Up Next at The YA Awards

So, welcome back folks to the first annual YA Awards. I know everyone is on the edge of their seats so I won't waste time with my witty repartee. We'll jump right into the awards, with today's category:

BEST FIRST KISS

Definition: The first time two people kiss in a story or narrative

1) Nathan & Leigh, Psych Major Syndrome

2) Brian & Tibby, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series

3) Darby & Kate, Footfree & Fancyloose

4) Tommy & Katie, Pants on Fire

5) Owen & Annabel, Just Listen

And the YA Award Goes To...

I don't love love love this book. But I do love love love this kiss. Most of the other kisses on this list are sweet and awkward and everything I love about a couple. But when awarding the first kiss it's not just about how cute the couple is; it's about how good the kiss is. So yes, this kiss scene is a little steamy (though still, you know, PG), but rightfully so. It's just that kind of character and that kind of couple. It sounds like something straight out of a steamy romance, really--she is so enthralled, she can barely stand. He lifts her onto the hood of the car and practically lies on top of her. Who knows how far these two would have gotten if the best friend hadn't shown up...

So, as this song goes,

Passionate kisses, whoa oh oh

Passionate kisses from you
Passionate kisses
Passionate kisses, whoa oh oh
Passionate kisses from you

Congrats to Meg Cabot for her excellent scene (from a not-so-excellent book). Snaps for Meg! (anyone get that reference? Anyone? I bet Reese Witherspoon would!)

And The YA Award Goes To...

So, always one to be prepared, I did a little research before starting up my little blog. I read articles and articles and lists upon lists, trying to see what made a good blog. I wanted to have a good blog--one people would find interesting, visually appealing but not any eyesore, and one people would want to follow. I don't know if I've achieved any of these things yet, but I keep trying. I try to remember the tips I learned from my research. For example, I always make sure my spelling and grammar is correct (at least, as far as I can tell. I'm not too great at grammar). I try to add lots of pictures (this post being the exception). I try to think of witty titles (yeah, my wit is also not so good, as you may have noticed. I'm sorry, I really am).

When I was doing all this research I came across one tip I liked: Do things in series. Like this series from Pimp My Novel, for example. I couldn't think of a good series to do until I came across this survey. I was trying to think of which books to nominate, and it came to me, the perfect series for Katherine was Thinking: The Best YA Moments. Like my version of the Oscars, I will be giving away awards for the Best Kiss, Best Lead Character, Best Couple, Best Male Lead, Best Supporting Character, Best Ending, and on into infinity (or, until I get bored and need to change topics). These awards are of the highest honour, I assure you. When authors practice their acceptance speeches in the shower, it's for these awards. Yes, that is how important they are. No, I am no full of s***. Not at all.

As with the Oscars, we shall not start with the biggest category (Best Picture, or in this case, best book), but with a medium sized one to catch people's interest. Without further ado (and with no Neil Patrick Harris dance numbers. Sorry to disappoint!), our first category of the night...

BEST MALE LEAD

Definition: The guy who ends up with girl ie. Prince Charming

And the nominees are:

1) Michael Moscovitz, The Princess Diaries Series

2) Nathan, Psych Major Syndrome

3) Wes, The Truth About Forever

4) James, Audrey, Wait!

5) Eric, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series

And the YA Award Goes to....(drum roll please!)

Yes, Nathan from Alicia Thompson's Psych Major Syndrome takes home the statue for this one. For those of you who have never heard of this book the trailer and author website are here and here respectively. Nathan, aka, Mr. Prince Charming, is my absolute favourite male lead of all time. I'm always a sucker for the whole he-loves-her-from-a-far story (much like in the Princess Diaries, Audrey, Wait!, and The Truth About Forever). I just love the idea of a guy watching a girl from a far, being totally in love with her. It's so romantic. Somewhat cheesy, yes. But so romantic.

Nathan is sweet and cute and he loves Leigh so much ("I love you too and the genius that Bono is, I don't mean the band"). He meets her during orientation week and instantly falls in love (that part I don't believe that much--I'm not really a love at first sight person) and he can't stop thinking about her. I love how awkward he is. I love him, plain and simple. I want a Nathan in real life....

Now, I'm sure Alicia Thompson stayed up extra late (9:30 pm) to see if she won. I know she's already cleared a place on her mantel for the award (a snapshot of this post perhaps?). And I know you're all on the edge of your seats to see who will win the next category. Stay tuned to find out!

Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

So, two options right now: write philosophy essay that's over two weeks late or write a blog entry. Man, that's a hard one...I guess I might just share with you all one of the hot topics of the moment (in my opinion)--the new Penguin Classics covers. I know, it doesn't sound like much of a HOT TOPIC. But I assure you, it is.

