My Frequent Musings

Goodbye for now...

2009-06-08T18:36:00.002-04:00

Hello readers,
I've been very busy recently and feel a bit guilty about neglecting the blog. Not that I update everyday, but I feel guilty nonetheless. I am neglecting my child! Well, I'm sad to report that this guilt will continue as I take a bit of a blogging hiatus (again, does it count if you don't do it regularly?). However, I promise that when I come back, this blog is going to be AWESOME. I'm even thinking of buying my own domain name. Yeah. Until that time comes (not sure, give me a month) I'll leave the three of you with this to ponder. Have a fantastic month!
Valerie

Paula Abdul is half Arab and half Jew...

2009-06-01T20:52:00.004-04:00

Early B.J. Novak stand-up, circa 2004. I seriously love this guy.

Also, he was one of Ashton's cohorts on the first two seasons of Punk'd. Brilliant. That is, if you can even find any clips. I recommend this one.

"Bound"

2009-05-28T23:24:00.003-04:00

Just finished a thrilling episode of SVU guest starring Anthony Rapp and Jane Krakowski. So creepy! I think I've become a bit desensitized to the show so this was a welcome break.

"Bound"

Jonah Hex

2009-05-28T22:25:00.002-04:00

Will Arnett + John Gallagher Jr. + John Malkovich

YouTube Comments

2009-05-24T21:54:00.006-04:00

I really get a kick out of crazy, bored preteens on YouTube.

Comments posted to Aerosmith's 1994 hit "Crazy" video.

scoaster666 (2 hours ago) I remember this shit, ha ha. Took my tears and turned them to smiles. You're the GREATEST Little Alicia Sarahstone
You don't have to read People every week to know it's not Sarahstone.

1MDJUNIOR (3 hours ago) Come here Baby...
This is not worthy of a comment. If YouTube would institute a "comment ceiling" limiting the number of comments users are allowed to post, people would think more before just posting anything stupid to the internet. Good thing there's no blog ceiling, or I'd be out of a job.

mmpetkov1991 (4 hours ago)
Cover your mouth with your hand
2. Make a wish
3.Close your hand (fist)
4. Hold your hand at heart for 5 seconds
5. Send this to 3 more videos
6. Tommorrow will be the best day ever
I'm not going to lie, I tried this one. With the exception of step 5, and I'm still waiting on step 6.

KrizalidL9999 (4 hours ago) esta es la mejor cancion del mundo
Really? This song? See my comment on comment #2.

gekkepedoemping (6 hours ago)
THIS REALLY WORKS!!!!
FIRST put both hands on your chest (boy or girl.)
SECOND think of someone you like.
THIRD tomorrow they will ask you out or say they love you.
FOURTH heres the catch, write this to 5 vidios
I did not try this one because they misspelled "videos." Get off of YouTube and read a book.

What people should really be commenting on (read, if I was blogging in 1994, I might have said this...) is how sexualized Liv Tyler is! Am I the only one who thinks this is a bit weird? She was sixteen when they made this video for her father's band. Maybe I'm too conservative, but it makes me a bit uncomfortable.

Twares!

2009-05-22T11:20:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I know I dissed United before, but check this out!

Hm, is it worth the extra cost for the rap though?

I caved...

2009-05-20T21:14:00.003-04:00

I just finished the Glee pilot. It wasn't as awful as I expected, but it was still pretty terrible. Not worthy of a second episode in my opinion.

Season Finales

2009-05-17T23:00:00.004-04:00

They all sucked, EXCEPT DESPERATE!!!

And if you're thinking that this show is past it's prime, you're wrong. Shows CAN make a comeback! Gosh, I am literally shaking.

30 Rock and Brothers & Sisters, those weren't even finales. Office, you did make me cry, but other than that, pretty terrible. Oh my lord I can't wait for season 6 of Desperate though! Was it Susan or Katherine? I think Susan!*

*I hope Susan

My girl Oprah, keepin' it real!

2009-05-11T23:18:00.005-04:00

“It’s great to have a nice home. It’s great to have nice homes! It’s great to have a nice home that just escaped the fire in Santa Barbara. It’s great to have a private jet. Anyone that tells you that having your own private jet isn’t great is lying to you.”
-To graduating students at Duke University last week

I love it. The honesty. No shame, either. I know all the Wall Street CEOs have to keep a low profile nowadays with their spending (see Confessions of a TARP Wife), which is why I think Oprah is just so refreshing! Live it up!

Tonys 2009

2009-05-05T11:40:00.004-04:00

I realize that I haven't seen any Broadway shows in the last year. I think it's okay though, because I was severely limited, as evidenced by these nominations.

Shaq's Latest Tweet

2009-05-04T21:48:00.001-04:00

This was so great, I just had to post it.

"Just got dat underwater ipod adaption device jammy so I can hear music unda water, I b aqua jammin, Waaaa Waaa Shaq-mu The quilla Whale"

Brilliant.

