THEN
NOW!! OH MY GOD!
Crazy Gene Simmons hair or not, I still miss Queer as Folk.
Crazy Gene Simmons hair or not, I still miss Queer as Folk.
3.31.2008
3.30.2008
Rock Chalk Jayhawk
After a win against Davidson in today's Midwest Regional Final, KU is on its way to the Final Four!!! Yes, it was a rough and ugly win but guess what? It was still a win.
The good news? We're headed to the Final Four.
The bad news? We have to play North Carolina and ROY WILLIAMS. Ugh.
Roy Williams meets Kansas for the first time since he ditched us for UNC 5 years ago?
Let the week of hype begin!
The good news? We're headed to the Final Four.
The bad news? We have to play North Carolina and ROY WILLIAMS. Ugh.
Roy Williams meets Kansas for the first time since he ditched us for UNC 5 years ago?
Let the week of hype begin!
3.29.2008
Things Keeping Me Sane While Sick
I'm still sick but getting better I suppose. Yesterday and today I did a lot of sitting in order to speed up that whole getting better process. I really don't like being sick. I don't like giving into sickness. But sometimes it's inevitable.
Here are a few amazing things that kept me sane during my sick time:
Love in the Time of Cholera
I finally watched the entire thing yesterday (I started it three times the day before but kept falling asleep--not because it was boring but because I was THAT SICK). I enjoyed this movie a lot! I wasn't sure if I'd like it because I read the book first, but it was a pretty good adaptation overall. I did NOT enjoy that its Netflix envelope said it was 1 hour 40 minutes long when it was actually 2 hours 10 minutes long. Not cool Netflix. The end got a bit long but overall this was a beautiful love story. Javier Bardem and Benjamin Bratt in a love triangle? Count me in!
Samantha Who?
I didn't start watching this show when it began last fall so didn't feel like I could ever jump in, even though I heard such great reviews. Fortunately, sick = tons of time to sit and watch shows on ABC.com so I caught up on all 9 episodes of the season so far. It's especially easy when they are only 20 minutes without commercials! The verdict: super cute show. I love Barry Watson as Todd and Jean Smart as Samantha's mom Regina. Samantha's friend Dena makes me feel awkward though... maybe strikes a chord a little close to home? Anyway this is a funny, unique and very cute show and I am excited for it to return a week from Monday for new episodes.
NCAA Basketball
An awesome upset (Davidson over Wisconsin) + a KU win (over Villanova) = perfect night of basketball last night. I really think KU could win the whole thing if they keep playing so well. I have also been watching tonight, and right now Louisville and North Carolina (grrr Roy Williams) are in a super close match. Gotta love March Madness! KU vs. Davidson tomorrow to see who goes to the Final Four! Rock Chalk!
Newsweek/Time
I caught up on all the issues I was behind on. I even took them all home for Spring Break and didn't get around to reading them. That changed yesterday--I read some great articles, including "How to Make Better Teachers" and tons and tons of stuff about Barack and Hillary. I also marked a bunch of stuff to possibly use next year for my journalism class.
Bloglines
It doesn't take much effort to click through my Bloglines reader, so I was able to stay up-to-date on news and entertainment stuff. Keeps me in the loop and endlessly entertained.
Arrested Development
Rewatching Season 2? A-may-zing! Love every episode and it's keeping my spirits up when I feel so terrible. Thank you Bluth family!
Here are a few amazing things that kept me sane during my sick time:
Love in the Time of Cholera
I finally watched the entire thing yesterday (I started it three times the day before but kept falling asleep--not because it was boring but because I was THAT SICK). I enjoyed this movie a lot! I wasn't sure if I'd like it because I read the book first, but it was a pretty good adaptation overall. I did NOT enjoy that its Netflix envelope said it was 1 hour 40 minutes long when it was actually 2 hours 10 minutes long. Not cool Netflix. The end got a bit long but overall this was a beautiful love story. Javier Bardem and Benjamin Bratt in a love triangle? Count me in!
Samantha Who?
I didn't start watching this show when it began last fall so didn't feel like I could ever jump in, even though I heard such great reviews. Fortunately, sick = tons of time to sit and watch shows on ABC.com so I caught up on all 9 episodes of the season so far. It's especially easy when they are only 20 minutes without commercials! The verdict: super cute show. I love Barry Watson as Todd and Jean Smart as Samantha's mom Regina. Samantha's friend Dena makes me feel awkward though... maybe strikes a chord a little close to home? Anyway this is a funny, unique and very cute show and I am excited for it to return a week from Monday for new episodes.
NCAA Basketball
An awesome upset (Davidson over Wisconsin) + a KU win (over Villanova) = perfect night of basketball last night. I really think KU could win the whole thing if they keep playing so well. I have also been watching tonight, and right now Louisville and North Carolina (grrr Roy Williams) are in a super close match. Gotta love March Madness! KU vs. Davidson tomorrow to see who goes to the Final Four! Rock Chalk!
Newsweek/Time
I caught up on all the issues I was behind on. I even took them all home for Spring Break and didn't get around to reading them. That changed yesterday--I read some great articles, including "How to Make Better Teachers" and tons and tons of stuff about Barack and Hillary. I also marked a bunch of stuff to possibly use next year for my journalism class.
