I just used facebook to scare myself as I investigate what has become of some of my former classmates at BHS. You know, the ones that I said peace out to on graduation day and never looked back. This is our 5 year anniversary, after all.
Some facts:
- One classmate (who I didn't really know) just died, which is very sad.
- One classmate/sworn enemy has moved to DC, so now I have to fear that.
- Several have kids. Relatively old kids, too.
- Many haven't left Bing.
- Most of the people I thought were crazy then are still clearly crazy now.
- Some people live in random places like North Carolina and Texas and I have no idea how they got there or what they're doing.
- One of the smartest kids and one of the dumbest kids in our class may now officially be married.
Happy 5 years, class of '04!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Adventures in Craig's List
I know, I know. The big appeal of Craig's List is that it is free. You can write whatever you want without censors or pay and therefore, you end up with a lot of nutters. But for real - in attempting to look for an apartment, I would love love love to get in contact with someone at least marginally normal so that I stop getting emails that (a) are scams or be (b) I can't tell scam-wise, but are like this:
"I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and i hope that you will turn out to be one of them since i am trusting you not to let me down.I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and i hope you will honor
our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me
regret.I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down."
This, in response to an email I sent inquiring into how long the lease was.
"I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and i hope that you will turn out to be one of them since i am trusting you not to let me down.I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and i hope you will honor
our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me
regret.I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down."
This, in response to an email I sent inquiring into how long the lease was.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Have you seen my fox?
Adventures in Cupcaketopia has received some exciting feedback: promises of transcontinental flights to come visit me *coughcupcakeplacescough*, thoughts that I was writing actual reviews, and even someone threatening that I need to get a real job. Which brings me to big update number 1.
I have a real job.
It hasn't started yet - look forward to March 13th for more news on that front - but it's my first foray into the paid world of politicizing the youth.
In small update number 2, my internet has been buggin' out like crazy. For example, I haven't been able to sign into this blog for days because of, as far as I can tell, nothing. More frustrating however, is the innumerable amount of other important things I can't do. Don't get me wrong. When I want to do some mind-numbing facebook surfing (facesurfing?) there is, of course, no problem. Or if I want to stay up until the wee hours watching Firefly? Fine. But when I want to do something trivial like, you know, send in a resume or look at grad schools or - most importantly - upload photos to facebook, the damn interweb seems to buckle under it's own weight. I know, I know - it's not selectively hating on me. But it sure seems like it.
So in short, if you did something like travel through Ireland with me, or go to inauguration with me, or some other such nonsense, and you have been waiting less and less patiently to see the photographic evidence, rest assured: I have absolutely no idea when that will happen. But feel good: not getting the pictures uploaded time after time after time is WAY more annoying on my end.
I didn't even mention the best part of my web-woes: My fox has gone missing. Not my Firefox, mind you, that's still here. I'm using it right now! But my Firefox icons - the little orange fox wrapped around a blue world, you know? - have gone missing. From the whole computer. They have been replaced by mostly clear question marks. Seriously. What once was
has become
Just weird.
I have a real job.
It hasn't started yet - look forward to March 13th for more news on that front - but it's my first foray into the paid world of politicizing the youth.
In small update number 2, my internet has been buggin' out like crazy. For example, I haven't been able to sign into this blog for days because of, as far as I can tell, nothing. More frustrating however, is the innumerable amount of other important things I can't do. Don't get me wrong. When I want to do some mind-numbing facebook surfing (facesurfing?) there is, of course, no problem. Or if I want to stay up until the wee hours watching Firefly? Fine. But when I want to do something trivial like, you know, send in a resume or look at grad schools or - most importantly - upload photos to facebook, the damn interweb seems to buckle under it's own weight. I know, I know - it's not selectively hating on me. But it sure seems like it.
So in short, if you did something like travel through Ireland with me, or go to inauguration with me, or some other such nonsense, and you have been waiting less and less patiently to see the photographic evidence, rest assured: I have absolutely no idea when that will happen. But feel good: not getting the pictures uploaded time after time after time is WAY more annoying on my end.
I didn't even mention the best part of my web-woes: My fox has gone missing. Not my Firefox, mind you, that's still here. I'm using it right now! But my Firefox icons - the little orange fox wrapped around a blue world, you know? - have gone missing. From the whole computer. They have been replaced by mostly clear question marks. Seriously. What once was
has become
Just weird.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Adventures in Cupcaketopia, part II
Sunday was a beautiful day and half of the DC-metro area headed to Georgetown to enjoy it. As such, we had to wait on line for a full 30 minutes with a family from Rosslyn and about 100 of our closest friends before we could even darken the doorway of Georgetown Cupcake. And man, was it worth it.
The tiny shop offers a variety of cupcake flavors, some of which you may have never heard of. Key lime cupcake? They got it. Strawberry? They got it. Peanut butter fudge, with melty fudge center? Bernadette got it, all over her face. I tried a red velvet and a key lime, the classic and the crazy. The red velvet cupcake was quite good, but I'll be honest - my mom makes it better. It all comes down to the cream cheese frosting, which wasn't strong enough in my opinion.
So the red velvet was good, and watching Bernadette eat the peanut butter fudge was highly entertaining. But it all pales in comparison to the Key Lime 'cake (KLC). The KLC will go down in history as one of the greatest, most delicious cupcakes I have ever eaten. Really. The cake itself was moist and delicious, offering just the right balance of tarty sweetness. But the icing - how can I describe the icing? Sweet and sugary, holding visible pieces of lime zest and covering the 'cake in perfect proportion. The whole KLC masterpiece was adorably topped with a small lime slice-shaped gummi candy.
