Vagabonding

Working at a tech company comes with some benefits that I hadn't considered when I first started.  For instance, we have a fully-stocked kitchen and lots of cozy common spaces to sit in. This past month, we began a new initiative at work that does away almost entirely with the concept of a cubicle. We are now using an alternative workspace approach.

This means that each person can choose where they will sit each day.  Some folks have chosen to stick to the traditional one desk approach.  While someone like me goes to the other extreme and gives up their desk entirely.  For the past few weeks I have been completely unchained from a desk - a vagabond, a nomad.

Each morning, when I arrive, I find a couch and get my laptop out on my knees and start working. There are so many benefits to this that I hadn't really considered before and I have become a big proponent for this setup.  Not all workplaces can go this route, but if you need to foster collaboration among team members, or cross-functionally, nothing beats this approach.

Each day, I sit down and am surrounded by an entirely new group of people.  I get to participate in and overhear discussions that I would otherwise be separate from. It allows more people and more variety into the tackling of a problem we are facing as a department or company. We can be more efficient and smarter about problem-solving and innovation. It has also given me the opportunity to learn more about my co-workers.  What music they like to listen to, what they do outside of work, what things they geek out about.  When you are sitting and working more casually, it allows for a more fluid stream of ideas and conversation. I don't need to make time to be social with these people anymore.  Now it is just part of how we naturally interact with one another.

This has also had another side effect that I was not anticipating.  Because work is a bit more flowing and creative now, it's easier for me to stay in "create mode" when I leave at the end of the day.  I can get onto the train and do a solid hour of writing because I've been letting ideas stew throughout the day during my conversations and observations. For the first time, my work is fueling my creative energies and not hindering them.  I am writing and making art not in rebellion of my other daily work, but as bookends to it.

So, huzzah to alternative workplace environments! Maybe consider proposing it at your workplace.  It's much easier to implement than you would think.

Writing by Train

When I was first hired at my most recent job, everyone in my life wanted to know about my commute. They were so sad to hear that I would have to spend at least 2 hours each work day on the train. But I luckily, do not share this hesitation towards public transportation.

It's been a month now and I have enjoyed every day that I have ridden on the train. It gives me time to think. Time to read. And now, time to write.

Now that I've started blogging again, I've rediscovered my voice and like any habit, I've fallen back into writing. I'm reading through drafts while the lawyer beside me is checking in with clients. I'm outlining chapters while the NP to my right is applying makeup. And after three years of retail work, my brain is bursting with characters who want to be brought to life. Every year gives me more experience and a richer story to tell.

This morning I found myself saying hello to Brendan, one of my very first characters. His story was halted prematurely several years ago when I lost a draft I was working on. But this morning I decided to give him some of my attention, and his story has only gotten better in the meantime. I'm looking forward to exploring that world again and seeing where it takes me.

Thank you MBTA for giving me what I've been looking for lately: time to write.

A constant journey of improvement

As an information scientist, nothing interests me more than making knowledge and learning accessible to as many people as possible. That is why I am so happy to participate in the EdX open courseware program that many of our nation's colleges and universities have begun contributing to. EdX brings the expertise of some really excellent minds into the homes of anyone who wants to learn. And don't worry if you don't own a computer. As long as you are near a library, this program is available to you. (Yeah, libraries!)

My husband and I have been waging an ongoing battle regarding the philosophical use and value of statistical information since we first met. He's quite analytical and I can be pretty emotional in my arguments. So, in an effort to educate myself on the foundation of statistical data for the sake of my marriage, I joined the statistics course being offered through EdX by a professor from UC Berkley.

The class is quite interesting so far, and for something available for free, the quality is tremendous. I am shocked by the amount of basic algebra I have retained - my teachers weren't lying when they said I would use that knowledge again.

Basically, to all of my friends, this is a PSA. Keep learning, take advantage of these sorts of opportunities. If nothing else, it might keep you from getting stuck in a cubicle.

Check out all the classes over at EdX.org

Meanwhile, Back in Cubicle Land, Or, How to Suck at Writing

Well, after a respite as a Bookseller and almost writer, I'm back in the land of cubicles.  Although, I have to say, I've taken a step up.  I am no longer confined to a sad, lonely cubicle that cuts you off from your neighbors and fosters a sense of everything BUT collaboration.  I am now the happy resident of a Pod.  That's right, a Pod.  I share an open desk system with 4 other people who are all quite brilliant and kind.  This is a much different world and I am happy to be a part of it.

So if you've come back hoping for the same sarcasm and jaded bitterness of 2009's Cubitude, well, turn around now!  Leave! I've returned, alright, but all of that rage is going to start filtering off into other places because my new cubicle situation is awesome. So get ready for a brand new attitude about cubicles and the people who reside in them.  This is a brand new adventure and a brand new me.

And now, to explain the second part of this post title: How to Suck at Writing.  If you'll indulge a little second  person narration, I'll explain exactly how this works.

Have a plan.

Start out with lots of ideas and write them all down. Once you've got all of these ideas just the way you like them, realize that they are truly awful and abandon that notebook on a shelf.

Start a blog.

Start another blog.  Start another blog with a friend and watch as you both give up on it. Get really adventurous and start a vlog. Make videos and write songs. Pretend like you still write, but know deep down that you've already given up.

Find some writer friends and have your hope rekindled. Start writing furiously and get back to that first story you thought might be really good. Read. Read everything. Learn how other people do what you want to do.

Start a new project. Plot out the entire story from beginning to end. Get completely overwhelmed and watch as all of your writer friends begin and finish their projects.

Start a third novel and abandon that one like all the others.

Find a new hobby and realize how much better you are at it than writing. Write on your blog occasionally  but feel guilty every time you do. Start another collaborative blog and abandon that one, too. Stop writing, stop singing, stop reading. Get really sad and think about all of the stories you could have written. Think about all the words you could have used to explain what your insides felt like the first time someone held your hand. Think about how you would write excellent sex scenes that wouldn't end with the clicking of a light switch.  Imagine how you could have used writing as therapy so that your husband wouldn't have to listen to all of your bullshit. Realize what a writer is.

Finally understand the essence of The Writer and how much a part of you it is.  You can't walk away from it or hide from it or ignore it. You can't do anything but be it, all the time.  You are a storyteller, even if it destroys you. Be the maker of worlds, even if they only exist in your own mind. Be the suckiest writer that ever existed, because at least then you are a writer.  At least then you embrace your nature.  And then, you'll get it.  You'll understand. You'll let go of the stress and expectations and just let yourself be.  And the words will come. And the stories will drip from your fingertips. And you'll realize that you never sucked. You just weren't done cooking yet. But you can here the timer going off.

