All Of It

What I'm Reading: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

2012-01-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

Cell Phone Spam

2012-01-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

It's a new year that brings new opportunities for spammers. I have already received 3 spam texts and this is just the 1st day of the new year. I went to the National Do Not Call Registry website. Good news: Registration no longer expires. If you register your phone numbers after February 2008, you won't have to do it again. So, now's as good a time as any. If anyone calls or texts after you register, you can file a complaint at the same site.

Goals Update

2011-07-23T08:12:00.000-04:00

Last year, I posted a list of goals I wanted to accomplish by July 1st, 2011. It is near the end of July, so I figured I should post the results:

goals

pay off a credit account and close it - done
get the siding fixed - attempted
go camping with my family
get emergency fund back up to 1000
finish 3 crochet projects - finished 2 crochet projects
read 6 books - read 3 books
have a poem published in a magazine
hike at least 5 miles of the Appalachian trail

Details:

We paid off the van.
I talked to someone about price and they said they would do it (twice). But they never showed up.
I kind of gave up on this one. Since my health issues have gotten worse, I haven't wanted to deal with trying to sleep in a tent (which was my original goal). I am considering cabin camping for the fall. We'll see.
While I haven't put any additional money into our designated "emergency fund" in the past year, Bob and I each have been adding to our individual savings accounts. Of course, we plan to use a lot of that on our vacation next month.
I made a hat for my son, Devin, and a shrug for me. I don't think I like the shrug. I have only had questionable comments about it when I wore it.
I only read 3 books in the past year. I have to get better at this. I used to read at least 10 to 12 books a year. Lately, I have only been reading at bedtime, and it is hard to get through a book when you are falling asleep.
I haven't really attempted to do this. However, I have published an article at Suite101.com.
Same as #3, above. My condition has really flared-up in the past year. But this goal is not completely out of the question for the future. I figure I can manage small hikes when I am having good days. However, the risk of falling on uneven terrain (and damaging joints) may give me pause.

Now, I guess I should consider goals for the next 12 months. I'll have to think about those and post them later.

Amateur sleuth Yaakov German helps cops catch Levi Aron and solve murder of Leiby Kletzky

2011-07-15T07:18:00.000-04:00

Amateur sleuth Yaakov German helps cops catch Levi Aron and solve murder of Leiby Kletzky

Citizen's detective work leads to arrest of alleged child-killer.

My First Suite 101 Article

2011-06-08T06:36:00.000-04:00

Check out my first Suite 101 article: Are you Tech-Savy? Beyond the Basics of Electronic Security.

Me and My (lack of) Writing

2011-01-23T12:44:00.000-05:00

I haven't written in a long time. I've been feeling useless. My writing has gotten more and more sparse. I've finally been accepted to write on another blog, but my mind has gone blank. Writer's block, I suppose. Or maybe I think that there's no one interested in what I would say. Heck, I don't even know why I'm writing this.

My life has changed so much in the past 12 months. I have pain every day of my life. From the tests, so far, it looks like rheumatoid arthritis, but the rheumatoligist has yet to make a specific diagnosis. I take pain medication, but no DMARDs. I don't like to talk about it too much, but I guess people can tell something is going on. Besides the pain and stiffness, it makes my tire easily, have difficulty balancing when I walk and weakens my hands. I don't want people to treat me differently, I just want to find different ways to "make do".

I am still trying to find my place; what I can do (and want to do) within the time limits of my lower energy. I can't say if, or how, writing will fit into all this. I do miss the writing, but there are other things I also want to do.

Why the Mosque at Ground Zero is Neither

2010-11-13T15:09:00.000-05:00

There has been a lot of talk in the past few months about the so-called Mosque at Ground zero. This media-promoted name is enough to make any red-blooded American protest. But if you examine further, you will find that this is not what is going on at all.

This building is not going to be a mosque. It is to be a community center. Sound like semantics? Not really. A mosque is a building used for Muslim worship, education and the settling of disputes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque). While prayer space will be available on one of it's 15 floors, it is primarily a community center. It will boast a 500-seat auditorium, conference rooms, library, banquet room, classrooms, gym and pool. (http://www.cordobainitiative.org/?q=content/frequently-asked-questions)

The proposed building is not at the location of ground zero, but two blocks away. It is not even visible from ground zero.

This project, named the Cordoba Initiative, is being spear-headed by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf. He is a Sufi Muslim, author of the book What's Right with Islam is What's Right with America, and Imam of Masjid al-Farah in New York City. His life's work has been to serve as a bridge between the faiths. Sufi Muslims are a minority in Islam. They are a mystic sect and are not accepted by many Sunni and Shia Muslims. The terrorists on the planes on 911 were Sunni Muslims from Saudi Arabia but, more importantly, they were religious extremists.

Time to Vote

2010-11-02T07:11:00.004-04:00

For unbiased voter information, check out this site at the League of Women Voters.

http://www.smartvoter.org/

Olympic Torch in Alabama 1996

2010-10-16T08:50:00.004-04:00

I volunteered at this event in 1996. The Olympic Torch traveled to Jasmine Hill Gardens in Alabama. Jasmine Hill Gardens is an outdoor museum that contains/displays full-scale replicas of ruins and statuary of ancient Greece, including the Temple of Hera. This video, after a short tour of the grounds, records the ceremony of the Olympic Torch Lighting in Greece for the Centennial Olympics, part of the travels of the Olympic Torch and its arrival at Jasmine Hill Gardens in Alabama.

link:
http://www.jasminehill.org/video2.html

Who You Are

2010-08-20T06:52:00.003-04:00

You are more than your ancestry and the culmination of all that has gone before you. Though that is a great thing. You are more than the execution of your DNA, inherited from your parents. You create yourself and demonstrate yourself through every new thought you execute, through every action you take, through every choice you make.

Goals: 8 Goals Between Now and July 1, 2011

2010-07-18T17:23:00.002-04:00

On the 5th, I wrote that I have been working on my goal list for the next year. Here is that list. I have only eight things on the list, but I hope to accomplish all of them.

I will update my progress on this blog and use the tag: goals. I hope this inspires others to create their own list.

goals

pay off a credit account and close it
get the siding fixed
go camping with my family
get emergency fund back up to 1000
finish 3 crochet projects
read 6 books
have a poem published in a magazine
hike at least 5 miles of the Appalachian trail

Personal musings, etc.

2010-07-05T13:16:00.005-04:00

All week, at work, I think there are so many things I want to say-to blog about. But the weekend comes, and nothing. I just end up relaxing or running the kids around. It's like my brain is drained by the end of the week. I miss writing regularly on my blog.

Well, right now I am reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. I'm in the middle and it is starting to get interesting. I also started working on goals to accomplish by July 1st 2011. I got the idea here from Blade376. I only have about 12 things on my list, but I am pretty excited about it. I will share them on here, I don't have the list readily available at the moment.