Now if you don't like key lime, well, I suppose you can't appreciate how excellent this little cuppy cake was. But if you grew up as I did, receiving boxes of fruit from Floridian grandparents and cracking into a key pie on holidays, then rest a assured: the KLC is everything you hope for. And there's plenty of variety for the rest of you, as well.
The tiny shop offers a variety of cupcake flavors, some of which you may have never heard of. Key lime cupcake? They got it. Strawberry? They got it. Peanut butter fudge, with melty fudge center? Bernadette got it, all over her face. I tried a red velvet and a key lime, the classic and the crazy. The red velvet cupcake was quite good, but I'll be honest - my mom makes it better. It all comes down to the cream cheese frosting, which wasn't strong enough in my opinion.
So the red velvet was good, and watching Bernadette eat the peanut butter fudge was highly entertaining. But it all pales in comparison to the Key Lime 'cake (KLC). The KLC will go down in history as one of the greatest, most delicious cupcakes I have ever eaten. Really. The cake itself was moist and delicious, offering just the right balance of tarty sweetness. But the icing - how can I describe the icing? Sweet and sugary, holding visible pieces of lime zest and covering the 'cake in perfect proportion. The whole KLC masterpiece was adorably topped with a small lime slice-shaped gummi candy.
Now if you don't like key lime, well, I suppose you can't appreciate how excellent this little cuppy cake was. But if you grew up as I did, receiving boxes of fruit from Floridian grandparents and cracking into a key pie on holidays, then rest a assured: the KLC is everything you hope for. And there's plenty of variety for the rest of you, as well.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Adventures in Cupcaketopia, part I
I've just recently realized that I am apparently living not just in the Capital of the United States, but in the Cupcake Capital of the United States.
Hello Cupcake was the site of my first innocent foray into Cupcaketopia. It's pretty good, though the frosting is overpowering for me. They have plenty of variety and also sell single cupcake lunchboxes, in case you have to get your cupcake on the on go. Since they are based in Dupont Circle which is home to a lot of offices, this actually isn't a ridiculous idea.
Now, I thought that Hello Cupcake was a unique individual here in DC - but then I found lovecafe. lovecafe is the cupcake step-child of Cakelove bakery, and the two are situated directly across the street from one another on U St. The atmosphere is cozier than Hello Cupcake, with low ceilings and a windey little seating area. There isn't as much variety here as there is at Hello Cupcake, and the 'cakes won't fit inside your to-go lunchbox, but - and I'll just be frank about it - the cupcakes are better. The frosting is creamy and thick, but proportionally prefect to the moist mini-cakes that it decorates. I feel a little traitorous because Hello Cupcake was what first lead me on this Cupcake Adventure, but what is the point of traveling if not to learn?
Today I'm going to visit Georgetown Cupcake, which, surprise, is in Georgetown. This cupcakery made national news when they were featured on the Today Show and my mom has been prodding me to check it out ever since. Look forward to its review, as well as reviews of Red Velvet Cupcakery (in Penn Quarter) and Lavender Moon Cupcakery (Alexandria) as Adventures in Cupcaketopia continues.
**In the on-going debate about cake vs. ice cream, it should be noted that I will always choose ice cream, hands down, and that the best place to get it in D.C. is Gifford's near E Street Cinema. So if you don't have time to explore Cupcaketopia, skip it and go to Gifford's for the $2 special.
Hello Cupcake was the site of my first innocent foray into Cupcaketopia. It's pretty good, though the frosting is overpowering for me. They have plenty of variety and also sell single cupcake lunchboxes, in case you have to get your cupcake on the on go. Since they are based in Dupont Circle which is home to a lot of offices, this actually isn't a ridiculous idea.
Now, I thought that Hello Cupcake was a unique individual here in DC - but then I found lovecafe. lovecafe is the cupcake step-child of Cakelove bakery, and the two are situated directly across the street from one another on U St. The atmosphere is cozier than Hello Cupcake, with low ceilings and a windey little seating area. There isn't as much variety here as there is at Hello Cupcake, and the 'cakes won't fit inside your to-go lunchbox, but - and I'll just be frank about it - the cupcakes are better. The frosting is creamy and thick, but proportionally prefect to the moist mini-cakes that it decorates. I feel a little traitorous because Hello Cupcake was what first lead me on this Cupcake Adventure, but what is the point of traveling if not to learn?
Today I'm going to visit Georgetown Cupcake, which, surprise, is in Georgetown. This cupcakery made national news when they were featured on the Today Show and my mom has been prodding me to check it out ever since. Look forward to its review, as well as reviews of Red Velvet Cupcakery (in Penn Quarter) and Lavender Moon Cupcakery (Alexandria) as Adventures in Cupcaketopia continues.
**In the on-going debate about cake vs. ice cream, it should be noted that I will always choose ice cream, hands down, and that the best place to get it in D.C. is Gifford's near E Street Cinema. So if you don't have time to explore Cupcaketopia, skip it and go to Gifford's for the $2 special.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
On Politics and Kids
So, here's my things:
1. I like politics,
2. I like young people, especially kids,
3. I like being outside.
I can think of ways to mix 2 out of 3, but ultimately, I think one of the three will have to take a hit in terms of what you can practically combine into a career.
So, let's say that I want to work on getting young people more involved in politics and human rights issues.* And you know, go camping on weekends.** What do you study in order to do that? Political Science? Public Policy? Social Work with a focus on Youth? Education? ...what?
