Despite my father's protest, my roommate and I have completed our Christmasification of our tiny but cozy apartment. We started last week with the standard stockings and winter-esque votive holders in the windowsills. Then yesterday, the big finale: the tree. And although I've been known to say I would rather drop dead than sport a fake tree, I couldn't pass up a free 6-foot pine of glory, given to us by Sarah's boss.
Here it was, the opportunity I've always wanted: the chance to determine my own tree's fate, without influence of childhood advent craft days or falling apart tree toppers. (I think my family is on its 4th tree topper). Jenna and I went for simple but decked out: multicolored lights, silver and red balls, silver bead garland, and one turquoise penguin ornament. And as I prepping for a night of holiday cheer, complete with the holiday melodies of Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, and the boys of the top album of the decade, I heard a preposterous suggestion:
"why don't you put cookies on the tree?"
This came from not one, not two, but three different sources. At first I brushed it off as yet another weird East Coast phenomenon, like not recycling. But my go-to source for East Coast trends (my Massachusetts born and bred roommate) said this was no such tradition. So I was left with only one conclusion: there are just crazy people out there who would waste a perfectly good cookie on a Christmas tree.
So as you enjoy this holiday season, do me a favor. Bake some cookies, preferably in fun holiday shapes, and eat them as you sit and watch the twinkle lights on your non-cookied tree.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
"it all sparkles"
This was Andrew Smith's sentiment as we meticulously studied every engagement ring in Tiffany's. twice. (props to him for being such a good sport about the hour and a half outing). And I feel like his sentiments reflect my general feelings about New York City.
This trip was my third to the Big Apple, and every time I go it's almost an unreal experience. It's as if the city is in some sort of Oobleck vortex: Not quite liquid, not quite solid, fun to play with and inevitably always slipping through your fingers. I've still only been to 2 of the 5 boroughs (although this trip I ventured into Greenwich Village for the first time), and still I just walk around, staring at the tall buildings and feeling like a girl from the sticks. That feeling was amplified this time, as my traveling companion was there on her maiden voyage.
I mean, some artists spend their whole lives writing, singing, or capturing images from this one city. Almost any good romance film is either set there, or refers to NY in some reference to the fufillment of true love (including You've Got Mail, my all-time favorite). Some have gone as far to say the city stars as the fifth character in "Sex and the City."
It's just, in Andrew's words, a place of sparkles.
P.S.: Weakley already posted her details of the trip, so I refer you to her blog for the specifics.
This trip was my third to the Big Apple, and every time I go it's almost an unreal experience. It's as if the city is in some sort of Oobleck vortex: Not quite liquid, not quite solid, fun to play with and inevitably always slipping through your fingers. I've still only been to 2 of the 5 boroughs (although this trip I ventured into Greenwich Village for the first time), and still I just walk around, staring at the tall buildings and feeling like a girl from the sticks. That feeling was amplified this time, as my traveling companion was there on her maiden voyage.
I mean, some artists spend their whole lives writing, singing, or capturing images from this one city. Almost any good romance film is either set there, or refers to NY in some reference to the fufillment of true love (including You've Got Mail, my all-time favorite). Some have gone as far to say the city stars as the fifth character in "Sex and the City."
It's just, in Andrew's words, a place of sparkles.
P.S.: Weakley already posted her details of the trip, so I refer you to her blog for the specifics.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
If you sext me, I'll unfriend you
2009 was not a positive year.
The New Oxford American Dictionary announced "unfriend" as the word of the year. And if that isn't depressing enough, the other additions to the list include sexting and netbook.
I thought that this was just a reflection of a bad year. After all, seeing people add Miley Cyrus to their music likes or having to constantly ignore requests to find out what Sesame Street character shares my bitter sense of humor are both valid reasons to see the "unfriend" feature rise to the top of Babel.
But upon further research, I'm not so sure 2009 is alone in its bias toward Negative Nancies. According to the American Dialect Society, which compiles the short list each year for words to earn the top honor, the best word of the year is "indicative or reflective of the popular discourse." And altough theirs is a different list than the NOAD, their past choices have not been much more promising. We had the bailout of 2008, preceded by subprime (2007), weapons of mass destruction (2002), and my personal favorite, plutoed (2006), meaning demoted or devalued. Even though I've never heard the latter used as a verb in real speech, the fact that it made the list just goes to show that we need to find something to pick our spirits up.
What happened to the 20th century, characterized by "jazz" as the Word of the Century? Or "she" as the Word of the Millennium? The 21st century is slipping through our fingers, or at least our mouths.
But we can fix this. Nominations for Word of the Decade are still open! And even better, the ADS's yearly conference this year is being held in none other than Baltimore. I'm ready to make our case for a word that can reach beyond a two-front war, the worst terrorist attack on American soil, having to look at Jon Goesslin's toolbag picture, and the complete mental breakdown of Britney Spears.. Think hard, my friends.
And just for fun, my suggestions for the Word of the Year subcategories:
-most useful: balls. It fits almost every exclamation I ever need to make.
-most unnecessary: melancholy. It doesn't really mean anything, and is sort of like consumption; it just stands for a whole bunch of other symptoms that don't really exist.
-most creative: trashcanistan. Thanks Neil Campell via Weakley.
-most delightful (my own category): saunter. It's just such a vivid image.
-most likely to succeed: rogue. After Sarah Palin's campaign-like book tour, it's only a matter of
time before this one is being used to refer to everything under the political sun. God save us all.
-least likely to succeed: fetch. Sorry Gretchen, if it hasn't caught on by now, it doesn't look good.
The New Oxford American Dictionary announced "unfriend" as the word of the year. And if that isn't depressing enough, the other additions to the list include sexting and netbook.
I thought that this was just a reflection of a bad year. After all, seeing people add Miley Cyrus to their music likes or having to constantly ignore requests to find out what Sesame Street character shares my bitter sense of humor are both valid reasons to see the "unfriend" feature rise to the top of Babel.
But upon further research, I'm not so sure 2009 is alone in its bias toward Negative Nancies. According to the American Dialect Society, which compiles the short list each year for words to earn the top honor, the best word of the year is "indicative or reflective of the popular discourse." And altough theirs is a different list than the NOAD, their past choices have not been much more promising. We had the bailout of 2008, preceded by subprime (2007), weapons of mass destruction (2002), and my personal favorite, plutoed (2006), meaning demoted or devalued. Even though I've never heard the latter used as a verb in real speech, the fact that it made the list just goes to show that we need to find something to pick our spirits up.
What happened to the 20th century, characterized by "jazz" as the Word of the Century? Or "she" as the Word of the Millennium? The 21st century is slipping through our fingers, or at least our mouths.
But we can fix this. Nominations for Word of the Decade are still open! And even better, the ADS's yearly conference this year is being held in none other than Baltimore. I'm ready to make our case for a word that can reach beyond a two-front war, the worst terrorist attack on American soil, having to look at Jon Goesslin's toolbag picture, and the complete mental breakdown of Britney Spears.. Think hard, my friends.
And just for fun, my suggestions for the Word of the Year subcategories:
-most useful: balls. It fits almost every exclamation I ever need to make.
-most unnecessary: melancholy. It doesn't really mean anything, and is sort of like consumption; it just stands for a whole bunch of other symptoms that don't really exist.
-most creative: trashcanistan. Thanks Neil Campell via Weakley.
-most delightful (my own category): saunter. It's just such a vivid image.
-most likely to succeed: rogue. After Sarah Palin's campaign-like book tour, it's only a matter of
time before this one is being used to refer to everything under the political sun. God save us all.
-least likely to succeed: fetch. Sorry Gretchen, if it hasn't caught on by now, it doesn't look good.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
save me some room on the dirt floor
*Edited, thanks to Meredith. Shame on me for not proof-reading.
There's only one thing that makes me feel slightly worse than drinking Starbucks as I walk by a homeless person:
employees at mall kiosks.
I can't think of very many jobs worse than standing in between the Cinnabon and American Eagle, trying to get people to stop and try some new miracle-working face serum. There are two extremes of the kiosk employee. They could take the stalker approach, following you halfway down the corridor trying to convince you that a life isn't worth living without a new cover for your cell phone. Or, they take the "I'm a 16-year-old girl who can't be bothered to get my ass off this backless stool, let alone put my cell phone down." Either way, seems like a sad existence.
So yesterday, as I wandered the 3rd floor of the Towson Town Center, I gave into a particularly aggressive kiosker from the SEACRET beauty products neck of the woods. She had the speech memorized: use the buffer for just 3 minutes every two weeks, I should treat myself to something special, it's a great gift idea for the holidays, if I bought it today I could get two 4-piece nail kits for the price of one. She was pushy, and at times I wanted to push over her lotion samples and get the hell out of dodge.
But since I was at the mall to de-stress from a particularly taxing day of teaching, I thought I would give her a chance and not take my bad day out on the innocent kiosker. After all, we all have to put food on the table. I didn't buy the nail set (my generousity of spirit only goes so far). But I thought about it, if for nothing else to absolve my soul from the guilt of years of hurried paces and skillful avoidance of eye contact. And to think, I could've gotten two souls absolved for the price of one...
There's only one thing that makes me feel slightly worse than drinking Starbucks as I walk by a homeless person:
employees at mall kiosks.
I can't think of very many jobs worse than standing in between the Cinnabon and American Eagle, trying to get people to stop and try some new miracle-working face serum. There are two extremes of the kiosk employee. They could take the stalker approach, following you halfway down the corridor trying to convince you that a life isn't worth living without a new cover for your cell phone. Or, they take the "I'm a 16-year-old girl who can't be bothered to get my ass off this backless stool, let alone put my cell phone down." Either way, seems like a sad existence.
So yesterday, as I wandered the 3rd floor of the Towson Town Center, I gave into a particularly aggressive kiosker from the SEACRET beauty products neck of the woods. She had the speech memorized: use the buffer for just 3 minutes every two weeks, I should treat myself to something special, it's a great gift idea for the holidays, if I bought it today I could get two 4-piece nail kits for the price of one. She was pushy, and at times I wanted to push over her lotion samples and get the hell out of dodge.
But since I was at the mall to de-stress from a particularly taxing day of teaching, I thought I would give her a chance and not take my bad day out on the innocent kiosker. After all, we all have to put food on the table. I didn't buy the nail set (my generousity of spirit only goes so far). But I thought about it, if for nothing else to absolve my soul from the guilt of years of hurried paces and skillful avoidance of eye contact. And to think, I could've gotten two souls absolved for the price of one...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
let's get physical
Halloween is probably one of the most stressful holidays for me, for one ridiculous reason: the costume.
I think Sarah's exact words to me last week went something like this: "Bacon, your costumes always blow." And she's right. I went through the ambiguous princess phase in early elementary school, and then moved into the attempts at sweet costumes that never quite made the cut. I believe I've tried both the M&M and Hershey Kiss costume, to name a few. But I never had one of those "all in one" costumes you can buy, that come with hat, sword, hydration materials, shoes, and pet accessories as needed. I always went for fast, cheap, and most durable in the face of inclemate weather. I also never can get behind the excuse to wear as little clothing as possible and pass it off as some sort of kitty cat, nurse, or officer of the law.
So this year, in a new town and somewhat new lifestyle, I knew that I had the chance to set a new tone. The goal was to replicate Olivia Newton John's "let's get physical" video. It turned into a conglomeration of bright spandex, tights, and orthopedic velcro shoes (note to any senior readers: you can spice those things right up with a nice pair of knitted leg warmers.) And I have to say, I was convincing. I got a handful of compliments on the costume, plus an excuse to dance like an idiot and pass it off as "fitting into character."
Other odd/admirable costumes spotted around town: a life-size box of Franzia wine, a guy with sponges that spelled "me", to represent being self absorbed, Wolverine, Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address (written on chart paper turned into a tube dress), and Roseanne.
I think Sarah's exact words to me last week went something like this: "Bacon, your costumes always blow." And she's right. I went through the ambiguous princess phase in early elementary school, and then moved into the attempts at sweet costumes that never quite made the cut. I believe I've tried both the M&M and Hershey Kiss costume, to name a few. But I never had one of those "all in one" costumes you can buy, that come with hat, sword, hydration materials, shoes, and pet accessories as needed. I always went for fast, cheap, and most durable in the face of inclemate weather. I also never can get behind the excuse to wear as little clothing as possible and pass it off as some sort of kitty cat, nurse, or officer of the law.
So this year, in a new town and somewhat new lifestyle, I knew that I had the chance to set a new tone. The goal was to replicate Olivia Newton John's "let's get physical" video. It turned into a conglomeration of bright spandex, tights, and orthopedic velcro shoes (note to any senior readers: you can spice those things right up with a nice pair of knitted leg warmers.) And I have to say, I was convincing. I got a handful of compliments on the costume, plus an excuse to dance like an idiot and pass it off as "fitting into character."
Other odd/admirable costumes spotted around town: a life-size box of Franzia wine, a guy with sponges that spelled "me", to represent being self absorbed, Wolverine, Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address (written on chart paper turned into a tube dress), and Roseanne.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
some things are worth exclaiming
It's the No. 1 rule of journalism: no one ever makes an exclamation. They don't comment, note, sigh, yell, or any of the other 18 million ways you're taught in elementary school that someone can say something without just saying "sally said."
So as a friend and I were driving through the parking garage at the mammoth-sized Towson Town Center (the closest suburb to Baltimore with the largest mall I've ever been in. Bellvue Square would fit in the luxury wing of this place), I was taken aback at the signs directing me:
"Lots more parking ahead!"
Normally, I would've made some cynical remark at how the world should use its words, not its punctuation, to make a statement. But for some reason, this sign made me stop and exclaim for myself, "what a wonderful place for an exclamation mark!"
How many times have I driven around a parking garage and by the end of it just wanted to drive off the edge of the damn thing and go home? I hate the claustrophobia, the frantic nature of the place, the feeling that at any moment some Hollywood action/thriller moment will hit and the whole thing will collapse on top of my tiny car. The use of this simple yet powerful punctuation gave me hope; more parking, and a pleasant experience, was just ahead of me.