On June 5th I had my gall bladder taken out. It was my first surgery, and it went fine. Just figured I'd mention it here. I am back up to 100% now.

Food, Toys, and Parental Responsibility

2010-05-02T07:18:00.003-04:00

This past week, Santa Clara County (California) supervisors passed a law prohibiting the inclusion of toys in children's meals unless the meal meets certain caloric and sodium guidelines (no more than 485 calories or 600 milligrams of sodium). This is just another step in the ongoing movement to have government take away our choices and our responsibilities.

The most visible target of this ordinance is McDonald's. People see statistics on childhood obesity and want to do something about it. I can understand that. We had so much more physical activity when I was growing up. We had gym class more than once a week (which is how often my teen sons have it). We could join sports without having to make major monetary investments. We walked or biked almost everywhere. We went outside every day. We did yard work. And, yes, we also had McDonald's Happy Meals with toys. The difference there was it was a special occasion to go to McDonald's (or any other restaurant, for that matter). We ate most of our meals at home. Once every two weeks (for us), we would eat out somewhere. Some families ate out once a month, some once a year!

Our lifestyles have changed, and now we are trying to legislate ourselves some easy answers. But there is no "easy answer". Why should we penalize businesses for something that is our own fault? McDonald's (and most other fast-food chains) offer alternatives to the traditional, high-calorie meals. Children can choose (or parents can choose-imagine that, parents actually telling their kids what they will eat instead of having the government choose for them!) chicken nuggets or a hamburger instead of the cheeseburger, apples instead of fries, and juice or milk instead of soda. They still get the prize. And then they can burn off the calories running around the McDonald's Playland. Better yet, they can walk to McDonald's (on their once per two-week excursion).

Notable Movies of 2009

2010-01-24T12:12:00.004-05:00

(Note: This list is subjective and is chosen only from the movies I have seen. See list at end of this article.)

Best Movie: Public Enemies

Best Family Movie: Up

Best Comedy: The Hangover

Summer Blockbuster: Terminator Salvation

Best Cinematography: Earth

Best Special Effects: Avatar

Most over-hyped: Avatar

Disappointing sequel: (no entry)

Pointless Remake: Fame

Just for Fun: Zombieland

Most Innovative: Avatar

Better than expected: District 9

Best Car Chase: The Taking of Pellam 1 2 3

Best Actor: Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)

Best Actress: Meryl Streep (Julie and Julia)

Best Animated Film: Coraline

Best Action Sequence: Sherlock Holmes (in the meat processing plant)

(Reference) I saw 34 movies that opened in 2009:

Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Fanboys
Coraline
Watchmen (my personal favorite for 2009)
Knowing
I Love You, Man
Adventureland
Observe and Report
Earth
X-men Origins: Wolverine
Star Trek
Angels and Demons
Terminator Salvation
UP
The Hangover
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Year One
Public Enemies
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Ugly Truth
Funny People
Julie and Julia
District 9
Inglourious Basterds
Extract
9
Surrogates
Zombieland
Couples Retreat
A Christmas Carol
2012
Old Dogs
Avatar
Sherlock Holmes

Create your own holiday sweater - art generator link

2009-12-12T19:09:00.000-05:00

http://kcaiholidaycard.com/

2009-10-16T06:45:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in a while and I miss it. I guess I was trying to have a direction with my blog-which is good-but it limits the time I have to do research. I do have a full time job and 3 teenage sons.

We are planning to go to New York this Sunday. We will go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I want to show the kids where their great-great grandparents landed in America, on my father's side. We will try to get to Ground Zero, as well. I am looking forward to it.

Of course, there are at least 2 movies I would love to see this weekend: Where the Wild Things Are and Law Abiding Citizen.

Poem: Calming Meditation

2009-09-27T19:22:00.004-04:00

My brain is shattered
In tatters
Noisy-noisy
What do I want?
What do I need?
Make me, carve me
Take me, shake me
Wake me up
Spit me out
Comb the wires in my head
Bake me bread
Spoon me honey
Calming tea
Soothing me
Drown the sounds
Choke the bees
Smooth it out
Blow the breeze
Gently through the trees

Upcoming Movies I am Looking Forward to Seeing

2009-08-26T08:36:00.002-04:00

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs - opens September 18, 2009
Animated movie based on a children's book. It employs a new animation technique that allows a camera to move though a virtual animated environment.

District 9 - now playing
We actually saw this last week. It is a Peter Jackson movie. I enjoyed it. It is a Sci-fi alternative history that explores the idea of an alien spacecraft being marooned on Earth in South Africa.

Extract - opens December 3, 2009
(Writer and Director: Mike Judge) New movie from the creator of Office Space.
Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Ben Affleck.

9 - opens September 9, 2009 (9-9-09)
Post-apocalyptic animated film. Runtime 79 minutes.

Pandorum - opens September 25, 2009
From IMDB's description: "A pair of crew members aboard a spaceship wake up with no knowledge of their mission or their identities."
Check out the trailer.

Surrogates - opens September 25, 2009
Murder investigation set in a future society where people do not leave their homes, but interact with each other via robots they control. Stars Bruce Willis

The Invention of Lying - opens September 25, 2009
Movie set in a world where no one ever lies. Ricky Gervais, Directs and stars, with Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Tina Fey, Patrick Stewart, Rob Lowe, Jeffrey Tambor, Christopher Guest.

Shutter Island - opens February 19, 2010 (was October 2, 2009)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, stars Leo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, and Ben Kingsley. Set in the 1950's, on an Island that is home to a facility for the criminally insane, a U.S. Marshal investigates the disappearance of one of the patients.

Couples Retreat - opens October 9, 2009
Comedy written by Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn in which four couples go away on a couples retreat at a tropical island.

Where the Wild Things Are - opens October 16, 2009
A live-action film based on the children's book by Maurice Sendack.

Amelia - opens October 23, 2009
Amelia Earhart movie starring Hilary Swank, Rhichard Gere, Ewan McGregor

A Christmas Carol - opens November 6, 2009
Robert Zemeckis animated retelling of the classic story. Voiced by Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth. Trailer looks amazing.

The Boat that Rocked (aka Pirate Radio) - opens November 13, 2009
Stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy.

The Box - opens November 6, 2009
Stars Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella.

2012 - opens November 13, 2009
John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover. End-of-the-world movie based around the Mayan Calendar.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox - opens November 13, 2009
Stop-action film voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Bill Murray.

Armored - opens December 4, 2009
Stars Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne.

The Princess and the Frog - opens December 11, 2009
Disney, hand-drawn animation set in New Orleans.

Invicitus - opens December 11, 2009
Nelson Mandela biopic directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Morgan Freeman.

Sherlock Holmes - opens December 25, 2009
Guy Ritchie directs, starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law.

