Real Time With Bill Maher Returns Tonight!

" New Rule: The rest of the world can go back to being completely jealous of America. Yes...our majority white country just freely elected a black president; something no other democracy has ever done. Take that, Canada! Where's your Nubian warrior president? Your head of state is a boring white dude named Stephen Harper. And mine is a kick-ass black ninja named Barack Hussein Obama!

That's right, everybody. I take back every bad thing I ever said about the good old U.S.A. I've gone from "God damn America" to "God damn, America!"

I feel like a hockey mom at the state fair getting felt up by Hank Williams Jr. While fireworks go off and Jesus appears in my cotton candy. It would be stupid not to be stupid about it.

So, I'd like to take this moment when we've finally got one right, to bask in a little unwarranted, unapologetic, irrational, faux patriotism. Or, as Fox News calls it, "regular programming."

Now, I might regret this. It's kind of like going grocery shopping when you're high. But, here goes, world...[with patriotic music under]

We're Americans. We built the Golden Gate Bridge and Hoover Dam and Joan Rivers. We're the only country that can look at a sandwich made of ice cream and chocolate cookies covered in fudge and think, "Ah, you think we could fry that?"

And you know what? YES, WE CAN!

They may have 72 virgins, but we have 31 Flavors.

You know what our favorite burger topping is? Another burger!

We invented rock 'n' roll, jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. Without our music, your iPods would be filled with ABBA, Menudo and Men At Work. And you wouldn't have iPods.

Not only did we create the Internet, we're the ones who filled it up with porn.

Jefferson lived here. And Miles Davis and Mark Twain and Frank Lloyd Wright and a lot of other people Sarah Palin never heard of.

In America, strippers and Disney stars have an equal right to be named "Hannah Montana."

And I was freely able to make a movie saying there's no afterlife, and you could watch it while eating crap that'll kill you. But, that's okay, because our corn-fed high school sophomores are bigger than your soldiers, and they're better armed.

I ask you, in what other nation would they tax young people to make sure old people can afford erections?

What you call "football," we call "soccer." And what you call "war crimes," we call "football."

So, let me just say it again: we elected a black guy, and it was because he was the best candidate. Not because it was some cheap gimmick. And we should know, because we are also the country that invented cheap gimmicks.

Yes, America is like Jessica Simpson. Sometimes it's so stupid it embarrasses you, but, on the other hand, how about them titties?! "

Abuse

Roseanne said the most amazing enlighting thing about abusive relationships. People hate to admit it but a woman does play a part in an abusive relationship when she is willing to STAY with an abuser and in many cases verbally fight him. You can't win. LIke Roseanne says you win when you refuse to play.


"Alot of guys hit women because the women are hitting them, verbally abusing them or throwing the keys to their car outside and goading them on, and they lose control of themselves. This is what it sounds like to be in the rhianna-chris brown affair. there is no way out of violence if you are violent. the only way to win is not to play the game.

In the later stages, she won't leave because her will is destroyed, and a violent line crossed, because once the guy threatens to kill her, it becomes almost impossible for her to leave.
i hope rhianna is getting counseling from a professional counselor who will tell her that there is no way for her to ever win, and that she will have to curtail her own penchant for escalating conflict by screaming at or hitting or humiliating her abuser. I hope he gets real counseling too, that is not from a minister or his mom or any other shame based bullshit method that will never work, and that is designed to avoid dealing directly with self-control issues. I hope that they both leave each other alone and get over their faults.

I hope she does not continue to play the game with him. If they still love each other after they learn self control and conflict resolution, then they can get back together."

July 2003

July 31, 2003
Bush's reasons for war
I have to check this out later today, its some interesting stuff.
Posted by Liz at 12:23 PM Feedback (0)
July 27, 2003

Rice To Riches
The lastest in pretention is here! A $5.00 bowl of rice pudding. Anne took me to this place last weekend. She wanted me to see it. Now, I'm not a big rice pudding fan as it is, but she swore they had great flavors. I thought it looked rather gross through the window. I mean some of it was green and yellow and brown and it was all lumpy. You know, like rice pudding.
I tasted it and decided, if I were going to eat a dessert, I would rather it be ice cream. The atmosphere is a high tech Japanese flavor, which normally, I would be into that, but this was just a lot of hype for of all things..rice pudding? Now I have to admit, the place was packed. It was Saturday night and folks were in line and eating at the Jetson like tables (you have to stand at them which turns me off right away). The thing that did* impress me was the cool little bowls they serve the pudding in. They come with a weird spoon and napkin in plastic and a lid. It was very high tech -man on the moon, Tang, kinda stuff. That was cool! Anne bought into it, as apparently many people do, but I couldn't. Yea, there making money, but I'm just a Baskin and Robbins girl at heart.
Posted by Liz at 09:57 PM Feedback (4)
July 26, 2003

GameGirlAdvance Zine
Friends Justin and Jane have launched this months issue of GGA's Zine! I'm thrilled to be a part of it and as always, I appreciate the inspiration and encouragement Justin and Jane have always given me. There site is awesome and smart and colorful so check it out!
Posted by Liz at 02:08 AM Feedback (0)

Melissa on Kobe
I couldn't agree more with Melissa. We were having this discussion at work today. Whats up with Mrs. Bryant and the $4million dolla rock? Whats up with the hand holding in public as your husband announces he cheats on you? (Could this have been his first time? HA!) Whats up with some woman in general these days, taking all kinds of shorts just to have a member of the male species in their proximity? Ok, I could go on and on, as many of you know, but I will spare you the ranting and raving. Its not pretty.
Posted by Liz at 01:58 AM Feedback (8)

Its all about the Paper Dolls
Catholic school girls unite! (Of which I am one.)
Its fun playing with UK fashions.
Posted by Liz at 12:07 AM Feedback (0)
July 24, 2003

London vs. New York Street Fashion
I have to say I love the British designers. I always have. Viv Westwood, Alex McQueen are gods! I found the street fashion much more inspiring in London than in Paris. Street fashion in NYC is good, but the thing I picked up on was the way British woman express themselves fashion wise. In New York it seems that there is one mold and we are supposed to do our goddamned best to fit into it. However, in London, I didn't see that at work in the least. For example. I saw "older" woman 40's-50's with green hair. Now no fashion conscience woman in NYC would be caught with such a "young" look. British woman seem to scoff at the rules, and carry along quite well. I really respect that. They not only break the mold, they dont allow a new one to be created. BRAVO!
British fashion makes a statement........
This how I feel before I go out the door in NYC......
"UGH! What is all the pressure about??"
Posted by Liz at 10:17 PM Feedback (4)

London Pics
Click on the pictures and see a bit of London.This is Warwick Castle, thankyou Paul for a great day.View image
This was our neighborhood. I want a house here in South Kensington!View image
What a view from high a top Warwick castle. Paul drove us out there!View imageThe Pub we hung out at in the area..View image
My friend Jim came to visit and we went to lunch.View image
Tony Blairs job. House of Parliment, not to be confused with P-funk and George Clinton!View image
Big Ben was cool!View image
Posted by Liz at 09:50 PM Feedback (0)
July 17, 2003

The Believer
I just rented this and it is a powerful film. Check it out. Its smart and disturbing. Ryan Gosling is amazing as a Jewish neo-nazi who is living a double life. Summer Phoenix is glorious as his brilliant girlfriend. Its based on a true story.
Posted by Liz at 09:44 PM Feedback (1)

Finding Time
Anne made a recent trip to South Beach after we returned from London. I plan on posting the London pics after I get them developed. In the meantime, here are some SOBE pics taken at our fav hotel The Savoy. Can't you see why we loved it there and plan to go back.
View imageAnne goes back to SOBE.
View imageAnne in the lobby at The Savoy
A room at The Savoy
The pool side at The Savoy
Posted by Liz at 08:44 PM Feedback (0)

I Feel Purty!
Anne went to our Mecca in South Beach recently, Sephora. Bless her heart, she picked me up a little ditty that we have both been eyeing for quite some time.
That right! Kitten body glitter. hehe What fun we shall have with a sparkle in our eye and a glitz on our skin.
Posted by Liz at 07:41 PM Feedback (0)

Marianne Williamson in London
This woman came along at a time when I needed to hear what she was saying the most. Isn't that always the way, when the student is ready the teacher appears. I first saw her on Oprah years ago. Oprah was singing the praises of Marianne's new book A Return To Love.
Click here for Marianne's latest website.
Anne and I recently went to hear Marianne at a seminar in London. Two days fo hearing Marianne speak on the principals from A Course In Miracles. Two days of this person challenging us to have a different preception of ourselves, the world and God. I had a chance to talk to Marianne and express my concerns regarding my life and my future. She shared her take on things and I felt hopeful. I feel hopeful anyway. I just need some direction. In reading blogs that I do, apparently and thankfully, I'm not the only one. Thats not a judgement. Its just that it helps me to know other struggle at times but continue to push forward achieving thier goals.
Posted by Liz at 07:30 PM Feedback (0)

I Love These Drinks All Year Round!
View many of my favorite cocktails here. Yum, they're a delicious treat anytime! Well, OK maybe not first thing in the morning. hehe
Posted by Liz at 07:06 PM Feedback (0)

May 2003

May 28, 2003

Those lips are so J LO!
OK, I know this may be a bit shallow but what can I say I'm shallow at times. Anne and I have been on a quest to replicate the sexy lips of Jennifer Lopez. Heres the problem, neither one of us has bronze skin, were two pales faces. Our wonderful friend and makeup artist, Craig at Henry Bendels, showed me how to make the full sexy neutral lip. (Love ya Craig) Here is one product from Molton Brown (London) that seem to work well. The color is called desirable. I know its pricey, but when the sales girl at Bergdorfs said, "those lips are so J LO." I was sold. I know I'm a sucker!
Posted by Liz at 09:42 PM Feedback (2)

cheap phone rates
I was reading Joi Ito's blogand he mentions that he has a new long distance service. I'm always on the look out for this kind of thing, due to the over seas calls I make to friends. (Thank goodness Anne isn't living in Paris anymore, they were some phone bills!) Cheap phone rates have become a mission in my life. I cut caller ID from my home phone because that was becoming a huge waste of time, checking all the blocked calls. Sure the phone company will force* people to show there number, for a nominal fee of course. Now I work towards getting as many free cell phone minutes as possible.
Posted by Liz at 09:03 PM Feedback (2)
May 27, 2003

Tips for dressing your man
Here is a the summer look men! Lose the golf shirts guys, I beg of you.
Nice looking sandals are a must for, the fun in the sun, gentleman.Being in South Beach made me aware of what is sexy on a man and what is not. Loose fitting, casual clothing with textured fabrics are HOT*. Khakis and golf shirts are not. I think Anne will back me up on this one. wink, wink*
Posted by Liz at 01:04 AM Feedback (3)
May 11, 2003

beach coverup
Anne and I are heading to South Beach next week for a little R&R. I figured I had better get a new bathing suit and coverup for the ocassion.Which lounge chair should I pick?
Yesterday I picked up a new swiumsuit and pareos. I cant stand to see woman on the beach in huge tee-shirts. I purchased a terry zip up cover a while back, and truthfully, I cant seem to find it. It was rather frumpy, I dont know why I bought it. I just want to be comfortable strolling around poolside to Hotel . I feel comfortable with this attire. Thanks TJ Maxx!
Posted by Liz at 01:48 PM Feedback (3)

