tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85138968451819885282024-03-18T22:48:47.611-06:00Random RantsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-82017794370771128052013-12-20T21:00:00.001-07:002013-12-20T21:00:21.128-07:00Everyone has an opinion: Health & WellnessThis year my company did a discount for our benefits program. Employees could sign up for a health & wellness program and assessment to get $45 off the monthly price. I signed up and did the assessment. <div>
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For some strange reason, I actually passed. I'm not going to contradict the results. Because of this I just have to do something healthy each quarter. My goal is to pass again.<div>
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For those who didn't pass, they have to check in with a health coach and make a goal to keep in 2014. They make progress on the goal and report in each month. Like I said my goal is to pass again.</div>
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In an effort to make better choices in food and other things, I started looking into things I could do. Dieting doesn't work on me. I start a diet and I immediately want everything I've denied myself. </div>
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Exercising isn't my favorite but I want to make a new year's resolution to us the gym at work. I can bring in my Blu-Ray Battlestar Galatica and work out. I figure if I look at a bunch of rock hard abs... maybe I'll work hard to get some. Or at least work off some of my flubber. </div>
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The thing I can't stand is that since this thing started at work everyone is an authority on what is healthy and what is not. I've heard it all. Drink a gallon of water a day. Each 'fresh.' Comments about every item I'm consuming from co-workers like this person has some authority. </div>
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First, drinking a gallon of water is preference. Some people swear by it. I do not. I drink what has been listed on the medical sites like the mayo clinic. Nine glasses of water a day. Okay, I don't always reach that goal... but that's my goal to attempt. I also don't count the soda, juice or milk in that nine glasses. I can't imagine drinking a gallon. That's twice what I'm consuming now. There is a think called too much water. I'm sure some who are athletic or running need that much but if I drink too much my tummy gets all sloshy. It's not a good feeling. </div>
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Second, 'fresh'... I don't know what that even means. Organic. Food the person likes vs. the 'unfresh' food the person dislikes. To me is an overused excuse. </div>
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Third, I love when people comment about my food that I'm in the middle of eat to say how deep fried or sugary it is. That the food currently on my plate, that I purchased is what is causing all the health issues in the company. It's the reason Americans are so obese. Yes, I probably need to eat less like a college student and more like the 32-year-old I am but REALLY. Please keep your comments to yourself before I knock you off your soap box. UGGH!!</div>
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My goal is to drink more water. My goal is to also follow the food pyramid. I had a friend do a study in college where he compared results of the fad diets and the old fashioned food pyramid. He concluded with his group that the food pyramid was actually still relevant and a good thing to follow. So that's what I'm going to do. You can do whatever you want. I promise I won't comment about drinking your weight in water, discuss eating only fresh food, or comment about your lunch choices while standing by the register waiting to eat. </div>
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May you have at least one cookie to brighten your day to enjoy in front of a crazy dieter.</div>
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Happy Eating. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-15736498560098872452013-11-18T23:24:00.000-07:002013-11-18T23:24:37.858-07:00The Curse of the Cancelled TV ShowIt seems that when I enjoy a TV show it immediately becomes the network corporate team's mission to find a way to cancel it. This has happened with several of my favorite shows. <br />
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Does anyone feel they have this curse?<br />
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KINGS<br />
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FIREFLY<br />
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DOLLHOUSE<br />
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HAPPY TOWN<br />
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JERICHO<br />
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SPACE: ABOVE & BEYOND<br />
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There are also several shows I've discovered (thanks to TV on DVD) that are amazing but also cancelled before their time.<br />
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BETTER OFF TED<br />
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MOONLIGHT<br />
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ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT<br />
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I fear that when I watch a show from the beginning... I curse it to be cancelled. Sorry good TV!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-52567577731697654612013-11-18T23:23:00.000-07:002013-11-18T23:23:29.185-07:00Electric Six and why you should see them liveA few years back I was introduced to a fun sextet band called Electric Six. They sing great hits like "Danger! High Voltage!" and "Down at McDonelzzz." But the goofiness of the songs and lyrics is not what brings back the rabid (often crazy) fans. No, it's the live show. <br />
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Lead singer, Dick Valentine, has a distinct stage persona. In fact, Mr. Valentine's real name is Tyler Spencer and I'm pretty sure that Dick Valentine is the name for the person he becomes on stage. His charisma and intriguing moves during the instrumental portions of the song make fans smile. <br />
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While at a show, one thing you should never go without is a little people watching. Why? Well, the people (the afore mentioned rabid fans) are an interesting brood. <br />
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Evidence #1 - Stompin' in Skinny jeans<br />
The skinny-jeans wearin' girl looked about 14-years-old but the scene of the crime was Urban Lounge so she had to be at least 21. She started with a full mug of beer and as the beer disappeared the stomping increased. Skinny jeans kept going and - never to any beat I could hear... but it was entertaining.<br />
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Evidence #2 - Sunglasses<br />
He wore his sunglasses at night... and never took them off. The awesomness of the band was just too bright for him to take in all at once.<br />
