Happy UnValentine's Day

I hate Valentine's Day.

It's not because I'm single and bitter that my stupid ex-boyfriend dumped me for his stupid ex-girlfriend. No, seriously. For years now I haven't liked the "holiday." Even when I have boyfriends I tell them not to bother or freak out or worry about about the day. The best V-Day date for me is hanging out with my boyfriend and watching a movie or something. Very simplistic, but that's my ideal date. (I had one boyfriend who was convinced I was lying when I said he didn't need to get me anything for the day. He thought I was tricking him. It was actually very cute. He got me a Valentine card - you know, the kind that you hand out when you're a kid. I still have it. It was the perfect present.)

Anyway, why, you may ask, do I hate the day? It's because it's a fake "holiday" that was designed by the greeting card companies. I know that's a cliched answer, but I believe it. It's designed to make you feel bad. When you're a kid and you don't get any valentines, or you didn't get as many as you thought you would, you feel bad. When you're older and you don't have a date, and the idea that being single is the OMG WORST THING EVER!!!!!! is shoved down your throat, you feel bad. When you do have a date, but it doesn't go well, or you don't get the present you wanted, or you felt like you screwed up because the expectations were so high, you feel bad. Why the hell do we celebrate a "holiday" that makes us feel bad?

I would love Valentine's Day if it were actually about love. If we celebrated everyone we love in our lives - your significant other, if you have one, but also you friends and family and children and pets. Whoever you love in your love, even if it really is your cat, you should celebrate it with them, and celebrate having all types of love in your life. Because that's what matters. Having people who you love and love you back is what matters the most. Having a romantic relationship is really important, I know, but it isn't the be-all, end-all thing of your existence. Family and friends matter too. People tend to forget that this time of the year.

So enjoy the day with whoever you love, whoever that may be! One of my favourite VDay memories is when my group of friends and I, plus my boyfriend at the time, went out for a simple dinner at a pub. Having almost all of my favourite people in one room was really fantastic. If you can do that tonight, do it!! It's more fun that chocolates and roses, trust me.

Retracting my "Noooooo"?

Two posts earlier I mentioned that T.R. and Katherine are leaving Grey's after this season. It makes sense, since George has barely been on the show the last few weeks, and Izzie has some sort of tumor or something that could kill her, so I was quick to believe it.

Apparently, though, I was wrong. According to Shonda Rhimes,

That was a very interesting rumour. And it's not true. That was absolutely taken out of context. Things happen, and I think rumours become fact very easily. And you know I don't like to tell you what's going to happen on the show - but that is a rumour.

I'm still a bit skeptical, since evidence to the contrary is overwhelming. But all I can do is sit back and wait for the storylines to unfold.

Something I don't understand is why people say the show sucks or is a mess. How? The last several episodes - all in recent memory - have been excellent. The majority of this season has been excellent, too. Sure, there were a few stray storylines/episodes, but every season of every show in the history of television is like that.

I personally believe that people complain because they're comparing it (Grey's) to what they first saw. Since the show isn't exactly like that anymore, it apparently sucks. It doesn't, though. The characters and stories change because they have to - it would get boring if they didn't. Yes, two strong characters left (Burke and Addison), and that's a shame. But they have a wonderful, if slightly too large, cast remaining. The quality of the show is still fantastic. I believe that the show got away from the creators a little bit around the middle of season four, but after it came back from the writer's strike, it was great again. And this season has been compelling - Owen Hunt is one of the best new characters they've ever created.

So, for all of you that think that the show sucks - first, stop bitching. Secondly, enjoy the show for what it is. Stop comparing the show to previous seasons and just enjoy what's going on. Trust me, you'll be happier this way.

Housekeeping & Koalas

Hello all! As you may have noticed, there are a few changes to my blog. First, the name and domain have been changed. Why? Well, why not? It was time for a change - I wasn't feeling Chubbie's Famous anymore. It was time to go girlier. Sweet on the Lips is more fun and feminine, so there you go! I also went with a pink theme, as you may have noticed. So update your bookmarks, chubbiesfamous.blogspot.com is now sweetonthelips.blogspot.com!

Also, I'm going to add a new feature to my blog: video of the week! Once a week - and it will most likely vary as to which day - I'll post a video. It might be funny, it might be serious, who knows? I sure as heck don't.

Next on the docket will be another anti-Twilight essay (I know, I know, I shouldn't be wasting my time on something I don't like. Except that I have a lot to say on the issue, and I'm not done yet). This time, it will be a more in-depth look at Stephenie's decision to postpone Midnight Sun indefinitely. So stay tuned.

A treat for you and me: Koala Cuteness!

Happy Hump Day!

Nooooo!

According to Perez Hilton, Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight are quitting Grey's. In other words, my favourite characters will be GONE after this season.

