Pleeeeeeeze read post just below this one for my nominations for the Thinking Blog Award
Action Movies - Round One
Pick one from each pair. Yes, I may have skipped YOUR favorite movie - that's what YOUR blog is for.
Die Hard vs. The Italian Job 2003
Face Off vs. Con Air
The Quick and The Dead vs. Tombstone
Aliens vs. The Terminator
Spiderman vs. The Matrix
Lethal Weapon vs. Golden Eye
48 Hours vs. Rush Hour
Bad Boys vs. Men In Black
Independece Day vs. I, Robot
National Treasure vs. Total Recall
Once Upon a Time in Mexico vs. Desperado
True Lies vs. Top Gun
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Awards Stuff
Surprisingly (since I'm really not that deep), I was tagged by the lovely Katrice (http://katrice0321.blogspot.com/)as a nominee for the Thinking Blogger Award (http://www.thethinkingblog.com/2007/02/thinking-blogger-awards_11.html)
Here are the official instructions:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).
Some of the blogs on my list have already been nominated and I want to share pages you may not be as familiar with. It's taken me a while to think about the weblogs that seem to go a little deeper than the average blog. There are many sites that I visit regularly and that I admire for a wide variety of reasons, but the following really make me think:
http://www.mymixedcompany.com/wp/ is the first weblog that came to mind when given this assignment. Take your time in reading her pages. There's a lot to be learned here.
http://problemchildbride.com/blog/ is an amazing writer. Go take a look-see for yourself! I've only been reading her page for a little while and I'm already hooked!
http://kiyotoe.blogspot.com/ makes me deal with issues I'd sometimes rather skip, but I'm a better person/poet/writer because of his great influence.
http://amadeo.blogsome.com/ is an amazing weblog. He tackles a wide array of topics with honesty and insight.
http://www.restaurantgal.com/ is on the surface about the day to day running of a restaurant. It's really about life. Take a look and you'll be another fan.
There are other blogs that I love - really love, that will be honored in the future.
Here are the official instructions:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).
Some of the blogs on my list have already been nominated and I want to share pages you may not be as familiar with. It's taken me a while to think about the weblogs that seem to go a little deeper than the average blog. There are many sites that I visit regularly and that I admire for a wide variety of reasons, but the following really make me think:
http://www.mymixedcompany.com/wp/ is the first weblog that came to mind when given this assignment. Take your time in reading her pages. There's a lot to be learned here.
http://problemchildbride.com/blog/ is an amazing writer. Go take a look-see for yourself! I've only been reading her page for a little while and I'm already hooked!
http://kiyotoe.blogspot.com/ makes me deal with issues I'd sometimes rather skip, but I'm a better person/poet/writer because of his great influence.
http://amadeo.blogsome.com/ is an amazing weblog. He tackles a wide array of topics with honesty and insight.
http://www.restaurantgal.com/ is on the surface about the day to day running of a restaurant. It's really about life. Take a look and you'll be another fan.
There are other blogs that I love - really love, that will be honored in the future.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Green Eggs and Ham Stuff
Foods that I've never eaten and probably never will:
poutine: Poutine (pronounced, roughly, poo-teen, or poo-tin; is a dish consisting of french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered with hot gravy (usually brown gravy) and sometimes other additional ingredients. The curds' freshness is important as it makes them soft in the warm fries, without completely melting. It is a quintessential French-Canadian comfort food.
Scotch Egg : A Scotch egg consists of a cold, hard-boiled egg removed from its shell, wrapped in a sausage meat mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. The dish was invented by the London food store Fortnum & Mason, in 1738.[1] Contrary to popular belief, it is not a Scottish dish. Scotch eggs are commonly eaten cold, typically with salad and pickles.
Black Pudding a sausage made by cooking animal blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal when cooled.
Haggis: sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately an hour.
Jellied eel: cooked for approximately half an hour and allowed to cool. The juices then solidify forming the jelly. Sometimes gelatine is added. Jellied eels are often eaten with chili vinegar.
Head cheese: a terrine of meat from the head of a calf or pig (sometimes a sheep or cow) that is usually eaten cold or at room temperature as a luncheon meat.
Kishka: a blood sausage made with pig's blood and buckwheat or barley, with pig's intestines used as a casing.
poutine: Poutine (pronounced, roughly, poo-teen, or poo-tin; is a dish consisting of french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered with hot gravy (usually brown gravy) and sometimes other additional ingredients. The curds' freshness is important as it makes them soft in the warm fries, without completely melting. It is a quintessential French-Canadian comfort food.
Scotch Egg : A Scotch egg consists of a cold, hard-boiled egg removed from its shell, wrapped in a sausage meat mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. The dish was invented by the London food store Fortnum & Mason, in 1738.[1] Contrary to popular belief, it is not a Scottish dish. Scotch eggs are commonly eaten cold, typically with salad and pickles.
Black Pudding a sausage made by cooking animal blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal when cooled.
Haggis: sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately an hour.
Jellied eel: cooked for approximately half an hour and allowed to cool. The juices then solidify forming the jelly. Sometimes gelatine is added. Jellied eels are often eaten with chili vinegar.
Head cheese: a terrine of meat from the head of a calf or pig (sometimes a sheep or cow) that is usually eaten cold or at room temperature as a luncheon meat.
Kishka: a blood sausage made with pig's blood and buckwheat or barley, with pig's intestines used as a casing.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Meme Stuff
I got this interesting meme from the sweetheart of the web, http://hotcoffeegirl.squarespace.com/journal/ . Thank you!
