29 December 2008
19 December 2008
Sangria makes you silly!
On Monday night, our company had our holiday dinner at "Le Marais" in midtown. Elizabeth, Carmen, and I shared the car service on the way home, and took some goofy pictures after having a BIT too much sangria!
12 December 2008
Transgender My Little Ponies
This article is absolutely AWESOME! Check it out!
Like every girl between 1986 and 1992, I was in LOVE with My little Ponies! Hey, admit it- they were really cool! I never owned a Barbie, but I loved these ponies!
The article is fantastic because it brings up the point that they never created MALE My little Ponies until so much later, so we all ended up using the blue ponies, or the ponies that looked a little more masculine, as the "daddy ponies" in our playtime! Then, they came out with "Lucky", but he was only available via special male (I mean...MAIL) order! Remember Lucky?!
Hilarious- I never really thought about it, but this article brought back so much nostalgia and made me laugh. I just had to share it with you!
Did you guys make your My Little Ponies into transgendered males?
Like every girl between 1986 and 1992, I was in LOVE with My little Ponies! Hey, admit it- they were really cool! I never owned a Barbie, but I loved these ponies!
The article is fantastic because it brings up the point that they never created MALE My little Ponies until so much later, so we all ended up using the blue ponies, or the ponies that looked a little more masculine, as the "daddy ponies" in our playtime! Then, they came out with "Lucky", but he was only available via special male (I mean...MAIL) order! Remember Lucky?!
Hilarious- I never really thought about it, but this article brought back so much nostalgia and made me laugh. I just had to share it with you!
Did you guys make your My Little Ponies into transgendered males?
I need a bailout!!!!
This bailout mayhem has gotten ridiculous! Companies are lining up at the government virtual ATM with bags held out to collect billions in cash. I'm glad the senate didn't pass the auto bailout- looks like it will be passed eventually, though. Why not give money BACK to the taxpayer instead, and let us use it to pay off our foreclosed homes, bad credit card debt, and pour it back into the consumer economy to boost retail and the value of the dollar? I just don't get it. Hey, look at me, I'm a corporate executive who's laying off 30,000 employees, but I'm still getting my $50Million Christmas bonus! It's sickening.
It's corporate welfare, basically, and it's being so misused. That's why I thought these 3 pictures were a light hearted look at the bailout crisis in America. The first one says it all- make sure to click on the picture and enlarge so you can read the print at the bottom of the ad. It's perfect.
11 December 2008
Scary Santa Photo Vol I
In honor of this Christmas Season, I will be scouring the internet for the greatest and best Santa photos. If you find any, email them to me at carminblinn@gmail.com
This is a great one to start with- this child looks absolutely terrified, and why shouldn't she? I'm pretty sure Santa's fingernails are embedded in her skin, and he's even creeping ME out with that smile...(*shudder*) Uggghhhhh!
Kid gets stuck in claw vending machine
Check out the news article HERE
The lesson of this story is that you can get anything you want by scrunching yourself up, climbing into a narrow chute, and trying to steal it.
10 December 2008
And the winner is....
It was a close match but the most commenter award goes to... KRISTI with 21 comments! Cari was OH so close with 20!
My readers are the best! I have so much fun writing random stuff on this stupid blog, and I'm glad so many people enjoy it! Thanks for checking in, and thanks so much for your comments! I love to see who's visiting my blog and hear what you think of some of the stuff on here!
My readers are the best! I have so much fun writing random stuff on this stupid blog, and I'm glad so many people enjoy it! Thanks for checking in, and thanks so much for your comments! I love to see who's visiting my blog and hear what you think of some of the stuff on here!
09 December 2008
Adoring Car-MHYN!
Check out the new MAC cosmetics campaign: Adoring CARMINE! See, folks- CARMINE is a color of RED. My cousins on my mom's side have red curly hair, and my mom says she wished that she had a baby with red hair. When I was born, she picked the name CARMINE because of my strawberry red hair. Growing up in Canada, I NEVER had anyone mispronounce my name- just like the name Jasmine or Katherine, no one said "Carm-INE!"Fast forward 27 years, and here I am living in NY. Everyone says Carm-INE! It's so frustrating, that I decided to drop the "e" from the end, so people will stop butchering it. My friends know it's Carmine, but otherwise, I spell it Carmin.
This MAC ad is a lovely example of the REAL word, and gives me one more opportunity to prove that it's NOT pronounced Carm-INE. I know that italians say that, but it's WRONG. Check out the dictionary definition by clicking HERE. Read the pronounciation. It even has an audio pronounciation, which clearly says Car-myhn. It couldn't be clearer!
yada yada
A few random things to talk about:
New blog readers! Caitlyn is now able to read from CHINA (welcome, Caitlyn!) She's been following my blog via email feed for a while, but now she can actually get on and comment!) Also, Mark and Liz, who have blogs of their own are now on Carmine The Canadian. PLUS, Julie is now on- Cari's sister. Julie, I hope this alleviates your facebook addiction. Maybe now, you will have a Carmine addiction!
Also, I agree, Cari- don't do the Mimosa yellow thing. We've known for years that you + yellow in any form = disaster.
AND, thank you for all your comments! I'm tallying the scores and I will announce our Most Commenter Award later today.
New blog readers! Caitlyn is now able to read from CHINA (welcome, Caitlyn!) She's been following my blog via email feed for a while, but now she can actually get on and comment!) Also, Mark and Liz, who have blogs of their own are now on Carmine The Canadian. PLUS, Julie is now on- Cari's sister. Julie, I hope this alleviates your facebook addiction. Maybe now, you will have a Carmine addiction!
Also, I agree, Cari- don't do the Mimosa yellow thing. We've known for years that you + yellow in any form = disaster.
AND, thank you for all your comments! I'm tallying the scores and I will announce our Most Commenter Award later today.
Vegan update
Hello, good people of blogland!
I’m writing today to update you on the vegan cleanse/fast/”diet.” Actually, what’s the opposite of “diet?” Binge? Can I call it a vegan BINGE?
Anyway, today is the last day of our vegan “experiment,” let’s call it. If you’ve done the math, you’ll notice that it’s been 10 days. That’s right- 10 days. We have come to a mutual agreement that we are stopping at 10 days instead of 14. Here’s why:
1) We are GAINING a butt load (pun intended) of weight. The vegan lifestyle centers around starches and grains, and it’s just carb overload. We’ve eaten so much rice, pasta, and pita bread that the scale is officially telling us to back off. Plus, with all the beans, lentils and couscous (the food so nice, they named it twice!), we’re so bloated that we’re wearing sweatpants as often as possible. This is not like us. We are not sweatpant people.
2) We are going to Dan’s parents’ home on Friday for “Christmas,” since we’ll be in Montreal over Christmas Day. His family is cooking up a huge feast of roast beef, dressing, gravy, and I’m told a Pumpkin Pie just for me! Now, there’s 2 reasons right there- first, we want to eat. Not OVER eat, but eat. I can’t imagine trying to explain to Dan’s parents, who are farmers in Amish country, PA, that we are vegan. It’s just sacrilegious. Second, if we do eat the meal on Saturday (which technically, 2 weeks ends on Friday, so we CAN eat on Saturday) I’m SURE we would get very sick, coming straight off this and into eating beef. Not “throw up sick”, the OTHER kind of sick. Get it? Let me put it this way: it’s a 5 hour drive. I’m not bringing toilet paper to accommodate me squatting in the woods on the side of the PA turnpike.
3) I think we’re as CLEANSED as we’re gonna get. Not to be graphic, but believe me. I have to tell ya, if you need to be cleansed of anything, this is the way to do it. I really do feel like my sugar addiction is under control, after avoiding processed foods, fried foods, sugar, and animal products for 10 days. You know what I really crave? Freakin’ SCRAMBLED EGGS! Ugh, I can’t wait! It’s really not the meat that I want at all- I think vegetarian is very manageable. It’s just that I can’t have CHEESE and eggs, and my beloved greek yogurt- even cottage cheese! And OMG SUSHI!!! I could eat sushi for days!!! That’s what I miss.
So, starting tomorrow, we’ve got to ease back onto healthy normal eating. Plus, we have to LOSE the weight we’ve gained! Ugh, was it worth it? Well, at least it gave me new awareness to listening to my body and feeding it what it NEEDS, not whatever junk is available as soon as my belly growls.
Well, that’s it for now. Let me know what you think!
I’m writing today to update you on the vegan cleanse/fast/”diet.” Actually, what’s the opposite of “diet?” Binge? Can I call it a vegan BINGE?
Anyway, today is the last day of our vegan “experiment,” let’s call it. If you’ve done the math, you’ll notice that it’s been 10 days. That’s right- 10 days. We have come to a mutual agreement that we are stopping at 10 days instead of 14. Here’s why:
1) We are GAINING a butt load (pun intended) of weight. The vegan lifestyle centers around starches and grains, and it’s just carb overload. We’ve eaten so much rice, pasta, and pita bread that the scale is officially telling us to back off. Plus, with all the beans, lentils and couscous (the food so nice, they named it twice!), we’re so bloated that we’re wearing sweatpants as often as possible. This is not like us. We are not sweatpant people.
2) We are going to Dan’s parents’ home on Friday for “Christmas,” since we’ll be in Montreal over Christmas Day. His family is cooking up a huge feast of roast beef, dressing, gravy, and I’m told a Pumpkin Pie just for me! Now, there’s 2 reasons right there- first, we want to eat. Not OVER eat, but eat. I can’t imagine trying to explain to Dan’s parents, who are farmers in Amish country, PA, that we are vegan. It’s just sacrilegious. Second, if we do eat the meal on Saturday (which technically, 2 weeks ends on Friday, so we CAN eat on Saturday) I’m SURE we would get very sick, coming straight off this and into eating beef. Not “throw up sick”, the OTHER kind of sick. Get it? Let me put it this way: it’s a 5 hour drive. I’m not bringing toilet paper to accommodate me squatting in the woods on the side of the PA turnpike.
3) I think we’re as CLEANSED as we’re gonna get. Not to be graphic, but believe me. I have to tell ya, if you need to be cleansed of anything, this is the way to do it. I really do feel like my sugar addiction is under control, after avoiding processed foods, fried foods, sugar, and animal products for 10 days. You know what I really crave? Freakin’ SCRAMBLED EGGS! Ugh, I can’t wait! It’s really not the meat that I want at all- I think vegetarian is very manageable. It’s just that I can’t have CHEESE and eggs, and my beloved greek yogurt- even cottage cheese! And OMG SUSHI!!! I could eat sushi for days!!! That’s what I miss.
So, starting tomorrow, we’ve got to ease back onto healthy normal eating. Plus, we have to LOSE the weight we’ve gained! Ugh, was it worth it? Well, at least it gave me new awareness to listening to my body and feeding it what it NEEDS, not whatever junk is available as soon as my belly growls.
Well, that’s it for now. Let me know what you think!
Watch out for those foldaway beds
In Spain, a woman died after being swallowed by her foldaway bed! No joke! Read the full article HERE
Bet this guy doesn't have a job anymore!
Gotta love LIVE tv!
(Warning: NSFW, the "naughty swear words" aren't bleeped out... I'm just sayin'!)
08 December 2008
Hello winter dry skin!
Today, the thermometer dropped DRASTICALLY here in NYC. With the windchill, we're facing temperatures of around 15F (BRRRRRRR!!!!), and as you may know, New Yorkers spend a LOT of time outside. Unlike the rest of the country, who climbs into their cars and drive to work with heat, we layer up tights under our pants, 2 pairs of socks, mittens, scarves, hats, and an ankle-length down parka to top it all off!
Facing the cold wind outside in the winter everyday leaves most of us with DRY SKIN. I have to double up on the moisturizer and lip balm because my cheeks and nose get wind burned, as well as my lips.
But check out these important tips from thedermblog.com:
1. Never use shampoo to wash your body.
(I admit, I'm guilty of this one from time to time, when the body wash runs out! But shampoo is designed to remove oil from your hair, therefore it will remove moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky! GROSS!)