Start a new blog.

Go back to that first story. Realize you finally know how to tell it. And tell it.

A Wordle Cloud of Previous Posts

A pretty song for all of you to digest... along with all of that ham you ate.

Hello everyone,

So, it's Easter Sunday.  I did all of those usual things that a good raised-Catholic-girl does today.  Only without the meat.  My boyfriend and I joined our landlord's family for dinner and everyone was so lovely.  It was nice to be with a big Italian family for one of the many "gorge-yourself-on-completely-insane-amounts-of-food" holidays.  It felt like going home, only without the 6 hour drive.

Beyond those predictable activities, I also uploaded a new video to YouTube.  So while your body is working overtime to sort out all the items that ended up inside of it (and before the RedSox home opener -- Go Sox!), feast your eyes on this awesomeness!  Comments of love and amazement are appreciated! :-)

I'm Back... on the YouTubes

Hey everyone!

I finally managed to pull a video together.  Just a quick update.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhJAGwkSheE

A little presumptuous of you Facebook, don't you think?

Ad targeting can be so magical.

I am Holden Caulfield?

I'm a bit of an ass.

When I was in High School, I read Catcher in the Rye.  And many people are frequently surprised to learn that I hated it.  I thought it was a pointless story and didn't understand why it was heralded as such a "classic".  I've always been a little jaded about it and usually jump down people's throats when they say that they like it.

So my brother put up an update on facebook last night that said "I am holden caulfield."

So I responded with "please... no... just... no."

Then, I find out this morning why my brother had that message up last night.  JD Salinger died yesterday.

*sigh*

Insensitive ass that I am.  I feel that I owe him another chance now.  I think I'll have to go back and read that damn story again.  Man...

Reminder: Check Twitter trends before responding to facebook updates in order to avoid embarrassingly ignorant comments.

Where My Mind Goes

I have a deadline.

In a few hours I have to hand in an assignment that is already 3 days late.  I don't even know why my teacher gave me an extension.  Maybe she's just kind?

So I've been sitting here all day, half-heatedly working on my assignment.  But what I've really been thinking about is Brendan.

Let me just be honest.  I'm in love with Brendan.  He's from overseas, has as many insecurities and awkward moments as the next person and wakes up with the most unruly hair I've ever seen.  He smells like sage and lemons whenever we sit down together.  I'm not sure if its a scent he applies, if its a memory he triggers in me or if its just something that comes naturally.  He's not perfect, but that's what makes him so damn interesting.  And he's always there, waiting for me when I want to talk or figure something out in my life.  I never have to explain anything, he just comes over, brews me some tea and waits for me to get it all out.  Sometimes months pass between conversations, but I'm always thinking about him.

The only real tragedy about Brendan...

is that he doesn't exist.

Not outside of my head at least.  He's the main character in almost every story I write.  Sometimes he has a different name, but it's always the same man.  He's kind and patient.  Always backs me up, even when my ideas are stale or cliched. 

So here's to you Brendan/David/Alex/Jason!  You're my favorite kind of procrastination.  I love you dearly and I hope we can keep up this tender, unexplainable love affair for years to come.

PS Brendan - I hope you don't mind that you currently look like David Tennant in my head.  Not the worst person to be likened to though, right?  You're such a good sport!

The Excuses...

I've been noticeably bad at blogging in recent months.  It takes a great deal of effort to convince myself that the reasons for this have nothing to do with being a bad blogger (or, God forbid, a bad writer).  Perhaps one or both of these things is true.  But a girl has to sleep - and fretting about what I could have spent my waking hours doing is not a healthy way to function. 

So here are some marvelous excuses that you can be certain I am indulging in when blog entries are scarce:

1. I'm a student...  I wouldn't necessarily call it an "indulgence," but it is the activity that probably fills up the most time (second only to my full-time job).  I'm studying information and library science.  The ultimate goal is to become a sexy librarian - who can actually help you find books and do research.  I'm a best of both worlds kind of girl.
2. I spend far too much time watching television... I'm one of those people who can't just watch one episode.  For instance, today I have about 30 minutes free and thought I would catch an episode of "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" while I waited for some laundry to finish.  3 hours later, I've watched all of season 2 and immediately segue into reading the blog of Belle de Jour.  Which brings me to...
3. I read more blog entries in a day than I'll ever write in a year... Blogs fascinate me.  Their more immediate and person than a novel.  They can give you up-to-the-minute information, straight from the person.  I would never waste my time with Entertainment Tonight or TMZ when I can read the personal blogs of the people I'm actually interested in.  If I had to pick 2 blogs that I couldn't live without, they would be FreshnessFactorFiveThousand and Lifetheuniverseandcombom.  
4. YouTube, Twitter, DailyBooth... enough said.  
5. Have you heard? I'm writing a book. Make that 4...  I find that I write better when I have lots of different characters and plot lines to explore.  They don't all fit together in one story, so they eventually migrate away from one another.  Over time, my writing style has evolved in some many directions.  By day, I'm an editor, so writing for fun has certainly changed as a result.  My reading interests have also changed and its easy to see how ideas are impacted by that which inspires us.
6. I have a boyfriend...  Relationships take time.  Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in bad ways.  But if you love someone, you give them that priceless commodity no matter what the reason.  Time, in many ways is all we have.  Time and one another.

I'm not making any promises this time.  I'll post again when it feels right.  Maybe tomorrow.  Maybe next year.  Who knows.  All I can be certain of is that writing this, right now, feels right.  I'm not going to look back on this time as a waste.  And at the end of the day, that is how I get to sleep at night.

Take care.

A Night in the Life of a WriMo

Here's my second video. All about the trials and tribulations of writing 50,000 words in one month. Please remember to comment, rate and SUBSCRIBE!!! :-)

Thanks guys!

Copyright laws strike again!

After attempting to upload this video to facebook... and being denied... here it is. Hopefully no one from Warner Music will find it here.




This is a video with footage I took during my trip to California this summer. I hope you enjoy it and that it inspires you to take a trip on your own. It's a great way to travel and surprisingly, I was never lonely! Thanks to all of the wonderful people who made my trip so special and thank you Jason Mraz for giving me the best music to fuel the journey.

California - Day 3

Waking up to an unfamiliar sound in an unfamiliar house is not the most exciting of beginnings to any morning. My usual, melodic alarm that I had set for 6:30 was not what I was hearing, and I was jolted awake. I grabbed my phone and saw that I had received a text from American Airlines with a 2-hour reminder about my flight. I had somehow confused my departure times and had to leave to get to the airport quickly. But after this rushed start, the day fell into a more reasonable pace.

