if you were super-duper connected in the world, what would your Ahá! Design moments be?
I, with the mere purpose of living in a prettier world, would:
1. Convince Calatrava of not building the Chicago Spire. It's just so ugly.
2. Have a designer jewelry duel between Starck, Marc Jacobs and Sergio Bustamante. I get to keep the results.
3. Befriend everyone in Hollywood only until I have a chance to re-write all of their names.
4. Sell Mayor Daley the idea of changing the colors of street lights to pink, purple, and aqua.
5. Depicte a law that prohibits designers to work for less money than they deserve. It'd also forbid clients from bargaining.
6. Ban all those "design bidding sites" for good.
7. Change the Animal Planet logo back.
8. Make it as a rule that with every LLC autorization, business owners must hire a real graphic designer to create their branding.
9. Make sure that every computer in the world is a Mac. Not because they're better, but because they're prettier.
31.3.08
Green Names Part II
The second part of my investigation was way better. I found this website that not only gives you the origin, meaning, pronunciation, and some other info on your name, but it also tells you how popular your name is, during which years it got popular, and how many cute babies are called ______ too.
There's even a poll where you tell the experiences you've had so far with such beautyness/horribleness of a name. I so took it.
Go here and look at mine first and then wander around.
And explain your significant others what you're doing before they see you looking at baby names and it's too late.
There's even a poll where you tell the experiences you've had so far with such beautyness/horribleness of a name. I so took it.
Go here and look at mine first and then wander around.
And explain your significant others what you're doing before they see you looking at baby names and it's too late.
Green Names Part I
Green Week! I went to see Wicked. We had the Earth Hour thingy, and I had to write a name for a "green building".
+
So, during my research I ran into the craziest names for kids. Some examples:
Laria (meaning "the sars are mine" WTF?); Marilee (bitterness); Psique ("the soul"); Theresa (reaper; who knew); Xenobia (almost "Xenofobia", almost in trouble); Panos (a rock, aka Panos "The Boring"); Sofronio (automatic); Que (death).
On the bright side: Vanessa apparently means "mariposa". Awwww
So, during my research I ran into the craziest names for kids. Some examples:
Laria (meaning "the sars are mine" WTF?); Marilee (bitterness); Psique ("the soul"); Theresa (reaper; who knew); Xenobia (almost "Xenofobia", almost in trouble); Panos (a rock, aka Panos "The Boring"); Sofronio (automatic); Que (death).
On the bright side: Vanessa apparently means "mariposa". Awwww
Rambo Likes To Dance
Oh the humanity. Don't miss these precious moments:
1:23 when his butt hurts
1:32 when he gives the claw sign to a woman and she complains
2:14 when he fights Michael Myers
2:23 the rap: "que mueva la cintura, la nalga y la caderaaa! uh ha uh ha!"
2:40 the final "claw movement" rrrrraw!
29.3.08
Extras
Pictures from last week worth mentioning individually.
The Adler Planetarium "heat thing". That's Lorena (far left), I'm next to her showing how hot my stomach was
A treat to my Spanish-speaking dudes. Produce-tésta! jojoojoj
The Adler Planetarium "heat thing". That's Lorena (far left), I'm next to her showing how hot my stomach was
A treat to my Spanish-speaking dudes. Produce-tésta! jojoojoj
One year
Today is my one year anniversary here. I cannot believe I once said I'd never go back to the US and now look at me, eating Rice Krispies for breakfast and all.
The truth is I kind of like it here now. Even if my family tells me I've become such a "rushy American".
And so, a one-year-here piece of wisdom for you all:
It's not that we never get what we want; it's that we always want what we don't have.
Happy anniversary, Jason :)
The truth is I kind of like it here now. Even if my family tells me I've become such a "rushy American".
And so, a one-year-here piece of wisdom for you all:
It's not that we never get what we want; it's that we always want what we don't have.
Happy anniversary, Jason :)
28.3.08
Windy II
Spot the differences!
And please note the "lifted blouse" detail. It took me forever.
Monterrey, Mexico March 18th, 2008
Chicago, USA March 25th, 2008
jijijij
And please note the "lifted blouse" detail. It took me forever.
Monterrey, Mexico March 18th, 2008
Chicago, USA March 25th, 2008
jijijij
27.3.08
26.3.08
12 random things
No. 1
I'm not good at calling when a call is necessary.
No. 2
Traveling is my favorite activity after eating, reading and talking.
No. 3
I suffer from: a bad finger, creaky bones and continuous nervous-bipolar crisis. I try to complain as much as I can.
No. 4
My biggest fear is to be old. People know this one.
