Hesitating Only Hurts

This could be a really emo post about how I missed out on the love of my life, by hesitating, but really, I am just saddened that Nordstrom sold out of - or I can't find it anyway - that sweater I liked. Luckily, UO has a very similar one (that costs a little more), so I won't have to go without. But guess what! Today is deals day part deux. $30 and under:

Urban Outfitters
There are a lot of tunics on sale, but since I am not really sure how to wear them, I didn't pick one. I think they are the things that girls wear with tights and look stupid in, so going with that assumption, we are skipping tunics. I was going to go with the wrap dress since I watched Weeds last night and saw MLP sexily peel off a wrap dress and I want everyone to try that sometime, but they only had small and extra small, so I went with someone that has more variety (of size and color).
Lux Tank Dress - $24.99



Old Navy
I went to Old Navy the other day and got the cutest shirt for $5 (!), but a lot of the stuff was ugly, so I am on a quest to find you something cute and cheap so you don't have to waste your time. Okay. I know everyone loves the new sweater collection, but I think it is ugly. But I did manage to find two, matching, cute items for less than $30. It will be chilly at night soon and imagine how cute you'll look sipping your hot chocolate.
Top - $14.50
Bottoms - $14.50

Nordstrom
I loved so much stuff on here that picking one thing became really difficult, but I picked the cutest with the widest availability (as usual). This dress is so cute, so cheap, and can certainly be transitioned into the coming months. Tights and sweaters are all you need to make the cutest summer clothes fall and winter ready. Seriously.
Frenchi Knit Babydoll Dress - $13.90


Anthropologie
Now watch me solve your problems. Cute. Cheap. You can buy 2! I really could have probably made this like $25 and under. Maybe I will find something awesome for $29.99 before we finish. But seriously, tights. I have 3 pair (black, blue, gray) and I plan to grab another pair or two (brown and something else). I am desperate to wear my tights. Every day I think about it, but it takes forever to get cold in Florida.
Color Palette Tights - $11


Bus Stop Shop
I am still madly in love with this place. I think since Nordstrom doesn't have my sweater, I'm just going to buy myself the dress and sweater from here. They are, of course, too much for this list, but I did find something I love (and that there are a lot of sizes left in). I love Nick & Mo clothing.
Long Sleeve Barb Henley - $25


Stars and Infinite Darkness
You must get yourself a cute wallet with a bike on it. You must. I don't even ride a bike and I know bikes are cute as all get out.
randL: The O.G. - $26


American Eagle
I hate that AE, like Abercrombie, puts their logo on everything. There are a lot of cute hoodies and such that say "AE" on them and thus make me not want them. I do like some stuff from these (I buy almost all my jeans there) and I think these shoes are kind of cute, but I'd probably look at them in person before buying.
AE Slingback Flat - $14.95

Active Endeavors
Man, I know this place is like hyper-fashionable (OMG Cory Kennedy links to it), but most of it is relatively unattractive and really expensive. I keep looking because I am in love with some of those dresses and I swear when they are less than $100, I will buy one. Some of the coats are cute too. But for today, I am breaking my rule and showing you a cute, basic, reasonably priced shirt, but it is only available in large.
2nd Skin 3/4 Skin Scoop - $22

A few notes: Nordstrom always does $5 flat shipping, but this week Urban Outfitters is going $6 flat rate so take advantage if there is something you have been wanting to buy (for example sexy as hell black lace flats or the cutest fucking wall hanging in the world).

How would it be if I did a weekly round-up of sales at select stores? Not like every sale item, but whatever special there is (free shipping, $10 off $75, etc)? I think it would be awesome just for my own use, but I worry that this will become solely a fashion blog and I love music and movies and books too!

As always, which I often forget to mention, all the pictures belong to the sites I link to.

