The Book Club

My Mother is On Facebook

2010-08-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

This video says it all. Note to all of those of you on facebook: do not post anything on facebook that could came back to to hurt you.

Second note to self: Add your parents to your facebook. Even though it may seem ridiculous and a breech to your privacy, it will go a long way to reaffirming your relationship with them and guiding it to a newer, more mature level than it was before. If you can add them to your full account (not a limited one), you can truly call yourself an adult. Unless you are under the age of 18.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZqS6SEMYj4

How I Use Facebook

2010-08-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Facebook is a social media website launched in February 2004 that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc., with more than 500 million active users in July 2010.

As an adult, Facebook should not be used as a measure of popularity, but as a way to sell myself as a professional. In the last couple of years, Facebook has gone from a college photo-sharing site to a burgeoning business- networking platform for self-promotion, advertising and multimedia interaction. For anyone with a career in marketing, facebook makes it easier for brands to connect with their customers. Commercials, mailings and phone campaigns are still acceptable ways of building and maintaining a customer base but facebook is truly the Holy Grail of Marketing.

Facebook.com founder Mark Zuckerberg was rumored to be negotiating to sell the company for $1 billion back in 2006-- certainly a large price tag considering that a certain competitor -- MySpace.com -- sold for a "mere" $580 million the year prior despite having nearly four times as much site traffic. However, Facebook.com has fared well in the social networking space, demonstrating consistent growth in its user base over the past few years.

An analysis of visitors to Facebook.com reveals a strong bend toward users 18- to 24-years-old, which is certainly not shocking since the site was initially open only to college students. Although Facebook.com is now home to many users of all ages, those 18 to 24 are three times as likely as the average internet user to visit the site. Teens, ages 12 to 17, who are 46 percent more likely than average to visit, are the sole other age group to visit the site on more-than average basis.

It is essential for ANY AND ALL companies to reach out to the public using facebook. It is just that big and has that much reach. Word will spread about the company, making it all-the-more successful.

***

There are five main steps in the process of first using the website.

1. First, Click on the "Register" link, fill in your information and agree to the Terms of Use and Private Policy.

2. Next, confirm the email address you provided. Follow the steps Facebook provides in the conformation email to set up your account. Based on the email address you entered or the network you provided, Facebook will help you set up your Home Page accordingly.

3. Then, Find friends who are also using Facebook using the search tool on the left of the screen. You will only be able to see the profiles of people or friends in your network. If you would like to see profiles of a people from another network, add them as your friends using the "Add to Friends" button.

4. After, Fill out your profile by clicking "Edit" next to Profile once you are in your account. Follow the steps in the Edit tool to fill out any information you would like people in your network, or people you accept as friends, to view. Join applications within Facebook, such as adding photos or photo albums to your profile for others to see. You can also join groups of interest, see what events are going on in your area, purchase or sell items in the Marketplace, or share what types of Music and/or Movies you enjoy with Flixter and/or iLike Music.

5. Lastly, Chat with your friends through Facebook. On each profile there is a button for sending a message, this is used if you wish to send a private message to the person's Inbox you are viewing. If you don't care who reads what you write, post the message on your friends Wall.

Welcome Back

2010-08-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

This is the start to a new take on my blog. I started this blog some months back interested in discussing books as well as highlight the NY Times Bestsellers lists. I also wanted to use it as a place to post the several articles I have written for my campus publication. However, sadly, my interest in that blog feigned when I realized that no one would be able to find it, even if they were to google it.

I am developing this blog as a springboard for my future as a PR/marketing professional. It is my every intention to present myself as an accomplished, achievement-driven and results-oriented individual. I am serious about this career path and cannot wait to see where it leads me. I am a realistic individual, so I know jobs are sparse these days, but this cannot detract my ambition.

