Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year Devoted Readers!


I know it's been awhile since I've posted. In fact I believe this is the longest hiatus to date, and during a holiday no less. But never fear, I'm coming strong in the future (That's What She Said). But until then, loyal fans, have a Happy New Year. Enjoy the festivities, sing that random Auld Lang Syne song, and start making those resolutions that will be put onto paper tomorrow morning never to be remembered again.

Ciao friends till 2008.

More After the Jump!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Feliz Navidad

Wishing you and yours a splendid Christmas day. I hope everyone received fabulous presents. I know I did.

Peace in the Middle East

More After the Jump!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Trivia Tuesday at The Harp

A friend of a friend introduced me to Trivia Tuesday at the bar, The Harp, and last night, my team, Nacho Winna, competed for the title of Trivia Tuesday Winner for the Week of Dec. 18th. We lost, but we were only 1 point behind the lead scorer for most of the competition. That is until the final round. Starting with question 27 we got spanked, and it wasn't enjoyable, not this time anyway. So for all those bored at work today I'm going to post some of the questions both easy and hard that I remember from Trivia Tuesday. You can post your answers in the comment section or email me. Get most of them right and you just might be recruited.

Questions after the jump

1. Who shot Mr. Burns in the special Simpson's episode?
2. Name the perfume that was developed and released in 1921?
3. Which country uses up the most nuclear energy?
4. George Harrison's song, "My Sweet Lord", supposedly plagerized what famous pop song?
5. Which movie broke Dec. box office records with its release this past weekend?
6. Name the location of the first little league championship game?
7. Two-Part Question: There is only one painting from an American painter in the Lourve. Name the actual title of the piece, and what it's most commonly referred to as
8. Two-Part Question: Name the only two presidents to have refused a salary during their tenure in the White House.
9. Who was Time Magazine's Person of the Century?
10. Before 1835 ballerina's used what type of shoes to dance in?
11. Name the California tourist attraction that has surpassed Disneyland as the most visited location in California?
12. What was significant of Ms. Margaret Hughes interpretation of Othello's Desdemona in England?
13. Why did Herbert Hoover frequently visit the Belgium embassy?
14. What was Warren G. Harden's middle name?
15. What crayon color gets used up first in a crayola box? (this color can be found in the 8 pack)
16. Which card carrying club boasts the highest membership in the US?
17. Which play did Aristotle deem the perfect tragedy?
18. Two-Part Question: Harold Courlander successfully won a lawsuit against a certain author for plageriarism of his book The African. Name the author and the book that plagerized The African.
19. 25% of mammals are what? (There are over 900 species of these)
20. Name the playwright who wrote Shakespeare in Love?
21. 5 part question: According to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NNPT), which 5 countries are allowed to hold nuclear weapons?
22. The Treaty of Versailles of 1783 ended what war?
23. The number sequence of 9, 12, 5, 20 is used by what?
24. Sit and Smile is a brand of what?
25. What is the name of the full moon near the autumnal equinox?
26. The late comedy actor Jon Sandford is better known as?

Bonus Round (Christmas Edition)
1. American children receive presents from Santa Claus. British children receive presents from whom?
2. What did True Love give to his beloved on the 6th day of Christmas?
3. How many reindeer does Santa need to pull his sleigh (including Rudolf)
4. Nestor, the Christmas donkey has a large what?
5. In A Christmas Story what does Ralphie's super secret decoder ring tell him to drink?

Good luck!

More After the Jump!

The Spears Conspiracy

I refuse to believe this is all happenstance. Refuse. So this morning I turned on my computer, clicked the Safari icon on the bottom of my Mac (and spare me the Firefox is better mumbo-jumbo, I'm too indignant to argue right now), and up popped my home page, www.people.com, (also spare me the WTF? People is your home page shpeal). Right there, the first headline I read for the day in bold letters says "Jamie Lynn Spears, 16, is Pregnant". Cue: Are you Effing kidding me!?!?! Words like flabbergasted, perturbed and annoyed pretty much cover the emotion I felt at that instant. Yeah, it's true that she's no sister or relative of mine, nor is she a celebrity I have ever talked about, thought about, or even remembered existed...well, unless there is a paparazzi shot of her at a Starbucks with her deranged older sister, who coincidentally at that moment was probably barefoot, in cut-offs, holding her child with rotten teeth in one hand and a cig/venti Mocca Frappachino with extra whip combo in the other floating around on the celebrity blog sites I visit.

