Is green the new pale?

Tonight I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. First of all, scariest movie I have seen in a while. Seriously, how are children supposed to sit through that? Also, it wins a lot of hilarious and awkward awards, but overall, still thoroughly enjoyed it!

Now, as many of you may know about me, my favorite part of actually going to the the movies is the PREVIEWS. Nothing is better than a movie trailer! Especially ones for intense movies. The thrilling music, the fast paced harsh editing, the cliffhanger clips, it's all just awesome. I think that would be a sweet job. Making movie trailers. Or just watching them. Love it.

Anyway. Tonight, a couple of the movie trailers made me question a possible trend in our society.ARE ALIENS ARE THE NEW VAMPIRES?

There were multiple previews, one being the gem above (click picture for movie trailer), which seem to be emphasizing a trend of aliens in films to come. There was also a preview for that Tron movie, and some other one's that I'm now blanking on because all I can think about is how sad I am about Dobby.

Although the aliens were, on the most part, not necessarily being sexified like vampires have been in our society lately, I think there is still time for that. The Avatar sex was maybe just a hint into it. Maybe we're getting bored of vampires and the undead. Maybe our obsession with vampires and their powers is suggesting a boredom with our own lives and the problems within our society. Perhaps it's time to take our obsession away from immorality, sex, and vampiric powers in order to solve our social anxieties, and instead focus on... another world entirely.

Fun Vermont Facts!

Just finished my LGBT paper on Gay Comix of the early 1980s and before that had written a paper using Dorothy Smith and Foucault's theoretical methodologies to analyze Alloy Entertainment and Gossip Girl. Anyway, now I'm tired and want to go home! So, to get myself, and all of you, excited for Vermont, I've gone onto the Secretary of State website and found the Kids Page which has some fun Vermont facts...

Here we go! (I've ruled out the really boring ones)

Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S., producing over 500,000 gallons a year.
Duh. No other syrup is even close to being real.

Dr. H. Nelson Jackson was the first to drive an automobile across the U.S. in 1903. He was from Burlington.

That's actually really neat! I had no idea.

John Deere served his apprenticeship in VT.

People in Vermont are obsessed with John Deere.

Some philatelists credit Brattleboro with producing America's first postage stamp in 1846.

Win.

Coldest temperature recorded in VT: -47 F degrees. Hottest: 106 F.

Okay that's real cold. I wonder when that was. Brrrrr.

Vermont has nearly one half of the dairy farms in New England.

Not shocking. You can smell it.

About half the milk consumed in New England is produced in VT.

Well, this correlates nicely with the previous fact.

More people live in a rural setting in VT than in an urban setting.

This is actually really cool considering my class on suburbia. Good job, Vermont. Hold down the fort.

VT has the least amount of violent crimes out of all 50 states.

Woo-hoo!

Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S.

and Vergennes is the smallest city!

Until 1996, VT was the only state without a Wal-Mart.

I'm way too proud of this.

Montpelier is the only state capital without a McDonalds.

Impressive.

Vermont-born U.S. president Calvin Coolidge was the only president to be born on the 4th of July.

So, we're a bunch of McDonald hating hippies but also very naturally patriotic.

Ben & Jerry's gives their ice cream waste to local farmers who feed it to their hogs. The hogs seem to like every flavor except Mint Oreo.

This is just so stupid and so Vermont. I also just realized I hate the word "hog."

Wasn't that fun! Happy Break!

Cannot wait...!

Blah.

Cold-Eeze!

Ever since I've been at college, I literally swear by Cold-Eeze. They come in tons of flavors: cherry, tropical fruit, strawberries and cream, honey, and more! All you have to do is pop one in your mouth and they keep you healthy! I get sick all the time, but I like to think that when I have these, I can fight away whatever is coming easier. I know this is a weird post, but I'm actually very passionate about these.

Most exciting moment of my day: I've been sick for a while (probably because I didn't have any Cold-Eeze) and I finally bought some today and immediately tweeted, "COLD-EEZE!"
After a few minutes, I got a Twitter mention...FROM COLDEEZE! They responded @babesandberries: YES? =)

OBSESSED.

2 Important Messages

From, who else, Barney Stinson!

Literal life motto




I feel as though this is an extremely important lesson to learn and master. There is only so much hot that is worth crazy. And as always, beware of crazy eyes.

Creation of 'femininity'

As told by Dorothy Smith:

"Women aren’t just the passive products of socialization; they are active; they create themselves. At the same time, their self-creation, their work, the uses of their skills, are coordinated with the market for clothes, make-up, shoes, accessories, etc., through print, film, etc. This dialectic between the active and creative subject and the organization of her activity in and by texts coordinating it with the market is captured here using the concept of a textually-mediated discourse."

So perfect considering I am using her theoretical perspectives to structure my paper on Gossip Girl.

Quick gay rant

Okay, I don't go on many feminist or gay rants, so stay with me, it's important!