So maybe, just this once, I can accept that a well-placed exclamation mark sometimes really does the trick. Just don't tell my students I said so...
For more insight, check out this Slate article about their overuse in e-mails.
So as a friend and I were driving through the parking garage at the mammoth-sized Towson Town Center (the closest suburb to Baltimore with the largest mall I've ever been in. Bellvue Square would fit in the luxury wing of this place), I was taken aback at the signs directing me:
"Lots more parking ahead!"
Normally, I would've made some cynical remark at how the world should use its words, not its punctuation, to make a statement. But for some reason, this sign made me stop and exclaim for myself, "what a wonderful place for an exclamation mark!"
How many times have I driven around a parking garage and by the end of it just wanted to drive off the edge of the damn thing and go home? I hate the claustrophobia, the frantic nature of the place, the feeling that at any moment some Hollywood action/thriller moment will hit and the whole thing will collapse on top of my tiny car. The use of this simple yet powerful punctuation gave me hope; more parking, and a pleasant experience, was just ahead of me.
So maybe, just this once, I can accept that a well-placed exclamation mark sometimes really does the trick. Just don't tell my students I said so...
For more insight, check out this Slate article about their overuse in e-mails.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
for the next life
Things that I hope give me good karma:
-I try to order in full anytime I go out. I choose my side dishes, specify size and type of beverage, and pre-empt the "how would you like that cooked" questions. If it's listed on the menu, then use the information given to you.
-Let people merge. I call it my "good driver karma." Especially in Baltimore, where lanes end at any given moment when some idiot decides to just park in the street.
-buy coffee/beverages/snacks for friends. Nothing makes someone's day than "here's the delicious beverage I know you would have ordered for yourself but didnt' have time for."
-doing research before I vote.
Things I complain about even if it means coming back as a squirrel next time around:
-so called "start-up" fees for things like electricity, my new crackberry, etc. I shouldn't have to pay you to take my money once a month.
-serif fonts. Only about 1 in 10 are actually worth my time.
-Reporting that uses excessive modifiers and fluffy descriptions. Like this, for example.
-men with long hair. Even McDreamy length just grosses me out.
-abstract art. Some of it is nice. Some of it just seems lazy.
-I try to order in full anytime I go out. I choose my side dishes, specify size and type of beverage, and pre-empt the "how would you like that cooked" questions. If it's listed on the menu, then use the information given to you.
-Let people merge. I call it my "good driver karma." Especially in Baltimore, where lanes end at any given moment when some idiot decides to just park in the street.
-buy coffee/beverages/snacks for friends. Nothing makes someone's day than "here's the delicious beverage I know you would have ordered for yourself but didnt' have time for."
-doing research before I vote.
Things I complain about even if it means coming back as a squirrel next time around:
-so called "start-up" fees for things like electricity, my new crackberry, etc. I shouldn't have to pay you to take my money once a month.
-serif fonts. Only about 1 in 10 are actually worth my time.
-Reporting that uses excessive modifiers and fluffy descriptions. Like this, for example.
-men with long hair. Even McDreamy length just grosses me out.
-abstract art. Some of it is nice. Some of it just seems lazy.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Putting the w in wtf
Apparantly my whole education has been a sham.
I learned today (learned is a strong verb. More like "was made aware that some people think") the letter "w" can be used as a vowel.
This is absurd.
According to a post on answers.com, "people in the state of Washington were not taught that 'w' is sometimes a vowel." The entry goes on to explain how w rests in the same consonant/vowel continuum as the letter y, when used as the final letter of a word, ie "cow," "tomorrow," or "few."
I decided to go to a more authoritative source, so like any good English scholar that meant off to Oxford it was. According to their online dictionary a vowel is "a speech sound which is produced by comparatively open configuration of the vocal tract, with vibration of the vocal chords but with audible friction." In comparison, a consonant is "a basic speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed." It goes on to refer to the w as a "semivowel" because it is used in contrast to consonants, but functions like a vowel.
Leave it to Oxford to invent a third type of letter to justify an obnoxious technicality.
As for me, the letter w remains firmly in the consonant category, if for no other reason than my entire Wheel of Fortune and Hangman strategies are ruined otherwise. I mean, if Pat Sajak says it's a consonant, than who am I to say otherwise?
And for the record, my Massachussetts-educated roommate had never heard of this, either.
I learned today (learned is a strong verb. More like "was made aware that some people think") the letter "w" can be used as a vowel.
This is absurd.
According to a post on answers.com, "people in the state of Washington were not taught that 'w' is sometimes a vowel." The entry goes on to explain how w rests in the same consonant/vowel continuum as the letter y, when used as the final letter of a word, ie "cow," "tomorrow," or "few."
I decided to go to a more authoritative source, so like any good English scholar that meant off to Oxford it was. According to their online dictionary a vowel is "a speech sound which is produced by comparatively open configuration of the vocal tract, with vibration of the vocal chords but with audible friction." In comparison, a consonant is "a basic speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed." It goes on to refer to the w as a "semivowel" because it is used in contrast to consonants, but functions like a vowel.
Leave it to Oxford to invent a third type of letter to justify an obnoxious technicality.
As for me, the letter w remains firmly in the consonant category, if for no other reason than my entire Wheel of Fortune and Hangman strategies are ruined otherwise. I mean, if Pat Sajak says it's a consonant, than who am I to say otherwise?
And for the record, my Massachussetts-educated roommate had never heard of this, either.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
christmas isn't the only time for wish lists
This is one of the few times I'll cross the line between blog-life and teacher-life.
My students have independent reading every day for 40 minutes as part of my school's new focus on boosting literacy. While the program is getting off to a somewhat rocky start, I'm really excited for its potential to give kids the chance to get super stoked to read. They can choose any book, as long as it's at their reading level.
Problem is, my school gave me about 30 books, only about 5 of which my students would have any interest in or actually be able to read.
So here's the solution. I've created a wish list through Amazon of books that are popular in Baltimore, as well as at varied reading levels that reflect the abilities of my students. I know a lot of people out there say to themselves "wow, Joy is great. I wonder how I could help her out in her first year teaching?" Now you have your answer. Browse the list, or add your own. It doesn't matter if the book is used or new, either. It gets shipped directly to me, and I would be eternally grateful!
Here's the link: Ms. Bacon's class library
My students have independent reading every day for 40 minutes as part of my school's new focus on boosting literacy. While the program is getting off to a somewhat rocky start, I'm really excited for its potential to give kids the chance to get super stoked to read. They can choose any book, as long as it's at their reading level.
Problem is, my school gave me about 30 books, only about 5 of which my students would have any interest in or actually be able to read.
So here's the solution. I've created a wish list through Amazon of books that are popular in Baltimore, as well as at varied reading levels that reflect the abilities of my students. I know a lot of people out there say to themselves "wow, Joy is great. I wonder how I could help her out in her first year teaching?" Now you have your answer. Browse the list, or add your own. It doesn't matter if the book is used or new, either. It gets shipped directly to me, and I would be eternally grateful!
Here's the link: Ms. Bacon's class library
Monday, September 21, 2009
the real sisterhood of the traveling pants
Last Friday was my first real teacher paycheck. So naturally, my roommate and I went shopping.
I ended up getting a pair of pants from Gap (where else) and was excited about them but not at the point of "I want these in 8 different colors" yet. That was, until this morning.
The Starbucks on 25th and Charles, inside Safeway, has become a regular morning stop for me. Yes, I know it's cheaper to buy a coffee maker and do it myself, but honestly I've had one before and I just don't take the time to make coffee in-house. And since switched to americanos, it's significantly cheaper than my white mocha days. But I digress.
So I was scurrying back to my car this morning, beverage in one hand and keys in the other, when my foot slipped in one of the 100 or so potholes in the parking lot and my coffee flew everywhere. Including all down the front left leg of the new pants. After a few choice expletives about the lost caffeine and $2.10 down the toilet, I turned my attention to cleaning myself up for school. Going back home to change wasn't an option, so I blotted what I could from my pants. And then, a magical thing happened: the coffee disappeared.
I can't explain it. It's like the pants whisked the stains away into a secret stain bank that I'll have to deal with before I die. But it's like nothing ever happened. No wetness, discoloring, not even a drop of scalding water on the skin underneath. For a stain-susceptible woman like myself, these pants are a godsend. Oh yeah, and they make your ass look fantastic.
Gap. Wide leg trouser. Dark charcoal. Go get some.
I ended up getting a pair of pants from Gap (where else) and was excited about them but not at the point of "I want these in 8 different colors" yet. That was, until this morning.
The Starbucks on 25th and Charles, inside Safeway, has become a regular morning stop for me. Yes, I know it's cheaper to buy a coffee maker and do it myself, but honestly I've had one before and I just don't take the time to make coffee in-house. And since switched to americanos, it's significantly cheaper than my white mocha days. But I digress.
So I was scurrying back to my car this morning, beverage in one hand and keys in the other, when my foot slipped in one of the 100 or so potholes in the parking lot and my coffee flew everywhere. Including all down the front left leg of the new pants. After a few choice expletives about the lost caffeine and $2.10 down the toilet, I turned my attention to cleaning myself up for school. Going back home to change wasn't an option, so I blotted what I could from my pants. And then, a magical thing happened: the coffee disappeared.
I can't explain it. It's like the pants whisked the stains away into a secret stain bank that I'll have to deal with before I die. But it's like nothing ever happened. No wetness, discoloring, not even a drop of scalding water on the skin underneath. For a stain-susceptible woman like myself, these pants are a godsend. Oh yeah, and they make your ass look fantastic.
Gap. Wide leg trouser. Dark charcoal. Go get some.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
west coast is the best coast
I think I've grown up taken for granted that any store available in Washington state obviously existed everywhere else in the country. I still remember when a friend moved to my elementary school from the Midwest and had never heard of Albertson's. I mean, where else do you buy groceries?
By now, I obviously understand the concept of regional chains. But never could I have prepared myself for the realization today that a beverage, made by a national bottling company, might be a foreign concept on the east coast:
No one here has ever heard of ruby red squirt.
This is my go-to beverage in almost any situation. I've been known to pour it in a Nalgene and take to a morning class as "juice" for breakfast. It was not uncommon at high-stress points to see me take down 2 or 3 in one night. And since my air-popper got here yesterday, I thought what a perfect Thursday evening: self-made popcorn and a light, refreshing fake fruit soda? But no, not a drop to be found. My roommate from Massachusets has never even heard of Squirt.
Another dream lost to the wind.
By now, I obviously understand the concept of regional chains. But never could I have prepared myself for the realization today that a beverage, made by a national bottling company, might be a foreign concept on the east coast:
No one here has ever heard of ruby red squirt.
This is my go-to beverage in almost any situation. I've been known to pour it in a Nalgene and take to a morning class as "juice" for breakfast. It was not uncommon at high-stress points to see me take down 2 or 3 in one night. And since my air-popper got here yesterday, I thought what a perfect Thursday evening: self-made popcorn and a light, refreshing fake fruit soda? But no, not a drop to be found. My roommate from Massachusets has never even heard of Squirt.
Another dream lost to the wind.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
my sleep partner
For the past month, I've been sleeping on a high-quality air mattress, because I didn't have time/a vehicle to go shop for a real bed. The air mattress actually was not bad; I rarely woke up sore or had a restless night. But it was time for the upgrade to the beds of big kids.
Like any good 21st century shopper, I scoped out prices and information online before I hit the sales floor. I already knew which store I was going to, so I was reading through their tips section about shopping for a new mattress. One of the key questions that kept coming up had to do with my "sleep partner." What my sleep partner's space needs were. What his/her comfort level was. To make sure if I did indeed have a sleep partner that I was getting a large enough bed for the two of us to sleep comfortably. And then, once I finally got to the real store and told the friendly but indifferent saleswoman that I wanted a full-size bed, she replied "oh, so it's just for you then?"
Well, I did consider the needs of my sleep partner. His name is Manuel. He's about 10 inches long, fuzzy, with two ears and he smells real good. He's the rabbit that Alyssa sent me for my birthday/graduation/moving across the country comfort gift. He's been in my bed with me ever since. Manuel and I discussed it, and he had the perfect answer for a sleep partner's needs: "Your comfort level is my comfort level." So semi-firm, full sized mattress and box springs it was. And my sleep partner will have plenty of space, thank you very much. If he doesn't like it, he can sleep alone on the air mattress that will now go in the closet.
Like any good 21st century shopper, I scoped out prices and information online before I hit the sales floor. I already knew which store I was going to, so I was reading through their tips section about shopping for a new mattress. One of the key questions that kept coming up had to do with my "sleep partner." What my sleep partner's space needs were. What his/her comfort level was. To make sure if I did indeed have a sleep partner that I was getting a large enough bed for the two of us to sleep comfortably. And then, once I finally got to the real store and told the friendly but indifferent saleswoman that I wanted a full-size bed, she replied "oh, so it's just for you then?"
Well, I did consider the needs of my sleep partner. His name is Manuel. He's about 10 inches long, fuzzy, with two ears and he smells real good. He's the rabbit that Alyssa sent me for my birthday/graduation/moving across the country comfort gift. He's been in my bed with me ever since. Manuel and I discussed it, and he had the perfect answer for a sleep partner's needs: "Your comfort level is my comfort level." So semi-firm, full sized mattress and box springs it was. And my sleep partner will have plenty of space, thank you very much. If he doesn't like it, he can sleep alone on the air mattress that will now go in the closet.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
we hold up half the sky
This post is a little past due, but what can I say, school starts tomorrow.
I feel like over the summer I sort of fell out of my zealous pursuit of women's issues. I tended to gravitate towards articles on education or basic current events. And then the New York Times snapped me back to my proper place.
(Tangent: I've realized that a lot of this blog is a reaction to things in the Times. Interesting).
Their Sunday magazine last week was titled "Saving the World's Women." The multimedia package includes stories, videos and photos about the struggles of women in several countries, including Pakistan, Burundi, and Afghanistan. I've blogged in the past about several of these issues, but I give the Times major props for devoting such a large project to the topic.
