Well Hello There

I know I've neglected the blog realm lately and no one actually reads this (and by no one I mean only alyssa and sometimes ryan) but this video needs to be documented.
Thank god I stummbled upon music for kids who can't read good. Its a hilarious literal version of the video for the 80s classic Take On Me by A-ha. Everyone needs a little meme in their life.

Best line:

This guys gonna get an ass full of pipe wrench.

Oh and the people who live in the quad next door have been playing the same fucking mix tape for an hour now and I cannot stand the repetative bass beat. I think it irks me because I know the song but can't place it. I think this may just drive me completely insane.

Remember when I was freaking out because I couldn't decided what to do with my life?
Yeah, still have no clue. But I'm taking the GREs. So thats something. I'm thinking I might just go to Christiania. Except the cops are douche bags and hassle them a lot and I don't speak french or danish. Maybe I'll just start a blog about communes.

Ryan Weller Loves IT!

This is what I'm going to give Ryan for his birthday! I just found it online while browsing around! I'm so happy I've stummbled upon it. Now he wont have to do as much work and maybe he'll be less stressed out! yay!

REALLY?

Yesterday Ryan complained that he didn't want to be here anymore.
Yeah I don't want to either but at least we know whats going on here. We know that we're together and we live within a 5 minute walk from each other.
What is going to happen after college?
Are we going to be together?
Where are we going to live?
How are we even going to be able to pay for anything?
I think we may be fucked.
The future freaks me out.

Palin is Terrible

GIBSON: Did you ever travel outside the country prior to your trip to Kuwait and Germany last year?

PALIN: Canada. Mexico.


One of the highlights from her segmented first interview on ABC. She also claimed you can see Russia from Alaska, and that it gives her a sense of how small and connected the world is. Aww. That makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

If you watch the whole interview, she seems uncomfortable, nervous, inexperienced, and extremely out of her league. It is laughable that this woman could possibly be a heartbeat away from the presidency. But more than that, it is downright scary. I think Matt Damon sums up my fears perfectly:

Its time to heal eachother.

2-Pac said in his song, "Changes" we weren't ready to see a black president. I wonder if we're ready now? I really hope so. I'm ready. The east coast is definetly ready. WE LOVE OBAMA, and miss 2-pac. Do you discourage us because we're white? We empower you. <3 Jess
P.s. My sister is cuban....and ryan slept with one.
Racial unity, muther fuckers.

Sarah Palin: "What is it exactly that the VP does everyday?"

and while you're at it, watch this sickening video as well.



and to top everything off on this lovely Monday evening, a few days ago, Cindy McCain was on TV discussing how Sarah Palin has national security experience due to the geographical location of Alaska. (because it's close to Russia.) Huh? Then maybe Canadian geese have more international experience because they can fly. Give me a break.

All of this really does make me sick.

This is perfect.

Thanks to my new Gender and Pop Culture professor, Jessica Valenti, the co-founder and contributer to the blog feministing.com, I came across this amazing video that needs to be shared with everyone.

So McCain and his strategists clearly understand the incredible impact of women in the upcoming election. They also want to grab and keep the avid Hillary followers who are still refusing to vote for Obama. What better way to do both by putting a highly conservative woman on the McCain ticket? In what should be a quiet morning following a stunningly powerful speech by Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention, the country is buzzing with Fox News' confirmation of Sarah Palin as the GOP vice presidential candadate. As a 44 year old woman with only one gubernatorial term under her belt, she instantly brings life to what was beginning to look like a stale, old McCain ticket. However, her lack of experience certainly hampers the Republican strategy of projecting Obama as inexperienced and "not ready" (notready08.com). Political pundants across the nation are debating the GOP's historical move as the Republican National Convention creeps closer.


Or does it?


Far away in the tropics, something is brewing. Tropical Storm Gustav, currently located below Cuba, is gaining strength and picking up speed. Forcast models show Gustav becoming a category 3 hurricane (or higher) and making landfall in Louisianna, slightly west of New Orleans.

So what does the mean for the Republicans?



Katrina part 2? Perhaps. But more importantly, the GOP is worried that a major hurricane will take away from the Convention, distracting US citizens from the riveting schedule of speakers that includes George Bush, Dick Cheney, Rudy Gullianni, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.


We certainly wouldn't want a devastating natural disaster to take away the Republican spotlight. So, FoxNews.com reports that the Republicans are ready to postpone the Convention if Gustav lives up to its badass name.


Good thing. I know I don't want to miss a second of the 2008 presidential election's Republican National Convention. I wouldn't want Hurricane Gustav getting in the way of seeing my anti-human rights good old boys. Whew.