Pick a band and answer only using song titles: Jay-Z
Are you male or female: Excuse Me Miss
Describe yourself: Brooklyn’s Finest
Your best piece of advice: Dirt Off Your Shoulder
Describe your last relationship: Regrets – If it’s my current relationship: Never Change
Describe your last crush: Justify My Thug
Say something to someone you have a crush on: Feelin’ It
Say something to an ex: N***** Please
Say something to someone who hurt you severely: U Don’t Know
How do you feel right now: The Ruler’s Back
I want to see your answers!
Pick a band and answer only using song titles: Jay-Z
Are you male or female: Excuse Me Miss
Describe yourself: Brooklyn’s Finest
Your best piece of advice: Dirt Off Your Shoulder
Describe your last relationship: Regrets – If it’s my current relationship: Never Change
Describe your last crush: Justify My Thug
Say something to someone you have a crush on: Feelin’ It
Say something to an ex: N***** Please
Say something to someone who hurt you severely: U Don’t Know
How do you feel right now: The Ruler’s Back
I want to see your answers!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Whiney Stuff
I don't have any major complaints today - I'm just gonna whine about the small things that irk me. (I promise not to discuss Atlanta traffic)
Captain D's - a fast food seafood restaurant has been advertising what they call "a seafood celebration". Since they serve seafood every single day of the year why have the celebration now? Was the seafood last month sub par? What should we expect when the celebration is over?
There was a time when ordering chicken wings one would get actual chicken wings. For some reason our society has accepted a chicken wing portion (drummette or flat) to take the place of the whole wing and we don't mind paying full price for less than half of what we used to get.
Hoochies, hoochies, hoochies. (sigh) Those short shorts are really cute. You look really cute. Those goosebumps aren't. Wait until it gets a little warmer to share your assets with us. 'Kay? Lotion on those ashy heels would be nice too.
GWB will allow his staff to be questioned regarding the unjustified firing of the 8 Federal Prosecutors - just not under oath. Is this straight up permission to lie? WTF????!@!
There's a store near me: "Everything $1 And Up". A-Duh! So, nothing there under a buck, and some things might cost quite a bit more. Why shop there? I'll either go to a real dollar store or I'll spend at a premium store.
Whine off. (at least for now)
Captain D's - a fast food seafood restaurant has been advertising what they call "a seafood celebration". Since they serve seafood every single day of the year why have the celebration now? Was the seafood last month sub par? What should we expect when the celebration is over?
There was a time when ordering chicken wings one would get actual chicken wings. For some reason our society has accepted a chicken wing portion (drummette or flat) to take the place of the whole wing and we don't mind paying full price for less than half of what we used to get.
Hoochies, hoochies, hoochies. (sigh) Those short shorts are really cute. You look really cute. Those goosebumps aren't. Wait until it gets a little warmer to share your assets with us. 'Kay? Lotion on those ashy heels would be nice too.
GWB will allow his staff to be questioned regarding the unjustified firing of the 8 Federal Prosecutors - just not under oath. Is this straight up permission to lie? WTF????!@!
There's a store near me: "Everything $1 And Up". A-Duh! So, nothing there under a buck, and some things might cost quite a bit more. Why shop there? I'll either go to a real dollar store or I'll spend at a premium store.
Whine off. (at least for now)
Monday, March 19, 2007
More Tales Stuff
This is a story from Adrian's past.
Years back, Adrian drank liquor and smoked weed like crazy (long, long, long time ago folks, long time ago) (anyone get the parahrased quote* here?)
Adrian came in pretty drunk from partying one night and decided he needed to have something to eat to sober up a little. He raided the refrigerator and apparently made quite a bit of noise in doing so. He finally got things put away and was heading to the table to sit down and eat when something startled him and he dropped the plate making a big mess on the kitchen floor.
His mother, awakened by all the noise in the kitchen was pretty angry with poor Adrian. She yelled a bit - all kinds of stuff about irresponsibilty and drunkenness as our hero began cleaning up the mess.
Understand that Adrian drunk is slow-motion man with exaggerated movements.
His mom finally had her say and started to turn to go back upstairs.
Adrian took this opportunity to shoot his mom the bird behind her back.
Mom wasn't quite finished and turned back to say something more and was shocked to see her sweet baby giving her the finger.
Sweet baby (moving in slow motion) wasn't able to pull out of the move and squatted there, middle finger up in the air.
He said both of them froze in position. He could hear the kitchen clock ticking, but he was unable to do or say anything.
His mom grabbed the mop and bopped him on the side of the head, turned and went to bed.
The end. (well, not really - the story comes up EVERY time he calls his mom.)
* quote from Bernie Mac during the Kings of Comedy Tour.
Years back, Adrian drank liquor and smoked weed like crazy (long, long, long time ago folks, long time ago) (anyone get the parahrased quote* here?)
Adrian came in pretty drunk from partying one night and decided he needed to have something to eat to sober up a little. He raided the refrigerator and apparently made quite a bit of noise in doing so. He finally got things put away and was heading to the table to sit down and eat when something startled him and he dropped the plate making a big mess on the kitchen floor.
His mother, awakened by all the noise in the kitchen was pretty angry with poor Adrian. She yelled a bit - all kinds of stuff about irresponsibilty and drunkenness as our hero began cleaning up the mess.
Understand that Adrian drunk is slow-motion man with exaggerated movements.
His mom finally had her say and started to turn to go back upstairs.
Adrian took this opportunity to shoot his mom the bird behind her back.
Mom wasn't quite finished and turned back to say something more and was shocked to see her sweet baby giving her the finger.
Sweet baby (moving in slow motion) wasn't able to pull out of the move and squatted there, middle finger up in the air.
He said both of them froze in position. He could hear the kitchen clock ticking, but he was unable to do or say anything.
His mom grabbed the mop and bopped him on the side of the head, turned and went to bed.
The end. (well, not really - the story comes up EVERY time he calls his mom.)
* quote from Bernie Mac during the Kings of Comedy Tour.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
List Stuff
I think I'll do a list of my favorite British movies.