I like the idea of going back to school because (a) the economy is crap anyway so finding a job is frustrating, (b) I can still get a scholarship from Cornell if I go back to (any) school soon, (c) I think figuring this sort of stuff out involves a lot of research, and nobody researches better than a university.
And then, of course, what do you then do with this additional degree? Work...at a school? For a political campaign? Some office that does stuff for youth but never actually interacts with them, other than by spamming their inboxes? Start your own organization?
Hmm. Sometimes the world is just so big.
*This doesn't mean just the 18 & over voting age crowd. You can work on human rights and political issues at any age through writing letters, lobbying, just learning about them, etc. Don't let voting hold you back, kids!
**Ooor, be a girl scout leader, because I love the girl scouts and could totes work with young kids then. And my troop would be bad ass, so we could camp and hike.
1. I like politics,
2. I like young people, especially kids,
3. I like being outside.
I can think of ways to mix 2 out of 3, but ultimately, I think one of the three will have to take a hit in terms of what you can practically combine into a career.
So, let's say that I want to work on getting young people more involved in politics and human rights issues.* And you know, go camping on weekends.** What do you study in order to do that? Political Science? Public Policy? Social Work with a focus on Youth? Education? ...what?
I like the idea of going back to school because (a) the economy is crap anyway so finding a job is frustrating, (b) I can still get a scholarship from Cornell if I go back to (any) school soon, (c) I think figuring this sort of stuff out involves a lot of research, and nobody researches better than a university.
And then, of course, what do you then do with this additional degree? Work...at a school? For a political campaign? Some office that does stuff for youth but never actually interacts with them, other than by spamming their inboxes? Start your own organization?
Hmm. Sometimes the world is just so big.
*This doesn't mean just the 18 & over voting age crowd. You can work on human rights and political issues at any age through writing letters, lobbying, just learning about them, etc. Don't let voting hold you back, kids!
**Ooor, be a girl scout leader, because I love the girl scouts and could totes work with young kids then. And my troop would be bad ass, so we could camp and hike.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Back Again
It's snowing in DC. I'm staring out my 4th floor window watching it accumulate on the roof of Robert Kennedy's old church. Wonders never cease.
I haven't updated this, really, in over a month, which is too bad. It's been a busy month. I celebrated the sickest (literally) and most pathetic Christmas with my family to date. I rang in the New Year in New York, my 23rd birthday in Ireland, and the dawn of a new era in Washington, D.C. But more on all of that later.
I'm back in DC now, and experiencing something unexpected: unemployment. Oops. I moved down here to take a non-profit job, fighting the good fight for $24,000. As it turns out it really wasn't the job I thought I was being hired for. I'll spare the gory details here, but the highlights include a required 80 to 100 hour work week, being in the office 6 or (preferably) 7 days a week (how else do you work 100 hours a week?), and going door to door, alone, in the dark, everyday in random areas of VA and MD.
...
I don't think it's unreasonable to not want to do these things, especially for a salary that would be equivalent to making $5 or $6 per hour.
So back to square one. I have a couple interviews lined up, and we'll see what comes. Right now, I'm going to go take pictures of the Welcome to Washington snow. Maybe the Obama girls will be outside building snowmen.
I haven't updated this, really, in over a month, which is too bad. It's been a busy month. I celebrated the sickest (literally) and most pathetic Christmas with my family to date. I rang in the New Year in New York, my 23rd birthday in Ireland, and the dawn of a new era in Washington, D.C. But more on all of that later.
I'm back in DC now, and experiencing something unexpected: unemployment. Oops. I moved down here to take a non-profit job, fighting the good fight for $24,000. As it turns out it really wasn't the job I thought I was being hired for. I'll spare the gory details here, but the highlights include a required 80 to 100 hour work week, being in the office 6 or (preferably) 7 days a week (how else do you work 100 hours a week?), and going door to door, alone, in the dark, everyday in random areas of VA and MD.
...
I don't think it's unreasonable to not want to do these things, especially for a salary that would be equivalent to making $5 or $6 per hour.
So back to square one. I have a couple interviews lined up, and we'll see what comes. Right now, I'm going to go take pictures of the Welcome to Washington snow. Maybe the Obama girls will be outside building snowmen.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
We'll take a cup of kindness yet for Auld Lang Syne...
I haven't posted in nearly a month. Poor form. I won't review everything I've done over the last few weeks, because that would be long and boring for most people. Just suffice to say my holiday was probably a lot like your holiday, unless, of course, you don't celebrate holidays, in which case you probably had an awesome time catching up on all those old episodes of House.
I rang in 2009 by clinking glasses with a bunch of Upstate New Yorkers in a cozy apartment in Astoria. I feel like my New Year's festivities ended up being really symbolic of my year as a whole. I managed to spend New Year's Eve in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, mostly with my backpack on. It was highly nomadic which, if you've been following along, just fits. Also, I managed in one month (and mostly in the 3 to 4 days leading up to midnight '09) to see every single one of my best friends from high school, college (minus Kathleen, geez!) and best of all, kindergarten. I've been particularly privileged this year to build a lot of new friendships, and to those people I'm very thankful. But I'm also truly thankful for the friendships from home and almost-home that I have had for 5 years, ten years, some for over 15 years. A lot of the people I call my best friends now are the same best friends I had in elementary school. If you want a way to stay grounded, that's it. So yes, New Year's was freezing cold and it involved sleeping on floors and a bit too much Carson Daly, but it was a fitting end to an amazing year.
