Skinny, or just privileged?

.ReviewTime.

Skinny Bitch

Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

 This book has a catchy title that the authors chose (and they state that they chose it) to make money. If people knew that Freedman and Barnouin were promoting veganism, I doubt they would purchase the book. Luckily, they're not idiots. They're skinny bitches.

I understand the push for veganism. The FDA has gotten a bit out of hand. Our health and our bodies are no longer their main source for concern. Note, furthermore, that our well-being was never their concern to begin with. I also do agree with their view on vegetarianism. I've felt the same way for years, and the book finally pushed me to cut it out of my diet completely.

However (and there is always a "however"), I was taken a-back by their claim that people often use their hard earned money on things that aren't as nearly important as food. According to the authors, refusing to purchase organic, locally grown, vegan, and/or vegetarian products because they are too expensive is not an excuse. We should stop spending money on other things apparently. I have to ask these two young ladies - are you poor?

I doubt it. I also doubt that they've considered that some people don't have the luxury of saving money that they could have spent on other objects. Some people can barely afford food from WalMart. Perhaps the agenda here should be to make good food more affordable, to challenge the Federal Government to take an interest in our health, not to insult us with their naively classist candor. The authors also seem to think that PETA is the main authority on all things pertaining to a "cruelty-free" diet.  Sometimes I do agree with PETA, but let's face it - they are a bit outrageous.  Boycotting everything under the sun and exploiting it in a violently gruesome way is not always the right way to get your agenda noticed.  More often than not, PETA forgets that not all people think of animals as beings with rights.  They need to remember that animals do not have the same rights as human beings, they are simply entitled to them. 

I digress.

Most people will not finish this book. It is written by a model and a woman who has her master's in holistic nutruition.  That's enough to turn the majority of americans away from the message. Their main, and probably most important points in the book are as follows: trust no one and use your head.  I would suggest that anyone who picks up this book be quite suspicious of everyone's opinion on food (especially the authors'), and take what they wish to from this collection of insightful (and sometimes nauseating) pointers.

Sex, Love, and California

.ReviewTime.

Quakeland,  by Francesca Lia Block

I’m partial to the Weetzie Bat series. Anything else written by Block is bound to make me go, “Uh…not at good as Weetzie.” There are so many things about Block’s writing, however, that I appreciate and love.

What bothers me mostly about this book, unfortunately, is the fact that it is so fractured. It is clearly metafiction (I’ve read a lot of metafiction lately), which at times bothers me. Dreams are another thing. Talking about dreams is just such a fluffy thing to do. And there is an inherent “fluffy” tone to this novel, I would argue. Life isn’t all about men and love and pain. I prefer the “In her own words” section of the novel. It feels more real. It feels more solid.

Like I said in the first paragraph, despite my qualms with the book, I will still continue to read and love Block’s work. She hits a vein in my heart. Often I feel like I am reading about myself; about every girl who has ever felt alone and frightened. Her writing is also very empowering. It suggests that inner-love is a greater force than love for another or sex (there is a bit too much of it in here, mind you. But I suppose the character’s need for sex is one thing that makes her internally burdened and unfulfilled).

Anyhow, the novel is powerful. It is moving and heart-breaking. I did enjoy it.

Everything is remembered, especially in italics.

.ReviewTime.

Everything is Illuminated, by Jonathan Safran Foer

This book is not everything that I hoped it would be.  I had heard that the book was inspirational, that I would love it.  "Well," I thought after closing the last page, "I didn't love it."  I enjoyed it, of course.  Foer has an intensely creative brain.  His stories are bright, brilliant little gems. Trachimbrod is a town that I can see and picture with its horribly lengthy history (all of which is recorded by every member of the town), its vibrant characters (ranging from melancholy to sex-fiend), and the relationships (whether it be between lovers or father and daughter) that are formed. 

The novel is aware of its own existence, its writers, it even seems to be breathing air.  Meta fiction is not a bad thing, I must add. Some people don't prefer it, and I can quite understand that standpoint, but it can be done well...as long as it's not done in pattern.  Unfortunately, Foer has us go from one point of view (Sasha's), to the next (Johnathan's story), and then the third (letters from Sasha to Jonathan).  This cycle isn't broken and it does not change, which is a bit disappointing. Clearly Foer believed this was the best concoction for his novel, but this kind of repetition limits how each voice (all very powerful, mind you) can develop.

