My Favorite Scots

It's been awhile. I know. Just wanted to share a sketch of Ewan McGregor on Craig Ferguson (it was on repeat last night, and I hadn't seen it the first time around). I love Craig Ferguson's show, by the way. He always cracks me up. Then, getting to see Mr. Ewan McGregor on the show was just an added bonus. After the interview and a commercial break, they came back to do a sketch that had me laughing so hard that I had tears coming down my face. Well, anyway, here's the sketch:



In case you want to see the interview...their Scottish banter may have you scratching your head in parts, but is still very funny.

Busydom

So much has been going on lately that I don't know where to begin. Do you want the long or short of it? I'm opting for the short because I don't feel like typing too much tonight.

In a nutshell, my job searching continues. I know what I want, but have yet to get it. Basically, I am looking for a teaching position at either the Elementary level (grades K-6) or in Middle School English (grades 7-9). I am certified in both of those instructional areas. I have had a few job interviews over the last 6-9 months. However, all administrators tell me the same thing..."We have an overwhelming number of applicants." No surprise for me there. Welcome to my world of finding a teaching job in Pennsylvania.

Anyway...I continue to keep my options open to other careers and fields, as I know that I have enough job experience and professional qualities to allow me to succeed in other areas. However, finding that right area is also a challenge I continue to face.

I am currently working for an educational publisher, but it is a temp job so it's definitely not something I would want to do forever. On the bright side, between this temp job and my job as an Asst. Director of a summer camp, I have enough work to keep me busy through August. That will allow me to, at least, make money while I continue my search for a full-time job (with benefits!)

I'm tired of giving my money out-of-pocket for health insurance. It's ridiculous what I pay per month...God forbid you have a herniated disc...you'd think the world was going to end because of it. Nevermind that I exercise on a regular basis and hardly notice the good ol' HD anymore. But, I digress.

Steering back to the main point here...there are some promising leads on the job front, but nothing I'm going to talk about right now. I'm trying not to jinx myself. Plus, I said this was going to be short, but look...it's already gone way past that. I just type way too fast for my own good :o)

This was random, yes, I know...but that's how my head works sometimes!

For Tom

So that I don't have to hear Tom badgering me anymore, I've decided to post something. I don't really know what I will write about or anything, but it will be an update, nonetheless.

Let's see...hmmm...

• Tom ate 4 slices of pizza last night before Jon finished 2.
• Tom needs to thread a string through the waistband of his sweatpants, pronto.
• Jon put on my scarf and then complained that it smelled "all girly." (Who asked him, anyway?)
• Tom needs to get his stuff organized.
• Amicable is a word used by sophisticated people, like me.
• Don't talk to Jon while he's watching the news.
• Tom's crock pot is really greasy and needs to be cleaned.
• Jon is acting obsessive about his hair.
• Tom is acting obsessive about his hair.
• Colleen is not acting obsessive about her hair.
• Jon will not tell me when his birthday is, even though I think I already know the date.
  

Okay, I'm done now :o)

Shameless Plug

Last February, I posted a mini-review of a band I went to see, called Downtown Harvest. I was so excited when, in November, the band surfed onto my blog and left me a very nice comment on the post. (Check the comments link on the original post.) So, today, I am looking at DH's website, and realize that they put a link to my blog on their press page! Now I'm even more excited because, well, I am famous now. At least, I'd like to think so! Just let me have my moment, okay?

Say It Ain't So

After 17 years, Montel is saying goodbye. Hopefully it doesn't have anything to do with his health (he was diagnosed with MS in 1999). I can't tell you the last time I watched his show, but I remember the days of coming home from high school and tuning in. I especially liked watching when Sylvia Browne was going to be on (even though throughout the more recent years, there has been much speculation about her psychic abilities).

Anyway, hasta la vista, Montel. Take care of yourself.

Can You Solve This?

**Updated 1.30.08 - see link to solution below!

Supposedly, this is an IQ Test given in Japan for employment in the IT industry. I don't know how valid that is, but this is interesting anyway. Apparently, the average person takes 15 minutes to figure it out. Yeah...good luck with that!

Before you try it, you will need to know the following info. The objective is to get all the people across the river.

I suggest you open the link in a new tab or window so you can refer back to these rules:

• Only 2 people on the raft at a time
• The father cannot stay with any of his daughters without their mother's presence
• The mother cannot stay with any of her sons without their father's presence
• The thief (striped shirt) cannot stay with any family member if the Policeman is not there
• Only the Father, the Mother, and the Policeman may operate the raft
• To move the people click on them. To move the raft, click on the red pole on the opposite side of the river.

Okay, go here for the test. (This IS work safe!) Click the blue circle to begin!

Leave me a comment if you would like the solution sent to you.....otherwise, I'll post it in a few days!! (And I promise you that there is a solution, because I've done it!)

*So as not to spoil this for anyone who hasn't done it yet...I've put the answer in a separate link. Click for the solution!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

My layout was in need of an update...I hope you like the new colors! I'm quite happy with it.

