Nic's World

Hiatus

2005-07-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

I am bored with my blog. (Couldn't you tell? I mean my last three posts have been about the weather, for crying out loud.)

So, I am taking a break. I don't know when I'll be back. (Perhaps, when I have something interesting to say.)

If you need me desperately, there is a link to my email address on here. Feel free to use it.

That's Better

2005-07-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ahh.

Warren Miller's Journey is on television right now.

I am watching some of the best boarders and skiers attack some of the most ridiculous mountains in the world to a soundtrack that includes Pearl Jam's "I Am Mine".

It's amazing how images of snow-capped mountains can make you believe it is 20 degrees colder out than it really is. It's also amazing how just one Pearl Jam song can make a day infinitely better.

Melting... I'm Melting!

2005-07-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Okay. Seriously. I know that it's hot everywhere right now. But even when it's hot everywhere, it's not hot in San Francisco.

The only time it is hot in San Francisco is in October. (When Saks and Macy's have all of the beautiful Fall clothes in their windows and all you want to do is wear your new cashmere sweater, that's when it's 90 degrees in this city.)

So, why, at 2:00 in the morning, in July, is it 64 degrees out?

"It's an issue that we need to take very seriously. I don't think we know the solution to global warming yet and I don't think we've got all the facts before we make decisions." - George W. Bush

Um. Okay. I am going to ignore the fact that that statement doesn't even make any sense and move onto this: I think the fact is that the planet is frying itself and that pollution is the cause of it. And, here's an idea. Let's stop the pollution, stop the global warming and return San Francisco to its natural state of windy, foggy, grey drizzle. Okay? Okay? I am not the damn Wicked Witch of the West and I don't want to melt.

I am going to eat a popsicle now.

Good-night.

Could It Be Any Hotter?

2005-07-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am babysitting in Marin County today and it is 100 degrees outside (at 5:00pm).

100 degrees. That is so ridiculous for this part of California, I can't even tell you.

It's so hot that even a 4 year old and 6 year old don't want to do anything. Thus, we are sitting in the air-conditioned family room watching a live-action version of Peter Pan. (I have never seen this version before and must admit it is quite entertaining.)

I think I might be the worst babysitter ever. I am encouraging these poor children to stay inside and watch television. Sigh.

Blog Mission #1

2005-07-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

My blog has been faltering a bit as of late. This is due, in large part, to the fact that I have not been doing anything with my life. (Hey, it's summer... I am programmed from childhood to spend the summer reading as many books as possible and doing nothing else, at all.)

Anyway, I have decided that this is the perfect time to embark upon Blog Mission #1.

What is Blog Mission #1, you ask? Well, it's quite simple actually. There are two blogs out there that I read religiously and I think the authors of those blogs read mine, but my blog is not linked on either of those blogs. (Come on people, where is the love?) Blog Mission #1 is to get the authors of those blogs to link to mine, without me asking for the link.

How I am going to go about doing this, I am not quite sure. I am sure I will think of something. Perhaps I'll write racy fictional blog entries here to really pique their interest. Or maybe I will post the most charming and sweetest comments to the two blogs in question.

Like I said, I am sure I will come up with something...

Shhh!

2005-07-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

I have been given an incredibly difficult task. I have to keep something really exciting a secret...

I am not good at keeping secrets!

This is going to drive me crazy. So not fair!

Jaws...

2005-07-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Um. Okay.

I was watching the Discovery Channel last night and there was this show on about these crazy people who went SWIMMING WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS!

Seriously. One guy even grabbed on to a Great White Shark's dorsal fin and "rode" the shark.

It was so scary, the only way I could stop myself from changing the channel was by reminding myself that if the guy had been eaten by the shark, they wouldn't have included that footage in the show. (Right? Right?)

Great Whites reach an average of 16 feet 6 inches in length and weigh approximately 1,100 pounds. CAN YOU IMAGINE SWIMMING WITH ONE?

Fun Times...

2005-07-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon I bought "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince". I was so excited to read it (yes, I am a total dork) but I had to wait because my friend Laura and I had long been planning to go to the movies Saturday evening. (Laura is one of my greatest friends, but I don't get to see her as often as I'd like because she has two kids and a husband who travels 200+ days a year for work. She is the only person I wouldn't cancel on in favor of reading the Harry Potter book!)

I was very tempted to start reading before I left for the movies, but I knew that if I started I wouldn't put the book down until I was finished with it. So I avoided it and left early for Laura's.

When I got to Laura's house, there was no sign of her daughter. She, being a very wise 11 year old, had settled in with her copy of the Harry Potter book and was not breaking away from it for any reason, especially not to say "hello" to one of her mom's friends. I felt a twinge of jealousy when I realized that Laura's daughter would be spending the next few hours with Harry Potter, while I'd be spending them with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. (Yes, I really am a dork - I would have picked Harry Potter over VINCE VAUGHN!)

Laura and I saw "Wedding Crashers" and I laughed so hard, my face hurt. It was hysterical! (And, it made me totally forget about Harry Potter for over two hours!) It is one of those movies I'd see again (and again). Vince Vaughn is such a brilliant actor and Owen Wilson is perfect as his love-struck best friend. Vince Vaughn's monologues are priceless! I'm still laughing, when I remember certain lines or scenes. (I think I need to see it again, ASAP!)

When I got home from the movies I was tired... But the Harry Potter book was right there, beckoning to me. Dilemma!

Of course, I picked the book up and started reading within seconds of walking through my front door. And, this installment in the series did not disappoint. JK Rowling might not be the best writer in the world, but she really is one of the great storytellers.

I read "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" in one sitting. Straight through. And, I loved every last word of it (even though it made me cry, a lot, at the end.)

So, the point of this post? Other than illustrating, once and for all, that I am a complete dork? If you're looking for entertainment, go see "Wedding Crashers" or read "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince".

An Epiphany...

2005-07-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I saw a stellar performance of "Les Miserables" at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco. It was breathtaking and beautiful. The cast, the orchestra, the sets, the costumes, every last detail was extraordinary. And, the story. God how I love that story!

In addition to captivating my imagination for three hours, this performance gave something more to me. It affirmed something I have suspected for the last few weeks.

As many of you know, these last few ~~weeks~~ months I have been pretending to write/lamenting about not writing and occasionally writing a submission for the ABC/Disney Writer's Fellowship.

My history with this program goes back a few years. The first year I entered was the first year I took a screenwriting class. I applied to the fellowship on a whim with the first thing I ever wrote in screenplay format. That was the year I was a semi-finalist for the fellowship (top 20 out of 4,000 applicants). Two years later, I was a finalist (top 10 out of 5,000 applicants).

Had I been selected either of those years, I would have been really happy. Somewhere along the line though, between then and now, something changed. I changed. Or I realized that writing for television has never been my dream. It is something I sort of fell into. It came to me easily and the validation of being both a semi-finalist and a finalist for this fellowship made me think that I could be happy with this as my career. (Wouldn't it be nice if the things that came the easiest to us were also the things that made us the happiest?)

This year, while thinking about the fellowship and working on my submission, I felt no joy. No passion. No thrill. But I couldn't figure out why. Tonight I found my answer.

When I was a kid, I loved to read and I loved to write. I spent as much time as I could doing both of these things and nothing made me happier. Nothing. I loved books and all I ever wanted to do besides read them, was write them. When I was 8 or 10 or 14 had I been given the choice between reading a book or watching television, the book would have won each and every time. No question.

Writing a book though takes time and patience and commitment. I have a short attention span. My patience is notoriously lacking. I change my mind about the simplest things a dozen times over the course of the day. My disposition makes writing a book incredibly difficult. Short stories are no problem. Poetry is a breeze. Screenwriting, a walk in the park. But a book? A novel? That would require some effort on my part and I guess I have been afraid to try it, afraid to fail. So I have settled for other mediums. Mediums that do not speak to my soul, but promise to be easy, to be quick, to be painless.

I have been denying what I really want and instead have been pursuing an alternative that disguised itself as appealing and rewarding. I couldn't admit that it was really sucking the life out of me.

I couldn't admit it, until tonight. Sitting in that audience, being so close to the genius of Victor Hugo, being so moved by a story... It became impossible to deny any longer. I don't want to write for television. I don't even like television that much.

I want to write novels. I want to tell stories that matter. I want my words to touch someone the way the words of Victor Hugo and William Shakespeare and JD Salinger and Jack Kerouac and Pablo Neruda and Gabriel Garcia Marquez and F. Scott Fitzgerald and Harper Lee and all of the other greats have touched me.

So there you have it. I am not applying for the fellowship this year and I probably won't apply for it in future years. Instead, I am going to do the one thing I have always wanted to do. The thing I was born to do. I am going to write a novel.

Beck (Beck!)

2005-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Beck rocked my world.

Yes, he did.

Have you ever been in the same room as someone you knew to be, beyond a shadow of a doubt, a genius? Like, a true genius? If so, then you kind of know what it's like to be at a Beck show.

Monday night he opened his US tour at the Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz.

It was easily 90+ degrees inside the auditorium (no air-conditioning) and the opening band (who I had never heard of before) was the worst band in the world...

At least, I think it was hot in the auditorium and I sort of remember hating "Le Tigre", but none of that really matters. The only thing that seems the least bit important now is that I was there, in the presence of Beck (Beck!)

