This is what I get to see everyday:
Sometimes I feel like this when I work:
BYU?
But most of the time, things are pretty great:
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The State of Things at Present
This is where I work:
This is what I get to see everyday:
Sometimes I feel like this when I work:
BYU?
But most of the time, things are pretty great:
This is what I get to see everyday:
Sometimes I feel like this when I work:
BYU?
But most of the time, things are pretty great:
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Now tell me pretty baby, do you think you're too sweet to die?
This is a post on death and dying.
Death is in the air. The death of summer. The death of freedom. The death of uncertainty. Pretty dramatic, huh?
Dr. Buonforte, one of my anthropology teachers, has taught the importance of seeing photos of the authors you are reading. Otherwise, you may build up a false image of them in your mind. So here is what he looks like.
Yep.
Pretty much how I thought he would look.
This was a great book on tape, all thanks to the narrator. His name is Patrick Lawlor. I feel like he is a guy who read this book, and said to all his friends, "Dude! this is an awesome book, let me read it to you!" So I'm saying, it doesn't really sound like Chucks voice, but the voice of some guy who really likes him and his writing. I especially liked the way he said "anyway". Kind of like this: ANYWAY - the pitch is high- AN- low-Y-middle-WAY; and very forced. wish I paid more attention in the dramatic linguistics class in high school. Then I could write exactly what it sounds like. Then I could explain to you what this is: É™ . Did you know there is a linguistics club at BYU? ANYWAY...
This book made me think about several things. First, if I were so inclined, would I be a "pot/creedence contingent" person or a "coke/interpol" person? I listen to more interpol, but I would like to think I am more good-natured, like the former category. But considering the hardest thing I will allow my body to ingest is Dr. Pepper I would probably make up a whole new category. I also really liked his section comparing Radioheads Kid/A and 9/11. Trippy. The book is not perfect, and his language is a bit loose for my post mission ears, and I really wouldn't want to have Klosterman as a boyfriend; but the audiobook is the bees knees.
OH.
I didn't really tell you what is was about. Klosterman goes all around to where rock stars have died. It seems like it is a rock rule that if you die an "interesting" death, you reach legendary status; more so than if you had simply aged gracefully. Hence the title. Rock star's music really comes "alive" after they are dead.
It's just like this poem I found by Emily Dickenson:
A death-blow is a life-blow to some
Who, till they died, did not alive become;
Who, had they lived, had died, but when
They died, vitality begun.
Why is that? I will always remember NOT going when Elliott Smith played Redfest (which I think was his final show ever). I was just an awkward high school kid, and I don't think any of my friends at the time were really into him. Plus, the idea of college students being there was terrifying to me. I think he died a year later, and my stomach plummeted and my heart lodged up in my throat when I heard about it. But still, I wonder if people would still think of him as such a wonder if he were alive today? I think that I would.
Which bring me to another master of death that I have already mentioned, Emily Dickenson.
I've had a book of her poems lying around for literally 10 years that I hadn't gotten around to reading till last month. Interestingly, of the few bits of poetry I've memorized in my life, it is hers that I never forget.
I like a look of Agony,
Because I know it's true—
Men do not sham Convulsion,
Nor simulate, a Throe—
The Eyes glaze once—and that is Death—
Impossible to feign
The Beads upon the Forehead
By homely Anguish strung.
Quite something. That and "She walks in beauty like the night..." blah blah blah. I memorized that one to the tune of Weezer's "Butterfly". ANYWAY. I've never been much into poetry, so this is a pretty good start.
Well enough of this heavy stuff.
I'm still alive, in my second to last fall semester at BYU. There is so much to do. More updates coming. Thanks for being patient with me.
Death is in the air. The death of summer. The death of freedom. The death of uncertainty. Pretty dramatic, huh?
Ha.
As I realized that the warm months were slowly coming to a close, I found that my choices in literature were had a morbid thread running through it. I listened to this book on tape:
This was one of my favorite books. I first began reading it on a plane back from D.C. The book took me a while to read, and for some reason, it struck a chord. But the audio version almost killed it for me. The narrator chose to deliver most of the writing as snide and clever. I didn't like that choice. It bothered me so much, that I traded off between reading and listening so that the book could maintain some of it's charm. I am quite sensitive. But ANYWAY. Spoiler: People die. Actually, you know right from the beginning of the book. Hannah Schneider is dead, Blue Van Meer found her that way. She leads us through the series of unfortunate events with name dropping and detailed references on the way. It is a nice fall read, but not a nice fall listen
I then listened to Chuck Klosterman's "Killing Yourself to Live". A much better choice to listen to.
