how/why the hell did this person become a nurse? Is she going to treat homosexual patients differently? I thought nurses are supposed to kind human beings trying to help others.<br /><br />Lastly, REALLY? REALLY? This amount of prejudice is still existing. Great job, America.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am too upset now. Must talk about something happier.<br /><br />Ok so I was transporting music from my old desktop PC to my new MacBook (finally), and I inevitably listened to some songs that I haven't clicked on in a while, and the Veggie Tales theme song came on.<br /><br />I honestly thought that all American middle schools did this, but apparently only Teel middle school in Modesto, CA played Veggie Tales music videos in the morning on certain weekdays.<br />Sure, they tend to have a Christianity subtext, but c'mon, it's talking/singing/dancing vegetables! Plus, if I am going to learn about stories in the famous bible, might as well learn them in entertaining ways complete with cucumbers, tomatoes, and whatnot. And I've always loved eating plants personally, but I imagine that this must be a great tool to get other kids to eat them.<br /><br />Also the songs are quite catch! My favorites are "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" and "His Cheeseburger."<br /><br />The original "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything":<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XaWU1CmrJNc&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XaWU1CmrJNc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Of course, this was turned into a movie. Guess who watched it while organizing her room and folding laundry one day? Yours truly!<br /><br />Relient K's rock cover:<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tP2dAf3D-VY&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tP2dAf3D-VY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br />This also apparently was a song on Guitar Hero 2. I haven't played it, but you bet that I would have rocked it because I know the lyrics by heard. Yar.<br /><br />The original "His Cheeseburger":<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CmIKR458M0A&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CmIKR458M0A&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br />Adorable, as drawing parallels between romance and food is always precious.<br /><br /> There was also this AMAZING fanmade music video of this song with footage about Pam, Jim, and Karen from the Office, too, but apparently that video has been taken down. Bastards :/. Well, obviously, Pam= cheeseburger, and Karen= Denny's. You get the gist if you watch the show.<br /><br /><br />Some quotes from the day to serve as parting words:<br /><br />Vanessa- "I think the average orgy-goer is pretty gross."<br /><br />Yea we were talking about how I am so lazy that I should hire someone to give me a bath, and then one thing lead to another. You figure that out.<br /><br /></span>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637100225736790065.post-21314984717121988662009-07-25T21:29:00.000-07:002009-07-25T22:03:11.334-07:00Like the Good Ol' Days, Kinda<span style="font-family:arial;">Oh man, this reminds me of my Livejournal days in high school, but hopefully this will be sans all the drama. It better. Nothing here will be too personal anyway. That's what late-night tweets are for! *fake nervous crazy laughs*<br /><br />I think this place will be for me to post stuff that I think not that many people care about, except for me of course. In other words, things I have gathered from the internet that *I* like, which you probably don't give a crap about.<br /><br />Also you know what? I do like writing. I was going to major in literature and become a writer when I was little. That was before I discovered TV commercials though. Telling a story in a 30-sec spot instead of hundreds of pages? Way better! JK.<br /><br />Anyway, I read <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1200726/Couple-reunited-lost-love-letter-discovered-fireplace-years.html">this</a> today: <span style="font-style: italic;">Couple Reunited and Married After 10 Years of Separation Due to the Discovery of Long Lost Love Letter</span>. I don't know... The first thing I thought of is: why the hell did she move away then? Second of all, why didn't SHE contact him all these years at all? Lastly: Why the F was she single for 10 years? If she was so heartbroken, she should have done something about it. Geez.<br /><br />I don't know why, but my first reaction is to criticize the woman for some reason. I guess he could have tried harder, too. This is probably because I am a woman. I am so harsh on my sex. Har har, P&P reference. In any case, good for them I suppose. Better late than never.<br /><br />Well this has been a wonderful start of what is sure to be even more spectacular. I think I'll do a best of the best of all the past items I've posted on Facebook next, or eventually.<br /><br /></span>APurpleHazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09713410541115734163noreply@blogger.com0