New York, I Love You

So you better believe when this comes out I will be camped out in front of a movie theater like your average paranormal Edward Cullen-obsessed-tween.

Not to mention, like, EVERYONE is in it.

Well, it is NYC. Who wouldn't want to be in it?

It's all the ironies, all the paradoxes, all the extremities that coexist (and all somehow fit) on that 9 square mile strip of island that intrigue me like nothing else.

Confessions of movies not seen

So I have been IN a movie.

And this Christmas Break, I will pretty much be at the movie theater daily (Australia!!! Valkyrie!!! Doubt!!! Benjamin Button!!!)



BUT... I have not seen the following:


CLUELESS. It is a crying shame. It's due to the fact that, as an oldest child, I wasn't even allowed to see PG-13 movies until I was probably 15.
Somebody, please rectify this.

TITANIC- (story warranted) I went through the ringer as a deprived 6th grader of the blockbuster hit Titanic- even though I admit the movie is pathetic, I endured enough playground mockery and snickering to last me a lifetime of therapy. When I finally saw it via my LDS friend's tech-savvy and also Kate-Winslet-boob-alert mom who edited out THAT one scene, I could finally have a clear conscience when I told people, yes, I really am not as lame as my parents are trying to make me: I SAW THE FREAKING MOVIE TITANIC.

Others:
Dirty Dancing
Harry Potter 4 (nor read the books 5, 6, or 7- Harry lives).
10 Things I Hate About You
Goonies (fell asleep in the first 2 minutes)
E.T.
Grease

and, gasp...

TWILIGHT. Nor read the book.

I'm forgetting some, I'm sure. But just thought I would shock you.

A proud Coco follower

In case you were wondering or worried...

I am now the 107th follower of Coco Rocha's blog.

(Annie Leibovitz is extraordinary)

See her in this darling video, set at the NY Botanical Garden.

xoxo,

Alex

Craigslist-slash-Christie's

Of all places, I found out about this on NPR.....

While I think the Web site needs an overhaul, the concept is genius.


www.ExBoyfriendJewelry.com


Name says it all.

It's like a Craigslist (because its for the everyman...er, woman) -

slash -

Christie's (because it reminds me of when I read in the NY Post in Summer 06 (when it was still 25 cents) that Ellen Barkin was selling all the baubles she had accumulated from her ex-husband).

It's SNOWing at BYU

There are new Buswrap advertisements rolling around Provo.
Feel blessed if you haven't seen them, because I was outraged when I did:



'It's SNOWing at BYU!
Start your education at Snow College and finish at BYU'



This makes me irate like nothing else.

Unlike any Snow College JC'er who albeit, has to put forth the effort to make good grades to 'finish at the Y,' he/she did not work their ass off like I did in high school with 16-hour days, days that started at 5:30 AM and ended at around 10 PM after seminary, school, sports and hours of homework were finally complete.

Day after day after day.
(If I weren't efficient or hadn't been good at time management, I would have had 1AM bedtimes).


Have we no faith in doing well, putting forth the required effort the FIRST time?



And about the Independent Study billboards on I-15 that read "Finish at home what you started at BYU".... Have we no faith or value in starting what we finish?


I suppose both of these examples exemplify the 2nd-chance-giving mentality. Merciful- just like the Gospel.

But for goodness sakes, I don't want someone flighty enough to drop out of BYU to be able to claim the same degree as me with independent study courses! (It's a different case if you are moving away for a job, and have to finish a GE or two...but the fact the courses are advertised on 1-15 in Utah County make me believe BYU is pandering to the bored degree-less UV housewife).

And I don't want a billboard to provoke someone to get back and finish their education- I would hope the desire came from within, that they had to soul search enough to seek it out on their own with dozens of phone calls and research to figure out what it would take.

Why are we ('they') advertising the 'easiness' of something so sacred as education?

Despicable.


Is that a sweeping, harsh generalization?
GOOD.
I invite you to be disgusted with me (double entendre...if you didn't catch it).

Singles Wards: Corrals of marriage-hungry co-eds

I posted this for some obvious reasons.

A) It's set in Manhattan- 66th and Columbus to be exact.

B) I think I know the girl in the pink coat...

C) I supported Prop 8 for moral, fiscal and democratic reasons.

D) I feel like singles ward bishops are marriage "pushers" just like Tina Fey was allegedly a "drug pusher" in Mean Girls.

