I know, bad joke. Did anyone watch 30 Rock last night? Am I the only one who watches that show? Well, last night's episode had a hilarious send-up of Amadeus, one of my all-time favorite movies. It was brilliant. Especially the montage set to the Confutatis part of the Requiem.
I just think it's awesome that this movie is older than I am, and people still think it's joke-worthy. I hope that 30 Rock's main audience gets the joke. Add the direct references to Amadeus to talking about the Uncanny Valley with regard to video game porn, and it makes for one genius episode.
Mozart would be so proud that his legacy gets to live on in Tina Fey's brainchild. Dr. Spaceman running in slow motion through the halls of 30 Rock in a long, flowing black cape is the climax of the show for me. Brilliant. Simply brilliant.
Brava Ms. Fey; I will probably go see Baby Mama if only because of this episode.
Check it out here: Succession
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
My Love-Hate Relationship with Hollywood
I had a great realization yesterday [edit: two days ago, as my computer cord completely died as I was still writing this, and now I am finishing it at work] as I watched the classic romance Underworld. Big shocker here--it's a terrible movie. Please take into account my love of all things vampiric. I realized then and there why I like some movies as opposed to disliking others. It's not a huge shock that I'm not really fond of Underworld if I actually think about it. However, vampires fighting werewolves in a movie filmed with genuinely pretty colors will probably make me shut off thinking parts of my brain, and watch it anyway.
I guess I figured out why I actually like movies, and it has nothing to do with what is considered "conventionally good." I'm getting to the point where I actually don't like many movies that win Oscars. In fact, I often like movies that are not objectively good at all (coughDEBScough). I like them if they're successful in what they mean to be. Let's go back to DEBS. It's a bad movie--cliched, bad acting, and just plain ridiculous. But I love how much the movie embraces that. It knows it's bad, and just runs with it. But in a very realistic and innocent way. The movie works, because it's got incredible heart, and simply exists to be cute. And it's successful. I guess I was surprised how much I liked the movie, because it is just so bad, and I'm supposed to be a snob. But you know what? I can't handle traditional romantic-comedies anymore. They're just way too formulaic, and for movies which are supposed to just be fun, the formula makes them kinda dull and boring. It takes me out of the world. I really disliked Knocked Up, and not because of the quasi-feminist rants against it (Katherine Heigl biting the hand that fed her). I just never believed it. The movie never grabbed me, and I really wasn't rooting for the leads. This is my main issue with the Judd Apatow movies--they do have good gags, but I can never relate to the characters. I'm sure other people can, and do relate to these characters, but me not so much. The only one I really liked was The 40 Year Old Virgin, and that's probably due to Steve Carell and Catherine Keener. I really love Steve Carell, because he always adds a really nice innocence to all of his characters--even in their most jackass moments.
Oh, and I hated Wedding Crashers. Sorry, I did. It was just annoying and one-note (also, went waaay too far with jokes, which is another pet-peeve), and COMPLETELY UNBELIEVABLE. Sorry, fans, it just didn't work for me.
My main issue with many of the movies that win Oscars is very similar. Like many of the blockbuster romantic-comedies, it's almost like Hollywood tells us we have to like these movies because of their subject matters and "big ticket celebrities." Big dramas are supposed to be intense and amazing, because of their huge budgets and overpaid celebrities. Attach Steven Spielberg or Ron Howard, and the chances of the movie being nominated have been tripled. That's just dumb. I'm sorry. I've noticed that the big wins recently have either been for movies that I have no desire to see, or movies that I don't think are as good as others in the year. The most salient example for me is Crash vs. Brokeback Mountain. Crash just didn't do it for me. I don't really know what it was about the movie--the intensity of subject matter that verged on preachy, the intertwined story-lines that were a little too coincidental, or the general self-satisfaction of the filmmakers, evident in the storytelling. It's like the director is saying "if you don't like this movie, you obviously don't understand it, so we can make it as over-the-top as we want. Screw subtlety. Racist." Traffic and Syriana were both similar. Intense and controversial subject matters with big-name celebrities and directors, a few good performances, but kinda ridiculous (and convoluted) plots. Just because it deals with a serious issue does not mean it's actually a great movie. Brokeback Mountain, on the other hand, is a wonderfully subtle movie for all the spoofs and controversies surrounding it. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal acted the hell out of the movie. So did Michelle Williams and even Anne Hathaway. Ang Lee directed it wonderfully, and the plot and dialogue were actually believable to me. I admit, I cried at the end. It got to me the way that a good movie should, by making me feel for the characters and live with them in their world. I never got the world of Crash. I just think Brokeback Mountain was a better overall movie. And this has nothing to do with my support of gay rights--I am no more supportive of gay rights than I am anti-racism (or anti-drugs, etc). So don't go there.
Whatever happened to subtlety? I mean this in terms of cast of characters, plot, and direction. Some of my favorite movies are bit more "out there" in terms of plot, but the things that keep them simple are the acting and relationships between the characters. Juno may have pissed me off a little, in terms of unbelievable dialogue (Aaron Sorkin, I'm also looking at you with this.), but the movie had such incredible heart that I still love it deeply. I felt for all the characters, and I thought it had a wonderful message. Homeskillets aside.