No. 5
I feel bad when people make fun of others because of their broken English. It just means they know another language. Idiots.
No. 6
I'm fascinated by people who have amazing personal style.
No. 7
I have terrible habits. They range from crying during happy or sad events; to cursing; to reading Cosmopolitan.
No. 8
I'm always having an internal struggle between being a total cynic and an idealistic romantic. People drive me crazy but I believe in them.
No. 9
I can't sleep more than 6 hours per day.
No.10
I despise close-minded individuals, slow drivers, horseradish, soccer moms, 80's fashion, touching the EL, the smell of Chicago, and a large portion of San Pedro N.L. México.
No. 11
I'm in reality the most melancholic person. And the shiest.
No. 12
I take "reality tv" as a very personal insult.
I'm not good at calling when a call is necessary.
No. 2
Traveling is my favorite activity after eating, reading and talking.
No. 3
I suffer from: a bad finger, creaky bones and continuous nervous-bipolar crisis. I try to complain as much as I can.
No. 4
My biggest fear is to be old. People know this one.
No. 5
I feel bad when people make fun of others because of their broken English. It just means they know another language. Idiots.
No. 6
I'm fascinated by people who have amazing personal style.
No. 7
I have terrible habits. They range from crying during happy or sad events; to cursing; to reading Cosmopolitan.
No. 8
I'm always having an internal struggle between being a total cynic and an idealistic romantic. People drive me crazy but I believe in them.
No. 9
I can't sleep more than 6 hours per day.
No.10
I despise close-minded individuals, slow drivers, horseradish, soccer moms, 80's fashion, touching the EL, the smell of Chicago, and a large portion of San Pedro N.L. México.
No. 11
I'm in reality the most melancholic person. And the shiest.
No. 12
I take "reality tv" as a very personal insult.
24.3.08
23.3.08
Sister updates!
Really quick!
EveryonehasacoldexceptformeandIlikehavingacolddammit
Ithinkmycameraisdyingorsomething
Imlearningsignlanguagenext
Iatelotsofnutellaagainjijiji
Iwanttokeepmysisterhereforever
!!!!!
EveryonehasacoldexceptformeandIlikehavingacolddammit
Ithinkmycameraisdyingorsomething
Imlearningsignlanguagenext
Iatelotsofnutellaagainjijiji
Iwanttokeepmysisterhereforever
!!!!!
20.3.08
The Other Sister!
My sister Lorena just got here!!!!
"Like, to Chicago. Like, you know? It's like... um... like super cool, you know what I mean???" hahahaah
She came here as a surprise with all kinds of goodies from home that I (surprisingly) can't find here: Choco Krispies, cajeta light, Mexican candy... and with my one and only party dress that I haven't worn in 2 years and that I couldn't wait to try on.
I'm happy to inform that it still fits and that I still look hot in it. Closing the zipper was probably the scariest thing I had to do over the past year, but it all went well. It's good to know that the dress from my youth times still does me justice.
Here are some pictures from the old memories with my dress, on Beto's wedding Summer 06! That's me, redhead and pretty.
"Like, to Chicago. Like, you know? It's like... um... like super cool, you know what I mean???" hahahaah
She came here as a surprise with all kinds of goodies from home that I (surprisingly) can't find here: Choco Krispies, cajeta light, Mexican candy... and with my one and only party dress that I haven't worn in 2 years and that I couldn't wait to try on.
I'm happy to inform that it still fits and that I still look hot in it. Closing the zipper was probably the scariest thing I had to do over the past year, but it all went well. It's good to know that the dress from my youth times still does me justice.
Here are some pictures from the old memories with my dress, on Beto's wedding Summer 06! That's me, redhead and pretty.
19.3.08
The Other Windy City
So yesterday after the cookie phenomenon I got an email from my sister telling me she might not make it to Skype at night because there were some tornado winds in Monterrey. I got worried when she said that "everyone was fine" so I went to the super trusted ultimate Mexican source of information (...right), El Norte and there it was:
I loved it that they even made an "animated graphic" for this. Ahh Mexico.
I would not want to be one of those billboard companies telling clients that natural disasters are not included in their warranty... or still working for the advertising agency where I was in charge of media because I would be crushed by all of our clients asking for their billboards to go up again for free and now.
Also, thanks to the crazy winds, pollution levels went up to 460 Imecas, when the normal index is around the 100s.
Lastly... I didn't see any pictures of our giant USD $80M flag; did it fly away too?
I mean, this city goes into total chaos if a raccoon decides to step into a highway... let alone having a 1,400m2 (15,000sq ft) flag flying above the city!!!