So why does this news upset me so? Well first off, she, on the surface, looked normal. Eh, ok, not so true. She did and possible still does sport the, blonde on top, black underneath hair look that's definitely not a style winner. But besides that, I thought that she would escape the chicken friedness of it all. You know what I'm talking about right? The idea that after looking at it and by chance smelling it you have to wash your hands. That's Britney in a nutshell so I figured the younger sister would learn from the elders mistakes. But it ain't so. Oh, how it ain't so. Now the world has to deal with 3 Spears in the world in the span of 3 years. 3 Spears who's family gene pool, according to Us Weekly, includes a suicider, a wife beater, a substance abuser, and Britney. Tragic. And this in a world that only has one Clinton, one (biological) Jolie-Pitt, two Gates, and two sons of WIndsor. Which begs the question, what are these crazy loco Spears up to? Don't think for one second I don't smell a conspiracy. Is Vladimir Putin behind this? Did he pay for their impregnation and subsequent dumbing down of our Nation through their birth to bring Russia back as a formidable enemy?

You tell me.

More After the Jump!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

What's on My Christmas List this Year?

My parents are befuddled as to what to get me for Christmas this year. Yes I know I'm 27 but lists are still important and utilized in my household. Since the annual familial December getaway was sidelined I figured this year is the year to get the big, and I mean THE BIG ticket items. You know what they say, right? Trips to Spain or El Salvador, or wherever my mother chooses to travel for the Holidays may come and go, but a 32" inch 1080p Sony flatscreen lasts a lifetime... well, actually, with my sad pathetic excuse for luck only until the warranty expires. In any event, the sky is the limit this time round folks so join me as I embark on a making my annual last minute, poorly thought out and executed but fun to make Christmas list:

List after the jump! (Mom, this means click on the link that says "More After The Jump)

To make the compilation a bit easier I'm going to split my desires in key categories, starting with:


THE STRETCHING IT SECTION


32" Class BRAVIA® XBR-series LCD Flat Panel HDTV: I'm literally salivating thinking about it.







Blu-Ray DVD Player: Yes there is a difference between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. I, however, have made my decision


Image Hosted by ImageShack.usPhotoShop CS3: I have Photoshop Elements 4.0, but my creative juices are stymied with that one. I need to expand my horizons.




Image Hosted by ImageShack.us Goyard shopping tote: I've wanted one for years. One can only get them at Barney's New York stores. *cough*there's-one-in-LA-*cough*. I know they are pricey little suckers but heck this is my "Stretching It" Section. Preferred colors: Green, White, Red, or Brown.


THE MORE PLAUSIBLE SECTION


Image Hosted by ImageShack.usginette_ny Tube Necklace: small, tasteful, and classic. Was there any doubt?




Image Hosted by ImageShack.usFoley + Corinna Mini City Tote. I love this bag berry much. In fact I love a lot of bags but this is one I don't feel guilty hauling around. (also available at shopbop.com)



Image Hosted by ImageShack.uspuppy: Just look at that face. Seriously, how can one resist. As an equal opportunity owner I am open to many breeds.




Image Hosted by ImageShack.usreplacement sunglasses: My Tom Ford's broke and while I got credit back for them, there is a void that needs to be filled.



Image Hosted by ImageShack.usJ Crew: Have you seen their catalogue lately? I want every shoe, sweater, purse, scarf, coat, in that damn thing. If seriously considering this option come find me as I have post its on my favorites.



THE SISTER AFFORDABLE SECTION


Image Hosted by ImageShack.usOnce on DVD: One of the most memorable movies of the year for me.




Image Hosted by ImageShack.us Some suggest gift cards are impersonal but I say Itunes gift cards come from the heart, especially for this music lover who just got a Itouch.




Image Hosted by ImageShack.usI Love Jim T-shirt: I have the mug so I need the shirt to complete the look. Plus if I can't have Jim, I'll have his image emblazoned on my chest. Weird? Yep.




This completes my random and extremely unhelpful guide as to what I'd like for Christmas. You want to know the truth of the matter, though? I honestly don't need anything. I've been uber blessed in my life with such a wonderful family, fabulous friends, health insurance, and a little dog too. So while opening presents on Christmas day will be fun and all, I'll be more excited to be in my house laughing, hugging, complaining, fighting, disowning then reowning my fam. Cause really, there is no present better than that.

More After the Jump!

Sunday Special with a Cherry on Top

For your downloading pleasure:

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Landon Pigg: "Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop"

Use the song wisely boys and girls.

More After the Jump!

Friday, December 14, 2007

What's Your Christmas Wish?

My wish can be summed up as follows:



tee hee hee!

More After the Jump!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Speaking of GOB


Will Arnett was cast as the voice of KITT. As in yes they want to remake Knight Rider into a 2 hour TV movie which could, if ratings are good, become a revamped series. Yeah, I don't get it either but whatevs. Rumors abounded that KITT would be voiced by Rainn Wilson, but I guess not. Either way, KITT's going to be beyond awesome now. Fingers crossed.

More After the Jump!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

C'est Possible?

I think I'm literally in love with a song. Like I want to marry it and have musical note babies with it. Honestly the track is so simple yet beautiful, and yes, very chick. But that will not deter me from talking about its graces. Boys, play this for your girlfriends and wives, or the girl you crush on, you'll definitely get lucky. Trust.



Landon Pigg: "Falling in Love in a Coffee Shop"

More After the Jump!