Furthermore, the devices that Foer uses are a bit unnecessary. Two words, such as, "I will," do not need to be repeated in italics for two pages.  The liberal in me thought, "Wasting paper..." while the artist in me thought, "I guess that...looks interesting...no, no, it doesn't." I understand the intention of the words, but if they are of such significance why need to repeat them so? Surely Foer is good enough of a writer to find another way to emphasize the words and make his readers simultaneously empathize with his characters. Other things, such as the Book of Dreams and History of Trachimbrod, make more sense to me. The entire book is about recording history, so it is a natural tactic to flow into books and records. But then (another device) there are certain words done in CAPITALS, some done in italics, and then some done in BOTH CAPITALS AND ITALICS.  I find this aggravating and there is no NEED for it.

The hiccups aside, I was moved (or disturbed...I'm not sure yet) by this novel. I am hesitant to read anything that has to do with the Holocaust, and I imagine many people have the same reaction. In High School I read a history book about the Balkan States after WWII. I distinctly remember a section about Romania during the War. Jewish people were sent through cattle slaughter houses, as if they were meat to be cooked the next evening.  I had nightmares about it for weeks. Anne Frank, The Devil's Arithmetic, Night, and many others were used constantly throughout my English education.  My Grandfather liberated concentration camps, and so I have the pictures of dead bodies to prove it. The pictures are now in the Holocaust museum, where they belong, and I am partially glad that I may never see them again.

I often wonder if trauma can be not only personal or cultural, but historical. Can we transmit feelings into one another and pass them down through history? The Jews in Everything is Illuminated are said to have a sixth sense: memory. They are so infatuated with memory, not to mention an almost physical reaction to it, that when they perform an action it is as if they are performing the action as their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and so forth, have done.  Of course, this particular section of the novel is humorous, but it is essential to the book.  We must remember.

My reaction to the Holocaust, and I won't lie, is that I want to go running out the door.  It's as if, when presented with this horrifying reality that we did not even have a part in, we feel that we must escape the room of truth immediately. What Foer does is close the door before we are able to get out. He has presented us with a very likable and readable novel. We don't want to stop reading, and when the horrifying part comes we all take a deep breath and continue. If we try to run to the door, we realize there is none and that we must continue reading, continue writing, and keep remembering.

Some Art

I am avoiding a writing test that I have to complete for a job. Procrastination, procrastination.

I thought I'd show you some of my favorite DeviantArt websites.  The site is over used by some dreadful artists, and has created an environment in which many of the good ones never get credit for their work, nor does it help them make money. But, it is something I keep a look out on for talent. I have considered buying prints, and you should to if you happen to run across a particularly good artist on the site.  Anyhow, let's get started.

My favorite as of late is 'kolaboy. 

 Most of his work is subtly surreal, and slightly neurotic, but is very detailed.  The tone is always sparse and desolate. I often wonder if he is obsessed with Bjork, simply because the majority of his subjects bare a resemblance to her.  There are many, many of his paintings that I adore.

DntFearThReapr has quite a large range of work. My favorite are her collages.

 She also has quite an impressive array of colorful, as well as black and white, photography.

   Not to mention her cute collection of polaroids.

  For those of you who don't mind morbidity (obviously I don't at all), there's godsmorphine.  Her profile used to called "French Dita," although there are no longer any prints her Dita-ish gallery.

She now has a profile dedicated to her creepy and sometimes bloody characters, which I prefer to think of as my own violent cartoon reel.

  misskeima tags herself as an illustrator.  I believe that's a fair assumption seeing as how her drawings are cute, amusing, and fairly children-story-esque.   

I love them for their creativity and sarcasm.

Last, but certainly not least, is lloydhughes.  Most of his work is portraits and still life, some in polaroids, some not. He always uses light, exposure, and manages to use whatever is available in the surroundings in interesting ways.

That's all for now. Ciao.

