I suppose I'm a little torn on some women's issues.
Here is an example of my squirming feminism:
The Tyra Banks Show, January 22nd. Tyra demonstrates how to maximize your tube of lipstick by digging out the extra bits with a toothpick and placing the bits that would have otherwise been wasted into a little plastic container. She then has some kind of expert woman come on stage and they discuss the handy trick of using toilet seat lining from public restrooms as blotting paper for facial oils or make-up. The cameras cut from the stage to an audience of very attentive, very happy women of various weights and ages.
1. My first instinct is harsh judgment. Is there nothing better to talk about on a television show geared towards women? All this focus on beauty and fashion and blah blah I begin to bore myself even thinking about it again. This is The Obvious.
2. Second reaction: Why shouldn't Tyra Banks give these tips to women? A lot of women are interested in this topic, and the whole point is getting the most for your money from the beauty products you buy (--to conform to this completely arbitrary standard of worth that models like Tyra Banks perpetu--) no stop you're going back to your first instinct stop stop stop judging these women!! My second reaction is marked by my concerted effort to stop judging people for adhering to gender stereotypes, and to start recognizing that maybe the most progressive gender attitude is to accept that some things are specific to men and women in general, while keeping a social and moral analytical mind!
3. I'm led to my third set of feelings, to reassure myself. These women in the audience must understand that physical beauty is not all-important or defining, and thus are honestly investigating the part of themselves that enjoys the process of beautification as an art and an expression of their inner spirit. They are intelligent women who are professionally successful and respect an entrepreneurial woman like Tyra Banks...?
4. Fourth response: doubled rebellion! Only in a perfect world where SUVs and the death penalty don't exist, and internet is always free could my third reaction be true! FUCK this show. This is so vulgar, so depressing. Such a disgusting encouragement of all things that keep women out of so many male-dominated industries. Such a distraction from what could build character and self-esteem and knowledge. Tyra Banks hates herself and she's teaching all women to hate true femininity!! Rampage!!
5. The reality of my own hypocrisy makes my eyes glaze as I look at myself: on a workout machine in the late morning, looking up from GQ magazine long enough to catch two minutes of a talk show, at a gym in Los Angeles trying to improve my physical appearance. How am I that different from those hopeful faces in the audience, those women looking for ways to form their bodies to fit into Tyra's little jeans?
But I am different. And I do judge people. I suppose I'm torn about just HOW wrong this is, on which levels.
I think I should do some research before I write anything else. Consider it a five level knee jerk.
22 January 2007
13 January 2007
Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd
Dear Valued Customer,
Recently, you wrote a letter asking what is the key to our success...
If there are pillows being sold for four dollars to your right, and bath mats on sale for ten dollars to your left, and straight ahead is a bin of pot holders for fifty cents, doesn't it SEEM that everything in the general area is an absolute bargain?
You buy three pillows. Pillows are never sold for four dollars, that's lunacy. A bath mat for twelve dollars? Throw it in the cart, another bargain. And fifty cents can't buy you a soda these days, let alone a very useful and reliable pot holder. That pot holder might out last a current friendship or pet. For fifty cents, you can purchase what could eventually be a permanent fixture in your home, and homes to come! An investment! Or you could place it in the nearest gutter on your way home and feel no regret, as you most likely lost two quarters in the shuffle of couches and laundry and life that very morning. You don't really love the pattern on the pot holder, but you won't find one for less than fifty cents anywhere. In fact, you have a brief feeling of admiration- not only for pot holder's cost vs. value, but for yourself! You bask in a brief semi-conscious spotlight that makes you just that much smarter than other consumers for having discovered this wonderland of bargains. You barely perceive this feeling, but it moves you forward- smirking through the store, enabling purchases like a $1 wooden spoon, a $5 little rug, a $2 metal plate that might be for a candle, but you're not sure.
Our answer... Most bath mats are cheaper than twelve dollars.
Love,
IKEA
Recently, you wrote a letter asking what is the key to our success...
If there are pillows being sold for four dollars to your right, and bath mats on sale for ten dollars to your left, and straight ahead is a bin of pot holders for fifty cents, doesn't it SEEM that everything in the general area is an absolute bargain?
