Saturday, June 4, 2011
boots can be year round foot wear
Whenever I attempt to go to the shoe store to select summer appropriate footwear I always end up just looking at boots instead. I can't help it, I always prefer a clunky well heeled boot to a delicate sandal. In NYC where it will rain at a moment's notice, where you need to walk miles to a train stop somedays, and where you might need to kick a mugger or creepy guy, boots seem to be the appropriate option--even in 80 degree weather.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Elisabeth Moss on Totally Kids Detective Agency
You know, ever since I started watching Mad Men I have had the feeling that I used to watch Elisabeth Moss a lot as a kid on those FOX PSAs they would play during the after school shows. I looked at her IMDB credits and couldn't find anything listed, so I took to Google and eventually found this on YouTube:
I knew I remembered her! I have a good memory for faces, maybe I should be a detective.
I knew I remembered her! I have a good memory for faces, maybe I should be a detective.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Love Bites, new fall show
NBC's new show Love Bites looks among the most promising for new Fall shows, albeit a little silly from the looks of this preview. Also strange that it features two cast members from "My Boys."
Monday, September 6, 2010
New writing online
Ah writing, I would fall into pits of depression without you. I have been keeping busy this summer honing my skills and improving my craft. In order to do this you need lots of low stakes assignments where you can get a little creative with your reviews/articles and not fear an editor's wrath. So this June I started writing again for The Feminist Review (I believe there are in transition with their name and will be renaming themselves Elevated Differences, though I personally prefer the original moniker.)I have been reviewing theater including the Flea's recent production of Sex in Mommyville.
I also have a review of the memoir Bitch is the New Black in the August/September issue of Bust!
The memoir is pretty funny and worth checking out.
I also have a review of the memoir Bitch is the New Black in the August/September issue of Bust!
The memoir is pretty funny and worth checking out.
Marina and the Diamonds new video for Shampain
I have been digging Welsh artist Marina and the Diamonds all summer, when it comes to pop stars I making a splash currently, I really consider her to be the best. She manages to produce catchy, fun pop music with enough depth, creativity and skill in terms of lyrics to satisfy those who are turned off by all the prefabricated pop tarts the industry spits out. It is no wonder she sold out her show at Webster Hall in NYC quickly. Here is her latest single, Shampain:
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Our grammar and spelling skills keep taking nosedivesWhen
When I walk down the street in Manhattan I become annoyed by all the misspelled signs that catch my eye from bars, restaurants, food carts, and bodegas. It makes me want to rip out a giant red pen and make lots of corrections. Not to mention the terrible grammar. Maybe this is due to the fact that I have been employed in my life as both a copy editor and as an English teacher.
It also bugs me that so many students now write papers and emails in texting speak i.e. U hafta B here 2moro. And don't understand that this is improper English. I wonder what sort of semi literate, misspelled, abbreviated future awaits us as a country. I must be a huge nerd or else so old I am out of it because I never abbreviate anything in my texts and have even on occasion made use of the semi colon key.
It also bugs me that so many students now write papers and emails in texting speak i.e. U hafta B here 2moro. And don't understand that this is improper English. I wonder what sort of semi literate, misspelled, abbreviated future awaits us as a country. I must be a huge nerd or else so old I am out of it because I never abbreviate anything in my texts and have even on occasion made use of the semi colon key.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
New reviews of mine in print
New pieces:
I have a review of "They Is Us" in the February/March issue of Bust,
and a review of "Anthropology of an American Girl" in the May/June issue
of Bust.
Anthropology of an American Girl was a self published novel that received
such a cult following that Random House made an offer.
Music review and review Emily White's memoir "Lonely" in the April issue of
Venus Zine, on newsstands now. The magazine went through a few month hiatus
as they switched owners. The magazine business is a dicey game right now.
I have a review of "They Is Us" in the February/March issue of Bust,
and a review of "Anthropology of an American Girl" in the May/June issue
of Bust.
Anthropology of an American Girl was a self published novel that received
such a cult following that Random House made an offer.
Music review and review Emily White's memoir "Lonely" in the April issue of
Venus Zine, on newsstands now. The magazine went through a few month hiatus
as they switched owners. The magazine business is a dicey game right now.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
Sayings in New York City that seem strange to me
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
There are two sayings commonly used when one departs from another person or passes another person in New York City that seem to be specific only to the region.
One is "Get home safe." Also said "Be safe getting home."
People routinely say this when you are going home at night. I have never heard it commonly said anywhere else. It kind of seems foreboding, like they are reminding you of all the terrible things that might happen. Probably it became commonly said back when New York City was a more dangerous, less gentrified place. Frequently strangers will say this to me when I am leaving work, school, the subway train etc. Also people will say it to me when I pass them walking down a city street at night. In this context it seems to be mean "What are you doing out so late! It's dangerous! Go home now!"
