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| Serena |
| DVD ~ Bradley Cooper |
| Price: $9.99 |
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 Vilification of Child-free Women, June 10, 2015
First off, I enjoy the acting talents of both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence and look forward to watching their upcoming movies. Additionally, I wish them both bright/abundant futures in both their personal and professional lives regardless of who they marry and/or regardless of whether they have children or not. With that said, the feature of both of them (Cooper and Lawrence) in this movie influenced my decision to watch Serena. The pros; Lawrence’s portrayal as a sly Serena Pemberton and Coopers portrayal of an ambitious George Pemberton created some convincing chemistry as a couple. I also liked that they portrayed the Serena character in a strong and commandeering light set in a historical period where it is common knowledge that there where many women who were expected to professionally fade in the background of their husbands. Another pro; the characters of Serena and George are also portrayed in a way as to evoke a sense of a take charge leading persona due to the necessity of having to make a living in their careers. The dark aspects and cons that I did not enjoy about this movie; I have not read the book and am unsure whether or not the writer had children, but I found hurtful aspects as to how Serena was portrayed through a child-free woman lense. For instance, it appears that the characters of George and Serena lived in a time period where there was not government help for people to fall back on if they did not have enough money to eat or live (i.e. it looked like a live or die scenario if one did not generate enough income to live on regardless of whether one had children or not). There is a scene where Serena is interacting with a woman and her child throughout the movie. Serena’s cold indifference to the mother and her child paints a negative stereotype that child-free women have a problem with and/or dislike mothers with children. I feel that this stereotype is unfair because the reasons that many women are childfree have little to do with whether or not they would have a problem with other mothers and their children. For instance, my late adoptive mother taught me through her own example to show respect towards other mothers and their children regardless of whether I chose to be child-free or not. In happier circumstances and/or time period, I’m sure that a real-life character such as Serena would eventually learn to accept the mother and child as well as at least provide financial help and/or emotional support whenever needed. I also did not like what happened to the character of Serena. It is as if the script implied that Serena’s life cannot have an improved ending and/or she is not capable of character rehabilitation and/or remorse. There is so much more that bothered me about this movie, but I know I must show consideration for those who have yet to see the film.
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 A Guide From A Former White House Director of Events, June 7, 2015
Please know that I’m thankful for what I have, including my job. Additionally, I do not dub myself a guru and am only sharing what piques my interest. However, I purchased Eat, Drink, and Succeed: Climb Your Way To The Top Using The Networking Power of Social Events by Laura Schwartz as a way to help me socially on both a professional and personal scale. This book is a godsend to me because it gives ideas on how to network and/or socialize in my spare time (vital because it is a no-no at my job). Eat, Drink, & Succeed by Laura Schwartz contains the following information; Building The Inner Circle Bridge (page 53), the wealth of information available in free city magazines, newspapers,online resources, conference programs (starts on page 86), the power of being introduced by someone else as well as introducing someone else (pages 127), avoiding gossip and asking someone’s age and salary (page 155), a checklist (page 177) and much more.
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Saga About Following Your Dreams?, June 7, 2015
Fortunately, I know about the 2007 movie Hairspray due to my time of living on the Mayport Naval Base. A friend from work and I both agreed to see Hairspray after noticing that it was playing at one of the movie theaters connected to a mall. Anyhow, this movie has many famous celebrities attached to the film (John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, and more celebrities featured etc). Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) loves dancing so much and her interest with the Corny Collins show gives her an added fire and determination with her dancing. Tracy’s mother Edna Turnblad loves her daughter very much but is also a little overprotective of her at times. Overall, it is with good intentions because Edna only wants the best for Tracy without letting her get too crushed by the what ifs that could happen in life. Obviously, there is so much more to this film which is great for those who have enjoyed and/or liked the previous 1988 Hairspray film and/or enjoy watching movies that also happen to be musicals.