He played for two hours and mixed it up with brilliant song after brilliant song. "Clap Hands" and "Black Tambourine". "Girl", "Hell Yes", "New Pollution", "Golden Age", "Que Onda Guero" and "Scarecrow." "We Dance Alone", "Devil's Haircut", "Missing" and "Loser". "Sexx Law", "Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime" (he did this one solo + acoustic while his band took a break!) and "Lost Cause" (also solo + acoustic). His band joined him for "Where It's At". Then, they finished the show with an encore of "E-Pro" and "Nicotine & Gravy".

He is one of the few artists I've seen who actually sounds better live than on recorded tracks. I don't know how he manages to pull that off, but he does.

He's just brilliant. The show was brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.

Even the writer in me is at a loss for words...

I'm Back...

2005-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

And, I just narrowly avoided starting a kitchen fire. I turned on the oven (to cook some Tater-Tots) but I forgot about all of the stuff that is stored in the oven (like, um, pots with plastic handles) and after a few minutes, the apartment began to smell like burning plastic.

I don't think the universe wants me to have Tater-Tots tonight.

Sigh.

Trouble...

2005-07-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

So, today is Friday. The new deadline for the Fellowship is in one week. (Is anyone besides me absolutely sick of the endless countdown to this deadline? Sigh.)

On Monday, I am spending the day in Santa Cruz and going to see Beck (Beck!) that night. On Thursday, I am going to see "Les Miserables" at the Curran Theatre. These two events effectively cut my writing time down by two days. And, I need next Friday to proofread, print, copy and send. My math skills aren't stellar, but I am pretty sure that all of this means I have about four days to write my script. Oh. Tomorrow is reserved for friends. Damn. Make that three days to write a 55 page script. A 55 page script that is supposed to be an example of my absolute best writing.

Like the title says... Trouble.

When All Else Fails: Shop

2005-07-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

I didn't have any plans for this evening, but I didn't want to stay in, so I fell back on my always reliable and foolproof entertainment plan.

I went shopping.

It was a great shopping spree and it resulted in me becoming the new owner of the following items:

A so cute lacy bra (no further details to be revealed here!)

Navy blue yoga pants, comfy and perfect for practicing putting my feet behind my head. (Uh, don't ask.)

A black sweater with a so preppy pink and green argyle pattern across the front.

A long cream-colored crocheted sleeveless sweater that I am going to wear as a cover-up over my cream and brown flower patterned bikini. (If the word smokin' comes to mind, just go with it.)

Red sandals. Sexy + Comfy = Bliss

A pretty turquoise beaded hair barrette.

I love it when I find all kinds of cute things!

Nic's Coping Method #1: Find Happy News

2005-07-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

So, admittedly, I get wrapped up in things. Today's terrorist attacks in London really messed with my head. I couldn't stop thinking about how terrified everyone in that city must have been. Finally, when I realized how fully I'd immersed myself in the constant horrifying news loop, I decided I had to break free.

So, I tried to find some happy news. And, I thought that this definitely qualified.

I know that just about everyone has an opinion about Angelina Jolie, but I don't think anyone can deny how awesome it is that she has now adopted two orphaned children and in the process has raised worldwide awareness of the plight of refugees and orphans in ravaged countries. I don't care about her love life. I think she rocks.

Other items that caught my eye included this update on the Tour de France. I think Lance Armstrong is a rock star. (And, this article was written by my friend Austin, who has the coolest job on earth, sort of. Hard for me not to smile while reading it.)

And, finally Madison directed me to the web-site of one of my favorite bands The Old 97's, who have all sorts of cool news about upcoming albums and such.

For awhile, I actually forgot about the sick and twisted dark side of humanity.

Terrorists Suck

2005-07-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

I don't understand the whole terrorist mind set. I don't get how they can think that murder = a ticket to heaven.

My heart is breaking for all of the victims of the London bombings and their families.

Signs...

2005-07-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

I think the Gods are trying to tell me something...

It started when I went shopping on Saturday. I saw this t-shirt:

I read the tag and learned about Surf Diva. A surf school for women, down in San Diego.

Flash forward to Sunday. As I am getting ready for the day, I have the television on in the background. It's on some random lifestyle show. I am not paying all that much attention to it, until I hear the words "surf school for women". I stop putting lotion on my legs and devote all of my attention to the screen. Sure enough, it's a three minute segment all about the Surf Diva school.

Next up: Monday. I am reading the July issue of Vogue. I get to page 99 and there is a photo of the model Carolyn Murphy, holding a surf board. The article is titled "Catch the Wave" and it is about women taking up surfing. And, it mentions the Surf Diva school.

I get the point. Really, I do. If the Gods want me to learn to surf this badly, who am I to argue?

A Letter To...

2005-07-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Our troops.

Especially to the good men and women who are currently stationed at a former palace near the Baghdad airport.

Dear Troops -

I know that you are all working really hard and that it is difficult to be far away from home in the middle of a desert country where it can get up to 120 degrees outside in the heat of the day.

That being said, I want to reassure those of you who will soon be drenched in water from water balloons slingshotted off the roof of your base/the former palace - I had nothing to do with a certain Air Force Intelligence Officer acquiring said water balloons and said water balloon slingshots. I know that there might be surveillance footage from a certain California sporting goods store that could be interpreted differently, but again: I had nothing to do with this. (Unless, of course, you are one of the people who will welcome the cool burst of water from the aforementioned water balloons. If you are one of those people, I might admit a certain level of involvement in this plot. But to the rest of you, I repeat: It wasn't me!)

Stay safe and come home soon.

Love, Nic

Here's To Three Day Weekends...

2005-07-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Happy

Fourth

of July

Everyone!

24? Really?

2005-06-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

I Am 24 Years Old

24

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Thanks, Madison for the link, but now I am sad - this quiz makes me too old for you!

A Mother's Love...

2005-06-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my mom earlier and I told her about the fellowship deadline being extended. I thought she'd be really happy for me, since she knows these last few days have been, uh, hectic for me.

This is how our conversation went:

Nic: I just found out they have extended the fellowship deadline.

Silence.

Nic: Now it's not until July 15th. Isn't that great?

Silence.

Nic: Mom?

Nic's Mom: Are you joking?

Nic: What? No! Isn't that the best news?

Nic's Mom: So, you are going to be acting like this for another two weeks?

Nic: Uh, acting like what?

Nic's Mom: Like a psycho.

Nic: Well... Yeah. I guess I am.

Nic's Mom: (HUGE SIGH) Oh. Well, good luck honey.

Ha-ha, Ha-ha.

2005-06-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

So, the brilliant and amazingly talented Bella has just made my day/week/life!

She brought to my attention the fact that the Fellowship powers that be have extended the deadline!

Yes! It is true!

I have fifteen more days to procrastinate!

FIFTEEN! WHOLE! DAYS!

(Okay, since I was awake all night writing, I am going to take a nap now!)

P.S. Thanks, again, Bella!

Ha-ha!

2005-06-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

I finally started writing at 1:00am. It is now 5:30am. I have 18 pages done. I need at least 26 more. 30 more would be perfect. I am averaging a little more than four pages an hour. Eight more hours should just about do it. That puts me at 1:30pm. Which will leave me 4.5 hours to proofread, print, update my resume, update my bio, fill out the application, get my episode registered with the WGA, get my agreement letter notarized and get it all in the mail.

No problem. I totally have this under control.

(I don't have time to be writing this post. What am I doing here? I have to go now!)

Deja Vu

2005-06-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

I should not be here right now.

The deadline for the Disney/ABC Fellowship is tomorrow. (Yes, tomorrow!)

I wrote one episode of "Lost" on Sunday and Monday. Then, I decided I didn't like it. So, now I am writing a new episode. Or should I say, I am pretending to write a new episode? Because, honestly, I haven't started yet. I've opened a new document in Final Draft, but have yet to type a single word.

The sick thing is that this rush of adrenaline, this panicked feeling, this free fall into mania, this is where I am the most comfortable. This is the place where my best work comes from.

And, it's been like this for as long as I can remember. In so many ways I am still a freshman in high school, sitting outside the door to Mrs. Maher's English class, madly scribbling down the final pages of a story, with three minutes to go until the bell rings...

I need professional help. Or a caffeine infused IV.

Who Knew?

2005-06-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Your Inner Muse is Urania

You are most like this muse of astronomy.

Your head is in the stars, and you look to the future.

You give off a heavenly, mysterious vibe.

And you're not too bad at predicting the future.

What Muse Are You? Take This Quiz

(How fitting is it that I found the link to this on The Muse's blog?)

One Of My Favorite Things...

2005-06-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Is when you are just going about your day and something unexpected happens, something that you didn't even know you were waiting and wishing for...

I love that.

Retraction

2005-06-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

I am retracting my previous comment about loving Sirius Radio, specifically Sirius Radio, Channel 21, Alternative Nation.

After listening to this channel for two days, I have discovered that their playlist is in fact 100 songs on an iPod Shuffle, repeating over and over again. (They have played "Lyla" by Oasis at least ten times today. I am starting to hate this song!)

I cannot take it anymore. I am going back to internet radio when I am at home (and to FM radio when I am in the car! A few commercials now and then seem a small price to pay in exchange for some VARIETY in a playlist.)

Instead, might I suggest: This.

I am especially fond of Indie Pop Rocks!

This Week's Sign That The Apocalypse Is Upon Us Me...

2005-06-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

I balanced my checkbook perfectly, down to the last penny.

What's next? Mailing birthday cards on time? Remembering to go to the dentist not one, but two times a year?

This. Is. Fun.

2005-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here.

Time To Play Along...

2005-06-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

So, Liz posed the question, "What do you think is the greatest album, ever?" over on her blog. Now, that is a great question and I jumped all over it (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco, of course.)

