tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19007362276377863322024-03-13T05:29:37.864-07:00F A T G I R L S F L O A TIn a culture where fat can weigh you down, the only thing that keeps you from sinking, is the size of your heart.-Kira NerusskayaKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-53213806527201966042011-05-05T20:09:00.000-07:002011-05-05T20:50:30.729-07:00International Diet Day, Malissa Jones, Loving Your Neighbor, and Eclairs<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfI2PmO7YKs/TcNv_VFeF5I/AAAAAAAAAFE/iyTosgVCGz4/s1600/images%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfI2PmO7YKs/TcNv_VFeF5I/AAAAAAAAAFE/iyTosgVCGz4/s400/images%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603445495161558930" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhdWPitmgFs/TcNv2na1wDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/hj_N_LXvwD8/s1600/images%255B7%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 100px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhdWPitmgFs/TcNv2na1wDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/hj_N_LXvwD8/s400/images%255B7%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603445345464205362" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uy0b6KVe-8/TcNmuG4yLeI/AAAAAAAAAE0/lYlDNtV0sew/s1600/images%255B6%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Uy0b6KVe-8/TcNmuG4yLeI/AAAAAAAAAE0/lYlDNtV0sew/s400/images%255B6%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603435303687826914" /></a><br /><br /><br />May 6 is International No Diet Day (INDD). It was started by Mary Evans Young in England in 1992. I know many people can't wait for this day. I appreciate it for the fact that it picks up both venom (maybe from those on a diet?) as well as supporters each year. I am thankful for a few things: (1) its creation, (2) longevity, and (3)the ability to shock those not 'in the know.'<br /><br />In Mary's own words, she describes how she began INDD:<br /><br />"I started INDD in the spring of '92 following two things. The first was seeing a television programme where women were having their stomachs stapled. One woman had split the staples and was in for her third op[eration]. And then a young girl of 15 committed suicide because 'she couldn't cope being fat.' She was size 14 (12 in US). I decided somebody had to stand up and try to stop this bloody madness and in the absence of anybody else, I decided it would be me. So I sent out a press release titled 'Fat Woman Bites Back'...and got some media attention. I was desperate to keep the anti-diet/size acceptance concept in the public eye. So, without really thinking about it, at the end of a live TV interview I said, 'Don't forget to celebrate No Diet Day.' ...Having declared it on prime time national TV I then set about organising a picnic in Hyde Park. Alas it rained, so we adjourned to my living room instead." ~<a href="http://www.eskimo.com/~largesse/INDD/origin.html">Mary Evans Young</a><br /><br /><br />Goals of the INDDT:<br />-Celebrate the beauty and diversity of ALL our natural sizes & shapes <br />-Declare a personal one-day moratorium on diet/weight obsession <br />-Learn the facts about weight-loss dieting, health, and body size <br />-Recognize how dieting perpetuates violence against women <br />-Honor the victims of eating disorders and weight-loss surgery <br />-Help end weight discrimination, sizism and fatphobia <br /><br />I think it is important to share these words from Mary Evans Young with you:<br /><br /><strong>19th International No Diet Day</strong> <br />Greetings to all of you celebrating this auspicious day.<br />How far have we come since 1992? Well, in some respects a long, long way.<br />More health professionals support a 'health at every size' approach.<br />There are fat study groups in colleges as younger people are challenging the status quo. And people in the public eye are speaking out about their experiences.<br />Plus there are a few more clothes to choose from.<br /><br />But, the pressure is still on us all to be other than we are...<br />Whether child or geriatric<br />There's far too many people ever ready with their knives. <br />And quacks peddling magic drugs and potions<br />Fat remains an easy and socially acceptable target and a useful vehicle for others to project their self hate.<br /><br />It is not unusual for oppressed people to understand their oppressors more than they understand us.So, no surprise if people scratch their heads in puzzlement as we say, in our various ways, "get off our backs" -when 'they only have our best interests at heart'.But today is a day of pride and to use our precious creative and fighting energy to challenge institutional sizeism and the nasty trinity: <br />diet, media and fashion who exploit us all for their own ends. <br /><br />As a British politician famously said, "Don't let the bastards get you down". <br />INDD is an opportunity to change the rules: encourage self acceptance and respect for all. And use your love and friendship to have a great day.... in the way it suits you. Go well.<br /><br />In solidarity, Mary Evans Young<br />Oxfordshire, England <br /><br />Sign up for and pledge a goal for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-No-Diet-Day/101822126527461?v=info">International No Diet Day on Facebook</a>!<br /><br />There have been a number of good FAT things here in the NYC: A great article published in the <a href="http://www.villagevoice.com/2011-05-04/news/guys-who-like-fat-chicks/">Village Voice by Camille Dodero</a> (@camilledodero) about FAs (Fat Admirers-- "boys who like fat chicks." <br /><br />As well, my heart weeps for the recent article about Malissa Jones, once dubbed "fattest UK teenager" who, after having gastric bypass surgery is now suffering from anorexia. Find the article here: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1383049/Malissa-Jones-Britains-fattest-teenager-battling-anorexia.html">Malissa Jones</a><br /><br />For me, INDD is about the good it does and provides, principle first, for all the good people of the earth, and for those who suffer--like Malissa Jones, and the #%^&*&@! doctors who forced(?) her to have that surgery. However, I will state as I have many times in the past, if you chose that for YOU-- I support you, because I feel you will need support. And because I personally feel-prolifically feel that EVERYONE'S JOURNEY MUST BE HONORED. If you "hate" Malissa Jones because she now suffers from anorexia, I only have 2 words for you. I whole-heartedly agree with Mary Evans Young--honor those "-Honor the victims of eating disorders and weight-loss surgery."<br /><br />This is a processing point, a problem beyond skin, sometimes even beyond soul. If is for those who suffer. I love and care for you. I pray for you. I pray you gain peace--whatever form it comes in for YOU. Whatever is right for YOU. And as Ive said time and time again: as we lay our heads down tonight upon our pillows-- somewhere- some one's last words to themselves are " I ate the carrot," and for others it is "I did not eat the carrot." As long as you are nourished my sister, or my brother, may you sleep restfully. The constant physical, emotional, mental battle is--simply, feroious.<br /><br />The roller coaster ride that exists, emotional and physical, exists for many. Please take a moment of silent reflection or thought for all who have tried and continue to so, some at great peril to themselves in one capacity or another--who have been victims or victimized doe to their size, weight, or some combination thereof. I always pause to think that there were a lot of women buried in muumuus, because there was nothing else. For thee, I pray.<br /><br />My contribution to International No Diet Day:<br /><br />If we are friends on facebook, or you can follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/FatGirlsFloat">@FatGirlsFloat</a><br /><br />I am taking a pic of everything I consume tomorrow.... a photo documentary, you might say and posting it on Twitter and Facebook.<br /><br />I want people to please understand that I am pretty regimented in my eating schedule/pattern; because if I am not, then I will not eat, forget to eat, and get too caught up in work to eat... .and lived off a "diet" of coffee[kawfee as we say here in the NYC] for years. I realized that that was definitely NOT HAES as well as not healthy! <br /><br />I have been told a number of times: "Kira, why are you fat? You don't eat "like fat person"?!" What the hell does that mean?! Good friends Yossi Loloi and David Garrett have seen me at my best and my worst, but not scarfing down -I should say eating- a whole pizza.{Sometimes my old 80s high school self comes out!} And they kind of just don't see me, but for some reason do not necessarily expect me to "over eat"--just maybe are surprised I am 325 pounds. To quote a beloved pastor I heard speak, "It wasn't from eating tofu, ya'll." {Ahem, tofu, not Tofu.} And I will admit that I was not angelic about my eating habits. However, my biggest battle was going for very long periods without eating. Still is, sometimes. And I am not here to apologize.<br /><br />Further, I recall going to the Philly Bash and rooming with dear friend Nancy Goddess. She and I have discussed this--privately and publicly. Nancy ate constantly throughout the weekend. I was failing asleep to crunch, crunch, crunch. it did not bother me, I found it amusing, and I don't know why-- as well as endearing. She was once 420 pounds, having had gastric bypass surgery in hopes to having an operation to fix her knee, and has lost a considerable amount of weight. Nancy joked all weekend, "Kira.. what the hell is wrong with you? How are you 300 pounds? You don't eat. You gotta find yourself a chef." That last thought led me to pen "<a href="http://www.myspace.com/thebbwworld/blog/462249272">I Wanna Marry a Chef</a>" in Nancy's honor. <br /><br />Now, please don't misunderstand me. Eat what you want. What I believe might be different from some: eat what you want until you are satisfied, be present, try not to eat 'on the go' (hence my disdain for those who eat in the subway--more because I don't like to witness the oddity and smell!), unless you HAVE to; and to try to plan to some degree. Why? It works for me. I like structure, and for the bulk of my professional career-- and waking hours-- I need both fuel, and convenience; so bringing my breakfast and lunch work for me. I eat what I choose to eat, what works for me, and for the physical ailments from which I have looooooong [since age 13!] suffered: PCOS, anemia, and a lack of enough B12. To be direct, I kinda live like it is LENT all year 'round. It might be structured eating, but it is not no diet.<br /><br />I have a hard work schedule…... I am up at 5am! Leave for work at 6am-ish, and well...... do not live in a work area that you can buy lunch….. so I have to bring it. I know that by sharing it leaves me open to criticism, so I am actually interested in what people will have to say. <strong>Judgment is passed around like people giving out Halloween candy.</strong> Ba dump bump. <strong>Cast ye, your first stone.</strong> I do not wanna feel judged by what I do eat, or what I don't eat--or how much. By anyone. Oh, right.. and I, like everyone else, is entitled to my own damn opinion. I do not need to tote the party line; I am independent. Still convinced I am the Sarah Palin of Size Acceptance. I don't know, for some reason I just FEEL rogue.<br /><br />And.... most funny (to me) was one year when Velvet was in town and we had dinner with Yossi, Substania Jones(?),and her friend Pony from college!--Pony's response was the very best I have ever heard, as he inquired about International No Diet Day, he said" What do you guys do? Sit around and eat eclairs?" Not a bad idea, Pony. Not a bad idea at all. Please, I hope someone eats a damn eclair! I don’t really like éclairs, but SOMEHOW I feel obliged to eat one every May 6th, just because Pony said that! So, I guess one goal tomorrow will be to eat an éclair. <br /><br />With love and NO diet sense, just good eating-- whatever that means!<br /><br />Love you all....<br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />New York City….. and lives in walking distance to <a href="http://www.venierospastry.com/">Veniero’s!</a> See you there?!<br />Please hit me up @FatGirlsFloat on Twitter and #CheerTheEclair. If I get enough of a following/response I will send pics and/or video of "The Eclair Eating"<br /><br />ps. it is currently 11:43 p.m. EST.. dude I had 4 hours of sleep last night.. I wanna GO to bed!Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-68212788299189084962011-04-11T17:41:00.000-07:002011-04-11T18:03:26.815-07:00Fat Girl Flea Market 2011<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ye172_z8q30/TaOk1QdcpwI/AAAAAAAAAEs/U2i0b7N4PMY/s1600/fgfm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ye172_z8q30/TaOk1QdcpwI/AAAAAAAAAEs/U2i0b7N4PMY/s400/fgfm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594496396982789890" /></a><br />It is that time again.... where all fat, plump, plus size, curvy, fluffy, and the extra va-va-voom join together for... cheap fashion!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fatgirlfleamarket.tumblr.com/"></a> is where you can find all the information you need... how to donate, and where exactly we will be on Saturday<br />April 30th, 2011 in New York City.<br /><br />Join the Facebook page for up to the minute info! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/NYC-Fat-Girl-Flea-Market/127560480625463">FatGirl Flea Market 2011 Facebook</a><br /><br />I will see you there!<br /><br />KIRAKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-18035500283781247832011-03-20T14:33:00.001-07:002011-03-20T14:36:59.193-07:00A Film with a FAT HEROINE--Ten Stories Tall screens at NYWIFT, NYC<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Q2srfYqvg/TYZy3IzaD5I/AAAAAAAAAEU/vhnt7FKkNlE/s1600/tenstoriestall.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Q2srfYqvg/TYZy3IzaD5I/AAAAAAAAAEU/vhnt7FKkNlE/s400/tenstoriestall.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586278679381151634" /></a><br />Hello ya'll<br /><br />Hope you are enjoying Spring-like weather where-ever you are!<br /><br />On Tuesday March 22, right here in the NYC, there will be a screening hosted by New York Women in Film and Television of Ten Stories Tall. One of the producers, Merle Augustin is a very nice lady!.. and thus-- a woman in film.<br /><br /><br />This original, independent screenplay is the debut feature from award winning film maker, size acceptance team member and supporter, and all around swell dude--David R. Garrett.<br /><br />Below you can find links of your choice, a blog interview done by yours truly, and the info!<br /><br />Hope you can join us........ this is a rare gem... a New York City tale that ultimately shows a lovely plus-sized woman in a positive way.<br /><br /><br />Hope to see you there!<br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />KIRA<br /><br />NYWIFT screening series: Ten Stories Tall<br />Event: Tuesday Mar. 22, 2011<br /><br />This screening series celebrates the work of NYWIFT members. Whenever possible, the filmmakers are present for discussion and socializing after their works are shown. Screenings take place at Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Avenue @ 2nd Street.<br /><br />There will be a Q&A following the screening, and an after-party to follow, with Cash Bar and complimentary food @ Dempsey's Pub, 61 2nd Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets.<br /><br />This month, the NYWIFT screening series is proud to present the moving family drama Ten Stories Tall. <br /><br /><br />When her best friend, Anna, dies, grief-stricken Grace, played by Tovah Feldshuh, confesses to their lifelong affair. Her revelation strikes at the core of the friendship between the relatives of the two women and provokes a confrontation with Anna's daughter, portrayed by Ally Sheedy. It also spurs unexpected journeys of self-discovery for every member of the family. The film also stars Josh Hamilton, Sherri Saum, Jim Gaffigan, Jennifer Regan, Emily Skinner, Jean Brassard and Simon Jutras.<br /><br /><br />Written and directed by David Garrett; produced by Merle Augustin and Kaer Vanice. <br /><br />David Garrett, writer/director, made his first film, Your Children: The Testimony of Charles Manson, as an adaptation of his play of the same name. His next short, Clown Car, won several festival awards and was distributed by Warner Brothers. He’s been a semi-finalist in the Nicholl Fellowship competition and won the Ezra Litwak Award for Distinction in Screenwriting from Columbia University, where he earned an MFA in film. His short Warlord debuted at the Rotterdam Film Festival and won best short at the South by Southwest festival in 2008. Ten Stories Tall is his first feature. <br /><br />Marle Augustin was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She left Haiti to become a journalist for the Miami Herald, the Sun-Sentinel and the Associated Press, before moving on to filmmaking with the multi-media documentary Indivisible: Local Heroes Changing America and narrative filmmaking with an MFA in directing at Columbia University. Before Ten Stories Tall, her first feature, she produced several short films including Warlord in 2008, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the SXSW Film Festival and 2007 official selection at the International Rotterdam Film Festival. <br /><br />Kaer Vanice studied photography and fiction at University of Kansas and transitioned to narrative filmmaking with an MFA in producing at Columbia University. He has worked as a producer on both shorts and feature films. His credits include Warlord, winner of the 2008 Grand Jury Prize at the SXSW Film Festival and 2007 official selection at Rotterdam Film Festival, as well as Padre Nuestro, winner of the 2007 Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.