Dr. Buonforte, one of my anthropology teachers, has taught the importance of seeing photos of the authors you are reading. Otherwise, you may build up a false image of them in your mind. So here is what he looks like.
Yep.
Pretty much how I thought he would look.
This was a great book on tape, all thanks to the narrator. His name is Patrick Lawlor. I feel like he is a guy who read this book, and said to all his friends, "Dude! this is an awesome book, let me read it to you!" So I'm saying, it doesn't really sound like Chucks voice, but the voice of some guy who really likes him and his writing. I especially liked the way he said "anyway". Kind of like this: ANYWAY - the pitch is high- AN- low-Y-middle-WAY; and very forced. wish I paid more attention in the dramatic linguistics class in high school. Then I could write exactly what it sounds like. Then I could explain to you what this is: É™ . Did you know there is a linguistics club at BYU? ANYWAY...
This book made me think about several things. First, if I were so inclined, would I be a "pot/creedence contingent" person or a "coke/interpol" person? I listen to more interpol, but I would like to think I am more good-natured, like the former category. But considering the hardest thing I will allow my body to ingest is Dr. Pepper I would probably make up a whole new category. I also really liked his section comparing Radioheads Kid/A and 9/11. Trippy. The book is not perfect, and his language is a bit loose for my post mission ears, and I really wouldn't want to have Klosterman as a boyfriend; but the audiobook is the bees knees.
OH.
I didn't really tell you what is was about. Klosterman goes all around to where rock stars have died. It seems like it is a rock rule that if you die an "interesting" death, you reach legendary status; more so than if you had simply aged gracefully. Hence the title. Rock star's music really comes "alive" after they are dead.
It's just like this poem I found by Emily Dickenson:
A death-blow is a life-blow to some
Who, till they died, did not alive become;
Who, had they lived, had died, but when
They died, vitality begun.
Why is that? I will always remember NOT going when Elliott Smith played Redfest (which I think was his final show ever). I was just an awkward high school kid, and I don't think any of my friends at the time were really into him. Plus, the idea of college students being there was terrifying to me. I think he died a year later, and my stomach plummeted and my heart lodged up in my throat when I heard about it. But still, I wonder if people would still think of him as such a wonder if he were alive today? I think that I would.
Which bring me to another master of death that I have already mentioned, Emily Dickenson.
I've had a book of her poems lying around for literally 10 years that I hadn't gotten around to reading till last month. Interestingly, of the few bits of poetry I've memorized in my life, it is hers that I never forget.
I like a look of Agony,
Because I know it's true—
Men do not sham Convulsion,
Nor simulate, a Throe—
The Eyes glaze once—and that is Death—
Impossible to feign
The Beads upon the Forehead
By homely Anguish strung.
Quite something. That and "She walks in beauty like the night..." blah blah blah. I memorized that one to the tune of Weezer's "Butterfly". ANYWAY. I've never been much into poetry, so this is a pretty good start.
Well enough of this heavy stuff.
I'm still alive, in my second to last fall semester at BYU. There is so much to do. More updates coming. Thanks for being patient with me.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
August Mix: The End of Summer Soliloquy
FALSE ALARM! We recovered our songs. Halle-freakin-lujah. Here is my slightly delayed mix for August. Jam suckas:
1. The Swimming Song - Loudon Wainwright III
2. A Community Service Annoucement - Jonathan Boulet
3. The Richest Kids - This Is Ivy League
4. Effortlessly - Field Music
5. All Together Now - Andre 3000
6. Erase Me (Feat. Kanye West) - Kid Cudi
7. Short and Entertaining - Jamaica
8. Little Lion Man Live on NPR - Mumford & Sons
9. Sailing To Nowhere - Broken Bells
10. Idioteque - Amanda Palmer
11. Cooler Than Me (Sia vs. Mike Posner) - Neon Hitch
12. Super Trouper - Camera Obscura
13. On the Front Porch -Disney's "Summer Magic"
14. Zebra - Beach House
15. Fake Palindromes - Andrew Bird
16. O Valencia! - The Decemberists
17. Club Can't Handle Me (Featuring David Guetta) - Flo Rida
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Unthinkable Has Happened
I just lost approximately 13,000 songs from Itunes.
Years of searching, saving, and filing...gone.
My musical memories from 2003-2010...gone.
