College Do's and Don'ts

Don't be one of those people that eats Ramen Noodles all the time! I hate to be preachy but one package of Ramen Noodles is about 80% of our daily value of sodium, wow! There are so many healthy options and I know that especially now in this economy food is expensive but you can still find good values. Trader Joe's, for example, is my savior; their food is really good, affordable, and most of it is good for you. Check out their website, and sign up for their e-newsletter --- http://www.traderjoes.com/index.html

Do network; form as many meaningful connections with people as possible. College, like the job world, is all about networking, or at least laying the groundwork for some serious networking in the future.

Don't wait until you have the bare minimum left in clothes to do laundry. You never know when you will have a fashion emergency (and a "do" within a don't, do separate your lights and darks and delicates).

Do invest in nice bedding, and wash it weekly no matter where you live. Nice, soft, quality sheets mean a good night's sleep. They also mean that whoever you do bring back to your room will no doubt be impressed with your maturity, sophistication, and cleanliness (and he/ she is more likely to come back).

Don't burn the candle at both ends; in other words, make sure you get enough sleep, or college will kick your butt!

Do attend class as much as possible. Most schools require you to attend a certain percentage of classes to attain a certain grade no matter what you get on your mid term and final. This also ties back to networking as well; you may meet a lot of people in class who could help you in the future so it does benefit you to crack a book and go.

Don't go to class in sweats or pajamas; it's just wrong on so many levels. Sweats is something you wear in your house when your relaxing or chilling out. It doesn't look professional to colleagues or the professor when you walk in to class in that type of attire. At the very least, wear jeans a nice top. Also I don't know/ haven't seen any guy that has attracted a girl wearing sweats in class, and I don't know any girl that has attracted a "quality" guy in class wearing sweats or pajamas.

Do form as many long lasting friendships as possible because some of the friends you meet with and bond with in college will be your friends for life.

Don't forget what college is all about. Have fun because that is a big part of the college experience, but don't lose sight of why you are really there. College is also a major time for self discovery, you will, no doubt, learn a lot about yourself and what you need and want from life (on a side note, this self discovery will continue throughout your 20's).

Do take risks because they will almost always pay off and you will regret it later if you don't. Risks are a necessary part of life because they make you a more well rounded person, you will be more open minded, and people will respect the fact that you took a chance even if it didn't work out how it was supposed to.

Bonus: Don't be like me in this next regard; do learn how to dance in college if you don't already know how; it will so come in handy later in life, and throughout your time in college. You don't have to take professional lessons, ask a friend to teach you, it can be a great bonding experience, and it's fun to learn.

Danyl Johnson: One to Watch

I was randomly surfing the net and I came upon "Ex Factor" auditions (they discovered Leona Lewis!) and I watched this 27 year old teacher Danyl Johnson auditioned and I was left speechless. This young man is going to be a star; I just feel it. Anyway, I felt compelled to share his very first audition with all of you and I guarantee you will watch it over again when it's over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zLkailhsqk

So You Think You Can Dance Season 5

Besides my soap operas which I should really write a blog entry about sometime, So You Think You Can Dance has been my savior this summer. I have watched, it has inspired me, but not just to try to learn how to dance but to just go out and have an effect on others. If you can effect others through a talent that you have, it is such an added bonus. The contestants have been amazing this season; I have never seen a season of this show with such a balanced group of talent. I started thinking about what type of piece I could write about the show; I considered writing my top 10 performances from the show this season, but there were way more than 10 that I liked. Now while I am totally aware that I haven't introduced you to the dancers, you can do that for yourself by going to the official website: http://www.fox.com/dance/contestants/ . I cannot wait to see how many of these routines they decide to do on the tour.

Week 1


Jeanine & Phillip dancing a Tabitha & Napoleon Hip Hop to "Mad" by Neyo-- I loved this so much and the amazing thing was that their chemistry was so real even though they had only been partnered together for one week. Phillip has a great partner presence; he is very aware of where his partner is and he takes care of her. She doesn't have to be scared to do any of the dance moves. At about a minute and four seconds into the dance, they do this amazing lift/ hold; it's hip hop perfection! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u2RL10WVv0

Randi & Evan dancing a Tyce Diorio Jazz routine to "I Only Have Eyes for You" by Jamie Cullum-- I thought this was an amazing performance because of the beautiful lines. It is emotionally demanding, and I think the best moment of the dance is when they see each other for the first time and run towards each other. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehc4Ku52vJk

