Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Final Post
After taking this class, I have decided to stick with my original intent to study Visual Communication. I learned a lot about all aspects of communication in this course, and have subsequently developed an interest in each area of study. My dream is still to be a writer/photographer, however, so I think Visual Communication is my best bet. I am continuing my Communications Media Production major as of next year, and I'm very interested to see how all I've learned in this class applies in that area. Whether or not I continue with the J School, I think this class was a fantastic experience.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
"championship, schmampionship"
That was my original attitude towards the NCAA. That is, when I ever really gave any thought to it. I guess I was happy for us, but I'm not really into basketball. Pretty much the only benefit it served me on Monday night was the excuse to go party. Franklin Street was a mob of sweaty, hilarious happy people destroying public property and lighting stuff on fire. How could I not be proud? Even though I got knocked on the ground, busted my knees, and lost two perfectly good street signs, I think it was worth it in celebration of some kind of campus unity. Oh and the photo-ops were great.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
NetAddiction.com
Blog Assignment
I spend waaaay too much time on the internet. At any given moment, I am either on Facebook, Twitter, a music site, or thinking about these three things. I've realized that I'm actually starting to relate everything I do back to the net. Every thought I have or action I take is a potential status update. It's gotten to the point where the Internet is not just a convenient microcosm for the real world. In my life, it is the real world.
In the past 24 hours I have spent a disconcerting number of hours in front of my computer. I think I've been logged into Facebook since yesterday morning. I've updated my Twitter about 5 times (checked it twice as many). Checked my UNC email 5 times. Gone to Student Central to assess my class schedule for next semester. Checked my Yahoo email account to correspond with the magazine I'll be interning for this summer (Downtowner Magazine in Raleigh, I am very excited). Looked at photos and videos on Flickr of last night's victory riot. Streamed music on Last.fm, Fairtilizer, Hype Machine, and RCRD LBL...I'm beginning to think I have a problem. If the Tar Heels hadn't won and got me out to Franklin Street last night, who knows how much more time I would have been surfing. It's unhealthy!
I'm not sure what my treatment options are at this point. I went to the blog for the Internet Rehabilitation Center...but that just seemed counterproductive. We should just keep rushing Franklin Street, championship or not. I need something to keep me off this addictive torture device!
I spend waaaay too much time on the internet. At any given moment, I am either on Facebook, Twitter, a music site, or thinking about these three things. I've realized that I'm actually starting to relate everything I do back to the net. Every thought I have or action I take is a potential status update. It's gotten to the point where the Internet is not just a convenient microcosm for the real world. In my life, it is the real world.
In the past 24 hours I have spent a disconcerting number of hours in front of my computer. I think I've been logged into Facebook since yesterday morning. I've updated my Twitter about 5 times (checked it twice as many). Checked my UNC email 5 times. Gone to Student Central to assess my class schedule for next semester. Checked my Yahoo email account to correspond with the magazine I'll be interning for this summer (Downtowner Magazine in Raleigh, I am very excited). Looked at photos and videos on Flickr of last night's victory riot. Streamed music on Last.fm, Fairtilizer, Hype Machine, and RCRD LBL...I'm beginning to think I have a problem. If the Tar Heels hadn't won and got me out to Franklin Street last night, who knows how much more time I would have been surfing. It's unhealthy!
I'm not sure what my treatment options are at this point. I went to the blog for the Internet Rehabilitation Center...but that just seemed counterproductive. We should just keep rushing Franklin Street, championship or not. I need something to keep me off this addictive torture device!
Monday, March 30, 2009
THIS JUST IN
YOUR SHUTTER SHADES
ARE STUPID.
Look, I'm all for being trendy and accepted by your peers. But something that serves no function but to help you look douchey has no excuse for being on the heads of otherwise possibly respectable people. Kanye West is delusional. We know this. Don't take his fashion advice.
Take off your shuttershades and face the facts.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
I ain't no couch potato
...but I've watched my share of television.
(blog assignment, by the way)
What constitutes good TV is rapidly evolving. Or perhaps that's not the best choice of words. In the last decade alone we've witnessed a change in format and content of television shows, in both what is allowed on the air and what is well-received by the public. In this sense, the progression of broadcast media is a win some/lose some battle. While some of the best stuff on television would have been considered too controversial in an earlier era, the steady decline in sophistication of most our programming is pretty embarrassing. With that in mind, we've been asked to make a list of the top 10 best TV shows of all time. Just 10? Well, I'll try. Here they are.
10. Pop-up Video: You probably remember your older siblings watching music videos on Vh1 when you were a kid. After school you'd sit on the couch with that big bowl of Cocoa Pebbles, and sing what you thought were the words to Lisa Loeb and Prince songs. Had you been old enough to read, you probably would have been laughing too hard at this show to hum along. The basic premise is that it's regular old music videos, but with witty frame-by-frame captions that pop up on the the screen. Ah the simpler days, when something so basic could entertain the masses. In a perfect world, the show wouldn't have died at the beginning of the century. But you can still see it on Vh1 Classic.
