Glee Review #11: "Britney Britney" (Episode 2, Season 2)

This music/dance packed episode did not disappoint! With extremely lowkey drama, and some new mild characters, this Brittany Spears themed installment was nothing but fun.

As always... *SPOILER ALERT*

The first song being "Slave 4 U" was amazing. I'm so glad Heather Morris finally got to show off her amazing dance moves. Did you know she toured with Beyonce and has been in several music videos?! This girl has got talent, and I'm happy she was finally able to really and truly showcase it during this episode. Even though it was wierd seeing our awkward and out there Brit dancing sexy and in control, I think it was about time she had the spotlight! But, in "Me Against The Music" Brittany shared that spotlight for a bit with Santana, which made the song even greater! Seeing Rachel singing "... Baby One More Time" was a flashback to her Grease costume for me. It's always wierd seeing Rachel take on a sexier role, but everyone seems to be busting loose this episode! "Stronger" was SO good. I was wondering where the guys were the whole episode, and then BAM there they are! It was a really cool way of seeing how Britney Spears' music effected everyone. I'm not a big fan of their performances that don't really happen (like how these were all just anesteshia fantasys) but it worked out good. When I first saw that "The Only Exception" was going to be sung, I thought it would sound wierd and take away from all the Spears tunes. But it fit in perfectly and the montage during Rachel's performance nearly made me cry. It was so cute!

Drama was kept lowkey this episode except for Emma's new love interest played by John Stamos and the usual Finn and Rachel dramatics. ☺

My questions...

1.) How long will John Stamos appear for on Glee?

Again, I couldn't find a solid answer to this question but I'm sure John Stamos will keep showing up in the next few episodes! I like the idea of Emma finally getting a healthy romance, but I think I'm going to miss her and Will's perfect love..... hm....

2.) Does Terri's short but random apperance this episode mean we will be seeing more of her?

After the divorce, things seemed pretty final between Will and Terri and I thought we'd never see her lying little face again. But her out of the blue apperance while Will was having a moment with Emma, confused me a bit. Will Terri keep showing up here and there? I think it's sort of odd but if the writer's worked it in well, it could be interesting.

3.) When will Mercedes, Kurt, Puck, and Quinn get their big break this season?!

So far we've had songs from Artie, Finn, Rachel, Brittany and Santana. Even Mike and Tina have their own big storyline! But where's our other beloved characters besides singing backup?! I know Kurt is supposed to play a big part next episode so hopefully these parts will be getting more equal soon!

Your quotes of the week... (there were a lot!)
"I would just like to say that from now on I demand to have every solo in glee club. When I had my teeth cleaned I had the most amazing Britney Spears fantasy. I sang and dance better than her. Now I realize what a powerful woman that I am." - Brittany
"Well, congratulations. Normally you dress like a fantasy of a perverted Japanese business man with a very dark specific fetish but I actually dig this look. Yay. " - Santana
"Don't let your own recklessness blind you to the fact that Britney Spears is a genius pop culture provocateur and a gateway drug to every out of control impulse ever created." - Sue
"It's a Britney Spears sex riot!" - Sue
"Next week, I'm gonna be performing a musical number by Ke$ha." - Brittany
"Every day, Tina and Mike's Asian fusion grows stronger." - Artie
"I'm secretly hoping it's a mid-life crisis, meaning your halfway to an early death. " - Sue
"I think that guy just broke up with his girlfriend just so he could stare at you. " - Finn
"I'm more talented than all of you. I see that clearly now." - Brittany
"I look forward to the day the paparazzi provokes me and I attack them." - Rachel
"I kinda like it. I don't have to fantasize about what song I'd sing at your bedside if you got paralyzed." - Rachel
"This room looks like that room on that spaceship when I got probed." - Brittany

As usual, I'm soooo excited for "Grilled Cheesus" next week. It look awesome! I'm freaking out about Kurt's dad, excited for all these songs and I'm anxious to see how religion will effect the glee memebers, this is gonna be good.
"Loosing My Religion"
"Papa, Can You Hear Me?"
"One Of Us"
"I Look To You"
"Only the Good Die Young"
"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
"I Want To Hold Your Hand"
These are the songs they are reportedly singing, we'll see!