<br /><br />Sponsored by:<br />NYWIFT programs, screenings and events are supported, in part, by grants from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York Council of the Arts andKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-22453583236145430062010-10-30T04:57:00.000-07:002010-10-30T05:45:55.029-07:00Maura Kelly: Your Prejudice is MUCH BIGGER than My Body<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TMwKBrD-z8I/AAAAAAAAAD8/nxu9BQjVgfA/s1600/fatkiss1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TMwKBrD-z8I/AAAAAAAAAD8/nxu9BQjVgfA/s400/fatkiss1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533809065987067842" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TMwKBanI0mI/AAAAAAAAAD0/E6vqSP5PBsQ/s1600/fatkiss2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TMwKBanI0mI/AAAAAAAAAD0/E6vqSP5PBsQ/s400/fatkiss2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533809061571121762" /></a><br /><br />A few words on Marie Claire/Maura Kelly-Gate:<br /><br />In February 2010, I was invited by Joanna Coles and her team for a focus group, informal type of consulting regarding the plus-size world. As we went around the table introducing ourselves; I was the first person to say thank you for having a major publication embrace plus-size beauty at that level. I also made it clear that I did not like the title of Ashley Falcon’s column, “Big Girl in a Skinny World.” As true as it all might be; the mere title continues the divisive attitude in fashion, about beauty, and in the world. We are walking, ok-it seems shuffling at times—toward size neutrality and-as one would hope—inclusiveness. A title separating people, particularly women, and by size demands separation rather than unification. Where is the old attitude of ‘we are all in this together?”What would have been wrong with calling the column “Big Girl Style?” I continue not to understand why, if you take the chance, and gain another demographic—with a loyal following and money to burn….would you kick us in the teeth like this? Are you to tell me that an editor at Marie Claire read Maura’s post and said, “OK, publish it.” No one had a freaking brain in their body (not matter what its size!) to say “Gee, honey, you might wanna re-think this, or at least read it aloud.” Meanwhile, Joanna, you have disappointed me.<br /><br />That meeting ended with ‘we should all eat the cupcakes everyone was staring at on the table. I thought to myself, “Are they buying off fatties with cupcakes?” But, cupcakes in New York City being what they are: popular and a staple treat among the popular. I did not find deeper political meaning behind it; I simply saw it as hospitality.<br /><br />What –sort of—cracked me up about Marie Claire/Maura Kelly-Gate was how ill informed Maura’s post was. I was saying to myself… has this girl ever actually READ the internet? No worries, love, you did not set us back on our journey toward size equality. In fact, thanks for uniting New York, Philly, and San Francisco and the web with your words. See how powerful they were. They united rather than divided.<br /><br />What FREAKING purpose did her post have? It seemed to be HER well-formed, well-prejudiced opinion about hating fat people: walking across a room, on the street, and on-gasp!-TV. She DID NOT See the show—so the post was not a critique of the show really. It was a critique that fat people should not, and should not be allowed to be affectionate on TV. Ok, so why not use your own blog to write those explosive comments? Why get paid for such garbage. If that was anti-Obama speech, racial epithets, and/or the like—we would be on CNN talking about this. O, but it is just fat people. They should get a room, right? Hate speech is hate speech, yo! Why was this allowed in a professional setting?<br /><br />The photo that was included of Mike and Molly did not show any fat rolls. Of course, despite being TV stars—they are ‘fat.’ So the costume powers that be will certainly cover them up at all costs. Do NOT expect to see any skin except from neck up, wrist down, or below ankle. I would not be surprised if the characters have on gloves, scarves, and socks at all times! But, dude, really? There were no fat rolls in that picture of the characters. Really, Maura, really? [Edit!-wait! I found a pic of Melissa McCarthy with forearms showing. A shirt to the elbow—how kind of you to let her show skin.]<br /><br />The writing and the structure was, sorry to say, babyish. I am not a paid blogger, no one is putting money in my pocket….and I have put a nice chunk of cash into a project it is taking me longer than I had hoped to complete because I work a demanding job for a living. However, we are not drunks and heroine addicts. We are fat. And yes, Maura, to answer your question: I find you to be an insensitive jerk. But I am gonna love you anyway. And I am gonna forgive you anyway.<br /><br />I am not asking to cut her any slack, but I am asking for us to be understanding. If, as reported, Maura Kelly is a recovering anorexic—despite her fat hatred—personal political— and professional—she comes across as a person who is still healing. And ‘still healing’ means ‘unhealed.’ I sincerely wish her well in her journey, a far different one from mine, from ours. But along your continued journey, Maura, I request you cease your hate speech, especially from the seat of a national publication site.<br /><br />Even <a href="http://www.ology.com/screen/obese-characters-tv-maura-kelly-has-point">Natalie Zutter from Screen who felt that “Maura Kelly Has a Point</a>” as a former (?) anorexic:<br /><br /><em>Kelly's mistake is in sounding too chipper and oblivious in parts: when defending her argument by saying that she has "plump" friends, and by offering <br />breezy weight-loss advice that seemed unaware that for obese people, losing weight is not as easy as a quick jog on the treadmill. But the fact that she was a self-confessed former anorexic was going to sabotage her position from the beginning, which is incredibly ironic--who better to understand body disorders than someone who has suffered?</em><br /><br />I guess it is because of her suffering that one would think she would be a bit more open-minded, Natalie. I am sure Maura might have suffered ridicule due to her, what I assume might have been ‘extreme thinness’ at one time in her life. That is kind of why it is more puzzling to me.<br /><br />Zutter feels there was a misunderstanding. Aww. She feels that the characters of Mike and Molly are not obese. <br /><br /><em>There's a misunderstanding here: while the characters of Mike and Molly are <br />overweight, they are not obese; so they weren't the appropriate subjects for an article about obesity.</em><br /><br />Are you sure about that, Natalie? Um, did the character bios come with a BMI? If the actors are obese; it would be their doctors to make that call—and McCarthy and Gardell to reveal that information, should they so desire. And what if they are? Their size is not preventing them from doing their job. What bothers me most is the fact that why is it that fat love is usually depicted with a fat woman and a fat man. There are plenty of men who are not fat who love fat women, and vice versa. Onlythe latter has been over exposed and the former hardly ever touched. How about a fat woman character and her adoring, loving, thin husband? Were is that one, television land?<br /><br /><br />Zutter goes on to say that when Jezebel [a place for obesity glorification, according to Zutter] picked up the story, it seemed shocking that Kelly was called a bigot, in very simple terms; which, by her post, resembles a classic textbook, dictionary definition of the very word. <br /><br />Zutter continues to state that a case cannot be solved on body type, even though she thinks the following:<br /><br /><strong><em>...Then you find out that you can't solve a case based on body type. Kelly never suggested that you could. Kelly doesn't pretend to have any right to judge obese people's morals; she simply admits something that takes a lot of guts, that she doesn't jibe with the norm of blindly accepting a patently unhealthy lifestyle.</em></strong><br /><br />Natalie Zutter, dear, since when has fat been blindly accepted and by whom? Moreover, are all fat people unhealthy? Um, you and Maura should have a cup of tea and read the internet. We have answered that already.<br /><br /><strong>Kelly’s post was not about obese people’s morals; it was about the size of our bodies and making the connection that because we are fat we are immoral.</strong><br /><br />Yet, Zutter seems to feel <strong>WE</strong> are the bullies, by protesting Kelly’s comments, we are defensively celebrating. Well, Ms. Zutter, you call it as how you see it; I call it a reaction to negative biased media. And the disgust and tiredness of having it hurled our way. We are calling you, and Ms. Kelly on HER words.<br /><br /><em>Yes, Kelly technically says that she would be "grossed out" by watching two <br />obese people kiss--but she doesn't linger on that statement the way that later<br />commenters have. It's a point of comparison to her real issue, a relevant one: <br />The disturbing examples of obesity in culture. Let me repeat that: I'm not <br />talking about overweight/fat people, I'm talking about those who are morbidly obese.</em><br /><br />Regarding “disturbing examples of obesity in culture.” Right. Remind me where they are again? O, yes, fat people walking. Kissing. Living. Breathing air.<br /><br /><strong>DOES ANY ONE ELSE SEE THE IRONY IN ALL OF THIS SOUNDING LIKE SCHOOL KIDS IN AT RECESS???</strong> <br /><br /><strong>Here is what I have to say:</strong> I am disappointed in Marie Claire. Kelly’s post, and allowing it, shows the real and utter distaste of Kelly, but it also shows a real and uber distaste of fat people by Marie Claire by its editors and its authors—you allowed this to be published on your blog, which means you claim not only notification of its content, but therefore, agreement with it. At no time did you make a disclaimer.<br /><br />As U.S. citizens we are allowed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And tha includes fat people being happy, and loving each other, themselves, family and friends. That includes showing affection. And occaionally with tongue. Behind closed doors. Outside. On the street. In movie theatres. In cars. Wherever.<br /><br />I think Maura Kelly will have more healing to do. I am empathetic to her journey, and wish her love and light. Frankly, I think she needs it. I always come to the same place whether it is a drive-by comment on the street, a blatent remark on the subway, or the like: I end up feeling pity for that person, sympathy, sadness.<br /><br />I truly feel that by negative name-calling and blogging with negative words toward the author makes us no different than a bully in a school yard. We are better than that. We have lived our lives being better than that. And we should continue to do so.<br /><br />What Kelly needs is forgiveness. Through forgiveness we can keep moving forward. I didn’t say we shouldn’t call her out for her bigoted comments; I just feel we should forgive her for it. With such an action we can rise above the hate. After all, <strong>FAT GIRLS FLOAT</strong>.<br /><br />Let’s look at them from a positive note. Her words brought us together as a community once again. And we got something positive out of it: kissing and affection, unity, press, an opportunity to reach out to the public and “fatty on the street,” and a reminder that we are strongest when we work together.<br /><br />Yes, I believe in loving your neighbor. And I believe that your enemy is also your neighbor.<br /><br />Maura Kelly, your prejudice is much bigger than my body. But I am using my big-assed body to forgive you. Know why? It contains my big-ass heart.<br />I see this as simple as Hate vs. Love. I choose LOVE.<br /><br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />New York City Big Fat Kiss-In participant, mouthing off from her kisser!Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-79814834355428478232010-08-09T21:26:00.000-07:002010-08-09T21:55:00.717-07:00Girthful Girl’s Rachel Kempster, Yuliya Rachel from IGIGI.com and Gaelle Prudencio from France<object width="400" height="265"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12719913&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12719913&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="265"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/12719913">Kira Nerusskaya @ Full Figured Fashion Week</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3755171">Paul Rosovsky</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/12719913"><strong>Girthful Girl’s Rachel Kempster, Yuliya Rachel from IGIGI.com and Gaelle Prudencio from France</strong></a><br /><br /><strong>And in that order!</strong><br /><br />I was waiting for something, but could wait no more. That being the case, please enjoy this 17 minute mash-up of beauty of these 3 amazing women at <a href="http://www.fffweek.com/la.php">Full Figured Fashion Week</a>, making their mark on the global plus-size world.<br /><br />Alright I will admit I probably went a bit over the top on my comments about UK fashion designer <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2010/06/16/2010-06-16_fashion_designer_julien_macdonald_calls_plussize_models_a_joke.html">Julien MacDonald, who called plus-size models a “joke.”</a> But, it was fresh in my mind at the time. [] Sir, the “joke” is on you. Why do I find it ironic that his name is MacDonald! Of all things! Dude, have you ever feasted your eyes on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sagesalzermodel ">Sage Salzer</a> for example? For the record, (and not that it matters!), but I am certainly straight; however, I think she is “dreamy,’ because having met her once--the beauty oozes out from the inside of her kind heart. And there are countless others from the iconic <a href="http://www.velvetography.com/">Velvet</a> to <a href="http://www.fluvialacerda.com/album0.html">Fluvia Lacerda, the Brazilian Bombshell.</a><br /><br />If I was super-mean or violent, he would be visiting a dentist! Knowing my contrite self, I would probably ask my Uncle to give him a discount on new teeth.<br />I always have that inner-nice gene working overtime. I really wish I could bitch-slap it into submission and be a little more—a lot more?—coarse—in letting out both my true New Yorker side, and the Sicilian. (Have to be careful with that one, WE did invent the Mafia.) <br /><br />Someone who has no problem showing her sunshiney self is Rachel Kempster.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/m/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRmdpcnRoZnVsZ2lybC50dW1ibHIuY29tJTJG"><strong>Girthful Girl’s Rachel Kempster </strong></a> <br /><br />To me, Rachel is not only a PR magishionista, an author, a blogger, and bubbly person; BUT I like and appreciate her honesty in her journey—as well as her courage to make the journey. I like that she chose, quite simply, to get involved and make a positive contribution! She plunged into the blogger world motivated to DO something, something especially positive. I also love that she used her wonderful PR skills to aid Gwen Devoe and elevate Full Figured Fashion Week to another level. Even though she would like to hug a fat girls she meets on the street along her daily journey—and take them all to <a href="http://www.redressnyc.com/"><strong>Re/Dress</strong></a>—and I advocate for all fat girls to please hug Rachel, nicely!—make sure you also thank her for doing such a great job to help—you.<br /><br /><strong>No matter how tired you are, take a moment to “Become Your Dream” (DeLaVega)</strong><br /><br />I have been pretty quiet, over-working myself and probably over-thinking too much. But what you may or may not know is that to complete a project such as this, with only occasional help (and that means someone else holding the camera and doing sound because I refuse to use a tripod and then interview if I need to be in the shot.) I have struggled (physically, metaphysically, and financially) quite a lot along this road beginning in 2006, and have done so silently. Partly because that is how I am made, partly because I have a 13 hour a day job, and partly because I am very private when it comes to certain struggles. Most struggles. Almost all struggles? However, never once, when it was past mid-night and I was crawling into bed, ankles swollen from sitting in the more or less same position, right side of my neck partially if not practically completely numb for holding it on a tilt—did I ever think that this was not all worth it. And at 5am, my alarm clock squeals the weather from 106.7 Lite FM. (yes, I know, the horror that I am THIS old/young and listening to…... that…...)<br /><br />And so I shall continue. Not having enough time to read blogs like I should, not having time to update my darn FaceBook, nor enough time to do what I hate most—complain. <br /><br />But I do have a brief moment between trying to loosen the tense muscles, wondering if I am causing myself permanent nerve damage in my neck, and putting in my retainer to breathe, to sigh, to dream, to envision I see myself walking the damn red carpet [and who I am with always changes!] answering Joan Rivers, “Who I am wearing? Why, <strong>Yuliya Rachel of Igigi</strong>, of course.”<br /><br /><a href="www.igigi.com"><strong>IGIGI’s Yulia Rachel</strong></a><br /><br />It is all about energy, and good energy produces good things. That is what I got from my fashion guru, Yulia Rachel of Igigi.com. I recalled reading about my friend <strong>Corinna Makris</strong> of <a href="www.thislushlife.com"><strong>This Lush Life</strong></a> and <a href="http://acelebrationofcurves.com/2010/06/15/visiting-the-house-of-igigi-and-a-contest"><strong>A Celebration of Curves</strong></a> venturing out to Igigi in San Francisco for a tour and blog post.<br /><br />I have an, albeit small, section of my teeny tiny closet (you call that a closet?!) dedicated to Igigi wear. In fact, introduced my aunt to Igigi, and she bought her wedding dress from Yuliya this past April. You go, Mrs. Banwell!<br /><br />So it was nice to meet the lady behind the label, and even get the chance to laugh in Russian. I loved interviewing Yuliya not only because of her good vibes and personal dedication to full-figured/plus-sized fashion; but she wants you to love you, because you are just fine the way you are. To quote her, “There is nothing wrong with you.” <strong>I feel that you may or may not change your body, but you can always change your mind</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Good Divas have Good Taste</strong><br /><br />And I would like to shout out to FatBitch Erica Watson who *almost* wore her tangerine version of the same Igigi dress to that FFFW panel. She promised that one day we will wear our Igigi dresses somewhere. And we should have a camera following us, girl. It would be hilarious! O, the poor New Yorkers who would suffer our wrath! I laugh because this summer I have been personally verbally accosted on 2 different occasions when women (1 young and ‘skinny’ and 1 old and overweight) yelled “Precious! Precious!” to me. Now, if they did that when Erica was with me, I would like to say—you have that partly correct BEE-YOTCHES---SHE IS IN THE MOVIE! <br /><br />But, precious, in the true meaning (including Precious) we are: courageous, strong, and moving forward. And doing it with style. And Igigi.