Too funny not to share!

I thought this was super cute, so I wanted to share!  :-)

My Favorite 4 Minutes of Music: Week of August 24th

Nothing like having a three week break from blogging, eh?  Sorry to those of you who were becoming loyal readers and then I just fell off the face of the planet.  I had a huge event at work... and a huge event in my personal life that I was getting prepared for.  Both are now complete and I hope to get back to blogging in my spare time!

I figured I'd start with my recurring "Favorite 4 Minutes of Music".... the funny thing is that this song isn't even four minutes long!  It's just over two minutes.  But for some reason, in those two minutes, this song makes me feel like I am 20 again and wanting to go out to a dance club and seriously shake it.  During some of the more stressful times of hte last two weeks, this song has gotten me through just by putting it on in my car or in the shower and just dancing like there's no tomorrow.  :-)

The song is "I Like That" by Static Revenger & Richard Vission featuring Luciana.  One quick fun tidbit I just learned: Richard Vission was raised in the San Fernando Valley of LA.... which is right where I live!  :-)

A step in the correct direction!

I'm super stoked to be able to blog at this moment... as less than a half hour ago, the California Supreme Court ruled on the Proposition 8 Trial.  The verdict?  Prop 8 is unconstitutional! 

What does this mean?  Well the immediate implications are yet to be seen.  I'm not sure if tomorrow same-sex couples will be able to go to the courthouse and get a license.  What I do know is that thankfully for this judges wise and kind verdict, there will be progress when it comes to gay marriage in California (and hopefully the US).

News reports are already saying that right-wingers are planning an appeal (not surprising).... and it may take it all the way to the US Supreme Court.  That kind of exposure and bringing the issue to the forefront could be just what we need.  And hopefully the US Supreme Court will do what is right... just as the CA Supreme Court did today. 

Can I get a big HELL YEAH!  :-)

Hilarious!

Here's a hilarious clip... merging two summer movie hits together!  If you've seen both of these movies, you will find it particularly funny.  Enjoy

I'm taking the blog on vacation!

So I'm going on vacation starting tonight.... and the blog is coming with me!  :-)  A group of friends and I are going to the hap-hap-happiest place on earth... Walt Disney World in Orlando!  I'm excited to give you recaps and post pics and maybe even video thanks to my new iPhone!  :-) 

Be on the lookout for some fun posts!!! 

Why I Hate "America's Got Talent"... (but still can't stop watching)

You know by now that I'm a sucker for reality TV.  I love the thought of having an afternoon with nothing to do but catch up on hours of DVR'ed unscripted goodness.

One show that I have watched on and off since its first season is "America's Got Talent".  Over the past several summers there have been MANY great, unique acts that have been featured on the show.  BUT.... I have just been catching up on this week's episodes and I felt the burning need to express how much I really HATE this show.  Well maybe not the whole show, but just certain aspects of it.  Let me break those aspects down for you:

1. GET RID OF THE STANDARD SINGERS!  We've got a very popular singing talent show already called American Idol... and although Idol is only for ages 15-29, I still feel that the singing performers have an unfair advantage over other groups.  Of the 4 acts that made it through on this weeks results show, 2 of them were singers (that don't do anything else besides sing).  Unless you are adding something unique to the singing performance, then I don't think they should be allowed to participate.  I mean, after all... what makes this show cool and unique is that it is a "catch-all" for so many other unique talents... and just regular singing takes away the opportunity of other people who this is their only venue to gain fame and have their shot on a reality TV show. 
2. IS THIS SHOW CALLED "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT"? OR "WHO WILL MAKE THE BEST VEGAS STAGE SHOW"???!!  I hate that the winning prize has become so focused on the Vegas stage show.  This is a talent show. Not a casting call for Vegas shows.  If the point of the show is to find the best, most unique talent in America, there are good chances that maybe that talent isn't appropriate for a Vegas audience.  I mean, are you really going to put through a dance group of five 8-12 year old girls to dance every night in Sin City?  But... if those girls are talented, they should be rewarded! 
3. STOP PICKING CONTESTANTS BECAUSE THEY ARE ATTRACTIVE!  So maybe the hand-whistling Granny isn't attractive... but it seems like some of the contestants this are banking on their looks more than their talent.  Let's be real... that 18 year old guy that made it through week one... Nathaniel Kenyon... there is NO WAY that voice would get him through on American Idol (and that says a lot considering Tim Young made it to the top 8 this past season).  I just think that with the cross-section of America that probably tries out for the show, we should pick people based on talent... and not a combination of looks and talent.  If the person's talent can stand alone without the looks, and they happen to be attractive, then cool.  Otherwise... let someone else have a chance. 