SORRY NO PIC FOR THIS REVIEW, THE COMPUTER ISN'T COOPERATING!

Song stuck in my head today: Lots of Spice Girls ;)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

My Solo Cup Is Filled With Iced Tea

I like to feel powerful. Powerful enough to make me feel powerless. It's a funny feeling be powerless, but not for long. I like to know when I'm powerless, and still have control. Everyone loves feeling powerless at certain points. It's a rush, it's exhilarating and it's freeing. But still, I don't like when I'm not in control. With anything. Wheter it be a school project, how I'm supposed to act, what I can say. I like being free to do what I want. I like being sure in myself, and capturing every second. I like to hold on to memories and I like to be able to keep my self away from stupid things. In my opinion, staying sober is my way of doing that.

When I was 11 or 12, my cousins, sister and I made a vow that we would never drink or smoke. We've seen the effects it has on people, and it's never really appealed to any of us. There are many reactions I get when I say this. "Ha you seriously think that?" (From most of the kids who don't know me that well, and doubt I can resist all that is alcohol. Yuck.) "Aw sweets, that's so good." (The adult that inside is totally doubting me.) "Why?" (The teen who has no clue why alcohol is bad.) "I get it, but it's not all that bad." (The somewhat rational person who wants me to realize that, indeed, not all booze is bad- in moderation.) "I'd be so proud of you if you could do that." (My parents. The only good response.) But, I promise you. I will stay sober. Watch me! People laugh at me and say "I'm not coming to no dry wedding!" (because I have this teensy obsession with wedding central), but I really don't think alcohol is for me. That's that. I'm not saying I hate people who have a wine or two or enjoy having shots or something. I don't cringe and cry everything time my parents enjoy some pinot grigio with their pasta, and I don't freak when people toast champagne or anything like that. What does make my skin crawl is when people drink to get drunk. "Yeah man! Let's go get wasted this weekend." That makes me want to puke. Now that I'm in high school, there's a hell of a lot more of that- and it's only my 3rd week! There's these two girls that are a year older than me, and every Friday all they discuss is a.) where they're getting their beer from b.) who's parents are going away or how they can sneak it out of their house c.) how fun it is going to get drunk. I knew people who drank and smoke in middle school, I'm not blind- people do it all the time sadly! But in middle school, no one was open about it. Now in the "big leagues" I bet people are gonna make fun of me for not joining it. And that's fine. The only thing I care about is how to react to other people who are going to drink. Plenty of my friends will, and they might turn into those people who spend their nights drunk and their school days hungover- I don't know for sure. It's also the whole "what's right" aspect. I don't know how I should react to when I go to parties with alcohol. I don't think it's wrong for people to do what they want, like drink underage or something, but when things start taking a turn for the worse should I even be there to possibly put myself in that position?! It's all very two-sided.

I hope teenage drinking doesn't effect the rest of my teen years. I really would love to avoid it in its entirety but I know that's inevitable. I just got to stick with my beliefs and enjoy live sober, because in my opinion what good is a good time if you're not going to remember it anyways?

"I felt like

I'd walked into

and American

teen movie,

I picked up

the red cups.

I was like,

Wow, they

really do drink

from these."

- Emma Watson On going to her first college party

I love this quote, it's so true!

Song stuck in my head today: "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

World Of Jenks: "Fifty Fists " The Buried Life: '‘Streak A Stadium And Get Away With It"

In this Monday's episode, Andrew lived the life of MMA fight, Anthony "Showtime" Pettis. Once again, Jenks managed to turn my perspective of fighters on a 180. I hate wresting, cage fighting, all that kind of stuff. I don't like the fact that people get paid to hurt each other. It just seems real stupid. So when I started to watch this episode, I imagined Andrew living with a flashy, self centered guy, who cared about the parties and perks that came with being in the ring. I thought Anthony would be an extremely agressive and cocky person, but I couldn't of been more wrong.

