Thursday's Thoughts...
I was working on some stuff for vimeo today. I didn't fully take advantage of the staff giving me access to beta before it was out and I'm kind of sad I didn't. In all honesty, I really haven't had the time. Anyway, the new version of vimeo launched today and I have to say it's great although there are some kinks. Like the 5 hours that have gone by without my clip transferring. It's still early in the launch... I trust this will be okay soon. Vimeo is really good at getting on the ball with things like this. Anyway, all vimeo talk aside, I was working with some editing software that I've never used and I figured I'd experiment with it by making a clip that was meaningful to me. For some reason, the first song that came to my head to play during the clip was Brett Dennen's "Ain't no reason." It worked perfectly. Anyway, hearing this song all day made me think of the time I saw him in concert this year. Not only was the concert itself amazing but what he stands for is too. At every concert, he chooses a different organization to support and donate some of his proceeds to. What is even more amazing is that the night I saw him, the organization he was with was one that was raising awareness on the genocide going on in Darfur. The real treat that night was actually getting to meet a survivor. I didn't even feel worthy. Seriously, this guy was truly inspiring. I thank Brett Dennen for exposing his audience to people like this. It was probably one of the most important moments in my life. You see it on the news, you hear about it all the time, but you rarely do anything about the situation until it becomes personal. That night, it became personal. I was face to face with someone who had been through so much but managed to not only survive it, but remain strong and focused on changing the current situation. It was an amazing night. Funny how songs can trigger thoughts like this. I've been thinking about the survivior I met all day and how he's doing and if his family is okay.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
THOM BROWNE FOR BROOKS BROTHERS!!!!!!!
the man himself sporting his signature look
Yes, I know this is old news. Brooks Brothers announced this awhile ago (click here for the announcement), but I want to bring this up again to point out that Fall '07 is just around the corner which means we'll be seeing Thom's menswear in stores soon! No appointment necessary. I love the idea of launching a laboratory for fashion designers and having them come in and kind of give Brooks Brothers a new twist. I guess they took a hint from Target. Anyway, I'm hoping to see the slimmer fit jackets and smaller lapels that Thom Browne is known for. Actually, I'll go as far as saying I'm all for the alternative slimmer and longer tie as well. I know Browne's signature look are the shorter pants with the cuff but I am not entirely sold on them yet. Then again... I'm not the fashion designer bringing in the bucks so who am I to talk. Honestly, I just don't understand the short pants but hey to each his own. I'm interested to see if Brooks Brother is going to jump on board with the shorter length pants because they're known for classics.
Yes, I know this is old news. Brooks Brothers announced this awhile ago (click here for the announcement), but I want to bring this up again to point out that Fall '07 is just around the corner which means we'll be seeing Thom's menswear in stores soon! No appointment necessary. I love the idea of launching a laboratory for fashion designers and having them come in and kind of give Brooks Brothers a new twist. I guess they took a hint from Target. Anyway, I'm hoping to see the slimmer fit jackets and smaller lapels that Thom Browne is known for. Actually, I'll go as far as saying I'm all for the alternative slimmer and longer tie as well. I know Browne's signature look are the shorter pants with the cuff but I am not entirely sold on them yet. Then again... I'm not the fashion designer bringing in the bucks so who am I to talk. Honestly, I just don't understand the short pants but hey to each his own. I'm interested to see if Brooks Brother is going to jump on board with the shorter length pants because they're known for classics.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
iPhone madness!!!
There are various news sources I came across today reporting that there are people lining up for the iPhone. Seriously?! I mean I know it's a pretty sexy piece of technology and owning one would probably skyrocket your street cred... but is it really worth the $500 price tag? For that much, it better be able to do my laundry. I don't understand the justification behind it. Okay yes, it's cool, really cool. It can do a ton of things, but it is also a first generation gadget... why not wait until all the kinks are worked out? Why be the guinea pig? Additionally, word through the grapevine is that you can drop as much change or significantly less in Korea or Japan etc. and get a phone that not only looks cooler, but does so much more AND is GSM compatible. This leads me to question why there isn't a market in the US for such phones. Obviously the hundreds of people lining the streets in front of Apple stores prove that they are willing to drop serious change on such gadgets. Dear Asia, please bring us into the future and make us cool, bring your stuff over here!
