Random Rants

Christmas songs that should be retired

2011-12-21T17:26:00.004-07:00

During 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.

1. Wonderful Christmastime - by Paul McCartney

"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

2. Favorite Things by Julie Andrews

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.

3. Do They Know it's Christmas by Band Aid II (Feed the World)

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.

While Christmas tunes generally make me scream, I've become okay with a few funny ones.

Bob and Dougs "12 Days of Christmas"
"The 12 Pains of Christmas"
"Christmas in Hollis"
"Baby Please Come Home" by U2
"All I want for Christmas is You" from Love Actually - not the Mariah version
and to give a little to those Hanukkah celebrators out there "The Hanukkah Song" by Adam Sandler

MINIBot vs. the Firepit

2011-06-30T19:20:00.006-06:00

How a fight broke out between me, the MINIBot, and a fire pit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hmmmm...

This could be tricky.

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.

No.

I twisted the box to a diagonal angle.

Nope.

I flipped the box thinking that one end was larger than the other.

Fat chance.

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.

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.

Narp! (DAMMIT!!!)

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).

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.

KEYS!

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.

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.

UGGGHHH!

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.

IT FITS!!!

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.

Oops! I found a funny video clip

2011-06-26T22:11:00.001-06:00

Comical 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."

Miss March: The worst sex comedy ever!

2011-06-11T16:27:00.003-06:00

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.

"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.

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.

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.

My ruling... don't waste your time.

Whirlpools - not the appliances

2011-04-14T19:42:00.004-06:00

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.

Here's what I learned:

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.

2. A whirlpool is a swirling body of water usually produced by ocean tides - like the one around Japan.

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.

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?

5. And vortex is the proper term for any whirlpool that has a downdraft.

Turkey

2011-02-02T23:20:00.002-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.’

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).

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.

For more info on Turkey… Google it yourself! I’m going to bed.

Sundance Movies #4 & #5

2011-01-29T15:23:00.004-07:00

Margin Call

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?

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.

POPCORN: 3 of 4

Vampire

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.

POPCORN: 2 of 4

Charlie Hunnam and Freddie Highmore star in films 2 and 3

2011-01-26T21:24:00.005-07:00

As 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.

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?

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."

POPCORNS: 3 of 4

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.

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.

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.

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.

POPCORNS: 3 of 4

Sundance Movie #1: The Guard

2011-01-24T19:50:00.004-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recommendations:
GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

RATING 4 out of 4 popcorns

Back to the Workout Workout

2011-01-17T20:14:00.005-07:00

When you exercise do you feel like an elephant trying to wear roller skates?

I DO!

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.

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!

Run Fat Girl Fun - after tweaking my back

2011-01-01T20:00:00.009-07:00

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.

Last year (as in New Year's Eve) started with a painful bang and a blackout and a half.

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.

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.

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, Amelie, Mic Macs, and The Brotherhood of the Wolf. The New Year rang in just as Amelie finally found her Nino and they, of course, fell madly, crazily in love.

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."

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.

My mission for 2011... if I should choose it

2010-12-29T21:32:00.011-07:00

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.

Inspired by Bridget Jones, I'm going to work on me this year and rant about it.

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.

Target #1 - Run a mile
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).

Target #2 - Travel
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?

Target #3 - Money
Become fiscally responsible. This sounds easy... but can be a real be-otch. Pay off credit card, pay off loan... save for a house.

Target #4 - Chef
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?

Target #5 - World Geography
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).

Target #6 - Get Prepared
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?

Stacie vs. the liquid eyeliner

2010-12-21T21:46:00.007-07:00

While purchasing some replacement eyeshadows at my favorite make-up kiosk, MAC, I decided to try

LIQUID EYELINER!!!

This daring trial period was sparked by MACs very easy looking eyeliner stick.

It looks just like a fancy pen... easy, right?

WRONG!

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.

Yay! Wash my face and forget this ever happened.

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.

This latest attempt wasn't too bad. If I smudge the eyeliner, it looks like I meant to do it that way. Progress, right?

My goal in 2011... to be able to apply a straight line of liquid eyeliner.

Stay tuned...

Apple Products Make Me Giggle

2010-11-02T20:11:00.006-06:00

As 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.

The iPad

The iPad makes me think of another type of pad...

Maybe one day the iPad will come with wings or an absorbency core just like it's friend, Maxi.

I've also enjoyed snickering about Apple's next venture.

The iTampon... oh wait, I think it's just a shuffle.

Addicted to 30STM

2010-09-04T23:59:00.004-06:00

My 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.

'Rubin and Ed' director invents the next cult wheel

2010-09-01T21:23:00.006-06:00

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.

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 kickstarter page for a little glimpse of the next great cult film.

Go Galaxy... ya, whatever

2010-08-25T19:17:00.006-06:00

After a late-night flick, I returned to an interesting message on the back window of my car.

I was a little annoyed - but not about the message. I was more annoyed that I had to clean my car. The whole incident can be likened to a child using sidewalk chalk to deface a despised neighbor's driveway or a republican moving a democratic political hopeful's campaign sign. It's a temper tantrum over losing to an opponent and I'm grateful that the Real Salt Lake fans i've met and bonded with are better than that!

A sperm on a necklace

2010-08-17T21:00:00.005-06:00

Random surfing ended with me at the Tiffany and Co. website browsing their line of silver jewelry in anticipation of my gift to me on birthday #30. During this perusal, I found the Elsa Peretti Eternal Circle charm on the end of a long silver chain.

Is it me or does it look like a sperm on a necklace?

The guilty pleasure... at least one of them

2010-08-05T21:33:00.004-06:00

With all the films coming into theaters this summer it feels like nothing has really jumped out and said "YES!! This is the sleeper hit."

Well, that is until I came across the trailer for "Easy A." This film stars some great actors and features "Zombieland" and "House Bunny" star Emma Stone as Olive.

Check out the trailer below:

These cheesy chick flicks are my guilty pleasure (along with the crappy dance movie genre... oh, and the action movies, too) and I've decided to just embrace it. Why fight something that makes you smile or laugh? Live is short... a cliche I know... but it is. I've made a decision that I'm going to embrace what I like and see all the crappy dance movies, overacted action films, and embrace my love of the chick flick. And I hope to see you at the movies.

Better than Asprin

2010-07-28T20:27:00.008-06:00

One 8 oz cup of water

Two ibuprofen

One medium-sized popcorn

One medium-sized Vault soda

one 2-hour massage in the D-Box seats at The District Megaplex theater while watching "Inception"

...equals a really interesting way to get rid of a headache.

the 6'7" guy vs. the MINI-bot

2010-07-17T19:18:00.014-06:00

It's been awhile since I've posted about the adventures of the MINI-bot.

The first was when the MINI-bot ventured out into 6'' of snow and didn't fare too well. The second was when it ran over a low box and dragged it for a few blocks on the way to the UofU before I had to pull it out using a snow scrapper and a lot of expletives.

