Merriam-Webster Word of the year.

Is w00t! They say the acronym originated with gamers to represent, "We owned the other team," I generally just use it as an exclamation of awesomeness.

The official definition: (interjection) expressing joy (it could be after a triumph, or for no reason at all); similar in use to the word "yay"

All I have to say to that is,

woot.

Happy Post Number 200!!!

This is my 200th post! Very very exciting to think that this blog o mine has been along since March 2006. In celebration of all that time I'm offering up some eye candy! Fun and interesting pictures, things that have been making my mind tingle recently.

Harajuku





Photoshop Mania



Harry Potter Fan Art



I Can Has Cheezburger?



Not Cot



Christmas Lights

All I want for Christmas...

Is this coat.

I think I may have to stay away from NotCouture for a while. For although the items on there are...not couture, they are still extremely expensive.

This coat isn't so bad though, it's on sale! 30% off for $675.50!

Finishing Harry Potter 7 is like destroying the 7th horcrux of my childhood.

Okay so I stole the title from a Facebook group, but I don't think anything else can truly express how I feel after finishing the last Harry Potter.

I had resisted the Harry Potter movement for so long because, like many other things, I hate to take interest in fads or things that are wildly popularized by the masses. So I resisted Harry Potter until all the books were out and I could judge for myself.

Friday morning at 4 a.m. I finished the last one. November had been the month of Potter--I went through 7 books in 4 weeks--and like someone who consumes a meal far too quickly, I felt like I never truly got to taste every delicious bite of the story. I enjoyed it, and now I miss it terribly. What ever am I going to do now that it is all over?

Maybe it's because of the move, and because Boyan and I are isolated from friends (and things to do) like never before, but I really depended on the books as a refuge from my disappointment in living in West Covina.

I could come home every day (or escape during my lunch hour) to Hogwarts and not have to deal with anything around me.

So, alas, now that it is over I find myself the same way I did when I finished Louisa May Alcott's Little Women trilogy. Very sad, and abandoned. Except this time, I didn't bawl my eyes out.

I might try my hand at finishing my own stories, or reading The Lord of the Rings. But for me it's difficult to find something to engage my time in. If I'm not REALLY excited to read it I can't force myself. We'll have to wait and see what pique's my interest. I'm guessing it will have to be something sci-fi/fantasy related. Until then I have the fifth Harry Potter movie to see (I heard it's bad but I don't care) and the Golden Compass comes out in theaters on Friday!

If anyone has any recommendations for something in the desired category please let me know. For now I must mourn the loss of HP...

Best Sex Scene in a Movie

Thank you Nerve for brightening up my Friday.

While I was living in a sorority, this was a topic that came up often. I mean, All.the.time. So I think it's prudent to bring it up here and see what YOUR favorite sex scenes from a movie are.

I got the idea from Nerve, who delivered this bit of magic to my inbox not long ago. They call it, "Nerve's Greatest Sex Scenes in Cinema."

"Last Temptations of Christ," topped their list. This week they are highlighting "Legends of the Fall" with Brad Pitt.

My personal favorite is the Rachel Weiss and Jude Law in "Enemy at the Gates." He also does well in "Cold Mountain" with Nicole Kidman. I don't know what it is about Jude, but he sure knows how to pull off a sex scene. Gives you insight to why he's such a sleaze in real life ...

I'm Verklempt! I'll give you a topic...

Listening to music while at work is neither productive or destructive...DISCUSS!

Spherion Survey: Workers Say Listening to Music While Working Improves Job Satisfaction, Productivity
Nearly one-third of adult workers listen to music at work using an iPod, MP3 player or similar personal music device

---

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., September 18, 2006 — According to the latest Spherion^® Workplace Snapshot survey conducted by Harris Interactive^®, almost one-third (32 percent) of workers listen to music while working using an iPod, MP3 player or similar personal music device. Of those, 79 percent feel that doing so improves their job satisfaction and/or productivity. The survey also found that 10 percent of adults who use personal music devices while working spend more than 50 percent of their time tuned in.

The percentage of workers who feel that listening to a personal music device improves their job satisfaction and/or productivity is highest among younger adults, with 90 percent of workers aged 18 to 24 and 89 percent of those aged 30 to 39 making this claim. In addition, of adult workers who listen to a personal music device while working, 55 percent feel it improves both job satisfaction and productivity—a number most likely driven by the 30 to 39 age group (at 68 percent).