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Evidence #3 - Dancin Fool<br />
The first Urban Lounge encounter was when a big drunk dude decided to slow dance with Jen to the E6's cover of INXS "Never Tear Us Apart" FABULOUSLY HILARIOUS!<br />
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Evidence #4 - Freeze!<br />
The band one time decided that leaving and coming back for an encore was silly. Instead, they just all froze onstage as the packed room screamed and cheered and clapped for at least 5 minutes. They finally began to play a few other songs before departing.<br />
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Evidence #5 - The Cape<br />
While witness history in the making, E6 played at Bar Deluxe. Dick Valentine strolled onto the stage and leaned against the stage's strange wooden beam that's right in the middle. He sang and moved to the tunes and wore a tiny cape (probably meant for kid). It said something on the back. He took off the first cape to reveal a second. Also, awesome...<br />
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Needless to say, the E6 experience never disappoints - even if the band doesn't go on stage until midnight.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-89864443749170984532013-11-18T23:16:00.003-07:002013-11-18T23:16:43.801-07:00HANNA - Top 71. The Chemical Brothers. This techno-making musical group scored the flick to perfection. The tense moments were more tense, the creepy moments were more creepy, and the fight sequences flowed brilliantly.<br />
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2. Soarese Ronan. She annoyed me in "The Atonement" but captivated me as Hanna - a young girl who was trained to fight and survive by her father in the middle of an arctic woodland area. <br />
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3. Creepy guy. Wonderfully creepy played by Tom Hollander. He's so good at the crazies and the badies. He dons bleached blond locks and a pedophile/serial killer aura and is often more scary that the government suits.<br />
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4. British teen. Teens are generally annoying but somehow the Brits can pull of sounding like M.I.A. or some ditzy young girl and still make it sound cooler than any American teen. She has some witty lines "She's mine I found her" and many other gems.<br />
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5. Cate. Is there anything more classier than Cate. Even as a red head her poise and grace appear through the evil, relentless Marissa Veeglar.<br />
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6. Eric Bana. The Aussie is hot and also has a few tangles throughout.<br />
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7. Intriguing story line about a girl with special skills and mystery surrounding her origin. It keeps you guessing til the end and it's a refreshing tale of government plots gone arrary.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-25834300240412460582013-11-18T23:10:00.000-07:002013-11-18T23:10:00.847-07:00The Mental Health DayIt's a little known fact that everyone needs some time off - even if you're not sick. I am a huge fan of the mental health day. A day where you gorge on TV watching, eat yourself silly with junk food and processed meals, you watch 4 hours of YouTube videos about kittens.<br />
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Yes, the mental health day is a required day. It's something we all need.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-5418968224112853632013-11-18T23:08:00.004-07:002013-11-18T23:08:40.409-07:00Wake... as in funeralHave you ever had a strange obsession or hobby?<br />
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Well, Carys Reitman (Bijou Phillips) has the ultimate choice of weird hobbies. She enjoys a hard jolt of emotion and finds that attending random funerals does the trick. And it was working until she meets Tyler (Ian Somerhalder) - AKA the man of her dreams - at a funeral only to find out that the dead girl in the box was his fiancee. <br />
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"Wake" is a witty and unique dark comedy from director Ellie Kanner who's experience comes mostly from television. Kanner took a typical 'girl meets boy at funeral and pretends to know his dead fiance' story and made it heartfelt, dramatic, suspenseful and sizzling story.<br />
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I highly recommend this - if you like a romcom with a twist.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-64581593360946055562013-11-18T23:07:00.000-07:002013-11-18T23:07:13.968-07:00Sundance Flick #1 - Wish You Were HereAs the film frenzy begins this chilly - and somewhat snowy/rainy - January, my two film friends (Jen, Cindi) and I headed to the legendary local venue, Tower Theater, to see "Wish You Were Here."<br />
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This Aussie flick begins with four friends having a good time on vacation in Cambodia. As they enjoy the culture, the four shop the street vendor's booths, eat local treats like fried snake, and relax on beach. The film cuts to two of the vacationers, Dave (Joel Edgerton) and Alice (Felicity Price) arriving back in Sydney, Australia and you discover that they are married with two kids and one on the way. <br />
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Slowly the film unravels secrets about what happened to change their fun, alcohol infused trip into a nightmare where one person didn't return and those who did make back home are now haunted by the last days in a foreign country. <br />
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"Wish You Were Here" gives gritty look at a married couple dealing with their relationship, kids and the aftermath of their Cambodia vacation. Co-screenwriter Felicity Price (also played Alice) and wife of the director, wrote the film's original treatment where the film looks at relationships and what happens when you add secrets into the mix. <br />
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Edgerton and xxx gave powerful and realistic performances which make you root for the couple to succeed as they work through marital problems. The steady release of facts and events unveil more about the missing friend and the couple's real struggles. Teresa Palmer ("I Am Number Four" and "Take Me Home Tonight") and Antony Starr also star in this movie. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-30380384423935753492013-11-18T23:06:00.002-07:002013-11-18T23:06:50.335-07:00Blowholes - and I'm not talkin' name callin'Again, I am fascinated with the Earth and all of it's crazy mysteries. I've been obsessed with maelstroms, tsunamis, and tornados... now I just uncovered a new thing - Blowholes.<br />
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Okay, so I've known about these weird things, but I just recently rediscovered them and their awesomeness. A blowhole is a blast of water that shoots out of a hole. It's formed when a sea cave gets a bunch of water flowing into it and then the water blasts out a hole in the top of the cave - like a geyser.<br />