The third installment in the MINI-bot adventure series happened during the van Uitert family reunion in Woods Cross, Utah. If you're wondering, van Uitert is a Dutch surname which has descended from the Nederland royalty... okay, not royalty... but that would be cool, right? The name pronunciation is under debate (even with the van Uiterts) and our part of the family pronounces it...

The 'other' van Uitert's have taken up the Dutch pronunciation which is

Say it however you'd like to say it. Let's just say that the van EWE-tert's have a sense of humor about the whole thing and the 'others' are a little more... I'll just stop there.

Anyway, the van Uitert clan came together ate some food, talked and took some pics (because we were all there for once).

After the friendly chit-chat, the jabbing started which included some remarks about how my 6'7" cousin, Kevin, owned a MINI cooper and had to sit in the backseat to drive it with his head out the sunroof. This funny discussion led us to the MINI-bot.

Kevin's MINI was in the shop and so the MINI-bot became the stand-in for Kevin's MINI as he proved to Scott that he could in fact sit in the car and drive like the average joe.

So the moral of the story (or blog) is that tall people really can own and drive a MINI cooper.

Gift shop shirts: The Moab Edition

2010-07-10T23:43:00.020-06:00

These shirts were the best of the gift shop shirts that Cindi, Dani and I found while wandering around Moab's main street. Which one is your favorite?

I want my FUSE TV

2010-07-04T23:01:00.004-06:00

The only reason I wanted to get the package that was a little more pricey with my DISH Network satellite TV was because it included AMC and FUSE.

AMC fortunately is still available. My ability to watch Mad Men when it returns later this month is not impaired. Unfortunately, my ability to watch my favorite music channel, FUSE, is no longer available. In fact, my ability to watch any music channel is impaired because MTV long ago decided that being Music Television was not as lucrative as being the hub of crappy reality TV.

For those who are out of the loop, satellite provider - DISH Network - apparently decided to remove FUSE from it's channel line up and as of July 1st I've been without one of my favorite channel surfing stops. Instead DISH has inserted PLDIA - a channel that plays lame MTV, CMA and other music channel cast off programming. I mean, if I wanted the CMT Awards reruns I would've watched it on CMT when it aired the first time. If I wanted to watch the 2008 broadcast of the Isle Festival, I would go to a therapist because nobody wants to see that.

I want my FUSE TV!!!

I guess I'm just not understanding the reason behind the switch. I mean, there was no competition. MTV, MTV2 and VH1 have long forgotten that they were channels founded on the premise that viewers could catch a video or performance from their favorite groups of all music genres. MTV began to only show lame reality TV shows and music lovers rebelled wanting to see MUSIC. In an attempt to appease the music viewing masses, Viacom added a second music channel MTV2 to play music videos and other music-based programing. This lasted for a few years and then MTV2 also lost its way and began the downward spiral into reality TV land with the occasional after midnight showing of an hour or two of music videos. VH1 caters to an older more mild rock music lover and CMA caters to the country music fan - they were not threatened by FUSE as the demographic was different.

Boo to you DISH Network. Your inability to give me what I want makes me want to change back to DirecTV or cable. And maybe I will...

If you also find this irritating, go to I WANT MY FUSE TV and email DISH to get the best music channel back.

How to look ridiculous on the local news?

2010-06-21T23:04:00.003-06:00

1. Accidently make eye contact with a local Channel 4 news reporter while casually walking toward the doors to the lobby of the Sandy Century 16 theaters with your friend, Siobhan.

2. Agree to be on camera when said reporter asks if you would be willing to talk about your thoughts on something you know nothing about.

3. Giggle nervously because you can't think of anything fabulous (or shall I say coherent) to say.

4. Babble. Not Babel, as in the 'Tower of' that God smote. Babble, as in ramble, or talk like a crazy person until you start giggling again.

5. Be too busy to get your bangs cut - and too scared to cut them yourself because of the bang-cutting incident of February. Because seeing them live on the news in the wind is the best way to realize that you need them cut now.

6. Make a sarcastic comment and fumble through the explanation.

7. Rinse and repeat 3, 4, and 6.

Fortunately my escapades into commentating on local events have not been posted online. But go to channel 4 for the story about the "Busted" magazine that features mug-shots of Utah's most wanted only for $1. You may get a link that will showcase my brilliance with the press.

Ms. Beckerman 'Dreams Big'

2010-04-12T19:45:00.007-06:00

It's official Kyle Beckerman knows that I want to marry him.

I promise I'm not dillusional... or have any inkling that I will actually wed the captain of Real Salt Lake soccer team.

Like many, I occasionally make statements about my celebrity crushes. And in this case, I mentioned that I really think Beckerman is cute to many female (and some male) co-workers. He is the Becks of Utah and far cuter that that "other one".

This weekend one co-worker, Steph, was at her second job (a clothing store) working and came upon Beckerman and his parents shopping. She immediately said that her friend really liked him and wanted to marry him. Yep, she did. Anyway he ended up signing a post-it for me that Steph brought in as a belated b-day present. Thanks Steph!

After turning a little red from embarassment as she relayed the crazy story to me, I laughed and excepted my fabulous sticky note... which is now hanging in my cubical next to ticket Beckerman signed for me at the last season ticket holder mingle at Snowbird.

Well, don't 'Save the Date' but instead have a giggle... especially when you read what Kyle Beckerman wrote on my prized post it. Oh, well... a girl can dream.

(Note says "Stacie- Dream Big KB#5)

Hair Brained Ideas

2010-03-24T15:35:00.003-06:00

A year ago I decided to grow my hair out, chop it off, and then donate it to Locks for Love. In my hand are several small ponytails with the longest layer adding up to 11 1/2 inches for my donation.

Below is the finished style... it's the shortest do I've had since high school.

Movie Review - The Bounty Hunter

2010-03-21T16:03:00.006-06:00

Has Gerard lost it?

In the film "The Bounty Hunter," Butler and his co-star, Jennifer Aniston, play ex-spouses thrown together when Aniston (a reporter) jumps bail and Butler (an ex-cop turned bounty hunter) must bring her to jail. After Aniston's capture, the two exs get caught up in some trouble due to the suicide Aniston's character was investigating prior to her bail jumping incident.

The film was mildly entertaining with a forced chemistry between Aniston and Butler. The Scottish hottie was still quite dreamy and funny (especially while wearing a hideous multi-colored stripe-y shirt). Aniston was also funny but it didn't ever feel like she and Butler connected. I guess as ex-spouses that could be part of the charm.

The real standout performances were from the supporting cast: Siobhan Fallon Hogan as a disinterested secretary working at the Bail Bonds place, Jeff Garlin as Butler's boss at the Bail Bonds place, Carol Kane as the nutty Cupid's Cabin (a bed and breakfast) owner, and my favorite, Christine Baranski as Aniston's Atlantic City lounge singing mother.

This film is not the ultimate must-see in chick flicks but it does hold some entertaining one-liners and far-fetched storylines that can keep an audience interested. If you plan to go, don't expect too much just go and have some brainless fun.