Also of recent interest to me was Sec. of State Hillary Clinton's recent trip through Africa. A Washington Post article published before her stop in the Congo detailed the horrors of rape spreading through the war-torn country. The article even goes as far as to suggest that U.S. intervention in the country is making the problem worse: we back the increased miliary efforts, which in turn means more soliders "not so much hunting rebels as hunting women."
Many people still fail to see the connections between the Congo and Uganda to the post-Rwandan genocide. And even though some justice is being sought in that country, it's still to be seen what sort of long-term social and political effects will come about. Hopefully we'll see more productive solutions applied to the supposed end of the genocide in Darfur.
I feel like over the summer I sort of fell out of my zealous pursuit of women's issues. I tended to gravitate towards articles on education or basic current events. And then the New York Times snapped me back to my proper place.
(Tangent: I've realized that a lot of this blog is a reaction to things in the Times. Interesting).
Their Sunday magazine last week was titled "Saving the World's Women." The multimedia package includes stories, videos and photos about the struggles of women in several countries, including Pakistan, Burundi, and Afghanistan. I've blogged in the past about several of these issues, but I give the Times major props for devoting such a large project to the topic.
Also of recent interest to me was Sec. of State Hillary Clinton's recent trip through Africa. A Washington Post article published before her stop in the Congo detailed the horrors of rape spreading through the war-torn country. The article even goes as far as to suggest that U.S. intervention in the country is making the problem worse: we back the increased miliary efforts, which in turn means more soliders "not so much hunting rebels as hunting women."
Many people still fail to see the connections between the Congo and Uganda to the post-Rwandan genocide. And even though some justice is being sought in that country, it's still to be seen what sort of long-term social and political effects will come about. Hopefully we'll see more productive solutions applied to the supposed end of the genocide in Darfur.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
nugget
For the past week or so, I've been experiencing an odd phenomenon. Between about 3:10 and 3:45 every morning, I wake up for no reason at all. It usually lasts about 5 minutes, during which I check the time on my phone, look out the skylight in my room to try and guess the next day's weather, and ponder a nugget of information that's usually stuck in my head.
I try to tell myself that this is my brain's way of decompressing from the day before. Maybe one of these nights I'll come up with a magical invention or solve some world issue. But so far, the only tangible thing I've been able to remember was the night I had Rihanna's "Take a Bow" stuck in my head. Clearly helping the world's issues.
I try to tell myself that this is my brain's way of decompressing from the day before. Maybe one of these nights I'll come up with a magical invention or solve some world issue. But so far, the only tangible thing I've been able to remember was the night I had Rihanna's "Take a Bow" stuck in my head. Clearly helping the world's issues.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
move part II: the economy
It was really interesting for me to be taking a macroeconomics course during the economic crash last fall. I would walk into class and hear "the DOW just lost 800 bazillion points" and I had a bit more hope that I would understood what that meant before I left class (this hope usually wasn't converted into reality, but I tried to stay optimistic.) And I knew that a lot of the problems were cause by people buying things they didn't actually have money for, and banks giving money to people to buy things they didn't have money for.
But this also meant that when I went to purchase my first-ever vehicle, it was damn hard to get someone to finance it.
I ended up having to have my dad co-sign the loan, but the risk rate is still based on my non-existant credit score, so my intrest rate is a little outrageous. Even though I'm a college graduate with a more than decent-paying job, with not a penny of debt to my name. I was told I would be better off buying a brand new car. But I DON"T WANT a brand new car, because that would fall into the "buying things I don't have the money for" category. Someone needs to explain to me how making an informed decision and getting reasonable car screws you over.
But yes, I bought a car (pictures coming soon). 2002 Honda Civic EX. Dark blue. Sun roof. Compared to Paco, this is like heaven. Sarah and I drove out to the mall in Towson (the ritzy Baltimore suburb to the north), and part of me wanted to just drive forever. Me, the open road, my best friend, and Jason Mraz live. The perfect Sunday afternoon.
But this also meant that when I went to purchase my first-ever vehicle, it was damn hard to get someone to finance it.
I ended up having to have my dad co-sign the loan, but the risk rate is still based on my non-existant credit score, so my intrest rate is a little outrageous. Even though I'm a college graduate with a more than decent-paying job, with not a penny of debt to my name. I was told I would be better off buying a brand new car. But I DON"T WANT a brand new car, because that would fall into the "buying things I don't have the money for" category. Someone needs to explain to me how making an informed decision and getting reasonable car screws you over.
But yes, I bought a car (pictures coming soon). 2002 Honda Civic EX. Dark blue. Sun roof. Compared to Paco, this is like heaven. Sarah and I drove out to the mall in Towson (the ritzy Baltimore suburb to the north), and part of me wanted to just drive forever. Me, the open road, my best friend, and Jason Mraz live. The perfect Sunday afternoon.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
the move: part 1
In the past 72 hours or so, I've gone from living out of two large suitcases to being almost settled in a new city 3,000 miles away from "home." In the process of reaching this settling point, I've been making some observations about the twists and turns of what can at times be an incredibly tiresome and expensive endeavor.
Today's discussion: the shit box.
Most of you are probably familiar with the shit box. We all have them, whether it's from a move, from a hectic lifestyle, or just from having lazy organizational skills. It's that box (sometimes drawer) that holds all the miscellaneous stuff you always say you will need but end up not really missing if you don't know it's there.
My shit box contained all the stuff I couldn't fit in my suitcases that I'd accumulated over my summer in Philadelphia. Some of it my mom sent, some I got the week between Induction and Institute, some just appeared I think from the shit fairy. The shit box even had to be brought to Baltimore by a friend with a station wagon, because the combined shit boxes of me and my roommate were too much for one vehicle (I mean that in the most endearing way possible).
So I got the box back today, and eagerly opened it to start sifting through what I knew to be invaluable items in my Harry Potter-sized apartment; I should've known better. Though I appreciate having my printer and some books back in my possession, I'm not sure if the reflective ruler, empty manila envelopes, or single piece of striped ribbon belonged on the must-keep list. It's been less than two months and already the very large box is overflowing.
Guess this means I need to pick which drawer of the kitchen is going to become the shit drawer so I can put the ribbon in it.
Today's discussion: the shit box.
Most of you are probably familiar with the shit box. We all have them, whether it's from a move, from a hectic lifestyle, or just from having lazy organizational skills. It's that box (sometimes drawer) that holds all the miscellaneous stuff you always say you will need but end up not really missing if you don't know it's there.
My shit box contained all the stuff I couldn't fit in my suitcases that I'd accumulated over my summer in Philadelphia. Some of it my mom sent, some I got the week between Induction and Institute, some just appeared I think from the shit fairy. The shit box even had to be brought to Baltimore by a friend with a station wagon, because the combined shit boxes of me and my roommate were too much for one vehicle (I mean that in the most endearing way possible).
So I got the box back today, and eagerly opened it to start sifting through what I knew to be invaluable items in my Harry Potter-sized apartment; I should've known better. Though I appreciate having my printer and some books back in my possession, I'm not sure if the reflective ruler, empty manila envelopes, or single piece of striped ribbon belonged on the must-keep list. It's been less than two months and already the very large box is overflowing.
Guess this means I need to pick which drawer of the kitchen is going to become the shit drawer so I can put the ribbon in it.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
UPDATED: Harry Potter and the half-blood ratings system
For another interesting story about the use of alcohol and teen drinking in the film, check out this NY Times article.
Last night, I got in touch with my teenage self and indulged in an outing to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I've always enjoyed the movies, even if they're geared to a crowd who's more into the Jonas Brothers than worrying about their next due date for rent.
And needless to say, there were moments that this PG-rated movie scared the piss out of me.
No one argues that the books get progressively darker, so I was expecting this 6th installment to definitely be an explicit "good vs. evil" showdown. However, no one warned me of that showdown including an scene of a boy (Ron Weasley) seizing and foaming at the mouth. Or that a girl who is "cursed" is thrashed around in the air, suspended in an unmistakeably crucifixion-like pose, and then thrown to the ground where she continues to twitch. Or a spell that causes a character's blood to seep out of his body onto the ground around him.
That's on top of the standard "evil wizards swarming around and burning down houses and killing innocent people" material that comes with the Harry Potter territory. Oh, and the sexual tension that runs so thick throughout the movie I wanted to gag at times.
The 4th and 5th movies received PG-13 ratings, and didn't suffer in the box office for it. And although there were some grumblings about the harsher rating, most viewers found them to be justified. So why the drop now, in what I considered the most violent of the series to date? Some of the people I went to the film with were like "what's the big deal? If people are going to see it anyway why does the rating matter?"
It matters because that "13" on a rating is the difference between what can and can't be shown in some schools. It's the difference between a little kid being sent to the movies without a second thought, and maybe just one parent taking a closer look at just what the film contains. Or at the very least, being prepared when those more graphic scenes do come up, so they can be ready for them.
I was just disappointed in the system. But I must say, the toolbag that tries to woo Hermoine is worth a second glance.
Last night, I got in touch with my teenage self and indulged in an outing to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I've always enjoyed the movies, even if they're geared to a crowd who's more into the Jonas Brothers than worrying about their next due date for rent.
And needless to say, there were moments that this PG-rated movie scared the piss out of me.
No one argues that the books get progressively darker, so I was expecting this 6th installment to definitely be an explicit "good vs. evil" showdown. However, no one warned me of that showdown including an scene of a boy (Ron Weasley) seizing and foaming at the mouth. Or that a girl who is "cursed" is thrashed around in the air, suspended in an unmistakeably crucifixion-like pose, and then thrown to the ground where she continues to twitch. Or a spell that causes a character's blood to seep out of his body onto the ground around him.
That's on top of the standard "evil wizards swarming around and burning down houses and killing innocent people" material that comes with the Harry Potter territory. Oh, and the sexual tension that runs so thick throughout the movie I wanted to gag at times.
The 4th and 5th movies received PG-13 ratings, and didn't suffer in the box office for it. And although there were some grumblings about the harsher rating, most viewers found them to be justified. So why the drop now, in what I considered the most violent of the series to date? Some of the people I went to the film with were like "what's the big deal? If people are going to see it anyway why does the rating matter?"
It matters because that "13" on a rating is the difference between what can and can't be shown in some schools. It's the difference between a little kid being sent to the movies without a second thought, and maybe just one parent taking a closer look at just what the film contains. Or at the very least, being prepared when those more graphic scenes do come up, so they can be ready for them.
I was just disappointed in the system. But I must say, the toolbag that tries to woo Hermoine is worth a second glance.
Monday, July 13, 2009
creature comforts
So in moving to the East Coast, I knew life would be different in some aspects. Drinking soda instead of pop, considering Michigan to be a western state, and seeing Dunkin Donuts on every freaking corner.
But the first weekend here in Philly, I came across a cultural difference I couldn't quite deal with: not only does the Starbucks near Temple University's campus close at 8 p.m. on the weekedays, it is closed ALL WEEKEND. As in not open Saturdays and Sundays. And even though I'm from the east side where we have at least half a mile between each Starbucks, I still consider myself from the unofficial coffee capital of the country. I considered these sorts of limited hours a type of blasphemy almost, if not at least a terrible business model for a coffee shop next to the 12th largest university in the country.
So after whining for a decent amount of time, my friend Patrice and I decided to make the trek down the block for a beverage, even though we'd just eaten dinner.
And as lame as it sounds, I was almost emotional drinking my venti 4-pump classic syrup black iced tea. It was a taste of home, a taste of the safe, the familiar. Sometimes we just need to stick to what we know to get through the 21 hour days.
But the first weekend here in Philly, I came across a cultural difference I couldn't quite deal with: not only does the Starbucks near Temple University's campus close at 8 p.m. on the weekedays, it is closed ALL WEEKEND. As in not open Saturdays and Sundays. And even though I'm from the east side where we have at least half a mile between each Starbucks, I still consider myself from the unofficial coffee capital of the country. I considered these sorts of limited hours a type of blasphemy almost, if not at least a terrible business model for a coffee shop next to the 12th largest university in the country.
So after whining for a decent amount of time, my friend Patrice and I decided to make the trek down the block for a beverage, even though we'd just eaten dinner.
And as lame as it sounds, I was almost emotional drinking my venti 4-pump classic syrup black iced tea. It was a taste of home, a taste of the safe, the familiar. Sometimes we just need to stick to what we know to get through the 21 hour days.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The 4th in Philly
Last night, I saw what it means to earn the title of best fireworks show in the country. After sitting through an hour and a half of Sheryl Crow re-living her glory of the '90s (if that's what you can call it), we finally got to the whole reason we walked 2.5 miles through Philadelphia: to watch people blow stuff up.
The show was synchronized to music intertwined with famous speeches from history, including Obama, Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. And the music was surprisingly not cheesy "God Bless America" renditions. In fact, one of the songs, a recording of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," was probably one of the best arrangements of that song I've heard.
It was a weird 4th for me for some reason. This is a holiday that doesn't have any real continuity for me as far as traditions. My sister is terrified of fireworks, so our family has never done the whole do-it-yourself shows or anything. Sometimes we went camping, sometimes I was with extended family, other times I was sitting on top of our mini van with Alyssa in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Now I can add Independence Hall to the list.
The show was synchronized to music intertwined with famous speeches from history, including Obama, Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. And the music was surprisingly not cheesy "God Bless America" renditions. In fact, one of the songs, a recording of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," was probably one of the best arrangements of that song I've heard.
It was a weird 4th for me for some reason. This is a holiday that doesn't have any real continuity for me as far as traditions. My sister is terrified of fireworks, so our family has never done the whole do-it-yourself shows or anything. Sometimes we went camping, sometimes I was with extended family, other times I was sitting on top of our mini van with Alyssa in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Now I can add Independence Hall to the list.
Friday, June 26, 2009
UPDATED: actions speak louder than words
*The Times published a follow-up profile today of Mrs. Sanford. Read it here.
For once, I think I trumped the New York Times.
Check out this article about Jenny Sanford, wife of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, after his recent announcement of a year-long affair. The basic premise of the article is this: by not standing at the press conference with her husband, Mrs. Sanford stood up for herself and her own dignity and actually turned the media frenzy in her favor.