There are various news sources I came across today reporting that there are people lining up for the iPhone. Seriously?! I mean I know it's a pretty sexy piece of technology and owning one would probably skyrocket your street cred... but is it really worth the $500 price tag? For that much, it better be able to do my laundry. I don't understand the justification behind it. Okay yes, it's cool, really cool. It can do a ton of things, but it is also a first generation gadget... why not wait until all the kinks are worked out? Why be the guinea pig? Additionally, word through the grapevine is that you can drop as much change or significantly less in Korea or Japan etc. and get a phone that not only looks cooler, but does so much more AND is GSM compatible. This leads me to question why there isn't a market in the US for such phones. Obviously the hundreds of people lining the streets in front of Apple stores prove that they are willing to drop serious change on such gadgets. Dear Asia, please bring us into the future and make us cool, bring your stuff over here!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Packing suckkks.
It's no secret that packing is not my forte. I leave it until the last minute. I almost always over pack and even so, I always manage to forget something important (like boots when I went to Boston and it was freezing). This weekend, I'm going out of town for my uncle's engagement party. I'm pretty excited for him, he's the youngest in my mom's family and we've all been waiting for this to happen. Finally. Anyway, I've decided this morning I'm packing all things seersucker and madras. Why? Because you don't have to worry about wrinkles. This idea was my major break through this morning. No more folding clothes, no more trying to figure out how I was going to transport dresses. I was done packing. Too bad these fabrics are seasonal. What am I going to do when I have to pack to go somewhere in the winter?! Anyway, I guess that's all for now, have a great weekend everyone! :)
It's no secret that packing is not my forte. I leave it until the last minute. I almost always over pack and even so, I always manage to forget something important (like boots when I went to Boston and it was freezing). This weekend, I'm going out of town for my uncle's engagement party. I'm pretty excited for him, he's the youngest in my mom's family and we've all been waiting for this to happen. Finally. Anyway, I've decided this morning I'm packing all things seersucker and madras. Why? Because you don't have to worry about wrinkles. This idea was my major break through this morning. No more folding clothes, no more trying to figure out how I was going to transport dresses. I was done packing. Too bad these fabrics are seasonal. What am I going to do when I have to pack to go somewhere in the winter?! Anyway, I guess that's all for now, have a great weekend everyone! :)
Monday, June 18, 2007
Open Shutter Photography
Does anybody know how to do this? I think it's pretty neat, especially when there is a focused object at the center of the picture. This is the best example I could find in the "Open Shutter Photo" group on Flickr. There were more than 700 pictures so I skipped a few random pages and found this one. Granted... it's not the best example but you get the idea. So I guess when you leave the shutter open on your camera you get those photos you see of moving objects. I think the result is fantastic As lame as this sounds it would be great to do something like this if the focus is a couple with the rapid movement of cars in the background, no?
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Has it really been two months?
It's weird because it feels like it was just yesterday, but at the same time, the days seem to pass by so slowly. It's like you're moving in slow motion, just trying to process everything that happened. Your mind plays through the sequence of events, pauses, rewinds, and goes through it again. It's like the tape is broken and you're stuck. You move past it a bit but ultimately go back. I think it's going to be this way for awhile. I'm okay with that.
Pictures these days aren't cutting it anymore. That's all you really have to hold onto, but as grateful as you are for all the wonderful memories that come flooding back - at the end of the day, you're searching for something tangible. You want smiles, hugs, and more good memories. You feel selfish for wanting more when they have already given you so much.
I miss them and days like today make it so hard. I saw on the news that Norris had reopened. For the most part, I think I've come to terms with it. There was some footage of the renovated rooms and you can still see the indentations and marks in the cinder block where the bullets hit. It's a lot to take in all at once - seeing the rooms for the first time with new floors, paint, and ceilings, as if nothing has happened. I don't know how I feel about seeing the new rooms just yet. It will take awhile to hit me which has seemed to be a pretty common theme throughout my whole experience with this situation.
