Monday, August 24, 2009

Opinion?-Aug. 24


What do you think?: unflattering, or fabulous? I can't decide...

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Avant La Deluge- Aug. 20

Hey all you non-existent readers of my blog!

Today, our senior class organized a big "Decoration of the School". We had chalk, car paint, a skateboard to hang precariously from a light post (boys), some signs, it was great! Then we had a hurricane.

All of a sudden the chalk had disappeared and everyone was soaking. So it didn't work out so well...

The skateboard is still hanging precariously though!

haha

....

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Senior Portrait Time!-August 18


Alright all you 17-soon-to-be-18-year-olds! Slip on your most sophisticated ensemble and HAM IT UP!

haha that's obviously not me (at least I hope it's obvious), but I just wanted everyone younger and older than us lucky "almost-adults" to realize (or remember) some of the weird traditions that come along with glorified high school seniordom.

I had my "senior portrait" taken today, along with most of my fellow seniors, around the exteriors of my actually picturesque high school. My school kind of looks like a modern art museum from the outside, so you can guess that our photographers had a field day with inventive posing! My personal fav was the elbow-on-the-wall, hand-on-the-hip pose which warranted an unnecessary "Oooo look at that SASS!" from my photographer... (He was a cool guy all things considered)

All I can do is hope that I didn't have a forced smile or any other common blunders of my fellow, paparazzi-ed youth!

Anyways, I hope you guys felt some fond nostalgia...


Friday, August 14, 2009

DOLLAR DIPLOMACY BLOG- Aug. 14

Check out my awesome, gorgeous, fabulous, lovely, super cool friend's blog Dollar Diplomacy!

(doublednogreen.blogspot.com)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

HELP!!-August 13

I AM TOTALLY CONFUSED!

I need help you guys!

Okay, here is an undeniable FACT:
I want to become a film director.

I have heard that the majority of actual film directors did not go to "film school", but majored in other things in college. I want to go to a school where I can study film, but I can also study other liberal arts subjects...

Now here is the messy part:

I am applying to (among others) NYU and Chapman University in Orange, CA

In NYU, I can apply to the College of Arts and Sciences and do Cinema Studies, while taking other classes, but I may not be able to study film production.
I can also specially apply to the Tisch School of Art, but I would have to make a special portfolio and it is very selective. Plus, I would exclusively be studying film. I don't want to do that, not because I don't adore film, but I need a well-rounded education.

At Chapman, the Dodge Film School is my only option...

So whaddya think? Liberal arts degree and then film in graduate school, or insane film concentration?

HEEEEELLPPPP

annacquinlan@aol.com

YIKES! Bending Metal!-August 13

OH NO!

Yesterday I was rear-ended in a parking lot for the first time! Actually, the accident was also my fault, but the guy had a pick-up truck, so only my little aluminum foil Camry LE got bruised... I feel bad because he and his friends were very sweet. :( However, the reason I am posting this is to let you guys know exactly what to do in one of these small accidents (because I forgot completely)!

CHECK THAT EVERYONE IS UNINJURED

1) If you are still living at home, call your parents first thing! It may be painful, but chances are they will be more worried about your safety and what to do next.

2) Call the police! If the damage is visible, you will need a police report!

3) Exchange information (FULL Name, Address, Phone Number, License Plate #). You will also need their insurance card to write down their provider and policy number. Technically it is illegal in most states to drive without your insurance card! If the damage is the other person's fault primarily, call the insurance provider, give the policy number, and explain the situation.

4) If you haven't already, call a family member!!

Most importantly, don't get in an accident! Of course that is not completely under your control, but you can help prevent it!

1) ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS look EVERYWHERE when you are backing out.

2) DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE. Seriously, it is terrifying how much a simple text message can lower your awareness while driving!

I hope I didn't freak you out, I just wanted to remind you guys!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hey Gurl, I Like Yo Common App...-August 12

Hey dudes and dudettes!

