Whirlwind.

Hai there,

It's been a while between drinks. I was supposed to do a part 2 of my last post but hindsight is a beautiful thing. Realise now it wasn't blog worthy.

HECKLER: 'Just like the rest of your posts!'

*badum tish*

ANYWAY, just decided to pop in, make an appearance, you know. That sort of thing.

Between thesis, interning, failing my driving test and becoming a regular at certain take out spots, I have been busy dear readers! Also, re-evaluating my wardrobe as well (that is a must at this point. UGH). AND, starting to look at job prospects for next year. So, no wonder I've neglected you. Take this post as an official I'm sorry. I'll bring chocolates next time, ok?

Something that's also been attracting a lot of my attention has been the Kristen Stewart scandal. My thesis is on online fan culture, focusing on 'Twilight' fans. As you can imagine, the last two months have been rather eye opening. For those of you unfamiliar with the scandal, let me bring you up to speed:

• Stewart presumably is in a long term relationship with on-screen boyfriend Robert Pattinson
• She is photographed making out with the director of her last film, Snow White and the Huntsmen and oh yes, the star of this film is the Evil Queen
• Said director is married to a semi famous model, Liberty Ross, with whom he has two kids. Stewart is fully aware of these facts
• Photos get published, Stewart and director publicly apologise. Amazingly, this is the first time in 4 years Stewart refers to Pattinson as her boyfriend. 
• Twi-hards go into meltdown. Not all of them though. But it's caused a bit of a mess
• Pattinson shows up for his promotional duties for 'Cosmopolis' 3 weeks later looking fine, fresh, fierce and is inundated with questions such as 'How are you?', 'how are you doing?', 'what's the status of your personal life?' and  'no, seriously, are you ok?'. Some shade is thrown e.g. 'people should stop hiding behind their publicists', a fictitious story about dogging, break up ice cream with Jon Stewart, and 'people who like kittens are sociopaths'

This is how you do a break up. 'And I was like Gucci, Gucci...' Fine, fresh, fierce as fuck

Do not adjust your television sets

• Stewart makes an organised paparazzi photo op with cheap coffee and some asparagus, wearing what fans claim to be Pattinson's clothes (NB she was presumed to be wearing some of his clothes in the cheating photos too. Gurl needs a makeover as much as I do)
• Stewart comes out of hiding after a slew of PR articles vilifying the director and even Pattinson to promote some film about hippies. 
• Vogue UK article comes out which Stewart gave before the scandal. Claims she's in love with Pattinson, wants to have his babies and he likes to lick her armpits. Everyone is confused as hale. Even the writer who is all 'is this director dude or Pattinson doing the licking? i dun even know...'
• Stewart wears some nice clothes, puts some makeup on and the words 'stunning and gorgeous' are thrown around again, but not before some 'journalists' lambast anyone calling her 'trampire' and 'slut'etc
• As of today, some media claim that Pattinson and Stewart are back on. Weeks before promo for the last Twilight film are meant to begin. How convenient.

Phew. Got that?

And you wonder what I've been doing for the last few months.

So, let me just say this. Stewart can wear some nice clothes, wash her hair and put some makeup on, but she still has an ugly personality.
Until she gets rid of her 'Avril Lavigne- syndrome', I will continue to side-eye the hell out of her. I won't call her a whore and I don't encourage that, but she has gotten nothing but sympathy from the press. She won't lose her job and, judging from some of the reactions online, her fans, but blaming her age and calling what she did a mistake is making a mockery of other girls her age. Like myself. And yes, the view from my high horse looks AMAZING.

Me on my high horse.

So, grab some snacks and get comfy. Breaking Dawn Part 2 promotion should be starting any minute now...

Toodles!
Annie A

Bright Lights, Bigger City: Vivid Live

Dear Readers,

I've had a slightly action packed week (more so than usual for myself, but much less than Captain America), so in the spirit of blogging, I've decided to do a two-parter.

