How many people do you think title their blogs,"&now for something completely different?"

2010-10-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

2009-08-04T21:17:00.002-05:00

I'm in the process of crane-lifting everything from here to MY NEW TUMBLR BLOG because well, let's face it, Tumblr is like the hot new sorority biddy that took your grandma's secretary job, forcing her (Blogger) to now feed her 75 cats with welfare checks.

You get the idea.

go to the new blog!! go!!

2009-07-20T11:03:00.000-05:00

I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYONE KILL IT LIKE THIS GIRL CAN.

I can appreciate the concept, but the exceution is so not ok.

2009-07-09T18:22:00.001-05:00

exorcist

2009-07-01T13:29:00.003-05:00

California: Where everything is normal yet nothing is normal.

PRODUCE

2009-06-16T19:08:00.003-05:00

I just needed to share with the world the most delicious avocado I just ate. You can see the ponderous pastel green mass breaking the bread in two. SOGOOD

LA BREA TAR PITS

2009-06-07T21:30:00.002-05:00

I couldn't believe the tar was viscous enough to move that huge elephant.
LA rules.

To the Delorean.

2009-06-04T00:33:00.005-05:00

I went to Disney 3 times growing up. As an only child, you'd think one time was enough, but I am certainly not complaining. I've been obsessed since my first trip and that obsession was only fueled when my mom told me stories of her first visit here in 1972, a year after the park opened. She has several books full of amazing Polaroids from the trip too. I wish I could time travel so bad.

The second time I went to Disney I was old enough for more elaborate rides. I was also old enough to recognize that one ride, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", was closed down and turned into swampy storage ground for the rusty submarine cars. My mom reminisced about riding in the past, and for SOME. REASON. I've wished the ride were active ever since.

Well, tonight I found this Youtube user with a whole collection of videos from Disney Worlds' past. I love this person.

My Disney World obsession is getting unhealthy. I guess I need to check out Disneyland now that I live in Los Angeles.

blogging from the road to Los Angeles.

2009-05-24T09:20:00.000-05:00

This is sort of like reading all those "Little House on the Prairie" books when I was younger. But with less leeches and less-delicious butter.

2009-05-09T21:06:00.003-05:00

I think the biggest highlight of 2009 for me thus far was not graduating or moving or anything but instead getting a friend request on Facebook from a dude from elementary school. I never saw him after 8th grade when he got expelled for throwing a desk at a teacher but he's back in my life now via the internet. In his full Guido glory. I love NJ.
The only photo of him on Facebook involves a tan, a gold cross on a chain, and a suit just a littttleee too large for him.
I'd post it here if I weren't afraid of him finding it and going Mafia on me while I sleep. Marone a mi!!

2009-05-02T20:15:00.003-05:00

(click for the large version)

Swine flu:
not real
contaminating social networks not immune systems

Thanks to Cueoverload.com for always bringing the cuddly pics.

2009-04-29T11:38:00.003-05:00

Yanked these from The copyranter because he is my favorite.
Evidently from some sort of 1950s advertising manual. What HILARIOUS IMAGES.

2009-04-26T19:20:00.002-05:00

Watching "Real Houswives of NJ" with the pets duh.

Jake sang this 2 times too many and I forced myself to buy it on iTunes. My iTunes purchase list is filled with songs I remember on a whim and need in 20 seconds or less. So, it ranges from "Yakety Yak" to T.A.T.U. Should I be revealing these sorts of things to people?

2009-04-14T17:57:00.005-05:00

Today's thoughts:

- The new tofu/olive tapenade/grilled veggies sandwich at Flour is so excellent. I love Chef Corey.
- A Greenpeace fund scout (you know the annoying college students getting in your way on the street to ask for money) told me I had a nice smile when I brushed him off. Uh, good thing he couldn't tell some of them are fake, I guess.
- I bought a pair of shoes. A girl browsing the store saw me trying them on and also ended up buying them. I definitely should get a part of the profits for my excellent Word of Mouth marketing skills.
- I've listened to this song over 32 times in the past 4 days. ish.

Boston is cold still. Why?

2009-04-06T13:50:00.004-05:00

Once at work we sent Liz to the basement to grab paper products for our daily restocking. Part of this task involves asking all the bakers what they need to replenish supplies. That particularly crazy weekend day The Head Baker requested "medium muffin cups. And some sanity." Liz spent a good twenty minutes looking for a jug of some sort of cleaning product called "Sani-T". Oh, the good old fashioned chuckles we had.

Sanity as a concrete entity seems to be a goal right now as many of my friends finish college slash live in a downward-sloping marketplace. Until May 18th, my grasp on sanity will take many different forms. This week as Spring gets closer, I'm hooked on delicious germ-debilitating beverages (tea, juices, KOMBUCHA!), 1990's riotgrl music, and (gasp) TWITTER to keep me wired and illness-free. Yeah!

PS Cherry cheesecake. This is also a Sani-T agent.

