Inky Space

Tidbits

2008-07-14T11:30:00.003-04:00

This Monday is already gearing up to be a shitbomb. On my way to work I passed a bunch of anti-choice protesters outside some building in Sandy Springs (couldn't tell what it was, but it looked like your standard issue corporate high-rise deal), and some of the placards were MASSIVE posters of aborted fetuses. Thanks, lunatics.

Then I was greeted by snarky and petty emails at work directed at me, because last week I decided to confront some silly bitch about her silly bitch comments to me. Whatever, it's too dumb to even elaborate on.

In good news, my writing group is looking at O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find" tonight, to discuss craft and style. Woot woot. Any excuse to read and discuss the literary treasures of Flannery O'Connor.

In completely unrelated news, I found this to be a great summing-up of Fox News, as it focuses more on its blatant shittiness than just its "bias" (which is really not even a relevant term to describe such amateur and sensationalist "reporting").

If anyone has any recommendations (i.e. music, activities, film, alcoholic beverages) of how to emerge from a midsummer funk, please let me know.

'Feminist' is Still a Bad Word

2008-07-01T14:59:00.006-04:00

This extremely infuriating article in the Guardian regarding the current backlash of Feminism is something that everyone who gives a shit about women should read. Kira Cochrane highlights the shocking decrease in rape convictions (and rape crisis centers) in the UK, as well as the pervasive mentality that not hiring women in the first place (in order to avoid maternity leave issues) is the appropriate model to follow (68% of employers agree with this sort of idea).

It also addresses the sort of sadistic, voyeuristic pleasure that many of us are guilty of in watching female celebrities self-destruct.

Of course our world is not one with women's interests in mind, but I didn't realize just how fucked some of its inhabitants were (read Theo Paphitis' and Alan Sugar's comments).

According to this article, a poll conducted by Amnesty International in 2005 found that 26% of people believed that a woman was at least slightly at fault for being raped if she wore revealing clothing, 30% who believed the same for women who were drunk.

Please read this article, even though it will upset and anger you (I hope), because this is our reality.

(On a somewhat lighter note, if you're interested in reading some witty and informed commentary on Feminism in pop culture, check out Jezebel's site)

ADDENDUM: For those of you that I have not shared this story with, I will post it here due to relevancy. The other day at work, I tried to log on to the Charis Circle website, where I belong to a writer's workshop. (Charis Circle is a non-profit organization that works to foster and maintain Feminist communities; its physical manifestation is Charis Books, which specializes in women's studies, gender studies, Queer lit and erotica, etc. and is located in Atlanta's Little 5 Points.) I was trying to find out about an event and tried to log on to Charis Circle's site from work and was given one of those 'Restricted' messages. The reason for being bounced out? 'Restricted Category: Cult/Occult.'

Oops

2008-06-21T15:58:00.002-04:00

Realized I hadn't blogged in almost a month. Summer is slowly ticking away, and I've been occupying myself with boring job, stressful school, irresponsible social life, and playing with my kitten.

Also, I wanted to update you on my "Frustrating Wager" post from a while back. As it turned out, my stimulus check arrived on the same day that Obama happily clinched the nomination. Guess it just goes to show that weird shit happens when you blog about quotidian matters.

I'm watching Euro2008, Netherlands v. Rus,sia right now, and I'm sure the commentators just had an aside conversation about 'Glasgow kisses.' WTF?

Additionally, I bought some sunglasses today. Woot.

Sexy

2008-05-30T15:55:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm jumping on the proverbial bandwagon and have already reserved my ticket for the Sex and the City movie tonight. And yes, I'm kind of excited. Whatever, stop reading if you hate it so much.

I didn't realize that the film is 145 mins long until I ordered my ticket from Landmark yesterday, but then I was like, 'Well, in reality, most of the (women) people who are going to see this are accustomed to watching like 5 episodes in a row and drinking a bottle of wine with her friend anyway.' Right? Is that just me? More importantly, how can I sneak a bottle of wine into the theatre tonight? I bet they've got security guards set up to deal with overzealous drunk women tonight. Shit.

This is probably a bad thing to admit, but sometimes I like to guess what features Slate is going to have for the day (i.e. you know when Clinton fucks some shit up or there's a big scandal about some lesser known Senator; they love that "what you might not know about so-and-so" shit) and what their bent is going to be. My guess for today was that it was going to be something like "Sex and the City: Not as Shitty As You Think It's Going to Be." I felt kind of pleased when I realized that they did put SATC as their feature, but am a bit disappointed with one of the headlines :"What's wrong with Carrie's new wardrobe." I refuse to read any reviews or commentaries before seeing the film, but I hope they're wrong. What? I happen to like Carrie's schizophrenic style (except when it veers too far into Brooklyn-hooker mode. I'm not into lucite heels.)

