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It's New Year's Eve 2004...doesn't it seem like just a year ago it was New Year's Eve 2003?
It's been quite a year in my life--a roller coaster ride. But, thanks to a lot of good friends and my family, I've made it through.
I now look forward to a whole new year in 2005.
So, everyone out there in the blog-sphere--have a safe and healthy New Year's Eve...be careful and don't party too much!
posted by Michael at 12/31/2004 08:27:00 AM |
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Pieces of Me by Ashlee Simpson |
"Fall, with you I fall so fast
I can hardly catch my breath
I hope it lasts"
In 2004 you fell in love. Let's hope it lasts.
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Your New Years Resolution Should Be: Get rid of your "computer butt" |
You've got more than "back" - you've got a big, fat ass.
And it's probably because you count multiple IM sessions as exercise
So, get yourself on the Hacker's Diet, stat...
And then you can stop pretending that you're a hot chick in chat rooms.
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posted by Michael at 12/30/2004 01:56:00 PM |
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Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence |
You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well.
An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly.
You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view.
A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary.
You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.
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posted by Michael at 12/30/2004 01:55:00 PM |
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The Umana family, along with probably several other people in Ohio, tuned into a local public access station on Christmas morning to listen to a church choir sing carols. Instead they got some adult cinema....
Of course, a lot of rude comments came to my mind immediately, such as...
- "Guess that's not Mary, cause there ain't no way she's still a virgin."
- "And the fourth Wise Man brought the adult cinema, hence why he isn't mentioned in scripture."
- "I tuned in to see a Yule log..."
- "I really didn't know the Grinch would steal that much of Christmas..."
I am sure there are many others and I have faith my fellow bloggers will help post as many as they can in the comments...
Meanwhile, in related news, new cable subscriptions in the area are up 200%....
posted by Michael at 12/30/2004 11:30:00 AM |
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The Inn of the Last Home 2004 Tennessee Tour made a stop in the great city of Nashville Tuesday afternoon. I was able to meet Barry, L, BrainyBoy and Tink for lunch up at Opry Mills. We had lunch at the Aquarium restaurant. I have to admit part of me felt a bit guilty chowing down on fish and chips while their brothers swan along in the tank. I think a couple of clownfish were giving me dirty looks and plotting my demise, if only they could get out of the tank.
The company, the food and the just overall restaurant were great. The service was next to pitiful. I am convinced that there is a rip in the space/time continuum somewhere between our table and the kitchen because our server seemed to routinely fall into it. It took her 20 minutes to bring out our drink orders--which did not include anything from the bar. Only thing I can figure is they are hauling in ice from Alaska for the Iccees that BB and Tink ordered.
Of course, Opry Mills was packed..isn't it always? But it was even worse than usual because there was some type of high school cheerleading competition going on over at the Opryland Hotel. I started having flashbacks to high school when girls in short skirts who were way too peppy for their own good routinely ignored me. Good thing to know nothing has changed over the years becuase they still wear short skirts, are still too peppy and they still ignore me. And pretty much everyone else around them as I found out trying to traverse the mall later to find something for Mom. (Good news is, I found it.)
To top off the the good news from the day, I finally caught up to my good friend Leslie from Knoxville--we'd been playing phone tag for a couple of days because she had some news she wanted to tell me. I had deduced that since the message was in a happy tone of voice and she'd been dating someone really nice last time we'd really talked that it was good news and that I'd have to put another set of Star Trek steak knives on order. We finally got to talk and catch up and she told me that she and her boyfriend got engaged...let me just say, that I'm happy for both of them, but unhappy for all us guys who might someday ask a special lady to marry us because Doug set the bar pretty high with the lengths he went to for his proposal--including writing the proposal as a song and having a back-up band while he sang it to her. We then caught up for a long while on people we know and made snarky comments about several of them. How can you not enjoy a day like that?
posted by Michael at 12/30/2004 07:59:00 AM |
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Forget about Alias...the real excitement about next Wednesday is that we get our first new epsiode of Lost for 2005!
If you're like me and starting to feel withdrawal pangs, here a couple of articles that might help. The first is from the New York Post and talks about the sudden, rampant fan speculation concerning the character of Hurley. Reading this article, the only thing that concerns me is the sudden comparisons to The X-Files--one of my favorite shows of the 90s, at least for the first five or six years. If any of you were X-Philes like myself, you remember at first how great it was, how much fun it was for the conspiracy to slowly develop...until suddenly in about season five you realized that Chris Carter and company had no clue where this was going and were making it up as they went along. I hope that Lost doesn't do this and have such a huge collapse as the X-Files did in the later seasons--pretty much anything after the movie and really pronounced after Duchovny departed stage left.
Meanwhile, TV Guide On-Line has an article speculating on just who the character of Ethan really might be. Nothing new there really, but it's still interesting.
posted by Michael at 12/29/2004 08:31:00 AM |
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I tuned in last night expecting to at least see who get eliminated from the last leg of the Race, but apparently it was not to be. Instead, we got a clips show of footage that wasn't used the first time around. And what did we learn from this? Well, we learned that Kendra can be a witch with a capital B even more than we originally suspected. I learned there are at least three more reasons to find Jonathan's behavoir deplorable. I was glad to see the editors didn't go with the footage of him shoving Victoria again, though I honestly wished there'd been some footage of Phil punching Jonathan for the way he treated Victoria in the infamous shoving incident. Also, Jonathan's inability to say the name "Sengal" correctly really got irritated--espeically when they showed that footage going into and coming out of the commercial break. We also got to see a bit more footage of Adam and Rebecca and we can see why the term "formerly dating" applies. The scene were Rebecca flirted for food on the train was a riot, but also very telling.
What this special did was confirm some thoughts that had been rambling around in my head the past few weeks...namely that a lot of the teams that we could get behind such as Don and Mary Jean, Lena and Kristy were all eliminated too early. Seeing how Don and Mary Jean overcame every obstacle put in front of them with grace and without shouting at each other was refreshing. Even when they were behind, each of them found positive things in ech leg of the Race to comment on and to encourage each other. Talk about a template for a healthy, well-adjusted relationship.
And Lena and Kristy--they certainly were portrayed in an interesting light. Putting on their make-up before a pit stop because Phil would be there was a riot. But was it just me or did anyone else get some weird, too-close-for-sisters overtones to the whole sleeping in tents in the snow stuff? I mean, hearing them talk about cuddling up in one sleeping bag naked to conserve heat...I have to tell ya there were some odd overtones to that. Or maybe it's just my mind going places it shouldn't....or both.
posted by Michael at 12/29/2004 08:17:00 AM |
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Today's Nashville City Paper had an interesting little editorial about a study on the things in life that people won't skimp on.
Here's the list:
1. Personal computers
2. Meat
3. Home or apartment itself
4. Furniture
5. Sit-down restaurants
6. Cars
7. Bedding
8. Kitchen appliances
9. Home entertainment products
10. Travel/vacations
And here's the things that people aren't willing to "trade down" on in buying:
1. Canned foods
2. Dry goods
3. Snack foods
4. Household cleaners
5. Paper products
6. Fast-service restaurants
7. Accessories
8. Soft drinks
9. Bottled water
10. Over-the-counter health remedies
The study, conducted by Boston Consulting Group looked at shoppers who make more than $50,000 annually in their household. I found it extremely interesting to see that a lot of people are cut corners on the small things--what you probably purchase every day--and not on the larger things such as computers.
posted by Michael at 12/28/2004 07:44:00 PM |
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Best of 2004
It's the end of the year and it seems as if everyone is coming up with a list of the top television events and shows of 2004. So why not do the same thing for those of us who really know--the TV Tuesday crowd?
