Save the Earth, Do This!

     Yay! Being green for the planet.

     Actually can I rant for a second? Because I recently found out this fact and have been dwelling on how incredible the whole thing is. CHICAGO DOESN'T RECYCLE. WTF.
     I totally do not understand at all. I mean there must be some sort of explanation. I could google it, but I think the lame excuse will be something that will make me even more frustrated. So we as a city are not saving our freakin' planet. We are helping it decay and that is horrible.

     Also since I'm already on my soap box, I will state my total belief in how theatre can save the world. Small, live theatre is so powerful and everyone needs to experience a powerful performance. It has to power to make you examine how you think about certain things, it brings together a community of artists, and it celebrates human emotion. It is a small step to improving our world, because as art evolves and positively grows it improves the lives of many.

   Throw your cigarette butts in the garbage, don't litter out your car window, and give those oberwise bottles back. It's the little things...

Invisible

     I wish I had more time to read the book Invisible Man, but I guess that is how it goes. All of his little tales are super interesting but all sort of based around the same topic, which is sort of frustrating because I feel like we have focused on the particular race issue a ton this year. It was eye opening though because he writes about things that are events that have not happened in my life personally.
     But I think that we all have had times where we have felt slightly invisible or ignored. Whenever a breakup happens, it is because of a false understanding of the other person, making something invisible. Maybe this thing was invisible all along, but the sense that something was misunderstood conveys invisibility.
     I have felt invisible to my mother for a long time, but I think currently we are coming to a place that we can both see one another as real, whole people. Because this invisibility went both ways I suppose. There was constant judgement and manipulation that was occurring because past events were making the real person in the situation invisible to the memories. Messy stuff.
     I also have worked on this play for a while now where I had to dig into a character that is used to being invisible to men in every other aspect expect sexually. It has been a challenge to work on, and a tough emotional process to then meet a guy who actually wants to take the time to really get to know her.
     Invisibility sucks, but it can have its advantages...hopefully if it is unwanted invisibility there can be a greater revelation after the truth comes out into the open.

A Book To Read

     Right now I am reading a little book called Politics. It is the most entertaining thing that I have picked up in a long while...not one for the uncomfortable with sex talk though because let me tell you...
     I'll elaborate. The cover reads "Politics is a novel of sexual etiquette, the Queen Mother, premature ejaculation, the moral life of Milan Kundera, threesomes, the fetishes of dictators, blow jobs, Truffaut's Jules et Jim, breakups, Mandelstam's infidelity, selfishness, Bollywood, shopping & pink fluffy handcuffs."
     Too much? Maybe for some, but it is just a perfect summer read.

     The author writes in such a unique way; it is different than any other writing style I have encountered. HE IS HILARIOUS. He creates really awkward sex scenes and really interesting characters, and did I mention it's just fantastic? Could be awkward to read around the family, but perfect for your morning commutes. Or right before bed. Or in a class that you happen to be watching the little mermaid in. Or aloud to your innocent 15 year old sister. All these viable options that have worked for me.

     He writes such truth that many do not wish to recognize. It is a breath of fresh air. One of his characters is a dedicated actor, and that has been interesting for me to see his viewpoints and lessons along with his girlfriend, who really doesn't understand theatre. I will eat this book up. for sure. the end.

Movie Review

     Recently saw the movie Limitless with Bradley Cooper.  Now this was good stuff.  Highly entertaining if I do say so myself.  The preview didn't even give the whole movie away.  The script was funny, witty, thrilling, and surprising.  A very good movie that addresses current issues like new drugs on the market.
     I will say the movie totally promoted drug use though, which I felt a little uncomfortable with.  The main character uses this new drug that allows you to access the entirety of your brain and he never get screwed over from basically cheating life.  It sort of sends the message like hey kids try drugs and you might possibly the coolest person with the most opportunities and friends and a party life that never ends. WHOPPEEE 
     It so promotes the use of adderol and ritalin and things of that nature for short term lets get things done modes, and shows no consequences.  Now, there are other characters who end up dying from the drug and lalalala but Bradley Cooper seems to be invinsible. 
     The cast is sick nasty and its super action packed.  It starts off very comical, Cooper playing a struggling writer.  I commend his acting chops, for this character is something we have never seen him play before.  Go see it. see it now.

