Riddle me this, my pretties: Why are blondes portrayed negatively in entertainment these days? Specifically blonde females. It used to be that everywhere you turned, blonde was the new pink. Everyone wanted to be blonde, probably because of the hugely popular Barbie, with her perfect tan, Marilyn Monroe figure, and silky sand-colored tresses. I remember in old illustrations, princesses like Rapunzel, Aurora, and even the Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Andersen edition) were all golden-haired. Cinderella, Thumbelina, heck, even Lady Sif was known for her long, flowing blonde locks. But recently I have noticed how many brunettes have been coming up to bat, stepping into leading roles. Elena Gilbert, along with a startling percentage of other characters from The Vampire Diaries (although in the books she is blonde); the ladies of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; most of the people from Once Upon A Time; Olivia Pope from Scandal; Stephen Jameson from The Tomorrow People, to name but a few. As a fellow-brunette, I can relate. Brown hair appears to be the most common hair color in the world. Perhaps that is why it was frowned upon for leading roles in earlier decades, because brown hair was associated with being ordinary. And in entertainment, people wanted something or someone extraordinary. However, perhaps it is because of this perceived unremarkability that made the brunette so appealing to audiences: because the hero with brown hair could be anyone in the world, anyone who looked normal but was secretly a spy or rebel for a resistance.
While this is interesting to ponder, I can't help but notice the roles our beloved blonde friends have been forced to personify: the role of the villain. Even if it is not to such an extreme -maybe they are just the "mean kid" in school or the annoying person in the workplace- blondes have gotten a reputation for being evil. "Looks like an angel; acts like a demon." That kind of thing. So, I have decided to compile a list of a few blonde antagonists and protagonists while will be found in my next blog post. Following that will be an identical set-up for brunette antagonists and protagonists. Bear in mind, the list will include characters from books, movies, TV, and maybe even a few video games.
Stay tuned!
-Grace
Monday, August 18, 2014
Celebrity Look-Alikes: Emma Rigby VS Dove Cameron
Welcome back! Here we are again, examining two stunning actresses who share similar physical traits. I noticed the similarities while watching clips of The Mentalist on YouTube (because evidently I never watch real TV anymore), during the episode "Devil's Cherry" in season 5, episode 2, I think. The actress playing Patrick Jane's daughter bore a startling resemblance to Anastasia/The Red Queen from Once Upon A Time in Wonderland. At first I wondered if they were the same girl, but as you can see, they are, in fact, two separate people.
You wouldn't believe how frightfully difficult it is to find photos of these two making the same face. Most of Miss Cameron's photos sport similar sweet-as-candy smiles while Miss Rigby has mastered the art of the Pout and the Intense Stare. I say these with no malice whatsoever, but it was a chore finding a balance between the two actresses pictures. However, the blonde hair, blue eyes, and possibly even the complexion speak for themselves.
What do you think? Agree or disagree? Can you think of any other celebrity look-alikes, or better matches than what I've found?
-Grace
Monday, August 4, 2014
Comfort and Peace
I can't say if we were friends. Coworkers, definitely. Friendly in the most platonic way. Maybe acquaintances is a better term. He was always nice, telling everyone they were doing a good job. In certain environments, that kind of thing is a rare gem. He was the first to volunteer to help, constantly working, and knew how to make you laugh.
Was.
I found out today that a man who used to work with me OD-ed. He didn't make it.
They tell us not to get attached to these guys, and I wonder if this is why. The place where I work is a sort of annex to an ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center). It's like a department store. Beneficiaries (guys in the ARC's program) all have what is called work therapy. They each hold a job involving the store, whether it is working there or making deliveries on the store's behalf. Work therapy teaches them responsibility, so that when they get back to the Big Bad World, they have some basic experience in a work environment and can be depended on.