It's weird because it feels like it was just yesterday, but at the same time, the days seem to pass by so slowly. It's like you're moving in slow motion, just trying to process everything that happened. Your mind plays through the sequence of events, pauses, rewinds, and goes through it again. It's like the tape is broken and you're stuck. You move past it a bit but ultimately go back. I think it's going to be this way for awhile. I'm okay with that.
Pictures these days aren't cutting it anymore. That's all you really have to hold onto, but as grateful as you are for all the wonderful memories that come flooding back - at the end of the day, you're searching for something tangible. You want smiles, hugs, and more good memories. You feel selfish for wanting more when they have already given you so much.
I miss them and days like today make it so hard. I saw on the news that Norris had reopened. For the most part, I think I've come to terms with it. There was some footage of the renovated rooms and you can still see the indentations and marks in the cinder block where the bullets hit. It's a lot to take in all at once - seeing the rooms for the first time with new floors, paint, and ceilings, as if nothing has happened. I don't know how I feel about seeing the new rooms just yet. It will take awhile to hit me which has seemed to be a pretty common theme throughout my whole experience with this situation.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Great Gatsby.
I pulled The Great Gatsby off my bookshelf to reread after seeing this photograph from The Sartorialist. How phenomenal does this gentleman look? It took me awhile to realize he was an older guy. He just has this look down so perfectly. There's nothing that I don't like about this. I think he pulls this look off well because it doesn't seem like he's trying to be something he's not. It does not look like a costume. I imagine him being younger and wearing clothing like this when he was in his 30s. All the proportions on this outfit seem really well played. The length of the rolled up sleeve, the shorter vest with the high waisted trousers. The cuff at the bottom and the white shoes and bow tie to really seal the deal. I love that he went with all neutrals because it makes the tie look so much more dramatic. He looks great. I wonder if by the time I'm his age, I'd be able to put together outfits like this. What a great sense of style.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Today, I saw a picture of a tattoo that this girl got in her boyfriend's memory. He died in his German class on April 16th. It was an orange ribbon with a maroon heart where the ribbon normally crosses. His initials were on one side while the date was on the other.I started to tear up a little. Then, I found out she got it in that particular place because that's where his arm rested on her when they slept. :( I think I actually started crying at this point. It's difficult to think of what should have been. It's heartbreaking, really.
The whole situation is still very hard to deal with. The media focus on the event has ended which I'm pretty thankful for, but the emotions are still pretty raw. I still curl up and cry from time to time. I've been doing it a lot less now, but for awhile it was everyday. It's amazing how many reminders of these people are still here. I was in Reston Town Center the other day for a friend's birthday and I saw a guy who looked almost exactly like Stack walking around with his two kids. It really saddened me. As much as people tell you not to do it, it's hard not to think about what should have been, could have been, or might have been.
There are just so many loose ends and it's hard to find closure. When somebody dies of old age or cancer, family and friends kind of know that it's coming and it doesn't make it less painful, but they can at least prepare themselves for it. In VT's case, lives were abruptly cut short in such a cruel way that it is at times impossible to deal with. I keep going through the last time I saw Stack or Daniel in my head and I just wish I could have hugged them a little tighter, or just stuck around a little longer.
The whole situation is still very hard to deal with. The media focus on the event has ended which I'm pretty thankful for, but the emotions are still pretty raw. I still curl up and cry from time to time. I've been doing it a lot less now, but for awhile it was everyday. It's amazing how many reminders of these people are still here. I was in Reston Town Center the other day for a friend's birthday and I saw a guy who looked almost exactly like Stack walking around with his two kids. It really saddened me. As much as people tell you not to do it, it's hard not to think about what should have been, could have been, or might have been.
There are just so many loose ends and it's hard to find closure. When somebody dies of old age or cancer, family and friends kind of know that it's coming and it doesn't make it less painful, but they can at least prepare themselves for it. In VT's case, lives were abruptly cut short in such a cruel way that it is at times impossible to deal with. I keep going through the last time I saw Stack or Daniel in my head and I just wish I could have hugged them a little tighter, or just stuck around a little longer.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
i am awesome.
