I'm baaaack! What'd I miss?
You'll get the annotated vacay recap on Monday, because today I'm going to Lagoon (Utah's sucky amusement park, but it should still be fun) and tomorrow is Nancy Pearl Wannabe's Choose Your Own Blogventure! It's going to be EPIC. And I mean that in the truest sense of the word.
Can we give a massive round of applause to my guest bloggers? I love those guys like today's fat kids love Oreo Cakesters.
Speaking of guest posts, go say nice things about me on Michael's post and win some great stuff, like a Starbucks gift card, his sister's homemade bath stuff, and music. I'm a sucker for compliments and just to up the ante, if you leave me a comment, I'll write a post saying nice things about all of you! It's an idea made of win-win-WIN.
I'm hoping to debut my tumblr blog and review blog both next week. Get psyched.
I need a new tv show to obsess over. I've narrowed it down to Buffy or Lost. Which should I pick first?
Because my parents live in the 1990's, our home computer has dial-up. It's so annoying...every time I sign in, I want to cut the internet like a taun-taun. We're talking about getting high-speed, but it might be a couple weeks. Hence, commenting and twittering may be sparse. This is killing me softly and slowly.
Still, it's good to be back. I missed you guys.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Whoops a Daisy!*
If there were a country that stood for forgetfulness, procrastination and eeking out deadlines, I would be their Queen.
You see Gretch sent me a super-in-advance email about Guest Posting, and I mentally noted, "awesome she asked me, yep, I'll do that this weekend." But then you see, there was this little thing about Batman and stifling heat in a house with no air conditioning. You tend to pass out and forget things, and then when you close your eyes you only see terrifying images of the Joker trying to put you in an oven.
Then, while catching up on blog posts, I read about Gretch's graduation and ensuing vacation to middle Earth. And I was all, "ya! That's semi-near my town! Maybe I'll run into Gretch and it will be super awkward cause it will be like I was stalking her but I wasn't because it would've been by complete coincidence!" And after that, I thought no more about ensuing implications of her vacation, like say, a guest post by moi.
And then finally today, (or whatever day you're reading this), I noticed a string of guest blogs on her website. And I was all, "Hey! Why didn't she ask me to guest blog! I would've loved to take over her.... Blerg!"
And that brings us to now. Hi, I'm allthewine. And I put the PRO in procrastinator.
Of course, I've got nothing prepared. I had thought of a few ideas, like:
-how I never win random contests (I think random.org has it out for me)
how Tina Fey needs to start a reality show about how to become like her (kind of like From G to Gents but awesome because it would star Ms. Fey)
-about what future lies ahead for Gretch post-college (Now I don't want to go on a rant here...)
-how I tried to order a Tracy Jordan meat machine (but they only ship outside of the United States) (possibly untrue)
-how much fun etsy window shopping is. (I know, right!)
-how unfair and totally not cool it is that the media is jumping all over this Christian Bale beat his mother story, when a) so not true, b) he "allegedly" verbally abused her, c) how can you even yell at someone in a welsh accent? d) he's perfect. I rest my case.
-how perhaps I should become a lawyer with such succinct reasoning as the above.
But you know, these topics are pretty much um... covered now.
I do have one thing though. One small thing that I'm not sure if you're ready for, but you better get ready because it's coming and it's going to be legend...wait for it.....
Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls. (click for recipe)
....dairy.
Get it? Mac and Cheese? Dairy? Sheesh. But seriously, have you heard of these? Because I spent an entire afternoon googling recipes and pictures and oh ...my. I think they are heaven. And when you take a bite, It's a brand new day, and the sun is high. All the angels sing because you're gonna die. (Watch this if you have no clue where my brain is.)
So what do you think? Do Fried Mac and Cheese Balls get admittance to the Evil League of Evil or will they fight the good yummy crispy gooey good fight along side Captain Hammer, corporate tool?**
*And I know, No one has said 'whoops a daisies' for fifty years and even then it was only little girls with blonde ringlets.
You see Gretch sent me a super-in-advance email about Guest Posting, and I mentally noted, "awesome she asked me, yep, I'll do that this weekend." But then you see, there was this little thing about Batman and stifling heat in a house with no air conditioning. You tend to pass out and forget things, and then when you close your eyes you only see terrifying images of the Joker trying to put you in an oven.
Then, while catching up on blog posts, I read about Gretch's graduation and ensuing vacation to middle Earth. And I was all, "ya! That's semi-near my town! Maybe I'll run into Gretch and it will be super awkward cause it will be like I was stalking her but I wasn't because it would've been by complete coincidence!" And after that, I thought no more about ensuing implications of her vacation, like say, a guest post by moi.
And then finally today, (or whatever day you're reading this), I noticed a string of guest blogs on her website. And I was all, "Hey! Why didn't she ask me to guest blog! I would've loved to take over her.... Blerg!"
And that brings us to now. Hi, I'm allthewine. And I put the PRO in procrastinator.
Of course, I've got nothing prepared. I had thought of a few ideas, like:
-how I never win random contests (I think random.org has it out for me)
how Tina Fey needs to start a reality show about how to become like her (kind of like From G to Gents but awesome because it would star Ms. Fey)
-about what future lies ahead for Gretch post-college (Now I don't want to go on a rant here...)
-how I tried to order a Tracy Jordan meat machine (but they only ship outside of the United States) (possibly untrue)
-how much fun etsy window shopping is. (I know, right!)
-how unfair and totally not cool it is that the media is jumping all over this Christian Bale beat his mother story, when a) so not true, b) he "allegedly" verbally abused her, c) how can you even yell at someone in a welsh accent? d) he's perfect. I rest my case.
-how perhaps I should become a lawyer with such succinct reasoning as the above.
But you know, these topics are pretty much um... covered now.
I do have one thing though. One small thing that I'm not sure if you're ready for, but you better get ready because it's coming and it's going to be legend...wait for it.....
Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls. (click for recipe)
....dairy.
Get it? Mac and Cheese? Dairy? Sheesh. But seriously, have you heard of these? Because I spent an entire afternoon googling recipes and pictures and oh ...my. I think they are heaven. And when you take a bite, It's a brand new day, and the sun is high. All the angels sing because you're gonna die. (Watch this if you have no clue where my brain is.)
So what do you think? Do Fried Mac and Cheese Balls get admittance to the Evil League of Evil or will they fight the good yummy crispy gooey good fight along side Captain Hammer, corporate tool?**
*And I know, No one has said 'whoops a daisies' for fifty years and even then it was only little girls with blonde ringlets.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
L'Etoile du Nord
Hello! My name is Elisabeth and I blog here where you can win a free copy of When You Are Engulfed In Flames by David Sedaris.
I am getting a masters degree in Texas, but this summer I am an intern working in the great state of Minnesota, home of Garrison Keiller, Greyhound Bus, and Gratia Countryman, a pioneering and nationally famous librarian.
When I first came to Minnesota, I wanted learn more about my new home. Always a fan of history, my first stop was at the Minnesota History Center, which is currently holding an exhibit of 150 things that make Minnesota what it is, in honor of the state’s Sesquicentennial celebration. There I learned more about the people and company that I mentioned (I will never forget, thanks to the five+ people that told me, that Greyhound was invented by the Swedes).
What’s interesting about this exhibit is that the 150 things were made up of suggestions from around Minnesota. In this exhibit 38th vice president Hubert Humphrey stood side by side with the inventor of the paper bag with handles, whose famed creation I now appreciatively use to hold my recycling. I was fascinated by the history of WCAL, the nation's first listener supported public radio station, as I am now a devotee of both its replacement 89.3 The Current and its spiritual offspring, Minnesota Public Radio. Thanks to the internet, I can listen to two new favorite radio stations even when I go back to Texas.
I especially loved the features of the 150 exhibit that celebrated the women of Minnesota's history; the women who were pioneering and prominent librarians, like Countryman, or teachers (like Harriet Bishop, of Harriet Island fame) and writers. I was so intrigued by the life of Ignatius Donnelly, a politician who claimed that Francis Bacon wrote Shakespeare's plays, that I got a copy of his biography. And whenever I walk across the Skyway to avoid the rain, I thank Edward Baker, "father of the skyways," for his 1962 creation.
This exhibit was not only my introduction to Minnesota, but Minnesota’s introduction to me. Musicians from Minnesota had their own listening stations, where one could hear Dylan sing “Like a Rolling Stone” or listen to a performance of the Minnesota Orchestra. Along with a plaque that described him a devout Christian, and held one of his Purple Rain suits, the exhibit about Prince plays eight of his hits. I listened to “1999” and after a brief resistance, danced like anyone listening to a classic song should dance. This is what I explained to people who passed by.
After I go back to Texas, the nation will be focused on Minnesota, as the Republican party takes over the Twin Cities. But when I think of the land of 10,000 lakes, I'll remember fondly what I learned as an intern, and what I learned as an eager history nerd and eighties hit dancing museum goer.
I am getting a masters degree in Texas, but this summer I am an intern working in the great state of Minnesota, home of Garrison Keiller, Greyhound Bus, and Gratia Countryman, a pioneering and nationally famous librarian.
When I first came to Minnesota, I wanted learn more about my new home. Always a fan of history, my first stop was at the Minnesota History Center, which is currently holding an exhibit of 150 things that make Minnesota what it is, in honor of the state’s Sesquicentennial celebration. There I learned more about the people and company that I mentioned (I will never forget, thanks to the five+ people that told me, that Greyhound was invented by the Swedes).
What’s interesting about this exhibit is that the 150 things were made up of suggestions from around Minnesota. In this exhibit 38th vice president Hubert Humphrey stood side by side with the inventor of the paper bag with handles, whose famed creation I now appreciatively use to hold my recycling. I was fascinated by the history of WCAL, the nation's first listener supported public radio station, as I am now a devotee of both its replacement 89.3 The Current and its spiritual offspring, Minnesota Public Radio. Thanks to the internet, I can listen to two new favorite radio stations even when I go back to Texas.