Then, a short time after answering that question on Liz's blog "Blue Orchid" by the White Stripes came on (I am listening to Alternative Nation, channel 21 on Sirius Radio - No commercials! Bliss!) and I started dancing around to it, in my underwear (which is what I am wearing, I didn't strip to dance to this...)

It occurs to me that this happens a lot in my world (I end up dancing around my living room in my underwear when a song I like comes on.)

I am now going to take Liz's question and alter it for my own purposes:

What is the one song that will always get you up and dancing - even if you're only wearing underwear?

Many, many songs illicit this reaction from me, but my vote for the greatest of these is:

"Boogie Shoes" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band. (Shut up.) (Okay, okay. I know, K.C. and the Sunshine Band? - It's ridiculous. But try to listen to this song and not dance. It's impossible.)

Other, underwear-dance inspiring songs: "The Tra La La Song" by Liz Phair with Material Issue, "Starry Eyed Surprise" by Paul Oakenfold, "Heavy Things" by Phish, "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by REM, "I Wanna Be Sedated" by the Ramones and "Sex Type Thing" by Stone Temple Pilots.

Now it's your turn. Spill! What is the one song that will always get you up and dancing - even if you're only wearing underwear? Like, Liz, I want to hear from everyone on this - even the lurkers.

(You can include descriptions of your underwear, too. If you want... Not that I am interested in that part of it. Really. I'm not. I am especially not interested in what type of underwear Tony is dancing around in. Really, I'm not!)

Where Is The Love?

2005-06-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

There are many blogs out there that I am enamored with. (Bella, Tony, Liz, Feynman, Rob, Dis, Libby, the list goes on and on...)

Apparently, some of these talented folks are equally enamored with me (either that or they are just polite) and they have added a link to me on their brilliant blogs.

This makes me very happy. And, it's not the point of this post.

There are two blogs out there that I am in love with, over the moon for, completely in a state of adoration over... Unfortunately, my love is unrequited.

They are not linking to me!

My goal, as soon as I am done with this fellowship nonsense, will be to make the authors of these two blogs fall madly, passionately, desperately in love with my blog and link to me!

Update...

2005-06-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

After ten hours of work I have written 24 pages. And, if you'll allow me a decidedly non-humble moment, I will say that these pages kick ass!

I am going to goof around (watch cartoons or something...) until midnight and then I am going to write the last 25 - 30 pages.

Which means, I'll be done with this thing by 10:00 Monday morning.

Three days before the deadline.

Three days before the deadline...

Classic!

2005-06-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

If you have not already discovered the genius that is Anonymous Midwest Girl, go here now.

(I don't even own a hamster, so please don't report me to PETA!)

Five Days Is An Eternity...

2005-06-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ha, ha, ha.

My friend Corine found the blog of another girl who is also doing a spec script of "Lost" for the fellowship and out of curiosity, I have clicked over to that blog and read a few of this girl's posts.

In her latest post, she is freaking out because she only has five days left to polish her script for the fellowship.

Now, I don't want to be a total witch here, but if you're going to write for television, you're not going to get five days to pretty up your script. You might get five days to write the thing, but five days to polish? Uh-uh. No way. Not going to happen.

I haven't even started my script yet and I am not nearly as freaked out as this girl is. I remain calm under pressure and in the face of deadlines. I am relaxed, I am confident...

Yeah, yeah, I am going to write now.

Grounded...

2005-06-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have grounded myself, until I finish my damn spec script for the fellowship.

I have not written a single word.

I have been in self-imposed exile for over 90 minutes now.

I have not written a single word.

I have unpacked my suitcase (from my week-long house-sitting gig at Laura's).

I have not written a single word.

I have read a magazine.

I have not written a single word.

I have read some blogs.

I have not written a single word.

I have eaten some Cheez-Its.

I have not written a single word.

I have watched a cartoon on Nickelodeon.

I have not written a single word.

I have not written a single word.

I have not written a single word.

Okay. Now, I am going to go procrastinate some more...

I Will Do Anything...

2005-06-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

...to avoid the writing I am supposed to be doing (the Fellowship deadline is ONE WEEK from today!)

I will even steal books from small children!

(This is totally true, I stole Laura's daughter's book "The Golden Compass" by Phillip Pullman and read it today, instead of writing. It was really good and now I'll have to read the other two books in the trilogy, "The Subtle Knife" and "The Amber Spyglass". I am thinking of buying/reading them tomorrow, thus effectively avoiding writing for another entire day.)

Procrastination, thy name is Nic!

I Am Destined To Rule The Universe...

2005-06-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

My IQ Is 140

Your Logical Intelligence is Genius
Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius
Your Mathematical Intelligence is Genius
Your General Knowledge is Genius

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

(Thanks to The Muse. I found the link to this quiz over at her blog, Strip Search City.)

The Soundtrack For My Summer...

2005-06-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Time For A Change...

2005-06-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have finally had my navel pierced long enough to change belly rings! I am so excited about this - a whole new category of jewelry to explore!

I can't decide which one I should purchase first...

The dolphin would match my tattoo. The gun would make me feel like the Velvet Revolver girl. The cherries are just cute and the stars are pretty.

(Yes, this is how I am spending my time today. Does anyone think that I just might be procrastinating, since the Fellowship deadline is in eight days?)

The First Day Of Summer...

2005-06-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

To honor the first day of Summer 2005, I spent the day at my favorite beaches.

First stop: Stinson Beach

I started at the Livewater Surfshop.

How cute is this address sign?

They have the coolest logo, ever.

After my stop at Livewater, I headed out to the actual beach of Stinson Beach.

I love these warning signs. No one pays any attention to them and about once a year someone gets attacked by a great white shark here.

They have had lifeguard towers here forever, but I've never seen a lifeguard...

I love it when it's not crowded here!

There were a few surfers when I arrived, but most were packing up and calling it a day.

I loved how blue the sky was over the hills opposite Stinson Beach!

My next stop was at South Beach in the Point Reyes National Recreation Area.

This beach is a bit more intimidating than Stinson and thus not as popular.

But, it is beautiful. And, I love it.

After South Beach, I went out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

The lighthouse and the steps down to the lighthouse are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but I still hiked out to the point and took some photos from the cliffs above the lighthouse.

I loved the view from up here!

There are all kinds of informative signs and drawings and photographs about all of the things you can see up here.

There is also this:A HUGE skull from a gray whale! This skull is over five feet long and both cool & creepy. If there had been anyone else out here, I would have had them take a photo of me in front of the skull so you could see just how big it is!

I always knew that it was pretty windy at these beaches, but I never knew that it was this windy!

These tree trunks are so cool. I loved the way the light came through them.

When I was walking back to my car, these deer crossed the road about 100 feet in front of me.

And, when I was driving away from the lighthouse, I realized that these dairy cows have a pretty good life. (Yes, that is the PACIFIC OCEAN behind the black cow!)

As it got closer to sunset I went to North Beach.

Last Stop: Inverness

On my drive home, I stopped and took this picture of grass illuminated by moonlight.

I love summer!

All Photos By: Nicole McClung

Over At iTunes, They Wish They Were As Cool As Me...

2005-06-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

Ahem.

Back on May 2nd, I wrote about this cool band, Embrace, and the set they did to open the Fillmore show for Snow Patrol.

"I dig Embrace's song "Ashes" (which some cool radio stations have been playing recently). And, I really enjoyed the rest of their set. Standouts included "Out of Nothing", "Save Me" and the Chris Martin penned "Gravity". Embrace's latest album will be released state-side in four weeks. It's titled "Out of Nothing" and adding it to your collection would be a wise move." - Nic

(The rest of this concert review can be found here.)

Tonight, while checking things out over at iTunes, I see that "Gravity" by Embrace is the free download of the week.

Coincidence? I think not.

Even though the people over at iTunes have jumped on the Nic/Embrace bandwagon, I still advocate purchasing "Out of Nothing". It's pretty damn amazing. (At the absolute very least, go download "Gravity" - for free!! - off of iTunes.)

The Beach On Tuesday...

2005-06-21T01:45:00.000-07:00

If I manage to get any amount of sleep at all tonight, I will be spending the day at the beach tomorrow! The weather forecast says it will be a warm and sunny 73 degrees!

And, since this excurison is technically research for my writing sample for the Fellowship, no one can give me too much grief about spending an entire Tuesday at the beach.

P.S. The deadline for the Fellowship is in nine days and I haven't started writing yet! I think I will start to panic just as soon as I get home from the beach.

Blonde on Sunday...

2005-06-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

When I got to Laura's house on Saturday, there was hardly any gas in my car. Now, I am somewhat notorious for my hatred of service stations and having to put gas in my car myself. (Doesn't anyone realize that I have a manicure I don't want to chip?) I routinely wait until that low fuel light comes on indicating that I am once again, starving my vehicle, before I even consider venturing to the nearest service station.

(Did you know that it is illegal to put gas in your own car in Oregon? They actually have people working at service stations there and they do all of the work for you! That is one of the few things I love about that state!)

Anyway, on Saturday I didn't want to bother with a service station (do people still call them that? Because, really, there isn't a whole lot of service at them anymore...) so I went straight to Laura's ignoring the low fuel light that came on just as I pulled off of 101. Laura lives, maybe, three miles from 101 and I figured that the car has way more than three miles worth of gas left in it when that light comes on.

I parked next to Laura's back gate, sort of at a tilted to the left decline and thought nothing more of the fuel situation.

