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The Inside Out: The Burning Man Home Away from Home, Part I
Location: Black Rock City, Nevada
Size: 100 to 800 sqft.
Favorite Element: being there
In general, Burning Man media coverage focuses on the bizarre and the amazing--the art cars, the 50 foot tall burning effigies, the nudity, the elaborate costumes, etc. This week, Apartment Therapy steps inside for a more intimate exploration of the ephemeral utopia in the desert.
Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let me know! jill AT apartmenttherapy DOT com
A more typical layout in Black Rock City is the one story shade structure. Here, the designer of 'Pink Petunia Camp' does up her meeting space in frills and lace.' She claims that she is better at pink and frilly than the MadMax that pervades Burning Man, so she went with what she knew.
11 Comments
I must make it to Burning Man some day. I think all people MUST make it to Burning Man at some point.
The Vertical Camp structure looks like it was quite an ambituous undertaking for Burning Man...
crazy! I can't imagine hauling all of that stuff out to the desert for the vertical camp. thanks for the coverate, at. I missed b-man this year, so its good to see it from the inside.
I loved the Vertical Camp - the rugs are a nice touch. And those g-strings in the Pink Petunia Camp really finish it off! Wow.
It's so impressive that these folks trudge all the way out there with all this stuff, only to leave again a few days later with no evidence they were ever there.
this is very cool, thanks for sharing. i have got to get me to burning man one of these years.
I had the opportunity to tour Vertical Camp. I met Eric, Mike, Ariel and Jim, just a few of many people that designed and built this impressive structure.
Being environmentally conscience, I was partically impressed by the fact that most of their materials were recyclable/reusable. It's vertical design taught me that less horizontal space meant less environmental destruction. It also served as a template in community for others to follow (each camp member lived in their own pod or mini condo).
If there were BM awards to distribute for concept, design, form and creativity, these guys would have swept the charts. I can't wait to see next year's plan. GO VERTICAL.
Thanks to Jill for posting these shots. And thanks to Heather and others for the great feedback. What we do, we do for YOU, burners. If you want to be part of Vertical next year, let's talk. Now get the playa dust outta yer ears.
Almost forgot. here's my email if you wanna talk more 'bout Vertical. Erobbins(at)gordondev(dot)com
My camp was very close to yours. I biked by vertical camp every day admiring your incredible design. It was so cool to read about it here on AT and to see the slideshow and some of the details of the construction. Next year I will stop in and say hello. Zialla
Wow. I missed vertical camp. (Where were you at?) Were you concerned about the wind at all?
It was an amazing experience to be part of Vertical Camp. Thank you Erik for making it a great Burn. And yes, hauling all that scaffolding out and building it for 3 days was worth all the nods for the 5 days after, all the "wows", and "amazings". For me personally, as an interior architect, the night light Vertical Camp created as a beacon, a homing device, was worth all the sweat, and dust in my ears.... ahem, and nose.....Thanks to everyone in Vertical Camp. We created a structure that became a beacon for our neighborhood at night. I will be posting all the photos soon.


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Extreme ways to sink to a watery grave
I have been thinking about extreme sports a lot lately. Although these days, any sport for me arguably qualifies as extreme, I'm not quite sure why images of people throwing themselves off this or into that keep cropping up as I circulate Morrison's.
If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say it could be put down to two things. The first is witnessing the Roses women's rugby star player (the ambulance) in action. The second is a recent Courtyard-fuelled conversation a friend and I had about current exercise endeavours and the horrors of Polish drinking games. In order to vent my musings (and hopefully keep you reading until the end), I've chosen to dedicate this article to providing a very quick outline of two very extreme watery type sports that you probably didn't know much about and that truly fascinate me:
Height of falls: 167 ft (51 meters)
Method: Usually in a sealed barrel that has been pre-tested on a cat
Scariness Rating: Brushing your teeth and in the mirror seeing leatherface behind you with a copy of your exam results....x10.
I do recall that in the 1970s or 80s, Louis Lane jumped into the Niagara waters to try and provoke Clark Kent into revealing his true identity, but even she, with the safety of knowing Superman was close at hand, wasn't brave enough to attempt the Horseshoe falls (the big one you are thinking of). In fact, much to the disgruntlement of Canadian and American authorities, this has been some what of a daredevil sport for quite some years. One notable Niagara faller was 63 year old Michigan school teacher Annie Edson Taylor (yes that's right, sixty three years old!) who attempted the fall in 1901. Annie's vessel of choice was a sealed barrel, from which she emerged, bleeding but apparently otherwise virtually unharmed. Her thoughts as the barrel was prized open:
No one ought ever to do that again
(Annie since became a professional understater)
2) FREE-DIVING (holding your breath and going down deep underwater)
Depth dived to: Divers regularly hit depths of over 100 metres (since the divers have to come back up this is over 8 swimming pool lengths underwater).
Method: Training to increase the body's tolerance to CO2 build up in the circulation; hyperventilation before competition.
Scariness Rating: Hard to measure, but being 150 metres down and running out of breath doesn't sound too fun.
The strains on the body in this sport are ectoplasmic. Not only do divers have to hold their breath for several minutes, but they have to use up energy diving, endure their lungs being crushed like a crisp packet and, due to the dreaded bends, resist the urge to rocket up for air when the diving's done. Try YouTubing free-diving or Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas to see the divers risk life and lung in pursuit of...well, whatever the financial or spiritual gains are. Historically, before James Cameron conquered the deep seas, this was the only way to grab that special pearl for your special gal. One such diver was Nakamura, a young Okinawan who features in Ted Egan's song of the same name. Listen to Nakamura's quest here:

subset: commoncrawl


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Maybe there is something to the proposed Charter of Quebec values after all . . . at least, as it applies to the crucifix. I'm sure the vast majority of people who wear a crucifix are good souls who are … Continue reading
Catholic Church RSS
Child sex abuse: Time to shut down the Catholic Church?
Tens of thousands of children raped and molested by Catholic priests over the decades . . . That is what a UN committee is saying in a report denouncing the Vatican, which also criticizes the organization for its stance on … Continue reading
Religious attachment on the rise in "secular" Quebec: poll
Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal welcomes far more tourists than faithful. But a survey on religious attachment in this province suggests attitudes may be changing. (Dave Sidaway / THE GAZETTE)
One of the many things that sets Quebec apart from the rest of Canada and, perhaps, the world, is the fact that while you'd be hard pressed to find a piece of real estate covered with so many churches, nearly … Continue reading


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John Banville as Raymond Chandler
John Banville is best known as the Man Booker Prize-winning author of The Sea but he leads a double life as the crime writer, Benjamin Black. Now he has added a new alter-ego to his list, writing as Raymond Chandler. He talks to Sean about reviving Raymond Chandler's most famous character, the private detective Philip Marlowe.http://www.rte.ie/radio1/today-with-sean-o-rourke/programmes/2014/0404/606646-today-with-sean-o-rourke-friday-4-april-2014/?clipid=1525474


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Police now believe that the shooting was drug related.
According to police, crack cocaine was found on the victim who died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Police knew Booker and had dealt with him several times in the past decade.
Police are currently searching for a white Ford Crown Victoria which is believed to be connected to the crime.
Police are surprised that there were no calls about shots fired in the area.
The shooting occurred in an alley and this usually creates a loud echo.
The family of the victim say that he left the house 20 to 30 minutes before the shooting took place.