Flying along the coast of California is an incredible experience. The landscape passing by below is so unique and truly breathtaking. Taking the airbus from San Jose to LA was the method of transportation I was dreading the most before the trip began, but once I decided to really live the experience and look out the window for the entire length of the flight, I found myself completely changed. It was this short flight that inspired me to let go of the fear of flight and embrace the opportunity it gives us to see the world in an entirely unique way. Here is a view from up above:


After this incredible plane ride, I arrived in Los Angeles. Its was about 10am and I had until 7pm to see the city. Not knowing a THING about Los Angeles... I found some public transportation and followed the most touristy looking people I could find. (Before I forget, I'd like to plug California's excellent transportation system. I didn't have one bad experience while travel inside of CA. Every plane, train and bus was fast, cheap and clean.) About an hour and a half later (LA is HUGE!!!) I was in Hollywood. I walked up out of the Metro and found myself on the sidewalk with stars under my feet. I was obviously in the right place. After about 5 minutes walking around to see where I was, I realized how uncomfortable I was. I reminded myself about having packed light for this very reason. It was so so hot out and my back was already killing me. I had also not yet eaten anything. So I walked a bit further until I found a cluster of simple restaurants.

After a nice quick meal and a rest for my back, I went back out onto the street to get myself oriented. Within a few blocks I was able to see lots of stars (in the sidewalk... not the people, haha), the handprints in front of Gromin's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood sign (from a far distance). I also saw these two posing for pictures... which made me shake my head for so many reasons...


So it had only been about an hour, but I suddenly realized that I had 5 more hours in the city and I had already seen basically everything iconic that I knew of LA. It was at this point that I decided to really tourist it up and use the next few hours wisely. Knowing nothing at all about where to go and how to get there, I meandered over to the giant, red double decker tour buses. I usually stay away from these bad boys, but this seemed like a real good time to swallow my pride and hop on board.

Probably the best $30 I spent on the entire trip. I put down my bag, took out my camera and listened to the pre-recorded narration as I saw a good portion of the city. I passed incredibly expensive shops, the tar pits and a few studios. Here's a link to all of my pictures from LA:

L.A. Pictures

At this point, I transferred to another bus route and made my way west to Union Station to catch my train to Santa Barbara. With the extra time I had, I walked up and down a few side streets and enjoyed the courtyard at Union Station. When it was time to get on the train, I found a nice spot in the Business Class car. I had purchased the upgraded ticket to ensure that I would have a spot on the train leaving that evening (because I really didn't want to get stuck in LA for the night). Another great decision on my part. Here were some of the benefits that the extra $13 gave me:


Yep, that's right, that's a little bottle of wine back there. I had lots of leg room and a great window seat as I was now riding along the ground alongside all of the beautiful mountains I had seen from above a half a day earlier. What a fantastic way to finish a fantastic day! I say "fantastic," but let me be perfectly clear: I'm absolutely content with my visit to L.A., but I see no reason to ever return. Most of California... I could live in, but L.A. - I'm all set, thanks very much.

In my next post, you'll hear all about my time in Santa Barbara for day 4! Stay tuned!

California: Day 2

Today I saw San Francisco as it was meant to be seen. It is an incredible city, so different from any other one I know. I woke up at 8 (west coast time) and got myself ready. I knew that Andrew would be asleep for several more hours, so I thought this would be a good time to do all the touristy things that he wouldn’t be interested in. Not knowing anything at all about the city and its layout, I set out looking for some mass transportation. After a few blocks I ran into the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport). Both fast and inexpensive, I rode the BART uptown in search of some breakfast. At this point, I was feeling so jetlagged I knew that I had to eat soon or I would probably start to feel sick. I pulled out the map that Andrew had given me the night before and saw that I was relatively close to Café Gratitude. In the middle of the Mission District, this restaurant is known to me through Jason Mraz who references it in the song that’s fueling this trip. So I felt pulled towards this landmark. When I walked in, I was greeted by a young woman from Israel who handed me a menu and posed a question: “What has given you the most joy today?”. While I pondered all of the answers I could give, I perused the extensive menu. So many choices… “I Am Enlightened,” “I Am Committed,” “I Am Fiery”… In the end, I chose the Yo Soy Bonita for my meal, a shot of I Am Enlivened and the I Am Rejuvenated wheatgrass cocktail. About 3 minutes into the meal I felt like an entirely new person. I was beautiful, I was enlivened and I was certainly rejuvenated. Everything I needed. Here’s a picture of the perfect solution to jetlag:


At this point, I was ready for anything, so I walked to the next BART station, got onboard and went to the next station. When I got off, I found myself at the end of a cable car waiting line and thought it was a pretty good distraction for the moment. I watched them pull in, spin around and pick up passengers. I road up the steepest street in the country and took lots of pictures. I then disembarked and found myself (not so excitedly) in Fisherman’s Wharf. The apex of tourism in San Francisco, I was warned about coming here. But I was pulled in by all of the people there were to watch. Here are some pictures from my time with the cable cars and at Fisherman’s Wharf:






At this point, I found myself another old cable car to take back south to meet back up with Andrew and by 2pm I was back where I had started. Andrew met me at the BART station by his house with two bikes and we set off through the city to run errands. Bike riding in most cities is a pretty intense experience, but nothing compares to the extremes of San Francisco. This particular bike was a special one. It obviously didn’t belong to me, so clearly I had no idea what it was all about and what accommodations needed to be made for it. We quickly found that the handlebars and front wheel were so loose that they might as well have not been connected at all. A quick stop at a nearby bike shop solved that problem, but the bike was not about to give up that easily. It would continue to protest by not shifting into 1st or 3rd and squeaking incessantly as I broke down the many hills of the city. Not being able to shift out of second in a hilly city like San Francisco is cruel. The bike ultimately won, and I’m totally ok with saying that.

After our errand running, we called Andrew’s girlfriend Cassie to see if she would be interested in meeting us at Delores park for some sun and chatting, which she eagerly agreed to. The park was filled with the most eclectic people. People with dogs, parents and children, a young woman selling mushrooms and many more who probably can‘t be categorized. After playing with Andrew and Cassie for a while, Cassie announced her departure and we said goodbye. Incredibly, it was only a few moments after she left that we were approached by this beautiful woman:


Her entire posse joined soon after and we sat with them for several hours, talking about our lives and laughing together. It turned into the quintessential San Francisco afternoon, as if the entire day had been made with me and my trip in mind. What drew these wonderful people to our spot on the grass? How was it that I found myself in the perfect spots without even meaning to be? I see it as a gift, one I am unwrapping slowly and with closed eyes.