Bloglines
It doesn't take much effort to click through my Bloglines reader, so I was able to stay up-to-date on news and entertainment stuff. Keeps me in the loop and endlessly entertained.
Arrested Development
Rewatching Season 2? A-may-zing! Love every episode and it's keeping my spirits up when I feel so terrible. Thank you Bluth family!
3.28.2008
Book Sale Results!
Despite being sick as a dog and missing school today (I slept like 14 hours last night--minus the time I was up coughing I suppose) I did a pretty dumb thing, at least on the path to getting better, by dragging my congested rear-end to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for the first full day of the Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa Book Sale.
Let me just say this first: whoever thinks books are becoming obscure and that people don't read anymore needs to head over to this book sale RIGHT NOW and eat their words. I have never seen so many people so pumped about buying books. People literally wait in line with boxes to get into this thing.
Then after waiting to get in, they wade through thousands of books in a hot room to make their selections, and then wait in a check-out line for 25 minutes (maybe that was just my luck but it seemed to be the norm) to pile their cart full of books onto a table and pay hardly anything for an amazing new personal library.
And I was right there with them. I may have been sniffling and sneezing a bit more than anybody else, though. Oh... the price of happiness.
Anyway here's what I left with, paying only $48 for a whopping 22 books:
Books for Fun Reading
Let me just say this first: whoever thinks books are becoming obscure and that people don't read anymore needs to head over to this book sale RIGHT NOW and eat their words. I have never seen so many people so pumped about buying books. People literally wait in line with boxes to get into this thing.
Then after waiting to get in, they wade through thousands of books in a hot room to make their selections, and then wait in a check-out line for 25 minutes (maybe that was just my luck but it seemed to be the norm) to pile their cart full of books onto a table and pay hardly anything for an amazing new personal library.
And I was right there with them. I may have been sniffling and sneezing a bit more than anybody else, though. Oh... the price of happiness.
Anyway here's what I left with, paying only $48 for a whopping 22 books:
Books for Fun Reading
- Vanity Fair by William Thackeray
- A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare
- Amazing Grace by Jonathan Kozol
- Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
- The Know-It-All by AJ Jacobs
- The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
- The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
- My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (I had a copy of this but loaned it out and never got it back)
- Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
- Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- The Greatest Story Ever Sold by Frank Rich
- TTYL by Lauren Myracle
- A Writer's Reference
- The Freedom Writers Diary
- Head Over Heels: An SAT Vocabulary Novel
- You Can Write a Column
- Creative Nonfiction
- Woe is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English
- On Writing Well
- Fiction Writer's Brainstormer
3.27.2008
Book Sale Preparation
Today is the first day of the Planned Parenthood Book Sale at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite events of the year in good old Des Moines.
I was browsing blogs tonight after coming home sick from school and taking a three-hour nap and came across a link to this--the perfect preparation for my trip to the Book Sale tomorrow:
Freshome's 30 Most Creative Bookshelf Designs
Here are my favorites:
And yes, I am aware that I am a huge nerd for getting excited about book shelves.
I was browsing blogs tonight after coming home sick from school and taking a three-hour nap and came across a link to this--the perfect preparation for my trip to the Book Sale tomorrow:
Freshome's 30 Most Creative Bookshelf Designs
Here are my favorites:
Who needs clothes? Hang your favorite books in your closet!
Finally put that useless ceiling to work!
Finally put that useless ceiling to work!
Creates the illusion that books are just stuck to your wall. TOO COOL!
And yes, I am aware that I am a huge nerd for getting excited about book shelves.
3.26.2008
Irrational Hatred
Here are four things I harbor an irrational hatred for:
1. Top of the list is ROY WILLIAMS
Here's an article that was on KUSports.com the other day about Roy. We're still talking about him because we all still HATE him for leaving KU for North Carolina... after he said he never would. Maybe that's a good reason to hate someone, but here's the clincher: that was 5 years ago. I should be over it by now. I'm not. Every time I see him on TV, I want to strangle him with his tacky mint green tie.
2. Cadillac Escalades
My stupid high school boyfriend who ended up cheating on me over the summer and dumping me in a very not-nice way drove an Escalade. I've hated them ever since. I'm about to get my Masters if that lets you know how many years ago THAT was. Crazy.
3. People who wear out their welcome on American Idol
Last year, it was Sanjaya. He could not sing, had stupid hair and took the spot of people who deserved to be in the top 10. This year, I think it's a combo of Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele what's-her-face. At least both can sing better than Sanjaya, but they still make me pretty angry. Especially when Kristy Lee Cook pulls the sneaky (albeit genius) move of singing God Bless the USA last night. Maybe this hatred isn't so irrational, but why do I even care?
4. Carrabba's
I had a horrible experience ONCE at this restaurant and now I just make faces at the building and its stupid plant-covered roof every time I pass it. I'm sure the food isn't that bad.
There are probably more but my brain is clouded up from my stupid cold so I'm done.
Do you have anything you hate in an irrational way?