Note: the hyperlinks in this text are links to another website-Internet Movie Database. Release dates are for USA.

Sugar Detox

2009-08-01T09:01:00.002-04:00

Yes, I have gone off sugar. Well, for the most part I have. I still have some sugar (the occasional ice cream, etc.) But I no longer sup on it like mother's proverbial milk. And going off sugar was so much harder than I thought it would be.

First, some background: I started having severe joint pain in May of this year. I just this past Thursday got in to see the rheumatologist, but I digress. A friend of mine suggested that lowering my sugar intake might lessen my pain. She said it worked for a friend of hers. So, I thought to myself: I'll just try it for a day or two to prove that it doesn't work. Then I can forget about this nonsense. I should tell you right now, I am a sugar-aholic (if there is such a thing!) I love candy, cookies, ice cream, sweet tea. There's not a sugary confection I don't love. And I regularly was buying candy of all different sorts to enjoy. My two favorite holidays are Halloween and Easter-because they involve candy! Even special candy not available at other times of the year!

Besides eating candy every day, I was putting 3 sugars in my morning coffee (I had worked myself down from 5 packets, so I was pretty proud of that) and drinking 12 to 24 ounces of sweetened iced tea per day. I would ocassionally treat myself to sweet tea from McDonald's.

So, getting back to what I was saying, I started avoiding sugar that first day. I was expecting no changes. I was so wrong. The first day-The First Day-of no added sugar I noticed a difference. My pain decreased by about 70 percent! I was so happy, and so sad. I loved not having the pain, but I didn't want to go without my beloved candies and sweetened drinks.

The second day of no added sugar was pure torture. I was angry. Every time I saw something with sugar in it I got mad. I wanted to buy candy so badly. I felt so out of control. It felt like the candy was sitting on the shelves at the store mocking me, broadcasting their desire to be in my belly-home sweet home. Yes, I felt like I was going crazy. For the next couple days this went on. I was shaky and angry and even angrier at myself that it effected me this way. One of those days I snuck in a big piece of cake. It tasted good, but it also tasted weird. The sugar tasted different. It tasted too sweet. A few hours later I paid the price with increased pain. That was enough to deter me from doing that again.

So, now I have been off sugar for over a month, and I feel better. I am still having joint pain, but not nearly as much as I was before I went off sugar. In the past two to three weeks I have also lost weight (about 6 pounds). That's amazing in itself because I have not been able to loose weight for the past 4 or 5 years, since I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I never thought that all this trouble could come from sugar. I had heard people talk about it, of course, but I thought it was some new age-y, natural-eating propaganda. Plus, I didn't want to believe it. I thought I couldn't live without my sugar. I guess I was wrong.

Independence Day?

2009-07-04T07:44:00.004-04:00

What happened to the dream that was America? the United States of America? Would our forebears even recognize their country? Slowly, over the last several years, we have been losing our freedoms. Not enough to always recognize. We are cooked slowly, like the proverbial frog in a pot of water, never attempting to escape. When we have sought to correct the situation, such as flooding Congress with communications to vote against the bailout, we have been ignored. Ignored by our own government, the government that is supposed to represent us. We have been told that we are too stupid to know what we are talking about. They know better. They know what's best for us. That sounds dangerously close to a dictatorship.

If our elected officials won't do what we, the people, ask them to do, then it is time to elect public servants who will. It is time to set term limits, so that our representatives (Senators and Representatives) will not become indoctrinated into the Washington political machine. Time for campaign fund reforms, so that our official our not beholden to companies and organizations instead of the citizens of the United States.

On this Fourth of July-this Independence Day-let us remember what those who have gone before us have paid for our freedom. Let us honor them by taking back our freedoms, before they slip away completely. Let's not allow their dream die because of our own apathy. Let us have a happy Independence Day.

Poem: Silent Wings (for Joe Weiss)

2009-07-03T19:51:00.004-04:00

On silent wings
See me flying
You will not catch me
As I steal the light
On silent wings
I am gliding
In an endless
Summer flight

Your eyes are fixed
Yet, not believing
As I circle in silence
In the orb's gold light
Unreachable
Beyond your hearing
On silent wings
I trace my flight

Cruel is the ground
In its unseen might
Stealing the wind
That you crave for light
Am I an illusion
To your earth-bound sight?
On silent wings
I steal the light

by Andrea E. Feeser

Poem: Bind Rune

2009-05-31T08:12:00.005-04:00

Runes I rist, and rhyme the tree
Climbing upward toward the stars
Chant and song of galdr strong
Guide me down the pathway

Let the runes fall as they may
Tine against tine, binding lore
New are the magics I will find
Older still than the icy sea

Fire in my blood be still
Mold by me to reddened rune
Opening me, page by page
Torn by self upon the tree

by Andrea E. Feeser

Poem: The Center

2009-05-10T10:16:00.007-04:00

Seek the Center.
Seek from the Center.
Seek the Center within.
Divine is not only to be found without, but within.
Too much energy is spent, it seems,
In trying to find Divinity.
It is not lost,
It has been here all the time.

When I am quiet,
I find I know the secret.
In the stillness of the Center,
I am one with all.

Let me unfetter my spirit,
Unshackle it from the bonds of label and dogma.
Let me experience,
With all that I am,
The wholeness and diversity of the universe.

No need have I for outer ritual
Or lengthy recitations.
My mind encompasses the ends
Once brought about only by those means.
I have no need for symbol or word.
All I need do is "be",
Exist where I am.
Nothing more is required.

by Andrea E. Feeser

Myths about Biofuel

2009-04-25T10:17:00.011-04:00

The biofuel I am talking about is fuel for vehicles that is made mostly from kitchen grease (i.e. vegetable oil etc. There are a few myths surrounding this kind of fuel that I hear mentioned quite often.

1. Biofuel comes from a free resource.

False.
Kitchen grease from restaurants and other businesses is not free. Rendering plants pay many of the customers for this grease.

2. Biofuel comes from an over-abundant resource.

False.
Kitchen grease is picked up by the rendering plants and rendered to be used in products such as moisturizers, conditioners, and industrial lubricants.

3. Biofuel is a cheap alternative to gasoline and diesel.

False.
It cost money to process biofuel. It must at least be screened to remove impurities (i.e. foreign materials). Rendering plants make more money selling to companies that produce the products listed above.

4. Biofuel is available for the taking. Just pick up a grease barrel from your local restaurant.

False.
Taking this grease is stealing and is illegal. It is not the same as taking someone's trash. The restaurant is under contract with a rendering facility to remove their grease. There are also laws in many communities that regulate the way the grease is stored, removed and disposed of.

5. Biofuel is cheaper than gasoline.

False.
The transport, processing and storage of biofuel would make it about the same price as gasoline.

Poem: Chooser of the Slain

2009-04-04T08:20:00.003-04:00

Valkyrie!

