drollgirl

Chubby Cheeks

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:00 +0000

Chubby cheeks aren't necessarily a bad thing, right? Kinda cute? Kinda loveable? At least some of the time?

My hairdresser wanted to cut my hair in a way that emphasizes my eyes and my face, so she cut my bangs REALLLY REALLLY SHORT. I think the new 'do is cute and sassy and fun, and, as she said, playful (LOL). When my boyfriend saw my new 'do, he said he loved how it brought out my ~~cow eyes~~ eyes and MY CHUBBY CHEEKS. Argh! But he is right -- I do have chubby cheeks. :)

The Central Park Five

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:10:00 +0000

Have you seen this documentary? Do you know the story?

The Central Park Five, a new film from award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, tells the story of the five black and Latino teenagers from Harlem who were wrongly convicted of raping a white woman in New York City’s Central Park in 1989. The film chronicles The Central Park Jogger case, for the first time from the perspective of these five teenagers whose lives were upended by this miscarriage of justice.

Watch Central Park Five Preview on PBS. See more from Central Park Five.

The story of the Central Park Five raises important questions about race and class, the failings of our criminal justice system, legal protections for vulnerable juveniles, and basic human rights.

I think any person with a career in law enforcement, criminal justice, or journalism should be REQUIRED to watch this movie. I also think every citizen that may ever serve on a jury should be required to watch it.

I watched this movie last night, and it cut me to the core. I like to think that most people are good, that most people strive to become better and more enlightened beings, but that is not always the case. The criminal element will always exist. The need for a criminal and legal system will never go away. Those with the power to arrest, convict and prosecute should be held to a high standard -- we trust them to keep us safe and to deal fairly and effectively with those that commit crimes. They have big responsibilities, and they should be made to face serious consequences when they willfully thwart or impede justice and shirk their sworn responsibilities.

Watch the movie if you get a chance. You can find it on PBS in the United States, and/or purchase the DVD here.

Note: text in italics found here.

Kiddie Litter

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:21:00 +0000

OMFG. HILARIOUS AND HORRIFYING!

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,Video Archive

Dioramas

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:19:00 +0000

I went with my sister and nieces to visit the Natural History Museum over the weekend. I don't think I had been since I was a kid. I was BLOWN AWAY by how amazing the dioramas were (pictured above -- not great shots, but they give you a rough idea how cool the dioramas look). I just kept GAPING at them. They are total works of art -- startlingly realistic, incredibly detailed, and scientifically accurate. Totally believable. They transport you. They are AMAZING.

Long after I left the museum, I still could not stop thinking about the dioramas and wondering how I could get a job making them. !!!!!!DREAM JOB!!!!!! I investigated this notion a bit further by looking at the Natural History Museum website which has a page dedicated to the artists that create these dioramas. YAY!

From what I read, their are two types of artists involved with creating museum dioramas:

1) artists that develop compositions, paint backgrounds, and create settings for the dioramas; and,

2) taxidermists that create the animals for the dioramas.

I was an art major in college years ago. It is not easy to make a living with a degree in art, but I have almost always managed to find a job connected to the art world. BUT WOW, I never ever thought of becoming an artist that made dioramas for a museum. TALK ABOUT A DREAM JOB!!!!!!!! I wish I had thought of all of this and TRAINED FOR IT long ago!!!!

Needless to say, I am in absolute awe of what the artists, taxidermists and natural history museums present to us. If you get a chance, visit a natural history museum soon and check out the dioramas. I think/hope you will be impressed!

P.S. If this topic is of interest to you, you might want to check out this article with Tim Bovard, Taxidermist for the Natural History Museum, Los Angeles. TIM BOVARD, if you happen to see this blog post and think you might want to train me to assist you, PLEASE EMAIL ME! drollgirlmail@gmail.com :)

Here are pics of some SUPER dioramas (not my pics -- found via google images):

And here is a book on the same topic that I cannot wait to get!