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Summer Fun In Virginia and California, June 5, 2015
I admit so far I have only bought and watched Episode 4 from Travel Channel’s Bikinis & Boardwalks Season 1. This was due to the coverage of Virginia Beach Virginia (I intend to eventually move to and reside in Virginia long-term). Before I review, I must preface that I plan to live here in the Washington D.C. area for at least the next 5-6 months, but I intend to move by the year 2020 due more to cost of living reasons (where I have a better chance of having more money left after paying rent and/or the potential chance to own at least one paid for house and/or trailer by the year 2035), wanting to live close to one of the areas where I resided when I was still in the navy, while still being close enough to visit the Washington D.C. area at least once every 3-4 months (regardless of whether I’m employed in the private or government sector). I only say this because I get communications from well- intentioned people who mistakenly think I’m going to pick up and move tomorrow without taking my husband into account, providing appropriate notification at my job, and/or they’re unaware that I’m actually going to miss the Washington D.C. area. With that out of the way, I’m very glad that I purchased Episode 4 titled Bikini Contest. There is so much information and fun packed into just twenty one minutes (to the point where I’m considering purchasing the remaining episodes of this season within the next 11 months at the latest). However, here is a snapshot of some of the information available just in Episode 4 of Bikinis & Boardwalks Season 1 (Travel Channel); For the Virginia Beach segment the viewer is introduced to Randy Harris Paddle Board Tour Guide, Sarah Cochrane Guide for The Coastal Food Tour, what appears to be I think is Rocafellers restaurant (I plan to watch this episode multiple times and will update only if necessary)- Rocafellers drink containing cherry vodka, pomegranate liquer, and peach puree,- an event where 800 of the world’s top surfers compete, Mike Stanning owner of Waterman’s Surfside Grille, there is a drink served at Waterman’s Surfside Grille (since 1966) called an orange crush, This episode discusses how Virginia Beach Virginia is known to be a top summer party destination with a yearly bikini contest where the winner receives 3,000 U.S. dollars. The Santa Cruz California (mentioned in the episoe to be around 175 miles south of San Francisco)segment contains the following; Aloha Outrigger Races, the 1st race in the Aloha Outrigger Race starts out with 34 teams, Joe Marini owner of Marini’s who sells a chocolate bacon creation that is popular with many customers, Allison Emmert-Co-owner of Surf City Grille who admits that she has to keep her recipe secret for the popular fried artichokes that are fried in a secret herb and fresh local garlic batter. What is also mentioned in this episode is that at least 50 tons of artichokes are harvested in California each year.
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Solid Mother Daughter Bond, June 5, 2015
Mama Mia is a quirky and elevating movie that partially centers around a strong bond that a woman named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has with her mother Donna (Meryl Streep). Donna is also lending emotional support to Sophie for her upcoming marriage and simultaneously coming to terms with Sophie growing up. On the positive/plus side both women are not alone as they are coping with the changes. In addition to her fiancée Sky (Dominic Cooper), Sophie has her best friend Ali (Ashley Lilly) for support while her mom has support in the from Tanya (Christian Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters). Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgard also play roles in Mama Mia.
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Dramatic And Riveting, June 5, 2015
I eventually decided to take a chance on seeing Imitation Game after seeing it featured enough times at my job. For some strange reason, I was also curious to know more about the story behind the character (Alan Turing) that Benedict Cumberbatch was playing and the one that Keira Knight was playing (Joan Clarke). Both Turing and Clarke collaborated together during their professional/decryption work that was indirectly affiliated with helping to stop World War II. I understand that the movie is not a direct representation of what actually happened. However, one informative aspect tied into how the film carefully tied certain events into the work that they were doing (such as the heart-wrenching scene where Turing has to tell his coworker that they must withhold certain news even with the lucid awareness of one of their family members being on a certain sub). Additionally,I know that you are not supposed to use Wikipedia (academically speaking) as a guaranteed reference. However, if the birthdates cited are correct, it is interesting to note that their birthdays were just one day apart from each other (Clark and Turing’s birthdates). Anyhow, this is a good movie for those who are open to watch films indirectly related to key events in history and/or a case study in a person who did their best to endure being different from others in a time period that appeared to show contempt towards anybody outside of the mainstream.
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Clairvoyant Eye?, June 5, 2015
I remember first hearing “Naked Eye” by Luscious Jackson as a teenager during the 90’s (the song played both on television and the alternative rock radio station near where I lived). Obviously, I still find this song enthralling to this day, yet wish that I could understand the full meaning. The song mixes elements of indie rock, alternative rock, and hints of electronica with the lyrics with my naked eye I saw the falling rain. I’m only guessing that maybe the song is about accepting things as they are yet simultaneously seeing things as they are (past the illusion of how it appears to be on the external surface). Regardless if my interpretation is correct (or somewhere outside of the ballpark metaphorically speaking), Naked Eye by is great for those who enjoy 90’s alternative rock/indie songs.
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Impetuous Emotions?, June 5, 2015
Burn by Kreo (also known as Burning For You by Kreo as per Vimeo) is a melodious song that I first heard Yahoo music radio via around 2005/2006 when I was living on the Mayport Naval Base (through the United States Navy). As many know, I listen to music from both iheartradio and Pandora, but was recently reminded of positive memories of this song when I first recently heard it on Pandora. The title of the song pretty much hints at the meaning of the song, yet I’ll go ahead and throw out that the meaning of the song basically is about caring for someone on a deep romantic level (I’m guessing a culmination of both passionate love/intense and feelings of a strong crush that exist across various ardent unions; where two people are just lovers and/or flings to each other, unmarried relationships, and marriages). Burn For You by Kreo (also known as Burning For You by Kreo) is a fantastic dance song for those who savor music from the early 2000’s and the song can also be listened to on Amazon prime, Vimeo, and/or Youtube for those who are still on the fence about this song.