If anything is hard to read or looks kinda funky on your computer screen, let me know so I can change as necessary!

My Wrist Saga

This will be a short update because my wrist is hurting even worse today, which makes it hard to type. I was awake until almost 3 a.m. last night trying to get comfortable enough to sleep. I am one of those people that won't take meds for something unless absolutely necessary. However, I think some Advil may do me good and is worth a try. Perhaps playing Guitar Hero with my sister yesterday was not such a great idea? (Although, I only played 3-4 songs!) On a positive note, I have not yet gotten booed off the stage, and that is while playing with an injury!!! Everyone better watch out when my wrist is better.

Well, anyway, I'm off for more x-rays tomorrow!

*Got the results.......not broken (although I figured that because I was using my hand just fine before the results came in). It was just a bad sprain.

Newness

New year. (Hope you all have a great '08)

New month. (It's January!)

New stories. (Eventually!)

New pictures. (In a bit.)

New problems. (See below.)


Okay, first let's get the problem out of the way. It's not a major problem, though...just more of an inconvenience. As some of you know, I hurt my wrist last week on Thursday when I tripped going down my basement steps. Stupid slippery slippers. Anyway, I am always trying to be so careful because of my back (herniated disc, remember?). So when I started to lose my balance, I tried to sit back on a step, but realized there was way too much momentum going, and "sitting" was not going to happen.....therefore, I tried to brace myself by leaning my left hand down against the step so my back wouldn't hit...and then, just owww.

Unfortunately I came down on the outside edge of my left hand, so there's a bruise there. From the picture, it would be the Carpals/Ulna area of my left hand & wrist. It was very swollen at first but that went down a good amount after icing it. I've also had some numbness, swelling and tingling through my fingers. I went to see my doctor on Friday morning and he ordered an x-ray...he briefly looked at it and said he didn't see a break, and that it was more than likely a bad sprain. But, then I got a call today that they want me to come in for some more x-rays because, after looking at it more thoroughly, they can't say there's definitively not a break or crack there. The strange thing is that I am really not having any serious pain...so hopefully having more x-rays is just a precaution and will not mean something worse.

Thank you to Patrick, my personal Physician Assistant, for wrapping it up so nicely for me to drive home from his house the other night :o)


Onto the new pictures...

Pictures and Video from Wii Night @ Patrick & Kendra's:




The Video!

Christmas Cheer

Merry Christmas, Friends!!!

First, in honor of "Jason Crisp"...



Some funnies...

"A Great Big Sled" by The Killers

src="http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/11/1/340133/A%20Great%20Big%20Sled.mp3" loop="false"


Last, but not least...

Hopefully your Christmas morning will look like this!

American Gladiators

Is anyone else looking forward to this show's return? I know I am. I was a big fan of the original. Erin and I used to watch it on Saturday mornings after, what else, "Saturday Morning Cartoons." That was when Saturday morning television was actually good. Aaah, yes, the good ol' days of Laser, Nitro, Turbo, Ice, and all the other gladiators. Well, I will be tuning in to see how this one compares to the original. From the previews, it looks very much the same. So, we will see!

Turkey & Stuffing...& Cranberry Sauce...& Potatoes...

I forgot many other foods in my title, but anyway...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Nirvana Unplugged DVD

Nirvana's Unplugged in New York is finally getting released on DVD after almost 14 years.

This performance was recorded for MTV in December 1993, just 4 months before Kurt Cobain's death. I've had the CD since it's release back in November 1994. Every time I've listened to it, though, I've gotten a very sad and eerie feeling, and I'm sure the DVD will do much the same thing. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to buying the DVD anyway, as it is, in my opinion, one of Nirvana's best live performances.

I'll always remember a certain haunting camera shot of Kurt, where he looked up from his guitar...his blue eyes were piercing as he stared off into his own thoughts. Thinking back on that, it has always left me unsettled, as if he knew of things to come.

Rogue Wave

No, I'm not talking about massive freak waves...I'm referring to one of the best bands you've never heard of. Well, maybe you have. If you are a Heroes-watcher, you may remember hearing their song, Eyes, in an episode last season. (You can hear the track on their website, here).

I saw them in Philly last weekend with my friends, Patrick and Kendra, who also happen to be fans. We saw them at a small venue called Johnny Brenda's, which had a balcony overlooking the stage. Fortunately, Kendra and I pushed our way into a prime spot along the rail (we were standing at one of the balcony's pillars, which you can see just to the right of center in this picture).

In my opinion, it was an outstanding show. Rogue Wave has very melodic music and manages to use a range of tempo. Perhaps one of my favorite qualities, however, is their ability to incorporate harmony without it sounding overdone or out-of-place. It suits them perfectly.

Below are some pictures I snapped with my camera phone. (There are a few shots where it looks like there are about 15 people on stage. This is when the band invited the local Philly men's chorus group, The Silver Ages, on stage to add their harmony to the set.)

Happy Halloween!

