Whenever someone makes an argument about equal rights, he/she always counterpoints with "Women can't have it both ways. If they want a job with an equal salary, they have to open their own doors."
And there oh-so-many ways I could go with this ... so I'm going to cut straight to the point.
I like it when men open doors for me. -- It shocks the hell out of me everytime.
I'm not sure if the men from my generation do that anymore. I know in my entire family, I've never seen a man open a door for his wife, girlfriend or daughter--unless of course their arms were full of stuff. Even then, another woman would open the door or she'd set the stuff down and do it themselves.
When I worked at the station, I know Pat never opened a door for me. But that's okay, he wanted to toughen me up. I would have never let him open a door for me either--because we had that type of working relationship.
And I pretty sure none of the guys I've dated have open doors, I woulda thought I would remember that.
The older (and when I say that, I mean older that me, so 30's and above) men I've worked with always open doors for me. Like I said, it floors me. They quicken their step when I step through to make sure they get to the next door before me. Wow. I wonder if I hurt their ego when I open doors for them?
I'm an equal opportunities person. You can do whatever you want to do as long it doesn't hurt, belittle or degrade someone else. If a woman wants to stay home with her children, that's perfectly fine. Just don't scoff at another mother who can't make that decision or doesn't make that same decision for herself. And so on and so forth. There's plenty of examples about challenging traditional roles of society that I'm not going to touch on.
When a man opens a door for me he's just that--a man. A gentleman. He's smart, has manners, is polite and was raised right.
If you don't open the door...well I'm not going to write you off as a jerk, but I'm not going to be as impressed.
Think about that.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Go tell your mother ...
So. Parents. They raise you, they love you, they scold you.
As everyone knows, I've always had a great relationship with my mom. She's the best. We had some rocky times in the "Stacy's Mom" era, but I'll let bygones be bygones going through midlife (and/or empty nest) crisis's.
My dad, not as good. I think it turned south when I stopped liking the visits to the hardware store. It only escalated when I started disagreeing with him and talking back. Not to mention the fact that we are very alike in personalities, especially when you're looking at our stubborn side. But somehow, someway ... he started talking to me after I moved away. Figure that. Dad still insists on talking to me in the morning before I've had my coffee and the obligatory 30 minutes "wake up time." But oh well, I suppose.
My mom has this odd way of conning me into work and getting me into trouble with her little adventures. "Let's go look at the pond," she'll say. Three hours later, I'm wet from fishing out a Frisbee. It starts with going down to the water's edge (fun). Then we move a couple rocks around (fun, but makes you start to sweat). Then Mom sees something in the pond, so I go in to pick out (fun, with wet feet). Here it comes, "Well, since your feet are already wet, why don't you go in further to get that Frisbee out." As I'm waist deep in water, looking at her dry on the shore, I realize I've been suckered again. And how the hell did this Frisbee even get in there, it's not ours...
One would think I would learn and start saying no---but it took me 21 years to realize she was doing it in the first place, so who knows how long it will take to see them coming and head them off at the pass...
And as if having one cunning and ruthless (okay, I'm taking some dramatic license here) mommy isn't enough, I've also been "blessed" with a second set of surrogate parents. And they're crazier than my first set. I try to think back now, to remember how it all happened.
Here's the cliff notes version: In college, newspaper advisor says the big man in SS was asking about you. I shrug it off. I get a call from the registrar in the SS office asking if I want to work there. Okay, cool a job. I remember the interview ... was really an interview? Asked about my hours, I said newspaper comes first. Asked how fast I could type.
I was intimidated by Tiff and Kim's relationship, and all the things I needed to learn about the office. Soon, I was spending more time there than anywhere else on campus. Then, whoohoo a summer job! Other than being locked in the dungeon it was awesome.
Somehow or another, I befriended a Viking fan *gasp* And I was told that I was the younger version of Kim. I think the parent thing started when Kim went to the business office. I think I was supposed to convince him to give her the plant...
The epic War of the Plant from the Copier Room, spawned the "Go tell her..." growls. I think this resulted in the "He's a loser come work for me." Which begot the "What can she give you that I can't?" retaliation. She countered with "He keeps you in the dungeon and I buy you pretty stuff" and the villagers cowered at "Go tell your father..."
But what probably blew the ship out of the water was, "I don't care about sparkly stuff, she left you. Who signs your checks? Who's your daddy?"
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the shudder heard 'round the world.
Oh the stories I could tell... How about the time that she (this tale recounts the time when I was there, I hear this trick is still an active one) snuck into his office so much stealing mints that he went through a full bag in a week or so. He buys new mints, fills it up and gives me (me?!) the executive order that she is NOT allowed in the office. Especially HIS office.
I plead the fifth and will not say anything that can be held against me in the court of jeffy ... but the long and short of it is that she came in and hid the mints.
And guess who got blamed? Yepper, yours truly. However, I had the "locked in the dungeon" story as an alibi and remained in both their good graces.
And so the saga continues. They are the king and queen of bicker and banter. And for people who are supposed to be vying for my affection, I seem to be caught in the middle. I hear more of "what did you tell her, and you're ratting on me" as well as "make him think this, do this for me" then "Stacey loves me more."
And let me tell you, though both are amusing, I much prefer the competition of making Stacey happier. After all, we all know how vain I am.
So Friday, I fall into the same old pattern again. And, like true parents, I tell one something and the other one instantly knows about it. And, unlike my real parents, "my mother" scolds me for having to hear it from "my father." (And as a side note, I'll probably get yelled at for blowing that cover, because the father didn't know that I didn't tell the mother.)
Alas, at least my real mommy loves me, even though she tricks me into working.
As everyone knows, I've always had a great relationship with my mom. She's the best. We had some rocky times in the "Stacy's Mom" era, but I'll let bygones be bygones going through midlife (and/or empty nest) crisis's.
My dad, not as good. I think it turned south when I stopped liking the visits to the hardware store. It only escalated when I started disagreeing with him and talking back. Not to mention the fact that we are very alike in personalities, especially when you're looking at our stubborn side. But somehow, someway ... he started talking to me after I moved away. Figure that. Dad still insists on talking to me in the morning before I've had my coffee and the obligatory 30 minutes "wake up time." But oh well, I suppose.
My mom has this odd way of conning me into work and getting me into trouble with her little adventures. "Let's go look at the pond," she'll say. Three hours later, I'm wet from fishing out a Frisbee. It starts with going down to the water's edge (fun). Then we move a couple rocks around (fun, but makes you start to sweat). Then Mom sees something in the pond, so I go in to pick out (fun, with wet feet). Here it comes, "Well, since your feet are already wet, why don't you go in further to get that Frisbee out." As I'm waist deep in water, looking at her dry on the shore, I realize I've been suckered again. And how the hell did this Frisbee even get in there, it's not ours...
One would think I would learn and start saying no---but it took me 21 years to realize she was doing it in the first place, so who knows how long it will take to see them coming and head them off at the pass...
And as if having one cunning and ruthless (okay, I'm taking some dramatic license here) mommy isn't enough, I've also been "blessed" with a second set of surrogate parents. And they're crazier than my first set. I try to think back now, to remember how it all happened.
Here's the cliff notes version: In college, newspaper advisor says the big man in SS was asking about you. I shrug it off. I get a call from the registrar in the SS office asking if I want to work there. Okay, cool a job. I remember the interview ... was really an interview? Asked about my hours, I said newspaper comes first. Asked how fast I could type.
I was intimidated by Tiff and Kim's relationship, and all the things I needed to learn about the office. Soon, I was spending more time there than anywhere else on campus. Then, whoohoo a summer job! Other than being locked in the dungeon it was awesome.
Somehow or another, I befriended a Viking fan *gasp* And I was told that I was the younger version of Kim. I think the parent thing started when Kim went to the business office. I think I was supposed to convince him to give her the plant...
The epic War of the Plant from the Copier Room, spawned the "Go tell her..." growls. I think this resulted in the "He's a loser come work for me." Which begot the "What can she give you that I can't?" retaliation. She countered with "He keeps you in the dungeon and I buy you pretty stuff" and the villagers cowered at "Go tell your father..."
But what probably blew the ship out of the water was, "I don't care about sparkly stuff, she left you. Who signs your checks? Who's your daddy?"
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the shudder heard 'round the world.
Oh the stories I could tell... How about the time that she (this tale recounts the time when I was there, I hear this trick is still an active one) snuck into his office so much stealing mints that he went through a full bag in a week or so. He buys new mints, fills it up and gives me (me?!) the executive order that she is NOT allowed in the office. Especially HIS office.
I plead the fifth and will not say anything that can be held against me in the court of jeffy ... but the long and short of it is that she came in and hid the mints.
And guess who got blamed? Yepper, yours truly. However, I had the "locked in the dungeon" story as an alibi and remained in both their good graces.
And so the saga continues. They are the king and queen of bicker and banter. And for people who are supposed to be vying for my affection, I seem to be caught in the middle. I hear more of "what did you tell her, and you're ratting on me" as well as "make him think this, do this for me" then "Stacey loves me more."
And let me tell you, though both are amusing, I much prefer the competition of making Stacey happier. After all, we all know how vain I am.
So Friday, I fall into the same old pattern again. And, like true parents, I tell one something and the other one instantly knows about it. And, unlike my real parents, "my mother" scolds me for having to hear it from "my father." (And as a side note, I'll probably get yelled at for blowing that cover, because the father didn't know that I didn't tell the mother.)
Alas, at least my real mommy loves me, even though she tricks me into working.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
As an Era Ends
Last night, or this morning rather, I finished "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." It took me three days to read it. And now before you "I read it in two days or less" people scoff at me, I could have finished it in one day if I wasn't being all responsible and sleeping because I had to work so pffft.
When I started reading it last night, I didn't even intend to finish it. I was thinking about 50 pages would be fine and then I'd finish the final 250 pages today. I started at 9:51 and ended at 12:15. Once I started I couldn't stop. I told myself I was at an exciting part, just get to lull and end. Well little did I know there wasn't a lull. I don't think there was a lull in the whole book.
After I finished it, I watched television for 10 minutes to distract myself from it. I could feel my heart pounding from the whole exciting ordeal. There was a point last night (probably about 10 seconds after I closed the book) that I wanted to open it up and read it all over again. As far as I can remember, I've never wanted to read a book again right after I finished (with the exception of There's a Monster at the End of This Book). And I've only done that with a handful of movies.
It was such a good book. So much so that I can't imagine there ever being another Harry Potter book to top it. There are some things I wished JK Rowling would have covered before she ended it. I'm still satisfied with the ending, so I'm tryng not to think about it. But somehow thoughts of Harry and the gang keep edging it's way to the back of my mind.
Well, enough of Harry. *sniffle*
I'd say for the past month or two I haven't been in the mood to cook. I don't know if it's because it's summer, so I'd rather be outside or I don't want to make the house hotter by using the oven. But I've had no interest.
I got that interest back yesterday. I made a cucumber salsa, fresh tomato sauce, gnocelli (which I'm sure I'm spelling wrong, but am too lazy to look up--they're little pasta-like potato dumplings), stuffed zucchini and this morning I made zucchini bread. I used half wheat flour for the bread, and it's not as good as all white flour. I find that odd, because most other recipes using wheat have turned out better than their all white flour verisons.