Stay with 13 News and WOWKTV.COM for the latest on this developing story.


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Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist
What is a Gastroenterologist?
A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine. Practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). Gastroenterologists treat conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice. They consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are needed.
Specialty: Gastroenterology
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Anal Fissure
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An anal fissure is a cut or tear occuring in the anus (the opening through which stool passes out of the body) that extends upwards into the anal canal. Fissures are a common condition of the anus and an...
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*Provider Directory Terms of Use:
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I'm moving back to Wordpress. Permanently.
Play me a visit? I just like it a whole lot better over there. :P
Play me a visit? I just like it a whole lot better over there. :P
I think a lot of people expect to feel differently every time the new year swings around; like some sort of strange, unexplainable feeling of rebirth is supposed to stir inside them. The truth is, this very rarely happens in the magnitude we imagine, and most of the time it happens depending on whether we want it to or not. Change is hardly instant. It's something you have to work on for a period of time.
It begins in the tiniest corner of the soul.
A lot of people create resolutions but never persist long enough or hard enough to see an of them through. (I also know people who make them for the sake of bandwagoning— because everyone else is doing it too.) Ironically, they have the gall to be disappointed by the whole concept of New Year's Resolutions, as if it's some sort of magical fairy-godmother who grants wishes with a flick of a wand. Trying to make a change in your life shouldn't feel like an obligation, nor should it be a sort of half-serious commitment. It should be something you really want to do.
Although 2012 wasn't AMAZING or BRILLIANT for me, it was a great year. I went through a lot of duress during the last quarter of the year, so it has coloured my judgement of 2012 quite a bit, but quite frankly it would be a huge mistake to dwell on the bad things. The last hurrah for 2012 happened abroad, in both Malaysia and Singapore, with company that, although was not perfect, was probably one of the best I could ever wish for. And as I was reflecting on the things that have happened, trying to sift through the good memories and put the bad ones behind, I had this feeling of contentment. Then I had this feeling of preparedness, of confidence even— a feeling that 2013 is going to be awesome.
Because I am going to make it awesome.
As cliche as it sounds, I guess I'm starting to understand this whole YOLO business. The truth is, if we let the opportunities for our happiness pass us by, we're going to spend a lot of time regretting. I think that's one of the worst things to spend our energies and days on, regret. It's a given that most of us are afraid of making mistakes, but I find that sometimes the Universe has a way of sorting these things out. If we shy away and prefer to stay on the safe side, we will never know whether or not it could've brought us the luck and prosperity we've always been hoping for. So in 2013, I think I'll worry less and live more.
I believe that's the biggest favour one so young as I can do for myself.
There is so much I have yet to learn and experience, and I can't assure that I am 100% ready for them all. But whatever God brings before me, I know He will be there to keep me strong and guide me. I know He will never give me anything I can't handle, and that brings me a lot of comfort— not to mention courage to go for the things that I want.
There will be some things that won't change, like my perseverance in doing all the things I love. Or my spirit in always trying to improve myself and my disposition. I hope I remain conscientious and silently observant, and I hope I grow wise enough to utilize these to my advantage.
There will be some things I wish I can change, like the fact that impatience is still one of my greatest personal demons. I hope I can learn how to be less frank and rash in my comments, learn how to rein in my emotions. I also need to learn to smile more often. The older I get, the more I realise that all the changes I want to undergo, all the happiness I want to achieve, will be up to me. I have to find the balance between control and letting go, and I think I'll be okay.
I am just filled with so much hope for 2013. :)
Well there's a first for everything. In my 21 years of existence, I have never ever ever gotten seriously sick enough to land myself in the hospital. And I've always been proud of that fact. Back when I was a student and very young, there would be these idiots who would love to skip class even though it meant staying in the hospital. That kind of thinking simply infuriates me. I just came home from seven long, excruciating days in the hospital, and the only conclusion I can come up with is that I should make a more conscious effort to make sure I don't have to go back. I've got a ton of injection marks from all the daily -sometimes twice a day- blood extractions to check my platelets, and there's the searing pain inside my right hand that's the effect of injected fever meds. First few days back I couldn't hold my hand steady enough to write. For someone who spent about 96% of the time lying down, I sure feel pretty tired.
Anyway, since I'm still relegated to staying in here at home (where at least it's comfortable) I've had a lot of time to think and I managed to compile a list of the good and bad discoveries I made in the course of my hospitalization.
Good news first?
( + )
Hospital food ain't that bad. We always see it painted so negatively on television, and maybe it doesn't look as appetizing as our usual fare, but come on, this isn't room service at a five-star hotel. Expectations must be adjusted accordingly.
You start developing some sort of immunity against blood and injection needles. Six out of the seven days I was in the hospital, they had to draw blood from me to test my CBC and platelets, sometimes even twice a day. Before and after I got confined in the hospital, I had to get my blood tested too, which is why I must've had my blood drawn around 9 times in a span of a week. The trick is to take a long breath when they put the needles in, take another long breath when they take the needle out. I long ago outgrew my fear of injections, but seeing my blood inside a syringe used to freak me out. Now it just doesn't.
You realize you actually have "nice" and "normal" relatives. You know, the sort who come and sit and talk with you awhile without overstepping or acting weird.
You start thinking about things. There is absolutely nothing to do in the hospital, and I can only tolerate so much television. The IV was on my right hand, and the fever medicine was so painful I feel like the insides of my right hand have melted- until now actually- so I changed my mind about asking my Mom to bring me my sketchbook. I did finish reading a book though, but I also spent a lot of time thinking about what significant thing I did this past year.
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I'm putting it here on the positives because it's made me realise that I should make the most of the years to come. I'm not exactly turning any younger.
And finally, you realize how much your Mommy loves you. Okay, I have a bit of a difficult relationship with my Mother sometimes but during the four days my fever was spiking I don't remember wanting anyone other than my Mama with me.
( - )
IV's are hella annoying. You angle your hand wrong your blood starts to flow back. You try to make yourself more comfortable in bed and you accidentally tug at it. I was constantly scared of accidentally yanking the thing off. Plus it limits movement, and you have to carry/drag it with you to the bathroom all the time.
Nurses/residents ask you the same questions over and over. For the record, I understand they all are just doing their jobs. And they did it well but it just gets old really quickly especially by the time I was feeling ready to go home. How many times do I need to describe the colour of my poop, or the frequency at which I pee, in the span of an hour? Luckily, my two doctors are my uncle and great uncle so I find myself more tolerant of the questions when they ask it.
Crazy relatives who feel more panicked than you do. I'm sorry. I know they mean well, but this kind of drives me up the wall. For example, at the height of my fever, I didn't have an appetite. My aunt called me one afternoon and reprimanded me for not eating anything the whole day. (Which of course is not true! I do eat. A little.) After that I forced myself to eat the stuff she sent over to the hospital, which caused me an upset stomach and made me want to throw up. See how panicking causes unnecessary anxiety for everyone?
I guess I understand why my relatives would panic given that the Dengue Fever has a dangerous strain that carries complications, but I knew from the get-go that mine wasn't that bad. I was pretty confident that I only needed to fight against my high fevers and I'd be fine afterwards, but it took longer than I was expecting- about 3 and a half days to be exact- before my fever disappeared completely. I was in pain for about two days, sure, but I've never been the sort to play that kind of stuff out for more than it's worth. Heck, I don't even like to worry people unless I really cannot tolerate it any longer. I don't recall alluding to how I really felt, which was a few notches above terrible, and as usual I tried to sleep it off at home to no avail. Trust me, the combination of a skull-splitting headache, a 39-degree fever, and uncontrollable shivering and teeth-chattering, is one I would be glad to never come across again. I tried to avoid getting confined into the hospital because it makes everything look a little more magnified and worrisome, but my platelets were crashing and I really needed the IV to recover.
