The News

PART 1
-I have one more day of school
-I have one more paper to finish up and one more book to read (Harry Potter)

PART 2
-No wonder I hate watching the news. Not only is it only false public opinion imposed on us by Rupert Murdoch, but it makes me super paranoid
-Nearly 4000 people will be getting fired tomorrow. Great like I need more competition in my job search.
-Swine flu all over NYC.

Baby Preacher

OMG. This is crazy. This kid totally went to church 5 days a week with his parents. He will be the next Hitler.

Lady Gaga's Teacup

Wow. Sometimes being a celebrity makes people do strange things. Lady Gaga has been spotted a lot recently with a floral teacup, like walking around the city and whatnot. She says it reminds her of being at home, and she does it so she does not waste paper or plastic cups. Honey, there are more normal ways of saving the environment. You look retarded and you have a butter-face.

Facebook

This is SO true and SO hilarious.

Nudist Cat

Twilight...with Cheeseburgers

Paper Tiger

I just went to an orientation to volunteer/intern at paper tiger. Paper Tiger Television (PTTV) is an open, non-profit, volunteer video collective. Through the production and distribution of our public access series, media literacy/video production workshops, community screenings and grassroots advocacy PTTV works to challenge and expose the corporate control of mainstream media. PTTV believes that increasing public awareness of the negative influence of mass media and involving people in the process of making media is mandatory for our long-term goal of information equity.

I am thrilled, as the goals of this organization are very similar to the goals i hold in my own professional life. This will look excellent on my resume, as it is more suitable and subject-appropriate for what I want to do with my life. Check out the website if you get a chance. www.papertiger.org

Virtual Communities

"Virtual communities are a natural response to the hunger for community that has followed the disintegration of traditional communities around the world" (Bell, 2001, p.98).
This quote resembles a case of 'which came first, the chicken or the egg', or a question of origin. Is it because the internet has become so commonplace and influential that our traditional communities have disintegrated? Or is it because traditional communities have fallen apart that we rely on the internet for a response to our need for community?

Thoughts?

Dog Born Without Arms

This dog is so cute, but kind of resembles an alien. Look at how he walks!

1$ Pitchers 1-5

I love sweet ups and friends, and drinking mini pitchers during the day.

This was taken last week. Photo compliments to Carrie's Macbook pro.

Jenkem

"Jenkem is an alleged hallucinogenic recreational drug composed of noxious gas formed from fermented human feces.[1] In the early and mid-1990s, several reports stated that Jenkem was being used by Zambian street children. In November 2007, anecdotal American media reports gave the impression that Jenkem was a popular drug taking hold with American teenagers. Media reports were characterized by disbelief and distaste for the "grossness" of the phenomenon.[2] Since November 2007, no new reports have appeared to corroborate the early speculations.
Several sources allege that these initial reports were based on a hoax (see section below). David Emery of About.com, popularly noted as an "urban legend guru"[2], concluded that the recent news media reports that Jenkem is gaining a foothold as a substance of abuse among American youth is doubtful and "based on faulty Internet research."[3]"-WIKI

Who thinks Jason and I should do this?

Lilacs and American Idol

Today I was walking on Amsterdam to meet up with Lisa and Vala at Central Park, after I finishsed my work for the day. I walked past the old folks home and got a huge whiff of lilacs. They always make me think of spring and take me back to walks in the backyard with my dad to pick flowers. I got all nostalgic and I sent him a text to tell him that at 5:49. I got no response then at 9:33, I get a text from him saying "5704". I write back "Huh? 5704?. Then he writes back"Oops. I was voting for American Idol".

LOL. Me and Kristen Burst out laughing.

What's Out There?

I have this emerging philosophy about faith and a higher power, and I am not sure how to write it down yet, but I am going to give it a shot.

Science can only account for a certain amount of truths in the world. For example, within the realm of the social sciences it is really hard to even presume things about a person because, by nature, we are all different. What if I were to say that this confusion brought about by not being able to claim much of anything about social beings is a result of some 'higher power' trying to confuse us so that we can't figure out more meaningful stuff? Social confusion, in my suggestion is a simple deterrent that means nothing and is tedious and pointless. I am beginning to think that everything is random and pointless. How can we possibly search for meaning in such a mottled mess?

Hand Itch

My right hand has been really itchy lately. Supposedly that means I am going to pay someone money. When your left itches, it means someone is going to pay you. What does this mean for someone who has no income and no way of paying someone? This is total bull.