"LEEDS UNITED" Video

I'm a hardcore fan of Amanda Palmer. If you haven't heard of her, she's the lead singer of The Dresden Dolls who recently released her own album (note, the Dresden Dolls aren't over necessarily, just on a much needed break). Her CD, "Who Killed Amanda Palmer?" was produced by Ben Folds and put out by Roadrunner Records. A lot about this album is similar to your typical Dresden Dolls CD (self-titled, "Yes, Virginia," and "No, Virginia."). The theme of Cabaret-Punk still seems to be in-tact. However, Amanda's album proves to be much more personal, much more intense, and much more theatrical. Think cello's, electric guitars, pounding piano chords, and bellowing lyrics. For many she is the new angsty Alanis Morrissette of the 90's, the new Tori Amos for the pianist cult-elite, and the new Ani Difranco for the lyricially inclined.  She's on tour in the U.S. now, just recently returning from Europe with a lot of adrenaline.

Her performances are the highlight of my life (or, my music-life anyway). They are circus-like, loud, flashy, and equivalent to an ear-orgasm. I am planning on attending her show on Dec. 2nd in Detroit. Check out her Myspace Page for tour dates.

She has also been making multiple music videos for each song on the album. She has a page on YouTube devoted to them. She hangs around for hours after shows, signing fan's t-shirts (sometimes with a bleach pen...if you ask), boobs, faces, etc. She also updates her blog religiously. Needless to say that she is dedicated to her fans. Most of those traveling with her, especially the "Danger Ensemble," who puts on most of the theatrics at the shows, are paid through donations and merch. So, if you do go to a show, bring some cash with you to show your gratitude.

She posted her video for the song, "LEEDS United," just the other day.

YouTube - Amanda Palmer "Leeds United" Music Video

 Roadrunner Records wanted to edit the video, stating that she looked fat. Her fans are pretty pissed about the comment, as you can imagine. Her persona and her message as a musician go against this type of censorship, so she literally made them keep the video as is. It was a good decision, in my opinion. Amanda is quite thin, and has no qualms with how she looks in the video - something which is a breath of fresh air in her industry.

Silly, silly Roadrunner jerks.

So many stereotypes, such a waste of time.

Instead of screaming, "That's not fair!" as I have witnessed many of my peers do in their adolescense, I went about outsmarting my parents. I didn't ask permission to stay out late, I did not consult them when I got tattoos or piercings. When I wanted to go on a road trip they would strongly advise me against it, so I would lie to them and drive all over the place. I would, of course, admit to my whereabouts afterward. They were never upset, surpisingly. After a while, they learned to breathe a sigh of relief that I was still alive, unabducted, and in one piece.

I'm aware that this is the case now. I simply tell them what I am doing. I stopped asking a long time ago. But, why is it, at age twenty-three (almost twenty-four) that I am still so bothered by their concern? I know in the past I've done things that have resulted in therapy, scars, and practically restraining orders, but it still makes me completely defiant and indignant each time they say, "I don't think that's a good idea," or, "What in God's name would you want to do that?" as if their approval means something.

But last night, I knew, was about their little daughter going to a concert by herself in big bad Detroit. Don't get me wrong, I understand. I mean, here's a picture of the city we're talking about here:

I am...not...Humbert Humbert...

Can we say, "Depression," yet?

Resume

515 CENTERLAWN AVENUE, EAST LANSING, MI 48823

PHONE: (517) 333-8387   CELL: (517) 488-2633   E-MAIL: MAGGIEHELLWIG@GMAIL.COM

MARGARET E.  (MAGGIE) HELLWIG

Academic Progression

Fall 2003-Spring 2007, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA: B.A.: English Major, Creative Writing Minor

Summer 2007, Microsoft Access Course (Beginning-Intermediate), East Lansing, MI                        

Fall 1999-Spring 2003, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC: High School Diploma

Other Relevant Education

Spring 2008, Lansing Community College, Lansing, MI: "Creative Fundraising" course.

Fall 2007, Lansing Community College, Lansing, MI: "Dealing with Difficult People in the Workplace" course.

Where I am coming from

October 2008-Present         Bare Boned Theatre         Chicago, IL

Writer for "The Ville": Writing scenes for the GLBT episodic play.

Summer, 2008     DC Public Schools (via Professionals for Nonprofits Temp Agency)          Washington, D.C.

Transcript Auditor: Citation and Correction of errors on all DCPS student transcripts and student schedules for the 2008-2009 school year.

Summer, 2008     CentroNía (Public Charter School) & Washington Writer's Publishing House

Washington, D.C.