CLEARLY I HAVE A NEW OBSESSION! :)

Jill Freedman

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Jill Freedman

Jill Freedman is a highly respected New York City documentary photographer whose award-winning work is included in the permanent collections of The Museum of Modern Art, the International Center of Photography, George Eastman House, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The New York Public Library, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, among others. She has appeared in solo and group exhibitions throughout the world, and has contributed to many publications. Jill Freedman is best known for her street and documentary photography, recalling the work of André Kertész, W. Eugene Smith, Dorothea Lange, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. She has published seven books: Old News: Resurrection City; Circus Days; Firehouse; Street Cops; A Time That Was: Irish Moments; Jill’s Dogs; and Ireland Ever.

images and bio found here

Financial Disclosure

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:15:00 +0000

Reader participation requested....

Just wondering how you and your significant other handle your finances. Is one responsible for paying all the bills and doling out allowances? Do both parties participate in the process? Do you both fully disclose your finances, your bills, etc. and decide how to spend every cent? Do you divvy up financial responsibilities and let everyone decide on their own how to handle any extra money? Other??????

A friend of mine divorced his first wife long ago, and money was one of their biggest issues. She shopped. A LOT. She tried to hide her bills and the tailspin of monumental debt that she created, but eventually the truth came out.

This friend of mine is now on marriage number two. He and his second wife have decided how to handle the bills. They have equitably distributed the bills between each other. They both contribute enough to cover their portion of the bills, and any left over money is considered "fun money" to be spent or saved as each of them see fit.

This friend hoards extra money every chance he gets, as he wants a cushion in case things don't work out with the marriage, and in case any future financial issues arise. He suspects his wife does the same. I am guessing that many couples handle their finances this way, but I am not sure.

I would LOVE to hear how you handle financial matters with your significant other (or, if you are between relationships, how you think you would like to handle such things on the next relationship go 'round).

Feel free to comment anonymously if need be. :)

P.S. Forgot to mention this earlier, but I am assuming the rules are different if you are NOT married/NOT living together, but feel free to inform me if you think otherwise!

Custom Smart Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:21:00 +0000

They say good things come in small packages. These customized Smart Cars have personality PLUS and look like fun. Well, maybe they look a little ridiculous, but sometimes it is nice to see ANYTHING other than the boring, traditional cars that we see every day. :)

Which one is your favorite?

It's All in the Name

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:55:00 +0000

I was at a kid baseball game over the weekend. A lady sitting behind me kept yelling after her son KEANU. It was all I could do not to laugh out loud every time she said that name.

Later on, another mother was yelling after her daughter MILEY. UGH! The horror!!!!

I was relaying this story to my co-worker (poor guy -- he gets to hear all of my useless observations) when he asked if I had seen this chart which lists the most popular baby names by state.

source

It is kind of astonishing how name trends sweep the nation, and come quickly in and out of fashion.

I used to work with a guy named Dustin Kilgore. One day I gushed to him that I just LOVED his name (omfg, who wouldn't love having the name KILGORE, especially anyone that is a fan of Kurt Vonnegut and his KILGORE TROUT character). Dustin told me he HATED his name, that he used to be fine with it until a kind of famous college wrestler with the same name came along and pretty much ruined his life. He HATED that he was constantly being mistaken for this wrestler and felt his art career suffered because of it. LOL! Sucky!!!! I would hate that too!!!

Thoughts on names? Would you rather have a unique name, or one that makes you blend in with the masses? Heard any especially good or bad names lately?

P.S. One of my neighbors has a dog named Ludacris. It makes me laugh every time I hear it.

Mike Brodie

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000

Mike Brodie

Born in 1985, Mike Brodie began photographing when he was given a Polaroid camera in 2004. Working under the moniker 'The Polaroid Kidd,' Brodie spent the next four years circumambulating the United States, amassing an archive of photographs that make up one of the few, true collections of American travel photography. Brodie made work in the tradition of photographers like Robert Frank, William Eggleston and Stephen Shore, but due to never having undergone any formal training he always remained untethered to the pressures and expectations of art market.

Brodie compulsively documented his exploration of the tumultuous world of transient subcultures without regard to how the photographs would exist beyond him. After feeling as though he documented all that he could of his subject, his insatiable wanderlust found a new passion, and as quickly as he began making photographs, he has left the medium to continue in his constant pursuit of new adventures.