Have you opened any special gifts lately? What were they? Tell me all about it in the comments section below and enjoy this special gift from me to you (how I ended my night in San Francisco):

California - Day 1

So, after my first day of traveling I’m exhausted, but so many wonderful things have happened already that I really can’t put any sort of bad spin on the trip so far. I’m not a fan of flying, so for me, one of the biggest hurdles for this trip is the number of times I have to be airborne. All together, I will have gone through 4 take offs and 4 landings by the time I get back to Boston. But I think back to the narrator’s first encounter with Tyler Durden in Fight Club and I think “look at all the single-serving friends I’ll get to make.” My adopted philosophy was quickly affirmed when I boarded my first flight. I was seated next to a lovely Latina who was incidentally from the town right next to mine. At 65, she was a fiery, sweet woman. She told me about her children and grandchildren, how much she enjoys flying, her connecting flight to Hawaii and how her pace-maker once blew up (scar included). She put me at ease right away and kept me entertained the entire trip. By the end, I was sad to say goodbye, but so glad to have had the company. Interestingly, as we were gathering our things to exit the plane, I mentioned the name of a friend of mine who is very active politically in Lawrence, and of course she knows him very well. So it turned into a “Poppy moment” as my mother and her family would call it. My grandfather (who endearingly answered to Poppy in his later years), would always find a familiar face in strange places. And as I sat next to my friend in flight I thought of him and knew he had made that moment especially for me.

After taking a connecting flight up to San Jose, I met up with my cousin Charlene. We had some time to catch up as she drove me from the San Jose airport to San Francisco. I love how easily I fall into conversation with her. I’ve only seen her maybe a dozen times in my entire life, but we always manage to pick up where we left off, making her one of my favorite relatives. As we drove along the highway, we were witness to a wonderful bit of weather that seems to be fairly unique to this area of California. As you can see in the picture below, a fog bank was rolling in over the land to the west of where we were driving. This happens all along this section of California coast and makes for some spectacular views, especially in the city.


Once we got into San Francisco, we met up with Charlene’s son Andrew and his girlfriend Cassie. We drove down into The Mission, a Latin American district of the city. While we were there, we stopped by a wonderful coffee place, Phil’s. Inside, you order a cup of coffee and they brew it individually for you with whatever you would like. Their basic cup is a dark brew, with cream and a bit of mint. It was just what I needed at that point (since it was about 10pm east coast time and I still hadn’t had dinner). Check out the picture and video below for a peek into Phil’s.


The Bathroom in Phil's is not to be missed...

After Phil’s we went to a Thai restaurant and had the most delicious spring rolls I’ve ever tasted. They were fresh, so instead of the regular deep-fried style, they were steamed and filled with fresh veggies. Just perfect after all the traveling. After the Thai, we walked up to an ice cream place nearby that made the most incredibly decadent ice cream with farm fresh milk and fruit. I tried the coconut chocolate, which was made with coconut milk (incredible). Walking up to the top of a nearby park with our ice creams, we looked down over the darkened city and soaked in the moment. Soon after, I lost all of my steam and went back to Andrew’s apartment for some sleep. Here were my accommodations (I was so tired, this looked perfect):


So far so good! Hope you’re enjoying the reading just a fraction as much as I’m enjoying my trip! Be well.

(Andrew, Cassie and I at the top of a very large, very typical San Franciscan hill)

Here We Go...

And I'm off. I've got my bag weighing in at just under 20 pounds (see picture below for contents of said bag), I've got all my travel information, I've got tons of excitement and all of you lovely people to share it with.

The commuter rail is brimming with bleary-eyed, unwilling members of the American workforce. I feel like an impostor among them, or maybe a trator. For one week, I've gotten out of the routine. I've freed myself from the monotony of every other day. Along for the ride? Maybe. But certainly not in the same sense all of these people are.

Businesspeople, nurses, 20-something girls with those commically outrageous "hair bumps" (seriously, what is that about?). Traveling companions for the moment, soon to be replaced by a completely new world that I will have 7 days to explore.

More soon.

Something New, Something Old, and Someone From Another Time

New experiences await, that's for sure. But in the days leading up to my departure to the West Coast, two people from the history of my life have resurfaced. And just in time for my trip!

The first, and more recent, of the two stems back to October 6, 2001. That night, Seann William Scott hosted Saturday Night Live and Chris Kattan was thinking of me. I had forgotten all about this until a few days ago when the event popped into my mind. After a few minutes of Google searching (God bless the Internet), I found this picture:

Yes, there he is, Chris Kattan holding up a sign that, believe it or not, was directed at yours truly. A few weeks earlier I had written him a letter saying that for my 16th birthday I would love nothing more than a shout out from him on SNL and I gave an example in the letter using the phrase "Hey There Kiddo". And look at him, fulfilling the wishes of a 16-year-old. Bless him.

So anyway, my little moment with Chris Kattan has been recorded in the belly of the Internet by some insanely obsessive individuals who have screenshots and transcripts for an obscene amount of SNL episodes. You can see their handiwork here:

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/01/01bgoodnights.phtml

So now that we're done with that silliness, here's the more important connection from my past. While I'm in San Diego, it looks like I'll get to visit with a friend who I haven't seen since the 6th grade, Bob Carroll! He moved away and I never saw him again. But there he is out in San Diego. 6th grade... I was 11! That was over 12 years ago. As much as I often hate the Internet for disconnecting people from the world around them, here it goes surprising me. Proving me wrong. Showing me that it can actually bring me back in touch with long lost friends.

Here are some other people from the past that facebook has helped me to rediscover:

Courtney Karamanol
Joe Daveau
Dan Myers
Minerva Lord
Warren Helms

So thanks Internet. Maybe you're not so bad after all. Except for Neopets... I'll never be able to forgive you for that.

An Adventure

With only ten vacation days a year, I have a tendency to hoard mine rather than taking small breaks here and there. As a result, this year I ended up with 7 days to use before September when they expire. My boyfriend does not have vacation time at his disposal because his vacation time accrues and he began his job recently. So rather than spend this extra time taking Fridays off for a few weeks or something similar, I decided to do something I've wanted to do for a very long time. I am leaving in a few days for California. I'm stopping in various cities to see a few friends and I'm hoping to blog the entire trip. My laptop has a slot for my camera's SD chip, so I can upload video and photos almost immediately. It will also give me something to do while traveling between cities since I'm taking this trip alone.

I've never gone anywhere entirely on my own before, and although I'll be visiting people along the way, there will be times when I'll be staying with people I've never met before or touring a city alone. The trip will be relatively quick, only 7 days all together, and with 5 cities to visit it will probably feel a little rushed. But I'm excited all the same and I hope you will enjoy following me along the way!