E) My roommate (The ZARA addict) opts out of FHE and other such ward activities, because her almost-engaged status exempts her from the purpose of singles ward. At ward prayer ("stare") the other week when our apartment was being lame-ly 'introduced' and she, of course, was not present, I told the crowd to not worry about getting to know her as she is off the market. However, I refrained from saying "and we know that's what these things are all about anyway," then promptly left.
She told me I should have said that last bit.
I agreed.
And then we both laughed out loud.

Victoria's Secret admits they've become "too sexy"

I received this in my inbox this morning, and thought I'd share...

Lingerie Giant Feels Strain of National Boycott—Local Residents Joining In

CEO of Victoria's Secret Confesses They’ve Become ‘Too Sexy.’

For Immediate Release: December 11, 2008

(Press Release) - Millions of American children are exposed to Victoria’s Secret’s highly sexualized advertisements each day. From commercials during family prime time television to mall displays across America, the ads are no doubt provocative.

“We have pictures as big as walls with women wearing underwear, sometimes even just an arm for cover up. As a mother of a young son,” commented Rebecca Anderson from Orem, UT, “I’m disgusted with all these sexual images he’s being exposed to. I hope others will see how twisted this is and what it’s doing to not just children, but men & women of all ages.”

“For me, it really brings back my insecurities about being a woman,” said 26-year-old Sarah Ann of Loma Linda, CA. “I immediately start to compare myself to the ads I see.” Some scholars feel these ads contribute to the sexual objectification of women by advertising their bras in surreal proportions with larger than life photographs.

Many people feel these ads too often toe the line from appealing to appalling & are unsolicited. Parents often feel that when corporations like Victoria’s Secret push the envelope in their public advertising, it is a betrayal of public trust.

The top executive of Victoria's Secret, Sharen Turney, admitted in a recent press release that the lingerie giant has indeed become "too sexy" for its own good. Ironically, she recalled how the lingerie chain was started in San Francisco in 1977 by Roy Raymond because he felt embarrassed trying to buy lingerie for his wife and hoped to provide a comfortable place to shop.“[W]e've so much gotten off our heritage,” Turney confessed. “I feel so strongly about us getting back to our heritage and really thinking in terms of ultra feminine.”

While families nationwide were thrilled with these comments made by Victoria’s CEO- Feb ‘08 this year, many now see it was an empty promise— possibly a publicity ploy to boost sales—citing no change in the risqué nature of their ads. In a recent poll, most mothers agreed that the outside store displays at Victoria’s Secret are no more family-appropriate than before. As Sarah Whitaker from Pleasant Grove, UT remarked, “Victoria’s Secret’s images are so embarrassing to walk by, especially for families with kids. Sure, lingerie needs to be advertised, but why can’t displays aimed at the public be more child-appropriate?”

Families nationwide are banding together in a valiant effort to reclaim the public domain. They are simply asking for more child-appropriate ads, both on the public airwaves and in public mall displays. Groups are staging “Pro-Family Demonstrations” across the U.S. until Victoria’s Secret- the lingerie leader- follows through on their promise to tone down & return to their heritage.

Until that time, citizens and pro-family groups nationwide are saying “enough is enough.” So far, a number of prominent pro-family organizations have joined the national boycott, with more in quick succession. Soon over one million of their total members will be alerted, to join the largest boycott of its kind. The groups wish the public to know the boycott is not about protesting lingerie or Victoria’s Secret’s products. The boycott is simply about asking for public ads that are more respectful of women & child and family appropriate.

Throughout Utah Valley citizens are beginning to mobilize. Many are expected to attend the “Pro-Family” demonstrations each week from 1-3 pm on the corner of Univ. Pkwy & State St. in Orem, UT. This past Saturday was a success as hundreds of cars honked in support. The local store manager even came out to the street corner upset about the boycott. When prompted, she agreed that their public ads are not child-appropriate, but tried to justify that other stores show similar ads. She complained this would hurt sales and walked off.

In Michigan, the American Decency Association has already campaigned against Victoria’s Secret & seen noticeable ad improvements. There the corporation did agree to make local concessions. Nationwide, many citizens see this as evidence it is possible to make a difference in their hometown & everywhere are encouraging friends & family to join the boycott. And it’s taking off. These groups are determined to make a difference & have agreed not to stop until Victoria’s ads change. Millions of Americans are being asked to sign the petition found at www.BoycottVS.com

All I Want for Christmas is Water

I'm spreading the love, originating from my childhood twinner Al's blog.

