The Ransom Note

LOST: Reward Offered

Defying Superstition

The fear of a black cat crossing one's path is a common superstition.   For years solid black cats have been associated with witches, a symbol of bad omens, or even foreshadowing of death. 

I however put this superstition aside when I adopted my cat Pepper....why did I name a solid black cat Pepper is still unexplained? 

Meet Pepper!
Pepper is a 6 year old male, but fixed, cat that resides in Andalusia, AL.  He is a mean brother to his diva sister Baby Powell (a cat) and does not claim his older brother Jr. Powell (a dog). 









Pepper has never brought "bad luck" to myself or any of my family.  No negative consequences have ever resulted from owning him.  Although I do have some friends that are hesitant of him when they see him, for fear of black cat superstitions.  

Shrek 2

Shrek 2 (2004) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/rg/s/4/title/tt0298148/?ref_=ext_shr_eml_vi#lb-vi1065550105

Four Horizontal Intertextual Connections:

The Mask of Zorro (1998) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120746/?ref_=nv_sr_1

From fighting villains to winning over crowds with their romantic Spanish accent, Puss in Boots and Zorro’s characters are strongly related.  In The Mask of Zorro, Zorro leaves a distinct mark with his sword by cutting the letter “z”.  Puss in Boots mimics this action in Shrek 2 by slicing a “p” into a tree.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)  - Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101414/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Multiple scenes in Shrek 2 appear to have derived from the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast.  The personification of the furniture in Fiona’s bedroom when Fairy Godmother appears is the same as in Beauty and the Beast.  The furniture dancing and singing in Shrek 2 goes hand in hand with the “Be Our Guest” scene.

Another scene takes place in the Fair Godmother’s potion factory, where two factory workers transform into candelabra and a grandfather clock (much like those in Beauty and the Beast) when doused in potion.

Flashdance (1983) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085549/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The iconic water scene in Flashdance is replicated by Puss in Boots in one of the ending songs of Shrek 2. 

Spiderman (2002 ) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/

The well-known seen of MJ kissing an upside Spiderman is remade in Shrek 2.  Shrek hangs upside down from a trap and Fiona plants a kiss on him.  There’s no mistaking this Spiderman reference.

Four Vertical Intertextual Connections:

The Brothers Grimm – Genre: Literature

A number of folklores and children’s tales, popularized by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, are the foundation for characters and storylines in Shrek 2.  “Rapunzel”, “Cinderella”, “The Frog Prince”, “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Sleeping Beauty” all stories made popular by the brothers were featured in Shrek 2.

Puss in Boots – Genre: Literature

“Master Cat: or, The Booted Cat” commonly known in English as “Puss in Boots” is an European fairy tale.  The tale about a cat who uses trickery and deceit has had many adaptations over the years.  Puss in Boots character is stemmed from this book.

Hollywood – Genre: Geography

The Kingdom of Far Far Away is modeled after Hollywood, California.  The huge “Far Far Away” sign mimics the “Hollywood” sign.  A street sign reads Romeo Drive in place of Rodeo Drive.  The kingdom also features parodies of shops including Abercrombie & Witch, Ye Olde Foot Locker, and Farbuck’s Coffee.

“Cops” (1989-) Genre: Reality Television

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096563/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The chase and arrest of Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots is featured on the Far Far Away show called “Knights”.  “Knights” is modeled off the action packed show “Cops”. 

Two Public Tertiary Texts:

David Denby – Film Critic, New Yorker

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/shrek_2_vernon

The movie is obvious, but consistently entertaining and animated in DreamWorks's "realistic" digitized style.

Joe Morgenstern – Film Critic, Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB108509699305017631

This second edition of DreamWorks's Oscar-winning ogre opus may not match the original for, well, originality, but it honors the prime injunction governing sequels: To thine own characters be true.

One Private Tertiary Text:

Text and Reply

Picture attached in full -->


So I texted my friend and this is the response I got. I'm not surprised by her response.  Insults are how we talk and we love The Office, so this picture was completely appropriate! .....Plus it was 12:29 at night

My Last Meal on Death Row

I'm on death row.  I'm going to assume I murdered someone and then mysteriously blacked out but the evidence must all be there.  Either way, I'm about to go out with a bang! Here's my last meal on death row:

First things first: 

Appetizers

Auntie Anne's Original Pretzel Nuggets (with butter DUH!) ...............390 

 

Wash it down with a cold 32 oz Wild Cherry Icee.................................290

Now to the entree:

Chipotle Burrito Bowl 

(Brown rice, black beans, steak, mild, sour cream, cheese, lettuce)..........................750 

Served with an ice cold 16 oz. Sprite...................................................192

Side item:

Chips & Guac.........................................................................740 (whoa Sally, just realized that)

And Finally Dessert:

Chick-fil-a Cookies and Cream Milkshake....make it a large..............690

Plus  Girl Scout Cookies!

Samoas............................................the whole box..............................2,100 (OUCH)

(can't believe I ate the whole box! Can't believe I killed someone too, maybe?)

And to top it off

One glass bottled Coca-Cola.................................................................95

TOTAL..................................................................................................5,247

So flip the switch boys! These calories don't count!

The Love (of my life) Note

The love of my life walks into the bar…what do I do? Luckily, I came straight to the bar after my portfolio class and therefore have a sharpie ready in hand. I quickly scribble something down onto a cocktail napkin hoping to catch this stranger’s attention.  I get the bartender to deliver my message.  

This is what I put and why

With few exceptions, the truth is…. everyone loves their grandparents!  Grandparents are like your parents, but better.  They’re cooking is better.  Their rules aren’t as strict.  They give gifts and money for no reason. 

Maybe it’s because they forget they already slipped us a twenty-dollar bill…. maybe they’re trying to make up for the bad job they did as parents. You know, better luck the second go around. …..Or maybe it’s just because when they get tired of us, the grandkids, they can return us to our parents and continue to live the ultimate life of a retiree. No matter the reason, fact is: grandparents love to spoil their grandkids, and therefore grandkids LOVE grandparents.

Do I know his grandparents? Ha, of course not!

I’m mean, let’s face it- if he is the one, they’re going to be my grandparents someday too!

Eight Colors in My Crayon Box

I guess y'all could say I'm Southern

Coming from a small town in South Alabama, I can say I've done it all......well at least all there is to do in Andalusia, a small town in South Alabama that is.  My 8 roommates here at the University of Alabama all label me as the southern sister of the bunch.  Is it because I choose to room with girls from Indiana, Florida, Virginia, and Pennsylvania?  Or maybe it's because my own parents even joke and tell people they met at a family reunion.  I don't know where they got that idea from, maybe the part of my mom's maiden name and married name being Powell.  She's Cathy Powell Powell.  Luckily, it is that- just a joke.  P.S.: I don't have 12 toes. We don't believe in "homemade sin".

Besides my sweet southern draw, I don't think I fit most southern stereotypes.  I've never been cow tipping, to a pasture party, or hunting.  I only own one pair of cowboy boots and that's only because they were part of a costume!  Stereotypes are overrated anyways, I'd rather categorize my southern tendencies as "pride points". Some of my "pride points" could easily be categorized as Southern, but are still far from the norm.  I do have a cow, Pattycakes, legally in my name (talk about a money maker).  I have also appeared in Alabama's Cattlemen's Association magazine (for a scholarship program-I swear).  I can also say I've held the title of World Domino Queen (2010). Did you know it's illegal in Alabama to play dominos on Sunday?

So, yes I'm from a small town in South Alabama that many haven't heard of, but I'm okay with that.  That's where I'm from......and where I hope to not return. (My parents won't let me and for that I'm grateful)