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/community/shoutoutbrooklyn/vote-performance "><strong>And if you have not voted for Erica Watson at the Brooklyn Museum</strong></a>, shame on you! Go DO IT!<br /><br />You can also WATCH Erica Watson on “Sex on TV” which airs Sunday, August 15th at 8pm EST on The TV Guide Network. You can also see <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erica-watson/black-girls-arent-funny-i_b_669833.html"><strong>Erica’s blog at HuffingtonPost.com </strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lespitreriesdevanoue.blogspot.com/"><strong>Gaelle Prundencio </strong></a><br /> <br />Viva jolie French blogger! You just want to hug her, she is so darn cute. And you have to love the pictures of her on her blog; it looks like <a href="www.velvetography.com"><strong>Velvet</strong></a> could make a cameo appearance around any corner of Paris.<br /><br />What drew me to Gaelle was her honesty and candidness on how just eating a sandwich at a café in shorts and a short sleeve shirt is considered “unacceptable” for plus-size people in France. O, <a href="http://www.kimwrites.com/"><strong>Kim Brittingham</strong></a>—how about that for showing beyond the elbow? Get the latest on reading about her hips, <a href="http://www.kimwrites.com/"><strong>Read My Hips at www.kimwrites.com.</strong></a><br /><br /><br />Since filming there in Paris in 2007, I was not surprised; but always saddened by this, and it makes me want to spit for lack of a better catch phrase. THIS—in a land revered for its sauces, yet doesn’t think fat people worthy of vegetables. Yes, yes, yes. I got it on tape!<br /><br />Despite our fat rampage, the war on the obese, the hot and cold reception from the media on people of size plus, and them getting it wrong most of the time, as well as the discomfort (of watching others deflect their garbage on to an innocent fat by-stander—which just might be YOU, by the way) remember that the grass is only greener over the septic tank. In case you want to go outside and wear your tank top and eat your sandwich, there is one of your fat sisters in some town or village in France sweating inside, probably in long sleeves, dreaming for a freedom of body size in a land where its very own motto of Liberté, égalité, fraternité doesn’t hold up.<br /><br />Life. Got it. <br /><br />Liberty. It could use some work, frankly.<br /><br />Pursuit of happiness. That is up to you, baby.<br /><br />And if you haven’t learned anything from <a href="http://dseventsinc.com/home.html"><strong>Gwen Devoe</strong></a>—learn this: If you don’t have it, create it!<br /><br /><br />I humbly remain yours,<br /><br />Fashionably rockin’ my certain summer uniform—an Old Navy tank and denim skirt complete with FitFlops. No worries, as I work in front of the computer. No one sees me except my tea cup (as in Earl Grey, not canine, my Dell laptop, and some dude from Seattle.<br /><br />Rockin’ it in the air-conditioned East Village with her cash-flo going to ConEdison,<br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />NEW YORK CITYKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-86306656795505567522010-07-30T00:25:00.000-07:002010-07-30T10:37:09.469-07:00FOR WOMEN WHO ARE FAT, WE SALUTE YOU! Well, ROCK AND ROLL DOES!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TFKEPXL620I/AAAAAAAAADc/08SI0e-9p6c/s1600/wllcelissa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 158px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TFKEPXL620I/AAAAAAAAADc/08SI0e-9p6c/s400/wllcelissa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499603494429711170" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TFKDswbABTI/AAAAAAAAADU/fqM5rgn_8nA/s1600/wholelotta.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TFKDswbABTI/AAAAAAAAADU/fqM5rgn_8nA/s400/wholelotta.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499602899908429106" /></a><br />Fat Girls Rock. We the fat: the many, the proud have known this from the dawn of time. We put the roll in the rock, and I am sure with a back stage all-access pass or 2, can and have, put the rock in the roll, looked under the rock, had the rock look under us, or better yet—had the rock play with our rolls. Nonetheless, fat girls and rock and roll go to together like bacon and eggs. Mmmmm… bacon. Wait, I digress. PS. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Bacon-Day-2010/362338571290">Bacon day is Sept. 4th, 2010. </a><br /><br />But, someone else thought that <a href="http://www.splitscreenentertainment.com/ ">fat chicks</a> were worthy of a musical tribute. Executive producer A.J. Confessore, a lifelong lover of large ladies (and he has done the old daytime TV spots to prove it!), put the roll in his rock to show us some love. He felt that it was “High time someone mounted a musical salute, because these women deserve it!” Um, yes we do. Maybe he just has thought that more rock and roll men should mount us?! I’d agree, Mr. Bon Jovi. [If only he were single!]<br /><br />Now, I know you, like me have—at least once—either done karaoke (drunk or otherwise), sang in the shower (I don’t if the neighbors are home!), or danced around your room or in front of your bathroom mirror—with the hairbrush, or with the ‘invisible’ microphone singing out to something that made you get your groove rockin’. Now, don’t make me <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMCGw8_0NHk">quote Joan Cusack from Working Girl</a> when she said,”Sometimes I sing and dance around in my living room in my underwear doesn’t make me Madonna. Never will.” Ah yeah, but it is fun and certainly makes your inner rock star come out for a mere moment. The lights, the head-bangin’ hair, the fireworks, the high heels, the roar of the crowd, the illegal downloads, the……the music.<br /><br />On this 13 track disc, with cover art from artist Les Toil, you will find all your fat rockin’ faves, as well as an introduction of the lovely plus-figured Celissa Stratton belting out Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” as seen by the so-inspired cover art. "Since this is a salute to fat chicks, my intention was to make the song sound FAT," says vocalist Celisa Stratton. "So I changed the key and utilized my full vocal range to create a whole new version of the song. Hopefully in listening to this track, people will see the point of view of a proud fat woman who has a whole lotta love to give." Come to think of it, I do remember watching Robert Plant on Jay Leno eons ago, and him mentioning liking fuller filgured gals. oops, nope, that was Robert Palmer, RIP.<br /><br />This ALL-Star Tribute to FAT CHICKS features qualified members of the likes of Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, Cinderella, LA Guns, and my personal favorite, comedian Don “Don’t hold the Whisky” Jameson, who rocked “I like Big Butts” [Don, have you seen mine?!]—and more! Let’s not forget the contribution of Danger Danger’s lovely long locked Ted “Unholy” Poley—AND Bret Michael’s band plays on!<br /><br />Now, folks, let's not forget that all these tribute songs are new recordings of old favorites, like, when you really had even bigger hair than you do now--like, you rememba the 80s, righhhhht? Featured songs include bee-bopping Unkinny Bop originally recorded by Poison, Split by Kiss....get out your make-up and rock. Who was your fave KISS character? Always liked Peter Chris as the CAT, and have personally met the Alien, Ace Frehley--who was a kick-in-the pants-pisser of a funny nice guy. And another featured tune is BIG BOTTOM originally featured in <em>This is Spinal Tap!</em> You so gotta love <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzsWuqNlLK4">Michael McKeon</a> in that while shiney lame fabric. Yes, more cushion for the pushin'. And I do recall Confessore saying that they recorded it in Dolby, and yes, the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeOXsA8sp_E">Marshall amps did go up to 11!</a><br /><br />The project has gotten coverage from ivillage.com and jezebel.com, with specific music coverage from the likes of Blabbermouth, and, of course, Metal Sludge—for those sure-fire, all-out rockers.<br /><br />So, fire up your <a href="http://www.myspace.com/wholelottalovetribute">old myspace </a>and give it a listen. <br /><br />You can purchase the album, concert tees, and plus-size t-shirts featuring the bad ass <a href="http://www.splitscreenentertainment.com/?WHOLE_LOTTA_LOVE">Leppelin-inspired cover art.</a> and even a print of the cover art!<br /><br />So, consider buying a disc, or getting a download, turning it up to 11, and rocking out! You can get all your info here at <a href="http://www.splitscreenentertainment.com/?Main">SplitScreen Entertainment</a>.<br /><br />Dude... I thought I heard the producer say he got some guff for calling it a salute to "fat chicks." If you read and love Lara Frater like I read and love Lara Frater, then what gives, yo? She is my very favorite--and best illustration of--a self-described 'fat chick'. Rock and roll is good enough for her, and hells bells she is certainly good enough for rock and roll, so how about showing some love back to someone who is putting time and effort to honor full figured women in music? Certainly that is worth some saluting, yea?<br /><br />Well, you know the rest… we DO make the ROCKin’ world go ‘ROUND’, don’t we? You bet your lighter (or a visual image of a lighter on your iphone) we do!<br /><br />Rock Out! and Rock On!<br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA, lover both the rock and the roll!<br />NEW YORK CITYKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-86022010972700615642010-06-09T18:39:00.000-07:002010-06-09T19:24:43.091-07:00Fat Heroine Siezes the screen in Ten Stories Tall by David Garrett<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TBBKvlRKFKI/AAAAAAAAADM/8ZPeMpIBXrw/s1600/tenstoriestall.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/TBBKvlRKFKI/AAAAAAAAADM/8ZPeMpIBXrw/s400/tenstoriestall.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480962927828276386" /></a><br /><br />Ten Stories of Questions with Writer/Director David Garrett of <br /><em><strong>TEN STORIES TALL</strong></em><br /><br />When I met David Garrett (My favorite Dave of all the Dave's I know) at the 2006 NAAFA Convention and he said he lived int he city--uptown, though. And he "was into film." I thought we would be friends. That, and he had long hair, and I kinda got this thing for long hair......... and we never went out for a beer or much else made contact. <br /><br />It was not until New Years in Massachusetts(again?!)2006-2007 when we finally got to talking. With some serious ass bad jokes(mostly mine--I say mostly!) and a ride back to Manhattan with some very serious cool tunes(David has amazing ecletic taste in music!)a friendship was forming.<br /><br />It was not until we had a pretty amazing conversation and connection, where I revealed my thoughts that "all movies are about love," and after seeing a few homework exercises he did for Columbia Film School, and his film shorts where I straightened up, gasped, and said: "You're brilliant." With a shy grin, and some homemade American chooped suey from Chicago, we listened to each other and heard and understood the pssion for sharing our perspectives with the world--perspectives that seem to bridgethe gap between old-fashioned and modern and are firmly rooted in goodness and kindness, minutiae and miracles.<br /><br /><em><strong>TEN STORIES TALL</strong></em> starring Ally Sheedy (yes, <strong>THAT</strong> Ally Sheedy), I am proud to announce is showcasing at the Brooklyn INternational Film Festival on June 6th and June 13th in <a href="http://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/films/detail.asp?fid=1092">Brooklyn</a>.<br /><br />I thought I would ask my good friend and filmmaker to share a few words about his current project and the light he most eloquently has shown on having a fat heroine character played by Emily Skinner. She does a fantastic job, as does the entire cast. Not a dull moment or performance!<br /><br />I brought my boss to the June 6th screening and she said " It was amazing how delicately David wove everything together. He hit on everything that we see and deal with in life." She was crying; I was glad. And most of all, very proud.<br /><br />Finally, I kept telling him how I wanted the recipe below, as we spent one afternoon hanging out with the Burns' who give great face in the film! might I add. I told my Aunt Meemie about it, and she thought it sounded awesome. I verify it tasted awesome, so please enjoy a few fun questions with filmmaker David Garrett and his great recipe for yummy Baked Apples With Barley-Chorizo Pilaf Time-- when you sit with friends and chat, or enjoy a great film.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 1: The Basics!</strong><br /><br />1. What inspired you to write this film?<br /><br />DG: New York is my hometown, and I wanted to write about it. Something like Thornton Wilder’s <em>Our Town</em> – a simple and poetic look at the way we live and die. I began sketching out characters and their stories in 2003, and for two years played around with it all, not really sure I was getting anywhere. Then in 2005 I lost my brother to alcohol, and for the next two years my family suffered loss after loss: my uncle and godfather, my aunt, two family friends, and finally my father in 2007. Such relentless tragedy saps our strength, and though it can inspire empathy, clarity, and an urge to give comfort, it can also inspire anger, bitterness, and even faithlessness. These losses filled my life with raw emotion, and I used the still-developing <em>Ten Stories Tall</em> as a vessel into which I could channel it all.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 2: Keeping It Real!</strong><br /><br />2. Are any of the scenes autobiographical?<br /><br />DG: No; not in the strictest sense. About 90% of it is pulled from incidents in my life, but all of it is fictionalized.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 3: Decisions, decisions!</strong><br /> <br />3. Which character do you feel you like the most, or feel the closest to and why? Or which one do you feel you like the least and why?<br /><br />DG: Why would you ask me to choose among my children?<br /><br /><strong>Floor 4: Getting it done!</strong><br /><br />4. What did you like most and least about production?<br /><br />DG: I love everything about production, except delays. There’s a lot of waiting around on a film set while other departments finish their work, and that’s to be expected. However, unexpected delays, whether from negligence, stupidity, accident, or Act of God – doesn’t matter – is going to piss me off. They’re also par for the course, though, so I’m never pissed for very long. Guess I just love it all.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 5: Made in New York: from the Eastside, to the Westsiiiiiiiide! </strong><br /><br />5. For those on the East Side--Do you feel that New York City acts as an additional background character in the film? <br /><br />DG: It’s been said about <em>Our Town</em> that it details the minutiae of daily life against the backdrop of the eternal. For <em><strong>Ten Stories Tall</strong></em>, New York is that backdrop.<br /><br />For those on the West Side--What were the biggest challenges of filming in the city?<br /><br />DG: Traffic.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 6: Going up!</strong><br /><br />6. Why did you choose to include a plus-sized heroine?<br /><br />DG: This story is about familial relationships under terrible strain, and there’s not much that can put a strain on a relationship quicker than fat. I grew up (and am still) fat, and know very well how powerful fat can be, and the kind of hatred it can inspire in others. So it’s a personal choice, as well as an excellent device for dramatic conflict. Also, fat women are kinda hot.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 7: A positive plus!</strong><br /><br />7. What do you hope plus-size women take away from your film?<br /><br />DG: Besides just loving the movie, I hope that they can feel like a little bit of equilibrium has been restored to their daily lives, which can so often be filled with attacks on their self-esteem. I hope that they can see that the beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, and damn sexy girl that they are doesn’t have to go on a diet.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 8: Would you like that gift wrapped</strong>?<br /><br />8. What would you like your audience to leave the theatre with or thinking about? If you could wave a magic wand and force your audience to do one thing when they leave the theatre, what would that be?<br /><br />DG: I would force the audience to return with five of their friends.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 9: Reaching the Top!</strong><br /><br />9. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt ten stories tall? If not, what do you think would make you feel that way?<br /><br />DG: Oh yes. I think we’ve all had moments like that. What’s important is that we learn how to savor those moments, long after they’re gone, and how to draw upon them for strength in those times when we feel like we’re in the basement.<br /><br /><strong>Floor 10: What’s next for you?</strong><br /><br />10. What is next for you?<br /><br />DG: A horror film called <em><strong>Holy Oak</strong></em>. It’s set on a Georgia plantation at the end of the Civil War, and is about a Confederate matriarch haunted by her dead sons’ ghosts as she waits for her husband to return from war. <em>The Shining </em>meets <em>Gone With the Wind</em>. <br /><br /><br />...and a recipe:<br /> <br /> <br /><strong>Baked Apples With Barley-Chorizo Pilaf</strong> Time: About 1 1/2 hours <br />1 tablespoon olive oil <br />3/4 pound chorizo, diced <br />1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped <br />3/4 cup barley <br />1 2/3 cups chicken broth, more as needed <br />Pinch kosher salt <br />3/4 cup shelled, chopped and toasted hazelnuts <br />4 tart, crisp apples, like Granny Smiths. <br />1. In a medium pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chorizo and onion and cook, stirring, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add barley and stir to coat with oil. Cook, stirring, until barley smells nutty, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook until barley is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 40 to 50 minutes. Stir in hazelnuts. <br /><br />And remember, "all movies are about love." And so is life, my friends, so is life.