5.01.2012
4.27.2012
Instagram, Finally!
So glad Instagram has finally graced us Android users with their presence!
Find me on Instagram: bellepanny
Below are my two most recent uploads, both from today!
After not seeing me for a few days, Logan now feels the need to share this little red pillow with me.
Oh hello little caterpillar, off of my wheels and back on the grass with you!
Find me on Instagram: bellepanny
Below are my two most recent uploads, both from today!
Oh hello little caterpillar, off of my wheels and back on the grass with you!
4.17.2012
Taping for Say Yes to the Dress!
Remember my newly engaged best friend whose engagement party I randomly flew to Chicago for? She applied to be on the TLC show Say Yes to the Dress and got on!!
Her future mother-in-law, Mrs. Hardy, sent Susan a link to the application so she figured, Why not?
Most women I know have seen this show, myself included, and it's an easy show to watch as they follow brides searching for their wedding gown at a bridal salon, Kleinfeld Bridal, in NYC. Brides come from all over the country to visit this salon, or perhaps just be on the show - who really knows? Either way, they carry higher-end wedding gowns, with the lowest priced gown they carry being $1,800 to upwards of $50,000 and over! (INSANE.)
Stunning $30,000 Pnina Tornai Gown
which someone purchased while we were at the shop for her wedding in Italy..
So, to get on the show, Susan submitted her application (I'm sure they just ate up the magical engagement story) and received a response a few weeks later with more questions for her to answer. She answered these and then a day or so passed and the producer informed her that she was one of the lucky brides selected to be filmed! (Yayy!!)
She found out on Monday, April 2nd, that the last slot to film for this season was Friday, April 13th. Yikes! That's not much time to figure out logistics for Brandan's mother and grandmother to fly out to NY from Chicago or for his sister to come down from Maine!
...And we all made it to NYC! Susan was with her entourage of five: Mrs. Hardy, Grandma Hardy, Maura, her mom, and myself.
Mrs. Yao, Maura, Mrs. Hardy, and Grandma Hardy
Susan wore her favorite shirt:
I have to say, the place itself is a bit overwhelming but underwhelming at the same time. It took my breath away but wasn't quite as large or open as it seemed on the show. The lighting was a bit unflattering and the walls were bare. Minimal decor and lots of poofy wedding gowns to maneuver around.
The producer asked if I was her Maid of Honor, to which I said no and that I was a bridesmaid (though at this point I had not been asked - I just assumed!) As soon as the cameras went on, Susan introduced me as her Maid of Honor! I was floored and felt my face turn bright red. I was nearly at a loss for words but am beyond thrilled and honored to be asked! (Obviously I accepted, I <3 this girl!)
It was hilarious watching Susan follow the film crew's instructions: look at the dresses, show us what you like and don't like about the dress using your hands, talk about it with your family, etc.
Over the course of the day, we were allotted two hours with a consultant. There was a lot of waiting around and we found out they actually film every day so we may not make it on the show because we were rather tame. Her consultant wasn't quite as hands-on as I expected - from watching the show, we thought she would bring Susan 10-15 dresses and have her choose but she brought her only seven which felt so limiting! (The first dress was absolutely atrocious. I mean really disturbingly terrible with all sorts of sorbet-ish colors and too much tulle.) The second to last dress (can't describe it in case the groom may read this, though doubtful) received tears of approval from several of the ladies in our party and the last one was closer to what Susan pictured herself in.
Indecision central!
Susan did not say yes to the dress on this day, but I'm excited to be part of her big day and can't wait to pitch in any way I can! (Late DIY nights, here we come!)
Susan & her mom
Maura searching through dresses and veils!
4.11.2012
Snacks that Should Come with Wet Wipes
This list was inspired by a large bag of crunchy Cheetos and being forced to use my less dominant hand to change channels because my right hand was covered in cheesy goodness.
1) Cheetos/Doritos/All chips that leave powder on your fingers
2) Any popcorn that isn't plain
4) Ice Cream Sandwiches
3) Oranges
5) Powdered Donuts
Cheetos and Doritos could really benefit from wet wipes and of this list, they would be the easiest to incorporate them.
There are probably a million other snacks out there that could benefit from wet wipes! I was on the fence about cotton candy..