1. Top of the list is ROY WILLIAMS
Here's an article that was on KUSports.com the other day about Roy. We're still talking about him because we all still HATE him for leaving KU for North Carolina... after he said he never would. Maybe that's a good reason to hate someone, but here's the clincher: that was 5 years ago. I should be over it by now. I'm not. Every time I see him on TV, I want to strangle him with his tacky mint green tie.
2. Cadillac Escalades
My stupid high school boyfriend who ended up cheating on me over the summer and dumping me in a very not-nice way drove an Escalade. I've hated them ever since. I'm about to get my Masters if that lets you know how many years ago THAT was. Crazy.
3. People who wear out their welcome on American Idol
Last year, it was Sanjaya. He could not sing, had stupid hair and took the spot of people who deserved to be in the top 10. This year, I think it's a combo of Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele what's-her-face. At least both can sing better than Sanjaya, but they still make me pretty angry. Especially when Kristy Lee Cook pulls the sneaky (albeit genius) move of singing God Bless the USA last night. Maybe this hatred isn't so irrational, but why do I even care?
4. Carrabba'sI had a horrible experience ONCE at this restaurant and now I just make faces at the building and its stupid plant-covered roof every time I pass it. I'm sure the food isn't that bad.
There are probably more but my brain is clouded up from my stupid cold so I'm done.
Do you have anything you hate in an irrational way?
3.25.2008
Dumb Da-Dumb DUMB
Today was not a good day.
Exhibit A:
I stapled my finger.
That's right, I stapled my finger.
And now it hurts like hell and it is throbbing.
I Googled "staple finger" and apparently I am not the only idiot to ever do this. Here's some funny responses on Yahoo Answers to a question about whether or not this is a serious injury. They made me laugh a little. I am glad people have such expansive input about a stapled finger.
I mostly just felt DUMB.
Exhibit A:
I stapled my finger.
That's right, I stapled my finger.
And now it hurts like hell and it is throbbing.
I Googled "staple finger" and apparently I am not the only idiot to ever do this. Here's some funny responses on Yahoo Answers to a question about whether or not this is a serious injury. They made me laugh a little. I am glad people have such expansive input about a stapled finger.
I mostly just felt DUMB.
3.24.2008
Another Picoult Masterpiece
As promised, here's a quick review of Change of Heart, Jodi Picoult's latest novel in 100 words or less:Diving head first into controversial issues of prisoner rights, a new Messiah, organ donation and the death penalty, Jodi Picoult's latest novel does not disappoint. Her signature elements are in place—a touchy subject, landmark court case, multiple points of view and a boatload of conflicted characters. Change of Heart makes you wonder if miracles do happen as the story of Shay Bourne, a man on death row for a double murder conviction who wants to donate his heart to the dying sister of one of his victims, unfolds. The points of view switch suddenly, but it only adds to the drama and intensity of the story. A definitely must-read, especially for loyal Picoult fans.
Fine, that was 115 words. Whatever. *****
3.23.2008
Random 3: Sunday Edition
Three random things:
1. I am in the middle of rewatching the entire series of Arrested Development. I love it even more the second time--I get to catch all the little jokes and foreshadowing instead of just waiting to see what happens next. LOVE IT!
2. I finished reading Jodi Picoult's Change of Heart. Very Good--review coming soon. Now I'm reading Everyone Into the Pool by Beth Lisick, a recommendation (or at least one of many in her book tower) from Jenn over at Jennsylvania.com. Now that I have a job I don't waste all my time job searching (ha) and have time to read again!
3. These PostSecret secrets made me laugh out loud today:
Happy Easter!
1. I am in the middle of rewatching the entire series of Arrested Development. I love it even more the second time--I get to catch all the little jokes and foreshadowing instead of just waiting to see what happens next. LOVE IT!
2. I finished reading Jodi Picoult's Change of Heart. Very Good--review coming soon. Now I'm reading Everyone Into the Pool by Beth Lisick, a recommendation (or at least one of many in her book tower) from Jenn over at Jennsylvania.com. Now that I have a job I don't waste all my time job searching (ha) and have time to read again!
3. These PostSecret secrets made me laugh out loud today:
Happy Easter!
3.22.2008
Quickie Review: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Tonight we celebrated my new job with a movie followed by dinner and margaritas at Cactus Grill--yum.
There weren't a lot of movies to pick from, but we finally settled on Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Now this film isn't going to win any awards and it didn't have any deep meaning but I did enjoy it. It was just a silly fun movie that was perfect for my celebration event.
Amy Adams was absolutely adorable as Delysia LaFosse (aka Sarah Grubb we find out) and OH. MY. GOD. I LOVED LEE PACE IN THIS MOVIE. I love him in Pushing Daisies but with that British accent and that stubble, too? Too wonderful. The costumes were beautiful, the music was fun and I laughed a lot. ****
There weren't a lot of movies to pick from, but we finally settled on Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Now this film isn't going to win any awards and it didn't have any deep meaning but I did enjoy it. It was just a silly fun movie that was perfect for my celebration event.
Amy Adams was absolutely adorable as Delysia LaFosse (aka Sarah Grubb we find out) and OH. MY. GOD. I LOVED LEE PACE IN THIS MOVIE. I love him in Pushing Daisies but with that British accent and that stubble, too? Too wonderful. The costumes were beautiful, the music was fun and I laughed a lot. ****
3.21.2008
More Miss Guided
Today I watched both of last night's episodes of ABC's new show Miss Guided.