2. Let your shampoo rinse out of your hair while leaning forward, trying to prevent the shampoo from running down your whole body.
(Don't let it touch your body? Ahhh! It's evil!)
3. Never use a soap that makes “bubbles” in the shower or bath, it will strip all the oils off your skin.
4. Use a non-soap cleanser such as Dove.
5. Apply a body moisturizer immediately after showering, while your skin is still damp. This will lock in the moisture that has soaked into your skin, and keep your skin hydrated and protected all day.
Follow these tips and you'll have baby-smooth skin all winter long! Or, just move to the Caribbean and have glowing soft skin all year long...
Facing the cold wind outside in the winter everyday leaves most of us with DRY SKIN. I have to double up on the moisturizer and lip balm because my cheeks and nose get wind burned, as well as my lips.
But check out these important tips from thedermblog.com:
1. Never use shampoo to wash your body.
(I admit, I'm guilty of this one from time to time, when the body wash runs out! But shampoo is designed to remove oil from your hair, therefore it will remove moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky! GROSS!)
2. Let your shampoo rinse out of your hair while leaning forward, trying to prevent the shampoo from running down your whole body.
(Don't let it touch your body? Ahhh! It's evil!)
3. Never use a soap that makes “bubbles” in the shower or bath, it will strip all the oils off your skin.
4. Use a non-soap cleanser such as Dove.
5. Apply a body moisturizer immediately after showering, while your skin is still damp. This will lock in the moisture that has soaked into your skin, and keep your skin hydrated and protected all day.
Follow these tips and you'll have baby-smooth skin all winter long! Or, just move to the Caribbean and have glowing soft skin all year long...
I'd rather DRINK my mimosa than wear it...
Each year, Pantone selects a "color of the year" to represent the fashion/social feeling in the coming year. Last year, I remember was vibrant cobalt blue. The color of 2009 is....
MIMOSA!
Check out details in the article found HERE.
Thoughts?
05 December 2008
Sweet corn with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Vegan recipe tonight: Check out the pic from my iPhone
Sweetcorn in a Spicy Peanut Sauce
Serves 4
Serves 4
1 tsp sunflower oil or other flavourless oil
1 tsp cumin seed
1 large onion
1 tsp grated fresh ginger root
1 green chilli
4 fresh tomatoes, or 4 tbsp chopped canned tomatoes
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp mild chilli powder
pinch of turmeric powder
350g (12oz) frozen or canned sweetcorn (or fresh baby sweetcorn - see above)
3 tbsp (50g, 2oz) unsweetened peanut butter, preferably crunchy
1 tsp lemon juice
1. Chop the onion. Deseed and chop the green chilli. Chop the tomatoes finely. Measure out all the spices.
2. Heat the oil, then add the cumin seeds and stir. Add the onion and saute until golden.
3. Add the ginger, green chilli, chopped tomatoes, salt, chilli powder, dhana jheera, garam masala and turmeric. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the sweetcorn, 6 tbsp water and the peanut butter. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes if using frozen unthawed sweetcorn and 10 minutes if using frozen thawed or canned.
5. Add lemon juice to taste, mix well and serve.
It's FRIDAY! Here's a free laugh from me to YOU!
Please please click HERE!
Didn't you hear me??? CLICK HERE!
I SAID CLICK HERE!!!!
Did you watch it yet? OMG, hilarious, right? Poor old guy :(
Didn't you hear me??? CLICK HERE!
I SAID CLICK HERE!!!!
Did you watch it yet? OMG, hilarious, right? Poor old guy :(
Vegan baking attempt: Pumpkin Cookies
I tried a vegan cookie recipe last night: Pumpkin cookies. I LOOOOOVE pumpkin, so it sounded logical! Instead of milk and eggs, the recipe uses applesauce and brown sugar, with oatmeal for texture.
When I stirred up the dough, I couldn't help but notice it's unusual color and texture. And how did it taste? HORRIBLE.
Let's just say it tasted exactly how it looked: and it looked exactly like baby diarrhea.
So, I'll do you all a favor and NOT share the recipe with you. I threw out the cookies AND all the dough. It was not a good experiment.
Oh, and also, 2 days ago, I was down 2 LBS! But today, I got on the scale and was back UP 1 lb, so I don't think it was really a weight loss. It was probably water or salt weight. (Sad frowny face.) Like I said, this is NOT a diet. It's a lifestyle, it's not really for losing weight ( now you've been warned!)
Tomorrow will be the start of week 2, and I can't wait until it's over. I 'm NOT quitting because I'm just the kind of person that says their gonna do something and I HAVE to do it, no matter what. Dan wants to get out in the worst way, so I told him, hey, you can eat whatever you want during the day, but I'm not wasting all this food we bought (EXPENSIVE food we bought!) so I'm still cooking vegan every night for dinner.
Since yesterday, I've had a headache. I thought it was caffeine withdrawl from no coffee/soda, so I drank a coke zero. Nope, still had the headache. Then I took 2 advil- still had the headache. I drank ANOTHER soda later in the day, and still had a headache. I think it's low iron, maybe. I'm taking a multivitamin, but I still just feel blah.
This morning, the headache was back, and it woke me up early in the morning with pain. I took more Tylenol and laid down. Now I'm at work and drinking ANOTHER coke zero to see if it will help. It's a little less, but still there. Most people would say, "OK, if this is making you feel like crap, then STOP," but I just CAN'T!
It's not really the milk that I'm missing- I think I could go without dairy and cheese no problem. It's the EGGS for some reason. I'm used to eating egg whites in the morning, or omelets with spinach and mushrooms. I just can't wait to eat a big plate of scrambled eggs next Sunday, when we're off the vegan plan!
When I stirred up the dough, I couldn't help but notice it's unusual color and texture. And how did it taste? HORRIBLE.
Let's just say it tasted exactly how it looked: and it looked exactly like baby diarrhea.
So, I'll do you all a favor and NOT share the recipe with you. I threw out the cookies AND all the dough. It was not a good experiment.
Oh, and also, 2 days ago, I was down 2 LBS! But today, I got on the scale and was back UP 1 lb, so I don't think it was really a weight loss. It was probably water or salt weight. (Sad frowny face.) Like I said, this is NOT a diet. It's a lifestyle, it's not really for losing weight ( now you've been warned!)
Tomorrow will be the start of week 2, and I can't wait until it's over. I 'm NOT quitting because I'm just the kind of person that says their gonna do something and I HAVE to do it, no matter what. Dan wants to get out in the worst way, so I told him, hey, you can eat whatever you want during the day, but I'm not wasting all this food we bought (EXPENSIVE food we bought!) so I'm still cooking vegan every night for dinner.
Since yesterday, I've had a headache. I thought it was caffeine withdrawl from no coffee/soda, so I drank a coke zero. Nope, still had the headache. Then I took 2 advil- still had the headache. I drank ANOTHER soda later in the day, and still had a headache. I think it's low iron, maybe. I'm taking a multivitamin, but I still just feel blah.
This morning, the headache was back, and it woke me up early in the morning with pain. I took more Tylenol and laid down. Now I'm at work and drinking ANOTHER coke zero to see if it will help. It's a little less, but still there. Most people would say, "OK, if this is making you feel like crap, then STOP," but I just CAN'T!
It's not really the milk that I'm missing- I think I could go without dairy and cheese no problem. It's the EGGS for some reason. I'm used to eating egg whites in the morning, or omelets with spinach and mushrooms. I just can't wait to eat a big plate of scrambled eggs next Sunday, when we're off the vegan plan!
04 December 2008
03 December 2008
Tropical Delight
Last night's vegan meal was Tropical Black Beans & Rice. It turned out great! This is another recipe that we definitely voted to keep in the mix with our other favorites, once the vegan cleanse is over. Try it for yourself!
Tropical Black Beans & Rice
non-stick spray
1/2 cup(s) red onion(s), chopped
1/2 cup(s) orange juice
1/3 cup(s) fresh lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 medium sweet red pepper(s), chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 medium green pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 medium mango(es), diced
2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 cup(s) cooked brown rice, kept hot
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray.
Add all ingredients except beans and rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in beans. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve over rice.
Screw YOU, Britney one more time!
Tuesday morning. 5:45am. My alarm goes off and I rush to get ready and head down to Times Square. Why? Because “It’s Britney, Bitch.” Britney’s birthday performance on Good Morning America in Times Square!
Carmen and Elizabeth are meeting me in front of Hard Rock Café on 44th street. I texted Carmen as I was coming out of the subway, “Is it packed? Is there a huge crowd?” “No one’s here!” she says.
Oh crap.
What’s going on? We wandered around for 10 minutes looking down side streets and trying to figure out where Britney’s stage is set up. We know it’s not at Bryant Park, because the ice rink is set up. We check our iPhones and google it, and everything says “Britney Spears Times Square.” What’s going on????
So then we find a limo driver outside of the ABC studios who tells us that it’s been moved to Lincoln Center on 62nd and 9th. WHAT?! We figure, hey, there’s gonna be a lot of people out there, but there’s lots of room at Lincoln center and we may as well head up there to see if we can still get a spot where we can see the stage.
We take the subway up to Lincoln Center (which, by the way is only 6 blocks from my apartment, so I came all the way downtown just to go back UP again!) We come out of the subway….AGAIN. NO ONE THERE!
We walk around for a while, looking for Escalades with tinted windows, crew trucks, police, whatever and we finally spot them- outside the Big Apple Circus lot on 64th and Broadway. There’s a huge line and even though I tried to talk our way in with some of the security guys, they make us walk to the end of the block and get in line.
We stand in line, and finally it starts moving. Some security people say something about tickets (What? Tickets? We don’t have tickets! Where were we supposed to get tickets?!) I stay calm and try to convince Elizabeth and Carmen to just stay in the center of the crowd and keep moving, even though we don’t have tickets. Hey, maybe we can sneak in anyway!
The line moves for a while and then all of a sudden…it just separates. Yeah, we weren’t in line for ANYTHING, once we got to the front of the line, security was just making people walk away! It was so bizarre and frustrating! Here were are, out in the cold at 7am trying to see a live performance and turns out that it was never even open to the public!
To get tickets, you had to be in Britney’s fan club, or go into a draw from her website. I think some radio stations had them as giveaways, and probably all the staff of ABC and friends, family, you know the drill. We were SCREWED. SCREWED!!!!!!!
So yeah, so much for Britney’s stupid performance. Oh yeah, and double whammy- she announced her “world” tour (gimme a break- WORLD tour just because you play 2 shows in London and a couple in Canada?!) and she’s NOT even coming to New York!!! What the??? Yeah, the nearest she’s playing is NEWARK, New-FREAKIN-Jersey!!
Madonna would NEVER have betrayed me like this!
Carmen and Elizabeth are meeting me in front of Hard Rock Café on 44th street. I texted Carmen as I was coming out of the subway, “Is it packed? Is there a huge crowd?” “No one’s here!” she says.
Oh crap.
What’s going on? We wandered around for 10 minutes looking down side streets and trying to figure out where Britney’s stage is set up. We know it’s not at Bryant Park, because the ice rink is set up. We check our iPhones and google it, and everything says “Britney Spears Times Square.” What’s going on????
So then we find a limo driver outside of the ABC studios who tells us that it’s been moved to Lincoln Center on 62nd and 9th. WHAT?! We figure, hey, there’s gonna be a lot of people out there, but there’s lots of room at Lincoln center and we may as well head up there to see if we can still get a spot where we can see the stage.
We take the subway up to Lincoln Center (which, by the way is only 6 blocks from my apartment, so I came all the way downtown just to go back UP again!) We come out of the subway….AGAIN. NO ONE THERE!
We walk around for a while, looking for Escalades with tinted windows, crew trucks, police, whatever and we finally spot them- outside the Big Apple Circus lot on 64th and Broadway. There’s a huge line and even though I tried to talk our way in with some of the security guys, they make us walk to the end of the block and get in line.