Check back often over the next week for updates. Thanks!

Let's just hope it's more like this (Theme song for this trip? Yeah, I think so):

Crazy Man's Ju-Ju PART NINE (Make It Mine UK Version)


And less like this (Sorry Rufus, but you don't give a very good review):

Watch more Yahoo! Music videos on AOL Video

Friday night frivolity

Hello kids!

Just found myself with some down time before dinner and thought I'd write a quick post.

I'm starting to get really excited for the changing of the seasons. Mostly because I'm completely useless in the winter months. I go into hibernate mode, getting way more sleep than necessary but still finding it impossible to make it through the day without excessive yawning. I'm not sure if you all got a chance to visit Google today, but if you did, you likely noticed their "Welcome back Spring!" visual:

Childhood references always make my day. I think there might be a future post about such things. I'll have to think about that one.

In other news, I'm beginning an interesting artistic adventure with a new friend from work (huzzah for new friends!). We're both feeling a little unimpressed with our surroundings and see an oportunity to liven things up a bit. We're hoping to get a co-operated blog up and running in the next few weeks for all of you lovely people to enjoy. The idea is to make it a free museum of sorts where you'll be able to look at not only the art (visual, audio, written) that the two of us have done, but also the work of other artists that we know and love. Just doing our part to bring all of our talents a little bit closer to one another. The Internet is a great vehicle for community and sharing - things that I think we both value immensely.

So, keep an eye out for all of that. Alright, back to my delicious drink (tequila, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry seltzer!) and some guitar practice. Let's see how I play after I've had a bit to drink, huh?

I'll report back if the results are worth sharing. :)

Take care!

A new adventure

Tonight I'm beginning work on a project that I'm very excited about. A few years ago, I wrote a story called "The Cafe." It's something I've been very proud of and I've always wanted to do something more with it. Well, I have some interested friends and in a few weeks we are going to create a short film based on the story. So tonight I'm working on adapting the script and getting it ready to be filmed. I'm hoping to get it all completed in a few months so that it can be posted and shared with all of you. If you're interested in being an extra or have some amazing skill that you'd like to offer, please leave me a comment.

Here are two sweet short films to keep you entertained in the mean time. Take care!

The Traffic Warden
SweetnightGoodheart

BBC Television Series (mini or otherwise): My favorite kind of escapism

There are so many ways to pull yourself out of the present, to get away from reality for a while. Some people pull themselves up, others prefer to go down. I'm not sure which direction my wanderings take me, but perhaps its a little bit of both. And I'm a pretty big fan of balance, so I'll take it.

When I get home at night, I'm greeted by a dark living room that I occasionally trip into, a very vocal cat and a pile of dishes that is beginning to seem infinite. On the nights that I'd prefer a good cuddle session with the cat over dish-pan hands (and let's face it, that's most nights), I tend to turn to the same vices. My poisons of choice? Well, I start by heating up a can of Progresso soup (if I'm too lazy to do the dishes, I'm certainly too lazy to do any REAL cooking). I then set about picking out a blanket and some fuzzy socks. Next, I wander over to our wine rack and find something appropriate for my mood and the weather. Finally, I settle in for a few hours with my dear friend, the BBC.

The past few years have brought many new stories and actors into my life. Alright boys and girls, if you're looking for suggestions, get out your pens and paper. Here is a list of my top favorite (favourite!) BBC productions:

• Pride and Prejudice (my first and favorite experience with the BBC - and I don't care what anyone says... Colin Firth is the only proper Darcy in existence)
• Doctor Who (many thanks to my Who guru, Kurt.)
• Casanova
• Blackpool
• Top Gear
• Blackadder
• Any of Gordon Ramsey's insane shows (thank God they brought him state-side)
• The Catherine Tate Show
• French and Saunders
• Monte Python
• Planet Earth
• The Vicar of Dibley
• Big Train

It's nice to know that after having seen so many series, I've only just barely cracked the surface. But don't be fooled, I would have seen way more than this list by now if I had a TiVo and cable. But without BBC America to rely on, all I've got is PBS (and thankfully they play The Vicar of Dibley and Blackadder from time to time). I've got plenty more shows on my list that I need to work on acquiring, including "Spaces," "Absolutely Fabulous," "Life on Mars," "Little Britain" and all of the episodes from the original Doctor Who series. So I've got lots to look forward to.

Copyright this.

The Internet and I have had an interesting week. After years of use and appreciation on my part, I have finally been on the receiving end of the law. About 6 months ago, I uploaded a video to YouTube that I had created. This video featured one of my favorite songs by Jason Mraz and clips from the BBC television series Doctor Who. Now, I can appreciate the whole idea of copyright, but the way I saw this project... well, I'll get into that later. First, let me explain what happened.

After posting this video in September, it just sort of hibernated on YouTube for a while. Not too many people watched it, but the ones who did, really appreciated it. After a while, I got tired of checking it everyday to see the change in view count, so I just started checking it about once a week. Then about two weeks ago, the view count jumped from 400 to 700 in a few days. And within a week, it was about to hit 1,300. I was delighted. But then, the next morning, when I went to check again, the video had been taken down. The Warner Music Group had finally decided to step in and flag it for copyright infringement for the use of the song.

Now, I've thought about this a lot, and here are some of my arguments with this situation:

- First of all, this wasn't a problem 6 months ago, and there are only a few things that have changed since then that would have caused them to ban the video. A. Jason Mraz has definitely grown in popularity, 2... er, B. My video was jumping up quickly in views, or C. maybe YouTube has just implemented some crazy new software that can tell when you are using copyrighted music.

- I have a pretty good feeling that if I asked Jason Mraz if he minds that I've posted this video, he wouldn't have a huge problem with it. He's made it pretty clear that he supports piracy (community love?) and open source materials because it's about sharing art with one another. That's what's important here.

- Ok, I understand that I'm using materials that do not belong to me, but I have acknowledged that they do not belong to me in a disclaimer and I've created something brand new with these items. The song was not meant to describe the relationship between these two characters and the clips have been painstakingly cut and sewn together to tell another version of a story. I've created something brand new and I think that giving credit to the materials and artists that I've pulled from should be sufficient.

- I'm not making any money off of this video, and since I'm not a YouTube partner, YouTube shouldn't be making any money off of it either.

- And finally, some might argue that this video is free advertising for both Jason Mraz and Doctor Who. Someone looking for one of these things is now being exposed to the other... I'm building audiences here. People who are tired of the same old stuff are seeing and hearing it all in a completely new way. I'm keeping the song and the show fresh and exciting. Oh, and did I mention, I've created something new? Sharing it with the world? Art? What?

