Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Update: Whiny Douchebag Edition

Sorry for being completely MIA this week. My adviser revealed to me a couple weeks ago that actually I wasn't quite graduated, and to remedy this I would need to fulfill 4 popular culture credits, stat (priorities, right?). I made a joke to my boyfriend that I would probably end up in some random class like History of the Guitar.

When I went to register, the only popular culture class left open this summer was History of the Guitar.

I begrudgingly signed up and went to my first of 16 daily classes on Monday. By Tuesday, in a desperate attempt to make the History of the Guitar relevant to my life, I had also signed up for a daily guitar playing class, determined to become the next Janis Joplin and be able to lecture anyone, anytime about the cultural significance of the vihuela. So far I can play a G, three times in a row if I'm lucky.

In other news, a local right-wing talk radio host got wind of Nick and my appearance in the Times (see post below), and decided, inexplicably, to give a shit. On the air, using our full names, he tore us apart as lazy, whiny, entitled hipsters; examples of everything that's wrong with the youth of America today and especially of Portland. As a result, we are currently being vilified by his minions in different corners of the blogosphere, with people ripping on me for, among other things, having a hyphenated last name (apparently it's a "pathetic marker of a whiny creative class female"), and Nick for working at Starbucks ("Try getting a real job, douchebag"). Good stuff.

I wanted to say that I really appreciate all your kind and supportive comments. Every time I saw forty straight comments calling me some derivative of "dumb whiny bitch" on another blog I was able to come back here and see forty positive ones, which was awesome. I love you guys!

Stay tuned for Don't Show-cha Your Chocha, Inadvertently Ask Daddy Likey, handing out some "Brilliante Weblog" awards, and more lazy, entitled whining--you know, the usual.

75 comments:

Brittany said...

Ugh, those people are fools. I have a very negative right-wing aimed comment I'd like to make, but hey, I won't stoop to their level :)

On a better note, you guys are freakin' cute in that picture!

Here's to the working man! Cheers!

Smaggle said...

Um... what? Is the universe purposely heaping shit on you this week? Tis alright love! It just means next week will be so much better. It's really hard being a part of our generation isn't it? We get shit for all the time wasting losers regardless of our choices. If we work full time - we're money hungry. If we study - we're bludgers. If we have families - we're stupid and unprepared and doing it for the gonvernment benefits. There is no way to win. Just kick their arses in your literary way... we all love you and you guys are adorable. Go and eat some chocolate and do pleasant things. You'll feel so much better.

Anonymous said...

Pity the poor radio dude:

When you look in the mirror, you see a clever young blogger with striking features and a world of possibility.

When HE looks in the mirror, I bet all he sees is a bald dude with thick, luxurious nose hair.

I'm petty, I know.

Anonymous said...

That's insane! I loved your profile, and you guys didn't sound remotely "entitled" (and y'all came out pretty foxy in the picture, too =). What's entitled about saying that you wanted to take a road trip, but couldn't? Pffffffffft to him.

Kori said...

Seriously? That's so odd that people would react like that...my first thoughts after reading the article were something like "Go Winona! - Hmmm, couldn't imagine a more appropriate caption - Oooh, I like that headband - Suddenly hungry for pasta."

If you can understand my muddled thought proccess, I applaud you. The gist is that negative people suck (and I say that positively) and that you and the boyfriend deserve all the pasta/road trips you can handle. In my opinion.

Cherryred said...

Don't worry being vilified by minions is the new black. Seriously chic. Its like you are victoria Beckham or something.
Seriously, forget the radio guy, he is a waster.

ninaribena said...

OMG the comments on that bog (ooh typo...but it works!). I left a nice comment for jo black (or whoever that 'douchebag' is) and his own minions. Really some people have no class.

Keep on keeping on within your own fabulous self sugarlips... love your work.
Love Nina x

Hannah said...

What? That doesn't even make sense.... the dude on that radio show is clearly an idiot. Don't let it get you down!

