Yelp yelped me <3

One of my lists got mention at yelp. Yey!

Social Media Mention WIN!

Have you heard of the 90-90 percent Rule?

To completely take from wikipedia:

In computer programming and software engineering, the ninety-ninety rule is a humorous aphorism that states, "The first 90% of the code accounts for the first 90% of the development time. The remaining 10% of the code accounts for the other 90% of the development time."

That the total development time sums to 180% is a wry allusion to the notorious tendency of software development projects to significantly overrun their original schedules. It expresses both the rough allocation of time to easy and hard portions of a programming project and the cause of the lateness of many projects (that is, failure to anticipate the hard parts). That is, it takes both more time and more coding than expected to make a project work.

It also states that the other variation is: "Some 90% of the code takes 10% of the time allotted, and the remaining 10% of the code takes the other 90% of the time".

Its quite interesting because it does explain a lot. I remember when I was taking graphics programming, making the code would be 20% of the job, the 80% of it would be debugging/trouble shooting. It was quite the bitch.

---

Anything interesting up with people lately? Because my friend got me into a show called: The Guild. ITs a web sitcom about MMORPGs. I think its mostly interesting if you've had previous gaming experience or if you just love RPGs.

Also my brother is a fan of WoW.

2000/1 High School Music Nostalgia

Stone Temple Pilots: Plush (acoustic)
Reminds me of: Fatima


Orgy: Stitches
Reminds me of: Jopie.


Badly Drawn Boy: Once Around the Block
Reminds me of: Jobert


Deftones: Change (In the house of flies)
Reminds me of: nu107.5 and how maybe I could have made a better video. (note to self...)


System of a Down: Chop Suey
Reminds me of: EVERYONE. EVERYONE WAS SINGING IT.


A Perfect Circle: 3 Libra
Reminds me of: Fatima and Suikoden 2. (Gods, I love this song)

Esquire's Augmented Reality

So if you know about East Asia's obsession with QR codes, Esquire Magazine takes it to a whole new level. It actually makes me want to buy the magazine to try it out. On the other hand, I might just check if my library has that magazine and bring my laptop in.

AWESOME!

Essay to Article to 2009

Excerpt from Excerpts from a Conversation With Satan" by Paul Pfeiffer.

Editha Bensi, a working class home maker and mother of five from the Central Visayan island of Cebu, is another face of the diaspora. A vial of her blood appeared along side three others on the cover of the New York Times Magazine on April 26, 1998. Her family’s blood is a genetic gold mine: for generations the mutant gene considered to be the cause of cleft lip and palate disease has been running through their veins. Editha Bensi’s DNA is now part of the Human Genome Diversity Project, a detailed road map of disease genes that promises to one day provide an “operating schematic for mankind — a detailed picture of who we are and how we work.”

For her services she is given a plastic washtub, a beach ball and a thermos, a fast-food lunch, and candy and cookies for the children. On the agreement she signs with the project, the stated reason why she is not paid in cash is that “...money is a means of coercion, and compliance cannot be truly informed and voluntary if it is purchased.”

When the doctors come to take blood samples from Editha Bensi’s children, they struggle to free themselves from doctors’ grip and run away. Mrs. Bensi explains that they are fighters, that they have had to be because they are different. And when Operation Smile arrives with the opportunity for corrective facial surgery, Editha Bensi flatly refuses. The doctors and her husband attempt to persuade her, and she snaps, “You said it didn’t matter how I look.” So why did she agree to give blood to the geneticists? For the good of medical science? For the benefit of future generations? When asked, her answer is clear and simple, “Because they wanted it,” she says. “Because they asked.” How often had she and her family been regarded as the objects of fear, ridicule, and suspicion. Had she ever been approached before as the bearer of knowledge, the one holding the key to understanding the world?

According to the New york Times Magazine this family lives off of her husbands earnings of $2 a day sellings sacks door to door. And for them to just give a plastic washtub and candy?!

WTF. Give them money for the sake of Charity you dick. Give money for the sake of Appreciation. At least buy them a decent meal.

I know I'm 11 years late to say that but still.

ps. I still think my response to Joseph Gordon Levitt's new movie is "WTF, rly?!"

Movie Trailer Roundup

If I have free time, I'll try to imagine going to a movie theater but not actually go because I think its bullshit to spend $11.50 on disappointment. This thinking had solidified itself on me when I was forced to see 30 Days of Night, which I thought was stupid and ridiculous, and people thought I was being a party pooper for not wanting to go at a birthday boy's request.