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Sultry And Melodious, June 5, 2015
Tell Me by Billie Myers is another song that I first heard in my teenage years via the radio (around the time I was 17). Once again, I acknowledge that this dancey/pop song could be about something else completely different, but I’m guessing Tell Me by Billie Myers is a musical track about being curious to see through the eyes of one’s lover. Please understand that I’m also aware of her Kiss The Rain track. It is just that I felt that Tell Me by Billie Myers needed to also be written/discussed about due to my humble perspective that this song is underrated. Either way, Tell Me by Billie Myers is great for those who listen to 90’s songs from various genres (due to Tell Me combining hints of pop, dance, international/world music vibes).
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Not Too Sweet, Light Crunchy Taste, June 5, 2015
I gave these Quaker Popped Blackberry Pomegranate Flavor Sweet Oat Crisps (seven ounce bag)a try after a coworker recommended these as a good snack (at least the rice cake recommendation, I chose this flavor on my own). Yes, they are not quite rice cakes, yet they are close enough to them texture wise. The pomegranate and the blueberry flavor are both evident on these crisps with the stronger hints of pomegranate (at least to me). What I do like is the slight energy boost that I get from eating them.
Public Reviews Written by You
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A Writer’s Dream In The Higher Planes of Spiritual Light, June 11, 2015
I must preface my review that my interest in media relating to heaven and the afterlife is independent of the fact that I would prefer to live to be at least between 85-110 years old this lifetime and I’m blessed/grateful for my great physical health. At this point in my life, I must avoid explaining why my interest in heaven/afterlife related media (across multiple belief systems) is increasing by the day because I intuitively/logically sense that my reasons may unintentionally get misunderstood at my current level of communication skills. However, I admit that my curiosity into what makes a strong afterlife themed fiction book is what indirectly influenced me to take a chance on The Writer’s Afterlife by Richard Vetere. The Writer’s Afterlife is one of those books that compare to watching a phenomenal supernatural themed film for some of the following reasons;
Pg. 128- The main character of Tom Chillo;s spirit is incarnated into the body of handsome and charismatic Max Foreman. There is a scene where he manages to contact a highly regarded/popular book critic/reviewer to take a look at and review his work. More happens, yet one must look inside the book to truly understand why this is one of the events pivotal to the story.
Pages 182 and 183 as well as pages 186 and 187- These pages question ideas such as how some authors may get published when their work would otherwise have to go through self-publishing and/or other channels (i.e. plays with the controversial idea on how many and/or how often some authors had to pursue romantic affairs and/or special friendships with people connected in some way to the publishing industry). These pages also touch on the notion that sometimes your rival in life can sometimes eventually be your biggest advocate/ally.
Pages 196-197-The main character of the story implies why falling in love has been tricky business for him. It also plays on the idea that people are often different than the way they appear on the physical surface (i.e. physical appearance, mannerisms), basically the implication to avoid judging a book by its cover.
Pages 199-203- Plays with the idea that in order to become famous and/or have a life of recognition and/or financial accomplishment a person has to deal with if they are willing to risk and/or accept being a little fish in a big sea (i.e. moving to and/or living in popular U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, the Washington D.C. area etc.) or choose to live in the U.S. cites that may not be as popular but with the potential to be a big fish in a small pond.
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Adverse Career Tests Call For Extreme Measures?, June 11, 2015
I admit that I found out about the Glengary Glen Ross movie from an e-mail newsletter affiliated with Jordan Belfort. The Glengary GlenRoss movie caught my attention due to the message on how the film relates to the area of selling (which is common knowledge that it directly affects a person whether they are looking for a job and/or working to keep their job). Anyhow, this movie deals with the extreme measures that people sometimes take in order to provide for themselves and/or their families. It was also good insight seeing the perspective of some areas that a person is faced with when trying to persuade others to buy real estate. The movie also dealt with a touchy subject of whether any employee is to be completely loyal to their fellow higher ranking coworker at the expense of a customer even when treading illegal territory or tell the truth of a situation as it is. Reluctantly, I’ll admit that seeing some of the scenes elicited some uncomfortable memories for me of when my husband and I were both persuaded to purchase a Westgates timeshare during a 2007 Walt Disney World trip (which, I would gently advise against obtaining a timeshare unless you don’t mind the possibility of not being able to sell back a depreciating timeshare like you could a car). Anyhow, what adds strength to this movie are the key teamplayers of the film; The front of the dvd features the names of Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Larkin, and Kevin Spacey (with pictures of Kevin Spacey, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, Alec Baldwin, and Jack Lemmon featured on the front dvd cover). This two disc set has extra bonuses on each dvd. For instance, disc one is a widescreen edition and has the features of Magic Time; A Tribute To Jack Lemmon. Disc Two is a Full Screen format and has the following special features; ABC-Always Be Closing, J. Roy New and Used Furniture, Bonus Audio Commentary, Clip Archive-The Charlie Rose Show, Clip Archive-Inside The Actors Studio, Cast Biographies, Crew Biographies, and Production Notes.
