Snowmageddon (2014): Georgia’s State of Embarassment

 

Call the Navy, call the National Guard because Georgia just declared a state of emergency for two inches of snow! That’s right, two inches of snow! While the tri-state continues to face the aftermath of the polar vortex, which granted them 8-9 inches of snow, Georgia has been crippled by snow no higher than your average Cherry Chapstick. Hundreds of students sleeping in schools, people lounging in grocery and convenient stores, cars piling up on the highways and interstates…someone please tell me this is a joke? Forget a state of emergency, this is a state of embarrassment. As I’ve been sitting in my Atlanta home, listening to the Mayor Kasim Reed and Governor Nathan Deal deflect the blame onto the meteorologist, all I can do is sit back and laugh as they make up excuses and point fingers like 4 year olds. Having promised Georgia’s citizens that there wouldn’t be a repeat of the events that followed the Snowstorm of 2011, the two have definitely seen a decrease in approval ratings between yesterday and today. Frustrated and concerned parents flooded to Georgia schools to collect their children. At this hour 2,000 students remain in Fulton county schools, 400 in Atlanta Public schools, and 480 in Marietta. 3,200 flights have been cancelled! It is completely ridiculous that it takes so little to paralyze a major city like Atlanta. Several cars remain on the interstate. Questions continue to arise about tow truck companies making profit from this horrible situation (some charging upwards of 140 dollars). People breaking in and looting countless cars on the roads and interstates. Can Georgia please get themselves together and make a plan so that this situation will not have a three-peat?

 

Beach Bums and Television Runs

Firstly, let me apologize for my absence these past couple of weeks. I have truthfully neglected my blog and have regretted it everyday. I am determined to write something new at least once a week this summer, even if it’s something quick and short. Thus, here I go with a list of shows I will be following this highly anticipated Summer:

1. Under the Dome (NEW)

2. True Blood

3. Dexter

4. Falling Skies

5. Save Me (NEW)

6. The Killing

7. Breaking Bad

8. Motive (NEW)

9. Rookie Blue

10. The Bridge (NEW)

11. Mistresses (NEW)

What are you watching this Summer? If you’re interested in any of the shows listed above, please feel free to state your predictions for this season! Also, if you’ve lost track of time and need to catch up on any of these shows, feel free to check out (tvmuse.eu), it has evvverrryyyyy show I can think of, both new & old!

Drummmmmmmmrollllll Pleeaaasssee!

Thanks to Charlotte Carrendar of http://charlottecarrendar.com, I have been nominated for the Shine on Award! Being my first Blog award, I am more than grateful for this wonderful opportunity. I would like to take this chance to formally thank my followers that I have accumulated so far. Getting your comments and receiving your feedback every week really makes me enjoy what I do even more! Nonetheless, with great power comes great responsibility.

The rules for the Winners of this award are as follows:

1. Display the award logo on your blog.

2. Link back to the person who nominated you.

3. State 7 things about yourself

4. Nominate 15 other bloggers for this award and link to them.

5. Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award requirements.

7 Things About Myself Include

1. I am passionately determined to become an on camera success,

perhaps the female version of Ryan Seacrest lol!

2. When taken on a date, I’d rather go to see a Horror/Action movie than a Romance!

3. My favorite time period is the 80’s! (I love the movies & music)

4. I went to boarding school for high school….and NO i wasn’t a problem child and my mother does love me!

5. My favorite color has been blue all my life, I actually really dislike the color Pink..it’s my nemisis.

6. I’ve probably seen the Star Wars Franchise more times than George Lucas himself, just kidding, but I’m a big fan of the films.

7. My favorite superhero (animated) is Batman. But in terms of movies, Superman (I loved the Christopher Reeve‘s movies)

The Bloggers I have nominated for this award are as follows:

1. http://siciliangodmother.wordpress.com/

2. http://bernasvibethewayiseeit.wordpress.com/

3. http://esgeemusings.com/

4. http://rinth89.wordpress.com/

5.http://dreamatoriumredux.wordpress.com/

6. http://nedhickson.wordpress.com/

7. http://musicmovieslamode.wordpress.com/

8. http://khellriegel.wordpress.com/

9. http://jentendesigns.net/

10. http://evanescentincrements.wordpress.com/

11. http://pynkkashmere.com/

12. http://fakingpictureperfect.wordpress.com/

13. http://snehakalra.wordpress.com/

14. http://youngfabuloushome.com/

15. http://bernasvibethewayiseeit.wordpress.com/

Generation Y: Y.O.L.O (You only live once)

