Monday, October 31, 2011

Make it a Demon Knight

Wondering what to watch on this dreary, yet spooky Halloween? Why not make it a Demon Knight?

Demon Knight was a 1995 Tales From the Crypt film. It starred my 1990's crush, Billy Zane, William Sadler, a pre-Smith Jada Pinkett, CCH Pounder, and Thomas Haden Church, rounding out a cast of some pretty stellar actors.

Demon Knight
Sadler plays Brayker, a 100+ year old Demon Knight, (who looks relatively good for his age) who is a guardian of one of the seven keys that can open the gates of hell. When demons tried to use all seven keys for power before the Earth was formed, God scattered the demons and keys throughout the universe. The film revolves around the demon Collector's (Zane) quest to retrieve the seventh and final key and unleash hell upon earth. The key was originally filled with the blood of Jesus Christ, but can be passed down and refilled with the blood of a deceased guardian. The Collector's search for the key and Brayker's protection detail and search for the next Demon Knight lead them to a boarding house with the fellow characters. All hell breaks loose (pun oh so intended) as the Collector erects an array of demons, that look like they've stayed in tanning bed too long, to take down Brayker and retrieve the key.

Mojo
But what's a Tales From the Crypt horror movie without some gore, a sprinkle of cheesy comedy, violence, and death? CCH Pounder's character, Irene loses an arm and after a few swigs of whiskey, turns into the female version of Rambo, Zane's the Collector proceeds to punch through and wear the sheriff's face like a mitten, and the boarding house 'harlot' turns into what looks like Mojo from the X-Men. Despite Brayker's tough wits and the blood of the key serving as an impenetrable barrier from the demons, the good guy numbers dwindle and Ms. Pinkett-Smith stands strong to become the next Demon Knight. Zane does a fine job of playing a charming, cunning demon and evil leader. However, bad things start happening when he has a mood swing, illustrated by the glowy, urination light show towards the end of the film.

Awkward.

Interestingly enough, there were two initial script plans and the demon-free version had Bible selling, black suit and sunglasses wearing baddies, which made the studio nervous but sounds very reminiscent of the 1988 John Carpenter sci-fi horror classic, They Live. Check out Demon Knight and you will definitely get your Halloween horror-worth.
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Ode to Jacob Black

Ode to Jacob Black

O warrior Lycan!
With your rustic hues on this opaque night.
Rippling muscles that need no shirt
Which you remove with complete ease
To use in a healing manner.
Selfless and bold, strong and wise.
One gets lost in your deep, labyrinth eyes.
Ye of nature and transformation
Guided by the moon and the thrill of the hunt.
'Tis time for you to become one with the night.
Tonight is the Supermoon
and I will think of you fondly.

~K.G.
Aren't we cute together?!
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Sunday, October 30, 2011

P.F. Chang's Review

P.F. Chang's

Between wedding dress shopping and dance rehearsal my friends and I made a lunch trip to P.F. Chang's about a month ago. It was about noon on a Saturday, but we were seated promptly at a great table for a party of five. (No Matthew Fox or Jennifer Love Hewitt jokes, please.) Despite the extensive and delicious menu, it didn't take me long to decide on Crispy Wontons and Sesame Chicken. The chicken was tangy, delicious, and definitely hit the spot. Our service was speedy and efficient which always makes the dining experience that much better. Once our waitress found out that we were on a time crunch she helped us out even more by getting our to-go boxes ready and passing out our fortune cookies.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro on Urbanspoon

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Fujisan Japanese Steakhouse Review

If you want to leave a restaurant having eaten your money's worth while leaving with a nice, round food baby and perhaps some leftovers, then make a visit to Fujisan. Along with a soup and salad, a hearty portioned entree is prepared by an awesome chef right in front of your table. One thing my parents would love to know about is all the vegetables the chefs put on my plate. Sheesh! And if there's a birthday in your party of 6 or more, then you get free cake!

Let's just stop and take a second to think about that deliciousness. Mmmmmm.