Kindle

Last night in class I had the startling realization that soon books will be abolished just like CD's. With technological advancements in the world of literature, the kindle is growing in popularity. This epidemic draws a striking resemblance to mp3 players. We are in the time period where both are still used, however I propose that 20 years from now, it will be harder to come across book stores and the kindle, or products like it, will store a mass quantity of reading materials.

I kind of really want one. It would totally save my back from aching all the time cause I carry so many damn books!

However, on the other hand, I have spent the last 3 days writing about dystopian literature. This seems a bit like 'Brave New World' to me.

Productivity

Yesterday was productive. I wound up cutting my first class and finishing a paper! Yay! One down and two to go! After I had just finished and was still up by school, I was starving, and wanted to not cook myself dinner. Kim and Lisa were busy, but luckily Eric texted me at just the right time and we caught up at the sandwich spot by school.

After dinner, I got off the subway by my house and this lady was passed out on the steps at the subway station. She almost looked like she was dead. I came down later to get back on the subway and she was gone. I guess she needed to take a little nappy. I can't imagine sleeping on that dirty, nasty floor. She didn't look homeless either. Which was weird.

Jeff and I met up for a quick drink or two at Union Pool. As always, great conversation.

Honey Roasted Choice Cun*s

Last night I went to a lezzie party with Lisa and Vala. They met up by my apt and then we walked all the way to Bedford. Open bar was nice, I started talking to this girl and she bought me flowers. Gorgeous white roses. That was really nice of her. I think every girl deserves a dozen roses every once in a while. Am I being selfish because I took the flowers and not her number? I mean, you cant go buy a girl flowers and expect her to go home with you because of it, right?

I guess thats the difference between dating women and men. Men expect too much and when they don't get it, they get angry. As far as I am concerned, this girl just wanted to let me know that I am special. I don't think she expected anything out of it. But then again, how would I know?

What a Day

I just had kind of a bad day. I mean, not bad...just really eventful.

Everytime I came outside from the library, EVERYONE was laying on the lawn, tanning, playing frizbee..etc.. I wanted to go lounge SO bad, They had a band and a DJ and everything! I hate the fact that I had to spend the day in the library when it was SO gorgeous out.


I outlined my paper and have a game plan, so I guess I am halfway there. I still have two more full days to work on it, so I should be OK. I got to talk to Kate and my Dad, which were high points of my day. Katherine swung by to visit me at Butler. Then I got pizza with Lisa ( my old roomate at Dowling) and her twin sis, who I never met. It was nice to see Lisa. I am excited she lives with her sis in Harlem now.

OH, I had a really weird experience on the subway today. I walked on to the one train at Columbia and there was this group of kids being really loud, and I thought, just my luck. Well, I was listening to my headphones and reading and book, and all of them were looking at me. One of the guys was like "you could hit that, what are you afraid of girls?" and i was like "i dunno". And then that kid got made fun of by all the other loud-ass kids. It was a long and crowded ride to and from school. I hate that the red line is under construction. It took, like, an hour each way today.

Oh boy, hopefully I will have an awesome night tonight, then back to work tomorrow...when everyone else will be at the beach. FML

Hello Gorgeous

It is absolutely lovely outside. Of course today HAS TO be the most vital day for my paper writing. I need to find a cozy, outdoors nook to get some work done. I can't let this day pass me by!

Couples

I don't know if its the fact that its spring or that I am observing too closely, but I keep seeing a million happy couples and they're all cute and it makes me really jealous/mad. Its like everyone has to be all lovey in my face just to remind me that I am alone.

Avatar

Last night I was 'researching' for my media paper. I am focusing on social networks on the internet. I decided to create an avatar on second life. I know, I am a dork. I can understand how people become obsessed with this tripe. It is very addicting, however, I get frustrated with how long it takes to get everywhere and would rather get up and move around in my 'first life' instead. I tried to make my character look like me, but didn't want to dwindle away hours and had to get some sleep. p.s. I had no idea how to change the hair. I know, i know.

Earth Day

Is tomorrow! I wonder when aliens have their 'earth day'.

Here...for old times sake.

Jenny Holzer

Jenny Holzer is currently exhibiting her works at the Whitney. I really want to go. She does these really great conspiracy based media instillation pieces. Anyone want to go with me on Friday?