Has anyone noticed Generations Y’s strange obsession with living in the now? When I say Generation Y, a.k.a the Millennial Generation, I’m referring to individuals born between the late 70’s into the 2000’s. This generation has been the main target for this “act now, think later” theme. Popular media outlets, including movies, music, and social media have all begun to stress the ways this generation should be living, and that consist of living a lifestyle deprived of regrets! In terms of movies, this would include SuperBad, Project X, 21 and Over, the Hangover Franchise, and many more; while some songs would currently include:

One Direction‘s “Live While We’re Young“- “Tonight let’s get some. And live while we’re young”
Fun‘s popular hit “We are Young“- “Tonight, we are young, So let’s set the world on fire”
M.I.A‘s “Bad Girls“- “Live fast, die young, Bad girls do it well”
Ke$ha‘s “Die Young”- “Let’s make the most of the night like we’re gonna die young“

Each of these songs emphasize living in the now, problem free. These artists use youth as a clutch, and an excuse, to do anything and everything, without having to face the repercussions! They are exploited and told these false truths, that somehow the individual’s youth will protect them from harm, even immortalize them in countless ways. This has led to the death and incarceration of countless teens across America. Whether this is from the rising death toll of texting and driving, increased drug acceptance, or an increased urge to try new and dangerous stunts seen on television. Shows such as MTV’s long running Jackass, has long promoted this lifestyle, alongside several other shows geared toward teens on, including “The Real World,” newcomers “Buckwild,” and “Jersey Shore.” What’s sad is that television shows, movies, and music alike are now capitalizing on this toxic idea that is putting countless lives at stake. In fact, young adults have internalized these messages so much that they’re all over social media: #YOLO- “You only live once,” and are used repetitively after the completion of certain activities. If an individual fails to complete these activities, peers are looked down upon after excluding themselves from the risky behavior taking place, resulting in them completing the task out of #FOMO- “Fear of missing out.”

What do you think about this phenomena? Do you agree that it has become more widespread over the past couple of years? If not, please feel free to comment and post your opinion, I’d love to hear it!

Lainey B’s Guide to Successfully Avoiding Boredom:

Hey, if you’re not being physically active or productive in any way, why not watch hours of good television? Here’s my top list of television shows that are currently on or returning soon:

Fantasy (Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Fairies, Demons, Storybook Characters, etc):
1. Once Upon A Time
2. Vampire Diaries
3. True Blood
4. Supernatural

Epics (Knights, Warriors, etc.)
1. Game of Thrones

Period Pieces
1. Mad Men
2. The Vikings

Government (Conspiracies, Agents, Cops, etc.)
1. Homeland
2. Scandal
3. Elementary
4. Law & Order
5. Golden Boy
6. Southland
7. Blue Bloods

Psycho Killers
1. Hannibal
2. The Following
3. Dexter
4. Bates Motel
5. Criminal Minds

Comical Television
1. The New Girl
2. Modern Family
3. Awkward
4. Girls

Uncategorized Others
1. Revenge
2. Revolution
3. Duck Dynasty

Do you watch any of these? Excited for the next seasons? If not, what shows are your guilty pleasures?

An “Angel” Gone Rogue- The Boston Marathon Bombings

With the tragic events that have unfolded over the past couple of days within the Boston community, one can’t help but wonder, how could anyone do this? These two primary suspects, including the currently deceased, 26 year old Tamerlan Tsarnaev, and his younger brother, 19 year old Dzhokar Tsarnaev, left the world at a standstill after causing the Boston Marathon Bombings. While Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed earlier by gunshot wounds, following a shootout in Watertown, his brother is still at large. As the manhunt ensues, in search of Dzhokar, information about the two suspects continues to surface. This morning countless news sources, including NBC’s Today show, interviewed several individuals who personally knew the suspects. Dzhokar’s high school classmates and employer relayed that Dzhokar was a very “normal kid” with a seemingly ordinary lifestyle, including being part of his high school wrestling team, partying, and smoking pot. Individuals also conveyed that Dzhokar matriculated through the Boston school system, and expressed their confusion towards his recent transgressions. Meanwhile, Boston is on lockdown, in fear that Dzhokar is on the move with explosives at hand. The Boston community has been placed on high alert and instructed to stay indoors; police officials have also closed mass public transportation while the FAA have enforced strict no-fly zones. Dshokar has been publically identified as a terrorist and a threat to the entire Boston community. After the reported killing of his brother, the teen reportedly posted online that he will “kill everyone.”  The suspects’s family has reported that they have no idea why they would do anything like this. This is an attack on a global front and has effected communities around the world.My heart goes out to all the victims in Boston who have had to face this devastating attack, as well as the entire Boston community who have been shut up in their houses out of fear for their lives and their families!