Time For An Important Message



Be Safe. Innoculate.

More After the Jump!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Hip, Hip Hooray It's Christmas Vacation


TBS rebroadcast one of my favorite holiday classics, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, last night and I've gotta say, this baby is like a fine wine that just gets better with time. And I just noticed something random last night. Do you realize that the children are played by different actors in every installment? Rusty has been played, most famously by Anthony Michael Hall (original), but also Johnny Galecki (Christmas Vacation) of Rosanne and The Big Bang Theory, and Ethan Embry (Vegas Vacation) of Brotherhood,Can't Hardly Wait, and Dutch. Wait, you remember Dutch, right? With Ed O'Neil and the dog? No? Whatever. I was young and impressionable then. Anyway, back to Rustys' there was also that other one from European Vacation, whom I can only image is out of the business. Or at least I hope he is. For his sake. The whole exercise reminds me of The Office when Michael brought back two completely different Asian girls from Benihanas. Then he had to mark one of them. The tears of laughter still come out with that scene. Good Times.

In any event, Christmas Vacation is a staple of mine. That and A Christmas Story. So to celebrate such a crowning achievement of Holiday Splendor, I give you one of my favorite scenes. Enjoy!:

More After the Jump!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Happy Birthday Mom!


My mother doesn't actually read my blog. Tis true. She's too busy you know, working full time as an entrepreneur and a mother, and as my therapist. Plus she doesn't like to hear my random ramblings. It causes her migraines apparently...and possibly ulcers. Either way, Happy Birthday Rita. You're the best.

More After the Jump!

Juno of a Better Way to Spend an Evening?

Last night I had the privilege of attending a free screening of the new Jason Reitman film, Juno, at the Angelika. The film will not arrive in our neighborhood until Dec. 21st so I definitely wanted to take advantage of this lovely event. The movie is about a precocious 16 year old named Juno McGuff who gets pregnant by her friend, George Michael, Pauly Bleeker, and all the sweet hilarity and touching drama that ensues as her pregnancy advances. Now I had really high expectations for the film since it was written by the extraordinary Diablo Cody and starred both Michael Cera and Jason Bateman. Fortunately this film WAY exceeded my expectations. More After the jump!




Without going into details about the film...and trust me, you don't want me to ruin anything...I will say that in a world where there have been hundreds of thousands of movies covering practically every topic and every quandry with all the facets of the human emotion, this film manages to provide a fresh, unique, and irresistible voice. Every word uttered by Juno is a true winner. So much so, that I wished more than anything that my theatre seat had a Tivo remote control to rewind and replay. Ellen Page, the actress who plays Juno owned the role, just as the role of Vivian was owned by Julia Roberts, and the role of Sid Vicious was owned by Gary Oldman. She was the perfect Juno. In fact, while I single Ellen out, I should give props to Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K Simmons, and of course my new boy crush, Michael Cera. All of them gave the sweetly sarcastic words of Diablo Cody warmth and a lot of heart.

I was afraid that the film would be more of a cautionary tale against teen pregnancy but I'll be darned if I didn't end up feeling that the pregnancy was just an excuse or a backdrop to allow Juno to talk about heartburn and fecal schedules all while discovering Sonic Youth's cover of the Carpenters. It was brilliant indeed. The film takes something as serious as unwanted pregnancy and gives it an "Oh well, what's for dinner?" approach. And that is why I fell in love with it.


So do I recommend the film? You bet your $10 dollar movie ticket on it. Check it out, Dec 5th for some, Dec. 21st for most.

More After the Jump!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Oprah and her Minions

From the desk of Jonathan Patrick, Internet Provocateur

Greetings, Geek to Sheekers of the Blogosphere! Gather round the campfire, as I have a story to share with you. Over Thanksgiving, I was at home and my sister and mother forced me (at gunpoint) to watch two episodes of Oprah.


Patrick family photograph, circa Thanksgiving 2007


One episode was the Hannah Montana episode. The other - Oprah's Favorite Things episode. Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with the actual content of these shows. I did find some humor in the similarity between the two audiences.



At first glance, you'd think these shows would be polar opposites in terms of the type of studio audience they would draw (young girls for Hannah Montana, old witches for Oprah's Favorite Things). This is not the case. Young girls? Old witches? They're all the same once you put them under Oprah's spell. Luckily, I had pen and paper handy as I was able to jot down the following scripts from the two shows. They're almost identical:


Oprah: Welcome to my [Hannah Montana/Favorite Things] episode!

Audience [Young Girls/Old Witches]: a combination of wild screaming, crying, violent gyrations of the body and scattered "Praise be to Jeebus!"

- The Crazy Scale registers a 10 out of a 10 -

Oprah: I'm glad you could make it.

Audience [Young Girls/Old Witches]: a combination of wild screaming, crying, violent gyrations of the body and scattered "Praise be to Jeebus!"

- The Crazy Scale ratchets it up just a bit more -

Oprah: Now, just for you, my studio audience [live performance by Hannah Montana/a free mixmaster]!!!!

