Kicks, Clothes, Art, and Awesomeness

whoa.

2009-12-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Saw this on yahoo and was pretty impressed.

This artist Liu Bolin paints people and makes them blend in and look invisible and ghost-like. Very interesting. Check it...

YES!

2009-12-10T13:13:00.001-08:00

2010 hasn't started yet, but it's already shaping up to be a good year. Yay!

What I've been thinking since forever...

2009-10-12T13:04:00.001-07:00

I'm a very big fan of modern and contemporary art, so when I hear people talk, I think this same damn thing.

loves.

2009-09-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

1. Paul Smith for Evian water. Cool water bottles. :) can someone get me one? Thanks.

2. Interesting pair of kicks. I'm typically not a fan of crazy, overdone laces, but these look decent. I'd have to see them in person to make a final decision.

3. I love what Head Porter typically comes out with. With this, I really just like the grey puffy vest that the guy is wearing. But overall, the rest of the lookbook is pretty nice. Some of those bags are pretty sweet.

...all via highsnobiety.com

America: The conquerer and the idiot.

2009-09-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

I may offend a lot of people with this post, but so be it. If you don't feel like getting pissed off, just go away. And I've gotten pretty good at not ranting on this blog as of late, but I just need a burn book right now.

Anyway, being in Rome has really allowed me to witness and observe the actions of the so-called "typical American." The typical American (tA for short..haha) will complain, yell obscenities while heavily intoxicated, and act as if they should be catered to at all times. Other tA's will just laugh at each others' actions and partake in all the ignorance. They pay no respect to others and basically think it's wrong that a country functions differently than the US. Hmm, how absurd? Who would've thought that other countries actually do things their own way? Damn. But anyway, in order to examine the tA, let's look at the issues at hand...

- Why does the tA go to another country and act the exact same way as they do at home?

- What makes the tA think that they should act even crazier while in another country?

- Why does the tA expect to receive the same products and services as in the US?

In an attempt to answer these questions, I will, based on my own opinions and observations, discuss the forces contributing to this obnoxious behavior. So let's begin...

First, the tA lacks the knowledge and open mind needed to appreciate another culture. Due to various reasons, such as the education system in America and the huge pride that exists within each American (which can also be attributed to the education system), the tA has been somewhat sheltered from the rest of the world. (I mean many people are only learning Spanish because they say it'll be a prevalent language in the US due to the large number of immigrants coming from Hispanic countries.) The majority of Americans just aren't exposed to other cultures and there aren't really classes in Jr High or High School that give kids a glimpse of what other cultures are like. Not that there should be classes, but it should at least be touched upon and explored a little bit more, so people don't think that the American way is always the right way. People need to question things more. What kids learn at school is mostly taken at face value. Memorize it so you can do well on the test. No questioning needed. America as a country is overly glorified at schools. Ask kids what they think about Columbus "discovering" America, or how the US government had laws that segregated and discriminated against people. Have kids rethink the country, instead of always making it seem so amazing.

This brings me to my next point that the tA thinks that American products, services, and processes are superior. Since the tA is so accustomed to the same processes and lifestyle, they soon believe that if those same processes aren't followed, then it just doesn't work. Instead of thinking that, why not just realize that it just works differently? For example, the Italian siesta where businesses close in the early afternoon for a few hours and then re-open around 4. To some, this doesn't make sense. If these businesses were in the US, they're probably right. But they're not. They are in Italy, catering to an Italian consumer base. And the way these people have grown up is to have these breaks in the middle of the day. Other people who go to the US probably wonder why restaurants are busy at like 6 or 7pm. Because Americans typically eat at that time. It's just the way things are.

