Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A thought about thoughts.

"Men give me some credit for genius. All the genius I have lies in this: When I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. Day and night it is before me. I explore it in all its bearings. My mind becomes pervaded with it. Then the effort which I make is what the people call the fruit of genius. It is the fruit of labor and thought."

-Alexander Hamilton

Saturday, December 25, 2010

EXACTLY.

so happy I worked with this woman.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

She's that girl.

An emotional creature is a girl who isn't afraid to speak her mind.
She's loud and proud of her beliefs.
She's the girl that isn't afraid of feeling her feelings.
She's the energy that triggers this world with positivity.
She's the girl that's offering her opinions and responding back to the debates.
She's the girl that breaks stereotypes and cliches.
She's the girl that says no to sexism and male dominance.
She's the girl whose vibrancy attitude brightens any ones day.
She's the girl that's not scared of raising her hand.
She's the girl that's not intimidated by everyone starring.
She's the girl that takes pride in her booming laugh.
She's the girl that does everything full out.
She's the girl with self-confidence in a dull room.
She's the girl that loves the way the fabric grabs onto her curves.
She's the girl that will prove everyone wrong.
She's the girl that's unavoidable because her vitality doesn't let her stop dreaming of a better world.

Spray-ON fabric, talk about imagination!

 "Nonwoven fabric technology intrigued fashion designer Manel Torres, a student at the Royal College of Art, who worked with chemical engineering Professor Paul Luckham from Royal College London to patent spray-on fabric in 2001. The two men formed Fabrican Ltd. in 2003 to market the technology, which began as a statement on making instant fashion and now is being developed for use in household, industrial and health care applications."

Hmm, I'm still wondering how they got the fabric to pop up when it not on your body.
I really wonder what the texture feels like, after all it does look like some fashionable cotton candy. YUMMM

Sunday, December 12, 2010

am I strange, or are you a stranger towards my thoughts?

Stop saying "I know this may sound crazy" or "I know this may sound weird."
Stop excusing yourself, and just voice your opinion - thats all that matters : how YOU feel.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

somewhere not over the rainbow.

Somehow we always end up forgetting something, even though we've experienced it.
Why is it that our memories are replaced with new memories, instead of being added on?
Or do we let ourselves forget?

Friday, December 3, 2010

I'm more than a "bacon-ator."

Sometimes I feel like I smell the meat. It haunts me in Key Food. Isn’t it delicious to walk past the frozen food section and see the blood splattered against the clear packaging? Sexy huh? The blood glides against the butcher’s fingers, and it looks savage to me. Knife in hand, and organs splattered to find the perfect beef for one’s dinner - purely delicious... Killing an animal to me is an invitation to a V.I.P. cannibalism party. But at this point everyone would argue “its not the same thing - an animal is just an animal.”

My mind space cadets back to my first hamburger in elementary school in the
Bronx. It came in one of those silver aluminum packages with cheese-stuck- to-aluminum-foil and ketchup that melted into the bun instead of the burger. Oh boy did
they look nasty but the taste was hard to resist. Back then this was my favorite lunch
meal. To be quite honest, in fourth grade I did not know where this beef “chemical” came
from. I thought it was human made, until some smart ass fifth grader said “how’s the
animal?” Animal!? No sir, I said to myself “I’m not eating an animal, this is purely hand made in those fancy factories.” Great Nova, I’m sure you came out sounding like an idiot! But hey, everyone learns at their own pace!

My head was spinning as I sorted out this discovery. At the time I didn’t care at
all about the next victim in a butchery, I just cared about my grumbling stomach at noon.
I stayed focused on finishing that burger in five minutes before I was allowed to go to
recess with the other classes and sweat like a stallion due to the fact that I treated a game
of Tag as if it were the Olympics. After the rigorous 10 months of school and recess,
summer was arriving.

The summer days were calling and I was packing up to leave for Croatia
where I was born. But notice I said “I was packing up”- I always leave and come
back each summer alone by plane. At age 6, I had enough as they would say “balls” to go
by myself across the Atlantic Ocean to be with my grandparents for the summer. I never
cried, I guess my mom’s tears covered all of mine at the time. But man was going alone
the BEST! I’ve learned to be independent at such a young age that I think Ne-Yo the
singer wrote “Ms. Independent” for me. When it was time to transfer flights the flight
attendant led me to my favorite room - the play room! I would pass by the adults with
hooded eyes trying not to fall asleep reading the Times while I rolled my pink princess
suitcase against the cascading tiles. Free food, games, TV, movies, dolls, and even a slide
in the middle of the room pleasured my 5 hours of waiting in Heaven on Earth.