On a KoL note: I just hit level 12, and I'm still working on the Quest of MacGuffin's Diary *coughdirtybastardcough*. I've gone through this quest faster than last time around. I need to get a dusty bottle of Marsala (that's NOT dropping!!), fight Lord Spookyraven and do the Pyramid Quest, and then I'm done.
Unfortunately for my stats, I'm on day 26. It's been so busy that I haven't been able to get my adventuring in properly each day. Plus I missed three days of adventuring last weekend.
Disco Bandit skills suck. So, I'm not sure what one to make permanent. The attacking ones are practically worthless.
I've been in pre-season football heaven: three days, three games! I'm jotting down notes and getting names for fantasy football. Plus it's just a rush to see it again. Oh, how I love football. I missed the first quarter of last night's Packers-Steelers game, and I didn't get to see Ben Rothelisberger play. Very disappointed.
When I started reading it last night, I didn't even intend to finish it. I was thinking about 50 pages would be fine and then I'd finish the final 250 pages today. I started at 9:51 and ended at 12:15. Once I started I couldn't stop. I told myself I was at an exciting part, just get to lull and end. Well little did I know there wasn't a lull. I don't think there was a lull in the whole book.
After I finished it, I watched television for 10 minutes to distract myself from it. I could feel my heart pounding from the whole exciting ordeal. There was a point last night (probably about 10 seconds after I closed the book) that I wanted to open it up and read it all over again. As far as I can remember, I've never wanted to read a book again right after I finished (with the exception of There's a Monster at the End of This Book). And I've only done that with a handful of movies.
It was such a good book. So much so that I can't imagine there ever being another Harry Potter book to top it. There are some things I wished JK Rowling would have covered before she ended it. I'm still satisfied with the ending, so I'm tryng not to think about it. But somehow thoughts of Harry and the gang keep edging it's way to the back of my mind.
Well, enough of Harry. *sniffle*
I'd say for the past month or two I haven't been in the mood to cook. I don't know if it's because it's summer, so I'd rather be outside or I don't want to make the house hotter by using the oven. But I've had no interest.
I got that interest back yesterday. I made a cucumber salsa, fresh tomato sauce, gnocelli (which I'm sure I'm spelling wrong, but am too lazy to look up--they're little pasta-like potato dumplings), stuffed zucchini and this morning I made zucchini bread. I used half wheat flour for the bread, and it's not as good as all white flour. I find that odd, because most other recipes using wheat have turned out better than their all white flour verisons.
On a KoL note: I just hit level 12, and I'm still working on the Quest of MacGuffin's Diary *coughdirtybastardcough*. I've gone through this quest faster than last time around. I need to get a dusty bottle of Marsala (that's NOT dropping!!), fight Lord Spookyraven and do the Pyramid Quest, and then I'm done.
Unfortunately for my stats, I'm on day 26. It's been so busy that I haven't been able to get my adventuring in properly each day. Plus I missed three days of adventuring last weekend.
Disco Bandit skills suck. So, I'm not sure what one to make permanent. The attacking ones are practically worthless.
I've been in pre-season football heaven: three days, three games! I'm jotting down notes and getting names for fantasy football. Plus it's just a rush to see it again. Oh, how I love football. I missed the first quarter of last night's Packers-Steelers game, and I didn't get to see Ben Rothelisberger play. Very disappointed.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Flustered
I feel all out of sorts right now. My collar isn’t sitting right, the printer is too loud, the air is running and I can’t hear my radio.
What a start to a Monday morning. Plus my coffee is cold and it’s not even 10 a.m.
What a start to a Monday morning. Plus my coffee is cold and it’s not even 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
They would not listen, they did not know how.
I was going to crack out another random blog for you, but on “Sunday Morning” they reported that today was the day Vincent Van Gogh died many years ago. So I'm going to give you the blog that I wrote a month or so ago about my favorite Van Gogh piece: Starry Night.
There's something about Starry Night that has always captivated me. The first time I remember exposure to it is art class when we had to do our own depiction--was it in paper or tempera paints? Of course then there was that "Boy Meets World" episode and Mr. Hagen's Starry Night tie. I don't think I ever studied it formally--we tended to study form and function over history. My high school art teacher wasn't smart enough to cover it. I do remember it in our World History book.
But why Starry Night? Maybe because all the art we studied in Spanish class was so rigid and overtly religious centered with very realistic styles. Even Picasso’s dramatic depictions didn't strike me the same. Maybe that's because Picasso is so much ingrained in our culture that it didn't inspire me when I was first exposed to his works.
There's a whimsical quality to Van Gogh's paintings, not just Starry Night. Van Gogh used colors very much ingrained in my internal palette: deep blues, purple, splash of bright colors like yellow and red. The painting simultaneously feels very vast and intimate. Sometimes all I can see is the looming sky, frightening with its swirls. But the glowing stars are also comforting with a village nestled under them.
And that shape in the foreground. Sometimes I wish it wasn't there obstructing my view, but without this large looming spine, the picture would lose its balance. I don't always see the object (and what exactly is it? rocks, fire?) sitting there. Somehow I look past it. I wonder if that's how Bob Ross (that guy on PBS) got his inspiration for the big dead tree or ugly bush right in the middle of his beautiful paintings. Maybe all this time he was taking his cue from Van Gogh. And here I thought Bob was a radical.
Jenny bought me Starry Night for Christmas and then two of his iris paintings. Well, that sealed the deal.
Another reason I think Starry Night draws me in is because it seems mosaic, and I've always had a fascination for mosaics.
When Trading Spaces came on, I contemplated what my fantasy room would be. After some time it became clear that it would be a Starry Night room, though in what form, I could never picture.
But then it came to me. Why try to recreate this masterpiece in a different form--emulate it. So we bought sponges and the richest, darkest blue and purple we could find and the yellow closest to starlight. Without any guide other than my love for the painting, I sponged this dark blue paint on the wall. Soon I figured out how much was the right amount of paint on the sponge and just how much pressure to apply.
It was a leap of faith, one that consumed me and soothed my soul for seven days. I'm so proud of my room the transformation it underwent.
To go to the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA for those familiar with the term) and stand before this painting was truly great. I've stood in front of many other paintings wondering how it would feel to see this one. When the real moment came there were no choirs of angels singing or epiphanies--but I was awestruck and captivated. I wanted to stay there longer to study it, so my only disappointment came when I knew I had to keep moving.
I floated through the rest of my day--for I had been so honored to stand before Starry Night.
There's something about Starry Night that has always captivated me. The first time I remember exposure to it is art class when we had to do our own depiction--was it in paper or tempera paints? Of course then there was that "Boy Meets World" episode and Mr. Hagen's Starry Night tie. I don't think I ever studied it formally--we tended to study form and function over history. My high school art teacher wasn't smart enough to cover it. I do remember it in our World History book.
But why Starry Night? Maybe because all the art we studied in Spanish class was so rigid and overtly religious centered with very realistic styles. Even Picasso’s dramatic depictions didn't strike me the same. Maybe that's because Picasso is so much ingrained in our culture that it didn't inspire me when I was first exposed to his works.
There's a whimsical quality to Van Gogh's paintings, not just Starry Night. Van Gogh used colors very much ingrained in my internal palette: deep blues, purple, splash of bright colors like yellow and red. The painting simultaneously feels very vast and intimate. Sometimes all I can see is the looming sky, frightening with its swirls. But the glowing stars are also comforting with a village nestled under them.And that shape in the foreground. Sometimes I wish it wasn't there obstructing my view, but without this large looming spine, the picture would lose its balance. I don't always see the object (and what exactly is it? rocks, fire?) sitting there. Somehow I look past it. I wonder if that's how Bob Ross (that guy on PBS) got his inspiration for the big dead tree or ugly bush right in the middle of his beautiful paintings. Maybe all this time he was taking his cue from Van Gogh. And here I thought Bob was a radical.
Jenny bought me Starry Night for Christmas and then two of his iris paintings. Well, that sealed the deal.
Another reason I think Starry Night draws me in is because it seems mosaic, and I've always had a fascination for mosaics.When Trading Spaces came on, I contemplated what my fantasy room would be. After some time it became clear that it would be a Starry Night room, though in what form, I could never picture.
But then it came to me. Why try to recreate this masterpiece in a different form--emulate it. So we bought sponges and the richest, darkest blue and purple we could find and the yellow closest to starlight. Without any guide other than my love for the painting, I sponged this dark blue paint on the wall. Soon I figured out how much was the right amount of paint on the sponge and just how much pressure to apply.
It was a leap of faith, one that consumed me and soothed my soul for seven days. I'm so proud of my room the transformation it underwent.
To go to the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA for those familiar with the term) and stand before this painting was truly great. I've stood in front of many other paintings wondering how it would feel to see this one. When the real moment came there were no choirs of angels singing or epiphanies--but I was awestruck and captivated. I wanted to stay there longer to study it, so my only disappointment came when I knew I had to keep moving.I floated through the rest of my day--for I had been so honored to stand before Starry Night.
Pictures (top to bottom): Starry Night at the NYC MoMA
Swirl on my north wall (complete with Iris
Painting, though not a van Gogh).
Close up of wall to show "brush strokes." I used a round sponge with
little circle grooves to dot on my yellow texture for stars as the first layer.
The second layer I used a flat sponge with broad groves to emulate his brush
strokes.
The last picture is a corner of my room...two walls meeting. I continued my purple swirl onto the next wall, similar to the continuing swirl in the painting.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
If I could, I'd only want to make you smile
I don't have any organized thing to blog about, so I'll just chat with you. It's like the Fireside Chats ... except there's no fire by my side and I'm not-so-presidential.
Last week I ascended--my first since NS13 roll out. I should have counted how many times I had to go back and get healing items. It wasn't pretty. So much for my "Defeated in One Try" wand of Nagamar collection.
I'm been in a huge M*A*S*H* phase lately. Almost every night I watch one or two episodes. In June I started from the beginning, and am at Season Six. Now we finally have all the seasons. I'm not sure if I ever saw the last episode.
I checked out Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix from the library last week. I want to read it and 'Half Blood Prince again before I read 'Deathly Hallows (hollows?). I think I might get them in. But it might be close. I reserved my copy of the new one about two weeks ago, and I'm number 47. For whatever reason they had two lists, and the other one was 141. I just need to finish the Robert Ludlum book I'm reading and get to Harry.
Last week Hok got kicked off So You Think You Can Dance?. Oh well, I guess. There are still the other ones I like. Wade hit on the head with Lacey, she's very talented and a good performer. But she's also one-dimensional. With her and Danny, I think the judges (at least Mary) won't kick them off, unless they really mess up. Mary said when Danny and his partner were in the bottom three, "You're not going home this week." If I was Nigel I would have kicked her under the table. You can't say that until they do their solo...because that's what you're supposedly judging them on.
Each time when I log into blogger, the dashboard gives me an overview of my writing history. X posts, last edited on such and such day. This morning it told me that I've made 130 posts. I've been blogging for two years, so that's about five posts a month. Which is about right. I wish i would have way more than that, but it's lack of inspiration and lack of typing time that limits me.
