Spice Up Your Life!

They're Back!! The world-famous, girl-power group has comeback together after a 10-year hiatus. The Spice Girls were an absolute hit in the 90's, breaking records all over the world. They had girls everywhere singing along to their songs and dressing up in 5-inch platform shoes, something no 9 year old would ever dream of on their own. I know because I was one of them. I was obsessed! My friends and I knew every word to every song and would frequently pretend we were the Spice Girls any chance we got. The first concert I ever went to was to see the Spice Girls! And I was even more enamored after that. They are one of the most successful girl groups to date and I suspect their comback tour may break records again. By being picky on the cities they visit, they have a better chance of selling out venues and attracting a much larger audience than if they went on a 50-city tour. Their movie, Spice World, which might be one of the dumbest movies of all time, was played and re-wound many times in my house! I would love to see the girl's back in action just to see if they still have it! But judging by their phenomenal figures, they definately look like they're back in shape. Roberto Cavalli designed all of their costumes for the tour so I can only imagine how wonderful those are, a big step up from the giant platforms and pig-tails they paraded around in. I wonder if they will develop the same teeny-bopper following they had in the 90's or if the grown up teeny-boppers will be the ones screaming like school-girls at their concerts. I guess we will have to wait to see!

Time....What?

This ad frustrates me and confuses me every single time I see it. Dolce & Gabbana is advertising their new line of watches, which is clear given all of the jewelry close-ups. And I understand that sex sells...especially in jewelry advertisements. What I don't undertand is why the last shot of the commercial focuses in on 2 guys and 2 girls making out. I have no problem with homosexuality and I believe in gay rights, but for some reason I don't think that is the message Dolce & Gabbana is attempting to convey to the viewers. Essentially, the person is kissing a mirror image of himself. But why? I have tried to come up with an explanation for myself, and maybe I just don't see it. But I don't see how that last shot makes any sense for a watch campaign. I like the fact that it's fast paced and and of course is full of beautiful people and is a somewhat different approach for a line of watches, but I am still lost when it comes to the last scene. Someone please explain to me the underlying meaning of this advertisement, but I am completely oblivious to it!

Feral Child

Crazy huh? I had to watch the video a few times before I could completely wrap my mind around it. While feral children are much more common in India and not the United States, it is still a fascinating video about something most people are unaware of. A perfect example, like the video says, of nature vs nurture. Who knew that people could literally act like dogs! I find it pretty disturbing, but I just had to share it.

An Incentive to Quit

This is an advertisement I drew for a group project. We had to write a creative brief for Nicorette Gum and illustrate an advertisement that answered our brief. We decided to incorporate a snow man because after all, it is the holiday season. Also because studies show that one's desire to smoke severely increases over the holidays because of the stress, food, drinking, and mourning for some that comes along with it. We were encouraging the consumer to "Bud Out before you Burn Out!" Kick it now before the holidays get here so you don't have to worry about succumbing to your desires. I had a great time doing the project and now I know exactly how much stress comes with trying to produce a visually pleasing advertisement for the masses!

Christmas Audition

Priceless!!

It's Alive Inside

I love this commercial! It suprised me to find it was for Guinness Draft Beer because it is such an innovative approach compared to the majority of beer commercials we see. The idea behind it is clearly expressed even without the text at the end. To think about beer in that way, like a complicated combination of instruments that when played together, make beautiful music is really cool. My only complaint is that they ended the commercial with the stereotypical "bar scene" which I think takes away from the creative slot. But overall, I am really impressed with this ad.

6-Year Old Rapping Sensation

If you have been to a Dallas Maverick's game this season, you already know who little Bentley Green is. He is a 6-year old from Dallas who writes and performs his own rap songs. This is one that he wrote for the Maverick's and performs during various public appearances. Bentley has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show on which he performed a song written especially for Ellen. Even if you don't believe Bentley writes his own lyrics, his performance will fully entertain you!!

Wedgie-Proof Underwear; A Cry for Help?