Thou dost call me,

Odin, at thy side.

Sword and wing

All night to sing,

Calling as we ride

"Choose the slain!"

The battlefield

Of life is just begun.

A dance of death

Dost honor bring

To heroes and unsung?

Sword to sword,

And blood to blood

Has brother brought to fight.

In one fell swoop

The line of old

Dies with him tonight.

What folly brings the mortal

To fight upon the field?

A quest for untold glory?

A seat in Odin's hall?

Whatever be the outcome,

To carl, thrall or thane,

In the end they heed the call

Of the Chooser of the Slain.

by Andrea E. Feeser

Poem: (untitled)

2009-03-26T05:50:00.002-04:00

There we stand
On the threshold
Eye to eye
Death stands between us
And I reach for you
Not knowing
Is it night or day?
Is it black or white?
Only you matter now
I reach for you
The night is ending
Or, is it beginning?
My mind knows no logic now
I reach for you
Between the soft, quivering pillars of might
The red and the white
And you, becoming
The air is full of you
A soft, swaying motion
Electricity and light
I dance the sacred dance
In search of you
The pushing and the pulling
The new day's sun in sight
I reach for you
The air is filling you
The room is filled with light
A beginning and an ending
When two were one
A single cord connecting
Two heavenly bodies of light
The dancer and the dance
The song and the sight
The light, now dividing
When one was two
A single love connecting
Two earthly bodies of might

by Andrea E. Feeser

Poetry

2009-03-21T08:50:00.002-04:00

I have decided to post some of my poetry on this blog. Some of the poems have been previously published in various places. I have always wanted to be able to share my poetry with as many people as possible, so this is a great way to do that. I hope you enjoy it.

Watchmen et al

2009-03-07T10:40:00.005-05:00

I haven't had much to say lately. I have not been feeling well and haven't had the time to write anything interesting.

Bob and I went to see Watchmen, twice. First we saw it at midnight Thursday night. It was over at 5 minutes to 3 in the morning. Then we had to get up with the kids at 6:30 am. Two of the kids ended up staying home sick (which seems to happen every time we take off from work). We met up with two friends to see Watchmen at 10 am. I saw new things the second time we saw it. I don't think I am going to see a movie at midnight again, because it is a pain to get up early afterward.

Watchmen movie is awesome! But it is long. I don't know how well it will do at the box office long term, because mostly comic book fans and adventure fans are going to watch it.

There are only a few slight differences from the book, but nothing too major (for example: Laurie does not smoke in the movie). I am supposed to take my sons this weekend, but I don't know if I will take the thirteen-year-old. It is extremely violent, which is more shocking in the video format than in the comic. I can't wait to watch the Black Freighter. I missed having it in the movie.

Notable Movies of 2008

2009-02-07T19:39:00.004-05:00

(Note: This list is subjective and is chosen only from the movies I have seen.)

Best Movie: Gran Torinono

Best Family Movie: Wall-E

Best Comedy: Yes Man

Summer Blockbuster: Dark Knight

Best Special Effects: Iron Man

Most over-hyped: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Disappointing sequel: Indiana Jones

Pointless Remake: The Day the Earth Stood Still

Just for Fun: Be Kind Rewind

Most Innovative: Speed Racer

Better than expected: Iron Man

Best Car Chase: Wanted

Best Actor: Heath Ledger (Dark Knight)

Best Actress: Ahney Her (Gran Torino)

Best Animated Film: Wall-E

Best Action Sequence: Truck Scene in Dark Knight

"Having trouble paying your bills? We can help!"

2008-12-24T06:24:00.001-05:00

I bet you've seen and heard those words a thousand times in cheesy, emotion-provoking advertisements. But don't be fooled. These companies charge large fees to "lower your debt", and you will probably just end up with more debt than you started with. They most often work with the creditors by paying them late and months later making offers to payoff at much lower amounts than owed (if they keep up with your account), all the while still charging you the same amount of money.

You are better off using strategies on your own to pay off your bills. Don't be afraid of your debt. Take the emotion out of the equation. Take charge of your finances.

Don't open any more lines of credit and stop using the credit cards/credit lines you currently have. Cash only (or bank debit card only).

Pay essential first: food, electric, mortgage/rent.

Get current on your bills. If you do not have enough money coming in, get a second job (this doesn't have to be permanent).

Write out a budget each month and follow that budget. When the money runs out. Stop spending.

You can get yourself out of the mess and back on your feet again. But don't let yourself be taken in by scams. It takes a lot of work, but you can do it.

Reference: Dave Ramsey

Photo by Jenn_Jenn. Some rights reserved.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:21:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for freedom, health, family, life, friends, food, joy, movies, my job, nature, BSA, Dave Ramsey, the Internet, art, photography, comedy, everyday joys.

picture created with Graffiti application

E=mc2 Corroborated

2008-11-21T07:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, theoretical physicists proved Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081120/sc_afp/sciencephysicseinstein_081120235605

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iYftcP0kR2mf032kK3WFVR9k_O2A

Vote!

2008-11-04T06:23:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to vote today in this historic and important election!

My Top 20 Favorite Songs

2008-10-18T10:21:00.003-04:00

Last week, my husband and I were talking about what our top 10 songs are. I had so many that I wanted in my top 10 that I had to make a top 20. Here they are, just for s and g's.

Back in Black - AC/DC
Nobody's Listening - Linkin Park
Hotel California - Eagles
Tom Sawyer - Rush
Baba O'Riley - The Who
Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
Cowboy - Kid Rock
AM Radio - Everclear
Veteran of the Psychic Wars - Blue Oyster Cult
Orion - Metallica
Thunderstruck - AC/DC
Seven Bridges Road - Eagles
Unforgiven II - Metallica
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer - George Thorogood and the Destroyers
Landslide - Stevie Nicks
Paint it Black - The Rolling Stones
Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
I Stand Alone - Godsmack
Rooms on Fire - Stevie Nics
Rock 'n Me - Steve Miller Band

My top Albums (in no particular order):

Full Moon Fever - Tom Petty
Songs from an American Movie - Everclear
Master of Puppets - Metallica
Meteora - Linkin Park
Hybrid Theory - Linkin Park
Supernatural - Santana
Devil without a Cause - Kid Rock
Workshop of the Telescopes - Blue Oyster Cult
Who Made Who - AC/DC
Green - REM
So - Peter Gabriel

My favorite bands, in case you couldn't tell (in no particular order):

AC/DC
Rush
The Who
The Rolling Stones
Eagles
The Steve Miller Band
Led Zeppelin
Tom Petty
Everclear
Metallica
Linkin Park
Kid Rock

See How Your Senators Voted on the Bailout

2008-10-02T07:02:00.002-04:00

Senate vote for HR 1424, the "Senate Bailout".

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00213

Both of my senators voted for it, so guess who I am going to vote against when they are up for re-election.