You see, Penguin recently released the new cover designs for their collection, to be released in May. They are somewhat different than so-called "traditional covers". Here's one, to show you what I mean:

Instead of the standard background picture and title text, these new covers actually use quotes from the book and small designs. As I read in my Maclean's this last week, Penguin redesigned their covers to, quote on quote (no plagiarism here!) "make the content of the books fresh and accessible, engaging the reader, and tell them what to expect inside the book". Interesting idea, but will it work? I've always had a hard time reading the classics. Maybe the new covers will hook me? Of course, a cover's just a cover--the actual book will still be just as boring as ever... (examples of classics I've tried to read and failed: Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Wuthering Heights, Watership Down, Jane Eyre, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, just to name a few...)

There's a lot of debate over these covers--some people hate them, some people love them. I think they look pretty cool. Generally, though, I am not a fan of reissuing covers. My favourite series, The Princess Diaries (for explanation see here), has had three reprintings in the last five years:

Bought the original "tiara designs" for the first four books, until they switched to the "picture designs" for books 5, 6, 7, and 8, and finally the "diary designs" for the last two books. God, talk about annoying. My series doesn't match at all and I'm too cheap and too sentimental to buy a whole new set. I wish they had just kept the original covers. They were my favourites.

Two other authors I like just recently did a redesign too--Megan McCafferty and Deb Caletti. I'm not too much of a fan of those either. But really, what makes a good cover? Originally, I was going to do a list of Best Covers for this entry, because I'm a listaholic (which is why this site is my addiction). But when I sat down to make my list, I couldn't think of a single cover. I guess I just don't know what constitutes a good one. I mean, I always liked this penguin classic set. But what do I know?

If you want a look into what actually goes into making a cover, watch this video from the awesome Pub Rants blog:

Pretty cool, eh? And what about these covers from Stephenie Meyer?

Uh-oh. Just looked at the clock--time to start working on that essay. Well, I suppose it's ciao for now (oh god, I hate that expression!). See you soon, amiche mie.

J'aime l'Anglais

I have blogged a lot about Canada and Canadians and just how awesome we are. Today, I will admit to you, you stupid Americans, one little drawback about being Canadian. Actually, one pretty big drawback. Nous devons apprendre la francaise. For all you non-Canadians (do they speak french in other countries? God, let's hope not--it's a dreadful language) that means "we have to learn french". Yes, we have to learn six zillion verb conjugations (I swear, there are more exceptions than rules in french) and six zillion vocab words. I have french tests and french presentations and french exams (which, I suppose is another kind of test. But I think it deserves its own category because it always leaves me shaking and crying.).

The point of all this whining and complaining is to say that I have found, after eight long years of learning french, a new appreciation for the beautifully simple language that is english (what? is that you french people saying that english is complicated? Really? Then can you explain why you add an e after the g in mangeant?). I have come to appreciate my native tongue in a way I never did. I love english. I love speaking english. I love it love it love it (side story: I had a french exchange student at my house this summer who couldn't pronounce squirrel or word. It was endlessly entertaining). English rocks, what can I say?

Let's have some fun with english. Where do all these words come from? Well, blog, a term which you may or may not be familiar with (my wit is so quick, don't ya think?) comes from the words web and blog shoved together (kind of like Renesmee in Breaking Dawn--don't get me started on that one though) The word shopaholic (a la the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella) comes from the word shop (which, I assume, we are all familiar with. Except maybe you french people) and the word alcoholic. Kind of like workaholic or chocoholic. Interesting, very interesting.

My favourite part about english is that all our swear words revolve around sex. I can't say any of them, obviously (I am too much of lady). But one of them might rhyme with puck (maybe, just maybe). The french swear words on the other hand, all revolve around religion, comme tabernac (which I feel fine saying. Who said lady's can't swear in foreign languages?). How boring is that?

I learned all these fun facts about english while researching my philosophy essay (and no, I didn't get distracted and forget about the essay. I would never do that!) on the Merriam Webster website. I was looking up the definition for a word and then I saw this pretty button that said "Top ten word lists". You can't blame me for getting distracted. It had the words "top ten" and "list". I couldn't resist. As you well know, I'm a listaholic (which, incidentally isn't a word according to Merriam Webster. Maybe I should suggest it like people did on this list).

My favourite word in all these came from this list: phobophobia. Can you guess what it means? Yes, fear of phobias. That's english at it's best, I tell you.

I have come to the end of my diatribe, my friends (I should really get back to that essay). This will be au revoir for a few days while I make a quick trip to Montreal to visit McGill (a potential university). I will save up all my quips for saturday/sunday when I get back. 'Til then I know you love me.

xoxo

Gossip Girl

(Just kidding, just kidding. I'm not Kristen Bell. But there was an opening and I couldn't resist)

P.S. I think I will leave this post without pictures. It is a tribute to the english language, is it not? Pictures just don't seem fitting (plus, what pictures would I add? A picture of a word? Or an englishmen? Or the entire province of Quebec with a cross through it? Now, that last one sounds interesting....)