We stand in line, and finally it starts moving. Some security people say something about tickets (What? Tickets? We don’t have tickets! Where were we supposed to get tickets?!) I stay calm and try to convince Elizabeth and Carmen to just stay in the center of the crowd and keep moving, even though we don’t have tickets. Hey, maybe we can sneak in anyway!
The line moves for a while and then all of a sudden…it just separates. Yeah, we weren’t in line for ANYTHING, once we got to the front of the line, security was just making people walk away! It was so bizarre and frustrating! Here were are, out in the cold at 7am trying to see a live performance and turns out that it was never even open to the public!
To get tickets, you had to be in Britney’s fan club, or go into a draw from her website. I think some radio stations had them as giveaways, and probably all the staff of ABC and friends, family, you know the drill. We were SCREWED. SCREWED!!!!!!!
So yeah, so much for Britney’s stupid performance. Oh yeah, and double whammy- she announced her “world” tour (gimme a break- WORLD tour just because you play 2 shows in London and a couple in Canada?!) and she’s NOT even coming to New York!!! What the??? Yeah, the nearest she’s playing is NEWARK, New-FREAKIN-Jersey!!
Madonna would NEVER have betrayed me like this!
Vegans eat cute little bunnies, apparently...
So, I got these Annie’s Bunny Snacks at Whole Foods yesterday. They’re organic, they have no preservatives, and they’re VEGAN. But, this is what’s troubling to me: see, if you’re vegan, you’re supposed to have a higher consciousness about animals and the ethical treatment of creatures. This is why chewing on the flesh of animals is so disturbing to vegans. So, why then am I chewing on these cute little BUNNIES?!
Shouldn’t they have made these fruit snacks in the shapes of strawberries or cherries or something? I’m chewing the heads off little BUNNIES for crying out loud! And, they're RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES!!!
Shouldn’t they have made these fruit snacks in the shapes of strawberries or cherries or something? I’m chewing the heads off little BUNNIES for crying out loud! And, they're RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES!!!
The irony of it all.
02 December 2008
Spaghetti Cat
I seriously LOVE watching The Soup (not TALK SOUP!) on E! It's one of my favorite shows, and I'm in love with Joel McHale. One of my favorite all-time soup clips is Spaghetti Cat (above.)
On "The Morning Show, with Mike and Juliet," they were doing a story about binge drinking, when inexplicably, they cut to a picture of a cat eating spaghetti! Even more hilarious, they didn't speak of it or reference it at all- the show just continued as normal!
Freakin' Spaghetti Cat, you are the BEST!
Oh yeah...
..and, I was DOWN 0.6lbs this morning! Hardly considered an actual loss, but at least I didn't keep gaining. Like I said, I won't be surprised if I stay the same or gain a little on this 2 week thing, because of all the carbs.
Curry kitchen
So yeah, we're sticking with this vegan thing- Dan told me that yesterday he and some coworkers went to Qdoba for lunch, and he even managed to eat vegan there! He had a burrito bowl with rice, peppers, black beans, corn and salsa. Pretty good! I had vegan chili for lunch ( it was meh...)
Last night, vegan cauliflower curry was on the menu. That's right, CURRY! I was worried that my apartment would smell like Wayne Drive at Kingswood! LOL Actually, it turned out really good, and didn't even smell up the apartment the way I feared it might. It was made with coconut milk, peas, carrots, brown rice, and cauliflower- very good, but not spicy enough. What do you add to curry to make it spicier? Anyone know?
Last night, vegan cauliflower curry was on the menu. That's right, CURRY! I was worried that my apartment would smell like Wayne Drive at Kingswood! LOL Actually, it turned out really good, and didn't even smell up the apartment the way I feared it might. It was made with coconut milk, peas, carrots, brown rice, and cauliflower- very good, but not spicy enough. What do you add to curry to make it spicier? Anyone know?
01 December 2008
Vegan...schmegan
So, day 3 on the vegan cleanse and SHOCKER... I'm actually UP 0.4 lbs! What the?! So, yeah, I don't know about the weight loss aspect of it, but oh well. I'm not surprised by the weight gain, though- since I've discovered most of the vegan diet depends heavily on STARCHES, which seems to be the opposite of what dieting wisdom suggests. Every meal we eat is heavy in carbs, so it seems logical that you WOULDN'T lose weight. But, on the other hand, you're not eating much fat at all, so maybe the weight gain is just temporary.
I have to stress again, that vegan is SO easy to do unhealthily- think about it, you could eat skittles, pringles, bugles, pretzels and basically anything else that ends in "uhls" and you'd technically be eating vegan. It's really hard to do it healthily and maintain all your nutrients.
For breakfast, I had a vegan oatmeal scone (again, lots of CARBS!), for lunch I had vegan chili (made with tofu or soy or some kind of fake meat) and 3 clementines and an apple throughout the day for snacks. I also have not had any SODA since we've started the vegan thing. Again, technically it IS vegan, but hey, we're trying to do it right. I might cave and have a coke zero at some point because I am getting headaches from the caffeine withdrawl. We'll see...
I have to stress again, that vegan is SO easy to do unhealthily- think about it, you could eat skittles, pringles, bugles, pretzels and basically anything else that ends in "uhls" and you'd technically be eating vegan. It's really hard to do it healthily and maintain all your nutrients.
For breakfast, I had a vegan oatmeal scone (again, lots of CARBS!), for lunch I had vegan chili (made with tofu or soy or some kind of fake meat) and 3 clementines and an apple throughout the day for snacks. I also have not had any SODA since we've started the vegan thing. Again, technically it IS vegan, but hey, we're trying to do it right. I might cave and have a coke zero at some point because I am getting headaches from the caffeine withdrawl. We'll see...
Before and After!
NY Magazine has an article online showing all the Gucci Models arriving for the fashion show in Milan, with no make up and bedhead hair. Then, you hold your mouse over each picture and see the AMAZING transformation into what they looked like on the runway! It's amazing what make up can do! Give these artists a RAISE!
Ugh, and also, isn't it crazy how gross and malnourished these models look without makeup? It's like their skin is translucent! I looked at some of these headshots and thought for a second I was looking at mug shots for crackheads!
Check out the article here: NY magazine
Ugh, and also, isn't it crazy how gross and malnourished these models look without makeup? It's like their skin is translucent! I looked at some of these headshots and thought for a second I was looking at mug shots for crackheads!
Check out the article here: NY magazine
Comments from the Peanut Gallery
I've noticed that 90% of the comments on this blog come from about 4 people, so this week, I'm starting a "FREQUENT COMMENTER AWARD!" Whoever comments the most will be the winner, and recieve a limited edition Frequent Commenter Award graphic design that I will create and poste on my blog, with their picture or something. (I'll have to think about this!) The winner will be announced next Monday, the 8th.
Not only will there be an award for the most frequent comments, but I will also be judging on most creative/thought provoking commenter. And maybe some other categories that I think up as I go along... I can do whatever I want, people: it's MY blog! :) Ha ha ha..uhh..ok.
Not only will there be an award for the most frequent comments, but I will also be judging on most creative/thought provoking commenter. And maybe some other categories that I think up as I go along... I can do whatever I want, people: it's MY blog! :) Ha ha ha..uhh..ok.
30 November 2008
Vegan Cleanse
Dan and I started a 2 week vegan diet to "de-tox" between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although we didn't really overeat at Thanksgiving (we ordered at a restaurant, so no leftovers!), we thought it would be a good time to try a vegan lifestyle.
For those of you who don't know, vegan is NO animal products. That means, no meat, poultry, fish, OR eggs, milk, butter, cream- even gelatin is off limits because it's made with animal products. Veganism promotes ethical and conscientious decisions about the treatment of animals, and most vegans won't wear leather either. Everything comes from the earth, and centers around a lifestyle of vegetables, grains, legumes, soy, and fruits. We have several friends who have been vegan for many years, and it's much easier to do here in NYC where there are tons of food options available.
I researched and put together 14 different vegan meals to try for the next 2 weeks. I copied all the recipes and compiled a shopping list. Then I ordered the groceries online and had them delivered on Friday. Beginning on Saturday- NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS. We've had friends who have done a 2 week or even 30 day vegan cleanse, and they claim that they lost between 9 and 7lbs just in the first week, as their digestive systems became better functioning and cleansed of all the animal product toxins that remain in the body long after digestion.
Dan and I are drinking plenty of extra water, and taking iron supplements, B12 supplements, and a daily multivitamin. It's also important to note that vegan diets need to be carefully focused on HEALTHY eating, because technically, you could eat french fries, potato chips, and beer and consider yourself "vegan!"
Check out the picture I took of some of the groceries for our 2 week vegan cleanse as I unpacked. Honestly, I've never cooked parsnips, tofu, or a lot of this stuff before, but it's kinda nice to open the refrigerator and see such a colorful spread of vegetables!
On Saturday morning, we had steel cut organic oatmeal (made with water, not MILK!) for breakfast, with all natural (Canadian!) maple syrup for flavor. For lunch, I made my first vegan recipe: Southwestern Pasta. Here is a picture of it on the stove- doesn't it look great? I love the colors! Check out the recipe below:
Southwestern Pasta
8 Servings
1 tablespoon salt
1 pound rotelle (wheel-shaped pasta or spirals)
1 16 oz. jar salsa
1 4 oz. can chopped green chilies
2 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green onion, finely chopped
In large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and pasta, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 11 minutes.
Meanwhile in medium saucepan, combine salsa, chilies, and black beans. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture simmers but does not boil. Continue to simmer over very low heat. Scoop out half cup pasta water and reserve. Drain pasta and transfer to serving bowl. Add salsa-bean mixture and toss to coat. Add green onion; toss to mix. If it seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water.
This was SUPER easy and fast to make, and Dan and I loved it! That's saying a lot, since Dan's known to be pretty picky! I also added about 1 cup of corn- VERY yummy! We ate this for Saturday lunch, then re-heated for Saturday dinner, and then again for Sunday! It's great for leftovers. I was also thinking that if you make the vegetable/bean mix, it would be really good over brown rice INSTEAD of the pasta.
I'll keep you posted on how the rest of the cleanse goes! FYI, don't start the vegan diet unless you're close to home for the first few days- we were GLAD we had 2 bathrooms, if you know what I mean! I weighed myself yesterday and then again this morning, but my weight was exactly the same. We'll see if the whole 7 lbs thing is true.
For breakfasts this week, we're going to continue with the oatmeal thing, or maybe fresh fruit salad or berries if we get sick of it. Lunch will be leftovers from the previous night's meal, and then dinner will be a new recipe each night! Snacks are easy: peanut butter and celery, chips and salsa, dried fruit and nut mix, guacamole and chips or baby carrots, etc.
Wish us luck!
For those of you who don't know, vegan is NO animal products. That means, no meat, poultry, fish, OR eggs, milk, butter, cream- even gelatin is off limits because it's made with animal products. Veganism promotes ethical and conscientious decisions about the treatment of animals, and most vegans won't wear leather either. Everything comes from the earth, and centers around a lifestyle of vegetables, grains, legumes, soy, and fruits. We have several friends who have been vegan for many years, and it's much easier to do here in NYC where there are tons of food options available.
I researched and put together 14 different vegan meals to try for the next 2 weeks. I copied all the recipes and compiled a shopping list. Then I ordered the groceries online and had them delivered on Friday. Beginning on Saturday- NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS. We've had friends who have done a 2 week or even 30 day vegan cleanse, and they claim that they lost between 9 and 7lbs just in the first week, as their digestive systems became better functioning and cleansed of all the animal product toxins that remain in the body long after digestion.
Dan and I are drinking plenty of extra water, and taking iron supplements, B12 supplements, and a daily multivitamin. It's also important to note that vegan diets need to be carefully focused on HEALTHY eating, because technically, you could eat french fries, potato chips, and beer and consider yourself "vegan!"