"I'm Jeff....or, Jefe"

2009-05-04T20:50:00.010-04:00

Today I thought I'd share with you an upcoming TV show that looks rather promising. It's called Community, about a bunch of adults at a community college. It will be starting in the Fall on NBC.

Love the 80s movies references. Actually, doesn't the Indian guy kind of look like Andrew McCarthy? (If Andrew McCarthy was Indian.) I think the most ironic part of this preview was that the commercial that aired before it was for University of Phoenix.

With big names (well, recognizable names) like Joel McHale and Chevy Chase, plus a little bit of John Oliver thrown in, this definitely looks entertaining. Even more so knowing that the show comes from the directors of Arrested Development, which was solid comedy back in the day. Also, it's a pretty original idea as far as plot goes. I almost feel like this is the kind of thing you'd see in a movie, rather than a sitcom, but I think it will play out nicely. Then again, since it's community college, does that limit the show to two seasons?

In other TV news:
-CBS has delayed at least a year in starting We Need Girlfriends. :(
-ABC shows will soon be featured on Hulu, which is great because abc.com never works on my computer. :)
-All of my other NBC shows have been renewed. I would list them here, but the sheer quantity is a bit embarassing. :/

Coming up: Parenthood preview

"You will not get that on United Airlines..."

2009-04-29T12:58:00.002-04:00

I have no idea if this is real or not, but it's TOTALLY AWESOME!

Blog-worthy

2009-04-29T10:05:00.005-04:00

playingforchange.com - From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it traveled the globe.

"If this video doesn't bring a tear to your eyes and makes you smile for the rest of the day, you are a cold hearted bastard."

Well, I didn't cry, but I was moved by the concept.

Weird Celeb Couple Alert!

2009-04-27T09:25:00.003-04:00

OMG. I just read in People that David Cross (age 45) is dating Amber Tamblyn (age 25)! Seriously? She can do SO much better.

Tweet and go!

2009-04-20T16:36:00.004-04:00

This guy tweeted as he ran the Boston Marathon today.

http://twitter.com/runkeeper

Nice. (In Kevin Malone voice)

EDIT: Just found this. Still awesome.

OMG BABY ANIMALS!

2009-04-17T15:21:00.001-04:00

Click thumbnails for awesome hi-res.

OH EM GEE BABY GORILLA! SNOOZIN'!

(okay, this one is actually kind of sad, but still SO CUTE) BABY 'ROO! IN THE INC!

WOWZA, AWESOME LEOPARD! RAWR!!

SNL at it's, uh....

2009-04-17T12:12:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to think of a sketch where I didn't see Jimmy Fallon break character.

What's your NPR name?

2009-04-15T16:47:00.004-04:00

Sorry to keep that last video up for a few days. One day I accidentally clicked the link to the blog and saw the screen shot at the top of the page and was totally grossed out.

Here's

some

blank

space

to

hide

the

gross

pimple.

And now, a fun little activity!

What's your NPR name?

Mine is Varlerie Lisdoonvarna.

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEET!

EEEEEWWW!

2009-04-11T09:50:00.000-04:00

This has over 1.2 million hits on YouTube.

Lea Michele

2009-04-10T22:42:00.003-04:00

I don't care what the entertainment industry might say...

this is a step DOWN.

And I have a feeling like that gold star line could've been something they heard you say off-camera.

The fall of WB

2009-04-08T22:02:00.005-04:00

Did you know...
Jack Warner didn't like the animators who worked for him that created Looney Tunes? He knew that he had to keep his animation division though, so as to keep up competition with Disney. So he asked the animators to do more sketches involving "that funny sounding mouse."
Oops.

Pack Quack

2009-04-07T08:10:00.004-04:00

"Make Way for Ducklings" Robbery!

Magic 106.7 morning show hosts think that the perp should be punished by having his feet superglued to the ground in the Common and letting kids ride on him, play duck-duck-goose, etc. I like the way they think!

Something cool on Twitter! Really!

2009-04-06T22:02:00.004-04:00

Marie Claire's Live-Twitter Blind Date

That article pretty much explains everything. I've pathetically been following all night while simultaneously avoiding writing about 3.75 papers. At one point Twitter was down due to "unscheduled maitenance" (surprise, surprise) and I was super bummed. But it's back now, so all is good! Go Adam!!

(By the way, this basically makes me a celebrity)

German Chocolate Cake

2009-04-02T11:12:00.001-04:00

...was named after Englishman Sam German.

I GOT FOOLED AGAIN!

2009-04-01T23:59:00.002-04:00

11:58 PM
My best friend is not gay. Even though she told me she thought she was AND I FELL FOR IT!

Happy April 1st, ya fools!

2009-04-01T17:51:00.006-04:00

So the first thing that totally messed me up today:
Caitlin, aka "Healthy Tipping Point" blogger, posts her breakfast.
And she's so damn convincing, I didn't even catch on that it was a joke until she reposted a few hours later. I was like, "Oh, okay. Healthy people eat BK like it's no big deal. What's my problem?" YOU GOT ME!

And then this.

OH SNAP YOUTUBE!