Cell phone Tones
I have a verizon cellphone and right now I have Californis Dreamin as my ring tone. I tried to look into downloading other tones, but I cant find any for Verizon. Apparently I can only use the ModTones or Get It Now. I really want Janes Addiction on there, but it isnt offered.
Posted by Liz at 01:26 PM Feedback (0)
May 07, 2003

Happy Birthday To Ya!
May 8th is Anne's big day. Guess I should give her some props, right?
Anne is one of the most generous people I know. Oh sure, its easy to be generous when you have no resources, then you can just give lip service and say what you *would* do if you could. Anne isn't like that. She shares what she has and she gives of herself and her talents. Sure she is smart and caring, but she also has a passion for living that’s contagious. I wouldn't have done most of the traveling I've done and am about to embark on, if it weren't for her. She encourages me and even sticks her neck out. Anne doesn't miss a trick either! If you think something just got past her, it didn't. Anne pushed me into starting this blog. She said she would be in it with me and that was the safety net I needed. Not only does she have terrific fashion sense, she gave me a license plate with a confederate flag (*gag*) on it. We laughed together hysterically and that’s what makes friendship with Anne so grand, laughing at ourselves and with each other. Happy Birthday hose bag, I hope you have many more.
Posted by Liz at 10:06 PM Feedback (0)
May 05, 2003

Still Working
I'm still working on this blog in between other things.
I have accounting finals coming up this week and next week. After that Anne and I are headed to South Beach for a little R&R. Anne has been busy running her Dad to medical appointments. Yesterday I was back in NYC with my Mom and Jeanna to see Hairspray on Broadway. It was so great. Two hours for pure joy. Check it out if you get a chance!http://www.hairsprayonbroadway.com
Posted by Liz at 06:41 AM Feedback (0)

February 2004

February 28, 2004
DIY Education in the Streets
I have had the privilege recently of meeting with some students from Swarthmore College as well as Temple. We are organizing an amazing event about to take place in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. The T.A.Z. is in solidarity with the Books Not Bombs National Day of Action. Participating with this remarkable team of students has been a phenomenal learning experience for me. I have participated in rally’s before, but this planning committee has been exceptionally well thought-out. There is still a lot more work to do and I'm really looking forward to the event. I actually want to learn some of the skills we are offering that day (see below). Check out the flyer, created by my talented friends at why-war. Feel free to join us that day, and if you unable, think about taking an active role in your community too alter this regime.

More Info on the event

Tired of the same old protests? Listened to boring speakers until your ears bleed? Wanna learn something you can really use?

TEMPORARY AUTONOMOUS ZONE -T.A.Z.(get some real education!)
Thursday, March 4th, 4:00 pm
15th & Market Streets, Center City Philadelphia
with a free concert, including Evan Greer and others, and an open mic!

What is a Temporary Autonomous Zone?

T.A.Z. is a love poem scrawled on the sterilized and unconscious wall of a hospital. It is a 4 a.m. Shakespeare reading with your cellmates in Miami. It is a Palestinian youth tearing down a part of the Wall with his bare hands. It is militantly nonviolent and terroristically creative. Our T.A.Z. will be a place without rules or regulations, without teachers and students, without bosses and employees. We will manifest our vision of how the world could be a better place, and how human interactions could be based on love and solidarity rather than exploitation and greed.

* fix your bike * play the banjo * basic protest medical * puppet making * alternative u.s. history * make your own zine * homemade tofu * make a really big banner * sing wobbly songs * HIV prevention * pirate radio stations * AND MUCH MORE! (what will you bring?)


BRING: skills to share, instruments, puppets, banners, zines, paint, back rubs, pets, your younger siblings, poetry, your friends

LEAVE: your laws, your cops, your money (cuz it's all free), and your prejudice

For more information or to get involved with planning this event, contact:
youthpawr[-at-]riseup.net or call 215.222.4711

Visit here for the latest updates.


"A-Space" on Baltimore Ave. was the location of our first meeting.


Posted by Liz at 11:00 PM | Feedback (5)
Paper Doll.com
Here is a cute little fashion site. Cute tee's that inspire. Pretty colors and graphics, always a plus for Spring. Check it out and buy something you might not ordinarily wear.

Posted by Liz at 09:59 PM | Feedback (3)
February 27, 2004
Anarchy in America
Another mayor (upstate New York) is allowing gay marriage, along with San Francisco. Some of the right wing is suggesting this is lawlessness and anarchy. I say it's about time. This is America and generally speaking, a religious country, but so much needs to be changed. There is no turning back now. Annul those marriages, it won't matter. Institutions must advance with the times. Wake up friends, no social security for us? Maybe we so called "straight" people need to get some anarchy going ourselves. And yes, I'm completely serious.




Posted by Liz at 08:58 PM | Feedback (6)
February 26, 2004
The Dakota
When I was young and first saw, Rosemary's Baby, I fell in love with the NYC apartment where the Polanski film takes place. Years later, I would hear the location was the Dakota apartment house on the Upper West side. I have been reading a terrific book called Life at the Dakota: New York's Most Unusual Address. This wonderfully historical building was erected in 1884, on the wrong side of town. At a time when social morality was everything, an apartment house was considered beneath the standards of proper society. In spite of this, the building was filled to capacity the first day it opened to residents.


Mysterious and Gothic


This astonishing house looked out over Central Park, which was chicken coups and poor families. Both the affluent and meager used the lake as a skating rink in the Winter. Many of the original tenets lived out their final days there, as did their offspring. Famous tenets include, Lauren Bacall, Boris Karloff, Roberta Flack, it was the place where John Lennon was murdered in cold blood. I always thought it was inconceivable that Yoko continued to raise Sean there after John’s death, but after reading this book, I can appreciate why. It truly is home to those auspicious enough to live there. Some people have been known to compete with friends over the number of apartments they have visited. I would love to be invited inside one day. It has so much character, like a person you want to know better. In the meantime, maybe I will just stop by, snap some photos and say hello to the doorman.



The Dakota today


Posted by Liz at 02:31 AM | Feedback (2)
February 24, 2004
Boy I love this show


Cheaters - I have been watching an early one where Tommy takes a girl to catch her cheatin’ man and find him getting his jollies sitting in his car with a shemale checking his zipper works…and nodding that nod that says the meat is sweet - until his soon-to-be ex leaps on them all turning the scene into a drive-in version of Gotterdammerung


Car crash tv at it’s best – exercise your right to be informed! – watch Cheaters!

….encouraging the renewal of temperance and virtue…Who could not love that! I am sure you New York urban beau monde still appreciate this freak show masking as a modern morality tale. The language they use is poetry and the people they use deserve it!

Posted by Tony at 04:38 PM | Feedback (4)
Happy Birthday Nicole
I hope you have a wonderful day. I appreciate all the help and support you have so freely given me during the past year. You have been right there to lend assistance. Thanks for always contributing and bringing the laughs. I'm reminded of that line,
"We've shared many smiles and many tears, but nothing beats the laughter."
Being around you is like taking medicine when I'm are sick. A dose of you, and I just feel so much better! Enough! Now get cracking on our Jamaica trip!


She looks so innocent, doesn't she? Hehe


Posted by Liz at 12:54 AM | Feedback (8)
February 23, 2004
Sex and the City- Spoiler
Don't read this if you don't want to know how the series ends.



Carrie & Big. What did you expect?

I knew this was going to happen. Carrie would leave Paris and return to New York. New York is a million times better than Paris. Paris is a nice place to visit, and some Americans move there, but I can not relate. New York is just the best, bar none. So Big's name is John. Did you catch that?

This show was always my favorite because it was always so well written. Case in point was the story line where Steve's mother, has Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Miranda accepts her into their home. I have a friend right now, whose mother has memory lose. My mother took her mother-in -law in. It was a very well written, unexpected, truthful sub plot.

Smith and Samantha confirm their love without ever once mentioning the "M" word. That word we woman supposedly live to hear. Believe it or not, there wasn't even mention of a ring!! Shocking isn't it?

Charlotte and Harry, end up getting a little girl from China, after having one disappointment of a young mother who changes her mind. It was really sweet. They even showed a picture of a beautiful little baby to the audience.

The best part was the ending. Carrie reiterates what the series has been about all along. The best relationship you can be in, is the one you have with yourself.


Posted by Liz at 10:53 PM | Feedback (4)
February 22, 2004
Lichtenstein at the Hayward

WHAM! - 1963
The Hayward gallery in London ( I am sure you would have gone there Liz – if Harrods was not selling those ‘devine’ hairbrushes…) is currently putting on a Roy Lichtenstein exhibition and I was looking at WHAM! And thinking this is SO 60’s – it could never been mistaken for any other decade and that I think is unusual for great art.

Perhaps it’s the uniqueness of this Pop art that you can pin it to an exact date because of the reference Lichtenstein used for his muse – 50's & 60’s pulp comics. He began by looking at standard advertising icons but the big impact came with the use of the hard black lines and screened/blocked colours of the early sixties work. Work as I say that cannot be of any other time – which is not true for other artists, of course you can see Holbien painting Tudor scenes but he was capturing real life – Vermeer was the same he was painting the day he was in as today, there is no sense of capturing not just a moment in time but that time being defined by a culture that there is with Lichtenstein.

And perhaps I go too far – I do remember Lichtenstein was a big influence for me and some of my best school work was a homage to Lichtenstein I do remember Drowning Girl and Girl with hair ribbon very well – it made me understand the importance of line and getting that line right…. Its not just blowing up a comic frame!


Posted by Tony at 06:52 PM | Feedback (2)
An Evening In Central Park
Not the Central Park, but Central Park restaurant and Motel. No, no, I wasn't at a Motel last night, but a comedy show. How did comedy get into the picture? Well, let me explain. Nicole (Interviews Oct. 2003) met a comedian who was appearing locally, so we showed up to check out the show.

When I first arrived at Central Park, I found a tiny restaurant and rows and rows of motel rooms. I waited for a couple of minutes before Nicole and Jeanna appeared. Finally, I saw them approaching.

"Jeez, if you wanted to get me too a motel, all you had to do was ask!" I bemoaned.

After we picked seats that were far enough away from the stage, we decided we were safe from being singled out by the comedians. Mike, Nicole's friend, came over and joined us. Mike, a very pleasant, friendly guy, explained that his full time gig was a fireman in South Jersey. We picked his brain about what that was like, and he good-naturedly fielded our questions.

During the show, and thanks to Mike’s tip off about her career, Jeanna caught one of the comedian’s attention. This was exactly what she didn't want. He set her up, asking if her hair was naturally blonde, then hit her with that old line, “does the carpet match the drapes”. Jeanna was hysterical, shining in the momentary spotlight.


