This is why I oppose the war.
1.30.2007
1.29.2007
The following takes place between 4:00 P.M. and 1:00 A.M.
I watched 10 episodes of 24 (season 5) on Saturday. Ten! My only regret is that I didn't have disc 6 - I would have stayed up watching all night, it was that good. Season 5, for me, is their best season yet - tight writing, really great acting and some crazy suspense. Even the music is amazing.
Netflix should have my returns by tomorrow and I should have the season finished by the end of the weekend. After that, Season 6, here I come!
Latest on the Kitchen Project
The tile backsplash is almost finished! They're putting up the remainder of the tile and then laying the grout today.
1.26.2007
La Cocina.
You can see the TV from the kitchen now! The hole's been trimmed and the sheetrock is up, the knobs and drawer pulls are on and the new dishwasher is installed and running.
Here are a couple of detail shots of the knobs and drawer pulls:
More pictures either tonight tomorrow...
1.25.2007
Idol: "Ask one of my therapists."
I think half of last night's auditioners needed some serious therapy. Some were just sad but there were plenty of drama queens, too. Drama queens that bordered on psychotic, actually.
Last night's show, from New York, was 2 hours long and an affirmation for me that 2 hours is WAY TOO LONG. Too much time for the weirdos, in my opinion. I would much rather see a one hour show, like Memphis, that highlights the serious auditions and shows the weirdos in a short montage. I can dream.
OK, a quick, random roundup :
What the heck is Joan Collins doing on American Idol?!
Why didn't one of attention-whore Ian Benardo's two therapists prevent him from auditioning?
At first I thought that Sarah Burgess, the girl who ran away to NY in defiance of her father, was totally faking it. By the end of her segment, however, she had me convinced.
The left door is still locked! Hee!
I think I hate Ashanti. That was an audition for a soap opera. She was so full of it.
Brain surgeons Amanda and Antonella both make it to Hollywood, where these BFFs will probably part ways. The dark-haired girl (I'm not sure which is which) has more natural talent, I think.
After his rejection, harmonica-player and slightly off-kilter Clifton Biddle says, "I got shot down like an F-150." Isn't that a truck?
The only CT native to audition thus far and it has to be William Van Stone, the vaguely male female (or vice versa) from Milford, CT. Figures.
Kia Thornton is very good.
If Henry/Henri wasn't as gorgeous as he was, I don't think he would have made it through.
Poor, irrepressible Nakia. American Idol broke her. I guess she's repressible now.
Sarah Goldberg, the girl who couldn't sing but thought that it would be a novel idea if she won the competition (and I suppose it would), was downright scary.
Name-dropper Jory from Canada was good, but there's something about her I didn't like.
The woman with the extremely low-rider jeans can probably rock out, but she kind of scares me. Even if she doesn't make it past the first round, at least she got a rockin' bod out of the deal.
How do you spell Isadora? O-D-D. The girl is a clairvoyant - she should have seen it coming.
So we got 35 Hollywood-bound contestants from New York. The most from any city so far.
Next week - Birmingham, Alabama. Question: Is Birmingham the last night of auditions?
Last night's show, from New York, was 2 hours long and an affirmation for me that 2 hours is WAY TOO LONG. Too much time for the weirdos, in my opinion. I would much rather see a one hour show, like Memphis, that highlights the serious auditions and shows the weirdos in a short montage. I can dream.
OK, a quick, random roundup :
What the heck is Joan Collins doing on American Idol?!
Why didn't one of attention-whore Ian Benardo's two therapists prevent him from auditioning?
At first I thought that Sarah Burgess, the girl who ran away to NY in defiance of her father, was totally faking it. By the end of her segment, however, she had me convinced.
The left door is still locked! Hee!
I think I hate Ashanti. That was an audition for a soap opera. She was so full of it.
Brain surgeons Amanda and Antonella both make it to Hollywood, where these BFFs will probably part ways. The dark-haired girl (I'm not sure which is which) has more natural talent, I think.
After his rejection, harmonica-player and slightly off-kilter Clifton Biddle says, "I got shot down like an F-150." Isn't that a truck?
The only CT native to audition thus far and it has to be William Van Stone, the vaguely male female (or vice versa) from Milford, CT. Figures.
Kia Thornton is very good.
If Henry/Henri wasn't as gorgeous as he was, I don't think he would have made it through.
Poor, irrepressible Nakia. American Idol broke her. I guess she's repressible now.
Sarah Goldberg, the girl who couldn't sing but thought that it would be a novel idea if she won the competition (and I suppose it would), was downright scary.
Name-dropper Jory from Canada was good, but there's something about her I didn't like.
The woman with the extremely low-rider jeans can probably rock out, but she kind of scares me. Even if she doesn't make it past the first round, at least she got a rockin' bod out of the deal.
How do you spell Isadora? O-D-D. The girl is a clairvoyant - she should have seen it coming.