New Year's 2009 made me laugh, mostly because it was so different from NYE '08. If we could step in the Way Back Machine for a moment, let's take a step back to 2007. What a God awful year. Friends moved, loved ones passed away, people cheated, money disappeared, diagnoses were made, Bush was still president with little end in sight, and all of it was an utter, rotting pile of crap. Of my close friends, I can only think of one or two people that didn't experience something life-changing and fantastically depressing. In the days leading up to January 1, "good riddance" and "f*ck 2007" were probably the words I heard most often. I spent New Year's Eve skiing with Austin and going to a big bonfire downtown. At the end of the countdown we both looked at each other, said "Well...thank God that's over," and then went to Ernest's house to eat flan.
True, my first meal of 2008 was flan, but I didn't let that get me down. Fast forward 12 months, and here I am in a little apartment in Queens, toasting with friends and feeling a little remorseful because - I admit it - I wasn't totally down with 2008 ending. Personally, I had wonderful year, complete with major accomplishments, travel, and much time spent with friends and family. I laughed a lot in 2008. I had a lot of odd jobs, and I said yes more often, which is always an adventure. So I'll be honest: I was sad to see it go. But hey - what a fabulous turnaround, 2008. What a great hope for the future.
A new government's coming in, a fresh slew of New Year's Resolutions are already being forgotten, and to date, no one has tricked me into eating flan this year. Hopefully the trend continues. Have a happier, healthier 2009. Nobody deserves it more than you.
I rang in 2009 by clinking glasses with a bunch of Upstate New Yorkers in a cozy apartment in Astoria. I feel like my New Year's festivities ended up being really symbolic of my year as a whole. I managed to spend New Year's Eve in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, mostly with my backpack on. It was highly nomadic which, if you've been following along, just fits. Also, I managed in one month (and mostly in the 3 to 4 days leading up to midnight '09) to see every single one of my best friends from high school, college (minus Kathleen, geez!) and best of all, kindergarten. I've been particularly privileged this year to build a lot of new friendships, and to those people I'm very thankful. But I'm also truly thankful for the friendships from home and almost-home that I have had for 5 years, ten years, some for over 15 years. A lot of the people I call my best friends now are the same best friends I had in elementary school. If you want a way to stay grounded, that's it. So yes, New Year's was freezing cold and it involved sleeping on floors and a bit too much Carson Daly, but it was a fitting end to an amazing year.
New Year's 2009 made me laugh, mostly because it was so different from NYE '08. If we could step in the Way Back Machine for a moment, let's take a step back to 2007. What a God awful year. Friends moved, loved ones passed away, people cheated, money disappeared, diagnoses were made, Bush was still president with little end in sight, and all of it was an utter, rotting pile of crap. Of my close friends, I can only think of one or two people that didn't experience something life-changing and fantastically depressing. In the days leading up to January 1, "good riddance" and "f*ck 2007" were probably the words I heard most often. I spent New Year's Eve skiing with Austin and going to a big bonfire downtown. At the end of the countdown we both looked at each other, said "Well...thank God that's over," and then went to Ernest's house to eat flan.
True, my first meal of 2008 was flan, but I didn't let that get me down. Fast forward 12 months, and here I am in a little apartment in Queens, toasting with friends and feeling a little remorseful because - I admit it - I wasn't totally down with 2008 ending. Personally, I had wonderful year, complete with major accomplishments, travel, and much time spent with friends and family. I laughed a lot in 2008. I had a lot of odd jobs, and I said yes more often, which is always an adventure. So I'll be honest: I was sad to see it go. But hey - what a fabulous turnaround, 2008. What a great hope for the future.
A new government's coming in, a fresh slew of New Year's Resolutions are already being forgotten, and to date, no one has tricked me into eating flan this year. Hopefully the trend continues. Have a happier, healthier 2009. Nobody deserves it more than you.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Winding Down
This is my last week in DC. Tear! Currently, I'm still on the job hunt, but with a few bright spots on the horizon. I've had interviews at 2 different places that I'm waiting to hear from, and have 3 more interviews coming up. I've applied to several jobs in DC because I love the city and would love to continue to grow the social network I have here. In the name of adventure, however, I've applied all over the country - and by "country" I mean "the East Coast and New Orleans". We'll see.
I'm going home on Dec 20th, and all of my Bing friends will be home, however briefly, for Christmas & the Sparkle Party, so that's very exciting. I'm torn about what to do for New Year's this year. The people I usually celebrate with will be in Wisconsin and NYC, respectively, and I've also been invited down to DC to do...something. Details are unclear. Ideally, I think New Year's would be best spent playing Rock Band in somebody's basement, but people can never be that chill on New Year's.
But more exciting things are happening! For the first time in my life, my birthday will not be spent in Binghamton, NY because on January 11th I will be....
in Ireland!
I'm super psyched. I'm going to visit Ernest from January 9th - January 18th in Limerick, and wherever else we decide to journey - very possibly to Dublin because - OMG - Laura and Sofi might be coming to Dublin from Sweden January 16th - 18th!!! Ernest doesn't know that yet...but I guess he'll find out here. Don't worry Ernest, if it works out that way, they are very cool chicks, I swear.
So, then I return to the great state of New York for about oh, 12 hours, before battling my way back to DC for the inauguration on the 20th. I can't believe after 8 God awful years that it's only 5 weeks away. Should be a romping good time.
And then, hopefully, I start my new job. In DC. Or, you know, wherever.