Deals of the Weekend - $20 and under

I am stuck inside watching football with my boyfriend so I am shopping online and finding some kickass deals:

JCrew
Final sale item. No returns. No exchanges so pick the size wisely. You can always give them to someone you love as a gift. I absolutely love these. You cannot beat the price and they are long enough to not look really youthful or skanky. It is on its way to being too cold for these, but they are timeless so you can wear them next year!
5" Chino Shorts - $14.99


Bus Stop Shop
Only medium size left. I know, I know. It isn't tank top time, but really you need to think about layering. Layers look so nice especially compared to a bulky jacket. And the length and design of this will look great under all the cute stuff you will buy in the coming months. Also, it is just really cute.
Minx Tank - $19


Stars and Infinite Darkness Thanks for nothing. Stars and Infinite Darkness gave me quick the task finding somehting under $20. There was another tee but it was ugly, plus I liked this one. I think it is a nice, comfortable and affordable shirt and everyone needs some of those. Plus, it is classy. There is Spanish on it! Nothing is classier than Spanish, except maybe French.
"Gracias Por Nada" T-shirt - $20


American Eagle
Multiple colors. This, again, will look so cute layered. Plus, I really like lace. And if you pair it with some of the cute lace panties from the Gap Body collection, you can seduce the man (or woman) of your dreams because you will look sexy and innocent in that outfit. Seriously.
Lacy Tank - $14.95


Active Endeavors
Only Medium left. Down from $48. Listen, it was hard to find anything that was reasonably priced on that website. I thought this seemed like a good price for a tank in general, not just from this place. And since it was originally $48, it should be one high quality tank.
Generra Rib Tank - $14


Urban Outfitters
Multiple sizes and colors and it just a cute looking dress. I think it is just adorable. The red is definitely my favorite. It would look so cute with some tights and one of the cute, nicely cut jackets that are so popular right now.
Lux Tieback Strappy Dress - $19.99


Anthropologie
Sizes 8-14 available. I know it is after Labor Day and white is a no-no, but I have been actively ignoring that rule my entire life. Plus, this is an adorable skirt, it is from Anthropologie AND it is a cut that will be flatterint to almost anyone.
Daylily Skirt - $19.95


Nordstrom
I figured I should include some shoes and these are so cute. I know they are really summer-y and next year the shoe styles might not be the same, but of man, the polka dots and the bow just drove me crazy. They are so freaking cute. I say grab them, wear them for the next month (or more if you live in Florida) and then hide them in the closet and hope they are cool next year. If not, they were less than $20.
Volatile "Hotspot" Espadrille - $19.90

I hate when sites do $20 and under and then everything is close to $20, but I realized it is hard to find stuff lower. And like I would see tanks for $9, but then I would see something away better for $19 and I would pick that thing that was the better deal. Rumor has it that markdown day is Wednesday so Wednesday I will post another list (probably $30 and under) and then Friday (pay day!) I will do $50 and under.

I would also like to throw out there that Rack Room Shoes is doing buy one get one 50% off and since I am not a Jimmy Choo kind of girl, I took advantage and got knee high boots (brown) for $40 and then with the deal, I got cute red flats for $10. I am pretty happy. Plus, if I ruin them I won't be sad.

I've been shopping

This morning, in my mind, I spend $300 on clothes. Luckily, I have not yet done it in real life. What I want:

Nordstrom: I feel like I could find shoes I like more for less money. I love the skirt and top though, but there is only one color of skirt left and only two sizes so shouldn't it be one sale? I am going to check in over the next few days and hope there is a price drop.

Bus Stop Shop: I love both these items. I found this site kind of randomly, but I like it. The cardigan is $74 which I am finding is within the price range of cardigans that I would want. It seems expensive, but I don't think it is. The dress on the other hand is just adorable and under $50 and on sale. I don't know what to do. I don't have any money and I can't really justify the expense. I spent $250 at Anthropologie like a month ago.

Books! Books!

So far this week, I have finished 3 books. They were all very good, but very different.

I finally finished Saboteurs: The Nazi Raid on America by Michael Dobbs. I heard about the book from an episode of This American Life and the book combined two of my greatest interests: Nazi and the death penalty. The book started off kind of weak and honestly, if I hadn't already heard the story on TAL, I probably would have quit reading it, but I am so glad I didn't. The book turned out so well. The amount of research Dobbs must have done for this book absolutely blew my mind. The end, even though I knew what was coming, still made me really sad.