Any other people out there in the blogosphere watch this show?  Please tell me I'm not the only one that has these same feelings about the show....

With those things said... let me leave you with a video of my favorite act to ever be on America's Got Talent.  This act I think epitomizes what America's Got Talent SHOULD be all about.... uniqueness... originality.... entertaining... and a captivating talent.  Check out the Quick Change Artists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axi58IkRkvk

First blog post from iPhone!

So far this birthday week has been covered in awesome sauce! First of all... after thinking I was going to have to wait three weeks to get my new iPhone... I got email notification that it was in on Monday! Needless to say... I've been attached to it ever since!

It has an awesome frontward facing camera... Which Rich and I have already tested out with Apple's "FaceTime" video chat. Very fun. Here's a pic from the camera:




I love this phone so much that I may just have to add a new recurring blog column about my favorite new apps. :-). We'll see. I'm posting this from a blogging app I just downloaded. If you are reading this, then it was a success!

Thanks Rich for the AWESOME birthday present!!! I LOVE it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Favorite 4 Minutes of Music This Week- July 23rd

For this weeks Favorite 4 Minutes, I'm sharing a group that I've been jamming to all week.  This song isn't a new, breaking song that is fresh on the charts... in fact, I don't think they have ever been on the charts here in the US.  They are a UK-based Danish pop that I am in love with: Alphabeat!

To me, Alphabeat is a little slice of Europop heaven.  There ain't no shame in my game... I will openly admit that I love Ace of Base and other poppy groups that came out of the Europe in the 90's.  To me, Alphabeat is a throwback to those days, with a new, current spin on it.  I was able to get my hands on their most recent CD "The Beat Is..." and I am in LOVE with it.  The lead singer, Stine, is so damn cute... and she is joined by a group of equally adorable guys.  They are just fun, fun, FUN!

I first found out about Alphabeat when Perez Hilton posted a song by them on his blog... and he later had them perform at his showcase at SXSW this year.  It was their first US appearance... and I was SO wanting to be there.  I guess I'll have to wait for them to come back to the states and hopefully they will do a show in the LA area.

The song Perez posted months ago is the song that I am posting for you today... it's my favorite of their songs and makes me feel like dancing.  It's great while driving with the windows down in the summertime!

Check it out and if you like it, you should look up their other songs and videos on YouTube.  Enjoy "The Spell" by ALPHABEAT!  :-)

As I turn 30...

It's my birthday!  YAY! 

As I turn 30, I'd like to take this opportunity to focus not on myself... but on the woman who gave birth to me 30 years ago today: Connie Eickhoff! 

It's hard to be so far away from my mom on a day like today... not only because I am totally missing her famous Rice Krispy Ice Cream Dessert that I love and that she has made for me every year on my birthday :-) ... but because I know that she must be having some mixed feelings about today.  I mean, I can just hear here up at the Bluebird Cafe having breakfast saying "My baby turns thirty today!  Can you believe it?  THIRTY!".  Yes mom.  Your baby is 30. 

This is the amazing woman who told me it was OK to be me.  I was perfect just the way I am.  And if other people didn't think so... they could go f--- themselves!  (and she would tell them exactly where they could shove it!).  It was so OK to be me, in fact, that she would cut, sew, and hot glue gun any costume needed in order to get on stage and make a fool of myself at the Riverfest Lip Sync for the last 19 (soon to be 20) years.  She didn't care... she would be front row and be incredibly proud. 

This is the amazing woman who gave me the love and kindness I needed growing up so that I could become a loving and kind adult.  Today this was made apparent by all the love and kindness I've been shown on facebook by people all across the country.  I am lucky to have all these people in my life... and I wouldn't if it wasn't for my mother. 

This is the amazing woman who has been there to support me through all the difficult times.  I am grateful to know that my life has been easier than most, and that is due to the unwavering support she has given me.  Even the most difficult times were bearable because of her.  I do not take this for granted.  There are so many people out there without this support that I know I am truly blessed to have her in my life. 

This is the amazing woman who gave me my ability to be crafty and creative.  She never strayed me away from doing fun arts and crafts projects and always allowed me to express myself creatively.  For this, I thank her... because being creative is something I thrive on now, and something that makes me so happy.  For every holiday decoration that I display... for every lip sync background I paint... for every homemade gift or card I create... I thank her for giving me this talent and passion. 

This is the amazing woman showed me what true love is by being in a loving, committed relationship for 40 years.  She has proven that love can be strong if you are strong as an individual and do what it takes to make it work.  The lessons I learned in this area alone have helped to make me successful in my current relationship which is going on two years strong.  And trust me... I wouldn't be where I am today without her advice during the many phone calls I've made crying out for help.  He insight is invaluable. 