Lastly, since I've been here, it's been a non-stop party for some people. Don't get me wrong, I like to party also, but c'mon, get an effing handle on yourself. For some people, that's their basic goal while doing a STUDY abroad. Just party as hard and as often as they possibly can until it's time to leave. Now why is this happening? My belief is that it's because the tA think that they can get away with anything. Their passports will save them from anything, so they'll treat every city as a playground. This goes back to the tA not being exposed to the culture and the belief that the American culture is superior. They believe that their culture is better, so they'll live it wherever they go. They don't care about the taboos. It's anything goes. If we can do it in the US, we can do it anywhere. And if it's probably not allowed here, oh well, I have an American passport, they can't touch me.

The tA's are not bad people. They just lack the respect of other cultures to adapt and accept.

Someone buy me this for Christmas.

2009-09-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sick. I've tried the original Dr. Dre headphones at the Apple store, and they are ridiculous. The sound is very clear and the bass is legit. These new ones are smaller apparently and have a mic so you can connect it to your iPhone and still take calls. This white one is filthy. ahh! I want!

via acquire.

Projects Iridium Watch.

2009-09-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Fun little watch by Projects. The numbers turn a certain color to let you know what time it is. It's a watch sans the hands. Or the hands are moving below the face of the watch. Nonetheless, interesting take/design. via acquire.

Food Inc.

2009-09-05T10:54:00.001-07:00

If I haven't talked to you already... go see this.

When in Rome...

2009-09-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

So I'm currently in Rome, Italy for my study abroad. I'm going to keep a separate blog for that since I need to turn something in for school to get credit. Follow my life in Italia here.

Art & Copy

2009-08-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

I wanna watch this!!!...via hypebeast.

J.Crew

2009-08-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

Recently tried to kill some time at the J.Crew on Fifth Ave. Got myself out of there before buying anything. But then a few days later bought a couple items at the J.Crew mens shop in SoHo (which, btw, is the best shopping area in the city...altho the LES holds it down too-especially for sneaks). Anyway, I hate J.Crew for always having a bajillion things for me to want. They never disappoint. Lastly, I really want their Timex military watch, and some shoes...obv among other things.

Museum Days.

2009-08-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

Since the art scene is really happening in New York City, I've been going to a number of museums as of late. Here's a quick run-down of where I've been and some thoughts... Enjoy!

MoMa.

-definitely a must just because it's the MoMa

-lets you take pictures inside the galleries

-huge collection and lots of different styles

-Waste Not...go check it out. lots of different takes on it, but it definitely puts things in perspective sustainability wise.

-liked their design section with more contemporary stuff...Stefan Sagmeister's poster where he has his intern write stuff on his body with an exacto knife..ouch.

Cooper Hewitt.

-super small. i question whether the 10 bucks i paid was worth it.

-sustainability exhibit was interesting. Basically famous artists (Maya Lin, Isaac Misrahi, etc...) made things from natural materials found in different parts of the world. After going and discussing it with some Parsons peeps, we all kind of question what the intentions are since the products they made were...not really too sustainable. Like..What is one to do with a salmon skin dress? Did any of these objects actually help make the world "greener"? Did they help the local people in any way? ...hmm... suspect.

PS1. MoMa.

-Long Island City... definitely dig the area.

-pool "thing"... awesome.

-good contemporary pieces. really really good set-up. the space itself is sick.

-it's like a party on weekends. DJ n drinks included.

-definitely recommend going.

New Museuem for Contemporary Art.

-tall building on Bowery...has an observation deck only open on weekends. Very nice.

-Good exhibits currently on view. One about life in S. Africa, and one about the Black Panther Party.

-"BPP has never been a racist group. You don't fight racism with racism. You fight racism with solidarity." -Guy in video about BPP. Very true. Applicable to pretty much any civil rights issue. (Shout out--Long, you would've liked it. Go. It's right by Chinatown. =] )

Guggenheim.

-saw the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit...From Within Outward.

-umm.. kinda pricey. it's famous so...

-nothing too exciting. I wasn't too enthused.

-a few nuggets here and there...but I wish they had more models... After awhile, all the blueprints just started to look the same.. but maybe cz I'm not an architect.