Just look at this über-dramatic image of our flag
I loved it that they even made an "animated graphic" for this. Ahh Mexico.
I would not want to be one of those billboard companies telling clients that natural disasters are not included in their warranty... or still working for the advertising agency where I was in charge of media because I would be crushed by all of our clients asking for their billboards to go up again for free and now.
Also, thanks to the crazy winds, pollution levels went up to 460 Imecas, when the normal index is around the 100s.
Lastly... I didn't see any pictures of our giant USD $80M flag; did it fly away too?
I mean, this city goes into total chaos if a raccoon decides to step into a highway... let alone having a 1,400m2 (15,000sq ft) flag flying above the city!!!
Just look at this über-dramatic image of our flag
Horrible Abuelita Cookies #001
Yesterday I decided to relaunch the baking skills with a cute twist. I made normal sugar cookies with Chocolate Abuelita for a change.
The result?
Taste: 10/10
Consistency: 5/10
Appearance: 0/10 hahaha
Conclusions: Chocolate Abuelita doesn't do well in the magic bullet... and it won't rise... aaand it also makes the cookies really melty and gross looking.
It was all good up to here...
...and then the horribleness happened
The result?
Taste: 10/10
Consistency: 5/10
Appearance: 0/10 hahaha
Conclusions: Chocolate Abuelita doesn't do well in the magic bullet... and it won't rise... aaand it also makes the cookies really melty and gross looking.
It was all good up to here...
...and then the horribleness happened
18.3.08
17.3.08
This is cool™
Another cool thing! Steely bridge meets Superman rollercoaster.
The Living bridge in Limerick, Republic of Ireland, by London-based architects Wilkinson Eyre.
Client: University of Limerick
Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Project Value: 12m Euros
Completed: November 2007
Use: "European pedestrians and art displays" [!]
Source: Dezeen
The Living bridge in Limerick, Republic of Ireland, by London-based architects Wilkinson Eyre.
Client: University of Limerick
Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Project Value: 12m Euros
Completed: November 2007
Use: "European pedestrians and art displays" [!]
Source: Dezeen
16.3.08
La Abuelita
I just talked to my grandmother because today is her 78th birthday and I'm really sad because I feel like she's not the same as before.
I still remember all those afternoons when she used to take care of me after school and we would make food for my aunts and she would endlessly try to teach me how to make flour tortillas (or any other edible goods) yet I never really learned.
I loved spending the days in her living room reading with her and then taking a nap and hearing her snore. At first she would tell me to wake her up if she was loud, but I never did just because I thought it was mean. She made me really happy.
She now lives far from me and not a single day goes by that I don't think of her. Ever since my other grandmother died 2 weeks ago I've been quite weird and I'm trying to call Grandma Bertha all the time but I don't know if she doesn't want to talk when there's people listening to her (she was born in 1930, privacy wasn't such a big hit back then) or if she's just different now. The sad point is that she sounds weird and I miss her.
I still remember all those afternoons when she used to take care of me after school and we would make food for my aunts and she would endlessly try to teach me how to make flour tortillas (or any other edible goods) yet I never really learned.
I loved spending the days in her living room reading with her and then taking a nap and hearing her snore. At first she would tell me to wake her up if she was loud, but I never did just because I thought it was mean. She made me really happy.
She now lives far from me and not a single day goes by that I don't think of her. Ever since my other grandmother died 2 weeks ago I've been quite weird and I'm trying to call Grandma Bertha all the time but I don't know if she doesn't want to talk when there's people listening to her (she was born in 1930, privacy wasn't such a big hit back then) or if she's just different now. The sad point is that she sounds weird and I miss her.
The Weekend + The Week
This was such a crazy + bittersweet weekend.
I worked Friday night to Saturday morning. I missed the Saint Patrick's Day celebrations (even greener river, green parade, green beer, green puking). I had a mental crashdown Saturday day but it got better by night... right after I ate dog food by mistake (I guess near-death experiences do put things in perspective hahah).
Today it was all about the CTA, the RHCP, the sushi, the John Hancock, le français and the Juventus.
This was also a crazy + bittersweet week.
Lately everything seems like a dream. Things are moving so fast and I'm having trouble catching up and trying to be Little Miss Sunshine no matter what.
I had two extra things to work on for this week and I only finished until Friday-Saturday. I didn't get much sleep any day. I didn't study French (unless messenger counts). We had to work every day at night. And my mom forgot to talk to me. Bu.
I'm happy now, though :)
I worked Friday night to Saturday morning. I missed the Saint Patrick's Day celebrations (even greener river, green parade, green beer, green puking). I had a mental crashdown Saturday day but it got better by night... right after I ate dog food by mistake (I guess near-death experiences do put things in perspective hahah).
