Crap, it's almost Halloween....

And this is officially my 200th post.

That being said, I would like to announce the following:

Today I decided to do something with my life. Something... responsible. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, yes. I made an investment today that will financially, emotionally, and physically influence the rest of my life.


Obviously, the bonanzas are way too fake looking so I only purchased the booty.

Here's where you can get yours.

Happy ALMOST Halloween!

AND WAY TO GO PHILLIES! Here's a video of my girl Kerri-Lee Halkett right after they won.

Tomorrow I will represent the transformation of Anna Nicole Smith. From big and proud, to thin and weird. Don't worry, I'll provide photographical proof.

And the winner is...

Well, none of you really.
I WAS going to go with Amy Winehouse, but then I saw an amazing blonde wig and couldn't help myself.

So, naturally, here's who I'm going to be for Halloween:


Anyway, since I'm a survivor and all I figured I'd come home today and vote. I stood in line for two hours in freezing cold weather. I'm surprised I'm still alive.

Hott Nanny Halloween HELP!

Allergies. They're for the birds.
That's what I'm sayin' ya'll. For real.

I'm sick. It's Monday. I can't figure out if I'm just allergic to the weather right now or if I'm actually getting sick.

Either way, you'd better believe I'm drinking as much Emergen-C as possible.

After all, I have to save lives tomorrow morning. In a dermatological sort of way.

But now on to something extremely important:

THE HOTT NANNY
HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE

It's 4 days away. I have no idea what I am going to be.

I NEED YOUR IDEAS!

I really want to wear a wig. And I do not want to look scandalous.

Let's make this a contest.
Come up with the best costume idea, and if I choose it... Well, I'm not sure yet. But I'm sure it will be worth it. Feel free to throw in any ideas for that one as well.

Oh, and did you guys watch the game on Saturday??? I think I'm in love with Knowshon Moreno. Go dawgs, for real. Now we just have to beat Florida....

xoxo

Hott Nanny Politics: Researching the Facts

If I hear one more 18-year-old tell me who they're going to vote for without knowing a single thing about that person, I am going to dropkick them single handedly. Probably.
Okay. That was weird.

But seriously. This election is so important. This is me urging you to do your research.

Here is my personal opinion.

ENERGY- Obama's energy plan seems a little too good to be true. He says there will be tons of new green jobs created, 1 million hybrid cars on the road by 2015, etc.
Where would these new jobs come from? And how would we afford it?
Just answers I would like to know. I mean, that would rule, but really? Is that an empty promise?

The thing I do like, and can see happening, is Obama's goal to have 10 percent of our energy coming from renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and water.

Now, get ready to have your MIND BLOWN. Did you know that the United States currently consumes 40% of our energy from petroleum? 23% natural gas, 22% coal, and 8% nuclear electric power. That leaves us with a whopping 7% consumption rate from renewable energy sources (this is OVERALL).

McCain's Lexington Project proposes the mass use of nuclear power plants. I'm not sure I like that idea. Nuclear power plants do not actually emit anything harmful into our environment, but they do create harmful waste that takes an extremely long time to dispose of. That being said, it may be our only hope.

McCain also wants to increase the use of plug-in hybrid cars, but his plan for this seems a bit more realistic than Obama's, although I think it is still far-fetched.

Both candidates agree on a lot of the energy issues, so I went to both of their campaign websites to see what I could find. Honestly, Obama's website doesn't really say how these things will happen. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't know that I can trust his promises.

WOMEN- Women's rights are very important to me, and Obama has a favorable outlook on all things related to women. McCain, on the other hand, doesn't even have a section regarding women on his website. Obama is pro-choice, McCain pro-life. Even though he's pro-life, McCain has said that he wouldn't try to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

But this isn't just about abortion you guys. It's about domestic violence, education on HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other diseases, and it's about women in the economy as well.

As a woman, I find it devastating that people forget how hard the generations before us worked to get to where we are today. If you really have no idea what I'm talking about, you should watch clips from the movie Iron Jawed Angels on youtube. This clip shows Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) being force fed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMbx7c_5vx4


COLLEGE- Higher Education is also a huge issue. Both McCain and Obama promise to simplify the federal financial aid process. McCain just wants to simplify everything.

But Obama is proposing a $4,000 tax credit for college. He is also proposing that community college's tuition would be virtually free. Apparently you get these rewards if you do 100 hours of community service. But how low-income do you have to be to qualify for these benefits? And where does all of this money come from? It sounds awesome, but again, would it really happen?