Small stage, big dreams


The show was very humorous; the room was filled with good natured folks that were there to laugh. I had another kind of performance happening right in front of me at another table. This woman was talking back at the comedians, repeating their lines and in general, being an unpleasant distraction. She was very unruly and very drunk. With what appeared to be her husband and friends, I noticed her husband sitting there stone faced, mortified at his wife’s loud-mouthed running commentary. One comedian heckled her, but all refused to grant her the stage. Her husband was thumping her arm every two minutes, beseeching her to quiet down. I wondered how early in the day she started drinking. Did he have to get the kids their dinner and baths before they left the house this evening? She finally gave one and all a break and headed in the direction of the ladies room. Twenty minutes later she still had not returned. Her husband sat stone faced, never looking around. Unexpectedly, I notice her staggering from the ladies room, propping herself up at the bar. One of the companions from her table headed to the bar for a refill. She draped herself all over him; he looked uncomfortable, but bought her a drink. Then she started blabbing to the bar tender. He did his best to ignore her, but she wouldn't have it. Suddenly, I see her hanging all over him. Still the husband never turned his head. I was waiting for him to snag her. A young bartender finally approached the man and indicated he should come to the bar and rescue everyone from her. He was angry but begrudgingly walked over to collect her. She wouldn't move and I was waiting for the blowup. I guess he has the routine down because he stood there with her keeping the peace.

After the show we chatted with some of the comedians. It was great for me to see people performing and doing what they love, even if they have to maintain a regular job at same time. In the ladies room, a woman told me she loved my hair. I told her that my stylist was right here, pointing to a stall. As she was coming out of the stall, Jeanna’s skills were solicited and she explained that she is management and only does family and close friends. Nicole really hooked us up with a great evening. Good friends, new friends, a tacky motel and a lot of laughs. So, what did you do with your Saturday night?

Posted by Liz at 12:17 PM | Feedback (4)
February 20, 2004
Never seen in the same room….


Is it me?

Can I be the only person who thinks this way?

I was looking at the image of the American chanteuse with the rather butch physique and total inability to comprehend the meaning of the word style alongside a photo of English transsexual and ubermensch of Comedy Eddie Izzard the other day, as is my wont, and I could not help but notice they are remarkably similar.

Separated at birth? Or perhaps something more sinister... You never see them both in the same room after all…

Of course you know Eddie Izzard – he has all these video clips for you to see.

And he sings better than Pink.


Posted by Tony at 07:53 PM | Feedback (3)
February 19, 2004
Blogger Nicole Has The Hookup
My buddy Nicole from Aussie has posted this guy's site looking for women to have 17 children for him. (Check out her comment section where I do my own FBI profile!) I thought the Green River killer, Gary Ridgway was fritghtening, but you have to check out this dood! Make sure you check out his picture section, thats really scary.Thanks Nicole, I just thought this was worth repeating! Hehe.

Posted by Liz at 11:42 AM | Feedback (8)
February 17, 2004
Flurries Tonight

Anthony Orazio

The Squirrels and I are ready for Spring.

Posted by Liz at 10:33 AM | Feedback (1)
February 16, 2004
I'm Rich Bitch!
Now that my "must see TV" is coming to an end with the demise of Sex and the City (sniff,sniff), I have found some new must see TV. First off, is Chappelle's Show on Comedy Central. If you haven't seen it check it out, Dave is a riot on the most hysterical level. Another bit of MTV programming I admit to watching,in a hidden, shame based way is Till Death Do Us Part: Carmen & Dave. My friend Sharon told me she dislikes Carmen Electra and can't stomach even one episode. But I can't resist a recovering herion addict (Dave Navarro) and his new B list wifey, Carmen Electra (not her real name, but everyone seems to call her Carmen). Dysfunction at its finest, as they, "I love you baby, you're so hot", each other to death. I'm giving the whole marriage three years at the most, but they seem like nice enough people. If you watch either show, call me, we'll talk.



Pre martial bliss with Carmen and Dave and Dave Chappelle's serious look


Posted by Liz at 11:51 PM | Feedback (0)
February 14, 2004
Love Defined
"Sometimes, love isn't something you find, but something you build -- a process you work on, not a package you encounter." ~ Howard Rheingold


I do believe Mr. Rheingold has hit the nail on the head.





Posted by Liz at 11:22 PM | Feedback (5)
Feelin' The Love
I received a wonderfully encouraging email today. It was a response to an email I sent out a week ago, asking for some advice. Not long ago, I found a really cool site created by Shannon, called Urban Bumpkin (cute huh!). Amazingly, Shannon was actually doing something I want to do; she sells handcrafted gifts and accessories. I contacted this talented individual and asked her what the reality is of selling goods online; does she make her living this way? Shannon responded with a generous spirit and plenty of support. Thank you Shannon. You are a role model for me. I aspire to earn my living creatively, through my writing and art. Don’t be surprised if you hear from me again, too snag you for an interview. Thanks for the luv!


The following is the super sweet email I recieved from Shannon.



Hi & thanks for your email!
Wow!!! It's a small world!! I just visited your site and saw the mug
of a close friend...Ian Christy. He and I worked together for a number
of years in the computer gaming world. He's a real pal, so what a kick
to see you've connected with him....rad!
Congratulations on your site--it is very cool-- and your interest in
getting your handmade work out into the world. It's very exciting! I
love the independence that the web has brought to creative people of
all interests and avenues.
For me, my site is one of several creative outlets, income "streams"
you could say. So, the site does well but has also spun off into
custom orders and also retail partnering. I think that is a terrific
option to explore, since the front-end of the marketing is already
there through the shop/boutique/etc. But I also pad my income with
graphic design work (which I've done for over 10 years) and creative
writing. So, my approach has been to diversify.
Definitely I would suggest checking into retail possibilities. I make
sure that everything I sell retail has my logo and web addy on it, so
even if a shop is only interested in my yarnwork, the customer can also
see my jewelry and illustration work. Also, have you thought of
selling your journalism/interview work for the site to other art
related publications?
Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my site, and for your
kind feedback :) I love making connections with other creative folks!
All the best to you!
-Shannon

Posted by Liz at 09:32 PM | Feedback (1)
February 13, 2004
Emon Xie Rises Again
One of the nice things about interviewing an artist is the great drawings he drops in the mail to you. I received drawings today from Ian Christy. A keyboarding playing cherub, an artist with a monkey on his back, and a gorilla looking Madonna (which I found to be rather accurate). Thankyou e, I loved the drawings and the button! I'm now in the process of coming up with the best way to display my new art.



artist Ian Christy

Posted by Liz at 12:42 PM | Feedback (0)
February 12, 2004
Confused About What 2 Get Me?
As Valentine's Day approaches, I want to spare my many suitors the dilemma of what to get me. Well, I think I would love this bag in pink! Adorable huh? I thought so. Thankyou in advance.


Posted by Liz at 08:48 PM | Feedback (1)
February 11, 2004
Rosa Parks Was Fired
While watching a very good documentary, I learned that Rosa Parks was fired from her job one week after starting the bus boycott, which lead to the civil rights movement in the US. Miss Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man and paid a heavy price for her stance. The employer gave the reason as being they just weren't busy enough, but it was one week after Christmas, their busiest season.

Posted by Liz at 11:21 AM | Feedback (6)
February 10, 2004
Sean Sighting
I'm always on the look out for Sean Lennon. I would love to see him live, in concert. One of my favorite CD's is Into the Sun. If you haven't heard it, check it out. I didn't watch the Grammy's, but apparently Sean was there, alive and well, and looking rather dapper. If anyone has any addictional information on where he is performing his music these days, let me know!


Sean Lennon 2004

Posted by Liz at 08:16 AM | Feedback (2)
February 09, 2004
QUOTE OF THE DAY

"America believes in education: the average professor earns more money
in a year than a professional athlete earns in a whole week."
--Evan Esar

Posted by Liz at 01:33 PM | Feedback (2)
February 04, 2004
The Breast That Flopped
I did not see the Super bowl; I chose to be amused instead, so I rented movies. Over and over the news media is rehashing the Janet Jackson Justin Timberlake half time stunt. Was it planned and should the FCC press charges? Did Janet fool poor unsuspecting Justin into becoming an unwilling participant? The debate rages on.

I believe the responsibility of the half time show lies squarely on CBS and the people who put together the half time entertainment. Rap superstar Nelly performed as well as Justin and Janet, two of the hottest pop acts out there. Who exactly did the network think they were hiring? MTV specializes in shock television, as far back as when Madonna rolled all over the stage with her virginal bridal gown hiked up around her neck. Can you top this? That’s the formula. Whether you think it’s obscene or not, that’s simply the genre of pop culture today. When you hire pop stars its safe to say you can expect, tattooed men in baggy clothes. The woman are thin, young & sporting the ever present thong. They sport fake round breasts barely contained, spilling out all over, leaving little to the imagination. This is MTV today in the 21st century. Hire them, fire them, it’s your choice, but how about watching some of their programming to get an idea of what you’re hiring as “family” entertainment on network television.

I guess the thing that gives me pause more than a semi bare breast, (she had metal pasties on) is the idea of a man ripping the top off of a woman. We wonder why some young men don't understand the word no. We speculate why numbers of young men consider young ladies "teases" until this notion evolves into a central loathing of all women. Aside from the peep show, TiVo saved giggles, who benefits from such a portrayal? What would have been wrong with Justin appearing to adore Janet for her beauty and talent on stage? Maybe he could have hit his knees to belt out the last line of the song? But to rip her top halfway off is insensitive towards many members of the audience, who may have been through a real experience of violation.

I suspect next years show will be more of the same. There seems to be a broken down logic in place, regarding the portrayal of sexuality in both men and woman. If I were booking the halftime Super bowl show for next year, I might be checking now to see if, oh say, Harry Connick Jr. is available.


Posted by Liz at 11:18 PM | Feedback (4)
Face By Jessica


My 4 year old niece, Jessica and I were watching my collection of Bjork videos. Jessica became inspired and decided to do my makeup. How could I resist? I had to let her. I can't stifle the child's creativity, besides, at one time, I did people's faces for a living and sold cosmetics, so I understand the love of painting faces. We played, we had fun, I loved it.


The artist, Jessica, and her muse, Aunt Liz. hehe

Posted by Liz at 02:36 PM | Feedback (3)
February 02, 2004
Voting, Mother Teresa and Me
As you know, I love a good quiz, so here is an interesting one for you. Who should you vote for in 2004?

Check out who I should vote for according to my views....

1. Kucinich Score: 100%

2. Kerry Score: 98%

3. Sharpton Score: 93%

4. Clark Score: 87%

5. Dean Score: 87%

6. Edwards Score: 86%

7. Lieberman Score: 75%

Finally, some accuracy in a personality quiz.....



What Famous Leader Are You?



Posted by Liz at 11:30 PM | Feedback (6)
February 01, 2004
Connections
A few nights ago, before illness set in, I was talking to Camilo on the phone, or should I say listening to his smoldering Columbian accent.




Now available! My recent interview with Mark Meadows of Boar.com. Mark was in Iraq on the second day of the war. He is a writer and artist and plans to hit the road again, as soon as possible.

It was an enjoyable, lengthy talk. We were long over due. We talk about everything from careers to racism, to politics, to relationships. He is one of the brilliant people I have found on the web. When I stop and think about it, I’m astonished at not only how many people but at whom I have managed to connect with. I’ve consistently been online for about 4 years now, with associations from all over the world. Connections that I would have never been able to make otherwise.

A long time ago, I read that the people whose path we cross in life are there for a reason. The reason is to be of service to them and learn something about ourselves. When I read that, I realized I had felt that influence in many instances. An unexpected characteristic of all of this is the people online tend to be like the people in my everyday life. Similar issues, likes and dislikes. What’s ironic is you are drawn to the same type of person, sometimes sight unseen, and they are drawn to you. “Where ever you go you take you there.” Apparently the internet is no exception, as I move forward and transform, so do my online associations.