 

Justin Bieber, Stop Monkeying Around!

Okay so has anyone else noticed that the Justin Bieber‘s career is literally spiraling out of  control? It’s like he’s recently committed himself to self sabatage! His publicist, Melissa Victor, is clearly sleeping on the job. Here’s a countdown conveying the many ways the Biebs is truly going Bananas:

 1. The Weed Pics– The weed pics are what launched Justin’s tarnished image and behavior.

2. The Crazed Fans– After the weed pics surfaced, devoted fans began cutting themselves in order for the pop star to quit his new habit. Thus beginning the morbid “#cutforbieber” spree that circled both Facebook and Twitter.

3. The Break Up– After the weed pics surfaced and the his fans began cutting themselves, Selena Gomez knew she had to get out of their relationship. Once the Disney star broke her 1 ½ year relationship with Justin, Justin seemed to lose a good amount of his fan base.

4. Kicked out the Club– The singer was kicked out of Cirque du Soir, a London Club, after refusing to leave rumored girlfriend, Ellapaige Roberts-Clarke (17) and Jaden Smith (14), who were denied access due to being underage.

5. Health Scare– When Justin Bieber tweeted pictures of himself, shirtless, and lying in a hospital bed after collapsing during a concert in London. This misled concern had fans wondering whether to be scared for the singer or excited to see his chiseled body?

6. Paparazzi Fight– Following his health scare, Justin was led by his security team from the hotel he was staying at in London when a paparazzo yelled “F*** off back to America!” This resulted in the 19 year old star hurling himself at the paparazzo and releasing a laundry list of expletives….Classy!

7. Death of a Paparazzo– Not too long after his last stunt with the paparazzi, a Los Angeles paparazzo named Chris Guerra, was struck by a car and killed after trying to nail a picture of the singer smoking weed. The determined paparazzo risked his life to catch a shot of the singer further tainting his image.

8. His Spat with his Neighbor– Justin was prosecuted for “spitting” on his Calabasas neighbor’s face. I guess talking wasn’t enough? Anyways, the neighbor, a father of three, charged the singer with spitting on him and launching a series of threats against him.

9. Going Bananas– Justin Bieber tried to bring his pet Capuchin monkey, named Mally, to Germany. The monkey was later confiscated after Bieber failed to present the documents required to bring the monkey with him. Although this happened weeks ago, the monkey is still being detained in quarantine. Ummmm, animal cruelty? I’m surprised the PETA organization hasn’t attacked the Biebs yet!

10. Late to his Own Concert– Justin Bieber arrived two hours late, yes I said it TWO HOURS LATE, to his concert in Dortmund, Germany. How are you gonna show up two hours late to your own concert? Not only was he extremely tardy, but he failed to explain or apologize for why he showed up late in the first place. Really Biebs? You only have but so many fans left, how are you gonna disappoint those select few?

WHAT’S NEXT ON BEIBER’S SPIRALING AGENDA? I HONESTLY DON’T KNOW!

    Are you a fan of the Biebs? Do you think his behavior over the past couple of months has been odd or semi regular for a celebrity?
Where do you think his career is going from here?