Being stuck at home for the week-long bedrest. My uncles told me not to do anything strenuous for two weeks. I like living an active lifestyle so that is very hard for me to do, but then sometimes I stand and I feel lightheaded and realise maybe I'm not ready to go back to the gym. I'll be ready to go back to the office next week though, and I'm pretty sure I'll be sneaking in some yoga at home because I just can't not do anything for two weeks! I just hope my hand stops throbbing already.
There's something weird about being stuck at home knowing everyone is out at school or working. I always feel like I'm slacking off. I actually cleaned my room on my first day back at home, after which I had to sit down on the floor for 10 minutes because I began to feel dizzy. That's what I would call stupidity.
And the point in all this is?
I make a really bad sick person, which is why I hate getting sick. Lying down all day in the hospital made my back ache. Sitting on the bed all day made my butt ache. When I was well enough, I wanted to walk around the room out of boredom but dragging the heavy IV stand wasn't worth the effort. I really hope and pray that I don't have to lie down in any hospital bed for at least ten years to come.
If you live in the Philippines, you would know that politics over here is nothing but a circus show. About a month ago, a certain Senator lifted passages from a blogger (first incident), and then Kennedy (second incident) and incorporated them in his speech without mentioning that he was quoting from the aforementioned sources. When this fact came to light, everyone- especially the Netizens- was all over him. This kind of thing is not uncommon, but while others who have been caught red handed would admit to their mistake, this Senator simply prefers to go against the norm. He denied the allegations even though the evidence was clear, and like an immature little brat, he refused to apologize for his failure to cite his sources. The jig that ensued for the next few weeks following these incidents went like this: Deny, deny, insult and threaten critics to make self feel better, pass a law that will ruin lives of Netizens to get back at them, insult and threaten more detractors, deny plagiarizing, deny some more…
In his privilege speech earlier today, he stated that plagiarism is an issue only for the academe. (This is probably one of the stupidest things I have ever heard in my life. Is he actually trying to say that all those years going to school were for naught since we're not supposed to apply any of what we learned there to "real life"???)
When that argument didn't work, he pulled out the 'Assuming I did plagiarise, what are you mad at me for? Imitation is the best form of flattery!' card to console his critics as I expected him to. I really laughed then. Dear Senator, to imitate is one thing, but to imitate and deny you did so just leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It's rather difficult to deny the plagiarism involved when one copies several paragraphs from a speech, then directly translates it to the Filipino language with all the poetic arrangements of the words and intended dramatic effect intact. Yet somehow the bastard thinks he can do it. Most politicians in this country (even the ones in the very bottom of the political pyramid) believe they are above the law (as in get away with murder) and above ethical standards (as in plagiarize and deny it). They think they can do anything— including embarrass the whole country. Well then congratulations, Senator! You accomplished just that.
'How will I apologize for plagiarism when I never plagiarised?' (Sotto, 2012)
A few months and a letter from Kerry Kennedy later, he still denies it. In all of his press statements, he made it very clear that he believes he did nothing wrong. He even adds that he cannot be
persecuted prosecuted for this because he has parliamentary immunity. Now I have for the longest time wondered how on earth this man (among a few others) was able to take a seat in the Senate, but my biases against him aside, I think I've figured out why his plagiarism brouhaha struck a nerve with me.
It's because I write.
I am a blogger, and though at this point I have reservations in calling myself a "writer" in the traditional sense of the word, the truth is, I do write. I like being part of the community that writes. I have a lot of respect for writers, journalists, authors, fellow bloggers, speech writers, or simply people who have great ideas to share through words.
The Senator however, does not. And it irks me.
Writing is not an easy thing to do. It takes a lot of time, careful attention to detail and facts, and it takes a lot of thinking. To be "quoted" without being credited is not only improper and insulting, it is disrespectful to anyone who has ever tried to put into well-written words any feeling or thought they want others to experience and understand. Passing off someone else's thoughts as your own is almost similar to stealing a chunk of their brain! As someone who writes, I am incredibly sensitive about people infringing on my intellectual property. I wouldn't want to be copied off without being credited, so I don't use other people's words in my writing without explicitly stating I did so— heck I don't use other people's words AT ALL if I can help it. Whenever I do quote from someone, even just the lyrics of a song that I like, I always cite the original source. Proudly, even! That's how you show your admiration. How else would the people know where you got it from in the first place if you don't tell them?
The way I see it, the moment you plug in lines from someone else's speech into yours without a hint of bother to say so (such is the case for the Senator), you have the intention of passing it off as your own. I guess the Senator thought he could get away with it, especially when he translated the speech into the vernacular. Sometimes people quote to lengthen their speeches, appear prepared, or appear impressive. Pretty sure the Senator did it for all three purposes, but he also wanted to create the illusion that he has a great grasp on words. Well his pretentiousness came to bite him in the ass.
I suppose that I cannot expect to put this man up on the same level as other legitimate politicians, or other people in general who actually know what they want to say— those who are passionate enough to write their own sincere pieces which later on become quotables themselves. See the thing is: If you don't truly care enough about the issue to organize and flesh out your own damn thoughts, then please, by all means, keep it to yourself.
The other day I was checking my Instagram feed and I saw a friend of mine post a lovely autumn picture of orange trees lining a long road somewhere in New York. I immediately felt a bit sad, maybe just a tad jealous, mostly because I feel like I'm stuck here and she's enjoying herself ever so much over there, living her dreams in New York's fashion world and what-not. Well the weather here has been sweltering and summer-like, the rays of the sun blanketing everything with a yellow reminiscent of a morning in the desert. It's literally impossible to walk outside without squinting against the harsh sunlight and feeling it prickle against your skin. The woes of living the tropics!
These days I find myself wishing so constantly to escape somewhere. A place where I've left a piece of my heart perhaps? Alas, I have no choice at the moment but to daydream and find solace in my hobbies. Admittedly, it's getting harder to make myself feel better for longer stretches of time whenever I don't keep myself occupied.
Lately I've been thinking a lot about San Francisco. It's been years since I went there but to this day it remains to be one of my favourite cities in the world. I haven't yet visited a city that made me feel the same way as San Francisco did. Sometimes I take a look at some of the old photos I took from before and try to relive the feeling of being in San Francisco again.
I specifically remember the moment I got off the bus and took in the city for the first time. The good vibes just latched themselves on to me and refused to leave. That's quite a big deal if you knew me at all, as I have a tendency to brood and think too much. Mostly it's an exercise in rousing all the ill-feelings I have pent-up inside. I remember the feeling of peace that settled over me as I walked up and and down this hilly city, the gears of my mind suspended in a state of wonder.
It was springtime, I believe, when I went there, but I would so love to spend autumn there as well. The weather is always pleasant in that magical, beautiful city, and I can only imagine how much more pleasant it would be during autumn-time. I didn't get a chance to explore much because we had to leave for L.A. so soon, but I promised myself I would go back. (Not to mention I absolutely need to go back to take better photos.)