Okay! Back to reality. There is an amazing display of culinary skill on every visit. Between tossing eggs into their toque (chef's hat) and removing them uncracked; spinning spatulas on their fingers like basketballs; and grilling up some of the best Japanese cuisine around, these chefs keep you thoroughly entertained and ready for the next course. Did I mention the volcano?!

If you're looking to have a fun and yummy dining experience for a large party or a smaller date vibe, I recommend Fujisan Japanese Steakhouse for an excellent dining experience.

Fujisan on Urbanspoon

Hats Off to 'The Sing Off'

I've never really sat down and tuned into a complete The Sing Off episode. Dozens of Glee inspired groups compete by singing covers of various musical hits in color coordinated outfits. I usually turn to the channel and think, "Ooooh, colors!" and then proceed to channel search for a Psych re-run. However, last week I stumbled upon the performance of a group called Pentatonix (how cool), which musically 'pentatonic' is an adjective meaning: Of or using only five tones, usually the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth tones of a diatonic scale. The group ripped the stage with a kick-butt performance of Kanye West's "Love Lockdown." It was, as I like to say, amazeballs! Their individual voices + unison + choreography= a performance that I think, without even seeing the others, should put them in the top spot. See for yourself: 




Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Jack Bauer Taught Me...

amazon.com/24
One of the greatest shows to ever grace the airways, and FOX network was 24 starring Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer. The word that first comes to mind when I hear the name Jack Bauer is "amazeballs". There aren't too many men who can rescue the president, save the world, torture a terrorist, and make a collect call all in one day. Below are some lessons I have learned from Mr. Bauer's displays of awesomeness:

  • How to use my outside voice inside
  • Road rage on the side of impeccable driving ability
  • It is possible to bite through a man's jugular with your hands tied behind your back!
  • How to make the "Chloe-scowl" face
  • It's all fun and games until your flare gun is used as a weapon
  • How to threaten bodily harm to someone with a towel
  • If you need your hand removed because of a deadly virus, just 'axe' me.
  • I may not have had the opportunity to remove a knife from my own abdomen and throw it at an enemy's trachea, but I have removed a splinter and thrown it at a tree
  • Bench press a table
  • Headbutt unsuspecting victims
    • Regain consciousness
I will add more lessons learned soon, but some teens just dropped some candy wrappers in my lawn and I'm about to go Jack Bauer batshit. (Feel free to comment and add what you've learned from one of the greatest action heroes ever.) Stay tuned.

Beep, 
Beep, 
Beep, 
Beep...


'Love is Hard'

James Morrison, "Love is Hard" {Section}

"And it kicks so hard, it breaks your bones
Cuts so deep, it hits your soul
Tears your skin, and makes your blood flow
It's better that you know that love is hard.

Love takes hostages
And gives them pain
Gives someone the power
To hurt you again and again
Oh, but they don't care"

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Torero's Mexican Restaurant Review

Do rainy days and Mondays always get you down? Well, then look no further than Torero's for your end of the day woes. I actually haven't been to Torero's on any other day than Monday, but just when I thought I was out, the Margarita Monday deal pulled me back in! Yummy margarita flavors that pack a punch for $3.00. Apparently some unhappy customers got their margaritas in small, plastic picnic cups, but mine have come in deep glasses.

The Mexican dishes of Torero's are delicious with hearty portions that will leave you stuffed and happy (that is if you don't get filled up on the chips and salsa first.) The service I've received has always been friendly without a lot of wait. Two thumbs up for this Mexican restaurant.


Torero's on Urbanspoon

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Croque Monster

Croque Monster
So tonight I tried my hand at creating the classic French sandwich, Croque Monsieur. It came out looking a little scary and slightly overcooked, but my sandwich was wonderfully delicious! My Béchamel was a bit thick and was more so painted rather than poured on. After consumption I'm feeling bold enough to even go toe-to-toe with Coquette Brasserie's Croque Monsieur sandwich.

