OMGWTF PIXIES TOUR

That was basically my reaction when I read that the Pixies will be touring in November and that they will be playing three nights in New York.

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH. Ahem, I'm better now. Back to regularly scheduled programming.

Best Intentions Get Misunderstood...

I was just loading a picture of Zelda with fuzz from inside a toy stuck to her nose. While doing that, the song that came on was Rancid's "Up To No Good." It may be some sort of sign. This is the picture:

We've established that imeem is a website made from musical fascists, so I doubt I can clip the song here.

Does This Mean He Has To Resign?

So American Apparel's at it again. It's well known that they've (and by "they" I pretty much mean douchenozzle-in-chief Dov Charney) had legal issues before surrounding sexual harassment. Now the leading loser is requesting that low-selling stores send in staff pictures and then strongly encouraging them to fire employees he deems unattractive. You know, since he's such a hunk. Really. It's like looking at Johnny Depp's clone. *cough* I could barely get that out.

Because it's their ugly employees that are hurting sales, not say, their attitudes, hideous clothing, ridiculous high prices or the freaking recession. Nope, it's the uggos. Definitely.

Maybe I should point out that the only American Apparel clothing I have consists of t-shirts for bands that happen to be printed on their shirts - and if given the option I will ALWAYS go for someone else. Curse the hipster side of my taste in music; those folkie indie artists love AA tees like no punk band could ever imagine.

Anyhoo.

It's not like American Apparel's practice of judging employees based on looks over achievements is new. Par example: Last year when I was job hunting (pre-doggie-boutique days) I walked by an AA with a now hiring sign. I figured "what the hell" and went in for an application. What I got (other than sneered at by hipsters in 80s gym attire) was a slip of paper with an email address and instructions to send my resume. That's not a problem. The issue was that with my resume they wanted two pictures of me to "see my look" and compare it to their "aesthetic." I'm fat, and they have only stick-thin hipsters working at their stores. I was tempted to send in my resume with my pictures, then send in an identical resume with a different name and pictures of a tall skinny hipster just to see if they called that person instead of the real me. I'm pretty sure asking for pictures before hiring someone is blatantly illegal.

I don't believe a company can bill itself as ethical if it allows sexual harassment and blatant looks-based discrimination. I mean, great, no sweat shops. But seriously, that doesn't allow you to engage in other problematic behaviors.

It's not that complicated, really. If you want to be an ethical company, act ethically. That means little things like hiring diverse people and, you know, not showing up to meetings in your underwear. Or perhaps not using underage softcore porn as ads. At least stop contributing to the disordered body image that America already has by showing only pre-pubescent rails spread-eagle in your high-waisted mini skirts.

So, basically, eat it, American Apparel. (or actually just eat every once in awhile and maybe you wouldn't be so surly)

When the Music Hits I Feel No Pain At All

So, Rancid show tonight (at the Roseland Ballroom) was AWESOME. In some affront to all things natural, they were actually one of the openers (I know, WTF?) so I left before Rise Against started and got home pretty early. I took some video while I was there. Only a few songs because obviously I wanted to actually watch the show and because, well, video cameras and circle pits are a combination that is wonky at best.

What I remember of the set list, vaguely but not necessarily in order and vaguely but not necessarily complete:
-Radio
-11th hour
-St. Mary
-Last One to Die
-Nihilism
-Civilian Ways (acoustic)
-Roots Radicals
-Journey to the End of East Bay
-Salvation
-a Ramones cover (dedicated to Tim Armstrong's brother...um...Jeff?), I don't know the name of the song because I'm lame and apparently if it's not on Ramones Mania I just don't know it
-Time Bomb
-Fall Back Down
-Black and Blue
-Ruby Soho

Here are the videos I took:







And, for good measure, a camera-phone picture:

Maybe Not An Original Idea

I'm actually not 100% sure what to make of these photos. On the one hand, they seem to be photos of a fat woman just sorta living her life. But if you really look, I also see a statement that she is hiding herself. You never really see her full on. She is always turned or hidden (or headless). It says that it is "an honest and poignant look at self-image and isolation."

So, it's nice to see representation of different bodies in photography and art. But why must it be a fat woman who always feels isolation? Why must she be the one that has the image issues? Where are the fat, happy, confident women? What about women of other sizes who have image issues and feel isolated? While I like these photos on some levels, I am concerned that they are perpetuating stereotypes. And isn't art supposed to be about creativity? So shouldn't the photographer be trying to subvert these typecastings?