So City Girl

After countless resumes, cover letters, emails and interviews I finally found an internship willing to pay me AND give me college credit! Truthfully I didn't even want to go on this interview yesterday. I was having a mild panic attack and screaming about my cat hair covered trousers all morning. But I managed to pull it together and I made the woman intervewing me laugh several times. Now I'll be commuting into New York City twice a week for the next four months. The office is very small and the buisness ittself isn't too big either but I actually perfer it. I'd rather not be just another drone sitting at a computer in some huge corporate office. If the work is rewarding and I like the people then I'm set. I just wish I could bring my little office buddy with me. Although leaving the Financial Aid Office high and dry isn't one of my goals. Perhaps I'll just do both jobs. All I know is that I'm dropping photography in order to do this internship so it better be a rewarding experience.




[cosimo books/my internship]

Things Are Getting Fatter.

According to an article on WebMD, Americans are getting fatter. Obesity rates have been on the rise since officials began investigating the growing problem years ago, and despite efforts across the country to slim down the obesity epidemic, the number of obese adults rose in 37 states. Of course, you don't really need to consult an online medical directory to figure that out for yourself. Just drive by your local Applebee's.

It's not really that hard to eat healthy. It does, however, require a level of commitment and food common sense that seems to be too challenging for a third of the country. But the most interesting thing happens when you break the statistics down:

Mississippi: Rank, 1 -- 31.7% of adults obese
West Virginia: Rank, 2 -- 30.6% of adults obese
Alabama: Rank, 3 -- 30.1% of adults obese
Louisiana: Rank, 4 -- 29.5% of adults obese
South Carolina: Rank, 5 -- 29.2% of adults obese
Tennessee: Rank, 6 -- 29.0% of adults obese
Kentucky: Rank, 7 -- 28.4% of adults obese
Arkansas: Rank, 8 -- 28.1% of adults obese
Oklahoma: Rank, 8 -- 28.1% of adults obese
Michigan: Rank, 10 -- 27.7% of adults obese

Hey, I didn't say the article could count. But look at a map I made with the data from the article. Red states are the fattest, blue and purple are not. See the pattern? The bible belt seems to be swimming in its own glutinous lard, while the Northeast and the West Coast have their waist lines under control. With simple deductive logic, one could reasonably imply that the only "cure" for obesity is intelligence. Or surfing and snowboaring in Colorado and Hawaii. Peace, man.

Marriage?!

Congrats Ellen and Portia!
Yay for lesbian weddings! Nice job snagging a hot lady who is fifteen years younger than you, Ellen. I'm very impressed. And Tila Tequila...there was no way in hell your trashy ass was going to get an invite. pfft.

"I love Ellen (DeGeneres) I watch her show all the time," Tequila told AP Television. "I just want to say congratulations and I am really sorry you didn't invite me to your wedding."

(Ellen Wedding Article)

I NEED A COACH BAG

For lack of anything better to do I was on gorillavsbear the other day and I noticed the Santogold Diplo creation Top Ranking. Thankfully it was available free at Discobelle. The new album has not left my cd player in days. I just can't seem to stop listening to it. It makes me especially happy when I have to drive through towns like Madison and Chatam. Although it may be seventeen year old behavior to blast music from your car like a tool I enjoy stirring things up a bit. If I have to wait in traffic in Chatham for thirty minutes because some douche bag has stationed a cop at the Kings shopping center so that spoiled white people can exit easier then I'm definetly cranking up my mildly offensive music. Not like those old people can even hear it anyway...
Basically what I'm saying is two things:
1. I need to get the fuck out of the suburbs. 2. Top Ranking is good times.

Free download anyone? (http://www.discobelle.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/toprankingsantidiplo.jpg)


** I love how I post things as if someone will actually read them. I think thats my favorite part.**

Ani DiFranco at The United Palace Theater

Last night anxious Ani DiFranco fans overran the Washington Heights-Inwood area of New York City. The United Palace Theater, at Broadway and 175th, held over 2,000 “righteous” men and women all clapping, singing and dancing to the sophisticated lyrics and guitar picking of Ani.

The United Palace Theater was the last of The Loew’s Wonder Theaters built in New York City. Architect Thomas Lamb built the theater in 1930 as a place for people to enjoy vaudeville and movies. The United Palace Theater features Indo-Chinese decoration with elaborate gold leaf moldings with crowned snakes, lotus flowers and Buddhist-esque gods and goddesses. Lamb’s design also includes lush crimson carpet, a palatial staircase, marble statues and huge vaulted ceilings complete with ornate chandeliers. With the acoustics of the theater near perfection, those in the balcony received the same sound quality as those in front row seats. Dr. Fredrick “Rev. Ike” Eikerenkoetter and the Christ Community United Church purchased this historic venue in 1969. The main foyer of the theater features giant placards, which inspire churchgoers with inspirational sayings by Rev. Ike. Such artists as Modest Mouse, Bjork and the Berlin Harmonic recently performed at the theater. Van Morrison, Neil Young and Annie Lenox are scheduled to perform at the United Palace Theater in the fall.

Kimya Dawson, formerly of the Moldy Peaches, opened the show last night. Six of her solo songs were featured on the “Juno” Soundtrack, which topped Billboard Charts in December. Dawson’s set included five dancers in brightly colored leotards with matching flags, who added a carefree performance piece aspect to Dawson’s playful “anti-folk” performance. Although most in attendance were on the edge of their seats in anticipation of Ani, fans received Dawson warmly with enthusiastic applause.