The truth is a visit to San Francisco doesn't fit into my life right now, no matter how much I try to squeeze it in— though I bet it would do wonders for my soul. But maybe next year, San Francisco. I hope.
Away from the sun (a short story)
I pushed the cart as carefully as I can to keep the water from spilling, the wooden wheels creaking beneath the weight. I had fallen asleep waiting for the buckets to fill, and once again had filled them to the brim. Normally this is my sister's job, but she has gone away to the city to study under a scholarship.
The smoke that was emanating from our hut could only mean that Mother was already up cooking breakfast. Soon enough, the smell of food would fill the house. The sun had just begun to peak out from the mountains across the lake.
I parked the cart near the entrance to our home and tried to ignore the hard coughing sounds from inside. Three days I've been getting water for Mother's laundry early in the morning, and three days I've witnessed Father's violent coughing, only to be reassured by him that there was nothing wrong. I've seen Mother give him some ginger tea but it doesn't seem to be working. Who knows how long he's had this cough.
'Dolores, I'm leaving!' Father bellows from inside.
Mother answers but it is unintelligible to me from where I stand. Another fit of coughing and Father emerges from within.
He swallows down his coughs with an effort. 'Juan.'
I smile at him, unsure. 'Have you eaten breakfast?'
'Yes.' He begins to slip his feet into the fishing boots he keeps by the door.
'And your ginger tea?'
He grunts. 'Of course.'
'Did you bring an extra sweater? It's chilly today.'
'For Chrissakes, Juan! You're starting to sound like your mother!' He tries to suppress another bout of coughing to no avail.
'Father, maybe I should be the one setting sail today. You've taught me how to fish well enough.'
'No.' I almost jump at the firm suddenness of the word, 'This is my responsibility as the head of the household. Let me fulfill it. You will have your turn.' He pushes past me but turns abruptly. The dark brown eyes that looked into mine were oddly distant- looking but not really seeing- yet his hand on my shoulder felt warm. Present.
'You will have your turn.' He repeats, a sad expression crossing his face.
I nod, thinking this is what he wanted me to do.
I couldn't have known that this would be the last conversation I had with my Father. That night, a group of fishermen came knocking at our door to bring my Father home. And when he came home, he no longer came home to us. He went to the place that good souls like his go on to call home after they have lived their lives on earth.
Mother, amidst her tears, had told me the promise she had made to Father. It was a promise he had begged her to make during the final weeks of his life, as if he knew it was coming to an end soon.
He had asked to be carried to the place where the sun met the lake's waters, and there laid to his final rest. More than the need to put food on the table and clothes on the backs of his family, he had loved the sea.
When I was little, Father had taken me on my first fishing expedition. We caught enough fish, but we spent more time facing the horizon daydreaming. He told me then that the horizon is proof of how endless possibilities can seem, but how much of a mistake it would be to just leave it at that. If he sets sail now, he had said, straight toward the horizon, he is certain he will find something worthwhile.
'People are often quickly intimidated by the things they cannot see with their eyes, so they are content with only marveling at them in their dreams. They don't realize that some things need to be chased after for the picture to become clear.'
When I carried his body over the water, I was surprised by how light he was. All those years of sickness and suffering and not once have I heard him complain. He never said a word about how serious it had become. Or maybe, he didn't want to part with the sea even for just a day.
I set him down gently into the water, directly where the sunset illuminated the surface. His body began to dissolve into a thousand pieces of stardust as the water embraced him into its depths. For a moment, I was unaware that I was crying until I felt my tears plastered in lines on my face.
As I set sail back to the shore, the only thoughts in my mind were thoughts of tomorrow. Tomorrow I will have to take out the fishnets.
My notes: I love this photo. I shot it way back in 2010 for a school project. The location was Taal Lake, Batangas. I got lucky because there was guy in a boat as I was shooting and I decided to include him in the shot to give it more of a story. Sometimes I get chills when I look at this picture because to me, it feels so melancholic— a single person on a boat in a wide expanse of water. It's easy to make up a story when the picture tells half of it for you.
Starting a new habit, methinks. Stories with pictures.
I got nostalgia blown right into my face as I was cleaning my lovely desk the other day and I found all my old drawings. It's interesting to see the patterns of the things I enjoy drawing, and how I was (and still am) mostly crazy for anime and intricate concept arts. It's also interesting to see the variety of techniques I make use of, and it makes me think about what I would be doing right now had I pursued this particular talent of mine.
Truth be told, drawing has taken a back seat for me lately, and seeing all these drawings now, I am realising just how much I really miss it. I want to sit down and draw all day today. If only I can!
Sometime in 2006 and 2007, I promised myself I would draw all the signs of the zodiac. I also told myself I would design tarot cards, which turns out to be a little more complicated than I initially thought. In the end, I drew zero tarot cards that I felt remotely satisfied with, and I must've drawn about four zodiac signs. (How loserly!) These two were by far my favourites:
Around 2008, I tried experimenting a little with my drawing style. I will always have a heavy Japanese influence in the way that I draw, but I also began making my drawings a little less bug-eyed and a little more "realistic". I made new versions of my zodiac drawings. Unfortunately until now I haven't completed them. They remain inkless and colourless and sad. :(
Come 2009, I became curious about alcohol markers when I saw how awesome they were from one of my favourite artists on dA. I drew my favourite couple from one of my favourite anime shows at the time: Full Metal Alchemist. I wasn't good with colouring with markers yet, and to be fair, I got the cheap ones with the Kurekolor brand that would bleed like crazy! It ruins my work sometimes so I don't use them as much anymore. I dream of collecting a complete set of Copic Markers, and I would've started collecting if only the markers were available locally. I'm buying some the next time I fly to Hong Kong for sure. After buying myself a Macbook Pro though, it might take me a while to amass the budget for the Copics. Why is it so expensive?!
2010 was the year I began to rediscover my love for sketching. I sketched a whole bunch of random stuff at that time! At the end of every sketch, my hands would be covered with dark lead marks, and the dirt and mini throbbing sensations on my drawing hand would feel like the best thing the world.
Admittedly some of my favourite drawings were made during this period. I made an altered version of Vermeer's Girl With The Pearl Earring, which for reasons I cannot explain is one of my favourite paintings in the world maybe because of its simplicity and mysterious look. My version is a little less serious and a bit more animated.
I went through a phase in 2010 where I actually thought about drawing concept art for some sort of console game. I researched about weapons and made a notebook that served as a sort of encyclopedia/reference book for swords and guns. That encyclopedia project took me about 2 weeks but it was such a nice break from all the schoolwork. I like playing console games so I wouldn't mind making one. (A million times easier said than done.)
I didn't get the chance to draw a lot in 2011 since I started working that year, although I distinctly remember wanting to make a series about Greek gods. On top in the picture below is my drawing of Aphrodite with a baby Cupid; and at the bottom, partially covered, is the drawing I am planning to complete in the next few days. It's waaaay overdue!
Here's to more drawings and finished works in the near future! :)
I find it strange that I've been missing a lot of places lately. It went: San Francisco in the morning, Hong Kong in the afternoon, and Japan in the evening.
I miss San Francisco, because it was one of the best places I have ever been to. The good vibes it gave me as I walked up and down its colourful streets are unprecedented. I haven't gotten that good a feeling from any of the other cities I've traveled to.
I miss Hong Kong because I haven't been there in over a year, and we used to go there often it's practically a second home country to me.