I'm kind of embarrassed to tell this story, but in retrospect I think it's pretty funny. Two days ago, I woke up to a beeping noise in my house. Without even trying to find out what it was, the first thought that came to my mind was oh crap... it's the carbon monoxide detector. The next thing I did was freak out (obviously). In my head I was like, "ugh, I slept through this, I wonder how long this has been beeping." So then I get a headace and I'm thinking I need to get out of my house. I'm still in my PJs mind you... shorts and a tank and I run downstairs, grab my cellphone, and sprint outside and I start inhaling and exhaling really deeply. You know how you normally look pretty busted in the morning? Yeah that's me, and then add to that a lovely image of me bent over trying to breathe. I'm sure the neighbors really enjoyed this one. Anyway, after I felt like I had gotten enough oxygen in my system, I call my dad and he was all... "Mary, when the smoke detector needs new batteries, it beeps to alert you to replace them."
SUPER. I felt like such a dork. I went back inside and checked the carbon monoxide dectector and it was just sitting there at zero. I don't know why checking the c.monoxide dectector wasn't the first thing that popped into my head to do. And even worse is that I made myself think that I had a headache. Ha ha. I feel so lame now.
I'm kind of embarrassed to tell this story, but in retrospect I think it's pretty funny. Two days ago, I woke up to a beeping noise in my house. Without even trying to find out what it was, the first thought that came to my mind was oh crap... it's the carbon monoxide detector. The next thing I did was freak out (obviously). In my head I was like, "ugh, I slept through this, I wonder how long this has been beeping." So then I get a headace and I'm thinking I need to get out of my house. I'm still in my PJs mind you... shorts and a tank and I run downstairs, grab my cellphone, and sprint outside and I start inhaling and exhaling really deeply. You know how you normally look pretty busted in the morning? Yeah that's me, and then add to that a lovely image of me bent over trying to breathe. I'm sure the neighbors really enjoyed this one. Anyway, after I felt like I had gotten enough oxygen in my system, I call my dad and he was all... "Mary, when the smoke detector needs new batteries, it beeps to alert you to replace them."
SUPER. I felt like such a dork. I went back inside and checked the carbon monoxide dectector and it was just sitting there at zero. I don't know why checking the c.monoxide dectector wasn't the first thing that popped into my head to do. And even worse is that I made myself think that I had a headache. Ha ha. I feel so lame now.
This is so random and will probably be less significan to you than it is to me but I had to write it down somewhere so I can go back and look at this one day and be happy about it...
- My "brother" Tommy (he is not my real brother, but I've know him since Middle School and he ended up as the same college as me which is pretty awesome and he calls me sis) is currently at bootcamp in Georgia. I'm guessing this is part of his training for US Marine stuff? Anyway, he sent me a letter today and I got pretty excited because it's GREAT hearing from him. Plus, I LOVE snail mail. Snail mail over e-mail any day for me. I also like writing letters too... even if it takes longer. I guess I'm "oldschool" like that. It sounds like Tommy is having a pretty rough time. He wrote about some of the stuff they'd been through this week and it sounds crappy (for lack of a better word). I feel bad for him, but he'll tough it out. He's done it before. He was in the ROTC at Tech our Freshman year and I remember how terrible his first semester was. He was getting initiated and all that jazz. He had a curfew, he only got 30 second showers. I would let him come over to my dorm so he could take showers and watch TV/have a semi-normal life. I remember walking around campus with him to class and he'd have to salute all these people, walk a certain way, round corners a certain way, stay on a specific side of the sidewalk. Just ridiculous stuff... Now, I guess he's down for more training. I guess it's just in his blood. You really have to be cut from a certain cloth to be able to do all of this. All I know is that I couldn't think of a better person to be protecting the US than Tommy. It was good hearing from him today.
- Everyday for the past month or so Nina has been sending me funny messages on Facebook. Everytime I check my e-mail I see 5 from Facebook that say something along the lines of "Nina Cohen has sent you a message" or "Nina Cohen has written on your wall." Funny thing is, I always anticipate messages from her, and I know for sure I'll be laughing when I read them. Anyway, here's part of her message that she sent me today:
Ha! We are such dorks but I love it. I completely agree with her idea. She better make me a copy of these messages too if she does actually compile them one day.