Sincerely,

Kelly John Doucette

Book # 3: "On the Road" (1957)

2009-10-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Author: Jack Kerouac

Main Players: Sal Paradise (Kerouac), Dean Moriarty (Neal Cassady), Carlo Marx (Allen Ginsberg), Old Bull Lee (William S. Burroughs), Elmer Hassel (Herbert Huncke) Sal's Aunt (Gabby Kerouac) ...

Synopsis: In the winter of 1947, the reckless and joyous Dean Moriarty, fresh out of another stint in jail and newly married, comes to New York City and meets Sal Paradise, a young writer with an intellectual group of friends, among them the poet Carlo Marx. Dean fascinates Sal, and their friendship begins three years of restless journeys back and forth across the country. With a combination of bus rides and adventurous hitchhiking escapades, Sal goes to his much-dreamed-of west to join Dean and more friends in Denver, and then continues west by himself, working as a fieldworker in California for awhile, among other things. The next year, Dean comes east to Sal again, foiling Sal's stable life once more, and they drive west together, with more crazy adventures on the way at Bull Lee's in New Orleans, ending in San Francisco this time. The winter after that, Sal goes to Dean, and they blaze across the country together in friendly fashion, and Dean settles in New York for awhile. In the spring, Sal goes to Denver alone, but Dean soon joins him and they go south all the way to Mexico City this time.

Through all of this constant movement, there is an array of colorful characters, shifting landscapes, dramas, and personal development. Dean, a big womanizer, will have three wives and four children in the course of these three years. Perceptive Sal, who at the beginning is weakened and depressed, gains in joy and confidence and finds love at the end. At first Sal is intrigued by Dean because Dean seems to have the active, impulsive passion that Sal lacks, but they turn out to have a lot more in common. The story is in the details.

Why This Story Is So Important: "On the Road" is a novel that makes the reader want to go out there, seize the day, and live, live, live!

Who is This Story for?: College students. This is the time in one's life where he/she will begin to figure out his/her identity. This may come easier to some than others. It is only natural to go out and find yourself.

My Book Rating: A+ (complex, satisying, life-fulfilling)

Article 4: Interview with model-singer-actor Tyrese

2009-10-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

A chat with Tyrese4Real
“Transformers 2” star says to keep the hustle
By Kelly Doucette

Rather than having stunt men filling in for the robots, the robots were substituted on set by gigantic, 15 – 20-foot poles with tennis balls for heads.

Discovered during his days as host of “MTV Jams Countdown” by acclaimed filmmaker John Singleton (“Boyz ‘N the Hood”), Tyrese Gibson (“2 Fast 2 Furious”) is a serious actor. While blockbusters are good for the pay and for the fan base, independent films, such as his film debut “Baby Boy” (2001), are also a part of his acting repertoire. I recently had the opportunity with a host of other American colleges, ranging from San Diego to Salt Lake City to Boston, to ask Tyrese a few questions. In a unique and interesting preview of the upcoming “Transformers.”
Despite what critics might say, Michael Bay, the notoriously visual filmmaker of such box-office fare as “Armageddon” and “Pearl Harbor,” is one of few filmmakers who are able to do this successfully. Having the final cut on how each aspect of his films plays out, Bay creates a host of new visual spectacles in his latest vehicle, clearly raising the bar from the films prequel.

As in the first “Transformers” film, Tyrese and his fellow actors were able to establish a close bond with one another, beginning with a boot camp prior to the start of filming. Lucky for the returnees, boot camp was not quite as strict physically as it had been the first time around.
Learning his character’s technical lingo, on the other hand, took some extra time for Tyrese. The actor says he felt it his responsibility to make this character as real as possible so to not break the flow of the film. Answering a question on how the action hero has changed since he was a child, Tyrese stated that there are far fewer limitations as to visual and sound effects in today’s portrayal. In both films, but primarily in the sequel, the visual effects are so real that there will be moments when you doubt its artificiality.