Wouldn't It Be Nice If We Were Older, Then We Wouldn't Have to Wait So Long

Remember in 13 Going on 30, when she wishes she could instantly be thirty years old? Sometimes, I feel like that. Sometimes I get sick of being a teenager, with all the drama and the gossip and the homework. Sometimes I want to be like Adam Sandler in Click, just fast forwarding through my life. I want to get married, I want to have kids. Now. Not ten years from now. As the Dawson's Creek theme song says, I don't want to wait. Somedays. Like today.

Don't you ever imagine what you're life's going to be like? Don't you imagine marriage proposals and wedding gowns? Adults always say that life works out differently than you imagine it will (there is a pop culture reference here, but I can't remember it). And I'm sure they're right. But it sure is fun to imagine a proposal like this. Though I think that might be a little embarrassing, on live television and all. And in real life proposals don't always work out. But whilst I'm in this mood I thought it might be nice to make a list of the best movie/tv proposals, to keep the fantasy alive a little big longer.

1) Justin proposes to Rebecca, Brothers and Sisters

I loved this proposal. It was just so perfect. It was intimate, and personal. And it wasn't some cheesy romantic thing. It was simple and it was real. Oh god, I love this couple so much. As with Chuck and Blair, they are the sole reason I watch the show. Though they are getting less and less airtime, so I don't know how much longer I'll be watching...Alas, it's a perfect proposal. Just an ordinary day, lying in bed, with an extraordinary event. Perfect, just perfect.

2) Jack proposes to Lucy, While You Were Sleeping

I love this proposal too, just in a different way. I love how his family is talking in the background, yet it still manages to be simple and sweet, just between the two of them. Again, no grand romantic gesture, just a proposal. It's romantic and real and everything a proposal should be. Unlike the last proposal, this one seems more planned (he has ring, after all). And I think planned proposals are fine. But I always like the pure emotion in a spontaneous proposal. No time to think--you just have to ask. You can't stop yourself. But this proposal is just as sweet anyway. (Side note: isn't hard to believe that that same actress now has an Academy Award? My, how things change).

3) Robbie proposes to Julia, The Wedding Singer

Yes, this is a bit of a cheesy one. But I love the song! It's so cute. The whole scene is great. I don't know what else to say, except it's pretty darn perfect. Oh, how I heart Robbie Hart. (And a very young Drew Barrymore).

4) Johnny proposes to June, Walk the Line

I haven't actually seen this film. But I stumbled across this scene whilst looking for another proposal, and I just loved it. Sure, they aren't alone, but it's still intimate. I love the way he lowers his voice to a whisper when he really asks her. It's so sweet. And he looks so vulnerable. He really wants to marry her. I should really see that movie (plus, it has Reese Witherspoon, who can do no wrong).

5) Monica proposes to Chandler (kind of), Friends

And, of course, it always comes back to Friends. Whilst Ross and Rachel are my favourite couple, these two definitely have the best proposal (okay, well, Ross and Rachel never really have a proposal scene. But they get close sometimes). This proposal has a little bit of the romance, but it's still very sweet, with both of them crying and everything. It's funny and unique and just perfect.

Now, you may be wondering what my perfect proposal would be. I'm not sure, but I think probably something private, intimate, in a way that means something to us as a couple. A meaningful place or meaningful memory or something. No big hoopla. No skywriting or cheesy hiding in the cake or anything like that. Just simple and sweet and romantic. Now only if I could find someone to marry me. And if only I wasn't sixteen....

And Then There Was This Plane...

I LIKE CHICK FLICKS. I'm not ashamed. I do not like so-called "intelligent" films. I do not like drama or action or thriller or horror. I like romantic comedies (more emphasis on the "romantic" then the "comedy" part). I am willing to admit all these things. So, when I see a trailer like this, I know it's not a movie for me. However, when a see a trailer like this one,

I know it's my kind of film. I mean sure, it has bit of a dark edge. But there's a boy (Robert Pattinson, Twilight bloodsucker) and a girl (Emilie de Ravin, apparently some character from Lost). That means romance. And sappy endings. And great kissing scenes. That does not mean violent deaths. Or annoying metaphors that make no sense.

I should stop right here and say that this review is going to have spoilers. Now, I know, that is a faux pas in the movie critic world. However, this movie sucks so bad, no one should ever go see it. Or maybe, go see the first 9/10ths of it. Those parts were fine. Average. Nothing special. Some bad Rob Pattinson acting, both nothing too horrifying. It's that last tenth that ruins the film. I mean, it's going along fine. Bad boy gets arrested by cop, starts dating cop's daughter for revenge. Cop's daughter is quirky and sweet and the two instantly fall in love. Cop has fight with daughter, daughter moves in with bad boy boyfriend. They both admit their darkest secrets to each other. Family drama ensues. Hearts are broken, mended, broken again. Whoop whoop. Everything's fine. And then there's this plane...