Joss Whedon is masterful at this, even though all of his shows have involved quite a bit of suspension of belief. Buffy had a wonderful message and was acted well by all the characters, with appropriate drama and lightness to draw me into that fantastical world. It may have gotten a bit too intense, but I still felt drawn to each and every one of the characters. Even Firefly, in its all-too short run, managed to draw me into the (complicated) world, and the lives of each of the main characters. Pretty impressive, Joss. Alan Ball is guilty of making his worlds (American Beauty, Six Feet Under, etc.) too overly dramatic, and a bit heavy-handed. But I still feel for the characters, even if I hate most of them at the time. They're usually well-acted, and involve simple moments that really make me feel for the characters. Six Feet Under goes between drama of annoyingly soap opera proportions, and simple little moments that are absolutely beautiful. I've already mentioned this (I think), but the final montage of the last episode was probably the most beautiful ten minutes of TV that I've ever seen. So it was worth the over-the-top intensity. I cry every time.
So yeah, while watching crappy Underworld, I realized where my cinematic priorities lay. Stop holding our hands, Hollywood! We don't need red flags to tell us where we should pay more attention, and big gags to tell us when to laugh. We don't need convoluted plots to make us think about deep issues, or big-name celebrities to make movies funny. Trust the people to think for themselves. Or is that too much to ask for?
I guess I figured out why I actually like movies, and it has nothing to do with what is considered "conventionally good." I'm getting to the point where I actually don't like many movies that win Oscars. In fact, I often like movies that are not objectively good at all (coughDEBScough). I like them if they're successful in what they mean to be. Let's go back to DEBS. It's a bad movie--cliched, bad acting, and just plain ridiculous. But I love how much the movie embraces that. It knows it's bad, and just runs with it. But in a very realistic and innocent way. The movie works, because it's got incredible heart, and simply exists to be cute. And it's successful. I guess I was surprised how much I liked the movie, because it is just so bad, and I'm supposed to be a snob. But you know what? I can't handle traditional romantic-comedies anymore. They're just way too formulaic, and for movies which are supposed to just be fun, the formula makes them kinda dull and boring. It takes me out of the world. I really disliked Knocked Up, and not because of the quasi-feminist rants against it (Katherine Heigl biting the hand that fed her). I just never believed it. The movie never grabbed me, and I really wasn't rooting for the leads. This is my main issue with the Judd Apatow movies--they do have good gags, but I can never relate to the characters. I'm sure other people can, and do relate to these characters, but me not so much. The only one I really liked was The 40 Year Old Virgin, and that's probably due to Steve Carell and Catherine Keener. I really love Steve Carell, because he always adds a really nice innocence to all of his characters--even in their most jackass moments.
Oh, and I hated Wedding Crashers. Sorry, I did. It was just annoying and one-note (also, went waaay too far with jokes, which is another pet-peeve), and COMPLETELY UNBELIEVABLE. Sorry, fans, it just didn't work for me.
My main issue with many of the movies that win Oscars is very similar. Like many of the blockbuster romantic-comedies, it's almost like Hollywood tells us we have to like these movies because of their subject matters and "big ticket celebrities." Big dramas are supposed to be intense and amazing, because of their huge budgets and overpaid celebrities. Attach Steven Spielberg or Ron Howard, and the chances of the movie being nominated have been tripled. That's just dumb. I'm sorry. I've noticed that the big wins recently have either been for movies that I have no desire to see, or movies that I don't think are as good as others in the year. The most salient example for me is Crash vs. Brokeback Mountain. Crash just didn't do it for me. I don't really know what it was about the movie--the intensity of subject matter that verged on preachy, the intertwined story-lines that were a little too coincidental, or the general self-satisfaction of the filmmakers, evident in the storytelling. It's like the director is saying "if you don't like this movie, you obviously don't understand it, so we can make it as over-the-top as we want. Screw subtlety. Racist." Traffic and Syriana were both similar. Intense and controversial subject matters with big-name celebrities and directors, a few good performances, but kinda ridiculous (and convoluted) plots. Just because it deals with a serious issue does not mean it's actually a great movie. Brokeback Mountain, on the other hand, is a wonderfully subtle movie for all the spoofs and controversies surrounding it. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal acted the hell out of the movie. So did Michelle Williams and even Anne Hathaway. Ang Lee directed it wonderfully, and the plot and dialogue were actually believable to me. I admit, I cried at the end. It got to me the way that a good movie should, by making me feel for the characters and live with them in their world. I never got the world of Crash. I just think Brokeback Mountain was a better overall movie. And this has nothing to do with my support of gay rights--I am no more supportive of gay rights than I am anti-racism (or anti-drugs, etc). So don't go there.
Whatever happened to subtlety? I mean this in terms of cast of characters, plot, and direction. Some of my favorite movies are bit more "out there" in terms of plot, but the things that keep them simple are the acting and relationships between the characters. Juno may have pissed me off a little, in terms of unbelievable dialogue (Aaron Sorkin, I'm also looking at you with this.), but the movie had such incredible heart that I still love it deeply. I felt for all the characters, and I thought it had a wonderful message. Homeskillets aside.
Joss Whedon is masterful at this, even though all of his shows have involved quite a bit of suspension of belief. Buffy had a wonderful message and was acted well by all the characters, with appropriate drama and lightness to draw me into that fantastical world. It may have gotten a bit too intense, but I still felt drawn to each and every one of the characters. Even Firefly, in its all-too short run, managed to draw me into the (complicated) world, and the lives of each of the main characters. Pretty impressive, Joss. Alan Ball is guilty of making his worlds (American Beauty, Six Feet Under, etc.) too overly dramatic, and a bit heavy-handed. But I still feel for the characters, even if I hate most of them at the time. They're usually well-acted, and involve simple moments that really make me feel for the characters. Six Feet Under goes between drama of annoyingly soap opera proportions, and simple little moments that are absolutely beautiful. I've already mentioned this (I think), but the final montage of the last episode was probably the most beautiful ten minutes of TV that I've ever seen. So it was worth the over-the-top intensity. I cry every time.