1. Trainspotting - how can one watch this and not love it? Baked beans for breakfast, "Mother" the drug dealer, the most disgusting bathroom in Scotland, Spud's job interview, poor dead baby on the ceiling, Begbie (the brilliant Robert Carlyle) starting fights, Sick Boy shooting the dog who then bit his master, and Renton finally walking away.
2.The Full Monty - Robert Carlyle stars as one of 6 unemployed and out of shape gentlemen who decide to earn some money stripping.
3. Much Ado About Nothing - I've actually been asked to "turn that shit off" by visitors who'd rather watch Independence Day (booooooo)or other crap. This movie (directed by one of the stars, the fabulous Kenneth Brannaugh) used the original language of the play by William Shakespeare and I understood everything. Great acting - beautiful scenery.
4. Enchanted April - One of the sweetest little movies I've ever seen. Four strangers share a holiday in Italy. Magical.
5. Bend It Like Beckham - Jess has skills on the soccer field. Her parents are "old country" traditionalists who want her to be more like her soon to be married sister.
6. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - Hilarious caper film. Twists and turns galore (wow that sounded corny) so don't look away for a second. There are guys, there are bad guys, there are bad, bad guys and there are really bad, bad guys.
7. The Italian Job - Michael Caine is great as Charlie - the cliffhanger ending is amazing.
8. Chocolat - Since much of the film was shot in England I'm counting this as a British film although the setting is France. A lovely film starring chocolate, Mayan culture, magic, the wind and love. A chocolatier opens a shop in a small isolated town in France during the Catholic Lenten season.
1. Trainspotting - how can one watch this and not love it? Baked beans for breakfast, "Mother" the drug dealer, the most disgusting bathroom in Scotland, Spud's job interview, poor dead baby on the ceiling, Begbie (the brilliant Robert Carlyle) starting fights, Sick Boy shooting the dog who then bit his master, and Renton finally walking away.
2.The Full Monty - Robert Carlyle stars as one of 6 unemployed and out of shape gentlemen who decide to earn some money stripping.
3. Much Ado About Nothing - I've actually been asked to "turn that shit off" by visitors who'd rather watch Independence Day (booooooo)or other crap. This movie (directed by one of the stars, the fabulous Kenneth Brannaugh) used the original language of the play by William Shakespeare and I understood everything. Great acting - beautiful scenery.
4. Enchanted April - One of the sweetest little movies I've ever seen. Four strangers share a holiday in Italy. Magical.
5. Bend It Like Beckham - Jess has skills on the soccer field. Her parents are "old country" traditionalists who want her to be more like her soon to be married sister.
6. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - Hilarious caper film. Twists and turns galore (wow that sounded corny) so don't look away for a second. There are guys, there are bad guys, there are bad, bad guys and there are really bad, bad guys.
7. The Italian Job - Michael Caine is great as Charlie - the cliffhanger ending is amazing.
8. Chocolat - Since much of the film was shot in England I'm counting this as a British film although the setting is France. A lovely film starring chocolate, Mayan culture, magic, the wind and love. A chocolatier opens a shop in a small isolated town in France during the Catholic Lenten season.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Tales From The Crypt Stuff
Back in the early 80's I was a very different person. Almost immediately after the ink dried on divorce #1, I was ready to broaden my horizons (there's that stupid phrase again) and start hanging out. The "quest for man" had begun.
Luckily, my mom and dad and my sister lived nearby, and they were good and kind people and they allowed me to drop my children off and hit the street once in a while. (no - that wasn't me begging and pleading to get out just ONE night mom, just one night...)
On one of those once in a while dates I went above and beyond my regular beauty regimine and splurged on everything. I was determined to find a new man and the bouncy hair, fresh nails, new outfit and blue suede stilettos (with matching clutch) were all part of my ammunition in the fight for a cute guy with no Jheri curl and all other items on my list.
My prerequisites back then were crazy - tall, well built, great teeth, good nails, great job, funny, very smart, no children (despite the fact that I had 2 of my own), nice apartment or house, disposable income, well educated, very well read, great dancer, nice dresser, compatable astrological sign, close to his family but not dependant on them, not too churchy but spiritual, non Brut wearing, hard worker, street saavy, great kisser, outstanding lover, generous personality, well spoken, well travelled, sports enthusiast... my list went on for days.
The "me" back then would have missed out on the wonderful relationship I have with Adrian. Thank goodness I let go of the unimportant crap and chose the one who is best for me.
Okay, back to the tale:
After almost a whole day of preparation, I was ready to roll. Do you guys remember the old bouncy Oprah hairdo? Me.
Remember the high maintenance 80's look? Me.
Remember the unbelievable clouds of perfume we wore back then? Me.
My girlfriends picked me up last that night and I'm sure that the cabdriver was amused by what I had to say.
"Look at me! I KNOW that I'm going to meet the man of my dreams tonight, girls, how can he resist?"
This ridiculous (but ignorantly sincere) statement was met with silence. My friends weren't in the mood to play along with Jali.
I talked smack for the whole ride to the club. I preened in my seat, tossed my hair repeatedly and crossed and recrossed my legs. I really believed my own hype.
As we pulled up, I reapplied my magenta lipstick (with matching gloss) and shook out my hair for full effect.
"Come the fuck on!" My girl Felicia was getting a bit tired of my performance. I have to admit that I really didn't need to flirt with the cabdriver just to practice my skills, but his reaction gave me the extra "oomph" I wanted.
Remember the "Charlie's Angel's" or "Charlie perfume commercial" walk? Me again. (what a pretentious phoney idiot I was).
As soon as we found a table, a drop dead gorgeous man came over to me. OMG - he was sexy as hell, tall, dark and handsome.
"What are you drinking?" His voice was even sexier than his look.