As opposed to the two above, I haven't technically "visited" Japan properly. We docked in Fukuoka once when we went on a cruise and spent a couple of hours walking around near the port. It was a small taste of Japan, but enough to whet the appetite. I've always liked Japan (the cuisine included!), and I wonder when I will finally get to go and explore. Soon, I hope.
In my nostalgia, I went and dug up some of my old Fukuoka photos, even adding some effects just for fun.
My other projects:
A life in photos:
All works are mine (unless otherwise stated), and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. Please do not take and use without my permission.
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Tamara Drewe Showtimes and Tickets
Read Movie Reviews about Tamara Drewe Write a Movie Review for Tamara Drewe
Release Date: 2010-10-08
Genre: Comedy,
Rating: R
Duration: 1hr 47min
Based on Posy Simmonds' beloved graphic novel of the same name (which was itself inspired by Thomas Hardy's classic Far From the Madding Crowd) this wittily modern take on the romantic English pastoral is a far cry from Hardy's Wessex. Tamara Drewe's present-day English countryside-stocked with pompous writers, rich weekenders, bourgeois bohemians, a horny rock star, and a great many Buff Orpington chickens and Belted Galloway cows-is a much funnier place. When Tamara Drewe sashays back to the bucolic village of her youth, life for the locals is thrown upside down. Tamara-once an ugly duckling-has been transformed into a devastating beauty (with help from plastic surgery). As infatuations, jealousies, love affairs and career ambitions collide among the inhabitants of the neighboring farmsteads, Tamara sets a contemporary comedy of manners into play using the oldest magic in the book-sex appeal.
Cast and Crew
- Starring
Roger Allam Gemma Arterton Dominic Cooper Luke Evans Bill Camp
- Directed by Stephen Frears
- Produced by
- Written by Moira Buffini, Posy Simmonds


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Homemade Pork Buns! & I made that! Dear Pork, We meet again.
This time things got intense. Parmesan cups make for simple canapes. Parmesan cups make for simple canapes Posted on 01 July 2010 by Mădălina Parmesan bowls can be used as a vessel for a variety of dips or small salads, and served as appetizers for your guests.
No word of a lie, this will probably be the easiest recipe I will ever post. There is one ingredient, four simple steps, and it's virtually impossible to screw up (…this coming from a person who tends to ruin a lot of dishes). I filled these tiny bowls with a simple crab salad, and in the past, I've used them for bite-size caesar salads. Pain perdu "grand luxe" en sandwich. L'identification des animaux de compagnie ou celle de livres empruntés à la bibliothèque, par des techniques de puces électroniques, servent à présent d'une toute nouvelle façon.
De plus en plus d'hôpitaux américains et européens font actuellement usage de traqueurs électroniques appelés «Hugs». Dès les premières minutes de sa vie, un nouveau-né devient le centre d'attention. Durant ses premiers jours à la pouponnière, un défilé de médecins, d'infirmières et de visiteurs viendront toucher, câliner et bercer le poupon; la dernière chose qu'on souhaite serait qu'il se fasse enlever. Et pourtant, chaque année dans les hôpitaux des États-Unis, près d'une dizaine de nouveaux-nés sont enlevés par des étrangers, malgré l'œil vigilant des infirmières et des gardiens de sécurité; 200 enfants y ont été kidnappé depuis 22 ans. Shamrock Shooters. I simply couldn't help myself!
After I posted about my McDonald's Shamrock Shake recipe last week my daughter wanted to give it a try. But serve her a huge tall glass of milkshake? No way! She would be up all night! Christmas Cookie. Cookbook of the Month Recipe – Baked Eggs with Creamed Spinach | Creamed spinach is topped with a baked egg, then served with toast. 49 If this is what French food is like – I'm moving to France!
I wasn't even going to post this recipe today. Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. These might very well be the cutest Christmas cookies I've ever seen.
I love the chocolate antlers... ... and the adorable fat little faces. It doesn't get any more festive or Christmasy than this. They're perfect for taking to a Christmas party if you need something fun, fast, and easy to make (unless, like me, you run out of both red M&Ms and chocolate-covered pretzels, but that's beside the point.). I made these using just regular peanut butter cookies because I was having a craving only peanut butter could fix, but they would work just as well with sugar cookies... or even gingerbread! Apple Cupcakes. Baked Shrimp Scampi.
Have you got the fevah?
No, not that stomach bug that keeps going around. I'm talking about Spuh-ring! Cabernet Braised Short Ribs and Mushroom Risotto. There are some people that tie their memories to the weather, different smells, specific dates, or the time of year.
I have been finding that recently I have been tying many of my great memories with friends and family to food. For example, I can't remember a specific christmas by the year, or by how much snow we got, or what my christmas presents were, but jog my memory of what we cooked for 'christmas eve-eve' dinner? Now I remember. It works the other way too. Lobster crosses my mind? Caramelized Onion, Mushroom & Gruyere Tartlets. Continuing down the road of appetizers, dips and snack food leading up to the Super Bowl, I give you this somewhat "upscale" game day food.
Caramelized onions, mushrooms and Gruyere cheese are baked atop circles of puff pastry for a flaky, savory and delicious appetizer. Another occasion that this appetizer would be great for? A baby shower! Fellow food blogger Annie from Annie's Eats is expecting her second baby in April (a girl!) And a group of bloggers organized a virtual baby shower to celebrate Annie's bundle of joy, and of course we all brought food to the party! Dan Dan Noodles (Dan Dan Mein) - Citrus and Candy » Citrus and Candy. Hands up if you love instant noodles like I do?
There's a reason why starving uni students live off them; they cost next to nothing and can be ready in a couple of minutes. Personally I just think that they're so darn satisfying. Pizza Party. It's almost weekend, guys! For us that means pizza time! Or in this case: pizza snack time. Swedish meatballs. Whenever i make marinara & meatballs, i almost always make turkey meatballs. not only because it's a healthier option, but really, it's more delicious! If you don't believe me, please try it for yourself. your friends and family might not even notice that it's turkey. it's that good. so when i decided to make swedish meatballs, i of course used turkey. you can sub the turkey for meat or pork or a combo of both in this recipe but i highly suggest you use turkey! Mise en place - meatballs. Grilled Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Sandwich.
I had a bit of goats cheese to use and I was thinking about just crumbling it over a salad but then I thought, no I can do something more creative with this. While I was looking through my fridge for ideas I noticed some of the red peppers that I had roasted and frozen in the fall and I knew that the sweet and smoky roasted red peppers would go perfectly with the tangy goat cheese. Right beside the red peppers was some bread and I recalled my experiments with pestos in grilled cheese sandwiches and I knew that I would have to try making a grilled goat cheese and roasted red pepper pesto sandwich. Murdoch Books - 365 Challenge - 12 February: Frosted Oranges.
Tomato pesto bites. I love popping a scrumptious biteful of something into my mouth. Finger foods are so much fun! Sometimes I daydream about what it must be like to have a butler wandering around my home, offering me a tray filled with delicious finger foods. He then retreats to my over-sized kitchen so my personal chef can replenish the assortment of goodies. And then I wake up from my dream, with only a messy kitchen and a living room that resembles tornado carnage in my sight.
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Gouda Cheese Sauce. Japanese Beef Rolls. Asparagus and Gruyere Tart | Party-Perfect Mini Quiches | Recipes | NESTLÉ® Meals. Chicken Potpie. Penne with Creamy Vodka Tomato Sauce. Fresh orange smoothie ("orange julius") Potato Pierogi. « Bake List. A Cozy Kitchen » French Onion Soup and Pretty Nails! Kicked Up Tuna Melts. Avocado Dream Sandwich.
Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta. It's all about the side dishes. Molecular Cooking – my new true passion « my life as a foodie. One-Bite Wonders. Potato and Cheese Pierogi | MyGourmetConnection Recipes. Vegetable Tian. Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Linguine with Garlicky Bread Crumbs. Chicken Enchiladas. Stuffed Zucchini. Fast Food: Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta. Kaytucky Chicken. Baked Seasoned Fries with Skinny Garlic Aioli | Ginas Skinny Recipes. Butter Chicken Recipe | Expat Recipe. Crabby Cook: Beef Stroganoff; Toga! Toga! Toga! Hasselback Potatoes.
How to Make Homemade Candy Bars (Resolution Breaker) (Oh Nuts Blog) 10 Jello Shots Worth the Hangover. Mingmakescupcakes.yolasite.com from yolasite.com. Chocolate banana crepes. Bacon, Egg, and Toast Cups. Grilling Inspired Cupcakes - Perfect for Father's Day or a Cookout — A... One Pretty Thing - DIY craft tutorials.


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It's finally here: Graduation! Celebrate big with a set of personalized folded notes to write thank yous or give them to your friends to congratulate them on their big achievement. Choose from bubblegum pink or purple thistle to create a unique and fun set of personal stationery for your graduation.� Jot Creates, LLC. Courtesy of MHS Licensing
- Folded notes are 5.5" x 4.13" (5-1/2" x 4-1/8")
- Notes are sold in sets of 10
- All orders assembled with envelopes


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Fire Life
Urban Firefighter Magazine
Fire Engineering University
Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment
Training Community
Training Day news and technical articles from Fire Engineering. Search Training Day latest and archived news and articles
emergency response representatives at the Colonie Municipal Training Center to kick off the 5th Annual Youth Firefighter Training Day . The event was part of FASNY's Annual Convention, in which more than 1,000 volunteer firefighters are attending
emergencies 24/7, so why do we traditionally train 9-5? The Virginia Beach Fire Academy has incorporated a 24-hour training day into our recruit academy. The military has long used "extended training days" to simulate the physical and psychological
Whether you are career or volunteer, you respond to emergencies 24/7, so why do we traditionally train 9-5? The Virginia Beach Fire Academy has incorporated a 24-hour training day into our recruit academy. The military has long used "extended training days" to simulate the physical and ...
the structure is approved for the training day . Once the inspection has been ..... Notifications about the live-fire training day that will be taking place shortly ..... monitoring is conducted on the training day , EMS will have a set of baseline
self-survival skills. On this training day , we did a wall breach maneuver ..... of it. This is a fairly messy training day , which requires a prop, plenty ..... firefighters will be glad they had a good training day . Tom Kiurski is training coordinator
in a while, firefighters need a training day that is a little less strenuous ..... the training days exciting. This training day features fire extinguishers, a ..... extinguishers (photos 1, 2). This training day was fairly easy to set up and run
officers to use to train their crew that there should be no excuse not to train your personnel every day. Make every day a training day ! Ever since I entered the fire service, I remember hearing the need to "get my two hours of training in each day
difference in the damage that they can do down range. And if you're the police range master, helping conduct this training day with the firefighters. It's my opinion that this training should be conducted not with the firefighter standing next
By Tom Kiurski On this training day , we were in the fortunate situation of having a home to train ..... followed. (1) Firefighters performed hydraulic ventilation on this training day . With only one pane of glass removed, ventilation was compromised
guy spraying a 1 ¾-inch hose at a major defensive operation and wondered why a larger line wasn't chosen. The training day I'm recounting started with some of the background information that you just read. We went over where we have 2


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Major John Allard, PIO Office, 785-2415, 24-Hour Press Box: 799-2001, Ext. 1100
15 Inmates Successfully Complete Job Skills and Substance Abuse Programs
A total of 15 inmates at the Lexington County Detention Center will graduate at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12 from job-skills assessment and alcohol and drug abuse programs that the inmates successfully completed while being housed at the Detention Center.
Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts said the Lexington County Sheriff's Department will conduct a graduation ceremony for the 15 inmates at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday in a courtroom that is adjacent to the front entrance of the Detention Center at the Lexington County James R. Metts Law Enforcement Complex, 521 Gibson Road, Lexington.
A total of seven inmates will graduate from the WorkKeys job-skills assessment program, Metts said. Inmates Terry Culbertson, Johnny Dickerson, Alejandro Douglas, Diedreich Jackson, Justin Kyzer, Jose Rosas-Guillen and Michael R. Smith successfully completed the job-skills assessment program while being housed at the Detention Center.
ACT administers the WorkKeys job-skills assessment program, Metts said. ACT provides educational testing and workforce development services across the United States.
Adult education teachers conducted the job-skills assessment program for inmates at the Detention Center in partnership with Lexington County School District Two and Lexington County School District Four, Metts said. The WorkKeys program enables inmates to demonstrate to prospective employers that the inmates have the necessary skills to perform particular jobs.
The WorkKeys program also provides inmates with information about jobs that would best fit their skills, Metts said.
In addition, inmates who complete the WorkKeys job-skills assessment program learn about additional training and skill development that they should undertake in order to enhance their opportunities to obtain full-time employment after they are released from jail, Metts said.
A total of five inmates will graduate from Celebrate Recovery, which is an eight-week alcohol and drug abuse counseling program that First Baptist Church of Lexington administers at the Detention Center, Metts said. Inmates Dave Wise, Steven Bradley, Lisa Londono, Endira Torres and Kelsey Jones successfully completed the faith-based alcohol and drug abuse program while being housed at the Detention Center.
A total of three inmates will graduate from U-Turn for Christ, which is a four-week alcohol and drug abuse counseling program that Calvary Chapel Church in Lexington administers at the Detention Center, Metts said. Inmates Michelle Whitworth, Rhonda K. Price and Troy Whaley successfully completed the faith-based alcohol and drug abuse program while being housed at the Detention Center.
In 2012, a total of 231 inmates at the Detention Center successfully completed one or more of the six substance abuse, job skills and personal growth programs that the Detention Center offers to inmates while they are housed at the detention facility, Metts said.
A total of 184 inmates were released from the Detention Center in 2012 after the inmates successfully completed one or more of the six substance abuse, jobs skills and personal growth programs that are offered to inmates at the detention facility, Metts said. Of the 184 inmates, 83 percent successfully returned to the community and were not arrested and re-incarcerated for committing additional crimes.
The substance abuse, job skills and personal growth programs that are offered to inmates at the Detention Center reflect the Sheriff's Department mission of providing professional law enforcement services that enhance the quality of life for all people in Lexington County, Metts said.