9. Cash Cab: Here's another example of a show with a simple but oh-so-good concept. Basically this cute guy drives around in a cab and picks up unsuspecting strangers who soon find out they are on a game show that takes place IN THE TAXI where if they answer a certain number of general knowlege questions correctly, they get cash. What's not to love? It's the closest thing to a reality show that still earns my respect. I could watch this all day.
8. Ren & Stimpy: This is a cartoon from the 90s about...well I guess they are supposed to be a cat and dog... who are best friends and have all kinds of crazy adventures. I love this show for the simple fact that it is absolutely ridiculous, disgusting, and should never have been shown on a children's channel.
7. My So-Called Life: Another 1990s gem. This was Claire Danes acting debut as an angsty child of the grunge era, who narrates her adolescent woes so relatably that you can't help but fall in love with her. And all the characters, really. My older brother watched this show when he was 15, and I started doing the same a decade later when the re-runs made their way onto The N. Sadly, the show only lasted for one season, buuut I bought all the episodes on DVD.
6. Sex and the City: I was never allowed to watch this show when it was actually on the air. But once I got a little older I tuned in and immediately became obsessed. It's about 4 single, successful New York women and their relationships with men. This show is extremely relevant to modern feminism and challenges stereotypes, and can be pretty shocking at times. Great fashion, great writing, very punny. Every girl wants to be protagonist Carrie Bradshaw, and I am no exception.
5. Seinfeld: There's a reason this show was on for so many seasons. The brain child of Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld is a brilliant sitcom about 4 New Yorkers who are surprisingly likable despite all the crap they try to pull. It's one of those things you have to see to understand. But it's a classic, and will always be hilarious.
4. The Colbert Report: I have talked about this show once before but I'll continue to commend it. The media needs more intelligent hosts like Stephen Colbert, and could definitely use some tips from the shows writers, as well. Nothing gets a point across better than satire, and that's why this show is pretty much my main source of television news.
3. Family Guy: I like absurd things. That's the basis of this satirical cartoon about a family of oddballs (including two misfit kids, their idiot dad, and a talking dog and baby). The show is goes about social commentary in an unconventional, completely ridiculous way, and is abundant with wit and humor. Look away at any moment and you'll miss something brilliant.
2. Yo! Gabba Gabba: This is actually a children's show started by, and based on, the toy-design team Kid Robot. It's great to see something for children that's visually stimulating and encourages individuality and playfulness. They have celebrity cameos like Elijah Wood who came and danced like a crazy person, and Biz Marquee, who teaches the kids a new beatboxing skill in each episode. The show also has a pretty rad 80's-electro theme to it, so the soundtrack ain't too bad. My 4-year-old neice watches this show and loves it; although, I have to say, I introduced her to it.
1. 30 Rock: This has got to be, without a doubt, the best show on television right now. It's about a team of writers for a sketch comedy show (based on SNL) who are completely out of sync with one another and put eachother through complete hell. Starred and written in part by Tina Fey, the whole thing is a rich, clever spoof on her career with NBC. If writing for a television show is your dream job, then 30 Rock (short for the address 30 Rockefeller Center) is a gold mine. I'm obsessed with it.
So there you have it. Even with all the "Date My Mom"s and "Wife Swap"s out there, at least there's still a good handful of quality on the tube. And that's enough to keep me sitting on the couch. At least for now.
(blog assignment, by the way)
What constitutes good TV is rapidly evolving. Or perhaps that's not the best choice of words. In the last decade alone we've witnessed a change in format and content of television shows, in both what is allowed on the air and what is well-received by the public. In this sense, the progression of broadcast media is a win some/lose some battle. While some of the best stuff on television would have been considered too controversial in an earlier era, the steady decline in sophistication of most our programming is pretty embarrassing. With that in mind, we've been asked to make a list of the top 10 best TV shows of all time. Just 10? Well, I'll try. Here they are.
10. Pop-up Video: You probably remember your older siblings watching music videos on Vh1 when you were a kid. After school you'd sit on the couch with that big bowl of Cocoa Pebbles, and sing what you thought were the words to Lisa Loeb and Prince songs. Had you been old enough to read, you probably would have been laughing too hard at this show to hum along. The basic premise is that it's regular old music videos, but with witty frame-by-frame captions that pop up on the the screen. Ah the simpler days, when something so basic could entertain the masses. In a perfect world, the show wouldn't have died at the beginning of the century. But you can still see it on Vh1 Classic.
