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1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 11,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> With everyone making top ten lists, it should be interesting to see how our opinions stack up with those of everyone else. Take a look at this urlLink Year in Review for a compilation of best-of lists covering just about any subject. Who knows? Maybe I Love Guinea Pigs is on the New York Time's Best Nonfiction Books of 2003. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 09,December,2003 | I see a trend of year-end top 10s of this year, so I am going with the flow and creating my 'book of the week', hopefully day, but we shall see how busy I am pretending to be at work (actually, I am quite busy these days, so I have shed my wolf costume!). As you may know, I am a children's literacy coordinator, so I will be reporting on children's books. perhaps this will only provide immediate assistance to Jenny, but the rest of you can refer to this when you have your own bundle of joy (to babysit, raise, whatever). Week/day one: I Love Guinea Pigs by Dick King-Smith (hee hee Dick King) and illustrated by Anita Jeram I find this book especially poignant since, while in New Zealand, Brett and I were doing what we do best one night: sitting around with a doobie chatting about nonsense while Jenny and John hid from us. Now you might know the silliness that comes from these kinds of conversations, but this is classic. we are talking about guinea pigs and I suggested that somewhere, there is a wild guinea pig. The Good Lord did not just create the guinea pig in an aquarium lined with wood chips and an annoyingly loud water bottle, no, there are wild guinea pigs. Can you imagine hiking along and hearing the rustling of bushes by your feet and out runs a wild guinea pig? So we had many a laugh and were sharing our joy with Jenny and John the next day at dinner. The icing on the cake was Jenny getting all serious and saying, 'Well yes, there are wild guinea pigs. I had to write a report for Joyce and John Tarbox about guinea pigs before I could own one.' Ah, the Tarbox family.... At a recent book sale, I spotted 'I Love Guinea Pigs' and had to buy it. In case you were wondering, there are wild guinea pigs. They were first introduced to North America by Spanish sailors about 400 years ago. Their origin was from a country in South America called Dutch Auiana, hence 'Guiana Pigs.' Also, guinea pigs do not have tails and are not actually pigs. some other interesting guinea pigs facts: • The latin name for guinea pig is cavia porcellus (it means piggy-looking cavy) • Guinea pigs enjoy a variety in their diet, so include cabbage, carrots, apples, and clover as well as pellets • If you 'handle them regularly, and carry them around, stroke them, talk to them....they bcome really fond of you' • Some things a guinea pig might say: 'putt', 'chut', 'tweet', and 'drr' • Baby guinea pigs are born fully furred, eyes open, and with teeth! If you would like to find out more, read 'I Love Guinea Pigs.' It includes little references about guinea pigs previously owned by the author. His two favorites were King Arthur and Beach Boy, both Abyssinians. Touching stories, I tell you. You should already own this book! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 09,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> As the year draws to a close I too must inventory the media that I've come in contact with this year. Instead of music though, ive decided to list my top books and magazines of the year. As the title of this post might suggest, I actually haven't finished hardly any of these books. I have serious ADD when it comes to reading, which probably explains my love of magazines. I will go to a bookstore and literally read like 10 magazines in the course of a few hours. At any rate hardly any (if any) of these selection were published in 2003, but this post is about me, and what I liked this year so without further adieu, here are my top publications of 2003. Nylon is probably the best girl magazine ive come across. I have had subscriptions to all the usual suspects: Cosmo, Instyle, Glamour, Lucky, you name it. When they come it probably takes me 15 minutes to thumb through the somewhat cute clothes and past the obligatory articles about women in foreign countries that don't have the luxury of reading vapid magazines like these, an article about someone getting raped, killed, kidnapped, or often all three. Then since im really in a sexy mood there are plenty of articles about how to please, keep, or get a man. Pleasing a man isn't rocket sciene Cosmo. Pleasing a women on the other hand, might be like string theory or something. The purpose of this rant is to explain that Nylon is NONE of these things. Its also not like BUST, Ms or any of the other more lesbian leaning alternative girl mags. Nylon is sweet. The Culture of Fear which is subtitled 'Why Americans are Afraid of the Wrong Things: Crime, Drugs, Minorities, Teen Moms, Killer Kids, Mutant Microbes, Plane Crashes, Road Rage & so much more) was actually published in 1999. Quite a while before Sept 11. This book appealed the hypochondriac in me. Hey, I have a vivid imagination and way too much energy with no where to go but with wandering thoughts. The sociologist that wrote this book claims that most americans are burdeoned with overblown fears. *whew* I think basically he thinks its 'the man' for lack of a better phrase who is behind it all. Americans are so fucked. Wish I was european. Easier said than done. Done. This book made me European. Ok, just kidding, but The Power of Now is supposed to aid in the quest toward enlightenment and quietness within the mind. What? I couldn't hear that with all the worries talking over each other. To summarize the inside jacket cover: 'We are not our mind.' ' ...can be used to bring us into the Now, the present moment, where problems do not exist. It is here we find our joy and are able to ebrace our true selves. It is here we discover that we are already complete and perfect. ' Everyone in john's family has read this book including john, who told me it really changed his life. To me, he is like the little buddha...so much more enlightened than me. But i suppose that's not a very buddhist way to look at it anyways. Either way, I need to read this book. Im on page 23 and I do like it quite a bit. I can see how with practice I will learn to quiet my mind. New Agey skeptics: suck it up. this book is the straight dope. CMYK Magazine is a bi monthly showcase of student talent in Advertising, Design, Photography and Illustration. It's available at all major bookstores. All the interns send stuff to them and some have gotten in. Hopefully you'll see me in there soon. I always freak when it comes out. The advertising portion is a bit lackluster, but im jealous too so im biased. The photography is AMAZING I can just lump all of these trashy novels as one pick. These books are the justin timberlake of literature. Never admit it. Yes, I'm admitting it right now, but that's ok, its just the internet. Jaqueline Susann is as 60's as it gets. Valley of the Dolls is her most famous but the others are equally sinful. She writes a pretty hard to put down novel for the beach, plane ride, christmas vacation...basically anywhere no one you know will see you. Get these books. Or don't ;) I have to regain your respect. I DO read the Economist. And I LOVE it. I got a subscription to this magazine for christmas last year and wish I was continuing it, but its really $$$ and I probably only read half of them. A weekly publication thats as dense as the Economist can be a bit daunting. This is a great thing to pick up when youre flying or something and need to catch up on what's going on in the world, without the rose colored lenses of FOX-network like trash such as TIME, Newsweek and US NEWS and World Report. The Economist has a decidedly british slant, but a liberal one, so you can be sure tony blair gets his, just like george bush does. There are stories you would NEVER hear about anywhere else. I always feel smarter when I finish this mag. 'MAN BITES TOWN' is a collection of essays Harry Shearer wrote for the LA Times. He is so fucking awesome. I ordered this book on amazon used because it is out of print. I dont even have it yet and im putting on the list. Im THAT sure of it. Whenever I listen to his show on KCRW Santa Monica (brilliantly titled 'Le Show') I always say the same thing. 'When I grow up, I want to be a satirist.' FADER is my new favorite music magazine. They had an amazing outkast article that really gave me an insight into the dichotomy that is their brand of coolness. I dont know if its a british mag or not...either way its packed full of articles about bands you'd care about, and find out about new ones too. The covers are always really awesome. I judge books by their covers. I'm guessing by now everyone has read this book. But if you haven't you really should immediately. Everyone I know has had the same laughing out loud reaction to this book that I had. In a world as cynical as this (or maybe its just me.....) how many things make you laugh out loud, aside of thinking of funny things at inappropriate moments. This book makes me want to be a writer. Imagine flooding the Grand Canyon so we can all have more power. That was exactly what the Glen Canyon Dam did in the 60's. The Monkey Wrench Gang is one of the best books ive read in a long time. In the west the auther Edward Abbey holds almost mythical status. His book has inspired a lot of criticism from environmental groups like the Sierra Club for being too radical. After Sept 11, they yanked a kid off the plane for having this book in his bag. It was on 'THE LIST.' Pretty scary. John grew up in the west as did his parents. They all remember when the west was a lot less developed, and a lot more beautiful. When the government decided to flood Glen Canyon to make a dam to power LA, Vegas and Phoenix they killed an entire ecosystem. And people in the west were fucking pissed for lack of a better way to say it. The characters in the book fight back the machines by sabotaging them. The book is fictional but the characters are based on real people the events are a bit more grandiose than the real ones. My friend grew up in Utah (where this dam is) and his mother was a librarian and would not allow him to read the book because she knew he would go out and mimic the characters. Talk about civil disobedience. This book made me feel like individuals CAN make a difference in society. How cool. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 08,December,2003 | This picture could have been me this past Sunday afternoon. Boston had a crazy 'noreaster' (if I hear that cheesy word one more time I'm going to call in and complain to all of the news stations!) this past weekend, and being the intelligent kids we are, both Jon and I had our cars in the city Friday night when the storm started. Hey, we wanted to go out, and a little snow wasn't going to hold us back. Weatherfolk always exaggerate anyway, right? Not this time. Saturday morning rolls around and lucky for us Hornet (aka Dancing Brian...smiles from Jennie...I saw his dance troupe Sat. night! The BDE!) had an SUV and was able to take us home. We came back on Sunday armed with shovels when the snow finally let up to unearth our cars...I actually thought the wrong car was mine, initially. It took over an hour to get them out. Goodtimes, I tell you. Everyone walking along the street (and there were plenty of them, heading to the grocery store or trolling *thank you Tish* about on snowshoes or cross-country skis) feels compelled to dispense advice on the best way to get the cars out. I say, if you have a better way to do it, grab the shovel and demonstrate! The point of this story is, snow is fun but shoveling is not. Also, I have strong arms from all that shoveling so don't mess with me. Mmmm hmm. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 08,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> So as the end of the year approaches, I thought I'd be like everyone else and post my top 10 albums of the year. While I try to expose myself to as much music as possible, this list isn't very diverse because I don't buy CD's very often. So pretty much everyone on this list is a white guy or a group of white guys, so obviously this is by no means a difinitive list of what's good in 2003. I mean, can you take someone who doesn't even have the new Outkast CD yet seriously? Yeah, I didn't think so. Anyway, here they are. Not the best of the best, but some damn good music anyway. 10. The Long Winters- When I Pretend to Fall. I went to a show at the Patio a Death Cab for Cutie fan and left a Long Winters fan. Singer John Roderick has a great raspy, yet melodic voice and looks a little like Philip Seymour Hoffman to boot. Seeing this band live really put them over the top for me. They were musically tight, energetic and very funny. This is indie rock that is definitely post-emo. A few people around me were even smiling. Members of this supergroup come from other bands including Harvey Danger, Built to Spill, the Posies, Sunny Day Real Estate and even Death Cab for Cutie. Song highlights include 'Scared Straight' and 'Scent of Lime' from their 2002 release The Worst You Can Do is Harm. 9. Death Cab for Cutie- Transatlanticism. 2003 has been a big year for Ben Gibbard, but his songs have remained grounded in his typical relationship-turned-sour muck as always. Unlike Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessional, however, Gibbard makes his brand of break-up music appealing with intelligent lyrics and really lovely melodies. So far, his talent and soft delivery have kept the sing-along TRL set away from Death Cab, but I can hear MTV salivating after this Buzzworthy 'new' band. I wonder which song will be the new 'Screaming Infidelities?' My vote is on the upbeat-with-handclaps 'The Sound of Settling' or 'The New Year.' Ugh. I can hear squeaky-teenage boys' voices cracking already on the new 'DCFC Unplugged.' 8. Pernice Brothers- Yours Mine & Ours. This is a gorgeous album, and like the two previous bands listed, I also saw the Pernice Brothers and was highly impressed by their live performance. Joe Pernice's voice is a ringer for Elvis Costello's, and the group's songs have a similar yearning quality. At the same time, however, the Pernice Brothers have a distinctive sound that is incredibly beautiful and smooth. It's the sound someone's voice makes as it catches then breaks and they begin to cry. But with less drama. The music immediately soothes the voice and there is nothing left to do but listen. Song picks: 'Blinded by the Stars' and 'Judy.' Also try 'Overcome by Happiness' from the 1998 album of the same name or anything from 2001's The World Won't End. 7. Sea & Cake- One Bedroom. Sam Prekop whispers, but the layers of lush music from Sea & Cake come together to create a mighty but subtle force. Each song is complex and doesn't rely on the common verse, chorus, verse of many pop songs. A force of nature, this album washes over you like a wave or gust of wind. The band uses organic instruments, but an electronic feel permeates this and the group's other albums. One Bedroom is a rare example of a work so unique it has the potential to appeal to a wide array of listeners. Check out 'Shoulder Length' or 'Le Baron' or their cover of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision.' My favorite song is 'The Transaction' from 1995's The Biz. 6. Royksopp- Melody A.M/Sparks #2. This is a little iffy I know because Melody A.M. came out in late 2002. Sparks #2, which consists of the great singles 'Sparks' and 'Remind Me' from Melody A.M., is all 2003, so I'm counting it. Royksopp is made up of a Norwegian duo who likes their electronica chilled and mellow. They've collaborated with another favorite of mine, Kings of Convenience, who are so mellow it's almost easy listening (easier said than done, of course). Royksopp adds a much-needed jolt of iced-cappuccino to their dreamy voices. It's a great match. If you like Groove Armada or Air, Royksopp should do it for you. It makes decent lovin' music too. Try 'Remind Me,' 'In Space,' or '40 Years Back/Come.' 5. Radiohead- Hail to the Thief. Perennial Alison favorites Radiohead of course had to make the list, rounding out the top 5. I've loved them for years, but this summer I had the luck of seeing them twice, and both shows were great. Usually Morose, Thom Yorke hurled and jerked himself around the stage like a cat toy, and I like to think the newfound energy is due to his excitement over an album well done. Though not as conventionally accessible as The Bends, Hail to the Thief, comes closer to traditional rock than Kid A and Amnesiac. Each Radiohead album can stand alone as a great work, but collectively, they betray an immensely innovative band that isn't afraid to change their successful sound with each new endeavor, and that takes courage. Hail to the Thief is another Radiohead homerun. I personally love 'Punchup at A Wedding' and 'Scatterbrain.' 