Ever since the announcement of former NY governor Eliot Spitzer to his involvement in a prostitution ring, I've been frustrated with political wives. We see it over and over: husbands who cheat, announce it in attempts to control a leak, and the wife standing next to him. I think a Newsweek columnist said it best:
"Yet another political wife scorned, somehow willing to put on a pastel suit and sob quietly in the background as her husband explains all the very good reasons why he had boinked a dear (tan) old friend, had an affair with a man, or spent good money on a tacky hooker."
Apparantly I'm not the only one who saw Mrs. Sanford's response as a sight for sore eyes. The Times article links to multiple other commentaries, including columns from Slate magazine as well as several marriage counselors and psychologists. Newsweek even turned the incident into a project called Scorned: a user's manual, including the experiences of Hilary Rodham Clinton and Elizabeth Edwards.
Thank you, Jenny Sanford, for finally acknowledging that support doesn't have to mean taking one for the team.
For once, I think I trumped the New York Times.
Check out this article about Jenny Sanford, wife of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, after his recent announcement of a year-long affair. The basic premise of the article is this: by not standing at the press conference with her husband, Mrs. Sanford stood up for herself and her own dignity and actually turned the media frenzy in her favor.
Ever since the announcement of former NY governor Eliot Spitzer to his involvement in a prostitution ring, I've been frustrated with political wives. We see it over and over: husbands who cheat, announce it in attempts to control a leak, and the wife standing next to him. I think a Newsweek columnist said it best:
"Yet another political wife scorned, somehow willing to put on a pastel suit and sob quietly in the background as her husband explains all the very good reasons why he had boinked a dear (tan) old friend, had an affair with a man, or spent good money on a tacky hooker."
Apparantly I'm not the only one who saw Mrs. Sanford's response as a sight for sore eyes. The Times article links to multiple other commentaries, including columns from Slate magazine as well as several marriage counselors and psychologists. Newsweek even turned the incident into a project called Scorned: a user's manual, including the experiences of Hilary Rodham Clinton and Elizabeth Edwards.
Thank you, Jenny Sanford, for finally acknowledging that support doesn't have to mean taking one for the team.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
UPDATED: tv chocolate
*I can only hope that the filming hiatus announced by TLC on the show isn't just because they can't piece together enough fresh footage for new episodes.
It's official: I feel like a terrible person.
For anyone that's been around me in the past year, you know I've developed somewhat of an addiction to the TLC show "Jon & Kate plus 8." I started watching it last summer (thanks for nothing Kelsey), and was hooked after 5 minutes of those adorable small children. I knew at first that this was probably not a healthy marketing project to support. These children would grow up to have their friends know when they first took a poop in the laundry room, know every time they screamed on an airplane, what their first trip to the dentist entailed. It was clearly playing off the emotions of Americans, hoping to see that some other family was just as screwed up, and yet just as lovable, as the rest of us. I couldn't help myself, even though I knew with every episode I watched, I was supporting the show, and thus the commercialization of this family.
With this week's announcement, however, my guilt was officially solidified. This whole season has been painful, just because so much is happening besides what we see for half an hour on Monday nights. Rumors flew, tears were cried, and we watched a family disintegrate.
And TLC posted a "sneak peek" of their separation annoucement.
So I'm taking this opportunity to apologize, to the Goesslin family and to myself. I'm sorry that I let my affection for your small beautiful Asian children get in the way of my better judgment. I'm sorry that your kids are confused and tired and scared. Do I believe Jon cheated? No.Should my opinion matter at all? Nope. And hopefully I'll remember that in my inevitable future reality tv addictions.
It's official: I feel like a terrible person.
For anyone that's been around me in the past year, you know I've developed somewhat of an addiction to the TLC show "Jon & Kate plus 8." I started watching it last summer (thanks for nothing Kelsey), and was hooked after 5 minutes of those adorable small children. I knew at first that this was probably not a healthy marketing project to support. These children would grow up to have their friends know when they first took a poop in the laundry room, know every time they screamed on an airplane, what their first trip to the dentist entailed. It was clearly playing off the emotions of Americans, hoping to see that some other family was just as screwed up, and yet just as lovable, as the rest of us. I couldn't help myself, even though I knew with every episode I watched, I was supporting the show, and thus the commercialization of this family.
With this week's announcement, however, my guilt was officially solidified. This whole season has been painful, just because so much is happening besides what we see for half an hour on Monday nights. Rumors flew, tears were cried, and we watched a family disintegrate.
And TLC posted a "sneak peek" of their separation annoucement.
So I'm taking this opportunity to apologize, to the Goesslin family and to myself. I'm sorry that I let my affection for your small beautiful Asian children get in the way of my better judgment. I'm sorry that your kids are confused and tired and scared. Do I believe Jon cheated? No.Should my opinion matter at all? Nope. And hopefully I'll remember that in my inevitable future reality tv addictions.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
the first week
- Baltimore is home to the first monument built to George Washington in the United States. It's located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood (not the mount washington neighborhood, ironically).
- The Book Thing is quite possibly one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It's a free bookstore. Free. As in you walk in and take whatever you want, and they never run out because people are donating so much stuff all the time. This week's trip resulted in copies of Ian McEwan's "Saturday", Mary Doria Russell's "A Thread of Grace", The best American Short Stories of 1993, and a copy of "The Miracle Worker".
- I saw my first firefly. He lit up green for a while, then yellow, then pink. Then Phin (a dog) ate him.
- You are friend or foe depending on whether you consider Maryland a northern or southern state. I haven't made my decision yet.
- The School of the Arts, the school featured in Step Up 2, is tucked in a corner behind the financial district.
- I have to learn to stop saying the word "pop" instead of soda, so people will stop looking at me funny.
- I ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant in the part of town where Hairspray is set. Yes, parts of the movie were filmed here. And the town still has a yearly festival called Honfest to celebrate the hairstyles, among other things.
- In church this morning, they gave all the kids shakers and instruments to play during the last song. It was quite possibly the most beautiful chaos I've ever heard.
- The Book Thing is quite possibly one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It's a free bookstore. Free. As in you walk in and take whatever you want, and they never run out because people are donating so much stuff all the time. This week's trip resulted in copies of Ian McEwan's "Saturday", Mary Doria Russell's "A Thread of Grace", The best American Short Stories of 1993, and a copy of "The Miracle Worker".
- I saw my first firefly. He lit up green for a while, then yellow, then pink. Then Phin (a dog) ate him.
- You are friend or foe depending on whether you consider Maryland a northern or southern state. I haven't made my decision yet.
- The School of the Arts, the school featured in Step Up 2, is tucked in a corner behind the financial district.
- I have to learn to stop saying the word "pop" instead of soda, so people will stop looking at me funny.
- I ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant in the part of town where Hairspray is set. Yes, parts of the movie were filmed here. And the town still has a yearly festival called Honfest to celebrate the hairstyles, among other things.
- In church this morning, they gave all the kids shakers and instruments to play during the last song. It was quite possibly the most beautiful chaos I've ever heard.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
If I learned anything from communication ethics...
This is more of a logistics post. I know a lot of you have been asking me to keep you updated about Teach for America and my adventures in Baltimore. However, as I have always tried to keep my work/professional life off this site, I'm torn as to how to approach this one. I've decided that although I will definitely include stuff about my experiences here (as it will be pretty much consuming my life from this point on), I want to be able to give those that want it a more in-depth update, but without the potential repercussions we've all seen with Internet information about work-related info.
So if you would like to get the email updates, either leave a comment with your email address, or you can email me directly at jbacon09@whitworth.edu and I'll get you on board!
So if you would like to get the email updates, either leave a comment with your email address, or you can email me directly at jbacon09@whitworth.edu and I'll get you on board!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
if it aint broke, leave it alone
If anyone else listens to as much ridiculous radio-hit music as I had to at the skating rink the past couple weeks, you might have noticed a pattern: no one has an original idea. Songs are featuring recognizable pieces from older songs, and 99 percent of the time it sounds terrible. Take, for example, Flo Rida's "Right Round." It features a chorus that plays off the '80s classic "You spin me round", except his version includes the phrase "when you go down" (pretty self explanatory) and Kesha from "The Hills" screeching part of the lyrics. Gross. Countless other examples are bombarding the radio waves, from Kristinia DeBarge to Jay-Z.
But my tolerance for re-makes ended when I saw an ad for ABC Family's new series "10 things I hate about you." And when I say new, I mean completely ripped off. The show uses the same graphic title, the same characters and plot line, and even includes a girl band remake of the song "I want you to want me," a staple of the original movie. It's one thing to subject the tween crowd to another summer of dead end dramas based on fictitous high school experiences. It's a whole other level to base that dead end drama on one of the classic chick flicks of the '90s.
This movie is a staple of my DVD collection, and one of my favorite performances from Julia Stiles (Heath Ledger holds his own, too.) And even though the movie itself is a remake (it's based loosely on Taming of the Shrew), I still find myself cringing every time I see the ads for it.
So if any of you have loved ones ages 8-14, make them watch the first movie before they attempt the TV bastardization. Oh, and get them to stop listening to Flo Rida unless he's talking about the boots with the fur.
But my tolerance for re-makes ended when I saw an ad for ABC Family's new series "10 things I hate about you." And when I say new, I mean completely ripped off. The show uses the same graphic title, the same characters and plot line, and even includes a girl band remake of the song "I want you to want me," a staple of the original movie. It's one thing to subject the tween crowd to another summer of dead end dramas based on fictitous high school experiences. It's a whole other level to base that dead end drama on one of the classic chick flicks of the '90s.
This movie is a staple of my DVD collection, and one of my favorite performances from Julia Stiles (Heath Ledger holds his own, too.) And even though the movie itself is a remake (it's based loosely on Taming of the Shrew), I still find myself cringing every time I see the ads for it.
So if any of you have loved ones ages 8-14, make them watch the first movie before they attempt the TV bastardization. Oh, and get them to stop listening to Flo Rida unless he's talking about the boots with the fur.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
boobs and waffle patterns: the college years
So I've pretty much sorted through all my stuff at this point. I think my main conclusion is that I just have way too much crap, and an unhealthy affection for shoes. But the last of the bins and boxes contained mostly stuff from college, so here's some of my favorites from the college years:
- My pen from the PBS headquarters, which I visited in January of 2007. Each time you click the pen a new phrase scrolls through, and when I picked it up today it was on one that said "be more tolerant." Thank you, public television.
- My SAD (Singles Awareness Day) shirt from freshman year. My hall made the shirts to wear on Valentine's Day, and I still think of Katrina's shirt whenever I hear Destiny's Child "Independent Women," because she put phrases from the song all over hers.
- An affirmation sheet from Lutherhaven. Camp (summer 2007) was a crazy time, and I don't think I've ever had to spend so much time affirming people I couldn't stand. No matter how much you love Jesus, some people just shouldn't work with children.
- The card James gave me with my rain boots Christmas of last year. They are blue with white polka dots, and you better believe I jump in every puddle I see when I wear them.
- A CD of photos from the 2006-2007 Whitworthian editorial staff. Thomas, you need a life.
- The photo of me on the Rockin Rollercoaster in Hollywood Studios in Disneyworld this spring. Tied with sarah and I's photo from Tremors, circa 6th grade, for most epic photo taken on a roller coaster.
Monday, June 1, 2009
boobs and waffle patterns: part 1
Yesterday I started the tedious process of moving. Well, let me back up a step. Three weeks ago I moved back to the Tri-Cities from Spokane, at which point my parents sold our house and had already moved some items to our new house 5 minutes away. So in addition to sorting through all my stuff to take to Baltimore, I have to empty my current bedroom and set up my new one.
This process began with my closet. Thanks to Sarah, when I graduated high school we spent two days sorting through all my stuff and labeling/sorting it into manageable spaces. I'm a terrible pack rat, and thus have trouble parting with 8th grade Algebra tests or the pin I bought on an elementary school field trip. And despite our careful organization 4 years ago, I still had a lot of stuff that had just been chucked into the top shelf, or stuff that I want to take to the East Coast and thus had to be unsorted and repacked. In this process, I came across some pretty interesting items. Here are a few of my favorites:
because of floppage. And #40: You don't sink to the bottom of the pool since you don't
have those heavy weights.
After almost 2 hours of sorting, I had the closet done, and unfortunately also developed a rash across the front of my chest, probably from some creature lurking in the closet. That, or I'm allergic to the past.
This process began with my closet. Thanks to Sarah, when I graduated high school we spent two days sorting through all my stuff and labeling/sorting it into manageable spaces. I'm a terrible pack rat, and thus have trouble parting with 8th grade Algebra tests or the pin I bought on an elementary school field trip. And despite our careful organization 4 years ago, I still had a lot of stuff that had just been chucked into the top shelf, or stuff that I want to take to the East Coast and thus had to be unsorted and repacked. In this process, I came across some pretty interesting items. Here are a few of my favorites:
- my Teen Girl Squad shirt from high school. Four of us made shirts based on the online cartoon. I was the Ugly One.
- old dance pictures. I must say, I picked some pretty decent dresses (save for junior year prom. woof).
- A CD someone made for me to accept my invitation to our senior year Sadies Hawkins dance. It also came with a life-size mannequin that was put in my car in the school parking lot, but I gave that part back.
- My WWJD cloth watch that I bought at a church concert. Purple band with black plastic snap. Priceless.
- A love poem written to me in the eighth grade, rhyming couplets and all.
- A card from Sarah that she gave me after a particularly nasty break up. On the envelope she promised that "the next set of pedicures and brownies were on her." Pay up, sister.
- My favorite yellow sweater with an applique teddy bear outlined in puffy paint, circa 1st grade.
- A print off of an AOL Instant Message conversation I had with a friend sophomore year. Why I thought I would need to remind myself of all that angst is beyond me.
- A document titled "Reasons why being boobless is awesome!" given to my by Alyssa.
because of floppage. And #40: You don't sink to the bottom of the pool since you don't
have those heavy weights.
