Ah, the world of social networking. Buy hitting a few simple keys, you can stalk your ex-boyfriend’s sister’s cousin while Googling your latest crush. And now, thanks to Twitter, you can now follow every waking moment of many celeb’s lives without the flashy editing of an MTV documentary. It’s real, raw, and revealing—sometimes more than a celebrity might realize. With that in mind, here are 7 things we’ve learned from the famous and fabulous—and verified—Twitter addicts.
1. Ashton Kutcher is Twitter god. That’s right. Get on your knees and prepare to worship. With more “followers” than CNN at a whopping 2,990,757, Kutcher (aplusk) observed to Fortune Magazine that “an individual [namely him] could have as much influence [in social media] than a media conglomerate.” Maybe “god” is too strong of a word—deluded might be more appropriate. Yes, Ashton, because your thoughts on the NFL and your latest photo shoot grip America’s heart in the same way as breaking headline news. Everyone’s really just watching your Twitter because we all want to be the first to tell our friends, “See, I knew that whole Demi-Ashton thing wouldn’t last!”
2. No matter how famous you are, you’ll probably still name-drop. No celebrity is too big to be impressed by other celebrities—not even her majesty, Oprah Winfrey (Oprah). Maybe it’s an indication of insecurity, or maybe she needs to remind us once again that her life is so much cooler than our own (as if her annual “Favorite Things” episode didn’t do it)—either way, Oprah wants you to know who bows before her daytime throne. Including a list that stretches from Hugh Jackman to Whoopi Goldberg, here’s just one example of her encounters with the A-List:
Seal: “was cruisin with the top down this weekend in sunny Cal singin' along with SEAL.."I Can't Stand the RAINNNN" missed my turn.” April 29th 8:33 PM
“Loved it so much just invited him (seal) on the show. May 8th. He's coming. woohoo!” April 29th 8:34 PM
Now that’s what I call quick response—you’ve got one minute to accept an offer from Oprah. We get it, Oprah. You live in a world far beyond our own. Thank you. We honestly just wanted to know what you were eating today. Isn’t that the point of Twitter?
3. Shaquille O’Neal is scary—and maybe confused. If you’re looking for a potential celebrity throw down, you might want to keep your eyes on THE_REAL_SHAQ. The man’s out for blood—David Beckham’s blood:
“Dear david beckham, dnt make me tweet to 2 million people that yur scared of shaq, u betta respnd, if u scared get a dog” – July 25th 9:05 PM
Get a dog? What exactly is Shaq planning? On the flip side of all this violence, there’s Shaq’s observations on the male anatomy:
“wasn't lookin, but randy orton has da sexiest white man butt ive seen next 2 steve nash” – July 27th 10:00 PM.
Just a little food for thought. Look out Beckham, you’re next.
4. The “High School Musical Disease” will follow you for the rest of your days. It’s infectious. Whether Disney’s breeding popular young people in strange laboratories or simply brainwashing potential candidates, there’s a haunting “perkiness” that seems to follow the former stars of High School Musical. Whether Ashley Tisdale (ashleytisdale) “just got back from the gym!” or Zac Efron (zacofficial) “Just got done eating strawberry Ice Cream, Yummy!!” there’s a seemingly endless string of exciting things happening in their lives. Maybe exclamation just comes naturally when you have a soundtrack for your life. As a side note, things aren’t looking quite so bright for Miley Cyrus (mileycyrus).
5. Some comedians just don’t cut it in real life. We all know why we love the internet and text messaging, right? It’s because you have time to come up with a witty response—there’s no pressure for an instant answer. Well, it seems that even the freedom of Twitter just can’t inspire some famous comedians to give us quality work. Here are just a few examples:
Andy Dick (andydick): “I'm Harry Potter, witches! #harrypottersequels – July 15th 8:14 PM
Jim Gaffigan (jimgaffigan): “I think the worst name for a restaurant would be Bucket of Poop. You'd never hear, "I just had the best meal at Bucket of Poop!” – July 28th 10:39 PM
David Spade (davidspade): “just realized most things i twitter are super lame. and by most i mean all” – July 5th 11:50 PM
That about summarizes it, Mr. Spade. There are, of course the rare gems like Dane Cook (danecook) and Michael Ian Black (michaelianblack)—someone who attempts to bring the funny online, but he is a rare creature, indeed.