1.5 Monkeys (out of 5)

"The Bounty Hunter" trailer

Movie Review - Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2010-03-19T23:35:00.005-06:00

"I'll be famous one day, but for now I'm stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons."

Greg Heffley uses sarcasm and wit to mull through his first year of middle school with his best friend, Rowley. This funny flick brought up memories of my own middle school experience as I thought back to the horror of those days and the fact that I never want to go back.

The film's use of a moldy piece of cheese - left on the blacktop near the basketball hoop to visually show time passing - was both brilliant and creative. But the "Wimpy Kid" showed the struggles of growing up and trying to figure out how to fit in. Bombarded with possible after-school activities to join and being terrorized by older kids (especially Greg's older brother, Rodrick), Greg, Rowley and the other kids discover survival skills as they avoid the bathrooms with no door stalls, skins v. shirts PE games, and wearing ridiculous costumes for the school musical.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" might not be the most hilarious movie out there but it was worth a ticket. The kid actors were spot on in their stereotypically middle school kid roles. And the adult actors were surprisingly cast with some greats like Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris and Rob LaBelle - as the safety patrol-loving principle.

2.5 Monkeys (out of 5)

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Trailer

Do you like to Twit?

2010-03-15T20:59:00.003-06:00

Thanks to a lecture on social network in my New Media class I was able to enjoy this hilarious mockumentary on Twitter. It showcases how Twitter works and why it's a little strange. Enjoy!

School: The Last Semester

2010-01-11T22:04:00.003-07:00

"A Thrilling Ride"

BS Magazine

"The story will keep you on the edge of your seat!"

The Chair Union

"The lack of sleep involved is evident in the incoherent ramblings by the lead actress."

Serta Weekly

I'm excited for the incoherent ramblings of a sleep deprived student. It just means I'm almost done. This semester - my last in Bachelorette world - will be a triumph. The expensive text books that are never read, the endless papers that get haphazardly written, and the strange work schedule to accommodate the ridiculous class times are almost at an end.

I feel like doing a happy dance...

...just not like that guy.

An Artsy Sundance Morning

2010-01-09T21:53:00.004-07:00

The day started out early meeting Cindi and Jen-knee at Trolley Square to snag some tickets for the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. We had an eleven o'clock time and planned to get there early per our Sundance ticket coaches, Jen and Jon. We arrived and immediately Jen-knee and Cindi planned out our movie experience with preferred times and dates of movies showing later on this month. Jen and Jon arrived (with donuts - it was AWESOME!) and Jon instructed the sugared up Jen-knee on checking the posted available movies. Jen-knee would check the times and Cindi would update the list. After waiting for 10:30 (the time to get in line), I jumped in line with Cindi. We got through the line and finally made it up to a cashier to purchase tickets. I stood behind Cindi as she read off the list of movies and their codes. I soon became fascinated with the two women and their supposed "coach" to the whole Sundance ticket experience. The two women were holding the Sundance movie guide reading the schedule and then sifting to see if they wanted to see the movie. Clearly they were amateurs with a terrible coach on the whole process (Jon is superior). Needless to say... I am attending 5 flicks at this year's Sundance Film Fest and I'm excited.

What I Want to Do in 2010

2010-01-01T14:22:00.017-07:00

Is it me or was last year exhausting? I'm not one for resolutions. I'm always saying I should lose a couple of pounds, save money, be a better person... why do I need to make some sort of commitment at the first of the year? Resolutions are meant to be broken... they don't last.

But this year... I've challenged myself to a few goals.

I've made a pact of sorts with Jen and Cindi. We are going to watch AFI's top 100 films (along with the extras in the 2008 update of this list). My only issue is that many of these films I have not seen for a reason - they don't interest me in the slightest. But I am up for the challenge. The only film I refuse to watch again is "Clockwork Orange". That movie is a trippy mid-century version of the future complete with a graphic rape scene - no thank you.

Finish school. This one should be easy since I'm scheduled to finish at the end of the Spring 2010 semester with my B.S. in Communication Technology. B.S. is right... but at least I'll be finished.

Be able to walk up the three flights of stairs at my work without feeling winded. This will be the exercise challenge of the year.

Remodel the kitchen.

Befriend someone new.

Write a story.

Go on vacation.

Try something new.

Learn a new skill.

Attend a new artistic performance or exhibit.

Read a classic.

Work on my crappy high school French.

Become a ghost hunter.

Show the Previous Page

2009-12-02T20:50:00.003-07:00

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

2009-11-05T20:56:00.006-07:00

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

2009-10-22T21:23:00.001-06:00

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

A Park City Adventure

2009-10-03T12:22:00.005-06:00

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

2009-09-28T21:43:00.003-06:00

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

2009-09-21T20:26:00.003-06:00

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

One, Gopher-Hunting, Chubby Dachshund for Rent

2009-09-20T18:59:00.012-06:00

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

2009-09-14T21:37:00.007-06:00

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

2009-09-10T23:25:00.011-06:00

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...

2009-09-08T22:10:00.004-06:00

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...

2009-09-07T15:12:00.002-06:00

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

2009-09-05T00:39:00.002-06:00

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

2009-09-02T21:04:00.003-06:00

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

2009-08-18T20:31:00.008-06:00

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

2009-08-08T23:13:00.005-06:00

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

2009-08-07T10:12:00.003-06:00

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

2009-07-31T23:04:00.004-06:00

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

2009-07-30T17:37:00.009-06:00

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

2009-07-24T23:06:00.009-06:00

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?

2009-07-18T14:25:00.003-06:00

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

2009-07-16T23:58:00.003-06:00

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

2009-07-05T18:18:00.003-06:00

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

2009-06-30T22:25:00.003-06:00

"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?

2009-06-29T18:58:00.003-06:00

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

2009-06-17T23:44:00.003-06:00

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'

2009-06-14T11:27:00.004-06:00

Blue Jelly Beans

2009-06-12T13:15:00.003-06:00

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

2009-06-09T21:32:00.002-06:00

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

2009-05-20T20:46:00.002-06:00

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?

2009-05-09T01:05:00.004-06:00

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

2009-05-07T21:49:00.004-06:00

Need I say more...

My Ode to Showers

2009-05-06T22:12:00.004-06:00

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

2009-05-05T21:25:00.003-06:00

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

2009-05-04T18:14:00.004-06:00

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

2009-04-20T22:20:00.002-06:00

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...

2009-04-13T20:29:00.003-06:00

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...

2009-04-04T15:52:00.005-06:00

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

2009-03-28T13:33:00.006-06:00

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"

2009-03-26T19:54:00.002-06:00

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...

2009-03-17T21:58:00.005-06:00

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...

2009-03-15T16:36:00.002-06:00

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

2009-03-06T08:30:00.003-07:00

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

2009-03-04T21:42:00.003-07:00

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.

