Paris in 1962

Stumbled across this flickr set by tompalumbo which showcases photos from Paris in 1962. The description:

Images from Paris cafés and nightlife in 1962, the same week Yves St. Laurent’s runway show vaulted Dior to new heights. Many scenes around Les Halles (which no longer exists as it did then).

View all the photos at tompalumbo's flickr.

Jude Law Reading the lyrics to "Poker Face"

Did you hear how he said "marvelous"? Me likey!

Source [these rituals of mine]

Beautiful lecture

This short lecture is simply beautiful. Watch the presentation if you have a couple minutes.

Athlete, actor and activist Aimee Mullins talks about her prosthetic legs — she’s got a dozen amazing pairs — and the superpowers they grant her: speed, beauty, an extra 6 inches of height … Quite simply, she redefines what the body can be.

Source [TED - Ideas worth spreading]

The Correct Reply

Guys (or girls) if you significant other ever says, "Say something nice to me" this is the correct reply:

Source [kartoen.be]

10 Best Songs About Libraries and Librarians

I work for the library and even though I'm not a librarian (I'm a web developer), I do sometimes feel like one; I guess it's just the proximity to the books and the fact that when I say "I work for the library" everyone assumes I'm a librarian. I don't mind this mistake, I did consider going back for my masters to become a "real" librarian (quick fact: in order to be considered a librian in the United States you must have a master degree in Library Science). But then I remember how much effort that may take and change my mind.

Inside the Free Library of Philadelphia Central Branch (via)

Anyway, flavor wire made a post "Mixtape: 10 Best Songs About Libraries and Librarians" and well, it's pretty cool. My favorite song is “Librarian” by My Morning Jacket. You gotta listen to the lyrics, here's a sample:

"It’s not like you’re not trying, with a pencil in your hair/To defy the beauty the good lord put in there/Simple little bookworm — buried underneath/Is the sexiest librarian/take off those glasses and let down your hair for me."

Ha! Listen below:

For the full list of the 10 Best Songs About Libraries and Librarians.

Source [flavorwire.com]

Judging a Book by It's Cover

THE WOMAN-HATERS by Joseph C. Lincoln

Two things:

1. The title - intriguing
   
2. the old fisherman (?) smoking a pipe - I wonder if he is the woman hater
   

I believe you can find the full text of the book at Full Text Free Books and learn more about Joseph C. Lincoln.

UPDATE (2/7/2010) - Thanks to Kitschy Coo for refreshing my memory, but I first saw this book on her blog. http://kitschycoo.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-ten-excuses-why-i-didnt-blog-while.html I saw a photo of someone reading the book and was like, "ummm, that's an interesting book cover" and posted it here. But I totally forgot where I saw the book (I subscribe to over 100 blog RSS feeds and occasionally things get lost)! Anyway, check out her blog, she's funny, creative and an ASKard fan.

Famous Literary Drunks & Addicts

The cheeky buggers over at Life Magazine created a list of Famous Literary Drunks & Addicts.

Seriously. Drunks & Addicts. They even list their drug(s) of choice!

"First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you." -
F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896 - 1940)

You get to wallow in the gutter with the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, Dorothy Parker, Sinclair Lewis, Ernest Hemingway (he's on EVERY list of drunk writers), Hunter S. Thompson (they list his drug of choice as "Everything"), Louisa May Alcott and Elizabeth Barrett Browning (who knew these ladies enjoyed their opium).

View all the drunks and crackheads addicts at Life Magazine. I kid the literati's... I don't know if the drugs and alcohol opened their "third eye" to allow them to write such wonderful prose and poetry but either way, I love them all.

10 Place You Can't Go

I'm sure we're all familar with those books like 1000 Places to See Before You Die but Listverse created a list of the 10 Places You Can't Go. I gotta say the list title alone intrigued me - how dare they say I can't go somewhere! But after viewing the list and realizing I never heard of 8 out of the 10 locations, my indignation was quickly appeased.

So here are the Top 10 Places YOU Can't Go:

1. Mezhgorye - a "closed" town in Russia and nobody really knows what's going on there
   
2. Vatican Secret Archives - it has "secret" in the name, come on you ain't going there; didn't you read Angels & Demons by Dan Brown?
   