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Now before you think I'm strange for obsessing or at least being interested, you must know that the Kiama Blowhole in Australia gets 600,000 visitors a year. That's thousands of others also interested in the strangeness of the blowhole phenomenon.<br />
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Also, blowhole sounds like a name you would call someone who's just BSing about dumb stuff. So the name is pretty funny. If you're a 4 year-old. Like I can be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-27889652206940267682013-06-27T00:42:00.002-06:002013-06-27T00:42:29.290-06:00Why do I even care?Do you ever feel like you just want to change everything about your life?<br />
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Maybe move to another country, quit your job, change your name and join witness protection. This is the week - or month or year or decade - I've been having and I'm really feeling antsy and angsty.<br />
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I'm also wondering why I even bothered to writing anything on this blog because I'm not famous so I'm pretty sure that no one ever reads it. It's almost like anyone now a days will only read something if it's 250-characters or less. Stupid Twitter. I don't understand that website or people who read tweets, discuss tweets, share tweets because they are 'so funny' WHO GIVES A CRAP!!!<br />
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Maybe when I got to Europe in September I'll meet some guy who just happens to be rich and sweet and single... He'll want to sweep me off my feet. Uggh! I girl can only dream - oh wait, I live in reality where men don't ask girls on dates, the guys I want to date have girlfriends or don't have the same morals. It's amazing how my list of qualities has diminished to not a criminal, employed, and someone I don't want to stab after two dates.<br />
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Life sucks... and then it kicks you in the girlie bits and makes you get up and go to work again.<br />
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Rant session over. I'm out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-87487059003044282352011-12-21T17:26:00.004-07:002011-12-21T18:07:10.320-07:00Christmas songs that should be retiredDuring my two and a half years in retail at Bed Bath and Beyond, I worked - no suffered - through at least two holiday seasons. The craziness of the shoppers wasn't the problem. The five weeks of stale Christmas tunes was the torture only a retail worker can understand. The regular classic tunes were fine but after the 12th time hearing them in one day they begin to annoy and anger the listener. My angst against Christmas music has continued - even ten years later - and while a most of the songs I can stand between Black Friday and Christmas day, there are a few gems that make me cringe anytime I hear them.<br /><br />1. Wonderful Christmastime - by Paul McCartney<br /><br />"The merest snatch of the squelchy synth intro to this festive monstrosity is enough to drain the Christmas cheer from St Nicholas himself," said Chris Vinnicombe on MusicRadar.com<br /><br />2. Favorite Things by Julie Andrews<br /><br />This song has reached my top list of horrible songs because it isn't even a Christmas song. It's a song from a musical. I also despise it's message about 'things.' This is my least favorite thing about Christmas - the commercialism of it all. <br /><br />3. Do They Know it's Christmas by Band Aid II (Feed the World)<br /><br />This song was created by a group of stars to help the children of Africa. While this is worthy cause, the song sucks and the lyrics are terrible. I mean, do Africans even celebrate Christmas? Are we going to convert them? What is the point of the song? It's the whole Californication thing where everyone has to be Christian and 'proper.' The song was a nice idea but it falls short of the message and now it's just annoying. <br /><br />While Christmas tunes generally make me scream, I've become okay with a few funny ones.<br /><br />Bob and Dougs "12 Days of Christmas"<br />"The 12 Pains of Christmas"<br />"Christmas in Hollis"<br />"Baby Please Come Home" by U2<br />"All I want for Christmas is You" from Love Actually - not the Mariah version<br />and to give a little to those Hanukkah celebrators out there "The Hanukkah Song" by Adam SandlerUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-58677528495557675122011-06-30T19:20:00.006-06:002011-11-19T12:50:28.432-07:00MINIBot vs. the FirepitHow a fight broke out between me, the MINIBot, and a fire pit. <br /><br />In preparing for a Pre-Fourth of July bash, I purchased a freestanding fire pit at my local Wally World. I've always been crazy jealous of any one with a fire pit in their backyard and the $48.00 deal was the clincher. I found the 30" Round Home & Garden Outdoor fire pit on the second shelf - and of course, out of reach for my short stature. It also looked heavy and the last thing I needed was to throw out my back at in the Garden Center of the Jordan Landing Walmart. <br /><br />It took me a second but I actually found an employee in the next section... unfortunately the acne-covered teen pawned me off on the non-existent garden center crew by saying, "Um, I think the Garden Center can help you. They might have to use that scissor thing." As I walked back to garden center and through the sliding glass doors to the outdoor area of the store, I passed the 'scissor thing' and noticed that it was a smaller one of those lifts that construction crews use to fix power poles and traffic lights during rush hour. <br /><br />When I found another employee, he was working at the register and couldn't leave. He did ask the lady restocking flower stuff to help me - third time's the charm. I walked her over to the fire pits and pointed out the one I wanted. I usually pride myself on being pretty self-sufficient with lifting and finding things in stores but the box was awkward. After the garden center lady reached up and easily pulled it off the shelf, I just thought "Wow! I'm now that girl in strappy sandals at the Big Ass Show clutching my Kate Spade purchase trying to keep my hair from getting messed up." Flower lady and I rearranged my already-selected stuff to get the big square fire pit box into the cart. <br /><br />Only after purchasing the fire pit and walking to my car did I think that it might be too big for the MINIBot - even with the seats down and the front seat pushed up all the way. I parked the cart next to the MINIBot and opened the boot. <br /><br />Hmmmm...<br /><br />This could be tricky. <br /><br />I loaded all of the small stuff into the front seat (which I pulled completed up). I moved all extras from my tiny trunk space (yes, MINI coopers have a trunk). I then picked up the rather light fire pit box and began to push it in flat. <br /><br />No.<br /><br />I twisted the box to a diagonal angle.<br /><br />Nope.<br /><br />I flipped the box thinking that one end was larger than the other.