I wouldnt have minded going if I wasnt so poor, if I didnt think 11.50 for a movie ticket was outrageous, and if the movie was actually something I wanted to see. And so I remember, after that night, I never hung out with them again. that movie was so bad. Thank gods I didnt have to pay for Twilight. I would have to stab someone in the audience for the amount of mental anguish I have to go through. (<-- super bitter)


A Town Called Panic: Wanna watch it? YES!


Seems incredibly interesting. These french people are crazy. It feels like robot chicken in movie theaters and french.



Its so been done. Cute, though.

The White Ribbon: Wanna watch it? Kinda. Pay for it? Maybe...



It actually looks really interesting. I wont go out of my way to watch it but if its there I definitely will.

Serious Moonlight: Wanna watch it? Kinda.... guilty pleasure. Pay for it? No.



At first I thought it was a reminiscent of that horror film where this author was saved, captured and tortured by his fan in the middle of nowhere. But then, I saw Justin Long and I think he's absolutely adorable. That and I still think Meg Ryan's kinda hot.

A Single Man: Wanna watch it? Yes. Pay for it? Maybe...



I thought the trailer was hauntingly beautiful though. and I pretty sure the main character's gay. Cant you see all the nice young boys he's with?

Uncertainty: Wanna watch it? No.



Though I love Joseph Gordon Levitt (and I cant believe he was in New York and I missed a chance to stalk him), I think I'll pass on this one. Usually I trust him with choosing good movies. I think this movie... is unsurprising and not very interesting. Its the type of movie where the audience knows how to solve the dilemma and the movie is really stubborn to listen.

I love the youtube comments though. Especially the "Well, I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but wtf is this"

EXACTLY!

Avatar: Wanna watch it? Ew. Fuck no.



I dont even wanna talk about it.

Despicable Me: Wanna watch it? Maybe. Pay for it? No.



I'm always like this with 3D animation films though. I'm very... hard to please. I love how one of the characters reminds me of Bill Gates and I love the random shark.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: Wanna watch it? Maybe. Pay for it? No.

I'll admit. I wanna watch it cause I think the boy is adorable. But I do feel like I'm gonna walk out of this feeling disgusted.

Who knew the greek gods resided above manhattan? Theres a second trailer out there that will make you feel more disappointed. Thats why I'm reconsidering my decision.

So many disappointments in life already. Strangely Apple Trailers doesnt have that many trailers lately. Last time I was there they had PAGES of stuff. Now, its only 3. Meh.

Panya is Back and random things I eat

I dont know if people know but apparently, that popular Japanese bakery next to Sunrise Market is back. Its now bigger, better and has guys behind the counter instead of girls. (I dont know if you guys noticed that.)

Anyway, I forgot to take pictures of the inside but they are also serving onigiri and bento from sunrise market at a really nice price. They also have a kitchen there that serves sandwiches and a "traditional japanese breakfast."

I decided to celebrate this even by buying a Green Tea Custard Cookie. Apparently I cant find a recipe of this online. I'm too lazy to pay another 2.75 for this one.

I've been to Panya before. What can I say about it? I think its so-so. I think their baked goods are okay. I've tried the strawberry shortcake and some of the savory stuff like the yakisoba pan. I used to drink their Green Tea Au Lait a lot until I realized it was just green tea and milk and I can easily make it at home. I've never tried their bread though but I kind of always wanted too because it looked so tall and fluffy. But I guys cafe Zaiya is their competitor which is around the corner along Cooper Square.

But as for New Panya? I think its a lot better. They have nice substantial meals that would definitely beat old Jasmart (when jasmart used to have a cafeteria).


....


Choice Market's Toffee Date Cake



the reason why I got this was because of the dates. How was it? incredibly sweet, dense and on the moist chewy side. What you would expect of toffee. It would be excellent if I drank black coffee but alas, I dont even drink coffee. (but I'll eat coffee ice cream.)

Would I eat it again? Not really. Now that i've tried it, I feel ok. Actually, it tasted like something I used to eat when I was a kid. Something like butterscotch brownies. But think... filipino butterscotch brownies. I've never tasted butterscotch in america yet.

....

Fort Greene Market: Apple Cider Donuts



I bought apple cider donuts from a place near madison square park the other day and, man, it was bullshit compared to this one. First off, that place charged a dollar while this one charged 50 cents. Secondly, the people here were a lot nicer. But I actually kind of like it but I wish the flavor was stronger. Both of them, I had to really look for the flavor and they both tasted more like donuts than apple cider donuts.

