1994: the year of A big one

Earthquakes. NBD...for the most part.

The press and reactions to the 5.8 earthquake in the North East has had us Californians laughing most of the day. Earthquakes are just a part of life here...like snow is in the Midwest. Having said that, I can't make too much fun of those easterners...or "yankees" as my dear friend Suzie would be yelling at me right now. If you didn't grow up with them, I'm sure earthquakes are terrifying, or maybe even interesting. You should ask my Creighton friends what my first few tornadoes were like...let's just say I thought the tornado siren was actually an air raid siren, now there is logic for you.

Every time one of these big earthquake happens (and I'm not implying this one was "big") I think about the GIANT Northridge earthquake in 1994...every Sourthern Californian that was coherent at the time has a Northridge story.

It's interesting for me to look back on it now since I was only 7 years old then. Not going to lie, I probably could have slept through it, for some reason I'd only wake up during the little earthquakes...in particular every single freaking after-shock of Northridge.

The quake started around 4:30am, a few seconds later I woke up to my mom yanking me out of bed, and under the door frame with the dog...while, for some reason, my dad (a native) ran straight for outside in a half-asleep stupor, yammering about finding out whose phone worked...traditionally what you do after power lines are done falling and transformers are done exploding. The rest of it is kind of a blur of shelves falling, drawers coming out of my dresser, and my basset hound howling. Maybe I have a mental block on it, but it's more of an interesting experience to me than a terrifying one.

After the ground finally stopped moving, my mom and I joined my dad outside with the rest of our neighbors...I'm still scarred to this day with the memory of seeing some of my neighbors in what they referred to as "pajamas". I don't remember too much damage in my neighborhood, I'm sure my parents could say otherwise...the bumps in the sidewalk were all of a sudden larger, bike riding and rollerblading was something akin to BMX after that. Oh, and that crack in the living room ceiling grew from maybe a foot long to extending halfway across the living room.

Once the reasonable hours of the morning rolled around, then we really saw what happened. Santa Monica definitely had it worse than we did. The hospital I was born in was reduced to about half the size it had been the day before. By far the worst damage had been done to the freeways...especially the Santa Monica 10...aka the busiest freeway in the United States...it just collapsed (as did a section of the 5). Followed by the worst 3 months of traffic I think any of us have ever seen. Luckily, since the quake happened so early the casualties were only in the 60s...had it happened a few hours later that number would be grossly higher.


To sum up...essentially the whole darn state was a mess for months (rebuilding took years, the new St. John's Hospital has only recently been completed). The amount of damage that it caused was shocking because of all the building precautions taken...like building houses out of stucco instead of brick...now we literally put buildings on wheels.





...Something that definitely sucked in school was having to do earthquake drills. It was fine when we were in elementary school, and could fit under our desks...but you try cramming into those stupid desks with the chairs attached when you are a sophomore in high school. All of us hoped that if a big one happened...it would happen during science class, where we had the big lab tables. In 5th grade we had a practice for "the big one"...I was leaving for Australia the next day...so freaking Mrs. Tucker made me be the injured kid, and I had to lay under a desk with a chair on top of me until the firemen came to rescue me (something I under appreciated at the time...if you've seen the MB firemen, you know what I mean). I then had to be wrapped up in all sorts of splints and brought out onto the field...where the rest of the school was corralled.

Come to think of it, we had an earthquake last week. Every time one happens you can tell who has been here a while/grew up here and who has not. The locals laugh and remark something to the effect of "well that was fun" while out of towners generally look totally horrified. I'm sure it's got to be pretty disconcerting the first time you feel and see the ground move under your feet.

So be cool East Coast, it was just a little tectonic plate movement...gotta keep you on your toes! You'll probably be on "tsunami" warning...but the Atlantic hardly has waves anyway.

Welcome to life on the Best Coast.