What have I been doing with myself? Writing, reading, working, watching M*A*S*H*, working on my tan ... yup. Oh yeah, and adventuring.
Last week I ascended--my first since NS13 roll out. I should have counted how many times I had to go back and get healing items. It wasn't pretty. So much for my "Defeated in One Try" wand of Nagamar collection.
I'm been in a huge M*A*S*H* phase lately. Almost every night I watch one or two episodes. In June I started from the beginning, and am at Season Six. Now we finally have all the seasons. I'm not sure if I ever saw the last episode.
I checked out Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix from the library last week. I want to read it and 'Half Blood Prince again before I read 'Deathly Hallows (hollows?). I think I might get them in. But it might be close. I reserved my copy of the new one about two weeks ago, and I'm number 47. For whatever reason they had two lists, and the other one was 141. I just need to finish the Robert Ludlum book I'm reading and get to Harry.
Last week Hok got kicked off So You Think You Can Dance?. Oh well, I guess. There are still the other ones I like. Wade hit on the head with Lacey, she's very talented and a good performer. But she's also one-dimensional. With her and Danny, I think the judges (at least Mary) won't kick them off, unless they really mess up. Mary said when Danny and his partner were in the bottom three, "You're not going home this week." If I was Nigel I would have kicked her under the table. You can't say that until they do their solo...because that's what you're supposedly judging them on.
Each time when I log into blogger, the dashboard gives me an overview of my writing history. X posts, last edited on such and such day. This morning it told me that I've made 130 posts. I've been blogging for two years, so that's about five posts a month. Which is about right. I wish i would have way more than that, but it's lack of inspiration and lack of typing time that limits me.
What have I been doing with myself? Writing, reading, working, watching M*A*S*H*, working on my tan ... yup. Oh yeah, and adventuring.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Save the Earth—or Leave Your Conscious at the Tone
For as long as I can remember, we've been warned about global warming. They taught it to us in school--the Earth's atmosphere is deteriorating, letting in harmful rays. They would eventually raise the temperature of the Earth, melt the ice caps, so on and so forth. This damage isn't something that can be fixed, but we can make changes so we don't hurt the planet any more than we need to. It was taught to us as fact.
But all of sudden (using a Seth MacFarlane phrase) in Bush's America "global warming" was a theory. Not only that, a laughable theory from the Chicken Little's of the world--giving another reason to hug a tree or prevent destruction of some natural resource which would decrease that one percent's profits. Keep buying those suv's, hummers and the like. So you're spending more than $100 to fill your tank. It's merely the cost of luxury, and well worth it. Wouldn't you say?
Last summer, a group of scientists met. From different countries, renowned each in their own field. And as far as I know, they weren't considered alarmists.
And what was their conclusion? Not only was global warming a fact, it was here. Our climate and so much more has been changed and damaged almost beyond repair. It's warmer, weather is more volatile and animals are in danger. None of it is a coincidence, all of it is really happening.
Shortly after, a documentary premiered "An Inconvenient Truth," telling us what dire conditions we have created and what will happen if we ignore it. Many brushed it off as Hollywood going political again, shock entertainment, passed off as the truth all in the name of making money.
Then we find out Al Gore spear-headed the project. Oh, well then that changes things. It's the guy who "invented" the Internet drumming up publicity, trying to re-invent an image that could get him elected. (Does this tactic sound familiar? When there's something we don't agree with or don't want to believe--we label it as an exaggerated bedtime story, meant to scare little children. People of America! Don't believe these follies! Don't fall for this story, you're much too smart for their lies! Burn the witches, women are dangerous ... er, I mean ... global warming doesn't exist, he's just trying to make a run for president! Hmmm.)
Skip ahead to this summer, Al Gore has organized a series of concerts, Live Earth, to raise recognition for global warming. The amount of negativity surrounding it astounded me. The guy who organized "Live AID" to raise money for fighting AIDS in Africa said everyone knows about global warming, why do we need recognition for it? What's the point?
The point is, everyone KNOWS about Global Warming, but we have to fight eight years of denying it exists. We need to put it in front of people. We need to show every person that they personally need to change the way they live their life. It doesn't take millions of dollars, it takes small changes. Then it takes the power of numbers: millions demanding change from corporations, industries, governments.
There was also criticism that the concerts were adding to the destruction of the Earth. Millions of people gathering, creating waste with cars, tickets, shirts, garbage---bands in buses, electrical equipment. Not only that, people were coming to hear music. Not to save the world. No one would pull anything but some good tunes from that night.
Gore said that these concerts were green. Meaning, they were different than normal, using environmentally friendly stages, equipment, etc. I can't speak to what was different. But even if one artist changed the way they will tour, they will change their lifestyle to be more green, that will help.
Sure, not every concert goer got the message--but maybe some of them did. Or maybe some will adopt some green lifestyle changes, without quite knowing why they should. It got publicity, and maybe during that more people learned little things they can change to be more responsible.
Yes, global warming was there and had a voice before Gore. But the people in power in this world don't listen to the guy next door or the small-ranking scientist. Like it or not, Gore can generate money and this money might produce results.
So what's next? Since I was taught in school that we should each do our own part to save, conserve and recycle I went to the Web site: http://www.earthlab.com/ to learn more about how I can live greener. You can answer questions to see what your impact on the earth is. How much carbon you're creating. Then you can learn about ways to lessen your carbon output. Easy things that aren't expensive--or that don't cost money at all (maybe even save you money!). Then, if you're so inclined, you can keep reading and taking action by changing the way you live.
I saw last week on the Sunday morning show, that it costs more money to recycle plastic bags than it does to landfill them. So the majority of the bags are going to landfill, destroying the water, killing wild life or just simply taking forever to deteriorate. Now, I'm going to make an effort to use cloth bags. It's going to be slow and a hard adjustment. But it's important. Not to mention that we have a shit ton of plastic bags laying around the house.
Okay, maybe you don't buy this because it's coming from a liberal, tree-hugging hippy. I can accept that. But you can still do small things to help make the world a better place to live. Recycle, conserve water, make the choice to use less plastic when you have the opportunity to do so. If nothing else, check out the Web site to see how you can make changes to live greener.
Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
But all of sudden (using a Seth MacFarlane phrase) in Bush's America "global warming" was a theory. Not only that, a laughable theory from the Chicken Little's of the world--giving another reason to hug a tree or prevent destruction of some natural resource which would decrease that one percent's profits. Keep buying those suv's, hummers and the like. So you're spending more than $100 to fill your tank. It's merely the cost of luxury, and well worth it. Wouldn't you say?
Last summer, a group of scientists met. From different countries, renowned each in their own field. And as far as I know, they weren't considered alarmists.
And what was their conclusion? Not only was global warming a fact, it was here. Our climate and so much more has been changed and damaged almost beyond repair. It's warmer, weather is more volatile and animals are in danger. None of it is a coincidence, all of it is really happening.
Shortly after, a documentary premiered "An Inconvenient Truth," telling us what dire conditions we have created and what will happen if we ignore it. Many brushed it off as Hollywood going political again, shock entertainment, passed off as the truth all in the name of making money.
Then we find out Al Gore spear-headed the project. Oh, well then that changes things. It's the guy who "invented" the Internet drumming up publicity, trying to re-invent an image that could get him elected. (Does this tactic sound familiar? When there's something we don't agree with or don't want to believe--we label it as an exaggerated bedtime story, meant to scare little children. People of America! Don't believe these follies! Don't fall for this story, you're much too smart for their lies! Burn the witches, women are dangerous ... er, I mean ... global warming doesn't exist, he's just trying to make a run for president! Hmmm.)
Skip ahead to this summer, Al Gore has organized a series of concerts, Live Earth, to raise recognition for global warming. The amount of negativity surrounding it astounded me. The guy who organized "Live AID" to raise money for fighting AIDS in Africa said everyone knows about global warming, why do we need recognition for it? What's the point?
The point is, everyone KNOWS about Global Warming, but we have to fight eight years of denying it exists. We need to put it in front of people. We need to show every person that they personally need to change the way they live their life. It doesn't take millions of dollars, it takes small changes. Then it takes the power of numbers: millions demanding change from corporations, industries, governments.
There was also criticism that the concerts were adding to the destruction of the Earth. Millions of people gathering, creating waste with cars, tickets, shirts, garbage---bands in buses, electrical equipment. Not only that, people were coming to hear music. Not to save the world. No one would pull anything but some good tunes from that night.
Gore said that these concerts were green. Meaning, they were different than normal, using environmentally friendly stages, equipment, etc. I can't speak to what was different. But even if one artist changed the way they will tour, they will change their lifestyle to be more green, that will help.
Sure, not every concert goer got the message--but maybe some of them did. Or maybe some will adopt some green lifestyle changes, without quite knowing why they should. It got publicity, and maybe during that more people learned little things they can change to be more responsible.
Yes, global warming was there and had a voice before Gore. But the people in power in this world don't listen to the guy next door or the small-ranking scientist. Like it or not, Gore can generate money and this money might produce results.
So what's next? Since I was taught in school that we should each do our own part to save, conserve and recycle I went to the Web site: http://www.earthlab.com/ to learn more about how I can live greener. You can answer questions to see what your impact on the earth is. How much carbon you're creating. Then you can learn about ways to lessen your carbon output. Easy things that aren't expensive--or that don't cost money at all (maybe even save you money!). Then, if you're so inclined, you can keep reading and taking action by changing the way you live.
I saw last week on the Sunday morning show, that it costs more money to recycle plastic bags than it does to landfill them. So the majority of the bags are going to landfill, destroying the water, killing wild life or just simply taking forever to deteriorate. Now, I'm going to make an effort to use cloth bags. It's going to be slow and a hard adjustment. But it's important. Not to mention that we have a shit ton of plastic bags laying around the house.
Okay, maybe you don't buy this because it's coming from a liberal, tree-hugging hippy. I can accept that. But you can still do small things to help make the world a better place to live. Recycle, conserve water, make the choice to use less plastic when you have the opportunity to do so. If nothing else, check out the Web site to see how you can make changes to live greener.
Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
Let me see that 1, 2 Step
As I have mentioned before, one of my summer viewing pleasures is So You Think You Can Dance?. I don't remember watching it the first season (and now I realize I did, after checking wiki). The popularity of Dancing with the Stars may my propelled my interest, because I didn't miss an episode last season. There were so many dancers I enjoyed--Allison, Ivan, Travis, Donyelle (Travis and Donyelle are probably tied for my favorite). Benji was okay... but he didn't excite me as these other four did.
But this year marked the return of Hok (Hokutu Konishi). He tried out last summer, and would have went far if he would have had a work permit instead of just a student visa. The episode they told Hok he had to go home, scolded him even, was heartbreaking for him, the judges ... and me. There's something about him that's charming and captivating. Born in Japan, Hok was raised in Oxford, England and is going to school in Santa Monica for graphic design. (As a side note: his accent is amazing! Not quite British, almost sounds a bit Australian ...)