The verdict? I am still really liking it!
How cute was Ashton Kutcher as the dumb sub? Seriously he is pretty ridiculously good looking when he wants to be. Plus Chris Parnell was even better as the VP and how relevant was that episode about the school blog? That kid looked just like Perez Hilton. Hysterical.
I will definitely keep watching next week!
The verdict? I am still really liking it!
How cute was Ashton Kutcher as the dumb sub? Seriously he is pretty ridiculously good looking when he wants to be. Plus Chris Parnell was even better as the VP and how relevant was that episode about the school blog? That kid looked just like Perez Hilton. Hysterical.
I will definitely keep watching next week!
3.20.2008
Mamma Mia! Here I go again...
They released the full length trailer for Mamma Mia! It looks like another super fun summer musical event.
Hopefully I can refrain from standing up and waving my arms at the end like everybody did when I saw it at Mandalay Bay...
Hopefully I can refrain from standing up and waving my arms at the end like everybody did when I saw it at Mandalay Bay...
3.19.2008
NEWS
Totally Unrelated to Media But Totally Related to ME:
I totally thought I would end up subbing next year. Now I have an amazing job and it is totally surreal. I swear I am still in shock.
I
GOT
A
JOB!
GOT
A
JOB!
I totally thought I would end up subbing next year. Now I have an amazing job and it is totally surreal. I swear I am still in shock.
Premiere: MissGuided
In celebration of my teaching job offer last night (!!!), I watched the premiere of Miss Guided on ABC. Maybe it was just my excitement about my future working in a high school, but I actually liked it a lot!
EW. com wasn't so sure, and I see what they're saying, but I have enjoyed Judy Greer in supporting roles for such a long time (What Women Want, Jawbreaker, Arrested Development, etc. etc.) and am glad to see her finally get a leading part. Plus hello what future teacher doesn't dream of meeting a cute young guy teacher? And Chris Parnell is always hilarious. My one big complaint: what teacher/guidance counselor has enough time to get their hair so perfectly styled every day?
"No groping. No grinding."--the principal (priceless!)
I'm definitely tuning in next week. We'll see how it goes if I continue to watch it. I'll at least catch it on ABC.com if I miss it.
EW. com wasn't so sure, and I see what they're saying, but I have enjoyed Judy Greer in supporting roles for such a long time (What Women Want, Jawbreaker, Arrested Development, etc. etc.) and am glad to see her finally get a leading part. Plus hello what future teacher doesn't dream of meeting a cute young guy teacher? And Chris Parnell is always hilarious. My one big complaint: what teacher/guidance counselor has enough time to get their hair so perfectly styled every day?
"No groping. No grinding."--the principal (priceless!)
I'm definitely tuning in next week. We'll see how it goes if I continue to watch it. I'll at least catch it on ABC.com if I miss it.
3.18.2008
The Idol 11
I had nothing better to do tonight, so I sat around and watched American Idol for 17 hours. Maybe it was only 2 but it sure felt a lot longer.
Ohhhh boy did it feel longer.
They definitely, definitely should not have extended the Beatles theme to this week. Last week was amazing--great performances, great song choices, super entertainment. This week? Not so much.
David Archuleta (thankfully) made up for last week and was pretty amazing. Other than that? Nobody was too great. Syesha was much improved. I kind of liked Chickizie's performance and a few others were, well... okay.
I'm thinking Kristy Lee Cook is out for sure. Other thoughts?
Ohhhh boy did it feel longer.
They definitely, definitely should not have extended the Beatles theme to this week. Last week was amazing--great performances, great song choices, super entertainment. This week? Not so much.
David Archuleta (thankfully) made up for last week and was pretty amazing. Other than that? Nobody was too great. Syesha was much improved. I kind of liked Chickizie's performance and a few others were, well... okay.I'm thinking Kristy Lee Cook is out for sure. Other thoughts?
3.17.2008
St. Patty's Day Present
Happy St. Patrick's Day! It's a great holiday because, well, it's the perfect excuse to dress head to toe in my favorite color: green. I've been busy watching the first season of The Tudors again to catch up before the premiere on March 30. Well guess what? I don't have to wait until then to see it and neither do you.
Follow this link to watch the premiere before it officially airs on Showtime. What a fantastic St. Patty's day present for all of us!
3.16.2008
Sunday Secrets Again
It's getting to be a bit of a cop-out of a post, but I have nothing much to say since I'm spending my time today either a)preparing for job interviews or b)watching college basketball... go KU!
Post Secret Favorites from today's batch:
Ah so true
Post Secret Favorites from today's batch:
Ah so true
3.15.2008
No Day But Today!
I FINALLY SAW RENT TONIGHT.
I have watched the movie ten times at least, listened to the soundtrack a hundred times and know every word by heart, and watched dozens of clips on YouTube, but I had sadly never seen Rent on stage in person. Until tonight.
Tony bailed on me so I ended up going with my dad, who may have ruined it a bit with his "Who is that?" and "What did she say?" but it was still pretty darn amazing. The cast of the National Tour was very impressive--Roger was the guy who won some Australian/New Zealand Idol and he was great. Maureen was AWESOME. The seats were fantastic.
