WriterGirlRose

5 Months

2012-01-25T20:37:00.001-05:00

Well, before I knew it, 5 months had flown by. So much has happened, but that's obvious, right? (B/C it's been 5 months!) Since I last posted, the last of the "Rome to Roma with Jordin Sparks" videos have come out, which you can watch right here.
Other reasons why I've been super-excited include this glorious fact: I'm going to JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY!!! So happy. When I toured it in August (a bit after I last posted), it was love at first sight. It has the major that I want -- the Writing Seminars, the #1 creative writing program in the country -- and the extras that I want, too -- the Peabody Conservatory of Music is connected to JHU, so I can take lessons there if I wish it. Yes!!
I can't promise that I'll have a running commentary of my time leading up to and during my time there (cuz you know what happens when I promise that . . . it doesn't happen . . .), but once in a while I'll stop and think: let's update this thing!
Anyway, here's my current obsession: Step, by KARA!

Rome to Roma with Jordin Sparks (Part 2)

2011-08-18T15:44:00.000-04:00

Here's comes the 1st "Rome to Roma" webisode, where we travel through Austria, meeting up with our MC, Tyler, and our celebrity, Jordin! By this time we 14 students were over halfway through our trip -- having already experienced Italy and a wonderful homestay -- we were getting tired, worn out, and frazzled . . . not to mention nervous for the cameras and Ms. Sparks! We really needed that jam session in Friesach, as well as the night we spent "clubbing" . . . which was not included in the video.
After the medieval dinner, we headed to a club that had been emptied for the night, just for us, and listened to some familiar and welcome American music. We partied for hours, getting all sweaty and gross, which was the only bad part; that night we were staying in a Youth Hostel, which lacked one crucial element of basic convenience: a shower. Yupp, we were all kinds of gross. Thankfully, the AUSTRIAN RAINSTORM we had to run through to get to breakfast the next morning washed us off -- literally. {By the time we got to the breakfast hall a mile away, we were all soaked, and I'm pretty sure there was at least an inch of water sloshing around in my shoes.} It was all great fun though, as is this amazing video. Enjoy!

Rome to Roma with Jordin Sparks (Part 1)

2011-08-09T22:00:00.001-04:00

I'm finally back and at home, free from all of the craziness that has been my summer (for now). That means that I can get back to posting! Yes!
Today's video is the second posted on the P2P Sparks website, "Meet Rome to Roma." It's basically the same as the previous video, introducing we students, as well as Jordin. Ridiculous, but fun. I remember that when it came out, we were in Italy, no one had a computer, and we all had to rush down to the lobby to get an access code for the free WiFi . . . those of us that had iPod Touches or iPhones, that is. *sniff* Enjoy.

People To People . . . with Jordin Sparks!!

2011-06-18T16:44:00.000-04:00

Oh, there has been so much happening as of late! I haven't even begun to process it, which is why this post has been a long time in coming.
Remember how I said that I was the lucky member of a special delegation for People to People this summer? Well, I thought I was lucky then . . . watch the video. Really. Just do it.
Then die of jealously. *giggles hysterically*

Yupp. That's us. We're going to Europe with Jordin Sparks!!
There's so much to do, so much to plan, so much . . . what am I even still doing on here? I've got to prepare!! *runs off to pack suitcase*

SNSD Awesomeness

2011-04-30T16:04:00.000-04:00

Girl's Generation (SNSD) has finally dropped the official music video for their newest single, Mr. Taxi. Yes, they're skimpy outfits, and yes, sometimes the song sticks in your head so much and so late at night -- when you're trying to sleep, dang it! -- that you kind of want to fly over to Korea to smack these 9 girls upside the head. But that, in fact, is what makes their songs so enjoyable. For me, at least.

People to People, Brown, NBC, and Stephen Sondheim (what?!)

2011-03-07T14:52:00.002-05:00

Seriously, how is it the 3rd month of the year already? It just doesn't seem possible at all, does it?

Anyway, since I've last written, there's been major news (not that anybody reads this, but oh well). You're looking at one of People To People's newest Student Ambassadors for 2011! *whoo whoo clap clap general awesomeness*
That right. Since my Select Choir director won a contest through P2P and NBC, she gets to take 13 or so students on a P2P European trip this summer, free of charge! We're going to France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, and you bet I'm gonna write about all of that! (especially since we're required to fill a journal up on the trip) Look forward to it! heee.

Also, I have applied and received my acceptance for Brown's Pre-College summer course this coming summer, which I'm super excited about. I've always wanted to do an official summer writing course at a college, and I was lucky enough to find one that took place after I come back from Europe. (You'd be amazed at how many take place smack dab in the middle of July, right when I'm going to be overseas -- including the one at Columbia, which would have been my #1 choice. But seriously, I'm sooo lucky, so I'm not gonna truly complain.)

This summer is looking to be insane, what with P2P, Brown, and surely a whole frickin' bunch of summer projects for the college-level courses I'll be taking next year. Let's list them, shall we?

Government & Economics (through the local community college)
AP Literature
Calculus (through the local community college)
SUPA (which is another English, only through Syracuse University)
Spanish 5 (through the State Uni of Albany)

Haha. I just realized that all my core courses are either AP or through a college. Boy, am I stupid-smart, or what? *looks into the future and sees herself dead from exhaustion* And college applications will take place in the fall, too . . . Sleep . . . I remember sleep . . . it was nice . . .

To change the topic abruptly (because I'm great at that), here's the 1st part of my new-youtube-videos series. Enjoy!

This is me singing my solo during the Select Choir's Broadway Showcase 2010 this past November. I had a lot of fun bouncing around on stage, can you tell? Hahah.

