I didn't watch The Swan. However, I have a friend who was working as part of the show, so I was curious about how "ugly" the girls were when they started, and how "beautiful" they were when they finished, so I went to check out the website.
As I glanced at the before pictures, I was confused...none of the contestents were particularly ugly...in fact the majority of them, if not all, looked just fine to me! I mean, granted, the pictures weren't the most flattering, the hair was messy and no make up and around the house clothes, but overall they looked just fine!
Then I saw the makeovers...and they just made me feel so sad. They look so different! They are not even the same person! I just felt so sorry for these women...sorry that they couldn't find peace with who they were, sad that they now looked so different then how they were born. I mean, I am sure they are happier, but my goodness, I can't imagine living my life in a body that was no longetr my own. I would just feel so sad, like I wasn't good enough before, and I only am because I was surgically changed. Many of these women weren't jusr "enhanced," they were changed. And they weren't even ugly in the first place! Sigh.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Friday, June 25, 2004
Oh, happy day!
I am in such a good mood right now! We are leaving to pick up Mom and G-man from the airport in 10 minutes!
The downstairs bedroom is done, and it looks awesome!
And, I went to the dentist (which is my second worst fear, after sharks,) and guess what? No cavities!
Oh, Happy Day!
The downstairs bedroom is done, and it looks awesome!
And, I went to the dentist (which is my second worst fear, after sharks,) and guess what? No cavities!
Oh, Happy Day!
Thursday, June 24, 2004
9:30 - Time to stop working
We spent all day clenuing and shopping and getting ready to finish the guest bedroom. I am so excited! It looks so awesome already, and we aren't even close to done! I can't wait to describe it to you, but that will have to wait until tomorrow...its a suprise for Mom and G-man, since they will be the first to use it when they come to visit tomorrow!
Belle is such a begger. She begs for food, even if she doesn't like it. The other night we made popcorn, and gave her some. She didn't like it, spit it out, and then begged for more.
Today the whole time I was working in the kitchen, she sat there lookin' all pretty just beggin' for some scraps! Cute puppy!
Belle is such a begger. She begs for food, even if she doesn't like it. The other night we made popcorn, and gave her some. She didn't like it, spit it out, and then begged for more.
Today the whole time I was working in the kitchen, she sat there lookin' all pretty just beggin' for some scraps! Cute puppy!
Deception Point
I just finished reading Deception Point by Dan Brown. Another intriguing read! Once you read two of his books you can figure out his recipe real quick...a strong heroine, a romantic hero, a quick paced hunt, and a villian who is least likely to figure out...Unfortunatly, perhaps because of that, I was able to figure out the villian in this particular novel.
What I really like about his books are all the little pieces of trivia and knowledge that he hides in each story. You learn alot of little things along the way that are really cool.
If you haven't read any Dan Brown, I highly reccomend them. Find the one with the topics that interest you the most...but I think you'll find that if you like his style, you'll like any of his books. He is a great story teller, and his short chapters and quick pace make his books easy to read and hard to put down. I'll list below each of his books and key polt points:
Deception Point: NASA, Politics (US Presedential race), Spy technology
Digital Fortress: NSA (National Security Agency), code breaking technology, the debate between personal privacy and National Security.
Angels and Demons: The Vatican and its rituals, Religion versus Science, an ancient brotherhood known as the Illuminatti whose goal it is to destroy the Catholic Church, and sculptures around Rome.
DaVinci Code: sequal to Angels and Demons. Art (DaVinci's), Religion (and its suggested role as a political tool), The search for and history of one of the most quested thing in religious history, and of those who know what it truly is.
Happy Reading!
What I really like about his books are all the little pieces of trivia and knowledge that he hides in each story. You learn alot of little things along the way that are really cool.
If you haven't read any Dan Brown, I highly reccomend them. Find the one with the topics that interest you the most...but I think you'll find that if you like his style, you'll like any of his books. He is a great story teller, and his short chapters and quick pace make his books easy to read and hard to put down. I'll list below each of his books and key polt points:
Deception Point: NASA, Politics (US Presedential race), Spy technology
Digital Fortress: NSA (National Security Agency), code breaking technology, the debate between personal privacy and National Security.
Angels and Demons: The Vatican and its rituals, Religion versus Science, an ancient brotherhood known as the Illuminatti whose goal it is to destroy the Catholic Church, and sculptures around Rome.
DaVinci Code: sequal to Angels and Demons. Art (DaVinci's), Religion (and its suggested role as a political tool), The search for and history of one of the most quested thing in religious history, and of those who know what it truly is.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
All done at school!
I went in today and got my classroom all checked out! All of my stuff is packed up and moved into my new classroom and now I don't have to go back until August! Of course, I have tons of organizing to do when I get back! But I have a whole summer before I have to think about that!
Home again!
Hi all,
Well, Its Tuesday already and I am home sweet home!
The rest of my trip was nice...I was able to see a lot of my family on Sunday...Aunts, Uncles, cousins...
Of course, seeing people is always nice, but I feel so awkward...like I never quite know what to say to people.
Family can be a funny thing...a bunch of people that you are supposed to know and care about becasue you happened to be born in the same family. Typically, if families live close together, then you know and love eachother because you are able to spend time together. But when you have family that lives far away its like, "Well, your related, so we should all get together..." Yet in a sense, many of these people are strangers to me. I have know idea how they would feel about me if they knew me day to day.
I have one cousin, though, who I have always got along with very well, and feel pretty close with. Once she and I sat down and began talking it was like we'd never been apart. She always jokes that we are long lost sisters seperated by birth. Whatever it is, its nice to have someone I can feel comfortable with.
It was also nice to see my other cousin, that I feel pretty close to as well. We drove to the reunion together. I don't know this cousin as well, but I feel like we could be friends if we spent more time together.
On Monday, I got to see my mom, brother and sister. I must say, it appears that my sister is doing really well. She looks good, she is always so confident, especailly at work, and I know she is trying hard. It was really nice that I was able to drive back to Michigan with her (4 hours in the truck...thats a lot of bonding...)My brother and I had a heart to heart...which I hope turns out to be a very positive thing!
Mom and I got to talk a lot, which I always love. I sometimes marvel at how lucky I am to have such a close relationship with my mom!
I am also glad that dad and I were able to make the trip together. It was a very special way for us to spend Father's Day!
So thats my trip...it was short but fun!
Well, Its Tuesday already and I am home sweet home!
The rest of my trip was nice...I was able to see a lot of my family on Sunday...Aunts, Uncles, cousins...
Of course, seeing people is always nice, but I feel so awkward...like I never quite know what to say to people.
Family can be a funny thing...a bunch of people that you are supposed to know and care about becasue you happened to be born in the same family. Typically, if families live close together, then you know and love eachother because you are able to spend time together. But when you have family that lives far away its like, "Well, your related, so we should all get together..." Yet in a sense, many of these people are strangers to me. I have know idea how they would feel about me if they knew me day to day.
