sweet dreams are made of these.

Ok maybe it's because it's getting closer to "back-to-school" time that my mind is already racing with dreams of being late and turning in projects...but the past couple of nights has just been nuts. A few days ago I fell asleep in the living room while watching tv and I had a dream of putting on a powder mineral foundation, only to find it being advertised on tv when I woke up. That's the first time I can actually say I've been aware of television affecting my dreams. So after this I've been making sure to fall asleep in my dark and silent room with no subliminal ads playing in my mind. HOWEVER last night my dream was filled with product placement and one in particular; Febreze Noticeables. While I woke up knowing that Febreze was a real product I couldn't seem to remember if Febreze Noticeables was real, or if I made up the Noticeables part. I remember being mad at the ads for it on tv, because I thought they made no sense, so in my dream I made up a better ad. Immediately after waking up I wrote it down and let me tell you I have a new product idea for Febreze.

What does this all mean? Am I watching too much television? Am I being sent messages from a divine force that need to be spread to the world about products that mask odor and eliminate 99.9% of bacteria from the air? Or have advertisements just gone subliminal?
To be continued...

Hello World.

As you may have heard, Randy Pausch of Carnegie Mellon University passed away this Friday of incurable cancer. He gained recent fame and headlines for his now famous last lecture and the book that followed it. While watching his lecture on YouTube it's sometimes easy to forget that this is a dying man, and however morbid that may be to some people, the person that it should be affecting most, Mr. Pausch has completely accepted his fate and is truly living his life in spite of knowing the outcome. I don't think most people, myself included could be given only a few months left to live and come to terms with it. He decided he had to do what he could to spread awareness on pancreatic cancer by meeting with congress, giving a public service announcements, and most importantly leave a lasting image of himself for his young children.

"Wait long enough and people will surprise and impress you"
His lecture is packed with life lessons, how to find your dreams, and how to help others with their own dreams. Most of Pausch's childhood dreams came true for him, such as experiencing zero gravity, winning large stuffed animals, and working with Disney's imagineers, and that was because he was unrelenting.

I believe too that if you know your dreams and recognize opportunities you can achieve great things. I tried my hardest to think about what I longed for as a child. Did I want to be a doctor, an astronaut, a trapeze artist? No. I wanted to fly in a plane, go to disney world, be friends with mary-kate and ashley, swim with dolphins, toss a pizza, learn to juggle, ride in a hot air balloon, drive across the country with my friends, understand my religion, find true love...Most things simple; most easy to accomplish (minus maybe the last two). As a grew I knew I wanted to make things, to use my hands, to help people. I valued friendships, I was a peace-maker among friends and held on tight to those that despite my efforts drifted away from me. I still do. I'm still learning that some things are not within my control, and not everything can be as neat and tidy as I want it to be. Each day is an experience, a lesson, an imprint. I know I have an insatiable desire to succeed, to accomplish my goals, and to always be striving to do better for myself and for others. While I would like to make an impact on the world, I want to still be able to be happy with just making an impact in my own immediate world.

Passion and knowledge are driving forces that when spread create change, and cause a ripple effect. Randy Pausch proved that. He is one example that did not think his message would spread the way it did, did not think he was deserving of such attention. Success for Mr. Pausch was just in being able to dream big, whether or not all of the dreams came true, and to be able to convey that message to his kids. Live your life regardless of your circumstances. Anyone has the power to be successful in their lives; it's all about how you define success.

It's actually pretty disgraceful.

I came across this quote on TV today and was pretty shocked that this is how some young women of today represent themselves and their gender. Way to go Brooke.

“You know what? I am actually not that much into voting. I think it’s kinda crazy that a woman is running, because I think that women deal with a lot of emotions and menopause and PMS and stuff. Like, I’m so moody all the time, I know I couldn’t be able to run a country, ‘cause I’d be crying one day and yelling at people the next day, ya know?”—Brooke Hogan, when asked who she’s voting for by a potential roommate on her series Brooke Knows Best.

I definitely don't approve of all of the exposure they get in order to make themselves look bad. In a few years I'm sure they're going to see themselves on air and feel pretty stupid about the whole thing. Our society loves this stuff though. It's like we can get enough of it, like fast food and eventually we're going to need a detox of television...just like we needed a mandate against trans fat. Reality television is truly cellulite for the brain and you can quote me on that. Even though we know it's bad though we still can't help but watch the train wreck; seeing others crashing and essentially making us feel better about ourselves. And the other motive of tv is to just make us more materialistic and product driven. Whatever the goal it's not something we should be proud of.