Results

2011-01-30T19:02:00.002-05:00

Well, I didn't get the role. *sigh* The role of Eponine was given to a senior -- which I'm fine with, because she deserved it. The roles of Cosette and Fantine, though, are a different matter. Not so much Cosette (which was given to a junior) as Fantine . . . which was snapped up by a sophomore. And I'm not even kidding.
The director obviously wanted a much more modern, "soulful" sound. I could have given him that, but I honestly thought he was going to do a faithful adaptation of Les Miserables. But obviously, considering the people he chose to be the leads . . . he isn't. Oh well. Le Miz means a lot to me, but I've had almost a week to cool down since finding out the results, so it doesn't sting as much as it did. *sting sting*

No, it doesn't matter that neither the junior nor the sophomore had ever heard of Le Miz before it was announced to be the musical. No, it doesn't matter that neither of them really wanted a part in this show, anyway. They thought it was too gritty -- too vulgar. Well, honey, if you think Le Miz is "gritty," you haven't seen anything yet.

I am a little bitter, but that's to be expected. And it's not like I'm only in the chorus. He made me a prostitute. *deadpans* A prostitute on stage during "Lovely Ladies," and then I have a solo near the end in the song, "Turning." One line of a solo. Damn. But I suppose it's better than nothing.

I'll just have to suck it up and try my best, which I seem to be good at doing. This experience has just taught me to not get involved in a musical/project which I have an emotional attachment to. That being said . . . I can't just quit. I do love Le Miz, after all, and if I quit now, there's no possible chance of getting a lead next year. So I just have to plug on through, and be the best damn trollop I can be.
(Never thought I'd ever say that. lolz)

1st Round of Auditions

2011-01-21T16:09:00.001-05:00

I had promised myself that I wouldn't blog again until after the 1st round of auditions had taken place and I knew whether or not I had received admittance into the 2nd round. Well, due to several cancelations of after-school activities and such, the auditions were postponed a couple days, and then the posting of the callback list was pushed back since . . . well, the district cancelled school entirely.

But now it has been anounced that -- *drumroll please* -- I've been called back! Yes!

Okay, so not entirely a shocker, but still. You never know with this director; you can never tell what is on his mind.
I was out getting my driver's permit (finally), and when I came back, a voicemail he had left was waiting for me. It had informed me that I'd been called back for at least one part. He left the information by his room in the school, and to know what part(s) I'm called back for and to acquire the materials/music for them, I'll have to go into the building and look around this weekend.
We've already been out today, which was slightly horrible, since the wind and weather is so bitterly cold and snowy, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to retrieve them. I can hardly wait!

Hopefully by the middle of next week I'll know, and will be able to blog some good news. Before then I might write another post, this time about the audition process that I went through for the 1st round.

Anyway, here's hoping for EPONINE!! Wish me luck! *^-^*

Here we have a much younger Lea Salonga (the same girl from the last video) in the 10th Anniversary Concert. Gosh, she's great. *sigh*

1st Official Meeting for Les Mis

2010-12-18T17:10:00.004-05:00

Okay, so the first official meeting for this year's musical, Les Miserables, took place yesterday. There, the director of the musical gave us the usual stuff about it being a huge commitment, you'll have to have very few conflicts in your schedule in order to participate, yada yada yada. But just to hear about it -- and that the director was excited about it -- was enough to satisfy me until the auditions, which take place a month from now . . . . . Yeah, Right.
Les Mis is all I'll be thinking about, as I'm currently obsessed with getting a lead role (as discussed in the last post). I believe I have a pretty good shot at it, but only time, and the director's mood on that particular day, will tell. *crosses fingers*
We got a huge packet of information about the plot (which I know already by heart) and the various characters (ditto), but it was nice to have some solid information in my hands. Also included in the packet were the parts that we'll sing for the auditions. All the girls will sing a couple of lines from the Epilogue, and then those trying for a lead will sing the 2nd half of "I Dreamed A Dream." The latter part of that sentence is absolutely fabulous, as it's Fantine's solo -- made even more famous by the Susan Boyle Incident -- and I, well . . . I rock at it. As long as I can hold out the ". . . shame" measure, then I'll be A-Ok, as most of the girls who are trying out don't have the passion for it all that I do. Here's hoping. *double crosses fingers*

I leave you today with Lea Salonga in the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Miserables (filmed at the O2 arena in London), singing, "I Dreamed A Dream."

December Already

2010-12-02T22:31:00.004-05:00

How has it gotten to be so late? The last post was from September, and now all of a sudden, it's almost 2 months later! I'm going to chalk it up to the fact that school keeps me busy, I had to study for the PSATs, practice and then perform at Area All State, ditto for Select Choir, etc. There were also 2 deaths within 3 days back in October . . . one in my extended family, and one in my immediate. My life has turned upside down, and everything is weirdly different, yet the same now. I'll let y'all know how it feels when the fact that the 2 most powerful women in my family died finally feels real.

Anyway, it's high time I get back to this blog, so here I am, dusting it off. *dust dust*

And as the school musical season sets in, I intend to chronicle my adventures, first toward procuring a (lead) part, and then in practice, and finally the show itself. Since the musical this year is Les Miserables, and it was my mother's favorite musical -- and my 2nd favorite, after Phantom, of course -- and since I'm a junior and had a supporting role last year, I hope to get a lead. Fantine would be my 1st choice, Eponine my 2nd, and Cosette my 3rd. But then again, I'll take what I can get. *laughs*

Speaking of Phantom, it's been announced that the next production of Love Never Dies will be opening in the spring in Australia, so if any of y'all come from the land down under, look forward to it. As for the Broadway production . . . it's been postponed indefinitely, probably due to the stupid Canadian anti-fan group, LSD (they're so disgusting I won't even deign to write out their full name). Find them on Facebook if you want to, because I don't want to waste my precious time wrting about those losers.

In short, I'm Back in Business (private joke, heheh), and raring to begin preparing for Les Miz auditions, which aren't until January. *ugh* But at least there's Christmas -- no matter how weird it'll be this year -- to look forward to. I leave you with a quote that my Task 4 English essay was based on:

"Curiosity is the basis for education, and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only that the cat died nobly." -- Arnold Edinborough

"My Name is Memory" (A Book Review)

2010-09-03T22:53:00.001-04:00

Book: My Name Is Memory Author: Ann Brashares
Pages: 336 Chapters: Not Numbered

Inside Cover Book Blurb:

"Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together."

My Quick Fix Review:

This was very difficult to get into. The beginning was rushed, so that by the time you realized something important had happened, you were past it. And once you were past it, there were about 150 pages of waiting until the next exciting moment.