The second I finished that book I started The Whore's Child and Other Stories by Richard Russo. The first story in the book, The Whore's Child, made me enormously sad. This on top of the ending of the Nazi book were just too much and put me in quite the mood for the rest of the day. The story was fantastic and the best in the collection, but all the stories were good and you can really see how his novels incorporated the short stories.

Just about an hour ago, I finished Manic Magee by Jerry Spinelli. It is a Newberry award winning book, but I had never read it before. I absolutely loved it sometimes and other times I didn't like it at all. His writing style was amazing and engaging and varied and I really appreciated that from young adult literature, but sometimes I felt almost manipulated and the story felt too contrived. Those moments were few and far between and since the book is less than 200 pages it wasn't so bad. The ending was perfect. Probably one of the best book endings I have ever read. I honestly don't know if this book would have meant as much to be had I read it when I was at that reading level.
I am starting No One Belongs Here More than You by Miranda July and I have been anxiously awaiting this book for what seems like forever.

Follow Up #2

The people protesting the UPD in support of Andrew Meyer were annoying but relatively innocuous. I thought they were being stupid, but to each his own. Until this morning. The Alligator led with this story. This angered me so much that I would be willing to inflict physical harm on the people that did it. That officer was hit by a drunk driver while protected students celebrating a national championship victory. And no one will claim that the UPD (and GPD) didn't do a great job during those celebration. There were very few arrest and mainly they spent their time making sure drunk people didn't get themselves killed by falling off things. The UPD (and GPD) really shined during all three of those celebrations. When Officer Dahlem was killed, the entire university felt terrible. Defacing his memorial was sick and disgusting.

**GPD added since Officer Dahlem was a GPD officer, not a UPD officer thus making the graffiti even crueler.

Follow Up

This event has led me to write a letter, something I never do:
I am a UF alum and current staff member. When I originally saw the video of what happened to Mr. Meyer, I was aghast. Looking further into the incident, I felt that mistakes were made on both sides. Meyer shouldn't have resisted arrest and the officer shouldn't have used the Taser on him. After spending the day learning more and more about the incident and listening to people's outlandish reactions, I have come to believe that the UPD was, while not entirely correct, trying to handle the situation appropriately. I do not think the entire department should have to endure anger and harassment from the community because of the overreaction of one officer. I am very liberal and a strong supporter of free speech, but I don't see this as even a remotely political issue and I am sorry to see this devolve into such a debate. If someone is flailing while running at a sitting US Senator, then he should be removed and possibly detained. I would just like to say that I hope the charges are not dropped against Meyer as he clearly broke the law and his action was premeditated.

The Darjeeling Limited trailer

I am very much looking forward to this movie.

News News

A student was Tased by University Police officers at a John Kerry event last night. The video is all over the place. People at my job (the admissions office) are getting calls and being yelled at over this incident.

The video of course is too short to show the whole story which includes that he was told previously not to cause a disturbance or he would be asked to leave. He was told no more questions then allowed one question. Not only did he ask more than one question, but he didn't ask in a calm respectful manner. He tried to start problems and he was escorted out. Then he resisted arrest.
In my opinion, I don't think he should have been Tased, but he isn't some innocent guy. He has been in trouble before. He was warned. He was clearly trying to make a scene. I don't think the cops were right, but everyone is jumping on his side and even protesting to get the officers in trouble and Tasers banned from campus (which clearly isn't thought through. What do they want then? Billy clubs and mace?).
Something Awful has a thread about it which is where I first heard (last night). I think it is good to read because it gives you a number of viewpoints and more of the story.
It is some crazy shit and I hope it blows over because I am sick of looking like a fascist for not immediately jumping on the side of the student. I feel really fucking bad for him. I felt physically ill when I heard him cry out. I really did. But I try not to let momentary emotions cloud my judgment. Bad things happen when you do that. The officer overreacted, but overreacting in response does not make it equal.
My favorite post from the SA thread:
" Name which right of his was being violated at this private function that he was trespassing.

Excuse me but I think you're forgetting about the "right to resist arrest if you don't agree with the reason you are being arrested." I think that's either the 3rd or 4th amendment. One of the low ones."
Edit:
His blog: http://www.theandrewmeyer.com/

I'm Still Not Caught Up

This is just the cutest thing in the world.