Check out the picture I took of some of the groceries for our 2 week vegan cleanse as I unpacked. Honestly, I've never cooked parsnips, tofu, or a lot of this stuff before, but it's kinda nice to open the refrigerator and see such a colorful spread of vegetables!
On Saturday morning, we had steel cut organic oatmeal (made with water, not MILK!) for breakfast, with all natural (Canadian!) maple syrup for flavor. For lunch, I made my first vegan recipe: Southwestern Pasta. Here is a picture of it on the stove- doesn't it look great? I love the colors! Check out the recipe below:
Southwestern Pasta
8 Servings
1 tablespoon salt
1 pound rotelle (wheel-shaped pasta or spirals)
1 16 oz. jar salsa
1 4 oz. can chopped green chilies
2 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green onion, finely chopped
In large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and pasta, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 11 minutes.
Meanwhile in medium saucepan, combine salsa, chilies, and black beans. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture simmers but does not boil. Continue to simmer over very low heat. Scoop out half cup pasta water and reserve. Drain pasta and transfer to serving bowl. Add salsa-bean mixture and toss to coat. Add green onion; toss to mix. If it seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water.
This was SUPER easy and fast to make, and Dan and I loved it! That's saying a lot, since Dan's known to be pretty picky! I also added about 1 cup of corn- VERY yummy! We ate this for Saturday lunch, then re-heated for Saturday dinner, and then again for Sunday! It's great for leftovers. I was also thinking that if you make the vegetable/bean mix, it would be really good over brown rice INSTEAD of the pasta.
I'll keep you posted on how the rest of the cleanse goes! FYI, don't start the vegan diet unless you're close to home for the first few days- we were GLAD we had 2 bathrooms, if you know what I mean! I weighed myself yesterday and then again this morning, but my weight was exactly the same. We'll see if the whole 7 lbs thing is true.
For breakfasts this week, we're going to continue with the oatmeal thing, or maybe fresh fruit salad or berries if we get sick of it. Lunch will be leftovers from the previous night's meal, and then dinner will be a new recipe each night! Snacks are easy: peanut butter and celery, chips and salsa, dried fruit and nut mix, guacamole and chips or baby carrots, etc.
Wish us luck!
26 November 2008
JONAS BROTHERS! AAAHHHHH!!!!
This is the scene outside Barnes & Noble, beside our office building on 5th ave. Today is WEDNESDAY, Nov. 26. Wanna know why these people are camped out in line? To see the JONAS BROTHERS at their book signing!
But... guess when their book signing is? FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28!! That means these people are skipping Thanksgiving and sitting in the cold for 3 days to see the Jonas Brothers. Ridiculous!
I'd rather have a hot turkey leg and a slice of apple pie, wouldn't you?
But... guess when their book signing is? FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28!! That means these people are skipping Thanksgiving and sitting in the cold for 3 days to see the Jonas Brothers. Ridiculous!
I'd rather have a hot turkey leg and a slice of apple pie, wouldn't you?
I don't think I want to go on a cruise...
Check out this footage from a cruise ship dining room that hits rough seas. It starts off slow, so watch for a bit and then fast forward to about the 5:00min mark. By the end of the video, the dining room is completely TRASHED!
20 November 2008
The blush incident
This morning, I was putting my makeup on for work and I think I got a little TOO MUCH BLUSH on my brush! Yikes!
I tried to rub it in, or share some with the other cheek, but alas, I had to wash my whole face again and start over. Geez.
This picture is funny, though- right? LOL
Hmmm.... I'd love to hear what you parents think about this:
Here's a comment I found posted on ABCnews.com
I wonder what role TV plays in this. Seriously. There are many studies to show how brain damage can happen by age 3 if kids watch too much tv. Every single study they do on TV has horrid results. The American Society of Pediatrics actually says NO TV for children under three. NONE. a nd there are real reason for this, complicated real reasons. Some kids are impervious and TV does not affect their brain growth that much, for others, it can trigger autism or other brain malfunctions and if their brain does not develope properly from a young age, chances it will ever fully be normal are very low. I think we need to look into exactly what TV does. TV is unnatural, both in how often the scene changes ( on average, from a half second to 3 seconds) to the fact that there is always movement _ such is not true for hte real world. When you shut off the tv and are left in aboring room with the same view 100% of the time unless you physiclaly move, simple things like listening to a sentence your parent says is unbearable, infuriating. Why are there so many mentally ill kids? they do studies on top of studie son vaccine and come up with NO LINK, however every study they do on TV has a very strong causal link, yet everyonefreaks out because no one can imagine saying no to tv for their kids and advertising dollars woudl be lost. but I think there is a link. As a parent, of a family that has TONS of autism in it, and sees my kids troubled friends and even my youngest is not as thoughtful as the older ones, why???? Tv exposure. I now severly limit my youngest tv exposure and have already seen a difference, but as a mom of four, I understand the temptation of silence of kid watching tv. but it's dangerous.
Thoughts? Comments? What do you parents think? Agree or disagree?
I wonder what role TV plays in this. Seriously. There are many studies to show how brain damage can happen by age 3 if kids watch too much tv. Every single study they do on TV has horrid results. The American Society of Pediatrics actually says NO TV for children under three. NONE. a nd there are real reason for this, complicated real reasons. Some kids are impervious and TV does not affect their brain growth that much, for others, it can trigger autism or other brain malfunctions and if their brain does not develope properly from a young age, chances it will ever fully be normal are very low. I think we need to look into exactly what TV does. TV is unnatural, both in how often the scene changes ( on average, from a half second to 3 seconds) to the fact that there is always movement _ such is not true for hte real world. When you shut off the tv and are left in aboring room with the same view 100% of the time unless you physiclaly move, simple things like listening to a sentence your parent says is unbearable, infuriating. Why are there so many mentally ill kids? they do studies on top of studie son vaccine and come up with NO LINK, however every study they do on TV has a very strong causal link, yet everyonefreaks out because no one can imagine saying no to tv for their kids and advertising dollars woudl be lost. but I think there is a link. As a parent, of a family that has TONS of autism in it, and sees my kids troubled friends and even my youngest is not as thoughtful as the older ones, why???? Tv exposure. I now severly limit my youngest tv exposure and have already seen a difference, but as a mom of four, I understand the temptation of silence of kid watching tv. but it's dangerous.
Thoughts? Comments? What do you parents think? Agree or disagree?
Pet shelters are suffering in this economy too!
Check out this article from Lemondrop.com
Most people consider their pets to be part of the family. This means doing for them what you do for the rest of your kids: feeding them, clothing them, breaking them out of jail ... After a Dallas man's lost cat turned up at an animal shelter, the pound billed him $132 to get it back. Upset with the fee, he left without the cat. Then he returned to the shelter, catnapped the kitty and threatened the staff with a baseball bat. Police are still searching for the man, who could be charged with aggravated robbery and two counts of assault.
Perhaps the man hasn't heard that the shaky economy has been hitting animal shelters hard. With the rising cost of animal maintenance and the decline in pet adoption, some shelters have to close their doors to our homeless furry friends. And with more people dumping their animals at the shelters to cut costs (and as they downsize from mortgage-crashed houses), many of these nonprofits are seriously suffering.
"You have to factor in electric bills, health costs, just food to feed the animals. A bag of dog food is $20 a bag. That will only feed one dog per week," Jennifer Petrain, a PAWS Volunteer, told ABC.So next time your lost puppy has been found at the local animal shelter, don't be like Bat Man. Pay your dues, grab your cat, and maybe take an extra one home with you.
Most people consider their pets to be part of the family. This means doing for them what you do for the rest of your kids: feeding them, clothing them, breaking them out of jail ... After a Dallas man's lost cat turned up at an animal shelter, the pound billed him $132 to get it back. Upset with the fee, he left without the cat. Then he returned to the shelter, catnapped the kitty and threatened the staff with a baseball bat. Police are still searching for the man, who could be charged with aggravated robbery and two counts of assault.
Perhaps the man hasn't heard that the shaky economy has been hitting animal shelters hard. With the rising cost of animal maintenance and the decline in pet adoption, some shelters have to close their doors to our homeless furry friends. And with more people dumping their animals at the shelters to cut costs (and as they downsize from mortgage-crashed houses), many of these nonprofits are seriously suffering.
"You have to factor in electric bills, health costs, just food to feed the animals. A bag of dog food is $20 a bag. That will only feed one dog per week," Jennifer Petrain, a PAWS Volunteer, told ABC.So next time your lost puppy has been found at the local animal shelter, don't be like Bat Man. Pay your dues, grab your cat, and maybe take an extra one home with you.
Court demands $101 Million from a homeless man
Incredible story- definitely left me shaking my head! Check out the article HERE
Laserz!
Please take a moment this morning to welcome CARI JO to my blog list! She sent me a link to her blog and I was ECSTATIC to see that she made it on to the We have Lasers website that I blogged about a few weeks ago!
Check out her blog to see! It's amazing. Now I personally am friends with an internet celebrity!!
Check out her blog to see! It's amazing. Now I personally am friends with an internet celebrity!!
19 November 2008
Facebook Friend-ing
I recently read this article about Facebook friending, and how awkward it can become when someone tries to friend you that you barely even know. Sometimes, it's uncomfortable because you don't WANT to be friends with them!
I've dealt with this situation too- people come out of the woodwork, and suddenly I'm getting requests for random friends of friends that I don't even know, or people that I went to elementary school with and don't even REMEMBER speaking to! Ever!
I recently went through my friend list and "edited" (is that mean?!) my friends. Basically, if I had no idea who you were, or didn't ever remember speaking to you, you were GONE. I wondered why I had accepted all these friend requests in the first place! I guess I feel really guilty if I didn't befriend these people.
So then I got stricter and told myself that I'm not trying to be in a competition to have the most number of facebook friends possible: the rule was, if I don't know you, I hit "ignore." I mean, if I haven't spoken to you in YEARS, or haven't even thought of you, there's probably a reason, right? I wish there was a social networking site like facebook that was for "acquaintances" or "I think I kinda know ya's."
This worked out well, but then one day I got an EMAIL message on facebook, from a person I had ignored! So, what did I do? I IGNORED THE MESSAGE! And sure enough, a couple weeks later, I got another friend invite from that same person, with ANOTHER email, blatantly saying they were offended and hurt that I didn't "friend" them!
THEN, some of the people I deleted started sending me friend requests AGAIN! Ugh, this is getting ridiculous! If Seinfeld was still on, I'm sure they'd have a show about Facebooking, and feeling OBLIGED to friend people that you barely know, and then offending people if you don't... can't you picture it!
Oh, and it goes without saying, none of my readers of this blog are part of this facebook unfriending thing. If you're reading this, rest assured. You ARE my friend. (And don't send me emails telling me off!)
So, how about YOU guys- have you ever had these kind of experiences with facebook? Share your comments below!
I've dealt with this situation too- people come out of the woodwork, and suddenly I'm getting requests for random friends of friends that I don't even know, or people that I went to elementary school with and don't even REMEMBER speaking to! Ever!
I recently went through my friend list and "edited" (is that mean?!) my friends. Basically, if I had no idea who you were, or didn't ever remember speaking to you, you were GONE. I wondered why I had accepted all these friend requests in the first place! I guess I feel really guilty if I didn't befriend these people.
So then I got stricter and told myself that I'm not trying to be in a competition to have the most number of facebook friends possible: the rule was, if I don't know you, I hit "ignore." I mean, if I haven't spoken to you in YEARS, or haven't even thought of you, there's probably a reason, right? I wish there was a social networking site like facebook that was for "acquaintances" or "I think I kinda know ya's."
This worked out well, but then one day I got an EMAIL message on facebook, from a person I had ignored! So, what did I do? I IGNORED THE MESSAGE! And sure enough, a couple weeks later, I got another friend invite from that same person, with ANOTHER email, blatantly saying they were offended and hurt that I didn't "friend" them!
