COOLEST THING EVER!!!

Bill Condon's Epic Creative Fail in Breaking Dawn Ending

Ok I won't even get into the total and complete hideousness that is the movie Breaking Dawn.  It pretty much fails on every point... acting, storyline, entertainment and directing.  It was the WORST movie I have ever seen... including Twilight.  I can't even talk about the wolves without food start to rise in my throat.  Physical sickness is a consequence of seeing this movie.

But above everything... the ending is what irks me the most. I mean really Bill Condon... can't come up with your own ending? You have to steal an ending from another movie?  And not just any movie... the highest grossing movie of all time.  Like... "Oh Avatar came out a couple years ago, no one will remember the ending".  I bet you could put the last 30 seconds of each film on top of each other... soundtrack included and it would be the same movie.

The film industry is still art.  Come up with your own shit! This is just embarrassing!

Japanese America WWII Vets honored by Congress... my Grandfather included

Washington (CNN) -- Nearly seven decades after the attack on Pearl Harbor, thousands of Japanese-American World War II veterans were honored Wednesday at a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony held at the U.S Capitol.

In a rare moment of unity, Democratic and Republican Senators and members of the House of Representatives praised Japanese-American soldiers of the 442nd Regiment Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion and veterans of the Military Intelligence Service for their contribution to the war.

"Aloha and welcome," said House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, at the start of the invitation-only event inside the Capitol's Emancipation Hall. About 1,000 people witnessed the ceremony in person, including several aging Japanese-American honorees and their families who waited years for this day.
When World War II began, Japanese-Americans were not invited to serve. Two years into the war, the U.S. military created an all-volunteer Japanese-American combat team who soon adopted the slogan "Go for Broke." Most of its roughly 20,000 members were born in the United States to Japanese-born parents. They went on to become one of the most decorated American units in the war, yet when they returned home, many faced discrimination.

"You fought not only the enemy, you fought prejudice, and you won," Pelosi said.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, said the ceremony "demonstrates the greatest of America, a nation that recognized that it made mistakes, corrected them and moved on to become a stronger country and we are proud to defend the freedoms and ideals that this country represents."

The medal states in part, "The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication to country that these men faced while fighting a two-front battle of discrimination at home and fascism abroad. Their commitment demonstrates a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor."

One recipient, Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, received a standing ovation when he rose to speak at the event. He said the road to recognizing Japanese-American World War II veterans "has been a long journey, but a glorious one. I'm certain those who are resting in cemeteries are pleased with this day."
Inouye, who lost his right arm while leading his men of the 2nd Battalion, 442nd Combat Team in an attack against German machine gun nests in Italy, received the Medal of Honor 55 years later, in 1999.

George Otsuki, now almost 92, who was a sergeant serving in the 442nd, called the recognition "wonderful."


"The public found out what we did," he told CNN, "and that's the main thing."

Frank Mizufuka, who was born in Los Angeles and served as a sergeant in the same unit, said "it was a once-in-a-lifetime, extraordinary event."

Mizufuka, 89, said he spent a year in a hospital recovering from a chest wound he received in combat.
"I didn't believe I'd live to see this day," he said.

Sea World being sued for slavery?

Come on PETA... you could come up with something better than that to help protect the whales at Seaworld. "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is accusing theSeaWorld parks of keeping five star-performer whales in conditions that violate the 13th Amendment ban on slavery. " .... violating the 13th amendment? Really?..... I mean... REALLY??

It's no secret that the animals would be better off in the wild. We have known this for years, and yet here we are in 2011 with Animal theme parks and zoos in every major city around the world. It's just how it is. Campaigning for better facilities and treatment of the animals is the best and only real thing you can do for them. Too much money is made off of them to ever put them back in the wild.

