tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36366282174401286502024-03-13T17:30:47.570-07:00Coffee, Books, and Philadelphia"I love Philadelphia. I was shocked at what a great city this is. For me, it is the cat's pajamas. I love everything about it. I love where I live. I love the people. I have been met with such kindness and affection here."-George Dzundza
Yeah, what he said.Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-10502770572351635762014-08-29T07:44:00.003-07:002014-08-29T07:52:15.502-07:00Thank you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqMEyvwyJtdxpovg8L2wtvvlYFT8OiU5iGudciN8EawN97NG3DckaMyqpup8aomMK9QMbgU6-nrBOUD9XcAKdCwRzfiKHzYRXi4hOjDfgWePIKWKWGOryqreaIjUVrK9kbauv9gl4G7M/s1600/10550920_871789132561_1429511702278442967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqMEyvwyJtdxpovg8L2wtvvlYFT8OiU5iGudciN8EawN97NG3DckaMyqpup8aomMK9QMbgU6-nrBOUD9XcAKdCwRzfiKHzYRXi4hOjDfgWePIKWKWGOryqreaIjUVrK9kbauv9gl4G7M/s1600/10550920_871789132561_1429511702278442967_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I sit here at my desk for the last time at PGN, I am
overcome with emotions.<br />
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<br /></div>
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I’ve been someone who has always been exceptionally
fortunate in the blessings I have had in life. I come from a supportive family,
I have the best friends in the world, the most amazing partner in life and I
have had some of the most meaningful opportunities. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The Summer of 2011, I found myself at my first Philadelphia
Pride with my uncles. Although I wasn’t newly out to myself, I was newly out to
the world. I had told my parents and my friends that summer as I was away
working at West Chester University as a resident assistant, far enough away to
hide myself from reactions. As we stood there, cheering on the various floats
streaming past us, I was handed a rolled up newspaper inside of a rainbow
bracelet — inside was the Pride edition of the Philadelphia Gay News. I was
baffled — a newspaper just for me? For my community? What?</div>
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<br /></div>
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That night I took it home and read it cover to cover. I
remember thinking, “Jesus Jen Colletta is the luckiest girl to have this job”
because at the time, I was gearing up for a semester as news editor for West
Chester University’s The Quad. I could have only dreamed of that opportunity
while people told me it was impossible. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Fast forward to graduation in 2012 where my future was
uncertain. I ended up taking a temp job at an insurance company, ready to give
up on my dream when my mom, in a panic, told me to apply for the position. You
see, I figured I would never get it because as embarrassing as this is, I had
sent some of my student work to the former editor for freelance opportunities
and when I heard nothing back, I figured I would not be a shoe-in for this
position. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And then I got a call and had an interview and got another
call and my life completely transformed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The thing is, PGN changed my life. I walk out of this office
more confident than ever. PGN gave me the skills and the opportunities that I
was told repeatedly as an undergraduate that I would never have. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I have had the opportunities to talk with celebrities but
more importantly I’ve had the chance to connect with local community leaders
and legislators. This has been the most heartbreaking process of it all —
saying goodbye to them as a writer. These people have filled my life with such
happiness as they have conquered and stood up for those who are
underrepresented. </div>
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<br /></div>
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My co-workers, though, have breathed new life into me during
these past two years. I started out as a shy and awkward individual, not sure
of anything and ended, still awkward but confident and resilient. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I am excited for my new opportunity at the Bethesda Project.
I am blessed that this staff has decided to take a chance on me and to be
honest that feels great. Through my work at PGN, I’ve latched onto several non-profit
organizations, adoring their missions, their programs and their initiatives. To
have a chance to work at one of the city’s finest non-profit organizations is
an honor. I can’t tell you how excited I am for this new opportunity. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I am excited about a couple new endeavors I have going on,
both in freelance and in voluntary form. I am really excited to be a part of
some fantastic organizations and endeavors in the future. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So thank you so everyone who has made this journey
fantastic. </div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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No day but today.</div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-90176557096379960402014-01-13T07:35:00.004-08:002014-01-13T07:35:58.760-08:00Sunshine awards<b>The rules:</b><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Acknowledge the nominating blogger. Share 11 random
facts about yourself. Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has
created for you. List 11 bloggers. They should be bloggers you believe deserve
some recognition and a little blogging love! Post 11 questions for the
bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been
nominated. (You cannot nominate the blogger who nominated you.)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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I’ve never heard of the Sunshine awards before but I was
nominated by a lovely fellow journalist who I had met through the Northrop Boot
Camp, Kara Newhouse. Kara is a blogger (check out her blog <a href="http://rogueanthropologist.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>) and also is an
education reporter at Lancaster Online. I also found out a fun fact about her
during dinner one night at the conference—she interned at the HRC in
Washington, D.C. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>11 random facts about me<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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-I used to cry every time I watched Disney’s Cinderella. I
didn’t want Cinderella to leave! Now, I really can’t stand watching Disney
movies (I know! The horror!)</div>
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-I play with my hair—a lot. I am not sure if it is a nervous
habit or what, but it is something I just do. </div>
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-Through my job at PGN, I’ve learned a lot about my
interests. Before I worked here, I forgot about the branches of government and
to be honest, wasn’t super interested in what the government did. Now, you
can’t stop me from talking about it. </div>
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-Also through my job, I’ve learned that one day, I hope to
serve as a press representative or director for a progressive politician or a
communications director for a progressive organization. </div>
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-I used to be the biggest theater nerd—now I can’t even
speak in front of people without stumbling on my words. </div>
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-I was in a sorority for two semesters before I decided to
quit. It was the best decision I have ever made. Not only was it draining my
bank account, but my grades were going down. I still kept my close friends from
it and I learned that sometimes, it is good to let things go.</div>
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-My girlfriend and I are currently looking for apartments to
rent. I’ve never lived with a significant other before but when you know, you
know…ya know?</div>
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-My English degree did nothing for my career. It was my
valuable experience at my school’s paper that got me where I am. </div>
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-I am a proud West Chester University ram. </div>
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-I am too hard on myself sometimes when really, I have a lot
to be proud of. </div>
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<!--EndFragment--></div>
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-I could have mac n cheese all day, every day if I could.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I nominate eleven bloggers:</div>
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<br /></div>
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The lovely Sharon L. Cooks: <a href="http://makingourliveseasier.org/">http://makingourliveseasier.org/</a></div>
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@MsSCooks1<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Leash: <a href="http://masticateyrcake.wordpress.com/">http://masticateyrcake.wordpress.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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@masticateyrcake<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Deanna Vasso: <a href="http://www.rantsports.com/nhl/author/deannavasso/">http://www.rantsports.com/nhl/author/deannavasso/</a>
slash whatever tumblr you have.</div>
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@Dmvasso<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mollie Welborn: Your tumblrrrr <o:p></o:p></div>
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@mcdubs42<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carol Fritz: your tumblrrr<o:p></o:p></div>
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@CarolSquaral<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rebekah Balmer: Your tumblrrrr<o:p></o:p></div>
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@Rebekah_Saidso<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ginger Rae Dunbar: MAKE A BLOG<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment--></div>
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@Astold_ByGinger<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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I can’t think of four more…bah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My questions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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-What three accomplishments in your life are you the most
proud of?<o:p></o:p></div>
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-What are some of your smaller goals in life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-What’s one of your favorite questions to ask new friends or
to get a conversation going?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-What did you do on your 16th birthday?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would
you hope would play you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Are you an introvert or an extrovert?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-What did you want to be when you were little?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-What is your favorite color?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-If you could go back in history, who would you like to
meet?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-If you could visit any country in the world, where would
you go?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Favorite food?<o:p></o:p></div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-51801926509821385462014-01-02T08:20:00.004-08:002014-01-02T08:21:25.939-08:00To the year and many years to comeI love even numbered years. It’s a thing.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t tell if it is because of my obsessiveness for things
being even and neat or the fact that 2008 and 2012 turned out to be some pretty
amazing years for personal accomplishment. However, 2013 has shown me up. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every New Year, I have this ever-growing fear of what is to come,
which slowly evaporates into an overwhelming feeling of positivity for the
up-and-coming year. 2013 was a year to never forget. My mom turned 60 years
old, I moved into my first apartment in Philadelphia, I celebrated one year
with the Philadelphia Gay News and I found love again. Why would I want to
leave that all behind?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, simple — to see my mom turn 61, to continue where I
live or move some place different, to celebrate two strong years at the PGN and
to celebrate one-year with my love. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve learned a lot in 2013. I’ve gone through heart break,
disappointments and some pretty tough times but if there is one thing that got
me through this year, it was my strong will to always find the positive. Here
are some of the things I learned:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I learned to never settle for less.<o:p></o:p></div>
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-I learned that although your heart may ache for someone, if
their heart doesn’t ache back, it is not worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I learned that I can be loved in the way I have always
dreamed of.<o:p></o:p></div>
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-I learned to always be true with people, no matter what.