THEN, some of the people I deleted started sending me friend requests AGAIN! Ugh, this is getting ridiculous! If Seinfeld was still on, I'm sure they'd have a show about Facebooking, and feeling OBLIGED to friend people that you barely know, and then offending people if you don't... can't you picture it!
Oh, and it goes without saying, none of my readers of this blog are part of this facebook unfriending thing. If you're reading this, rest assured. You ARE my friend. (And don't send me emails telling me off!)
So, how about YOU guys- have you ever had these kind of experiences with facebook? Share your comments below!
Cole Hann
Hey, Guys- I heard that Cole Hann is having a "whisper sale," offering 30% off ALREADY discounted sale items! That means, ladies, you can finally score a pair of the Nike Air high heels! My friend Cory loves 'em!
Check out the website HERE- like I said, 30% off the already discounted sale prices in stores AND online!
Christmas can come early!
Check out the website HERE- like I said, 30% off the already discounted sale prices in stores AND online!
Christmas can come early!
18 November 2008
Geek Chic
Dan's rocking a new look recently: I like to call it Geek Chic. Nerdy-Cool. The other day, he wore Diesel jeans that were tight rolled at the bottom, this mint green button down shirt, a brown corduroy tie, long tweed jacket, and these gray geek glasses. The glasses are real- we got them at a lenscrafters. He has just a regular non-prescription lens in them, though. He wanted to find the geekiest glasses he could find- I think he succeeded!True, though- Dan gets a LOT of compliments, even from strangers. He said that someone on the train commented on his coat and said he looked "awesome." What do you think of Geek Chic?
(I think he looks gorgeous!)
16 November 2008
Saturday night
We started out the night on Saturday at the movies with Elizabeth, Ben, and Natalie. We saw Zack and Miri- it was hilarious! Kinda lame at the end because it got all sappy and followed the same predictable romantic comedy storyline, but all in all, it was fun!
We went to Bar None- one of our favorite cheap dive bars in NYC.
After Bar None, we headed up to 1-2-3 Bar: $1 burgers, $2 shots and $3 beers! We ordered a 3 foot tall beer tube, and Dan made Elizabeth drink from the spout!
Elizabeth decided to do a 2 week vegan detox: we ended up eating 4 orders of fries, sweet potato fries, and potato wedges during the course of the evening, but hey, technically it WAS vegan! Elizabeth and Dan busted out their dance moves when the song "Apple bottom jeans..." came on. That's our theme song!
14 November 2008
It's gettin' hot in herr, so take off all your ROBES...
Check out this Senior Citizens HIP HOP CHOIR! They're fantastic! This is a medley of some of their greatest performances: watch out for Don't Cha, Can't touch this, and Hey Ya!
This is fantastic- someone, please book these guys for a sweet 16 party or something!
¡uʍop ǝpısdn ǝdʎʇ
Here's a cool trick: this website converts your text upside down, so then you can copy and paste into your status message or blog or whatever.
Doesn't she look great?
Amy Winehouse cut her famous beehive into a short little bob. Kinda looks like she gained some weight too- or maybe her stomach is bloated from starvation, who knows?
Whaddya think, folks? Improved?
13 November 2008
Yog-ahhhhhh!!!!
Ever since Elizabeth and I took a Yoga class in Harlem with our volunteering group, I've been hooked! Yoga makes me feel so centered and gives me so much energy, plus it's amazing how quickly your body responds and how much your flexibility improves just from one day to the next. I've been taking yoga classes at my gym, Equinox, and I had no idea that it was such a cardio workout! I'm sweating and my heart is within just a few minutes of starting the class! It's not just stretching and holding, it's HARD WORK!
Plus, I'm SOOO sore the next day- especially in my core, inner thighs, shoulders and lower back. Wow!
Any other yogi's out there?
12 November 2008
Awesome Kids Halloween Costume!
These kids went as the Toy Soldiers from Toy Story! Cool costume, right? I loves!CSI- Miami
Dan and I just recently got on the CSI boat- we had friends that swore it was a great show, but we didn't start watching until TiVo recorded some episodes as suggestions about a year ago. Now, we're HOOKED! So naturally, we wanted to get all the CSI we can get: there's the original, CSI Las Vegas, and CSI New York. But the most ridiculous show (that for some reason, we still find ourselves watching?) is CSI: MIAMI.
THIS ARTICLE is absolutely genius- it calls CSI: MIAMI the greatest worst show of all time. Mostly, because of David Caruso's HILARIOUS portrayal of Horatio Caine. First of all, why is a red-headed IRISH guy playing a Latino character named Horatio? And why does he have to keep taking his sunglasses on and off, and then squinting? If you're squinting because the sun hurts your eyes, just leave the glasses ON!
Here's a portion of the article which is linked above, about Horatio Caine:
"Caine repeats other characters' names multiple times in one sentence for no reason, and always stands at bizarre angles where he's never quite looking at whoever he's talking to. He's constantly removing or putting on his sunglasses, and he makes profound-sounding declarations that are actually trite and trivial. He talks to everyone as if they're children, and although he experiences emotion, doesn't express it verbally or non-verbally.
Caine also walks away in the middle of conversations, and appears just as unexpectedly. On one episode, he appeared in the middle of a street that was just shown to be empty in a wide shot, as if he was some kind of magician.
This magical, odd Caine is the series' worst character, yet he's also the lead, and because he's at its helm, the show teeters toward the being absolutely ridiculous instead of just vaguely believable."
THIS ARTICLE is absolutely genius- it calls CSI: MIAMI the greatest worst show of all time. Mostly, because of David Caruso's HILARIOUS portrayal of Horatio Caine. First of all, why is a red-headed IRISH guy playing a Latino character named Horatio? And why does he have to keep taking his sunglasses on and off, and then squinting? If you're squinting because the sun hurts your eyes, just leave the glasses ON!
Here's a portion of the article which is linked above, about Horatio Caine:
"Caine repeats other characters' names multiple times in one sentence for no reason, and always stands at bizarre angles where he's never quite looking at whoever he's talking to. He's constantly removing or putting on his sunglasses, and he makes profound-sounding declarations that are actually trite and trivial. He talks to everyone as if they're children, and although he experiences emotion, doesn't express it verbally or non-verbally.
Caine also walks away in the middle of conversations, and appears just as unexpectedly. On one episode, he appeared in the middle of a street that was just shown to be empty in a wide shot, as if he was some kind of magician.
This magical, odd Caine is the series' worst character, yet he's also the lead, and because he's at its helm, the show teeters toward the being absolutely ridiculous instead of just vaguely believable."
Coffin Couches
COFFIN COUCHES!
Started by a former CSI/current autopsy guy in East LA, these Coffin Couches are exactly that: former resting places for dead people, converted into couches.
Each is customized to-order and takes seven days to make, starting with an 18-gauge-steel coffin abetted by 4-inch heavy duty padding, vinyl, and leather; colors range from primaries, to cow-print.
Later this year CC's creators are planning on expanding into file cabinets, mirrors, and beds!
Started by a former CSI/current autopsy guy in East LA, these Coffin Couches are exactly that: former resting places for dead people, converted into couches.
Each is customized to-order and takes seven days to make, starting with an 18-gauge-steel coffin abetted by 4-inch heavy duty padding, vinyl, and leather; colors range from primaries, to cow-print.
Later this year CC's creators are planning on expanding into file cabinets, mirrors, and beds!
10 November 2008
Distrito
Cory and I had an amazing meal at this new restaurant in University City, Philadelphia. It's Mexican/Southwestern, and it's a playful restaurant that throws back to old Mexico City. There were booths made out of old Volkswagen Beetles, and SWINGS for chairs! We liked the bar filled with Scorpions- tres cool!
The food: AMAZING! Margaritas to DIE FOR! Plus, they offer over 65 tequilas and you can get order a flight to sample 5 or 6 at a time! WOWZA!
Check it out- and DEFINITELY, check it out if you're in Philly! Plus, we got STREET parking and didn't even have to plug the meter after 6pm! It was a culmination of all things fantastic!
http://www.distritorestaurant.com
The food: AMAZING! Margaritas to DIE FOR! Plus, they offer over 65 tequilas and you can get order a flight to sample 5 or 6 at a time! WOWZA!
Check it out- and DEFINITELY, check it out if you're in Philly! Plus, we got STREET parking and didn't even have to plug the meter after 6pm! It was a culmination of all things fantastic!
http://www.distritorestaurant.com
Happy Holi-deeres?
At walmart, you can also decorate your home with John Deere paraphanalia! Aw, how festive! No redneck Christmas is complete without it!Gross! Old Cow Leg!!
Cory and I went to the new Walmart in King of Prussia this weekend, and I found this nasty bone in the pet aisle. It said it was a beef bone- blech! A big old cow leg with nasty flesh and skin on it! Look at the size of this thing!07 November 2008
I "bag" to differ
Mayor Bloomberg wants to start charging a fee of 6 cents for every plastic bag used in New York City. Similar initiatives are popping up all over the world- Ireland, for example, charges 33 cents per bag! The program is designed to bring environmental efforts as well as revenue back to the city. Officials estimate that as much as $16 MILLION would be generated just by charging for plastic bags! WOW!
I think it’s a GREAT idea! Dan and I went “bagless” over a year ago. We carry our own bags and use re-usable canvas bags for groceries. Plastic bags create litter, use so much oil to produce, and take hundreds of years to decompose.
This NY Times article details more about the plastic bag tax. True, it would be hard to enforce. Some city council members think that it should be 25 cents, so that it really produces consumer change. (Maybe some people won’t care if they’re charged a measly 6 cents for a bag?) Other people disagree with the fee, and they suggest that poor and homeless people would be affected the most, as they wouldn’t be able to absorb the cost like the rest of us.
To that, I just have to comment that I think the HOMELESS people have the least to worry about. They always have what seems like HUNDREDS of bags with them! Hello?! Why do you think the term “bag lady” came from! Maybe it would encourage them to do their part for the environment, and just put their purchases in their rusty shopping carts or abandoned strollers…
I think it’s a GREAT idea! Dan and I went “bagless” over a year ago. We carry our own bags and use re-usable canvas bags for groceries. Plastic bags create litter, use so much oil to produce, and take hundreds of years to decompose.
This NY Times article details more about the plastic bag tax. True, it would be hard to enforce. Some city council members think that it should be 25 cents, so that it really produces consumer change. (Maybe some people won’t care if they’re charged a measly 6 cents for a bag?) Other people disagree with the fee, and they suggest that poor and homeless people would be affected the most, as they wouldn’t be able to absorb the cost like the rest of us.
To that, I just have to comment that I think the HOMELESS people have the least to worry about. They always have what seems like HUNDREDS of bags with them! Hello?! Why do you think the term “bag lady” came from! Maybe it would encourage them to do their part for the environment, and just put their purchases in their rusty shopping carts or abandoned strollers…
on my radar this week
My new favorite snack is Fage Yogurt! It's Greek yogurt that's plain and SUPER thick and creamy. Different flavors are available, but I'm into this one with the honey on the side. It's amazing! Since it's so thick, it's actually really filling too. The downside? The PRICE! Here in NYC at least, it's $1.99 per individual container. Hey, still cheaper than Starbucks, though.
Demetri Martin
Saying ‘I’m sorry’ is the same as saying ‘I apologize.’ Except at a funeral
I went into a deli and got an egg sandwich and a hot chocolate. And then I went outside and I had to get a cab, so I had to put up one of my hands. But I already started eating my sandwich; I took it out of the bag, I was impatient. So my choice was hold up an egg sandwich or hold up a hot chocolate to get a car. So I chose the hot chocolate. And I put it up there and no cab stopped and I realized it was because I looked like I was toasting traffic. Standing on the street, ‘Here’s to you guys, to everybody heading west, I just wanna say I like what you do… but one of you needs to stop, pick me up.