I'm currently taking LGBT History, and I just really need to take some time to give credit and thanks to all of the gay men, lesbians, members of the trans community, etc. who were activists in the fight against homophobia way before I was even considering wearing a rainbow bracelet in high school. The fight against homophobia has been going on... well, for a long fucking time, but I would like to give a special shout out to the members of the butch/femme communities across the country in the forties and fifties. As a member of the lesbian community of today, I am lucky enough to attend basically the most accepting school in the country. I do not have to fight to protect my sexual identity every day or defend who I choose to love. It is not this way in many areas of our society, but things are are changing- and the past members of the community need to be recognized for risking their lives every day fighting to defend who they loved and wanted to sleep with. I don't have to do this! I mean, kind of, but only in a girl drama kind of way.

While butch lesbians were going out every weekend in men's clothing just to be physically attacked by men on the sidewalk or police, they did it to feel comfortable in their identities and for the strength of the community. Here at Smith, I can go out every day of the week wearing an article of clothing that was not designed for women and feel completely safe about it- other than a few potential teasing comments from my friends about being too gay. But hey, it's safe.

Our house parties. Well, where to even begin. Gay and lesbians bars were constantly shut down or raided by police. Violence everywhere led to riots and the constant fight to be accepted in public for anyone who wished to participate in a non-heteronormative weekend environment. Still, men and women went. They danced with members of the same sex. They were arrested, they were attacked. Today, we throw house parties where girls are all up on each other dancing and hooking up. No one says anything! In fact, it's encouraged. There is actual social status awarded here for being gay. And I think that's awesome! Not only because I am gay, but because it shows that there is a desire in the community here to WANT to have more members, to accept more people, to fuck with the hetero environment that surrounds us in the rest of the world.

Anyway, I just needed to put all that out there. I truly do think it is important to recognize that people fought to create the safe spaces we can share today. Hell, if the butch/femme community of Buffalo from the fifties could see Smith college today, I'm sure they would all be so proud and excited for us. This is not to say that everything is perfect, not at all, the fight continues. But it is tremendously important to look back on the work that has been done before us.

Okay, gay rant over.

Wall Theory

--as heard on Hot Topics with DJ Plaid and DJ Pearlz on WOZQ 91.9--

Here is my latest social theory pertaining to the party scene at Smith and beyond:

WALL THEORY

I can almost guarantee that no lesbian at a house party would be upset if two hot femmes were dancing together. In fact, at least from my point of view, it would be hot. Now, I won't speak for other...soft butches? Ew I had that label, but I don't know what else to call myself right now, but for those of us who enjoy the company of femmier girls than ourselves-- I think it is safe to say that there is enjoyment to take away from watching two femmes dance together.

So, the other night I was hanging with a bro-lesbian of mine at a house party and there were femmes dancing together all around us and getting tons of attention from both the men at the party and the other bro-lesbians. This is all fine and dandy, but I soon made the observation that if she and I were to start dancing together, we would look completely ridiculous. It's true. It isn't sexy if two bros dance together. Well this just wasn't fair. How were we supposed to keep our cool and get the attention of the femme ladies without actually approaching them?

Our solution: The perfect bro-wall-lean and casual chit chat. This is going to be pretty hard to describe in writing without being able to demonstrate, but do not fear- I will try.

Okay, so, grab a bro. Find a wall. Don't be sketchy. If you're sketchy, the whole thing is ruined. Wall theory incorporates both looking chill, while still looking active in your pursuit of hotties. You'll want to be having a conversation with your friend, you should be looking casual, leaning against a wall or table together (I know this sounds a little stupid, but it has been tried and proven, promise). While having your probably pointless conversation, make sure to be looking around the room for any ladies who may be worth your attention. Once you find one, try to get her attention through a quick round of eye contact, but don't appear too interested. Laugh with your bro, check out some other girls, but then look back at the girl in your radar and once again try to catch her attention. On the second or third round of catching her eye, a slight head nod would be appropriate. Eventually, you will want to look like you are completely open to the idea of her coming over to you, but not until she has begun to approach you or has made an effort to begin to dance closer to you with her friends.

The goal of this theory is to have the girl(s) approach you and if you are awesome enough- start dancing with you. Another win of this theory is that it's always fun to dance against a wall. It takes away a lot of the pressure of, you know, having to stand up and keep your balance.

Theory conclusion: if done correctly, two bro lesbians should be able to grab the attention of femmes in a similar way as two femmes dancing with each other at a party.

Try it out, let me know if it works for you.

Bitch Slap

No, I did not piss off some girl at a party...This is basically one of the most over the top, hilarious, and offensive works of "film" that I have ever seen in my life. It is kind of a mix of a feminist centered battling a misogynistic centered graphic novel, action film, and soft-core. Essentially, these three girls are super hot and beat up lots of gross men, other chicks, and each other. But don't worry- they also make out. Of course.