6. Ryan Seacrest isn’t such an annoying guy. Maybe that’s why he’s got close to 2 million followers on Twitter. Unlike his on-air persona, Seacrest (RyanSeacrest) actually comes across as a man who is genuinely concerned with making a difference with his push for celebrity involvement with worthy social causes—and as a bonus, he doesn’t seem to be stuck on himself. When he accidentally said Kim Kardashian had “her chin” instead of “her chin up,” he asked for his followers to “Please make fun of me for it.” The real question is whether he’s actually a nice guy—or if his publicist does a really good job at typing entries for him.
7. No matter how much time a celeb might have to kill on Twitter, they still don’t have time for you. So what if Ashton Kutcher updates almost every hour? Doesn’t matter that the guys from SyFy’s Ghost Hunters only have about 18,000 followers. It’s very unlikely that they will ever acknowledge your existence—unless it’s a group shout out. Sure, there are the lucky few who get a nod—who might actually be followed by a celeb, but don’t bet on your odds. In short, if you’re going to stalk a celeb, you might have to do it the good old fashioned way. But don’t tell them we sent you.
Source: Twitter, Fortune Magazine
7 Things You Didn’t Know about Celebrities before Twitter - Billie BP
Posted by Nefarious_Serenity Labels: Andy Dick, ashton kutcher, celebrities, Dane Cook, David Spade, Jim Gaffigan, Michael Ian Black, Oprah, Ryan Seacrest, seal, Shaq, twitter, Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron
What's In a Name?
Posted by Nefarious_Serenity Labels: literature, names, pet, political theory, poodleLiterature. At least, that's the angle I'm going for in picking out a name for my potential-graduation-might-just-be-hopeful-wishing-puppy.
Yeah, I'm going to aim high for a house dog, specifically a toy or miniature poodle (intelligent, hypoallergenic, doesn't shed--perfect!). I'm hoping for a little boy (the only time this will happen in my life) because they are apparently more affectionate than the bitches. Pun intended.
Just for fun--aka before I drop the bomb on my dad--I'm coming up with some French inspired names, mostly from literature, a bit from my political theory background.
Girl:
Coco Chanel
Gigi
Boy:
1. Jean-Jacques Rousseau. One of my favorite political theorists. He's the one who said something to the effect of, "man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains"--commentary on the social restrictions imposed on man when leaving a state of nature. Both a burden and a good. It's especially fitting for poodles since they're descended from wolves to become little lap dogs with non-shedding coats. lolz.
2. Dantes. This would be for Edmond Dantes since The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my fav. novels.
3. Don Juan. Do I really need to elaborate? Also, a play created by Moliere.
4. Tartuffe. See above.
5. Cyrano. For Cyrano de Bergerac. Seriously, one of my favorite plays of all time.
6. Tristan. From Tristan and Iseult. Just think it's a cute name, really. Not so much a fan of the @sshole in the story. That might not be setting a puppy up for a good start...
It's still up in the air. This is just for inspiration when I face the scariness that is my father.
Wish me luck!
Okay, I'm still alive...I know the updates have been sparse since the inauguration.
And I'm going to have to keep this brief since I have an essay due tomorrow that I should be working on instead of writing this...
To cut to the chase, I ran across this ad today. A viral campaign? An unprecedented offer? "Superhuman"? This is going to make for an interesting Super Bowl Sunday.
1. In reference to the Neighborhood Ball broadcast on ABC. Please tell me I'm not the only one who hates Shakira's singing voice. What the crap is that? I'm not going to act like I'm a Whitney Houston or Aretha, but damn that woman sucks. When her hips aren't moving her voice is annoying.
2. Speaking of Aretha, I was watching C-SPAN (I know! For once!) and an idiot caller stated that Aretha had "desecrated" a national ballad--she later cheered the justice who swore in Obama for tripping him up. I had to change the channel. It was just too ridiculous. Everyone has to find something to criticize. I'm not saying that all Americans should come in worship to the throne of Obama--debate is what fuels progress; thank goodness for our differences--I'm just saying that today is an important moment in the history of the United States. One that should be filled with hope for the future. There will be many pitfalls ahead, yes. Obama will undoubtedly fail to live up to his hype. But we are certainly not helping him to advance our nation by only examining the insignificant faults he might have.
Even my aunt--who is a staunch Republican of the worst sort (one that does not know the information behind the platforms, but simply follows the words of her undereducated, semi-racist husband--I can respect the views of Republicans who know what they're talking about) had to call my mother and boast about the swearing-in. I missed that portion, so I expected it to be horrific when I watched C-SPAN replay tonight...it REALLY was not that serious. Jeez. She didn't even make it out to be a question of stupidity or nervousness--she suggested that he intentionally wanted to avoid swearing to uphold the duties of office. OH. MY. GOODNESS. People can be bizarre creatures. If I had to stand before millions of Americans who already view me as a God-sent-history-making-icon-leader-of-the-free-world who is really only a man, then I would probably be nervous too. Did you see the video of him before he stepped on the platform? The man looked like he was going to puke a little. It's forgivable. His speech more than made up for any minor flub...oh, and the historians on C-SPAN? They placed the blame more with the young justice than with President Obama.