3. Club 33 - the only place you can get hard core liquor in Disney Land
   
4. Moscow Metro-2 - a parallel underground transit system in Russia, don't ask questions
   
5. White's Gentlemen's Club - an ultra exclusive British gentlemen's club; just think of this as the place really ridiculously rich dudes hang out and do stuff with other crazy rich dudes; oh yeah, NO GIRLS ALLOWED
   
6. Area 51 - I don't know how "secure" Area 51 really is with all the stories I hear about that place, but in theory you can't go
   
7. Room 39 - secret organization in North Korea; nuff said
   
8. Ise Grand Shrine - a sacred shrine in Japan, dating back to the 4BC; places like this weren't meant for mere mortals to gawk and take photos
   
9. Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center - the world is about to end, this is the place to be, but you probably won't get in
   
10. RAF Menwith Hill - British spy center
    

Source [Listverse - ultimate top 10 lists]

New York City Subway in the 80's

Photographer John F. Conn displays a series of photos (which is part of a permanent collection at the Museum of New York City) of the New York City Subways during the early 1980s.

Viewing these photos just reminds me how gritty and scary the 80s were.

I was a kid in the 80s but I do remember how everything always seemed a little grayer and dirtier. Of course, that could be my memory playing tricks on me.

But a good example of the "image" I have of the 1980's in my mind, is the movie Fame (the 1980 version, of course).

Anyway, these are some great photos of a distinct place and time. To view more photos at John F. Conn Photography

When Choosing a Tattoo Location...

(click for larger view)

Consider what that particular location says about you...

Source [??]

RIP Howard Zinn

Historian and activist Howard Zinn died January 27, 2010 of a heart attack at the age of 87. He is often described as a man "who challenged the status quo" and I wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

I encourage everyone to read A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn at least once. This amazing book describes the history of the United States from the viewpoint of the "people" instead of those in power. It will make you view this country in a new light. Seriously, read this book. Google books has couple pages online (but some pages are missing). I found the audio book on YouTube (not sure how long it will remain there, copyright issues) but you can listen to the entire book!

Here's a short clip where Mr. Zinn discusses "how we can overcome the greed of the corporate rich" during a talk at Harvard's JFK school of government (watch below):

Here's an essay Howard Zinn wrote Empire or Humanity?, narrated by Viggo Mortensen (watch below):

Here's a clip from the film Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral On a Moving Train where Mr. Zinn discusses Human Nature and Aggression (watch below):

Howard Zinn's Wikipedia page

Passport Photos - Famous Artists

This cool flickr set showcases passport photos of a variety of famous artists. You can see photos of Lionel Barrymore, Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Sinclair Lewis, Cecil B DeMille, Paul Robeson, F Scott FitzGerald, Langston Hughes and many more.

Images & Website: Puzzelmaster: Passport Photos

The iPad

I gotta say naming the Apple Tablet the "iPad" was a fail on Apple's part. I mean, the jokes just write themselves (see below).

via Divine

via The Daily What

via. The Brave and the Bold

And don't forget about MadTV's iPad skit (below):

Pranks - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Here's some evening fun: Four Words - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Source [The Daily What]

The Broken Preppy Look

I can't remember how I stumbled across the blog, Industribolaget. I assume it's a men's fashion blog, and I say assume because it's in German Swedish. But they have a "feature" of showcasing the "broken preppy" look, which I love.
I swear, dressing for guys is so easy! Sometimes it amazes me more guys aren't into fashion.
Anyway, just wanted to share this uber (hehehe, that's a German word, right) cool blog.

Images & Blog - Industribolaget

Update (2/7/2010) - A nice blog commenter, Alicia explained this blog is not in German, it is actually in Swedish. I can not express how embarrassed I am. I have failed to recognize the language of my future husband Alexander Skarsgard. How will he ever love me when I make silly mistakes like this! (I'm totally joking of course). Anyway, the blog is Swedish, which makes it even cooler to me! Check it out, they post some cool photos, even though I have no idea what they are talking about.

The Magic of the Library

A very cool video expounding the wonders of the University of Bergen Library.

