Hello, my friend(s), hello!

Yes, I am aware it has been almost 4 months since my last post, but what can I say...I haven't really had anything to say. (Ok that is a lie, I ALWAYS have something to say, but I just felt I needed to take some time off and simply fall off the radar for a bit. I do this every once in a while, so no need to panic!!) Anyhoo, since today I turned 26 and therefore feel I have lived long enough to pass on some useful bits of knowledge, I present...

Pearls of Wisdom I acquired over the last 4 months:

A thesis will NOT write itself.
Growing old isn't easy...not one bit.
Car repairs are often costly and always come at the worst time.
Friday Night Lights - the tellie series NOT the film - is made completely of AWESOME.
Betta fish like to jump out of bowls.
Social lives are highly over-rated.
Electric cars are far from being perfected.
Moments of nostalgic weakness are often followed by eons of profound regret.
Pre-season college football rankings mean bupkiss.
Flirting with single librarians can be a terrific hobby.
EW’s Popwatch blog is highly addictive!
No one wins in forum wars.

To Russia With Love...

So, today I thought I would share with the world my hatred of Russian websites. While I have no real issues with the country itself, Russian websites simply rub me the wrong way and I'll tell you why: I can't figure the out.
You see, many of my favorite image websites are from Germany, France or Italy. While I don't understand the actual entries themselves, I can always decipher where the photo gallery is located. With Russian sites, I simply have no clue. Nothing looks familiar and I end up clicking all the links with little to no success. Anyway, just thought I would share.
On a completely unrelated note, I recently rediscovered the U2 video for "The Sweetest Thing". It will brighten your day...I promise!!

And I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation!

Do you know what I love more than anything in life? (With the obvious exceptions of Buffy, scavenger hunts, U2, and chocolate of course!) I love rediscovering a 'lost' love. Yes, over the weekend I rekindled my unabashed adoration ofr the short-lived, but completely genius, series Freaks & Geeks.
The dvds have been lost in my Netflix queue for nearly a year, always being overlooked for some reason. Perhaps it had to do with the pain of losing the series 7 years ago or the fact that I have the attention span of a gnat, but I finally got around to catching up with my friends over at McKinley High!
And man did they get the most awesome dvd treatment. Granted I'm a commentary geek, but I think anyone would be impressed that every episode has at least 1 commentary track, with several eps featuring 2. And these aren't the awful giggling commentaries in which the phrase "I don't remember" or simply silence take up most of the track. I could go on and on, but I don't want this to sound like a pitch for the dvds...which it totally is my friends!
I'm just so excited. While I love The O.C. and other completely unrealistic high school shows, there is just something about watching a series that reflects more of my own high school experience. Sure, it is set in the 80's and therefore differs from my own experience in many ways - my high school lacked a smoking patio and John Bonham unfortunately died before I was born - the people were all oh so familar. There is something comforting in knowing that others experience the same things. High school can feel so isolating and there is some comfort in knowing that you weren't the only one that saw PE as 101 ways to be humiliated.

I'm coming up so you better get this party started!

Well it is official, dear reader(s). I made it a whole year without indulging in soda. I proved the ciritcs wrong and I'm guessing left a substantial dip in Pepsi Cola's revenues! (Although stock in New Belgium's Fat Tire should be skyrocketing!!)

So, as you might have imagined, I didn't think I would last a month, but somehow I beat the odds. My mom gave it a week and Crystal, bless her, gave me a month.

As this anniversary approached, I had a blog extravaganza planned to celebrate my first year of Soda Pop Sobriety. There was going to be a band. And streamers. And balloons...lots of balloons. And of course some B-list celebrity was going to stop by and congratulate me on my accomplishment. I know it isn't like solving the problem of world hunger, but if you knew how much soda I used to go through on a daily basis...

Anyway, sit back and enjoy the balloons, imagine you are listening to a 70 piece marching band playing Everybody's Everything with special guest, tv's Craig Fergeson!

I've still got sand in my shoes...

Now I really have to find a rich husband!


10022-SHOE

hopelessly...I'll love you endlessly...

