How do you define it?

Beauty that is. Everyone has a different definition for what is beautiful and perfect. Our culture is so critical of outward appearance but how can anyone judge? Everyone has there own opinion and it will never be exactly like the next person. Some people think blonde hair blue eyed people are the true meter of beauty however I believe tan brunettes are the definition of  classic beauty. But in reality, everyone has their own unique look that appeals to someone. Beauty is self-confidence. Once our society figures out that we cannot have a certain measure of beauty for everyone to uphold, then there might be less body issues throughout the world. 

London-Here we come!!

Today I got my official acceptance letter to SMU-in-London this summer. I am so excited to be spending the summer in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. I have been all over Europe, and London is definitely one of my favorite places. Being an advertising minor, I am so ready to learn about international advertising and visit different advertising agencies in London to see first hand how the business works. Since a lot of my best friends are going to London also, we will definitely be using our free time wisely by touring all over Europe. This summer is going to be an incredible experience and one that I will never forget. 

My SMU Family

Family is a huge part of my life and coming to SMU I knew I would be leaving mine for most of the year. However I was determined to go into college with an open mind and make life long friendships. I have made friendships here that I know will last my a lifetime. I know that sounds cheesy but it is really true. This picture is of me and some of my best friends from spring break last year. We all became friends at the beginning of freshman year and we have all still remained close. These girls have always been there for me through some pretty hard times in my life and I know that our bonds will stay strong even after college. Coming to college, I got to pick my new family away from home and they have made me a happier and better person.

The Dallas Aquarium

So I have been living in Dallas for almost two years, and I feel like I have not really seen what Dallas has to offer. Yea I have seen all the Park Cities has to offer and the bar scene, but when I moved to Dallas I wanted to experience all of it. The Dallas Aquarium is one attractions that I really want to see before I leave SMU. I have always loved animals and doing different activities. Whenever I am able to spend time with my dad, we enjoy doing fun or adventurous things. So when he comes for dad's weekend in April, I will definitely have to fit this in.

Fabulous Fashion at the Oscars!

The Oscars have finally arrived and the fashion did not disappoint. Everyone loves award shows but it is really all about what are the stars wearing. This year dresses were very dramatic but still classic and red was a huge color. My favorite two dresses were Heidi Klum's stunning red gown and Penelope Cruz's dramatic black dress. They both looked absolutely flawless. Neither of these women had a film being nominated however they definitely made a name for themselves. 

I heart Hot Dogs!!!

I know not everyone likes hot dogs but I kind of have a small obsession. Hot dogs are an all-American food that I have grown up loving. All of my friends think it is funny how much I love hot dogs, but now they are just as obsessed as I am. Before I wrote this I did a little research on my favorite food, and I found out that National Hot Dog Day is July 21. My birthday is July 23 and actually I was supposed to be born on July 21. I think it's fate.

Intertextuality

Intertextuality is everywhere! When I came across this commercial on YouTube for the Apple iPhone, I saw vertical intertextuality throughout the whole clip. In this clip, Apple uses celebrities from different genres of film and television answering the telephone. At the beginning Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy" answers the phone spanning through a multitude of characters such as Robert Redford, Cameron Diaz, to Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City", to Ben Stiller in "Zoolander" and finally ending with "The Incredibles." Even when the product is finally shown, the background of the iPhone even resembles Nemo from "Finding Nemo." When watching this commercial, one automatically associates this clip with each movie star, movie, or televison show that appears. Also, this clip shows the evolution of the telephone as well as our culture through the decades of film history showcased. 

Why the fuss?

When it comes to alcohol the rest of the world has the right idea. The majority of the world does not have a legal drinking age and the purchasing age of alcohol is 18. When you go to Europe or Mexico, it is okay to have a drink with your friends or family. In Europe families have wine with every meal, and friends meet up at local pubs for a beer to catch up. To the rest of the world this just doesn't seem out-of-the-ordinary. Growing up in the United States, everyone knows that the drinking and purchasing age of alcohol is 21. Some people in our country get married before they are 21. Does that mean no alcohol at the wedding? I just think this is absurd. Kids today are sneaking their parent's alcohol, getting older people to buy it for them, or buying fake i.d.'s. If it were accustomed in our country to have a glass of wine with dinner while growing up then I believe kids wouldn't think drinking was that big of a deal. It is because we have been told for so long that we can't have alcohol that kids want it more. I just feel that we have a much bigger problem with underage drinking and drunk driving than anywhere else in the world and maybe we could learn something from the rest of the world.