*Cue "Gonna Fly Now" Rocky theme music...

My ingredients: 

  • 2 slices of Wonder Bread
  • 3 slices of Oscar Mayer ham lunch meat
  • 1 slice of Kraft Swiss cheese
  • (Lots of preparation giggles)

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Wes Craven: A Master of Horror


It's that time of year again! That's right, time to bust out the candy corn, rubber spiders, popcorn balls, and scary movies for Halloween. While your trolling the horror film aisle or category on Netflix, be sure to check out one of the masters of horror movies, Wes Craven. Of the over 30 movies he has either directed, written or produced, I have seen 22 over the course of my life.

Yeah, I guess you could say I'm a fan.

Craven blends horror with complex plots and story concepts, and original characters. If you want to read and hear about more horror movies and directors, or films in general, be sure to check out my buddy Joel's awesome page, Forgottenflix.

imdb.com/title/tt0087800/
One of the earliest Craven directed movies I saw was Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). Between the fedora, black and red striped sweater, and claws, the sadistic child murderer, Freddy Krueger, was one monster you did not want creeping around in your subconscious. The pairing of horror and nightmares has always been significant, but Craven's creation of a monster whose power fed on his victims' dreams was terrifyingly genius. I also have four words for you: Johnny Depp, bed, blood...and lots of it.

I only saw Deadly Friend (1986) once, but it sure had the soon-to-be Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kristy Swanson, giving me goosebumps. I don't remember much about Night Visions (1990) but I do remember that one of the taglines should have been, "The grass is always greener on the other side...until a family of cannibals eats your face off." Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) is the seventh installment in the Nightmare... series but was not part of the continuity; rather it featured the series' characters playing themselves, including a minor role from Craven.

1995's Vampire in Brooklyn brought a touch of comedy to a vampire horror movie, starring Eddie Murphy. Viewers got to see Eddie Murphy in, you guessed it, character costumes. Now this was no Nutty Professor, Murphy plays a bad to the bone vampire donning all black and a Don King-esque slicked back hairstyle. The Scream (1996) saga spanned 15 years and featured an always changing killer who murdered based on other classic horror films. S/he wasn't your average suped up horror movie villain either. An exercise bike could stop him momentarily and once unveiled, a bullet could finish the job.

Juxtapose to Vampire in Brooklyn, Dracula 2000 featured a very emo Dracula looking in need of a hug without the comedic kicks and giggles. The Last House on the Left (1972, 2009) gave new meaning to the phrase, "parents just don't understand." In this film, the parents understood and knew how to throw your head in a microwave if you mess with their child. While the controversial 1972 version was banned in many countries for it's graphic violence and images, the 2009 version was not banned, but received restrictions from the MPAA ratings board.

I can't wait to see what else Craven has up his sleeve for fans and horror movies within the coming years.


Trolly Stop Review


So there you are relaxing on the warm sand of Wrightsville Beach, hoping to avoid seagull droppings, when your stomach starts to rumble and you realize that it's lunchtime. If the Trolly Stop doesn't pop into your head then you obviously haven't tried one of their delicious hot dogs. 


With a menu full of creative concoctions of one of America's favorite campfire foods, the Trolly Stop is sure to leave you wanting to come back. My personal favorite was the Surfer Dog with melted cheese and bacon bits. My first hot dog sold me, but my third just sealed the deal...and popped a button. My family and I walked around and ate our hot dogs, but the service was fast and friendly. I would definitely recommend making a trip to the
Trolly Stop if you're in the
Wrightsville Beach area.

Trolly Stop on Urbanspoon

Mini Vent Blog: Road Rage

Now you may be feeling like my blog post title sounds a bit redundant, but the main point of this post is to convey my dislike of road rage and the actions that arise because of it. Okay, I'll admit:

"My name is Kimster and I used to be a road rage-oholic."