Another is "You have a nice day now." (and other similar rephrasings.)
But the weird thing is that it is usually said by strangers who have not spoken to me at all. Who will just say it when they exit whatever public space we are inhabiting, especially when they are exiting the train. It always seems a bit weird to me. Last time it happened, I was reading a book and some guy on the train I hadn't even noticed said it to me as he was getting off. It makes no sense to me as it seems to be something you would only say to someone you were speaking to. When I am walking down the street people will also say it to me as I pass them--most of the time men. It seems strange to say such a thing to a total stranger. Maybe it's some polite variation of "hey girl! How you doin'?" Except it's sort of final, like the end of a conversation, not the beginning, so it really does not function as a segue way or pick up line.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Review of Still Life, Interview with playwright Alexander Dinelaris.
My review of Lucille Lortel Theater's Still Life/interview with playwright Alexander Dinelaris. Here
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Summer Concert and CD Reviews
I'm a little sad that summer is already slipping away, I'm already regreting the many outdoor concerts and movies that I missed out on. I think the summer just got off to a slow start due to the rain, and I never got back onto my usual culture vulture track. However, I did manage to review a few shows and (great) albums. Here's a sampling:
My summer music reviews:
Starlight Mints/ Change Remains
Diane Birch/Bible Belt
John Vanderslice/Romanian Names
Girl in a Coma/ Trio B.C.
Connor Oberst and Jenny Lewis at Battery Park, July 4th
Here We Go Magic, July 3rd River to River
My summer music reviews:
CD Reviews:
Reviews of River to River Shows:
Review of Elizabeth and the Catapult show
Elizabeth and the Catapult are one of my favorite Brooklyn based acts. Here is my review for Venus Zine of their recent show at the Williamsburg Hall of Music. Here is the video for ther charming number "Taller Children."
A bit different than what I usually listen to, but I promise that they will have your foot tapping.
A bit different than what I usually listen to, but I promise that they will have your foot tapping.
Fringe Fest review
I sadly was not too productive with my writing this summer, but here is my review from the Fringe Festival. I reviewed two Harold Pinter one acts:
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Billboard That Has Everyone Pissed Off
The billboard that is pissing everyone off
I first saw this ad in the back pages of Ms. where they print ads they deem to be sexist and demeaning to women. Now the ad has been turned into a giant billboard on Houston in Soho.
Pretty much every feminist website/blog/twitter/ I read is up in arms about it. I mean, it's not the prettiest/least offensive thing I've seen walking down the street, but I've seen much worse. What about all those ad campaigns for vodka brands that would show older men having sex with two women at once, or those ads on the other side of the street on Houston that showed two women flirting with each other and grabbing each other in a homoerotic capacity only to have the series end with them ending up in a sexual situation with a guy. Why didn't people complain about those? Remember those ads with Vincent Gallo and multiple women? There was one right over a subway entrance with him buttoning up his pants while a very young model was kneeling over, reapplying her lipstick, using his belt buckle as a mirror.
In my personal opinion, this ad is maybe a bit too much for a giant ad viewable by all foot and motor traffic, but as a feminist this ad doesn't seem to present any more of an offensive role for a woman than anything else I've seen. In dissecting it, I would note that the female's body is in an active rather than passive role, showing her to be taking a consensual part in the sexual activity rather than being a victim. I would also note the fact that the ad features multiple men, rather than multiple women. Whereas, so many ads be they for vodka, Axe cologne, etc. show one much older man with two or more younger women. The ad also promotes a sense of androgyny and the men all look identical, making them perhaps the same as any expendable unidentifiable female model.
What do you think? Is this more degrading to women than anything else in advertising currently?
I first saw this ad in the back pages of Ms. where they print ads they deem to be sexist and demeaning to women. Now the ad has been turned into a giant billboard on Houston in Soho.
Pretty much every feminist website/blog/twitter/ I read is up in arms about it. I mean, it's not the prettiest/least offensive thing I've seen walking down the street, but I've seen much worse. What about all those ad campaigns for vodka brands that would show older men having sex with two women at once, or those ads on the other side of the street on Houston that showed two women flirting with each other and grabbing each other in a homoerotic capacity only to have the series end with them ending up in a sexual situation with a guy. Why didn't people complain about those? Remember those ads with Vincent Gallo and multiple women? There was one right over a subway entrance with him buttoning up his pants while a very young model was kneeling over, reapplying her lipstick, using his belt buckle as a mirror.