So yeah, while watching crappy Underworld, I realized where my cinematic priorities lay. Stop holding our hands, Hollywood! We don't need red flags to tell us where we should pay more attention, and big gags to tell us when to laugh. We don't need convoluted plots to make us think about deep issues, or big-name celebrities to make movies funny. Trust the people to think for themselves. Or is that too much to ask for?
Friday, April 18, 2008
I Have Atrocious Posture
Seriously. Why did nobody ever tell me this before? I knew that I didn't have a supermodel's gait, but I never realized just how bad it was. Dude, I'm all Quasimodo up in here. Like I do for everything else wrong in my life, I blame my job. Even though this condition predated my current employment. I'm a sloucher while reading bl--I mean, working diligently for my company. (Performance Reviews are coming up.) I'm a total low-rider, and often end up slouching so far down that my pod-mates can't even see me. I liken it to a turtle, which when confronted with the vast emptiness of being, ducks into its cozy little shell, thereby postponing the eventual ennui that takes all like-minded reptiles. Or something like that. I'm running from Corporate Life by slouching in my seat and refusing to tuck in my shirt. I know, it's been established, I am a rebel. The true irony is my initial excitement over these new ergonomic chairs, which are supposed to help our posture.
I realized this when I was at the gym, and noticed that I looked a little frumpier than I should be. I was majorly slouching, and when I pulled myself together (and up), looked a little better. I kinda walk like an old lady, and I NEED TO STOP IT NOW. Seriously, this posture does nothing for my body type/size, so I need to get it together. I give any of you full permission to rap me across the knuckles with a ruler, or whatever else the nuns are doing to the kids who slouch.
And now, I am off to the 16th floor. They're trying out this new hot drinks machine, which has really good flavors and stuff. The fake cappuccinos actually resemble cappuccinos. At least physically. I'm probably going to go with a Milky Way (TM) mochaccino (poor man's cafe mocha) or chococcino (fancy way to say hot chocolate). Any machine that includes flavors such as Kona coffee blend is okay by me.
I realized this when I was at the gym, and noticed that I looked a little frumpier than I should be. I was majorly slouching, and when I pulled myself together (and up), looked a little better. I kinda walk like an old lady, and I NEED TO STOP IT NOW. Seriously, this posture does nothing for my body type/size, so I need to get it together. I give any of you full permission to rap me across the knuckles with a ruler, or whatever else the nuns are doing to the kids who slouch.
And now, I am off to the 16th floor. They're trying out this new hot drinks machine, which has really good flavors and stuff. The fake cappuccinos actually resemble cappuccinos. At least physically. I'm probably going to go with a Milky Way (TM) mochaccino (poor man's cafe mocha) or chococcino (fancy way to say hot chocolate). Any machine that includes flavors such as Kona coffee blend is okay by me.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Utensils Down, Hands Up!
Y'all totally know that I'm just dying to say that at dinner one of these days.
But, oh my life is richer in innumerable ways because of Top Chef. And this season is certainly, uh, interesting. I mean, I see the talent there (Shut up you! I can couch-judge if I want to.), and of course, Chicago is a great city for this show to be in. They're also doing a pretty good job showing the stereotypically well-known sides of Chicago, and I gotta admit, I would've gone to that Bears game if I knew that the Top Chef contestants would be there. You think I'm joking?
Okay, but lots of these cheftestants are kinda starting to grate on me. Even Jen last episode had me rolling my eyes and making snarky asides (to the cats, of course), and I was all for the lesbians! Seriously, in that one talking head moment, when she was talking about her great love Zoi and how hard this is now, and how angry and sad she is, and how Spike should probably be dead now, she was totally CRYING. I mean, CRYING. Zoi's not dead! I really don't think that's what happens to cheftestants that have to pack their knives and go. Although, that would be a fun twist. Oh Jen, Zoi's just not as good at surviving in that environment as you are. You don't need to remind us that she's the love of your life, and all that stuff WHILE CRYING. Come on. I know you'll miss her, but sack up! I'm glad and all that you won that Quick Fire, but dedicating the tailgating dish to Zoi's Greek roots was a little much. Shouldn't you have like the ultimate bragging rights with her now? You made it further than she did in one of the hardest cooking competitions on TV. Make the competition fun for you! WHICH MEANS STOP WHINING ABOUT HER. YOU WILL SEE HER SOON ENOUGH. GOD. Okay, rant over now.
But, yeah, Spike is kind of a jerk. And by kind of, I mean I want to kick him in his rat face. Wow, I'm a little saucy today. I think I'll roll with it for the rest of the day. These cheftestants seem much less, uh, diplomatic than last season's bunch. Last season, we only really had Howie and Joey to deal with, while now we have Dale, Lisa, Spike, Andrew, and to a lesser extent Antonia. Wow. They may cook better(well, that's what Bravo keeps cramming down our throats), but damn are they immature, the multitude of cussing aside. The explosion last week in the Stew Room may have been good TV, but it was crotch-grabbing, chair-kicking, drunken-slurring drama. And, that's a little too much for me to handle. Even in high school.
But, hell, I still enjoy it. The challenges may be a bit more gimmicky than previous seasons', but this last challenge (including the beer pairing Quickfire) was straight-cooking. And I liked it more than challenges in the past. [Edit: What I meant was cooking with no frills or frippery attached--just plain ole "which food tastes best." I did not mean to imply anything about sexual orientation or heterosexual cooking habits. I'm an Equal Opportunity viewer--and didn't I just mention how I was all about the lesbians? But, yeah, I guess this was a particularly straight challenge, now that you mention it, Rhetorical Critic.]