Plus once you open the door for the constitution to apply to animals it will never end. The 13th amendment alone could then be argued against Zoos, farms, and even house pets. Isn't keeping a dog at your house as a pet a form of slavery? Always on a leash, behind fences, and at the mercy of the owners will. Or raising animals to be butchered for food.... yeah pretty sure that is slavery or worse... but hey, we gotta eat!

These orcas at Seaworld might be taken from their natural habitat and raised for entertainment, but they are kept at Seaworld's facilities which is among the world's most respected zoological institutions. "There is no higher priority than the welfare of the animals entrusted to our care and no facility sets higher standards in husbandry, veterinary care and enrichment."

"SeaWorld and other U.S. marine parks are governed by the Marine Mammals Protection Act, which allows public displays of the creatures if permits are obtained and the facility offers and education/conservation programs for the public.

Overall, under prevailing U.S. legal doctrine, animals under human control are considered property, not entities with legal standing of their own. They are afforded some protections through animal-cruelty laws, endangered-species regulations and the federal Animal Welfare Act, but are not endowed with a distinct set of rights."

Disney Dream series by Annie Lebowitz

Might be my favorite photo collection ever...

5 year old killing Super Bass!

This girl will be famous one day.  No doubt! Crazy! Adorable! Incredible! I can't get enough... not only can she rap (and memorized the whole thing) like Nicki Minaj, but this girls got some pipes on her!

Rain and Sunshine

I love walking outside in this weather, brisk clean air with the smell of fresh rainfall, one of my favorite smells in the world.  But you look up and there is no sign of the clouds from which it came.  Only blue skies and sunshine.  You feel the chill air and the warmth of the sun on your skin.  I don't know what it is about cold weather, but the air always feels fresher, cleaner, and more natural.  This weather is a reminder that the holiday season is upon us.  My favorite time of year.  I always welcome this weather with open arms and a smile on my face.

RIP Steve Jobs

We have truly lost one of the great minds of our generation.  Steve Jobs is no mere inventor, or tech genius, or CEO.... he is so much more.  Only a few people in the world have truly changed the world and the was we live in it.  Apple is the "In & Out" of the technological world.  There are only a few things on the menu, yet everyone goes there.  They have a couple computer models, a couple iPods and ONE phone.  And their market share is out of this world. I would say 90% of my friends own the iphone AND a Mac computer.  And those who happen to have the blackberry or droid hold an iPod in their back pocket.  Apple is the one and only company that I can say I am 100% brand loyal.  For the rest of my life I will own an iPhone and a Mac. End of story.  

This was written in an article on Yahoo and for me, is a great description of what Steve Jobs actually did:

"It's difficult to put a tag on what it is precisely that Jobs did. He didn't create a fundamentally new business structure, the way John D. Rockefeller did with the vertical integration of Standard Oil. He didn't democratize a product that had only been available to the very rich, as Henry Ford did with the Model T. And he didn't fundamentally alter the distribution, logistics, and production systems the way that Sam Walton did with Wal-Mart. Under Jobs, Apple simply created a bunch of really cool products that people decided they needed to have. And have again. While Apple had brilliant ads, and while Jobs was an excellent salesperson, Apple's rabid, evangelizing fans have been the most effective marketing tool. When it comes to clothes, or shoes, or cars, my kids, 13 and 9, are largely indifferent to brands. When it was time for them to get their own computer, it had to be a Mac."

Finally words from celebrities around the world on the impact of the life and death of Steve Jobs. 

Statement from President Barack Obama 

"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet's most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."

Statement from Bill Gates

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely. "

Statement from Jerry Yang, Yahoo! founder

"Steve was my hero growing up. He not only gave me a lot of personal advice and encouragement, he showed all of us how innovation can change lives.  I will miss him dearly, as will the world."

Statement from Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO

"Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you."

Statement from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen

"My condolences to Steve Jobs family and friends. We've lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products."

Statement from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"Steve Jobs was a visionary who changed the way we live, an innovator whose products brought joy to millions, a risktaker who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo, and an entrepreneur who led one of the most creative companies of our time.