1) Cheetos/Doritos/All chips that leave powder on your fingers
2) Any popcorn that isn't plain
4) Ice Cream Sandwiches
3) Oranges
5) Powdered Donuts
Cheetos and Doritos could really benefit from wet wipes and of this list, they would be the easiest to incorporate them.
There are probably a million other snacks out there that could benefit from wet wipes! I was on the fence about cotton candy..
4.06.2012
Brews & Bowties
Went to a charity event at the Ethical Society of Philadelphia dubbed "Brews & Bowties", where people brandish their finest bow tie while sampling craft brews and appetizers.
After many failed attempts at tying an actual bow tie, Tim settled for a navy blue and yellow polka dot bow tie that looked quite legitimate and I sported a black clip on. (This bow tie received many compliments throughout the evening.)
When we first got our tickets, we assumed it'd be a rather pretentious event where we could enjoy good food and drinks in our fancy bow ties while people watching. We walked in to see a live jazz band playing on stage and everyone (for the most part) was dressed to the nines. We look around and Tim says, "Chances of us not talking to anyone else?" My response, "97%."
Apparently the event planners specifically told the vendors to bring "session beer". [Any beer that contains no higher than 5 percent ABV, featuring a balance between malt and hop characters (ingredients) and, typically, a clean finish - a combination of which creates a beer with high drinkability. The purpose of a session beer is to allow a beer drinker to have multiple beers, within a reasonable time period or session, without overwhelming the senses or reaching inappropriate levels of intoxication. (Yes, you can drink and enjoy beer without getting drunk.) - BeerAdvocate.com] I enjoy darker beers, mainly stouts, so I was pretty disappointed with the selection.
While no beers really struck me, some of the food was amazing! The crab cake appetizer and hanger steak sliders from Del Frisco's were delicious. All lump crab meat, they were definitely more generous that expected! They were gone as quickly as they were coming out! There was also beer ice cream, that was just too odd for most people. It just tasted like less sweet ice cream?
There was a woman handing out mustaches too! Tim was kind enough to get me one, which I donned briefly. (It was a bit disturbing how natural it looked on me.)
We made small talk with a few people about how long it takes to tie a bow tie (3% was a miscalculation on my part) and then headed to a bar in Old City to round out the night. Not a bad way to break up the week and get ready for the weekend!
After many failed attempts at tying an actual bow tie, Tim settled for a navy blue and yellow polka dot bow tie that looked quite legitimate and I sported a black clip on. (This bow tie received many compliments throughout the evening.)
When we first got our tickets, we assumed it'd be a rather pretentious event where we could enjoy good food and drinks in our fancy bow ties while people watching. We walked in to see a live jazz band playing on stage and everyone (for the most part) was dressed to the nines. We look around and Tim says, "Chances of us not talking to anyone else?" My response, "97%."
Apparently the event planners specifically told the vendors to bring "session beer". [Any beer that contains no higher than 5 percent ABV, featuring a balance between malt and hop characters (ingredients) and, typically, a clean finish - a combination of which creates a beer with high drinkability. The purpose of a session beer is to allow a beer drinker to have multiple beers, within a reasonable time period or session, without overwhelming the senses or reaching inappropriate levels of intoxication. (Yes, you can drink and enjoy beer without getting drunk.) - BeerAdvocate.com] I enjoy darker beers, mainly stouts, so I was pretty disappointed with the selection.
While no beers really struck me, some of the food was amazing! The crab cake appetizer and hanger steak sliders from Del Frisco's were delicious. All lump crab meat, they were definitely more generous that expected! They were gone as quickly as they were coming out! There was also beer ice cream, that was just too odd for most people. It just tasted like less sweet ice cream?
There was a woman handing out mustaches too! Tim was kind enough to get me one, which I donned briefly. (It was a bit disturbing how natural it looked on me.)
We made small talk with a few people about how long it takes to tie a bow tie (3% was a miscalculation on my part) and then headed to a bar in Old City to round out the night. Not a bad way to break up the week and get ready for the weekend!