I have one cousin, though, who I have always got along with very well, and feel pretty close with. Once she and I sat down and began talking it was like we'd never been apart. She always jokes that we are long lost sisters seperated by birth. Whatever it is, its nice to have someone I can feel comfortable with.
It was also nice to see my other cousin, that I feel pretty close to as well. We drove to the reunion together. I don't know this cousin as well, but I feel like we could be friends if we spent more time together.
On Monday, I got to see my mom, brother and sister. I must say, it appears that my sister is doing really well. She looks good, she is always so confident, especailly at work, and I know she is trying hard. It was really nice that I was able to drive back to Michigan with her (4 hours in the truck...thats a lot of bonding...)My brother and I had a heart to heart...which I hope turns out to be a very positive thing!
Mom and I got to talk a lot, which I always love. I sometimes marvel at how lucky I am to have such a close relationship with my mom!
I am also glad that dad and I were able to make the trip together. It was a very special way for us to spend Father's Day!
So thats my trip...it was short but fun!
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Saturday - Dayton/Greenville/Fort Recovery
Well, I have had quite an interesting day! Last night, dad and I arrived at our hotel (which dad strongly suggested that we book ahead of time,..I guess he was worried that all of the hotels on the side of the freeway in Ohio would be packed due to the Friday night crowds???) Anyway, our room was clean…but tiny!!! Two queen beds, each up against the wall, with like 16 inches between them….if that!!!
Anyways, we woke up and went to see my great Aunt who was in a nursing home recovering from a fall. She was so glad to see us! I swear, her mind is so incredible for her age!
We had lunch at Skyline Chili (pause a moment to reflect and give thanks) and then we headed up to my Aunt’s house. This Aunt, Aunt R, is hosting our family shindig tomorrow for Father’s day. We helped her put mulch in her garden area…a lot of work but fun, in a way! I know I am such a suburbanite… I get a kick out of these farm things;
Then we headed up to the farm (have I mentioned that I love cordless keyboards?).
Grandpa seems to be doing well. He gets h
Short of breath really quick, but his mind is as sharp as ever!
The farm itself never ceases to amaze me. All of the bunnies running through the field, all of the life! Also, the farmhouse is cleaner then before now that Aunt R has been living here, which makes it more pleasant to stay. Also, we saw a deer running across the runway after we took off…which leads me to…
My uncle J took me flying! It was so neat! He let me fly the plane as well, but I had a lot of trouble maintaining speed on the turns. God, though, I really do love flying!!! Someday, perhaps, I will get my pilot’s license!
Anyway, I better head off to bed. Life here on the farm starts much earlier then I’d like!
Night all!
Anyways, we woke up and went to see my great Aunt who was in a nursing home recovering from a fall. She was so glad to see us! I swear, her mind is so incredible for her age!
We had lunch at Skyline Chili (pause a moment to reflect and give thanks) and then we headed up to my Aunt’s house. This Aunt, Aunt R, is hosting our family shindig tomorrow for Father’s day. We helped her put mulch in her garden area…a lot of work but fun, in a way! I know I am such a suburbanite… I get a kick out of these farm things;
Then we headed up to the farm (have I mentioned that I love cordless keyboards?).
Grandpa seems to be doing well. He gets h
Short of breath really quick, but his mind is as sharp as ever!
The farm itself never ceases to amaze me. All of the bunnies running through the field, all of the life! Also, the farmhouse is cleaner then before now that Aunt R has been living here, which makes it more pleasant to stay. Also, we saw a deer running across the runway after we took off…which leads me to…
My uncle J took me flying! It was so neat! He let me fly the plane as well, but I had a lot of trouble maintaining speed on the turns. God, though, I really do love flying!!! Someday, perhaps, I will get my pilot’s license!
Anyway, I better head off to bed. Life here on the farm starts much earlier then I’d like!
Night all!
Friday, June 18, 2004
Quick Donald Duck News!!!
From:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/news/061704_nw_stars_walkFame.html
Banderas & Donald Duck to Get Stars on Walk of Fame
LOS ANGELES — Antonio Banderas, Rod Stewart and Donald Duck are among an eclectic bunch of honorees who will receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.
The 32 honorees were selected Wednesday by the Walk of Fame Committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. They were ratified by the chamber's board of directors.
The 2005 inductees, picked from hundreds of nominations, will receive high-profile sidewalk star unveilings on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
"The ceremonies for these artists will bring a lot of smiles and excitement to the local residents and to our visitors from around the world," honorary Hollywood mayor Johnny Grant said.
The recipients are:
MOTION PICTURES: Tim Allen, Antonio Banderas, Donald Duck, Kevin Kline, Julianne Moore, Patricia Neal, Dennis Quaid and Ben Stiller.
TELEVISION: Tom Brokaw, James Doohan, Roger Ebert, Susan Lucci, Al Michaels, David Hyde Pierce, Wayne Rogers and Soupy Sales.
RECORDING: Emilio Estefan, Al Green, Herb Jeffries, Billy Joel, The Righteous Brothers, Carly Simon and Rod Stewart.
LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE: Theodore Bikel, Linda Hopkins and Fred Travalena.
RADIO: Jim Ladd and Bob Miller.
POSTHUMOUS STARS: Stella Adler, Redd Foxx, Freddie Prinze and David O. Selznik.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/news/061704_nw_stars_walkFame.html
Banderas & Donald Duck to Get Stars on Walk of Fame
LOS ANGELES — Antonio Banderas, Rod Stewart and Donald Duck are among an eclectic bunch of honorees who will receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.
The 32 honorees were selected Wednesday by the Walk of Fame Committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. They were ratified by the chamber's board of directors.
The 2005 inductees, picked from hundreds of nominations, will receive high-profile sidewalk star unveilings on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
"The ceremonies for these artists will bring a lot of smiles and excitement to the local residents and to our visitors from around the world," honorary Hollywood mayor Johnny Grant said.
The recipients are:
MOTION PICTURES: Tim Allen, Antonio Banderas, Donald Duck, Kevin Kline, Julianne Moore, Patricia Neal, Dennis Quaid and Ben Stiller.
TELEVISION: Tom Brokaw, James Doohan, Roger Ebert, Susan Lucci, Al Michaels, David Hyde Pierce, Wayne Rogers and Soupy Sales.
RECORDING: Emilio Estefan, Al Green, Herb Jeffries, Billy Joel, The Righteous Brothers, Carly Simon and Rod Stewart.
LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE: Theodore Bikel, Linda Hopkins and Fred Travalena.
RADIO: Jim Ladd and Bob Miller.
POSTHUMOUS STARS: Stella Adler, Redd Foxx, Freddie Prinze and David O. Selznik.