Today it was all about the CTA, the RHCP, the sushi, the John Hancock, le français and the Juventus.
This was also a crazy + bittersweet week.
Lately everything seems like a dream. Things are moving so fast and I'm having trouble catching up and trying to be Little Miss Sunshine no matter what.
I had two extra things to work on for this week and I only finished until Friday-Saturday. I didn't get much sleep any day. I didn't study French (unless messenger counts). We had to work every day at night. And my mom forgot to talk to me. Bu.
I'm happy now, though :)
The Weekend II
The famous Dog Cake! Tuna and yogurt will never be the same to me. I spent the whole night 'tossing and turning' (I hate it when people say that) and my esophagus is so sore. Plus I feel bad for eating a little Nemo without permission.
Besides, doesn't it look like a delicious carrot cake?!
Advertising for the Earth Hour thingy. We're all turning off the lights for an hour on March 29th, Chicago is so nice and posh and green.
My new favorite seagull on the river, eating either a dead fish or the rest of a Saint Patrick's Day party-goer.
A Cuauhtémoc Blanco billboard on Belmont. He's now 'playing' for the Chicago Fire Soccer team. Are you kidding?
Plus, 'Tradition' 'Honor' 'Passion'?! They must be talking about the other Cuauhtémoc.
Do you remember ATB? What about their famous 9pm ('Till I Come) from 1999? I even remember dancing to it.
Well he was at the Congress Theatre last night. The line to get in was about 2km long. But I was just passing by, not reliving the good times.
A Belmont & Pulaski poster... Natalia la 'ruda'
14.3.08
Wow, Monterrey
Doing research I found this tremendous design jewel. Nevermind the horrendous graphics, the info is so positive about Monterrey hahah I wonder if our Governor wrote it.
Except for the crime part, everything is true. Actually, it's all true. The crazy killings have made it weird but at least there are no robberies and mugging!
Monterrey je t'aime
.
.
.
.
.
.
(...mais pas ces jours)
Chicago Spam
Here's how you know you're living in a big and modern city.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: xxxxxxx
Date: Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Subject: Cook County Tax Increase
Even if you don't live in Cook County, you probably shop and eat in the city. So please vote against this proposal and ask anybody that you know to do so as well. It only takes seconds. I just did it.
COOK COUNTY is planing to raise the sales tax to 10.25% in November. This will have a negative effect on the lives of consumers in Illinois and obviously, on retail businesses as this will make ours the HIGHEST sales tax rate in the country.
Please take a second to call Todd Stroger's office and petition the increase on the tax!!!!
Please do this now...what do have to lose (other than your money)? I did it and it only took a minute and it is FULLY AUTOMATED!!!! AND EASY.
This takes literally seconds. It only took about 15 SECONDS to punch in my vote.
CALL 1-312 -603-6400.
Press option 1, then option 2, and then VOTE AGAINST INCREASE (OPTION 2)
LeRoy Shelton
//////
So, is this ultra confusing or what? Plus, LeRoy Shelton?! What is this, LA?!
The best thing is that now you actually have to call someone to spam yourself. I miss good old Mexico where people still took the time to spam-call you during dinner.
Sigh.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: xxxxxxx
Date: Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Subject: Cook County Tax Increase
Even if you don't live in Cook County, you probably shop and eat in the city. So please vote against this proposal and ask anybody that you know to do so as well. It only takes seconds. I just did it.
COOK COUNTY is planing to raise the sales tax to 10.25% in November. This will have a negative effect on the lives of consumers in Illinois and obviously, on retail businesses as this will make ours the HIGHEST sales tax rate in the country.
Please take a second to call Todd Stroger's office and petition the increase on the tax!!!!
Please do this now...what do have to lose (other than your money)? I did it and it only took a minute and it is FULLY AUTOMATED!!!! AND EASY.
This takes literally seconds. It only took about 15 SECONDS to punch in my vote.
CALL 1-312 -603-6400.
Press option 1, then option 2, and then VOTE AGAINST INCREASE (OPTION 2)
LeRoy Shelton
//////
So, is this ultra confusing or what? Plus, LeRoy Shelton?! What is this, LA?!
The best thing is that now you actually have to call someone to spam yourself. I miss good old Mexico where people still took the time to spam-call you during dinner.
Sigh.
9.3.08
Is A Lap An Illusion?
The discussion "do laps exist?" has been bugging me for a week ever since I saw that damned Gilmore Girls episode. Now it's getting serious.
Think about it... your lap is there when you sit down, but it disappears when you're standing. So, does it really exist? And If you're standing, where does it go? Aaand can you touch it without utterly confirming that you're NOT only touching your legs?