Since I’ve started writing, and that continues to evolve, I have reached out to many people. Anywhere from artists to political prisoners to rock stars. The net allows me to not only research people, places and things, but take it one step further. I don’t have to acquire the funds to jump on a plane, I don’t have to hire a private detective or take up stalking, I can politely and socially acceptably, email. Several have, thankfully, chosen to reply and have been very gracious and some, I have even had the opportunity to meet in person. I have a philosophy neatly in place and it works for me. That simple notion is, whatever is meant to be, will be. When a person is doing something I’m into, we might become friends or I ask to interview them. That’s been an amazing process, harder than I thought it would be, but entirely rewarding. For the time being, I want to keep connecting and discovering where I’m being lead, still learning life’s lessons.

Posted by Liz at 05:05 PM | Feedback (2)

January 2004

January 31, 2004
Too Much Information
My dear sweet Mother turned 70 this past December. Since then, I have noticed one of her personality traits has become, shall we say, intensified. Mom is a Sagittarius, as am I. Therefore, we are known to be blunt and direct in an unknowing way. It's a personality trait that I have had to work on, but Mother is becoming more blunt than ever. Recently when she found out her sister was seeing a doctor, she didn't feel as though her sister informed her soon enough and said,

"What were you going to do, have your daughter call me from the funeral home?"

Ouch, did she have to go there? Oh, there have been countless other faux pas surrounding bluntness, but tonight was her most recent revelation! Mother confessed that she would "date" Ice-T, if she could. Yes, I said Law and Order, rapper extraordinare, Ice-T. Apparently, she finds him very "cool." Okay then, I think I've heard enough for one day.


My potenial step-father?

Posted by Liz at 10:00 PM | Feedback (6)
January 30, 2004
Local Motion


I love cute surfer dudes! I just watched a surfer documentary on television, and I was drooling over the hot guys. Sure, I've been drooling on myself for two days now, but thats only because I can't swallow due to the thing that has ravaged my throat. When I was in Hawaii I cruised around all the surf shops. I love the gear, the clothes, the whole culture of it. I have a Local Motion surf shop sticker on my car. Of course, its rather hard to blend into that scene being an east coast girl. I don't want sun damage, so I avoid the sun and of course there is the small fact that I cant swim, so there is no way my ass would ever get on a surf board. I'm the dork on a boat, outfitted in two life vests. I literary create a floatation device for myself. Picture Woody Allen on a surf board, and you've got me. Ok, so thats rather harsh, but all too true.


How hot is Kelly Slater!


Posted by Liz at 12:55 AM | Feedback (7)
January 28, 2004
Lemon Tea, Dry Toast and Rosemary's Baby
I'm sick in bed, since yesterday. Sore throat, dry heaves, alternating chills & sweats, all that fun stuff. I've been watching one of my all time favorite movies on DVD, Rosemary's Baby. I googled John Cassavetes, only to find he was born on December 9th like me. I also purchased a book from Amazon on the Dakota. Rosemary's Baby was filmed there you know. I'm obsessed with that elegant, mysterious, building. I love it. I wish I could live there or at least get inside for a visit. I think this fever has completely taken over me.

Posted by Liz at 07:34 PM | Feedback (6)
January 25, 2004
Beginning With Time
I met up with Mary, this afternoon for lunch and chatting. We had a really great talk about lots of things. Now that I think about it, we covered a lot of ground; Bush, Iraq, relationships, writing, business, volunteerism, working, and children. There are some people in this world you know you are going to feel enhanced after you talk to them. For me, Miss Tonita (Mary) is one of them. When I was working, I would feel devalued after speaking with my boss. Needless to say, I would avoid talking to her unless it was absolutely necessary. I believe people sense when we favor them as well as when were avoiding them. Sometimes I evade people because a conversation with them is draining. When I feel depleted, I know who I can go to, talk with, and feel uplifted. I am fortified when someone encourages me. I feel supported when someone calls me on my shit and tells me to get over myself. My perception is they care enough about me, to be frank, so I take what they say to heart. I have a lot of free time on my hands right now, and I’m exploring some options. Anti-war volunteerism, selling hand crafted pillows, looking for a full time gig. I appreciate that people have returned my calls emails. I contact comrades too bounce ideas off them and, ever so gently, they tell me what they think. After a recent conversation with Justin, I had a revelation; why not try embracing some of the character traits, that all this time, I thought I had to change? Why not let my individualism guide me? Who am I kidding, who am I fooling, when I try to turn myself inside out too act in accordance with imaginary rules? I get on my own nerves when I play that game. Last night, I dreamt that I bought a badass looking guitar and decided to take lessons and join a band! As hilarious and wild as that may seem, I think my subconscious is reminding me that now is the time to start over. Its time to go for it, whatever “it” is.

Posted by Liz at 08:34 PM | Feedback (1)
January 24, 2004
O Tulmult! O Visions! These are the stops of life.
Tonight is my brother's surprise party. Obviously, he doesn't read this blog so I'm not giving anything away. Here are some pictures of the Winter scene I woke up to this morning. I hope people will make the party in spite of the weather. Those of you on the West coast, aren't you jealous? I've posted some gorgeous pictures, some definitions of beauty on a Saturday morning.



The scene at my house at 8am this morning.



My 2yr old niece, Lea Elizabeth. I have to watch her before the party. Can you tell I will have my hands full?



Dimitri showed me a picture of the homemade pie he was eating. His Mom baked it from scratch. He compares it to tiramisu.





Posted by Liz at 09:39 AM | Feedback (2)
January 20, 2004
Survivors Guide For Being Unemployed
By: Liz Fine

1. Find good trial coverage to watch or read about. Listen to the evidence and pick your favorite defendant, Kobe, Martha, Michael. Then, play arm chair member of any or all dream teams.

2. Have Internet access. All your friends work, so it helps to have Internet access to people in different time zones. Chat with your online pals for hours, or bug your real life friends at there job, via emails and instant messaging.

3. Lose your cell phone. Its just an extra bill that you don't need, since your not leaving the house anyway.

4. Read a guide to the latest releases on DVD. Just because you aren't working doesn't mean you can't stay on top of current events.

5. Pick a new favorite, healthy, take-out meal. Something you can grab and eat in front of the TV. Personally, I have embraced black bean burritos. Yum.

6. Get the career builder section of the Sunday paper. Yes, the job market is dismal, but the help wanted section is a must have. Keep it laying around, and make sure everyone sees it, that way you give off the comforting impression to family members and friends that you are looking. ;)

7. Have friends that are willing to let you tag along on there vacation. Hey, you have nothing but time, why not travel?

8. Wear comfy pajama bottoms/sweat pants and tee-shirt. Sure, there's no reason for you to get dressed, but it doesn't mean you can't pass for being dressed. Don't annoy the working members of your household by never appearing out of your pajamas.

9. Get direct deposit. That's right, direct deposit is an option for today's unemployed. My unemployment check goes right into my account every two weeks. Convenient huh?

10. Have an updated resume. As depressing a thought as it may be, hibernation can't last forever. Sooner or later, you will emerge, triumphantly, back into the workforce.

Posted by Liz at 08:56 AM | Feedback (12)
January 18, 2004
Wal-Mart Strikes Again
Known for having some of the worst labor violations in the country, Wal-Mart finds themselves in the news once again. When I read these types of offenses, I can certainly see why they are a staunch anti-union company. I hope and pray I live long enough to see Wal-Mart employees organize themselves. For the past seven years I worked for a company that adopted the play or pay method of "managing". What I mean by that is, play our games, with our unwritten rules, or you’re out. There was no place to take a legitimate grievance. "Suck it up", was my former employer's mantra. I know what it feels like to be pressured everyday with the lose of your livelihood. I liken it to an abusive relationship. You pay the price, with your dignity. Click the link and read the following article from todays NY Times.

January 18, 2004
Workers Assail Night Lock-Ins by Wal-Mart
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE

Looking back to that night, Michael Rodriguez still has trouble believing the situation he faced when he was stocking shelves on the overnight shift at the Sam's Club in Corpus Christi, Tex.

It was 3 a.m., Mr. Rodriguez recalled, some heavy machinery had just smashed into his ankle, and he had no idea how he would get to the hospital.

The Sam's Club, a Wal-Mart subsidiary, had locked its overnight workers in, as it always did, to keep robbers out and, as some managers say, to prevent employee theft. As usual, there was no manager with a key to let Mr. Rodriguez out. The fire exit, he said, was hardly an option — management had drummed into the overnight workers that if they ever used that exit for anything but a fire, they would lose their jobs.

"My ankle was crushed," Mr. Rodriguez said, explaining he had been struck by an electronic cart driven by an employee moving stacks of merchandise. "I was yelling and running around like a hurt dog that had been hit by a car. Another worker made some phone calls to reach a manager, and it took an hour for someone to get there and unlock the door."

The reason for Mr. Rodriguez's delayed trip to the hospital was a little-known Wal-Mart policy: the lock-in. For more than 15 years, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, has locked in overnight employees at some of its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores. It is a policy that many employees say has created disconcerting situations, such as when a worker in Indiana suffered a heart attack, when hurricanes hit in Florida and when workers' wives have gone into labor.

"You could be bleeding to death, and they'll have you locked in," Mr. Rodriguez said. "Being locked in in an emergency like that, that's not right."

Mona Williams, Wal-Mart's vice president for communications, said the company used lock-ins to protect stores and employees in high-crime areas. She said Wal-Mart locked in workers — the company calls them associates — at 10 percent of its stores, a percentage that has declined as Wal-Mart has opened more 24-hour stores.

Ms. Williams said Wal-Mart, with 1.2 million employees in its 3,500 stores nationwide, had recently altered its policy to ensure that every overnight shift at every store has a night manager with a key to let workers out in emergencies.

"Wal-Mart secures these stores just as any other business does that has employees working overnight," Ms. Williams said. "Doors are locked to protect associates and the store from intruders. Fire doors are always accessible for safety, and there will always be at least one manager in the store with a set of keys to unlock the doors."

Ms. Williams said individual store managers, rather than headquarters, decided whether to lock workers in, depending on the crime rate in their area.

Retailing experts and Wal-Mart's competitors said the company's lock-in policy was highly unusual. Officials at Kmart, Sears, Toys "R" Us, Home Depot and Costco, said they did not lock in workers.

Even some retail industry experts questioned the policy. "It's clearly cause for concern," said Burt Flickinger, who runs a retail consulting concern. "Locking in workers, that's more of a 19th-century practice than a 20th-century one."

Several Wal-Mart employees said that as recently as a few months ago they had been locked in on some nights without a manager who had a key. Robert Schuster said that until last October, when he left his job at a Sam's Club in Colorado Springs, workers were locked in every night, and on Friday and Saturday nights there was no one there with a key. One night, he recalled, a worker had been throwing up violently, and no one had a store key to let him out.

"They told us it's a big fine for the company if we go out the fire door and there's no fire," Mr. Schuster said. "They gave us a big lecture that if we go out that door, you better make sure it's an emergency like the place going up on fire."

Augustine Herrera, who worked at the Colorado Springs store for nine years, disputed the company's assertion that it locked workers in stores in only high-crime areas, largely to protect employees.