Ode to Alan

2009-02-22T11:16:00.008-07:00

One of my favorite actors is Alan Rickman. His ability to change his appearance and demeanor from a vile villain to a neurotic actor is amazing. Try these on for size if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Galaxy Quest

Alexander Dane

This movie is by far one of the most underrated films. It has a great ensemble cast of misfits (Tim Allen, Tony Shaloub, Signorney Weaver) who are actors stuck in their Trekkie-type roles. In this flick, Alan Rickman plays Alexander Dane who frequently looses his mind because he can't believe he's known more for the alien with a rubber cap over his head and not for his more 'serious' work.

Jason Nesmith: You WILL go out there.
Sir Alexander Dane: I won't and nothing you say will make me.
Jason Nesmith: The show must go on.
Sir Alexander Dane: ...Damn you.

Harry Potter

Severus Snape

Rickman has turned the nasty professor who's constantly riding Harry Potter for his many faults into a comedic and likable character throughout the Harry Potter film series. Even his distain for the boy who survived he-who-shall-not-be-named, Harry Potter, is fun to watch.

Nobel Son

Eli Michaelson

Haven't seen this film yet but I can't wait. "Nobel Son" follows Rickman as a snobby chemist who just won the Nobel Prize. Unfortunately his son gets kidnapped and then decides to help the kidnapper get all the prize money due to his dislike of his father.

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Marvin "the droid"

The depressed robot from this movie cracks me up. Rickman isn't even on the screen but his voice resonates though the big headed (literally) melacholy droid.

Marvin: I've been talking to the main computer.
Arthur: And?
Marvin: It hates me.

Sense and Sensibility

Col. Brandon Christopher

With Jane Austin's words, Emma Thompson's screenplay and a completely romantic chick-flick, Alan Rickman steps away from his comedic roles to portray the reliable and perfect love interest to Kate Winslet's Marianne Dashwood.

Dogma
Metatron

In this (probably the best) of Kevin Smith's films, Alan takes on the sarcastically funny angel Metatron (voice of God) who is as 'anatomically impaired as a Ken doll' yet must guide the last scion to New Jersey where she must stop two fallen Angels from entering a church. Smith fuses a story full of blasphemy, a poop demon, and great commentary on religion, religious fanatics and the rest of us.

Bethany: What are you?
Metatron: I'm pissed off is what I am! Do you go around drenching everyone who comes into your room with flame-retardant chemicals? No wonder you're single.

Metatron: Tell a person that you're the Metatron and they stare at you blankly. Mention something out of a Charlton Heston movie and suddenly everybody is a theology scholar.

Die Hard
Hans Gruber

Calling Bruce Willis a cowboy and generally being a great bad guy kept this action movie exciting until the last second.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Sheriff of Nottingham

The only movie I can sit through that features Kevin Costner. But lets face it as the rotten Sheriff who continually threatens people with spoons Rickman is just superb.

Guy of Gisborne: Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an axe?
Sheriff of Nottingham: Because it's DULL, you twit. It'll hurt more.

Sheriff of Nottingham: Wait a minute. Robin Hood steals money from my pocket, forcing me to hurt the public, and they love him for it?
[Scribe nods]
Sheriff of Nottingham: That's it then. Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans, no more merciful beheadings, and call off Christmas.

Bottle Shock
Steven Spurrier

As California began to try a hand at the wine business, an English wine connoisseur created the 1976 blind taste test. As Spurrier, Rickman travels around Cali with Chris Pine's Bo Barrett tasting wine and choosing the contestants for the first ever contest. The film is based on a true story and features a great ensemble cast like Bill Pullman, Freddy Rodriguez and Elisa Dushku.

Jim Barrett: Why don't I like you?
Steven Spurrier: Because you think I'm an ass. And I'm not really. It's just that I'm British and you're not.

Project: Save 'Reaper'

2009-02-19T20:28:00.026-07:00

Get hooked on a witty show that takes a cue from Joss Whedon's school of TV writing, "Reaper" fuses sarcasm, impeccable dialog and a great cast to create something that is highly entertaining. The second season starts up on March 3 on The CW. If you're wondering why watch a show called "Reaper"... then read on.

1. Reaper is what happens when an underachieving home improvement store employee, Sam, learns on his 21st birthday that his parents have sold his soul to the devil... who now expects him to hunt escaped souls from Hell.

Sam's dad: There's something I... I have to tell you. I, uh, I probably should have told you this a long time ago. I, uh... Before you were born, your Mom and I... sold your soul to the Devil.

2. The devil is a snappy dresser and comes in the form of Ray Wise (of "Twin Peaks" fame).

Devil: [pointing to a muscle-bound fireman washing the firetruck] There's your first fugitive. Broke out of Hell after 50 years for arson.

[the fireman starts flexing]

Devil: Oh, God, gag me. Look at that tool. Would you capture him already?

3. Bret Harrison (Sam) is HOT!

Sam's dad: Bad day?
Sam: Let's see, um, got chased by a pack of dogs, moved an air conditioner with my mind - oh and the Devil tried to carjack me, so overall, not a great day.

4. Sam's friends, Ben and Sock, join him in his quest to fight those pesky demon's who've escaped from Hell. Ben tries to help him defeat his first demon - a pyro - and loses his eyebrows. To make him feel better Sock decides to draw Ben's eyebrows back on with a black Sharpie.

Bert 'Sock' Wysocki: Ben would want eyebrows, and he would want us to give them to him. Say yes. Just do it.

5. Kevin Smith is involved. And lets face it (aside from Zack and Miri) Kevin Smith is just awesome.

6. Each demon is pulled, sucked or otherwise caught into a vessel (much like the Ghostbusters ghost traps). My favorite is still the first vessel in the pilot - The Dustbuster.

Ben: I take it back, Sam, that's a really evil mini-vac.

7. Vessels are taken to the DMV to return the trapped demons to hell. I mean, where else can you find hell on Earth but the DMV?

Sam: Wait. So, they're not all little vacuums?
DMV Demon: The boss gives you the vessel he thinks you can handle. You must be a real moron. [laughs]

Try the Pilot:

Cookie Sutra and Other Stories

2009-02-06T22:41:00.007-07:00

After eating too much at Mimi's Cafe I went to Barnes and Noble with Jen, Cindi and Dani. Immediately we were hit with love books of all types but the majority were about... you guessed it: Sex! The top favorite was The Cookie Sutra. A mock of the kinky Indian love techniques Kama Sutra, The Cookie Sutra depicts the 'positions' using gingerbread cookies. I couldn't help but look and then laugh like a 12-year-old.

The second favorite was the display of books near the front of the store. First, it was 101 Nights of Grrreat Sex and then 101 Nights of Grrrreat Romance and then Experiencing Words with Jesus. When Dani pointed out the display she wondered if B&N employees were trying to tell us something. I have to admit - I did too.