Unfortunately, the crowd was definitely lacking and the worst thing? They didn't give out Playbills! I have never been to a show without a Playbill--I keep them for every show I've ever seen. That was crap.
Despite all that, I loved every minute of it, and (as usual) wanted to see it again as soon as the final curtain went down. I can't believe it's leaving Broadway! Thank goodness for National Tours.
I have watched the movie ten times at least, listened to the soundtrack a hundred times and know every word by heart, and watched dozens of clips on YouTube, but I had sadly never seen Rent on stage in person. Until tonight.
Tony bailed on me so I ended up going with my dad, who may have ruined it a bit with his "Who is that?" and "What did she say?" but it was still pretty darn amazing. The cast of the National Tour was very impressive--Roger was the guy who won some Australian/New Zealand Idol and he was great. Maureen was AWESOME. The seats were fantastic.
Unfortunately, the crowd was definitely lacking and the worst thing? They didn't give out Playbills! I have never been to a show without a Playbill--I keep them for every show I've ever seen. That was crap.
Despite all that, I loved every minute of it, and (as usual) wanted to see it again as soon as the final curtain went down. I can't believe it's leaving Broadway! Thank goodness for National Tours.
3.14.2008
More on SATC: The Movie... Trailer
Hollywood Insider is reporting Sarah Jessica Parker's insight into the SATC: The Movie Trailer I was sort of upset about a few weeks ago.
She says that the trailer was made very purposely to show certain things out of context and may or may not have faked-out the viewers--in the least, it is totally open to interpretation. Which is awesome. I don't care if they mislead me as long as it means Steve doesn't cheat on Miranda!
May is getting closer and I am getting more and more excited for this movie!
She says that the trailer was made very purposely to show certain things out of context and may or may not have faked-out the viewers--in the least, it is totally open to interpretation. Which is awesome. I don't care if they mislead me as long as it means Steve doesn't cheat on Miranda!
May is getting closer and I am getting more and more excited for this movie!
3.13.2008
Current Read Acrostic
I stole this meme from Gretch-a-sketch:
"Write the first word in the title of the book you’re reading right now (if you’re reading several, please just choose one). Then format the first word so that the letters have a separate line (yes, you’re right: an acrostic poem type thing). Choose a phrase for each letter that describes the book. Characters, places, and even types of food is fine. It just has to be something from the book."
I am currently reading (among other things) Change of Heart, the new Jodi Picoult book. So far, by the way, it is awesome and totally classic Picoult.
Court case (court room, lawyers, judge, etc.)--it wouldn't be a Picoult novel without one
Heart failure: a little girl waiting for a transplant
A man on death row who can make miracles happen
Non-biased jury with a young priest on it
Grieving mother/wife whose daughter and husband are murdered
Entertainment Weekly says "Picoult delivers, book after book" and they're right
Only halfway done, but I'm lovin' it!
"Write the first word in the title of the book you’re reading right now (if you’re reading several, please just choose one). Then format the first word so that the letters have a separate line (yes, you’re right: an acrostic poem type thing). Choose a phrase for each letter that describes the book. Characters, places, and even types of food is fine. It just has to be something from the book."
I am currently reading (among other things) Change of Heart, the new Jodi Picoult book. So far, by the way, it is awesome and totally classic Picoult.
Court case (court room, lawyers, judge, etc.)--it wouldn't be a Picoult novel without one
Heart failure: a little girl waiting for a transplant
A man on death row who can make miracles happen
Non-biased jury with a young priest on it
Grieving mother/wife whose daughter and husband are murdered
Entertainment Weekly says "Picoult delivers, book after book" and they're right
Only halfway done, but I'm lovin' it!
3.12.2008
Top Chef Returns!
Top Chef: Chicago premiered tonight. How much did I love it? THIS MUCH!
Anyway despite having the longest (and therefore un-quickest) quick-fire challenge ever, it was an excellent first episode. I like the group that they have chosen, although they don't seem super exciting or dramatic. Maybe this season will echo Project Runway--boring but super talented people. I'm okay with that.
After the slow-fire challenge of creating deep dish pizza (in Chicago? Who woulda thunk?), the contestants were paired up for head-to-head competition cooking culinary classics. Classics may have been a bit of a stretch, but whatever Tom Collicchio (sp?) says, I believe. They had superstar chef celebrity Rocco Dispirito (I know--who?) as guest judge but no Gail! She better be back later this season.
Apart from a few missteps, the food seemed to be really well done. (See what I did there? A cooking joke!) I am excited to see what other tricks the guy who did the smoky crab cake has up his sleeve. This season should be fun!
Anyway despite having the longest (and therefore un-quickest) quick-fire challenge ever, it was an excellent first episode. I like the group that they have chosen, although they don't seem super exciting or dramatic. Maybe this season will echo Project Runway--boring but super talented people. I'm okay with that.After the slow-fire challenge of creating deep dish pizza (in Chicago? Who woulda thunk?), the contestants were paired up for head-to-head competition cooking culinary classics. Classics may have been a bit of a stretch, but whatever Tom Collicchio (sp?) says, I believe. They had superstar chef celebrity Rocco Dispirito (I know--who?) as guest judge but no Gail! She better be back later this season.