If you were wondering, that first tab is "Sad Guys on Trading Floors."

And I haven't even had dinner yet, so I'm sure something else exciting is bound to happen.

NYC Subway Affliction

2009-03-31T09:36:00.000-04:00

http://www.peoplewhositinthedisabilityseatswhenimstandingonmycrutches.com/

What an asshole.

If Atheists Ruled the World

2009-03-30T14:08:00.005-04:00

Forget anything I thought made me laugh yesterday. OH MY GOD!

And I don't think you need to be an atheist to enjoy this. You just have to like laughing at stupid people.

Things That Made Me Laugh Today

2009-03-29T21:20:00.011-04:00

Just finished a six-page paper, and definitely need a break. So why not blog about all the the things that I did (ahem, stuff I read other blogs) when I took breaks the last few hours? Here ya go!

(1)NYC cop #1: You ever seen Bobby's World?
NYC cop #2: Yeah!

--The Pond, Manhattan
via Overheard in New York

I love this site. I subscribe to their RSS (which they update about 50 times a day) and I read every single entry. It's really hard not to want to repost everything I read because it is so stinkin' brilliant (AND TRUE!) But oh, BOBBY'S WORLD! Now that was quality television. And unfortunately, due to it's lack of Nickelodeoness, often forgotten. Did you know that the show was created by Howie Mandel? I didn't know he even existed before Deal or No Deal.

(2) Celebrity Twitter Trail

(click thumbnail)
Twitter is so great. I don't have one of my own because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't care enough to update as frequently as expected. I still definitely love following celebs though. My faves? Rainn Wilson, Tina Fey (when she decides to update! I think we have the same commitment problems), and Shaq. So great. An excellent procrastination tool. Now that I've seen this, though, I think I'm going to add Jazz and Satan.

Why do they say, "I'm Prairie Doggin' it", when "I'm doin' a turdle!" would make more sense. And be punny. (via Tina)

(3)

Note to self-- good ways not to get AIDS:
1. Man-on-Woman
2. Man-on-Horse

Geez, that limits me.

(4) Last, but definitely not least (#3 was probably least)
Raphael's Short Play
Literally, laughing out loud.

P.S. This was my 100th post!

My Recent Obsessions

2009-03-26T23:06:00.001-04:00

-Food Blogs
-Better Off Ted
-Finding "Connections" on LinkedIn (God, I miss Facebook!)
-Spring
-The first two and a half minutes of this video

"The Bubble"

2009-03-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

In reference to last night's episode. Now I understand.

Young Alec Baldwin

Back off Brooklyn

2009-03-18T14:32:00.002-04:00

If I had Facebook, this would be all over your walls.

NYT: Whoopie! Cookie, Pie or Cake, It's Having Its Moment

Another Example of Why I Will Never Really Identify with Vegetarians

2009-03-17T18:37:00.004-04:00

Because as much as I love George Clooney, PETA is way too messed up for me.

Away We Go

2009-03-17T16:40:00.005-04:00

New Sam Mendes movie I want to see.

John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Allison Janney, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Daniels, Catherine O'Hara, Jim Gaffigan.

Okay, it's 75% because of the cast. But it looks promising.

Ha!

2009-03-15T19:29:00.002-04:00

New England therapy: Here's a gun, there's the barn, hope it works out for you.
-Jay Leno

Well, this is cliche...

2009-03-12T23:11:00.005-04:00

OH SHIT! IT'S GOING DOWN! OHHH BABY!

Yep, everybody is talking about it. Jim Cramer on The Daily Show. RIGHT NOW!

EDIT (11:28 PM): Blah, pretty lame. I can't believe I blogged about this. By the way, the tiger picture was inspired by a Google image search for "stewart cramer fight." Seriously.

Sesame Street Outtake

2009-03-12T18:40:00.003-04:00

Just when I was thinking there was nothing left to blog about...thank you Youtube.

When Googling yourself isn't enough...

2009-03-09T22:30:00.004-04:00

It was only a matter of time.

For all the stalkers out there...Check out 123people.com!

For all the people with the fear of being stalked...check yourself out on this site! Then clear all links containing your pictures, contact information, etc.

My Beef with 30 Rock

2009-03-04T11:33:00.007-05:00

I've been watching on and off for about a year now, but I just sat down and watched all of season one. And this is what stuck out to me.

Season 1 Guest Stars: Isabella Rossellini, LL Cool J, Wayne Brady, Nathan Lane, Chris Matthews, Conan O'Brien, Chris Parnell*, Chris Hansen, Molly Shannon*, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Forte*, Sherri Shepherd, Jason Sudeikis*, Al Roker, Maury Povich, Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, Elaine Stritch, RACHEL DRATCH*
*Denotes SNL cast member aka Tina's friends

Okay, okay, let's show off what a super successful (even in the first season), super loaded ($$$), super funny show we have! We're so great that celebrities beg to be on our show! Or is it the opposite? Would 30 Rock be so great without their notable guest stars? Not to mention their notable REGULAR cast members?