Well, today it became official. Supernatural got picked up for next season!!!! 22 all new episodes, baby!!! And to top it off, Veronica Mars was cancelled. Now I know this might offend some of my readers - actually I don't know that, but I thought I would at least be a bit courteous since I am about to bask in the joy of a shows demise - but this was the best news I heard today. You see, I love VM andI mean that whole-heartedly. But you must understand that the VM I love lasted only a season. Sure I have watched the subsequent 2 years, but that was a different VM...I don't really like that Veronica. She was kind of a bitch a lot of the time...
I will say that I think the CW handled the whole cancellation quite crappy. If you are going to cancel the program...cancel the program. Don't do a pr dance in hopes of not pissing off a vocal crowd...a crowd that is still pissed about the whole Everwood/7th Heaven debacle last spring.
However, as I said before, VM has been dead for quite some time and I look forward to not having to watch it since I have stayed ever faithful. If only they could have done a Logan spinoff that somehow featured Weevil, Mac, Wallace, Keith & Cliff I would have been happy, but alas that isn't meant to be. Here's hoping some of those faces pop up again on the small screen in the near future!!

Hump Day Hotties: Winchester Edition

So, this is actually a post I co-wrote with ChickLit, but I figured I would just put it up here as well. I mean, I did find all of the pics and formatted them! That counts for something in this world!! Oh and in case you are not familar with the nickname, I go by Mad Madam M over on her blog! Now onto the pretty!!!

Today's Hump Day Hotties is dedicated to tomorrow's season finale of Supernatural. A show with a plot, some bad acting, and some very pretty boys we're going to share with you. Keep in mind, the Mad Madam M has lost most of her touch with reality and interchangeable refers to the cast and characters by their real names, characters names, and weird nicknames that she picks up God knows where. Here's a cast list to help you keep it straight:

Dean Winchester (aka El Deano & Lil' Stumpy) - Jensen Ackles (aka Mad Madam M's future pool boy!)

Sam Winchester (aka Sammy & Ginormotron) - Jared Padalecki

John Winchester (aka Shut Up Daddy) - Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Metallicar - 1 of 5 '67 Chevy Impala

(In case you didn't know...these are the Winchester brothers! Just a little hint!!)


Mad Madam M: *squee* Season 3, people!!! Season 3!!!! We have a SEASON 3!!!!! *squee*

Crystal: Yay! If we'd have had to come up with another mutual show to watch, it could have gone badly. I mean, we don't watch the same TV. We just don't.

(Towels...are they really necessary?)


Mad Madam M: Yes, I watch the show for the plots. Why do you ask?

Crystal: Yes, the depth of characterization in this show is...intense.

(Jensen Pool-side & preparing for his second career!)


Mad Madam M: This settles it...we definitely need a pool so Jensen can lounge next to it. Although, he will be wearing far less clothing!!

Crystal: Well, you are my one-woman entourage. When I get rich and famous, I think you should have a pretty pool boy. And why not him? I mean, he looks like he'd enjoy the life of pool boy.

(The Winchester Lean™)


Mad Madam M: *pets computer monitor* Now that is a queue I wouldn't mind waiting in for any length of time...perhaps even eternity!!! Even if Ginormotron has to slouch a bit...

Crystal: They are just so preeeeettty. I'll take one of each.

(Dean & Metallicar: A match made in heaven!)


Mad Madam M: I'm not sure which is sexier, El Deano or Metallicar. However, together they make one beautiful sight. I'm surprised that evil still exists when everyone could just stare at that all day. I know I do...

Crystal: I love Metallicar and the random displays of car porn during the show when they have nothing better to do.

(An artistic black & white image of Jensen - hey they all can't be amusing!)



Mad Madam M: *gets lost in his eyes* Please excuse me for a moment... *gets re-lost in his eyes*

Crystal: Umm...Should I give you a moment?

(Wannabe Punkish Jared - but hey I still love you!)


Mad Madam M: Yes I know this pic is cheesy, but I love it anyway! What are you going to do about it? He's still pretty!