Whitney.

-squishies!

-very cool exhibits up right now by Claes Oldenburg. Basically, it's musical intruments, food, furniture, and other objects that were made by different soft materials so they're almost like giant toys.

-watch the PlayPause video in the first floor gallery. Cracked me up.

-liked the place. had a good amount of contemporary art pieces so that kept me happy.

now go get your art on.

hmm.

2009-07-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

life is really strange... but yeah stumbled on this on fb... didn't make it completely better.. but helps a bit...

Thanks Parsons.

2009-07-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

It's been an absolutely wonderful 4 weeks. I knew I said I'd try to blog more when I'm here, but it didn't really work out. School's kept me busy. But in any case, it's been a really great experience. I have met some of the coolest, funniest, smartest, and most creative ppl and it's been really refreshing to be in this environment. A lot of new ideas and new perspectives.

I came into it with no real expectations. Brought my open mind and let the rest of it fall into place. Content-wise, it really worked out for me. I enjoyed almost everything we talked about--innovation, scenario building, blue oceans, personas, sustainability, etc... The stuff that I'm able to take away are very useful and applicable to my future endeavors. So thank you Parsons, and to everyone who made it all worth it. : )

Me n my Yeezys.

2009-07-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

I love them. Moon boots. Hot moon boots.

I love how Kanye made a whole new silhouette. Not just changing colors on a pair of AM90s or something. He's actually doing the same with Louis Vuitton. (dropped recently for a cool 800-1000USD). Totally new designs tho. Absolutely brilliant.

Other designers should take notes. It's not just about cool colors and limited editions. It's about creating something no one's seen before. There will be haters, but on the other end of the spectrum, there will those who are just drooling over them. Me included.

Random Thought: jellies!

2009-06-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Everyday, I walk across this bridge to get to work. Recently, on my way over said bridge, I've noticed a bunch of these white spots in the water. "What are those things?" I thought. Could it be? They're jellyfish of course!!

Anyway... So on my way home today I saw another one of these jellies and had a few random thoughts:

- What are they doing here all of a sudden? And why are there so many of them?

- What exactly is a jellyfish?? I mean, it doesn't look like a fish.

- What do they eat?? How do they eat??

- They don't have eyes.

- Do these jellies have a brain??

- Hmm. it must be fun to bounce around on top of these jellies like in finding nemo.

So there you have it. A few random thoughts. I probably seem really dumb, but oh well. I can totally just google/wikipedia jellyfish, but I kind of like not really knowing the answers to my questions. It makes it more interesting cz I can just imagine different things. : )

retardED HARDY.

2009-06-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

During my recent travels thru various airports, I spotted one of the most hideous things ever--an Ed Hardy carryon luggage suitcase. If roses, skulls, and roaring tigers are your thing, then stop reading now... I'm only going to offend you further... Anyway, I absolutely despise Ed Hardy to begin with. Seeing these damn tigers and ugly tattoo designs on shirts, shoes, hats, etc... really just pisses me off. 1. They're hideous. 2. They scream "I'm a d-bag!" to everyone around you, and 3. They're everywhere! How?!? Why?!?!? They're so effing ugly. wtf. How can anyone actually think that these items look good? The fact that I see people rockin' Ed Hardy stuff everywhere boggles my mind. I mean the guy puts these ugly ass tattoo designs on everything, trying to make a buck out of every sucker (/d-bag) out there who think they're BA but still fashionable.

So anyway this girl with the carryon was in full Ed Hardy gear. Sweats and all. So I guess she's down with that whole trend. Whether she thinks she's being stylish or not, I guess I can't judge. Different strokes for different folks right? ... It's cool if you're down with that, but I personally wouldn't dress up in Ed Hardy gear with skulls and "tattoo art" all over my shirt.

