It's been awhile and I have read many magazines since my last review. Here's a catch up.
February 7th PEOPLE with Reese W. on the cover:
Jesse James has asked Kat Von D to marry him and she has said yes- to a man who if he hadn't been busted cheating or had never cheated at all would presumably still be married to Sandra Bullock. Now he says that 2010 was a great year because "he fell in love with his best friend." Well, goody goody gumdrops for him, not. What a piece of shit! He states that "she is an amazing woman who stood behind me when the world turned their backs." Well, what did he expect? He humiliated and broke the heart of America's sweetheart. The world was supporting her and rightfully turning backs to him. I will not be surprised when I inevitably buy a PEOPLE in the future with a cover story about Mr. James cheating on his new Mrs.
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In the Passages section, there is a tidbit about Roger Ebert getting a prosthetic for his cancer ravaged face. I say thank God because his mug is scary lookin'!
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There is a new book out by a kid's dad (who is also a pastor) called Heaven Is For Real. The kid, after a surgical procedure, told his parents he had been to "the throne room of God" and had met his miscarried sister. The dad says, "A child is their wildest imagination could not invent that." Uh, yes they could, especially if he had heard stories about this deceased sister. The dad says his son's story was not lead by he and his wife, stating, "If this was your kid, what would you believe?" Umm, I would believe in his "wildest imagination." Give credit to the kid, not God.
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February 14th PEOPLE with Halle B. on the cover:
Halle and her ex are fighting for custody of their daughter Nahla. With my oft-used disclaimer that, of course, I know nothing about any celebrity except for what I read in magazines, it sure seems to me that Halle Berry has shit luck in the relationship department. And I am not convinced it is always the guy that is the problem. Everything about her split from Gabriel Aubry was fine until he went on a few dates with Kim Kardashian and now Halle "has serious concerns" when Nahla's dad takes care of her? I hope they work things out for the sake of the kid. And maybe Halle could take a break from her career and rebound relationship to focus on her daughter.
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There is an article in this issue about Princess Charlotte of Monaco, who is now 24 years old and I must say, absolutely beautiful. She is an accomplished equestrian with Olympic hopes who seems to be a grounded, modest person. Her grandmother and father would be proud, I am sure.
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February 21st PEOPLE with Jennifer A. on the cover:
New reality show alert!! Shedding for the Wedding. And no, it is not about making wedding dresses out of cat and dog hair.
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There is a pic in the Star Tracks section of Eva Longoria with her new boyfriend. She JUST got divorced!! I know there is no rule for when to start a new relationship after the end of a previous one, but Wow!! A la Jesse James, I would imagine that if it weren't for inappropriate texts by her now-ex Tony Parker, he and Eva would still be married?? People sure to tend to move on quickly these days!
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There is always a plethora of ads for medications in People. There are at least 2 for depression med-helper meds. Seroquel XR is one of the newest. Besides my many problems with advertising prescription meds, I have an even bigger issue: this ad says that if "you've been on an antidepressant for at least 6 weeks and still have unresolved symptoms of depression", you should ask your doctor for Seroquel. 6 weeks?? It took Paxil at least 4 before I felt better last fall. It definitely took more than 6 for my symptoms to really resolve. These med ads scare me: although I am definitely an advocate for medication, I am also an advocate for letting ONE medication try to do its job for at least 2 months before adding a new one. It bothers me that the pharm companies want so badly to make money off of other people's struggles.
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There is an article titled The Trials of Ruth Madoff. I am sorry that her son killed himself. I am not sorry that she is a "prisoner in her own world." I do not believe for one second that she didn't know what her slime bag, evil, piece of shit husband was up to. She is a "figure of hatred?" Yes! She is isolated from society? Too bad! Karma is a bitch.
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An ad for Quilted Northern TP claims that it is 50% percent stronger, holds up better, and helps your hands stay clean. Not to be too TMI, but I have been wiping myself for about 38 years now and HAVE NEVER had a problem with any toilet paper NOT keeping my hands clean. Are other people wiping with one square? Are they using their bare hands? Of all the many things we do not need in this society, we do not need toilet paper ads telling us we need thicker paper. But if you do use Quilted Northern and you do get pee or something worse on your hands, be assured, there is a Money Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied.
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That's it for now. I'll be back in a couple days for another review :)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Lucky
I am lucky because:
* I have an amazingly generous dad who loves me and makes sure I am taken care of.
*I have a smart, kind, supportive, and funny mom who loves me so much she doesn't know what to do with herself.
*I have a stylish, pretty, hilarious sister who loves and supports me no matter what.
*I have a boyfriend who finally realized he loves me.
*I have a group of co-workers who are more than that- they are my friends and I love them.
*I have a good paying job with full health coverage.
*I have a dependable car that gets 31-38 MPG, depending on where I am driving and if I have had the oil changed and tires pumped up.
*I have a roof over my head.
*I am relatively healthy.
*I have Paxil.