Audience [Young Girls/Old Witches]: a combination of wild screaming, crying, violent gyrations of the body and scattered "Praise be to Jeebus!"

- The Crazy Scale is broken. The place is going bonkers. -
This of course means two things: 1) receiving a mixmaster later in life is the equivalent of meeting your hero (sign me up for a mixmaster) or 2) meeting your hero is the childhood equivalent of getting a mixmaster (pretty depressing).

More After the Jump!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Mickey Teach Me Your Ways


On our first full day in Los Angeles my sister got the chance to decide what the agenda would entail. She had one word for us: Disneyland. So we took I-10 to 5 or something and made our way to Anaheim, California to visit, what some suggest is the happiest place on Earth. Well, technically that would be Disney World what with the delightful Epcot Center, and MGM Studios. So perhaps "Earth" is a misnomer. Perhaps it would be better to state that Disneyland is the happiest place on the California coast. Yep, that seems about right. Point is that we spent a fun filled day and night riding the rides and enjoying the fireworks. While waiting in those seemingly short but actually sneakily long lines (Sure it says only 30 minutes for the Peter Pan ride, but I didn't realize that 30 minutes starts when the winding line reaches the ramp up to the ships and not at the actual sign. And 30 minutes doesn't account for Manuelito's cousin Jose and his mother, father, uncle, grandmother, and second cousin Maria Conchita Selena cutting in either) my brother and I discussed the cash cow Walt Disney has created in his theme parks. Our discussion after the jump


Truth is I don't know a better well oiled machine than the magic of Disney. While my brother went ahead and ordered our hamburgers from the Enchanting $15 dollar Burger Bungalow in Fantasyland, my duty was to get seating. Now seating is tricky. Oh and I actually ordered a veggie burger that tasted like mung beans, but that's neither here nor there. Thing is one has to walk around for like 20 minutes just waiting to see any sort of upward movement from the patrons actually sitting down enjoying their own $15 burgers, churros, mickey shaped ice creams, and funnel cakes topped with crumbled brownies, whipped cream, and sprinkles (yeah, that one looked delicious). Of course one sees said patron rise and you have no choice but to make a mad dash for the table, fighting grannies, six year olds, and the japanese tourists along the way only to find that the person getting up simply had to get ketchup. Sidenote: this is why I always insist on getting more ketchup than a small village can consume in a week when you're at the condiments table. I agree that it's wasteful, but at least it doesn't get the hopes up of the poor schmo, read: me, who thinks standing up signifies done eating. If a plethora of ketchup had been acquired then I wouldn't have had to trip the grannie risking a ticket straight to Hell to get to the table first. Inevitably though, when no free table is available, one is left hovering over a random family of four that you notice has only two more bites of their burger and five and 1/2 fries left on their plate. They look up and notice that you're in their personal space and radiating a death glare so they pack it in early, grabbing their children's hands fearing the worst on their way out. You turn around and say ever so gently " Oh, you're done? Thanks!", then plop down on one of the chairs before the aunt has time to lift her tray up. You stare at those five and 1/2 fries and it takes all the strength you can muster not to say, "Are you going to finish that". You hang your head in despair as you see those little guys slide into the trash can. A sad moment.

But clearly not what I was aiming for with this post. After I made the woman in crutches hobble somewhere else I noticed that the Enchanted Burger Bungalow was sponsored by Minute Maid. What?, I thought to myself, what does that mean? I pondered this thought for another 50 minutes while I waited for my mung bean burger. Finally when my bro sat down he told me that Minute Maid must pay Disney a million billion dollars a year to have their little name etched on the cottage sign. "But wait!" I said. Almost every restaurant in the park, every ride, every stand has a "sponsored by" sign! All of a sudden my eyes opened up to the reality of all realities: Disney is the greatest business scheme of all time. With my super special finance senses awakened, and you know, the map, I started picking up on other things. Did you know that Disney allows McDonald's to sell their fries, just their fries, in little food stations through-out the park? Cha-Ching! Did you know that Disney has cameramen sponsored by Kodak at all the perfect photo spots to take a lovely picture of your entire family. No more will a Dad be left out of the shot. Nope, let the random dude take it and give you a number so that you may purchase that photo on your way out. Did you know that Disney provides it's visitors free aspirin, Tums, Pepto, and other medicines, sponsored of course by Bayer, at the First Aid Center. Yep, they even thought of that. I had a migraine around 4pm and was seriously thinking of calling it a day. I figured I should at least attempt to purchase some Exedren at some shop on Main Street. When I went asking for a place that carried my happy pills an attendant smiled and said, "Oh I'm sorry you feel so bad, just mosey on down to the First Aid Center, they'll take care of you so that you enjoy your stay with us". WTF?! So I entered the cutesy First Aid Center and some nurse, in a nurse costume ripped out of a cartoon, cause every employee is dressed up in ridiculous possibly Crayola sponsored polyester getup, just handed me some free meds. All I had to do was sign their "guestbook". I thought to myself, Wow. They don't want you to leave either. Did I mention they also have a daycare for the newbie babies. Yeah, I know, right. A place made specifically for kids, has a place to dump them when they're being annoying. I didn't check but I'm sure it's sponsored by Pampers or something.

