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Unused Text Books

Honestly, nothing is more annoying than buying a super expensive text book because a teacher assures you that you MUST have it for the class, and then towards the end of the semester you realize that you have not even ONCE opened up that text book. Not to mention you still have an "A" in the class. What a WASTE! The State Public Interest Research Groups released a study in 2004 known as Ripoff 101, a report on college textbooks. Their story showed that the average student will spend nearly $900 each year purchasing textbooks. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Teachers hand out a syllabus for their students each semester. On the syllabus is a section dedicated to required textbooks for their class. Each student is expected to purchase the book or books listed for the class. Most of which tend to range anywhere from $40 to almost $200. I even have a teacher this semester that forced us to buy an extremely expensive book around $120, then after a week she decided she didn't really like the book and we've been reading chapters from other books off blackboard ever since. Cmon' profs really? Let's figure this problem out because things are getting a little ridiculous, eh?

Kenichi

Tonight I went to a birthday dinner for a friend at Kenichi, located on 5th and Colorado. Kenichi is probably one of my favorite places to get sushi here in Austin. I always start off with their unbelievable Macadamia Baked Goat Cheese salad. I am a huge fan of goat cheese and this is an appetizer I can never pass up. Then I always go with two rolls, one always being the Kenichi Special, and the second one I like to switch up everytime I come in. This time I got the Japanese Bagel. What a good idea for a sushi roll, the Japanese Bagel is made with salmon, cream cheese, and strawberries, pretty much to die for. And when I leave you betcha I never forget to grab a handful of their chocolate mint sticks at the door. Yes, I am one of those annoying people who grabs a handful for my purse...

Hudson Tragedy

My heat truly goes out to Jennifer Hudson and her family. I cannot possibly imagine in my worst dreams what she is going through right now. Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother, Jason Hudson, 29, were found dead in their Chicago home on Friday. Missing from the crime scene was Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian King. The body of the little boy was found today five miles away from where Hudson's mother and brother were found. Hudson identified the body of her nephew this afternoon. The body was found covered in plastic in the back seat of Jason Hudson's vehicle. The boy had suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Police are still searching for the person or persons responsible for horrific crimes. When a tragedy like this happens to someone in the spotlight, someone we see all of the time on television, hear about, read about, see in the tabloids, you can't help but feel like you know them. I hope authorities can find who's responsible, you and your family are in our prayers Jennifer.

Album Cover: Britney Spears

Britney released her new album cover for "Circus." Gosh, what a good name for this album. It really sums up her life over the past year. Doesn't she look gorgeous on the cover? Let's give her a little credit...I mean it looks like she's been busting her ass lately to get her life back on track. Seems like every time I see her in the tabloids or on TV she's looking better and better, sounding more and more normal...it's good to see she's got her head back on. Now let's see if this album is really going to show us that I'm not stupid for sticking with her through thick and thin.

1. Womanizer
2. Circus
3. Out From Under
4. Kill The Lights
5. Shattered Glass
6. If U Seek Amy
7. Unusual You
8. Blur
9. Mmm Papi
10. Mannequin
11. Lace and Leather
12. My Baby
Bonus Track:
13. Radar

Love this...

"You're considered superficial and silly if you're interested in fashion, but I think you can be substantial and still be interested in frivolity." -Sofia Coppola

Influence: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

The Olsen twins new book is finally out. "Influence" a coffee-table book about fashion is full of interviews and photos of artists and designers that have inspired or "influenced" the girls. The entire book is a mix between people who the twins admire from generations of the past and present. I plan on going out and purchasing the book today actually. As soon as I get my hands on it I will be sure to post a review on my blog. Until then, you can click here to listen to an interview of the twins talking about their book.

Olsen Twin Alert

Its been a while since anyone has heard anything about the Olsen Twins. They tend to do a pretty good job of keeping their lives private. But don't worry Olsen fans, the twins are appearin on the Oprah Show this Thursday the 23rd. Supposedly the twins are going to fill us all in on what they've been doing lately, current projects, fashion lines, and personal lives. I wouldn't hold your breath on the personal lives part, history shows these girls are pretty tight lipped when it comes to that stuff. The twins were only 18 years old the last time they went on as guest of the Oprah Show, so it will be interesting to see what they have had going on over the years. Running their fashion lines, The Row, and Elizabeth and James, I'm sure the girls will have plenty to talk about. I will definitely be watching.