Ana said...

doesn't this hateful D-Bag have anything better to do?! I'm sorry you got put down, or talked about negatively, you don't deserve any of that. You are amazingly talented and an awesome person.

echidna girl said...

You are so fabulous...words cannot describe. He is a bitter, old, washed up man who is trying to divert people away from his own massive failures and inabilities.

Everything I read about you keeps me coming back for more. Nothing about him or his vituperative commentators is in the least bit redeeming.

Anne-Marie said...

don't mind them Winona!!! They are just jealous they didnt get their pic in the NY Times - how cool is that!!! Plus your boyfriend and you are so cute I just want to grab you by the chin and spit on a hanky to clean your faces with!

emmag said...

Since when is social commentary whining? I always thought it was one of the lynchpins of participatory Democracy. And here I am right in Portland and had no idea such villification was afoot. Just goes to show you that the folks whose opinion you really give a whit about are very unlikely to be listening/reading to such nonsense anyway. Chin up, Winona! Your blog makes us all happy and thoughtful and positive. Their blog (I assume since I won't even degn to read it) makes people angry and bitter.You win and they lose.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I'm with everybody else. I didn't see how any of that amounted to "entitlement" or "whining." And also, I would like to know what kind of jobs Mr. Douchebag held in college. I guess he was already a stockbroker, full time while taking 24 credits a semester. Because everyone knows all the right wingers work sooo hard all the time and have absolutely no sense of entitlement but liberals are lazybones who feel everything should be handed to them. Oh, and Republicans eschew all thoughts of vacation because it's workworkwork all the time. Right, Heidi Montag? Hello?

-Delaney

Anonymous said...

where in HELL is this shit going on? shoot me an email if you dont want to diginify it with a link. I'M UP IN ARMS.

WendyB said...

I agree with the above comment that being vilified by morons is the new black. I've had the experience myself! It's the worst part of the Interweb. I know it's hard to resist, but Just!Don't!Look! It's not just a case of what you don't know won't hurt you -- it's more that you will then be viewing that site as 99.99999% of the world does -- they don't know it exists. I found that reassuring myself. When I complained to a friend that (not its real name) the supposedly well-known JealousandBitter.com said such-and-such a thing, the person looked at me blankly and said "What's JealousandBitter.com?" Then I thought, it's true, for every one person who reads that thing, there are about 10 million who don't.

Sarah said...

Never have you come across as lazy or entitled. Just wanted to tell you that this right-winger loves your blog!!! I'm not really in to trends or fashion much and I still can't help but check this blog on an almost daily basis. Your very clever even to a somewhat prudish "wacko" conservative like myself. :) I can't even say Chocha out loud...I tried...but it's my favorite bit. Love your writing!!!

Lauren said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

wow. what an asshole. it really says alot about someone who hates on people through a freaking radio!

Lauren said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sulu-design said...

You're freakin' adorable. Your blog is hilarious.
People have deep issues that cause them to lash out at others for no good reason. They suck.
Chin up!

Lauren said...

I usually don't comment on things like this, but I was shocked to see that a radio host took offense to this extremely harmless article. You two looked adorable and didn't sound the least bit entitled or whiny.

Keep up the good work, and take solace in the fact that your blog does, as emmag says, make people happy (case in point, it is because of you that I lounge confidently at the beach in my Esther Williams swimsuit) and Mr. Stickuphisass Radio host only makes people bitter. You definitely win.

meliasaurus said...

I'm embarrassed for those people who were mean to you. That is utterly rude and low, and you don't deserve that.

Most of the people I've encountered have one of two problems, either have too much money, or spend more money than they have.
At least you're being responsible! congratulations on making a logical and healthy decision. now you'll be able to afford groceries next month *high five*

Anonymous said...

Wow, how awful. People like that should be shot. And I too am a barista (granted not at Starbucks), and dammit, that is a REAL job! I think "radio host" is more of a bullshit job, considering he can just rant for hours on two innocent people! I'm sending you a hug from across the U.S. *hug*

Anonymous said...

Sorry some lame asses that don't know how to have fun or have lives decided to make you their hate project for the evening. F'em. We love you :D

Anonymous said...