Yes, this is the point where the movie explodes both figuratively and literally

You see, at the beginning of the movie there was this flashback to 1991, and then back to present movie day, 2001. The whole time I was watching the movie I was trying to figure out why they would set a film in 2001 if it were released in 2010. It makes no sense. I know, you're thinking I'm really dense right now. What big event happened in 2001? I think everyone knows the answer to that. But they had mentioned terrorism at the beginning of the film. I assumed it was October or November 2001. It kept nagging at me. It just didn't make sense.

And then, it did. Apparently, all the relationship drama was before 9/11. Who knew? And so, you can see where this is going. Yes, Remember Me, a quote "romantic drama", ends with Twilight lover boy getting killed in the World Trade Center. Like, what? Just, what? Where did that come from? I mean, what is the message of the movie supposed to be. You can try hard to reform your life and then you'll be killed in a freak terrorist plot? Like, what?

You know, that sad part is I was this close to going to see She's Out of My League, which got rave reviews. But I thought Robert Pattinson, romance, can't go wrong (and before you freak out, I am not a Twihard. I just thought I'd give the guy another chance. Well, he's definitely out of chances now.). Never again, that's all I have to say. Never again.

Most reviewers give a rating for movies. I suppose I should do the same. Well, I give nine tenths of the film 2/5 stars. And I give the ending negative 1000000000000000000000/5 stars. What does that average out to exactly? (I'm not good at math, but it doesn't look good...).

The Best YA in the World

Wow, an entire week has gone by without one of my lists. Can you believe it? I'm so overdue! What shall the topic be today? Any requests? Shall it be something chick lit-esque? Or maybe some more pop culture? Or some romance? Let's flip a coin...coin toss in progress...coin falls under chair...find new coin...forget what was heads and what was tails...flip again...and chick lit it is! How about best young adult (YA) series? (aren't all these questions fun? Oh, look--another question!). Well, we better get started:

1) The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

This series has ten full length novels and three novellas. Personally, I think the third and tenth books are the best (they have the best romantic moments) and the ninth is the worst (it has no romantic moments). I have been reading these novels since I ordered the first one from my fourth grade Scholastic Book Order (remember those? They're so retro!). This series has my absolute favourite literary couple--a miss Mia Thermopolis and mister Michael Moscovitz. Oh, how I love Michael Moscovitz (and I hate hate hate JP. Even before the tenth book). I love the song in book 1, the dress comment in book 2, the dance in book 3, the car scene in book 4, the birthday dinner in book 5, the pizza place in book 6, and, of course, the entirety of the tenth book (and, really, anyone who just got all those references deserves a giant round of applause, I must say). Anyone not familiar with the books probably knows the two films of the same name. The films are a tirade for another day. But I will say that this scene was FANTASTIC. And that all of the stuff in the second film didn't happen in the books. Like Michael and Mia would ever break up! (well, not in the second book at least). I feel like I'm not doing these books justice. Well, just watch this video and you'll understand why I love this series.

2) The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

You'll see that the picture I've selected only has the first three books. That was not a mistake. I love the first three books in this series, but I absolutely hated the last book, so I prefer to think of this a trio of books instead of a quartet. Yes, the first three books were great--the third one especially (Girls in Pants). I love these books for a few reasons. First of all, I love the four girls. Lena, the one who doesn't want to be beautiful. Carmen, the passionate, loving one. Bridget, the daredevil one. And Tibby, the individual. I love them all for their quirks. They're unique characters and well-developed characters. The second thing I love is their friendship. I wish I had friends like these. And third thing I love is, of course, the romance. I love love love love love love (this could go on for a while) Bridget and Eric (who, by the by, get back together in the books, unlike the movies). But I also adore Tibby and Brian, in their own way. I'm not that much of a Kostos fan, though he is cute in the second book, until the whole pregnancy thing. The first three books are all great. Read them. Now.

3) The Jessica Darling Series by Megan McCafferty

Jessica Darling is the most hilarious character of all time. No lie. And Marcus Flutie is bad-ass. And all the other characters are great as well. I mean, who doesn't love Jessica's university list from book 2? And who doesn't crack up at Jess's dad and the running videos? It's classic stuff, I tell you. And of course, Marcus and Jessica are just about the sweetest couple of all time. The second book and the fifth book are great, just because they are together. I guarantee you're going to love them. You. Yes. You. (There's a little inside joke for all you Jessica fans!).

Wow, are those really the only great YA series? Couldn't be. But, really, I can't think of any others. I already shared my feelings on Harry Potter. And Twilight does not belong on this list. There are some other books, like the Bass Ackwards novels by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, but they're not really a big series, so they don't feel like they belong on this list. What do you think? Are they're any I'm missing?

Well, then, that's it for today folks. If you are a YA fan, you should vote for your favourite book in this contest. Not to influence your choices or anything, but I personally voted for Forever Princess (Princess Diaries series), Girl in Pants (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series), Second Helpings (Jessica Darling series), The Truth About Forever (a great Sarah Dessen, though not in a series), and fifth book I forget. I hope they win! (especially the one I forgot. That one's extra special!)