1. List your top shows/TV moments of the year. You can do top five, top ten, however you want.
My top shows of 2004 are....
1. Lost
2. Angel
3. Scrubs
4. 24
5. Farscape: The PeaceKeeper War
6. Arrested Development
7. Star Trek: Enterprise
8. Without a Trace
9. The 2400
10. The Dead Zone
11. Two and A Half Men
2. List the best new TV show you've seen this year.
Without a doubt, Lost. Best new show since Firefly hit the airwaves.
3. Tell us the worst new TV show you sampled this year.
I watched about one episode of Quintuplets and cried....it was bad.
4. Is there a show that got the axe last year that you wish hadn't?
Angel
5. What show that left the airwaves this last year had the best finale?
Angel. A close second has to be Frasier.
Happy New Year everyone! Be safe!
posted by Michael at 12/28/2004 07:29:00 PM |
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I like Jimmy Hyam's latest UT Insider article from today's Nashville City Paper. It really puts the entire UT football season into a great perspective.
As I've said before, I think we overachieved this year. It's going to be hard for next year to top this year, but I think the football team can come close next year. I just hope they don't do a colassal Notre Dame like dive from the first to second season under Ty Willingham. Let's face it--we're gonna have some fans with huge expectations of the Vols...and the scary thing is that I think in two years, if things develop like they should, look out for the Vols...
posted by Michael at 12/28/2004 05:32:00 PM |
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There was a time when everything that Michael Crichton touched seemed to turn to gold. The streak really started with Jurassic Park, continued with ER and then we got Disclosure. But over the past couple of years, the Crichton name, while still popular has lost some of its luster. Honestly, I think this is because his last few books have felt like they’re just script treatments begging to be turned into blockbuster movies—just look at Prey, Timeline and the biggest culprit—Jurassic Park: The Lost World. Indeed, Crichton’s last two books, Prey and Timeline, have been pretty lackluster at best. Gone are the days when Jurassic Park or Sphere had you turning the pages well into the wee hours of the morning being both educated by the Crichton’s science and entertained by the sheer driving force of the narrative. It’s also hard to remember that as successful as Crichton has been, that he can also be a bit controversial. His willingness to tackle the issue of sexual harassment defined Disclosure and warned a new generation of men about the dangers present to them in the modern workplace. Now almost ten years after Disclosure, Crichton turns his attention to another controversial topic—the issue of global warming—in his new novel, State of Fear. This book is liable to really annoy a lot of the environmental community because Crichton asserts that not only is global warming not really the huge threat it’s been portrayed to be, there is pretty much no evidence that global warming is occurring at all. Instead, what we, the general public, are being fed is a series of terrifying statistics and reports to keep us in a “state of fear.” Crichton’s assertion is that after the Cold War, there were no more enemies to fight to keep the United States populace in a state of fear, fighting a common enemy—hence the sudden emphasis on environmentalism in our news and reports. Crichton backs up all this up with a wealth of documentation and evidence throughout the book. Only in a Michael Crichton novel will you have footnotes. Indeed, reading State of Fear, I was reminded a lot of Disclosure—Crichton’s early 90’s warning about sexual harassment. The novel barrels along at breakneck pace, slowly setting up the premise that global warming isn’t happening and that we understand very little about the environment many of us are so sworn to protect. In fact, for the first half of the novel, one would assume Crichton is writing a novel in far of environmental controls. It’s only in the second half that the real agenda comes out. Do we really know how the environment works? Is there really such a thing as leaving nature alone and keeping a place in its natural state? What is the natural state? Crichton gives us his opinion on them throughout the course of the story. His final conclusion—the fight to preserve the Earth and its resources should be an on-going, ever changing battle. It should change with each generation because each generation will face its own crisis. There is no global right or wrong answer that will work in every situation. But all of this would just be a scientific paper if it were not for the page turning thrills that we’ve come to associate with Michael Crichton. I’m happy to report that after his last two lackluster books, this one is a breath of fresh air. I almost feel as if Crichton believes so strongly in his argument that he doesn’t care if the story gets optioned for a movie and he returns to his old form—page turning suspense and intriguing situations. Yes, some of the character are a bit two dimensional, but overall the story is intriguing one that will keep you turning the pages. But how you receive the overall message may depend on how you feel about the environmental movement. If you approach State of Fear with an open mind, you just might learn a few things. I have a feeling in a few years many of us will look back at State of Fear as a warning of things to come much as we look back now at Disclosure.
posted by Michael at 12/27/2004 09:18:00 PM |
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I am so damn sick and tired of the Washington Redskins finding ways to lose to the Dallas Cowboys. Yesterday, Vinny Testaverde, who is older than Methusalah, throws a TD pass with 30-seconds left after it looked like for a long time we had this thing won. What happened to our NFL second-rated defense?!?
I hate, hate, hate, hate losing to the Cowboys. I honestly wish a sinkhole would open in Dallas and swallow the entire team, their stadium and all their band-wagon fans. I hate them, I hate them, I hate them.
What kind of stinkin' mental block do the Redskins have that we can only win one game against them in the past 15 or so tries? Can we please, please, please find a way to end this stupidity next year, Joe Gibbs? When you were in Washington before, you knew how important this game was to the psyche of the fans and the team. Please, please start preparing now to beat the stuffing out of the damn Cowboys next year...
posted by Michael at 12/27/2004 01:04:00 PM |
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Peyton Manning broke the NFL's single season record for passing touchdowns yesterday in Indy's come from behind victory over the San Diego Chargers. And true to form, the pass that broke the record came on a drive to tie the game and send it into overtime.
After the game, Peyton once again showed enormous class in accepting the gravity of the moment. Yes, he's glad to get the record, but Peyton was even more pleased that his team got a win and locked up the third seed in the upcoming AFC playoffs. Next week, the Colts take on Denver, who are fighting for their playoff life. I hope that Peyton and company put the Broncos out of their misery early and can start getting ready for the playoffs.
Congratulations to Peyton Manning, a former Vol and another great representative of the Volunteers in the NFL.
posted by Michael at 12/27/2004 11:58:00 AM |
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One of the things I've enjoyed the most about the last year is getting the opportunity to work with the youth at church. Growing up, the youth group was very important to me and I'm glad that I have this opportunity to help create a similiar expereince for some of the young adults at church.
That said, there are times when I feel old being around people who are teenagers.
I think I've talked before about how I threw out a reference to Three Amigos! a while ago only to get puzzled looks and to find out very few of them had seen the movie!
But today...well, today was interesting.
Today, Doug was talking to me at fellowship time and he was telling me about the computer he got for Christmas. He was excited because he had a CD burner so he could make his own CDs....now if only he had some blank CDs. He then tells me he got a really cool movie for Christmas and he wondered if I'd seen it.
I asked him what it was.
He told me it was Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
I told him, of course, I'd seen it. It's pretty much a requirement in order to graduate from college. He then said he wasnt' sure if I might have seen it as I might be too "old" for the humor of it.
I think he was kidding with me....