The ending was a bit far-fetched, as well. The two star-crossed lovers end up fleeing an old enemy, so they jump into the sea and attempt to swim to China . . . from India (or some middle-east country, I can't remember, honestly). Needless to say, they don't get very far.

Daniel almost dies, until Lucy sees a giant rock, and pulls them both up onto it. When a boat comes by, they jump on, and are "saved." Sure . . .

Then Daniel goes off into the sunset, leaving Lucy -- who's spent THE ENTIRE BOOK trying to find out WTF is going on -- all alone. He's going to fight the villan, a brother of his in a past life (also Sophia's former-husband in that same life), and for this to happen, apparently he has to leave the "girl he loves" behind. Uh-huh, yeah. I'm sure that's his real plan . . .

All in all, "My Name is Memory" is a fairly-decent read, as long as you can avoid huge plot holes and are into hokey romance stuff. Personally, I'm a fan of the latter, but definitly not of the former, and MNIM ends up only attempting to be a life-changing, epic romance. The bare bits are there, but . . . . close but no cigar.

Overall Score --- 3/5 Stars

For more information on the author and her project, please visit her website.

Ack! Why Is My Computer Like This?!

2010-08-19T15:13:00.005-04:00

So for a few weeks I've been trying to upload the (exclusive) videos, to no avail. I've sometimes started uploading them at 1 in the afternoon, letting it run until 8 or 9 at night (!!), but everything I do eventually results in a little pop-up window saying: "There was an error uploading your video," or something similiar. I'm fed up and tired of it, and really sad, because there's no way I'm going to put these videos on Youtube. (They're not bad or anything {this week's was going to be a tour of the Club Level floor of the Naperville Hilton, for Pete's sake}, but in them I'm especially happy and giddy, which translates to idiotic. ^-^; )

So that means that for now, the SST 2010 posts are over. *sobs*

Anyway, I'll ignore my pain and suffering (lolz) for a bit to offer a fabulous link for y'all: Black Tears This link will only work up to the 19th, and maybe a little bit after that, because I entered by book (mentioned above) in Inkpop's "Kisses From Hell" writing challenge. Check it out here: Love is Hell: The Kisses From Hell Writing Challenge The link to my book is an extra-special one, and will be switched back to the original as soon as the contest winners are announced. But until then, the URL is different, and I don't want anyone to miss out on my awesome, wonderful project just because of a little "This page does not exist" warning.
And since I already had the buddy icon for this post picked out and loaded in -- and the description typed out -- I'll keep it as a special gift. (and free advertising for one of my favorite sites. lolz) Enjoy, word for word.

This week's buddy icon is Ruria Nakamura, the Saturn for the 2002 Mugen Gakuen musical, as well as its revision.

I currently am using a different picture of her as my avatar and signature at SeraMyuAntics. Or, rather its forum. Both places are extremely fun and the forum has people who are really sweet as their members. No nastiness, and it's wonderful. If you're interested, please check them out. ^-^

Ah, well. *sighs*
On a different note, if you have an idea of a buddy icon you'd like to see featured (from movies, art, theater, random prints, etc.), leave a comment, and who knows -- you just might see it up here for you all to use. *waves*

An Excuse and a Book Review (A House Afire)

2010-08-03T15:36:00.001-04:00

Remember how I said I might be going away for a bit? Well, I'm back, and am admittedly a little later than expected -- a couple days later. Which also explains why this post is so dang late (sorry about that, by the way).

Anywho, since I was on break, there was actually time for me to read, *GASP* so I'm going to wait to do the next Supernatural post until Friday (or sometime over the weekend, whichever) and today do a review for one of the books I read over the past week. Random, I know.

Book: A House Afire Author: Emma Kinna

Pages: 504 Chapters: none

*SELF-PUBLISHED by PUBLISH AMERICA*

Back Book Blurb: Phyllis Sorin has seen all sorts of people.With two kind aunts who rent out the rooms of their house to anyone in need, the people she calls family are a little different than most. There's Bill, who takes on the personalities of movie characters. There's Quincy, whose best friend is a drag queen. There's Anna, an opera singer and kung-fu master. And Phyllis, well, she's not exactly normal herself. But even as she begins to navigate high school's social jungle, Phyllis finds comfort and humor in her odd home. When Dominick Siddons moves in, however, all of Phyllis's priorities become inferior to finding out his secret. A young lawyer with a vicious wit and ferocious temper, Sid may understand Phyllis in a way no one else can. And through truth and fiction, through the inevitable chaos of the house, Phyllis finds much more than she bargained for.

Overall: A humorous and slightly romantic novel, A House Afire walks the line between YA and adult books. On the one hand, Phyllis is so clearly an adolescent -- she speaks with a young voice and complains frequently about all the homework her teachers give her -- and on the other . . . there are definitely some adult themes in the book. (examples: Excessive swearing, teen sex, relationship troubles, and a teenage girl falling seriously in love with a man who appears to be in his mid to late twenties.) Yet A House Afire takes itself fairly lightly, focusing prominently on humor and the dialogue between the characters; this is what makes Kinna's book so interesting to read.

However . . .

most of the book ends up as either dialogue or short sentence bursts (the work needs a lot more description), and there are long stretches of dialogue between two characters where you can't always tell who's speaking
the beginning didn't really grab my attention -- it was difficult to get into, as one of the main problems of the work begins: there is a major case of "telling" instead of "showing."
lots of missing commas
it was hard to tell the aunts apart; the characters tended to blend into each other -- the only ones that seemed well defined were Philly, Sid, Taylor, Quincy, and Anna, out of a cast of "thousands."
Minor and supporting characters had a habit of popping up with little or no introduction, which made things even more confusing.
"The Voice" was a bit vexing to figure out. At first I thought it was just Philly's conscience, but after a while I wasn't so sure. Maybe it's some side effect from the lab experiments that have her the ability to breathe fire and be fireproof -- she also gets a double internal personality. Right now, my guess is the latter.
The best scenes in the book occur when Sid and Philly are exchanging witty banter, especially after she discovers his secret.
There was no definitive climax to the book; the pace and action remained the same as in the rest, and there were no amazing revelations, etc. Philly was miserable for a couple of pages, but then she cheered right up / Anna and Side had a big, awkward fight. (But what else is new?)