DISABILITIES- Disablities are a big make it or break it issue for me. I have spent years wondering why things are so inaccessible for physically or mentally disabled citizens. Especially in the education realm.

Sarah Palin just gave a speech and stated that all disabled children would have the choice to attend the school of their choice, whether it be private or public. If you didn't know, that's not currently how it is, even though it seems like it would be a normal expectation.

After Palin's acceptance speech, where she mentioned that she is the mother of a special needs child, I heard someone say how disgusting it was that she was using her child as a marketing strategy.

Here's the thing: I DON'T HONESTLY CARE if she was using her child to boost her support. Wouldn't you rather have a VP who genuinely KNOWS what it's like to have a disabled child, rather than someone who just says they will enact certain things?

Overall-
Obama's economic policy would expand government spending in a huge way and will NOT work. All of his plans call for more federal government regulation on everything. Do you really want that? Obama continues to make public statements, and then change his mind later. For example: On The O'Reilly Factor, Obama clearly stated that the surge was a great success. That was on Sep. 4th. On the first debate, however, Obama said that if he had the chance to go back in time, he would still not support the surge. Even though he acknowledges that it has worked.

This isn't about whether or not what he says is right or wrong. It's more like... why is it so hard to admit that he made a mistake? Is he that arrogant? It's a principle of character.
Speaking of mistakes, its the same thing for the Bill Ayers thing. Okay, Obama, we get it. You "didn't know his history of being a terrorist"... so why can't you admit that it was wrong to blurb his book and take his fundraising money. Every time Obama is asked a question about these topics, he automatically gets so defensive and tries to justify his actions. When really, it'd probably be a lot smarter to just say "Yeah, okay. I was wrong. My b."

McCain is not very well spoken and he has a bad temper. That being said, he has actually fought for our country. He stands for what he believes in. And he has experience. There are tons of things I don't like about both candidates. I just don't know that our country is in a place to be gambling. I would love to be able to vote for the first Black president. I just don't think that Obama is the one.

I really wish I was voting FOR someone this election,
instead of only AGAINST someone.

Does that make sense?

Here are some interesting links:
The Obama File
An Obama Panic?- NY POST
McCain on Abortion
McCain vs. Obama on Taxes - Wash Post
Council on Foreign Relations - Democrat and Republican Plans

I know this was long. I usually try not to get too personal on this blog. If you're reading this, I urge you to comment and respond to my statements. If you disagree, tell me why. No personal judgments.

I genuinely want to know YOUR thoughts!

Ashley Aikens: The Rocket Constructor

Tonight I decided to google my name, in quotations, since I haven't done that in a while. It's always a smart thing to do, considering how cruel the internet world can be. Don't you think?

Well, apparently I was a rocket constructor 8 years ago.
I had no idea.


And this whole time I thought my only claim to fame was my picture in the newspaper when I was 5, planting a tree.

Oh, and this is interesting.
I just saw that I gave $165.00 to Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure.

Tragic Idol News and FOOTBALLLL!

Since I know that most of you are DIE-HARD AMERICAN IDOL FANS, I figured this news would probably touch you in one way or another.

In Season 1 of Idol, if you remember, Kelly Clarkson won and that beast of a man Justin Guarini was 2nd place. Both have made a dramatic impact on the entertainment world. Or something.

The 3rd place winner, however, has certainly made her comeback.

Here is what Nikki McKibbon used to look like.

Nice belt.
Hot Topic has those on clearance right now.
So I hear.

And here is what she looks like now.

Nikki is on VH1's CELEBRITY REHAB with Dr. Drew this season for her cocaine and alcohol addictions. Nice comeback.

Actually, it's Simon's fault! Here is the article explaining how Simon's negative comments influenced her downward spiral...

---Anyway, on to what's REALLY important.---

Tomorrow we play the TIGERS at LSU. And we WILL triumph.

Coach Richt is so sick nasty awesome.

“I’m really not worried about it,” coach Mark Richt said of his team’s lackluster performances. “Winning to me is pretty stylish, so if we keep winning I’ll be happy, I can promise you.”

He is so fine for his age. So fine.

Things are looking pretty good for the bulldogs tomorrow.

TGIF YA'LL!

Blog Nation: Catching UP!

Okay ya'll.

First, I decided to take a look back at when I first started this blog.
What I found is really interesting. For the first couple of months, I blogged about me... then, suddenly, I start blogging about everything.

Regardless, if you want a different taste of the aikens effect, check out November-January of last year's archives. It's funny.

Next, I'm asking ALL OF YOU reading to go to my new website. No, it's not my writing. It's all of my class mates in Broadcast who are writing commentaries. I'm on the technology team.