Ugh, it's something that has always bothered me. I mean seriously! Unnecessary distractions just for ratings.

And Rachel Dratch. Okay, this is what I just don't understand.

She had guest appearances in 11 of the first 21 episodes. You'd think they're doing this as a funny recurrence, but nope! That's not it! She played different characters. One week she was the crazy cat trainer lady and the next week she was "Elizabeth Taylor." (Seriously, no correlation) In all instances she had no more than four or five lines in the whole episode, and it was usually less. Frankly, I think it made 30 Rock look cheap. I really don't understand why they did it.

Awesome Rap

2009-03-02T20:16:00.001-05:00

This was surely not the intention, but it's great. Seriously, I don't think I could rap that.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Hold me closer, Tony Danza!

2009-02-19T16:53:00.002-05:00

Haha! This was on a very old Friends episode that I have no recollection of besides the line. Gets me everytime!

But the real reason I wanted to write about Tony Danza is because I just realized something pretty crazy. I always thought that he and Scott Baio were the same person! Like, I seriously just noticed that it's two different people. Anybody else?

Digital Beatle

2009-02-19T16:31:00.003-05:00

Okay, I know this is a few months old, but I just saw it for the first time. I think it's creepy.

John Lennon

Oh, vom.

2009-02-16T23:18:00.001-05:00

From 90210:

Sorry for exposing you to this. Go throw up. NOW!

U.S. States

2009-02-14T22:40:00.005-05:00

This game will make you want to kill yourself! SO FRUSTRATING! I got 46/50 in the first three minutes, then suffered for the next seven. Unimportant states should just merge together so we don't have to remember as many.

Actually, how bad is it that I couldn't get Colorado? That's pretty embarrassing.

EDIT:
I just did the U.S. Presidents test. 26/44! Humiliating! And one doesn't even count. I typed in "Johnson" as in LB, and it automatically filled in him and Andrew Johnson. I'm like who's Andrew Johnson? Seriously don't remember EVER learning about him. And I forgot Grover Cleveland which could have been another easy extra point! Geez.

Ryan Started the Fire

2009-02-14T16:46:00.003-05:00

For seriously hardcore Office fans. AKA me.

EDIT 2/15: Rainn Wilson tweets about video!

"Ringo, George, John, then Ringo again..."

2009-02-12T14:14:00.005-05:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Better Know a Beatle - Paul McCartney

colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

NASA Name Contest

I love this interview, but I can't decide if Paul McCartney is brilliantly hilarious, or kind of an asshole.

That's my President!

2009-02-10T02:11:00.002-05:00

Am I really immature for thinking this is laugh-out-loud funny?

Barack Obama is @#$% tired of this @#$%!

Yes.
But at least I didn't bother to collaborate all of the clips into one article.

Stress Relief

2009-02-04T14:37:00.005-05:00

Here's a clip from this past Sunday's special Office episode. It's the best one I've seen since season 3(!), and I was literally crying with laughter the whole time. The Jack Black/Jessica Alba/Cloris Leachman plot was funny, but their presence was defnitely unnecessary. But I'm glad it was in there because every scene of Ed Helms watching the movie was adorable! If you haven't seen it yet, hulu it! So worth your 42 minutes!

My favorite part is Creed's face around 3:35. He's awesome.

Overheard in PA

2009-02-03T15:43:00.002-05:00

So I typically just read "Overhead in New York," but today I wandered over to "Overheard Everywhere." Not wanted to overwhelm myself, I limited the results to my home state. Let me just say, I am so proud. Here are a select few that gave me a chuckle.

Brother: How come mom drives all the way to the mall to get you but I have to take the bus home?
Sister: I don't know, I guess she thinks it isn't safe.
Brother: Oh yeah, I forgot girls are helpless.
Sister: Uh, probably because I'm more likely to get raped and beaten!
Brother: Ooooh, look at miss popular.

Girl: Think about it -- when a Sesame Street character gives a BJ, not only are you getting oral, but you're getting a hand-job, too.

Girl #1: You know, Nicole is bringing a guy here tonight.
Girl #2, shocked: Shut up!
Girl #1: Yeah, his name is Aaron, and he likes high-fives.

Four-year-old girl: Daddy, can you hold my hand?
Disheveled father: I am not your personal hand holder!

Five-year-old girl: Yeah, so anyway, sometimes farts stink and sometimes they don't. But they're always a fart.
Instructor: Oh... I don't think this is appropriate talk... Maybe we should change the subject.
Five-year-old girl: Yeah. We should change the subject... To naked people.

And the best one of them all....

Recent college grad: Wait, you mean elephants are mammals?!

Pretentious much?

2009-02-01T19:53:00.004-05:00

From passiveagressivenotes.com:

“This girl invited every single one of her friends on facebook into a ‘forum’ to plan for her birthday celebrations…six months in advance.”

The kicker? Within a few hours, almost everyone had already RSVP’d.

For all the men out there!

2009-01-30T15:28:00.002-05:00

www.pmsbuddy.com
"Saving relationships, one month at a time!"

