If you have not had the pleasure of reading this epic, you can get a tiny idea from watching clips on YouTube.  Below is the trailer for the movie (2007).

For extra help, consult the SparkNotes version of Beowulf, but remember not to use it instead of reading.

1. “Lollipop” and “Lollipop Remix” by Lil’ Wayne:  ”Shawty said l-l-lick like a lollipop.”  ”I said he’s so sweet, make her wanna lick the wrapper.”
2. “Lollipop (Candy)” by Aqua:  ”I wish that you were my lollipop, sweet things I will never get enough.”
3. “Lollipop” by Mika:  ”Sucking too hard on your lollipop, or love’s gonna get you down.”
4. “My Boy Lollipop” by Millie Smalls:  ”My boy Lollipop, you made my heart go giddy up.
   You are as sweet as candy, you’re my sugar dandy.”
5. “Lollipop” by Ben Kweller:  ”Call my baby lollipop, tell you why.  Her kiss is sweeter than an apple pie.”
6. “Lolli Lolli” by Three 6 Mafia:  ”Chocolate lolli, cherry lolli, ‘nila lolli, pink lolli.”  ”Lick that lollipop.”

Do you think there is anything deeper than a sexual innuendo here?  ”My Boy Lollipop” by Mille Smalls was written in the mid-1950s and the phrase is still used in songs released this year.  The songs written in the 1950s are clearly different than songs written by rap artists today, but something (this “lollipop” phrase), has stuck around.  Perhaps the sexual innuendo has only gotten dirtier as society has aged, but maybe this is a different trick in songwriting all together.

According to YogaGroove, “Dietitians are your most credible, objective source of nutrition information.  Dietitians are also frequently referred to as nutritionists, although not everyone who calls themselves a ‘nutritionist’ is licensed.  Look for the initials R.D. after your nutritionist’s name if you want to make sure they’re legit.”

Go to the American Dietetic Association’s website to learn more about finding a good dietitian.  If you currently participate in an activity, such as Bikram yoga from YogaGroove, many of these facilities offer private dietitian appointments.  Ask around your fitness group and ask your doctor for a reference; you should end up with a reliable health practitioner!

Hudson River, New York City

Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake, Austin

Walt Disney World

Benjamin Franklin Village, US Army Post, Mannheim, Germany

Any other noteworthy firework displays happen last night that should be documented?

Two legendary film and music icons died yesterday, Thursday, June 25, 2009.  Farrah Fawcett died yesterday after a three-year battle against cancer.  As news teams were preparing tributes to her and the world was starting to mourn, another legend in the music industry was taken from our lives.  Michael Jackson died of a heart attack at a Los Angeles hospital yesterday afternoon.  I have found two great tributes to these artists on YouTube (Farrah’s includes her cancer struggle and MJ’s includes news coverage of yesterday).

After months of steering clear of Twitter, I gave in.  While I still don’t know many friends using it, there are tons of business and magazines that make it a good one-stop for updates.  Within an hour of activating my page, I have already seen some of the recent health and music news, all from following Women’s Health Magazine and iMeem.  My old argument against twitter, “why not just read the status feed on Facebook?” doesn’t hold up.  Depending on who you follow and what they “tweet”, of course, results will vary.  But for me, this is the same idea as a Facebook status update, only without the long list of what every single person in your friends network is doing.  My Twitter version of a status feed, for example, looks something like this right now:  ”xxx- sale from 12 to 2″, “xxx- who is going to win the baseball national championship?”, “xxx- banana may be the secret to detoxing,” “xxx- new song from Black Eyed peas.”  Twitter feed is more of a customized news channel, where you can personally choose whose “tweets” you want to hear.  Make an account before all the usernames are gone, which might be soon at the rate this site is growing, and check out how it works!

To access infoBella’s Twitter page, try these options:

• http://twitter.com/infobella
• Or add @infobella to your “following” list!
• Or on the bottom right of this screen, see my most recent updates!