Since everyone else is doing it

It is the six year anniversary of Sept. 11th. I have a lot of political opinions about the whole situation (from the US response to New York's handling of ground zero), but that isn't for here. A lot of great fictions has come out of the events and since I love books, it is what is being addressed today.
The Zero by Jess Walters. I already talked about this book because it is so good and so engrossing that thinking about anything else while you are reading it is impossible. It is entirely disjointed. Reading the book makes you feel like I imagine you would have felt had you been at the World Trade Center that day. It is unclear who is a hero and who is a coward, who is lying and who is trustworthy, what is going on and why. The book is just amazing and deeply effective.
Falling Man by Don Delillo. To be fair, I haven't read this book, but I plan to and it is going to be fantastic. Not only is Delillo incredibly talented, but he has an astounding grasp of the human condition.
I was going to post the image of the Falling Man, but I can't bring myself to, as I still find the picture overwhelming and I don't think it is fair to surprise people with it.
And to end on a cheery note:
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Sept. 11th
Sept. 11th who?
You said you'd never forget!

Have a good Patriot Day. Be nice to people.

[image from Amazon.com]

Mc Chris

1) is coming to Gainesville in November. I will be there. No joke. Not like this Andrew Bird crap.
2) said this:
"last night i watched the vma's and i was so bored, i flew through it on my tivo. if i was reading they'd call it skimming. i dunno. everyone looked fat and rich and boring. nothing awesome and desperate, hungry about it. no connection to the people. it's my belief that the people in the club arent the people. the people like they say in it's a wonderful life, do the living and dying, salt of the earth, blue collar whatever you wanna call it. i think of pissed off surbanite teens as the people, the hobo kids, the squatters, the msi goths. i dont know where this club that mtv thinks we all wanna be in is. dancing with a mixed drink in one hand, placed strategically in the audience like a town hall meeting with the president. it all seemed played out and stupid. next. maybe be[ing] famous isnt cool anymore."
And maybe it isn't.

Football Kickoff Weekend

I had a really good time watching football this weekend. I never really like Pro Football before, but with a fantasy team, I am now pretty into it. I changed some stuff around. I picked up Ronald Curry (of Oakland) and Indy defense (TWENTY fantasy points) to compliment Seattle (which did a very good job with 16 points). Calvin Johnson will certainly be playing for me next week.
I also found out I can't go to Andrew Bird (in ATL) on Thursday so I am trying to sell my tickets if you want to buy them!

September Outfits from Anthropologie

I got an email today from Anthropologie telling me to check out the September outfits, and since I do whatever my email tells me, I went right over.
My favorites:

From this outfit:
I loved this one right away. I mean, look how sweet that model looks. She is just so pretty. But I love the way that jacket fits and I really like that it is shorter and the sleeves of the dress peek out. I'm not totally sure about the boots, but I adore the scarf. I don't usually like things like that (and I can never wear one, living in Florida). It is just well-executed. I wonder though how it would look without the jacket or with the jacket unbuttoned. I feel like it would lose the nice shape. That dress seems like it would just hang down shapelessly without the jacket. I do like the navy coat and black shoes. I am always nervous about doing that, but she looks great.
AND

From this outfit:
I love the blazer/hoodie thing. It is casual and comfortable looking while still being dressy and nice. I also think the skirt is really cute. I HATE the shoes, but otherwise it is very nice.

I meant to post this the other day

I thought maybe it would alienate people, but if you are as in love with Richard Feynman as the rest of the science-loving world is, then you will find this to be awesomely amusing. If you don't know him, I have a book you should read.

Oh. My. God.

Please buy me one. They are all so cute.

Count Your Sheep is staying cute

It is making me really happy. I love the mom so much. (Laurie, I think? I am terrible with even fictional names)

I hear tell

that skinny jeans are out.

Let's celebrate the end of girls looking like shit in unflattering pants.

Day off= SA Day

= funny shit I find posted there reposted here

Bella

Awhile back I recommended "No One Will Know" by Bella. They have now put it up in their Myspace. Have a listen. I'm still very much enjoying the song.