Tell them your intentions and if they still don’t listen, not your problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-People earn second chances — they are not given.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-It is okay to be an introvert. It is fine to spend an entire
weekend by yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-But people may want to hang out with you, so that is why
you should open your heart to people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Always listen to your friends—well mostly. If it weren’t
for Laura or Janene, I probably wouldn’t have found my love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I learned that she was not the end all, be all. There was
much better out there and I got it and I plan on putting a ring on it, ayyyy
(not for a little while.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I learned that I am more passionate about trans and gender
non-conforming issues, especially when they affect good friends of mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I learned that someone will still love me even if I am a
size 14 and still have pockets of flesh left on me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I’ve learned to not focus on mortality as much as I used
to. It is hard when you are so obsessively scared on not being here anymore,
but life is a gift worth enjoying it and obsessing over something that is not
in your control will not make anything better. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I’ve learned that you don’t need to start over in the New
Year. Every day is an opportunity to better yourself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it has been real 2013 and it has been good and although I
might still be a little apprehensive about 2014, there is no other direction
but forward for me. To health and happiness!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytrWcRyciohVZYm6YB-PVtFh3K45VGQvF0biJ7KESS1olMoJ0jSAZfhYOW6VdJaqWQamgRUGr5X2OGyzsENAqMKd7YF4RV28_hwvlp-jo8lV5kdktMV885mqi_4sc9TBQ0NcsE4bOc0/s1600/9375_758452709661_971015866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytrWcRyciohVZYm6YB-PVtFh3K45VGQvF0biJ7KESS1olMoJ0jSAZfhYOW6VdJaqWQamgRUGr5X2OGyzsENAqMKd7YF4RV28_hwvlp-jo8lV5kdktMV885mqi_4sc9TBQ0NcsE4bOc0/s320/9375_758452709661_971015866_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the roommates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-VSmXrBC7hvJno8xtSR7jNXg2m3Z4dR9I4HMBYNuNtZmupX_AfZEdYFq9oyOQlbZmdBx1z-Apktx1kfE_w37NyS4OWvV7GlvOdX6iTAFcWsYDIbcYKYNDbn8fmVqno41AzCrCFT7NWQ/s1600/644540_725665944601_697773338_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-VSmXrBC7hvJno8xtSR7jNXg2m3Z4dR9I4HMBYNuNtZmupX_AfZEdYFq9oyOQlbZmdBx1z-Apktx1kfE_w37NyS4OWvV7GlvOdX6iTAFcWsYDIbcYKYNDbn8fmVqno41AzCrCFT7NWQ/s320/644540_725665944601_697773338_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and I on her 60th birthday in Atlantic City, N.J.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCmaMYxazQlVu19O0BbHZmZpK-F92iZ21Behd3jZdLQmrBIODfvKYSigxoDx2T6CRpiNxI8ks1YDZKgRN1QW8VCpPpuqa1qFfkGjAtwMQZDF5xhbV0luZH71KM0_pN8dH5fGnhK7vcM0/s1600/943726_779260081521_781718816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCmaMYxazQlVu19O0BbHZmZpK-F92iZ21Behd3jZdLQmrBIODfvKYSigxoDx2T6CRpiNxI8ks1YDZKgRN1QW8VCpPpuqa1qFfkGjAtwMQZDF5xhbV0luZH71KM0_pN8dH5fGnhK7vcM0/s320/943726_779260081521_781718816_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pittsburgh skyline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5IN0qenwAsOGN9GomW0bvwJxUxT7xxnNeVaBXKnp5QW1atKqSQTgf8BTs7cuVztw099tx8yUthT2IAbeIfOjXWM7wo84OPTq0MqH-vGx612wxtYgYIl45a9AP408KrQAXk9GSgGuuJg/s1600/970568_738122706151_1929756879_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5IN0qenwAsOGN9GomW0bvwJxUxT7xxnNeVaBXKnp5QW1atKqSQTgf8BTs7cuVztw099tx8yUthT2IAbeIfOjXWM7wo84OPTq0MqH-vGx612wxtYgYIl45a9AP408KrQAXk9GSgGuuJg/s320/970568_738122706151_1929756879_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Pride with PGN and I dominated the front page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzc18RqSYbwCj1PmbX48keXOLk7O-RnaTm9Bx7qfpnWo65WlFQV1Z96zkiWJr4CNJ981Xpg6RupOIZJQhWsAOksxseNNoaWzO02VIe31vql0crYGs7FxmzOONFk3QxRox_hKzRU_YPNU/s1600/1390482_779295046451_1196121125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzc18RqSYbwCj1PmbX48keXOLk7O-RnaTm9Bx7qfpnWo65WlFQV1Z96zkiWJr4CNJ981Xpg6RupOIZJQhWsAOksxseNNoaWzO02VIe31vql0crYGs7FxmzOONFk3QxRox_hKzRU_YPNU/s320/1390482_779295046451_1196121125_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my best friends and I in Pittsburgh for a Halloween party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL6lWNH9vgjXobU1GnqatcmiMtENpTy3HA48yiFXgNlfuOKtYL7Pj806XNwXQXsZvnE78MiDiwPnIHeNiy_wyvuVwVP5WW6UDDIOGIjaP_8upmiIB_OfGQlgGa5P2eyDu-ldynrXNx2k/s1600/1497628_798534250931_665958720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL6lWNH9vgjXobU1GnqatcmiMtENpTy3HA48yiFXgNlfuOKtYL7Pj806XNwXQXsZvnE78MiDiwPnIHeNiy_wyvuVwVP5WW6UDDIOGIjaP_8upmiIB_OfGQlgGa5P2eyDu-ldynrXNx2k/s320/1497628_798534250931_665958720_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My love and I during our first Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-meBLSUzy-RMTlmpg3oCUzVLSB1xSvWtNjKP30komKsVetkR4NNw7FroTqYTJtZFzPbtVdnrUmFzLXO28e3iQnYpmI9Z7f1d37TFIe1p9LGDQvF1zjBna9uBAgA9GYTa7f0kC703fPk/s1600/1510935_800330396441_307985635_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-meBLSUzy-RMTlmpg3oCUzVLSB1xSvWtNjKP30komKsVetkR4NNw7FroTqYTJtZFzPbtVdnrUmFzLXO28e3iQnYpmI9Z7f1d37TFIe1p9LGDQvF1zjBna9uBAgA9GYTa7f0kC703fPk/s320/1510935_800330396441_307985635_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the New Year with my love and my best friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbC7wbXFJ7ZnliOvy4zAcF6tcV8VQ1wBpTmxbixJM2iP_iOO8bHVc9NmWvyc3TkAPFc_FlzWCeMXa6n-ArhmzcwO2OztRBZLPGvxTWztDxQpREdY26jLJ-p0MuOB3dLhAo8ti7SVFBXU/s1600/1560730_800330341551_815453132_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbC7wbXFJ7ZnliOvy4zAcF6tcV8VQ1wBpTmxbixJM2iP_iOO8bHVc9NmWvyc3TkAPFc_FlzWCeMXa6n-ArhmzcwO2OztRBZLPGvxTWztDxQpREdY26jLJ-p0MuOB3dLhAo8ti7SVFBXU/s320/1560730_800330341551_815453132_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To many more cute, awkward and silly selfies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-23469229848586204002013-09-26T08:49:00.001-07:002013-09-27T06:49:38.996-07:00It’s been one year and some changeBy Angela Thomas<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6MyaqrJ299VgW7abGATTLbxx5VOyUc5Uqbs9-4IW3JDKiGOuN67rCcmCpnA4lOW6iaYKPae59oGFzmyaqlfRWkaI18Y-rWnn0H_g5224TGxvIpuLLgrnPh_TjX7yxkVT3Jb5IBfQYbs/s1600/1009875_768913401351_1820829947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6MyaqrJ299VgW7abGATTLbxx5VOyUc5Uqbs9-4IW3JDKiGOuN67rCcmCpnA4lOW6iaYKPae59oGFzmyaqlfRWkaI18Y-rWnn0H_g5224TGxvIpuLLgrnPh_TjX7yxkVT3Jb5IBfQYbs/s320/1009875_768913401351_1820829947_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Routines—we all get into them. Mine starts out with
“headline—space—Angela Thomas.” Always. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been working at the Philadelphia Gay News for one
year now and I have my routine. I come into the office ten minutes (or
admittedly ten minutes after) 9 a.m., coffee in hand, spending my time catching
up on emails, sorting details of the day before I start writing at 10 a.m. For
the rest of the day, I write articles on the transgender leader coming to Philly,
the queer lawyer getting the award, the LGBT community center hosting an
important event, the queer Latin@ group setting a positive example in the
community. This is my life. I write, write, write and every day, I am inspired
by the people I interview.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a year and I have grown. One year ago, I barely
talked to anyone. Talking to Philadelphia Pride Presents president Franny Price
was terrifying to me. I didn’t know about half the organizations around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One year later and I slip into the office, flirting
carelessly with office manager, Carol while making jokes with other staff. I
talk to my editor about our favorite shows Orange is the New Black, Pretty
Little Liars and Girls. I have no problem calling Franny—in fact I look forward
to our calls. If I had to pick, I would say that GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social
Justice Organization has inspired me the most. But I could name ten other
organizations that have touched my life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve interviewed people that other journalists could only
dream of. I’ve heard stories that had me in tears or had me smiling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is my life turned around in a complete circle. May
2012, I was trying on my cap and gown and imagining myself working at PGN, my
best friend, Rae, working at the Philadelphia Inquirer. I imagined myself
moving into an apartment in Philadelphia surrounded by amazing friends. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It came true. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
September 17, I was hired as a staff writer for PGN, Rae
went on to work as a staff writer for The Daily Local and I moved into an
apartment in West Philly this summer with some amazing new friends. My life has
come full circle. Who would have thought? Not this girl.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve definitely come into my own—grown more comfortable in
my skin and in my community in which I write about. I’ve learned that not everything
is gay or straight, male or female. There is a beautiful grey area looking for
recognition. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve learned to take the phrase “you’re lucky” with a grain
of salt. This wasn’t luck; this was hard work and dedication. This was a
journey that took blood, sweat and tears to create. Luck didn’t hand me this
experience on a silver platter. I had to work for it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I always say this—dreams do come true. ‘The field of
journalism is impossible’ they said to us. We proved them wrong. This year
isn’t just about me and my one-year. This is about Rae, who works for The Daily
Local. This is about Deanna, who was an assistant sports producer for
Philly.com and now works as an assistant advertising coordinator. This is about
Laura who works as an editorial assistant for a publishing company in
Philadelphia. This is about Rebekah who is in grad school to be the next best
queer outreach staff. This is about Carol, who just got a job in human
resources and proves every day that life is beautiful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is to more years writing about a community that I
would be nothing without. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-21233610950944419802013-05-24T06:32:00.003-07:002013-05-24T06:38:02.784-07:00The fears—they keep you from living<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a long time, I considered myself the “traveling”
woman—someone who wanted to explore the world. I work as a journalist in
Philadelphia and as much as I love this city, I have always yearned to discover
new places, even if only for a weekend. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then it happened. A few days ago, my friend Sarah told me
she bought a plane ticket to Spain. I was beyond jealous—she could afford to
travel and she had no fear. She was going alone and I wished I had her courage
to do so. I wish I could travel. So what is holding me back?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My fears. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday my editor asked if I had ever been to Canada. I
have always wanted to travel to Toronto, Cananda. Next year, the city will host
World Pride and journalists from various LGBTQ publications were asked to
preview the city, write a review and have their lodging, food and air travel paid
for. So what is holding this wannabe traveler back? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One word: <b>air travel<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never flown. I don’t even have a passport. Everywhere
I have traveled in the states has been drivable and the thought of flying for
the first time to another country, to a strange city by myself just terrifies
me. So how can I be afraid of flying when I have never done so? I am not really
sure when this fear started, but it progressively began when my life started to
become exponentially better and then I realized what my fear truly is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am afraid of death</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it is because I love life so much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thought of not being on this earth anymore makes my skin
crawl. I am a firm believer that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade and
that is what I have done and it has made my life miraculous. I love everything
about life—I love the people who are in my life, I love my job, I love my city,
I love my environment and I love everything I am blessed with and the thought
of it slipping away from me or me slipping away from it just devastates me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it is more than the fear of death for me, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is the fear of not having control.
Let’s face it, when I am behind the wheel of my car, I have control of what I
do, not necessarily what everyone else does, but I still have an ounce of
control and the same goes for many different situations. Flying is pretty much
letting other people take the wheel for me and that is something I struggle
with on a daily basis. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I am also a firm believer that sometimes, you just have
to take risks, you have to enjoy the ride and you have to live life for those
who truly cannot live their own. Fears keep you form accomplishing what you
want. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So maybe one day I will be like Sarah, a confident young
woman traveling on my own with no fear. For now, I will continue my life on the
ground and maybe, just maybe, I will find that individual who will take my
fears away, who will comfort me and maybe then, I will find a traveling friend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because this is one journalist who truly does want to see
the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-53896656776501205102013-03-05T10:43:00.000-08:002013-03-05T10:43:00.179-08:00Oh, okay cupid—there are ‘plenty of fish’ for a potential ‘match’—see what I did there?