Glitter, Glitter, Everywhere

2009-02-03T18:00:00.006-07:00

In an effort to create sparkly hearts for the walls at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre Party (email me if you'd like to come), I decided that I would use found objects around my house. I needed red and black construction paper (check), and something to make it sparkly... I thought to myself "Self, let's use the glitter hairspray from several years ago." I generally think that spray anything is better because it is easier.

So I cut the hearts and then shook the can of hairspray. I luckily moved into my bathroom for this next part. As I sprayed the hearts with glitter, several gajillion bits of the stuff went everywhere. It covered my counter, my floor, my curling iron and hot rollers, the toilet, the wall, and so on. Now I thought "Wow! I'm brillant!" and then thought that moving outside would have been a better plan. I then spent the next few days cleaning up glitter from every surface of the bathroom. I'm just glad that the toilet seat was down otherwise my rear would have been as sparkly and gay as Edward from "Twilight." (Sorry for that mental image and the "Twilight" reference for anti-Twilight people).

I figure it was all in a good cause because this Friday, Feb 13th will have a great bash all dedicated to an awesome era (the Roarin' 20s). Why is it going to be awesome? Because it's a shindig inspired by a Valentine's Day when there weren't lovers getting all goo-goo eyed but instead gangsters were shooting each other. Aahhh! Now that's true romance... too bad they didn't have red and black paper hearts covered in glitter hairspray.

Underwho?

2009-01-26T21:40:00.007-07:00

One of my BFFs is quite obsessed with the pasty white Brits that have taken over the big screen here in our little U.S. of A. (If you don't know who I'm referencing, it's okay... just blogstalk some of my friends.) What's funny is that I think that its contagious, I'm now obsessed with a pasty British guy.

Michael Sheen... at first look the guy isn't really that attractive (yes, I know this). But when you see the film "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" you'll understand my obsession. If you say, Underwha? then you need to jump out of the hole you're in and IMDB the "Underworld" trilogy. They are sci-fi, about vampires and lycans, and filled with great action sequences.

In the first flick, Kate Beckinsale reigns as a leather-wearing Death Dealer who's part of the vampire clan. Her job is to rid the world (or Underworld) of Lycans (another name for werewolves). In her quest she discovers that hottie Scott Speedman has been turned into her mortal enemy by none other than the first lycan, Lucian (Sheen). There are battles and truths discovered about who Lucian really is and why the war between vamps and lycans began. "Underworld" reveals the truth and begins the end of the war - which is continued in "Underworld: Evolution."

The new film released last week expands on the beginning of the war which is a prequel to the first two "Underworld" films. Focusing on Sheen's character Lucian you discover that there is a very Romeo and Juliet feel to the whole thing. There's nothing like forbidden love mixed with stellar fight sequences in the rain. In "Rise of the Lycans," Lucian (Sheen) shows passion for his beloved and will do anything for her including scaling a mountain for a secret rendezvous.

I know I'm obsessed but what can I say? It's probably just the story in the film, the character of Lucian and all of that is messing with my hormones. But it just might be that this British fever is catching.

"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans"

Priceless

2009-01-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

$354.74 for a package deal of Adobe programs (Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, In Design)

$125.25 for tickets to the Avenged Sevenfold and Buckcherry concert next Wednesday

$11.19 for a Chicken Caesar Pita, Chips and Salsa to go at Chili's

$110.00 for jewelry at a Lia Sophia party (not all for me)

Finding out I can charge $600 to my VISA card in less than 12 hours...

PRICELESS

And the Sleep Deprivation Begins

2009-01-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

In the middle of the first week of school for the spring 2009 semester I realized that I really should just suck it up and finished soon. It's not because I hate school (okay I do sometimes) or that I want to move on from my current job, it's just because I'm am feeling too old to be working 8 hours a day Monday thru Friday, taking two classes early Monday and Wednesday mornings, and teaching 5-6 year olds in primary every other week while trying to have some semblance of a social life.

It's only week one and I'm tired. I don't think I'm as sleep deprived as my two co-workers with newborns that won't sleep but still, I feel that I have a valid rant here. Its just really hard to do all the responsible stuff (work, school, church, home chores) and the fun stuff (friends, media). I remember at 19-years-old I was able to work all day, hang out with friends until late then go swimming from midnight to 5 AM, and then get up for work at 9 AM to work another 8 hour shift.

Now when I think about not getting my full eight hours of sleep I want to just whine or cry. It's amazing how much getting old sucks. This is why people go through college from 18-22 - they have more stamina. Or maybe all that sleeping done during high school allows for the absence of it during college.

While I am ranting I do really like my classes so far. My Web Design class will be good cuz then I'll be able to spice up my blog and MySpace page. My instructor is a web designer and he's very laid back. Check out my progress by clicking here.

My other class will be hard but interesting, it's Mass Communication Law. The whole class is looking at the law that impacts communication like the First Amendment, Censorship, Copyright, Libel, etc. My instructor is a little certifiable but VERY engaging.

Anywho, I'll keep you posted on my website and the insanity of my mass comm law prof. If anything this semester will be anything but boring.

Dirty Little Secret

2009-01-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

After an entire day of pulling weird stuff out of my parents kitchen during an early spring cleaning marathon, I took a much needed break. My mom and I worked for over eight hours on those items that get shoved into weird spaces in cabinets, cupboards and closets. (We're still going... there are more closets with more stuff). For dinner my mom and I grabbed some food and went to watch a movie (the kitchen table is currently loaded with recipe books). We watched The House Bunny starring Anna Faris who is great at playing that clueless blond. One of the side characters is Colby, a goofy frat boy in love with one of the sorority girls. Colby is played by All-American Rejects singer Tyson Ritter. This connection got me to thinking about the band and their music. I really like the song and the video for Dirty Little Secret. It's funny and the video was ingenious. But what I didn't know - until Angie told me - was that there is an actual place people send postcards with their dirty little secrets. The postcards are then uploaded onto a blog called PostSecret for all the read. So while I'm de-junking my parents house you can enjoy reading some really intriguing secrets. I wonder if it's liberating to just write down your biggest fear, annoyance, secret, action, etc. and then let strangers read it?

Dirty Little Website

Dirty Little Video

A Very Chubby Puppy Christmas

2008-12-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Christmas has been fun this year although I still don't really think it feels like the holidays. Right now I'm cooped up in my house due to the icky white stuff falling from the sky. Last night was spent at my aunt's house with my parents, cousins and their kids. My favorite of the evening was my second cousin Brittney's son shrieking over getting a present. When he heard his name Daimen, he squealed and said, "Maimen, it's for maimen!" Watching his reaction was the best of the night after we enjoyed my aunt's nacho cheesy dip, ham, a jello salad, and of course dill dip with a relish tray. For christmas we always have a buffet of food, no formal sit down dinner.