I love Fall

With the month of September comes show premiers (though I am unsure what to watch this season) and college football (Gators!) and pro football, something I don't usually follow BUT this year I am playing fantasy football with James and his co-worker and his worker's friends (so loads of people I don't know). The draft was today and I don't mind saying that I kicked ass.

I'm also looking forward to the cooler weather and cute clothes.
But yeah, feel free to comment on how fucking awesome my fantasy team is. Is that Frank Gore? Why, yes! Yes, it is. Oh and I have another defense. It is pending or some shit (I know none of the terminology) but soon the Vikings will be my other defense.

Look!

I made myself as a Gwen Stefani paper doll thing. I would wear a school girl outfit every day if possible. Cute skirts, sweaters, and collared shirts. Gorgeous. I'm not a big fan of plaid though.

Troubled Hubble - Nancy

This band was fucking fantastic. Sadly, they are no longer a band. Luckily, I got to see them TWICE before the broke up. Once at the Heatwave in Tampa and again at the now closed Infinity Room in Ybor City. Both shows were just amazing.

Webcomics

I love finding a new, really good blog. I just discovered (how is has this existed without my knowledge?) Fleen and I am absolutely loving it. I have a lot of back reading to do. And all the webcomics it has introduced me to! I am going to be so busy the next few weeks.
The list of what I am beginning to read (in the order I will read them):
Pictures for Sad Children
Count Your Sheep
Minimalist Stick Figure Theater
High Maintenance Machine
Sheldon Comics
Cat and Girl
Gunnerkrigg Court

Oh my god. Count Your Sheep is the CUTEST. COMIC. EVER.

By the way, did I mention that I SAW SCOTT MCCLOUD?!?! It was part of his Fifty States Tour (that wraps up Saturday). He was so smart and funny and approachable. I absolutely adored him. His family is just the cutest too! I cannot believe they spent almost a year together on tour. And they all still love each other.

Picture Brush Rat posted on the McCloud livejournal.

Things a girl needs:

Female roommates. Seriously. I am trying to put together a work appropriate outfit with my gorgeous new dress and I can't tell if it is school teacher innocent or idiotic looking.
I bought an awesome pair of Steve Madden peep-toe pumps. I got them from Dillard's (a store a very rarely go in) and they were only $20! Hopefully, they last longer than my other ones, which were good shoes but couldn't handle the tumble I took down the stairs at work last week (It was less of a tumble. More of a fall).
I cannot wait for cold weather and all the cute clothes that I get to wear when it comes. I don't like warm weather clothes with all their skin showing and bright colors.
Girls also need football. I am excited for this weekend!

Plans

I have been excited about September since June probably. So many good things are coming in the next few weeks. I am so poor, but that will not stop me from having fun. Hello debt!
8/31 - The Ten opens in Gainesville. I want to do dinner and a movie. The drive will be long from Blue Highway to the movie theater, but whatever. It will be awesome. You must come. Kim is going.
9/13 - Andrew Bird. I asked for the time off work and my boss hasn't okay'd it yet, but I will remind her Monday if she still hasn't.
9/25 - DO MAKE SAY THINK. I am so fucking excited about this. I saw them with/as Broken Social Scene in November and it was the best show ever.
9/29 - Rilo Kiley - Maybe. In Atlanta. We'll see.
10/4 - Okkervil River. If James can get off work.

Picture from Andrew Bird's myspace.

Sylvia Recommends

Ginger Ale in the can
Pilates with Jillian
Anthropologie clothing (I bought the above dress)
Great telling of true stories
Picnics and adventures at lunch time
True love
New jobs

More Books

I just finished The Zero by Jess Walters and it was fucking fantastic. I can't remember the last time I tore through a book like I did this one.

I also finished Straight Man by Richard Russo while I was in California. I have one more book that I decided to check out from the library off the McSweeney's Recommends list and I am looking forward to reading it. Also, I need to go back through that list and read everything ever recommended because these books have been that good.
I would like to point out the McSweeney's Recommends The Wire. It is the best show on television, seriously. Even if you don't like TV, it is worth watching. You know how you can tell it's good? No award nominations. Seriously.