Excitingly, I was able to go to 4 events at Vivid Ideas as part of Vivid Live Sydney on accounts of volunteering to do some live tweeting for the events. On Tuesday night, after a bit of a confusion as to where the entrance to the Museum of Contemporary Art is (either I'm THAT clueless or they need a giant arrow. Probably former), I eventually made my way up to the first event on my agenda, the panel discussion 'Does Quality Content Pay?'. The panel consisted of a guy from comedy site Jungle Boys TV, the head of multi-media from ABC and a lady from the Convergence Review. Forgive me for not including their names, I've forgotten completely. Apologies. It was an interesting conversation, lots of really good points and interesting facts, particularly with regards to the Convergence Review. However, by the end of it, I felt like they had sort of skipped over the panel question; it was glossed over and never really answered, and judging by some of the comments on Twitter, other people felt the same.

After the panel, I hung around in the bar opposite the 'ideas exchange' room. Uber pretty plus they had a bar and a coffee service. As I was by myself, I chose the seat nearest the door and people watched for a little while. Never have I seen more hipsters congregated in one room than I had that night. Bear in mind, I have done an arts degree. SO MUCH IRONIC FACIAL HAIR!

The next event was one which I had been told by the girl at the ticket table was 'going to be amazing. Packed!', so I had high expectations for the presentation by Shane Smith of VICE. I had vaguely heard of VICE but I couldn't remember where until their video documentary of gangs in Karuchi began playing. I had seen part of one their films last year in a course on national cinema, where they had gotten entry into North Korea. The documentary was great, except for the part where they decided to show people injecting heroin on camera. That, I could not watch. The rest of the presentation was fraught with technical difficulties though which really hindered the whole experience. Until it was announced, I was not aware that Shane Smith would not actually be appearing on stage but rather via linkup from New York. The link up didn't work at all  and it really brought down the presentation. Shane's presentation was based on the VICE brand and their work. Towards the end, three points stood out for me which really set me off:
1. Smith claims all TV is derivative and therefore online is derivative, pointing the blame at reality shows like 'The Voice' cropping up in different countries. I think he doesn't understand how television works. It's a fact that audiences would prefer to watch local programs over 'foreign' ones- hence why successful formats get bought and sold by countries so they can legally make local versions of these shows, increasing the success of the brand. Yeah it's derivative but there's a point to it.

2. Smith talked about the success of the Arab Spring and the people's uprising setting off other middle eastern countries- as someone whose parents are a minority in their home country of Egypt, my parents had been keeping me up to date with what was actually happening post-Arab spring thanks to Egyptian television channels as opposed to Western media. Post Arab spring, Egypt became a mess; the country was being run by the military for almost a year up until the 2012 election. Militants were running wild and the country had no idea what it was doing. Success? In terms of the power of social media and collective intelligence, yes, but everything else, I seriously doubt it.

3. Smith pointed out that our news channels are more obsessed with what Kylie is wearing than what's happening in other countries. What of it Smith? The woman is a national treasure. Don't hate.
So I ended up leaving night one of Vivid Ideas not so much on a high but rather a bit pissed off.

Wednesday was thankfully better. It was a night of fashion, more frivolous and less 'SRS BZNS'. The audience was less hipster-ish and more fashionistas, the type that I saw at Fashion Week. Kudos to the man in the fascinator, knotted cape and cowboy jacket outfit- I wish I had your confidence sir. The first presentation was the absolutely delightful Henry Holland, designer of House of Holland, and his partner in crime, Jessica Fletcher. I had so been looking forward to this and they did not disappoint. It was, out of the four presentations, hands down the best one. Henry Holland is a natural speaker; sociable, open and incredibly funny and honest. His relationship with Jessica is akin to brother and sister and it was really lovely to see their interaction on stage. The discussion was based on the growth of the label, progress and future and it was really insightful and refreshing to hear a designer talk so unpretentiously. I tweeted a question about the use of the amazing Nicola Roberts (fierce ginger goddess of Girls Aloud) as Henry's muse but it wasn't directly answered. Still, my tweet about the pre-show music did rate a mention and was revealed to be a mix made specifically for a HoH show by the Misshapes. I really wished I had said something to him afterwards at the bar, but my shyness would not allow it. Plus, I had one more event to get to.

