I'm horrible at locating a good majority of the 50 states, let alone naming every corresponding capitol. But really, having lived in NJ for pretty much my whole life (well, with the exception of living in North Carolina for a year or two), none of the other states outside of the tri-state area mattered. Especially the middle of the country. I would never want to live there..I imagine a total culture shock.
And the following video just completely represents why I would never venture out to live in the middle, landlocked states in the US:
I mean, to think: this is a real person in a real situation, being reported in the local news. Sadness.
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Who Wears Short Shorts?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Why I Hate People: Reason #908
What's red, white, and blue all over?
An unfortunate pooch was displayed rather "patriotically" outside of the Republican National Convention. Poor pup, it has no idea how ridiculous it looks, being seen at at the Republican Convention :(
(But in all seriousness, who does that to their dog?)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Spotlight: Robert Muraine
You probably don't know who Robert Muraine is by name, but you will definitely recognize him from his dancing. And if you've never seen him dance, you will definitely remember him henceforth. He is a street dancer from Santa Monica, CA who auditioned for this season's So You Think You Can Dance, and blew the judges away with his very original style. The boy can move like he has no bones. It's kind of horrifying to watch yet utterly fascinating at the same time. Here is Robert's audition for the show:
That got him straight through to the Vegas rounds (where they pick the top 20 who will be on the show), but he ended up withdrawing himself from the competition, realizing that while he's very very good at the style of dancing he does, he wasn't comfortable with the many different types of dancing that would be asked of him further down the audition and competition process. Either way, he gave us probably THE most memorable audition in the history of the show.
So while he hasn't been on SYTYCD this season as a competitor, he returned as a guest performer a few weeks ago. And it seems that people are taking notice of his talent: currently, he's being featured in a series of Ikea Canada commercials. I hope we get to see more of him, he's so entertaining to watch!! And don't forget to tune into the season finale of SYTYCD tonight, where he may or may not make an appearance.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Name Game
Growing up in a Korean-dominated area, I abhorred meeting a new girl who was named Julia Park. You'd think that Korean parents would at least venture out the box with names, but sadly, even looking through my cellphone's list of contacts saddens me, especially when it takes me 10 minutes to go through a seemingly endless list of "John Lee's/Kim's/Park's" or "Hanna Lee's/Kim's/Park's." You better bet your bottom dollar that none of my sons will be named John, James, Sam.
But turns out that having the same name as others isn't as bad as having a completely weird, uncommon name (or sharing a name with a popular product):
Family Court Judge Rob Murfitt listed a series of unusual names that New Zealand parents had given their children, and said he was concerned that such strange monikers would create hurdles for them as they grew up. "It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap," the New Zealand Press Association quoted the judge as saying. Among the names Murfitt cited: twins named Benson and Hedges -- after a brand of cigarettes; Violence; and Number 16 Bus Shelter. Some parents had named children after six-cylinder Ford cars, the news agency reported. (from cnn.com)And this story stems from a New Zealand judge's ruling that a nine year old girl named "Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii" be a ward of the court.
Personally, I think I'd name my children after favorite characters in books, rather than a random favorite product..
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Why I Hate People: Reason #1,309
At the Republican state convention, a booth hosted by Republicanmarket was selling a pin Saturday that says: If Obama is President... will we still call it the White House? (trailblazersblog)
This is too disgusting to believe. But even more terrifying than that is the fact that I could believe it. No good, Republicans, no good. Way to move backwards in time, you old dinosaurs!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Spotlight: The Lonely Island
These days, the general consensus seems to be that Saturday Night Live is no longer funny. But some old habits die hard, and damnit, I love me some SNL. Sure, I admit that a good portion of the sketches baffle me, but I watch on, hoping for the show to redeem itself with either a reoccuring character (Debbie Downer or MacGruber, anyone?), or a SNL digital short. And for the most part, the SNL digital shorts do not disappoint, thanks to the lovely minds of The Lonely Island.