9. Cash Cab: Here's another example of a show with a simple but oh-so-good concept. Basically this cute guy drives around in a cab and picks up unsuspecting strangers who soon find out they are on a game show that takes place IN THE TAXI where if they answer a certain number of general knowlege questions correctly, they get cash. What's not to love? It's the closest thing to a reality show that still earns my respect. I could watch this all day.
8. Ren & Stimpy: This is a cartoon from the 90s about...well I guess they are supposed to be a cat and dog... who are best friends and have all kinds of crazy adventures. I love this show for the simple fact that it is absolutely ridiculous, disgusting, and should never have been shown on a children's channel.
7. My So-Called Life: Another 1990s gem. This was Claire Danes acting debut as an angsty child of the grunge era, who narrates her adolescent woes so relatably that you can't help but fall in love with her. And all the characters, really. My older brother watched this show when he was 15, and I started doing the same a decade later when the re-runs made their way onto The N. Sadly, the show only lasted for one season, buuut I bought all the episodes on DVD.
6. Sex and the City: I was never allowed to watch this show when it was actually on the air. But once I got a little older I tuned in and immediately became obsessed. It's about 4 single, successful New York women and their relationships with men. This show is extremely relevant to modern feminism and challenges stereotypes, and can be pretty shocking at times. Great fashion, great writing, very punny. Every girl wants to be protagonist Carrie Bradshaw, and I am no exception.
5. Seinfeld: There's a reason this show was on for so many seasons. The brain child of Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld is a brilliant sitcom about 4 New Yorkers who are surprisingly likable despite all the crap they try to pull. It's one of those things you have to see to understand. But it's a classic, and will always be hilarious.
4. The Colbert Report: I have talked about this show once before but I'll continue to commend it. The media needs more intelligent hosts like Stephen Colbert, and could definitely use some tips from the shows writers, as well. Nothing gets a point across better than satire, and that's why this show is pretty much my main source of television news.
3. Family Guy: I like absurd things. That's the basis of this satirical cartoon about a family of oddballs (including two misfit kids, their idiot dad, and a talking dog and baby). The show is goes about social commentary in an unconventional, completely ridiculous way, and is abundant with wit and humor. Look away at any moment and you'll miss something brilliant.
2. Yo! Gabba Gabba: This is actually a children's show started by, and based on, the toy-design team Kid Robot. It's great to see something for children that's visually stimulating and encourages individuality and playfulness. They have celebrity cameos like Elijah Wood who came and danced like a crazy person, and Biz Marquee, who teaches the kids a new beatboxing skill in each episode. The show also has a pretty rad 80's-electro theme to it, so the soundtrack ain't too bad. My 4-year-old neice watches this show and loves it; although, I have to say, I introduced her to it.
1. 30 Rock: This has got to be, without a doubt, the best show on television right now. It's about a team of writers for a sketch comedy show (based on SNL) who are completely out of sync with one another and put eachother through complete hell. Starred and written in part by Tina Fey, the whole thing is a rich, clever spoof on her career with NBC. If writing for a television show is your dream job, then 30 Rock (short for the address 30 Rockefeller Center) is a gold mine. I'm obsessed with it.
So there you have it. Even with all the "Date My Mom"s and "Wife Swap"s out there, at least there's still a good handful of quality on the tube. And that's enough to keep me sitting on the couch. At least for now.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Distraction Central
That's the name of this week. Despite having an extremely crucial Spanish midterm tomorrow, statistics homework I don't understand, 80 poems to analyze and a media business to plan out--I have one things on the brain. Music. And only music.
Here's what we got going on.
Tonight!
Cut Copy at Cat's Cradle. I just paid some guy 20 bucks for a ticket to this show because I failed to get my own in a timely manner. Yes, I am psyched. I'll be bringing my good camera to this show just because I'm pretty sure each song stays within reasonable, camera-friendly BPM. They will be preceded by the duo MATT & KIM (like a dance-pop Mates of State) with infectious melodies that you'd be chanting all night, were Cut Copy not going to come in a steal the spotlight with addictive disco beats. Damn them!
Here's what we got going on.
Tonight!
Cut Copy at Cat's Cradle. I just paid some guy 20 bucks for a ticket to this show because I failed to get my own in a timely manner. Yes, I am psyched. I'll be bringing my good camera to this show just because I'm pretty sure each song stays within reasonable, camera-friendly BPM. They will be preceded by the duo MATT & KIM (like a dance-pop Mates of State) with infectious melodies that you'd be chanting all night, were Cut Copy not going to come in a steal the spotlight with addictive disco beats. Damn them!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
boorrringggg
Sooo between the nothing I did on spring break and feeling stupid about this blog because of hipsterrunoff, I haven't had time to care about posting. Even now as I am engrossed in Cash Cab and What Not To Wear, I find it difficult to allocate my attention in the direction of anything semi-important. But I'm behind in a few assignments (of course), and thus am going to update the crap out of this thing. Stay tuned. This time I am serious.
