So apparently Kiss is a fan of Condoleezza Rice? Go figure. Interesting article.
I'm planning a trip. My friend Morgan and I want to go somewhere, like on a train. Somewhere that takes a day to get there and that we can spend some time hanging out in, running around. San Francisco and Seattle have been suggested. Oh well, we have a couple of weeks. I'll update as I know more. And any suggestions are appreciated =)
People should drive to Missouri to visit me. I'm bored.
*sigh*
5.31.2008
5.26.2008
Investigation of Intellectual Subjects.. Or Simply Curiosity...
How sad! Sydney Pollack died this week. Great movies. I remember watching that scene in "The Way We Were" where Barbara Streisand calls her husband and tells him that even though they've broken up she really needs someone and if he could just come over... Powerful scene.
So I watched Silence of the Lambs tonight. I am enthralled by the character of Hannibal Lecter. Even though Anthony Hopkins only gets a little more than 15 minutes of screen time, he was voted AFI's most memorable villain. That's quite an accomplishment if you ask me. And I watched it with the siblings, gotta educate them on quality cinema early or they'll end up idolizing 'horror' flicks like Scary Movie - no thank you.
Ooh, I read a book that was simply lying on the fabulous library wall this week. I'd finished reading Bram Stoker's Dracula earlier so I was on quite a vampire streak, and I picked up this young adult novel, The Blood Confession, by Alisa Libby. Aside from the dark subject matter, I adore the way she writes with so much historical credibility. It's basically the story of Countess Elizabeth Bathory, thought to be one of the true inspirations for vampire folklore, from her own perspective after being found out in her sadistic activities. Upon further research, I found the countess is the number one serial killer in recorded history according to number of victims, thought to be 650+. The actual number is unknown, as well as the actual tactics used to torture them. The basics entail her 14th century castle's dungeons being utilized for bleedings of young peasant girls. Legend further implies the blood was used by Elizabeth (Erszebet in Hungarian, where her family castle was located, now modern day Slovakia) as a beauty agent, along with the belief that if bathed in, the blood could actually transfer the beneficial qualities and physical beauty of the person bled. I found myself disgusted, yet intrigued. Envy is a dangerous feeling, and it drives women to take drastic measures - especially in Ms. Bathory's case.
Something to be wary of, ladies.
Ok, geek time over for the night.
So I watched Silence of the Lambs tonight. I am enthralled by the character of Hannibal Lecter. Even though Anthony Hopkins only gets a little more than 15 minutes of screen time, he was voted AFI's most memorable villain. That's quite an accomplishment if you ask me. And I watched it with the siblings, gotta educate them on quality cinema early or they'll end up idolizing 'horror' flicks like Scary Movie - no thank you.
Ooh, I read a book that was simply lying on the fabulous library wall this week. I'd finished reading Bram Stoker's Dracula earlier so I was on quite a vampire streak, and I picked up this young adult novel, The Blood Confession, by Alisa Libby. Aside from the dark subject matter, I adore the way she writes with so much historical credibility. It's basically the story of Countess Elizabeth Bathory, thought to be one of the true inspirations for vampire folklore, from her own perspective after being found out in her sadistic activities. Upon further research, I found the countess is the number one serial killer in recorded history according to number of victims, thought to be 650+. The actual number is unknown, as well as the actual tactics used to torture them. The basics entail her 14th century castle's dungeons being utilized for bleedings of young peasant girls. Legend further implies the blood was used by Elizabeth (Erszebet in Hungarian, where her family castle was located, now modern day Slovakia) as a beauty agent, along with the belief that if bathed in, the blood could actually transfer the beneficial qualities and physical beauty of the person bled. I found myself disgusted, yet intrigued. Envy is a dangerous feeling, and it drives women to take drastic measures - especially in Ms. Bathory's case.
Something to be wary of, ladies.
Ok, geek time over for the night.
5.25.2008
5.24.2008
21 and Invincible
Currently located in the kitchen, I've decided to make macaroni & cheese. Partially cause I love it, and partially cause it's the easiest thing to make for the siblings and I - parent date night. I poured myself a smidgen of wine to help in tasting the pasta and my mind immediately drifted.
I'm feeling very contemplative. Maybe nostalgic is a better word. Then again, maybe analytical is more suited... Either way, I've been thinking - I know, always a bad thing. And the majority of my thoughts have been about old times. Just thinking about the past couple of years and how I got to where I am today... blah blah blah.