Image:  mediabistro.com

The night cream you use, or don’t use, can have a huge impact on the look of your skin.  Choose one that is too oily, and you will end up with slimy, acne-filled skin.  Choose one that doesn’t have enough moisture in it, and you will end up with wrinkles.  It is important to choose a cream that has the correct amount of moisture for your skin consistency; these are meant for people with combination skin, or skin that is just in between.  The best way to figure out the best cream for you is to go to a health foods store, where they usually have testers, with a cleanly washed face, and put a dab on.  Later that day, see which part of your face (which dab) is coming along better!

Derma E Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Wrinkle Treatment Creme

• $10.61 for 4 fl oz.
• Reviews:  4.0/5 (12)
• Vitamin A at high potency encourages cell renewal, enhancing skin’s youthful appearance.
• Vitamin E and Allantoin.
• No animal testing.

Earth Science Almond-Aloe Moisturizer

• $8.29 for 5 fl oz.
• Reviews:  5/5 (2)
• Fragrance Free
• For all skin types.
• Lightweight, rich lotion.
• Beta-Liposomes, herbal emollients, and anti-oxidants.

Avalon Organics CoQ10 Ultimate Skin Firming Lotion

• $11.99 for 8 fl oz.
• Reviews:  4.0/5 (21)
• “CoQ10 is an essential antioxidant…as you age, your natural level of CoQ10 diminishes and your skin begins to show signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.  Supplementing your skin with Avalon Organics CoQ10 skin care helps…”-Drugstore.com
• No artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or parabens.
• 100% Vegetarian.  No animal testing.

Alba Hawaiian Oil-Free Moisturizer, Aloe and Green Tea

• $13.59 for 3 fl oz.
• Reviews:  4.0/5 (63)
• 76% certified organic.
• Aloe vera, green tea, and oil-free humectants.
• 100% vegetarian.  No animal testing.
• For all skin types.
• pH balanced.  Hypo-allergenic.

Runner Ups:

1. Jason Natural Cosmetics Pure Beauty Oil, 5,000 IU Vitamin E Oil
2. Kiss My Face, Olive and Aloe
3. Freeman Good Stuff Organics Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer, Goji and Acai Berry
4. Avalon Organics Ultimate Moisture Cream, Lavender

For more information about the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack, visit wikipedia.

This novel follows the story of two young boys who have been cast out of the city to become re-educated.  They are among thousands going through this, all spread out among the tiny mountain villages, because of the Cultural Revolution.  The people of China are not allowed to read books, with the exception of a rule book from the emperor, and can be taken to jail with the slightest breath of something the government might be against.  The two boys have been friends forever and are sent to work together in the fields.  When they excel at the duty of going to see a movie for the headman and repeating it back, like a story, new worlds open up to them.  The plot thickens as the two boys visit their friend, Four-Eyes, and find he has a hidden, illegal collection of books.  While visiting Four-Eyes they also meet, and become extremely close, with “the little seamstress,” who they tell their stories to.

Dai Sijie does wonderful work with the characterization in this novel, point-of-view takes on an interesting twist for a few chapters, and for Americans, the Chinese mountain village setting is a most interesting extra.

While I can only encourage you to read this entire, wonderful book, (it is so short–at least try!) the very last line can leave you thinking for hours.  Don’t skip ahead and read the line, it is much more interesting after you have followed the story.  After all, what does this novel say about femininity?  What does it say about love?  What does it say about friendship?  Why did the two boys do what they did to their prize possessions at the very end?  When they worked the entire novel to get them, do you think they will regret it?  So many questions can be asked about this novel–feel free to post your own as a comment.

For more information about the novel visit wikipedia.

 This novel has also been turned into a foreign film, Xiao cai feng.  Released in 2002, it can also be found with English subtitles.  Although I have not yet seen it, due to availability, it was a Golden Globe Nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.  Dai Sijie, the novel’s writer, also wrote the screenplay and directed the film.  This is not a common occurrence when turning books into movies, so it should complement the novel very well.

Again, I encourage you to read this short, 184-page novel and let me know how the film is, if you get a chance to compare it!  The film is probably available at local foreign film rental places or online databases such as Netflix or Blockbuster Online.

Are there any other versions of this song that you enjoy?  Which of these is your favorite? Why?  Isn’t it interesting how one song can be transformed so many ways?