As soon as I arrived in sunny beautiful Croatia, I grabbed my bathing suit and
went straight to the beach with my grandparents. On Saturdays we would always go to
my grandpa’s farm a few hours away. I loved taking the sheep on rope out to the fields of
vast mountains to eat grass and jumping out on the chickens. Then one Saturday changed.
Right before my eyes, my grandpa’s friend came and stabbed one of the sheep in the neckwith a knife. All I saw was the blood and I heard the awful “BAAAAAAAA” as it took it’s last breath. I ran to my room crying as my grandma followed and gave me a whole speech on how “it’s the circle of life.”

My independence from the pack out shined once again and that was the
day I would never eat meat again. At age 8, I decided to turn vegetarian. My grandparents
 didn’t take this news lightly. They wouldn’t stop bombarding me with the “cycle” talk.
At the end of the day, I knew my grandma’s “noodle soup” didn’t only contain noodles.  I
arrived to New York, and my opinion had changed on those “best lunches” at school. My
whole diet changed; I now didn’t eat meat or fish. On the other hand my parents were
extremely supportive (they’re vegetarian as well) and I guess you could say they understood my trauma with meat now.

This is my 7th and ongoing year as a vegetarian. In the midst of this, I was raised
by both artistic parents who were recognized artists in Croatia, who taught me to be open-
minded and spiritual therefore I was open towards meat eaters on the other hand too. I
never had the personality to tell someone that eating meat is wrong- I am not a preacher, I
guess I’m only a teacher of a different lifestyle. Most people say that if they saw an
animal get killed before their eyes that they themselves would become vegetarian.

            Through my process of discovery, I’ve attended quite a few PETA (People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals.) protests.  Such events just consisted of protesters holding
signs with pictures of animals getting abused and yelling “don’t think your meat has no
feelings!” The people were so passionate about fighting yet somehow I couldn’t get in
contact with my inner Jason Miller attitude. I feel these protests were useless - who am I to shove it in your face that eating meat is wrong. My mother says I was born a lawyer
because I could always see both viewpoints of the story. Do I believe in this food chain or
food cycle or whatever you would call it- yeah. I mean after all it is scientifically proven
that humans are meant to be omnivores. People always ask me “Nova how do you have
so much energy all the time? Now I joke around and say “well technically herbivores get
the most intake of energy from food since they have the highest level of biomass” - how
corny and nerdy huh? BUT yet I somehow love this awkward geeky statement. Corniness
has become my comedic relief through out the years that has taught me its better to laugh than cry.

I know how I want to function as a human being, what I want to
eat, who I want to hang out with, and who I want to  be when I grow older - everyone
has their own definition of life. This is why it offends me when meat eaters are disgusted
by vegetarians and vice - versa. The Great Gatsby states, “whenever you feel like
criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the
advantages that you’ve had.” Great quote but I think advantages isn’t necessarily true- I’d
rather replace “advantages” with “life experiences.”


Sunday, November 21, 2010

nova's secret, not victoria's.

Would you believe me if i said that everything I do outside of school is because I AM interested in doing it?
Not because a college would be looking at me twice.
Not because my resume would be pumped.
Not because my family and friends would say wow.
Just because I'm genuinely interested.   
Some people my age lack this interest that needs to replace impressing.
That's when you find out who you are.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Friday, November 19, 2010

Matthew Williamson

"You have to have a vision and then everything else will come into place."
The release of Matthew's new book entitled "Matthew Williamson", is the definition of his unique eye for style.
"[This book] is the reflection of who I am and where we made it as a company."
 

Matthew Williamson along Harper’s Bazaar features editor Laura Brown & Patricia Mears.
The talented designer's first days in the fashion industry, were spent working with Pucci in Italy for 3 years.
When asked what made him leave Pucci, he grinned and sarcastically answered, "my contract was over, and it wasn't worth two jobs - it's like reading two books at once, and you confuse the characters."
 
"Now my life is filled with fittings, meetings, and show producers. It's like a patchwork of different meetings, and working with different design teams."
"I've stopped trying to be something that I wasn't. I tried to fit in for a long time and I became intoxicated with India and watching the beading. It was such intense work and I wanted to bring that to my work. Then I became myself."
 