<br /><br />With love,<br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />from the 4th floor<br />NEW YORK CITYKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-88424744731108171712010-05-10T17:57:00.000-07:002010-05-10T18:38:57.004-07:00Fruit Salad, Fat Rage, and Internet Hooliganism<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S-iyXvA50xI/AAAAAAAAADE/kYTivti0iHg/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S-iyXvA50xI/AAAAAAAAADE/kYTivti0iHg/s400/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469817868268458770" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S-iyXdkGMyI/AAAAAAAAAC8/zhjBxuXq2Mg/s1600/_SMF0011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S-iyXdkGMyI/AAAAAAAAAC8/zhjBxuXq2Mg/s400/_SMF0011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469817863584232226" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Can being a victim of someone else’s internet hooliganism lead to an act of fat rage?<br /><br />If you unknowingly touch someone else’s fruit, can it lead to an act of fat rage?</strong><br /><br />Somehow I had my very own plus-size version of Sex and the City [2] (coming to a theatre near you!) moment recently. So to speak. Because, as I was sitting in my studio apartment (having given up cigarettes long ago) without a Cosmopolitan (I am ‘cosmo’ enough—I don’t need to drink one, plus I prefer vodka and a good smokey single malt—Laphroaig, anyone? Thank you Jazz Dentist!)[I think I should work for or with Seth MacFarlane, because we both surely suffer from incredible ADD and are originally from Connecticut. That’s reason enough, right?]<br /><br /><strong>Tangent dedicated to Seth MacFarlane</strong><br />Possibly, but I only thought of that now as I am sitting here to type this at Café Pick Me Up in the East Village in NYC. I have certainly had my fair share of picking up and getting picked up in this café and street corner. No, not for money—no kinky details there unless practically living like a nun [yep, you heard me, a nun!] turns you on. I’ve met many a Russian on this corner. <br /><br />When I first moved to Manhattan, a Russian friend of mine put a personal ad in a Russian newspaper about me [without telling me] ---and when my phone kept ringing when I was out with work colleagues. I kept answering the phone in Russian—they thought I was either dating a mobster or selling something serious. Neither was true(at that time).<br /><br />Anyway, I am recently not only the victim of <strong>FaceBookhooliganism </strong>(my term, I coined it!), and a mild case of cyber-passive-aggressiveness, cyber stalkingism, or perhaps 5thgradeism, or “just-a-little-creepy-for-me-ism” as well as a victim of unknowingly mixing with someone else’s fruit—or the English language version: being lied to by a guy on the internet. And by “lied to” I mean the dude has a girlfriend but was throwing the mack my way—including several mentions of a visit.<br /><br />I feel safe enough to talk about it here on my own blog in my own words. And, I am sure that other fat girls have gone through the same thing. Indeed, I know others who have. So, I think it is one of the many things we deal with in our culture—fat/size acceptance community and the cultural society of the digital age. And, it is also fair to note that the, I will say BBW world, tends to be a bit incestuous. That’s right, I said it.<br /><br />This recent event really pissed me off. Not cause I ‘super-liked’ the guy. It was too soon to be in ‘super-like’, but yeah, liked him as there was common ground—except for the lying part: I dug the accent, and am fond of certain facial accompaniments, I like freckles. He seemed nice, claimed to be shameless, and smart. And I am sure I wasn’t the only one pissed off. [I can imagine how gf felt.] First, I don’t like being a victim, who does? And I don’t wanna play that role—in fact, I refuse to. Honesty is important—and apparently very lacking in today’s culture—as well as apologies. Is anyone decent anymore?!!! I mean just look at the news, is anyone faithful anymore?! From politicians to sport figures, to celebrities, to the guy down the block, or your very own internet ‘friend.’ And if it happens to ‘perfect looking women’ {someone’s view of Mrs. Elin Woods}, can you imagine what is happening all across the globe to fat girls? I mean we all have seen enough Craigslist’s Rant and Raves and hateful posts on the subject.<br /><br />And hey, I don’t want to totally dis the internet and its ability to hook people up whose paths might not have crossed otherwise. And there is at least one particular person who I can think of who met her husband this way. She is a fat girl, and he is from another country. And I get the impression that he is really a good dude. And good dudes conduct themselves that way, ladies. Now, that also means that there are plenty of girls out there that over-compensate, shrug off, and fill in the gaps for those kind of dudes. Please don’t do that. Know your own worth. <br /><br />Only, sometimes ‘other dudes’ <strong>SEEM</strong> to conduct themselves that way, and I think there are others who just get caught up in the possibility of not getting caught or a fantasy of “supposing.” That reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain: “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” Suppose you were really pretending to be a good guy. And suppose you were [insert member of ethnic group who lives in Europe-ish.] But I repeat myself. See below for further explanation.<br /><br />Because I know it has happened before—to me, to others, to you, and it is probably (?) not the last time. That got me thinking, though. Upon careful reflection, and a little fact checking, I thought I could use my mis-adventure to help others, set facts straight, and clear my head about what seems to be an era of cyber-lying. And, pissed off usually works wonders for me. I wrote a short film after being pissed off by someone on Craigslist in 2004. Partly, FAT GIRLS FLOAT is fueled with equal parts of love and anger.<br /><br />I have been a New Yorker since I was 8 (in my head), and am real, straight up, direct and honest. I also believe in doing what I see is best as far as I see the big picture. Friends know when they ask me they will get an often tactful, but honest answer. So, be careful what you ask me. Without Jack Nicholson’s delivery, I realize that sometimes people don’t ask questions, because they don’t want to know the truth, can’t handle the truth, or don’t want to handle the truth. I am also who I am—online AND off. I also want to be sensitive to those involved, should they read this. But, I also want to clearly state—we are not friends, and cannot be friends, nor can we have any interaction. And let me further state that no apologies are warranted from me, as I did nothing wrong. I deserve an apology from said parties, but I will settle for them leaving me alone. I deem such interaction or attempts at such interaction inappropriate. <br /><br />I think such action is both a simple and seemingly masochistic attempt at a fishing expedition. Honey, you don’t wanna see what’s in my net. Any action taken by any party, therefore, will be considered hostile to the parameter I am clearly setting. As such, you will be treated by me with qualities I hold valuable and conduct myself with everyday: honesty, love, and compassion. And that might mean silence on my part. Anything else or answering questions directly, would result in a direct hurtfulness, of which I refuse to participate; which I do not deem my business. Any attack on my character is my damn business, though; please note. <br /><br /><strong>However, I did state that this post is to aid others and contemplate actions and thoughts that are part of this community, and the public domain of societal and internet culture in general. I also think I am using this as a way to understand how and why men who claim to like fat girls participate in negative behavior on the internet. </strong><br /><br />I am not here to ‘out’ anyone, but I want to get down to what happened, and what I fear can happen to someone else. One may think that this could be intended as direct hurtfulness, it isn’t. It is an example of something that plagues women in general, and particularly fat women who use the internet as a means to finding a mate. I also think that often times, fat women feel like we are in an emotional-or sexual-drought because of size. And if we don’t feel that way at the moment or at this particular stage in our lives, I think we have all felt that way one time or another. And we cannot say that being fat and finding a real dude isn’t hard, because it is. <strong>In this day in age, it is hard for anyone, no matter their size, in my humble opinion.</strong> Additionally, this post may be somewhat ‘scholarly’ as it is talking about a term specific related to fat folk.<br /><br />Upon such reflection, somehow, my very own Carrie Bradshaw question popped into my head.<br /><br />“Can unknowingly touching someone else’s fruit lead to an act of fat rage?” As I think the converse may equally be possible and/or true: “Can an act of fat rage occur from someone touching your fruit?” Damn, it sounds way kinkier than it is. If ‘fat rage’ isn’t a term yet, you heard it here first, kids. Well, when in doubt, I did what any sensible sexy single NYer would do: <strong>I googled.</strong><br /><br />As it turns out, fat rage has a few meanings, with a short listing of hits from <strong>Google</strong>.<br /><br />As we see the results below:<br /><br /><strong>“fat rage” [with quotes]</strong><br /><br />1. America's Fat Hatred - Newsweek.com<br />Anti-fat rhetoric is getting nastier than ever. Why our overweight nation hates overweight people.<br />www.newsweek.com/id/213646 - Cached - Similar<br /><br />2. Editorial<br />I call this phenomenon "fat rage" because it's sort of similar to the tragic ... If so, then fat rage serves a purpose and we may grudgingly have to accept ...<br />www.dimensionsmagazine.com/dimtext/chb/chb76.html - Cached<br /><br />3. Maine Musicians Exchange - Directory - Management and Booking ...<br />Fat Rage Productions is a Promotional / Management company based in Lewiston, Maine. ... Fat Rage Productions is proud to be working with Losing Tomorrow, ...<br />www.mainemusiciansexchange.org/mme/index.php?... - Cached<br /><br />4. FAT: Rage » Cozette<br />May 9, 2010 ... FAT: Rage. Posted by Sarah under Dance, FAT, In the Media, Music, Special Events | Permalink | | Leave A Comment | No Comments ...<br />cozettedesigns.com/?p=1842 - 1 hour ago<br /><br />and<br /><br /><strong>fat rage [without quotes]</strong><br /><br /><strong>Google</strong><br />Advanced search<br />About 5,330,000 results (0.11 seconds) <br />Search Results<br /><br />1. America's Fat Hatred - Newsweek.com<br />Anti-fat rhetoric is getting nastier than ever. Why our overweight nation hates overweight people.<br />www.newsweek.com/id/213646 - Cached - Similar<br /><br />2. America's Fat Hatred - Newsweek.com<br />Feb 19, 2010 ... And with fat people designated as acceptable targets of rage—and with the prevalence of fat people in our lives, both in the malls and on ...<br />www.newsweek.com/id/213646/page/2 - Cached - Similar<br /><br />3. Editorial<br />I call this phenomenon "fat rage" because it's sort of similar to the tragic ... If so, then fat rage serves a purpose and we may grudgingly have to accept ...<br />www.dimensionsmagazine.com/dimtext/chb/chb76.html - Cached<br /><br />4. Acorn Rage Feeder Fat<br />Acorn Rage Feeder Fat™ is a highly concentrated FATTY Acorn Pellet that is designed to mix with Corn in your feeder to bring in deer by the bundles and ...<br />www.wildgameinnovations.com/products/feeder-fat.html - Cached - Similar<br /><br />Where else could you get insider information on bringing deer ‘by the bundles’?<br /><br />The only link that talks about and kind of defines it, but not exactly with the same meaning I am offering, is <strong><a href="http://www.dimensionsmagazine.com/dimtext/chb/chb76.html">Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, Ph. D., editor of Dimensions Magazine, and former NAAFA board member</a>.</strong><br /><strong>Dr. Blickenstorfer states:</strong><br /><br /> In this issue we're throwing political correctness to the wind and tackle an issue that's long been baffling me: Why is it that infighting and backstabbing are so prevalent in movements formed to help oppressed people? Sometimes it's so bad that little actual work gets done because everyone is too busy fighting and holding grudges. With an important task at hand-ending discrimination against fat people-and with a formidable enemy out there-the diet industry-it seems downright weird that infighting and splintering into ever smaller feuding groups absorbs most of our energy. <br /><br /> So here's a theory that might explain some this peculiar dynamic: Are we perhaps mistaken about the primary purpose of our movement? Could it be that one, or the, primary benefit of size acceptance organizations is to serve as training grounds for people who never had a chance to let out their wrath and anger in a fat phobic world? Who hasn't encountered people who act especially, unnecessarily, insensitive and obnoxious, as if trying to live up to the worst stereotypes? Who hasn't shaken his or her head in dismay over the seeming inability of people to get over minor disagreements, instead choosing to go nuclear over them? <br /><br /> I call this phenomenon "fat rage" because it's sort of similar to the tragic escalation of "road rage" where people caught in a common predicament start lashing out at each other instead of working together. <br /><br /> Do size acceptance organizations indeed serve as lightening rods for fat rage, as a place where oppressed people can relatively safely dispose of the rage and frustration of a lifetime of discrimination on the way to assuming their rightful place in society? If so, then fat rage serves a purpose and we may grudgingly have to accept its dissipation as part of our mission. It would also explain why for many people size acceptance organizations are only stepping stones that are no longer needed once the rage is gone. And why movements of potentially millions never manage to attract more than a few thousand members. Food for thought, for sure. Read Sally Smith's article on "fat rage" on page 18. <br /><br />PS. I went to find Sally Smith’s article, and the link would not connect me.<br /><br />I definitely agree with Conrad, and this is something that I also mentioned in my Popular Culture Conference speech in St. Louis in April of this year. There is irony there, trust me when I tell you.<br /><br />So, if I am correctly understanding Conrad, his meaning and definition of ‘fat rage’ is a fat person who lets out his or her ‘wrath or anger’ against the fat-phobic world; in which it may inadvertently let that anger reach a fellow fatty and/or member of the size acceptance community. If you read it differently, please comment. Conrad also likens it to ‘road rage’, where people lash out at each other during a shared experience and/or predicament. <br /><br />I agree with Conrad, but would like to extend the definition. He does clearly believe that <strong>FAT RAGE</strong> is a ‘letting go of pelt up anger due to one’s fatness/size’ and/or one’s self perceived fatness/size due to fat oppression and or anger.<br /><br />I define <strong>FAT RAGE </strong>as:<br /><br /><strong>FAT RAGE- (noun or verb) (1) a violent fit of anger or fury unleashed however on whomever either by a fat person against society and/or another person, place, or thing due to actual or perceived fat discrimination or fat oppression and (2) a violent fit of anger or fury against a fat person because he or she is visibly fat and/or is perceived or deemed to be fat by an attacker(s).</strong><br /><br />I am trying to encompass the fact that fat rage can be experienced by someone fat as well as against someone fat.<br /><br />When I think of fat rage that pertains to ‘against someone fat’ I think of the fat rage that was forced upon <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1221405/Overweight-people-campaign-make-Britain-fat-friendly.html ">Marsha Coupe in London </a>who was beat up on a train for being fat. To me that was an act of fat rage, because the person doing the hitting was enraged at Marsha’s size.<br /><br />I always felt it was a matter of time before a fat child or fat adult unleashes a fit of rage (fat rage) against someone who was teasing, bullying, discriminating against or just plain mean to him or her—as in a ‘last straw on the camel’s back’ kinda thing. In my film head, I see it as someone who is teased for the last time and opens fire on the bully. [God forbid!] It has probably happened and perhaps not made the news. If anyone knows of a case, please get in touch. As the case of Marsha Coupe was reported, I am sure there are many that are not, sadly.<br /><br />Ok, now that I have given my definition of what fat rage is, let me next define someone else’s fruit. <br /><br />You see, I think that we are all fruit, when it comes to love or the looking for love/dating world. Now, we all might not be bananas, but we are all fruit. Maybe the thought entered my mind from having seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, back in the day. As the father of the bride states [paraphrasing] that despite the differences of his daughter marrying a non-Greek: One is an orange, one is an apple—no worries because we are all fruit.<br /><br />Yes, we are all fruit. <br />And as such: delicate. And delectable, in my fair opinion. <br /> <br />Back to fruit. Like I said, I think in love, finding the right person is like trying to find good fruit. With time, we all ripen like a piece of fruit, and go on sale at the market. Some, you will find, is not yet ripe and best left on the shelf.