I think the one up top is especially powerful. It shows exactly what the world seems to want to happen - the thin, conventionally pretty woman is in the form-fitting dress and putting on make-up while the fat woman is in a shapeless sweater, without any adornment other then her glasses. That says a lot right there.

(Photo by Jen Davis)

On Health Care Reform

I seem to forget sometimes: this is America, therefore the most intelligent and well-argued press conference is no match for tired rhetoric and sing-song slogans.

Did you know that taxing people who make over $1 million a year to help defray the costs of health care reform is a "Robin Hood scenario?" (actually, where I read that it was a "robin hood scenerio [sic]" but I corrected the spelling and capitalization) And that re-allocating wasted funds that are already (poorly) in use are exactly the same as taking money right out of your pocket?

Did you know that a program where you can choose whether or not to participate - to stay with your coverage if you are happy or to choose the federal program if you are under-insured or uninsured - is a government take-over?

Look, Obama said a lot of things during last night's press conference. I know that maybe some people might not have caught everything - if they watched it at all, instead of simply waiting for some Fox "News" analyst to tell them what to think - but he answered and rebuked a lot of the criticisms.

But let's start with a good quote:

I understand that people are feeling uncertain about this. They feel anxious, partly because we've just become so cynical about what government can accomplish; that people's attitudes are, you know, even though I don't like this devil, at least I know it. And I like that more than the devil I don't know.

Money: The Prez never denied this would be an expensive program. He said that funding will come from a few sources, namely re-allocating money that is being wasted in other programs and taxes on families making more than $1 million a year. He also pointed out that if we kept the current system going individuals would lose a LOT more money in medical expenses and insurance premiums than the reform bill could ever cost them. Another quote:

Already we've estimated that two-thirds of the cost of reform can be paid for by reallocating money that is simply being wasted in federal health-care programs. This includes over $100 billion of unwarranted subsidies that go to insurance companies as part of Medicare -- subsidies that do nothing to improve care for our seniors.

Coverage: If you are happy with your current insurance, you don't have to change. Obama has said that so many times it's like a mantra. You can stick with your current plan if you are happy. Say it with me now. However, if you are uninsured or have inadequate coverage, you no longer have to worry. If you suddenly get very sick you won't be told that you have to pay out of pocket. You won't be sent into bankruptcy for a health condition. You cannot be denied for a pre-existing condition. That means that my past bouts with depression and the fact that I'm sorta chunksters won't keep me from being treated for something unrelated to either of those things.

Personal Cost: Health care premiums have risen three times more than wages in the past 10 years. There are 47 million Americans who don't have any health insurance at all. Roughly 14,000 Americans lose their coverage every day. I'll close with one last quote, an excellent one if you ask me:

If somebody told you that there is a plan out there that is guaranteed to double your health-care costs over the next 10 years, that's guaranteed to result in more Americans losing their health care, and that is by far the biggest contributor to our federal deficit, I think most people would be opposed to that. Well, that's the status quo. That's what we have right now. So if we don't change, we can't expect a different result.

Let The Dominoes Fall

OK, I kind of want to order Beth Ditto's domino dress and then dance around in it singing Rancid's "Dominoes Fall."

I can't find "Dominoes Fall" on imeem so here's "Last One to Die" instead. Same album.

Or at least a clip from it, since imeem is a bunch of music fascists.

Last One To Die - Rancid

(have I mentioned I'm going to see them on Sunday? *squee* I know, it's my third time [first being in Toronto second being on a Warped Tour stop in Buffalo] but I'm excited like a little kid...or a fangirl or something)

Lion Brand's Adorable Store Promo

Lion Brand Yarn Studio has what may be the cutest promo EVER up on their blog: a store tour led by two little knit squirrels, Sadie and Hazel.

Hello.

The Legend of Zelda

I feel compelled to post a puppy picture of Zelda. Maybe I was inspired by Feministing. Maybe I just have the best dog ever and want to share that.


I also noticed that a lot of the pictures of her that I have on Flickr involve her somehow getting into trouble: covered in sand or chewing on things like boxes, hampers, baskets or multiple kinds of shoes

Destination?

I think this is where I will go when I reach a certain age.