I'm not saying that this is representative of all of young Hollywood, but there are certainly quite a few that are outshining the rest—and not in a good way. VH1 recently aired the 40 dumbest celebrity quotes ever and while I enjoy when they poke fun at celebs just as much as the next guy, they air a lot of the shows that produce those quotes...so I don't know what that really says about them considered most of reality tv is scripted. Here's a few of my favs anyway:

Jessica Simpson - "Is this chicken what I have, or is this fish? I know it's tuna but it says Chicken, by the Sea"
Tara Reid - "I make Jessica Simpson look like a rock scientist"
Paris - "What's Walmart, do they sell like wall stuff?"
R.Kelly - "All of a sudden you're like the Bin Laden of America. Osama Bin Laden is the only one who knows what I'm going through."
Brooke Shields - "Smoking kills, and if you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life."
Britney Spears - "I've never really wanted to go to Japan, simply because I don't really like eating fish, and I know that's very popular out there in Africa."

We both screw people for money.

While watching a movie titled Picture Perfect starring Jennifer Aniston, Jay Mohr, and Kevin Bacon (a movie which should have been straight to tv, but actually was in theaters) I couldn't help but feel like the plot was recycled. After consulting a movie buff friend of mine, I tried to get down to the nitty gritty on movies in which either the male or female pays someone to date them (or should I say pretend to date them).


What do all of these have in common...a few main themes that when put together equal true love.

Exhibit A: Pretty woman. I'm sure there was an older movie that did something similar to this, but as far as blockbusters and movies that my generation is familiar with this is the ultimate pay to play dating movie. And who doesn't love it? Richard Gere landed top-billing and top hooker of Hollwood BLVD. —Julia Roberts! who by the way not only teaches love lessons but also schools Gere (Edward) on how to drive his Lotus. Plus she never forgets to floss! What a classy babe rocking "the boots" or all dressed for a night out at the opera she certainly entertains the best of both worlds...for a price. Obviously we all know the story; Gere pays Roberts $3,000 (which by the way was the working title for the film) to be his lady for the week for various business ordeals and ultimately falls for her.

What is wrong with this idea in general? Well first of all it's giving hookers a lot of false hope. Unless getting "the clap" is a long time fantasy of yours, I don't think the hooker lifestyle is as ideal as Roberts makes it. In the movie Kit (Robert's hooker pal) compares her to Cinderella, who last time I checked wasn't a hooker, and other that than couldn't think of an occasion where love like hers actually happened. Me neither. But it certainly works in movies. And has caused me to rethink the idea myself.

Exhibit B: How to lose a guy in 10 days. While this case is slightly different it still has the same outcome. Here we see both parties involved, Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson using each other as date bait to achieve success in the workplace. While Ben Barry (McConaughey) takes the majority of the abuse, he's got love on the mind for all the wrong reasons. Yet, que sera, sera a round of drinks, some off-key "you're so vain" (with a cameo by Marvin Hamlisch), some silent treatment, and a grand chase scene later our movie ends quite similarly to Pretty Woman; that great final kiss where all is forgiven and love is realized.

Exhibit C: The Wedding Date. The main focus of this movie is Debra Messing trying to make her old flame jealous at her sister's wedding. Kat (Messing) hires the escort-of-all-escorts, basically an advertising/non-street walking Julia Roberts in male form to pretend to be in love with her. Despite trying to use him to help her own self-worth she really gets "shat on" in this movie by her Ex, when she discovers he was secretly sleeping with her sister (Amy Adams). Not only that but Dermot Mulroney (her escort) knew and didn't tell her! Betrayal by the hired help! It's okay once again though, do not fear for the ending of this movie. Mulroney chases after her, tells her off, almost leaves, then comes back (don't even tell me you have to ask what for)...for the kiss of course! True love for a price...but so worth it.

Our lesson: Lying and using someone with or for money is the way to the heart.
I give them all five out of seven deadly sin stars! (Lust, Greed, Wrath, Envy, and Pride.) But if you could convince me how to add Sloth and Gluttony I'd be more than happy to alter my rating.

Peace. Love. And Happiness ever after!
(note to editor: please sub war. hate. sadness.)

Adios lovers!

The Joker got exactly what he wanted...choice.

*caution may contain spoilers*caution may contain spoilers* caution*caution*caution*

The Dark Knight was nothing short of cinematic beauty. And while I could probably write an entire entry on the significance of this poster alone, I'll stick with my review.