OH WHAT TRICKERY

2009-04-01T20:09:00.004-06:00

I wanted to believe so bad, pom-bluberry mash. I tried you about less than a month ago after your wonderful combination of flavors lured Jake and I closer to the bottle. My first small sip was just as rewarding as I thought it would be. I remember that night rather vaguely but I know it was a good one. Me and Blueberry Mash, friends for life, right?
So imagine my delight when I saw you, dear Blueberry, and your brethren Ginger Root on the shelf of my closest sketchy convenience store. I paid about $3 for your fatass.
When I took my first sip, something was wrong...VERY AMISS. My taste buds recoiled at the aftertaste. I immediately checked the ingredients label but not-so-immediately found the culprit: sneaked in allllll the way at the end: "SUCRALOSE".
WHY BOYLAN WHY. WHY MUST YOU RUIN SUCH A WONDERFUL CONCOCTION OF DARK-HUED FRUITS AND CARBONATED WATER. I guess originally Jake and I failed to miss that very last, very minimal but VERY overpowering metallic ingredient. Even though it appears in a smaller amount than all the other ingredients, I can taste it the most.

I am officially saddened by the Boylan Bottling people (also here?). Your bottles may be vintage but your process is sooo 2009 Americana.

PS
ATTN all bums near Downtown Convenience, Boylston St:
There is a bottle of Pomegranate Blueberry Mash in the garbage can on the street corner. It is missing only two sips. Free!!!!1 Mix it with your Ruble!! Throw it at your bum friends!! Die of arsenic poisoning via sucralose, just like the rats you sleep with sometimes! Whatever floats your boat!!

2009-03-29T18:44:00.000-06:00

2009-03-24T21:13:00.002-06:00

I'm most likely a bit late on this, but it seems that Tropicana caused some controversy with their new logo. Although recently unveiled, the logo got SERIOUSLY hated on by dozens of consumers (on blogs...naturally). Long story short, Tropicana is reverting to the old logo because everyone hated it so damn much. Of COURSE, not only are branding-nerds up in arms about this, but now all the social media fanatics are yelling about how this alllllll could have been avoided if Tropicana got clued in to 2009 and had a Facebook. Or a Twitter. And on the other hand, some think that in the age of tweets and facebook profiles we have been spoiled and led to think our opinion matters more than a million dollar graphic.
Regardless of your opinion, there is a nicely-done entry here about the whole ordeal.

While I was reading about this I saw that one user let a comment along the lines of, "do people really care this much about this? its orange juice, get a lie".
'Do people really care about this'?! Ohhhhh boy, sister...this is a whole lot more than orange juice.

march mania

2009-03-19T17:56:00.004-06:00

I would just like to announce that my Sandwich-the-moment (meaning?: I eat 5+ a week) at work has evolved significantly in the past two months, going from portabello mushrooms/basil pesto/tomatoes/mozzarella/pannini-pressed ---> roast beef/horseradish mayonnaise/tomateos/mixed greens/friend onions/(except no beef and extra greens SILLY) ---> mozzarella/basil pesto/tomatoes/arugula. That's all.

You may think this seems tame but it really has reached the level of sandwich-narcotic addiction. I NEED A CONDIMENT IRON LUNG.

Oh and I guess I had to make a pair of shoes for class. To brand myself. My brand is sooooo macabre.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

2009-03-14T22:55:00.004-06:00

I have returned from the fairer coast with a belly full of frozen yogurt and avocado and a mind set on getting things taken care of. I have a lot on my plate - find a subletter, tie up loose ends and get my degree, complete all homework assignments regardless of working 35+ hours a week, and oh yeah, find a job/internship/regular source of income. I'm ready. Deep breaths. Let's do this thing.

pokerface

2009-03-01T22:16:00.001-06:00

Wait, do I love Lady Gaga? "Pokerface" transitioned from "confusion" to "so catchy" on my radar sometime this week, though I hate when she "raps" and I greatly dislike the other single. What is it? Do I respect her balls-out attitude to DIY fashion (ok..half sarcastic)? Do I want to be friends with her? Or is it just the Italian thing?

She was born Stefani EFFING Joanne Angelina Germanotta, and I think shed be even more popular if she worked the Italian American diva shtick. It's still doing wonders for Donatella. Lady Gaga, fire your rep and give me a call.

Meanwhile I will contiue to blog from my Blackberry while on the bus, because I have to define my own stereotype more everyday, and listen to "Pokerace". Again. Tears.So many tears.

Legumes Lead Astray

2009-02-26T23:05:00.002-06:00

CLEARLY I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE SALMONELLA OUTBREAK
because I just spent so much time making this absurdity.

PS The Clif bar people got back to me. They enjoyed my letter but they still don't know when my favorite flavAs are coming back. When food fights back, am I right.

I swear I will stop talking about peanuts soon, ok?

the end of the world as we know it

2009-02-23T19:45:00.003-06:00

Thank you for contacting Clif Bar & Company. Please fill out the following information accurately so we can respond to your comment or question. If you'd like us to get back to you, please include your email address or phone number.

Name: Melissa Aquino
Product that you are commenting on: Crunchy Peanut Butter

To my friends at Clif Bar & Company,
It is not an exaggeration to say that I average about 6-8 Clif bars a week. They are the perfect way to get some delicious nourishment on days with full schedules, or even as a wonderful breakfast time snack.