Amazing how some people can extract offense from the utterly benign. What a bunch of eedjits. Strum your sorrows away on your guitar, Winona.

Lesley Myrick said...

Anyone who bothers to post negative and unsupportive comments is just insecure and bored. You kick butt, Winona darling!

Anonymous said...

That is very sad and really RUDE! I'm a conservative myself, and I hate it when zealot idiots give right-wingers a bad name. We're not all crazy, insensitive old prudes, and that guy had NO RIGHT to be so hateful! You're extremely talented and witty, so please ignore him and keep up the good work! You rock! :-)
p.s. I LOOOVE my local Starbucks and have friends who work there too. They're some of the sweetest, kindest people I've met here in Boston.

Katie said...

you're too young, talented, and beautiful to be bothered by a bunch of hateful people with nothing better to do.

Anonymous said...

Seriously, some people will look for ANYTHING to bitch about. A hyphenated last name and a job at Starbucks? THAT'S what they're throwing a shit-fit about? Douchebags, all of them! The article was good, and honestly, it's really sad that people feel like they need to be dicks about an article that pretty much just says "boy, this whole cost-of-gas-and-travel thing is making it really hard for non-rich people to take a nice vacation. That sucks." I mean, how is that controversial?! DAMN KIDS THESE DAYS AND THEIR VACATIONS! HOW DARE THEY!

Steven and Julie said...

Oh my gosh! Do you know how many other Americans are staying home this summer?!?! Why do they feel the need to single you guys out? I'm sorry you're getting this kind of treatment, but just think of how many loyal blog readers you have! Keep your chin (and tourqoise eyeshadow) up!

WendyB said...

Here's MrB's comment: "She certainly didn't deserve that. Nothing wrong with her WANTING to go on vacation and feeling sad that she can't. I feel bad for her."

Dee said...

Gosh, people can be so... intense. I guess the radio guy is a sucker for negatively labeling anyone he has a problem with.

Selina (Flying Saucer) said...

if the only thing he has to talk about on his radio show is picking apart people he doesn't even know for no reason at all- you wanted a vacation but the economy is crappy, end of- then he must be a seriously boring guy! you my dear are amazingly fabulous and he is most certainly not.

TheSundayBest said...

The internet - where anonymous sniping happens.

I think we're at a point where this sort of behaviour can no longer be surprising. It happened the minute someone posted a top ten movie list to the first newsgroup and someone responded with "Hitler" in the text.

If you know G your halfway to an entire song! Just learn C and we can "rock out."

Hannah R said...

Wow, what douches. That sucks, I'm so sorry! But really, when you're hated by people like that you know you're doing something right. :)

Hyena In Petticoats said...

Just popping in to say that I totally have a thing for whiny douchebags. Love 'em. You especially. Keep up that hyphenated creative class bullshit - I'll keep reading, along with lots of other non-hyphenated diverse and interesting folk.

If it makes you feel any better, I have an anonymous commenter who keeps informing me that I have sex with my stuffed toys, and that my private parts smell of either tuna or rotting cucumbers. Classy.

Gotta love the internets.

Love to you both,

Leah xxx

Lisa said...

Wow, what is this dude's problem?! You and Nick wanted to go on vacation and couldn't afford it, so you didn't. What does that have to do with him?! Nada! It was a personal decision that affected you two only, and in no way whatsoever were you whiny. If you'd said in the NY Times that you were petitioning your local senator to push a motion for vacation subsidies at the federal level because you were entitled to a road trip, I could see how he'd be upset. But you didn't! Que pendejo, que culero.

Brande said...

Dude, you rock. I'm so not into fashion at all, but I read your blog because you're funny and incredibly literate. Radio-Douchebag can stick it. Isn't that what one is supposed to do with a douche, anyway?

Autumn said...

Bitter people who are too lazy to create change will always vilify those who put in the effort. Don't sweat it unless you're being slammed by someone you actually admire:)

Love the blog!

Anonymous said...