'Til Next Year, Oscar

Sorry, I'm a day late. I've been sick for a while and am in the process of making up all the homework I missed. It's been pretty crazy and couldn't find time to blog last night. But don't worry, I'm back (didn't you miss me?). I know you must be wondering what I thought of the Oscars. Well, where do I start...

I think the highlight of the night might have been when that Music by Prudence guy got kanyed by that random woman:

Wondering what the story was behind that? Go to this link to find out. Also, didn't you love how they did the Best Actor/Best Actress categories? The speeches were sooooo sweet. Michelle Pfeiffer's (to Jeff Bridges) was my favourite. I really hope they do something like that every year. Ben Stiller didn't annoy me as much as usual...though he was very random.

Tina Fey was great, as always. Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin did an average job hosting, I think. Their opening monologue was pretty weak. I mean, have they ever heard of a transition sentence?

So, all of that was interesting. But, of course, the best moment of the night was the one that didn't happen. Yes, that's right. James Cameron didn't get to make a SINGLE speech. HA HA HA. That's all I have to say. Seems like someone isn't king of the world anymore. But the Academy did crown a new queen!

This was the most predictable Oscars of all time. Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges, Christoph Waltz, Mo'nique, and Up all won, as expected. Big shockers. There was no great upset, no big dramatic moment. On the bright side, I bet on all of these people for my Oscar pool and ended up winning by ten points. I believe congratulations are in order.

And that's it. The biggest day in entertainment is over. All that wait and anticipation, and now we have to wait another whole year. Of course, there are the Emmys and the Golden Globes, but they're just not the same (though I am looking forward to watching Glee deseed 30 Rock in September). Maybe someone will EGOT this year (okay, that part of 30 Rock was funny. But Glee is still 1000x better).

And The Oscar Goes to...

It's here! It's here! The biggest entertainment day of the year! Yes, today is the day that us pop culture junkies wait for all year. All the movies. All the celebrities. All the suspense. It's a truly magical night and it's FINALLY here.

Oh, where to start? I love this night so much. From top to bottom, there's so much to see. There's the outfits, the hosts, the awards, the acceptance speeches. And this year, there's so much drama--Hurt Locker vs. Avatar for Best Picture, Bigelow vs. Cameron for Best Director (ex-spouses! First woman to win best director! Most arrogant man of all-time!), Streep vs. Bullock for Best Actress. Unlike in previous years, there's no favourite to sweep the awards a la 2009's Slumdog Millionaire (which I did not see, making last year a snooze) or 2003's Return of the King (didn't see that one either. Didn't read the books either. I really didn't know what was going on). There could be real drama! So exciting! (doesn't it seem like I've taken some type of drug before writing this post? All the exclamation marks...).

I have been reading articles about the Oscars for months now, bookmarking them for this exact post. I have read many predictions and many pieces of trivia and I feel about ready to make my predictions. Drumroll please...

1) Best Picture

Seeing as I have seen only 2/10 nominated pictures (Up and Up in the Air), some would say I am an unfair judge. But, as in my last post, you know what I say? Who cares. I have opinions, God dammit, and I'm going to share them. Of the two I've seen, I think Up in the Air should win, even if it was a little depressing and even though it stars a girl from Twilight. From what I''ve been reading, though, this film has little shot at winning. Out of the only two real contenders left, Avatar and The Hurt Locker, I would pick The Hurt Locker. Not only has it been getting good buzz, but I would rather stab myself in the eye than have to listen to another James Cameron acceptance speech (I'm King of the World! Oh god, kill me now). Although, I would rather see a total surprise winner, like District 9 or A Serious Man, to shake things up (though I really hope The Blindside loses. I really hate that film).

Final Prediction: The Hurt Locker

2) Best Director

Again, I have only seen one of these films. But what does that matter? I still hate hate hate hate HATE James Cameron, even if he is Canadian (bet you didn't know he was Canadian. Yes, he's one of the ones we're ashamed of, like Pamela Anderson). And I'm always pulling for women's rights, so I'd have to go with the masses and say Kathryn Bigelow (even if she does spell her name with a y instead of an i, ruining my life). After my theatre class last semester I have a new appreciation for directors (now that I actually know what they do. Now, if I could just figure out what producers are paid for, I'd be all set).

Final Prediction: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker

3) Best Actress

I'm going to go against the tide in this category and pick Meryl Streep. Like the Sean Penn-Mickey Rourke upset of last year, I think there could be a surprise in this category. And I'm sorry, but an actress who's previous work includes All About Steve, Miss Congeniality 2, and Two Weeks Notice, can't possibly be in contention. And for such a sappy, predictable movie like The Blindside. I didn't see it, true, but the trailer made me sick enough to know. Plus, the academy loves Meryl (god knows I don't, but I did enjoy It's Complicated and her half of Julie & Julia). This could be a major upset...