Specific Problem Spots:

Page 382 -- Philly says she's annoyed by Anna; she says that Anna hardly knew her, that she was just trying to get to know her, and that she didn't want to be Anna's "buddy." This is odd -- out of sync -- because before Anna returns (after 3/4 of the book), Philly mentions her often, and says she thinks of the woman as part of her family. They've lived in the same house for most of Philly's life. That one paragraph seems to clash with the whole rest of the book.

Page 452 -- When Philly and Taylor are talking about how Philly is different from when she was younger, she asks how, and the way in which Taylor responds leads you to believe she's talking about the former self until the next paragraph. Confusing.

Page 452 -- Bill takes on the personality of a Scottish character for the 2nd time. It would have been better if he picked one from a different nationality or type of accent -- more diversity, no repeating

Favorite Parts:

Page 129 (bottom) into page 130 (top): -- Sid & Phillis are in the laundry room / basement, talking

Page 148 (bottom): Sid & Philly are helping Anna (who's still abroad at this point) move stuff in, talking -- the banter between the two is great

Page 339: Philly & the two aunts are talking -- meatballs and a hamster are involved (sounds less idiotic if you actually read it)

Despite the rough parts (take into account that the book was self-published and did not have an official editor besides the author herself), A House Afire is worth picking up, especially if you're into realistic fiction [fire-breathing aside] with a slightly humorous and supernatural edge.

A Diamond in the Rough ---- 3 1/2 Stars

For more information on the author and her project, visit her blog, Breathing Fire.

If you're interested in purchasing this work, visit its page on Amazon.

Supernatural Summer Tour 2010 (Part E)

2010-07-23T22:51:00.000-04:00

Before we get to the main part of the post, I just want to mention that I will be INKPOPPER OF THE WEEK, this Monday, July 26, 2010. Yay! An interview (w/ some of my gorgeous pictures -- not of me, of course) with me will be posted on Inkpop's Blog sometime on Monday. If you're interested, please check it out! Also, I have two new works uploaded there, Loss, which is a piece I wrote this week for a writing workshop's anthology (Yes, I know what you're thinking: no more Buffy? *sniff* I've finished all the seasons.), and Black Tears, my novel. The latter also placed in the Top 10 of the Supernatural contest -- but only an excerpt, as the entry limit was 20,000 words, dangit. Now it's up for all to see, critique, and pick. *hint hint, nudge nudge*

On to the main event! lolz. This is the 2nd part of the in-Coldstone interview (once again, ignore the adorable-yet-completely-annoying kids in the background), and the last part that I uploaded to my Youtube Channel. {Just can't get enough of those links. *smilies*} After this post, it's completely original video -- new, and just for you guys. Enjoy.

This week's buddy icon is Honma Risa, who first played CereCere/Sailor Ceres in the Transylvania No Mori Kaiteban (Revision) in 2001. In 2004, she returned to play the role of Sailor Mars in Shin Kaguya Shima Densetsu, as well as it's kaiteban. This 2005 revision was also the last set of stages before SeraMyu went on a "temporary hiatus." . . . and hasn't come back yet.

Supernatural Summer Tour 2010 (Part D)

2010-07-16T23:57:00.002-04:00

Next up, we move down the block from Anderson's Bookstore to the Coldstone Creamary shop. (It was between that and Starbucks.) There we had ice cream and I got to give a makeshift interview
*on a side note, Kimberly, my father and I all had the same exact flavor: Birthday Cake Remix. Cool or creepy -- take your pick. lolz*

I'd come up with a whole bunch of questions -- two pages, in fact -- but got a bit flustered when I found out that there wasn't enough time to ask them all. Honestly, I'm not that fond of being put under pressure, and kind of floundered around, picking questions off of the list at random, which explains why they're not the most insightful or creative in the world -- just basic. In short, the first question that caught my eye got asked. *sorry* But anyway, here is the 1st part of the 2 part "Coldstone Interview." Enjoy!

This week's buddy icon is from the live action series (commonly abbreviated as PGSM here in the States). It ran for one season, from 2003 to 2004, and enjoyed a fair amount of popularity -- what all the promotional toys and items, giveaways, and special events. It even had a special one-day stage show . . . which is where I took the image from. (I make all the buddy icons you see on this site myself. Hard work goes into each one, so they're made with TLC. lolz)
And hey, I even made the post on Friday! Whatta ya know. ;)

Supernatural Summer Tour 2010 (Part C)

2010-07-10T16:07:00.000-04:00

More Buffy. That's been my summer so far, pretty much. I've made it up to the last few episodes of the 6th season, so there's only those eps and the 7th season, and then I have to face reality: summer projects. Ugh.
Anyway, this is the 3rd part of the series, the Q & A with the four authors. I have to admit that the questions from the audiance are much better than the ones I asked later, in Coldstone. But then again, the 4 had to catch their plane to San Diego, the last stop on the tour, so my 2 pages of questions kind of fell by the wayside. *More on that in the next post*

More Miyuki. This is either from Translyvania no Mori, or Death Vulcan, I can't remember (since I haven't seen them in such a long time. >_< ) DV was a bit hard to follow, plus it never had its own album, so I tend to like TnM better. If you have no idea what I'm babbling on about, take note of this important equation:

Sailor Moon + musicals + vampires = Awesome

I know, I know. I'm a straaange person. lolz

Supernatural Summer Tour 2010 (Part B)

2010-07-04T20:48:00.001-04:00

Okay, so the concept of "Friday" is a little lost on me. I was busy . . . watching a nonstop marathon of Buffy . . . which continued on into Saturday and most of Sunday. *shrugs* But here is the 2nd part (B) of the series (?).
This is where the four authors get to continue their talk (finishing up Derting and going on to the other three), telling about each of their projects and leading into the next part, which is all Q & A. Meanwhile, I sit on the sidelines, watching. ^-^

This week's buddy icon is of the late Miyuki Kanbe, who died two years ago on June 18. She was the 3rd girl to play the role of Sailor Moon in the musicals, chosen out of 500 potentials, and was only 15 when she acquired the job in 2000 (which didn't make her the youngest, since Marina Kuroki, who took her place, was 12). She played the role throughout the Dracul arc of the musicals, from 2000 to 2001.