I'm so disappointed. Katherine Heigl I can understand, she's getting too big for her britches. It's funny how she's this supposed mega movie star, but um...she's been in two popular movies, one of which was completely panned by the critics. That doesn't mean she's a star.

But T.R.! Why, George? Why?!?!?!? I'm heartbroken.

It's sad that two of the main characters - characters who have been around since the beginning of the show - will be missing. Who's next, McDreamy and Bailey?

You suck, Shondra, for not trying hard enough to keep George on board. You suck-diddly-uck.

Twilight Bashing - An Essay

Last night on LJ, I discovered this wonderful community: Twilight Sucks. The title says it all - it's an anti-Twilight group. Hurrah! I joined quickly and have enjoyed reading the posts. I feel like I'm going to have to make a post there myself soon.

I mentioned the other night to a die-hard Twilight fan that Stephen King said Stephenie Meyer is a bad writer, and she was aghast. I told her I agreed with him, and she clearly thought I was crazy. So, today at work, I came up with a list of reasons why I agree with Mr. King. I'm sure these have been mentioned here before, but tough cookies, this is my blog and I'll repeat myself if I want to!

1. The Writing
a) Meyer really, really needs to invest in a thesaurus. The characters glare, growl, snarl and glower their way the all four of the novels. They're dark and moody, we get it! If you don't want to buy a thesaurus, there are plenty of online versions available. Learn it, love it, live it.

b) The purple prose. Oh God, the purple prose. It never ends!!

c) A lack of sophistication in the writing. There are few metaphors in the book, and 99.99% of them involve describing Edward as marble or statue-like. There is no symbolism. Essentially, what you see is what you get - there's no deeper meaning to her writing.

2. The Plot

a) It's really not that original, folks. A tortured vampire falls for some mortal chick - isn't that Dracula?

b) Nothing really happens. Of course, in every book there's some climax, but not before literally hundreds upon hundreds of pages of Bella angsting over shit. Ok, she's a teenager, but come on. I want action, dammit, and I'm not really the action type of girl.

c) Where are all the conflicts?
i) Jacob vs. Edward: We're lead to believe that Bella must decide between the two, but give me a break. Did anyone even consider Bella would choose Jacob? What's the point in this "conflict" when everybody under the sun knows the end result?

ii) The Volturi, or whatever: First of all, they're kind of fruity. Secondly, this wreaks of plot contrivance. "Ooh, a coven of ancient vampire bad boys coming from Italy coming to get me!" Yeah...no. It was weak and I personally didn't care for this "conflict" at all.

3. The characters. Oh goodness me, the characters. This is a big one for me, and pretty much cements the argument that SMeyer is a crap writer.
a) Character development , or lack thereof. If anything, Bella regresses throughout the course of the series, but that's it. Also, we're given little to no backstory on the minor characters. They're just kinda...there.

b) Mary Sues. Dr. McPerfect, anyone? Carlisle is probably the one character who doesn't get on my nerves, but I still find it irritating at how perfect this character is. He's handsome, smart (a doctor!), wise, kind, even-tempered, rich...shall I continue? This man does not have one single flaw. Borrrrrring. And unrealisitc. Esme is like this, and you could argue that Alice falls under the same category too.

Now, to dissect the three main characters:

c) Jacob Black:
-Pedophile for imprinting on that baby (I can't bring myself to type its name)
-Forces Bella to kiss him against her will. THIS IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT, PEOPLE!
-Pretty much stalks her; follows her around; throws himself at her constantly while acting like she wants him to, even though she doesn't. More sexual harassment with an added bonus of being a stalker. Hawt.

d) Edward freaking Cullen. aka the "Perfect" boyfriend, except:
-He disables Bella's car so she can't visit Jacob. We're supposed to think that he's being sweet and protective. In actuality, this behaviour would be recognized to most normal people as a WARNING SIGN OF DOMESTIC ABUSE. EDWARD IS NOT BEING "PROTECTIVE," HE IS CONTROLLING HER BEHAVIOUR AND ACTIONS.
-He tells Bella not to see/talk to/be friends with Jacob. He also cuts Bella's ties with Alice whenver he feels the need to - most notably when he broke up with her. ISOLATION IS ANOTHER WARNING SIGN OF DOMESTIC ABUSE!
-He watches her in her sleep. He even did this before they were even friends. Hello, restraining order, anyone?!

