So, I said I'd post some of my school paper columns here, so here's two of them:

( Marty on media craziness of summer 2009... )

( Marty on the fact that people are so sadistic... AKA WHY WEBSITES LIKE FML AND MLIA ARE POPULAR )

Yup!!!

In other news, I just discovered that Fusion Fall game. I can't wait until it's free. It's like... Cartoon Network does Les Miserables. They even treat Mac from Foster's like Little Gavroche!!! I just hope he doesn't get shot like he did... The plot is what really has me going. It's actually pretty dark- I mean, the whole thing starts out with random characters dead, I think. And Mojo Jojo was involved in Buttercup's disappearance, or something... I don't know, but it's really interesting. Kind of refreshing, as most if not all of the original voices came back, and it's pretty cool to see all of the good 'ol shows from the 90s/early 2000s back again and interacting with each other. I think it's funny how many of the shows I was really interested in- I've written fanfiction for Foster's, Powerpuff Girls, and Ben 10, so it's cool to see how they've let the plot develop. I know a lot more about the plot than I've played, like the issue with Buttercup being Belladonna, but it's really neat.

I haven't really been playing it, as I need to get college apps out and finished. So it's more like for every app I get done, another two hours of Fusion Fall time. Yep.

Fully addicted to the Powerpuff Girls again. If I get the complete DVD set for Christmas and nothing else, I will be one happy seventeen-year-old girl who has regressed to her eight-year-old obsession.

My Honors Psych teacher used me as an example of regression last week as a joke, as I flipped out on the kid next to me for taking my pink pen. He's just jealous. Who can blame me for being a little crazy? I come to that class from Honors Programming, where I sit and stare at a white computer screen for a really long time. Ew, Java.

-Marty :-D

Bored... I'm sitting in the newspaper room at school, affectionally dubbed the "Pub Room." I'm working on a story about social networking, and I find it fascinating that out of all of the websites I'm featuring, LiveJournal is the only one NOT blocked by the school.

Sifting through old columns... I think I'll post some here at some point.

-Marty :-D

So, I was perusing Yahoo! news, and I found this:

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/usmovies.accesshollywood.com/miley-cyrus-twilight-its-cult

Miley was bitching against Twilight, and how people get too into it and that women have unrealistic expectations of men because of it.

Her logic? Johnny Depp is hotter than Robert Pattinson!!!

I might agree, but I don't think this has anything to do with Twilight. I for one, am very opinionated about Twilight and the fact that people are so obsessed with it, but I'll save that for a later entry. For now, all you need to know is that I read Twilight several years ago, and I really liked it. Say what you will about the writing or whatever, but I was on Team Edward. I mean, it wasn't a full on obsession like I get- no fanfics here. But I went to get books at midnight, and I went to the movie at midnight. Why? Because it was a fun thing to do. It gave me something to talk about with my mom, which hasn't happened in forever. I own ONE t-shirt, and I have ONE poster. And the books. And the first movie on DVD and its soundtrack. But that's it. I'm not obsessed... The guy who plays Carlisle was at a meet 'n greet at a mall a half hour away, and I didn't skip whatever I was doing that day (probably some kind of rehearsal) to go.

So, in short, I like Twilight because of the fun social experience I can have with my friends and family, and because the books are kind of cool, whatever your opinion is of the writing or acting involved with the movies and books.

But to say it's more acceptable to like Zac Efron and that it's "cute" that he and his girlfriend (with the nude picture scandal, might I add) have been together for a few years? That's no better.

This isn't about Twilight. Hell, it's not even about Johnny Depp or Zac Efron. But to say it's okay to like one thing and not another because of the "cult" she says is forming.

What do you call the Jonas Brothers? How 'bout her own Hannah Montana? WHAT DO YOU CALL DISNEY? A place that turns skinny girls into actors and processed pop stars? There's a whole new variety of Disney Princess out there. Miley uses a fairly good analogy about guys having unrealistic expectations because of supermodels, but that's exactly what Disney is doing to America. There are normal teenage girls out there who aren't rail skinny and tall, and Disney helped to shape people's opinions. I'm not saying the blame is all on them, because that's just the way the world works. But they've certainly had a hand in it, and that's depressing.