However impressive and seamless the film may appear to be, the filming of a Michael Bay movie would be nothing without chaos. The movie filmed in a concise 100 days (the typical blockbuster requires an additional one or two months) in a dozen or more locations across the world. There was one occasion in which a very important set piece caught on fire and nearly burnt to the ground. Bay apparently freaked out, screaming at the fire department to put it out, but there was nothing that could be done but wait. By the very next morning, the crew had rebuilt the set fully, doing all in the name of keeping a shot alive and maintaining a film’s continuity. Nothing short of spectacular.

So how was it acting with creatures that were not really there? One word: insane. Rather than having stunt men filling in for the robots, the robots were substituted on set by gigantic, 15-20 ft poles with a tennis ball as heads. Tyrese said, “Sometimes it’s better to act with pole and tennis balls than some actors.” It takes an actor with a vast imagination and physical capability to fulfill the needs of a scene such as this, an actor like Tyrese Gibson.
The phone call ended on a good note. Tyrese encouraged each individual participating in the call to “Keep up your hustle, even if your professors and classes are lackluster. It’ll all be worth it in the long run.” This is quite meaningful in many of our lives as we begin to venture out into a world of the unknown. It is frightening, thrilling and boring all at the same time. We just need to keep on trekking through.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” roars into theaters this June 24. The film also stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel and Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime. What’s next for Tyrese? Coming out later this year is “Mayhem,” a very new super hero comic book he has developed. Please visit http://www.comicbookresources.com/ for the official press release. Tyrese Gibson can be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tyrese4real.

Bay, Michael, dir. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Perfs: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese, John Turturro, Peter Cullen, Hugo Weaving. Dreamworks SKG. 2009.

Article 3: DEXTER review

2009-10-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Dexter slices his way to success
By Kelly Doucette

There is a monster inside all of us. Whatever it may be, it is there and can arise at any moment. Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst, takes justice into his own hands as he attempts to rid the world of one monster at a time. But Dexter is a monster as well, just not the bad kind.

Season Four of the series starts off strong. Dexter’s sister Debra appears to be in a stable relationship with former Miami informant Anton Briggs, who was nearly murdered last season by a serial killer. Deb’s life seems great until in walks her former lover and retired CIA agent Frank Lundy. He’s Deadwood’s Keith Carradine, and is there to see Dexter.

This is where the story gets thrilling. Lundy is tracking the most successful and longest-lasting serial killer — “the Trinity Killer” — played by TV vet John Lithgow (3rd Rock from the Sun). In just a few scenes, we can understand why Trinity is so notorious. It’s interesting that the Oscar-nominee agreed to play such a perverted role since he is recognized for his work in comedies.

The final plot points are the most personal. Dexter Morgan is now married and has had fathered his first biological son. This is an accomplishment seeing as Dexter could not relate emotionally with his fellow man, let alone girlfriend Rita and her children. As his connection to his adoptive father fades and his love for Rita blossoms, I expect to see him begin to develop as a human being, though I believe deep down he will still hunger for a fresh kill because of his past.

With the intercutting of Dexter and scenes of the Trinity Killer in action, I believe that this will be the biggest showdown yet for the closeted Miami serial killer. It will touch him on some human level, for who could possibly relate with such a monster as the Trinity Killer?

With Dexter Morgan now living a dream life as a newlywed father, can Season Four possibly exceed Dexter’s gripping third season? I would certainly hope so, after watching the premiere episode of the acclaimed Showtime series.

Manos Jr., James, creator. Dexter. Perfs. Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, Lauren Velez, Desmond Harrington, John Lithgow, Keith Carradine, C.S. Lee. Showtime. 2006-?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ageR58yU6ro

Article 2: "Adventureland" Review

2009-10-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Comedic life lessons : “Adventureland” teaches and inspires
By Kelly Doucette

"My only complaints are that Ryan Reynolds’ character and storyline are rather underdeveloped and that the character of Tommy Frigo is one the most repugnant characters on-screen outside of a Wayans brothers comedy."