Now I wasn't foaming at the mouth, throwing up various species of "birds" or riding around with a two by four in the trunk, but I can attest to the fact that some of my passengers were wide-eyed with concern over my short driving temper. I have since refrained from such automobile aggression. However, yesterday I was met with pure asinine driving by some college clod in a truck with an 'E.T. phone home' antenna, and a bad attitude. While driving on the highway at speeds up to 70 mph, I put on my right turn signal to get to the middle lane and he merged from the left cutting me off and slowing down lane traffic. I threw my hands up off the steering wheel out of frustration followed by him braking for the fun of it. After I got back over to my previous lane he increased his speed so I couldn't pass him. Now, my SUV is the Apollo Creed of automobiles and I eventually passed him. In my rear-view mirror I saw him flick me off to which I returned a hearty thumbs up.

Now, I couldn't help asking myself what did I ever do to him to make him feel the need to play Red Light/Green Light on a highway. Ridiculous. Save that stupidity for the foosball table and stay off of the road, friend-o. Thanks.
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Words of Wisdom

I was feeling quite whimsical when I woke up this morning. Therefore, I'd like to mention one of my favorite lighthearted movies. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a fantasy comedy released in 2007. Yes, there is a magical toy store, a zebra, and many hats, among other zany things. Also in the lineup: (two words) Jason Bateman. (Now I don't know if you've ever seen "Arrested Development"...but you should.) While Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium received mixed reviews from critics, I thought it was a very sweet depiction of staying young at heart and fulfilling your dreams. The film stars Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, and Bateman (referred to as "mutant" throughout the majority of the film). Did I mention that I have a celebrity girl crush on Portman? Have you seen Black Swan and V for Vendetta? She's amazing! And Hugo Weaving is phenomenal as 'V', so go check those out too. I digress; the main point of this blog is to highlight an inspirational line Hoffman delivers in the movie that struck me then, and has been significant to me ever since. 

"We must face tomorrow, whatever it may hold, 
with determination, joy and bravery."
~Mr. Magorium
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Goodberry's Frozen Custard Review

Goodberry's, in the past, seems to be the place I have gone to have serious conversations with people while I melt away to the deliciousness of the ice cream. The flavors are sweet and savory and the waffle cones and cups are crunchy and delightful. I imagine a trip to Goodberry's is a great way to end a summer date, so that is definitely on my list of things to do.

I have never ventured to try the hot dogs or any substance other than the ice cream and custards. I have heard many a horror story of the after effects of said hot dogs, and would rather leave all my Goodberry's memories pleasant. 

As I look down at the ice cream that has undoubtedly dropped on my pants over the course of my visit, I give a knowing nod to the Goodberry's lighted sign that I will be back again soon.

Goodberry's Frozen Custard (Raleigh) on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Showdown: Jeffrey Dean Morgan vs. Kevin Alejandro

If you like sexy men, great actors and awesome TV shows then you're really going to love this showdown between Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kevin Alejandro. These two leading men can't seem to make it through a series before getting the axe. But nevertheless, they are always dreamy.


J.D.M.

  • Supernatural: John Winchester
    • Sold his soul for his son, Dean
  • Weeds: Judah Botwin
    • A sudden heart attack
  • Grey's Anatomy: Denny Duquette
    • Died of a stroke
Mr. Alejandro  

  • True Blood: Jesus Velasquez, Brujo
    • Stabbed
  • Southland: Nate Moretta 
    • Beaten to death by gang members and a metal pipe to the head
  • Ugly Betty: Santos
    • Shot during a convenience store robbery
*LIGHTNING ROUND*

J.D.M. was in two DC Comic book movies, Jonah Hex (2010) and Watchmen (2009). In Watchmen he gets kicked out of a window and in Jonah Hex he's already a corpse brought back to life for about 4 minutes.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Showdown: Bill vs. Eric (True Blood)