"His sage advice was respected by policymakers on both sides of the aisle. His courageous fight against cancer brought strength to many.

"I hope it is a comfort to those who loved him, especially his family, that so many grieve his loss and are praying for them at this sad time."

Statement from Walt Disney president Bob Iger

"Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an "original," with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time."

Statement from California Gov. Edmund Brown

"Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve's wife, Laurene, and their entire family."

Statement from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

"Tonight, America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come. Again and again over the last four decades, Steve Jobs saw the future and brought it to life long before most people could even see the horizon. And Steve's passionate belief in the power of technology to transform the way we live brought us more than smart phones and iPads: it brought knowledge and power that is reshaping the face of civilization. In New York City's government, everyone from street construction inspectors to NYPD detectives have harnessed Apple's products to do their jobs more efficiently and intuitively. Tonight our City - a city that has always had such respect and admiration for creative genius - joins with people around the planet in remembering a great man and keeping Laurene and the rest of the Jobs family in our thoughts and prayers."

Celebrities and Politicians Take to Twitter to Offer Condolences

Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post CEO

"@ariannahuff: My thoughts go out to Steve Jobs' family and friends. Thank you for changing our world."

Steve Levitan, co-creator/executive producer of ABC's "Modern Family"

"@SteveLevitan: I'm so sorry to hear about the death of Steve Jobs. He was truly one of my heroes. He leaves one hell of a legacy. #iSad"

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

"@Schwarzenegger: Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us. #ThankYouSteve"

Former California first lady Maria Shriver

"@mariashriver: I'm going to turn off my Apple computer, iPhone and iPad tonight at 8pm and honor Steve with a moment of digital silence. Will you join me?"

"@mariashriver: I'm so happy that I knew him and was so blessed by his friendship. He impacted all of our lives and changed the world."

"@mariashriver: My heart weeps for all who worked with Steve and who loved him, especially my friend Laurene and their children."

Jon Huntsman, Republican presidential candidate

"@JonHuntsman: Sad to hear about the passing of Steve Jobs, a true inspiration and a great American innovator."

Ryan Seacrest, "American Idol" host/radio talk show personality/producer

"@RyanSeacrest: 'Have the courage to follow ur heart & intuition. They already know what u truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.' - Steve Jobs"

Nancy Grace, TV host, "Dancing With the Stars" contestant

"@NancyGraceHLN: About to go to air & discovered news about Steve Jobs - My heart goes out to his family tonight. #RIP Steve Jobs"

Lebron James, Miami Heat forward

"@KingJames: R.I.P Steve Jobs. Someone who definitely left his mark on this world! Innovations that will live and last forever!!"

Neil Patrick Harris, Actor on "How I Met Your Mother"

"@ActuallyNPH: Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. Your genius will live on for generations to come..."

"Do Something Great" Music

Do you have certain songs that when you listen to them they make you... want to do something great!?! Really??? ME TOO!!! Actually you are in luck... cause I have a whole playlist of songs that pump me up!! Not to dance, or go out drinking, or even just feel good... they fill me with a desire to do something great.  They make me want to make a difference in the world.  They make me want to go out and achieve greatness.  They make me want my life to mean something.  I listen to these songs and say to myself... "alright, today is the day that you are going to start something monumentally GREAT!" Anyways, if you don't have a song, of list of songs that make you feel like this, that urge you to be better than you are, then I  implore you to listen to this list of songs.  And if they don't stir something inside of you to get your lazy ass off the couch and do something with your life... well then, I'm afraid to tell you there is little hope in this world that you will ever leave that couch.