I especially loved the features of the 150 exhibit that celebrated the women of Minnesota's history; the women who were pioneering and prominent librarians, like Countryman, or teachers (like Harriet Bishop, of Harriet Island fame) and writers. I was so intrigued by the life of Ignatius Donnelly, a politician who claimed that Francis Bacon wrote Shakespeare's plays, that I got a copy of his biography. And whenever I walk across the Skyway to avoid the rain, I thank Edward Baker, "father of the skyways," for his 1962 creation.
This exhibit was not only my introduction to Minnesota, but Minnesota’s introduction to me. Musicians from Minnesota had their own listening stations, where one could hear Dylan sing “Like a Rolling Stone” or listen to a performance of the Minnesota Orchestra. Along with a plaque that described him a devout Christian, and held one of his Purple Rain suits, the exhibit about Prince plays eight of his hits. I listened to “1999” and after a brief resistance, danced like anyone listening to a classic song should dance. This is what I explained to people who passed by.
After I go back to Texas, the nation will be focused on Minnesota, as the Republican party takes over the Twin Cities. But when I think of the land of 10,000 lakes, I'll remember fondly what I learned as an intern, and what I learned as an eager history nerd and eighties hit dancing museum goer.
Friday, July 25, 2008
More People Need To Call Me G-Dog
Hey, this is Michael from It's 3 o'clock in the morning! For some reason that I have yet to figure out, Gretchen has deemed me worthy to post on her blog. ("That blog has wohds on it..") (20 points if you get that quote) One thing that I am always afraid of when I guest post is the regular readers being all, "OMGWTFBBG? Who is this guy, and why did Gretch-a-sketch let him post? That was pointless!" Think about it. None of you guys reading this post subscribed to her blog so that you could hear about my life. Who the heck am I anyway?
Let's play a game I like to call Pretend.
Ok, so you open up your reader in the morning and you see... *GASP* A new post from Gretch-a-sketch!! Holy Blog Post Batman! I love that girl! You open up the post, get cozy with your cup of *insert favorite morning beverage*, and begin to read.
What.
This is not my favorite blogger!
This is some nasty old GUY!!
I'm sorry.
If I could make it up to you I would.
HOWEVER, I have an idea. Since dear sweet Gretch-a-sketch is gone for a while, let's all gossip about her!
Everybody say one (or more) nice (true!) things about Gretch-a-sketch, and I will personally reward the nicest comment with a gift. I don't know what's gonna be in the gift, but expect a treasure trove of random useful and useless stuff, including, but not limited to: A starbucks gift card, some French Vanilla Coffee Scrub, your very own cd with a lot of what I like to call cool music, and some other random stuff.
The winner will be the person that Gretch-a-sketch decides left the nicest comment. (Surprise, surprise, G-Dog!!)Thursday, July 24, 2008
Yoko Oh No!
So while Gretchen is out of town (Hi, Gretch! Hope you're havin' fun!), I get to step in here and talk to all y'all for a few minutes. [Editor's note: This is brought to you by the fabulous Brooke from Oh My Seven.] I've only
guest posted once before, so this is all still pretty new to me. Hope you don't mind if I suck a little bit. I was having a hard time thinking of what to what to write, until I remembered this crazy thing that happened last fall...
So it was around eight o'clock one morning, and I was in the middle of a really weird dream. All the sudden I realized that the annoying noise I was hearing wasn't something in my dream; it was my phone ringing. The caller ID said "Unknown," but I answered it anyway, because I always die of curiosity if I don't figure out who it was. Here is the bizarre conversation that occurred (keep in mind, I'm mostly asleep):
Me: Hello?
[Unidentified Chinese-Sounding Lady]: Dis Bruke?
Me: Yes...
UC-SL: You orduh fried rice and cold coffee. You come get now.
Me: Uh, I didn't order Chinese food.
UC-SL: You orduh! You like cold coffee.
Me: ...uh...
UC-SL: My boss very mad. You come now.
Me [realizing that she said my name, so it must be someone I know]: Who is this?
UC-SL: Dis Yoko. You come get food.
Me: I didn't order any food. It's only eight in the morning.
Yoko: Yes you did! My boss mad. You come now.
Me: [silent, having realized that this lady is not listening to me.]
Yoko: Young lady!!
Me: [still silent.]
Yoko: Young lady!! Young lady! You talk now!
Me: [still silent.]
Yoko: [hangs up]
I laid there in bed after she hung up, and all I could think was, did this really just happen? It was the most bizarre thing ever. I started to wonder if I dreamed it up as part of the really-weird dream I had been woken out of, so I checked my call log... nope, it really did happen.
So I asked all my family members if they had orchestrated it somehow, and the answer was no on all counts. My sister said that maybe it was my sister-in-law, soMichael called her... Nope, it wasn't her, but she said that she thought it might've been one of our mutual friends. She said that she remembered that this friend used to do a Chinese voice, so it was probably her. We thought that would explain why the call was so early, too, since this friend lives in Hawaii (not realizing that it's three hours earlier in Hawaii). So Michael called the girl, and when she didn't answer, he left a message in a Canadian accent that was something to the effect of: "Yeah, uh, this is Doug from the FlapJack House... um, you ordered some flapjacks, and they're sorta getting cold and stuff. My boss, he's gettin' real mad, so, like, couldja come pick'um up pretty soon? Yeah, uh... come getcher pancakes, eh?"
So we left it at that, thinking that we were so clever for getting back at our friend in such a creative way, but in the back of my mind I was a little worried, and really hoping that it actually was her, otherwise that would have been a bizarre message for her to get! Later that evening, I was hanging out with some more of my girl friends who are also friends with this girl, and I told them all the story, and they all agreed that it was for sure her doing. So then I was all happy that we had gotten her back, and there were no doubts in my mind that it was her.
However, when I got home that night, I checked my MySpace before I headed to bed, and I had a comment from my cousin's wife that said, "You order Chinese food?" So I wrote back and said, "Oh my gosh, was that you?" She said that it wasn't her, but that she knew who it was. I begged her to tell me, because I had been wondering why I didn't recognize the voice, so she told me that it was a friend of hers. They both live in Indiana, in which the time is three hours later than in Oregon, where we live.
I wrote a message to my friend explaining the whole thing and apologizing and telling her I hoped it didn't freak her out. She said she had been wondering who it was, and that she was freaked until she realized that it must have been someone who knew her. It could have turned out badly, but it all turned out okay, and we had a good laugh about it.
And now you get to laugh about it.
So it was around eight o'clock one morning, and I was in the middle of a really weird dream. All the sudden I realized that the annoying noise I was hearing wasn't something in my dream; it was my phone ringing. The caller ID said "Unknown," but I answered it anyway, because I always die of curiosity if I don't figure out who it was. Here is the bizarre conversation that occurred (keep in mind, I'm mostly asleep):
Me: Hello?
[Unidentified Chinese-Sounding Lady]: Dis Bruke?
Me: Yes...
UC-SL: You orduh fried rice and cold coffee. You come get now.
Me: Uh, I didn't order Chinese food.
UC-SL: You orduh! You like cold coffee.
Me: ...uh...
UC-SL: My boss very mad. You come now.
Me [realizing that she said my name, so it must be someone I know]: Who is this?
UC-SL: Dis Yoko. You come get food.
Me: I didn't order any food. It's only eight in the morning.
Yoko: Yes you did! My boss mad. You come now.
Me: [silent, having realized that this lady is not listening to me.]
Yoko: Young lady!!
Me: [still silent.]
Yoko: Young lady!! Young lady! You talk now!
Me: [still silent.]
Yoko: [hangs up]
I laid there in bed after she hung up, and all I could think was, did this really just happen? It was the most bizarre thing ever. I started to wonder if I dreamed it up as part of the really-weird dream I had been woken out of, so I checked my call log... nope, it really did happen.
So I asked all my family members if they had orchestrated it somehow, and the answer was no on all counts. My sister said that maybe it was my sister-in-law, so
So we left it at that, thinking that we were so clever for getting back at our friend in such a creative way, but in the back of my mind I was a little worried, and really hoping that it actually was her, otherwise that would have been a bizarre message for her to get! Later that evening, I was hanging out with some more of my girl friends who are also friends with this girl, and I told them all the story, and they all agreed that it was for sure her doing. So then I was all happy that we had gotten her back, and there were no doubts in my mind that it was her.
However, when I got home that night, I checked my MySpace before I headed to bed, and I had a comment from my cousin's wife that said, "You order Chinese food?" So I wrote back and said, "Oh my gosh, was that you?" She said that it wasn't her, but that she knew who it was. I begged her to tell me, because I had been wondering why I didn't recognize the voice, so she told me that it was a friend of hers. They both live in Indiana, in which the time is three hours later than in Oregon, where we live.
I wrote a message to my friend explaining the whole thing and apologizing and telling her I hoped it didn't freak her out. She said she had been wondering who it was, and that she was freaked until she realized that it must have been someone who knew her. It could have turned out badly, but it all turned out okay, and we had a good laugh about it.
And now you get to laugh about it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Why Gretchen Is So Darn Awesome
A guest blog by Q
I asked her for a topic to write about for my guest blog, and she graciously responded with a list of awesome, intelligent, and thought provoking ideas. (I think I may have proved String Theory with just that list.) The topic of her awesomeness was on her list. Therefore, without any further ado--
Oh, wait. She said, "Kidding! Seriously!" after that particular item. Those parentheses always throw me off.
Well, in that case... Hmm...
Oh! I have it: Various Snack Foods and Their Merits. [insert evil laughter here]
Triscuits: Salty, crunchy, great texture, and with lots of whole grain! Wonderful for road trips. The recipes on the back of the box look fantastic.
Wheat Thins: Sweet, light, guilt-free snacking. I recommend Honey flavored.
Goldfish: Mildly cheesy with a pleasant texture, and not too salty into the bargain. Besides, what other snack smiles back?
Cheez-Its: Big flavor, small cracker. Very cheesy, very good. (Note to self: Try with apple)
Cheese Nips: A pale imitation of Cheez-Its.
Breakfast Cereal: And don't tell me you've never had a bowl of cereal in the afternoon.
Apples: Yum. And Apples to Apples is a pretty fun game, too.
Apples and Cheese: Go ahead. Be European.
Ritz: Buttery and far too good for your own health.