This is the amazing woman who gave birth to a big baby boy 30 years ago today.  I LOVE YOU Mom, and wish nothing more than to hug you on my birthday.  Thanks for all you've given to me in the last 10,950 days. 

Yes mom, your baby is 30.... but whether I'm turning 3 or 30 or 93... I'll always be your baby. 

Things I Love About California: Arclight Cinemas

After my last post about Inception, I'd like to follow it up with my latest installment of: "Things I Love About California."  This week, I love Arclight Cinemas.... or put more simply: movie theatres with reservable seats!

Now... I'm pretty sure this isn't just in California anymore... but considering the movie-going experience that I had growing up in Michigan, having this option out here is pretty amazing. 

For those of you still back in the Midwest that don't understand what I'm talking about... consider this:  You know how when you buy tickets on Ticketmaster for a concert and they tell you what the best available seats are and you can see where you are sitting before you buy the tickets? ?  Imagine being able to do that for a movie!!!

You can log in to the Arclight website, check the various movie times, and then look at a layout of the theatre to see if its packed.  Then you can click on whatever available seats you like best and buy your tickets online.  So if you're one of those people who always like to sit in the back... or in the front... you've got that option.  You can buy your tickets days in advance and make plans around that movie for the night.  Just print the tickets from home, and you are good to go.  It's pretty awesome.  Best part... is if you are going to see a movie on opening night or opening weekend, before you would have to show up at least an hour ahead of time to buy your tickets and then wait in line to get a good seat.  Not anymore.  You can show up 10 minutes before the movie (or 15 in order to make sure you can get snacks!) and get right in. 

Another awesome thing about Arclight: you can't get into the movie once the movie begins... so you better be on time!  Its nice because it cuts down on people coming in late and crawling over you in the dark to find a seat.  Although this rule did bite us in the butt once when were late and had to forfeit our tickets... we learned our lesson and haven't done it since. 

OK... OK... so things aren't perfect with Arclight.  Of course the tickets are more expensive... but for the headache that it relieves, its pretty quick to get over the ticket price.  At most "regular" theatres out here in California, you are going to spend $12 to see a movie anyway... so whats the different to spend an extra $3.  For me, the convenience is worth it. 

Inception... pretty much = badass.

Sorry its been a few days since an update.  I feel like I've got so much to say!  First, I'll start with a post about the movie "Inception".  Its a flick I've been waiting for a while to see.  The previews were done pretty well... and definitely sold me on going opening weekend. 

Let's break it down in parts:

Visually: The movie is beautiful.  From the costumes to the set design to the special effects.  A visually pleasing movie that I am certain will get at least a few technical nominations at the Oscars this year.  What you see in the preview?  Yeah... you get that and a whole lot more.

Sound:  You know how the previews give you this sense of urgency and suspense with that low-toned, almost vuvuzela sound?  Well, take that and add 100% more urgency and suspense.  The music and sound effects are done really well.  The soundtrack (and its use) is pretty fantastic.

Acting:  Of course we know Leo is a pro... and I wouldn't have expected any less from him.  But... can I just say that there were some other stellar performances in this movie?  First of all: Marion Cotillard.  Best Supporting Actress nomination if you ask me.  She wasn't in the movie much, but when she was, I was fixated on her.  Between her flawless classic beauty and her captivating performance, I was ready to hand her an award myself.  And can I just say that Joseph Gordon Levitt has come a LONG way since "Angels In The Outfield".  I thought he was awesome.  Those two were the standouts for me, but they were among a stellar cast.  Oh... and can I just add that I need to check out some more flicks with this Tom Hardy guy (plays Eames in the movie)???  Between his cute smile and accent I was smitten!  :-)

Plot:  I mean... what can you really say about the screenwriting and plot about this movie???  Sure it stars Leo and all... but really, the storyline is the star of the movie.  Some movies rest on big name actors... some rest on stunning visual effects... but with Inception, you could take that all away and you still have a complex and intriguing story. 

All in all... as I'm sure you've gathered... I reccommend seeing Inception if you haven't yet.  If you are one of those people that tends to rent movies... I would say this is one you definitely want to take the time and money to see in the actual theatre.

Well.... that was fast.

BIG BROTHER SPOILER ALERT:  If you have Big Brother 12 tivo'ed or dvr'ed from last night and haven't watched yet... then read no further!  :-)

(I always appreciate a warning, because I hate when my reality TV gets spoiled!)