Bottom line-- the brand is killing itself. The designs are on everything imaginable. They're on shoes, shirts, hoodies, sweats, hats, handbags, luggage bags, and d-bags. Why would a company want to do that?? Especially one that is positioning itself as a fairly high-end brand with store locations on Newbury St. in Boston and in New York's SoHo area. Once the dust settles, and the d-bags return to their plain white wife-beaters, the company is done. It'll be following in the footsteps of Von Dutch. A brand that died, thanks to the same person who now holds the rights to Don Ed Hardy's (tattoo artist) art. Fine, he gets his money so he can't complain right? but still.. terrible strategy.

the. (stolen)

2009-06-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

totally stealing this from my friend's blog..

http://www.thinkofthe.com/

cool stuff.

ps. parsons!! yay! hahah

summer, we meet again.

2009-06-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

so i'm really bad about updating this.. i wonder if there's a blogspot app for the iphone.. i might do better with that.. anyway i googled something one time n stumbled on some rando person's tumblr blog.. looks so much cooler than blogspot.. dun dun dun... we'll see if or when i make the switch..

alright. so. it's summer. coop is almost over. all three air yeezy's have been released (n i have zero). NBA finals are on. Sox are on. all is well (except the zero air yeezy's part). Oh and I went to the beach this past weekend. woot! two and a half weeks and im off to new york cittay to do my parsons thang. maybe the blog will be more frequently updated then... let's hope.

anyway i really have nothing to write about. here are some picatures.

this last one is fun. haha. it's nice to see that at least one person knows where to go to find happiness. n happiness can be found anywhere...even on the orange line. : )

Grapes!

2009-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

When things go wrong, it's hard to understand why, or how, you got there. Sometimes there are no answers. Nothing comes easy. Everything you knew, or thought you knew, all of a sudden is turned upside down. It becomes hard to distinguish right from wrong, and whether the decisions you made along the way would have made any sort of difference in the end.

At times like these, there's not much else you can do but to go with the flow. Ride it out. Get away from everything you're accustomed to and let the world refresh you. How can you face your problems when 1) you don't know what your ideal outcome would be, 2) you aren't motivated to do anything about it (because of number 1), and/or 3) you just are so lost in life that you don't even know what the problem is to be able to solve it? It'll be tough for the first few days/weeks, but in the end, it's better because you have your head straight and can again differentiate right from wrong, and now know how the steps you take will eventually lead you to your desired outcome or goal.

How long it'll take for life to reboot and refresh you again? No one can say. It's all just a matter of being patient, examining yourself, and following what your heart desires. Don't get strung up on the mistakes you think you made. You learn from them. Don't worry about how each action led to another, and wishing you made a different choice. Instead, focus on what really matters -- the steps that lie ahead.

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it."

-Harvey Mackay-

wow. it's been awhile.

2009-04-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

So it's been a few long months since my last post. Sad. I really wanted to keep up to date with this thing. Oh well. Things got busy.

Anyway so here's a brief update...in list format.

- I have a new favorite pair of sneaks. Undftd 24k Puma Mid's. Sick. I love the silhouette, n the materials they used are filthy.

- NYC this July!!! Yay for Parsons Design+Mgt! Super pumped.

- I am now a huge fan of 5 panel caps. Although I still heart fitteds, it's always nice to switch it up every once in awhile.

- I want a Nikon D90.

- The fam jam moved to Troy, MI outside of Detroit. Hmm.. Detroit WHAT! haha..right. I will visit soon.

- I have a blank skate deck that needs some designing. Get on it Mar10.

- Barkada = Student Organization of the Year. Eat that suckazzzz!

- my coop sucks.

So that's it for now. I'll try to keep this updated more often. Lo siento friends.

Christmas time is here!

2008-12-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Yay! Christmas!! woot!!

I'm in Florida. Shorts and flip-flops during Christmas...kinda odd. I'm not gna lie.

Ok that's all I really have to say.

Mr. Cupcakes!