I guess I could lean for "it does exist" since at any point in history and in the future, someone will be sitting down, thus, giving birth to a lap... but if there's no one there to see it, does it really exist after all?
Wait, have we already reached the "if a tree falls in the middle of the forest..." discussion level? Ufff. What do you think?
Any type of lap questions to jossbot [at] hotmail [dot] com :)
Think about it... your lap is there when you sit down, but it disappears when you're standing. So, does it really exist? And If you're standing, where does it go? Aaand can you touch it without utterly confirming that you're NOT only touching your legs?
I guess I could lean for "it does exist" since at any point in history and in the future, someone will be sitting down, thus, giving birth to a lap... but if there's no one there to see it, does it really exist after all?
Wait, have we already reached the "if a tree falls in the middle of the forest..." discussion level? Ufff. What do you think?
Any type of lap questions to jossbot [at] hotmail [dot] com :)
María Daniela y su Sonido Lasser
En Congress Theatre este viernes y de a grapa. Quién la viera, no?
Y aún peor: Quién me viera jojojojj
Y aún peor: Quién me viera jojojojj
7.3.08
The Field Museum Trip
I finally went to the Field Museum! How exotic.
I walked and walked and walked. I saw dinosaurs. I took 297 pictures. A fellow Mexican stalked me in the T-Rex room. I ate where it said "No food allowed". I saw two thousand baby strollers. I stepped on goose poop. I learned about Rigoberta Menchu and Tahiti. And I gave directions to tourists.
I walked and walked and walked. I saw dinosaurs. I took 297 pictures. A fellow Mexican stalked me in the T-Rex room. I ate where it said "No food allowed". I saw two thousand baby strollers. I stepped on goose poop. I learned about Rigoberta Menchu and Tahiti. And I gave directions to tourists.
6.3.08
Miedo 2008
26 years old. Finally.
My famous birthday celebration quote: "I heard that they have $1.99 whiskey shots at Walgreens"
5.3.08
This is cool™
The Swan desk by Les Chics Types.
Sexy, mini (-malist) and a good-looking cable organizer (plus an opportunity to spell dirty words with gross shoelaces) all in one.
See, Canadians can be fun.
4.3.08
Not So Pretty Yet GPS-y
My pretty Minnies picture made it to the not-so-pretty Schmap Chicago, some sort of online city guide.
I actually think Jason took it, so unless I'm suddenly sued (or deported) I'll keep this here.
As you can see, the pretty stick only gave it a half hit this time.
Next stop: Hogwarts
But before next stop: Schmap Chicago
I actually think Jason took it, so unless I'm suddenly sued (or deported) I'll keep this here.
As you can see, the pretty stick only gave it a half hit this time.
Next stop: Hogwarts
But before next stop: Schmap Chicago
3.3.08
Dryer Fuzzies
The strangest thing happened yesterday.
Jason left the fuzzies in the dryer filter after washing his clothes.
That's an incredibly disturbing distracty action from him.
I think he's cheating on me.
Jason left the fuzzies in the dryer filter after washing his clothes.
That's an incredibly disturbing distracty action from him.
I think he's cheating on me.
The wise
Julian Jaynes:
When asked the question, what is consciousness? We become conscious of consciousness. And most of us take this consciousness of consciousness to be what consciousness is.
This is not true.
Enter Freud.
When asked the question, what is consciousness? We become conscious of consciousness. And most of us take this consciousness of consciousness to be what consciousness is.
This is not true.
Enter Freud.
1.3.08
J'ai 26 ans!
I'm officially old.
No more parties, no more skirts above the knee, no more whiskey. Oh forget the whiskey, that's all old people do, no?
Anyway, the only thing I'll promise myself to do before I turn 27 [gasp] has to be something easy because these days even counting on buying milk has turned into a death wish.
So, I hereby promise that before I turn 27 [gasp + heavy breathing] I'll get the original Super Nintendo (with the original Mario Cart and Super Mario World 3 games) and a TV made to play with it. Oh, maybe the Yoshi one too.
I'm definitely old.
No more parties, no more skirts above the knee, no more whiskey. Oh forget the whiskey, that's all old people do, no?
Anyway, the only thing I'll promise myself to do before I turn 27 [gasp] has to be something easy because these days even counting on buying milk has turned into a death wish.
So, I hereby promise that before I turn 27 [gasp + heavy breathing] I'll get the original Super Nintendo (with the original Mario Cart and Super Mario World 3 games) and a TV made to play with it. Oh, maybe the Yoshi one too.
I'm definitely old.
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