So since that is the case, I recommend getting the one coated in cinnamon sugar at Fort Greene every saturday. :D I can imagine Shake Shack crumbling this up and mixing it into spiced vanilla custard. yum.

....

Whole Foods Market: Buttermilk Scone


I'm not from america, so I generally dont really know how scones work. If its to be eaten alone or with tea or coffee or dipped or was it biscotti that I was thinking of? (<-- grammar fail!)

Anyway, I bought this just because I was curious to this "buttermilk" thing that is prevalent in many american baked goods recipes that are reminiscent of their grandmothers. I dont know what to make of it. I liked the outsides buttery crumbly goodness though and its its almost consistent inside out. But it doesnt really have its own distinctive flavor.

Would I get it again? No. But I have a feeling it would taste good for breakfast in replacement for biscuits. Poured with milk and sprinkled with some sugar. =9

....

Red Mango: Pumpkin Fro Yo



So I left it at the sample. it wasnt good enough to purchase the whole thing. (I dont want to spend extra money). The pumpkin flavor of Phileo's Yogurt was stronger and tastier. However, Red Mango is doing a promotion for these seasonal flavors by giving away free crush graham cracker topping with it.

Food List

I miss going to new restaurants and bakeries. Its because I'm poor. Life sucks, but I have a list:

1. Definitely check out Levain. Their cookies are really popular and I've been hearing about it since way back. This article in Serious Eats completely reawakened my desire to go there. GAH! Cookies!!!

2. A new food truck is in town. Specifically some where in midtown east. Why I'm interested? Because Diabetes will be my eventual destiny. (Though I hope not, but I just said it.) Its called Street Sweet. I think the most interesting part is that the croissants have different types of fillings O_o; One of them is praline and marshmallow cream. I love how they put the word "clean" in all caps in their about section (with a capital E in their "extremely" in the middle of their sentence".

3. I think biscuits are in. Why? After looking at this picture of Biscuits with milk and sugar from thekitchn, it made me start craving it. OF COURSE THAT LOOKS SO GOD DAMN GOOD! ITS GENIUS! I've never had it before but it does look like the ultimate comfort food even if I'm not a native american. And then I thought, oh shit, I need to buy some biscuits from the best place in the city. Where? I have no idea. I was thinking Popeyes actually. (<-- guilty)

But no, I want quality and fancy. If I'll do it, I'll do it right. I'll get Fresh Milk from the farmer's market and buy the best place to buy biscuits from. But where is a really good question. Apparently Clinton St. Bakery Co. has a section of their Bakery called Neil's Biscuits. Oh shit. <3 They might put so much crack in that (and by crack, I mean butter) but it might be really, really good. I've only eaten biscuits once and for the sake of remembering, I'll but these if I have the time. If not, there's this JPs Big Daddy Biscuits Recipe.

ps. if you bake these biscuits call me. There's nothing like freshly baked goods in the early morning.

4. So there a new German Pretzel Shop in town called Sigmund Pretzel Shop. It made me think of my teacher, because he's german. If he ever misses german pretzels, I should tell him. And maybe he can proof it to me if they do taste german. Apparently, they bake a single batch each morning. The interesting flavors to me are: Jalapeno Cheddar, Cinnamon Raisin for $3.00. I guess that's okay (if its huge). I'm a bit worried about the pictures of pretzel sandwiches because pretzel are usually... salty. =s

I super love this song:

Land of Talk - It's Okay from Saddle Creek on Vimeo.

Super.

For some reason, watching this video reminds me of the days when I used to play a little bit of table top role-playing games. I love the motion of this video. I wished that if the guy's eye's were blue, it would have been more striking. And why does... he have incredibly long floating hair. Let me be a sexist, but if it were a girl, it would make more sense to me. I dont recall any fantasy characters with ridiculously pantene-like floating hair.

Buro Knapzak | Ident from Buro Knapzak on Vimeo.

This completely motivates me to learn some sort of 3D software that is not Maya. Maya is a deep complicated bitch.

36stairs trailer from grzegorz jonkajtys on Vimeo.

Interesting trailer for a ...movie(?) I guess. Would I watch it? Maybe.


----

Life Experience:

I got locked out of my apartment yesterday. I learned a few things:

1. keep a copy of a key in your wallet.
2. keep a copy of your key at a friend's.
3. keep a copy of your key to your nearest relative.
4. keep a copy of your key where you work.

And most importantly, make sure those copies work and you have the right set of keys.
I had the extra key in my wallet but it was the key to my work place ;_;

This advice will help you pay the bitch that was $188 for that locksmith who tried to flirt with you but you would have been a slut and responded to it if he only gave you a fucking discount. (is life that hard?! help me out here!)