He's a hip hop, B-Boy--break dancing, but so much more than the 80's spinning on your head. These boys (and girls) and pop, lock, contort, flip and spin like no one else. It's truly entertaining to watch the really skilled b-boys. And Hok has those magical qualities. I can't wait to watch him perform each night. Even when he's not taking on his own style, he brings that magic to the other genres.
He nailed his jazz number in Week 3, but is struggling with the ballroom dances. While, I didn't notice any issues with last week's waltz, Mary Murphy didn't have many positive comments. As far as I can tell his carriage is great, but it's his footwork that needs work. I plead with the dance gods to have Hok practice ballroom to perfect that technique until he has blisters! If he doesn't, it will be his ultimate downfall.
My other favorites are Neil Haskill (contemporary), Sabra Johnson (contemporary) and Dominic Sandoval (hip hop).
Benji's sister Lacey is a contestant and Travis' adopted brother Danny is also on the show. Lacey is striking and very energetic, but she doesn't hit me the way the others do. The judges love her, so I'm sure she'll go far. And other than Danny's technique, he's not very fun to watch. From the beginning, the judges have tried to put their fingers on what it was that put people off about Danny. I think it comes down to, he dances--but doesn't connect with the audience. I don't think he feels what he dances. He just doesn't have the it factor, no magic.
I also love watch what the choreographer are going to pull out of their hats. My favorites are Shane Sparks (hip hop), Wade Robson (jazz/contemporary--and maybe the most talented, innovative, groundbreaking choreographer on the show) and Mia Michaels. I'm sure I missed one or two, but I haven't seen them on the show yet.
The last reason I love the show is that it's a good cue for what's coming on the music scene. KT Tungstall's song "Suddenly I See" was the farewell for the show last year. So by the end of the summer I knew those bars by heart. I didn't even hear it on the radio until the fall. And Fergie's London Bridge was performed live on the show a week before I saw it on Yahoo! Music Videos.
But this year marked the return of Hok (Hokutu Konishi). He tried out last summer, and would have went far if he would have had a work permit instead of just a student visa. The episode they told Hok he had to go home, scolded him even, was heartbreaking for him, the judges ... and me. There's something about him that's charming and captivating. Born in Japan, Hok was raised in Oxford, England and is going to school in Santa Monica for graphic design. (As a side note: his accent is amazing! Not quite British, almost sounds a bit Australian ...)
He's a hip hop, B-Boy--break dancing, but so much more than the 80's spinning on your head. These boys (and girls) and pop, lock, contort, flip and spin like no one else. It's truly entertaining to watch the really skilled b-boys. And Hok has those magical qualities. I can't wait to watch him perform each night. Even when he's not taking on his own style, he brings that magic to the other genres.
He nailed his jazz number in Week 3, but is struggling with the ballroom dances. While, I didn't notice any issues with last week's waltz, Mary Murphy didn't have many positive comments. As far as I can tell his carriage is great, but it's his footwork that needs work. I plead with the dance gods to have Hok practice ballroom to perfect that technique until he has blisters! If he doesn't, it will be his ultimate downfall.
My other favorites are Neil Haskill (contemporary), Sabra Johnson (contemporary) and Dominic Sandoval (hip hop).
Benji's sister Lacey is a contestant and Travis' adopted brother Danny is also on the show. Lacey is striking and very energetic, but she doesn't hit me the way the others do. The judges love her, so I'm sure she'll go far. And other than Danny's technique, he's not very fun to watch. From the beginning, the judges have tried to put their fingers on what it was that put people off about Danny. I think it comes down to, he dances--but doesn't connect with the audience. I don't think he feels what he dances. He just doesn't have the it factor, no magic.
I also love watch what the choreographer are going to pull out of their hats. My favorites are Shane Sparks (hip hop), Wade Robson (jazz/contemporary--and maybe the most talented, innovative, groundbreaking choreographer on the show) and Mia Michaels. I'm sure I missed one or two, but I haven't seen them on the show yet.
The last reason I love the show is that it's a good cue for what's coming on the music scene. KT Tungstall's song "Suddenly I See" was the farewell for the show last year. So by the end of the summer I knew those bars by heart. I didn't even hear it on the radio until the fall. And Fergie's London Bridge was performed live on the show a week before I saw it on Yahoo! Music Videos.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Thank you, Jonathan Larson
My first exposure to RENT was in 8th or 9th grade when the high school chamber choir sang "Seasons of Love" (SoL) It was one of those songs we all fell in love with, sang randomly and would gather in the back of the theatre to listen to.
I only wish our choir teacher would have given us the story. I can understand not telling us the musical's content, but they could have told us about Jonathan Larson, it's writer/composer.
I think my choir sang SoL and "Without You" during my junior year.
the next time I saw something about RENT, Neil Patrick Harris was a guest on the Rosie O'Donnell show. I had a crush on him since his Doogie Houser days and I hadn't seen him since he stopped playing that young MD.
He had black fingernails, and I don't remember the famous black and white scarf, but I can can picture him in it now. I loved the song he sang (though I can't remember which one it is). Then the ensemble sang SoL. They talked a little about the play and I remember wanting to see it, because of the songs I knew. But I was also not quite sure about the content--they had Doogie Houser wearing black fingernail polish after all.
I got any songs from RENT I could find that afternoon. It must have been a slow day, because all I could find was SoL, "Without You" and "Santa Fe." And out of context, "Santa Fe" was so odd I didn't think I'd like the full musical.
Skip ahead about four or five ears. Rent, the movie, is released. I saw the cast on The View, and it was a lucky experience because I'm never home to watch it and really haven't watched when I am home for years for various host reasons.
The cast sang SoL and it all came flooding back to me. Then they talked to the cast about the story, the phenomenon and Jonathan Larson. It was Larson's angle that made me want to know more. So during the summer I checked it out from the library.
I watched it alone at first, I wasn't sure if mom would like it. Before that first viewing, I was excited, eager and nervous all rolled into one. I had known about this for so long and finally had the chance to truly experience it. I didn't know if I would like it or if it had been built up too much and it would be a natural disappointment.
But it didn't let me down one bit. I watched it again right after I finished--something I've only done for a handful of movies. The next day I told mom she absolutely had to watch it. She did, and loved it too--but she didn't cry like I did.
I start crying at "Without You" and would continue to sob through to the credits. While I wasn't expecting that kind of reaction and waterworks, but I thought she'd do something. Finally I got her to watch the documentary, and then I got tears from her at "I'll Cover You, the reprise."
I went online and bought the soundtrack before I even had to take the movie back to the library.
As i write this, I realize I'm talking about my experience with Rent and not the greatness of Jonathan Larson, like I had intended. But I guess that's fitting, because I couldn't write anything that hadn't already been said. Brilliant, innovative, ground breaking, stubborn--the embodiment of an artist. And taken from us too soon. Yet another quality.
But is the lore created from the tragedy? If he had lived, what would have that done to the legend, hype, popularity and experience that RENT spawned in those early days ... and all the fans captivated in the years following?
Then on the other hand, it's such a shame he didn't get see everyone he touched, or the success and validation of his work. Just think of everything of he could have done ...
And I think that hurts just as much.
I only wish our choir teacher would have given us the story. I can understand not telling us the musical's content, but they could have told us about Jonathan Larson, it's writer/composer.
I think my choir sang SoL and "Without You" during my junior year.
the next time I saw something about RENT, Neil Patrick Harris was a guest on the Rosie O'Donnell show. I had a crush on him since his Doogie Houser days and I hadn't seen him since he stopped playing that young MD.
He had black fingernails, and I don't remember the famous black and white scarf, but I can can picture him in it now. I loved the song he sang (though I can't remember which one it is). Then the ensemble sang SoL. They talked a little about the play and I remember wanting to see it, because of the songs I knew. But I was also not quite sure about the content--they had Doogie Houser wearing black fingernail polish after all.
I got any songs from RENT I could find that afternoon. It must have been a slow day, because all I could find was SoL, "Without You" and "Santa Fe." And out of context, "Santa Fe" was so odd I didn't think I'd like the full musical.
Skip ahead about four or five ears. Rent, the movie, is released. I saw the cast on The View, and it was a lucky experience because I'm never home to watch it and really haven't watched when I am home for years for various host reasons.
The cast sang SoL and it all came flooding back to me. Then they talked to the cast about the story, the phenomenon and Jonathan Larson. It was Larson's angle that made me want to know more. So during the summer I checked it out from the library.
I watched it alone at first, I wasn't sure if mom would like it. Before that first viewing, I was excited, eager and nervous all rolled into one. I had known about this for so long and finally had the chance to truly experience it. I didn't know if I would like it or if it had been built up too much and it would be a natural disappointment.
But it didn't let me down one bit. I watched it again right after I finished--something I've only done for a handful of movies. The next day I told mom she absolutely had to watch it. She did, and loved it too--but she didn't cry like I did.
I start crying at "Without You" and would continue to sob through to the credits. While I wasn't expecting that kind of reaction and waterworks, but I thought she'd do something. Finally I got her to watch the documentary, and then I got tears from her at "I'll Cover You, the reprise."
I went online and bought the soundtrack before I even had to take the movie back to the library.
As i write this, I realize I'm talking about my experience with Rent and not the greatness of Jonathan Larson, like I had intended. But I guess that's fitting, because I couldn't write anything that hadn't already been said. Brilliant, innovative, ground breaking, stubborn--the embodiment of an artist. And taken from us too soon. Yet another quality.
But is the lore created from the tragedy? If he had lived, what would have that done to the legend, hype, popularity and experience that RENT spawned in those early days ... and all the fans captivated in the years following?
Then on the other hand, it's such a shame he didn't get see everyone he touched, or the success and validation of his work. Just think of everything of he could have done ...
And I think that hurts just as much.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Summer Rain
This morning I woke up to thunder. What I should have done was wake up and start exercising, but I rolled over and went back to sleep. I'm working on it. By the end of the week I hope actually start getting up. Baby steps.
I love summer thunderstorms. All summer long we're bathed in sunlight and can hardly go anywhere without sunglasses. But when a storm rolls in, it slowly gets darker. Storms of other seasons simply difuse the light, making it overcast and dull. Somehow the color seems to seep out of our surroundings. But summer storms simply turn off the light. Everything remains as vivid and brilliant as before.
Summer storms are also a relief to hot, muggy weather. Again, a switch is thrown and it becomes cooler. Most like our summer storms are a relief to dry water. Which causes another reason to rejoice. We don't have to water flower beds and gardens. Whoo Hoo!
So we have the cool weather, perfect to go puddle jumping and we also have a fantastic light show. Thunder and lightning are nature's fourth of july, especially when you're in the comfort of your home.
What can I say, I just like the rain!
I love summer thunderstorms. All summer long we're bathed in sunlight and can hardly go anywhere without sunglasses. But when a storm rolls in, it slowly gets darker. Storms of other seasons simply difuse the light, making it overcast and dull. Somehow the color seems to seep out of our surroundings. But summer storms simply turn off the light. Everything remains as vivid and brilliant as before.
Summer storms are also a relief to hot, muggy weather. Again, a switch is thrown and it becomes cooler. Most like our summer storms are a relief to dry water. Which causes another reason to rejoice. We don't have to water flower beds and gardens. Whoo Hoo!