Christmas morning was fun. Holding to tradition, I slept in and my parents woke up before I did. (Hey, it's my day off.) The 'rents gave me a stereo that plays CDs, radio, USB, and MP3 (AKA my iPod). I've already tested it out with "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by the Darkness on my iPod, my new Linkin Park CD (thanks Dani), and set my favorite stations (although most were playing Christmas music). The best Christmas was had by my fat puppy. Ellie attacked the wrapping paper and shredded it to bits after the presents were opened. Then she got her giant BoBo (the long fuzz-filled loofa dog chew toy from the PetsMart commercials) and began to de-fluff it.

Anyway, I hope you all are having a good Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I PASSED!

2008-12-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

So I am COMPLETELY surprised... I got an A in my Communication Research class. This was the STATs class that I was just hoping for a C. I'm just so excited!

I still have to wait for my English - Pop Culture grade but I'm not worried because my Buffy Newspaper was the sniznit. I just want to jump up and down on the couch cuz I actually passed!!! YAY!

Red vs. Green

2008-12-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Surfin' YouTube I found this funny video. It's about as Christmas-y as I get so enjoy. Let me know what you think.

Emo, Screamo and Innerpartysystem

2008-12-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to go the Innerpartysystem concert on Tuesday night. Finals were FINALLY over and I was going through live music withdrawals. The show was at The Avalon - the small theater that was converted into a concert venue - during a frosty blizzard where temperatures reached a whopping 20 degrees. Jen, Jane, Megan and I ventured out into the arctic air. We arrived relatively on time after an awesome Crown Burger meal. Once in the venue we found that the owners were opposed to using the heater. Luckily we all wore our coats as - at the most - 75 people were in attendance and the Avalon never reached what I would call warm.

After adjusting to our frigid surroundings we enjoyed (okay, more like were tortured with) five opening bands. The synopsis of the barrage of terribleness that assaulted my hearing before ISP took the stage is there was emo, screamo, a band with an iPod drummer. Then there was two that I could have been okay with IF there hadn't been the other five opening bands. Who has five openers?

Emo was playing when we arrived. The female lead singer with no personality tried to be mysterious by saying dumb stuff like "I wrote this song about a black hole" between songs. After was Screamo, a local band that was full of 19-year-old boys with an attention complex. The guitarist insisted on being the most annoying person during everyone else's sets as he and the rest of the skinny jean-wearin' bandmates tried to mack on the underage chicks swarming their merch booth.

The next band was pretty good but their somber, ballads were eternal - as in they lasted for-ev-er. The only song that really stood out was a cover of an 80s or early 90s song I cannot place. Ballad band was followed by two guys and an iPod. They cam on stage and announced that they didn't have a drummer (or a bass guitarist). They literally hooked up their iPod with the beats and began to play. Sadly, they were better than emo and screamo who had members to spare onstage. After witnessing their performance I had a theory that the lead singer's onstage arm swinging killed the drummer and bassist.

After drumless, Neon Trees hit the stage. Their performance was unusually entertaining to say the least. The lead singer was wearing a top heat, shiny copper vest over a black shirt, red & black stripped stretchy pants and a sparkly gold scarf. They were actually decent and knew how to perform for a crowd.

Several hours later Innerpartysystem took the stage and were well worth it. They have an energetic brand of industrial rock and it was accompanied by a stellar light show that transformed The Avalon into a completely different place. The opening song wasn't the strongest of the set but they did give a great live show. The only song I really knew was their first single, "Don't Stop" but the show was great.

Innerpartysystem "Don't Stop"

MINI vs. the box

2008-12-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

On my way to my last day of class I encountered what seemed like an small, insignificant box. This box was made of cardboard and looked like it had once encased a clock. It was about 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 in. As I drove up 400 South in downtown SLC, the box flew into my lane and I couldn't swerve unless I wanted to hit the TRAX train or another car so I chose to drive over it. At this point the box became wedged under my car due to the MINI's limited space between the road and the undercarriage. Driving faster, slower, changing lanes all in the effort to free this stupid box did not work, it was holding on for dear life. When I reached the next light I idled near a TRAX stop and prayed that those waiting for the mass transit train would not see or hear the box trapped under my car.

After several lights I pulled into a neighborhood and parked. With my car running I tried to pull the box out without any luck. I grabbed my long snow scraper and began to poke the box, push the box and even curse at the box. The stupid thing WOULD NOT MOVE!! As I worked to pry the box apart while still under my car, I hoped that no one would see. Unfortunately the #$%@ thing still wouldn't budge even after pulling apart the glued corners and sides.

I gave up not wanted to be late to my final and got back into the car. I pulled out of the angled parking and turned the wheels to spin around and go toward the U when the - now mangled box - loosened it's death grip. I whipped around and as I went back toward the busy 400 S. I noticed a guy sitting on the hood of his car facing mine. It seemed like he had been there the entire time watching me attempt to get the box loose. UGGH!

From the last MINI versus incident I've got a small shovel for when I get stuck in the snow, now I think I need a box cutter for the tiny possibility that I run over another 2 inch tall box.

"Just" a little somethin'

2008-12-14T02:02:00.001-07:00

So I am a huge fan of video. I love TV, film, web videos, and music videos. Some of my favorite music videos broke the mold and are definitely underestimated. I've picked one of my favorites "Just" by Radiohead. Enjoy!

Hey Sucka!

2008-12-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

One of the easiest forms of sugar to make is the sucker. It does take a few dollars up front to start but then you just have to purchase lots of sugar and corn syrup. For anyone interested in making your own suckers here's the how-to:

The Supplies:

I like to use the metal sucker molds because they are easier to get the suckers out, easy to clean, and last for-EVER. Make sure that you get hard candy molds not the ones used for chocolate candies. The molds can be found at baking supply stores and sometimes at craft stores. You just have to look. The molds should also come with the clips to hold them together while you pour the suckers. Extras are nice because these are small and could go missing.

Another necessity is a candy thermometer that goes to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some easier to find supplies are the sucker sticks (~3" long). Paper ones work best because they won't melt and can be found at craft stores in the candy aisle. While your at the craft store pick up some treat bags (size 3 x 4")

Next you need to ensure you have a surface to pour the suckers. The cheap way is a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil. The nicer way is a marble cooking slab but that's for the obsessive suckers makers (they can be used for other things).

The Ingredients:

(to make one batch of suckers - about 25 suckers)

2 cups Sugar

1 cup Water

2/3 cup White Corn Syrup (like Karo Syrup)

Food Coloring (liquid or paste)

1 tsp Flavoring (grape, cinnamon, licorice, watermelon, and my fav -cloves)

What to do:

Set up the cooking surface (cookie sheet covered in aluminum foil or marble slab). Put together about 30 sucker molds and place them in rows on the surface. Spray the surface and the molds thoroughly with PAM (or other cooking spray). Combine water, sugar and corn syrup in pot on stove. Turn stove on High. Place candy thermometer into sucker mixture without letting the thermometer sit on the bottom of the pot (this will give an inaccurate temperature reading). When mixture reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit IMMEDIATELY remove mixture from hot stove burner. Quickly stir in coloring and then flavoring. Pour the liquid mixture into the molds making sure to cover the sucker sticks. Once the mix is in the molds it only takes a few minutes to set up and harden. When the suckers are hardened, pull the clip off the mold and this should release the sucker. Slowly releasing the mold will help the sucker to not break. After the sucker is free of the mold, place it in the treat bag and tie off with yarn or string.