“Recent research indicates that more than 40 million people worldwide own iPods, so it’s not surprising to find that nearly one-third of adults listen to these or similar devices while they work,” commented Nancy Halverson, Spherion vice president of talent development. “However, when the majority of those who listen also claim it improves their job satisfaction and productivity, employers ought to take note.

“Like many other new technologies that have seeped into the workplace, such as cell phones, Blackberries and instant messaging, personal music devices do have the potential to negatively impact performance and security in the workplace. This may be especially true in certain higher-risk jobs where the ability to hear clearly is paramount,” says Halverson. “Yet our survey has uncovered a compelling argument that allowing workers to listen to music while they work could pay dividends in the form of higher job satisfaction and productivity.”

The key, according to Halverson, is for employers to set ground rules for workers to avoid distractions or communication breakdowns. This can include asking workers to keep low volume levels, identifying designated areas where listening is acceptable and implementing policies governing the downloading of music and other files using company computers. Without guidelines, employers could see an increase in safety risks due to employees missing fire alarms or alerts from colleagues, and diminished customer service because employees don’t hear the phone or coworkers have difficulty getting their attention.

Other results from the most recent Spherion Workplace Snapshot Survey:

Workers aged 25 to 29 more likely to listen to music on a personal music device while working.

• Almost half (48 percent) of adults aged 25 to 29 say they listen to music on an iPod, MP3 player or similar personal music device while working—more than any other age group.
• Adults aged 50 to 64 are least likely to listen while working, with only 22 percent claiming to do so.

Higher-income workers more likely to listen to personal music devices at work.

• According to the survey, 35 percent of adults earning $35,000 or more say they listen to music on an iPod, MP3 player or similar personal music device while working. (Specifically, 35 percent of those earning $35,000 to $49,999, 36 percent who earn $50,000 to $74,999, and 35 percent of those earning $75,000 or more per year listen while they work.)
• By contrast, only 22 percent of workers earning less than $25,000 listen while they work, and only 26 percent of those earning $25,000 to $34,999 do so.

Male workers more likely to report improved job satisfaction and/or productivity.

• 82 percent of male adults who listen to a personal music device while working report that it improves their job satisfaction and/or productivity, compared to 76 percent of female adults.
• Similarly, 24 percent of female workers who listen to a personal music device while working indicate that it improves neither job satisfaction nor productivity, compared to 18 percent of adult males.

Image of the day

Tagging used to be a bad thing

Like spray painting freeway overpasses. But this is not the case with NaBloPoMo tagging.

DT Kelly over at SGEP tagged my blog (it's like a modern form of chain letters isn't it?) and so here I go myself. Here are, the rules...

Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Alright 7 Facts about me:

1. I have a dog named Heidi.

2. I got married this year in Bulgaria.

3. I'm working on a children's book based on a little girl I know.

4. I used to own horses.

5. I care a lot about, and am very loyal to my friends

6. I can't drink anymore. Really! I can't! What happened to me?

7. I miss the people at my old job.


And the unlucky victims are:

Say it, don't spray it (not so random but oh well!)
The Adventures of Wanderlust Gyrl!
The Secret of Living
I have things...
Grammar Snob
The Velveteen Mind
Slutty McWhore

Life is hard at Google

I came across this job posting on MediaBistro, and decided that life is way too hard for google employees.

Yes they actually posted this:

"Google employees have a wide variety of interests both inside and outside Google. We strive to design a unique benefits package that helps Googlers balance their busy lives and allow them to focus on the things they love to do. To that end, the Benefits group has developed a wide variety of comprehensive programs to meet the various needs of our diverse population. Among the programs we offer at our U.S. headquarters include a world-class children's center, a wellness center with on-site physicians, four full-service fitness centers and massage services. We also provide gourmet meals, car wash and laundry services along with many other on-site services. All of these are offered are in addition to our top-tier health plans and a generous 401(k) matching program."

Now are they actually posting this on MEDIABISTRO because they need a massage therapist or because they are trying to promote the company to other job seekers on the site?

Reader Poll: What would you do?

If you found $5,000 dollars on the side of the street and HAD to spend it on something frivolous? What would you buy? A REALLY nice pair of leather boots? A designer hand bag? Some Manolo Blahniks or Louboutins? A first class flight to Paris? A down payment on a car?