<br /><br />Fat chance.<br /><br />Breathing heavily and now worried that I'd have to make other arrangements to get the $#%& thing home, I tried to think of other options. Maybe it would fit into the back past the front seat. The problem in getting it into the back of the MINIbot was that there were two ledges (one on either side of the car) about two inches from the back hatch door and halfway up each side that held the top that covered what was in the trunk while the seats were all up. <br /><br />Maybe the box would fit into the MINIbot if I pushed the box in behind the passenger seat. I moved the stuff I had just squished into the passenger's seat and pushed the seat forward all the way. <br /><br />Narp! (DAMMIT!!!)<br /><br />I put all the stuff I just removed back into the passenger's seat and put the seat back into its spot. I looked at the box. It was square and packed well (to not damage the coolest purchase ever). <br /><br />What if I removed the packaging? The actual pit might fit into the car while the box was too big. But I didn't have a knife.<br /><br />KEYS!<br /><br />I pulled out my MINIbot's tough laser cut key and began to hack away at the packing tape that seemed to cover every inch of the box. This was more difficult than getting into a new DVD. <br /><br />I pulled and yanked and the lid came off. Styrofoam encased the fire pit and it came out in pieces covering me in little static-y balls of white snow. I mutilated the entire fire pit's nicely presented packaging while innocent families and other onlookers watched my almost manic behavior. <br /><br />UGGGHHH!<br /><br />I pulled out piece after piece of the pit and then came the moment of truth: the round base and largest part of the fire pit. I pulled it from the styrofoam and carefully pushed it through the back door of the MINIbot. <br /><br />IT FITS!!!<br /><br />I did a little happy dance and placed the rest of the parts in the back of the MINIbot. The demolished cardboard, styrofoam, and plastic that had encased the fire pit was loaded back into the cart and wheeled to the flower/plant entrance of Walmart. I told the not-so-helpful workers that I had to remove the fire pit from the box and I didn't want to be 'that customer' and leave it in the parking lot. They looked at me like I was crazy... but I didn't care. I had just battled for 30 minutes to get my new purchase into my tiny MINIbot... and I won.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-34144735782861468052011-06-26T22:11:00.001-06:002011-06-26T22:13:19.183-06:00Oops! I found a funny video clipComical clip from a so-so romantic comedy starring Michelle Pfiffer and Paul Rudd. In this scene, Saorise Ronan (playing Michelle's daughter) is singing in the mirror an excellent rendition of "Oops! I did it again."<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qt7x4xlZwfk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-10388569497108806662011-06-11T16:27:00.003-06:002011-06-11T16:51:22.953-06:00Miss March: The worst sex comedy ever!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxGdKxLFffJTcwsLY0vCSPDms8X_ZLOjCJXw77-9NORgaPdgu8SlFcORgeCRxnCl7osklXtOcyBAoH4tviJVSq15JQshj3f7UaZ8lISkBiMJCapxvfRfz72PdIX15qchegdVoVw21BwmF/s1600/miss_march.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxGdKxLFffJTcwsLY0vCSPDms8X_ZLOjCJXw77-9NORgaPdgu8SlFcORgeCRxnCl7osklXtOcyBAoH4tviJVSq15JQshj3f7UaZ8lISkBiMJCapxvfRfz72PdIX15qchegdVoVw21BwmF/s320/miss_march.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617097619072579330" /></a><br />Plucked straight from my blockbuster online queue, "Miss March" arrived at my house for viewing this week. I occasionally enjoy a raunchy comedy but this film was a big mistake. Had I known that the film was written and acted by those involved with the IFC show "The Whitest Kids U Know," I would have deleted it from my queue and never wasted my time.<br /><br />"Miss March" begins as Eugene and his friend, Tucker, are finishing high school. Eugene is dating Cindy and they head up the abstinence club. Cindy finally convinces Eugene to 'do it' on prom night, but before the they can do the deed Eugene falls down some stairs and goes into a coma for four years. <br /><br />Upon waking via baseball bat to the head by Tucker, Eugene discovers that his virginal girlfriend, Cindy, has turned into Playboy's latest monthly centerfold. The two morons decide to travel across the country to the Playboy mansion to reunite Eugene with Cindy for his first time. <br /><br />The film tried to be funny on a frat boy level and constant bathroom humor just makes my eyes roll. What the film lacked was an ability to make me care about the characters - oh ya, and actors who could convince me that they were the characters and not just future comedy variety show actors. "Miss March" missed the beat and unlike films such as "American Pie" lacked the human emotion element that made the audience care about Eugene getting Cindy in the end.<br /><br />My ruling... don't waste your time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-52760530519219434262011-04-14T19:42:00.004-06:002011-04-14T20:12:04.649-06:00Whirlpools - not the appliances<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgNe1dpkZ4JQYO_rklNV5QGtLCL0ZyLvLXvXxEzNnRvLSGE_Jm6dWq_IrscZPvUyMgA3LqR2zLKiYne3fmk37I6pSc-_Ie0UBbOiqBpjRXAISfoRIFM1D37hQDGbk8YEDZSzN2_9UUwh9/s1600/whirlpool.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgNe1dpkZ4JQYO_rklNV5QGtLCL0ZyLvLXvXxEzNnRvLSGE_Jm6dWq_IrscZPvUyMgA3LqR2zLKiYne3fmk37I6pSc-_Ie0UBbOiqBpjRXAISfoRIFM1D37hQDGbk8YEDZSzN2_9UUwh9/s400/whirlpool.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595626752468357010" /></a><br /><br /><br />Japan is still dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that started a catastrophic tsunami. But one thing that caught my eye was the Uzumaki whirlpool that formed off the coast of Japan. Now obsessed with whirlpools - and how cool and scary they are, I've been YouTubing videos and looking up information. <br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K_56po8VHn0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Here's what I learned:<br /><br />1. There are several "We're all gonna die!" groups that think Japan is going to sink or that the end of the world is near. Whatever. <br /><br />2. A whirlpool is a swirling body of water usually produced by ocean tides - like the one around Japan.<br /><br />3. The vast majority of whirlpools are not very powerful. This makes me happy because whirlpools are quite scary if you think about it. What I'm interested in is... where is the water going? The naturally forming whirlpools the question remains but there are a lot of man-made vortexes. These usually happen when a lake or pond is drained into another area at a very fast speed.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UlZsPbLG864" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />4. The scary (or more powerful) whirlpools are more properly termed maelstroms. But my favorite mythbusters determined that a whirlpool couldn't suck in a ship but then they tested if it could suck in a person?