r.i.p., frank mccourt, you were an icon

This weekend was one of the best I’ve had in quite a while, thanks to a new stress-free attitude and two straight days of no work and lots of sun, sand and waves. Sadly, it wasn’t completely smudge-free. One of my favorite authors, Frank McCourt, passed away after a battle with cancer.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved reading. It’s one of those things that was instantly woven into the fiber of my being- reading came more naturally to me than speaking. I’ll blame it on my parents, both of whom consume books at an alarming rate. To this day, my Mother will come home from the library with a stack of 10 books and return them less than a week later. My Dad’s library is one of the most fascinating I’ve ever seen, full of everything from history to science fiction to vintage comic books that I ruined the pages of while reading them as a kid.

It’s no stretch to say that Frank McCourt was one of the most inspirational, influential, and talented individuals to ever survive. I use the word survive because that is what he was – a survivor. His first memoir, Angela’s Ashes, was an instant favorite of mine after reading it in my ninth grade English class. Reading about his struggles as the son of an abusive alcoholic father in the poverty-stricken neighborhood of Limerick, Ireland showed me a side of humanity I never knew existed. There was something oddly beautiful about the challenges he experienced right from the get-go. He went on to put himself through school at New York University, which he chronicled in his second memoir, ‘Tis, and continued to tell his tale in his final book, Teacher Man. McCourt rose to the top and defeated all things that stood in his way – eventually becoming a much adored and respected Pulitzer-prize winning author.

Although both of my parents led by a strong example in making the best with what you’ve got, McCourt’s story taught me a lesson in strength and survival that I never realized until long after I had graduated high school. Not only did Frank McCourt survive, he thrived. What a way to live.

Positive things:

- Stress-free lifestyle.

- Beach days.

- Boyfriend visits in less than two weeks.

- Philosophy pure grace and Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.

Negative things:

- AT&T’s service.

- Cancer.

- When theaters oversell movies.

What I’m Listening To:

- Bright Eyes
- Andrew Bird
- Bat For Lashes
- Adele

An Anti-Love Letter To AT&T

I have to take this opportunity to whine about something. What else is new, right? But let’s be real – what the heck is up with AT&T? I’m totally butt crazy in love with my iPhone but I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown thanks to the ever-so-flaky service. I’ve recently found myself spending quite a bit of time on the phone, whereas before, I primarily used my phone for texting, the web, and the apps. I’m more convinced than ever that AT&T is trying to ruin my life.

If I were a boxer, this would be my motivation.

I totally get it, though – I live in a highly urban area, in an old, brick building that doesn’t allow for superb cell reception. But what I don’t understand is how every other call, literally, can fail. Call failed. Call failed. Ooh it’s ringing! Nope, call failed. Even when I can get a call through, the static is unbelievable. Nevermind the mysterious voicemails I get days late from phone calls I never received, that never showed up on my Missed Calls log. It’s endlessly frustrating and I’m finding myself more convicted than ever about the future of my relationship with my iPhone!

It wasn’t until I actually began using my cell as an actual telephone that I noticed just how awful the service is. You really can’t compare anything to the seamlessness of all other aspects – the aesthetics, the syncing, the convenience of having all my calendars, accounts and applications working in perfect harmony. But the cell service is total crap. What do I do?

It’s not like AT&T isn’t aware. The lack of service in Austin this past March for SXSW was the topic of many a conversation. The service just seems to be getting worse, and I’m sure I’m just one of the millions who are taking to their blogs to rant about dropped calls. What is keeping AT&T from getting their act together? I know you’ve got the fundage, the monthly bill for an iPhone is atrocious.

I noticed myself longingly gazing at my good friend Jason’s G1 on Sunday at church (yeah, shame on me for being distracted during church). Surely it wouldn’t be so bad to be the only one of my friends without an iPhone. Dare I risk not being one of the cool kids and allow myself the luxury of having access to a functioning cell phone? Could I possibly turn my back on the iPhone? That Pre is looking really nice about now.

The truth is, if the G1 or the Pre were available with Verizon, the Godfather of wireless providers, I would probably take the plunge. But I’m not totally sold on the reliability of T-Mobile or Sprint at the moment, definitely not enough to break my iron-clad contract with AT&T. The Pre WILL be available through Verizon in ~six months, but by that time, maybe I should just wait to see what Google has happening? Will G1 v2.0 be better? Perhaps by that time my long-distance boyfriend will be in LA and proper cell service won’t matter as much to me? What’s a girl to do?!

I am lost, and frustrated, and based on Twitter’s trending topics and the heated article on TechCrunch, I’m not the only one. One thing is for sure – AT&T is surely working doubletime to extend that contract with Apple, because once they switch providers, their customer base is going to be more sparse than hair on Homer Simpson’s shiny bald head.

FIX IT. Or I’m leaving. I mean it.

What The Heck Kind Of Advertising Is This? A-Hole vs B-Hole

What the heck kind of commercial is this? Hardee’s (better known as Carl’s Jr. to us West Coasters*) is pimping out their new Biscuit Holes – which I guess are like donut holes, but with icing. Scrumptious and healthy, I’m sure.

They took to the streets to ask people what they like better: A-holes, or B-holes? Sick!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmpisOn4FmE&hl=en&fs=1&]

Since when did advertising become all about sex? Ok, stupid question, but really – as if it weren’t bad enough seeing a razor company coyly hinting at the shape of your hair “down there,” or an internet company suggesting that your husband’s addiction to internet porn makes you wanna barf, now we’re comparing breakfast pastries to… well, you can use your imagination.

Edited to add: Not sure how I forgot this gem of a Burger King ad. What are we selling here? Is this a sandwich ad, or pornography?

Smile!

I suppose it works, though – I am blogging about it, after all. Woo Hardee’s!

*Ahh! Did I just call myself a “West Coaster?!?” Somebody. Get. Me. Out. Of. Here.

IOWAtasmic – Come See Me Speak On My Birthday

I’m back from Nashville just in time to tell you something very important: my star is rising. Alright, I’m totally kidding (not THAT vain), but I am proud to announce that someone actually thinks I am smart/funny enough to invite me to speak at a conference – IOWAtasmic, the first ever Iowa Tech and Social Media Interactive Conference. I’ve never even been to Iowa! Ok, that’s a lie too… I have been to Waterloo.

This particular conference will be in Mount Pleasant, taking place on September 18-20, 2009. My birthday is September 18, so you can be sure to find me out celebrating by tipping a cow or two with a couple unnamed friends who are also presenters.

Sure, it’s Iowa, but look at the line-up. It’s totally worth it… I am in GREAT company. Registration starts July 18, but you can win a free pass by following @IOWAtasmic and trending #iowatasmic from now until July 10 at 7PM CT.

Join me!

Interior Design Geek Chic. A Circuit Board Rug.

I’m currently obsessed with the idea of decorating my apartment (which I pay an arm and a leg for… though it is quite beautiful) and although I probably wouldn’t incorporate this latch hook circuit board rug into the overall look, it is pretty amazing.

It looks super soft… and is impressively similar to the actual circuit board it was modeled after.

Now that’s a great looking circuit board. I would definitely hang a photo of that on my wall.

via Neatorama

Two Things I Love, NYLON + NYC

Just spotted this photo on the NYLON blog and I have to say, it makes me crave NYC even though I was just up in that piece last week.

The photo is of the NYLON logo in the window of the Nike store on Mercer. Sigh…. I miss you, New York!