Crystal: Amazingly enough, this pic mkes him look even more ginormous.

(Dean & Books...need I say more?)


Mad Madam M: Remeber how a couple months back I wrote that the pic of Adam Brody holding videos was the hottest thing I had ever seen...well this narrowly beats it out. Dean lounging in front of old books...excuse me I must go day dream for a while!

Crystal: You can almost imagine he's smart here. That's hawt.

(Jared with short hair that doesn't at all resemble Cousin It! Miracles do happen!)


Mad Madam M: While I am concerned at the position of the tree branches (it seems even inanimate object want to feel up his torso!) I can't seem to turn away. And I'm not even a SammyGirl?!?!?

Crystal: Dude, to be that pervy tree on his shirt...it's stroking his nipples, I swear.

(Jensen in the Junkyard)


Mad Madam M: Could someone point me in the direction of the nearest junkyard? I think I might find something I want there...

Crystal: I know you're not big on mechanics and such, but let me tell you this is dramatized for public consumption...real junk yard workers do NOT look like this.

(A Winchester Family Portrait...an appropriately bloody one!)


Mad Madam M: Is it sad that even bloody and beat up, I still find these 3 men sexy? On a side note, I would like to point out that apparently Sammy inherited his hair issues from Shut Up Daddy. There goes the theory that his father was actually the Ceiling Demon!

Crystal: Yum.

(Bed head Sammy...a sight everyone should wake up to!)


Mad Madam M: *guh* I can't add to that... *wipes drool off chin*

Crystal: Dude, that rat bastard is cheating on me! He looks pretty doing it, but still!

(Jensen on a Vespa! Magnifico!!)


Mad Madam M: So remember how last week I wanted to be a chair...I have changed my mind. I think I want to be a vespa...a red one!

Crystal: I will refrain from making a comment about how a vespa gets mounted.

I can't get a life if my heart's not in it...

Today is Monday...oh and what a Monday it is...excuse me while I whine! (I can't even muster up the energy/will to find a pic!)
Apparently, Western has deleted my student record. Good thing I don't need to do anything official at the moment. I do think it is funny that I have library books checked out. You would think that would be something they would check!
Apparently, I am not supposed to volunteer at an archives in Sacramento. Everywhere is full and has no need to little ol' me!
Apparently, Financial aid wants me to start paying back part of my loans. I felt like laughing hysterically at them, but instead I went and listened to Oasis's "The Importance of Being Idle" for a couple hours...while at work of course. Man am I going to miss this job!!
Alright, enough of that...here is an amusing article ChickLit sent me in hopes of making me feel better. Since I recently went through hell trying to buy something on eBay, I ended up enjoying the article quite a lot!

eBayer driven to edge by email quippery

Highway to Hell!!

Look...it's Ginormitron in Frontier Town!! This screencap just makes me laugh...and if I need anything today (besides a couple million dollars and a hot guy to do my bidding) it's a good chuckle!!


Let this be a lesson...alway eat your green veggies!!!

C'mere and kill a president...

Every once in a while, two things that might never have been associated together, enter my head at the same time and combine. Let me explain...
A couple of weeks ago, a friend emailed me her joy at discovering Yimou Zhang's amazing film Hero. It is not only a beautifully shot film...it also brings up interesting ideas about an assassin's place in society.
Anyhoo, I recently have found myself in one of my musical-obsession phases. Last night I finally got my hands on Stephen Sondheim's musical Assassin (You know the revival cast that has Doogie Howser in it!!)
All I can say, is if you are looking for an interesting night. Watch Hero and listen to Assassins. Then email me so we can discuss. So far, I have been having debates with myself...and I always loose!

Like a storybook ending, I'm lost in your charms...

