"I can't wait to see the second Twilight film, Missy! You have to come to the midnight premier with me!" These are the first few words that my aunt blurts out to me as she enters my house. How old is my aunt you might wonder? She is thirty-eight-- I am only fifteen.
Now what amuses me the most about this particular memory is that not only did an adult talk to me about a teen-fiction novel, but she also revealed that her co-workers read the Twilight novels too, and saying they love the series would truly be an understatement. So the question is, why is this blog-worthy?
Ever since the vampire craze struck mainstream society, shows like True Blood and Vampire Diaries (set to air on September 10th), are slowly on the rise to stardom, and I can't help wondering what the appeal is.
Is it the beautiful actors and actresses hired to play these immortal beings? Is it the sensuality and sexuality incoorperated into the storylines and plots? Or is it the idea of being able to live, love, and grow without actually having to die?
Whatever it is and whichever the appeal may be, I'm amazed and honestly in awe over how mythical beings once seen as bloodthirsty fiends can bring together a diversity of fans without causing too much chaos -- and if chaos were to ensue, it would be at the upcoming installment of the Twilight series New Moon, which I am definitely going to attend (and promote).
Though some may condemn this vampire trend as.. well as a trend, at least I know that I can talk to my almost middle-aged aunt without having to stumble upon other awkward conversations about boyfriends and school-work. And besides the more humorous comparisons, at least I'm able to bond with an adult who was born to an entirely different generation than mine.
What can I say, I know I'm obsessed with the whole vampire ordeal, but at least I can find similarities with family members who I honestly haven't talked to in years. This is probably just one of those situations that ironically brought me and a family member closer and I truly love vampires even more for that..
- From your friend, Missy 5.0
Friday, August 21, 2009
Speaking of the fair...
Mr.Sherman told us that last year at the fair, they had drive through flu shots....ewww.
that's kinda weird. yeah, let's just drive through this alley and let them stick us with a neeedle!! hahaha. I'm curious as to how many people actually got this shot.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Clearly Claire: A concert at the fair
Two Saturdays Ago, my dad, my mom, my aunt, my u
ncle, my cousin, and I piled into the back of our forest green Honda Odyssey and drove an hour to the Stanislaus County Fair. The reason: my dad wanted to see an old band called Huey Lewis and the News. Now, I am sure that you reading this have no idea who I am talking about. I didn't have any idea either. My dad and I don't really listen to the same music. So instead of spending Saturday night on the couch wasting the day away, I was stuck going to see some old band and watch my parents awkwardly dance to old songs that would suck.
ncle, my cousin, and I piled into the back of our forest green Honda Odyssey and drove an hour to the Stanislaus County Fair. The reason: my dad wanted to see an old band called Huey Lewis and the News. Now, I am sure that you reading this have no idea who I am talking about. I didn't have any idea either. My dad and I don't really listen to the same music. So instead of spending Saturday night on the couch wasting the day away, I was stuck going to see some old band and watch my parents awkwardly dance to old songs that would suck. Wow, was I wrong. W
hen the first song began I still had that smug teen angst face on. That face that said I couldn't believe that I was here and at least my friends wouldn't see me, but as the songs progressed, I found my foot begin to tap and my head began to bob. Then I heard a song I actually knew. "The Power of Love" was one of my favorite songs as a kid because I had seen it on "Back to the Future." I uncontrollably began blurting out the lyrics to the song, then turned completely red. I was having a good time. How embarrassing! I wasn't supposed to like this. I was supposed to sit there looking at my parents as if they were ruining my life by having a good time. But then I realized something.
hen the first song began I still had that smug teen angst face on. That face that said I couldn't believe that I was here and at least my friends wouldn't see me, but as the songs progressed, I found my foot begin to tap and my head began to bob. Then I heard a song I actually knew. "The Power of Love" was one of my favorite songs as a kid because I had seen it on "Back to the Future." I uncontrollably began blurting out the lyrics to the song, then turned completely red. I was having a good time. How embarrassing! I wasn't supposed to like this. I was supposed to sit there looking at my parents as if they were ruining my life by having a good time. But then I realized something.Once I had given into the music, I had so much fun. The songs were actually good, once I began to really listen. I no longer cared if people saw me dancing, I was in my own little world. So next time my parents tell me they want to go to a dorky oldies concert, I am definitely gonna be there. No matter how much of a loser I look like.