In my personal opinion, this ad is maybe a bit too much for a giant ad viewable by all foot and motor traffic, but as a feminist this ad doesn't seem to present any more of an offensive role for a woman than anything else I've seen. In dissecting it, I would note that the female's body is in an active rather than passive role, showing her to be taking a consensual part in the sexual activity rather than being a victim. I would also note the fact that the ad features multiple men, rather than multiple women. Whereas, so many ads be they for vodka, Axe cologne, etc. show one much older man with two or more younger women. The ad also promotes a sense of androgyny and the men all look identical, making them perhaps the same as any expendable unidentifiable female model.
What do you think? Is this more degrading to women than anything else in advertising currently?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Diane Birch review
Venus just posted my Diane Birch review, I wrote it in one evening a good month ago, so I'm afraid to peek at it and see how it turned out. Writing music reviews is such a clumsy process, not like reviewing theater and film where you have some sort of plot and chronological set up to analyze, music is so abstract.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Music Reviews
My recent reviews for Venus (I also have a Joan of Arc review in the print version this month):
Tori Amos
John Vanderslice
When I was 15 I started writing music reviews for a local Minneapolis paper and my life goal was to be a music writer. However, nowadays my interests are more on the other areas of the arts and writing personal essays. I still love music, but it's not my raison d'etre the way it was when I was a high school student.
When I was 15 I started writing music reviews for a local Minneapolis paper and my life goal was to be a music writer. However, nowadays my interests are more on the other areas of the arts and writing personal essays. I still love music, but it's not my raison d'etre the way it was when I was a high school student.
6/4/09 01:21 am
Went to Tea Lounge after work to get writing done, but wound up just reading my copy of the new Cat Power biography instead, liked reading about her arriving in NYC at the same age as I did and going to all the same bars and venues I went to.
My coworker coincidentally was also there (Brooklyn is a small town) and she sat by me along with some guy she was with, we made plans to celebrate the end of the semester. I was overly exhausted and not excellent social material at all. Walked hone in the pouring rain listening to the Chromatics cover of "Running Up That Hill" a song I associate with long late night summer walks through eerily quiet Brooklyn streets, I felt strangely happy and at peace.
Went to Tea Lounge after work to get writing done, but wound up just reading my copy of the new Cat Power biography instead, liked reading about her arriving in NYC at the same age as I did and going to all the same bars and venues I went to.
My coworker coincidentally was also there (Brooklyn is a small town) and she sat by me along with some guy she was with, we made plans to celebrate the end of the semester. I was overly exhausted and not excellent social material at all. Walked hone in the pouring rain listening to the Chromatics cover of "Running Up That Hill" a song I associate with long late night summer walks through eerily quiet Brooklyn streets, I felt strangely happy and at peace.
advice?
Two women at work told me they had some very important life advice for me, I said yeah what is it? They said: Make sure you marry rich. Just don't let the guy know you're marrying him for his money. But before you date a guy make sure you find out how much money his family has.
Ugh.
I can't believe anyone is that old fashioned.
Ugh.
I can't believe anyone is that old fashioned.
weirdos
I woke up at 1 pm today! Crikey! Though I ran into my coworker at the Tea Lounge while I was writing and wound up staying up until 3 am. While I was there this creepy middle aged overweight dude kept trying to talk to me and asked me if he had talked to me on the Q train earlier, and then tried to give me advice about my laptop, and scolded me to be more careful when I was setting down my beer. He was looking at bikini babes on Myspace (you do know that those aren't real people, right?). I just kept ignoring him, and when I was typing something about female ejaculation I saw him looking at my screen so I put my arms over it and said "Excuse me?"
He then said "Oh fine, alright already." And moved down a seat and started talking to some young blonde French girl named Simone. Surprisingly she gave him her phone number, accepted his offer to walk her home, and left with him. I was shocked, don't they have creepy men in France? Why would someone in NYC do that? This is a big city, you can't trust strangers.
If you're going to risk your safety as a woman the guy could at least be devastatingly handsome, and terribly charming to the point where your rational sense gets momentarily turned off, not some middle aged, grey haired shlub. If I hear of any girls named Simone that went missing in Park Slope I'll be sure and tip the authorities off about the guy.
He then said "Oh fine, alright already." And moved down a seat and started talking to some young blonde French girl named Simone. Surprisingly she gave him her phone number, accepted his offer to walk her home, and left with him. I was shocked, don't they have creepy men in France? Why would someone in NYC do that? This is a big city, you can't trust strangers.
If you're going to risk your safety as a woman the guy could at least be devastatingly handsome, and terribly charming to the point where your rational sense gets momentarily turned off, not some middle aged, grey haired shlub. If I hear of any girls named Simone that went missing in Park Slope I'll be sure and tip the authorities off about the guy.
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