What an idea? I have to give props to Justin and Jared, the two brother's who invented the wedgie-proof underwear. While their invention is really impressive and well-made, I worry that there may be a bigger problem in school's across our country. Are bullies still such an issue that kids are being forced to protect themselves by inventing tear-away underwear? Can we not regulate our school grounds more efficiently to protect the students? Being a girl, I never dealt with such issues, or bullies for that matter, but I hate to think children are being antagonized so much that they need more protection that teachers are unable to offer. It has already been established that "tag" is no longer an appropriate recess game because of the potential emotional damage that can be caused from being "it." If tag, a game that has been around since who knows when, is of such concern, why can't someone do something about the bullies plaging our schools? I worry that there is a much bigger issue disguised by the invention of these creative brother's.

My Best Friend

I have been so fortunate in my life to be blessed with such a wonderful family and amazing friends. Family and friends mean everything to me and I can't imagine my life without each and every one of them. But there is one extra-special person who I could not live without...my brother Newton. He is my rock, my shield, my shoulder to cry on, the hand that pulls me up when I'm down, the one to tell me when I'm wrong, and the one who always tells me how proud he is of me. We have been through everything together. Things most siblings aren't faced with until they have families of their own. Since the age of 12, when we lost our mom, he has been my guiding post. I have asked him questions about everything from boys and relationships to religion and politics. And somehow, he always has advice for me. He may not always have an answer, but he always has words of wisdom that lead me to the answer I set out to find. We are 8 years apart and most people find it funny that we are so close given our age gap. But I think that is part of the reason we are so close. We never faught growing up and we hardly ever argue today. Our relationship is completely built on love, trust, and the understanding that we will always be there for each other. No matter what time of day, where we are, how old we are, or how much trouble we are in, or I am in! I feel truly blessed to have someone so special and amazing in my life, and even more blessed that we have more in common than 2 friends possibly could. My brother is and always will be my best friend!

The Friend Nobody Likes- Dane Cook

Ok so maybe this is a little harsh, but you have to admit, it's hilarious!

A Stereotype or A Play on Reality?

Most people have seen this video, but I still find it hilarious! And the more I watch it, the more I realize that I know people who actually act like that. Obviously they don't rap about it, but they talk about "new money" and "old money" and things of that sort. SMU is known for being a classy, very preppy university that is attended by student's of fortunate backgrounds. Mainly because of how expensive tuition is, but also because of the way some students represent the school. I am not trying to point fingers or say that I am completely innocent, but I have to point out the obvious. If you walk down the boulevard during a tailgate at SMU, you will find yourself completely surrounded with Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Fendi labels. Anything that can possibly have a visible logo is tarnished with gaudy labels; everything from sunglasses to shoes; head to toe literally. People, or their parent's, pay up to $3,000 for a handbag that cost about $10 to make. The reason: the label. People are craving social acceptance and feel that showing off their material posessions will grant them a "VIP" pass into a group of snobby girls. Even guys at SMU are victims of the "social hammer." I love that they guys at SMU, for the most part, are well-dressed and present themselves in an appropriate manner. But I also find it funny that some of them are just as consumed with labels are the girls are. I am completely generalizing here so it's not at all fair to say this stereotype goes for everyone at SMU, but it sure seems to describe the majority. I love SMU and can't imagine spending the best 4 years of my life anywhere else. But whether I point it out or not, the craving for social acceptance surrounds our campus and steers the lives many student's choose to lead.

I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone

I can see clearly now the rain is gone

I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there's nothin but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Not only because it is a great song, but because it holds a special memory in my heart. This song was played at my grandfather's funeral a few years back. It is not your average funeral song....Amazing Grace...but I think it is 100% appropriate. A funeral is a time of celebration. You are celebrating the life of a loved one. All of their adventures, accomplishments, triumphs and sorrows. My grandfather was a wonderful man who definately lived life to the fullest. He and my grandmother partied until his last days. He has friends all over the world who loved and adored him, not to mention a family who centered themselves around him. I will forever love this song and when I'm feeling down or upset, it always seems to brighten my spirits!