flight of ideas.

Psychology professors always tell the same anecdote, while studying each of the different diseases, you will think that you can be diagnosed with said disease. That you'll experience, an "Ooooh. I have that. I experience that. I must totally have X disorder." That, and: "Wait until you get home and tell people you're studying psychology. People will ask you if you're diagnosing them right now." The second is much more popular.

And it never happened to me.

As a psychology major in undergrad, I really did study up on the different mental disorders, especially the extreme ones since I had a strong interest in severe mental disorders. I was taking an Abnormal Psych class at Berkeley one of my summers, because I enjoyed psych that much, and was deep into minutae of the extreme disorders.

When I was studying schizophrenia and it's many forms, one of the clear symptoms is flight of ideas. Where your mind races and thoughts aren't cohesive and just jump about without any linear fashion or form. For some reason I was like, "Wow. I totally have that. Where my mind will just jump all around and not necessarily make sense when jumping to a new thought." I was convinced this was an early sign of schizophrenia and that in a year or two I would have full-blown schizophrenia. So far I've managed to pass through the peak years for 'outbreak' if you will, though I'm not going to rule that out yet.

I didn't realize that I think often people really do have flight of ideas. And that was I was talking about wasn't really flight of ideas. It did make me feel better though when watcing a Wanda Sykes stand-up, who fucking rocks by the way, and she discussed not being able to fall asleep and the flight of ideas that keep you up from falling back asleep. The routine was hilarious, with her thoughts at one point touching upon whether she had her high school yearbook still, and where in the hell would it be? And I finally was like, oh, it's not just me! Awesome. This stupid thing keeps other people up at night too.

Today on Huffington Post Larry David, yes that Larry David, posts about a recent flight of ideas night where he is trying to fall asleep, and how the scary Republicans are keeping him awake. It's pretty funny, including this little snippet during one part to give you a taste:

"You’re giving him what he wants! If he keeps us all up, we’ll be too tired to
fight them. That’s their strategy, and you’re playing right into their hands. We
have to start keeping them up. But how? The only things that bothers them enough
to keep them up are fetuses. They love that fetus. The fetus and Jesus. Sounds
like a comedy team. “Ladies and gentlemen, give a warm welcome to Fetus and
Jesus…”

You'll have to read the post to find out about who he is talking about.

Oh, and a song I've recently discovered that takes a few listen's to appreciate is Elected's "Greetings in Braille." Which is thankfully available for free download at the website. Their other songs are pretty awesome too, but I adore "Greetings in Braille."

funny funny funny.

So another fun site that I like to read, only when I have time, of course, is Gawker. The entire slew of Gawker Media sites are actually really funny and rather scathing. Which is of course, what makes them funny.

Lindsay Lohan has become a walking train wreck. I mean, I still remember last summer, or was it two summers ago, that she was making her comeback with "Freaky Friday" and turned in a rather winsome performance. Golden Girls trivia: the guy who played her grandfather in that movie was in fact Harold Gould, the actor who played Rose's boyfriend Miles for a few years. And in the first season played the character who Rose has sex with for the first time since her husband died. The show runners at GG didn't seem to care about casting actors in multiple guest roles, or about keeping the same actors to play the same guest characters. It can get a little annoying when it comes to the children of the women, but I digress.

Lindsay was cute and adorable in that movie. Then she did "Mean Girls" and it essentially all blew up. I was rooting for her, if not just because I wanted her to outshine Hilary Duff (Duff hatred still present) and the two for that brief period of time were duking it out for the same roles and spots. "Mean Girls" was awesome, and Lindsay proved that unlike Hilary Duff she could act. And pick a good movie. I mean are you paying your parents' mortgages or something Hilary? Did you actually read the script for "The Perfect Man," or essentially let's insert in that space any movie you've been in?

At the same time, and I believe Lindsay fully embraced it, she became sexualized and everyone wanted to know if her boobs were in fact real, and was she dating Wilmer blah, blah, blah. Because let's face it, she had grown into a real hottie.