Anyway...

Things to learn:
if he'll have to break the lock, break it. Because either way, the building will call a lock smith and charge it to you anyway. Have an extra lock (for the door) in your apartment. This will help reduce the $89 for the lock that, that bitch just installed.

When I posted that event on my status in facebook, I felt happy that some people were concerned, because it comforted my misery a bit (you know, to know that some people care). Though this experience helped me have that "laughing while crying" moment that movies have, paying $188 is a cock-sucking pain that is not funny. So I think, people who laugh at that should pay me $188. And of course, I'm not referring to my high school classmate, Karla. (Karla, I'm completely referring to you.)

Keep your keys with you!

I feel my self esteem rise

If you go to this url the head of my department (Digital Arts) put my work up in that gallery. I cant really say its uberly impressive of me because in that class, I was the only undergraduate. =_=;

Anyway. There. I was just kind of happy and I wanted to share. I'll go call my mom now.

Fat is the Key and Stopmotion videos rule

The other day, I finally made banana cupcakes after days of countless research on a recipe that had the lowest amount of fat required. After making it, I tried it and I realized that it was... okay. It wasnt bad, but it wasnt excellent. I dont think its my baking skills but I was pretty sure it was the lack of butter or fat in it.

Lately I have been craving for a crumbly delicious banana bread, and after that day's experience with "healthy" banana bread, I realized that I would rather gain ten pounds than eat something completely not worth my time. So, in the end, I threw what I made away and went out to buy a banana nut bread from Choice Market.

Their banana nut bread is pretty good and crumbly. I have mixed feelings about the occasional random plantain in it, though. Maybe if they roasted the plantain, I would feel better about it.

....

For homework, we were required to make a stop motion PSA, so I just thought of sharing some stop motion videos that I liked. Enjoy!

Halloween Food Bonanza

So I ate a lot during halloween. I did not really party (though I attended a party). But yesterday, I spent some time in the city with a few friends and ate shit loads of food.

for breakfast was Shake Shack:



Shake Shack is a place I frequent. Though it was an important mission for me to go there on october 31 because it was the last day of the month that they would have the pumpkin spice ice cream. And can I say, it was one of the best pumpkin ice creams I've ever tasted. I can taste the diabetic amounts of cream and sugar they place in it. For me, it embodied american autumn-seasonal sweets. (american because of its huge amounts of sugar).



And, even if I've been to shake shake multiple times, (I mostly go there for the ice cream), I recently tried their Shack Stack, which was basically 2 beef patties and a shroom burger in one gigantic pile of cheesy goodness. I'll have to say that the shroom burger did most of the job in making this delicious. I felt that the saltiness of it just enhanced the flavor and brought everything into a pile of goodness.

For me, what is exciting about shake shack is the ever changing frozen custards calendar. Its like a game of wanting to try everything and discovering new flavors. Sadly I missed some flavors due to the cockblocker called "School." but, really, I could care less. Its just sugary fun when I look for gastronomic distractions in between school work.

Lunch was supplied by New York Coffee and Hotdog.
Generally, I've been wanting to come here for the longest time, because a few weeks ago, I missed on the korean taco cart from LA visiting new york. I will have my revenge. There were a lot of varieties on things that had kimchi bulgogi. There was a burrito-like thing, a burger, a hotdog. I let my friend decide and since we had burger for breakfast, we opted for hotdog.





What did it taste like? It tasted like kimchi with bulgogi and hotdog. I felt that the hotdog was too salty. The bulgogi had very weak flavor. And the kimchi was okay. Maybe a failure at the attempt of an interesting idea but I dont usually let these things stop me. Maybe I'll try to burrito looking thing next time (or the burger :D)

A nice note was that they had mini belgian waffles available. I was going to go for it but instead, my friend and I went to the replacement of Yogurtland next door: Phileo Yogurt



For those that missed Yogurtland, I feel like there was no difference between the two. (even if I had only been to yogurt land once.) But what caught my attention was the goodness that was their pumpkin frozen yogurt and lychee frozen yogurt. I was mucho happy.

Though I did go to L'arte del Gelato for a dessert (after dessert), I'm to lazy to talk about it.

Phileo Yogurt
267 Bleecker St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 206-1824

New York Hotdog and Coffee
245 Bleecker St
New York, NY 10014
(917) 388-3742

Shake Shack
E 23rd St & Madison Ave
New York, NY 10010
(212) 889-6600

Pumpkin Cheesecake Alert

For those of you who are feeling the autumn crisp in the air and is definitely hankering for some pumpkin sort of dessert, I would recommend pumpkin cheesecake from the clinton hill Choice Market.