As you watch this clip keep in mind the 3 types of irony:

1. Verbal Irony or Sarcasm:  when the meaning is different from what is said.
2. Dramatic Irony:  when there is a difference between what the reader/viewer and character know.
3. Situational Irony:  when something new is learned, like an ironic twist.

What examples of irony did you find?

This song comes from “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), a “Singin’ Swingin’ Glorious Feelin’ Technicolor Musical” (tagline).  The film stars Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds.  ”Singin’ in the Rain” is ranked #78 (top 250) in the entire IMDb.  Releasing April 11, 1952, this movie stole the hearts of America and future generations to come, eventually even made for many other countries.

The plot of this movie (from what I have read) has all sorts of twists and turns–from an onscreen romance that is misconstrued for an offscreen spark, to trying to “make it” in the film business, to hiding a new girlfriend from the girl that is in love with him, to being secretly dubbed by the new girlfriend in a musical when her musical singing isn’t great, to finding out the secret…  What did you think about the plot of this movie?

Apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, mangoes, kiwi, tomatoes, and plums need to be stored in a drawer of their own.  These foods release ethylene, a gas that makes other foods bitter and degrade faster, so separate them from other foods, especially apples, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, squash, and green beans.

As a rule of thumb, the fridge should stay at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the freezer should stay at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pantry should stay below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  Check this periodically as many factors can cause fluctuations in the inside temperature.  If you follow these temperature recommendations, food will also last longer.  

Food Lifespan

• Canned tomatoes/fruits can last over a year in the pantry.
• Tomatoes can last up to a week in the fridge.
• Corn can last a few days, still in the husks, in the fridge.
• Celery can last up to two weeks in a crisper.
• Lettuce can last up to a week, unwashed, in the fridge.
• Apples can last up to three weeks, unwashed, in the fridge.
• Bananas can last a few days, once ripe, in the fridge (before ripe keep out of fridge).
• Berries can last a few days open in the fridge.  Cherries can also last a few days but put unwashed in the crisper.
• Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) can last up to a week in the fridge.
• Peaches can last a couple of weeks in the pantry.  Pears, once ripe, will only last a week in the pantry.
• Pineapple can last a week in the fridge.
• Canned soups, beans, peas, tuna, and other proteins can last two to five years in the pantry.
• Eggs can last over a month, shelled, in the fridge.
• Milk can last up to a week in the fridge.  Soymilk, once opened, will also spoil within a week.
• Butter can last up to two weeks in a covered dish in the fridge.  Margarine can last up to six months in a container in the fridge.
• Cheese can last up to a month after opening, or a few months, unopened, tightly wrapped in the fridge.  Store dairy items such as cottage cheese and sour cream upside down; this keeps out more air and slows down the expiration process.
• Pasta can last up to two years in the pantry.
• Cereal can last up to two months, unopened, in the pantry.
• Flour can last more than six months in an airtight container in the pantry.
• Cornstarch can last up to a year and a half well-sealed in the pantry.
• Ketchup can last up to a year after opening in the fridge.
• Herbs and spices can last up to six months in the pantry (herbs should be in a dark, dry, airtight container).
• Almost all other packaged foods will have an expiration date on the container.

Tip:  Use a permanent marker to write the date on all groceries (such as cereal boxes and milk cartons) as you put them away when you come home from the store.  This way you will not be a victim of:  ”When did I purchase that milk? It must have been only a couple days ago…it should still be okay…”

Here is Fergie’s answer to what Boom Boom Pow means:  ”The concept is the Peas’ birth into the digital afterlife…so the transformation is us going into a sort of birth or cocoon and coming out the other end as forms of energy. It’s a parallel to the music industry. Now everything is downloaded.” -Fergie

In one point of the song, Fergie says “them chickens jackin’ my style, them try to copy my swagger, i’m on that next **** now.  Im so 3008, you so 2000 and late…” which many have speculated is a stab at Lady Gaga.  In Lady Gaga’s hit song, Pokerface, she sings “I won’t tell you that I love you, kiss or hug you, cause i’m bluffin’ with my muffin.  I’m not lying i’m just stunnin’ with my love-glue-gunning.”  The lyrics are original, but perhaps the subject matter and way she sings the words are a little too similar to Fergie’s My Humps, which explains the reason Fergie would take a stab and say she is, in lame-man’s terms, so three years ago.  