With that said, I believe I have gone into a bit of a depression since the voluntarily recall of all Cif bar products containing peanuts. I understand that it is for my health and safety, but I can not bear to go into another Trader Joes and see that empty Crunchy Peanut Butter display box and menacing recall signage. Convenience store runs just aren't as fun as they used to be. My trips to the movies are salty and filled with high fructose corn syrup, not deliciously peanutty and protein-packed.

Sure, there's always Apricot and Bueberry Crisp, but they just don't pack the peanut putter punch, so to speak. I miss those legumes, especially when you roll them up with Chocolate Chips to make something that tastes like I'll need a larger belt size later but actually is completely nutritious. Why, America, Why?

All drama aside, I am actually writing to ask if there is an official date for the return of peanut-related Clif bars. I need to start getting ready. You guys get the party hats, I'll order the cake. Sound good?

Thank you for being so incredibly delicious, even in this time filled with dirty little peanuts.

This is serious business, guys.

$$$

2009-02-17T12:20:00.003-06:00

I love the Stereo Hell ladies. They are brilliant. Take, for example, the investment banks series from last Fall. A perfect paraody of the recession (yes, I guess I am laughing about my money for now).
Small but clairfying review here.
Check them out. They keep my trust in New York alive.

In addition to wonderfully witty AI files, I find the blog to be a thigh-slapping good time. Take this, on the new Pepsi logo (which I actually sort of like. But the "sodypop" ads? No.)
The second half of the post is not Pepsi related but an ass-slapping good time for some, I suppose.

beachessss

2009-02-03T12:05:00.002-06:00

I went to go see Milk last night, mostly to get psyched for my Spring Break trip to California. It was, I thought, overrated but still good. It did not feature nearly as many CA-scenery-filled scenes as I had hoped. The part I remember most was wondering whether or not the Nature Valley Peanut Butter granola bar I was eating in the theater had been affected by the recent salmonella outbreak.

Oh I am so sick of this SNOWWWWW.

My first homework assignment for my last semester of college.

2009-01-25T18:19:00.002-06:00

1. How many hours of TV do you watch on a daily basis? What specific programs do you watch on an ongoing basis?
I watch about three hours of TV a WEEK. Those three hours are usually just spent with the TV as background noise, so no programs are watched regularly.
If I watch a show consistently, it is via a DVD set, and not that important to every day life. IE Sex and the City, Weeds, Arrested Development. Sometimes I watch Scrubs but not really because I think Zach Braff is a jerk.

2. How many hours per day do you listen to the radio? What kinds of formats do you like?
Every day I am amazed at how radio has managed to stay afloat.
I never, ever, ever listen to the radio.

3. Which magazines do you read? Which do you subscribe to?
I do not read specific magazines regularly, but I skim the following from time to time: Interview, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler. Several magazines are sent to me (Vogue, Lucky, Harper's Bazaar) but only because my mom got sort of subscription-happy during a neighbor's school fundraiser. She never read them and so she forwarded them to me and sometimes my roommate Rodney skims them.

4. Which blogs do you read?
I read personal blogs that my friends write, mostly. Also - Adrants.com, local Boston blogs (art and design or food-centric), and several other independent art and fashion blogs. Cuteoverload.com is also a blog that I frequent VERY often (VERY embarrassing).

5. Do you play video games? How much time do you spend playing on a weekly basis? Which games do you play?
I do not, personally, but I think I spend about four hours a week watching the same three friends play. They play Fallout 3, Oblivion, and sometimes non-violent, non-zombie games made for girls - like Mario Kart or Animal Crossing.

6. What is the most recent book that you have read?
I have not read an entire book since Winter break of 2007. I feel very ashamed and sort of depressed upon realizing this.

7. How have your media habits changed in the past year?
I started reading more blogs because I became addicted to Google Reader. I started branching out to more local publications and writers as I became more and more settled in this city. I got a BlackBerry right around the time my iPod broke so now I am on Facebook way more than any normal (even college-aged) person should ever be.

PLEASE BE A GOOD YEAR 2009

2009-01-23T21:31:00.003-06:00

There is a lot in store...

BLAST

2009-01-22T20:38:00.002-06:00

This time, in 2002, this was playing on my parents' now-very-small now-very-obsolete Dell desktop.

some accumulation may occur

2009-01-18T20:16:00.000-06:00

I can't remember what the sidewalks look like. I can't wear any shoes besides my waterproof boots. I've been having reoccuring dreams about the beach. I don't even really like the beach that much.

I'm not happy about my surroundings but I'm happy enough overall to ignore it for the time being. This is the worst winter I've seen in years, but it is shaping up to be the best so far. Funny how that seemed to work out.

MRS. BUTTERWORTH

2009-01-15T11:05:00.003-06:00

With my job at Flour (SHAMELESS PLUG!) its easy to forget that diets were ever created. In between bits of muffin and cookie and brioche from the snack tray I have come to the conclusion that:

I must consume at least 2-4 sticks of butter a day.

And on that note...Libby I started the food blog we've been discussing for months. Granted, no one reads it but us but it sure is fun to do.

HOT AND HUNGRY.

Cause you know...we are.

that's hot

2009-01-11T18:59:00.002-06:00

Eleven days into 2009 and I'm already proclaiming, "that's hot" as my mantra for the new year. Premature nostalgia. Am I right LVB?

SOAPBOX WHAT?