1984 Apple Commercial

I was doing research for my dystopian literature paper, and came across this advertisement. Aired only once during the 1984 superbowl, this commerical depicts the social world of 1984. Its purpose is to extinguish the world of 1984 with the innovation of macintosh. I really like the commercial, however I think it is somewhat misdirected. Computers do not really give us less surveillance and brainwashing, if anything they aid in increasing the amount of monitoring of individuals. This can be seen in the log kept by google of previous searches, and facebook's ability to market to individuals due to their past/recent activity. Thoughts?

Wall-e

I watched Wall-e for the first time last night and was blown away by what a fine example of dystopia it presents. The humans portrayed in the movie are fat slobs who sit in recliners all day and let machines turn them into passive consumers. This representation takes a notion we all know of today and exemplifies it in a horrifying way, however impossible, to show kids and adults alike what 'would' happen if we continue to let technology consume our consciousness (thus, granting us Marx's favorite notion; false consciousness).

I really enjoyed the movie and thought it was cute and innovative and most importantly, I like the theme of science fiction dystopianism. However, I found many of the images that the movie conveys to be elementary, inhumane and at worst, futile.

1) The portrayal of everyone as fat and lazy was completely moronic. There are ALWAYS going to be image conscious people and people who work out at the gym. WE are humans with human bodies. No matter what, we are going to feel like shit if we don't move around every so often.

2) The portrayal of the commercial for 'liquid lunch', where everyone, after hearing the ad rushed to the nearest vendor and got one was absurd. There will always be non conformists, and there will always be good food. I refuse to believe this isn't so. If this was true, my whole reason for existence would be banal and purposeless.

3) Jason said Wall-e was like jesus. Chew on that.

Thus, my movie review is as stated. I think there are many different interpretations of the themes and patterns which evolve through this movie. A truly innovative and unique exposure of science fiction dystopianism for a young and deeply impressionable audience. I give it an enthusiastic 2 thumbs up, however, if I could re-do a few things, I would jump at the opportunity.

Jodette and I Jam Session

Oona

I just had to.

Video Glasses

Ok so I tried on these video glasses last night. It was SO cool. I think people will be doing this on the subway in no time. Seriously, it is like your own little world/personal movie theatre.

However, being who I am, I must say that it is a bit scary. In the future they could teach through this. People could be totally connected like this and not even 'live' in the real world anymore! ( OK, I don;t actually believe this, but I am watching Wall-e right now, so my beliefs have been swayed).

Spring Feever

I have been overwhelmed with a certain sense of 'i just don't know what to do with myself' lately. I know I have so much work to do, but if the weather is nice, I just want to go out and enjoy it. But then the other half of me, is like 'No, don't do that, there is so much work to be done'! These next two weeks could not pass quickly enough.

Technology

UGh. I am really mad at Pikachu for spilling a glass of water on my phone. Now it is ruined. I lost all my new numbers. AND a whole bunch of messages that I was supposed to get. AHHHHH. SO ANGRY!!!!

Fat Kids

Ugh I am such a heffer. I ate a slimfast bar, a large iced coffee, a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese, 2 sushi rolls, miso soup, a garden salad, 4 yodels, 2 pieces of cheese, a shit load of pretzel chips, a glass of wine, a french martini, 2 cranberry vodkas, a medium fry, 7 chicken nuggets, a monster, 10 pieces of chocolate, 2 peeps, a handfull of gummy worms all within less than 18 hours. WOW. I think i need to fast for...well..the next month,

Cruisin for Bruisin

Summer is coming, which means bare legs and FUN. However, I am anemic and bruise very easily. Today 2 of my girlies showed me bruises that were now visible due to the scantily clad allowing weather conditions. What to do. What to do.

p.s. No legs were harmed in the making of this post. I don't know whose legs those are.

Just Friends?

I had a very long and tiresome day yesterday. Class was excellent, I recored some of it simply because I know it was the last day my fave prof would be lecturing and I wanted it to last longer. Haha. There is this really funny part where my prof was talking about giving spankings. I wont even go there in public, but me and Nicole were giggling...a lot. I will miss my very sexy prof's awesome lectures and sassy accent.

After class, I met up with the very inspirational and charismatic Kate. We caught up and she played me her new song. Like all of her songs, I loved it. This is the first time she used the word jesus in a song. A bit surprising for someone who is getting her masters in religion.