Their cheesecake was usually the popular Pear Creme Brulee cheesecake (that I didnt really care for but other people did) but for this season, they have replaced it with the Pumpkin Cheesecake. their pumpkin cheesecake has a nise sort of cream cheesy-ness that the other pumpkin cheesecake from Billy's Bakery doesnt have. My sensitive friend, Mel, could care less for billy's cheesecake because it was apparently too "meat" like for her.

Pumpkin does have that weird sort of "meaty" taste. Must be because it is a squash? But I've read through many blogs that, that is the reason why people put shit loads of spices and sugar in pumpkin desserts.

So yes, if you're up for some pumpkin cheesecake, go to Choice Market instead of Billy's Bakery.
If you're going for ice cream, I highly recommend Shake shack's Pumpkin spice custard. The last day to get it is on Oct 31 (its every saturday this october.) Good Luck!

Choice Market
318 Lafayette Ave
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn NY

Maybe we should all invest in vanity

LOOKBOOK.nu

is a fashion community of people, mostly in their teens to mid 20s, posting pictures of themselves and their fashionista good-days. I have not seen a not-anorexic looking person in this page.

However, it is a pretty page to look at and its interesting to think that, "wow, you take a picture of yourself, tweek it mucho in photoshop (color wise) and post it." I think doing this takes some time and effort. I will admit, I envy those kids there for looking nice and skinny but its too much effort than I can afford to give. That and I think I would feel ridiculous posing out in public holding a "candid" pose for a few moments. I'm good with a shirt and jeans thank you.

I am surprised with the amount of male population in the list. I think most of them are from europe. and I like how sometimes, you can tell when a person is in New York.

But this is still part of my desire to go shopping. I want to go shopping. But alas, I have no time or money. I'll live vicariously through the people at lookbook.nu and pretend that I already did go shopping. (it doesnt work. I really need a cardigan.)

A video for designers

Michael Bierut is a designer that is very well known. I've never heard of him before. I'm new to graphic design, indulge me. However, he gives an interesting lecture and notes on his ideas of design. Btw, he did the New York Times sign on the new york times building near Port Authority. (Which is something that I've always admired whenever I passed it, also that it is a lovely building itself.

Enjoy

Cute Cartoons

Imp was an adorable internet flash cartoon that, I guess is british, can entertain you only for a minute or two.

Its so cute. Maybe its the british accent or the idea that satan is a ditz. <3

Is it cheesecake season too?

Though I have been craving pumpkin desserts, I stumbled upon a recent article on cheesecakes from Serious Eats concerning "New York's Best Cheesecake."

It's quite interesting really because they mentioned Two Little Red Hen's as the top. A bout a few weeks ago, my friend told me that TLRH had the best red velvet cake she's ever tried. (just so you know, she's a frosting person.) Its funny because I tried them last year for their red velvet cake and I threw it half way through because I didnt like it that much.

I'm always willing to be corrected or try a place again. Since my sister lives near there, guess I'll stop by and give them another chance. However, I really do wonder if I should eve stick to instinct.

In case if anyone was wondering, my favorite cheesecake thus far is Eileen's. As for red velvet, its kind of hard. I believe that any dish can taste good, you just have to find the right person to make it. Just like my belief that all restaurants are good, you just have to order the right thing.

Photographer Highlight: Masao Yamamoto

So, in my heart, I've been stalking (rather, internet stalking) this man called Masao Yamamoto. He is a freelance photographer from japan. Originally a painter, he creates these beautiful, haunting, elegant and quiet photographs that completely move me. I was so sad I missed his exhibition last year because I didnt learn about him at the time.

More of his work can be seen at Art Pages

I cant believe I bought his book though. Averaging at 200 dollars a pop. I waslucky someone was selling it in amazon for 85 bucks and bought it. His work is so beautiful. I cant wait til the mail comes.

Vimeo Roundups

Chukwa's Approach III (The Final Encounter) from depart on Vimeo.

I'll admit. I did it cause there was a turtle.

CTIA "Grow Your World" from PSYOP on Vimeo.

MTV music awards 2009 video package by Prologue from Huitième Degré on Vimeo.

Everyone likes Prologue. They're way to awesome to ignore

Type Type Type

Is always interesting. I found three thing that I thought were interesting to take note of.