Hangin' with the Breaux's

2008-12-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

Friday was an interesting night. My friend Nick turned the rip old age of 22. Yes, 22. I met him and the rest of the breaux's (two brought their girlfriends) at All-Star Bowling. Breaux is Nick's band and is pronounced Bro. We had planned on playing a couple of games but the alley was packed and it was a two hour wait.

Plan B

We (Nick, Jeren, Tyler, Nick's girlfriend -Amanda, Greg - Nick's lead guitarist, Greg's girlfriend, Kyle and I) drove to Nickel-mania (ghetto version of Nickelcade) and dropped about $5.oo ($2.50 of that was the entrance fee). Jeren, Kyle, Tyler and I all tore up a mean game of The Simpsons. We each were a character (I was Homer) as we battled Moe, Zombies, and other bad guys to free Maggie from Smithers. We kept throwing in the nickels to get to the end of the game where we took out Smithers and then had to fight the evil Mr. Burns who was in something that some-what resembled a Sci-fi Pope-mobile. We four brilliant arcade players ventured out on our own. Nick went for the Star Wars game while Jeren and Tyler became hitmen. I - on the other hand - drove a porsche, killed the undead who were trying to escape a mental hospital, skied down what looked like grass, and then terminated some terminators. And I still have nickels...

Next the night took us to The Training Table. I ordered the Grilled Cheese on Sourdough and we just sat back and laughed at stories from the adventures of Jeren, Kyle and Nick. When I finished eating 2 of the 3 slices of my sandwich I just let my food digest. I then offered my last slice to Nick. The boy is like a vulture. He will scarf his meal down in seconds then just wait for you to be finished. Then he will proceed to dive into your leftovers.

After food, Nick wanted to go to his favorite sports bar & grill The Huddle. The name should be the hovel. Its this small space next to a grocery store. Nick, Jeren, Tyler, Kyle, Kyle (2) and I sat around and talked while the boys enjoyed their beverages. The Jazz game was up and Nick was happy until two pool players commandeered the juke box and began to play all hair metal. There was also this questionable drunk dude invading the space of several patrons. The fear of him joining our table if he saw us staring was not as bad as the desire to watch his crazy antics.

Finals! - will they ever end?

2008-12-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

So I don't really feel like I know if I will pass my STATs class. My instructor has not given out midterm grades or even graded all assignments. It's REALLY frustrating. But what I do know is that there are three more classes until the end of the semester. YAY! Final projects are being completed, group presentations are being given and tests are being taken and then... the insanity will end.

I will miss my Pop Culture class, the people in my group in the annoying STATs class, and... well that's about it. In honor of finals, I've posted my favorite video regarding the ultimate final. Hopefully those who've survived finals in the past and those trying to survive their own finals (T!) will find it to be a little reprieve in this trying time.

Bite Me, Beyonce and Rhino

2008-11-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

The crazies came out again... instead of the book it was the live action film for the first Stephenie Meyer book "Twilight." I left work early cuz... well, I could. I went with a co-worker to see a matinee showing of the much anticipated film. The 4:15 showing (while probably not like the midnight show) had a few overly excited girls in Twilight shirts carrying posters with Rob Pattinson's picture pasted all over that read OCD (Obsessive Cullen Disorder). This made me giggle internally. During the film, my co-worker and I kept getting into uncontrollable fits of giggles (which we did try and stifle). The problem wasn't the movie, it was the "ahhhs" and "ohhhhs" at everything Rob Pattinson (who played Edward Cullen) did on screen. After viewing the film twice (yes, twice... don't mock), I'd give the film a 3... it wasn't the 'best movie ever' but it was entertaining, filled with eye candy, and contained two great songs Muse's "Supermassive Black Hole" and Linkin Park's "Leave Out All The Rest."

After the film, I raced to an Anti-Twilight party. Ironically I drove around getting lost before watching "The Lost Boys" - what Jen called "a real vampire movie." It was great. The Corey's, the cheesy lines, the awesome music, and - of course - some shirtless, steroid guy singing during a boardwalk concert scene sporting spandex pants, a leather cod piece and a long perm-mullet.

My other weekend obsessions (non-vampiric) were the awesomely crazy Rhino the Hamster in "Bolt" and Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)". Rhino just made that film entertaining plus its all about pets - a great subject. And the Beyonce song is just fun and such a single girls anthem especially with lyrics like "If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it."

Check it out:

Just call me Mrs. McIntyre

2008-11-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

So I'm admitting to the blogging world that I just went to an AWESOME concert tonight. New Kids on the Block (left to right; Jonathon Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, and Danny Wood) played at the E-Center in Utah and they were, well, AWESOME! I know that Jen will post some embarrassing pics of me obsessing over Joey McIntyre but I can't help it. The pre-teen girl in me came out, danced, sang along and had a great time at the show.

Before you shake your head, just remember that group that you liked - no LOVED! - back before you could drive, or date, or legally watch a R rated movie. NKOTB was just a fun night where I got to crimp my hair, wear a lot of blue eye shadow and hear some sappy love songs circa 1984. And the obsessing over Joey was just a given... especially when he sang "Please Don't Go Girl." During the concert, the group mixed in their oldies but goodies with songs from their new album including "Single" and "Summertime" (click below to play).

Harriet, Sweet Harriet...

2008-11-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

So I'm feeling a bit of nostalgia... Here's a funny slideshow of Jen, Cindi and I in Scotland last October. We're trying something new.

Parasitic, psycho, filthy creature...

2008-11-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

... for those who have no idea what the title of this blog is... you need to be introduced to Ludo. This extremely amazing band was in SLC on 05 Nov 2008 at The Avalon. Their brand of rock, punk, and completely goofiness is refreshing.

Ludo opened their set with energetic rock songs, slowed it down with lead man, Andrew Volpe, playing guitar and singing solo onstage, then Ludo had the crowd bunch together for a photo op and sing "Jingle Bells." Ludo performed their big single "Love Me Dead" (which I love) near the end of their set and - after returning for a single song encore - they performed the classic song "Ghostbusters."

Jen, Vanessa, Jenn, Jane and I all stuck around after the awesome show and hummed the 80s hair metal playing over the venue speakers into our new $1 Ludo Kazoos while the roadies took down the instruments. After about 10 minutes, the band came out to greet their adoring fans. I saw the cute lead singer (Andrew Volpe), the goofy keyboardist, and the bass player as they walked to the merch table. It was a fun night that was much needed after my icky school week and the fact that it SNOWED!!! (BTW-snow is a four letter word)

Ludo plans to return to SLC in 2009 and I hope to see you there dancin' in the crowd with me and the rest of my friends.

Best-est Halloween Ever!