In 2008, Brodie received the Baum Award for American Emerging Artists and has a forthcoming book to be published by Steidl, as well as numerous international shows. Brodie recently graduated from the Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC) and is now working as a diesel mechanic. Although Brodie has stopped making photographs, the body of work he made in only four short years has left a huge impact on the photo world, and is now being made available to the public.

Images and text found here

To read an interesting conversation between Barbara Davidson and the artist (published in the LA Times), click here.

Teamwork

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Well these stupid tees made me laugh.

Long ago when I was a teenager I worked at a carburetor shop where all employees had to wear matching red polo shirts that sported the employee name + the business logo. I guess it made getting dressed a bit easier, but it also made one feel like a corporate drone. The distinctive shirts also made it difficult to hide from customers. Har.

Later on in life I got a stupid job at UCLA where we had to wear NAME TAGS (!!!!!and nylons!!!!!) every day. IN AN OFFICE. HURL.

Being forced to wear one of these tees on the job wouldn't work so well for me. Clearly I am winning zero awards for my TEAMWORK attitude. ;]

All t-shirts and many more craptastic items available for purchase here

Pain & Gain

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:15:00 +0000

Have you seen the trailer for this movie yet? While watching the trailer in the theater, I grabbed my phone in a FRENZY and texted my sister that we HAD TO SEE THIS MOVIE TOGETHER. She giddily replied in the affirmative, and let me know that she is taking the Rock as her lover, and that I'll have to make do with Wahlberg as mine. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

If you want to see previous Hot or Not posts on The Rock AKA Dwayne Johnson and/or Marky Mark AKA Mark Wahlberg, click here and here.

P.S. I fully realize that this looks like a dopey American meathead/meatball/muscle-bound/small-brained/bulging eyes/flared nostrils/tiny dick & balls movie, but for some reason I am okay with that. Maybe because I just like looking at half-neked dudes that are built. ;]

The Hotel Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:29:00 +0000

Does the whole hotel thing drive anybody else crazy? Determining a vacation destination is hard enough, but then the hotel search begins.

BUDGET usually determines where I will stay. I grew up in a large family of six, and my parents didn't have much money. When we traveled, we went b-b-b-b-budget all the way, driving halfway across the country to see relatives, and staying in skeevy motels and eating in cheap restaurants. So that works. But then one day I tried a NICE hotel, and it kind of messed me up. Nice hotels are REALLY, REALLY NICE. But paying for them ISN'T. So most time I pretty much try and split the difference -- avoiding the super cheap options and not even bothering to check on the really expensive places. But I tend to get angry paying over $100 for a place that is just so-so and generic [I'm talking about you, American chain hotels]. Does that make sense? At least give me a CUTE ROOM if it is going to be any amount over super cheap, otherwise why should I bother?

Do a hotel's looks/accommodations reallllllly matter? It is just a place to sleep, right? How much time do you even spend IN the hotel room? I guess it is like saying any clothes will do as long as they cover a body, or any food will do as long as it provides nourishment, but that is sort of MINIMALIST thinking. Sometimes it is nice to indulge in things that go beyond what we really need. Ugh. It all drives me crazy!

I also struggle with how much to spend on a vacation. One week's pay? Two? Three? More? The boyfriend and I were considering taking a trip to Amsterdam next year, but I choked when I saw flight prices. $1800 round trip. For ONE. UGH. Then throw in hotel, food, entertainment, etc. and you are looking at one VERY EXPENSIVE TRIP for a week or ten days. UGH.

Needless to say, I am trying to plan a summer vacation, and I am getting overwhelmed. Budget ~~and fear of flying~~ dictates that it can't be too far away, or for too long, or very expensive [grumble grumble -- this happens every year and will most likely continue unless I budget funds better or win that frigging Powerball], but we will see what materializes. Or maybe I'll just go on the cheap and have a staycation with little road trips on the side. Humph.

Horrifying hotel story for you....my co-worker mentioned that he and his girlfriend were sleeping in a hotel one evening -- I think it was in Amsterdam -- when he heard someone opening their door in the middle of the night. !!!!!!!!!!!!! He yelped and told the would-be intruder that the room was occupied, and thankfully the person just closed the door and left. YEEEE-IKES!!!!! When I relayed this story to my boyfriend, he said this same exact thing had happened to him in two different hotels. !!!!OMFG!!!! Way to make me want to travel more!

