002: That's What She Said

Ok, I am an idiot. Really. I actually thought this while I was in the car. I can't believe I am actually sharing this. I was eating Nibs Peanut Butter filled caramels (I know, awesome) and thought to myself:

"I enjoy sucking on them until they are deflated then suck all the gooeyness out."

(lower head, deep inhale) SIGH.

Hear any good That's What She Said this week? Share!

YDB

Public Discomfort - ...Take only what you neeeeed from me....

MGMT's kids on radio. bass is up to 11. lightening in sky. bumper 2 bumper traffic. turbo beetle dance party open 4 business.

Public Discomfort - Ya Big Dummy!

its tv tshirt tuesday! just saw another guy with an equally awesome shirt. a giant fred sanford head and real big it says "ya, big dummy." NIIIICE.

Public Discomfort - It's not unusual...

i just saw a woman wearing a neon green carlton (from the fresh prince, duh!) t-shirt. i wish i had one. i would do the carlton dance for it.

You're listening to (Not So) Old Time Radio

I am a big fan of Podcasts. I love listening to them while I am designing. At times I find listening to music distracting while I am working. I either sing along, or obsess over finding a good song and station. But with podcasts it just turns into back ground noise that I can easily ignore (strange I know.) I tend to favor podcasts about TV shows, Movies, Music, and other pop culture items. To help my readers navigate the world of podcasts, I would like to recommend some of my favorites:

Scene Unseen Podcast

I am hopelessly addicted to this podcast and my face lights up whenever I see a new episode downloading. I talk about the show incessantly to whomever I am around. The Captain has officially crowned me Queen Nerd for listening to a podcast of movie reviews, but I don’t’ care. Thanks to Chris and Jimmy (the hosts), I have discovered (and rediscovered) so many great films.

The show has a simple concept – one guy sees a movie (usually Chris), the other doesn’t (usually Jimmy, who sounds eerily like Rev. Lovejoy on the Simpsons). The man who has seen the movie must convince the other to see it. Once a week they review a new release and ask the listeners to write in their favorite movie in a category they set up in the previous episode. Awesome, I know.

I can’t lie. I long to be the 3rd reviewer on this show. I love movies and seen far to many to ever count. If they are reviewing a movie I have seen, I catch myself making comments to my computer monitor.

What I love about the show is that the hosts “… are actually industry insiders currently working on major motion pictures…” You can tell by listening that they know what they are talking about and really love and appreciate the business of filmmaking.

If you love movies (and discovering new movies) I highly recommend this podcast.

Favorite Episode:
Blindness (100th Episode) – Guess stars in Seth Rogan and Kevin Smith
The Simpsons Movie – is frustratingly enjoyable.

http://www.sceneunseenpodcast.com/
*Shows may contain spoilers*

In the same vain…

Movies You Should See (by Simply Syndicated)

Movies You Should See (MYSS) is similar to Scene Unseen in that it is a podcast of movie reviews, however, it differs in that they review previously released movies. Another huge difference is that hosts are English. It is interesting to hear their takes on movies that are American classics. I am not a 100% clear as to the backgrounds of the hosts but I think they are theater actors.

Favorite Episode:
Into the Wild - I loathe this movie. I disliked the main character to the point where I couldn’t finish the movie. Finally ! I found someone who agrees with me.

*Shows contain spoilers*
http://www.simplysyndicated.com/

That’s What She Said

Being a huge fan of The Office (American version), I was looking for something that would give me more insight into the show. That’s What She Said is a weekly run down of each Office episode. This is well done podcast with a very clear and consistent format. My only complaint is that the hosts are too judgmental and nitpicky about the show. At times they can suck all the fun out of an episode. The show started during the second season (I believe), so during The Office’s hiatus, they review episodes from the first season.