Notes on Sarah Palin - Charlie Gibson Interview

2008-09-14T15:28:00.002-04:00

My rough notes from the Palin/Gibson interview:

economy:
-put govt on side of people-halt the growth of government
-in Wasilla-cut property tax-increased sale tax-cut small business inventory taxes-started with a balanced budget and ended with a deficit for sports arena
-Alaska:-temporarily eliminated state fuel tax

what would you change in Bush economic plan?
-change oversight of quasi-government agencies (such as fannie mae and freddie mac)
-reduce taxes, reform spending, change oversight
-vet programs should not be touched
---
-describes self as washington outsider with no allegiances to power brokers.
-paid 30,000 for a lobbyist to washington
---
-roe v. wade should be overturned on the state level-abortion only in the case of the woman's life endangered (McCain for abortion permitted in case of incest and rape)
-against embryonic stem cell research (McCain for)
-avoided question about whether being gay is learned or genetic
-against more gun control
-says she is experienced enough and has enough ability to be vice president and possibly president
---
-avoided national security and foreign policy question, saying being more energy independent would be great for national security
---
-played basketball in high school

GOP Selection of Palin is Highly Insulting

2008-09-03T19:46:00.002-04:00

I have been in a bad mood since the announcement was made. I find the selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential nominee to be highly insulting. What are we supposed to infer by her nomination? She has only been the governor of Alaska for less than 2 years. Before that, she was a mayor. She does not have near enough experience for the position. So why was she chosen? Because she is a woman? There are plenty of female Republicans who are qualified for the job. This just disgusts me. And it seems that all the Republican politicians are just going along with it, like this is a genius move. Ugh! Let's see, she's not as qualified as Barak Obama, Obama's not as experienced as George W. Bush was when he took office-and I did not vote for Bush-because he was not qualified enough!

What was McCain thinking? Was he thinking? Is he just going with what other people are telling him to do, or was this his idea? If it was his idea, it does not bode well for him.

Presidential Election 08

2008-08-29T22:50:00.004-04:00

I have been researching the Presidential candidates online. I like to look at the candidates' voting records, biography, official stance on the issues, and their writings and speeches. The issues that are important to me right now are, in order; Budget/Finance, Immigration and National Security, and Foreign Policy.

Click here to view Senator Barack Obama's Senate voting record at Project Vote Smart.

Click here to view Senator John McCain's Senate voting record at Project Vote Smart.

Once on the page, chose an issue from the drop-down menu and click "go".

What I'm (re-)Reading: Watchmen

2008-08-22T19:09:00.003-04:00

Watchmen by Alan Moore. I first read this in college. When I saw the preview for the Watchmen movie (coming 2009), it made me want to read it again.

Movie Talk: Summer of Movies

2008-08-22T18:47:00.002-04:00

Yes, this has been a fantastic summer for movies! Dark Knight, Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express, Iron Man! Awesome. Personally, I found Dark Knight to be the best. The acting was superb. Heath Ledger played the Joker straight out of Killing Joke with a few twists of his own. Bravo! Aaron Eckhart and Gary Oldman did very well in their roles. My favorite parts of the movie were when the truck flipped end-over-end and the nurse. :) I saw Dark Knight 3 times in the theater, and I would like to see it again, but in IMAX. It was filmed (or at least many of the scenes were) specifically for IMAX.

Tropic Thunder is Hil-aaaarrrr-ious! I've seen it twice, first with my husband and my oldest son, second time I took the two other sons. Tom Cruise is a comedy surprise. He plays Les Grossman, the movie studio exec. A balding, hairy man with gigantic hands and forearms. His dance cracks me up!

Opening this weekend: Death Race and House Bunny. House Bunny looks like it could be funny, but I will wait for video. I keep going back and forth on Death Race. OK, it is a stupid story, IMO, but the driving and effects would be cool on the big screen.

Global Advanced Personality Test

2008-08-20T21:26:00.001-04:00

My results:

Advanced Global Personality Test Results

Extraversion		74%
Stability		58%
Orderliness		54%
Accommodation		38%
Interdependence		70%
Intellectual		62%
Mystical		43%
Artistic		63%
Religious		10%
Hedonism		50%
Materialism		36%
Narcissism		50%
Adventurousness		43%
Work ethic		43%
Humanitarian		70%
Conflict seeking		56%
Need to dominate		43%

Romantic		23%
Avoidant		30%
Anti-authority		63%
Wealth		30%
Dependency		30%
Change averse		56%
Cautiousness		63%
Individuality		36%
Sexuality		70%
Peter pan complex		36%
Family drive		70%
Physical Fitness		%
Histrionic		36%
Paranoia		50%
Vanity		36%
Honor		70%
Thriftiness		70%

Take Free Advanced Global Personality Test
personality test by similarminds.com

Comic Books

2008-07-30T19:41:00.004-04:00

So, I walk up to the counter with $38 worth of comic books, and all I can think is "being an adult is awesome!" Really. I can buy all the comics I want. I remember being a kid and only being able to buy one or two comics. The little girl inside me is smiling.

I wanted to buy The Watchmen...which I read in college...but they were sold out. They said they are getting 10 in tomorrow. So, guess where I'll be? I saw the trailer for the Watchmen movie, and decided I need to read it again. (If you haven't seen the trailer yet, check it out!)

Link: Watchmen trailer on IMDB

Found my Camera!

2008-07-28T17:18:00.003-04:00

Yeah! I found my camera this past weekend. It was in the couch. Not under a couch cushion. Not down the side of the couch. But somehow down the corner of the couch where the arm rest meets the back. I was thrilled, of course!

My oldest son, Bobby, and I made our first video blog. (And it may be our last!) We took about 20 minutes of video. I uploaded it to my computer. That took about 10 minutes. Then, I cut it into smaller chunks and exported those chunks into wmv format (the default for my camera is Quicktime). I used Windows Movie Maker to cut those pieces up even more, add text, etc. Then, it had to be converted to wmv format again (Windows Movie Maker saves it as a project). All told, we spent between 3 and 4 hours to produce a 4 minute video. That's a lot of work, when you are not getting paid for it! All of those format conversions took their toll on the video. There are black spots, text is out of sync, etc.

It was kind of fun, though. But I don't know if I will do it again. Straight video is easier. And, after all, I am not a video professional.

Here's the video, if you are interested.

Movie Talk

2008-07-17T19:47:00.002-04:00

Well, last weekend my husband and I took the kids (teenage boys) to see Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. What a disappointment! The boys liked it, but I didn't. While the costumes and sets were breathtaking, the writing was well below par-even for this genre. Wait for the video.