ANYWAY! Do YOU have any interesting vacations planned for the year? Any fab or horrifying hotel stories? Details, por favor!

P.S. If you like the looks of any of the hotels above, hover over the picture to find the name and destination. Links are listed below.

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali
Amangiri Resort, Utah, USA
Adrere Amellal Ecolodge, Egypt
Angsana, Marrakech, Morocco
Barin Ski Resort, Iran
Buqshan Hotel, Yemen
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Boat Hotel, Cocoa Island Hotel, Maldives
Crazy Bear Hotel, UK
Eco Camp Patagonia, Chile
Fairy Chimney Hotel, Turkey
Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora
Heidelberg Suites, Germany
Hotel Areias do Seixo, Portugal
Hotel Endemico, Mexico
Hotel Le Bellechasse, Paris
Hotel Le Moulin du Roc, France
Huvafen Fushi Resort, Maldives
J.K. Place, Capri
Katikies Hotel, Santorini, Greece
La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco
Llandudno Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, Wales
Magic Mountain Lodge aka Montana Magik Lodge, Chile
Marrakech Hotel, Morocco
Marataba, South Africa
One and Only, Capetown, South Africa
Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa
Parador de Ronda, Spain
Perivolas Hotel, Santorini, Greece
The Pierre, New York
Saguaro Hotel, Palm Springs, California, USA
Seixo, Portugal
Taj Lake Palace, India
Tree House Point, Washington, USA
Ubud Hanging Gardens Hotel, Bali
Vedema Resort, Santorini, Greece
Whitepod Hotel, Switzerland
W Hotel, Istanbul
W Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA
Wildflower Hall, Shimla, India

Art by Maurice Sendak

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:55:00 +0000

I drove out to Orange County over the weekend to see the Maurice Sendak: 50 Years, 50 Works, 50 Reasons exhibition at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. If you are a fan of Sendak's work, of art, of drawings, of children's books, etc., and if you are anywhere near Orange County before April 28, 2013, you REALLY SHOULD check out this show. I just love his work, and it was amazing to see his drawings, watercolors and prints in person. Here are pics (the pics really don't do the works justice --- so sorry some of the pics are fuzzy -- it is hard to take decent pics of art that is framed under plexi, particularly with dim lighting and an old iphone camera!) to give you an idea of what is on view in this exhibition.

MAURICE SENDAK: 50 Years, 50 Works, 50 Reasons

February 16 - April 28, 2013

Bowers Museum

2002 N.MAIN STREET

SANTA ANA, CA 92706

Nate Otto

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:20:00 +0000

Nate Otto

from the artist's website:

Nate was born in Lansing Michigan, where he lived near a large park that had tadpoles. He spent his childhood playing sports and drawing. Later he moved with his family to the suburbs of Chicago. He sent shoe designs to Nike, played sports, made drawings, wrote a book, got dumped, did some stupid stuff and grew up. He studied art at the University of Kansas and the Art Institute of Chicago before graduating from Columbia College. Lots of other stuff happened. Nate taught art to adults with developmental disabilities for many years, something that greatly influenced his art and his worldview. He is married to Megan.

Nate’s artistic vision was formed by art brut, the Chicago imagists, comic book art, street art, abstract expressionism, color field painting, and graphic design. He aims to make art that is accessible but not easy, simple but not vacant, fun but not weightless, and colorful but not garish. He sees his work as a filtered vision of what he sees on a daily basis, and often that comes out as abstracted cityscapes and collages of faces.

Slips

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:09:00 +0000

Thoughts on slips????

The boyfriend and I recently took a trip to Vegas. As we were getting dressed to go out, he asked why I was wearing a slip underneath my dress. I explained that I LOVE wearing slips. They are sexy. They are comfortable. They smooooooooooth things out and disguise panty lines and bra lines. And I like to think that they cut down on the JIGGLE factor. I have a fair amount of jiggle when I walk, and I really CAN'T STAND the jiggly walk. I think most women jiggle [especially those wearing lightweight summery dresses], and really thin, flimsy and/or sheer dress fabrics certainly highlight the j-j-j-j-j-j-j-j-j-jiggle factor. The boyfriend told me that jiggling is a GOOD thing, which made me laugh. And when I asked him if guys like jiggling chicks because it reminds them of SEX, he confirmed it was true.

