New Page

Blogger has Pages now so I made a new one titled "Book-It" (look below the title) this'll be a log of books I read since my goal, as I mentioned is to read more.  I think if I keep track it may help, me out.  I've also decided to go with series, because once I read the first one I'll be dialed in and the I have to read to see what happens, at least until I get busy, bored, or a new video game and Google it to figure out who killed who, etc.  Figure if I can't get a free personal size pizza out of the deal may as well get some street cred. 

P.S.

Bring up street cred.... exactly how many Louis L'Amour novels must one read to offset the Twilight series?

Vamp

So I'm trying to read more, and being that my travel has been pretty heavy lately I have found myself with lots of quality air time.  And in yet another of my seemingly many questionable choices in entertainment I chose to start my literary journey by seeing what the hype was about and broke down and read ... the Twilight series.  Don't judge me.  Overall, the books weren't too bad - honestly - quite frankly they were actually pretty entertaining (book 2 was kinda lame though come on twi-hards admit it, that book could have been half as long - we get it she's sad...moving on).  Again, don't judge me.  The author went a bit overboard on the drama though in my opinion as far as the angst she tried to create with the EMO like behavior of the main characters.  But as I said pretty entertaining, it had a pretty nice mix of drama, action, with a little (okay... a lot) of romance - but aside from book 2 the romance was there but it didn't really ruin it for me like I thought it would.  There are a few things I didn't like though theme-wise, like lets say a little sexual assault, but hey it's cool, we're still best buddies... and the ending - don't get me started on the ending, I hated the ending.  It honestly felt like she either ran out of time or ideas because it was rushed and very under-developed, in my opinion... I'm going to stop now, I really don't care to go into this further, and getting all Tracy Floreani on analyzing the books (BU people know what I'm talking about) because it only provides further proof that I put way too much time, effort, energy and thought into these clearly Junior High girl book.  Bottom line the books are much better than the absolutely horrid movies would have you believe.  I mean books into movies is ALWAYS a very risky proposition, you'll have hardliners who crow and cry that the movie doesn't live up to the expectations they'd created in their heads of what the book should look like.  Twilight is another example of how an entertaining book is massacred in film. 

Anywho.... they read quick and if you're out of stuff to read, grab your little sister's copy and check it out.

Picture of the Week

Wow.... Quake in Taiwan

Goodb-iPhone

After much debate and many a sleepless night I decided to punt my iPhone to the curb for the HTC Hero on Sprint.  iPhone... it's not that I don't like you, I have nothing but love for you but AT&T is cruel.  I get what I consider a better deal on Sprint for $50 bones less per month.  Apple, do youself a favor and exit AT&T exlusive deal with the quickness, because they are doing you wrong.

So far lots to like about the new phone, there's little things that aren't as good, Apple's touch screen is head and shoulders better but all in all not enough to make up for the vast difference in price per month.  Sprint, you're my hero.

Travel Club

INT. AIRPORT WALKWAY

Jack stands on a conveyor belt, briefcase at his feet. He watches PEOPLE MOVING PAST on the opposite conveyor.

JACK (V.O.)
If you wake up at a different time and in a different place, could you wake up as a different person?

Jack misses seeing TYLER on the opposite conveyor belt.  They pass each other.

INT. AIRPLANE CABIN - IN FLIGHT - NIGHT

Jack sits next to a BUSINESSMAN. As they have idle CONVERSATION, we MOVE IN ON Jack's tray. An ATTENDANT'S HANDS set coffee down with a small container of cream.

JACK (V.O.)
Everywhere I travel -- tiny life.  Single-serving sugar, single-serving cream, single pat of butter.

CUT TO:
HANDS place a dinner tray down.

JACK (V.O.)
Microwave Cordon Bleu hobby kit.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - BATHROOM - NIGHT Jack brushes his teeth in the MIRROR.

JACK (V.O.)
Shampoo/conditioner combo. Single-serving mouthwash, tiny bar of soap.

Jack picks up an individual, wrapped Q-TIP, looks at it. Hemoves out of the bathroom into...MAIN ROOM

Jack sits on the bed. He turns on the TV. It's tuned to the "Sheraton Channel," shows WAITERS serving people in a large BANQUET ROOM. Jack stops brushing his teeth, feels something on the bed, lifts it -- a small DINNER MINT.

INT. AIRPLANE CABIN - IN FLIGHT - NIGHT

Jack sits next to a frumpy WOMAN. They chat. Jack turns to look at his food, takes a bite. He turns back and it's...

--a BALD MAN next to him, talking. Jack takes another bite, turns back and it's...

--a BUSINESSMAN next to him. Jack takes another bite, turns back, and it's...

--a BUSINESS WOMAN next to him.

JACK (V.O.)
The people I meet on each flight -- they're single-serving friends.  Between take-off and landing, we have
our time together, but that's all we get.

Snowflakes

This channel has been nothing but snowflakes for a week plus - a 5 City FCA World Tour is the guilty party.

I'll try to get back on track soon so keep checking in.

