What A Lily!

Above Fall 2010 

I was perusing the forums at TFS when I came across this stunning image of Lily Cole. Doesn't she look beautiful? Lily Cole has always been a favorite of mine, yet she doesn't get as many editorials as she used to, which I think is a shame. She not only has the beauty but the brains as well. She attends University of Cambridge- so you know she's a smartie! I love when people who are in the entertainment/beauty/fashion business don't personify typical stereotypes of those working in these fields- when instead they challenge the norms. Lily Cole is just one fine example of someone challenging the norms and daring people to think outside of the box. 

Jem

Her Morning Elegance

I am sure by now most people have seen this wonderful music video for Oren Lavie's song, Her Morning Elegance, but I couldn't resist sharing it with you. I love, love, love this song and this music video. Its just a good video and it doesn't even have to try and sell sex to do so! It seems like their are so many music videos which try to sell you something; sex, popularity, ect. This is not one of those videos. Perhaps part of the reason why it doesn't have any of these awful things within the videos message is because the singer isn't American. So often, American singers try to use sexuality to become popular, which unfortunately tends to work. Whereas, I think singers of other nationalities don't always do this. Oren Lavie was born and raised in Israel which I think does make a difference in the way of performance too. 
It seems that I have a thing for Israeli singers since I count Harel Skaat, Oren Lavie, and Yael Naim as three of my favorite singers! I would like to take a moment to promote Harel Skaat's musical career- I just found out he will be releasing an album in English (FINALLY!)- so now is your chance to start listening to him before he hits it big time!
Jem

Royal Gaga

I will admit it, ever since school started I've been a terrible blogger! I've got a really heavy workload, a lot of my homework assignments are always due the next day or by the end of the week. Oh well, I guess that's what I get for being a journalism major! The professors are trying to keep it real and on a tight deadline. However, that said, I do love my classes and I am learning a ton.
I promise to fully make up my lack of blogging at some point but how about a picture of Lady Gaga at the MTV VMA's for right now? Will that hold you off? She looks stunning in a dress from Alexander McQueen's last collection. Several news outlets are saying its controversial and outlandish however I disagree with these naysayers. I really don't see how this dress is controversial. Lady Gaga always wears outfits that will catch a person off guard but they are meant to be fun and inspiring. Just like Alexander McQueen, Lady Gaga, is often controversial so its only fitting that she wear a gown by him! Also if you notice, the people escorting her down the red carpet are members of the military which have been affected by the "don't ask don't tell" policy. Its great that Lady Gaga uses any opportunity she gets to raise awareness for certain issues, it shows she stands for something and isn't afraid of making her voice herd.
Jem

A New Language and Culture

 I know these last few posts have been college related but please bare with me for at least one more post (although I can't promise that I won't write about college again). To make this more interesting I thought I would give you more insight in to the school which I attend. While I won't tell you where its located I will tell you a little bit about why its unique (actually I bet you will be able to narrow down what school it is).
  First off, I've mentioned a few times before but I am hard of hearing. I grew up in a mainstreamed environment, meaning I was surrounded by hearing people and not immersed in the deaf culture. However I chose to attend a college where deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students were all united as one. Their are a lot of deaf/hard of hearing (hoh) students in my school which is a very new experience for me. The last time I had been around this many deaf/hoh kids was in preschool. So you can imagine it was a bit of a culture shock for me. Since I don't sign very well its taken a little time getting used too being around so many who do. For the first time in my life I don't have to explain to someone why I have a hearing loss and I can have in depth conversations about how we discovered our hearing loss and growing up deaf/hoh. I'm not going to lie, it does boost my confidence knowing other people who have been through similar experiences to me. So now, all I have to do is pick up sign language and I will be totally in the loop with all my classmates! Also the picture which goes along with this post is the ASL (American Sign Language) alphabet and how to count the numbers one through ten. If you are interested in learning sign try taking a sign language class (which is what I am going to do while also learning from my friends) or practicing on your own, you never know when it could come in handy!
Jem

These First Days

I'm all settled in my dorm and life at my uni is great! I've only been here for two days and I've already made a few friends (which let me tell ya, is nice when you want to go to the dinning hall... then you don't have to eat by yourself). I just got back from seeing a hypnotist perform with a few people and it was insanely awesome. At first I was skeptical about the whole thing but it was quite obvious that they were under his spell. The volunteers did anything he wanted them too all while exploring the depths of their imagination. One guy was told to pretend he was a kangaroo and then look down his pouch (his pants!) and then hop across the stage and stuff bread down his pants in order to feed his baby! Then he was told that he wouldn't remember it until he got changed for bed, when he found the bread! HILARIOUS! Although slightly cringeworthy for all those involved.Anyways, its past midnight and I have to be up early so its bed time for me.
Jem