A little Mary Jane can have big effects on some.

This really cracked me up this morning...how have I never seen it? Thank you StumbleUpon.



An overdose an marijuana? This cop clearly had some pretty boring high school years.



edit @ 2:16pm : I hadn't read blogs in a few days due to finals, and realized Robert posted the exact same video just yesterday! Wow. We really do think alike.

Do The Whirlwind!

As you can probably tell from previous posts, I lovelovelove Architecture in Helsinki. They took a while to grow on me, but I've fallen in love with their unique and sing it out sound. I've recently discovered that not only does the music they make rock out, but so do their music videos.



my favorite...




and the newest...

Under water viewing.

Like I've said before, I think Lomo cameras can be pretty fun. But I've decided to stop wasting film because the only time I think they come out well enough is at parties. Then again, I'm not a photographer.

pictures of you.





**Lynn, I'll get the one's from Turtle Island soon!

All that glitters isn't gold...

...or should I say sparkles?  All that sparkles isn't gold.  But that's exactly what happens to Cedric Diggory when he is exposed to sunlight in the ever popular Twilight saga.  Oh, I'm sorry, I meant Edward...not Cedric.  So here it is, the anticipated review that no one was even looking forward to reading (yet I'm still compelled to write): Twilight (the movie).  

I should preface this with the fact that I am a Harry Potter fan (make fun here) and am no stranger to fantasy novels.  There's a wonder and whimsy and innocence to the story that really engaged me.  As for Twilight, it's more of a watered down fantasy smut novel, I'm sure you're all familiar with the plot so I'll spare you.  Now I had 

only learned of this phenomenon recently, in the past few weeks, because Stewie's mom, my sister, and every girl on BGSU's campus is now obsessed.  As a result of an AMAZING clip from The Soup, Robert & I convinced ourselves to go see the movie.  And WOW, it worked.  At least in the sense that I can't stop talking about it.

Let's start with the glitterati, since I already mentioned it.  Perhaps I'm a bit biased due to the fact that I'm into "vampiric" things.  These guys are supposed to burst into flame when subjected to sunlight!  Not in Twilight, not even close.  These vampires can go out during the day, and are only affected by direct exposure, which gives them the "sparkles".  For those of you who watch Arrested Development, think of the time George Michael wanted to buy AnneHog the diamond dust.  Remember later on in the episode where w

e see Tobias wearing it instead?  Think of that, and then add CGI.

Next, the dialogue.  There is actually a part before Cedric, er...Edward and Bella go frolicking and flying through the woods where he holds out his hand to her.  There is a dramatic pause, an intense look, and the words "Do you trust me?" are uttered.  At this point, I lost it.  Immediate flashback to Disney's Aladdin before the magic carpet scene.  Not to mention Robert's favorite line: "Your mood swings are starting to give me whip lash".  Comic gold.

The make up.  Oh dear god, where do I start?  I understand that this movie was low budget, but I can honestly say I've seen better face jobs on the runway at Bretz on a Friday night or the dance floor at Uptown/Skybar on a Wednesday. 

The acting was so intense that Robert Pattinson's forehead probably had to be exercised daily if he were furrowing his brow as much as he did.  Glares, nostrils flaring... it was just so overdone.  Very Bold and the Beautiful if you ask me.

Honestly, I can't believe I've gone this far into it.  I will never write another "review".

So in conclusion, it was completely worth the $2.25 I spent.  At least for as many times as I laughed out loud.  I was thoroughly entertained almost the whole time.

For Robert's review (a much more condensed and wittier take on the movie), go here.

Sharing my agony with you.

"I'm trying to manage two blogs at once here!! What do you want from me??"

-me, being a complete nerd yesterday when someone commented on my lack of updates.