Napster era live tracks...gone.
Songs from cds that I got rid of a long time ago because I had them "safe" on the hard drive... gone.
All I have are random songs that we accidentally downloaded to the wrong folder. I am now left with the following:
!!!
And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Our Dead
Andrea Bocceli
Andrew W.K.
Angel Romero
Animal Collective
Antony & The Johnsons
Architecture in Helsinki
B.B. King
Boredoms
Busdriver
Camara Obscura
Cat Power
Chris Dane Owens
Chuck Berry
Daft Punk
Dinosaur Jr
Dungen
Electric Six
Ella Fitzgerald
Elliot Smith
Fugazi
Gil Scott-Heron
Girl Talk
Health
Interpol
Jethro Tull
Jonathan Coulton
Kings of Leon
LCD Soundsystem
Los Campesinos!
Ludwig van Beethoven
Marc Seales, composer
Mason Jennings
Massive Attack
Moby
Mogwai
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Morrissey
Neutral Milk Hotel
Pinback
Pretty Girls Make Graves
Rain Machine
Russell Shaw
Sondre Lerche
Soundgarden
Sunn O)))
Super Furry Animals
The Beach Boys
The Fiery Furnaces
The National
Tortoise
Tunng
Vic Chesnutt
Volacano Choir
Wolfmother
This is not ok.
I hate technology.
Monday, August 9, 2010
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
I've felt it in the air these past few days. The first day of class is only three short weeks away! Luckily, everything is falling into place, just in time. I got the job at Aspen Grove, so I will be living and working there while going to BYU. Once I have a secure method of transportation all will be well. But I also feel a little nervous about going back to class. I fear my brain has turned to mush. As long as my spanish is a bit better than these guys, I should be ok:
I'm going to start reading Como Agua Para Chocolate to get my brain in gear. I'm also taking New testament, and FOUR anthropology classes.
AND
Step Up 3D was fun. Though when I left the theater to practice my moves, I am sure that I did look like these guys:
Did I mention I LUV Community? Well, I do.
I'm going to start reading Como Agua Para Chocolate to get my brain in gear. I'm also taking New testament, and FOUR anthropology classes.
AND
Step Up 3D was fun. Though when I left the theater to practice my moves, I am sure that I did look like these guys:
Did I mention I LUV Community? Well, I do.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
move - l'art du déplacement
In honor of the upcoming release of "Step Up 3D" tomorrow, we have a movement themed entry. Despite the fact that I have no formal dance training and I am extremely bashful, I think to be a dancer would be the most completely perfect job in the world. Really. It is a miniature obsession of mine.
This is difficult.
A few months ago I had my mom record "Dance in America : NY Export : Opus Jazz" (isn't that a lot of colons?) which is part of the PBS Great Performances series. The ballet was choreographed by Jerome Robbins (West Side Story), and originally performed in 1958 with the dancers wearing tennis shoes. It is neat.
As a film alone, it is beautiful. You can stream the whole thing online, so if you get the chance to watch it, you should. This dance was supposed to encapsulate the attitudes of youth in the 1950's. What would a dance symbolizing our generation look like?
The NYT talked about dancing this week too.
Hulu also wanted to celebrate the release of Step Up 3d, so they put together an internet series.It's called "The LXD" and I think it's kind of about this top secret organization that gathers up people to fight a mysterious masked man. And guess what LXD stands for. Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. Yep. Before you start laughing, just watch this. I present Chapter 3, ROBOT LOVE STORY:
freaky.
Ok, maybe you're still laughing after watching that. But I like it! The music kind of reminds me at times of that short in Paris, Je'Taime with Elijah Wood that is supposed to be kind of darkly funny but actually just creeped me out. The spell check just told me "creep" is not a verb...what?
So there you have it. I'll start learning those dance moves as soon as I perfect my parkour skills. ha.
Hermana. Holmes assured me this is normal, and even showed me "how-to" videos online. She said these were THE moves while I was on my mission:
Isn't little Price Twice the cutest thing?
A few months ago I had my mom record "Dance in America : NY Export : Opus Jazz" (isn't that a lot of colons?) which is part of the PBS Great Performances series. The ballet was choreographed by Jerome Robbins (West Side Story), and originally performed in 1958 with the dancers wearing tennis shoes. It is neat.
Watch the full episode. See more Great Performances.
As a film alone, it is beautiful. You can stream the whole thing online, so if you get the chance to watch it, you should. This dance was supposed to encapsulate the attitudes of youth in the 1950's. What would a dance symbolizing our generation look like?