Monday, March 2, 2009
151 iz Bangin
Thanks to everyone who came all the way out to our house for the party on Friday. It went really well so we'll definitely continue to have bigger and better versions of it in the future. I've been pretty out of it for the past few days so I haven't been updating buuuut I assume I'll get back into the swing of things later tonight. Photos are now posted, by the way.
(say hello to the infamous Sarah Press, everyone)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
To Whom It May Concern...
:(((((((((((((((((((((((((((You stole my oh-so-legit black leather Member's Only. It was my favorite jacket of all time. You are a jerk and you are not invited to my party on Friday.
BUT everyone else is! Come get happy at the M.A.S.K residence tomorrow from 10pm to whenever. There will be music and other festivities, but mostly just music. It's byob because my roommates and I can't handle providing for people who won't pay (which is everyone). Being broke sucks, I know--but all the more reason to, like, dance away your troubles...or whatever. The address is on the Facebook event I made. WOooooord okay see you here.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
(nose) running in heels
I'm really sick today. My face is so swollen I can barely open my eyes. Constant runny nose. Throat o' sandpaper. The works.
I was in no mood to go to class or post today, but I felt compelled to do both. Especially because as I was chillin in recuperation , I watched the premier episode of "Running in Heels," a new reality show on Style that follows fashion interns at Marie Claire through their experiences as pathetic noobs. I love this crap because even though, like all other reality shows, it is pretty obviously fake...it's a nice little 'preview' to what I want to do with my life. They make it look pretty intense (and those girls are the dumb as HALE). If you watched Project Runway, or just know your stuff, you'll recognize fashion editor Nina Garcia. And probably automatically dislike her. Lindsay Lohan also makes the briefest of appearances. The show premiers on The Style Network at 8 est, but you can actually watch the first episode now at mystyle.com. Go ahead and get hooked.
ALSO
want to know why print is not dead, people? Check out this article. I told you. We just have to suck it up and adapt.
In other news, the plumber FINALLY came by and fixed the drain in our tub. Tonight I guess I'll be scrubbing away so we can use the damn thing without gagging. Eeeeeew.
I was in no mood to go to class or post today, but I felt compelled to do both. Especially because as I was chillin in recuperation , I watched the premier episode of "Running in Heels," a new reality show on Style that follows fashion interns at Marie Claire through their experiences as pathetic noobs. I love this crap because even though, like all other reality shows, it is pretty obviously fake...it's a nice little 'preview' to what I want to do with my life. They make it look pretty intense (and those girls are the dumb as HALE). If you watched Project Runway, or just know your stuff, you'll recognize fashion editor Nina Garcia. And probably automatically dislike her. Lindsay Lohan also makes the briefest of appearances. The show premiers on The Style Network at 8 est, but you can actually watch the first episode now at mystyle.com. Go ahead and get hooked.
ALSO
want to know why print is not dead, people? Check out this article. I told you. We just have to suck it up and adapt.
In other news, the plumber FINALLY came by and fixed the drain in our tub. Tonight I guess I'll be scrubbing away so we can use the damn thing without gagging. Eeeeeew.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday Notes
Song of the day: Röyksopp, 'Happy Up Here'
Outfit of the day (but not the whole day): blink182 shirt, ha + bass shoes + free people coat + ugly.
Cool things of the day:
I've come across some things recently that those of you in my JoMC class might enjoy. The first is magCulture.com, a blog dedicated to all different types of magazines and their production. Obviously I love it because I'm obsessed with magazines.
The second is a clip from an episode of The Daily Show that I caught this week. The guest on February 9 was Walter Isaacson, author of "How to Save Your Newspaper," who spoke on the issue of reviving our nation's print media industry. They bring up a lot of interesting points on topics we've been discussing in class. Also it's funny.
Lastly, we spent a lot of time in class on Tuesday discussing airbrushing and editing photos for magazines. Back in May of '08, The New Yorker did a great profile on professional retoucher Pascal Dangin. I recently came across it again, and found it an interesting compliment to our discussion this past week. Cool.
Anyway, I have to take a nap, or do something to get pumped for Party Gras!! Sorry to be such a nerd on a Saturday.
Outfit of the day (but not the whole day): blink182 shirt, ha + bass shoes + free people coat + ugly.
Cool things of the day:
I've come across some things recently that those of you in my JoMC class might enjoy. The first is magCulture.com, a blog dedicated to all different types of magazines and their production. Obviously I love it because I'm obsessed with magazines.
The second is a clip from an episode of The Daily Show that I caught this week. The guest on February 9 was Walter Isaacson, author of "How to Save Your Newspaper," who spoke on the issue of reviving our nation's print media industry. They bring up a lot of interesting points on topics we've been discussing in class. Also it's funny.