NES Rules and First Person Tetris

I am playing one of my favorite NES games, Kid Icarus

I will admit, I'm not a gamer. But back in the 90's I fell in love with Nintendo, I'm talking about the original NES system. I can remember the Christmas my parents purchased it for us, and all the fights we had about who got to play next, until we (I have 3 siblings) devised a worksheet to denote playing times for everyone (the worksheet allowed overriding if someone made it far in a game and in good conscience we couldn't stop someone when they were on a roll). I can remember playing so much, I would dream about playing, and find myself waking up moving my fingers as if I had a controller in my hands!

About 8 years ago, I purchased a NES system from eBay to relive the days of my youth (it's the only gaming system I currently own). Occasionally I still play (see photo above).

Screen shot from First Person Tetris

Anyway, I stumbled across this very cool website which allows you to play "First Person Tetris" and I gotta say it is very very cool. Be warned, you can easily lose track of time playing.

I don't need to tell you how Tetris is truly one of the BEST GAMES EVER. I don't know if it's the simplicity of the game or the music, but it's a classic.

Source [@laurenleto]

Trousers Upon The Floor

This should immediately make you laugh. If you are not laughing do the following:

1. Learn about Joseph Ducreux
2. Watch Pants on the Ground
3. Check out other Joseph Ducreux memes
4. Are you laughing yet?

Image Source [Tommie's Record Button]

Lucius Malfoy Chillin at Malfoy Manor

I would love to see an episode of MTV Cribs with Lucius Malfoy at Malfoy Manor.

Source [Narcissa Black]

I Want This Hanging On My Wall

Margaret Bowland

Flower Girl #2, 2009
Oil paint on linen
48 x 48”

I love this painting and want it hanging on my wall, like immediately.

Source [obia the 3rd]

Pants on the Ground [Remix]

First, read about "General" Larry Platt the man who wrote and performed "Pants on the Ground" on American Idol.

If you aren't familiar with this internet sensation, watch the original video over at American Idol.

But it gets better... check out the remix below:

Source [The Daily What]

Conan O'Brien's Advice to the World

Conan O'Brien gave a classy farewell speech during his last Tonight Show (all the youTube videos were removed, copyright issues). But the gist of the speech can be seen in the image above.

Source [Claspy]

Chris Pine - another obsession to add to the list

There is something about Mr. Chris Pine.


But I can't stop staring at him.


Look at those eyes!


Fans describe them as "violently blue" eyes. I like that description.


I think he will become an official "Eye Candy" in the next couple weeks.

How to Write

I've reblogged a couple notes from my friends over at Passive Aggressive Notes. But today I came across this primer on how to write an actual Passive Aggressive Note. Now I'm not sure how funny this will be if you aren't that familiar with the website and all the crazy notes they post, but either way, it gave me a chuckle.



Source [sloshspot]

It's Raining Beards!

Don Draper, I mean Jon Hamm

There were a lot of beards at the 2010 Golden Globes this year... not that type of beard, silly... the one you actually wear on your face.

Robert Downey Jr.

Read the USA Today article.

Meet Misery Bear

These videos made me sad but I laughed at the sadness, which probably makes me a bad person.

Misery Bear Goes to London

Misery Bear Takes a Day Off

Source [BBC Comedy YouTube]

Charlaine Harris Dead in the Family Book Tour

My favorite vampire author Charlaine Harris will start her Dead in the Family Book Tour May 4.

She will make a stop at the Philadelphia Free Library May 5th at 7:30pm (not sure if this event is free yet, but at most it will be $14 general admission and $7 for students), but if you're in Philly you should try to make it. I know I'll be there!

I wonder if I can get her to sign all 9 of my novels? Probably not, but I'll try!

Source [Charlaine Harris official website]

Too Many Obsessions

Someone asked if I thought I had "too many obsessions"...

And I realize I do indeed have "too many obsessions" but I can't help that so many things fascinate me.

That is all.

Paying to Read The New York Times

The New York Times will turn to a PAY to read online plan next year.

Guess who won't be payin'... me that's who.

I'll let you in on a secret... there are many FREE news resources online and not to mention your public library will probably have a subscription (online) to The New York Times that you could possibly read as well.