Caitlin & Jason dancing a Nakul Dev Mahajan Bollywood routine to "Jai Ho" from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack-- Guest Judge Adam Shankman said that they rocked; it looked really quite effortless on their parts. I also agree with Nigel, the dance really was quite beautiful. It was not very synchronized but I do not think it was necessarily supposed to be. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4jNNNacF0A

Melissa & Ade dancing a Mandy Moore Contemporary to "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx-- These two were my favorite partnership from the beginning; I love this delicate trained ballerina being partnered with this strong yet gentle man. Adam said Melissa is like a fine wine that gets better with age, and he said that Ade has a profound quiet power. Nigel suggested that we have not seen the best of these two dancers yet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCYhIWODMSI

Kayla & Max dancing a Louis Van Amstel Samba to "Jum Bah Day" by House of Gypsies--Kayla was smokin hot in this little number, and pay close attention to her outfit. Max was great, especially considering that ballroom is his genre, and as for Kayla, well she dances like she was born in a ballroom. Mary Murphy put them on the hot tamale train the first week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUeeT79XNKA

Week 2

Randi & Evan dancing a Louis Van Amstel Jive to "Shake A Tail Feather" by Ray Charles-- This routine was super full of energy with great tricks, like Evan jumping over Randi who leans back. These two shorties are powerful; Lil C said their partnership was great. Nigel called them tremendous as a couple. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbcLQo9vdF0

Melissa & Ade dancing a Sonya Tayeh Jazz number to "24 Hours" by Terry Poison-- I loved this dance; the moves throughout were just mad sexy. Lil C called it "buck" and said Ade was everyone's competition with his manipulation of movement. Mary gave it some tough love because it was tough not to love everything about the performance. Nigel called Ade strong and said that Melissa equaled it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_YaQckaCbs

Kayla & Max dancing a Brian Friedman Pop Jazz number to "Hot Like Wow" by Nadia Oh-- I absolutely loved this; Lil C called Kayla and Max amazing. Mary said they were on her hot tamale train. Nigel called Max a young Kevin Spacey and said he kept up with his brilliant partner. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM7YE-r7OvA

Week 3

Melissa & Ade dancing a Tony Meredith Rumba to "Emotion" by Destiny's Child-- Nigel said what a difference "Ade" makes. Mary said that Tony told them to sell the emotion and what they are selling, she is buying. She loved how Ade was with Melissa through the whole dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDXFIaaZkAI

Janette & Brandon dancing a Dave Scott Hip Hop to "What A World" by Common-- I liked how Brandon attacked the hip hop; he hit everything throughout the performance hard. His pop locking skills were on point. Jeanette really came across to me as a rock dancer even though she is a salsa dancer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYjSleZEWi4

Randi & Evan dancing a Mia Michaels Contemporary to "Koop Island Blue" by Koop feat. Ane Brun-- Also known as the "butt" dance; this was a dance that was completely followed through from beginning to end. Nigel said it was danced extremely well and guest judge Toni Basil says they lived up to tough choreography. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKwjuTxvrR0

Week 4

Janette & Brandon dancing a Jean Marc Genereux Cha Cha to "Hush Hush" by The Pussycat Dolls-- This cha cha was fast and precise; Brandon's feet were really tight especially for someone that is not a ballroom or salsa dancer. Mia took back her harsh words about Brandon in this piece and called him amazing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USCFumn49zQ

Kayla & Kupono dancing a Sonya Tayeh Contemporary to "Eyes on Fire" by Blue Foundation-- Mia loved Kayla's lines and said that Kupono had this quiet power and every week he improves and grows. I personally loved this pairing and I think they complimented each other really well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E857ERKvJP0

Jeanine & Phillip dancing a Tabitha & Napoleon Hip Hop to "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West--Wow, I loved the whole idea of this dance, the chain and how it kept them together . I liked how Phillip had the key the whole time and pulled it out at the end giving Jeanine a choice. Nigel said if you keep dancing together like that, you should be chained together for life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vqJ7yxTffM

Melissa & Ade dancing a Thordal Christensen Pas De Deux to "Romeo & Juliet"-- I loved the opening of this performance, Melissa and Ade's hands touching, and then they put their hands together. It was amazing to see Melissa do what she was trained in: ballet. The way Ade lifted her and held her was so beautiful. Mia praised then for dancing so well, and I like Mia, loved that is was a black and white Romeo & Juliet. http://www.rickey.org/?p=19069