--Claire Scheffer
todays reading day....
WAS fantastic!!!
i was reading about opinion writng, and all off a sudden i found myself scrolling through harvard's website.
i'm really aspiring to attend harvard's medical school, or their law school, and their website was phenomenal. I learned so much by reading articles from students and staff. it takes so much to get into a school like that, but i'm definitely going to try!!
if you guys are interested, i'lll definitely post the URL.
i was reading about opinion writng, and all off a sudden i found myself scrolling through harvard's website.
i'm really aspiring to attend harvard's medical school, or their law school, and their website was phenomenal. I learned so much by reading articles from students and staff. it takes so much to get into a school like that, but i'm definitely going to try!!
if you guys are interested, i'lll definitely post the URL.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
THE FRIENDLY FEMINIST: a Hooters experience
The flat screen above plays clips from a sports channel, but I can't hear a thing over the Jimmy Buffet cover playing and the indistinct chatter amongst these young men. I catch an old man looking at me and waving, as if we've met before. We haven't. His 20-something daughter nibbles at her food as my eyes glaze over. I'm still soaking in where I am.
There's a sign that spoofs a warning on the high level of peroxide in the the air, and its effect on our brains.
But I'm pretty sure any effect isn't from that.
Maybe it's the way my waitress in spandex shorts sways toward my table. Maybe it's how exclusive I'm supposed to feel when she writes her name and a heart in scripty listick on my napkin. Maybe it's the wink her sultry, heavily made-up eyes give me when she's done taking my order.
Afterall, no one comes for the food.
So what's a feminist blogger doing in a place where women are paid for their boobs and flirty demeanor?
For starters, I was curious to how this Hooters differed from the previous one I went to. Most importantly, I wanted to know how on earth a woman worked knowing her income rested in her assets.
So when it was finally my turn to order, my question boiled inside. I decided this girl deserved a warning.
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure ... "
She looked around a bit, and I continued.
"I don't want you to get offended, like, I just want to know, seriously -- "
"Just ask."
I could tell she was irritated and trying to maintain her poise. I figured if I tried to warn her any longer, her claws would come out and toward my face.
"How do you feel working here and being objectified?"
She looked around the same impatient way she did before.
"I just ... work. I don't think about it. I just work."
"So do you get guys that like can't look past your boobs?"
"Oh yeah. I get those."
I tell her I'll take some curly fries, and yes, that will be all.
A part of me is glad this chick is getting her money's worth for what she's got and milking men by looking good. A bigger part of me is afraid. Afraid that she can't separate business from personal life. I can only hope she has a good head on her shoulders. It's an EXCELLENT thing to be smart, pretty, and know what you want.
But what if she's just pretty?
Because when you realize you're worth as much as you look, do you pay much attention to anything else?
I don't know.
That question will have to wait until next time.
There's a sign that spoofs a warning on the high level of peroxide in the the air, and its effect on our brains.
But I'm pretty sure any effect isn't from that.
Maybe it's the way my waitress in spandex shorts sways toward my table. Maybe it's how exclusive I'm supposed to feel when she writes her name and a heart in scripty listick on my napkin. Maybe it's the wink her sultry, heavily made-up eyes give me when she's done taking my order.
Afterall, no one comes for the food.
So what's a feminist blogger doing in a place where women are paid for their boobs and flirty demeanor?
For starters, I was curious to how this Hooters differed from the previous one I went to. Most importantly, I wanted to know how on earth a woman worked knowing her income rested in her assets.
So when it was finally my turn to order, my question boiled inside. I decided this girl deserved a warning.
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure ... "
She looked around a bit, and I continued.
"I don't want you to get offended, like, I just want to know, seriously -- "
"Just ask."
I could tell she was irritated and trying to maintain her poise. I figured if I tried to warn her any longer, her claws would come out and toward my face.
"How do you feel working here and being objectified?"
She looked around the same impatient way she did before.
"I just ... work. I don't think about it. I just work."
"So do you get guys that like can't look past your boobs?"
"Oh yeah. I get those."
I tell her I'll take some curly fries, and yes, that will be all.
A part of me is glad this chick is getting her money's worth for what she's got and milking men by looking good. A bigger part of me is afraid. Afraid that she can't separate business from personal life. I can only hope she has a good head on her shoulders. It's an EXCELLENT thing to be smart, pretty, and know what you want.
But what if she's just pretty?