Bottom line is that every little inch of this theme park was methodically thought out. It's a heck of an idea I'll give them that. And honestly I didn't mind because I had fun. More fun than I'd had in a long time. So as the fake snow fell in conjunction with the new Celine Dion song, available for purchase on Main Street, I said, I wanna come back again next year!

Success is theirs.

More After the Jump!

Clap Your Hands and Say...Welcome

After tireless negotiations JP and I have reached an agreement and he has kindly decided to come onboard as a contributor to Geek to Sheek. Yes guys, I've given him the keys to my kingdom and he will now grace us with his wisdom, wit, and nerdity. Look out for his posts once in awhile. I can't tell you what he'll say, and I have given him no parameters so this shall be a great social experiment. And if not I'll kick him off the island. Hey, I never said this was a democracy. So Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah! (pun intended) *No Jump.

More After the Jump!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

California...California...Here I Cooommmmeeee! (TWSS)

Leave for Los Angeles tonight...stop.

Be back on Sunday...stop.

Miss me lots...stop.

Turkey is delicioso...stop.

But not the dark meat....stop.

I know it's supposed to be the best part...stop.

But dark meat still kinda grosses me out...stop.

More After the Jump!

Mecca


One day I'll make it guys. I swear. And when I do, I'll weep like a baby taking its first breath. Yes, my friends, today IS the most awesome day to be an Oprah audience member because today she unveils her "favorite things". In the past those have included Ipods, flat panel television monitors, Burberry coats, digital camcorders, washer/dryers, cameras, trips to spas, cashmere sweaters and my favorite...specially imported cheesecake. Yum. I got an early spoiler of what this year's pilgrims get and let's just say...Holy Sweet Mother of the Almighty. Yeah, that good. I'm not going to ruin the surprise for anyone so just tune in and seethe with jealousy. Here's hoping these fine folks realize and can afford the taxes on this years ditties.

More After the Jump!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Rashida Jones, We Could Be Friends

I've always wanted to hate her. Not only is she so freaking gorgeous, but she can sing beautifully, has Quincy Jones as a father, is crazy smart having attend Harvard, AND has dated and is possibly re-dating John Krasinski. Oh and she played Pam's nemesis Karen Filipelli on The Office. That alone should have been enough mind you. But alas, she's just too cool to hate. So cool in fact that she brought this video to my attention and I will now forever be indebted to her. In a recent article by New York Magazine, the writer asked a couple of famous celebrities what they watch on youtube. Rashida said this:

"'Welcome to My Home,' by Brenda Dickson. You have to go home and watch it right now. She was on The Young and the Restless in the seventies and eighties. She produced a video by herself, introducing you into her life and sort of showing you how to dress like her and eat like her and work out like her. It is so well produced, without irony. It is pitch-perfect eighties. She is literally facing a wall in between a mirror and a painting, just facing a wall in a gold gown, and she turns around, 'Well, hello! I'm Brenda Dickson. Lots of people ask me how I look as good as I do after eleven and a half years on The Young and the Restless.' It's insane! It's so entertaining."

Of course I thought to myself, how entertaining can this possibly be. Answer: VERRrry I just about died watching it because the irony of it all was that had I seen that video at the time, (I was 7) I probably would've given my left eye to be her. Check it out for yourself.

I give you: Welcome to My House by former soap star, Brenda Dickson. Oh and Rashida, call me!

More After the Jump!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Did We Disregard the Indians Again?


Poor, Poor, Indians. First we introduced them to smallpox and bullet holes in the back, then we took their land, following that we made long hair the symbol of slackery (sorry B), then we decide to pay them little if any money for their work, *prompting them to succumb to diabetes from the lack of healthy alternatives in fast food, and now, well, now we've decided to pass over their holiday decorations entirely. That's right, cornucopias and construction paper turkeys made out of one's own hands are so yesterday. What's in it's place? Well follow the jump and I'll tell you.

* Diabetes is the fastest growing illness amongst Native Americans


Today my friends I made a memo to self: Put up Christmas decorations three months in advance and start listening to Sunny 99.1 because the all Christmas all the time music begins any day now. Oh and stop by my local Starbucks because the Peppermint Mocha and red snowflake styrofoam cups are out. Asterisk to memo: WTH? Honestly, can someone please inform me as to why every darn street corner already has its Christmas lights up and not mosaics of Indians and Pilgrims having a laugh over pelts and turkey? You know it just makes me feel lazy and Un-Christian to realize that Jesus' birthday celebration apparently starts after Halloween now. Not to mention the fact that it gives this false anxiety that I have to hurry up and get my gifts (which are going to be sparse this year X-Woman so don't even dare to dream of what to expect.)