Rays vs. Phillis

I would have never guessed that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays OR the Philadelphia Phillies would have finished over .500, let alone win their division. Then to think that both teams would win their playoff series and continue on to the World Series seemed even more impossible. Now the two most improbable teams in the league are battling it out for the greatest title in baseball.

I mean it's about time that we see someone else besides the Yankees or the Red Sox make it to the end. Having two new teams in the World Series is definitely going to spark up new interest in baseball. Aside from New York and Boston fans, I think it’s safe to say that baseball viewers look forward to see other teams compete this year. Not to mention, teams that have a significant lower budget than the overly wealthy Yankees and Red Sox. Maybe there is still a chance that baseball is something more than money and power.

The Rays are an expansion team, one of the last to be added to Major League Baseball. Over the last decade two expansion teams have made it to the World Series, whereas teams like the Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest teams in the Majors, haven’t taken a World Series title in 100 years. It is interesting that one of the newest teams in the league is competing against a team as old as the league itself.

Now let’s not forget though how unlikely a Phillies vs. Rays World Series would have sounded last year. The Phillies are a team that took the ten thousandth loss in the franchise during last year’s season, this year they make it to the end. The Rays are a team that has never had anything close to a winning season; they have managed to pull themselves up from last place in the league to first place in the league this season.

A Rays vs. Phillies World Series is what America’s favorite pastime is supposed to be about. Baseball should be about an inspiring story or having the chance to root for a team in the World Series that you have believed in all of your life. It’s about determination, strength, and motivation, not about which team has the most money or the largest percentage of sold out games.

We’ve lost the excitement of seven-game battles and unbelievable competitive nature between Major League teams. This year’s World Series demonstrates that two turnaround stories can time and time again prove skeptics wrong. No matter who takes the title this year, the Rays and the Phillies will each be writing their own history and giving hope to fans, as well as other teams in the league, that the World Series is still anyone’s game, well maybe except for the Cubs.

House of Torment

I have, without dying, successfully reached the exit. I made it. It is finally over. I walked down the exit ramp in relief. Right before I heard this, “I need to see your tickets for the second part, Illusion Manor,” said an employee. Another one? I have to go through all of this again? I spoke too soon. I showed the ticket, my combo-package ticket, and walked in defeat down the sidewalk to the entrance of my next challenge. The break between rapid heartbeats and the blood covered dead was cut short. Out of the bushes he jumps, chainsaw in hand, ready to make me wish I had chosen to stay in my car. In an effort to escape from Mr. Chainsaw, I had no time to delay the next exhibit. I hustled to the entrance doors, and as the man covered in piercings greeted me, it was time for Round 2.

Comedy Relief

Came across this video of Joel McHale from "The Soup" on the E! network and his version of Britney Spear's music video "Womanizer" it's pretty funny, click here to check it out.

Girl Talk

Bad news for me... I am seriously obsessed with Girl Talk (an extremely talented musician who makes mashup style remixes). I first discovered Girl Talk at Lollapalooza when I was in Chicago over the summer. I fell in love. The man responsible for this amazing musical performance is Gregg Gillis. It blows my mind how he can take a mix of over a dozen songs and mash them together to make one, new, almost better than the originals, type of music. Well lucky for me Girl Talk is on tour right now with Grand Buffet and Hearts of Darkness. This means that Girl Talk will be coming to Austin this Monday to play a FREE show on a first come first serve basis at Emo's off of 6th and Red River. Weeeeeeell it just so happens to show is supposedly ALREADY COMPLETELY SOLD OUT! I tried checking on every "ticket-selling" website to find a way to attend the show, but of course every ticket is going for $80.00 at the least. I know I know...I already got to see him once this year, let's not get greedy...but c'mon...this Pittsburgh native comes all the way down to my town and I can't even go enjoy it...SUCH a bummer. Talk about starting the week of bad...yikes.

"Where America Gets Dirty"

I stumbled across this interesting website today...The site is called USA Gone Dirty and it posts random pictures of students from numerous college universities across the USA and makes fun of them. Think of it as a Perez Hilton site that instead of making fun of celebrities it is calling out college students. The pictures mainly consist of students out partying and then the caption pointing out how stupid or drunk people look. The site also has pictures posted of specific people with juicy story about them in the caption. True or not this site is fun to look at. While I was scoping out the site I actually saw multiple pictures with people I knew in them. Yikes! Watch out guys, you never know where your posted Facebook pictures will end up, or what people will have to say about them!