I wasn't a regular drinker back then, but I had heard of this new concoction called a Long Island Iced Tea and decided to win the man by ordering as a sophisticated woman would. I told him what I wanted and smiled.
I batted my eyes and watched him as he sauntered over to the bar to get my drink. As soon as he was out of earshot I started talking pure smack again.
"See - I TOLD you that I would be irrisistable tonight. The finest man in the place is buying ME a drink."
Cutie pie promptly returned to the table, placed my drink in front of me and said:
wait for it...
it's coming...
almost...
"That'll be $7.00 miss."
Yes, my admirer was the waiter. I don't understand why he didn't ask my girlfriends what they wanted to drink.
To this day if I talk to either one of my girls on the phone they find a way to ask me if I'd like a Long Island Iced Tea. It wasn't funny then and it isn't funny now.
Luckily, my mom and dad and my sister lived nearby, and they were good and kind people and they allowed me to drop my children off and hit the street once in a while. (no - that wasn't me begging and pleading to get out just ONE night mom, just one night...)
On one of those once in a while dates I went above and beyond my regular beauty regimine and splurged on everything. I was determined to find a new man and the bouncy hair, fresh nails, new outfit and blue suede stilettos (with matching clutch) were all part of my ammunition in the fight for a cute guy with no Jheri curl and all other items on my list.
My prerequisites back then were crazy - tall, well built, great teeth, good nails, great job, funny, very smart, no children (despite the fact that I had 2 of my own), nice apartment or house, disposable income, well educated, very well read, great dancer, nice dresser, compatable astrological sign, close to his family but not dependant on them, not too churchy but spiritual, non Brut wearing, hard worker, street saavy, great kisser, outstanding lover, generous personality, well spoken, well travelled, sports enthusiast... my list went on for days.
The "me" back then would have missed out on the wonderful relationship I have with Adrian. Thank goodness I let go of the unimportant crap and chose the one who is best for me.
Okay, back to the tale:
After almost a whole day of preparation, I was ready to roll. Do you guys remember the old bouncy Oprah hairdo? Me.
Remember the high maintenance 80's look? Me.
Remember the unbelievable clouds of perfume we wore back then? Me.
My girlfriends picked me up last that night and I'm sure that the cabdriver was amused by what I had to say.
"Look at me! I KNOW that I'm going to meet the man of my dreams tonight, girls, how can he resist?"
This ridiculous (but ignorantly sincere) statement was met with silence. My friends weren't in the mood to play along with Jali.
I talked smack for the whole ride to the club. I preened in my seat, tossed my hair repeatedly and crossed and recrossed my legs. I really believed my own hype.
As we pulled up, I reapplied my magenta lipstick (with matching gloss) and shook out my hair for full effect.
"Come the fuck on!" My girl Felicia was getting a bit tired of my performance. I have to admit that I really didn't need to flirt with the cabdriver just to practice my skills, but his reaction gave me the extra "oomph" I wanted.
Remember the "Charlie's Angel's" or "Charlie perfume commercial" walk? Me again. (what a pretentious phoney idiot I was).
As soon as we found a table, a drop dead gorgeous man came over to me. OMG - he was sexy as hell, tall, dark and handsome.
"What are you drinking?" His voice was even sexier than his look.
I wasn't a regular drinker back then, but I had heard of this new concoction called a Long Island Iced Tea and decided to win the man by ordering as a sophisticated woman would. I told him what I wanted and smiled.
I batted my eyes and watched him as he sauntered over to the bar to get my drink. As soon as he was out of earshot I started talking pure smack again.
"See - I TOLD you that I would be irrisistable tonight. The finest man in the place is buying ME a drink."
Cutie pie promptly returned to the table, placed my drink in front of me and said:
wait for it...
it's coming...
almost...
"That'll be $7.00 miss."
Yes, my admirer was the waiter. I don't understand why he didn't ask my girlfriends what they wanted to drink.
To this day if I talk to either one of my girls on the phone they find a way to ask me if I'd like a Long Island Iced Tea. It wasn't funny then and it isn't funny now.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
More Rant Stuff
That stupid commercial with the weak father and the obnoxious kids is back. (you're probably wondering just which of the stupid commercials with the weak father and the obnoxious kids I'm talking about).
It's a minivan commercial and Dad built his boys a treehouse, He's sweaty and tired and is excited to tell them about all the features he included to make their life fun. (how many of our dads actually built us treehouses?)
The children ask if there are leather seats and a DVD player in the treehouse and since the dad didn't offer his two spoiled brat children these luxuries they decide to continue playing in his auto.
I want the commercial to continue to a better resolution. I want Dad to try to start his car and find that his battery is dead since the littlt demons had to have the DVD player on all day. I want him to call the boys little unappreciative monsters and send them to their rooms. I want him to lock his car doors and forbid them from ever getting in his car.
I don't understand why the average guy isn't up in arms based on his portrayal in television commercials. In most commercials either the children or mom have to save the day since dad is just too _________ (naive, gullible, stupid, lazy, ignorant, rash, silly, inept or goofy) to handle the situation. Example: Most of the Sonic burger commercials - the wife knows all - the husband is just stupid.
When did the male of our species become this sad sack? Why do we allow this? Our impressionable children are learning that all men are just plain dumb. We have enough goofy guys in real life (eg: GWB) and we don't need commercial breaks adding to the poor impression of men.
Rant off.
It's a minivan commercial and Dad built his boys a treehouse, He's sweaty and tired and is excited to tell them about all the features he included to make their life fun. (how many of our dads actually built us treehouses?)
The children ask if there are leather seats and a DVD player in the treehouse and since the dad didn't offer his two spoiled brat children these luxuries they decide to continue playing in his auto.