The Obama/Hillary Face-off

Things are definitely heating up in the race for the Democratic nomination. Earlier in the week Hillary Clinton criticized Obama for plagarizing part of his speech in Wisconsin. Apparently he took a sentence from Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick 2006 speech and failed to give credit to Patrick. Hillary criticized Obama by saying, "If your whole candidacy is about words, they should be your own." However Obama did not seem to think her claim was a big deal and I guess the American people did not either considering he is on a 10 straight winning streak. However, today in Dallas Obama gave a speech to 17,000 people at Reunion Arena making some jabs at Hillary. Obama said, "Today Senator Clinton told us there is a choice in this race, and I couldn't agree with her more." "But contrary to what she was saying it's not a choice between speeches and solutions. It's a choice between the politics of divisions and distractions that did not work in South Carolina, that did not work in Wisconsin, and that will not work in Texas or a new politics of common sense, of common purpose, shared sacrifices, shared prosperity." Both candidates are controversial and it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Texas will definitely be a defining moment in this campaign and each of the candidates' careers. It's the make-or-break point. 

Fidel Castro finally steps down

Finally after 49 years as Cuba's cruel dictator, Fidel Castro has stepped down. Fidel,who is 81 years old, has been suffering from a stomach illness that has left him unable to continue his duties. Fidel gave a statement saying, "I neither will aspire to nor will I accept the position of president of the Council of State and Commander-in-Chief." This may seem like a period of joy and happiness for the people of Cuba, who have lived such an oppressed life, but the power has only been turned over to Fidel's younger brother Raul. This most likely means that no drastic political change will take place and the people of Cuba will still be faced with the same harsh realities. When I was only in sixth grade, one of my teachers was of Cuban heritage. Both of her parents had left Cuba for America because of Fidel Castro. Fidel had complete control over every aspect of the government and military, and the people of Cuba were like prisoners. She always said how she would love to see Cuba, however as long as Fidel Castro was in power that just would not be an option. I wonder if now she will be able to visit her home country or since the Castro family is still in power that will not be an option. 

Dedman is the place to be!

Dedman is the popular place to be on campus right now. Just take a stroll through the gym and you will see everyone you know. There will not be a tread mill or elliptical available. The main reason for this sudden change is spring is just around the corner and so is spring break. Most SMU students go to a warmer climate such as Playa or Cabo, both in Mexico, for their week long vacation. Therefore being in shape is extremely important considering everyone will be in swim suits all day. Everyone feels that they have some problem area and they don't want to be overly self-conscious in front of their peers. So everyone is hitting the gym for some intense workout sessions before spring break, however everyone will most likely gain a little weight back with all the partying done on spring break.

Trust is the Key to Life

Happiness comes from the joys of life and the relationships that transform you. Trust is an aspect of life that you cannot escape. Trust is not just something that comes naturally; it is acquired through time and patience. Trust must be earned and for many  trust is a very scary and risky thing. Throughout life things may happen to ruin the trust you share with another person. Sometimes that trust can be earned back and sometimes it cannot be. However I am a firm believer in the fact that time heals everything. The walls that have been built up to protect one's heart and soul need to come down in order to lead a life without regret.

Airport Hell

Empty! This is a perfect picture for what I experienced tonight. So I travelled home this weekend for a Mardi Gras Ball and when I return to the lovely DFW airport I had no luggage. I even preceded to wait around on the next plane. Once again no luggage. I have done a lot of traveling to different school throughout the south this year to visit my friends and this always happens. I can't decide if I am just the lucky one chosen each time or if airports are just incapable of doing their job. I might be a little bitter right now as I am home now with none of my personal belongings, but it is a little bit comical at how bad my luck really is. 

V-Day---A Guy's Worst Nightmare

February 14! I feel like it's a girl's dream day, and complete hell for every guy on the planet. Guys dread this day more than any other day of the year. They know if they have a girlfriend or wife they better have something for her. However it can't just be anything! That gift better be good. Some girls are easy to please and just want pretty flowers or candy to know you care. Then on the other hand some girls want diamonds, an expensive dinner, and champagne. Poor guys! However guys want things too. According to msn.com, the things guys really want are silence, a get out of jail free card, an outfit worn for him, less makeup on their girlfriends, booze, and fantasy sex. To be honest, none of this surprises me. I just think it's so funny that guys want silence. I love it! 

Work it Pearl!!

This clip from funnyordie.com called "The Landlord" could possibly be the funniest thing I have ever seen. I have always been a huge fan of Will Ferrell, and when I saw this video I was instantly obsessed. The little girl in this video is Pearl, a Hollywood film director's daughter. She is adorable as well as smart. At such a young age, Pearl has a large personality, and I believe she is the main reason for the video's huge success. Some people may view this video negatively because she is a toddler who is cursing and referring to alcohol, however I doubt Pearl will even remember doing this clip. I don't believe by doing this video Pearl has been caused any harm, and in addition she has become famous around the world for her hilarious and adorable antics.