<br /><br />Love, like ripe fruit, is only as sweet as long as you hold it in your hand. Dearly and clearly. And there are times when you reach for what you think is delectable, and after taking a bite, realize it just doesn't give you that satisfactory taste for which you were hoping. Then there are others, which might even be a bit bruised; yet shiningly, despite all pretenses, surprise you. And still, there are those that look seemingly perfect, and yet, are completely devoid of flavor—and/or taste. Lastly, others which as soon as you get them in your mouth--you know you need to spit them out. The peaches of my tree might seem heavenly; but it is the tree, despite its mighty roots, that is nowhere near your supermarket. However, all I can attest for certain is that—I'm fruit. And sweet in the sincerest of meanings.<br /><br />I like to think of me as bright, higher learned, addicted to cause?, and trying to change part of the world in one particular vein, enjoying the classics and poetry, creative, sincere, artistic, and definitely living with hope for what tomorrow might bring; and learning from what today brought. And trying to savor what's in between.<br /><br />I am emotionally strong and independent (probably to my own determent), tactile, honest, loyal in every sense of the word (personally speaking), warm, and try to remind myself that humility is best reached through practice.<br /><br />So how does fat rage and fruit go in the same shopping cart?<br /><br />So where o where is all this leading? It seems I was engaged in an unsolicited suitor’s web of lies. “I am sure he didn’t mean to.” How is that new or news worthy? Seemed like a nice guy. How was I to know he had a girlfriend? Funny, he never mentioned her. When it became apparent to me, I <strong>immediately</strong>, and dude—I mean <strong>immediately!</strong> said my peace, revealed what I knew—and filed off an email outing said person that the jig was up. I want to keep their anonymity as well as my distance.<br /><br />I think that when a fat girl is pushed to limits of being or feeling ‘disposable’, played with, lied to and the like—she may blame it on her size or the internet community to which many of us belong. I wonder if one fatty is pushed too far, or for “the last time,” can an act of fat rage then erupt? And if so, would it just be considered a simple act of rage or passionate rage, or would it be considered ‘fat rage’ since it ultimately may have to do with one’s size or fatness?<br /><br /><strong>What is this a Seinfeld episode? Is there a cosmic voice:<br />“Your FAT—NO FRUIT FOR YOU!”</strong><br /><br />So can someone come out in a ‘fat rage’ at being lied to—a fit of rage based on their size, or oppression from honesty because of their size? What about women, about whom I have read, who find out that their man views BBW porn on the internet. And she is no BBW. Will she then turn to rage against a fat woman for her own frustration at her man’s possible porn-viewing preference? Or what if she is a BBW and he is looking at even larger women?<br /><br />I have no rage against anyone. Not even the machine. But I do have rage against being ill treated due to size discrimination. [I cannot exactly say that was the case here. This was a case of dude done fat girl wrong by having girlfriend and lying about not having one.]<br /><br />I RARELY and I mean RARELY engage in unsolicited interaction, and I don’t solicit anyone. [ I didn't in this case either!] I might send a wink or a smile, but again, super rarely. In this case, I was solicited. No one is in ‘this’ community has really ever seen me with ‘a man’ because I am very private, and if I do date—I do not date within the community. Just not my thing for which I need not apologize. There are women who can attest to the fact that I would usually walk away from a man who approached the group of women I was with while at the Vegas BBW Bash. I don’t know why, a self-less act sure, but I was always working, and don’t mix the two. And in all fairness, I don’t really have time to be or spend with anyone in any great capacity. It would be limited to a few hours a week (which would mean me losing more sleep to make up the work slack/difference), or every other week. Seeing as I only get around 5 hours a night, dude! He has to be some dude! Time check 1:25 AM. <br /><br />My friend Joey at Goddesses laughs when he has said on many an occasion “Kira’s never interested in anybody.” Not entirely true, not entirely false. What I am looking for is quite specific, and from my single adult life experience seems to be increasingly difficult to find: a man with character, a spine, and “a pair.” Throw in freckles, and dude, I’m yours! <a href="http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#i'm%20yours/all/1">Queue Jason Mraz.</a> <br /><br />But the fact of the matter is, is that I do have about 3 personals up. “Ya never know,” is my feeling. One on a size-specific singles website. Now, through that site, which I had once mentioned in a <em>Time Out New York </em>article, I met one person face-to-face about 6 years ago. Seemed nice, nice dinner in my hood, was widowed. OK, I made the mistake about asking about the wife to find that she was ‘accidently pushed’ off a cliff. Literally. I understand that accidents happen, it just made me uneasy and I am not perfect, that I admit. There was no real ‘love connection’, on my part, anyway. Just being honest.<br /><br />Next, in 2007, through that particular site, there was a long distance interaction that was hot, and seemingly solid, with daily contact for 7 months straight, with a certain man from a certain European country. He turned out to have a link to Margaret Thatcher [I’d explain, but only if you ask.], and a girlfriend of 4 years at the time—with whom he is still, but does not live with as is my current understanding. It was this particular connection that has given me a distinct reason to begin to dislike—and be extremely wary of—a particular ethnic group who reside in aforementioned European country. That does not mean other men in other European countries and America don’t lie to women on the internet. But, let’s just say, in my experience, this one group in particular is 4-0. Those aren’t good odds. I am trying hard NOT to be prejudiced. In fact, I am not, but let’s just say that they have tainted my opinion, nor have they made a good case for themselves. And 2 of which were not ‘internet related.’ And, frankly, I will most likely end up marrying one, because that is good cosmic irony.<br /><br />What really trips my ass out is that…how does someone knowingly hurt someone else intentionally? What is the motivation behind that non-sense? I say intentionally because, if you have a girlfriend and you are flirting/carrying on, texting, emailing, calling another woman—yo! YO! That is intentionally hurting someone. First, your girl friend, and secondly the chick with whom you are carrying on in a digital manner. Now, I know I am cute, nice, smart, and sexy, (modest, yet humble?) but DUDE! I am so not into hurting others.<br /><br />I am glad my thoughts—and blog post are not an act of fat rage, but may very well be an act of protest against such behavior and having been a victim of someone else’s lies, and defiantly an act of fat disgruntlement.<br /><br />O, there is plenty of fruit in the garden of life. You just have to search to find the good apple in the bunch. Man fell from God’s grace at the hand of a woman, nonetheless, but not over fruit—over knowledge. <br /><br />[In actuality, there are no apples grow in present-day Israel!] <br /><br />FYI—<br /> “Genesis most definitely records that she did eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. So why do people think of an apple? One reason is that the Latin word for evil is malum and the Latin word for apple is also malum. <br /><br />In the fourth century AD, the word malum appeared in the Latin Vulgate translation of Genesis in the phrase ‘the tree of knowledge of good and evil’. From that time on people began to associate the apple with the fruit which Eve ate. <br />But Eve did not eat the fruit of the apple tree—she ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” <br /><br />So, my advice? Move from passion to compassion, shop elsewhere, find a new market, and switch to whole grains?! Make lemonade if you get a lemon?! Don’t commit an act of fat rage if it can be helped—help yourself instead.<br /><br />You will certainly find your way, your very own fruit basket—filled with all you need for yourself and for a healthy relationship. And, ya know… you can make your very own fruit salad, too. Or smoothie, or fruit kebabs. I would like to hope that the possibilities are only as limited as your very own imagination. Funny, cause coffee and fruit pretty much make up most of my diet. <br /><br />May your smile continue, if only, as a piece of life's fruit salad.<br /><br />The dude next to me just ordered fruit salad. He looked at me when I laughed out loud. You can’t make a line like that up!<br /><br />Don’t worry about me. I have lived through a lot of rejection, much worse—[this was not even a blip!] a little bit of love, and serious obstacles—of which I have jumped. Didn’t say I always landed on my feet. BUT, I do believe there is someone out there for everyone.<br /><br />And it doesn’t take an act of fat rage to find him.{Or her, for whomever that applies.}<br /><br />It kind of makes me wonder, though, if I will be eyeing my produce guy in Key Food next time I go shopping. <br /><br />Under clearing skies, <a href=" http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#willie%20nelson%2C%20uncloudy/all/1">[<strong>Click it</strong>!]</a> <br /><br /><strong>KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br /><br />New York City</strong><br /><br /><strong>Hold the sex. Just the City, please: raw, straight up.</strong> <br /><strong>No chaser.</strong>Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-24590702686605094952010-05-02T19:46:00.000-07:002010-05-08T20:28:33.531-07:00BBW PUNK ROCK!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947bhS5MMI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Jbaj4z8VaUE/s1600/094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947bhS5MMI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Jbaj4z8VaUE/s400/094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466872341654483138" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947bDy7K2I/AAAAAAAAACs/0unK_QED8Zk/s1600/098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947bDy7K2I/AAAAAAAAACs/0unK_QED8Zk/s400/098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466872333735766882" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947atzHq3I/AAAAAAAAACk/7VEKbMloSns/s1600/096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947atzHq3I/AAAAAAAAACk/7VEKbMloSns/s400/096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466872327831006066" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947ZwigWCI/AAAAAAAAACc/V6W-cCTiCzM/s1600/CJ%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947ZwigWCI/AAAAAAAAACc/V6W-cCTiCzM/s400/CJ%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466872311386757154" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947ZL7mqiI/AAAAAAAAACU/k7OUdHhQ1-w/s1600/CJ%2520Jammin%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S947ZL7mqiI/AAAAAAAAACU/k7OUdHhQ1-w/s400/CJ%2520Jammin%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466872301559917090" /></a><br />O…. sigh. Nostalgia. Again. I didn’t wear crazy black eyeliner, I had no safety pin anywhere on my clothes, there was no X on my hand, and I didn’t purposefully rip my black stockings. Those were the days, though! <br /><br />Recently, I accepted an invite from from 21 year punk rock band and veteran Iconicide’s front man, Chris. You can check out his band <a href="http://www.iconicide.com">here</a>. or thier <a href="http://www.myspace.com/iconicide">myspace page</a>.<br /><br />Chris was hosting a great gig at <a href="http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/">Otto’s Shrunken Head</a> right here in my hood in NYC. <br /><br />It was so nice to go and hear some very LIVE music. It brought be back to my youth, as I am definitely part punk-rocker! I spent many a night rockin’ it—in the mosh pit or on the other side of a pen interviewing some of old punk rock’s more unusual acts. I have stories!<br /><br />There is something to be said about being in a room with a lot of live and positive energy—with or without earplugs!<br /><br />But Chris is no stranger to Fat Girls Float, in fact he was a kind and articulate subject who answered and email and after a warm conversation and a bit of faith trekked to the East Village to let me interview him, but more on that titillating tidbit in the very near future.<br /><br />Chris invited me specifically for one reason—to check out <a href="http://www.myspace.com/animaltrain">Animal Train</a>’s BBW front woman! <br /><br />C.J. Jacoby is the lead singer and front woman for Phille-based band Animal Train. Take a listen to them on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/animaltrain">MySpace</a>. <br /><br />They rocked the house. You can really understand CJ’s lyrics and hear her! Which, if memory serves, is not always a possibility with some punk bands. <br /><br />I did a brief interview with CJ for this piece. She was an absolute doll. And was truly warm, gracious, open, and offered me a drink more than once. We should have done a shot, next time, girl! It’s on me!<br /><br />I asked her about fronting a punk-rock band in 2010, and how she is received by the audience. I have seen all sorts of stuff thrown at people during my many years in and out of clubs like CBGBs, so……. I wondered. Her advice to other women was to accept humor (if it’s funny) about size, and don’t take it all so personally.<br />On getting heckeled, she responded, “If you get heckled, just “rock it! Why harbor it?” And rock it she did! Goes to show you----fat girls can rock, and rock the positiveness of not letting their weight weigh them down! Go CJ!<br /><br />And the good news is that they are coming back! So, if you would like to join me at their next NYC appearance, please show your mug at Otto’s on MAY 30th at 7:30 pm.<br />I really thought they were great and truly felt inspired. Always saw myself play a gig at CBs (CBGBs); but… they closed and I went off on another non-punk rock path. But, someday you never know I might wear my very own (size 24) shimmery silver Renyold’s wrap-esque Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth inspired short shorts on stage in an all girl all BBW/FatGirl punk band! <br /><br />Sigh. Does that mean I need to return to dating long haired musicians? I wonder what the guys from Das Damen are looking like these days? (FYI--They broke up in 1991, married, short hair.—Oh, well.) Hmmmm… thinking, thinking…..I love me some old Dinosaur Jr…… and J Mascis is still rockin’ the long hair.<br /><br />If I did not have a full-time job, I would certainly add to my list of projects. Then again, I always thought that there should be an all BBW/FatGirl punk band and an all BBW/FatGirl version of the Spice Girls. No, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_k4t-sHJtE">Moulin Huge</a> does not count.<br /><br />Hmm…… if I did I would have to come up with a name for a band. I used to have them all written down on the other side of my history notebook. But, I don’t think I have that list any more. Let’s see can I think of any?<br /><br />Well, let’s just say I can’t think of anything kind at the moment. <br />But, I am all ears if you can think of one!<br /><br />Because when punk rock is in your blood, it is there forever!<br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />NEW YORK CITY, you probably wish you were here!Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-12232264316700965642010-04-30T22:32:00.000-07:002010-04-30T22:37:49.996-07:00Deep water and High WavesI am greatful that I am the person I am. <br /><br />That I take the high road.<br /><br />That I am truly kind, or at least try to be.<br /><br />That I do, live, work, and everything else with class--no matter the size of my ass.<br /><br />That even when I am faced with harship, no matter now hard, I choose to persevere.<br /><br />ALL I know, for sure, is that no matter how deep the water, or how high the waves, FAT GIRLS FLOAT!<br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />ALL THE BEST DAMN ISLAND IN THE WORLDKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-35697094989159284822010-04-26T20:37:00.000-07:002010-04-26T21:18:02.884-07:00NYC, FAT, and Subway Douchery<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZgaH8RBNI/AAAAAAAAACM/ixHyR2I-sDQ/s1600/moscow.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZgaH8RBNI/AAAAAAAAACM/ixHyR2I-sDQ/s320/moscow.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464661199785362642" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZgZ0SqCkI/AAAAAAAAACE/xddGz6-PcGs/s1600/300px-Saint_Petersburg_Underground_Railway_Map.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZgZ0SqCkI/AAAAAAAAACE/xddGz6-PcGs/s320/300px-Saint_Petersburg_Underground_Railway_Map.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464661194510568002" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9Zf4bsSWPI/AAAAAAAAAB8/I-GZ6TQqfJQ/s1600/real+red+square.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 129px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9Zf4bsSWPI/AAAAAAAAAB8/I-GZ6TQqfJQ/s320/real+red+square.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464660620971497714" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZfpCPqYiI/AAAAAAAAAB0/_7HQ-ettoFI/s1600/moscow_art.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZfpCPqYiI/AAAAAAAAAB0/_7HQ-ettoFI/s320/moscow_art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464660356442513954" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZfogKjBRI/AAAAAAAAABs/FKw0kt7QloY/s1600/moscow2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 98px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9ZfogKjBRI/AAAAAAAAABs/FKw0kt7QloY/s320/moscow2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464660347294254354" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9Zfof30nfI/AAAAAAAAABk/4LfFzFytcJM/s1600/220px-Pushkin_in_spb_metro.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 293px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S9Zfof30nfI/AAAAAAAAABk/4LfFzFytcJM/s320/220px-Pushkin_in_spb_metro.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464660347215715826" /></a><br />Move over, Charlie. <a href="http://http://s0.ilike.com/play#Kingston+Trio:M.T.A.:36021:s38072056.10389310.18028151.0.2.12%2Cstd_2d8e704c2ce146af85902631da802aa8">Fattie on the MTA.</a> O, just click it!<br /><br />While I am totally in strong like with friend, FGF supporter, and fellow blogger Ivan Greene from FAT in NYC, sometimes there is a bit of fat in NYC that needs to be trimmed. Ah, but what kind?