Oh, I couldn't let Bush leave without at least a farewell tribute. I just happened to find the following videos. After this I will let it go, though, since I won't have to hear or see him anymore. It will be nice to have a President that speaks to us like we are intelligent adults. You know, maybe in some ways, I will miss this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOjfxEejS2Y
"I'm sure by now you've all heard what liberal scientists are trying to say...(they're) trying to make me look bad by using such things as 'facts' and 'scientific data.'"
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Snow day
I think we just got about 8 inches of snow, and my car has not left the driveway since I got home from work yesterday. It's kind of nice to be snowed in, actually, but it would be nicer if I had some company... My sister and I played in the snow last night. We made some snow angels and an adorable baby snowman. I figure you're never really too old for that, right? I would like to go sledding, but I think I need to borrow some kids for that. The last time I went sledding was in college, when we used the cafeteria trays as sleds.
I'll probably do some reading, maybe watch a movie, work on that short taiko song, and clean my room. Oh yeah, and sort of shovel the driveway if I can find a shovel. I'll probably also leave the house for dinner or something, just because I don't like being cooped up all day. I'm always off on Wednesday, but I'm still going to pretend this is a real snow day. Yay!
I'll probably do some reading, maybe watch a movie, work on that short taiko song, and clean my room. Oh yeah, and sort of shovel the driveway if I can find a shovel. I'll probably also leave the house for dinner or something, just because I don't like being cooped up all day. I'm always off on Wednesday, but I'm still going to pretend this is a real snow day. Yay!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Flamenco!
I am a little surprised at the number of people who have never really heard of flamenco, so in case you are one of them, watch this. The flamenco part starts at 4:40.
Beth is my teacher. I have been going to class off and on since September or October, I guess, but now I'm going to try to go more consistently. It's just hard to get up at 9 on a Saturday. The class is great, though, because I am actually taking the intermediate (first hour) and advanced (second hour) classes. I catch on to the flowy stuff quickly (love the wrist twists and skirt flips!), but the footwork is really intricate and pretty hard. I love that contrast, though, and the challenge. Taiko has the same kind of dynamic, if you think about it--graceful motions and strong, powerful strikes of the drum. Hmm, I wonder if those contradictions say something about my personality (like...speak softly and carry a big stick; keep them guessing?). Actually yeah, probably.
Beth is my teacher. I have been going to class off and on since September or October, I guess, but now I'm going to try to go more consistently. It's just hard to get up at 9 on a Saturday. The class is great, though, because I am actually taking the intermediate (first hour) and advanced (second hour) classes. I catch on to the flowy stuff quickly (love the wrist twists and skirt flips!), but the footwork is really intricate and pretty hard. I love that contrast, though, and the challenge. Taiko has the same kind of dynamic, if you think about it--graceful motions and strong, powerful strikes of the drum. Hmm, I wonder if those contradictions say something about my personality (like...speak softly and carry a big stick; keep them guessing?). Actually yeah, probably.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
It's a new day
It's so fun to see Obama's message of hope, unity, and change reflected in art and music. I have been waiting for music, especially, to make a political statement for years, like it used to during Vietnam. Regardless of your politics, you have to admit that he is inspiring. You might not believe that he is being sincere or realistic when he talks about his hopes for the future, but if you set aside your preconceptions and really listen, I think you have to admit that he makes some good points. I believe that he is much different than just about every President before him, a revolutionary type of figure (look at the rest of the world's reaction, too!). I decided to post some of my favorite Obama-inspired songs.
Obama's speech set to music:
"We know the battle ahead will be long,
but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. We want change!
We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more dissonant. We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check. We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
...We will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggest; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can."--February 2008
Awesome graphics
Obama's speech set to music:
"We know the battle ahead will be long,
but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. We want change!
We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more dissonant. We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check. We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
...We will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggest; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can."--February 2008
Awesome graphics
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
FINALLY
Happy Inauguration Day! This means that not only is Obama officially President, but George W. Bush is not! I can't decide which is more exciting, honestly. I should be out partying at The Pageant, but the people that were going to come with me bailed; instead, I am watching "The Colbert Report" and drinking alone (ok so it's hot chocolate, but no less depressing). You know, I haven't always been this way--addicted to "The Colbert Report/Daily Show" and vehemently opposed to Bush. No, in fact, there was a time when I was completely indifferent to politics and W. and I were cool.