Also, I just discovered this website: Amuse-Biatch. It's like if Go Fug Yourself and Project Rungay realized they were madly in love, had a secret love-child, and reared it on nothing but Top Chef. The site isn't really as detailed as I would normally like, but it's got appropriate snark and research about all the people involved in the show. It's made with love.
This has been a very Top Chefy post. I really didn't mean for it to be--I had other things to talk about. I guess all that Jennifer drama made me forget what else I wanted to mention. Huh. Eh, it must not have been as important as railing against dramatic chefs on the TV.
Happy Thursday!
But, oh my life is richer in innumerable ways because of Top Chef. And this season is certainly, uh, interesting. I mean, I see the talent there (Shut up you! I can couch-judge if I want to.), and of course, Chicago is a great city for this show to be in. They're also doing a pretty good job showing the stereotypically well-known sides of Chicago, and I gotta admit, I would've gone to that Bears game if I knew that the Top Chef contestants would be there. You think I'm joking?
Okay, but lots of these cheftestants are kinda starting to grate on me. Even Jen last episode had me rolling my eyes and making snarky asides (to the cats, of course), and I was all for the lesbians! Seriously, in that one talking head moment, when she was talking about her great love Zoi and how hard this is now, and how angry and sad she is, and how Spike should probably be dead now, she was totally CRYING. I mean, CRYING. Zoi's not dead! I really don't think that's what happens to cheftestants that have to pack their knives and go. Although, that would be a fun twist. Oh Jen, Zoi's just not as good at surviving in that environment as you are. You don't need to remind us that she's the love of your life, and all that stuff WHILE CRYING. Come on. I know you'll miss her, but sack up! I'm glad and all that you won that Quick Fire, but dedicating the tailgating dish to Zoi's Greek roots was a little much. Shouldn't you have like the ultimate bragging rights with her now? You made it further than she did in one of the hardest cooking competitions on TV. Make the competition fun for you! WHICH MEANS STOP WHINING ABOUT HER. YOU WILL SEE HER SOON ENOUGH. GOD. Okay, rant over now.
But, yeah, Spike is kind of a jerk. And by kind of, I mean I want to kick him in his rat face. Wow, I'm a little saucy today. I think I'll roll with it for the rest of the day. These cheftestants seem much less, uh, diplomatic than last season's bunch. Last season, we only really had Howie and Joey to deal with, while now we have Dale, Lisa, Spike, Andrew, and to a lesser extent Antonia. Wow. They may cook better(well, that's what Bravo keeps cramming down our throats), but damn are they immature, the multitude of cussing aside. The explosion last week in the Stew Room may have been good TV, but it was crotch-grabbing, chair-kicking, drunken-slurring drama. And, that's a little too much for me to handle. Even in high school.
But, hell, I still enjoy it. The challenges may be a bit more gimmicky than previous seasons', but this last challenge (including the beer pairing Quickfire) was straight-cooking. And I liked it more than challenges in the past. [Edit: What I meant was cooking with no frills or frippery attached--just plain ole "which food tastes best." I did not mean to imply anything about sexual orientation or heterosexual cooking habits. I'm an Equal Opportunity viewer--and didn't I just mention how I was all about the lesbians? But, yeah, I guess this was a particularly straight challenge, now that you mention it, Rhetorical Critic.]
Also, I just discovered this website: Amuse-Biatch. It's like if Go Fug Yourself and Project Rungay realized they were madly in love, had a secret love-child, and reared it on nothing but Top Chef. The site isn't really as detailed as I would normally like, but it's got appropriate snark and research about all the people involved in the show. It's made with love.
This has been a very Top Chefy post. I really didn't mean for it to be--I had other things to talk about. I guess all that Jennifer drama made me forget what else I wanted to mention. Huh. Eh, it must not have been as important as railing against dramatic chefs on the TV.
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
What Have You Done Today to Make You Feel Proud?
I chose Subway instead of Mexican food! That's me for the day! Oh, is getting spinach leaves and cucumber on a tuna sandwich really that weird? It's actually healthier than going with plain ole Iceberg, which I really can't handle anymore. For some reason, every time I order this sandwich, at least one person will give me a sideways look of mild to moderate abject horror. Oh, come on, lady--like your banana peppers, red onions, and black olives don't gross me out.
But yay for Biggest Loser finale last night! Finally a female Biggest Loser! Congratulations Ali! This is a lot of exclamation marks! Here's a few more!!!! But seriously, it was kind of awesome seeing how everyone did--Ali ended up losing 48% of her original body weight, and now doesn't seem to have any fat on her at all. She really ended up earning that $250,000. Another shocking "oh, my god" moment was with Bernie--he was the little guy in the competition, and he ended up winning the $100,000 that the contestant who play from home compete for. Another Jillian trainee! Not all the contestants ended up skinny, but they all looked so much better than before. This is actually a TV show that really does save lives! That's my justification for watching it. So yeah, Jillian has still won every single year she has faced off against Bob--her trainees just want it more, I guess.