Lastly, we spent a lot of time in class on Tuesday discussing airbrushing and editing photos for magazines. Back in May of '08, The New Yorker did a great profile on professional retoucher Pascal Dangin. I recently came across it again, and found it an interesting compliment to our discussion this past week. Cool.
Anyway, I have to take a nap, or do something to get pumped for Party Gras!! Sorry to be such a nerd on a Saturday.
American Apparel....not impressive.
Yes, American Apparel is clothing for the masses... but does it have to be the same clothing every year?
I know this is annoying--and kind of hypocritical--but I'm getting sick of American Apparel's metallic spandex theme. It's not that I hate it or find it unsightly...I'm just getting bored. Their emails keep filling my inbox with terms like "Spring Nouveau" in the subject line, but I checked and there's nothing 'nouveau' about it. Same thing as last time around. Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't every other clothing manufacturer have to switch things up at least once a year? One's wardrobe can only handle so much lamé before it's just lame. Two or three years ago, those rocking this look would have been few and far between. It used to take guts to dress like a disco ball. and now that it is EVERYwhere, what used to be considered fashion-forward is just a default outfit for any hipster socialite. I think American Apparel should take this matter into their own hands. Let's put this theme behind us and let it retain its respectability before we suck the remaining life out of it. They're probably making buttloads of money right now, but they need to get innovative. It's really only a matter of time before the clothes stop selling themselves, and AA has to get some more models that aren't strange looking.
ps, This is a criticism of a brand I'm disappointed in. It isn't a personal attack on your booty shorts.
Friday, February 20, 2009
OMFG TGIF
WOOOORD it's Friday. Time to make up for the 60 hours I spent in the UL this week. Here's wass happenin.
Tonight:
Fujiya & Miyagi @ Cat's Cradle! I don't think I know a lot of people going, so join me if you daaare. These guys are a lot of fun, plus they're touring with Project Jenny, Project Jan so it's gon be BOUNCY. Listen to this album and see if happiness doesn't shoot out your butt. $14 at the door.
If you really don't want to see me but want to hear some jams, Lake Inferior is opening for Boxbomb and House of Fools at Local 506 tonight! This will be their last show in town for a while, and these guys have some great new stuff. Show starts at 9:30.
THEN tomorrow I will be attending Party Gras hosted by my fabulous future roomies Jessi Harris and Austin Monroe (shh, secret event). I got the tunes on lock and of course will be taking pictures to prove how legit this is. It's gon be real.
Well, I have to prepare myself for the evening now because WINSTON, aka the most epic sibling EVER, is coming to throw down. It's been something like 2 weeks since I've seen him, and he's my bfffffff. Look at this kid
Those are glowsticks on his fingers, he is badass. Have a crazy weekend people, and if you ever feel like doing anything illegal, watch this video and learn a valuable lesson!
hahaha.
Tonight:
Fujiya & Miyagi @ Cat's Cradle! I don't think I know a lot of people going, so join me if you daaare. These guys are a lot of fun, plus they're touring with Project Jenny, Project Jan so it's gon be BOUNCY. Listen to this album and see if happiness doesn't shoot out your butt. $14 at the door.If you really don't want to see me but want to hear some jams, Lake Inferior is opening for Boxbomb and House of Fools at Local 506 tonight! This will be their last show in town for a while, and these guys have some great new stuff. Show starts at 9:30.
THEN tomorrow I will be attending Party Gras hosted by my fabulous future roomies Jessi Harris and Austin Monroe (shh, secret event). I got the tunes on lock and of course will be taking pictures to prove how legit this is. It's gon be real.
Well, I have to prepare myself for the evening now because WINSTON, aka the most epic sibling EVER, is coming to throw down. It's been something like 2 weeks since I've seen him, and he's my bfffffff. Look at this kid
Those are glowsticks on his fingers, he is badass. Have a crazy weekend people, and if you ever feel like doing anything illegal, watch this video and learn a valuable lesson!
hahaha.
It STILL goes there!
Damn son, Degrassi is still kickin it.
It's been about 3 or 4 years since my devotion to the Canadian series Degrassi kinda fell away. As I grew up, the drama got pretty pathetic and not remotely believable. I guess there was enough intensity in my own life that I didn't need to see a poorly acted version of it recreated.
But I'm bored, and appArently they're showing it on MTV now (weird. also kindof lame). I'm not too interested in the predictable craziness that occurs (threesomes!? omfg...no), and the fact that there's an entirely new cast is a bit offputting. EXCEPT for the following:
mmm haaaay. I realize that he's 16 or whatever, but he's pretty dreamy. He plays the token 'cute AND smart' guy that has a crush on the geeky, frumpy girl with braces. Bit of a stretch. But I never watched the show for the storyline anyway.
Even though this show totally sucks, it looks great compared to the other mindless bullshit on MTV. Plus, EVeryone on it is sexy. There's a new episode on The N at 8 tonight that I probably won't go out of my way to see (on a Friday? stupid), but I enjoy getting a little glimpse every now and then. Yum.