Week 5

Melissa & Ade dancing a Doriana Sanchez Disco to "Move On Up" by Destination-- Nigel called them a really good, strong couple; he said they are super exciting and both of them are just tremendous. Ade made the lifts look super easy. Tyce called Melissa's body brilliant and slammin, and said Ade's timing and rhythm was incredible. He embodied disco. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=2797

Kayla & Kupono dancing a Mia Michaels Contemporary to "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles-- This was a dance about addiction and trying to overcome it; I thought it was extremely powerful. The technique was pretty untouchable; Kupono's intensity was so consistent. Mary said that Kayla is flawless every week. Tyce called her a phenomenal, beautiful, incredible beast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeV_R4tsdAs

Janette & Bradon dancing a Leonardo Barrionuevo and Miriam Larici Argentine Tango to "Libertango" from Forever Tango-- They received a standing ovation from the judges, and credited it to their teachers. The routine itself was near flawless, and Nigel said it was the best ballroom routine danced in the show's history. The lifts were beautiful and easy looking; the kicks were in sink and overall this was sexy. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=2793

Melissa & Ade dancing a Ray Montez Waltz to "Natural Woman" by Mary J. Blige-- Nigel called it an overall beautiful performance. Melissa was just so lovely and mesmerizing as Mary said, and Ade's lifts and spins were unreal and effortless. Mary said that everything that they've done together as a couple they have done with class. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=2800

Week 6

Janette & Ade dancing a Tabitha & Napoleon Hip Hop to "Love, Sex, Magic" by Ciara and Justin Timberlake-- Nigel said to Ade, if that's what you can do by wearing a pick in your hair I am wearing one next week. He said that Ade has funk. Mary called it funky and said Ade got down and groovy; she called Janine a fireball. Debbie Allen said, well you wore me out, and she told Ade to stay away from her daughter with the pick. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=2963

Jeanine & Jason dancing a Travis Wall Contemporary to "If It Kills Me" (The Casa Nova Sessions) by Jason Mraz-- Nigel said, both of you have become stars tonight. He also said that Jeanine finally has a partner in Jason that can keep up with her technically. Mary was at a loss for words but went on to say that they are stars and she is so proud. She said that Travis brought Jason to a new level and that people should not underestimate his power, and Jeanine just continues to grow. Debbie Allen said bravo and that no doubt they would see that dance on the tour! And the dance ended with a full out make out session on the stage; crazy chemistry. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=2967

Week 7

Kayla & Jason dancing a Tyce Diorio Broadway number to "Mr. Monotony" by Kim Criswell-- I have to say that for a Broadway routine; I thought this was flawless. Nigel said at times, Jason reminded him of Gene Kelly, and that Kayla can take on anything thrown at her. http://vodpod.com/watch/1942292-kayla-radomski-and-jason-glover-broadway-so-you-think-you-candance

Jeanine & Brandon dancing a Laurie Ann Gibson Pop Jazz routine to "Battlefield" by Jordin Sparks-- I thought their facial expressions were so perfect and essential. Nigel loved it, and admired how Jeanine stayed with Brandon through the routine. Mary called the performance strong, powerful, and dynamic. Mia called Laurie Ann a convictive choreographer and called Brandon a powerhouse, wow! http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=3089

Melissa & Ade dancing a Tyce Diorio Contemporary to "This Woman's Work" by Maxwell-- Nigel called it one of the most memorable routines in "So You Think You Can Dance" history. Nigel said he couldn't think of a better couple to dance it, Ade's strength and Melissa's maturity were incredible. Guest host Ellen Degeneres said she will remember it forever. A crying Mia said what an important piece of work it was and that she wishes that she had that same strength for her dad. Mary said the dance went beyond them. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=3090

Kayla & Jason dancing a Shane Sparks Hip Hop to "They're Everywhere" by Izza Kizza-- Nigel loved the musicality and thought it was fantastic. Mary found it to be very hard hitting. Mia called it her favorite Shane Sparks routine ever, and said both dancers gave very good performances. http://vodpod.com/watch/1942848-sytycd-top-8-kayla-and-jason-hip-hop-by-shane-sparks-theyre-everywhere-by-izza-kizza