Photo Credit
Photo Credit
Photo Credit
Photo Credit

People Say the Darndest Things

Favorite Words of Wisdom that I have either found to be important, inspiring, funny, ironic, note worthy, or any mix:

"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future." -JFK
Could this be anymore relevant at the moment? This is something I think many of those childish politicians need to keep in mind. As much as they'd like to think, the world doesn't revolve around them and their agendas. I'm pretty sure every single one of those founding fathers they all love to talk about, have been spinning in their graves over all the nonsense that's been going on. The party system is probably America's biggest enemy.

"You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you...I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory.Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking." General Dwight D. Eisenhower; D-Day address
This gives me goose bumps every time I hear or read it, especially when I listed to the radio broadcast while in Normandy. General Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered this speech to a bunch of young men that would be considered my peers today, the morning before the crucial invasion. Can you imagine at 20 or so years old, essentially having the fate of the world on your shoulders? I can barely cook for myself! I feel like the title The Greatest Generation has been capitalized on so much that it is at risk of sounding cliche, but there is really no truer or better explanation of those people.

"Fight 'em 'til Hell freezes over. Then fight 'em on the ice."-Dutch Meyer
Rah Rah TCU!! The little school that could! We keep winning and winning and get no respect...we thought that a Rose Bowl victory over the Wisconsin Badgers would finally shut some people up...nooope. We are still fighting 'em on the ice.




"It is my personal belief that anything and everything concerning the feelings of women are threatening and intimidating" Dan "The Man" Walker
Probably one of the better, not to mention hysterical things, one of my friends has ever said. Daniel Walker; man, friend, soldier...philosopher.

"All pigs are equal, some just more than others"-George Orwell
You can say it's not true, but someone where deep down you know you are lying to yourself. Older generations say our (Gen Y) is spoiled and entitled, but mark my words we will be the ones to change things. We don't have the same issues with race and sexual orientation that our parents' generation does. It's such a non-issues.

"You've got to remember, that these are just simple farmers, these are people of the land, the common clay of the new west. You know . . . morons" Blazing Saddles
A brilliant movie that brilliantly mocks the stupidity of racism, and all around idiotic people. Don't underestimate the morons, they are large in numbers.

"You are only young once, but you can remain immature indefinitely."
This is my personal motto. I couldn't control my laughter while watching Despicable Me...in particular the Fart Gun part.

"I once shot an elephant in my pajamas. how he got into my pajamas i don't know."-Groucho Marx
The world would be a better place if more people watched Marx Brothers movies.







It's always shocking to me that hardly anyone knows some of the most basic, yet important laws of The Constitution. There's a whole lot of people who will talk about it, but can't tell you what's in it. Familiarize yourself, so you don't make stupid decisions. The 1st and 14th Amendments are my "favorites".

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. " 1st Amend.
Except the Muslims...and unfortunately this also means Fred Phelps can still continue his nonsense and hate, but hey, it's the law.

"No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." 14th Amend
Except for homosexuals...

Laissez Faire Blogging

You know, for someone that picked the degree path that I did...I really suck at blogging. I seem to have random bursts of inspiration and/or indignation and then I retreat back to my blogging hidey-hole.

I'm so behind...The NASCAR Thing, Lululemon, Graduation, Paris, Normandy, Family Reunion, Mattress Land, Fort Worth-and saying goodbye, The Road Trip, The 40 Hour Work Week, Back in CA after a 5 Year Hiatus...and all those random factoids and news stories that I love.


Come to think of it, I was no good at keeping a diary when I was a kid. I'm not one to talk about myself much...how's that for breaking only child stereotypes?

Le Spaz.

My Own In Memorium

Jane Russell
June 21, 1921 – February 28, 2011

Jane Russell, one of my all time favorite actresses passed away yesterday at age 89. Considering I had just written a post about the last US WWI veteran's passing...I thought I'd give them each their own day.

Jane Russell owned the word bombshell...for Pete's sake Howard Hughes designed a bra specifically for her! The insanely beautiful Russell held her own against Marylin Monroe (a life long friend) on the big screen in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (while simultaneously proving that ain't exactly so), and continually captivated audiences with her voice and sultry charm.