So we got 35 Hollywood-bound contestants from New York. The most from any city so far.
Next week - Birmingham, Alabama. Question: Is Birmingham the last night of auditions?
There's a Home for Homophobes?
'Grey's' Isaiah Washington Going to Rehab: "Washington is just the latest in a string of celebrities and politicians who have sought psychological or addiction treatment following public scandals...Do all of these people need rehab, or are they using it as an excuse for bad behavior? "
Guess what I think. Imagine if every idiot in Hollywood had to go to rehab whenever he did or said something stupid - Jack Nicholson would have been locked up for good. I always find it refreshing when one of them breaks out of the publicist's bubble and does something really stupid. Hollywood is a lot more interesting with the whackjobs than without them, don't you think?
Guess what I think. Imagine if every idiot in Hollywood had to go to rehab whenever he did or said something stupid - Jack Nicholson would have been locked up for good. I always find it refreshing when one of them breaks out of the publicist's bubble and does something really stupid. Hollywood is a lot more interesting with the whackjobs than without them, don't you think?
1.23.2007
Idol: Hunk 'o Burnin' Love
Last night's auditions came to us from Memphis and because of the State of the Union address it was short and sweet and that kind of made me happy. Because they had to squeeze two days into one hour, I think they had to leave out the 15 minute segments devoted to the whackjobs, and that was nice. Only one Elvis freak, but at least he didn't wear the costume and politely accepted his rejection.
The "performer" who made me laugh out loud was Miss "Confidentiality", whose breasts were about to ignite a Disco Inferno of their own, what with all the crazy bouncy friction that was going on.
And speaking of boobs, did you notice Simon's gigantic man-boobs?? Geez, that guy's got bigger breasts than me, and that's saying something.
Memphis gave us 22 potential Idols, more than Seattle or Minneapolis. Notable among them were a Castro look-alike who I foresee being this season's Elliot and a cute blonde who had a surprisingly bluesy voice but who I see out of the competition early on.
By far the best of the night, though, was Sundance Head. Dude was unbelievable. I thought' Simon's "blew Taylor out of the park" wasn't really necessary since they're not in the same competition, but you know what? He did. If he's the only person from Memphis who makes it to the top 12, it will have been worth the trip.
Tonight: New York City. And back to 2 hours.
The "performer" who made me laugh out loud was Miss "Confidentiality", whose breasts were about to ignite a Disco Inferno of their own, what with all the crazy bouncy friction that was going on.
And speaking of boobs, did you notice Simon's gigantic man-boobs?? Geez, that guy's got bigger breasts than me, and that's saying something.
Memphis gave us 22 potential Idols, more than Seattle or Minneapolis. Notable among them were a Castro look-alike who I foresee being this season's Elliot and a cute blonde who had a surprisingly bluesy voice but who I see out of the competition early on.
By far the best of the night, though, was Sundance Head. Dude was unbelievable. I thought' Simon's "blew Taylor out of the park" wasn't really necessary since they're not in the same competition, but you know what? He did. If he's the only person from Memphis who makes it to the top 12, it will have been worth the trip.
Tonight: New York City. And back to 2 hours.
Veronica Mars returns tonight!
God, I don't think I'm ever going to catch up with my DVR...Veronica Mars comes back tonight at 9:00 on the CW - don't forget!
Sad Little Fat Man
We watched the first three episodes of HBO's Extras last night. The first one, with Orlando Bloom, was just alright, but they got funnier as they went along.The best part of the second episode, by far, was David Bowie writing a new song on the spot after hearing Andy's sob story about selling out for his new "shitcom" on the BBC:
"The little man who sold his soul...sold his dreams
The clown that no one laughs at...
He sold his soul for a shot of fame
Catchphrase and wig and the jokes are lame
He's got no style and he's got no grace
He's banal and facile...
The little fat man with the pug nose..."
We were able to see the third episode because HBO puts them up On Demand a week before they air, which was awesome. If you haven't seen Extras, this is the one to watch: Harry Potter hits on every woman on the set, Andy kicks dwarf Warwick Davis, and Diana Rigg ends up with a condom on her head. Now, I ask you, what more could you ask for in a half hour show? It's on HBO OnDemand right now and will have its first airing on HBO on this Sunday night at 10:00 P.M.
1.21.2007
Kitchen
This is the tile we are using for the backsplash and the wall surrounding the window. It comes in 12" square sheets that you can cut to fit. I love it.
All fo the cabinets have been installed around the fridge:
And we have running water!
Not bad, considering the job was started just a week ago. Now we just have to make sure it gets finshed!
TV Talk - Reminders
Battlestar Galactica returns to SciFi tonight, at 10:0 P.M. And Heroes starts up again tomorrow night at 9:00 P.M. Woohoo!
Also noteworthy: A new telling of Jane Eyre is on PBS's Masterpiece Theater tonight, too. Check your local listings and set your DVR.