Ritz with peanut butter and marshmallows baked until the marshmallows are golden and warm and wonderful: 'Nuff said.
Popcorn: It's a whole grain, which means it must be good for you, right?
I asked her for a topic to write about for my guest blog, and she graciously responded with a list of awesome, intelligent, and thought provoking ideas. (I think I may have proved String Theory with just that list.) The topic of her awesomeness was on her list. Therefore, without any further ado--
Oh, wait. She said, "Kidding! Seriously!" after that particular item. Those parentheses always throw me off.
Well, in that case... Hmm...
Oh! I have it: Various Snack Foods and Their Merits. [insert evil laughter here]
Triscuits: Salty, crunchy, great texture, and with lots of whole grain! Wonderful for road trips. The recipes on the back of the box look fantastic.
Wheat Thins: Sweet, light, guilt-free snacking. I recommend Honey flavored.
Goldfish: Mildly cheesy with a pleasant texture, and not too salty into the bargain. Besides, what other snack smiles back?
Cheez-Its: Big flavor, small cracker. Very cheesy, very good. (Note to self: Try with apple)
Cheese Nips: A pale imitation of Cheez-Its.
Breakfast Cereal: And don't tell me you've never had a bowl of cereal in the afternoon.
Apples: Yum. And Apples to Apples is a pretty fun game, too.
Apples and Cheese: Go ahead. Be European.
Ritz: Buttery and far too good for your own health.
Ritz with peanut butter and marshmallows baked until the marshmallows are golden and warm and wonderful: 'Nuff said.
Popcorn: It's a whole grain, which means it must be good for you, right?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
To business!
First off, I'd like to congratulate Sandy, the winner of the tumblr giveaway. Yay, Sandy! Email me your address, letter preference, and whether you'd like black or white earrings before Friday. Also, if you didn't win, remember you can get 10% your order with the code "Gretchen."
Okay, next item to cover. The hair adventure went well, except it's much darker than I wanted. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but it's not quite as obviously red as I had hoped. In the right light, though, you can tell it's very deep and burgundy. It's actually kind of vampy, so overall I'm a fan.
I'm off to traipse around the Ohio and New York countryside for a week. There are some really, really, really great guest posts coming your way, so stay tuned.
First stop: Cleveland!
(video embedded in the post)
P.S. +25 Cool Points to the first person to identify the movie my title line ("To Business!") is from.
Okay, next item to cover. The hair adventure went well, except it's much darker than I wanted. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but it's not quite as obviously red as I had hoped. In the right light, though, you can tell it's very deep and burgundy. It's actually kind of vampy, so overall I'm a fan.
I'm off to traipse around the Ohio and New York countryside for a week. There are some really, really, really great guest posts coming your way, so stay tuned.
First stop: Cleveland!
(video embedded in the post)
P.S. +25 Cool Points to the first person to identify the movie my title line ("To Business!") is from.
Monday, July 21, 2008
And the walls came a tumblin' down
You have until 5 PM MST to get your vote in for my Tumblr Blog and to win sweet earrings. I'll announce the winner early tomorrow morning.
In other news...
1. I have my degree now. Yay! Graduation was amazing. The speakers were good and we drank of Mormon wine in celebration. (Mormon wine=Martinelli's Sparking Cider) Thanks for all your well-wishes.
2. My car broke down on the way home. It's currently at a Tunex in Ogden Keep your fingers crossed that we can fix it!
3. I have a dentist appointment this morning. Blerg!
4. I haven't been able to see either The Dark Knight or Mamma Mia yet.
5. The fact I have no homework anymore is incredible.
6. I'm dyeing my hair again tonight to be more reddish. I've always wanted to do that, but I'd be lying if I said Penny/Felicia Day didn't have an impact on that choice.
7. I took the most amazing nap yesterday. Take that, three years of sleep debt!
8. The Morning Benders' new album Talking Through Tin Cans is lots of fun. Speaking of, I'm thinking about starting a blog just for my reviews. I really like reviewing stuff and now I have the time to do so. It's not set in stone, but I thought I'd throw the idea out there.
9. I have so much stuff to unpack. Part of me just wants to get rid of it all and start anew.
10. I can't think of a #10, but the list felt incomplete without it.
In other news...
1. I have my degree now. Yay! Graduation was amazing. The speakers were good and we drank of Mormon wine in celebration. (Mormon wine=Martinelli's Sparking Cider) Thanks for all your well-wishes.
2. My car broke down on the way home. It's currently at a Tunex in Ogden Keep your fingers crossed that we can fix it!
3. I have a dentist appointment this morning. Blerg!
4. I haven't been able to see either The Dark Knight or Mamma Mia yet.
5. The fact I have no homework anymore is incredible.
6. I'm dyeing my hair again tonight to be more reddish. I've always wanted to do that, but I'd be lying if I said Penny/Felicia Day didn't have an impact on that choice.
7. I took the most amazing nap yesterday. Take that, three years of sleep debt!
8. The Morning Benders' new album Talking Through Tin Cans is lots of fun. Speaking of, I'm thinking about starting a blog just for my reviews. I really like reviewing stuff and now I have the time to do so. It's not set in stone, but I thought I'd throw the idea out there.
9. I have so much stuff to unpack. Part of me just wants to get rid of it all and start anew.
10. I can't think of a #10, but the list felt incomplete without it.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I’ve Got A Ph.D. In Horribleness
Here There Be Spoilers
So, that was kind of a downer, but I’m still crazy about Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. After many, many re-watchings, here’s how I feel about the songs, the characters, and the future of Dr. Horrible. (Also, this is crazy long and I promise this is the last I’ll post about it.)
Act 1
The first we see of Dr. Horrible is on his vlog, spouting off about the Evil League of Evil. He’s popular enough to be getting viewer emails and his ineptness at being a villain is apparent. A question about Penny (more on that later) leads us into the first song, “Laundry Day.” (Note: There are no official song titles yet, so I’ve taken the liberty of naming them for the purpose of this review.) “Laundry Day” is adorable—the rosy-tinted shot of Dr. Horrible and Penny dancing and the shoulder-jiggle by Dr. Horrible fits in perfectly as an introduction to the pair. The shot through the washer doors is fantastic—you can’t achieve that on stage. They’re so close to a real, audible connection! Dr. Horrible is interrupted by Moist, who brings in the mail, made limp by his powers of humidity. It’s the tiny details (like the mail) and the throw-away lines (like “I kinda thought I was supposed to end up with Bait.”) that make repeat viewings so enjoyable.
There’s a letter from Bad Horse, who really is a horse. Fun fact: one of the singing cowboys is Jed Whedon, but I can’t figure out which one. The Western-style of song would no doubt have been used if Firefly (RIP) ever had a musical episode. After, we get our first glimpse of Penny singing her “Helping Hands” song. She’s not pushy enough to get signatures, but her optimism doesn’t fade. The urgent spy music that accompanies Dr. Horrible on his overtake of the courier van is cut by the appearance of Penny. Their meeting is awkward, full of miscommunication, and mutual interest. Ah, young love! Dr. Horrible also goes by Billy—it’s unassuming and works for him without his lab coat. Her bit about how “if we can’t stick together, I don’t who can” is totally something I would say.
“A Man’s Gotta Do” is the last tune and the first time we see Captain Hammer. Sure, he’s got an ego bigger than his six-pack, but he sort of saves Penny. She’s instantly taken by his muscles and confidence. Can’t say I blame her! Captain Hammer tells Dr. Horrible that it’s “lacy, gently wafting curtains” for him—I’d bet anything that was a line they wanted to use for Mal Reynolds. Dr. Horrible walks off in shame, although he does have the Wonderflonium in hand. Balls!
Act 2
The duet (“Plain To See”) by Penny and Dr. Horrible is a musical masterpiece. It’s the exact same melody and timing, but the lyrics and emotion make Dr. Horrible’s part sorrowful and Penny’s part full of hope. That takes talent, my friends. Felicia Day really gets to showcase her lilting voice. Keep an eye out for the soup guy switch in the background! Also, the viewer can almost forgive Captain Hammer in the first act, but here he comes off as a complete jerkface.
Penny and Billy are now laundry friends and he “accidentally” brings her fro-yo. Question: Why do you eat fro-yo with a spork? Anyhow, the next five minutes bring some of the best bits of dialogue from Dr. Horrible. This is why I love Act Two the most.
1. What a crazy, random happenstance!
2. Like with pie!
3. I meant Gandhi…
4. Peace! But not literally.
5. Captain Hammer threw a *car* at my head.
6. Oh, look at my wrist! I gotta run!
7. I…don’t love these.
8. We’re meeting now for the first time.
The Bad Horse cronies show up after his epic freeze ray FAIL and tell him he has to kill someone. Bummer, because murder isn’t elegant or creative. He’s super depressed come the next laundry trip, but Penny reassures him that you have to have hope (“Penny’s Lament”). It’s interesting that this is a song about L.A. with lines like “Grief replaced with pity/For a city barely coping.” Some sort of meta-analysis on the writer’s strike when this was written, perhaps? They lean in for an almost-kiss that makes your stomach flip in anticipation. They so want each other. This scene is a lot harder to watch when you realize it’s the last time they’re alone before, well, you know.
Captain Hammer arrives and completely wrecks the mood. He’s got different plans than just French kissing in mind. This is the final straw for Dr. Horrible, who launches full force into “A Brand New Day.” This is the best song in the show, as far as I’m concerned. The rock ballad theme suits his desperation/resolve so well and the way the song is shot is powerfully memorable. Really, I just like it for the eye flick that NPH gives the camera during the first time he sings “So how can it be that you/Have shown me the liiight?” This was when I fell madly and deeply in love with NPH. Why must he not like girls?! Despite the fact that he’s singing about slaughtering Captain Hammer, you still root for him because he’s the underdog.
Act 3
“It’s a good day to be homeless!” says the newsanchor and what a good day indeed, with Captain Hammer on your side. “So They Say” is awfully upbeat for fairly downtrodden song from both Penny and Dr. Horrible. Another Whedon writer (Maurissa) makes a cameo as one of the hilarious groupies. Dr. Horrible is prepping for his overtake with a fancy new Death Ray, which means he misses out on fro-yo with Penny, who thinks Hammer is “pretty okay.” It alludes to “Brand New Day” and is a strong opener for the act. Cut to the new homeless shelter, where Captain Hammer gives a rousing speech without the aid of tiny cue cards. At least, it would be rousing if the Captain weren’t so wrapped up in himself. My favorite part is “Don’t worry that it’s hard/If you’re not a friggin’ tard/You will prevail.”