I am wrapping up the details of my common application online. I still have yet to fill out the supplements, but all in good time... The only reason that I am this far into the process is because I have been spending time at my school for a College Essay Writing Workshop. I needed some form of motivation to get off my a** and write my personal statement (long essay)! I am actually very satisfied with my statement, fortunately!

If you haven't started the Common App yet, there is not need to worry. If you are applying to a school regular decision, the application and supplement aren't due until January 1st or even later. Even if you are applying Early Decision, you are swimming in time (most schools give the deadline around the middle of November). However, it is a good idea to get started! Just google "common app" and register! Easy pea-sy, lemon squeeze-y!

Now, if you will excuse me, I must attend to the 30,ooo other things that must be accomplished before next Friday!

BIG LOVE,
Anna

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Oh Brian Wilson!-August 11


THE BEACH BOYS ARE SEVERELY UNDERRATED!

*whew* sorry I just HAD to get that out.

So yes, Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys has been out for almost half a decade, and yes it is Rolling Stone's #1 Best Album of All Time, but I didn't know this!!

Of course we all know the classics "Wouldn't It Be Nice", "God Only Knows", and "Sloop John B", but I can honestly admit that myself and my peers have passed off these musical marvels as pop-y, oldies hits. I was so ignorant.

These songs are beautiful! Not only those greats, but also "That's Not Me", "Here Today", and "I Know There's An Answer" (among the rest). I'm sure many of you out there are saying "Oh Anna, everyone know that Brian Wilson (lead songwriter, singer, and composer of The Beach Boys) is a genius!" But to everyone else, do yourself a tremendous favor and take another listen!

If you're still not convinced, go on Youtube and look up the videos of Brian Wilson conducting the making of some of the album's most complicated tunes, like "Wouldn't It Be Nice." The videos should be under "Behind the Mic", I believe... Anyways, it's totally exciting to go behind the scenes of his complex compositions!

So slap the record on the turntable, get the CD, or even buy the album on iTunes! Whatever age, surfer kid or grandma, you will thank The Beach Boys for their sweet, sweet melodies. And meaningful lyrics!

P.S. MAJOR kudos to my brother David for buying the album and making me reconnect with The Beach Boys! Love you!

Zooey and Joseph, Summer and Tom-August 11



Hello!!

I am jumping back on the saddle of blogging, without fear of being ignored or unsuccessful. If people read, they read, if they don't, they don't. I hope to blog about movies, music, and the ever-important process of applying and getting into American universities.

Anywhoo, I am here to talk about (500) Days of Summer!

Let me start by saying that I have been waiting to see this movie forever. It isn't everyday that a film trailer grabs my attention to the point of heart-pounding excitement. As soon as two of my all-time FAVORITE actors (Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel) lit up the screen, I was hooked. After the insanely cute- "I love the Smiths! 'To die by your side is such a wonderful way to die'"- my breath had left my body. I was re-watching those few moments endlessly.

However, as unlikely as it is that a film trailer grabs my attention, it is even less likely for a film to live up to its promises.
That was the unfortunate case here.

The two things to adore about the film are the clothes and the music. I would give my soul to the devil and sell my body to the black market for Summer Finn (Zooey)'s wardrobe. The soundtrack is a total must-have.

The movie itself? Annie Hall. I'm not saying that lightly, this movie WAS Annie Hall! The men's pants, the club singing, the depressing last days, right down to the actual plot line! I didn't realize it at the time, but after my Woody Allen-fanatic brother pointed it out, it was all I could see! The only difference is that Tom (Joseph) isn't the witty crackpot. I really adore Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but his character doesn't really grab you.

Overall, it IS worth seeing. It's enjoyable and sweet, and has an unexpected message about romance. It is definitely different from any "romantic comedies" out there. My only mistake was expecting it to be the "Jesus" to my "blind man". It wasn't THAT good. :D