Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: friday, inspiration, journalism, links, news, ny times, xpress
sad day everywhere for journalists.
Life has taken on a new pattern, a new meaning. I’m suddenly dedicated to my work, and I don’t think its a bad thing. It’s certainly producing results, and I don’t think I should complain. I’m starting to realize the price of hard work, and the pay off is always an immensely satisfying high that I’m not sure I can describe.
This past Monday, I had a job consultation/advising session with a representative of NPR. I put together my best clips, wore a really amazing blouse and somehow nailed it. The representative, though not offering a job immediately, told me I should apply for the Summer 2010 cycle and to list her as one of my fans in my cover letter. Exciting.
Next Monday, I am interviewing in a similar style as a contender for the Hearst Fellowship. Though this is a fantastic opportunity and I will actually get paid more than a stipend, I’m somehow less excited and more nervous. I know that many student journalists would dream of this chance, but I more or less think that NPR is going more towards the future. In terms of Hearst, we’re not entirely sure how long the Chronicle will be holding on, or any other paper on their roster for that matter. Though I will take anything that I can get, I will say that Hearst would have sealed the deal with me if the Seattle Post-Intelligencer was still in print.
This past week was crazy news week. The storm that flew in from the Pacific rocked our campus like no other, and I was able to get a breaking news clip underneath my belt for the first time this semester. I managed my team extremely well and put everyone in the right places, and I’m proud of myself for handling a news event in such a calm and intelligent way. I’m proud of my work thus far with [X]press, and I think it’s only going to get better.
The Bay Area edition of the New York Times premiered today, and I gotta say I love it. I also love that its only 2 days a week, since I will totally be able to afford it every week. It’s going to be great — I already really like the wine article and the article on the new police chief in Oakland. I’m aiming high, but I’ve got my eyes on the prize as far as that paper is concerned. Hopefully I’ll get my foot in the door someday.
I also just discovered the New York Times Reader. I’m kind of amazed that this hasn’t been talked about more. It backs up the latest 7 days of news content — including photo slideshows and videos — and you don’t have to be connected to the internet to use it. Its $14.95/month for the whole version, and I think I want to subscribe. This thing is blowing my mind right now!
On a rather solemn ending note, Tom showed me this photographer’s photos of what the albatross actually survives on. Frightening, but sobering. If you have a weak stomach, exercise caution before clicking ahead. You’ve been warned.
xoxoxo
monica.
i’ve had a lazy day and a great week. first of all, lets get started with ootrff:
- since i started wearing sneaks again after acquring my court forces, i’m all about them now. i’m thinking about buying more and more pairs everyday. the special coraline dunks are super pretty [doesn't that movie look adorable?] and these married to the mob tributes to chanel are gorg. i want em all right now
- this is pretty old but this photo set is still creepy as fuck.
- the indie mart is back! i’m thinking about doing a preview in the paper for it. i’m pretty stoked, since i missed the christmas one. i’m hoping to save a little cash so i can maybe go shopping — they always have pretty cool vendors.
- going out to eat. dammit, it will be the best of me, but i don’t care. i love trying new places and i’m determined more and more to try different types of food. i’m still wanting to go to mission street food hardcore.
i think i’m staying in tonight. after getting baked today and going to stuart’s house and eating way too much [fuck dude, i realized how much i ate after i left and its a little worrisome. it could be because i didn't eat anything but an apple in the morning but shit. hahaha.], i’m pretty tired, sleepy, full and happy. i want to go out, but a lot of my friends are hanging with people i don’t want to hang with or they already have plans with others. plus, its fucking storming out and its been scattered showers all day, which sucks. i feel like i have been wearing the same outfit for the last month because its the only thing that i can wear in layers and i look semi decent. on top of that, i’m flat broke and still trying to go to the grocery store. [though i seem to be avoiding it like crazy.]
this week’s issue was awesome, if you go to state and you get a chance to pick it up, do so. my section looked really good and had little errors in it. a lot of the stuff in the news section ended up looking horrible, but that’s alright. the only thing going in my portfolio is my page.
i need to meet new dudes and people, its one of those feelings coming up again. it happens every time i go through a breakup, i think. which is good, that should be the rule for everyone. i’m just so bad at going out and talking to random people by myself. and i’m convinced that i don’t really look approachable. i’m trying to work on it, but i think a lot of people get intimidated, which i hate.
also, i’m selling tickets for noisepop on craigslist! help a girl out and get cheaper tickets! i’m willing to negotiate.
if you live in the mission or are there a lot, you know 24th street is the next big spot. first it was divis, then polk and now 24th street is getting a gentrified, hipster makeover. phat philly has found a great home near mission street, and i hear their sandwiches are to die for [despite the fact that cheese whiz is not used on them! i'm sure philly is outraged, but all in the name of great food, right?]. george’s on 24th already has an avid fan base for their delicious roasted potatoes and tender, juicy meats. but the best one to move in so far? humphry slocombe.
though the ice cream shop is hard to miss with this blue awning, chances are you’ll spot the huge line outside the door first. the hot weather in january has made the perfect atmosphere for an opening — almost to the point where you’d think they’d planned it. but its their great customer service, warm smiles and very unusual flavors that make this place a must visit next time you’re thinking of taking the 14 or the 49.
for just $4.50, you can get three scoops to share with all your friends and, let me assure you, there is something for everyone. we tried the:
- valrhona fudgesicle. [extremely rich -- for serious chocolate lovers only!]
- guinness gingerbread. [with real chunks! delicious and somewhat savory.]