In Michigan
Well, I arrived in Michigan this morning...got maybe one hour of sleep on the flight. I am at my moms house, dad is up visiting the Henry Ford Museum. We plan on stopping by to see my brother before dad and I head down to Ohio.
I am tired. I am going to take a shower.
Its so weird being here. I feel so at home here, it is hard to believe that this house is on the other side of the country. I don't know if that makes sense, but its like I forget I'm in Michigan and instead it feels like I'm right down the street, like I never left, because I feel so comfortabale here.
Anyways,
Safe and sound...
I am tired. I am going to take a shower.
Its so weird being here. I feel so at home here, it is hard to believe that this house is on the other side of the country. I don't know if that makes sense, but its like I forget I'm in Michigan and instead it feels like I'm right down the street, like I never left, because I feel so comfortabale here.
Anyways,
Safe and sound...
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Still feeling overwhelmed
Well, the last day of school has come and gone, and I am not too sad about the whole thing. This was a tough year, and I am excited to move on to something different...a new chapter, shall we say?
I have SO much to do though. My classroom is a war zone. (But remember...it has to get worse before it can get better, right?
Moving classrooms is SUCH a pain though. Sigh. I need to find away to be better about it. More organized. We'll see. Thats always my "down the road" project.
I wonder what my excuse will be when my Masters is finished?
Anyways, I am leaving tonight to go back to Ohio to visit family, so even though my classroom looks like, well, frankly, the way my bedroom use to look in high school (without the dirty underwear,) I realize that I can't do anything about it until next Tuesday.
Now, I have to pack, becasue my plane leaves in just 6 hours.
I will try to keep y'all updated via my journal here. I appreciate the comments! I thought I set the thing to accept comments from everyone but apparently you need to sign in as a name to leave comments. Hmmm...
Off to pack...
I have SO much to do though. My classroom is a war zone. (But remember...it has to get worse before it can get better, right?
Moving classrooms is SUCH a pain though. Sigh. I need to find away to be better about it. More organized. We'll see. Thats always my "down the road" project.
I wonder what my excuse will be when my Masters is finished?
Anyways, I am leaving tonight to go back to Ohio to visit family, so even though my classroom looks like, well, frankly, the way my bedroom use to look in high school (without the dirty underwear,) I realize that I can't do anything about it until next Tuesday.
Now, I have to pack, becasue my plane leaves in just 6 hours.
I will try to keep y'all updated via my journal here. I appreciate the comments! I thought I set the thing to accept comments from everyone but apparently you need to sign in as a name to leave comments. Hmmm...
Off to pack...
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Almost the End
I feel like i don't know what to do with myself. it is the second to last day of school, lunch time, and it is all almost over. Even though this was a very hard year (I can easily say my hardest teaching year yet...of course, this is only my second year teaching....but my fourth class if you count student teaching...plus all those years I aided...) Anyway, even though, it is still always hard to say good bye.
i can feel my self slipping into a sad funk...where I just feel tired and heavy and I just want to curl up and cry.
I am sad becasue the year has to end and i have to say goodbye. I am sad becasue i don't have J and BJK, my best pals ever in teaching, to share it with. I am sad because I got my report cards back from my principal and she had a "improvement suggestion," when i worked really hard on them...and besides its the end of the year comments...she didn't tell me she wanted me to put something on each report card to suggest how they could improve...I didn't know that was expected on the last trimester.
I am overwhelmed because my class is a mess and there is so much to do.
And there is the bell...
i can feel my self slipping into a sad funk...where I just feel tired and heavy and I just want to curl up and cry.
I am sad becasue the year has to end and i have to say goodbye. I am sad becasue i don't have J and BJK, my best pals ever in teaching, to share it with. I am sad because I got my report cards back from my principal and she had a "improvement suggestion," when i worked really hard on them...and besides its the end of the year comments...she didn't tell me she wanted me to put something on each report card to suggest how they could improve...I didn't know that was expected on the last trimester.
I am overwhelmed because my class is a mess and there is so much to do.
And there is the bell...
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Report Cards
It is 9:45, Pacific Time, on Saturday evening, and I am done with my report cards. 30 report cards, 42 grades for each card, plus comments (and do you think I could just do simple, concise comments? of course not!)
Background movies: The Parent Trap and Hercules
But I am done (ok, to be completely honest, I do have a few grades left...like 6 people didn't turn in their final science project...but that will be quick.)
Sigh. So I finished, and called my team possible teacher who is always there for me to exclaim my good news and she had the hallelujah chorus all cranked up and ready to play for me. Sigh.
You know, report cards are tough, because there is only so much you can do ahead of time.
But I must say, I am very sore. I am sorer then I can believe from my game yesterday, and now my neck and back are in agony from bending over the table all day.
And yet, I feel good....
I am going to go eat some tomato soup with goldfish pasta and veg in front of the TV.
Background movies: The Parent Trap and Hercules
But I am done (ok, to be completely honest, I do have a few grades left...like 6 people didn't turn in their final science project...but that will be quick.)
Sigh. So I finished, and called my team possible teacher who is always there for me to exclaim my good news and she had the hallelujah chorus all cranked up and ready to play for me. Sigh.
You know, report cards are tough, because there is only so much you can do ahead of time.
But I must say, I am very sore. I am sorer then I can believe from my game yesterday, and now my neck and back are in agony from bending over the table all day.
And yet, I feel good....
I am going to go eat some tomato soup with goldfish pasta and veg in front of the TV.
Friday, June 11, 2004
The Amazing Race 5
www.cbs.com has finally posted the teams participating in the Amazing Race 5 which begins on July 6th.
There are 11 teams total:
- 4 dating couples, 3 of whom are younger and the older couple met on the internet. (all boy/girl couples)
- 5 Family couples - A father/daughter team, 2 cousins (both girls) 2 twins (both girls), 2 brothers (both boys), and one married couple.
- 1 set of best friends, girls
- 1 male/female couple who were previously engaged.
You can read their bio's online if you are interested.
I think the most interesting couples are the ones who are dating, but not yet married, becasue you really see how they handle each other, how they handle their stress, how they handle each others stress, how they work together, solve problems, and support eachother. I bet it is a real eye opener for their future. Married couples tend to know that stuff, although maybe not to this degree, but the extreme behavior is more shrugged of as a part of the other person...I don't recall it ever coming up with married couples that, "Oh Iwonder if our marriage will survive this" while the datng couples are always like, 'I've learned a lot about him/her, I don't know if we'll stay together", or, "this has made us so much stronger." kind of talk.
Ok. I am tired. I don't think I am goign to spell check this one. Sorry y'all.
sweet dreams
There are 11 teams total:
- 4 dating couples, 3 of whom are younger and the older couple met on the internet. (all boy/girl couples)
- 5 Family couples - A father/daughter team, 2 cousins (both girls) 2 twins (both girls), 2 brothers (both boys), and one married couple.