*I have seen MUSE in concert twice this year.
*I have Quilvio, Pigeon, Montgomery, Clementine, and Roger.
*I have my cousin Grace and my uncle Mark.
*I have two 90 year old grandparents who still have their faculties and who love me even though I am a Democratic atheist.
*I have an imagination.
*I can go the the San Diego Zoo whenever I want.
*I work with animals.
*I have friends I have known forever: since babyhood (Janika), 1977 (Hyla), third grade (Angie), and seventh grade (Karen).
*I live in San Diego.
*I love to read and my mind is always stimulated.
*I am me.
* I have an amazingly generous dad who loves me and makes sure I am taken care of.
*I have a smart, kind, supportive, and funny mom who loves me so much she doesn't know what to do with herself.
*I have a stylish, pretty, hilarious sister who loves and supports me no matter what.
*I have a boyfriend who finally realized he loves me.
*I have a group of co-workers who are more than that- they are my friends and I love them.
*I have a good paying job with full health coverage.
*I have a dependable car that gets 31-38 MPG, depending on where I am driving and if I have had the oil changed and tires pumped up.
*I have a roof over my head.
*I am relatively healthy.
*I have Paxil.
*I have seen MUSE in concert twice this year.
*I have Quilvio, Pigeon, Montgomery, Clementine, and Roger.
*I have my cousin Grace and my uncle Mark.
*I have two 90 year old grandparents who still have their faculties and who love me even though I am a Democratic atheist.
*I have an imagination.
*I can go the the San Diego Zoo whenever I want.
*I work with animals.
*I have friends I have known forever: since babyhood (Janika), 1977 (Hyla), third grade (Angie), and seventh grade (Karen).
*I live in San Diego.
*I love to read and my mind is always stimulated.
*I am me.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Magazine Review #2
Sexiest Man Alive issue of People:
Joan M. Schmitt complains in a reader letter that "people are starving all over the world, and [Kanye West] is talking...about replacing his lower teeth with diamonds and gold... Couldn't that money have been better spent providing food to those who have nothing to eat?" While I agree that KW's new, expensive teeth are over the top (I can't stand him either, BTW), he has absolutely no obligation to spend his money on food for the hungry. If he did, would it be nice? Of Course! Does he donate to charity? I don't know if he does but neither does Ms. Schmitt. So until she asks him what his charitable contributions for the year have been, she has no right to expect him not to spend his money on himself, however outlandish.
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There is a big article in this issue about the engagement of a certain royal couple. I found it so touching that Prince William gave Kate Middleton his late mother's engagement ring. Some people have said it seems weird or macabre or inappropriate. I think if she were still alive, I would agree but also think Wills would not have given the ring to Kate if his mom was still alive. With Diana being gone, it truly is his way of including his wonderful mom in his proposal to a girl who I think will make a poised and proper princess.
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There are 2 ads for shoes that "tone your muscles". One is for Reetone and the other is for Fitflop, the boot with the gym built-in. Reebok's shoe claims "better legs and a better butt with every step" and Fitflop says you will get 19% more quadricep activation, 30% longer bottom muscle activation and 16% more hamstring activation. I say you will see 100% of your money going to a sham product. Unless you are an active person, getting the right amount of exercise, and eating right, these shoes are NOT going to get you in shape. If I wear them to the refrigerator every time I fill my bowl with more ice cream or walk in them to the McDonald's counter and then pig out, they ain't gonna do me any good. So I will not ask Santa for any for Xmas.
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A touching ad for Make-A Wish features Patrick Henry high school, in San Diego. The kid who made the wish is Darren and he wished for new uniforms for his school's football team. This is awesome. I have no problem with sick kids wishing for a meeting with a favorite star or trip to Disneyland but this kid's wish, while fighting cancer, to help his school, is inspiring and heartwarming. Go Darren and Go PH Patriots!!!
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GW's book, Decision Points, is reviewed in this issue. I have only a few words about this: I have made an irrefudiatable decision point: I will neither read this book nor buy it for either of my grandparents, mom, or uncle for Christmas. Do not misunderestimate this statement. Thank you.
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Sexiest Men Alive:
Ryan Reynolds- yes
Leonardo- YES!!
Bradley Cooper- Yes!
Justin Timberlake- yes
Jake Gyllenhaal- Yes!
Chad Ochocinco- uh, YUMMMM!
Robert Pattinson- sure
Channing Tatum- No
Matt Leblanc- No
Michael Bolton- NO!!
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New Reality Show alert!!!!! The Hasselhoffs. You don't want me to "Hassel the Hoff?" Don't hassle me with ANOTHER show about a has-been actor with alcohol and parenting problems. I will let you know when I care.
____________________________________________________________________
Okay, that's it for this edition. Tune in next time for more ripping of rehabbing celebs, royal rumors, and ridiculous Reeboks.