I went into a deli and got an egg sandwich and a hot chocolate. And then I went outside and I had to get a cab, so I had to put up one of my hands. But I already started eating my sandwich; I took it out of the bag, I was impatient. So my choice was hold up an egg sandwich or hold up a hot chocolate to get a car. So I chose the hot chocolate. And I put it up there and no cab stopped and I realized it was because I looked like I was toasting traffic. Standing on the street, ‘Here’s to you guys, to everybody heading west, I just wanna say I like what you do… but one of you needs to stop, pick me up.
06 November 2008
And the can of worms is now officially OPEN!
Ok, readers. I'm about to make you uncomfortable. Promise. But something has really been bothering me, and I need to talk about it. Gay Marriage. (anyone still reading?) Ok, good. Now I understand that there are some of you who feel VERY strongly about homosexuality being a sin (and YES, I know what the BIBLE says) but I have been so shocked and saddened at the way Christians have reacted to Proposition 8 in this recent election, and I would feel like a phoney if I didn't speak my mind.
Proposition 8, for those of you (Canadians?) who might not know, is a proposition in the state of California that elects to change the constitution to redefine marriage as ONLY between a MAN and a WOMAN. The same issue was being voted on in Florida, called Proposition 2. On Tuesday, residents of those states were able to vote on the issue, and both propositions were PASSED. In other words, if you're gay and want to get married in Florida or California, you CAN'T. There will be a law in both states' constitution saying no.
This, my friends, is blatant discrimination. Here's why:
If you can't find anyone within the group a piece of legislation it's affecting that's in favor of it, it's DISCRIMINATORY. Get it? NONE of the people who this law is targeting are in support of it! Only those who aren't the subject of the proposition are for it. I sincerely doubt that any same-sex couples are out there supporting this proposition.
It's disgusting that the only social group where it's tolerated by the Christian community or sometimes yes, even ENCOURAGED to be discriminated against are homosexuals. In this society, you wouldn't even think of writing a proposition that denied blacks or native americans the right to marry. It wouldn't even be discussed.
You can believe that homosexuality is something you're born with, or something you choose. But this constitutional law is saying that these people do not have the same rights as the rest of us.
What if we made an amendment for a different group of people, say for example: Jews. Just because the Jewish religion does not see Jesus Christ as their Savior, should we forbid all Jews from walking the same sidewalks as Christians? Or, because African-Americans have darker skin than Caucasians, should they drink from separate fountains?
Mike Tsao posted a really insightful thesis about this issue. In it, he says, "If Proposition 8 were about "values," whatever that means, then you should be able to slice and dice the population any way you want and find people on either side of the issue, regardless of whether they're personally harmed or helped by their position. Example: I'm in favor of women having voting rights, even though I'm a man." That's what it means to vote for VALUES.
But I get it, folks. Most people voted yes on Prop 8 because they believed they had to protect "VALUES." So let's investigate these values, shall we?
Is it because people say it's not "Natural?" That only men and women together can bear children? Then, if that's the case, childless heterosexual couples are deviant. Should Dan and I not have the right to marry if we decide not to have children? What about couples who are infertile? Since they can't have children, they violate the definition of marriage?
If that's the case, then it should be illegal for post-menopausal women to marry. They can't bear children. You see, the value can't be about procreation.
Is it because marriage has traditionally been only between a man and a woman? Hmmm... well let's see: Traditionally black men were lynched for even courting white women. Traditionally it was illegal for an Asiatic person to marry a Caucasian person, and before that in the United States it was illegal for Asian and Native American people to marry at all.
Traditionally slaves in the U.S. could not marry at all! In just the last 20 years it was established that people in United States prisons could marry; before that, not all could. It certainly seems that marriage has certainly changed over the years as society has evolved.
Maybe people are afraid that if gay people could get married, then they could adopt children and raise them in a weird environment? If that's the case, then every person appearing on Cops should be immediately sterilized. Please don't get the government involved in deciding what is and what isn't a "normal" environment for kids. And how could anyone possibly think that it's more acceptable for a child to be raised in an abusive, drug-trafficking, dangerous and abusive family in the ghetto by a HETEROSEXUAL unmarried mother and father who is never around, than by two SAME-SEX people who love the child unconditionally, have the financial means, the education, the extended-family support to protect, love, and raise a tolerant and loving child?! It's uncomprehendible to me.
Alright, let's talk about Religion: Well, what if someone doesn't believe in YOUR God? Do they still have to live by YOUR rules? Christians, we often talk about how blessed we are to live in a FREE country, with the freedom to openly practice our religion and our beliefs, yet don't we understand that that SAME freedom extends to every American? That EVERYONE deserves the right to their own beliefs: muslims, jews, atheists, hindus, and yes, gays. Even if they don't believe what you do, and as much as you want them to, they have every right to believe whatever they want.
Or is it the value that gays are icky to you? Icky people who do icky things in their cold, dark, sinful hearts? That's NOT a value. That's a JUDGEMENT, and it also goes by another name: HATRED.
Above all, Jesus calls us to LOVE. And the message that Christians are sending to the gay community is not about LOVE. It's not making them want to turn to Christ and learn more about your churches. Do you really think that this is fixing anything?! No, it's not about love. It's isolation. Whether you choose to admit it or not, it's sending the message that we are better than them and they are second-class sinning citizens.
The judging. The name-calling. The ignorance. The Bible-banging. It's got to stop. And for those of you that voted yes on the amendment to take away the right for same-sex marriage? May you all be blessed with a gay child.
Proposition 8, for those of you (Canadians?) who might not know, is a proposition in the state of California that elects to change the constitution to redefine marriage as ONLY between a MAN and a WOMAN. The same issue was being voted on in Florida, called Proposition 2. On Tuesday, residents of those states were able to vote on the issue, and both propositions were PASSED. In other words, if you're gay and want to get married in Florida or California, you CAN'T. There will be a law in both states' constitution saying no.
This, my friends, is blatant discrimination. Here's why:
If you can't find anyone within the group a piece of legislation it's affecting that's in favor of it, it's DISCRIMINATORY. Get it? NONE of the people who this law is targeting are in support of it! Only those who aren't the subject of the proposition are for it. I sincerely doubt that any same-sex couples are out there supporting this proposition.
It's disgusting that the only social group where it's tolerated by the Christian community or sometimes yes, even ENCOURAGED to be discriminated against are homosexuals. In this society, you wouldn't even think of writing a proposition that denied blacks or native americans the right to marry. It wouldn't even be discussed.
You can believe that homosexuality is something you're born with, or something you choose. But this constitutional law is saying that these people do not have the same rights as the rest of us.
What if we made an amendment for a different group of people, say for example: Jews. Just because the Jewish religion does not see Jesus Christ as their Savior, should we forbid all Jews from walking the same sidewalks as Christians? Or, because African-Americans have darker skin than Caucasians, should they drink from separate fountains?
Mike Tsao posted a really insightful thesis about this issue. In it, he says, "If Proposition 8 were about "values," whatever that means, then you should be able to slice and dice the population any way you want and find people on either side of the issue, regardless of whether they're personally harmed or helped by their position. Example: I'm in favor of women having voting rights, even though I'm a man." That's what it means to vote for VALUES.
But I get it, folks. Most people voted yes on Prop 8 because they believed they had to protect "VALUES." So let's investigate these values, shall we?
Is it because people say it's not "Natural?" That only men and women together can bear children? Then, if that's the case, childless heterosexual couples are deviant. Should Dan and I not have the right to marry if we decide not to have children? What about couples who are infertile? Since they can't have children, they violate the definition of marriage?
If that's the case, then it should be illegal for post-menopausal women to marry. They can't bear children. You see, the value can't be about procreation.
Is it because marriage has traditionally been only between a man and a woman? Hmmm... well let's see: Traditionally black men were lynched for even courting white women. Traditionally it was illegal for an Asiatic person to marry a Caucasian person, and before that in the United States it was illegal for Asian and Native American people to marry at all.
Traditionally slaves in the U.S. could not marry at all! In just the last 20 years it was established that people in United States prisons could marry; before that, not all could. It certainly seems that marriage has certainly changed over the years as society has evolved.
Maybe people are afraid that if gay people could get married, then they could adopt children and raise them in a weird environment? If that's the case, then every person appearing on Cops should be immediately sterilized. Please don't get the government involved in deciding what is and what isn't a "normal" environment for kids. And how could anyone possibly think that it's more acceptable for a child to be raised in an abusive, drug-trafficking, dangerous and abusive family in the ghetto by a HETEROSEXUAL unmarried mother and father who is never around, than by two SAME-SEX people who love the child unconditionally, have the financial means, the education, the extended-family support to protect, love, and raise a tolerant and loving child?! It's uncomprehendible to me.
Alright, let's talk about Religion: Well, what if someone doesn't believe in YOUR God? Do they still have to live by YOUR rules? Christians, we often talk about how blessed we are to live in a FREE country, with the freedom to openly practice our religion and our beliefs, yet don't we understand that that SAME freedom extends to every American? That EVERYONE deserves the right to their own beliefs: muslims, jews, atheists, hindus, and yes, gays. Even if they don't believe what you do, and as much as you want them to, they have every right to believe whatever they want.
Or is it the value that gays are icky to you? Icky people who do icky things in their cold, dark, sinful hearts? That's NOT a value. That's a JUDGEMENT, and it also goes by another name: HATRED.
Above all, Jesus calls us to LOVE. And the message that Christians are sending to the gay community is not about LOVE. It's not making them want to turn to Christ and learn more about your churches. Do you really think that this is fixing anything?! No, it's not about love. It's isolation. Whether you choose to admit it or not, it's sending the message that we are better than them and they are second-class sinning citizens.
The judging. The name-calling. The ignorance. The Bible-banging. It's got to stop. And for those of you that voted yes on the amendment to take away the right for same-sex marriage? May you all be blessed with a gay child.
For my horrible tattoo hall of shame...
Most of you who have been following my blog for a while know that I love to collect pictures of terrible, regrettable tattoos. Which is why, when I found this article online, I couldn't wait to share it with you! Absoloutely brilliant.
THE TOP 10 MOST STUPID TATTOOS
Posted by Johnny Wright
About 15 years from now, there will be thousands of people who have covered various parts of their bodies with tattoos that are going to feel really stupid. It will no longer be trendy and they will spend the rest of their lives explaining why they have all-you-can-eat ink permanently branded on themselves."Well, we were in Cabo and I'd had a few margaritas. I was feeling pretty loosey-goosey, one thing led to another and well, I ended up with Calvin taking a wiz on a Florida State Seminoles logo tattooed on my forearm. I know, it's stupid." Those conversations are going to happen by the bucketful. It's not that I think all tattoos are in poor taste.
The practice is not for me personally, but to each his own. In fact, not that long ago my very conservative father had a milestone birthday and got the Rampant Lion of Scotland tatted on his bicep. It's a small nod to the heritage that we are very proud of. I believe my father's tattoo was thought about for a long time. It was not a spontaneous or booze influenced decision. Sadly many tats are just that; either a spur of the moment purchase or inspired by too much of a favorite tipple.
With other fads, you can participate and not make it a lifetime commitment. You can take the double hoop earrings out pretend it never happened. (If you still have those, you need to take them out.) You can shave off your side-spike. You can take off your parachute pants. It's a little more of a chore to remove your Dane Cook "Su-Fi" tattoo.(Who's going to feel more stupid down the road; The "Su-Fi" tattoo gang or those that have "Git-R-Done" permanently on their body? A tough call. It's a good thing that tattoos weren't as popular on the early 80's or their would be a few people with Yakov Smirnoff on their shoulder blade.)Many will feel stupid, the owners of the following tattoos are going to feel like the southbound end of a northbound horse.
These are the most stupid, most clichéd ink in the book:
10. Anything On Your Rear End - First of all, you have to sit bare-assed in the tattoo parlor for an hour or more. Your keester blowin' in the wind while you get a four leafed clover inked on. Not good.