"The store is in a perfectly safe area," Mr. Herrera said.

Several employees said Wal-Mart began making sure that there was someone with a key seven nights a week at the Colorado Springs store and other stores starting Jan. 1, shortly after The New York Times began making inquiries about employees' being locked in.

The main reason that Wal-Mart and Sam's stores lock in workers, several former store managers said, was not to protect employees but to stop "shrinkage" — theft by employees and outsiders.

Tom Lewis, who managed four Sam's Clubs in Texas and Tennessee, said: "It's to prevent shrinkage. Wal-Mart is like any other company. They're concerned about the bottom line, and the bottom line is affected by shrinkage in the store."

Another reason for lock-ins, he said, was to increase efficiency — workers could not sneak outside to smoke a cigarette, get high or make a quick trip home.

Mr. Rodriguez acknowledged that the seemingly obvious thing to have done after breaking his ankle was to leave by the fire door, but he and two dozen other Wal-Mart and Sam's Club workers said they had repeatedly been warned never to do that unless there was a fire. Leaving for any other reason, they said, could jeopardize the jobs of the offending employee and the night supervisor.

Regarding Mr. Rodriguez, Ms. Williams said, "He was clearly capable of walking out a fire door anytime during the night."

She added: "We tell associates that common sense has to prevail. Fire doors are for emergencies, and by all means use them if you have emergencies. We have no way of knowing what any individual manager said to an associate."

None of the Wal-Mart workers interviewed said they knew anyone who had been fired for violating the fire-exit policy in an emergency, but several said they knew workers who had received official reprimands, the first step toward firing. Several said managers had told them of firing workers for such an offense.

"They let us know they'd fire people for going out the fire door, unless there was a fire." said Farris Cobb, who was a night supervisor at several Sam's Clubs in Florida. "They instilled in us they had done it before and they would do it again."

Mr. Cobb and several other workers interviewed about lock-ins were plaintiffs in lawsuits accusing Wal-Mart of forcing them to work off the clock, for example working several hours without pay after their shifts ended. Wal-Mart says it tells managers never to let employees work off the clock.

Janet Anderson, who was a night supervisor at a Sam's Club in Colorado from 1996 to 2002, said that many of her employees were also airmen stationed at a nearby Air Force base. Their commanders sometimes called the store to order them to report to duty immediately, but she said they often had to wait until a manager arrived around 6 a.m. She said one airman received a reprimand from management for leaving by the fire door to report for duty.

Ms. Anderson also told of a worker who had broken his foot one night while using a cardboard box baler and had to wait four hours for someone to open the door. She said the store's managers had lied to her and the overnight crew, telling them the fire doors could not be physically opened by the workers and that the doors would open automatically when the fire alarm was triggered.

Only after several years as night supervisor did she learn that she could open the fire door from inside, she said, but she was told she faced dismissal if she opened it when there was no fire. One night, she said, she cut her finger badly with a box cutter but dared not go out the fire exit — waiting until morning to get 13 stitches at a hospital.

The federal government and almost all states do not bar locking in workers so long as they have access to an emergency exit. But several longtime Wal-Mart workers recalled that in the late 1980's and early 1990's, the fire doors of some Wal-Marts were chained shut.

Wal-Mart officials said they cracked down on that practice after an overnight stocker at a store in Savannah, Ga., collapsed and died in 1988. Paramedics could not get into the store soon enough because the employees inside could not open the fire door or front door, and there was no manager with a key.

"We certainly do not do that now," Ms. Williams said. "It's not been that way for a long time."

Explaining the policy, she said, "Only about 10 percent of our stores do not allow associates to come and go at will, and these are generally in higher crime areas where the associates' safety is considered an issue."

Mr. Lewis, the former store manager, said he had been willing to get out of bed at any hour to drive back to his store to unlock the door in an emergency. But he said many Sam's Club managers were not as responsive. "Sometimes you couldn't get hold of a manager," he said. "The tendency of managers was to sleep through the nights. They let the answering machine pick up."

Mr. Cobb, the overnight supervisor in Florida, said he remembered once when a stocker was deathly sick, throwing up repeatedly. He said he called the store manager at home and told him, " `You need to come let this person out.' He said: `Find one of the mattresses. Have him lay down on the floor.'

"I went into certain situations like that, and I called store managers, and they pretty much told me that they wouldn't come in to unlock the door. So I would call another manager, and a lot of times they would tell you that they were on their way, when they weren't."

Mr. Cobb said the Wal-Mart rule that generally prohibits employees from working more than 40 hours a week to avoid paying overtime played out in strange ways for night-shift employees. Mr. Cobb said that on many workers' fifth work day of the week, they would approach the 40-hour mark and then clock out, usually around 1 a.m. They would then have to sit around, napping, playing cards or watching television, until a manager arrived at 6 a.m.

Roy Ellsworth Jr., who was a cashier at a Wal-Mart in Pueblo, Colo., said he was normally scheduled to work until the store closed at 10 p.m., but most nights management locked the front door, at closing time, and did not let workers leave until everyone had straightened up the store.

"They would keep us there for however long they wanted," Mr. Ellsworth said. "It was often for half an hour, and it could be two hours or longer during Christmas season."

One night, shortly after closing time, Mr. Ellsworth had an asthma attack. "My inhaler hardly helped," he said. "I couldn't breathe. I felt I was going to pass out. I got fuzzy vision. I told the assistant manager I really needed to go to the hospital. He pretty much got in my face and told me not to leave or I'd get fired. I was having trouble standing. When I finally told him I was going to call a lawyer, he finally let me out."

One top Wal-Mart official said: "If those things happened five or six years ago, we're a very large company with more that 3,000 stores, and individual instances like that could happen. That's certainly not something Wal-Mart would condone."


Posted by Liz at 04:24 AM | Feedback (0)
January 15, 2004
Attention Bloggers
I found this bloggers survey on Joi Ito's blog and I decided to participate in it and pass it along here. This blogging thing really seems to have taken off, doesn't it?

Posted by Liz at 01:51 AM | Feedback (0)
January 14, 2004
American Sucker
David Denby is a writer for the New Yorker. I saw an interview with him on Charlie Rose. It was really fascinating. Mr. Denby tells the story of his personal life falling apart, and his submersion into the stock market and internet porn. I contacted his publicist and I'm hoping to get an autographed copy of his new book entitled, American Sucker.

*1/14/04 -The reply I recieved from the publicist:

Liz,
I'll pass along your compliments to David Denby. If you're interested in having him sign a book, I'd call the Upper West Side B&N (quickly--the signing is tonight!) and have them get it done for you. They should be able to take your credit card over the phone and send the book to you. If you miss that opportunity, David will be on tour off and on through Feb. You can check out our website, www.twbookmark.com, for his schedule and contact any of the stores on his tour.

Best,
Heather Fain

Posted by Liz at 01:38 AM | Feedback (0)
January 13, 2004
Blogging Hits The NY Times
I'm watching the Today show and Matt Laurer is whipped into a frenzy over blogging of all things. The evil internet strikes again! Grab your kids and hide. The author of an article in the NY Times tried to calm Matt's fears. I've printed the article out here. According to what the author said on the Today show, bloggers have pretty full lives; but we knew that didn't we?


Current mood: hopeful

Current Music: Rage Against The Machine

January 11, 2004
My So-Called Blog
By EMILY NUSSBAUM

When M. gets home from school, he immediately logs on to his computer. Then he stays there, touching base with the people he has seen all day long, floating in a kind of multitasking heaven of communication. First, he clicks on his Web log, or blog -- an online diary he keeps on a Web site called LiveJournal -- and checks for responses from his readers. Next he reads his friends' journals, contributing his distinctive brand of wry, supportive commentary to their observations. Then he returns to his own journal to compose his entries: sometimes confessional, more often dry private jokes or koanlike observations on life.

Finally, he spends a long time -- sometimes hours -- exchanging instant messages, a form of communication far more common among teenagers than phone calls. In multiple dialogue boxes on his computer screen, he'll type real-time conversations with several friends at once; if he leaves the house to hang out in the real world, he'll come back and instant-message some more, and sometimes cut and paste transcripts of these conversations into his online journal. All this upkeep can get in the way of homework, he admitted. ''You keep telling yourself, 'Don't look, don't look!' And you keep on checking your e-mail.'' M. is an unusually Zen teenage boy -- dreamy and ruminative about his personal relationships. But his obsessive online habits are hardly exceptional; he is one of a generation of compulsive self-chroniclers, a fleet of juvenile Marcel Prousts gone wild. When he meets new friends in real life, M. offers them access to his online world. ''That's how you introduce yourself,'' he said. ''It's like, here's my cellphone number, my e-mail, my screen name, oh, and -- here's my LiveJournal. Personally, I'd go to that person's LJ before I'd call them or e-mail them or contact them on AIM'' -- AOL Instant Messenger -- ''because I would know them better that way.''

Only five years ago, mounting an online journal or its close cousin, the blog, required at least a modicum of technical know-how. But today, using sites like LiveJournal or Blogger or Xanga, users can sign up for a free account, and with little computer knowledge design a site within minutes. According to figures released last October by Perseus Development Corporation, a company that designs software for online surveys, there are expected to be 10 million blogs by the end of 2004. In the news media, the blog explosion has been portrayed as a transformation of the industry, a thousand minipundits blooming. But the vast majority of bloggers are teens and young adults. Ninety percent of those with blogs are between 13 and 29 years old; a full 51 percent are between 13 and 19, according to Perseus. Many teen blogs are short-lived experiments. But for a significant number, they become a way of life, a daily record of a community's private thoughts -- a kind of invisible high school that floats above the daily life of teenagers.

Back in the 1980's, when I attended high school, reading someone's diary would have been the ultimate intrusion. But communication was rudimentary back then. There were no cellphones, or answering machines; there was no ''texting,'' no MP3's or JPEG's, no digital cameras or file-sharing software; there was no World Wide Web -- none of the private-ish, public-ish, superimmediate forums kids today take for granted. If this new technology has provided a million ways to stay in touch, it has also acted as both an amplifier and a distortion device for human intimacy. The new forms of communication are madly contradictory: anonymous, but traceable; instantaneous, then saved forever (unless deleted in a snit). In such an unstable environment, it's no wonder that distinctions between healthy candor and ''too much information'' are in flux and that so many find themselves helplessly confessing, as if a generation were given a massive technological truth serum.

A result of all this self-chronicling is that the private experience of adolescence -- a period traditionally marked by seizures of self-consciousness and personal confessions wrapped in layers and hidden in a sock drawer -- has been made public. Peer into an online journal, and you find the operatic texture of teenage life with its fits of romantic misery, quick-change moods and sardonic inside jokes. Gossip spreads like poison. Diary writers compete for attention, then fret when they get it. And everything parents fear is true. (For one thing, their children view them as stupid and insane, with terrible musical taste.) But the linked journals also form a community, an intriguing, unchecked experiment in silent group therapy -- a hive mind in which everyone commiserates about how it feels to be an outsider, in perfect choral unison.