Flash forward to Sunday afternoon. I needed groceries so, I got in my car and turned it on. It started fine, but then sputtered to a stall. What the...? I tried starting it again, no luck. Since it started once, I knew it wasn't the battery. Confused and annoyed, I contemplated opening the hood and looking at the engine, then I remembered I know nothing about cars!

I decided to call AAA for a tow truck and as I rummaged through my wallet for my AAA card, it occurred to me: Low fuel, car parked at a tilted angle on a hill... Hmm. Is it possible the car thinks it doesn't have any gas left?

Laura lives two blocks away from a service station - it's probably less than two blocks if you cut through the neighborhood park. I figured walking to the service station, buying a gas can, buying gas for the gas can, walking back, putting gas in my car and starting my car would take me a lot less time than waiting for the AAA guy to do essentially the same thing.

So, I walked through the park to the service station. I found a tall guy to get a little red gas can down from on top of the highest shelf in the place. (I don't think the service station people were planning on selling many gas cans to 5'3 blonde girls.) Then, I had one of the guys behind the counter explain to me how to work the gas can. (Don't laugh, it's kind of complicated, there is a locking nozzle thingy, a pouring spout thingy...) Apparently, I looked lost, because the other guy who worked there offered to fill my gas can for me.

When that was done, I carried my little red gas can back through the park to Laura's house, figured out how to put the gas from the can into my car (I only spilled a little, tiny bit). I let the car get used to the gas while I went inside and washed my hands (three times - gas smells awful!) I came back out, got in my car, turned the ignition on, pressed the gas pedal a few times and within five seconds the engine caught and my car was back in the business of transporting me around.

Now, my question is this: Does me identifying and solving the problem cancel out the stupidity that landed me in this situation? Or am I just an impossibly blonde girl? (Actually, don't answer this. I don't want to know.)

A New Era In Suburbia...

2005-06-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I began a week-long house-sitting stint for my friend Laura in bucolic Marin County.

I arrived at Laura's house on Saturday afternoon, but the real adventure did not begin until 5:40 this morning. That is when a very loud, wailing alarm began reverberating throughout her home. My first thought, as this shrieking beast pulled me from a deep sleep, was "Oh my God! I've managed to catch her house on fire!"

Her very high-strung standard poodle, Spike, added to the early morning chaos by barking incessantly and racing from one end of the house to the other at a high rate of speed. (Even though I felt bad for Spike, as I was sure the alarm was hurting his ears - it was hurting mine, I still couldn't help laughing a bit at his panicked poodle prance...)

This is Spike
After a few moments of searching, I was relieved to discover that the source of the alarm was not the smoke detector, but rather some sort of blackout radio/alarm clock, that some insane/evil member of Laura's household had left near the back door and had set to go off at 5:40am. Uh, yeah. Thanks guys.

In my bleary-eyed state of half consciousness I was able to press enough buttons on the damn thing to get it to stop shrieking. I contemplated hurling it out a window, but resisted and instead made sure I turned every button on it to the "off" position.

Then, I fell back to sleep for hours. The next time I woke up, I didn't even remember my rude awakening. That is, I didn't remember it until I walked by that damn radio/alarm gadget-thingy. Sigh.

(I'll be here all week. I can't wait for my next adventure. Really, I can't.)

Dear Tony, My Answer Is...

2005-06-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

Time Flies...

2005-06-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

It's official. My niece is no longer an elementary school student. On Thursday, she was promoted to Middle School.

Middle School Girl
In my family, my mom is a youngest child and my dad is a youngest child. Consequently, my brothers and I are the youngest members of our extended families. All of our cousins are older than we are, so we didn't grow up around a lot of babies or little kids. We were the babies.

My niece was really the first baby/little kid my brothers and I spent any time with and we loved every minute of it. We are fiercely protective of her and insanely proud of her and completely enamored with her.

Watching her receive her "promotion" certificate, marking the end of her elementary school days was bittersweet. I love watching her grow up and I love the confident, outspoken, incredibly happy girl she is growing into, but I also miss the sweet, funny baby I used to rock to sleep (and on occasion let stay up until 1:00am because I couldn't stand to see her cry when it was time for bed.)

In September, she will be in middle school and I don't worry about her making that transition. She's already tried out for and made the cheerleading squad and in her last semester of fifth grade she really impressed her teacher with improved homework habits and a newfound interest in learning.

No, I am not worried about her. Rather, I am worried about those of us who have been in her life since the day she was born. None of us are ready for her to grow up, but try as we might to fight it, it is happening.

For the first time in my life, I truly understand the expression "time flies". The first ten years of my niece's life certainly flew by...

My Blogcrush Revealed...

2005-06-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, the first crush of my blogging career is on Tony.

He's so damn cute and talented. (He surfs and sings and plays guitar. Sigh.)

Plus, he makes me laugh, a lot.

What more could a girl want from her first blogcrush?

P.S. Tony, enjoy your vacation!

Home

2005-06-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

I am leaving in five hours to drive for four hours to see my niece get "promoted" from fifth grade to middle school.

The reasons I am excited about this mini-trip (I am coming back on Friday!) include:

Seeing my niece. The last time I saw her was in January, when she stayed with me for ten days and I made her do all of her homework (which she did not like very much.) This time I will not make her do one single responsible thing. Not one.

Seeing my sister-in-law. I haven't seen her since she picked up my niece in January.

Seeing my sister-in-law and niece's new home.

Confirming with my own two eyes that both of my brothers are managing to stay out of trouble. (It's the sister gene in me.)

Giving my dad his Father's Day gift in person as opposed to feeling guilty about not sending it on time and it getting to him late.

Pizza from my favorite pizza parlor.

A (veggie) deli sandwich from my favorite deli.

Knowing every last square inch of my hometown and not having to pause, even for a second, to think about which way to go to get to where I am going.

I'd never live there again, but sometimes it is nice to go home.

Blog Crush Update...

2005-06-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

My blog crush seems to be going much the way my crush on Aaron S. went in the fifth grade. That is, the object of my affection is completely and utterly unaware of his newfound place in my heart.

Sigh.

Freaking Me Out!

2005-06-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ick. Tonight there was a major earthquake (7.0!!) 90 miles off the coast of my hometown (where more than half of my family still lives.)

The people who issue Tsunami warnings issued one for the Northern Coast of California and it took them awhile to retract that warning.

And, the assorted news bureaus took their sweet time in reporting that this earthquake caused no injuries. (Thanks, guys - I am sure I didn't really need those few heartbeats that I missed waiting for this update.)

Most of the time I don't mind having a few hundred miles between me and my dad & brothers. Tonight was not one of those times.

You Can't Hear It On The Radio, You Can't Hear It Anywhere You Go...

2005-06-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

Imagine a gorgeous, sunny summer day slowly fading into a clear, warm night with a sliver of moon shining down on you and you will be picturing Saturday at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley where Wilco officially began their Summer 2005 tour.

This is an actual photo of the moon, taken at the show!
It only seems right that a perfect evening would provide the backdrop for a perfect concert.

Now, in my life I have seen a lot of amazing shows - Pearl Jam. The Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots. Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. U2. Pearl Jam. REM with Wilco. Kula Shaker. Ryan Adams. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Pearl Jam. The Wallflowers. Coldplay. Jack Johnson and Ben Harper. Chris Isaak. The Who. Paul McCartney. Harry Connick, Jr. The list goes on and on.

Out of all of the shows I have seen there were only two that I thought were perfect. Pearl Jam (Shoreline Amphitheater, Halloween 2000) and REM with Wilco (Shoreline, again. September 6th, 2003) When I say perfect, I don't mean that the musicians made no mistakes or that there were no equipment malfunctions, I mean that the energy of the show was magical. I mean that the band was so into it they put the audience into a trance and made everything but the music disappear.

Saturday night this happened again and I was fortunate enough to be there to experience it.

At 7:00pm, this band opened for Wilco. I hadn't heard of them before this show, but I figured if Wilco asked them to play, they couldn't be half bad. And, they weren't. They were actually a pretty fun band to listen to. (And, yes I will be upping my ever-growing iTunes bill and adding some of their songs to my already out of control music library.)

After The Court & Spark's set there was the requisite equipment shuffle/intermission. Then just as the sun was disappearing behind the stage Wilco began to play.

Wilco Set-List June 11, 2005 - Greek Theatre, Berkeley CA

Each song was fantastic so it's hard to pick favorites and exclude others. I really loved each song they played, but if someone were to force me to pick the stand-outs amongst stand-outs I would go with "I am Trying to Break Your Heart", "A Shot in the Arm", "Jesus, Etc." "Hummingbird", "Kingpin" and "California Stars" (my all time favorite song and the highlight of the show in my mind!)

When I woke up on Sunday I made a play-list in iTunes that mimics the set-list. It's not the same as being there, but it's not bad, either... (Even though someone called me a dork when I mentioned I had done this, I still like it.)

If you're really sad you weren't there on Saturday night, turning the set-list into an iTunes play-list might help. (I promise I won't call you a dork for doing so!)

And, if Wilco is going to be playing anywhere near you this summer, go! You won't regret it and if you're lucky, you just might witness something extraordinary.

Blog Crushes and Confessions

2005-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Somewhere out there in blogland someone (ahem, Rob) mentioned that he has a blog crush. Then Bella and I chimed in, admitting to having our own blog crushes.

I was actually quite relieved to read Rob's admission, as I realized a week or so ago that there was a blogger (or two) out there whose blog I was checking more than a few times a day and whose comments I especially looked forward to receiving. Kind of weird, right?