Seriously though, I have to ask? Did the government mail a questionnaire asking the general public if they wouldn't mind skipping Turkey day jubilee or what?

More After the Jump!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Mind the Construction

I'm playing around with my fonts, colors, layouts, and background so don't worry if every time you tune into the blog something is different. It's not you. It's me.

More After the Jump!

Ni Tu Ni Nadie (Not You Nor Anyone)

On my way to work this morning my ITouch played a song I hadn't heard in ages, it's called "Ni Tu Ni Nadie" by Moeña. The tune is a remake of a song by Alaska y Dinamara but I doubt any here has heard the original so whatevs. The point is I remember watching the music vid awhile back and thinking it was a very neat concept. So of course the first thing I did when I got to the office was find it. We're not busy, so sue me. I thought I'd share it with you guys. And as an added bonus you can download the song here as well. Enjoy.



Ni Tu Ni Nadie": Moeña

More After the Jump!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Happy Belated Birthday to Kimberly!



First and foremost. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KIMBERLY! I suck at life. I really do. No excuse to miss your B-day, especially when it's on a highly anticipated holiday. Please forgive this tiresome friend. And here is the rest of it.

More After the Jump!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Happy Office Thursday!

After last weeks emotional sendoff to the hour format, I'm glad to have my show back at 30 minutes. Not that I minded the hour of Office time, in fact last week's episode ranks in my top 5 Office episodes ever. But it will be nice to have a tighter story again; one that doesn't run itself into a lake. Now, after last week's voting, it looks like the two shows I'll be recapping regularly are The Office and Pushing Daisies so look for a full review and recap later this week. Here's the promo to get us pumping:



LOCAL AD
9/8c TV14
10.18.2007

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ADVERTISING - When the Scranton branch is asked to participate in a Dunder Mifflin ad, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) seizes his chance to exhibit his creativity. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) explores the online world of Second Life. John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B.J Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.

Three Preview Clips for Local Ad: 1, 2, 3

On another note... to al my friends going to The Office Convention in Scranton, Pennsylvania: Have Fun! Be Safe! Shake Greg Daniel's hand! and finally, Hands off Krasinski (if he shows). Keep me posted ;)

More After the Jump!

Pumpkins at Their Finest

On Monday night I was invited to a pumpkin carving party at a friend's house. While the idea of sticking my hands into nasty pumpkin sludge didn't sound too appealing, I went along anyway, using carpel tunnel as an excuse to feign immobility thus getting me out of physically carving into a pumpkin. And if anyone is wondering, yes, I do suffer from carpel tunnel, or something that to me feels like carpel tunnel. It's an old wound from the law school days inflicted by my Compaq Armada laptop circa 1995 with the little nub for a mouse. People probably don't even know what I'm talking about. That's how old the "nub" is.

Anyway, at said pumpkin carving party, everyone drew from their own inspiration. Some winged it, others stenciled, and one clever friend busted out the Black & Decker drill to make a twinkle light pumpkin inspired by the pages of Martha Stewart. We had a great time drinking wine, eating butterfingers, etc. etc, but as the night ended a thought entered my mind and hasn't left since. What is the most awesome pumpkin I've ever seen? I mean, does a Jim Halpert or Pam Beesly pumpkin even exist? Is there one dedicated to the band New Order? Perhaps not. But it's worth a search. So for the next week before we hit Halloween, er Kimberly's birthday, I want my peeps to email or comment here with the funniest pumpkins they've seen. Artistry is great, but imagination is better. Bonus to anyone who can find me an Office pumpkin. I've yet to find that masterpiece. So to get us started I've got a couple that made me laugh after the jump. And Sara, the party was lovely.


There were several puking pumpkins but this one came with its own toilet. (credit to collegehumor.com)

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At first I thought it was boobs. I was mistaken.

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I'll be honest it was the hair pick that got the laugh out of me

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Pretty darn original, don't you think?

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I can see this one right outside my parents house already

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Not if you paid me a million billion dollars

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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Radiohead's Rainbows



I finally got around to downloading the new Radiohead album "In Rainbows" for $0.00 dollars. Frankly I felt bad at first but now after my first listen I feel REALLY bad. The album is quite incredible. Actually, "incredible" is putting it mildly. It's astounding and classic Radiohead, if that term can even be applied to them. I don't know, but there is something about this particular band and its music that puts me in a sort of zen-like trance. Kind of like the feeling I get while watching that scene of all the sisters frolicking in the grass in The Virgin Suicides. Such lackadaisical melancholy. I love it. My early favorites are Reckoner and Jigsaw Falling Into Place. Click on the image for the link to buy the album at whatever price you want. Now don't be stingy, you'll regret it.

