In the key of D

Sometimes It Hits You Right In the Gut

2010-06-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Oh.

Bah Bah Bah!

2010-06-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

I can't stop imitating this video....It's rather embarrassing and someone should probably stop me.

Cultured & Worldly

2010-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Things I Saw Today:

King Henry the VII's Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey

The Avenue at Middleharnis, 1689, Meindert Hobbema

A Girl at a Window, after 1799, Louis Leopold Boilly

Coastal Scene, 1892, Theo Van Rysselberghe

COMING SOON!

2010-05-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

COMING SOON:

Photos from Dublin, Glendalough, & Avoca Ireland.

17th Century Literature isn't so bad after all...

2010-04-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

"These are thy wonders, Lord of love, To make us see we are but flowers that glide; Which when we once can find and prove, Thou hast a garden for us where to bide; Who would be more, Swelling through store, Forfeit their Paradise by their pride."
~ George Herbert, The Flower

Arizona Immigration

2010-04-28T16:03:00.001-07:00

In the midst of all of the debate about Arizona's new immigration bill, I decided to do some research into the text of the bill. Illegal immigration has gotten out of hand in Arizona, with over half of illegal immigrants coming through the state. Violence on the border has also become an issue. However, as a friend of mine, and many of the bill's opponents, said:

"This is like a milder form of the way Jews were required to carry "papers" in Nazi Germany (sorry to use the cliche, but it's the only example I could think of). Essentially, any Latino could be stopped and asked to present papers. If they didn't have the "paperwork", they could be potentially detained on suspicion of illegality.

Last time I checked, I didn't have to have my ID on me to walk around outside. In fact, I regularly leave it at home to go on walks around my neighborhood with just my keys. If I were a Latino in Arizona, a cop could stop me and potentially take me away for not being able to prove my citizenship on the spot."

However, the requirement for immigrants to carry their paperwork isn't breaking any new ground. In fact, it is already part of the Federal Government's immigration law.

Politifact.com writes:

"The legal scholars we spoke with told us to take a close look at two key sections of Title 8 of the U.S. Code. Section 1304e requires that "every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him." Those who fail to comply will be guilty of a misdemeanor and will be fined $100 and can be imprisoned up to 30 days.

Section 1306a says that, "Any alien required to apply for registration and to be fingerprinted in the United States who willfully fails or refuses to make such application or to be fingerprinted, and any parent or legal guardian required to apply for the registration of any alien who willfully fails or refuses to file application for the registration of such alien shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not to exceed $1,000 or be imprisoned not more than six months, or both."

Indeed, section 3 of the new Arizona law makes it a state crime if immigrants are in violation of either of those codes.

So, when it comes to that section of the law -- arguably the "meat" of the new law -- "it's very clear that in this respect, George Will is right," said Paul Bender, a law professor at Arizona State University.

Gabriel Chin, a professor of law at the University of Arizona, had a similar take. In an e-mail, he wrote that Will's claim is generally correct.

"However, while the underlying offenses are federal crimes, they are among the least prosecuted in the U.S. Code," he wrote. "For the relevant offense at issue here, failure of a non-citizen to register in violation of 8 U.S.C. 1306(a), there were 5 convictions across the U.S. in FY 2008. So to be precise, the statement would be 'What the Arizona law does is make a state crime out of something that already is . . . a federal crime that the federal authorities have chosen not to enforce except in rare circumstances.'"

In fact, proponents of the Arizona law have argued that's why new state immigration rules are needed; federal authorities are not doing a consistent job of enforcing immigration laws that are already on the books. "

However, the issue of racial profiling still stands.
The Arizona bill says:

FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY
OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS
21
STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS
22
UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE,
23
WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE
24
PERSON'S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
25
PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).

Technically, this could mean passing a group of Mexicans on the street. Obviously, a good officer wouldn't request the verification from any hispanic that crosses his path, but you have to seriously consider those that will take advantage of the situation. Illegal immigration is a huge problem in Arizona, and lot of officers are probably fed up with it. Abuse of power is a very logical assumption.

There is no specification of what "reasonable suspicion" is. It does seem like the language of this bill would allow for discrimination and some serious racial profiling.

But when people on the news keep saying "We have to have sensible immigration laws" but don't offer any specific solutions, you can't help but think they are either a) not very serious about immigration laws at all or b) are so caught up in being politically correct and not "offending" hispanics, that they aren't exactly sure WHAT sensible immigration law are.