So we have the cool weather, perfect to go puddle jumping and we also have a fantastic light show. Thunder and lightning are nature's fourth of july, especially when you're in the comfort of your home.
What can I say, I just like the rain!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Summer is here and so is NS-13 (tomorrow!)
Summer is officially here, though it's been quite warm for some time. Last night we had our first campfire of the summer. It was nice, though we didn't stay out long. I made a pizza over the fire and we watched the cats try to sneak over and steal some food.
We discovered that one of the cats looks like Hitler. It has a little patch of black under its nose. I'll try to get a picture of it to post. I can just picture it doing the salute and the march. I can also picture it holding meetings with the other cats plotting ways to destroy us. And that worries me.
I finished my last hardcore ascension before NS13 rolls out. I checked my stat page and it was 13 day run! I didn't use my full adventures two days of the run, so it would have been even faster. I have mixed emotions about that. It's cool because I finally got under two weeks--and could have done even better. But now with the changes coming tomorrow, I probably won't see a fast run for a long time.
The anticipation for NS13 is dreadful and exciting. There's been strange weather in the Kingdom lately, storm clouds over the map and a particularly nasty one over the Sorceress' lair. I hope she has a lightning rod and has turned off her appliances. Last year a meteorite was heading for the Kingdom and eventually collided with one of our moons, Grimace. Well, this created a small third moon the orbits the other two. And the meteor, or maybe it was a chunk of Grimace, fell to the Kingdom and created a crater on the northern-most region of the Desert Beach. After awhile, the penguins mysteriously appeared and set up camp. Soon we learned they were mining the grimacite. This lead to the opening of the raffle house and grimacite prizes.
Now, exactly one year after the site was created, we have been granted access to it. No one really knows how, but speculation is the mob penguin guarding the site (who've we all spoken to, but could never get past) left his post or was over run. The penguins are battling and dropping items--something that hasn't happened in three years!
So thousands of adventurers have depleted grimacite in their inventory. I'm just hoping this doesn't lead to some kind of nuclear poisoning and there's not another great plague.
There's also been a secretive mason hanging around the wrong side of the tracks. He claims he's using grimacite to rebuild Hagnk's. Hagnk's is where adventurers store their belongings when they ascend and during hardcore runs. Poor Hagnk's has been burned down, hit by the meteor and flooded. Now most of us have a soft spot for Hagnk, so we'd all be pretty willing to donate a chunk or two of grimacite to the worthy cause of helping him. Along with the rock, the mason asks for 25,000 meat because the grimacite ruins his tools has he shapes them into bricks. Smells like a scam (or meatsink) to me.
Well my Accordian Thief is having issues with little miss naughty up in her tower. Gah, she can't just give me a break. Since I won't be seeing her until Level 13 now she needs to inflict as much pain as possible right now when she has the chance.
We discovered that one of the cats looks like Hitler. It has a little patch of black under its nose. I'll try to get a picture of it to post. I can just picture it doing the salute and the march. I can also picture it holding meetings with the other cats plotting ways to destroy us. And that worries me.
I finished my last hardcore ascension before NS13 rolls out. I checked my stat page and it was 13 day run! I didn't use my full adventures two days of the run, so it would have been even faster. I have mixed emotions about that. It's cool because I finally got under two weeks--and could have done even better. But now with the changes coming tomorrow, I probably won't see a fast run for a long time.
The anticipation for NS13 is dreadful and exciting. There's been strange weather in the Kingdom lately, storm clouds over the map and a particularly nasty one over the Sorceress' lair. I hope she has a lightning rod and has turned off her appliances. Last year a meteorite was heading for the Kingdom and eventually collided with one of our moons, Grimace. Well, this created a small third moon the orbits the other two. And the meteor, or maybe it was a chunk of Grimace, fell to the Kingdom and created a crater on the northern-most region of the Desert Beach. After awhile, the penguins mysteriously appeared and set up camp. Soon we learned they were mining the grimacite. This lead to the opening of the raffle house and grimacite prizes.
Now, exactly one year after the site was created, we have been granted access to it. No one really knows how, but speculation is the mob penguin guarding the site (who've we all spoken to, but could never get past) left his post or was over run. The penguins are battling and dropping items--something that hasn't happened in three years!
So thousands of adventurers have depleted grimacite in their inventory. I'm just hoping this doesn't lead to some kind of nuclear poisoning and there's not another great plague.
There's also been a secretive mason hanging around the wrong side of the tracks. He claims he's using grimacite to rebuild Hagnk's. Hagnk's is where adventurers store their belongings when they ascend and during hardcore runs. Poor Hagnk's has been burned down, hit by the meteor and flooded. Now most of us have a soft spot for Hagnk, so we'd all be pretty willing to donate a chunk or two of grimacite to the worthy cause of helping him. Along with the rock, the mason asks for 25,000 meat because the grimacite ruins his tools has he shapes them into bricks. Smells like a scam (or meatsink) to me.
Well my Accordian Thief is having issues with little miss naughty up in her tower. Gah, she can't just give me a break. Since I won't be seeing her until Level 13 now she needs to inflict as much pain as possible right now when she has the chance.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cell Phones Don't Swim
I always "love" those days when I wake up 10 minutes before I'm supposed to leave for work. Today was one of those days. I ironed a skirt (damn wrinkly skirts), started the coffee and got dressed. Then I grabbed my purse, threw my cell phone in it and grabbed my bag.I made a stop in the bathroom to jam some hair pins in (so I could fix it later after at the office) and put my contacts in. I set my purse (okay, maybe it was more towards a "throw" than a "set") on the counter, it tipped, and my cell phone went for a swim. I had water in the sink, soaking some things.
Now kids, no matter how much your cell phone begs and pleads, even if it's 88 degrees and humid. Your cell phone, should not go swimming. It gets water in it's ear and gets an ear infection, gets cold and quite frankly, sinks faster than Kerry when she tries to float. (sorry babe, it was an amazing reference that just came to me).
So nonetheless, I played lifeguard and brought my little buddy back up to the surface. I took out its battery and wrapped it in a towel and stuffed it in my bag. I proceeded to then put in my contacts, grab coffee, call work to tell them I'd be 10 minutes late and zipped out the door. Once I got to work, I fixed my hair and did my make up and addressed my poor wet phone. It wouldn't turn on. 15 minutes later, it turns on but the screen keeps going black. I took about 5 minutes to pull my numbers off so when the phone eventually flat-lined I would have them.
I shared my miseries with a co-worker (her husband dropped his phone in a pool) and we
looked at my poor little kyocera. The screen got better, but when Jeanne called my number, she couldn't hear me.I hoped online, checked out alltel.com, visited Radio Shack and finally hit PC Doctors. So right now I'm test driving a Motorola Razor. The only other one that somewhat tripped my trigger was an LG with a MP3 option. But I think I'm satisfied.
Again, Cell phones shouldn't go swimming. No swimming for cell phones. Bad idea.
Now kids, no matter how much your cell phone begs and pleads, even if it's 88 degrees and humid. Your cell phone, should not go swimming. It gets water in it's ear and gets an ear infection, gets cold and quite frankly, sinks faster than Kerry when she tries to float. (sorry babe, it was an amazing reference that just came to me).
So nonetheless, I played lifeguard and brought my little buddy back up to the surface. I took out its battery and wrapped it in a towel and stuffed it in my bag. I proceeded to then put in my contacts, grab coffee, call work to tell them I'd be 10 minutes late and zipped out the door. Once I got to work, I fixed my hair and did my make up and addressed my poor wet phone. It wouldn't turn on. 15 minutes later, it turns on but the screen keeps going black. I took about 5 minutes to pull my numbers off so when the phone eventually flat-lined I would have them.
I shared my miseries with a co-worker (her husband dropped his phone in a pool) and we
looked at my poor little kyocera. The screen got better, but when Jeanne called my number, she couldn't hear me.I hoped online, checked out alltel.com, visited Radio Shack and finally hit PC Doctors. So right now I'm test driving a Motorola Razor. The only other one that somewhat tripped my trigger was an LG with a MP3 option. But I think I'm satisfied.Again, Cell phones shouldn't go swimming. No swimming for cell phones. Bad idea.
Pictures (top to bottom): My old kyocera. *sniff, sniff*
My new Razr. She's pretty cool, but still gonna miss my old buddy Kyocera.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Affirmation ...
Do you remember the song from Savage Garden? Really fast beat, probably made faster by the club-machines for people to dance. It's title was "Affirmation" and each lyric started with "I believe." I've always enjoyed it, and agreed with most of their affirmations.
So two weeks ago, in pondering what I should blog about, and listening to the cd in the car, I decide to give some of my own affirmations. Sadly, there aren't as many as I would have liked, but I suppose I could always do a Part II.
With no further ado, here are my Affirmations: (the ones with * behind them are in the Savage Garden song, as well)
I BELIEVE ...
in Karma what you give is what you get returned.*
the grass is never really greener on the other side.*
that God doesn't endorse anyone who hates in his name.
that God also doesn't care who marries whom ... gay, straight or otherwise.
GW ran for office to follow through where his father failed.
movie stars should keep their personal lives and opinions to themselves. Knowing their skeletons and opinions ruins their storytelling ability.
we each need to make special efforts to do our part so we don't destroy the Earth.
a soul mate deosn't have to be a romantic match.
tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun.
putting someone down is not okay--neither is not sticking up for a friend when you hear others putting them down.
a true friend is always there when you need them, which is the greatest gift they can give.
we by nature judge people--it's that realizing it's only our opinion--is what truly matters.
the line between heroism and terroism is blurred and in the eye of the beholder.
no one has the right to take your happiness.
in things that go bump in the night.
So two weeks ago, in pondering what I should blog about, and listening to the cd in the car, I decide to give some of my own affirmations. Sadly, there aren't as many as I would have liked, but I suppose I could always do a Part II.
With no further ado, here are my Affirmations: (the ones with * behind them are in the Savage Garden song, as well)
I BELIEVE ...
in Karma what you give is what you get returned.*
the grass is never really greener on the other side.*
that God doesn't endorse anyone who hates in his name.
that God also doesn't care who marries whom ... gay, straight or otherwise.
GW ran for office to follow through where his father failed.
movie stars should keep their personal lives and opinions to themselves. Knowing their skeletons and opinions ruins their storytelling ability.
we each need to make special efforts to do our part so we don't destroy the Earth.
a soul mate deosn't have to be a romantic match.
tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun.
putting someone down is not okay--neither is not sticking up for a friend when you hear others putting them down.
a true friend is always there when you need them, which is the greatest gift they can give.
we by nature judge people--it's that realizing it's only our opinion--is what truly matters.
the line between heroism and terroism is blurred and in the eye of the beholder.
no one has the right to take your happiness.
in things that go bump in the night.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Rejected Adventure
Back during St Patrick's Day week, aka: Week of Drunk Lovin' II (yeah, that's a week in the KoL Community) the clan of Nobleese Obligiation (or some sort name) had a drunken stuper writing contest. I submitted this one, and sadly, it didn't place. I'm still proud of it though, so I decided to share it from you.