Holy tonal shift, Batman! Dr. Horrible is hiding under the blanket with a warmed-up freeze ray ready to fire. He shoots Captain Hammer and proceeds to wreak absolute havoc in the room. “Slipping” is bizarrely freakish and disturbing. Dr. Horrible keeps his cool, reigning in terror, and pauses to correct the spelling of his name. He wants all the cash, fame, and social change, but when it comes to doing the deed, he pauses for too long. The freeze ray stalls, leaving Captain Hammer ready for action. Just when Captain Hammer goes to shoot Horrible (“Give my regards to St. Peter, or whoever has his job, but in hell.”), the death ray explodes. Captain Hammer is left in crippling pain and cries out for “someone maternal.” Just when Dr. Horrible is feeling great about his victory, he notices Penny in the corner. She’s been hit with shrapnel from the death ray and even though he’s in his lab coat, she’s still able to identify him as Billy. The last words on her mouth are “Captain Hammer will save the…”
Dr. Horrible has all that he wished for, but not the girl. “Here Lies Everything” is tinged with melancholy from a chorus of ethereal angels. The Evil League of Evil (The Fake Thomas Jefferson and Dead Bowie are my favorite bad guys) gladly accept him and Moist helps in bank heists. The wicked party in his basement features a techno version of “A Brand New Day” and a bunch of his new friends. His new outfit is the color of bloodshed, but he doesn’t feel a thing. The show closes on a shot of Billy, vulnerable and haunted in his empty basement.
The End.
Joss Whedon’s religious and personal views have always affected his work. His fans are accustomed to the way he casually kills off characters and leaves things not-so-happily ever after. The way the musical ended is not terribly shocking, but it’s still confusing. Did Penny really have to die? I don’t think so. I can understand his choice to do so, but that still doesn’t keep us from wishing that things had ended where the villain gets the girl. Ultimately, there's this part of me that secretly loves sad endings, because those are the ones that stick with you.
In a traditional, full-length musical, things would have played out a little differently. It would have started with an ensemble number, introducing why the city has heroes. “A Brand New Day” would make for the perfect Act 1 closer in a traditional, two-act musical. After the climax at the homeless shelter, Penny would still be alive. She and Dr. Horrible would have a duet together that would end in a much-deserved kiss. They’d go on to do good things for the homeless and Dr. Horrible would maybe come over to the hero side.
The show is best compared to my third-favorite musical, Ashman and Menken’s Little Shop of Horrors. The music is lyrically similar and the plot lines aren’t terribly different. The movie version from the 80’s originally stuck with the ending of the play, but the producers requested that they change it because test audiences hated it. (Spoiler alert! Seymour and Audrey get married—in the play, everyone dies and I do mean everyone.) Plenty of musicals feature sad endings, such as Les Miserables, Light in the Piazza, Camelot, Sweeney Todd, and Rent. The difference between those and Dr. Horrible is that they leave you with at least some degree of hope in the world.
The dvd will provide two commentaries, a regular one and a musical version. It will be worth buying the dvd for the musical commentary alone. I’m hoping that it will provide some sort of insight into what Joss hoped to accomplish with the characters. There might be a sequel (I beg The Powers That Be to let there be a sequel) and there’s rampant speculation on the internet that Penny is still alive. (Jean Grey, much?)
2 Reasons Why She Could Still Be Alive
1. During her “Lament” scene, she’s dressed exactly in the colors of Snow White. It’s a little different than a poisoned apple, but the allusion stands.
2. “With hope, you can do your part to turn a life around,” she sings. Hope is a strong theme through the show, so keep that hope alive.
2 Reasons Why She’s Not
1. Dr. Horrible knows that there is no happy ending in his life. This isn’t how Joss rolls.
2. The viewer email inquiring about “her” is signed “Dead, Not Sleeping.” I think that’s about as clear as it gets.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is not what I expected, but I love it completely. Dr. Horrible may not feel anymore, but Joss Whedon is determined to make sure that we feel the impact of his work. It will be taken off the internet shortly, but for the love of Bad Horse, buy it on iTunes and support the cast and crew. And Joss, I’m kind of mad at you for what to did to my new favorite couple, but you can still be my homeboy. Deal?
So, that was kind of a downer, but I’m still crazy about Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. After many, many re-watchings, here’s how I feel about the songs, the characters, and the future of Dr. Horrible. (Also, this is crazy long and I promise this is the last I’ll post about it.)
Act 1
The first we see of Dr. Horrible is on his vlog, spouting off about the Evil League of Evil. He’s popular enough to be getting viewer emails and his ineptness at being a villain is apparent. A question about Penny (more on that later) leads us into the first song, “Laundry Day.” (Note: There are no official song titles yet, so I’ve taken the liberty of naming them for the purpose of this review.) “Laundry Day” is adorable—the rosy-tinted shot of Dr. Horrible and Penny dancing and the shoulder-jiggle by Dr. Horrible fits in perfectly as an introduction to the pair. The shot through the washer doors is fantastic—you can’t achieve that on stage. They’re so close to a real, audible connection! Dr. Horrible is interrupted by Moist, who brings in the mail, made limp by his powers of humidity. It’s the tiny details (like the mail) and the throw-away lines (like “I kinda thought I was supposed to end up with Bait.”) that make repeat viewings so enjoyable.
There’s a letter from Bad Horse, who really is a horse. Fun fact: one of the singing cowboys is Jed Whedon, but I can’t figure out which one. The Western-style of song would no doubt have been used if Firefly (RIP) ever had a musical episode. After, we get our first glimpse of Penny singing her “Helping Hands” song. She’s not pushy enough to get signatures, but her optimism doesn’t fade. The urgent spy music that accompanies Dr. Horrible on his overtake of the courier van is cut by the appearance of Penny. Their meeting is awkward, full of miscommunication, and mutual interest. Ah, young love! Dr. Horrible also goes by Billy—it’s unassuming and works for him without his lab coat. Her bit about how “if we can’t stick together, I don’t who can” is totally something I would say.
“A Man’s Gotta Do” is the last tune and the first time we see Captain Hammer. Sure, he’s got an ego bigger than his six-pack, but he sort of saves Penny. She’s instantly taken by his muscles and confidence. Can’t say I blame her! Captain Hammer tells Dr. Horrible that it’s “lacy, gently wafting curtains” for him—I’d bet anything that was a line they wanted to use for Mal Reynolds. Dr. Horrible walks off in shame, although he does have the Wonderflonium in hand. Balls!
Act 2
The duet (“Plain To See”) by Penny and Dr. Horrible is a musical masterpiece. It’s the exact same melody and timing, but the lyrics and emotion make Dr. Horrible’s part sorrowful and Penny’s part full of hope. That takes talent, my friends. Felicia Day really gets to showcase her lilting voice. Keep an eye out for the soup guy switch in the background! Also, the viewer can almost forgive Captain Hammer in the first act, but here he comes off as a complete jerkface.
Penny and Billy are now laundry friends and he “accidentally” brings her fro-yo. Question: Why do you eat fro-yo with a spork? Anyhow, the next five minutes bring some of the best bits of dialogue from Dr. Horrible. This is why I love Act Two the most.
1. What a crazy, random happenstance!
2. Like with pie!
3. I meant Gandhi…
4. Peace! But not literally.
5. Captain Hammer threw a *car* at my head.
6. Oh, look at my wrist! I gotta run!
7. I…don’t love these.
8. We’re meeting now for the first time.
The Bad Horse cronies show up after his epic freeze ray FAIL and tell him he has to kill someone. Bummer, because murder isn’t elegant or creative. He’s super depressed come the next laundry trip, but Penny reassures him that you have to have hope (“Penny’s Lament”). It’s interesting that this is a song about L.A. with lines like “Grief replaced with pity/For a city barely coping.” Some sort of meta-analysis on the writer’s strike when this was written, perhaps? They lean in for an almost-kiss that makes your stomach flip in anticipation. They so want each other. This scene is a lot harder to watch when you realize it’s the last time they’re alone before, well, you know.
Captain Hammer arrives and completely wrecks the mood. He’s got different plans than just French kissing in mind. This is the final straw for Dr. Horrible, who launches full force into “A Brand New Day.” This is the best song in the show, as far as I’m concerned. The rock ballad theme suits his desperation/resolve so well and the way the song is shot is powerfully memorable. Really, I just like it for the eye flick that NPH gives the camera during the first time he sings “So how can it be that you/Have shown me the liiight?” This was when I fell madly and deeply in love with NPH. Why must he not like girls?! Despite the fact that he’s singing about slaughtering Captain Hammer, you still root for him because he’s the underdog.
Act 3
“It’s a good day to be homeless!” says the newsanchor and what a good day indeed, with Captain Hammer on your side. “So They Say” is awfully upbeat for fairly downtrodden song from both Penny and Dr. Horrible. Another Whedon writer (Maurissa) makes a cameo as one of the hilarious groupies. Dr. Horrible is prepping for his overtake with a fancy new Death Ray, which means he misses out on fro-yo with Penny, who thinks Hammer is “pretty okay.” It alludes to “Brand New Day” and is a strong opener for the act. Cut to the new homeless shelter, where Captain Hammer gives a rousing speech without the aid of tiny cue cards. At least, it would be rousing if the Captain weren’t so wrapped up in himself. My favorite part is “Don’t worry that it’s hard/If you’re not a friggin’ tard/You will prevail.”