Apart from a few missteps, the food seemed to be really well done. (See what I did there? A cooking joke!) I am excited to see what other tricks the guy who did the smoky crab cake has up his sleeve. This season should be fun!
3.11.2008
BVNW Confidential Debut
Last night was the premiere of High School Confidential on WE (aka the show about girls at MY HIGH SCHOOL!)
Here's a little review from Gawker under the "Things We Actually Like" heading
I was freaked out for the first 10 minutes at least (I was basically freaked out the whole time but I got over it a little bit by 10pm when the credits rolled). I was like "I painted those stair rails purple!" and "I ate lunch in that atrium" etc. etc.
While watching it, I talked with my mom once and my sister several times. They may or may not have been freaking out, too. My sister knows like everyone in the show!
EVEN BIGGER NEWS: She was on the show! My sister! For like 2.5 seconds but she was there. She is afraid she'll be in it even more when they profile the girls she played soccer with.
The show, overall, is nothing special, but it's not bad. It's not quite as drama-filled as I thought it might be--more documentary style and not too stereotypical. Unlike the show's website which simply labels each girl, the show actually shows pretty broad coverage of their four years of high school and (at least for the first two girls) shows actual growth and maturation!
At my high school! I KNOW!
Here's a little review from Gawker under the "Things We Actually Like" heading
I was freaked out for the first 10 minutes at least (I was basically freaked out the whole time but I got over it a little bit by 10pm when the credits rolled). I was like "I painted those stair rails purple!" and "I ate lunch in that atrium" etc. etc.
While watching it, I talked with my mom once and my sister several times. They may or may not have been freaking out, too. My sister knows like everyone in the show!
EVEN BIGGER NEWS: She was on the show! My sister! For like 2.5 seconds but she was there. She is afraid she'll be in it even more when they profile the girls she played soccer with.
The show, overall, is nothing special, but it's not bad. It's not quite as drama-filled as I thought it might be--more documentary style and not too stereotypical. Unlike the show's website which simply labels each girl, the show actually shows pretty broad coverage of their four years of high school and (at least for the first two girls) shows actual growth and maturation!
At my high school! I KNOW!
3.10.2008
Quickie Review: Superstud
After the decade it took me to read The Other Boleyn Girl, I needed 
a lighter book for my next read. Superstud by Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks writer/creator) was the perfect choice.
I love memoirs, especially humorous ones like this book. It's basically a collection of short stories that all kind of tie together. So maybe it's not short stories as much as chapters that each have a distinct story but all connect chronologically. Whatever. Anyway it chronicles the failed attempts by Feig throughout his life to find romance in the, uh, physical sense. It made me laugh, it made me feel sad for him, it made me uncomfortable. It also made me feel a little better about my own social awkwardness--ha! Above all, it made me happy that I could enjoy it but also breeze through it in just a few hours of reading. I ordered another book from Amazon.com by Feig (Kick Me) and might read that one over Spring Break for some more fun.
Next up: A Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult!
a lighter book for my next read. Superstud by Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks writer/creator) was the perfect choice.I love memoirs, especially humorous ones like this book. It's basically a collection of short stories that all kind of tie together. So maybe it's not short stories as much as chapters that each have a distinct story but all connect chronologically. Whatever. Anyway it chronicles the failed attempts by Feig throughout his life to find romance in the, uh, physical sense. It made me laugh, it made me feel sad for him, it made me uncomfortable. It also made me feel a little better about my own social awkwardness--ha! Above all, it made me happy that I could enjoy it but also breeze through it in just a few hours of reading. I ordered another book from Amazon.com by Feig (Kick Me) and might read that one over Spring Break for some more fun.
Next up: A Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult!
3.09.2008
3.08.2008
A Game Too Good to Pass Up
I got this one over at You're Flawed if You're Not Free
- Pick 10 of your favorite movies.
- Go to IMDB or Wikiquote and find a quote from each movie.
- Post them here for everyone to guess.
- Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie.
- GUESSERS: Don’t cheat!
- Put your guesses in the comments section so everyone can see.
1. "Perhaps you chastised her too vehemently. Good rule of thumb: treat each of these girls as you would treat your mother."
2. "We got no food, no jobs... our PETS' HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!"
3. "Come on up here, Brenda. Brenda will be taking a leave of absence from the show. How long are you gonna be gone, Brenda?" "Just nine months."
4. "What is this, 1958? Give the little wife a blender?"
5. "I swear, you let me down and it'll take them a month to count the blade marks on your back."
6. "Well 'Sinead O'Rebellion.' Shock me shock me shock me with that deviant behavior. "
7. "By the way, it says BALLS on your face."
8. "I HATE Uncle Jamie!"
9. "From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry. "
10. "What we in the news business can never forget is that we are only as good as the stories we tell. "
- Pick 10 of your favorite movies.
- Go to IMDB or Wikiquote and find a quote from each movie.
- Post them here for everyone to guess.
- Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie.
- GUESSERS: Don’t cheat!
- Put your guesses in the comments section so everyone can see.