2008-11-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

So last week, Johnny Cupcakes came to Northeastern to speak some words of wisdom to his fans n a bunch of business majors. I missed it when he showed up a couple years ago, so when I heard he was coming back, I knew I had to go.

I showed up early to get a slice of pizza, a cup of soda, and a nice front-row seat. I also saw Mr. Cupcakes' people setting up their little booth to sell shirts n things. In true Cupcakes fashion, they kept the doors to the auditorium shut until one of the professors/assistant/pizza organizer person started to get angry and made them let the students in. Sad. I knew he would have had an awesome entrance. Oh well.

Anyway, we were starting late and the professors cut into his time even more by doing some announcements and stuff. Lame sauce.

So the show got on the road finally. Mr. Cupcakes discussed how he started his business, things to stay away from, and some of the concepts behind the brand. While I was listening, it dawned on me that I completely related to what he was talking about. Whenever he talked about that idiot that notices the details, keeps random stuff cz of the details... THATS ME!! I'm not some sort of psycho junk collector, but I really do like keeping things randomly. Tags, stickers, fliers, packaging... As long as I find it cool, I keep it. They're my source of inspiration.

This is my dream. To have my own company, so I can go in to work, wearing whatever I want, and running it however I want. Have people buying my products. It's me doing things for fun and for the love of it. So, as he went on about creating a memorable experience and putting cupcakes on t-shirts, I began to think... What can I do that's different and random? Sneakers? T-shirts? Backpacks? A restaurant? There are so many ideas. I just need to find my niche. I need to figure out what will be innovative. What will give the brand/product(s) a cult following? How will I have a brand that is memorable and unique?

Only time will tell -- What is my cupcake?

Be cool.

2008-11-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Go visit h(y)r collective! Click on "columns" and then click on "archives" and look for "(u.o.) the rape of cool." Good stuff.

So while looking through that e-zine, I also was inspired to do a photo art project. Very similar to the Sarah Kahn designs. (under "features" on the h(y)r collective website.) 3D self portraits perhaps. Or if you have a cool face, lemme know and I'll use you. (But wait, what is cool?!?) Anyway, hopefully I actually end up doing this. I had wanted to do this back in high school when I was in photo class so...I'll let you know how it works out.

On Shuffle.

2008-11-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

October has come and gone. The Red Sox lost Game 7 of the ALCS after an exciting 3-1 comeback in the series. The Bengals are a dismal 1-9. (Oh and a tie with the Eagles...) Sad in the world of sports. But all is decently well with me. The release of the final installment of the adidas aZX Consortium Project, a new Bodega fitted, the Bodega x Saucony sneakers, and the outcome of the election has had me pretty fired up as of late. Woot.

So aside from the typical sneaker news and random purchases, there have also been a few things that have really inspired me. (Obama is a post all to itself so I won't include that here...) While going around Urban Outfitters (which I now hate btw...) in Harvard Square, I saw and flipped through Post Secret. Post Secret is an art project where people send post card-sized artwork confessing their deepest and dirtiest secrets. This book I looked through had some funny things including....

Check out their blogspot too! Pretty funny stuff. What should I do as an art project?? hmmm.

Anyway, so to the real reason why I'm writing this post...

My friends and I saw Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist last month or something and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is why... The movie is about these two kids, Nick and Norah (obv), who go on an urban adventure around New York City in search for their favorite band. Along the way, they find themselves looking not only for the band, but also what makes them happy. And this is why I really enjoyed it. How often do people run around the city to listen to a band? to do and take in something that genuinely makes them happy? Nowadays, we're so busy getting drunk. And I'm not knocking that, cz that's usually a good time. But is it real? Is it what makes us smile and feel all giddy inside? (Okay I know some will say yes to that, but you kno what I mean). But those moments...those real moments... those are the memories that stick out ten years from now when we look back at our "college days." So let's try more of those. :)

