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.

Food

One of my favorite things about the Bay Area is the AMAZING food. Not only is there a wide variety, but competition keeps the food astounding. So I have a huge list of places I plan to eat while I am there. HUGE. I am going to go for walks and eat healthy all the week to make up for the fact that for 7 days, I am going to eat everything I see.

Pizza:
Blondie's: Blondie's has really good, big, delicious slices of pizza. It is NY style.
Gioia: Gioia sells the best pizza I have ever had. Hands down. No question. I will not leave Berkeley until I get a slice of that pizza.
Fat Slice: I always get Fat Slice when I go out, but it isn't my favorite and is the one I will pass on if I am short on time/stomach space.

Mexican:
Taqueria San Jose: It is a bit out of our way, but the look of that burrito (see above) pretty much means I have to eat there. How could I not? I have never seen food that looks better than that.
Taqueria Mi Pueblo: I ate here a number of times the last time we were out. The servings are huge and so tasty. I even ate reheated nachos from there, they were so good. I am really looking forward to going back there.

Other:
In-N-Out: No trip to California can be complete without a trip to In-N-Out. I get a grilled cheese, those delicious fries, and a milk shake. It is the best fast food I have ever had. Someone claimed that Five Guys Burgers and Fries was better. They are wrong.
Comforts: Comforts is the cutest little place in San Anselmo. I love getting lunch to go there. They put it all together for you and it is so good AND cute. What more could you ask for? The staff could be nicer, but the food is good enough to make up for it. I am so excited, so so excited, for their Chinese Chicken Salad. I actually dream about it.
Mama's on Washington Square: Every time we go out, we say we are going to go to Mama's and we have yet to. I have heard nothing but rave reviews of the place. Since we will be in the city breakfast time this time, I think I am going to make the trip. The food looks amazingly good.

I am sure there are more, but those are all I can come up with right now.

Picture is from RoadFood, one of the best sites on the internet.

I just finished reading:

Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott. The book is short and just fantastic. It reads as if it were contemporary (it was written in 1884). Some of the ideas presented are at the base for contemporary scientific theory, like String Theory. Not only that, but Flatland is a social satire and many parts of the novella are quite funny and poignant. In one of the introductions in the copy I read (Oxford English), the idea of collection consciousness was proposed and that is an idea that I am quite interested in, even though it being true is as unlikely as there being a God.

I am in the process of reading:
Saboteurs: The Nazi Raid on America by Michael Dobbs
Straight Man by Richard Russo
and, the book I'll never finish,
What is Marriage For? by E.J. Graff

Paprika trailer

I watched this movie Friday night. It was fantastic.
Look how good it looks! It is a truly beautiful movie.

Clothes/Fashion/Buying Things

One of my absolute favorite blogs, Coquette, does a Web Snob Weekly Roundup that I adore. I just wanted to give it a plug.

Oh Noes

I am back in BYOB on Something Awful, so I will probably be MIA for awhile or posting really stupid shit that I think is funny.
Oh, if you're in Gainesville, may I suggest MAMAW MENAGERIE? Hopefully, fun will be had by all. We'll seeee.

11 days until San Francisco and then you and I can be friends again, my poor blog. I will post pictures of my trip in my photo blog which I will link to as soon as I remember the address.

Shopping

I am saving because I am going shopping in San Francisco but that has not even slowed my looking a little bit.
If you really want to prove your love, I made an Anthropologie Wish List. I want cute, more adult clothes for work. Sadly, I don't really make enough money to buy that stuff. I really love the Wildflower Cardigan, so I think I am going to get that regardless.
Anthropologie put up their August Outfits. I adore this one:


I don't think I could pull it off. I'm short and even in those heels, I don't think I would look decent in it.

I want to dye my hair or do something different. I don't know. We'll see...