Week 8

Kayla & Brandon dancing a Stacey Tookey Contemporary to "All I Want" by Ahn Trio-- Lil C called it intense and beyond amazing. He said that this is the first time that Kayla has had a partner that is equally matched to her abilities. Mary called it exquisite and said Kayla has never taken one wrong step. Nigel said the chemistry between them was not all that but the technique was. http://vodpod.com/watch/1978039-sytycd-top-6-kayla-and-brandon-contemporary-by-stacey-tookey-all-i-want-by-ahn-trio

Jeanine & Ade dancing a Tabitha & Napoleon Hip Hop to "Move if You Wanna" by MIMS-- Lil C said that if moving was really that fun he would relocate every day. He also said that Ade utilized his dirty groove and pulled Jeanine into it; it was buck. Nigel praised the two of them for turning around the routine and making it better than it was in rehearsal; he said that both dancers went where they needed to go. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=3193

Week 9

Jeanine & Brandon dancing a Louis Van Amstel Paso Doble to "Tetsujin" from the Matrix Revolutions-- This paso doble was so hot; all the turns and spins were tight and precise. Adam said they filled out everything in between, the transitions were great. Mary called the routine phenomenal and their promenades were better than any couples this season. Nigel said they carried the piece off perfectly, and are the two front runners to win the season. http://www.idolstartv.com/media.html?task=videodirectlink&id=3407

All the Buzz.......Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce?

When OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder wrote "Halo" for Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson is beginning to think he was also thinking about her new released single "Already Gone". Tedder co-penned both tunes; Halo was released as Beyonce's fourth single from her album, "I Am.... Sasha Fierce". It was written by Tedder, Evan Bogart, and Knowles, and was released on January 20, 09. "Halo" was originally offered to Leona Lewis but her schedule was too full at the time so the track went to Beyonce; at the time, Tedder was also working on a similar track for Kelly Clarkson called "Already Gone".

"Already Gone" is the third single off Clarkson's album "All I Ever Wanted" which most critics say marks her return to mainstream pop and her best album since 2004's "Breakaway". Clarkson is now accusing Tedder of giving her the same musical arrangement that "Halo" has for her song "Already Gone".

Lyrically the songs are very different but both are called power ballads. "Halo" is about that person in your relationship that you just cannot imagine life without, your angel, and "Already Gone" is about the end of a relationship.

Here are the videos for the two songs; you be the judge, and leave your comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70AgyIEnBRE "Halo"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVZaA2s7xYI "Already Gone"

On Life

There is no going around it; I have been stressed out lately. Don't get me wrong, I feel both lucky and blessed; I have a great family and caring friends, and I have a job which is a good thing to have considering the state of our economy. The stress has amounted to the point that I am beginning to feel like a burden to my friends. Yesterday was the last straw, so many things happened, and I felt like I just wanted all the drama present in my work place to make a great escape and never return.

I have wanted to change things for a long time, take control of my own life and my own destiny. Over chamomile tea, I started asking questions, why is it that we care so much about people that do not directly affect our lives? Why do we care about people that mean nothing to us in the grand scheme that is life? Here I have been so "worried" about the opinions and thoughts of others when I really should have been caring about how I feel and how those that I care about feel. There is saying, "those who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind". The people who really care about you will care about you regardless of the mistakes you make, regardless of your short-comings. After all, we are all flawed, we all have our imperfections. Beyonce says in her song "Flaws and All", "I'm a puzzle yes indeed/ ever complex in every way/ and all the pieces aren't even in the box/ and yet you see the picture clear as day,......... I neglect you when I'm working/ when I need attention I tend to nag/ I'm a host of imperfections/ and you see past all that/ I'm a peasant by some standards/ but in your eyes I'm a queen". I think that song is one you listen to, and you hope that someday you are lucky enough to have someone like that in your life.

I remembered that at my college graduation, the keynote speaker said that in our lives we can either choose to, "live in optimism or live in fear". I decided a long time ago that I had to make the choice to live in optimism because making the choice to live in fear just seems weak. The thing I have found most difficult about living in optimism is that a lot of things will come along in your life and those things make you feel down. How is it that we just kind of find a way, the way to get past them? A friend told me that when something happens to me that upsets me or bothers me, I should just think to myself, wow, that is messed up and it sucks, and then I just have to make the conscientious decision to move on. I agree, but at the same time, I feel when all of us are continually hurt by other people in our lives, it makes it harder and harder for us to live our lives that way.