1. "Perhaps you chastised her too vehemently. Good rule of thumb: treat each of these girls as you would treat your mother."
2. "We got no food, no jobs... our PETS' HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!"
3. "Come on up here, Brenda. Brenda will be taking a leave of absence from the show. How long are you gonna be gone, Brenda?" "Just nine months."
4. "What is this, 1958? Give the little wife a blender?"
5. "I swear, you let me down and it'll take them a month to count the blade marks on your back."
6. "Well 'Sinead O'Rebellion.' Shock me shock me shock me with that deviant behavior. "
7. "By the way, it says BALLS on your face."
8. "I HATE Uncle Jamie!"
9. "From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry. "
10. "What we in the news business can never forget is that we are only as good as the stories we tell. "
Sad But True
3.07.2008
Across the Universe
I watched Across the Universe again tonight. I loved it in the theater and the soundtrack is a staple in my 3-hour drive home play list. The songs are so much fun, the visual stuff is awesome, and even though sometimes the plot ties between songs are a little weak, it all works somehow. I got it from Netflix, but I'm thinking I may need to purchase it soon so I can pop it in when I feel like a good dose of "Let it Be," "Hey Jude" or "Across the Universe."
Here's a little taste of the movie in case you haven't seen it, featuring one of my favorite songs, "Falling"...
Here's a little taste of the movie in case you haven't seen it, featuring one of my favorite songs, "Falling"...
3.06.2008
Quickie Review: Into The Wild
I finally got to watch Into the Wild this week. I meant to see it in the theater but never quite got around to it. It was at the top of my Netflix queue for its release this week and I am definitely glad I finally watched it!The whole thing was really beautiful--the scenery, the cinematography, the music... and especially Emile Hirsch! Ha. I was surprised at all the small parts played by well-known actors like Vince Vaughn and Catherine Keener, but I guess it was directed by Sean Penn after all. I would have really loved it if the Chris McCandless/Alexander Supertramp character wouldn't have totally reminded me of the creep who has brainwashed my cousin and gotten her pregnant--he doesn't "believe" in money or jobs either. Ick. One big question: he was great but how the heck did Hal Holbrook get an Oscar nod for that role? He was in the movie for like 1.2 seconds! I guess they gave it to Judi Dench for her 4-minute role in Shakespeare in Love. Whatever. Definitely check this out--they did the book justice. Oh, oh and I loved seeing a picture of the real guy at the end! Why does it make me so happy when movies do that? ****
3.05.2008
Project Runway Finale
"As you know, only one of you can be the winner of Project Runway..." -Heidi Klum
I watched the runway shows and even though they were all great, I love Love LOVED Rami's! It was beautifully constructed, beautifully colored and showed a whole new side of him beyond Mr. I-Love-Draping.
Rami should win. He gets my vote. I will update in 10 minutes.
UPDATE:
Boo Christian won. Actually not boo--his collection was pretty awesome. He makes amazing clothes. I just loved Rami's. I'm sure he'll still do super well any way. Christian needed that money--he's only 21 for crying out loud! Congratulations to all three of them--all three collections were actually ver impressive.
I totally thought Christian and Rami would be in the finale from the very first episode. I should have put that on here for proof. I swear I did though! Oh and is it me or was this season like the nicest ever? No petty catfights or anyone I felt like was only on the show for good TV rather than good designing. Thumbs up to you, Bravo, for an amazing season of Project Runway. I will miss you!
Next stop: New season of Top Chef (CHICAGO!) starting next Wednesday!!!
I watched the runway shows and even though they were all great, I love Love LOVED Rami's! It was beautifully constructed, beautifully colored and showed a whole new side of him beyond Mr. I-Love-Draping.
Rami should win. He gets my vote. I will update in 10 minutes.
UPDATE:
Boo Christian won. Actually not boo--his collection was pretty awesome. He makes amazing clothes. I just loved Rami's. I'm sure he'll still do super well any way. Christian needed that money--he's only 21 for crying out loud! Congratulations to all three of them--all three collections were actually ver impressive.
I totally thought Christian and Rami would be in the finale from the very first episode. I should have put that on here for proof. I swear I did though! Oh and is it me or was this season like the nicest ever? No petty catfights or anyone I felt like was only on the show for good TV rather than good designing. Thumbs up to you, Bravo, for an amazing season of Project Runway. I will miss you!
Next stop: New season of Top Chef (CHICAGO!) starting next Wednesday!!!
3.04.2008
Giving Memoirs a Bad Name
Okay so another author went all "James Frey" on us and totally faked her memoir. Great. Way to crap all over my favorite genre, Margaret B. Jones.
Here's the report on Slate, as they ask how it is that editors are so bad at spotting these memoirs now that another one has been publicly exposed as fiction. And really, how can they? Are they supposed to fact-check everything that someone remembers? Are they supposed to call the gang members this girl claimed to know and see if they actually knew her? Maybe not. It might have been good to at least double-check to see if James Frey spent two months in jail. Police records are public knowledge. Maybe then they'd see he only spent three hours there.
DESPITE ALL THIS...