Of the movies I have been wanting to see this year, I have so far viewed Hellboy 2, Wanted, Get Smart, Iron Man, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, Speed Racer, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Hancock. The best one, in my opinion, has been Iron Man. I would love to see it again on the big screen and I am planning to purchase it on DVD. Get
Smart and Harold and Kumar were funny. I'm glad I saw them at the theater. I also enjoyed Wanted and Speed Racer. Hancock was OK. Indiana Jones was disappointing.

I am planning to see The Dark Knight tonight with my husband.

Lost without my Camera

2008-07-13T21:01:00.003-04:00

I lost my camera a few days ago, and I am going nuts! I take so many pictures, every week. It's my current artistic outlet. We went to Blobfest yesterday, and I didn't have my camera. I hadn't realized how much more fun I have when I am taking pictures. Blobfest was OK, but it would have been much better if I had my camera.

Photo Hunt - Pointed

2008-07-05T23:51:00.002-04:00

Desoto, rear view.

Photo Hunters

Movie Talk

2008-07-05T11:02:00.002-04:00

Well, we went to see Wanted last week. I liked it, it was a fun movie. The unreality was way over the top. I still prefer Iron Man and would love to see it again in the theater (would that I had the time). We are planning to see Hancock today, which looks like it will be funny.

I am really looking forward to The Dark Knight. I am a huge Batman fan. I used to collect Batman comics and graphic novels. It looks to me like Heath Ledger portrayed Joker the way he is written in the comic books, extremely sadistic. If so, it will not be appropriate for children-believe me.

Been a Long Time

2008-07-05T10:59:00.003-04:00

Wow, it's been a while since I blogged. I was so sick about a week and a half ago. I had an ear infection. I thought ear infections were for babies and toddlers! Wow, that ear infection took hold of me and didn't want to let go. Anyway, I'm baaaaaack. :)

Tornado Hits Boy Scout Camp in Iowa

2008-06-12T06:42:00.002-04:00

Last evening a tornado hit a Boy Scout camp in Iowa, killing 4 and injuring at least 40.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/06/11/severe.weather/index.html

Lyrics in my brain - (music that keeps popping into my mind)

2008-06-05T15:42:00.002-04:00

"You can spend all your time makin' money. You can spend all your love makin' time."

380-Million-Year-Old Fossil of a Fish that Gives Birth to Live Young

2008-05-31T18:44:00.004-04:00

A 380-million-year-old fish fossil (Materpiscis attenboroughi) was discovered in Australia. It is unique because it was complete with an embryo and intact umbilical cord. This kind of fish gave birth to live young as opposed to fish that release eggs that are then fertilized outside of the body.

Artist's impression from AAP article.

Entertainment Gleanings

2008-05-31T13:33:00.003-04:00

Yes, I have scoured the corners of the entertainment world to find the latest entertainment news.

MTV Movie Awards - Yes, this Sunday night at 8PM ET is the live broadcast of the MTV Movie Awards. Forget the Oscars, so lame and outdated. The MTV Movie Awards rule. They're fun, they're entertaining, they have the most original categories (best kiss, best villain, best fight). Hosted by Mike Myers.

Weezer - Their new self-titled album is due out this week. June 3, 2008

Square Pegs on DVD - I loved this show when it was on TV. Available now on DVD. Jamie Gertz and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Dispatches from the Island - Check out Jorge Garcia's blog (Hurley from Lost).

Lost Dream

2008-05-31T13:27:00.002-04:00

All right. I had a weird Lost dream, but I can't stop thinking about it and wondering if it would fit in at all. I dreamt that when Ben moved the island, everyone on the island split into two-they became two people. Two John Lockes, etc.

Photo Hunt - Share Any Photo

2008-05-10T06:45:00.003-04:00

Hiking to the chapel at Camp Horseshoe in Pennsylvania/Maryland on Horseshoe Scout Reservation. PhotoHunt

What I'm Reading - Pattern Recognition by William Gibson

2008-04-24T18:40:00.002-04:00

Pattern Recognition by William Gibson

2008 Movie Preview

2008-03-23T09:09:00.004-04:00

The following is a list of movies I am looking forward to seeing this year.

Hellboy 2: the Golden Army
Wanted - action movie starring Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie
Get Smart - Steve Carell as Maxwell Smart
Iron Man - I'm a sucker for comic book movies
21
The Forbidden Kingdom - Kung Fu movie starring Jet Li and Jackie Chan
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay - guilty pleasure
Deception - (maybe)
Speed Racer - this just looks too cool (OK, am I showing my age?), you can't go wrong with race cars. Go, Speed Racer!
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Indiana Jones and the Kindgom of the Crystal Skull
The Foot Fist Way - check out the trailer. It cracks me up!
The Incredible Hulk - Oh yeah! Made the right way this time, let's hope.
Hancock
The Dark Knight
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Righteous Kill - Pacino and DeNiro, need I say more?
Valkyrie - could go either way
Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince

Bender's Big Score on Comedy Central tonight

2008-03-23T08:49:00.004-04:00

Check it out: Bender's Big Score airs on Comedy Central tonight. There are to be at least 2 more Futurama movies released this year, which will be chopped up into episodes and aired on Comedy Central.

Advertisements, Commercials, and Overspending...Oh, my!

2008-03-11T17:55:00.002-04:00

I am so SICK of commercials and advertisements! Did I tell you how much I hate advertisements? It seems like I can't do anything or go anywhere without being told or shown what I should be buying! It is an assault on the senses! Even on the Internet-especially on the Internet! In the beginning, there was practically no advertising on the Web. Then, there were ways to block advertisements. Now, some advertisements are not possible to disable. We have a DVR and skip some of the advertisements that way, but then we see product placement in practically every frame of the television show we are watching! I sat at lunch last week and decided to read a magazine. I read an article that listed ways to save time. I checked out the websites they recommended. They were all start-up, commercial websites (read "pay"). The article was just an advertisement in disguise. I am so disgusted!

I guess that is why I love camping so much. I just want to go out into the woods, pitch my tent, and be surrounded only by life. It is so relaxing and rejuvenating! I can't wait.

I am trying to find ways to limit the amount of advertisements I have to encounter on a daily basis, but it is not easy. I try to listen to CD's or tapes in the car, instead of the radio. I am limiting the time I spend on the web. And I try to condense all of my shopping into one day a week. If anyone has other ideas to limit exposure to advertising, please share them.

Pew Forum U.S. Religious Landscape Survey Results

2008-03-03T06:08:00.004-05:00

Results from Pew Forum U.S. Religious Landscape Survey.

Music I Like: Until You Dare by The Hooters

2008-02-22T09:53:00.004-05:00

Yes, the Hooters have a new album out. The title of the album is Times Stand Still.

I absolutely love 2 of the songs (I haven't listened to all of the songs yet). They are Until You Dare and I'm Alive. You can listen to samples of the songs on Amazon.com. Or you can visit their MySpace page.

Until You Dare just says everything I feel right now. How I feel about life, now that I am in my late 30's.