'Tis the season for access to clean water!

Go on, tease me

I come from a teasing family...and it wasn't until I came to college that I realized that I probably tease people the most of anyone I know.

Anyway, this very interesting article talks about teasing as a form of communication.


Sorry that's all I have for you right now.

I'm stressed beyond belief, got shot in the face with 6 needles today, a professor thinks my InDesigning is pitiful and lets me know it to my needle-stricken face, I don't know what I'm doing for my final photo essay, I need to study for a test and finish 5 projects. Eek.

I should probably tell these professors that I have been to hell and back (actually, I'm quite certain I'm not 'back' yet) with my health this semester: received more needle shots/withdrawals than I have ever had in my life put together in the last 3 months, gone through bottle after bottle of ibuprofen, acetaminophen and other narcotics, frequented the ER one weekend for a lovely shot that put me to sleep for a good two days, even prompted a visit from my mother to help me....

but I'm not a whiner.

I'm a teaser.

Blogosphering Betty!

Blogosphere, be extremely excited.

My food writing teacher of this past summer, Betty Liu, has a blog!!!

She is one of the most wonderful, real, and passionate people I have met, and equally so as an educator:

I miss her wisdom, insight, stories, humor, and grit every day...

(Not to mention her "yoga moments" where she would kick-off class reading us a food writing vignette with the lights off, then 'chime' us back to the present.
With a real miniature chinese chimer thingy.
When Arthur Schwartz came to visit us one day and arrived in the middle of the meditation, he teased her about the 'serenity,' to which we all had a laugh as hearty as the soup she was probably reading about.)

Everytime I read her blog I get so ramped up on wit and good writing, I want to dance.
I read it with her voice in my ear and my memories of the class and the city on my mind.

Yesterday, I read her blog before getting up out of bed. Somewhere in the middle of shampoo and soap in the shower, I maniacally pumped my fists and audibly proclaimed "I'm so freaking inspired!".... in an 'I'm a writer- bring on the day and the crappy pay!' kind of way.

Yeah, I literally did that. It was one of the lamer and more enlightened moments of my life.


Anyway, you should read her blog and I hope she touches you because everyone could learn a lot from her.


She's a woman who speaks somberly of her declining mother, one who shares her determined get-hired tips...

and is not above talking pleather.

I think my heart may Tha-KOON!

As chic Chantelle Elise often exclaims, "I think my heart may explode!" I will have to follow suit.

Thakoon, one of my favorite high-fashion labels, sounds like onomatopoeia for 'Ka-boom' (I spelled that correctly without any spell-check help, thank you very much).

It's an ethnic name, but really ironic that it's designs mimic what "kaboom" personifies for the English language in their bold prints and feminine tailoring that doesn't take itself too seriously.




Anyway, I am telling you this because THAKOON is doing a GO Int'l line at TARGET!



AND



B) HOW stunning is Katie Holmes in NYTimes Magazine?! Love it!

The Elephant in the Room

Weight issues. We all deal with them. For some, it's hell.

Last week on Stylista, the elephant in the room showed itself. Now that is a double entendre- one entendre of which is very harsh, but I don't mean it to be harsh. It's just irony it has to be this way.

Anyway, the contestant Danielle from Long Island (or Jersey, I can't remember which) was noticeably, if not, significantly heavier than the rest of the contestants. I wondered when the whole weight issue would blow up on the show- it was just a matter of time, it seemed.
To be overweight in the fashion industry I imagine would be like walking on nails over hot coals, so I seriously applauded this girl for her confidence to even desire an ounce of Elle's vicinity.
Even if I secretly thought in a very mean way that the fashion industry took her on the show to prove they were politically correct. Which of course they're not (another elephant in the room), so they did it to make a statement. And granted, the girl did have good fashion sense. But you knew it wasn't going to work.

But ooh! It was so hard to watch Anne Slowey tell her she wasn't the "right fit" (the Stylista version of "You're fired"/"You're out") for so many reasons on so many levels.

Danielle is an example of why I love the east coast so much. Had she grown up in California, she would have been a homebody loner with no friends and definitely no confidence. High school in California is all about how hot you are, how buff you are in a bikini, how blonde, how tan, etc etc.
Blech.
I hated the whole scene and was way over it before it even started, actually.