I am home

San Francisco was great.

THEY CAME OUT WITH NEW ROOMBAS!

Entirely new. I think someone is going to get a used Roomba from me for Christmas so I can buy myself a new one. Oh baby. They are gorgeous. I need one so badly.

SF Day 5

Today James and I went into San Anselmo and walked around. I had Chinese chicken salad from Comforts and James had a bagel. I had forgotten how good bagels can be. Bagels in Gainesville are terrible. Cream cheese in Gainesville is also bad.
We stopped at all the cute little shops, but we are way too poor to buy anything. Also, I have no money. The hotel room hasn't been charged yet and that makes me nervous. When we checked out the woman barely said anything to us and just waved us away. I am hoping that somehow they magically never charge us. I could use the extra $150.
I feel like we are wasting our day, but I don't know what to do. It is impractical to drive into the city and we are going back to Berkeley tomorrow. I wouldn't mind finding something for the afternoon though.
I don't want to ever leave, but with money running out, I am kind of happy we are leaving soon.

This is so long

We are still in California. Let's play catch up.
Wednesday, we ate brunch at Mama’s. It was good though I don’t know if it was worth the wait. I should have gotten pancakes and fruit, the ultimate test of quality.
We checking into our hotel room, at Hotel Metropolis. It was on the border of a shady-ish neighborhood, but the hotel itself was wonderful. There was a mix-up with my reservation but everything turned out okay (though slightly more than I expected).


We shopped. I spent way too much money at Anthropologie, but I got a beautiful dress and a very pretty skirt and a shirt that I am still nervous about, though it looks nice on me so I think I am happy. I also bought a kick ass pair of red Nike’s from Urban Outfitters. They are a boy’s size six and they were the display shoes so they were half off and then UO was having a sale (probably online too) that gave half off anything on sale which brought the $80 shoes down to $20. They were also a million times better for walking around than my beat-up old Asics.

We walked around the city a bunch and shopped more and ate at Blondie’s (I am officially a bigger fan of Fat Slice) before heading back to our room and hanging out before we went to our show. It was at the Great American Music Hall (a beautiful venue), which is on O’Farrell St. O’Farrell scared me very much (mostly all the homeless) and I felt guilty about being afraid, but in my defense, the Florida homeless don’t wear large coats (because it is a million degrees) and the San Francisco homeless do, so they look bigger and more menacing.

-The weather has been beautiful-
The show! It was so awesome. The crowd was very cool, very indie, but not like pretentious indie. Everyone was a lot of fun and really seemed to enjoy themselves. The first act was Ingrid Michaelson. She was amazing. I had no idea who she was or what to expect, but she had a beautiful voice and a charming personality and I just adored her. She played with Ally Ross who I developed a crush on during the show, so much so that when she waved to the audience I WAVED BACK. I felt like such a nerd, but man, she was lovely. They were so good and the crowd for them was small but adoring. I felt so bad for the people that showed up late and missed them. Had they been it, it still would have been worth the $15 ticket. BUT then, The Little Ones performed. I had also never heard of them and AGAIN I was amazed by the quality. They were so good and energetic. They were quite a bit different than Ingrid Michaelson, but I was able to dance to them and the songs were so catchy and fun. Again, the show was only $15! It was so good. Finally (though it didn’t take long really) The Magic Numbers performed and I almost died a little. They are larger than life in so many senses (including the fact that they are all a bit overweight). Their set was amazing and even the lesser songs from the albums were good live. They didn’t perform one song I wanted to hear, but everything sounded so good that I was okay with it. I stood right in front of Angela which was a good place to be as she was the most adorable of the bunch. After their set ended, I asked one of the staff members from GAMH for the set list when he got back onstage. Not only did he give it to me, but he said “Only for you, darling,” which, of course, I adored.
The next day we went to Specialty’s for breakfast (I love Specialty’s) and cookies and the cookies were amazing, as usual.

We then headed to Chinatown, through North Beach, to Pier 39 (for In-N-Out) and then back up through North Beach to Union Square where I got See’s Candy and some lipgloss from Sephora (I didn’t have much time there),
We took the ferry home and I took a million pictures of everything, including San Quentin, because I am obsessed with prisons. I also got some beautiful shots of the city.