So after that I went to the gym, even though my arms were still killing me from Sunday. Oh, did I mention that I'm like one step away from doing real pull-ups? I'm very proud of this. Joel made us do exercises on the squat rack, where we hang from the bar and try to pull ourselves up using mostly our upper body strength, although we can cheat and use our legs if we need to. When we get to the top, we're supposed to pick our feet us as best we can (if we're able to at all) and slowly lower ourselves down. It's hardcore (yes, I'm a girl). Joel made a big deal out of the fact that he doesn't expect us to pick our feet up yet, but we should try anyway. Guess what, guys. I picked them up! And then he made me do more. Yeah, I know I'm impressive. But it turns out of the three of us, I'm the one with the most upper body strength--although this could be due to the fact that I've trained with Joel more frequently and more recently than the other two have. I learned this when he made us do fake pushups (where we get a rest after we do one and lay on the ground for a second), and I was done with them like half a minute before the other girls were. I forget about girls sometimes. I don't do enough cardio, though, and it's killing me right now. This is why I'm not progressing as well as I'd like. So, my new resolution is to run EVERY DAY. It can happen. Starting....now!
Uh, what else? Oh yeah, I saw these earlier today:
X-Files 2 is now officially cemented in my mind. Scully has long hair! The truth is still out there! I'm actually really excited about this. I think I'm unleashing my inner geek more and more these days. And I kinda like it.
And now I'm off to yet another pointless meeting! See y'all later.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Well, I Know I'm an Elitist
But that's beside the point.
Kay, I've been avoiding talking about politics, but it seems that (today especially) everywhere I turn, I am reminded of every new scandal that happens, and I've actually got opinions.
It shouldn't surprise anyone that I am an Obama supporter. I have been for quite some time. I honestly believe that he is what's best for this country right now. When I first heard about the new "scandalous comments" that Obama made last week, I couldn't believe that the media was making such an enormous deal out of it. At first. Then I remembered the way it was in high school for me. I was surrounded by people, who right now are probably very insulted with Obama, calling him unpatriotic and probably agreeing with McCain and Hillary. Well, probably more McCain, because I know they won't vote for that woman. I know these people, who would make a big deal out of it. They fell hook line and sinker for Bush. I remember being appalled, after someone told me that my teacher (who registered as a conscientious objector during Vietnam) was cowardly, Un-American, and should've been forced to fight. He spewed venom at me for even implying that I agreed with my teacher. These people exist, and I used to be surrounded by them.
And, guess what. They're bitter about the goverment, and cling on to their little issues, and yes, their guns. Remember how Texan I am? Obama is 100% correct. Hands down. And you know what? America needs to hear this. I'm sorry. We don't need candidates who pretend that everything's perfect in America, and all the blue collar and rural folks are perfectly happy with everything, and haven't been totally screwed by the government time and time again. There are very real reasons why rural America goes Red (as well as being stereotypically racist, homophobic, misogynistic, etc), and perhaps it wasn't prudent for him to point them out, but he was being honest and not worrying about the problematic nature of his words. These people vote contrary to what's economically beneficial for them, because of the social issues. Remember the last elections? (FYI This is why Huckabee scared the crap out of me) And, he was trying to explain why those voters might be frustrated. He really doesn't play the same political game as Hillary.
And McCain and Hillary saying this makes Obama elitist is the biggest political spin I've heard in a while. It's demeaning for those two candidates to try to make themselves more in touch with the common people than Barack Obama. Hillary is trying to make herself seem like a good ole country gal, which Obama was right to speak out against.
I guess these comments broke my usual stoic calm about the political climate in this country. I'm just so tired of saying "oh, come on" anytime Hillary tries to challenge him. Usually because of the way she challenges him.
But, I'm not exactly a person who needs much convincing. And, even I seem to be buying into the hype about turning his little comments into something much bigger than they were intended to be. Come on people, can we at least try to focus on real issues? People need to stop being offended, and look at the candidate who will do the best for the whole country, and not those who try to pander to everyone's limited points of view.
Anyone want to move to Europe?
God, I'm being too deep these days. I need to get back to writing about dumb things. Oh, the live finale of The Biggest Loser is on tonight. I'll probably talk about that tomorrow.
Kay, I've been avoiding talking about politics, but it seems that (today especially) everywhere I turn, I am reminded of every new scandal that happens, and I've actually got opinions.
It shouldn't surprise anyone that I am an Obama supporter. I have been for quite some time. I honestly believe that he is what's best for this country right now. When I first heard about the new "scandalous comments" that Obama made last week, I couldn't believe that the media was making such an enormous deal out of it. At first. Then I remembered the way it was in high school for me. I was surrounded by people, who right now are probably very insulted with Obama, calling him unpatriotic and probably agreeing with McCain and Hillary. Well, probably more McCain, because I know they won't vote for that woman. I know these people, who would make a big deal out of it. They fell hook line and sinker for Bush. I remember being appalled, after someone told me that my teacher (who registered as a conscientious objector during Vietnam) was cowardly, Un-American, and should've been forced to fight. He spewed venom at me for even implying that I agreed with my teacher. These people exist, and I used to be surrounded by them.
And, guess what. They're bitter about the goverment, and cling on to their little issues, and yes, their guns. Remember how Texan I am? Obama is 100% correct. Hands down. And you know what? America needs to hear this. I'm sorry. We don't need candidates who pretend that everything's perfect in America, and all the blue collar and rural folks are perfectly happy with everything, and haven't been totally screwed by the government time and time again. There are very real reasons why rural America goes Red (as well as being stereotypically racist, homophobic, misogynistic, etc), and perhaps it wasn't prudent for him to point them out, but he was being honest and not worrying about the problematic nature of his words. These people vote contrary to what's economically beneficial for them, because of the social issues. Remember the last elections? (FYI This is why Huckabee scared the crap out of me) And, he was trying to explain why those voters might be frustrated. He really doesn't play the same political game as Hillary.
And McCain and Hillary saying this makes Obama elitist is the biggest political spin I've heard in a while. It's demeaning for those two candidates to try to make themselves more in touch with the common people than Barack Obama. Hillary is trying to make herself seem like a good ole country gal, which Obama was right to speak out against.