The NYT talked about dancing this week too.
Hulu also wanted to celebrate the release of Step Up 3d, so they put together an internet series.It's called "The LXD" and I think it's kind of about this top secret organization that gathers up people to fight a mysterious masked man. And guess what LXD stands for. Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. Yep. Before you start laughing, just watch this. I present Chapter 3, ROBOT LOVE STORY:
freaky.
Ok, maybe you're still laughing after watching that. But I like it! The music kind of reminds me at times of that short in Paris, Je'Taime with Elijah Wood that is supposed to be kind of darkly funny but actually just creeped me out. The spell check just told me "creep" is not a verb...what?
So there you have it. I'll start learning those dance moves as soon as I perfect my parkour skills. ha.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
luvin' shoppin'
Who needs a mood ring when you have an Old Navy employee tag?
That's me, Little miss "luvin' shoppin'". For the general benefit of society, I've decided to create a shopping guide to share my love with others. Actually, this isn't really a guide as much as a war strategy. Because we all know that every time you are shopping, you are actually at war with "the man". If you think the only way to beat "the man" is to shop at American Apparel and wear Toms, you are so wrong my friend. I present to you Deseret Industries (the D.I.) as you've never seen it before.
D.I. was valued only by it's ability to carry ugly Christmas sweaters, velvet paintings, and cassette tapes of Ace of Base all under the same roof. Since I have been back from school, I have become quite the seasoned D.I. shopper if I may say so myself. It requires diligence and discipline, but the reward is worth it. Follow these rules, and you too can be part of the D.I.O.R.A.M.A. (Deseret Industries Organization for Reconnaissance And Material Acquisition).
1 - Find your D.I.
This rule is simple common sense. The quality of a store store should not be based on its customers, but it's suppliers. Almost all merchandise at D.I. is donated by people. The geographical location in which the store is found will determine who will be donating most. You may want to choose the store you visit based on what items you are looking for. Examples: In the St. George D.I., there is a limitless selection of old army uniforms, fatigues, etc. If you go to Sugarhouse, you will not find any army clothes, but you can find a lot of new (never worn) clothing and shoes. If you go to Provo, you are basically wasting your time.
2 - Arrange your schedule to optimal store proximity and productivity
You should visit your D.I, everyday if possible. This is easy if your grandma lives two blocks away and you drink mate with her every morning. Otherwise, once a week may be sufficient for your needs. Don't bother going on Saturday, it is too busy.
3 - Travel as a pack
You must ALWAYS go in a group, and follow the group code. When you are browsing, you are not only looking for things for yourself, but for your comrades. If you find something you think they will like, grab it and show it to them. They will return the favor. If they are not there, and the item is clothing or shoes, buy it (clothing and shoes are exchangeable for up to a week). Your friends can also protect your shopping cart from thrift thieves, or people who might "mistake" your purse as something "for sale". Also they will tell you that you are dumb before you buy that green and magenta polyester dress, even if you did see something similar on the sartorialist.
3- Constant Vigilance
As soon as you enter the store, head straight for what you are looking for. DO NOT LET YOURSELF GET DISTRACTED FROM YOUR GOAL. In my case, I always go directly to the clothing on the racks in the center aisle of the store. These are racks that they wheel in from the back with clothes that they later sort and distribute in the store. They have not been sitting there for months and months like everything else. And, if you find one good item on one of those racks (i.e. vintage Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress), you will probably find more because people donate things in batches and their taste will be reflected in the rest of the items on the rack. It is usually not worth your time to look at any of the other racks in the store unless you have something very specific in mind. And if you have the willpower to not get distracted.
4 - Be discriminating
Even though you are at a thrift store, you should still try and find the best quality items. In terms of clothes, it is best to stay away from clothes that were originally from Old Navy, Walmart, Target, etc. Even if they are "cute". You can buy these clothes new for almost the same price at the real store. Instead, look for clothes that are well-made and that fit. Don't buy clothes that have stains or tears; even if you tell yourself that you could easily patch them up, because we both know that you won't really ever get around to it.
5 - Keep a secret
When people ask me where I got something, I now tell them the store it originally came from. Especially if they are wearing something that it is the same brand/style that you are wearing. You don't want to make them feel silly when they find out you paid $4 for those pants while they paid $78. It's just more polite. :)
If you follow these simple rules, you will find success. I've found great stuff, including brand new sperry top-siders that looked a bit like this:
Great, right?
