Sunday, November 30, 2008

Holiday Weekend Blockbuster

...no, I didn't see "Four Christmases" on Thanksgiving Day...

However, I did see the movie, "Walk the Line"- I bought it on sale at Target on Black Friday, hehe. My new favorite actress is Reese Witherspoon. I think perhaps "Walk the Line" was the zenith of Reese's acting career. She is imbued with such talent, congeniality and charisma...I can see why Ryan's self-esteem went to dookie when he was married to this belle!



I don't have a particular gravitational pull to read up on country singers, but after this movie, I was compelled to google "Johnny Cash" and was sincerely interested in his life story. I love this movie! The performances were absolutely stellar and enticed me to grow a newfound curiosity into the world of country stars. I guess I just figured they all sang about their dead dogs, appliances in the front yard, and how their guns done killed their wives.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

new release: Outliers

I can't wait to read this book...I have to get through Talent's Overrated first though. Oh, my never-ending book queue. *sighs*

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Is the U.S. stupid?

On my commute to work this morning, Armstrong & Getty talk radio was discussing how the numbers of high school and college graduates in the U.S. are steadily declining. Only 75% of high school seniors are graduating in stark contrast to about 97-98% of South Korean graduates. I know this is not new news, especially considering the fact that any country besides the U.S. seems to be more academically rigorous.

A couple of questions- if this statistic is the case, then why is it still difficult to "get ahead" if 25% of U.S. high school students aren't graduating? Even more, only 50% of college attendees are even receiving their diplomas- so why is it seemingly still competitive in terms of securing financial success if there is less of the populace receiving high school and collegiate degrees, therefore leading to, one would think, a less competitive job pool? It is sad enough that a mere college degree will not promise success; hell, that's almost a compulsory requirement to even compete in our dwindling job market.

Armstrong & Getty attributes our dwarfed intellectual power in comparison to other countries-most notably in Asia-to our indulgence in affluence. I liked how they compared the U.S. to a "dottling fat king" sans any motivation or drive to become better. Countries like Korea or China are less endowed and downright poor and students spend more of their time studying and achieving academic success in order to avoid plight and as a means to bolster a brighter future.

I guess it pays to be poor because we sho' are a lot more humble and hardworking that way.

P

**EDIT: My blog post title was a rhetorical question, so no need to reply...but feel free to! My blood is boiling for a hot debate!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Brad on Oprah

This man is so endearing (despite what he did to Jennifer)...~sighs~
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/brad-pitt-my-kids-are-the-funniest-people-i-ever-met

***EDIT: After watching the video, I noticed that he has his hand over his mouth after Oprah questions him- from a body language expert (not myself), this gesture usually is indicative of lying...covering the mouth indicates lying or some sort of fabrication.

Monday, November 17, 2008

flying solo at the gym

I usually go to the gym in Sac with broham, but he's been working a ton of hours and just wants to kick back and play video games instead of working out. I can't really be that lackadaisical since I have half-marathon training resting on me.

The gym was packed at 9 pm and I resorted to getting on the only available Stairmaster. I initially wanted to run on the boring-ass treadmill since it is the next best thing to running a course outside...NOT! I really was going to do an hour on the treadmill to compensate for the week I was sick with some sort of respiratory cold. At any rate, the Stairmaster failed to let me down and I got an intense 30-minute sweat fest...I swear, that machine is the best stationary/cardio machine in a gym because it burns the most calories and makes you sweat like a pig. Sweating like a pig is a good thing, my friend.

So I am stretching out after my work-out...alone. I am mad because my new ipod Nano dies on me (it better be due to low battery or I'm kicking a genius's ass), so I fiddle around with it for a good 8 minutes. A tall, white guy comes up to me, almost resembling Michael Phelps...I am thinking that I took something of his or I invaded some space and he is just letting me know that he needs something back or I need to get the hell out of his way...UMMM NO...dude wanna throw some game at me. Okay, feller, gimme whatchu' got (Babe, this is for sake of a good story). So "Michael" asks me politely how my workout was and I had to make him repeat himself because I just about died from my astonishment. I mean, me, out of all people? He totally looked like a white kid that loved him some tall, white blonde with huge ta-tas. I have NONE of these characteristics, mind you.

The whole point of this blog post is not to tell the public that I'm flat-chested or that I don't think I can pull a white boy- my point is that it's really hard to approach women, let alone approach a woman at the gym. Or is it easier to approach a lass at a gym versus a club? I dunno, I've been out of the game for a while, so I need a refresher on these things... I'm old, remember?! And I'm in a serious relationship, remember?!

Case-in-point: I give this "Michael" props for mustering up the courage to come up and talk to me (not like I'm a goddess or something). He asked me if I had "problems at home"= Do I have a boyfriend or a husband? Very clever, I might add. The best was when he was making small talk after I kindly told him I was spoken for. I am tellin' ya', it's a rough world out there for dem men. So single ladies, be nice to those guys rappin' game to you- it takes guts; HOWEVER, know how to spot an asshole or playa...after all, game does recognize game.

UGG cravings

I am suffering from MAJOR cravings for UGGS!!! Yes, I know they aren't exactly the most fashion savviest piece of a fashionista's wardrobe, but they sure are comfy and probably the most durable boot out there (I've worn them everywhere and in every climate!). Granted, they are a bit pricey, but for comfort, it's a small price to pay. So, someone, BUY ME THE TALL GRAY UGGS in size 7, PERTY PLEASE!!! I may be forced to find other ways in securing these UGGS...like begging for them AGAIN from a certain special someone. :D



I find it comical that there is even a blog about UGGS...it proved actually quite amusing and informative all at the same time. http://www.igotuggs.com/

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

an another note- ruffle blouses

I know everyone saw Blair Waldorf's blouse last night! C'mon, I don't even watch "Gossip Girl" either, but now, due to the impeccable fashion taste on the show, I may now just buy each season's dvd!




Sad story- the bitch (the blouse) is sold out!! Such a statement, signature piece... if I get that blouse, I'll be sure to take some pics and post that on my Facebook as a trophy-mwahahaha!

P.S. You can buy the blouse here if it comes available AND if you have an extra 1,990 bucks to shell out: http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/35448?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Bill+Blass-_-Tops&siteID=PkMdAyGsI.I-pfZsjVKjZqSF2bpUx3RV4g