I support the premise of this bill. It's a good start. It is simply reinforcing what already stands in the federal government. Something that they have hardly enforced. But I think the bill does need some tuning. In this type of dilemma it seems like some form of racial profiling is going to be unavoidable, but in order to avoid these issues to the best of its ability, the bill - or future bills of this type - needs to be more specific. They need to outline in what specific instances the immigration status or citizenship of an individual can be requested.

Because I Can't Study without Chair Dancing

2010-04-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'mma Signature rappaaa

2009-11-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

I'm an unintenional amateur rapper:

I'm Dani P,

always have been always will be.

My rhymes keep flo'in

I won't stop goin'

till I blow your mind.

I rhyme all the time

without even thinkin'

My enemies are all shrinkin

they scared of me I got skills left and right

rappin' on the radio every night!

Yo Yo Check It.

Shakira would like to inform you that she has a wolf in her closet.

2009-09-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

Since the embedding was disabled: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aEW_Z5Va5s

"HI GUYS! I'M SHAKIRA AND AS YOU KNOW, I'M REALLY HOT. Watch me in this abstract asymmetrical unitard pop and lock like I'm on America's Best Dance Crew. Do you think JC Chasez will approve? I hope my lipgloss is poppin'... OH HERE COME TRIPPY EFFECTS. I - DEFY - GRAVITY. Do you like my sparkly cave? OH, and in case you forgot: I'M SHAKIRA AND I'M HOT LET ME FOOL YOU BY MAKING YOU THINK I'M NAKED. DID IT WORK? DID YOU THINK I WAS NAKED? BECAUSE I'M NOT! APRIL FOOLS!

Also, in case you forgot that I am ethnic, here is some Bollywood for you. Did I mention that I'M SHAKIRA AND I'M REALLY HOT?"

Basically.

EDIT: Also, is it just me or did Shakira's image graduate from "I am exotic and alluring" to "I have herpes". I mean, if that's her new vibe, who am I to mock...

Fashion Faux Pas

2009-08-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing brings a smile to my face faster than a celebrity wardrobe misfortune. Not malfunction, misfortune. With all that money, stylists on speed dial, and bodies of demi-gods they have very little excuse.

Which is why I have chosen to indulge myself by frequenting this lovely blog: http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/

I admit, if I were famous and adored by hundreds of thousands of people who hung on my every twitter update and blogpost I might be a little more daring with my fashion. Like a happily married housewife, I already secured their love so I can let myself go a little crazy. However, some outfits there are just NO EXCUSE for. To continue the analogy, It's the difference between "I've had 3 kids and gained some weight" and "Honey, we need a contractor to expand the width of our doorways." Some fashion faux pas are just an insult to our intelligence, and our devotion.

(...Just...No...)

2009-07-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

My Vanity Knows No Bounds:

"Don't start acting like you understand Quidditch. You'll just embarrass yourself." ~ Ginny Weasley

2009-07-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

In the past 19 years of my life one thing has become clear: I lack athleticism. Pure and simple. My attempts at softball (much ~~influenced by~~ forced upon me by my father) left me pulling grass in the outfield. Basketball left me benched (and I really love basketball! I actually practiced constantly, and got to a point where I wasn't dog-awful). P.E. was my worst nightmare (I chose to walk around the gym for 45 minutes in order to get my grade, rather than grimace through a game of HORSE with La'Quisha and Ki'Ana).

I have come to terms with this, however. I am good at other, much safer, activities. For instance, I've recently realized that I have quite the penchant for painting. Not painting rolling landscapes or dramatic bowls of fruit. But painting walls. I can put my paint brush to the plaster with the best of them. But I digress.

If there is any sport in this whole wide world that makes me feel a sting of ineptitude, it would be this:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

In my mind I can see my self tearing across the field....cape billowing behind me...quaffle nimbly caught in hand.... aimed brilliantly through the goal....

Alas.

"I love a Good Knitting Pattern" ~ Albus Dumbledore

2009-07-15T12:59:00.001-07:00

I saw Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince last night!!!

A few points:

Positive:

*Emma Watson acted brilliantly. She seemed much more natural and I enjoyed her performance quite a bit.

*Tom Felton played Draco magnificently. He seemed just as tortured as it described him in the book as being.

*David Yates' directing was also brilliant. He has brought these movies to the point they need to be. Just enough artistic license, adds a bit of realism, humor, and the action is brilliantly done. Nothing is ever over done. Just enough.

*Rupert Grint was hilarious

*I liked that they cut the final battle scene. It wouldn't be wise to end two consecutive movies with big Hogwarts Grounds Battle scenes. It will make the end of the 7th much more powerful, for sure.

*Adding the action in the beginning, showing the bridge collapse, was brilliant.

*The over all feel of the movie was magical and fun. I loved it as a whole.