Thursday, November 11, 2010

Glamour Awards 2010: "Two Decades of Inspiration & Hope" (ALL photos taken by me)

Ahh its that time of year again! Glamorize yourself with some glitter, pumps, and red lipstick! These woman evoke optimism, change, beauty, and a sense of humor!
WARNING: I was that noisy girl clicking 100s of photos and jotting down all of my favorite quotes. BEWARE when a journalist sits next to you - they're restless.

Jane Aronson - She asked me with an attitude "who are you" while I asked politely if I could take a picture. 
I was speechless. I replied "a blogger."
You know for a humanist/activist I would of just expected a smile and "nice to meet you."
I guess looks can be deceiving. I didn't judge this book by the cover, yet I wish I never glanced the shelf.

Janelle Monae








  Bill Wackermann Editor in Cheif of Glamour Magazine
 
Arianna Huffingon - Editor in Cheif of Huffington Post
 
Queen Rania jokingly states why she started the twittering sensation:
Reason 10- "I started twitter because I didn't have enough friends on facebook."
Reason 9 - "Because anything Queen Elizabeth can do, I can do better."
"Intolerance will drive us apart."

Hilary Swank recognized Donatella Versace as "a lion in heels."
She is "a good luck charm to children around the world," with her selflessness to help fund charities.

 
 
 


With the previous death of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson personalizes Versace's Glamour Award . "We both know what its like to lose our brothers and collaborators too soon. When I called you to dress us for the funeral, I knew no one would understand me like you would. You dressed us with love."



 
 Donatella Versace
 
 
 
Mike Bloomberg - "too bad I wasn't called up for an award.
But at least I'm going to Save The Music Foundation after this.
I served the music by playing the piano for a year.
I didn't save the music, but I saved my teachers sanity."
 
 


Lindsey Vonn
Katie Couric pridefully says [women] "We're not just frying the pan,
but we're bringing home the bacon - turkey bacon of course."
"Harass is one word not two."
When Dr. Hawa Abdi (alongside daughters) was held hostage by rebels for providing a refugee camp she bravely spoke back and said "this is my property - leave us alone! We want peace."
"We are three brave woman that are determined to change life in Somalia. We are asking you to help us make peace happen."

Kate Hudson



Fergie cried from joy of being honored by this award.
"You have to have an honest you and use it however you can.
You don't have to sing to make everyone hear.
I for one am listening.
We are woman - hear us roar."

Jake Glaser (son of Elizabeth Glaser)

Diane Sawyer comically says "for myself who doesn't want to go to the gym in the morning, let this woman (Katie) be your caution."


Katie Sportz

Chelsea Clinton






 Kelly Osbourne is extremely fierce and outspoken. Just the way I like it.
"Being gay is not wrong. Judging and bullying is.
I never heard of any God that hates and judges.
My God loves every person."
SO DOES MINE.
(to Constance) "F*** the prom, you're dancing with me tonight!"



 Constance McMillen - "Why would I go to prom with a guy - that's pointless!"





Oprah introduces Julia Roberts: "She looks at you and seizes you. She makes everyone feel like the most important person in the world and she loves life."




 


HAHA what a character! Julia Roberts accepts her Glamour Award, and with a wide smile laughs and says "what the hell is this?! Does it have something to do with glamor or woman? Lets have a few drinks and figure it out!
There are two things I want to say:
1.) Know when to say yes and when to say no!
and 2.) Girls don't tuck your hair behind your ears- it doesn't look good."





Susan Rice











President Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania
"Woman in politics aren't here for fashion, but for reality.
Everything is possible, even holding this award in one hand."
NOTICE: she actually held it in one hand *gasp*




Prime Minister Iveta Radicova of Slovakia
"We are strong enough to touch, to laugh, to live.
We still have enough energy to live with you [husbands] - do you need further reason of us being here?"



Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago
"The young generation is here and represent a presence in leadership and further reading of Glamour magazine.
Woman! We are all together!
Also our country is great for investment!" *wink wink*





President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia
"Our commitment is to move you [girls] from farms and put you in schools to teach you how to read so you could follow your passion. So that you can live in a world of dreams, setting goals, and being leaders like us."






Stanley Tucci - (about Cher) - " You're all well acquainted with her, and I'm exhausted from being acquainted with her!"





Former soldiers pay tribute to Cher for starting a program of rock climbing for injured soldiers.







Cher - "My mom told me to be something, but just because I got this (Oscar) doesn't mean I'm someone, I'm still on my way.
I've never believed in no. Don't take no as an answer because its a BS word someone made up. Until you're ready to look foolish, you're not ready to be great"



Cindy Levy
 

 

 

 
Glamour's Goodie Bags were Glamorous indeed! <3