- A card from Alyssa with this message inside: "Waffle patterns on your butt from lawn chairs fade. Friendship lasts forever." So true.
After almost 2 hours of sorting, I had the closet done, and unfortunately also developed a rash across the front of my chest, probably from some creature lurking in the closet. That, or I'm allergic to the past.
Friday, May 22, 2009
You'll never get a second cupcake if you don't ask for it
My 2 year old nephew, Benjamin, visited for about a week with my older brother for all the graduation hoopla. Here are some of the many lessons he taught me:
-Tell people how it is, and don't apologize. If you don't like the salmon, just say so. If your diaper is poopy, simply ask someone to change it for you.
-Swinging higher than you think you can is always exhilarating.
-Some people are better baseball partners than others.
-Shoes are not necessary when riding in a car.
-You'll never get a second cupcake if you don't ask for it.
-Games with sounds are better than games without sounds.
-Sliding down a staircase face first? Bad idea. Sliding down backwards? Endless fun.
-There's no good reason why we shouldn't play racecars in an international airport.
-Tell people how it is, and don't apologize. If you don't like the salmon, just say so. If your diaper is poopy, simply ask someone to change it for you.
-Swinging higher than you think you can is always exhilarating.
-Some people are better baseball partners than others.
-Shoes are not necessary when riding in a car.
-You'll never get a second cupcake if you don't ask for it.
-Games with sounds are better than games without sounds.
-Sliding down a staircase face first? Bad idea. Sliding down backwards? Endless fun.
-There's no good reason why we shouldn't play racecars in an international airport.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
It's not all make believe
Admitting I have a problem is the first step to healing, I'm told. That is, if I were willing to heal myself from the chaos that comes with being an avid "Grey's Anatomy" fan.
I know the show is full of ridiculous relationships, exaggerated emotions, and completely unrealistic medical monstrosities. But what can I say, addictions aren't rational.
With the season 5 finale taking over two hours of my life tomorrow night, I'm saddened and intrigued by the coordination of this show and the course of my college education. I started watching the show a little late in the game my sophomore year, but after catching up on seasons 1 and 2, I've never looked back.
The show has been one constant for me in a time when I never lived in one place for more than 9 months. Friday afternoons I knew that no matter what had gone on in the week, or how chaotic my life seemed, I could connect to abc.com and join people whose lives were inevitably more screwed up than mine. I could escape for 42 minutes into a world not entirely separate from my own, with characters who go big or go home. It's kept me connected to friends outside of college, as we've been able to rant and rave about Meredith's latest antics, or Callie's latest sexual orientation. This year I've been able to watch it in real time on Thursday nights, but the connection is still the same.
So tomorrow, I will make myself a heaping bowl of air-pop popcorn, pour a glass of milk, and settle in for a finale that I'm predicting will result in the death/absence of at least one major character. Hopefully the same will not be true in my own life.
And as a side note, here's an interesting article written by the show's neurological script consultant. It's fascinating.
I know the show is full of ridiculous relationships, exaggerated emotions, and completely unrealistic medical monstrosities. But what can I say, addictions aren't rational.
With the season 5 finale taking over two hours of my life tomorrow night, I'm saddened and intrigued by the coordination of this show and the course of my college education. I started watching the show a little late in the game my sophomore year, but after catching up on seasons 1 and 2, I've never looked back.
The show has been one constant for me in a time when I never lived in one place for more than 9 months. Friday afternoons I knew that no matter what had gone on in the week, or how chaotic my life seemed, I could connect to abc.com and join people whose lives were inevitably more screwed up than mine. I could escape for 42 minutes into a world not entirely separate from my own, with characters who go big or go home. It's kept me connected to friends outside of college, as we've been able to rant and rave about Meredith's latest antics, or Callie's latest sexual orientation. This year I've been able to watch it in real time on Thursday nights, but the connection is still the same.
So tomorrow, I will make myself a heaping bowl of air-pop popcorn, pour a glass of milk, and settle in for a finale that I'm predicting will result in the death/absence of at least one major character. Hopefully the same will not be true in my own life.
And as a side note, here's an interesting article written by the show's neurological script consultant. It's fascinating.
Monday, May 11, 2009
a eulogy
I realized tonight, driving home from a movie, that in 33 days, I will be effectively giving up journalism. I've been telling myself ever since I applied for Teach for America that I could freelance, or at least contribute to journalism in some capacity beyond simply a reader (although with the state of newspapers, I'm sure they'd be grateful to know they have at least one avid fan.)
But as the send-off date gets closer, it's becoming very clear that my time for outside writing is going to be slim to none. Sure I have the summer, but I have to survive an intensive summer training, a more than full-time teaching position and a master's degree at one of the most demanding universities in the country. Time for even a journal, let alone conducting interviews and research, will be precious.
And that sucks.
As I sat watching State of Play with two journalism friends, I couldn't help but get a pang of longing for the messy newsroom, the rush of a deadline, the frantic scramble for a pen that hasn't run out of ink. The joke in The Whitworthian newsroom is that it's our addiction. If I walk into a coffee shop, I usually spend more time eavesdropping than I do on whatever I'm there for. When I hear friends at a party, I snap into investigation mode: is this a trend? How many other people would have similar sentiments? Is this something I should follow up on? It's what makes for a better story, but also for a cursed life.
While the movie raises so many questions of ethics it's hard to keep track, it ends with an almost 5-minute eulogy for the print newspaper, walking the audience through the printing process from front page plates to newsstand. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into my drug before the news is dead.
And on a random semi-related note, props to Ben Affleck for sticking up for the Boston Globe. Now we only need 5 million more rich people to follow suit.
But as the send-off date gets closer, it's becoming very clear that my time for outside writing is going to be slim to none. Sure I have the summer, but I have to survive an intensive summer training, a more than full-time teaching position and a master's degree at one of the most demanding universities in the country. Time for even a journal, let alone conducting interviews and research, will be precious.
And that sucks.
As I sat watching State of Play with two journalism friends, I couldn't help but get a pang of longing for the messy newsroom, the rush of a deadline, the frantic scramble for a pen that hasn't run out of ink. The joke in The Whitworthian newsroom is that it's our addiction. If I walk into a coffee shop, I usually spend more time eavesdropping than I do on whatever I'm there for. When I hear friends at a party, I snap into investigation mode: is this a trend? How many other people would have similar sentiments? Is this something I should follow up on? It's what makes for a better story, but also for a cursed life.
While the movie raises so many questions of ethics it's hard to keep track, it ends with an almost 5-minute eulogy for the print newspaper, walking the audience through the printing process from front page plates to newsstand. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into my drug before the news is dead.
And on a random semi-related note, props to Ben Affleck for sticking up for the Boston Globe. Now we only need 5 million more rich people to follow suit.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
battle of intelligences (I mean, sexes)
In my Interpersonal Communications class on Friday, we had a sort of battle of the sexes session. It involved the women on one side of the room and the men on the other, and we asked each other "questions" about relationships, dating, social norms, etc. There were two questions/statements I felt should be taken beyond the classroom. (As a disclaimer, I was pretty underwhelmed by the depth of questions people came up with. Just because it's Christian school doesn't mean we don't have the same issues as everyone else).
1. "Why do girls that claim they're feminists and all for women power and stuff still want to be courted and expect the guy to pay for everything? Isn't that hypocritical?"
I also point out that the male student said the word "feminist" as if it were synonymous with a child molester's name. I've heard two responses to this so far. First, that feminism means something different to every person who would label themselves as such, and it can't be assumed that all "feminists" believe all traditional roles should be eradicated. But the second, and my favorite of the two, came from my friend Jasmine: "They expect us to take care of EVERYTHING ELSE for the rest of the relationship (kids, the house, schedules, etc) so they can throw us a bone for a few months and pay for dinner." Well said.
2. This wasn't a question, but rather a study my professor shared about what men and women are attracted to. For men, it was first and foremost physical characteristics. For women, it was the "potential for monetary security." Here is my response, for both generalizations: phooey.
1. "Why do girls that claim they're feminists and all for women power and stuff still want to be courted and expect the guy to pay for everything? Isn't that hypocritical?"
I also point out that the male student said the word "feminist" as if it were synonymous with a child molester's name. I've heard two responses to this so far. First, that feminism means something different to every person who would label themselves as such, and it can't be assumed that all "feminists" believe all traditional roles should be eradicated. But the second, and my favorite of the two, came from my friend Jasmine: "They expect us to take care of EVERYTHING ELSE for the rest of the relationship (kids, the house, schedules, etc) so they can throw us a bone for a few months and pay for dinner." Well said.
2. This wasn't a question, but rather a study my professor shared about what men and women are attracted to. For men, it was first and foremost physical characteristics. For women, it was the "potential for monetary security." Here is my response, for both generalizations: phooey.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
a bucket list, of sorts
With my college career ending in less than two weeks, I've realized (as is inevitable in these nostalgic times) that I still have a lot I want to do at Whitworth University. Plus, I've always admired Alyssa's goal lists for defined periods of time. So, with 15 days left, here is my bucket list:
1. swim in the Aquatics Center. Katie and I already got this covered, we're going to a water aerobics class. brilliant.
2. Catch a pinecone. For non-Whitworth folk, this is a student tradition. Basically you're not cool unless you can say you've caught a pinecone falling out of a tree.
3-5. Go to the Screaming Yak, the Viking, and Double Dribble. (all bars, of course.)
6. Play miniature golf at Wonderland, the fun center literally a block away from campus that I've never been to.
7. Get a milkshake from the Jack in the Box drive-thru. The only way I will go to Jack in the Box is if it's on a list of this nature.
8. Sit and talk with someone at Rogue, the coffee shop across Division that also serves alcohol.
9. Get a cake from the library. This would require someone to send me a cake, though... what can I say, I'm an optimist.
10. Go on Whitworth's radio station, whitworth.fm. Kelsey and I are going to do a short show together: The Baconators.
11. Use the Dine with the Mind program, which essentially is a voucher to take a professor out to coffee. This one is more of a joke, but still might happen. Especially since my meal plan is quickly vanishing.
12. Make out in the library, preferrably in the poetry or classic literature sections. Like #8, this one takes outside participation. Again, optimism.
13. Tell a dirty joke right as a tour of prospective students walk by.
14. Go look at the art in the Koehler Gallery. Current exhibit: "Something better than free beer," the senior exhibit for art majors.
15. Rollerskate down the Hello Walk.
1. swim in the Aquatics Center. Katie and I already got this covered, we're going to a water aerobics class. brilliant.
2. Catch a pinecone. For non-Whitworth folk, this is a student tradition. Basically you're not cool unless you can say you've caught a pinecone falling out of a tree.
3-5. Go to the Screaming Yak, the Viking, and Double Dribble. (all bars, of course.)
6. Play miniature golf at Wonderland, the fun center literally a block away from campus that I've never been to.
7. Get a milkshake from the Jack in the Box drive-thru. The only way I will go to Jack in the Box is if it's on a list of this nature.
8. Sit and talk with someone at Rogue, the coffee shop across Division that also serves alcohol.
9. Get a cake from the library. This would require someone to send me a cake, though... what can I say, I'm an optimist.
10. Go on Whitworth's radio station, whitworth.fm. Kelsey and I are going to do a short show together: The Baconators.
11. Use the Dine with the Mind program, which essentially is a voucher to take a professor out to coffee. This one is more of a joke, but still might happen. Especially since my meal plan is quickly vanishing.
12. Make out in the library, preferrably in the poetry or classic literature sections. Like #8, this one takes outside participation. Again, optimism.
13. Tell a dirty joke right as a tour of prospective students walk by.
14. Go look at the art in the Koehler Gallery. Current exhibit: "Something better than free beer," the senior exhibit for art majors.
15. Rollerskate down the Hello Walk.
Friday, May 1, 2009
A different look
In my Communications Ethics course today, a Fulbright scholar spoke about her take on Islamic dress in the gulf states.
I must say, my worldview was challenged.
A professor of English at the University of Bahrain, who is visiting Whitworth on a six-week Fulbright program, lectured about her country's take on the Hijab, the traditional scarf worn to cover the hair by Muslim women. She showed pictures of various styles and levels of modesty. She then compared these to the chador, what is what we consider a burka, or the full facial and body covering.
I knew before that for the majority of Muslim women, their clothing is their choice. As she said, the only country that requires the full is Afghanistan, and we all know how I feel about that. I've also always tried to make the distinction between Muslim and Arab, and fully realize that these terms are in no way interchangeable. There's a mosque down the road from my house. I get that.
But after hearing this incredible woman speak, I was inspired to realize that the West isn't the only one that cares about the oppression of Afghani women. Though she did say the idea of military or economic intervention in places like Afghanistan was a fundamentally Western idea, she said the women of Bahrain are just as outraged at the floggings in the street and the extreme takes on marriage.
Here's a fascinating video she showed us of the new First Lady in Qatar:
I must say, my worldview was challenged.
A professor of English at the University of Bahrain, who is visiting Whitworth on a six-week Fulbright program, lectured about her country's take on the Hijab, the traditional scarf worn to cover the hair by Muslim women. She showed pictures of various styles and levels of modesty. She then compared these to the chador, what is what we consider a burka, or the full facial and body covering.
I knew before that for the majority of Muslim women, their clothing is their choice. As she said, the only country that requires the full is Afghanistan, and we all know how I feel about that. I've also always tried to make the distinction between Muslim and Arab, and fully realize that these terms are in no way interchangeable. There's a mosque down the road from my house. I get that.
But after hearing this incredible woman speak, I was inspired to realize that the West isn't the only one that cares about the oppression of Afghani women. Though she did say the idea of military or economic intervention in places like Afghanistan was a fundamentally Western idea, she said the women of Bahrain are just as outraged at the floggings in the street and the extreme takes on marriage.
Here's a fascinating video she showed us of the new First Lady in Qatar:
Monday, April 20, 2009
fight guns with girls
Here is another opinions piece from the New York Times about the treatment of Afghan women, written by a member of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. Read it.