While I see this connection, I personally believe that Lady Gaga is a wonderful musician with a new style of her own.  Check out this version of Poker Face as she sings it acoustically:

Back to what Boom Boom Pow means.  You should be able to see tons of evidence that supports Fergie’s answer above in the song lyrics.  Here they are:

[Will.i.am]
I got the hit that beat the block
You can get that bass overload
I got the that rock and roll
That future flow
That digital spit
Next level visual shit
I got that (Boom boom boom)
How the beat bang (Boom boom boom)

[Fergie]
I like that boom boom pow
Them chicken jackin’ my style
They try copy my swagger
I’m on that next shit now
I’m so 3008
You so 2000 and late
I got that boom boom boom
That future boom boom boom
Let me get it now

[Taboo]
I’m on the supersonic boom
Y’all hear the space shit zoom
When I step inside the room them girls go apeshit, uh
I’m on that HD flat
This beat go boom boom pow

[Apl.de.ap]
I’m a beast when you turn me on
Into the future cybertron
Harder, faster, better, stronger
Sexy ladies extra longer, cuz
We got the beat that bounce
We got the beat that pow
We got the beat that 808
That the boom boom in your town

[Fergie]
People in the place
If you wanna get down
Put your hands in the air
Will.i.am drop the beat now

[Will.i.am]
Yep yep
I be rockin’ the beats 

Here we go, here we go
Satellite radio
Y’all getting hit with (Boom boom)
Beats so big I’m steppin on leprechauns
Shittin’ on y’all you with the (Boom boom)
Shittin’ on y’all you with the (Boom boom)
Shittin’ on y’all you with the…
This beat be bumpin’ bumpin’
This beat go boom boom

Let the beat rock
This beat be bumpin’ bumpin’
This beat go boom boom

[Fergie]
I like that boom boom pow
Them chicken jackin’ my style
They try copy my swagger
I’m on that next shit now
I’m so 3008
You so 2000 and late
I got that boom boom boom
That future boom boom boom
Let me get it now

Boom boom boom 
Let the beat r… (Let the beat rock, rock, rock, rock)

 Amanda’s caseworker, Diane, wants to adopt her but can’t because she is single and has no money, but as a last excursion the orphanage sets off on their summer trip to a camp.  Alyssa and her father, Roger, also head to their summer home on the same lake, where he tells Alyssa that he is marrying a woman after his money who hates children, Clarice.  Alyssa tries to run away, ending up at the camp playing football in Amanda’s spot, while Amanda is off on a dare to enter “the Calloway House” where children are eaten.  This next clip brings us up to speed:

After talking for awhile the girls realize their parents should get married, and for Alyssa’s father and Amanda’s caretaker to hook-up, the girls trade spots to play match-maker for the parent they know best.  For example, Alyssa trades in her posh lifestyle for the camp so that she can talk up her father to Diane.  Amanda does the opposite.  This is the ending result:

What did you think of this movie?  How are the characters developed to hook the viewer?  How can you still tell that Amanda is Amanda, even when she is playing Alyssa?  How can you still tell that Alyssa is Alyssa, even when she is playing Amanda?  What specific things about the characters (Alyssa, Roger, Clarise, Amanda, Diane, the Butkis family, and Vincenzo) develop who they are?

Whether you are doing your wax at home to save tons of money from the spa, to impress your hubby, or to simplify your shaving life, this is how to do it!  Unlike shaving which leaves hairs blunt at the surface of skin, waxing removes the entire hair follicle so that it takes about 3 weeks to reappear on skin (and less stubbly).  Especially if this is your first time, set aside a good amount time, such as 1 hour, to complete all of this.  No one taking antibiotics of Retin-A micro should wax.