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Angela Thomas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think one of the most frustrating things to do is get back
into the “dating world.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is nothing more terrifying, more self-deprecating and
NOTHING that makes your confidence go down more than jumping back into the cesspool
of dating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And not to tug on the “MyLifeIsWorseThanYours” rope, but for
the LGBTQ-identified folks, it can be even worse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After getting out of a one-year relationship four months
ago, I decided recently to get back into the “game.” Because of my schedule, I
rarely have time to see the parents I live with, let a lone go out and meet
someone, so at the advice of one of my friends, I decided to try online dating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz36d0rxuj1qfjrr7o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz36d0rxuj1qfjrr7o1_500.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is exactly what it is like. You’ve got your more
feminine girls and you’ve got your more butch girls and you’ve got everyone in
between. You enter into this world and they all look at you (aka your profile),
stare for a bit and then leave with no word. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My experiences thus far have been…interesting to say the
least? I had a girl brag about her drunk driving experience. I’ve had women intrigued
by my ever-so-glamorous job and I’ve been played for a fool already (and it has
only been two weeks). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Online dating can be intimidating because you essentially put
yourself out there to either be rejected or ignored. Don’t get me wrong, good
experiences can be had on these sites, but now more than ever, they are filled with
individuals who are just looking for friends or random hookups. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Online dating can also set you up for failure—like for
instance—my first experience or date for that matter. Girl sends message to me,
girl and I talk, girl and I go on date, girl and I seem to hit it off, girl
seems to really like me, girl becomes shady, girls says she is dating someone
else, thing ends. That is the best way I can describe it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mywebpower.com/graphics/comments//thumbnails/funny_pictures/funny_wtf_cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.mywebpower.com/graphics/comments//thumbnails/funny_pictures/funny_wtf_cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I have also had great experiences so far. I have
met a few people who seem to have the same interests as me and who seem to be
fairly awesome individuals, but my experience is not what I thought it would
be. For one thing, some of the people on this site are people I’ve A) Either
interviewed or B) Work within the community I write about. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is also the issue of body image. It may seem silly,
but for someone who is desperately trying to get back into shape and eat clean,
all the girls on this site are either athletic or thin. On some of their
profiles, they make it very apparent that whoever contacts them better already
be within their weight/height requirements. It makes a girl want to go back
into the “fitness closet” and stay there until some “real” results come along.
I understand the idea of wanting someone who is living a healthy life, but what
about those who are well on their way?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And finally, online dating has a stigma. Already, I am
nervous to post this blog link on my Twitter. People seem to consider online
dating as something for individuals who are not assertive or for losers. My
parents think online dating is for predators. I even cringe at the thought of
saying “We met online,” but why is that? In a generation where we do everything
online, why is it so weird to meet someone online? As long as you are not
meeting in some creepy, dark alleyway, online dating can be extremely
successful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what are your opinions/experiences on online dating? </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-83073330927885310882013-01-27T09:52:00.000-08:002013-01-27T09:52:09.764-08:00St. Lucia and Ellie Goulding-best side salad everBy Angela Thomas<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Opening acts to me are like side salads to Italian dinners-I
can take ‘em and I can leave ‘em. (nice analogy, har har)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, <st1:country-region>St. Lucia</st1:country-region>
proved me wrong to the point where I didn’t want them to leave the stage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmEA0fg8-crXrr4nwxYaW8BWg4xwN3jVbNG2ze6W92o_34Wll2R60jdICeMpAuV7P8L0PfiaMjq6jHDRPB0iPYjomlXo7sHs_lh2edoMkzFWWoZc7ObSWbOJfNM7zxtaPLxrKzlHX4_Y/s1600/23388_703926750121_69364443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmEA0fg8-crXrr4nwxYaW8BWg4xwN3jVbNG2ze6W92o_34Wll2R60jdICeMpAuV7P8L0PfiaMjq6jHDRPB0iPYjomlXo7sHs_lh2edoMkzFWWoZc7ObSWbOJfNM7zxtaPLxrKzlHX4_Y/s400/23388_703926750121_69364443_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Lucia. Photo credit: Angela Thomas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Jan. 25, British pop-singer, Ellie Goulding, came to the
Electric Factory in <st1:city>Philadelphia</st1:city>. I’ve
been a huge fan of Goulding since my WCUR days when her first album was on the
shelves on WCU’s radio station.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After standing in the snow for a mere hour and a half, fans
rushed in the building, eager to get front row seats while my friends and I opted
for the “21+” section where we ultimately had the best seats in the house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am normally impatient with opening acts. I just want them
to get over with. However, when <st1:country-region>St. Lucia</st1:country-region>
came on stage and started to play their first song, it was a jaw-dropping, holy
shit experience. I don’t think I have ever seen a group of fans dance so hard
in my life. I think the best way to describe their sound is ethereal, ’80s-like
but not in the “ohmyGAWD this is like sooooooooooo 80s” kind of way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Side note: Check them out on Itunes and I highly recommend “We
Got It Wrong”, “Closer Than This”, “All Eyes On You” and the sickest beat you
will ever hear, “September.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Get ready for your mind to be BLOWN.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyways, after fan-girling over <st1:country-region>St.
Lucia</st1:country-region>, our girl Ellie came on (ya know…after
20 minutes)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uyHIlipRbwuahO5H31j3mxxQzGqFq0brR5ZD7vE_XB9iyzMpIQwcijzh5wsjOQgWHmoayl1NK3onHsqswtBv04_mY_XEe4nPsACMVYdVW1jW1o-cn5dXofWYCL7QeWtyhibpyUdD7Fo/s1600/379201_703926989641_277809542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uyHIlipRbwuahO5H31j3mxxQzGqFq0brR5ZD7vE_XB9iyzMpIQwcijzh5wsjOQgWHmoayl1NK3onHsqswtBv04_mY_XEe4nPsACMVYdVW1jW1o-cn5dXofWYCL7QeWtyhibpyUdD7Fo/s400/379201_703926989641_277809542_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That moment when every lesbian's heart exploded</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And let me tell you…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am still recovering from the show.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ellie Goulding gives her fans the ultimate satisfaction of
attending the best-concert-known-to-EVERYONE feeling. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrUPyGoSs4-Dje7zjslp-0A2TUnOHbyMJT5rma4rFkkHAHJ4f6eUGr3rQwUz08J37ikRIg9KBCs_rOy3ytsd2kOr5ckxX-hus1eQG3g2NQVoJySbDg8-lDsv-5ANqQw3QfWngL09xPS4/s1600/484648_703927159301_1262036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrUPyGoSs4-Dje7zjslp-0A2TUnOHbyMJT5rma4rFkkHAHJ4f6eUGr3rQwUz08J37ikRIg9KBCs_rOy3ytsd2kOr5ckxX-hus1eQG3g2NQVoJySbDg8-lDsv-5ANqQw3QfWngL09xPS4/s400/484648_703927159301_1262036_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meaningful eye contact moment #3 ladies and gents (and everyone in between)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing about Goulding is that she writes songs about
heart-break, about disappointment, about hopes and dreams and everyone can
relate to that. Everyone has had their heart broken by someone or something and
everyone has had hopes for their future. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the other thing about Goulding is that when she
performs, she relives the pain over-and-over again and you can see it in her
face and her fans are right there with her, every step of the way. We are
reliving our own memories and we are relating our experiences to her songs.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4m0lt5pNVYuJmS4G0Q4KtpgC8KQOCmuYaHYkpq_648o0NOF0UiMEn-ypaWW27GexoVUL8kY3wL3GU5qeGC3dmhuj-GrkxRq970NNAeQVwYQ3fh6WkP8W25QEPQX0QHPqOgFYJ1BuwRA/s1600/555179_703927184251_359808770_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4m0lt5pNVYuJmS4G0Q4KtpgC8KQOCmuYaHYkpq_648o0NOF0UiMEn-ypaWW27GexoVUL8kY3wL3GU5qeGC3dmhuj-GrkxRq970NNAeQVwYQ3fh6WkP8W25QEPQX0QHPqOgFYJ1BuwRA/s400/555179_703927184251_359808770_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl knows how to play her drums</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, Goulding has dance moves that could make the
straightest girl turn gay and the gayest man turn straight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So cheers to you Ellie, for making me lose my voice, making
my legs wobbly and putting on the best concert I have seen in a long time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-46700310837641212622013-01-18T10:47:00.001-08:002013-01-18T10:47:08.919-08:00Toes
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is this one community member in Philly that always
asks me this: “So…are you getting your feet wet?” It is the most adorable thing
and I can’t help but think about how much this job has submerged me in the
queer community—and has helped me “get my feet wet.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I interviewed a young woman the other day about her new
position for a youth-oriented program. She described how her new position was
her “dream job” and I could not help but smile at that notion—basically because
I could relate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been three months since I started this job and in
those three months, I have done more than I could ever think possible and it
has lead me to the most amazing opportunities.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout these months, I have come to this one conclusion:
never listen to anyone’s doubts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever career path you choose, someone will always have
doubts. Specifically in journalism, you will always hear the phrase “oh it is
impossible to find a job in journalism. Good luck!”—Or something along the
lines of a smart-ass comment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The great thing is when you prove them wrong. When your
passion and talent is recognized, when someone decides to take a chance on you.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And sometimes those chances can lead to bigger change. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just recently, I had received the opportunity to talk with
Israel’s top LGBTQ group, The Aguda. I’ve had the opportunity to interview
Pennsylvania’s first Democrat and female Attorney General, Kathleen Kane. I get
to work under the nation’s leading LGBT journalist and activist and I get to be
a part of the best team. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m getting used to the community. I’m getting used to
Philadelphia. I’m getting used to the names and the faces and quite frankly, I
think they are getting used to me (or at least I hope so).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love that everyone’s birthday is celebrated here. I love
that I can eat at my desk. I love that I can listen to music while I write. I
love that I can be a WCU grad and make a difference in the LGBT community (Ty
Gloria Casarez for that inspiration!) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also love that so far, in my personal community, being
LGBT is not so much a bad thing. I am getting more comfortable talking about my
work place. I hope to gain more comfort in writing about it too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through this experience, I have the opportunity to open that
can-of-worms in my hometown. I am able to write about the LGBT community that
exists and to shed light on small-towns and their LGBT residents. From my
research and my observations, it is not as bad as I thought it would be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not really sure what this blog post is about—but I
thought I would share these things. Maybe it is about not giving up, not
listening to the negative people in your life. Maybe it is about embracing your
community and finding rolemodels. Or maybe it is about looking deeper into your
life and your own community and finding the positive.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-89332642413706541702012-12-21T07:23:00.004-08:002012-12-21T07:23:50.558-08:00The Devil—should NOT feel guilty
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I am late on this one, so forgive me, but I just read
Lauren Weisberger’s <i>The Devil Wears Prada </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
I must say—I don’t know how I feel about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was excited to read something that I could quasi-relate
to—a book about a recent college graduate, looking for a job in print and
landing one that “a million girls would die for!” I can relate to that because
I landed a job that “a million LGBT persons would die for!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andy Sachs just landed herself a job as an assistant to the
notoriously demanding, Miranda Priestly, the editor of the powerful and popular
fashion magazine, <i>Runway.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Although my
job entails none of the following, Andy is pretty much a servant to Miranda,
who at times, can give her the most outrageous and nearly impossible tasks. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Sachs has a job that not just the fashion conscious
would die for, but really anyone who just graduated college would die for. The
job tasks are completely extreme and the work environment the least desirable,
she is still an extremely lucky person.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is why—getting to my main point of this post—I still
don’t understand why we are made to feel bad for Sach’s boyfriend. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAW6vFrEBfJfLhpndh6kBL31CKio_wRqTOzsxdbIufxSVBMVicp92GZ_-rdsy7Z9PH1MHzZLjj_f1j6PxwMcGYs7JXr0ta-s6r2Tn3AoFYVu28JpfVFNEHgJqKfdUaq6mgs0iQNMPZdY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAW6vFrEBfJfLhpndh6kBL31CKio_wRqTOzsxdbIufxSVBMVicp92GZ_-rdsy7Z9PH1MHzZLjj_f1j6PxwMcGYs7JXr0ta-s6r2Tn3AoFYVu28JpfVFNEHgJqKfdUaq6mgs0iQNMPZdY/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>Alex, in the beginning, turns out to be the perfect partner.