3. It was humbling to watch the Inauguration at Mercer with all my friends gathered in the lobby of Willingham. It's something I will never forget--much like how I will never forget my initial reaction to the events of 9/11; where I was and how I felt. Obviously today was much more joyful than that event--I'm so glad to have been born in a time where such dreams can become realities.
4. Joe Biden is hilarious. I didn't know that. He's also not Jewish! OY VAY. The man is Roman Catholic.
5. Michelle Obama looks like she will whip your ass. Seriously. I think I'm going to like her. Mwahahahaha.
6. President Obama has no rhythm.
7. I'm so glad the Azalea Trail Maids are from Alabama--NOT Georgia.
Enjoy the night--Obama will be out til 3. In the words of Will.I.Am. "It's a New Day!"
Playing Historian - The Gun That Won the West
Posted by Nefarious_Serenity Labels: antique, cool, history, mystery, presention, rifle, Winchester
This is a definite change in topics--not on theme parks, anyway. This will be an evolving project, so please bear with me.
I will be uploading photos shortly, but I couldn't wait to unveil my new big project with my dad: researching the origins of a Winchester rifle that once belonged to my grandfather. Although this is not a photo of ours--it will be uploaded as soon as I can get some decent photos with my digital camera--this image is very similar to the rifle we own.
My dad has done some research, discovering that it was actually made in 1884, designating it as a "rare Winchester"--by rarewinchesters.com anyway. This was a nice enough discovery considering that the guns on this website range from a value of $1,500 to $29,500. What is more unique about our rifle, however, is the presentation medallion on the wooden "butt" of the rifle, an inscription that is rather difficult to read since some of the script is in Old English. To the best of my knowledge, it reads:
To J.E.M. Hodgson
From the employees of
J.G. Mackenzie & Co.
on his leaving for
Florida
Montreal 1 Sept. 1884
It was a bit difficult to distinguish between "G"s, "E"s, and "H"s because of the wear on the brass (could be silver) plate and the detail of the script.
The big questions now are, who was J.E.M. Hodgson, and what was J.G. Mackenzie & Co.?
After a little research on Google, we've definitely answered one question at least: J.G. Mackenzie & Co. was a wholesale dry goods importer that was founded by its namesake around 1929.
Mr. Hodgson is another question. Looking at some censuses in Montreal seems to confirm that this rather rare surname has some founding in the area--but the difficulty is in determining what the initials might represent.
One possibility? This could be Jonathan Hodgson, a rival wholesale dry goods importer, Hodgson of Foulds & Hodgson. He is pictured with his family in the photo at the top of the picture. To put it lightly, they where the shiz in Canada--real kings of commerce. To read a bit more of the illustrious Hodgson, check out http://books.google.com/books?id=i6gOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA550&lpg=PA550&dq=dry+goods+%22Jonathan+Hodgson%22+Canada&source=bl&ots=lTmLUXaJu6&sig=FyqakodQ9lLNfjW9m8J0D79uq-w&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA550,M1
Now if this J.E.M. Hodgson is Jonathan, then that could make for a very interesting story behind this particular rival. It could be a hilarious "adios and up-yours" from the competition. If it's not Jonathan, then it was clearly a beloved employee who deserved an expensive present upon retirement.
It's a mystery...and one we hope to solve in time.
Because I Feel Like Smiling
Posted by Nefarious_Serenity Labels: Amity, Disney, Disneywar, Eisner, law school, Orlando, Rip Ride Rockit, San Francisco, theming, Universal
So I'm guessing this is starting to look like something of a trend.
Yesterday was less than glorious, so I'm posting something that makes me feel right with the world: Universal update!
Above and below you will note the progress that's been made thus far on the Rip Ride Rockit coaster. I mean wow. This is going to be a fierce little number. It's interesting to watch the progress at Project Rumble begins to redefine the skyline of Universal--especially since I have a nifty link to a webcam - the picture above was taken from said camera.
These aren't even the highest lifts. It's going to be fierce. I suppose you could find some fault with the physical planning of the coaster; it certainly doesn't fit the Disney qualifications for an immersive theming experience. No one's going to think they're in San Francisco or Amity when they can see a hulking metal structure in the background. But that's not what Universal's about. It's about capitalizing on the thrill experience, and if that means radically changing the scenery--so be it.