The iPhone & Facebook Revolution

The iPhone has started a new revolution in the technology industry. Ever sine the iPhone dropped in stores about six months ago, it has been in high demand because it is one of a kind in its field. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this fascinating toy. You can cruise the internet, listen to your iPod, or actually talk on the phone. Imagine that. In this commercial Apple is gearing the iPhone to the Facebook user. Facebook is a huge part of young people's lives right now and appealing to the public through Facebook is a very smart idea. I know how much time my friends as well as myself spend on Facebook, and it is really kind of embarrassing.We are all wasting our time each day by logging on to Facebook but it has become addicting. The iPhone's draw is that with this amazing product you can be Facebook anytime or anyplace. In our fast-paced society when we are not always at a computer, this is great. However since I now have an iPhone, the procrastination has only gotten worse. 

What's Really Killing America

Obesity! This has become a huge problem in our country today. Just look at these two young children. They are both so big for their age, and I just sit back in amazement and wonder how something like this happens. Today in the U.S., obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death. According to statistics 127 million adults are overweight and 60 million adults are obese. In addition 15% of children and teens are obese. These numbers are huge and every year the numbers are increasing. Lack of physical activity, hormones, heredity, and bad eating habits can all lead to obesity. However in our success-driven society where people work long hours, lack of physical activity and bad eating habit are very likely. On the other hand, obesity in children just should not be happening. Parents should not put their children at risk for health problems. They should make sure they are not eating fast food every meal of the day and that they are getting in some activities other than video games. In the U.S. each year about 400,000 deaths occur because of health problems that arise from poor diets and lack of physical activity. Having this small bit of knowledge on this subject makes me want to improve my own health and I hope that eventually our society will feel the same way.  

The Writer's Strike is Over!!!!!!!!!!

The Writer's Strike is finally over! People around the country have been waiting for months for their favorite tv shows to return and now it's that time. However just because the strike is over does not mean that tv shows will be back on air tomorrow. It will take the writers several weeks or even a month to get episodes scripted and ready for the public to see. The writer's strike has upset viewers and taken a toll on many tv programs. The shows that have had the biggest setbacks are "The Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show." These two shows are two of my favorites and being in the middle of election season without writers has been a huge loss to them. However very soon everything will go back to normal and the loyal fans of shows like "Grey's Anatomy" , "Lost", and "Gossip Girl" will be able to breathe easy. 

Herbie & Wino's Huge Night at the Grammys

Award Shows are always full of exciting and unexpected moments each year, and this year was no different. Troubled singer Amy Winehouse won five out of the six grammy awards that she was nominated for. Her song "Rehab" this year was a huge hit and set the stage for her extremely successful album. However Amy Winehouse is a very controversial figure in the public because of her drug addiction which she is seeking treatment for in a London rehab. Some feel that by awarding Winehouse for her amazing album we are sending the wrong message and overlooking her problems. However, I believe she is an extremely talented artist who should be rewarded for her musical contributions to the world. On another note when it came time for Album of the Year Award, everyone was shocked when Herbie Hancock, a jazz musician, beat out Winehouse and Kanye West for the coveted honor. He won for his album "River: The Joni Letters" and this was the first time in 43 years that a jazz album won the Album of the Year. Congrats Herbie! I'm glad things were mixed up a bit.

Young Hollywood going to shit

When scanning across a section of magazines at a bookstore, celebrity gossip is everywhere. Our culture today wants to know everything about their favorite stars, so magazines like People and Us Weekly are in high demand. In the past couple of years, the stars of young Hollywood are increasingly becoming negative icons in the media. For example just this week, two of Hollywoods leading ladies entered Cirque Lodge in Utah to undergo treatment for various problems. Eva Mendes and Kirsten Dunst are both loved by the public and to hear they have a serious problems is hard to understand. Both actresses have always had a good reputation and are very talented in the film industry. It seems like every other day a celebrity that we have all loved at one point or another falls on hard times with drugs, alcohol, or an eating disorder. These are people who have an obligation to fans to be role models but they are falling short every time. The main question is why. Why do these young stars feel such a pressure to get involved in this lifestyle?

Life's A Party!

When we were assigned a Mindmap in our Creative class, I was interested and confused all at the same time. We were told to pick a main concept and let our minds wonder through endless ideas connecting each by branches. I spent a few days brainstorming ideas and I found myself constantly thinking about this mindmap; every word I heard would spark an idea. I finally came up with the idea "Life's a Party."I thought this would be a fun topic that I could become interested in as well as cover a broad range of topics. The sub-topics I chose were political party, the wedding party, and social party. The truly fascinating aspect of this project was how connected everything in our world really is and how the brain can wonder when allowed to be creative.