He is absolutely excited for Sach’s new opportunity, he is a hard working
educator and he absolutely adores Sachs. However, as I continued to read
further into the book, I found myself getting aggravated with him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As most journalists can account for, sometimes the job can be
demanding. It requires long hours, over time and sometimes, even dropping plans
to cater to a never-ending news network. The same goes for Sach’s job. She is
the assistant to the highest of high in magazine publishing and in the novel,
it is noted that one year working for Priestly could guarantee Andy a job
anywhere. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when Sachs has to work late nights to make sure that she
is stable in her career, her boyfriend is off pouting away because his
girlfriend is one of the small percent of college graduates that got a job
(finally!) and can’t spend every waking moment making him happy and paying
attention to him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What makes me angry is if this ever happened to me, I
wouldn’t apologize for my actions. My career comes first—it is the one thing
that stabilizes me, helps me stay afloat and gives me money to stay alive. It
is also an opportunity like no other, something I spent thousands of dollars at
University to study up on, so why would I put my career in jeopardy to pay
every last second of my attention on a partner?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I may sound cold here, but something about Alex annoyed me.
He didn’t understand Andy’s career demands and he made her feel selfish and
downright terrible for being a working-woman in an era that still isn’t fair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand, in a way, where Alex is coming from. Of course
when one is in a relationship, they want to spend time with their significant
other, however, to put pressure on someone’s career and ultimately have them
choose between a job and a relationship is absolutely unfair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It gives the message to women that relationships come first,
your job comes second, which can ultimately lead to the stereotype that women
belong at home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, I understand that this was a type of “re-telling” of an
experience that the author had in her first post-college job and granted, she
stayed with her career and the boyfriend and her ultimately called it quits—but
that doesn’t dismiss the idea that women are often pressured to give up their
careers to take care of the household.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-47562062566874929432012-11-26T08:57:00.001-08:002012-11-26T08:57:23.771-08:00Shining Bright Like a Diamond—Lights!
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Angela Thomas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forgive me; I am a few days late on this one. With the
Thanksgiving holiday (more like Black Friday preparation), I have been a bit
busy to write this review.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, I got the chance to see Lights perform
live for the second time at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia. If you
have something else to do besides read this blog, in short: she was amazing as
always.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honestly, this girl comes in one tiny package but boy can
she belt out a tune. I personally don’t think her tracks give her voice justice
because she can hold and belt out a note better than most pop singers—not to
mention she is absolutely adorable and a style icon.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRkS3Hpuiw7gD4k8gSvoYwDvxyNsKqJnNkSQQO_7MGpzW9ohXF4yzEL8W8-YXpwtefx9PAWwMNgdirce43nFG9oMOGR6Hri1yLJ_2FcjMhPGNHWVvzrzak_7lK7vnHu_VupWwntmwE2I/s1600/254868_690840664741_1891501279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRkS3Hpuiw7gD4k8gSvoYwDvxyNsKqJnNkSQQO_7MGpzW9ohXF4yzEL8W8-YXpwtefx9PAWwMNgdirce43nFG9oMOGR6Hri1yLJ_2FcjMhPGNHWVvzrzak_7lK7vnHu_VupWwntmwE2I/s320/254868_690840664741_1891501279_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Angela Thomas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lights has a knack for picking some amazing opening acts.
Last October, The Ambassadors opened for her. I think both my friend and I got
headaches from jamming to their song, “Unconsolable.” (Go check it
out…like…NOW!) This year, she had The Arkells open for her and let me just
say—amazing. Not only were their originally tracks incredible but they
performed a killer rendition of Hall & Oats “You Make My Dreams Come True”
with special guest—Lights! It was awesome and had the entire crowd dancing. You
can check out a performance <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAtqAr0Ug24" target="_blank">here</a> on the Arkells Youtube page.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Lights was center of the show. Every song she
performed live was just fantastic and she put on an extravagant show. Not only
does she have amazing vocals but she has keyboard skills that would make any
musician envious. Her music reaches out to everyone—that is the best aspect
about her. Ages ranged completely in terms of her audience but it was apparent
that the youth dominated the show. Lights has this great way of reaching out to
these young kids with her music and her style. They were memorized by her and
knew every lyric to her songs.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9VSlX8PAF27JsD_L4LiXczkC4TVaBQXQPIb6zB6IlwqWAmnprLDeoRVPgKBwmrAoDscpVDl3S011ndEcmE_7JMi2WQEnQPP8EnRYFUmsfRugmqtPmliVeWNzx8EsUH8J0aJsQwUhEpc/s1600/558785_690840769531_562655234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9VSlX8PAF27JsD_L4LiXczkC4TVaBQXQPIb6zB6IlwqWAmnprLDeoRVPgKBwmrAoDscpVDl3S011ndEcmE_7JMi2WQEnQPP8EnRYFUmsfRugmqtPmliVeWNzx8EsUH8J0aJsQwUhEpc/s320/558785_690840769531_562655234_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Angela Thomas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She performed some of her trademark songs like “Second Go,”
“Ice,” and “Drive My Soul” while playing new songs off her album, “Siberia,”
including her new single “Timing is Everything.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, the concert was amazing. I am excited to see what
is next for her career!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-43245209155251584362012-11-06T11:38:00.003-08:002012-11-06T11:38:34.870-08:00Why it annoys me when people say my rights don’t matter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By Angela Thomas</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am gay—there I said it. I’ve been gay for quite some time
now. I have gay friends, I have a gay family member, and my job is extremely
gay—pretty much my life is a big LGBT smorgasbord. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I voted for Obama four years ago and today, I did the same
thing. I am not at all a single-issue voter but in front of everything, I
believe human rights come first. I can’t get married in the state of
Pennsylvania. I can get fired in the state of Pennsylvania for being gay. I
don’t have the same rights that heterosexuals take for granted. I am a
second-class citizen. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn’t choose this. Why would I choose to be gay? Why
would I want to be something that most people hate? I am not confused, I never
was. God (whoever he/she is) has blessed me with so many amazing opportunities,
so if God “hates fags,” then why has he/she given me so much? My sexuality
developed just like everyone else’s. There is nothing wrong with me. I had the
privilege of receiving a good education, I file and pay my taxes on time, I
work a full-time job, I am a respected neighbor in my town,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pay my own bills—I do everything you
do, except I love and am attracted to the same sex. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was once asked why marriage equality was so important to
me because “civil unions” are the same thing. Well, if I were to get a civil
union with my partner in Pa., it might not be recognized in other states. The
federal benefits are completely different-I can’t take leave to care for my
sick partner, gain access to social security survivor benefits. My taxes are a
whole other story as well. So no, it is not the same. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was asked to take down a status I wrote yesterday. I
jokingly said that anyone I know who votes for Mitt Romney, is not allowed to
my wedding. However, half of me was not joking. You are supporting a candidate
that is against everything I am. He is not only against my sexuality but my
gender. He is against my lower-middle class family. He is against my
relationships. He is against my fellow LGBT military service men and women. He
is against protecting me from sexual orientation-based hate crimes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For a while now, I have been told that same-sex and LGBT
inclusive issues shouldn’t be a big issue. I disagree. I am telling you right
now that my equality matters. My gay family members who have been together for
30-something years—yeah, their equality matters. My best friends and
acquaintances who are LGBT—their equality matters. My co-workers—you guessed
it! Their equality matters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My equality matters. If you can’t agree with that, then you
can’t agree with my relationship, you can’t agree with my life and you
certainly are not my friend. </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-41019109601537417082012-11-05T11:00:00.000-08:002012-11-05T11:00:11.545-08:00Teaching an old dog new tricks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By Angela Thomas</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like so many Americans, my dog was the highlight of my week.
After working long hours in retail, I would put the key in the lock, open the
door and there would be my adorable boxer dog, Emma—toy in mouth—greeting me at
the door with her famous “wiggle butt.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My family lost Emma last December to heart cancer. Her loss
was something that strongly resonated with my family. My dad lost his best
friend, my mom lost a daughter and I lost a sister. Emma was such a special dog
to us. She never drooled, she rarely gave doggy kisses and she managed to be as
well behaved as possible. We were cat people after all—we never experienced
those sloppy dog kisses and the need for unending attention. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She was the friendliest, happiest and most playful pup. She
loved her squeaky toys and she loved her hulahoops. She loved her French fries
and her bacon. She begged like she was a starving dog and ate like a pig. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She was the bomb-dot-com in other words.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW7Fp994GCdCwW31wLClKJyr63eqA5DLVJiKYNMzU3Y1Dh1bj3_NunH4gq8pcp3iKirCt2GNci9L3Nll4AHUSyd-YcrpNHd_WG3xCY-He54qbawzXxJsO9pzDKGKULy04J2eO1q18zVQ/s1600/Grogan+and+Marley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW7Fp994GCdCwW31wLClKJyr63eqA5DLVJiKYNMzU3Y1Dh1bj3_NunH4gq8pcp3iKirCt2GNci9L3Nll4AHUSyd-YcrpNHd_WG3xCY-He54qbawzXxJsO9pzDKGKULy04J2eO1q18zVQ/s400/Grogan+and+Marley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grogan and the famous Marley! Credit:blogs.trb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #228822; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few months after Emma’s death, I was perusing through a
bookstore in West Chester, Pa., and discovered <i>Marley & Me</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> by John Grogan. I had heard about the movie and
refused to watch it. I just couldn’t go through that pain again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Almost a year after her death, I sat down and read <i>Marley
& Me</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> for a week. I laughed and I cried.