09/17/2014 - Road Closures
09/17/2014 - Detectives Arrest Man for Trying to Steal Two Motor Vehicles
09/16/2014 - Sheriff's Department Donates More than $3,000 to Nancy K. Perry Children's Shelter
09/11/2014 - Man Returned to Lexington County on Murder Charges
09/09/2014 - Missing Person Investigation
09/07/2014 - Woman Charged with Intentionally Setting Fire to Residence
08/28/2014 - Fugitive Investigators Arrest Man Who Owed More Than $170,000 in Child Support Payments
08/25/2014 - Sheriffs Department Donates Over 700 to United Way
08/22/2014 - CrimeStoppers Tip Enables Detectives to File Charge
08/19/2014 - Explorers Post 106 First Nighters Meeting
08/19/2014 - Detectives Arrest Two Men for Stealing One Motor Vehicle and Stealing Items from Four Motor Vehicles
08/14/2014 - Man Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Two Children
08/08/2014 - Officer Involved Shooting Investigation
08/07/2014 - Aviation Unit Recovers Stolen Vehicle During National Night Out
08/04/2014 - Man Arrested for Attempted Murder and Heroin Trafficking
07/31/2014 - Sheriff Promotes Two Deputies
07/28/2014 - Homeland Protection Certification
07/25/2014 - Two Men Arrested in Convenience Store Robbery
07/24/2014 - Explorer Post Wins National Award
07/23/2014 - Law Enforcement Re-Accreditation
07/23/2014 - Job Fair and Open House
07/23/2014 - Deputy Receives Distinguished Graduate Award
07/18/2014 - Sheriff Promotes Deputies
07/19/2014 - Detectives Charge Man with Restaurant Robbery
07/19/2014 - Deputies Arrest Two Women and One Man for Breaking Into Home at Gunpoint
An Internationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency 521 Gibson Road Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 785-8230


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Diet Schmiet - Taraji P. Henson's 9 Guilty Pleasures
Some stars diet and exercise like it's their job. But not Taraji P. Henson. She exercises so she can eat—a lot! From cheesecake to Oreos, here are Taraji's fave guilty pleasures.
What Diet? Taraji P. Henson's Fave Food Splurges
Taraji P. Henson is not your Hollywood actress—she loves food! In fact, Taraji tells StyleBistro that she only works out so she can eat all the stuff she loves! She says, "I don't really diet because I love food too much...I like to enjoy eating so I work out to eat, I guess." Now, without further ado, here are Taraji's favorite things!
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How did this new album and overall concept for it come about?
The concept was to record a very personal and evocative sounding set of songs. I had about a dozen waiting to be born into the world. The only cover song was Jake Dylans 6th Avenue Heartache that a MySpace fan insist I consider recording. These singer songwriter offerings would become Glide, the follow-up album to Wild Blue released a couple of years earlier on Eva Cassidys label, Blix Street Records. Much like the recording process that I have always done on the instrumental albums, this time I wanted to record everything live. I have always brought the rhythm section together and tracked the songs for each album that way, then overdubbed vocals, percussion, horns, woodwinds, and/or guitars. This enables the drums, bass, and piano/keyboard to make music without thinking too much; fun, fresh, spontaneous, and raw. When Russ Kunkel (drummer) wanted to join my long time bassist Matt McKenzie and guitarist Mike Miller and I to record Glide, it became an easy decision to not only play live together in the studio, but also for me to sing at the same time. Of course, a daring move for the fragile psyche of the singer because the acoustic piano bleeds into the vocal mic while recording and not much can be fixed later. Yikes! But I felt confident. With the support of the musical gurus around me and Don Murray engineering the sessions, I knew I could trust myself to sing well at that level of emotionalism.
Who would you say has been the single biggest influence in your life in getting you to where you are now in your career?
There is simply not just one. There have been a few influences in my life that definitely were key in getting me to where I am now: my amazing mother and most devoted fan; my husband who is also my business manager and best friend; my precious son; and my longtime piano teacher Dr. Wallace Hornibrook who recently passed away on my birthday. But, I would also like to point out that sometimes it is the person that takes on the role of the devils advocate that spurs you on to prove myself. And they are not always very kind about it. (Im smiling)
Going back in your life as far as you can remember, what song or performance is the first you recall hearing and being affected by?
I like this question because I think it is important for me to be able to recall how I was affected by certain songs at times in my life, especially when I begin a songwriting project, film score, television cue, etc. Then, I try to go deeper and integrate those visceral elements into the music I am working on. Here is an example of an experience I will never forget. I was in college studying for my Bachelor of Music Piano Performance degree. I had to take two years of music theory. It was the first semester of second year theory and the brilliant but quirky Dr. Cohen was my professor. I walked into class at 7:30 that morning to the sound of Richard Wagners Prelude to Tristan und Isolde playing on Dr, Cohens turntable. Class had not officially started and all the students were talking and milling around. But I sat at my desk spellbound. Tears gathered in my eyes and rolled slowly down my cheeks. Of all the classical, pop, and church music I had heard at 17 years of age, it seemed to be the most beautiful.
Outside of your musical career, what else in your life gets you excited and fulfilled?
Ashtanga Yoga, the Royal Yoga, is the core of my physical, mental, and spiritual existence. I have been practicing this traditional original yoga for almost ten years. It is said to have eight limbs. It has certainly reached into and lovingly touched all levels of my being. Ashtanga Yoga is neither a religion nor a sport as some theorists may speculate. It is 99 per cent practice and 1 per cent theory. It has been an evolving lifestyle for me that wholly compliments the study, practice and performance of music.
What in your life outside of your music drives you in a creative sense?
Painting the visual openness of emotion and improvisation manifested through color and shape. It is so abstract and free. Often, a painting project will follow weeks or months of concentrating on writing songs and recording them. I have always faux painted walls (French washing, lime washing, color washing) until recently. I have now finally started to play on the canvas.
Of your touring and gigs so far in your career, do any stand out as being particularly memorable or defining moments?
Among the top gigs are the pair of Winter Park Jazz Festivals (Colorado & Florida) because they are two of the largest venues and they were both sold out. Happy people everywhere!


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Welcome to Bad Boy, indeed.
Last night's premiere episode of I Want to Work for Diddy was a pretty good representation of what's to come on future episodes: namely, infighting, drama, high-pressure, and, oh yeah, 13 people competing for the job of a lifetime. After going through awkward (Andrew), exhuberant (Kendra), and just plain strange ("resident of the Earth" Deon) interviews with Diddy's "inner circle" (including previous assistant Norma, current stylist Derek, and the super-fierce director of marketing for Sean John, Capricorn Clark), the intensity of the situation set in once it was announced that there would be an elimination before the first challenge.
In a scene reminiscent of virtually every competition reality show in history, it was announced that the contenders would be split into two teams ("uptown" and "downtown") and while there were 13 contenders, surprise surprise, there are only 12 messenger bags to give. Ultimately, it came down to Kim, the "big girl with big skills" whose interview culminated with rolling a pair of dice on the table (probably not a good idea outside of a casino or back alley) and Andrew, whose dance moves suggest that he had maybe gotten lost on the way to America's Best Dance Crew (hint: it's not on VH1).
Sadly for those of us who like a little eye candy on our Monday nights, Andrew was sent packing. Although there may or may not be a certain castmember who was relieved by the absence of cute guys in the cast, allowing him to focus on the task at hand:
Yours, truly
Once that little bit of business was done, Derek gave the teams their first challenge, which was a 24-hour race around New York City to try to get as many menial tasks for Diddy done as possible, with the winning team being the one who completes the most tasks with the $2000 given. Because no reality show is complete without corporate sponsorships, the teams were also given red Verizon Blackberry phones (no, I didn't get paid for that), and when a "red phone" task comes, it must be completed immediately or else two regular tasks will be wiped out.
Got it? Yeah, me neither.