Picture this: the world is your oyster. You have just been accepted to a prestigious journalism program at an Ivy League university and you are going to spend your final summer of freedom abroad with a good friend. Then, without warning, it all comes to a screeching halt and life kicks in—you have to get a summer job.

Set waaay back in 1987, “Adventureland” centers around the life of still-virginal James Brennan, an intelligent college grad who dashes his hopes of living abroad for the summer in Europe to earn money working at a tacky, vomit-inducing amusement park. Needless to ssay, he hates every minute he spends here, save the moments he picks up his weekly paycheck. Then he finds love in a special person named Em, an attractive yet emotionally stunted games operator. Over the course of the summer, the employees of this wacked-out Disneyland-knockoff party hard, smoke some pot and most importantly learn about love and relationships while being forced to repeatedly listen to “Rock Me, Amadeus” over the park’s P.A. system.

Director Greg Mottola (“Superbad”) proves that he is more than just a one-hit wonder. Having successfully broken off the Judd Apatow bandwagon, Mottola is able to hone some pretty spectacular performances from a collection of deadbeat actors. The impressive cast of irregulars include: Jesse Eisenberg (“The Squid and the Whale”), Kristen Stewart (“Twilight”), Ryan Reynolds (“Smokin’ Aces”), comics Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig and “Superbad” alum Martin Starr. Each of these players outshines the next in this pristine reinvention of the ‘80s popcorn flick. Mottola’s ability to allow his actors to go from naïve nobodies to fully realized somebodys in just under two hours is the mark of a true talent.

While each character and performance is completely genuine, they are not without their faults. Eisenberg’s James is well-developed and always interesting to watch, even as he fills the void in his broken heart with alcohol. Kristen Stewart’s dismal relationship with a married coworker (Reynolds) allows her to reinvent the same clichéd character she has played in both “Twilight” and “Into the Wild,” an emotionally distraught teen girl with boy problems. As in those previous films, however, Stewart proves to be a capable talent. My only complaints are that Ryan Reynolds’ character and storyline are rather underdeveloped and that the character of Tommy Frigo is one the most repugnant characters on-screen outside of a Wayans brothers comedy.

The moral of this story is to fight your heart out to be the person you want to be. We all have to grow up sometime and find our way in life, whether it’s alone or with someone else. When James learns that his parents can no longer afford his trip to Europe or his grad school tuition, he is momentarily devastated. However, by taking on his games job at Adventureland, he is able to reinvent himself at his own speed. It is here where he makes mistakes, such as making out with legendary hottie Lisa P. (Margarita Levieva) when he is first rejected by Em. Despite any such obstacles thrown his way, it is all worth it when James flees to New York to win back Em’s heart. Love, life, loss. It’s all a rollercoaster ride in this crazy place we call “Adventureland.”

Mottola, Greg, dir. Adventureland. Perfs. Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Wiig, Martin Starr, Bill Hader. Miramax Films. 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F--nHysJkw

ARTICLE #1: Some Kind of Monster

2009-10-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Some kind of monster: A conversation with Pam of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
By Kelly Doucette

"The extreme heat of filming inside a closed van, hour after hour, all day, in 100 plus temperatures for 4 days! Not being able to walk, talk or move for several days after filming my death scenes."

Monster stories have been a popular tradition for quite some time. One real monster tale that still resonates today after countless franchise installments is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s story of Leatherface. Loosely based on Wisconsin’s Ed Gein, Leatherface is a simple serial killer. The possibly mentally retarded creature learned his murderous ways at the hand of his own family and perhaps out of fear of the unknown.

Actress Teri McMinn, who played Pam in the 1974 original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, recalls the making of the film well. It was a dream come true for McMinn when she was cast in the role of Pam. Despite her excitement to begin work, she knew little of what was to come.
Even with her absence from the screen in the 35 years following the release of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, McMinn never stopped appreciating her devoted fans. Despite starring in the landmark film, she never let it stop her from respecting herself.

