Sleep...I'll Pay You If You Come

If you are reading this article past 3 AM, I’m glad to know I have some company. Ever since the last day of high school, when we had an event called Project Graduation, to serve us a last moment together without homework or exams or any worries until 6 in the morning, my sleeping pattern has been disturbed, if not completely eradicated. This went on into the years of undergrad college life, and has decided to stick. I’ve since graduated and moved on with my life, working in the “real world” and settling in on my own. And while I plug away at life’s continuous cyclic demands, somehow I find myself a perpetual insomniac. What gives?


I have tried all kinds of things. I’ve used herbal remedies and even Eastern Ayurvedic medicines recommended by a friend’s father. I’ve tried to count sheep, cats, even elephants (though it’s hard to imagine elephants jumping over a fence). I’ve turned off the television, radio, computer, all those “mind stimulating” objects, and decided instead to pick up a book and listen to relaxation or new age music. I’ve changed my diet, I’ve tried sleep eye masks, changed my mattress, changed my pillow, even changed my sleeping position. But to no avail. I keep seeing commercials for sleep medications, like Ambien and Lunesta. Those people apparently sleep like babies. My doctor tells me my condition is not “poor” enough to take them. So I lie awake at nigh, sometimes past 4 or 5 in the morning. Is it possible to be jet-lagged without having been on a plane?


I'm starting to think of embracing this kind of a lifestyle, staying awake all night and working on these fabulously entertaining articles (or incredibly boring ones that make you go to sleep, either way they serve a purpose). But then again I see too many downfalls with this kind of a life, mainly that I have nothing or no one to keep me entertained (besides those hilariously awful infomercials…anyone see that slap chop rap one?). So if any of my dedicated readers have any suggestions about how I can fix my sleep issues, or if you know any hunky men who can keep me company till sunrise, please let me know!

Jersey Shore (As Kids)

If you haven't seen this by now, you probably should. It's a hilarious spoof on Jersey Shore. I haven't actually seen the show...ever, but I would definitely love to see this one, (although I'm sure someone somewhere would have a problem with the use of the kids in it.)

Have you seen Jersey Shore? Is it worth the watch?

Clueless (The Movie)

Since I saw the series way before watching the movie that spun off into the television show, I had to get used to Alicia Silverstone playing Cher. I know, it’s weird considering she was Cher first, but whatever. Anyway, I decided to watch this on a random weeknight since I had nothing better to do and wanted to check it off my “Eventually” list.


It was actually pretty funny and cute. Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is the daughter of a rich, successful lawyer, and the most popular girl at Beverly Hills High School. Her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash) spends time with her going shopping, or talking about boys or clothes or both. Dionne pairs herself up with boyfriend Murray (Donald Faison) and is constantly frustrated regarding the ups and downs of their relationship. Elisa Donovan plays Amber, Cher’s mortal enemy, who is jealous of Cher’s popularity and tries to take her place. Then Tai (Brittany Murphy) arrives, and Cher decides it will be her personal project to turn this transfer student in desperate need of a fashion makeover into a new recruit into their elite popularity squad. But is three a welcome or a crowd?


At first, it seems like the movie is your run-of-the-mill rich airheads run the school type film. But as the movie progresses, and we listen in on Cher’s inner thoughts and feelings, we learn that there is a little more to her character than meets the eye. Although she may be passed off for being “clueless” about so many things, there were plenty of topics she remained knowledgeable about, including manipulating her way into getting better grades not only for herself but for the whole school, while making sure the teachers also won in the process. True, that may not be considered so noble and praiseworthy, however Alicia Silverstone’s acting, facial expressions, and body language all give Cher’s character the arrogance and vulnerability that was needed, with a little comedic edge. Though the rest of the cast does not necessarily have as big of a part in the movie, their supportive roles really shine throughout.


The territory of high school has not remained unexplored prior to this movie, nor has it after, but the humor elements and the clarity with which the characters’ true natures are explored give this movie a great purpose. Director Amy Heckerling was far from clueless when she made this movie, and you’d be far from clueless if you decide to watch it. Especially great for fans of the actors or the genre. I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Sleep Deprivation - Good or Bad?

If science could phase out sleep, would you be for it or against it?

In today's society, we are generally fast-paced and constantly working. We are trying to attain a better and successful future for ourselves and our families. Yet, we rarely think about our present, in particular the long-term effects our current behavior has on our own health and well-being. Maybe it's a nice idea to be able to retire to a luxurious lifestyle when you're older, but do people tend to forget the health risks and complications that could arise with age as well? We seem to be so focused on reaching that goal that we don't stop to enjoy the present.

And people are trying to find new ways to sleep less so they can work more. Eight hour work days were created so that a 24 hour period could be divided into thirds: sleep, work, leisure. It's obvious that not everyone can adhere to this general guideline but the question is why. And if there was a way for you to sleep less and get more done due to being awake for longer periods of time, would you do it or not?