Art Review

    I recently stumbled upon street artist Gaia on some website when I was researching articles about the Chicago art scene for an AP comp thing.  Ever since watching Exit Through the Gift Shop I was instantly wanting to know more about art on the streets.  They are ballsy, and they are making our world prettier!  So I will say that finding this article made me smile.
     She focuses on animals, and they are really reallly detailed stencils.  They remind me of camp and me being happy.  I wish that I actually saw one of her pieces in person.  But the pictures online and the video of her in a mask putting up different work is cool enough for now.
     It's also great that she incorporates pigeons into multiple works because of the irony of Chicagoland pigeons.  Just a tidbit there.
     I believe she also explores the difference between humans and animals in some of her work and that's always an interesting subject.  I enjoy the doodle quality of her stencils that show her tedious work but also the type of thing you might see in the margin of my psych notebook ya know...
   

We have the right?

     I have worked my ass off to get into whitney young here and continued throughout high school.  I think I deserve the right to go to the college of my choosing.  I think anyone who worked really hard should be able to have these opportunities.  If only there was a part of the Bill of Rights proclaiming "right to continue in higher education".  Sigh.
     We should also have to right to smoke pot and not be put in jail for it.  There should be the same laws for pot as there are for alcohol.  It simply benefits everyone.
     But in general, people do what they want anyway.  And there will always be folks who will do whatever to get what they desire, so if that means smoking a bowl every now and again or putting false information down on your FASFA forms, you bet this will continue to happen. 
     And people should have a right to have some sort of shelter.  I don't care how badly you've screwed up and are in debt, everyone deserves a roof over their heads.
     And even though we have freedom of speech, for example, that freedom is limited.  Especially when you are a teenager.  But even if you are writing for the Sun Times, they influence what you type and if you were to submit something inappropriate you would get fired.  I smell something fishy about these rights!

MC carthy happy late bday

     Well my birthday gift to you is a great write up in the beacon.  I hope you enjoy.

     You probably celebrated with the fam or went to a show or something, maybe got a beer with Mr. Locks?  OR POSSIBLY ALL THREE AT ONCE.  I mean anybody would be happy with those three presents on a birthday right? I could give or take Locks but...

     I bet Mrs. cooked your favorite meal and the kids baked and frosted you a nice cake.  Maybe even watched a televised sports game...got to kick back and relax a little.  But my question is so after all the gifts, was it a bummer having to throw some other things away?  I mean according to your whole 100 thing gig...

     But we know the older this one gets the wiser, and the better knowledge and discussions for future philosophy classes. Joy.  I hope you still enjoy your birthdays even though you are getting older.  I know once I'm 40 I feel like I will dread the whole getting older thing-not to say I believe your that old. not yet.

X is Known

     Malcolm X is not as well known as you'd think.  There's a college named after him in Chicago, so it might be slightly familiar.  Before we were assigned to read it, I was not familiar with what the guy was known for.  But I think the name is common knowlegde.  I also think it is fair to say that black people are more educated on what his movement was all about.
     But I will say this: I think his autobiography should be required reading for seniors in high school.  Even though I got halfway through the book and was extremely frustrated with the repition of his preaching of all whites being rapists and devils, there are many other points that X's life has to offer that are valuable.  Everyone's eyes should be opened to the different approaches used during the civil rights movement, and his differs very much so in comparason to King's approach.  We should all be educated in the ways of the Muslim culture as well, and his life explains a lot of this religion.  Alongside that, the book brought up some very strong emotions in me, both positive and negative, and a book that causes reaction like that allows for great discussion and awareness, especially in a philosophy class. 
     So it was very eye opening, but not only that, it was very entertaining.  At least the first half up to his prison sentence was fun to read about.  There is something facinating about the hustler lifestyle, and it gives him more credit that he was able to turn his life around and become a man of such influence.  His strength is beyond noteworthy, and it can inspire many. 
     Malcolm X should be known everywhere.