Today was 'spring cleaning' day. Upon waking up, I proceeded to drag each and every packed-to-the-brim box into my living room, along with everything I'd already unpacked - basically everything I own. So I start organizing things into piles (this is what I do best) and I finally hit the bottom of the last box. As I finally took a second to look around, I was disappointed. Every single material object in my life fit in one room, more specifically, on the dining room table. Mind you, it's a large table that seats 8, but still. The extent of my influence, my footprint, if you will, was so insignificant compared to those I surround myself with.
I can't tell you how many people I have helped move or organize who had enough things in their one room to overflow a 3000 sq. foot house. I mean, I know material possessions aren't an indicator of much, and most probably envy the lack of clutter I maintain. But seriously? I'm probably throwing a fit and tantrum, but as for me? I'd like to feel like I am leaving an imprint of myself on this world. Oh well, hopefully someday I'll design a building that's nice and showy and has a HUGE imprint - metaphorically speaking, of course. I would be quite the anti-green architect if I really made the largest building possible just cause...
And while I was sifting through my things, sorting and throwing things away, passing things on to my little sister, and setting items aside for the salvation army (which - by the way - everyone should do cause it's a good deed and helps out a lot of unfortunate people) I took a small trip down memory lane. I've been through a lot these past few years.. Forget high school, let's even skip 18. I've moved a total of 6 times, in four years. I've worked in 5 different restaurants, lived with friends and co-workers, as well as family, gone back to school after a 3 year break, and disappointed a hell of a lot of people in the process. You can imagine the amount of people that entails. It's no secret that I get to know people quickly, and that means numerous connections were created, whether or not they were treated appropriately.
All in all, I'll spare you the "now I see all of my mistakes and those I took for granted" speech. Just, for those of you still here, know that I have seen MOST of my mistakes, and I DO realize how many of you I took for granted. It's been a rough growing up and so many people helped make sure that happened the way it was supposed to - more or less.
Alright, enough with the sappy lamentations. I'm ready to go back to California now! I know I have a month to go, just wanna be prepared. Until then, I'm just living 21 and invincible...
I'm feeling very contemplative. Maybe nostalgic is a better word. Then again, maybe analytical is more suited... Either way, I've been thinking - I know, always a bad thing. And the majority of my thoughts have been about old times. Just thinking about the past couple of years and how I got to where I am today... blah blah blah.
Today was 'spring cleaning' day. Upon waking up, I proceeded to drag each and every packed-to-the-brim box into my living room, along with everything I'd already unpacked - basically everything I own. So I start organizing things into piles (this is what I do best) and I finally hit the bottom of the last box. As I finally took a second to look around, I was disappointed. Every single material object in my life fit in one room, more specifically, on the dining room table. Mind you, it's a large table that seats 8, but still. The extent of my influence, my footprint, if you will, was so insignificant compared to those I surround myself with.
I can't tell you how many people I have helped move or organize who had enough things in their one room to overflow a 3000 sq. foot house. I mean, I know material possessions aren't an indicator of much, and most probably envy the lack of clutter I maintain. But seriously? I'm probably throwing a fit and tantrum, but as for me? I'd like to feel like I am leaving an imprint of myself on this world. Oh well, hopefully someday I'll design a building that's nice and showy and has a HUGE imprint - metaphorically speaking, of course. I would be quite the anti-green architect if I really made the largest building possible just cause...
And while I was sifting through my things, sorting and throwing things away, passing things on to my little sister, and setting items aside for the salvation army (which - by the way - everyone should do cause it's a good deed and helps out a lot of unfortunate people) I took a small trip down memory lane. I've been through a lot these past few years.. Forget high school, let's even skip 18. I've moved a total of 6 times, in four years. I've worked in 5 different restaurants, lived with friends and co-workers, as well as family, gone back to school after a 3 year break, and disappointed a hell of a lot of people in the process. You can imagine the amount of people that entails. It's no secret that I get to know people quickly, and that means numerous connections were created, whether or not they were treated appropriately.
All in all, I'll spare you the "now I see all of my mistakes and those I took for granted" speech. Just, for those of you still here, know that I have seen MOST of my mistakes, and I DO realize how many of you I took for granted. It's been a rough growing up and so many people helped make sure that happened the way it was supposed to - more or less.