Maybe we should think of the bad happenings in our lives like a door that is closing. Someone at my college graduation also told me that, "In life, when one door closes another door opens, but more often than not, we are so focused on the closed door that we don't even see the open one". It's hard to move on in life from the things/ people that hurt us when we don't see other options available, when we feel like we've been knocked down and we don't want it to happen again. I've decided that a large part of life is strength, emotional strength; because it builds character and that builds confidence. Most likely, if we aren't confident then we are weak, and weak people don't survive and obtain happiness in a tough world like this. We have to "love the life that we live, and live the life that we love". We also have to love ourselves first because we cannot love anyone else the way that they deserve to be loved if we don't do that. Life can be so confusing sometimes too because just when we think that we have things figured out, order of importance and all that, something happens that makes us reevaluate.


Some people don't take anything in life with any degree of seriousness; it's like everything in life to them is a big game, and if they fail once, twice, three times, it's okay because there will be plenty more chances. But see, that's the thing, life is a one time opportunity as far as I am concerned, we have to make the most of it. We have to be willing to take risks sometimes because the pay off is so big and so rewarding. Having fun is essential to leading a less stressful life but at the same time, there are times when the need to be serious is necessary (i.e. telling someone special how you feel about them and not just saying it but proving it, listening when a family member or friend is going through a difficult time because you know they would return the favor). Life is a journey above all, and every once and a while we have to stop, take a breath, and take it all in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE2UyTxzpLw

Bachelorette Scoop Episode 8: Adios Wes!

Jillian travels with the four remaining men to Spain...



Her first date is with Kiptyn, they go flamenco dancing, and I have to say they look kind of dumb dancing cause they don't know how to flamenco. Jillian starts laughing like a high school girl. They meet up to have dinner and they take a scooter to get to their destination; Kiptyn crashes the scooter into the side of the road. Upon arrival at dinner, the waiter brings out some snails, which I find weird; Jillian contently eats them and Kiptyn is a little grossed out cause he has never had them before. Why were they eating snails exactly? Isn't that a French thing: escargot? Jillian then says that Kiptyn reminds her of her dad; is that a good thing or a bad thing? It seems a little bad to me. Jillian chooses not to go to the fantasy suite with Kiptyn and spend the night (before you are surprised by this because usually everyone chooses to go; Jillian does not go to the fantasy suite with any of the men).

I love the chemistry between Jillian and Reid, especially when they went shopping for food in a Spanish market. I enjoy Reid's sense of humor, and Jillian is clearly very comfortable with him. They actually act the most like boyfriend and girlfriend than any other guy in the competition with Jillian. At dinner, she asks Reid what he thinks makes them fit so well together, and Jillian loves all the things Reid has to say about her. He also acts most gentlemanly when she decides that they shouldn't go to the fantasy suite. (n.b. If Reid gets kicked off next episode, I will strike for one week!; I decided this way before I posted this so late! lol)

Ed and Jillian take a carriage ride around the city. She realizes that she and Ed have missed out on a lot of time and a lot of conversations. Ed tells her he does indeed want to spend the night with her. Jillian also realizes that she has to catch Ed up to where the other guys are now.

And now for the main event: Wes! Irony of all ironies, when Wes tells Jillian that he thinks that they are good together he is sitting far away from her. There is also a real lack of affection on Wes' part. When she tells Wes, hypothetically speaking that if she did want to make it work, would he meet her half way; Wes knocks over a drink to avoid answering that question. At dinner, Jillian calls Wes out on not showing any affection, and Wes says I am just looking out for number one (which of course is himself). Wes "accidentally" calls Laurel his girlfriend. Wes says he thinks they should spend the night in the fantasy suite.

After being kicked off, Wes brags in the limo about being the first guy in the Bachelorette to make it to fourth place with a girlfriend.

Episode 9:

Nothing to say! Why didn't Reid move on??? No more to say.

All the Buzz......... Chris Daughtry

Everytime I think this Idol alum has surprised me as much as he possibly can, he exceeds it. I was flipping through my latest issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine and on the back page feature "Bullseye", I read a blurb that says, "Chris Daughtry's cover of Lady GaGa's 'Poker Face' is so good that it'll make you reconsider the original. Catch it on YouTube". So immediately, I head over to YouTube and listen contently as Chris creates a new masterpiece, a spin on a hot song that simply said, is fire! I urge all of you to check it out, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqT4VnnEU0M

This Tuesday, July 14th, Daughtry releases their second album, "Leave This Town", and they will perform on the "Today Show". It's something I know I don't want to miss, so I will be waking up early on my day off to see it.