Also noteworthy: A new telling of Jane Eyre is on PBS's Masterpiece Theater tonight, too. Check your local listings and set your DVR.
1.18.2007
Idol: The Circus Comes to Town
If last night's show was any indication of what to expect from the rest of the season, we are in for a very, very long and bumpy (carnival) ride. This set of auditions took place in Seattle which, according to what I saw last night, is the place where all the weirdos congregate. And perhaps they do, but I'm sorry, this group was more than just weird - I'm talking mental retardation and genetic deformities, here.
I'm usually in line with Simon's thinking, but I thought he was unnecessarily mean to the boy with the bulging eyes. He didn't have to call him a "bush baby" to get his point across, you know? He was, however, much nicer to the kid's new friend, who was clearly retarded.
And what was with the software developer dude from "the vincity of Salt Lake City", who massacred "Unchained Melody"?? What was going on with his eyes? He had the most vacant look on his face. And they let him go on forever. I swear they spent 45 minutes on that guy.
Even the few people who made it through to Hollywood were a bit odd, like the girl who is 6'7"!
Gosh, I can hardly recall the ones who did make it through...I remember the kid with the fro, who worked at the gas station; and Rudy, the guy who sang the Journey song. Oh, and the 16-year-old girl from Arizona. And that's it.
By far the most memorable person of the evening, for me, was Misha, the student and "writer" with the white blonde hair, gold satin shirt and pendulous, unrestrained breasts. Watching her sing the Pussycat Dolls' "Don'tcha" was about as trippy an experience I have ever had. She's the kind of weirdo I enjoy watching.
So, we made it through the first week. Barely. Next show: Memphis Auditions, Tuesday Jan 23 at 8:00 PM. Bring on the Elvis freaks.
I'm usually in line with Simon's thinking, but I thought he was unnecessarily mean to the boy with the bulging eyes. He didn't have to call him a "bush baby" to get his point across, you know? He was, however, much nicer to the kid's new friend, who was clearly retarded.
And what was with the software developer dude from "the vincity of Salt Lake City", who massacred "Unchained Melody"?? What was going on with his eyes? He had the most vacant look on his face. And they let him go on forever. I swear they spent 45 minutes on that guy.
Even the few people who made it through to Hollywood were a bit odd, like the girl who is 6'7"!
Gosh, I can hardly recall the ones who did make it through...I remember the kid with the fro, who worked at the gas station; and Rudy, the guy who sang the Journey song. Oh, and the 16-year-old girl from Arizona. And that's it.
By far the most memorable person of the evening, for me, was Misha, the student and "writer" with the white blonde hair, gold satin shirt and pendulous, unrestrained breasts. Watching her sing the Pussycat Dolls' "Don'tcha" was about as trippy an experience I have ever had. She's the kind of weirdo I enjoy watching.
So, we made it through the first week. Barely. Next show: Memphis Auditions, Tuesday Jan 23 at 8:00 PM. Bring on the Elvis freaks.
1.17.2007
Idol: Walking Into Doors and Forgetting to Write Down Names
First stop: Minneapolis and 2 hours that were almost completely devoid of talent. Out of 10,000 people, only seventeen were sent on to Hollywood.
I liked the girl who had been a crack baby...and that's about it.
The Shakira girl was pretty good, but I can see her personality wearing thin really fast.
The last girl, with the long, curly hair, had a really good voice, but she was sort of lacking any, I don't know, human quality. I think she may have been a robot.
The absolute best part of the night: people walking into the door on the way out of the audition room.
Tonight: Seattle and what looks to be the bottom of the genetic barrel.
Wait! Wait! I can't believe I forgot about the girl I liked the most - the one who works in her family's auto body shop, is in the Army Reserve and whose husband is in Baghdad? I loved her voice and thought she had a great personality.
OK, I think that's it.
I liked the girl who had been a crack baby...and that's about it.
The Shakira girl was pretty good, but I can see her personality wearing thin really fast.
The last girl, with the long, curly hair, had a really good voice, but she was sort of lacking any, I don't know, human quality. I think she may have been a robot.
The absolute best part of the night: people walking into the door on the way out of the audition room.
Tonight: Seattle and what looks to be the bottom of the genetic barrel.
Wait! Wait! I can't believe I forgot about the girl I liked the most - the one who works in her family's auto body shop, is in the Army Reserve and whose husband is in Baghdad? I loved her voice and thought she had a great personality.
OK, I think that's it.
1.16.2007
The Globes
I am no fan of award shows, but I was a captive audience last night. Confined to Sheila's room while the renovation is done, I was at the mercy of her TV whims. Just a couple of thoughts:
I thought Hugh Laurie's acceptance speech was fantastic. The same goes for Meryl Streep.
I thought Warren Beatty was an a$$, and Tom Hanks' intro to his special award was BORING and disappointing.
Helen Mirren looked gorgeous.
Forest Whitaker almost made me cry.