What moronic imbeciles.
They are incompetent and are probably just mad because they go home to wives who cheat on them with their richer better looking neighbors and so they find you- a FABULOUS fashion blogger and take out their rage that was originally caused by them wondering why God cursed them with such a small pen/is and their crazy uncontrollable se/xually active wives- on you your fam.

Sad but true.

- The Other Lindsay Grl

Anonymous said...

BTW:

Keep Bloggin!!

- TOLG ^

Sara said...

Oh man - what a week! Just lecture all the douchebags about the history of the guitar while simeltaneously strumming the chord of G over and over at them - that will make them go away.

And I too LOVE your blog. Hugs!

MizzJ said...

Hmm for some reason, my initial comment didn't go through?? Anyhoo here is what I was saying: Ok, I read the article and am utterly bewildered by this guy's reaction! There was nothing in the article that suggested you guys were stuck-up yuppies! Like where does he get off?! What a crazy old fogey.

Anonymous said...

nice.

so, where would their jobs be without so-called whiny bitches like you to whine about?

rock (and whine) on. you've got our support.

Rachael said...

you are awesome and old farty radio guys are dumb. It amazes me the things they find to complain about, often taking people's innocent words and turning it into something completely different and ridiculous.

I think you should have a "novel in 6 words" competition. I'm totally obsessed with summarizing my life in 6 words.

Anonymous said...

Heyy, haters make you famous!
I love your blog and you don't seem whiny at all, just stylish. ;D

Caitlin said...

What the eff? It's posse time!

Anonymous said...

You just wait until Emi from Letters From The End Consumer comes back from vacation - OH THERE WILL BE A LETTER!

Dude, fuck that cunt. (Yeah, I brought out the big guns.) You're fab. Now I will tell you what my mom told me to do when someone is mean to me: Think of FIVE WAYS you are better than that person in your head. By the end of it, you feel pity for them.

Anonymous said...

To cheer you up, a haiku:

Some radio ass
Needs to get some pussy now
Small dick though so sad

Petersens said...

I found your blog about 2 weeks ago and it's a great addition to my browsing. I look forward to your new posts every day. Don't let the man get ya down. There's no such thing as bad publicity.

Anonymous said...

Uch. What idiots -- who could deride you for ten lines of copy? Who could judge you without even knowing you? Who could use you and your life as representatives of some fictionalized problem with "the youth of the day"?

Like I said: idiots.

Loren said...

You seem to me to be the epitome of awesomeness, I absolutely love your blog.

Veronica said...

Your blog is hilarious. Tell that pretentious D to suck it.

The end.

hollarback said...

Oh my God - I am so sorry. These right wing types generally have no manners and no qualms about spraying verbal schrapnel at any handy target. But to use you full names ..why?

You are a young college student - how is planning a small road trip entitled? Paris wasn't on your itinerary after all...

So peeved about this. Try to let it roll off you...

By the way, I have worked at Starbucks back in the day -it is a hard job, very physically demanding. Obviously those who felt the need to mock this never worked service type job. Working there shows that your boyfriend is indeed a hard worker - the opposite of what his detractors claim.

So steamed about this. What BULLIES!!! Grrrrrr....

Biz said...

Our local right-wing nutjob came into my place of minimum-wage work yesterday. He paid using two-dollar bills. The only place in Maine you can get those bills is the local (and only) strip joint. OH CONSERVATIVES, never change.

la petite fashionista said...

ah winona.. obv he is just jealous that you were in the ny times! they have no right to make false accusations about you & the way you decide to live your life.

daddy likey rocks my world <3
xoxo

la femme said...

History of the Guitar?? I want to go to your university.

Anonymous said...

Jaysus! Don't those people have more important things to worry about?

You two are FREAKING ADORABLE! And in the NY TIMES!!

Anonymous said...

Shake off the hate, that's all that is.