2009-01-08T10:53:00.003-06:00

Lately I have been particularly plagued by the man-created concept of dieting. Commercials for gum that "fights cravings" infuriate me. Maybe people need to start giving into their cravings instead of restricting what their body really needs. My job is particularly troubling in this respect. We go through chemical-dust-crap Splenda like you wouldn't believe-- not to mention that there have been significantly less customers since the New Year. This could be due to vacations, or even the recession...but we still hold true to our theory that a good number of past customers are cutting back calories for the New Year. BAH. Tell me how many carbs and chocolate you'll be eating in May when your body realizes how deprived it is. And how much money you have saved from "cutting back" on expensive diet gum/meals/whatever. How about saving money on gas and getting some damn exercise.

On that note..I'm not really into resolutions but if I write any down it is definitely going to be this one:

EAT MORE CHEESE.

tamaso mā jyotir gamaya.... for real.

2008-12-19T21:02:00.004-06:00

If you need me for the next few days, I'll be in Plato's Cave*, rethinking my entire existence as well as my future life-path. Ok? Great!

*I feel that my Plato reference may be incorrect, but I am unsure because I hate that dude and got a C in my Ethics class (by the grace of God, actually.) However, I still manage to understand that it is an allegory and that I am being too literal.
Middle finger here.

BETTY PAGE DIES AT 85

2008-12-12T16:24:00.002-06:00

Any girl who does not claim to be directly affected by this dame is a filthy liar. Her incredible legacy reaches across so many boundaries,not just the smutty one.
R.I.P.

LITERALLY 4 DAYS

2008-12-11T10:06:00.002-06:00

Has literally been in my head for 4 days. Listening to it 7 times in a row does nothing to help this.
But really, it's flawless. The video is amazing (albeit a little too "Dreamgirls"-centric, I admit.). I think it's one of the best videos I've seen in a decent amount of time and I dare you to tell me how any of this ISN'T near perfetion.

BEYONCE YOU GET THAT MONEY GIRL

WHAT IS GOING ON

2008-12-08T23:18:00.000-06:00

This semester,although ten days away from over, is trying its hardest to make me give up the apparent soap opera that is my life. Where do I start? Friends? The apartment robbery and loss of my laptop? The twelve thousands hours I'm spending on campus this week? WHATS NEXT? WHATS NEXT? A terminal illness? An immaculate conception???

Days of Our Lives is on the phone, brb.

mr. toad's wild ride

2008-12-03T22:29:00.007-06:00

Everyone knows about how "they turned the desert in Los Angeles" but what people rarely talk about is how they turned a disgusting FL swamp into the biggest, most corrupt, most secretive, most imaginative, most business-saavy (shall I go on?) theme-park to ever exist. I've been glued to wikipedia for the past 100,000 hours reading about the bowels of this crazy, crazy place that's been built and rebuilt over the years despite deaths, geography, hurricanes, and even the 1973 oil crisis. I mean, they even have their own legal TOWNS. SSSS. More than one.
In summation...Disney World's motto is: keep business really tight, but save room to play a little DIRTY.

Oh, and my mom has some polaroids from the first year Disney World was open, too. That certainly feeds the fire.

2008-11-27T10:30:00.001-06:00

sundays.

2008-11-16T18:51:00.003-06:00

Every Sunday I take it upon to myself to make sure I eat a bagel with smoked salmon&hummus (Some Sundays I have 2). I usually buy them at a Jewish bakery down the street. Today for the sake of convenience, I had to go to a chain bagel place instead. I could taste the difference, but it REALLY did not matter because it was gone in minutes.

I'm on a mission to try everything at the previously-mentioned bakery. Cinnamon raisin rugelach. Woo.

Happy Day of Rest indeed.

good old fashioned neopotism

2008-11-12T17:57:00.003-06:00

This is why I'm writing my 3rd grade "Who is your role model?" essay on Randi Heylek.

It's how Warren G. Harding would have wanted it.

I DO I DO I REALLY MISS YOU

2008-11-07T18:18:00.000-06:00

Slushy - Vaselines

I think this song has racked up 50+ plays on my iTunes from the past 5 days alone. I like to listen to it really loud. I LOVE the 90s.

again from the top

2008-11-03T22:12:00.002-06:00

I am trying to integrate a new format with all posts containing media, whether it be close to me or just made by me. Isn't that the point of every blog? Oh well, whatever. See the layout change? Maybe?

Rodney Uhler as Pete Doherty holding Francis, the new addition to our household. He used to nest with baby Jesus.

Laura Von Bergen as Stevie Nicks. JUST LIKE THE WHITE WINGED DOVE.

Ha. Too Wong Foo(Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar).

I really, really love having Francis in our house.

how i spent my summer vacation

2008-10-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

I think I found my Halloween costume?

something borrowed and something blue?

2008-10-21T14:01:00.000-05:00

This blog is stale already. I'm looking to break free from the blog world and make something bigger and better than I have before, perhaps a combination website and doodles blog? I have a whole lot of weird artwork to put somewhere. Here are some teaser words: taxidermy, tomato soup, and nuns.
I'm working on this I swear, STAY. TUNED.

yeah, like that

2008-09-09T12:08:00.001-05:00

At the start of each new semester, the library fills up with students eager for the school year- eager to finish their summer reads, eager to order textbooks on ebay, eager to nap in the big chairs by the window.