<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yYsPyguu7cc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />5. And vortex is the proper term for any whirlpool that has a downdraft.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sx8vA9jBEFk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-42083824352013003092011-02-02T23:20:00.002-07:002011-02-02T23:22:49.338-07:00Turkey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowasmPL01gtEA0kjybpxZkkwafKNURB_e0b7NsRDu3GuVSknhFq9uwS3kj-n9JckjNy8UJ9jgbs6iX2S9Diso6x8y7TqnV1E4JADT8FPq5JjUxnIz8bU3Tz2xH2yCFOqa8WMC9qEUlq5E/s1600/Turkey.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowasmPL01gtEA0kjybpxZkkwafKNURB_e0b7NsRDu3GuVSknhFq9uwS3kj-n9JckjNy8UJ9jgbs6iX2S9Diso6x8y7TqnV1E4JADT8FPq5JjUxnIz8bU3Tz2xH2yCFOqa8WMC9qEUlq5E/s320/Turkey.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569344569382003474" /></a><br />Turkey… also the name of my favorite meat… is the first country I researched. This whole part of my Mission in 2011 stemmed from the fact that John Gidding, a designer on HGTV, is from Turkey and – aside from knowing that my cousin spent time there while her husband was in the military – I don’t know much about the place. From my research, Turkey was once part of the Ottoman Empire and it officially formed as the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923 by Kemal Ataturk.<br /><br />With over 75 million people, the country is ranked 17th largest and their biggest city is Istanbul (was also the capital for the Ottoman Empire). Other fun facts is that the country’s currency is the Turkish lira, the new capital – as of the 20s – is Ankara, and the country is transcontinental (Europe and Asia). The country’s Internet domain is .tr and to call someone on a phone in Turkey you would use the calling code 90.<br /><br />While the country was founded as a secular republic, the Islam-based political party won the presidential elections in 2002 and many fear their efforts to create an Islam state. There is also speculation about the military (called the guardians of the secular system) and their attempts or plots to overthrow the government to prevent such actions. <br /><br />People of Turkey are called Turkish but there are other cultures and groups living in the country that refuse to assimilate or Turkify themselves. One group is the Kurds and conflicts and tension have continued until even today as the Turkish government sees many of the groups fighting for Kurdish rights as ‘terrorists.’ <br /><br />Aiding the U.S. has become a habit; Turkey was near the Soviet Union during the Cold War and is now next to the Middle East – which allows the U.S. to have a close base of operations. Turkey also has the second largest standing Armed Forces (the first being the U.S. Armed Forces).<br /><br />Turkey has been in negotiations to become a member of the EU and with this changed many of their laws to allow for women’s rights among other things. One thing that differs from the U.S. to Turkey is that Turkish journalists reporting in the country do not have the First Amendment on their side. TV news (the most popular form) has often been shut down for broadcasting sensitive materials. There is also speculation that journalists reporting stories about the military, Kurds or other ‘sensitive’ topics are imprisoned or attacked. While the government can block websites such as YouTube, citizens have learned ways to get around the system. And there are about 22 million Facebook users in the country. <br /><br />For more info on Turkey… Google it yourself! I’m going to bed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-24105714759776348812011-01-29T15:23:00.004-07:002011-01-29T16:02:33.169-07:00Sundance Movies #4 & #5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlLp-wVTGd815AFzUAiQl4eyYN7-BjhyphenhyphenqpgzypXTjeaBVsVr6sHcC-scudWr-Gvk5XX1NAxEHl_j8fS3iijJqqqlLUJdqogQhDXFkO5SWojfZJRTTlrAk4JaJ_mtmoPMYdxJ3lTfIT82A/s1600/Margin-Call-13-12-10-kc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlLp-wVTGd815AFzUAiQl4eyYN7-BjhyphenhyphenqpgzypXTjeaBVsVr6sHcC-scudWr-Gvk5XX1NAxEHl_j8fS3iijJqqqlLUJdqogQhDXFkO5SWojfZJRTTlrAk4JaJ_mtmoPMYdxJ3lTfIT82A/s320/Margin-Call-13-12-10-kc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567746329100005234" /></a><br />Margin Call<br /><br />What if you knew about the bad economic times to come and you could save your company from a huge lost at the expense of those you sale your stocks to? <br /><br />That is the dilemma faced by several employees at a company right before the last economic disaster. Sam (Kevin Spacey), Will (Paul Bettany), Peter (Zachary Quinto), and Seth (Penn Badgley) discover that the stocks are worthless on the day that their company lays off most of their department and the Risk Management guy who finds part of the mystery. The film doesn't skimp on the confusing financial jargon but that doesn't matter. The audience is glued to these men and women as they try to make difficult decisions while spewing witty and reflective dialogue. <br /><br />POPCORN: 3 of 4<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKyvd4c7FEUANpo5kwKtCpEREWfl9R5ry5t7TRoiQxuKmD8ihd6rC6AWmeTQuFpWy5l-sxpVO6z3AE-eUX9RGmDTrBCqAbaLGSp1G9arrgiQ1wQ4nJi792hUlE7-OdAKiTRRYx4TRQVB_/s1600/o-sundance-2011-images-from-shunji-iwai-s-vampire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKyvd4c7FEUANpo5kwKtCpEREWfl9R5ry5t7TRoiQxuKmD8ihd6rC6AWmeTQuFpWy5l-sxpVO6z3AE-eUX9RGmDTrBCqAbaLGSp1G9arrgiQ1wQ4nJi792hUlE7-OdAKiTRRYx4TRQVB_/s320/o-sundance-2011-images-from-shunji-iwai-s-vampire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567746719528795362" /></a><br />Vampire<br /><br />Do not mistake this film for fluffy emo story about a sparkly vampire that just wants to be understood. This gutsy project was written and directed by Shunjai Iwai. He tells a strange tell about Simon (Kevin Zegers), a 28-year-old biology teacher who drinks the blood of the victims he meets on a suicide website. This artsy flick takes several existential turns with the introduction of a vampire loving club with another sadistic killer and several suicidal women gravitating toward Simon. The quirkiness of the film and the amazing acting by Zegers does not make up for the awkwardness of the editing and the repetitive music score. There were a few moments of hilarity brought by Laura (Rachel Leigh Cook), a girl that believes she's Simon's girlfriend after only one date. <br /><br />POPCORN: 2 of 4Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-24740514176900996012011-01-26T21:24:00.005-07:002011-01-26T22:01:07.615-07:00Charlie Hunnam and Freddie Highmore star in films 2 and 3As the week progresses, I find that my movie watching ability has not waned. I love cinema. I love it... probably because for a few hours I'm able to escape into the world that another person has (or should I say other people have) created. <br /><br />Tuesday's flick was a serious story about a man on a ledge. Gavin (played by Charlie Hunnam from Sons of Anarchy fame) walks out and stands on the ledge of a tall skyscraper building. He doesn't seem like he wants to be there and as he tells his tale to a cop (Terrance Howard) the audience is able to see why he ended up so high up. The film has really two possible endings: he jumps or he doesn't jump. As the story of why he's going to kill himself unravels, the audience begins to realize that there is more to Gavin than meets the eye. The film takes shape in the form of a tragedy, a love story, a family drama, a thriller, a philosophical reflection piece, and even highlights a comedic moment or two. "The Ledge" features four characters that all have their own baggage of shame and heartache. Their struggles make you like and dislike their actions (no character is completely innocent). But the end is always looming. Will Gavin jump?