Let me rephrase that--I hope he was kidding with me.
posted by Michael at 12/26/2004 07:41:00 PM |
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I was stunned and saddened to hear about the death of Reggie White today. White was a good football player and an even better man off the field. White played for the Vols from 80-83 and then went on to a great career in the NFL. But it wasn't just his football playing skills that made him special--it was who he was off the field.
He will be missed.
I ask for prayers for White's family during this time of mourning.
posted by Michael at 12/26/2004 07:28:00 PM |
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Our family Christmas tree before the opening began! 
Let's just say that Santa made it here and he brought a LOT of presents with him. That is in addition to the huge piles of gifts that were given to each other. Gracelyn loved her Care Bear and she also got a Cabbage Patch Kid named Lynette. She was funny trying to carry around Lynette and Cheer Bear and still try to find a way to open presents. Davis loved all of his presents--especially those that made noise. He got a toy hammer that makes all kinds of sounds and noise when you hit that he loved. He also got a (among many things) a radio that plays music that he jammed to.
And just to show that the best Christmas gifts have no cost...Davis said, "Michael" today. I was there and heard it.
Also, I am happy to report good news about Danielle over at Missives Anoymous' brother. For those of you who may not be aware, he was in a serious auto crash last weekend. The great news, that I read today, is that he is making baby steps toward recovery. I rejoice with Danielle and her family in this and also ask that if any of my fellow blogger who do so to add Greg and his family to your prayer list.
Finally, a few fun things for Christmas....
You Are "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" |
Then I saw mommy tickle santa claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing santa claus last night
At Christmas, you feel like a kid again
Complete with major Christmas eve insomnia
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Your Christmas is Most Like: A Christmas Story |
Loving, fun, and totally crazy.
Don't shoot your eye out!
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Tip of the Santa hat to Jen at All Things Jen(nifer) for the quizzes.
posted by Michael at 12/25/2004 01:02:00 PM |
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Every Christmas Eve, Norad tracks Santa on their web site. Man, I wonder how my parents got me to sleep before we had this way of telling us exactly where Santa was on his rounds....
posted by Michael at 12/24/2004 02:18:00 PM |
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Christmas Eve 2005 is here! Ready or not!
I am ready. I've wrapped all my presents and put them under the tree. We're going to the early service this evening at church and then coming back home to get ready for Santa's visit. Santa is visiting Grandma and Grandpa's house this year because it's easier for his elves to put things out of sight of certain small children there. The good part, for me, is that I get to help Santa out with the eating of cookies and feeding the reindeer (we are leaving out carrots for Rudolph, though when I was little I used to leave our carrots for other reindeer as well figuring Rudolph, being as popular as he is, was getting more than his fair share).
Let me tell you, being Santa's elf has been quite an experience this year. Back over Thanksgiving weekend, Gracelyn went to visit Santa and told him she wanted a pink Care Bear. Several of Santa's elves were informed of this and asked to look out for one. Susan wanted one for her that she could cuddle in bed and didn't sing, dance or otherwise make noise. (What's the fun in that, asks Uncle Michael, but I digress...) Anyway, I saw one at Wal-Mart but didn't pick it up then. A few day later I went back and it was gone...
No problem, I figure. That's why there is on-line shopping. Except they're out. And the type of pink Care Bear we wanted to get was discontinued. So, it's raining enough outside that a guy is out there building a ship and pairing up animals. But I want to make sure that Santa delivers the gift promised, so I head to Murfreesboro to Wal-Mart and find the object of the quest. I pick it up and everyone is happy. Until three or four days later when Gracelyn is convinced--convinced I tell you!--that she told Santa she wanted a blue Care Bear. Luckily blue is not nearly as hard to find as pink and I got one of those two...Santa is a smart guy and has both just in case.
Of course two weekends ago, Grandpa was trying to convince she wanted a yellow Care Bear...until several elves threatened to beat him within an inch of his life if he didn't stop.
Needless to say, I'm excited about Christmas. I can't wait to see the expressions on Gracelyn and Davis's faces tomorrow at all the cool stuff they're gonna get.
It reminds me of when I was little. I got really, really wound up and excited about Santa coming. I must have been four or five at the time. I remember waking up and thinking--is it time yet? I noticed it was dark and so I paced around the room for a while before figuring that was late enough and I should wake up my parents. Turns out it was 4:30 a.m. I have yet to live this down.
Again, as I've said before--between my childhood and my spoiling of BB, GG, Gracelyn and Davis, I am so far behind the eight ball when I have kids it ain't even funny...
So, to all my fellow bloggers, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. May it be pull of peace, joy and love for you and your family.
posted by Michael at 12/24/2004 01:44:00 PM |
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I'd like to extend a big Big Orange welcome to the newest members of the Rocky Top Brigade-- Tempe B over at I'm Trying to Write A Book, News Writer over at What Is It Today?, Ken Dixon over at The Rebel Rouser, Lance in Iraq's Lance Frizzel, Scratch My Name On Your Arm, Hope with the Appalachia Alumni Association, Andy Axel's
One Reporter's Opinion, The Ghosts-Rawk and or Roll and Steve over at Whites Creek.
Welcome on board! Keep your eyes and ears posted for the next Volunteer Tailgate Party, featuring the best and brightest of the Rocky Top Brigade.
posted by Michael at 12/23/2004 01:10:00 PM |
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Those of you dreaming about a white Christmas here in middle Tennessee may have got your wish. The roads are covered in ice and slippery, and there is a light snow falling. Temperatures are not expected to rise out of the 20s until at least Sunday which means we could have the snow and ice on the ground come Christmas morning.
In related news, Kroger and Wal-Mart report no bread and milk on the shelves. BlockBuster is currently down to having Ernest Goes to Jail and Ishtar available for rent....
posted by Michael at 12/23/2004 09:54:00 AM |
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1. Do you have any special Christmas traditions? If so, what are they? Or tell us about your favorite Christmas traditon.
When my sister and I were little, we'd always exchange our presents to each other on Christmas Eve. My mom started this tradition when we were very young and I can't remember a time when we didn't do it. It's a tradition that has continued even now that we're grown up and out on our own. I find I put a lot of time and thought into finding a really special Christmas Eve gift for my sister. Also, our family always goes to Christmas Eve service together whenever we can. Another tradition we have is our advent calendar. My mother made it years ago--it's a Christmas tree and each day you put on a new ornament as Christmas approaches. Again, I can't remember a time in my life when we didn't have the calendar. I also remember fighting with my sister over who got the even and the odd days growing up.
2. When it comes to open presents, when do you do open them--Christmas morning or Christmas Eve?
As I said before, my sister and I open one present from each other on Christmas Eve. In our family, traditionally, we'd get up on Christmas morning, see what Santa brought and then have a big breakfast. We'd then sit down and take turns opening presents. My dad would distribute them and then we'd take turns opening them.
3. How does your family open presents--all at once or in some type of more organized fashion?
More organized fashion
4. Do you prefer using wrapping paper or gift bags?
I am all about the gift bag, but that's mainly because I have yet to perfectly wrap anything in my life. Also, gift bags are the gift that keeps on giving--I definitely re-gift the gift bags.
posted by Michael at 12/22/2004 11:36:00 AM |
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You Were Nice This Year! |
You're an uber-perfect person who is on the top of Santa's list.
You probably didn't even *think* any naughty thoughts this year.