Because when you realize you're worth as much as you look, do you pay much attention to anything else?
I don't know.
That question will have to wait until next time.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
ReaLiz: Mexico 2 - 1 United States; a bitter sweet victory
As any person can imagine, soccer is a major part of living a Latino lifestyle. So as the days led up to today, a major component in our discussions was about none other than the upcoming game with the Mexico and United States national soccer teams at the grand Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
So as I sat and listened to the never ending discussion about "Wuthering Heights," I could only turn and look at the clock. Hoping that time could possibly go by faster, allowing me to watch just a while of the classic game. As I got home I quickly had a scavenger hunt, going mad because I couldn't find the remote. At last I found it, and I was able to watch 20 minutes of the highly talked about game.
As the camera's gave a rotation of the Stadium, a sea of people in green Mexico soccer jerseys cheered with every move of a Mexican soccer player. Already a goal had been made by American Charlie Davies in 9 minutes at the start of the game. But the American glory lasted only 10 minutes, the Mexican team was quick to respond with an amazing 27-yard shot from 29-year-old Mexican player Israel Macias Castro.
Yet, both teams made it clear that this wasn't the end of the game. Both teams were looking for a victory that would stand for so much more. If the U.S. won, they would end the losing streak that they have against Mexico in the Mexican's turf. The American team is ranked as number two in the world, right behind the Brazilian team, their B-team had a major loss of 5-0 against Mexico last month in the Gold Cup. While the Mexican team needed this to just have hope that they would get to next years World Cup.
The Mexican team used their small stature and amazing speed to their advantage and made another goal at the 81-minute. By none other than Miguel Sabah, who hadn't even touched the ball in this game before his goal.
The game came to it's closing seconds, and all I could help to feel was a mixed sense of happiness and devastation. My father is a devoted Mexican soccer team fan, yet I stand on the other side, always being critical of their mistakes. My dad complains that I have no pride in my heritage, but could this really be the case? While I cheer on the American team, my dad just looks at me with disappointment. These soccer matches may just be a game, but each time I ask myself do I really have no pride in my heritage? Could my lack of liking for a soccer team mean that I see my heritage as a burden, and more something that I can criticize? While my dad rubs in my face that Mexico won, I can only hope that the U.S. will win next time, showing him that America is better.
For a summary of the game go to: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=262901&cc=5901
So as I sat and listened to the never ending discussion about "Wuthering Heights," I could only turn and look at the clock. Hoping that time could possibly go by faster, allowing me to watch just a while of the classic game. As I got home I quickly had a scavenger hunt, going mad because I couldn't find the remote. At last I found it, and I was able to watch 20 minutes of the highly talked about game.
As the camera's gave a rotation of the Stadium, a sea of people in green Mexico soccer jerseys cheered with every move of a Mexican soccer player. Already a goal had been made by American Charlie Davies in 9 minutes at the start of the game. But the American glory lasted only 10 minutes, the Mexican team was quick to respond with an amazing 27-yard shot from 29-year-old Mexican player Israel Macias Castro.
Yet, both teams made it clear that this wasn't the end of the game. Both teams were looking for a victory that would stand for so much more. If the U.S. won, they would end the losing streak that they have against Mexico in the Mexican's turf. The American team is ranked as number two in the world, right behind the Brazilian team, their B-team had a major loss of 5-0 against Mexico last month in the Gold Cup. While the Mexican team needed this to just have hope that they would get to next years World Cup.
The Mexican team used their small stature and amazing speed to their advantage and made another goal at the 81-minute. By none other than Miguel Sabah, who hadn't even touched the ball in this game before his goal.
The game came to it's closing seconds, and all I could help to feel was a mixed sense of happiness and devastation. My father is a devoted Mexican soccer team fan, yet I stand on the other side, always being critical of their mistakes. My dad complains that I have no pride in my heritage, but could this really be the case? While I cheer on the American team, my dad just looks at me with disappointment. These soccer matches may just be a game, but each time I ask myself do I really have no pride in my heritage? Could my lack of liking for a soccer team mean that I see my heritage as a burden, and more something that I can criticize? While my dad rubs in my face that Mexico won, I can only hope that the U.S. will win next time, showing him that America is better.
For a summary of the game go to: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=262901&cc=5901
Monday, August 10, 2009
John Hughes: the original Brat Pack member
"Bueller?... Bueller?... Bueller?"