I guess these comments broke my usual stoic calm about the political climate in this country. I'm just so tired of saying "oh, come on" anytime Hillary tries to challenge him. Usually because of the way she challenges him.
But, I'm not exactly a person who needs much convincing. And, even I seem to be buying into the hype about turning his little comments into something much bigger than they were intended to be. Come on people, can we at least try to focus on real issues? People need to stop being offended, and look at the candidate who will do the best for the whole country, and not those who try to pander to everyone's limited points of view.
Anyone want to move to Europe?
God, I'm being too deep these days. I need to get back to writing about dumb things. Oh, the live finale of The Biggest Loser is on tonight. I'll probably talk about that tomorrow.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Kinda Sorta an Oaky Afterbirth
Okay, so I've been pretty sick these past few days. I thought that it was a remarkable coincidence since I just got sick when I got these cats, and I really don't get sick too many times in one year. Really not more than once. I was really worried that I was allergic to the cats, but I seem to be getting better, and my contact with the cats isn't lessening. So I guess that's a good sign.
But the World Has turned UPSIDE DOWN while I was incapacitated. First, as I was starting to get sick, Lifetime bought Project Runway?!?!? Is this true? How could anyone let this happen? I AM NOT GOING TO WATCH LIFETIME. Isn't Project Runway one of the quintessential Bravo TV shows? Why would Lifetime be a better choice? I feel like the show is never going to be the same. Who will watch it now? ALSO--just in--Nina Garcia has been fired from her position as the fashion director of ELLE magazine! What does this mean? Will ELLE still be involved with Project Runway? Will Nina Garcia? Who will give the really mean commentaries? I AM DISTRAUGHT.
In other news--The Office is back! Yay! I enjoyed Thursday's episode, but in the way that the first Christmas episode was enjoyable. Totally awkward and uncomfortable, and made me feel bad for like, half of the characters. But in that wonderful Office way. I forgot how much I missed Pam, Jim, Michael, Dwight, Angela etc...until I saw them again on Thursday night. I'm now excited for the rest of this season.
And, for some inexplicable reason, I am currently watching Full House. I blame the illness. It's so 90s. The hair, the clothes, the jokes. The acting is so terrible! It's strange to think that I used to watch this show all the time, and thought it was a good show. Oh, how we grow.
But the World Has turned UPSIDE DOWN while I was incapacitated. First, as I was starting to get sick, Lifetime bought Project Runway?!?!? Is this true? How could anyone let this happen? I AM NOT GOING TO WATCH LIFETIME. Isn't Project Runway one of the quintessential Bravo TV shows? Why would Lifetime be a better choice? I feel like the show is never going to be the same. Who will watch it now? ALSO--just in--Nina Garcia has been fired from her position as the fashion director of ELLE magazine! What does this mean? Will ELLE still be involved with Project Runway? Will Nina Garcia? Who will give the really mean commentaries? I AM DISTRAUGHT.
In other news--The Office is back! Yay! I enjoyed Thursday's episode, but in the way that the first Christmas episode was enjoyable. Totally awkward and uncomfortable, and made me feel bad for like, half of the characters. But in that wonderful Office way. I forgot how much I missed Pam, Jim, Michael, Dwight, Angela etc...until I saw them again on Thursday night. I'm now excited for the rest of this season.
And, for some inexplicable reason, I am currently watching Full House. I blame the illness. It's so 90s. The hair, the clothes, the jokes. The acting is so terrible! It's strange to think that I used to watch this show all the time, and thought it was a good show. Oh, how we grow.
Monday, April 7, 2008
KLKDKSLFJDKITTIESLKAJFKJLDS!!!
So, it's official. I'm now a bona fide cat owner. Yesterday I got two cats from Chicago Animal Care & Control, and they're awesome.
MEET MY CATS:
Nubs (F-4 months). She is quite possibly the friendliest kitty that I've ever known, and is very demanding of both my and Gus' attention. Her name is because she only has three paws, and one little nub. I don't think I'll ever get over watching her walk around the place--it's adorable! She has a horrible sense of balance, but manages very well in spite of it. She can jump on pretty much anything in my apartment. She clearly loves the Scratch Lounge, as well as the beads hanging on my closet door.
Gus (M-4 months). I like to think of Gus as me in cat form. He's very laid back when he's comfortable, but skittish as hell when anyone makes a sudden move. Gus spends much of his time under the bed. He and I are becoming better friends, partly due to the magic of the laser pointer. He goes crazy over it, while Nubs is more like "whatever." He also likes my little mice and the ball with a bell in it.
Last night I went to bed very carefully, to not jostle Gus from his resting place at the end of my bed. I woke up at 3 AM, and the first thing I saw was Nubs' face in my face, purring loudly, with Gus playing aggressively with my feet. I think this means that I am a real cat owner. I was also very proud that both of them found the litter box with no problems.
Now I have to go, because I think Nubs is going to knock over my printer.
COME VISIT MY KITTIES.
PS-I totally took a personal day today to "make sure they got settled." Mostly, I've just watched them play on my bed, and tried to get the black cat hair off of my white couch.
Friday, April 4, 2008
You Must Have This Much of a Sense of Humor to Read this Blog
Or, you know, know me. Whatev. (Nota bene: I have never kicked a dog, nor will I ever kick a dog. Nor a cat. Not even a pigeon. I'm just not that kind of person; and yes, I have owned and loved MANY pets in my life with many different temperaments and dispositions, so I think I can handle it. I will, however, kick a human. GLADLY. FYI.)