Unless you're a Mormon, you've probably been a little too good.
Is that extra candy cane worth being a sweetheart for 365 days straight?
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I am putting this up in case Santa's reading my blog and wondering whether or not I should get the present I asked him for yesterday....
posted by Michael at 12/22/2004 08:39:00 AM |
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Here is it, our final Christmas Challenge Meme!
1. Do you have any special Christmas traditions? If so, what are they? Or tell us about your favorite Christmas traditon.
2. When it comes to open presents, when do you do open them--Christmas morning or Christmas Eve?
3. How does your family open presents--all at once or in some type of more organized fashion?
4. Do you prefer using wrapping paper or gift bags?
Merry Christmas everyone! Thanks for participating! If you could leave a link to your answers in the comments, I'd appreciate it!
posted by Michael at 12/22/2004 08:30:00 AM |
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If it's not too late, I'd like one of these for Christmas.
I have a feeling you can drop one by the Inn of the Last Home as well.
posted by Michael at 12/21/2004 06:13:00 PM |
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Christmas Specials Only four more days until Christmas! And then means only one thing--only four more days of Christmas specials! Every year, there are classics that are shown and a couple of new specials try to gain the title of classic. This week, we'll look at those Christmas specials.
1. What is your favorite Christmas special?
I like both a Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
2. Do you have a Christmas special that you don't care for as much?
I'm not sure really. Probably because I tend to avoid those that I don't like. I'll be honest--the one I didn't find all that great was the television version of the Best Little Christmas Pagent Ever. But that hasn't aired in years....
3. One recent trend is making sequels to popular or successful Christmas specials. Do you like or dislike this trend? Why?
I just don't understand why there have to be sequels to some things. I think that A Charlie Brown Christmas and Frosty the Snowman are just fine the way they end and I wasn't left thinking, "Boy, it'd sure be great if there was more to that story." Of course, I'm strange that way....
4. Is there a book, story or song just waiting to be turned into a great Christmas special?
I'm still in shock they turned Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer into a festive, holiday show. Don't get me wrong--I love the song, but how do you get half an hour out of it? (As you can tell I haven't seen it.)
~ BONUS ~ Share some of your favorite memories of Christmas specials growing up. Also, if you have kids, what is the one Christmas special that you look forward to sharing with them either when they're old enough or each year?
I remember watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer as a little kid--my mom made me take a nap so I could stay up "late" and watch it. I loved it. Also, I remember I had a soundtrack record of The Night Before Christmas--I think it featured mice--that I listened to a lot. Not sure if I've ever seen it or not. As for Christmas specials, I look forward to Gracelyn and Davis being old enough to have the attention span for Rudolph.
posted by Michael at 12/21/2004 01:55:00 PM |
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If you've been tuning into the current installment of The Amazing Race, you're probably aware of the "incident" from last week's episode. Actually, now that I think about it, even if you haven't been tuning in, you probably know about it.
The team of Jonathan and Victoria self-destructed on air during the final segment of last week's leg of the race. Jonathan verbally abused Victoria several times and then actually shoved her for picking up his backpack. (He dropped it to try and run faster and make it to the finish line first). Victoria was sobbing violently at the end and wandered off, prompting host Phil Keoghan to tell Jonathan he might need to go and talk to his wife.
Previews for tonight's episode don't show that things are going to get better quickly.
Of course, the response has been enormous. According to USA Today, there are message boards flooded with posts about Jonathan being a "scumbag." Jonathan and Victoria have a web-site where he posted his defense of his actions last week. There's also a newer post from Victoria assuring all of us that she is "fine."
Reading the USA Today article, it sounds like this may be the end of the Jonathan's bad behavoir (at least in terms of such a huge explosion of anger toward Victoria) . I certainly hope that it is--for his sake and the sake of his wife. I cannot imagine anyone treating their wife the way he has Victoria over the course of the first installments of the Race this year. I've read some stories where Jonathan claims he was playing the "bad boy" character to win over viewers and be more memorable.
This debate over Jonathan makes me wonder. We all know that "reality" TV is not really "reality." It's all edited for storylines and drama, to get us to tune in. I mean, as much as I enjoy The Amazing Race, I don't think I'd want to spend a couple of hours watching teams sleep while they're on a flight to the next leg of the Race. Also, we've heard reality show "villains" come out and say--I'm not bad, I'm just edited that way.
It does make me wonder--is Jonathan really that bad? Or is he edited that way?
Personally, I think he's not as bad as portrayed, but on some level, there is something fundamentally wrong with the way he treats Victoria. I am sure we're not hearing a lot of how the story ended because it would ruin the end of the Race for us...but honestly, you've gotta think these two need some serious counselling at the very least.
posted by Michael at 12/21/2004 08:56:00 AM |
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The sixth installment of the Harry Potter series is scheduled for publication on July 16, 2005.
I'm already clearing my reading calendar for the latter half of July....
posted by Michael at 12/21/2004 08:51:00 AM |
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Owens out for regular season, won't return until possible Super Bowl
The entire city of brotherly love is on suicide watch tonight with the news that T.O. is out at least until a possible Super Bowl with torn ligaments in his ankle.
Come on guys, don't worry...y'all have home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Surely that has to count for something....just look at the last three years in the NFC...
OK, maybe y'all should be worried.
Gibbs: Ramsey will be 2005 starter
Hallelujah! Now if the Redskins could shift to the NFC West for this season, we'd be a playoff contender.
Actually, I'll be happy if we take care of business Sunday against the Cowboys. I despise the Cowboys.
Pennington says silence was a joke on media
Chad Pennington's press conference today was the talk of the Dan Patrick show...well, at least until the news about T.O. started to leak out. Hearing Pennington lash out at the media for their coverage of he and the Jets was certainly entertaining. I'm not sure if I agree with all he has to say, but it does make for interesting conversation fodder...
posted by Michael at 12/20/2004 07:52:00 PM |
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Yesterday at church, some friends of Susan and Brian gave them three tickets to attend the Michael W. Smith Christmas concert. And we're not talking about inexpensive tickets here--these were GREAT seats on the right hand side of the stage about five rows up.
I was pretty excited about going. I'd really wanted to go to the concert--I've heard great things about Michael W. Smith's Christmas concerts--but couldn't afford a ticket.
Also on tour with Smith were Point of Grace and the Katinas (who I had never heard of before last night).
Let me say this--the concert was amazing. I went in hoping to hear a couple of songs I've heard on Michael W. Smith's first Christmas CD and he did those. But I was totally blown away by the concert.
Promotional poster
Actually, to call it concert isn't doing it justice. It was a worship service and it was am amazing one. I got goose pimples several times during the evening. And when it was over, I wished it have gone on longer. It was just that good.
A couple of the many highlights:
- Michael Smith singng "Emmanuel" and then the Katinas came in with "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". Fabulous!
- The Katinas singing "Mary Did You Know"?
- Point of Grace did some spectacular songs--new group member Leigh Cappillino can really sing. Again, goosepimples.
- Michael Smith gave us a sample of two songs off his new CD--the title track of "Healing Rain" and his cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
- The back-up band was spectacular. It included a guy who played the reed flute and bagpipes and a very talented woman on violin.
- Michael made everyone get up and introduce yourself to someone you don't know. Great fun.
- Singing along with some of the worship songs--songs that we've used at Thursday Night Worship at Smyrna 1st.