Well, it has been forever folks, but here it is...one of my fabulous photodumps: PicSpam Spectacular!™. However, this time I have actually gone above and beyond the call of duty...I didn't just find the pics, I actually scanned 4 of them. You see, as I explained a couple months back, I have joined the fascinating world (read: all-encompassing club, no wait...cult) of comic books based on tellie programs. Not only am I enjoying season 8 of Buffy, but I have now starting reading the Supernatural Origins series. I can guess what you are thinking, but no time for that now. I should note that I didn't think that the drawings of the different characters were going to be exact, but with the Buffy drawings, you can easily decifer who is who...with the exception of all those stupid slayer potentials...well I guess they are no longer potentials, but you know what I mean. I could never tell them apart...except the one Willow dated, silly hat girl, and Robena (or is it Rowena? I honestly don't care) the whiner.
Anyhoo, after enjoying 3 issues of Buffy, I started reading my first Supernatural comic and boy was I in for a shock. I'm not sure what show the artist was watching, but I don't think it looks like anything I have seen. Well, I tried to tell ChickLit all about it, but she wanted so see...so I scanned some of the pages. I should warn you, the scans aren't high quality and for some reason all of the writing is backwards. I have included an assortment of imags from the show in order to try and make comparisons easier. Anyway, hope you all enjoy!

PicSpam Spectacular!™: What Where Those Artists Smoking?

The Winchester Men...Sam, Shutup!Daddy, and Dean


Oh and Missouri...



Now the drawn versions...

ShutUp!Daddy & Missouri

A young Dean & Sam...really!?!?! Dean's blond and I'n not sure what is up with Sammy!

Again, I'm not quite sure what the artists were on...

Well, at least they gof Sammy's crying right. That's something at least!

Only the echoes of my mind...

I think perhaps it is a very good thing there are only 2 episodes of Supernatural left in season 2. You see, I have started handing out - only in my mind of course - "Fabulous Drunk!Sam Seal of Disapproval" honors to people. Now I do take some comfort in the fact that I didn't create this special award myself, but that doesn't excuse the unimaginable joy I get handing them out to people.
Although, I should probably seize the day and have as much fun with the dubious 'prize' as I can since the next two weeks may be the last to ever offer a new Supernatural episode. Oh and in case you were wondering...the image comes with the distinction!

You're the apple of my heart...

I don't really have much to say...who am I kidding? Of course I have much to say, it just isn't all that exciting or interesting. Sure I could rant about what I feel is wrong with congress and the horrific consequences of employing young, low-paid legislative staffers. It would make me feel better for a while, but in the end it is only a momentary relief and I would simply find something else to go on about.
I could talk about the new Supernatural ep on tonight, but I don't think many of my readers are Winchester fans. (I know, I know that hasn't stopped me in the past, but I am trying to be a more considerate person...at least for today!) That show has had a really strong second half. Hopefully that convinces the powers that be to keep it around. *fingers crossed*
Oh, I am thinking of moving my blog over to Wordpress, but no final word on the subject. I figure if I do switch, it will only be after ChickLit figures out all the ins & outs. I know I don't want to figure it out!
I guess, I could talk about the pic I chose for today's blog. In case you are unfamilar, I love when my worlds combine and this is a pretty sweet image. The pic features Simon Pegg (if you have not seen Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, go and see both now...I can wait!), Kevin Smith (If you haven't seen a Kevin Smith film, I don't know why you would ever be interested in my blog!), and Edgar Wright (Pegg's co-writer and the director of Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz.) Somehow, things don't seem so bad anymore...
Perhaps, I should have talked about last night's One Tree Hill episode. I didn't watch most of it, since I don't enjoy watching violence again women, but I do appreciate that the 2 girls fought the sicko-stalker guy and defeated him on their own. I thought sure the show was going to have one of the guys rush in and save them, but for once the female citizens of Tree Hill really stepped up!

You Know He Ain't Gonna Die...

Well, I don't have much to report today other than last night's episode of Supernatural completely rocked! Funny story though...I keep calling it Prison Break! I mean think about it the story centered around 2 brothers completely devoted to one another, first breaking into a prison and then breaking out. Sounds a bit lik Prison Break to me.

In other, non-tellie news, ChickLit and I created a fabulous vidspam follow-up to this week's Hump Day Hotties column featuring hetero-life partners! You should totally go check it out because, hey...no reading involved!!!

I've been too long, I'm glad to be back!!