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Things that I Love: Fashion Edition

Here's a couple of items that I can't live without. So much so that I sew patches on them. Yes..in this instance, I definitely need some stinkin' patches.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us1. sweatpants: A staple. How else am I to survive a James Coney Island hotdog, a Goode Company Taqueria brunch, and a Doritos/candycorn combination without it? Seriously.





Favorites:
Anthropologie Kelti Lounge Pants (shown) $48.00
Lucky Brand Big Sweatpant $54.00



Image Hosted by ImageShack.us2. Joe's Jeans: Best fit jeans hands-down. And I can say this with conviction because I've bought every other name brand out there, just check my closet. Honest. There is just something about the denim itself that is so awesome. Try it out, you won't regret it. Ask my mother. She has two pairs...and was willing to pay full price for them. Now that's something.


Favorite Styles:
Muse (shown) $158.00
Socialite $171.00

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us3. Nude Patent Pumps: They go with everything. It's the new black. I promise. And if you are averse to patent, which I'm sure some are because they feel they can only be worn at night in winter..which no, but whatevs, then go for a simple nude leather. I bought my NPP's about a year ago and if you'll notice they are all the rage now in Hollywood, especially the Christian Louboutins. Now I'm not suggesting that I start trends. I mean, that would be ludicrous to presume...*cough*email-me-for-a-consultation*cough*.

Favorites
Kate Spade Giselle Pump (shown) $275.00
Christian Louboutin Very Prive 942 Pump $770.00


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us4. C&C Tank Tops: I have at least 25 of them in assorted colors and prints. Yeah I know you can get colored tank tops at Target and Old Navy for like 20 cents, and hell I have purchased about 10 white ones alone from Old Navy, but I LOVE C&C tanks. Their colors are fantastic and they are the quintessential layering piece. (exhibit A on the left). Did I mention the softness? Oh the softness, I'd wrap babies in them. For sure. They recently expanded their line to include cotton dresses. I have one in Navy which I bought last summer. I'm going to be buried in it.

Favorite Styles
Classic Tunic Tank $46.00
Classic Bold Tank $48.00


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us5. Cotton Dresses: They are the easiest to pack and the easiest to spice up. Just slap a nice black cotton dress with the aforementioned nude pumps and a long delicate chain necklace or a chunky one, or a locket, or...you get the picture.. and you're off. Of course you can nix the necklace and go for some larger earrings, preferably in a bold color, like red. Or, and I might have to try this soon, skip the earrings and necklace and focus on a woven belt with perhaps an exaggerated bracelet...hmmm that would depend on the cut of the dress, so ipskay eltbay. The good thing about cotton dresses as well is that if you're anti-social like me and would rather see a documentary on America's fascination with credit cards and debt on a Friday night than meet people, then slap on some flip flops and you've got a spectacular outfit to pick up your sandwich at the local Jason's Deli. Win-Win!

Favorites
Velvet Calm, Cool, and Collected Dress (shown) $178.00
Banana Republic Jersey Tunic Dress $98.00
Splendid Raglan Dress $140.00

I hope you loved this installment of Fashion Edition. This will by no means be my last post on the subject but I believe I shall end it here for today. I'm sure right about now you're getting your credit cards ready to run to the mall and collect these items, yes? I thought so.

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Monday, October 15, 2007

Hello ITouch



Yes I know it's actually called Ipod Touch but I like to call things whatever I want. It's like the chauffeur we had when my mother, grandmother, and I travelled to Istanbul a couple of years back. His name was something I didn't like. So I did what any other egotistical American would do. I changed his name. Hence forth he was known as "Carlitos". He wore that name like a badge of honor until the day we left. It was awesome. And when we left he mourned us like the Sicilian woman mourn their sons. Too much? Yeah I thought so. So I couldn't pronounce his name. Who can really? I mean Turkish is like Arabic. Un-understandable.

Anyway, enough with the frivolity. The point is I bought the ITouch and life can't be any sweeter. I love this little device with the brute force of a man and little baby. And thanks to my dawesome friend, Jas, I am currently watching an episode of Arrested Development as I type this puppy. To quote Rihanna:

" You can stand under my umberella..ella, ella, ella, eh eh eh"

You mean that much to me.

*Avoid the jump

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Thursday, October 11, 2007

G.O.B. on 30 Rock. C'MON!

Will Arnett makes his second guest appearance on 30 Rock tonight. Don't miss it. Last time he was on I literally spit out my drink. He was that funny. Here's a video of his sheer genius on last year's episode. He plays the NBC Vice President of West Coast News with a tiny secret:



So whad'ya say. Petition to get him series regular status? I think so.

Ignore the jump.

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Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Melancholia


You know those days when all you want to do is not go to work, curl in bed, listen to whiny depressing music, and possibly eat a delish sandwich at noon? Do only chicks want to do this? Anyway, today was that kind of day for me. MY shoulder hurt, my hair was frizzing, my jeans were fitting snug after the wash, a slight coffee stain hit the bottom of my t-shirt, and I had a zit, or what looked like a zit at first, but actually appeared to be a random mosquito bite on my face Yeah, like I said...that kind of day. So there really was only one thing to do. Bust out the "Cab". Death Cab that is. In honor of this lousy day I'm linking a random sample of some of my favorite melancholic songs. Enjoy, or don't. Either way it won't matter. Not today at least.