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off", starring Matthew Broderick, was just one of the many teen films created by director John Hughes during the 80's. This one, like his others, seemed to focus on the misfits, the weirdos, the social unacceptable. It is because of this that I, as a teen, flocked to his movies, like a kid who just got his braces off flocks to taffy. But why have I brought this up? Hughes passed away last Thursday and my movie channels were playing his movies all weekend long.
It was during this long weekend that I realized that even though his movies were made in the 80's, their message still seemed true to teens nowadays. Take my favorite movie, "Sixteen Candles". This movie is about a girl whose parents forget her sixteenth birthday, then a geek begins to ruin her reputation, and the boy she loves doesn't know she exists...or does he? Hughes not only seems to completely capture the fears, the cheers, the ups, and the downs of the teenage girl, but he also does it in a way that is real. We can all recall at a time when we seemed to feel all alone. Who hasn't had to death with that annoying freshman who just won't leave us alone? Movies about teens nowadays, picture teens as they wish they could be, but Hughes never did that. He showed raw teen angst at its highest and lowest. He never tried to make life into a big fantasy where every end is tied up nicely.
Now guys, don't worry. Not all of Hughes' movies were about girls and their drama. "The Breakfast Club", in all its Brat Pack glory, was about a group of teens from different cliques (a brain, a princess, a jock, a weirdo, and a rebel) stuck together because of Saturday detention, but by the end of their stay, they learned more about themselves and each other, than they did about not getting into trouble. This movie was the reason that sometimes I forget to bring my lanyard, hoping that I will end up in Saturday school. This movie seemed to capture every teen because it had us all. No one us can say that at one point in our high school career, we weren't branded by a label. I, myself, am a brain. But the point of the movie wasn't to show us what we are, it was to show us that we aren't our labels. I am a brain, but I also rebel, sometimes I act weird, I play sports, and sometimes I wanna be a princess. We are everything, and not one thing defines any of us.
So not only should we mourn the loss of a terrific director and fellow brat pack member, but we should also celebrate the fact that he made movies that have stood the test of time. Next time you are at Blockbuster, walk past the romantic comedies and explosive action movies and rent one of his. You may be surprised what you learn about yourself in the process.
---Claire Scheffer
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off", starring Matthew Broderick, was just one of the many teen films created by director John Hughes during the 80's. This one, like his others, seemed to focus on the misfits, the weirdos, the social unacceptable. It is because of this that I, as a teen, flocked to his movies, like a kid who just got his braces off flocks to taffy. But why have I brought this up? Hughes passed away last Thursday and my movie channels were playing his movies all weekend long.
It was during this long weekend that I realized that even though his movies were made in the 80's, their message still seemed true to teens nowadays. Take my favorite movie, "Sixteen Candles". This movie is about a girl whose parents forget her sixteenth birthday, then a geek begins to ruin her reputation, and the boy she loves doesn't know she exists...or does he? Hughes not only seems to completely capture the fears, the cheers, the ups, and the downs of the teenage girl, but he also does it in a way that is real. We can all recall at a time when we seemed to feel all alone. Who hasn't had to death with that annoying freshman who just won't leave us alone? Movies about teens nowadays, picture teens as they wish they could be, but Hughes never did that. He showed raw teen angst at its highest and lowest. He never tried to make life into a big fantasy where every end is tied up nicely.
Now guys, don't worry. Not all of Hughes' movies were about girls and their drama. "The Breakfast Club", in all its Brat Pack glory, was about a group of teens from different cliques (a brain, a princess, a jock, a weirdo, and a rebel) stuck together because of Saturday detention, but by the end of their stay, they learned more about themselves and each other, than they did about not getting into trouble. This movie was the reason that sometimes I forget to bring my lanyard, hoping that I will end up in Saturday school. This movie seemed to capture every teen because it had us all. No one us can say that at one point in our high school career, we weren't branded by a label. I, myself, am a brain. But the point of the movie wasn't to show us what we are, it was to show us that we aren't our labels. I am a brain, but I also rebel, sometimes I act weird, I play sports, and sometimes I wanna be a princess. We are everything, and not one thing defines any of us.
So not only should we mourn the loss of a terrific director and fellow brat pack member, but we should also celebrate the fact that he made movies that have stood the test of time. Next time you are at Blockbuster, walk past the romantic comedies and explosive action movies and rent one of his. You may be surprised what you learn about yourself in the process.
---Claire Scheffer
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