Negative:

*Ginny & Harry's love story was incredibly awkward. They always acted so somber, as if they were attending a funeral, not in love with each other. And it seemed to come out of nowhere, very left field. If they had portrayed their story as the book did it would have been much better, lighter. Bonnie Wright and Daniel Radcliffe have no chemistry...it's all very forced feeling.

*which leads me to Bonnie Wright. Her acting....is unfortunate. Not bad. Just...very bland. Slightly monotone and expressionless. Not the energy I expect Ginny to have.

*Once again Ron got jipped. They gave all the meaningful, heartfelt, powerful lines to Hermione's character. They completely played down Ron & Harry's close, brotherly friendship, and only had Ron be comic relief. Ron is funny, but he also has a lot of heart. and they just make him seem like the jokester who never says anything heartfelt or serious to Harry. Which is not the case in the books. But whatever. Hollywood stereotypes. Leading Man, Leading Girl, Sidekick.

And I dressed up as Tonks, and my friends Rachel and Tim dressed up as Bellatrix Lestrange & the Golden Snitch (respectively):

Push

2009-07-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Watching Push with Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans, and Camilla Belle.

I find something very disturbing about a teenage Dakota Fanning. I just wish these kids would stop going through puberty. It is creeping me out.

Aside from that, I am enjoying the movie. Camilla Belle has about 6 lines in the entire movie. She spends the rest of the time being incredibly important, looking thoroughly depressed & bedraggled, bleeding into a sink, and making out with Chris Evans. Good times.

2009-07-05T11:45:00.001-07:00

Summer relaxation is over. Now it's time for class, news writing, news watching, political frustration, and the #8 Bus that runs every 30 45 minutes.

Hopefully I can update this more often. I forget about it sometimes.

"The Undeniable, Unforgetable..."

2009-01-24T22:17:00.001-08:00

I have such great disdain for white pop stars who have rappers do intros to their songs claiming how fabulous and legendary they are, especially when they are flops or trying to recover from an unintentional hiatus (i.e. Hillary Duff, Vanessa Ann Hudgens, Britney Spears).
It's incredibly egotistical and presumptuous.

Also, no matter how many half naked men HIlary Duff hangs onto in her music videos, we will never think of her as a serious musical artist. It's as if the entire point to her new video is to proclaim, "Hey Guys, I'm Sexually Active!"
It's also incredibly awkward.

I enjoy her clothing and accessories, however. At least she has a good stylist.

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

2009-01-06T21:07:00.001-08:00

Frankly, I'm incredibly amused.

"So Long to the Holidays"

2009-01-05T20:38:00.001-08:00

It's time for a new semester and a new adventure...hopefully. I'm tired of my life being dull and unimportant, I want to start doing things and meeting people and being active and a part of something. Mediocrity has never been my calling, but a place I've fallen into. And I loath it. Hopefully this semester I can start to emerge, to live. Obviously, life is never as interesting or exciting as it is in books or movies, but it has got to be more interesting than this. Right?

Goals for this Semester:

Not be intimidated by beautiful people
volunteer at UF's Television Station.
Rush for Theta Alpha sorority
Get a job and save money
work out like I was at the beginning of last semester (I feel so good when I am exercising, I don't know why I ever stop. Oh yeah, because I get busy and lazy).
Be more assertive and outgoing
Talk to strangers in my classes and make "friends"
nourish the fledgling friendships I've already established
be more active in my church
READ, READ, READ!
Get better grades than last semester
Take more photographs and stop thinking that I'm not good at photography. I'm not great, but dagnabbit, I have at least a bit of inherent talent.
Play more piano. I miss it and thoroughly enjoy playing now that it's not forced upon me.
Teach myself to have an ear for music. I believe anything can be taught. At least to a certain extent.
Do a daily devotional of some sort.

I have no idea how I am going to find the time, motivation, or guts to accomplish all of these things, but I want to make it happen. I can't waste my life being scared and intimidated and lazy and unmotivated and mediocre. Time to gain knowledge about life, people, politics, culture, everything. Time to stop thinking I'm not able to accomplish great things. Time to be much more positive - Glass half full.

I'm tired of being dissatisfied with myself.

photography

2009-01-01T19:42:00.001-08:00

DSC04767
Originally uploaded by Daniela Nicole

Um, I photographed a lot this Christmas Break.
This is one of my favorites. And it just happens to be of me.

Christmas time!

2008-12-25T09:58:00.001-08:00

What do you do after you open the gifts???