Then I believe the 'alleged' cocaína along with not eating, wait, I'm sorry, scratch that. Her new eating healthy lifestyle and working out, made her lose her hot bod, boobs (finally proves they were real) and a very good imitator of Skeletor. Along with some fucking alleged role where she had to dye her hair blonde, so they bleached it out, killing the luster, and made it look like shit. This was something she once said in an interview that she would never do. Too bad she lied. Lindsay? If there is any way you're listening: eat something and keep it down, and get rid of the blonde. You look awful, and I don't even believe that it's for a role because you haven't been filming anything.

So, despite the fact that she's really only a shadow of who she was, she's not dead to me yet. Can't quite explain why, but that doesn't mean I won't make fun of her, or enjoy people making fun of her. Yesterday Gawker did an awesome job of it too, with pictures and captioning of Linsday visiting the today show.

Laughter in the morning does amazing things for the day. Bless you Gawker!

no longer dead to me.

It seems that whenever any power, and popular celebrity couple divorces slash breaks-up, people choose sides. And clearly, by people, I mean: me.

For reasons unfathomable to me now, I was shocked and somewhat saddened when Tom and Nicole first announced their divorce. Clearly, this was because she was breaking free from the mental craziness that is Tom Cruise, though there is always speculation. I mean he always would just say in interviews that, she knew why they were breaking up. And it was somewhat suspect that when she suffered from a miscarriage almost right afterwards that he showed no remorse. Was it not his baby? Could she have had an affair? Was he the one that the affair with Penelope Cruz? And I thought at the time that they had an ick factor. Plus I totally believed that he had had an affair.

Why was I concerned? Well they were a rather popular couple, and I mean, I loved Top Gun, and was otherwise a general fan of the Tom. Which again? Has me completely flummoxed now. I remember playing dodgeball during recess and discussing his divorce with Mimi back in the day, and all of us were psyched...because of course when you're 8 he's going to be available for you to date him. I even remember my sister's friend Rhonda being especially excited about his divorce. Because yes, at 11, he's going to marry you!

My sister has always expressed wonder at this phenomenon where people become upset when their celebrity crushes, or for some people obsessions, are dating or married to someone, and excited when their relationships eventually hit the skids. "Right. Because if they're single, you're going to get the opportunity to date them. You're weird." I guess I left out the 'karen' at the end of the last sentence, but I mean really. Did Jake really have to start dating Kirsten again? I mean there are no snowstorms going on in my nostrils, and we'd be like, totally great together. Call me!

I digress. Anyway, I ended up siding with Nicole. It could be because I'm the only person in America who didn't really enjoy "Jerry McGuire" all that much, and thought Renee was fucking annoying. Cute and bubbly in "Empire Records," which is a fucking awesome movie, but annoying and whiny in every. Single. Fucking. Movie. Since. Take back the Oscar people. Plus? Nicole was awesome in "The Others," which came out shortly post-ruined marriage, and it was also pre-Botox. Then of course came "Moulin Rouge" which again, great movie. She was charming and wonderful, and I'm sitting there rooting her on and hoping that she continues to be successful and we can all say, "Look what you're missing Tom."

Then came the Botox age. And the super super skinny stage. I mean she didn't really look like a human anymore. You would see pictures and her forehead would be all shiny and would bounce the reflection of the camera flashes back, all "Kap-ow! Just try taking a picture of me you paparazzi bitches!" It was a sad stage. I mean part of acting is showing emotion, and when there's nothing going on above the eyebrows it's a little difficult to emote. And the fact that she looked like a midget could take her down with one hand behind their back because she hadn't seen a carbohydrate in months...

It probably would have been better if this was reserved to the red-carpet, but even she looked like a robot in the previews for the awful idea of a remake in the "Stepford Wives," which I thankfully did not see.

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe she's such a perfectionist method actor that she wanted to become a robot for her role, and she was just having a hard time letting it go. It certianly would be an explanation.

To recap: Dead to me.

An amazing thing happened though. This morning, and it might be because I woke up at 6 for my new summer schedule (do people really wake-up this early? And why would they ever want to? It's not sane. There should be a law.) and I was giddy with fatigue, but when I went to go check for the free song of the week at the iTunes store I saw that Nicole Kidman had a celebrity playlist.