A lot of beneficiaries come through the store, switched out like batteries until they complete the program or are discharged for breaking the rules (no cell phones, no drinking/drugs, no stealing, to name a few). But this was a good guy. From what I understand, he didn't complete the program, but was clean when he voluntarily left. He had a good job and was doing very well. And then this morning... I heard the news. They tell us not to get attached to these guys, switched out like batteries as they are. Guys come and go in the store so frequently it sometimes doesn't benefit to talk to them. I know how bad that sounds, but with a new face or two every other week, I can barely keep up. But now... will I see their faces, or will I be looking at a count-down? All of these guys cannot be destined to fall off the wagon. They cannot be like hourglasses, sand falling too fast through the funnel until none is left to fall. I cannot bear to think of them that way, not for the sake of one beneficiary. I wonder if he's in Heaven as I type this. I don't know how he was in his spiritual walk, but I can only pray that his path was straight. I hope his family will have comfort and peace, eventually. I hope they will be all right.
-Grace
Was.
I found out today that a man who used to work with me OD-ed. He didn't make it.
They tell us not to get attached to these guys, and I wonder if this is why. The place where I work is a sort of annex to an ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center). It's like a department store. Beneficiaries (guys in the ARC's program) all have what is called work therapy. They each hold a job involving the store, whether it is working there or making deliveries on the store's behalf. Work therapy teaches them responsibility, so that when they get back to the Big Bad World, they have some basic experience in a work environment and can be depended on.
A lot of beneficiaries come through the store, switched out like batteries until they complete the program or are discharged for breaking the rules (no cell phones, no drinking/drugs, no stealing, to name a few). But this was a good guy. From what I understand, he didn't complete the program, but was clean when he voluntarily left. He had a good job and was doing very well. And then this morning... I heard the news. They tell us not to get attached to these guys, switched out like batteries as they are. Guys come and go in the store so frequently it sometimes doesn't benefit to talk to them. I know how bad that sounds, but with a new face or two every other week, I can barely keep up. But now... will I see their faces, or will I be looking at a count-down? All of these guys cannot be destined to fall off the wagon. They cannot be like hourglasses, sand falling too fast through the funnel until none is left to fall. I cannot bear to think of them that way, not for the sake of one beneficiary. I wonder if he's in Heaven as I type this. I don't know how he was in his spiritual walk, but I can only pray that his path was straight. I hope his family will have comfort and peace, eventually. I hope they will be all right.
-Grace
Sunday, August 3, 2014
"Piggy" by Karen Malena
I am happy to announce the release of a lovable, family-friendly book from my good friend, Karen Malena (http://karenmalena.com ). Piggy chronicles the adventures of a curious cat named Piggy and his friend, Melvin the Mouse. Join them as they get themselves in and out of mischief, from an unfortunate stunt with a claw machine to the sights and smells of moving day. It's an absolute delight and is appropriate for all ages.
http://www.tuxedoebooks.com/store/p9/Piggy.html
"Piggy" is published through Tuxedo & Beans Publishing, LLC.
Karen Malena is also the author of Shadow of My Father's Secret and Reflections from My Mother's Kitchen: A Journey of Hope and Healing. Find them both on Amazon.com!
-Grace
http://www.tuxedoebooks.com/store/p9/Piggy.html
"Piggy" is published through Tuxedo & Beans Publishing, LLC.
Karen Malena is also the author of Shadow of My Father's Secret and Reflections from My Mother's Kitchen: A Journey of Hope and Healing. Find them both on Amazon.com!
-Grace
Thursday, July 17, 2014
"Colony Zero -Volume 6 -A Matter of Time"
YESS! I am so excited to finally announce that my chapter of "Colony Zero" is up on Amazon!