Seriously, what would you buy?

Leaving on a Jet Plane

That's right folks, I'm going outta town for Thanksgiving. I don't know how I am going to fulfill my NaBloPoMo obligations but I am bringing my laptop just in case.

I'll be heading up to Turlock, California later today where they boast, "... the second largest city in Stanislaus County with a population which has grown steadily from 13,992 in 1970 to over 69,000 today. Home of California State University Stanislaus (CSUS), Turlock provides an unusual opportunity to combine a quality learning environment with relaxed rural living."

I'm just hoping the hotel has wireless, but I'm not counting on it. If you don't hear from me in the interim have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Overhearing conversations

I work with this old guy. Imagine Creed from the office, but with a Russian accent and no tact...and older.

"I primarily work with African American women so you can imagine the level I'm teaching right now."

And later, on a phone interview for another job (yes this is in the office):

"Yes I worked at California Institute of Technology, CalTech, Please read my resume before asking questions."

Today is his last day and yes he will be missed.

My Daily Plate

I don't know if any of you dieters have ever tried The Daily Plate--an online food diary service--but it really really works. Now, it probably doesn't work that great around the holiday season (it's hard to truly track the size/amount/fat content) of the home cooked foods you eat but on a general day to day basis it's great just to monitor how much you are taking in. It accounts for exercise, age, etc. and will tell you how many calories you can eat for the rest of the day and you set how many lbs you wanna lose over what period of time. I really love The Daily Plate.

....except when it tells me I only have 129 calories left for today and I haven't had dinner yet. Did I mention I'm hungry?

Image of the day

Lets see if I can spot all of them (this is like trying to spot all the historical figures on the Sgt. Peppers album cover) here we go left to right:

first row:
Divine, Pee Wee Herman, Creepy gray guy (no idea), Michael Myers?, Borat, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan a la Point Break, Scary ugly bunny (no idea again), David Lynch, Tim Curry a la Rocky Horror Picture show as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Random Skinhead (again I dont know)

second row:
Kevin Smith, Jeff Bridges as "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski, Looks like Dennis Hopper with a oxygen mask from I don't know what, Clockwork Orange Dude, Guy with guitar (no idea) and either Andy Milonakis or the kid from Goonies. I think it's the kid from Goonies. I don't know I've never seen it. And out in front I'm guessing that's Terry Schiavo.

Can you guys confirm/correct or finish this list? I'd be interested to hear who the rest are.

I told you so

I'm not such a heartless bitch after all.

Headline from Jezebel:

How Young is Too Young for Plucking?

Worrisome

Is Lourde's facial hair bothering you too? She's only 11...

Thanksgiving Family Reunion!!!

Last night was an exciting night. After I cooked dinner (or...heated dinner) Boyan and I passed out at the ripe hour of 10 p.m. only to wake up at 2 a.m., 3, 4, 5, 6 and finally 7:30 when my alarm went off.

But if you think THAT was exciting, even more thrilling is the trip I'll be making up to Turloc, CA on Wednesday for Thanksgiving. Turkey, stuffing and around 20 + Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and Second Cousins of my huge Filipino family will be there!

Are YOU doing anything exciting for Thanksgiving?

Can you guess...

Where this dress is from? You'll never believe it. I think I may go out and buy it today. Or 5 minutes ago. ASAP!!! (no cheating!)

Oh yea and I want this really really bad.

and this.

whoooops

look who was too busy to post yesterday. shite. I'm a failure.

Image of the day

Click to enlarge.

This shit is crazy.

Project Runway, Season Four Premiere

I knew this day would come. I've been trying to forget, to put it at the back of my mind, but everywhere I go there are countdowns and banners screaming at me, saying, "Are you in, or are you out."

The day we decided not to order a cable service at our new apartment was the same day I had to come to terms with not being able to watch my favorite show. Days fells off the calendar, with the passing of each I knew I was getting closer and closer to the Project Runway Season Four Premiere.

Now here I am, eager, nearly desperate to watch my favorite show in it's new season but I don't know what I'm going to do. Bravo is the ONLY channel we watch that doesn't stream full episodes online.

Will somebody, anybody record them for me? Let me come over and watch? PLEASE! I WANT TO BE IN! I WANT TO BE IN!

Remember that Jezebel Happy Hour?