I'm there for the free star-shaped foil-wrapped chocolates that litter the silver trays at the help desk. They won't be there come October, kids, and they are damn tasty.

totally gonna cry if i want to

2008-08-14T09:57:00.001-05:00

It was my birthday on Monday so if you forgot, it's not too late to make it up to me!!!! Start by buying me one of these.

the internet is funny like that

2008-07-31T23:55:00.000-05:00

radisreal (21 hours ago)
he may do hella pole jams and old school and dress funny
but hes sooo fuckin good

i love command+shift+4

2008-07-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

Michael Angelakos, my dear friend and resident musical genius, was on Pitchfork a few days ago, which means my photo was too. It was uncredited (harrrumppphhh, sort of) but still EXCITING!!!! Even more exciting for him, obviously, AND WE'RE ALL SO HAPPY FOR HIM.

So, now that photo is added my BIZARRE collection of photos saved to my computer. As well as this:

pulling a pee-wee herman in the theater

2008-07-20T23:56:00.000-05:00

This week I saw "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired", the documentary about the filmmaker's statutory rape trial. Footage from "Rosemary's Baby", "Chinatown", and some of the lesser-known occult movies ABOUNDDDD. Plus much talk about Sharon Tate and the Manson family. Obviously interesting. Go see.

This week I also saw the Dark Knight on opening night. I don't really think I can say anything that hasn't already been said. Of course it's good. Also, I refuse to post a photo of Heath-as-joker.

All I can really say is -- I've said it once, and I'll say it again:
Batman > Spiderman.

Because Spiderman will make you gay.

all is full of love

2008-07-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

Ever have a week where you COMPLETELY lose it? How about a month or two.

all i want for christmas is

2008-07-03T23:27:00.000-05:00

this dress is the only thing i want to look at ever again
click for CLOSEUP.

whaaaattt

2008-06-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm evidently going to see Rancid in August. LAUGH. OUT. LOUD. No clue about the opening bands and/or the current audience base but I don't care because I am going to dance and be 16 years old again for an hour.

It's so hard for me to NOT rep the ICA in every entry I write. What they're doing consistently keeps my interest. For example, the Tara Donovan exhibit coming in the fall is going to be INCREDIBLE. She takes everyday objects and creates sculptures with forms that are completely out of the ordinary. See what I mean?

On a somewhat related note: Flickr is the future. It's great for personal use but even greater for companies and organizations. Take the ICA flickr page for example (I jut found out today that it existed. Am I a bad intern?). Behind-the-scenes photos? Experiments? FUN!

listslistlists

2008-06-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

1. I will read Newsweek on the weekly if every article contained a sentence like the following:
"The economy is being dragged down by the cement shoes of a freaked-out consumer and a punk housing market."

This is, somehow, the best imagery for such a topic. Not to mention, it is alarmingly concise for its accuracy. From "Why It's Worse Than You Think" by Daniel Gross.

2. This summer has been the summer of contempt for all those with less-busy-ness than me. I WANT TO GO TO THE BEACH. I WANT TO TO TAKE 2 NAPS A DAY. NO, 3. I WANT TO STAY UP TIL 4 AND THEN SLEEP FOREVER THE NEXT DAY. Sigh. Summer is always so much worse than everyone romanticizes it to be.
I am, however, getting a little break in the form of a trip to Brooklyn this weekend, so I can't complain too much.

3. This is also the summer of MIGRAINES. I've had about 7 serious headaches so far, and it is NOT. GREAT. They always seem to be on the days I have summer school. COOL. Only a brain tumor could be causing me this much pain. Seriously.

4. Every day there is a constant nagging reminder that I have to figure out where to move when I graduate. Bay Area is perfect but too expensive? Do I want to be in Chicago? Should I vote in favor of SERIOUS change and check out Savannah? Can I really forgo New York City underneath the burden of my school debts? Time is money, money s time. I could be anywhere in a year.

Well, this was sort of negative. For balance and perspective, I will include this:

What? I'm just practicing good journalism.

whats love got to do with it

2008-06-16T19:24:00.000-05:00

Rodney told me he had a pair of jeans that did not fit him anymore and suggested me as the perfect recipient for the cast-offs. One look at the light grey skinny jeans and I was all, "No way, my thick areas will NOT fit into those boy-pants." Rodney insisted that the stretchy fabric would prevail and perfectly shape my thunder thighs. A nonbeliever to the core, I even laid them on top of a pair of my jeans to see the size difference.

Of course, they fit perfectly when I tried them on.

And that is the story of how Rodney and I BECAME UNITED UNDER THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS.

(Please, no America Ferrara jokes.)

chatterBOX

2008-06-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I am the only one who wakes up with the urge to incessantly chatter away. I am most annoying in the morning, if that is even possible.

1. No takers on the iPod. What am I supposed to do with Jesse McCartney, now???
2. Ever day I have "Got Your Money" by ODB stuck in my head, because it is my text message ringtone, and YOU KNOW i text like its my job. This is both a curse and a blessing. In disguise.
3. I forgot to mention the other other OTHER best part of CT. HANNAH'S MOM'S MAGRITTE BOOK. APARTMENT DECORATION INSPIRATION, YES.
4. I have like 3 tentative plans for my one plane-related trip of the summer but nothing definite is planned yet. l;sfkljdkfjdkjdk BOSTON, GO AWAY.