1. "Go the distance" by Michael Bolton
2. "I was here" by Lady Antebellum
3. "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelley
4. "The Power of the dream" by Celine Dion
5. "A moment like this" by Kelly Clarkson
6. "Chariots of Fire" by Galaxy Sound Orchestra
7. "Defying Gravity" by Wicked Soundrack
8. "I believe" by Fantasia
9. "This is my now" by Jordan Sparks (I know its alot of American Idol songs, but let's be real... they are inspiring!!)
10. "I dreamed a dream" by Les Miserables Soundtrack
11. "Skyscraper" by Demi Lovato
12. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
13. "Southhampton" by James Horner from the Titanic Soundtrack
14. "Leaving Port" by James Horner from the Titanic Soundtrack
15, "Flying" by James Horner from the Peter Pan Soundtrack

Electric Blue Waves in San Diego

George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones Series

Reading book three right now and loving the series.  The books are huge and the all encompassing detail of the world Martin has created make this series a bit intimidating. But it is worth the read.  I recommend watching the first episode of the HBO series prior to reading the books.  That will just give you an idea of who the characters are, so that when you start reading you aren't completely lost.  Because let me tell you, they can get confusing.  Martin writes each chapter from the point of view of one character.  And within each book he write from about 5 to 10 characters.  So as the reader, it is like reading the history of World War II from 5 different countries point of views.  It gets to be alot.  And books that are written like this sometimes get on my nerves.  Because within reading a chapter you get invested in that characters story and at the end something exciting or bomb-dropping happens and then leaves a cliff hanger to which you won't get an answer for another 5-10 chapters.

I have read quite a few series, and it seems the ones that are most successful have a single character that it follows.  So the reader becomes personally involved in that characters life.  Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The house of night novels, True Blood, The Maze Runner, Eragon, The Mortal Instruments, The Golden Compass, Twilight, etc.  All are written from one characters point of view.  Personally I like that style of writing better... it keeps me more engaged, to the point where I can't put a book down.  I love Game of Thrones, but I have to admit, it doesn't bother me to put it down and do something else for awhile.  Especially since I like about half the characters and am bored with the other half.  So the chapters from the characters I like, I'm all about... the rest of the chapters feel more like work.  Something I have to get through to get to the good stuff.  I'm not gonna lie... I do skim through a lot of it too.  Martin just writes with so much DETAIL!!! A lot of it doesn't really add anything to the story... its just detail.  Don't get me wrong... I am thoroughly impressed with how his mind works and this masterpiece of a world that he has created, but as the reader I could do without all the explaining everything.  As his editor I would have cut the books down by 100-200 pages, getting rid of all the unnecessary stuff.

But even with all that, Martin has written a must read for anyone that enjoys fantasy, history or reading in general.  My hat goes off to you, George Martin.  Well done.

Adobe Creative Suite Breakdown

What programs are for what? When I first started using these applications I thought the same thing.  There are so many! and I have no idea what they are for.  Well here is the breakdown....

Photoshop: Easy Peasy!  The most popular of adobe programs... photoshop.  Generally used to edit photos or create photo graphics.  Can also be used for creating website layouts.

Illustrator: This is the program I use the most for print design.  However it is most noted for your ability to create vectors.

InDesign: Used for desktop publishing.  Basically any really "wordy" documents or projects you work on should be done with InDesign.  Or anything that is more then two artboards, for example booklets, programs, manuals, etc.

Premier Pro: Professional video editing.

After Effects: Create short clips of animation for either short videos or to be uploaded to Premier and incorporated into a movie.

OnLocation: For capturing video

Encore: For making DVD's or bluerays. (Creating the menus and writing the discs)

Soundbooth or Audition: Sound editing software.

Flash: For creating flash or animation for the web, mobile, or any applications.

Dreamweaver: Create and mangage websites or any html projects.

Contribute: Web publishing program that allows multiple users to edit the content of a website without extensive knowledge of coding.

Fireworks: Create and optimize images for a website.