*****
Where did you grow up? What kind of child were you? What horror films did you watch?
In Houston Texas, I was a very introspective child and quite serious due to the loss of my two beautiful brothers by the age of 5 years. My parents were so consumed with that and their grief afterward. It was tough in those years; quite difficult on our family.
It took years to understand and disseminate for all of us. I began at an early age to spend much of my time alone and to escape the unhappiness. I watched films and began a life of pretend to escape.
I was haunted and mystified, compelled really by horror films like: The Blob, The Pit and The Pendulum, Creature From the Black Lagoon, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, Psycho, and Village of the Damned.

How were you discovered for the film?
I was in a local play, “Catch Me If You Can,” with a Hollywood actor, Frank Sutton. Kim and Tobe saw my picture in the local newspaper and called me to audition.

Any “horror” stories on the set?
The extreme heat of filming inside a closed van, hour after hour, all day, in 100 plus temperatures for four days! Not being able to walk, talk or move for several days after filming my death scenes. The daily uncertainty if we would even continue filming at all during the last four weeks of shooting.

Could you describe your acting process and how you became this character, getting the nerve to do that one frightful scene?
On the day we were to film the meat hook scene, Tobe came over and asked me if I’d thought about the meat hook scene. I thought that if I wasn't injured in the spine, unable to move, or paralyzed, I would attempt to get off the hook. He agreed and we tried it. We filmed the first full scene and wide shot, maybe two or three times, then did a lot of pick-ups and close up shots after that. The whole crew was completely quiet and clearly very moved. We knew we had it very early on. We were lucky. The forces were with us that day.

When you were thrown onto the meat hook – how were you attached to it?
By a contraption created the night before by Dottie Pearl, our make up lady, and Bob Burns, the art director. It was made of parachute strapping, steel rings, panty hose, and lots of very thick foam padding. I just wish I had it because I could make a bundle of dough on E-Bay.

I see on the Wikipedia page that Hooper intended to make the film rated PG, how is this even possible?
It wasn’t and they knew it, although they did ask me for nude scenes after I’d signed my contract. I said, “No, absolutely not. No way.”

Can you put into words how Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a turning point for horror?
I was the first woman on a meat hook and (There had been a man, Rod Steiger, in On the Waterfront), eating what was purported to be barbequed human flesh, grave robbing, Leatherface dressed like a woman -- replete with apron, wig and a woman’s skinned face; a set full of lamps and numerous objects made from human skin and body parts. Not PG stuff, No way. A lot of firsts never touched before in cinema; groundbreaking subject matter for that time.

To read part 2 of this article, please visit: http://uwmpost.com/article/54/8/4960-Some-kind-of-monster-Pt-II

(c) 2009. Courtesy of the UW-Milwaukee Post.

Hooper, Tobe, dir.. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Perfs. Marilyn Burns, Allen Danzinger, Ed Neal, Teri McMinn, Jim Siedow, Gunnar Hansen, Paul Partain, William Vail. Vortex. 1974.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=285ImXTYdsg

Book #1: Little Children (2004)

2009-10-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

Author: Tom Perrotta (Election, Joe College)

Main Players:
Sarah, daughter Lucy and husband Richard
Todd, son Aaron and wife Kathy
Ronald James McGorvey and mother May
Theresa, Mary-Ann, Cheryl
Larry
Jean

Synopsis: Two stories intercollide in a quaint Bostonian subarb....two seemingly perfect people in vastly imperfect lives begin a relationship in secret, away from their loveless marriages while under the guise of a play date for their children. At this time, a convicted child molester moves in with his mother into this very same neighborhood and personal chaos ensues.

