People have been altering their appearances since, well, let's just say since man discovered how to make something in his semblance. That's right. Ever seen Venus of Willendor? Diskobolos? Byzantine icons of Madonna and Child? Paintings of Queen Elizabeth I? Hollywood portraits since the 30s? My goodness - the outrage at the "lack of authenticity" of a picture is august, but this is in no way a new concept. I am not declaring that use of Photoshop is right or wrong, but manipulations of the image have occurred for [literally] thousands of years.

Human beings have always wanted more, wanted to "improve," and the perception of beauty has evolved numerous times. Claims that all "rounder" individuals lead healthier lives than "stick-thin" people is an incorrect assumption (as is the similar vice-versa statement). Commercials are commercials because they are meant to SELL. They are meant to appeal to a large consumer base (and while you may not be one of them, many others eagerly volunteer in your stead), which is one of the reasons why they keep making them in the way that they do. Entertainment is for your amusement, so that you can revel in the imaginary lives of others who are just that much more exciting than you and can fly (yes, that includes Batman AND Superman, among countless others).

Commercials, commercial entertainment, entertainment, entertainment commercials - is it not obvious that these do not reflect the absolute truth? Yes, these are not 100% accurate representations of human beings. What a revelation! Maybe you should stop wearing cosmetics and those trendy clothes. Start documenting every mundane aspect of your life like those poor, grammar-and-spelling-skill-deprived souls of social media sites so that everyone will know exactly how "real" you are, and how "real" your five minute walk to class was.

I am so very grateful for our easy and immediate access to a plethora of information at our fingertips, but it baffles me how some particularly ignorant individuals still manage to exist. Feel free to have an opinion, but be informed about it; at the very least, admit your weaknesses and be open to learning.

I lugged a large amount of gear plus my normal bag from class this afternoon. It was rather warm, and I felt tired. On my way home, I stopped at the crosswalk, as people usually do when they do not wish to be killed. I waited for the red hand to change to a white man, indicating that we could walk again. A Caucasian guy wearing white headphones and carrying a skateboard stood in front of me. He glanced at me, then turned back.

Then he turned around again, pointed two fingers at me, and said, "You're-too-damn-pretty-for-your-own-good-and-i-hope-i-made-your-day." The light changed, and he rode off on his skateboard.

I exhaled loudly, the kind that's like a scoff, but in a more pleasantly surprised sort of way. Wow. I didn't even know how to respond to that. It did make my day.

Now I wait. I hate waiting. Maybe I should have gone home-home already. Must not get into the habit of being late to everything.

Also on the bright side, I got another [unpaid] internship. Considering dropping my other one because I'm afraid the commute to LA and back will be far too taxing on me. Honestly, I'm not sure how worth it the whole experience will be considering the time spent (and I will spend) in traffic, but I've been alright so far. All I can do is take it and go.

I feel it'd be rather mundane to update you on my life these past two months, but for memory's sake, I shall give a super brief summary.

Graduating on schedule, in June, as it was near impossible to garner all five required courses for graduation. Submitted two applications, but I have yet to hear anything from either. Would it be prudent to ask about them? Definitely wasting a lot of time, giving myself too many excuses, but I am enjoying my senior year. I want to learn more. I feel a great dissatisfaction during waiting times, unproductive classes... what am I paying for, anyway?

Went to see Castle in the Sky (unfortunately, the theatre changed it to dubbed in English rather last minute), which was oddly comical because of the English dubbing.

There's so much talk about the future. Is it over-hyped? Is it well-tuned advice? I'd love to have my own place, but I have to wait a long while to get there. I have to do much, much more; I feel that I should not have to pick up the pieces left by others. If they want it, they should get it. Or ask me. I'll be willing to help, willing to do quite a bit, actually, but I don't want to chase after half-assed, unreliable fools.

I'm still really excited about my documentary photo project. Some interviews are better than others, just as some photos are better than others. If only those correlated with each other better.