Anyways, the teams rush into their perspective headquarters, and they're off! On the downtown team, investment banker Mike's natural leadership and easy charm puts him in control of the team, and they all seem to be working and meshing well together. However, our very own transgender woman Miss Laverne Cox has some issues with Mr. Barber when he decides to walk to complete a task instead of taking the van, her response and reaction being made up of equal parts of frustration and presumably one of her many "acting for the camera" courses.
Meanwhile, the drama was in full force in the uptown team headquarters…
Kim's "big skills" appear to consist mainly of yelling, as she manages to get into some kind of confrontation with each team member over the course of those loooooong 24 hours. Finally, the uptown team is off to do their tasks, and throughout the course of the 24 hours they videotape beatboxers in Times Square, dress mannequins in the Sean John store (much harder than it looks, BTW), and wash one of Diddy's many Escalades. While the other four teammates are on the streets, Kim and cutie Brianna remain in the office, and the decision regarding whether or not to do a red phone task escalates into a screaming match between Kim and Brianna (note the side interview done with Brianna after the fact, where she is obviously being worked up by producers just off-camera). Fists are slammed into palms, voices are raised, terms like "ghetto" are thrown out, and VH1 assures us all that this show will provide the wholesome lessons on conflict resolution that we've come to expect from RealityTV.
Ultimately, it all comes down to a tie, as both teams have an equal amount of tasks done, but unfortunately the uptown team comes up $148 dollars short of cash, thus losing the challenge. That means a member from the uptown team will be eliminated. After the requisite introduction to the loft complete with oohs and aaahs from the contenders, we're back at Bad Boy Entertainment, where resident tough guy Phil Robinson informs the uptown team that "someone's gonna go home".
The team seems to want to kick out the ever-so-lovable Kim, but she's done her homework and identifies three specific reasons why the team lost (None of which involve her. Shocking, I know.), assigning blame squarely on Suzanne, Red, and team accountant Georgette. The team thinks otherwise, voting unanimously to send Kim home. There is, however, a twist. Kim gets to choose another team member to put on the chopping block, and brings up Georgette. Tempers flare, cases are made, but fortunately for people who love drama (and unfortunately for some of our sisters on afterellen who love gorgeous Latina women), Georgette is eliminated.
With two down in the first episode, only 11 remain in the running towards becoming America's Next Top … oh, sorry … Diddy's newest assistant.
Behind the scenes: Man, was that intense. We were actually given very little instruction as to what our presenations were supposed to be, so I felt really bad for Andrew, because he was trying to be different. I got a chance to talk to him for a bit, and he was actually a sweet guy, and very cute in person. Over on the uptown team, there were actually even more altercations with Kim that didn't get shown, including a screaming match between her and Brianna that happened during elimination. Oh, and there was no editing trickery going on with the challenge. We were actually up for 24 hours and, yes, we did smell at the end of it! Mike is exactly as nice as he seems, and Kim is exactly as … Kim as she seems.
Money shot: Brianna's reaction after being asked about her job at her interview.
Let us know in the comments what you thought of the first ep, and we'll be back next week with another gay's-eye view of the competition!


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posted by Colm Hanratty | 0 Comments
Looking for free WiFi in London? Want to save on internet access if your hostel doesn't offer it? We've come up with a list of ten places in London that offer free WiFi. All you need to do is purchase some food or drink, bring your laptop, and you can browse away for free to your heart's content.
And remember that Hostelworld.com has the best selection of cheap hostels, budget hotels and other types of accommodation in London on the internet, as well as city guides that include videos and podcasts.
1. Vantra, 11-13 Soho Street, Soho
This popular spot in the heart of Soho is one for vegetarians and vegans as the food is tailored to suit their tastes. A good place to browse around in the afternoon, it's a good place for lunch. Open Mon-Sat 12 noon-11pm, Sun 12 noon-8pm.
2. The Buck's Head, 202 Camden High St, Camden
If you're just after spending an afternoon buying clothes at the markets in Camden, then want to share it on Facebook but are afraid of the charges, fear not. This bar beside the famous market will let you do so for free.
Open Sun-Thurs 12 noon-midnight, Fri & Sat 12 noon-1am.
3. Eat, various locations
Found absolutely everywhere in the English captal, these cafés offer coffee, soup, sandwiches, pies, salads, desserts, breakfast and more.
Opening hours vary from branch to branch.
4. McDonald's, various location
Yes, that McDonald's. You may be thinking 'couldn't they recommend somewhere else?'. But since the golden arches are omnipresent in London (as well as other cities), you'll never be far from a Big Mac and a free browse.
Open daily from 4pm-close.
5. Pierre Victoire, 5 Dean St, Soho
Pierre Victoire is a restaurant with a lot of character thanks to its classic French Bistro style décor. They do decent set course lunches for less than £9, while if you're going to a show in the West End it's also a good option.
Open daily from midday-midnight.
6. Starbucks, various locations
Yes, that Starbucks. This is in the list by default - unlike their American counterpart, you can't just walk into any Starbucks and start browsing away. Instead you have to buy a Starbucks card pre-loaded with a few pounds for some coffee you're about to buy. Then you can browse away for nothing...sort of.
Opening hours vary from branch to branch.
7. Soho Theatre Bar, 21 Dean St, Soho
The second Dean St venue in our list, the Soho Theatre Bar is quite enough during the day that it's a good place to browse with your laptop, and lively enough at night that you can post pictures to Facebook from your smart phone and make everybody jealous of your night out in London Town.
Open daily 9.30am-late.
8. Zen Sushi Bar, 301 Porotbello Road, Notting Hill
If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the West End, Notting Hill is the perfect place to go. This sushi bar on its main thoroughfare is a great place for the reasonable, fresh sushi and of course, the toll-free internet access.
Open daily from 12 noon-10.30pm.
9. The Slug and Lettuce, various locations
This large chain of pubs around the UK is your typical British boozer - big, busy at the weekends, and offering a menu that contains things like full English breakfasts and Caesar salads. Their most central pub is on Lisle Street near Leicester Square, while they've another one on Islignton High Street.
Opening hours vary from branch to branch.
10. The Diner, 18 Ganton Street, Soho
Another eatery with branches all over the city, The Diner will suit American visitors looking for a taste of home while talking to their friends on Skype for nothing. This is their most central restaurant, with others in Camden, Shoreditch and Islington.
Opening hours vary from branch to branch.
So if you are looking for free WiFi in London because your place of residence doesn't offer it, now you know where to go.
In our hostelworld.com travel blog we bring you all the latest company news and information on new additions to the site including podcasts, videos and more. You'll also get inside information on a variety of destinations across the globe as they're visited by our travel editor and writers.
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text:
I wake up after sleeping in, drink a bajillion ounces of water, and have some breakfast, hang out. Ah, spring break. It's hard for someone like me to grasp when they're in the middle of eating poorly, but when I eat well for several days all my digestion problems minimize soo much. I feel like a different person and I never want to stop. Fingers crossed this time X)
Then I log on to tumblr see a very exciting and diverse dash waiting for me. I seriously love you guys, thank you for liking an posting all the things you do and for tolerating/liking my equally variegated blog too. <3
And now, for your enjoyment and inspired by a collage someone posted, the lyrics from Into the Woods I can't get out of my head: An ode from a boy to his cow.
I guess this is goodbye, old pal, you've been a perfect friend.
I guess this is goodbye, old pal, Some day I'll buy you back.
I'll see you soon again
I hope that when I do
It won't be on a plate~
Tagged with #here have some happy
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