<br /><br />I was surprised. [Um, was I really? Queue voice of friend and fellow Big Moves New York-er The Obstreperous Ms. Janie Martinez, “Kira, why are you surprised?”] <br />I was surprised to read in amNewYork—you know, my main source of news—about bloggers who go after unsuspecting New York City subway riders who eat and/or hog seats on the subway. The bloggers charmingly refer to those who do such things as ‘slobhangers’ or ‘hoggers’ and often, “pigs.” No separate category for fatties. Yet. But, they actually talk about us…at seathogs.com. Nicely.<br /><br />Between service cuts, a possible fare increase, and the building stench and uncleanliness; the increase in vermin; NYC is a tad bit frustrated with the MTA. But, damn, remember the 80s, with our crazy-ier homeless, graffiti train cars, a few old real straps left hanging on, and the muggings. Sigh. The good old days…..?<br /><br />So, heck yeah, I wanted to check out the sites and see how they treated fatties. And to make sure I wasn’t in any pics. But I must be honest about my MTA subway ridin’ style and ‘my rules’ that I created, like, when I moved here. I have dag-nabbit darn good, indeed, I would say FIERCE MTA ridin’ habits. In fact, I am throwing a party with my friend ‘Al from the bus’ at the end of the year for my fellow M8ers. But I am not without my pet peeves. <br /><br /><strong>First, the.PET PEEVES. In PEEVE-ability order.</strong><br /><strong>Pet Peeve # 1:</strong> If you are able-bodied, move your ass out of the ‘eldery and disabled’ seats! I really do wanna scream at people some time—leave those seats empty. They are convenient FOR THOSE WHO NEED THEM! NOT FOR YOUR TIRED ASS. My FAT ass won’t sit there. I have witnesses!<br /><br /><strong>Pet Peeve # 2:</strong> People with an extremely high volume on their Ipod headphones. I hate you people, if I wanted to listen to your music I would ask! I don’t expect anyone listening to mine, so I don’t want to listen to yours.<br /><br /><strong>Pet Peeve # 3</strong> Clip your nails elsewhere, like, um, your bathroom! Like, what is your problem, people? Didn’t your Mama teach you any better? Seriously? Seriously?! <br /><br /><strong>Pet Peeve # 4</strong> There NO REASON NOT to clean up after yourself. Littering is illegal. And you should be tarred and feathered! Bring it!<br /><br /><strong>Pet Peeve # 5 </strong> Please, please, please let us off the train. Step to the side.<br /><br /><br />Here is my very own short list of rules to which I abide:<br /><strong>Rule 1: No Reason for Unnecessary Hogging</strong> <br />(Nope not referring to the <a href="http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/big-game-hunters/Content?oid=1484039">*OTHER*</a> Fattie Kind. But, if you never read about it, try <a href="http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/big-game-hunters/Content?oid=1484039">this</a>. I could not find the Details Magazine article about it. [Um, Janie?]<br /><br />I am not a seat hogger…….unless there is a pretty empty train (which includes that the wagon/train car has a plethora of seating for a low volume of fellow riders. <br />AND the max I hog-quite sincerely- is to put my purse down on the seat next to me. And I only take up one seat. As far as I know. <br /><br />And when I mean my purse, I mean I decided to buy a Jimmy Choo bag, one which grants me morning harassment by this unknown nanny at 125th Street with whom I sometimes share a walk up the stairs. Not because my bag is on the seat—it isn’t at that time of the morning; it’s because she wants it. I told her that I am sure she and Jimmy can make a deal. Canal Street is, after all, on the A train. O, not THAT Jimmy Choo, exactly.<br /><br />Now there are definitely people who hog seats, with multiple bags, oder (yes, I said it) and the like. And what do I do with those fellow NYers? I tolerate them. I might stare them down if they are particularly rude. And I also stand up when I need to—both literally and figuratively.Part of the fact is that I also take the train at odd times. 6am and 7pm. Not exactly rush hour, not exactly empty.<br /><br /><strong>Rule 2: Be kind (ie.There I go again with that Love Your Neighbor, crap.) Be kind always. Even when it hurts.</strong> Like, don’t gauge the eye out of the kid who is screaming “I like blue waffles” on the A train. Don’t stick a shiv into the people who think that I need to listen to THEIR music. Trust me, whatever they are listening to is NEVER on my ipod.<br /><br />There was a time I sat in pee. There was an empty seat, I was exhausted—especially because it isn’t like I get much sleep 4-5 hours a night usually. And my follower straphangers let me down. I didn’t see it, so I sat. Of course, after I sat, a construction worker dude was like, “O, yeah, that’s wet.” [Thank you MFer Kira said to herself.) And thank you smelly urine dude. I literally had to take off my pants and wash them at work, and then put them back on and ‘carry on Christian soldier.” Thank you black polyester, I love you. But the smell was SO bad, it left me with the impression that it came from an alcoholic. Despite what anyone might think, I said a prayer for that dude. And for anyone else who sat in what he left behind.<br />Let us not forget that people are freakin’ tired and travel a great distance, much of the time here in NYC. My commute is an hour each way, sometimes and often longer than that. Many are hard working people, immigrant families, or those who know they can make more money with a job in the city, so do the traveling. And the MTA is their only mode of transportation. Must I remind you of our dear friend Emma Lazarus’ words?<br /><br /> "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she <br /> With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,<br /> Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, <br /> The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.<br /> Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, <br /> I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"<br /><br />OK, Emma, I am all about bringing my fellow brother and sister over here. But, they can be neat, right? Must they eat Chinese food/curried goat/McDonald’s, etc. next to me on the subway? I don’t eat on the subway. To me: it is dirty, wrong, inconsiderate, in poor taste, and not good for your health. I don’t think it is good to ‘eat on the run’. And if you need to, I think it better not to do it on the subway. Reason? Filth and vermin. And if YOU NEED to eat on the subway, by all means clean up after yourself! My thoughts and opinions are shared by many a New Yorker.<br /><br />Yet, these same people do not keep NY clean and that annoys me to no end. Why the F not?! I’ve a riddin’ on many a train, bus, plane, and subway… and don’t understand how Europe can enjoy a cleaner subway system than my own—despite the sheer volume that rides the NYC MTA daily.<br /><br />These websites/blogs explicitly state that they are ridiculing poor behavior. Part of that I understand, and might even agree with. However, it all depends on HOW you do it. They chose this way. Reminds me of “People of Wal-Mart.” Now, I agree there some people who go out of their homes in outfits that would cause a stylist to have a brain hemorrhage; or perhaps would be best if worn in doors—behind closed doors, but….. they have their right to wear it. This is America! <strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-9_fDEsv-Q">Queue Lee Greenwood</a>.</strong><br /><br />But some places have amazing dang subways, like Russia for example. And no, there is no soldier with a gun hovering over your kielbasa sandwich if you eat it on the train. In fact, “back in the good old days” no one would be caught dead eating on the subway in the old Soviet Union—it wasn’t, quite simply ever done. It was considered in bad taste--against the standard, bad for the bourgeois and terrible for the proletariat. Most people sat down, crammed in like sardines when need be, and helped babushkas (grandmothers/old women) when asked, and read. Yes. Read. It was silent because people read all the time. You had to be quiet and kind. And if you broke those rules your ass would get handed to you. Even if you were drunk, you knew you should be quiet and read. Unless, of course, you broke out into song. If so, you better have a good voice.<br /><br /><strong>A tangent with no lines. [If anyone actually gets this, I will be in shock.]</strong><br />For those of you that don’t know, and if my last name isn’t obviously Russian to you, you should know that I spent a considerable amount of time living and working in the Soviet Union and Russian Federation. When most people say “Russia” many iconic images come to mind for the non-Slavophil: The Bolshoi Ballet, Red Square (which is not really red—and I can prove it!), VODKA, fur hats, the long lines of the Brezhnev era, and these days—millionaires, oops; I mean billionaires. And we can make a special note of one favorable fat art admiring billionaire when we recall <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Abramovich">Roman Abramovich’s </a> $33.6million dollar purchase of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucian_Freud">Lucien Freud’s </a>1995 painting of Benefits Supervisor Sleeping in May of 2008. That “fat art” thought made me also recall Freud’s After Cezanne [1999-2000], which also features people as he liked to paint them "not because of what they are like, not exactly in spite of what they are like, but how they happen to be." <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/96/Freud%2C_After_C%C3%A9zanne.jpg">This painting</a> features two women, one of which is plus-sized, in my opinion. Hey, he might not be a fatty lover, but he is open to different shapes, clearly. But, I digress. Or am I just ‘thawing’ out my ideas?! Ah yes, retro Cold War humor! Nostalgia, folks, na-stal-ghee-ya. Yeah. Sigh.<br /><br />Onward, Russian soldier. One of the many delights (yup, you heard me right) of traveling in the former Soviet Union/Russian Federation is the splendid subway system both in Leningrad [that’s what we called ‘Peter’ when I first arrived] and Moskva (Moscow). <br /><br />But, it seems, that other places are cleaner. Did we just give up? Are we THAT tired that we can’t clean up after ourselves?! <br /><br />Now look at the ridership of many of the subway systems I have ridden. NYC totally kick’s your city’s ass in ridership!<br /><br /> San Francisco BART daily ridership 346,504 (Jan-Mar, 2009), wiki<br /> Washington D.C. Metro daily ridership 801, 400 <br /> Paris Metropolitan daily ridership 4,500,000<br /> Boston MTA 1.3 million weekday/all modes<br /> London Underground daily ridership 3.4 million weekdays<br /> Saint Petersburg Metro daily ridership 3.43 million<br /> Moscow Metro daily ridership 6.6 million average<br /> <strong>NYC MTA daily ridership 11,574,566 weekday/all modes</strong><br /><br /><br />OK, so NYers tired of what they see below ground, take it to the internet to bitch-slap those who help to create the mess.<br /><br /><strong>But, the question remains, how do they handle the fat issue?</strong><br /><br /><strong>Site # 1:</strong> <a href="www.seathogs.com"><strong>www.seathogs.com</strong></a><br />Since October 2009, www.seathogs.com, has been keeping track of those who have been “hogging” seats.<br /><br />They state:<br /> This site is dedicated to outing all NYers or NY subway visitors to hog a <br /> seat in some way, form, or manner. The reason, says seathogs.com is due to <br /> selfishness. <br /><br />I don’t think that is always the case, as I think the average NYer,is probably too stressed or tired to pay attention to what they are doing some times. Yet, this is NYC, you need to pay attention—all the time. Someone might steal your purse, you might get hit by a cab, you might encounter a pick pocket or Mayor Bloomberg might decide you aren’t rich enough to live in the 212. Oops, he already did that.<br />I have to give them some props on the fatty issue to <a href="www.seathogs.com">seathogs.com.</a> <br /><br />They put us at number one in stating the following:<br /><br /> “Here Are Some Common Examples of NOT Seat Hogging:<br /> 1. Fat People Who Spill Over Into Adjacent Seats are generally not considered <br /> Seat Hogs unless someone has paid money for the seat next to them.” {<br /> OK, maybe not what everyone in the size-acceptance community wants to hear, <br /> but………..we aren’t being considered seat hogs. It is, somehow, in some small <br /> way, a step in the right direction? I see it as positive. And I thank them for <br /> knowing, appreciating, and accepting that people, and fellow NYers come in all <br /> shapes and sizes.<br /><br />But they rate people by casting a vote in “pigs.” Dude. Ok, you are going with your theme, I get it.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Site # 2 <a href="www.trainpigs.com">www.trainpigs.com</a></strong><br />This site is primarily dedicated to those who eat on the subway, leave behind items, and litter. When you live here and gotta look at it day in and day out—it’s gross.<br />From a commuter’s paper that taking up ‘extra’[?] space, to those who eat on trains and train platforms. I appreciate the sentiment in trying to generally, literally, point the finger [and a camera] at those fellow NYers or visitors who can and often are keeping the momentum of vermin writhing under our feet, quite literally on some days. Clean up after yourself, is that SO HARD? Seriously?!<br /><br />However, frankly, I totally agree with the woman who flipped the bird. If Thou click, thou might get ass kicked. This is New York, yo! I wonder what my lawyer says. Hmm.. Scottie?<br /><br /><strong>Site # 3 <a href="http://www.subwaydouchery.com">http://www.subwaydouchery.com</a>/</strong><br />I am not sure if this was a way to gain noteriety for his comedy, amuse himself, or perhaps, it seems that this Brooklynite hates subway douchery, as we all do, for the most part. Yet, Tom Sibley is talking and blogging about his hate for the douchbags underground.<br /><br />Breast feeding, throwing up, peeing on the train. Yeah, that is subway douchery all right. Why o why do people do it? Because they can?<br /><br />One interesting comment reflected on subwaydouchery.com, <strong>“I love NYC subways. Anything can happen.” </strong>True that.<br /><br />One person’s subway douchbaggery is another person’s free entertainment.<br />“<a href="http://trainpigsoink.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-04-23T12%3A00%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=7">Crazy drunk trannys pole dancing</a>,” <br />or guys rick rollin’ it (actual term! Damn, the sh*t you find on the internet!) <br /><strong>University of Oregon accapella group <a href="http://newyorkblips.dailyradar.com/video/nyc-subway-gets-rick-roll/">On the Rocks</strong> rickrolled</a> us recently.[Dudes—shout out from a fellow UO duck! Dude the blond with the beatbox—you go, brother!] <br /><br />That <strong>IS </strong>part of the fun! That is part of why I DON'T live in suburbia ( I could be persueded, though, maybe, perhaps.)I find it hilarious, anyway. Way more hilarious than sittin’ in urine, getting blasted with lively and loud Spanish music at 6:30am, or I do have to hand it to fellow NYers who kick ass in the ‘creative grafetti’ category. And if you ever want to see some serious grafitti, you should check out the documentary that premiered at Tribeca in 2007, <strong><a href="http://www.bombit-themovie.com/">Bomb It! </a></strong><br /><br />Despite grafetti being illegal, or “morally wrong in defacing others’ property;” there is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_De_La_Vega">some</a> which I simply could not <a href="http://www.delavegamuseum.blogspot.com/">live without</a>! <br /><br />Although, thanks to this site, I was able to solve and age-old question for me and fellow Big Mover, Suzi Tasca. <a href="http://www.subwaydouchery.com/page/4"> <strong>Visit this link, Suzi</strong></a>. I think I found the culprit. We kept hearing this guy, but could never see him. Explains a lot, right?!<br /><br /><a href="www.poleleaningdouchbag.com"><strong>Site # 4 www.poleleaningdouchbag.com [Northface jackets, optional.] </strong></a> <br />A site dedicated to those who lean on the pole and do not allow others to use it. Simple enough, with a good point. Make room, yo! And the one Biggest Loser post, was about a woman completely leaning against the pole, not her weight.<br /><br />A simple agenda to socially humiliate the wrongdoers into doing the right thing. I abhor the fact that one site tells you how to snap a picture. <br /><br />In every New York minute, people are always moving. The best description I ever really heard that captured it was in Russian, where a friend said , <em><strong>“New York kipeet,” which translates as “New York is boiling.” </strong></em>That being said, we are all on the go to go somewhere else, do something else or someone else—or their friend—(not me, but I do read) and as a result for many, that means eating on the run. Practically every block you can see someone sipping coffee as they walk, the coffee cup has become a fashion accessory for many. And from where you buy your coffee says something about you.<br /><br />I mean I know our apartments are small and all that, but, really, it isn’t an extension of your home.<br /><br />Even more recently www.metro.us came out with a brief article interviewing author Robert Rowland about his new book “Breakfast with Socrates: An Extraordinary (Philosophical) Journey Through Your Day, who states we should “Love They Neighbor.” Even on the subway. Part of which, he invites us to “Stop dreaming and start living.” Jimmy DELAVEGA, can you hear me?<br /><br />NYC is a grind. It is a tough crowd in many ways. And we definitely have it harder in some very real ways. Try paying my rent! So….if we all have it hard—make room for everybody, because there is room for everybody.<br /><br />And let me close with my recent fatty issue on the M8. As Al and I were sitting there having our morning chit-chat (quietly!), Ms. Must Sit in First Seat-less-than-charming-totally-graduated-from-high school many an era ago-thinks fatties must die-could seriously use Botox, like, um, all over—decided to mimic my size with her hands and mouth the words “too much, too much.” She had made other faces and or gestures over the past 2 years, but I could never prove out-rightly that she was 1) talking about me specifically [even though I knew she was], 2) was not as overt about it (even thought I knew what she was doing). So, on her last gallant failure, I decided to say something and what I said was: “Lady, your prejudice is way bigger than my body!” Smiling, and exit. It was kind fat activism in my opinion. I stood up for myself, and did not ‘sink’ to her level. Why? Because <strong>Fat Girls Float.