My big question is: who really cares? I mean, no, it isn't fair to people who actually did live totally screwed up lives and end up writing about them, but is genre really all that important? Is it bad enough to recall books and cancel a book tour, like what happened to this Margaret Jones woman? Personally, I loved James Frey's books. When I found out it wasn't all true, it didn't make me want to throw A Million Little Pieces out the window. It made me want to read it again.
Thoughts?
Here's the report on Slate, as they ask how it is that editors are so bad at spotting these memoirs now that another one has been publicly exposed as fiction. And really, how can they? Are they supposed to fact-check everything that someone remembers? Are they supposed to call the gang members this girl claimed to know and see if they actually knew her? Maybe not. It might have been good to at least double-check to see if James Frey spent two months in jail. Police records are public knowledge. Maybe then they'd see he only spent three hours there.
DESPITE ALL THIS...
My big question is: who really cares? I mean, no, it isn't fair to people who actually did live totally screwed up lives and end up writing about them, but is genre really all that important? Is it bad enough to recall books and cancel a book tour, like what happened to this Margaret Jones woman? Personally, I loved James Frey's books. When I found out it wasn't all true, it didn't make me want to throw A Million Little Pieces out the window. It made me want to read it again.
Thoughts?
3.03.2008
Shoot me, it's the morning news
I thought when I started teaching that one plus about getting up so early would be getting to watch The Today Show or Good Morning America as I get ready.
Apparently, those shows are for people who go to work much later in the day. I leave before those shows even start. Unfortunately, this means I have to suffer through the morning news.
I thought I liked news. I was wrong. I like EVENING news. Morning news is like cats screeching in your ear as you get squashed by a giant boulder. Especially in Des Moines. I like female anchors, but these women are full of fluff and they just annoy the crap out of me at 6:15am. Even the meteorologist makes me want to throw my cereal at the TV.
Maybe they will move back the time school starts so I don't have to suffer through morning news anymore. I'm sure my TV watching preferences have that much pull. Right.
Apparently, those shows are for people who go to work much later in the day. I leave before those shows even start. Unfortunately, this means I have to suffer through the morning news.
I thought I liked news. I was wrong. I like EVENING news. Morning news is like cats screeching in your ear as you get squashed by a giant boulder. Especially in Des Moines. I like female anchors, but these women are full of fluff and they just annoy the crap out of me at 6:15am. Even the meteorologist makes me want to throw my cereal at the TV.
Maybe they will move back the time school starts so I don't have to suffer through morning news anymore. I'm sure my TV watching preferences have that much pull. Right.
3.02.2008
Flashback via TBS
Two times today I randomly turned on TBS and gasped with delight.
The first time, it was Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. I used to watch this movie once a week. Watching it now, I'm not quite sure why, but I loved it. I had the entire thing memorized. Turns out--I still do.
Thinking nothing could top that, I surfed channels later in the day and landed on TBS yet again. I could barely contain myself--it was Dumb and Dumber. Apparently they were having a Jim-Carrey's-early-career-goofy-movies-I-was-once-obsessed-with marathon. I might have loved Ace Ventura, but I LOOOOOVED Dumb and Dumber. I could recite the entire movie right here, right now if you wanted me to. But I'm sure you don't, so I won't. Believe me, though, I totally could. And sing all the music in the background. And let you know that the soundtrack to this movie was one of the first CDs I ever bought. But I won't gush any more.
Let's just say even though I only watched about 30 minutes of TV today, it totally made my day. Thank you, TBS, for that flashback to my elementary/middle school days of Ace Ventura, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunn. Good Lord my life is pretty sad when crappy movies on TV make my day!
The first time, it was Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. I used to watch this movie once a week. Watching it now, I'm not quite sure why, but I loved it. I had the entire thing memorized. Turns out--I still do.
Thinking nothing could top that, I surfed channels later in the day and landed on TBS yet again. I could barely contain myself--it was Dumb and Dumber. Apparently they were having a Jim-Carrey's-early-career-goofy-movies-I-was-once-obsessed-with marathon. I might have loved Ace Ventura, but I LOOOOOVED Dumb and Dumber. I could recite the entire movie right here, right now if you wanted me to. But I'm sure you don't, so I won't. Believe me, though, I totally could. And sing all the music in the background. And let you know that the soundtrack to this movie was one of the first CDs I ever bought. But I won't gush any more.
Let's just say even though I only watched about 30 minutes of TV today, it totally made my day. Thank you, TBS, for that flashback to my elementary/middle school days of Ace Ventura, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunn. Good Lord my life is pretty sad when crappy movies on TV make my day!
3.01.2008
Busy Busy Bee
I am super busy this weekend with Siblings Weekend. I've been spending my time sitting and giving out t-shirts and meal tickets, eating way too much snacky junk food (hello popcorn machine and Hawaiian pizza, etc.), playing far too many little games and laughing a whole lot.
While I run around hoping not to get called about a sibling going to the hospital, I'll leave you with this little gem today. Last night Tony and Chad made me watch MXC on Spike TV. It may be the most ridiculous show on television. Enjoy:
While I run around hoping not to get called about a sibling going to the hospital, I'll leave you with this little gem today. Last night Tony and Chad made me watch MXC on Spike TV. It may be the most ridiculous show on television. Enjoy:
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