4.05.2012
Sorry.. &@*#$
I was making small talk with a man in the waiting room of my doctor's office the other day when the topic of road rage came up. We were talking back and forth about how terrible 76 is during rush hour and when there is even the slightest hint of rain, it turns into a parking lot. We talked and the subject turned to road rage, which isn't uncommon during tedious stretches of highway, meaning 76 is just full of insane drivers.
He recounted this skit he saw on SNL a few years back of two people bumping into each other at an intersection followed by an exchange of profuse, over-the-top apologies from both sides as they continue to their cars. Once in their cars, they both start driving off and nearly hit each other. Instead of apologizing or showing any kind of respect/consideration, both parties start screaming profanities.. goes to show that when you're in a car you just feel more powerful and people tend to be more aggressive! (I, too, am guilty of this!) Road rage is making more sense to me now!
He recounted this skit he saw on SNL a few years back of two people bumping into each other at an intersection followed by an exchange of profuse, over-the-top apologies from both sides as they continue to their cars. Once in their cars, they both start driving off and nearly hit each other. Instead of apologizing or showing any kind of respect/consideration, both parties start screaming profanities.. goes to show that when you're in a car you just feel more powerful and people tend to be more aggressive! (I, too, am guilty of this!) Road rage is making more sense to me now!
3.29.2012
A Review of The Hunger Games
I'll keep this short so as not to 1) nit-pick because the book was about.. 873243x better than the movie (as expected for most in the book-turned-film category) and 2) spoil the plot if you haven't read the books or seen the movie yet.
Note: I was already a little biased before seeing the movie since I didn't completely agree with the casting choices.
I tried my best to watch the movie as though I hadn't read the books yet, but who was I kidding? It's impossible not to let that influence how you view the movie.
The movie lacked any sort of depth and was very unclear at points. When you go from first person point of view, you should incorporate other methods of explaining things in the movie. I was wondering how they would achieve this in 142 minutes without compromising some of the major plot points.. but compromise they did! I expected there to be more flashbacks and dialogue to make up for the absence of our heroine's thoughts but, there were less than few. The movie could have benefited from more dialogue, literally even a few additional lines would have made a world of difference in explaining certain things and given the characters some dimension. (I really felt nothing for most of the characters in the movie.)
Someone in our group had not read the book prior to seeing the movie and had to ask a few questions throughout the film about why and what was happening. She enjoyed the movie and chalked it up to being sold as an "action" flick, for which it delivered.
One of the main focuses of the first half of the book went completely unaddressed, likely because it was all in Katniss' mind, and left me feeling empty since it helped readers understand and grow more attached to the heroine. Without this, Katniss just seemed like an empty shell.
I was mostly bummed that the hacker jacker scene was not as intense or colorful as expected! She just looked drugged and the entire scene reminded me of the scene in "Doom" (starring Wayne "The Rock" Johnson) where Reaper is injected with a mutation inducting drug. (If you've seen the movie, you know exactly which scene I'm talking about!)
One positive: the way they kill off one character in the movie, that isn't mentioned in the book, was brilliant.
You can't expect much for a film adaptation of a book and though I was a little lukewarm about this first movie, I will probably see the next three in theater anyway since, after all, it IS an action movie.
My advice: If you see this movie, don't read the book first but make sure you go with someone who has so they can fill in the blanks for you!
Note: I was already a little biased before seeing the movie since I didn't completely agree with the casting choices.
I tried my best to watch the movie as though I hadn't read the books yet, but who was I kidding? It's impossible not to let that influence how you view the movie.
The movie lacked any sort of depth and was very unclear at points. When you go from first person point of view, you should incorporate other methods of explaining things in the movie. I was wondering how they would achieve this in 142 minutes without compromising some of the major plot points.. but compromise they did! I expected there to be more flashbacks and dialogue to make up for the absence of our heroine's thoughts but, there were less than few. The movie could have benefited from more dialogue, literally even a few additional lines would have made a world of difference in explaining certain things and given the characters some dimension. (I really felt nothing for most of the characters in the movie.)
Someone in our group had not read the book prior to seeing the movie and had to ask a few questions throughout the film about why and what was happening. She enjoyed the movie and chalked it up to being sold as an "action" flick, for which it delivered.