So Thursday night was the first (of I'm sure many to come) dramatic night of the Big Brother 12 season.  Not only did we find out who the Saboteur was, but we had our first eviction and live HOH competition.  Here are some of my thoughts:

• First of all, I'm totally bummed that Annie was the Saboteur and now she's out the game!  I guess that big twist backfired on you, huh CBS?  Once I found out that it was actually Annie, I was happy with her as the choice, and wished that she would have stayed a bit longer.  I do give her credit for trying her best to stay... and the point she made about Brendon and Rachel was a good one (which made itself even more apparent LATER...).  For it being the first eviction of the season, that was a pretty good speech that Annie gave!  Usually the first few weeks of pre-eviction speeches are filled with nothing but marshmallows and cotton candy.  She went right for the meaty-ness... and I liked it. 
• I really thought that Britney was the Saboteur... but now that she's not, I really hope she stays for a while.  She is too damn funny!  I love the comments that she makes in the diary room.  To put this in SAT verbal format: Britney is to season 12 as Kevin was to season 11. 
• Kristen.... she was another one that I felt could possibly be the saboteur... but it turns out she's just completely invisible in this entire game so far!  They haven't featured her at all.  In fact, on Thursday's episode I think the first time we even saw her face was when Julie called her into the diary room to vote.  At first, I thought this may be her "stealthness" as the saboteur.... but now I'm thinking:  Is she really just that boring? 
• The HOH competition:  Can I tell you how much I LOVED that during the second question that ALL three remaining "Brigade" members were eliminated.  All at the same time.  It was like poetry.  Complete awesomeness.  The Brigade is such a dumb alliance name... and they are stupid to think they are going to make it to the final four. 
• I LOVE that Rachel won the HOH competition.  Not that I particularly love Rachel.... but I just love drama in the BB house... and you know when someone goes from being on the block to being HOH that there will be some vengence and drama.  I can't wait to see what happens. 

Another reason I love Kathy Griffin

For those of you that don't follow Kathy Griffin closely, you may not know that she used her comedic genius last summer by bringing a very special date with her to the Teen Choice Awards.  Who better to accompany her to this teen awards show than the most famous teen baby-daddy, Levi Johnston (Sarah Palin's daughter's baby-daddy).  Personally, I thought this was hilarious!  Since that event, she's hung out with Levi on several occasions, and last week she even had an episode of her show "My Life on the D List" filmed in Wasila, Alaska with Levi.  I'm not sure how much she pays him to get him to go along with whatever she says... but Levi is pretty well trained to say things like "what Kathy and I have is real" and "I'm in love with Kathy".  It's hilarious.  This extra publicity even attracted Playgirl magazine to do a photo shoot with Levi (thus the copy of the magazine in the video below). 

Well... you can imagine Kathy's surprise when Levi is back in the news this week.  This time, its because he is back with Bristol Palin... and news reports are that they are engaged! 

Kathy posted a video depicting her response to this tragic news.  Be sure to watch until the end...  :-)

Things I Love about California: Agua Frescas

So I had this idea for a new "column" here on my blog: Things I Love about California.  It's been almost two years since I've moved out here, and it still surprises me to this day about how different life is here compared to my first 28 years of life in Michigan (and that one year in between that I lived in Nashville, TN... shout out to my friends there!).  To chronicle these new things... I'll be talking about them periodically (or as they present themselves) right here on my blog.

For the first installment, I'd like to share my love for: Aguas Frescas

Aguas Frescas is the spanish term for "fresh waters"... and boy are they refreshing especially on a hot day here in Southern Cali.  This delicious drink is most likely found where mexican food is served... and it comes in a variety of flavors.  Many of the flavors are fruit based and include chunks of fresh fruit in them.  My personal favorite is pineapple... but they come in lots of other flavors like mango, watermelon, canteloupe, guava, lime, strawberry lemonade and more.  There are also non fruit-based flavors like horchata and hibiscus. 

Just think: cold water, fruit, ice and sugar all mixed into one!  Can it get any better?  I mean... why is this a regional thing?  I don't understand why Michigan can't get some fruity-watery love!  I'm sure its because its a traditional drink from the Mexican culture... and well... let's face it, California is a lot more diverse than Michigan.  Still.... I think if I ever moved back to Michigan, one of the things I would miss most is Aguas Frescas.

One funny story to share that will describe my love for this drink:  I was at a fair with a group of friends, and its almost guaranteed that there will be Aguas Frescas at carnivals/fairs here in the LA area.  We luckily found a tent and got the largest one I could get.  Another friend asked to try it... and the first thing he said was: "it just tastes like watered-down fruit".  To which I promptly replied, "NO!  This is fruited-up water!".  You don't want to argue with me about Aguas Frescas.  :-)