Literary Intern: Graphic Design and outline for annual report, PR for WWPH readings.

Salary: Unpaid

October 2007-May 2008         Habitat for Humanity, AmeriCorps            Greensboro, NC

Homeowner Recruitment Coordinator: Writing article for the "Blueprint" Newsletter; working with homeowners and potential homeowners; data-entry; construction; monitoring potential homeowners, their progression through the Habitat process, and their work hours; pre-screening individuals interested in homeownership; creating materials for homeowner recruitment marketing plan; collaboration with others in the implementation of marketing plan.

Salary: $11,000/year

Summer 2007     Michigan Peace Team         Lansing, MI

P.R. and Media Intern:  Monitoring of potentially violent protests, sit-ins, or other controversial events; videotaping of MPT documentary; editing of and writing in MPT Newsletter; research on pacifist groups and methods.

Salary: Unpaid Internship

Summer 2006-Spring 2007                Dickinson College            Carlisle, PA

Information Desk Worker: Answering and connecting phone calls; replying to complicated questions; communicating with others; writing emails

Salary: $6.50/hour

Fall 2004-Spring 2005       Dickinson College    Carlisle, PA

Resident Advisor: Sustaining a community of Undergraduate Students; behavioral counseling, crisis & emergency counseling; coordinating activities\

Salary: $300/year

Fall 2003-Summer 2004   Morehead Planetarium and Science Center  Chapel Hill, NC

Part-Time Employee:  web-based research, writing lesson plans for summer camp and camp counselors

Salary: $7.00/hour

Skills/Technology

Proficient in all Microsoft Software, Adobe Acrobat/Reader, Adobe InDesign.  Basic knowledge of HTML and JavaScript. Familiar with data-entry and meeting coordination.

My Literary Accomplishments

Newsletter Articles:

"Right Where it belongs." Leaves (2006).

"MPT participates in panel discussion at Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes

 Conference." MPT Newsletter June(2007).

"Raising Mia's Roof." Blueprint April(2008): to be published in April.

Theses:

"The Punishment of Isolation: A Reconsideration of the Mouth in Samuel Beckett's Not

I." Dickinson College Senior Thesis (Spring 2007): 1-47.

"White-Hot Piece." Dickinson College Creative Writing Manuscript (Spring, 2007): 1-48.

Short Stories:

Two Short Stories published by Dickinson Belles Literary Society, He Said and The Most Beautiful Corpse in Rome,

                The Dickinson Review, 2006 and 2007.

Poetry published by Nobel Publishing Co., UK:  Theatre of the Mind, 2002

Feel Free to Contact any of the Following References

Jess Murguia

Headwriter (in-training) for Bare Boned Theatre:  thevillewrites@gmail.com

Jessica Brown

Former Data Senior Associate for DC Public Schools Data Accountability and Assessment:

jab323@georgetown.edu

Elizabeth Bruce

Director of Arts at CentroNía and staff at Washington Writers' Publishing House:  (202) 332-4200 ext. 133

ebruce@centronia.org

Lillie Brown-Doggett

Director of Family Services at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro:   (336) 275-4663   ldoggett@hhgg.org

Mary L. Hanna

Coordinator at Michigan Peace Team:   (517) 484-3178   michiganpeaceteam@comcast.net

How I can Help You

I have a strong belief in the power of the written word.  For a long time I have attempted to imbed my writing with currents of social justice.  My English thesis explored varying representations of isolation and madness within fiction, specifically in Samuel Beckett's later plays.  I have also contributed to several environmental, non-violence, and food bank newsletters. In the long term, I hope to return to school so that I may continue my education in literature, writing, and book publishing. 

Clubs and Organizations

Attendee of Guilford County Housing Conference 2008

Attendee of Michigan Hate Crimes Annual Conference 2007

Founder of PAX, a non-violence networking organization

Concert Committee, Dickinson College

Volunteer at Project SHARE (Food Bank), Carlisle, PA

Affiliation with SPECTRUM (GLBT Organization), Dickinson College

Center for Environmentally Sustainable Living, Dickinson College

Concert Chorus and Women's Ensemble, Chapel Hill High School

Wrestling Manager, Chapel Hill High School

Awards Received

North Carolina Scholar

Who's Who in American High Schools 2001, 2002 and 2003

National Latin Exam Award, Cum Laude