Fonts as Characters at college humor has a little skit depicting fonts like real characters. It reminds me of a play that you would make in elementary. Though, I think most fonts are misrepresented, I thought Baskervile, Bookman and Wingdings were well characterized. Either that or I just like crazy people and old men bickering.

Squidspot has an Periodic table of Typefonts and I think its a must have for every type student or geek out there.

And last but not least, there was this adorable one liner comic like thing between helvetica and arial. I didnt know Arial was actually a helvetica wannabe.

Feeling Semi-Popular

I question I posted about food finally reached the open windows of the moderators of the kitchn. As a student who lives on low budgets and not on fresh vegetables, I asked the question "Which vegetables are OK to buy frozen?"

Its nice that I got a handy amount of answers. If you have any other questions related to cooking or food, this site is pretty nice and cute. Though I did post the question about a month a go, its better late than never. =)

Vimeo Parade (again)

I cant help it. I like vimeo. Its nice to subscribe to the place if you like that stuff. Especially if you have school and you need ideas. I think even more when you get a job =_=;

MTV BLOOM from FMK_7 on Vimeo.

Lift Typography Reel 2009 from Easyfeel on Vimeo.

Berlin Block Tetris from Sergej Hein on Vimeo.

I would have liked it more when you clean one of the levels and people scream. But its really interesting and fun none the less. It reminds me of how much I suck at tetris

John Maeda: Eye Meat

I would encourage people to watch John Maeda's discussion on simplicity in TED. Surprising for me to know, he's the president of RISD. I love competition, and I like how I've heard some people say that Pratt is where the rejected RISD students go.

In my opinion, people go to pratt because RI is kind of boring. Its pretty but boring.

Anyway, I felt a bit lied to because John Maeda said that his book, "The Laws of Simplicity" is free online. I cant find it.

But basically he boils it down to a statement: "Simplicity is about living life with more enjoyment and less pain." Personally, it sounds like it parallels with my hedonistic values. However, its a hard balance since everything has a price. Like ice cream = weight gain = iCantFitIntoMyPants syndrome.

Again and again, its always about moderation.

Book Review: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

I'm sure many of you have read this book already, especially if you're in art school. When you're on the computer the whole day its still nice to pick up something tactile once in a while.

But first of all, let me make an interesting note: Ayn Rand made two books: The Fountainhead and The Atlas Shrugged. I havent read the latter but its nice to hear people's opinion on these. People would say that they're both good but they prefer one over the other. It depends on your personality. I heard the Fountainhead is more about individualism and the Atlas Shrugged is more about collectivism.

This book was one of the very few books I was so in love with reading. I dont usually read that many books because I'd fall asleep too fast from reading but this one kept me awake and I got to finish it in 3 days. But in the end I felt so productive.

Since I suck at writing synopsis' I'll pass it on to wikipedia:

The Fountainhead's protagonist, Howard Roark, is an individualistic young architect who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision. The book follows his battle to practice modern architecture, which he believes to be superior, despite an establishment centered on tradition-worship. How others in the novel relate to Roark demonstrates Rand's various archetypes of human character, all of which are variants between Roark, the author's ideal man of independent-mindedness and integrity, and what she described as the "second-handers." The complex relationships between Roark and the various kinds of individuals who assist or hinder his progress, or both, allows the novel to be at once a romantic drama and a philosophical work.

I thought it was a fun read and it was kind of insightful and inspirational. However I'm not really that ambitious in life. I'll be honest: I like money. I would be willing to sellout it when I think its appropriate. It was nice to hear from my mom that she read the same book. But she told me she liked atlas shrugged better. I'll try to read that book next time when I have time.

BTW, if you're reading this, think of Frank Lloyd Wrights work when they're talking about the architecture. It was funny that I was getting into him and reading fountainhead at the same time. I had the pleasure of seeing his works when I visited Chicago and saw his exhibition at the guggenheim 3 months back.

OMG. Canon Customer Service

I called canon tech support this evening because of my bitchy new/old printer.

This printer was a free printer that came from Apple when I bought my laptop. A free printer. Duh. I got this printer last year on october (exactly last year) and I havent opened it since june.

Anyway, my printer was having the difficulty of eating the paper when printing: the paper wasnt going in and it thinks that the paper is in and would print. "no problem."

I finally got to call canon tech support. Unlike other tech supports, they were actually open till 10 in the evening. I called and got connected to a tech pretty fast. She was the nicest tech support I've ever had the delight of talking to. We had some light chit chat and wished each other well in the end. Since I only have a few days till my warranty expires, they'll send me a box to ship my printer back and I'll get a replacement printer in 3-5 business days.

Yey!