To say I enjoyed myself is an understatement. It was an awesome event that reminded me of what this time of year is all about. It's really help me get into the real Christmas spirit.
posted by Michael at 12/20/2004 10:22:00 AM |
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You might be aware that Colts quarterback and former UT Volunteer Peyton Manning is pursuing history. He's on the verge of tying and breaking the record set by Dan Marino for most touchdown passes in a season.
Last night, Peyton had a chance to do it on the national stage with the ESPN Sunday night crew in town for their game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Peyton didn't get the record last night. But the Colts did get the victory over the Ravens.
But in winning, Peyton showed why he's in a class by himself.
For weeks now, Peyton has deflected the media praise from himself to his supporting cast--because without guys catching the ball, he couldn't come close to the record. (Just ask younger brother Eli what it's like to have all the talent in the world but no supporting cast at receiver). And last night, the Colts had two good opportunities for Peyton to the tie the record, but instead they did what they needed to do to win the game and not pad stats or rub it in the face of an opponent who was clearly defeated.
The first was on when the Colts got inside the five yard line and instead of going play action, they hand the ball off to Edgerin James who walks into the end zone, untouched. The touchdown put the Colts up 20-3 at that point and pretty much sealed a win. It would have been easy for the Colts to go for the record right there but instead they go for the win--because a win is what the team needs as they push toward the playoffs.
The second was late in the game. The Colts defense takes the ball away from the Ravens with under two minutes to go. The ball goes inside the ten yard line and instead of taking a chance to pad his stats or get in the record book, Manning and the Colts show class...they kneel on the ball and take the win.
After the game, Peyton said had the Ravens taken a time out there, they might have gone for it. Instead, both sides showed class--one in winning and the other in losing. Peyton also went on to say on ESPN that while the record will happen if it happens. He's more concerned with getting his team deep into the playoffs and to the Super Bowl.
As if I weren't already a huge fan of Peyton Manning, this just reinforces why he's one of the GREAT guys in the NFL. With both of my teams out of Super Bowl contention, I am now officially on the Colts bandwagon to win it all.
posted by Michael at 12/20/2004 09:23:00 AM |
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I'm not certain if the latest commerical for the Tennessee Lottery has infilitrated other areas of our state or not. Here in Music City, we seem to be hearing and seeing a lot of a new commerical that encourages buying and giving lottery tickets as a holiday gift. The commerical is a catchy little jingle that lists everyone you might come in contact with as secretly yearning for a lottery ticket this holiday season.
There's a big article in this morning's Tennessean about reaction to the marketing campaign for the Tennessee lottery.
But there are detractors, particularly among some in the religious and conservative community who have been opposed to the lottery since the beginning. They say gambling is a vice, and it's offensive to try to generate more lottery sales during a sacred season. ''It was tacky,'' said Bobbie Patray of Nashville, who has heard the radio ad. She is state chairwoman of the Eagle Forum, a conservative group that concentrates on family issues. ''Surely, there are less offensive ways to promote gambling than encouraging them as stocking stuffers,'' she said. ''People would much rather have the cash than a ticket that will probably be worthless.'
The Rev. Enoch Fuzz said, ''Jesus would not play, nor support, the lottery. ''It only adds insult to injury to think people would suggest a lottery ticket purchase as a gift associated with the birth of Jesus Christ,'' said Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. Yes, Rev. Fuzz does have a point about the whole lottery ticket being a gift to celebrate the birth of Christ, but there are a whole lot of other commericalized aspects to the whole holiday season out there, also. I don't know about you guys, but I'm bombarded with huge papers this time of year chock full of ads for all kinds of other stuff--CDs, DVDs, books, clothing, appliances, cars, etc.--that don't really seem like appropriate gifts to celebrate the birth of Christ. Of course, you don't hear Rev. Fuzz attacking the Lexus ads where everyone is concerned about the giant bows that go on top of the cars. (Whereas I'd wonder--how did you get the car in the living room?)
The article also goes on to say:
Piyush Kumar, an assistant professor of management at VU, said a gift of a lottery ticket was like a free trial offer to the receivers, benefiting the lottery. ''It's a little better than giving a Christmas card, but they're priced about the same,'' said Kumar, who said he was familiar with research on the economics of how and why people play the lottery. ''You may be giving a gift for a dollar, but in your own mind you could be giving away potentially $300, $500 or even $1 million,'' he said. But there is a downside. The receiver may not play the lottery and may become hooked, he said. But my favorite reactions are those of the "people on the street."
Della Himes, 51, Nashville, nurse technician: ''It seems to be a good idea, but I don't know anybody who would want one as a Christmas gift. I guess it'd be OK as a stocking stuffer. I wouldn't mind getting one. But, God, I'd have to let them know upfront, 'If you get any money, I'd have to get half of it.' '' Eddie Cherry, 41, Nashville, convenience store assistant manager: ''I don't know if I'd want to give anyone a lottery ticket for Christmas. I'd hate to give someone a lot of money unless there was an understanding they'd share it.''
I love the reaction, "Well, if they win on a present I gave them, they have to give me some of the money." Kind of misses the whole point of gift giving, doesn't it? You're giving a gift to another person. You don't get to share in the winnings if they get any. I mean, it's not like you pick out a great sweater for someone and give it to them with the stipulation that you get to wear it a couple of days as week.....
posted by Michael at 12/20/2004 08:42:00 AM |
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It's been flurrying on and off all day.
Thankfully, the snow isn't sticking to things yet--such as roads. (::knocks on wood:::)
I will admit that the flurries have been really beautiful. There's something peaceful about the snow falling and blowing around in the wind.
At church, I took Gracelyn outside to see the snow and to catch some snowflakes on her tongue. She enjoyed it a lot as did Uncle Michael.
Thankfully snowflakes have very few calories.
And they always taste better when they're fresh.
posted by Michael at 12/19/2004 03:06:00 PM |
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Growing up, my father was in the Air Force and we lived all over the United States. We lived everywhere from Hawaii to Virginia to California. Because of this, we weren't always able to have Christmas celebration with my grandparents every year.
But that doesn't mean my grandparents didn't spoil us with the presents at Christmas time.
I remember each year there would be a day when a big box or two would arrive from my grandparents. And the box was always filled with wrapped presents for the entire family. My sister and I would come home from school and see the box there. Mom would open it up and we'd take out each present, seeing who it was for, looking at it, ratttling it and putting it under the tree. My Grandmother and my Granny also included a bag of bows in each package that we'd put on ourselves--that way they wouldn't get crushed, smooshed or pretty much all around demolished in transit.
I also remember living in different time zones from my grandparents and how that would affect the order of opening presents. In my family, we didn't just get up, rush down and start opening. We'd get up, see what Santa brought us, have a nice family breakfast and then open presents. We'd always open the presents from the grandparents first so when they called to wish us Merry Christmas, we'd be able to thank them for all the presents.
Good memories...
posted by Michael at 12/19/2004 02:29:00 PM |
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Last night, I was one of the drivers for the youth's annual progressive dinner. One of the youth, Doug, had called permanent shot-gun in my car a couple of weeks ago after hearing my CD of Sixpence None the Richer's greatest hits, including their cover of the ABBA classic, "Dancing Queen." I got two other junior high guys for the first couple of legs of the journey.