Notable Movies of 2007

2008-02-17T11:46:00.000-05:00

(Note: This list is subjective and is chosen only from the movies I have seen.)

Best Movie: The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Family Movie: The Golden Compass

Best Comedy: Superbad
Summer Blockbuster: Transformers

Best Special Effects: I am Legend

Best Cinematography:

Most over-hyped: Shrek the Third

Disappointing sequal: Shrek the Third

Pointless Remake: The Heartbreak Kid

Just for Fun: Ghost Rider

Most Innovative: Beowulf

Better than expected: Live Free or Die Hard
Best Car Chase: Live Free or Die Hard

Best Actor:
Best Actress:
Best Animated Film: The Simpsons Movie

What I'm Reading: Benjamin Franklin Vol. 1 by Carl Van Doren

2008-02-17T08:43:00.002-05:00

Benjamin Franklin Vol. 1 by Carl Van Doren

Philadelphia Auto Show 2008

2008-02-03T12:23:00.000-05:00

Two of my sons, my husband and I all went to the Philadelphia Auto Show yesterday. We had a great time. We got to sit in, touch, and look under the hood of dozens of cars and trucks (maybe hundreds, but we were only there for four hours!). Some cars, like the exotic sports cars pictured, were behind barriers.

I got to sit in some cool trucks. My husband sat in a Jaguar-his favorite. There was also a section with customized cars. They were cool to look at, but definitely not something I woulds spend money on. I'm more interested in the mechanics of the vehicle. My 16-year-old participated in a driving simulation for teens to see how well they drive. He has not taken any lessons yet, so I guess I should not be worried that he went through a red light and took out a light pole!

We also were able to compare the various hybrid vehicles that are being offered by the different manufacturers. My husband found the Toyota hybrid to be the most effecient at 40 miles per gallon. He is interested in getting a hybrid for his next vehicle. I am planning to get an all-wheel-drive vehicle next. I would love to get a big truck, but the gas mileage is way too low.

Check out my photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/afeeser/sets/72157603838770778/

Check out the Philadelphia Auto Show at: http://www.phillyautoshow.com/

Qtrax - Free MP3's

2008-01-28T21:27:00.000-05:00

Qtrax is a site opening tonight that allows free and legal downloads of MP3's, ringtones and more. It is paid for through advertising. It is unclear how the software works. The site says that it is a peer-to-peer network, but it also says that the player accesses sites with artists' music, videos, etc. It is also unclear how the advertising will appear, but the website states that it does not have spyware and that the advertisements are non-intrusive.

Link: Qtrax.com

Fire in Downtown Pottstown

2008-01-26T20:35:00.000-05:00

There was a fire today in downtown Pottstown, PA. It burned for several hours and at least two buildings were destroyed, one completely leveled. http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=5916469

Boy Scout Saves President of Maldives

2008-01-08T17:27:00.002-05:00

A Maldivean Boy Scout foiled an assasination attempt by grabbing the knife from the attacker's hand. Follow link:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/08/maldives.assassination.attempt/index.html

Me and Bob, New Year's day 2008

2008-01-01T22:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy Timothy K. Hamilton, Creativity+ Photography

I love the new year, new beginnings, starting over. I always picture it as ending at the bottom of a long calendar at the end of December and jumping up to the top of a brand new calendar at the beginning of January. It is the time I plan my year. I don't necessarily make resolutions, but I do have goals. I usually pick books I want to read, plan outings, plan for any large occasions (graduations, etc.). I also take a look at the previous year. I take stock of what I have accomplished, which goals I did not reach and whether I want to continue to pursue them, where and how I spent my money, etc. I suppose a lot of people do those things.

Well, here's to a bright and happy new year!

I love Dwight Schrute!

2007-12-12T19:58:00.000-05:00

If you don't know who Dwight Schrute is, turn on "The Office"! The show is full of memorable, original characters. But none are as interesting and laughter-provoking imho than Dwight. He is dedicated to his work at the paper company as well as his family's beet farm. He values honest work, self-reliance and simplicity. Check out his blog on NBC.com. I've got to get the bobble-head of him!

What I'm Reading: Marley and Me by John Grogan

2007-12-10T20:24:00.000-05:00

Marley and Me by John Grogan

This book is cracking me up! I thought my dog was unruly! A great book for any dog lover, surprisingly funny.

The Golden Compass opens today!

2007-12-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

I can't wait to see it! We are planning to go on Sunday.

Five Habits of Millionaires

2007-12-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

Article: Five Habits of Millionaires at monster.com

"My Favorite Things" My Gift Ideas for 2007

2007-11-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

Oprah has her "favorite things"-a list of typically pricey items she recomends as gifts-and these are my "favorite things". Please, note, this is not my wish list.

Books

The Dangerous Book for Boys
His Dark Materials (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass)
Born Standing-Up by Steve Martin
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalacian Trail

Toys

Littlest Pet Shop Round and Round Pet Town
Discovery Fingerprint Lab
Black and Decker Power Tool Workshop
Mr Potato Head Spider-Man
Nerf Dart Tag
U.B. Funkeys

Video Games

Lego Starwars: The Complete Saga
Guitar Hero II (I know, the third one is out now, but it's not doing as well and everyone still wants this one)
Super Mario Galaxy for Nintendo Wii

DVDs

Bender's Big Score
Blade Runner Ultimate 5 disc collection
Superbad

Other

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Victorinox Swisscard Lite

646 lb Catfish!

2007-11-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

2 Thai fishermen caught a 646 lb catfish in the Mekong River in northern Thailand.

Veterans Day - November 11

2007-11-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

Veterans Day - November 11 - Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

Howstuffworks "How Love Works"

2007-10-24T18:33:00.000-04:00

Howstuffworks "How Love Works":

An article about what makes us fall in love. Fascinating.

Vatican to Publish Trial Documents of the Knights Templar

2007-10-13T06:28:00.000-04:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071012/ts_nm/vatican_templars_dc

Analysis: Crackdown May Haunt Junta - NEWS - Comcast.net

2007-10-07T07:05:00.000-04:00

Analysis: Crackdown May Haunt Junta - NEWS - Comcast.net

Track star Marion Jones pleads guilty to lying to federal investigators about steroid use - Olympics - Yahoo! Sports

2007-10-05T19:17:00.000-04:00

Track star Marion Jones pleads guilty to lying to federal investigators about steroid use - Olympics - Yahoo! Sports

Autumnal Equinox

2007-09-23T10:10:00.001-04:00

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumnal_Equinox_Day

Midnight Meat Train

2007-09-22T07:53:00.000-04:00

Last night I did a trailer check at a local theater and a saw a trailer for this movie "Midnight Meat Train". The title cracks me up. I might have to see it just because of the name. The trailer opens like it is going to be an arty drama or mystery thriller, but you soon realize it is closer to a horror movie. I'm still not sure of the genre. It ended with "from the mind of Clive Barker". I love his books, which are mostly horror. I'm not sure if he wrote this or it is based on one of his stories. I'm going to do more research.