The one that I went to last Friday? Where I endorsed the trannie porn? Well I was trying to figure out what was so weird about Molly, the organizer of the event when Boyan blurted out, "Are you kidding me, she was stoned!" And when I thought about it, it made so much sense. THEN I read this on her blog to confirm it:

hostage

As I'm writing this, I'm in the Long Beach airport. I love this airport, and while the cab from Koreatown costs about 20 dollars more than the ride to LAX, I choose it time after time as long as I have the option. There are a few reasons: First, it's small. There are four airlines that fly out of here and one of them is JetBlue, the best airline that I have ever had the privilege of riding. Secondly, the staff is very courteous. There's no hustle in the security line, you can crack jokes with the guards. Third and probably most important to a girl like myself is that you can quite easily smuggle a bag of weed in your underwear.

Sneaking it in the underwear is key if you don't want to check your bag. You can wrap it up in a bunch of ziplocks and sink it to the bottom of your shampoo bottle in a checked bag, but then you run the risk of hyperventilating up until you get on the plane. I have had some of the most fearful moments of my life between bag check-in and boarding, just waiting there for the cops to walk up to me and tell me that they need to discuss the contents of my suitcase.

Some would say that it's a true testament to my lack of street cred that I don't have a stash waiting for me on the other coast, but I dismiss this for two reasons: 1) I has the dank Cali buds at my disposal and 2) I want to start ripping immediately after I get of the plane. This is best executed if I bring my own weed, roll a J in the plane bathroom and find an alleyway to stand in while I get my head right.

See you in New York, Fags...

It explains so much.

JUDITH REGAN RETURNS

Oh how I love my crazy ex-boss. There was a huge scandal when the press found out about Judith's affair with Bernie Kerik, NYC Police Commissioner. He was then the leading candidate for the Director of Homeland Security, backed by Giuliani when the scandal broke and took him out of the running.

She lost her imprint (about two months after I stopped working there) and now she's suing News Corp! I love it!

"Defendants were well aware that Regan had a personal relationship with Kerik,” the complaint says. “In fact, a senior executive in the News Corporation organization told Regan that he believed she had information about Kerik that, if disclosed, would harm Giuliani’s presidential campaign. This executive advised Regan to lie to, and to withhold information from, investigators concerning Kerik."

"We're fully confident that the evidence will show that Judith Regan was the victim of a vicious smear campaign engineered by News Corp. and HarperCollins," Mr. Kerr said.

I don't know if she's doing it for the money, the fame or both! Either way I can't wait to hear how it unfolds and am THRILLED that Judith found a way to get her name back into the news.

Notice her lawyer's name is Kerr...couldn't bring herself to hire a Jewish lawyer eh Judy?

What I did today

1. Set up stuff for my big meeting on Thursday.

2. Ate too many Cheez-Its, but found out I'm not the only one.

3. Tried a new flavor of Orbit gum (Mint Mojito, yum!). Kinda makes me want to have a cocktail.

4. Reorganized my desk. And put pictures up by using binder clips hung on push pins. Pretty ingenious I'd say.


(Whaddya think?)

5. Ate a Shin cup for lunch before realizing it had MSG in it. And now I'm freaking out even more since finding this: "Nong Shim Shin Cup Noodles (along with other Nong Shim Pot Noodle products including Beef, Chicken, Seafood and Kimchi flavours) were withdrawn from sale in the UK by their importer G. Costa & Company Ltd in 2005 due to the undeclared presence of irradiated ingredients."

Shit. I love these spicy korean ramen bowls....WHAT AM I GONNA DO!??!

Not a morning person

I went to bed so early last night (well, around 11 or 12 which is early for my) yet I'm exhausted this morning. What happened?

Saturday my Flatterday.

Saturday was the day that Boyan and I waited in lines.

It's true.

Boyan, My Dad, Diane and I drove from West Covina to downtown L.A. to take in the sites and grab some nummy beef dip sandwiches.

We went to Phillipes the self proclaimed creators of the french dip sandwich to get, what else but french dips! I had a beef dip with bleu cheese, cole slaw, macaroni salad and pumpkin pie. Besides being extremely tasty it was also extremely cheap! It almost made waiting in line for 45 minutes worth it all.

After we gobbled up our sandwiches we headed down the way to Olivera Street. It was my first time there and I have to say I was a little disappointed. The historical architecture was weighed down by the fact that the shops in the old houses sold cheap Mexican wears. Culture for sale and not an authentic thing in site. We finally found ourselves standing in front of California's oldest house.