Not a pedophile, by the way
It's been about 3 or 4 years since my devotion to the Canadian series Degrassi kinda fell away. As I grew up, the drama got pretty pathetic and not remotely believable. I guess there was enough intensity in my own life that I didn't need to see a poorly acted version of it recreated.
But I'm bored, and appArently they're showing it on MTV now (weird. also kindof lame). I'm not too interested in the predictable craziness that occurs (threesomes!? omfg...no), and the fact that there's an entirely new cast is a bit offputting. EXCEPT for the following:
mmm haaaay. I realize that he's 16 or whatever, but he's pretty dreamy. He plays the token 'cute AND smart' guy that has a crush on the geeky, frumpy girl with braces. Bit of a stretch. But I never watched the show for the storyline anyway.
Even though this show totally sucks, it looks great compared to the other mindless bullshit on MTV. Plus, EVeryone on it is sexy. There's a new episode on The N at 8 tonight that I probably won't go out of my way to see (on a Friday? stupid), but I enjoy getting a little glimpse every now and then. Yum.
Not a pedophile, by the way
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Kors Light
Presenting: Designers that usually bore me but whose new collections are pretty interesting, Vol 1.
Michael Kors: I guess I have an aversion to wearable clothing. There's something about Michael Kors' previous collections that hasn't been particularly inspiring...a few oo's and ah's from time to time, but I'd say Kors is known more for classic pieces rather than crazy ones. I like crazy! Which is why I am so, so very attracted to this new NEON thing he has going on. Yeah, I've been getting pretty tired of the Nu Rave look, but I would definitely rock this fuzzy yellow ensemble. Any day. Congrats Kors on acheiving what shall now be known as 'conservative crazy'
Photo: Britt Aboutaleb of Fashionista
Sex and the Sequel?!
It's been a while since Michael Patrick King and Sarah Jessica Parker started 'talking' about a sequel for 2008's Sex and the City Movie. For a while it was speculation whether or not it would actually occur, but recently all four of my favorite women agreed to star in SatC2, and make my life complete.
I just can't stop thinking about what else could possibly happen to these girls that hasn't already, in some form. Apparently Candace Bushnell is currently writing a prequel to the book that spawned the series, taking readers through Carrie Bradshaw's college years. If they could somehow incorporate that into the film, I would love love love to see what Pat Field does with the wardrobe. I can see it now...minus those Candie's Stanford told us all about in episode 62. Yikes.
Unfortunately we probably won't be getting any more Sex until 2011, so I guess I'll just have to re-watch my favorite moments until then.
I can't wait!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It's News to Me...
Blog Assignment 2
It's hard to find credible sources of information these days. The unabashed bias of major media companies is impossible to ignore. Any average joe can start a blog and call it 'news' (I mean, I'm doing it). So, like many Americans, I get my world updates from entertaining sources with biases I can trust.
1. Current TV.
If you have digital cable or satellite, venture up into the 100's and you'll see a brilliant, progressive channel called Current, whose major objective is to bring news to the people, from the people (albeit people under 30, in most cases). It's like YouTube without all the crap! The people at Current will accept viewer-created videos on major news or human interest pieces and put them on their website for review. The most popular stories make it on TV. I love this station because the videos are usually under 10 minutes each, with very few commercials (many of which are also viewer-created). You'd be surprised what people our age find important, and at how much you can learn sitting on your couch for an hour. Go to Current.com to check it out!
2. The Daily Show/Colbert Report
I started watching The Daily Show in 7th grade when Bush's failures as a politician got bad enough for a 12-year-old to understand. I kept watching because the material got better and better as the administration worsened. And if I was going to hear biased news (because there's really no other kind at this point) I wanted to hear MY bias, and I wanted it to be funny. Of course, over time I formed a place in my heart for then-Daily Show correspondent Stephen Colbert's pseudo-conservative satire. Once he got a spinoff show, I gladly dedicated an hour of each night to Comedy Central. Obama lovers, don't dispair. I, too, was nervous they'd start poking fun at our leader now that Bush is out of office. As it turns out, there's still quite a bit of left-wing material.
3. Twitter
With Facebook's versatility and universal popularity, it might seem kind of lame to join yet another social network dedicated to one-line blurbs that are, essentially, Facebook statuses. When I made my account, it seemed a bit useless because no one I knew had one. But I started checking it almost hourly when I realized I could follow major credible media like the New York Times. With Twitter I can get immediate one-line updates with links from my favorite news sources, companies, and even famous people. It's like if your Facebook News Feed showed updates from all your favorite websites! Once you start making Tweets, it's hard to stop.