That's it for now. Just a ray of sunshine in a day full of law school applications. Phew.
Pretty soon I'll have a review of a book I'm reading for leisure: Disneywar. It's an eye-opening account of Eisner's ascension to the throne and devastating fall from grace. Really interesting.
And on a non-theme park note. Go see Notorious.
The Day from Hell
Posted by Nefarious_Serenity Labels: Cambridge, disappointment, education, faith, God, hell, law school, literature, opportunity, Orlando, Oxford, pain, suckage, Teach for America
Oh how little I knew.
My basic experience in the last 3 hours can be summarized in two points.
1. I haven't lost any weight--NONE. Yeah, after slaving away on a low carb diet for the last two weeks with only minor slips (helloooooooo Atlanta), I haven't seen ANY results. It's just ridiculous. I had this grand master plan in mind based on our same experience about 4 years ago when I lost something like 20 pounds using the same method--obviously there have been some biological changes since then (I'm kind of starting to worry I have a thyroid problem a la Oprah--naw, that woman just likes her food). I've never been a huge pig-out person, and I don't think I'm fat...I just want to be healthier, to feel better about who I am and how I look. I know that kind of stuff has to "come from within," but that doesn't mean I don't want to drop a size or two.
I'm sure some of my literal weight-loss effort has been undermined/made less obvious by my workout plan which includes about 300 cruches a night and some walking, making more muscle rather than shaving off the pounds, it's still beyond discouraging. I'm ready for a difference--so are my parents who have been following the same plan. Looks like we try a different strategy on Monday.
2. And this is the big one--I received my rejection letter from the Davies-Jackson Scholarsip. Ick. I know I planned ahead for this to happen--especially since Dr. Richardson warned me that the odds were against me because the council only takes one person a year and a Mercer student was selected only two years ago, but the rejection still smarts like the dickens. Maybe I really didn't want to spend two years away from my family, and maybe a masters in literature isn't exactly at the top of my to-do list, but it feels like a lower blow--like I'm just not good enough. I want to go out in the world and make something of myself. I'm not saying that I haven't achieved a lot for a 22 year old...I know I'm blessed beyond anything I deserve. It's just frustrating since sometimes I feel like academics is the only field I excell in. I'm no saint; I'm not a social butterfly. I often feel really alone in the world.
Ugh. Even I'm starting to dislike myself just by reading this. I guess my real problems are direction and a bit of self-esteem. Seeing that part of my three-pronged plan shut down really threw me. I know I believe that God will show me the direction I need to take for next year, but it still comes as a shock to the system. It's honestly scary to be graduating in less than five months. No matter how adventurous I like to consider myself, it's so much more confortable to know what you will be doing with your life. I know I'll be doing something, but I want to be sure I'll be doing something that makes me happy...and there's never a guarantee for that sort of thing.
In terms of self-esteem, I consider myself to be a pretty confident person...today just came as a double whammy, both to my physical and mental state. Let me tell you, I don't care how cocky someone is, we all suffer from self-doubt about our worth and purpose. We all want others to appreciate us for who we are. Rejection is a heartbreak--but at least I had the guts to put myself out there. Those Cambridge people don't know what they're missing.
I have always been a bigger fan of Oxford anyway.
You know what's funny? My mom told me the Cambridge thing is all her fault--that she has prayed that God won't take me away for two years. I don't blame her. It's probably for the best. There are so many things I love about the United States and my family and friends--I can't see myself ever being away for that long.
After getting all my frustrations out of my system by writing this entry, it's strange to look over what has made me so upset today. In the long-run all these hurts will seem like papercuts compared to the gaping wounds they feel like now. It's easy to see how other people have much worse things to worry about, more problems than a comfortable middle-class young woman can understand, but pain is such an individual experience. We all suffer it, no matter how great or small. This too shall pass--and I just need to summon up a little more faith that God and my loved ones will help me through the stress.
So now? I'm certainly not going to sit on my butt and wallow in self-pity--I might even indulge in some carb-loaded chocolate to improve the situation. Woah! I've already been approved for a personal interview by the folks at Teach for America, skipping the phone interview stage. I'm going to hit the ground running, doing my best to fill out my law school applications, personal statement, and requests for references this long weekend. I'm not giving up. As my dad says, I'm just reevaluating the situation and taking a different approach. Life has a way of working itself out. It's sure to go on.
And I'll be in Orlando in less than a month. That's got to count for something.
Keep it rockin'.