One of the main focuses of the first half of the book went completely unaddressed, likely because it was all in Katniss' mind, and left me feeling empty since it helped readers understand and grow more attached to the heroine. Without this, Katniss just seemed like an empty shell.
I was mostly bummed that the hacker jacker scene was not as intense or colorful as expected! She just looked drugged and the entire scene reminded me of the scene in "Doom" (starring Wayne "The Rock" Johnson) where Reaper is injected with a mutation inducting drug. (If you've seen the movie, you know exactly which scene I'm talking about!)
One positive: the way they kill off one character in the movie, that isn't mentioned in the book, was brilliant.
You can't expect much for a film adaptation of a book and though I was a little lukewarm about this first movie, I will probably see the next three in theater anyway since, after all, it IS an action movie.
My advice: If you see this movie, don't read the book first but make sure you go with someone who has so they can fill in the blanks for you!
Iconic Legos
A friend of mine shared this on Facebook last night. The original post is by Tony Rush and has had 288 shares since he posted the image on Tuesday with the following message:
This may take you a couple minutes to "get" but once you do, share it! Don't spoil it for others--no give aways in the comments please! Just let me know you got it. (thanks George Takei)
Not sure what the George Takei reference is for, but he's a cool guy in my book and if he had anything to do with this, then more respect to him!
Tony goes on to say:
By the way, when you "get it" -- pay attention to the particular emotion you have.
We all experience it. One author calls it a "sense of knowing". It's that great feeling that you get when something that was previously confusing suddenly coalesces into something that you understand.
It's a cool feeling. :)
I had that feeling one gets when you are part of an "inside joke" but I couldn't figure out the bottom right and second from the bottom on the left. Though when someone told me what they were, I had never heard of one of them and the other one seemed so obvious!
What cartoon cast would you like to see? (Though complicated, Thundercats, The Flintstones, X-Men, Doug, and Tin Tin would have been interesting!)
How many can you figure out?
This may take you a couple minutes to "get" but once you do, share it! Don't spoil it for others--no give aways in the comments please! Just let me know you got it. (thanks George Takei)
Not sure what the George Takei reference is for, but he's a cool guy in my book and if he had anything to do with this, then more respect to him!
Tony goes on to say:
By the way, when you "get it" -- pay attention to the particular emotion you have.
We all experience it. One author calls it a "sense of knowing". It's that great feeling that you get when something that was previously confusing suddenly coalesces into something that you understand.
It's a cool feeling. :)
I had that feeling one gets when you are part of an "inside joke" but I couldn't figure out the bottom right and second from the bottom on the left. Though when someone told me what they were, I had never heard of one of them and the other one seemed so obvious!
What cartoon cast would you like to see? (Though complicated, Thundercats, The Flintstones, X-Men, Doug, and Tin Tin would have been interesting!)
How many can you figure out?
3.16.2012
A Fairy Tale Engagement in Chicago (Not Mine!)
It all started this past Thursday when I was talking to one of my best friends, Susan, and she mentioned that her boyfriend, Brendan, made plans for a surprise dinner that evening at 6pm. She was excited and I told her to let me know how it was the next day. (They moved to NY about a year ago from Chicago, where they went to college together at UIUC.)
Now, Susan is always online so when I didn't see her Friday, I was curious. I thought, Maybe Brendan surprised her with more than dinner.. And knowing Susan checks-in on Facebook from time to time, I figured I'd try there instead of texting her and possibly disrupting whatever lovey-dovey thing they could be doing.
Posted at 12:14AM on on March 9th was:
"Got outta work today annnnnnnd B surprised me with a trip to chicago! Hello chitown:)"
How awesome! Go Brendan! And also interesting.. I need to do some more sleuthing.
At 2:20 PM I IMed Susan and Brendan's friend in Chicago, Drew, and asked if he was going to see them this weekend.
He didn't respond for nearly half an hour, during which I was going mad just wondering what warranted this grand gesture..
2:56 PM: Drew finally responds saying Brendan had planned a surprise party for Susan in Chicago that night. A surprise ENGAGEMENT party!!! EEK!!
Susan and Brendan have been together for nearly seven years and he had totally thrown her off with his generous Christmas gift of a Tiffany necklace. (He ever remarked "This should buy me at least another couple years"!)