Also, I kind of hope Carrie runs off with Aidan and tells Big to fuck himself. I know that won't happen, but I'm so sick of that smarmy New York suit.

Sick of this Theme

2008-05-30T10:29:00.004-04:00

Apparently there's some new "controversy" surrounding some preacher who visited the church Obama belongs to. Convoluted? Kind of retarded? Crazy people typically drawn to the pulpit? Yeah.

Why do all high-profile people belong to ridiculous churches/cults? I would be a lot more at ease if someone was like, "This politician stirred up scandal by getting ludicrously intoxicated and writing drunk emails to senior officials about gun policy." I mean, that'd be pretty regular.

When I get really corrupt and decide to run for office, the controversy that surrounds me will be to do with the "crazy antics" of my psychic advisors or of Pete Doherty's kittens that I will have adopted by then.

(Yes, I'm still working on that first cup of caffeine, and yes, my brain is still cranking up for the day.)

Decadence

2008-05-16T16:04:00.002-04:00

About two years ago, I read Anger's Hollywood Babylon, which gave seedy accounts of seedy celebrities doing seedy things back in the day. Think Clara Bow, Fatty Arbuckle and Jayne Mansfield. This book sated my desire for sordid gossip, albeit OLD sordid gossip, and I now feed this craving by reading each and every one of Michael K's daily posts on dlisted.com. So imagine my delight when he blogged about the impending release of Hollywood Babylon: It's Back! According Michael K, there are some photos of celebrity cock, but that wasn't the only hook for me. There are mentions of scandalous affairs that would make your grandmother's hair go pink, and even if it's total bullshit I really don't care. (I don't understand why people feel the need to "inform" me and my fellow gossip-rag-slags that the shit we're reading isn't true. Of course it's not, but that doesn't mean it's not fucking entertaining. Unless we're talking about unabashed London crackheads, in which case it's totally true.)

An excerpt from Amazon's blurb: "Scandal is not limited just to events within America. Within this edition of Hollywood Babylon, it goes global. As such, we visit the Vatican boudoir of a former pope and his male lovers. And we document Sir Winston Churchill s onetime sexual liaison with Britain's most handsome actor." What?! Churchill did it with Clive Owen? Fucking sweet.

Oh yeah, and there's something about Bette Davis being a "murderess." I can't wait to read this shit, you know that bitch was crazy.

Some Allergy Estimates

2008-05-16T00:14:00.004-04:00

For those of you who I have complained incessantly to about my debilitating 2008 hay fever, these figures will probably not surprise you. I am still up (despite being exhausted earlier and having to wake up quite early tomorrow morning), because my sinuses feel like they need a Brillo pad scraped all up in them. Yes, I don't care if that's too graphic for you - my nose/throat/ears are itchy as FUCK and I want to go into my bathroom and scratch the roof of my mouth with a toothbrush. I have been able to control myself so far.

Amount of money I've spent SO FAR on OTC allergy medications - about $35
Number of medications that actually worked - 1 (but only kind of)
Number of tissues I've used today - 11
Number of website I've gone on today trying to find legit homeopathic remedies - 4
Number of times within the last hour I've fantasized about an antihistamine that works - 938
Number of times I've worried within the last hour that I might OD on homepathic Zicam (and had entertaining thoughts about what that would be like) - 2
Number of days until my appointment with the allergist - 5
Number of people I've annoyed the fuck out of by talking about my allergies - around 6
Amount of times my cat has frenetically circled the apartment while I've been writing this - 3
Getting triple-teamed by pollen allergies at 12:26am and fantasizing about your impeding appointment with the savior (read: allergist) - PRICELESS

A Frustrating Wager

2008-05-07T12:07:00.002-04:00

Hey, who wants to place bets on which will come first - a decision of the Democratic candidate or the arrival of my 'economic stimulus package?'

Considering it's going to be 2011 before our party will pick the logical frontrunner, I'm betting on the $600. (In case you didn't infer by the crazed picture on the left, she is not who I would name the 'logical frontrunner.' Did you guys see her speech last night? That crazy asshat was waving to imaginary people, you know she was.)

I have this bad feeling that I'm not going to get a check, and then I'm going to have to what, call the IRS and ask for my money? I feel this will not end well. I also just generally get a bad vibe about today because on the way to work - literally the first turn I made - my hipster sunglasses broke. And then there was a dead squirrel in the entrance drive at work. Not good signs.

Like Water Torture

2008-05-06T13:58:00.001-04:00

I can't take the suspense! Ahhhhhh!!!