In other shopping news, I found this at Smiths yesterday:
Toshica's Finest - Satin DuRag
And this weird image on the inside packaging of a brush I bought:
Unassuming
Whaaaa? Is this a hint that I really should try to bring the "sister wife" hair-do back in style?
Oh! For all those interested, there is a rack at the Sugarhouse Old Navy for with mens pants for $1.97. It will probably be gone by the end of today, so go fast!
That's me, Little miss "luvin' shoppin'". For the general benefit of society, I've decided to create a shopping guide to share my love with others. Actually, this isn't really a guide as much as a war strategy. Because we all know that every time you are shopping, you are actually at war with "the man". If you think the only way to beat "the man" is to shop at American Apparel and wear Toms, you are so wrong my friend. I present to you Deseret Industries (the D.I.) as you've never seen it before.
D.I. was valued only by it's ability to carry ugly Christmas sweaters, velvet paintings, and cassette tapes of Ace of Base all under the same roof. Since I have been back from school, I have become quite the seasoned D.I. shopper if I may say so myself. It requires diligence and discipline, but the reward is worth it. Follow these rules, and you too can be part of the D.I.O.R.A.M.A. (Deseret Industries Organization for Reconnaissance And Material Acquisition).
1 - Find your D.I.
This rule is simple common sense. The quality of a store store should not be based on its customers, but it's suppliers. Almost all merchandise at D.I. is donated by people. The geographical location in which the store is found will determine who will be donating most. You may want to choose the store you visit based on what items you are looking for. Examples: In the St. George D.I., there is a limitless selection of old army uniforms, fatigues, etc. If you go to Sugarhouse, you will not find any army clothes, but you can find a lot of new (never worn) clothing and shoes. If you go to Provo, you are basically wasting your time.
2 - Arrange your schedule to optimal store proximity and productivity
You should visit your D.I, everyday if possible. This is easy if your grandma lives two blocks away and you drink mate with her every morning. Otherwise, once a week may be sufficient for your needs. Don't bother going on Saturday, it is too busy.
3 - Travel as a pack
You must ALWAYS go in a group, and follow the group code. When you are browsing, you are not only looking for things for yourself, but for your comrades. If you find something you think they will like, grab it and show it to them. They will return the favor. If they are not there, and the item is clothing or shoes, buy it (clothing and shoes are exchangeable for up to a week). Your friends can also protect your shopping cart from thrift thieves, or people who might "mistake" your purse as something "for sale". Also they will tell you that you are dumb before you buy that green and magenta polyester dress, even if you did see something similar on the sartorialist.
3- Constant Vigilance
As soon as you enter the store, head straight for what you are looking for. DO NOT LET YOURSELF GET DISTRACTED FROM YOUR GOAL. In my case, I always go directly to the clothing on the racks in the center aisle of the store. These are racks that they wheel in from the back with clothes that they later sort and distribute in the store. They have not been sitting there for months and months like everything else. And, if you find one good item on one of those racks (i.e. vintage Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress), you will probably find more because people donate things in batches and their taste will be reflected in the rest of the items on the rack. It is usually not worth your time to look at any of the other racks in the store unless you have something very specific in mind. And if you have the willpower to not get distracted.
4 - Be discriminating
Even though you are at a thrift store, you should still try and find the best quality items. In terms of clothes, it is best to stay away from clothes that were originally from Old Navy, Walmart, Target, etc. Even if they are "cute". You can buy these clothes new for almost the same price at the real store. Instead, look for clothes that are well-made and that fit. Don't buy clothes that have stains or tears; even if you tell yourself that you could easily patch them up, because we both know that you won't really ever get around to it.
5 - Keep a secret
When people ask me where I got something, I now tell them the store it originally came from. Especially if they are wearing something that it is the same brand/style that you are wearing. You don't want to make them feel silly when they find out you paid $4 for those pants while they paid $78. It's just more polite. :)
If you follow these simple rules, you will find success. I've found great stuff, including brand new sperry top-siders that looked a bit like this:
Great, right?
In other shopping news, I found this at Smiths yesterday:
Toshica's Finest - Satin DuRag
And this weird image on the inside packaging of a brush I bought:
Unassuming
Whaaaa? Is this a hint that I really should try to bring the "sister wife" hair-do back in style?
Oh! For all those interested, there is a rack at the Sugarhouse Old Navy for with mens pants for $1.97. It will probably be gone by the end of today, so go fast!
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