Today, we went to Berkeley and had a wonderful time. I got a Cal t-shirt, a beautiful vintage skirt, a Criterion, some comics/graphic novels/zines, books, and more In-N-Out (though in Mill Valley, there isn’t one in Berkeley). We went to all the best places: Rasputin’s (the other one), Amoeba (the other one), Mars (thrift shop), Crossroads (thrift shop), the campus bookstore (lame), Comic Relief (HUGE comic shop), Half Priced Books (bookstore), and Tully’s (coffee shop with good tea). The Berkeley campus was beautiful and the weather was perfect. It was a little warm in Berkeley, it got all the way up to 75. I have enjoyed driving the Infiniti we are borrowing from James’ family It drives really fun. Plus, driving in California is kickass. People aren’t slow and meek like in Florida.
I miss Gator Dawgs and the people, but other than that I would love to never leave. Tomorrow, we are headed to San Anselmo. And tonight, we are going to Fairfax (we hate Fairfax) to see Superbad.

SF Day 1

I am in San Francisco for a week with my boyfriend, James.
Our flight arrived early so we grabbed our bags and called our ride and headed into the city. We decided to do The Haight today because it is the opposite direction of everything else we want to do this week. We ate lunch at Fat Slice (which was better than I remember. I got a veggie slice and it was far better than the cheese). We went to Amoeba and marveled at their DVDs (all fairly priced meaning no purchasing. We only buy DVDs that are good deals) and noticed that we own a few off their rare/collectable wall, including the Old Boy tin.
We went to Booksmith and got some cute little books and looked for signed copies of things we wanted but we had less luck this time than last.
I went to a couple boutiques and tried on some dresses but it was mostly unflattering babydoll dresses so I didn’t buy any clothes.
We then walked from Haight and Ashbury to the Powell St. BART station, which was fun. We overheard a conversation in which one man was explaining that he needed to get off the “stuff” but there was no way he was doing methadone treatment. We saw another man speaking softly to his cocaine as he cut it on the windowsill of a convenience store. I had never seen cocaine in person before (I live a very sheltered life) so it was an exciting experience.
We took the Golden Gate Ferry back home. The ride was lovely, though very cold and wet. We sat outside so we could see the city and it was beautiful. The fog never lifted today so as we sailed away, we could see the Golden Gate Bridge peaking out of the fog. Now I am relaxing in Marin County, known for its wealth, specifically BMWs and cocaine use. It is beautiful, the weather is perfect and I never want to leave.
We took a car, a boat, a plane and a train today! I am so nerdy excited about that.

NBC is simultaneously the best and worst network on television. I was just thinking last night that NBC is the only network with an evening of shows that I enjoy watching. With the exception of 30 Rock, Thursdays are fantastic. I love Scrubs and this last season wasn't great, but it is still an enjoyable show. My Name is Earl always makes me laugh. Jason Lee is a Scientologist, but he is really fucking funny, so I can get past that. The Office is one of the best comedies on television and probably the best show on network television. Those three shows alone are enough for me to proclaim NBC the best network. No other network can even come up with a decent show and have instead resorted to formulaic medical and crime dramas that are as interesting as they are intellectually stimulating. There are other good shows, House and Lost, but neither are good enough to get me to watch every week like NBC does.
However, NBC is also the network behind To Catch a Predator. TCAP is by far the worst show on television. Not only is it fear mongering and disturbing, but possibly unlawful. Esquire (the only commercial magazine I read) has a very good piece this month entitled "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die." Chris Hansen is horrible and the show certainly doesn't abide by the innocent until proven guilty ideal. Dateline and their partner in this Perverted Justice disgust me regardless of whether their claims that their actions are lawful are true. Clearly, I think child sexual assault is wrong, but I think luring a criminal to a location, interviewing them on film, and then turning them over to the police is a violation of their civil rights. People should not be treated like that. Teach your kids to behave online and not to meet strangers. Be responsible on your own. Don't count on some shitty, possible illegal television show to protect you. The whole world doesn't need to revolve around keeping your kid safe. Keep your own child safe. You also don't need signs put on the lawns of people convicted of sex crimes. It is called personal responsibility. And if you are really concerned about keeping sexual predators away from children, don't send them to prison, send them to therapy. Teach these people to stay away from children, don't send them to jail for uncontrollable sexual urges. People need to be more proactive. At very least, don't delude yourself into thinking that shows like To Catch a Predator are going to save you or your family or by watching that show you are helping in any way. The only thing you are helping is the degradation of people's rights. So way to go NBC (and all you people that watch that horrible show).