I apologize for ranting, but I really think that our copyright laws need to be reevaluated. The Internet is changing so many things, including the way we experience and interpret the creation of art. Technology is making it more and more possible to share ideas with one another and I think that many of the older systems are standing in the way of how we communicate. At the end of the day, I don't see these laws protecting the artists anyway. It seems to me that they are ultimately helping companies. And with the way the Internet allows us to communicate, do we really need companies to act as middle men anymore? It is easier than ever to share art, music, film, etc. with the world. Maybe it's time we stop believing that we need the money of companies to achieve our goals. If YouTube has proven anything, it's that the ingenuity and creativity of independent musicians, filmmakers and other artists is strong and alive. And quite possibly, all you need.

So anyway, I'll keep making whatever I feel inspired to create and as long as Blogger doesn't get on my case, you'll still be able to watch, listen to or read whatever I work on right here. Including the more recent two videos that I've posted in the last week. Please, if you enjoy what you see, or read, leave a comment. Unlike YouTube, this site doesn't really allow me to see who's watching and what they think. I'd love to see some dialog here and at the end of the day, that's up to you.

Thanks for reading!

Dynamo Doctor

My third adventure with the Doctor and Windows Movie Maker... enjoy!





This song was begging to be paired with Doctor Who. I couldn't help myself. It's taken a while to put it together, because the clips span all four seasons and several special episodes. But I'm happy with the results. A few glitches here and there couldn't be avoided, but I'm sure you'll be understanding. Thanks for watching! And please leave some comments, I'd love to know what you thought!

Song: "Dynamo of Volition" by Jason Mraz from We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment purposes only. All footage and characters belong to the BBC. The song is the creative property of Jason Mraz, under the "ruling hand" of the Warner Music Group.

And.... I'm back!

A lot of time has passed since my last real blog entry. I was feeling so bad about it around the 1st of the year that I decided to make it a New Year's resolution to blog more. But surprise, surprise, its already March. I could cheat and just retroactively blog, which Blogger will kindly allow me to do. But I want to be a bit honet. Plus, this is a great moment to blog from and if I cheat on the time/date stamp, there will be so many things that I won't be able to talk about or mention. Unless I want to claim time agent status or rip a hole in the continuum, etc., etc...

Last I wrote, I was just beginning NaNoWriMo and my mind was brimming with ideas. I was going for a Science Fiction theme this year, and the creativity was flowing out of me like I had turned on a faucet that I didn't know was there. Unfortunately, my graduate class picked up a few days later and completely consumed my life until the end of December. It was exhausting, but I proved to myself that the work load was manageable and that I'm actually pretty good at library science.

Once class was over, the holiday insanity was in full swing and days often went by without any computer access at all. It was stressful, but again I made it out the other side. I also managed to make some time to overcome a pretty substantial hurdle. I decided to record a song for Joe for Christmas, letting him hear my real voice for basically the first time. It was exciting and terrifying, but got me an important step closer to singing in front of people again. Only a few people have heard it, but the responses were good and it was the confidence I needed to commit myself to the next step.

So as the new year began, I started reading a new book ("Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut, which Joe gave me for Christmas) and began actually playing the guitar. I say "actually" because I finally have a guitar to play. My brother kindly passed on his pre-loved guitar, and hopefully some talent is left in the strings. It's been about 2 months of playing and I can sit down and pluck my way through most songs I come across, but I'm a log way from the fluidity I'm going for. Writing my own material has also been a challenge. I get the lyrics out, but then the music just doesn't match the emotions in the words. I'm 0-2 so far against the songwriting gods.

Another big development is that the title of this blog is no longer entirely true. I was promoted several weeks ago and now share a nice big office with another woman at work. No more cramped 7x7 square of pretend boundaries for me. Although, I'm now sitting directly under an air conditioning vent (which is surprisingly still pumping out cold air in the middle of winter). Can't have it all, right?

Still enjoying and being inspired by the blogs of Mr. Jason Mraz, even though he took a little hiatus like yours truely. I think, deep down, we may be vibing off the same frequencies. Come on Mraz, send some of your songwriting genius my way!

Speaking of Mraz, I'm just finishing up my third (and probably final) Dr. Who video. Well, at least until next season... It features the song "Dynamo of Volition" from We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. and has clips from all 4 seasons. I still have trouble putting two doctors in the same video together. I just don't like jumping from one face to another. But hey, he does, so maybe it's something I'd better just get over. Something to think about.

Well, as always, thanks for reading! Be well.

The Doctor and Donna - Crash the Party

I owe a major blog entry. I've really fallen behind. But in the mean time, here's a video I just finished that will hopefully keep you entertained. Enjoy!




If you're looking for my earlier video, which was taken down from YouTube at the request of Warner Music Group, it's posted with the September 1, 2008 entry on this blog. A blog about that whole mess sometime soon...

Song: "Crash the Party" by OK Go, from "Oh No."


Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment purposes only. All footage and characters belong to the BBC. The song is the creative property of OK Go and is owned by EMI.

This is how today feels...

Seriously, how did I miss the LOLcat boat?? Is it unforgivably lame that I'm discovering this website 3 years after it was cool? Maybe the best question is "Was it ever cool?" You know what, I don't care. Adorable. And true.

Neosparin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG-zD36LkZw

Just wanted to send this link along to everyone. This is a video I helped my friend Kurt make. Let me know what you think of it and if you enjoy it, subscribe to Kurt's YouTube channel MentalAccess!

100 Things

The things highlighted in blue mean that I have done them. I thought this was an interesting list; you can learn a lot about me from what I have and have not done. If you know me, does anything on this list surprise you? If you don't, but you've done something I haven't, why would you suggest that I do it? Enjoy!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band - do school bands count? I played the flute for 7 years.

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland - nope, Disneyworld

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - from an airplane window...

80. Published a book - soon!

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper - pretty regularly thanks to my mom, haha

85. Read the entire Book of Mormon or Bible

86. Visited the White House - not the inside, but I stood outside the gates and took pictures.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life - if I have, I don't know about it.

90. Sat on a jury - in mock trial!

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

Election Day Insanity

This post is going to be a mash-up of different random things from Tuesday November 4, 2008. I'd organize my thoughts, but today is just too crazy to try to sort out. So, first I'd like to direct you to http://imageshugger.com/viewer.php?file=wjzyn8a43gu3zx013fa0.jpg. I'm still trying to understand how someone could even have such thoughts. I mean, talk about finding slanderous justifaction for hate. It really makes me sick that people's minds even go there. But the anger generated by the image was softened a bit when I saw that the post was made on the Fox News website. If we can tell a lot about a person by who their friends are (a big argument fox news has used over and over again against Obama), well then Fox News scares me that much more today.

I also wanted to give some shameless publicity to my buddy Kurt who just finished making a video parody in response to the election. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH_BqZ6SjP0 The skit presents an "untelevised debate" between Obama and McCain. Go check him out and leave him some love. And look for more from Kurt in the coming months. If you like what you see, do yourself a favor and subscribe to his channel. You'll be glad you did! *shameless wink*

So many of the people I've spoken with today just want all of this to be over. I can't explain how frustrating that sort of response is to me. I mean, part of me gets it, but I just wish people would care a little more. I heard a great comment on the radio this morning. The guest said that people are so tired of talking about politics because of the O'Reilly's of the world. If you aren't familiar with Bill O'Reilly, well, you're lucky, but for the purpose of context, all you really need to know is that he likes to yell -- a lot. He's apart of the shock culture of media that has taken over America. And as a result, lots of people get very heated when discussing politics. They can't see into the other perspectives, they just want to yell and scream their point until the other person gives up. So obviously no one wants to talk about it. But my boyfriend and I, who don't always see eye to eye politically have managed to keep things civilized. We have to try really hard and keep our ears and minds open - it isn't easy, but politics is an important topic for us and we're important to each other, so we make it work. I just want a little effort people. It doesn't matter how far removed from it all you think you are or want to be, it affects you. It just does. You can't avoid it. So please, get your facts straight, talk to other people (especially those who don't agree with you) and actively participate in the government in every way you can. And if the reality of politics gets a little too heavy for you, take a break and watch some West Wing. That's how I combat the crappiness of real-life political rhetoric.

On your mark, get set....

It's that time of year again. Halloween has just ended, we still haven't turned on our heat for the winter and I've got one month to write a 50,000 word novel. That's right (write?), it's National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo for anyone who knows what I'm talking about). It's time to write without a plan, without any preconceived ideas. Art for art's sake. I'm not sure exactly where the month will take me. I'm kicking around the idea of writing a sci-fi story. I haven't thought about it much yet, but I think that's what makes me more confident that I'll finish this year. If you put too much thought into it, you become invested in plot and characters. But if you just sit down and do it, the possibilities are endless. I'm ready for an excellent month! Wish me luck.

Looking for the silver lining...

It's just about 8:30 and I am trying to finish up an important assignment for my graduate school class. However, the program I'm working in is frying my brain, so I thought that writing an entry might be a good distraction while I recharge. Interestingly enough, I am currently in a cubicle, even though I am not at work. In the reference room in my library they have nice little cubicle walls around the computer work stations that are cozily familiar in a rather sick way. Since when did cubicles start feeling so damn homey to me? Curses.

Anyway, today was a tough day. Mostly because I received some very upsetting news. Now this news isn't upsetting for most people, but for a handful of us Americans and for the majority of Brits, last night was a night we won't soon forget. Last night, after his acceptance of Most Popular Actor at the National Television Awards, David Tennant announced that he would not be returning for a 5th season of "Doctor Who" in 2010. After the few "specials" that are being released in 2009, Mr. Tennant will be leaving the TARDIS for good. (Although I'm sure we're all hoping that they will find some wibbly-wobbly excuse to bring him back as a guest star at some point in the future/past/whatever...)

So, after a small tear fell down to the letter G on my keyboard I decided to stop feeling like someon just broke up with me and try to see the bright side. I mean, this is a first for me! I didn't start watching Dr. Who until quite recently so this is the first actual regeneration I'll be experiencing with everyone else. Sure, I've seen Eccleston morph into Tennant, but it didn't really mean much to me. This feels like a major blow, a loss. But look what we got from the last regeneration?! And now we've got Moffat doing the writing. I really can't wait to see where it goes.

So I suppose thanks are in order. Thank you to Kurt for pulling me into his crazy obsession and making it MY crazy obsession. Thank you David for openning the doors of the TARDIS to me and letting my imagination run wild. I can't wait to find out what happens to you as they transition to your new self. But no matter who comes along to take your place, you'll always be my Doctor.

Guess who's keeping me company in my cube?

If you want to secure a spot on my life soundtrack, there are two criteria you must meet first (not that many musicians consider this a great honor, but work with me here.) First, your songs must be original pieces written by you, or maybe a collaboration with other musicians who also write and play their own material. Second, you must play an instrument. Plenty of people can sing, and amazingly, with the software available now, you don't even really need that. I require the real deal; someone who wrote the words, the music, can play it and sing it, without alteration in a studio and in front of a live audience. If you don't meet these standards, please go home; you are not a real musician to me. You are an entertainer, and although somone may appreciate you, it'll take more than that to impress me.

It takes a special kind of person to stay centered and focused when fame brings thousands of screaming men and women to your feet. This quality of composure and sincerity is one of the main thing that I look for in musicians. I understand the need for belief in your abilities, but watching an artist display a humble sense of gratitude inflates my appreciation for their work and dedication.

For me, musicians get back to the traditions of performance. They draw together a large group of individuals who share little in common. A great musician can create a single-serving community that participates in the immediacy of a shared experience. It's a special moment that only exists once and everyone can feel it and live freely in it.

Put all of these requirements together and there are few artists who fit the bill. A quick list might include Rufus Wainwright, Ben Folds, Regina Spektor and The Barenaked Ladies. But this summer, I found the definitive singer/songwriter. And it turns out I was already familiar with his work. Many of his songs had been woven through my highschool and college soundtracks, but his name was somehow brand new to my ears in June of 2008.

Jason Mraz, or Mr. A-Z, as he is often called, is one of the most accessible musicians I have ever come across. He's a faithful blogger, makes live performance audio available to fans for free and strives to make each performance unique. I also appreciate how many genres of music he ventures into during the course of one CD, particularly his most recent one. For me, most of his songs only have one thing in common: his pleasant, soothing voice.

Speaking of voice, sure he can sing, but beyond just the sound of it, Mraz really has something to say. He blogs pretty regularly and always has beautiful messages of goodness and gratitude that inspire others to live life like you mean it and with all the passion you can muster. Jason Mraz is a man with a message, and he knows it. He doesn't sit around waiting for an audience, he just puts it out there through writings, pictures and song. Those who are looking for some positive vibes are sure to bump into the aura that Mraz spreads out everywhere he goes.

So, whether or not you realize it MR. A-Z, you've been a faithful companion in my lonely little cube each day for a number of months. And since discovering the treasure trove of open source live concert audio downloads on Archive.org, it seems like I'll never run out of new experiences to jump into. So thank you. Thank you for renewing my own sense of gratitude and for sharing your insights and love with anyone who wants it, and even some who don't.