Save the Crabs

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:49:00 +0000

HILARIOUS!!!!

*Note: Probably not appropriate to view at work.*

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Quotes from a 5-year old

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:51:00 +0000

Kira

My sister keeps a running list of quotes from her kids, Jade and Kira. These lines were uttered by her 5-year old daughter, Kira.

It's a wonderful world!

He crack-landed on his head!

Mom, these are not yoga pants. They're Karate Kid pants.

We're playing "Evil Girls"! That's what I always wanted to be when I grow up.

Hey Jade wanna play tweety tweety what's snakey?

He was standing there just LOOKING at me. And then he MOVED. (re: a bug)

You just wanted to jerk me up.

I'm a kid! I know EVERYTHING! Except Spanish...and English.

Mom, this is the souriest cherry ever.

Push-ups (in response to the doctor asking her what her favorite exercise is).

Mom, every bone in my body hurts (after her kindergarten shots).

O I love these! But what are they?

You know why I keep stealing stuff from Jade is cuz she bes mean to me.

Fine. Then I'll just stand right here and not love you.

My mouth is getting tired from opening it up. (re: eating dinner)

Mom! Smell my air! (re: her breath)

Mom, my neck, the inside of my neck, is very healthy from this gum.

Mom. Tonight I had the funniest dream. Guys playing football NAKED.

It scared me out to death!

Diabetes are bad for you.

It's a wheelie-chair.

Jade wanna play zombie tag?

I do love you, but I just can't help from being rude to you cuz you bes rude to me all the time (to Jade)

And I'm not talking to you anymore and you're crossed out.

Diarrhea of a Wimpy Kids.

I don't want to go near Hawaii cuz they have volcanoes.

When I first saw that thing my heart plopped out to death.

You guys are the worst parents EVER!!!

I think "nibblet" is Spanish for cat.

This is going to give me a sunburn on my tongue!

I don't believe in zombies, because zombies aren't natural to this country.

So Katy Perry's boyfriend has a peacock!?!

Mom! This morning at recess, when I went out to play, I looked up, in the clouds, and it looked like God's face!!!

Mama, cotton candy is like...cat fur.

Well. I guess I hate my parents.

You mean I'd be all blob? (meaning bald)

Oh hey can you see...? (star spangled banner)

For science, today, Mrs. Foli told us we have to tell our parents to buy us a real animal.

If you were, like, one years old and you got bit by a brown recluse you'd definitely die. And then you'd have to call the graveyard people or the custodian.

I see Francis, I see Paris! (instead of I see Paris, I see France)

Mom, how come Hello Kitty doesn't have a mouth?

Sevan Bıçakçı

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:20:00 +0000

I imagine some of you will think this jewelry by Sevan Bıçakçı is too LOTR or too GOT or too D&D, but I think it is FAB!

Of Armenian descent, Sevan Bıçakçı was born in 1965 in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. He is known as the King of Rings. At the age of 12, his father, who was a theater actor, placed Sevan under the apprenticeship of Hovsep Catak in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. After serving 4 years of apprenticeship, his master died. However, Sevan had learned a great deal about jewelry design and craftsmanship. He then opened a workshop in order to serve bigger manufacturers as a freelance jewel designer. He worked on his first collection for a year before unveiling it in the global market in 2002. His jewelry designs are that of Byzantine and Ottoman styles.

source

Sevan Bicakci

Sevan Bıçakçı İstanbul
Gazi Sinanpaşa Sk. No:16 Nuruosmaniye 34440
İstanbul
(+90) 212 520 45 16 pbx
info@sevanbicakci.com

Sorry

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000

I have been thinking about this story that I just heard on NPR:

To err is human.

So is refusing to apologize for those errors.

From toddlers and talk show hosts to preteens and presidents, we all know people who have done stupid, silly and evil things, then squared their jaws and told the world they've done nothing wrong.