9/11 Tribute: A little girl's words to her father

This video will bring tears to your eyes and compassion to your heart.  This little girls words do more than any picture, video, song, or speech could do to remember not only the tradegy of that day, but also all the days that followed for the people that were directly affected.  My heart and prayers go out to those people every day.  May you be comforted by the people that stand behind you and by what our glorious nation stands for. Freedom, liberty and justice.

Minted Polling

Dogs and their antics

Let me tell you, I have had several dogs over the years, but Sophie (my current dog) is by far the weirdest one. It would take a novel to be able to describe everything that makes her... well her. However, this post is dedicated to just one.

I don't know where she learned this or picked it up, or if it was just ingrained in her character from birth, but she has a certain way of waiting for you to open the back door to let her in.  She sits by the sliding glass door patiently, watching and waiting for someone to let her in.  The second she catches your eye and sees you take a step toward the door to let her in, she slowly turns her head to the side and lifts her nose up revealing a lovely side view of her face.

I have several theories to why she does this.  Each one as unlikely as the last.  Maybe she is trying to act like she doesn't care "let me in if you want... it makes no matter to me".  Maybe she sees herself as the Master and Lord of this house and we are but her highness's humble servants to whom she deigns to even acknowledge our existence.  Maybe she thinks that is her good side, and if she looks prettier we are more likely to let her in "Come hither and gaze upon my beauty".  Or maybe she thinks if she acts mysterious it will peak our curiosity and we could do naught but let her in.

In reality, it is just silly and no theory really makes any sense to why she does this.  If only dogs could talk......

Vote for my Design!

Vote for my design on minted.™ see more from Janelle Otsuki vote for me! Check out my competition in Christmas photo cards and Save the Date cards at Minted.

Secretariat

I didn't really know what I expected from this movie when I saw it.  I hadn't heard much about it when it was released, but it is Disney and they always seem to find the best stories to make into movies.  But any expectations I had were surpassed by miles.  Not only was this movie extremely well done, and Diane Lane was fantastic not to mention John Malcovich who is genius in everything he is in... but above all this story is AHHH-mazing! So good you wouldn't believe it unless it was true.  And true it is.

I don't want to give anything away, but the feeling you get at the end of the movie made me want to laugh and cry and stare in complete awe.  It makes you want to stand up and cheer right along with crowd.  Its almost like you are right there watching history be made, watching a miraculous creature accomplish something that is so unbelievable it must be a gift from God.  Watching something so incredible that an animal like that can only come around once in a million years and you just feel blessed to be able to witness such an event.

Basically... you should watch it.  Everyone should watch it... especially if you don't know the story of Secretariat.  It's so much more than you would expect.

My Peru Trip!

These photographers gots skills!

Here are a few of my favorite pics from Yahoo's "This weeks best snapshots" list.  Actually Yahoo does a great job compiling amazing pics taken from around the world.

If Neverland was real... it would be here

Visit my new website!!!

Just finished my new website showing off my awesome design skills. haha.  Still learning coding, so I'm pretty proud of what I was able to do.  Gotta add all the bells and whistles... but as of now, design and functionality are finished!

http://www.jocreativeintuition.com

And welcome to J.O. Creative Intuition... aka Janelle Otsuki's creative intuition.  The name might be a mouth full, but its exactly what I wanted to convey.  Not only do I like the meaning of both those words, but I like the meaning of them together.  It also explains my talent and my most valuable asset.  My creative eye combined with my ability to infer what a client wants with minimal direction.  

Ok enough about me... go check it out!! 

Introducing Flare Surfing!

Talk about a game changer!! Probably the coolest thing I have seen in a long time....

Drinking & Driving

After traveling the world you start to realize that there are laws in which the United States seems to be the only country to enforce. Namely laws involving booze and cars.

Law #1: You must be 21 years of age to drink alcohol
This is probably the first law that comes to everyone's mind.  In the U.S. you have to be 21 before you can legally drink.  You're an adult at 18, you can adopt at 18, you can enter the army at 18, you can be sent to prison at 18, you can get married at 18.... but drink? Nope.  All other countries I have traveled to either do not have an age restriction on drinking or don't enforce it.  One big plus of that... you don't have to carry your ID with you everywhere, cause bars don't check.