Afghan women march, America turns away
I'm not usually one to groan about how the American media overlooks international crises in lieu of covering a YouTube "sensation" or a study that shows thinner people contribute less to global warming. But sometimes I just get to a point when the 24-hour news cycle could be used for so much more significant news. In years past, we could argue that newspapers had a limited amount of print space, and therefore had to focus on local issues in order to sell their product. Fine with me. But in a time of endless opportunities, when a story can run 18 pages and not cost any more than one of two sentences, why not spend the money to get to deeper and more substantial stories? Yes, the recent news of Taliban action against women has been covered, in some fashion, by FOX (at least they picked up the AP story, if that's "covering" something), The NYT, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, CNN, and others.
But, as the Times' column notes, "First, with the economic crisis and other domestic priorities, there is a sense in Washington that helping Afghanistan democratize is either a luxury American taxpayers cannot afford or a charitable cause they can delay."
This is terribly frustrating for me, especially because I have read several studies that show the education and advancement of women in a restrictive society, such as the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, is an extremely effective way to fight terrorism. This was the attitude of Greg Mortenson, the subject of the runaway bestseller "Three Cups of Tea." He saw the education of women as fundamental to a stable and progressive society, and since has built over 78 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, which provide education to over 28,000 children, including 18,000 girls, according to the book's website.
As we face more than a trillion dollar defecit, a worldwide economic recession, and still fight a war on (at least) two fronts in the middle east, I would be much more supportive of a "war on terror" if it meant fighting the root causes of terrorism and hate, rather than just blowing them up.
(In other feminist rant news, check out this story from CNN about a case that reached the Supreme Court about a 13-year-old girl who was stripped searched at her school.)
Afghan women march, America turns away
I'm not usually one to groan about how the American media overlooks international crises in lieu of covering a YouTube "sensation" or a study that shows thinner people contribute less to global warming. But sometimes I just get to a point when the 24-hour news cycle could be used for so much more significant news. In years past, we could argue that newspapers had a limited amount of print space, and therefore had to focus on local issues in order to sell their product. Fine with me. But in a time of endless opportunities, when a story can run 18 pages and not cost any more than one of two sentences, why not spend the money to get to deeper and more substantial stories? Yes, the recent news of Taliban action against women has been covered, in some fashion, by FOX (at least they picked up the AP story, if that's "covering" something), The NYT, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, CNN, and others.
But, as the Times' column notes, "First, with the economic crisis and other domestic priorities, there is a sense in Washington that helping Afghanistan democratize is either a luxury American taxpayers cannot afford or a charitable cause they can delay."
This is terribly frustrating for me, especially because I have read several studies that show the education and advancement of women in a restrictive society, such as the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, is an extremely effective way to fight terrorism. This was the attitude of Greg Mortenson, the subject of the runaway bestseller "Three Cups of Tea." He saw the education of women as fundamental to a stable and progressive society, and since has built over 78 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, which provide education to over 28,000 children, including 18,000 girls, according to the book's website.
As we face more than a trillion dollar defecit, a worldwide economic recession, and still fight a war on (at least) two fronts in the middle east, I would be much more supportive of a "war on terror" if it meant fighting the root causes of terrorism and hate, rather than just blowing them up.
(In other feminist rant news, check out this story from CNN about a case that reached the Supreme Court about a 13-year-old girl who was stripped searched at her school.)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
a goal achieved
Whitworth's Relay for Life event was Friday evening. I surpassed my fund raising goal by $20, which is definitely a first for me in the world of raising money. I walked for a cumulative 3.5 hours, and was happy to take every step. Coincidentally, today is Spokane's Komen race for the cure, specifically focused on breast cancer awareness. In honor of the race, I woke up and put on my "I heart boobs" shirt. The back of the shirt says "If you don't check them, I will." And don't think I won't.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I wasn't the only one who noticed
Women in Afghanistan took to the streets Wednesday to protest the new Taliban-like restrictions on Afghani women, specifically in relation to marital sex and and sexual rights of women. I would have been honored to walk the three miles with them through mobs of of men calling them whores and attacking their vehicles. Check out this video of the march from the New York Times (sorry for the weird sizing):
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
we take what we get
I haven't gone on a serious feminist crusade in at least 5 posts, so it's high time to be outraged at something once again. Well it's actually not too terribly infuriating, just an interesting observation.
In a recent online Q&A from New York Times editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal, a reader asked this question: "I find it a bit peculiar that the two women columnists, Maureen Dowd and Gail Collins, are satirical and humorous. I adore their writing, and generally think they are spot on, but it is almost like you cannot get a "serious" woman columnist. Do you agree?"
Rosenthal responded by essentially saying he would be the "last person alive" to say either woman wasn't a serious columnist. GOOD FOR YOU. Though I admit I'm not as familiar with Collins' work, Maureen Dowd is usually my first stop if I'm perusing the NYT's editorial pages. (It used to be Nicholas Kristof, but for a while they were charging for his stuff online, so I got out of the habit cause I'm cheap.) So anyway, I just wanted to say I appreciate Rosenthal standing up for his staff, and would hope that in future queries, readers take a minute and think about the fact they would never criticize a paper for only having satirical male columnists.
In other woman rage, the NYT staff editorial today, titled "Women, extremism, and two key states," deals with the recent activity worldwide that shows us once again the high cost some of our world pays for being born with a vagina. In Afghanistan, marital rape is now essentially legally sanctioned. In Pakistan, a woman was publicly flogged for denying a marriage proposal. In Saudi Arabia, a judge refused to nullify the marriage of an 8-year-old girl to a man of 58.
Even though some steps are being taken globally in the right direction (example: 10 villages in Niger have officially denounced female circumcision, and the Pakistani chief justice rebuked the attorney general for allowing the flogging), we still aren't there. It's one thing to see the videos of starving children and say "oh, that's sad." But for most of those children, they aren't hungry because their country's religion or cultural heritage forbids them food.
Even in the states, the leading cause of death for most pregnant women is homicide, usually by a close intimate partner.
So stand up for the vaginas around the world. Religious, cultural, or otherwise, we all deserve to live a life of safety, especially from the government or power-holding group of any given society. Maybe Maureen Dowd can write a sarcastic column about it, since apparently that's the only style some readers feel is used by women. Oh wait, she already has:
Should Michelle cover up?
Sweet on Caroline
Boxers, briefs, or silks?
A Makeover with an ugly gloss
In a recent online Q&A from New York Times editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal, a reader asked this question: "I find it a bit peculiar that the two women columnists, Maureen Dowd and Gail Collins, are satirical and humorous. I adore their writing, and generally think they are spot on, but it is almost like you cannot get a "serious" woman columnist. Do you agree?"
Rosenthal responded by essentially saying he would be the "last person alive" to say either woman wasn't a serious columnist. GOOD FOR YOU. Though I admit I'm not as familiar with Collins' work, Maureen Dowd is usually my first stop if I'm perusing the NYT's editorial pages. (It used to be Nicholas Kristof, but for a while they were charging for his stuff online, so I got out of the habit cause I'm cheap.) So anyway, I just wanted to say I appreciate Rosenthal standing up for his staff, and would hope that in future queries, readers take a minute and think about the fact they would never criticize a paper for only having satirical male columnists.
In other woman rage, the NYT staff editorial today, titled "Women, extremism, and two key states," deals with the recent activity worldwide that shows us once again the high cost some of our world pays for being born with a vagina. In Afghanistan, marital rape is now essentially legally sanctioned. In Pakistan, a woman was publicly flogged for denying a marriage proposal. In Saudi Arabia, a judge refused to nullify the marriage of an 8-year-old girl to a man of 58.
Even though some steps are being taken globally in the right direction (example: 10 villages in Niger have officially denounced female circumcision, and the Pakistani chief justice rebuked the attorney general for allowing the flogging), we still aren't there. It's one thing to see the videos of starving children and say "oh, that's sad." But for most of those children, they aren't hungry because their country's religion or cultural heritage forbids them food.
Even in the states, the leading cause of death for most pregnant women is homicide, usually by a close intimate partner.
So stand up for the vaginas around the world. Religious, cultural, or otherwise, we all deserve to live a life of safety, especially from the government or power-holding group of any given society. Maybe Maureen Dowd can write a sarcastic column about it, since apparently that's the only style some readers feel is used by women. Oh wait, she already has:
Should Michelle cover up?
Sweet on Caroline
Boxers, briefs, or silks?
A Makeover with an ugly gloss
Friday, April 10, 2009
a little unorthodox
Sometimes I wish I could celebrate Yom Kippur instead of Good Friday. In Jewish tradition, this is the day of atonement, a day of repentance, prayer, the day our verdicts are sealed in the Book of God. For me, Good Friday is this sort of holiday. Easter, even after 21 years in the Protestant church, is not something I can yet wrap my mind around. I feel like something so incredibly holy took place on that day, that to go to church and sing "He's alive!" and smile at the daffodils outside the church doesn't even brush the surface of its magnitude. Even the concept of Passover is still a little out of my league.
Sin is much more of a realistic topic for me to work with.
So in the Easter weekend, I tend to focus on Good Friday. I try to think of those things I can do to make the nails thinner, the sun less intense as it beats down on the hilltop, the cries of the mothers less sorrowful. I think of the things in my life that are truly good, and those things that I can try to make good in the year to come. So today, may we all find forgiveness, and forgive others. Find the grace that we can't understand, but have to accept, and give thanks for it in the only way we can: by showing grace to others.
Sin is much more of a realistic topic for me to work with.
So in the Easter weekend, I tend to focus on Good Friday. I try to think of those things I can do to make the nails thinner, the sun less intense as it beats down on the hilltop, the cries of the mothers less sorrowful. I think of the things in my life that are truly good, and those things that I can try to make good in the year to come. So today, may we all find forgiveness, and forgive others. Find the grace that we can't understand, but have to accept, and give thanks for it in the only way we can: by showing grace to others.
Monday, April 6, 2009
updated schedule
A lot of you have been asking about this, so here's my life, as far as I can tell, after I graduate:
Graduation: May 17
June 14, 10 a.m. : start of induction in Baltimore
June 18: hiring fair
June 19: last day of induction
June 28: training institute in Philadelphia
August 1: last day of training institute
August 4: orientation in Baltimore begins
August 10-14: new teacher induction in Baltimore
August 19: on-site training begins in my specific school
August 24: first day of school for teachers
August 26: Johns Hopkins classes start (at least according to their website. I don't know about specific classes, this is just when they have the school of education's semester starting)
August 31: first day with students
From what I can tell I possibly have breaks from June 19-28, and August 5-10 and 19-24, but again this is tentative. I also might have a place to live, depending on a roommate situation and financial stuff.
Graduation: May 17
June 14, 10 a.m. : start of induction in Baltimore
June 18: hiring fair
June 19: last day of induction
June 28: training institute in Philadelphia
August 1: last day of training institute
August 4: orientation in Baltimore begins
August 10-14: new teacher induction in Baltimore
August 19: on-site training begins in my specific school
August 24: first day of school for teachers
August 26: Johns Hopkins classes start (at least according to their website. I don't know about specific classes, this is just when they have the school of education's semester starting)
August 31: first day with students
From what I can tell I possibly have breaks from June 19-28, and August 5-10 and 19-24, but again this is tentative. I also might have a place to live, depending on a roommate situation and financial stuff.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
road trip
I leave before sunlight on Thursday morning to drive with seven other English students to the National Undergraduate Literature Conference at Weber State University. I submitted three entries, and was selected to present in the original fiction category for a one-act play I wrote. Check out the full schedule for the conference here. Keynote speakers are Michael Chabon, Maile Maloy, and Michael Sowder.
Pray for good roads and attentive drivers; it's about 11 hours one way.
Pray for good roads and attentive drivers; it's about 11 hours one way.
happily ever never
We all grew up with it: fairy tale endings. Whether it was the princess getting swept off her feet, or the prince getting his throne, we all lived with the knowledge that "happily ever after" isn't feasible in the real world.
Naturally, someone created an organization to try and change all that.
The Happy Endings Foundation, created two years ago in the UK, demanded the authors of children's books create happier endings to their stories, and called for bonfires to burn books with less than sunny outcomes.
The organization was reported on worldwide, including the Belfast Telegraph, BBC, and The Independent (Canada). And recently, the blogosphere served us up another serving of investigative journalism: the organization was found to be a hoax.
Despite its lack of actual existence, I think the concept is an interesting one. If you think about it, most Oscar winners in the past 20 years or so have been dramas, tragedies, or at least very dark stories with less than apocalyptic finales. (The Departed, Crash, A Beautiful Mind, and Gladiator, to name a few). We are somehow drawn to the dark, to the mysterious, to to those who lives lives more plagued or convoluted than our own. Granted, I do see tremendous power of positive messages. (Just look at Where the Hell is Matt?.) But we see the push for negative news all the time: fires trump science fairs, and murder/suicides beat out a local farmer's market.
Was Orson Welles right to say that "The story that ends happily is a story that ended too soon."?
In this day and age, maybe.
Related articles: from the BBC: Why the obsession with happy endings?
Naturally, someone created an organization to try and change all that.
The Happy Endings Foundation, created two years ago in the UK, demanded the authors of children's books create happier endings to their stories, and called for bonfires to burn books with less than sunny outcomes.
The organization was reported on worldwide, including the Belfast Telegraph, BBC, and The Independent (Canada). And recently, the blogosphere served us up another serving of investigative journalism: the organization was found to be a hoax.
Despite its lack of actual existence, I think the concept is an interesting one. If you think about it, most Oscar winners in the past 20 years or so have been dramas, tragedies, or at least very dark stories with less than apocalyptic finales. (The Departed, Crash, A Beautiful Mind, and Gladiator, to name a few). We are somehow drawn to the dark, to the mysterious, to to those who lives lives more plagued or convoluted than our own. Granted, I do see tremendous power of positive messages. (Just look at Where the Hell is Matt?.) But we see the push for negative news all the time: fires trump science fairs, and murder/suicides beat out a local farmer's market.
Was Orson Welles right to say that "The story that ends happily is a story that ended too soon."?
In this day and age, maybe.