Parents, educators and even public relations flacks have talked at length about the value of coming clean, and there is abundant research on the psychological value of apologizing. But psychologists recently decided to take a new tack: If so many people don't like to do it, there must be psychological value in not apologizing, too.

In a recent paper, researchers Tyler G. Okimoto, Michael Wenzel and Kyli Hedrick reported on what they've found happens in people's minds when they refuse to apologize. They find that parents who tell their kids that saying sorry will make them feel better have been telling kids the truth — but not the whole truth.

"We do find that apologies do make apologizers feel better, but the interesting thing is that refusals to apologize also make people feel better and, in fact, in some cases it makes them feel better than an apology would have," Okimoto said in an interview.

Okimoto surveyed 228 Americans and asked them to remember a time they had done something wrong. Most people remembered relatively trivial offenses, but some remembered serious offenses, including crimes such as theft.

The researchers then asked the people whether they had apologized, or made a decision not to apologize even though they knew they were in the wrong. And they also divided the people at random and asked some to compose an email where they apologized for their actions, or compose an email refusing to apologize.

In both cases, Okimoto said, refusing to apologize provided psychological benefits — which explains why people are so often reluctant to apologize.

The same thing happened when people were asked to imagine doing something wrong, and then imagine apologizing or refusing to apologize.

“When you refuse to apologize, it actually makes you feel more empowered. That power and control seems to translate into greater feelings of self-worth."

Ironically, Okimoto said, people who refused to apologize ended up with boosted feelings of integrity.

The researchers are not suggesting that refusing to apologize is a useful life strategy: Okimoto himself said he has little trouble apologizing. The interpersonal benefits of apologizing are huge, and an apology can renew bonds not only between people but also between countries.

Okimoto believes the research, in fact, may provide a clue on how best to get people to apologize. Our conventional approach, especially with kids, is to force people to apologize. But if people are reluctant to apologize because apologies make them feel threatened, coercion is unlikely to help — that is, if a sincere apology is hoped for.

Support and love, by contrast, may be a more effective way to counter the feelings of threat involved in an apology.

The next time junior — or your partner — does something wrong, pass on the stare and try a hug.

Thoughts on this?

I recently had the misfortune of dealing with a new jackass client -- an alleged professional that was rude and discourteous on not one, but two occassions. I ultimately ended up confronting her and semi-politely telling her everything she did wrong (long story, I'll spare you the details). She was silently seething, and told me it felt like I was "scolding" her. CORRECTAMUNDO!!!! I told her that wasn't my intention, that I just wanted her to know that "a little courtesy would go a long way" in any future dealings we had. Needless to say, our meeting was uncomfortable at best, and we were both happy to be done with each other. Dealing with people can be so EXHAUSTING!!!!!!

Later on I emailed her with the info she requested, and I apologized that our meeting had started out on the wrong foot. Needless to say, she did NOT not return the apology. ARGH!!!!!! Asshole. I was just trying to admit that I was part of the problem, and that I probably could have handled our encounter better. It would have been nice if she acknowledged some wrongdoing too. @#$!%^!@$^*&%$!@ Whatever. The whole stupid event made me regret that I made an apology, and maybe next time I won't bother trying to rise above and do the right thing. Blargh.

Scott Patt

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:40:00 +0000

Scott Patt

Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, artist Scott Patt's work has been influenced by the art of the Pennsylvania Dutch, and by post pop consumerism with its primary colors and promises of a healthier tomorrow. His paintings and installations have been shown around the world --from Japan and Amsterdam to Portland and New York -- in spaces ranging from museums to alternative storefronts. His works have been shown at Winston Wächter in New York City, 212 Gallery in Aspen, Colorado, and the Portland Museum of Art, as well as galleries like McCaig-Welles and Compound Gallery. Scott Patt has been a body builder, a missionary, a surfer, a strip club sketch artist and a creative director. Scott Patt currently lives and works in Southern California.

The Flowbee

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:30:00 +0000

Hard to believe this product never really took off.

as seen here

Mexican Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:55:00 +0000

before the kids, families, hoochies, thugs, food, booze and cake arrived

On Saturday I went with the boyfriend and his family to the baptism and birthday party of a 1-year old boy. Pretty sure I was the only white person at these events -- everyone else was Mexican. I felt like I stuck out in a big, dorky white girl way amongst the others. Normally I prefer to blend into the background, so this was rather awkward to me, but whaddya gonna do.