I debated whether or not I should go since it was incredibly last minute but Susan is one of my oldest (since bus rides in the 7th grade!) and best friends so I sucked it up and booked my flight at 4:00 PM. There was NO way I was going to miss this! (This is what savings is for, right?) With Drew's help, we planned logistics and I was off to Chicago!
10:30 PM: 760 miles later, I walked into Susan and Brendan's engagement party in one piece. Though I missed the initial surprise, I couldn't wait to see the look on her face! Brendan also had no idea I would be there, he hadn't told anyone on the east coast about what he was planning since everything was taking place in Chicago.
When Brendan saw me, he was shocked and said "Susan's going to kill me, I just told her no more surprises.."
He shielded me as we set off to find Susan and when we did, he stepped away and her reaction was absolutely priceless! She cried, I cried, we hugged. She was absolutely glowing with happiness, surrounded by their friends and Brendan's many, many family members. (About time, Brendan!)
Susan's reaction upon seeing me:
----------------
Now on to the most magical engagement story ever!
Their seven year anniversary was yesterday (3/15), so this trip was an early anniversary celebration.
Susan got home Thursday and Brendan called her to let her know there was good news and bad news: the bad news was they were not going to dinner. The good news was they were, instead, going to Chicago! He had already packed her bags (which consisted of many bras and no flats) and had a town car waiting for her downstairs.
Thursday night was a typical night, they caught up with friends who were nearly bursting with Brendan's secret plans.
On Friday, Brendan took Susan out to a romantic dinner and told her they were going to see a show later. They arrived at Auditorium Theater and it was empty. Susan asked who was playing and he handed her a brochure that listed her as the performer. (Susan is a classically trained pianist who has always dreamed of being a concert pianist.) He had rented a grand piano and had his guitar brought to the theater for this.
They ended with a duet of "Layla" by Eric Clapton as the final song. Heart pounding, he then dropped to one knee and proposed.
She said yes.
They then headed to their favorite bar, Halsted Harp, where "a few people" were waiting for them. Susan was overwhelmed when she walked in to see fifty of their closest friends and family waiting to congratulate them.
Amaaaaazzziiiinnngggg!! What a night for them! I can't believe Brendan was able to pull this off, so magical! Love them both and wish them more than the best!
Brendan took this photo at Auditorium Theater that sums up the magical evening leading up to an amazing night:
I had an incredible weekend in Chicago, and am so glad I was able to be a part of their special evening!!
CONGRATS GUYS!! Can't wait for the wedding (and bachelorette ;D)!
Now, Susan is always online so when I didn't see her Friday, I was curious. I thought, Maybe Brendan surprised her with more than dinner.. And knowing Susan checks-in on Facebook from time to time, I figured I'd try there instead of texting her and possibly disrupting whatever lovey-dovey thing they could be doing.
Posted at 12:14AM on on March 9th was:
"Got outta work today annnnnnnd B surprised me with a trip to chicago! Hello chitown:)"
How awesome! Go Brendan! And also interesting.. I need to do some more sleuthing.
At 2:20 PM I IMed Susan and Brendan's friend in Chicago, Drew, and asked if he was going to see them this weekend.
He didn't respond for nearly half an hour, during which I was going mad just wondering what warranted this grand gesture..
2:56 PM: Drew finally responds saying Brendan had planned a surprise party for Susan in Chicago that night. A surprise ENGAGEMENT party!!! EEK!!
Susan and Brendan have been together for nearly seven years and he had totally thrown her off with his generous Christmas gift of a Tiffany necklace. (He ever remarked "This should buy me at least another couple years"!)
I debated whether or not I should go since it was incredibly last minute but Susan is one of my oldest (since bus rides in the 7th grade!) and best friends so I sucked it up and booked my flight at 4:00 PM. There was NO way I was going to miss this! (This is what savings is for, right?) With Drew's help, we planned logistics and I was off to Chicago!
10:30 PM: 760 miles later, I walked into Susan and Brendan's engagement party in one piece. Though I missed the initial surprise, I couldn't wait to see the look on her face! Brendan also had no idea I would be there, he hadn't told anyone on the east coast about what he was planning since everything was taking place in Chicago.