9. A Looney Tunes Character; Especially Taz - I'm not sure how this became a mark of pride in the redneck community, but I believe it started with the Yosemite Sam mud-flaps. Pretty sure that's right. I've seen Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Daffy Duck, the aforementioned Sam, Sylvester, even Foghorn Leghorn. (Who is hilarious and has one of the best cartoon names ever.) But it's Taz that shows up the most on the farmer tanned biceps.
8. Anything Done By Your Buddies - I don't care if your pal is a pretty good doodler and can draw the Yankees logo and a cocktail napkin. The homemade tattoo always appears to be just that. My cousin spent some time in Nicaragua. He has an amazing photo with his arm around a shirtless cat that has a homemade tattoo of a huge erect penis on his chest. You wonder who's idea it was. Maybe he was so drunk that his friends decided to put a wiener on him as a joke. That's a whole other level from the classic "Sharpie on the forehead" gag.
7. Famous Person That Is Still Alive - Let's say you were a diehard Michael Jackson fan in the late 80's. You had the glove, the zippered jacket, the cat eye contact lenses from "Thriller," the lot. You have the choreography to "Smooth Criminal" down pat. So you get a King of Pop tattoo on your arm. Uh oh. He's a child molester. Crap. That doesn't come off. I bet there is someone with an O.J. Simpson #32 tat still on their calf. You never know when a hero could fall from grace. Also in this category is a band that's not at least twenty years into making records. I know a girl whose little brother had Limp Bizkit autograph his leg, then he had the tattoo artist go over them permanently. Oops.
6. Anything You Think Is Funny - This would be the meat head that has "I'm With Stupid" on his midsection with an arrow pointing down to his junk. The use of a bellybutton for an animal's anus. Good one. You may think you are clever, but it will be funny for fifteen minutes and embarrassing for life.
5. Flames From the Wrist Up - Really hackneyed and lame. You're not on fire. You're a lemming following the others that wear shiny pants and wife-beaters off the cliff of clichés.
4. The Neck Tattoo - This one seems to be growing in popularity. Hardly a day goes by when I don't see a child's name in fancy cursive tatted on a straphanger's neck while riding the 1 train. It's not a good idea unless you are a musician or professional athlete. You are essentially cashing in your respect in society with the neck tat. If you're going in for a job interview and you have a skull and crossbones tattoo peeking out from your shirt collar, I'm willing to wager you're not getting the gig.
3. Any Name of a Significant Other That You Have Not Been Married To For At Least 10 Years - I firmly believe that 90% of the tattoo removal practice's business is from this very mistake. The only one to pull off a fix on this one was Johnny Depp. While engaged to Winona "I'll Just Help Myself To These" Ryder. Depp had "Winona Forever" on his bicep. He later changed it to "Wino Forever." That is kind of funny.
2. The Booty Crease Tramp Stamp - Sorry ladies, this is ridiculous. No intricate design or use of a butterfly makes it original. It only shows you have no individual style and want to be lumped in with the club-hopping Paris Hilton wannabe's.
1. The Tribal Arm Band - The lamest of the lame. I have news for you, Chief, there is nothing "tribal" about your ink. It wasn't designed by the village elders of the Masai tribe in Africa. It was scribbled on a legal pad by a high school dropout that goes by the handle "Fruit Loops." You're a walking billboard for the unoriginal. Every time you think it's cool, you should remember that Nick Lachey and other boy band members have one. I rest my case, your honor.
And finally ... The Lifetime Achievement Award For Crap Tattoos goes to ... The Barbed Wire Arm Band. The barbed wire band would like to thank God, the committee for voting, and Pamela Anderson.
THE TOP 10 MOST STUPID TATTOOS
Posted by Johnny Wright
About 15 years from now, there will be thousands of people who have covered various parts of their bodies with tattoos that are going to feel really stupid. It will no longer be trendy and they will spend the rest of their lives explaining why they have all-you-can-eat ink permanently branded on themselves."Well, we were in Cabo and I'd had a few margaritas. I was feeling pretty loosey-goosey, one thing led to another and well, I ended up with Calvin taking a wiz on a Florida State Seminoles logo tattooed on my forearm. I know, it's stupid." Those conversations are going to happen by the bucketful. It's not that I think all tattoos are in poor taste.
The practice is not for me personally, but to each his own. In fact, not that long ago my very conservative father had a milestone birthday and got the Rampant Lion of Scotland tatted on his bicep. It's a small nod to the heritage that we are very proud of. I believe my father's tattoo was thought about for a long time. It was not a spontaneous or booze influenced decision. Sadly many tats are just that; either a spur of the moment purchase or inspired by too much of a favorite tipple.
With other fads, you can participate and not make it a lifetime commitment. You can take the double hoop earrings out pretend it never happened. (If you still have those, you need to take them out.) You can shave off your side-spike. You can take off your parachute pants. It's a little more of a chore to remove your Dane Cook "Su-Fi" tattoo.(Who's going to feel more stupid down the road; The "Su-Fi" tattoo gang or those that have "Git-R-Done" permanently on their body? A tough call. It's a good thing that tattoos weren't as popular on the early 80's or their would be a few people with Yakov Smirnoff on their shoulder blade.)Many will feel stupid, the owners of the following tattoos are going to feel like the southbound end of a northbound horse.
These are the most stupid, most clichéd ink in the book:
10. Anything On Your Rear End - First of all, you have to sit bare-assed in the tattoo parlor for an hour or more. Your keester blowin' in the wind while you get a four leafed clover inked on. Not good.
9. A Looney Tunes Character; Especially Taz - I'm not sure how this became a mark of pride in the redneck community, but I believe it started with the Yosemite Sam mud-flaps. Pretty sure that's right. I've seen Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Daffy Duck, the aforementioned Sam, Sylvester, even Foghorn Leghorn. (Who is hilarious and has one of the best cartoon names ever.) But it's Taz that shows up the most on the farmer tanned biceps.
8. Anything Done By Your Buddies - I don't care if your pal is a pretty good doodler and can draw the Yankees logo and a cocktail napkin. The homemade tattoo always appears to be just that. My cousin spent some time in Nicaragua. He has an amazing photo with his arm around a shirtless cat that has a homemade tattoo of a huge erect penis on his chest. You wonder who's idea it was. Maybe he was so drunk that his friends decided to put a wiener on him as a joke. That's a whole other level from the classic "Sharpie on the forehead" gag.
7. Famous Person That Is Still Alive - Let's say you were a diehard Michael Jackson fan in the late 80's. You had the glove, the zippered jacket, the cat eye contact lenses from "Thriller," the lot. You have the choreography to "Smooth Criminal" down pat. So you get a King of Pop tattoo on your arm. Uh oh. He's a child molester. Crap. That doesn't come off. I bet there is someone with an O.J. Simpson #32 tat still on their calf. You never know when a hero could fall from grace. Also in this category is a band that's not at least twenty years into making records. I know a girl whose little brother had Limp Bizkit autograph his leg, then he had the tattoo artist go over them permanently. Oops.
6. Anything You Think Is Funny - This would be the meat head that has "I'm With Stupid" on his midsection with an arrow pointing down to his junk. The use of a bellybutton for an animal's anus. Good one. You may think you are clever, but it will be funny for fifteen minutes and embarrassing for life.
5. Flames From the Wrist Up - Really hackneyed and lame. You're not on fire. You're a lemming following the others that wear shiny pants and wife-beaters off the cliff of clichés.
4. The Neck Tattoo - This one seems to be growing in popularity. Hardly a day goes by when I don't see a child's name in fancy cursive tatted on a straphanger's neck while riding the 1 train. It's not a good idea unless you are a musician or professional athlete. You are essentially cashing in your respect in society with the neck tat. If you're going in for a job interview and you have a skull and crossbones tattoo peeking out from your shirt collar, I'm willing to wager you're not getting the gig.
3. Any Name of a Significant Other That You Have Not Been Married To For At Least 10 Years - I firmly believe that 90% of the tattoo removal practice's business is from this very mistake. The only one to pull off a fix on this one was Johnny Depp. While engaged to Winona "I'll Just Help Myself To These" Ryder. Depp had "Winona Forever" on his bicep. He later changed it to "Wino Forever." That is kind of funny.
2. The Booty Crease Tramp Stamp - Sorry ladies, this is ridiculous. No intricate design or use of a butterfly makes it original. It only shows you have no individual style and want to be lumped in with the club-hopping Paris Hilton wannabe's.
1. The Tribal Arm Band - The lamest of the lame. I have news for you, Chief, there is nothing "tribal" about your ink. It wasn't designed by the village elders of the Masai tribe in Africa. It was scribbled on a legal pad by a high school dropout that goes by the handle "Fruit Loops." You're a walking billboard for the unoriginal. Every time you think it's cool, you should remember that Nick Lachey and other boy band members have one. I rest my case, your honor.
And finally ... The Lifetime Achievement Award For Crap Tattoos goes to ... The Barbed Wire Arm Band. The barbed wire band would like to thank God, the committee for voting, and Pamela Anderson.
Old School
I don't have kids, but I know alot of my readers do, so that's the reason I thought of you in today's COOL WEBSITE O' THE DAY!
Check out http://acorntoyshop.com/ It's a toy shop in Brooklyn, dedicated to hand-crafted, old fashioned wooden, fabric and tin toys. I think it's fantastic- these are the toys I would want my kids to play with. All those electronic flashing toys that honk, light up, and play repetitive robo-sounding jingles make me want to pull my hair out!
So save your kid from ADD and consider these imaginative and inventive toys: stuff our grandparents and great-grandparents would have played with!
Check out http://acorntoyshop.com/ It's a toy shop in Brooklyn, dedicated to hand-crafted, old fashioned wooden, fabric and tin toys. I think it's fantastic- these are the toys I would want my kids to play with. All those electronic flashing toys that honk, light up, and play repetitive robo-sounding jingles make me want to pull my hair out!
So save your kid from ADD and consider these imaginative and inventive toys: stuff our grandparents and great-grandparents would have played with!
30 October 2008
Wardrobe assistance
Hey, guys- I have a wardrobe question that I thought I'd put out there for YOU to give me ideas on!
A while ago, I bought a beautiful Diesel sweater on sale (regular price was like $300!) The sweater is wool cable-knit, with hand made beautiful detail. It's off-white/ivory, with wood round buttons up the front, and a hood.
Here's the thing: it's ANKLE-LENGTH, so it's more of a coat than a sweater. I've had this for 4 years and I don't think I've EVER worn it! Consider the dilemmas:
Can't wear it as a dress, with tights because the knit is too loose and you can basically see too much skin through it.
Can't wear it as a coat because it's not warm enough on it's own, and there's no lining.
Can't wear it as a regular sweater unless I wear a long jacket and even then, it looks kinda funny when I'm outside with a sweater hanging out the bottom of my jacket...
Help! Give me some ideas on how to rock this sweater!
A while ago, I bought a beautiful Diesel sweater on sale (regular price was like $300!) The sweater is wool cable-knit, with hand made beautiful detail. It's off-white/ivory, with wood round buttons up the front, and a hood.
Here's the thing: it's ANKLE-LENGTH, so it's more of a coat than a sweater. I've had this for 4 years and I don't think I've EVER worn it! Consider the dilemmas:
Can't wear it as a dress, with tights because the knit is too loose and you can basically see too much skin through it.
Can't wear it as a coat because it's not warm enough on it's own, and there's no lining.
Can't wear it as a regular sweater unless I wear a long jacket and even then, it looks kinda funny when I'm outside with a sweater hanging out the bottom of my jacket...
Help! Give me some ideas on how to rock this sweater!
Menu from "La Maison Bortner"
So I finished up my menu planning yesterday and I even made my grocery list for the next 2 weeks. I try to do menus for 2 week intervals- it's an Excel spreadsheet that has 7 columns (for a 7 day week) and 2 options in each column. Let's face it, sometimes you get home from a long day at work and you decide you don't want to make what was "scheduled", so I like to give myself some flexibility!