Anthony wasn't a party-er, he loved the support from others, but him and Jenks left a party in his honor after less than an hour of celebration. While others were boozing on his behalf, Anthony was in the gym, building his body for his upcoming fight- on that would define his career as an MMA fighter forever. You see, Anthony up until a recent loss, has been undefeated. This match was set to test his strength entirely, he is coming into this fight as the underdog that people are expecting a lot from. Their is pressure from fans, the MMA community, peers, his family (who relies on his MMA money), and most importantly himself. Anthony wasn't going into this fight being over confident and self assured. He studied his oppenents every move, and trained extensively. He's a very soft-spoken man who doesn't get heated like you might think a normal fighter would. He cared about his family, a lot. His MMA career helps support his family after the tragic loss of his father, and his family means the world to him.

The title of this episode, "Fifty Fists", comes from a quote in the episode. Anthony's coachs were explaining to Andrew that you don't step in that ring alone, that fighting isn't a solo sport. You have a whole team, a family, that is backing you up until that bell rings, and when you punch it's like fifty fists coming at you. I never realized all the hard work and soul that goes into fighting, and how determined Anthony was to win. In the end he did. With an amazing kick to the face, Anthony claimed his title- that was rightfully his. It's not like I'm buying tickets online as we speak to go to the next tournament, but I do now have a different level of repsect for these people.

The season premiere of The Buried Life was surely a daring one! And I loved every minute.

In this episode the guys set out to accomplish #50: Streak a stadium and get away with it. This made for one of the most supsenseful and hear-pounding episodes yet! I love seeing how the boys devise their plan, and this one surely took a lot of creative thinking. The mapped the layout of the soccer stadium, got pictures of security uniforms, and even went to a nude commune to be more comfterable with being naked! Ha, it was crazy. In the end, after a hilarious turn of events, the boys do get caught. But they were able to cross of #57: Spend the night in jail!

If you're unfamilair with the show, for every thing the boys tried to do, they help a stranger do something also. They met up this time with Kaytee, who wrote to them asking for help with building a skate park to commemorate her best friend that passed away named Brady. After some paint, elbow grease, tears and a sucessful inspection the guys were able to help Kaytee and the town remember their loved one in a very special way.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Song stuck in my head today: "Stronger" by the cast of Glee

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Take That!

So, listening to myself about trying new things and doing what I want no matter what: I'm running for freshman class president.

Yikes!!

I'm always telling myself that I should get involved, so here's my chance! I wanted to run for something because I missed out on the opportunity in elementary school, and now that I can again, I decided, what the heck I might as well. I decided on president because: 1.) Everyone was chickening out of it therefore... 2.) Too many people were running for VP 3.) Treasurer seemed super boring and 4.) I liked president better than secretary.

I'll keep you posted on how things go, I only have two other opponents, and things seem like they can go either way. You never know! Another thing I might give a go is, drama. My high school's drama club is starting soon and I went to the meeting with a bunch of my friends the other day. I was in my school musical last year, and I've always loved the theater but now I'm unsure if I want to try out. The high school does a play and a musical, and I'm not sure if I'm cut out for acting yet. I don't have much experience and I also have a soccer game the day of auditions! I'm totally clueless on what to do, my friends keep saying to tryout no matter what, but I'm not sure if I even do make it, how I'll be able to balance it with sports, homework, and all my other activities!

Oh gosh...

Song stuck in my head today: "Tell Me Why" by Taylor Swift

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

What are your feelings on birthdays?

