4.28.2011

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse

By Sam Hackerson

We’ve all heard it before—reduce, reuse, recycle. But very recently it was pointed out to me that no one ever remembers the fourth R in that sequence---refuse. One of the most important things you can do is refuse. Send a message to suppliers of all sorts and show them exactly what you don’t need.

Start Small

Try bringing your own silverware to the plastic-stocked cafeteria, bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at fountains, or replacing air fresheners with baking soda.

Take it a Step Further

Go vegetarian once a week. I know you’ve all heard this one before, but that’s because it’s such an easy way to lower demand for something that causes a lot of unnecessary waste.

Feeling Ambitious?

Try making your own rain barrel and avoid overusing your hose (there are some good instructions herel) or plant your own garden and lower demand for groceries that would’ve required transport. Don’t have your own place? Try one of these. You can even start your own compost and lower your demand for space in landfills— there’s some great start up info here.

You don’t have to drastically alter your everyday life; all you need to do is think about what you can substitute and what you can do without, then all that’s left to do is start refusing.

4.27.2011

Decoded

By Amy Albertson

If you're an avid magazine reader, like me, you might be curious about those little squares of black and white that keep popping up on ads. From Armani to Tag Hauer ads, these codes are seen more and more on magazine ads and signs. A curious consumer, I decided to find out just what they are all about. These little squares are called QR (quick response) codes and are barcodes made up of black modules arranged on a white background. The codes are scannable by barcode readers and now smart phones.

So what is the perk of scanning one of these codes? Well, that varies from ad to ad. I decided to download a QR reading app for my iPhone and try it out myself. The Armani Exchange code took me to a web page advertising exclusive looks at AX fashion, the Doc Marten code took me to a page detailing exactly which pair of shoes the model in the ad was photographed wearing, with links to buy them for myself, and the Pac Sun code tok me to a page allowing me to download free tracks of music. The app I downloaded also catalogs any codes I scan, making it easy to refer back to them. Clearly some are more valuable than others. Scanning these little codes is a pretty easy way to score some free stuff. And who doesn't like free stuff?

Check your smart phone's app store for a free QR code scanner and get to it! It's like what Forrest Gump said about life and a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get!

4.24.2011

Pog Lovin'

By Blair Stenvick

Remember pogs? Those cardboard circles with different designs, characters, teams, et cetera on them that were huge in the nineties? Yeah, I loved pogs, and if you’re over eighteen, chances are you did too.

But let’s be honest here: they were completely useless. Apparently there was some sort of game that went along with them, but I never played it, and I don’t remember anyone else playing either. The thrill was purely in collecting them. And unlike Pokemon or baseball cards, which at least had some sort of clear ranking system, all pogs were created equal. I didn’t care what was on them, I just liked having a lot of them. Pogs served absolutely no function beyond being something to own. They were the most purely capitalistic fad I can think of.

So why were they so fucking inescapable in 1995? According to Wikipedia, President Bill Clinton was even in on the “fun” that came with these little pieces of cardboard. I tried thinking of some modern-day equivalent to pogs, and the closest I could get was Silly Bands, but at least you can wear those.

But then, Pogs aren’t that different from any other cheap collectible, from sticker books to movie ticket stubs. But why do we like to collect so much? I love to sometimes just sit and look at my record and book and sweater collections, especially when there are new additions. Material things offer a special kind of comfort that I can’t imagine giving up. And even things like pogs, devoid of any emotional or intellectual meaning, can be reassuring exactly because of their lack of practicality. Absolute novelty is sometimes needed, and if we’re going to indulge, I’d rather it be in pieces of cardboard than in diamonds.

Pogs: the Middle Class’ version of gold-plated toothpicks. Being excessive, on a budget. Don’t think; just pog.

4.23.2011

CONSTRUCTION

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!
Hello everyone. I have some special news. As much as I love having a blog all to myself, about anything I want, I've decided to do some revamping. 4monthsatsea is converting to a collective blog. I understand that I often am too busy to blog consistently and/or can't think of anything truly interesting to write about. This seems to be the issue with a lot of my friends' blogs so I figured, why not just do it together and make one ridiculously great blog?!
This transition is going to take time. I'm working on converting everything to a bit of a new format that will more efficiently include others.
GET EXCITED!!! I've enlisted a number of my friends to contribute. Now you'll be able to read about interesting things from new, interesting points of view! They all have great taste and always know about much more cool/interesting stuff than I do. Also, if you're interesting in becoming a contributor/guest writer, just email me. The more the merrier!!!

4.14.2011

Amy's Addiction

Lately I've been running into this problem. Here's the problem: I want to sleep ALL THE TIME. And consequently I often do. I go to bed at 10, wake up at 8, get out of class at 12, and I'm back in bed til 3. Then I sit at my desk or in my bed and just stare at nothing, surf the web, watch some netflix, eat some cereal...basically you get the idea. I've been unproductive and exhausted for seemingly no reason at all. Sounds depressing, cause it kinda is. BUT DO NOT FRET. I think I've figured out the problem. In addition to sleeping/dying all day everyday, I've also been resisting coffee. My thoughts were "If I'm sleeping enough I shouldn't need coffee". WRONG! This week, I've given into the stuff and I've been 100x more productive/alive (and I'm kind of being literal on this one). So call me a typical Portlander and/or college student. I have an addiction/dependency to coffee, and I'm admitting it here and now.

Music: Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

4.10.2011

Beauty Arsenal


Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume
Revlon Nail Color in Black Lingerie
Justin Beiber for Nicole by OPI in Step 2 the Beat of My Heart
Tresemme Thermal Creations Straightening Gel
DiorShow Waterproof Mascara
Maybeline Fit Foundation in 220
MAC Cream Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger

These are just some beauty products I've been into lately. I love the heart glitter nail polish over the dark, shiny black. It makes it ten times better that it has Baby Beibz name on it. I've been feeling like wearing lipsticks lately because they make the day more bright. My Grandma recently visited and we did a little cosmetic shopping. I walked away with Lady Danger, a bright red, matte color. Matte makes it a bit more day-wearable.

Music: Bottoms Up - Trey Songz, Ft. Niki Minaj, Cat Daddy - The Rej3ctz ft. Chris Brown, and Airplanes - Local Natives

p.s. Sorry for the lack of posting. I've been busy with school and feeling kind of exhausted ALL THE TIME. I'll try to get something a bit more interesting/relevant up soon. Ya'll be good now, ya hear.