I want the commercial to continue to a better resolution. I want Dad to try to start his car and find that his battery is dead since the littlt demons had to have the DVD player on all day. I want him to call the boys little unappreciative monsters and send them to their rooms. I want him to lock his car doors and forbid them from ever getting in his car.
I don't understand why the average guy isn't up in arms based on his portrayal in television commercials. In most commercials either the children or mom have to save the day since dad is just too _________ (naive, gullible, stupid, lazy, ignorant, rash, silly, inept or goofy) to handle the situation. Example: Most of the Sonic burger commercials - the wife knows all - the husband is just stupid.
When did the male of our species become this sad sack? Why do we allow this? Our impressionable children are learning that all men are just plain dumb. We have enough goofy guys in real life (eg: GWB) and we don't need commercial breaks adding to the poor impression of men.
Rant off.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Test stuff
Create your own Friend Quiz here
This is a jali test. I got it from Dirkie-poo, Mama Mancuso's sweet son.
Greedy Stuff

Harolds' NY Deli - Edison NJ
I just started the Atkins diet 4 long days ago (it really works!) so I'm really conscious of foods and I ran across this website and wonder just how greedy we are as a people. http://www.supersizedmeals.com/food/
The first photo below is from the Carnegie Deli - NYC landmark and the second is from a restaurant somewhere in Tennessee. The last photo is from the chain, Ruby Tuesday's.



If I go out to eat, I'll ask for a "to go" container with my meal so that I can remove at least half of the food served.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Hobbity Stuff
The following great menu is from a weblog I read pretty regularly. Check him out: http://seatmytable.blogspot.com/
The writer usually talks about his experiences as a restaurant server, but he's a big Tolkien fan and served this menu at a LOTR trilogy gathering at his house.
1st Breakfast: Chilled vanilla custard served with fresh peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
toast with jam.
2nd Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, sauteed mushrooms,orange slices.
Elevensies: Breakfast sausage links, lembas (basically honey cakes), marinated tomatoes, plain tomatoes, cheeses, pickles, apple slices.
Luncheon: Roast chicken, roast carrots, roast potatoes, blackberry tarts
Afternoon Tea: Baby greens salad with raspberry vinaigrette, scones, tea sandwiches.
Dinner: Rabbit stew, hearty bread, butter.
Supper: Tomato soup, breaded fried mushroom croutons, and apple pie.
Beverages included ales, cider, juices, water, and Ent Draught (pineapple juice, African Rooibos Red Tea, ginger ale, and honey)
I'm really considering hosting a book or movie themed meal. Oooooh - how about Silence of The Lambs?
The writer usually talks about his experiences as a restaurant server, but he's a big Tolkien fan and served this menu at a LOTR trilogy gathering at his house.
1st Breakfast: Chilled vanilla custard served with fresh peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
toast with jam.
2nd Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, sauteed mushrooms,orange slices.
Elevensies: Breakfast sausage links, lembas (basically honey cakes), marinated tomatoes, plain tomatoes, cheeses, pickles, apple slices.
Luncheon: Roast chicken, roast carrots, roast potatoes, blackberry tarts
Afternoon Tea: Baby greens salad with raspberry vinaigrette, scones, tea sandwiches.
Dinner: Rabbit stew, hearty bread, butter.
Supper: Tomato soup, breaded fried mushroom croutons, and apple pie.
Beverages included ales, cider, juices, water, and Ent Draught (pineapple juice, African Rooibos Red Tea, ginger ale, and honey)
I'm really considering hosting a book or movie themed meal. Oooooh - how about Silence of The Lambs?
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Book Review Stuff
I've got a new Border's coupon and I'm ready to use it. I generally head straight for the sci-fi/fantasy aisle so that I can be sure to find something I like. I go to the mystery section next and check for new books by my favorite authors.
I expand my horizons (stupid cliche, but what the hell) at the discount table since I can pick up a hardcover there at less than the price of a paperback. I've found some excellent novels on the discount table in genres that I would have never considered at their regular prices.

"I Am Charlotte Simmons" is a novel that I wouldn't have come across normally. It was published in 2004 and was written by Tom Wolfe. The story is centered on the title character, Charlotte a naive freshman from North Carolina, but the greatest character to me is the fictional Ivy League School, Dupont University, (patterned I believe on Duke) since Wolfe takes us inside the locker rooms and offices of the elite basketball program, into one of the exclusive frat houses, through the freshman dorms, into the newspaper offices, the cafeterias, and the libraries of the school.
Charlotte's rural upbringing doesn't prepare her for the social aspects of college life at all. She was the valedictorian of her high school class, but never socially connected to her peers so while she's able to excell in her college class work she fails to make friends even with her roommate.
This novel is hard to put down, but sometimes a bit difficult to read. The awkwardness and the uncertanties of youth are bared wide open and it may hurt a little to see onesself in one of the characters. Check the discount tables in your local bookstore. There may be a gem waiting there for you.
I'd like to explore a wider variety of reading material. Can you recommend a good novel?
I expand my horizons (stupid cliche, but what the hell) at the discount table since I can pick up a hardcover there at less than the price of a paperback. I've found some excellent novels on the discount table in genres that I would have never considered at their regular prices.

"I Am Charlotte Simmons" is a novel that I wouldn't have come across normally. It was published in 2004 and was written by Tom Wolfe. The story is centered on the title character, Charlotte a naive freshman from North Carolina, but the greatest character to me is the fictional Ivy League School, Dupont University, (patterned I believe on Duke) since Wolfe takes us inside the locker rooms and offices of the elite basketball program, into one of the exclusive frat houses, through the freshman dorms, into the newspaper offices, the cafeterias, and the libraries of the school.
Charlotte's rural upbringing doesn't prepare her for the social aspects of college life at all. She was the valedictorian of her high school class, but never socially connected to her peers so while she's able to excell in her college class work she fails to make friends even with her roommate.
