I am up here in McArthur, near Mt. Shasta, and it's snowed everyday since I came up! Hopefully I'll get some pictures up soon. I've been helping wrap presents and cooking. Tonight there is a Trap Shoot--where the men (and maybe some of the women) in my family and extended family will be getting our Christmas Eve duck. There's a chicken house just out yonder, and I'm sure there's a wild turkey somewhere so why not go for some delicious TurDuckEn. I've never had it before but I hear it is the bomb.
Anyway, I must be off. Last minute Christmas shopping.
**Sarah! We must plan something exciting to do when I get back from Utah!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Survey!
1.Song that always makes you sad?:
Probably New American Classic by TBS or The Moment I Said It by Imogen Heap.. I tend to enjoy sad songs, so actually making me sad is a big deal, I guess.
2. Last thing you bought?:
Pizza with Chrissy!
3.Last person you argued with?:
7. Favorite day of the week?:
THURSDAY!
8. Favorite Sundae topping?:
Sprinkles.
9. Did you take Piano lessons?:
never. I've always wanted to though.
10. Most frequent song played?:
In the last few weeks, probably Bad Things by Jace Everett..in the last few days, track number 8 on the new Matt Nathanson cd.
11. T.V. show you secretly enjoy?:
most of the shows I enjoy are no secret, but I am still coming out of the closet about American Idol.
12. Would you rather play basketball or hockey?:
seeing as I can't ice skate for more than 2 seconds, BASKETBALL.
13. Date someone older or younger?:
Always older unless it's Daniel Radcliffe.
14. One place you could travel right now?:
IRELAND. LONDON. ITALY. You name it! Even New York in the fall would be nice.
15. Do you use umbrellas?:
If I have one and I need it, maybe. Sometimes rain is fun.
16. Do you know all the words to the Canadian national anthem?:
I don't know any of the words to it. No disrespect to Canada.
17. Favorite Cheese?:
cheddar, asagio, swiss..kinda depends on the situation.
18. Disturbed or My Chemical Romance?:
oh jeez. Disturbed. MCR, I mean... GET DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS!
19. Do you prefer Blondes or Brunettes?:
Usually brunettes but I like all guys, blue, brown, blonde, or orange.
20. Best job you ever had?:
Hoover's.
21. did you go to your high school prom?:
yes, I went to a few of them.
22. perfect time to wake up?:
9:30-10:30
23. perfect time to go to bed?:
anytime after 1 am
24.do you use your queen right away in chess?
nope. pawns and bishops. I wouldn't say I have a winning strategy though.
25. Ever been in a car accident?:
I have been the passenger in several.
26. closer to mom or dad...or neither?
Mom.
27. what age is this exciting life over for you?:
93. or when someone decides to cryogenically freeze me because they think I would be more useful in the future.
29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned?:
my grey suede chucks. RIP. my checkered vans, still own, but...I don't wear them out in public.
30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school:
quite a few actually. My Sum 41 and Bert is my homeboy shirts survived almost all four years + college so far, as did my corduroy khakis and the pair of jeans that people wrote on. "You are my home cheese and crackers" - "HULAROO" - "BAND GEEK 4 LIFE" etc.
31. Were you in track and field?:
no, I did that hardcore sport, you know, ROWING? I'd say a bit more intense.
32. Were you ever in a school talent show?:
nope. I'm talentless.
34. Allergic to?:
Olives.
35. Favorite fruit?:
36. Have you watched sex and the city?:
I've seen one full episode.
37.Baseball hat or toque?:
how about no.
38. Do you shampoo first in the shower or soap?:
hair first. sing. then soap.
39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste?:
uh, wet the toothbrush.
40. Pen or pencil?:
I prefer fine tip (preferably .5 or micro) black pens or a pencil.
41. Have you ever gambled at a casino?:
Yes! Star Wars SLOTS!
42. Have you thrown up on a plane?:
yes. I've landed curled around the lavatory toilet.
43. Have you thrown up in a car?:
Not because of car sickness, and technically there was a garbage bag out the window to catch my...
44. Have you thrown up at work?:
hmm nooo. I've had to clean up throw up, oh wait, no Andrew did, haha. I refused.
45. Do you scream on roller coasters?:
Depends.
46. Who was your first prom date?:
Junior Year, Tony Granelli.
47. Who was your first roommate?:
Nicole and Courtney, in ITALY!
48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time?:
Cape Cod.
49. What was your first job?:
Movie theater!
50. What was your first car?:
2000 Chevy Malibu, champagne. "ADRIAN."
52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?:
um...5 or 12? I lived in Virginia for 7 years.
53. Who was your first grade teacher?:
Mrs. Finley!
54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride?:
Kenibunkport, Maine. (sp?)
55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?:
Courtney Drew to go see the fourth Harry Potter movie.
57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parent's house?:
hahahahahahaha. Oh how sad my life is.
Probably New American Classic by TBS or The Moment I Said It by Imogen Heap.. I tend to enjoy sad songs, so actually making me sad is a big deal, I guess.
2. Last thing you bought?:
Pizza with Chrissy!
3.Last person you argued with?:
I honestly don't remember.
4.Do you put Butter before putting the jelly on?:
I only eat peanut butter sandwiches! sometimes with bananas, but never jelly!
5.One of your stuffed animals' names as a kid?:
this is a tough one...Eddie the bear.
6. Did you ever own at one time a Nysnc Cd?:
haha yes I did, the second album I believe.
I only eat peanut butter sandwiches! sometimes with bananas, but never jelly!
5.One of your stuffed animals' names as a kid?:
this is a tough one...Eddie the bear.
6. Did you ever own at one time a Nysnc Cd?:
haha yes I did, the second album I believe.
7. Favorite day of the week?:
THURSDAY!
8. Favorite Sundae topping?:
Sprinkles.
9. Did you take Piano lessons?:
never. I've always wanted to though.
10. Most frequent song played?:
In the last few weeks, probably Bad Things by Jace Everett..in the last few days, track number 8 on the new Matt Nathanson cd.
11. T.V. show you secretly enjoy?:
most of the shows I enjoy are no secret, but I am still coming out of the closet about American Idol.
12. Would you rather play basketball or hockey?:
seeing as I can't ice skate for more than 2 seconds, BASKETBALL.
13. Date someone older or younger?:
Always older unless it's Daniel Radcliffe.
14. One place you could travel right now?:
IRELAND. LONDON. ITALY. You name it! Even New York in the fall would be nice.
15. Do you use umbrellas?:
If I have one and I need it, maybe. Sometimes rain is fun.
16. Do you know all the words to the Canadian national anthem?:
I don't know any of the words to it. No disrespect to Canada.
17. Favorite Cheese?:
cheddar, asagio, swiss..kinda depends on the situation.
18. Disturbed or My Chemical Romance?:
oh jeez. Disturbed. MCR, I mean... GET DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS!
19. Do you prefer Blondes or Brunettes?:
Usually brunettes but I like all guys, blue, brown, blonde, or orange.
20. Best job you ever had?:
Hoover's.
21. did you go to your high school prom?:
yes, I went to a few of them.
22. perfect time to wake up?:
9:30-10:30
23. perfect time to go to bed?:
anytime after 1 am
24.do you use your queen right away in chess?
nope. pawns and bishops. I wouldn't say I have a winning strategy though.
25. Ever been in a car accident?:
I have been the passenger in several.
26. closer to mom or dad...or neither?
Mom.
27. what age is this exciting life over for you?:
93. or when someone decides to cryogenically freeze me because they think I would be more useful in the future.
29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned?:
my grey suede chucks. RIP. my checkered vans, still own, but...I don't wear them out in public.
30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school:
quite a few actually. My Sum 41 and Bert is my homeboy shirts survived almost all four years + college so far, as did my corduroy khakis and the pair of jeans that people wrote on. "You are my home cheese and crackers" - "HULAROO" - "BAND GEEK 4 LIFE" etc.
31. Were you in track and field?:
no, I did that hardcore sport, you know, ROWING? I'd say a bit more intense.
32. Were you ever in a school talent show?:
nope. I'm talentless.
33. Have you ever written in a library book?
yes.
yes.
34. Allergic to?:
Olives.
35. Favorite fruit?:
probably the pear.
36. Have you watched sex and the city?:
I've seen one full episode.
37.Baseball hat or toque?:
how about no.
38. Do you shampoo first in the shower or soap?:
hair first. sing. then soap.
39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste?:
uh, wet the toothbrush.
40. Pen or pencil?:
I prefer fine tip (preferably .5 or micro) black pens or a pencil.
41. Have you ever gambled at a casino?:
Yes! Star Wars SLOTS!
42. Have you thrown up on a plane?:
yes. I've landed curled around the lavatory toilet.
43. Have you thrown up in a car?:
Not because of car sickness, and technically there was a garbage bag out the window to catch my...
44. Have you thrown up at work?:
hmm nooo. I've had to clean up throw up, oh wait, no Andrew did, haha. I refused.
45. Do you scream on roller coasters?:
Depends.
46. Who was your first prom date?:
Junior Year, Tony Granelli.
47. Who was your first roommate?:
Nicole and Courtney, in ITALY!
48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time?:
Cape Cod.
49. What was your first job?:
Movie theater!
50. What was your first car?:
2000 Chevy Malibu, champagne. "ADRIAN."
51. When did you go to your first funeral?:
My Grandpa, 2001.
My Grandpa, 2001.
52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?:
um...5 or 12? I lived in Virginia for 7 years.
53. Who was your first grade teacher?:
Mrs. Finley!
54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride?:
Kenibunkport, Maine. (sp?)
55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?:
Courtney Drew to go see the fourth Harry Potter movie.
57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parent's house?:
hahahahahahaha. Oh how sad my life is.
that's the last question? UM okay.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Gay's Anatomy
SERIOUSLY? I can't believe this . I had high hopes for Grey's Anatomy this season, but things just seem to be spiraling out of control over at ABC. This season was supposed to be the start of the character Callie Torres' exploration of her bisexuality, starting with the Cardio surgeon Dr. Erica Hahn.... but ABC JUST FIRED THAT ACTRESS!
To quote the show, "SERIOUSLY?" It's not just that, but another actress, who used to be on Alias, was being brought in to play a new intern that would be flirting with Callie. Now they are axing that entire story line as well.
THAT'S TWO CARDIO-THORASIC SURGEON's that they have fired! First Burke (Isaiah Washington) and now Erica Hahn.
Why did ABC exec's do this, I wonder? Hmm do you think some people were uncomfortable with where Callie and Erica's story line was going? Personally, I found it hilarious and somewhat heartwarming. PEOPLE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH LESBIANS? REALLY?
Anyway, I find it all quite upsetting because Isaiah Washington was fired for calling T.R. Knight a gay slur. Why isn't the creator and producer of Grey's fighting for her actors or her story-lines?
Blurb: Rafe Spall
One of my favorite British actors, (he's in a tie with Dan Radcliffe), is Rafe Spall. Son of famous actor Timothy Spall (most recently Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter films and Nathaniel in Enchanted), I first saw Rafe in the Masterpiece Theater remake of A Room With A View (or so I thought). Rafe was actually a supporting character in one of my favorite movies, Hot Fuzz (if you haven't seen this, drop what you are doing and rent it now or illegally download it). He played one of the mustached detectives (the one on the far left). And he plays one of the frenzied fans in [Green Street] Hooligans, starring alongside Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam (also a big fan of both).
Recently though, in my research of London plays, I found that he is quite the stage actor. While I wanted to go visit my cousin in England and see WICKED, he saw it before I could. Then I wanted to see Equus (in which Daniel Radcliffe strips down) but now it's in New York. SO in researching to see if Rafe was still doing the Stage Play Hello and Goodbye, 
I found out a few tidbits about him that made me relate to him.
"No one who's overweight is happy with it. I had always been big and when you start that way as a child you only ever seem to get bigger. Inside there was always a slim me waiting to get out."
the interviewer asks: "Any vices?"
"I love beer and drink a lot of it. "
A lot of the buzz around the net is that he would make a good replacement Joker for Heath Ledger. Maybe...he has a few films and tv show/mini series coming up, IMDB him, and if you happen to catch something he's been in, let me know what you think. I have a feeling he's going to be big in the next couple of years.
Michael Crichton
The writer of Jurassic Park and one of my favorite books, Timeline, Michael Crichton, died today at age 66 after a private battle with cancer. Crichton, of course, is most famous for Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain books and movies. (Timeline was made into a film, but...alas...not as good as the book). I took this quote, attributed to him, from a Yahoo!NEWS article: "I have a lot of trouble with things that don't seem true to me," Crichton said..."I'm very uncomfortable just accepting. There's something in me that wants to pound the table and say, 'That's not true.'"
What an amazing personality. Read more here.
A new book might be released soon from his publisher. I only wish I could become half the writer he was.
My love hate relationship with S.F.
How can such an amazing city be so wrong sometimes? I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO! I love Powell Street and North Beach and Pier 39 and MOMA, etc, etc.
There were two things on the ballot in the city that were just ridiculous.
One---a prop that would legalize prostitution.
Two---a prop to name a water sewage plant after George W. Bush
seriously though? They didn't pass, of course.
If it wasn't so entertaining......I might actually be upset.
Hoover's no more?
My parents have put the family's cafe and cabins up for sale! Paradise no more!
For the past 10 years, Marysvale, Utah, has been the only steady home away from home that I've had. While it has been constantly changing every year, with new additions and remodeling, it is still home. When I lived in Virginia, over a period of 7 years, my mom and I lived in three different places. Then we spent 6 years in an apartment in Pleasant Hill, and now 2 years in our home in Martinez. The Cafe is HOOVER's NOT HOOTERS! 
Will it always be that way though? I've worked there on and off since I was 12 years old when I helped my sister Ashley with dishes. It was founded by my step-great grandmother more than 60 years ago. I spent most of my summers care- free (except for last summer of course, while I slaved away in the cafe) and
enjoying the great outdoors with my family and friends. It was a tradition to put off the 24th of July (and sometimes the 4th of July) fireworks in the cafe parking lot. Paiute and Sevier Utah are not the same as Lake Tahoe! There aren't crowds of people rushing to get to South Central Utah on all the major holidays...yet it is just as beautiful, if not more so. Bullion Canyon is one of my favorite places in the whole world, right up there with Florence and Rome!
Will it always be that way though? I've worked there on and off since I was 12 years old when I helped my sister Ashley with dishes. It was founded by my step-great grandmother more than 60 years ago. I spent most of my summers care- free (except for last summer of course, while I slaved away in the cafe) andenjoying the great outdoors with my family and friends. It was a tradition to put off the 24th of July (and sometimes the 4th of July) fireworks in the cafe parking lot. Paiute and Sevier Utah are not the same as Lake Tahoe! There aren't crowds of people rushing to get to South Central Utah on all the major holidays...yet it is just as beautiful, if not more so. Bullion Canyon is one of my favorite places in the whole world, right up there with Florence and Rome!
While I respect their decision, I am still upset, and still hoping to squeeze in a few more visits before, *gasp*, a sale might go through. My Grandma Joan, I'm sure, will always live there, so I'll always be able to visit, but it's just not the same.
A picture of me and Korey in the cafe last February for my Dad's 50th birthday party.
Mr. President Elect
Well, well, a junior senator from the state of Illinois, Barack Hussein Obama has been elected President, on...yesterday, November 4, 2008. This is an historic time in America's history for sure, because he is the first African American to be elected to the executive office. How soon we forget another great man from Illinois who changed our country for the better. Let us hope a President Obama will accomplish great things and leave a lasting legacy that both Republicans and Democrats will appreciate in years to come. While I am a registered Republican, and while I did not vote for President Elect Obama, I must say after the initial breaking of my heart (not just for McCain but for my local candidates, none of which won), I can appreciate and take pride in this moment. This is monumental--and one of those moments where 50 years from now I'll be saying to my grandchildren, "I was there", when our country took a massive step forward.
Who is to say what the future will bring? Will a President Obama govern to the center or to the left? Will he push semi-socialist agendas through a Democratically controlled congress? Who knows. I believe he will take the time to consider the 48% of Americans that voted for someone else, I have to hope that he does. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, "A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people take away the rights of the other forty-nine."
I hope while all eyes are on our great nation, Barack Obama governs well, and with the ease and respect with which he has campaigned. He is an amazing speaker, there is no doubt.
Has he proven to me that he will be able handle the office of the President? And get things done in a bipartisan fashion? No.
But I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Since I didn't vote for him, that's all I can give.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Wind That Shakes the Barley
A couple of years ago, my Mom and I ventured over to Berkeley to see an Irish made Independent film called The Wind That Shakes the Barley. I wanted to see it for three reasons:
1) it had Cillian Murphy in it--who at the time I had seen in Breakfast On Pluto, Batman Begins and Girl With the Pearl Earring.
2) it was filmed in Ireland, and from the trailer, had some very beautiful cinematography
3) it was about the Irish war for independence and the civil war
The film was frightfully depressing, yet beautiful. I loved it, even though I had trouble understanding them speaking for the first half of the film.
It's been on TV the last few days, and so I've watched it again (with subtitles) and I just wanted to recommend it. It's not much of a love story, though there is one, and it's not comical at all.
It's an impressive drama that enlightens upon a subject few of us know much about.
The trailer, for your viewing pleasure:
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Craving Some Limeade
Even though it's rainy California weather and getting much colder, I am craving some summer Limeade! I know Simply Limeade is pretty good, but this sounds better.
Recipe:
7 Key Limes or 3 Regular Limes
1 Cup Sugar
6 Cups Water
Cut limes in half (into quarters of eighths if smaller blender), put all ingredients into blender, blend on HIGH for 2 minutes. Pour through wire mesh strainer into a pitcher, add ice and ENJOY!
EDIT:
wouldn't this be marvelous in Louisiana? Still no word from UL!
Popcorn Palace
It wasn't until I worked at a movie theater that I truly appreciated good popcorn. I had never really understood the big deal about going to the movies and getting popcorn. During my two years at Cine Arts, though, I perfected my popcorn making skills making regular popcorn by adding different amounts of salt/flavoring and oil, and doing the butter shake (in which you have layers of butter and you shake the popcorn around in the bag).
Now, microwave popcorn just isn't the same to me...
Now when I go to the movies, I usually switch between Kettle Corn and regular popcorn, because my theater didn't serve Kettle corn, so I never got sick of it...
About two months ago, one of the kids in my neighborhood delivered a package of gourmet popcorn to our house. My mom failed to mention that she'd ordered it and so it was a surprise to me. Even though I am quite a popcorn connoisseur--at least when it comes to movie theaters--or popcorn snob ("That is so not real butter.")--I have never understood the gourmet popcorn appeal.
During the holidays, it seems that gourmet popcorn is a common gift or handy snack. I never really liked it or understood why. Popcorn, by itself, and even with some salt and butter, isn't too bad for you...in moderation, of course. But adding sugar and caramel (I don't like "Carmel")? Is that necessary?
My answer now is, YES. I was surprised to find that Popcorn Palace (from Chicago's Navy Pier), the brand of gourmet popcorn my mom had ordered, was delicious and dare I say, mouthwatering. Cookies & Cream was the first flavor I tried and was delighted to enjoy. They have other flavors like White Chocolate Cinnamon, Peanut Butter Drizzle, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. I can't even imagine eating pumpkin pie or apple cobbler with bowls of those sitting around!
This is something I'm sure to add to my notorious "Christmas Wish List: Guaranteed Satisfaction" for 2008.
A Taste of Ink
There's a new blog in town! Just what I need, another thing to update--but this is for my writings. Check it out if you dare, there's not much there because I've only posted the first chapter of one story. You might notice one of my stories has the same title as this blog. (I stole the name from my story.)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
We saw this on our drive home from work tonight!
Here are a few pictures of me dressed up from last weekend's Halloween Costume Party:
As you can see, I was of course, a bedazzling GYPSY woman! I spent a long, bitter hour and a half on my hair, which was wonderful.
Also, please observe the intricate authentic gypsy gemstone studded waist design on my authentic turquoise gypsy skirt: 
While I didn't end up pulling off a Maleficent costume, I spent absolutely no money on the Gypsy Woman costume! It came together last minute and worked out perfectly.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Kevin McKidd is back on Grey's
The Army guy from the first or second episode is back tonight--and I read in an older article from before the premier that "McKidd's storyline in the series would be a lengthy one" (USA TODAY). I loved Burke the most out of all the male characters, but I think I might like McArmy better! We'll see!
Not So Silent Night!
There's a huge show in December called Not So Silent Night--featuring the Killers, Jack's Mannequin, Death Cab for Cutie, Franz Ferdinand, and Bloc Party!!!
Bloc Party, Death Cab and Jack's Mannequin are all bands I listen to daily...I'm so excited! I'm going to get the pre-sale!
Bloc Party, Death Cab and Jack's Mannequin are all bands I listen to daily...I'm so excited! I'm going to get the pre-sale!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Writer's Block
I know it's been a while since I've posted ANYTHING and as I just started this whole blogging thing, I really need to keep up with it.
I've been so busy lately, I haven't even been keeping up with my regular, fictional writings, which I try to write at least, AT LEAST 5 pages a week.
Not to mention my nights are filled with endless distractions: election coverage, Thursday nights (Life On Mars, Grey's Anatomy), or anything onDemand, really, like all the Bond movies... also essay writing, history reading, and of course sheer exhaustion. Also CR meetings are taking about 2 hours of prep time--and creating a lot more stress.
So I've been thinking that I'm going to focus all of my attention on a new story that I came up with a few days ago. Since I have a plethora of other stories filled with plot lines and character names that rival the Bible, I need ideas for good character names--and maybe a few plot lines. I have a basic idea already, a touch of the supernatural, of course, and I've decided to post it in the other blog I have. So give me some input and you may be rewarded!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Fall Season
We are in the kickoff of the Fall TV season and so I would just like to rant a bit about some of my new (and old) favorite shows.
First of all, TRUE BLOOD! On HBO, which is spectacular. I watch every episode at least once. Definitely something a bit different since I'm not used to watching uncensored television. I'm glad it got signed for a second season!
The latest episode addressed some of the stereotypes and prejudices against flamboyantly homosexual men, using one of my favorite characters, Lafayette (the guy in the picture, only add lipstick, eyeliner, and a strut). He is a played by Nelsan Ellis, who said in an interview how weird it was seeing himself in lipstick. This week--he embarrassed a group of prejudiced rednecks and the scene was hilarious. I love the show's ability to compare the prejudice against vampires side by side with the prejudices we know today.
Grey's Anatomy: Last season, I was mostly disappointed with the show. This season seems like it will be better. Tonight is the second episode in which the entire hospital will get flooded for some reason. Exciting! I still miss Dr. Burke but---there may be a new doctor in town played by Kevin McKidd (Journeyman, and Rome). So far, he has only been in the first episode, and I don't think he has been in any episode's filmed so far--but I have hope. He played an army doctor about to go back to Iraq. He was also Sandra Oh's character, Cristina's, love interest. I also have watched the first two episodes of Private Practice which stars Kate Walsh. She played McDreamy's wife/ex-wife on Grey's Anatomy and this show is her spinoff. Addison was one of my favorite characters and of course, they seem to like getting rid of my favorites (Denny, Burke, etc) over at Grey's. Last season I preferred P.P. to G.A. but this season, I think Grey's will be back in full swing. Nothing too exciting has happened in Addison's world and I think I might hold off on watching until it does. There's always episodes online!
Life On Mars is on after Grey's tonight and I am looking forward to it! A cop gets sent back to 1973! "I need my cell," he says. A cop replies, "You need to sell what?" If the cast and crew (which includes Harvey Keitel and Lenny Kravitz ex-wife) can pull it off, and I think they can, it will be a great show for at least this season.
The Mentalist is on CBS, a network I have never really invested much time in. Sure I watched Joan of Arcadia and Moonlight, but JoA got boring and Moonlight got booted (but I will admit they tied up the loose ends and gave it a nice ending). This show, The Mentalist, is good. I'm not too into crime shows, except the Law & Order reruns that can suck you in for 3 straight episodes before you knew what hit you--this show seems good. The first episode really reeled me but I'm not going to continue to watch the show. Simon Baker is cute but he's not that cute.
I am very torn with Fringe. I liked it so far--from what I've seen: the first epi and parts of the third. I LOVE Joshua Jackson and the leading lady is a great actress. I love the weird stuff going on even though it sometimes made me cringe. It's almost LOST (the shows share the same creator: J.J. Abrams) except Fringe is not on a weird island and instead of castaways we see the FBI and a crazy scientist trying to figure out all the weird stuff going on. So, while I love the show on the surface, I'm not sure if I can handle another show like Lost--a show that makes you think, and makes you love it and hate it at the same time. I mean, Lost is starting up in "early 2009" so I have time to sink my teeth into Fringe. However, when they are both airing, if I must choose between the two, all I'm going to say is DESMOND.
My Mom is really into Dirty Sexy Money. I watched the first episode last week, and I must say, it was fabulous. I love the show, wish I had watched it last season, and dearly want to watch it this season. It's on the list.
My new favorite show this season, which tops the rest, is Raising the Bar. It's on TNT (WE KNOW DRAMA) on Monday's at 10. It goes up against Boston Legal (which used to be Tuesday nights) and this pains me because I must choose. Raising the Bar is onDemand, but they're being slow about putting them on there the next day. The show is about public defenders in 
New York City and it stars Mark Paul Gosselarr (Saved By the Bell, NYPD Blue) and Jane Kacsmarek (Malcolm in the Middle). I did not recognize the annoying Zack Morris all grown up! He is an amazing actor! He plays Jerry Kellerman and is constantly fighting for the truth in the court system. It's pretty much your basic court case show, however, it's got a lot of heart--and it was created by Steven Bochco, who has done too many successful (an unsuccessful) television shows to name (NYPD Blue, L.A. Law?, etc.). WATCH THIS IF YOU CAN!!!
New York City and it stars Mark Paul Gosselarr (Saved By the Bell, NYPD Blue) and Jane Kacsmarek (Malcolm in the Middle). I did not recognize the annoying Zack Morris all grown up! He is an amazing actor! He plays Jerry Kellerman and is constantly fighting for the truth in the court system. It's pretty much your basic court case show, however, it's got a lot of heart--and it was created by Steven Bochco, who has done too many successful (an unsuccessful) television shows to name (NYPD Blue, L.A. Law?, etc.). WATCH THIS IF YOU CAN!!! While there are many other good shows (Gossip Girl, House, Bones, the new 24, Brothers & Sisters) these are the ones I am really excited about. It constantly changes, so I'm sure I'll be updating the list and discussing anything major going on.
And anyone who enjoys fantasy shows, or has read Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series (starting with Wizard's First Rule) there will be a syndicated show based on the novels starting in November. From what I remember reading, the guy who did Xena and Hercules is doing it...so we shall see. I haven't heard anything else about it.
Happy viewing!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Boys Boys Boys! and Girl.
My sisters are having boys! My oldest sister Keara, who has two girls, Jenna and Ellie, thinks she wants to name hers Jackson--a wonderful name, if I say so myself. And Ashley, the next oldest, is also having a boy, but isn't sure on the name.
I like the name Jackson. There's a character named Jackson on All My Children... I, myself, was named after a character on All My Children.
I like the name Greenlee (another name from All My Children)... she is played by Rebecca Budig, see to the right. Do you think this is a horrible name for a female child? A lot of people I know think this, but I've fallen in love with a tradition of naming a daughter a name from AMC, and I can't let it go.
I'd always have the name "Lee" to fall back on. There a quite a few girl Lees out there, especially musicians from Nashville.
Puppies!
This post is devoted to my fabulous dogs, mostly referred to as puppies, though they are almost 5 years old. They are miniature poodles. 
Luciano "Luci" Pavarrotti (Loo-chee) is the black dog (he's mine!), though he's turning grey more and more every day. He's intimidated by all those Nice N' Easy ads on TV. He likes long walks down the street, acting like a Labrador, eating food, being covertly cuddly, and being mistaken as the only male dog in the family.
Mr. Bingley is the white dog. We usually just call him Bingley, or as my mom has taken to call him lately, The Bingster. He's her dog, 100%. He's what you think of when you think poodle: neurotic, shaky, frail, feminine, squeaky...etc, etc... however, he is quite lovable, a bit too lovable sometimes. Last week at dinner, my cousin Clint and I were discussing the puppies when I said, "Luci is the good one!" and he replied, "That's what Bingley wants you to think!"
This photo was taken a few days ago and shows them "watching". They like doing whatever it is you are doing. So when my mom was going back and forth from the living room to the guest bedroom, they didn't know where to be and not be in the way...so they parked it at the best view.
I will post a picture of them when they are groomed. They look quite different. Still cute, but very poodle.
Hilarious!
On the way back from a Cub Scouts meeting, my grandson asked my son the question. "Dad, I know that babies come from mommies' tummies, but how do they get there in the first place?" he asked innocently.
After my son hemmed and hawed for a while, my grandson finally spoke up in disgust. "You don't have to make something up, Dad. It's okay if you don't know the answer."
-Harry Neidig, from "Our 50 Funniest (True!) Stories", Reader's Digest September 2008
I laughed so hard.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
When Worlds Collide
Two planets in a far away solar system COLLIDED!! This article -- from space.com, says that they were similar to Earth and Venus and that there could've been life on at least one of them. A similar situation is said to happened in our solar system. It's speculated that the moon was created by an object as big as Mars colliding with Earth. There's also a "small probability for collisions of Mercury with Earth or Venus sometime in the next billion years or more" but as the article adds, "by then, the sun will have expanded and we might be toast anyway." Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Halloween Costume
I want to be: Maleficent!
I think the costume would be releatively easy to make. It is described here: Maleficent appears in the form of a tall, green skinned woman with yellow eyes and massive horns, symbolic of her evilness. She is clad in a black and purple robe with bat wing-like edges, and wears a gold ring with a large circular black stone in it. She has a pet raven called Diablo, and a legion of goblins and troll-like entities at her command. In addition to this she carries a staff with a glowing green orb at the tip, through which she casts her spells, which include an ability to teleport herself from place to place or send bolts of lightning at enemies. She is also capable of shape shifting at will into numerous forms, including a will-o-the-wisp and a massive black and purple dragon. Despite this, she is in fact a fairy rather than a sorceress like the other three fairy godmothers in the movie. She is also renowned as being somewhat beautiful in a macabre fashion.
I can't wait!!! What are you going to be for halloween?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Over the Terrible Teens, Burn After Reading
Yesterday, (10 minutes ago) was my 20th birthday. I don't feel older, not at all, but I do feel more at ease when saying how old I am. Since July, when introducing myself, I've been saying that I'm 20. It just seems and sounds better than "nineteen".
I'm so excited (slightly sarcastic, yet not completely) to read this:
Real Life, Real Love: 7 Paths To A Strong, Lasting Relationship
This being one of the delightful gifts my mom gave me for my birthday. She spoils me, really. This ties with an IPOD stereo. But really, I read the introduction and this seems like a great book. It even comes recommended from Shakira and Andy Garcia. Father Albert Cutie' is Floridian with his own television show, radio show, and weekly column. I'm interested to read his advice. Hopefully it will be easier to follow than Dr. Phil.
This past week I've been ever researching colleges and application deadlines, and as I was searching for University of San Diego (Catholic) otherwise known as USD, I came across University of South Dakota. It looks like a nice school...and I just might apply there with an out of state tuition cheaper than some in-state California Universities at a whopping $4000. As a History major, I don't really need to choose a school based on the programs, although they are important, however, it's not as important as a school of Engineering. My choice of school should be more about what campus and campus life will fit me. Sarah, you have 5 sentences to convince me of Louisiana's appeal. The fried okra alone, but then there's those silly hurricanes and the humidity!
Speaking of Louisiana, HBO has this wonderful new show called True Blood set in small town Louisiana... 
Now that college has returned full swing, so has my caffeine and coffee addiction. To save money at the expense of Starbuck's (I think they'll survive), I've started brewing coffee at home, and even taking it with me to school in a nifty to-go mug. Although the only class I need coffee for is Geography at 9:30 am, my teacher is so enthusiastic and animated, it would be hard to fall asleep. Did I mention he also looks like John Malkovich? It's very eerie. He sounds nothing like him though.
It's about vampires, which I love. It's a bit racy, then again it's HBO, but I love how the show makes fun of vampire/human love stories, while at the same time managing to sustain a serious drama of it's own. In the first two episodes, a melodic piano love song played every time the mortal human girl and 150 year old vampire saw each other for the first time... it was hilarious. Definitely hate the cliffhanger endings though. We're on the third episode and each one so far has had a Grey's Anatomy-end-of-season-type cliffhanger ending. Sweet suspense. Anna Paquin plays the main character, Sookie, and she looks totally different. You barely recognize her except for the gap in her front teeth. She's blonde and tan and very cute. The show is especially interesting because in the show's universe, Vampires have "come out of the coffin" and are demanding government rights. Can you imagine Vampire lobbyists? Yikes.
I'm preparing to go to the Bi-Annual California Republican Convention down in Anaheim. A few of us from the DVC club are going down, as well as other Bay Area CRs. I'm driving, hopefully with a few other people, Thursday afternoon. Saturday night's banquet offers speakers Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) and California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner (who I have met! Although he probably doesn't remember me). Sarah Palin was supposed to make an appearance but she completely cancelled her trip to California! *tear*
I absolutely adore Italian Sweet Creme coffeemate.
Now that college has returned full swing, so has my caffeine and coffee addiction. To save money at the expense of Starbuck's (I think they'll survive), I've started brewing coffee at home, and even taking it with me to school in a nifty to-go mug. Although the only class I need coffee for is Geography at 9:30 am, my teacher is so enthusiastic and animated, it would be hard to fall asleep. Did I mention he also looks like John Malkovich? It's very eerie. He sounds nothing like him though. I saw the Coen Brothers film Burn After Reading on Friday night. It was hilarious. Definitely something fresh and different from the stuff coming out the past few months. I love films in Washington, D.C., and this one was all over Georgetown. It also featured very stupid people being taken very seriously. It is worth $10 to go see. Best line of the movie (not really a spoiler):
"Report back to me when it makes sense." (Spoken by a CIA superior).
Isn't that life? :-)
finite.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Burst of Joy
Last night I went to San Carlos for a Republican rally at the Hiller Aviation Museum. There were various speakers, most of whom, I had heard before, but the main speaker was Air Force Colonel Robert Stirm. He is a Vietnam Veteran and P.O.W. survivor. John McCain served one more day in prison than Stirm who was shot down October 27, 1967. This photograph, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1974, is of Lt. Colonel Robert Stirm returning after being released on March 14, 1973. He and McCain spent over 5 years as Prisoners of War and survived very harsh treatment. It was very interesting to hear Stirm talk about what John McCain was like in prison. I guess he was given the duty of cleaning the other prisoners' waste buckets. Apparently after 3 years, he was finally in a cell next to McCain, and for the first time since his capture, he laughed after McCain told a joke. Just a detail I found interesting. Also, he made a point to say that there were no secrets there, because you didn't know if you were going to live to the next day. He said that McCain had never expressed the desire to run for public office, and that it was only after he returned as P.O.W., and realized he had a dim future in the navy (because of the injuries he'd sustained in Vietnam), that he opted for a political career.
Colonel Stirm was sincere in his support for McCain because he knew him, in fact, he has known him very intimately since Vietnam. Even after being released, they visited each other and kept in contact. Stirm even met McCain's parents. I think this is one of the first times in the past few years when someone has spoken out and there is no doubt in your mind that they are speaking sincere words about the candidate they are endorsing.
(Burst of Joy is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photo taken on March 17, 1973 at Travis Air Force Base by Slava Veder.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)