After spending hours on my work and miraculously never getting enough of it done, I met up with Blair for pizza. I wont gush over him any more, because after all we are only friends right now, even though I think we both know that there is so much more just waiting beneath the surface.

Fat City Auto Wrecker

Last night, after a day filled with books, I went to Alexis's to get my hair cut. She did a wonderful job. It is shorter in the front and for the first time in a long time its even!

After that Carrie and I went to go see the boys play a show at the Delancey. It was so weird, how we kept bumping into people we knew on route to the show. First we saw Sam on the subway platform, then we got on the subway and lo and behold Jani and his gf were sitting right next to my friend Nancy. They didn't know I was the missing link and sat next to each other out of convenience. So weird. The boys only played 4 songs, which made me quite sad. PJ promised Carrie he would sing a Lux song but he didnt, so wifey got mad. I drank too many beers and realized I do the most eating when I come home drunk. I started slim fast this week. Easter candy killed my BMI and swimsuit season is right around the corner. I kind of want to go to the beach tomorrow. Its supposed to be in the 70's!!

Craft Nights

This week has set me in motion. I spent the day with my books while researching for my media paper.

Today my dad went into surgery. Everything went well. Hooray! Saturday is his birthday and I am excited to see him and Jean and wish him quick healing.

OH, I got a call from a 'guardian' for my cousins Mj and Ethan today. He asked me all these social worker questions about Moe, Ann and the kids. I have never really been interrogated like that before, it was interesting. I feel like I gave just information and I am glad that I was able to participate in justice and let my voice be heard. However, I HATE being semi-stuck in the middle of this. I am one of 3 mutual friends they still have on Facebook, so its kind of like I'm one of the few people that still communicate with both of them.

I adore hanging out in my apartment. Doing absolutely nothing, at night, when all my daily tasks are done. le sigh.

Eastey Weekend

I had a nice semi-relaxing weekend with the family. I got my teefs cleaned and got to hear a whole bunch of 'tales of woe' about my aunt. Lulu kept me up pretty much every night, so I am exhausted now. I successfully spent a whole day on my expertise draft, but I have so much more homework that I didn't get to. Oh well. We can't all be dorks 100% of the time.

My mom and I picked out a game at Wal Mart to play with the family. It was about labeling people as types of things, i.e.

If nicole was any of these short hands, which would she be?
1) ASAP
2) TLC
3) LOL
4) VIP
5) ROFL

...and then the people who pick the most popular answer move one space.

There was one question where I was the subject and everyone had to pick which leader I was most like, I forget who all of the other leaders were, but it was unanimous that I was most like Ghandi. I am proud of this fact. Haha

Happy Easter! Oh I painted a whole bunch of eggs too! I hope you like my lederhosen egg.

Hot Persian Sex

Their facial expressions are priceless!

Ticky Tocky Ticky Tocky Oi Oi Oi!!!

Boppy and I decided to follow the yellow brick road to a touristy German restaurant for dinner. Everyone working there wore traditional garb. It was cute. SOOO much food! WAY too much food. Heavy food. But I kind of felt like i was in Epcot for a minute.

My Cat is So Cute

Pikachu posed for a video shoot this morning. She did spectacular!

Drinking with Paddys

Last night my FAVORITE Irish folk surprised me and came to NY! Kim and I met up at Heartland Brewery in Union Square, for a couple of beers with them. Neither of them have ever been to NY before, so it was fun to advise them on when and where to do all the fun things in my city. They seemed to really lie the city, thus far. I really hope they come back and stay with me over the summer or something. That would be rad!

All in All, a Good Day

After unsuccessfully getting my work done yesterday, I met up with Blair for some coffee and then went to Barnes and Noble, where Mary Tyler Moore was autographing her new book. I had no idea she would be there, so it was quite a pleasant surprise. She is so darn cute. It is so very true that "she can turn the world on with her smile".

After that, I met up with Jodette at Cosi and she FINALLY came to my apt. We jammed and wrote a silly song about Pikachu. I love Jodete. Even though I don't get to see her as much as I would like, we always pick up right where we left off. I am pretty sure she is the friend I have had for the longest amount of time, who I still remain that close with.

Procrastination=Defecation

Today is the day!

I have no desire to do any work on this paper, but I must, as I have a draft due for Monday and my prof needs to sign a paper, saying its good enough for me to graduate. I guess I should go to the cafe cause there's less there to distract me. But I am broke as a joke and can't even afford a 1.75 coffee. Ugh. I hate having no income and having so much to do. Is it too much to ask to have an IV With coffee running through it straight into my veins?