And Jack Nicholson actually made me laugh out loud when he noticed the camera on him and stopped laughing with his tablemates and put on a very serious face. And his hair made him look like a baby orangutan.
I thought Hugh Laurie's acceptance speech was fantastic. The same goes for Meryl Streep.
I thought Warren Beatty was an a$$, and Tom Hanks' intro to his special award was BORING and disappointing.
Helen Mirren looked gorgeous.
Forest Whitaker almost made me cry.
And Jack Nicholson actually made me laugh out loud when he noticed the camera on him and stopped laughing with his tablemates and put on a very serious face. And his hair made him look like a baby orangutan.
TV Talk - Are You Ready For It?
American Idol is back. Season 6 begins tonight on FOX at 8:00 PM and my life will be held hostage from that point until May, I just know it. The show is 2 hours long and continues tomorrow night at the same time with another 2-hour episode. Bring it on!
A quick side note...I haven't watched 24 yet, but it's on my DVR. Once I get my living room back, we'll be in business. More to come on that.
A quick side note...I haven't watched 24 yet, but it's on my DVR. Once I get my living room back, we'll be in business. More to come on that.
It's actually starting to look like a kitchen!
And we are loving it.
The small cabinet on the counter is going over the fridge.
Don't forget to check back for more photos! We may actually have a sink tonight!
1.15.2007
More progress in the kitchen.
A second set of cabinets have been hung, the old sink has been removed, the radiator in front of the cabinets has been removed and the hole in the wall has been framed out:
Here's the view from the living room:
Check back later for the latest photos!
1.14.2007
TV Talk
Don't forget:
24 returns for its 6th season tonight in a 2-hour season premiere on FOX at 8:00 PM! The show continues with another 2-hour episode tomorrow night .
Also, Ricky Gervais' (of the BBC's The Office) hilarious HBO show Extras returns tonight as well, with an appearance by the dreamy Orlando Bloom.
24 returns for its 6th season tonight in a 2-hour season premiere on FOX at 8:00 PM! The show continues with another 2-hour episode tomorrow night .
Also, Ricky Gervais' (of the BBC's The Office) hilarious HBO show Extras returns tonight as well, with an appearance by the dreamy Orlando Bloom.
They started!
We're into our second day of work and things are moving along. So far, we have a couple of cabinets hung and a big hole in the wall!
Right now they're working on rerouting the radiator pipes that were in front of the sink and terminating some electrical outlets under the new hole.
More photos to come!
1.13.2007
1.12.2007
Canaries in a coal mine?
Officials flap as birds fall from sky: "Around 5,000 birds have been found dead in Esperance, Western Australia, since mid-December, according to Nigel Higgs, spokesman for the state's Department of Environment and Conservation."
Alright what the heck is going on?
Alright what the heck is going on?
1.10.2007
This Old Kitchen
Alright, so we've gotten as far as ripping out the old cabinets, countertop and backsplash. The photo above is obviously a "before" shot. So very green, isn't it?
Here's what it looked like afterward:
Here's another "before" at a different angle:
And the "after":
Pretty, huh? The top half of the wall behind the stove will be knocked out, leaving a half wall that looks into the living room. We'll have to keep a post along the door frame because it's a load-bearing wall, but I think it will still make the space feel so much bigger.
The new cabinets are being delivered first thing tomorrow morning, and work begins this weekend. More photos to come!
1.08.2007
Freaky!
Austin shuts downtown after dead birds discovered: "As many as 60 dead pigeons, sparrows and grackles were found overnight along Congress Avenue, a main route through downtown. No human injuries or illnesses were reported."
Can you imagine walking out the door and seeing all of those dead birds lying around? *shudder* Authorities say there were no poisons or harmful gases or chemicals in the air and they are still investigating the cause. Has anyone checked on birds in NY?
Can you imagine walking out the door and seeing all of those dead birds lying around? *shudder* Authorities say there were no poisons or harmful gases or chemicals in the air and they are still investigating the cause. Has anyone checked on birds in NY?
Busy busy busy...
Just peeking my head in for a moment. We've begun the kitchen renovation - we did the demo on Saturday - and I'll post some "before and after" photos when I get home tonight. What a job that was - thanks to Adrienne, Ronnie and Tommy for coming over and lending a hand. Sheila and I would still be trying to get that first cabinet off the wall (and quietly weeping) if it wasn't for you guys.
The bulk of the installation and remodel is going to be done this weekend (hopefully!), and I'll be chronicling that in pictures for you, too.
The other project I was hoping to work on this past weekend was the move to the new Blogger, which is now out of beta. Unfortunately (or fortunately, who knows), I'm still unable to switch over because of the size of this blog. Can you believe I have over 3,500 posts!! Amazing. I guess Blogger isn't ready to convert the older, bigger blogs yet.