</strong><br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA, Near perfect NYC MTA etiquette and “Love Thy Neighbor’ enthusiast.<br /><br />NEW YORK CITY, but wishing I was watching the sun set in Galway……<br /><br />Alive and well, and ridin’ the M8, A Train, D Train, and M18 daily <br />with my Unlimited Metrocard. <br /><br />PS. Please note that Charlie’s wife gave him a daily sandwich. <br />But, I doubt he was fat.Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-51808452296063206822010-02-14T12:07:00.000-08:002010-02-14T13:19:19.724-08:00Too Fat to Fly? Kevin Smith and SouthWest Airlines<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S3hiOYCnexI/AAAAAAAAABY/5PNK_c1CNgU/s1600-h/_SMF0213+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q9DwPzPqrto/S3hiOYCnexI/AAAAAAAAABY/5PNK_c1CNgU/s400/_SMF0213+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438204549160991506" /></a><br />Ah, yeah. Hello Kevin Smith. Welcome to the land of fat prejudice. Sorry, we really don't have a welcome basket full of goodies, just a big slice of reality.<br /><br />Kevin Smith kinda has a special place in my heart, and here's why:<br /><br />I remember standing outside the Billagio in Las Vegas with Corinna <br />Makris and her friend Steph during the Las Vegas BBW Bash in 2006. It was the <br />very first shoot for FAT GIRLS FLOAT. <br />And when we got to the taxi line. Corinna and Steph were talking, and I got<br />a little quite and introspective. I was thinking about 'what am I doing?', 'am I <br />sure I should be doing this?', and getting a little quiet. Basically, second <br />guessing myself. I remember thinking to myself, "I know I am probably part<br />crazy, and I am sure I will get some sort of sign that even though all this is<br />possible and necessary-these stories need to be told- it is nice to have a<br />little worldly, or perhaps divine confirmation." And then it happened. I was<br />looking around. And in the taxi line I saw KEVIN SMITH. He was in line with his<br />parents. Now it seemed pretty certain that he was in the taxi line, and no one<br />noticed him. It looked like some guy in the taxi line with his parents, not a<br />famous movie director. I looked right at him, and recognized him. We made eye contact for a second or two, I smiled, he looked away (but he had that look like, I have just been recognized on his face) and got in the taxi with his parents. "Good-bye Kevin Smith" I mumbled, "See ya around some time." That was my sign. HA! Well, that's how I took it anyway.<br /><br />What can I say.. I love me some fat film directors. (sorry, Kevin, Dave Garret [Ten Stories tall] will always be number one for me)<br /><br />Corinna, do you recall that?!<br /><br />Well, Mr. Smith, I don't think you deserve special treatment because you are a celebrity, and I don't think you do either.<br /><br />I agree, if you can sit in the seat, with both arm rests down, whether or not you need a seat belt extender, you are in. And ready to fly.<br /><br />Flying should not be an unpleasant experience for anyone.<br /><br />I fly. I buy one seat. I use my own extender. No one has complained. I also have not flown SouthWest because they have been pretty much anti-fatty for some time. Nothing new there.<br /><br />I went to TMZ.com to read the comments about Mr. Smith's experience.<br /><br />And I am always appalled by the general public's comments on such cases considering fat. I am not surprised, however. I guess because we are all working for a day when Post-Fat will be achieved---size neutrality.<br /><br />Here are some of my faves:<br /><br />Laney said "Fat folks are very selfish people in general." <br /><br />How are we selfish? Can't figure out that comment.<br /><br />I agree with one poster, Tony, who said:<br /><br />"Now, I'm no rocket scientist, but, I figure, if a 250 pound dude is a "safety<br />risk", I'm not sure I feel very comfortable on Southwest airplanes! Are they<br />worried that too much weight up front might tilt the airplane? What is the plane<br />made out of, tinfoil?"<br /><br />Amen, brother. I mean, it is not AEROFLOT, ya know. We actually DID have to disembark the rear passengers before the front passengers so as not to tilt the plane!<br /><br />Some felt they don't think Mr. Smith was "too fat," but yet that the airline handles the issue poorly. If you are bad to one customer, chances are you are bad to others.Good customer service is good customer service, period.<br /><br />One body builder recalled that his shoulders are too broad and he does not fit into one seat--but isn't fat. He chooses to buy two seats.<br /><br />I am looking forward to 'hearing the whole story " on Mr. Smith's SMODCAST.<br /><br />In the mean time, thank you, Mr. Smith for standing up for yourself, and not handling this quietly...size discrimination all too often gets swept under the rug.<br /><br />On a lighter(?) note......<br /><br />As Mr. Smith battles SouthWest, I continue to battle Windows Vista, who I think is size neutral, but a big pain in my ass. <br /><br />Speaking of which....<br /><br />Ah, yes. Today is February 14th. The day many equate with love. That being the case, all I can do is remember and remind: Love YOURself, Love YOUR body, Love your neighbor and love your neighbor's body (respect everyone).<br /><br />And with that, I leave you with a pic of yours truly, a real fat ass that will never be found on a SouthWest flight. <br /><br />Love.<br /><br />Fatties of the world, U N I T E!<br /><br />--Kira Nerusskaya<br />New York City<br /><br />......just over the bridge from New Jersey, Mr. Smith. So, how about that interview?<br /><br />Final PS: Corinna--for the record, I was 'reading' TMZ.com NOT watching...and NO KITTENS were killed in creating this post!<br /><br /><br />***for some reason links would not insert***Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-20011803684844028132010-02-03T19:35:00.001-08:002010-02-03T19:46:55.777-08:00ABC NIGHTLINE BIG FAT FACE OFFIs it Okay to be Fat? “Nightline” tackles this question and other delicate questions related to dieting and obesity and how it relates to heath in a “Face Off” to air Monday, February 22. This will be the program’s fifth “Face-Off,” a series launched two years ago that is a debate style format where hot topics get discussed among prominent voices in their field.<br /><br />The “Face-Off” is scheduled to take place Friday, February 5th at The Cooper Union’s historic Great Hall in New York City. Crystal Renn, model and author of “Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves” and Marianne Kirby, co-author of “Lessons from the Fat-O-Sphere” will face-off against MeMe Roth, president of National Action Against Obesity and Kim Bensen, author of “Finally Thin.” Renn and Kirby advocate against constant dieting and contend that you don’t have to be thin to be healthy while Roth and Bensen advocate against an obese America and believe in the importance of a responsible diet.<br /><br /><br />The “Face Off” will be moderated by co-anchor Cynthia McFadden and held at The Cooper Union’s Great Hall in New York City on Friday, February 5th at 4:00pmET. To obtain media credentials, please contact Alison Bridgman at 212-456-1578; alison.bridgman@abc.com. For more on the story visit: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/fat-question-debated-nightline-face-off/story?id=9718202<br /><br />What: “Nightline Face-Off – Is It Okay to be Fat?”<br /><br />Who: Crystal Renn, model and author of “Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition, and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves” and Marianne Kirby, author of “Lessons from the “Fat-O-Sphere”<br /><br />MeMe Roth, President, National Action Against Obesity and<br /><br />Kim Bensen, author of “Finally Thin”<br /><br />When: Friday, February 5, 2010<br /><br />4:00pm-5:30pm ET<br /><br />Where: The Cooper Union’s Great Hall<br /><br />The Foundation Building<br /><br />7 East 7th Street (btw 3rd and 4th Aves)<br /><br />New York City<br /><br /><br />SIGN UP AND JOIN THE FUN!Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-80788664074512345842010-02-03T19:35:00.000-08:002010-02-03T19:37:10.509-08:00ABC NIGHTLINE BIG FAT FACE OFFIs it Okay to be Fat? “Nightline” tackles this question and other delicate questions related to dieting and obesity and how it relates to heath in a “Face Off” to air Monday, February 22. This will be the program’s fifth “Face-Off,” a series launched two years ago that is a debate style format where hot topics get discussed among prominent voices in their field.<br /><br />The “Face-Off” is scheduled to take place Friday, February 5th at The Cooper Union’s historic Great Hall in New York City. Crystal Renn, model and author of “Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves” and Marianne Kirby, co-author of “Lessons from the Fat-O-Sphere” will face-off against MeMe Roth, president of National Action Against Obesity and Kim Bensen, author of “Finally Thin.” Renn and Kirby advocate against constant dieting and contend that you don’t have to be thin to be healthy while Roth and Bensen advocate against an obese America and believe in the importance of a responsible diet.<br /><br /><br />The “Face Off” will be moderated by co-anchor Cynthia McFadden and held at The Cooper Union’s Great Hall in New York City on Friday, February 5th at 4:00pmET. <br /><br />What: “Nightline Face-Off – Is It Okay to be Fat?”<br /><br />Who: Crystal Renn, model and author of “Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition, and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves” and Marianne Kirby, author of “Lessons from the “Fat-O-Sphere”<br /><br />MeMe Roth, President, National Action Against Obesity and<br /><br />Kim Bensen, author of “Finally Thin”<br /><br />When: Friday, February 5, 2010<br /><br />4:00pm-5:30pm ET<br /><br />Where: The Cooper Union’s Great Hall<br /><br />The Foundation Building<br /><br />7 East 7th Street (btw 3rd and 4th Aves)<br /><br />New York City<br /><br /><br />SIGN UP AND JOIN THE FUN!Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-6788609729116316122010-01-28T19:40:00.000-08:002010-02-14T08:27:26.196-08:00Height/weight Discrimination Bill in MassachusettsUnfortunately, due to an internet issue, which left me without internet for several days.... (Yes, I paid the bill!) I had a lot of email that seemed not to go anywhere... not exactly sure how that was/is possible. So, i do not think it made it to the committee on time, but I re-sent anyway. -KN<br /><br /><br />Dear Ms. Choi,<br /><br />Since you are a member of a liberating and liberal state, where democracy’s roots generated a nation of rebels who fought for freedom; I urge you to continue the fight. The roots of freedom and democracy anchored the ideas that make the U.S. a world power. And as such, we hold the thoughts of splendor of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness near and dear to our hearts.<br /><br />Height, weight, and size discrimination are a very real part of life for those who are short-statured, or differ in the weight/size of what society depicts as the ‘norm.’ People of all shapes and sizes hope to provide a service to the company or institution for whom they work, and expect, rightly so, to be paid a decent wage for it, and maintain the same sense of decorum and respect as their peers. But it doesn’t always seem to be that way for those who are deemed ‘different’ because of their height, weight, or size. However- they, we are credible and integral parts of the cog in the societal wheel AND labor force, particularly in Massachusetts. <br />As Massachusetts has the 15th largest population in our United States of America, I am sure that there are many people of all shapes and sizes, who have been, are, or will be discriminated against unless this bill is passed. As your state is often referred to as ‘the spirit of America’ please speak and stand up for those who hold the ideals of working in a safe and comfortable environment—a right that should be legislated and available for all U.S. citizens.<br /><br />In March of 2008, I journeyed to your state from New York City to address those present at the hearing of the bill helping to put a face on those who are discriminated against. You would not want any family member to suffer the injustice of discrimination—in any form; and especially not in the work place. Such discrimination or ill feelings lead to tense work life that debilitates the comradely spirit of any work place.<br /><br />Please do not be afraid to stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone. You can and must do so! Tax-paying people of Massachusetts deserve the right to work without being discriminated against—the right to provide for themselves and their families and loved ones.<br /><br />I urge you to please help those who need you, need you to be strong, and help everyone in your state to have a voice, by allowing people of all sizes and shapes within the Massachusetts to feel the freedom of our fore fathers, and live free. The very history of the name and translation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is size orientated in and of itself as “little big hill”—perhaps not only a historical sign that indeed, there is room for everyone to work—no matter their size.<br /><br />With kind regards,<br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />NEW YORK CITYKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-48674379891573143382010-01-11T19:11:00.000-08:002010-01-11T19:43:15.005-08:00Dance Your Ass Off can Kiss my AssI got home late, so you guys probably already probably tore into this, but here is my 2.5 cents. (Inflation, ya know)<br /><br />Always sweet and professional <a href="http://tvwatch.people.com/2010/01/11/marissa-jaret-winokur-dropped-as-host-of-dance-your-ass-off/">Marissa Jaret Winokur </a>parts as Dance Your Ass Off's hostess. <br /><br />I saw one episode, as I do not have nor watch tv. However, while visiting family, I will watch tv, because some of them are regular tv watchers (whatever that means).<br /><br />Ok, so I get the double entendre of "dance your ass off"... why did it have to be about weight loss instead of fitness? Or is it? Please let me know if you are a regular viewer. As a dancer, and having been around dancers..pretty much all my life (from age 4-- that counts as pretty much all my life, by the way-- in my book, anyway), and it is an amazing way to get more fit. And yes, I am also in Big Moves New York! Dancers are some of the world's best athletes. And as I recall my old ballroom teacher saying that as such, it would be considered an Olympic sport--one day. Even though there has been advocation for danceport to be included in the Olympics for at least ten years, no such possibilities were set in 2008, nor 2010.<br /><br />Nonetheless-- it is a way to get fit. And Olympic in its own way.<br /><br />I am sad that Marissa, who has always been a size positive person, who has contributed willingly and nicely as far as I know to NAAFA etc., is leaving. However, I do agree that she should have had regular interaction with the contestants, as she wanted. If I was her, I would want that, too-- it is normal.<br /><br />They criticized her for her appearance? Say WHAT?! They can go bleep bleep bleep bleep bleep bleep bleep! She is in great shape. Not--she is in great shape for a full-figured woman. And a beautiful looking natural lady.<br /><br />I think she is an excellent actress, wonderful hostesss, and good role model. And yes, I know she tweets what she eats....and is even fond of Red Velevet cupcakes, but she is trying to do the best for herself--making good and healthy choices. She still comes across as a positive person and one with integrity (ie. no sposal abuse, scandel, or drugs.) So......<br /><br />Even though Mel B was my fave Spice Girl (back in the day); they are losing me at the concept with her as host. I understand the point-- she lost her baby weight by dancing. Yeah, ok. Actually they change the concept---- lose enough weight to look like a former, plastic surgery enhanced Spice girl. Not a cancer survivor who gives of herself, has a baby with a surrogate, is in a stable marriage. Yeah, ok--cause the 'skinny girl' should be you, and is, um, better. Mel B has had her share of tabloid trash. True or not....and yes, you can't always believe EVERYTHING you read in the National Enquirer, but you can believe some things. (They broke the John Edwards scandel, for example.)<br /><br />Seems like fattys cannot even get a shot at being among their own. I friggin' hope Marissa ends up hosting Jeaopardy! when Trebeck retires! As if, but you know--hope spring eternal.<br /><br />She is a competent hostess. I don't blame her for wanting to leave---- just another example of size discrimination, in my opinion. Don't worry Marissa... I am still in your corner, girl!<br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKAYA<br />Director, FAT GIRLS FLOAT<br />Dancer and Promotions Directer, BIG MOVES NEW YORKKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-65968026779476955302009-12-31T18:31:00.001-08:002009-12-31T18:32:22.844-08:00Happy 2010Thanks to all who made this a wonderful exciting year-- with more fun to come in 2010!<br /><br />Good health and happiness to one and all!<br /><br />Love<br />KIRAKira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-8645268578708777672009-12-22T19:04:00.000-08:002009-12-22T19:05:33.566-08:00My thanks to my Kickstarter Backers! video!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2rj0GJQu9Xc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2rj0GJQu9Xc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And special thanks to Paul R. who, with only one hand--literally--got this ready!Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-31751344322015115232009-12-22T17:58:00.000-08:002009-12-22T18:08:51.200-08:00Southwest Airlines' Food Gets POOR Nutritional RatingMe and Am NewYork have been at it--again.<br /><br />Laughing out loud on that 6:45 am A train uptown.........<br /><br />In today's (12/17/09) amNewYork, I found an interesting tidbit that literally made me smirk outloud.