Perfect, Since My @$%#ing Head Hurts Today

This article @$%#ing rocks. Apparently swearing alleviates pain. The more socially unacceptable the words chosen, the stronger the effect. Or, as the article/podcast says:

"Swearing activates a &#*@ing classic “fight or flight” response. You know, when you act all bad$(# to downplay the fact that you’re scared @$#%^ss."

Also, I would like a brain scrub for all of the things that come up when you type "explicit lyrics" into a Google image search with safe search turned of.

zOMG I'm Not Actually Going to Die This Week?!

OK, I already knew that. But occasionally I feel the need to point as many people as possible right on back to the But Don't You Realize Fat Is Unhealthy? post at Shapely Prose. It's important.

Bacon, The New Wonder Food

Here's something fun: Oddee.com has a list of 10 Crazy Bacon-Inspired Products.

I've actually seen the band-aids before (and seriously considered buying them). The watch is kind of amusing and the wallet if pretty funny. But I'm wary of anything that is scented or flavored like bacon that isn't actually bacon. I mean, we sell bacon scented dog toys at the store I work at and one whiff makes me want to hurl.

But hey, to each his bacon-loving own.

Redonk Ink

A list of the 15 Most Idiotic Tattoos.

I agree with most of them, though I actually find the toe one kind of awesome and hilarious. Way to keep a sense of humor about a foot deformity, right?

Seriously, though. Time bomb? Doll knees? Cat anus?! WTF were people thinking! haha.

This thing didn't even mention the Paula Deen butter tattoo that I blogged about for BUST last month. Or the Rachael Ray one linked to in that post.

At Least They Won't Squeeze My Ears

This dude pierced the bridge of his nose and is using the hole to support eyeglasses.

I'm not really sure what else to say about that. What do you think, comfy? Good idea? This guy is a raging tool?

Drop Dead Lifetime

Being fat is punishment for your bad karma. At least, that's the message I'm getting from the ads for Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime. The premise is that a skinny blond model dies suddenly and is reincarnated as a size-16 brunette workaholic lawyer.

My initial response is to be appalled. I mean, seriously, fat as punishment? Is it not bad enough that most of this culture sees it that way already, must we reinforce the notion with bad TV shows?

But maybe I should stay optimistic. Is it possible that the show will portray the model type as bad for being so horrified at the idea of reincarnating as a fat woman? Perhaps they will show the idiocy of size discrimination. Maybe we'll even see this woman living a normal healthy life instead of the usual portrayal of a fat woman eating in secret and having lots of cats but no friends (the picture above where she's eating pie doesn't give me a lot of hope). Given Lifetime's portrayal of Nikki Blonsky's character in Queen Sized, I feel like my optimism is futile. But you never know, right?

Even the presence of Margaret Cho doesn't ease my concern much.

It's OK That My Views Are Not Universal

Interesting points even if I don't agree: Kate Harding has an article up on Salon about Beth Ditto's line. It would seem she is not a fan. I see her points about the horrors of 80s fashion for fat ladies. But here's the thing: bad 80s looks are back for everyone. Skinny chicks have harem pants and knee-high gladiator sandals, so I don't see one bad sweater-dress as much of an affront to my fat self.

Soon I'll talk about Drop Dead Diva. Then we can get into affronts.

How I Heart Beth Ditto

OMG. Want and SQUEEE. Beth Ditto's new line for Evans is out! And it's awesome.

OK, I can take or leave the Face Dress. And I'm not exactly sold on the acid-wash Denim Pencil Skirt. But that's just a matter of taste. I'm a tad in love with the Stain Glass Prom Dress. And I could totally find a use for the Domino Leggings (maybe separate from the matching dress).

*sigh* Just a tiny problem: dinero. I don't have any. And Evans is British which means a) the prices are actually double what it says (the 50-pound dress would really be about $100) and b) the shipping will be redonk.

I would like to point out that when I was Google-image-searching for the picture at the right, I came across a few that bugged me. I can look past the ones that say Ditto has the worst beach body on earth or whatever the idiots say (personally I'd rather look at rolls that ribs, but that's just me). What annoyed me was from the promo photos for the Evans line. This woman is not plus sized! Not even for model purposes if you ask me. Plus sized thighs touch at the top, 99% of the time. I think we should just have Ditto model her own clothes. Or I'll do it. They can pay me in merchandise. OK, and money.

Let's Talk ABout Faith 21

I know that a lot of fat-related blogs have covered the topic of Forever 21's so-called plus sized line, but I want to put my touch on it as well.