Anyway, once I do make the switchover, one of the improvements I'm looking forward to will be the ability to label and categorize posts, making them much easier for you guys to search and read. I don't think I'll be able to make the change retroactive, though. I'd love to be able to label all of my old American Idol or LOST posts so I can keep the "body of work" together, but as far as I can tell, that won't be possible. I think it's only a "going forward" sort of deal.
Anyway, things are still very busy at work and now they're picking up at home. If I'm missing in action for a day or two, don't worry, I'll be coming up for air soon enough.
Have a good day!
The bulk of the installation and remodel is going to be done this weekend (hopefully!), and I'll be chronicling that in pictures for you, too.
The other project I was hoping to work on this past weekend was the move to the new Blogger, which is now out of beta. Unfortunately (or fortunately, who knows), I'm still unable to switch over because of the size of this blog. Can you believe I have over 3,500 posts!! Amazing. I guess Blogger isn't ready to convert the older, bigger blogs yet.
Anyway, once I do make the switchover, one of the improvements I'm looking forward to will be the ability to label and categorize posts, making them much easier for you guys to search and read. I don't think I'll be able to make the change retroactive, though. I'd love to be able to label all of my old American Idol or LOST posts so I can keep the "body of work" together, but as far as I can tell, that won't be possible. I think it's only a "going forward" sort of deal.
Anyway, things are still very busy at work and now they're picking up at home. If I'm missing in action for a day or two, don't worry, I'll be coming up for air soon enough.
Have a good day!
1.04.2007
Get pumped for the return of 24!
'24' gets the 'True Hollywood Story' treatment : "The “ETHS” is more or less a cheerful clip job, with new and old interviews with various “24” folks cobbled together. There’s a lot on Kiefer Sutherland’s pre-“24” career, and interviews with various Fox executives and “24” producers, who talk about how nervous they were to hire the actor."
It airs on Saturday, January 13 at 5:00 P.M.
1.03.2007
Drive Thru Reviews
Mission Impossible III - I know, I said I would never watch another Tom Crusazy movie again, but I couldn't help myself - I love JJ Abrahams (the man behind Alias and LOST) and Sheila said it was good, so I rented it. And you know what? It was really good. Like the best Alias episode ever, but on steroids. And there are no man-bangs in sight.
Nanny McPhee - This was so good! I had no idea of what to expect and was pleasantly surprised to find a really sweet, whimsical movie that an adult can enjoy as well as a child. And the cast is filled with formidable and familiar Brits: Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Derek Jacobi, Imelda Staunton, Angela Lansbury and that adorable little boy from "Love, Actually". The story's told with a magical sweetness, yet still has a sense of reality about it. Oh, and the kids are really cute. See it if you can.
Nanny McPhee - This was so good! I had no idea of what to expect and was pleasantly surprised to find a really sweet, whimsical movie that an adult can enjoy as well as a child. And the cast is filled with formidable and familiar Brits: Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Derek Jacobi, Imelda Staunton, Angela Lansbury and that adorable little boy from "Love, Actually". The story's told with a magical sweetness, yet still has a sense of reality about it. Oh, and the kids are really cute. See it if you can.
A Selfless Act
A Man Down, a Train Arriving, and a Stranger Makes a Choice: "Five cars rolled overhead before the train stopped, the cars passing inches from his head, smudging his blue knit cap with grease. Mr. Autrey heard onlookers’ screams. “We’re O.K. down here,” he yelled, “but I’ve got two daughters up there. Let them know their father’s O.K.” He heard cries of wonder, and applause."
1.02.2007
TV Talk - Mark Your Calendar and Set Your Tivos!
The long holiday hiatus is finally over, and that means that all of my (and possibly your) favorite shows are returning to completely take over my life.
Here's a quick list of the shows and the dates and times when they'll be returning:
24 - (FOX) Jack is back! Season 6 starts with a 4-hour premiere airing in two 2-hour parts on Sunday, Jan 14 and Monday, Jan 15. As with prior seasons, the show will air with a new episode every week, with no repeats, until the season ends some time in May.
American Idol - (FOX) I will once again get sucked into the new season when it also premieres with a 4-hour, 2-parter that will air on Tuesday, Jan 16 and Wednesday, Jan 17 at 8:00 PM EST.
Battlestar Galactica - (SciFi) BSG moves to Sunday nights at 10:00 PM EST when the second half of the third season premieres on Sunday, January 21.
Heroes - (NBC) Returns on Monday, Jan 22, at 9:00 PM. Are you on the list?
Veronica Mars - (CW) Veronica starts work on solving the mystery of the Dean's murder when the show returns on Tuesday, Jan 23 at 9:00 PM EST.
LOST - (ABC) Will Sawyer die? Will Kate get away? Will Jack let Benry die? Will I ever get that recap of the last LOST episode done? All of these answers and more are waiting for you when LOST returns for 16 straight weeks of new episodes on Wednesday, February 7 at 10:00 PM EST. Make sure you remember that ABC moved the show to the later timeslot!