That all changed after the decision to go to Iraq 6 years ago, and my opinion of the government went only downhill after that. I thought the war in Iraq was manipulative and poorly planned even in the beginning, and I never understood the connection between Iraq and 9/11. Indirectly you could maybe stretch the case for it, I suppose (well, you obviously can), but Afghanistan should have been the imminent threat...you know, the place where the 9/11 terrorists and Bin Laden actually came from. How do you base a war on speculation and then convince the rest of the country to go along with you, anyway? Fear, I guess. Trust that the government knew more than we did. Collective ignorance, probably.
I probably paid too much attention to current political events. My insatiable, newfound curiousity spiraled into frustration and anger, and at times I had to force myself to take a break. The "ignorance is bliss" thing seemed to be working well for other people, after all. I couldn't keep myself away for too long, though, and I started watching Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert routinely because I needed to laugh at what I perceived to be blatant incompetence and criminal behavior on the part of our government. Surely, I thought, the rest of America would see that, too, and get rid of Bush in 2004. I would have gladly voted for Bush's impeachment in 2004, if that had been an option. Apparently, Bush really is above the law. (Exhibit A: "President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution."--Boston Globe, April 30, 2006).
Don't get me wrong, I think Bush had mostly good intentions, but he was severely misguided by the people around him. (I can't vouch for the intentions of Cheney, Rumsfeld, or Rove...oh, and don't forget "Curveball." I mean, if you can't trust a guy like that to lead you into war, who can you trust?) He put his blinders on and only saw what he wanted to see. That doesn't make Bush a bad person, necessarily, but it does make him a bad President. Iraq was certainly not the administration's only mistake, either. I regret that the economy, Iraq, the environment, our place in the world...you name it, had to come to this in order for America to do something about it. I feel like I have been watching a trainwreck for the past 6 years and I have been helpless to stop it. I am convinced that Obama never would have become President if Bush had not failed so spectacularly, though, so I have to thank him for that. Obama will probably spend a few years on clean up alone, but I think he will truly begin to turn this around. I have a good feeling about this. Please trust me this time.
That all changed after the decision to go to Iraq 6 years ago, and my opinion of the government went only downhill after that. I thought the war in Iraq was manipulative and poorly planned even in the beginning, and I never understood the connection between Iraq and 9/11. Indirectly you could maybe stretch the case for it, I suppose (well, you obviously can), but Afghanistan should have been the imminent threat...you know, the place where the 9/11 terrorists and Bin Laden actually came from. How do you base a war on speculation and then convince the rest of the country to go along with you, anyway? Fear, I guess. Trust that the government knew more than we did. Collective ignorance, probably.
I probably paid too much attention to current political events. My insatiable, newfound curiousity spiraled into frustration and anger, and at times I had to force myself to take a break. The "ignorance is bliss" thing seemed to be working well for other people, after all. I couldn't keep myself away for too long, though, and I started watching Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert routinely because I needed to laugh at what I perceived to be blatant incompetence and criminal behavior on the part of our government. Surely, I thought, the rest of America would see that, too, and get rid of Bush in 2004. I would have gladly voted for Bush's impeachment in 2004, if that had been an option. Apparently, Bush really is above the law. (Exhibit A: "President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution."--Boston Globe, April 30, 2006).
Don't get me wrong, I think Bush had mostly good intentions, but he was severely misguided by the people around him. (I can't vouch for the intentions of Cheney, Rumsfeld, or Rove...oh, and don't forget "Curveball." I mean, if you can't trust a guy like that to lead you into war, who can you trust?) He put his blinders on and only saw what he wanted to see. That doesn't make Bush a bad person, necessarily, but it does make him a bad President. Iraq was certainly not the administration's only mistake, either. I regret that the economy, Iraq, the environment, our place in the world...you name it, had to come to this in order for America to do something about it. I feel like I have been watching a trainwreck for the past 6 years and I have been helpless to stop it. I am convinced that Obama never would have become President if Bush had not failed so spectacularly, though, so I have to thank him for that. Obama will probably spend a few years on clean up alone, but I think he will truly begin to turn this around. I have a good feeling about this. Please trust me this time.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
It's all Helvetica's fault
I am watching the movie Helvetica...again. Yes, a movie about a font. I think it's pretty interesting, actually. Helvetica has just blended into our daily lives and we barely notice it anymore. It is a neutral font that is somehow quite polarizing among designers. I could elaborate, but then you would probably stop reading right about...here, and I have more to talk about.
I watched this movie for the first time at Momentum. They showed it during (a catered) lunch. It's just another reminder of why I loved my job. Sure, everyone knows I worked my ass off (well, almost everyone), but I still feel like I was spoiled by the opportunities that I had there: all my co-workers were design veterans, we had a fancy new building, I got tons of paid time-off (23 days my first year), had a lot of responsibility on national projects, was the only junior art director ever allowed to travel...the list goes on. I refuse to believe that my career peaked in the first two years, but I have to admit, that was a very promising start. Design students, especially, have enough trouble getting a job out of college, let alone a job that they really want. My luck (initially) with Momentum has become both a blessing and a curse.