I would have photos, but my card reader broke. I need to buy those things in bulk.

2008-06-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

I went to Connecticut this weekend with Laura and Randi and it was ULTIMATE WOMENS RETREAT, COMPLETE WITH BINGE-EATING, JOKES ABOUT OUR FEELINGS, AND THUNDER THIGHS!! Our trip there was in a VAN with nine other strangers. At one point in the yes-we-are-going-95-mph journey, our driver missed an exit ramp, pulled into the shoulder, and then backed up and pulled into the exit lane. lol. We were later (luckily) dropped off at some deserted conveience store/parking lot combination in Hartford.

We spent the whole weekend relaxing despite the heatwave and enjoying the Berkshire Mountains/lake scenery around Hannah's home.
The most hilarious part of the trip? REALLY. BAD. mexican food at "Dos Amigos". you know, just two friends, serving up some cheese. but just cheese, no other discernable food objects. MMMMBARF (The other most hilarious part of the trip was that I WAS REMINDED OF THE BRILLIANCE THAT WAS THE ANDY MILANOKIS.COM WEB VIDEOS BEFORE MTV RUINED HIM. HELLO GEORGIA. HELLO JOHNNA. HELLO PHILLIPA.)

All in all, I got to see some of Hannah's friends that aren't around very often, I got even more of my hair chopped off, and most importantly, had some FREE. TIME.

My only regret of the trip was that we veto'd late-night s'mores because we thought our earlier trip to Dairy Queen was too much to handle another delcious treats. BLASPHEMY.

Today in my photo class I printed in a dark room for the first time in almost 4 years and BOY IS IT GREAT TO BE TOTALLY SATURATED WITH PHOTO CHEMICALS AGAIN.

2008-06-03T21:55:00.000-05:00

I am SO busy. Worksleepsummerschoolworksleepsummerschool.

Today I found an iPod on the street. Voyeurism is amazing so of course I loved looking at the Top 25 Most Played songs and guessing (assuming?) things about the victim. Fact: the victim is a girl. Most of the 25 songs were by hilarious pop punk bands, Jesse McCartney, or Hannah Montana. Win.
I am, however, trying to reap some easy karma points and I posted on craigslist and am planning on hanging the above sign around. I'd be totally depressed if I dropped my iPod on the sidewalk.

Similarly related: I am really in need of some new listening material. Not of the pop-punk/Jesse McCartney variety, though.

what do you do when there's nothing to do

2008-05-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

I've always wondered why Boston has a less-than-burgeoning art scene when such a major percentage of the city is made up of college students, ESPECIALLY taking into account the number of art schools in the area. Though Boston's undoubtedly-talented residents' continue to produce and market their art, a full-force art following is hard to locate when the few galleries in existence are distributed so randomly throughout the metro area.

Personally, I've always heralded The Institute of Contemporary Art's expansion into the new waterfront location as a major step for Boston's big art movement, but yet...there are still problems. Some see the waterfront as too far-removed for travel (despite easy accessibility from the MBTA Silver Line bus!), and I am STILL shocked by how many classmates I've talked to that have never even visited on Thursday nights (free admission!). As May flies by, the ICA continues to get the word out and bring new ideas and entertainment to the city, but sadly, Boston's art world has already experienced quite a few changes (and blows) this month.

At the end of April, the Rhys Gallery in the South End announced a move to Los Angeles. The Bernard Toale Gallery on Harrison Avenue will be changing the gallery format. The Howard Yezerski Gallery on Newbury Street will be moving to the South End. artSPAce@16 in Malden is closing after a decade of shows. And finally, the Allston Skirt Gallery will soon be giving up their lease after nine years of operation.

It is hard to say whether the galleries that are closing blame their demise on the economy, the city climate, or perhaps some other factor; but regardless, they will of course be missed. It is also hard to say what will happen with the changes and relocations coming to the other galleries. Those of us with with an interest can only hope that nothing to come in the future will hinder the already-struggling scene.

Sad.

More info at the Boston's Phoenix website. Image c/o http://www.artspaceat16.com.

CRAMPIN MY STYLE

2008-05-17T11:42:00.001-05:00

It's not my thing to be on top of the latests&greatest.

With that said, I just learned about this amazing cover an embarrassing 4-ish months from its debut:
Of Montreal's cover of M.I.A's "Jimmy".

Best at max volume, of course.

Postscript: Yesterday I tried to explain to a friend that I recently purchased a WHIMSICAL SUMMERTIME jumper but accidentally used the word "jumpsuit" as if I were a recently-relocated ESL student. Just conjure the image of one wearing a jumpsuit.