2008-12-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

I'm finally done with my first semester at the Univ of Fla (pronounce it just like that, it's more fun), and I can honestly say I am very relieved. Now it's a few days of relaxation at my Tia and Tio's house in Tampa, then home for the Holidays. I wasn't quite ready to deal with my father's curfews and rules quite yet, so I decided to get away from Gainesville and away from home.
I really hope next semester brings more excitement for me than this past one. Not that it was bad, it was just...dull.
Hopefully next semester and 2009 bring more exciting adventures my way!

Merry Christmas!

What the Buck?!

2008-12-09T21:53:00.001-08:00

I feel that if I'm going to submit myself to bubblegum pop culture, I should do it in this format. I mean, I know it's ridiculous and pathetic to care about the lives of actors and musicians, but Buckley just makes it seem almost legitimate. Okay, no that's a lie. I just like his incredible gayness. Yup. The Gay is what makes it for me. I am also astounded by the speed with which he speaks.

home

2008-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

A Few things I miss about home:

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - Laundry Day (My Freeze Ray)

2008-12-04T23:52:00.001-08:00

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is something everybody should experience at least once in their life. This is the first song in the 3 part musical. The musical itself isn't that long, the soundtrack alone is only 20 minutes, and I think the actual Blog is only 45 minutes total.

There really aren't enough musicals about superheroes.

Funny Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Bananas

2008-11-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

Whenever my love for playing the piano resurfaces, I am soon thereafter cripplingly discouraged by the realization that I have a complete lack of inherent skill. Everything I know about playing has been taught. I cannot compose, I cannot create variations, I am a slave to the notes on the page.

It's incredibly depressing on the deepest of levels when something people view as a talent or gift is really nothing more than the inevitable result of a decade of lessons.

Tickling the Ivories and Pounding the Pavement

2008-11-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

My love for the Piano has increased tenfold since it has no longer become an obligation. Mmm, I'm so happy to be home with my piano. I mean, I can't sit down for hours and just play, I don't have the patience or endurance for that, but I go back and forth to the piano and tinker about, polish up old songs and start new ones. It's quite lovely. My cousin plays too, so it was nice to "bond" with her yesterday over the keys. She really is gifted, and I've always admired the ease with which she plays. Jealous, even.

A weird thing: Went jogging at the ravines and realized my muscles were hurting in different places. So much for muscle memory. It seemed like my muscles realized the path was vaguely familiar, but wasn't quite there yet. Sort of 'I think I know you...but since I'm not completely sure I'll treat you as I would a stranger.' Yes, apparently my legs thing for themselves. It's not as if I don't do hills in Gainesville, but those hills are different. Ah well, it was a lovely run all the same, intensified by the fact that my father has a hurt back so I thoroughly smoked him. Not to relish in his pain or anything.

2008-11-25T17:43:00.001-08:00

Dear Ben Folds,

I don't know why you have become progressively more vulgar over these past couple of albums; however, I am willing to forgive you because of your ingenious use of alliteration and imagery.
Your lyrics, when not unfortunately inappropriate, are humorous, poetic, and often beautiful.
This is why I love you. <3

"If you had to say it all with a pop song, couldn't you at least have written me a good one?" ~ Brainwascht

"Effington could be a wonderful effing place I can see it from the highway and I'm wondering Are they effing in their yards? Effing in their cars? Effing in the trailers in the back roads and the parking lots of Effington? Making my way to Normal, Illinois."

~ Effington, not so poetic, but entertaining.

2008-11-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

Right now it's like the calm before the storm. I haven't had a test in two weeks, and the homework load has been light, but over Thanksgiving break and then the next three weeks afterwards are going to be incredribly stressful. I have two papers, two extra credit assignments, 3 sections of precalc homework, & astronomy homework due, and a precalc test next week. Ugh.

I'm very, very, ready for the semester to close and to go home for the Christmas break.

Twilight Review (of sorts)

2008-11-21T00:01:00.001-08:00

Ah HAHAHA. Well. Now. Where to start?
If I was expecting quality cinematography & special effects, this was the wrong movie to see. It made me dizzy with all of it's absurd camera angles. A lot of it seemed vastly over-dramatized, however I think that it was a very, very, literal translation of the book.

"So bad that you might expect it's intended as a campy send-up of its source...the worst-case scenario is that it's a truly faithful reflection of the quality of the novel." ~ Rotten Tomatoes

The novel was better, by far, because of course you had more detail, the movie sort of skimmed over any depth (no matter how shallow) the book actually had. But the movie was just very literal. The wind did blow her scent, Edward did freak out and look absolutely livid at the sight of her, He did switch from Angry to Happy like a bipolar nutcase. I suppose when we read the books we make it seem more realistic in our minds, or...maybe less realistic. so when the movie made a literal translation and had him freak out just as much as the book described it seemed completely absurd.
On a brighter note, I really think the movie could have been much better if they invested in and cut back on a few key things:
1) Tripods are handy
2) dramatic, slow-mo. pauses are not in style
3) overly done flashbacks involving the main characters are cheesy, and farce-like.