It was built in 1818 by some guy named Avila (it was called Avila Adobe). So we rushed in to see the free exhibit. The house itself was very nice. Large patios, large courtyard in the middle. As we toured the house we questioned the women who worked there about the furniture and flooring. Turns out, the house that stands today has been restored. The flooring, walls, furniture, rugs everything was new. Nothing was original. The house doesn't even stand in it's original spot...

It was so L.A.



Anyways we got out of there, hopped in the car and headed for the Griffith Observatory.

It was the second weekend it had been opened since the renovations and the fire, so I was really excited to be amongst the first groups who got to see the new observatory. They spent 93 million dollars to upgrade the place, I couldn't wait to see exactly how they spent their money.

Well, apparently they spent it on really elementary displays so people with half a brain could learn about the changing seasons, or what an eclipse looks like.

Ok, I'll stop. I will say I was pretty disappointed in what they actually had inside the observatory. I'm also bummed that I didn't get to see the show in the Planet Erium.

Some kid pulled the fire alarm and the entire observatory had to be evacuated. We waited 45 minutes outside before we could get back into the observatory, and 45 more minutes to get a refund for our Planet Erium tickets, because the guys working the computer couldn't figure out how to do it.



I will say that the trip was worth all the waiting just for the view. I don't think I've ever seen a more magnificent skyline. On the way back we drove through Silverlake, which was awesome because I'd never seen the neighborhood. All in all, I think I saw more of Los Angeles on Saturday than I had in 5 years of living there.

Sunday Nofunday.

Mreh mreh mreh. It's Sunday, which means tomorrow is Monday, which means I have to go to work and start the countdown to Friday once again.

Friday.

Boyan and I were on our way to meet some of my co-workers at our neighborhood Chili's. I don't know why there was so much traffic on the road at 6pm on Friday night but it seemed as if it took us forever. We were turning onto Fullerton from Valley and making our way to Gale when we sped through the intersection crossing the railroad tracks and heard a very loud train whistle. At first we were confused. 'Why does that train sound so close? The lights haven't gone up, the crossing arms haven't gone down.' As we crossed over the train tracks we realized why. Looking to the right we were blinded by a very bright light and a train that looked to be less than 100 yards away from our car. I put my foot on the gas and raced across the tracks onto the other side. Boyan and I both reeling. How could the train crossing arms malfunction like that? Cars on the other side of the road realizing their danger also raced across the tracks and out of the way. Finally the train went by as the arms went down, but it was definitely a close call for all.

When we finally made it to Chili's we noticed that the parking lot was full. The entire parking lot at 6pm and people were crowding the doorways to get inside the restaurant. Evidence to my previous points that, there is in fact, nothing to do in West Covina...besides go to Chili's of course! We had a nice dinner and drinks with our co-workers and made it back home in time to prepare ourselves for a trip downtown for the Jezebel happy hour.

We made it to the bar the Prince by 10:30, just in time to meet up with our friend Catherine, who had braved the Los Angeles metro system to join us. Besides the fact that Boyan SWORE we were on 7th street gang turf (well, the bar IS on 7th street, but the gang hangs out a block away so I don't think we were in any real danger) the surrounding neighborhood seemed quiet, poster boards with korean writing littered the skyline amongst old hollywood hotels.

The Prince was like a bar I'd only dreamt about but never fully experienced. We entered a small red door and were greeted by a deep red glow in the old world, british/beef eater inspired bar. This is definitely a local hangout, despite being used in Thank you for Smoking, the bar hasn't caught on with the hipster crowd and remains to be a spot for koreans to get a nice meal and a beer. Most probably a Hite in fact which is what I had. A light korean beer that had "fresh beer taste" and was made with "natural water" was quite pleasant and refreshing.


It was only after I sat down the strange B.O. smell reached by nose, but by then I was too excited about being there and around new people to notice. The event was organized by Gawker's media girl Molly who in fact works for another gawker media branch fleshbot (nsfw). There were rumors that those who showed up would get free porn, and Molly delivered way more than expected. Although Boyan and I didn't take her up on the offer of "Trannie Sistas Pt. II" it was still very interesting to see what kinds of crazy stuff people actually get off on in this world. She did end up interviewing me on video about the evening, and asked me what types of porn I was looking at to which I responded "Oh well there is so much here to choose from, Trannie Sisters PT. II and Pantyhose hoes, what more can you ask for?"