Links:
Midnight Meat Train at IMDB

Long memories in Jena - The Boston Globe

2007-09-22T07:52:00.000-04:00

Long memories in Jena - The Boston Globe

Upcoming Movies I'm Excited About

2007-09-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

American Gangster
Director Ridley Scott, starring perpetual good-guy Denzel Washington as a bad guy! Must see!!! Also starring Russell Crowe and Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Mr. Woodcock
This looks hilarious to me. OK, it probably can't compete with Superbad, but I still want to see it. Stars Billy Bob Thornton, Seann William Scott and Susan Sarandon.

3:10 to Yuma
It's been a while since I have seen a good Western, and this one looks promising. Stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale.

Halloween
I normally am not interested in remakes of horror movies, but this one is directed by Rob Zombie!!! He directed one of my all-time favorites "House of 1000 Corpses".

The Kingdom
Jamie Foxx and Jenifer Garner star. Government agents go into Saudi Arabia (I believe) to investigate a bombing.

The Heartbreak Kid
Stars Ben Stiller. It is a romantic comedy remake (2 strikes against it), but it looks like it could be good.

Michael Clayton

Dan in Real Life

Fred Claus

No Country for Old Men
Coen brothers and Tommy Lee Jones.

Sources: B-52 Mistakenly Carried Nukes - NEWS - US NATIONAL - Comcast.net

2007-09-05T17:33:00.000-04:00

Sources: B-52 Mistakenly Carried Nukes - NEWS - US NATIONAL - Comcast.net

Superbad

2007-08-29T22:24:00.000-04:00

I saw Superbad last Friday night. It is hilarious! I would go to see it again. Fresh jokes and comedy with lovable characters. I crack up thinking about the drawings! Definitely not for children.

Fishing this past Saturday

2007-08-28T12:46:00.001-04:00

We went fishing saturday morning at Lake Nockamixin. I caught 2 smallmouth bass, my youngest caught 2 or 3 bass and a trout, and my husband caught 3 or 4 bass-with his spinner! :P

It is a beautiful park and I can't wait to go back.

Artificial Life Likely in 3 to 10 Years - NEWS - Comcast.net

2007-08-19T22:52:00.000-04:00

Artificial Life Likely in 3 to 10 Years - NEWS - Comcast.net

Mexican officials raid game counterfeiters - News at GameSpot

2007-08-19T21:30:00.000-04:00

Mexican officials raid game counterfeiters - News at GameSpot

"lego" people generator

2007-08-16T22:43:00.000-04:00

Click link: Chris Doyle Presents - Reasonably Clever! Wasting your workday since 1995

Triangular theory of love

2007-08-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

Triangular theory of love - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I have been researching the meaning of love, emotion, feelings, etc. online a lot lately. I just came across this interesting idea. It proposes that there are 8 forms of love (constructed from combinations/absences of intimacy, passion and commitment). I am still reading up on this, but I would appreciate any input.

Fishing Yesterday

2007-08-06T23:19:00.000-04:00

My husband and I went fishing yesterday morning at Marsh Creek State Park. We had a few nibbles but we didn't catch anything. In fact, we didn't see anyone catch anything. A couple of guys in a boat said they saw someone catch a bass, I believe. But that's it.

I had a new pole and reel and it took a while to get the hang of casting with it. The line kept sticking.

Fisher-Price to recall 967,000 toys - Yahoo! News

2007-08-01T22:32:00.000-04:00

Fisher-Price to recall 967,000 toys - Yahoo! News

Deadly Arizona Exorcism: Bloodied Mom 'Casts' Demons From 3-Year-Old - Original News: The Post Chronicle

2007-07-30T19:18:00.000-04:00

Deadly Arizona Exorcism: Bloodied Mom 'Casts' Demons From 3-Year-Old - Original News: The Post Chronicle

China fights back by targeting U.S. meat - Yahoo! News

2007-07-14T06:29:00.000-04:00

China fights back by targeting U.S. meat - Yahoo! News

Fishing

2007-07-13T06:26:00.000-04:00

I bought a new fishing rod and reel this week. It isn't anything fancy, I just didn't have a rod to use anymore. Long story that I don't want to get into. I am thinking I'll go fishing tomorrow to break it in, after work. Yes, I have to work on a Saturday. You guys want your beef, right? (I work at a meat-packing plant as an administrative assistant.) I need a little relaxation, anyway.

Happy Birthday America!

2007-07-04T08:18:00.000-04:00

I love being American! My husband is an Air Force veteran, my sister and my father are Army veterans, my maternal grandfather fought in World War II, I have an ancestor on my mother's side who fought in the Revolutionary War. My paternal great-grandparents came to America through Ellis Island from Sicily, Italy. I hold freedom most dear and wish freedom for all people in the world.

I am taking my kids to a 4th of July parade this morning and tonight I will see the fireworks as I am working at a booth at the local fair. Happy Independence Day/4th of July!

San Jose Mercury News - Revelers welcome summer solstice

2007-06-21T22:37:00.000-04:00

San Jose Mercury News - Revelers welcome summer solstice

Where I am, My perspective

2007-06-07T21:01:00.000-04:00

About 2 1/2 weeks ago I hurt my knee. I went on a rafting trip and tripped when I got out of the raft at the end of the trip, hitting my knee on a large rock. (I was fine during the 4 hour rafting trip!) I couldn't walk on it and it was very embarrassing. When I had the x-ray done at the emergency room, they found a spot on one of my bones that had nothing to do with my knee. It is very small, and probably nothing, but it made me really step back and take a look at life. So did the knee injury. I was thinking that maybe I shouldn't do all these fun things that I want to do, because I could get hurt. But then I asked myself, "is it worth the risk?" And the answer for me is "yes". I want to do all those things. Everything that I keep holding myself back from. I want to hike and climb and do all of those things and it is worth the risk of getting hurt, because I want to do it and I will enjoy it and it will challenge me. I am tired of just floating through life. I want to live it! I am trying to get into better shape, so that I can do all the things I want to do. I am walking (not long distance for now, I irritated my knee walking yesterday and it swelled-up again), I am doing a little bit of work with weights, and I am continuing in my physical therapy. It is really helping me. I feel so free. I am being true to myself and honest with myself and it is so freeing.

D-Day Anniversary

2007-06-06T21:13:00.000-04:00

Battle of Normandy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Click here for President Reagan's 40th Anniversary of D-Day Normandy Speech.

Ala. officials probe 'Monster Pig' saga - Yahoo! News

2007-05-31T11:38:00.000-04:00

Ala. officials probe 'Monster Pig' saga - Yahoo! News