Seriously, if Obama doesn't win Indiana AND North Carolina I'm going to weep quietly to myself later on.

Haircut!

2008-05-05T22:17:00.006-04:00

Thoughts?

Let's Get This Over With

2008-05-05T12:00:00.003-04:00

I had a dream last night that I was riding in a cab in Roswell, Ga. and the driver stopped to pick up another passenger. That passenger was Hillary Clinton. She asked me about what I was most concerned about, and I think I said something about universal healthcare and education (either that or a zombie defense shield). I was impressed (and surprised) by how personable and nice she was.

But unfortunately that was a dream, and we need to blow her out of the water in North Carolina tomorrow. Let's go Barack!

I'll Have the Tina Fey Please

2008-05-01T22:31:00.003-04:00

So, it's that time of year again. I've decided to get a haircut, because I'm sick of my unruly, hippie-length (ok, maybe not that long) hair, and I've been trying to find a photo of a length and style that I like. I spent about 20 minutes at work today browsing through some unappetizing images of "curly medium length hairstyles," most of which look a bit medusa or aren't naturally curly at all.

Then, acting as the end of week savior that it is, 30 Rock reminded me that Tina Fey's got exactly the length and style that I'm after! Ok, so maybe it's not curly, but I have straighteners. And anyway, mine is more noncommittal wavy. I can work it.

(I realize as I'm posting this that it will be pretty embarrassing if the cut ends up making me look like some humidified chia pet instead. Oh well.)

The Long and Winding Road

2008-04-22T11:35:00.002-04:00

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania. I'm growing really weary of this Democratic Race. I go back and forth between feeling really enthusiastic about Obama to pretty lukewarm about the whole thing. Bring back Edwards and Kucinich. Why the hell does this thing need to take 6 months? By the time we finally get a candidate, everyone's going to be so sick of the Democrats, and ol' Crazypants 'I'm-a-ticking-time-bomb' McCain is gonna swoop in for a regime non-change.

I do feel like Hillary is just digging herself deeper and deeper as each day goes by, and I'll be relieved when she decides to pack it in (or they have to pry her hands from the White House gate, whichever comes first).

New Summer Mix

2008-04-20T22:25:00.005-04:00

In the grand tradition of my seasonal mix CDs, I've just come out with a brandspankingnew one for the summer of oh-eight. It features some tunes from The Raveonettes, Kate Nash, Crystal Castles and The Specials, to name a few.

Let me know if you'd like a copy and I'll try to get you on the release party guest list.

"You Don't Have to Suck Dick To Succeed"

2008-04-17T16:49:00.004-04:00

So I've been meaning to tell you about the Kash Nash show at Variety on Tuesday night, but work and the film festival have sort of tied me up. Basically, it was the most charming show I've ever been to. Some bitches yelled out that they wanted to be Kate's sisters ("older and younger!"), and that was pretty endearing.

Ms. Nash (and her 4 piece boytoy band) sauntered onto the stage against a backdrop of a neon pink, lighted sign bearing her namesake, rouched curtains, and the Supreme's "Stop! in the Name of Love" playing full blast. It was a little like seeing an adorable little kid perform in front of her extended family, after getting a bunch of cool props out. And I mean that in the best way; her talent is a lot more evident in person than in the studio album. She switched between her frantic keyboard playing and more ballad-type guitar songs, all the while alternating between childlike shouts and the clear, playful, somewhat ethereal Northern London vocals I've grown to love (and imitate, while driving).

Her set wasn't extremely long (having officially released less than 30 songs), but she played some new stuff and also donned her screamo skills in a song with a repeating chorus of "You don't have to suck dick to succeed." She said she wrote it after being at a party in London with a ton of waify and famous dickheads, and even did fake barfing onstage. How cute.

There were a few tracks ("We Get On," "Mariella,") that I got really excited about and just wished that I was alone in the crowd jumping around like an idiotic 16 year-old girl, as I often do when I'm listening to the album in my car, sitting in traffic on Piedmont.

Why I Don't Volunteer

2008-04-14T13:57:00.007-04:00

So apparently the Atlanta Film Festival really draws out of the woodwork the most socially inept creatures of the city. (Not so much the films/filmmakers but the clientèle and, more often than not, those who feel the need to volunteer their energy and 'skills.') I have been working at the Festival in a variety of capacities for the last few days, and while I have enjoyed parts of it (meeting filmmakers and some fun people, making a shitload of tips as a bartender, as well as even making a contact in education - go figure), I have encountered more Undesirables than I expected.

My first experience with the AFF this year was at a bag stuffing 'event,' where we had to, well, stuff bags for filmmakers. This took place a lot more quickly than expected because there were about 80 billion fucking people there - it was a prime example of too many obnoxious-as-fuck cooks in the kitchen.