4. Postal Service- Give Up. I loved this album the second I heard it. Ben Gibbard high on Pixie Sticks and finally cheerful while Dntel's Jimmy Tamborello gleefully plays Nintendo in the background. This CD stayed in my car all summer. But fall did come and I realized the lyrics really do sound like they were written by a 14-year-old on a sugar high and a geek with a Casio, and out it came. I still love it, though. It's great because it's novel and it marks a very important time in indie rock. People laughed again and took off their grimy cardigans and realized, to steal the words of the brilliant people at the Hoosier Lottery (don't get me started on how much slogans suck these days), FUN IS GOOD. You're not cool in the first place, so quit trying so damn hard and, as the album title says, give up. Listen to 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight' and try some Pop Rocks. With Coke. 3. The Notwist- Neon Golden. Though I just discovered them a few months ago, The Notwist have been around for more than 10 years and have recorded quite a few albums. The band started out as a hardcore punk group, but have since move to more 80's-influenced electronic pop with an indie twist. In a way I can't put my finger on, The Notwist reminds me of New Order and Depeche Mode. The electronic elements are tight and not at all dreamy (it kind of makes sense that they're from Munich) but they're not afraid to innovate with other musical genres. This works especially well in 'Trashing Days,' which begins with simple folk guitar. Other standouts include 'One Step Inside Doesn't Mean You Understand' and 'Consequence.' 2. Wrens- The Meadowlands. I just received this album about two weeks ago, so I don't know a lot about the Wrens, but, like The Notwist, they have been around for a spell. This is their first album seven years, and it has an incredibly intimate feel. The songs, which convey a feeling of heartbreak and sheer exhaustion, sound so personal it's like they were always there in the American consciousness, waiting to be put down on paper and played. In that sense, they sound completely fresh but familiar at the same time. The music is pretty straightforward alternative rock, but it shifts gears often in a way that isn't disruptive or jolting. This is best listened to as a whole. 1. Broken Social Scene- You Forgot It In People. Again, another band I saw live before really getting to know. This amazing 11-member outfit comes from Canada and sounds like nothing I've ever heard before yet is a mash-up of all the music I've ever loved. There's even a girl in this band! Experiencing them play was like watching a bunch of people go round and round in a revolving door. Each new song offers a new lead singer and more and more band members wander up to the stage to play some trumpet or trade drums for guitar. The most fascinating thing, though, is the collective of talent that is evident on the album. That these diverse personalities can play and create in such a large dynamic is impressive. They tend to favor slow buildups that end in crashing crescendos involving the whole band mixed with quieter songs that showcase individual skills. It works incredibly well; you need to listen to the whole album to get a real feel for Broken Social Scene. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 08,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Marilyn, the division administrative assistant at my office made these awesome little holiday mice for us today. Aww. My boss was like, 'Alison, did you make those mice oreos?' I wish I could have taken credit, but I had to be all, 'Sheah right. There's no way in hell I made those delectable little rodents.' I guess there's a reason why everyone on my floor calls her mom. Go Marilyn! P.S. To all you fellow former Ceder Creek dwellers, Marily really IS Tray/Tracy's mom! This is my very own mousie kickin it on my desk: |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 05,December,2003 | At urlLink Grossface , you can choose a topic, make a video about it and send it in to the site. The administrators will make their own movie about the same topic, then viewers vote to decide which one is funnier. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 04,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> The term 'jumping the shark' originated during the demise of Happy Days when the Fonze impressed the Cunninghams, Joanie, Chachi and just about everyone but television audiences by literally jumping over a shark while wearing waterskis. Today the term is shorthand for the moment when a sitcom, trend or just about anything passes from the 'Hot' column into the 'Not' side of things. It's such a pervasive term, (some could argue that the term jumping the shark may have just done that) that there's a urlLink website that chronicles the climax and inevitable downfall of countless television shows. There's even a mock of it on That 70's Show. I looked through the episode guide, but I couldn't find it. Any suggestions? What's so extra great about this site is that it has a section titled 'A Very Special...' and of course it includes a very special Blossom. Ahh, so many of those episodes were so special it was kind of creepy, but I did love the one where Blossom *ahem* becomes a woman and Clair Huxtable guests as Blossom's mother (how a Jewish girl ended up with a black mom has always confused me, though) and draws female anatomy on a big cake with frosting. Even my mom, Cheryl, couldn't make feminine hygene that touching. I didn't check urlLink this site out because I didn't wanna, but it claims to have shots of Mayim Bialik (I'm giving myself bonus points because I spelled her name right the first time I typed it into Google) topless. You can see Blossom as a REAL woman now, I guess. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 04,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> this treasure can be yours! I have a weird obsession with the word and the clothing item: vest. I am not sure why, but they are hilarious. Case in point, if anyone saw Will and Grace last night, a great portion of the show revolved around Will's vest-wearing and the simple use of the word vest. I found it to be priceless, especially since the vest looked to be a velvet paisley kind of garment. Apparently, if you also love the vest, there are many fashion options for you, with a special bonus for those with pets. Check out this to die for fashion opportunity from this people who want to dress like their dogs web page: Get a colorful vest! Jealous of your dog having a better wardrobe than you? Or, do you just like their outfits better and want to match? Love the idea of family pictures! This is the perfect way for you to make that happen... a fleece or fur vest just for you! Stay warm and in style yourself! (Plus, if you want to match your dog as you walk down the street, or have a family picture taken, everyone can be coordinated). I also have to say that the vest can also suffer from serious persecution. Take for instance, the way 'denim vest' was portrayed on Seinfeld. Very unflattering! It takes balls to wear the vest people, ease up! See this weird site of urlLink Seinclothes , in which apparel plays an integral role in the episode. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 04,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> After a Thanksgivng-induced hiatus last week, I know you're just dying to know urlLink which Full House character you are . Sweet. I'm Joey. I got with Alanis Morisette and she wrote a nasty, bitter song about it. At least we got freaky in a movie theatre. Learn more about urlLink Dave Coulier . Heh, the website is cutitout.net. What a loser. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 04,December,2003 | Putnam Goes Ape For Service Animals Don't be surprised to see monkeys in local supermarkets in Putnam County reaching for things off the shelves and giving them people in wheelchairs. The Putnam Legislature last night went on record supporting a section of the Americans with Disabilities Act, that says service animals must be allowed in all commercial establishments. Most people are familiar with seeing eye dogs for the blind. But some people in wheelchairs use monkeys, that are trained to fetch things from shelves in stores. Putnam Legislator Sam Oliverio doesn't know of any disabled person in Putnam having a service monkey. But he wants the county's laws to be ready in case someone goes into a store with a monkey. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 03,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I am perhaps the most boring person in the world right now. If you would call me on the phone, I would have absolutely nothing to say. It's true..I's happened several times already this week. Anyway, I really love learning about shit from the days of yore, and I have spent the past few days trying to find 1890's newspaper advertisements about tea and women's culture for a paper. I came across the coolest source, an online archive of Harper's Weekly, an old society-driven newspaper now turned magazine, with some great stuff. Also, for anyone that likes to drink tea, I highly recommend black ceylon tea flavored with rose. I purchased some from an international market, and it is my new favorite beverage. My box of tea is from Sri Lanka, and I'm not sure if the rose flavor is done often in American-produced teas. I also learned that putting a cinnamon stick in a cup of tea is a nice alternative to using sugar. Ok, I'll stop being 90 years old now. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 02,December,2003 | my latest project at work, besides actually working, is to find this photography book on one of my most favorite photographers, francesca woodman. i have wanted this book for about five years now, never had the money to buy it when i was thinking about it, and have recently been salivating over it online, since it is so rare that most bookstores do not carry it. what is so frustrating about this is this book is now out of print and it was just released in 1999 or something. so now the price has gone from $45 new to $300 used and my mission is to find that one bookseller that has not yet received the memo and scam them! what is so wonderful about this photographer is that her career was so short lived and tragic, but she created a body of work comparable to cindy sherman and nan goldin in about four years. two articles about her, one in the urlLink village voice and another that somewhat compares her to urlLink sylvia plath (and shannon perks up!), are worth a read. maybe i am biased, but i admire how perplexing, yet beautiful her work is and i actually referenced it when creating one of my projects that included self portraiture. so if you find this book for less that $300, you have made an investment! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 02,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> It's The Simple Life urlLink drinking game ! This one's for sure the best: 'Each time Nicole Richie dons a long plastic sleeve and inserts her arm up to the shoulder into the birth canal of a farm animal, take three (3) drinks, high five the closest member of your viewing party, and loudly ask, 'Who's dancing on the ceiling now, penny lover?' Sadly enough, I was in class last night and missed the much anticipated premiere episode of The Simple Life. I'm sure all the cool kids are blogging about it, so I had to join in. In case you live under a rock or are in grad school, this is the show where camara crews follow celebutauntes Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie around an Arkansas farm and document the two coltishly trotting around in couture and stilettos and asking townsfolk if Wal-Mart sells walls. You know, between Paris and Jessica Simpson, I feel like a damn rocket scientist. Already FOX smells a hit, a la Joe Millionaire and is planning on a urlLink sequel . |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 02,December,2003 | Last night, on a very frosty and windy Tuesday in Boston, Jon and I had dinner in the North End, the coolest part of Boston. It's the Italian 'hood and a very snazzy place to go. As soon as you drive in, you smell lots of garlicy goodness...there are probably more Italian restaurants in those 5 or so blocks than there are in all of Italy. It's off the hizzle fo shizzle. Anyway I love love love it (even though it was a pretty quiet night and we still had to park far away, pay $9 for it, and freeze our asses off on the walk) and I wish I were heading to Italy SOON. I need to get myself a piggy bank and start saving up. On another note, when people tell you the traffic out here sucks, they aren't kidding or exaggerating. Yesterday was one of the worst traffic days in Boston's history...luckily for me, I drive in the opposite direction of everybody else (west away from Boston instead of east into it) and I didn't have to deal with it. What would be a 20 minute commute for Jon if there weren't any traffic was 2 1/2 hours yesterday. Nuts. Hopefully the Big Dig will be finished in this decade. And that's the way the cookie crumbles. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 02,December,2003 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> This holiday season, I have been buying a few Christmas presents for my family online. I'd have to say it all started a few weeks ago when I won my very first ebay auction. I bid on a 1960's reprint of a French Lolita poster, and I just received it in the mail this weekend. I was so jazzed about the outcome, I did some Christmas shopping yesterday, getting my dad, stepmom and aunt gifts from various online outposts. It was so fun, I got on urlLink Amazon to look for a DVD for my roommate. I thought it would be an in and out job, but they tempted me with this whole 'spend $12.00 and get free shipping' song and dance. I fell and I fell hard. I should be getting a powder blue velvet minskirt any day now. I also created my very own wishlist and sent it to my mom. What the hell? You want to know the kicker, though? Since the skirt isn't the same as the DVD, I don't even get the shipping off. I could have taken that damn skirt out of my 'cart' but I had so much surfing time invested, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Besides it was on sale. Not wanting to leave the site, I innocently clicked on this 'Gold Box' shiny icon. Now here's the REAL crack! It's like a game show. You can only buy one item per day and they're supposedly heavily discounted. The site shows them to you one by one, and if you reject the item, it's gone forever. This bullshit had me honestly contemplating purchasing a deep fryer for a turkey for only $98.76 or my own home microbrew system for a mere $166.12. I had to leave, but I kinda want to go back just for the vouyerism. It's like seeing the prize packages on The Price is Right. I know I'll eventually stop lurking and start buying, though. Help. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 02,December,2003 | this is for all of you english lovers out there and i KNOW you exist! urlLink plain english is classic, let me tell you. they are all about ensuring that the english stays plain and simple and, you know what, so am i....and what's better is this is serious business. the whole organisation was founded b/c of these two older lasses that died b/c they could not understand their housing laws! so this really is a life and death situation. personally, i am all about it b/c damnit, if you are going to say something, then say it looooud (say it loud).....say it clearrrrrr (ah, say it clear). so enjoy. this is an english (as in the country) site, so of course they poke fun at us yankees. personally, i feel they should, especially when arnold swartzenegger says 'i believe gay marriage is something to be shared between a man and a woman'. did they not address gay issues in 'total recall' or 'twins'? p.s. this is a blogging first for jennie.....i have made a link! hats off to alison for adjusting my blogs up until now, but finally i figured it out! gold star for me :) urlLink |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 02,December,2003 | I have nothing to blog about at this moment, other than I am really tired, stressed out because my semester ends next week and guess what? I'm a procrastinator! So, somebody, blog for us! I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and I guess one item of interest is that I ate Thanksgiving dinner 4 times over the break. Anyone top that? &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 30,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Since I'm lazy today...well pretty much all week I haven't been posting, I'm going to go with a nice n' easy Friday 5 this week. Also, sorry I didn't post the quiz this Tuesday either; I'll try to get one up post haste. Ok for this week, let's go with this: Top 5 Skeevy and Sleazy People in the Public Eye 5. Jessica Simpson's dad (a little hovery and talks about her jugggs a lot) 4. Vincent Gallo (graphic oral sex scenes with Chloe Sevigny and his republican-ness are enough to turn this girl's stomach) 3. Carson Daly (ew. it's bad when I say Tara Reid was too good for this skeeve) 2. Billy Crudup (it's not cool to leave your ladyfriend when she's an 8-mos. pregnanat Mary Louise Parker) 1. Neil Bush (suuuure...Asian hookers just showed up at your hotel and wanted to have sex with you for free) I know Jesus has recently been on Shan's black list, but who else makes you want to chunder? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 29,January,2004 | Sean and I went to see the movie Monster the other day starring Charlize Theron in her Oscar nominated, Golden Globe winning role. To say the least, this movie will challenge your view of 'cold-hearted killer'. I read a review before I went and the critic said that the movie was named 'Monster' to provoke the viewer to decide, after seeing the movie, is the character truely a monster? A brief synopsis....(This is based on a true story) Charlize Theron plays a serial killer named, Lee, who is abused and molested as a child, has her first child when she is 13, and results to prostitution in Florida as a means of living. During the nine months between 1989 and 1990 that the film portrays, she then meets Selby, played by Christina Ricci, and they engage in a lesbian relationship. Without giving too much of the plot away, this is about the only true friend Lee has ever had in her life. During this time, Lee also has rough encounter with a 'client' where she is tied up and raped and ends up killing the bastard. This starts her killing spree of men that solicit her, leaving 6 men dead by the time she is caught. She was excecuted in 2002. Now what is most facinating about this movie is the evolution of Lee. Not only does Charlize gain 30 pounds and wear contact lens and heaps of makeup (seriously the only times you can see a glimpse of the actress is when she smiles), but she also portrays the inner struggle of her character with passion and ease. I highly recommend this movie, as does Sean. Like Mystic River, you just want to die after you leave the theater, but it sparks conversation about social deviance. I just cannot say enough good things about this flick! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 29,January,2004 | I had quite an experience at the doctor's office today. Somehow a simple checkup turned into getting blood tests and a preliminary diagnosis of asthma. Asthma? I am a shallow breather but never thought anything of it until Dr. Paterson informed me that she thought I had asthma. Now I have to get a series of breathing tests called PFTs and a chest X-ray. All I have to say is, my insurance better cover this; if not, my 'asthma' may continue to go untreated. If it does, great, I'm finally getting something out of my $244.02 monthly insurance payments. I have felt quite ripped off until my new plethora of illnesses showed up. Now, the asthma diagnosis I could handle-I don't mind toting an inhaler around-but what really sucked about this particular visit was Dr. P's veiled criticism of my (apparently) bad health habits. When she asked me if I exercise, I was proud to finally be able to say yes, usually 5 times a week. Dr. P thinks I should step it up to 6. I guess I should quit patting myself on the back for taking the initiative to exercise (and mind you, Dr. P is no picture of fitness herself!). Then she asked me if I smoked, drank, or did drugs; I said I drink only once a week (usually true these days) and fibbed a bit by saying in that one sitting, I'd have 5 or 6 drinks (in reality, maybe 8). She gave me a disapproving look and said, 'That's a lot for a woman.' What would she have thought of me a few years ago?! She closed our visit by slyly mentioning that I or my boyfriend could have herpes or genital warts and not know it. Whoa. The whole time all I could think about was how much I wanted some water, as I had a couple glasses of wine last night and was kind of dehydrated. I am not quite sure how I gave her the impression that I'm an idiot, especially because now I have some proof that I'm not...I was invited to Berkeley for an interview (wahoo!...that's why I had some wine). This could be where I spend the next 6 years, Tolman Hall at Berkeley. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 29,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> My boss was telling me that at Sundance a urlLink documentary debuted about a perfectly healthy guy who decided to eat mcdonalds 3 meals a day for 30 days. By the 28th day he was in liver failure. He gained 25 pounds. He was listless, depressed, uninterested in sex...the works. The urlLink website has lots of great info about his experiment and the documentary he made during it that mcdonalds has refuesed to comment on. My boss also told me that there was an article about how Ben and Jerrys is just terrible and has more fat in it that a bic mac or what have you. When asked to comment the CEO of Ben and Jerry's said: 'IT'S ICE CREAM!!!!' Good going on his part. People just shouldn't eat so goddamn much of it! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 28,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I guess I have disturbing stuff on the brain, but I wanted to mention a documentary I saw last night on urlLink Chicago PBS . This program, Image Union , airs short films, documentaries and other visual media pieces done by local and worldwide filmmakers/artists. Last night I saw urlLink Out of the Pit , a documentary about dogfighting in Chicago. It was really graphic and disturbing, but really brought to light how much dogfighting has influenced our culture beyond the 'sport' itself. The producers interviewed every one from police officers to kids about their involvement. Statistically, people who participate in this activity are typically involved in gangs, crime, drugs, and gambling, all which extends outside of the fight itself. Also, a very alarming aspect of all this is the amount of kids, beginning as early as age 5, that are involved. They train the dogs and participate in 'light' violence in order to prepare the bulldogs for the actual fighting. This all really weirded me out because I see a lot of kids and young adults in my gang-populated neighborhood with pit bulls, and I never thought that they could be engaged in dog fighting. If you get a chance to watch this, do- but it is very graphic and sad. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 27,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I don't think it's a stretch to say that most of us at Proximity don't 'cheat' on a daily basis- meaning, take credit for things other people did at work, steal, lie profusely, etc. But, we all remember the high school days of conspiring with the people around you in order to pass that stupid test that no one studied for, except Ryan Asberry and Karl Otte. But, if you think about it, how many times during a day do we do little or big things that could be considered 'cheating?' For instance, is repeating an idea you heard someone else say earlier a form of intellectual cheating? I've been thinking about this because I caught myself using a comment I heard earlier that day in my class. I felt kind of stupid, especially after I realized that I didn't really know what I was talking about! This urlLink article in The Village Voice discusses how common forms of cheating are in our culture, especially now with all the reality tv shows who use the premise of lying for a profit. It brings up the little things, like when the coke machine gives us 2 drinks instead of one. Does that strike anyone anymore as stealing, or do we feel entitled to the free drink since shit is so expensive these days? I usually don't feel bad about things like that, because I think we've come to term things like the bonus drink as 'free.' What about when the cashier accidentally gives you too much change? And, if they give us too little, don't we freak out? I remember this kid I used to babysit for who would always cheat at Candy Land and other junior board games. It would really piss me off because I think the parents were teaching her that winning, regardless of how it was done, was the way the game was played. I know we're supposed to let little kids win, but should the be allowed to cheat? Should the adults do the cheating for them? Ok, I'll stop with the questions. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 27,January,2004 | This was too funny to pass up...I was doing some homework on the democratic candidates to educate myself and came across this quote from Al Sharpton. I think he's got this election in the bag. 'I do believe the [Democratic] party has moved far to the right. I do believe that the party has a bunch of elephants running around in donkey clothes.' Right on, Al. They're wolves in sheep's clothing. Here's a trivia tidbit for you: Who was Al Sharpton's wife a back-up singer for? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> With Valentine's Day comin' at ya, Feminine Pursuasion: Art and Essays on Sexuality is a great gift to receive or give...to yourself. It's based on research and collections from Indiana University's own urlLink Kinsey Institute , known worldwide for research in sex, gender and reproduction. Much of the artwork (including the drawing pictured here) was displayed last February at the School of Fine Arts gallery and depicts the erotic vision of women artists and writers. Read more about the book and the Kinsey Institute in this urlLink article and interview in Salon. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,January,2004 | So much to blog, so little time :) I have some pics to post, but am not familiar with computers enough to know where a USB port is off hand, so I must get my 'manual for dummies' for using my digital camera. Seriously, I received this stick that one can save info on and then transfer that info from one computer, ipod, etc to another via the USB port. I had to ask what it was because I had no idea what I had just unwrapped. Those of you who are computer savvy, happy laughing! Anyway, I read this urlLink article today on the good old Indy Star website that I find intriguing. It talks about Gen X and how they work in the workplace (apparently there are books on how to manage Gen Xers.). It discusses a trend in members of Gen X of simplifying and focusing more on life and happiness than on corporate success. Now, we are not considered Gen X. We are grouped in with those Britney worshipping, Prada toting, what are salt and pepper jeans? Gen Ys. Byron has posted about this internal confusion and displacement before and I enjoyed hearing his argument. While I never attended prom in taffeta, I still feel that owning a hair crimper, wearing fifty pairs of socks at once, being injured with a slap bracelet, and knowing Johnny Depp prior to Pirates of the Caribbean earns me the right to be in Gen X. Sure, when I watch 'The 80s Strike Back' on VH1, I can only really relate to years 85-89, but who cares? I want to be part of the 'cool' generation! Also, I saw Chris Rock at the Murat this past Friday and laughed myself silly. I recommend snagging some seats (if still available) at a venue near you! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 23,January,2004 | It boggles my mind the way media aimed at children has gone so downhill. Since I am currently spending most of my time with a 2 year old, I am subjected to listen to this crap. First, there is way too much of it out there; all kids really need are some pots and pans to bang around and a big empty box (preferably a refreigerator box) to make a fort out of. Mud and sticks are key too. Somehow there is this whole crazy toy industry that manages to dupe both parents and kids into spending billions of dollars on plastic melded into various shapes and forms that kids play with for like 10 minutes and then either lose interest or lose all the little pieces that go with the toy, rendering it worthless. I definitely had some toys growing up that I loved...my Cabbage Patch dolls, my Barbies (all of which I lent to a cousin who then sold them off! oh well, better to be rid of them I guess), and Legos. Toys have just been taken to a new level now...who really wants a battery-operated plastic dog that won't stop barking until you put its bone in its mouth, only to have it spit the bone right back out and continue the barking? Some toys now are straight up creepy, like 'Fur Real Friends.' They move around very mechanically, make weird faux-animal noises, and have creepy glassy eyes. I just can't applaud this stuff. Perhaps the worst of all is the stuff aimed at kids 3 and under, like Gymboree products. Grace (who's 2) is watching a Gymboree video right now, and it's pretty appalling. I think it probably stunts children's growth, but somehow Grace's mom thinks it's the greatest thing ever. This is what Gymbo the Clown (a grown man masquerading as a clown...this is the stuffed animal version so imagine a grown man dressed up as such, including face makeup) sings little diddies like 'I have a little bicycle, I ride it to and fro, and when I see a green light I know it's time to GO!' while pretending to pedal his legs in a circle. Another old naptime favorite (which I think would have scared the crap out of me) is this song about being a grizzly bear and growling when you wake up. What? Where do they come up with these things? I wonder if Gymbo the Clown admits to his family what he does. Does he call up his ladyfriend and tell her he has a slammin' new video out where he acts like various farm animals? Or does he make up a fake job that no one really gets, like Chandler Bing's job, and never admit his true identity? I wouldn't. P.S. For the record, I'm proud to say that Grace has spent more time banging on the pots I set out for her than watching the video. She's a smart one...ignore that crazy clown! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 23,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Right now I really wish I could be more like Leah and just love my Jesus with all my heart. But frankly, I'm a little frosty at the man. Here's why. This past Saturday, Matt and I had to attend Pre-Cana, a day-long conference for people wishing to tie the knot in the Catholic Church. Ugg, you say? Yes, I concur. My first beef with Jesus is that this little event costs $165.00. Hm. Vows of poverty, anyone? Now, since the beginning, I have been none too jazzed about anything Catholic Church, but the components of both our families being Catholic, Matt being a fan of going to church, and my mother morphing into a axe wielding monster and killing me for sinning brought us to this point of Pre-Cana. We were warned that it was janky, and boy, were they right! The day began with Matt and I realizing that I was the youngest person at the conference by a long shot. Turns out that the 'Special' group includes sinners that live together, sinners who are divorced, sinners who are divorced with kids, and apparently being over 30 also puts you in the category of special unmarried sinner. I didn't really want to be in the Special group, but I thought we should be honest and not try and be in the 'regular' group of engaged virgins. Turns out the whole day our group leader harped upon the fact that co-habitators are sinners finally doing what Jesus wants us to do, so gold star for us. Thank the Lord, we have been saved. Never in my life have I wanted the 'Wrestle Me Jesus' doll more. I wanted to pummel his outstretched, merciful paw-hands that do not have individual fingers. (BTW, I Googled Wrestle Me Jesus and the only entry was from our Blog!) The couple we sat across from literally made out for the majority of the 7 hours this thing lasted. And, we were so glad to know that all the $165.00 really included was a workbook full of questions about whether or not we have talked about having joint checking accounts and what the top five components of a Jesus-loving marriage should be. Our speaker also spiced things up with some jokes about homosexuals and what it means to be 'normal' and apparently, we're all on the fringe because we're 'Special!' I was sick to my stomach by the end of the day, especially because there were no SNACKS! Thanks, Jesus, way to follow through! So, Leah, maybe you can chat with Jesus and ask him what's up. He really hurt my feelings and I may not get over it. If he agrees to a wrestling match, I'm so there. I found some pretty bitchin' action figures, including Moses here. Let's get it on! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 23,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I'd like to add a little more to the discussion about janky shoes (Danskos are awesome, by the by)- but I don't know if this will top the Uggs. Today I was taking the Clark bus to get a haircut. It was snowing and all nasty out, and lately I have been feeling really frumpy and like a horrible dresser in order to stay warm throughout all my adventures in the elements. So, I see this chick on the bus that may have just pranced out of a Jay Z video. Most notable, though, were her shoes. Baby-pink leather 6 inch spike ankle booties with team numbers on the sides. These were STYLIN! I started to think, 'Shan, you can be fashionable, too. There's no reason why you can't take off the snowboots (not stuffed in your jeans) and scoot around in hooker boots with an appropriately matching shiny bomber jacket and lace-up-the-side ass exposing jeans! Get with it!' By the time I had reached my stop, I was ready to go shopping at Forever 21, big time. Then, Jay Z's ladyfriend decides to exit the bus as well, only to slip stiletto first into some dirty snow. She was pissed, and I was jazzed to be walking away in my snowboots and ugly bag-lady wear. I then journeyed to urlLink Milio's Hair Salon . This place is crazy, because most of the people that work there have fluorescent dreadlocks, multiple piercings, and are in punk bands. Jared, the guy who cuts me, is super cool and very nice. But, I have a major phobia-- I have always been scared of hair stylists! I have no idea why. I feel very obligated to make small talk, but I never know what to say. Here my fear of being a totally janky person comes through. I get all petrified when he asks me normal questions, like how did I spend the holidays. Instead of saying something normal, I basically digressed about how much I hated the holidays and my family while he looked really uncomfortable. I then apparently tried to rectify things by asking him if all stylists need cosmetology licenses. Very interesting, indeed. Does anyone else freak out like this for no reason? And advice, or am I the only one who secretly wants to go to cosmetology school? Seriously, though, Jared and I are pals. I love his hair. Ok, I'm going to go watch Woody Allen's 1978 urlLink Interiors . Anybody seen it? Apparently it's the 'black sheep' of Allen's stuff. It sounds pretty good. I'll let you know. ps- the spell checker just wanted to change 'frumpy' to 'pimp' for some reason. How odd! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 22,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Enough said. This comes from the great site urlLink Low Culture . I've found a few more great sites for surfing, so take note of the additions to the righthand column and enjoy! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 22,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> In honor of the Friday Five (see below), I thought this quiz should relate to the top-five list loving gang from High Fidelity Take the quiz to find out urlLink if you know your pop music . My results: 'Good. You know your music. You should be able to work at Championship Vinyl with Rob, Dick and Barry.' |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 22,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Instead of the regular Friday Quiz, I've decided to switch to the Friday five, a list of my favorite things in a given category. I'll put up a quiz today, but then I'll move them to Tuesdays as a standing feature. Feedback is great on something like this so we can see what everyone else's list would be. Also, if you have any suggestions for list topics let me know and I'll put them up (they could potentially be about anything), or if you want a day to do some different running feature, knock yourself out! So here goes the first Friday Five: Top 5 Music Videos 5. 'Imagine' by John Lennon 4. 'In Bloom' by Nirvana 3. 'Been Caught Stealing' by Jane's Addiction 2. 'Take on Me' by Aha 1. 'Hazard' by Richard Marx haha, just kidding 1. (for real) 'No Surprises' by Radiohead It was tough; runners up include Movies by Alien Ant Farm (they do great spoofs of classic movies like Willy Wonka and Edward Scissorhands) and 'Hey Ya' by and 'Miss Jackson' by Outkast, but 'Hey Ya' is pretty much a reworking of 'In Bloom.' There are other bands I like a lot more, but I based it soley on cool videos. I'm sure there are great ones I'm forgetting...like anything directed by Paul Hunter or Spike Jonze. Weezer and Bjork videos come to mind. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 22,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Well, it's not as crazy as all that. Since I finally succombed to the registry deal (although i havent hardly registered for anything) I happened onto a personal wedding website on urlLink theknot.com of none other than fellow blogger Shannon Coogan! So, I decided that Shannon is pretty cool and if she has a wedding website then I suppose I can have one too. Mostly I just want to show off John and my work. I think this is the best urlLink website we've ever made together and it took us less time than any of the previous ones too! I guess thats a sign that we're getting closer to become husband and wife in the eyes of Christ. HA! just kidding kiddies! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 22,January,2004 | In the craziness that was last and is this week, it has always nice to have the blog. Actually, as of today, I can slack a wee bit more at work....no more programming! I just want to thank y'all for the great stories, insights, comment, etc. Anyway, tissues aside, I must share the glory that is urlLink Dansko . One Saturday, my work shoes broke. Bummer for this server, who has little time to shop this week and needs shoes to work. Gretchen (my roomie) to the rescue! She let me borrow a pair of her shoes, the heavenly Dansko clog. Now I admit I enjoy and seek out infomercials, BUT I do not get sucked in and purchase (Tish does enough QVC shopping for one family). So when Gretchen raved about the unending pleasures of owning a pair of Danskos, I scoffed at spending so much money for work shoes. Then I wore them, the soft pillows of shoes that my feet floated in for an entire shift. I had to spread the word. These are cute, comfy, non-uggish shoes that are well worth the dough. Think Doc Marten's Mary Janes, with some cousins.....they also make some yuppie sandals, but no one is perfect. I purchased the pictured pair, the Kyra shoe, in black. On a final note, when leaving the store (good old Goodman's in Nora), my salesman suggested a pair of Ugg Boots for my next selection in footwear. I politely laughed and thought to myself, 'I might not be couture, but I am not a yeti!'. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 21,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Don't you just love Google? It's the best site to find things or just be nosy, but the best part is how they alter their logo in a nod to well-known and more obsure holidays. Today, the Lunar New Year, is no exception. Though I never plan to, I always end up using Google at least once a day. Take a look at this urlLink archive of holiday logos. Just for fun, I Googled all of the proximity girls: urlLink Leah Ha! It's the article I wrote about Leah and John meeting. urlLink Shannon Aww. This picture was on one of the first sites: urlLink Katie Of course it came up with stuff about Jayne Ann Krentz (I think Mike has one of her books). But when we do the urlLink advanced search , we learn about Katie's time with Slow Children at Play and her high school sports career. urlLink Jenny I see you've received free stuff from a guy named Rob Lamont and attended the Boulder City Ballet. urlLink Jennie Hmm. There are a lot of you here, but I hope you're not the one born in 1859. Damn girl, you old! Nice work volunteering for the Julian Center, though finally, urlLink Me My name's so generic, I get to be a member of the Scottish Hockey Union and a tropical disease consultant. Sweet. Pretty much just a bunch of my articles. Well, now I feel like a full fledged stalker. Happy Googling! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 21,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> My friend Arindam did these drawings on his long flight back from Delhi to Bloomington after the holidays. He sent it to me, so I thought I'd share. At right is a list of all of the places his travels took him. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 21,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> so i tried deleting my new year's pictures blog, as they're larger than i'd like for them to be, but it's not showing up when i try to edit/delete that blog. what gives? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 20,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> As I sit here scarfing down my Subway at an outdoor food court, I can't help but notice how many girls and young women are donning a pair of those beige Ugg-ly boots. I don't know if it's the latest trend everywhere, but in the place where winter boots are least needed, Uggs are all the rage. As soon as I say that, I'm sure they'll be deemed uncool, undeck even. ;) I've seen them worn mainly with a short skirt, chubby legs, fake tan, and a gut. Believe it or not, L.A. reminds me a lot of IU ; lots of large, spoiled, Fendi toting girls gabbing on their cell with one hand while shittily maneuvering out of their illegal parking spot right in front of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Who has the time to park, let alone find a metered street parking spot. Besides, Daddy still pays for all of my parking tickets. Ugg. Wow. I'm in a saucy mood today. Maybe it's due to the pigeons that roam freely in this food court, nipping at my exposed toes under my stool. I've never seen so many angry lunchgoers swatting and kicking the hell out of the little critters. This table of women eating their taquitos let out the hugest yelps and belted the little pidgie in mid-air. No, she didn't wash her hands after that. Nequa didn't want her taquitos to get cold. Have you seen Subway's attempt to become Atkins friendly? They have a bacon cheddar mayo goo wrap and some other condiment/meat/cheese ridden wrap. They look horrid. They should call it the heart attack combo meal. I'm still leery of the whole Atkins fad, and I think exercise, avoiding caffeine, drinking lots of water, and eating balanced meals is the way to go. I'm not quite sure of the Wolfgang Puck Express that I'm sitting in front of. Seems to me that the food was overhyped and overpriced to begin with, but now add the word 'express' to it, and it's the most expensive, bland, slowest fast food with a lot of attitude behind the cash register. The tourists still come in droves, after all, it IS Wolfgang Puck. A guy just wiped out while trying to stand on the first step of a descending escalator. He was too enamored with his reflection in the porn mirrors that surround the area. It's amazing how many people check themselves out upon stepping off the escalator up here, and it's not always the casual glance either. So far we're averaging about 7 out of 10 random folks giving a deep stare at themselves. I admit to doing the 'look' at clothing stores. Put a mirror anywhere, and I think people subconsciously saunter over for a peek at how they're looking. I can't finish my sandwich. I think I'll give the rest to the pigeon who's currently trying to make meal out of my toenails. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 20,January,2004 | I think enough time has passed now that I can write about how much the Colts sucked it up on Sunday without pouring salt on open wounds...or maybe I'm just reopening them. What have you, I don't think any of the C.P. gals are too into football so I'll take the risk. At any rate, I watched the game with Patriots fans (at this guy called Fat Boy's house), and they realized pretty quickly that I was not one of them. I should have kept my mouth shut because I got a lot of shit during that game. I haven't been a Peyton Manning fan ever since Jon informed me that he was accused of sexual harrassment during college, and after that game...hmm. The expressions on his face were almost comical...'Did I, PEYTON, just throw that?! What the f**K?!' I got some skis in New Zealand last year and finally broke them in on Monday at this place in New Hampshire called Tenney Mountain; it was pretty cold and windy, but they had some great runs. They ain't got nothin' on Swiss Valley, Michigan. ;) It was a great time, and I only fell once (although I had several close calls). I sort of gimped my way down a couple black diamonds, but hey, at least I gave it a shot. That about sums up my ghetto-fabulous weekend, and now it's back to work. ooooooooooh yeah. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 20,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Last weekend the old ball and chain and I took a trip up to Chicago to see the sights and do the dew. It was a great few days despite the bitter, bitter cold we encountered on Sunday. On Saturday, we checked out the Manet and the Sea exhibit at the Art Institute. Some interesting stuff, but I have to say my favorite part was the Chagall stained-glass window in the hallway right before the gallery (See Ferris Bueller's Day Off if you can't get there). It's beautiful. On Sunday, we went out to Hyde Park to see the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie house. It was very cool, and we were in a small tour group, which was nice, but unfortunately we couldn't see the upstairs with all the bedrooms because of fire codes. Imagine watching MTV's Cribs and not getting to see 'where the magic happens.' Worth a look if you're interested in architecture, though. It's also a good way to donate to the cause because that house needed some renovations. Saturday night, however, was a blast. We went to a place called Schuba's to see urlLink The Wrens (#2 on my Best Albums of 2003 post). It was a great, albeit too short, set, but they were playing two sold-out shows that night. I got to chat with them after their first show for a bit, which was great because I'm writing a freelance feature of the band. They were really nice guys and even let me take a few pictures: This was the first show of their tour. If they're urlLink coming to a city near you , definitely check them out. Shan and Katie, they will be in LA and Chicago, so you have no excuse. The next day, we saw the band at brunch. What are the odds? It kind of made me feel like a stalker, though. Anyway, just about everyone we ran into in Chicago was incredibly nice this trip. From the guy at the Art Institute who was hellbent on getting us to eat dinner at Bennigan's to the friendly-yet nonsensical guy on the el to Mark, the lawyer who just had a baby, who chatted with us at the bar, everyone was really talkative and fun. Way to be Chicago! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Since I'm one of those who gets to 'celebrate' MLK day by being lazy and not caring about politics or civil rights, (sorry all those who are at work), I thought I would be somewhat proactive and learn some stuff about MLK. Let's start out with this urlLink quiz , which is kind of lame because it gives the answers right after the questions. The scoring determines whether or not 'you are exactly the kind of ignorant citizen your government desires.' Apparently, after you read all the info on this site, you know the 'truth.' Very encouraging and efficient that one can find it all at one site. Props to them. Another interesting link is the page that chronologically examines King's urlLink plagiarism in his speech-writing. I know that he was far from the perfect leader that he was made out to be throughout history, but I do really admire him for doing something that not many people have the courage to do. King stood up for a cause and a people he believed in, despite the constant threat of the American government, death, and violence. The values he preached- to first allow ourselves, not others, to decide who we are, and to then peacefully challenge those who try to take away that right-- are eternally relevant and powerful. Today, I hope that we continue to make strides in understanding King so we can respect him as a 'normal' person -with faults- who had a lot of courage to go up against the notoriously idiotic American ideology. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 16,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> With several of you in the marrying way this summer, I direct you to urlLink Ugly Dress , an archive of some of the most hideous bridesmaid, wedding and prom dresses of all time. The one to your left is by no means the worst, but it at least makes me smile because if I were forced to wear it, I could at least reuse it at my audition for a spot on the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom entertainment team. USA! Anyway, a big thanks goes out to Shan for choosing pretty bridesmaid dresses, devoid of stars n' stripes. A 21-gun salute to you! Another great shot to check out is urlLink this one because the author is sure the kid at the right is the boy from Oliver Beene, Katie's TV show. On another note, I watched the Royal Tenenbaums again this weekend and was shocked that I didn't know urlLink Grant Rosenmeyer (aka Oliver Beene) plays Ari Tenenbaum. I see also that the next character he's slated to play is one named 'Mordechai'....kind of like the hawk in the Royal Tenenbaums. Crazy |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 16,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Today's quiz is on the topic of whether or not you qualify as a hipster (with a score of 67%, I, alas, do not). Why would I? I'm from Indiana for Christ's sake. And, no matter how kitschy, I don't think I'll ever be down to clown with mustaches. I also happen to think 'Trippendicular' is a way better word for cool than the hipster-approved 'Deck.' In fact, that word will be absorbed into my lame-ass vernacular post haste. Sorry you're about to be in the car with me for four hours, Mike! Anyway, find out if urlLink you're a hipster . Just a little background for all y'all (I KNOW hipsters don't say that): A hipster is ' One who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool by the cool. (Note: it is no longer recommended that one use the term 'cool'; a Hipster would instead say 'deck.') The Hipster walks among the masses in daily life but is not a part of them and shuns or reduces to kitsch anything held dear by the mainstream. A Hipster ideally possesses no more than 2% body fat.' Check out urlLink The Hipster Handbook for all things deck. Er, I mean trippendicular. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 15,January,2004 | I have now lived in Boston for approximately 4 1/2 months. And lucky me...I get to be here to experience the coldest day Massachusetts has seen since 1957. That's right...me, who hates cold weather, gets to be here for one of the coldest days in history (here are the stats: -10 F without wind chill; in some places, up to -50 F with wind chill). Nearly every school has cancelled school (from an article in the Boston Globe: 'I can't remember ever closing school for the temperature,' said Frederick Foresteire, Everett school superintendent, who has worked in the city's school system for 38 years. 'It is out of the ordinary.'). In these temperatures, you can get frostbite after just a few minutes of exposure to the cold. I just don't understand why people are willing to live in such a climate. Take a tip from our fine feathered friends: migrate south! Old people do it, due to their long years of experiencing how much cold weather sucks. I personally will be migrating south or west come July...I just can't believe it's taken me this long. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 15,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Im just as guilty as anyone else but will there be no more blogging until the comment server is back up?? Im kind of sad. Im also tired of that damn Petunia tattoo everytime I check to see if the comments are back. Damn those Petes. PS here are some pictures to check out intead of pete and pete. They are: my christmas tree, a self portrait, and a series i like to call: Thanksgiving Dwindles |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 09,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> After a brief holiday hiatus, (thank God they're over) the Friday Quiz is back and in action! This week, find out urlLink which 90s Nickelodeon show you are. Now, I had myself pegged as an urlLink Are You Afraid of the Dark? kind of girl, but it goes to show you how much these little quizzes reveal about your innermost subconscious. Um, yeah. Anyway, I'm really thrilled to be urlLink The Adventures of Pete and Pete . I mean, what other show gives the 11-year old main character a tattoo of a foxy lady named Petunia and has guest cameos by people like Iggy Pop? Some of the bands featured on the show are pretty cool too: The Apples in Stereo, Lucious Jackson and Magnetic Fields to name a few. So what are you? I imagine there are quite a few Clarissas in this group. Damn know it alls. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 08,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> When John and I were in connecticut visiting my family we went to a historic prison site near my town called Old Newgate Prison which was a prison before and during the revolutionary war and used up until the mid 1800's. As we were walking near the street I spotted this card on the wet ground and quickley put it in my pocket. I LOVE found stuff. Check urlLink Found Magazine which I believe katie linked to during the early days of the blog. So, the inside of the card reads: Dear Jonathan- I just wanted to thank you for a great weekend. I had a lot of fun with you. I miss you so much. I felt so close to you over the weekend, it was so hard leaving you. You were so good to me this weekend, you always take good care of me. What would I do without you? I love you, cutie! You are the cutest bear I've ever known. I can't wait to see you again. Believe me, the next weekend we spend together will be even better than the one we just had. (If you know what I mean!) Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart! I love you! PS- I love my gift from Victoria's Secret and thank you for dinner. I love you and I miss you very much! The funny thing is, I found this card a few days before new years 2004, so this card is almost a year old since I refers to a valentine's day they just spent. So, how did it come to be laying on the wet ground in front of old newgate prison almost a year later?? Lets let our minds run wild...I want elaborate stories here!! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 07,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I love moby's devotion to politics and his simple lifestyle. Did anyone see his episode of cribs? All he had of real value (aside of the amazing location of his apartment) was an Eero Saarinen side table (which i would give the proverbial left nut for; had i one) and a signed cartoon of homer. what a cool guy. anyways....he has an urlLink online diary on his site that has lots of funny little tidbits. i think ill become part of my daily online procrastination! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 07,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I am soooo incredibly excited to go to see 'The Revolution will not be Televised' tomorrow when it opens at the theatre down the street. Here is the synopsis: 'On April 12, 2002, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez—new icon of the left and a thorn in the side of the U.S. Administration—was removed from office and replaced by a new interim government. What had in fact taken place was the first Latin American coup of the 21st century. Irish filmmakers Kim Bartley & Donnacha O’Briain chart the last seven months of the charismatic leader’s administration up to the coup, capturing extraordinary footage inside the Presidential Palace both during the coup and the 48 hours of the short-lived interim government. A remarkable documentary of media manipulation and distortion' My review will follow on Saturday! Have a good friday everyone. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 07,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> These two drawings were done by the same artist before and during an LSD trip administered by doctors in the late 1950's. The experiment was conducted by the U.S government and the artist's subject is the doctor that injected the drug. The drawing on the left is before the acid kicked in, and the one on the right represents the artist's vision well into his trip. You can see a urlLink progession in his drawings from conventional to more and more abstract. All are different, but I'd have to say each one has its own artistic merit. An interesting look for sure. (Via urlLink The Morning News ) |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 06,January,2004 | Now that my grad school applications are in (yip, yip, oooooooh yeah), I have found a new activity to fill my afternoons while Grace naps. While snooping around the Rousseau household, I happened upon some Kathy Smith workout DVDs that Susan does (she's my boss, the family's mama-and I must say, I applaud her for staying in such great shape after popping out fo' chillins). So I decided to venture into the world of working out, not only for my health but also for the great quotes ('and lift it, and stretch it, and pump it, and pulse it, you're doing FANTASTIC' *if I ever made a workout tape, I'd substitute snacktastic*). At any rate, Kathy Smith is full of enthusiasm for fitness and at first, I found myself wanting to thank her for her encouraging words. But after doing 'Timesaver: Lift Weights to Lost Weight' a few times, I find them to be ridiculous. For all Kathy knows, I am sitting on the couch with a bag of Doritos, laughing at her antics and comments (to a big black guy who's part of her weight-lifting crew: 'How come your bicep's bigger than mine?'...'Pump it!'). So far, my efforts have left me with a sore back and shoulders but no muscles; I may have to turn to steroids for the hardcore woman weightlifter's body I've always coveted. Bottom line, kickin' it with Kathy is an okay way to pass some time in the afternoon; now, next time I see any of you, I'll expect comments on my scuplted arms and calves. Thank you, thank you. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 06,January,2004 | Howdy folks. My apologies for being delinquent in my blogging for awhile now. With my show going on hiatus and me being unemployed to going home to just now getting a laptop and hooked up to the Internet, it's been a crazy few months. So I'm back with little to report, except that I'm knee deep in temporary Job Search 2004, until I find out if/when our show got picked up for Season Three. I thought I'd keep you up to speed with my interview progress (if there is any), and just how hard it is to get a shitty job in L.A. even with a college degree! For those of you who haven't checked it out, urlLink Craigslist has proven to be a great resource when searching for a job in a big city. Just click on your city on the menu, and you'll be privy to tons of apartments for rent, jobs for grabs, and my personal fave, the barter section. Man, if I only had my degree in 'massage therapy.' I've sent, faxed, and emailed out about 50 resumes to various businesses, and I've gotten three calls. That seems to be the trend when doing these mass mailings. It's extra hard to get a waitressing position as you have to submit a headshot along with your resume just to be considered (yes, it's an audition), and usually 1,000 women audition for the coveted one waitressing position. So you tell me, is a funny, quirky, unconventionally cute brunette gonna get the position over nose and jug-job Jill? Apparently boobs sell booze out here. I interviewed for the position of hostess at a place that holds kids' parties for stinking rich families in Santa Monica. Upon entering the facility, I was told to take off my shoes and grab a mat and join the circle. I kid you not! So basically, I'd be helping frazzled underworked mothers set up their one year old's birthday party with thirty of the one year old's closest friends! Apparently the tips are great. They liked me, and said they'd call me to set up a trial runthrough of a typical party day for this weekend. They still haven't called. It's not like I even want the job that badly, but out here, even if they say you have the job, it doesn't mean you have the job. I'm *holding my thumb and index finger an inch from each other* this close to doing some weird performance act for spare change at the Santa Monica Pier. Any suggestions as to what my talent should be? &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 05,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Doesn't Morris, the ancient family cat look jazzed about the holidays? He's really a nice cat, but looks extra evil this year. I think he was a little pissed that my camera's flash woke him from a nice nap in the wrapping paper. Since quite a few people have been complaining because I never take my pictures off my camera, here are all the pre-Christmas through New Year's Eve photos I have. If I saw you, they're in here. These are a few near and dear: We couldn't all seem to look at the camera at once. Shockin' Y'all at the Monkey's Tail. I imagine Shan's thinking, 'Have a happy New Year, or I'll kick your ass. Now get out of my face, bitch.' Always a sweet girl. I wonder how you REALLY cracked that windsheild, little fucker. For the rest, urlLink go here . I think the only blogger I missed was Leah. That makes me sad. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 05,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Yay! Monday marked my first day back at Loyola. Fun, not so fun, just depends on my mood. I am taking a feminist theory course, which promises to be interesting, because I am not a die hard feminist, and I've never taken a class totally devoted to the subject before. To prepare for the first day, the instructor asked us to read urlLink Carolyn Heilbrun's urlLink Writing a Woman's Life , which was originally published in the late 80's. It's a really interesting look at how and why we as women write the way we do. Me not being a consistent, serious writer outside of school, I didn't think that this book would have much to say to me. However, it reaches far into the way women think about their personal lives, relationships with men and other women, and how their portrayals of themselves have changed over the years. I highly recommend the book; it's a short and very engaging text. There are some times when I find Heilbrun a little too much herself (a major pioneer in feminist theory) and exclusionary to men. But, makes you think all the same. She was a product of the notoriously traditional Wellesley, so to me, that makes her feminist standpoint all the more interesting. I am going to a tribute to Heilbrun next week, because she rather abruptly ended her own life before the new year. Apparently, her strange life and death philosophy centered on the fact that once one has made a significant contribution to humanity, she can end her own life. Creepy! She is also the author of a detective novel series, which was first published in the mid 60's. They are under the pseudonym of Amanda Cross and although I have not read one, her reasons and small descriptions of her fiction writing career sound fascinating. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 05,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Last Friday, I had to drive to Daviess County to do some work with one of the co-ops. It was a very misty, dreary day, but driving along the winding country roads was in a way beautiful. Everything was wrapped in fog and even the most mundane sights (ie: falling-down trailers) looked mysterious in their own way. I've always been fascinated by junkyards, so I took these pictures on my way back. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 05,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I recently finished the book Women by Charles Bukowski. The protagonist of this book is Bukowski's alter ego Henry Chinaski. His character is completely repulsive in almost every way and yet I couldn't put the book down. The idea of sex became mildly disgusting after reading a chapter and when I finished reading the last word of the book on christmas eve I closed the paperback and kind of shuddered. And yet, I find myself ready to read another of his books, perhaps the more famous 'Post Office' or 'Ham on Rye.' Part of the attraction is his really simplistic style of storytelling. It's really quite exquisite. No extra bullshit whatsoever. But the other phenomenon is the old train-wreck syndrome. Where something is rather horrific, but yet you can't look away; or if you do, you're continually stealing glances between the fingers covering your eyes. I'm not really sure why the train wreck phenonmenon occurs. What do you think? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 04,January,2004 | Okay, so New Year's Eve, abbreviated is NYE, my last name. You'd think that I'd be destined to rock New Year's for that simple reason, but the stars were not given that memo and year after year, I wait to see what might occur. Now this seems to be a common complaint; 'yeah, New Year's is my least favorite holiday; it always sucks' or 'it's overrated'. Well, I feel like it's my RIGHT to have a good New Year's since it spells my name, much like the Irish MUST party on Patty's Day. Last year, I managed a quick get away by leaving the country and time zone and am proud to say that January first never happened for me (thanks for that International Date Line!). But let me tell you about this year...... I worked....at Sullivan's. I was there at 2 blowing up balloons and was greeting my first table around 4:30. Two lesbians who wanted nothing to do with my perky ass and were only there b/c they had a gift certificate that expired on January 1, 2004. They were on a date and set up camp at my table for two hours. UGH! We were running a package that started around 5:30. $75 a person and that included appetizer, salad, entree, side, dessert. Later in the evening, I get double sat (two tables at once) with a NINE TOP and an EIGHT TOP!! Craziness ensued. Each person at the table of eight is wearing enough diamonds/couture to buy all of our houses and living spaces. They order a bottle of Cristal, the ONLY bottle in the house. This costs about $380. But at this point, he could have ordered a bottle of house wine and I would have reacted the same, BUSY! Anyway, turns out this cat is none other than Kenny Anderson, famed point guard for the Pacers. I had no clue. Turns out he is also on the injured list.....mmmhmmm. So that's work. Made some money, out by 1:00, ready for a beer. I attend this house party with Sean, despite just wanting to chill. Drunk people at 1:00am + Me after work= Annoyed. Small party, not so bad. I actually went to grade school with the house owner and his girlfriend is one of my reading coaches at the Julian Center. I am there for about 45 mins when chaos ensues. Sean's friend, Tommy, falls over on another friend, Dave, and splits his head open on the door frame. I, along with Emily and Preston (the only other sober folks) get to drive his drunk, barfing, bleeding ass to the hospital for stiches. It's 4:00am before he emerges with 10 staples in his head. I was alone in the waiting room, almost asleep and cursing New Year's. So that was New Year's Eve 2003. Anyone want to hang out next year? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 04,January,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Well, yes, bloggers, I have been away for quite some time. I was in Indianapolis, and nothing happened to me whilst I was there, so I had nothing to post about! New Year's was really fun, but Aly has the digital pics... Anyway, my reason for writing: Matt and I are now back in Chicago, thank goodness, and we decided to be all adult and get up early and go to church. We have been super delinquent about that considering that we are required to go in order to do this whole wedding thing. So, we go, we sit, we enjoy not being out in the blizzard that is upon us. And, 2 late-comers pass walk up by is to get in a pew. The man was holding a cup of Starbucks! Now, I'm no religious fanatic, but I think there are a few places that one should not bring their favorite status-defining beverage. He just sat there and sipped his drink like he was at the movies (which it still annoys be that you can get Starbucks at the theaters) or just hanging out. Didn't even put it down for all the many stand-sit-kneel routines of the Catholic church. I started envisioning a little Starbucks window in the back of the church so one could just pick up something to drink on the way in. I don't like Starbucks for the simple reason that I think their coffee tastes like shit. I don't really even drink coffee, but whenever I end up in a store (usually at the mercy of someone else) I always order something hoping that it won't be nasty sugary vomity, and it always is! I guess the point of this rant is that Starbucks is the ever -present ultimate consumer culture product, and I'm super sick of this, especially when the stores drive out independently owned businesses in my neighborhood. There is a funny site for those who hate urlLink Starbucks which is a little overboard in my opinion. I don't have a to-the-death hatred, just a musing dislike. Anywho, here is a pic of me tooling about, smiling like a gremlin on xmas vacation. This was just after I cracked Matt's mom's car windshield, and she was nice enough to buy me a generic cup of cocoa. (She drank Starbucks). Aw! This peacock was growling and making weird clicky noises at me! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 27,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Last night I attended a performance of urlLink The Vagina Monologues at Loyola. I was a litte on edge, because I brought Matt (who has about a 1 hour limit on 'chick' issues) and a super Christian friend, but all went really well. I just didn't really know what the Monologues were all about, but the message and the cause, preventing violence against women, were really powerful. All the proceeds of the event went to Rape Victim's Advocates of Chicago, and wherever the Monologues are performed, the proceeds automatically go to a women's charity of some sort. It was interesting, however, because I found that no matter how 'modern' and 'in touch' with yourself you feel, the v-word still makes for some uncomfortable feelings and taboo subjects. Has anyone else attended a performance? Thoughts? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> With all the political turmoil going on right now, I'm feeling a little ranty (Not a word, I know). I've been perpetually frustrated and frightened with our current administration, and the fact that Dubya now wants to amend the Constitution to ban gay marriages and pander to the religous right, I'm about at the end of my rope. And hearing about how the economy might rebound and ensure Bush has an easy road to reelection next November paints a pretty bleak picture for me. Instead of getting all soapboxy on you, I encourage all readers to take urlLink this quiz to see just what our commander-in-cheif without a clue has been up to these days. Here's a hint: it's more pathetic than you think. For good measure, be sure to take a look at all the wonderful 'sanctity' in straight marriages these days. Good old Craigslist. (via urlLink The Black Table ) |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,February,2004 | Okay, so one of my life dreams is to be a backup singer. I mean, come on, they get to wear the snazzy costumes and chime in with some 'ooo's and 'ahhh's to complement the lead singer, plus there is the added microphone dance that must be perfected (and we all know how well I can cut a rug!). Some of the artists that I would most like to backup sing with are Elton John (he practically writes his songs for the backup singer!), Billy Joel, and Paul Simon. Oldies but goodies....if only I could carry a tune. So, going along with the proposals of late, I propose this: what ditty would you be belting if appearing on Star Search, American Idol, the Miss/Mr./Mrs. American pagent, or the Grammys? I would have to go with 'Ray of Light' by Madonna. Despite my current irritation with her shenanigans and fake British accent, that song never fails to put me in a dancing mood. Check out this site to test your knowledge of urlLink backup singers . |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> This friday i'd like to propose this: The top three things that are yummy this week. These can be things you've been eating a lot of this week either at home or at a restaurant. Or it can be things you're craving this week and haven't eaten--yet! Mine are: Peanut Butter and Jelly Thai/Vietnamese food (I've had it twice in one week--my poor wallet) Vegetarian Sushi - my boss is having me and my partner set up a huge sushi spread for a meeting theyre having and I really am getting excited about some veggie nigiri. How about all of you??? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Have you ever had a banana in the kitchen that looks like its perfect and ripe- barely any green at all? I had one this morning and started peeling it and was met with great difficulty--i knew it was going to be unripe - but i bit into it just to see and i could barely swallow the bite. bananas you have fucked me for the last time. Does anyone else know what im going through? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> This article from urlLink Daily Candy describes an inflatable nylon cloud that you can buy to use for solace. Its only $3,900. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 26,February,2004 | Jon and I eat the same basic meals every week: tacos (my personal favorite), ravioli, salad and bread, frozen pizza, pasta...or we go out. So I'm wondering what everybody else eats that is quick and easy...especially Jennie and Leah, since I know there won't be meat in your suggestions. Not to get all Martha on you gals, but I could use some meal ideas. I have a righteous bean dip recipe that's sure to snackisfy if anyone's interested. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 25,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> This past weekend had it's share of highs and lows. Friday night was cool. Mike and I just stayed in and watched Amelie; very relaxing. Then Sat night, Janel and I had some people over for a Hawaiian luau because the weather sucks right now. I was jazzed because we bought some fly decorations from Hobby Lobby (such as a fisherman's net and assorted shells...It was SO Long John Silver's) and Teddy and his lady Jean and Byron and his lady Brie came down for the festivities. You can see a few pictures urlLink here . All in all, a good time with leis and hot jamz like La Isla Bonita and the like. Anyway, as you may notice in the picture above and this one, , my car has a flat tire. Sunday morning, Mike and I were all psyched to meet Byron and Brie at the Cracker Barrell (yeah!) for some brunch when we went out to my car to find I had not one, not two, but THREE flat tires! How much does that suck? It turns out they were punctured with something like an ice pick or screwdriver and I had to replace two of the tires and get the other one patched. This was like a $200 prank. I'm not sure who would do this, but Janel (the roommate) and I have has some issues with the loud girls that live upstairs (basically they're annoying hoes that like to come home at 2 am on Tuesday nights and stomp around in stiletto boots and listen to 'Hey Ya' on repeat. Oh, and one of them likes to have sex to Yanni) Yeah, so they were a little frosty at Sat. night's loudness, which is bullshit because we invited them down and ITS A SATURDAY at 11 PM, not Tuesday at 5 or whatever. I hate to think they did it, but whoever did is so not cool at all. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 25,February,2004 | This past Friday, my mom, Tish, and I went to see the traveling Broadway musical, The Lion King. We actually got to attend a pre-screening of the show courtesy of United Way, so I felt important. Anyway, I must say that all of the hype was well worth it. I did enjoy the original cartoon flick, but this blew me away. The story line is the same, but they have added a couple new songs for the production. In my opinion (and the Tonys agree as well), the costumes are what make this production so spectacular. They create a giraffe from a person balancing all fours on stilts and them wearing a long giraffe neck and head. These creatures come on stage teetering and anbling around, much like a real giraffe. The opening number (the good old 'Circle of Life') brings all the animals of the sahara out to celebrate Simba's brith, including an elephant, a cheetah, gazelles, soaring birds, and zebra. Just fantastic. I must also comment on the music, since it is a musical. It is rich with African influence and Rafiki, the crazy monkey, takes on the role of almost an ancient African healer. Not that he wasn't in the movie, but it is exaggerated in the live show. But the new songs, the scenery, the costumes all keep it real with the African theme. Loved it! Just in case I've piqued your interest, the show will remain in Indy until the end of March and then goes to Columbus, San Fran, Boston, and Detroit (not in that order), and is always playing up in NYC. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 24,February,2004 | I am not generally a fan of skunks, nor do I know anyone who is. But, they do have a one-up on just about every other species because when they die (well, at least when they die as roadkill), they get the last laugh. They make a stink, if you will. You may not notice every animal that's a victim of careless drivers, but skunks make you notice their fate with that last blast. There's a dead skunk on my drive to work that has been stinking up Route 9 for the past couple days and shows no sign of letting up. I just like the idea of the skunk getting to give a big 'fuck you' to whomever built a highway in thier hood that ultimately led to their death. Also, I hope that whoever nailed the skunk feels guilty every time they drive by-there's no forgetting what went down with that stench. Maybe it will help people pay a little more attention to the critters in the road (not to dog anyone who has unwittingly hit an animal-say, a goose-I know sometimes it's unavoidable). |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 23,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I don't believe that life is supposed to make you feel good, or make you feel miserable either. Life is just supposed to make you feel. --Gloria Naylor, Bailey's Cafe Ok, I'm out of ideas from articles and such too. How about '3 books/authors' you have to have on the shelf, or else. Here are mine: Walt Whitman, Dawn Powell, and Gloria Naylor. And, here's a quote I found today that I like, even though another gray day in Chicago might make me loose it: She is always a novelty, for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through last time.' (Twain) I do find that this rings true because every time I travel and then come home it seems like there is always something to look at from a completely new perspective. Any authors, filmmakers, or musicians that refernce a place near and dear? (and maybe some more contemporary stuff? sorry, I may never get out of my canonical box, it seems). |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 23,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I was looking on salon etc for articles that sparked my interest for a post to the blog. Guess what, they are all bad. Bird flu causes Europe to boycott our poultry (eeeew!) Bush proposes amemdment against gay marriage (fucking bastard!) an NPR series on heroin and how more and more young people are choosing to use it (tear*) So, after much consideration I've decided to post about what makeup ive been wearing lately. Lighten the mood! On my eyes: urlLink MAC Paint in Mauvism (dont you just love the stupid names they pick for colors of makeup?) This stuff is great. It comes out of a tube and I put it on with my fingers. It stays on really well and I use it as a base for my other eyeshadow so that will stick. urlLink Sonia Kasuk Purple eyeshadow from target: This is a huge compact of eyeshadow but I only use the dark purple. mostly in the crease of my eye. Im way into the eighties look of colored eyeshadow lately. Im not sure how soon I'll get over it. If ever! On my cheeks: urlLink Neutragena Shimmer: I have this stuff in a whiteish shade that I put on my cheekbones and it makes them look luminescent. I don't use blush. On my lips: urlLink Kiehl's SPF 15 lip balm . Sooooooooooo awesome. I get it in the red color. Its really sheer, glossy and not at all sticky. And it has SPF so i won't get lip cancer (except from dippin' yall) Concealer: urlLink Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage : This is also awesome. It has great coverage for my little red spots. Powder: Just a urlLink Mac sheer pressed powder : Really light and makes my skin lots softer I also wear an Almay black waterproof mascara that I've worn since high school. It's exciting to try new makeup. I used Clinique all through high school and college pretty much and then recently migrated to MAC mostly. My sis also wore Clinique but has since migrated to Bobbi Brown. Although for certain things you absolutely cant beat the drug store makeups. What are you guys using? Any major switchs in product use lately? Im open to discussing hair care as well. Cheers! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 23,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I was listening to a little thing on NPR in bed this morning about Nader's imminent bid for the presidency and I turned to John and said with clenched fist ...'Nader' in the voice that Jerry Seinfeld says '..'Newman.' I just can't understand how self righteous Nader must be to attempt to repeat his contribution to the debacle that was the 2000 election. He says that by running he is making a statement about the need for change in the political process in America and that the two-party system is bullshit and the candidates are backed by special interests. yadda yadda yadda. Im not going to disagree with any of that because its all true. BUT I'd just like to say: Nader my friend, take a fucking look around you. Our country is in complete shambles. I have not seen the political and cultural climate of our country change so quickly for the worse as it has in the last four years with Satan and Friends in office. We have real problems in this country. Like a loss of free speech for one. I really don't think that we can afford to be making statements about the two party system being crappy until we get some other things worked out first. Like that thing about everyone else in the world hating our guts. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 20,February,2004 | On my drive to work this afternoon, I stopped at Panera to grab some grub and then headed off to the Julian Center. I took Michigan Road which brings me past a Lowe's hardware store. Outside of Lowe's was this gentleman dressed as Uncle Sam and clutching a fistfull of cash. I looked around for some promotion or something to allude to why this man is dressed like this in the rain in front of a hardware store and realized that he was panhandling! This reminded me of a recent Simpson's episode where Homer falls into panhandling after a drunken night and realizes that he too can panhandle and then buy Marge the diamond jewelry she has always wanted. Since Sean is currently between jobs, I suggested he dress up as a Leprechan or something and give Uncle Sam a run for his money! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Ok, I'm inspired and the Friday Five is back from it's two-week hiatus. This week I'm going with my top five favorite movie quotes. These may not be my favorite movies (but I like them all), but these quotes never fail to crack me up. Top 5 Movie Quotes 5. 'Strange things are afoot at the Circle K.' Keanu from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure 4. 'Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion' some mom from Donnie Darko 3. 'Three thousand years of beautiful tradition from Moses to Sandy Kofax, your damn right I'm living in the past!' Walter to the Dude in The Big Lebowski 2. 'Don't Fuck with me, fellas. This isn't my first time at the rodeo.' Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford (see picture) in Mommie Dearest 1. 'You're in love with Richie. Which is sick. And gross.' Owen Wilson as Eli Cash in The Royal Tenebaums about Margot's love for her brother Richie. Ahhh goodtimes. These quote crack me up even more, but I cut them out of the running because they're really diologue: Detective : I'm a Brother Seamus. the Dude : What's that? Like an Irish Monk? (from The Big Lebowski ) This one's between Gene Hackman and Danny Glover in The Royal Tenenbaums : Royal : Are you trying to steal my woman? Henry Sherman : I beg your pardon. Royal : You heard me, Coltrane. Henry Sherman : 'Coltrane'? Royal : What? Henry Sherman : Did you just call me Coltrane? Royal : No. Henry Sherman : You didn't? Royal : No. Henry Sherman : Okay... Damn, that shit has me laughing out loud every time. What about you guys? What gets to you in movies? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,February,2004 | I have seen 'The Apprentice' a few times now, and I find it really irritating that Donald Trump is now being referred to as 'The Donald.' No kidding. How about 'The Hairpiece' or 'The Toupee?' Much more suitable if you ask me. Perhaps worse is how 'The Donald' views his lifestyle; it bothers me that he assumes he has what everyone else wants. Not at all, Hairpiece. If I ever turned into a person remotely similar to who he is, I'd want one of you guys to hunt me down and kick my ass. Along the same lines is this new Range Rover commercial I just saw. It shows these two guys walking alongside a road in the snow in France, backpackin' it. One guy is telling the other that he wants to major in ceramics. Then this Range Rover pulls over and gives them a lift, and they get in the car and start drooling all over themselves at how cool it is. They look at each other and one tells the other, 'Maybe you could minor in ceramics.' And major in something that will enable you to make enough money to buy a fine piece of machinery like this. I hate that kind of crap and all the assumptions that go along with it; as though everyone who isn't living that type of lifestyle desparately wishes that they were. Ridiculous. The happiest person I know is my sister, who works as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor at a non-for-profit organization and makes maybe $25,000 a year. As far as I'm concerned, Donald can take his hairpiece and Range Rover and shove it. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I subscribe to www.blasthaus.com out of San Francisco, not because I head up that way a lot, but because the events that have through this site look so fun! They say Blasthaus is where art and technology converge, which is always appealing to me (and I'll bet John too, Leah), and at www.rxgallery.com they're announcing their current exhibition 'BOLT: A Low Tech Odyssey'. Here's what RX Gallery has to say about BOLT: Retro-tech collective bolt (bureau of low technology), who coined the word 'technostalgia', is at it again with this revivalist effort to ressusitate the obsolete and otherwise 'dead media' of video games in its latest art experience 'A Low-Tech Odyssey'. How fun would it be to go to a gallery, drink some wine, and play old games for free on Intellivision and Atari game consoles. I still can't get enough of Pac-Man on Atari, or Baseball on Intellivision. Am I the only child of the 80's who still longs for a little 8 bit graphics of fun? Hopefully Jenny can soon be our San Fran Proximity correspondent, and give us the low down on this hip wine bar/gallery. Speaking of low technology, are those who try to post on Macs (which I'm doing) having less capabilities than those on PC's? I can't seem to find the link button to hyperlink my web addresses. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> I'd like to propose a participatory Friday blog called: The three songs I can't stop listening to this week. I'll post mine and then you all post yours in the comments. Its just three songs...not too taxing. 1. Pink Moon by Nick Drake 2. The Other Side by David Gray (i would never have listened to this on my own but it would always come on at the agency and its really kind of a beautiful if really simple song) 3.Black Acres by Elysian Fields All these songs are reflective of the snow we've been having i think now that i look back at them. I like melancholy with my snow i guess. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Not sure if the Tiger Beat reference came through in that title. In the spirit of girliness that has been present this week at the Prox, id like to post about my favorite celebrity boy: Pharrell Williams. Oh, and that other guy in the back. (Chad Hugo also of the Neptunes and one half of N.E.R.D.) As the Neptunes they have produced and often written basically every annoyingly catchy pop song. They even wrote (get read for this) BABY GOT BACK ...when they were in like high school or something. (Remember how katie would always laugh at how i sang the first phrase of that song????) Here is an urlLink article from the most recent Paper mag about him. Im not sure if you've all heard their CD from a few years ago (their only CD to date) as NERD called 'In search of..' It is perennially one of my favorite CDs (did i use that word wrong?). Probably one of the best hip hop albums of ALL time. I say that with total confidence, and am prepared to defend it. Please check it out. You'll never stop listening to it. He is so cute too!! PS ali, I love the banner. How very proximity. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Now, I've never owned a cat. I have however played with lots of other peoples cats who have lived near me. Here is a litte montage of all of them: Leroy, Marmalade, Leroy again, and Doobie. With the exception of Marmalade gazing out the apartment sliding glass door (wanting to get out) these cats are the coolest cats ive ever met. I love having other peoples cats. I would never really want my own. Unless of course it was named Chairman Meow. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 19,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> You may/probably have heard on national news that my fair university is in the midst of a/many scandal(s). The CU football program was accused of using sex to recruit players and there have been I think 4 allegations of rape by CU football players in the last 3 years. Everyday a new police report from 2001 or so comes out to add to the list of disgustingness. But the kicker (pardon the pun) was a few days ago when Katie Hnida, the only female player ever on CU's team came forward to say that she had been raped by a teammate and continually molested and harrassed by the others leading to total mental breakdown. She left the team, left CU and went into a period of darkness she said. She now goes to University of New Mexico where she plays on their football team and says that she has never had any problem whatsoever with harassment. So that proves that its CU's football team that is the exception to the rule i hope. Last night the coach (Barnett) made this statement about how the players respect people if they are good atheletes and how Katie was an 'awful' player. Hmm, yep, she DOES deserve to get raped if she's awful right Barnett. Here is the urlLink article on CNN to hear the whole story about the other allegations of rape by CU football players. Makes me want to march up there and kick him square in the balls. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 18,February,2004 | Welp, I'm back from the big interview. Whew! Crazy times, ladies, crazy times. We stayed in a seedy little hotel called the Berkeley Travelodge-good thing Jon was with me or it may not have been a safe option. The weather wasn't the best-pretty rainy- but that didn't hold Jon and I back from exploring San Francisco on Monday. It's a great city, especially when you just want to throw some pervs (look around) and not drop much cash. We kicked it on Fisherman's Wharf and watched the sea lions that have a fine colony there, saw Alcatraz (but didn't take the tour), and ate a great sundae at the Ghiradelli Restaurant (nothing wrong with a 'restaurant' that only has chocolate treats on the menu). Mostly we just walked our asses off, which is some feat with all the hills up in there. All in all, I give this city the thumbs-up: great public transportation (if I can figure it out, any fool can), clean, good views, and friendly folks. AND DEN, on Tuesday, the big interview...I put my costume on and cabbed it over to the university. The other interviewees were pretty friendly, mostly girls finishing up their college degrees (ha! the innocent fools...ain't got shit on me), and the atmosphere wasn't at all competitive, which you might expect. Basically, how it works is, they have selected 20 folks to interview out of the 90+ that applied. From those 20, they'll take up to 10, but if they only find 4 that they really want, then they'll only take 4. The best thing about the day was the professor that's becoming the program director; we'll call him Seamus. Seamus had a propensity for saying 'and stuff,' which is something you just don't expect from a really smart guy. Here are some examples: 'Welcome to Berkeley, everybody. Hope you all have a great day, and stuff...we have a lot in store for you today. Here's a schedule of what we'll be doing today. And stuff. Uh, let me know if you have any questions *3 second pause* and stuff.' I got such a kick out of this guy! Luckily for me, he cut out the 'and stuffs' during the interview; I don't know if I could have held in all my chuckles. Anywho, after taking the redeye cross-country to NYC and then driving back to Boston, we got home this morning and were pooped like Mr. Hanky. I have 3 more interviews coming up that I need to saddle up for; Alison, hopefully we can kick it in B-town when I come to check out IU. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 17,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> As I promised and because I'm a dork, not only am I giving you photos of Real World New Orleans Danny, I created this lovely Danny collage titled: Danny, why you gotta be so hot?...and why do you have to look like Owen Wilson on that Advocate cover? For this piece, I specifically chose some shots that aren't Dan's best (for real, in those black and white shots is he trying out for Oliver Twist? Gunning for Eric Nies' spot on The Grind). The pictures only prove that, even when looking cheesy, Real World Danny is a beautiful, beautiful man. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 17,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> One of my friends recently brought to my attention the urlLink misuse of quotation marks . Apparently, this stems from people using their hands to create quotation marks while talking...so they feel like doin' it where and whenever they want. Assholes! This example is from the Gallery of 'Misued' Quotes: A sign at the swimming pool at Reed College in Portland, OR asks you to: Please 'shower' before entering the pool. Maybe they knew that no one bothers with more than a quick rinse. I hope they don't get a summons from the Board of 'Health.' Once you read several, they start to get really funny. Anyway, it has always puzzled me that grandparents (mine and Matt's) have an addictive habit of using quotations in cards and other written messages. For example, Matt's grandma always writes 'Happy Birthday' but does not quote any of the rest of the message, unless it is something like ' and many more.' My grandparents do this too, and I always thought it was so weird. Maybe they don't really 'mean' it? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 17,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> David from the Real World New Orleans has recently been arrested for urlLink soliciting a $10 hooker . Man, 10 bucks is sooo sad. Maybe we should put paypal on this site and raise some money so he can go see Heidi Fleiss like a normal D-list celebrity. The Smoking Gun also has police files on other Real Worlders/Road Rulers and of course most of them are on the drunken frat boy antics of various male cast members, and I'm actually surprised there aren't more public intoxications and DUIs in the bunch. The kicker, though, is that Stephen from Real World Seattle (he's the guy that hit the chick with Lyme disease and threw her bunny in the water, right? I know it's not 'Kiera, I LOVE YOU!!! But I'm so angered!' David) has been accused of prostitution. I bet he charges more than a ten spot. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 16,February,2004 | Going along with the sing song headlines, I must share with you all about my lunch yesterday. Now, on Mondays, I don't go to work until 12, which is just lovely. So I go to Wild Oats on my way to work and create a salad at their incredible salad bar. Yesterday I was having some trouble selecting a beverage until I spotted it...Dr. Wild, Wild Oats version of the fine Dr. Pepper. What a find! I have seen many generic names for the cola, but none quite as fun (Dr. Thunder comes in a close second). So next time you find yourself at Wild Oats, try Dr. Wild, you won't be disappointed. Sorry about the failure to include a pic, hope it doesn't spoil the fineness of our blog. Kudos to Mike and Alison for coming up with a flashy color scheme! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 16,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Ahh! The UberUniverse of Hell was momentarily glimpsed on Sunday as I saw Bush at the Daytona 500. Yes, I admit a soft spot for running across a race on tv, even if it's not in Indy. My dad and brothers are obsessed with racing, and I knew they were watching (and taping) this race. Anywho, races, especially Indy ones, (I'm sure half of proximity would concur) are a pretty janky display of all things contemporary American pride. After 9/11, flag appliques were abundant for all Indy racing apparel, including female racing lovers, which also opens up the doors for embroidered sweatshirts and the like (need I mention the role of denim in all this?!) I am pretty used to this, though, and just pass giggle and move on. I'm just surprised Bush took so long to get to this group-- because they've been ready and waiting for him since the beginning of his presidency. I have to admit I got a little queasy watching all his adoring 'fans' as he did a meet and greet with Laura (is she a robot?) and then the camera did a nice close up of his new Daytona 500 bomber jacket, which was embroidered with 'George W. Bush, President.' Thanks for not confusing us! urlLink NYT chats about how this event sealed the vote with all the 'Nascar Dads.' Hey, I speak from experience. I know who my dad is voting for. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 13,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Last weekend, Mike and I took a short little trip to Ft. Lauderdale for some r n' r and to get away from the crap weather we've been having in Indiana. It was a blast; the weather was great and we didn't have to do anything or be anywhere. Our hotel was right on one of the canals and a quick boat ride to the beach....where we got very very sunburned. Right now I'm in the peeling stages and it's super grody to the max but totally worth it. On our last day there, we rented a scooter and the battery died, but it was still all good. I miss you Flahrida (that's how they say it down there...with three syllables instead of the Indiana Flor-duh....yuk yuk. I love NASCAR). urlLink Here are the rest of the pictures. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 12,February,2004 | Katie, I'll be joining you in California on Sunday! Not that I'll actually be anywhere close to L.A., but what have you, much closer than I am now. The big Berkeley interview is on Tuesday; I am sort of forgetting about Valentine's Day because I just want the day after to come. I really hope California doesn't turn out to suck because I've put all my eggs in its basket (can I say Arnold's basket since he's the governor now?) and wanted to live there for years although I've only been inside the LAX airport. I think characters in movies like 'Dude, Where's My Car?' and the proximity (how's that for a sly plug?) to Mexico (and Mexican food) are the big selling points for me. This from the girl who based her college choice partly on the fact that a Dave Matthews song was playing on the student radio station while driving around campus... |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 12,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> While Alison may have covered everything we want to know about V-Day, I have always enjoyed making valentines. I don't know why, because I am not particularly crafty any other time of year. In fact, when I usually set out to make them, I realize all I own is white computer paper and blue or black pens. Really fun. So, I usually borrow some stuff from work or beat up a preschooler with a Powder Puff Girls backpack and take her art supplies. I usually do the pretty traditional V-Tine, with lacy accoutrements and maybe a candy heart or 2. But, I find them to be fun to make and give. Am I Martha Stewart? I usually only give one to Matt, though. Maybe it has something to do with not wanting to be out in Chicago on the 14th, because it seems half the world has gone crazy over buying roses and candy boxes. Or, getting dinner reservations at swank places that result in battle-to-the death behavior for the 7pm slot. We usually stay home, order pizza and watch movies...Also, we get each other small gifts, like a cd or snack. Is your city good for Valentine's Day, or would you rather hide inside your home? Anyone else hand-craft their love notes? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 12,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Here are some little valentines I made with pictures of me, katie, and alison. This is prob the most recent photo taken of me and while not flattering at all, I find it hilariously funny. I've photoshopped out something in my hand. I should have photoshopped my color but thats how pale I probably am, with a flash. This is one of my favorite pictures of both katie and alison. If this were a real valentine card alison's would say: 'will you be my sullen valentine?' I love it. Speaking of sullen, Im hopefully going to be dressed up as Margot Tenenbaum tonight for a movie character party. My backup idea is Amelie. I wonder if ill get it together for either? What is everyone doing for valentines day? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 12,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> There, I got in the Creed song title...Happy Valentine's Day! I wish Katie were here to serenade me. I love Valentine's Day because, significant other or not, it's a holiday that encourages eating lots of candy, so it's up there with Halloween and Easter for me. For some, though, V-day is about as pleasant as the shiesty card to your left. I decided to include something for everyone in this post: YAY VALENTINE'S DAY! Still looking for that last minute gift for your gangsta boo or homegirl...check out urlLink these adorable teddy bears holding little hearts printed with the romantic words: 'Shit bitch, you is fine.' It almost makes getting a stupid stuffed animal worth it. These bears are so fucking cute! Or, take yo ass on a fantastic voyage from Compton to France to have a look at some of the romantic hot pink urlLink luv graffiti . Aww, even frat boys have hearts. Those old softies at Penn State declared all fraternity houses urlLink rape-free zones . Wow, now I feel safe setting my beer down and not worrying that it might get spiked with a little funky cold medina. Ugh, I can't believe they had to mention this...there are even *ahem* OPTIONAL stickers for the frat's windows. V-Day...Meh Get flowers this year? Use this urlLink handy guide to find out what your boquet means. My favorite is in response to the dreaded potted plant: 'I feel you don't love me so won't be hurt if you give this to grandma.' This is in the same category as the tiny potted rose combined with the plush teddy bear, the pinky-red azalea, or godforbid, the dreaded kalanchoe. Given by: the man who thinks it's over with you. Is it? Or are you Grandma? If so, you might be glad the old git remembered your address. Proper response: Double dose of Viagra. For both of you.' VD? More like Venereal Disease These stories of urlLink broken hearts are funny and poingnant. The one that got me the most was the guy whose pregnant girlfriend chose a life of prostitution over him. These make any lame Valentines Day seem not so bad after all. If you're feeling proactive, send some urlLink anti-Valentines or just take a look at urlLink The Cap'n's Unfortunate Valentine's Cards , source of the lovely illustration at the top of this post. The Cap'n's comments on it? 'To fall out of love is simply awful. But not nearly as awful as the sight of these horrific, bitter Valentine heads. Valentine's answer to drama's comedy and tragedy masks: angry and sleazy.' Happy lovin', lovelies! |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 12,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Just so all y'all know, I'm planning on going on a blogging blitz on all topics Valentine's Day related and beyond here in the next two days...let's see if it actually happens. So to start things off right, I thought we could discuss our unconventional crushes. Who do you have the hots for that isn't conventionally attractive or known as a sex symbol (we know all about your skeevy crushes, Leah)? Anyone who knew me sophomore year of college was well aware that I had a raging crush on Hal Sparks, host of E's Talk Soup, now starring on Showtime's Queer as Folk...He also is incredibly funny on VH-1's I Love the '80 (and '70's). The obsssion was so out of control, all my Christmas presents that year were addressed as such:'To Alison, Love Hal' or maybe even 'Dear Alison, Hal Sparks cuts farts.' Yeah my parents are mature. So I know Hal's not fly–even for a white guy, but he's funny and that's what melts my butter. Too bad he likes Kiss, we could never be together. So what are your wierd crushes, you freaks? For inspiration, check out urlLink Normal Guys who Make Women Wild for some Jerry Orbach, John Malkovich and Philip Seymour Hoffman lovin' (among others). P.S. I was looking at the Hal montage, and I can't help but think he bears more than a passing resemblance to 'Crazy' Pat Koenig in some of the shots. I'm I crazy? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 10,February,2004 | Were someone to invent a keyboard that gave the same satisfying clackety-clack of the old school typewriter, I'd surely invest in one. I used to love pounding away on my mom's old typewriter (with or without paper rolled in) just to hear that sound. Even if you're typing a lot of nonsense, that sound makes you feel like you're working ridiculously hard and should be winded after finishing your assignment. I guess typewriter-computers wouldn't go over well in offices as all that noise would be enough to drive one a bit crazy, but for personal use, sign me up. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 10,February,2004 | After driving 30 minutes to work for 5 1/2 months, I have come to recognize a few cars on that drive. The timing has to really be on for me to get to see these folks, and we only cross paths a couple times a week. The first one I started to notice based on a license plate which reads '67A POO.' I'm guessing this is not a vanity plate. I'd love to say this plate resides on a Range Rover or a hideous Hummer, for extra laughs, but no, it's fixed to a Mercury Sable. How unlucky can you be...I wonder if when they first got the plate, they went along with it hoping no one would notice. Come on! Poo?! I get a nice morning chuckle out of it, that's for sure. The other guy is quite mysterious in nature. He drives a shiny blue Beetle (a new one), and up until mid-December, the Beetle has a squiggly pride sticker fixed to the back right window. Then suddenly, one day, the sticker was missing. Luckily I can say with a great deal of certainty that it's the same car as I had memorized the plate number. This incident has led me to many mornings of wondering what happened...why remove the sticker? In my opinion, it made that car worth noticing. Did he switch teams? Was he visiting his mother and had to remove it because she wouldn't approve? Did someone else take the liberty of removing it in an act of vandalism (or was it stuck on the inside?)? Perhaps I'll never know. I've been tempted to follow him to work, but who knows much further he has to drive than I do, and then I'd be really late to work. Plus he might be a little freaked out. Or maybe he'd be like, 'Hey Indiana (as I still have Indiana plates), I've been wondering what brought you to Massachusetts!' If some morning he were to pull over and get gas, I'd be tempted to pull over as well and strike up a conversation to get to the bottom of this. Should I ever crack this mystery, I'll let you folks know. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 10,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Woo hoo, Oprah just turned 50!!! Stevie Wonder sang to her at the big party, so to thank him, she urlLink gave him a Rolls Royce Phantom worth $400,000. Ok, thats what I call generous...but thoughtless. Last time I checked, Stevie's still blind and is probably not driving too much. For all anyone knows, she could have just given him a Ford Taurus with two missing hubcaps and a bad paint job. Let's hope the seats at least have nice texture for poor Stevie to rub up against. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 09,February,2004 | I have been meaning to post this for a while, but have not been in the office (I had a wee Americorps retreat and then went to Depauw on Friday to check out this exhibit they have in their new gallery about social stratification. Very sweet! They even had pieces of two of my fave lady photographers, Nan Goldin and Barbara Krueger...Sean was also a fan). So back to my original postie. Last Monday, my roommate, Gretchen, invited me to attend an event called 'porneoke' with her at Birdy's. Now this was actually the same week Birdy's was featuring Jordan Knight, but this was different. The way she described it was that these bands go up on stage and play familiar songs but change the words to make them dirrty. Hey why not, plus her psuedo-boyfriend is in one of the bands. So we go and find out that she was wrong....very wrong. Porneoke is, in fact, where they play muted porn tapes and call upon two brave folks to come up and narrate these scenes. There were two bands that opened, but the fun was yet to begin! I made up my mind that there was no way that I could be funny on the spot and would not be porneoking....I would much rather belt out 'I will always love you' on stage. But the crowd was small and the lady population was smaller. Gretchen was recuited first and actually did well (but her partner was a lady, so it eased the tension). Then they called Scott (the psuedo-boyf) and the blonde sitting next to him....I looked around, searching for another 'the blonde', but to no avail. So we go up there and I already told him the chances of me being funny were nill. Then what do we get? We get a cartoon scene with a witch who has a man eating vagina! 'What the....?' was about all I was capable of....and it just kept getting better. The next scene we were dealt was a western with a pig and a cat all wooing this naked lady. The pig was violent and shot the cat's penis THREE times (there was even a cartoon dramatization of the holes). This was too much and had me in stiches......needless to say, we did not win the Princess Lea (?) pez dispenser that was the grand prize. If any one is interested in attending, I believe it will be a monthly ordeal. I would be up for going, but participating is another story :) |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 09,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> This post is mainly for the boys over at 1.21 Gigawatts but i think you girls will enjoy it as well. The Darkness is kind of cool. I like revivals of the type of music. My friend have a band called Dartanian after that beloved musketeer i think. They are a big joke but are actually quite awesome. They write all the songs to spoof the metal of yesteryear and present year also i guess. urlLink Their site has one of their songs that is called 'River' i guess but I've always thought the title was 'pissing on your grave' which i think is a much better title. at any rate. totally give them a listen. its lots of fun. |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 06,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> Since I am the last person to see a movie in the theaters, I just saw American Splendor urlLink , a film about unhappy man/comic book writer urlLink Harvey Pekar . (His website is cool- features his comic book stuff and a blog.) I was a little turned off by the concept of the movie, because comics and I are not good friends, but it proved to be just excellent. Pekar's motto is 'Misery loves company' so if you're not in a good mood, this flick could work wonders. The documentary style bits interspersed throughout the movie (the real Pekar commenting on certain scenes, or just adding more to the story) were totally enjoyable and helped me understand him more as a person, which I think was one of the main goals, because Pekar had been kind of misrepresented by the media (namely Letterman!). The Letterman bits were really funny, and they used a lot of original footage there. Highly recommended and interesting. I also saw urlLink Down With Love , a completely different genre all together, but a clever spoof on bad 50's and 60's Doris Day stuff. Could it be possible for Renee Zellweger to be in more movies right now? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 06,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> My profs for Social Construction of Sexuality used to always reference George Michaels song lyrics 'sex is natual sex is fun, sex is best when its one on one' to illustrate social constructions at work in and seeping into culture in such seemingly benign formats like pop music. My profs thought the subject of sex was so tweaked by mores and other things at work in society that it was not 'natual, fun, and not necessarily best if done one on one'. They were really crazy. No one missed a lecture because you were never sure what they were going to do or say next. I was reminded of them and a paper I wrote for that class when I read that Bernardo Bertolucci's new film 'the dreamers' is out in NY and LA and coming next week to denver as well as many other cities im sure. Im really excited to see it. Its about an american student and cinemaphile who meets a pair of like minded twins who lure him into this bizarre relationship that they already have with each other. Since im currently reading Lolita for the first time (in a little book club i have with john and another couple) i have sex and the social context of it on the brain. All the pedofilia obscured by what seems like real love and adoration in Lolita makes for quite a conflicted view of the narrator. Sexual taboos like cross-generational relationships, incest, domination/submission etc make for really interesting film and literature to be sure as it definitely challenges you to decide for yourself what exactly is taboo in your own mind. Movies like Secretary come to mind. Which, by the way, I think is one of the best love stories on film of the last few years. The movie Storytelling comes to mind too, conversely though,because i find it extremely disturbing. I was watching Curb Your Enthusiasm the other day and Larry DAvids manager Jeff told Larry that he was fantasizing about a pornstar while masturbating and that Larry's wife 'popped in' to his fantasy. Larry was mad and said 'well, why didn't you pop her out??' to which Jeff said 'you cant control who pops in!' Storytelling popped in the other day and lets just say, thats a real mood killer. It's so interesting the way movies that display their themes via sex can have such positive or negative lasting effects on viewers- or at least me. Does anyone else have a similar experience? Is different for males and females I wonder? |
1,926,378 | female | 24 | indUnk | Aries | 05,February,2004 | &emailalert=no&[email protected]&url=http://closeproximity.blogspot.com&name=Proximity&bgcolor=003399&fcolor=FFFFFF&link=FFFFCC&words=comments&title=Comments &width=350&height=350'> When they do the series 'I Love the '00s,' we can all rest assured Janet's Super Bowl sunburst will be a hot topic. Man, I hope Hal Sparks is still doing that show. |
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