When Brendan saw me, he was shocked and said "Susan's going to kill me, I just told her no more surprises.."
He shielded me as we set off to find Susan and when we did, he stepped away and her reaction was absolutely priceless! She cried, I cried, we hugged. She was absolutely glowing with happiness, surrounded by their friends and Brendan's many, many family members. (About time, Brendan!)
Susan's reaction upon seeing me:
----------------
Now on to the most magical engagement story ever!
Their seven year anniversary was yesterday (3/15), so this trip was an early anniversary celebration.
Susan got home Thursday and Brendan called her to let her know there was good news and bad news: the bad news was they were not going to dinner. The good news was they were, instead, going to Chicago! He had already packed her bags (which consisted of many bras and no flats) and had a town car waiting for her downstairs.
Thursday night was a typical night, they caught up with friends who were nearly bursting with Brendan's secret plans.
On Friday, Brendan took Susan out to a romantic dinner and told her they were going to see a show later. They arrived at Auditorium Theater and it was empty. Susan asked who was playing and he handed her a brochure that listed her as the performer. (Susan is a classically trained pianist who has always dreamed of being a concert pianist.) He had rented a grand piano and had his guitar brought to the theater for this.
They ended with a duet of "Layla" by Eric Clapton as the final song. Heart pounding, he then dropped to one knee and proposed.
She said yes.
They then headed to their favorite bar, Halsted Harp, where "a few people" were waiting for them. Susan was overwhelmed when she walked in to see fifty of their closest friends and family waiting to congratulate them.
Amaaaaazzziiiinnngggg!! What a night for them! I can't believe Brendan was able to pull this off, so magical! Love them both and wish them more than the best!
Brendan took this photo at Auditorium Theater that sums up the magical evening leading up to an amazing night:
I had an incredible weekend in Chicago, and am so glad I was able to be a part of their special evening!!
CONGRATS GUYS!! Can't wait for the wedding (and bachelorette ;D)!
3.11.2012
3.05.2012
Dum Spiro Spero
I met a girl this weekend with Dum Spiro Spero, which is "While I breathe, I hope, in Latin, tattooed down her side. (I wanted my first tattoo to be a quote down my side, too, but things happen haha.)
I absolutely love this quote.. it sums up much of my trying to stay positive the past few years. Feeling very enlightened after hearing this!
I absolutely love this quote.. it sums up much of my trying to stay positive the past few years. Feeling very enlightened after hearing this!
3.03.2012
Statue of Liberty
went to NYC a few weeks ago to meet up with Yosh's cousin, who was visiting from Japan. We took him to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was freezing and insanely windy, but a great time!
2.26.2012
The Hunger Games Left Me Hungry
I just started reading The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I also finished within three days. One book a day, because I was hooked! I'm so glad I had forgotten I wanted to read this when it first came out in 2008, I can't imagine having to wait a year between each of the following novel's releases.
From Wikipedia:
The Hunger Games takes place after the destruction of North America, in a nation known as Panem. Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts. District 12, where the book begins, is located in the coal-rich region that was formerly Appalachia.
As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol in which a 13th district was destroyed, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised event in which the participants (or "tributes") must fight to the death in a dangerous outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol, until only one remains. The story follows 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Also selected from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a baker's son whom Katniss knows from school, who once gave her bread when her family was starving.
The first book, The Hunger Games, was quite riveting and has all the elements of a great novel. Collins' style of writing makes for an easy read and draws you in quickly. There are no real lulls in the story as she weaves character back stories throughout allowing the reader to better understand each character little by little. With the story told from Katniss' point of view, Collins could not have done a better job taking the audience on a journey with and becoming attached to the protagonist. The way Katniss is depicted through her thoughts and emotions bring her to life.
Cathing Fire is the second book of the trilogy and the ending leaves you on such a cliffhanger you feel more than compelled to pick up the final book right away. In this sequel, you can't help but grow more attached to the characters as Collins builds on the relationships and intricacies set by their previous experiences. Without revealing more, I'll jump straight to the third book, Mockingjay.