<br /><br />There was a brief (one sentence!) article about the rating of nutritional value of airline food, and the rating of the major airlines in the U.S. "Nutrition advocate Charles stewart Platkin released his latest airline food health rankings which give the U.S. airlines a "health score" on a scale of 1 to 5 stars (5 being the best/healthiest."<br /><br />Continental received 4.5 stars. Good for you, Continental! However, our friends in the non-fat friendly skies, Southwest Airlines, received 2 stars for its poor nutrition. Hilarious! Belittle fat people, but serve poor nutritional meals. Well, I think someone outta slap the snark right out of them.Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-69294648777760836722009-12-17T16:25:00.000-08:002009-12-17T18:43:39.078-08:00FAT, FAT, and more FAT: Reality TV, Style, and NYCCan I have some fat, please, with a slice of fat,and a side of fat to go?<br /><br />Saw some fat news in my usual journey uptown from the L'Est Village.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Got a FAT family? Well, let Jillian Michaels move in!</span><br /><br />First article I saw was about a NEW fat reality show. I guess Jilliam Michaels is not having enough with on <span style="font-style:italic;">Biggest Loser</span>; she'd like an extra helping of fat. Michaels is said to begin a new fat reality show on NBC training families. <br /><br />What made me laugh in the article was that Michaels could not even comment about her own new show; the casting director--Jodi Thomas did. I have personally met Jodi, as she was also one of the casting directors for <span style="font-style:italic;">More to Love</span>. <br /><br />Here is what jarred me: "Michaels will handle not just fitness intervention but also help with emotional struggles, something Thomas said she's had success on with 'The Biggest Loser.'" Note to Michaels: if you would like to help 'people' emotionally and show you care, do your own damn PR. Showing an actual real and sincere connection equals better TV equals better ratings. Just a thought.<br /><br />'Cause you know all us fattys will be "sitting on the couch eating bon-bons" watching that show. Not. Ahem. For the record, 10 years, no couch--39 + and no bon-bon.<br /><br />See article <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/10/biggest-losers-jillian-michaels-is-taking-her-new-show-on-the-road.html">here.</a> That might not be news to yous (it's plural--I live in NYC, yo!) in the Fat-O-Sphere, but that was 'news' according to MY AM New York on 12/15/09, page 26.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Style</span><br /><br />Ah, style, as in.. do you have any? Oh, wait, that would be manners. Opps, Nope. I forget, this is America 2009.<br /><br />Well, someone with what seems to be style and class is Marie Claire's girl Ashley Falcon who takes on the fashion world at 5'2" and 220 pounds. She writes a monthly column at the magazine entitled "Big Girl in a Skinny World." I bet saying 'fat girl' would have been inflammatory in some way. (I ponder.)<br /><br />I read the column, I think she did a fab job. of course what is interesting is the comments. Vile. Blah, blah, blah, "so obese at 220 pounds." Couple of things kind of stand out to me. She finds being chic at a size 18 an 'epic struggle.' Try a size 28, honey.<br /><br />What I felt bad about was that she write about how she was invited to a 'stoli and stiletto' (good one, Ashley!) fashion party, but could not go because she was not dressed 'appropriately' and spent the time sulking on her couch instead. Now, I am SO sure that fashion people can be cruel (I saw/read <span style="font-style:italic;">The Devil Wears Prada</span>), but I gotta believe that your smile and confidence wins over what you are wearing every time. Case in point. I was so happy I could cry (and kinda did) when I got to meet Mary Johanson from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, who not only wrote about me on her blog; but became a backer to FAT GIRLS FLOAT! Now, I knew showing up at this swanky shin-dig, beautifully hosted by Jennifer Merin, in a stunning silk embroidered jacket, of About.com/President of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, meant I should look as good as possible, but I also knew that 1) I was going to be the biggest chick in the room and 2)did not own anything 'name brand' including NO Prada bag. I do have a fake Jimmy Choo that one girl on the subway lusts after weekly. <br /><br />However, I walked the room with my vodka, looking a little out of place among the uber-cool, but found people who were interested in me and in my film--regardless of size and specifically because of size--and my size. Make it work for you. Case in point--smile and substance trumps stilettos and label. Press the flesh, get a card, send a follow-up email greeting. You never know! I hope you give that due consideration next time, Ashley. Unless your couch is seeing some serious 'real' action, go out. Go to the party, the party of life--you're invited. You never know who you might meet--or share a taxi with. Wink. <br /><br />The last thing I am going to mention is a combo--between the vile comments left for her, and others to read, is the whole fact that "they" think "WE" can't be--or allowed to use!- the term CURVY because we're fat. Oh, ok. Say what?! You can be ANY size and curvy. NO ONE owns the term, lady. I just don't get that how women can say that. A curve in the road, big or small , is a curve. A curve in freakin' geometry is A CURVE. We all have them, every person has them in some capacity. Curve of a CHIN (or double!) as example, perhaps. CURVE of a SMILE. At the same time, Ashley writes about "jeans that work for curvy women." Isn't it, as fat women, and the vast differences in our curves and fat storage that makes us so different and hard to fit? The 'standards' don't exactly apply--even though we have them (i.e. Lane Bryant). Curvy--uh huh-- we ALL have the right to use that word. deal with it. <br /><br />However-- check out 'our' <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/ashley-falcon-plus-size-stylist">Ashley at Marie Claire</a>. She is worth <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/best-jeans-for-plus-size-women">the read</a>. And the picture is classic!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NYC drinks FAT</span><br /><br />New York City's latest 'health' advertisement centers on the ill-effects of soda--but seems to ONLY mention ONE effect--FAT (of course).<br /><br />Albany (New York State) has decided not to up the ante in the "Obesity Tax" as it was labeled by media and not tax soft drinks. And my beloved New York City has decided to create a campaign "Don't drink yourself FAT" or "Pour on the Pounds." At first it targeted alcohol consumption. Too many happy hours and beer specials. Now it is targeting soda. <br /><br />Interesting...let's only mention FAT and Obesity, not any other harmful effects soda may have. I consider soda consumption and individual thing. I stopped drinking soda (let me do the math) about 15 years ago, when I loved back to the States. Soda, for my family, was not a regular thing. It was a holiday, we're-having-guests kinda thing. I would in general, and now--very rarely--will I drink soda. If I do, it is usually because I feel some type of stomach upset-- and it might be the quicker remedy to sip--ginger-ale or Coke-a-Cola for nausea. I am a tea-coffee-milk-water person in general. I do not crave soda, and am not in the habit of drinking it. For ME, I don't care for it, and do not consider it a healthy choice because it is filled with sugar, etc. One can equals 10 spoonfuls of sugar. It is just something that does not appeal to me. <br /><br />NYC Department of Health notes that one can of soda a day can add up to 10 pounds. And orange juice can add 4 pounds a year with daily consumption, by the way. What I find interesting (?) is that if you are going to have a campaign for "healthier choices" disguised as fat hate, then at least offer a campaign with ALL of soda's side affects. Be comprehensive, dag nabbit.<br /><br />Despite the 10 spoonfuls of sugar, soda does promote tooth decay. Soda erodes tooth enamel which leads to cavities. Don't believe me? The University of Iowa School of Dentistry did a test on what beverages were most corrosive to teeth and found that Red Bull and Gatorade actually corrodes teeth at a faster rate than Coke-a-Cola. <br /><br />Soda is also very damaging to bones. What? Yup, it weakens the bones because it sucks out calcium due to the phosphates, and has even been associated with osteoporosis.<br /><br />Negative caffeine effects have also been associated with soda as some people become caffeine dependent, and, though unproven, affecting brain development in children with overuse.<br /><br />Lastly, James Duke, Ph.D. found that soda did damage white blood cell's ability to ingest and kill gonoccal bacteria for seven hours. Somehow, that sounds important.<br /><br />My Dad used Coke in the garden to catch slugs. Ain't no one getting his tomaters.<br /><br />So... NYC Health Department, why didn't you mention any of these other things in your ad campaign except FAT?!<br /><br />Watch video and read it <a href="http://www.nacsonline.com/NACS/News/Daily/Pages/ND1217094.aspx">here.</a><br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-F4t8zL6F0c&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-F4t8zL6F0c&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-16873654578961246862009-12-16T03:14:00.001-08:002009-12-16T03:17:08.438-08:00Fat prejudice in healthcare leaves man homelessFat discrimination. Fat prejudice in healthcare leaves man----homeless.<br /><br />READ it HERE.<br /><br />http://www.housingwatch.com/2009/12/14/minn-man-says-fat-chance-hell-keep-his-house-claims-hes-losing/?icid=main|main|dl4|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.housingwatch.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fminn-man-says-fat-chance-hell-keep-his-house-claims-hes-losing%2F<br /><br />Link works.Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-33366249989644195572009-12-13T21:24:00.000-08:002009-12-13T21:26:22.256-08:00INVICTUS by William Ernest HenleyOut of the night that covers me,<br />Black as the Pit from pole to pole,<br />I thank whatever gods may be<br />For my unconquerable soul.<br /><br />In the fell clutch of circumstance<br />I have not winced nor cried aloud.<br />Under the bludgeonings of chance<br />My head is bloody, but unbowed.<br /><br />Beyond this place of wrath and tears<br />Looms but the Horror of the shade,<br />And yet the menace of the years<br />Finds and shall find me unafraid.<br /><br />It matters not how strait the gate,<br />How charged with punishments the scroll<br />I am the master of my fate:<br />I am the captain of my soul.Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-80861080047435061082009-12-13T16:40:00.000-08:002009-12-13T17:02:23.011-08:0093 backers @ $6560.00! My sincere thanks! to all!My dear friends and suppporters! <br /><br />WOO HOO! O my goodness! or as I am fond of saying-- Holy Smoking Joe Frazier! [who is following me on Twitter, btw!]<br /><br />THANK YOU BACKERS! You are dear people and I thank you frm the bottom of my heart! Please know I will never forget this.<br /><br />I do not know where to begin, but would like to thank each and every one of you. Your kind donations have given me so much inspiration to keep fighting the good fight. <br /><br />After a long haul, and a long hiatus (2008), Fat Girls Float has been reborn. This one woman show has partnered with a special friend of the project who will be advising on edits and the shaping of the footage--and all the while trying NOT to make it look like a lazer light show at a Phish concert ("not that there is anything wrong with all that")! : ) But, I am excited to get on to the next step in post-production!<br /><br />I do believe, on my own dime, that I will need to return to London due to poor audio. I believe the my Brit ladies add an interesting perspective to the film. I will also return to Los Angeles with the hopes that some special ladies will join me in front of the camera and have their say. And there is a few more people I'd like to shoot around NYC. We a great big wonderful community, and, as always, I would like to include everyone. <br /><br />I want you to know how grateful I am for your generous support. I always say that humility is best reached through practice, and this endeavor was certainly a testament to that. <br /><br />There have been good strides in the size acceptance communities. I want to believe in letting the plus-sized person become a part of the mainstream party, but there are many people, especially women, who still feel that they are on the outside looking in. I would like to erase that wall with this film. In the wise words of my friend Velvet, who has always been a great sense of support to me--personally and professionaly--this film is a quilt of all the special voices of women who walk around in plus-sized/fat bodies. Its inspiration is already recognized by an 18 year old girl who contacted me to say that the trailer served that purpose in her life. And all I can help but think is, who else is still suffering? How many more women can be helped? I thank you from the bottom of my heart in allowing me the opportunity to do that! <br /><br />I'd like to thank JN for loaning me his camera and believeing in my idea. <br /><br />JR and CZ-- this is ALL because of you! Thanks for the kickstarter.com invite! and a special thanks to CZ for the Jezebel.com tip-off! <br /><br />This achievement would not be possible without the efforts and enthusiasm of Ivan Greene of FAT IN NYC.com and the Size Acceptance Salon: Chewing the FAT, <br />Corinna Makris of ThisLushLife.com/ACelebrationof Curves.com, Jay Solomon of MoreofMeToLove.com, and Golda Portensky of BodyLoveWellness.com. <br /><br />Velvet--for always caring, and for always listening, and for always making me laugh! <br /><br />With tender gratitude I also thank: <br /><br />Bianca and Sylvia @ ZaftigChicks.com, Kay@ PlusFigured.com, M.E. Wood @BellaOnline.com, <br /><br />Heather Boyle for your kind words of support, always welcoming me to film, and for putting it on bbwdistrict.com! <br /><br />Anna North of jezebel.com-- thank you for writing about such an imoprtant points in FGF. <br />Kjerstin Johnson of BitchMagazine.com--thank you for the post! <br />My dear Raqui of LargeInCharge.com and LIC radio.com <br />My dear Aja Stubbs of BelleNoir.com and BellNoir Radio.com <br />My dear Tee@ fatgirlsguidetoliving.com <br />My dear Nancy Goddess for showcasing me on her TV Show and at Goddesses'. <br />Lara Frater @ FatChicksRule--why? cause you are a fat chick who rules! <br />Bri@ FatLotofGood.com--for your support, putting me on the feeds (Thanks Corinna and Ivan!), and your sheer kindness to feature me on your site! <br />Brie Brown @ BBWNetwork.com <br />Nicole @ FlabbyFabulousFashionista.com <br />BigGirlBlue@ TheCurvyShopper.com <br />Jo and Richard @ukbigpeople.co.uk <br />Jadox @ BigGirlProof--for your support, your song, and your support. (And your hugs!) <br />Di @ FatChic.net <br />MaryAnn Johnson @ Alliance of Women Film Journalists--- I am humbled, touched, and without words! <br />MoePie@ BigFat Deal.com <br />Rakisha White @ brooklynShoeBabe.weheartthis.com <br />Goofy for posting the jezebel article on dimensionsmagazine.com <br />Trillian's post on joyousbirth.com <br />Deb Beuregard <br />MsFatGirl.com <br />FatWaitress.com <br />ChicagoBBW.com <br />Atchka.com! <br /><br />To my new producers: Alex Stone, Conner, Durette, and Nancy Goddess! Get ready! :) <br /><br />David R. Garrett--for all his sheer kindness, special advice and ear lending. <br />Deb Malkin from Re/Dress and the lovely Bevin-- thank you for the support and my first ever FGF live showcase! <br />T.King--for your advice and support. <br />Bruce--for listening, advising, sharing, and caring! <br /><br />For all of you who blogged, reTweeted or shared it on FaceBook! and any other web sites where FGF come up via Google, but are not found, whoever posted it on tumblr.com, dynamictube.com, and curvage.com!<br /><br />If there is anyone I forgot, it due to sheer exhaustion! and I beg your apologies! <br /><br />All my interviewees--you are brave! You inspire me! <br /><br />All rewards will be sent out as soon as possible. Velvet will be personalizing your photos, as I will be the production stills, so it may take a bit of time from them to get them from Paris to New York and then out to you--considering the holiday card rush. I will be keeping you informed. I am not sure if I have a permanent home on kickstarter, but hopefully they will supply me with that information soon enough. <br /><br />In the mean time, I would love if you could be my friend on FaceBook, and follow me on Twitter <br />(I am getting better at it! Right, Jay?!), you'll be able to stay more closely attached and up to date. please also consider following my on my blog listed below. <br /><br />I remain, with a smile, a humble fat girl closer to her dream.....all because of YOU! <br /><br />OK, queue music --> We Are the Champions! Yee ha! <br /><br />My very warmest regards and the happiest of holiday wishes to you all,<br /><br />KIRA<br /><br />KIRA NERUSSKYA, director <br />F A T G I R L S F L O A T <br />New York City <br />fatgirlsfloat@gmail.com <br />www.fatgirlsfloat.blogspot.com <br /><br />"In a culture where fat can weigh you down, the only thingthat keeps you from sinking, is the size of your heart. FAT GIRLS FLOAT." <br /><br />+Ms. Shriver--you remain in my prayers+ +MyStarinFlight--this one's for you.+Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-79209685000760685862009-12-07T02:59:00.001-08:002009-12-07T03:02:53.066-08:00Fat Collection for Cosmetics was a hoax!Unbelilevable! Thanks to for letting me know, Nancy! :)Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900736227637786332.post-22974885452844387552009-12-07T02:54:00.000-08:002009-12-07T02:58:13.113-08:00A Call to Action--help me my Fat Sisters!<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MRO37ceDINE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MRO37ceDINE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />HELP ME MY FAT SISTERS! FRIENDS, AND ADMIRERS!<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1791863791/get-in-the-pool-with-fat-girls-float'><img border='0' src='http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1791863791/get-in-the-pool-with-fat-girls-float/widget/card.jpg' /></a>Kira Nerusskayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030797166406928578noreply@blogger.com0