Ok...I know it has been quite a while since I have blogged, but hey, I have been jetting all over the west coast. So, in order to make up for it, I have compiled a list of thoughts, questions, and tips I have discovered over the last 3 weeks. (Oh and in case you are worried, my daily blog pic will be back tomorrow. I just couldn't find an appropriate one for today's entry!)

• It turns out that even though I hate birds (hey I got pooped on once and it was really traumatic...just ask ChickLit...she was there!), I still can’t handle watching birds fall from the sky onto the pavement and get run-over. Apparently I do have some compassion left!
• Sci-Fi Conventions are Awesome!!
• Never visit a hospital hungry...after a couple of hours, hospital cuisine starts to look good!
• Will I ever not be broke?
• I have a new fern named Bernadette. Yes I name plants...they really do live longer that way!
• Damn the CW for creating inner conflict for me once again!
• I have figured out what is wrong with the US Federal Government - no one picks up the phone.
• The Powers That Be better not cancel Supernatural...all I can say is that it won't be pretty!!
• 12-14 hour work days are not fun.
• Apollo is cute in person, but shorter than I thought; Starbuck is a lot more girly...
• Travel Tip #1: Always obtain a rental car from a state you do not live in. That way when you drive like a crazed maniac in Canada, it will be blamed on someone else...like Oregon! I mean we all know about those insane Oregonian drivers...
• Tell me again why No one does comedy like the Brits. If you haven't seen Hot Fuzz yet...drop what you are doing and go. Go Now! I can wait. My blog will be here when you get back! *starts humming The Girl From Ipanema*
• The staff working for Congressional members are never at their desk and never ever answer email or voicemail!
• Apparently I am more of a Trekker than I thought. However, I still find people in costume creepy.
• So while the Prison Break finale was completely preposterous, I have to say...I can't wait until next season!
• Travel Tip #2: When traveling in Canada or Britain, B&B’s are the way to go!!
• I love tea.
• Chekov is kind of a cranky old guy.
• Travel Tip #3: Burbank airport is truly the airport time forgot!
• Once you have been in an incarnation of Star Trek, you have it made...unless you resent being on Star Trek. Then you are simply screwed for all eternity.
• The awesomeness of flower vending machines is immeasurable...I mean it is a spinning diner pie case that has flowers for sale!!!
• Did I mention Sci-Fi Conventions are Totally Awesome!!
• You don't believe me about the whole B&B thing...I have two words for you: Fresh Scones!
• Please let the Powers That Be cancel Veronica Mars. I don't want to watch anymore, but I lack the willpower to do so on my own.
• No matter what various people said, I still think Avery Brooks is an ass...a pompous ass!
  
• Tell me, how did I get mixed up in dealing with animal vaccines again?
• Travel Tip #4: Flying in high winds is not fun and should be avoided as much as possible. If you do have to fly in high winds, make sure you know where the air sickness bag is. Trust me...
• Is it pathetic that I was genuinely happy to recieve flowers on Administrative Professionals Day?
• I can die happy...Tom Paris used the term 'lizard babies'. Perhaps the worse ep in the history of Star Trek actually brought some good! All I can say is it is about time!!
• TVGuide did a whole page article about Supernaturalin this week's magizine...does that mean it is coming back next year? (And doesn't El Deano look a lot like Wentworth Miller in that pic? Ok...maybe that is just me!)
• Travel Tip #5: Travel with people who have money. It just makes everything better!
• In case you missed it, Sci-Fi Conventions are Frakkin’ Awesome!!

But trust me on the sunscreen...

Jon Stewart put it best,"As an adolescent, [Vonnegut] made my life bearable." If you haven't heard already, I don't know how to break this news gently: Kurt Vonnegut has died. Now I know he hasn't published a whole lot recently, but still American literature has lost a titan...a voice of the people. As with Arthur Miller, I didn't need to see a new book published every couple of years, it was just compforting knowing that somewhere Vonnegut was alive. I saw him on The Daily Show a few months back and marvelled at how 'with it' he still seemed and the way Jon Stewart seemed at a loss for words and simply just somewhere was enough.