*Shows contain spoilers*
http://thatswhatshesaid.libsyn.com/

Real Time with Bill Maher

This was one of the first podcasts I ever downloaded. I love the comedy stylings of Bil Maher as well as his political insights, however, I found it difficult to stay up till 11pm on Fridays (again lame I know) to watch his show. The reason why this is one of my favorite podcasts is because it’s the entire show! After listening to the show through iTunes for the past 4 seasons, I found that I actually prefer the podcast to watching the actual show. I will admit that there are some visual gags you miss out on, but nothing a little Google can't fix.

http://www.hbo.com/billmaher/downloads/

Stuck in the 80s

I am not sure how I found this show, but I am glad I did. The show is all 80s, all the time, taking topics from all over 80’s pop culture. Some episodes are better than others, I tend to like the ones that review items I am familiar with, I especially enjoy the shows about hit songs of the decade.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s/

On a side note:

I am highly disappointed in the Soup video podcast. While it’s worth the download, I just feel it has such potential to be truly awesome.

Favorite episodes:
Hands down, Spaghetti Cat.


Your Daily Barista

001: That's What She Said

I was at the bank drive through today making a deposit. The the teller (a woman) in lane next to me was yelling at the car load of teenagers who were trying to make a transaction.

And that is when I heard it, the best "that's what she said" that I have heard in a long time:

"No, No. Stop it. Just take it out and put it back in again."

This could be a fun, new feature. Whenever I hear a good "that's what she said," I plan on posting it here. So that has me wondering, what has been your most perfect "that's what she said" moment? Post `em below.

TDB

Bright and Perky Peepers....Yes and No.

Ok, so I have been lacking at the moment on the posts. Work has gotten rough the past few days and I have been too beat to do anything when I get home.

Thankfully, the awesomely, fantastic Diva over at Lizzie in Progress heard my prayers and provided me with a wonderful product review.

Enjoy!

Hello to all you java-lovin' readers! I was roaming around Target beauty department the other day stocking up on my supplies. I had a coupon for $1.00 off any Almay product so I zeroed in on what they had to offer.

If you watch a shit-ton of What Not to Wear like I do, you know the best way to brighten up your eyes is to have a highlight shadow under your brow and in the corner of your eye (PS Carmindy, I've been doing the corner-of-your-eye trick since the late 90's. So there). Normally I use CoverGirls Eye Enhancers in "Champagne", but since I had coupon for Almay, I decided to test something new.

I stumbled upon Almay's Bright Eyes highlighter/liner duo. What the heck, I'll give it a try.

According to Almay the product is meant to "Instantly refreshes and enhances your eyes with a unique natural complex of marine extracts, white tea and light reflectors. The eyeliner works double duty to softly define eyes, while the highlighter illuminates the brow bone and corners for a lifting effect".

It comes in three colors to correspond with your complexion: Cocoa/ Pearl, Dark Chocolate/Shell, and Black/Champagne. I was originally going to get the Black/Champagne combo, but I have never liked black eyeliner on me, so I settled with the Cocoa/Pearl set.

Eyeliner
I usually use a liquid liner or a dark brown powder to line my eyes. This stick is much lighter. Since I like a darker hue, I'm not digging the eyeliner part. I didn't feel like I could get it smudged into the lash line and that is a huge pet peeve of mine. If you like a lighter, softer look then this is right up your ally.

Highlighter
I was really excited about using this product because I thought it would be simpler then my shadow/brush technique. This one step process is much easier- boom boom and I am done. Since I am always running late, every second counts.

For as soft as the liner is, the highlighter is harsh. I find myself dabbing at it with my finger to soften the color. All it is really highlighting is the fact that I need to pluck my eyebrows.

However the point to the highlighter end (and the eyeliner end for that matter) gets dull very quickly. The pencil is thicker then a normal eyeliner so you need a sharpener with a bigger opening. I have found myself sharpening almost every two days.

Does it brighten my eyes? Sure. Am I in love with it? Ehh.

My final evaluation: I don't think I would spend the $8.99 for this product again. Coupon or not.

Tomorrow I'm headed back to Tar-zay for my trusty CoverGirl Champagne.

Always and Forever,
ME (Lizzie in Progress)

To add my own little comment about Almay:

My mom is ultra sensitive when it comes to eye products. She has used everything under the sun and apparently the only eyeliner that does not cause a (very unsexy) allergic reaction is Almay. She swears by their eye products.

But I am with LizzieBeth on the Enhancers. Any more when it comes to make-up (other than lip stick), it's always best to stick with what works best for you. Straying just leads to wasted money.