Grogan wrote a book that any dog lover could relate to. But the book also
focused on the journey of family and the important lessons of life. Marley grew
with the family—teaching them responsibility, unconditional love and loyalty. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I could relate to Grogan both on a journalists level and on
a personal level. After Marley’s death, he wrote a column about his beloved
dog. After Emma’s death, I couldn’t seem to get closure. I missed Emma and I
wanted to do something in honor of her so I decided to use my journalistic
voice as a means to do so. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJDsQ5oxPQHYoaWk1B9lLctTdaHUC3MLYRCaJOJ1NRjA8GPMnFa0RzwLoJ67yYiX_BVr_toeBbNNw7KBWhMrGFLFRSSEzxdhepJjbpkCA87XpdrR9tHWeG8rX1GSknjxOOv801IKPsPQ/s1600/200px-Marley_&_Me_book_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJDsQ5oxPQHYoaWk1B9lLctTdaHUC3MLYRCaJOJ1NRjA8GPMnFa0RzwLoJ67yYiX_BVr_toeBbNNw7KBWhMrGFLFRSSEzxdhepJjbpkCA87XpdrR9tHWeG8rX1GSknjxOOv801IKPsPQ/s1600/200px-Marley_&_Me_book_cover.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit:en.wikipedia.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wrote about the benefits of adoption. Emma came from Boxer
rescue in Pennsylvania. She was abused and abandoned and came to us with
optimism. She taught us so many lessons, especially on love. I interviewed a
representative from Boxer Rescue and a representative form The Humane Society
of Harrisburg. It took me two weeks to write the article and 1,000 words later,
I had closure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I suggest that not only as an animal lover, but as a human,
check out <i>Marley & Me. </i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise you, it will change your life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To read my article on animal rescue, go <a href="http://www.wcuquad.com/features/animals-more-than-pets-1.2787305#.UJgMgo5OTiY">here</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-80504995403260890652012-09-26T16:43:00.001-07:002012-09-26T16:43:14.628-07:00"What you're doing is important," Stevie Martin-Chester.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was that friend—that friend that was in the crowd, cheering
my college buds on as they received their awards. I was that friend who
nominated their friends for awards because of their dedication and hard work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was also that friend that didn’t get awards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It isn’t that I didn’t do well in school; I did as fine as I
possibly could. I was involved in a lot—especially my university’s newspaper. I
dedicated a lot of time to that, to the point where I had no life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just never received any recognition. There were days where
I would call up my mom and ask if there was something wrong with me? Was I not
good enough? She would always reassure me that it just wasn’t my time to shine
yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom, you were right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After graduating, I headed straight into the temp. agency
because I needed money and I needed experience. I applied to newspapers and I
applied for other writing jobs but nothing stuck. I started to feel like maybe
I should give up and hope that my temp job turned into a permanent job. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, my mom wasn’t so ready for me to give up. On a
Sunday morning, my mother urged me to apply for a job as staff writer at the
Philadelphia Gay News. They were hiring ASAP because there editor of 6 years,
Sarah B. was leaving to take a job in Washington D.C. and their current staff
writer, Jen C. was being promoted to editor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So on that Sunday morning, I send in a resume and 3 clips.
The Monday after, I received a call from Jen asking me to interview. I left my
current job earlier on Thursday to interview with both Jen and Sarah at <st1:time hour="15" minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time> Now let me tell you, both these ladies
are amazing human beings in and out of the journalism world. I’ve aspired to be
like both of them ever since I discovered PGN, so to meet them was a fantastic
experience in itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That night after my interview, not sure what kind of
impression I made, I was asked in an e-mail to write a news article from a
press release. After having both my mom and my best friend, Sammi read it; I
sent it, praying to whatever God that I at least made an impression.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn’t sure and I hated that. However on Friday, while at
work, I received a voicemail from Jen, asking me to call her back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the next series of events was hard for me to digest and
still is. She offered me the job. Me? But I though other newspapers didn’t want
me? I thought I was just doomed to interview for the rest of my life. However,
they wanted me and I wanted this job more than anything in the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As someone who is out and proud in the LGBT community, this
job has been a dream come true.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I watched my friends receive amazing awards and now, they
were watching me and giving me the support I need. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Needless to say, this job has been an amazing experience so
far. I’ve interviewed a handful of people already including Lar Lubovitch,
world-renowned choreographer and dancer, Gilbert Baker, inventor of the rainbow
flag as the LGBT symbol, State Representative Babette Josephs, Franny Price,
Director of Philly Pride Presents, as well as others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The PGN staff is probably the funniest and coolest bunch of
people ever and my editor, Jen, is the nicest person. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been awesome to see my dreams come true. PGN made me
feel like I wasn’t alone at a time in my life when I thought I was. They gave
me a newspaper that was just for me and those in my community. Now they’ve
given me a voice and for that, I am ever grateful.</div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-83195727324726903562012-08-27T18:55:00.002-07:002012-08-27T18:55:39.665-07:00Feminists Before, Jane & Jesse are here<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By Angela Thomas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lauren Conrad is just the “it” girl; the girl you hated in
high school because she was everywhere. Fashion designer, retired reality TV
star, and author of the hit book series, <i>L.A.
Candy</i>, is hitting book shelves for the second time with her second
installment of L.A. Candy, <i>Sweet Little
Lies</i>. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeo7vUTUj31YCQA2u1cfHWgzTk9kxcqPMvFH0xwJWxhwLXFLcGnh1YP7tndB5RXaAfOth5396UA66tKDCVCYuiYqr22QSaHSndpNKrwTR-U4Z8kXbqtHNUvcPr6H2FipwCEsZRESByic/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeo7vUTUj31YCQA2u1cfHWgzTk9kxcqPMvFH0xwJWxhwLXFLcGnh1YP7tndB5RXaAfOth5396UA66tKDCVCYuiYqr22QSaHSndpNKrwTR-U4Z8kXbqtHNUvcPr6H2FipwCEsZRESByic/s320/imgres.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #009933; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">larasbookclub.wordpress.com</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I must say, my women’s and gender studies classes have
ruined me with literature. Reading Conrad’s second installment, my veins pumped
with anger at the stupidity and naivety of the lead female character, Jane. For
once, it would be nice to show a strong female character in these “chick-lit”
type series; however Conrad has fallen into the same loop. My best friend,
Janene, described Jane’s character as that “girl who readers know the decisions
that she should make before she makes them.” As readers, we are constantly
wanting to yell at Jane, “no, no! Don’t believe them! Don’t love him! Don’t be
friends with her!” However, we must allow Jane to make the mistakes in order
for her to learn her lesson. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think it is even more frustrating when we see Jane blame
herself for her boyfriend’s drunken and cheating antics. The strongest that
reader’s see Jane at is when she breaks up with her boyfriend, Jesse, after he
shoves her to the floor after another drunk night for him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I guess I am a little disappointed that Conrad has not
written about a strong female character. She is in the position to. This really
makes me wonder how autobiographical this book is. I know the series is rumored
to be based off of Conrad’s experience, and she does bring the attention to
readers that reality TV does not always tell the truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Conrad’s book does a good job representing exactly what it
is, pure entertainment. Women and men who loved the Gossip Girl series, will
absolutely love this series. It is full of back-stabbing friends, shopping,
relationships, and juicy gossip! </span></div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-27387887402386474542012-08-24T17:13:00.003-07:002012-08-24T17:13:17.452-07:00Whip It: Inspiring Youngins’ to bring out those old skates everywhere<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Angela Thomas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If there ever was a book that young, thrift-store shopping,
grunge-music loving, hipster teenagers will grasp onto it, Shauna Cross wrote
it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cross, a former “derby doll,” is the author of the
brilliant, slightly autobiographical book, <i>Whip
It</i>, which was famously later adapted into a movie starring Ellen Page, Drew
Barrymore, and Kristen Wiig. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Whip It</i> tells the
story of Bliss Cavendar, an indie, music-obsessed, Skyper t-shirt-wearing, and
eagerly awaiting her departure from her small-town, teenage girl who allows
readers to fall in love with her instantly. Bliss has a way of communicating
with readers and making us feel like we are indeed her best friend (besides,
Pash, her gorgeous and equally independent best friend). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I love about Bliss is that she is just like the rest of
us as teenagers, desperately seeking some place cooler. When Bliss and her
beauty-pageant-obsessed mother go on a shopping spree in <st1:place><st1:city>Austin</st1:city>,
<st1:state>Texas</st1:state></st1:place>, Bliss comes into contact with her
future in a vintage shop. Spotting a flyer for the roller derby, Bliss becomes
determined to attend one of these derby games. After Pash scores a car and the
two of them score a great excuse to get out of <st1:city>Austin</st1:city>
un-detected, they attend a derby game in pursuit of meeting their heroes and
meeting a few cute boys. When Bliss is informed by her soon-to-be-derby-pal,
Malice, about derby tryouts, Bliss moves towards a future as “Babe Ruthless,” the
popular derby girl for the sexy but always losing, Hurl Scouts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As readers, we are cheering for Bliss to accomplish her
dreams. We are afraid for her heart (especially when she falls for the bad boy,
Oliver), we are afraid of her controlling and image-obsessed mother from taking
away Bliss’s chance of becoming a derby star, and we are especially afraid for
her when Bliss takes on the scary and ultra-competitive, Dinah, on the track. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cross brings to life a story of a teenager, who although is
different, still strives to achieve greatness. Bliss is an inspiration to any teenager
out there who feels different because of the way they dress, the music they
listen to, or the things they enjoy. She encourages teens to go for what they
want, even if everyone is routing against them and that is exactly what readers
need. <o:p></o:p></div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-66353356322324217982012-08-23T04:42:00.001-07:002012-08-23T04:42:20.452-07:00Marina and The Diamonds dazzles fans in Philly<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Angela Thomas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is rare that a 27 year old performer can be described as
adorable, however Marina & The Diamonds not only proved that wrong but she
also put on an adorable show. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Friday, August 17, Marina & The Diamonds hit Philly
with a pink-colored BANG at The Theater of Living Arts. After her 2012 release
of her second album, <i>Electra Heart</i>,
Marina and her diamonds ( an affectionate name for her fans) went on a <st1:country -region="-region">US</st1:country>
tour. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvI25LQFF_nunQj57zHGaDyRhpW_u2u87DodvwDbNhnWRl7wtj8FZfxH5Jp33MLnzezKQs2EXoF96HRs7dDht0h4wGEjofuav4zXUMelwcTT5oaZAg7_lBBWI4-YJwQZDDehuKIUtJrc/s1600/100_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvI25LQFF_nunQj57zHGaDyRhpW_u2u87DodvwDbNhnWRl7wtj8FZfxH5Jp33MLnzezKQs2EXoF96HRs7dDht0h4wGEjofuav4zXUMelwcTT5oaZAg7_lBBWI4-YJwQZDDehuKIUtJrc/s320/100_0900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fans lined the streets, some donning a heart shaped beauty
mark, which is a trademark of <st1:city>Marina</st1:city>
and her “primadonna” image coming off of the success of her second album. Once
inside, fans hurried to the stage, eager to see their favorite Welsh singer in
full bloom.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Hello Philly!,” Marina shouted to her diamonds after
singing “Homewrecker” and “Lies” off of her second album, <i>Electra Heart</i>. <st1:city>Marina</st1:city>’s
set was every princess’s dream, with a velvet lounge chair, a pink background,
and a primadonna costume change. She dazzled fans as she danced around the
stage, shaking hands and throwing water at the fans. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGb6hq_-gfbEJHCg9AsXr-dzBSDfbOb48ensL-PBqujMDfMaBzNgSzPCm2JbFb8GZ-7gkB2xLfpxqtb4akDajoAoRJgaher8obh7zh4U6ogDLeqIPl5J-BUZ1TsMv_8o1Xj7_uoYDeBg/s1600/100_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGb6hq_-gfbEJHCg9AsXr-dzBSDfbOb48ensL-PBqujMDfMaBzNgSzPCm2JbFb8GZ-7gkB2xLfpxqtb4akDajoAoRJgaher8obh7zh4U6ogDLeqIPl5J-BUZ1TsMv_8o1Xj7_uoYDeBg/s320/100_0848.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><st1:city style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marina</st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> received
the biggest applause when she sang her hit single “I am Not a Robot” off of her
premier album, </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Family Jewels</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as
well as “Primadonna” off of </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Electra Heart</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.