Related articles: from the BBC: Why the obsession with happy endings?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Spring Break, in numbers
2: Cream cheese pretzels consumed
3: Groups of under-18 tourists in the Disney Parks I wanted to punch in the face, or at least keep from reproducing
Approx. 40: animals I saw in Animal Kingdom.
(approx. 10: animals I saw of the 40 that I had never heard of before.)
(3: animals of the 40 that were monkeys.)
10%: amount of my body that returned to Spokane sunburned. So worth it.
4: dolphins I saw while on a wave runner in the Gulf of Mexico
1: garbage can that Katie's grandma took out with her electric sccoter/wheelchair
5: Disney characters I had my picture taken with: Rafiki, Jiminy Cricket, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty, Terk.
2: shows seen that were immediately regretted: The Little Mermaid, It's Tough to be a Bug
(1: actress performing in a show that was a full note off key for the majority of the songs. Woof.)
20: corn dog nuggets consumed.
6: days I was grateful for sunshine and warm weather
(6: days I was on spring break in Florida.)
3: Groups of under-18 tourists in the Disney Parks I wanted to punch in the face, or at least keep from reproducing
Approx. 40: animals I saw in Animal Kingdom.
(approx. 10: animals I saw of the 40 that I had never heard of before.)
(3: animals of the 40 that were monkeys.)
10%: amount of my body that returned to Spokane sunburned. So worth it.
4: dolphins I saw while on a wave runner in the Gulf of Mexico
1: garbage can that Katie's grandma took out with her electric sccoter/wheelchair
5: Disney characters I had my picture taken with: Rafiki, Jiminy Cricket, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty, Terk.
2: shows seen that were immediately regretted: The Little Mermaid, It's Tough to be a Bug
(1: actress performing in a show that was a full note off key for the majority of the songs. Woof.)
20: corn dog nuggets consumed.
6: days I was grateful for sunshine and warm weather
(6: days I was on spring break in Florida.)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
would-be models: a study of group think
This is slightly old news, but I find this video of a recent New York audition for "America's Next Top Model" to be a fascinating study of the spread of chaos. It resembles almost an ant colony to me. Just think about how many pairs of Jimmy Choos broke that day. Check it out, courtesy of the New York Daily News:
Monday, March 16, 2009
UPDATED: You can't get AIDS from sex ed class
In response to the announcement of the HIV/AIDS rate, city officials have announced a new awareness campaign. Check out the story here.
In recent days, there has been somewhat of a rumble about HIV/AIDS rates rising, specifically in the Washington D.C. area. The Washington Post reported yesterday that the metro area has the highest infection rate in the nation, with 3 percent of the city's population carrying the disease.
I know Alyssa will back me up when I say that AIDS is not something we should consider a "foreign" issue, in the sense that it's only a problem in sub-Saharan Africa, or underdeveloped nation. According to the article, the D.C. rate is higher than parts of West Africa, and is "on par with Uganda and some parts of Kenya."
It's stories like these that make me terrified for abstinence-based sex education. A reactionary blog post (also from The Washington Post, what can I say it's my favorite news site) used the article as motivation to "re-educate" readers about how to prevent the spread of AIDS. Yes, abstinence was included on the list. However, I believe that a choice for abstinence should be motivated by positive attributes, rather than fear of consequences (pregnancy, disease, religious stigma, etc).
And AIDS education is something women need to take a stronger role in. I hope that most of my generation is beyond the myth of HIV/AIDS being a "gay" disease. According to the CDC, AIDS is the No. 1 cause of death in African-American females ages 25-34, and in 2005, Women accounted for 26% of the estimated 37,163 diagnoses of the disease for adults and adolescents. Also interesting is the site's study was that women were slightly less likely than men to receive prescriptions for the most effective treatments for HIV infection. There's even a separate AIDS awareness day for women and girls (March 10, as opposed to the international awareness day on December 1).
These numbers are too high. I'm saddened at the idea that in a country with every educational opportunity at our fingertips, we would allow our friends, colleagues, family, or even strangers to walk around in ignorance. Educate yourself, and those around you, so that this preventable disease can be eradicated.
Here are some resources for more information:
AIDS.gov: the government website on the disease
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: statistics on the disease in the United States, as well as materials on education and prevention
Face AIDS: a student organization that works to fight AIDS in Africa (shout out to the Seattle U. chapter)
United Nations: a special General Assembly session on HIV/AIDS
In recent days, there has been somewhat of a rumble about HIV/AIDS rates rising, specifically in the Washington D.C. area. The Washington Post reported yesterday that the metro area has the highest infection rate in the nation, with 3 percent of the city's population carrying the disease.
I know Alyssa will back me up when I say that AIDS is not something we should consider a "foreign" issue, in the sense that it's only a problem in sub-Saharan Africa, or underdeveloped nation. According to the article, the D.C. rate is higher than parts of West Africa, and is "on par with Uganda and some parts of Kenya."
It's stories like these that make me terrified for abstinence-based sex education. A reactionary blog post (also from The Washington Post, what can I say it's my favorite news site) used the article as motivation to "re-educate" readers about how to prevent the spread of AIDS. Yes, abstinence was included on the list. However, I believe that a choice for abstinence should be motivated by positive attributes, rather than fear of consequences (pregnancy, disease, religious stigma, etc).
And AIDS education is something women need to take a stronger role in. I hope that most of my generation is beyond the myth of HIV/AIDS being a "gay" disease. According to the CDC, AIDS is the No. 1 cause of death in African-American females ages 25-34, and in 2005, Women accounted for 26% of the estimated 37,163 diagnoses of the disease for adults and adolescents. Also interesting is the site's study was that women were slightly less likely than men to receive prescriptions for the most effective treatments for HIV infection. There's even a separate AIDS awareness day for women and girls (March 10, as opposed to the international awareness day on December 1).
These numbers are too high. I'm saddened at the idea that in a country with every educational opportunity at our fingertips, we would allow our friends, colleagues, family, or even strangers to walk around in ignorance. Educate yourself, and those around you, so that this preventable disease can be eradicated.
Here are some resources for more information:
AIDS.gov: the government website on the disease
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: statistics on the disease in the United States, as well as materials on education and prevention
Face AIDS: a student organization that works to fight AIDS in Africa (shout out to the Seattle U. chapter)
United Nations: a special General Assembly session on HIV/AIDS
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
so delicious
Until tonight, I had forgotten the simple pleasure of eating raw chocolate chip cookie dough off a spoon, in the company of a friend.
The baked versions weren't too shabby, either.
The baked versions weren't too shabby, either.
Monday, March 9, 2009
happy birthday, barbie
50 years ago today, Ruth Handler's creation hit markets and, in my opinion, changed the future of feminism and gender roles forever. In my Contemporary American Poetry class last spring, one of my classmates did a fascinating presentation about the history of Barbie. The doll actually held careers in her play life before many women in the real world (astronaut, president of the United States.)
Check out this advertisement from her earliest days:
Compare that to a 2007 ad for the "America's Next Top Model" barbie:
I've never really decided what side of the barbie "debate" I fall on. When I was little, every single birthday when I blew out the candles on my cake, I would wish for a barbie. My parents to this day have never bought me one; the 4 or 5 dolls my sister and I had were all gifts from relatives or not-so-close family friends, who figured they were a safe default gift. But why did I want one so badly? Was it because I saw her as the ideal woman, with her disproportionate breasts and perfect hourglass shape? Or did I see her as a role model, the woman who could successfully take on any career she wanted, regardless of societal norms?
Today, we use Barbie's name synonymously with a whole host of terms, most of which, I might add, are negative. But whether you feel like barbie was a liberating toy for girls, or she ruined the expectations placed on women for the last 50 years, we can all agree on one thing: she ages beautifully.
Check out this advertisement from her earliest days:
Compare that to a 2007 ad for the "America's Next Top Model" barbie:
I've never really decided what side of the barbie "debate" I fall on. When I was little, every single birthday when I blew out the candles on my cake, I would wish for a barbie. My parents to this day have never bought me one; the 4 or 5 dolls my sister and I had were all gifts from relatives or not-so-close family friends, who figured they were a safe default gift. But why did I want one so badly? Was it because I saw her as the ideal woman, with her disproportionate breasts and perfect hourglass shape? Or did I see her as a role model, the woman who could successfully take on any career she wanted, regardless of societal norms?
Today, we use Barbie's name synonymously with a whole host of terms, most of which, I might add, are negative. But whether you feel like barbie was a liberating toy for girls, or she ruined the expectations placed on women for the last 50 years, we can all agree on one thing: she ages beautifully.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I can't pass this up
Check out this blog post from the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin about a port-a-pottie marked for neither men nor women:
Stuck Between the Sexes
Stuck Between the Sexes
a cause we all can care about
For the second time, I am participating in a Relay for Life event this year. Even though these events have been taking place at my high school or college every year that I can remember, I was always reluctant to participate for two reasons: one, I always had a conflict during the event. but second and more important, I feel really strongly that these kinds of fundraisers and awareness events shouldn't just be another "let's go hang out with friends all night" gig. I feel like we get inundated with good causes to support all the time, and I didn't want to just go and not have the heart behind it.
Then two years ago, one of my friend's moms died of cancer right before the school year started. He's one of the first people I met at Whitworth, and I couldn't imagine the loss he was experiencing. That year was my first experience with Relay, and our team was in honor of his mother. And then about a month ago, another of my friends lost his mother to cancer. Our team this year is in honor of both of these brave and loved women. Even though I never met either of them, I've seen the products of their lifetimes of work as women and mothers in the values and integrity of their sons.
Cancer has also knocked at the door of my family. My aunt died of breast cancer when I was in second grade, after fighting the disease for more than 10 years. My cousin (her daughter) has had a double mastectomy, and last fall had to again undergo treatment for a return case. My would-be uncle died at the age of 14 from leukemia.
I feel like for my generation, cancer is something that's just considered part of life. We here so and so is in chemo, or in surgery, or some form of treatment. I've had teachers go on leave for a school year, known friends who've lost parents or uncles or cousins or siblings. But it's a disease we can fight, a disease we can work to cure. So this year, I will walk around a gym for 8 hours, in hopes of contributing even a little to this fight. My fundraising goal is $50.
For more information about my team, or to donate, click here
Then two years ago, one of my friend's moms died of cancer right before the school year started. He's one of the first people I met at Whitworth, and I couldn't imagine the loss he was experiencing. That year was my first experience with Relay, and our team was in honor of his mother. And then about a month ago, another of my friends lost his mother to cancer. Our team this year is in honor of both of these brave and loved women. Even though I never met either of them, I've seen the products of their lifetimes of work as women and mothers in the values and integrity of their sons.
Cancer has also knocked at the door of my family. My aunt died of breast cancer when I was in second grade, after fighting the disease for more than 10 years. My cousin (her daughter) has had a double mastectomy, and last fall had to again undergo treatment for a return case. My would-be uncle died at the age of 14 from leukemia.
I feel like for my generation, cancer is something that's just considered part of life. We here so and so is in chemo, or in surgery, or some form of treatment. I've had teachers go on leave for a school year, known friends who've lost parents or uncles or cousins or siblings. But it's a disease we can fight, a disease we can work to cure. So this year, I will walk around a gym for 8 hours, in hopes of contributing even a little to this fight. My fundraising goal is $50.
For more information about my team, or to donate, click here
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
a day of successes
- I can now do a 1/2 waltz jump on ice skates. In other words, I can jump from forwards to backwards and land on the opposite foot.
-I can use photoshop without crying. This is a big step for me.
-I can call my parents and have a brief conversation without getting sucked into a half-hour discussion about my life and future.
-I can eat a bag of cheetos and not get orange powder all over my white sweater. Next step to work on: eat a bag of cheetos and not miss my mouth when trying to do so.
-I can use photoshop without crying. This is a big step for me.
-I can call my parents and have a brief conversation without getting sucked into a half-hour discussion about my life and future.
-I can eat a bag of cheetos and not get orange powder all over my white sweater. Next step to work on: eat a bag of cheetos and not miss my mouth when trying to do so.
Monday, March 2, 2009
condoms, cartoons, and responsible journalism
Recently, I was reading a copy of The Sentinel, the newspaper from North Idaho College. We run into the students and adviser from this paper fairly often, especially around the time of the national ACP conference each fall. The paper has a pretty solid national reputation as one of the leading newspapers among 2-year schools. Which is why their presentation of a story about National Condom Week threw me for a loop.
From the front page, you would think this story was a large spread or at least in-depth feature. At the top of the page next to the flag (newspaper lingo for the name of the newspaper at the top of the front page), a row of neon-colored condoms sat on the left side of the page, teasing the story. (I can't find the page at the moment, otherwise I would have included a picture). However, the teaser in no way matched the news value or really the tone of the fairly mundane event. In fact, the story uses an almost intentionally shocking lead in order to make the story seem like more of a big deal, in my opinion.
Now as a disclaimer, a lot of my journalism experience comes from public high school and a private Christian liberal arts university. However, this doesn't mean I can't recognize irresponsible journalism when I see it. Yes, the paper should have run the story. Yes, the story was about condoms. Yes, putting colored condoms as the dominant graphic on the front page will grab reader's attention. However, this doesn't mean you should present the story or information in an overly sensational or misleading manner.
It's decisions like these that make it that much harder for journalists to get sources to trust us, or even cooperate during an interview. Journalism balances on the crux of public cooperation, and if we abuse this responsibility, we will find ourselves losing not only our reputations, but our vital role as a trusted source of information within a community. And while I have great respect for The Sentinel and the work they do, I would urge us all in the journalism world, especially in college newspapers, to strive for a higher level of professionalism.
On another somewhat related note, here are two other opinions columns from that week's issue that might help emphasize my point about a need for responsible journalism:
Lose the wheels, lose the weight: rolling your backback only facilitates laziness, unhealthy behavior (also of related interest to the condom article is the graphical representation, in this case a cartoon, for the purpose of shock value.)
Purge the wicked: abort sex offenders (This one is a good example of a headline used for shock value that doesn't really relate to the content of the story.)