My printer, by the way, was a canon pixma mx300. After printing fine, a few seconds later, it started bitching about paper jams where the paper isnt inside of the printer. and later on would just not eat the paper and think it was eating it. My printer is delusional. I barely even use it because I'm so stingy with ink.

I wonder why ice cream for breakfast is so good

Maybe its cause it has 17g of fat. haagen dazs Green Tea ice cream is one of the very few brands that do green tea ice cream well. (I think they're the only one.) The second would be people who make it at home. (Unless you're an american restaurant who things they're trying to be fusion. I'm definitely not pointing at General Greene.)

Breakfast was supposed to be healthy. I started with a banana, then kiwi, then corn, then 1/2 a pint of ice cream, then a kiwi again. I like greens and yellows. What can I say? I'm trying to compensate for the black and blue thats going on in my toe.

BTW: I made lentils the other day and it made me full.

Though please catch this thought train: lentils - long shelf span = is that sweet potato in my fridge still edigle?

So I stumbled on to a site that lists the shelf span of basic american grocery food. In these "organic" days, its scary to notice how some foods last so long. Btw, it did not answer my question about my sweet potato.

-

The flu season peaked in last week for me and is dying down a little. However, I've still got a couple of the sneezes. (not sniffles). I do enjoy theraflu as my remedy. The kind that you can pour hot water on and enjoy as a drink. Though, I thought tylenol itself is a miracle when I first came to america. I have a few friends that dont believe in medicine. The sucky part about that is, you'll have to wait till the sickness is full blown in your body and you cant prevent it earlier.

i think that, if you have the free time to get sick, go for natural. Otherwise, if you have no time to get sick, take some medicine.

-

My friend and I went to La Bergamote of Chelsea. This bakery has happy reviews of pastries and almond croissants (which is one of my obsessions.) Though, I feel a bit sad as oen of the waitress is not only bitchy but also, doesnt describe the product very well. But worry not, she's not bitchy to everyone. She's only bitchy to girls. She was pretty nice to guys. (even if they're obviously gay. I dont know what her angle is.)



IF ONE CAN LOOK CLOSELY: it is not just "a mousse cake." (She said there were no layers). However, I would describe this as: A layer of hazelnut mousse, topped with a thin layer of pistachio cake, topped with another layer of pistachio mousse, wrapped with a thin layer of pistachio cake. There are particles so its not a perfectly smooth mousse. (Which I like.) I was hesitant to buy it because it was 6 dollars of mousse. For me, mousse is essentially flavored whip cream, which is not that appetizing. I'm a fan of variety and textures.

I like my nuts. (tee-hee.) ANYWAY, I bought it because I like nuts and not mousse. I also wasnt letting her anal attitude ruin my diabetic experience. IT WAS: 3.5. It was oh-kay. Would I buy it again? No. Did I regret it? No. It wasnt that disappointing.

Though I do love the french for their pastries, I feel like america hasnt captured my favorite french pastries quite well. For example, I love almond croissants. However, I have tried a many almond croissants but havent found the perfect one yet. I have not been to france but I keep hearing that there is no equivalent else where.

For that cake to be 6 bucks, its kind of understandable. I would say 5 bucks is more like it. 6... is a bit much. (and I'm from a 3rd world country, so these prices are insane to me.)

Vimeo Parade

Has anyone downloaded the iQ font yet? Its interesting has been around for a while now. I like how people try to be innovative for the littlest things. Its cute.

-

I was told the other day to post my awesome video findings at vimeo.
So I would like to say that this video is majorly sexy in a lighting and rendering 3d kind of way.

ARTIFICIAL PARADISE,INC. from Jp Frenay on Vimeo.

Universiteit Twente from Buro Knapzak on Vimeo.

With Rain from takcom™ on Vimeo.

I think after this, people can tell what type of styles I like. And if you're still stumped, I like minimalistic/clean/b&w styles. I love color, dont get me wrong. But I love the level of sophistication a simple grey scale design can bring. Its all about paying more attention to form and function when the colors are gone. Its like muting a video.

Anyway. I'm off. Enjoy.

New Favorite Patisserie and Type

The other day I had to take pictures of glass ceilings for research and ended up in the Winter Garden place at the Financial District.

As I stumbled around, I passed by a directory that said "Patisserie." I immediately went that direction (because I'm a sugar addict). So I stumbled upon Financier Patisserie.





I had or-gay-zms looking at the variety of selections at such a decent unexpected price. I dont know, I thought that place would be pricy but it wasnt. I found more expensive things in chelsea or the lower east side. (Surprisingly)

I decided that if I had to get one thing (because I finished a pint of ice cream for breakfast), I would get a pistachio macaroon.