First, here's some candy for ya...just take one!

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Have you ever heard of Darwin Chamber? Well, that's not his real name; it's a stage name. His real name is Mark Greenfield. DC/MG is well-known for his "environment" albums...you know the ones where you hear the sounds of a particular environment? He's got everything from Thunderstorms to Oceans to Rain Forests to Birds to Whales to Frogs...and the list goes on. Darwin Chamber also does trance-y electronica-type music as well.

Some of the best environmental sound effects he's done are those for Halloween. It sounds very real. If you have a good surround system, you can especially hear the sounds playing back and forth among your speakers. It's amazing and creepy all at the same time. His work is most accessible on iTunes, where some tracks are 30 minutes in length, but only cost $0.99. Well worth it.

Here's a little sample of his SPOOKY Halloween sounds...

3D 2007 Halloween Sampler

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And, finally...if you are in the mood for some scary stories or podcasts, go here!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Watch Out For That Hole!

So, if you haven't seen this video yet, here's your chance. A model named Sarah Welch fell through a hole in the runway during Fashion Week. Apparently she was a former contestant on The Bachelor. Her name sounds familiar but I'm drawing a blank on remembering her on the show. Anyway, if you watch Heroes, you might recognize the guy who helps her up...yep, that's Jimmy Jean-Louis, The Haitian (mind-eraser guy)!




Back to the fall at hand. My first reaction really was not laughter, but shock...I couldn't believe that she somehow didn't see the hole before she stepped into it. And, at the very least, why didn't anyone backstage warn the models? Duh. Perhaps next time a big orange cone will be more effective...I'm sure they can work it into the show somehow!

Let's Say Thanks

I want to share a great website my sister sent me (thanks, Kel). Xerox is sponsoring the "Let's Say Thanks" program. Basically, people can visit the site and view cards to personalize and send to our troops. All of the card designs were done by kids from across the country. Once you select your design, you choose a pre-written message (or write your own) and then send. It's that simple! It's all done electronically and takes no more than 5 minutes. (Well, I used all 5 minutes because I couldn't decide which card to choose...they were all so cute!) Now, go send a card and then pass the link on to someone else so they can do the same!

www.LetsSayThanks.com

Mad Skills

Apparently, my family and friends have caught on to the fact that I like to cook and bake. So every once in awhile I receive homemakerish type gifts. For example, for my last birthday, my sister Erin bought me an ice cream maker. This one, to be exact. This summer, I used to it to make a Vanilla Custard Ice Cream...it was delightful...so delightful, in fact, that my cousin told me that I had to make it every weekend from then on. My next attempt at ice cream will probably be for Thanksgiving next month. Erin would like to see, er eat, the fruits of her gift to me, so she has requested that I make a Pumpkin Ice Cream. So, I found this recipe on my beloved Food Network website.....sounds yummy, so I'll give it a go.

In addition, I have inherited the job of making my Grandmother's cole slaw for Thanksgiving (as well as for any other holiday or picnic it's requested), which I have been doing for the last few years now. I call it "Grammy's Famous Cole Slaw" because no one makes it like hers, not even Mr. Ron. Sorry, Mr. Ron.

And, finally, my friend Jon really likes Pumpkin Pie...I mentioned to him that my Mom-Mom makes them at least once every year, and will most likely be making some for Thanksgiving. His exact words were, "Steal me some! I'm serious." No need to steal! I'll just get her recipe and make it myself! He and my other buddy, (Jon's roomie) Tom, will just have to fight over it!!!!

Poor Ellen

If you happened to see the Ellen DeGeneres Show today, you probably saw her crying over a dog she gave to her hairdresser's family.

Here's the scoop in a nutshell...Ellen had adopted this dog, Iggy, from a non-profit agency but realized, even after spending thousands of dollars for the dog to be neutered and trained, that he just had too much energy and was causing problems with her cats. She wanted to make sure Iggy had a good home; she had talked about it with her hairdresser, whose daughters would have loved to have the dog. Ellen decided to give them Iggy because she felt it would be a better place for him to live. The agency found out about it when they called Ellen to check in on the dog and she told them she gave him to a friend. Unknowingly, Ellen had violated the adoption agreement, so the agency went and took Iggy away from the family. So, this ended with Ellen sobbing on air today when telling the story.

Here's a pic of Iggy with a blog post by Ellen from her site.
You can view the snippet of Ellen crying on her show here with an AP story.
Look at all this stuff and then come back here for my opinion!

My Opinion

Basically, I feel bad for Ellen. I think the agency could have handled it in a more appropriate and civil manner. Ellen admitted she did not read the agreement carefully enough and thought she was doing the right thing by finding a good home for the dog. Perhaps the agency could have worked out a new agreement with the new family instead of being so harsh with its actions. It's apparent that Ellen feels terrible for how things played out...I think if she didn't care about the dog or for the feelings of those girls then she probably wouldn't have attempted to make things right.

What do you think?

Priceless

This is my favorite commercial right now......so cute!