- 1 set of best friends, girls
- 1 male/female couple who were previously engaged.
You can read their bio's online if you are interested.
I think the most interesting couples are the ones who are dating, but not yet married, becasue you really see how they handle each other, how they handle their stress, how they handle each others stress, how they work together, solve problems, and support eachother. I bet it is a real eye opener for their future. Married couples tend to know that stuff, although maybe not to this degree, but the extreme behavior is more shrugged of as a part of the other person...I don't recall it ever coming up with married couples that, "Oh Iwonder if our marriage will survive this" while the datng couples are always like, 'I've learned a lot about him/her, I don't know if we'll stay together", or, "this has made us so much stronger." kind of talk.
Ok. I am tired. I don't think I am goign to spell check this one. Sorry y'all.
sweet dreams
Batter Up
Well, Its almost over. Last year, I was a wreck at this time at the thought of saying goodbye to my class. I have mixed feelings this time around.
Anyways, we had field day today, which was a lot of fun! We had eleven different events, many of theme a series of relay races, and a few water activites. i am so glad that we did this...these kinds of activities really boost morale on a school site. Too bad we don't have more of them anymore!
In the afternoon, we had the teachers versus 6th grade soccer game. I didn't sign up because the idea of playing softball terrified me - last year at my *other* school we played kickball, which seemes a lot less... dangerous.
But, my kids strongly encouraged me to play, and it makes it a lot easier to stand out in left field praying nervously and anxiously that no ball ever comes your way, when you have 30 kids screaming your name from the sidelines.
And yes, some balls did come my way. And no, I didn't field them very well at all. the upside is nothing really went past me. I was able to stop everything so I didn't have to chase it. Let's see...one time it rolled out and I scooped it up and threw it to our short stop...when really I should have thrown it to second. Another time, it was a pop fly right to me and it hit my glove but rolled out :o(...but I recovered and threw it quickly to the short stop...albiet it a little to high...and the third time I was able to again catch it on a roll (after both the short stop and the thirdbase man missed it) and send it back to third...unfortunatly the runner was already safe.
The upside is that I had 5 at bats, and I hit the ball each time. (one time was close, though...two strikes and a foul before I hit it.) I got out at first twice, but the other three times I made it home...securing 3 of our 17 total points. The sixth graders ended up with 16...and admittidly there was a certain player on our team, playing first base, that gave up quite a few outs to the sixth graders.
It was a lot of fun, and I was quite pleased. Of course, now I am exhausted...i fell asleep on the couch at 7:30 in the process of thinking about how I really should get up.
I have the sinking suspicion that I am going to be a little sore in the morning.
Anyways, we had field day today, which was a lot of fun! We had eleven different events, many of theme a series of relay races, and a few water activites. i am so glad that we did this...these kinds of activities really boost morale on a school site. Too bad we don't have more of them anymore!
In the afternoon, we had the teachers versus 6th grade soccer game. I didn't sign up because the idea of playing softball terrified me - last year at my *other* school we played kickball, which seemes a lot less... dangerous.
But, my kids strongly encouraged me to play, and it makes it a lot easier to stand out in left field praying nervously and anxiously that no ball ever comes your way, when you have 30 kids screaming your name from the sidelines.
And yes, some balls did come my way. And no, I didn't field them very well at all. the upside is nothing really went past me. I was able to stop everything so I didn't have to chase it. Let's see...one time it rolled out and I scooped it up and threw it to our short stop...when really I should have thrown it to second. Another time, it was a pop fly right to me and it hit my glove but rolled out :o(...but I recovered and threw it quickly to the short stop...albiet it a little to high...and the third time I was able to again catch it on a roll (after both the short stop and the thirdbase man missed it) and send it back to third...unfortunatly the runner was already safe.
The upside is that I had 5 at bats, and I hit the ball each time. (one time was close, though...two strikes and a foul before I hit it.) I got out at first twice, but the other three times I made it home...securing 3 of our 17 total points. The sixth graders ended up with 16...and admittidly there was a certain player on our team, playing first base, that gave up quite a few outs to the sixth graders.
It was a lot of fun, and I was quite pleased. Of course, now I am exhausted...i fell asleep on the couch at 7:30 in the process of thinking about how I really should get up.
I have the sinking suspicion that I am going to be a little sore in the morning.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Political Compass
Just a short one today...i'm spending time with my baby 'cause he's leaving tomorrow...
Ever been to this site?
http://www.politicalcompass.org
Check it out....it has a six page quiz that determines your political views on a two dimensional coordinate grid (as opposed to the traditional, one dimensional left/right.) It takes into account economic and social factors.
How did you do?
I'll post mine in the future.
"Its the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine...."
Ever been to this site?
http://www.politicalcompass.org
Check it out....it has a six page quiz that determines your political views on a two dimensional coordinate grid (as opposed to the traditional, one dimensional left/right.) It takes into account economic and social factors.
How did you do?
I'll post mine in the future.
"Its the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine...."
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Happy Birthday, Donald Duck!
In order to honor Donald on this his 70th birthday, a few facts about my favorite duck in uniform:
Donald Duck made his film debut on June 9, 1934, in The Wise Little Hen. This is why this date is chosen as his birthday, although it is listed as the 13th, due to the reference in The Three Cabelleros, and March 13th in a sketch called Donald Duck's Birthday.
The Walt Disney COmpany officially recognizes only 3 birthdays: Mickey and Minnie on Nov. 18th, 1928, and Donald Duck's, June 9, 1934.
Donald's middle name is Fauntleroy.
Below is a description of Donald Duck, from: http://disney.go.com/vault/archives/characterstandard/donald/donald.html
One of the most popular of the Disney cartoon characters, Donald Duck made his debut in the Silly Symphony cartoon "The Wise Little Hen" on June 9, 1934. His fiery temper endeared him to audiences, and in the 1940s he surpassed Mickey Mouse in the number of cartoons reaching the theaters. Eventually, there were 128 Donald Duck cartoons, but he also appeared in a number of others with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto. His middle name, shown in a wartime cartoon, is Fauntleroy. The original voice of Donald was Clarence "Ducky" Nash, who was succeeded after 50 years by Disney artist Tony Anselmo. A daily Donald Duck newspaper comic strip began on February 7, 1938.
Donald Duck has a good heart and always has good intentions. Well, almost always. Actually, it's his second or third intentions that are the good ones, but by the time they surface Donald's already off and running in the wrong direction. He refuses to let anyone or anything stand in his way. It doesn't matter how much humiliation the world dishes out to him, Donald will take it and come back for more. He's a loser, not a quitter, and he'll go down fighting. This is a duck with one short fuse, and an amazing (if unintelligible) command of language, and when things don't go right, he goes ballistic. Yet after the storm is over and the tantrum is through, when faithful friends soothe his brow or his conscience finally catches up with him, even Donald can admit that there must be a better way. If only he could figure out what it is.