*Coldplay "Gravity"

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova "Once"

Death Cab for Cutie "Transatlanticism"

Brett Dennen " There is So Much More"

Cat Powers "I Found a Reason"

*Thanks Jen for figuring out how to find Gravity for me. FYI the song is a B-Side on the "Talk" LP. Chris Martin has since given the song to the band Embrace. Their version not so good

So what songs do you like to listen to during your melancholia? Comment Below.

Oh and Ignore the jump.

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Friday, October 5, 2007

Rev up for Friday Night Lights


Summer hiatus is officially over now that the last of my favorites starts its second season today. I've already seen the premiere thanks to nbc.com and it's AMAZING. I always forget how great this show is until I see the next episode and it blows the previous episode out of the water. It's a shame more people aren't tuning it because they're missing out on one of the most heartfelt, realistic shows on television. So do a girl a favor, set your Tivoes or Fauxos, to record the show tonight. I dare you not to fall in love with it. Besides, it's not like you're recording anything else. I mean, cause it's Friday. And we ain't got no job...we ain't got sh*% to do...(tee hee hee!)

Disregard the (more after the jump). There is nothing more to say.

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Thursday, October 4, 2007

Please Tell Me You Watched Pushing Daisies Last Night...Pretty Please



Hands down, one of the BEST, if not the BEST pilot for a television series I've ever seen. No yoke folks. And before you ask, yes, I put the Veronica Mars pilot in the running for this category. It's Amelie meets Nanny McPhee with a little Tim Burton sprinkled on top. Now, if that didn't sell you, how about this: Lee Pace, the lead, went to Klein High School. Yes my dears, he is a Houstonian, or Texan, whichever way you want to look at it. Bonus: he's incredibly hot. Specifics after the jump

Now I'm not going to ruin the plot for the episode but I will shed a little light as to the premise of the show. Ned, our Houstonian friend Lee Pace, a pie maker, is a man with an extraordinary gift...He can bring people back from the dead with a simple touch. There is a catch, however. He can't touch them ever again. If he does then *thud* they're back to waiting at the pearly gates. And if that isn't complicated enough, there is one more catch. An important one. Once he brings a person, object, or animal back to life he has one minute, count them, one minute to re-touch them, effectively restoring the nature of things, or...someone else within the vicinity takes the fall. Literally. Kaput. Sayonara. See you later with out sweet baby Jesus. Yeah. Heavy. Intrigued Yet?

Slightly? Ok. How about this. He starts a side business with a fellow detective solving murders by touching the victims, asking said person who killed them in the minute of rebirth, then touching them again. The business is two fold. Ned and his buddy collect reward money and the family finds out who murdered their loved one. Win-Win! Sounds like CSI, right? Yeah. It's awesome that way. Convinced?

Missing the romance aspect? Is that it? Never fear because this show will produce one of the BEST romantic pairings since PB&J, er... Jim and Pam for those who haven't watched the premiere yet. I'm looking at you, Paige. Whoa...whoa... I didn't say they were better than Jim and Pam. That would be overreaching and untolerated. In fact I am slightly offended that the thought even entered your mind. Shame on you. JAM FOR EVAH! Ok, but yeah, this couple is pretty darn adorable. You see, Chuck, the girl, (it's a cute name so shut-it) was Ned's first kiss as children. And he's thought of her often since that kiss, but life evolved, people moved, etc etc. Their lives cross again, however, when he realizes...she's dead. Yep. She died, murdered actually. And guess who is going to solve the case? Why our pie maker, bring people back to lifer, Ned. So he goes back to the town they both grew up in and resuscitates her for that one precious moment, only to realize he can't live in a world where she doesn't exist anymore. Heart full. Birds singing. All that. So he decides to keep her alive at the expense of someone else who drops dead after the sole minute has passed. I won't tell you who, though. So now, the love of his life is alive and here to stay. But...they can never touch again. Talk about star-crossed. Sold?

Almost? Fine. There are synchronized swimmers, people with eye patches, and a lovable lab in the series.

And we have a winner! I thought so. It was the eye patch that got you. I knew it. Stop wasting time. Go watch it. I'm serious. It re-airs Friday on ABC. Don't fail me now.

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Wednesday, October 3, 2007

I do...Want This Cake Real Bad

Now I've been to weddings before and I've seen my share of creative grooms cakes. From the Death Star to the UT Tower to a medicine bag. Hell I've even seen a construction site made out of chocolate. But all this is fiddlesticks compared to this cake. Yes, if I ever get married (don't hold your breath mom) I want this cake. Exactly like that. And if you have to ask why, well then, you don't really know me at all do you.

Dawesome cake after the jump.



Thanks Kimberly for the tip!

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