Cold, Wet & Sticky ~ Brilliant!
You’re that special kind of drunk where you are a better driver since your senses are heightened because you know you’re drunk. To celebrate your intoxicitity (which is a word on St. Sneaky Pete’s Day) you hit Seaside Town.
You stumble into the lair of the pretentious painter. He refuses to paint your portrait because you’re clothes aren’t good enough for him.
You’re just about to give him a piece of your mind when he asks why your tongue is green.
Forgetting that you’ve downed more than few green beers, you run away terrified and bump into a suspicious looking guy. He’s outraged at the drunken debauchery around him on this his holy day. Hey—Suspicious Looking Guy is Irish!
You stop to argue that everyone is Irish on St. Sneaky Pete’s day, and he takes a break from his rant to break you in half.
He dumps a thick black beer down your back and leaves you in a puddle with nothing but beads around your neck and your flashing button pinned to your socks.
You lose 17 chutzpah.
You gain Stale Beer Smell (10 turns)
KoL adventure text has pop culture references. Mine include: Family Guy episode where Peter and his friends are drunk and are deciding who should be the driver. Reference to the Pretencious Painter, when you visit him w/o an outfit he turns you away b/c you have bland clothing. Guinness. Flashing button was the item drop for Sneaky Pete's day.
Cold, Wet & Sticky ~ Brilliant!
You’re that special kind of drunk where you are a better driver since your senses are heightened because you know you’re drunk. To celebrate your intoxicitity (which is a word on St. Sneaky Pete’s Day) you hit Seaside Town.
You stumble into the lair of the pretentious painter. He refuses to paint your portrait because you’re clothes aren’t good enough for him.
You’re just about to give him a piece of your mind when he asks why your tongue is green.
Forgetting that you’ve downed more than few green beers, you run away terrified and bump into a suspicious looking guy. He’s outraged at the drunken debauchery around him on this his holy day. Hey—Suspicious Looking Guy is Irish!
You stop to argue that everyone is Irish on St. Sneaky Pete’s day, and he takes a break from his rant to break you in half.
He dumps a thick black beer down your back and leaves you in a puddle with nothing but beads around your neck and your flashing button pinned to your socks.
You lose 17 chutzpah.
You gain Stale Beer Smell (10 turns)
KoL adventure text has pop culture references. Mine include: Family Guy episode where Peter and his friends are drunk and are deciding who should be the driver. Reference to the Pretencious Painter, when you visit him w/o an outfit he turns you away b/c you have bland clothing. Guinness. Flashing button was the item drop for Sneaky Pete's day.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
To Hinder, a raccoon
The weather sure has been weird lately. Yesterday morning it poured and then was cloudy and by two it was so sunny. I hope today is the same because it's raining right now. I wanted to tend the garden later on. We'll see. As an aside, I hate blogging about the weather. Can you get any more cliche than that?
Last night around nine I took the cats some cooking scraps. I opened the door and saw a thick, furry tail. Well then, that explains why we have to fill the dishes up to the top every day. We have a fucking raccoon (i almost typed squirrel there, hee hee).
He's a big one, and mean too. I opened the door and flipped on the light, didn't even step foot in there and he growled and hissed at me. But now as I type, I'm not sure if he growled, but I know that he hissed. How weird is it that a raccoon hisses? I don't know why I keep saying "he." I didn't exactly check out the anatomy to make a distinction (more like tossed the pan in, turned off the light and shut/locked the door and ran back to the house).
I'm not quite sure what to do. I don't want to keep feeding the damn thing. I'm thinking of taking the food dishes in a night. I'll either lock them in the container where we keep the food or put them in Sparky's old house where the kittens are. I just need to bring them out each morning.
We had five baby kitties but can only find four now. I think I might know what happened to that poor fifth one.
My latest music interest is the band Hinder. I first heard it's song "Lips of Angel" on the way to Chicago last summer with the Colby girls. Not really listening to the words, I wasn't immediately pulled to the music. When actually heard the words, I was appalled.
The song is a phone conversation with his ex-girlfriend. She calls late one night, crying. Well, the new girl is just over in the next room, and he knows he needs to be quiet. Throughout the conversation he remembers being with her--hearing her voice say his name, wishing his current girl was her, saying that he's been thinking about her and finally, she makes it hard for him to be faithful.
Now the surface of this song makes me want to bitch-slap that guy. Cheating is a deal breaker. And though he may not be doing anything physical with her, he is emotionally cheating on the new chica. He's obviously still hung up on the ex, which is fine. But he shouldn't be in another relationship or sneaking around talking to her. But I digress.
There are two things that make me like this song. The emotion and forlornness in the guy's voice and the devotion to the ex-girlfriend. Everything else aside, it's an honest conversation filled with regret, guilt, longing, jealously and probably some delusion. But her voice takes him back to a happy part of their relationship, through rose-colored glasses they share a perfect moment. And perfect moments--no matter how they hurt others, are wrong and all other consequences forgotten--are something special.
The next song from Hinder, "Better than Me," I liked instantly. The music, the lyrics, yeah. It starts with an acoustic guitar (which I always love) and very simple vocals. There's just something about his voice that draws me in. Is it the scratchy rocker voice? Is it the feeling that he's singing from deep down in his gut and act of expelling the notes and words are the only things that are keeping him breathing?
The message I take from this song also has me conflicted. Better than Me is about a man reflecting on the relationship he ended. "I think you can do much better than me, after all the lies I made you believe." The lyrics are him remembering what they had together and what he'll miss. It also expresses the way she impacted him, and that even when he's older he'll still think about her--how we carry the people we love with us. Good or bad, the way they make us feel can be called back with a memory or a familiar sight. "And I think you should know this, you deserve much better than me ..."
The part that has me conflicted is that he broke up with her because she deserves better. I always hated when that happened in movies or books. It should be her decision not his. That always felt like a cop-out--and way to fake being noble when really it's just an easy way out rather than working for a relationship. On the flip-side, if he really is being shitty to her and she can't see it b/c she's so head over heels in love....
Hinder's best quality, and something not all rock bands can capture, is the music can be strong and powerful one moment and then next beat it's quiet and solemn. That range is what really makes their music interesting.
A week or so ago, I just had to hear their first single, "Get Stoned." Though it is not as lyrical as the other two, the lead singer has same raw quality voice that I enjoy. I love cadence and the beat of the song is fun. This song is more of a screaming-type of song--and I can't sing along and be on key with this one. It's about a dysfunctional relationship: the highest highs ;-) and lowest lows---they're not good for each other, but they're oh so good to each other.
Despite everything (and maybe a primal because of everything), I enjoy this song.
At first, I thought the lead singer reminded me of Marilyn Manson. He's very skinny and does that weird tilting-back arching thing where he throws his hand to the side like Manson. But then, after I saw the video for "Get Stoned" and something on Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, I realized they are really more similar. (though he still reminds me a little of Manson).
All in all, Hinder really isn't my type of band. The three songs I just described are about defunct relationships, and I'm not willing to buy the CD to find out if there's any more depth or intellect to the group. Nonetheless, those three songs were strong in my rotation.
Random music note, I popped in the blink-182 untitled CD (which is, of course, magenta). Good stuff (an evolved blink, one that makes me sad that I won't ever hear the next step). And extra great enjoying some music I'd forgotten (and Mark says on his blog that +44 is playing some blink songs at their concerts. I wonder how royalties might work for something like that...) I have to buy a new copy, mine's getting scratchy. Check it out too, if your so inclined.
Last night around nine I took the cats some cooking scraps. I opened the door and saw a thick, furry tail. Well then, that explains why we have to fill the dishes up to the top every day. We have a fucking raccoon (i almost typed squirrel there, hee hee).
He's a big one, and mean too. I opened the door and flipped on the light, didn't even step foot in there and he growled and hissed at me. But now as I type, I'm not sure if he growled, but I know that he hissed. How weird is it that a raccoon hisses? I don't know why I keep saying "he." I didn't exactly check out the anatomy to make a distinction (more like tossed the pan in, turned off the light and shut/locked the door and ran back to the house).
I'm not quite sure what to do. I don't want to keep feeding the damn thing. I'm thinking of taking the food dishes in a night. I'll either lock them in the container where we keep the food or put them in Sparky's old house where the kittens are. I just need to bring them out each morning.
We had five baby kitties but can only find four now. I think I might know what happened to that poor fifth one.
My latest music interest is the band Hinder. I first heard it's song "Lips of Angel" on the way to Chicago last summer with the Colby girls. Not really listening to the words, I wasn't immediately pulled to the music. When actually heard the words, I was appalled.
The song is a phone conversation with his ex-girlfriend. She calls late one night, crying. Well, the new girl is just over in the next room, and he knows he needs to be quiet. Throughout the conversation he remembers being with her--hearing her voice say his name, wishing his current girl was her, saying that he's been thinking about her and finally, she makes it hard for him to be faithful.
Now the surface of this song makes me want to bitch-slap that guy. Cheating is a deal breaker. And though he may not be doing anything physical with her, he is emotionally cheating on the new chica. He's obviously still hung up on the ex, which is fine. But he shouldn't be in another relationship or sneaking around talking to her. But I digress.
There are two things that make me like this song. The emotion and forlornness in the guy's voice and the devotion to the ex-girlfriend. Everything else aside, it's an honest conversation filled with regret, guilt, longing, jealously and probably some delusion. But her voice takes him back to a happy part of their relationship, through rose-colored glasses they share a perfect moment. And perfect moments--no matter how they hurt others, are wrong and all other consequences forgotten--are something special.
The next song from Hinder, "Better than Me," I liked instantly. The music, the lyrics, yeah. It starts with an acoustic guitar (which I always love) and very simple vocals. There's just something about his voice that draws me in. Is it the scratchy rocker voice? Is it the feeling that he's singing from deep down in his gut and act of expelling the notes and words are the only things that are keeping him breathing?
The message I take from this song also has me conflicted. Better than Me is about a man reflecting on the relationship he ended. "I think you can do much better than me, after all the lies I made you believe." The lyrics are him remembering what they had together and what he'll miss. It also expresses the way she impacted him, and that even when he's older he'll still think about her--how we carry the people we love with us. Good or bad, the way they make us feel can be called back with a memory or a familiar sight. "And I think you should know this, you deserve much better than me ..."
The part that has me conflicted is that he broke up with her because she deserves better. I always hated when that happened in movies or books. It should be her decision not his. That always felt like a cop-out--and way to fake being noble when really it's just an easy way out rather than working for a relationship. On the flip-side, if he really is being shitty to her and she can't see it b/c she's so head over heels in love....
Hinder's best quality, and something not all rock bands can capture, is the music can be strong and powerful one moment and then next beat it's quiet and solemn. That range is what really makes their music interesting.
A week or so ago, I just had to hear their first single, "Get Stoned." Though it is not as lyrical as the other two, the lead singer has same raw quality voice that I enjoy. I love cadence and the beat of the song is fun. This song is more of a screaming-type of song--and I can't sing along and be on key with this one. It's about a dysfunctional relationship: the highest highs ;-) and lowest lows---they're not good for each other, but they're oh so good to each other.
Despite everything (and maybe a primal because of everything), I enjoy this song.