<br /><br />I would recommend this movie to those who don't mind sitting on the edge of their theater chairs while contemplating morality, religion, death, love and other larger issues throughout "The Ledge." <br /><br />POPCORNS: 3 of 4<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEALbUqqTCbbfPCh2sdujAYZVWwGlk6uOC3IX4scXk8QmmPLuRlYAqOnFir6HyBGjzQ5KQiTbkJYXD1jDeVgsNRsqDgl3GYqxc9YizNgt03fDmqnLl47mLkmA3w96B9dEis-fYGwPLZX2Y/s1600/homework-poster.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEALbUqqTCbbfPCh2sdujAYZVWwGlk6uOC3IX4scXk8QmmPLuRlYAqOnFir6HyBGjzQ5KQiTbkJYXD1jDeVgsNRsqDgl3GYqxc9YizNgt03fDmqnLl47mLkmA3w96B9dEis-fYGwPLZX2Y/s200/homework-poster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566725998174895890" /></a>Wednesday's film was a little more lighthearted. "Homework," of course, focused on high school student, George, who doesn't do his homework. Any of it. Ever. <br /><br />Brit actor, Freddie Highmore, played the New York-born teen who's attending an upper crust prep school with intelligence and showcased the off-beat nature while delivering exquisite lines and subtle gestures. The story begins to unfold when George takes the rap for Sally's (Emma Roberts) smoking on school grounds. When Sally thanks him, she begins to open up his quiet and withdrawn nature and quiet, simple relationship begins to bloom. <br /><br />Screenwriter/director, Gavin Wiesen, did a fabulous job in capturing realistic, yet intelligent, high school students by the incredible dialogue featured in "Homework." Some of the quotables would be lines such as 'Teflon slacker' or the comment about how Valentine's day is commercial. The film also captures little (and often hilarious) moments of realism, for example, showcasing George's anguish by having him play a sad song on repeat for days as he sulks over a situation.<br /><br />I would recommend this film to anyone. It's reminiscent of other film fest movies such as "500 Days of Summer" that take a new or simple approach to that crazy little thing we call love. <br /><br />POPCORNS: 3 of 4Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-65886479593239184862011-01-24T19:50:00.004-07:002011-01-24T20:21:36.787-07:00Sundance Movie #1: The Guard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWpyKIhKLX8oZiqXLKzoyO9ORooiVg0ZOv8JLp2PSd8mQKd2zpGbeCKNZcgTJbxQLRDP-kAD_qVyNydpYM5jMupQ9oJJ6b0ALx7W_vU8WAHcwf_eycVOfzNfgs3x-kCWPcQ7GHXqrrCs9/s1600/Brendan_Gleeson_in_The_Guard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWpyKIhKLX8oZiqXLKzoyO9ORooiVg0ZOv8JLp2PSd8mQKd2zpGbeCKNZcgTJbxQLRDP-kAD_qVyNydpYM5jMupQ9oJJ6b0ALx7W_vU8WAHcwf_eycVOfzNfgs3x-kCWPcQ7GHXqrrCs9/s400/Brendan_Gleeson_in_The_Guard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565956503650808562" /></a><br />The film begins with a crash... literally. The camera steadily follows a car packed tight with five teen boys who are speeding around Ireland's vast countryside while poppin' pills and drinking liquor. The sounds of N.E.R.D fills the speakers alongside the quick gear shifting as the red tin can (AKA car from the UK that wouldn't pass a US safety inspection) swerves across the two-lane road. Captivated, the audience waits for the inevitable but it doesn't come. The car just weaves back and forth. <div><br /></div><div>Cut to the film's star, Brendan Gleeson, who's playing Boyle, an Irish guard (or cop) zoning out effectively in his parked Garda car's speed trap. With the camera straight on Boyle in his car, the five Irish teens speed past the disinterested cop and the theater is flooded with the sound of a car crash. Gleeson doesn't react but leisurely takes his time to get out of the car, inspect the now five dead teens sprawled out along the road, and their tiny red car that is now flipped over after hitting a rock wall. Boyle searches for what you think is evidence or signs of life until he finds the pills, states that the kid's mom wouldn't be happy to find those, opens the bag, and drops acid.<br /><br />A dark comedy "The Guard" features unorthodox humor and a refreshing lack of politically correctness. Gleeson's Boyle is a three dimensional character who is good at his job, likes to shag prostitutes, and always seems to make you laugh at what mainstream media would call 'inappropriate comments.' The other additions to the cast, Liam Cunningham, and Mark Strong - to name a few, swirl around Boyle's as he tries to bust a drug smuggling ring with an F.B.I. agent played by Don Cheadle. </div><div><br />Writer/director John Michael McDonagh did an amazing job showcasing a side of Ireland that isn't Dublin (funnier if you've seen the movie) by bringing a witty lead character who doesn't apologize for who he is... and even with screenplay's constant jabs toward Americans, English, and even Ireland you walk away loving the characters and the story that came alive on screen.<br /><br />Recommendations:<br />GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!<br /><br />RATING 4 out of 4 popcorns<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s1600/popcorn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s200/popcorn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565956706437603842" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s1600/popcorn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s200/popcorn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565956706437603842" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s1600/popcorn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s200/popcorn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565956706437603842" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s1600/popcorn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_FHFODH5qgTWR45hDo3FVr8ejx4nZbknQlvCmgYvRebXsit0M-gjQqpLF4AY1MXRkf3y40ooXEZXCflApLncx8XNurNdn0_7iFfZxVnxP4a_6V4cxMfFXuyV980m81997pOC_nYfWPC/s200/popcorn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565956706437603842" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-56443354783582623532011-01-17T20:14:00.005-07:002011-01-17T20:35:05.446-07:00Back to the Workout Workout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxrP3ZIMJmG4lCMkZ3xVJdcIJjDZ9BdpTfr5cn8f-3DK_g3GL0urv1rMZNMpFSkuV-bN0xMWyuEHwVbrqRVqoFJDUcAEtQXx5ydlTBSh-aDRwcye6YuMgVUmMppeahu3BTTxTraFy2pm2/s1600/bridget-exercising.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxrP3ZIMJmG4lCMkZ3xVJdcIJjDZ9BdpTfr5cn8f-3DK_g3GL0urv1rMZNMpFSkuV-bN0xMWyuEHwVbrqRVqoFJDUcAEtQXx5ydlTBSh-aDRwcye6YuMgVUmMppeahu3BTTxTraFy2pm2/s320/bridget-exercising.