Here's a quick list of the shows and the dates and times when they'll be returning:
24 - (FOX) Jack is back! Season 6 starts with a 4-hour premiere airing in two 2-hour parts on Sunday, Jan 14 and Monday, Jan 15. As with prior seasons, the show will air with a new episode every week, with no repeats, until the season ends some time in May.
American Idol - (FOX) I will once again get sucked into the new season when it also premieres with a 4-hour, 2-parter that will air on Tuesday, Jan 16 and Wednesday, Jan 17 at 8:00 PM EST.
Battlestar Galactica - (SciFi) BSG moves to Sunday nights at 10:00 PM EST when the second half of the third season premieres on Sunday, January 21.
Heroes - (NBC) Returns on Monday, Jan 22, at 9:00 PM. Are you on the list?
Veronica Mars - (CW) Veronica starts work on solving the mystery of the Dean's murder when the show returns on Tuesday, Jan 23 at 9:00 PM EST.
LOST - (ABC) Will Sawyer die? Will Kate get away? Will Jack let Benry die? Will I ever get that recap of the last LOST episode done? All of these answers and more are waiting for you when LOST returns for 16 straight weeks of new episodes on Wednesday, February 7 at 10:00 PM EST. Make sure you remember that ABC moved the show to the later timeslot!
1.01.2007
Cheers!
And so we've come to the end of another year. Thanks to everyone, to the new readers and the old, for making what I do here worthwhile. I hope to be able to keep you coming back for more in 2007!
May your new year be a happy and prosperous one, filled with love and peace. Happy New Year!
May your new year be a happy and prosperous one, filled with love and peace. Happy New Year!
12.31.2006
Just In Case You Need It Tonight
For Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
And surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the hills,
and pulled the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
Happy New Year!
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
And surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the hills,
and pulled the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
Happy New Year!
Drive Thru Reviews
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - This wasn't quite as good as the first, and the fact that I liked it a lot probably has something to do with how hot Johnny Depp is, but I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first movie.
The Devil Wears Prada - This was not what I was expecting. Not bitchy enough, perhaps. It was like watching The Princess Diaries set in the fashion world, a very watered-down version of the real thing. Meryl Streep steals the movie and is of course the reason to see it.
The Devil Wears Prada - This was not what I was expecting. Not bitchy enough, perhaps. It was like watching The Princess Diaries set in the fashion world, a very watered-down version of the real thing. Meryl Streep steals the movie and is of course the reason to see it.
12.28.2006
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Apologies to my 3 loyal readers for such a long absence but this holiday has been very...distracting, to say the least. Our Christmas was, let's say, marred by a dysfunctional branch of the family. After getting back home and regrouping later on Christmas Day, I was looking forward to a quiet, lazy week at work. You know, blog a little, Flickr a little, maybe even work a little.
Unfortunately one of my co-workers undermined my slacking plans by having the nerve to fall down some stairs on Christmas Eve and break her leg. And she couldn't just break it normally, oh no, she had to go all the way and suffer a severe compound fracture to her lower leg, requiring the insertion of a metal rod. So now I find myself not only having to actually work, but doing double duty for probably a couple of months. Thanks a lot, Hazel!
Seriously, though, I feel so bad for her and I hope she is up and around sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, I'm a busy girl. I'll try not to let that get in the way of what I do here, but I can't make any promises.
I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season :).
12.26.2006
The Cult of Martha
We went to a taping of the Martha Stewart Show in NYC last Thursday and it was really a lot of fun. I'm not a huge Martha fan, but I really enjoyed the day and we got a couple of free things out of the deal. And we had a nice lunch with a friend who lives in the city.
Check out my Flickr set of photos from the day
.
12.24.2006
The Best We Could Do
We wish you all a very happy holiday season and a new year filled with health, happiness and love. :)
Merry Christmas!
12.20.2006
Another reason football is bad for you.
Boy hurt by cannon blast feels twice wounded: "According to Karch's medical records, security guards notified police after Karch received disturbing phone calls and visits from parents and students, some of whom threatened to 'break his other leg' or worse, if he didn't keep quiet about the accident. Hospital staff had to move him to a secure room where they monitored visitors. "
How freakin' messed up is THAT?? Oh, it gets better:
"Since his discharge from the hospital on Oct. 23, Karch has had only three visitors -- two of them Mack and Brown. And despite invitations to school friends, not a single person other than family attended his 16th birthday celebration in November, Bissell said."
Those small football towns frighten me. Snohomish has a website for their high school football team and on the right side of the home page is a poll, which asks the question, "How many games will you attend in 2006?" Well, I found this story through Fark, and as you can imagine, those Farkers did a number on the poll results: As of the time of this post, there were 91,478 votes for "None". And only 296 for "all". Ha!
How freakin' messed up is THAT?? Oh, it gets better:
"Since his discharge from the hospital on Oct. 23, Karch has had only three visitors -- two of them Mack and Brown. And despite invitations to school friends, not a single person other than family attended his 16th birthday celebration in November, Bissell said."