From the front page, you would think this story was a large spread or at least in-depth feature. At the top of the page next to the flag (newspaper lingo for the name of the newspaper at the top of the front page), a row of neon-colored condoms sat on the left side of the page, teasing the story. (I can't find the page at the moment, otherwise I would have included a picture). However, the teaser in no way matched the news value or really the tone of the fairly mundane event. In fact, the story uses an almost intentionally shocking lead in order to make the story seem like more of a big deal, in my opinion.
Now as a disclaimer, a lot of my journalism experience comes from public high school and a private Christian liberal arts university. However, this doesn't mean I can't recognize irresponsible journalism when I see it. Yes, the paper should have run the story. Yes, the story was about condoms. Yes, putting colored condoms as the dominant graphic on the front page will grab reader's attention. However, this doesn't mean you should present the story or information in an overly sensational or misleading manner.
It's decisions like these that make it that much harder for journalists to get sources to trust us, or even cooperate during an interview. Journalism balances on the crux of public cooperation, and if we abuse this responsibility, we will find ourselves losing not only our reputations, but our vital role as a trusted source of information within a community. And while I have great respect for The Sentinel and the work they do, I would urge us all in the journalism world, especially in college newspapers, to strive for a higher level of professionalism.
On another somewhat related note, here are two other opinions columns from that week's issue that might help emphasize my point about a need for responsible journalism:
Lose the wheels, lose the weight: rolling your backback only facilitates laziness, unhealthy behavior (also of related interest to the condom article is the graphical representation, in this case a cartoon, for the purpose of shock value.)
Purge the wicked: abort sex offenders (This one is a good example of a headline used for shock value that doesn't really relate to the content of the story.)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
this is worth two posts in one day
For everyone who believes that the New York Times will be bankrupt in the next 5 years, I have found hope. Because if every newspaper could run stories with this perfect blend of information and prose, there would be no problems with subscription sales. Also, who knew that Snuggies have not only been selling 4 million strong, but are now considered worthy of the NYT Fashion and Style section:
Snuggie on the Street: Watch your back
(Also don't miss the photo gallery that accompanies the story).
Snuggie on the Street: Watch your back
(Also don't miss the photo gallery that accompanies the story).
there's no place like home
I went home for the weekend, and my dad claimed he invented Amazon's Kindle in his Master's thesis. His exact words were something like this:
"I had this vision for a screen that you could download things to, and then read them."
Since he wrote his master's thesis sometime around the year 1983, I told him he was probably just thinking of a computer.
"I had this vision for a screen that you could download things to, and then read them."
Since he wrote his master's thesis sometime around the year 1983, I told him he was probably just thinking of a computer.
Monday, February 23, 2009
bottom of the barrel
Today I have, for the first time, finished a book of Post-it notes. Well, almost finished. I have five of the pink octagonal flowers left. But since I have a Whitworthian meeting in about 20 minutes, it's a safe presumption that they little sticklers will be utilized within the hour.
(I just got a phone call, so now we're down to four.)
(I just got a phone call, so now we're down to four.)
Monday, February 16, 2009
please don't judge
One of the projects for my Jan Term class, "Writing for the 21st Century," was to make an effective slideware presentation with audio narration, and then to post it to SlideShare.net. Seeing as how I did not want to spend my entire Jan Term working on a Power Point, I decided to take the assignment in a slightly different direction. This is the result.
Important disclaimer: I have a wide range and depth of blessed friendships in my life. I love them all, and all for unique and special ways, even if those particular ways did not make it into the presentation.
Another important disclaimer: I did not edit the audio after I recorded it, and the script was not exactly planned. You can tell.
What are friends for?
Important disclaimer: I have a wide range and depth of blessed friendships in my life. I love them all, and all for unique and special ways, even if those particular ways did not make it into the presentation.
Another important disclaimer: I did not edit the audio after I recorded it, and the script was not exactly planned. You can tell.
What are friends for?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
sam I am
People are always accusing the media of biases. Too supportive of the right, of the left, of gay rights, of "family values," of certain religions, the environment, pro-business, anti-business, you name it. And yes, I would agree that on some level it is impossible to create journalism in a vacuum. Even if it's not apparent in the story, just the decisions about news factors alone show biases of some sort.
Yesterday, my biases could no longer be kept a secret: I'm pro-koalas.
I wanted to be the Associated Press reporter who got to watch a firefighter rescue Sam, as the rescued koala has now been names. And clearly I'm not alone in my bias.
Since the video was first posted, Sam has become an international sensation. Multiple news outlets have been following his recovery (aka publishing the AP story, because everyone is slashing their foreign bureaus). CNN even did its own follow-up story:
This is the kind of journalism that I realize seems frivolous in the face of a $800+ billion bailout, but what can you do. It's certainly a more pleasant way to cover widespread destruction and death that showing half of Australia burned to the ground.
Yesterday, my biases could no longer be kept a secret: I'm pro-koalas.
I wanted to be the Associated Press reporter who got to watch a firefighter rescue Sam, as the rescued koala has now been names. And clearly I'm not alone in my bias.
Since the video was first posted, Sam has become an international sensation. Multiple news outlets have been following his recovery (aka publishing the AP story, because everyone is slashing their foreign bureaus). CNN even did its own follow-up story:
This is the kind of journalism that I realize seems frivolous in the face of a $800+ billion bailout, but what can you do. It's certainly a more pleasant way to cover widespread destruction and death that showing half of Australia burned to the ground.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
I need to get on with my life
So tonight, my list of possible ways to pass the time consisted of mainly two options: reading my Interpersonal Communication book, or watching the Grammy's. And since I was craving some cocoa and still have not mastered the task of sipping a hot beverage while reading, I opted for the latter.
I still don't know if I chose wisely.
I think the Grammy's themselves could have been tolerated, if I had not first been victim to the E! Live at the Red Carpet event. I thought that since I was watching a taped recording of the event from eastern time, I would've been spared the awkward bouncing between Ryan and Giuliana. But no. I had to suffer through every terrible interview, including Jack Black's entourage. Ugh.
But I think what was even more frustrating was not the stars, but the wannabe himself, Ryan "Giant Tool" Seacrest, as I have now named him. I don't think there was a single person who he did not try to pull out a personal connection with. To John Mayer: "Well, we'll have to go to that one Mexican restaurant and talk about it over margaritas." Or to Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson: "Man, how long ago were you on the show? It seems like it's been too long." Someone needs to get him a pet or something, so he can stop taking out his personal frustrations on celebrities via awkward interviews laden with sexual inuendos.
A few other notes of frustration: The Jonas Brothers do not belong on stage with Stevie Wonder. Coldplay is overrated. Even if you don't think you're going to win, spit out your gum so you aren't chewing it during your acceptance speech. And if I ever meet Jennifer Hudson, I will do two things: give her a giant hug (she seems like she would give really good hugs), and tell her she has the most amazing voice I've ever heard. End of story.
(For a complete list of winners, check here)
I still don't know if I chose wisely.
I think the Grammy's themselves could have been tolerated, if I had not first been victim to the E! Live at the Red Carpet event. I thought that since I was watching a taped recording of the event from eastern time, I would've been spared the awkward bouncing between Ryan and Giuliana. But no. I had to suffer through every terrible interview, including Jack Black's entourage. Ugh.
But I think what was even more frustrating was not the stars, but the wannabe himself, Ryan "Giant Tool" Seacrest, as I have now named him. I don't think there was a single person who he did not try to pull out a personal connection with. To John Mayer: "Well, we'll have to go to that one Mexican restaurant and talk about it over margaritas." Or to Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson: "Man, how long ago were you on the show? It seems like it's been too long." Someone needs to get him a pet or something, so he can stop taking out his personal frustrations on celebrities via awkward interviews laden with sexual inuendos.
A few other notes of frustration: The Jonas Brothers do not belong on stage with Stevie Wonder. Coldplay is overrated. Even if you don't think you're going to win, spit out your gum so you aren't chewing it during your acceptance speech. And if I ever meet Jennifer Hudson, I will do two things: give her a giant hug (she seems like she would give really good hugs), and tell her she has the most amazing voice I've ever heard. End of story.
(For a complete list of winners, check here)
Friday, February 6, 2009
an update
A lot of you have been asking what my schedule looks like from here on out. I just got some updates from Teach For America, so I just thought I'd pass them along:
March 3: Take the Praxis I series, the entry exams for most teaching certification programs.
March 14: Take the Praxis II: English content. This is specifically to be eligible for teaching
secondary English.
May 17: Graduate from Whitworth University.
June 15-20: Induction in Baltimore. This is specific for all the TFA corps members who will be
teaching with me.
June 22: My 22nd birthday
June 29-August 2: Summer training Institute in Philadelphia, at Temple University.
August 17-21: Orientation in Baltimore
August 24: first day of school
March 3: Take the Praxis I series, the entry exams for most teaching certification programs.
March 14: Take the Praxis II: English content. This is specifically to be eligible for teaching
secondary English.
May 17: Graduate from Whitworth University.
June 15-20: Induction in Baltimore. This is specific for all the TFA corps members who will be
teaching with me.
June 22: My 22nd birthday
June 29-August 2: Summer training Institute in Philadelphia, at Temple University.
August 17-21: Orientation in Baltimore
August 24: first day of school
Friday, January 23, 2009
anniversary, zip code
Tuesday was a really really good day. I kicked some serious journalism booty at my magazine internship, because I was trying to restrain myself from reading the email titled "your Teach for America application." But because I was kicking some serious journalism booty, I had to get a press release out of my inbox, and upon doing so read the newest message in my inbox titled "welcome to the 2009 Teach for America: Baltimore Corps."
At this point, I began bouncing up and down in my non-ergonomic chair. At which point I made two very giddy phone calls. At which point I had to calm down and get back to work. But after work, I made more giddy phone calls, which led to finding out my brother is officially not going back to war. Which led to my enjoyment of 2 strawberry margaritas in the company of friends.
And, to top it all off, I found my long lost Chapstick-brand Chapstick. The moisturizing kind, in the blue tube.
At this point, I began bouncing up and down in my non-ergonomic chair. At which point I made two very giddy phone calls. At which point I had to calm down and get back to work. But after work, I made more giddy phone calls, which led to finding out my brother is officially not going back to war. Which led to my enjoyment of 2 strawberry margaritas in the company of friends.
And, to top it all off, I found my long lost Chapstick-brand Chapstick. The moisturizing kind, in the blue tube.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
so long, farewell
Watching CNN always puts me in a slight state of angst. But tonight, watching any sort of news-based television brought on the same feeling of nostalgia, mixed with regret, with a slight dose of anger. Bush has less than 12 hours left to screw up something else in our country, and he’s done more than a handful of things that make me shake my fist in disapproval: taking aid money away from pro-abortion agencies, No Child Left Behind, bans on stem cell research, a city abandoned and left to the breached levies, and just a general trample on the reputation of politically active Christians.
But on the other hand, I can’t help but think that things could’ve been a lot worse. I honestly don’t really connect the current state of the economy with the Bush administration, at least not directly. Sure, financing a complicated war on two fronts didn’t help the deficit. But a lot of analysts actually blame the crash on Clinton’s policies, and point to more long-term decisions that Bush honestly wouldn’t have had time to make.
And I get a little discouraged that the trade off for a free society is that we not only elect our leaders, but we also feel entitled to criticize their every move. At some level, I don’t believe Bush was sworn in eight years ago and decided, “Hey, I think I want to leave a legacy of the worst approval rating in presidential history.” I look forward to the change, at least in attitude, that will come with tomorrow’s inauguration.
Friday, January 16, 2009
what can I say, I'm a media nerd
I wanted to explain a little bit about the new links on this site. For some of you, this will be inherently boring. But for others, I just wanted to point you in the direction social media is heading:
Del.icio.us: These are links to web pages or articles I have bookmarked on my account under bacon_pages. I will refresh this list hopefully every week or so, and post an archived entry of past links. I email a lot of articles and things to several of you, and this is just a more streamlined way of sharing content I think is interesting or valuable.
Twitter: A sort of mini-blog. The main advantage to this site is your ability to “follow” a person, and their feeds then are displayed on your page. For example, I follow several friends and colleagues, as well as professional organizations such as the Poynter Institute, the New York Times, Whitworth University, and of course The Whitworthian.
LinkedIn: More of a networking site for the professional world. Here you can post a full resume as well as more detailed descriptions of positions you’ve held or projects you’re working on. You can also request recommendations that are then posted on your site. This is a great tool for all of you who currently in the job hunt process.
Flickr: An online photo sharing site. It allows you to search millions of other photos, as well as to upload your own. You can also license your work through creative commons, a sort of copyright that you can specify the limitations and guidelines on. My first account is under bacon_pics, and currently has photos of my house and school buried under an ungodly amount of snow.
Some of these are products of my current Jan Term course, others are sites I’ve had for some time but just never linked anywhere. Take them for what they’re worth, and explore how you might use them yourself.
Del.icio.us: These are links to web pages or articles I have bookmarked on my account under bacon_pages. I will refresh this list hopefully every week or so, and post an archived entry of past links. I email a lot of articles and things to several of you, and this is just a more streamlined way of sharing content I think is interesting or valuable.
Twitter: A sort of mini-blog. The main advantage to this site is your ability to “follow” a person, and their feeds then are displayed on your page. For example, I follow several friends and colleagues, as well as professional organizations such as the Poynter Institute, the New York Times, Whitworth University, and of course The Whitworthian.
LinkedIn: More of a networking site for the professional world. Here you can post a full resume as well as more detailed descriptions of positions you’ve held or projects you’re working on. You can also request recommendations that are then posted on your site. This is a great tool for all of you who currently in the job hunt process.
Flickr: An online photo sharing site. It allows you to search millions of other photos, as well as to upload your own. You can also license your work through creative commons, a sort of copyright that you can specify the limitations and guidelines on. My first account is under bacon_pics, and currently has photos of my house and school buried under an ungodly amount of snow.
Some of these are products of my current Jan Term course, others are sites I’ve had for some time but just never linked anywhere. Take them for what they’re worth, and explore how you might use them yourself.
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