This novel is hard to put down, but sometimes a bit difficult to read. The awkwardness and the uncertanties of youth are bared wide open and it may hurt a little to see onesself in one of the characters. Check the discount tables in your local bookstore. There may be a gem waiting there for you.
I'd like to explore a wider variety of reading material. Can you recommend a good novel?
Monday, February 26, 2007
Empress of The World Stuff
I went to church yesterday as a guest speaker. (no! the church was NOT struck by lightning, and no there was no flood). It was pretty nice - the people were very warm and friendly and the minister didn't take hours to make his point. I didn't get a special feeling or anything - I guess the spirit decided to give me another pass.
After services, I have a crazy urge for pancakes and since I had a book in my purse I decided to endure the crowds at the local IHOP. The place was packed - as soon as I gave the hostess my name, they called for a party of 26 - crazy! The joint was really jumping and the servers and runners were hard at work.
I was seated about 30 minutes later across from four women. I didn't realize that one of the party was the Empress of the World. She made it clear to her server, the guy bussing the tables near her, the food runners, and all of us nearby.
Her eggs were too cold - her pancakes weren't fluffy enough. "Take it all away" we heard her order the poor server, "and bring me a fresh pot of coffee."
The server took my order with a smile, refilled drinks at her other tables and was walking back towards the kitchen when the Empress summoned her back to her table. "How long is it going to take? My friends are almost finished eating." She pursed her lips and gave the girl a snotty look.
"Ma'am, I was just on the way to check on your order." She hurried off.
I could hear the Empress talking to her friends, "no tip for that chick - horrible service."
Her friends giggled. I was disgusted. Why do people try to find ways to stiff their servers?
The runner timidly placed the eggs and pancakes in front of the Empress. "Wait right here until I check the food."
Her regalness tasted the eggs and inclined her royal head. "These will do."
She tasted the pancakes. (sigh) "Alright. Go ahead." She made a shooing gesture at the runner.
My food was mediocre but the server and runners were hard at work. I decided to overtip to make up for the idiots at the next table. Another couple seemed to agree with me and gave the server a $10 tip and thanked her for excellent service (I'm sure so that the Empress and her table could hear). I did the same thing and felt pretty good walking out of the IHOP.
Donna at http://noblelady728.blogspot.com/ tagged me.
Wow! I've been tagged. Hells yeah!
THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with 6 weird things about him/herself. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things, as well as state this rule clearly for the next tagged people. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged, and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment on their blog that says, "You are tagged," and "tell them to read your blog."
Six weird things about me shouldn't be too difficult - a hard list would be six normal things about me.
1. I speak to my car Guy after he's been parked for a while before I get in. He knows how much I depend on him and I really believe he has a personality. I encourage him - or promise him oil or gas.
2. I truly believe that I'll win a lottery at some point in my life.
3. I love my current job as a receptionist more than any other job I've ever had. When I win the lottery, I'll probably keep working here.
4. I told each of my children that they're my favorite - and each of them believes it.
5. If someone doesn't call me after I've called them, I erase their information from my phone.
6. I'd rather read than do almost anything.
I have to think about tagging someone. Hmmmm.
After services, I have a crazy urge for pancakes and since I had a book in my purse I decided to endure the crowds at the local IHOP. The place was packed - as soon as I gave the hostess my name, they called for a party of 26 - crazy! The joint was really jumping and the servers and runners were hard at work.
I was seated about 30 minutes later across from four women. I didn't realize that one of the party was the Empress of the World. She made it clear to her server, the guy bussing the tables near her, the food runners, and all of us nearby.
Her eggs were too cold - her pancakes weren't fluffy enough. "Take it all away" we heard her order the poor server, "and bring me a fresh pot of coffee."
The server took my order with a smile, refilled drinks at her other tables and was walking back towards the kitchen when the Empress summoned her back to her table. "How long is it going to take? My friends are almost finished eating." She pursed her lips and gave the girl a snotty look.
"Ma'am, I was just on the way to check on your order." She hurried off.
I could hear the Empress talking to her friends, "no tip for that chick - horrible service."
Her friends giggled. I was disgusted. Why do people try to find ways to stiff their servers?
The runner timidly placed the eggs and pancakes in front of the Empress. "Wait right here until I check the food."
Her regalness tasted the eggs and inclined her royal head. "These will do."
She tasted the pancakes. (sigh) "Alright. Go ahead." She made a shooing gesture at the runner.
My food was mediocre but the server and runners were hard at work. I decided to overtip to make up for the idiots at the next table. Another couple seemed to agree with me and gave the server a $10 tip and thanked her for excellent service (I'm sure so that the Empress and her table could hear). I did the same thing and felt pretty good walking out of the IHOP.
Donna at http://noblelady728.blogspot.com/ tagged me.
Wow! I've been tagged. Hells yeah!
THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with 6 weird things about him/herself. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things, as well as state this rule clearly for the next tagged people. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged, and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment on their blog that says, "You are tagged," and "tell them to read your blog."
Six weird things about me shouldn't be too difficult - a hard list would be six normal things about me.
1. I speak to my car Guy after he's been parked for a while before I get in. He knows how much I depend on him and I really believe he has a personality. I encourage him - or promise him oil or gas.
2. I truly believe that I'll win a lottery at some point in my life.
3. I love my current job as a receptionist more than any other job I've ever had. When I win the lottery, I'll probably keep working here.
4. I told each of my children that they're my favorite - and each of them believes it.
5. If someone doesn't call me after I've called them, I erase their information from my phone.
6. I'd rather read than do almost anything.
I have to think about tagging someone. Hmmmm.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Disjointed Stuff
I sat down, determined to write and have nothing really important to say - that hasn't stopped me so far and I won't let it stop me now. If anyone is here in search of enlightenment - stop reading right now! This ain't the place.