1. Grow hair out to at least 1/4 inch long; if it is shorter, the wax will not be able to grab it.
2. Tear an old t-shirt or rag into strips.  These will be used to get the wax off.  If you don’t have any old fabric, you can buy cotton wax strips at the beauty supply store.
3. Set up your the area you are going to wax in:  lay an old (washed) fitted sheet on the floor, counter, or bed.  Gather supplies and place them on a towel next to the sheet.
4. Cut hair shorter if it is really long.  The wax needs to be able to reach the follicle without getting stuck in the ends of hair. 
5. The mixture is the hardest part.  Everyone uses a different recipe and some hate those that others swear by.  This recipe is one that has received some good favor:  In a pan, combine 2 parts brown sugar, 1 parts lemon juice, and 1  part water.  Heat on low and stir continuously.  (However, I have still not found a “good” home-made wax recipe, so if you know of a good one, let me know by commenting please!  Or if you have tips for making home-made waxes, those are also appreciated!) Instead of using a recipe you can buy pre-made hot wax from the store.  Wax can also be heated up in a crock-pot of warming bowl next to where you will be working for less mess.
6. Applying a warm compress or taking a hot shower will make hair come out easier.
7. Take a pain reliever (or drink a glass of wine) before you start.  People aren’t lying when they say waxing hurts!  But don’t worry, over time your skin will hurt less with waxing.  If you are really worried, try a numbing spray.
8. If the wax cools down too quickly either reheat it in the microwave or put it in a bigger pot of hot water which will keep it melted but not too hot.  Test the temperature on your wrist before putting on more sensitive parts of the body; it should be the consistency of honey.
9. Clean your hands before putting on wax with either sanitizer or gloves.
10. Use antiseptic toner to clean off the area to be waxed.
11. On a cotton ball, sprinkle a little powder; gentle wipe the cotton ball over the area to create a barrier between the skin and the wax.  This should not be a thick layer, or hair will not come off.  This is to lessen the pain.  You can use a light layer of baby oil if you would rather, but keep it thin.
12. Doing one section of your leg at a time, smooth on the wax in the same direction as your hair growth in a 45 degree angle.  Tongue depressors or plastic spoons work well to do this.  Wax should be applied in a thin, even layer.  Applying wax that is too thick or in the opposite direction will not work.
13. Put a fabric strip over the waxed portion and press lightly in the same direction as hair growth to stick.
14. Using your other hand to pull skin as tight as possible, pull fast in the opposite direction of your hair growth.
15. Repeat steps 9 through 11 to complete the entire area.  Do not wax the same spot repeatedly as it will cause bruising.
16. Use tweezers to remove missed hairs.
17. Apply a calming lotion, baby oil, or aloe-vera gel.
18. Two days later, exfoliate to avoid ingrown hairs.

Extra:  This sugar-based recipe is much cleaner than traditional waxes because it is water soluble and can come off easy with wax.  The sugar recipe is also gentle and will not cause irritation if applied to the same spot twice.  Also, frequent sugaring can cause the hair follicle to die and stop growing hair permanently!  

Tip:  Store the extra recipe in the fridge in a microwaveable container to re-heat later.

Titanic has won 11 Oscars, 4 Golden Globes, 1 Grammy, and 2 People’s Choice Awards, not to mention the many other nominations and awards.  This film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as young, unlikely lovers.  It is rated PG-13, was the first PG-13 film for many teenagers, and runs just over 3 hours (very long for this time period of movies).

To see the complete list of all time top box office, go to IMDb and for more information on the Titanic go to the IMDb page.

Discussion (Comment) Questions:  What did you think of Titanic?  Do you think it is a fair representation of the real history?  How do you think it has impacted people?  Could people have different expectations for history after watching this?  Have you heard any of the survivor stories?  Have you seen any of the underwater ship exploring?  Did seeing any of this impact you in any way?  Were you scared to go on a ship after seeing this?  Anything else you would like to share about the film?

The most romantic quote comes after Sally says that love doesn’t work that way.  So Harry responds, “Well how about this way.  I love that you get cold when it’s seventy-one degrees out, I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich, I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts, I love that after I spend a day with you I can still smell your perfume on my clothes and I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.  And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Years Eve.  I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of the life to start as soon as possible.”

Do you think a different movie quote is the most romantic?  Post your comments here and let infoBella know!

Kris Allen and Keith Urban:  Kiss a Girl

Adam Lambert and KISS Duet

Post Show Interview: