Last night sucked. I have never been robbed in new york city (scratch that, i had a coat taken but that wasn't too bad), but I manage to fall victim to theft in ithaca. Tell me that's not ridiculous. I was working a Class Council event, called Battle of the Late Night Foods, where local vendors offer free late night snackage to promote their stores. I was told that the volunteer room would be locked at all times. Nonetheless, I come back after work to find my fleece & bag gone. Everyone keeps saying "oh no one would steal it, you probably misplaced it" but its gone :( for good. It's not even the hassle of canceling credit/debit/etc., and now having to pay to have all the locks in my apartment changed, but the fact that someone took it and has no use for anything there. With the exception of it potentially having been taken by someone who legitimately needed a fleece for damn survival, the whole ordeal is just very infuriating. What surprised me the most about my reaction though was how upset I feel at thinking about how much my friends comforted me and tried to improve the situation. I hate being the weak one. The more they did, the worse I felt because I hate the idea of them having to go out of their way to help me. I think I function much better as the helper, rather than the vulnerable one. My parents made me even more upset by helping me out and trying to explain that I should be so happy to be lucky enough to have such considerate friends. But the fact that I do makes me want to cry!

Meet my favorite peeps:

THROWBACK

What a throwback!

-Preba

retro pop

this is for those of you who haven't had time to peruse perez hilton and might have missed this video.

i love it!! it's kinky, old-school, and awkward, just like me.



My Secret Lover/Private

What are you dressing up as for Halloween?

Yes, i realize I should switch so that I don't keep posting as KD Wampag, but I will soon.
TGIF is right. It's pouring here but I was in desperate need of a lazy afternoon after a week of midterms. Walking back from the libraries in the wee hours of the night is amazing. I love crossing my last bridge into Collegetown and hearing the rushing gorge waters below but not being able to see them. I hope to take pictures soon enough so that you can get a better impression of what it's like.

I wanted to respond to the social stagnation that I think we all face. Groups have been decided. While its possible to add a few friends here and there, or merge groups on occasion, I feel like things are pretty must set in stone from here onward. If I hadn't formed a core group of friends with the kids I lived with last year (and live with now, and next year as well- signing our lease soon!), I would definitely feel MUCH more lost. Our closest knit fraction of the whole unit of friends is of course the five girls. We collectively agree that the only girl friends we need are each other, and that quite frankly, we don't like girls. Most of our friend-making efforts are centered on finding cool guys in the sea of social awkward engineers, fratastic cocky boys and so on. And it's not just for the purpose of finding a potential lovahhh but rather to actually find just good people to hang out with. By the way, it's still in the works but I'm sorta kinda seeing someone right now- who I met via my best guy friend. So it comes full circle, use your guy friends to expand the guy friend network and meet boyfriends.
Despite my disdain for many girls, there are very clear similarities between the 7toMainers and my friends here, despite my initial beliefs in the differences between the two groups. We are all independent, intelligent and self-respecting women. That's right my friends, women. As much as we should be modest when necessary, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to not want to develop a social relationship with any of you.
I forgot where I was going with this. I just watched Oprah and it was about these women who are with married men. It really has no relation to this entry but these women just pissed me off. So um don't be like them?

I'll be around all weekend doing work but I'm not especially busy so actually expect phone calls. I'm legit this time.

ciudad de noche

It came with my Toshiba. Doesn't it feel like you're standing on the edge of one of these buildings looking down on the city? I love black & white pictures and I love cityscapes at night. So I'm cliché. What else is new?

TGI(Almost)F! I stayed up all night studying for a midterm last night. I'm so glad it's over and this weekend's homecoming. And one of my friends turned 21 yesterday. It's gonna be a good time.

I was talking to La Nuit Americaine a few days ago and we both feel like our lives are at a standstill. By lives I mean our social lives. It's just really hard to venture out of your clique and meet other people. And by people I mean guys. Do the rest of you also feel this way? I've been trying really hard to expand my social circle since the beginning of this semester, but it's been disappointing so far. But it's only October. I'm sure things will start to look up soon.

catch up

hey babies,
I feel neglectful as well, but I promise a GOOD entry later this week after my two exams. This past weekend was Homecoming so needless to say it was not spent doing work. I actually had some of the best conversation of my life with Bob, Cornell Class of '43! 1943 guys! Anyway, he reflected on his glory days and I stood in awe after hearing his great stories. He's quite the drinker too for a man of that age. I hope that when I'm up the the 80s I'd be willing to trek up to I-town out of sheer Cornelian pride. We shall see. I hope school is going well for all- the fall semester is almost half over right? Talk to you all soon

Hey guys...

I have been a COMPLETE dipshit when it comes to keeping in touch with people this semester. I apologize for all the missed birthdays and lack of phone calls.

Expect calls from me this week...

Also, I was wondering: what's on your desktop? RIGHT NOW. Mine is the tiled version of the above photograph. That beautiful man is named Gael Garcia Bernal. He is so effing hot.

Randomness

I had the most random day yesterday. First off, yesterday, this guy in my film production class who I hardly know asks me out. I declined respectfully.

Then, my film crew and I went to shoot this movie on Mercer St. between 8th street and Waverly. We got to the location, and foundnone other than Bret Ratner (the director of X-Men 3, Red Dragon, all 3 Rush Hours, etc) is walking his dog there. He comes over and talks to us. He leaves, and comes back to talk to us because he also went to undergad NYU film school. Here's where it gets more interesting, because, see, well, the thing is...I accidently insulted him. He wasn't mean about it though.

I just made a statement that apparently dug at his insecurities...he described his new project as an adaptation of this 1970's Brazilian "Nazi movie." So, naturally, I asked, "So, was it made by Nazis, or is about Nazis." He responded, "Oh, well it's about these Nazis who try and resurrect the body of Hitler." I wasn't sure if he was serious or not. The premise seems quite ridiculous that it could possiby be a comedy - like "Springtime for Hitler" in "The Producers" - ya know? But, then again, it could also have been a drama. I mean...Nazis generally aren't funny, unless it's Chris Kattan posing as "Gay Hitler" on SNL.

So, I ask him, "Is it a comedy or a drama?" He tells me that it's a drama. He doesn't "just do comedy. I mean, Rush Hour was one thing, right? I also directed Red Dragon."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Yeah, Red Dragon, I know," I said as I fumbled my words trying to recover.

He changed the subject to the camera we were using. Then his supermodel girlfriend came and she called the cameras "cute." They walked away. Bret was a really nice guy. Which is why I sort of felt bad for possibly insulting him. But, one of my crew members pointed out to me that while he'll probably forget everyone in the crew, he'll probably remember me because I said something that got to him.

Better to be remembered than forgotten? I guess it might not seem like a big deal to a non-film student. But, imagine you're researching something related to International Relations at your library and you run into Butros Butros Bali. And then you accidently insult him. At this point you are me.

Oh, and on Sunday night I went to a Rilo Kiley concert. It was the most amazing concert I've ever been to. They're better live than on the album. Their energy was amazing. It was the funnest night I've had so far this semester.

EDIT: His name is Butros Butros Ghali apparently. My fault.

Hey Everybody!

This is my first real entry in this blog since the infamous, "freedom from work." It's been three weeks into the school year, and I've already had some crazy times. But more importantly I've been focusing on my school work. I've realized that my parents are paying for my education, so I gosta step it up.
The classes I'm taking are:
Middle Eastern Studies
Macroeconomics
Calculus 3
Chemistry 1

I've also increased my ghetto speak since returning to Northeastern. The starting of this semester was insane. My apartment was not furnished and therefore was unable to be lived in for two weeks. In that time my roomates and I have lived/slept/eaten/pooped in various places on campus. The most prominent being a friend's 2 person dorm which held 9 people for a week. But as of today my apartment is fully equipped with a couch, dining table, tv stand (no tv yet), and 4 beds. It's shaping out to be a balling place to live, and I hope you guys will all get to see the finished product.

My roomates and I have been getting along, but mostly because we hardly see each other. I thought that this year was going to be a disaster with all of us being so different and having to live together, but it's turned out quiet pleasant. We are all on such different schedules that we only see each other at night.

I called all you mothers yesterday so I don't want any not keeping in touch business going around. Yay to those who answered, boo to those who didn't, and wtf to those who don't accept incoming calls. I'm currently in the library outlining my chemistry textbook (we dont have internet either), and reading about the Jena 6.

I'm really looking forward to coming home for columbus day, I ridiculously miss home by the way (maybe because building furniture makes you appreciate your parents greatly). I hope you are all doing well in school nad enjoying your time to the fullest (we're sophomores yo!).

Love, Prebz.

Jena 6

http://www.blacklegalvoice.com/

I just learned about this case being tried in Louisiana referred to as the Jena 6. Click the link above and read "Jena 6 Injustice." It gives a synopsis of what happened.

I knew racism existed in America today, but I was still very shocked after learning of the Jena 6. I'm shocked because it's hard to believe that there are still people and TOWNS in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA that act like it's the 1950's or 40's and practice flatout segregation and racism. This trial is not To Kill A Mockingbird - there is no Atticus Finch. This is ACTUALLY happening in this country.

it ain't your fault sally

Helloo world wide web.
Well, KD Wampag, even though I have never had a roommate before, I can imagine the frustrations that can arise after being confined in a single room with someone for so many hours. I think La Nuit Americane has provided some good advice. Hopefully your roommate has good hygiene and is not incapable of controlling her bladder.

I have been super busy now that school has started, but I don't think I would have it any other way. This semester, the cost of textbooks was like no other. I am taking Financial Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Macro, Communications and Business Statistics (This will be the third time I will be taking statistics and hopefully the last).

I've also been busy filling out applications because I've been bitching about transferring for the past year. I realize now how silly it was to say, 'I'm definitely transferring' even before I stepped foot into college. If I end up transferring in the spring I will be excited, but I'll be just as happy to stay where I am now. I think this current school offers a lot of things. I just couldn't see that before because I was so stubborn. Now I am trying to hunt down the Dean and get all the forms filled out. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

I hope those who had a long weekend enjoyed theirs. I enjoyed mine with Ty, the stye in my eye. I went to the dentist Wednesday and found out that all my wisdom teeth will likely have to be extracted. I will likely go sometime during break. I'm reeally looking forward to it.

Anyway, all is well here. I hope the same is true for you. I'm looking forward to reading about all your adventures.

To my anonymous friend below

To my anonymous friend who posted on 9/11/07,
While I have been blessed with wonderful roommates so far, I do know that bad roommates happen OFTEN. First off, know it has nothing to do with you. Their annoying behavior does not reflect you in any way. Second, although my roommates were awesome last year, my room was the size of an oversized closet - no joke. So, I did not like being in my room a lot. I hung out in my friend's rooms really often - even studied there. My room became a place I slept, and held the occasional hang out sesh when my two roommates were MIA. That's one thing you can do. It makes you a. appreciate your room (even your roommates!) more - absense makes the heart grow fonder, and b. appreciate your friends in other rooms more.

Also, towards the end of the year, my roommates started hanging out with these 2 people for what seemed 24/7. While these 2 people who I'll refer to my 4th and 5th roommates were nice people, they were also loud and always there and thus annoying. With them, I laid down the law. When I needed quiet, I kicked them out nicely. My point with this anecdote is...while being out of your room will make living in it easier, don't forget that it's just as much your room as it is your annoying counterpart. So, don't be afraid to lay the smackdown tastefully & diplomatically. If you politely lay down the law and your roommate is mad, then F*CK her because you've done all you could.

Just brush that dirt off your shoulder. Hope this helped. Call me if you need advice. Oh, and also, don't keep things inside so much. You'd be surprised how good you feel after you talk to someone.

that time of the month y'all

I feel sorry for the lack of posting but the past few weeks since my return to school have been hectic like no other, and I'm sure everyone else is in the same boat. I also apologize because this is going to be a vent entry, mostly because I'm pmsing like a mother effer. Everything is going very well so I don't want to leave the wrong impression. I am happy here and I would LOVE a visit from you guys or anyone this semester. My question is though..

What do you do when you can't stand a roommate anymore?

Everything she does urks you me the point where you just hermit in your bedroom and try to block out her voice. I could go on forever listing my negative opinion of her, but I'll try to be the bigger person.