Those small football towns frighten me. Snohomish has a website for their high school football team and on the right side of the home page is a poll, which asks the question, "How many games will you attend in 2006?" Well, I found this story through Fark, and as you can imagine, those Farkers did a number on the poll results: As of the time of this post, there were 91,478 votes for "None". And only 296 for "all". Ha!
I wonder if this makes the Baby Jesus cry or laugh?
32 baby Jesus dolls found in Ill. yard: "'Don't they look funny?' Pasciak said as residents came to claim their decorations. 'We're putting Christ back into Christmas literally and metaphorically.'"
How Lovely Are Your Branches
I wanted to post the video of Kiefer taking down a hotel lobby Christmas tree, but YouTube has removed it. Instead, we'll have to settle for reading the story.
I don't know why but that story just makes me love him more.
12.19.2006
12.18.2006
"Gossip Gangsta"'s Gay Witch Hunt
Salon.com profiles gossip blogger Perez Hilton: "While the average gossipmonger is content to collect his pay and scurry back into the shadows, Perez describes his work as a moral crusade. He portrays himself as a Savonarola in a pink pantsuit, a gay crusader who will use whatever means necessary to achieve his aims. As he told 'Access Hollywood' after Bass came out this summer: 'It upsets me that people think what I'm doing is a bad thing ... I know there is some controversy about outing people, but I also believe the only way we're gonna have change is with visibility. And if I have to drag some people screaming out of the closet, then I will.' "
I freely admit to enjoying my fair share of celebrity gossip, as I'm sure you've noticed, and I grew up in a household where the weekly supermarket trip brought home all the latest editions of People, US and The Enquirer, which were eagerly devoured. But I have to say I draw the line at outing closeted celebrities. Personally, I think they would lead more happy and satisfying lives if they would come out, but certainly no one has the right to force them to do it.
Now, as for other recent celebrity shenanigans, I'm all for building an elite force dedicated to ensuring the proper utilization of what we in the non-celebrity world like to call "underpants".
I freely admit to enjoying my fair share of celebrity gossip, as I'm sure you've noticed, and I grew up in a household where the weekly supermarket trip brought home all the latest editions of People, US and The Enquirer, which were eagerly devoured. But I have to say I draw the line at outing closeted celebrities. Personally, I think they would lead more happy and satisfying lives if they would come out, but certainly no one has the right to force them to do it.
Now, as for other recent celebrity shenanigans, I'm all for building an elite force dedicated to ensuring the proper utilization of what we in the non-celebrity world like to call "underpants".
12.17.2006
Progress
One year, five months and counting. I have under a year left, I can't believe how quickly it went by!
A lot of people comment on how much the shape of my face has changed. While I'm sure it has, I don't notice that so much as how different my bite is. It's different today, in fact, than it was only a week ago.
What you can't see in this photo is the Christmas spirit - I had green and red bands put on this month. But I went with the B&W because it made me look better :).
12.14.2006
12.13.2006
Merry Christmas to Me.
I am now the proud owner of a Dell Inspiron 1505. Now there's nothing that can stop me from watching TV!
Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose
Actor Peter Boyle has died. He was a funny guy, and I thank him for all the laughs he provided, whether it was in Young Frankenstein, The X-Files (the only guest actor to win an Emmy, btw) or as Frank Barone.
RIP, Mr. Boyle. You were a funny guy.
RIP, Mr. Boyle. You were a funny guy.
Drive Thru Review
Superman Returns - I liked it. If you liked the first 2 Superman movies, then I think you'll like this one. Not as much comedy - Spacey plays Luthor pretty straight and Parker Posey is no Miss Teschmacher - but I thought Routh was a believable Superman. The one bad thing about the movie: Kate Bosworth's wig. It's horrible, to the point of distraction.
Well that was fun.
Not.
I've had major problems with Blogger publishing since last Friday, so while you were able to comment on posts, none of them were actually being published to thisisgina. Same thing went for my posts. They were saved at my Blogger account but publishing to thisisgina failed every time.
I think I've found a temporary workaround, but don't be surprised if things get wonky around here again. Blogger is pushing its Beta version and sort of giving us old timers the cold shoulder. I would move to BetaBlogger but they aren't taking large blogs right now and I have over 3,500 posts! Can you believe that? Holy smokes.
So anyway, I have a lot of catching up to do. Thanks for hanging in there.
I've had major problems with Blogger publishing since last Friday, so while you were able to comment on posts, none of them were actually being published to thisisgina. Same thing went for my posts. They were saved at my Blogger account but publishing to thisisgina failed every time.
I think I've found a temporary workaround, but don't be surprised if things get wonky around here again. Blogger is pushing its Beta version and sort of giving us old timers the cold shoulder. I would move to BetaBlogger but they aren't taking large blogs right now and I have over 3,500 posts! Can you believe that? Holy smokes.