Essentially, the theme of this entire week of volunteering is 'incompetent people who act like bossy, arrogant fucks.' (Read: would-be filmmakers who have weighty chips on their shoulders and will probably never make it because they're morons.) I feel like many of these people would be best suited for jobs at Atlanta Public Works.

I'll give you a little taster of what I've been dealing with:

Undesirable #1 - It has become clear that the volunteer organizer of AFF (even though in the program she's the ONLY one without an actually title, I think because 'Stupid Cunt' may have displeased some of the older patrons) is a total d-bag. She passive-aggressively speaks down to you and says infuriating things like "all that good stuff." She also creepily hit on my brother like some desperate Cougar.

Undesirable #2 - The guy I met at the first volunteer event was kind of socially retarded (and therefore I had a vague bit of sympathy for him), but then he criticized my speed of assembly line production, which is a point of great pride for me. My brother got stuck with him on usher-duty last night and said, "Why do I always get stuck with the guy who talks all about his 'great idea' for a film but won't tell you what it actually is because he legitimately thinks you're going to steal it." (Update: I've actually found out his idea and am in talks with several studio heads about producing it -- think Love Actually meets Revenge of the Sith)

Undesirable #3 - The fast-talking, maybe slightly Autistic, creepy, 40-something dude loitering around the lobby yesterday. I walked in to see this matinée of one of the festival entries and he says "Hi" to me as if he's been waiting for his blind date to show up and thinks I may be her. I try to avoid his awkward eye contact and head to the counter to feed the Diet Coke monster in my stomach. Trying to lose him, I quickly make my way to the cinema and pile my bag up in the chair next to me so that it looks (maybe) like a small, deformed child is sitting next to me. When I leave, he follows me out and (within the space of like 20 seconds - seriously, he was a fast-talker!) asks did I like the movie and where am I from and do I want to go for coffee. I say no, try to speed quickly away and hope he didn't follow me back to my apartment and memorize my address. (MEN: unless you vaguely resemble someone hot, NEVER ask a woman you don't know out. In fact, don't even speak to us, because we're probably better than you. That is some creepy shit!)

Undesirable #4 - That fucking weirdo who came up to the Will-Call stand wearing a Smoking Aces baseball cap (yes, seriously) and looking like he was coming down off a bucketfull of meth. He was asking for the contact info of the volunteer coordinator because he wanted to get involved (what?! you mean this nutjob doesn't already have a STAFF position with this organization?!), and we didn't have it and I told him it was on the website. He didn't really accept this answer (he tried to convince us that it was NOT on the site), and just sort of lingered there until Undesirable #1 made her way over. After this, they spoke in fluent Douchebag , which I don't speak.

Yes, perhaps I am a selfish cunt, but volunteering is just too hazardous. I already have to avoid engaging with insufferable members of the general public on a daily basis, and signing up to do so seems fucking insane.

Atlanta Film Festival

2008-04-11T15:43:00.002-04:00

So the Atlanta Film Festival began yesterday and runs through 19 April. Most films are screened at Midtown Art cinema and cost about $10 each. There are about 150 films throughout the next week, and the documentary features as well as foreign films look especially good. (I accidentally just typed 'expecially' - what am I, six?)

I'll be volunteering at some of the films, so come say hi. Also, if you're interested in volunteering and getting a few free passes, let me know. Check out the site

Ubuntu Victory

2008-04-10T22:10:00.002-04:00

Whenever I figure something out (i.e. can successfully download programs using code I don't really understand) on Linux, it's like winning the fucking lottery.

TV is Back

2008-04-10T13:59:00.005-04:00

And by TV, I refer to 30 Rock and The Office. And ER. (Ok, not ER.)

Somewhat pathetically, I've been looking forward to this day, although a (very) small part of me might come to miss the evenings I spent eating out-of-the-box mac & cheese and watching Rock of Love and this shitacular season of America's Next Top Model.

Maybe someday I'll truthfully be able to say that I spend the better part of my days reading from the canon, sipping warm tea and working on my fiction, but for the time being I look forward to NBC comedies and playing Harry Potter Scene It.

(Photo: Indiewire)

Welcome

2008-04-10T13:42:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about creating a blog for a while, as I feel that the internet does not have enough snarky assholes to talk about irrelevant shit on it. So I'm trying to help out and boost that presence.

I've pretty much been reading on dlisted.com today and intermittently doing some work. I find it really irritating that sites like that have a lot of work-unfriendly photos on the borders of the blog, and I'm constantly checking that no one walks past my cubicle thinking that I'm looking at boobies at work. I'm just reading about Pete Doherty's crack habit and recent incarceration, come on.