Miyuki died in 2008 at the age of 24. Miyuki's Farwell

Supernatural Summer Tour 2010 (Part A)

2010-06-25T19:49:00.001-04:00

Each Friday (until I go away for a few weeks for vacation, and then I'll pick up where I left off when I get back), I'll be uploading a different part of my "Supernatural experience." To make this a bit more interesting, I'll be putting up some that haven't been uploaded to my YouTube Channel (and most likely never will). Look forward to it!

Okay, let's start from the very beginning, the first part of the event in Anderson's Bookshop. This is the video in which I make my grand appearance. (lolz) You also get to hear me speak, which I'm afraid sounds a bit like I'm on something (or a Valley Girl, you take your pick). Gale, the wonderful woman who was at the event -- there was some other lady who supposedly coordinated it, but I didn't see scratch of her -- interviewed me, which was a big surprise. I didn't know what to say! After I say my piece, the four authors take their turn . . . . .

Also included in this special "Supernatural Friday's" series is a buddy icon for each post. None of them are relevant to the posting, but enjoy, anyway.

This week's is the lovely FuminaMoon. She played the perfect Serenity, but was a bit too stiff (and blank) for the part of Usagi. But then again, she had a lot to live up to, after Anza.

Supernatural Summer Tour (Part 2)

2010-06-16T02:04:00.005-04:00

It's been a long time since the last update, I know, but here is the long-awaited part 2 of my "Supernatural" experience.

To start us off, here are the official blog postings of my trip, on the Supernatural Summer Tour website and on the InkPop blog. You can get the basic idea of the trip from there. ^_^

It was a wonderful experience, so forgive me if I want to keep the details to myself, to kind of savour them. (I will tell you that it was my first time at Coldstone -- and I went there with 4 famous authors! *sqee* BTW, I had the same ice cream as Kimberly (Derting): Birthday Cake Remix. It was great, but probably something like a million calories. Oh well. ;) )

Check out my YouTube channel for videos of the event at Anderson's Bookshop (my interview, the authors' interview) and at Coldstone (me, asking them questions). To see the full list, check out my Supernatural Summer Tour/Interview 2010 playlist. Enjoy!

Supernatural Summer Tour (Part 1)

2010-06-04T16:10:00.012-04:00

Well, it's less than 24 hours until I'm in Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, Il., at the June 5 stop on the HarperTeen Supernatural Summer Tour. *excited face*

Once there, I'll have "green room" access to the stop, and I'll get to meet the authors (and hopefully interview them). They include:

Kim Harrison (Early to Death, Early to Rise)
Ellen Schreiber (Vampire Kisses novels)
Kimberly Derting (The Body Finder)
Kelly Armstrong (The Darkest Powers Trilogy)

I'm planning to capture it all -- well, most -- on video, so in a couple days I'll probably be posting whatever HarperCollins allows me to. ^_^
Here's an article about the contest (winner), that I just unearthed: Supernatural Writing C ontest Winners Announced! from the main host site, http://www.supernaturalsummer.com/. The tour's almost over, but if you can make the Anderson stop, or the one after that, great!

If you're there tomorrow, be sure to say hi! *waves*

Sierra Boggess on "Over the Rainbow."

2010-05-19T00:10:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, the beautiful Sierra Boggess (the 1st Christine Daee in Las Vegas Phantom, Love Never Dies, and the 1st Ariel from The Little Mermaid on Broadway) visited Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest "talent search" show, Over the Rainbow. The gimmick with this one is that the winner of the televised contest will play in the lead role of Dorothy Gale in ALW new production of The Wizard of Oz. ( O_o )
Well, Sierra spent a few minutes talking to/mentoring the girls and answering their questions about theather life and what to expect, etc. Then she sang the title song from the new Phantom sequel, Love Never Dies. The video of the spot follows. Enjoy!

NYSSMA

2010-05-17T01:10:00.007-04:00

Well, my select choir went to sing and be adjudicated at NYSSMA on Friday, and I'm proud to say that we -- on a Level 5 performance -- earned a Gold award. *the happy dance returns*

The song order:

Animal Crackers I
Moon River
Sleep

The 1st and 3rd songs were compositions by Eric Whitacre, who one of our Select members had the opportunity to sing for in a concert at Lincoln Center last year. Personally, they aren't my favorites, but they do seem to grow on you after a while. *shrugs* Anyway, we had a great time, and were rewarded for our efforts. xD

The lovely Moon River wins for today's video, just because it's so much better than the other two songs. lolz

Inkpop Supernatural Contest

2010-05-02T00:45:00.007-04:00

Well, the results of Inkpop's Supernatural Writing Contest were announced and . . . I won! *happy dance* Check out the link here: Inkpop Supernatural Contest

In case the link dies, it is/was a contest, hosted on inkpop.com, calling for stories or poems about anything supernatural (hence the title). Here is the blurb posted on the page:

"Write an entry for the Supernatural Writing Contest by tapping into your inner dark side. Do you have a story about vampires, zombies, witches, or some other supernatural subject? Submit your writing for a chance to win awesome prizes, including a trip to our Supernatural Summer book tour. You don't even have to enter the writing contest to win. If you read entries and vote, you could be eligible for prizes too."

And here is what I won:

"Our grand prize winner will be flown out to see the Supernatural Summer Tour and meet with the Supernatural Summer Tour authors. Keep an eye on the Supernatural Summer Tour for an exclusive content and an interview with our Supernatural authors hosted by our Supernatural Writing Contest winner."

In addition, I've won a mini camcorder (do people still say that nowadays? lolz) and a $100 itunes gift card.

Isabella2296 was the editorial winner, and she will receive a review and critique from a HarperCollins editor. Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who made my winning the Supernatural Writing Contest possible! "Eternal" wasn't that big on the site as a whole, but it won because of all the great reviews and lovely comments you all made! I'm really happy that everyone took the time to read and critique it. Thank you so much!!