At 9 p.m., the lights dimmed and Ani DiFranco stepped on stage. Dressed in green cargo pants and a t-shirt the 37-year-old musician looked as if she had just come from yoga class. Fan fiercely cheered for their Grammy-award winning feminist icon and smile lit up her face as she addressed the crowd. The hour-and-a-half-long set filled with interesting anecdotes, heartfelt dedications and free-flowing stream-of-consciousness ramblings. Ani played some of her older, timeless pieces such as the ballads “Napoleon” and “As Is.” She also surprised fans with rarer and softer songs such as “Garden of Simple” and “Imagine That.” The set included songs from her highly anticipated new album, “Red Letter Year” which will be released later in 2008. Ani’s newfound motherhood inspired both “Atom” and “Present/Infant.” While the miracle of childbirth created some songs on the new album, the single “Red Letter Year” deals with the destruction of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. DiFranco was in New Orleans when the levees broke in the summer of 2005. Ani has called the city her “second home” and the destruction of such a sacred place will forever leave a mark on the musician.

Despite the sometimes-somber song lyrics, the energy of the fans was palpable throughout the show. Every joke Ani made was followed by a theater full of laughter,
each poignant lyric by a loud cheer, and the end of each song with deafening applause.

The diversity of Ani fans shows the power of this singer/songwriter, whose message knows no boundaries. Married couples in their mid-60s, young single men, lesbian couples, single women of all ages, young couples on first dates, proud feminists and neo-hippies were just some of the many different groups represented at the show yesterday. All of her fans were united on two levels: their love and respect for Ani DiFranco and their excitement for the upcoming election. Ani is known as much for her political stance as she is for her exquisite lyrics. The foyer of the venue contained two tables of volunteers, registering Ani fans to vote. At one point in her set last night, Ani stopped strumming her guitar to ask the crowd, “Who is ready to vote?” This simple question threw the entire theater into an uproar. Fans jumped out of their seats to declare their readiness for a change in government. Once the crowd finally settled down, Ani quietly said, “Let the healing begin.”

The performance included nineteen songs, a sixteen song set with a three song encore. Fans seemed almost apprehensive to leave. They slowly shuffled out of the 77-year-old theater. In the muggy New York City summer night, Ani fans mingled outside the United Palace Theater, reflecting on the electric performance. Union resident Melissa Mott exited the venue and exclaimed, “Someone give me a sedative, because that show was sick!” Mara Miller from New Brunswick said, “This is one of the best Ani shows I have ever seen. I cried for the first five songs.” Emotions definitely ran high last night, leaving all who attended feeling as if they had just experienced a lyric-induced dream.

[United Palace Theater]

The Grove

When Reverend W.B. Osbourn first purchased the 6-acre grove near Sandy Hook in 1869, he never imagined that his religious oceanfront oasis would become a predominately gay community. The Methodist owned town of Ocean Grove, New Jersey has now become the home and workplace of many L.G.B.T.Q members.

Reverend W.B. Osbourn originally established Ocean Grove as a place where Methodists could congregate and enjoy a religious experience by the sea. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association still controls the town today. This organization hosts Sunday morning beach worship at the Boardwalk Pavilion as well as “Son-Rise Celebrations” which are prayer meetings held every Saturday at sunrise in the summer. Each year the Methodist community at Ocean Grove sponsors a beach festival called “Beach Blaze” where people can enjoy worship bands, vendors, exhibits, games and a volleyball tournament. The Methodist church also offers retreats for religious groups all over the country as well as week long seminars for various Colleges and Universities.Ocean Grove has remained a dry town since its establishment and continues to embrace its strong religious ties.

Although the town has stayed true to its Methodist roots, a growing number of L.G.B.T.Q. members has moved in and set up businesses over the last 10 years. The L.G.B.T.Q. community has revitalized the town of Ocean Grove by establishing quaint bed and breakfasts, antique shops and restaurants. The new business brought in by the community turned the town into a New Jersey vacation hot spot. The two conflicting groups which make-up the towns population enjoyed a pleasant give and take relationship until New Jersey’s new Same-Sex Civil Union law went into effect on Feb. 19, 2007.

In June 2007 two lesbian couples requested permission to have civil unions at Ocean Grove’s Boardwalk Pavilion. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association denied both couples access to the Boardwalk Pavilion on the basis that same-sex marriage went against the beliefs of the Methodist church.

One of the couples immediately decided to take action against this injustice. Harriet Bernstein and Luisa Paster sued the O.G. Camp Meeting Association stating that they were being wrongful discriminated against based upon sexual orientation. With the help of the New Jersey division of Civil Rights, the couple was able to make an impact on Ocean Grove. On Sept. 18, 2007 the Boardwalk Pavilion was ruled to no longer abide by the guidelines of New Jerseys Green Acre Program. The Green Acre Program states that private property can be tax exempt if opened up to the general public.