I'm going home on Dec 20th, and all of my Bing friends will be home, however briefly, for Christmas & the Sparkle Party, so that's very exciting. I'm torn about what to do for New Year's this year. The people I usually celebrate with will be in Wisconsin and NYC, respectively, and I've also been invited down to DC to do...something. Details are unclear. Ideally, I think New Year's would be best spent playing Rock Band in somebody's basement, but people can never be that chill on New Year's.
But more exciting things are happening! For the first time in my life, my birthday will not be spent in Binghamton, NY because on January 11th I will be....
in Ireland!
I'm super psyched. I'm going to visit Ernest from January 9th - January 18th in Limerick, and wherever else we decide to journey - very possibly to Dublin because - OMG - Laura and Sofi might be coming to Dublin from Sweden January 16th - 18th!!! Ernest doesn't know that yet...but I guess he'll find out here. Don't worry Ernest, if it works out that way, they are very cool chicks, I swear.
So, then I return to the great state of New York for about oh, 12 hours, before battling my way back to DC for the inauguration on the 20th. I can't believe after 8 God awful years that it's only 5 weeks away. Should be a romping good time.
And then, hopefully, I start my new job. In DC. Or, you know, wherever.
Pictures
I just spent over 1/2 an hour trying to upload pictures from the last three months on to facebook with no luck. No DC pictures for you!
Okay, a couple.
ACT UP! Graffiti on the Berlin Wall, now preserved at the Newseum.
My pal, author Neil Gaimen reading from his new book way back in September.
A view of DC from atop the Washington Monument. You can almost see my building from there!
A great idea.
And because I can't find the brochure from the Alexandria walking tour, an explanation from Wikipedia:
In 1830, John Hollensbury's home in Alexandria, Virginia was one of two homes directly bordering an alleyway which received an annoying amount of horse-drawn wagon traffic and loiterers. To prevent people from using the alleyway, Hollensbury constructed a 7-foot (2.1 m) wide, 25-foot (7.6 m) deep, 325-square-foot (30.2 m2), two-story home using the existing brick walls of the adjacent homes for the sides of the new home. The brick walls of the Hollensbury Spite House living room have gouges from wagon-wheel hubs, and the house is still standing and occupied.
Okay, a couple.
ACT UP! Graffiti on the Berlin Wall, now preserved at the Newseum.
My pal, author Neil Gaimen reading from his new book way back in September.
A view of DC from atop the Washington Monument. You can almost see my building from there!
A great idea.
And because I can't find the brochure from the Alexandria walking tour, an explanation from Wikipedia:
In 1830, John Hollensbury's home in Alexandria, Virginia was one of two homes directly bordering an alleyway which received an annoying amount of horse-drawn wagon traffic and loiterers. To prevent people from using the alleyway, Hollensbury constructed a 7-foot (2.1 m) wide, 25-foot (7.6 m) deep, 325-square-foot (30.2 m2), two-story home using the existing brick walls of the adjacent homes for the sides of the new home. The brick walls of the Hollensbury Spite House living room have gouges from wagon-wheel hubs, and the house is still standing and occupied.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
It's Human Rights Day!
I went to American University today and was mistaken for a faculty member. Awesome!
But more importantly, today is international Human Rights Day, marked to celebrate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN in 1948. The day symbolizes both celebration of past accomplishments as well as ongoing struggles. Amnesty International always hosts events around the world, including the Global Write-a-thon. Even if you don't read this until after Human Rights Day, think about writing a letter from Amnesty's action prompts, or donating. Human rights are important every day.
So go celebrate.
I've been thinking a lot about what we call our rights. For example, there's a lot of bruhaha over the marriage equality debate and the use of the words "civil rights". On the one hand, we are talking about marriage which is a civil issue (correct?), and the right to marry. So civil rights. However, the term civil rights is pretty much inseparable from the Civil Rights Movement, and some people feel that it's a word that you shouldn't and can't co-opt because of that - especially in light of all the "blacks are to blame for Prop 8!" crap that came out after the election.
So if not civil rights, then what? Some people seem to think that "human rights" would be a better term. Others argue that human rights are those very basic things: food, water, shelter, medicine, safety from violence. But wouldn't you put "the pursuit of happiness" in that list? Isn't that the point of the list? It's the base of Maslow's triangle! The whole reason for advocating for these things is that people can't be happy without them. So does that mean that the pursuit of happiness is a human right? And wouldn't marriage - or whatever one might call the ability to be with the one you love and have it be legally recognized - therefore be a human right?
I'm still not sure about all this. The best I've been able to come up with is "equal rights". I feel that even if the left can't agree on the names, we can at least agree that everyone deserves equal rights.
But more importantly, today is international Human Rights Day, marked to celebrate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN in 1948. The day symbolizes both celebration of past accomplishments as well as ongoing struggles. Amnesty International always hosts events around the world, including the Global Write-a-thon. Even if you don't read this until after Human Rights Day, think about writing a letter from Amnesty's action prompts, or donating. Human rights are important every day.
So go celebrate.
I've been thinking a lot about what we call our rights. For example, there's a lot of bruhaha over the marriage equality debate and the use of the words "civil rights". On the one hand, we are talking about marriage which is a civil issue (correct?), and the right to marry. So civil rights. However, the term civil rights is pretty much inseparable from the Civil Rights Movement, and some people feel that it's a word that you shouldn't and can't co-opt because of that - especially in light of all the "blacks are to blame for Prop 8!" crap that came out after the election.