Hot-headed Donald is a little man in a big world that's trying to keep him down. Call it fate, or call it lack of self-control, nothing goes right for this duck: even his best intentions often go awry. Of course, by the time his best intentions surface he's probably already chasing after less noble pursuits. As stubborn as he is temperamental, he won't give in, even when he's up to his beak in trouble. Then watch out. Like a lot of people with a temper problem, he's blind to his own faults but quick to see them in others. He can't understand why life seems so much easier for pals Mickey and easy-going Goofy. It's not fair. Still, Donald will keep struggling to get what he deserves in the world. Favorite sayings: "Oh, yeah?" "Hiya, toots!" "Aw, phooey!" "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" "Nothin' to it!"
Happy Birthday!
And by the way, I do think his birthday is pretty east to remember: 6/9......
Donald Duck made his film debut on June 9, 1934, in The Wise Little Hen. This is why this date is chosen as his birthday, although it is listed as the 13th, due to the reference in The Three Cabelleros, and March 13th in a sketch called Donald Duck's Birthday.
The Walt Disney COmpany officially recognizes only 3 birthdays: Mickey and Minnie on Nov. 18th, 1928, and Donald Duck's, June 9, 1934.
Donald's middle name is Fauntleroy.
Below is a description of Donald Duck, from: http://disney.go.com/vault/archives/characterstandard/donald/donald.html
One of the most popular of the Disney cartoon characters, Donald Duck made his debut in the Silly Symphony cartoon "The Wise Little Hen" on June 9, 1934. His fiery temper endeared him to audiences, and in the 1940s he surpassed Mickey Mouse in the number of cartoons reaching the theaters. Eventually, there were 128 Donald Duck cartoons, but he also appeared in a number of others with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto. His middle name, shown in a wartime cartoon, is Fauntleroy. The original voice of Donald was Clarence "Ducky" Nash, who was succeeded after 50 years by Disney artist Tony Anselmo. A daily Donald Duck newspaper comic strip began on February 7, 1938.
Donald Duck has a good heart and always has good intentions. Well, almost always. Actually, it's his second or third intentions that are the good ones, but by the time they surface Donald's already off and running in the wrong direction. He refuses to let anyone or anything stand in his way. It doesn't matter how much humiliation the world dishes out to him, Donald will take it and come back for more. He's a loser, not a quitter, and he'll go down fighting. This is a duck with one short fuse, and an amazing (if unintelligible) command of language, and when things don't go right, he goes ballistic. Yet after the storm is over and the tantrum is through, when faithful friends soothe his brow or his conscience finally catches up with him, even Donald can admit that there must be a better way. If only he could figure out what it is.
Hot-headed Donald is a little man in a big world that's trying to keep him down. Call it fate, or call it lack of self-control, nothing goes right for this duck: even his best intentions often go awry. Of course, by the time his best intentions surface he's probably already chasing after less noble pursuits. As stubborn as he is temperamental, he won't give in, even when he's up to his beak in trouble. Then watch out. Like a lot of people with a temper problem, he's blind to his own faults but quick to see them in others. He can't understand why life seems so much easier for pals Mickey and easy-going Goofy. It's not fair. Still, Donald will keep struggling to get what he deserves in the world. Favorite sayings: "Oh, yeah?" "Hiya, toots!" "Aw, phooey!" "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" "Nothin' to it!"
Happy Birthday!
And by the way, I do think his birthday is pretty east to remember: 6/9......
A list of numbers
Well, I found out at lunch today that I have a release day tomorrow, so aside from the daunting task of making up sub plans when at this point in the year we have absolutly nothing to do, I'm stoked because it will give me a day to work on report cards and get stuff ready for the cumes.
5 - Number of school days left
6 - Number of Work Days left
1 - number of students who conveniently wasn't at school today to present his project.
2 - days till cutie leaves for his trip
8 - Days till I fly back East with Dad to visit Gramps for Father's Day
8 - Days till I get to see my mom, gman, and lil sister and brother since we're flying into the airport near them.
16 - days till mon and gman come to see ME!
36 - days until I leave for New Jersey
9 - times that I've ridden Tower of Terror at DCA
Lates!
5 - Number of school days left
6 - Number of Work Days left
1 - number of students who conveniently wasn't at school today to present his project.
2 - days till cutie leaves for his trip
8 - Days till I fly back East with Dad to visit Gramps for Father's Day
8 - Days till I get to see my mom, gman, and lil sister and brother since we're flying into the airport near them.
16 - days till mon and gman come to see ME!
36 - days until I leave for New Jersey
9 - times that I've ridden Tower of Terror at DCA
Lates!
Puppy Update
Well, Belle's swelling went down. She seems much better now. She's resting next to me but she was jumping and playing before when I went to pick her up from Grandma Bea's. Still not sure of the culprit, but probably a bug bite of some kind.
Poor Puppy!
Last night at about 1:30, I wake up to my puppy thrashing around on the bed. Usually, she jumps up, takes a minute to settle, and then snores her way to dream land (cute puppy!!!!) But it took her forever. She jumps up, spins around, plops down, jumps up, tosses her head back and forth, and on and on and on....now being half asleep, I don't know quite how long it took me to realize that this was abnormal for even my playful puppy.
So I call downstairs, and my cutie comes up, and sure enough, Belle's mouth is swollen something like 5 times its normal size. She looked like she had a tennis ball in each cheek. Poor thing!!!
Allergic reaction to something, we are guessing. She is breathing fine, and of course has no trouble eating (although I don't think that there is anything that would stop Belle from eating). Last night's Benedryl took the swelling down and I just gave her one this morning. She's really tired though. She didn't even jump up on the bed to give kisses this morning.
****Report Card Update....
All of my report card grades are done except for B and J's writing grades (becasue they still haven't turned in their reports) and the reading grades. Math, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music PE, the 14 different behavior grades, and all 11 writing, listening and speaking grades are finished! yipee!!!! I should be able to finish them today in class while they work on a writing assignment.
So I call downstairs, and my cutie comes up, and sure enough, Belle's mouth is swollen something like 5 times its normal size. She looked like she had a tennis ball in each cheek. Poor thing!!!
Allergic reaction to something, we are guessing. She is breathing fine, and of course has no trouble eating (although I don't think that there is anything that would stop Belle from eating). Last night's Benedryl took the swelling down and I just gave her one this morning. She's really tired though. She didn't even jump up on the bed to give kisses this morning.
****Report Card Update....
All of my report card grades are done except for B and J's writing grades (becasue they still haven't turned in their reports) and the reading grades. Math, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music PE, the 14 different behavior grades, and all 11 writing, listening and speaking grades are finished! yipee!!!! I should be able to finish them today in class while they work on a writing assignment.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Second Guessing
You know, I am already second guessing my posts here....Maybe they're too serious (Can you believe that I've been told that I'm too serious?..... (o: )...Maybe I'm posting the wrong kind of stuff. Sigh. I've never been good at making decisions. I second guess a lot.