Why this story is so important: It makes us question our morals, our values, and then preceeds to ask us the question: "What is right and what is wrong?" Well, quite simply, we are told what is right and what is wrong and somewhere along the way, our perceptions change and adapt and sometimes we know what we are doing is wrong. For example, child molestation is monstorous. I think we can all agree to that. But if the person has done his time and upon release cooperates to every rule placed on him, does it make it right to attack him or his loved one(s) out of fear or confusion? In some cases, the person accused didn't actually do the crime, yet once this label has been bestowed upon him, he will never escape it, not even if he is cleared from his crime.

Another question bestowed upon us: Is gossip an acceptable form of conversation even if it may hurt someone in the end? Yes, I know we all do it, but does that make it right?!

Who is this story for?: Anyone. Ages 17-40+
Obviously, there are concepts in the story no young person should read. They should lead relatively simple, stress-free lives. Once they enter into the latter years of high school, they should be ready to take it all in. The whole idea of reading about a child molester in a semi-sympathetic tone may turn off all older or more conservative readers. However, the story raises important questions, which should not be denied existance.

My Book Rating: A (complex, satisfying, challenging, NEW!...yet it took something from me and never gave me it back)

The Movie:
Written by: Todd Field (also dir.) and the novelist Tom Perrotta
Starring: Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, Jennifer Connelly, Noah Emmerich, Jackie Earle Haley, Phyllis Sommerville, Mary McCann and narrated by Will Lyman

A dark, ominous narrator (PBS vet Lyman) unfolds the story of Winslet's Sarah (Winslet) and Wilson's Brad (formerly Todd) as they embark on a forbidden love affair. All the while, cop Larry, a buddy of Brad's, becomes obsessed with bringing justice to their neighborhood and driving away the local pedofile. We also get brief glimpses into the life of this monster as he struggles to cope not only with human relationships but with himself. It is interesting to note that the pedofile is played by noneother than former child star Jackie Earle Haley (The Bad News Bears, Breaking Away) in his first film role in 12 years!!

My Movie rating: B (sticks almost too close to the book)
---I would have preferred them to examine the world within the book rather than just stick to the same dialogue, the same outline...with the way the narrative is set up, the story could have been arranged any number of ways and with the author as screenwriter, or at least coscreenwriter, he could have introduced material to the movie that was not in the book or he could have expanded on specific points not really touched upon a lot within the book. He has that right. Thus, the filmmakers made NO bold endeavors whatsoever...they stuck to the basics and played it safe.

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards: Best Lead Actress (Kate Winslet), Best Supporting Actor (Jackie Earle Haley), Best Adapted Screenplay (Todd Field + Tom Perrotta)

The trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiJLJd7cH1 c

Introduction

2009-10-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings and salutations-

My name is Kel Doucette and I am an English major at the University of WI - Milwaukee. I happen to have an interest in the furthered development of literature and of the motion picture. My interests are vast and my curiosities even more so. During the school year, I am often too busy to get some quality reading time, but it still remains a passion of mine. Some of the types of literature I have studies thus far include: LGBT, African, African-American, Beatnik. I have also done some reading on motion pictures, taken a few creative classes (1 in high school, another in college), and am looking to take a technical writing class and brush up on that particular field of writing. Blogs also happen to be a speciality of mine.

I should be considered for internships in editing, production, and managing editorial because I am a dedicated, responsible individual. I am also devoted to furthering my own education of literature. In this blog, I would like to highlight a number of books... for books are our past, our present, and our future. It is my hope that this blog will tell you a little bit about myself as well as my love for literature and fiction. In this day and age, applications are numerous and applicants are just a number in line, waiting to be randomly selected for an interview, and potentially...a career! The past few years have been a tough year for many Americans due to the ongoing recession. Many have lost their jobs..the tides are changing. I realize that with an English undergrad major, it may be hard to get into the career of my choice (editing), but I will stop at nothing to get what I want because I feel, that like so many others, I will have earned it.

Thank you,
Kel Doucette