e) Bella "Mary Sue" Swan:
-We're told that Bella is smart. After all, she reads Wuthering Heights and Romeo and Juliet, so she must be smart. Right? Right???
But clearly, Bella is the most braindead character to exist.
-Who needs a future and a post-secondary education when you have a boyfriend? (Bella gives up her college career to be with Edward.)
-Who needs friends when you have a boyfriend? (Bella gives up her friends the moment Edward looks her way. Except for Alice, and except for Jacob, unless Edward tells her no.)
-Who needs a family when you have a boyfriend and said boyfriend's family? (Bella pretty much doesn't give two shits about her mom and dad, unless it's needed for the plot. And Bella makes Edward go to Florida - fucking sunny Florida - when she visits her mom for a week. 'Cause who needs to spend quality time with their mom when you have a boyfriend, even though you haven't seen your mother for a long, long time?)
-Who needs hobbies, interests and activities when you have a boyfriend? (If Edward's not involved somehow, Bella's not interested. Even when she was all into the motorbikes, she only did it at the hopes at hearing his voice.)
-Who needs to live when you have a boyfriend? (Bella BECOMES A VAMPIRE for Edward. What the EFF?!?!?!?! She literally gives up her life for him. And she's only 18. How many of us marry our first loves? And how many of us look back on our first love and thank the lord we're not still with that person? Yeah, that's what I thought.)

-Also, Bella has no intentional character flaws (the above points I make surely were not intentional by the author, I can guarantee you that!). Oh wait, yes she does. She's a klutz! But it's so cute and adorable!
-She's a Mary Sue. Pretty, "smart," smells delish, is a perfect chef, has every boy under the sun in love with her. Riiight.
-When she becomes a vampire, she only takes a day or two to get used to it. As opposed to every other vampire, who has trouble adjusting to the change for years (case in point, Jasper).
-She has super vampire powers that she pretty much perfects almost straight away. AFJDSAJFSL;DKFJKLSFJSLDFS! Is it possible for Bella to struggle at something, SMeyer? Besides being a contributing and worthwhile member of (fictional) society, that is?

BONUS SECTION!
4. Lack of Professionalism
-When "Midnight Sun" was leaked onto the net, SMeyer was broken-hearted and put the book on the backburner.

a) Um, SMeyer? "Midnight Sun" isn't exactly a new story. It's sorta different, but it's really the same story told from a different perspective. In the long run, we all know how it will end, so is it a huge deal that it got leaked??

b) Grow up. Yeah, the leak sucks, and I'm genuinely sorry that it happened. But move on. Pursue legal action, totally. That's your right. But be like J.K. Rowling and simply ask that those who have read it don't spoil it for those who have chosen not to. Ms. Rowling is a class act. SMeyer sounds like a spoilt child.

c) Rumouriffic, but apparently SMeyer has her brother screen her fan letters before she gets them. He weeds out the nasty, scary, mean ones. No one wants to read bad things about themselves or their craft, but I think a healthy dose of reality could do her some good. I'm not saying that someone should scream at her for all the things she did wrong in the book, but a little constructive criticism never hurt anyone. In fact, it could actually help her if she wants to be taken seriously as an author.

Okay, so I think that's all I have to say. When I pointed out this list to my friend, she thought I was exaggerating. Another Twilighter read it and thought it was funny.

Sigh. With some people, you just can't win.

Dear Stephen King...

THANK YOU!

Mr. King agrees with me in the Jo vs. Steph debate I mentioned a while back - between the two authoresses, Jo is superior:

Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young
people. … The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a
terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very
good.

I couldn't agree with you more, Mr. King!

(Source: Perez Hilton)

A Note From a Non-Gamer

I'm not much of a gamer. Really the only thing I play with any regularity is The Sims. Growing up, we had a Nintendo, a Super Nintendo and an N64. By the time the next console came out - whatever it was - I had sort of lost interest in video games. This Christmas, though, we got a Wii.

An interesting thing about the Wii is that they - Nintendo - have advertised it as the system for everyone. Hardcore gamers, someone who has never played a game in his or her life, and everyone in between. Nintendo, I'd have to respectfully disagree.

One game I love is Mario Kart. I played the SNES version about a million times, and since we own the N64 version, I've spent countless hours playing it over the years. For Christmas we got Mario Kart Wii, and I was psyched. But to my dismay, I discovered that you have to unlock certain characters, vehicles and even tracks. In order to unlock these items, you have to win place first in a Grand Prix race. Now, to be fair, they make it incredibly easy for you to win, at least in the 50 cc races (which are the easiest). I still have to make it through the 100 cc and 150 cc races in order to have access to everything.

I really don't like this. As I said, I'm not much of a gamer. Chances are I won't be able to win first place in those 150 cc races, or possibly even the 100 cc races. I think it's silly that in order to have 100% access to a game I paid for, I have to win these challenges that I don't have the skills for. That's one reason I loved that Mario Karts past - you just turn it on and play. There's no story or boss to beat - you just race.

Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend in Nintendo games. We recently got Mario Party 8, and again - you have to unlock certain characters and boards to play. This is really frustrating. I can understand doing the unlocking thing for games designed for hardcore gamers, who actually have the skills to unlock these items. But for those of us who aren't, it's just annoying.

I officially feel like the biggest nerd for blogging about video games, but there you have it. I swear I'm not really a nerd. Really!