At first, I thought the lead singer reminded me of Marilyn Manson. He's very skinny and does that weird tilting-back arching thing where he throws his hand to the side like Manson. But then, after I saw the video for "Get Stoned" and something on Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, I realized they are really more similar. (though he still reminds me a little of Manson).
All in all, Hinder really isn't my type of band. The three songs I just described are about defunct relationships, and I'm not willing to buy the CD to find out if there's any more depth or intellect to the group. Nonetheless, those three songs were strong in my rotation.
Random music note, I popped in the blink-182 untitled CD (which is, of course, magenta). Good stuff (an evolved blink, one that makes me sad that I won't ever hear the next step). And extra great enjoying some music I'd forgotten (and Mark says on his blog that +44 is playing some blink songs at their concerts. I wonder how royalties might work for something like that...) I have to buy a new copy, mine's getting scratchy. Check it out too, if your so inclined.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sneezy, sniffy days
Friday as I was out and about I found myself taking deep breaths. Ahhh fresh cut grass smell. Unfortunately, with the fresh cut grass smell there was also pollen. Just last weekend I was thinking, "Wow, I haven't had itchy eyes or a runny nose at all this year. Usually it starts around April."
Yeah, if there's one lesson in life every one needs to learn early, it's never make that statement. You know the one. "Gee, XYZ hasn't happened yet (it usually does) or (I really expected it to)." By uttering those words (or even in my case, just thinking it), you just set in motion forces in this world that will ensure Condition XYZ will indeed happen. And most likely, in ten fold.
So now I'm sniffling and sneezing, taking allergy pills here and there. Yippee.
I ascended last night. It took a lot longer than I would have hoped because I haven't been able to get all my adventures in every day. I decided to go for Accordian Thief to pick up one or two skills before ... well, I'll tell you about that in just a bit. Doing an accordian thief run with my multi really was helpful. It's not that Accordian Thieves are incredibly hard, it's just that it's way harder without all the other skills from the other classes. As I'm adventuring, I'm always going for entangling noodles, or a reagant potion and the like. And there are a couple of really good buffs from the AT that I'd like before ...
Before, that is, NS13 rolls out. Now, I'm not going to bore anyone who doesn't care (though, I've probably done so already). So if you want to know what that is, or might be, GoodSearch it (or google it for you non-philanthropic types). Nonetheless--from the way it's hyped up, it's going to be big. More content, more items, more quests, more monsters----and a whole lot harder. So I gotta start pulling in the most important HP skills and mighty quickly b/c they announced NS13 rolls out in 29 days! So it's all no path HC runs so I can get the most skills I possibly can.
I need to finish a roll of film so I can get the rest of my New York pictures.
Yeah, if there's one lesson in life every one needs to learn early, it's never make that statement. You know the one. "Gee, XYZ hasn't happened yet (it usually does) or (I really expected it to)." By uttering those words (or even in my case, just thinking it), you just set in motion forces in this world that will ensure Condition XYZ will indeed happen. And most likely, in ten fold.
So now I'm sniffling and sneezing, taking allergy pills here and there. Yippee.
I ascended last night. It took a lot longer than I would have hoped because I haven't been able to get all my adventures in every day. I decided to go for Accordian Thief to pick up one or two skills before ... well, I'll tell you about that in just a bit. Doing an accordian thief run with my multi really was helpful. It's not that Accordian Thieves are incredibly hard, it's just that it's way harder without all the other skills from the other classes. As I'm adventuring, I'm always going for entangling noodles, or a reagant potion and the like. And there are a couple of really good buffs from the AT that I'd like before ...
Before, that is, NS13 rolls out. Now, I'm not going to bore anyone who doesn't care (though, I've probably done so already). So if you want to know what that is, or might be, GoodSearch it (or google it for you non-philanthropic types). Nonetheless--from the way it's hyped up, it's going to be big. More content, more items, more quests, more monsters----and a whole lot harder. So I gotta start pulling in the most important HP skills and mighty quickly b/c they announced NS13 rolls out in 29 days! So it's all no path HC runs so I can get the most skills I possibly can.
I need to finish a roll of film so I can get the rest of my New York pictures.
Friday, May 25, 2007
STUDIO 60 IS BACK! and the villagers rejoice
May has gone by so quickly. It feels like I was just in New York City and yesterday it feels like it was my birthday. But now it's Memorial Day Weekend.
I was generally unmotivated to write/blog this May, but I think I'm breaking out of it. I don't know what's worse: Being uninspired (not being able to write or write well) or or unmotivated (having ideas but not being interested in putting thoughts on paper/screen).
With May comes season finales. Apolo's the top dancer, Jordin gets the singing contract and everything but the damn hospital burned down in Grey's Anatomy. CSI:NY and Ghost Whisperer were suspenseful and exciting and Close to Home they were dropping like flies.
Lost ... Lost was completely confusing--I guess I should have watched more than that one episode this season.
OH! And I was disappointed with The Simpsons' 400th episode. 399 was great, but 400 was sub par--in fact because of the hype, it was so bad that it bombed.
Now that all the network shows are done they're moving into the various summer series--and I'm excited. I enjoy So You Think You Can Dance? and Last Comic Standing and all the other misfits that come about during our warm months.
NBC also brought back Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60: On the Sunset Strip. I love this show and was upset when it went on hiatus to showcase the dumb and pointless "Black Donnelley's."
Studio 60 is a spin on the behind the scenes of the late night variety sketch comedy show. Oddly so is 30 Rock. (I might do an Alec Baldwin rant sometime soon). DL Hugley and Matthew Perry are the most notable names on the show, but it's a great ensemble cast.
The show is about Matt and Danny two former writers of Studio 60 who are re-hired as Executive Producers after their iconic boss was fired. They lose most of the cast because they viewed Matt and Danny and traders, usurpers who couldn't make it in Hollywood so they came back and took (or stood back and let the network take the role of their former boss).
Matt has epic love pains for their star Harriet. They forever are the on-again off-again couple. She's too catholic, he's too liberal and on and on.
Danny lost his last job (director of a movie) when he was caught doing heroin and checked himself into rehab. He has fallen in love with the new and newly pregnant Network executive Jordan.
The writing is quick and witty. Very current with today's issues and relevant.
For some reason or another, low ratings, etc. etc. Studio 60 got the boot. I was devastated. It was the best new show of the season, the reason I looked forward to Monday nights.
When I went to New York, we stopped by NBC and I bought a Studio 60 coffee travel mug. If nothing else I would always have that.
I also heard that critics were complaining that the writing was too much about current issues and politics. They said they should do more jokes and less commentary about the world.
But that's why Studio 60 is so wonderful. Sketch comedy shows are about the world. I recently watched the 90's look into that *other* sketch comedy hit. One of the former cast members said the beauty of the show was it took everything going on in the world today: good, bad, ironic and funny ... and said the things about it that everyone is thinking, but no one wanted to say. Making fun of the president, trading kidneys for gas money and everything else we are subjected to on a daily basis.
Thank You! Studio 60 for telling the truth and bringing this witty, intelligent comedy when smart jokes are few and far between on other more blue collar comedy shows.
I hope others discover this gem of a show and tune it, so it's kept on the air!
I was generally unmotivated to write/blog this May, but I think I'm breaking out of it. I don't know what's worse: Being uninspired (not being able to write or write well) or or unmotivated (having ideas but not being interested in putting thoughts on paper/screen).
With May comes season finales. Apolo's the top dancer, Jordin gets the singing contract and everything but the damn hospital burned down in Grey's Anatomy. CSI:NY and Ghost Whisperer were suspenseful and exciting and Close to Home they were dropping like flies.
Lost ... Lost was completely confusing--I guess I should have watched more than that one episode this season.
OH! And I was disappointed with The Simpsons' 400th episode. 399 was great, but 400 was sub par--in fact because of the hype, it was so bad that it bombed.
Now that all the network shows are done they're moving into the various summer series--and I'm excited. I enjoy So You Think You Can Dance? and Last Comic Standing and all the other misfits that come about during our warm months.
NBC also brought back Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60: On the Sunset Strip. I love this show and was upset when it went on hiatus to showcase the dumb and pointless "Black Donnelley's."
Studio 60 is a spin on the behind the scenes of the late night variety sketch comedy show. Oddly so is 30 Rock. (I might do an Alec Baldwin rant sometime soon). DL Hugley and Matthew Perry are the most notable names on the show, but it's a great ensemble cast.
The show is about Matt and Danny two former writers of Studio 60 who are re-hired as Executive Producers after their iconic boss was fired. They lose most of the cast because they viewed Matt and Danny and traders, usurpers who couldn't make it in Hollywood so they came back and took (or stood back and let the network take the role of their former boss).
Matt has epic love pains for their star Harriet. They forever are the on-again off-again couple. She's too catholic, he's too liberal and on and on.
Danny lost his last job (director of a movie) when he was caught doing heroin and checked himself into rehab. He has fallen in love with the new and newly pregnant Network executive Jordan.
The writing is quick and witty. Very current with today's issues and relevant.
For some reason or another, low ratings, etc. etc. Studio 60 got the boot. I was devastated. It was the best new show of the season, the reason I looked forward to Monday nights.
When I went to New York, we stopped by NBC and I bought a Studio 60 coffee travel mug. If nothing else I would always have that.
I also heard that critics were complaining that the writing was too much about current issues and politics. They said they should do more jokes and less commentary about the world.
But that's why Studio 60 is so wonderful. Sketch comedy shows are about the world. I recently watched the 90's look into that *other* sketch comedy hit. One of the former cast members said the beauty of the show was it took everything going on in the world today: good, bad, ironic and funny ... and said the things about it that everyone is thinking, but no one wanted to say. Making fun of the president, trading kidneys for gas money and everything else we are subjected to on a daily basis.
Thank You! Studio 60 for telling the truth and bringing this witty, intelligent comedy when smart jokes are few and far between on other more blue collar comedy shows.
I hope others discover this gem of a show and tune it, so it's kept on the air!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
NYC Trip: A brush with semi-fame and the Endless Wait
So we got up at 6 a.m. or some other ungoldly hour. We hailed a cab and got the slippy, sliddy experience of whipping through traffic. When we reached the studio there was two lines, we were about in the middle of the first one. One line was for people who had tickets and the other was for walkins. Finally the doors opened and we got to go in. We had to go through security and then wait some more. I’d say we waited for at least 1 hour and 45 minutes. But I’m not sure anymore. It was forever. We were tired and you couldn’t bring beverages in, so we were without coffee.It was so good to finally sit in the studio chairs. Gelman came out and welcomed us. Told us how important we were (which I think they should have been telling us all along when we were standing in line like cattle) and he taught us how to clap loud and when to clap.
The guest host was Jeff Probst. (Yay!) and the guests were Diane Sawyer, some guy teaching us how to live green and Avril Lavine. It was cool how Kelly came to the audience and talked at each commercial break.
As we were leaving we saw Avril get in her car and be hassled by the paparazzi. We walked back to our hotel and stumbled by Avril’s hotel. They barricaded the streets from all directions to let her get in with some peace.
We window shopped a little, then went back to the hotel to rest. We did a little shopping on 51st Avenue and ate lunch at Familia’s Famous Pizzeria. Then we stopped at Ben and Jerry’s. I had a chocolate cheesecake and coffee.
Our matinee was A Year of Magical Thinking. It was okay. Probably better as a book. We were exhausted, so I guess I’d need to see it again to give it a fair shot (hopefully in my home, on pbs, with popcorn and a blanket).
As we were walking around between the shows we walked by half the cast of A Chorus Line. Whoo!We ate supper at Pigallea’s and I was craving red meat so I had a skirt steak with fries and steamed veggies. The pear/bleu cheese salad looked amazing, but that steak hit the spot.
Company was pretty good. It had some twists I didn’t see coming.
We walked back to the hotel, happy to sleep.
Thursday we woke up, ate, went to the airport, waited, flew, ate, waited, flew and came home. To Grey’s Anatomy. Whoo.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
NYC Trip: Yummy food, Lots of drinking
Today we walked down to Central Park, and it started to sprinkle. So we hopped in a carriage and took a 30 minute ride through the park. Below Left: A view of the skyline from inside Central Park.
We walked to Radio City Music Hall, but were about 45 minutes to an hour early. So we went into a couple of the stores near by, then to eat. We got turned around in the basement of Rockefeller Center and were on the wrong block and had to walk around to get back to Radio City. Below Right: The stage at Radio City Music Hall where various award shows have taken place.
The tour was pretty interesting. I enjoyed learning about the architect and why he made the design choices he did. We met a Rockette, went into their dance studio and saw their costumes throughout the year.
Then the group was going to head down to Statue of Liberty. I was tired and Michelle was cold,
so we went back to the hotel instead. We warmed up, rested and made phone calls back home.
We wandered out for dinner, just up the street by the Gershwin Theatre, where Wicked is. We ate at Azalea’s, which was so yummy. I introduced Michelle to the wonderful world of Moscatos. The one we had was a Moscato Trentino, a red dessert wine.
We walked to the next Theatre and watched A Chorus Line. This musical was good, but the storyline really didn’t catch me that much. The dancing was pretty awesome too. (Not to mention Larry (aka: Tyler Hanes, pictured below) was HOT!!)
Afterwards we walked to Broadway and decided to go to Caroline’s to see a show. We got $30 off our cover charge (how, I’m not quite sure, prolly cuz it was rainy and icky and they wanted to get people in). We had our two drinks. I had a Razztini and a Corona w/lime. I was lementing
that I probably was spending twice as much for drinks as everyone else and wishing I’d just order two cheap beers. But when we got the bill, the rum and coke people were charged separately for their mixer and booze. So, I spent ONE DOLLAR more than them. And I was satisfied.
The host was Brian Kennedy from SNL, and he did an amazing job. I could have listened to just him. We lost count of how many comedians actually performed. I’d guess at least 15-20. Five were pretty bad, and I’d say about five were fair to average. The rest were really good and excellent.
My favorite joke was “My daddy is a pilot, but that doesn’t make me think I can fly airplanes. Just because your daddy was president didn’t mean you make a good one.” Or something to that effect. So funny! I got yelled at for laughing at it though, I think my table might have been leaning to the republican side. I wish I remembered who said it, so I could properly attribute it. But whoever did, rocked.
I think we got back to the hotel around one or two. So we had to scurry on to bed since Regis & Kelly was tomorrow!
We walked to Radio City Music Hall, but were about 45 minutes to an hour early. So we went into a couple of the stores near by, then to eat. We got turned around in the basement of Rockefeller Center and were on the wrong block and had to walk around to get back to Radio City. Below Right: The stage at Radio City Music Hall where various award shows have taken place.The tour was pretty interesting. I enjoyed learning about the architect and why he made the design choices he did. We met a Rockette, went into their dance studio and saw their costumes throughout the year.
Then the group was going to head down to Statue of Liberty. I was tired and Michelle was cold,
so we went back to the hotel instead. We warmed up, rested and made phone calls back home.We wandered out for dinner, just up the street by the Gershwin Theatre, where Wicked is. We ate at Azalea’s, which was so yummy. I introduced Michelle to the wonderful world of Moscatos. The one we had was a Moscato Trentino, a red dessert wine.
We walked to the next Theatre and watched A Chorus Line. This musical was good, but the storyline really didn’t catch me that much. The dancing was pretty awesome too. (Not to mention Larry (aka: Tyler Hanes, pictured below) was HOT!!)
Afterwards we walked to Broadway and decided to go to Caroline’s to see a show. We got $30 off our cover charge (how, I’m not quite sure, prolly cuz it was rainy and icky and they wanted to get people in). We had our two drinks. I had a Razztini and a Corona w/lime. I was lementing
that I probably was spending twice as much for drinks as everyone else and wishing I’d just order two cheap beers. But when we got the bill, the rum and coke people were charged separately for their mixer and booze. So, I spent ONE DOLLAR more than them. And I was satisfied.The host was Brian Kennedy from SNL, and he did an amazing job. I could have listened to just him. We lost count of how many comedians actually performed. I’d guess at least 15-20. Five were pretty bad, and I’d say about five were fair to average. The rest were really good and excellent.
My favorite joke was “My daddy is a pilot, but that doesn’t make me think I can fly airplanes. Just because your daddy was president didn’t mean you make a good one.” Or something to that effect. So funny! I got yelled at for laughing at it though, I think my table might have been leaning to the republican side. I wish I remembered who said it, so I could properly attribute it. But whoever did, rocked.
I think we got back to the hotel around one or two. So we had to scurry on to bed since Regis & Kelly was tomorrow!
Monday, April 16, 2007
NYC Trip: Such a Great Day
This was the day we were supposed to go to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, but the ferries weren’t running. On the news this morning they said New York area received 7.5 inches of rain, something that happens about once in 15 years.
It’s still drizzling, so we go to a Rite Aid to buy a new umbrella and then walk to the Museum of Modern Art. The special exhibit was called Jeff’s Wall, a photography collection of a vast array of things. It featured flooding areas, a dirty kitchen, and migrants under a bridge to a windy day surprising business people.
There were a lot of familiar pieces at the MoMa. Andy Worhall’s Soup collection, the Three Musicians, and I got to stand and marvel in front of Starry Night.
After that we went to the NBC Experience store and I bought a Studio 60 mug. A nice guard in the underground section of Rockefeller Center showed us the way to get to some delis and we choose a world buffet kind. I had cold pastas, including a salad with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato.
We walked up Fifth Avenue, visited Trump Tower, hit Tiffany & Co. (the diamond floor was awesome!) and went in FAO Schwartz.
After all of this window shopping we went to our bakery down the street. We got the plain cheesecake and a black and white cookie. This went great with the coffee in the lobby. The cashier was either amused or annoyed that we all ordered the same thing.
Michelle and I picked a restaurant on Restaurant Row. I had a bowl of minestrone soup and a portabella and Parmesan salad. Then we finished walking the 10 blocks to the Nederlander Theatre to see RENT.
I wish I could more completely describe how I felt watching this musical. Part of me wishes I wasn’t so hooked on it. Because, being obsessed with things is just what I do, so how special is it? Anyways, I was nervous that I would like the musical as much as I enjoyed the movie. They are, after all, different from each other. The stories are the same, but told in different ways.
The set was a mix of blue and purple. To the right was a platform where the life support meetings took place and under it, was the orchestra. There were two tables in the middle of the stage, above them and to the back was a catwalk-type platform with a stairway leading down. To the left was a doorway and above it a collection of bizarre metallic sculptures (for lack of a better word).
A young man named Angel showed us to our seats, toward the back of the orchestra level. They were very good, we were to the left so the whole stage stretched before us. I was on the aisle, and had an unobstructed view of the stage.
Soon, the Mark began shooting without a script and we were swept in. Michelle leaned over and asked who the “guy in the maroon coat” was, since he was such an excellent singer.
When Today 4 U started, she asked who the woman in the Santa coat was, because she was an awesome singer and dancer. I leaned over and told Michelle that she was Angel, that guy in the maroon coat with the great voice.
At intermission, I clarified for Michelle who was dating who, who used to date, who was gay and who had AIDS. She saw the song Goodbye Love and asked if Mimi was going to die. I didn’t answer.
At Without You, I started tearing up. By I’ll Cover You, the reprise, I stared crying. But then I felt a jab, and I saw Michelle had joined me. Afterwards I practically floated back to the hotel and could hardly calm myself enough to fall asleep. It was such a great day.
It’s still drizzling, so we go to a Rite Aid to buy a new umbrella and then walk to the Museum of Modern Art. The special exhibit was called Jeff’s Wall, a photography collection of a vast array of things. It featured flooding areas, a dirty kitchen, and migrants under a bridge to a windy day surprising business people.There were a lot of familiar pieces at the MoMa. Andy Worhall’s Soup collection, the Three Musicians, and I got to stand and marvel in front of Starry Night.
After that we went to the NBC Experience store and I bought a Studio 60 mug. A nice guard in the underground section of Rockefeller Center showed us the way to get to some delis and we choose a world buffet kind. I had cold pastas, including a salad with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato.We walked up Fifth Avenue, visited Trump Tower, hit Tiffany & Co. (the diamond floor was awesome!) and went in FAO Schwartz.
After all of this window shopping we went to our bakery down the street. We got the plain cheesecake and a black and white cookie. This went great with the coffee in the lobby. The cashier was either amused or annoyed that we all ordered the same thing.
Michelle and I picked a restaurant on Restaurant Row. I had a bowl of minestrone soup and a portabella and Parmesan salad. Then we finished walking the 10 blocks to the Nederlander Theatre to see RENT.I wish I could more completely describe how I felt watching this musical. Part of me wishes I wasn’t so hooked on it. Because, being obsessed with things is just what I do, so how special is it? Anyways, I was nervous that I would like the musical as much as I enjoyed the movie. They are, after all, different from each other. The stories are the same, but told in different ways.
The set was a mix of blue and purple. To the right was a platform where the life support meetings took place and under it, was the orchestra. There were two tables in the middle of the stage, above them and to the back was a catwalk-type platform with a stairway leading down. To the left was a doorway and above it a collection of bizarre metallic sculptures (for lack of a better word).
A young man named Angel showed us to our seats, toward the back of the orchestra level. They were very good, we were to the left so the whole stage stretched before us. I was on the aisle, and had an unobstructed view of the stage.
Soon, the Mark began shooting without a script and we were swept in. Michelle leaned over and asked who the “guy in the maroon coat” was, since he was such an excellent singer.
When Today 4 U started, she asked who the woman in the Santa coat was, because she was an awesome singer and dancer. I leaned over and told Michelle that she was Angel, that guy in the maroon coat with the great voice.At intermission, I clarified for Michelle who was dating who, who used to date, who was gay and who had AIDS. She saw the song Goodbye Love and asked if Mimi was going to die. I didn’t answer.
At Without You, I started tearing up. By I’ll Cover You, the reprise, I stared crying. But then I felt a jab, and I saw Michelle had joined me. Afterwards I practically floated back to the hotel and could hardly calm myself enough to fall asleep. It was such a great day.
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