X marks the spot

     The book is starting to get interesting...but when I first started the autobiography I was like 'this is just going to be another book about black oppression', and thats real dont get me wrong but I wasn't anticipating the true impact of X.  I still don't know the whole of his life, but I am definately intrigued and I know by the end of the book I will be well versed.  I did not know much about the man and I am glad that we are getting the opportunity to read about his life in detail.
     He led a difficult life when he was a child, and he seemed always to act way older than he really was.  Then he got caught up in the excitement, thrills, adrenaline of the hustler lifestyle and started turning his brain into mush with all the snow and reefers.  He had an invinsible mentality, and though that brought his name through the wire and intimidated others, it ultimately brought him to his long jail sentence.  Even though through it all he had a premoniton of 'walking on his coffin', he knew he was bound to get caught soon. 
     I admire his way of finding opportunity in his life, with unwanted circumstances, he makes his money by his wit, and part of that is really impressive.  I wish to emulate that aspect, using wit in your career path is respectable but schooling is also good.  But I dislike the way he uses people, especially Sophia and her sister to help him in his robbing. 
     BUT MAYBE HE'LL FIND HIS TREASURE (GET IT, X MARKS THE SPOT?!) IN THE END.
My guess is this will happen, especially because at the end of the chapter he talks about how Allah really transformed his life after the jail stint.

Album Track Review

     I will be reviewing the song I shall be Released by Bob Dylan. 

     The first couple chords to open the song are infamous to the Bob Dylan style; authentic acoustics that personally make me smile.  It opens it up to be a very soothing, toe-tappin tune.  It starts with simple plucking, then turns elaborate; makes me wish I took up the guitar.
     The harmonica gives the piece soul; there are wonderful interludes that involve the instrument throughout. I almost feel like I should be at a house in the country, under the starlit summer sky, on the front porch listening to an old friend play his guitar for me.  This song instantly gives me a comfortable feeling of a friend's embrace.
     'Anyday now, oh anyday now I shall be released'
     Dylan sings about his shining life and his encounters with others.  He references 'his light come shining from the west down to the east'...aka death but in a gospel-y, not too depressing way.  He sings of being released from this hell that we live in, to put it in more dramatic terms.  But he wrote this song when he went through a period of personal salvation; it was not meant to be any type of protest piece, even though the madia pegged it as so.  He lost fan base because of this media buzz, but regardless it is a moving song.
     The song is pretty simple and short in length but deep in meaning.  He's a classic in my book, and everyone should light a candle in their room and listen to an album or two of his...then we will find our callings in life. Hahah what a hippie, but that was an Almost Famous reference for ya.

They say ev’rything can be replaced
Yet ev’ry distance is not near
So I remember ev’ry face
Of ev’ry man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
They say ev’ry man needs protection
They say ev’ry man must fall
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Standing next to me in this lonely crowd
Is a man who swears he’s not to blame
All day long I hear him shout so loud
Crying out that he was framed
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released

I Know This Means Something

   There must be something significant to write about since this was finals week.  My life has taken some exciting turns lately, and I'll catch ya up.  But it is interesting how things turned out, I am now super busy but that's how I've always been I suppose.
   I now have a job as a hostess at Basr Louie, and training to be a server soon.  It must mean something that I am moving up to the funner job with way better tips, so soon after landing the job in the first place.  It feels good to be placed in a job where the rest of the staff is super chill and wonderful, and they constantly work to make me better at what I'm doing. 
   I have a wonderful new boyfriend, which I was not initailly looking for.  It must mean something that things turned out like this...I guess they say love just sort of falls at your feet when you least expect it.  I'm lucky in that sense.
   With Company, we are doing this powerful show called Jugger's Rain and I am so pumped to be assistant director-ing alongside winks.  I am looking forward to expanding my theatre credibility through this opportunity, and God knows what He was doing when not casting me in the show, but instead giving me this other leadership role. 
   So things are super duper wonderful in my life currently, and usually that means that something is about to go horribly arye.  But my life was made to be this way right now, and when things arent looking so bright, that is the way it is.
   I'm dealing, and everything means something.

ultimate recipe

     Well I am not the best chef on the planet, I usually do not cook at all.  I am a big fan of the cereals, bagels, I might do eggs or pancakes if I'm feeling extra fancy...but breakfast is the meal that I know the most meals that I can prepare myself.  Perfect recipe for the breakfast time is fluffy banana pancakes with sausage links and a huge cup of coffee. num.
     I can do a grilled cheese or mac and cheese from the box,are you seeing a pattern?  Sandwiches can be awesome if you have solid ingredients in the fridge...Lunches can get pretty boring in general though.
     Dinners, well my specialty is pasta or frozen dinners. I could probably make a homemade pizza because I used to make those with daddy way back when.
     But from my limited cooking experience, I can tell you a fantastic recipe is making chicken stir fry.  And I actually just learned how to do this correctly and deliciously from a cutsy couples dinner party that I recently attended. 
     -Take organic chicken breast, cover in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrums.
     -Cook these on stove top after adding salt, pepper, or desired seasoning.
     -Fry brown rice and veggies, add lots of garlic salt.
     -Stir it all together, and omg it is yummy and simple to make.