I'd forgotten what junior high guys can be like...basically, it's let's tell stupid jokes, break wind and laugh a whole lot. And yet in junior high, we wonder why the girls will have nothing to do with us.
(For some of us, the years never improve us beyond this point).
Part of my problem with driving, well, anywhere is that I have this tendency to know where I'm going but not know street names. So if you tell me, "Drive down this road" odds are I will know where it is but not know the name of said street. (I think you can see where this story is going). This ended up with our getting off course as it were, which made a lot of the other guys suddenly want to ride with "the guy who can't figure out where we're going." Apparently being lost is fun. They kept giving me a hard time and I said--hey, you got a good story to tell out of it, so what's the problem?
Also, I thought our car had an advanage in going to the house for the main course. Why? It was Doug's house. Unfortunately, Doug has been to the same school of giving directions to another person while driving that several other people I've known over the years. Basically, you tell the person about fifteen seconds before he or she is supposed to turn to turn "this way" or "that way" and assume the driver will look away from the road and see where you're pointing. Seriously, I was having some flashbacks to a certain blonde from Bearden UMC who used to do the EXACT same thing all the time...
Seriously, though, it was a great time. And I have had to Febreeze the heck out of the my car this morning because, well, let's just say things were getting a bit flatulant. And you know how junior high guys are--once once has broken winds, the others feel as if this is some type of challenge to top the other.
posted by Michael at 12/18/2004 10:13:00 AM |
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Three Names You Go By:
1. Michael
2. Uncle Michael
3. Big Orange Michael (some of the youth at church who found my Xanga call me this)
Three Screennames You Have:
1. mhickers
2. ShadowBoy119
3. Big Orange Michael (obviously)
Three Things You Like About Yourself:
1. My love and respect for my family and friends.
2. That I excercise at least five times a week.
3. That I'm a "thinker."
Three Things You Hate/Dislike About Yourself:
1. Getting down on myself too much.
2. Too critical at times.
3. That my marriage failed.
Three Parts of Your Heritage:
1. Air Force brat.
2. One-eighth native American.
3. A lot of cousins on my mother's side are ministers.
Three Things That Scare You:
1. Something happening to my family or friends that I can't "fix" or make better for them.
2. Losing my memory.
3. Doctors.
Three of Your Everyday Essentials
1. Inn of the Last Home
2. Outwit, Outblog, Outsnark
3. Missives Anonymous
Three Things You Are Wearing Right Now
1. White shirt
2. Dark blue suit with a power tie.
3. Black dress shoes.
Three of Your Favorite Bands/Artists (at the moment):
1. Rebecca St. James
2. Ray Stevens
3. Sixpence None the Richer
Three of Your Favorite Songs at Present:
1. "Us" by Sixpence None the Richer
2. "Speak to Me" by Rebecca St James
3. "I Need You" by Jars of Clay
Three New Things You Want to Try in the Next 12 Months:
1. A long-term job.
2. A new biathalon class at the Y.
3. A new romantic relationship.
Three Things You Want in a Relationship (love is a given):
1. Sense of Humor
2. That we are equals in the relationship.
3. Physical closeness.
Two Truths and a Lie:
1. While spending the night at a friends house, we snuck out to go and TP another buddy's house but we didn't do it because lights came on in the windows.
2. I had to wait an extra semester to get my diploma from UT because I failed a class due to lack of attendence. (I'd actually had surgery the first week of class and was out, so the professor never learned who I was and stopped call rol after I got back...somehow I got As and Bs on the tests and homework but failed due to attendance).
3. I have been skydiving.
Which is the lie? Guess in the Comments
Three Physical Things About the Opposite Sex That Appeal to You:
1. Eyes
2. A genuine smile.
3. Hmmm...what are two other things guys like?
Three Things You Just Can’t Do:
1. Resist a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie.
2. Fly.
3. Watch a football game involving Vols, Redskins or Titans without becoming too emotionally involved.
Three of Your Favorite Hobbies:
1. Doctor Who and Star Trek.
2. Reading
3. Blogging/Spoiling my niece and nephew.
Three Things You Want to do Really Badly Right Now:
1. Get a job.
2. Finish my Christmas shopping.
3. Eat a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Three Careers You’re Considering:
1. Professional youth ministry.
2. Communications speicalist
3. Full-time writing.
Three Places You Want to Go on Vacation:
1. Somewhere warm, preferably with a nice beach.
2. England
3. Universal Studios
Three Kids Names:
1. Emma Claire
2. Gracelyn
3. Davis
Three Things You Want to Do Before You Die:
1. Get married and have children.
2. Write an episode of Doctor Who or Star Trek. (that gets aired mind you)
3. Live every day to tis fullest.
Tip of the hat to Barry over at Inn of the Last Home for this....
posted by Michael at 12/17/2004 11:21:00 AM |
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...but Survivor Vanuatu's Julie got herself a new boyfriend. Yes, it's official. Snark Boy Jeff Probst has somehow managed to hook up with Survivor nude sunbather Julie.
How long until Mark Burnett makes a reality show about these two?
posted by Michael at 12/17/2004 10:49:00 AM |
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Appetizer
What is something that never fails to grab your attention?
My neice and nephew.
Soup
Who was the last person who gave you money, and what was it for?
My mother gave me some money to stop by Dollar General and pick up some Christmas gift bags for her.
Salad
If you were a Smurf, what would your name be?
Random Smurf.
Main Course
Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not?
No. I just don't think the stars have that much influence on my life. I believe there is a higher power--God.
Dessert
Have you seen any snow this year yet? What's the weather like today in your area?
There were flurries Monday night during the Titans game. I wasn't there but I saw them watching the game on television.
posted by Michael at 12/17/2004 10:28:00 AM |
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That's a wrap.We've come to the end of another year, almost. So it's time to pick the best (and worst) of 2004.
1) Which movie do you think was THE BEST of 2004? The worst?
I'm going to go with two. The Passion of the Christ was a phenomenal, life changing movie. Spider-Man 2 was the most fun and enjoyable movie I've seen in a long time. Both were great but for each was great for very different reasons. As for the worst, I'd have to go with Welcome to Mooseport. All the good stuff was in the previews....
2) If you were handing out the Oscar's this year, who would pick as Best Actor and Actress. Name the actor/actress and the film.
Jim Cavazel, The Passion of the Christ; Maia Morgenstern, The Passion of the Christ
3) The category is 'best film of 2004'. There are 5 nominees. What 5 movies would be on your list.
1. The Passion of the Christ
2. Spider-Man 2
3. Shrek 2
4. Mean Girls
5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
BONUS) Is there a moving coming out in the upcoming year that you're excited to see? If so, what is it?
Firefly: Serenity, The Phantom of the Opera, Star War Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith.
posted by Michael at 12/16/2004 01:50:00 PM |
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Last weekend, my family and I went to visit my grandfather. Granddaddy celebrated his 91st birthday last week and we all went to help him celebrate the big day. For dinner Saturday night, we took him out to Olive Garden. Apparently we were not the only people in Memphis with this idea. There was some type of soccer tournament or convention in Memphis and apparently half of them decided that Italian food from Olive Garden would be a good dinner Saturday night. And here's the scary part--we went to dinner at 4:30 p.m. central time and still had to wait 50 minutes for a table. I cannot imagine what the line was like later when it really got crowded.