That is all.

I live in a cardboard box located between Google Ave and Twitter Street

I should tell you, I live on the internet.

Seriously, I have a little cardboard box located between Google Ave and Twitter Street.

I spend most of my days wandering around looking for my next fix. Yes, I am an internet junkie. I can't help it, the drug has permanently changed the make-up of my brain. I search for funny and interesting stuff, I read countless blogs, RSS feeds are my major dealer and I follow and friend everyone, but instead of asking for change, I just say "follow me too, please".

My family have given up on me, they know I can't stop until I'm ready to stop. A couple years back, I did try a 12 step program (spawned by an awkward intervention, I do recall "getting a life" was uttered a couple times), and it worked; I was clean for about 2 years. I have to admit, those were very productive years for me (I got myself a real-live boyfriend). But then, a friend introduced me to facebook a couple years ago, and well, I fell back into old habits.

I know one day I have to stop, I mean, I would like a family just like the next person, but right now, I just don't have the time! I recently got a data plan on my cell phone and well, it's like I have an continuous IV feed of internet pumping straight into my head!

Anyway, I'm all over the internet but if you ever need to find me I'm usually at the following places:

• Twitter
  
• Tumblr
  
• Google Shared Items
  
• Livejournal
• Delicious
• Google Talk
• Picasa
• Good Reads
• Formspring
  

---

If you or someone you know has a problem with excessive internet usage, contact Internet-a-holics Anonymous it's "About People Helping People"

This PSA was paid for by Google. (sike!)

Darth Vader on the ones and twos

Darth re-mixes the Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme).

I Heart Samara

I don't know her... but I am enjoying her comments on my blog. You must email me so we can become friends!

That is all... carry on.

Oh Drexel You Amuse Me...

I'm a Drexel University alumnae but I have no words for this video. It made me smile but mostly laugh.

Read the Printed Word

What do you think of this campaign: "Read the Printed Word"?

I still read "real" books (not in the last 4 months) but I can support this campaign even though, I love my Kindle soooo much.

Source [Read the Printed Word]

The Slant Notebook

This is an interesting notebook design, but for some reason I know I would still slant the book to write regardless.



Source [Nerd Approved]

Hope in Haiti

This photo makes me SMILE every time I see it.

(via. @un_reality)

The 30 Second Rule

If you were ever unsure about the "30 Second Rule" here's a nice decision tree for you:

Source [SF weekly.com]

Such is life...

For the last couple of days I've found myself with bloggers-block (very similar to writers-block, except I feel funny calling what I post on this blog "writing").

Instead of abandoning the blog for a couple of days, until I feel "inspired" again, I decided to do a bit of reblogging and posting random thoughts I have throughout the day without real context. For example here's a thought I had this morning walking to work:

So heard Conan O'Brien will officially leave NBC, which is sad (I'm With CoCo). But I have a wonderful idea! Conan should team up with none-other than Dave Chappelle and do late night show on FOX. Wouldn't that be fabulous?

So be prepared for the uber random and anything else that catches my fancy on the interwebs. Actually this won't be very dissimilar from what I do now, but with much less commentary, but hopefully you will enjoy regardless.

Well, I hope all is well... enjoy the show.

Au Revoir,
Camille

Fun with Wikipedia - Louis Braille

Louis Braille
Spoiler alert: He invented braille!

This day last year...

I was standing in a sea of people in Washington, D.C. watching the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. That was a good day.

Check out my post from Jan. 22, 2009 - My Inauguration Experience

1980 Calvin Klein Jeans Commerical

This 1980 Calvin Klein Jeans commercial features a 15 year old Brooke Shields. It's funny that people complain about the "over sexualized" celebrity teens these days, but it looks like we didn't start the fire... it's been burning for years. Even though this commercial isn't as "overt" as some I've seen, this is pretty sexual, when you think about it.

Source [Mr. Pinky Overdrive]

Bridget Jones's Diary was 9 years ago

I first saw the film Bridget Jones's Diary in 2001; I was 21 years old.


I immediately fell in love with the film.


Now, 9 years later, I am 30 years old and this movie has a whole new meaning for me.

And I love it even more.