For many in the generation that has grown up online, the solution is not to fight this technological loss of privacy, but to give in and embrace it: to stop worrying and learn to love the Web. It's a generational shift that has multiple roots, from Ricki Lake to the memoir boom to the A.A. confessional, not to mention 13 seasons of ''The Real World.'' The teenagers who post journals have (depending on your perspective) a degraded or a relaxed sense of privacy; their experiences may be personal, but there's no shame in sharing. As the reality-television stars put it, exposure may be painful at times, but it's all part of the process of ''putting it out there,'' risking judgment and letting people in. If teen bloggers give something up by sloughing off a self-protective layer, they get something back too -- a new kind of intimacy, a sense that they are known and listened to. This is their life, for anyone to read. As long as their parents don't find out.


It was early September, the start of the school year in an affluent high school in Westchester County, just north of New York City, where I was focusing my teen-blogging expedition. The halls were filled with students and the walls were covered with posters urging extracurricular activities. (''Instant popularity, minus the hazing,'' read one.) I had come looking for J., a boy I'd never seen, though I knew many of the details of his life. (J., like most of the teenage bloggers I interviewed, insisted he not be identified, in part because his parents didn't know about his blog.) On a Web site called Blurty, he kept an online journal, titled ''Laugh at Me.'' In his user profile he described himself this way: ''I have depression, bad skin, weight problems, low self-esteem, few friends and many more reasons why I am angry.'' In his online outpourings, J. inveighed hilariously against his parents, his teachers and friends who had let him down. ''Hey everyone ever,'' he wrote in one entry. ''Stop making fun of people. It really is a sucky thing to do, especially if you hate being made fun of yourself. . . . This has been a public service announcement. You may now resume your stupid hypocritical, lying lives.''

I was half-expecting a pimply nightmare boy, all monosyllables and misery. Instead, J. turned out to be a cute 15-year-old with a shy smile. A little bit jittery, he sat with his knees apart, admiring his own Converse sneakers. He had chosen an unfortunately public place for this interview -- a stairwell near the cafeteria and directly across from the teacher's lounge -- although he insisted that we were in an obscure location.

J. had had his Blurty journal for about a year. He called it ''better than therapy,'' a way to get out his true feelings -- all the emotions he thought might get him in trouble if he expressed them in school or at home. Online, he could blurt out confessions of loneliness and insecurity, worrying aloud about slights from friends. Yet despite the fact that he knew that anyone who wanted to could read his journal -- and that a few friends did, leaving comments at the ends of his posts -- he also maintained the notion that what he was doing was private. He didn't write for an audience, he said; he just wrote what he was feeling.

Writing in his online journal was cathartic for him, he said, but it was hardly stress-free. A week earlier, he left a post about an unrequited crush, and an anonymous someone appended negative comments, remarks J. wouldn't detail (he deleted them), but which he described with distress as ''disgusting language, vulgarities.'' J. panicked, worried that the girl he liked might learn about the vulgar comments and, by extension, his attraction to her. It was a somewhat mysterious concern. Couldn't the girl have read his original post, I asked? And anyway, didn't he secretly want her to read his journal? ''Of course,'' he moaned, leaning against the banister. ''For all I know she does. For all I know, she doesn't.''

J.'s sense of private and public was filled with these kinds of contradictions: he wanted his posts to be read, and feared that people would read them, and hoped that people would read them, and didn't care if people read them. He wanted to be included while priding himself on his outsider status. And while he sometimes wrote messages that were explicitly public -- announcing a band practice, for instance -- he also had his own stringent notions of etiquette. His crush had an online journal, but J. had never read it; that would be too intrusive, he explained.

In any case, today he was in a strikingly good mood. After a year of posting his journal on Blurty, which few of his fellow students used, he was switching to a different Web site: LiveJournal, the enclave of many kids in his school's punk set. He'd spent the last day or two transferring all his old posts, setting up a friends list and concocting a new ''icon,'' the tiny symbol that would represent him when he posted: a blurry shot of his face in profile. Unlike Blurty, where accounts are free for anyone who signs up, LiveJournal was restricted. (That policy has since changed.) You either had to pay to join (which J. couldn't afford) or be offered a coveted membership -- a private ''code'' -- by someone who already belonged. The policy was intended to make members accountable to one another, but it also had the effect of creating an invisible clique. For J., it was a sign that he might belong at last.


While the sites that are hosts to online journals may attract different crowds, their formats vary only slightly: a LiveJournal is a Blurty is a Xanga is a DeadJournal is a DiaryLand. A typical page shows a dated list of entries, beginning with the most recent. Many posts are short, surrealistic one-liners: ''I just peeled a freckle off my neck. Does that mean it's not a freckle?'' Others are more like visual poems, featuring a quirky series of scanned pictures (monkeys and robots are popular), a quote from a favorite song or a link to a strange news story. Some posts consist of transcripts of instant-message conversations, posted with or without permission (a tradition I discovered when a boy copied one of our initial online conversations under the heading ''i like how older people have grammar online'').

But a significant number of writers treat their journals as actual diaries, toting up detailed accounts of their day. ''I watched the miracle of life today in bio, and it was such a huge letdown,'' read one post. ''I was expecting it to be funny and sexual but it was way too scientific for my liking, and a bit yucky too, but not as bad as people made it out to be. Although, my not being able to laugh made me feel a bit too old. Current mood: disappointed.''

Then there are the kinds of posts that fulfill a parent's worst paranoia. ''It was just a nite of lying to my dad,'' reads one entry posted last fall. ''At like 7ish we started drinking, but i didnt have THAT much. And i figured out y i drink so much. Cuz i really really don't like being sober with drunk people. . . . i have more homework to do than imaginable. And to make it better, im hungover and feel sick. Great . . . great. DRINKING IS BAD!!''

Other entries are just plain poignant. ''My father is suing my mom on no real grounds. He just wants to 'destroy her' and I am trying my best to stay 'neutral.' Things seem real foggy, but I am told that they should turn out for the best. I just don't know. Affection needed. Current mood: indescribable.''

f a journal may look at first like a simple recitation of events, the fact that readers can comment renders it deeply interactive. (On some sites, like Xanga, you can give ''eProps'' for particularly good posts -- the equivalent of gold stars.) Most comments are wisecracks or sympathetic one-liners. Occasionally people respond with hostility. The threads of comments can amount to a public miniconversation, in which a group of friends debates a subject or plans an event or offers advice. ''I need your help,'' one poster wrote. ''Yes, your help. You, the one reading this . . . what am i supposed to do when the dynamic of a once-romantic relationship sort of changes but sort of doesn't, and the next week i continually try to get in touch with the girl but she is either not there or can't talk very long, and before this change in the dynamic she was always available?'' A string of friends offered suggestions, from ''don't call her so much'' to ''confront her . . . what she's doing isn't fair to you.''

In daily life, most bloggers don't talk about what they say online. One boy engaged in vociferous debates on Mideast policy with another blogger, a senior a year ahead of him. Yet the two never spoke in school, going only so far as to make eye contact in the halls.

Silences like this can create paranoia. It may be that friends just didn't read the post. Or it may mean they thought the post was stupid. There's a temptation to take silence -- in real life or online -- as a snub. ''If I get a really mean comment and I go back and I look at it again, and again, it starts to bother me,'' M. told me. ''But then I think, If I delete it, everyone will know this bothers me. But if I respond, it'll mean I need to fight back. So it turns into a conflict, but it's fun. It's like a soap opera, kind of.''

It's a drama heightened by the fact that journals are linked to one another, creating a constant juxtaposition of posts among the students. For example, on LiveJournal, you can click a ''friends'' link and catch up on your friends' experiences without ever speaking, with everyone's accounts posted next to one another in a kind of word collage. For many, this transforms daily life. Teen bloggers are constantly considering how they'll turn a noteworthy moment into an online post. After a party or a concert, these accounts can amount to a prismatic portrait of the evening.

But even this endless linking only begins to touch on the complex ways these blogs are obsessively interconnected and personalized. L. has had an online journal for two and a half years, and it has morphed along

with her. At first, her interest list (part of the user profile) consisted of topics like aromatherapy, yoga and Zen -- each of which linked to people with the same interest. She deleted that list and started over. In her next phase, she was obsessed with Freudian psychology. Now she lists fashion trends and belongs to the Flapper, Saucy Dwellings and Sex Tips blog rings.

Over the course of the fall, she changed the title of her Web log more than five times. L. relishes the way subtle choices of design and phrasing lend her posts a winking mysteriousness, hinting at feelings without making them explicit. ''I don't think I reveal too much; if I'm upset, I don't say why,'' she told me. ''In the beginning, I was just like, there shouldn't be private posts, this should all be public. But then it makes you very vulnerable.'' And her attitude goes double for her parents. ''I don't talk to them about anything. They'll be like, 'How was school?' And I'll be like, 'Fine.' And that was it.''

Many of a journal's markers of personal identity are hilariously telegraphic. There are sometimes slots for a journalizer's mood and current music. (Sample moods: ''stoned,'' ''restless,'' ''accomplished,'' ''confused'' and ''braces off Tuesday.'') Journal writers link en masse to sardonic identity questionnaires, like ''How Indie Am I?'' And every once in a while, someone posts a random list of questions, and everyone's journal fills up with simultaneous answers to queries like ''Do you believe in an afterlife?'' or ''Name Four Things You Wish You Had.'' (''1. A flat tummy; 2. people that would miss me; 3. my copy of 'perks of being a wallflower' back; 4. talent at ANYTHING.'')

It's possible to make posts private -- or ''friends only'' -- but many journal keepers don't bother, or do so only for selected posts. The general degree of anonymity varies: some bloggers post their full names, others give quirky, quasi-revelatory handles. No wonder everyone is up till 5 a.m. tweaking their font size and Photoshopping a new icon. At heart, an online journal is like a hyperflexible adolescent body -- but better, because in real life, it takes money and physical effort to add a piercing, or to switch from zip-jacketed mod to Abercrombie prepster. A LiveJournal or Blurty offers a creative outlet with a hundred moving parts. And unlike a real journal, with a blog, your friends are all around, invisible voyeurs -- at least until they chime in with a comment.


For many of the suburban students I met, online journals are associated with the ''emo'' crowd -- a sarcastic term for emotional, and a tag for a musical genre mingling thrash-punk with confessionalism. The emo kids tend to be the artsy loners and punks, but as I spent more time lurking in journals and talking to the kids who wrote them, I began to realize that these threads led out much farther into the high school, into pretty much every clique.

On a sunny fall day, M. and his friends were hanging out in front of a local toy store, shooting photos of one another with digital cameras, when a group of three girls sashayed by. They sported tank tops, identical hairbands and identical shiny hair. I walked over to them and asked if they have LiveJournals. ''No,'' one said. ''We have Xangas.''

They were all 15, around the same age as M. and his friends. But the two groups had never read the other's posts. M.'s crowd was emo (or at least emo-ish; like ''politically correct,'' ''emo'' is a word people rarely apply to themselves). These girls were part of the athletic crowd. There was little overlap, online or off. But the girls were fully familiar with the online etiquette M. described: they instant-messaged compulsively; they gossiped online.

With so much confessional drama, I began to wonder if interactions ever swung out of control. Does anyone ever post anything that seems like too much information? I asked. They all nodded intently, tossing nervous eye contact back and forth.