I had the stupid stomach virus that the little kids are getting - the only positive is that I think I lost a couple of pounds. (I know... ewwwwww)
I'll admit it on the internet: I watch American Idol - regularly. I vote for the ones I really like too. How many cool points have I lost by making that confession? I know - I didn't have too many to begin with but I want to be real today.
Last night the women were much better than those sad sack 12 dudes that sang on Monday night. My votes went to Stephanie, Melinda, Lakeisha and #4 - the curly hair girl with the long nose. I HATE poor little Antoinella (the remaining half of the Jersey girls) for no good reason. The others were good I guess - just no goose bump moments. Song selection was a big factor to me.
Here's an old entry from the Monday after the Superbowl:
Tony Dungy is my new Superbowl man! He doesn't know about our relationship yet, but I'm sure he'll be happy when he finally gets to meet me.
The artist formerly known as my Superbowl man (Adrian) is back on the "hmmmmp" list. "Hmmmmp" as in "whatever" - not hmmmp like in hump. The humping will of course continue - let's be realistic, but the Superbowl is a year away and he'll need to do a lot of good in the next year to make up for this year.
Adrian blew it with me yesterday. I'm not white hot angry anymore but about this time yesterday I was frantic. Adrian left home at about midnight on Saturday night to hang out with a buddy and his side of the bed was cold at 8:30 when I got up on Sunday morning. He doesn't do this stuff, so I panicked and dialed his celly repeatedly to no response. I dressed (no shower just yesterday's clothes on a scared chick)to go outside - I'm not even sure what my plan was - but I needed to do something.
I got to the front door and MY SET OF KEYS WERE MISSING FROM THE LOCK. This is no small thing. Whoever is at home ALWAYS leaves their keys in the door so that in case of emergency we can get out in a hurry. I remembered locking the door and leaving my keys there on Saturday night.
I tried the door - LOCKED of course.
Adrian finally answered his phone about 9 or so - by this time I was scared and furious. He was so eager beaver to get out that he inadvertantly took my keys along with his own.
He explained that he fell asleep waiting for his boy to drive him home.(Fell asleep -um... how shall I explain? Passed the &%#& out from too much consumption of um...stuff) I 100% believe him. I was still pissed off that it happened.
We had plans to go to his boy's Superbowl party/housewarming. When Adrian walked in the door he asked me if I was still going to the party - before any apology (which I was really expecting) so my answer was "no!"
He grabbed a clean shirt and walked back out, "I thought you would have that attitude." His boy was waiting for him in the car.
I was so pissed off at the time that I didn't want to finish the stupid story. Things are cool again and all turned out well.
Adrian is such a cool dude, that our falling out periods are pretty brief. He puts up with a lot of crap from me - so in turn, I'm learning to put up with his baby crap too.
I wrote a fan letter to the little boy in the Publix commercial with the Valentine's Day cake and I got a response from his mom. His name is Zach Mills, www.imdb.com and will be in a new movie this November. (I love this stuff)
To cheap tippers: Stop that selfish shit and leave 15-20% no matter what! You'll feel better overall and won't look like such an asshole.
Parents: hold your children's hands in mall parking lots! Damn - don't you love them?
Hopefully I'll find something blogworthy tomorrow... or the next day...
I had the stupid stomach virus that the little kids are getting - the only positive is that I think I lost a couple of pounds. (I know... ewwwwww)
I'll admit it on the internet: I watch American Idol - regularly. I vote for the ones I really like too. How many cool points have I lost by making that confession? I know - I didn't have too many to begin with but I want to be real today.
Last night the women were much better than those sad sack 12 dudes that sang on Monday night. My votes went to Stephanie, Melinda, Lakeisha and #4 - the curly hair girl with the long nose. I HATE poor little Antoinella (the remaining half of the Jersey girls) for no good reason. The others were good I guess - just no goose bump moments. Song selection was a big factor to me.
Here's an old entry from the Monday after the Superbowl:
Tony Dungy is my new Superbowl man! He doesn't know about our relationship yet, but I'm sure he'll be happy when he finally gets to meet me.
The artist formerly known as my Superbowl man (Adrian) is back on the "hmmmmp" list. "Hmmmmp" as in "whatever" - not hmmmp like in hump. The humping will of course continue - let's be realistic, but the Superbowl is a year away and he'll need to do a lot of good in the next year to make up for this year.
Adrian blew it with me yesterday. I'm not white hot angry anymore but about this time yesterday I was frantic. Adrian left home at about midnight on Saturday night to hang out with a buddy and his side of the bed was cold at 8:30 when I got up on Sunday morning. He doesn't do this stuff, so I panicked and dialed his celly repeatedly to no response. I dressed (no shower just yesterday's clothes on a scared chick)to go outside - I'm not even sure what my plan was - but I needed to do something.
I got to the front door and MY SET OF KEYS WERE MISSING FROM THE LOCK. This is no small thing. Whoever is at home ALWAYS leaves their keys in the door so that in case of emergency we can get out in a hurry. I remembered locking the door and leaving my keys there on Saturday night.
I tried the door - LOCKED of course.
Adrian finally answered his phone about 9 or so - by this time I was scared and furious. He was so eager beaver to get out that he inadvertantly took my keys along with his own.
He explained that he fell asleep waiting for his boy to drive him home.(Fell asleep -um... how shall I explain? Passed the &%#& out from too much consumption of um...stuff) I 100% believe him. I was still pissed off that it happened.
We had plans to go to his boy's Superbowl party/housewarming. When Adrian walked in the door he asked me if I was still going to the party - before any apology (which I was really expecting) so my answer was "no!"
He grabbed a clean shirt and walked back out, "I thought you would have that attitude." His boy was waiting for him in the car.