On the hit HBO series, True Blood the main undead men vying for the affections of sassy, telepathic waitress Sookie are Bill and Eric. Now if you're like me and have read the novel series by Charlaine Harris, then you know how the love triangle is playing out. The series, with creative changes on the part of Alan Ball, takes a different route with the season 4 finale leaving viewers all wondering, "who will win her heart?" I thought we should take a look at what each vampire, according to the television series, is bringing to the table:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20420711,00.html

Bill: 
  • Gave Sookie his blood to save her life from an intense beating
    • Unfortunately he also glamored her assailants under the queen's orders
  • Courted Sookie
  • Pronounces it "Soo-keh"
  • Killed the queen to protect Sookie
  • Kept watch over Sookie when a serial killer was stalking her
  • Walked into the sun to save Sookie from serial killer, René
  • Almost ate Sookie in a fit of starvation
  • Killed another vampire to protect Sookie; a serious crime in vampire law 
  • Old-fashioned
  • Gave Sookie his blood to save her from a gunshot wound
  • Killed the uncle who molested her when she was a child
Eric: 
  • Tricked Sookie into drinking his blood to "save his life"
  • Lusted after Sookie
  • Pronounces it "Sooookie"
  • Buried killer vampire Russell Edgington under concrete
  • Shielded Sookie's body from a bomb
  • Ate her fairy god-mother
  • Fought a werewolf for her
  • Disowned his progeny, Pam for almost killing Sookie
  • Rescued Sookie from the Fellowship of the Sun
Sheesh. Is it just me or does it seem like Sookie always in some type of danger? I don't know about you, but I'm feeling like Bill is leading the race in the suitor who will win the heart of Sookie...

If you think differently or have more details feel free to comment!
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Monday, October 17, 2011

Oliver Twist Tapas Restaurant and Martini Lounge Review

Oliver Twist and I seem to have a love/hate relationship. I love the atmosphere, live music, drinks and ambiance. Whether you’re with a large party, or just stopping in for a drink, Oliver Twist is a great place to relax and forget about your hard day. Hey, who doesn’t love a huge, accessible parking lot right outside of an awesome bar and lounge? If you live in the downtown area, you know exactly what I mean. However, because of its popularity, Oliver Twist is usually packed nightly, and reservations are in your best interest, or you might just end up standing around staring laser beams into the back of someone’s head willing them to move with what you hope are dormant Vulcan powers.

Now the food at Oliver Twist seems to be on the hate side of this relationship coin. On one occasion I received bloody, rare mini burgers. Mind you, I asked for well done. Excuse me while I shake off that uncomfortable memory. Okay. Another occasion included a hair in my crème brulée which wasn’t realized until tasting. Yep, exactly. Gross. While the servers are typically pleasant and accommodating, I have found the management to not be as courteous. In this particular instance, I was treated as if the hair was my own or was just a figment of my imagination like Xanadu, and I didn’t deserve any compensation. The way I heard it, the customer is always right, and right then, I was furious. Interestingly enough, I’ve seen other reviews feeling a similar way about management for various reasons. I have been back to Oliver Twist since that incident to see a performance, but I mainly just stick to the martinis and bypass the food.


Oliver Twist Tapas Restaurant & Martini Lounge on Urbanspoon

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Coquette Brasserie Review

I took a long awaited Spa day over Labor Day weekend this year, complete with my first trip, for lunch, to Coquette Brasserie! I was very excited. The decor is very chic and inviting with a true café feel. I was immediately drawn in and wanted to stay, if for nothing else then to drift away to the smooth sounds of music that ranged from Ray Lamontagne to Carla Bruni. My service was friendly and efficient; while some of that might have had to do with the light crowd, my server was also friendly and helpful.

Now to the 'bon appétit' portion of my visit. My Croque Madame was creamy and my taste buds danced at every bite. I ate every last one of my warm, crispy frites dipped in delicious, rich aioli sauce, and the small salad in vinaigrette was as fresh as if it was right out of the produce department. For dessert, the crème brulée had fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. The savory tart of the fruit was a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the custard. For the quality and portion of the dishes, the prices were very reasonable.