So if not civil rights, then what? Some people seem to think that "human rights" would be a better term. Others argue that human rights are those very basic things: food, water, shelter, medicine, safety from violence. But wouldn't you put "the pursuit of happiness" in that list? Isn't that the point of the list? It's the base of Maslow's triangle! The whole reason for advocating for these things is that people can't be happy without them. So does that mean that the pursuit of happiness is a human right? And wouldn't marriage - or whatever one might call the ability to be with the one you love and have it be legally recognized - therefore be a human right?
I'm still not sure about all this. The best I've been able to come up with is "equal rights". I feel that even if the left can't agree on the names, we can at least agree that everyone deserves equal rights.
Friday, December 5, 2008
free.will.power
Let's talk about NARAL Pro-Choice America's newest project, free.will.power.
The website, myfreewillpower.com, is meant to help young people learn about reproductive rights and how to protect them. It feature lots of cool stuff like videos of spoken word artists, a tee-shirt design contest*, a quiz, and various action alerts. You can also sign the free.will.power declaration. Go check out the site!
*Which is over today at 5, so send your designs quick!
The website, myfreewillpower.com, is meant to help young people learn about reproductive rights and how to protect them. It feature lots of cool stuff like videos of spoken word artists, a tee-shirt design contest*, a quiz, and various action alerts. You can also sign the free.will.power declaration. Go check out the site!
*Which is over today at 5, so send your designs quick!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Because one of the only things dorkier than politics is Star Wars
So, the other night Emily called me and left the following message:
"Hello Katie, this is Barack Obama. I was just calling at the request of my secretary, Shmi, she thought you would be an excellent candidate for Top Jedi in my cabinet. So, if you could just give me a call back sometime, I'll probably be up for a while or else we can talk tomorrow night or the next night, just get me back. This is urgent. I need someone who is very handy with a light saber and I think that you would do just the trick. Goodbye, and I salute you."
I salute you. I called her back, and left this message:
"Hi President Obama, this is Katie getting back to you about the position of Top Jedi. I just wanted to say that I think it would be totally bitchin'. I'm going to need somewhere to dock my transport unit, but I figure you probably already have one of those on the roof of the White House. So, yeah, gimme a call back, B-Rock."
So she called me back, and left this message:
"Yo, this is B-rock, not to be confused Brian from the Backstreet Boys. Actually this is your President-elect. And I know that our term in office together is going to be as... epic as this game of phone tag. So if give me a call back I will tell you all about how I've one upped your offer. I actually have a sweet pod fitted with huge like bass speakers, a little handy light saber power-up and also, um...... cool lights that cut through the fog. So, if you want to see that, if you want to take a little joy ride around DC, just hit me back up on my cell. Peace out!"
My favorite part is the sweet fog lights incentive.
"Hello Katie, this is Barack Obama. I was just calling at the request of my secretary, Shmi, she thought you would be an excellent candidate for Top Jedi in my cabinet. So, if you could just give me a call back sometime, I'll probably be up for a while or else we can talk tomorrow night or the next night, just get me back. This is urgent. I need someone who is very handy with a light saber and I think that you would do just the trick. Goodbye, and I salute you."
I salute you. I called her back, and left this message:
"Hi President Obama, this is Katie getting back to you about the position of Top Jedi. I just wanted to say that I think it would be totally bitchin'. I'm going to need somewhere to dock my transport unit, but I figure you probably already have one of those on the roof of the White House. So, yeah, gimme a call back, B-Rock."
So she called me back, and left this message:
"Yo, this is B-rock, not to be confused Brian from the Backstreet Boys. Actually this is your President-elect. And I know that our term in office together is going to be as... epic as this game of phone tag. So if give me a call back I will tell you all about how I've one upped your offer. I actually have a sweet pod fitted with huge like bass speakers, a little handy light saber power-up and also, um...... cool lights that cut through the fog. So, if you want to see that, if you want to take a little joy ride around DC, just hit me back up on my cell. Peace out!"
My favorite part is the sweet fog lights incentive.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tis the Season
This last week has been spent in Binghamton, baking and filling out job applications in between Rock Band sessions at Rachel's house. I've finally moved up to *medium* on guitar. Take that, actual musicians!
In the name of the season, I thought I'd tick off a few things that I am thankful for.
1. My friends and family. I love my friends, and my family is the most supportive, silly, wonderful family a person could ask for, and I'm glad once again that I got to spend the holiday with them.
2. DC & the last few months. I've loved living in DC, even at the Nunnery. I've gotten to do a ton of news things, I got to work for several political campaigns (most of which won!), I got to be in Washington on the night it exploded with Obama-flavored joy. I've also found that it's been pretty easy for me to meet new people in DC, and while many of them have been absolutely ridiculous, some of them are wonderful friends that I'm so glad I got the opportunity to meet. I have been unofficially invited to friends' weddings in Sweden and Barbados too, so really moving to DC was well worth it.
3. Upcoming adventures. After Dec 20th, I don't know what I'll be doing, but I'm sure it's going to be interesting. Plus, I still have several friends I want to visit in Wisconsin, Ireland, Sweden, NYC, and, you know, Ithaca.
So, now I'm thinking of Christmas gifts, but I'll be skipping out on Black Friday this year, unless shopping at the Philadelphia airport counts. Happy Holidays everyone - it's officially the Sparkle Season.
In the name of the season, I thought I'd tick off a few things that I am thankful for.
1. My friends and family. I love my friends, and my family is the most supportive, silly, wonderful family a person could ask for, and I'm glad once again that I got to spend the holiday with them.