I am finding that just about everything after that seems less challenging and therefore, rather boring. Granted, my definition of "challenging" might push the limits a little...or a lot. Like, if I'm not on the verge of making myself sick, staying late, scrutinizing the minutia of every aspect of the design, or doing 4 projects simultaneously, is it even worth it? That was just status quo at Momentum, honestly, and I loved pushing my limits. I just needed to show myself what I could do, and my ambition got the best of me.
Of course, that ambition did not disappear with the job, it is just more subdued and maybe more mature. After Momentum, I am pretty confident that I can handle whatever another design job throws my way. It's not the same, but maybe it never will be...and maybe that's okay. That job was not all fun and games. Right now, though, anything after Momentum feels like a step down; however, it could be that I just don't know enough about my other options. My current situation does not seem like such a great fit, but I definitely like certain aspects of it. Plus, it is helping me narrow in on what I would like to have in my ideal job...if there is such a thing.
I watched this movie for the first time at Momentum. They showed it during (a catered) lunch. It's just another reminder of why I loved my job. Sure, everyone knows I worked my ass off (well, almost everyone), but I still feel like I was spoiled by the opportunities that I had there: all my co-workers were design veterans, we had a fancy new building, I got tons of paid time-off (23 days my first year), had a lot of responsibility on national projects, was the only junior art director ever allowed to travel...the list goes on. I refuse to believe that my career peaked in the first two years, but I have to admit, that was a very promising start. Design students, especially, have enough trouble getting a job out of college, let alone a job that they really want. My luck (initially) with Momentum has become both a blessing and a curse.
I am finding that just about everything after that seems less challenging and therefore, rather boring. Granted, my definition of "challenging" might push the limits a little...or a lot. Like, if I'm not on the verge of making myself sick, staying late, scrutinizing the minutia of every aspect of the design, or doing 4 projects simultaneously, is it even worth it? That was just status quo at Momentum, honestly, and I loved pushing my limits. I just needed to show myself what I could do, and my ambition got the best of me.
Of course, that ambition did not disappear with the job, it is just more subdued and maybe more mature. After Momentum, I am pretty confident that I can handle whatever another design job throws my way. It's not the same, but maybe it never will be...and maybe that's okay. That job was not all fun and games. Right now, though, anything after Momentum feels like a step down; however, it could be that I just don't know enough about my other options. My current situation does not seem like such a great fit, but I definitely like certain aspects of it. Plus, it is helping me narrow in on what I would like to have in my ideal job...if there is such a thing.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Cool stuff you should know about
-The NY Mets are getting a new stadium this year, so they now have a commemorative patch for their uniforms. Now, I am all for simplicity and I get that it should be subtle, but this is a little ridiculous: http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/blog/2009/01/other-inventive-patches-found-in-mets-brainstorming-lab.html. "Stick hit ball & stuff" was a close second, I think.
-I always wanted to fly, and now I can! I don't think I'm quite this crazy, though: http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1778399&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1%3E
-This is currently my favorite commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg87E1tjTOE. On tv, at the end, the blond guy says "I almost bought a beret!" and the other guy responds "DON'T!"
-St. Luke's Hospital is having a "Day Of Dance" on February 28: http://www.stlukes-stl.com/spirit_of_women/schedule.html! Do you have any idea what this means?!...Uh, it means that I am going to be having a blast while you probably sit at home and pet your cats. I would rather skip the "party dances" and everything before 10am, but otherwise, I'm in. I'll probably end up going by myself and you'll be totally jealous. :-P
-Slumdog Millionare. Go watch it.
-I found out today that in order to actually get that full-time job my supervisor wants to give me, I have to be analyzed and recommended by a psychologist! (I know what you're thinking, and yes this applies to all employees, not just me. :-P) I also have to take two critical thinking tests. Is it weird that I am kind of excited about the whole process?
-I always wanted to fly, and now I can! I don't think I'm quite this crazy, though: http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1778399&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1%3E
-This is currently my favorite commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg87E1tjTOE. On tv, at the end, the blond guy says "I almost bought a beret!" and the other guy responds "DON'T!"
-St. Luke's Hospital is having a "Day Of Dance" on February 28: http://www.stlukes-stl.com/spirit_of_women/schedule.html! Do you have any idea what this means?!...Uh, it means that I am going to be having a blast while you probably sit at home and pet your cats. I would rather skip the "party dances" and everything before 10am, but otherwise, I'm in. I'll probably end up going by myself and you'll be totally jealous. :-P
-Slumdog Millionare. Go watch it.