Now I'm not a huge fan of the celebrity playlists. I think sometimes people are choosing songs that they think might make people think they are cool. Yes, Mischa Barton I'm looking at you. Did you raid your castmates CD collections in their trailers and then ask your publicist what would be best? I highly doubt that you listen to the fucking Shins. I just won't believe it. Sometimes the comments for each song are really rather stupid too. It is somewhat interesting to see what some playlists are, but I think for "Entertaiment Weekly" to put it down as a "must" is providing it with too much credit.

So, I was curious and decided to check it out. The songs are a pretty awesome mix; especially when she's not choosing 'trendy' or possibly pretentious picks to make her look cool. The comments make her seem winning and charming again. Plus? She lets her daughter choose the last four songs, and make the comments which is even more adorable.

I think this list combined with my grudging actual enthusiasm about "Bewitched," the promos make the awful premise look cute and fun, which is freaking me out, has Nicole Kidman back on my 'good' list.

Until of course I see her in another period piece, with her forehead shining back at me saying, "That's right. I'm going going to use my shininess to emote, and distract you that I can't actually move. I should get second billing!"

Song of the day? And really, I feel I should be more cautious considering the uproar of the "Fight for Your Right Cover." I still say I enjoy it. But the song that has already repeated a few times today on my iTunes is Jon Brion's "Knock Yourself Out." I initially fell in love with it when I heard it during the trailer for "I Heart Huckabees"and immediately wanted to know what it was. Didn't find out until much later, but I still love it.

is sharing really that bad?

So I've been trying to put a password to my wireless, because I figure if I'm paying premium and essentially something that I can't afford, others shouldn't reap the benefits.

The other week I noticed that I had another iTunes user on my iTunes. I was curious so I looked at the songs and realized that said user went to my college. Which.

Kind of creepy.

That makes 3 alums from college, including me, living in the building at the moment. If she hadn't just graduated and had been living here last year, there would have been 5 of us. Which.

Small world.

After asking my fellow tech guy at work if seeing her pop up on my iTunes meant she was using my wireless, AND slowing it down. He confirmed my suspicions and I figured if everyone else in the building has it password protected, so should I.

I've been unsuccessful as of yet.

Okay. So I haven't actually called Verizon's customer service yet, and I only tried to figure it out for 10 minutes. But really. It should be easier than that.

So the first perusal of fellow alum, showed cheesy music including 98 degrees and of course our college a cappella groups. Upon closer perusal (I guess it counts as procrastination from preparing for the internship tomorrow. I really am a master) I realized that mixed with some atrocious songs (Hanson? Les Mis Soundtrack? Jessica Simpson? Really???) there are some serious jems. Especially some songs that I've been thinking about buying. Sweet!

There is a silver lining to her using my free wireless for the moment. Though she best get ready for when I organize myself and actually put a password in.

word of the day children? frustration.

Yes. I'm so very excited to be getting this communications internship in the field I'm interested in working in once I finally finish earning my MA.

Or at least I was so very excited.

Clearly the person I was to be working with was difficult to pin down. Or you know. Get a response from. Simple etiquette would be nice. This, I dealt with, because, again, opportunity. I need some solid communications experience on my CV before I hop off into the real world and get the job I want.

Then there was the potential non-recognition from the person who I was supposed to be talking with when I called her after she asked me to. Fine.

Then I was supposed to start last week but called the day beforehand because I hadn't heard from said individual despite the fact that I was assured we would have a chat. Spoke to the second-in-command, if you will, who clearly had no idea who I was, and was all, "I'll get back to you on starting tomorrow."

Getting back to me consisted of them not being prepared. Granted my boss had had a personal family emergency, and so again, I rolled with the punches. Grateful that at least #2 seemed to get back to me. I was grateful. #2 also mentioned that they would call me today.

Five to 5. No call, and answering machines for both.

Around 5:20ish, call back from my message.