Joan M. Schmitt complains in a reader letter that "people are starving all over the world, and [Kanye West] is talking...about replacing his lower teeth with diamonds and gold... Couldn't that money have been better spent providing food to those who have nothing to eat?" While I agree that KW's new, expensive teeth are over the top (I can't stand him either, BTW), he has absolutely no obligation to spend his money on food for the hungry. If he did, would it be nice? Of Course! Does he donate to charity? I don't know if he does but neither does Ms. Schmitt. So until she asks him what his charitable contributions for the year have been, she has no right to expect him not to spend his money on himself, however outlandish.
____________________________________________________________________
There is a big article in this issue about the engagement of a certain royal couple. I found it so touching that Prince William gave Kate Middleton his late mother's engagement ring. Some people have said it seems weird or macabre or inappropriate. I think if she were still alive, I would agree but also think Wills would not have given the ring to Kate if his mom was still alive. With Diana being gone, it truly is his way of including his wonderful mom in his proposal to a girl who I think will make a poised and proper princess.
____________________________________________________________________
There are 2 ads for shoes that "tone your muscles". One is for Reetone and the other is for Fitflop, the boot with the gym built-in. Reebok's shoe claims "better legs and a better butt with every step" and Fitflop says you will get 19% more quadricep activation, 30% longer bottom muscle activation and 16% more hamstring activation. I say you will see 100% of your money going to a sham product. Unless you are an active person, getting the right amount of exercise, and eating right, these shoes are NOT going to get you in shape. If I wear them to the refrigerator every time I fill my bowl with more ice cream or walk in them to the McDonald's counter and then pig out, they ain't gonna do me any good. So I will not ask Santa for any for Xmas.
_____________________________________________________________________
A touching ad for Make-A Wish features Patrick Henry high school, in San Diego. The kid who made the wish is Darren and he wished for new uniforms for his school's football team. This is awesome. I have no problem with sick kids wishing for a meeting with a favorite star or trip to Disneyland but this kid's wish, while fighting cancer, to help his school, is inspiring and heartwarming. Go Darren and Go PH Patriots!!!
___________________________________________________________________
GW's book, Decision Points, is reviewed in this issue. I have only a few words about this: I have made an irrefudiatable decision point: I will neither read this book nor buy it for either of my grandparents, mom, or uncle for Christmas. Do not misunderestimate this statement. Thank you.
____________________________________________________________________
Sexiest Men Alive:
Ryan Reynolds- yes
Leonardo- YES!!
Bradley Cooper- Yes!
Justin Timberlake- yes
Jake Gyllenhaal- Yes!
Chad Ochocinco- uh, YUMMMM!
Robert Pattinson- sure
Channing Tatum- No
Matt Leblanc- No
Michael Bolton- NO!!
____________________________________________________________________
New Reality Show alert!!!!! The Hasselhoffs. You don't want me to "Hassel the Hoff?" Don't hassle me with ANOTHER show about a has-been actor with alcohol and parenting problems. I will let you know when I care.
____________________________________________________________________
Okay, that's it for this edition. Tune in next time for more ripping of rehabbing celebs, royal rumors, and ridiculous Reeboks.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Magazine review
I read trashy celeb magazines- I admit it. I usually look at the pictures and read small articles and sometimes read the cover articles, if they interest me. Most of the time, I find some comment from a celebrity or reader (who has sent in a comment) that irritates me. So, I am going to start reviewing my magazines and write about the irksome crap I read.
People Magazine November 22, 2010 issue with Kim Kardashian on the cover-
The MailBag has a letter from a woman who complains that People mentioned the deaths of Tom Bosley (Mr. C.) and Barbara Billingsley (June Cleaver) with only a few words in the Passages section. She states, "...all you could muster by way of a tribute was a hundred or so words combined for these two television icons... People, I am disappointed with you." She goes on to bitch about the amount of space the mag gives to the "latest trivial celebrity breakup."
While I agree, even as a frequent reader of the mags, that we as a culture spend too much time worrying about which star is breaking up with whichever other star, these magazines would not sell as many issues if Tom Bosley was on the cover. Happy Days and Leave It to Beaver have not been relevant for decades. Many of the mag's readers may not even know who the Beav's mom is. People Magazine respected the deaths of these 2 definite TV icons by devoting space, albeit small, to their passings. People owes them no more.
Would it have been bad to do a 1-2 page article on their careers? No. Is the magazine required to do a 10 page spread on every old-time celebrity who dies? No. Jill Clayburgh got a 1 page article in this issue because she was on a current TV show. If Tom Selleck died, he would get more of a mention because he is from more recent TV history and also has a current show. If Angelina Jolie died, she would be on the cover of every magazine because she is relevant now. Is this fair? Maybe not but that's how magazines sell- Americans want what is current and with our short attention spans, stars have to fight to stay in the limelight. I mourn the passing of 2 of televisions greatest parents and think People gave them the respect they deserved.
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There is a 2 page ad for "Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things" in which she is shown as a skinny version of herself. Not that I care what Oprah weighs or how she looks but I am left to wonder: Is being skinny one of her ultimate favorite things?