And OHMYGODZ! It was such a steal at 2 dollars. It was the size of 3 macaroons. Even if it had the butter cream type of center, it was the best one I've had. The meringue that sandwiched it borderlines cookie consistency, but retains its nice light texture with a very perfect tint of density. I was extremely happy, to say the least.

I was also happy that it took me more than 2 bites to consume the whole thing. I feel like this place should lick madeline patisseries' ass because they charge 2.25 for a cookie a quarter of that size.

--

I'm taking Michael Kelly for Type I in the ComD department in Pratt. He's pretty popular and will grade you a C in your first semester. Its almost a fact, no matter "how good you are." This weeks homework helped me reassess my definition of "good type" and "bad type."

But here are some interesting type links:

Typographic Posters
Hauser Lacour An interesting editorial design company. Love their stuff.
Simon C Page Another Graphic Designer
Design the News Information Aesthetics dude.

Productivity level = 0.

Morning Photography

I'm very anxious about my photography class. I'm the type of person with zero talent, and majority of the concept is from research. But then again, I really like clicking away on a chair for hours.

Its my first b&w photography class and I just want to see other people's work to get inspired. Strangely, its difficult for me to find pictures of work that I like.

Smashing Magazine has a list of black and white photographs that some people would be interested on seeing. However, most of the pictures there I have no personal interest with in style.

I think one of my favorite photographers would always be my friend Emi Nishiwaki. Her work can be found here. She hasnt really been on the photography boat wagon for a while. She told me that last year (around 2008/7) photography was getting really trendy or that style was getting really trendy so she stopped.

There is also this interesting photography magazine that is too expensive to buy. Its called Foam. I bought a copy last year because they were selling back issues for $5 instead of the regular $20. They have a lot of work there that I like also. If you think you're awesome with your photographic skillz, they have an occasional issue called "Talent" and they publish you. Good Luck with that.



I made this little number in 2004 when I graduated from high school with no knowledge in photography. I took a 3 day workshop and didnt retain any information. Looking at it, maybe, I could have used a filter. Or make it a bit darker. It has a very sunny day, that day. People came up with some awesome work. I was a little bit 'meh' on my side. But this starts from something I want to grow from.

Forty Carrots and Dinner

On columbus day, after "work", I went to manhattan to buy the things students need to buy: a lot of expensive things. However, before my monthly unlimited ended, I decided to finally go to a place I've been dying to go since last year: Forty Carrots.



This little place was crowded at 2:30 in the afternoon. But then again, it was a holiday. I'm sure in a normal weekday, it wouldnt be crowded. But the point is, I finally got there. The menu gave 4 options but when I reached the front, there were 5: Chocolate, plain, mango, coffee and blueberries and cream.

Apparently if you got a large, you could get 4 flavors, a medium was 3, and a small was 2. I had to make a quick decision. I went with a plain and blueberries and cream. They were both freakishly delicious.



Usually, I would run to Red Mango for my frozen yogurt cravings but I think this place is my new favorite. Everything was very creamy. The plain wasnt as tart as Red Mango's but it was very smooth and rich but not too heavy. The blueberries and cream was my favorite. I was pretty sure that it might as well be a normal soft serve but I love the amount of richness that Forty Carrots had. Other places like 16 handles and Pink Berry tend to get slightly watery. (I guess its fine if you're on a diet) However, Forty Carrots was instant gratification and more.

The height of the fro-yo was the length of my hand. It was freakishly big for a small. And for 4.90 (tax included), it was a steal.

--

For dinner, I decided to steal an idea for this place called Macaron Cafe. A sandwich composed of Goat Cheese, Cranberries, Honey, and greens.



I did the such but changed it a bit. Instead of a baguette was a ciabatta. Along with cranberries, I added dried figs. What I got is something I'm willing to make again for tomorrow. I made my later of goat cheese almost a quarter of an inch, instead of an inch I was served in the cafe.

Welcome to...

my new blog.

Hi. My name is Candice. I like spending my early mornings with a cup of tea, a bowl of oatmeal and two hours of surfing online (when possible). I'm currently a student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York studying Interactive Media. There are two things that I enjoy: art/design and food. Food being the part that takes up 70% of my money.

Though I wish I had a specialty somewhere but, instead, I'll post some things I find interesting. These things will be from Installation artists to graphic design ads to restaurant listings and recipes. I will also be posting occasional rants and maybe some interesting events for those who live in new york.

Cheers.