It seems that the office is going on a 3-day retreat on Wednesday and so they're a little busy. And, be prepared for this, aren't ready for me to come into the office.

Boss is prepared for me to start working though, and asked if I could work in my office or from home. Boss wants to talk to me tomorrow for a big, long telephone conversation to plot out what I'll be doing for the summer, with #2. "Was 1:30 okay for me?" Why yes indeed! Just peachy!

"Oh, and can you call me at 1:30?"

Sure. Thing.

I couldn't believe it. Me. Call them for this meeting. Can they not waste a dime on me? I mean I'll already be bringing in my own computer, if I ever do start in the office, and pretty much providing free graduate labour.

CHC thinks I should drop it, suggesting that internships aren't that big of a deal (boo!), and that I'm the one providing the free labour, and they're track record is awful. She's not the only one to suggest this.

I think I just need to take some deep breaths. Repeat the words: At least I'll be doing something. And realize this will be a huge deal for my CV, despite what CHC says, and I'm a lucky individual for the opportunity.

Must. Focus. On. Positive.

another reason to miss living in l.a.

Okay.

So never actually in the city, but close enough that I could drive there, plus the surrounding cities. I miss Southern Cali, and, well, Northern as well.

I believe these moments are because it's now been over a year since I was last home. I may perhaps need to experience the smog and the non-cities [People walking? People don't walk!] to appreciate the East Coast again. I mean I couldn't get the fuck out of dodge quick enough after graduation, and I went to college on the East Coast because I wanted to have a more Euro feel.

One of the best shows ever! is back. Reno 911!, and that's not a gratuitous exclamation mark if you're unfamiliar with the show. I'm a huge fan of largely ad-libbed albeit situation scripted entertainment. All of the Christopher Guest movies are fucking hilarious, though "Best in Show" will forever remain in my heart. When I had Netflix one summer, I took "Best in Show" from Berkeley where I was spending the summer, to home for a few days, to college.

And then I had it for another two months. Thank god for no late fees. You would think just having to drop if off in a post-office box wouldn't be that difficult.

These are other issues.

Anyway, Reno 911! is one of the best comedies on television hands down. I will laugh out loud without fail during each episode, and sometimes I need to pause the TiVo so I don't miss anything. These people are brilliant, and I especially love to watch them try and not lose their shit when I'm re-watching. I don't know how they keep straight faces because each shot is a new version of a line.

Yes. I'm gushing, and probably a fangirl. But it's quality television during a period of time where funny watching is difficult to find.

I would love to meet the cast and would even buy the DVD to do so. Yesterday there was such an event, where the first 50 people got hats, and the first 150 got free t-shirts. Plus, everyone was able to have their DVDs signed. This means the actual funny people right there in person.

Where was it you might ask?

Virgin Megastore in LA.

Dammit.

Song of the Day? "Wavy Gravy" by the always brilliant Sasha.

true purpose?

So maybe my true purpose as a blogger is really just bring entertainment. Introduce songs. Talk about media. Suggest websites.

I can live with that legacy.

To continue onwards, there is a website that I frequently about weekly or lately, monthly because the updates aren't as frequent, Fametracker. Which is led by the awesome people who started Television Without Pity which I must increase their daily hits exponentially, and This Is Not Over.

It's a funny site, where they do 'fame audits' and just essentially talk abou celebrities. I get a chuckle and make sure I return. They also have a category of setting up a celebrity versus an object. Like Tom Hanks and a Loufa I believe. Loufa won.

Today's? Angelina Jolie vs. Bottled Water. It's a must read to see who wins, and it's pretty fucking hilarious.

Oh, and I totally agree with the author.

and i never give you anything?

I'm a music fiend.

I think that might have already been established by my semi-drunken love posting of Imogen Heap's song.

Now! There is an up and comer, Andrew Paul Woodworth, who is working on his first album and he has a cover of "Fight for Your Right" that is interesting and rather haunting. Here is a link to download it for free for the next 24 hours.

Enjoy!

ETA: From one response, I feel I guess I should forewarn that the song is completely different and essentially a brand-new song, rather than a Beastie Boy's version. It's cool though.