Busy with school, here are a few things I've been devoting my time and energies to:

Modern Architecture: Le Maison de Verre, Paris - by Pierre Chareau.  Completed in 1932, it was originally a multi-functional structure (home and doctor's office) built for Dr. Jean Dalsace.  There are crazy movable parts, retractable (& hidden!) staircases, and spiraling entrance ways all within this house. The glass block facade lets light in, but still provides privacy.  Innovative for the time.

Art of China & Japan: The Edo period, the "floating world culture", & Ukiyo-e motifs within the Japanese tattoo with emphasis on how it's become popular in Western culture.  Especially certain sub-cultures.  Then tattoos have so much significance and meaning to the Japanese, then & now.  I have to wonder if some of these people in our "Western society" that are getting these images tattooed  read up on it beforehand.

Probably most recognized, this is Hokusai's In the Hollow of a Wave of the Coast at Kanagawa

And just for fun...

Biology (yes I'm actually in a bio class): Overpopulation.  Need I say more?

Coming soon, a dual movie/book review.

You've got to be kidding me.

I.could.not.believe.this. Over 130 cats? Really?

Have you been good this year?

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've blogged due to our internet being out and overeating on Thanksgiving. I've been a busy girl, getting ready for the holidays and all. I know, I know...they come way too soon every year, but I have to admit that there are certain aspects I do like about them. Speaking of which, who here in the blogosphere has heard of Krampus?

Krampus is one of the companions of Saint Nicholas. He is popularly recognized in the Alpine region and is represented by an incubus in the company of Santa Claus. Most notably in Austria, people dress as the Krampus in the first weeks of December, particularly the night of December 5th. They (young men in their teens and early 20s, usually) roam the streets with rusty chains and bells making loud noises, dressed as completely demonic as they can. They're supposed to scare children back into their homes to be good, but it's turned more into a celebration. The Krampus' often times like to give people "switches", especially young ladies.

This is terrifying. And awesome. Yet another thing I have to do at some point.

The Krampus Assaulted Me
Uploaded by mamk

December 5th, St. Nicolas and his Krampus'
Uploaded by mamk

Raise your fist!

Can I talk about something? Ok. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I've wanted to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra for so long now. I feel like admitting this automatically gets me funny looks, but I have to ask: What isn't completely awesome about epic Christmas metal? Have you even heard about their light show? I want to dress in the classiest number I own (do I have a gown?) and go to one of these concerts! Unfortunately they aren't coming to Toledo this year and I have yet to find someone else around here that thinks it sounds like fun. The tickets are relatively expensive, but I guarantee they're worth it. Tell me, am I being ridiculous? Will you go with me? I'm looking to L.Gozleee, A.Gleghore, R.Lonard...

WTF



Because if i had to be subjected to this, so do you...

(04:29:55 PM) jon: bryan adams. pee wee herman. reggae. chrstimas.
(04:29:56 PM) jon: 4 for 4
(04:30:05 PM) sarah: 4 for 4
(04:30:07 PM) sarah: wow
(04:30:11 PM) jon: hahaha
(04:30:22 PM) sarah: i have no words!
(04:30:33 PM)jon: the late 80s/early 90s were such a confusing time
(04:30:39 PM) sarah: it sure was
(04:31:13 PM) sarah: i mean, what happened there, yknow?
(04:31:05 PM) jon: im glad i could give you a "wtf' moment for the day

Home sweet home.

After a trip to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, it's pretty great to be back home. I was able to meet new people, visit a few museums, see old friends, and try some excellent food. Not to mention that I'm up to 10 undeveloped rolls of film now! This is a record. Thanks to everyone who made it great.


Also, I'm doing a little posting for TOLEDO TOBOGGAN. Check it out! And let me know about things happening in the area.

Obligatory election blog.

Despite the title, I don't feel obligated to vote, just to blog about it ;) . I was talking to my "friend" Sigfús from Reykjavík and he was explaining how hard it is for everyone else (non-American citizens) just to sit back and wait to see who we elect as the most powerful person in the world. That struck an interesting chord with me, seeing as how the Bush administration has completely weakened us as a country, and he still saw it that way. Then he sent me this link...check it out!:
If the world could vote...