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563359663370390818" /></a><br /><br />When you exercise do you feel like an elephant trying to wear roller skates?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF33;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I DO!</span></span><br /><br />I met up with my good - and evil exercise-inflicting - friend, Lisa, who tortured me with some easy workout moves. They were easier exercises but since I've been out of the game for a while my abs and thighs are feeling the burn. <br /><br />All I can say is that after sitting on my chubby behind all day yesterday drooling over Michael Fassbender (Mmm... Michael) in "Hex," this little step toward a healthy activity will help me reach my Run a Mile target by working out so I don't feel so... bleh!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-44486038148708776842011-01-01T20:00:00.009-07:002011-01-12T22:09:57.293-07:00Run Fat Girl Fun - after tweaking my back<div>With a fun back injury from shoveling a couple of feet of snow (ya, I'm that cool), I wasn't able to jump into the 2011 Mission on January 3rd like I had planned.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year (as in New Year's Eve) started with a painful bang and a blackout and a half.</div><div><br /></div>The first order of New Year's Eve was to get dressed. Since I wasn't showering before I shoveled snow I thought I get in some grubby clothes which included my Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. shirt, jeans with holes, socks from the day before, and my RSL hat to hide my unkept hair - a seriously awesome fashion statement. <div><br /></div><div>As I lifted the fifth shovel-full of snow off the walkway from the driveway to the front porch, I was immediately halted by a sharp pain in my back. The sting - felt like a hot poker was being shoved through my back - on the left side just above my hip immobilizing me. I slowly stood straight, squeezed my eyes shut. The pain was deafening... literally, it was like my hearing was being controlled by a bratty child with an iPod's volume knob. I fought the urge to pass out and hobbled to the back door using the shovel as a crutch. When I reached the door, my parents wondered what was wrong. I told them and immediately became nauseated. Great! Just what I needed. </div><div><br /></div><div>My mother helped me lie down on the couch. She laughed 'with me' as I commented that I felt like I was an 80-year-old woman. New Year's Eve was then spent on the couch with a Mt. Dew and a few of my favorite French films, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sECzJY07oK4">Amelie</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abToFQ54X0g">Mic Macs</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7DTv2uBA7I">The Brotherhood of the Wolf</a>. The New Year rang in just as Amelie finally found her Nino and they, of course, fell madly, crazily in love. </div><div><br /></div><div>New Year's Day started with an inventive rolling maneuver to get out of bed with my awe-inspiring back spasm. I had stiffened up but, at least, standing and walk/hobbling wasn't too difficult. The morning was going okay as I returned to camping out on the couch. After about an hour of TV and some breakfast, the transformer blew (and not the cool ones that Shia fights in the movies) in my neighbors yard with a loud boom. The next several hours the house began to get chilly but I was fortunate enough to still have to read my book club book, "The Lost Hero." </div><div><br /></div><div>But a week and a half-ish after my lame back incident, I started to work on Target #1. I think I should've entitled it Run, Fat Girl, Run! I walked about a mile and half at 3.7 mph. I worked up a sweat and decided I would need to step up my game along with revamping my workout playlist for running. I need more from the Run Lola Run soundtrack... cuz it's motivating. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-17838615209168441932010-12-29T21:32:00.011-07:002010-12-29T22:36:18.934-07:00My mission for 2011... if I should choose it<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkzkqFJnW04NzejnudWmQZ-fVD-I5ycG8FP2z70GsxO1qd6uVmtZDWgj6lSUspwvXpSJU9axprznNKrRjRsdaiJ6SZdETR3-HFiRPKrhyphenhyphenwUSpyOefMdLekKdg8pRPKVDaZzduil_TqUc0/s1600/bridget-funny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkzkqFJnW04NzejnudWmQZ-fVD-I5ycG8FP2z70GsxO1qd6uVmtZDWgj6lSUspwvXpSJU9axprznNKrRjRsdaiJ6SZdETR3-HFiRPKrhyphenhyphenwUSpyOefMdLekKdg8pRPKVDaZzduil_TqUc0/s320/bridget-funny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556329766336091394" /></a><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF66;">Resolution #1: Uggg - will obviously lose 20 lbs. #2: Always put last night's panties in the laundry basket. Equally important: will find nice sensible boyfriend and stop forming romantic attachments to any of the following: alcoholics, workaholics, sexaholics, commitment-phobics, peeping toms, megalomaniacs, emotional f***wits, or perverts. Will especially stop fantasizing about a particular person who embodies all these things.</span></span></i></blockquote><br /><br />Inspired by Bridget Jones, I'm going to work on me this year and rant about it. <div><br /></div><div>I'm not calling them resolutions. I'm calling it my mission... I really don't have a reason why other than it sounds more fun and exciting. I'm now Evelyn Salt Lake on a mission to acquire my targets during the year 2011.<br /><br /><b>Target #1 - Run a mile</b><br />Running three times a week and strength training the other days will hopefully help me lose 30 lbs. and ditch the ever-emerging muffin top that is creeping over my pants. This will also help me actually run - instead of jog and hobble - the zombie 5K in October (and maybe some others).<br /><br /><b>Target #2 - Travel</b><br />My hope is to go to NYC for my b-day but if that doesn't happen I want to go somewhere out of state on a pressurized airplane (not a dumb, nausea-inducing two-seater that goes to St. George and back). Anyone want to go to NYC the first week of April?<br /><br /><b>Target #3 - Money</b><br />Become fiscally responsible. This sounds easy... but can be a real be-otch. Pay off credit card, pay off loan... save for a house.<br /><br /><b>Target #4 - Chef</b><br />Learn to cook 6 new meals. I actually don't hate cooking... I hate not having time to cook. I'm finding that I have a lot of free time and I figure I can learn to make some stuff. My big task is a full turkey dinner. I wonder, do they come without the guts?<br /><br /><b>Target #5 - World Geography</b><br />After hearing that a celebrity was from country of Turkey, the only thing that I thought of was that my cousin's husband was stationed there in the military for a while and did turkeys come from Turkey (brilliant, I know). This sparked my desire to learn about the countries around the world. I want to learn about at least 75 of them this. (Maybe I'll keep this target for a couple of years).