Through the awful stereotypes, objectification of women, and other horribly offensive things, I must admit, the movie is quite amusing. From a feminist standpoint.... I'm not even going to try to go there. However, they are all very strong female characters. So that's a plus. And the movie does circulate around their power strength against numerous attempts of masculine control over their bodies and their actions. There we go.

Another fun objective from this post, other than my brief and pointless attempt to describe this movie-there really are no words- is to post a DRINKING GAME To play along while you watch!

Bitch Slap Drinking Game:

• Drink every time there is a slow motion shot
• Drink every time you see a gun (FINISH your drink when the BIG gun comes out)
  
• Drink for lesbian innuendo (FINISH your drink when they do it)
• Drink every time water is poured on one of the girls
• Drink every time there is a completely pointless flash back
• Finish your drink if you make it to the end of the movie, because my friends and I still have not!
  

One of my favorite things

The literal music video for Total Eclipse of the Heart. Too funny for words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA

New Drinking Game

So, the other night some of my friends and I decided to have a chill, bro night in. This obviously turned into going out and partying harder later, but the beginning of the night was relatively calm and the creation of a new drinking was born...

P U S S Y!

The concept:
No, this is probably not going where you'd expect.
You know the game HORSE in basketball? Someone takes a shot and if they make it, their opponent has to do the same shot? So you can get tricky like behind the back or under the leg, and the other person has to be able to do it OR they get a letter. In our case, you lose once you have spelled out P U S S Y. I realize our maturity levels are extraordinary.

The Game:
Floor pong! Set up at least three cups in front of you on the floor. It is easiest if you have a chair to sit on right behind your cups facing your opponent(s). Make sure to fill the cups up with something so they don't easily knock over. Now, someone begins by attempting to throw a pong ball into one of their opponent's cups. In order to win, you must be able to make a shot into your opponent's cup that they cannot recreate successfully and therefore will get a letter.

Shot ideas:
Under the leg
Eyes closed
Calling a specific cup (the back left)
Bouncing a specific number of times before entering a cup
Standing and dropping it in
etc!

D&G Ad

This advertisement was from Dolce & Gabbana's fall 2009 campaign but I just stumbled across it and obviously intrigued. Other than Jesus Luz just hanging out there on the right, pretty out of place for the advertisement, I think it's a pretty fascinating piece. Dolce & Gabbana are continually my favorite source of print advertising because of the ways in which they push homoerotic boundaries and play with the viewers subconscious.

This ad especially works hugely with notions of masculinity and, as per usual, plays on sexuality as well. Fun stuff.

Weekend Warrior

Literally feel like the past four nights have been a battle of booze and babes.

(Disclaimer: The babes in the sense that Smith has many, many of them and therefore they have been a part of my weekend)

Anyway, tonight let's chat about the pros and cons of starting your weekend on Wednesday night. Here in Noho, Wednesday night means drag night at Divas downtown. Usually pretty entertaining, cute girls, fun gay men...not such a good idea to attempt a visit sober...and definitely not a great idea if you have class at or before 9 am the next morning. Although this hardly stops anyone.

So, you've hit up Divas on Wednesday: saw some drag, danced around- maybe on stage, and hopefully found a cozy ride home instead of having to brave the chilly fall air. Thursday morning rolls around, you're totally miserable, but hopefully the night before was fun enough to make it worth the headache (remember to drink water throughout the night to prevent this headache!).

Thursday night, party? Why not. If you aren't bound to science labs all day on Friday and instead have the freedom of the 3 day weekend, have some fun! I'm not saying the four day party weekend is a good idea every weekend. No, no, no. It should only be attempted rarely to save your body from complete and utter exhaustion. So, you've committed to Thursday. It's happening. You're raging. Good job. There's always the option to take either Friday or Saturday night off, but that's a bit more tricky as more people are generally up for a good time.

Now, the pros and cons of putting your body through the four-day-warrior-weekend. This is not a serious term, I'm basically referencing the self-label of "warrior" that occurred the other day while talking to my co-DJ (DJ Pearlz) at a hungover brunch.

Pros:

• FUN! Everyone needs a break from school and real life now and then. Kick back. Take some time to relax and play. We all need it.
• Breaking up the week. Why only have fun two nights of the week? Going out on Wednesday keeps you sane from the hellish amount of work and life dramz that can happen during the week.
• Dancing=endorphins! Good for the mind and body!
  

Cons:

• $$$: Going out/liquid refreshments can be expensive
  
• Lack of motivation for school work: exhaustion seeps in and who wants to do a paper outline or read about Bourdieu's stance on the field of education when our beds are oh so comfortable and napping is oh so nice?
  
• Bad life decisions. Always a possibility over the course of that many drunken escapades.

Speaking of bad life decisions, I've chosen to write this post instead of reading Suburban Warriors: The Origins of the New American Right... oh well! The night is young!

Do yourself a favor

And watch this video right now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZrSY_ISn4w

I miss coffee

No coffee for me today. Missing it. In a stage of my life where today I've decided that I want to own a coffee shop. Mmm coffee.