Slumdog

This afternoon I went to see the movie Slumdog Millionaire. I thought it was fantastic and a great depiction of what I saw from my short travels in India. The movie was very stimulating and informative. I thought the overall performances of the actors and actresses were great. They all seemed to embody there parts. I also felt that the scenes of the country-side were great- the cinematography was fantastic. The only thing that I would have liked to see more of was the Bollywood type singing/dancing routines- there was one short one as the credits played. Having seen a first-run Bollywood movies in an Indian theatre I believe that the way in which they are performed and produced is phenomenal. The singing and dancing which is incorporated into the movies enhances it. I would highly recommend Slumdog Millionaire to anyone. Although the movie is not what one would typically think of as an multi-Academy Award winner, it truly does deserve all the acollades it recieved.

Red

Sexy. Seductive. Secretive. Fun. Bubbly. Blood. Sin. Passion. Lust. Dangerous. Sophisticated. Smart. Intelligent. Unruly. Outrageous. Red has to be the color that evokes perhaps the most emotional feelings. It can be worn to stand-out, to camouflage in a cord, or to attract. Red is sexy when used to decorate a cool pad or friendly and inviting in grandmas kitchen. Red has so much meaning associated with it from love to lust to death. Red symbolizes where one has been and where they are going. Red is for the cause. Red is for life. Red it for hearts. Red stimulates the mind body, and soul.

Rain

Well, it's spring break....and it's RAINING! Normally I would be sad and down that it is not sunny, bright, and warm enough to go lay-out by the pool, but I am actually okay and really liking the weather today. It is very relaxing and peaceful. I have to stay in Dallas over the break for track practice so it is a little bit of a bummer, but when I woke up this morning I was excited to see it raining. Rain makes for the best sleeping weather. It also makes for a great day of sitting in my apartment studying, reading, and watching television. If you think about rain it has so many benefits that I can't see why anyone couldn't like it. It nourishes, refreshes, stimulates, and moistens.

Trees

*Mango Tree in Amedabad, India

Trees are great. There are so many different varieties, sizes, and shapes. They provide protection from the sun or rain. The are houses to many wildlife. Some even produce the sweetest fruits and tastiest nuts. My grandparents live in Tennessee and on their property sits a dozen huge pecan trees. Not only was this a playground heaven for my brother and me when we were little, but as we got older we really enjoyed helping my grandfather pick up the pecans that has fallen to the ground. As the weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining bright, it has been just so awesome to take my books out and go sit under a tree to read! The fragrance from the tree paired with the slight breeze you can feel while siting under it makes me feel so happy and warm inside. I really do love spring and the colors it will brings. As we venture out of winter and into spring I cannot wait for the flowers to bloom, the grass to the extra green, and the trees to bare some amazing fruits!

The Shower

The shower has to be one of the most creative havens ever known to man. While taking a shower you not only have total control over the temperature, the length of time in the shower, but you can allow all your creative juices to flow as you are completely alone and free. I am known to take some rather long showers, but they are always WONDERFUL. They are a way for me to escape reality if only momentarily. I can play music or sing myself, which is only good in the shower, I can dance around, daydream, act out a play, think about homework, or do absolutely nothing but relax. I love coming home after a long day, stripping down, turning the water on so hot the bathroom instantly steams over, getting in, and just letting the water run down me as I can totally relax and forget about the day. So, like naps, I think we as a population should take more of them for longer amounts of time. Just think how more relaxed and easy going we would all be!

Geico vs Allstate: The Ultimate Smackdown

When you think of insurance companies there are two that are most heavily advertised and stick out in anyone's mind: Geico and Allstate. Both are appealing and comfortable, but in many different ways for a number of different reasons. Allstate appeals to the family consumer. With its "Back to the Basics" campaign it is striving to instill a sense of nostalgia and good-will. On the other hand Geico positions itself as spunky, fun, and hip by using talking geckos and cavemen. This appeals generally to a younger crowds looking for cheaper insurance. I think that it is facinating to put the two companies side by side and compare their positioning. Each have two totally differnt motives and ideals behind what they are doing, but essentially are selling the same product. I have never had to buy insurance for myself, but it would be a hard decision to make as to which is better. Do I want something I know is keeping up with times by staying stylish and cool or an insurance company that provides security and comfort in not only thier services, but their demeanor as well?

TOMS Shoes

When I first heard of TOMS shoes I thought that it was a noble idea, but wasn't going anywhere and would be hard to implement. The idea behind TOMS is that they will donate one pair of shoes to a child in need for every one pair that is purchased. To my great surprise, TOMS has really taken off and made and impact. I see other kids everyday on campus wearing a pair, they are sold in many stores here in Dallas, and SMU even had the 1990's pop group Hanson back in the fall somewhat endorsing TOMS shoes. The shoes are actually really hip and stylish. They also come in a huge array of colors, designs, and materials. It is truly awesome to see how one person's vision has really turned into a successful reality. TOMS may not have a huge marketing/advertising team to launch the brand, but after pairing with other cultrual icons and having a great word of mouth, TOMS is doing great!