Mainly composed of "The Dudes," SNL cast member Andy Samberg, and SNL writers Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone are the creative minds that brought us "Lazy Sunday" and "Dick in a Box." The three all grew up in Berkley, California and met during junior high school. The trio shot a sketch-comedy show pilot for FOX called "Awesometown," only to be rejected; they then made another pilot to pitch to MTV, but was rejected once more. But upon posting their failed pilots on their website, their video clips were spread like wildfire, only to be finally noticed by SNL.
In all fairness, it's a safe bet to say that the humor of The Lonely Island isn't necessarily for everyone. Sure, "Lazy Sunday" was a popular hit, but I'm pretty sure not all people can appreciate the humor in MacGruber. I personally found punching people before they eat to be hilarious, but while watching it with a small group of people, I found myself laughing by my lonesome. Also, how many people can say that they've seen The Dudes' first feature-length film, "Hot Rod?" Cool beans!
Many might say that The Lonely Island relies on childish humor. But in a world where people are trying too hard to be funny, it's refreshing to find humor in the simplest of things. The Dudes have come a long way from their failed pilots, and keep making their low-budget videos in hopes to entertain. And it's inspiring to see that anything is possible, especially within our generation of video-recording and Youtube video-sharing. Here's to the next generation of comedy.
And in case you haven't seen "Hot Rod" yet ..
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Do It For The Kids ..?
Oprah is known for having pretty interesting topics on her show.
But for her Thursday, April 3rd show, guests Thomas Beatie and his wife will be on to talk about their first child that they are expecting in the summer.
But here's the catch: Thomas is the one who is five months pregnant.
Thomas and his wife will be on the show to discuss his decision to carry their child. His wife is unable to carry a child due to a hysterectomy. Thomas was born with female reproductive organs:
I am transgender, legally male, and legally married to Nancy. Unlike those in same-sex marriages, domestic partnerships, or civil unions, Nancy and I are afforded the more than 1,100 federal rights of marriage. Sterilization is not a requirement for sex reassignment, so I decided to have chest reconstruction and testosterone therapy but kept my reproductive rights. Wanting to have a biological child is neither a male nor female desire, but a human desire. (boingboing.net)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
For Great Justice ..
Join 10,000+ people at Union Square this Saturday, March 22nd for the ultimate event.
For great justice .. PILLOW FIGHT!
That's right. The third annual "Pillow Fight NYC 2008" will be this Saturday. Grab your pillows and make it out to Union Square by 3PM (the event is set to last for about an hour).
Costumes are encouraged!
And if you're in different parts of the globe, have no fear of being left out: this year's event will coincide with other cities world-wide, making March 22nd THE International Pillow Fight Day.
If whacking strangers with a soft pillow isn't up your alley, bring your friends and show them what you really think of them. I made sure to invite all of my friends ;x
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Why I Hate People: Reason #379
I love a good debate like anyone else. If I am passionate about something, I might even throw in my two cents.
The latest thing that has caught my attention is one of those online commenting wars, particularly one from the NBC website, based off of a recent SNL skit that mocks both Democratic presidential candidates. The skit itself is alright .. but it's the comments that really made me analyze the skit.
Many of the comments express that they feel that SNL is either being super-racist (one going as far as to mention "Blackface comedy") or a means of shoving down their so-called pro-Hilary skit down their viewers throats.
Um .. what?
At first, it was funny to see how tunnel-visioned people could be, only seeing what they want to see. But after reading so many comments in the same manner, it really disheartened me.
People need to lighten up and freaking save the drama for your momma.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Spotlight: Tina Fey
With the writers' strike over, I was delighted to hear that for the very first week back on-air, Saturday Night Live was to be hosted by none other than Tina Fey! Of course, I made immediate plans to go see SNL .. well, live .. but due to prior commitments, I was unable to go; however, thanks to living in the wonderful age of the Internetz, I was able to see Ms. Fey's hosting skillz0rs.