Video of the Week

A version of this ad was actually shown on TV, but here is the unedited not shown on TV version - absolutely hilarious....

View from a Hotelroom

Louisville, KY.  Same view... different location, I swear these pictures are not all from the same place. 

Dark Night

Just caught the tail end of Dark Knight on HBO and I will be watching it in its full glory this weekend.  I will say this is one childhood iconic hero that Hollywood has not totally destroyed.  The new movies are really really good.  And as you know I am feel very strongly about my childhood superheros.  It kind of makes me sad because, as I watch I realize that there will be no more Joker.  At least I hope they don't let anyone else try.  Heath played the role to absolute perfection.  In my opinion he was the Joker.  Jack was great, don't get me wrong, but Heath was better.  Hands down.  Without questions.  He was funny, he was creepy, yet somewhat smooth - the total villain.  Bur alas, he is gone and now we are left to wonder who will be the next bad guy to be reinvented.  I hope we see a bit of the Riddler, he was always a fun character.  I also, contrary to some, wouldn't mind seeing Robin make an appearance.  As long as it's not done in an indiotic way as it was earlier.  I think it could be done and would be awesome.  But until they decide to get started on #3.... Iron Man 2 Summer 2010 - can't wait.

Video of the Week

Ladies and Gentleman this man plays a part in the making of our laws and choices that affect each and everyone of us...  The whole things is insane but around 1:15 takes the cake.  Honestly people of Georgia if this guy gets re-elected then I say we vote you out of the union, because it just shows that you don't care at all and have just given up on life. 

Comment If You Read This....

Just trying to get a virtual headcount if you will of who or how many people actually swing by to take a peak at my updates and ramblings.  So if you stop by and read this - post a quick note, thanks!

Yankee Candle Dandee

Some product design genius if you ask me.  I'm sure everyone has purchased and burned a Yankee Candle, cause face it they smell awesome.  However, have you ever noticed how when you burn one there's all that wax on the sides?  Now this used to anger me to no end.  And I being the thrifty (thrifty, not cheap) person that I am ignored the Candle Masters at the Yankee Candle shop when the tried to upsell me there little $10 candle jar topper.  They stated that it would "maximize the Yankee Candle's burning time" to which I scoffed and replied "or give Yankee Candle $10 extra bones ontop of their $25 candle, no thanks."  Alas.... I was mistaken.  Bought one and danged if this little candle hat didn't allow for the candle to burn nearly 100% of the way.  This $10 little jewel probably got me about $5.83 more candle out of these silly things jars.  So in essence my thrify-ness actually cost me $5.83 on each candle and we buy a lot of candles, pretty much one per 20% BBB coupon and you know how often those silly things show up.  (speaking of, they show up so often why don't they just automatically give everyone 20% of one item?  I would wager this would actually save them money in printing, distribution, etc, etc.).  Back on track.... so essentially the Yankee design is pretty smart.  Make a candle that will only burn at best 80% of the way thus making you purchase candles more frequently... unless... you purchase a $10 little hat for your candle.  The kicker is these little hats come in all shapes and sizes and designs so they're hoping that people will go nuts and buy one for every holiday, etc.  Not me my generic candle hat is cross-seasonal good to go 365.

Picture of the Week

They're getting bigger....

Life Update

So I've posted a lot of nonsense and ramblings lately and not a lot of "life news" so I figured it's about time to give some updates:

• Travel schedule with work has been brutal and is continuing to be so, and that's putting it lightly.  Starting Monday I ender into a 5 out of 6 week "FCA Bender" I anticipate the hum-drum travel coma setting in sometime on my drive from Boise to Twin Falls in week 4.
• House is coming together, last of the furniture is being dropped off on Tuesday, which is exciting.  Also fence is getting built soon as well.  Yes I'm having it built... unfortunately... we costed it all out and at the end of the day as much fun as consuming a few beverages and practicing weaving four-letter words into fine works of art, the cost savings just wasn't there, so a pro is going to take over.
• Puppies... Where to begin with this little devils... They're pretty good lookin' pups if we can just keep them from thinking they own the joint we should be in good shape.  They both have their moments, but overall to sum it up Domino is a cracked out mess that is book smart and Dublin is a laid back bum who does things in his own sweet time.  For example, generally we call Domino she sprints down the hall.... Dublin, looks... thinks about it... decides, "yeah, I'll come to you" and then  w a l k s  down the hall.
• Fertilized the lawn just in time for today's rain which was a good deal - however the act of fertilizing further cemented my place as being a true sububanite.

I'm sure there's roughly 738 things that I've missed as far as life events that have taken place, but I'm drawing a blank...

Picture of the Week

The above images are currently (April 1st) gracing the Google homepage, this of course is Google's annual April Fools "joke" in response to Topeka's recent name change in an effort to become a test site for Google's internet service.  A pretty funny and fitting gesture by Google if you ask me... you should also read their blog entry explaining the name change, truely hilarious Google Blog.  So as they explained in the entry, for today, if you need to know the answer to some thing just "Topeka It".  I love Google.