I panicked, I freaked out (I'm not good on camera) and hopefully that won't follow me around for the rest of my life. Anyways, after that all kinds of political and religious debate ensued till we left at around midnight to head home back to the SG Valley.


That will have to be it for now. I will write about Saturday tomorrow, my internet connection at home keeps going out. Stayed tuned for tails of french dipped sandwiches, the man without a nose, the fake oldest house in California and the fire drill at the observatory.

It's Saturday, Like Whoa.

It's only Saturday and so much has already happened this weekend. So much has happened in fact, that I'm too exhausted to write about it until tomorrow. But here is what you have to look forward to:

1. Newegg happy hour with employees. Newegg employees get together, hilarity ensues.

2. Jezebel happy hour and free porn. Krisserin endorses trannie porn. Embarrassment ensues.

3. Visit to Philips in downtown, Olivera street and the Griffith Observatory. Hunger overcomes boredom which overcomes originality and confusion ensues.

Ponder that until tomorrow.

wtf...

Buttrug? BUTTRUG! BWHAHAHAHAHA!

Image of the day

Bunny teef! <3 Cute overload.

It's Lacroix darling, it's Lacroix

Have you seen Lacroix's new line? I'd call it Vampire Chic.





























It's crazy, but wouldn't you say it's fabulous? I would. Absolutely Fabulous.

A few of my favorite things...

I'm trying not to drool.

Loeffler Randal
Zac Posen
Sigerson Morrison

and also...
Samantha Treacy
James Perse


thank you notcouture for impeccable taste and inspiration.

Image of the day

I was dreaming of the past, and my heart was fading fast...

I had a dream the other night about Sean Lennon.

It was after I had stumbled upon his myspace page and had gone through some of his pictures.

In the dream he was sitting down, playing the guitar and singing to a thin, beautiful woman standing next to him. He was brightly lit from behind. It was exactly like one of the pictures on his myspace page, except it had come to life.

He kind of looks like Rama.

God I Miss Westwood

I miss L.A.

Really, I never thought I would find myself saying this but I do.

The feeling of walking down the street with the throngs of other people, adding to the pulse of the city. Having a place to go, a thing to do and people to see.

It's different in West Covina. It's suburban. You drive everywhere. It's less diverse.

Then little things like sitting at a cafe and having a latte, no knowing where to go to get a nice manicure, or being able to meet up with friends because you live 30 miles away.

It's a lot quieter here, If I didn't know who I was, I would probably get lost.

Alright enough of that. Things I miss from Los Angeles:

1. People: People on the streets, people speaking english, spanish, farsi (yes, farsi) people asking for money, directions, recommendations. Just people.

2. Food: I'd really like to find a place where I could have a nice sandwich and fresh salad. I'm sick of boba and ramen.

3. Shopping: I'm not trying to be materialistic, but I miss shopping. Not that I shopped a lot when I was in L.A. but I miss the opportunity of shopping. I miss Flax, in Westwood. I miss third street promenade, the Century city mall. I miss NICE stores (the mall here has a mervyns, yes I know I'm a snob). I miss Zara and Mango and H&M. I miss Borders! The closest borders is 12 miles away! I miss Traders Joes and Whole Foods (closest are 15 miles away).

4. I miss walking.

5. Friends, or running into friends, or being that friend that people visit when they come to L.A. or meeting up friends for happy hour.

6. My old apartment, its bright green walls.

But I am determined to like my new home. Now, if I just had time to get out and find something to like. Something besides being 5 miles away from an IKEA.

Adventures in Publishing

My good friend Nikki, with whom I worked at Regan Books has told me she may or may not be interviewing for the position of Anna Wintour's assistant. Yes, the Devil Wears Prada position. She worked for Judith I suppose she can work for Anna. Either way, our thoughts and prayers are with you Nikki.

Borat, that loveable hug able Kazakh is going to be at my Borders tonight. :::sigh::: All signs that I quit working there (and moved from Westwood) too soon.

Some guy spent a year of his life ascribing to the 700 rules written in the old and new testament and wrote a book about it. Making me ponder ideas for my own stunt memoir. Any suggestions?


Lastly it's National Novel Writing Month, reminding people like me that people who have no talent and ambition are doing what we should be doing and are too lazy to do. Brarg.