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Apparently, there is a new reality show (really?!?!?!?!?! There are so few of them!!! Snark.) called BRIDALPLASTY (The only competition where the winner gets cut). Hunh. Is that so. The picture shows a bride holding a bouquet of syringes, scalpels, and surgical instruments. I am... I don't know... how am I supposed to feel about this? The tag line is "Before the winner walks down the aisle-- She'll go under the knife." What??? Appalling. Horrible. All 12 women are pretty. Why would they do this? Well, because they want to. They want that instant fame that comes these days from being on shows like this. Seriously, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino stands to make millions from endorsement deals and made $100,000 for dancing on TV for 4 weeks. What was he doing before? Working at a regular job making not millions of dollars. So I guess it goes back to what I said earlier about being current in the public eye. Whatever it takes to be seen, noticed, paid to do crazy things like get a nose job or brow lift before your wedding. Who am I to judge?
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Kat Von D. Don't like her, which is beside the point. She has a new book out called The Tattoo Chronicles. I won't be reading it. When asked about the past year with Jesse James, the cheating idiot ex of Sandra Bullock, she says, "That will probably be the Tattoo Chronicles II. But if you want to ask me about my personal life, you're going to hear crickets." I am all for celebrities keeping their personal lives personal, but this woman has chosen to be in the public eye, flaunting a relationship with a guy barely divorced (who was supposedly devastated by his breakup). She says she will address it in the next book but won't answer an interviewer's questions? Whatever. That is her right. It just seems hypocritical to me.
_____________________________________________________________________
The Palins Get Real
"I never planned on being the mother of a son with special needs. I thought, God will never give me something I can't handle". Sarah Palin. Wow, most people with special needs children didn't plan on it unless they are those few amazing people who willingly adopt special needs kids. Maybe, at the age of 40-something, as the governor of a state, as the mother of 4 other children, you should have planned on using birth control. Just my opinion. And I won't refudiate it.
____________________________________________________________________
That's it for this week. Tune in next week for more important analysis of movie star memoirs, reader mail rants, and reality show reality.
People Magazine November 22, 2010 issue with Kim Kardashian on the cover-
The MailBag has a letter from a woman who complains that People mentioned the deaths of Tom Bosley (Mr. C.) and Barbara Billingsley (June Cleaver) with only a few words in the Passages section. She states, "...all you could muster by way of a tribute was a hundred or so words combined for these two television icons... People, I am disappointed with you." She goes on to bitch about the amount of space the mag gives to the "latest trivial celebrity breakup."
While I agree, even as a frequent reader of the mags, that we as a culture spend too much time worrying about which star is breaking up with whichever other star, these magazines would not sell as many issues if Tom Bosley was on the cover. Happy Days and Leave It to Beaver have not been relevant for decades. Many of the mag's readers may not even know who the Beav's mom is. People Magazine respected the deaths of these 2 definite TV icons by devoting space, albeit small, to their passings. People owes them no more.
Would it have been bad to do a 1-2 page article on their careers? No. Is the magazine required to do a 10 page spread on every old-time celebrity who dies? No. Jill Clayburgh got a 1 page article in this issue because she was on a current TV show. If Tom Selleck died, he would get more of a mention because he is from more recent TV history and also has a current show. If Angelina Jolie died, she would be on the cover of every magazine because she is relevant now. Is this fair? Maybe not but that's how magazines sell- Americans want what is current and with our short attention spans, stars have to fight to stay in the limelight. I mourn the passing of 2 of televisions greatest parents and think People gave them the respect they deserved.
_____________________________________________________________________
There is a 2 page ad for "Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things" in which she is shown as a skinny version of herself. Not that I care what Oprah weighs or how she looks but I am left to wonder: Is being skinny one of her ultimate favorite things?
______________________________________________________________________
Apparently, there is a new reality show (really?!?!?!?!?! There are so few of them!!! Snark.) called BRIDALPLASTY (The only competition where the winner gets cut). Hunh. Is that so. The picture shows a bride holding a bouquet of syringes, scalpels, and surgical instruments. I am... I don't know... how am I supposed to feel about this? The tag line is "Before the winner walks down the aisle-- She'll go under the knife." What??? Appalling. Horrible. All 12 women are pretty. Why would they do this? Well, because they want to. They want that instant fame that comes these days from being on shows like this. Seriously, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino stands to make millions from endorsement deals and made $100,000 for dancing on TV for 4 weeks. What was he doing before? Working at a regular job making not millions of dollars. So I guess it goes back to what I said earlier about being current in the public eye. Whatever it takes to be seen, noticed, paid to do crazy things like get a nose job or brow lift before your wedding. Who am I to judge?