I'm mixed. I think what I mean by that is that, while I personally like it, I can also see the flaws that have already been pointed out.

See, I am happy that Forever 21 has at least acknowledged the need for plus sized clothing that is youthful, on trend and affordable. Most of the items are stylish and cute (some are kind of meh). All of them are cheap - even the dresses all clock in under $30, and some of the basics are down in the $10 range. And they are youthful, even if you aren't a fan of the specific styles you can't deny that.

But the issue, as has been hashed out left and right, is the sizing. Their idea of "plus sizes" is to include XL, 1X and sometimes 2X. You might say, well, 2X is a plus size, what's the problem? It isn't even necessarily the labeling that is problematic, it's the actual fit. OK. I wear a 14-16 on top and a 16-18 on bottom (so let's simplify things and just say I wear a 16, k?); in letters that's an XL, sometimes even L in certain brands and styles. If I look at the Faith 21 size chart, I would be highly wary of trying on their 2X. I ordered a dress in a 1X because it was cotton stretch and it didn't come in 2X. I was very nervous that it wouldn't fit. It did, but I have a feeling that if I had ordered something with less give to it in the same size it wouldn't have. I recently ordered 2 more dresses from there, both of which also are stretchy. Here are pictures of what I ordered:



I don't have pictures of the one I already have because it's not on the site anymore. I don't feel like taking pictures of myself in it. The style is very similar to the blue checkered one though, but with blue on top and black everywhere else. More or less.

My point is that I am an in-betweener, but Forever 21 has me as the absolute biggest size they will serve. That's just not right. I deserve cute, trendy, affordable clothes, and so do gals that are much larger than I am.

(I also have issues with Forever 21 because of the fact that the founder is a douchey right-wing evangelist, but that's a whole other post for another day)

Just 10 Of Many Reasons Why BMI Is Stuuuuuuuupid

OK, so they are more tactful and professional than I am and they call it "bogus" (which is really a shortened-to-be-appropriate-for-blog-titles version of my real thoughts on it; perhaps something like "highly illogical lies basted with stupidity and baked in b.s. until the top is coated with a thick brown layer of moron crust"). Whatever the terminology, NPR has a fantastic list up appropriately lambasting the ridulosity that is BMI.

Gems include: it is scientific nonsense, illogical (oh, I am in Vulcan heaven with that), a lie, an easy out for doctors to avoid actually doing their job and, oh, that tiny little point that the person who dreamed up the BMI said explicitly that it could not and should not be used to indicate the level of fatness in an individual.

I don't agree with their assertion that obesity is "one of the leading causes of poor health and premature death" but aside from that their outing of BMI as complete hooey is pretty spot-on.

It even allowed me to link to a picture of Hot Spock.

OMGSHOES...Again.

I love these shoes.



They're Aerosoles. I don't know about anyone else, but I love hot shoes. Yet I have trouble because, well, they hurt. I think that is probably because I have more to carry around. The balls of my feet hurt. So Aerosoles heels help, because I can wear them without wanting to die.

I need these. But I can't justify $99 for them. Donations?

Weird and Annoying Occurrances in the FA World

Apparently I somehow wound up on some sort of poop list over at Big Fat Deal. All of a sudden all of my comments are going into the mod queue instead of being immediately posted like they used to be. I see no announcements about a change in comment policy, but now my posts are in limbo.

Awhile ago I posted a comment telling off this self righteous guy who came in to do the "I've lost all this weight so therefore I know more than you about your body" garbage. I replied with a "well, if having lost weight means you know something, I've lost a lot of weight so I know something - I know you're a douchebag" sort of thing. It seems like ever since then I'm being moderated. It's stupid and juvenile if you ask me.

It seems like they are playing into that narrowminded notion that comes to the surface now and then in fat activism - that weight loss automatically means you are a "bad" fat acceptance advocate.

We all know that's ridic, right? I'm tired of always having to explain myself, but here's the thing - my weight loss is a result of moving to New York and tackling my binge eating. And you know what? If it were simply out of vanity that wouldn't matter. Because body advocacy is about respecting people's autonomy over their own bodies. My weight change doesn't make me any less of a friend to fat activism. Someone else's weight loss for other reasons wouldn't do the same for them. Someone else's gain or stable weight wouldn't either. Because it doesn't freaking matter.

People who see my weight loss as some sort of red flag are the ones who are a detriment to fat activism, NOT ME.

I think I'm done with that blog for now.