I just forgot over the summer how competitive, self-absorbed, neurotic and over-analytical the college-setting could be. As much as I try to avoid the influence of others who behave like crazies (best way for me to word it), it does get to me. And rather than finding outlets for my feelings, like calling friends (my bad, as usual), I do tend to let it build up to where I have to anonymously express my frustrations online like a lame-o. Balancing class, work, activities and everything else that comes along is hard enough without stressing myself out because of others.

One a much more optimistic note! College is fun, I'm just moody. I have to stop thinking over these things and just go with the flow.


MISSS YOUU! Hope you are all doing well- study hard

PS: On facebook there is now a group- "I remember Michael Hendrickson" It mentions all those whom we lost in four years (shoshana, belinda, teddy, johnny chen). I thought I'd let you all know that Belinda was a classmate of one of my roommates after she transferred to Scarsdale HS. She still rocked the sweats, monotone outfits and big bookbags like it was nobody's business.

Return to Perpetual Hunger

My first week back at Amherst was hectic like no other.
I had some minor conflicts in each of my classes and it was a very stressful time. Plus I started working dinner shifts at the dining hall which is no fun. Everything is sorted out now but I feel like I really deserve this weekend. We have our first annual Luau TAP tonight with live music, lots of mood-altering substances, and FIREBREATHERS which should be fun. And possibly a lot of ass-tapping.

My courses for this semester:

World Politics
Second-year Russian (taught by a really cute Japanese visiting professor from California! Just out of grad school! So young! But so random! This is why I love Amherst)
Spanish Conversation
The Non-fiction Film

I love my new single. I'm in the process of pimping it out.
Oh, I made my first furniture purchase yesterday! It's a used loveseat couch. It smells kinda funky but I guess either Fatcat or Preba can use it as a makeshift bed when they come over.

Missing you all but looking forward to seeing some of you real soon,
Boobytrap

Re: Back in Session

After a hectic weekend of fun in the sun and Islam over in Chitown, I am finally back at Swellesley. All summer long, I wished to be back here, in my own room with my own boundaries with my own time management...and now I miss home. Alas, that is the quandary of life. We want what we can't have...

My classes:

1) Intermediate Arabic
2) Making of the World: History
3) World Politics
4) Econ Stats

This semester just getting my IR requirements out the way for bigger and more world changing things in the future God willing. I'm also juggling a few extracurriculars but overall I have to say I'm excited about this new chapter in life. This summer has confirmed a few things I've been considering so going into the semester with a new state of mind will be important.

I wish you all the best for this semester and keeeeep posting! =)

Back in session

School is back in session. While I'm sad to see the summer go, I'm excited for my new classes. I'm juggling my opposing feelings to start of COLLEGE.

I'm taking one class that's 9 hours long (no, I'm not joking) - twice a week. It's called Sight & Sound Film. We make movies. Should be fun and interesting. I'm also taking a screenwriting class which I'm so excited for. My professor seems really cool. I'm also taking an acting class. Tomorrow is the first day. Finally, just so I'm not completely engulfed in art, I'm taking Origins of Astronomy. Yes, you read it right folks. A certain THHS '06 alum is in this class too.

Alright, so...what are you classes like?

From Calamity to Opportunity

The other day I had quite an eye-opening conversation with an acquaintance of mine. She's actually my supervisor at the hospital and she was telling me about her med school experiences. So, what happened was that she was in her 5th year of med school in Ecuador and she went up to the mountains for a day trip. Upon her descent, she felt her throat start hurting and once she got to the bottom of the mountain, she could no longer speak... all that came out of her mouth when she tried was a wheezing sound. The next day, she went to class and she was called to the front of the classroom to present a powerpoint. She got to the front, looked at her professor, looked at the slide, opened her mouth to speak, and no sound came out. She got pretty teary-eyed while telling me this... I can only imagine how traumatizing that must have been.

So, she came to America, met with doctors, and found out that she had paralyzed her right vocal cord. After extensive physical therapy, she learned how to use just one vocal cord to speak, and until this day, her voice has not completely recovered. Her year-long stay in the US made her reluctant to return to med school in Ecuador, and she ended up staying in NY, getting a psychology degree (psyD.), getting married, raising a family, and working in a pediatric psych ward. And she feels blessed for the path to which God led her, giving her the ability to dedicate time to building both her family and her career, and giving her a life in which she appreciates every blessing she has, from her voice to her vision.