Known as the first female head writer for Saturday Night Live from 1999 until her departure in 2005, Tina Fey is a "jack of all trades" type; an Emmy/Golden Globe/SAG winning writer/comedian/actress, she currently co-produces/writes/stars in the multiple award winning tv series 30 Rock. That's a whole lot to say for this little lady from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
What makes Tina Fey so awesome, you ask? Well, first off, if you ask any female you know (with a decent sense of humor), she'll probably admit to having a slight woman-crush on Tina Fey. She's smart, funny, and is a pretty damn good writer. For all the fellas out there: remember when you first realized how hawt Lindsay Lohan was in Mean Girls? Yup, you could thank Tina Fey for that - she wrote the script for it. Sure, Lindsay Lohan was nice to look at throughout the movie, but if the script hadn't been good, you would have spent most of the time wishing for the movie to end. Also, Tina Fey isn't so bad on the eyes either. Even Maxim realized this, after putting her on their "TV's Least Appealing Ladies" list; after realizing how dumb they really are, they placed her in another one of their [stupid] lists, "5 Women We're Not Supposed To Want (But Do)." Hm .. seems like Maxim is admitting to being wrong a lot these days, no?
And let's not get started with 30 Rock. If you've read my past post on 7 Reasons Why You Should Watch Season One of 30 Rock, you'll know how much I adore the show. Quirky characters, quotable lines, unnoticeable dirty jokes .. this show has got it all. And it really makes you appreciate Tina Fey, as it is based loosely around her hectic life when she worked as head writer for a sketch comedy show (you guess it), SNL.
Tina Fey is the new, kick-ass kind of woman that women everywhere should be looking up to. She's smart, funny, and that all sort of makes her hawt in a way, that even most guys are confused about feeling some sort of attraction to her.
Tina Fey - Bitch Is the New Black (SNL)
Tina Fey - American Express Commercial
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Celebrity Sighting: Jack Cafferty
Working in the Time Warner building, I'm kind of used to seeing all these CNN anchors/reporters milling about (except for Anderson Cooper, where oh where are you??), but I have to say, I was super duper excited about running into Jack Cafferty yesterday in the cafeteria. WHY? Cause, a) he's cute and tall in an old man/grandpa sort of way, b) I used to watch him on the WB11 News at 10, and c) he totally smiled and said HI to me! I'm a sucker for anyone (famous or not) being SMILEY and NICE and FRIENDLY in this cold, cold world.
Anyways, that encounter led me to look up some stuff about him. He's an interesting guy, having plead guilty in '93 for leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a bicyclist (oh...Jack), and being raised by alcoholic parents. I saw him again today, but he looked kinda grumpy, which made me sad after the awesome encounter we had yesterday. Why must you play with my heart Cafferty??
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
House Party .. To the Extreme!
An Australian teenager who threw a wild party while his parents were away could face a 20,000 Australian dollars (US$18,000) hangover after police said Monday they might charge him for the cost of breaking it up. (CNN.com)After sending out a mass invite out on Facebook, more than 500 people showed up for the kid's house party. The party got out of control, and police came, responding after various complaints by the boy's neighbors. Party goers started pelting the neighbors' homes with glass bottles, and all hell broke loose. 30 officers, a helicopter, and a dog squad was on premises in order to break up the party.
Police will say no more than that they are charging the teen with producing child pornography and creating a public nuisance.
The boy is 16 years old.
He has caused further media frenzy, dubbed as the "Myspace party boy" and quoted to say that he is "not sorry for having an awesome party.” He appeared on an interview wearing a fashionable ski jacket, no shirt, low-rise jeans and trademark bright yellow sunglasses, in indignant fashion. The boy, unable to confront his parents, apologized to them during the interview, but was unsure of ever returning home:"I haven't really talked to them because every time they try to call, I don't answer."