The family went all out for this baptism and birthday party. Probably 75+ guests. Homemade Mexican food, a clown, a bouncy, a deejay, Mexican dancers, party favors for all, and BOOZE galore. All of this for a 1-year old boy.

It was funny to see how people dressed for a baptism/kid birthday party. Many of the men were in suits with tattoos poking out. Many of the chicks dressed SUPER HOOCHIE -- skin tight club dresses, 5" heels, and tons o' makeup. One chick in particular had everyone's attention. She was wearing a royal blue skin tight mini dress with VERY high matching shoes. Something weird was going on with her butt. I kept trying to figure it out without staring too obviously. I asked my boyfriend what the hell was going on at her back door, and he said it looked like she was wearing padded-butt underwear. !!!!!!!!

My sister happened to be at another kid birthday party -- a White kid birthday party -- at the exact same time. We were texting each other and comparing party notes. Ariel the Mermaid was at the party my sister was attending, and it turns out this particular Ariel was my sister's co-worker. She sang and danced while wearing an awfully small skirt and a bikini top. My niece Kira asked why Ariel's stomach wasn't fitting in her skirt. Awkward! Apparently inappropriate/too tight/too small attire can happen at any type of party.

At one point I was sitting next to one of my boyfriend's cousins -- a (Mexican) woman that asked me lots of questions. She seemed AGHAST that I was a 42-year old woman that had never been married, didn't have kids, lived alone, and lived far away from her parents. Apparently this is a WHITE THING, and the exact opposite of the Mexican tradition. She kept shaking her head saying she could never live far away from her parents. To each his/her own.

She kept pushing the kid issue, asking me why I never had kids, and telling me that I still had time to do it. I told her kids weren't in the picture for me, and added that I was 42 and it was too late for that sort of thing. She mentioned she was 43 and she was hoping to have her third kid soon. Awkward!

She mentioned she had been married for fourteen years and that marriage was very, very difficult. She said this over and over again, and wished me and my boyfriend many years of happiness. She elaborated and said that her husband was from Mexico City, and he really wanted to have a "traditional" Mexican wife. She said they struggled with this role daily -- she being a working professional with many typically "American" values and ideals that did not always coincide with her husband's expectations. She also mentioned she had a rebellious spirit, and that she wanted to get tattoos and a motorcycle soon. Her husband told her she didn't have the nerve to do either of those things. She said he would be seeing her tattoos and motorcycle soon enough. That made me laugh. I am not sure if she was trying to warn me about things that I might face in my relationship with my boyfriend (her cousin), or if she was just being candid. Or both.

There really isn't much of a point to this story. The kids had a blast jumping around in the bouncy for hours. The birthday boy went to bed at 7pm, and then the music started thumping and the booze was flowing, so the adults were happy. The party was fun. The people I spoke with were nice. The conversations were interesting. The people watching was outstanding. All in all it was quite a bit different than the parties my family has, but no matter. It was good. And this socially awkward misfit made it through the day/night without making too many mistakes (hopefully), and now I know what to expect at the next Mexican birthday party. :)

Seiichi Furuya

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Seiichi Furuya

Seiichi Furuya was born in Izu, Japan, in 1950. After graduating Tokyo Polytechnic University in 1973, he left the port of Yokohama to travel to Europe on the Trans-Siberian Railway. He lived in Vienna until he moved to Graz in 1975. There he met Christine Gössler (born 1953) in February 1978. The couple married in May of the same year. Their son, Komyo Klaus, was born in 1981. In 1982, they moved to Vienna so that Christine could study drama. In 1984, Seiichi took a job as an interpreter and the family moved to Dresden, East Germany; and then in 1985, to East Berlin.

In late 1982, Christine began to exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia. In 1983, she entered a hospital in Graz for treatment; she was forced to give up her drama studies, and from that time on was in and out of hospital regularly. Shortly after noon on October 7th, 1985, the 36th anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic, Christine threw herself from a window on the 9th floor of the tenement building where the family lived. Seiichi continued to work as an interpreter in East Berlin until 1987. Afterwards he returned to Graz, where he has lived with his son, Komyo, to this day.