____________________________________________________________________
Kat Von D. Don't like her, which is beside the point. She has a new book out called The Tattoo Chronicles. I won't be reading it. When asked about the past year with Jesse James, the cheating idiot ex of Sandra Bullock, she says, "That will probably be the Tattoo Chronicles II. But if you want to ask me about my personal life, you're going to hear crickets." I am all for celebrities keeping their personal lives personal, but this woman has chosen to be in the public eye, flaunting a relationship with a guy barely divorced (who was supposedly devastated by his breakup). She says she will address it in the next book but won't answer an interviewer's questions? Whatever. That is her right. It just seems hypocritical to me.
_____________________________________________________________________
The Palins Get Real
"I never planned on being the mother of a son with special needs. I thought, God will never give me something I can't handle". Sarah Palin. Wow, most people with special needs children didn't plan on it unless they are those few amazing people who willingly adopt special needs kids. Maybe, at the age of 40-something, as the governor of a state, as the mother of 4 other children, you should have planned on using birth control. Just my opinion. And I won't refudiate it.
____________________________________________________________________
That's it for this week. Tune in next week for more important analysis of movie star memoirs, reader mail rants, and reality show reality.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Funny Shit I Have Seen On Trips Around The USA.
As I have taken road trips over the years, I have seen lots of funny signs and store name and billboards. Here are some that i have written down in my little diary over the years with my exact comments.
2004:
The Munch Box- Alturas CA
Shasta Vibrations- Mt. Shasta City CA
Viddy OH!- Lakeview OR
The Belligerent Duck- Alturas CA
The Most Likely Cafe- Lively CA
Hallelujah, CA
B'Sghetti's- Carson City, NV
Sushi Aloha Chinese Kitchen- NV
2005:
Cramp's Liquor- NJ
Wawa gas station- NJ
Path Mark store- NJ--- stupid name for a store
Pizza Hut Italian Bistro- NJ
Neck Rd- NJ
Pump Branch Rd- NJ
Tuckahoe, NJ
Find it at Find's, Find's Furniture- NJ
Tiffany's Green Beans n Birds- NJ
The Perfect Church: for those who arn't- NJ
Turtle Nut Iced Latte- NJ--- Is it made from tortoise testes?
Pastabilities Italian Food- NJ
Super Fresh Super Store- Ocean City, NJ
2006:
The Taco Maker- Salt Lake City, UT
Pocatello Idaho, the Smile Capital- Pocatello, ID
Idaho is for Idahoans- ID bill board--- huh?
"No loitering after 5pm"- bank sign in Preston ID--- so it's okay to loiter before 5pm?
Hock It to Me pawn shop- Butte MT
Dead End, Meth St- MT
Jason's clothing and Shoes- Billings MT
Aluminum Crotters and More!- Billings MT
Schmaltz Meats- Linton ND
Welcome to Upton, Best Town On Earth- Upton WY
Welcome to Buffalo Country- Greybull WY
Idaho is to great to litter- ID
Blowing Dust May Exist- Tuscon AZ
Pollo Feliz- Tuscon AZ--- Happy Chicken!
2009:
Home of the Hot Dog- Toledo OH
Gus's YumYum Restaurant- Toledo OH--- If you have to call it Yum Yum, it isn't (Jacintho)
Fritz and Alfredo's German and Mexican food- OH
Killers Trucking- OH
Quaker Steak and Lube- OH
"God wants full custody, not just weekend visits"- church sign, farmtown OH
"Sin is a heart disease that only God can cure"- Mennonite church sign, OH
golden Buzz Bar- Wilmet OH
Eriesistable Souvenirs- Erie PN
Hott Tan! & Watches- Niagara Falls NY
Mighty Taco- Niagara Falls NY
Learnington is the Tomato Capital of Canada- somewhere near London, Ontario
Injure/Kill Worker, $7500, 15 years- Ann Arbor MI
Affordable Septic 254-POOP- South Bend IN
2010:
Dump Road- Manzanar CA
Erik Schatt's Bakkery- Independence CA
The Loco Frijole- Bishop CA
Infant of Prague Catholic Church- Bridgeport CA
Joe Bob's Chicken Palace- Reno NV
Dog Bar(f) Rd- Grass Valley CA
Taco Tree- Auburn CA
Odd Fellows Temple- "Instiduded 1852"- near Auburn/Placerville CA
Cool, CA
Sandy Mush Rd- between Merced and Fresno CA
Avenue 24 1/2- Chowchilla CA
Bravo Burgers Mexican Food- near Victorville CA
Corny's Shoes- Ridgecrest CA
Inyokern, Sunshine Capital of the World- Inyokern CA
DIP next 25 miles- near Ridgecrest CA
Hahahahaha. Enjoy!!