''Yeah,'' one of the girls replied finally, with a deep sigh. ''This one girl, she was really upset, and she would write things that had happened to her that were really scary. Private things that didn't really need to be said on the site -- ''

Her friend interrupted: ''But she knew she was putting it out there. She said, 'I don't care.' ''

''It was nice that she was comfortable about it,'' suggested the third girl.

Her friend disagreed. ''It was not nice.''

What kinds of things did she write about? I asked. Eating disorders? Sex? ''All of it,'' they said in unison. ''All of it.''

I walked back to M. and his group. ''Those girls are just, like, social girls,'' said M. dismissively. When I told him they had online journals, he seemed astonished. ''Really?'' He said. ''Huh.'' He watched with amusement as they walked away.

Blogging is a replication of real life: each pool of blogs is its own ecosystem, with only occasional links to other worlds. As I surfed from site to site, it became apparent that as much as journals can break stereotypes, some patterns are crushingly predictable: the cheerleaders post screen grabs of the Fox TV show ''The O.C.''; kids who identify with ''ghetto'' culture use hip-hop slang; the geeks gush over Japanese anime. And while there are exceptions, many journal writers exhibit a surprising lack of curiosity about the journals of true strangers. They're too busy writing posts to browse.

But even diaries that seem at first predictable can have the power to startle. Take J.K., whose Xanga titled ''No Fat Chicks'' features a peculiar mix of introspection and bully-boy bombast. Some of J.K.'s entries this fall brooded on his bench-warmer status on the football team. ''Do the coaches want me to quit?'' he worried in one post. ''I know that some people have to sit out, that's just the way it works, and I accept that. But does it have to be me when we're down 36 points and the clock is winding down?''

In J.K.'s diary, revelations of insecurity alternate with chest-beating bombast, juvenile jokes and self-mocking claims of sexual prowess. From a teen poet, you expect angsty navel-gazing; it's more surprising to find it in a jock like J.K. In one post, he analyzed his history as a bully during ''middle school, the time of popularity,'' when he did ''things too heinous to even mention.'' In response, a reader posted a long, angry comment, doubting J.K.'s sincerity: ''I don't think you understand what hatred I used to have for you because of how you made me feel . . . you can't go back in time, but you can try to make up for what you've done in the past.''

Occasionally, a particularly scandalous site will gain a wider readership. It's a social phenomenon made possible by technology: the object of gossip using her Web site as a public stage to tell her side of the story, to everyone, all at once. As I asked around the high school, I found that many other students had heard of the girl the ''social girls'' had described to me -- a student whose confessional postings had became something of a must-read the spring before. Over the course of a monthslong breakdown, she posted graphic descriptions of cutting herself, family fights, sex. It was all documented on her Web log, complete with photos and real names. (She has since removed the material from her site.)

The blog turned her into a minor celebrity, at first among the social crowd, then among their friends and siblings as well. ''We were addicted -- we would track every minute,'' one student explained. ''We would call each other and go, 'Oh, my god, she wrote again!' '' With each post, her readers would encourage her to write more. ''Wow u should be writing a book,'' one wrote. ''Ur stories are exactly like one of those teen diary books that other teens can relate to. That might sound corny but its so true.''

The girls who read the journal were divided on the subject. Some called the Web site an unhealthy bid for attention -- not to mention revenge, since she often posted unflattering details about her ex-boyfriend and former friends. Others were more sympathetic. ''I think I empathized with her after reading it, because I'd just heard the stories,'' one girl explained. ''But then she was saying, 'I felt so sad, and I was in this really dark place, and my parents were fighting, and I was cutting myself' -- so I could understand it more. Before, it was just gossip. It made her seem more like a person than just, like, this character.''

These dynamics are invisible to most adults, whether at home or school. Students occasionally show the school psychologist their journals, pulling up posts on her computer or sharing printed transcripts of instant messages. But the psychologist rarely sought them out herself, she told me, and she was surprised to hear that boys kept them. She called the journals a boon for shy students and admired the way they encouraged kids to express themselves in writing. But she also noticed a recent rise in journal-based conflicts, mostly situations where friends attack one another after a falling out. ''They think that they're getting close by sharing,'' she said, ''but it allows them to say things they wouldn't otherwise say, to be hurtful at a distance.'' When I mentioned the material I'd read about the girl who was cutting herself, she went silent. ''You know,'' she said, ''I really should read more into these.''

The scandalous journal is an extreme variation, but teen bloggers often joke about the pressure to post with angst; controversy gets more commentary, after all. (Entries often apologize for not having anything exciting to say.) But if there's something troubling about the kind of online scandal that breeds a high-school Sylvia Plath -- an angstier-than-thou exhibitionism -- there's also something almost utopian at the endeavor's heart. So much high-school pain comes from the sense of being alone with one's stupid, self-destructive impulses. With so many teenagers baring their vulnerabilities, there is the potential for breaking down isolation. A kind of online Breakfast Club, perhaps, in which a little surfing turns up the insecurity that lurks in all of us.


For some journal keepers, the connections made online can be life-altering. In late November, I checked in on J., the author of ''Laugh at Me.'' All fall, his LiveJournal had been hopping, documenting milestones (a learner's permit!), philosophical insights, complaints about parental dorkiness and plans for something called Operation Backfire, in which he mocks another kid he hates -- a kid who has filled his own journal on Xanga with right-wing rants. ''I felt happy/victorious,'' wrote J. about taunting his enemy. ''And rightly so.''

In the new context of LiveJournal, J.'s posts had become increasingly interactive, with frequent remarks about parties and weekend plans; they seemed less purely rantlike, and he was posting comments on other people's journals. When I contacted him via instant message, he told me that he was feeling less friendless than he was when the semester started.

''I feel more included and such,'' he typed just after Thanksgiving, describing the effect of having switched to LiveJournal from his more isolated Blurty. ''All community-ish.'' He was planning to attend a concert of World/Inferno Friendship Society, a band with a LiveJournal following. And he'd become closer friends in real life with some fellow LJ'ers, including L., who had given J. an emo makeover. He'd begun wearing tight, dark jeans and had ''forcibly retired'' his old sneakers.

Once J. decided to switch to LiveJournal, LiveJournal began changing him in turn. Perhaps he was adjusting himself to reflect the way he is online: assertive and openly emotional, more than a bit bratty. He'd become more comfortable talking to girls. And if he seemed to have forgotten his invocation not to make fun of anyone, at least he was standing up for himself.

J. had also signed up for a new online journal: a Xanga. He got it, he said, to branch out. He wanted to be able to comment on the journals of other students he knows are out there, including that of bully-boy J.K., where I was surprised to find one of J.'s comments in early November. ''I made a xanga for myself because i keep hearing that that's whats 'cool' now,'' he wrote on his LJ with a distinctive mixture of rue and satisfaction, the very flavor of adolescent change. ''And yet i always try to pride myself on not following status quo. I'm a hypocrite. O yes i am. Current mood: Hypocritical. Current music: Mogwai.''



Emily Nussbaum contributes the Reruns column to the Arts & Leisure section of The Times.


Posted by Liz at 09:05 AM | Feedback (5)
January 11, 2004
Does My Talent Ever Quit?
While many of you might wish my "talent" would quit, don't get excited, it just so happens I was able to grind out, yet another masterpiece of creativity and cynicism. Taken from and inspired by, the inner workings of my little mind, I'd like to share this doodle with you. Last night, I was watching these crazy shows on MTV, where these fools (ALA- Jackass, Viva la Bam, Wild Boys) attempt, what I think is, pointless stunts on themselves and family and friends. The producers slap warnings! all over the programs because you know some dopey kid will try it at home, get mammed and then sue. This morning I saw the new Dorito's commerial, where the woman climbs a mountainous shelf in a grocery store to get to the bag of chips at the top. These producers actually put a warning! at the bottom of the screen. Jesus Christ, are we all retarded now? I thought about how slapping a warning! on the real dare devil feats of life might be helpful for some. So the following animation is what I came up with. Calm down, I won't be posting this crap everyday. Hehe!




Posted by Liz at 06:22 PM | Feedback (3)
Political Prisoner Sherman Austin
Sherman has been made a scapegoat of the phony US Patriot Act. Read about Sherman's case in this Spin Magazine article and view his website, RaiseTheFist!.com. It really makes you wonder about the justice system (read: racist/class system) in this country. Did we slap Martha Stewart, or Enron exec.'s behind bars this quickly and furiously? We have money to spend on housing and feeding a Sherman Austin, yet drug addicts and the mentally ill roam the streets?


A recent photo of Austin, incarcerated. He is due to be released in September 2004.



Posted by Liz at 04:29 PM | Feedback (0)
January 10, 2004
MC5 Played In The Background
I was up all night again & created this little diddy. Don't worry, they'll get better, I'm just a little rusty. I haven't doodled since I quit working. Hehe bad Liz... bad.


*Note To Ben:
See I do like rock ;)

Posted by Liz at 07:27 AM | Feedback (7)
January 08, 2004
Watch What You Wish For
"You want a part of me
Well, I'm not selling cheap
No, I'm not selling cheap" ~ Hole, Celebrity Skin



This discussion has come up lately, with my friends and I. How much are you willing to settle for to have a relationship? On my end, I can declare, the older I get the less willing I am to overlook the undesirable things about a potential mate. When I was in my 20's, I could overlook and rationalize a lot to have a boyfriend.
Now, it seems as though the more self-assured I become, I don't reconcile with less than what I feel I deserve. I'm looking for specific qualities in a man, and I'm very clear about what they are. Of course, they are many of the traits I like in myself. I find that I no longer need a man to share a lung or be joined at the hip. I want an equal and confidante in a man. I don't want to do all the coaching and teaching in exchange for the illusion of control. I do not want someone who will morph into my life and behave like a pet. I lose respect for a man like that, (and yes, I have had the boyfriend who was content to sit there while I got my nails done or clean up after me). Now you might ask, what qualities am I looking for, and my answer generally speaking, is someone who enriches my life. Not an individual who "needs" me, but a companion who brings something that wasn't necessarily there before. A comrade who stands for something. An independent spirit that compliments my own. Occasionally, I can feel myself being manipulated into believing the more high-minded my standards, the more probability I have of remaining "unattached". Then I put societies trickery to the side and remember its really the more likelihood I have at continuing to feel the joy in my life, just as it is today.


Posted by Liz at 03:23 AM | Feedback (4)
January 07, 2004
Luck Be A Lady Tonight
As many of you know, I'm looking for a new gig. I might be nuts, call me idiotic, but I'm really excited about it. The fact that my last job left much to be desired, only makes me more determined to reach for the stars and KNOW that I deserve it this time. I have totally envisioned the kind of place I want to go to work. NOT an office full of woman for starters. I believe that proportion, in reality, affects what the employer believes they have to pay. I know the salary I need, and the level of responsibility I can offer a potential employer. Now, all I need is a bit of luck!!