50% said I love them!!!!!
0% said Eh they're okay
0% said Gotta love the presents
0% said I don't care
0% said Ew I hate birthdays. Just means you're getting older
50% said They're the best (:
0% said they make me nervous

September is a busy birthday month for my family: aunts, friends, and cousins both add on another year to the list. One person who gets just a little bit older this time of year, is my cousin Stephanie. We're super super close, and we love celebrating each others birthdays. Stephanie and I talk a lot about birthdays, and getting older. Wheter we're excited, nervous, or anxious we always have something to say about the age we're turning. This year,

15.

I don't know what to make of this number yet, but then again Steph and I don't know what to make of any number. Does age really even matter? Do their need to be restrictions and regulations on things just because you're older or younger than someone? Can a number define you? We don't think so, but there it is, looming over you. Reminding you that the clock is ticking away, or that you're still too young to do what you really want. Ugh, age is so confusing! My birthday is still some time away- mid January -but I'm already getting excited/nervous for it.

In the end though, Steph and I always conlclude- we are who we are, not matter what we're wearing, how we style our hair, and how old we are. A number can not speak for ourselves, or anyone else and the only perks of age is being able to drive! (Still have to wait a year and a half for that...)

So whatever point you are in your life, don't burden yourself with that number. Don't looking at your graying hair, and don't wish you were taller or shorter or whatever! Just enjoy life.

the two things that we make the greatest fuss about- getting fat and getting old - aren't given to most people in the world

Song stuck in my head today: "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Summer & Seventh

So, yesterday I had a soccer game. It's been going really well! Our team is 3-1 (we've one three games and lost one). Yesterday, we were playing a team at at there middle school. You see, their middle and high school share the same field since they have an ultra nice turf field and a lot of other smaller fields that teams can use. So while our game was going on, there was also a JV boys soccer game taking place, 7th grade boys football practice, and 7th grade girls soccer practice. During our pre-game warm-ups we got to see these girls in action, and I realized how far I've come! I was the girl who was constantly apoligizing for her bad passes and volleys, and had no clue what she was doing, but was learning a heck of a lot along the way! I wasn't just watching these girls noticing their soccer skills though, I was thinking about how small they were! Too me, 7th grade does not seem far away at all, but two years can be a long time. I thought of what I felt like, what I was going through into 7th grade, and pictured these girls probably experiencing the same things. Everyone treats "sevies" like they a world away, and I never thought they were, until now. I really have changed, and it's sorta freaking me out!

Taking soccer pictures are the best. You really get some cool stuff!

On the bus ride to the game and back I was thinking of nothing else but summer. The town we played in is a real hotspot for surfers and it's basically just a beach town! So driving past all the great ice cream places, surf shops and beaches that are packed in the summer but are now covered with this eerie Septemeber fog, really made me upset. I miss summer! Don't get me wrong, fall is my FAVORITE season. But I hate Septemeber. It's such an awkward transition. One day it's 65 degrees out and everyones searching for their new pair of jeggings, and then it's a hot and sunny 85 and people are regretting covering up their pool! Why does September have to tease us? Summer's not coming back, we still have to wait a whole 'nother year.

Song stuck in my head today: "Til I Forget About You" by Big Time Rush

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Glee Review #10: "Audition" (Episode 1, Season 2)

For me, the second season of Glee started on a sour note. Not to say I'm doubting the show will pick up the pace later on, but I expected more from this season premiere!

*SPOILER ALERT* For those of you who missed the episode 'cause you thought it was at 9 (yeah, made that mistake almost!) go to hulu.com to watch the rest!