High waisted skirts

My obsession...high waisted skirts. I have found my fashion love. I adore these high waisted skirts that are the craze right now. I am so excited to see stores with an abundance of skirts this season. Knee-length, mini's, fitted, flared, colorful, patternized, I love them all! I've always been a fan of skirts don't get me wrong, but it wasn't until recently when the classic high waisted skirt came back in style that I abandoned every pair of my jeans. This former look is making a brilliant comeback and I am definitely in favor!

Beyonce's new video

Beyonce sure shows off some killer acting skills in her new music video for "If I Were a Boy." I like it. Click here to watch it yourself.

Britney Spears: For the record

Finally my girl is back! I am a Britney Spears fan. Not just when Britney is hot, Britney Spears fan, but I'm talking for richer or poorer in sickness and in health Britney Spears fan. Britney has definitely made her come back. Brit really started to prove she has made it back by taking home three moonmen at this years 2008 MTV VMA's. This past Friday Britney premiered her video for her newest single "Womanizer" on ABC's "20/20." But Brit Brit doesn't stop there. Speats will be airing a documentary on MTV November 30th titles "For the Record." I caught a clip from the documentary (click here to watch sneak peak) and I have to say Britney seems back to herself, by that I mean the Brit we all knew before K-Federline stepped into the scene. She sounds healthy, sane, and most importantly coherent. I'm interested to see the show. Click here to watch Brit's "Womanizer" video.

St. Edwards: Baseball

It's that time of year again. Where the boys are back to show off what they've got during the fall ball season. Fall ball is always my favorite because it shows us a little sneak preview of what to expect for baseball season in the spring. Our own St. Edward's baseball team played today against nearby Temple College. The four hour game kicked off early at 11:00 AM. The game was initially supposed to begin at noon but because of UT-OU traffic the game began early. After losing a good number of Senior players last spring, this years team with the addition of some new recruits and freshman proved that they are going to be just fine on their own. It was a good day for Hilltopper first baseman's. First baseman Nic Godre hit three home runs during the game, as well as other first baseman Dexter Moreno hit one home run during the game. The Topper's took the victory, the final score of the long game totaled at 19-09.

The many scents of Britney Spears

Fun fact for the day. Britney Spears has SEVEN fragrances out! The flirty scents include Curious, Fantasy, In Control, Midnight Fantasy, Believe, Curious Heart, and hew most recent Hidden Fantasy. In fact, E! Online is even conducting a poll to see what fans think Britney should name her number eight next big fragrance. Click here to take the poll!

New Music: Ra Ra Riot

Album of the day The Rhumb Line by the group Ra Ra Riot. This indie rock band on the rise from New York will keep you hypnotized for days with their catchy lyrics and memorizing sounds from their Cello and Fiddle players. Check them out here!

Rachel Zoe Project

"I die." Alright I admit it I am totally obsessed with Rachel Zoe. I am an addict of her new TV show, Rachel Zoe Project, on Bravo. I'm not going to lie I secretly, kind of, really, want to be her! With Rachel's frequently used lines such as "bananas" "shut it down" "kills it" "loves it" and my personal favorite "I die" what is there not to like about this reality show? This show has all of the essential elements to make great TV as far as I'm concerned. With a mix of catty assistants, celebs that need a dressing, and killer fashion, this show certainly has my attention!

Monday Night TV

Just about the only thing I like about Mondays is the great TV line up. On a typical Monday I like to catch the new fabulous Gossip Girl episode, followed by a new episode of the ever so dramatic One Tree Hill, and then I end my night with a new episode from the very addictive series known as The Hills. Unfortunately this Monday was a bi-week for my first two shows in the line up. Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill decided to take a week off. So tonight it was just the gang from The Hills and I. Tonight's episode gave hope for LC and Heidi to rekindle their friendship. Heidi's sister, Holly Montag, and LC have been hanging out quite a bit since Holly moved to L.A. at the beginning of the season. This has made Heidi somewhat come back into the picture for LC. Of course the only thing that is stopping LC from being friends with lonely Heidi again is the much loved Mr. Spencer Pratt. As long as he's in the picture LC says there is no chance for her and Heidi to reunite as BFF's. Oh no! Looks like we have more drama in the hills.