Actually, the 14 days of dinner meals ends up stretching to at least 16 because there are bound to be leftovers, with just 2 of us eating. Certain things are great leftovers: lasagna is a GREAT leftover, wouldn't you agree? To me, it sometimes tastes even BETTER when you heat it up the next day! But some leftovers, well their fate is sealed the moment that the Glad press 'n seal wrap makes contact with the dish. So, most of my meals are 30 minutes or less, easy to make, and minmal dishes involved (no diswasher!) We're a big fan of casserole-type meals, because it's easy to make ahead the night before, then just pop in the oven when we get home from work. Plus, it's easier to clean up, with just one dish to soak and clean.
We still like to have some "lazy ass" meals on deck, because inevitably we will have a night like last night, when I get home late from the gym and Dan gets home late from the bar...I mean "WORK" (lol!) and we just don't feel like cooking. Last night, we had what I like to call a "college kid meal" where we enjoyed fine dining of Ellio's Pizza, and Tater Tots. Oh yes. We're classy like that!
So, in case you're wondering, here's a list of what will be cooking in my 2 sq ft kitchen for the next few weeks. Keep in mind, I cook for a husband who is pretty picky, so all of the meals should be "kid friendly" since they're "Dan friendly." I printed my chart and all the recipes for my friend Carmen (who's blog is on the right- check out CeeCee's world and give her a shout!) If anyone else wants some of these recipes, leave me a comment.
Shepherd's Pie
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Cheesy Hash Brown Bake
Chicken Pot Pie
Au Gratin Taco Bake
3 Cheese Ravioli
Vegetarian Lasagna
Chicken stew with Dumplings
Broccoli & Ham Bake
Beef & Vegetable Pie
Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy 2 Cheese Fettuccini
Baked Ziti
Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potato Fries
Actually, the 14 days of dinner meals ends up stretching to at least 16 because there are bound to be leftovers, with just 2 of us eating. Certain things are great leftovers: lasagna is a GREAT leftover, wouldn't you agree? To me, it sometimes tastes even BETTER when you heat it up the next day! But some leftovers, well their fate is sealed the moment that the Glad press 'n seal wrap makes contact with the dish. So, most of my meals are 30 minutes or less, easy to make, and minmal dishes involved (no diswasher!) We're a big fan of casserole-type meals, because it's easy to make ahead the night before, then just pop in the oven when we get home from work. Plus, it's easier to clean up, with just one dish to soak and clean.
We still like to have some "lazy ass" meals on deck, because inevitably we will have a night like last night, when I get home late from the gym and Dan gets home late from the bar...I mean "WORK" (lol!) and we just don't feel like cooking. Last night, we had what I like to call a "college kid meal" where we enjoyed fine dining of Ellio's Pizza, and Tater Tots. Oh yes. We're classy like that!
So, in case you're wondering, here's a list of what will be cooking in my 2 sq ft kitchen for the next few weeks. Keep in mind, I cook for a husband who is pretty picky, so all of the meals should be "kid friendly" since they're "Dan friendly." I printed my chart and all the recipes for my friend Carmen (who's blog is on the right- check out CeeCee's world and give her a shout!) If anyone else wants some of these recipes, leave me a comment.
Shepherd's Pie
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Cheesy Hash Brown Bake
Chicken Pot Pie
Au Gratin Taco Bake
3 Cheese Ravioli
Vegetarian Lasagna
Chicken stew with Dumplings
Broccoli & Ham Bake
Beef & Vegetable Pie
Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy 2 Cheese Fettuccini
Baked Ziti
Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potato Fries
Check this out! Will this be the future of cell phones?
Take a look at this concept phone from Samsung! Cool, right?Etiquette Hell
If you enjoy some great stories about the behavior of Bride-zillas, tasteless guests, tacky co-workers, and just all around shocking social behavior, head over to ETIQUETTE HELL
There's tons of categories from shocking wedding etiquette, funerals, birthdays, office workplace, and the list goes on!
Here's one to get you started:
"I received an invitation to celebrate the 1st birthday of an acquaintance's daughter. It requested that guests bring their own lawn chairs and alcohol. Classy. "
There's tons of categories from shocking wedding etiquette, funerals, birthdays, office workplace, and the list goes on!
Here's one to get you started:
"I received an invitation to celebrate the 1st birthday of an acquaintance's daughter. It requested that guests bring their own lawn chairs and alcohol. Classy. "
28 October 2008
Guess what time.....
Guess what time this photo was taken? 8pm? Nope...try 8:45 in the MORNING! Yeah, so ask me why I'm having a hard time getting up in the morning! It looked like THIS today in NYC! I snapped this pic with my iPhone as I was walking into my office building- see the headlights? Yeah, it's not nighttime. See the Empire State Building? Those are people walking TO work, not on their way home FROM work!It was eerily dark this morning- cold, raining, and dark. One of those mornings that would have been PERFECT if you could crawl back into bed and sleep. It's raining pretty hard now, and since it's turning cold, I won't be surprised if I see SNOW flurries in my office window up on the 34th floor today! We'll see....
24 October 2008
Abs in a BOX!
This website sells a cosmetic kit that teaches you how to paint on your abs to make it look like you've been spending 8 weeks doing 1000 crunches a day. They claim that it's waterproof and sweatproof, but how embarrassing would it be to sit by the pool and get splashed and all of a sudden your "abs" are running down your leg!The kit is $69 and it's rumored that the Dancing With the Stars contestants rely on this stuff to make their bodies look ripped. Hmmm... What do you think of Abs in a Box? Worth $69 to try? Would you do it?
NY Cares
Last night, Elizabeth and I met at the Kateri House on West 87th street to volunteer with their monthly cocktail party. Kateri House is a home for the elderly and has 500 residents ranging in ages from 72-105!
We arrived at 6:30, and helped set up, bring residents into the recreation room, and talk to the residents. The theme of the event was "Oktoberfest", and we served german sausage and apple dumplings. The residents were most excited that we even served BEER (it was non-alcoholic, but I doubt that they knew!) There was a band playing german polkas and waltzes, and Elizabeth and I tried to get the crowd going by clapping and doing some polka dances. LOL
I told Dan when I got home not to be jealous, but I think I may have made a few boyfriends! One gentlemen told me, "Next time, wear a SHORTER SKIRT!" and he winked! Ha ha, it was cute, and I love to play along- it makes them feel young again to have a young girl pay attention to them!
I didn't take any pictures during the event, because I didn't know what their privacy rules were, and I didn't want to upset anyone by taking pictures if they didn't want to. But, I did make Elizabeth pose outside the elevators for this picture beside a frame of some of the residents' photos. 
It was a great experience, and we're looking forward to coming back!
23 October 2008
Breaking Bad news with Baby Animals
Ha ha ha Hilarious!
A new book has been published called "Grandma's Dead: Breaking Bad News with Baby Animals. It's due out on Oct. 28th but you can check it out on Amazon.com by clicking HERE.
So wrong, but so funny!
You can also send e-cards with some of these greetings on THIS website. So go on and break some bad news!!
Bruno! Bruno! Bruno!
My friends know that BORAT is one of my favorite movies. Well, then again- I have a lot of favorite movies. Anyway, I'm SUPER SUPER excited for one movie in particular to come out: BRUNO!
It doesn't premier until May 15, but it's filming right now and people have spotted Sasha Baron Cohen crashing all kinds of runway shows in Italy and Paris!
For more info, check out the Bruno Movie Website, which even has some surveillance footage of them filming some scenes for the film!
Wahweewawa!!!
It doesn't premier until May 15, but it's filming right now and people have spotted Sasha Baron Cohen crashing all kinds of runway shows in Italy and Paris!
For more info, check out the Bruno Movie Website, which even has some surveillance footage of them filming some scenes for the film!
Wahweewawa!!!
Thursday gibberish
It's THURSDAY, which means it's one day closer to FRIDAY! Man, I love weekends. I love Friday nights, too- because you go to bed thinking, "Wow, I still have TWO more days to sleep in!" It's a great feeling.
Tonight, Elizabeth and I embark in our second volunteering adventure: this time, not in Spanish Harlem! LOL
Last time we volunteered, we were at a women's halfway home for formerly homeless women/ex-cons, doing a Yoga class. It really didn't feel much like volunteering because we just showed up and did Yoga for an hour. I liked the Yoga, though- and I started taking classes through my gym. Watch out, MADONNA!!
So, tonight we signed up for something that should be really really fun! We're going up to an elderly care home on the upper west side to volunteer at their monthly cocktail party! We'll be serving drinks to the seniors, socializing, and dancing with them. I warned Elizabeth to watch those hands- these old guys have a tendancy to be pretty flirty! Ha ha ha.
We're excited- I'll let you know how it goes!
Tonight, Elizabeth and I embark in our second volunteering adventure: this time, not in Spanish Harlem! LOL
Last time we volunteered, we were at a women's halfway home for formerly homeless women/ex-cons, doing a Yoga class. It really didn't feel much like volunteering because we just showed up and did Yoga for an hour. I liked the Yoga, though- and I started taking classes through my gym. Watch out, MADONNA!!
So, tonight we signed up for something that should be really really fun! We're going up to an elderly care home on the upper west side to volunteer at their monthly cocktail party! We'll be serving drinks to the seniors, socializing, and dancing with them. I warned Elizabeth to watch those hands- these old guys have a tendancy to be pretty flirty! Ha ha ha.
We're excited- I'll let you know how it goes!
We have LASERS!
I love love LOVE this new website I found- it's a tribute to those school photos we all took back in the 80's with the lasers in the backgrounds! If you're interested in a bit of nostalgia, head over to WE HAVE LASERS!
22 October 2008
21 October 2008
Good Question, Jared
See? I DO read my comments! :) For info on the JANET concert, everyone can check out my public blog: http://www.carmineanddan.blogspot.com/.
It was super dee duper!
It was super dee duper!
20 October 2008
Dear Dan:
I know how much you love your flip-flops: who doesn't! They're convenient, comfortable, versatile, and remind of warm sunny days on the beach. But, now it's 50 degrees outside, and it's time to put the flip flops away. Although, you do make me laugh with these blue and black checkered socks underneath your flip flops. Maybe you're starting a fashion trend of your own? :)
Cosby Sweaters: back in style!
You heard it hear first! The "cosby sweaters" are back in style! They're taking NYC by storm- expect to see it trickle down to the midwest in about oh, 3 years. (LOL)17 October 2008
Miss Jackson if you're Nasty...
So here's the pressing question: Will we be seeing Janet Jackson tonight or not? So far, Janet's cancelled more concerts on her tour than she's actually performed, so we're still not sure it's actually on for tonight. Her publicists have issued a statement saying that her mystery illness is due to migraines...hmmm, isn't that convenient? They came up with the perfect illness that comes upon suddenly and then goes away at random, and requires no proof for diagnosis? Yeah, I'm more likely to believe that she has a severe case of PTS: Poor Ticket Sales.
I'm excited for the concert, and so far it looks like it's still on. HOWEVER, the show is at the Izod center in East Rutherford, NJ, so we have to travel by bus about an HOUR from Manhattan to get there. If we go all the way to JERSEY, and she ends up canceling at the last minute (a la her montreal concert!), I'm gonna be furious!
Here's hoping for the best!
I'm excited for the concert, and so far it looks like it's still on. HOWEVER, the show is at the Izod center in East Rutherford, NJ, so we have to travel by bus about an HOUR from Manhattan to get there. If we go all the way to JERSEY, and she ends up canceling at the last minute (a la her montreal concert!), I'm gonna be furious!
Here's hoping for the best!
Redneck Dentures
I found this website, www.worth1000.com a couple years ago, and I really enjoy looking through the picture galleries. They have photoshop contests with random themes, and it's amazing to see the stuff people come up with. Sometimes it looks really fake, but a lot of the pictures are really cool!Check it out, if you have some free time today. Click on "Galleries" and have fun browsing around!
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