By denying same-sex couples the right to have civil unions in the Boardwalk Pavilion the area is no longer open to the public. The town has always had a tax-exempt beachfront and boardwalk but will now be paying over $20,000 dollars a year in real estate tax.

Although this is a win for the gay community of Ocean Grove, Bernstein and Paster were still unable to hold their ceremony at the Boardwalk Pavilion. Instead, the couple exchanged their vows at a fishing pier not far from the disputed location. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association continues to discriminate against the homosexual community by banning same sex unions at their Boardwalk Pavilion. Only part of the battle against the Methodist church of Ocean County has been won. The newly established Ocean Grove United continues “working for civil rights for all Ocean Grove residents” as their slogan states. The group recently took part in New Jersey Pride at Asbury Park on June 1 2008 where they continued to spread the word about overcoming discrimination in Ocean Grove.

[ocean grove united]
[ocean grove camp meeting association]

[tos] first preview - stage door

"THE STRAIGHT-TALK EXPRESS"

PhotoBooth Madness

Smidge and I took a magical trip to the most infamous of Dirty Jersey's boardwalks last week. We wanted to get some pictures taken in one of the old photo booths but all we could find were these new and improved types. The quality is pretty good but the whole process was a bit ridiculous. We put the money in and it immediately started to take our picture no warning, no guidelines about how to position ourselves or anything. Now we have this cute strip of pictures but the only place that sells frames for them is Whispering Willow. Smidge and I really don't need stained glass frames with butterflies and hearts. Apparently I'm going to have to come up with some clever way to hang this up in the new apartment. Through my search for photo booth frames I've discovered this gem of a website, photobooth.net.


In other news we attempted to go to Laid last night in Park Slope but the venue was so small and the line was so long that they cut off entry by 12:30. Catty Shack had a twenty dollar cover because it was the night of Brooklyn pride. So basically we drove into Brooklyn, got a bite at Cheers Thai, searched for some good times, didn't find any and then drove back home. Obnoxious. At least we have a four day camping trip at the end of the week to look forward to. Yay for six hour drives to New York state.

Don't Stereotype the Lesbians

One of my other favorite past times since my recent unemployment is watching the EuroNews channel on our new disgustingly large television. I really enjoy actually being informed by the news. I was watching BBC news yesterday and apparently the people of Lesbos are pissed off. They're currently going to court in order to reclaim the title of Lesbian. If they win their court case they intend to expand their cause globally. I sympathize with these Greek Islanders, I mean they were lesbians long before I came out of the closet. It might be fun to redefine ourselves. What would our new label be? Carpet muncher? Lip nibbler? Maybe we could reclaim the term dyke or possibly just alter the spelling of lesbian. (Lesbyan? Lezbian? Lezbyan?) It could be a chance for the community to reevaluate their image and start a new. But my guess is everyone will just get up in arms about it and begin a new crusade which calls for the total freedom of expression for homosexuals everywhere.




Side Note: I was just looking up gay terminology for some inspiration and I found interesting info. My blue jeep compass is named Kiki and it turns out that this was actually a term for lesbians in the '50s and '60s.

Definition: Kiki is a term that was used in the lesbian bar culture of the 1950s and 1960s to describe someone who was neither butch nor femme. At that time, the bar culture was very much into roles and most women were pressured to choose either butch or femme.

Homo Say What?
This is a sound clip from one of the gay slang dictionaries. Grossly stereotypical?? Or Hilarious??

All of the gay slang dictionaries I found were terribly outdated; usually from the mid-90s. I think we need to create a new one, urbandictionary.com style, so that homos everywhere can define themselves however they see fit.

[BBC Video Lesbos Versus Lesbians]

I'm Over It

I seem to have issues keeping jobs lately. I'm only categorized as an undergrad for one more year and I'm feeling overqualified for everything. I don't want to be your waitress, sell you watches, knock on your door for environmental issues or receive huge shipments of wholesale bathing suits. I'm done with all these jobs I've been forced to model through just to afford my education.

Needless to say I've recently become unemployed. Downsized from one job and quit the other. I actually left my last job in the middle of work, had Smidge come and pick me up. For anyone who hasn't canvassed before I highly recommend it. Talking to strangers every day and trying to make them give away money for the environment or HRC has been an incredible experience. It's soul crushing yet eye opening. Just make sure you don't do it for too long. There's a high probability that they will convince you to take on more responsibility than you originally planned; locking you into a six day, 14-hour each, work week; but you'll be so busy fighting for "the fund" that you probably won't even notice that your life is slipping away from you.

I plan on hanging out in my new apartment with Smidge and Mish until I'm crippled with either boredom or financial instability. So far I've been hiding out at the Jersey shore; trying my best to pretend I'm somewhere else. Living in a dream world where it's 2012 and I live in Southern California selling sea shells to tourists. At least I have statistics, poetry and journalism to keep me slightly grounded (although commuting to school is becoming physically painful). All in all things are quite nice right now but I'm sure by next week I'll be chomping at the bit to get back into the work force. That's the bad thing about working so much since you were so small. You tend to feel a little lost without that familiar role in your life. I wonder where I'll end up next.