So anyway, I have a lot of catching up to do. Thanks for hanging in there.
12.12.2006
You Know You're Getting Old When
Prince is considered a "safe" choice for the Super Bowl halftime show: "For a third consecutive year, the network hosting the Super Bowl has gone with Safe, Old and For Gawdsake No Breasts! in its search for a halftime performer."
12.11.2006
Our Tree 2006
This is a bit dark, but I like it because it conveys what it's like to sit in the living room and watch TV with nothing but the tree lights on. Nice and cosy.
"Fra-jeelay"
Guess what we were watching while trimming the tree? Well, we didn't watch it so much as recite it.
12.08.2006
Another Friday, Another New Episode of the Best Show on TV
EOnline's Kristen chats with BSG's Ron Moore about upcoming storylines and whether or not Moore knows how this story will end. Only slightly spoilery. And apologies for the formatting of the "artivel" (I think it's a chat transcript)
12.07.2006
Another List of Christmas Favorites
This time it's a list of my favorite Christmas movies. The first batch are the classics, the second are the more recent favorites.White Christmas - Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney...A classic, if a bit too show-bizzy. I love the "Sisters" bit.
A Christmas Story - The Christmas morning scenes really feel like Christmas.
It's a Wonderful Life - I like it more now that they don't play it as often.
Christmas in Connecticut - This one is never on. It stars Barbara Stanwyck as a sort of Martha Stewart of the 40s, who in real life can't cook, keep house or do anything that she gives advice on. Screwball comedy ensues when she has to entertain a returning WWII hero at her home in Connecticut.
Scrooge - This 1951 version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, starring Alistair Sim is the best.
For more modern - and funnier - holiday movies, I like these:
Christmas Vacation - For the squirrel scene alone, I love this movie. That, and for introducing me to the Hawaiian Christmas Song, "Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way To say "Merry Christmas to you."
The Ref - Dennis Leary is a thief caught on Christmas Eve at the dysfunctional home of Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis. Very funny.
Love, Actually - Romantic, corny, sweet, unrealistic, sad and funny. I love it for Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy and the great closing montage of people hugging the ones they love in an airport.
Die Hard - I don't care what you say, this is a Christmas movie and it's the best of the Die Hard movies.
Bad Santa - The funniest Christmas movie ever made, with Billy Bob Thornton as the worst department store Santa, EVER.
And you know what? I just realized that I have seen any of these yet this year! I'd better get crackin'.
James Kim: 1971-2006
CNET News.com: "'He wouldn't even sneak away for a few hours once in a while to play nine holes,' Zemlicka said. 'The truth is that it wasn't that big of a sacrifice--hanging out with a bunch of guys. James had more important things to tend to. He taught me to be a dedicated husband. He's always putting his wife and kids first.' "
How dare they?
Mixed reaction to Cheney's daughter's pregnancy: "Conservative leaders voiced dismay Wednesday at news that Mary Cheney, the lesbian daughter of Dick Cheney, is pregnant, while a gay-rights group said the vice president faces 'a lifetime of sleepless nights' for serving in an administration that has opposed recognition of same-sex couples."
Now, I am by no means a Dick Cheney fan, but I don't see how his daughter's sex life and/or pregnancy is anyone's business but hers. And when I say "anyone" I mean both right wing Christian and liberal gay crusaders. How dare they? God, sometimes I wish they would all just shut the hell up and let us all live our lives in peace.
Now, I am by no means a Dick Cheney fan, but I don't see how his daughter's sex life and/or pregnancy is anyone's business but hers. And when I say "anyone" I mean both right wing Christian and liberal gay crusaders. How dare they? God, sometimes I wish they would all just shut the hell up and let us all live our lives in peace.
12.06.2006
Is John Stewart writing for CNN now?
According to a "Breaking News" alert currently on CNN's homepage, "President Bush's policy in Iraq 'is not working'."
I wonder how many dollars and hours were spent to have James Baker point out the obvious?
I wonder how many dollars and hours were spent to have James Baker point out the obvious?
12.05.2006
Not afraid of Santa? You will be.
Tis the season to be scared witless, a gallery of photos of kids sitting on Santa's lap and NOT LIKING IT AT ALL. Funniest thing I've seen in a long time!
Santa is a Lineman for the County
Don't forget, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, tonight on ABC at 8:00 PM.OK, confession time: If someone were to walk up to me out of nowhere and ask me who did the voiceover for Kris Kringle/Santa in this special, the first name that would jump to my mind would not be Mickey Rooney (who did it). It's Glen Campbell. And you know why? Because when Kris grows his beard but still has his red hair he totally looks like Campbell did when he had a beard. Check him out:
Doesn't he look just like Kris Kringle? I can't find an image online of Kris Kringle from the special so you'll just have to watch it tonight and see what I mean. It's Glen Campbell!
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