-I found out today that in order to actually get that full-time job my supervisor wants to give me, I have to be analyzed and recommended by a psychologist! (I know what you're thinking, and yes this applies to all employees, not just me. :-P) I also have to take two critical thinking tests. Is it weird that I am kind of excited about the whole process?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Case closed?
In the process of writing a big paper on the JFK assassination in high school, I became enthralled by the assassination conspiracy theories. It was such a complicated topic and I really loved exploring the possibilities, considering the nuances of everything from Oswald's past to JFK's autopsy report. Even more than 40 years later, there are so many questions left unanswered. The Warren Commission's rather frantic conclusion seemed more like a convenient way to ease the minds of the masses than a real investigation. "Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone." Done and done, now everyone can sleep at night. Well, it turns out that they did botch the investigation, but for a different reason--the U.S. was ten days away from a JFK-authorized coup of Cuba and they were trying to protect the Cuban coup leader and prevent a nuclear confrontation with the Soviets. Okay, I didn't suspect all that, but I knew that something was up with that report.
And sure, Oswald probably shot JFK, but I am almost positive he did not act alone. I can't even quite commit to the fact that he was the lone gunman, although I suspect that is the case. I concluded that the mafia hired Oswald and enlisted the help of some rogue police officers and/or CIA agents. I mean, Jack Ruby (Oswald's killer) was a mafia guy, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. I don't have the time or resources at hand to get into it right here, but trust me...I wish I could find a copy of that paper, the teacher kept my original for posterity. (Hey! I forgot all about that! He also gushed for way too long to the class about it, and at one point he jokingly implied that it was plagiarized! I set him straight after class in case he wasn't joking, because I was kind of pissed...and also completely shocked that this monotone, hard to please teacher was that impressed.)
Anyway, I bring all this up because I recently discovered an article that exposes this confession by Carlos Marcello, the Mafia godfather of Louisiana and Texas: "YEAH, I HAD the son of a bitch killed. I'm glad I did. I'm sorry I couldn't have done it myself!" He confessed to the FBI in 1985 and the files are now uncensored at the National Archives. Lamar Waldron detailed this for the first time in his book Legacy of Secrecy, published last November. (It's an investigation into the murders of JFK, Robert Kennedy, and MLK, and I will definitely be reading it at some point, despite the 848 pages.)...You know, my history teacher also said that I could become a millionaire if I did something with research. Damn Waldron, I guess he beat me to it.
And sure, Oswald probably shot JFK, but I am almost positive he did not act alone. I can't even quite commit to the fact that he was the lone gunman, although I suspect that is the case. I concluded that the mafia hired Oswald and enlisted the help of some rogue police officers and/or CIA agents. I mean, Jack Ruby (Oswald's killer) was a mafia guy, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. I don't have the time or resources at hand to get into it right here, but trust me...I wish I could find a copy of that paper, the teacher kept my original for posterity. (Hey! I forgot all about that! He also gushed for way too long to the class about it, and at one point he jokingly implied that it was plagiarized! I set him straight after class in case he wasn't joking, because I was kind of pissed...and also completely shocked that this monotone, hard to please teacher was that impressed.)
Anyway, I bring all this up because I recently discovered an article that exposes this confession by Carlos Marcello, the Mafia godfather of Louisiana and Texas: "YEAH, I HAD the son of a bitch killed. I'm glad I did. I'm sorry I couldn't have done it myself!" He confessed to the FBI in 1985 and the files are now uncensored at the National Archives. Lamar Waldron detailed this for the first time in his book Legacy of Secrecy, published last November. (It's an investigation into the murders of JFK, Robert Kennedy, and MLK, and I will definitely be reading it at some point, despite the 848 pages.)...You know, my history teacher also said that I could become a millionaire if I did something with research. Damn Waldron, I guess he beat me to it.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Au Natural
I took this "seduction style" test for comic relief and for the sake of curiosity (don't forget boredom). I mean, I have a seduction style? Anyway, this result made me stop and think "Aww, really? I never thought of that." Hmm, maybe. You decide:
Your Seduction Style: Au Natural |
 You rank up there with your seduction skills, though you might not know it. That's because you're a natural at seduction. You don't realize your power! The root of your natural seduction power: your innocence and optimism. You're the type of person who happily plays around and creates a unique little world. Little do you know that your personal paradise is so appealing that it sucks people in. You find joy in everything - so is it any surprise that people find joy in you? You bring back the inner child in everyone you meet with your sincere and spontaneous ways. Your childlike (but not childish) behavior also inspires others to care for you. As a result, those who you befriend and date tend to be incredibly loyal to you. |
Monday, January 5, 2009
Year In Review
Most of last year was a lesson in letting go and growing up--sometimes by choice, often by necessity. I found that truly letting go does not mean that I must forget the past, it means that I must have the courage to accept change and the strength to move on. I have grown so much through those experiences, and I like to think that they have made me a better person. “All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on” (Havelock Ellis), and there was plenty of that last year.