Davis and his great-Granddaddy
I enjoyed the visit with Granddaddy a good deal, though it was difficult in some ways. My grandfather is slowly sucumbing to Alzheimer's and it's hard to see a man who was once "sharp as a tack" slowly losing his memory. I almost cried Saturday night when I tried to explain to him how to use the remote control for the TV to find the ballgame that he saw listed in the paper. (I am not sure if he figured it out...he asks me about how to do it every time I come. It wasn't helped a lot by the fact that the Grizzlies game was blacked out so when we tuned over to Fox Sports Net, we got blank screen).
I wanted to cry not because I was frustrated from helping him, but frustrated for him. It also made me precious the little things in life are--I take for granted I can use a remote on the TV and get to the station I want. I will sometimes say that I look forward to losing my memory--that way the old Star Trek episodes will all be new again. This reminded me to not wish for something like that. If there's one thing I've discovered this past year, it's that you can take away a lot of things in your life, but to lose your memory is a great tragedy.
Also, I have to say this--my grandfather lives in a retirement community. He has cable that I believe is selected by the retirement community. Flipping around, they get Comedy Central and Tech TV but don't get Turner South, which is the home of most of the Braves games now. I know this because when I went to visit over the summer, every morning at breakfast and every evening at dinner, I'd hear about how they couldn't find the Braves games on TV and could I find them for he and his freinds? Honestly, I can't imagine many people in the retirement community are lining up to watch South Park....and having seen it, I say that is all for the best.
Part of living in the retirement community is that it's a lot like dorm life at college. You walk down the halls and hear loud TVs playing as you walk by each apartment. Also, everyone eats at least two meals a day in the cafeteria--in this case breakfast and dinner. On Sunday morning, I was treated to a unique debate between two older guys. One didn't want to pay taxes anymore because all his tax money went to pay for the US Army to torture Iraqui civilians. Also, he didn't like torture, he thought the war was wrong and it wasn't a real war--there hasn't been a real war since we defeated Hitler. The other guy disagreed with him on some issues, so the first guy insisted the other guy was brainwashed. Apparently some group comes in at night and brainwashes him from what I gathered. This was amusing at first, but after ten minutes it got old since they went over the same three points again and again.
I'm telling you, I think these two guys have blogs out there....
posted by Michael at 12/16/2004 10:51:00 AM |
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Enterprise: Kir'Shara
As the final installment of the Vulcan arc wound down, I found myself wishing that perhaps they could carry on this plotline for another episode or two. As great as this arc was, I have to admit the final fifteen or so minutes felt a bit rushed, but looking back at the episode as a whole, there wasn't anything that came before it that I felt like you could cut or abbreviate. The only thing I can think of is that maybe they should have introduced the entire plotline of Vulcan gearing up to go to war with Andoria more in the second leg of the trilogy rather than just having the Vulcan high command attempting to destroy the Syranites.
This episode demonstrated the strength of Enterprise this year. It's returned to being stories that could only be told in the Star Trek universe. It's bringing up continuity, it's doing it well and it's tying together a lot of things from the TOS era. In short, it's living up to it's promise. It's almost as if Manny Coto has said, "If we get cancelled, we get cancelled, but I'm not going to let fear of failure keep us from telling the stories we need to tell." And I love it. I find myself actually looking forward to Trek again, in a way I haven't really since DS9's final season. And I think part of that is the supporting cast Enterprise is building. You've got Shran, Soval, Admiral Forrest (sadly departed), etc. You've got storylines that are interesting and compelling. I just don't know how Enterprise missed the boat until now on this--though last year's Xindi arc certainly was successful, especially in the later stages of the season.
I'll even go so far as to say I didn't mind the out of left field cliffhanger ending. In fact, I was kind of juiced that it was the Romulans who were helping the plot on Vulcan. First of all, unlike last year's "pull a cliffhanger out of left field" ending with evil Nazi alien, this cliffhanger involved an alien we've seen before and we know a bit about. Also, it deals with an issue we've seen before in Trek--the re-unification of Romulan and Vulcan heritages. Thirdly, as we all know, Archer and company cannot see a Romulan. I've suddenly got enough faith in the show that they can work with this issue and do it cleverly and entertainly enough that I won't have to throw things at my TV.
Veronica Mars: An Echolls Family Xmas
As much as I love the on-going plotline about discovering the truth about Veronica's past, I think they could have left all that on the backburner this week. All Veronica does is confront the man who was taking pictures of her to send to her mother. Yes, it's interesting and I'm sure it will all have some bearing on future episodes, but with so many other plotlines swirling around, it was a bit too much. Weevel joins the "rich boy" poker game, wins the money and then sees it stolen. Veronica is called in to find out who took it because Weevel takes Duncan's laptop which has his journal on it--including sordid details about his relationship with Veronica. Meanwhile, Veronica struggles with wanting to get a perfect holiday gift for her father and Keith is hired by the Echolls to look into a stalker. Of the three plotlines, one ends up getting the short end of the stick with no resolution--the whole Veronica tries to find a way to get Keith the perfect gift. As the story ended ,Veronica had solved who took the money (cleverly done, too) and was at the Echoll's Christmas party taking a break from winning the pot in a the poker game. But stalker plotline shows up, is resolved and the story ends. We have no idea if Veronica won. Which I guess we can get to that in a future story--such as if we see Keith headed out to the fantasy baseball camp that Veronica refers to in the story. But I was still a bit bummed we didn't wrap it all up here.
House: Damned If You Do
I've taped several episodes of House but haven't yet had time to see one--until this week. I've heard some good things about this show and Hugh Laurie's portrayal of House and was intrigued. I have to admit after one episode I'm intrigued. This episode examines the nature of faith and belief in an interesting, compelling manner. A nun checks into the hospital with allergic reactions and House tries to find out what is wrong. I like that the episode allowed House to be wrong and to go down wrong paths as he searched for the cause of the her illness. I also liked that not everyone agrees with House and his rather uncoventional style. This was an intriguing, entertaining hour of TV that brought up some great issues and didn't back away with easy answers. It reminded me a lot of Scully's journey of faith in The X-Files, espeically season three's "Obulette".
posted by Michael at 12/16/2004 09:03:00 AM |
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1. Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping yet? For some, have you started? How far along are you?
Oh, not even close. I've done some but not nearly as much as I should. I'd say I'm about halfway done.
2. What is the favorite Christmas present you've bought for someone else and why?
I don't have one just yet--it will probably end up being something for Gracelyn and/or Davis. Why? Becuase it's so much fun to buy for kids--I just go to the toy store, find something I want to help them play with and buy it. LOL
3. Have you had time to do any Christmas baking? What is your favorite Christmas-time cookie or sweet?
I love the holiday cookie baking. I've done some--I got a new cook book of cookie recipes that I'm trying out. And my favorite cookie is the fruitcake cookie.
4. How many Christmas parties have you been to? How many more left to come?
None and I don't think there are any of my calendar.
BONUS. One of the favorite holiday-party traditions is the White Elephant or Dirty Santa game. Couple of questions. Do you like these games? What is the best or worst White Elephant gift you've received?