Airport Security, and How to Offend Them Properly

Remember the time I went to Bulgaria and tried to bring a two-hundred-dollar bottle of Cognac in my carry-on? Remember how we got stopped by security who told us they'd have to confiscate it?

Ok, now, remember how I offended the security officer by telling him to take it, 'cause he was going to drink it anyway, and he got pissed-off, and made us wait in the bomb check to see if our bottle of cognac was liquid explosives?

Well fuck that guy.

Turns out the security guards don't take the items for themselves, oh no, they wouldn't do that.

They just SELL YOUR SHIT TO OTHER PEOPLE.

Eww...

You know what really grosses me out? I mean, besides the fact that people at my work clip their finger nails at their desks and talk on their cell phones in the bathroom...

The fact that Dandruff is caused by a fungus that sexually reproduces on your head.

disgusting.

Over before it began

"Attention heroes: Colbert drops presidential bid"

Although it was fun entertaining the idea.

Things I love

I have a couple must reads in what I like to call my "Blog Rounds" which include (shamefully) Perez Hilton (several times a day, he updates often until about 6pm), Jezebel (also several times a day, never fails for thought provoking, pants-peeing funny content), Nerve (once a week for personal essays), Slate (when I'm really bored), Pop Candy (once a day), Valleywag (once a day) and Underwire (once a day).

And on these numerous sites there are just some columns or weekly bits I just HAVE to read when they are up. Among them include the Snap Judgements on Jezebel, Ask Tionna on Gawker and Crying in Restaurants by Sarah Hepola.

If you get a chance to read these please do and let me know how you like them. I just want to share the love.

Jezebel Happy Hour this Friday!

My numero uno favorite blog Jezebel is having a west coast commenters happy hour on Friday at 10pm downtown and I just HAVE TO GO!

Can I persuade somebody, anybody to go with me? Pretty Prease? It's at the Prince on 7th street and the evite is here. If you want to go let me know!!!

Adventures in Photoshopping

Somebody's Photoshopper went overboard.



I like Lily cause she isn't a poster board for false body image.





I know she lost weight but someone cut the crap out of her arm to an unrealistic proportion.

Oh well.

Beyotch is wearing my Coat!

It's time that I admit it. I have a coat obsession. I have several beautiful winter coats which lie dormant in my closet 11 months out of the year but I find occasions to wear them whenever I can.

Imagine my surprise while I was making my blog rounds when on Pink is the New Blog I see some drunk passed out chick wearing my favorite retro houndstooth pea coat from H&M!


































I am not pleased.

Blues Clues guy is alive, The Office may go on strike and King Tut is exposed for the first time.

SO much has happened today it's madness, dribbling bubbling madness (ten points if you know what movie my new favorite catch phrase has come from)!!!!

Steve Burns not dead, a pedophile or a drug addict.

So that guy from Blues Clues who everyone thought had died from a drug overdose/suicide/who cares is actually alive and has done an interview with MTV to prove it. Apparently this was just another one of those urban legends your parents tell you to make sure you don't do drugs.

It didn't work.







WGA Strike may affect our favorite show. Michael Scott is not pleased.

The WGA walk outs start today. Writers in Los Angeles and New York are picketing to make sure they get a fair share of the revenue made from new technology and aren't screwed out of royalties the way they were when DVD's were introduced to the market.

The problem with this is that many of the cast members on The Office (including B.J Novak, "Ryan" Mindy Kaling, "Kelly" and Paul Lieberstein "Toby") are also writers on the show. NBC has made it clear that as actors they are expected to arrive at work as scheduled which puts them in a tight spot with their responsibilities to the Writers Guild of America.

I totally respect their right to picket, I just hope it doesn't go on for too long.

Although I'm sure Michael Scott wouldn't mind having Toby out of the office for a few days.


King Tut's Sarcophagus opened. The world holds their breathe (plugs their nose).

King Tut's mummy will be on display to the public for the first time ever in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt. He'll be kept in a climate controlled glass encasement for viewing if you feel like making the trip by camel to see him.

After looking at his pictures I think I'd rather be in this hemisphere...and curse free.

OMG OMG OMG

I've failed NaBloPoMo. I already missed one day 3 days into the month. GOSH what a dorkus I am.