Thank you Lizzie in Progress for the review. I can envision you in all your Diva-ness staring contemplatively at all the cosmetics in Target. One day I would love to join you in Target shopping frenzy. I have a feeling you and I would do a quite a bit of damage (to our wallets that is.)

So check out Lizzie in Progress. It's awesome, she's awesome. Hell, she's just a girl who wants the world!

Public Discomfort - Subway Shenanigans

father is letting 5y/o dangle from hi-bar on train. part of me is hoping kid slips when train comes 2 sudden stop. think i'll just shake my head in disgust.

Public Discomfort - Evil Thy Name is Walmart

walmart is evil. not sure why i am here. every time i come to this disgusting supermarket i lose a little more faith in humanity.

Mama's Gotta Brand New Bag

I have a terrible habit. It’s a habit that drives people crazy, hell it drives me crazy when I do it, but I can’t seem to stop. I constantly rummage through my purse. I primarily do this in two places: the car (when I am a passenger, of course!) and when I sitting in a restaurant. I am always double checking to make sure that everything is there, or I am organizing it's contents. I am not sure why I do this perhaps its done out of nervousness or some mild form of OCD. I do know that I am never looking for anything specific. Sometimes just as a cover, I will pull out my lipstick or lip balm and apply it, this way The Captain doesn't think I am insane.

Recently the contents of my bag has gotten out of hand. Do, in part, to the hugeness of the bag itself.

This past Christmas I treated myself on a giant, bright yellow Guess bag (or if you are Popi it is pronounced “Goose”). It’s a fab bag. It’s big enough to carry around everything a girl needs through out her day….Ok, maybe I don’t need everything.

Here it is; my secret. Here is everything I carry with me on a daily basis:

iPod, ear buds, book, business cards, wallet, lip balm, cell phone, lipstick, USB, camera, table-top tripod, keys, papers, pen, hat, Excedrin migraines, matches, Altoids, jewelry, hair clips, work diary, and calendar...Phew!*

*Also on occasion you can find my lunch and an extra pair of gym clothes in there too.

But no more, my friends, no more. I am changing my ways. I have paired down my bag into a one medium sized bag o’crap. Really, just the most essential crap:

Don't mind the crappy picture.
My camera has taken a turn for the worse :-(

I have chosen this sweet, soft leather Kenneth Cole that I bought last season (along with the wallet pictured). It is big enough to carry my book but not so big that items are hard to find. So no more rummaging.

This is going to make my summer that much sweeter.

Public Discomfort - A Whore You Say?

lady on fone - "she was in the delivery room & the dr asked if she had any, um, STDs. well she asked the baby daddy 2 leave. you know why, cause shes a whore"

Public Discomfort - We've Only Just Begun

set up txt message updates. this will make my bus ride much more enjoyable. keep an eye out for a new feature called "PUBLIC DISCOMFORT."

*These messages will remain as I text them, spelling errors and all. The only edits I plan to do are titling and labeling.

My Inner Rock Star is now an Outtie

I wasn't planning on doing another product review so soon, but I have fallen in love...

Not to long ago, my mom and I went shopping and decided to forgo our makeup routine at the house and get “makeovers” at Sephora. Ok, so they weren’t technically “makeovers.” We actually just went to Sephora to put our makeup on and “test” the most expensive products we could find, and perhaps buy something. Unlike my mother, whose makeup always looks the same regardless of price, I actually used that as a chance to try on makeup brands and colors I would never think to try.

Since the spring, I have been on the search for a nice pink lipstick. Because of my ruddy skin tone, pinks and reds always look funny on me. They reds tend to turn pink and the pinks were never the right shade.

Well ladies, I found something pretty kick ass. I found exactly what I was looking for by the most unexpected brand.

…this edgy color collection exemplifies old-Hollywood glamour with an L.A. vibe…From pin-up perfection to rocker chic, this limited-edition lineup allows you to tap into your bad-girl side and unleash your inner artist.” Sephora.com

The Color: The color, Backstage Bambi, is fantastic. It is a nice bright, almost, hot pink.

Kat Von D: Painted Love Lipstick Backstage Bambi

The Finish: I give it big props on being a matte finish lip color. Being a matte finish, it allows me to wear it while driving with the roof down. My hair does not stick to my lips. If matte finish is not for you and you prefer a high gloss look, just put on a top coat of your favorite gloss or chapstick and BOOM instant shine.