This a free online PMS reminder for men to track their wife's, girlfriend's, daughters', mother's, etc. monthly cycle. It's for "that time of month, when things can get intense for what may seem to be no reason at all." As a woman, I'm a bit insulted, but not surprised. Oh, the internet...

I did it!

2009-01-28T16:37:00.004-05:00

It only took me an hour and a half, but I finally balanced my checkbook! YES! In other news about awesome things, I just had a fabulously juicy apple. Like, the juice was literally dripping onto my hands. DELICOUS!

World's Most Expensive Shirt

2009-01-26T20:57:00.002-05:00

I am not kidding this shirt will cost you $2,695! +$630 if you want it in black.

zazzle.com

Microsoft SongSmith

2009-01-26T13:47:00.002-05:00

I can't belive this is an actual commercial created by actual professionals for an actual company.

My guess is they failed when they decided to use their own product to write it.

SAG Awards

2009-01-25T21:52:00.001-05:00

Is Meryl Streep drunk??

As Seen on TV

2009-01-24T08:59:00.002-05:00

Oh my gosh, you guys!
cnbc.com's "As Seen on TV" Tournament! If Girls Gone Wild beats Shamwow, I don't know what I'll do. Stunned that Snuggie and the Tiddy Bear are out.... I'm predicting a Bowflex victory, but seriously, keep your fingers crossed for Shamwow!

Also, I don't get this, but I love it!

Well this is a tad excessive...

2009-01-24T07:50:00.004-05:00

I can't believe People mag....

The Latest YouTube Sensation?

2009-01-22T16:32:00.003-05:00

Okay, I realize that 90% of the stuff on here is just internet videos. Honestly though, I have restrained myself and I try to limit it to just the quality stuff! This is definitely worth watching, the whole thing! So trust me, I wouldn't be telling you about moejbara1 if I didn't think he had real potential. He's 11, goes to Riverside Middel (yes) School and he loves football and he's sometimes funny, but just a normal kid! So far his videos average about 40 hits, but I'm predicting a giant breakthrough. Thanks mostly to the publicity I am giving him.

MORE!
Plus, he can do this!
╔═╦╗╔╦╗╔═╦═╦╦╦╦╗╔═╗
║╚╣║║║╚╣╚╣╔╣╔╣║╚╣═╣
╠╗║╚╝║║╠╗║╚╣║║║║║═╣
╚═╩══╩═╩═╩═╩╝╚╩═╩═╝
and this!
┏┫　　｜　｜　　┣┓ 　　 ┏┓　
┗┫━━　┃　 ━━┣┛　　┣┫　
　┃　━━━━━　┃　 ┏┳┫┣┳┓
　┗━━┳━┳━━┛　┃　　　　┃

Piano Man

2009-01-22T02:31:00.004-05:00

I had no idea how literally these lyrics were taken.

My favorite is John at the bar. Or maybe it's when "the piano sounds like a carnival" and then subsequently flashes neon lights. Also, at 4:08, I definitely thought that there was an group cameo by the cast of "Three's Company," but then I gave it a second look. It must be this ridiculous hour that I'm up.

Show Stopper!

2009-01-21T21:32:00.004-05:00

The infamous Patti LuPone literally stops a performance of Gypsy when someone in the audience is taking pictures. I realize the audience approves, but I still say she's being a bitch. These people paid good money to see you perform, not break character and yell at them. Let the ushers handle it!

SNL Does Musical Theatre

2009-01-21T15:25:00.002-05:00

In lieu of the musical theatre clip of the week, here's something you guys might actually watch.

Yelp!

2009-01-20T21:30:00.006-05:00

So a few weeks ago I set up a yelp.com account and have slowly been reviewing places. There's this one coffee shop that I frequent that has a really cool atmosphere, laid-back staff, etc. And I LOVE them because they have free wifi. However, I only gave them 4 out of 5 stars because their food selection is wide, but limited. Let me explain.

Food options: 1) Bagels with various toppings-->about 20 different kinds of bagels and about 500 different kinds of cream cheese/any meat or cheese/a lot of vegan stuff I would never order to go on top. 2)Pastries-->assorted, always new stuff, but still, just pastries.

I'm not a big bagel person and though I love me a good pastry, you've gotta cut back sometimes! But there's no other meal options like soup, salads, or wraps. For breakfast they might consider oatmeal, cereal, or fruits.

I don't know. I'm not going to stop going here because of their lack of selection. They are obviously doing fine without the aforementioned food items. However, 99% of the time I go, I will only order a cup of tea. Thus, 4 out of 5, which is rather generous.

THEN I logged into my yelp account only to find this message.
Lawrence M.
Business Owner
Hi Valerie! yelp has set up this system for business owners to contact their reviewers if they so desire. Anyhoo- thanks for the review and I wanted to ask if there was anything in particular that you hoped to see us carry- food or beverage wise? You had mentioned that we might have more variety- any ideas? Thanks!
Eek. I hope they don't recognize me the next time I go in.

Yeah

2009-01-18T19:50:00.003-05:00

Bahaha. Well, at least I realize this.