The final presentation was 'Fashion on Film'. Self-explanatory really- designers are exploring the use of short films in which to broaden their branding and showcase their collections. As the lights dimmed and I had a handful of lollies (thank you to whoever brought them!), I breathed a sigh of relief that I didn't have to think for at least 35 minutes. Some of the films were great- 'Beyond the Curve' and Current Elliott which I've posted below. Others were bizarre and the kind you can't stop watching- 'Dysprexia'. The rest were passable. However, it was really quite interesting to see the convergence of two different arts in a way that's really quite innovative. Henry Holland showed two of his films during his presentation and they were excellent as well, one being a parody of home shopping network style shows.

                                                               Beyond the Curve

                                                        Current Elliott/DVF- 'Writer's Block'

Vivid Ideas....bright lights, bigger city and exploding brain. Hope I can do some of it again next year.

Toodles!
Annie A

Everything's Not Lost

Dear Readers,

I had typed up a post, was about to hit 'Publish' and then decided not to. It was too depressing. I cannot be that depressing right now in my life. Not until I'm at least...29.

Firstly, I'm sick. I woke up today and my throat was in so much pain, it was a like a million knives had stuck themselves in there (there's a penis joke there. I know you guys can sense it. Ha ha). To make matters worse, I was sick during a break in my class (not IN the class, in the bathroom. Crisis averted. Slightly). UGH to the max.

I got an internship! HUZZAH! It's for social media marketing. Let's hope I don't balls it up. I have a tendency to do that.

Working on my thesis, or as I like to call it 'thesising'. Not long to go now. I keep reminding myself of how much time I have left for it and it fills me with dread and excitement. Like eating a Big Mac.

I was also lucky enough to go to a show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last Friday. Am no longer a fashion show virgin *high fives* It was interesting to say the least. The show was good (though a bit so-so in terms of fashion) and the people were...fascinating. As if the Capitol had exploded into Darling Harbour (obligatory The Hunger Games reference). But i have to say, the good people at the Mercedes Benz Lounge were amazing- such good service. Have to give them props for that. (NB I am NOT being paid to say that. But I am completely open to it *grins*)

You may be thinking 'Goodness Annie, is that all?'. Yes. Yes it is.

Toodles!
Annie A

My thoughts exactly.

 

Well, that was pleasant.

Hello dear readers!

See this. This is me trying to be a good blogger i.e one that actually updates frequently. Yes, this is only my second post of the year but throw me a frickin bone here! I've been busy.

*audience gasps*

Don't look so surprised. I've had things to do. Finally.

I started uni again last week. This is my honours year and I was thankfully accepted by the Arts etc faculty at UNSW to do honours in Media, Culture and Technology. I'm VERY excited about my project (as evidenced by the capitalisation of 'very'). I'm undertaking something of a case study on fan culture and I'll be looking at 'Twilight' fans for proof of the crazy. I'm currently attempting to get my arse into gear for that but no doubt you will be getting bits and pieces about it here, dear readers.

I went out. Socially. Not just stepped outside the house. I re-entered into society, with the normal people. It was lovely. Birthday drinks at the Ivy. I'd never been before but ended up having a nice night out instead of what normally happens....

I also had a quick catch up with Kat, newly returned from NYC. We went and saw 'Project X'. My review? The dog was adorable! The rest of the film....not so much. She also brought myself and my sisters some gifts from The Apple Most Commonly Known as Big. I received a Keel's Simple Diary which has provided me with such insights as 'A conventional man can be the best father' and 'To just caress may draw a mess' (oooh la la la! You saucy minx you, Keel).

Today though, magic happened. The ticketing gods were looking down on me and said 'Annie, WE ARE JUST GOING TO DIS SHIT! YOLO*'
*YOLO= You Only Live Once. American thing?
I got a ticket to the very cool, once in a lifetime Kylie Minogue anti-tour show at Luna Park, happening in 2 weeks.