Since then, the boy has been offered thousands of dollars to organize more teen parties.
---
This kid needs to learn a lesson from the "Meanest Mom."
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Spotlight: Diablo Cody
We here at LifeinBoxes heart Juno. The sweet and quirky indie film has been an intrigue to us since the project was first announced (Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, and Jennifer Garner in one movie??), and then we got excited about the trailer, and then we saw it, and... well, it definitely lived up to all of our expectations. People can talk about heavy marketing all they want, but really, the true test of the quality of a movie comes from word of mouth. Juno opened in select cities and slowly rolled out nationally. And boy has the little indie-movie-that-could really shown its legs. As of this week, Juno is the #2 movie in the nation, behind National Treasure. It is also expected to be Fox Searchlight's biggest grossing movie ever.
The success of Juno rests on a lot of things. It's brilliantly acted (give Ellen Page all the awards she's up for), it has a sweet and moral message without ever being condescending, and it's funny. But all of that falls on the great script first-time screenwriter Diablo Cody wrote. I don't think people realize the importance of a screenplay. It is the basis of all films, bad or good. The thing is, while you can make a bad movie out of a good screenplay, you simply can't make a good movie out of a bad screenplay. No matter how hard you try, if the screenplay isn't good, your movie isn't going to be either.
Diablo Cody's rise to the top is what Hollywood tales are made of. A former stripper, she started blogging about her stripping experiences, which caught the eyes of a Hollywood producer. He became a fan, landed her a book deal, which led her on the path of screenwriting. She wrote Juno at a Starbucks inside a Target in like 6 months, and it has been produced as a film without the usual many revisions most scripts go through. To have your very first attempt at a screenplay be produced is amazing. To have it be made into a film without loads of rewrites and revisions? That's pretty unheard of. To have people take you and your project seriously, despite having no formal screenwriting experience or training, in an industry where names and connections trump quality sometimes? That's a miracle. All of this just speaks to the brilliance of Juno.
Sometimes the movie does get bogged down by its too-witty dialogue. The characters are all way too articulate, way too funny. But the film is good. It has heart, it has characters that are not one-dimensional, and Juno is a great role model. Yes, despite the fact that she's 16 and knocked up, she is a strong female character, something that Hollywood desperately needs more of. Cody says, "I have a responsibility to write strong female characters. I'm going to continue to do it." We'll be seeing a lot more of Cody and these strong female characters; since the success of Juno, she's in hot hot demand in Hollywood at the moment. Once the strike is over, she's set to continue working on Jennifer's Body, a horror comedy, and The United States of Tara, a Showtime series produced by Steven Spielberg.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Simply Amazing
Ben Underwood is a 14 year old boy who plays video games, skateboards, and does every day teenage things. But what makes him so extraordinary is that he is blind, with eyes surgically removed when he was a young boy. He uses echo-location to live life like a normal teenager.
Wow.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Totally Awesome Thing To Do #232 - Travel the US in 80 Days Through the Help of Strangers
As a recent college graduate, I find myself constantly grappling with what I should be doing with my life. And every once in a while, I find somebody in my situation, except that, instead of sitting around and blogging, they are doing something awesome.. and blogging.
Matthew Danzico is a 25 year old guy from New York City who has created the "Around America in 2.0" project. Basically, he put up a video asking people to pick up, feed, and house him from one place to another for a trip around America in 80 days, and lots of people responded.
He vlogs about his travels around the country, and it's pretty cool. As I write this, he's in Palo Alto, California.
Do you think he'll need somebody to pick him up from Jersey? :x
Matthew Danzico is a 25 year old guy from New York City who has created the "Around America in 2.0" project. Basically, he put up a video asking people to pick up, feed, and house him from one place to another for a trip around America in 80 days, and lots of people responded.
He vlogs about his travels around the country, and it's pretty cool. As I write this, he's in Palo Alto, California.
Do you think he'll need somebody to pick him up from Jersey? :x
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