In the wake of a harsh betrayal, order must be sought as the Earthers run free with the aid of a Zero turncoat. Schneider and the dwindling crew must return to Earth. This must not be allowed to happen. Beneath the lightless stare of the dwarf star, it is a race against time to apprehend the Earth crew before they can send word to the Relocation Ministry about the survivors on Colony Zero. Yet even with time and ally against them, the real danger is the one the colonists can't see. It is the one that would bring devastation to both Paradise and Earth.
http://www.amazon.com/Colony-Zero-6-Matter-Time-ebook/dp/B00LWAAT8A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1405647561&sr=8-5&keywords=colony+zero
-Grace
In the wake of a harsh betrayal, order must be sought as the Earthers run free with the aid of a Zero turncoat. Schneider and the dwindling crew must return to Earth. This must not be allowed to happen. Beneath the lightless stare of the dwarf star, it is a race against time to apprehend the Earth crew before they can send word to the Relocation Ministry about the survivors on Colony Zero. Yet even with time and ally against them, the real danger is the one the colonists can't see. It is the one that would bring devastation to both Paradise and Earth.
http://www.amazon.com/Colony-Zero-6-Matter-Time-ebook/dp/B00LWAAT8A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1405647561&sr=8-5&keywords=colony+zero
-Grace
"Colony Zero -Volume 5 -Sins of The Fathers" by Tracy Krauss
Also in the Colony Zero line-up is Tracy Krauss's chapter, "Colony Zero -Volume 5 -Sins of The Fathers." Tracey is a tremendous writers and this story delves deeper into the character of Colony Zero's spiritual leader, and how even someone so steadfast can sometimes by jostled. It is truly an amazing story. You are definitely in for a treat.
Fear and confusion are mounting on Colony Zero since the arrival of the Earth ship Valkyrie 2. Renata, chief spiritual leader, has her hands full trying to keep the citizens calm. Her own son is not making life any easier with his radical disregard for their way of life. Then she discovers that a potentially dangerous secret could not only threaten to destroy their utopian way of life, but the very existence of the planet.
http://www.amazon.com/Colony-Zero-5-Sins-Fathers-ebook/dp/B00KSO3U9Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1405647561&sr=8-4&keywords=colony+zero
-Grace
Fear and confusion are mounting on Colony Zero since the arrival of the Earth ship Valkyrie 2. Renata, chief spiritual leader, has her hands full trying to keep the citizens calm. Her own son is not making life any easier with his radical disregard for their way of life. Then she discovers that a potentially dangerous secret could not only threaten to destroy their utopian way of life, but the very existence of the planet.
http://www.amazon.com/Colony-Zero-5-Sins-Fathers-ebook/dp/B00KSO3U9Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1405647561&sr=8-4&keywords=colony+zero
-Grace
"Colony Zero -Volume 4 -Sacrifice" by Mark Carver
Wow. I am really behind on my Colony Zero duties. I believe the last news I had about it was when I interviewed Mark Venturini after his chapter came out. Well, as I am apparently playing catch-up today, I encourage you to check out the next installment in the Colony Zero series, "Colony Zero -Volume 4 -Sacrifice" by Mark Carver. It is suspenseful, insightful, and extremely well-written. Mark C is such a talented writer and I hope to post his interview in the upcoming days/weeks.
A mother knows that no sacrifice is too great to protect the ones she loves.
Chaos and turmoil threatens the colony. As the captive Earther crew plots their escape, the Zeroes are being torn apart by strife within their midst. Althana knows she must take matters into her own hands to protect her family, but will she risk exposing her secret and putting everyone she loves in danger?
http://www.amazon.com/Colony-Zero-Sacrifice-Mark-Carver-ebook/dp/B00KI26C9I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1405647561&sr=8-6&keywords=colony+zero
-Grace
A mother knows that no sacrifice is too great to protect the ones she loves.
Chaos and turmoil threatens the colony. As the captive Earther crew plots their escape, the Zeroes are being torn apart by strife within their midst. Althana knows she must take matters into her own hands to protect her family, but will she risk exposing her secret and putting everyone she loves in danger?
http://www.amazon.com/Colony-Zero-Sacrifice-Mark-Carver-ebook/dp/B00KI26C9I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1405647561&sr=8-6&keywords=colony+zero
-Grace
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