I think I'll skip Jamba Juice this morning. I have so much to do for report cards! They aren't due to my Principal 'till Monday, but I have to turn in my Honor Roll Certificates by Thursday. Arg. So I need to know who made honor roll. Arg.
Let's hope my kids brought in their reports (I had to send a bunch of them back home because of terms such as "political upheaval" and "Sutter was an affable man." Yeah - my fourth graders wrote that! It was fun pulling the back and saying, "You wrote this? Wow! Can you read it to me? Ok.....ok now what does affluent mean?" (I must admit it was fun seeing them squirm a bit in this case....I don't know how many times we've discussed all year to do things in their own words!!!
Well, I'm off to work now...I have more second guessing to do.
"To days of inspiration playing hooky making somethin' out of nothin, the need to express to communicate to going against the grain, going insane, going maaaaaaaad..."
- La Vie Boheim - Rent
I think I'll skip Jamba Juice this morning. I have so much to do for report cards! They aren't due to my Principal 'till Monday, but I have to turn in my Honor Roll Certificates by Thursday. Arg. So I need to know who made honor roll. Arg.
Let's hope my kids brought in their reports (I had to send a bunch of them back home because of terms such as "political upheaval" and "Sutter was an affable man." Yeah - my fourth graders wrote that! It was fun pulling the back and saying, "You wrote this? Wow! Can you read it to me? Ok.....ok now what does affluent mean?" (I must admit it was fun seeing them squirm a bit in this case....I don't know how many times we've discussed all year to do things in their own words!!!
Well, I'm off to work now...I have more second guessing to do.
"To days of inspiration playing hooky making somethin' out of nothin, the need to express to communicate to going against the grain, going insane, going maaaaaaaad..."
- La Vie Boheim - Rent
Monday, June 07, 2004
You can make comments now!
So, comment away. I figured it was only fair that if I could vent, you could vent back.
"Do what you want and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
"Do what you want and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Names
Friends and Family who are reading this:
Please let me know if you do not mind if I use your first name in my posts. I am trying to be very careful in not using anyones name in a post unless I have your permission. (or if there is a nickname I can use...) i have closed my website from being listed on the main site (Blogger.com) so I am pretty sure the only people who will read it are people I give the address to. Eventually, people may be able to google search, but really, what would you google search for to come across my particular account? (Ok, maybe in about 6 months after I've posted alot you could search "Disney" "Donald Duck" "Survivor" "Kate Winslet" "Gwen Stefani" "Harry Potter" "Rainbows" "nerd" "books" and "Another essay on why Golf is a waste of time and should not be considered a sport" to find me, but how random is that? (o:
Just to recap, I will NOT use your name unless you say I can, but if you don't mind, it might make posting for me easier. No big deal, just let me know.
Thanks,
Bj
Please let me know if you do not mind if I use your first name in my posts. I am trying to be very careful in not using anyones name in a post unless I have your permission. (or if there is a nickname I can use...) i have closed my website from being listed on the main site (Blogger.com) so I am pretty sure the only people who will read it are people I give the address to. Eventually, people may be able to google search, but really, what would you google search for to come across my particular account? (Ok, maybe in about 6 months after I've posted alot you could search "Disney" "Donald Duck" "Survivor" "Kate Winslet" "Gwen Stefani" "Harry Potter" "Rainbows" "nerd" "books" and "Another essay on why Golf is a waste of time and should not be considered a sport" to find me, but how random is that? (o:
Just to recap, I will NOT use your name unless you say I can, but if you don't mind, it might make posting for me easier. No big deal, just let me know.
Thanks,
Bj
Relay for Life
My dear friend and recent high school grad did relay for life again this year and asked us to help her out. We'd never done it before. Basically, the event runs from 10:00 AM Saturday to 10:00 AM Sunday. You form teams to raise money for the American Cancer Society ahead of time. During the actual event, your team participates in a Relay around a 1/4 mile track. You are supposed to have one member of your team walking around the track for the whole 24 hours. (Guess who did the 3:00 AM shift? Hint, he's usually up anyway!)
Anyways, after a trip to the doctor for me, we got to the event around 4:00 and stayed until 10:30 the next day.
I am going to post the email I sent out explaining the details.
One complaint...this event would have been REALLY awesome if we could have brought dogs...our puppy would have loved it! (Unfortunately the site did not allow pets.)
Email
Thanks to everyone who supported us in our efforts this weekend for Relay for Life. It was a very successful event! Our team raised 1,750 dollars. The event’s goal was to raise $95,000. Well, as of last count, the event total was 175,000…a smashing success, I would say! And the money is still rolling in as internet activity continues and hasn’t been added to the total since Friday.
Also, our team, We Are Family, won a certificate for having walked the most laps of any youth team (Youth teams being a team with a majority of college students or younger…) Quite exemplary considering the we had only five walkers to relay at the start (from about 10:00 AM to about 4:00 PM) and a different team of five walkers (including me!) to relay from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next morning … diligently keeping our relay rings traveling around the track. (Not to mention running the snow cone machine during the day and making various trips to get ice and In N Out burgers, of course!
It was a really neat event, and there were some amazing stories of hope, strength, survival and memory. Of course, the American Cancer Society appreciates your contributions, but know that there were many, many individuals out there whose hearts were full of gratitude for the support and love you were able to give them.
You’ve made a difference.
We’ll keep you posted with any updates…
Thanks:
“We Are Family”
Anyways, after a trip to the doctor for me, we got to the event around 4:00 and stayed until 10:30 the next day.
I am going to post the email I sent out explaining the details.
One complaint...this event would have been REALLY awesome if we could have brought dogs...our puppy would have loved it! (Unfortunately the site did not allow pets.)
Thanks to everyone who supported us in our efforts this weekend for Relay for Life. It was a very successful event! Our team raised 1,750 dollars. The event’s goal was to raise $95,000. Well, as of last count, the event total was 175,000…a smashing success, I would say! And the money is still rolling in as internet activity continues and hasn’t been added to the total since Friday.
Also, our team, We Are Family, won a certificate for having walked the most laps of any youth team (Youth teams being a team with a majority of college students or younger…) Quite exemplary considering the we had only five walkers to relay at the start (from about 10:00 AM to about 4:00 PM) and a different team of five walkers (including me!) to relay from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next morning … diligently keeping our relay rings traveling around the track. (Not to mention running the snow cone machine during the day and making various trips to get ice and In N Out burgers, of course!
It was a really neat event, and there were some amazing stories of hope, strength, survival and memory. Of course, the American Cancer Society appreciates your contributions, but know that there were many, many individuals out there whose hearts were full of gratitude for the support and love you were able to give them.
You’ve made a difference.
