Further Proof Miley Cyrus should just go Climb a Mountain and Leave Us Alone

I already have this general distrust of any "role-model" Disney stars, but I think that of all of them Miley Cyrus is my least favorite. And it's completely justified. And it's distrust verging on disgust, to be absolutely clear. Besides turning preteens into screaming crazies at her sold-out concerts, (and I know I'm not the first to say this) but she's like an obnoxious train wreck-to-be that keeps yelling, "Look at me! I'm a train wreck!" So I know it seems funny that of all subjects to write about I'm choosing Miley Cyrus, but I think that the more people who realize that there is nothing "role-model"-ish about her, the happier I will be. And I think my happiness is relatively important.

Also, though, I read a lovely selection from Fay Weldon's "Letters to Alice on First Reading Jane Austen" this week where Weldon tells her niece that she has turned to television for her "window into the world" and as a result, "will know more, but understand less...have more information, but less wisdom." I like it. Nice job, Fay...And then, I was immediately half-scared to death in remembering my own younger sister proclaiming Pride and Prejudice as boring, (unless in the Kiera Knightly kind of version). AH! This was said while watching an episode of Hannah Montana. NOOOO!

Really? Really?

"I want to thank God! Helllllooooooo!"

Ugh.

Role Models should wear clothes.

Lots of Love and Venting,

Caitlin

Higher Learning

So my return to my lovely residence on campus was greeted promptly with the smell of marajuana coming from who-knows-where. Super. And quite confusing, seeing as I thought my staff and I were the only people living in the building so far. Before fingers started pointing though, I soon found that the god-awful smell is coming from a friendly (though that is still questionable) skunk that has taken up residence somewhere between my building and our neighbors. I swear that if it doesn't take a hike I will have a few choice words for our little furry friend. Just sayin'. I am glad that no one on staff was lighting up - that would be a little compromising as a RA.

It is good to be back at school, though, because it means higher learning of the less illicit type. Here's a few fun things to check out that are also surprisingly educational:

http://tvtropes.org/ - Ok, this website immediately had me thinking. It explains the various figures of speech and where they come from, specifically their origins and uses in both film and television. Just go in an select the "Random Item" link and it's like an instant conversation topic.

http://www.theintellectualdevotional.com/blog/ - Based on the New York Times best-selling book series, this blog has all kinds of random articles designed to "complete your education" filling in the areas your General Ed. courses most likely glossed over. I like it because it's far from dry. In fact, the books are especially interesting because they feature NY Times articles covering American History, Food for Thought, Health, History, Literature, Modern Culture, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Science, and Visual Arts. I bought the book for my mom for Mother's Day and I like it so much, I want to steal it back.

http://www.iliketotallyloveit.com/ - Everyone needs more semi - useless gadgets to, like, totally love.

Song of the Day: "First Song" - Andrew Bird is so awesome. He is a musical master of violin, whistling, guitar, mandolin, and glockenspiel. He's kinda got the indie, folk rock thing going on - which to me always seems to be the perfect back-to-school genre.

Back to School Bonanza

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught. - Winston Churchill

So true...and yet, I love going back to school. After a long summer away from friends and the pursuit of knowledge (nerd alert) nothing makes me more excited than gearing up for college: round 3. Also, though, the shopaholic in me is in rare form, because nothing is more fun than back to school shopping. Nothing. It may be my unhealthy obsession with art supplies or maybe just the thought of a fresh start - but knowing I'll be moving in this weekend is the best feeling in the world. Hello, long, hot shower! And extra closet space!

In the meantime, I've stumbled upon a few websites that definitely appeal to the back-to-school shopper. Check it -

www.modcloth.com - Not only does this site have some of the cutest vintage, Urban Outfitter-esque dresses but the accessories are reasonably priced and quirky.

www.unique-vintage.com - I'm having a love affair with all those flowery, 50's inspired dresses - and this apron. Maybe I'd cook more if I got to wear this. Or maybe not. Also, one of the flapper dresses for Thoroughly Modern Millie came from this website!

www.lifeanddeathclothing.com - Men! I actually found this site while going through expense reports (not so fun) in the Music Circus Costume Shop. But I love that you can choose clothing based on your lifestyle: action sportswear, contemporary menswear, sophisticated urban, nightlife, graphics, and fight show (whatever that is...) Although this website may be contributing to the hipster epidemic, I don't care. A sense of style is always a plus in my book.

www.wakeupfrankie.com - My friend Jenna showed me this site. Though, admittedly, some of the room decor looks like it was designed with Lisa Frank in mind, there are some really fun, if pricey, collections (Shabby Chic Summer Breeze - definitely my favorite). And, there's always the "Men at Work" shower curtain....

www.lulus.com - Back to school clothes! The selection of vintage clothing is impressive. And there are cute belts at great prices too.

Well, I'd love to give a more well rounded, less shopping-frenzied post, but time can not allow - work, work, work! Come see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Music Circus this week though if you get the chance. I think it's my favorite so far this season.