Alright, enough with the sappy lamentations. I'm ready to go back to California now! I know I have a month to go, just wanna be prepared. Until then, I'm just living 21 and invincible...
5.23.2008
Angles
Well, on Wednesday morning, I dragged my butt outta bed around... 8am. That's about 6am my time, by the way. Why? Cause I decided that I wanted to be an architecture interested person and visit a nearby residence in Kirkwood, MO that was designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright, the all American architect.So mi madre and I arrive at the parking lot that the tour group is meeting in, and arrive to find our mates for the day are years past getting discounts on pancakes at IHOP before 4pm - senior citizens. Then again, who else attends historical society events in the middle of the day?
Well, anyways, the pictures pretty much say it all for me. His mind is an interesting one, but not my favorite. I'll find a building that intrigues me more and post about that one later.
peace.
5.19.2008
A Summer in St. Louis
St. Louis...
... "Gateway to the West", the STL, the "Mound City", the Home of the Cardinals, and...
...the place I have been banished to for the next 6 weeks of my life. Well, maybe banished is too strong of a word. After all, it's not that bad here. Actually, I am quite enjoying the culture. Between the baseball games at a beautiful new stadium, the green things EVERYWHERE, and the immense amount of family I never realized existed, I'm actually loving the time spent here.
Updates will ensue. Stay Tuned...
5.17.2008
Unpredictability and chocolate.
So I've been rather busy tonight. Er... this morning. Just to warn you I'm rather ADD at the moment. Bear with me...
Found my future kitchen...thingies... I'm totally gonna find some kid to draw me a picture to make my kitchen cabinets out of. Anyone have a kid I can borrow?
I organized my bookmarks too. So I can find everything without having to type it all in. So much effort!
Oohhh,and I checked out my friend, Bethany's photography. She's freaking amazing! I wish I had the eye to capture emotion like she does. You really feel what she's witnessing, especially with my best friend and his girlfriend, Tim & Shannon.
Made a never ending, always changing list of things I want to accomplish eventually. Some true, others not. Some sooner, others later. Some plausible, others not so plausible. Whatever. They're on the right - I especially love # 23.
I think everyone should follow this guy - Geoff Manaugh. He wrote a blog entry that encompasses everything I've ever felt about Los Angeles, and more. Props to Geoff.
Discovered this website called LibraryThing.com and fell in love immediately. Allows me to catalog my library and tag/review/share accordingly. I adore books! Check out my library if you wish.
Mmmm, and I am officially addicted to Scrabble on Facebook. Challenge me: I suck and I need practice.
By the by - I'm streaming live now, on Twitter that is. Follow me, my minions.
Found my future kitchen...thingies... I'm totally gonna find some kid to draw me a picture to make my kitchen cabinets out of. Anyone have a kid I can borrow?
I organized my bookmarks too. So I can find everything without having to type it all in. So much effort!
Oohhh,and I checked out my friend, Bethany's photography. She's freaking amazing! I wish I had the eye to capture emotion like she does. You really feel what she's witnessing, especially with my best friend and his girlfriend, Tim & Shannon.
Made a never ending, always changing list of things I want to accomplish eventually. Some true, others not. Some sooner, others later. Some plausible, others not so plausible. Whatever. They're on the right - I especially love # 23.
I think everyone should follow this guy - Geoff Manaugh. He wrote a blog entry that encompasses everything I've ever felt about Los Angeles, and more. Props to Geoff.
Discovered this website called LibraryThing.com and fell in love immediately. Allows me to catalog my library and tag/review/share accordingly. I adore books! Check out my library if you wish.
Mmmm, and I am officially addicted to Scrabble on Facebook. Challenge me: I suck and I need practice.
By the by - I'm streaming live now, on Twitter that is. Follow me, my minions.
5.15.2008
Food for thought
"We live on a curious diet of harmlessness alternating with catastrophe."
- Rem Koolhaas, "In Search of Authenticity," in The Endless City, edited by Ricky Burdett and Deyan Sudjic (Phaidon, 2008).
- Rem Koolhaas, "In Search of Authenticity," in The Endless City, edited by Ricky Burdett and Deyan Sudjic (Phaidon, 2008).
5.10.2008
the journey home...
As I gripped the armrest during the turbulence and storm on the flight to St. Louis, I found myself getting a little emotional. I hadn't seen my family for at least a month, 3 for my mother. And although California was calling my name as that surf and sand covered land tends to do, I still couldn't wait to get off the plane and see the people I tried so hard to get away from as a teenager. The guy in the seat next to me kept looking over at me out of the corner of his eyes - probably thought I was crazy, I'm sure I kept mumbling something incoherent.