I am Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray, by the way. I'm the chubby girl who can sing and dance, and it's a little sad sometimes, because people are all about looks and not talent. I'm not trying to say I'm that talented or that absolutely everyone thinks this way, but I don't like what Miley Cyrus is saying about teenage girls and what they think. And it's not all Disney. Personally, I can't stand Miley or Selena Gomez, but I can tolerate Demi Lovato. I'm not sure why... But there's something about her.

I don't like Miley Cyrus. Not even because of her Disney Princess-ness or her songs. But because she parades around saying there aren't much, but that there are times when she's "just a normal teenage girl" when she doesn't have a freaking clue.

Of course, there's an element of jealousy here. I like to sing, I like to dance. I'm a theater rat... And I'd LOVE to be doing what she's doing, and I envy that she can say something and people truly listen. I wouldn't be posting this if I hadn't read it on the news. To have that kind of power over people is crazy. Sure, I watch the TV and say to myself, "I can dance better than that," or "I can sing better than that." I can't stand listening to her singing songs with no purpose... The best song Miley's done is "The Climb," but I hate what she stands for, so I can't listen to it without feeling a little sad.

But it's not about what I want or listen to. It's about the fact that she's basically lying. I can't stand this "empathy" she's faking with teenage America. It's just not right. She can have her opinion, and I can have mine, but to condemn something like that? It makes me want to hurl even more than her sugary-sweet songs.

Disney does not dictate my life. I have friends who are Jonas Brothers fanatics and Hannah Montana freaks, and I don't see how that's any different from this "cult" she thinks Twilight is.

And I had to laugh at her "joke." She must have thought she was terribly clever when she sarcastically said, "I'm the coolest person ever." I find it really hard to believe that she was just being witty. I think she's kind of got an ego, and who wouldn't with all that press? Maybe I just took it that way. But it kind of sucks- you can't really understand the tone of her statement in that writing. I'm not sure if it's just a poorly written article on the journalist's part, or whether that's just really hard to get from the text, but it's kind of funny when you step back and wonder what Miley was really thinking.
I'm blowing this completely out of proportion... Sorry for the rant. :-P I need a break from school. Take what I'm saying with a grain of salt... I just can't understand why this is one of the featured stories on Yahoo! news. Why is what Miley Cyrus says so important?

On a more serious and personal note, one of my close friends just had major back surgery yesterday, and I really miss her. We're recording our lunch conversations every day, so she won't miss them. I'm worried about her... We can't see her for a few days, and I really miss her. It was so weird not having her at lunch or musical practice last night. It really reminds me how thankful I am that I have a great group of friends who I can depend on...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
-Marty :-D

Well, the play is finally over, emptying up the majority of my schedule. It was one of those bittersweet moments. I saw the lights go down for the last time, and the empty stage, and it just felt... Weird. And so right at the same time. I've been so stressed over everything lately, between directing, being involved with the musical, cranking out a rather behind issue of the school newspaper, and finishing band... And college applications are no fun.

I was happy for the show to be over, but it felt so surreal. I'm not going to be involved with the spring play for the first time ever, because I'm going on the band trip, which overlaps with production schedule. So it really was the end of my high school drama career (well, except for the musical, but that's a completely different story. Same stage, some of the same people... MUCH different experience)... Sad.

But I just feel... Numb, I guess. It's an odd feeling to have.

I'm so broke right now. I'm saving up for an $800 band trip to Disney World in the spring. I applied for a job at the dollar store around the corner for weekends, so we'll see how that goes. I'm so broke I haven't bought Star Trek on DVD yet. (*gasp!*) Sad, I know. I'll wait until Christmas, I guess, sad as it is.

This should be an easy week. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving... An easy day off, where my only responsibilities are making sure the TiVo is recording the Macy's Parade and to make sure the baked corn isn't burnt. I'm glad. I'm so exhausted right now...

I haven't had anytime to work on my novel, and that stinks, because I need it done by March. I should be okay if I work nonstop over Christmas break, but... grrr.