- balsamic caramel. [the real winner. so tangy and amazing. if you doubt it even for a second, just dive straight in. you won't forget it.]
they offer free tastes of everything, just in case you’re a little unsure about the salt and pepper or foie gras. [yes, they really have foie gras ice cream!] and though they are looking to produce the 20-30 or so flavors on the back of their postcards, they are producing small batches for now to ease into the demand. soon they will be offering sundaes and cones as well — i can’t wait!
the ice cream is rich and creamy and is not for the faint of heart. trust me, you’ll want to try them all, but if you’re alone, one scoop will definitely do you. go support some awesome local frozen goodness!
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- scooping up some lovely-ness.
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- yum yum yum.
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- slow and steady…
things that i am loving/talking about/needing to list at the moment:
–shawerma! its basically a great mediterranean wrap with beef, lamb, hummus, tahini sauce, tomatoes, parsley and onions all wrapped in this amazing flat bread. and the hot sauce paste they put on it is TO DIE FOR. seriously, if you’re in the city, go to truly mediterranean. it looks a little dodgy but it was probably one of the yummiest things i’ve had in ages.
–my digital camera. its just a point and shoot, canon powershot, and i didn’t realize its potential until last night. after being out with stuart and fumbling with my camera over and over, i realized that i’ve been lazy and that i don’t really know how to work it, despite the fact it has all manual settings. crazy right? so one of my goals before i go back to school is to get my digital photography back in the biz.
– i miss this show and its probably one of the best episodes i’ve ever seen. there are more links on youtube as well. this is probably what i’m going to be doing all afternoon.
–sit ups! i’ve been doing over 100 per day and i’ve lost an inch over the past couple of weeks. its slow progress, but when you think about it, half an hour of situps and crunches isn’t too big of a commitment. i’m hooked!
– i will probably be here on saturday night. i’m telling everyone right now — get there early!
– i’m thinking about getting one of these. am i crazy, just like the gav, in thinking these are a good idea? i think its just fun, being a card carrying member of sf. god, i’m such a schmuck.
–because of a lawsuit filed against department store cosmetic counters, they are being forced to give away around $175 MILLION DOLLARS IN FREE COSMETICS. though some have been saying you need to sign up ahead of time or that you need to have bought something in the time period listed, its bullshit! just show up and get your free shit! who wants to come with me? emma? kayla? lets get free stuff!
–and finally, i round out with this. so good.
happy friday everyone! i hope i helped all of you start your weekend off right.
again, sorry i haven’t updated! i’ve been doing so many things at once and trying to get all these things together that i’m not really sure where to begin with what i have to say. it seems like all the time i spend on my computer, i’m trying to catch up on my google reader, i’m emailing writers back or i’m transferring money to my account because i’ve been spending way too much of it lately! haha. anyway, i can give you a rundown of the past few days…
- monday — was ridiculously hot by san francisco standards. sat through a meeting with the editor-in-chief, the managing editor and my page designer. was a good few hours long, but definitely what i needed. registered for the rest of my classes. went out for jeremy’s birthday — as typical, got in a fight and everyone left the bar. bought him his first cosmo and got myself my first shawerma. YUM.
- tuesday –had a leisurely breakfast with alexis, la boulange’s granola and fruit bowl is amazing. went grocery shopping, spent the afternoon in japantown. doug took me to little star for dinner — tried the thin crust, and it was just as yummy as the deep dish. i love you little star! then we hit up clothes contact and i got a sweet waistbelt for kayla’s birthday and we made a trip to good vibrations, which is always informational and entertaining…
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- yum!
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- i love these so much.
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- i wanna wear this all the time.
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- i’m jealous that this isn’t mine.
- wednesday – went downtown with kayla EARLY so she could spend her gift card at urban outfitters. of course, the one day we actually get up, they’re doing inventory until 12pm. one free coffee with doug and lots of sunshine later, we decided to hit up dottie’s true blue. i had never been there before, since the line is always a deterrent. it was delicious [i had the blue cheese, bacon and veggie scramble with HOMEMADE wheat toast and potatoes.], and the people were super nice [kayla ordered lunch 30 minutes early but they made it for her anyway.] its super tiny and great, but not worth a two hour wait. we went back to urban and they changed their sign to 1pm, so we flipped them off and left, since kayla was a little under the weather. for some reason, my day took a downturn here, but i ended up going shopping with kelly and doug in haight, which left me with two awesome scores: a great new pair of sunglasses and a classic mickey mouse pullover that i had been looking forever for. [and it was only $8!] after saying hi to matt at comix experience, we had dinner at herbivore. i ordered their veggie shawerma and though it had loads of ingredients, was not impressed. i will stick with truly mediterranean!
- thursday — went to the gym in the morning and sweat my brains out. met up with doug for some fro yo and a little hangout. met with one my writers and discussed the semester ahead of us. he’s worked for the weekly before and seems to be really driven about what he wants to do so i’m really stoked on it. he listens to all the music i don’t [grindcore, black metal, et al], so he’s going to help me out with show reviews and the calendar, which will be perfect! after, i dropped off a roll at photoworks [which i will pick up today!] and went to needles and pens. met up with stuart and saw the devil makes three at amoeba in berkeley. their show was really great — the perfect kind of punky, upbeat bluegrass i like. they will be playing the next two nights at the independent, so check out some great local music! but, let me just say, berkeley pwned us. we couldn’t find one dive bar in one square mile. it was sad. we even bumped into one of my friends, jack, and still to no avail. we ended up having a good night in the city. there should be a post soon here, so check out all the deets.
phew. what a week! i know its going to get even busier when school starts, so hopefully i can keep up with it all. :]