2. DC & the last few months. I've loved living in DC, even at the Nunnery. I've gotten to do a ton of news things, I got to work for several political campaigns (most of which won!), I got to be in Washington on the night it exploded with Obama-flavored joy. I've also found that it's been pretty easy for me to meet new people in DC, and while many of them have been absolutely ridiculous, some of them are wonderful friends that I'm so glad I got the opportunity to meet. I have been unofficially invited to friends' weddings in Sweden and Barbados too, so really moving to DC was well worth it.
3. Upcoming adventures. After Dec 20th, I don't know what I'll be doing, but I'm sure it's going to be interesting. Plus, I still have several friends I want to visit in Wisconsin, Ireland, Sweden, NYC, and, you know, Ithaca.
So, now I'm thinking of Christmas gifts, but I'll be skipping out on Black Friday this year, unless shopping at the Philadelphia airport counts. Happy Holidays everyone - it's officially the Sparkle Season.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Update!
I'd first like to acknowledge that yesterday was my friend Rachel's 22nd birthday, so happy birthday Rachel!
And now the news from Washington. Things are a bit melancholy tonight. My good friend Laura is flying home to Sweden tomorrow, and we don't know when we will see each other again. I'm getting job hunt fatigue from trying to figure out the future (soon to be present...). My friend Juliana is moving next weekend to Virginia which, at least when compared to Sweden, isn't really all that far away.
On a happier note, the Prop 8 & Frienemies protest in DC was awesome. Somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 people were there with some of the most creative protest signs I've seen. We started out in front of the Capitol Building, where I got an incriminating picture taking. I was climbing up a lamp post to try and spot my friend in the crowd when some freelancer took my picture. I'm sure it's floating out there on the internet with the caption "CRAZY GAY PROTESTERS ATTACK PUBLIC PROPERTY!!"
From the Capitol Building, we hit the Washington Monument and eventually the White House. It felt very surreal, after all the MLK references with Obama, to be protesting (at least for a short period of time) in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I suppose it's fitting. We've made a lot of great strides - particularly this month - but there's still all sorts of injustice. Separate is still not equal.
It was interesting to hear people's reasons for coming to the protest. One man spoke about his friend, who was denied bereavement time to go to his domestic partner's funeral in Florida. His domestic partner was his girlfriend. Obviously laws like Prop 8 and the rest are wrong because of the basic rights they deny to LGBTQ people. But the story is very telling about how when you mess with the laws to hurt one group, you risk hurting everybody.
Pictures to come, because they don't seem to be loading properly.
And now the news from Washington. Things are a bit melancholy tonight. My good friend Laura is flying home to Sweden tomorrow, and we don't know when we will see each other again. I'm getting job hunt fatigue from trying to figure out the future (soon to be present...). My friend Juliana is moving next weekend to Virginia which, at least when compared to Sweden, isn't really all that far away.
On a happier note, the Prop 8 & Frienemies protest in DC was awesome. Somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 people were there with some of the most creative protest signs I've seen. We started out in front of the Capitol Building, where I got an incriminating picture taking. I was climbing up a lamp post to try and spot my friend in the crowd when some freelancer took my picture. I'm sure it's floating out there on the internet with the caption "CRAZY GAY PROTESTERS ATTACK PUBLIC PROPERTY!!"
From the Capitol Building, we hit the Washington Monument and eventually the White House. It felt very surreal, after all the MLK references with Obama, to be protesting (at least for a short period of time) in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I suppose it's fitting. We've made a lot of great strides - particularly this month - but there's still all sorts of injustice. Separate is still not equal.
It was interesting to hear people's reasons for coming to the protest. One man spoke about his friend, who was denied bereavement time to go to his domestic partner's funeral in Florida. His domestic partner was his girlfriend. Obviously laws like Prop 8 and the rest are wrong because of the basic rights they deny to LGBTQ people. But the story is very telling about how when you mess with the laws to hurt one group, you risk hurting everybody.
Pictures to come, because they don't seem to be loading properly.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Back on the Hunt
Is it that time already?
Things are going great here in DC, mostly because the city is fabulous and I've met a few good people. Unfortunately, my internship (you know, the part-time-non-espionage-related job) finishes at the end of December, and with Christmas creeping around the corner, it may be time to consider my up & coming future. You know, beyond working at Russell's.
Have resume, will travel.
So expect some updates on that, as well as write-ups on the DC Prop H8 Protest and pictures from the campaign trail.
I originally intended to fill out some job applications tonight, but working 8:45 - 6 coupled with Tuesday's root canal has made me into a semi-lifeless blob, good only for sleeping and watching House reruns.
Speaking of grumpy old men, if anyone's looking to watch something either awful or hilarious, O'Reilly's going to be on the Daily Show tonight.
Things are going great here in DC, mostly because the city is fabulous and I've met a few good people. Unfortunately, my internship (you know, the part-time-non-espionage-related job) finishes at the end of December, and with Christmas creeping around the corner, it may be time to consider my up & coming future. You know, beyond working at Russell's.
Have resume, will travel.
So expect some updates on that, as well as write-ups on the DC Prop H8 Protest and pictures from the campaign trail.
I originally intended to fill out some job applications tonight, but working 8:45 - 6 coupled with Tuesday's root canal has made me into a semi-lifeless blob, good only for sleeping and watching House reruns.
Speaking of grumpy old men, if anyone's looking to watch something either awful or hilarious, O'Reilly's going to be on the Daily Show tonight.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Fired Up & Ready to Go
No rest for the weary.
If you are a human who believes in the basic rights of other humans, and you are currently in the United States, you should join the impact. You can even join it on facebook.
There is going to be a nationwide protest of Prop 8 and related amendments on Saturday, November 15th. There is literally at least one protest in every state plus DC. Most states have multiple cities participating - I'm proud to say Upstate NY will be there in style.