You buy three pillows. Pillows are never sold for four dollars, that's lunacy. A bath mat for twelve dollars? Throw it in the cart, another bargain. And fifty cents can't buy you a soda these days, let alone a very useful and reliable pot holder. That pot holder might out last a current friendship or pet. For fifty cents, you can purchase what could eventually be a permanent fixture in your home, and homes to come! An investment! Or you could place it in the nearest gutter on your way home and feel no regret, as you most likely lost two quarters in the shuffle of couches and laundry and life that very morning. You don't really love the pattern on the pot holder, but you won't find one for less than fifty cents anywhere. In fact, you have a brief feeling of admiration- not only for pot holder's cost vs. value, but for yourself! You bask in a brief semi-conscious spotlight that makes you just that much smarter than other consumers for having discovered this wonderland of bargains. You barely perceive this feeling, but it moves you forward- smirking through the store, enabling purchases like a $1 wooden spoon, a $5 little rug, a $2 metal plate that might be for a candle, but you're not sure.
Our answer... Most bath mats are cheaper than twelve dollars.
Love,
IKEA
13 October 2006
Coffee Don't Lie
Trains coming out of the pavement under my sneakers. Logos I don't recognize. Make Art Not War. I still love you.
LOVE ME TILL MY HEART STOPS.
I miss graffiti.
Why is it that the second I step a foot out of Los Angeles I fall in love with every other city? I'm like a teenage boy with an indiscriminate travel boner. I'm sitting in a coffee shop in San Francisco (with FREE internet!!!!) and all I can think about is how get out of LA and back to a Real City. I'm thinking about my old coffeeshop in Boston, my coffeeshop friends, my coffeeshop attitude. I walked here thinking about New York and Boston and Philly, haunted and dreaming.
Maybe I remember things with rose glasses, and I'm never happy where I am. I hated Boston by the time I left. Still, I doubt I will remember my time in LA with any great longing. I haven't made it mine, I doubt I could. It tricks people that way, this vast beast challenging you tame it. All this time it just tamed me, in traffic and artifice.
I have to move as soon as I can, I know it. I am not this jaded. I am not this depressed. I am not this creatively constipated. I recently told my boyfriend that I am over palm trees and I think they are stupid. He said I didn't really think that. He was right, probably more right than he knew when he said it, because when he said that I didn't think palm trees are stupid, he was really saying:
"Carol. You don't think any trees are stupid."
Everyone is coffeeshop looks familiar. Not from TV or movies, not from magazines, but from my life. I know all of these people. I've served them coffee and discussed music with them. I'm curious and they are curious. I have to get back here.
LOVE ME TILL MY HEART STOPS.
I miss graffiti.
Why is it that the second I step a foot out of Los Angeles I fall in love with every other city? I'm like a teenage boy with an indiscriminate travel boner. I'm sitting in a coffee shop in San Francisco (with FREE internet!!!!) and all I can think about is how get out of LA and back to a Real City. I'm thinking about my old coffeeshop in Boston, my coffeeshop friends, my coffeeshop attitude. I walked here thinking about New York and Boston and Philly, haunted and dreaming.
Maybe I remember things with rose glasses, and I'm never happy where I am. I hated Boston by the time I left. Still, I doubt I will remember my time in LA with any great longing. I haven't made it mine, I doubt I could. It tricks people that way, this vast beast challenging you tame it. All this time it just tamed me, in traffic and artifice.
I have to move as soon as I can, I know it. I am not this jaded. I am not this depressed. I am not this creatively constipated. I recently told my boyfriend that I am over palm trees and I think they are stupid. He said I didn't really think that. He was right, probably more right than he knew when he said it, because when he said that I didn't think palm trees are stupid, he was really saying:
"Carol. You don't think any trees are stupid."
Everyone is coffeeshop looks familiar. Not from TV or movies, not from magazines, but from my life. I know all of these people. I've served them coffee and discussed music with them. I'm curious and they are curious. I have to get back here.
27 September 2006
How to Build a Career in the Entertainment Industry
Are you fresh out of film school? Are you over the age of thirty with as many career attempts under your belt? Do you love movies and/or television? Perhaps a job in the entertainment world is your next endeavor! The following are five easy pointers on looking for an "industry" job in Hollywood (and you don't know anyone famous).
Let's begin.
1. True or False: I need a college degree to work in Hollywood.
FALSE. You do not need a college degree, but it is helpful. If you have proof of higher learning, you may be able to get a better job right off the bat, but not necessarily. You could work as an unpaid intern at a production company, or work in skilled labor via grip and electric work. Actually, there are variety of options available to you, depending on how much of your life you are willing to waste volunteering your soul. (Personally I suggest going to film school because a) it's a fun time, despite the life-long debt b) I hear a film BA is the new BS, pun sort of unintended and c) hopefully it will teach you many valuable skills, half of them social if I know my audience.)
2. "Working for free?! Why would anyone work for free? Did you say UNPAID INTERN back there???"