But here's the concept of it all. I think it's genius.
Everyone knows that every network has a different way they portray the election, right? And we all know that the media influences the way they do it, right?

Well, THE MEDIA PARTY is a blog dedicated to covering every outlet. Our writers each have a different beat they cover (CNN, MSNBC, FOX, NPR, COMEDY CENTRAL, YOUTUBE, BLOGS/NEW MEDIA, etc).

Even better, these aren't so much articles as they are commentaries. And all of you should comment on these and tell our writers what you think. After all, we are Broadcast News/Telecommunication Arts Majors! www.themediaparty.com

Last item on the list:
KERRI-LEE HALKETT TIES THE KNOT!!

Here is Dan Gross' feature article from philly.com on KL.
For DMAC's take on KL and her marriage, click here.
Click here for KL's famous and life-changing blog.


Congratulations to Kurt and Kerri-Lee! So happy for you.

Miss Teen Louisiana BUSTED!

Wow, is it Wednesday already? Where has this week gone? I'm exhausted.

But check this out.

Miss Teen Louisiana, LINDSEY EVANS, just got caught leaving a restaurant without paying.

For some of you, this probably is very reassuring. For me, it reminds me of how classy 18 year old brats are from Louisiana. Especially after seeing her mugshot.


OH, but WAIT---- that's not even the best part.

When Lindsey and her friends decided to pull this slick move, she left her purse. Like an idiot.

OH, BUT WAIT---- it gets better.

Her purse was full of MARIJUANA and XANAX.

And so, when Lindsey made yet another life changing decision to go back to the place to get her purse, the cops were there waiting to arrest her and her friends.

On a lighter note, it seems that Lindsey will get through this.

After all, her life motto is, "if you want the rainbow, you have to tolerate the rain."

Mmm. Thanks Lindsey.

Bulldog Nation: VICTORIOUS, and other news...

Good morning....
UPDATE: here are the pictures I promised...

We beat VANDY on Saturday, 24-14!

We had great seats for the game, and I'm pretty sure
I was on TV throwing up peace signs all afternoon.

The best part:
These abnormally energetic cheerleaders.

--In other news, M.I.A. is definitely pregnant. (Thanks Jason Thaggard for the heads up!)

I can't believe I'm just now hearing about this.


Clearly she's known for a while.

In Pitchfork's article, M.I.A. says, "I got engaged first, then I got pregnant, kids."

Haha.
Okay.

Thursday's Dose of Wisdom

Eating breakfast while being on your laptop isn't always a great idea.

Especially when it involves waffles.

Yes. I just learned this.

Now, every time I use the mouse, I will remember this meal.

Saxby Chambliss emailed me back---

I emailed him when Oprah told me to. He actually emailed me back.

So, I'm not going to lie. I actually don't know very much about him. But when people were handing out cool stickers at the tailgate on Saturday, I took one and wore it (as seen in the picture to your left). Because he emailed me back. Haha.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE EMAIL HE SENT BACK TO ME. Note the personalized greeting.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this e-mail was actually sent by Saxby himself. Although the thought of Saxby sitting down on his computer and saying "Oh, let me write Miss Aikens back before my next meeting!" is quite hilarious.

But someone clearly took the time to look into things and get back to me, which is impressive in itself.


Here's my question though.
Does this e-mail ever actually answer the question? Does he say YES I will vote for the Protect Our Children Act? No. I'm wondering why.

I mean, it's cool that he voted for all of these other things, but he kind of avoids the real request I had in the first place.
Agreed?

Oh, and I was wondering if any of you who e-mailed your State Senators got any kind of response as well? And if so, what they said?

what a great find.

McCain is McFast & McFurious

This is awesome.

Sports and SWEET JAMS

Ya'll. Listen.

We won the game Saturday. 

Yeah.

For real. 

It was probably the most fun game I've been to. Matty, were you there? 

Here's a pic from my seat...

In other news, GUESS WHO'S COMING TO ATHENS?

Yeah, that's right. T-PAIN is playing here this week for homecoming.

We are pretty tight, so I'm going to assume I'm on the list already.

But yeah, if you're a UGA student you get in free. 

Count me in, T.

Little Mermaid Shaikens

Wow.
So.
I had a strange night last night. That's for sure.

I came home at a decent time, but before I knew it, I was at a hotel with friends, jumping into a large swimming pool with a t-shirt on that said "TEAM LEADER!"
It was a huge t-shirt. And red.