No more NBC for me...

I no longer have the NBC (KXAN) channel. Unfortunately the battle between Time Warner and NBC has left me out in the dust when it comes to catching episodes of my FAVORITE TV SHOW Lipstick Jungle. How RUDE! Looks like I'll be switching over to AT&T soon. 'Til then I guess I'll be watching from my computer screen. Bummer.

The Belmont

Looking for something fun to do with that significant other? I suggest having a night at The Belmont located on West Sixth. My boyfriend and I recently ate there and first of all their food is amazing. The Belmont has a nice, dim, quiet restaurant on the inside. We both ordered the salmon and it was absolutely delicious. After we ate we walked to the outside part of the joint which is always flocking with some of Austin's most trendy socialites. We sat on the terrace and drank martini's before we witnessed one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Every Friday night The Belmont hosts a "fire show" on their outside stage. The performance is put on by an extremely entertaining group called "The Usual Suspects." They blew our minds. Their show was not only very interesting and memorizing. But each group member does a dance to some of the most creative mash ups done by a DJ which force everyone in the crowd to want to dance along. But don't sit too close...the heat gets pretty intense.

Strut: First Thursday

For some reason I always seem to miss "first Thursday" on South Congress. The fact that it is the first Thursday of the month slips my mind, or I have already made prior arrangements, either way I never get to experience one of Austin's special little gems that is "first Thursday."

First Thursday is (literally) the first Thursday of every month when all of the local Austinites come out to walk along "soco" enjoying food, music, and great shopping. All of the stores and restaurants put on great deals for this particular day of the month. One of my personal favorite places to shop, Strut, is one of the stores that partakes in the festivities.

Strut always puts on a great sale for the night, usually at least 40% off of everything in their store. Unfortunately, I usually hear about all the great clothes, shoes, and jewelry people got the day AFTER. I can never seem to remember that it is the FIRST THURSDAY of the month, but not this month. This time I remembered.

It all happened during my Journalism class. I was sitting in class Thursday afternoon, doing an in class exercise where we interview our fellow classmates. A little exercise that is supposed to help us become comfortable with asking complete strangers personal and intrusive questions about their life. Fortunately I was able to spare the awkwardness this time because I got paired up with the one person out of our entire class that I actually knew. During my mock interview with Tristan it dawned on me. For the very first time I ACTUALLY remembered that it was first Thursday. Even better, I still had time to drive across the street to Strut and maybe, actually, finally, have the chance to buy something that was discounted for a change.

Luckily this day I had no prior obligations, so right after class I rushed with a smile on my face and my wallet full of cash ready to be spent on first Thursday souvenirs from Strut. Of course, since everyone typically remembers to do their shopping on first Thursday there were no parking spots in the lot designated for Strut so I had to settle for a spot in front of a house in a neighborhood not too far from the store.

Once I finally arrived at the doors of the little white store it was clear that I was not the only one who remembered first Thursday this time. The place was packed. I looked around for a while but after I saw the long lines to the dressing rooms it was clear that my patience was not going to hold up for long. The employee in charge of getting shoe sizes was moving particularly speedy so I figured it was my best bet. I decided on a pair of strappy black heels and made my way to the jewelry section. The jewelry area was another place less crowded with shoppers. I picked out a pair of gold hoops and headed for check out.

I'm still not sure if I needed either of the items I bought at Strut that day, but the fact that I bought them on first Thursday is what makes it all worth it.

Lipstick Jungle

Ah...one of my favorite TV shows started back up last week. Have no fear, "Lipstick Jungle" is back ladies and gentleman, a series based on the best-selling book by Candace Bushnell. "Lipstick Jungle" really caught my eye in it's first season last spring and I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival back on NBC this fall. I consider "Lipstick Jungle" the modern day "Sex in the City." I was a huge fan of "Sex in the City" when it was on TV and I think that is why I have taken such a liking to the "Lipstick Jungle" series. The series is only two episodes into the new season and I am already biting my nails for it to air each week. This show is filled with juicy and scandalous material...not to mention the characters are always decked out in the most to-die-for outfits and accessories. My favorite character from the show is fashion designer "Victory Ford" who is played by actress Lindsay Price. She is such a cutie and I really admire her fun and free-spirited character on the show. Some pretty major events have already happened in just the first two episodes, I absolutely cannot wait to see whats in store for the rest of the season.