4. And of course, blogs! (but only the trustworthy ones, like Perezhilton.com!!)
It's hard to find credible sources of information these days. The unabashed bias of major media companies is impossible to ignore. Any average joe can start a blog and call it 'news' (I mean, I'm doing it). So, like many Americans, I get my world updates from entertaining sources with biases I can trust.
1. Current TV.
If you have digital cable or satellite, venture up into the 100's and you'll see a brilliant, progressive channel called Current, whose major objective is to bring news to the people, from the people (albeit people under 30, in most cases). It's like YouTube without all the crap! The people at Current will accept viewer-created videos on major news or human interest pieces and put them on their website for review. The most popular stories make it on TV. I love this station because the videos are usually under 10 minutes each, with very few commercials (many of which are also viewer-created). You'd be surprised what people our age find important, and at how much you can learn sitting on your couch for an hour. Go to Current.com to check it out!
2. The Daily Show/Colbert Report
I started watching The Daily Show in 7th grade when Bush's failures as a politician got bad enough for a 12-year-old to understand. I kept watching because the material got better and better as the administration worsened. And if I was going to hear biased news (because there's really no other kind at this point) I wanted to hear MY bias, and I wanted it to be funny. Of course, over time I formed a place in my heart for then-Daily Show correspondent Stephen Colbert's pseudo-conservative satire. Once he got a spinoff show, I gladly dedicated an hour of each night to Comedy Central. Obama lovers, don't dispair. I, too, was nervous they'd start poking fun at our leader now that Bush is out of office. As it turns out, there's still quite a bit of left-wing material.
3. Twitter
With Facebook's versatility and universal popularity, it might seem kind of lame to join yet another social network dedicated to one-line blurbs that are, essentially, Facebook statuses. When I made my account, it seemed a bit useless because no one I knew had one. But I started checking it almost hourly when I realized I could follow major credible media like the New York Times. With Twitter I can get immediate one-line updates with links from my favorite news sources, companies, and even famous people. It's like if your Facebook News Feed showed updates from all your favorite websites! Once you start making Tweets, it's hard to stop.
4. And of course, blogs! (but only the trustworthy ones, like Perezhilton.com!!)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Valentunes
Okay, my friggen roommate, miss Sarah Lynne, just came home with a handful of something like 8 Valentine's Day cards to send to all her loved ones. This is her idea of a nice gesture. It's my idea of, well, I couldn't even tell you because the thought never occurred to me. I don't remember the last time I licked a stamp (!) and actually utilized that nearly outdated thing our taxes pay for. But to Sarah this is just common courtesy. It's too bad I live with her, because this is what you get if you don't:"Dear Jessica, here's 10 bucks. Go to the bar and find you a random tonight. Love, Sarah"
She dotted all her i's with hearts, you guys. She's. Not. Kidding.
Since I don't have the patience for archaic forms of communication, I did something a wee bit different.
Sometime last week I realized I wasn't going to have a Valentine this time around (it's been a slow school year) but immediately decided there was nothing wrong with that, and there's no reason why I shouldn't still celebrate. Take that, couples! Love is a nice thing, and though I'm not participating at the moment I like to enjoy the concept from time to time. In, you know, a nonpathetic way.
Long story short, I made a playlist of all my favorite songs about love (the good kind) and decided to share it with everyone. Some are classic, some you may not know, some you may know but ignore because they're overplayed and cliche. Basically it's just every mix cd I've ever made for a dude all rolled into one big lovefest. I'm happy enough on my own that I can actually enjoy this sappy crap from a nice perspective, and hey, you should too. Also maybe some of these will help you get laid.
BloGaRiFic
Gah! With the absurdly nice weather and unacceptable amounts of homework (srsly?) that I've been experiencing lately, I kinda fell short in the blog-development department. But it's cloudy out and I have nothing to do so you can expect a few posts today.
New in Awesometown:
RCRDLBL.com has posted a free download of Shine Shine by Boys Noize, the Shadow Dancer remix!!>!@)$( If you care about your ears at all, it would behoove you to check it out.
God I love Germans.
Speaking of which, I'm trying to decide whether I should go on a Montreal road trip with Greg over spring break, or go to LA to see the infamous Janice Cooper. Either way, I have free lodging in a place I've never been. But I'm trying to gauge the potential epicness of each situation. And this is swaying me a bit...
I know I can't just trek across the country every time there's a show I want to see but...wait, yes I can. Let me know what you think and if you want to come along.
Important note: I had Sleep on Needles by Sondre Lerche playing when I opened the HARD festival page, and just made one of the most perfect accidental mashups of my life.
thank you and goodnight.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Bonnaroo vs. Coachella: BATTLE ROYALE
On the subject of indecision, it's that time of year again...summer festival SHAKEDOWN
So I've done the Roo thing for 3 years now, and honestly it keeps getting better. BUT Coachella moved dates this time around so they don't conflict with my exam schedule (aw, thanks guys) and I feel obligated to participate. I guess they're far enough apart that I could do both. Hypothetically. Like if I wasn't broke. And that whole 'getting a job' thing is a lot harder than it sounds. Apparently I can't just get paid to sit on my couch writing about stuff.