First up, music! (Yes it feels oh so good to get back into my old Glee routine!) I looooved "Empire State of Mind", and was clapping at the end unlike the rude McKinley High kids! I thought the outfits were cute and cheesey, and seeing Finn in those glasses was the best. "Telephone" was a great way to introduce the newest female character, Sunshine Corazon. The only part I didn't like was how vicious Rachel was when she was singing! "Listen" was great, but I wasn't shocked like the other Glee fans that weren't familiar with the lovely and talented, Charice - Yes that's her real genuine voice! - so I guess it didn't give me the effect most viewers had. "Billionaire" was super cute and fun, and I can't tell you how happy I am that there's a blond guy on Glee. For those of you who don't know, I love blond guys, haha. I wondered though if that's his real voice. So, I did what any curious person who do nowadays: Googled him! While I didn't uncover if this new character had any real pipes, I did uncover some MAJOR SPOILERS. His name is Chord Overstreet, you may have seen him on iCarly and No Ordinary Family, and he has been cast as Kurt's boyfriend!!! AHHHH. So, that's it for music. I wanted some old school Glee jam sessions though, to kick off the season right!

The Drama in this episode was good. Nothing too crazy, just your normal McKinley High sabotaging! What resulted in the drama that ocurred though, was what left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt the fact that Sunshine ended up switching to Vocal Adreneline, Sam not trying out, and the touchy scenes with the new football coach, Ms. Bieste, were too much for this fragile season premiere. It should've been more fun and lively! Not full of backstabbing and evil planning! Though I did enjoy the Will and Sue teamwork for a bit, I wanted to cry at the end! Then they push Bieste SO overboard that she throws Finn off the team?! Not good. Not good at all. Oh, and Rachel's bangs ruined the whole epsiode. Is it just me or have those bangs made her even meaner?! I love Rachel but she served out to much this episode.

A new addition to my normal Glee reviewing format will be my thoughts as I was watching the episode (I jot down notes so it takes less time when I blog).

• I loooooved Jacob's vlog in the beginning. Thought that was a great way to open up and that microphone with the hebrew on it made me die!
• Aisan camp?! Hahahhaa.
• Finn's cheer audition made my want to cry, but I couldn't stop laughing at him and Sue's reaction!
• The fight between Santana and Quinn were inveitable, and I'm glad it happened! It's so good to see Quinn back in her uniform... wow. Never thought I'd say that.
• I died when Brittany accused Bieste of sexual harrasment... Oh good ol' Brittany!

Second to last: My questions for the episode!

1.) Are Charice and Sam permenant characters on Glee? I tried to do a bit of research, but I couldn't come to a definite conclusion if they would both become two new main characters. Since Sam is going ot be Kurt's boyfriend, and Charice is now on Vocal Adreneline. They have to be staying around for a good part of the season! I think they'll both make for some interesting storylines. 2.) Will Quinn change again now that she is head cheerleader? Our now beloved Quinn Fabray is yet again on top of the pyramid- literally. Since Sue decided to give her a second chance, will she start treating her glee club family like dirt? I hope not! 3.) How long will Mike and Tina really last? This new summer love couple seems to be going strong despite the heart-broken Artie's disapproval, but will their summer fling last through the school year? It seems to me like they're both tottaly different people at times and I'm wary if it'll really last.

Last but not least... memorable quotes!

"Which means we'd have to reuse my kids new Pampers for at least a week" - Pizza guy "How do you get the white on the rice?" - Jacob "...Who is shorter than me which I didn't think is possible" - Rachel "Oh, and Boobs McGee — you’re demoted to the bottom of the pyramid, so when it collapses, your exploding sandbags will protect the squad from injury. Now take your juicy, vine-ripened chest fruit and get the hell out of my office!" - Sue "I made it up. Coach Beiste didn’t touch my boobs. Actually, I really want to touch her boobs. " - Brittany "Did you know there’s a forum on my blog that’s begging you to stop rapping?" - Jacob

Tina and Mike share a moment at aisan camp

I'm so excited for next week's Britney Spears themed episode "Britney Britney"! The songs from this iconic popstar that they'll be singing are....

"Stronger" "Oops!... I Did It Again" "...Baby One More Time" "Toxic" "Me Against The Music" "The Only Exception" "Slave 4 U"

I also found out that Carrol Burnett will be starring as Sue Sylvester's mother. HOW PERFECT?!

Song stuck in my head today: "Empire State of Mind" by the Glee cast

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison