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Is it just me or do you get annoyed when a website doesn't allow you to use the "Show the Previous Page" button?

While surfing the interweb, I was looking for seminar options for my department at work. I googled various words with booleans and was perusing various sites to see what was available. My only complaint - aside from not finding any good options for seminars - was that I would click on a site look around and then hit the back button. In a mocking manner (if inanimate objects could mock), the back button would just refresh the page and not take me back to google. I'm sure this is some kind of marketing ploy to keep online viewers on a company's website but GRRRRR!!!

RSL wins Semi-Finals against Columbus

Remember, remember the fifth of November... Hell ya! RSL kicked Columbus Crew's trash on the 5th of November. But speaking of trash, I also won the raffle for the RSL garbage can at the watch party. Leave it to me to win something silly when I never win anything via raffles or contests.

Nevermind the garbage can... RSL won!!!

RSL has had a rough season of soccer. They started off strong in the spring but the revolving door of players leaving and coming back from various national and all-star teams kept the players constantly having to work with new line ups. This seemed to be okay until August when all leading players like Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales, and Will Johnson returned and again the players played a little switcher-roo. The last few games leading up to the playoffs seemed to be all going wrong for the RSL guys but they pulled it together for the last game scoring 3 (or was it 4) points. The remaining playoff slots ensued and the other teams in the running didn't seem up for playoff glory.

Winning their chance at the MLS cup, RSL has proven they know their game. They had a great first semi-final game at the Rio Tinto stadium with a 1-0 lead. And starting their match in Ohio, they seemed up for the challenge Columbus was providing. In the end, the yellow and black wearin' Crew didn't have a chance. The Columbus team took two early goals in the first half but RSL dominated the rest of the game with Morales tying the aggregate score before the end of the first 45 minutes.

Throughout the game, RSL midfielders were aggressive and didn't flinch while stealing the ball from Columbus. The defensive lineup was on - especially Olave and his almost American football-like tackling around the net.

In the second half RSL kept up with a strong defense and stellar shots-on-goal by forwards, Findley and Espindola. With 30 minutes left, Esindola was out and Denmark-bound, Movsisyan came on to the field. Findley and Williams pushed RSL ahead in the second half each scoring against the Crew leaving the aggregate score 4-2.

Now RSL will just have to keep up the momentum for their next challenger, New England or Chicago, to bring home the 2009 MLS Cup.

Boys and their bourbon

This is hilarious. The audio is a bit off but it's still funny.

A Park City Adventure

Park City's Star Bar hosted a great performance from Better Than Ezra. The band made their mark on the charts in the 90s but due to their dislike of the music video they have kept a little below the radar. Playing in bars and smaller venues (at least around the West), the New Orleans trio spend a lot of time touring and performing for their rabid fan base.

The weekend started by leaving work Thursday around 6 p.m., traveling to Park City with Jen, Cindi and Siobhan, and finding our hotel. The hotel was simple but nice and it had a bar & grill. Arriving at the semi-hopping hotel eatery around 7:30, it took forever to order and get our food. My below par fish 'n chips were no match for the yummy-ness found at the Scottish festival (you could say I'm now a fish 'n chips snob). Jen and Siobhan really liked their French dip and Cindi liked her stroganoff.

We departed to the Star Bar for the concert around 9:15. And this is were the mis-adventure began...

Cindi's iPhone took us a strange way to the historic main street in Park City (this time is wasn't Carmen the Garmen). We all wildly stared out the windows trying to find the Star Bar as we slowly moved down the street. Cindi spotted the venue nestled between a restaurant and some construction. Now the task was to find parking. We had passed a parking structure on our bizarre route to main street but we took a co-workers advice and drove up the hill and found a full parking lot. Jen slowly manuvered through the lot and we spotted (not an open space) but what looked like a tour bus. Buzzing with excitement we were more enthusiastic about the upcoming concert than before. And we decided to park in the large parking structure and walk to the bar.

As Jen drove down to the structure, we spotted four guys walking away from the bus and toward the bar's back door. We started to speculate... could this be the band? Even with BTE billed as a trio, they usually have a fourth member to act as backup singer/pianist/guitarist. We crept past the group - gawking at them - when Kevin (BTE's lead singer) turned and faced the car. Now... one would think that we would be cool, roll down the window to say something like "We love you guys!" but alas all four of us screamed loudly with excitement followed by Jen hitting the gas pedal and driving off.

Reaching the parking garage (now laughing at our ridiculousness), Jen parked and we walked to the Star Bar for one of the best concerts I've attended EVER. We were only 10 feet away from the small stage as BTE played an excellent show. We danced... mimicked some drunk dancing girls... laughed when guy a started to steal a base with Jen (she gets all the crazies)... stared at the REALLY drunk blonde with no depth perception... and had a yummy ginger ale.

Exhausted from dancing, standing, and the whole evening, we rolled back toward the hotel room (stopping for some munchies on the way). I tried out the hotel shower to find that it was made for people who liked a tropical feel to their bathing experience. The shower head didn't so much as spray but mist the water.

The next day we woke, got ready, and set out for a breakfast joint. This is where our second adventure came. We discovered several things about Park City:

1. Residents don't eat breakfast
2. Buildings are all an ugly uniform brown and green color (making it hard to find breakfast)
3. 7-11 has Honey Nut Cherios, milk, bowls, and spoons
4. Stacie and Jen get really annoyed when not fed
5. Park City is a ridiculous place
6. Stacie can spend $$$ like crazy in the outlet stores.

All in All the adventure was a memorable one with some great tunes, good friends, and a huge credit card bill.

Weekend Review

1. Waiting for Steve to mad-type his assignment so we could leave work
2. The three halves (I don't know why they do three) of a grilled cheese on sourdough at Training Table on 400 S. and 800 E.
3. Jim Gaffigan at the Kingsbury Hall (Hot Pocket!)
4. Saturday lunch of Chick-fil-a with Dani (Mmmm... Eat More Chiken)
5. "Pandorum" at the District. Ben Foster, Dennis Quaid, and Cam Gigandet - eye candy for all ages - in a well done sci-fi flick (I'd give it a B)
6. Creating a Facebook page for Dani
7. Following the bas-ackwards directions from Carmen the Garmen (Jen's GPS) to the Bombay House for yummy indian food and a sample of their strange onion salad.
8. Jen trying to find an AM station on the radio to hear the RSL game (while driving on I-80)
9. Telling Cindi to help Jen find the RSL game on the radio so we didn't perish
10. Four single girls listening to a sporting event on the radio
11. Jen angry from the announcement that her player Will Johnson was substituted out of the game
12. Jen and Cindi sitting in the car (at the E-Center) listening to the game while Dani and I walk to the venue entrance
13. Strange mariachi band opening for the Killers
14. The Killers (need I say more)
15. Brandon Flowers (again, need I say more)
16. Sean's comment about "The guitarist gets more metal with each song" and the commenting that he looked like Dave Mustaine toward the end of the show
17. "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" with the confetti
18. Crazy drunk woman dancing by Tarika
19. Tarika switching Sean so he was able to enjoy standing next to crazy drunk lady
20. Realizing that spilt beer on metal flooring creates human fly paper
21. Crazy drunk couple in row 2 (we were in row 3)
22. Arriving at Lisa's by 11:30
23. Police, keg, beer pong, acoustic guitar concert in the living room area...
24. home at 2:30, bed by 3:00

Dr. Horrible Returns

Hurry and watch Dr. Horrible at the Emmy's before they yank it off YouTube.

One, Gopher-Hunting, Chubby Dachshund for Rent

The dachshund "was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals," according to Wikipedia. In the last few weeks, I have found that I agree with the popular wiki's definition due to the holes my very own pet has created in the backyard.

Ellie, the chubby family pet dachshund, has taken it upon herself a mission to rid our yard of gophers. During her mission, our family has become owners of the best backyard security known to man - tiny holes and trenches that cover the yard in anticipation of some unsuspecting burglar who would most likely break a leg or get a really nice sprain before they ever reached the house.

The determined chubby puppy would not stop digging - even when a ball was thrown in the hole to distract her.

Or when Zorro came in close to see what she was doing... he doesn't understand her craziness either.

In an effort to save the dead grass that lightly covers the backyard, my dad bravely walked up to Ellie. He lightly coaxed, then nudged, then finally picked her up (risking a finger or two) and removed her from the cavern she was digging.

And for a few minutes Ellie was too distracted by Zorro and a ball to notice my dad was filling in her entrance into the gopher's trail.

So if you want a cheap security system for your backyard or a dead gopher then Ellie is for rent... and all she requires is a fresh batch of popcorn.

Kayne Officially Announced He's a Douche Bag

MTV Shows

Usually I record (now DVR) the MTV award shows. Why? They usually are filled with incredible performances... and, of course, the scandal. But during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Video Kanye West decided to run on stage and steal her spotlight. He grabbed the microphone and announced that Beyonce should've won the award because (according to him) Single Ladies was the best video. Shots of an embarrassed Beyonce in the audience showed that she was the unwilling participant in Kayne's childish antics. As the crowd cheered for Swift, the stunned and mortified teen country star didn't continue her thank yous and just walked off stage.

Beyonce - who I liked before but now consider incredibly humble and classy -later won the Video of the Year award. She thanked everyone and said that she remembered what it was like to be a 17-year-old winning her first award at the VMAs with Destiny's Child. She then called Taylor Swift on stage so that she could have her moment.

MTV Shows

If Kayne thinks that his "so-called" talent gives him the license to act like a complete prick then someone should take it away. My hope is that music fans around the world will rally against him. His utterly despicable behavior at the VMAs should be met with the same kind of contempt that the Dixie Chicks (undeserved) received after lead singer, Natalie Maines, said some choice words about President Bush. That prat should be sent into the "Where are they now?" file and hopefully that will teach him the humility and tact of which he is in desperate need.

Vampire Diaries: A Review

A discussion in my office today was spawned from a co-worker asking about vampire lore. While the stories vary, we decided that everyone has their own opinion on what a REAL vampire should be. There have been so many renditions of the classic story: Brom Stoker's Dracula, Buffy: the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, Dracula 2000, True Blood, and so on.

The most recent interpretation is featured on the teen/young adult station, The CW. A brief look at the new retelling shows some traditional vampy traits mixed with some new ones. The CW vampires can live in the day but must wear a special ring to keep from burning

up (very Joss Whedon and the ring of whatever-the-name-is). They live forever at the age they turn, drink blood of living (animals or humans), but I don't know if they turn people they bite but not kill. Also, there is a weird thing with controlling fog and crows.

token 'good/lovestruck' vampire: Stefan

mood : broody, tortured soul (if he has a soul), reflective

lifestyle: attempting to

live among people as a journal-keeping teenager in a small Virginia town

diet: animals

past: sense that he was bad but is now good, possible dead true love named Katherine

damsel: Alaina

mood: broody, reflective

lifestyle: a teen girl who writes in her journal, hangs out in cemeteries, tries to pretend everything is "fine", taking care of drug addicted bro who loves a girl that just got snacked on by a vampire.

claim to fame: looks like the long lost love of Stefan

past: parents died when drove car into lake, Alaina survived

token 'bad/interesting' vampire: Damon

mood: devilish, charming

lifestyle: living it up while immortal, has a knack for commanding fog and crows

diet: enjoys snacking on the living (including Stefan's new classmates)

past: left little bro Stefan 15 years ago, supposedly got him into the vampy lifestyle, promised to be a pain in Stefan's ass

With the onslaught of vampy stories on the horizon, will Vampire Diaries be able to stay afloat? I think that this might be the teenie-bopper's vampire fix while the older folk will go for the more adult True Blood. The show is not as Twilight as the preview featured and, in fact, I would say that it could be closer to the Whedon-vampires. Vampire Diaries features serious broody vamps with a lot more vicious, evil and entertaining vampires to heckle/torture them. I would never say that Vampire Diaries is like Buffy (that would just be blasphemous) but the show's writers are seriously taking a cue from Whedon, Buffy and the Mutant Enemy group instead of the fluffy world of Stephenie Meyer... and with that small difference Vampy Diaries could hold my interest and is worth a slot in my DVR queue.

Plus they had at least one decent song in their soundtrack that wasn't among the usual CW suspects, Placebo's "Running Up That Hill."

Obsessed...

I'm usually the one who starts these things... I torture a friend [who shall remain nameless - but you know who you are] with a song (Lollipop), drag her to a concert (Framing Hanley), she gives me the "what is so great about this guy look," and then she looks up the video on YouTube. Fast-forward 24 hours and my small interest becomes a huge obsession. As for me, I just don't usually take it to that "next level" but now I'm the one with the uber obsession.

His name is Michael Fassbender - the German-born actor who grew up in Ireland. The obsessing began with "Inglorious Basterds" where I recognized him as another friend's eye candy (but now she won't admit it) from the film "300."

In "Basterds," Michael plays the "adopted basterd" from the British Army who is supposed to help the American Basterds infiltrate a cinema full of the Nazi high command. "Basterds" began a huge weekend full of YouTube clips, rewatching "300," and updating my Blockbuster Online account with any movie containing Michael.

For those who are thinking, "who is this guy?"

In "300", he plays Stelios, a war loving Spartan with the best line in the movie (sorry Gerard!).

Shuush, girl. Shut your lips...

Mark your calendar for the 2009 Video Music Awards on Sept. 13. They will feature performances, skits, and celebrities to boot. One thing I know that Jen won't want to miss is the exclusive clip from the second Twilight film, "New Moon".

Well, if twilight isn't enough of a pull for you then just vote for your Favorite New Artist. My choice was simple... 3OH!3 "Don't Trust Me". If those boys are willing to wear wrestling singlets, loin cloths, and sing an awesomely ridiculous song that mentions Helen Keller, they should take home the moon man. There only competition Lady Gaga and her bubble outfit.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

India Fusion and the Breast Feeding Painting

I wish I had been collected enough to snag a picture but I was just shocked at how tacky the painting was.

Tonight, I ate a delicious dinner at India Fusion with some friends. At some point during the meal I went to use the facilities. Now I've used them before but never noticed the gaudy art piece in the women's leu. I guess I was just, uh, busy. Anyway, Jen mentioned this great work of art and so I made a point to notice. And how could I not. The 3 foot by 5 foot painting was hung above the chair rail and right in view of anyone who was sitting on the porcelain throne.

The fact that the restaurant had displayed art in the restroom was not the shocking bit - it was the image on the painting. The image was a simple yet almost "Madonna and Child"-esque pose except for the fact that the mother was breast feeding the child. My first question is this: Is this something that one would say "Hey, I want to paint that!"? And then who decided that it should go in the women's restroom right in front of the toilet?

The other thing that was special about their restroom was the fact that it was a single-user lavatory. So it's just you... in the giant room... doing your business... with the breast feeding painting. But it gets better because if you do not continually move, the motion sensor lights shut off about every minute. So then you are in the giant room with the painting waving your hand up and down like a ninny.

While the facilities are quite a production, the food is excellent, the wait staff is hopping, and on weekends they have belly dancers shaking it to India's own style of hip-hop. All in all it's a win-win situation.

New Christopher Nolan Flick

During the credits of Inglorious Basterds, the trailer for "Inception" was played. It's a teaser and it looks amazing. Christoper Nolan (Dark Knight, Memento) looks like he has created an intriguing film with exceptional special effects. If you have not seen this trailer you should check it out below. And let me know what you think.

SIGHTED: Music Videos on MTV

It started in 1981, Music Television (MTV) began it's reign over 90 percent of what teenagers and twenty-somethings watched in the 80s and 90s. During the early 90s, MTV decided that they wanted to create a soap opera to break up all that music. The only problem was that they had no money. This endeavor spawned the reality television show (thanks MTV... I really appreciate the never-ending and torturous seasons of American Idol). The first in this virus-like genre was The Real World.

Soon every TV station was pumping out reality shows that didn't really depict reality. Instead they were game shows where the contestants were dropped off in a jungle, required to eat dead cockroaches, or excited about meeting some rich, bachelor who made out with 50 potential brides.

MTV then took out more time slots for videos and replaced them with The Hills and Real World II, III, IV, & V and the only time music fans could catch a video was in the wee hours of morning. In a late 90s/early 2000s brainchild, MTV decided to leave their reality shows on MTV but create MTV2, a station completely dedicated to videos 24/7. This lasted a few years.

MTV and MTV2 now both play endless reruns of reality shows and I cannot remember the last time I caught an actual music video... until now. I'm currently watching a video by the Sick Puppies. So not only is MTV playing videos they are playing rock videos. This is another anomaly. The last time I caught videos on MTV, it was a block of rap crap created after Kanye had permeated the music industry (insert gag noise here).

Strange stars aligning and weird coincidences that placed videos on MTV tonight aside, I am now a FUSE girl. Yep, FUSE is a channel that plays shows about music. They have 5 countdowns, 3-4 hours blocks of just videos, and a fun group of VJs that actually know about music (including Steven and his Untitled Rock Show). FUSE gives tips on must-see concerts, goes behind the scenes of music videos, interviews musicians and occasionally will air a movie inspired by music (think Mark Wahlberg in Rockstar). Almost every one of their shows has music videos in it and the others are about music, musicians, or the industry.

While I began my music days as an MTV fan, I have been converted and baptized into the FUSE fold. I am a true believer... and you should come over to the dark side, too.

Giant Fuzzy Dice and Other RSL Antics

Highlights from the Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders game:

Getting whacked in the back of the head by the second giant die (that's the singular of dice) rolling down our section during half-time.

Robbie Findley's sweet goal from Goal Keeper Nick Rimando's volley kick pass.

Nick Rimando defending the net like his life depended on it.

Nat Borchers ability to block potential goals by swooping in to kick the ball out from under at least two Sounder's players.

The return of RSL's team captain, Kyle Beckerman.

Will Johnson's attempt at a goal followed by a face plan-slide and then sticking out his tongue after getting up.


The extremely loud fans in the nosebleed seats who tried to drowned out the cheers of the Sounders' fans.

Clint Mathis' and his irritation with the referee who seemed to not know how to issue a Yellow Card citation (at least until there was only 20 minutes left in the game).

The 70 degree temperatures after several games where fans practically melted in their seats.

The Killers' "Somebody Told Me" playing at the Rio Tinto.

See the game highlights at MLS.net

RIP John Hughes

While I do not know him personally, John Hughes had an impact on my life. I have fond memories of staying up late in my parent's living room in front of the glow of the TV to watch a Hughes film like "The Breakfast Club" or "Sixteen Candles".

Hughes movies spoke to a generation of teens, pre-teens and others who understood what it was like to be an outcast like the geek, Farmer Ted. Some might not understand why his death is a great loss to the film world. But those with memories of watching Jake Ryan, Blaine, or various Molly Ringwald characters painfully walking through high school or trying to find their way after college understand why John Hughes was a great storyteller.

My question to you is what are some of your favorite Hughes films or quotes?

Traffic Jams

Nothing tests my patience like a traffic jam. They've been featured in music videos for annoying songs like "Everybody Hurts" and in films like "Anger Management" but I've never seen a traffic jam like this...

Beckerman's Back: the MLS All-Star Game

RSL team captain, Kyle Beckerman, has been MIA for the last month or so while playing for other teams. It was great to have him back at the Rio Tinto Stadium in front of his fans. Also, playing in the game with Beckerman were RSL players, Javier Morales and Will Johnson - Johnson was a last minute replacement for an injured All-Star player. The RSL team have been holding on during the absence of their fearless dread-locked leader but fans (like myself) have missed him on the field.

Here's to the return of Beckerman... and to the awesome point scored by RSL's Will Johnson during the shootout. Unfortunately, the All-Stars lost by one point during the shootout. Even with the loss, they did give a great show and were up against Everton FC's Tim Howard - a goalkeeper who is notorious for being great at his job.

Other highlights of the night included the extremely long line for free shirts (for season ticket holders), the return of the drunk dude who refers to the players by first name when he "coaches" from the sidelines, and almost missing my exit when returning Tarika to her car (Sorry T!).

Funny comment of the night was when I noticed Kyle stretching I said "He's showing some leg" and T (without missing a beat) added "He's stretching his man stuff"... I think I quoted her correctly.

Game Highlights: Real SL vs. FC Dallas

The return of Will Johnson - I'll let Jen comment to let you know why this is a highlight.

Will Johnson's end of game jersey removal (immediately followed by Jen swooning and almost passing out).

A red-card ejection from the game for Jason Kreis, RSL Head Coach. I'm not sure if anyone truly knows why this happened.

The 2 goals scored by Yura Movsisyan during the second half (and he has an injured hand people).

Ned Grabavoy... just because he's Ned Grabavoy

Nick Rimando and the amazing penalty kick catch

The belly bumps (upon blocking the ball/scoring a goal) by Nat Borchers/Nick Rimando & Yura Movsisyan/Some RSL player on the side lines

Deciding to cheer to compensate for the irritating people behind us... and also knowing that they were not season ticket holders


The grasshopper invasion... and how a little Hopper landed on Jen's visor

Cindi's comment of how the Grasshopper invasion was the little insects way of celebrating Pioneer Day. My question was where are all of the Sea Gulls?

Fireworks to a random assortment of songs (Kelly Clarkson, the score from Harry Potter 4, Blur's "Song #2, other classical tunes)

RSL winning the game 4-2

Why I'm friends with Jen?

While roaming around Zurchers for mini flashlights and compasses for my primary class, I stumbled upon an awesome hat section with Dani. I immediate put on this hat and looked at Jen. She - of course - snagged it and claimed it for her own. But how could I say "No" with a face like that.

Evil... but yummy

I can feel my butt getting bigger just thinking about this...


5 MINUTE
CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high).
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

Movie Trivia Double Whammy

Meet Whammy...


He wants to know if you can you name both of these films?

These, Tom, are the Causeheads. They find a world-threatening issue and stick with it for about a week.

All I want to do is graduate from high school, go to Europe, marry Christian Slater, and die. Now it may not sound too great to a sconehead like you, but I think it's swell. And you come along and tell me I'm a member of the hairy mole club so you can *throw* things at me?

Name that Movie

"You're a creature of the night Michael, just like out of a comic book! You're a vampire Michael! My own brother, a goddamn, shit-sucking vampire. You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy!"

Can you name that movie?
And the actor/character who said the quote?

Movie Anyone?

En route to theater 3 at the Gateway mall to see the late night showing of "The Hangover," Jen and I found this movie display very amusing.

...and Alaska can come, too

Sorry for the swears but this cracked me up! It's called The End of Ze World. And no, this is not a video from REM.

A Guide to the TV show 'House'

Blue Jelly Beans

Oh, little blue jelly bean sitting next to the computer.
You are so inviting when I need a sugary treat.
I've refrained for so long because I didn't know what I was missing.
The usual jelly beans aren't as good.
But I take a chance and now I'm hooked.
You evil little jelly bean.
You taste like blue raspberry twin popsicles on a summer day.

Ugggh! Now I can't stop eating you!

DVR vs. the Parentals

To my annoyance, my parents decided (yet again) to change to another satellite provider. In the last 10 years, my parents have moved from DISH network to Comcast to Direct TV and now back to DISH Network. There could be more but I have probably repressed it.

With this last upgrade, we acquired DVR capabilities on two TVs. While I am perfectly fine to just get a VHS tape (those are rectangular objects with tape inside that records TV or movies), I was excited to join the world of digital recording (much to the joy of my friend, Jen-knee).

Most of my shows are on summer hiatus, but I loaded in some of my favorites to test. After the initial set up I awaited the joy of not having to rewind or fast-forward on one of my 3 remaining Walmart tapes (I started with a brick of 10) to watch something I would have missed otherwise. The first week was fun as my parents didn't really watch TV but then today the unmentionable happened - something was DELETED!! My parents came into the equation and I discovered the ridiculousness of the DISH Network hookup.

You see I missed a little known fact... a stupid fact. There are four TVs with satellite (bedroom, kitchen, living room, and computer room) and two of them have DVR... BUT only one of these DVR TVs includes a box (living room). The other (computer room) is completely reliant on the other's box. This moronic set up makes it so that the two TVs can watch two different shows EXCEPT when the DVR is recording.

So when the technologically impaired 'rents decided to watch TV in the computer room (and I'm trying to record, let's say... Gilmore Girls) the parentals push buttons until they can watch TV (this also cancels the recording).

My parent's solution: "Just let us know when you are recording."

But I ask the obvious question... Isn't that what DVR is all about? Not having to have Mom act as my DVR and remember when I'm recording. Also, I was looking forward to just setting my shows to record and not having to know when the season premiere is scheduled or when re-runs end and a new episode is on. OR recording anything that includes 30 Seconds to Mars or when Jared Leto decides to make an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel.

So far, my love of the DVR has not grown. In fact, it has caused a some minor irritation but hopefully with time I will train the parents on proper DVR etiquette, learn where the hell my FUSE channel is in the new 9999 channels, and eventually give up the almost thread-bear VHS tapes that still rest next to my trusty Mitsubishi VCR.

Strange but catchy

Here lies two videos that are filled with bizarre and nostalgic imagery for two songs that are catchy (sorry if they get stuck in your head).

Here In Your Arms by HelloGoodbye

Don't Trust Me by 30h!3

Was that a Trekkie over there?

J.J. Abrams has successfully reinvented the wheel. This particular wheel was the series known as Star Trek. This cancelled TV show has crept into the hearts of trekkies and closeted trekkies alike. But recently the cult franchise became stale. The original series was great (even though it was bumped off the air) and The Next Generation (or TNG) reignited the whole thing for a... wait for it... next generation. But then the Roddenberry producers started to put people in Deep Space Nine, the Voyager and just plain ole Enterprise and while Scott Bakula was great in Quantum Leap, he is no Capt. Kirk or Capt. Picard. 

So last year when I heard that a new film was to be released I will admit that I freaked out. Then I saw the who was involved. Abrams picked a stellar cast of great actors and up-and-coming stars. Chris Pine-Evans-Pine-Evans-Pine was sexy as he fearlessly slammed on the accelerator while driving through Iowa, Star Fleet and then into a war with a Romulan from the future. His chemistry with Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban) and Scottie (Simon Pegg) was fabulous. The twists and turns along with the incredible use of those classic lines solidified Abrams in the "everything he touches turns to gold" category. 

But alas there was one thing that did make my enjoyment even greater. It was the cameo of one Tyler Perry who was part of the Star Fleet Council that both chastised and praise Kirk. And while discussing this, Dani made the best comment ever...

If Madea was in Star Fleet she could go up and whoop some Romulan Ass. 

I encourage Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike to see this movie. It was filled with quips, action, a good plot and more importantly - eye candy. 

So wrong, but so funny

Need I say more...

My Ode to Showers

What is it about hopping into that pressurized stream of water that is so soothing and almost medicinal?

I shower at night before I jump (or rather crawl) into bed. Some find this practice strange seeing as how I am an adult. But there is something about that cool water that makes me feel better. It could be a bad day, a headache, or a congested nose and it just makes it a little better, if not makes it go away all together.

For example, tonight I've felt blah since I scarfed down my orange chicken, complimentary bread and jumbo hot chocolate from Mimi's Cafe. I love their food but when I overeat my tummy says "NOOOOOOO!" and sometimes goes into reverse. I kept it down (and I know you were all wanting these details) but had heartburn and nausea... and NO this wasn't because Real SL tied LA Galaxy 2-2. BOOOO! (but that's a whole other issue). But the whole point of this is that when I came home I took my nightly shower and immediately felt better - at least good enough to publish my ode to showers on my blog.

Oh, Sci-Fi

One of my favorite channels to peruse is the Sci-Fi Channel. Not only do they have some great reruns and the ultra-cool "Ghosthunters" but they also have a barrage of strange and terrible films. If you have not witnessed any sci-fi channel films, let me say that once popular TV and film stars (see Bruce Boxleitner, James Van Der Beek and Casper Van Dien) usually make a stop at this channel when they lead films featuring stories about giant bugs, snakes or fictional evils. (And the acting chops of the previous mentioned actors are put to shame by B-movie actors like Bruce Campbell who can actually pull of the cheesy sci-fi movies.)

Tonight as I read the blurb about the movie currently on the Sci-Fi channel, I had to laugh. "Mulberry Street" at first made me think of an obscure Dr. Seuss book but instead the synopsis describes a film about 'a plague in New York [that] causes people to turn into ratlike creatures.'

Hmmm... Is this just a strange coincidence? Or is it commentary on a certain illness that is currently taking front seat to all media publications?

One Dish for Sale

One Satellite Dish for sale!
One Satellite Dish for sale!
One colossal and ancient, black dish for sale!
I'm really not kidding,
So who'll start the bidding?
Do I hear a dollar?
A nickel?
A penny?
Oh, isn't there, isn't there, isn't there any
One person who will buy this old dish for sale,
This olossal and ancient, black dish for sale?

Seriously, if you want it, know someone who wants it AND can get it out of the ground and out of my backyard. 

It's yours... FOR FREE!!!

something shiny

I don't know if you can relate but every time I go to write this stupid paper I want to do ANYTHING else.

I want to facebook, blog, clean my room, do my laundry (which really needs to be done), walk the dog, talk to my parents, be at work, waste time on YouTube, exercise (that's desperate), clean my parents kitchen, shampoo the carpets, clean my car, sleep, watch Weeds, go see a random late night movie by myself, run to Sonic for an Chocolate cream pie shake, work on my #$%& website, edit some films, end world hunger... basically do anything but eloquently record my opinion on the Starbucks v. Dwyer First Amendment case from 2000 in the standard MLA format for my Mass Comm Law class.

Okay, I've ranted now I'm going back to my paper.

Summer Movies...

As the end is near for this semester I cannot wait until its over because it also means that some great flicks will be on the big screen.

Which movie are you excited for?

My Future Wedding Cake Topper...

So I've been single for 27... almost 28... years. And this last romp in Vegas Jen, Cindi and I found the perfect cake topper in case I ever do find Mr. Right. This very classy topper was nestled in the window display at the Paris casino on The Strip.

Framing Hanley

After a LOOONNGG week of work Jen and I went to the Framing Hanley concert at the Avalon. Walking into the crowded venue was a shock as it is usually a sparsely-filled theater. But the fact that two local radio stations were aiding this concert probably helped to counteract the terrible PR of the Avalon.

Arriving we snagged a seat on one of the hard benches toward the back and only had to wait ten minutes for the opening band The Veer Union to begin. Since we didn't show until almost 8 PM I have no clue if others open for the band but The Veer Union was actually okay for a newer band. They had great stage presence. Some of the favorites from this band were the mohawk on the lead singer, the drummer's head shaved on the one side and how it continually fell into his face. The experimental song where band members switched instruments including lead singer and drummer, then the drummer decided to balance a guitar on his chin was highly entertaining.

There wasn't any drunk people incidents since it's an all ages venue filled with a lot of underagers (I know that doesn't stop them) but there was the spastic girl freaking out because "The Veer Union Sucked!!!" according to her and she wanted everyone to know it.

Finally, Framing Hanley took the stage and they performed the songs from the album well. No really knowing any of their songs except their cover of Lil Wayne's "Lollipop," I was at a disadvantage but I soon enjoyed their other well know singles like "Here Me Now" and "Home". I would definitely recommend the show to those who like Framing Hanley's brand of rock. They are worth the $12 we ended up forking out for the show.

Other points to mention are just a couple of tidbits. I was throughly entertained every time the lead singer (Nixon) had to check that his junk wasn't missing, when the band blew a PA and Jen and I thought we'd finally gone deaf from concerts, the high-pitched shrieks from girls in the crowd, and how we had "Lollipop" stuck in our heads as we drove to get Leatherby's after the show.

Here Me Now - Framing Hanley


Lollipop - Framing Hanley

BTE in LV was "Juicy"

As I'm trying not to freeze with the ultra-fun snow that has invaded our lovely state of Utah... I'm remembering my last weekend in Vegas. Apparently what happens in Vegas is that it's warm enough for walking around without a jacket and then when you leave an immediate blizzard erupts in the Beehive State.

While in Vegas I was able to take in a great show by Better Than Ezra - who are great performers who just have a slight aversion to making music videos. One of my favorite songs is Juicy - it's strange yet fun to hear live.

The video I found just makes me laugh...

Thor's Wife Got Me Into Concert Mode...

Saturday I was watching FUSE... my favorite music television network - cuz they actually play music - and I caught the end of this video. It was Framing Hanley's "Lollipop." I knew the song sounded familar but I could figure out if I had heard it on the radio or somewhere else. I figured out the band name from the V.J. (thanks V.J.) and I looked it up on YouTube (I love YouTube almost as much as IMDB) and found the video. It made me laugh because in the comments for the video it said that the song was a cover of Lil Wayne's Lollipop and I HATE lil Wayne. However, Framing Hanley took a song and actually made it sound good... but not in the religious going to heaven sort of way. It's more of a dirty song that you don't realize it's a dirty song until you actually listen to the lyrics - enter Exhibit A "Blister in the Sun" and Exhibit B "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

Anyway, talking to Thor at work he mentioned that Jenn can't wait until Manchester Orchestra comes to SLC (I still need to get my tickets - I'll do that tomorrow) and I can't wait until my friend's band Breaux plays live again because I want to see them under their new name and new sound. And now all this talk has put me into this concert mode. 

In fact, this weekend I'll be in Vegas... YAY!! Spring Break... and I'll be seeing Better Than Erza live... YAY!!! I'm excited to see them because Jen-Knee is so excited and I just love a good live show plus I really do like their music despite what some might think.

But as for the future concert going here's what I propose... (so far)





Framing Hanley on March 27 at the Avalon ($5 adv/$10 door)







Manchester Orchestra on May 13 at the Avalon ($10 adv/$12 door)



Big Ass Show on Friday, May 19 from 3PM to 10PM (wha?... it's on a Friday?)





Breaux on May 23 at the Avalon ($10)

Depeche Mode on August 25 at the E-Center ($45)

Is there anyone with me?

spring fever...

I have it, you probably have it, my primary class definitely had it today, and I think even my dog has it... It's Spring Fever!

I'm so excited for several days off in sunny Las Vegas. I need them badly. I have absolutely no drive to work, do homework, go to school, get up, or anything productive. I need to recharge my battery so I can be refreshed enough to finish out this semester. I'm antsy and want to just be outside without a care in the world - and also without a hoodie.

I'm just excited that it's feeling like SPRING!!

Best Advice

After a co-worker came into work with a second degree burn from a tanning bed, I thought about how everyone gave him advice. "Don't stay in too long." "It depends on your skin type." and so on... I also thought about how I've ranted quite a bit lately and how I should give some advice. But why give your own advice when someone else's advice is just as good, maybe better, and I don't have to form complete sentences - just use copy and paste.

Anyway, this reminds me of high school. It's a poem written by Mary Schmich who wrote it as a parody of every graduation speech ever written - ENJOY!

"Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen."

For those who missed it Baz Luhrrman (director of "Moulin Rouge" and "Strictly Ballroom") created this video as a companion to the awesome 'grad speech' by Mary Schmich:

A call for good-lookin' sites

I am in web design hell. I can't decide how to make my personal site. This is where you come in. I know you (my blogstalking friends) will have some good ideas. And I'm not above 'borrowing'. So if you see a good-looking site, that doesn't look too hard to create, please post me a link.