Well, now that I know I am in good company (with Rob and Bella) on this subject, it doesn't seem so strange to me. I mean, I have a crush on Eddie Vedder and one on Jon Stewart. The more I think about it, the more it seems inevitable that I would develop a crush on a fellow blogger. Especially considering the fact that said blogger happens to be impossibly cute and funny...

Yes. My name is Nic and I admit, I have a blog crush.

So, there you go.

Fall For My Pickup Line, You Will...

2005-06-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

My Star Wars Pickup Line

"You will go home with me. It is unavoidable. IT IS YOUR DESTINY!"

What's Your Star Wars Pickup Line?

(You're picturing me in Princess Leia's gold bikini/slave costume now, aren't you? I know you are. Pervert.)

An Anniversary, Of Sorts...

2005-06-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

So, today is the anniversary of the day I graduated from high school. I don't know how I remember the exact date, but I do. It was June 10th, 19__. (aka, a really long time ago!)

I wonder if the current me went back in time and met the high school graduating me, would I even recognize myself? I have my doubts.

Anyway, my oldest friend in the world (meaning I've known her the longest, not that she herself is really old!) is Tiff. I don't remember the exact date we became friends (I think it was my sophomore year?) but I do remember thinking, even back then, that we'd be friends for, well we were in high school, so friends forever.

I am kind of proud that even back then I had the ability to identify the really amazing people.

Tiff and I have weathered many a storm together and even though she doesn't know how to use a phone so well, when I really need her, she is there.

So, although it's not the anniversary of when our friendship began, it'll work. Tiff, you're the best and I love you!

This is Tiff, trying to figure out how to work a phone, I think she thinks the salad tongs will work as an extra antenna!

I Am Much More Fun When I Am Awake... Really

2005-06-10T03:33:00.000-07:00

Let's see - I have no good reason to put these photos of myself on here, except that when someone wanted a photo of me on their blog, they used the only photo of me that was on this blog (well, the only one that was on here before this post) -- the one of me sleeping, with my hair all messed up. Ugh.

I'm not wild about these, but at least I am awake in them. So, if you want to rave about how great I am on your blog and want a photo to go with that rave, please use one of these.

That is all. Thank you.

Voices Escape Singing Sad Sad Songs...

2005-06-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 11, 2005
The Greek Theatre
Berkeley CA

I cannot even find the words to explain how very much I love Wilco.

And, at all but one of their California shows (that I have been to), they have played "California Stars" which is pretty much my favorite song, ever.

If they play it on Saturday night I will be happy all summer long. (Yes, I am that easy - all it takes is my favorite song.)

"I'd like to dream my troubles all away, On a bed of California stars..."

Not Feeling The Love...

2005-06-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

I think all of the guys in my life are taking me for granted these days. Especially when it comes to my sports knowledge. I know quite a bit about football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey (I actually miss NHL hockey, a lot, this season!), skiing/snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding, volleyball, plus some golf. Yet, when I make a brilliant observation about what an idiot Barry Bonds is, no guy I know even blinks -- Hello, I am a girl. Actually, I am a girlie-girl. It's impressive that I even know who Barry Bonds is, let alone why he is an idiot.

Come on, I cannot be expected to keep my sports knowledge up there on par with that of the boys if no one is going to fawn all over me and be blown away by what a cute, sexy, smart, sporty girl I am.

The next time I pronounce Mike Krzyzewski's name properly or the next time I accurately describe the plus/minus rating in hockey, I want to hear some damn chatter and I want all of it to be about how freakin' awesome I am.

That is all. Thank you.

Huh?

2005-06-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, this has been bugging me for awhile. I need someone to explain to me what the heck Gwen Stefani's song "Hollaback Girl" is about.

Yes, yes, I know I am old and hopelessly not hip, blah, blah, blah.

Enough with the jokes. Explain it to me already.

Thank you.

I Always Knew I Was A Rock Star!

2005-06-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

So, Libby had this cool quiz over on her blog and I couldn't resist...

I am a PJ Harvey rock star! Love that!

Which Rock Chick Are You?

My Failed Connection... AKA I Have To Buy This Movie

2005-06-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

So, a couple of years ago, my wonderful friend David was the art director for this surf movie "Out of Order" (about the Osiris surf team). David talked about this project incessantly for at least six months and I was really looking forward to seeing the final result. (Cute surfer boys, pretty ocean/beach scenery... What's not to love?)

Flash forward to last Thursday night, when I was watching "Dogtown and Z-Boys". A clip of Jay Adams came on and it occurred to me that David (whom I adore) never sent me a DVD of his movie. (If you're wondering how, exactly, my mind works, the logic that connects these thoughts is that Jay Adams is in both "Dogtown and Z-Boys" and "Out of Order").

I emailed David asking where my long-ago promised DVD was. His reply? He doesn't even have his own copy of the movie. (I don't know if he gave them all away, sold them or what.)

Now, since I cannot easily obtain it, I am obsessed with the idea of seeing this movie. Obsessed, I tell you. I am going to break down and buy it off of some web-site, I just know it. Sigh. So much for my "connection".

Miscellaneous Thought

2005-06-05T03:55:00.000-07:00

I miss hockey.

Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday Dear...

2005-06-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Einstein?

Oh, no. Wait -- that's my friend Mark.

Happy Birthday Dear Mark!

Mark - I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that you enjoy it 552,781,990 times more than the birthday you spent in South Korea!

"All human beings are also dream beings. Dreaming ties all mankind together."- Jack Kerouac
Never stop dreaming, never stop being you!

Love you always, Nic

Snow Is Sweet!

2005-06-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

Warren Miller's Cold Fusion is on television right now.

It is stunning. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Amazing. (Are four adjectives even enough to explain to you just how divine this is?)

Now, I want to hit the slopes at Kirkwood. (Entirely unrealistic in June, I know. I know!)
Me and my childhood buddy, Damon circa - a long time ago!
(PS - Tiff, they're skiing at Mt. Kenya in this movie! They had to hike for, like, 800 hours to get there, but they saw elephants on the way up. Wanna go?)

Injustice In Genetics

2005-06-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

So, I have two brothers (and no sisters). One brother is 6'2, the other 6'0. I am 5'3.

Where is the justice in that, I ask you?

Now, I am not saying that I want to be 6'2 or even 6'0. I would be happy at 5'6. At 5'6 my jeans wouldn't be too long on me and I wouldn't have to wear high heels to avoid stepping on the hems of them.

These are the shoes I wore today, so my jeans wouldn't be too long.

Now, my feet hurt. A lot

I need to be taller (or I just need a good tailor.)

Insomnia...

2005-06-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

...is really boring.

Incredibly boring.

Mind-numbingly boring.

Sigh.

Hello, Summer...

2005-06-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

I just realized that it is June. (Two days late to that party, I know!)

It's still three weeks until Summer Solstice, but it feels like summer outside and that has me thinking about my favorite summer things:

Bodega Bay. Far enough North to dissuade all but the most determined tourists, beautiful, sunny, best seafood ever. (once I asked a waiter where the salmon I was considering ordering was from - he pointed out the window at the Pacific. Nice!) (As a born and bred California girl, I hate Atlantic salmon and farm-raised salmon is nasty. And, yes, I can tell the difference.)

Northern Lights Surfshop, Bodega, CA. (Not to be confused with Bodega Bay - Two different towns.) Cutest, coolest surf shop around. Love the Saint Christopher medal I got here. Also, love the way-cool belt I got here - seashells and beads arranged in a pattern of daisies!

Daylight Savings Time. Enough said.

Flip-flops. Specifically OP flip-flops with the top part made from neoprene. So comfy.

Starry skies. Do the lazy, blissful days of summer make me hallucinate, or are the skies starrier on summer nights?

Awesome outdoor concerts. Like, Wilco on the 11th, outdoors in Berkeley. Just thinking about this makes me sooo happy!

Green seedless grapes. So yummy.

My naturally messed up, perpetually wind-blown, beach tousled looking hair makes a small amount of sense during the summer. I don't feel compelled to blow-dry it straight every single day. Freedom!

Maybe I need to live somewhere where it is summer year-round.

Random Things - No Complaints!

2005-06-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have decided to stop whining about my writing project (for now) and move on to other topics.

I know that I have had "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" listed as "My Favorite Thing This Week", for about three weeks now. It's not an oversight on my part - each time I consider changing it, I realize that it is still my favorite thing. Something pretty cool is going to have to come along in order to knock Mr. Stewart out of that little box!

I just saw the trailer for "Bewitched" and I (cannot believe I am admitting this here) can't wait to see it. When I was a kid all I wanted was to have magical powers (like Tabitha's) to clean my room. Alas, the only witch powers I have are those of a water witch. (Seriously, give me a Y-shaped stick and I'll find water for you.)

I am going to see Beck (Beck!) at some tiny venue down in Santa Cruz in July. Happiness, thy name is Nic!

I am babysitting Master D (age, almost 6) and Miss A (age 4) this weekend, for the whole weekend. If I had any sense I'd be intimidated. Instead, I am ready to go! They have "The Incredibles" and "Return to Neverland" and "Monsters, Inc" at their house. They also always have the jumbo box of ice cream sandwiches in their freezer. And, as if all of that isn't cool enough, on Sunday we have tickets to the circus. Cartoons, ice cream and the circus? Who wouldn't sign up for this weekend?

(Look at that - an entire post and I didn't complain once about my deadline/writing project/nightmare. Aren't you proud of me?)

A World Wide Web For People Like Me

2005-05-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

I am working on a writing sample that I will use as my application for a prestigious fellowship. (Well, it's prestigious in my industry at least.)