Fans sang along, showing their adoration.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:city>Marina</st1:city> not only
is a trendsetter in music but also in style. She is best known for her unique
but beautiful vocals and pop-icon style, wearing anything from vintage to
couture. Coming all the way from <st1:country -region="-region">Wales</st1:country>,
Marina & The Diamonds are among a long list of talented individuals from
the <st1:country -region="-region">United Kingdom</st1:country>
who have set off the <st1:country -region="-region">US</st1:country>
wave charts. <st1:city>Philadelphia</st1:city> was the
second-to-last stop on <st1:city>Marina</st1:city>’s <st1:country -region="-region">US</st1:country>
tour and we sure hope it is not the last. </span></div>
Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-76098058118745892232012-06-01T15:44:00.002-07:002012-06-01T15:44:34.145-07:00The story that needed to be toldBy Angela Thomas<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYln_FA34hVaOLYcDgs9HWHlwYm7385lyolodTX01qFUtP4HDoS_0CEs_BPb_HWnAryTtf-IPbo3hq9MaHXQTbyJULoy0k4r9UDW-PKaCChL7tFILqWFQORKTPQhO27vi3EsENYqBr_zA/s1600/rage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYln_FA34hVaOLYcDgs9HWHlwYm7385lyolodTX01qFUtP4HDoS_0CEs_BPb_HWnAryTtf-IPbo3hq9MaHXQTbyJULoy0k4r9UDW-PKaCChL7tFILqWFQORKTPQhO27vi3EsENYqBr_zA/s320/rage.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Julie Anne Peters always seems to
write about the same characters: two lesbians, one out, one not-so-out.
However, this time, I think Peters has an original story! Never in my years as
an avid reader have I read a story about two lesbians in an abusive relationship.
Usually, it is the same old story where two girls see each other across the
hallway, their eyes lock, the one not-so-out girl questions her sexuality,
breaks up with her boyfriend and hooks up with the out girl. This time, Peters
has the same two characters but we get the notion that these two aren’t going
to have a smooth road ahead in their pending relationship. </div>
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The two girls, Johanna and Reeve represent
the small group of lesbians in their
school. Reeve is that girl we all know; the one with the posse of lesbians, the
beauty queen, the girl every bi-curious woman wants to test their sexual
tendencies with. Johanna is the quiet lesbian, reveling in her singleness,
being an all-around good student, and avoiding the nearest GSA. Johanna also harbors
a massive crush on Reeve. </div>
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What I like most about the book is
that anyone can relate. Most of us will willingly admit to having a crush on
that one person that just makes the whole world stop for a few seconds. Only a
select few will admit that on the occasion that we are in a class that is
boring or dazing off at work, we will create scenarios in our head which
involve our crushes and ourselves. Readers get a glimpse into the desperation,
lonliness, and lust that Johanna has for Reeve. </div>
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Throughout the book, I found myself
hanging on to different clues that Reeve wasn’t a good person for Johanna to
fantasize or want. For one thing, Reeve was extremely rough with her friends
and would randomly slug them in the face or kick them. However, once Johanna and
Reeve started connecting, Reeve’s abusive nature was apparent. Also, while
reading, I found myself getting frustrated with Johanna. She blamed herself for
all of Reeve’s physical actions. She risked everything; her best friend, her
job, her volunteer opportunity, for this girl who stole and mentally and
physically hurt her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>Rage</i>
was that story that needed to be told and I am glad it did. Abuse can happen in
any relationship, despite sexual orientation. <o:p></o:p></div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-16111412775664668322012-05-28T07:38:00.004-07:002012-05-28T07:39:01.687-07:00Same Sex in the City: A Book for the lonelyBy Angela Thomas<br />
<br />
<br />
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On one random day, my best friend and I decided to take a
bus and the subway to <st1:city>Philadelphia</st1:city>
in order to escape the annoying bureaucracy of our school. We were planning on
just doing homework in the parks like any other school student. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On our way to <st1:place><st1:placename>Rittenhouse</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Square</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
we stopped into the enormous Barnes & Noble to look at the extremely and
unfortunately small Gay & Lesbian section. That’s when I discovered it; my
dream book. It was sitting there amongst all the lesbian erotica, waiting for
me to pick it up and take it home. However, that was surely not happening for
$15.99 (and it was paperback as well!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what is this amazing book? “Same Sex in the City” by
Lauren Levin and Lauren Blitzer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWpbh-XsdFRdXrEpifL-8YkhL5zbug8ee7MvaF08s0i2JodyQ3OUgDkK2gnDNhHF2yy0eAhUwj8Bu7dUEs2d2pRhMKsz6DJos6UkDIG5owsPgmXZNiEP7Ts6I61o0n2KRmqK9ViWQTnk/s1600/7453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWpbh-XsdFRdXrEpifL-8YkhL5zbug8ee7MvaF08s0i2JodyQ3OUgDkK2gnDNhHF2yy0eAhUwj8Bu7dUEs2d2pRhMKsz6DJos6UkDIG5owsPgmXZNiEP7Ts6I61o0n2KRmqK9ViWQTnk/s320/7453.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: goodreads.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p>You see, I took a Chica Lit English seminar class this past
semester and my goal was to find a lesbian chick-lit novel. Well ladies and
gentlemen, I found it on that amazing day. A week later, I ordered it off of
Amazon for a much cheaper price. I’ve been searching this past semester for a
lesbian novel that included women like me; femme. I normally hate labels but I
would say that I can be defined as femme. I enjoy shopping, shoes, clothing,
make-up, perfume, etc. and reading about other women who enjoyed these things
while also enjoying sex with women was tantalizing to say the least; a little
of my own “erotica” in a way.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t
been written yet, then you must write it,” Toni Morrison is quoted at the
beginning of chapter one. This quote was pretty much the mission of my “coming
out.” Levin and Blitzer take me back to the days of scanning the aisles of
Borders and not standing too close to the gay and lesbian section (but close
enough to see what lesbian novels there were.) Even now, reading a novel about
women in their middle 20s and their coming out process are hard to find. Never
in my 25 years of existence have I ever read a novel’s first 17 pages and felt
like crying “THANK YOU, UNIVERSE!”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I really loved most about Levin and Blitzer’s novel is
that they reiterate the whole “label-less” message. Although I can absolutely
and confidently label myself as a lesbian, it isn’t always necessary to label
yourself as any type of sexuality. Sexuality is fluid and sometimes not black
or white. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipahILre_efEEStITAbk_tNtLq7EqevxAnxTC_TFEo4xHgUbiQJq1s3Lp-U1ao6wBOrZAbGaH2vFgJ9Ghno24V_o9C9gG3P6bzquerHyJVAgaO3tU3_w9Eg5U04PSRIamzBH7j9QWATHs/s1600/ns_outloud15_ph2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipahILre_efEEStITAbk_tNtLq7EqevxAnxTC_TFEo4xHgUbiQJq1s3Lp-U1ao6wBOrZAbGaH2vFgJ9Ghno24V_o9C9gG3P6bzquerHyJVAgaO3tU3_w9Eg5U04PSRIamzBH7j9QWATHs/s320/ns_outloud15_ph2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blitzer (left) and Levin (right)<br />
Source: sfgate.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>The novel also does an amazing job of not painting one
picture of a “lesbian.” We’re all familiar with the Kate Moennig/ Shane image
of lesbians but many times, lesbians can’t be defined as having a “look.” You
wouldn’t believe how many times my partner and I would be at a lesbian
nightclub, see two femme lesbians together, and squeal with joy. We come in all
different sizes and shapes. What is appealing is that the book does not just
pertain to “femme” girls. The text talks about all different “labels” of
lesbians.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The novel reminds me a little bit about Dan Savage’s <i>It Gets Better</i> except this novel is
geared towards women who are attracted to women. It is like one big “pow wow”
of lady-lovers reaching out to other lady-lovers. However I have to disagree
but agree with something the novel touches on and that is experimentation. At
one point, Levin and Blitzer encourage women to get drunk and make out with
their best friend. I know from first hand experience that this doesn’t always
go over well. Experimentation is normal but do it carefully because you might
hold someone’s heart in your hands. However, for first-timers, this book gives
good advice on how to approach your first time with the same-sex.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this
world, it is hard to feel a part of every day life, especially for the younger
generation of the queer community. Books like Levin and Blitzer’s really help
the youth realize that they are truly not alone. Pick this book up, read it,
and realize that sometimes, things aren’t as they seem and usually, you’re not
alone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-65360446155088973092012-05-26T13:26:00.001-07:002012-05-26T13:26:49.912-07:00The Help: Inspirational or not?By Angela Thomas<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlmDF2AFC6-BDBn7TTFSAjmtiM92fd7HUdbugtlIZzRaO2q_uPACxPvgge9BpVEbdwd_Mteeot4Xvfm37peQm8sGfcAEzjtcGolwfGj0st_YXjl6XE_rMoMGmg3-foETKHekbwAEEmRM/s1600/The-Help-9780425232200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlmDF2AFC6-BDBn7TTFSAjmtiM92fd7HUdbugtlIZzRaO2q_uPACxPvgge9BpVEbdwd_Mteeot4Xvfm37peQm8sGfcAEzjtcGolwfGj0st_YXjl6XE_rMoMGmg3-foETKHekbwAEEmRM/s320/The-Help-9780425232200.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve recently just finished the book, <i>The Help</i> by Kathryn Stockett. That being said, I am not sure how I
feel about the controversy over the book. I understand the point of view about
the book having the same old “white woman helps and saves black woman.”
However, I found the two women of color characters, Aibileen and Minny to be
the strongest characters in the book and although Mrs. Skeeter helped Aibileen
and Minny with their book, it was ultimately Minny and Aibileen who helped
themselves. I haven’t seen the film adaptation of the book, so I am not sure
how they portray all the characters and stories. I think what Stockett was
trying to prove was that conditions for women and men of color were terrible.