I was so pissed off at the time that I didn't want to finish the stupid story. Things are cool again and all turned out well.
Adrian is such a cool dude, that our falling out periods are pretty brief. He puts up with a lot of crap from me - so in turn, I'm learning to put up with his baby crap too.
I wrote a fan letter to the little boy in the Publix commercial with the Valentine's Day cake and I got a response from his mom. His name is Zach Mills, www.imdb.com and will be in a new movie this November. (I love this stuff)
To cheap tippers: Stop that selfish shit and leave 15-20% no matter what! You'll feel better overall and won't look like such an asshole.
Parents: hold your children's hands in mall parking lots! Damn - don't you love them?
Hopefully I'll find something blogworthy tomorrow... or the next day...
Monday, February 19, 2007
Review Stuff
I'm a Blockbuster online member and I've taken full advantage of the services they offer. I've been watching movies like crazy and I'm gonna talk about one that I watched recently.

Sometimes In April was as difficult for me to watch as Hotel Rwanda was a few months ago. I almost turned it off a few times because it hurt so much, but I decided that my tears were nothing compared to the suffering of those portrayed in this film. One million people were slaughtered in the 100 days of Rwanda uprising - the Hutu nationalists against their Tutsi countrymen.
Idris Elba starred as Augustin Muganza. Damn - I can't even talk about it right now -I'm tearing up already. Please see this movie.

Sometimes In April was as difficult for me to watch as Hotel Rwanda was a few months ago. I almost turned it off a few times because it hurt so much, but I decided that my tears were nothing compared to the suffering of those portrayed in this film. One million people were slaughtered in the 100 days of Rwanda uprising - the Hutu nationalists against their Tutsi countrymen.
Idris Elba starred as Augustin Muganza. Damn - I can't even talk about it right now -I'm tearing up already. Please see this movie.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Commercial Stuff
I've had a couple of weeks to ponder some of life's irritations and true to form, I'm going to write about them.
The first thing that comes to mind is that Nissan commercial that advises "life is 24-7". DUH! Is this new and revolutionary? Are they implying that new cars from other manufacturers only work part of the day, but the Nissan keeps going and going?... Bah!
The unbelievably greedy guy slurping his single serve tomato soup makes me want to scream! Is anyone that hungry or greedy at work? Forget Campbells - I'm buying store brand from now on just because he irsks me.
That car commercial filmed at breathtaking heights driving on 2 wheels (on the "edge") scares the hell out of me. I have dreams like that and to see in heavy rotation is just annoying. I don't need to revisit my bad dreams in primetime.
There's a commercial showing a dad having a difficult time with his two toddlers. One of them flushes his watch down the toilet. The next scene is a woman at a desk hawking car insurance. She's supposed to make his life easier. So... if dad had HER company's car insurance he wouldn't need to shop for a new watch, I suppose.
The couple about to kiss on the couch is stopped - by tissues. It seems the chick has stuffed her hair with tissues (I get the stuffed parallel folks - I'm not that removed from stuffing my bra) but it's yucky to see everything in the room deflate, including the boyfriend when her ruse is discovered.
I'd be hurt and confused if I announced my engagement to the man of my dreams and the first reaction of my family was: "He went to Jared". I'm anti-diamond anyway, but I'll NEVER darken that store's doors.
The "banker's pen" commercials for WAMU need to stop. The premise is that well-to- do white bankers want to fleece the public and the hip AA dude wants to set us free. I don't feel better about myself or my race because another group is clowned. I can't get with stereotyping any group. Imagine if the roles were reversed: there would be a crazy public outcry.
There are many more commercials that just get on my nerves, but I can't think of them right this second. Tell me which commercials you hate.
The first thing that comes to mind is that Nissan commercial that advises "life is 24-7". DUH! Is this new and revolutionary? Are they implying that new cars from other manufacturers only work part of the day, but the Nissan keeps going and going?... Bah!
The unbelievably greedy guy slurping his single serve tomato soup makes me want to scream! Is anyone that hungry or greedy at work? Forget Campbells - I'm buying store brand from now on just because he irsks me.
That car commercial filmed at breathtaking heights driving on 2 wheels (on the "edge") scares the hell out of me. I have dreams like that and to see in heavy rotation is just annoying. I don't need to revisit my bad dreams in primetime.
There's a commercial showing a dad having a difficult time with his two toddlers. One of them flushes his watch down the toilet. The next scene is a woman at a desk hawking car insurance. She's supposed to make his life easier. So... if dad had HER company's car insurance he wouldn't need to shop for a new watch, I suppose.
The couple about to kiss on the couch is stopped - by tissues. It seems the chick has stuffed her hair with tissues (I get the stuffed parallel folks - I'm not that removed from stuffing my bra) but it's yucky to see everything in the room deflate, including the boyfriend when her ruse is discovered.
I'd be hurt and confused if I announced my engagement to the man of my dreams and the first reaction of my family was: "He went to Jared". I'm anti-diamond anyway, but I'll NEVER darken that store's doors.
The "banker's pen" commercials for WAMU need to stop. The premise is that well-to- do white bankers want to fleece the public and the hip AA dude wants to set us free. I don't feel better about myself or my race because another group is clowned. I can't get with stereotyping any group. Imagine if the roles were reversed: there would be a crazy public outcry.
There are many more commercials that just get on my nerves, but I can't think of them right this second. Tell me which commercials you hate.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Protection Part 2 Stuff
I reached a warm friendly voice on the telephone who was thrilled to learn that so many people are willing to help the women and girls of the community she serves. If any of you are able to send feminine protection directly to this shelter, please do. You can send the stuff attention: Virginia.
Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children, Inc.
655 Ethel Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
USA
Phone 404-876-2894 - "Virginia"
Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children, Inc.
655 Ethel Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
USA
Phone 404-876-2894 - "Virginia"
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