I was extremely busy yesterday, which I know isn't an excuse but what can I do. I'll continue to sojourn on and finish what I started, blogging everyday for the entire month of November. So, here we go.

Yesterday I woke up at the ripe hour of 6:30 a.m. to take Boyan to West Covina High School for his SAT II subject exam. We got there at 7:45 just in time to wade through the 16-year-olds also there to take the SAT, and find the room where Boyan would be taking his test. The subject tests are only an hour long, so I sat in my car waiting for him while reading the fourth Harry Potter.

After he took the test we raced back to the apt. to get a quick nap in before I drove to L.A. At about 12pm I hopped into my car and sped off to Santa Monica to pick up Jurgen and Carolina to pick them up for the House warming party we were having at 2 p.m. We had to stop off at the grocery story to pick up supplies, and I returned home, food and liquor in hand at 3 p.m. to my friends who were already all there and waiting for me.

Everyone trickled out around 7 p.m. leaving Jurgen and Britta who were staying the night. We grabbed a pizza, walked the dog and headed back to watch some movies.

First we watched The Year of the Dog. It seemed so promising but it was the biggest mistake of my life. I love Molly Shannon, John C. Reilly and Peter Sarsgaard but honestly it was the most dry and mind numbing experience of my life. There were a few scenes in the movie that were funny, most involving Peter Sarsgaard and Laura Dern playing an overly obsessed and protective mom, but other than that just plan ridiculous.

After that we watched Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns (First dogs then cats, I don't know what we were thinking) which was also strange (read: take hallucinogens before watching film) but had a surprisingly good cast doing the voice overs (anne hathaway, cary elwes and tim curry!).

Woke up this morning, drove Jurgen back to Santa Monica, then drove to Long Beach to meet my parents at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens at CSULB. Part of the reason to meet there was to see the gardens, the other part was so my Mom could try to push it on me for a wedding venue for next year. But all in all it was nice. Nothing compared to Kew or Huntington but beautiful none-the-less.

After that we made it to The Auld Dubliner pub in Long Beach and had some yummy food and beers. At the end of the dinner a live Irish band started playing, bag pipes, flute and all. It was wonderful.

So, you see I have been busy! Now that Boyan is done with his first SAT and Halloween is over, life should get back to semi-normal. I'm hoping to make it to the gym a few times this week and even drive around our new neighborhood a bit.

Alright, I hope this long post semi made up for my not posting yesterday. Until tomorrow...

Train kills women, stiletto's to blame

In what they are calling a "freak train accident" two young women, 18 and 23 were killed when their car got stuck on the train tracks.

Apparently when they exited the vehicle they had difficulty walking through the gravel in their heels and out of harms way.

First of all, how pitiful is this photo? Is this really the best they could do? It looks like the cover of some cheap murder/mystery mass market thriller. The only thing that could make it worse would be if they put some fake blood on the heel. Disgusting. Second, how did their car get stuck on the tracks (or near the part off the tracks where there is gravel, aren't most railway crossings on the road)? Third, why didn't they kick off their shoes so they could scramble out of the way? Were they wearing Manolo Mary Janes?

Maybe the title of this article shouldn't be "Train kills women, stiletto's to blame" but "Train kills women, stupidity to blame." Or "Train kills women, Carrie Bradshaw to blame."

ugg.

James Hannaham you're so funny!

James Hannaham over at Salon did a review of Britney Spear's new appropriately named album Blackout. And he began his article with this:

"Britney Spears begins "Blackout," her first album of new material since 2003's "In the Zone," with the defiant, unnecessary assertion, "It's Britney, Bitch." What did she call us? Surely anyone who has seen a magazine in the past five years knows that she is our bitch. Our head-shaving, drug-abusing, rehab-escaping, ProTools-needing, coochie-flashing, K-Fed-marrying, K-Fed-divorcing, child-welfare-endangering, bonkers-going, MTV Video Music Awards-appearance-flubbing bitch."

True that James! Anyone heard the album?

NaBloPoMo Begins

Goooood morning errbody!

I signed up to participate in NaBloPoMo, which is National Blog Posting Month. It's a challenge for all those who are participate to post something on their blog every day in the month of November. Easy enough right? Well, no probably not, but I'm going to try! I spend most of my day at work looking like this, so it shouldn't be too hard to motivate myself.

I also plan to have some surprises, posting snippets of short stories and other things, so stay tuned!