<br /><br /><b>Target #6 - Get Prepared</b><br />I believe that building up a food storage and other provisions in the event of a disaster is important. A friend of mine survived the hurricanes and we talked about how she had to make due with her family in an apartment for two weeks without power, credit cards, and grocery stores. I was reminded of this one as I sat reading by small LED flashlight and scented candle light (thanks to those who gave me the candles for gifts... they really came in handy). It was only a couple of hours but what if?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-28671927163904330422010-12-21T21:46:00.007-07:002010-12-21T21:59:09.549-07:00Stacie vs. the liquid eyelinerWhile purchasing some replacement eyeshadows at my favorite make-up kiosk, MAC, I decided to try<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); ">LIQUID EYELINER!!!</span></div><br />This daring trial period was sparked by MACs very easy looking eyeliner stick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDznQh3XVp8T1sDdap0MU-P26g-NwQ2pkDDNTNzwhViNIgtkx4plGkZ7w-WwZ8JIoXa6UF2arBbPrjPt_6GFkQlIx36llGmNqbyWqhXQQHfT4EAc0PAua5DFxJQoRixwA85OGDovcQn78f/s1600/Photo+39.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDznQh3XVp8T1sDdap0MU-P26g-NwQ2pkDDNTNzwhViNIgtkx4plGkZ7w-WwZ8JIoXa6UF2arBbPrjPt_6GFkQlIx36llGmNqbyWqhXQQHfT4EAc0PAua5DFxJQoRixwA85OGDovcQn78f/s320/Photo+39.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553365636160323218" /></a>It looks just like a fancy pen... easy, right?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); ">WRONG!</span></div><br />My first attempt just looked like I took a Sharpie to my top lid. I didn't even get close to the lash line. It was a big disaster that ended with me, a Q-tip, and some Mary Kay eye make up remover spending time together. Luckily, I had tested out my new fangled product at night right before bed.<br /><br />Yay! Wash my face and forget this ever happened.<br /><br />The next attempt wasn't much different. I was able to get it closer to the lash line, but then I accidently smeared it in the corner of one eye. Getting better - sort of.<br /><br />This latest attempt wasn't too bad. If I smudge the eyeliner, it looks like I meant to do it that way. Progress, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k63P-tHcjk8aUIiIQLmHb9kt6k88ARPjeH0gPa21zEIdYxCemXABIsMCZ-NGE1frtZhREB6Bkt-DX6Bo_PxzcZiuAubIpDZ8KrR1QdpM-Ci9rQ5xms_c5puqY40fFI5VJSRuXNyKOBC_/s1600/Photo+36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k63P-tHcjk8aUIiIQLmHb9kt6k88ARPjeH0gPa21zEIdYxCemXABIsMCZ-NGE1frtZhREB6Bkt-DX6Bo_PxzcZiuAubIpDZ8KrR1QdpM-Ci9rQ5xms_c5puqY40fFI5VJSRuXNyKOBC_/s320/Photo+36.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553365476711302658" /></a><br /><br />My goal in 2011... to be able to apply a straight line of liquid eyeliner.<br /><br />Stay tuned...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-36175533721765580292010-11-02T20:11:00.006-06:002010-11-02T20:20:01.350-06:00Apple Products Make Me GiggleAs a self ascribed Mac Snob, I truly enjoy the Apple company's technology. However, the latest addition to Apple's line up has me constantly giggling - not because of it's awesomeness or it's cool features but because of it's name.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The iPad</span></span><div><span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUac8JsnzPirUS_FhPPtpLVoBdSgKalvjzm7-9HHKMXC0pbHdxlKDPUm_ftCr4reUG0Hhr6rF7imRScFnezB3J_1I-gXM6aq00CBS4n05OK0zBaLImzf9l3cLghTD_L71qBmx1kxVY_i_S/s1600/ipad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUac8JsnzPirUS_FhPPtpLVoBdSgKalvjzm7-9HHKMXC0pbHdxlKDPUm_ftCr4reUG0Hhr6rF7imRScFnezB3J_1I-gXM6aq00CBS4n05OK0zBaLImzf9l3cLghTD_L71qBmx1kxVY_i_S/s320/ipad.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535141252703072162" /></a><br /><br /></div><br />The iPad makes me think of another type of pad...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf97cglaIk5v0EVoJWVcuiTkGnWyWTYo2GXEnvfnj2kKNuQwMZSe1mF782GCgC2oU41rYhYle1RszRfpbtJlheVf-Lx9lJo9bjNby2zFS8pidTA5r0jLuC3o71s9YR3NGyexXioP-NA4ST/s1600/pad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf97cglaIk5v0EVoJWVcuiTkGnWyWTYo2GXEnvfnj2kKNuQwMZSe1mF782GCgC2oU41rYhYle1RszRfpbtJlheVf-Lx9lJo9bjNby2zFS8pidTA5r0jLuC3o71s9YR3NGyexXioP-NA4ST/s320/pad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535141583666607234" /></a><br /><br />Maybe one day the iPad will come with wings or an absorbency core just like it's friend, Maxi.<br /><br />I've also enjoyed snickering about Apple's next venture. <br /><br />The iTampon... oh wait, I think it's just a shuffle. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq-IPnDWmZXw6mb6SrycjQDsYhznZzTVkXtkpJ24O-vIZKDKB8hA10YrFH__FATz8Y33T35FVx43yvo4sL_q_NyLe6eT7wVx9dd3zAUGoytlh1Lc4csLvI7onBuc5iEPs14DTsq2mj7lm/s1600/itampon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq-IPnDWmZXw6mb6SrycjQDsYhznZzTVkXtkpJ24O-vIZKDKB8hA10YrFH__FATz8Y33T35FVx43yvo4sL_q_NyLe6eT7wVx9dd3zAUGoytlh1Lc4csLvI7onBuc5iEPs14DTsq2mj7lm/s320/itampon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535142135705236706" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-43961529332001623162010-09-04T23:59:00.004-06:002010-09-05T00:03:18.662-06:00Addicted to 30STMMy favorite band is 30 Seconds to Mars. I've bounced around for years liking different groups but I would say that I've really obsessed and loved going to see 30STM live. They never disappoint and always put on a great show. For their last tour promoting "Into the Wild," I took along some friends and enjoyed a mixture of old and new tunes. Recently I discovered this clip from the band on YouTube showcasing some of the best moments of the tour and SLC made the cut. <br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AAZuKQJRnjY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AAZuKQJRnjY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8513896845181988528.post-76756754399770095942010-09-01T21:23:00.006-06:002010-09-01T21:31:35.187-06:00'Rubin and Ed' director invents the next cult wheel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZyV3yhDELgxXhHD2mQr59vn0L4b9ge3b1kqUOIG_W-TP4jOCAcSyNj5zSXdUG7NaETXcgMs6nve1Tlnf2hsTNbpm6hv6QJE0SoJDuIE5WYVrZ0cWKV900yuvneOiJYU-QgIkHBFu6beB/s1600/re.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZyV3yhDELgxXhHD2mQr59vn0L4b9ge3b1kqUOIG_W-TP4jOCAcSyNj5zSXdUG7NaETXcgMs6nve1Tlnf2hsTNbpm6hv6QJE0SoJDuIE5WYVrZ0cWKV900yuvneOiJYU-QgIkHBFu6beB/s400/re.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512152764261050306" /></a><br />Local filmmaker, Trent Harris, directed the 1991 cult classic "Rubin and Ed" starring Crispin Glover and some other folks. He's continually working on new projects - and when I say working, I mean, directing, writing, editing, producing music, etc. His latest effort is entitled "Last Night at Sweetie Poops". I'm not exactly sure what it's about but it the title includes the word poop. <br /><br />When I donated some $$, I received a personal thanks on my Facebook account from Harris himself and I thought that was pretty cool. So if you like indie flicks, check out his <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/519188119/last-night-at-sweetie-poops">kickstarter</a> page for a little glimpse of the next great cult film.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0