Going to watch the Powerpuff Girls, as I recently re-discovered it (One of my first obsessions... I was eight). Buttercup was always my favorite, which is funny because I'm probably the least like her. One year, I dressed up as her for Halloween. My dad went as the Professor, and my dog was Mojo Jojo. We made him a little hat out of a Styrofoam cup, and my mom made him a purple cape. Ah, good times, good times...

-Marty :-D

Tonight was senior night for band... WOW. Four years of marching band... And it all ended tonight. I didn't cry until I cut off the last note at the end of the last song, and then I was like "Oh, fuck" in my head.

If you would have asked me five years ago if I'd be drum major, let alone even be IN the marching band, I'd have laughed in your face. I only started playing in eighth grade when my mom cleaned out my closet and found her old flute from middle school. So I started playing, and I joined high school band because... Well, I don't remember why, other than the fact that it looked like fun. But one year and  I was hooked. I started out band camp my freshman year only knowing three notes, and now I'm third chair first flute. Not bad... And for some reason, I decided to try out for Drum Major this year, just on a whim. I tried out the Friday before anyone else did because I had to leave for the camp I was a counselor for at the middle school and I wouldn't get back in time to audition.

And I got it. Don't get me wrong- I've had my moments. I learned how to conduct when the chorus teacher left for two weeks my freshman year because his wife was having a baby, and that was it. I had a lot to practice this year, and emotionally and structurally, it was a lot of work. It's hard work telling people what to do, especially my friends. I just about DIED on the podium the first night I went up there, partially because of my fear of stairs (pretty much gone... although I did fall off the bleachers at one point tonight), but mostly because I couldn't handle their reactions. It was also hard because the other two Drum Majors, even though they are some of my closest friends, left me out of a lot of things. It really irritated me...

But I love Band. I'm not sure if I'll do it in college, but the last four years were amazing. I walked down the 50 yard line as they read my name and my goodbye messages... I sang all of the stands tunes for the last time...I conducted my songs for the last time... I did our little "shuffle" dance out of the stadium for the last time...

Ah, Band... And now I must go to bed, before I start crying again.

-Marty :-D

(*Cough*)




GO YANKEES!!!

 

(*Cough*)

That was subtle enough.

That is all.

-Marty :-D

Weirdness of the day:  Watching The Other Boleyn Girl and listening to the World Series from across the hall.

First off, both the movie and the book are horribly historically inaccurate, but still portray a good story, and I need to research costumes... I'm student directing the Fall Play(s), two one-acts: A Rose for Emily, and Ladies of the Tower (hence the Tudor research)...

Second, go Yankees... :-D

I was home sick today, and it sucked. Second sucky Monday in a row. LAST week, I had to get something done to my shoulder (long story), and had to get stitches, and then my poor little car got hit in the parking lot of the doctor's office because some lady didn't see me when she pulled out of her space (no damage to her car, no one got hurt, and there's a little dent in my car). And today, I got the stitches out of my shoulder, and then the doctor pulled up my chart and figured that we might as well get me up to date on my shots. All FOUR of them. Ow.

And I still don't feel well, but whatever. I can't miss school tomorrow.

Oh, and I was Poison Ivy for Halloween. Fun-ness!!!

-Marty :-D

Just got back from Paranormal Activity... Oh. My. Gosh. No spoilers, just general mood.

Creepiest movie ever. Now, I'm the girl who giggles through horror movies. I actually think that horror movies are funnier that comedies ninety percent of the time. But this was just awesome. I thought it wasn't that scary (still good, though) until the last five minutes, then I almost peed my pants. Well, not really. But I screamed, and the girl behind me (a friend, actually... I walked in with the guy friend I was going to see the movie with, and a big group of our friends waved us over to sit with them) screamed "Holy Shit!" 


You'll know what part I'm talking about if and when you see it...

Great movie. A little long starting, but still awesome.

I made a pretty little icon from a screenshot of the alternate ending (which is on YouTube), but it won't upload on LJ because I need to fix the file size. This is what it looks like, though... I need a new "Rant" icon, because I use the Star Trek "Anger Management" one too much. Free for the taking...