I recently went to brunch at Coquette, but my second visit was a little less than stellar. While my pancakes were yummy, my Croque Madame somehow ended up a Monsieur and was dry and a bit on the cold side. Although the crowd wasn't too heavy, I felt as if my server might as well have been on a different side of the world. The service was slow and a bit lackluster. Here's hoping that was just a glitch and that my third visit, most likely during lunch hours, will be a charm like my first visit.

Coquette Brasserie on Urbanspoon

Mini Vent Blog: Tights vs. Leggings

There, apparently, seems to be a discrepancy for some women between proper undergarment protocol. 

Tights and leggings are two totally different things. 

Ladies, if you plan on wearing your Flashdance style cut up sweatshirt that barely surpasses your bellybutton in public, please accomodate that with leggings. If you're feeling oh-so-bold, why not try a pair of jeggings? Black tights are transparent and people do not want to see all that when they're trying to enjoy their Caramel Macchiato. Now, that short skirt you've been dying to sass around in or that sexy pencil skirt that hugs all the right curves would go great with a pair of tights. The next time you consider donning a pair of tights as your "pants" of choice, please, just think of the children. Please and thank you.

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Friday, October 14, 2011

Mahalia Jackson Biopic

Fantasia Barrino, season 3 winner of American Idol, was cast to play the lead role in legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson's biopic. Recently, however, Barrino has been in the news for accusations of carrying on an affair with Antwaun Cook and then becoming pregnant with his child, twice. The first time resulting in an abortion in August of 2010. Barrino is currently pregnant with Cook's child and is reportedly due in late December of this year. Barrino has received much hostility for the alleged affair and pregnancies, including concerns about her casting to play Mahalia Jackson.

According to a nola.com article, apparently, the negative comments from the Jackson family and press were all one big kerfuffle (my word of the day) on account of unauthorized comments from a financing broker.


This post is not to cast any judgment whatsoever. The producers are looking to begin shooting the film in January which gives little time for Barrino between having her baby and the filming start date. No disrespect intended, but, personally, I think Sunday Best season 3 winner, Le'Andria Johnson would do a wonderful job playing Ms. Jackson. She's already proven that her voice is dynamic when performing Ms. Jackson's "Trouble of the World"
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The Sandman's Trippin'

Last night I had a dream I was getting married and dancing with my future husband on the beach! In the beginning, I was doing my makeup with my hair pulled back and my dress was silk, long and gorgeous! The groom's face was blurry though.

Go figure.

My best friend will be getting married next year, so that may have been tapping on my subconcious, but the dream was all me and awesome! Now, if you've been keeping up with tiddly bits about my love life then you'll know that the prospect of this dream, in the relatively near future, would be amazeballs!!

However, I also had a dream I was locked in the Panic Room with Jodie Foster and a young, boyish looking Kristen Stewart. (You remember that haircut.) Mind you, I haven't seen that movie in months, so let's hope that the former rather than the latter dream is more plausible.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

I Heart JTT!!

Do you guys remember when Jonathan Taylor Thomas (JTT to true fans) was so totally uber cute and he was the king of Teen and Tiger Beat?!

It's okay. I know you do. Just admit it.

Anyway, while watching a Veronica Mars re-run today, I saw the adult version of Thomas. While still cute, Thomas has grown out of some of his "Look at me flash my dimples and run my hands through my slightly disheveled hair" appeal. The episode was filmed in 2005. Has anyone heard from him lately? Anyone? Well, Tim Allen has a new show coming out, tools not included, so maybe we'll see Thomas make a guest appearance or something and you can judge for yourself.

heartlessdoll.com

Alright, I'm finished. You can go ahead and pull out your Teen Beat back issues from under the bed now.
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Red Robin

Red RobinYUMMMMM®!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Love Hurts

Apparently, a 'war of words' is cliché these days and people would prefer to throw chemicals on one another. In Maryland, bleach and Pine Sol were thrown between feuding patrons of a Walmart. The store was evacuated and shut down for cleanup for two hours and nineteen unknowing shoppers were sent to the hospital for fume and eye damage.