Final Prediction: Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

4) Best Actor

I feel an obligation to include this category because I included its counterpart, but really I don't care. George Clooney was alright in Up in the Air, I guess. I don't know. But sure, I want Jeff Bridges to win. He seems like a nice guy, a guy who deserves it. Sure, why not?

Final Prediction: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart

Now, seeing as the Best Supporting Actor and Actress are sewn up by Christoph Waltz and Mo'nique respectively, there's really no point in discussing them. And I really have no idea about all the other smaller categories (though I do want Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart), to win. I listen to it on iTunes all the time). I suppose then, I will stop here (good thing, cause I've got some homework callin' my name. Pretty loudly). SOOOOOOO excited for tonight. Hope it's as scandalous as possible (for what is life, without some streakers?)! Good day and good luck to all the Oscar contenders (except James Cameron and The Blindside, of course)!

Turn Your World Upside Down

Roller coaster day...still a little bit nauseous from it all. So, instead of writing a big long blog post I thought I'd leave you all with a weekly round-up of sorts. All the odds and ends that I found but never really fit in a blog post. Be warned, some of these will turn your world upside down, like in West Wing:

So, to start, some Gossip Girl stuff:

Remember, from the season 2 finale? Now, try to imagine that scene

with Nate instead of Chuck. Shudder.

But that photo's nothing in comparison to this one:

Vampires attack! Run for your lives!

If that didn't freak you out there's always this:

Really people? This is what you spend your time doing?

Or this,

Oh, those poor Gilmore Girls (or do I mean guys?)

Wow, the power of photoshop. We should develop this technology more. It looks like it's being put to good use. I wish I could show you a christmas gift this guy gave me this year--my face photoshopped onto Sleeping Beauty's body. Oh lord, did people laugh at that...

Hope you all are having a good weekend. Hope at least one of these made you smile (personally, I like Chuck Cullen and Blair Swan!). As always, good night and good blogging.

Who Cares?

I suck at philosophy. And you want to know why? Because I don't care. When people ask questions like "why are we the way we are?" and "what is existence?" and "what is reality?", you know what I say? Who cares. I find all these big thinking questions annoying. I know they don't have answers, so I don't care to try. This is not a big help in my philosophy class.

Today, though, I did stumble across a question like this that got me thinking. It all started with this blog post. One pesky little link to this article and I was off. I couldn't stop thinking, looking things up, reading articles on wikipedia. So, I thought I would share all these thoughts and links with you, the great people of the blogosphere, to see what you thought (of course, no one actually reads this blog, so no one will actually respond. But I will keep trying. One day, I will have at least one reader. I am determined!). I apologize in advance for my attempts at intelligent thought. I promise I will return to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow (pop culture, chick lit, and other cream-puff flavoured things).

All this leads me to the ultimate question: Is teenage pregnancy wrong?

Our culture shouts a resounding yes to this question. Our culture says that teenagers are unfit to parents--they are irresponsible children who don't know the first thing about how to raise a child of their own. But why? Aren't there benefits to being young parents? Who says 20's or 30's are a good time to have kids? Aren't there drawbacks to having a child at every age? Why does our culture frown upon teenage pregnancy sooooo much. There is nothing biologically wrong with it. Actually, it is healthier for both the parent and the child because of the lessened chance of birth defects/pregnancy complications. Doesn't nature tell us, therefore, that it is better to have babies early?

See, that is all good in theory. And in tv shows, like Gilmore Girls, where everything works out perfectly on a nice sound stage in California:

It all works out fine in books like Slam by Nicky Hornby and Annie's Baby by an anonymous teenager. But what about in real life? When I think about teenage pregnancy in the abstract, I think it might actually be a good idea. But when I apply it to my own life, it terrifies me. I'm not ready to be a mother. I have plans. I have dreams. I can barely handle being responsible for myself, let alone someone else. I'm sure some girls my age could, but not me.

What do you think? What is the best age to have children? What would you do if you found out you were sixteen and pregnant? Personally, I think I would waver between adoption and raising it myself. Not because I don't believe in abortion but I because I don't think I could go through with an abortion. I'm pro-choice for other people, but I can't imagine it for myself.

I'm sorry if I'm not making much sense. I shouldn't attempt higher thinking. But I do want to say one final thing, to all you teenage mothers out there: I'm sorry. I'm sorry on behalf of my culture, a culture where stories like this are a big deal:

(Personally, I didn't care that Jamie Lynn was pregnant. I was just sad that Zoey 101 was ending)

I'm sorry for all the nasty looks you've ever gotten and all the snide comments you've ever heard. You are doing a courageous thing, a thing I could never do. Teenage pregnancy may not be right for me, but it might be right for you.

Harry Freaking Potter

I hate Harry Potter. Okay, correction, I hated Harry Potter. I mean, I really hated it. I absolutely refused to read the books, even though all my friends loved them. I HATED HATED HATED Harry Potter. I would've rather died than read those books. Yes, I can be a little melodramatic at times.

So, I got to high school, and I meet this girl (let's call her, um, Destiny, to protect her top secret identity) who was (and still is) super obsessed with the books. I mean SUPER obsessed. Like she knows the Ministry of Magic's phone number kind of obsessed. Her and some other girls in my class would amuse themselves by asking me HP trivia questions like "What house does Harry belong to?" and "What is Harry's best friend's name?". Oh, ha ha ha, Katherine didn't know any of the answers. Ha ha ha (and to you HP fanatics reading this and laughing you too can shut up. Now.). I retaliated by asking Friends trivia questions like "Who does Monica end up with?", and then laughing right back at her.

This war continued for quite some time until we made a bet. I would read all the HP books and she would watch all the episodes of Friends. Ambitious? Yes. A giant waste of time? Maybe. So much fun? You betcha! So, she had the easy task of watching The Best Show of All Time (one day I will have write a tribute post to Friends, I can't resist), I had to read thousands of pages about stupid child wizards:

This is not one of those stories that ends all "I was wrong, everyone else was right and Harry Potter changed my life forever!" No, after many, many, many hours I finished all seven books, and you know what I had to say? Big woop. They are not THAT good. I mean, sure, they are well written. And I liked a few of the story lines. But overall? Not so great...

I mean, I'm glad I read them (and not just because people have stopped laughing at me). Me, the great romantic, loved this couple:

(And I'm not such a Daniel Radcliffe-Bonnie Wright fan, so I choose the illustrated version)

As well as this couple:

(I do like Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, though)

And I did become obsessed in my own chick-lit-loving-hopeless-romantic kind of way. I memorized which page Ron and Hermoine kiss on (page 502, HP and The Deathly Hollows, in case you were wondering). And I reread the part after the Quidditch match in HP6 a zillion times (which is why I was so mad when they cut that part from the movie!).

There is no grand lesson from this story (thank god, I hate preachy things like that). I just wanted to share my thoughts on the books (and the highest grossing film franchise of all time). Harry Potter's alright. Nothing special. In my opinion.

Katherine: The Definitive Guide

Welcome to the complete guide to all things Katherine (the wonderful author of the acclaimed blog Katherine was Thinking...). Available at all cyber stores near you, this handbook, complete with definitions, pictures, and random facts about Katherine, is all you need to become a Katherine expert in mere minutes. Here is an excerpt from the highly anticipated handbook:

BASIC INFO

Name: Katherine (I know, obvious, but some people just don't get it...)

Nationality: Canadian (I know, I'm cool, eh?)

Age: 16 (you know, smack dab in the middle of those awful teenage years that everyone always complains about)

Gender: Female (Shocking, I know!)

Career: High School Student (yes, people complain about this too. And then they grow up to make movies about it, a la John Hughes)

Favourite Colour: Yellow (like the sun! or a sunflower! or yellow paint!)

Favourite Number: 14 (why? Well, why does anyone ever like any number?)

Favourite Day of the Week: Saturday (because friday? Is so overrated)

INTERESTING FACTS

-97% chance she has a undiagnosed case of OCD (or she's just really, really neurotic. Take your pick)

-Hates fast food (and yes, that includes MacDonald's. And Kentucky Fried Chicken. And Tim Horton's)

-Only reads the Entertainment section of the newspaper (because, really, who cares about world events?)

-Keeps all of her books in alphabetical order, by author, and by publication date. Labels all her binders and bins and pretty much anything she can get her hands on (for explanation see "neurotic", "OCD", above)

-Reads Teen Vogue every single month, though she has no interest in fashion (except Project Runway, of course)

-Keeps a blog (bet you didn't know that!--to see it go here!)

PICTURES

Okay, here's the deal with pictures, just to set everyone straight: They ain't going to happen (don't you love the word ain't? I love the word ain't). I don't want to post pictures of myself. I am magnificently attractive, of course, and just don't want to make other people jealous (ha ha ha). No, I'm just not comfortable posting pictures of myself. Maybe I'll post pictures of my cat. She's much cuter to look at.

To purchase the rest of this guide contact the publisher (Katherine Isawesome) or keeping reading her blog. Updates daily.

Gotta love me some tv...(he, he, he)

There's nothing I love more than logging onto my computer and finding an article about one of my favourite tv shows. Pathetic? Yes. Endlessly satisfying? You bet. I thought today I would write the very type of article I love--a list of my favourite tv couples (warning: spoilers abound!). So, in no particular order (because I couldn't possibly choose--it's like choosing children):

1) Ross Geller and Rachel Green (Friends)

I thought I'd start with a classic couple. I love these two so much. Monica and Chandler were good, but they couldn't hold a candle to these two. Such classic lines, I could list them all day--"She's not Rachem", "You were gonna drink the fat?", "I got off the plane" (bonus points to anyone who got all those references. If not they are here, here, and here respectively). I love The One with the Prom Video. I love The One in Massapequa, just because his proposal is soooo sweet (and Alec Baldwin is hilarious, but that's another rant for another day). He loved her since grade nine typing. She loved him since the end of season one. Ten years in the making (including a countless number of hilarious break ups, an accidental marriage, a quickie divorce, and a baby), these two are the best.

2) Joey Potter and Pacey Witter (Dawson's Creek)

Yes, sadly, I have seen every episode of this show. Very unfortunate, I know. I feel embarrassed just admitting it. But I couldn't help myself. I loved these two. And don't all you Dawson and Joey fans go CRAZY. I just like Pacey better. Dawson is okay. Kind of annoying. Pacey is so much funnier. So much cuter. Soooo much better. Oh, and Joey's okay too. I can no longer watch more than one episode of DC at a time, at risk of inducing a severe nausea/mind numbing headache, but one small dose every once and a while is okay. Better than okay. I mean who can't enjoy watching this clip? Or this one? (Dawson-Joey fans, that's who. But they're just party poopers).

3) Donna Moss and Josh Lyman (West Wing)

Now, this is probably the most obscure couple on this list. West Wing was a great show (one I am not embarrassed to have watched, unlike some others previously mentioned), but most people my age have never heard of it. Or they think it is all about politics. Which it is. But it is also about Josh and Donna, an incredible couple. They don't get together until the end of the series (and that was no short time--seven seasons!) but the wait was well worth it. They are so funny together, so sweet. And as someone counted, they only kiss four times in the show. But they didn't need to kiss. Their sexual tension is more than enough.

4) Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

How do I describe my love for Luke and Lorelai? It is like a rose, freshly picked..no just kidding. But I do love them. I love that everyone around them can see their love, but they are blind to it for four whole seasons (which actually feels a lot longer because there's no politics to distract you--see above). And when they finally get together it is so perfect. I have watched the season four finale a millions times. I love them so much. And I hate Christopher. (and also, I hate Logan--but that's a story for a tv couples I hate list). And season seven sucked. But at least they got together, in the end.

5) Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl)

Gossip Girl might not be the highest quality show (will Blair and Serena be friends this week? Who was the mysterious woman by Bart Bass's grave? What about Lily and Serena's father?--god, it's a bloody soap opera). And Chuck and Blair might not be the best people (understatement of the year). But together, somehow, they are amazing. He loves her so much! After the second season finale I completely fell in love with this couple. But I hear they're going to break up. Of course, according to some other sources say otherwise (oh, pray god). This couple is the entire reason I watch this show. Enough said.

I could continue this list forever (that's how much of my life I have wasted watching tv) but I should do some homework (if only lived in one of those high school shows where no one ever does any work and somehow gets straight A's). Alas, ta ta for now, my friends (do I have any friends? Is anyone reading this? If so, please comment--you'll make my day!).

Last Night's Religious Experience...

So, I was at the hospital last night (long, long story...), during the Greatest Game of Hockey That Has Ever Been Played (or, for you Americans, that unfortunate-game-where-you-thought-you-had-a-chance-because-you-scored-in-the-last-24-seconds-but-really-you-were-never-going-to-win). Yes, very disappointing that I did not get to watch our incredible win because I was in the emergency room. But I still got to enjoy it. You should have seen all the people huddled around the TV in the waiting room, all tense. There were even nurses and doctors and hospital staff. This country really loves hockey, I gotta tell ya. They even announced every goal over the hospital PA. When they announced the gold, you could hear cheering all over the building. CANADA ROCKS--that's all I have to say (there is the flip side of that--AMERICA SUCKS--but I'm much too polite to say such things. In type. Of course, me and the rest of my countrymen may been thinking that from time, to, um, time).

In the weeks leading up to the Olympics people wrote a lot of articles saying that "hockey is Canada's religion". I find that hilarious. In so many countries saying something like that would be offensive. But here it Canada it rings so true. Hockey is our sport, our religion, our everything, as we saw last night as people flooded Yonge Street in Toronto:

I read an article (in a magazine in the hospital waiting area, incidentally) where they interviewed Torontonians (I hate that word!) and asked them if they would rather have the Summer Olympics (sans hockey, obviously) in Toronto or the Stanley Cup finals. Guess which they chose. By a 20% margin. Yeah, hockey really is our religion.

Now, I am not a hockey fan. But I couldn't help but get caught up in it when my morning paper looks like this:

My entire class wore red today. Without planning. Yes, WE ARE CANADIAN!! WOOT! WOOT!

As I've said before, there are a lot of false Canadian stereotypes. The hockey one, though, is true. So, all you Americans don't ask us if we live in igloos or if we know how to make maple syrup or if we know a Mountie (which, incidentally, I do--my cousin is married to one. But that's the exception, not the rule, like in He's Just Not That Into You). But do ask us about hockey. Clearly, that is that is a rule.