It's CLITTER!!!!

Portland Elects Sam Adams

As if I'm not already crazy enough about Portland Oregon some new happenings in the city have brought that west coast lust to a new level. Yesterday Sam Adams, formerly Portland's Commissioner of Public Utilities, was elected major of Portland. Why am I so happy about this news? Well Sam Adams is the first openly gay member of Portland's city council. Besides the fact that hes part of the family, Sam Adams worked with the BES during his time as commisioner and he also served as portlands liason to the arts, culture and small buisnesses. I think this is a match made in heaven and I'm so glad that when I move out to the west coast in May 09 I'll be moving to the largest city with a (well informed, progressive, art loving, enviornmentalist) gay mayor.





[Sam Adam's Blog]

UPDATES

and

Wait, these flags are terrible!

It has recently been discovered that a large quantity of "Free Tibet" flags were being produced in ::gasp:: China! Workers claim they were unaware of the meaning of the flags until someone looked up the design on the internet. Coincidentally, shipments of these flags branded "made in China" have probably already made it to anti-Chinese protests around the world.


Wait, we made those?! Shit.

Hey, at least the Olympics are still on. Those Olympic torch protests and talk of athlete boycotts had me concerned for a minute. As an Olympian on the table tennis team, I think I speak for all when I say, "Let the games begin!"




Over and out. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7370903.stm

Diane Russo: The Circle

Today is Diane Russo's thesis show. I met Diane about this time last year and we've developed an amazing friendship. I've been watching her progress with her photography since then and I'm so excited for the final show. Its going to absolutely amazing, and not just because I'm featured in it. I know that she's put so much work into this and being able to be there to witness the final product is so wonderful that I can't articulate it accurately. I'm extremely proud of her.

Last night I got a sneak peek of the gallery while Smidge and I were helping Diane set up. There are some awe inspiring pieces. Theres a gigantic foam vagina that you can actually crawl into. A forest of multicolored trees with balloon leaves that you can walk through. Gigantic paintings and torsoes with teeth sprouting from the walls. Truthfully it reminds me of the New Museum in NYC.

The thesis show should be a lot of fun. I think a good majority of the people featured in Diane's artwork are going to be in attendance. Which really could be both a good and a bad thing considering the whole project is based around the idea of connectivity within the lesbian community. Theres also going to be free beer at the show which may incite some ugly scenes. I'm hoping everyone has enough respect for Diane that they'll keep their cool (myself included...how many of my exs will be there?....). It should be an amazing experience and the celebratory gathering at Stuff Your Face afterward should be a good excuse to get a little drunk and mingle with people I haven't seen in quite a while.

Diane Russo The Circle
Mason Gross Thesis Gallery
33 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ
4:30-6:30

Wordless

Smidge and I have frequented so many bars this week that I can't believe I'm not still drunk. The Gossip concert on the 15th was amazing.Beth Ditto has an incredible voice and it was a sold out show so there was some awesome energy. Now that I've heard them live I dont even want to listen to the studio version of Yr Mangled Heart anymore. Snapshot was entertaining but really expensive but thats how NYC functions. I think I spent 80 dollars on drinks between eight dollar gin and tonics at Webster Hall and twelve dollar LITs at Snapshot. We made up for it later in the week when we went to Feathers for two dollar Miller Lites. So Classy. Basically this whole week/weekend has been massive alcohol consumption coupled with early morning shifts at work. I think Smidge had a very good extended birthday though.
In other news I made a new stencil today and threw it on an old t-shirt. It came out pretty well but I desperately need Photoshop so I can make my stencils straight from photos. Maybe I'll get it for mothers day.
In totally unrelated news I slept walked last night...without any under garments on and scared everyone in the apartment. I'm going to get a deadbolt for the bedroom door.

yay for my old skool cassette creation.

Hero of the Moment: Tricia Walsh Smith

Read the captions, they're great.
Did her PR people spearhead this effort?

Alicia Keys Update

So she was here on campus earlier, but now she's stirring up controversy...

"'Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. 'Gangsta rap' didn't exist."

And she continues... rumors that Biggie killed Tupac was set up...

by the government and the media, to stop another great black leader from existing.

WOW!!! SPEAK YOUR MIND, GIRL! SPREAD THE TRUTH!!
[Source]

BIRTHDAY! BIRTHDAY!

Today is Smidge's 21st birthday! She has finally lived long enough to gain the right to legally drink in America! For her birthday I borrowed her car and got new speakers installed. She still doesn't know anything about it which I find totally impressive. In most scenarios I would have blabbed already. It came to light about half an hour ago that the speakers I wanted to put into the back of her car are too big! I can't get a refund on the installation so now I'm stuck with over sized speakers and an installation. Not sure what I'm going to do about that. I guess things aren't totally terrible because now she has a really good sound system in the front of the car and only people we don't really care about sit in the back. I'm excited for the birthday festivities later tonight, The Gossip and Snapshot.