We’ll keep you posted with any updates…
Thanks:
“We Are Family”
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Take 2. Arg. I had a whole long nice post written out...the longest yet, and somehow it disappeared...So I shall try again.
(when you read that last sentence to yourself, pronounce again as if it rhymes with rain...Sounds nice, doesn't it?)
Ok, so Friday night we went to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on IMAX. Now just let me say that I love this book...It is my favorite of the five, and so I knew I would be critical of it. That being said, I thought they did an excellent job of adapting this story to the screen!!!!
I am going to tell you about my opinion of the movie below. There are spoilers for the movie and the book, so be warned, particularly is you don't know the story at all!
******Spoiler Warning*******
Favorite Part:
The time turner sequence
Best effect:
The way they showed the Dementors effects, especially on Harry.
Well Done:
Michael Gambon taking over the role of Dumbledore after Richard Harris's incredible portrayal of the headmaster in the first two films. The transition was good, and Imust admit, that Gambon's portrayal seems more like how I imagined Dumbledore, a little more spritely, a little more energy.
Most cheesy:
While all of the actors are growing into their roles well, one area I believe needs a little work. Daniel did very will displaying many of the emotions required in this film, particularly anger.
However, there was one scene that was kind of off. Harry is sobbing under his invisibility cloak in Hogsmeade, and Hermione goes to comfort him. As she pulls the cloak of, his facial expression is far different from the sobs we heard moments before.
Part that was most like how I pictured it:
The scene with Harry and Sirius down by the lake, surrounded by Dementors, and the figure across the lake who uses the PATRONUS curse to save them...as well as the corresponding time-turner sequence.
Part that was least how I pictured it:
The physical space between Hagrid's hut and the castle...I didn't picture it quite so steep and rocky...I pictured it more as a gentle sloping grassy field. I don't remember such a striking difference from my imagination in the other two films, so I need to rewatch them to see if they show the route to Hagrid's hut in the other films.
Somewhat disappointing:
They don't show the letter Harry's godfather writes giving Harry permission to go to hogsmeade...the first caring, parental thing ever done to Harry in his conscious life (of course, as we know from reading Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore does many parental acts for Harry...But he doesn't know about them yet...)
this isn't a major complaint because I feel like they did a decent job of showing his new role in HArry's life by rearranging some other sequences. But the letter part was so moving to me in the book that I wish they would have included it...Of course, they still can in Goblet of Fire briefly...For example, "I can go to Hogsmeade...my godfather signed the form."
VERY DISAPPOINTING:
They don't explain who Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are. They show there name on the marauders map, but they don't explain who they were. Nor do they explain why Sirius and Peter were Animagi in the first place. I think this really should have been added...It would have fit in well in the sequence where Harry says goodbye to Lupin, and added only a few moments, I think key, to the movie. Oh well.
However, I hear they did hint that Harry figured it out...Although I didn't see this part (a, shall we say, medical situation caused me to have to leave the theater immediately after the film, thus being unable to watch the credits). The credits are shown on the marauders Map, and when that part of the credits is over, the map is tapped, "mischief managed" and you hear Harry whisper "Prongs"
Gee, I guess I'll have to go back and see it again to find out...
Anywho, I guess that's it for now. I hope that I am not missing anything.
In the meantime, here is a cool website to check out:
The Harry Potter Lexicon
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/index-2.html
(when you read that last sentence to yourself, pronounce again as if it rhymes with rain...Sounds nice, doesn't it?)
Ok, so Friday night we went to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on IMAX. Now just let me say that I love this book...It is my favorite of the five, and so I knew I would be critical of it. That being said, I thought they did an excellent job of adapting this story to the screen!!!!
I am going to tell you about my opinion of the movie below. There are spoilers for the movie and the book, so be warned, particularly is you don't know the story at all!
******Spoiler Warning*******
Favorite Part:
The time turner sequence
Best effect:
The way they showed the Dementors effects, especially on Harry.
Well Done:
Michael Gambon taking over the role of Dumbledore after Richard Harris's incredible portrayal of the headmaster in the first two films. The transition was good, and Imust admit, that Gambon's portrayal seems more like how I imagined Dumbledore, a little more spritely, a little more energy.
Most cheesy:
While all of the actors are growing into their roles well, one area I believe needs a little work. Daniel did very will displaying many of the emotions required in this film, particularly anger.
However, there was one scene that was kind of off. Harry is sobbing under his invisibility cloak in Hogsmeade, and Hermione goes to comfort him. As she pulls the cloak of, his facial expression is far different from the sobs we heard moments before.
Part that was most like how I pictured it:
The scene with Harry and Sirius down by the lake, surrounded by Dementors, and the figure across the lake who uses the PATRONUS curse to save them...as well as the corresponding time-turner sequence.
Part that was least how I pictured it:
The physical space between Hagrid's hut and the castle...I didn't picture it quite so steep and rocky...I pictured it more as a gentle sloping grassy field. I don't remember such a striking difference from my imagination in the other two films, so I need to rewatch them to see if they show the route to Hagrid's hut in the other films.
Somewhat disappointing:
They don't show the letter Harry's godfather writes giving Harry permission to go to hogsmeade...the first caring, parental thing ever done to Harry in his conscious life (of course, as we know from reading Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore does many parental acts for Harry...But he doesn't know about them yet...)
this isn't a major complaint because I feel like they did a decent job of showing his new role in HArry's life by rearranging some other sequences. But the letter part was so moving to me in the book that I wish they would have included it...Of course, they still can in Goblet of Fire briefly...For example, "I can go to Hogsmeade...my godfather signed the form."
VERY DISAPPOINTING:
They don't explain who Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are. They show there name on the marauders map, but they don't explain who they were. Nor do they explain why Sirius and Peter were Animagi in the first place. I think this really should have been added...It would have fit in well in the sequence where Harry says goodbye to Lupin, and added only a few moments, I think key, to the movie. Oh well.
However, I hear they did hint that Harry figured it out...Although I didn't see this part (a, shall we say, medical situation caused me to have to leave the theater immediately after the film, thus being unable to watch the credits). The credits are shown on the marauders Map, and when that part of the credits is over, the map is tapped, "mischief managed" and you hear Harry whisper "Prongs"
Gee, I guess I'll have to go back and see it again to find out...
Anywho, I guess that's it for now. I hope that I am not missing anything.
In the meantime, here is a cool website to check out:
The Harry Potter Lexicon
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/index-2.html
Work News
Well, it is official. I am moving down to first grade next year. And I won the lottery so I'll have the kindergarten classroom.
Of course, everything fluctuates when actual enrollment comes in, as I discovered last year of course.
Way more on this later, trust me.
Of course, everything fluctuates when actual enrollment comes in, as I discovered last year of course.
Way more on this later, trust me.
Madonna Concert
OK...OH MY GOD! OK...
To preface this, let me say Madonna was my original obsession. For those of you that don't know this, Madonna was my first obsession..and if you besome a loyal reader of this site, no doubt you will notice I have a few others... (hee hee). But yes, Madonna was the first. Growing up, age 7, 8, 9...I was totally enamored with this incredibly confident performer who could sing (in my range!) dance (I still can't...Unless you count Dance Dance Revolution) and write (as I always loved to do!)
Plus, she was huge! Everyone knew her! It is almost hard to imagine her, of anyone, being a normal person, because she almost always is a persona...She always has these images that she is trying to portray...Which is part of why I think I was so fascinated by her...Because I loved looking between the lines to try to figure out who she really was...
Come to think about it, that may be exactly what she was trying to do...
So on Wednesday, I got to go see Madonna perform. Could I have been more excited? We had good seats...We were in the highest section at the Pond (you know, like the 400's) but only the fifth row back...and we were all the way over by the stage on the side, just far out enough to be able to see the screens. We were probably as far out as maybe row 5 to 10 in the floor section! I mean, you could actually see her clearly and recognize her!
And what an amazing show. She sang some awesome songs...A fair mix of her new songs as well as her old ones. She knew how to get people up on their feet, and step to the beat, boy what will it be...
But the most amazing thing was just seeing her...I mean, THE Madonna, it was almost surreal. Incredible.
A night I am sure I'll never forget.
"This used to be my playground (used to be)
This used to be my childhood dream
This used to be the place I ran to
Whenever I was in need
Of a friend
Why did it have to end?"
- Madonna
To preface this, let me say Madonna was my original obsession. For those of you that don't know this, Madonna was my first obsession..and if you besome a loyal reader of this site, no doubt you will notice I have a few others... (hee hee). But yes, Madonna was the first. Growing up, age 7, 8, 9...I was totally enamored with this incredibly confident performer who could sing (in my range!) dance (I still can't...Unless you count Dance Dance Revolution) and write (as I always loved to do!)
Plus, she was huge! Everyone knew her! It is almost hard to imagine her, of anyone, being a normal person, because she almost always is a persona...She always has these images that she is trying to portray...Which is part of why I think I was so fascinated by her...Because I loved looking between the lines to try to figure out who she really was...
Come to think about it, that may be exactly what she was trying to do...
So on Wednesday, I got to go see Madonna perform. Could I have been more excited? We had good seats...We were in the highest section at the Pond (you know, like the 400's) but only the fifth row back...and we were all the way over by the stage on the side, just far out enough to be able to see the screens. We were probably as far out as maybe row 5 to 10 in the floor section! I mean, you could actually see her clearly and recognize her!
And what an amazing show. She sang some awesome songs...A fair mix of her new songs as well as her old ones. She knew how to get people up on their feet, and step to the beat, boy what will it be...
But the most amazing thing was just seeing her...I mean, THE Madonna, it was almost surreal. Incredible.
A night I am sure I'll never forget.
"This used to be my playground (used to be)
This used to be my childhood dream
This used to be the place I ran to
Whenever I was in need
Of a friend
Why did it have to end?"
- Madonna
SAVED!
SAVED! was a perfect movie for me to see as i myself am going through the whole religious debate...more on this later....
A satire about Christian teenagers in high school, I thought it was a funny, witty look at people who are reaised to believe one way, and the circumstances that make them rethink what they've always been told to believe...(all too often I am afraid some people rarely if ever think about the beliefs they have...)
In any case, I really enjoyed the film. It is very funny, and, i hope, will make a lot of people ask themselves some questions. (Of course, those that probably need to the most probably won't see the movie...I wonder if I could sneak into Harvest Crusade and play it on the jumbotron?)
I liked the whole thing, but I did think it got a bit slow at the end.
So there you go. My movie review. WOuldn't exactly be writeen up in the paper, now, would it?
Imagine
-John Lennon
Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people
living for today...
Imagine there's no countries,
It isnt hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people
living life in peace...
Imagine no possesions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say Im a dreamer,
but Im not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.
A satire about Christian teenagers in high school, I thought it was a funny, witty look at people who are reaised to believe one way, and the circumstances that make them rethink what they've always been told to believe...(all too often I am afraid some people rarely if ever think about the beliefs they have...)
In any case, I really enjoyed the film. It is very funny, and, i hope, will make a lot of people ask themselves some questions. (Of course, those that probably need to the most probably won't see the movie...I wonder if I could sneak into Harvest Crusade and play it on the jumbotron?)
I liked the whole thing, but I did think it got a bit slow at the end.
So there you go. My movie review. WOuldn't exactly be writeen up in the paper, now, would it?
Imagine
-John Lennon
Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people
living for today...
Imagine there's no countries,
It isnt hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people
living life in peace...
Imagine no possesions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say Im a dreamer,
but Im not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.
It Starts...
Ok, when I first heard about this I thought that blogging (weblogging...keeping on online web log or journal) sounded really cool. I could write short little blurbs about what's on my mind and people who want to know me better could read them and amuse themselves at the insane and ever evolving processes of my mind...
I could recommend books and movies, say my piece about all of those shows that I am addicted to (you know, like those Survivor updates I always tried to do...), think aloud about al of the religious and philosophical debates that are floating around in my mind, and complain about things that bug me...Which is always fun to rant about.
And I freely admit that I am may be the biggest nerd ever...
So I found this website and decided to give it a go, and see if I can actually keep up with it. Unfortunately, I could not have picked a crazier week to begin, because unlike the series of boring, monotonous weeks that I usually pass through, this particular week had some amazing stuff going on...you know...those events that you look forward to for weeks? So how on earth do I begin when there are already major cool things I want to write about...such as the Madonna concert on Wednesday, seeing Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Friday on IMAX, and going to RELAY for life on Saturday and Sunday? I know...Unbelievable week, no?
For the sake of easier reading, I am going to do separate, short entries for each of those awesome things I did this weekend.
SO here it is, my first entry, and I think it went rather well, don't you?
I could recommend books and movies, say my piece about all of those shows that I am addicted to (you know, like those Survivor updates I always tried to do...), think aloud about al of the religious and philosophical debates that are floating around in my mind, and complain about things that bug me...Which is always fun to rant about.
And I freely admit that I am may be the biggest nerd ever...
So I found this website and decided to give it a go, and see if I can actually keep up with it. Unfortunately, I could not have picked a crazier week to begin, because unlike the series of boring, monotonous weeks that I usually pass through, this particular week had some amazing stuff going on...you know...those events that you look forward to for weeks? So how on earth do I begin when there are already major cool things I want to write about...such as the Madonna concert on Wednesday, seeing Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Friday on IMAX, and going to RELAY for life on Saturday and Sunday? I know...Unbelievable week, no?
For the sake of easier reading, I am going to do separate, short entries for each of those awesome things I did this weekend.
SO here it is, my first entry, and I think it went rather well, don't you?