You've just been tagged!

2009-01-16T11:58:00.004-05:00

So I just spent the last hour going through all of my past posts and tagging them. I'm impressed with the "wide variety" (yeah, that's arguable) of topics I've covered, but I don't know how to NOT display the whole list on the right side bar. I want a preview there, of the most frequent tags, but I would rather it link to another page if someone really wants to see everything. Hmm. I'll work on it.

Paris' Christmas Gift

2009-01-15T23:35:00.003-05:00

Musical Theatre Clip of the Week--The Extended Version!

2009-01-14T14:51:00.003-05:00

"My New Philosophy" and "Happiness" from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Cast performing at the Tony Awards)

When I saw a production of this show a few months ago, a was a bit underwhelmed. It had nothing to do with the actual performance, just the fact that this is a very weak musical. Some of the songs are catchy, but there's no real plot to get hooked on. The character of Charlie Brown is a total depressing bore in every clip I've seen, there's no way to act around it. I mean let's face it, for all its fame, Peanuts was never really too thrilling.

So, since there's no plot, I can't really offer any background to the video because the plot set-up for the first song is explained in a few sentences. Kristin Chenoweth, of Wicked fame, plays Sally Brown, Charlie's sister. I usually am generally annoyed by Chenoweth's charismatic, yet unvaried character acting. However, I think Sally is the perfect part for her to play, so high-five on the Tony! She is accompanied by Schroeder in the first song, with an appearance from the ever-annoying Lucy van Pelt. In "Happiness," you'll see the rest of the gang (Linus, Charlie Brown, Snoopy).

For some reason, despite my general dislike for the musical, I've been hooked on this clip. Some bonus features to look for:
-Cheesy "Star Wars" jokes from 1999.
-Anthony Rapp (Mark from Rent) as Charlie Brown.
-Michael Mayer at 4:33 (Side note: I MET HIM AND GOT HIS AUTOGRAPH!) as the super-proud director. He is so stinkin' adorable.
-Kristin Chenoweth's AMAZING 40 sec. costume change!

Monday, January 11, 1999

2009-01-12T20:28:00.003-05:00

A clip from Jon's first ep as host. 10 years ago!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

The Final Blow - Strom Thurmond

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

My favorite part: his hair. PUN!

Father and Son Talk

2009-01-12T18:59:00.002-05:00

I found this completely by accident when looking for an Olde English sketch of the same name.

My Econ Homework

2009-01-11T22:05:00.003-05:00

Each year, thousands of people, including children and innocent bystanders, die as the result of gunshot wounds.

4.2. The comedian Chris Rock has suggested that one way to reduce gun deaths is by making bullets cost $5,000 apiece. Assuming guns and bullets are complements, the effect of such a policy on the demand for guns would be:

A. A shift of the demand curve to the right

B. A movement along the demand curve up and to the left

C. A shift of the demand curve to the left

D. A movement along the demand curve down and to the right

I think the answer is C. Demand curves are so much easier to understand when Chris Rock is involved.

Iacocca for President!

2009-01-11T13:58:00.006-05:00

Nah, not really. He's too old now and doesn't want to run, but damn, he'd have my vote in 1984.

However, I just finished "Iacocca: An Autobiography" (hey, I'm a business major!) and truly enjoyed it. The first 3/4 of the book is the actual biography; upbringing, school, Ford, then Chrysler. All very good and interesting. Gotta love the management parables and over-the-top bitterness towards Henry Ford II!

But, I think what I found most interesting in this book is how much it mirrors the US's current economic stress. Note that this book was published in 1984, just a few years after the recession from 1981-82. Iacocca discusses approaching Congress for an auto bailout, the oil crisis, working for a $1/year salary, and even the necessity of private jets for a company like Chrysler. (Remember when Congress asked the big three last month who had flown to Washington commercial? Yep.)

The last quarter of the book was entitled "Straight Talk" and it was just that. Iacocca's opinions on what the US needs to do to "make America great again." He's a bit outdated here (well, now in 2009). My favorite was his view on air bags. He thinks that they're unnecessary and unsafe.

"Whether an air bag fails to work at the proper time or whether it works prematurely, the whole business is a paradise for product liability lawyers. Because many people see air bags as a panacea, the won't hesitate to sue the manufacturers when--as would undoubtedly happen--people get killed and maimed even in cars equipped with air bags....I suspect that ten years after this book is published, the government will still be debating air bags."

Oopsie. He does make up for this a bit with something that is still relevant-ish today. Essentially, Iacocca identifies Japan as the US auto industry's greatest threat for multiple reasons (more gov't loans for R&D, laborers working collectively, recognizing the ineffectiveness of free trade). Nice one! Good thing that his prediction about the US auto industry being obsolete by the year 2000 didn't turn out to be true. Maybe 10 years early?

Overall, a very enjoyable read and not at all boring like it probably sounds. I think I'm going to read his 2007 book "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?" next.