Fly like paper.

Last week while playing World Monopoly, I found myself trying to convince someone to buy Taipei because of the annual Sky Lantern Festival held in the village of Pinghsi every year. On the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, tens of thousands of people flock to Pinghsi (whose population is normally 1500) to set afloat thousands of sky lanterns with their wishes and resolutions written on them. Since I've discovered this event I've wanted to go experience it for myself, alas, I am nowhere close to being able to travel there. However, dear Micah, if you have the time the festival will take place on February 9th, 2009 (I think!).

Just because...

This is for Micah. Blaaaotter!
How can you not smile at that?

My "should be studying for midterm" artist feature blog.

For my birthday, Nathan gave me a Lichtenstein print that always made me laugh and also a Pierre et Gilles 52 week planner. I was in desperate need of a planner and this one comes with over 50 of Pierre et Gilles works.

I want to call Pierre et Gilles a French-artist-gay-power-couple, only because I currently lack proper articulation. Pierre is a photographer and Gilles a painter, they began collaborating in 1976 in Paris producing "highly stylized" photographic images. Many of the pieces remind me of those little Catholic idol and Saint cards. I first learned of them while on CocoRosie's website and being obsessed with pseudo (and real) religious imagery I found them quite interesting.






Pierre et Gilles
if you can read French...

post script: I wish I had the energy to write in more detail [and like a true art historian], but frankly, I'm burnt out.

Boom dadadadadada boom dada dada!

A friend of mine just reminded me of this French blog I used to read religiously. They have a section called the Take Away Shows which I'll let them explain:

"Every week, we invite an artist or a band to play in the streets, in a bar, a park, or even in a flat or in an elevator, and we film the whole session. Of course, what makes the beauty of it is all the little incidents, hesitations, and crazy stuff happening unexpectingly. Besides, we do not edit the videos so they look perfectly flawless, instead we keep the raw sound of the surroundings. Our goal is to try and capture instants, film the music just like it happens, without preparation, without tricks. Spontaneity is the keyword."

Here are a couple of my favorites...

#41 - Arcade Fire - Neon Bible & Wake Up
by lablogotheque

Architecture in helsinki - #58.1 -Heart it races
by lablogotheque

Architecture in Helsinki's is a bit scattered, but still a-dor-a-ble. Check it out, I'm sure you'll find some of your favorites, too!

LA BLOGOTHEQUE
Take Away Shows

Book porn!

Abbey Library St. Gallen, Switzerland

Re-posted from Curious Expeditions (where there are many more examples). Here are some incredibly sexy libraries I'd like to visit...

Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, Toronto, Canada

Library of the Benedictine Monastery of Admont, Austria

Handelingenkamer Tweede Kamer Der Staten-Generaal Den Haag, the Hague, Netherlands

Old British Reading Room, British Museum, London, England

Strahov Theological Hall - Original Baroque Cabinet

George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Dance Wiv Me!

Dizzee, Calvin, Chromeo...could it be anymore perfect? Can't get enough of this song right now!

Marcy kills it!

My grandma has worked for Marcy Kaptur for about 20 years now; I guess technically she's volunteered because she's a friend of Marcy's and does the work for free. At a young age I started going down to the offices with Grandma and have had the chance to meet Ms. Kaptur several times. The following makes me feel lucky that I had those opportunities.

"That's what..."

This one is for Lauren.
click.

Happy October!!

My favorite month of the whole year has finally arrived! A tribute...

The 1st: Happy Birthday, Daveman. I love you, brother.

The 13th: Oh dear...my 25th birthday!

The 15th: Sundowner in BG. This girl is ex-cit-ed.

The 31st: My favorite holiday, Halloween! Not to mention the parties, haunted houses, & everything that comes with it.

...& everything in between!

Tell me why you think October is awesome. Also, I could use some suggestions for Halloween costumes and obscure horror movies to watch this month.