Well... It's been a few weeks. A few CRAZY weeks.

Cast list for the musical (Beauty and the Beast) went up last Friday... And I'm Silly Girl #1/Wolf/Enchanted Object.

Am I sad?  A little bit. It's a big jump... I mean, I had the lead/supporting lead for the past two years. I worked my ass off... It's a little disappointing. And I really wanted Belle, because I can sing her part very well.

But I'm trying to remember what the junior and senior girls my sophomore year must have felt like when a 10th grader got the lead after they'd worked for years. And they didn't forget about me- I'm Mrs. Potts' understudy, and the DANCE CAPTAIN, which I guess is a pretty big deal. I'm excited that they recognized that I'm a good dancer and that I'll be good in a leadership position. Maybe it's a good thing- I've been saying for years that I wanted to dance in the shows more, but they wanted me to concentrate on singing and acting. I don't sing at all by myself this year. Like I said, it's a big jump from being Kim in Bye Bye Birdie (junior year) and Polly in Crazy for You (sophomore year).

And I've had a good run. I'd never give up being Polly for anything in the world; it was the perfect part for me. I sang all of that awesome Gershwin music, and I loved it. It's a bit of a let down for my senior year, I'll admit it. And I won't say that I don't have my moments where I'm a little sad. I'm very happy for everyone who got a lead, and I know they'll do a terrific job. And I'll be the best damn Silly Girl ever, even if a part of me has always wanted to be a Disney Princess. It is what it is, and crying about it isn't going to do anything.

I'm excited to have fun with my friends backstage, and that's all that matters.

In other news, the band took silver last week (in exhibition... we're still working on the whole competing thing) at a competition last week. And this is the second consecutive Friday night I've had off, as the game was out of state last week (it cost too much to bring the band) and it's pouring buckets outside tonight. It's the climax of the season, because we're playing our rivals in the next town over... And we get very into it. It's been postponed until Monday, so I have off. I haven't had a Friday night off in October in four years, and I've had two this year!!!

So things are a bit stressful right now, with newspaper deadlines, band practice, musical auditions, and SCHOOL, but I'm trying my best not to freak out.

Don't expect any writing for a bit... Things are a bit too crazy until marching band season ends in November, and then things will calm down a bit...

Oh, and I saw Zombieland last week, and it was spectacular.
-Marty :-D

My soap opera couple (Spinelli and Maxie on General Hospital) is amazing. I truly loved the Spixie "non-wedding," and I think it's some of the best material in a while. They were ADORABLE together... I thought it was so cute how he agreed not to marry her because it was too soon, but that they are even closer than ever before. Awwwwwwwww... And the karaoke thing, particularly the whole "Macho Man" sequence, was priceless. Yay GH!!!

In other news, I am getting ready for musical auditions (next week)- we're doing Beauty and the Beast... More about that after the cast list goes up next Friday, because I really hate to dwell on casting until it's all over. I get less distracted that way... I'm really excited, though... It should be a great show.

First issue of the paper comes out tomorrow, which I'm excited about. My column was moved up to page two, which excites me, although everyone was angry that it took up so much space. What can I say, I like writing long stories... It was only 1000 words! It's really sad that most stories in my school's paper are between 300-500 words... We're working on that.

It's also Homecoming Hell Week, by the way, which is a mixed blessing. We have "spirit week" every day, which is just theme days. Thank goodness today was pajama day- I came home and fell asleep, as I really don't feel that well right now. And tomorrow we have a pep rally during the day and a bonfire tomorrow night... Everything leads up to the game and parade Friday night, and the dance on Saturday. I keep forgetting to buy a ticket... That might be important, considering I already have my dress and everything. It's very cute, if I do say so myself:


It's not strapless; it has little black spaghetti straps. I will never buy another strapless dress again, after the hot pink dress I wore to prom last year. Cute dress, but a pain in the butt to dance in.

Anyway, it's my last homecoming... Yay seniors 2010. And it'll be fun... Just exhausting. Which is why I'm not surprised I feel slightly ill.

Now to go watch NCIS and go back to sleep, because I feel like utter crap.

-Marty :-D