In celebration, here's an extra-sparkly MarinaMoon icon for y'all today! Enjoy.

More Love Never Dies News

2010-04-27T01:04:00.005-04:00

Here is a montage of all the LND clips that have been released up until now.

I must admit that I'm dying to see this show here in the U.S., on Broadway. But unfortunately, that will have to wait a few months longer than previously calculated.

It turns out that because of Andrew Lloyd Webber's prostate cancer/general health, he cannot travel over here to continue with setting up the show. At least, not until his doctors say so, apparently. So now the opening is pushed back from November 11, 2010, to some general time during Spring 2011.

Phantom: Love Never Dies (Part 2)

2010-03-12T20:24:00.004-05:00

Yet another video (sorry!), but it was just released.
It's the new trailer, with footage from the London production. Even if you don't like the show in general, you have to admit that this song is amazing.

Phantom: Love Never Dies

2010-03-09T23:52:00.009-05:00

It's opening night of the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.
Previews have been going on for the past few weeks, and the show officially opened tonight. Unfortunately, those of us who cannot travel to England are unable to see it yet. *sniff*
It opens on Broadway in November of this year, and then Australia in 2011.

Here are the two different versions of the 1st single:

(This one went along with the press release back in October.)

(This is the official music video to go along with the single.)

Sorry about the cut-off on the videos, but enjoy!

More Music

2010-02-26T23:45:00.002-05:00

Next in my lineup of my new favorite artists is . . . Kanon Wakeshima.

She's most famous for singing two ending theme songs for the Vampire Knight anime: "Still Doll," and "Suna no Oshiro." (But since these are her most known works, neither of the videos I've procured for you today will be those.)

And yes, that is she, playing her cello.

真紅のフェータリズム (Crimson Fatalism)

鏡 (Kagami)

Oh, and I've been watching the Vancouver 2010 Olympics like crazy, so after they're over, don't be surprised to see videos of some of the figure skating. Fair warning there.

All Hail the New Bird Girl

2010-02-09T00:05:00.009-05:00

For some strange reason, I decided to audition for "Seussical the Musical," my school's musical of choice this year. 2009's was "The Wiz." o_O And thus I ended up being casted as a Bird Girl, and now have to sing 3-part harmony while wearing giant feathers on top of my head. I'm so thrilled.

But though I might sound like I hate the role, it's actually going to be a lot of fun, getting to be someone different. It'll be an experience, at least. Hopefully a good one. *crosses fingers*

I've also finally picked out the song I'll be singing for NYSMMA (an edjudication, with an end possibility of getting to go to Area All-State and/or All State), which is Se' Tu Mami, composed by Pergolesi. It's really beautiful, and from the first time I heard it, it "spoke" to me. I've never had that happen before.
Hopefully that's a good omen!

On a side note, I've just finished the Mugen Gakuen and it's revision, and am starting on the 2003 Starlights. I miss Hikari. *sniff* But as such, my icon for you today is from the Ankoku no Black Lady Kaiteiban, a cute arrangement of images from "Knockin' Down Hesitation!"

Happy New Year!

2010-01-17T22:18:00.010-05:00

I've been so busy, what with the holidays and everything, that I haven't been able to update for . . . let's see . . . a month! Whoa.
As for said holidays (Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!), not much happened. It's getting to be a smaller and smaller ordeal every year, and I'm not sure I like that.

To the music! Recently, I've come across a few bands/singers worth mentioning. The first would be *drumroll please* . . . The Pretty Reckless. This band is headed by Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen, which seems completely out-of-character. In fact, when I heard she had her own band and record deal, I burst out laughing. But when I decided to try her out, I was pleasantly surprised. The music has a rock beat and interesting lyrics, and Momsen herself has the perfect voice to accent it all. I've loaded 3 of her tracks into the playlist at the bottom of the page, so check them out! Here are some videos, too. Be forewarned: the second has explicit content.

I could have uploaded Momsen actually performing, but to tell the truth . . . her performances suck. The music is good, but there's only so much hair flopping, vacant stairs, and tortured expressions I can take. I don't like Taylor Momsen the person, but her music is to die for.

I'm Officially Smarter than 99% of People My Age

2009-12-11T21:27:00.007-05:00

Exactly what the title says.

I got my standardized test scores back today, and I'm in the 99th percentile for practically everything (except math, and that's in the 95th). I'm just the teensiest bit happy.

In other news, I've just joined Inkpop, a site for aspiring authors. Pretty much anyone can join, and if you do, friend me -- but mention this post, otherwise I might ignore your request (there are some trolls on that site!!). Every month, the top 5 picks for the site are read by editors at Harper Collins publishers. They give feedback on your work, and could even make an offer for your book.

Getting back to the test for a moment, let me just say that I did not get a perfect score. Far from it. I was close on the Writing sections, but no cigar. But isn't that a little pathetic, that I can do a kinda/halfway job on the test, and still rank so high? I'm smart and a sharp cookie, don't get me wrong, but the whole thing's kinda sad. Study harder, people!

(Then again, maybe y'all shouldn't. More competition for me.)

Do better next year!

InuYasha -- The Final Act

2009-11-15T23:39:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I'm a bit of an anime/manga/musical geek.
I love Sailor Moon and all it's creations to death (whether it be the books, animated television series, live action series, or musicals). I also love anything and everything that Arina Tanemura does. Seriously, she's genius (i apoligize for going valley-girl on you).
But another of my life-long devotions is InuYasha. Whether it's the anime or manga, I devour it, it's so addicting. So when it was announced that there would be a second animated series, based on the remaining books that hadn't been animated, I was overjoyed, if a bit skeptical. The series had ended in 2004, and here it was, 2009. What were the chances that it would be picked up again?
Thankfully, the rumour was indeed true, and InuYasha: The Final Act, is real. The same voice actors, music, and animation style, thankfully, were kept. And add to that the fact that there's no wait for the series to make it's way slowly -- painfully -- over Stateside, and I'm just having a happy moment here, all right?
Forgive my blathering and whatnot, and I'll let you get right to it: InuYasha: The Final Act There's a new episode uploaded every Saturday, and as long as you can read and understand English, you'll be fine (I'm not sure whether or not Hulu translates itself between countries).