I did. This is why it might be helpful to get a degree, so you can justify an unpaid internship with college credit. Or, if you have never been on a set, and have never had physical contact with the world of production, then sure... PA on some student films if you can. After that, I do not believe anyone should work for free. Many people agree with me, concerning these "plain as day" matters of self-worth.
Can you imagine starting in the pharmaceutical industry and working for free, even as a beginner? I can't. As unbelievable as it is in the entertainment industry to begin this way, the result, hopefully, will be equally unbelievable. If you can work your way up, you will make an obscene amount of money doing what most people, especially pharmacists, would not call "work". They might call it "hanging out" or "abusing power" or even "surfing myspace while your assistant does the same". Don't be fooled by those "starving artists"!! There is a CRAP TON of money to be made in Hollywood. That's right-- producers and agents and editors all make a CRAP TON of money. But before you can make this income, some people require you to start BELOW the bottom rung.
3. Let's talk about those OPTIONS.
It is true that everyone has to start somewhere. These places can include: receptionist, runner, PA, assistant (be it 2nd assistant director, assistant editor, office assistant, or assisting in any on-set department like lighting, electric, wardrobe, or art). I mention these because it may seem overwhelming in your job search, looking at all the different postings and not knowing the real job description or what you're qualified to do. Now, I can not delve into every positions I just mentioned, but I can give blanket advice about each general arena so you do not waste any time!
a. Receptionist/Office Manager/Runner: Anything office related can be a passport into a company. You can learn everything about what goes into production. The key here: find a company you want to grow in. It's that simple! ...and yet so utterly difficult. Good luck!
b. Assistant Editor: If you want to be an editor, this is the only way in. Make sure you want to be an editor, otherwise you will waste 16 hours of every day deep inside Final Cut Pro, unprotected.
c. On-set Departments: Get in there, get on a great team, and get in a union. You will be on set for 20 hours a day, but you will be over-fed and over-paid.
4. "Hm. 20 hours? I don't know... That's a long day..."
I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you... you have to LOVE film/television. I mean LOVE it, like you want to DIE for it. (Cause you kind of will.) Not willing to die for this industry? Awesome! I hope the whole fucking city sinks into the ocean. Until then, this is what we have to work with here, now.
5. Now, actually looking for jobs.
A recent poll in Los Angeles estimates there are one million billion people looking for the same jobs you are seeking in LA. Because of this fact, there are systems in place online to assist your search. Entertainmentcareers.net and mandy.com are great resources. Another would be craigslist.org, in their "tv/film/radio" or "crew" or "writing" sections. You can use craigslist.org if you don't mind working for people who can't spell, or do not even pretend to understand syntax.
That's it, future co-workers!! This is just the beginning for you. Here you go, off into your new careeer in the entertainment industry!! Aren't you excited? It might take years and years and you still may never ever be satisfied with your work, and you might give up way before that, but here's hoping you get that lucky break!
What?
Your own projects? Cre-? Creative control? Hmmmm.
Saving your mind, body, and spirit in LA will be in my next blog. I haven't published it yet because I actually have no idea what to tell you. I just told you this crap cause no one told me.
Let's begin.
1. True or False: I need a college degree to work in Hollywood.
FALSE. You do not need a college degree, but it is helpful. If you have proof of higher learning, you may be able to get a better job right off the bat, but not necessarily. You could work as an unpaid intern at a production company, or work in skilled labor via grip and electric work. Actually, there are variety of options available to you, depending on how much of your life you are willing to waste volunteering your soul. (Personally I suggest going to film school because a) it's a fun time, despite the life-long debt b) I hear a film BA is the new BS, pun sort of unintended and c) hopefully it will teach you many valuable skills, half of them social if I know my audience.)
2. "Working for free?! Why would anyone work for free? Did you say UNPAID INTERN back there???"
I did. This is why it might be helpful to get a degree, so you can justify an unpaid internship with college credit. Or, if you have never been on a set, and have never had physical contact with the world of production, then sure... PA on some student films if you can. After that, I do not believe anyone should work for free. Many people agree with me, concerning these "plain as day" matters of self-worth.
Can you imagine starting in the pharmaceutical industry and working for free, even as a beginner? I can't. As unbelievable as it is in the entertainment industry to begin this way, the result, hopefully, will be equally unbelievable. If you can work your way up, you will make an obscene amount of money doing what most people, especially pharmacists, would not call "work". They might call it "hanging out" or "abusing power" or even "surfing myspace while your assistant does the same". Don't be fooled by those "starving artists"!! There is a CRAP TON of money to be made in Hollywood. That's right-- producers and agents and editors all make a CRAP TON of money. But before you can make this income, some people require you to start BELOW the bottom rung.