Since 1975, Furuya has had numerous exhibitions, both in Japan and overseas, at such venues as: Forum Stadtpark (Graz, Austria), Winterthur Museum (Switzerland), Albertina Museum (Vienna, Austria), Vangi Sculpture Garden Museum (Mishima, Japan). He has published several photo books featuring Christine, starting with his Mémoires 1978-1988 (Camera Austria, 1989) and continuing with Mémoires 1995 (Scalo Books, 1995), Christine Furuya-Gössler, Mémoires 1978-1985(Korinsha Press, 1997), Portrait (Fotohof, 2000), Last Trip to Venice (self-published, 2002) Mémoires 1983 (Akaaka Art Publishing, 2006).

What’s more, he has been active in a wide range of projects: he was one of the founders and editors of the photography magazine, Camera Austria, and has also curated exhibitions introducing Japanese photographers to Europe.

The Annoying Sidekick

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:45:00 +0000

Ah. The annoying sidekick. Sometimes you love them, and sometimes you hate them. It is kind of like the villain thing, in that it can make or break a show.

I like a couple of the sidekicks featured above, and I want to stab the rest (PARTICULARLY THAT FUCKTARD JONATHAN CHEBAN).

Truth be told, every now and again I feel like I play the role of the annoying sidekick -- the screeching monkey that performs for others. Humph. Whatever. Maybe I am flattering myself. Or maybe we all feel that way from time to time.

One for the books

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Droll) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:19:00 +0000

image

Years ago my mom took me to the orthodontist. I had an unusual problem with my teeth. After inspecting my mouth, the orthodontist excitedly proclaimed that my situation was "one for the books". So they photographed my freaky teeth and kept it in their books for future reference. The whole thing was rather embarrassing, and kind of humiliating. But ultimately they were able to fix my teeth situation, and show "before and after" pics in their book of bizarre teeth.

Every time I do a google image search for any kind of health disorder, I feel bad for the people that are on display for us to see. But I suppose anyone that agrees to be photographed is ultimately helping mankind by letting others view them, and by letting experts learn from them.

My dad has been having a rough time lately. Several months ago he noticed a wart-like thing on his chest. He went to the doctor and they performed a biopsy. While waiting for test results, more of these spots showed up on his chest. Then on his face. And then all over the place. And then his skin turned a reddish-orange color, thickened, and began itching, burning, and flaking/peeling everywhere. Several doctors and dermatologists reviewed his case and took biopsy after biopsy. His condition worsened by the day, and he was pretty much photographed every time he went in for a doctor visit. Not fun. Rather humiliating. After many tests, much time, and much research, the doctors finally figured out that my dad has a rare and painful skin disease, one called Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris. If you do a google image search for this disease, you will see very scary pictures. You might even see pictures of my dad. :[

One of my dad's doctors recently took a few moments with my dad to "thank him" for the privilege of treating him. ?! He said it was "an honor" to treat my dad, as only 200 or so people in the United States have this particular disease, and most physicians never get to see it in person. Uhhhhh, high five? You're welcome? Sometimes doctors can be such clods, but I know they mean well.

Sorry to leave you with a message, (does anyone else get annoyed that every Kardashian episode seems to have a MESSAGE or a MORAL attached?! ugh) but I guess all I am saying is that we should be grateful to people that offer themselves up for scrutiny and research. There are so many weird and scary diseases that can just happen out of the blue. My dad has been pretty healthy up until recently (welllll, he has had skin cancer, a stomach ulcer, and back troubles, but all-in-all still pretty healthy), but this crazy disease just came up on him at age 70. He is doing the best he can, and we are all hoping his situation improves soon. Hopefully. Fingers crossed, as it is so hard to watch someone you love enduring terrible health issues. More pictures, more exposure, and more research of the disease could only help, so we will see what happens.

P.S. If you want to learn more about this disease, this PRP Support Group website is extremely helpful. And this interview with recovering PRP patient Ralph E. Gilmore tells it like it is.