Have fun!!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2010 {Part 2}

2009-09-19T15:42:00.003-04:00

Two more videos of my favorite designers for your enjoyment.

Christian Siriano.

My Rating: 8/10

Dennis Basso.

My Rating: 9/10

Gorgeous.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2010 {Part 1}

2009-09-18T16:27:00.005-04:00

As the title says, New York fashion week has been going on, and just ended last night. Therefore, I've handpicked a few of the best designers, and will show their videos in the next couple of posts. Enjoy!!

Anna Sui.

My Rating: 8/10

Badgley Mischka

My Rating: 7/10

More to follow!

Summer

2009-09-03T01:13:00.007-04:00

Wearing: khacki shorts, t-shirt, golden gladiator sandals

Listening to: Party in the U.S.A.

Where did my summer go? It was just here, and now it's almost time to go back to the daily grind. And by that, I mean SCHOOL.
I'm not opposed to learning, and I get to see all of the people I've missed these past few months, and there are many, many people in the world that don't get to have as good an education as I do (no matter how biased it's becoming), but . . . a lot of it is a drag.
Like having to see that terrible stoner guy that sat in front of me in class all last year. Or taking swim and having my hair all wet and dripping when I'm supposed to be at lunch. Or the fact that I'm most likely taking way too many AP and honors classes, and my head will probably burst. Heh.

But there are a few things that have cheered me up lately.
Like this And this

Unfortunately, neither will save me from having to put up with crap in a couple days. *sigh* If only.

New Stuff

2009-08-03T17:07:00.008-04:00

Wearing: black/white Aeropostale sweat jacket, ripped white-wash jeans, black moccasins

Listening to: We Believe You (playlist)

Happy August!
Right now it's a sweltering 87 degrees F here (which is hot for us), and I'm just glad that air conditioning was invented. :D

I've added some new stuff to the blog, cluttering it up, but it's all for convenience -- I just don't know whose convenience it is for.
New songs have been added to the playlist at the bottom of the page. A few Vanessa-Mae songs, plus some more BSSM (my own personal abbreviation). And did you notice that the page takes a little longer to scroll down? That's because of the Seventeen widget I put down there. I think it only applies to those that live in the US, but if anyone has a suggestion of another prize/widget thingie, just post a comment.

Rachelle Gardner, a literary agent here in the States, recently wrote a really good post, detailing the differences between craft and story.

Also, check out my work on Teen Ink so far! It's mostly pictures, though.

I just sent in a new work to them a couple of days ago, and hopefully soon it will be read and posted there. When it does, I'll let y'all know.

Pictures Pictures

2009-07-26T19:15:00.008-04:00

Wearing: maroon skinny jeans, maroon & gold dotted top, black ballet flats

Listening to: Paparazzi

Okay, I'm a picture fiend. I love 'em, 'specially if they're taken by me, like the one at left. I have no idea what kind of plant it is, but it was strange, and kinda pretty, in a weird sort of way. I took this a couple months ago, in Connecticut on my vacation. Spring break, I think.

Anyway, this is my picture of the month.

And here's another one. :D

Miami Fashion Week update

2009-07-22T16:34:00.007-04:00

The video for my favorite designer of the shows: V Del Sol.

It's a bit cut off, sorry for that.

Miami Fashion Week (Day 4 & 5)

2009-07-21T14:48:00.017-04:00

So Miami Fashion Week doesn't have the same status as New York Fashion week, and techically isn't an exciting or fashionable group of shows, but the swimsuits there can still be of high quality.

Well, most of them.

I picked a few of my favorites from the shows to post and comment on, most of them from the later days.

The first is a swimsuit by designer Mara Hoffman. What strikes me as amazing is that without the beaded strings, it's just a normal black bikini.

The second is a white two-piece by Vitamin A. Once again, little details make a piece all it's own. If not for the crossing straps in front (and the model's unhealthy-looking tan) it would be just another ordinary suit.

My third and (I must admit) my favorite number from the shows is this "suit," by White Sands Australia. I don't know if you could actually go swimming in this -- or wear it to the beach without getting stares (not the good kind), but you could certainly try!

Next is a cover-up by Fred Carter. He overdoes the accessories a bit (and the black lipstick, of course), but if the sunglasses weren't there, it's completely wearable.

To the left is an ensemble, also by Fred Carter. It's nice and all, but the model needs more of a chest. I just liked the floppy hat. :D

And finally, this flashy bikini by V Del Sol. It only looks so good because of the ultra-thin model, but that's the way the industry works, and there could be exceptions, as well. I'd probably wear it anyway.

Emmy Rossum video, plus nothingness!

2009-07-04T15:15:00.004-04:00

I finally figured out how to get a video on here. *laughs* Anyway, this is Emmy Rossum, in her music video "Slow Me Down," from her album, Inside Out. She's one of my favorite singers and actresses, and I have pictures of her all over this blog (as you may have noticed), and I decided to put this up because it's Independence Day, and I want to celebrate! I'm excited, why aren't you?! *waves flag proudly*

School's Out

2009-06-22T17:17:00.004-04:00

Wearing: Studded white-wash jeans, light pink camisole, bare feet (freedom!)

Listening to: LoveGame

Well, school is officially out for me (sorry for all the people who still have to take exams this week, ;D ), which means that I can concentrate on my writing more. For a solid 4 months or so, I didn't even touch my work, life was that busy. But now I'm really getting into it, so hopefully I'll have it done by the end of the summer, before yet another year begins.

College looms, and each year gets even more depressing, in my opinion. Exciting, yes, but also stressful. I like all the new opportunities being thrown my way, but come on! Seriously, how many tests do you have to take? PSATs, SATs, Regents, AP exams . . . there's more, but if I listed them all, my head would probably explode. *too late*

Exciting News! (plus writing links)

2009-05-15T19:06:00.007-04:00

Exciting news from me today!! (not that any one's listening, but whatever)
Recently I entered a contest, judged by author Sonya Sones, to write a mini-sequel to her book, "What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know." It had to been under 1,500 words or 10 pages, whichever you reached first. There would be one grand prize winner, and 10 runners up.
I wrote my entry, entered the contest, and promptly forgot all about it. ;^o^
So I completely wasn't expecting an email from Sonya personally, telling me that . . .
I was one of the 10 runners up!!