Hope to see much more of you from the slight discomfort of my ergonomic swivel chair. And I hope that anyone who hasn't yet ventured into the slightly goofy, oh-so-charming world of Jason Mraz plans a visit real soon.

PS - If you're looking for some eloquent blogs related to Jason Mraz, you can check out his blog through his MySpace or go visit Lisa at curbsideprophecies.wordpress.com!

Follow My Blog!!!

Hey there,

Now I know you're thinking to yourself, "Wow, this blog (although modest) is really turning me on. I hope I don't forget that it exists and never return." Well, if you click on the handy little link in the sidebar to the right that says "Followers," you should have an easier time returning in the future. If I see a growing interest, I'll feel obligated to write much more than I do. So click the link, visit often and I'll do my best to charm you more frequently with my fascinating wit and humor.

Thank you much!

Movie Maker Stole My Soul

This weekend, I devoted about 10 hours to creating a video using Window's Movie Maker. I've used this program a few times before but for much smaller projects. I found that although it is one of the most basic programs you can use, it is capable of give you a pretty good product. I'm happy with the results and I would like to share them with you. The video chronicles the relationship between The Doctor and Rose from BBC's "Doctor Who." I wanted to make it because I can not stop thinking about the show whenever I listen to Jason Mraz's new song "If It Kills Me" from his CD "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things." I think they go together nicely and I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for checking it out!





Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment purposes only. All footage and characters belong to the BBC.

Self -defense solution for the parking garage.

Self-defense Unbreakable Umbrella

Products like this make me feel spoiled. Picture this if you will. I work in a converted mill building in Massachusetts. It sits on the bank of a beautiful river. Across the cobblestone street is a 4-story parking garage. It takes me approximately 90 seconds to travel from my car door to the tiny black card-swipe machine that lets me into the building. To be honest, I think I'm more frightened of the people inside than anyone I might happen upon during my 90 second venture from my car.

I can't tell you how grateful I am to be working in a community where crimes that might require the use of such a product are practically unheard of.
You know what worries me about this miracle umbrella? Unlike a gun, anyone can buy one of these babies. I'm going to have to start keeping an eye on umbrella-wielding pedestrians. This looks far more unpleasant than a baseball bat. And they can walk away looking completely innocent when they are through. Oh dear.

"I'm all about them words"

For someone who loves words as much as I do, it's frightening to find that the most creative phrases of my day creep out during inter-office email messages. All I do, all day long, is string countless words together into sentences to inform a population of people about things that I know very little about. And what really screws with my mind is that none of these people have any idea who I am of what I am about. What a strange, removed sort of job this is. I give and give all day long and get nothing in return. That's a lie, I get a modest paycheck. And what exactly is it that I'm giving anyway?
So my solution to this problem is to begin writing a blog regularly. As a recent college graduate, I find that the last year or so has been far from what I ever expected for myself. I'm incredibly lucky, and it is important for me to share these stories with others.
I sit for at least 8 hours a day in front of a computer, and during that time, I absorb an endless amount of information and images about current events. Unfortunately, my job requires me to write objectively about these things that I come across. I am hoping that this blog will become a place for sharing, discussing and exploring the phenomena in this world that connect all of us. I hereby begin this literary broadcast from my cubicle to your computer, cell phone, iphone or what-have-you. Enjoy!

"300" -- Movie Review

This weekend was filled with a fantastic array of boyfriend/girlfriend activities that kept me entertained for four days straight. From a New Hampshire flea market to a Labor Day rally for senator Barack Obama, it was jam packed with fun, good food, and love. Of all the new experiences that the weekend brought, one was a bit more relaxed and isolated. Although my boyfriend and I were in the same room, sharing the same moments, we did not speak to one another (except for those few time when I squealed at the screen for joy or fear). It was two hours that we could each spend observing some wonderful cinematography, but ignoring one another -- and after almost 4 days straight together, I'm pretty certain we both needed it. After the Obama rally on Monday morning, we went back to his sweet digs in Londonderry, NH and watched the highly sensationalized, action packed, and slightly heartbreaking film "300."

Within the first twenty seconds of the story, I began cursing myself for not having paid my $9.50 to see it on a bigger screen. Even though a 19" monitor is pretty big for gaming and whatnot, it does few favors for a movie like "300." I'd like to learn more about the technology behind this film. I'm sure it was shot in a studio somewhere, as the scenery is reminiscent of what one might imagine when reading "Beowulf." I'd have a hard time believing that there is actually a place on this earth with such stunning mountains and fields. It's all very dream-like and glorious, with hard, dark color saturation to tempt even the most timid of movie-goers. The creators use just the right amount of visual effects to pull in the audience in order to help them truly appreciate all of the details that each moment has to offer.

The world of the Spartans is barbaric and terribly unlike anything I can relate to in my daily life. Yet, the basic human fabric was still there. Their way of life was extreme, but their guiding principles were not so very different from our own. It is in this way that the story upholds some relevance for the audience. What was most impressive about a film of such magnitude was that many of the actors were unfamiliar. About half-way through, my boyfriend turned to me and said, "You know, I'm surprised they didn't get someone like Russel Crowe or Brad Pitt for the lead." I mused over this for a moment and broke away from my thoughts with even more respect for the film than before hand. Yes, they could have hired a big name actor to pull in audience numbers, but someone must have felt that the story and talent was strong enough o carry the film without calling in someone who would serve as "name-dropping" advertisement. The only character that I actually recognized clearly was Dilios, the storyteller, who is played by the fantastic David Wenham. I recognized Mr. Wenham from seeing him recently as the rather lame, but rightfully heroic monk Carl in "Van Helsing." Having those images in my head was a little distracting for the first 30 minutes of "300," but I eventually broke away from Carl and was able to attach fully to Dilios and his manly resolve.

Once the movie was over, I had to visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb.com) to learn more about the movie and all of these actors that I was shocked to find myself unfamiliar with. I learned that almost all of them were actually quite known to me, but the majesty of this film completely encompassed them as modern individuals and transformed them into the memorable and distinct characters from the world of the Spartans, Athenians and Persians.

"A Call To Write" -- Poetry

What good is life if only I advance
From choices and professions that I make?
The larger hand revolves in endless dance,
Dragging all life as leaves caught by a rake.
Still why not use my time for me alone
And forge the selfish paths for which I yearn?
The problems of the world are not my own.
So often from my cries away it turns.
Yet in me there exists a restless pull
And truth reveals itself for me to share.
I must fill up these pages ‘til they’re full
And pass along this joy for more to bear.

So long as man moves closer to a fall,
So must we few accept this mighty call.

Jennifer Salamone, March 2007