The first plane to Phoenix wasn't this bad. I had a seat mate who not only talked to me but held an intellectually stimulating conversation with me - go figure. I was pleasantly surprised to find I'm not the only one who likes to talk to strangers. At least I was distracted from what was going on in my mind...
So, I got off the plane in one piece, bought myself a hot coffee, since of course it was raining, and sat down to read my book. An hour later, I got on the plane, and three hours later I was right back to where I began this rant.
By the time I got off the plane and saw the siblings, the emotional moment had passed. I was happy and excited and gave my daddy a kiss on the cheek, tickled my brother a little, and held my sisters hand as we walked out of the airport.
It's good to be home.
The first plane to Phoenix wasn't this bad. I had a seat mate who not only talked to me but held an intellectually stimulating conversation with me - go figure. I was pleasantly surprised to find I'm not the only one who likes to talk to strangers. At least I was distracted from what was going on in my mind...
So, I got off the plane in one piece, bought myself a hot coffee, since of course it was raining, and sat down to read my book. An hour later, I got on the plane, and three hours later I was right back to where I began this rant.
By the time I got off the plane and saw the siblings, the emotional moment had passed. I was happy and excited and gave my daddy a kiss on the cheek, tickled my brother a little, and held my sisters hand as we walked out of the airport.
It's good to be home.
5.05.2008
The Mixed Tape
Has anyone ever wondered what happened to the mixed tape (or in our generation's case - the mixed cd or iPod playlist)? I found myself wanting to craft one of these fickle creations last night, and found that it isn't quite as easy as it might sound...
So of course the first thing I did was look it up. I found out as much history as I could about this long lost art, as well as the many lists of rules that others have been so kind as to post on the world wide web. Basically all of them say the same three things: (1) think about your audience; (2) mix it up with the genre, artist, and tempo; and (3) always consider the first and last song - most important!
Now that I had my rules to work by I figured out all of the variables, and here's what I got:
(1) The Mixed Tape by Jack's Mannequin (how cliche, i know)
(2) What I Like About You by Lillix
(3) I Caught Fire by The Used
(4) El Scorcho by Weezer
(5) Falling For You by Ronnie Day
(6) Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
(7) Wonderwall by Cartel
(8) Heels Over Head by Boys Like Girls
(9) There Is by Boxcar Racer
(10) Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson
(11) Sewn by The Feeling
(12) Down With You by Ellie Lawson
(13) Vienna by Billy Joel
(14) Thirteen by Ben Kweller
(15) Song For A Friend by Jason Mraz
(16) Hear Me Out by Frou Frou
(17) The Nicest Thing by Kate Nash
(18) Love Song by Sara Bareilles
(19) Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer
(20) Tangled Up In Me by Skye Sweetnam
So yeah.. fruits of my labor - not too bad for a first pass. It'll definitely need some tweaking, but I'll get there.. Later kids.
So of course the first thing I did was look it up. I found out as much history as I could about this long lost art, as well as the many lists of rules that others have been so kind as to post on the world wide web. Basically all of them say the same three things: (1) think about your audience; (2) mix it up with the genre, artist, and tempo; and (3) always consider the first and last song - most important!
Now that I had my rules to work by I figured out all of the variables, and here's what I got:
(1) The Mixed Tape by Jack's Mannequin (how cliche, i know)
(2) What I Like About You by Lillix
(3) I Caught Fire by The Used
(4) El Scorcho by Weezer
(5) Falling For You by Ronnie Day
(6) Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
(7) Wonderwall by Cartel
(8) Heels Over Head by Boys Like Girls
(9) There Is by Boxcar Racer
(10) Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson
(11) Sewn by The Feeling
(12) Down With You by Ellie Lawson
(13) Vienna by Billy Joel
(14) Thirteen by Ben Kweller
(15) Song For A Friend by Jason Mraz
(16) Hear Me Out by Frou Frou
(17) The Nicest Thing by Kate Nash
(18) Love Song by Sara Bareilles
(19) Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer
(20) Tangled Up In Me by Skye Sweetnam
So yeah.. fruits of my labor - not too bad for a first pass. It'll definitely need some tweaking, but I'll get there.. Later kids.
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