Holy tonal shift, Batman! Dr. Horrible is hiding under the blanket with a warmed-up freeze ray ready to fire. He shoots Captain Hammer and proceeds to wreak absolute havoc in the room. “Slipping” is bizarrely freakish and disturbing. Dr. Horrible keeps his cool, reigning in terror, and pauses to correct the spelling of his name. He wants all the cash, fame, and social change, but when it comes to doing the deed, he pauses for too long. The freeze ray stalls, leaving Captain Hammer ready for action. Just when Captain Hammer goes to shoot Horrible (“Give my regards to St. Peter, or whoever has his job, but in hell.”), the death ray explodes. Captain Hammer is left in crippling pain and cries out for “someone maternal.” Just when Dr. Horrible is feeling great about his victory, he notices Penny in the corner. She’s been hit with shrapnel from the death ray and even though he’s in his lab coat, she’s still able to identify him as Billy. The last words on her mouth are “Captain Hammer will save the…”
Dr. Horrible has all that he wished for, but not the girl. “Here Lies Everything” is tinged with melancholy from a chorus of ethereal angels. The Evil League of Evil (The Fake Thomas Jefferson and Dead Bowie are my favorite bad guys) gladly accept him and Moist helps in bank heists. The wicked party in his basement features a techno version of “A Brand New Day” and a bunch of his new friends. His new outfit is the color of bloodshed, but he doesn’t feel a thing. The show closes on a shot of Billy, vulnerable and haunted in his empty basement.
The End.
Joss Whedon’s religious and personal views have always affected his work. His fans are accustomed to the way he casually kills off characters and leaves things not-so-happily ever after. The way the musical ended is not terribly shocking, but it’s still confusing. Did Penny really have to die? I don’t think so. I can understand his choice to do so, but that still doesn’t keep us from wishing that things had ended where the villain gets the girl. Ultimately, there's this part of me that secretly loves sad endings, because those are the ones that stick with you.
In a traditional, full-length musical, things would have played out a little differently. It would have started with an ensemble number, introducing why the city has heroes. “A Brand New Day” would make for the perfect Act 1 closer in a traditional, two-act musical. After the climax at the homeless shelter, Penny would still be alive. She and Dr. Horrible would have a duet together that would end in a much-deserved kiss. They’d go on to do good things for the homeless and Dr. Horrible would maybe come over to the hero side.
The show is best compared to my third-favorite musical, Ashman and Menken’s Little Shop of Horrors. The music is lyrically similar and the plot lines aren’t terribly different. The movie version from the 80’s originally stuck with the ending of the play, but the producers requested that they change it because test audiences hated it. (Spoiler alert! Seymour and Audrey get married—in the play, everyone dies and I do mean everyone.) Plenty of musicals feature sad endings, such as Les Miserables, Light in the Piazza, Camelot, Sweeney Todd, and Rent. The difference between those and Dr. Horrible is that they leave you with at least some degree of hope in the world.
The dvd will provide two commentaries, a regular one and a musical version. It will be worth buying the dvd for the musical commentary alone. I’m hoping that it will provide some sort of insight into what Joss hoped to accomplish with the characters. There might be a sequel (I beg The Powers That Be to let there be a sequel) and there’s rampant speculation on the internet that Penny is still alive. (Jean Grey, much?)
2 Reasons Why She Could Still Be Alive
1. During her “Lament” scene, she’s dressed exactly in the colors of Snow White. It’s a little different than a poisoned apple, but the allusion stands.
2. “With hope, you can do your part to turn a life around,” she sings. Hope is a strong theme through the show, so keep that hope alive.
2 Reasons Why She’s Not
1. Dr. Horrible knows that there is no happy ending in his life. This isn’t how Joss rolls.
2. The viewer email inquiring about “her” is signed “Dead, Not Sleeping.” I think that’s about as clear as it gets.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is not what I expected, but I love it completely. Dr. Horrible may not feel anymore, but Joss Whedon is determined to make sure that we feel the impact of his work. It will be taken off the internet shortly, but for the love of Bad Horse, buy it on iTunes and support the cast and crew. And Joss, I’m kind of mad at you for what to did to my new favorite couple, but you can still be my homeboy. Deal?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Oh, the places you'll go!
Well, kids, this is it. My last day at college. The end of an era. The beginning of a life, with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology in hand. (Edit: So I guess college screwed me over in the apostrophe department, as that originally said "Bachelor's." In my defense, it was technically very early this morning when I wrote this.)
Anyhow.
It's not like I'm done with school forever; there's still my master's degree and a doctorate someday. It's strange, though. I've spent seven and a half semesters here over the course of thirty-seven months. Twenty-four roommates and five different apartments. I've made many, many joyful memories and learned countless lessons. Fittingly enough, most of what I learned didn't come from the classroom.
(Oh, just so you guys know, my school runs on a trimester schedule, hence the mid-July graduation.) And yeah, I'm pretty shocked over the fact that I'm barely twenty-one and graduating. I'm an over-achiever, always have been. I mean, when an old high school friend introduces you to her husband as "This is Gretchen! She's just like Hermione." you know you're doing something right, I guess.
I don't really know how to properly express what I'm feeling right now. I've been looking forward to this day ever since before I started kindergarten and....it's here. I finish my final final at 2 PM, the family will arrive, and then commencement at 6:30 PM.
Wow.
Wish me luck!
Anyhow.
It's not like I'm done with school forever; there's still my master's degree and a doctorate someday. It's strange, though. I've spent seven and a half semesters here over the course of thirty-seven months. Twenty-four roommates and five different apartments. I've made many, many joyful memories and learned countless lessons. Fittingly enough, most of what I learned didn't come from the classroom.
(Oh, just so you guys know, my school runs on a trimester schedule, hence the mid-July graduation.) And yeah, I'm pretty shocked over the fact that I'm barely twenty-one and graduating. I'm an over-achiever, always have been. I mean, when an old high school friend introduces you to her husband as "This is Gretchen! She's just like Hermione." you know you're doing something right, I guess.
I don't really know how to properly express what I'm feeling right now. I've been looking forward to this day ever since before I started kindergarten and....it's here. I finish my final final at 2 PM, the family will arrive, and then commencement at 6:30 PM.
Wow.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Vignettes From College
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Joss Whedon Is My Homeboy.
Oh, you guys. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog has left me utterly speechless. (But apparently not speechless enough to blog about it.) My inner fangirl is squee-ing out of control right now.
Quick Intro: Dr. Horrible was written by Joss Whedon and his family during the WGA Strike. It stars Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Harris, MD; How I Met Your Mother) as the awkward villain, Nathan Fillion (Firefly) as the not-so-perfect hero, and Felicia Day (The Guild) as the shiny girl at the laundromat. Each episode is around 10 minutes long and will air over the next week. (July 15--Act One; July 17--Act Two; July 19--Act Three) It will stay online until the 20th.
Act One Thoughts: WOW. I can almost forgive the strike for bringing us the most memorable internet event in a long time. The script benefits from having most of the Whedon clan as writers. I idolize Joss on many levels. He writes stories that you care about, well-defined characters, brash and sarcastic dialogue, and the MOST bad-A women that have ever been written. I'm not kidding when I say that I want nothing more in life that to be as strong as the ladies in the Whedon universe.
The musical sections are so broad and pithy they belong on Broadway. It clocks in at around thirteen minutes, but goes by way too fast. The beginning video blog portion from Dr. Horrible himself was almost on the verge of being overbearing, but then the first musical number kicks up and it revs right along. Dr. Horrible's friend and fellow villain Moist's line-delivery is simply hilarious, but the single funniest part is the initial greeting between Penny and Horrible.
I always knew Neil Patrick Harris (Dr. Horrible) was funny, but I never knew he was this funny. He handles the patented Whedon-wit with surprising aplomb and humor. His voice deftly carries the music--check out this video of him and Jason Segel singing the confrontation song from Les Mis. Felicia Day (Penny) is darling and SO awesome. I either want to go shopping with her or stalk her, I can't decide which. If you haven't watched her web series The Guild, you need to do that right after you watch Dr. Horrible five times in a row. (The Guild is a ten episode parody about web gamers that is dead on, but I should issue a language warning on that one.) Nathan Fillion (Captain Hammer) has always made me weak at the knees. Uber-swoonage! (swnage?) He's got a seriously good voice and you can just tell he is relishing every moment of this role. Zack Whedon wrote a short comic book based on Captain Hammer that you can read here.
It's quotable, singable, and is going to be referenced at conventions for a good fifty years from now. You can get the season pass for all three episodes on iTunes for $3.99. I know I'll buy the special edition DVD, the inevitable soundtrack, and a t-shirt.
Watch Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog here.
Quick Intro: Dr. Horrible was written by Joss Whedon and his family during the WGA Strike. It stars Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Harris, MD; How I Met Your Mother) as the awkward villain, Nathan Fillion (Firefly) as the not-so-perfect hero, and Felicia Day (The Guild) as the shiny girl at the laundromat. Each episode is around 10 minutes long and will air over the next week. (July 15--Act One; July 17--Act Two; July 19--Act Three) It will stay online until the 20th.
Act One Thoughts: WOW. I can almost forgive the strike for bringing us the most memorable internet event in a long time. The script benefits from having most of the Whedon clan as writers. I idolize Joss on many levels. He writes stories that you care about, well-defined characters, brash and sarcastic dialogue, and the MOST bad-A women that have ever been written. I'm not kidding when I say that I want nothing more in life that to be as strong as the ladies in the Whedon universe.
The musical sections are so broad and pithy they belong on Broadway. It clocks in at around thirteen minutes, but goes by way too fast. The beginning video blog portion from Dr. Horrible himself was almost on the verge of being overbearing, but then the first musical number kicks up and it revs right along. Dr. Horrible's friend and fellow villain Moist's line-delivery is simply hilarious, but the single funniest part is the initial greeting between Penny and Horrible.
I always knew Neil Patrick Harris (Dr. Horrible) was funny, but I never knew he was this funny. He handles the patented Whedon-wit with surprising aplomb and humor. His voice deftly carries the music--check out this video of him and Jason Segel singing the confrontation song from Les Mis. Felicia Day (Penny) is darling and SO awesome. I either want to go shopping with her or stalk her, I can't decide which. If you haven't watched her web series The Guild, you need to do that right after you watch Dr. Horrible five times in a row. (The Guild is a ten episode parody about web gamers that is dead on, but I should issue a language warning on that one.) Nathan Fillion (Captain Hammer) has always made me weak at the knees. Uber-swoonage! (swnage?) He's got a seriously good voice and you can just tell he is relishing every moment of this role. Zack Whedon wrote a short comic book based on Captain Hammer that you can read here.
