And the award for BEST TRAILER EVER goes to.....

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS!!!!!

Easiest decision ever! These two trailers are epic! I think I stopped breathing during them because they are just so intense and AWESOME! CAN NOT WAIT till the movie comes out.... 1 ticket for the first showing please! The only sad part is this is the final end of the Harry Potter adventure.  No more books, no more movies... sad sad day.

Dear J.K. Rowling,

I propose that you write a series of "Harry Potter" books about his parents generation at Hogwarts.  The four boys (James, Sirius, Lupin and Wormtail) and their rival with Snape, and the rise of Voldemort and the love story between James and Lily.

Please consider this proposal.  Thank you for your time.

Signed,

Every Harry Potter Fan

P.S. WE LOVE YOU!

Wanda Sykes Stand Up Bit: "Mom, I'm Black."

Here is a clip from Wanda Sykes stand up routine comparing being black to being gay.  Not only is it HIGH-larious... but it shows the majority of society's view on homosexuality in a way that shows how ridiculous it is.  I don't think a world class philosopher could have explained it any better.  No first rate activist could have made the point more clear and in better terms, the use of humor makes the whole argument seem even more outrageous  Props to Wanda.

A Magical Experience only Disney can Create!

California Adventure's new attraction, the amazing water display... World of Color.  I have yet to see it in person, but even in this video it is absolutely out-of-this-world AMAZING!!!! Literally only something that Disney can come up with.  Time and time again, Disney accomplishes feats of real magic that the rest of us only conceive of in fantasy.

I am giddy with excitement for the weekend of October 8th when I make my official return to Disneyland or "the park" as we, my Disneyland friends.... yes I have a group of friends specifically for trips to Disneyland ... as we call it.  It has been 18 months since my last visit, way WAY too long in my mind for Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth, and for Californians a place that should be frequented as often as possible.  And believe me, I have done my fair share of traveling... and yes there are some amazing places out there, but none that brings more pure happiness to people than that of Disneyland.  I swear just the thought of the park brings my childhood smile back to my face.  I think Disneyland could be legally accredited as a type of rehab facilitation or therapy for patients suffering from depression, because one hour in Disneyland would cure anyone of anything from heartache to full blown depression.  It truly just makes you happy.  You get to be a kid again and see the world with childlike marvel.  Rides like Peter Pan or Pirates... which have no thrill effect what so ever are some of the guest favorites.  And don't lie... you get excited when you see Mickey or Belle walking around and will wait in line to get a picture with them.... yeah I know, me too!

Now, according to my park-devoted, annual-pass-holding disney-freak friends... World of Color is hands down the best attraction at both Disneyland and Cali... and THAT is saying something! I literally might pee my pants I'm so excited to see it!! AHHHHH!!!! T-16 days!

I say Janelle, You hear Gina

So apparently in non-English speaking countries Janelle translates into Gina. It's a little bizarre. All through out my travels, when ever I am in a non-English speaking country and I introduce myself people assume my name is Gina.

"Hello, my name is Janelle."

"Gina?"

"No, Janelle"

"Gina?"

"No Ja-nell... Ja-nell"

"Gina?"

"Yeah ok, Gina it is."

The first time I encountered this was in Italy, so I just assumed it was something with the Italian accent and the inability to say Janelle. However, it was the same in Spain, France, Germany, Tanzania, Peru and Costa Rica.

You could say that it has something to do with latin languages... Italian, French, Spanish... even German, but Swahili?? I mean what is it with the name Janelle that is so difficult? It's has gotten to the point where I just introduce myself as Gina to foreigners.

Gina also doesn't even sound like Janelle. They are completely different names. The only similarities is the beginning sound. I just think it's weird, that's all.

Dollar Redesign Project Report Card

I have seen the proposals for the Dollar Redesign Project and I am sorry, but they are terrible. Personally I like our paper bills the way they are, but I am always open to new ideas. And so I ventured to an article displaying some of the concepts that people have created for this project and I was sorely disappointed. Most of them were laughable they were so bad... some made me cringe... some made me sad to be an American.... some were good art work but never something I would actually consider as a replacement for our dollar bills, but all in all it was just failure.