Most of the time I'm just trying to get in and out of Walmart with the speed of lightning (because, let's be honest, the prices can be pretty awesome) but the people can sometimes be quite...colorful. The number of Snuggies, Crocs and Winnie the Pooh belly shirts I've seen strolling through the store is enough to make me mumble "Hakuna Matata" backwards so no one interferes with my snack food mission. Not to mention the amount of perfume and record contracts sold out of the trunk of people's cars. Apparently, I could have been the next Beyonce when all I really wanted was some Goldfish, fruit cups and Oreos.

Side-note: I may in fact be one of the...colorful people you see in the store. Hmmm.

But this bleach throwing assault was a whole new level of disturbing. Incidents like these are truly scary when you think that children or babies could have been in the vicinity. I regret that innocent bystanders became victims to the feud of strangers and I hope no one sustained severe injuries. I'm guessing the Walmart smiley face is looking more like a frown these days, and that "live better" part of the slogan is sounding a little suspect.
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Song of the Month

.
James Morrison is the English blonde hair, blue-eyed singer with the soulful, husky voice you just can't turn the station from. I fell in love with his voice and lyrics in 2006 with his first album, Undiscovered, followed by his 2008 album, Songs for You, Truths for Me. The first single and video, "I Won't Let You Go" from his most recent album, The Awakening is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in a long time. The lyrics are truly moving and there is something about the gentle vulnerability within the video that can take your breath away. It's a heartfelt song that expresses true love, comfort, and the ability to rely on and open your heart to someone. Enjoy.
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Sunday, October 9, 2011

Lonely "Islands"

Last year I stumbled upon the English electro, indie pop group, The xx. Their 2009 album featured the noir video "Islands" directed by Saam Farahmand and choreographed by Supple. I love it. The dancing first caught my eye, but after a recent breakup, the movement, lyrics, and theme of the video spoke volumes. 

I also feel extremely emo when I watch this video. 

In the video, a relationship appears to slowly unravel through the repetition of a dance combination until both lovers are gone after a relationship once full of passion burns away. If you pay attention to the distance, physically and figuratively, that forms between the two originally smooching lovers, it's quite heartbreaking.

The (Ex)-Terminator

It's truly interesting how many factoids told to you as a child can stay with you even when you're a mild-mannered adult. And said factoids can then either result in you living in a bubble or opting to rubber-band off of a bridge every other weekend.

When I was just a little nugget-sized child I was told that roaches vacation in envelope glue tanks in damp and dingy factories; if you cut your tongue while licking an envelope for sealing then roach eggs would harvest in your tongue to eventually erupt into an infestation of roaches...in your mouth! Please tell me you've heard this before, too. (Please!!)

Long story short, I now have phobias of:

  • Roaches (and insects of all assortments)
  • Envelopes
  • Glue
  • Elmer 


Gaga Over Bookshelves

If you know me, or have read my Blogger profile, then you probably know that I'm the type of lady that will spend more on a shopping spree of books than clothes or shoes. I'm not really a Kindle or Nook fan either. While I am sure they are great and easy to carry, I love the crisp feel of pages; the crackling sound of the spine of a book and the almost unsheathing-like sound of turning a page; and the faint smell of an aged book worn over the years in the hands of a true lover of reading. In addition to the awesomeness that are books, is their home: 

a bookshelf. 

bookshelfporn.com/post/11159060348
Bookshelves come in all shapes, sizes, colors, angles, and locations around the home. My favorite bookshelves are probably the ones that are made from other books and look like one endless Jenga game. I also like my books the way I like my wine: in a diamond cube rack.
 