It's quotable, singable, and is going to be referenced at conventions for a good fifty years from now. You can get the season pass for all three episodes on iTunes for $3.99. I know I'll buy the special edition DVD, the inevitable soundtrack, and a t-shirt.
Watch Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog here.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Help me, Obi-Blog Kenobi! You're my only hope!
I caught myself thinking the other day, "Man! I can't wait to finish up school so I can finally have time for a Tumblr Blog!" Sad, but true. Here's where you guys and gals come in--I'm undecided on a name. I believe in rocking the vote, so I'm going to employ the tried-and-true "pick your favorite" method. Also! I'll pick a random entrant to win a pair of gorgeous typewriter key earrings. (Details below.)
Here are my current choices for a title.
1. Ink In My Veins--I've had this quote from C. Astrid Weber rolling around in my head for a long time. "The coroner will find ink in my veins and blood on my typewriter keys." I love the imagery and it seems appropriate for the giveaway.
2. Tantalize--Simple, but also evocative. If I had my own perfume, I'd want it to be named this.
3. All Things Bright--It's a good allusion to Cecil Alexander. I also like that your brain just automatically fills in the "and Beautiful" without the words actually being there.
4. Set To Stun OR Set To Stunning--It has both a sci-fi and fashion flair. I'm so there. (Unintentional rhyme.)
5. An Everywhere of Silver--After my favorite Emily Dickinson poem.
6. Ampersand Girl--Elisabeth said it would make a good superhero name. I have to agree and thinks it suits me.
7. ???--Suggest your own!
I want a Tumblr Blog to post things like pictures, quotes, music, stuff I wish I could buy, and cool articles. It fills the space between twitter and blogging. In other words, I get more than 140 characters but I don't have to worry about cluttering my blog with stuff that's ultimately unrelated to my life. I'd like it to be classy, edgy, and maybe a tad bit haphazard at times. It also means I can focus on writing better content for my real blog. I'm excited to see what you guys think.
The Rulez
1. Leave your favorite title in the comments.
2. Anyone can enter. Yes, anyone. Anywhere in this whole wide world.
3. If you don't have a blog that will allow me to get in contact with you, please leave a valid email address.
4. I'll pick the winner using random.org.
5. The post will close to new comments at 5 P.M. MST a week from today. (July 28, 2008)
6. The winner will be responsible for providing me with a shipping address within three days of being notified or a new winner will be drawn.
7. The winner will be the proud owner of these fantastic Vintage Typewriter Key Earrings. (In white or black and with the letter or number of your choice.)
The people at QA Create make hand-made jewelry that's cunning and lovely. They offer free shipping in the United States, which is incredibly nice.
If you don't happen to win then you can still get 10% off your purchase using "Gretchen" as your coupon code. (How excited am I to have a coupon code in my honor? Pretty freakin' excited, that's what.)
Go!
Here are my current choices for a title.
1. Ink In My Veins--I've had this quote from C. Astrid Weber rolling around in my head for a long time. "The coroner will find ink in my veins and blood on my typewriter keys." I love the imagery and it seems appropriate for the giveaway.
2. Tantalize--Simple, but also evocative. If I had my own perfume, I'd want it to be named this.
3. All Things Bright--It's a good allusion to Cecil Alexander. I also like that your brain just automatically fills in the "and Beautiful" without the words actually being there.
4. Set To Stun OR Set To Stunning--It has both a sci-fi and fashion flair. I'm so there. (Unintentional rhyme.)
5. An Everywhere of Silver--After my favorite Emily Dickinson poem.
6. Ampersand Girl--Elisabeth said it would make a good superhero name. I have to agree and thinks it suits me.
7. ???--Suggest your own!
I want a Tumblr Blog to post things like pictures, quotes, music, stuff I wish I could buy, and cool articles. It fills the space between twitter and blogging. In other words, I get more than 140 characters but I don't have to worry about cluttering my blog with stuff that's ultimately unrelated to my life. I'd like it to be classy, edgy, and maybe a tad bit haphazard at times. It also means I can focus on writing better content for my real blog. I'm excited to see what you guys think.
The Rulez
1. Leave your favorite title in the comments.
2. Anyone can enter. Yes, anyone. Anywhere in this whole wide world.
3. If you don't have a blog that will allow me to get in contact with you, please leave a valid email address.
4. I'll pick the winner using random.org.
5. The post will close to new comments at 5 P.M. MST a week from today. (July 28, 2008)
6. The winner will be responsible for providing me with a shipping address within three days of being notified or a new winner will be drawn.
7. The winner will be the proud owner of these fantastic Vintage Typewriter Key Earrings. (In white or black and with the letter or number of your choice.)
The people at QA Create make hand-made jewelry that's cunning and lovely. They offer free shipping in the United States, which is incredibly nice.
If you don't happen to win then you can still get 10% off your purchase using "Gretchen" as your coupon code. (How excited am I to have a coupon code in my honor? Pretty freakin' excited, that's what.)
Go!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Memo
From: Blog Headquarters
To: My fabulous readers
Date: July 13, 2008
Time: 6:00 PM
Subject: Sometimes change is a good thing
Dear readers,
This is a big week for me.
Monday: Neuroscience presentation, Bastille Day
Tuesday: The premiere of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Wednesday: Final neuro paper due
Thursday: New Office webisode, Abnormal Psych final, Ethics paper due (or is that Friday? I'd better find out so I can know how long to procrastinate.)
Friday: The Dark Knight! Mamma Mia! ... Oh yeah, and graduation, I guess.
Saturday: Drive home for good!
But unlike last semester, this isn't my notice that I'm disappearing from the blogging world for a week. Actually, I've got some really fun stuff planned, especially tomorrow. You'll see. ;)
Vague promises aside, this is just to inform you of a few things going on here at Gretch-a-sketch. You might remember that a while back I considered making the switch to wordpress. I gave that a shot, even going so far as to make a really spiffy new header and everything. I liked most of the features, but for the time being I'm going to stick with blogger.
Therefore, I've made a few changes to the site to make it more appealing and user-friendly. It's now three-columns and there's also a slightly altered color palette. I've added links on the left for all the important stuff, including a new About page and Links page. The links list was highly laborious, but worth it. There is some true quality contained in that page. Now you can see just why the internet makes me so un-productive. Also, I updated my blog roll. It's insanely long, but if I left you off, please let me know and I'll add you! Seriously, praises be to Google Reader for allowing me to keep up with you. I deleted the Navigation Bar at the top and added a search form on the left side. There's still tweaking to be done, but that's the brunt of it.
Lastly, I'm going on vacation from the 23rd to the 30th. I wish I could say that meant I was going to either BlogHer or ComicCon (I'm not really picky), but I'll be at the OPPOSITE END OF THE COUNTRY. Ohio and upstate New York, to be exact. I'm really quite thrilled. Honest! I bet you can guess where this is going... If you're interested in guest blogging, either leave me a comment or shoot me an email at lady.luck.05(@)gmail.com. Help a sister out? Pretty please? I'll bring back souvenirs for you!
I think that about wraps it up--back to our regularly scheduled discussion of random lists, awesome media, and why Jim Halpert looks good in sweaters.
Best,
Blog HQ
To: My fabulous readers
Date: July 13, 2008
Time: 6:00 PM
Subject: Sometimes change is a good thing
Dear readers,
This is a big week for me.
Monday: Neuroscience presentation, Bastille Day
Tuesday: The premiere of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Wednesday: Final neuro paper due
Thursday: New Office webisode, Abnormal Psych final, Ethics paper due (or is that Friday? I'd better find out so I can know how long to procrastinate.)
Friday: The Dark Knight! Mamma Mia! ... Oh yeah, and graduation, I guess.
Saturday: Drive home for good!
But unlike last semester, this isn't my notice that I'm disappearing from the blogging world for a week. Actually, I've got some really fun stuff planned, especially tomorrow. You'll see. ;)
Vague promises aside, this is just to inform you of a few things going on here at Gretch-a-sketch. You might remember that a while back I considered making the switch to wordpress. I gave that a shot, even going so far as to make a really spiffy new header and everything. I liked most of the features, but for the time being I'm going to stick with blogger.
Therefore, I've made a few changes to the site to make it more appealing and user-friendly. It's now three-columns and there's also a slightly altered color palette. I've added links on the left for all the important stuff, including a new About page and Links page. The links list was highly laborious, but worth it. There is some true quality contained in that page. Now you can see just why the internet makes me so un-productive. Also, I updated my blog roll. It's insanely long, but if I left you off, please let me know and I'll add you! Seriously, praises be to Google Reader for allowing me to keep up with you. I deleted the Navigation Bar at the top and added a search form on the left side. There's still tweaking to be done, but that's the brunt of it.
Lastly, I'm going on vacation from the 23rd to the 30th. I wish I could say that meant I was going to either BlogHer or ComicCon (I'm not really picky), but I'll be at the OPPOSITE END OF THE COUNTRY. Ohio and upstate New York, to be exact. I'm really quite thrilled. Honest! I bet you can guess where this is going... If you're interested in guest blogging, either leave me a comment or shoot me an email at lady.luck.05(@)gmail.com. Help a sister out? Pretty please? I'll bring back souvenirs for you!
I think that about wraps it up--back to our regularly scheduled discussion of random lists, awesome media, and why Jim Halpert looks good in sweaters.
Best,
Blog HQ
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Swaying Isn't Dancing
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Summer Sun, Something's Begun
I don't know how well this will work as a meme, but I'm curious to see how it goes.
Summer Senses Meme
List the things you love about summer for each of the five senses and tag five people at the end. Simple!