Happy Birthday Smidge!

Things are ridiculous

Chinese media denounced the Dalai Lama and his supporters on Sunday as "anti-human rights", and branded top U.S. politician Nancy Pelosi as "the least popular person in China" for her stance on Tibet.


Clearly things are out of hand concerning the Tibet/China conflict. The Dalai Lama anti-human rights? Nancy Pelosi under attack? I find all of this highly ridiculous.






[Dalai Lama is "anti-human rights" Article]

Title Of Show on Broadway!

Everyone, the vampires are dead! I know this is old news already but I'm so excited to see [title of show] on Broadway this summer. After watching every [title of show]show this semester I feel I deserve to see the actual play on the stage. And everyone knows Heidi would much rather be doing [title of show] than the Little Mermaid. This is me trying to tell nine people...spread the word.

[title of show] at the Lyceum Theater July 5,2008
Tickets on Sale April 21,2008



[Playbill News Article]

New Bruns?!

Things I have learned while hanging out in New Brunswick Basements.
1.People are friendlier than you expect
2.Your apartment is not as dirty as you think it is
3.Drink up, theres plenty more
4.Solo cups are to go containers
5.Everyone is drunker than you so don't worry about your apperance
6.Subject matter like video games and hand games mean youre awesome

European Adverts

In honor of Ryan who is in Denmark right now.

Alicia Keys Goes Back To School

When I walked out of my Western Literature class today I noticed a mass of people, lights and trucks in front of Mead Hall. Antonio and I thought they were shooting a movie but I soon found out that Alicia Keys was filming her newest music video. According to reports Keys was seen carrying books and frequently being covered with a robe to stay warm. I also heard through the grape vine that she bused in African American extras, which I think is hilarious because Drew really does have a lack of ethnic diversity. My roommate Betsy saw a guy with a huge Afro doing back springs across the campus, at least the shoot was entertaining. Although they did stop my friend Nikki from crossing campus to go to the bathroom (the poor thing had to wait fifteen minutes to pee). I also saw some guys wearing shiny silver shin guards (so random). Caitlin, Betsy and Nikki accidentally walked through a scene passing by a girl on her cell phone saying "I'm pretending to be on my phone, blah blah blah." When I was last wandering around campus an hour ago Alicia was still outside filming. She does have a body guard and security but onlookers are allowed to get very close to where they are filming. Anyway if you'd like to go watch Alicia Keys shoot her newest video head on over to Drew University in Madison, NJ. I can't wait till the video comes out. I wonder if they were actually able to make my college look fun and hip.

Things are Fierce

this clip seems to be all the rage lately. if you haven't seen project runway or this clip, chances are you've heard someone refer to you as a "tranny" or "hot tranny mess." especially if you drink as frequently as we do. (and ps. if you hide your friend's keys, make sure you do it sober. otherwise no one will remember where they hid them in the morning and you'll spend all day trying to find what turned out to be an amazing hiding spot.)




i'm pretty fierce.

Gloria Allred, Hero of the Day

The TSA made some woman remove her nipple ring before boarding an aircraft.

Outraged, Glo railed against the TSA for embarrasing her client:

The last time that I checked a nipple was not a dangerous weapon. We wondered what TSA would do or have done if a passenger had a ring or stud in their vagina or penis.

Love her.

Gloria won her case, and no one is going to have to take out their nipple rings in the TSA line ever again.

Practicing for the Aids Walk

Yesterday was the Rutgers Walk Out 2008 and although I had both class and the head doctor I skipped both to attend this rally for peace. At 1:23pm students were invited to walk out of their classrooms in protest to the war in Iraq. At the rally many speakers, musical artists and poets expressed their feelings about the war in Iraq. The two that struck me the most were Kristofer Goldsmith, a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and the mother of Lt. Seth Dvorin, an officer who was killed while serving in the Iraq War. Both of the aforementioned speakers have first hand expirence of the negative effects of this war and it was very moving to listen to them. There was one little boy probably about nine years old and he made a sign out of construction paper which had a peace sign on it. He waved it and clapped whenever the crowd was cheering. At one point Mrs.Dvorin actually gave the little boy a high five.
After the rally Smidge and I decided to march the 4-miles or so through New Brunswick. It was truly amazing. Over three hundred students, community members, faculty and alumni marched along the major roads of New Brunswick frequently stopping to sit down at various busy intersections. I think my favorite part was sitting down in the intersection of George Street and 27. All of us just simply sat down and remained silent for five minutes to recognize the five years we have been fighting in Iraq. People were honking at us to move because we did block traffic for about ten minutes but everyone just threw up peace signs and stayed quiet.(Side note: I thought it was really funny that as soon as we all sat down in the intersection 1/3 of all the marchers decided it was the perfect time for a cigarette)

Marching through the downtown buisness district of New Brunswick was great, people in restaurants were waving and giving peace signs. There were plenty of people who looked confused though. When we got to the military recruitment center there were fifteen or so counter protestors with American flags and really bad attitudes. They started to make a bit of a fuss and some protesters were getting upset. Smidge and I were a little nervous that a fight was going to break out. It was actually kind of ridiculous because the reqruitment office is in a large high rise office building and the people in the other offices had no idea why there were three hundred people standing around their building chanting for peace. Some ladies on the second floor opened the window and waved and cheered us on.