Law #2:  Establishments can't serve alcohol after 2am
This isn't really that big of a deal, UNTIL you start traveling and realize how much it sucks to get kicked out of the bar at 1:30-2:00am when you still want to party.

Law #3:  Traffic Lights
Run a red light in the states and you'll find yourself with a couple hundred dollar ticket... but in other countries the traffic lights are merely suggestions.  If it is yellow you "should" slow down, if it is red you "should" stop... or rather if you go through it there is a possibility you will get hit by oncoming traffic, and if that happens it will be your fault.

Law #4: Speed Limits
Most countries at least have the signs along the roads with a speed limit, but I have never been to another country where the speed limits are enforced. Guess they aren't in as much debt as we are and their governments aren't starved for the violation fines.

Law #5: Driving licenses
All I gotta say is in Thailand I saw what had to be 11 and 12 year old driving motorbikes. Pretty sure that means there aren't age restrictions that are enforced for driving.

Law #6: Seat belts
Yeah its pretty much useless for foreign car companies to even make cars with seat belts cause no one ever wears them.

Law #7: Drinking in public
Anywhere else in the world you can walk along the street with a beer in hand, you can sit in a park while enjoying a cocktail, you can drink wherever your heart desires.  Not so in the states.

Law #8: Having a open container of alcohol in the car
Passengers cheers! Cause you can drink all you want on the way to the bar, party or concert.  No one will stop you! Unless your in the states of course.

Law#9: Talking on the phone while driving
You can do whatever you want while driving... if you crash it is your own damn fault.

Law #10: Drinking and Driving
No DUI's abroad... except occasionally in Europe, but you have to be pretty smashed.  This is one law that I actually support in the states.  Cause its not only your life you put in danger but everyone else on the road as well.

10 quotes from 10 Things I Hate About You

I don't know what it was like in other high schools, but at mine there wasn't any other movie that was quoted as much as 10 Things I Hate About You.  Funny, cause this movie wasn't anything truly spectacular.  It's definitely a good movie, and pretty funny at times.  But when was the last time you saw it? or when was the last time it was played on tv? This movie has virtually been forgotten in the sea of romantic comedy's that have been released since.  But one thing it did have was a good script.  Several "one-liners" that teens found hilarious and repeated with ease.  Hence here is a list of my top ten favorite quotes from 10 Things I Hate About You (in no particular order):

1. "Virgin alert... your favorite"
2. "I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed... but can you ever just be whelmed?"
   "I think you can in Europe"
3. "You suck"
   "You s-UCK"
4. "I'm down, I got the 411 and you are not going to some dance and getting jiggy with some guy, I don't care how dope his ride is....... my momma didn't raise no foo"
5. "Where did you come from, planet loser?"
   "As oppose to planet look-at-me-look-at-me"
6. "Am I that transparent? I want you. I need you. Ohh baby ohh baby."
7. "Kat... Cat... grrrooowwllll"
8. "There is a difference between like and love.  Because I like my sketchers but I love my Prada backpack."
   "But I love my sketchers"
   "That's because you don't have a Prada backpack"
   "Ooooohhhh"
9. "Remove head from sphincter then drive!"
10. "I happen to like being adored, thank you!"

Damsel in Distress Syndrome

In our beloved movies and books there seems to be a reoccurring theme of the damsel in distress that has outlived any era or culture.  This has been around for ages, but its funny that it is still as popular in our current culture where women are fighting for independence and to be treated equally.  Yet again and again, we see this theme in the most popular of books and movies.

The new vampire craze is exhibit one.  No matter what vampire book, show or movie... there is always the damsel in distress as our heroine.  The human girl who falls in love with a vampire.  Twilight, Trueblood, The Vampire Diaries... all the same.  Yet I was intrigued by all series.