My research for this writing sample has involved me using Google to search for information on many topics, including the following:

Chaos Theory/Strange Attractors

Coral Poisoning

Heroin

Methane Clouds

Saint Jude

Google, of course, yields a wealth of information on each subject, but what I have found is that it is really hard to sift through all of the hits and find the ones that are written for the average reader (as opposed to an expert in the field).

To make my life easier, I want someone to invent a World Wide Web for Dummies. Each search result on the World Wide Web for Dummies would be written in an easy to understand style and would offer a simple overview of the subject (with links to the more elaborate and complicated pages for those who were so inclined).

I, for one, would use the World Wide Web for Dummies on a daily basis. (Somebody get started on it, already!)

This Week's Sign That The Apocalypse Is Upon Us

2005-05-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

So, right now on the History Channel there is a show called "Beyond The Da Vinci Code". And, on this show different experts are refuting or confirming, point-by-point, everything that Dan Brown wrote in "The Da Vinci Code".

Hmm. I thought that "The Da Vinci Code" was a fictional novel? It was on the fiction bestseller list for 377 years, Amazon has it listed as fiction, so does Barnes and Noble... There seems to be an overwhelming consensus that it is F-I-C-T-I-O-N.

Since when does the History Channel have so little factual, non-fiction material to focus on that they need to devote two hours (yes, this show is two hours long) to debating claims made in a fictional book?

There Wasn't A Red Carpet...

2005-05-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Film department's annual awards show. Considering the fact that the Film department is a small department at a small school, the show was kind of impressive. There were clips of all of the nominated films, a funny master of ceremonies and trophies for the winners. (Prior to the beginning of the show there was a cocktail hour followed by dinner.) The entire affair was very reminiscent of the Oscars (but without the movie stars, the ball-gowns and the awesome gift bags).

I was the presenter for the "Best Character Driven Screenplay" award and without a tele-prompter, it was hard! I was nervous (speaking in front of about 100 people) and I didn't want to make a mistake... so I just read from my piece of paper, without looking up once! (I am such a dork!)

A really talented writer, Lisa, won in this category for her way funny screenplay about a mother of five who has a nervous breakdown during Little League championships and the life-changing things that happen to her after that.

Later on in the evening my friend Denise was given a special merit award, which was very deserved. She's an amazing writer with a fun-yet-twisted dark side and characters that are so real, you want to invite them over for dinner (until you remember that they only exist in Denise's mind and in her screenplays.)

A woman I don't know (she was from a different class) presented an appreciation award to our instructor, Ms. H. I thought this woman could have (and should have) said about three million more wonderful things about our teacher. Really. Ms. H. has been recognized as one of the top 20 film professors in the country, she's being interviewed for AMC's upcoming series "Films that Shook the World" (she's going to be discussing Martin Scorcese's "The Last Temptation of Christ") and she's the best teacher I've ever had. How do you not rave about her until someone pulls you from the microphone?

Despite my frustrations with the speech about Ms. H. being too short and the weird Spumoni ice cream we were served for dessert, I had a lot of fun and I definitely want to attend more award ceremonies (Golden Globes, Academy Awards, etc.) in the future!

Keep All Sharp Objects Away From Me!

2005-05-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

My latest brilliant move? I was wearing flip-flops and cutting tomatoes... Of course, I dropped the knife and cut the top of one of my toes. Ouch!

I Think I Need To Dye My Hair

2005-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have been blonde my entire life. Sometimes dark-blonde, other times white-blonde, but always blonde. Lately, though, I've been thinking I should change my hair color. The whole "dumb blonde" thing has been getting out of hand and is quite annoying. I think that if I change my hair color, I'll stop doing stupid blonde things.

If you're wondering what kind of blonde missteps I am referring to, here is a list of actual things I've done this past week that were less than brilliant:

Sprayed hair-spray near my adorable 12 inch iBook. Now, the keyboard has these clear little dots of hair-spray all over it and they won't come out. I've tried everything from computer cleaner to goo-gone.

Jammed a paper clip up under my thumbnail. This hurt and confirmed what I have long suspected, I would cave at the mere mention of torture. No way am I letting some interrogator get near me with bamboo shoots, ouch!

Failed to keep track of how many songs I purchased off of iTunes. Now, my checking account balance is hopelessly messed up and shows no signs of recovering anytime soon.

Sat hunched over my computer, writing like a mad-woman, for hours without a break. The knots in my shoulders and back feel quite permanent.

Forgot to eat anything besides a handful of Cheez-Its until 11:30pm last night. How does someone forget to eat?!?!?!?

Sassy girls with gorgeous red hair don't do things like this, do they? And, surely, the classy girls with shiny dark hair never have flaky, ditzy moments, right?

I really think I need to dye my hair.

I'm Not Very Good At Games...

2005-05-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Steph has tagged me.

The instructions are to answer five of these questions/scenarios.

If I could be a scientist...

If I could be a farmer...

If I could be a doctor...

If I could be a painter...

If I could be a missionary...

If I could be a lawyer...

If I could be a writer...

If I could be a llama rider...

If I could be a bonnie pirate...

If I could be an astronaut...

If I could be a justice on any one court in the world...

If I could be a professor...

If I could be an athlete...

If I could be an innkeeper...

If I could be a gardener...

If I could be a world famous blogger...

These are my answers:

I don't know anyone in blogland well enough to tag them... So, I think this one is going to have to die with me.

Oh, Wait. I Love Him, Too.

2005-05-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

I inadvertently left Ryan Adams off of my post about rock stars I love. So silly of me!

He was on "The Late Show with David Letterman" tonight, with his new band the Cardinals. They played "Let it Ride" off of their new album "Cold Roses". So good! (Both the appearance on Letterman and the "Cold Roses" album.)

So, go ahead and add it to the record books, I love Ryan Adams, too.

Take The Jacket Off Of My Back, Please!

2005-05-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

I had a job interview last week and have been invited back for a second interview tomorrow morning.

Earlier today I realized I had worn my only interview appropriate outfit to the first interview and had nothing to wear to tomorrow's interview.

That's the problem with being a writer/student/social butterfly. My wardrobe goes from jeans and a cute top to jeans and a sexy top without stopping for suits or button down shirts or sensible heels.

At seven o'clock tonight I was in a department store, frantically attempting to find something, anything, to wear tomorrow. Then, when I did find a suit jacket that will go with some black pants I already own, it just about killed me to buy the jacket instead of some of the cute (but entirely inappropriate for an office) tops that were on a rack across the aisle from the ~~boring~~ professional clothes.

I want to have a long talk with the person who decided that girls wearing business suits was a good idea. Ick!

iTunes Rocks My World!

2005-05-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

Just a little over an hour into Tuesday (aka Release Day!) I am experiencing paroxysms of intense rock and roll love!

"Rebel, Sweetheart" is brilliant. No, it's beyond brilliant. It is pure genius. I even think it is better than the critically acclaimed, Grammy award winning, mind-blowing "Bringing Down The Horse".

Listening to this album is the closest thing to bliss I've found in music in a long time.

Haunted By A Fellowship

2005-05-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

The deadline for my fellowship isn't for another month, but thinking about it has taken over almost every aspect of my life.

I had a dream about my writing submission last night. And, I wrote a post for this blog in television script format yesterday. (It was only up for a few hours before I realized what I had done and took it down.)

Also, when I was at KaBOOM, I considered having the Wallflowers make a guest appearance in my script (no real way to have it make any sense - but they did do a guest appearance on the NBC show "Las Vegas", so why not have them show up in my script, too?)

I am losing my mind - a sure sign I am destined to be a writer for life. Great. Maybe I should try interior decorating or SCUBA diving instructing? I'm sure the fact that my idea of decorating is throwing a framed Van Gogh print up on the wall won't impede my design career and my uncontrollable fear of sharks won't hamper my SCUBA diving career, right? Right?

Rock Star Whore

2005-05-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

That is what my friend, Don, called me on Saturday night (after I returned from the front of the crowd with my photos of Jakob Dylan).

I suppose if you're going to be a whore, a rock star one is the kind you want to be.

The funny thing is, Don's not all that wrong about me. All of my crushes are on rock stars. I never fall for movie stars or sports stars. But rock stars? I love Eddie Vedder and Jakob Dylan and Scott Weiland and Beck and Rhett Miller... The list goes on and on.

I guess it's only natural that a girl who loves music, would also love the men who create it.

The Beautiful Side of... San Francisco

2005-05-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Every year, local radio station extraordinare, KFOG hosts an event called "KFOG KaBOOM" - a huge free concert and fireworks show that sprawls out over two piers beneath the Bay Bridge in San Francisco.

Yesterday (a beautiful, clear, sunny day that slowly gave way to a mild, wind-free, warm, very un-SF like evening) I headed down to piers 30 and 32 to the twelfth annual KaBOOM, featuring the Wallflowers.

When I arrived the John Butler Trio was playing, but they were almost finished with their set, so I didn't hear enough to form an opinion about them.

Then, after a short break, the Wallflowers took the stage.

Now, in recent years, I've really disliked general admission venues. They're so crowded and unorganized! Turns out, though, that when a band I really love is playing, I don't mind general admission so much. And, I found out that a little determination can take a girl far... Smiling my cutest smile and repeating "Excuse Me" about 3,444,742,992 times cleared a path for me through the thousands of fans right up to the safety barricade in front of the stage. I was close enough to tell that Jakob Dylan's hair is cut too short (it's a lot cuter when he has it a bit longer!) and that Rami Jaffee is still slowly committing suicide (cigarettes will kill you, even if you are a rock star!)

I took these photos from my prime position just behind the stage safety barricades.

Jakob Dylan
Rami Jaffee
Brendan O'Brien
Jakob Dylan and Rami Jaffee
I've seen the Wallflowers live about 100 times and it still surprises me just how good they sound. Brendan O'Brien is playing guitar with them these days and he adds even more depth to their sound. They played several new songs that will be on their next album ("Rebel, Sweetheart" - being released on Tuesday, May 24th!) and a nice assortment of old favorites.

This is the Wallflowers' set-list from the KaBOOM show:

Three Marlenas

Everything I Need

The Beautiful Side of Somewhere

After The Blackbird Sings

Here He Comes (Confessions of a Drunken Marionette)

6th Avenue Heartache

We're Already There

Heroes

Nearly Beloved

Some Flowers Bloom Dead

Back To California

One Headlight

Sleepwalker

The Passenger

Bring It On Home To Me

The Difference

Highlights from this stellar set included: "After the Blackbird Sings" (an oldie off of their debut album), "The Beautiful Side of Somewhere" and "Back to California" (from the aforementioned upcoming album) and my all time favorite Wallflowers song "The Difference".

Now, the Wallflowers alone would have been enough for me, but the evening wasn't over when they exited the stage.

After the Wallflowers' set, there wass a massive fireworks show! KFOG created a cool soundtrack and synched the fireworks to it.

This awesome fireworks display lit up the night sky for over thirty minutes.

It was a fabulous night!

San Francisco In The Fog

2005-05-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Nicole McClung

Is It Beetle Season?

2005-05-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have had to kill two small beetles today. One because it was on my couch and the other because it was on the sleeve of the shirt I am wearing.

I will admit right here, right now - I hate bugs. Don't try to sell me on them. I know they are part of the food chain and necessary and all of that other stuff. The bottom line is: I DON'T CARE. I hate bugs. I especially hate them indoors.

I haven't seen a bug indoors in over two months. (Back in February there was a spider in my apartment - I hate spiders even more than I hate other bugs, so I remember this incident quite clearly.) Then today, there were two of these little, horrid beetles. Which leads me to my question - is it beetle season? Or is there some sort of plant outside my door that these bugs like? What is it? Why are they here, freaking me out? If I find one more of them inside I'm going to have to call an exterminator.

On days like today, Antarctica, where it's too cold for bugs to survive, sounds like paradise to me.

(This isn't the exact kind of beetle that's harassing me - but it's close enough. I couldn't stand to look at anymore beetle photos - Ewww!)

The Obsession Takes Hold, Again

2005-05-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

What was I thinking when I didn't have cable? Okay, obviously, I wasn't thinking. I mean, I voluntarily went without "The Daily Show"? Temporary insanity is my only defense.

Now, after an evening of uncontrollable laughter, all I want is more... More Daily Show. More Jon Stewart. More! More! More! I know that sounds greedy but I cannot help myself.

Is there anything sexier than smart and funny? I think not.

San Francisco Days, San Francisco Nights...

2005-05-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Photo By: Nicole McClung

Keen For Keane

2005-05-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, the title of this post is an unfortunate play on words - I just couldn't help myself.

The fact is, I am keen for Keane. I have actually added them to my list of bands I love. (Surprised? Yeah, me too.)

Last Friday night, I went to see them at the Berkeley Community Theatre and they were surprisingly good (especially, considering the fact that they don't have guitars or bass - just a vocalist, piano player/keyboardist and drummer.)

I love good guitar players. A Pearl Jam show without one of Mike McCready's wailing guitar solos wouldn't be a Pearl Jam show in my mind. And a band without guitars? I don't think so. Or, at least, I didn't used to think so.

Then, there was the Keane show. I didn't miss the guitars. I didn't even notice the guitars were missing. The music was so good, they didn't need guitars. How weird is that?

Highlights from this excellent show included:

We Might As Well Be Strangers

Everybody's Changing

She Has No Time

Somewhere Only We Know

If you don't have Keane's album "Hopes and Fears", my question for you is "Why not?"

Comedy Central Will Rule My Remote!

2005-05-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

So, in yesterday's post, I said something about how, I now have 200,000,000,000 television channels and can find nothing to watch. Then, today, I realized - Duh! I get Comedy Central again. Jon Stewart is only a click away four nights a week. (Of course I realized this on a Friday and will now have to wait until Monday for the next episode of "The Daily Show". Sigh.)

So, to the brilliant Jon Stewart and everyone involved with "The Daily Show", all I can say is I am sorry I briefly forgot about your wise and wonderful and wacky show. I'm coming back into the fold on Monday night and I can't wait to see you again!

I Could Crash For A Week Month

2005-05-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

So, I finished my project. (With, literally, TEN minutes to spare!)

And, now I have about two weeks before I can start on the next round of work. The next round will consist of revision upon revision upon revision in an attempt to get something assembled to submit to the fellowship committee at the end of June. (Am I going to be ready for all that work in a mere two weeks?)

The really funny thing is that if I am successful in my bid for this fellowship, my life is going to become a never-ending circle of deadlines, procrastinating, panicking and manic stints of writing.

My fear is that if this happens, y'all will stop listening to me whine. And, whining to no one isn't any fun at all. A girl needs an audience for her dramatic displays of panic!

While you contemplate just how much of me in manic mode you can handle, here's a list of things that have annoyed me this week. (Can anyone else relate?)

The letter "A" on my computer keyboard is starting to rub off. But only the "A". What's with that? Do I favor words that contain the letter "A"? Whatever.

My friend Laura and I went to see "The Interpreter" on Tuesday night. (Yes, I was supposed to be writing, but I hadn't seen Laura in about seventy years and I had to get out.) This movie that I was so excited to see, that I had such high hopes for, well - it was bad, really bad. And, that made me sad, because a) I adore Sean Penn. (If I wasn't just ever-so-slightly scared of him, I'd be walking Laura's dog past his house about 27 times a day in a (pathetic) play to meet him. It would be Laura's dog because I don't have my own dog and because Laura lives just down the road from Mr. Penn.) and b) I haven't seen a good movie since Laura and I went to see "Hotel Rwanda" and I really wanted to see another good one this year.

I just got Dish TV and what the hell? I get about 200,000,000,000 channels and except for Wednesday nights when I watch "Lost" and "Alias" the only thing I watch is "Celebrity Poker Showdown". Is there a block of hidden channels, that I don't know about, where the good shows and movies are playing? Somebody, please, give me the code to access those channels, otherwise, I'm going to end up in Vegas thinking I know how to play "Texas Hold 'Em". I can't afford that!

Okay, I am going to sleep now.

The Good, The Bad and The Really Scary

2005-05-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's 10:15 in the morning. I have slept for a grand total of four hours (and find my eyes closing involuntarily as I type.)

The good news? I have written 17 pages.

The bad news? Each and every one of those pages has been a battle. I have yet to find my groove and that make each page painful.

The scary? I have eight hours until this is due. Which means I have, maybe, six hours left to work on it before I have to print it, copy it and go turn it in.

38 pages left to write, six hours to get them done. Hmm... that's more than six pages per hour. I am so screwed. I've gotta go. 'Bye!

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock

2005-05-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

My deadline is in 22 hours. I have written 3.5 pages that are awful (and that I won't be using.)

So, I have 22 hours to write 55 pages. (Actually, it's really 20.5 hours, because we all know I am not going to miss the end of "Lost" or tonight's episode of "Alias" in favor of getting my work done!)

The Procrastination Ends!

2005-05-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

27 hours to go.

3.5 pages written.

51.5 pages to go.

(Why, again, did I wait until the last possible moment to begin working on this project?)

Procrastination Method #7

2005-05-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

It's 2:00am - I just finished surfing all 7,984,662,310 television channels, and found a channel that is showing "My So Called Life". (I loved this show when it was first on ABC in, like, 1994.)

When I realize this morning's episode is the one where Jordan and Rayanne hook-up behind Angela's back, I have to watch. I cannot stop myself. I know I should be writing, yet here I am, distracting myself with the trials and tribulations of Angela Chase and Jordan Catalano.

(What does this say about me? Oh, never mind. I am sure I don't want to know.)

Procrastination Method #6

2005-05-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Plan a surprise party for the same night as the writing deadline.

Procrastination Methods #3, #4 and #5

2005-05-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Go to the spa for almost five hours.

Check email, read other blogs, post to own blog.

Go to movies with a friend.

For those of you keeping score at home, we’re down to the last two days and Procrastination has a five to zero lead over Writing Project.

Will Writing Project be able to stage a late comeback or has Procrastination used up too much of the clock?

Procrastination Method #2

2005-05-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

Downloading music to write to.

Specifically, downloading mash-ups mixed by SF DJ extraordinare, Party Ben.

My favorites include:

Any and all Sixx Mixx mash-ups.

Finding Out Sharona Is Blind

Boulevard Of Broken Songs

Somebody Rock Me

Not to sound like a DJ groupie or anything, but Party Ben is a genius. Really. Don't believe me? Go here and find out for yourself!

Paradise City?

2005-05-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I know that San Francisco is a perfect fit for me... But Honolulu? (Hmm, maybe I should investigate, at the very least...)

>

American Cities That Best Fit Me:

75% Honolulu

65% San Francisco

60% Los Angeles

60% San Diego

55% Miami

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

(Thanks, Fenyman.)

Procrastination Method #1

2005-05-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Let's see... I have major writing project due in three days. (Yes, it's down to three days now and I have not started writing yet.)

So, last night I went into full-fledged procrastination mode and... cleaned out my closet. Yes, I am at desperation pitch over here and I am running out of ways to stall. Thus, this post.