The way they were treated was (and still is) disturbing. Stockett was just
trying to bring light to a harsh situation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book was thoroughly enjoyable for me and had me laughing
at some parts and tearing up at some. I don’t think I’ve ever hated a character
like Hilly but she was also a fictional character that represents many
non-fictional people today. Celia Foote was one of the most amazing literary
characters I have ever read. Her compassion, her innocence, who colorblindness,
and her strength were extremely inspiring. This novel is absolutely recommended! <o:p></o:p></div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-33533019977859419352012-05-22T09:37:00.000-07:002012-05-22T09:37:21.909-07:00"Circumstance": More than meets the trailerBy Angela Thomas<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQWMB4GsitIKrdFEr7A9GzEnRo5LkTs477g6Ic181SFcwA_hUKT7B6abKq5hoBd5LK2sBA7nGkITcf0A5tae2_7r8uDvgvmrhzcSJ0vuiuFr9-97rVcFQHYwygqkojd9XxOoTWnWmNmQ/s1600/MV5BMTc5NjI5MzA3OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTgxNzcyNg@@._V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQWMB4GsitIKrdFEr7A9GzEnRo5LkTs477g6Ic181SFcwA_hUKT7B6abKq5hoBd5LK2sBA7nGkITcf0A5tae2_7r8uDvgvmrhzcSJ0vuiuFr9-97rVcFQHYwygqkojd9XxOoTWnWmNmQ/s1600/MV5BMTc5NjI5MzA3OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTgxNzcyNg@@._V1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">imdb.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is rare to watch a piece of cinema that in itself was a
huge risk. It is even rarer to watch a film in which the actors and actresses
have risked not only their reputations but lives as well.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took me exactly one year to get my hands on a copy of “Circumstance,”
but I finally did it. I saw a preview for the film last summer while checking
out the various Hulu film trailers. The film offered a few things that
interested me; Iranian youth culture, potential love story between two women,
and a risk. While watching the trailer, one could get the premise of the film
by assuming it is a story of two Iranian women coming to terms with their
sexuality and feelings for one another. However, “Circumstance” was so much
more than that. “Circumstance” was a risk, and huge one that director, Maryam
Keshavarz took. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h7hsiisor4y-RRW5ZM20laZngoDpPOAxQq4JjKkLcaSV2Bp_LkK5mhdYsEw1LtCQm3PVtzrHztg4A3Do_ODV1LQRT4wO_foihtVFTQxX3cAC6xK-nNdHA0NZbR54_TL0_VAa3HPAHx4/s1600/Circumstance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h7hsiisor4y-RRW5ZM20laZngoDpPOAxQq4JjKkLcaSV2Bp_LkK5mhdYsEw1LtCQm3PVtzrHztg4A3Do_ODV1LQRT4wO_foihtVFTQxX3cAC6xK-nNdHA0NZbR54_TL0_VAa3HPAHx4/s320/Circumstance2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Kazemy (left) who portrays Shireen and Nikohl Boosheri (right) who portrays Atefah<br />
Photo courtesy of jbspins.blogspot.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s all about being trapped in the system,” Keshavarz said
in an interview. Not only were these two women, Atefah (Nikohl Boosheri) and Shireen
(Sarah Kazemy) thrown into a society where women are not treated as equals and
judged by their class, but also have to appear to play along with society’s
norms while having romantic and sexual feelings for one another.</div>
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The story behind “Circumstance” was originally Keshavarz’s
Master’s thesis at <st1:place><st1:placename>New York</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>University</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
Keshavarz’s professor encouraged her to write about what she knew. As a
teenager, Keshavarz was familiar with the underground culture. Although the
film is based in <st1:country-region>Iran</st1:country-region>,
because of the content of the movie, Keshavarz was forced to find another
location.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3deHKIvGsObtoWpTN2qxEzdQys6oAz-zwCo0AdaCAlOrLULylBXETk3tnfndnLABTdHEUU_mBxnP59qzcagl-eQxfu6WGy9l1uusjO32Y2l4pt-1xrb035Ou4RVdGDSUl1dBWQEIalQ/s1600/circumstance%2520on%2520set_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3deHKIvGsObtoWpTN2qxEzdQys6oAz-zwCo0AdaCAlOrLULylBXETk3tnfndnLABTdHEUU_mBxnP59qzcagl-eQxfu6WGy9l1uusjO32Y2l4pt-1xrb035Ou4RVdGDSUl1dBWQEIalQ/s320/circumstance%2520on%2520set_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keshavarz (far right) directs Kazemy and Boosheri<br />
Photo courtesy of takepart.com</td></tr>
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“There are a lot of similarities,” Keshavarz said about
picking her new location, <st1:country-region>Lebanon</st1:country-region>,
to film “Circumstance.” Because of the exposure the film was giving to <st1:country-region>Iran</st1:country-region>,
its youth culture, its inequality; it was a huge risk for the crew and actors
to take. None of them would be allowed to visit or go back to <st1:country-region>Iran</st1:country-region>.</div>
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The film really did surprise me. Expecting a lesbian story,
I instead received a background on <st1:country-region>Iran</st1:country-region>
and the underground culture. Most of my opinions of <st1:country-region>Iran</st1:country-region>
come from the media. I suspected it was conservative country but I had no idea
there was an underground culture. The youth are no different from our youth
here or anywhere for that matter.</div>
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What I loved most about the film was the theme of equality. The
fact that the youth in the movie are willing to risk everything in order to get
the message out that human rights should exist by exposing the film, “Milk,”
which was about the first openly-gay Mayor, Harvey Milk, to the country of Iran
was inspiring. But even more engaging was that Atefah and Shireen were two best
friends just like any other girl; they liked to shop, go to parties, socialize,
dance, and enjoy life—however with restrictions from their society. It is no
different from any other country and that is what I liked about the film.
Keshavarz wasn’t just exposing <st1:country-region>Iran</st1:country-region>
but she also linked this movie with the way other country’s societies are
because no society is perfect. </div>
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This movie is a must see for everyone. It isn’t a film to
make viewers hate the country of <st1:country-region>Iran</st1:country-region>
but to point out that many countries don’t preserve the rights and equality of
their citizens. “Circumstance” is a lesson that everyone regardless of race,
sexuality, gender, religion, etc. should be treated equally.</div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-89550394992754826262012-05-20T14:46:00.000-07:002012-05-20T14:47:27.745-07:00Johnny who? Hello Eva Green! Dark Shadows surprises long time fans<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By Angela Thomas</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjVrj_-keyfnFOFemC9scPlT7rf0SaFvbb6PiPD9bF8ZwUbg3JiVpheoNnNU22aVJo1OXKK9bj6y-IwtgRuqJ1nJrJ22u0AD3H6RR_IBdhgfn4Y0Lfk2Yn3VXOIwc6hlEQ8tI8CHhf6w/s1600/dark-shadows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjVrj_-keyfnFOFemC9scPlT7rf0SaFvbb6PiPD9bF8ZwUbg3JiVpheoNnNU22aVJo1OXKK9bj6y-IwtgRuqJ1nJrJ22u0AD3H6RR_IBdhgfn4Y0Lfk2Yn3VXOIwc6hlEQ8tI8CHhf6w/s400/dark-shadows.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cast of <i>Dark Shadows</i><br />
Photo courtesy of: pfangirl.blogspot.com</td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s rare that I go to the movies. To be fair, it is not the
movie content but really the prices. However, when I do go, you better believe
there will be some magic involved, i.e. vampires, witches, and werewolves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A week ago, long-time <i>Dark
Shadows</i> fan, my mom, asked me to accompany her to see the movie. You see,
while the rest of the world thought vampires were “too dark” of a subject, my
mom huddled up watching her favorite vampires appear on the small screen. Many
don’t know that <i>Dark Shadows</i> was once
a TV drama in the 60s. Directed by Dan Curtis, the TV series was a fan favorite.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, famous and quirky director and producer, Tim Burton,
has taken it upon himself to adapt the TV show into a film based off of the
original series. Question is, has he done a good job?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After the movie was over, my mom just looked at me and said “that
was nothing like the television show,” but she wasn’t surprised, this is <st1:city>Hollywood</st1:city>
after all. It isn’t that Tim Burton didn’t do a good job but when something is
supposed to be “based off of” a television show or book, you expect that to be
true. According to my mom, the only things that held true were the names.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But as a newcomer into the <i>Dark Shadows</i> world, I must say that I enjoyed this piece. Although
Johnny Depp usually catches my eye because of his brilliant acting, I wouldn’t
say that he was the star. Going into the movie, I even expected youngster, Chloe
Moretz to steal the spotlight but even she didn’t do it for me. My attention
was focused on Eva Green who portrays the evil and seductive witch, Angelique
Bouchard. Not only is Green extremely beautiful but she was extremely creepy in
the film. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJNe1L1EoaoHWeXtt5j5Odmt3aDohLWJBd8JN4JwuDE1f_OfokrwEez5KGBscdo2TVaJgFWtzsMgO2gprWOYb532SreH7x39sT6lW3Xx14VSUf7-GCxf4fz0dkZLezdZEa8sRbqHLE9E/s1600/dark-shadows-eva-green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJNe1L1EoaoHWeXtt5j5Odmt3aDohLWJBd8JN4JwuDE1f_OfokrwEez5KGBscdo2TVaJgFWtzsMgO2gprWOYb532SreH7x39sT6lW3Xx14VSUf7-GCxf4fz0dkZLezdZEa8sRbqHLE9E/s320/dark-shadows-eva-green.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eva Green as Angelique Bouchard<br />
Photo courtesy of: blogs.indiewire.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The set, the make-up and costuming would be the best aspect
of this film. </span><st1:city style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Burton</st1:city><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> does an
amazing job of making human actors look ethereal or animated. However, after
looking at a few reviews of the film, the one that stood out to me the most was
Movie Fone’s. I must agree with them in my disappointment with not hearing
Danny Elfman’s music throughout the film. </span><st1:city style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Burton</st1:city><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
and Elfman go together, one without the other is like macaroni with the cheese;
disastrous and sad. The script was also something to be missed. If you’ve seen
the movie, you’ll understand me when I say “When the heck was Carolyn turned
into a werewolf?” These instances as well as others were a few to question the
writing on the movie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Again, although I have a lack of knowledge on the original
TV series, <i>Dark Shadows</i> was a new
Vampire story for me. I enjoyed it for what it was meant to be, which is
entertaining. However, I understand what it feels like to be a diehard fan of
something only to see it adapted on the big screen in a totally different way.