Top Four Tips for Becoming Lucky:

*Listen to your gut instincts - they are normally right

*Be open to new experiences and breaking your normal routine

*Spend a few moments each day remembering things that went well

*Visualise yourself being lucky before an important meeting or telephone call. Luck is very often a self-fulfilling prophecy

Posted by Liz at 12:49 AM | Feedback (7)
January 06, 2004
Kickin It Old Skool~ Just For A Minute
In the 80's I adored rap. I mean I really loved it; it’s all I listened too. Fortunately, my boyfriend at the time loved it too. I remember the first time we saw RUN/DMC on MTV and the whole New York City vibe thrust forward loud and clear. The whole craze about rap was that it was all in relation to New York City and urban life. I saw this new CD on TV and it took me right back in time. I saw so many of those "old skool" performers and more than once! The likes of Kurtis Blow, LL Cool Jay, Run/DMC, Whodini, Roxanne Shante, EPMD, Public Enemy and The Fat Boys, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, just to name a few. There were so many others. This is who my concert going years were spent seeing. No rock, no hair bands, just urban, funny, integrated videos beats and concerts. Two turntables and a microphone, that was our mantra. Damn, I wanted that CD, just for a minute.



Posted by Liz at 03:21 AM | Feedback (9)
January 05, 2004
Concerns Of The Day
Tonight I purchased two prescriptions that I need. Total cost without a script plan, $105.00. I want to find another option and I'm thinking of mail ordering from Canada. I've heard a lot about that as an option, problem is I know nothing about how to go about it. If anyone knows, could you drop me a line?


I was pulling into the driveway tonight, and my favorite little neighborhood doggie was going for her nightly constitutional. I had to snap a pic! She is part Chihuahua and Pomeranian. How cute is she?*squeals* her name is Coco, which happens to be my favorite perfume.


MoveOn.org was accused of comparing Bush to Hitler and calling Bush a liar. I personally, am not offended. I love MoveOn.org. I’m thinking of registering with another party. I don’t know which one yet, but both the Democrats and Republicans have sold this country up the river. The Democrats play both ends against the middle and stand for nothing. I plan on attending a few demonstrations while I’m out of work.

I purchased the new collection of Spike Jonze videos & short films that just came out on DVD. It’s an excellent series, Spike is my favorite. I can’t believe that he and fashion icon/director Sophia Coppola are divorcing! They seemed like a cool couple. Both successful directors, both creative forces. I would want a successful, creative man. I think about what kind of man would keep my life interesting; and pay for my meds.


Posted by Liz at 11:42 PM | Feedback (2)
Another dip in the gallery


The Garden of Earthly Delights - Hieronymus Bosch

This painting holds a special place for me, as it is the first print Chris and I bought after we were married. She liked it because of the way the artist handled the themes of life, temptation, corruption and the damnation of the sinner with consummate skill and obvious deep learning, weaving allusions to biblical tales with condemnations of then state of the church and exhortations for the viewer to act well of suffer the results - I liked it because the colours matched the wallpaper I wanted in the living room.




This is the link for a big version - you will need it!
http://www.boschuniverse.org/hisworks/garden_of_earthly_delights/large.jpg

I am not sure if I would call this a masterpiece as the work of Bosch, at least the work that survives, is all of a consistent quality – it’s the ideas and the window on to a lost world I find so compelling.

The work is a triptych – a three-part work probably meant as an altarpiece to be viewed by a public who could not read the Latin Bible but knew full well the allegories and warnings contained therein by virtue of the minister who would castigate and cajole each week from the pulpit.

What Bosch did was provide a symbolic representation of the holy texts – most of which we can only guess at today as we are far from the 15th Century Flanders of Bosch and all his influences. We can tell the big picture – the first panel is the Garden of Eden before the fall, a perfect concord with god. The last panel is Hell and the horrors that await……. That await those who inhabit the middle panel, from which the work gets its name – The Garden of Earthly Delights, the world in which we live, the world of temptation and pleasure where it is so easy to be drawn away from the word of God and into the arms of sensual carnality – and doom of course!

I think Bosch was a strict moralist, probably a member of one of the religious sects then flourishing in the Netherlands at the time who looked forward to the last judgment and abhorred some aspects of the orthodox Catholic Church, and wanted to warn against what he saw as a lascivious and wanton world. The figures are not sexual in the main – there is sex going on as you can see and all that exotic, round, fecund fruit testifies to, but the figures are naked because he is saying we are all naked before God. The language of allegory is hard for us to read now – perhaps there are influences from Splendor Solis, the illustrated alchemic text on death and rebirth or illustrations from Ovid’s (banned!)Ars Amatoria (the art of love). The use of the Owl is known as a reference to the nocturnal, death or doom. Fruit, of course, is a well known image for sexual organs as the use of a knife is for the sex act. Fish out of water meant death of Christian principles (fish..gettit?) and birds were symbols of devils. There are many others all very active in his work.

Didactic meaning – his need to teach the viewer the error of the world of pleasure – is somewhat dissipated by his obscure references and the fact the images he created tend to celebrate what they are meant to condemn – you can almost see the viewer in the church looking on this scene of depravity and thinking ‘Yea that’s disgusting! SO ungodly! Still….that scene over there….I wouldn’t mind some of THAT myself!’

Perhaps Bosch recognises this in himself for in the hell panel look at the tree like man with the bagpipes on his ‘hat’ – the face staring out at you is Bosch - there with the gamblers and gluttons and libertines. And Hell is for lascivious music and cant monks and everything else he sees as evil in the world. But there he is with everybody else! Is he saying that Hell is inevitable? Or there is so much temptation nobody can resist? Or that we all are human and subject to fail.

The Hell panel is most revealing I think. The Garden of Eden is an unobtainable perfection, the world of delight is the ultimate temptation but Bosch must punish so Hell starts with the inferno at the top of the panel – the last judgment with demons carting sinners to Hell. Into Hell, goes all those tempted and fallen with Satan as a bird eating souls and defecating into a pit of excrement while gluttons are forced to vomit into the pit and misers shit out their coins. A vain woman sees her true ugly self as she is fondled by a demon. Musicians are tortured with their own instruments and a wedding party is forced to sing by monsters.

And so we come back to Bosch looking out at us with a body of a broken eggshell. Is he reflecting his own moral fall? Inside the shell gamblers are at a table, was this his vice? And did he fear what awaited him?

Bosch used the same sort of theme in a lesser known work called The Hay Cart where the first panel was the fall the last Hell (again!) and the middle depicted a scene of people both high and low born trying to get there share of the hay on the cart. It is thought it is an allusion to psalm 102 of David:

Man's days are like those of grass; like a flower of the field he blooms; the wind sweeps over him and he is gone, and his place knows him no more.

Getting hay then is akin to getting pleasure. Once again man is just man and even the fires of Hell are not enough to deter him form getting pleasure in this world.

This work is a call to return of ideal state – but underneath is a realisation that there may never be that ideal state again and we are all doomed…..




To end I would also like to draw you attention to another of his works ‘Ecce Homo’ – it’s a depiction of the moment when Pilate shows Jesus to the crowd calling for his execution and calls out Ecce Homo – behold the man! Pilate is saying look he is a man like you no criminal, no god, no daemon just a man. Bosch’s depiction of Jesus is just that – he looks like an ordinary man beaten, subdued and awaiting death. But not in that renaissance way of martyrdom showing through pain or god like patience and acceptance – no, Bosch was a late medieval protestant artist working outside the influence of Rome. The Jesus of Bosch is a human Jesus full of doubt and suffering just like the rest of us. The background is more like a town in his own lifetime rather than Jerusalem, with a square as a metaphor for life without God. Figures roam aimlessly around; some of them have gathered in front of the town hall, from which flies a red banner with a white crescent moon, a sign that the devil is in command.

In the foreground you can just see depictions of the family that commissioned the work – for some reason they were overpainted some years after the painting was made – this was removed in 1963 revealing the family that faces the rabble, but is clearly separated from them. A text in gilded letters reads: 'salva nos xpe redemptor': save our Christ the redeemer.

So while giving the nod to the commissioning family as being pious Bosch is once again showing us the frailty of the flesh….


sorry for the length - the next will be shorter!


Posted by Tony at 10:00 PM | Feedback (6)
Google That Guy
Tonight’s season premier of Sex and the City had Carrie googling for information on her latest boyfriend. I suppose the reason I always loved the show is because I could relate too much of it. Googling a new guy is no exception. I have googled men. For those of you who aren’t aware of this clandestine tactic, it’s when you put a person’s name into google and see what turns up. Mostly, I have googled old boyfriends, just to be nosey. I have to really like a chap to google him. I don’t just google anyone; I’m not that kind of girl. The results regarding my ex’s have always turned up a big nothing, much like the relationships, I’m sorry to say. I have a friend who had a crush on a guy who was doing some work around her house. When she googled him it eventually led his police record. Her crush and his work ended just about the same time. Another girlfriend told me she googled a guy recently to get his number, that lead to dinner. I’m wondering if men google woman? I bet most men haven’t ever thought of it. Ahh the phenomenon of the net never ceases to astound and delight me.




Posted by Liz at 01:00 PM | Feedback (10)
January 04, 2004
Dream Weaver
Last night I dreamt that I was going to interview Missy Elliott, of all people! She really isn't one of my favorites at all so I have no idea why my psyche conjured her up. Also, I dreamt that I was at an ice skating rink with prison convicts and people from my 8th grade class. I was afraid to put the ice skates on and I kept telling people that I hadn't been ice skating since 9th grade. One of the convicts liked me and I wanted to impress him. (Ugh, does the insanity ever end?) When I put the skates on, I was whirling around like a champ. (I said it was a dream, didn't I?) These premenstrual dreams are hellish. I know that's what puts these anxiety tapes on. Last month, for three nights in a row, I dreamt that I was back at my old job, trapped. It was terrifying. I kept walking around desperately trying to convince people,

"But I'm out of here; I'm collecting unemployment now and I'm happy."

To make matters worse, my dream boss was a nice, sophisticated, rational woman, unlike the situation, I left behind.

PMS dreams are hell; regular old nightmares. It's still early, and I believe this is actually a PMS post. Maybe I'll crawl back into bed and hope for a peaceful snooze this time.

Posted by Liz at 09:06 AM | Feedback (0)
January 02, 2004
Bring It On ~ 2004!
Jeanna and I took several trains too finally reach our destination, NYC. New Year's Eve in the big apple, and I'm ashamed to admit, it was my first,. Not the Time Square, ball dropping type of New Years, I would never subject myself to that. I did the small gathering on a friends roof top, brand of New Years. So much changed for me in 2003 and I'm sure 2004 will do it's damnedest for change. Best to ride the wave, and not get hung up on too much. When I thought of what I was grateful for, one overwhelming thing came to mind. I never have to be at a job I hate again. My self imposed exile to the city of Chester is over. Jesus Christ, that makes me happy. I'm excited about 2004. Resolutions? I don't have any. I learned a long time ago, life has to be lived, one day at a time. Sure, I would like to be healthier, find decent employment, get George W. out of office, and I'll do the best I can each day to achieve those goals. Now, click the link and I'll show ya some pics I took with the exception of one.

Mode of transportation



* Callum climbed a ladder too take this creative shot of me


Anne and Len got engaged on the roof top New Years Eve


A room with a view. Anne's new apartment over looks the west side



My cousin Peter, mentions this pizza place in his book. I have to have pizza when I'm in NYC



Roof top, I could see the fireworks and they inspired a feeling of hope



Jeanna and I got pedicures, manicures, massages. We strolled through Central Park and talked and talked and talked. Thank goodness for girlfriends



Central Park view, reminds me of that old movie, Rosemary's Baby, which was filmed in the Dakota



It was so nice to take a morning walk through Central Park


Posted by Liz at 11:09 PM | Feedback (12)