Furthermore, (haha) Nick and Norah are in these f-ed up relationships. Nick had his dream girl. Norah, well, just had some idiot. But anyway, this is what I'm talking about when I said that they end up looking for what really makes them happy. Because they realize that they're perfect for each other and they end up leaving their respective significant other to begin their relationship. In life, we always try to plan our lives. Thinking that we know what we want based on society's standards. The steady job, a nice house, 5 cars, etc... We set schedules to meet our goals. We give up things we enjoy to streamline our lives in order to get to where we need to go. Or where we think we need to go. We aim for these things not looking at our "periphs." As we do this, we fail to realize that what's right for us, what makes us giddy, and what makes life worth it, is right there. We just don't take the time to appreciate them. So don't give things up. Do what makes you happy. Do what you love. Cuz that's what makes you who you are.

Take life step by step. Song by song. Set an agenda so you're not a complete bum. But don't forget to take life in. Enjoy it. Let it whirl you around. You can make a playlist, but life is on shuffle. So make the most out of it.

Traveling Pants!

2008-09-30T01:14:00.000-07:00

So we're closing in on a month of school. But what happened this summer?!?

As a Northeastern student, my schedule typically only allows for a couple weeks of summer vacation every year. This year was more exciting/exhausting than years past, as I was able to hit 3 cities (Sorry Columbus, you didn't count) in less than a week. After going home to see la familia, I had the luxury of moving to a new apartment one day after getting back to Boston, and then leaving for Miami 3 days later with a flight at 7am to top it off. But in the madness of it all, traveling always provides for some of the best experiences and most interesting of sights.

So let me begin with Cincinnati, OH... Being home is always a treat since I get to see my parents and my sister. Spending time with them after 8 long months was refreshing. Seeing some high school buds was also a plus.

Here are some fun pics (special thanks to my iWaste for these lovely pictures):

Claw game prizes at abandoned mall.

cincinnati museum ctr.

Ceiling at Cincinnati Museum Ctr.

Yummy breakfast!

O-H-I-O!

Bengals city.

Treasure!

fuzzy picture of me n the sis

A week and a half was definitely long enough for me in Cincinnati. Spent a lot of time with la familia, visited my sister in Columbus, almost convinced my parents to get me a car, hung out pool side at my parent's new apartment complex, ate good food (First Watch really needs to expand to Boston so I can eat there for breakfast at least once a month), rummaged through our storage, visited a couple of malls and that was home. Always relaxing, but also always reminds me of how much I love Boston and that I can't ever live in Cincinnati again. Sorry. It's just not for me.

And then I got tired of the weather and left for Boston.... No pics here, since I was in a complete state of disarray while moving for two days.

Then I was off again for MIA!!! It was a fun time and if you ask anyone who went, it was packed with crazy situations. Hotel accommodations were insane, drinks were good (and expensive), and the weather was absolutely spectacular. Our timing was perfect since we caught the very end of one hurricane and left right as the next one came. Lucky us! Oh and I got a new backpack. Everything was great, except the MIA airport really blows. That is all.

Fun Pics from miami!

storm. (aka lexi)

wonderland.

view from hotel suite.

me on the way back to boston... notice that the party shirt is still on.

Sadly, the summer is over. 'Til next year my friend.

The beginning.

2008-08-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

This is my entry into the world of blogging. As I began to entertain the idea of becoming a so-called blogger, I asked myself, "What would I write about? What would the point of this be? Should I give up one of my man cards for starting this diary?" (That one's for you oats...)

Anyway, so in this pool of uncertainty I've decided to just dive head first into what could be the stupidest blog about the stupidest shit EVER.

In an attempt to introduce and express myself to the rest of the world, I will document my journey through everyday life. This blog will include what I see and observe in my surroundings--things that inspire me, things that I hate/piss me off, and a few other nuggets. It may include events I hear about or attend, new kicks (obv), interesting objects, etc...

I hope you enjoy. Welcome to the world as I view it. This is the beginning.