I’m a Barbie Girl, In a ‘Racist’ Barbie World

This week (Harlem, New York) mothers made their struggles known, as they demanded for Mattel, the popular Barbie making company to produce more Barbies of color. Like most mothers, Georgia Braithwaite, yearned to do nothing less than throw her daughter the best party she could. Thus, as soon as her daughter told her that she wanted a “Barbie-themed” party, she headed straight to the nearest party store. Nonetheless, as Karen Braithwaite, an eager mother, walked the isles of the store, she came to a standstill. She couldn’t find any products revolving around Barbies of color. Faced with overflowing isles of blonde haired, blue eyed Barbies, Karen had no other choice but to make ends meet. She chose to do the best she could and bought the closest complexioned Barbie to her daughter—Malibu Barbie. After devoting her time to coloring in each and everyone of the Malibu Barbies faces, Karen was ready to celebrate her daughters special birthday celebration with her!
……After hearing about this, all I have to say is REALLLY?!?! It’s 2013 Mattel, how can you not have a diverse group of Barbies? What is this the 50’s? There should be no hesitation when it comes to making globally conscious Barbies! We are living in a increasingly interconnected society, and this should be the last outlet for racism!! Children should be able to relate to people, let alone their dolls. If we have Black, Asian and Latina children aspiring to look like a Caucasian Barbie (and her counterpart Ken), we have children growing up with a conflicting self image. As Karen Braithwaite exclaimed, “The message they are sending when they exclude black Barbies, is that blonde hair and blue eyes are the ideal.”
We have to emphasize to our children, what makes the world beautiful is that people come in all colors, shapes, and sizes!

To sign a petition to increase the production of interracial Barbies, go to:

http://www.change.org/petitions/mattel-offer-party-supplies-featuring-barbies-of-color

Matt Lauer is Soo Yesterday, Anderson Cooper is TODAY!

It was made known earlier this week that Anderson Cooper may be one of Matt Lauer‘s replacements at the end of 2013. Although, Alexandra Wallace, an overseer at “Today,”denies these claims, I can’t help but think there’s a hint of truth to them. As someone who grew up watching Matt Lauer and Katie Couric every morning, I absolutely loved everything about the “Today” show, the energy and the people. This may be horrible to say, but I’m not at all sad about this decision. With Matt’s plagued image tainting the show, there is no doubt in my mind that he should be replaced. During the past couple years, the famous Today anchor has proven to be more of a thorn in the side of the show than anything else. Between his noteworthy disputes with guest on air, including Tom Cruise, or even his fellow co-host Ann Curry, Matt has definitely had more downs than ups during the past few years. Not only has he showed animosity on air, but off air as well. One of his former interns recently reported via Twitter that the journalist was everything but welcoming during his internship stating, “I was an intern there in ’97, his first year on the job…how do I say this?…he was…not nice.” Well, it’s good to know that the journalist hasn’t changed over the years. Maybe that’s the real reason why Katie Couric left?  Anyway, I’m positively thrilled to hear that NBC may be considering Cooper as one of Matt’s replacement, even if it is a rumor! As one of the main faces of CNN, a successful show host, and just an overall excellent journalist, Cooper is by far, the best choice!

NiElSoN, Your No “Son-of-Mine”

Ever wonder whose in control of tracking the view counts on your television? Have you questioned who or what exactly determines the fate of your favorite television shows? Well, I’m gonna tell you all about it! The fate of all your guilty pleasures is inevitably sealed by Nielson. Nielson, the world’s leading audience measurement company, was established in 1936 by Arthur C. Nielson. Nielson is responsible for tracking more than 40% of the world’s viewing behavior, from your home Television sets and computers, to your handheld PDA’s. Through their technology, Nielson is able to pinpoint and track who you are, what your watching, and when your watching it. Does anyone else find that the least bit creepy? (**Big Brother **) But anyway, the company rates the view count of television shows and other programs, through tracking Local People Meters. Judging by all of the great shows I’ve watched that have been cancelled, I don’t think these people are the best to go by. Like what happened to Flash Forward, V, Heroes, or even 90’s cult classics like My So-Called Life and Freaks and Geeks? These “Local People” must not be watching the right shows! Based on these Local People Meters, reality television shows sadly continue to strive, while excellently written and politically relevant shows continue to plunge. I honestly think that the Nielson’s viewing data is inaccurate, seeing as how they fail to track DVR recordings. Hardly anyone I know watches television shows at the exact time they air, people either record them and watch them later, or watch them on a program sharing site like Hulu. I don’t know about you all but I’m just tired of the good television shows being cancelled due to defective and out of date consumer tracking company’s like Nielson.

How do you guys feel about Nielson’s tracking method? Does it accurately depict the “top” shows on television?

What are some of your favorite television shows that have been cancelled?