If you’re a fan of the <i>Gossip Girl</i>
book series, you’ll know what I mean!</span></div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-24863386290705882712012-05-19T14:02:00.002-07:002012-05-19T14:02:24.912-07:00The Ting Tings rock the Troc, mesmerize fans with music<br />
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By Angela Thomas, News Editor, <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Quad</em></div>
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On Friday, April 13, a versatile group of fans lined up outside of theTrocadero Theater in Center City, Philadelphia to see The Ting Tings perform live. One fan held a sign, asking The Ting Tings if she could play the guitar during their 2008 hit single, “Shut Up and Let Me Go.”</div>
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Interacting with fans outside of the theater, the excitement was apparent. One fan said that they were excited for The Ting Tings to play.</div>
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“It was my birthday two days ago, so my friends bought my ticket for my birthday,” the fan said. Like that fan, my Ting Tings ticket was also bought for my birthday.</div>
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While excitingly waiting outside of the theater on a warm and sunny day, we discussed the songs that we hoped The Ting Tings would play. Songs like “That’s Not My Name,” “Soul Killing,” and “Hit Me Up Sonny” were the few named out of many that fans hoped would be played. Sadly, the only thing that disappointed me during the concert was the lack of presence of my personal favorite, “Soul Killing.” However, the concert as a whole was one of the best that I have seen.</div>
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While most fans were dancing along to The Ting Tings most popular song off of their debut album, “We Started Nothing,” which was released on May 16, 2008, that sign-holding fan was brought up to the stage to play part of the guitar riff to “Shut Up and Let Me Go.” Before bringing the lucky fan on stage, The Ting Tings teased the audience, playing the beginning part of the song and encouraging fans to clap along before diving hard-core into the song, where loyal fans sang their hearts out to The Ting Ting’s most known tune.</div>
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This is how their entire set was—encouraging and adoring their fans.</div>
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The Ting Tings released their second album, “Sounds from Nowheresville” in March of this year. The album, one of their strongest, launched The Ting Tings’s current tour around the United States and the world.</div>
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Bringing with them a fresh sound that does not stray too far from their original, The Ting Tings opened up with their song, “Silence,” off of their second album. Lead singer and guitarist, Katie White, hopped onto the stage, encouraging the audience to be silent while Jules de Martino, guitarist, drummer, and vocals for the band, began playing the beginning guitar riffs for their song, “Silence.” Audience members were drawn to White’s seductive, powerful voice as she sang the lyrics “hold, hold your tongue now and let them all listen to your silence.” As the song sped up, fans were blasted into the core of the song, jumping and dancing around to the beat.</div>
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The whole show was electric from then on, with de Martino and White playing and singing in harmony under the bright and flashing strobe lights.</div>
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“Thank you Philly for having us,” White shouted to the audience. “This is the best crowd we have had on tour.”</div>
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The Ting Tings played a collection of songs from their debut album and from their new album.</div>
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The petite White danced and belted out the words to “Hit Me Up Sonny” off of their new album, “Sounds fromNowheresville,” getting down on the stage to shake hands and sing to the fans. De Martino joined in with supporting vocals, casting out adoring fans who were excited to see both talented musicians back in the music scene.</div>
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Many jokes were thrown around by fans, and even while standing in line, there was the occasional out-of-tune admirer cranking out the lyrics of “That’s Not My Name,” which by popular opinion is the Ting Ting’s most recognized and entertaining song. However, as fun as the song is to sing, it is even more amazing to listen to White sing it.</div>
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If there ever was a band that was exhausted after a show, it was probably The Ting Tings. The band “brought down the house.” Their show was an energetic mix of both the old and the new, bringing together both the young and the old to enjoy this band’s eclectic music and unique style.</div>
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Overall, The Ting Tings brought a style that was both familiar and unique to a crowd that was mesmerized by the music.</div>
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*Article originally published in <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.wcuquad.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f3686d; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Quad</a>.</em></div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-64254211551131039522012-05-19T14:01:00.002-07:002012-05-19T14:01:31.382-07:00Dev mixes pop-rock and hip-hop styles, charms crowd in Center City<br />
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By Angela Thomas, News Editor of <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Quad.</em></div>
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“The album is finally out,” popular singer, Dev, shouted to the audience during her April 17 concert at The Trocadero in Center City, Philadelphia.</div>
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She was known for the longest time as the girl who provided the back-up lyrics for The Catarac’s and Far East Movement’s top 40 single, “Like a G6.” Now, Dev is making big waves for herself, producing and singing top-40 songs with artists like Enrique Inglesias and Fabolous.</div>
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Her debut album, “The Night the Sun Came Up,” was released in March of 2012. However, before her debut album was released, Dev teased fans with singles like “Killer,” “In the Dark,” and “Bass Down Low,” before releasing her very own anticipated album.</div>
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The 22-year-old pop sensation performed both songs from the new album as well as performing the song thatskyrocked her to fame, “Like a G6.” She mixed things up a bit by including techno and dubstep tracks into her songs, with fans screaming, jumping, dancing, and enjoying themselves. Although her partners during both “Like A G6” (TheCataracs and Far East Movement) and “Naked” which featured Enrique Inglesias, were both absent during the performance, Dev made the song her own and did a fantastic job without either artists.</div>
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Dev has started a trend in the music field, creating a pathway for young women with a unique style to enter the industry with no shame. Her collective sound can range from hip-hop to pop-rock while providing an indie-edge to her image.</div>
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During the show, Dev thanked her fans as well as dedicating her song, “Perfect Match,” to her fiancé, Jimmy Goreckiand her baby daughter, Emilia Lovely. Dev brought an energy to the audience that was like no other, laughing and joking with the DJ on stage, dancing with her back-up singers, and waving, blowing kisses, and shaking hands with her fans. She was endlessly thanking her fans for making her the artist she is today.</div>
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Dev has three more gigs left in Pennsylvania. She will be performing at York College of Pennsylvania on April 26, at The Crocodile Rock Café in Allentown, Pa. on May 2, and The Community Arts Center in Williamsport, Pa. on May 7. For more information, visit www.devishot.com.</div>
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*story originally published in <a href="http://www.wcuquad.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f3686d; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Quad</em></a>. </div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-56164705409160536072012-05-19T14:00:00.001-07:002012-05-19T14:00:38.266-07:00Dan Savage and partner publishes life-saving book, inspires youth<br />
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It is amazing how something can randomly catch your attention.</div>
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A few weeks ago, I was standing at the computer lab in my University’s library when, while waiting for a PDF to download, I browsed the “popular books” section where the University displays the new books they have received. One in particular caught my eye and a flash back appeared when that same book was at a Borders 50% off sale and it still wasn’t cheap enough for me to buy. What book was is, you ask? “It Gets Better” which was edited by Dan Savage and Terry Miller.</div>
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<a href="http://femmeisthename.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/it-gets-better-book.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f3686d; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Image" class=" wp-image " height="337" src="http://femmeisthename.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/it-gets-better-book.jpg?w=223&h=337" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="223" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Photo credit: outspokennyc.com</div>
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I’ve been drawn to the “It Gets Better” project and have watched countless videos from celebrities, youtubers, and strangers. The project is an inspiring one and watching all of those videos made me realize that I was never truly alone and that there are hundreds of us out there living gay and okay lives.</div>
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However, the book did bring up some memories for me as a straight ally in a huge high school where sitting with the gay kids meant that you got orange juice and milk cartons thrown at you daily. Till this day, I still have a twinkling of remorse whenever I hear one of our torturer’s names.</div>
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The book, edited by the amazing Dan Savage and his husband, Terry Miller, has countless letters from politicians, religious leaders, social workers, high school kids, college kids, celebrities, etc talking about the rough times, the good times, and the much better times of being a LGBTQ person of society.</div>
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What I enjoyed most about the book was sense of reality because sometimes, things do not get better but they also do not get worse. A passage from Gabrielle Rivera was absolutely riveting to me because Gabrielle starts out her letter with “as a gay woman of color, I just want to let the youth know that it kind of doesn’t get better.” (45) However, Rivera follows with “you get stronger.” Rivera does a good job at pointing out that the straight and upper-class celebrities that tell youth that it does get better, really have no idea what they are talking about because some of them have never been in a bullied child’s “shoes” so-to-speak. I love the reality of her passage because yes, it does get better for some people but some people do not have the resources to make life better but although things do not get better for them, they gain strength from the experience.</div>
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I especially loved the letters from religious leaders. One in particular by Bishop Gene Robinson, was especially inspiring considering all the hateful messages religious leaders can have towards the queer community. Robinson wrote, “”It gets better, I promise. And it is getting better all the time. Things are changing. So if you’re considering hurting yourself, please don’t. God wants you to live…so hang in there. Be strong. And know that despite the messages you get…God loves you beyond your wildest imagining and only wants the best for you.” (31). Robinson is the first openly gay male to hold the position of Bishop of New Hampshire.</div>
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Dan Savage, picture above, is co-edited of the book, It Gets Better<br />photo from: en.wikipedia.org</div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It Gets Better</em> is one of the books that should be in every high school and college library. In fact, the great thing about Dan Savage is that on the It Gets Better website, for $25, Savage will donate a book to a public library, which is wonderful for students, who like me, can barely afford their textbooks let alone a book that is life-saving. Savage and Miller do a great in putting together this book of positive and affirming messages, telling the LGBTQ youth that things get better, you get stronger, and there are people out there who love them. I can only imagine the lives this book could save if it was in high school libraries across the country and world.</div>Angelais1987http://www.blogger.com/profile/01030946184749559680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636628217440128650.post-9608525467104936852011-11-12T11:23:00.000-08:002011-11-12T11:23:03.895-08:00Awesome coffee houses in Philadelphia1) Cake and the Beanstalk<div>1112 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CakendtheBeanstalk">http://www.facebook.com/CakendtheBeanstalk</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">2) La Colombe Torrefactiction</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">620 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-2028</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSr9kMDU3q3qWtRT3_2uvJ3vBg18FhaOsGudLYyeGPLbHWCXHq4xbJfAbESFh6RQbTeEGWJ5jo_oG8Ke78z-LOtiQShoTQ5ZwveUzCLNWuGiVcr3voy-uANfO1GLoTQ377DCXNd6K0aU/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSr9kMDU3q3qWtRT3_2uvJ3vBg18FhaOsGudLYyeGPLbHWCXHq4xbJfAbESFh6RQbTeEGWJ5jo_oG8Ke78z-LOtiQShoTQ5ZwveUzCLNWuGiVcr3voy-uANfO1GLoTQ377DCXNd6K0aU/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from Owner<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">3) Chapter house Cafe in Philadelphia</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">620 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-2028</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgineJ1wVX4OZLC0EnbvC0cHokQePCkRzagwRpojAc-r1QnjIPaLi2PYvpDbNvyCz8Kpo1O-F9dLPsBdftEYsBmW9OxX5d0i0EjuyBCOJXjaqXiRhK2DkpUi4vYszYfH9myI9cGOPc_4sk/s1600/cbs-best-coffee-chapterhous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgineJ1wVX4OZLC0EnbvC0cHokQePCkRzagwRpojAc-r1QnjIPaLi2PYvpDbNvyCz8Kpo1O-F9dLPsBdftEYsBmW9OxX5d0i0EjuyBCOJXjaqXiRhK2DkpUi4vYszYfH9myI9cGOPc_4sk/s1600/cbs-best-coffee-chapterhous.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">4) Philly Pourhouse</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="style5" style="text-align: -webkit-center;">262 South 10th Street</span> <span class="style5" style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Philadelphia, PA 19107</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="style5" style="background-color: #ffcc33; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br />
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