Grade: D -

This design is crap. I love Obama, but really? On the one dollar bill, the most printed unit of paper money in circulation? No way. He's great, but let's be real... he doesn't touch good ol George. It just makes sense, first president is the face of the one dollar bill, he is a fore father... THE fore father if you will. We are not replacing him. And I just don't like the different sizes... you know how annoying that is going to be? needing a wallet that can fit the 50 or 100, but will most likely just hold the 1's, 5's and 20's. It's just not necessary to do, tellers can fan out your money to count it... it's not that difficult.

Grade: F

Ok, I almost didn't even want to include the above design because it is just an insult to our country. Hollywood... really? I mean.... REALLY? Whoever designed this must not think much of our country. Hollywood is great entertainment, but no way no how is it going to be put on our dollar bills. I state here and now, if this design is elected then I am moving. Goodbye America... Hello Italy? Bali? Costa Rica?

Grade: B -

This design was my favorite of the bunch. I actually like it a lot, but it still isn't good enough to replace our current dollar bill. To me that green piece of paper is symbolic. It is part of our culture. And its going to take something amazing beyond amazing... something out of this world good to change my mind.

Grade: B for design, C for US dollar design

These were kinda coll. I like the colors and some of the choice of faces, but still... doesn't stand up against what we have now. But I commend the artist... it is good work, creative... modern yet classic looking. Maybe send the concept on over to another country. Tanzania could use some work... the shillings are a little monopoly-money looking.

Grade: F

Horrible, just horrible. It's like they weren't even trying. This is the US people... if it isn't epic... if you didn't put a lot of thought and effort behind your concept... if you don't love this country... then don't even try. P.S. What is with the yellow? Awful! Hurts my eyes a little.

Grade: C -

Good work... I like the look of the design, the font and the colors are good... but needs something else. Something that makes you look at it and think "YES!... That is the one"

And so I conclude... the Dollar Redesign Project is a great idea in thought but so far has failed to find any design worthy of consideration.

Photoshop Fun: Key to my Heart

Fun with Illustrator

Backpackers Guide to Costa Rica

Are you a backpacker heading to the lovely country of Costa Rica? Well my friend, you are in luck. Backpacker to backpacker here are a few tips for your trip....

1. Check out Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast and book a hammock at Rockin J's. By far the best hostel there and no need to get a room or a tent, the hammocks are super comfortable and cheap ($4 per night in off season, $6 or$7 per night in high season). While your there head to the southern beaches, the first one is about a 10 min walk from Rockin J's. A couple good bars, but honestly I had the best times just partyin at J's. (Note: buy booze across the street at the market, way cheaper)

2. Manuel Antonio: probably my favorite place in Costa Rica. Great beach town and the best national park that I went to was there. Saw a ton of animals!! Monkeys EVERYWHERE!! Stay at Costa Linda Backpackers. It is another great hostel, and the only one down at the beach ($10 per night no matter what room). Even if you don't stay there, go there for breakfast!! Approx $3 and you get enough food to last you the whole day. Then head to the beach. Best bars are in Quepos, but it's also fun just to drink at the hostel with your new friends (that you are bound to meet cause this hostel is awesome).

3. Jaco: If you're going there just to party then stay in Jaco... great nightlife there, but otherwise head 5 minutes south to Playa Hermosa... more of a surfers town, super small... but great hostels and a much better beach. Plus at night go swimming in the ocean, there are minuscule jelly fish that light up when you disturb the water. Looks like your sparkling when you swim and they don't sting you! Coolest thing ever! Trust!

4. Definitely check out Montezuma. Another beach town, but has a million great beaches. The best one is a 45 minute walk (Playa Grande)... as the name suggests, it is HUGE!! Also trek to the waterfalls and find someone that knows where the upper waterfall is and have them take you to it... where the rope swing is (you have to climb a hill so wear decent shoes... I did it in sandals and didn't work too well, but is do-able). Also this is a good beach to build a bonfire with your hostel friends and just drink and chill on the beach. (Note: the national park there is crap... my friends went and didn't see one animal, don't waste your time or money).