When I cleaned out my closet I realized that I have some serious clothing issues and pet peeves.

Issue: I periodically imagine myself as someone I am not. For example, I pulled at least four (yes, 1, 2, 3, 4) New Year's Eve appropriate dresses out of my closet. Interesting note, for the last two New Year's Eves I have stayed home and watched one or more of "The Lord of The Rings" movies. (I am not joking.) I am not a big fan of going out on the big occasions, yet clearly when I shop I forget this fact and end up with clothing I am never going to wear.

Pet Peeve: Why, why, why do manufacturers make the care labels they put in their clothing out of the itchiest material possible? I must've spent an hour snipping tags out of the clothes I pulled from my closet tonight. And yes, I realize, I am never getting that hour back.

Issue: I have a uniform of sorts that I wear almost every day. High-heeled boots or sandals (depending on the weather), jeans or black pants, camisole, sweater or pashmina -- Yeah, I know that pashminas went out of style about one hundred years ago, but I have this so soft black one that works as a scarf, a wrap and (on a plane) as a blanket, I am never giving it up. This is my uniform and it works for me. So, why do I buy things like concert t-shirts? (The only one out of the 30+ that I own that I have ever worn is from a Pearl Jam concert in Seattle years ago.) And, why do I buy ridiculous lingerie-inspired nighties? I am so totally and completely a tank top and shorts girl, I cannot sleep in the fussy, skinny strapped negligees that I buy with alarming regularity. What happens to me when I cross the threshold into a store? Do I just lose my identity? Whatever it is that happens to me, it is annoying and a waste of money.

Pet Peeve: Closet design. Unless you live in a home with custom closets or you've forked over a small fortune to have yours renovated, you know what I am talking about. One rod that runs the length of the closet with a shelf above it. Only a man could have come up with this design. No woman would have a) wasted so much space and b) not designated areas for accessories and shoes. I think all contractors should have to take a specific course in closet design, then women wouldn't spend so much time staring at the wasted space in their closets thinking "If only..."

Issue: Cashmere. It is so blissfully soft, I cannot resist it, ever. This is why I have an apple green sweater, an olive green sweater and a light blue poncho (yes, a light blue poncho - inexcusable, I know, but I console myself with the fact that I have never worn it outside of my apartment. Not once.) Now if you look at the photo of me on my profile, you can probably see that apple green and olive green are not my colors. In fact, they are colors that I should avoid at all costs. How then did I end up with a sweater in each of these colors? Simple. They are cashmere and cashmere is like my heroin. I am addicted and cannot say no to it. And, merino wool doesn't work like methadone for me. I have to have the real thing.

Pet Peeve: Why are jeans so expensive? It's not like denim is a rare, luxurious fabric. It's cotton! Yet, my favorite jeans cost $200.00 per pair. Why? Why do the cute jeans cost $200 and the boring, do-nothing-for-your-bum jeans cost $50?

So now, I have three huge piles of clothing stacked on various pieces of furniture, waiting to be hauled off and donated to a worthy cause.

(This is just one of the piles!)

It's 2:00pm and I don't have:

Many pieces of clothing that are not black. (I just realized that last night - I really like black.)

A single sentence of my writing project complete.

If you want to see a girl about an apple green sweater, you know where to find me. I'm the girl inventing ways to avoid doing her work and then reporting those ways to you good people so that you too might be able to avoid doing your work...

Welcome to My Life

2005-05-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

I have a deadline in F-I-V-E days.

Cinq

Cinque

Cinco

(If I knew it in any other languages, I'd go on and on...)

I haven't started working on this project that is due in F-I-V-E days (even though I've known about it for the last N-I-N-E-T-Y days.)

Oh, it's F-U-N to be me...

What A Difference A Notebook Can Make

2005-05-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

As a writer, I have always had an affinity for pens, pencils, notebooks and all other manner of school supplies. When I was in elementary school, I loved going shopping for new school supplies in September. There seemed to be so much possibility in the blank pages of my new notebooks. And, whenever I filled up a notebook (which, was quite often) my mom would buy me a new one (or two, or five...)

I was lucky, I never once had to go without the basic school supplies and I think I always got the extras I wanted, too. Workbooks, stickers, markers, stencils... I don't think my mom ever refused me anything that could be linked (however remotely) to my education.

Even now, when I write, I am surrounded by pens in every color, pencils, erasers, post-it notes, index cards, clips, notebooks, dictionaries, highlighters... And, I take them all for granted. If I misplace my red marker, I just pick up a new one the next time I am at the store. The store always has red markers in stock and I always have the $2.00 needed to purchase one of them.

When I learned about this project, Operation Iraqi Children, I was struck by a profound image of so many Iraqi children wanting to learn, wanting to do well in school, but not having access to a new notebook or an eraser. How does a child record her stories without a notebook? How does she fix her math errors without an eraser?

Then, I thought about how important "The Diary of Anne Frank" was to the world. I know that there is a child in Iraq who has a story equally as important to tell. But, without the proper tools, it might never come to be. Imagine what we, as citizens of the world, could be missing out on.

Operation Iraqi Children was founded by Laura Hillenbrand (the brilliant author of "Seabiscuit") and Gary Sinise (the talented actor who stars in "CSI: New York"). In the last year, they have sent 33 huge shipments to Iraq for our troops to distribute to the Iraqi children and their schools. All of the information about this organization is here. At a store like Target, I think one school supply kit would cost less than $10.00. (This organization also accepts donations of sporting goods and stuffed animals for the children of Iraq, I just happen to be all about the school supplies.)

(This is one school supply kit! This is all it takes to help!!)
How cool is this? For $10.00 or so I can help a future writer or scientist or artist or mathematician... You can be cool, too. Just go here.

When It Is One O'Clock In The Morning In California...

2005-05-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently the Blog Masters of all of the blogs I read either a) live on the East Coast or b) go to bed at a reasonable hour on the West Coast. This leaves me with nothing new to read when I am supposed to be writing. People, how am I supposed to procrastinate under these circumstances? If I am not careful, I might actually get some work done.

I should learn a foreign language and read blogs from Europe. I bet they are getting updated right about now. Of course, learning a foreign language sounds like work and that is what I am trying to avoid here...

How did they do that?

2005-05-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

I got my new driver's license and the photo isn't awful.

Is this a sign that the apocalypse is upon us? I mean the equation is: DMV + Decent Photo = The End of the World, right?

I Was Lost, I Was Lost, Crossed Lines I Shouldn't Have Crossed...

2005-05-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Coldplay is playing at the Fillmore tomorrow night (for those of you who are not familiar with the Fillmore, it is the coolest venue and it's tiny. It maybe holds 2,000 people.) Tickets for this show sold out in a nano-second. (Thanks, Live 105 for advertising this show 2,333,357,299,788 times in the days leading up to the ticket sale. Really.)

Anyway, a valiant effort was made to secure tickets for yours truly, but it was not to be. Now, I could go on over to the tickets section on Craigslist and pay too much money... And, normally I would do that.

However, the Coldplay show is on Wednesday night and my big secret is that I don't like going out on Wednesday nights. I try to avoid going out on Wednesday nights. If I go out on Wednesday night, I miss "Lost". And, I hate missing "Lost".

So, I am forsaking Coldplay in favor of a night at home in front of the television. To be fair, I feel I should mention that it is a brand new episode of "Lost", the one where they'll bury Boone and blame his death on Locke...

This Could Be The Very Minute I'm Aware I'm Alive...

2005-05-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight,

I went to the Snow Patrol show

at the Warfield.

Prior to tonight's show I was a moderate Snow Patrol fan. They were in rotation on my iPod, but I wasn't addicted to them the way I am addicted to some bands. (I tend to be careful about how many bands I allow myself to become addicted to. Too many and I'd never do anything but listen to my iPod and go to shows.)

I didn't think that I'd be adding Snow Patrol to my addicted list. They just seemed to lack the presence that usually pulls me in. I still contend that they lack that presence on the studio release of Final Straw (except perhaps, on "Chocolate") but I have to say that live and in person, they rock. No other word could accurately describe their show. They rock and I am now addicted to them.

The setlist from tonight's show was a nice mix of songs from Final Straw, a couple of old songs and a trio of new songs.

Chocolate (my favorite, hands down)

Spitting Games

Unknown New Song (Don't know the title, but I do know that it was awesome!)

Batten Down the Hatch

How to be Dead

Chasing Cars (New Song that the crowd was so into, the chandeliers in the Warfield were literally shaking!)

Grazed Knees

Same

Somewhere a Clock is Ticking

Ways and Means

Black and Blue

Unknown New Song (Their new album is going to be so incredibly good!)

Post Punk Progression

Tiny Little Fractures

Gary Lightbody said that this Warfield show was the largest Snow Patrol has played in North America so far. Can that be true? The Warfield holds about 2,300 people. It seems to me that Snow Patrol could easily fill a venue four times as large. (Is that an objective observation, or am I letting my newfound passion for this band cloud my judgment? I honestly don't know.)

Sixteen fabulous songs from a great band makes for a pretty fantastic night, but there was an added bonus at this show. The opening band, Embrace, complimented Snow Patrol perfectly.

I dig Embrace's song "Ashes" (which some cool radio stations have been playing recently).

And, I really enjoyed the rest of their set. Standouts included "Out of Nothing", "Save Me" and the Chris Martin penned "Gravity". Embrace's latest album will be released state-side in four weeks.

It's titled "Out of Nothing" and adding it to your collection would be a wise move.