Now who said teenagers don't know how to cook?

Good Food Review

num num num num num num
my favorite thing to write about, good food.

For my restaurant review, I went to my neighborhood Johnnie's Italian Beef.  Let me tell you though, at the time I was really not ok with picking up fast food right after intense yoga. Usually I am always down for a good sandwich and fries, but it sort of defeated the purpose last night.  I felt like I flushed out all of the bad stuff out of my body then filled it up with grease again. Similar to smoking a cigarette after a jog...just doesn't make sense. But after the first bite of the juicy beef, my conscience shut up and let me enjoy.

I remember taking the photo in front of the restaurant with sweat drenched clothing (from yoga) with my crappy camera phone which looked like it could've been anyone. I had to ask for the receipt, they're used to throwing them away apparently. I really debated buying a chocolate malt, but I knew I had delicious chocolate desserts at home...didn't want overkill. What am I talking about, you can never have enough chocolate, especially when your a PMSing young woman...anyway the chocolate malts at Johnnie's are extremely rich. They don't have vanilla, that flavor is for the weak.

I always order hot peppers on my beef but pick them off and enjoy the spicy juices. I have also learned that you can't let the sandwich sit for more than 20 minutes otherwise it gets too soggy. The fries are so good, ketchup isn't even needed. Go to Johnnie's, they beat Portillos hands down.

The wonderful food expert advice of Nicole Middleton. I'll always finish your sandwich.

King Still King

     Martin Luther King Jr. was and is a legend.  He fought for what he believed in and changed the world, for that he will always be admired and remembered.  He had a dream not only for himself but for his family and blacks everywhere. 
     The holiday should be valued and appreciated.  We should look to this man for inspiration, the king is still king.  We have a day off because he had a king like status and because he took power into his own hands as a king might.  But unlike most kings, he ruled without force.  He used peace as a revolutionary tactic.
     Now, there have been others who were probably as influential as MLKJ in the civil rights movement but not as well known and they deserve to share the title of king. 
     I also believe that every culture should have holidays celebrating certain figures who changed the way their people live in our society, and the focus on MLKJ could be shifted so other cultures could celebrate in equal ways. 
    We have read from our history text books about the marches.  We recall the I have a dream speech.  His memory will live on and always be a very important part of our American history.

something about a shoe?

This prompt reminds me of The Devil Wears Prada movie for some reason...

ok anyway, well let's rule out the obvious here, I would not be a high heel..even though many are very pretty and I like to dress up every now and again, they hurt after awhile and if we're being honest, heels represent a high maintenance type of person, and that is not me. 
Probably not a gym shoe, I cannot remember the last time I exercised..
Flip flops don't got enough support in 'em, and I'm a person full of support so not those either

I usually wear boots or canvas shoes..SO LETS GO WITH BOOTS.

They keep me warm, as I keep others warm? Yeahhh.
They are also fashionable but functional and that could represent my well-roundedness of character.
Yeah, this all sounds goood
But god forbid they be UGG BOOTS, no no no no those will just not do.
Maybe a stylish pair that are a little taller than ankle that lace up, when laced up tight they look ok but loosely tied makes the perfect statement. A pair that can get through a couple legit years, ya know? Without salt stains or the sole coming off the bottom. But not worth over a hundred dollars either. 

my winter poem

New respect for Papa as he
slouches in his chair
and listens to Grandma tell of family reunions and casserole.
And the snow sleepily falls out of
the side
of our warm house
cascading with dopamine
because this is how Christmas is supposed to be.
Under rimmed glasses and sports coats sits Papa
drinking the strong drink
and slightly lifting a mouth corner
to invite us children round the table to wander
around in his inner monologue.
We are in blankets but
the cold still touches our noses.
Six miniature snowmen line our front walkway,
one for each member,
like how the waterproof boots line our hallway.
I smell pine and Christmas music
but I wish it was the linen of your favorite shirt.

I wish this a lot.

Something about now
makes hope something a little more tangible than before.
Fuzzy socks, turkey, and balls of snow
ribbons, red wine, and skis
make up for the chilling wind city.
Where my family is,
 my love.

Winter don't leave just yet