Okay, so it's a bit anticlimactic, but still. It was a national contest, and it really is awesome to be one of the runners up. Although my work probably won't be published on Ms. Sones' website (like the winner's will be), I do get an autographed copy of her book, and a free subscription to the magazine, Teen Ink. Sounds kind of flaky, but it's still cool.

Also, one of my articles on the Teen Ink website was rated #1 a few days ago, which made me super happy. See it at: http://www.teenink.com/raw/Health/article/89814/sun-exposure

I'm very happy right now. :D Hee.

Roman Holiday

2009-05-04T19:48:00.007-04:00

Okay, so I was looking forward to seeing Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn. I was all excited, setting up to tape it and watch it on my only free Friday night of the month, when what happens?

I forget all about it.

I was in a hurry to get out the door, because I was running late, and if my car wasn't out of the driveway in thirty seconds, there was no way that I was going to catch my show. So because I was running late, I forgot to tape it. And TCM, bless their dang souls, doesn't replay movies the same day. EVER.

Or at least this particular one.

And you want to know when I realized that I'd forgotten it? On my way out of the musical, after it had ended, and after the movie had been done for three hours. I had a fun time in the next twenty-four hours, mentally beating myself up for not remembering. But oh well, I guess. Nothing can be done, and I'll just have to wait until the next showing. :(

*perks up* But I had the best time at a party this past weekend. Though actually, I'm using the term "party" loosely, since was more of a gathering (that lasted for 22 hours). We slept over and everything. Very G-rated, except maybe for some of the topics of conversation. If you get our group together, there's no telling what will come up. (As I write that it sounds weird, but it really isn't. Girl stuff and all that jazz.)

Good week, and we'll see what the next one brings. :D

Sabrina

2009-04-24T17:15:00.005-04:00

Wearing: ripped+holey white-washed jeans, purple tissue tee, light gray suede moccasins

Listening to: Fearless

I finally got to see Sabrina a few days ago. *sigh* So Good. But it's kind of funny how I'm such a fan of her, and yet I had only seen Breakfast at Tiffany's up to that point. Oh well.

Roman Holiday is going to be on TCM in a few days, too. I'm going out to see a show that day, missing my piano lesson and everything (so bad ;D ), so I have to tape it.
But that's completely fine with me, because then I'll have it on tape!

Anyway, Sabrina was such a good movie. Sure, the plot was kind of predictable, and the lines were just a bit cheesy, but Audrey was absolutely beautiful, and Humphrey Bogart wasn't too terrible, either.

Audrey Hepburn Pictures

2009-04-08T16:18:00.011-04:00

I was searching through an online database at school today (while really supposed to be searching for magazine articles about Audrey), when I stumbled upon a treasure trove of Audrey Pics!!! {This first is of Hepburn on location for "A Nun's Story} It was also the final picture in one of her many biographies, "Enchanted."

The one on the right is of Audrey while on the set of "Green Mansions." It's so rare to see her with long hair (it was a wig, but still).

The last one for today (don't worry, I have lots more!) is of Audrey, and it's in color, which is one of the reasons why I picked it. But she just looked so gorgeous that I couldn't pass it up.

Red Eye + Link

2009-04-05T13:39:00.012-04:00

I was researching agents a while ago, and came across a great informative link. (Don't I sound smart? *rolls eyes*) So I thought, why not share?
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/agents.html This is from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, but it pertains to anyone trying to track down and weed out suspicious agents. Lots of links from that link that are also helpful. Click, or die!!

On a side note, I've recently become addicted to a show called "RedEye," on Fox News. It's at something like three in the morning, and since I'm usually asleep (hopefully) by then, I have to tape it. It's funny, and kind of witty, but also a bit sick. Some good points are made, one of my favorites from the past week comparing Obama to a jealous stepfather. Very weird, and not that good if you're liberal or anything, but it doesn't really discriminate. They are, more or less, fair and balanced. And Pinch, the New York Times consultant (who's a pile of nyt papers with googly eyes taped on and a string to make the top section of papers move like a mouth) is absolutely hilarious.

Check out http://www.dailygut.com/ for the host's Gregalouge (it's a monolouge, but with Greg), or go to http://www.foxnews.com/redeye/index.html , the show's direct site. No matter what party you are, the show's good for at least a cheap laugh. ;)

Monday Monday

2009-03-09T16:55:00.010-04:00

Wearing: blue-gray skinny jeans, plum Old Navy hooded top, black leather + textile ballet flats
Listening to: "Single Ladies"

You know, I live in jeans. Jeans and flats. Once in a while I'll wear leggings or tights or cords, but mostly jeans. This doesn't really interest anyone but me, I'm just realizing. *shrugs*

I went to a concert yesterday at a theater in town. Before you get all excited, it wasn't like a head-banger type thing. No. It was a band concert. The United States Army Field Band & Soldier's Chorus. I was on the edge of my seat. *falls asleep*
But actually it wasn't half bad, and I'm probably the only girl my age to say that. Everybody else is texting on their cell phones and updating their Twitter page, and I'm going to a band concert or reading. Whatever. And actually, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'd rather go to the theater to see a Broadway show (which I do quite frequently) than spend four hours at some lame a** party, drinking alcohol and getting wasted. Which is what most of the kids at my school do.
But to tell you the truth, they shouldn't. They don't have that many brain cells left to fry.
Let's see . . . I recently won something from author Elizabeth Scott, via the blog on her site. To tell you the truth, I had no idea what the heck she was giving away, and didn't really leave a comment to win anything. I just wanted to leave a comment. But, oh well. I'm still kind of happy that I won something. *does happy dance*
Scott is the author of Bloom, "Perfect You," "Living Dead Girl," and, soon to be released, "Something Maybe." Her novels are realistic and very (I'm over-simplifying things.) good. They're not from a major publishing company (i.e., one that is behind an extremely popular series), but that doesn't mean they aren't still good. Visit her site at: www.elizabethwrites.com