Jokes and Jokes and Jokes

Actually, just one joke:

How many Radical Feminists does it take to change a light bulb?

None. Radical Feminists can’t change anything.


HA.

This is the kind of feminist I guess I am.

Hanners is back on QC

I love this new Hanners arc. I absolutely adore her. Check out Questionable Content everyday!

I didn't see that he hosts the comics so I saved it and am uploading it which I hate doing for so many reasons, but this one is just wonderful.

Victory Records

A number of people are pushing this Victory Records story. And claiming it is huge news suppressed by whomever it is the suppresses such things. I will admit that the article is really fucking long and I lost interest about a page and a half in. It wasn't very well-written. Now I think that record companies should act right, all record labels. And I don't think this company should receive more flack because they are an "indie label." And maybe I would care more if I liked any of the band on the label. But I figured I will share the story. If you care, then good. Don't buy their records. I already don't. But this is like all things, I don't think it will make a difference.
Suicide Girls and American Apparel are frequently attacked for management's practices. But that doesn't stop indie people from purchasing what they're selling. I will honestly admit that I like Suicide Girls (I talk occasionally with Morgan) and I own American Apparel clothing. I hear you should actually buy from Alternative Apparel, but there is an American Apparel around here and I know what size I wear so it is easy. And that is the thing, people are going to do what is easiest. That is why everyone knows Wal-Mart is horrible, but shops their anyway. I don't shop at Wal-Mart for a myriad of reasons, including the corporate reputation. I do shop at American Apparel because I don't care that the founder is a pervert and that the ads are borderline pornography. I know that sounds bad, but I really don't. I think that if the girls feel exploited, they should do something about it (and be supported in doing so), but I also think that American society is so puritanical that we need more ads promoting sex. People need to be desensitized. It's just sex. People are desensitized to violence, which is far worse in my opinion. I would love opinions on this and if I am wrong or taking something too lightly, tell me. My opinions are not steadfast. So let me know, send me links, let's be friends.

Haha They're SO Fun!

I love love love Bella! I wish them all the luck in the world with their new album. Notice I didn't call them cute? Reason:

I read an old New York Times article about cuteness. I think I read it when it originally ran, but I didn't have anywhere to write about it. It made me really rethink my use of the word cute and my desire to be cute. As the article puts it: "Cute cues are those that indicate extreme youth, vulnerability, harmlessness and need." The idea that anyone would strive for those things is ridiculous and kind of disgusting. Who would want to be extremely young (though I do concede my desire to look youthful, I don't think I take it to an extreme) and vulnerable? At times, I think vulnerability is important. No one should force themselves to be guarded all the time. It isn't something you should work at being (unless, of course, you are unapproachable). Harmlessness is okay though still not an admirable trait. And outside of childhood, neediness is just sad. Learn to take care of yourself! There is very little a person CANNOT do for themselves. Not that I am the fully free from wishing to be any of those things, but I am going to work on not aiming for that and not calling people cute as a compliment unless they are children.

One Week Countdown

I would just like to say that as much as I love the sun and rain of Florida, I am very much looking forward to San Francisco weather. I mean, Gainesville is nice and all, but August is total shit.

Just a reminder:

I called this. This, of course, being the goodness that is Los Campesinos! I want to see them live so badly. Look how cute they are! I love bands with cute female members.
Speaking of bands with cute female members, I would like to remind you that I am predicting Bella's album No One Will Know is coming out and I am predicting quality. Let's just say that from everything I have heard, this band is exploding with heartfelt cuteness and I absolutely adore them.

Picture belongs to Pitchfork.