Do Public Restrooms Bother You Too?

Finally, someone points out all of the things that bother me about public restrooms. Why do they call it a restroom? Why is everything wet? Why is the door always hanging by one hinge?! Dane Cook performs his entertaining interpretation of what happens in the "restroom."

"Bones"

This print ad was produced by TBWA/Paris for Amnesty International. The tag line in the lower left corner reads: '300,000 Child Soldiers Dream of Simply Being Children.' I get chills everytime I read that. The children in the photo are playing a game with the remains, or bones, left behind by other child soldiers. Children should never have to put their lives on the line and assume the role of a soldier. They are children! Let them be children! This ad does a beautiful job of capturing concept with minimal text. The message is clear without the text, actually, but it definately adds that extra chill-factor. This is a perfect example of how to manifest such a horrible, angering fact of reality into a socially accepting yet alarming way. It calls attention to the matter and impacts reader's before they have a chance to turn the page. Once again, TBWA is noted for their impressive work!

Venezuela Says "NO" to Chavez!

Hugo Chavez experienced his first ever electoral defeat today. Chavez proposed a change to the Venezuelan Constitution that would allow him, if elected, to remain in power indefinately. Voters rejected the constitutional reform by 51% to 49%. Chavez admits, "I understand and accept that the proposal I made was quite profound and intense." That's an understatement if you ask me. Hugo Chavez, who is a close alli and friend to Fidel Castro, would be unstoppable if he had been elected. A total dictatorship would reside over Venezuela and while he claims to be a "man of the people," I hardly believe that to be true. Chavez was definately humbled by his defeat and advised the citizens of Venezuela to be calm and stop the violence in the streets. I was suprised to see how close the vote was; a 2% difference is a very close race. I can't imagine having enough faith in one person to run my country until his, or her, life was over. Things change over time. People change for that matter. A country needs someone who is in touch with the changes taking place in society and someone who has a fresh outlook and approach for handling them. Hugo Chavez and Venezuela have gone hand-in-hand for year. I think it's about time Venezuela caught a break. Luckily, this defeat will prevent Chavez from running for re-election in 2012!

Our Little Family!

There is an old saying that says, "You didn't pick your family, but you love them anyway." Well this year, I am adding something to that littIe saying. I have the family that I "didn't pick", so to speak, and I love them more than words can say. But I have recently discovered a new meaning for family; Friends! My two roommates and I have become so close just over the past semester. We were all friends last year, but living together has obviously strengthened our friendship. I feel like we are the modern, all-girl version of Three's Company; we laugh together, cook together, cry together, get mad at each other over stupid stuff, and get on each other's nerves from time to time. But at the end of the day, we are family. We share a home and have already made so many wonderful memories together...just the three of us! I feel like its a part of growing up. You have your family that you have known your entire life who will always be your base; they taught you the morals, values, and beliefs that have helped shape the person you have become. Then you have your "new family," the one's you choose to surround yourself with because you see some glimmer of yourself in them. You share common interests, you trust each other, and you can count on them to keep you grounded. And as time passes and you grow older, you will form a family of your own that you create. You will marry your life partner and start a family together, one in which you will always be the "base." I find it really neat and fascinating that we are able to find and form multiple families in one lifetime. Thus far, I only have 2 families, but I am so grateful for both of them! And I look foward to creating another family somewhere down the road. But for right now, I am focusing on appreciating and cherishing the family I have, especially this new family that is getting stronger everyday!

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year..."

There is something magical that comes along with Christmas. It starts when you are a little kid and suprisingly, doesn't go away as you get older. Sure you figure out that Santa Clause isn't real, and that Rudolph and the 7 reindeer don't land on your roof- top on Christmas Eve. Yet even so, Christmas still feels magical. Maybe it's the lights that make houses shine like the North Star. Or the Christmas Tree covered in ornaments from years past. Or the wonderful carols that follow you everywhere you go, brightening your spirit and giving you hope. Maybe it is the church service on Christmas Eve when everyone sings "Silent Night" while holding candles, celebrating the birth of Jesus. And you certainly can't have Christmas without the bitter cold wind that "nips at your nose" while you keep warm with hot apple cider and hot chocolate! All of these traditions make Christmas the most-anticipated time of year. The Christmas Spirit is something no one can ignore, with the exception of the Grinch, and spreads cheer with each heart it infects. The undeniable innocence that the spirit carries may just be the most infectous symptom. Any way you look at it, Christmas is the "Most wonderful time of the year!"

Risky Flip!

This guy who attempts to flip over the street on skiis happens to be someone I know very well. He's my friend! He tried this last year, obviously surrounded by a bunch of his guy friends, whose laughs you hear immediately following his crash! I still laugh everytime I watch it, only because he didn't get hurt, (he didn't land on his head if that's what you were wondering). But he is really lucky. I just thought I would share one of the dare-devilish tricks that has yet to scare him!