2008-11-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday with the candy, the dressing up, and... the candy!

This year Dani, Jen, Thor and I went to work as a team of Super Hero Assassins called the Electric Rangers... I voted for Power Rangers but was vetoed. This idea was spawned over a year ago when Dani and I were obsessed with the show "Heroes" and she and I were going to go as a Super Villain and her Side Kick. When we talked Jen into joining our crew we miraculously found these amazing Airwalk shoes with lightening bolts and stuff on them. It gave us our colors (Blue, Pink and Yellow) and then we just added on until Static Cling (me, Pink), Electra Shock (Dani, Blue) and High Voltage (Jen, Yellow) emerged. A little while before All Hallow's Eve we decided that our Charlie's Angels-like trio needed a fearless leader so we found General Electric (AKA Thor).

Halloween was fun. We dressed up in our costumes and then proceeded to not really get anything done at work, eat candy, drive around looking for glass etching stuff for Jen, get free Chick-fil-a sandwiches from a soon-to-be store near my house, and - finally - end up at our friend Cara's for a fun Halloween party where we ate Halloween-themed finger foods.

New Puppy

2008-11-01T17:51:00.000-06:00

So I now have two dogs. One is a chubby mini D named Ellie. She's really cute, friendly and loves people especially Dani, Cindi and Jen. Just watch out for when she gets excited. She has bladder control issues.

Today my parents brought home another dog. He's a 10 week old mini D/chihuahua mix. He came with the name Zorro and it has stuck. So Zorro is really cute, but I don't think the two dogs are sure about each other yet. In fact, I'm not sure I'm excited about having another puppy in the house since training is really cumbersome. But seeing how cute and snugly he is it's really hard to not want to keep him.

Going back to Cali, Cali, Cali

2008-10-21T23:44:00.000-06:00

Okay so that song doesn't give a good impression but I couldn't think of anything else. Plus its LL Cool J. Anyway, I loved being out of the state of Utah for a week. I needed a break from school, work, and I was able to miss the first snow of the season. YAY!

10 Things I Loved about Cali

Missing the first snow of the season - need i say more.

Pandas - Two were sleepy and one was eating. My fav is the one in the tree, she didn't move the entire time.

T2 and Jurassic Park- two movies I loved and two attractions I was really excited about. T@ is my all time favorite movie and Jurassic park was just fun. Although the numerous times riding it I never got a good picture. I always look goofy when they take pics on rides.

Extra car insurance - With it parked across the street, Steve was able to see a white mini van hit the bumper of our rental car. We didn't worry due to Jen's insight on getting full coverage insurance. Also, note that Jen doesn't like to back up into a parking space. This led to the second dent in the bumper and a funny comment about the parking attendant. (more info ask Jen)

Sea otters, Shamu and Dolphins, oh my - I love sea animals. We went to Sea World and watched their dolphin and shamu shows. They were both fun (even though shamu's was kind political). I loved going to the Arctic area and we were able to see the Beluga Whales (Jen's fav) and the penguins... so cute. The sea otters were funny and playful looking but they were more interested in eating their shrimp. I also learned that bat rays are slimy and Jen has tasted a lot of the exotic fish they had in some of the tanks (via sushi).

Wade the magic guy - It's Disney's year of a millon wishes or dreams. While waiting for Steve to get his name sewn into his Mickey ears hat, jen, cindi and I were approached by one of the elusive 'dream' people. Wade was funny AND he gave us a fast pass to any ride. we immediately went to the Haunted Mansion (my favorite ride since it was decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas decor).

The Beach -

My skin needed a tan. While most of the sun I got was not at the beach our venture to Newport took us to the nice (and chilly) beach where we actually got Jen to go bare foot on sand and kinda go into the water. There were no sea lions... so this was a plus. Cindi really loved it. I think if we stayed the whole day she would have eventually been soaked instead she only went in up to her knees in the water.

We were wicked! - I liked the book (yes, I know that a lot of people don't like the book) but I thought that the Broadway musical was a good adaption. The funny story takes the audience through Oz through the eyes of Elpheba, the wicked witch of the west. The cast was incredible but I loved seeing Carol Kane on stage. She's hilarious!!!

Going to hell while at Disney & Being escorted off Splash Mountain -

okay, okay... it was due to the ride malfunctioning. But it is funny to say that you've been escorted off a ride in the happiest place on Earth. as for the Hell part, if you've ever been on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride then you'll know there are demons, the devil and Hell... all in Fantasy Land at Disney. They truly have everything.

Last but not least....

Hanging out with 3 friends on vacation.

Top 5 Scary Flicks

2008-10-09T20:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday. You can dress up and be anyone you want. There's free candy. Scary movies are played on TV all the time. Legends and myths are told in graveyards. Haunted Houses open their doors. It's a great time. Did I mention that there are scary movies on all the time?

For those who like scary movies, and even you crazies who don't... here are my top 5 (at least right now).

1) The Ring

How creepy is a girl with long stringy black hair who kills you 7 days after watching a VHS tape. I don't what is more eerie, the girl or the fact that it is a VHS tape. My first encounter with this movie (at age 22) had me sleeping upstairs at my parents house WITH the light on. And I don't usually get scared by movies.

2) Saw

Usually gory flicks are not my favorite but this one is good! The lack of budget did not hinder this really engaging film that proves that the idea of something is often more frightening than actually seeing it. Cary Elwes (Westley in "The Princess Bride") is amazing in this flick as a doctor locked in a room with a dilemma. Saw his own leg off by 6 PM to save his family or stay there and die. This film, while kinda gruesome, is deemed one of the best due to the ingenious ending. Go low budget horror.

3) Candyman

This movie is just great. Legend and film come together. This film launched the uber-creepy Tony Todd's horror career with his portrayal of Candyman, an Urban Legend much like that of Bloody Mary. If you say his name 5 times in front of a mirror he'll come out and kill you. However, this movie was not a good choice for me at the age of 15. I decided (like a dumb teen) to watch it at 11 PM when my parents were not home.

4) Sleeping with the Enemy

While this isn't a horror film it's really a truly scary film. As a woman, the idea that you could fall in love, get married and then ten days or ten years later your husband could change and become this violently abusive man is just horrifying. I love this film because they have an awesome use of "Brown Eyed Girl" and I am a brown eyed girl so I love that song. Julia Roberts is great as the terrified - and yet determined to be strong - battered wife. Patrick... I don't remember his name... is just plain creepy. In the UK he's always portrayed the "good guy" but here in the US he's always the "Bad guy". As the abuse husband searching for a wife whom he believes is his property, the guy never blinks. NEVER. Just you watch. That is what makes him so intense and creepy.

5) Pulse

I know. Another Japanese horror flick remade by us Americans. But what can I say Japanese filmmakers have a knack for creeping me out. This film takes place at a college campus as a group of students accidently release the dead on an electronic frequency. Okay, I'm not doing it justice but it has Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Sarah Marshall) and Wes Bentley along with some really eerie ghosts.