The Sustainability: Dude, seriously, this lipstick lasted all day. It faded a tiny bit while eating and drinking, but did not require reapplication (another plus for me, I always forget to reapply).

The Taste: none

CONS: It will come off when you kiss someone or something. Poor little Chase (my cat) had a pink paw for a day. I forgot I was wearing it, Oops.

Another plus for this product is its packaging. Being a graphic designer and a nerd I can’t help but be drawn to a product’s packaging. Hell, I have even made purchases based on the packaging. Not the wisest way to spend your money. I have been fooled many, many times.

The picture doesn't do it justice. If you are ever in the store, swing by and just feel it.
For the Graphic Designers reading this, it reminds me of FiberMark Touche Cover

The box is well designed but it is the actual tube that is amazing. The lid is covered in a fantastic, soft-to-the-touch material with flowers etched in silver (as though it were tattooed. Oh Kat Von D, you are too clever.) It just begs to be handled.

I love this product. I will admit it is a bit pricey for a lipstick ($18), but it is well worth the money. Apparently it is on sale for a limited time, I am considering purchasing another tube of Backstage Bambi as well as some of the other colors available.

Your Daily Barista

Images taken from Sephora's website.

Audio books vs. Actual Books - The Battle Continues This July

For the past few months now, the Captain and I have been having an ongoing dispute in regards to literature. We both agree that taking in new pieces of writing is an important part of being a well-rounded person. However, where the disagreement comes into play, is what is the way to “read” them.

I was never a big fan of reading growing up. My parents are both avid readers (my mom a die-hard fan of Stephen King, and anything dealing with vampires, ghosts, witches, and mystery. My dad opts for WWII history, preferably on the Japanese end of the war) so it’s not like books were not available to me as a kid, I just found the act of reading laborious and boring. I used to dread the first day of school after I had avoided my summer reading book like the plague. But as I got older I discovered a love for reading I thought I never find.

It came in the form of an Oprah Book Club book of all places. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb was the first book I remember reading for pleasure. I was a sophomore at college and spending up to 2 hours (collectively) on public transportation a day. There was only so much music I could listen to during the course of the day (this was right before the iPod boom).

Today I average about a book every month to a month and a half, depending on how much I am in love with it. And thanks to swaptree.com, I have a stack of books waist high that are yearning to be opened.

One day, a few weeks ago, my mother and I were going to this giant book sale at the Free Library of Philadelphia. When I left, I asked the Captain if he would like me pick him up any books for the summer. He smiled and said, “No thanks. I have a lot of audio books to go through.” And that is when our audio book vs. physical book debate started. Although I am glad that he is expanding his mind with the Classics (he doesn’t seem to be interested in new pieces of literature), I find it hard to take him serious when he says he “read” The Sound and the Fury, when in fact he means he “listened” to it. I know when I read, I like to get into a comfortable position with a nice drink (usually coffee) and settle down. Is he doing the same with his iPod? I find it amusing picturing him sitting on the sofa staring straight ahead (like David Puddy) while an ominous voice reads aloud to him. When I tell him my vision, he informs me, that he does the bulk of his “reading” in the car on his 1-hour commute to work.

I asked the Captain to explain to me why he considers listening to a book the same as reading a book. His response (which let me add, I do find quite amusing) was “I know how to read, I don’t need to practice.”

But is it really that simple?

Ok, I can’t blame him for listening while he is driving. I openly admit to having a few audio books on my iPod. The audio books I have are copies of my favorite books that don’t have intricate plot lines and sudden twists. But I don’t use them as my first introduction to the book. I find the act of reading as not “practice,” but rather as a way to further your education. Through reading one builds better vocabulary, grammar, problem solving, writing, and yes, even reading skills.

Earlier this week, I asked the Captain if he enjoyed The Sound and the Fury (which I read many moons ago in while at student at WTHS), he replied, “I couldn’t finish it. There was this one character that spoke funny and I found it annoying, so I turned it off.” I smiled at him and said “Perhaps it wasn’t the fault of the narrator but, in fact, that of the author. Maybe was how the character was written. You would never know because you have never actually read the book.

Boo-yah! Score one.

Your Daily Barista