3. Let's talk about those OPTIONS.
It is true that everyone has to start somewhere. These places can include: receptionist, runner, PA, assistant (be it 2nd assistant director, assistant editor, office assistant, or assisting in any on-set department like lighting, electric, wardrobe, or art). I mention these because it may seem overwhelming in your job search, looking at all the different postings and not knowing the real job description or what you're qualified to do. Now, I can not delve into every positions I just mentioned, but I can give blanket advice about each general arena so you do not waste any time!
a. Receptionist/Office Manager/Runner: Anything office related can be a passport into a company. You can learn everything about what goes into production. The key here: find a company you want to grow in. It's that simple! ...and yet so utterly difficult. Good luck!
b. Assistant Editor: If you want to be an editor, this is the only way in. Make sure you want to be an editor, otherwise you will waste 16 hours of every day deep inside Final Cut Pro, unprotected.
c. On-set Departments: Get in there, get on a great team, and get in a union. You will be on set for 20 hours a day, but you will be over-fed and over-paid.
4. "Hm. 20 hours? I don't know... That's a long day..."
I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you... you have to LOVE film/television. I mean LOVE it, like you want to DIE for it. (Cause you kind of will.) Not willing to die for this industry? Awesome! I hope the whole fucking city sinks into the ocean. Until then, this is what we have to work with here, now.
5. Now, actually looking for jobs.
A recent poll in Los Angeles estimates there are one million billion people looking for the same jobs you are seeking in LA. Because of this fact, there are systems in place online to assist your search. Entertainmentcareers.net and mandy.com are great resources. Another would be craigslist.org, in their "tv/film/radio" or "crew" or "writing" sections. You can use craigslist.org if you don't mind working for people who can't spell, or do not even pretend to understand syntax.
That's it, future co-workers!! This is just the beginning for you. Here you go, off into your new careeer in the entertainment industry!! Aren't you excited? It might take years and years and you still may never ever be satisfied with your work, and you might give up way before that, but here's hoping you get that lucky break!
What?
Your own projects? Cre-? Creative control? Hmmmm.
Saving your mind, body, and spirit in LA will be in my next blog. I haven't published it yet because I actually have no idea what to tell you. I just told you this crap cause no one told me.
05 September 2006
To Hazard a Guess
This will be my "LA Mysteries" post. I will add to this as mysteries and theories emerge..
1. Bread Zone.
Somewhere between Washington and Venice Blvds, east of Fairfax and west of Hauser, there is an industrious bread making bakery. The Bread Zone, morning and night, smells of baking bread. I have never located the bakery emitting the powerful bread fragrance. I suspect I never will.
2. Cow Tails.
I suppose as a child I missed out on the semi-gross, fully-satisfying treat of a Cow Tail. I recently tried one of these cream filled caramel sticks while at home. I purchased this Cow Tail at a WaWa in Delaware. There are no WaWas in California, and after looking around at 7-Elevens and the like, I could not find Cow Tails here either. So when I went home again, I stocked up. Not long after returning to LA, my front headlight went out, forcing me into an "Auto Zone". While paying for the bulb, I discovered that although no convenience store carries Cow Tails... Auto Zone, in fact, has them for sale. ?????
3. La Brea and Wilshire-ish area, on the corner, a bakery. Lee's Croissants, from the north. Or is it Bee's Croissant's? A tiny sign viewed from the west dictates it so. Or it simply Ari's, as posted on the south side of the establishment? Yeah what the hell is called, I'm begging someone interpret the signage.
1. Bread Zone.
Somewhere between Washington and Venice Blvds, east of Fairfax and west of Hauser, there is an industrious bread making bakery. The Bread Zone, morning and night, smells of baking bread. I have never located the bakery emitting the powerful bread fragrance. I suspect I never will.
2. Cow Tails.
I suppose as a child I missed out on the semi-gross, fully-satisfying treat of a Cow Tail. I recently tried one of these cream filled caramel sticks while at home. I purchased this Cow Tail at a WaWa in Delaware. There are no WaWas in California, and after looking around at 7-Elevens and the like, I could not find Cow Tails here either. So when I went home again, I stocked up. Not long after returning to LA, my front headlight went out, forcing me into an "Auto Zone". While paying for the bulb, I discovered that although no convenience store carries Cow Tails... Auto Zone, in fact, has them for sale. ?????
3. La Brea and Wilshire-ish area, on the corner, a bakery. Lee's Croissants, from the north. Or is it Bee's Croissant's? A tiny sign viewed from the west dictates it so. Or it simply Ari's, as posted on the south side of the establishment? Yeah what the hell is called, I'm begging someone interpret the signage.
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