GRUMPY OLD MEN

2008-05-15T10:03:00.000-05:00

As I reach a ripe 21 years old, I find myself getting easily enraged at simple, unavoidable things that should not affect me i the slightest. Pet peeves, if you will. Here is a list, so no one ever does anything of the sort to me ever again:

- getting scolded at museums. I'M NOT GOING TO FALL OFF ANY WALLS WHILE SITTING ON THEM AND PLEASE, I understand why I can't take a photo of that painting BUT I JUST REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT TO. Sometimes life is soooo unfair, mom!!!!111
- getting scolded for opening packages incorrectly. Zack Wilson, I'm looking at you. I'm sorry those Oreos looked like a rabid dog tore into them with his teeth and they got stale, but, I DO WHAT I WANT.
- 80s nostalgia via fashion. ok, ok. Movies and Music from the 1980s: great, awesome, whatever. But clothes???? Have you even talked to anyone from the 80s who looks back and commends their fashion choices??? Everyone looked stupid in shoulder pads and zulu pants, and you do too. It is NOT HAUTE or even HOT by any means.
- this commercial:

I can not even put into words HOW MUCH IT IRKS ME.

Non-menopausal-enraged sidenote: I went to the Frida exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of art yesterday, and it was everything I dreamed of (well, except the Women in Red Hats chatting about the Frida movie). They even had photos of Diego, pensive with the photo of his destroyed Rockefeller mural, and photos of Frida with Leon Trotsky and the other men she had affairs with. AND there was also mention of all the great Art dealers of the past who went on to donate works to museums and create the collections we have today(Society/art of the past: My favorite). The wonderful exhibit was wrapped up with pieces I have never seen before, plus some great works by the artists that influenced her (including mexican religius folk art paintings - WONDERFULLY CREEPY STUFF.), and of course my near-tears at a panel with her last words written on it.
It sounds complete far-fetched but I think Frida is one person I completely understand without ever having met her. I get it, Frida, I get it.

ELLO ELLO

2008-05-10T22:18:00.001-05:00

A sort of unconventional tribute of sorts? to our friends "across the pond" (isn't that such an annoying phrase.)

1.
Style.com's Monthly Beauty Icon: Anita Pallenberg. It is in my personal best effort to make sure that rock stars' lovers and daughters never fall off the radar. Glad someone else finally realized. Thanks, style.com!!!11111

2.
Everything is funnier with a british accent. Especially coaxing a cat that has stayed outside in LUSH GARDEN ALCOVE for too long. sassy cat.

get up come on get down with the sickness.

2008-05-05T20:37:00.000-05:00

Spring 08? MUCUS MADNESS!!!
For the past week or so I've been bouncing back and forth between "I have a gross cold?" and "No, I just have allgeries." Well, as Saturday morning approached, my sore throat was worsening and I was praying for either the speedy commencement of summer, or the removal of both my central nervous system and my cranium.
So all things considered, it was obviously a GREAT. idea to go against my usual pact of sobriety and drink on Saturday night. I haven't been mentally or physically keen on drinking for several months now BUT IT WAS LAURA'S 21ST BIRTHDAY. I HAD TO.
Now, its Monday. I ate food this morning and this afternoon, which is more than I can say about my day yesterday, which was spent entirely in bed. Now that yesterday has finally passed and I never have to say, "Gee! I love the smell of bile in the morning!" ever again....I REALLY WANT MY CRANIUM REMOVED.

Whenever I get sick, my thoughts immediately trace back to all the crazy things my parents have said to me for years regarding the elimination of a cold. My father's form of advice involved thrusting a gallon-sized container of Tropicana into my line of vision with no instructions other than lyrics to a 10cc song from the 70's- "ain't no use in fightin it! get into bed and try to sweat it out!!!" And, like all good Italian parents do, I was of course advised to eat A LOT. of garlic.

Now that the media has exposed Airborne and Emergen-C for the apparent frauds that they apparently are, I have nothing to do but the things I tell myself will get rid of a cold - take vitamin C, drink a lot of tea, drink a lot of liquids, sleep a lot, and pee until you just can't. I did fry myself some broccoli in garlic and oil though, because all good Italians know that garlic and oil will even cure AIDs.

Pardon me while I take off my pants for the evening and become comatose.

P.S. I guess I do sort of like "Lollipop". I definitely bought it on iTunes this morning. If I'm going to monetarily support any musician, IT'S GOING TO BE LIL WAYNE AND I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT.
P.P.S. I say "pardon me" about twenty times a day recently and I think its hilarious. and maybe a bit geriatric.

ok, so

2008-05-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

The jury is still out on "Lollipop". Lil Wayne, you are hilarious.

finally

2008-04-29T18:04:00.000-05:00

(Frida Kahlo - Birth of Moses, 1945)

I'm going to be attending the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the next few weeks. Excitement doesn't even begin to describe.

I'm turning my computer off forever

2008-04-27T15:35:00.000-05:00

Is this....real...?

costica rican man with a tropic plan

2008-04-27T13:14:00.000-05:00

"I Fought the Law".
Really bad scanning on my part, oops. I wish you could see the colorzzzzz better.

swamp swamp swamp

2008-04-24T23:10:00.000-05:00

i just
want
to go
to
texas

yes please.

2008-04-19T19:00:00.000-05:00

LOLLIPOPS. RAINBOWS.

cake fight

2008-04-18T13:13:00.000-05:00

The Who - Happy Jack

I definitely need to watch this as much as I used to.

Ken Kesey is in my room.