5. La Fortuna is the best place for jungly stuff. Arenal is an awesome volcano, the best hot springs in the country are there and a beautiful lake. Stay at Arenal Backpackers ($13 per night)... one of the nicest hostels in Costa Rica. Resorty even. Has a great pool, restaurant, bar (happy hour is like all night... 2 for 1 drinks and their menu is huge). Get your excursion packages at the hostel... great prices! $40 for a jungle hike to a waterfall around the volcano, then go to volcano view point and watch the sunset over the lake and then see the lava, then head to the hot springs where a great buffet dinner is included then enjoy the hot springs until 10 or 11 pm (ps. it's like $22 entrance to the hot springs alone so this is a great deal), plus transportation is included. Also if you have a free day, find a local or someone who knows where the water hole is and check it out. It has a rope swing and is a great spot for a swim.

6. Monteverde: Best spot for the canopy tours and cloud forest tours.

7. Tamarindo area is cool, but extremely developed. Wasn't my fav spot, kinda reminded me of San Diego.

8. If you are there for 2 weeks or more... I strongly suggest that you head to panama for a couple days and check out Bocas Del Torro. My best week was spent there.... great people, best party scene, great beaches.... and super cheap. Girls drink basically for free. Stay at the Gran Kahuna. Plus some of the best snorkeling... the water is super freaking clear!!!

9. Lastly if you have to spend some nights in San Jose stay at either Pangea or Costa Rica Backpackers. Def the two best hostels there. Pangea has a bar on the roof with an amazing view, but Costa Rica backpackers has a great garden and pool area with two bars and full restaurant. I personally likes Costa Rica Backpackers better, but that is just my preference.

10. One more thing... San Jose party scene is at El Pueblo. Get in a cab and just tell them El Pueblo... it is like a theme park of bars. hahaha. It's a gated area that is filled with tons of bars... kinda of like a mall, but for bars and some all night food stands. It has a bar for every scene.

So yeah... enjoy your trip!!

Review of The Hunger Games Trilogy

This is my new all time favorite series, second only to Harry Potter of course... a series which will never be dethroned. I have already read all three books twice. It is AMAZING!!! Literally the first time I read the books they made me sweat a little it was so intense. Each book can easily be read in a day, but the fast paced, epic story of Katniss Evergreen will soon become a classic. My Aunt even said that her daughter is reading it in class instead of 1984. I mean wow. It is already replacing 1984.

Now unlike The Book Thief, this series is not epic because of the writing. The writing is good enough, but nothing crazy special. It is the story that makes this book what it is. Kinda like Harry Potter. The story is imaginative, heart stopping excitement that goes from chapter one to the very end of all three books.

The story is set some time in the future where the government is corrupt and absolute, 1984 style. There is the capitol (or the government in a district) and then 12 outlying districts. Katniss, the maincharacter, lives in district 12, the poorest of the 12. Her district has regressed to basically a hunters and gatherers society. Her father was killed in an accident and so Katniss is forced to assume the provider role by hunting with a bow and arrow for her family (mother and little sister).

So years ago the districts tried to rebel against the capitol but failed and in order to remind the districts of the Capitols absolute power over them they have the Hunger Games. Every district has to contribute one boy and one girl between the ages of 12-18 via a draft and then all 24 contestants and thrown into an arena in a fight to the death.... half survivor style, half gladiator style. Oh and by the by, the Hunger Games is a reality show on national TV. Crazy right?!?

I can't really say more with out giving it away, but READ IT!!! Trust, you won't be disappointed.

Congrats to Lady Gaga's VMA appearance...

For one, her record breaking 13 nominations at the VMA's and then her 8 wins including Video of the Year. Her awesome acceptance speeches, what a doll! And finally for her epic outfits at the VMA's. She is an icon in every sense of the word. LOVE her!! LOVE LOVE LOVE her!!!

Holy CRAP! 10 year old vocal anomaly... WOW!

Tears... brought me to tears. Did that sound just come from that 10 year old girl?? Just wow. Wow. Truly amazing!

Review of The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Two words.... a MUST READ! With out a doubt some of the best writing I have ever come across. This book will most definitely be a classic. Taught in schools. Used as a model in creative writing classes. It is simply incredible.