This reminded me of something that I learned while taking The Rays of Faith, taught by Shaykh Waleed Basyouni (an Islamic seminar about the pillars of faith)-- how no matter how terrible something may seem, there is ALWAYS more good in it than bad. And that we must always have faith in God's wisdom, never questioning it, but rather being sure of the good to come. May we all be able to implement this concept into our lives when a positive outlook seems like an impossibility in the face of an apparent calamity.

Home

I'm so happy I got to see a few of you guys on Friday. Unfortunately, I'm not in any of the pictures! Oh well. I moved into my dorm today. I really like it. It's not the sardine can that I lived in last year. I hope you all get a chance to visit this year.

It's funny to think about how short a time ago we walked the lawn of QC's Colden Center in our crimson robes. Seems like longer than it's actually been. I wish I got a chance to see you guys more, but, on the flipside of the coin, the old cliche is right; absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Sometimes I wish we could go to college together, but then I remind myself that it really doesn't matter. Everytime we hang out, however frequent that is, it always seems like we're meeting in the library - that we just saw each other 2 periods ago. I never feel awkward or any separation anxiety because you guys make me feel so at ease with myself.

There are very few things that make a person feel at ease with themselves. Things like your childhood home don't come by often. Yes, I am comparing you guys with my home.

As we cross big rivers and big states to further our lives and become adults, it's easier to become more detached from our homes, and become more engrossed with new places, new friends, and new experiences. I don't ever want to become so wrapped up with what I'm doing in the now that I forget that oh-so-important part of myself that is my past, my memories, old friends.

Home isn't really made of concrete and brick. Home is the things that connect you to your roots.

I have a MEMO!

Hello my lovelies! I have finally, with the urging and encouraging of Alex, decided to log on to this blog and post a memo for you all :) Today was super funnn and I wish we could have done this a few more times in the summer. Of course our pot luck thing never pulled through but at least we did meet a couple of times and shared some quality time together!

Sooo, my classes start on Monday. Yep, Monday... and I am kinda looking forward to it. I really really really hope I meet a nice guy in one of my classes this semester.. I mean, what else could give me the urge to get up every morning and go to class?? The satisfaction of learning something?? Ummm, I think NOT! So my classes are quiet interesting this semester though. Except for Stats. I know I will do horribly in that class. I guess we shall wait and see.

We took some nice pics today, Ill post them up so Karin, Wendy and Mimi can look and see what they missed out on! I hope to contribute more to this lovely blog... How do you guys like my pseudonym btw? :)

A Second Attempt...

So slowly the days of summer are winding down and I've been ready to get back to school last month. But this is not going to be a reminiscent entry or an immamissmyhomies entry or even a wherearehellaresomeofyou! entry...but this will be a thank you entry.

In the little time I have known all of you, I have to say I've learned much. If you think about it, and you don't even need to think hard, each of us are very different from each other. I could never think of our group as just a lump of 8. It's always the individual that comes to mind. The individuals that somehow managed to link up in high school at varying points. There are probably more differences in each of us than there are commonalities. Freakin' we're all even different shades of colors and sizes! That always kept the conversations going. And to this day I know that if I were to link up with the lot of you at any point, I would revert to that goofy Karin with the abusive "cackle" in a second. Comfort is what I feel most when I'm with you guys.

I would say many of our relationships with each other have changed a lot, for better or for worse. But mainly because we've all changed dramatically since the conception of these relationships. I can't say why we're all friends and maybe some of you are wondering what the hell it is I'm getting at. But in all simplicity, I am grateful for having all you as a part of this life because I've grown from our experiences in ways that I was completely unaware of until our physical separation. Although this summer has been for the most part the definition of boredom underlaying the bittersweet taste of what it is to be an adult (freakin 9to5s...), it has been a summer of tests. Tests of will and self-control and I would say that I surpassed largely owed in part to the identiy that I have created with you lucky 8. Excuse the absolute abstractness of that statement...

I guess in a weird loving way, I just feel that this core group is the one thing other than Islam and family that I can always come back to.

So thank you.

Barack Obama

I went to the taping of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart today. The guest was none other than Barack Obama!