While Collins does an excellent job depicting themes and the breakdown and rebuilding of characters, unfortunately after the first two books, this one left me feeling very empty and flat with many questions still lingering. So much so that part of me regrets reading this last book - it feels so incomplete and leaves the reader without closure. Much of the plot is lacking the same structure and build up of the first two novels. Perhaps there was some publisher interference, or Collins had a deadline to meet? The ending feels so rushed and is beyond vague - I read and re-read the ending several times to make sure I hadn't missed anything, and was sad to find that I had not. (Though the last few lines were very clever/cute.)
This trilogy could have benefited from a fourth book, rather than just three. The third book could have been split into two books to make the events/timeline seem more plausible without lacking character and relationship development that Collins did such excellent work to build and preserve.
Either way, I highly recommend this trilogy and I will be watching the movie as some point, hoping the movies will be adapted and fill in some of these blanks! (First one is to be released March 23rd.) Lionsgate has already confirmed that the trilogy will be broken into four movies, so there is hope for some of these loose ends to be tied up, eventually.
From Wikipedia:
The Hunger Games takes place after the destruction of North America, in a nation known as Panem. Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts. District 12, where the book begins, is located in the coal-rich region that was formerly Appalachia.
As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol in which a 13th district was destroyed, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised event in which the participants (or "tributes") must fight to the death in a dangerous outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol, until only one remains. The story follows 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Also selected from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a baker's son whom Katniss knows from school, who once gave her bread when her family was starving.
The first book, The Hunger Games, was quite riveting and has all the elements of a great novel. Collins' style of writing makes for an easy read and draws you in quickly. There are no real lulls in the story as she weaves character back stories throughout allowing the reader to better understand each character little by little. With the story told from Katniss' point of view, Collins could not have done a better job taking the audience on a journey with and becoming attached to the protagonist. The way Katniss is depicted through her thoughts and emotions bring her to life.
Cathing Fire is the second book of the trilogy and the ending leaves you on such a cliffhanger you feel more than compelled to pick up the final book right away. In this sequel, you can't help but grow more attached to the characters as Collins builds on the relationships and intricacies set by their previous experiences. Without revealing more, I'll jump straight to the third book, Mockingjay.
While Collins does an excellent job depicting themes and the breakdown and rebuilding of characters, unfortunately after the first two books, this one left me feeling very empty and flat with many questions still lingering. So much so that part of me regrets reading this last book - it feels so incomplete and leaves the reader without closure. Much of the plot is lacking the same structure and build up of the first two novels. Perhaps there was some publisher interference, or Collins had a deadline to meet? The ending feels so rushed and is beyond vague - I read and re-read the ending several times to make sure I hadn't missed anything, and was sad to find that I had not. (Though the last few lines were very clever/cute.)
This trilogy could have benefited from a fourth book, rather than just three. The third book could have been split into two books to make the events/timeline seem more plausible without lacking character and relationship development that Collins did such excellent work to build and preserve.
Either way, I highly recommend this trilogy and I will be watching the movie as some point, hoping the movies will be adapted and fill in some of these blanks! (First one is to be released March 23rd.) Lionsgate has already confirmed that the trilogy will be broken into four movies, so there is hope for some of these loose ends to be tied up, eventually.
2.19.2012
2.18.2012
Hand Written Letter
I was going through old mail and started tearing up this one piece of junk mail when I noticed it wasn't even addressed to me - it was addressed to someone else and had been delivered to me by mistake. With this piece of mail (now torn into three pieces) I noticed "Enclosed is a special message from your sponsored child, Palash".
Crap.
Waves of guilt swept over me as I carefully opened the letter.. that was now torn.. by my owns hands.. into three pieces.
Please let this be just a solicitation letter.
It wasn't.
Man, I am such an asshole.
So do I tape it back together and mail it to the philanthropic soul who could very well be expecting a letter from little Palash? Or do I just set this aside and ignore it?
(I foresee myself going to the post office.)
Crap.
Waves of guilt swept over me as I carefully opened the letter.. that was now torn.. by my owns hands.. into three pieces.
Please let this be just a solicitation letter.
It wasn't.
Man, I am such an asshole.
So do I tape it back together and mail it to the philanthropic soul who could very well be expecting a letter from little Palash? Or do I just set this aside and ignore it?
(I foresee myself going to the post office.)
2.17.2012
Is it Winter?