The story is fairly simple. Set in Nazi Germany, kind of a typical World War II story about a girl who falls in love with books and how that love effects the lives of others during this reign of terror in Germany. The story is good, but not epic. What makes this book what it is... what will make it a classic masterpiece ... is the writing. The writing makes the story come alive. Makes you feel the story instead of merely reading it. Zusak is by far my new favorite author. He could write about the life of a potato and make it interesting. He sees the world through the eyes of a child using words as only children do. For example he uses the five senses in mixed up ways to describe something.... tasting music, staring at spoken words, touching fear, etc. You read some of the sentences in this book and think... there isn't possibly a better way to describe that.

Marcus Zusak is truly a master of words. He is a literary artist. The Michelangelo of the written world. A talent that will not ever be forgotten.

Here are a few samples of his phenomenal writing from The Book Thief: (There are so many more quotes I would like to add but will have to wait till I read it again... which will just be one in many during my life.)

"... and the music would look Liesel in the face."

"When she looked up the sky was crouching."

"The sky was dripping. Like a tap that a child has tried its hardest to turn off but hasn't quite managed.

"... the words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hands like the clouds, and she would wring them out like rain."

"The sky was like soup, boiling and stirring. In some places it was burned. There were black crumbs and pepper, streaked across the redness."

"As the book quivred in her lap, the secret sat in her mouth. It made itself comfortable. It crossed it's legs."

"Her cold hands felt for her sleeves and a sentence dropped from her mouth. "He's not dead yet." The words landed on the table and positioned themselves in the middle. All three people looked at them."

"Grimy tears were loosened from children's eyes, and the smell of night breath, underarm sweat, and overworn clothes was stirred and stewed in what was now a cauldron swimming with humans."

"She didn't dare look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes hanging on to her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out. A voice played the notes inside her. This, it said, is your accordion."

"The book thief saw only the mechanics of the words - their bodies stranded on the paper, beaten down for her to walk on."

Best Yelp Review EVER!

My friend and I wanted the deets on this new club in Pleasanton so off to Yelp we went and found the best yelp review of ALL TIME! First of all this review was the authors only post on yelp implying that she (it was a she) left this bar with such a strong opinion that she had to share it with the east bay online community. Her words are not only HIGH-larious... but painted a fairly clear picture of the atmosphere and made my decision of whether to check out this bar's scene quick and painless. Here's the review....

"Yikes. They have a banner for their store front sign and then have the nerve to charge me a cover. Kind of a bad first impression but I figured why not. As I entered I found out why. My entry fee covered the entire construction cost. Home Depot must have had a sale. Buy black paint and we'll give you our ugliest green paint and some plastic trees for free. The sound system is non existent -- or should be. My ears, my ears!! Strict dress code outside but the same affliction meat heads inside. Grabbed, groped, gone. I was ready to go after I saw the whole place. Lucky for me that only took 3 minutes"

Epic. Genius. Comedy at it's finest. I pray this girl goes on to bless us with her reviews. LOVE IT!!!

Thinking of the Universe makes my tummy hurt

Seriously, I get this weird sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I think about the universe and how big it is. My brain starts hurting like I can't even conceive its vastness. Yep, there it goes again... stomach sinking... brain squeezing... lungs closing up. How can something really go on forever? But then again it would be just as weird to think that the universe has an end.

On the other hand, have you ever seen pictures from the hubble space telescope? Pretty awesome stuff. I try to look at the pics and just think of how pretty they are and not how big or how far away this stuff is.

Crazy Volcano Lightning

Lightning in an erupting volcano cloud? So cool!

Supplement to "Opportunities" post

"You can do whatever you want to do." "You can be whatever you want to be."

Those statements are always said with an implication that what one wants to do is achieve greatness, become filthy rich... become a big shot in one's industry, gain respect in the business world, etc. But what if what you want has nothing to do with success or riches. What if what you really want is to live in some remote town on the edge of the world and have some simple job like working in a restaurant or a bed and breakfast. What if what you do for a living has nothing to do with what you want from life, but simply a way to pay the bills. And what if money doesn't mean that much to you, what if quality of life is more important.

You know when I watch TV and see shows of really rich people living lavish lives, partying with famous people at all the top clubs, adorned in designer clothes and never worrying about where the money will come from for their next paycheck. I envy those people but I never watch with desire, wanting to have their lives. However when I see movies with people living on some beautiful countryside or buying a home in tuscany... or living in some beach house in a small community and working at a local store. That is when I sit at the edge of my seat and dream that I could live a life like that.