Taste: Charred burgers with American cheese, gnawing on a grape popsicle stick long after the popsicle is gone, ripe summer fruit (watermelon, peaches, strawberries, grapes), chewing on the ice from a cherry limeade, hot dogs covered in ketchup and relish, potato salad with olives, pistachio ice cream in sugar cones
Touch: Warm grass, air-conditioned movie theaters, sand so hot it burns your feet, evening breezes, catching a Frisbee between your fingers, grasping ribs slick with barbecue sauce, t-shirts softer than down, flipping the pages of a brand-new chick lit book
Sight: Cherry-stained lips, lime green toenails, corn-on-the-cob dripping with butter, fireflies sparking on and off, parade floats, antique roses, tan lines from flip-flops
Smell: A fired-up grill, chlorine, sulfur from fireworks, lilacs, rain on dirt, the tang of salty ocean water, fresh hay, movie popcorn
Auditory: Neighbor kids playing at the park, the Beach Boys, thunder outside your window, over-played radio hits like Pocketful of Sunshine, sandals on pavement, the whirr of the homemade ice cream machine, the Grease soundtrack
Summer Senses Meme
List the things you love about summer for each of the five senses and tag five people at the end. Simple!
Taste: Charred burgers with American cheese, gnawing on a grape popsicle stick long after the popsicle is gone, ripe summer fruit (watermelon, peaches, strawberries, grapes), chewing on the ice from a cherry limeade, hot dogs covered in ketchup and relish, potato salad with olives, pistachio ice cream in sugar cones
Touch: Warm grass, air-conditioned movie theaters, sand so hot it burns your feet, evening breezes, catching a Frisbee between your fingers, grasping ribs slick with barbecue sauce, t-shirts softer than down, flipping the pages of a brand-new chick lit book
Sight: Cherry-stained lips, lime green toenails, corn-on-the-cob dripping with butter, fireflies sparking on and off, parade floats, antique roses, tan lines from flip-flops
Smell: A fired-up grill, chlorine, sulfur from fireworks, lilacs, rain on dirt, the tang of salty ocean water, fresh hay, movie popcorn
Auditory: Neighbor kids playing at the park, the Beach Boys, thunder outside your window, over-played radio hits like Pocketful of Sunshine, sandals on pavement, the whirr of the homemade ice cream machine, the Grease soundtrack
I tag: Edge, Elisabeth, Srah, Dr. Bolte, Q, Chilly, Jamie, Jenn, Cuileann, EP, Erin, Heather, Megan, and Megan.
(Okay, so I cheated there and tagged a random butt-load of you. I figured it couldn't hurt in getting it off the ground. If I didn't tag you and you're struck by some summer adoration, I'd also be delighted to see what you love about summer.)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Wrapped Up In Books
(50 cool points to me for referencing Belle & Sebastian in the title. Also, sorry for the font size issues. Blogger won't let me fix it and needs 15 minutes in time-out. At least Twitter will be there to keep it company.)
The Big Read 100
The Big Read 100
1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (Confession: The only Austen I've ever read. I want to read the others, I just...haven't.)
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien (I'm kind of a LOTR geek.)
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (Liked it, didn't love it.)
4. The Harry Potter Series - JK Rowling (On a fanatical level. Seriously.)
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (In my top five.)
6. The Bible (I got an award in Seminary for reading ALL of the standard works.)
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman (I read these and I still have my faith! Wow!)
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (This is my forever Number One book.)
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare (The entire works? No way. But I have read a fair amount, so I'm counting it.)
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien (Fun fact: Gandalf and I both have INTJ personalities.)
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger (I wanted to move to NY desperately after reading this.)
19. The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (I don't feel strongly about this book one way or the other.)
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams (DON'T PANIC.)
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (This book is psycho.)
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (Not all, but most.)
34. Emma - Jane Austen (Actually, Jane Austen had an INTJ personality as well. Cool, no?)
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (I will always have an age-inappropriate crush on Peter.)
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres (All I know about this is that it looked like a really crappy Nicolas Cage movie.)
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne (Adorable!)
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell (This is just a cool book.)
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (It's poorly written and sensationalized, but it's still a fun read.)
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (Oh, Gil!)
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding (I was the ONLY girl in my 12th grade English class to like this book.)
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan (This is actually first on my list of things to read after I graduate.)
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel (I need to re-read this.)
52. Dune - Frank Herbert (I tried reading a few of the sequels, but they just didn't work for me.)
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens (Ugh.)
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon (Awesome, awesome book.)
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (Danged depressing, that's what.)
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov Nabokov (I'm currently working on Reading Lolita in Tehran.)
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas (Edmund is a totally hot book character. He should have been on my list.)
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones’ Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens (I was going to mark this as a to-read, but I really don't like Dickens. Not gonna bother.)
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (Great book, good movie, not that crazy about the musical.)
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens (Maybe the only Dickens I can tolerate.)
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87. Charlotte’s Web - EB White (I'm currently working on a list of my favorite kid's books. This is on there.)
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom (Eh. Frankly, I thought it was a tad trite.)
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad (If you want to almost ruin reading for high school kids, make them read this.)
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery (Love it.)
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams (Because women love that sensitive nautical.)
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (Roald Dahl is mostly responsible for my weird sense of humor.)
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
(What, no Huck Finn? I'm sure there are many others left out, but that's the first that came to mind.)
Read count: 31--which is decent, but I can do better. (I guess the average adult has only read 6 or something, so in that regard I'm doing great.)
To be read: 28--I've got my work cut out for me. The prospect of so many books to read makes me happy and tingly.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Top Three: Police logs from this past week
In roughly two weeks, I move away from my teeny college town. I'm not terribly saddened by this fact, but there are a few things I'll miss, such as the quaint homes, the cheap theater, and the crime report.
1. Unlocked door at Maurice's--No biggie, but did the police really need to be called in on this? I mean really?
2. Theft (wooden pallets from Albertsons)--"Hey guys! I know where we can get wood for our bonfire! Oh yeah, I had a roommate who did this all the time!" I am 100% positive this is what happened.
3. Complaint of elderly woman harassing subject with homemade jelly--Maybe it's best not to know.
1. Unlocked door at Maurice's--No biggie, but did the police really need to be called in on this? I mean really?
2. Theft (wooden pallets from Albertsons)--"Hey guys! I know where we can get wood for our bonfire! Oh yeah, I had a roommate who did this all the time!" I am 100% positive this is what happened.
3. Complaint of elderly woman harassing subject with homemade jelly--Maybe it's best not to know.
Fancy Free
Have you watched Dr. Horrible a hajillion times yet? I have!
Anyhow, since you like winning free stuff and I like winning free stuff, here's a compilation of all the free stuff you can win in the blogosphere as of late. (Yes, I have no shame.)
Stephmodo is gifting one free subscription to the new "Seeing the Everyday" magazine. Closes 7-16.
Katria is giving away something handmade. She hasn't decided yet, but I'm sure it will be cute. Closes 7-26.
Chilly just reached 300 posts and is giving away Pirates of the Caribbean Monopoly. Closes 7-19.
Mama Sparkles has a TON of giveaways going on right now, including my personal favorite of capes for kids. Closes 7-18.
D. Sharp makes these great Eiffel Tower candy containers and is giving away three. Closes 7-22.
Mindi is giving away a Kohl's gift card and some other prizes. Closes 7-28.
Jamie has yet another dazzling etsy giveaway for a cozy sister Venetian glass ring. Closes 7-18.
And I'm giving away typewriter earrings--what are you waiting for?
Anyhow, since you like winning free stuff and I like winning free stuff, here's a compilation of all the free stuff you can win in the blogosphere as of late. (Yes, I have no shame.)
Stephmodo is gifting one free subscription to the new "Seeing the Everyday" magazine. Closes 7-16.
Katria is giving away something handmade. She hasn't decided yet, but I'm sure it will be cute. Closes 7-26.
Chilly just reached 300 posts and is giving away Pirates of the Caribbean Monopoly. Closes 7-19.
Mama Sparkles has a TON of giveaways going on right now, including my personal favorite of capes for kids. Closes 7-18.
D. Sharp makes these great Eiffel Tower candy containers and is giving away three. Closes 7-22.
Mindi is giving away a Kohl's gift card and some other prizes. Closes 7-28.
Jamie has yet another dazzling etsy giveaway for a cozy sister Venetian glass ring. Closes 7-18.
And I'm giving away typewriter earrings--what are you waiting for?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
You brought music back into the house. I had forgotten.
There is a wild thunderstorm outside right now. It's times like this I wish I had a governess.
I'm pretty sure any girl's interest in authoritative men can be traced back to Captain Von Trapp.
I'm pretty sure any girl's interest in authoritative men can be traced back to Captain Von Trapp.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Everybody's gone surfin'
Edge tagged me for the Seven Songs meme. Since I'm all about getting good music noticed, this is right up my alley.
List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they’re listening to. (...or not. If you want to play, be my guest.)
1. Strawberry Swing; Coldplay
Really, this whole album is insanely good. And I realize listing this makes me even whiter, according to Christian Lander.
2. It's Oh So Quiet; Björk
This chick is certifiably psycho, but I'm crazy about her.
3. Hummingbird; Wilco
This song speaks so many things to me about summer. It's probably my summer anthem.
4. Sugar Magnolia, Grateful Dead
Gah, I'm such a hippie sometimes.
5. You Don't Make It Easy Babe; Josh Ritter
"I'm trying hard to love you/But you don't make it easy, babe." Swoon!
6. Superstar; Tegan and Sara
Angry girl rock at its absolute finest.
7. Start Wearing Purple; Gogal Bordello
Totally bizarre. I love it.
Bonus: If I Never See Your Face Again; Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna
Pop perfection! This song is to summer music as snow cones are to summer carnivals.
Heard anything good lately?
List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they’re listening to. (...or not. If you want to play, be my guest.)
1. Strawberry Swing; Coldplay
Really, this whole album is insanely good. And I realize listing this makes me even whiter, according to Christian Lander.
2. It's Oh So Quiet; Björk
This chick is certifiably psycho, but I'm crazy about her.
3. Hummingbird; Wilco
This song speaks so many things to me about summer. It's probably my summer anthem.
4. Sugar Magnolia, Grateful Dead
Gah, I'm such a hippie sometimes.
5. You Don't Make It Easy Babe; Josh Ritter
"I'm trying hard to love you/But you don't make it easy, babe." Swoon!
6. Superstar; Tegan and Sara
Angry girl rock at its absolute finest.
7. Start Wearing Purple; Gogal Bordello
Totally bizarre. I love it.