This beer makes me think it should be cold outside. A winter ale in 50 degree weather seems almost wrong, but still so good.
2.12.2012
2.09.2012
2.05.2012
SMBS
I should really start a blog called "Shit My Boyfriend Says"
"I wish I were an alien so I could talk like one." Followed by bom bin bew blip sound effects.
"I wish I were an alien so I could talk like one." Followed by bom bin bew blip sound effects.
2.02.2012
Food On My Dog
Thanks Alisa for sending me this link! My favorite might be the Spam.. or the slice of pizza! Too many cute photos!
foodonmydog.tumblr.com/
Too bad Logan can't do this, he still isn't too great at "stay".
foodonmydog.tumblr.com/
Too bad Logan can't do this, he still isn't too great at "stay".
1.27.2012
Wine-ding Down the Week
Had dinner with a friend last night and enjoyed this great wine! It wasn't very dry or too full bodied.. just a great balance of berry flavors.
1.23.2012
Pumped Up Kicks
Has anyone ever really listened to the lyrics of Foster People's "Pumped Up Kicks"?
Robert's got a quick hand.
He'll look around the room,
he wont tell you his plan.
He's got a rolled cigarette
hanging out his mouth.
He's a cowboy kid.
Yeah! He found a six-shooter gun
in his dad's closet, with the box of fun things.
I don't even know what,
but he's coming for you. Yeah, He's coming for you!
Seeded under a playful harmony is a dark issue.
According to Wikipedia:
The lyrics to "Pumped Up Kicks" are written from the perspective of a troubled and delusional youth with homicidal thoughts. The lines in the chorus warn potential victims to "outrun my gun" and that they "better run, better run, faster than my bullet". Foster said, "I was trying to get inside the head of an isolated, psychotic kid." He wrote the lyrics in order to "bring awareness" to the issue of gun violence amongst youth, which he feels is an epidemic perpetuated by "lack of family, lack of love, and isolation".[5][6] The issue of youth violence is a matter close to the group. Foster was bullied in high school, while bassist Cubbie Fink has a cousin who survived the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
Hearing this definitely made me change my perception of the song and I respect Foster the People even more as artists for incorporating such a grim subject into a pleasant hit tune.
Robert's got a quick hand.
He'll look around the room,
he wont tell you his plan.
He's got a rolled cigarette
hanging out his mouth.
He's a cowboy kid.
Yeah! He found a six-shooter gun
in his dad's closet, with the box of fun things.
I don't even know what,
but he's coming for you. Yeah, He's coming for you!
Seeded under a playful harmony is a dark issue.
According to Wikipedia:
The lyrics to "Pumped Up Kicks" are written from the perspective of a troubled and delusional youth with homicidal thoughts. The lines in the chorus warn potential victims to "outrun my gun" and that they "better run, better run, faster than my bullet". Foster said, "I was trying to get inside the head of an isolated, psychotic kid." He wrote the lyrics in order to "bring awareness" to the issue of gun violence amongst youth, which he feels is an epidemic perpetuated by "lack of family, lack of love, and isolation".[5][6] The issue of youth violence is a matter close to the group. Foster was bullied in high school, while bassist Cubbie Fink has a cousin who survived the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
Hearing this definitely made me change my perception of the song and I respect Foster the People even more as artists for incorporating such a grim subject into a pleasant hit tune.
1.16.2012
Tired Puppy
Logan was so tired from playing with other dogs.. we had to drag him to the sidewalk and bribe him with treats to get him home!
1.11.2012
1.09.2012
PYT's Decline
Went yesterday with a few friends to PYT in Northern Liberties. This place has always had great service and has the most check-ins of all time on Foursquare since they offer each patron a free beer for checking in. I hadn't been there to eat since last May, when I tried their AMAZING lobster burger. There were some stark differences in my last experience and my most recent one..
Not only was service terrible (our server literally said to us that he had "better things to do" than serve us!), but he also messed up our order and told us he would not bring us water. The biggest difference was in the Lobster Burger..
The burger was thinner, on a store bought, un-toasted bun, and the lobster was of a much lower quality and quantity than before. (It looked processed.) The burger was a total disappointment and after that kind of service, I won't be back anytime soon.
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