2004:
The Munch Box- Alturas CA
Shasta Vibrations- Mt. Shasta City CA
Viddy OH!- Lakeview OR
The Belligerent Duck- Alturas CA
The Most Likely Cafe- Lively CA
Hallelujah, CA
B'Sghetti's- Carson City, NV
Sushi Aloha Chinese Kitchen- NV
2005:
Cramp's Liquor- NJ
Wawa gas station- NJ
Path Mark store- NJ--- stupid name for a store
Pizza Hut Italian Bistro- NJ
Neck Rd- NJ
Pump Branch Rd- NJ
Tuckahoe, NJ
Find it at Find's, Find's Furniture- NJ
Tiffany's Green Beans n Birds- NJ
The Perfect Church: for those who arn't- NJ
Turtle Nut Iced Latte- NJ--- Is it made from tortoise testes?
Pastabilities Italian Food- NJ
Super Fresh Super Store- Ocean City, NJ
2006:
The Taco Maker- Salt Lake City, UT
Pocatello Idaho, the Smile Capital- Pocatello, ID
Idaho is for Idahoans- ID bill board--- huh?
"No loitering after 5pm"- bank sign in Preston ID--- so it's okay to loiter before 5pm?
Hock It to Me pawn shop- Butte MT
Dead End, Meth St- MT
Jason's clothing and Shoes- Billings MT
Aluminum Crotters and More!- Billings MT
Schmaltz Meats- Linton ND
Welcome to Upton, Best Town On Earth- Upton WY
Welcome to Buffalo Country- Greybull WY
Idaho is to great to litter- ID
Blowing Dust May Exist- Tuscon AZ
Pollo Feliz- Tuscon AZ--- Happy Chicken!
2009:
Home of the Hot Dog- Toledo OH
Gus's YumYum Restaurant- Toledo OH--- If you have to call it Yum Yum, it isn't (Jacintho)
Fritz and Alfredo's German and Mexican food- OH
Killers Trucking- OH
Quaker Steak and Lube- OH
"God wants full custody, not just weekend visits"- church sign, farmtown OH
"Sin is a heart disease that only God can cure"- Mennonite church sign, OH
golden Buzz Bar- Wilmet OH
Eriesistable Souvenirs- Erie PN
Hott Tan! & Watches- Niagara Falls NY
Mighty Taco- Niagara Falls NY
Learnington is the Tomato Capital of Canada- somewhere near London, Ontario
Injure/Kill Worker, $7500, 15 years- Ann Arbor MI
Affordable Septic 254-POOP- South Bend IN
2010:
Dump Road- Manzanar CA
Erik Schatt's Bakkery- Independence CA
The Loco Frijole- Bishop CA
Infant of Prague Catholic Church- Bridgeport CA
Joe Bob's Chicken Palace- Reno NV
Dog Bar(f) Rd- Grass Valley CA
Taco Tree- Auburn CA
Odd Fellows Temple- "Instiduded 1852"- near Auburn/Placerville CA
Cool, CA
Sandy Mush Rd- between Merced and Fresno CA
Avenue 24 1/2- Chowchilla CA
Bravo Burgers Mexican Food- near Victorville CA
Corny's Shoes- Ridgecrest CA
Inyokern, Sunshine Capital of the World- Inyokern CA
DIP next 25 miles- near Ridgecrest CA
Hahahahaha. Enjoy!!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Nine years ago today
*Nine years ago I was a student at SDSU.
*Nine years ago my sister had moved to Albuquerque.
*Nine years ago I was working at Animal Hospital of La Jolla.
*Nine years ago I had developed Panic Disorder.
*Nine years ago I had not met Jason yet.
*Nine years ago I had been to Oakland to see Madonna in concert with Robyn.
*Nine years ago my cats were Kittonian, Krispy, Quilvio, Mama, Lambert, Pooter, and Jellybean. Ashes and Rascal may have been around and I had put Sheba to sleep on 9/10/01.
**Nine years ago I was sitting in the hallway waiting for my Music for Teachers class to start. I heard some people talking about a plane crash and asked them what had happened. That is how I found out about the planes flying into the World Trade Center. I didn't find out much more until after class when the administration made everyone leave campus. Christine and I drove in her car to have lunch at Marie Callendar's and I saw everything as a replay on the big screen TVs. I was horrified. I thought that a hundred thousand people would be dead. I cried. I wanted to know what happened. I was glad I did not see ANY of the disaster on television live. It was bad enough seeing it after it had already happened.
I remember the looks on the faces of the people in that picture where they are all running from the huge cloud of debris and dust and smoke and chaos as one of the towers collapsed. I felt horrible for them, having to be there in NYC, in the middle of terror. I wanted to drop everything and go help, just like a lot of people but especially since as a vet tech, I have medical skills. I remember watching TV with my dad that night and both of us crying. I lit candles that I kept on the front porch. I taped the flag insert from the newspaper to the window. I thought the world as we knew it was over and it was. I wrote this in my journal:
9/11/01
Tues
Today was the worst day
& most shocking day I
have ever experienced in
my entire life on this
planet.
This is unimaginable.
My heart aches for
everyone <3 (heart)
My heart still aches. I am still sad. I still cry when I see pictures or videos of that day. I have seen Ground Zero and paid my respects. I would like to do the same at the Pentagon and in that field in Pennsylvania where some of my fellow citizens died being brave. I will always remember what happened nine years ago.
