(Book Review) Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein

I took my time with this book, reading a chapter at a time and really soaking it in. With a 4-year-old daughter I felt I owed her -- and myself -- the time. Time to turn the info over and over in my head.

This Week's Creative Champs

Who doesn't love a great, FRESH new idea? Creativity is defined as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules... and to create meaningful new ideas, products, etc.


(As always, thank you dictionary.com)


So here are a few things I've come across this week that blow my creative mind.  You're welcome.

The House of Mirth by Elizabeth Wharton


Published in the early 1900s, the novel details the trials of Miss Lily Bart as she struggles to maintain her place in the aristocratic New York society in which she's been raised.  Since it follows a truly naturalistic notion, you can probably predict how it ends.  


But what's truly unique about this book is how the author creates the sense that there is no other option.  I found myself wishing that Lily would kill herself and put both of us out of our misery.  Now let's be clear -- I am in no way supporting suicide, only applauding the conclusive means to which Wharton builds both her main character and plot.  

Girl Talk


Ahhh... Girl Talk.  The lovely board game of truth or dare I remember from my youth.  Oh wait, that's not right.  Girl Talk is this fabulous artist I've discovered thanks to my brother Brack and the 2011 Bonnaroo line-up!  Runners, are you looking for something to spice up your iPod? Girl Talk!!!  Cheerleaders everywhere, there's no need to hire someone to mash-up your favorite tunes! Girl Talk!!! 


You've got to experience what Gregg Gillis calls his "pop collages" to get the full effect.  Mixing in a little Ludacris and 'Jesse's Girl' melody... C'mon!  What's not to love?

(I guess here is where I say some kind of disclaimer about explicit lyrics and such)

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

And the best part?  The artist allows you to download his album FREE by visiting his label's web site.  


Girl Talk is definitely on my must-see list for Bonnaroo!

Barbie & Ken's Social Media Escapades 


That's right.  Barbie & Ken have (separate) Facebook pages & Twitter accounts, and were involved in a pretty publicized Valentine's Day reunion this past week.  Seriously.  Read all about it on All Doll'd Up -- Barbie's blog, of course!


That's darn creative publicity -- and if passing the 1-million-fan-mark is any indication of success, Barbie can add advertising exec to her list of careers (unless she's already done that.  Really, who can keep track?)


Now let's just hope Ken isn't tagged in any compromising photos -- because we all know he went a little wild during this last breakup.