At a house near George street and College ave a man on the second floor was waving his fatigues out of the window while we passed. At one point one of the protesters was injured, I think he sprained his ankle because people were helping him limp to the stairs of a church to sit down. We happened to be chanting "Show me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like." at the time and one of the guys marching next to Smidge and I casually said, "Someone should show that guy what a nurse looks like". It was hysterical.

When the march came to the end of the originally scheduled route one of the organizers, Erik Straub, gave the crowd to options. Have a speak-in at the Chapel or continue onto Rt.18. Obviously everyone wanted to march on the highway. Especially since we had cops surrounding us and I think everyone wanted to scare them just a little bit. We had to be just slighlty more radical. So we marched on both sides of US Highway Rt18. The cops cleared the south side of cars and they thought they had us under control but we decided to jump over the barrier and walk inbetween cars on the highway. It was amazing people walked on all sides of the cars completely stopping traffic. One of the larger canvas banners was spread over cars while we walked. I was shocked at how many people looked angry at us. One older man in a buisness suit and BMW actually gave us the finger! How can you respond to peace signs with so much hate?! His wife was in the car too and she looked generally disgusted. I hope that I can find a video of the whole thing somewhere on-line. It was a great experience and very good practice for the aids walk.

One more thing. There were countless news crews at the rally and the march. There were even news helecopters but when I searched online this morning for related articles I couldn't find any except for the one in Rutgers own paper, The Daily Targum. The only coverage I saw of the march was a three minute story on News Channel Twelve. I love how the media wants everyone to stay home, nervously watching the news. Its Ok. You can get up and say something. Its your right to.

(Iraq War Veterans Page)
Call the Whitehouse and tell them what you think: 202-456-1111.

A Little Drunkin Bit About The Crew

Alright. So here is the deal...
Ryan aka Cat Daddy and I met in college. We discovered that we share similar interests, namely hating most of the people on our campus but loving things like... the new york times, musicals, and liberal thinking. Smidge and I have been "getting together" since November of 2007. We share affinities like, Tegan and Sara, road trips and mac and cheese. We also adore San Fran, animals and being passive aggressive. Generally we're an unhappy bunch with too much to say, hence our blog TAT. We hope to open minds and shoot down those who believe things will get better. Because in essence things are terrible but they're consistently looking up, or at least that's what we strive for.

Things Are Melting

7 times the size of Manhattan! 4 times the size of Paris! As big as Northern Ireland! Apparently, a giant runaway slab of ice is currently collapsing in Antartica. With taglines like "hanging by a thread," the media is having a field day with this one, naturally. One article written by Brandon Keim discusses the well known fact that this ice shelf was already floating in the ocean and will not affect the sea level. Thanks Brandon. It's no surprise that he's written for the Christian Science Monitor. I can't even believe that Christian and Science can be in the same title. Anyway, educate yourselves.



(Massive Ice Shelf Collapsing Off Antarctica)



On a related note, I told the guy at the liquor store that I'm planning on winning the lottery. Jessi said if she wins, she'll buy a house on the beach and invest the rest of the money in stocks. He advised us to buy an umbrella because it can move. Touche, liquor store man, touche.

Aids Walk '08 NYC

At the catty shack on friday I was asked to sign up for the Aids Walk. Of course I said yes because a.I never participate in any kinds of activism but I always mean to and b. i was mildly intoxicated. Anyway I'll be walking with the Lesbian Mafia on May 18th in NYC. Smidge and I will both be walking and each of us want to raise at least 200. Six miles isn't too far, right? I have no frame of reference. I think I'm going to start "practicing" walking until then. It'd be really embarassing if I couldn't walk the whole thing. But some of the other people on the team smoke and drink a lot. I'm just hoping theres someone else who brings beer in thier nalgene.

I hope they come to this years aids walk. I <3 Storm Troopers!



To Donate:
To Me
To Smidge
To The Lesbian Mafia

What's going on...

"War is just terrorism with a big budget." I just read that in a response to some article somewhere, interesting thought. Hmm.

And in unrelated news, there's this...


Time to finish a papes for night class.

For more homolicious fun, head here.

XO

PS: Why do I get a different font?