McCarren

Yesterday was my one day to relax. I went with Carrie to McCarren park and met up with a bunch of people. We had a picnic of sorts and people watched. Every time I go there and look for a spot on the grass to lay out, I feel like I am looking for a spot at the beach. It is almost beach season! I can't wait.

Today was the first time I didn't bring my laptop to school in a while. I was pretty bored. I guess I have kind of been slacking in the classroom lately, but I feel like it is mostly due to researching for my upcoming papers. I feel like I have 3 jobs right now: Classwork, paper writing and trying to find a job for the summer. I still haven't heard back from any of the jobs to which I have been applying.

I guess you could say that I am kind of in the dumps. I am broke and busy and tired and ... ja know? I am excited to go to Maine this weekend, but I know I will have to get a shit ton of work done up there as well. It never ends! Well, actually, it does..in about 3 weeks. Hooray!

I am just really glad that I have such good friends to pick me up when I am feeling crappy. Last night Carrie drove me home before I made an ass of myself, today Kim took me out to Sea for dinner and Jason makes me laugh on the daily, and Kristen is always down for a good chat. So I guess everything doesn't suck.

See?! Who says writing in a journal isn't like therapy?

Wall Street Protest

This is what I surveyed at today. It was quite blustery and I neglected to wear my coat, silly me. I met a cool girl from my dept who is in one of my classes, who was the other Columbia representative in our survey group. I was handing out and collecting surveys for a political science professor from the University of Florida, about a longitudinal study being conducted about the people who go to anti-war protest rallies; their population, association and demography. I conducted about 45 surveys (I was supposed to do 50). The turn out wasn't quite what they were expecting, but it was heavily supported nonetheless.

I Love Wifey

We spent the day together and she kept me company while I researched. A rainy day at its finest. Here is an old pic she came across. She said this pic defines our personalities perfectly. lol.

Moving Back Home and Losing Phones

For some reason, this past week; 2 people I was supposed to hang out with lost their phones right before we were supposed to hang out; thus inadvertently blowing me off.

AND I heard 3 people were moving back to LI, one of whom got a job and decided to stay.

These types of things are a bummer.

The Story of my Life

Jobsies

I got 2 part time jobs today! Both of them are for doing school related stuff and I will be making 10-15 dollars per hour! I will be helping a professor conduct surveys this Saturday and proctoring in May for law students! Woohoo! I can contribute to society and make money!

Word of the Day

for⋅bear⋅ance   [fawr-bair-uhns] Show IPA
–noun
1. the act of forbearing; a refraining from something.
2. forbearing conduct or quality; patient endurance; self-control.
3. an abstaining from the enforcement of a right.
4. a creditor's giving of indulgence after the day originally fixed for payment.

P.S.-Jason and I are trying to quit smoking again. However, I have already broken the tethers of quitting. I will not smoke indoors anymore, which is a good start.

Playing Hookie

Today I decided not to go to my favorite class because I didn't read the book that I was supposed to read. I NEVER miss class, so this shouldn't be a big deal. I will just e mail my prof, telling him I got sick or something. Woohoo. Hello early weekend! haha..and by that I mean, Hello cafe and books!

Anyone know where I can get an internship this summer? I am gonna be hurtin if I don't get a job soon.

Bad Student

I didn't read a book that I am supposed to have read for my favorite class tomorrow. Up until now, I can say that I have faithfully made a point of reading all my homework. This book was impossible to find, and my teacher switched the date for the reading, disallowing me to receive the book on time from half.com. The only way that I can red it is through EBOOKS, but reading a 400 page book on the computer screen isn't an option. I refuse to read this book. It is not my fault.

I got my cap and gown today AND I ordered a class ring. I can't believe its almost over.

P.S. I know you are sick of hearing about my drinking escapades, but I went out with the girls last night and had a really good night. It was a much needed bitch-fest. Even though I have been hung over and nauseous all day, I find that I have been smiling and giggling to myself recounting funny things that were said or done last night.

Nice Atmosphere

Yesterday I didn't spend a single penny as I bookstore hopped all day. It was a nice enough day that I only had to don a light jacket. I really enjoy people watching and evading my work, while looking productive on my laptop. It's what I do best. Screw bar hopping, I go bookstore hopping.

p.s.I bought Twilight!