So it goes...

[Note: Yes I know that Kurt Vonnegut didn't write the speech used in the Baz Luhrmann hit, but I sitll think it is somewhat fitting. I think it is advice that he would give.]

Move along, move along, just to make it through...

The Mad Madam M strike continues and you're still stuck with me. You'll manage, I'm sure. I was inspired to do another VidSpam in honor of her...because, well, it is her invention. I think. Actually, I don't really remember. Whatever. So, on with the VidSpam done up Supernatural style.



This is a creepy video. The music is almost peppy, which makes it even creepier.



This one has fire, which is cool because it appeals to my inner pyro.



This one I just went what the *&&%^%??? Be afraid, be very afraid.

And the beat goes on...

The Mad Madam M has run away with the circus (don't worry she'll be back next week), but I promised to put in an appearance over here and keep you entertained while she's gone. Today, I bring you a VidSpam of Veronica Mars songs. Enjoy!

Creepy ass, yet funny video with these boots are made for walking. Have fun with this one.



And for those of us who have a love/hate relationship with the annoying, tiny blonde one.



Veronica Mars in rewind mode. It's kinda creepy though to watch people go backward so much. I got a little bit sea sick.

Leaving on a jet plane...

For years, I have tried to stay away from the world of comic books. You see, I feel it's pull like a siren's call. Here would be the perfect hobby for my affinity for fantasy/sci-fi as well as my OCD tendencies. See why I have tried to stay away...there is just too much temptation.
Anyhoo, leave it to Joss Wheadon to suck me in. Most of you probably already know of his plan to release a season 8 in comic book form. No network. No budget. Just Buffy and the scooby gang (unfortunately now including all the potentials) fighting evil. Can you see why I finally gave in?!?!?!
Well, I read the first issue the day it came out and now await the second. I also read all of Frank Miller's 300 at Barnes & Noble. (You can only get the book in hardback and I don't have $17 lying around to spend on something I may not like. It just makes sense, although I never thought I would become one of those people that reads an entire book at the store. Seems kind of sad... On second thought, perhaps I should have kept that to myself!)
And now, I am being tempted to read the Supernatural prequels. I mean, how could I resist learning more about the adventures of Charleton Heston and wee!angry-man Dean. (Oh and chubby baby!sammy. How could I forget him...) I only know one phrase to express my current state of mind: KHAN!!!!!
In other news, ChickLit will be filling in for the next couple of days while I soak up the sun in Victoria, BC. *takes a moment to try away the tears caused by hysterical laughter* Hopefully I finally get to use the new raincoat I spent an arm and a leg on. Wait on second thought, scratch that...
Anyway, be nice to the guest blogger or I'll be forced to create another Procrastination Station™ Competition. You wouldn't want that would you!?!?!?

I will feel a glow just thinking of you...

Well, I have finally finished. Yes, I can now proudly - perhaps not proudly, but I couldn't think of better word - say I have watched all of Star Trek: Deep Space 9. (For those of you playing the home game, it only took me 8 months! However in my defense, I watched the last 3 seasons - 26 episode seasons - in 2 months...that was how good it got!)
I ended up quite loving the series as a whole. For those of you wondering, Quark turned out to be my favorite full-time cast member character with the combo of Bashir and O'Brien coming in a close second. I even grew to tolerate Sisko. He will never be a favorite, but I could stand him in the end...believe me that is an amazing statement. I wrote back in late October that the series was starting to get better, but I didn't realize how good it was going to get!
Luckily I watched the series finale alone last night. I was doing pretty good and then the show threw me a curve ball and snuck in a rendition of the Jerome Kern classic "The Way You Look Tonight" at a going away party. After that I kept tearing up...especially when Bashir and O'Brien said goodbye and especially when Kira and an tux wearing Odo parted for the last time. No matter what, I will always think of them all (Jadzia Dax NOT Exri Dax of course) on that former Cardassian space station near Bajor dealing with the latest tragedy - normally involving Gul Dukat, Kai Winn, or the Dominion - but never forgetting to enjoy time with good friends while hanging out in Quark's...