Of course none of that coincides with the "reach for the stars" or "land of opportunities" mentality that we are taught. You would be viewed as the under achiever who threw your life away. The one who could have achieved greatness but settled for normalcy. Whatever... better to be happy and looked down upon then miserable and admired. You know... just a thought.

Opportunities... Blessing or curse?

Everyone always thinks that opportunities are great, and they are. I mean opportunity implies something favorable, hence the definition:

op·por·tu·ni·ty [op-er-too-ni-tee, -tyoo-]
–noun, plural -ties.
1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion: Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.
2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
3. a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

But what if opportunities in excess is not necessarily a good thing. Take my generation, we can be summed up as indecisive. We are getting married later in life. We are taking longer to get into our careers. We are moving back home after college, or traveling instead of entering the work force. We are working for a couple years only to find out we don't like the path we have chosen, but can't think of what it is we want to do... so we go to grad school to buy some time.

In some ways I think it is better to decide your life path later... but maybe that is because I am part of this undecisive and procrastinating generation. I would rather figure out the right path later then venture on the wrong one and figure it out too late. But that is me.

I believe it stems from having too many opportunities. We live in the land of opportunities and are brought up on the notion that we can do what ever we want to do. We can accomplish what ever we want to accomplish. And this is because we are 80's babies... born and raised during our countries best and most productive years.

But with that thought ingrained in us... "you can do whatever you want to do" ... makes our minds go crazy with the possibilities. So with the "can" part out of the way, now it is just "want". What do you want to do? I mean can ANYONE say what they want to do for the rest of their life at 22 years old. I mean there are literally millions of types of jobs. How am I to pick one and know that that is the one that would make me the most happy.

Past generations didn't have to think this way. It was more "what can I do to make the most money". That is a more obtainable goal in a job hunt. What job can I personally do that will make me the most money. Money is a number, it is tangible... it is one variable that is constant. Happiness or success, which is what we are dealing with, is a much flakier subject. It also always goes hand in hand with the "what ifs". Money-wise... you always know. If I take this job I will make this much money, and if I take this job I will make this much money. But you can't determine beforehand how happy a job will make you.

It might seem ungrateful and "please-feel-sorry-for-me" but it is kind of true. In one way my generation is extremely blessed. Most of us can literally do whatever we want. There are no constraints or limitations besides the ones we give our selves. But on the other hand it creates a new dilemma of indecisiveness. Like for example... arranged marriage. Now I don't think it is right, but when people have arranged marriages it takes the choice away. The decision is not up to you so you have to make due with what you get. And you work really hard to make it work. Those people are married their whole lives and are usually happy enough. Where now, you can marry whoever you want, and there is the notion of "the one" and "soul mates". And now people are getting married later or not at all and divorce rates have soared. Why? Partly because of opportunities. More opportunities for different mates and more opportunities to get out of a marriage.

Just saying... opportunities might not ALWAYS be a good thing.

Blankets have magical powers

On a hot summer night, do you ever sacrifice your comfort to keep your blanket covering your body, even though you are sweating into your sheets, because you feel unprotected without it? Like it's mere presence on your body provides some sort of shield from anything out there that might want to harm you. And you know, as you get older you allow one leg to drift out from underneath it's protective forces to help cool you down, because hey... your an adult now and are no longer scared of the dark right?

I know.. me too! (You might be thinking that as an adult you should be able to remove the blanket all the way in order to achieve a comfortable sleeping temperature, but this is not the case my friend. Even adults need protection too. Some things you don't quite grow out of.)

Rationally, I know that this is ridiculous. First of all there is probably nothing out there that is gonna "get me" and even if there was, not like a blanket, some cotton and feathers woven together, is going to deter it. Right? But for some reason, no matter what, I need my blanket covering me. I'll remain hot all night. I'll toss and turn. I'll go with out sleep. But I will not... I repeat NOT remove my comforter.

Maybe that is why they call it a "comforter". I have never really thought of it before this moment. But it truly does comfort me. And what is that about? A blanket can provide protection.... utter nonsense. I know this. And yet, I will continue to remain beneath the magical fortress of my bedspread, protected during the night from all evil. Laugh if you will, but I bet on the inside you are thinking "I know what you mean".