While watching the Dark Knight it's not hard to be overcome by your senses and sensibility. Which way do you look? Which wrong do you right? Which life do you save? That was the first movie in a long time that actually put fear inside me, and not cheap fear that a horror picture can give, but one rich with history and intellect.

This may be an off-base comparison—and is certainly not meant to dismantle the integrity of this movie or put it on the same level of—but villainous Joker vaguely reminded me of the villain in the SAW movies. I know I know that may piss some people off but give me a minute on the comparison. What do the two villains have in common? They do not hunt out money or fame, but rather have the goal of the self destruction of people. They allow choice. People killing people. Obviously willing to provide assistance in the matter these villains wanted to see choices being made.

The choice of life and death is one of the greatest villains of all time. What is worse, seeing an unattached villain kill for the sake of killing, or knowing that someone you love chose to save another life over your own? In the movie, this choice of who deserves to live and die is given to a boat full of prisoners and civilians, the Batman, the commissioner, and most importantly the audience. And no, this is not an interactive movie like those choose your own adventure books (which I still think is a great movie concept) but the director certainly had shock value and moral dilemma ever present in my mind. I would never let Batman die—at least not now, and neither did he. Sometimes you need a hero, but other times you need a scapegoat, a reason, a villain.

I actually loved the ending for this reason. The ultimate decision was to do what was right for Gotham, not necessarily what was true. We often give our power to authority and trust that what we are told is what is best for the good of the people and not just one person. Control prevents chaos. When power is given to a troop saturated in corruption, more corruption and evil is sure to follow in its footsteps. What makes it okay? A wrong that needs to be righted is cause enough for violence in most minds. War, exhibit A. I was told at a very young age by a teacher that a single rotten apple can spoil a bunch (her reason for punishing the whole class and not just the one who caused the problem). One loud theater-goer can create a boisterous mass. Once again we are faced with the age-old do two wrongs make a right? Our ultimate will demands goodness, but we are all capable of evil.

City and Colour

Binney & Smith, now officially known as Crayola LLC (as of 01.01.07) will soon be my new place of employment.

Starting in October I will be interning at the Crayola Factory, and I'm already beginning to get that anxious/excited feeling. Crayola is such a huge brand to have the opportunity to work with, and the name alone "Crayola" has 99% recognition in US consumer households, and is sold in 80+ countries worldwide. (http://www.binney-smith.com/)

Current celebrations in the land of Crayola include the 50th anniversary of the 64 box of crayons which debuted in 1958 on Captain Kangaroo. Crayola has also launched 3D sidewalk chalk, color wonder mess-free creative products, color surge markers, and no-drip paint brush pens.

Another random Crayola fact that I never knew was that in 1984 Crayola became a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards. Today Crayola has manufacturing facilities in Easton, Bethlehem, and Mexico City, with sales and marketing facilities in Canada, England, Australia, France, Mexico, Italy, and Spain.

I've heard mixed reviews about actually working for Crayola...Everyone that I've talked to from the design departments have had pretty positive things to say, while others in business and product development have been on the opposing end, and all visitors to the actual Crayola Factory have given absolutely rave reviews about the facility. Overall, I understand that Crayola's main goal is to cater to the consumer with classic products, while still keeping an eye on future development and new discoveries for kids. I expect my experience to be a good one, with lots to learn and most importantly not being afraid of coloring outside the lines.

Soon everyone will be PUREEING everything!

If you don't already know, I'm a big Oprah fan. Maybe not of her personally or her empire on the world, but I think nine times out of ten her show brings up some really good points that should be considered by the general population. Yesterday's show was mainly focused around getting your kids to eat healthy, and while I don't have kids it is still an issue that effects everybody. Jerry Seinfeld's wife, Jessica was on the show to push her new cookbook which is focused around tricking your kids into eating their veggies. Basically she purees a bunch of vegetables at the beginning of the week and throughout the course of the week sneaks the purees into typical recipes like chicken, mac and cheese, and even brownies. I think it's definitely a great idea. I hated vegetables and I'm not going to say it was the cause of my being an overweight child, but it certainly didn't help the matter. Most Americans do not get the correct serving of vegetables daily and our bodies are left processing a lot of chemicals and artificial substitutes that do nothing for us. I still think a lot of people are in denial about the whole issue, but eventually things are going to really bite us in the ass.