*Nine years ago my sister had moved to Albuquerque.
*Nine years ago I was working at Animal Hospital of La Jolla.
*Nine years ago I had developed Panic Disorder.
*Nine years ago I had not met Jason yet.
*Nine years ago I had been to Oakland to see Madonna in concert with Robyn.
*Nine years ago my cats were Kittonian, Krispy, Quilvio, Mama, Lambert, Pooter, and Jellybean. Ashes and Rascal may have been around and I had put Sheba to sleep on 9/10/01.
**Nine years ago I was sitting in the hallway waiting for my Music for Teachers class to start. I heard some people talking about a plane crash and asked them what had happened. That is how I found out about the planes flying into the World Trade Center. I didn't find out much more until after class when the administration made everyone leave campus. Christine and I drove in her car to have lunch at Marie Callendar's and I saw everything as a replay on the big screen TVs. I was horrified. I thought that a hundred thousand people would be dead. I cried. I wanted to know what happened. I was glad I did not see ANY of the disaster on television live. It was bad enough seeing it after it had already happened.
I remember the looks on the faces of the people in that picture where they are all running from the huge cloud of debris and dust and smoke and chaos as one of the towers collapsed. I felt horrible for them, having to be there in NYC, in the middle of terror. I wanted to drop everything and go help, just like a lot of people but especially since as a vet tech, I have medical skills. I remember watching TV with my dad that night and both of us crying. I lit candles that I kept on the front porch. I taped the flag insert from the newspaper to the window. I thought the world as we knew it was over and it was. I wrote this in my journal:
9/11/01
Tues
Today was the worst day
& most shocking day I
have ever experienced in
my entire life on this
planet.
This is unimaginable.
My heart aches for
everyone <3 (heart)
My heart still aches. I am still sad. I still cry when I see pictures or videos of that day. I have seen Ground Zero and paid my respects. I would like to do the same at the Pentagon and in that field in Pennsylvania where some of my fellow citizens died being brave. I will always remember what happened nine years ago.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Random Post About Random Things
Item #1: (as in Murray's band meeting notes)
I have wondered a few times in the last few years, and especially when I hear the Sleep Train commercial on TV, how all the different mattress stores stay in business. I mean, how often are people really buying new mattresses? I have had the same mattress for 13 years (yes, I know I should get a new one). I just checked the East County/South Bay yellow pages and there are 4 Mattress Discounters, 5 Sleep Trains, 1 Banner, 1 Ortho, 1 Healthy Back, and 4 other miscellaneous mattress stores. That's 15 mattress stores in just 2 regions of our county. Are these stores ever so busy that they can't help all the customers? Are they usually empty? Are some of them listed in the phone book but actually closed now? I know the answer is yes to that, actually, because the Sleep Number store that was in Parkway Plaza is no longer. And in these oft-mentioned "bad economic times", I wonder even more about how mattress sales are going. I guess maybe I'll wander into a Sleep Train one of these days and ask them.
Item #2:
Last December, I traded in my beloved 1999 pine green Honda civic. Jason said once that I had the most popular-colored Civic and it rubbed me the wrong way, as if he was saying I was unoriginal. (He wasn't, I was just testy that day.) The car I got to replace the Civic (another Civic) is blue, Atomic Blue to be exact. Guess what? Every Single Day I see my car, at least once. I now have the 21st century's most popular color. Great.
Item #3:
I have had these little metal Sanrio (Hello Kitty's brand) containers filled with coins for years and years. One is full of wheatleaf pennies, another has other American coins, and then another is full of a bunch of foreign coins from a bunch of different countries. I decided recently to sort the foreign ones and see if they were worth anything. Guess what? They're not. I have coins from Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, The Netherlands, Canada, England, United Arab Emirates, France, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, and The Phillipines. I know where most of these came from: John (the ex-husband) brought coins from The Phillipines, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan. My friend Angie gave me some from Japan and Hong Kong. John and/or Angie may have also gotten the Korean coins. The ones from the UAE have to be from my grandparents when they lived overseas. Same with the Singapore/Malay money. And I know that some of the Canadian $$ came from my own wallet this summer as well as the random Canadian penny that makes its way into a US cash register and into my hand as change. I do not know, however, how I got Francs, Dutch coins, or English pounds. I have never been to Europe and don't remember being given these coins. Needless to say, they are worth nada; the Currency Exchange at the mall only exchanges coinage in the form of pounds or Euros. The lady behind the counter told me I could sell my little collection for scrap. Haha. I think I'll give away the Pesos (0.07 cents to the $) and maybe sell some of the other older coins on e-bay. Or maybe I'll just dump them all back into their little tin can and let them collect dust for another 20 years.