My new favorite series is the Hunger Games trilogy.  Katniss is the heroine of this book, and by no way is she weak or helpless.  Yet for me, the most engaging part of the series is the relationship between her and Peeta.  Peeta is the guy who is so in love and devoted to her, his role in the series is her protector.  The guy who's only thought is to protect Katniss... who is always in danger.

Even me, who I believe to be pretty independent and a fairly strong woman, finds myself longing to have this guy in my life.  A guy who without thinking would do anything to protect you.  Who puts you and your safety as their number one priority.  (swoooooonnn) ahhhhh. If only.

Always wanting your cake and eating it too.  Can you please treat us the same as men, but also think of us as needing protection?  Can you give us our independence but also always take care of us?  My God, how needy and hypocritical are we? hahaha.

Backpacking in Northern Thailand

CHIANG MAI
Northern Thailand is just beautiful, in a different way than southern Thailand.  Its all jungle. Lush, beautiful, eerie jungle.  Chiang Mai is like the central hub of the north.  There are tons of stuff to see and outdoor adventures to experience.

One of the main things to do is visit Doi Suthep, a famous temple on top of a mountain.  You can take a taxi to the bottom of the steps and hike to the top.  It was a little misty and foggy the day I went which made for a very mystical setting.

There are also a ton of temples around Chiang Mai, especially in Old Town that you can walk to.  The one below is the most visited temple in the area and was awesome to see.  The architectural design of these temples are simple beautiful! 

Another popular activity to do is see the Elephants.  There are several companies with day trips to the elephant training facilities and after some research I found a great one with Chiang Dao tours.  It started off with a visit to the Long Neck Karen tribe in the area where the women wear these copper wire necklaces that elongate your neck.  And elongate there necks they did! Crazy to see and a little creepy.

Next we went to visit the elephant training center.  Definitely my favorite part of the day.  It is so amazing how smart these animals are! First you get to see the elephants up close and feed them.  Then you watch them bathe with their trainers in the river (very cool!) and then on to the show.  The trainers demonstrate how the elephants pull logs in the forest and stack them.  They also performed a variety of tricks from bowing to putting hats on their trainers heads to finally, and my favorite, PAINTING!  The elephant actually painted a picture.. it was crazy!! The trainers handed the elephants the paint brushes and they painted a picture of a tree.  It was utterly shocking! And might I say, the elephant was a pretty fine artist :)

And now for the 90 minute elephant ride! Something I have always wanted to do, and it didn't disappoint.  We rode through the jungle, over streams, under the green canopy and climbing over rocks.  It was an incredible experience.

Lastly after a wonderful lunch at the foot of a beautiful mountain, we went bamboo rafting down a river. It was pretty peaceful most of the ride... we just got to enjoy the ride and take in the scenery.  There were the occasional rapids and it ended with a section that definitely got my heart rate up and.. not gonna lie... was a little frightened the raft was going to fall apart. 

All in all it was a great day! We got to do and see several highlights that Chiang Mai has to offer.  I would definitely recommend this day trip to anyone who visits the area.  

Chiang Mai also has the best place to buy souvenirs in the country... the Night Bazaar.  I spent two night strolling through the Night Bazaar and still didn't see all of it.  Hundreds.... even thousands of merchants come here to sell their goods.  For a backpacker it is a shopping haven.  Filled with hand crafts, parachute pants, and little gadgets, it is the perfect place to pick up your token from Thailand!

Backpacking in Southern Thailand

PHUKET
Swarming with people from around the world, Phuket is tourist central.  A typical beach town with a roaring nightlife, Phuket does have many perks to offer.  The beach is ok, good by any US standards, but not exactly Thailand paradise.