2008-04-14T10:43:00.001-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I have coveted all things far-and-wide that relate to the 1960s and 1970s.
I recently read this New York Times article retracting the steps that Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters took on their journey to Mexico. Instead of booking a flight to Manzanillo, which was my first thought, I read the list of recommended books on page 3 of the article. A few half.com and ebay searches later, I found what I was looking for. I present to you, "Ken Kesey's Garage Sale":

The book itself is a re-telling of the LSD revolution of the 1960s, but taken from videos of the Merry Pranksters. The whole thing is in screenplay form, with an introduction by Arthur Miller, and is filled with sketches and photographs and other bizarre snippets of the time. The word "man" is used frequently and really, the only fitting word I can use to describe it is "kooky". The book is no longer in production and I am of course overjoyed to have this little chunk of counterculture history in my midst.

Not to mention that I MAY have an extremely arthritic inscription/signature BY KEN KESEY HIMSELF. Check out the fourth photograph : in scribbled blue ink it reads, "Rex may this lifetime by your last. Love Ken."

God save the Queen.

2008-04-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

When it comes to Democracy, I like to camp out on the sidelines and observe. From my quiet tent in the corner I like to watch my politically-involved friends rant about current events as much as I enjoy the political drama that comes every election season. I just can not bring myself to lead the conversation.

With that said, I don't know jack about John McCain's platform. But BOY, I sure would overlook Hillary's natural flair for masculinity if she had a photo that looked as cool as the above AND had some "badass" retro POW footage! And Obama? Thumbs up on the well-designed logo and consistent font choice for all banners and signs - Obama uses "Gotham", a classic font inspired by vintage architectural signage from the mid-20th century.

It is interesting to see what non-political aspects of each candidate stand out, and how these small, seemingly-minute details can even persuade us. We all know that Mr. Karl "Crazypants" Rove was the leading factor behind Bush's 2004 victory. Even though I know very little about policies and controversies, I use my political blindness to understand how consultants and marketers get people to vote the way they do. It's interesting. Some kids moms taught them to look both ways before they cross the street; my mom taught me to look past the media, always.

(I really do think that photo, c/o Newsweek.com via Uriel Sinai/Reuters-Corbis, is amazing. And, more on Obama's interesting branding tactics.)

On that note, I promise to never mention politics again.

2008-03-24T21:48:00.000-06:00

The climax of my dream last night involved a large group of people I know at A SNOW WHITE-THEMED PARTY. Everyone was a different character.
How amazing/indicative of my entire personality is that.

I LOVE DREAMING.

The rain, the park, and other things.

2008-03-22T10:18:00.001-06:00

San Francisco/Berkeley: everything I dreamed of and more. I hope to one day move there, preferably before I get caught in the awkward cap-toss at graduation.

The transition back to grey Boston weather was miserable, and quite frankly still occurring. Boston, please warm up so I can stop talking shit about you and remove myself from the Melissa-shaped hole on my couch. Thank you for your consideration.
Above is one of my favorite photos from my trip. The rest can be found at flickr.

Since returning from the other coast, I have left the most terrible job experience of my young life. I am going to be interning at the Institute of Contemporary Arts and working at Flour Bakery instead of being hassled by catty employees who act like thirteen year olds. It will be nice to get some marketing experience at a place that is actually interested in helping me build my portfolio, which is more I can say about my old job. Also, some more hours at Flour with wonderful people and delicious food? HOW CAN I COMPLAIN.

I've recently remember how much I used to love design and design magazines. I was poking around the internet for a magazine I saw the other day with a great package design feature when I discovered faesthetic.com, a collection of design that recently (?) teamed up with threadless.com. I haven't been on threadless in years but the faesthetic blog has tons of great illustrations that kept me amused for awhile. So LOOK! So good.

On an ending note, my PB rant in my last post got me thinking: I've been a Crest girl by family influence since childhood, but I think it's time for a new sort of dental freshness. Colgate, where have you been all my life?!

First you take the peanuts then you mash 'em, mash 'em.

2008-03-06T12:40:00.001-06:00

All I really have to say for myself these days extends into one clearly-defined zone: OBSESSION.

Exhibit 1: I spent the past 20.5 years of my life abhorring every form of peanut butter except the form that exists smothered in chocolate. About a week ago this all changed and yesterday I left the house without realizing I had PB caked on my eyebrow, cheek, and chin. Mmmm. I'm excited about this new protein option in my life, but not when I think about how this is just another product to be brand loyal to. Oh, brand loyalty.

Exhibit 2: The Magnetic Fields new album. Why, yes, I would like to sing along at the top of my lungs about how much I hate California Girls and how much better dealing with the opposite sex is after copious amounts of alcohol!
Magnetic Fields: keeping young adults depressed since 1991!

Exhibit 3:

French bulldogs. It's all one can say, really.

I WILL BE IN SAN FRANCISCO AT THIS TIME TOMORROW.

Winter is getting to all of us.

2008-03-04T21:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I purchased 6 muffins because I watched the "Top of the Muffin to You!" episode of Seinfeld. It was a gluttonous party and Triple Berry, the Corn twins, Raisin Bran, Lowfat Chocolate, and Blueberry were all invited.

This photo I took of amazingly-polluted Lake Michigan this summer reminds me that summer will be here eventually. E.coli and all.