Danielle hypothetically questioned why being overweight is any different from being gay or having poor hygiene.
It's just a characteristic, she said.
She said she didn't want or feel the need to change herself.
She said she didn't want the industry to push their perception of beauty on her.
She never broke down about her weight, she was mad at the fact that no one could understand her conviction that the fashion industry is not just for the size 2.

"I'm okay with me and to hell with them!" she exclaimed.

I applaud her.


I have struggled with body image issues my entire life, ever since first grade when I distinctly remember comparing the size of my thighs to the girl I was sitting next to on the school bus (discerning that mine were bigger).

Granted, being tall gets better with time.

It was awful in 5th grade when you were taller than everyone, including most of the school's teachers. It was awkward in high school, when even being lean and healthy, I didn't have the "model" physique when everyone else had teensy teenage bodies.
And fellow classmates showed up in Pac Sun ads in Cosmo.
Or dabbled in Hollywood etc...

Anyway, Danielle on Stylista. You knew she wasn't going to win. It was inevitable. There are some with better talent, there were some with worse.

But I sincerely admire her level of confidence.

Watch the episode HERE.

And I'm convinced they put Kate on the show to show how ditzy and dumb L.A. is to New Yorkers. It's kind of funny.

My favorite competitor is Joanna. She is smart, savvy and sophisticated.
I love her style.
It's less hard edged than bitchy Megan, more feminine with lots of ruffles, skirts and tops that show off her sculpted shoulders in a high-fashion yet non-flashy way.
And she's mildly uptight and takes the competition seriously. It especially touched me in the contest to create a birthday party for Slowey's niece (which she won), when Joanna expressed she was having a hard time creating a concept because she never felt like she was ever a kid anyway. I totally agree.
I have always been about age 26 mentally. Sometimes 38. Sometimes 66. But never really under age 20.

Go Joanna!

Thanks a lot feminist movement...

Just like my friend Brook, I'm NOT UNHAPPY because I have not "nailed a man."

I'm secretly grateful every day I don't have a boyfriend. Shocking for a Provo-dweller, I know.

I actually hope at this point in my life, 'the one' doesn't enter the picture yet because it would distract me, potentially ruining my plans for the next 5 years.


Granted, the feminist movement has empowered me, given me the imagination to dream, and endowed a hope within that my destiny can involve more or something completely different than ironing my husband's shirts (not that there's anything wrong with that if that's your prerogative!)

HOWEVER, Brook and I came to the conclusion via endless G-chats at our respective internships across the country this summer, that the feminist movement has shattered the confidence of men and molded them into pathetic pansies, afraid of commitment, waiting for an aggressive girl to come along and do all the work for them.

But for us old-fashioned types, and frankly, universally, this is NOT the way it should be.

HERE, she talks about what we talked about. Read it. Don't weep. Just pray there can be some kind of confidence movement for men. And soon.

Because females who woo never get in relationships with men who really want to commit.




Now to cheer yourself up, go laugh your face off at THIS.

xo

I'm dreaming of a White City

I'm dreaming of a white ......city of New York!!!

AKA My Promised Land.

One because, a) I love the Nutcracker... and SJP's bun when she attended the NYC Ballet's premiere Monday night.


b) Just like SJP said, "How great it is to be single in the city, because the city is your date." Amen.

c) Ever since I was about 4 years old I've dreamt of the image of myself being 26 all wrapped up in fall fashion hailing a cab, off to take my fabulous self somewhere equally as fabulous.
Kind of like Jennifer Garner's young character in 13 Going On 30...("I want to be 30! Thirty and flirty and thriving...")

Never have I yearned to be in such a place during the holiday season as NYC (except for home, of course!)


Until next summer, and next Thanksgiving vacation,

NYC please keep coming home to me in my thoughts, this interim period without you is misery.

Love, Alex


PS: Sundance opens in 2 days. Hallelujah.

and PSS: Does ANYONE remember this??!
I'm pretty sure when I was little I would watch the Sesame Street Christmas video (that includes this most memorable clip) even when it wasn't Christmas time.

Goodies of religious nature

A great L.A. Times op-ed piece expressing the irony of how generally, the 'tolerant' liberal left-wingers intolerantly attacked Mormons for Prop 8.




A reason to be proud of BYU:
Randy Bott is the #1 ranked professor.

BYU is rated #7 in overall highest rated professors.




Brother Wirthlin, you will be missed.

Another Way to Die!

The Quantum of Solace's (aka new Bond 007 movie) opening sequence song....

KILLER! (pun intended)

Another Way To Die @ Yahoo! Video