There are several day trips you can take from Phuket.  Elephant treks are possible, but nothing compared to the day treks in the north.  I suggest trying out John Grey's Sea Tours.  They are pricy by Thailand standards, but well worth the money.  You start off with an hour or so boat ride to a series of Islands that look like they are from Lost or Jurassic Park.  Then the day is spent canoeing with a guide through out sea caves and hidden lagoons. And they are spectacular! Really amazing rock formations and luscious greenery surrounding crystal clear water.

Then after several hours of canoeing through out caves, one of which is filled with bats!... you then get to make a floating offering for the sea gods with the help of your guide.  After enjoying a delicious dinner while watching a magnificent sunset, you canoe into one of the lagoons to light your offering and set it in the water.  

Then my favorite part, you get to see the glowing plankton in the water.  That seems to sparkle as you run your hand through the water.  Simply Magical!!

The nightlife in Phuket is definitely poppin.  But definitely on the sleezy side.  The main street is mostly all bars, however only one seemed to have more then just old white men picking up Thai women, and that bar was called Kangaroo.  Weird to be in Thailand, drinking at an Australian bar. Haha.  But the bar tenders there were the best part.  Awesome girls who will play games with you for shots and are truly entertaining.  There is also a club called Seduction that seemed to be where most of the travelers went that weren't interested in picking up Thai women. 

KOH PHI PHI

There are also days trips to Koh Phi Phi which I strongly suggest if you can't take the time to stay on the island.  During these day trips you visit a bay in Koh Phi Phi Leh which was the set for "The Beach".  It is truly a beautiful beach... a paradise.  However its beauty is somewhat anti-climatic due to all the people visiting the beach.  The small length of sand is filled with people like San Diego on the 4th of July.  But still something to see.

Then you get to see some lagoon that was in a James Bond movie... also beautiful.  The water, like the picture above... is like nothing you have ever seen.  It seems to almost glow vibrant shades of blue and green.  You also get to snorkel for an hour and see various types of tropical fish in some of the clearest water in the world.  

Next, lunch at Koh Phi Phi Don and time to explore the enchanting little town.  Tons of shopping available and little cafes to stop in.  

Finally you are taken to an island that is so remote and small it could be referred to as a sand bar.  You get to just hang out there for the rest of the after noon and enjoy the sun.  It is definitely a great day, and great way to see the major spots of and near Koh Phi Phi.

Riots in London

And the British think we Americans are the ones that love violence.  At least when we protest, riot or result to violence, we have a reason.  Usually one that people feel so strongly about that they have to have a voice and express their opinion.

These riots in London are almost funny.  Reports say that the cause is unknown...

"The rioters appeared to have little unifying cause — though some claimed to oppose sharp government spending cuts, which will slash welfare payments and cut tens of thousands of public sector jobs through 2015.

But many were attracted simply by the opportunity for violence. "Come join the fun!" shouted one youth in the east London suburb of Hackney, where shops were attacked and cars torched."

I mean really? Just burning up buildings and creating havoc just for the fun of it? I think some people have issues across the pond.  If you're going to do something like that you need to have a reason, have some sort of goal you are trying to achieve... otherwise it is almost like laughing in the face of places where riots are necessary to reach a peace.  Its undermining their causes... that are real and life threatening.  This is just a case of rebellious teens who see the riots as "cool" and want a piece of the action.

Something that started as outrage over a death in a small poor community has spread to the entire capitol to people who no longer know exactly why they are rioting.  Ridiculous if you ask me.

However I do have to give props to the youth of Britian... using modern technology and social networks to organize and out smart the cops.

"Youths used text messages, instant messaging on BlackBerry phones and social media platforms such as Twitter to coordinate attacks and stay ahead of the police."

This aspect, and this alone from these events, gives me a sort of pride in my generation.  We may be a little ignorant of what matters in life, a little self indulgent to believe our petty feelings of the cops justifies burning down the shops of innocent, hard working civilians... but my God are we savvy!

AMAZING Photos of Abraham Lake by Emmanuel Coupé