- My "brother" Tommy (he is not my real brother, but I've know him since Middle School and he ended up as the same college as me which is pretty awesome and he calls me sis) is currently at bootcamp in Georgia. I'm guessing this is part of his training for US Marine stuff? Anyway, he sent me a letter today and I got pretty excited because it's GREAT hearing from him. Plus, I LOVE snail mail. Snail mail over e-mail any day for me. I also like writing letters too... even if it takes longer. I guess I'm "oldschool" like that. It sounds like Tommy is having a pretty rough time. He wrote about some of the stuff they'd been through this week and it sounds crappy (for lack of a better word). I feel bad for him, but he'll tough it out. He's done it before. He was in the ROTC at Tech our Freshman year and I remember how terrible his first semester was. He was getting initiated and all that jazz. He had a curfew, he only got 30 second showers. I would let him come over to my dorm so he could take showers and watch TV/have a semi-normal life. I remember walking around campus with him to class and he'd have to salute all these people, walk a certain way, round corners a certain way, stay on a specific side of the sidewalk. Just ridiculous stuff... Now, I guess he's down for more training. I guess it's just in his blood. You really have to be cut from a certain cloth to be able to do all of this. All I know is that I couldn't think of a better person to be protecting the US than Tommy. It was good hearing from him today.
- Everyday for the past month or so Nina has been sending me funny messages on Facebook. Everytime I check my e-mail I see 5 from Facebook that say something along the lines of "Nina Cohen has sent you a message" or "Nina Cohen has written on your wall." Funny thing is, I always anticipate messages from her, and I know for sure I'll be laughing when I read them. Anyway, here's part of her message that she sent me today:
i think one day i should compile a book of our msg convos and keep them in a securely locked safe and take it out to read when i need to laugh at life. because honestly. i mean, i know you want to do the same. i almost wish we COULD show the world our convos just cause they're so fucking funny/out of control/inappropriate. but the thing is, no one else would laugh nearly as hard anyway.
in conclusion, there are many reasons why i love us. the. end
Ha! We are such dorks but I love it. I completely agree with her idea. She better make me a copy of these messages too if she does actually compile them one day.
Friday, June 08, 2007
some clarity
I was giving someone relationship advice today. She brought up the fact that her relationship hand changed dramatically with her significant other and was hanging by a thread and she wasn't sure whether she should hang on or let go. I don't want to bore you with the details, but I thought what she described was a pretty toxic relationship. This was not just a little bump in the road... so I quoted some text from Derrick Brown's poem "Unsent" and this is what I said to her...
Everytime I'm feeling down about the end of a relationship or one I'm kind of on the fence about, I read this poem and I think to myself, would the guy I'm currently with say anyone of those things about me? If not, then it's time to move on. Because the person you're with should regard you in the way that this poet was writing. I hope you read this and feel the same way. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide will be in your best interest but I think all of us are hoping that you don't settle.
Wow, maybe I should take my own advice once in awhile. It's true, I do read a lot of Derrick Brown when I'm feeling down... I especially love this poem because someone who loves you should speak of you this way. You shouldn't have to settle for anything less. Later on tonight, I went and got Gelato with some friends of mine and we got into girl mode and started talking about the ideal guy. We're all currently single but in the past we've been through a lot of the same things in regards to relationships not working out, just not meeting the right people, and getting sick of the whole dating game. Anyway, in our pseudo-misery we talked about what the ideal guy would be like... and I think I said something along the lines of, "I want my guy to be okay with me getting lunch with an ex." Then, I thought about it and wondered if a) I'd ever find anyone that would be okay with something like that and b) if a relationship could actually work up to a point of that much trust. I think this would be the ultimate test. I know exes are always touchy subjects, but you know obviously these people meant a lot to you at one point in your life, completely writing them out of your life would be a contradiction in my opinion.
Thoughts?
I was giving someone relationship advice today. She brought up the fact that her relationship hand changed dramatically with her significant other and was hanging by a thread and she wasn't sure whether she should hang on or let go. I don't want to bore you with the details, but I thought what she described was a pretty toxic relationship. This was not just a little bump in the road... so I quoted some text from Derrick Brown's poem "Unsent" and this is what I said to her...
When you told me about losing your virginity
do you know I wanted to be there
to shake you and say
wait damnit wait for me
I think of how i'd feel without you
and I am ripped into freeway trash.
I fell for you twice.
You're a big fat fuckin' wow....
I wanna fix what the other upstanding Christian boys wrecked
I wanna punch out all the smart, clever
and coy billboards you dated before
and stalk all the boys with secret crushes
and place their hearts on Pungee stakes
and say Suck it she's mine.
One survivor
Everytime I'm feeling down about the end of a relationship or one I'm kind of on the fence about, I read this poem and I think to myself, would the guy I'm currently with say anyone of those things about me? If not, then it's time to move on. Because the person you're with should regard you in the way that this poet was writing. I hope you read this and feel the same way. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide will be in your best interest but I think all of us are hoping that you don't settle.
Wow, maybe I should take my own advice once in awhile. It's true, I do read a lot of Derrick Brown when I'm feeling down... I especially love this poem because someone who loves you should speak of you this way. You shouldn't have to settle for anything less. Later on tonight, I went and got Gelato with some friends of mine and we got into girl mode and started talking about the ideal guy. We're all currently single but in the past we've been through a lot of the same things in regards to relationships not working out, just not meeting the right people, and getting sick of the whole dating game. Anyway, in our pseudo-misery we talked about what the ideal guy would be like... and I think I said something along the lines of, "I want my guy to be okay with me getting lunch with an ex." Then, I thought about it and wondered if a) I'd ever find anyone that would be okay with something like that and b) if a relationship could actually work up to a point of that much trust. I think this would be the ultimate test. I know exes are always touchy subjects, but you know obviously these people meant a lot to you at one point in your life, completely writing them out of your life would be a contradiction in my opinion.
Thoughts?
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
Great find...
I was rummaging through my room today and came across a USPS folder/package that was open. I went to see what it was and I realized that it was some mail from a good friend of mine at UVA. He has always wanted to be an architect and that's what he's in school for now, but ever since High School, I've always told him that I will be commissioning him to design my first grown up house. This excludes my stint in whatever city I decide to relocate to when I graduate. Anyway, in this package of sorts, he actually sent me pictures of what it would look like. It actually turned out pretty well - he's a really talented guy. I can't believe I have a layout of what this house is going to look like. We've come a long way since High School and I know it will be a long time before I actually have this plan executed. Nevertheless, it's pretty exciting. I'm glad I came across it again. Also, he happens to be a great photographer too, so he sent me two 8x10's of my favorite black & whites of his. These are the originals, but in my house at Tech right now, I actually have them blown up 30 x 40 and foam mounted. Not only will he design my first house, but it's looking like most of the wall space will be taken up by his art too. Fine by me. I'm lucky to have such talented friends. Finding this old package (circa Freshman year of college) was such a good surprise.
I was rummaging through my room today and came across a USPS folder/package that was open. I went to see what it was and I realized that it was some mail from a good friend of mine at UVA. He has always wanted to be an architect and that's what he's in school for now, but ever since High School, I've always told him that I will be commissioning him to design my first grown up house. This excludes my stint in whatever city I decide to relocate to when I graduate. Anyway, in this package of sorts, he actually sent me pictures of what it would look like. It actually turned out pretty well - he's a really talented guy. I can't believe I have a layout of what this house is going to look like. We've come a long way since High School and I know it will be a long time before I actually have this plan executed. Nevertheless, it's pretty exciting. I'm glad I came across it again. Also, he happens to be a great photographer too, so he sent me two 8x10's of my favorite black & whites of his. These are the originals, but in my house at Tech right now, I actually have them blown up 30 x 40 and foam mounted. Not only will he design my first house, but it's looking like most of the wall space will be taken up by his art too. Fine by me. I'm lucky to have such talented friends. Finding this old package (circa Freshman year of college) was such a good surprise.
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