Lots of Love and Happy New School Year,

Caitlin

P.S.

This website is keeping me entertained:

http://boingboing.net/

and for the more morbid, non-PETA internet browser:

http://crappytaxidermy.com/ - Am I the only one who thinks of The Man Who Knew Too Much?

I'm Keeping My Day Job...

I don't really understand the game of golf - or, better put, I am so terrible at the game of golf, that I clearly don't understand what I'm doing or how to get that little ball more than two feet from my tee. Being stubborn as I tend to be, I recently decided to regularly get dolled up in my golfing gear - which may just include an argyle sweater and plaid shorts or something stereotypical like that - and head out to the golfing range and try to be half decent. I figure that somebody should get my discretionary spending money AND get a laugh out of the deal as well. Also, it drives me a little crazy to have clubs and still be so terrible. So hello, world of golf - I don't know how long I'll be staying, but at least I'm stopping for more than a minute on the golf channel when I'm channel surfing. That's really saying something.

Dear Sushi Lovers: Don't Whine, just dine at Sushi Hook at 807 Howe Avenue. 50% off rolls! What more could you want? I mean, I'm paying to work at Music Circus - so let's be real - the cash flow is close to zero. But, when I have to have my sushi fix I'm definitely coming here. Maybe if I'm tired after a round of golf. I don't know, do people get tired after that? 

Also, I'd like to draw your attention to the link to the right, Sac Coffee. This blogger has seriously reviewed coffee shops all over the Sacramento Area and lets you know just where to find a good cup of joe. So basically, it's a caffeine addict's bible (ahem...like myself). 

Weekend Plans: Second Saturday is coming this weekend from 6 to 10pm! This Saturday, check out all the art galleries staying open late and the cool local entertainment. Try starting on the corner of 18th and L or check out this map for some cool galleries. For more information about this weekend, the Sacramento News & Review is publishing maps and more (out this Thursday).

Graham-A-Rama: Graham Sobelman and his trio host a weekly cabaret featuring local talent at the Geery Theatre on L Street. Tickets are only $15 and the show is on Sunday at 7:00 and 9:00. Mara Davi (currently starring at Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie at Music Circus) will be performing in two weeks! 

Lots of Love and Staying Under Par,

Caitlin 

I have nothing more to say.

When I get home from work, this is the nonsense I look at on my computer before going to sleep. 

Swank Shows and Even Better Coffee

So, I'm in the process of making Music Circus my new home. I think I'll be doing everything but sleep there, which I'm totally okay with. Rehearsals are happening in the pavilion for now, but soon there will be shows rehearsing at the Sacramento Ballet, the pavilion, and Sacramento Theatre Company. The first run through is happening later this week and final dress for Millie is only a week from now! With Thoroughly Modern Millie in rehearsal, I've been working in the prop shop making all sorts of stuff. 1920's replicas of Vanity Fair, type writers, bouquets, and telephones are only the beginning - there's always the ever-present intern responsibility of sorting through random hardware and tools. But luckily, in between the long (long) days at my (unpaid!!) job, I've been able to check out some cool spots downtown as well.

My Coffee Shop of Choice: Temple Fine Coffee and Tea! I love their chai tea, first of all. But also, you can order tea and it comes in a little kettle, their coffees and teas are rare, organic, and fair trade, and you can order your coffee French Press! Now all I need is to sing on the street corner for a little loose change to buy a cup. Located at 1014 10th Street (between J and K) in Downtown Sacramento.

Must-See Show(s): Forever Plaid at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret just performed its 300th performance last night. It's a fabulous tribute to 50's music and riotously funny - plus, it's totally family friendly. Aaaand, the tenor is incredible! The production continues every night (dark on Mondays) well into July. 

A quick summary:

The critically acclaimed show is an affectionate revue of the close-harmony "guy groups" (e.g. The Four Aces, The Four Freshmen) that reached the height of their popularity during the 1950s. Personifying the clean-cut genre are the Plaids. This quartet of high-school chums' earnest dreams of recording an album ended in death (literally and indeed, symbolically) in a collision with a bus filled with Catholic schoolgirls on their way to see the Beatles' American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. The play begins with the Plaids returning from the afterlife for one final chance at musical glory.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is playing downtown at the New Helvetia Theatre through June 27th. It's a rock musical with a cult following similar to that of Rocky Horror Picture Show, but I've yet to see it. It comes highly recommended by a friend and closes this Saturday! All performances are at the Artisan at 1901 Del Paso Blvd. in Sacramento.

Guilty Pleasure of the Week: Harry Potter the Musical! That's right - it exists. And you can watch the whole thing on Youtube. Here's the beginning of the first act:

Song of the Week: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac. An oldie, but goodie, of course!

Lots of Love and Random Musical Theatre,

Caitlin

Taylor Swift, what are you doing?