You might have already seen these photos on my facebook. Before you say anything, let me explain the shitty quality of the photos. They wouldn't let us take photos in the studio. So, when the show ended, we walked out and saw that Barack was exiting the side door, surrounded by a mob of people, behind which I took photos on my tip toes.

While he didn't exactly convince him to vote for him, it was a really interesting interview. Check it out the episode tonight on Comedy Central, 11:00 p.m. ET/PT and hear what Barack had to say!

Superbad (2007)

Superbad is super good. (sorry I couldn't resist)

If you like movies with crude and pervasive sexual humor, strong language, drinking and drug use, all involving teens, then you are a vulgar person and you should watch this movie.

I have to say I had a really great time watching this with my brother.

p.s. I expect to see you all sometime this week!

I wrote a deep entry and eblogger erased it. So now I'll be holding a grudge indefinitely. Stupid eblogger...

Karin

Update

Hey guys,
I just came back to the states from my cruise today. It was a blast. I'll be posting pictures on this blog tomorrow or tuesday.

I added a link on the side for this site, microcinemascene.com. It's a website dedicated, as the link indicates, to microcinema, or low/no budget filmmaking, a scene that is growing in size and popularity due to the digital revolution (youtube, prosumer technology, etc). The site also talks about mumblecore, a film movement that is growing out of microcinema. It excites me that there is a cinematic movement growing in the USA. It means the medium is still alive; it's soul has not been completely sucked out by commercialism.

The microcinema scene gives hope to aspiring filmmakers like me, who, until they get their first big paycheck, will have to make films on microbudgets. It gives hope to the student. I hope it continues to grow and remains alternative, but not because I'm a greedy elitist who wants to keep the movement to the knowledge of the limited few. Alternative movements in art always keep the mainstream in check, and keeps providing the world with a fresh new crop of artists.

Microcinema is exciting because it's a scene resting on the foundations of limitation. Great art is so often birthed from great repression, whether economic, social, or otherwise. Think of the Italian Neorealists, Hip-Hop, the Blues. The more limits an artist has put on them, the more innovative they become

Yup, I see great things in the future of cinema. It's definetely not dead. There are so many more frontiers that are left undiscovered in the medium.

- Alex

Trump sez: This is not Communist China!

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/08/05/2007-08-05_real_estate_vs_real_people.html

As I was reading gothamist.com (a liberal-leaning nycity news blog), I came across a link to this article. It really disturbed me. Especially Trump's comments on the matter (you'll see).

Is this what our city is coming to?

-Alex

I know that I do not take advantage of the city to its fullest extent by any means, but today I realized that i still truly appreciate NYC. I was in Manhattan to visit the Central Park Zoo and have brunch with two friends from Cornell that both reside in Westchester. Although it was a beautiful day well spent in the city, I was so disappointed by their lack of interest and criticism of our home. While both girls frequent Manhattan via train for the touristy sights, I was disgusted by what seemed to be sheer boredom at walking the streets. We basically didn't have a plan for the day other than the zoo and getting some grub. The zoo, I will admit, didn't live up to my expectations since the heat kept many animals out of view and in size comparison, it's no Bronx Zoo. Nonetheless, I was, and will always be, fully satisfied wandering Manhattan without a game plan just because being in the bustle keeps me entertained and energized. As my mouth watered for some good old Afghani food from a sizzling cart at the Avenue of the Americas street festival, they insisted upon blowing thirty bucks on some overpriced, yuppy brunch in some pseudo-French street cafe. While I enjoy people watching and subtly listening to the conversations of interesting people on the train, they felt suffocated in the crowds and utterly confused by anything mildly reflective of a culture other than "American". The irony is that these are the same girls that pride themselves on future plans to travel Europe and study abroad in order to gain greater insight into the world outside of their own. How could they overlook the fact that a mere train ride away from suburbia separates them from one of the few places in the entire world that can capture and so perfectly comingle such international flavors. I know sometimes it's very easy to get carried away with the concept of New York as a cultural melting pot and land of diversity, but it is! And to have shared a day in the city with people who strive to be cultured yet have the audacity to criticize the city for not meeting their expectations... I take that as a personal insult.

Therefore I, as self-nominated "mayor" of NYC for the day, propose a plan for the immediate removal and future ban of anyone and everyone from all five boroughs (even Staten Island!) if they fail to show an adequate level of respect for my home. This will succeed in making more room for the valuable lovers of NYC to take full advantage of its glory without the hindrance of unnecessary haters. Thank you.

On that note, I leave for Ithaca on Friday, August 17th. I hope to see you ALL anytime before that. Even though I am guilty of working way too much in my remaining days, you can always visit me at Crispino's (which is now actually renamed Pesso's). Trust me, I miss everyone very much today and would have traded a day with you in the city over them at any cost. Granted, I still had a nice day and still like these friends from school. However, I now know that NYC is and will always be our 'hood, and thankfully, not their's.

My Reading List a.k.a. One ridiculously boring summer

Well, it's August already, and I hate to say this, but our summer is winding down, my dearies.

I made a very ambitious reading list for this summer back in June.
Needless to say, I am not even close to finishing it.

But I would very much like to know what you guys have been reading this past summer or what you're reading now, books you recommend (not HP, please), books you hated, etc.

But here is a list of what I've read so far:

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
A Room With A View by E.M. Forster
Blindness by Jose Sarramago
Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
New York Trilogy by Paul Aster
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Ring by Suzuki Koji - fuckn scary!
The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Nabokov: Novels 1955-1962 by Vladimir Nabokov

My list was heavily influenced by the Amazon.com user ratings. (they dictate my music tastes as well) Here are some other forces in the media trying to dictate our lives:

The New York Times surveyed a group of authors and these are their recommendations: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/books/review/Survey-t.html?ex=1186372800&en=4e367da0cf219d8e&ei=5070

Time Out New York has come up with "The Ultimate NY Book Bracket" which indicates what every New Yorker should have read by now (kind of intimidating):
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/static_content/features/bookbracketall.pdf

Here's one from my favorite magazine that I find more manageable.
Jane magazine's arbitrary list of 100 great books compiled by its staff:
http://www.janemag.com/magazine/articles/2007/05/Jane100

So I hope this has been useful. Now I want to know what you guys have been reading or not reading. Give me something to add to my ever-expanding list! :)

-Annie

p.s. the post below is mine

Get both sides: Ads

These are typography ads for a leading weekly Brazilian magazine called "Veja" apparently advertising its stance on neutrality.

I'm sure some of you may have seen them already, but just in case you haven't, I wanted to share them with you all. Yes, they are potentially thought-provoking, but aside from everything they're just really cool.

What do the words mean to you?

Remember the Alamo?

So my friend T.J. (read: Tresa Jane) from San Antonio, Texas has been living with me since Monday. She goes to NYU and is majoring in dramatic writing. This is what she looks like.

I took the picture from her facebook. I think it describes her well. She's not a party girl at all. But, she is a fun person (you don't have to be a party girl to be fun). She's very funny and interesting to talk to. She has many interesting friends, and she's not judgemental. I feel like she accepts everyone the way they are. The man she is with is the manager of the bar/pool hall she waitressed in in San Antonio. She came to NYC to find an apartment. She found one on the Upper East Side. I visited it tonight, and the neighborhood is great. She's right near the best diner I've ever been to in Manhattan. In general, Manhattan has pretty crappy diners compared to Queens, doncha think? Besides diners though, she lives near the police department, fire department, a hospital, the park, the river, and the train. The only thing is that it's far from the village, but to each their own I guess right. You've gotta sacrifice distance for more apartment space I guess.

TJ and I are quite different in many ways. Texans are very different from New Yorkers - and not just politically. But, she's a great girl. To be honest, we've had some issues in the past. Last night, we went to play pool at Paradise and I decided to just lay out everything in the open. We had a very long, open talk, and I feel like we came out of it at peace. At least I did. The little demon that gnawed away inside of me for months is gone. Whatever hurt feelings exist are still there, no doubt about that. But, they're breathing has weakened, and I am 100% confident they will be gone soon.

It's so much better to be open. If the openness ruins the friendship, then I guess you weren't meant to be friends.

Oh, and a quiet pool hall is a great place to talk.

-Alex

Freedom

Today August 3rd at 6:30pm, I will officially be free.

There really must be a God.

-Priti

Are we ready to do this?

I think we are.

Love,
Alex