Bonus: If I Never See Your Face Again; Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna
Pop perfection! This song is to summer music as snow cones are to summer carnivals.
Heard anything good lately?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Pansies, Pt. 2
So here's what happened.
Last night I attended the Grad Night put on by my school. There were some really inspirational talks and I enjoyed myself. It was a nice way to finish up an otherwise awful day. Let's just say it involved me locking myself out of the apartment (my cell phone was definitely next to my bed) and making an emergency run to Payless to buy shoes because we can't wear flip-flops on campus. I know, right? The one day I decide to wear flip-flops to my internship... Anyhow, the shoes were only like five bucks and they were rip-offs of the Croc Ballet Flats. I'm sternly anti-Crocs (like, I would vote for the candidate who promised to ban them) but fairly ambivalent towards the flats. So my feet looked ridiculous, but they were actually comfy for about fifteen minutes. By the end of the day, my pinkie toes looked like bloody Vienna Sausages and I ended up walking back to my car barefoot.
Meanwhile, back atthe ranch Grad Night, we all shuffled into the Cultural Hall for refreshments and Nifty Gifties. The grad bags were charmingly packaged in a burlap sack and came with an ice scraper and an Idaho Spud candy bar, I KID YOU NOT. By the time I get my plate of crackers, cheese, and veggies (Hey mom! I ate vegetables tonight!), there's this guy sitting a couple of seats over. Unmarried? Check. Apparently old enough to be graduating? Check. Cute? Chizzeck.
"So, what are you graduating in?" (Ending in a preposition? Smooth, Gretchen.)
He finishes chewing his celery. It figures I ask right when he's eating the most awkward vegetable in the world.
"Psychology."
"Hey, me too!" (I've never had a class with him, but it turns out he's a transfer student.)
We converse for some time, covering topics like hometowns and how we liked the university. Gradually it shifts into favorite movies, hobbies, and where we'd like to travel. (He'd like to spend half a year just touring Europe and I have to restrain myself from outright asking him to go with me.) He's interesting, intelligent, and omg he surfs. I casually mention that I've never been surfing, but I've always wanted to try! (And THAT was a blatant lie. You would have done the same thing.)
It gets to that point where there's nothing but brownie crumbs on our plates and I'm chewing the last bits of ice in my cup. I've got homework, so I gracefully mention that and start to get up. I still didn't know his name, so I ask and tell him mine. I pause for a second, just in case he wanted to ask me out or something. Nothing. Nada. I wish him luck in his life and walk away.
Okay, I don't think I did anything wrong here. I was charming, attentive, and looked halfway-decent. (I was having a total Hermione Granger hair day, but otherwise? Not too shabby.)
He was clearly interested. I hate, hate, HATE it when they don't act. I know it's nerve-wracking--heaven only knows I've asked out my fair share of boys on dates. Was there anything I could have done/said differently? I'm so sick of the guys up here not having the guts to just ask girls out. COME ON!
For what it's worth, my date on Friday was fun. The zoo was closed early, so we played mini golf and raced go-karts. Let the record show I kicked some serious trash at go-karts. No sparks, but there was much quoting of The Office and an impromptu rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody on the green.
Last night I attended the Grad Night put on by my school. There were some really inspirational talks and I enjoyed myself. It was a nice way to finish up an otherwise awful day. Let's just say it involved me locking myself out of the apartment (my cell phone was definitely next to my bed) and making an emergency run to Payless to buy shoes because we can't wear flip-flops on campus. I know, right? The one day I decide to wear flip-flops to my internship... Anyhow, the shoes were only like five bucks and they were rip-offs of the Croc Ballet Flats. I'm sternly anti-Crocs (like, I would vote for the candidate who promised to ban them) but fairly ambivalent towards the flats. So my feet looked ridiculous, but they were actually comfy for about fifteen minutes. By the end of the day, my pinkie toes looked like bloody Vienna Sausages and I ended up walking back to my car barefoot.
Meanwhile, back at
"So, what are you graduating in?" (Ending in a preposition? Smooth, Gretchen.)
He finishes chewing his celery. It figures I ask right when he's eating the most awkward vegetable in the world.
"Psychology."
"Hey, me too!" (I've never had a class with him, but it turns out he's a transfer student.)
We converse for some time, covering topics like hometowns and how we liked the university. Gradually it shifts into favorite movies, hobbies, and where we'd like to travel. (He'd like to spend half a year just touring Europe and I have to restrain myself from outright asking him to go with me.) He's interesting, intelligent, and omg he surfs. I casually mention that I've never been surfing, but I've always wanted to try! (And THAT was a blatant lie. You would have done the same thing.)
It gets to that point where there's nothing but brownie crumbs on our plates and I'm chewing the last bits of ice in my cup. I've got homework, so I gracefully mention that and start to get up. I still didn't know his name, so I ask and tell him mine. I pause for a second, just in case he wanted to ask me out or something. Nothing. Nada. I wish him luck in his life and walk away.
Okay, I don't think I did anything wrong here. I was charming, attentive, and looked halfway-decent. (I was having a total Hermione Granger hair day, but otherwise? Not too shabby.)
He was clearly interested. I hate, hate, HATE it when they don't act. I know it's nerve-wracking--heaven only knows I've asked out my fair share of boys on dates. Was there anything I could have done/said differently? I'm so sick of the guys up here not having the guts to just ask girls out. COME ON!
For what it's worth, my date on Friday was fun. The zoo was closed early, so we played mini golf and raced go-karts. Let the record show I kicked some serious trash at go-karts. No sparks, but there was much quoting of The Office and an impromptu rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody on the green.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
About
Hi! I’m Gretchen. I’m a college grad, writer, future librarian, and music junkie.
The "everybody and television" quote is a variation on a quote from Kenneth the Page. He makes my life worth living.
I'm attracted to the simple things in life, such as a good novel, a well-crafted cd, rain, Jim Halpert, scrabble, and pie. I have both a deeply practical side and a truly hopeless romantic side that are often at odds.
The "everybody and television" quote is a variation on a quote from Kenneth the Page. He makes my life worth living.
I'm attracted to the simple things in life, such as a good novel, a well-crafted cd, rain, Jim Halpert, scrabble, and pie. I have both a deeply practical side and a truly hopeless romantic side that are often at odds.
I love cherry pop tarts and hate asparagus. It also really bothers me when liner notes don't include lyrics.
Please reach me at gretchenalice (@) gmail.com if you have any questions, know any fabulously wealthy men you'd like to set me up with...or if you want to add me on Facebook. That's cool, too.
(Credit for the Street Food Friday pic comes from here and we have Doniree to thank for making the badge.)
I'm always curious about what other bloggers look like. This is me, circa February 2011.
(Credit for the Street Food Friday pic comes from here and we have Doniree to thank for making the badge.)
I'm always curious about what other bloggers look like. This is me, circa February 2011.
Links
Style & Shopping
{this is glamorous}
Awesome!
Anthropologie
J. Crew
Piperlime
GenPink
Mighty Goods
Creme de la Mode
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Pop Culture Tees
The Sartorialist
Pink of Perfection
A Merry Mishap
Black*Eiffel
Martha Stewart
Happy Mundane
Stephmodo
SwissMiss
The Love List
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Hair Thursday
Ikea Hacker
Love Made Visible
Threadless
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Pinot and Prose
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Smitten Kitchen
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Eggs On Sunday
Happiness in a Bite
Closet Cooking
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David Leibovitz
We Are Not Martha
Books & Authors
Laini Taylor
Meg Cabot
Tamora Pierce
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7 Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Holly Black
Robin Brande
Couture's Fashionable Reads
Two Jews Reviews
Sarah Miller
Shelf Talker
Television & Music
Whedonesque
Office Tally
Pregnant Cornbread
Ramblings of a TV Whore
Give Me My Remote
Ashley Awesome
Ken Levine
75 or Less Music Reviews
Daytrotter
Tuneage
Ultimate Guitar
Webcomics & Humor
McSweeney's
Dreadcrumbs
Indexed
Cute Overload
I Can Has Cheezburger?
Eric D. Snider
The 100 Hour Board
Despair, Inc.
Crummy Church Signs
Post Secret
Stuff White People Like
xkcd
Dinosaur Comics
Theodore--friend to all
The Comics Curmudgeon
Wondermark
Questionable Content
Toothpaste for Dinner
Natalie Dee
Married to the Sea
A Simple Apology
Unshelved
{this is glamorous}
Awesome!
Anthropologie
J. Crew
Piperlime
GenPink
Mighty Goods
Creme de la Mode
OpieFoto
Rising Rain
Pop Culture Tees
The Sartorialist
Pink of Perfection
A Merry Mishap
Black*Eiffel
Martha Stewart
Happy Mundane
Stephmodo
SwissMiss
The Love List
The Kit Kat Club
Hair Thursday
Ikea Hacker
Love Made Visible
Threadless
Food & Drink
Pinot and Prose
Coconut & Lime
Smitten Kitchen
The Pioneer Woman Cooks
Eggs On Sunday
Happiness in a Bite
Closet Cooking
Matt Bites
David Leibovitz
We Are Not Martha
Books & Authors
Laini Taylor
Meg Cabot
Tamora Pierce
Justine Larbalestier
J.K. Rowling
Janette Rallison
John Green
Laurie Halse Anderson
Nathan Bransford
7 Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Holly Black
Robin Brande
Couture's Fashionable Reads
Two Jews Reviews
Sarah Miller
Shelf Talker
Television & Music
Whedonesque
Office Tally
Pregnant Cornbread
Ramblings of a TV Whore
Give Me My Remote
Ashley Awesome
Ken Levine
75 or Less Music Reviews
Daytrotter
Tuneage
Ultimate Guitar
Webcomics & Humor
McSweeney's
Dreadcrumbs
Indexed
Cute Overload
I Can Has Cheezburger?
Eric D. Snider
The 100 Hour Board
Despair, Inc.
Crummy Church Signs
Post Secret
Stuff White People Like
xkcd
Dinosaur Comics
Theodore--friend to all
The Comics Curmudgeon
Wondermark
Questionable Content
Toothpaste for Dinner
Natalie Dee
Married to the Sea
A Simple Apology
Unshelved
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