Anthropology

I'm currently sitting in Anthropology class and although I'm very interested in people and their customs I can never pay attention to what my professor is saying. I think this is a common ailment among college students especially when you're uper level taking an intro class. I feel really bad for this professor though. He's young and inexpirenced but worst of all, he's nice. So I feel guilty for my lack of attention but its his own fault. He makes everyone bring their laptop. At least 75% of the classroom is playing online sudoku or shopping online at target. One of the boys that sits in front of me has Tiffany Amber Thiessen as Kelly Kapowski in Saved By The Bell as his wallpaper. I love it. I'm going to the Ranger Flyer game tonight which makes me extremely happy. There's something about screaming fans, the smell of hot dogs and the massiveness of Madison Square Garden that just fills me with a sense of well being. I've been going to games since I was four so I guess it's not hard to comprehend why I feel that way. I feel bad for Smidge shes working all the time now and going to school. I mean I've been doing that forever but she isn't used to working so much and shes exhausted all the time. Things really are terrible when you're a broke college student...or maybe just when you're broke in general. I just found out that Chuck Palahniuk wrote a book called Fugitives and Refugees. Its a nonfiction piece all about Portland Oregon and I'm obsessed with the BrewCity so I was really excited when I found out about it. I can't wait to move to the West Coast, maybe the lesbian culture there will be less crazy incestual (but I actually doubt that). Steve Aokis coming to New York on April 10th and I really want to see him spin (this is the hipster runoff in me talking). Judging by the pictures of past Aoki events it should be a good time. I'm not feeling very funny today. For whatever reason it seems when I sit down to post I lose my sense of humor. I'm not sure what that's about but I'll try and work on it. Maybe I should take mood altering substances beforehand.

So last night Cat Daddy, Smidge and I made some cocktails and watched:

I bet I'd be awesome at shoe golf. I think I should set up a tournament on campus (or at least make posters for it, hang them all over campus and then find a hiding spot to watch and see who comes out to play).



And one Steve Aoki party pic for the road...

Thong Party! I know Cat Daddy wants some. I think that man has too many patterns going on but I like his attitude.


(Fugutives and Refugees)
(Steve Aoki)

Easter

Easter with my family was ridiculous. My uncle got tipsy off red wine and called my grandparents squares. My cousin Kenny is married to this stripper and 95% of her body is fake. She told such great stories as "How my nose collapsed from too much plastic surgery," and "that one time i did coke and hated it." All in all it was a pretty normal Easter with my crazy family. My birthday party at the Catty Shack was a-mazing. Except for this cunt in the bathroom who told me that my, "Hit it and Quit It" t-shirt was offensive. Obviously I bitched her out as best as I could in that drunken state. (And that girl hit on my Smidge even though I introduced her as my girlfriend) Smidge danced and sang to George Michael, which is wonderful. At some point I ended up downstairs on top of the platform dancing my heart out...not too sure how that happened. But I enjoyed it. Previous to all this debauchery I saw Alison play at 169 bar which was adorable. She sang my favorite songs including the one I inspired/gave her lyrics for (Jessi J Lyric Quilt). She sings like an angel and it was really good company. So thanks Alison for all that. On Friday we went to P.F. Changs with my grandmother, grandpa, mom, sister and my great grandma. I ordered numerous fruity cocktails. Unfortunately there were 10-12 screaming fourteen year old girls at the table next to us. They were screaming at their waiter because he "looked like freddy prince junior". Isn't that guy like 35 now? I thought everyone liked him when I was fourteen. They were taking pictures with him and the other male wait staff all night long. Apparently it was one of the girls birthday which caused them to be even rowdier. At one point Smidge was staring at them in disbelief and they just started waving at us. They were also text messaging each other every picture they too the minute before so their ring tones were going off every five seconds. My great grandma is 95 and she couldn't hear anything but those girls all night. My straightlaced excheerleader grandmother yelled at me because I had two cocktails and she feared I was getting drunk. My eleven year old sister advised me to check my drink for ecstasy, apparently shes taking drug awareness in school. She also said that if I buy a joint it's probably going to be laced with PCP or dipped in liquid acid. Sounds Fun! My grandmother said other silly things that I can't remember. Basically this weekend was crazy and I didn't do any of my work for Lit Theory. But it was well worth it.

Cat Custody

Because my girlfriend, Smidge, is adorable and it was my birthday yesterday the bedroom is full of balloons. The cats are attacking them right now and it's the cutest thing I've ever seen. I wish I could find the digi cam so I could take a video. I have no idea where that thing is. If anyone finds a camera that has tons of pictures of these cats on it let me know. In other news it appears that we won't be able to have the cats at the new apartment. We're going to have to share them with Katy. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I know it's the best thing for them but I'm going to miss them quite a lot.

When Stingrays Attack

"It's just as freakish of an accident as I have heard," said Jorge Pino of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "The chances of this occurring are so remote that most of us are completely astonished that this happened."


Apparently on my birthday sting rays attack. Watch out if you're sunbathing on your boat in Florida. For the record I did not call for a stingray revolution.




(CNN STINGRAY ARTICLE)

Its My Birthday, Bitches!

Drinking, gammbling and legalized prositution. Why didn't I go to Nevada for my birthday?

I think turning 21 is kind of disappointing.

But at least it helps me develop two important addictions.