Okay, that's over. I am very appreciative of everyone's enthusiasm, advice, and support regarding this matter--I have decided to get a cat, and I feel that it will perfectly compliment my lifestyle. So this weekend I shall head to the pound and pick out a lifemate. I will try to avoid giving him/her an overtly geeky name, but you never know with me. I'm not really sure what materials I need to bring with me, and I'll clear it with my landlady beforehand, although she'll hardly mind. I guess on Saturday I'll go to Petsmart, and prepare for the cat's arrival, by picking up a litter box, litter, food, bowls, and fun toys. This is going to be a good weekend.
Hmm...what else? My quarter-life crisis is coming to a close. I'm ending up where I began again, and have started furiously working out and checking USAJobs daily. Guess what I've decided to do again! Anyway, I'm excited, and am glad that my life seems more on track. Am thinking of using some contacts that I completely forgot about until a couple of days ago. Get excited, people! I mean, I assume you're all thrilled hearing about my vacillations of career choices already.
I am so excited that the damn supermodel show is finally over. I was doing a grueling running session last night while watching the finale, so I couldn't yell at the TV without the entire gym thinking I'm nuts. But can I just say: YAY HOLLY! AMERICA (Well, Bravo audiences) CHOSE WELL! I'm a little amazed, but she really was the best choice. By far. Even though "supermodel" is a little bit of a stretch, wouldn't you say?
Mastercard: What did I tell you about McDonald's?
Cristina's Brain: I'M SORRY, OKAY! I JUST WANTED SOME NUGGETS! STOP JUDGING ME!
Mastercard: You better drag your ass to the gym is all. Macy's won't stop bitching about getting new clothes, so you better do something about that.
Cristina's Brain: I'll go tonight, but it does close early on Fridays....
Mastercard: Don't even try to get out of it. I'll wake up CTA, and he KNOW'S EVERYTHING ABOUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING AND WHAT YOU'RE DOING. I will rain down fire and brimstone on you if you skip out to take the 146 downtown to get Ghirardelli's.
Cristina's Brain: Yes, sir.
In other news, Krav Maga? Thoughts? I think it would be a very good idea for me to learn this.
Happy Friday! I will keep all of you updated on the cat front as soon as I make headway.
Okay, that's over. I am very appreciative of everyone's enthusiasm, advice, and support regarding this matter--I have decided to get a cat, and I feel that it will perfectly compliment my lifestyle. So this weekend I shall head to the pound and pick out a lifemate. I will try to avoid giving him/her an overtly geeky name, but you never know with me. I'm not really sure what materials I need to bring with me, and I'll clear it with my landlady beforehand, although she'll hardly mind. I guess on Saturday I'll go to Petsmart, and prepare for the cat's arrival, by picking up a litter box, litter, food, bowls, and fun toys. This is going to be a good weekend.
Hmm...what else? My quarter-life crisis is coming to a close. I'm ending up where I began again, and have started furiously working out and checking USAJobs daily. Guess what I've decided to do again! Anyway, I'm excited, and am glad that my life seems more on track. Am thinking of using some contacts that I completely forgot about until a couple of days ago. Get excited, people! I mean, I assume you're all thrilled hearing about my vacillations of career choices already.
I am so excited that the damn supermodel show is finally over. I was doing a grueling running session last night while watching the finale, so I couldn't yell at the TV without the entire gym thinking I'm nuts. But can I just say: YAY HOLLY! AMERICA (Well, Bravo audiences) CHOSE WELL! I'm a little amazed, but she really was the best choice. By far. Even though "supermodel" is a little bit of a stretch, wouldn't you say?
Mastercard: What did I tell you about McDonald's?
Cristina's Brain: I'M SORRY, OKAY! I JUST WANTED SOME NUGGETS! STOP JUDGING ME!
Mastercard: You better drag your ass to the gym is all. Macy's won't stop bitching about getting new clothes, so you better do something about that.
Cristina's Brain: I'll go tonight, but it does close early on Fridays....
Mastercard: Don't even try to get out of it. I'll wake up CTA, and he KNOW'S EVERYTHING ABOUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING AND WHAT YOU'RE DOING. I will rain down fire and brimstone on you if you skip out to take the 146 downtown to get Ghirardelli's.
Cristina's Brain: Yes, sir.
In other news, Krav Maga? Thoughts? I think it would be a very good idea for me to learn this.
Happy Friday! I will keep all of you updated on the cat front as soon as I make headway.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
I Live in Dog City
I REALLY WANT A DOG! Living in my apartment building is a little like torture, because one thing that I really miss about life in San Antonio is the dogs. No joke, it seems like EVERY person in my apartment building has a dog. At least one, or some other type of adorable animal! And it doesn't really help that my nice neighbors (not the unfriendly ones) got an adorable new kitty, which I can hear mewing when I unlock my door in the afternoons. I always see these adorable puppies trotting along on the way to their walks, and it makes me so wistful. Yesterday I saw one of my building mates being pulled along by her pug, which prompted me to say "I've always wanted one of those!" She said "Oh you should get one! They're great and I tell everyone to get one." GAH!
Now, I've been resisting this urge for many practical reasons. I live in a shoebox, and that is unfair to most kinds of dogs--especially the ones that I really want (Mastiff, Bloodhound, Rottweiler e.g.). I work 9-5, and the call of nature waits for no white collar worker. I have a white couch--no explanation needed. I don't have much space, even for me. A cat would be much more practical, and I would love it just as much as any dog. SO WHY CAN'T I STOP THINKING ABOUT GETTING A DOG?
I did a little research today, and discovered that there are some breeds of dogs that can handle apartment life--even small apartment life. (n.b. my apartment building is exclusively studios and one-bedrooms, and I do have one of the larger studio options) The first one which caught my eye is the forlorn Basset Hound. Like a shorter, squatter Bloodhound, this dog is simply adorable. They are also magnificent scent hounds & trackers, and I do like my dogs to be functional. If I ever get kidnapped, I can count on my loyal friend to lead the way towards my rescue! They don't require much space to live in, because they are very inactive most of the time. All they require is a good walk twice daily. I can do that! I also really like the idea of having a hound, so that I can "release the hound." I crack myself up.
Another contender is the fresh-faced Beagle. A Snoopy dog! These are also scent hounds, and are apparently incredibly intelligent. This is the breed of dog that dialed 911 in 2006, which was a headlining news story for, like, three weeks straight. Dude, I need that dog! It's better than that "I've-Fallen-and-I-Can't-Get-Up" button! The only issue is that these dogs are more active. They can handle being in an apartment, but it needs to be a larger one, so that they can frolic and play, and presumably train for rescue missions. Shoot.
And now we come to the clownish Pug. Now, I used to think these dogs were ugly. They're too wrinkly, with bug eyes and underbites. But how wrong was I?! These dogs are probably the sweetest and happiest-looking animals EVER. I've never met a Pug that didn't look like it was loving life. I'd rather have a happy puppy than one who seems to be suffering from extreme melancholia. I'm the melancholic one in the family! Me! And I hear that Pugs are extremely good apartment dogs.
There are countless other examples of dogs I could get. The Miniature Pinscher is a practical small apartment dog, and it doesn't seem as high-strung and kickable as other toy breeds. So, I guess it'd doable. I keep talking about all these very distinct breeds, but I'll probably go to the Anti-Cruelty Society or the like to pick up a pet; not only will that save me hundreds of dollars, but it's much better to get an animal that really needs a home. It'll be a bonus if I could find me a hound or hound-mix there, though.
Having said all that, I'll probably end up getting a cat. And I'll love it. I'm just a dog person, and will look forward to having a lifestyle that could better compliment it. I just need something soon, because my TV is not a good roommate. An animal is a much better distraction.
Other things:
-My quarter-life crisis is starting to clear up, and I'm ending up back where I began.
-I really, really hate wind.
-Tacos are one of the greatest culinary inventions in the world. Especially from La Cocina.
-Oh yeah, Happy April Fools! (But the dog thing wasn't a joke. Not that it would've been a great practical joke. Never mind. Forget that I said anything.)
Now, I've been resisting this urge for many practical reasons. I live in a shoebox, and that is unfair to most kinds of dogs--especially the ones that I really want (Mastiff, Bloodhound, Rottweiler e.g.). I work 9-5, and the call of nature waits for no white collar worker. I have a white couch--no explanation needed. I don't have much space, even for me. A cat would be much more practical, and I would love it just as much as any dog. SO WHY CAN'T I STOP THINKING ABOUT GETTING A DOG?
I did a little research today, and discovered that there are some breeds of dogs that can handle apartment life--even small apartment life. (n.b. my apartment building is exclusively studios and one-bedrooms, and I do have one of the larger studio options) The first one which caught my eye is the forlorn Basset Hound. Like a shorter, squatter Bloodhound, this dog is simply adorable. They are also magnificent scent hounds & trackers, and I do like my dogs to be functional. If I ever get kidnapped, I can count on my loyal friend to lead the way towards my rescue! They don't require much space to live in, because they are very inactive most of the time. All they require is a good walk twice daily. I can do that! I also really like the idea of having a hound, so that I can "release the hound." I crack myself up.
Another contender is the fresh-faced Beagle. A Snoopy dog! These are also scent hounds, and are apparently incredibly intelligent. This is the breed of dog that dialed 911 in 2006, which was a headlining news story for, like, three weeks straight. Dude, I need that dog! It's better than that "I've-Fallen-and-I-Can't-Get-Up" button! The only issue is that these dogs are more active. They can handle being in an apartment, but it needs to be a larger one, so that they can frolic and play, and presumably train for rescue missions. Shoot.
And now we come to the clownish Pug. Now, I used to think these dogs were ugly. They're too wrinkly, with bug eyes and underbites. But how wrong was I?! These dogs are probably the sweetest and happiest-looking animals EVER. I've never met a Pug that didn't look like it was loving life. I'd rather have a happy puppy than one who seems to be suffering from extreme melancholia. I'm the melancholic one in the family! Me! And I hear that Pugs are extremely good apartment dogs.
There are countless other examples of dogs I could get. The Miniature Pinscher is a practical small apartment dog, and it doesn't seem as high-strung and kickable as other toy breeds. So, I guess it'd doable. I keep talking about all these very distinct breeds, but I'll probably go to the Anti-Cruelty Society or the like to pick up a pet; not only will that save me hundreds of dollars, but it's much better to get an animal that really needs a home. It'll be a bonus if I could find me a hound or hound-mix there, though.
Having said all that, I'll probably end up getting a cat. And I'll love it. I'm just a dog person, and will look forward to having a lifestyle that could better compliment it. I just need something soon, because my TV is not a good roommate. An animal is a much better distraction.
Other things:
-My quarter-life crisis is starting to clear up, and I'm ending up back where I began.
-I really, really hate wind.
-Tacos are one of the greatest culinary inventions in the world. Especially from La Cocina.
-Oh yeah, Happy April Fools! (But the dog thing wasn't a joke. Not that it would've been a great practical joke. Never mind. Forget that I said anything.)
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