In the far off distance, my co-worker could be seen pointing at me and laughing. Not because I was wearing a huge red t-shirt, but because it said "TEAM LEADER!" on it.
Typical.

Then, out of no-where, I did a quick costume change into some "normal" clothes, and swam on over to the next party.

Yeah. You heard me. I swam.

It was similar to this, but tons of people were there.
And, oddly enough, I was not actually sharing an embrace with anyone.

Everything I did last night from that point forward was underwater in the swimming pool.
The funniest part is...
I remember running into some old friends, trying to catch up and stuff, but it was hard because we got tired of pedaling water in the deep end.

And with that I say to you...
TGIF you crazy blog nation, you.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!!!

This has OFFICIALLY made my morning ya'll.

Do you remember last spring when I blogged about the woman who was stuck on the toilet for two years? Her boyfriend Kory was actually charged for not making her get off of the toilet.

HERE IS THE POST.

Well, I was just getting ready for work when I saw on the news that her boyfriend just won the lottery.

Here is the link to that article.

So, nation, on that final note...
I just want to you
remember today:
Keep the faith.
We can all be winners.

CHEERS!

Leo's aren't cool, but give me my fanny pack back.

It's the middle of the week, and I'm not gonna lie.

I'm exhausted.

However, I would like to point something out to all of you.

I was just watching PRIVATE PRACTICE when I realized something.

In almost every single episode, there is a couple who is trying to get pregnant. They can't, always for some traumatic reason (like incest or HIV), and the next day, one of the wives will come back and say, "I really need to talk to you... it's about my husband."

And the Doc will sit down with them and get the REAL scoop. Usually we find out that the wife doesn't really want a child, or that the husband is abusive, or something even more dramatic.

It occurred to me tonight that maybe I should let all of you know that real life doctors do NOT remember your name, nor do they sit down with you to listen to your problems.

Or maybe you already knew that.
Anyway.

NEEEXT!

Dear American Apparel,
Thank you for selling fanny packs. But please stop selling leotards.

Call me random, but I have a serious problem with our NATION and LEOTARDS. Or anything that makes you look as awkward as you would if you had a leotard on.

FOR EXAMPLE:

I just don't know anyone who buys these, or why they would. They wouldn't even be comfortable. Do you just grab your leo and heels and go? I don't know. That idea gives me a strange feeling.

These ladies, on the other hand, just look awkward. Or cool. Either way I'm jealous.



Oh, and... I kind of got accepted to my program for school...................
(holler)

I can finally drink my O.J. in peace

Since it has been a whole entire week since I last blogged, there are thousands of things I still need to say.

Like, for example,

O.J. SIMPSON IS FACING LIFE!

On Friday, the jury found Simpson guilty on TWELVE CHARGES.
He was convicted solely on the evidence of audiotapes, not witnesses.

This trial on Friday was the 13th anniversary of his 1995 acquittal. Kind of crazy.

Here is the VIDEO of OJ as the verdict is being read:

Intense.

How do you guys feel about O.J.? I haven't heard of any pro-OJ fans out there, but there has to be some... right?

Breaking News: Wal-Mart taking in illegal immigrants

I would first like to say that I have officially discovered my new favorite extremely nutritious cereal.

What a great way to start your morning.

Next, I'd like to bring up something controversial.

Let's talk about BOOTLEGGING.

Let's talk about how I went to Wal-Mart this weekend and bought Iron Man for Little Bro, only to discover that it was made in Mexico and had an entirely different case. Besides that, though, the actual movie seemed the same.

But still. Is that why it was on sale for $14.49? Was this illegally made? Am I being taken advantage of by power money hungry superstores?

Now, don't get me wrong, I've been to Russia.

And yeah, I may have only been 13 years old but I bought the crap out of some bootleg CD's while I was there. If I am remembering right, some of the artists included the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mariah Carey, The B-52's, and Boyz II Men. Sweet.

But that was normal. I was out of the states, and actually in Russia.

Is Wally World buying bootlegs? Or am I just overthinking this?

Blog Nation Masterminds:

I am depending on YOU to tell ME what's up.

Got it?

Either way, I find it... very... hmmm interesting.

And lastly, I had a dream last night.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Not another one of those.

No, not another one of those. Actually, this one is short, sweet, and simple. And... glorious.

I was searching and searching through my purse for something (which is typical in my everyday life) and I came across some cash. From the outside, it was all one dollar bills. But the deeper I looked, the more I had... and before I knew it, I had $150 in my purse.

And... then I woke up.

Bummer.

Thank goodness I had my SMORZ to get me back into the groove of things.