*tumbleweed*
*blank stares*

Look alive people! Try and act interested! This is exciting stuff!

*more blank stares, this time with more intensity*

Fine. YOU CAN CHANGE THE SUBJECT, BUT YOU CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY MY FANGIRLING!

Also happened to finish Nick Hornby's 'How To Be Good'. Loved it but the ending left me a bit confused. I'm still trying to decide whether I liked it or not. Essentially, it just sort of pulls the rug from under your feet, even though you sort of know it might have gone down that road anyway. Vague enough for you? I tried to keep it spoiler free for you dear readers. You know. Just in casies.

Things I'm looking forward to: Fat Noodle Thursday (holla), Fridays (forever).
Things I'm not looking forward to: Presentation on Tuesday morning. Presentations: possibly the worst thing ever invented by man apart from the sharp edge of tables and chairs that you keep accidentally knocking into. UGH.

Driving: non existant.
Fitness REGIME: back on track. Except for those pesky but delicious peanut butter M&Ms that have found their way into my study drawer. How conven-om nom nom!

But overall, a pleasant start to semester. Let's hope it stays that way.

Finally dear readers, I leave you with a quote from this incredibly inspiring web page: How To Find Your Purpose and Do What You Love

The best way to get approval is not to need it.

This is equally true in art and business. And love. And sex. And just about everything else worth having.

Until next time,

Toodles!
Annie A

PS: Shoutout to James because he is a sooky la la and an attention whore. HAPPY NOW JAMES?!?!? :P

Here' s a random shot of me with a towel on my head and a look I like to call 'Possessed"

Hey there.

I know.

I know.

I KNOW.

It's been awhile. I'm sorry. Real life got in the way. I know it's not a good excuse but it's all I've got. You can hand over the award for world's worst blogger right now. In fact, consider this my acceptance speech.

What? DON'T START THE GET OFF MUSIC! I just got started!

Anywho, since we last met, nothing much has happened i.e nothing exciting. My life is as bland as my mother's cooking (still). I unfortunately didn't make it into Honours for Psychology, but I did for Media. Sign from the universe? Who knows. Just playing with the cards that I've been dealt.

Over the summer holidays, spent about a month overseas in the U.S of A and the Caribbean. Twas a lovely break but I was ready to come home by the end of it. I missed sleeping by myself, the internet and not having to tip every one I met.

Currently, I'm on the hunt. The job hunt that is. *boom tiss* It's.....not really happening for me at the moment. I spent about 6 hours today trying to redo my god awful resume and I just managed to type my name and details before giving up. On the verge of banging my head onto my desk, I went for a walk around the block, the non-smokers' equivalent of having a cigarette. It sort of worked, but I'm still left with a (mostly) blank page. Ughhhh. And it's not like I can ignore this; I need to save money for Madonna tickets so it's either get a job or sell myself on the street, Roxanne style. Either way, I reckon I'd still end up broke.

Driving hours: unidentifiable. Log book will be fixed eventually. I'm now officially the last person within my posse to be on their learner's permit. Yes. I have a giant 'L' on my car. Some might argue it stands for learner, others say it refers to 'loser'. I'm of the latter school of thought.

Fitness regime: has been adjusted along with eating habits. Am now eating 2 servings of fruit each day, which is twice as much as I was attempting last year. I have yet to see the benefits of my new-found health kick though. Mainly because my stomach blocks the view each time I look down.

I did also happen to catch both Foster the People and Kanye West's sideshow concerts a week or two ago. Both great shows. I *might* have had a religious experience during Kanyesus Kanye's show. Might have.

On more positive notes, I finished reading Nick Hornby's 'About A Boy' (wonderful), have started watching 'Mad Men' (tantalising), and am awaiting to hear albums from Lana Del Rey and Emeli Sande. I also received the pop-up edition of Coldplay's 'Mylo Xyloto' album. It's huge! I have no idea where to put it. (lulz, that's what she said)

I leave you my dear readers with a photo of me enjoying the pleasantries of the Teacup ride at Disneyland Studios, Anaheim, California

Toodles!
Annie A