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Brilliant Fusion of Bubblegum Pop and Dance, June 11, 2015
Look At Us by Sarina Paris is a peppy and cheerful Europop song. Recently, I heard this song through Pandora Radio and I took Look At Us to be a positive song about an enduring and strong romantic relationship (whether married or unmarried). Anyhow, Look At Us by Sarina Paris is an elevating dance/pop melody.
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Singing One’s Way To Happiness, June 11, 2015
Sing by Travis is a very heartfelt tune about basically singing and/or turning to music whenever you are tested by life. The video to this indie rock song (currently available online) adds an optimistic slant to Sing because of the foodfight among the quests and even the chef getting drawn into the dinner party gone wild. I first heard this song around 2001/2002 when I was stationed in Japan via a cd compilation.
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Acceptance Of Another Anthem, June 11, 2015
I Want You To Know by Zedd (feat. Selena Gomez) appears to be a catchy dance/pop tune about being around someone who helps you see life in a more optimistic and empowered way. I understand that the meaning of the song could symbolize something else, yet my takeaway from the tune is about being around someone who accepts you.
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Music Transformation, June 11, 2015
I’m well aware that I’m extremely late to the music community that has most likely listened to Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling for quite some time (in addition to hearing about some family members who like her music). Anyhow, I’m now curious to hear more music from the electronica-classical genre after getting a chance to listen to Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling. This is great music for writing, hanging out at your apartment, and/or if you just want to hear melodic music that lifts your spirits. I enjoy the tunes Shatter Me feat. Lizzy Hale (of Halestorm), Beyond The Veil, Take Flight, V-pop, and We Are Giants (feat. Dia Frampton) the most on the Shatter Me collection. However, there are other songs in this collection that are also pleasant to listen to and perfect for eclectic music lovers open to hearing music that combines violins with the fusion of classical and electronic music.
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Music For A Nightclub Feast?, June 11, 2015
Supperclub Presents Lounge 3 (a.k.a V.3). This is a various artist collection that combines elements of chill, jazz, and lounge music vibes. There are 13 songs on each of the two cds/ I admit to currently liking cd two a little more. However, there is something for the many music lovers who enjoy chillout, jazz, and/or trip-hop music vibes.
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Flourishing Life Music, June 11, 2015
This Halcyon Days 2013 Standard Edition by Ellie Goulding is an amusing music collection with songs containing lots of heart. Stay Awake is one of the songs that I enjoy from this cd, however there are also more satisfying songs on the Halycon Days 2013 Standard Edition including the popular hits Anything Could Happen, I Need Your Love (feat. Calvin Harris), and Burn. This music assortment is good for those who enjoy dance and electronic music fusions.
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Satisfying Taste, June 11, 2015
I admit that I noticed that this 11.6 ounce box of Cinnamon Syrup French Toast Crunch has been selling a lot at my job, which made me curious to buy it (in conjunction with my employee discount card). This cereal tastes just as yummy as Cinnamon Toast Crunch (except you get miniature shapes of French toast and hints of syrup). French Toast Crunch is the perfect cereal to try for those who have enjoyed Cinnamon Toast Crunch and/or are just curious to try French toast and syrup flavored cereal.
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I Have A Weakness For Chocolate Yet,, June 11, 2015
This Chocolate Toast Crunch cereal (11.6 ounce) was another purchase that I was curious to get due to my previous enjoyment of some other chocolate flavored cereals that I only have sometimes due to personal reasons (such as Reese’s Pieces cereal, the cookie crisp cereal, Cocoa Pebbles etc.). However, I did not enjoy this cereal like I did the French Toast edition. The amount of chocolate in the cereal and cinnamon seemed to clash too much flavor wise for the wheat squares. From my perspective, the cinnamon overpowered the chocolate too much in this cereal. However, for someone else this could be tastebud heaven.. For me, I would probably stick more with the French Toast Crunch cereal or the Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
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