The way I see it, we just went through a very dramatic election that showcased the power of a lot of people who get organized and get their voice heard. So now that we know we can do it, let's keep doing it.
If you are a human who believes in the basic rights of other humans, and you are currently in the United States, you should join the impact. You can even join it on facebook.
There is going to be a nationwide protest of Prop 8 and related amendments on Saturday, November 15th. There is literally at least one protest in every state plus DC. Most states have multiple cities participating - I'm proud to say Upstate NY will be there in style.
The way I see it, we just went through a very dramatic election that showcased the power of a lot of people who get organized and get their voice heard. So now that we know we can do it, let's keep doing it.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Remember, Remember the 4th of November
My generation woke up different today.
I've always been proud of where I come from - as long as we're talking about New York. If you were an Austrian or a Brazilian or a Swede, I'd tell you I come from New York. New York is a place people are proud to be from and a place that the international community respects, unlike the US as a whole. If I ever plainly said that I was an American, it was with an apologetic shrug and a promise that No, I didn't vote for Bush.
I think a lot of people have felt that way for a long time. The difference is that while older generations had some sense of what they had lost, we didn't. We came to political consciousness in the age of George Bush and fear politics; in the time of Katrina, global warming and radical conservatism; of Guantanamo Bay and two seemingly endless wars. In the grand scheme of history, these are all very recent events. To my generation, however, they are the only thing we have ever really known. We don't remember trusting our government. We don't remember not fearing our leaders. We don't remember when we could say we were Americans without a sense of shame because for most of us, that time never existed.
I don't mean we haven't been proud at some points. We are the post-9/11 generation, afterall. In the wake of a Tuesday in September, we watched rescue workers scoured the rubble and save people day after day. We watched strangers take in strangers in the wake of tragedy. We tried to contemplate, without reference, how everything was changing.
I was 15 at the time.
I felt a sense of pride in my country then. I think a lot of young people did. Watching national neighbors band together in the face of adversity was heartening and most definately something to be proud of. But it was a pride grown from despair, piled on top of emptiness, hurt and above all, fear. We were proud of "our fellow Americans", but that pride and unity toppled like a deck of cards under the weight of fear and anger.
Until November 4th, 2008.
At 11 o'clock last night, I felt something different. I felt excitement as I jumped on the furniture in Capitol Brewery. I felt joy as we celebrated in the streets. I felt love as 93% of DC went out of their way to express gratitude and relief. I felt pride.
All around the world, leaders and civilians alike are lauding the election, proclaiming a new day for absolutely everyone. We chose a leader based for once not on fear, but on hope. My generation ran to the polls after years of being told we didn't care. My country chose a leader who is intelligent and well-spoken, considerate and ready to lead not just to a select group of U.S. citizens, but the world. I really believe that. I think a lot of us do.
On November 5th the older generations of America woke up with a sense that things were finally getting back on track, that we could be proud again.
Most of my generation, however, awoke for the first time with a sense of national pride based not on what was done to us, but on what we did. For the first time, ever, I and others like me were truly proud to be a part of the United States of America.
And that itself is change indeed.
I've always been proud of where I come from - as long as we're talking about New York. If you were an Austrian or a Brazilian or a Swede, I'd tell you I come from New York. New York is a place people are proud to be from and a place that the international community respects, unlike the US as a whole. If I ever plainly said that I was an American, it was with an apologetic shrug and a promise that No, I didn't vote for Bush.
I think a lot of people have felt that way for a long time. The difference is that while older generations had some sense of what they had lost, we didn't. We came to political consciousness in the age of George Bush and fear politics; in the time of Katrina, global warming and radical conservatism; of Guantanamo Bay and two seemingly endless wars. In the grand scheme of history, these are all very recent events. To my generation, however, they are the only thing we have ever really known. We don't remember trusting our government. We don't remember not fearing our leaders. We don't remember when we could say we were Americans without a sense of shame because for most of us, that time never existed.
I don't mean we haven't been proud at some points. We are the post-9/11 generation, afterall. In the wake of a Tuesday in September, we watched rescue workers scoured the rubble and save people day after day. We watched strangers take in strangers in the wake of tragedy. We tried to contemplate, without reference, how everything was changing.
I was 15 at the time.
I felt a sense of pride in my country then. I think a lot of young people did. Watching national neighbors band together in the face of adversity was heartening and most definately something to be proud of. But it was a pride grown from despair, piled on top of emptiness, hurt and above all, fear. We were proud of "our fellow Americans", but that pride and unity toppled like a deck of cards under the weight of fear and anger.
Until November 4th, 2008.
At 11 o'clock last night, I felt something different. I felt excitement as I jumped on the furniture in Capitol Brewery. I felt joy as we celebrated in the streets. I felt love as 93% of DC went out of their way to express gratitude and relief. I felt pride.
All around the world, leaders and civilians alike are lauding the election, proclaiming a new day for absolutely everyone. We chose a leader based for once not on fear, but on hope. My generation ran to the polls after years of being told we didn't care. My country chose a leader who is intelligent and well-spoken, considerate and ready to lead not just to a select group of U.S. citizens, but the world. I really believe that. I think a lot of us do.
On November 5th the older generations of America woke up with a sense that things were finally getting back on track, that we could be proud again.
Most of my generation, however, awoke for the first time with a sense of national pride based not on what was done to us, but on what we did. For the first time, ever, I and others like me were truly proud to be a part of the United States of America.
And that itself is change indeed.
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