I really enjoyed the characters, though. Jessica was spot on, as were all of the Cullens, Charlie, Bella, and the rest of her friends. Edward...Oh Edward...I just don't know about him. He was...I mean - really - is an American accent that difficult to fake? He sounded like he was struggling to even get simple words out, and his accent came through constantly.

I say, I have to somewhat agree with this review from Rotten Tomatoes:

"In terms of bringing the book to life, Twilight is a complete success, so much so that most of the film's flaws work within the context of the story."

Also: Spider Monkeys? Really?

They were so horrible, I will definitely see every one that is made in the future (if it makes enough money to make a second...which is debatable).

Twilight

2008-11-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

Going to go see the Twilight midnight showing tonight! So, I feel like a 14 year old, and I'm sure they will be aplenty, but I am ready!
The Twilight books filled the void left by the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. of course, they weren't nearly as well written, but they filled that void all the same. Something about the shear impossibility of the romance annoyed me, I couldn't stand Edward for being so perfect, but alas. It was still a very enjoyable read.
Can't wait to see the movie! I love having something to get excited about! It's been a while. It seems silly to get so wrapped up in a novel that is so obviously fictitious, with not even the slightest nod at reality, but it's like dark chocolate or sweat pants, it's comforting and indulgent. At least I know I'm not the only 18+ year old who is wrapped up in the fantasy world of Bella & Edward Cullen.
Can't wait to see the movie! 10 points for Vampire Make-Outs. Yeah, I said it.

2008-11-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

So, basically I was about to give up on this thing, but I suppose I should keep it up. Why, I'm not sure. Anyways, yeah. So classes are fine, church is fine, everything is just fine. Nothing intensely interesting going on, but I suppose a lack of excitement is better than bad excitement.

Auditioning for my first thing outside of high school. Terrified. Thinking about it makes my stomach squirm. Ugh.

This weekend needs to come so I can get stuff done. Studying, cleaning, seeing friends. It all needs to happen. I feel like I'm treading water in my classes, so I need to get on the ball this week. After today. Tonight there is just too much stress.

2008-09-03T11:23:00.001-07:00

Watching the news just makes me upset. I'm tired of hearing about "Change" and about how McCain is just another Bush. He isn't another Bush! McCain doesn't care about party lines (which is what upsets most of the conservatives so much), and is actually willing to go with his gut and what he thinks to be the best decision instead of what his "party" wants him to. That's the type of president that will bring Change. Not Obama, who just flaps his jaws constantly about nothing. Furthermore, Palin has more experience than Obama, who is running for PRESIDENT. She was a mayor (the size of the city is inconsequential) and a governor (if only for a little less than two years). Who does the Obama campaign think they are talking about her experience? Mr. Obama Savior of the Universe has NONE. ZERO. Zip. Oh he was a senator? What do they do? They vote. They don't lead. My God, if he becomes President the liberals will turn this country into a cesspool.

First Week as a Florida Gator

2008-08-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

This first week of classes has been wonderful. I am a bit overwhelmed, but for the most part I am still excited. My courses are promising, and I hope that I get a lot out of them; I would hate for them to become tedious (which some of them, like precalculus probably will).
It's difficult to meet people. Granted, it's only been a week, but being of campus makes it that much harder. I talk to somebody every class, but it's always somebody different. I can be sitting next to someone in Government on Monday, and somebody completely different on Wed. and Friday. But so far it hasn't bother me too much. Honestly, if it weren't for my already finding a church, I'd probably be miserably lonely.
I have people here from Palatka, but I've been with them for years and I'm not incredibly close to any of them save for my roommate. I am so thankful for the college ministry at CCoC. I want to get involved and active, and have never been so excited about going to church as I am now. I went through a rough time spiritually this summer, and even though I started to find my footing again towards the end of the summer, I feel like I am finally starting to build a stronger foundation - stronger than it was before.
I want to surround myself with Christian people. There are so many temptations at college, and I don't want to fall prey. I want to be involved and surrounded by people of like faith and mindset. I don't want to conciously put myself in a situation to flirt with danger.

As for my classes, I think my favorite is going to be my American Religious History class. I've already been to one discussion and I couldn't keep my mouth shut. I really feel like I can excell in that class, and truly enjoy it. It will be worthwhile, I think.