OVERRATED
1. The phrase “fml,” or “f*** my life,” which is based off of the name of a website that lets the public publish their unfortunate stories for all to see and laugh at.
This phrase-acronym really annoys me. Not because it’s another abbreviated phrase that has been added to Webster’s Dictionary for the Digitally Savvy, but because it’s a phrase that NO ONE has ever used before until this website popped up. “Idk,” “omg,” and “lol” are acceptable because people actually say it in real life (well not “lol,” because they actually laugh). I still have yet to hear anyone saying “f*** my life” in person because they know it sounds ridiculously intense and dumb. Try it.
2. Vampires
Really? Vampires. The world is infatuated with vampires…. I mean yeah, I used to watch Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Angel, but seriously? There are like three vampire TV shows, movies, and a bunch of books trying to glamorize blood-sucking. I don’t know. I guess I’m just over the whole “dark” side of humanity in this respect. Especially since it’s NOT REAL.
3. Megan Fox
Honestly, I just don’t get it. This girl was in the Transformers movie and whatever it is she is in now, and the media is obsessed. Yes she may be pretty, but it’s really nothing special that we haven’t seen before. Some have already begun to compare her to Angelina Jolie–and for what? Yes, they’re both beautiful white actresses, but the line pretty much stops there. There is no “it” factor as of now, so the media needs to just chill already.
4. Career Fairs
You don’t really expect to score an interview at these things. You’re supposed to be “networking.” But the sad reality is that you waste time primping and practicing your “sales pitch” for employers when they nonchalantly tell you that the first step is to apply online. Offer them your resume, and poof! It disappears into the abyss of resumes on their table, never to be looked at again.
5. The “Viral” Baby Watching ‘Put A Ring On It’ Video
If you don’t know what I’m talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3aGnJvmn9s
So, I halfway expected this baby to bust out some of B’s moves from the video. A tad disappointed that it didn’t turn out that way. Nonetheless, this video is cute because any baby attempting to display coordinated motor skills–and ultimately failing–is cute. However, it is NOT that hilarious. After the first minute and a half of repetitious bobbing and neck shifting, it gets boring. Yea I know it’s just a home video and not a music video, but shit, everyone’s putting their kids on YouTube for global entertainment, so STEP IT UP!
UNDERRATED
1. “World” Music
It is SO refreshing to hear different international sounds when our radio stations play songs with formulaic beats and synthetic sounds. Think of the exciting intensity of drums, horns, and strings that naturally pump uncontrollable rhythm into your body. I wonder when real instruments will make a comeback into US pop culture (outside of live performances).
2. Having “No Smoking” Laws for Clubs
Despite traveling outside the state this past weekend, I completely forgot that the ‘no-smoking indoors’ law was not a federal law. Having laws that improve the quality of life for people is a great thing. Especially when you can leave a club/lounge and not have your life reek of cigar smoke.
3. Correct Usage of the English Language
I’ve already had this conversation with some friends…about how the youth demographic has decided that it was cool to ignore 90% of the rules for proper English grammar, spelling, and usage of certain words. Yes, some of this may be attributed to poor schooling. And no, I am not talking about verbal shortcuts for digital conversations. There is just no reason for people to be unable to discern between the usage of ‘their’ and ‘there.’ Why are you using the word “it’s” to mean “there is?” And just because “one” and “won” sound the same, does NOT mean they are interchangeable. Good grief!
4. The Art of the Duet
What happened to duets? All we get are so-called ‘collaborations’ which just don’t cut it sometimes. What about just having two people who can sing and harmonize ridiculously well? I’m thinking back to the likes of “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, “The Girl is Mine” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, heck even “The Boy is Mine” by Monica and Brandy. I will admit that I don’t listen to the radio or pop music that much so I may be missing out on something, but I honestly couldn’t name any mind-blowing duets as of recent.
5. Appreciating Your LIFE
We (particularly the U of I community) all heard about the unfortunate incident where a student at the U of I was shot and killed back home on the West Side of Chicago. He had returned home for the weekend to get clothes for Homecoming at the University. Very tragic and unnecessary.
It is very easy for us to list 101 things that we hate about life right now, whether it’s our body image, grades, parents, love, whatever. Get in the habit of loving what you have right NOW–a home, family, two working legs, even a pretty smile–because as demonstrated once again, tomorrow is NEVER promised. Please remember that if you are alive right now, you have it pretty darn good.