When I was a kid, sometimes my parents would take into Los Angeles or Hollywood and Highland (usually to go see a Disney movie at the El Capitan Theater). I use to love to to go across the street to Grauman's Chinese Theater to see the immortalized prints of the stars. My first stop was always to Marilyn Monroe's and Jane Russell's joint slab of cement where I'd stick my feet in hands where they had once places theirs. In fifth grade, my hands and feet fit into Marilyn's (which I don't know what that says about her or me exactly...I was probably a giant fifth grader)...now I'm probably more Jane Russell's size, except I don't think I could ever fill out a dress that that woman could. Some consider strange that a little kid, such as my (then) self, made a B line for an actress of the 1940-60s, but those are the people I cared about, and still do. Thanks to my grandma and parents, I grew up watching the real classics. (Right: Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell making their mark in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater, 1953. Photo credit)

I don't think I could say much about Jane Russell to do her adequate justice, so I'll let her do it for me.

(Academy of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...don't you dare forget Jane Russell in next years Oscar's In Memorium...we all know your issue with oversight.)


Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Ain't There Anyone Here for Love



Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Bye Bye Baby



Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Jane Russell as Marilyn Monroe skip to 8 minute mark



Gentlemen Prefer Blondes:

Homage to the Last Doughboy

It's no secret to those who know me that I am a HUGE history nerd, and I really don't see that as a bad thing. This is a story that I think deserves much more attention than it is getting:

The Greatest Generation...I'd like to think most of us know who they are...Gen Y, in case you were unaware, they are most likely your grandparents. Almost as sad as my generation's dissonance, is not much is mentioned about the Lost Generation, the kids who came of age during, and consequently fought, in World War I. On Sunday, February 28, 2010, Frank Buckles passed away at 110 years old. Mr. Buckles was the last remaining US WWI survivor.
(above: Frank Buckles, 110. Photo credit: cnn.com)

This means that there are only TWO WWI veterans left...did you catch that? Just TWO. Interestingly, one of whom is a woman, Florence Green, who joined the British Royal Air Force at 17 years old in September of 1918 (by the way she celebrated her 110th birthday on February 19th). The other, Claude Choules, 109 (March 3, 1901), who is now the only veteran left to have served in both World Wars. Think on this: these are the only two people left in the world who can provide a first hand account of experiences in WWI. Visit Order of the First World War for more information.

Next up...

The Last American Doughboy:

President Woodrow Wilson declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917 after the publication of the Zimmerman Note, as well as Germany's continuance of unrestricted submarine warfare. That summer, Frank Buckles age 16...lied about his age and enlisted with the Marine Corps, joining the 4 million Americans who would soon be fighting in Europe. Much to his disappointment, Buckles didn't see much combat as he was assigned as an escort, and later was appointed to ambulance driver (he was in good company; Walt Disney and Ray Kroc (founder of McDonalds) were also ambulance drivers).
(right: Frank Buckles. Photo: credit:pershingslastpatriot.com/frank/)


After WWI, Buckles continued his service during WWII, as a ship's officer on merchant ships. He was captured by the Japanese and held captive for over three years.

Buckles became an advocate for the memorial of WWI and its veterans, and considered it his personal responsibility to make Washington listen. According to CNN, renovations to the dilapidated WWI memorial began last fall, though Buckles was unable to attend to oversee the improvements.

As it should be, Frank Buckles will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, and then some. U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, has proposed for a memorial in the U.S Capitol in which Buckles' casket will be displayed with honors.

I think Secretary Robert Gates put it best,

"The First World War is not well understood or remembered in the United States. There is no big memorial on the National Mall. Hollywood has not turned its gaze in this direction for decades. Yet few events have so markedly shaped the world we live in." (via cnn.com)

Time is fleeting, as is history. It is strange to me that the passing of our last WWI veteran has been merely a blip on the media radar...but Charlie Sheen's debauchery is front page news. Backwards no?

Click here to learn more about Frank Buckles on the website dedicated to his memory.

Go to cnn.com to read the full article on America's last veteran.

Sweet Talkin' Ken Woos Barbie Back

Love it or hate it, I think this is one of the more brilliant advertising/marketing campaigns ideas...hats off to Mattel.

FYI...Ken and Barbie called it quits back in 2004. To be more exact, Barbie left Ken for Blaine...the surfer from Australia...ending their 53 years together. To many, this was much more devastating than any Brad and Jen could ever be.
(above: Barbie and Sweet Talkin' Ken, www.barbieandken.com)

Let's face it, Barbie just isn't "cool" anymore. It doesn't really shock me, have you been down the Barbie aisles over the last few years? However, if feel that Barbie is cyclical in nature (sort of like frozen yogurt). She'll be back...newly formed body and all.

This campaign was marking Ken's 50th Birthday (who knew Barbie was a bit of a cougar?), and the epicenter of it all is barbieandken.com. Here fans could vote on whether Barbie should "take Ken back" or not, complete with a Love-O-Meter for measuring purposes...supporters of the famous duo had until Valentine's Day 2011 to make up Barbie's mind.

The results are in and....

BARBIE AND KEN ARE BACK ON!

From what I can tell this is a pretty good example of a campaign that uses social marketing tactics, as it spread across Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter, Youtube, and even Hulu (a kitchy show called Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend was produced and available on hulu.com). I've got a feeling the target market was us, the kids who grew up in (one of) Barbie's prime decades...though I doubt any of us are going to rush out to the stores and swoop up the new Sweet Talkin Ken, who, by the way, Mattel describes as "the ultimate boyfriend for every occasion, he says whatever you want him to say!" Hmmm...coincidence that Ken wants Barbie back right as he is relaunched as Rico Suave?

Social Savant:

Barbie's YouTube Channel: Ken and Match.com



Barbie and Ken's Facebook:
Barbie posts about numerous sightings of Ken...a la billboards around Los Angeles and his moniker strategically placed at well known eateries. Seeing Ken's face all over the place while at home in December was quite strange.

The romance has continued, see all of the plastic romantical happenings here

When talking about social media campaigns I think this one would be and example of what to do. Dear Mattel...may I work for you?

Below the Muffin Top Belt

I really hate to give Rush Limbaugh any sort of mention or attention, but I seriously just can't believe this "man".

The radio host recently took some pot shots at the First Lady's weight and physique, which was started by her chowing down on some ribs while on vacation...BLASPHEMY!! Limbaugh went on to say that Michelle Obama is a hypocrite because of her platform/campaign, "Let's Move". (right, CNN)

"Let's Move" was launched by the First Lady to help solve the problem of childhood obesity now, so that children will grow up healthier and be able to achieve their goals (not to mention relieve some strain from the medical care fiasco). Whether you chose to acknowledge it or not, Americans are fat, and its turned into a rather viscous cycle. Obese parents lead to obese children, who grow into obese adults who then produce and raise obese children...don't get me started on the sustainability (more so lack there of) factor involved here.

Reading Limbaugh's remarks on CNN nothing short of enraged me. To give some context, here is part of the what Limbaugh said:

"The problem is, and dare I say this, it doesn't look like Michelle Obama follows her own nutritionary, dietary advice...And then we hear that she's out eating ribs at 1,500 calories a serving with 141 grams of fat per serving."

"She is a hypocrite, Leaders are supposed to be leaders. If we are supposed to go out and eat nothing, if we are supposed to eat roots, berries, and tree bark, show us how."

Here is what I find to be absolutely infuriating and only promulgates poor body images for girls/women:

"I'm trying to say that our first lady does not project the image of women that you might see on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue or of a woman Alex Rodriguez might date every six months or what have you,"

Seriously? THAT is the image of women? Looks like I've got some major work to do.

I don't see the political gain in making fun of a woman's weight, especially that of a woman with arms that should be the envy of many. Love her or hate her, for whatever reason, this is completely deplorable...though not shocking coming from Limbaugh. These malevolent outbursts come on the coat tails of another conservative outlet making a ridiculous cartoon about MObama and her dietary "indiscretions" (left; biggovernment.com). CNN also has article that discusses the cartoon in further detail. Sarah Palin also recently gave it to Obama and her "crusade against desserts" on her Sarah Palin's I'm Stuck in Alaska...why are people so dense? It's embarrassing. We are a fat nation, diabetes is running wild in children and adults...you should check out how much money a year the US (tax payers) pays for the treatment of people with diabetes.

I have heard some pretty nasty things said about the First Lady, many that don't make much sense at all. Not going to lie, I like her and I think she is a great role model. She has already championed taking care of military families, and I think the "Let's Move" campaign is right up there with Nancy Reagan's war on drugs...or any other valiant effort a First Lady has picked up. I'm sure she will take these asinine comments and turn it into opportunity to teach kids, specifically young girls, about body image and healthy eating habits.

Redefining "Something Borrowed"

There has been a lull in the engagements, but I'm sure a monsoon is about to sweep in...and freak us other college women out once again.

There is nothing wrong with getting engaged so young (if you are ready), it's just not for me. I'm thinking this is a geographical thing, nearly none of my California peops are engaged...nor are they close (not a bad thing!), but in my first semester as a Pi Phi at Creighton we had a Ring Pass once every few chapter meetings...as if moving from California to Nebraska wasn't enough of a culture shock on its own! Now I am down in the South...Texas South to be more exact...and I've learned all about the MRS degree seekers and the fact that at 23 I am quickly approaching, if not already, an old maid. Let's not even get me going on this Army aspect of my life, that just stresses me out! Lucky for me, Alex has chosen a path that will let me drag my feet for a few more years!

So, I've established...this kid is not ready to get married. That being said, I still sit with my roommates (or my mother) and watch the marathons of Say Yes to the Dress, which generally leads to deep discussion on what is ugly, what is fabulous, and what "I" want. This is particularly fun to do with my mom...as every time we go to NorthPark (best shopping in the world for you non DFWers) we MUST go visit Oscar...of the de la Renta persuasion. There are always beautiful (the word doesn't do them justice) dresses in the windows...and always a wedding gown...of which my mother proclaims "this must be your dress"...momentarily forgetting that she is wielding the check book. Here is one thing I know about my wedding...the dress I want will not be in my budget. However, my mom proposed what I think to be a novel idea...others may think I am slightly unhinged.

Renting!!! Why not? Guys get to rent their tuxes...why can't we do the same? Not going to lie, at first I thought this was insane...I want to keep my dress! What if my daughter wants to wear it?! Valid. But reality check: ok first, I must produce a female heir(s), and second why on earth would she want to wear my dress...how many of you girls want to wear your mom's dress? I mean no offense to our mothers, but the late 70's and early 80's are so not in fashion...our potential daughters will probably think the same thing of our selections. I'm just saying I'd much rather rent my designer gown for a few hundred dollars (many shops tailor and clean it for you) than have to sell a kidney to get a dress the dress I want...and will wear once. ONCE! If you rent, you return the dress, get your deposit back, and they clean it. I realize that I'm going to get hauled all across this country, and I really don't want to have to schlep a bulky gown around with me. But what will my keepsake be? Answer: my veil. That will be my own, a veil would definitely have a better chance of being worn by a potential girl-child. In fact, I may wear my grandmother's after getting it retooled...who knows!

I realize this isn't for everyone, and there is significance in your wedding dress. Maybe it's my (extra) acquired skepticism from all my marketing and advertising classes...but I believe the significance is in the wedding and the experience, not in what you wear. Hopefully by the time I am ready to start this epic shopping journey, more rental option will be around. It seems to be slowly catching on. $800 vs $20,000? To me there isn't much of a question...and what to do with all that saved cheese? Christian Louboutin...here I come. One for each day of the week (and then some). Though I'm sure my mother would much rather me say something about a down payment on a house. Mom if you read this....we can share :)

Oscar, Vera, Monique...you all may be insight after all.

Rather than making this post longer than it already is, here is an interesting article that my mom showed me from the New York Times talking about "borrowing" your wedding dress. Let the persuasive argument begin!.