It started to fall apart late last January, when Kraft laid off hundreds of people and restructured the company. Momentum responded by restructuring as well, and the rest is history. They went from record profits in 2007 to record deficits in 2008, and my life followed suit.
In March, I almost left everything behind to pursue an unstable job in Chicago with people I already didn't like and projects I wasn't exactly thrilled about. The appeal of living in Chicago nearly sucked me in, but I guess I snapped out of it in time to acknowledge that work was not the only thing in my life. From then on (really January on), my job was officially in limbo.
The break-in in April caught me completely off-guard and already off-balance. In one fell swoop, those bastards took my prized macbook pro, along with years of photographs and design work. That computer basically represented graduating and getting a good job, and it was my one luxury (and practical) item. They even took my class ring, portfolio, and the sheet off my bed.
Needless to say, I could not wait for my big vacation in June. I didn't even know if I would have a job when I returned, but it didn't seem to matter on the other side of the world. In hindsight, our first stop, New Zealand, signified a new beginning and the birth of a new perspective. (In fact, the Maori tribe who founded NZ have a special symbol to represent new beginnings.)
The bungee jump is a good analogy for just about everything that followed it. Once you step (or, in some cases, are forced) off that ledge and out of your comfort zone, resistance is futile. When you're plunging head first into...well, what appears to be rock bottom, you might as well enjoy your newfound freedom as much as possible, right? You just have to trust that you won't quite hit the bottom. In real life, it seemed like I came close, especially when I broke my hand in August, but I knew that things had to get better...and that they could always be worse. In fact, since November (4th?! hehe), it seems to be getting better every day.
2008 was a year of extremes--some of the highest highs and the lowest lows, and not much in between. It has changed me forever, and the change is apparently visible (old coworkers comment on it every time I see them). I have learned to embrace, even celebrate, the ebb and flow of life as it unfolds, and I continue to be amazed, even when things turn out badly. After all, I couldn't appreciate the good things as much if I didn't have my fill of the bad things. I just hope that 2009 evens out the score.
It started to fall apart late last January, when Kraft laid off hundreds of people and restructured the company. Momentum responded by restructuring as well, and the rest is history. They went from record profits in 2007 to record deficits in 2008, and my life followed suit.
In March, I almost left everything behind to pursue an unstable job in Chicago with people I already didn't like and projects I wasn't exactly thrilled about. The appeal of living in Chicago nearly sucked me in, but I guess I snapped out of it in time to acknowledge that work was not the only thing in my life. From then on (really January on), my job was officially in limbo.
The break-in in April caught me completely off-guard and already off-balance. In one fell swoop, those bastards took my prized macbook pro, along with years of photographs and design work. That computer basically represented graduating and getting a good job, and it was my one luxury (and practical) item. They even took my class ring, portfolio, and the sheet off my bed.
Needless to say, I could not wait for my big vacation in June. I didn't even know if I would have a job when I returned, but it didn't seem to matter on the other side of the world. In hindsight, our first stop, New Zealand, signified a new beginning and the birth of a new perspective. (In fact, the Maori tribe who founded NZ have a special symbol to represent new beginnings.)
The bungee jump is a good analogy for just about everything that followed it. Once you step (or, in some cases, are forced) off that ledge and out of your comfort zone, resistance is futile. When you're plunging head first into...well, what appears to be rock bottom, you might as well enjoy your newfound freedom as much as possible, right? You just have to trust that you won't quite hit the bottom. In real life, it seemed like I came close, especially when I broke my hand in August, but I knew that things had to get better...and that they could always be worse. In fact, since November (4th?! hehe), it seems to be getting better every day.
2008 was a year of extremes--some of the highest highs and the lowest lows, and not much in between. It has changed me forever, and the change is apparently visible (old coworkers comment on it every time I see them). I have learned to embrace, even celebrate, the ebb and flow of life as it unfolds, and I continue to be amazed, even when things turn out badly. After all, I couldn't appreciate the good things as much if I didn't have my fill of the bad things. I just hope that 2009 evens out the score.
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