I cannot describe to you the sheer excitement that seeped through my pores when my dad set up a bookshelf on my wall, in addition to the standing bookshelf in the corner. I was so excited that I didn't even mind the nightmarish shade of black that my finger turned after jamming it in the step ladder while trying to reach the new heights of my bookshelf. I recently discovered an exciting Tumblr page solely focused on the beauty and creativity of bookshelves around the world. It's called Bookshelf Porn

Yep. You heard me. And I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure I drool every time I go the site. Now go check out that page, stop and admire the subtle or extravagant beauty of the next bookshelf you see, and, as always, happy reading! :)


Saturday, October 8, 2011

Up All Night

These days, I'm such a busy little bee that I really only take the initiative to turn on the television for a few shows per week.

Mondays: "Dancing with the Stars" (for the dancer in me)
Wednesdays: "Up All Night", "Criminal Minds", and "Psych"
Thursdays: "Prime Suspect"
Fridays: "Supernatural"

NBC has brought the fire this season with two of its new shows, "Prime Suspect" and "Up All Night". The police drama series and comedy series, respectively, are my new faves.

www.imdb.com/title/tt1843323
After laughing hysterically at the trailer, I could not wait to see "Up All Night", starring Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, and Maya Rudolph; four weeks in and I have not been disappointed. Applegate and Arnett play Reagan and Chris Brinkley, new parents to a precious baby girl, trying to juggle parenthood, intimacy, working in and outside of the home, and maintaining their youth; the latter often complicated by hip, young neighbors. While Applegate and Arnett execute a seamlessly hilarious job of playing new parents out of their element, Rudolph, to my chagrin, just seems to be playing in one long and painfully unending SNL sketch. Despite Rudolph's over the top nature, she adds a decent balance to the undeniable chemistry of Applegate and Arnett. One of my favorite scenes so far was after a night of revisiting partying hard, Reagan and Chris unsuccessfully attempt to re-diaper a quite fussy baby to which Reagan pleadingly shouts, "We are trying to help you!" All I know is that a healthy dose of laughter from "Up All Night" helps me to get over the hump of the middle of the week.

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Static Shock and Awe

I love the fall! The air is crisp, vibrant colors burst throughout nature, and the temperature is the Baby Bear bed of the year: "just right". Unfortunately, along with the crisp, dry air comes fall's (and my) arch-nemesis:

kids.denverlibrary.org/fun/physics.html
Static electricity!

In addition to the unending standing ovation of my hair, every time I come close to an elevator button panel, I can distinctly hear the theme from Jaws playing in the background. The closest I'll probably ever come to starring in my own action movie scene is when I get out of the car attacked by an endless stream of static shocks.

Fall is also a great time to discover who your true friends are after you realize you've spent the last hour walking around with a balloon stuck to your butt.


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Peanuts and stuff

psychologytoday.com
If I didn't have a severe allergy to peanut butter then, according to my friend, Charlie Brown, nothing would take the taste out of it quite like this unrequited love.

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Cat People

I really don't understand office obsessions with kitten calendars. As I walk through the aisles of my office building, I see kittens in jars, kittens in cars; kittens near, kittens far. Some look like they're straight out of a crypt from the Michael Jackson "Thriller" video, while others make you just want to have a cuddlefest. I guess it just throws me off because most people I talk to don't even like cats. So now I have to worry that my coworker in the corner is really that 'cat lady'.
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Beautiful Christian Sister

Beautiful Christian Sister ~Maya Angelou 

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,' 
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.' 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain... I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow! 

Pretty is as Pretty does... But beautiful is just plain beautiful!

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Model Behavior

I was in my first fashion show this past weekend!
Yin and Yang Photography

Oh, yes. I'm a model now. Awesome-sauce!

Anyway, the show was at a downtown, upscale nightclub and was great fun. I hope to do many more. When I got to the end of the runway I "talked" with my eyes. Tyra Banks would be so proud of me!!

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

"Levitate!" (Mortal Kombat Voice)

I look forward to the day when I have a daughter and I can teach her the art of levitating above the toilet seat, and not letting her pants bunch up on the public restroom floor.

P.S. I hate germs

P.S.S. My kids might just live in a bubble...

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