On a completely unrelated note, I just saw a UPS commercial that used a Postal Service song. Nice, but too bad the actual US Postal service didn't snag that one. Back to the game...TOUCHDOWN EAGLES! Hoo rah!

AFTERTHOUGHT: Something I forgot. In "Straight Talk," Iacocca suggests energy independence by 1990 by taxing foreign energy sources "at the port and at the pump." President Reagan's response? "A gas tax is the most unpopular thing I could do." Iacocca, "Are we running this country by the polls? Is that what leadership is all about?" Ahh, this was so frustrating to read! I realize its 25 years later, but think about how things could be so different today!

For Erin

2009-01-09T23:52:00.002-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Viacom vs. YouTube

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Pause this baby at 4:33! Then check it outtt

X-mas Card from Barney

2009-01-08T13:36:00.003-05:00

Making fun of President Bush has reached its limits for me. Its just not as funny anymore especially because everyone does it (and usually with no rhyme or reason). But if you want an exception, he was basically asking for it here.

The new Obama dog that everyone seems so obsessed with will have a lot to live up to.

Yes, Pecan!

2009-01-08T00:32:00.007-05:00

Ben & Jerry's newest flava. Except it isn't! They actually just renamed regular butter pecan to something fun and patriotic in honor of Obama's victory.
My favorite: "Amber Waves of Buttery Ice Cream With Roasted Bi-Partisan Pecans."
What are bi-partisan pecans? Is that like bi-racial? Were they cross-bred?

Also, does the guy in this picture look like Stephen Colbert? I think so!

College Writing

2009-01-07T20:55:00.007-05:00

I was less than enthusiasic when I found out that I had to take a college writing course after failing to test out of AP in high school. English classes are okay, but never exactly thrilled me. And after talking to friends who had it last semester, I found out that the course itself was TOTALLY BORING. Well kids, an important lesson to learn, you shouldn't always listen to your friends!

Today in my college writing class, my prof (who is not possibly older than 25) spent our entire class time analyzing Bob Dylan and Radiohead lyrics with us! He told us that he was really into how different mediums (art, music, poetry, film) can be analyzed and overlap in their perceived meanings....yeah, something like that (there was a word he used to describe it, I obviously didn't take note, but its legit). So basically, that's what we'll be doing this semester. No more read a poem, identify this metaphor, what does it mean? Instead, watching movies and class trips to the MFA. Yay!

At the end of class, we watched this Weird Al video which mocked Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and analyzed THIS too! Just for fun.

Don't slip on the way up

2009-01-06T00:31:00.007-05:00

A castle constructed of ice at the 25th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China.
(click the picture for a bigger, high res look)

Failed Facebook Target Ads

2008-12-25T13:55:00.002-05:00

Flame

2008-12-18T15:44:00.001-05:00

And I thought Burger King was getting desperate with those potato chips.

What do you get the person that has everything?

2008-12-17T21:36:00.005-05:00

Nothing.

My First Widget!

2008-12-17T00:20:00.002-05:00

Check it out! --->
Hopefully this will encourage me to read more...

"That's so gay!" Round 2

2008-12-16T23:26:00.001-05:00

Wanda wins.

Hilary Duff PSA

2008-12-15T18:00:00.003-05:00

"That's so gay" is a major pet peeve of mine. I usually flash back at someone with a "Oh really, is it so homosexual?" I don't know though. I appreciate the effort Hil, but this PSA is pretty lame. It almost seems like it should be a joke. Someone (not me) might even say that it's "so gay!"

Opening 01.20.09

2008-12-15T12:37:00.003-05:00

You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush
YES! I say we make a weekend out of it...(Erin, this is directed towards you)

Holiday Gift Idea

2008-12-13T08:37:00.002-05:00

Question: What do you get a Jewish wino for Hanukkah?

Answer:

A menorah cork! (candles not included)

Also, no "Merry Christmas" here obviously, but is it politically correct to say "Happy Holidays?" Still a bit presumptuous in my opinion.

Hi, Friends!

2008-12-12T17:28:00.005-05:00

"Blogging helps people feel like they have a stronger social support network, possibly because blogging helps a person gain some insight, feedback or perspective on their lives."

To all of my loyal readers, thanks for the feedback and you're welcome! I'm so glad my blog could provide improvements to our friendship. Ha, okay, whatever. LOVE YA!

Oopsie!

2008-12-11T11:19:00.002-05:00

“[A]nyone who says we’re in a recession, or heading into one—especially the worst one since the Great Depression—is making up his own private definition of ‘recession.’” —Donald Luskin, The Washington Post, Sept. 14, 2008

The day after Luskin’s op-ed, “Quit Doling Out That Bad-Economy Line,” appeared in the Post, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy.

Prop 8--The Musical & Some Holiday Gifts to Consider

2008-12-09T18:08:00.013-05:00

Yay.

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

I love NPH's point about all of the money that CA is losing on potential gay divorces!

In other news, here are my newest fave products (via infomercials):
1) Snuggie

Blankets are OK but they can slip and slide, plus your hands are trapped inside. The Snuggie™ keeps you totally warm and gives you the freedom to use your hands. Work the remote, use your laptop or do some reading in total warmth and comfort!