...yet.
anyway
have you SEEN the Coachella lineup? It pretty much ousts every band Bonnaroo has in store. Whatever Roo has, they have, and then some. Unless you like jam bands. or Snoop Dogg. But there's something about not having to cross the country that makes me want to stick with tradition. Plus I have a thing for camping. And mud.
still
I need Surkin. and the Bloody Beetroots. I need Fleet Foxes and Beirut and the CURE.
I need. Help.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ben there done that
Question: has anyone listened to Ben Kweller in the last 4 years? I noticed him on the Cat's Cradle schedule amongst the many bands I'm actually excited about, and I have to say...underwhelming. I haven't been keeping up with the guy since his self-titled snoozefest dropped in 2006. Who knows, maybe his new material is amazing...but can anything really be good after ShaSha? Is it even worth googling? Eh, maybe I'll go just to relive memories of being 15...oh, the days.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Chambers of Secrets
(blog assignment 1)
A shameless admission: I am a self-diagnosed media addict, and left untreated for a number of years I now suffer from chronic procrastination attention deficit day-dreamer syndrome, or PADDDS*. A childhood of hiding Vanity Fair behind Amelia Bedelia led to what is now the repressed memory of my mother confiscating my overgrown Rolling Stone collection, screaming "DON'T DO THIS TO YOURSELF!"
And an aspiring journalist was born. It seemed like the most productive way to put my passion to use. Of course, then I got a Facebook. and a Myspace. and three or four blogs, thus absorbing the better part of a valuable adolescence not with crucial academia, but with Meggie Hanchette's status updates and reviews of the new Radiohead album--while painfully hunched over a laptop.
Just as I was about to check myself into media rehab and confirm my chiropractor appointment,
college professor and media connoisseur Brett Chambers imparted some of his wisdom upon my journalism class:
"Facebook encourages ADD"--at first I thought, wait what'd he say? oo look at that bird! But as I continued to digest his advice to the budding pioneers of new media, I realized my condition was common and curable. It was Nicholas Carr's article "Is Google Making Us Stupid" (which I just googled), that first enlightened me of the internet's potentially negative effects. Until now, however, I was unaware of any effective remedy. According to Professor Chambers, who manages to stay well-informed but not all-consumed by the internet, what it really comes down to is good, old fashioned will power:
1. "Success is built on persistence and determination."
2. "Do what you have to do first--then what you want to do."
3. "But above all, fulfill your own dreams"
I left this discussion with a new found motivation. My attention deficit had been offered a stimulus package! With these tools, I could learn to harness a passion and mold it into a career. Having untangled myself from the world wide web long enough to envision a productive future, I had stepped into the reality of potential success.
To all who suffer from PADDDS: with the advice of Professor Chambers, there is hope for us yet.
*entirely made up
A shameless admission: I am a self-diagnosed media addict, and left untreated for a number of years I now suffer from chronic procrastination attention deficit day-dreamer syndrome, or PADDDS*. A childhood of hiding Vanity Fair behind Amelia Bedelia led to what is now the repressed memory of my mother confiscating my overgrown Rolling Stone collection, screaming "DON'T DO THIS TO YOURSELF!"
And an aspiring journalist was born. It seemed like the most productive way to put my passion to use. Of course, then I got a Facebook. and a Myspace. and three or four blogs, thus absorbing the better part of a valuable adolescence not with crucial academia, but with Meggie Hanchette's status updates and reviews of the new Radiohead album--while painfully hunched over a laptop.
Just as I was about to check myself into media rehab and confirm my chiropractor appointment,
college professor and media connoisseur Brett Chambers imparted some of his wisdom upon my journalism class:
"Facebook encourages ADD"--at first I thought, wait what'd he say? oo look at that bird! But as I continued to digest his advice to the budding pioneers of new media, I realized my condition was common and curable. It was Nicholas Carr's article "Is Google Making Us Stupid" (which I just googled), that first enlightened me of the internet's potentially negative effects. Until now, however, I was unaware of any effective remedy. According to Professor Chambers, who manages to stay well-informed but not all-consumed by the internet, what it really comes down to is good, old fashioned will power:
1. "Success is built on persistence and determination."
2. "Do what you have to do first--then what you want to do."
3. "But above all, fulfill your own dreams"
I left this discussion with a new found motivation. My attention deficit had been offered a stimulus package! With these tools, I could learn to harness a passion and mold it into a career. Having untangled myself from the world wide web long enough to envision a productive future, I had stepped into the reality of potential success.
To all who suffer from PADDDS: with the advice of Professor Chambers, there is hope for us yet.
*entirely made up
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