Item #4:
I went to the El Cajon Oktoberfest this past Sunday for the first time. In the last 10 years, the La Mesa Oktoberfest has become less German and more Salesman ie: more crap to buy, more back-cracking chiropractors, more non-Deutsch grub (last time I checked, pizza was not German). I have not been to the La Mesa O-Fest for a couple years and this year, I decided I would check out the other East County sausage soiree. It was a lot different. Much smaller, it is held at the East County German Club (or something like that). There were maybe 30 vendors versus the couple hundred at La Mesa. There was only one place to get each type of German food- one pretzel stand (these pretzels are as big around as your head), one sausage/kraut/potato stand, one drink stand, one pastry stand, and one BierGarten. There were many men and women in traditional dress- lederhosen and those pretty dresses the women wear. There was one stage where the band played, one dance floor, and several rows of tables for people to use for eating, drinking, talking. I stayed for about an hour and a half (I ate about 1/2 of my enormous $5 pretzel) and left. I can now say I have been to the El Cajon Oktoberfest and I can say that once was enough. I definitely appreciated the authenticity but I felt a bit out of place as I could tell that many of the people who were there knew each other. I prefer the anonymity of the La Mesa crowd. Maybe next year, I'll go to Germany...
I have wondered a few times in the last few years, and especially when I hear the Sleep Train commercial on TV, how all the different mattress stores stay in business. I mean, how often are people really buying new mattresses? I have had the same mattress for 13 years (yes, I know I should get a new one). I just checked the East County/South Bay yellow pages and there are 4 Mattress Discounters, 5 Sleep Trains, 1 Banner, 1 Ortho, 1 Healthy Back, and 4 other miscellaneous mattress stores. That's 15 mattress stores in just 2 regions of our county. Are these stores ever so busy that they can't help all the customers? Are they usually empty? Are some of them listed in the phone book but actually closed now? I know the answer is yes to that, actually, because the Sleep Number store that was in Parkway Plaza is no longer. And in these oft-mentioned "bad economic times", I wonder even more about how mattress sales are going. I guess maybe I'll wander into a Sleep Train one of these days and ask them.
Item #2:
Last December, I traded in my beloved 1999 pine green Honda civic. Jason said once that I had the most popular-colored Civic and it rubbed me the wrong way, as if he was saying I was unoriginal. (He wasn't, I was just testy that day.) The car I got to replace the Civic (another Civic) is blue, Atomic Blue to be exact. Guess what? Every Single Day I see my car, at least once. I now have the 21st century's most popular color. Great.
Item #3:
I have had these little metal Sanrio (Hello Kitty's brand) containers filled with coins for years and years. One is full of wheatleaf pennies, another has other American coins, and then another is full of a bunch of foreign coins from a bunch of different countries. I decided recently to sort the foreign ones and see if they were worth anything. Guess what? They're not. I have coins from Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, The Netherlands, Canada, England, United Arab Emirates, France, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, and The Phillipines. I know where most of these came from: John (the ex-husband) brought coins from The Phillipines, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan. My friend Angie gave me some from Japan and Hong Kong. John and/or Angie may have also gotten the Korean coins. The ones from the UAE have to be from my grandparents when they lived overseas. Same with the Singapore/Malay money. And I know that some of the Canadian $$ came from my own wallet this summer as well as the random Canadian penny that makes its way into a US cash register and into my hand as change. I do not know, however, how I got Francs, Dutch coins, or English pounds. I have never been to Europe and don't remember being given these coins. Needless to say, they are worth nada; the Currency Exchange at the mall only exchanges coinage in the form of pounds or Euros. The lady behind the counter told me I could sell my little collection for scrap. Haha. I think I'll give away the Pesos (0.07 cents to the $) and maybe sell some of the other older coins on e-bay. Or maybe I'll just dump them all back into their little tin can and let them collect dust for another 20 years.
Item #4:
I went to the El Cajon Oktoberfest this past Sunday for the first time. In the last 10 years, the La Mesa Oktoberfest has become less German and more Salesman ie: more crap to buy, more back-cracking chiropractors, more non-Deutsch grub (last time I checked, pizza was not German). I have not been to the La Mesa O-Fest for a couple years and this year, I decided I would check out the other East County sausage soiree. It was a lot different. Much smaller, it is held at the East County German Club (or something like that). There were maybe 30 vendors versus the couple hundred at La Mesa. There was only one place to get each type of German food- one pretzel stand (these pretzels are as big around as your head), one sausage/kraut/potato stand, one drink stand, one pastry stand, and one BierGarten. There were many men and women in traditional dress- lederhosen and those pretty dresses the women wear. There was one stage where the band played, one dance floor, and several rows of tables for people to use for eating, drinking, talking. I stayed for about an hour and a half (I ate about 1/2 of my enormous $5 pretzel) and left. I can now say I have been to the El Cajon Oktoberfest and I can say that once was enough. I definitely appreciated the authenticity but I felt a bit out of place as I could tell that many of the people who were there knew each other. I prefer the anonymity of the La Mesa crowd. Maybe next year, I'll go to Germany...
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