Pew Forum U.S. Religious Landscape Survey Results

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

Music I Like: Until You Dare by The Hooters

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

(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

Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 1 by Carl Van Doren

Philadelphia Auto Show 2008

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year!

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!