Anonymous said...

what?!?!
how was ANYTHING you said "whiney?"
i am so confused!
gas prices have DOUBLED in the last year.
the pay rate has not.
what business is it of theirs if YOU can't afford to go on YOUR summer vacation?!?!

oh, wait, we were given a stimulus check this year.
i forgot, that $600 was supposed to make EVERYTHING OK.
well, you probably blew it all on tickets to burning man and abortions.
those guys are right about you.
it's your american duty to GO ON YOUR SUMMER VACATION.
what's next? you'll probably start protesting the war.

Anonymous said...

Winona, just for clarification here: I read your blog all the way from South Africa, a world away, and you make my day each time you post. I haven't even the fuzziest, foggiest, tear-inducing clue as to the subtle intricacies of Portlandian social and political implications, but me and my (admittedly pretty damn entertaining) crowd love you and think you're decidedly fabulous. So fuck the wankers.

Anonymous said...

Wow Winona I cant believe people are down on you for being resposible and NOT taking a holiday you cant afford rather than putting it on a credit card - so weird. I read the article and you did not come across as whiny at all. You were your usual charming and witty self. Sounds like, nasty though it is, these type of people slating you is kind of a compliment

Anonymous said...

Hello Winona. I've always been a lurker but I thought this time I should comment. I love your blog and you seem to be kind of amazing. The radio host has obviously lost touch with the world around him and has no idea of the current economic situation. I too had to pass on an amazing summer trip in favor of a "stay-cation." It sucks being fiscally responsible.

Hannah Swanwick Illustration said...

Gosh, it's alright though, as the Queens have given you there royal protection. What does this radio bloke want? A generation not to have an opinion on anything??

Guitar History?? Love it!

Noël said...

I am so sorry to hear about this ridiculous bit of nonsense. I have been a long time reader of your blog and love your writing. Like many have said before me; keep going and take the positive to heart. Your insights and humor are always delightful! As a fellow Portlander I've got your back.

Valentina said...

Don't listen to that crap, they're just drinking too much hatorade. Come on you know you're awesome, and we know how awesome you are! Clearly this people are just missing the point.

Valentina said...

*these people

pennyfarthing said...

You are a truly fantastic writer. He's obviously not a great radio host.

Also, doesn't Starbucks give benefits to employees who work 20 a week or more? Doesn't that qualify as a 'real job,' especially if you're still a student?

Anonymous said...

ugh people are weird, this is all very confusing and unwarranted. such a reaction and you did precisely nothing to deserve it! so so strange. i hope you enjoyed your pasta. and double barrel names are the shit and they know it, they jealous!

Anonymous said...

Winona, I've read your blog every day for over a year. Ignore the haters - you rock!

Beth said...

Like everybody above me has said, there's no reason for this dude to hate on you so hardcore.

It's actually kind of nice to know that you're a real person, just like the rest of us, who hosts her blog on a free service and sometimes can't afford to do things.

The fact that he's sent his minions after you means that he really, REALLY needs a hobby (maybe he could take guitar classes with you?), or to have read other sections of the Times, where they talk about things more worth getting angsty over.

Anonymous said...

What a jerkface.

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to comment on this for a while now, esp. because now you're my tumblr-buddy.

I was so happy and proud of you when you ended up on NYT. I was going to tumble it but couldn't freaking figure out how to snag the picture off their site.

I still can't believe how petty the media is to slander you and Nick. Folks on the internet can be really mean, which is why I love your site. And: I'm hating on fashion and consumption these days so can't stand many fashion blogs, but yours makes me laugh.

By the way, I bought an Esther Williams bathing suit exactly like yours soon after you wrote it about earlier this summer. I love it. Thanks.

Kim (curate.tumblr.com)

Applesaucery said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Applesaucery said...

I think what's wrong with the youth of America is the failure to wear PANTS and thus the violent and abrasive effect perpetrated upon the eyes of any innocent bystanders. And I think you're making a concerted effort to educate and effect change with the DSYC feature, so good on you!
Also, I have a hyphenated last name and it ROCKS! In school I used to pride myself on the fact that my name did not fit in the little boxes provided on standardized tests because this clearly meant that America couldn't handle me. Then they put in more boxes. But whatever, hyphenates rock, and when I marry, I'm going to re-hyphenate.

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