Our society used to be based on manual labor, sweat and hard work. Now practically everything we do is sedentary. Maybe the creators of Wall-E aren't so far off. However they didn't show the real problems with such lifestyles being diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and numerous other factors that are onset by being overweight. Look at the increase in obesity and especially childhood obesity we are already facing. Dr. Oz (one of Oprah's regularly appearing physicians) brought up some really good points. Most kids are white kids, and while it sounds funny, he meant that they eat mostly white foods; sugar, flour, bread, rice. He said the reason is that those foods look safe to a child. Children also have a hard time liking veggies because kids have 10,000 tastebuds, while adults have 3,000, and biologically they prefer sweet to bitter tasting foods. Therefore, I'm all about sneaking vegetables into other foods. Besides that, your body processes liquids much faster than solids, meaning your digestive system doesn't have to work as hard. Also why you should thoroughly chew your food before you swallow it! I also picked up a book from the library not too long ago about the Martha's Vineyard Detox Diet, and that is entirely based around pureeing your food, and living on a liquid diet. The purpose is to flush your system of a great deal of impurities, shed pounds fast, and obviously you go to the bathroom a lot–which isn't a bad thing. The diet, while challenging to maintain (in fact your body can't sustain such a diet for more than 21 days according to the book that suggests only staying on it for 7 days unless you really need the full 21) can really do wonders for many people that are struggling with their weight and need a jumpstart. While certain symptoms in the early stages of the diet are flu-like, your system soon regulates and by cleansing your body it even clears your pores.

I don't think people realize that most of our health and body issues are caused by what we eat. Even though that sounds like an easy concept. Our skin would clear up without proactiv, our weight would be under control without so much back-breaking exercise, and as adults we wouldn't have as many health issues to combat. And while many people already feel that the battle is hopeless all it takes is little steps to take back control of your life and stop letting society feed you. Go grocery shopping more than you dine out. Read or watch tv while on a stationary bike. Park in spots that are farther from your destination so you walk more. Stop drinking soda and beverages whose number one ingredient is high fructose corn syrup. Drink 8 glasses of water. Sometimes we think we're hungry when in reality we are just dehydrated. The brain doesn't know the difference. Eat smaller portions every 2 to 3 hours instead of big meals. Don't eat late at night. All easier said than done right? I can vouch for that, even though I know this paragraph is me preaching to the choir.

Which brings me to the image at the top. That's what I ate last night (along with 3 other friends); the Friendly's crowd pleaser, which consists of 12 scoops of ice cream and six toppings. I love sweets and I do feel it necessary to enjoy them now while my body is more young and active (IN MODERATION!). I don't even what to know the calorie count on that, but even so I'm sure it wasn't as much as a few long island ice teas.

Alcohol is also a great contributor to weight gain, especially among college students, but I'm not going to even start on that topic which may be titled empty calories and the full effects of bad decisions.

So let me depart with some wisdom for the wise: Today is all we have to focus on. Even if you were once fat like me, let it go. Be mindful of your past, but don't live in fear. If you are fat now, it's okay. Don't beat yourself up about it, but try setting some realistic goals that will allow you to have a happier, and healthier future. Small steps. And if your not fat at all, just remember you could be fat one day! ha-ha! Keep in mind that the decisions you make in food and in life are what lay the groundwork for your future successes or failures.

Was that too harsh?
Sorry. Just remember if you fall off the horse, don't take too long before you get back in the saddle. It's never too late, don't give up, and all that other happy horse shit!

Peace. Love. And Food,
Jenna

Womyn it's about all of us.

(me, julia [russian], jessica [happy 21st], nikki [spelled correctly], marguerite [you're so red, one day i'll learn to be too], and jill [can't wait to see you at KU])

I'm pretty sure I can't sum up what I experienced last week at the women's leadership institute. But after having been there done that I would definitely recommend anyone who goes to college in PA to look it up and give it a go. Granted, it's not for everyone, but I think it could be if everyone kept an open heart and mind to it. I can talk about my own experience there but it wouldn't mean too much to you. What this place offered was a journey that you took on your own, gave you back what you put in, and told you it was okay to be yourself. Being in the middle of no where was scary, but certainly important to the experience. I may never be able to sit in the woods and reflect on my life while watching day turn into night. I may never be able to really believe that I could be eaten by a bear like grizzly man. I may never fall in love with so many perfect strangers all at once. I was really surprised to say the least with the outcome. All of these women were wonderful human beings. We saw each other's lives in pictures and words, we laughed together, cried together, and just felt the most genuine empathy you could feel for complete strangers. And when we left we were no longer strangers but friends that begged each other to keep in touch, because we knew that what we had experienced (even though it could never be duplicated) should not end here. We were empowered with our inner most being and came to realize we are the future leaders of america, yet we are all one. One group of women that when standing side by side create a movement.

Missing all of you!
<3