Essentially, a blanket with sleeves. Why didn't I ever think of this?
www.getsnuggie.com

2) Fathead Life-Size Wall Decals
Who wouldn't want giant vinyl cutouts of their favorite teams, players, and Disney princesses? And if none of those appeal to you, I'm sure you'll find something because there are over 500 images to choose from! The best thing about Fathead cutouts is that they can be mounted multiple times without ever losing adhesion. So while this may be the tackiest thing to decorate your house ever, at least you know that it will be forever.
When looking through fan photos, I was surprised to find images that were not in a six-year-old's room. I feel like especially if you have a specific sports team-themed room Fatheads can really serve their purpose.

Pretty sick, huh? (Even if it does make your "big screen" look small) Wait, what? What's this? Oooh.

FAIL.
Fail #2? Price! The Fatheads shown range from $140-$160 a piece! I remember a few months ago when I freaked about paying more than $20 for an art print of a Seurat painting. Eek.
www.fathead.com

3) ShamWow

Now this one is probably the most UNBELIEVABLE! Seriously, how is a towel that absorbent? Sorry, but I just had to include the actual informercial with it.

"You know the Germans always make good stuff."
www.shamwow.com

Overheard in Boston

2008-12-07T01:17:00.003-05:00

Homeless Black Man: Hey, are you afraid of black people?
Me: No?
HBM: Then can you give me a dolla?!

Star Wars/Crafts Enthusiasts

2008-12-04T22:26:00.003-05:00

Here's a blog for you.

I really like the Millennium Falcon neck rest. It's both functional and awesome!

Facebook Ad of the Day

2008-12-03T17:15:00.007-05:00

WHAT!

I love David Segal

2008-12-02T23:35:00.003-05:00

From OE's new bloggy blog. Also, because I'm too lazy to post anything original myself.

Across the Universe

2008-11-30T00:48:00.003-05:00

A great movie trailer. It seemed very promising, yet the actual film was a complete disappointment.

Dotted with Hearts

2008-11-24T10:02:00.011-05:00

From foundmagazine.com:

I found this note on the floor in New Bedford High School-- I was walking to class, saw it folded up on the ground, and picked it up. The irony of the dotted-heart i's and the depressed tone of the note make it very surreal to me.

Found is a collection of notes, cards, lists, doodles, etc. that real people have found on the street, at the mall, an obscure hiding place in an old house, and any other random place that you might find something interesting by chance. Some old favorites:

In general, its a fun site to check out. Granted, not all finds are quite as entertaining as the ones here, but it's worth a look.

Arbitrary Obama Achievement

2008-11-24T00:45:00.003-05:00

Fun fact of the day: Barack Obama may not have been the first President to win a Grammy (Clinton, Carter), but he is the only one who has won TWO.

What all college kids want

2008-11-23T21:26:00.005-05:00

From rootbeerkegs.com:

Please drink responsibly, or beware the sugar rush.

Tide Detergent

2008-11-20T22:17:00.004-05:00

Please, try and smell it right out of the container. Tell me if you can faintly smell bananas.

On a completely unrelated note, on tonight's Office, Ryan broke up with Kelly because he's going on a trip to Thailand. My worst fears have been confirmed.

Store Closings

2008-11-18T15:32:00.001-05:00

Stores that informed the Security Exchange of closing plans between October 2008 and January 2009.

Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide are to be shuttered

Lane Bryant,, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's to close 150 store nationwide

Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January

Cache will close all stores

Talbots closing down all stores

J. Jill closing all stores

GAP closing 85 stores

Footlocker closing 140 stores more to close after January

Wickes Furniture closing down

Levitz closing down remaining stores

Bombay closing remaining stores

Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after January.

Whitehall closing all stores

Piercing Pagoda closing all stores

Disney closing 98 stores and will c lose more after January.

Home Depot closing 15 stores 1 in NJ (New Brunswick)

Macys to close 9 stores after January

Linens and Things closing all stores

Movie Galley Closing all stores

Pacific Sunware closing stores

Pep Boys Closing 33 stores

Sprint/ Nextel closing 133 stores

JC Penney closing a number of stores after January

Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores.

Wilson Leather closing down all stores

Sharper Image closing down all stores

K B Toys closing 356 stores

Lowes to close down some stores

Dillard's to close some stores.

Barack Obama Facts

2008-11-17T15:47:00.002-05:00

Disclaimer: Not AT ALL true. No matter how much you may believe it.

Justin Timberlake on Hosting SNL

2008-11-17T09:43:00.001-05:00

This is how he does it!

Bob Saget Roast

2008-11-17T00:13:00.006-05:00

Last night I was flipping channels and I stopped on Comedy Central, which was showing the "Roast of Bob Saget." I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Talk about an entertaining program! Roasts are just awesome. Here's a little sample.

But don't worry. Bob got the last word in.

Also, Bob Saget went to Temple.

And I still get a kick out of this