I have never been a big fan of the White Elephant or Dirty Santa. I tend to put a bit more thought into the gift--as in what would be something for under five or ten bucks I'd like to get--than others do. Or at least the others who give gifts to me. I hate it when you open a crappy gift that no one wants because that ends the fun of the game for you since no one will trade with you. One year I got an old LP of Richard Simmons doing weight loss stuff from some woman who remembered the office holiday party the day off and just dug into her closet to find some crap to give away. Yes, it was that bad. And yes, I am still bitter...
posted by Michael at 12/15/2004 09:05:00 AM |
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TV Guide On-Line has the big news about Farscape's Ben Browder returning to TV.
OPEN STARGATE: We've got good news for fans of Sci Fi's Stargate SG-1 and great news for fans of Farscape: TV Guide Online has learned exclusively that when SG-1 begins its ninth season, Farscape hunk Ben Browder will join the long-running series as a regular. In the meantime, the show is continuing its efforts to hammer out a deal to keep erstwhile MacGyver Richard Dean Anderson (who has been with SG-1 since its 1997 debut) on board, at least in a limited capacity.
Couple of ironies here--Stargate is what helped lead the idiots at SciFi to cancel the greatness that was Farscape. And Claudia Black will guest star on Stargate when it returns in January.
posted by Michael at 12/15/2004 09:01:00 AM |
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Ho, ho, ho! Welcome to the third week of our Christmas challenge. I'm gonna just throw out a series of random, Christmas related questions for everyone to answer this week.
1. Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping yet? For some, have you started? How far along are you?
2. What is the favorite Christmas present you've bought for someone else and why?
3. Have you had time to do any Christmas baking? What is your favorite Christmas-time cookie or sweet?
4. How many Christmas parties have you been to? How many more left to come?
BONUS. One of the favorite holiday-party traditions is the White Elephant or Dirty Santa game. Couple of questions. Do you like these games? What is the best or worst White Elephant gift you've received?
posted by Michael at 12/15/2004 12:01:00 AM |
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Holiday Shows
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Well, that is unless you're a TV fan. December is that time of year when the November sweeps are over and it's slim pickings for new episodes of our favorite shows. But, most TV shows worth their salt have a holiday-themed episode. And this week, we'll look at those holiday-themed episodes.
1. What's the best holiday-themed episode you've seen this year? (Or you can go with the worst).
Is it just me or did it seem as if the holiday-themed epiosdes starting coming out really early this year? Anyway, I'll have to say the best one I've seen so far was last week's episode of Scrubs.
2. What's your all-time favorite holiday-themed episode of any show?
I've always liked the episode of Happy Days where Fonzie joins the C's for Christmas Eve dinner. It's the one where Richie catches Fonzie opening a can of pork and beans in the garage. Also, the Christmas-themed episodes of Futurama with the Santa-bot were hysterical.
3. Is there any show that did a holiday-theme episode that you avoid like bad eggnog?
None really that I can think of.
~ BONUS ~Jaded and cynical, sweet and sappy, somewhere in between. How do you prefer your holiday-themed episodes of your favorite shows?
Somewhere in between...too sappy and it, well, it's just too much. But too much cynicism turns me off.
posted by Michael at 12/14/2004 01:56:00 PM |
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If you watched last night's episode of Two and a Half Men, one of the plotlines revolved around Charlie Sheen's character of Charlie discovring a web site devoted to his dating techniques called CharlieHarperSucks.com. Well, turns out the web site actually exists. Check it out!
posted by Michael at 12/14/2004 01:07:00 PM |
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Eagles 17, Redskins 14,
Chiefs 49, Titans 38
It was one of those rare weekends when I actually got to see both of my teams play. Unfortunately, neither team was successful in pulling off a win, though they did, at least take it down to the wire in both games.
My Redskins--what can I say? Our defense is incredible, the strength of our time. Greg Williams is a defensive genius. Should we ever get an offense going, we might just be a threat. Again, that's a big if. The Skins need to do some major work in the off-season to get an offense going. Clinton Portis might still be the answer at running back, but we need a line and a QB. I think Patrick Ramsey, while good, has had his confidence put permanently in the crapper by the head games of Spurrier yanking him in and out of the line-up every two seconds and Gibbs bringing in Mark Brunell. That said, if we can beat the hated Cowboys when we play them next, I will be a happy, happy camper.
As for the Titans--man, I hated to lose that way. First of all, the officials shafted us in the final Kansas City drive as they had all night. When even Al Michaels and John Madden comment that this officiating crew calls it too conservative, there's something wrong. This crew needs to NEVER call a Titans game again. Go screw some other team over, just stop messing with mine. That said, I was a bit disappointed in the Nashville fans. I love the Titans and if I had had tickets to last night's game, I'd've gone. It's Monday Night Football people! OK, so we're not going to the playoffs, but come on and show up for the game! We don't want to become known as an Atlanta where we only support the team in good times. Hell, there are people here who still think Vandy has a shot and they ain't won in years. The Titans have been good to us and probably spoiled us with their early success. But ya know, I still pull for them, I'm still a fan, I still love them. I'm a fan, not a bandwagon jumper. I was just hoping that there were at least a bunch of other fans out there with tickets who felt the same. And if you're reading this and you have tickets and you're not gonna use them, I will gladly go to the game for you...
As for the Monday Night Football broadcast, I just get annoyed. Why did we have to see 1500 replays of Johnny Morton doing the worm? How about breakdowns of plays and not some idiot doing a stupid end zone dance? And then--Madden and Michaels talking about how many people were doing it right now just because we saw it on TV....how stupid do these two think we are?!? Also, coming back from halftime, they show has a musical number by some punk rock band. Hello?!? You're in Nashville, home of the country music industry. Doesn't it make more sense to have a country singer or group providing this?
Matt Leinert wins Heisman Trophy
Congrats, Matt Leinert, you've won an award that is, for all intents and purposes, meaningless. See, it lost all meaning as the best college football player back in December of 1997 when ESPN and ABC successfully lobbied to get the undeserving Charles Woodson the award over the BEST college football player in the country, Petyon Manning. Somehow, each year the definition of what a Heisman winner is changes to suit the mood of ESPN. Some years it's a career achievement award, some years its a year to year award, sometimes it's all about giving it to an undeserving player from Michigan who was all about himself, not team and didn't do anything good or positive for college football. So, congrats Leinert...you won an award that has no merit and guarantees you won't do well at the next level and might have a poor bowl game. Good job.
Terrell Owens says he's the NFL MVP
Thankfully, TO can't vote for the MVP of the league this year cause he'd vote for himself. TO, you ain't even the MVP of your team--that goes to Donnovan McNabb. As for who the MVP of the league is--no question. Peyton Manning. Now if only he had a great defense to go with his great offense.
posted by Michael at 12/14/2004 10:13:00 AM |
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Gracelyn, my niece, made her debut last night in the church Christmas program. She was one of the angels. At one point, she got to go and stand behind the manager. She and the other angels sang "Away in the Manger" and it was awesome. All of the kids did a great job. There is nothing to get you into the Christmas spirit like children....
Below is a picture of Gracelyn as an angel.
My niece is an angel.
posted by Michael at 12/13/2004 11:53:00 AM |
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Final episodes of Survivor run the gamut from really interesting to mind-achingly dull...and it's amazing how quickly that mood can shift. There have been some where two hours was waaaaaaaaaaay too much time to spend. I'm not sure where Survivor Vanuatu ranks really in terms of finales. At least there was some question about who would vote for who and how it might all shake out.
A couple of random thoughts before we get to the final results. At the final TC, everyone is pissed off that Chris and Twila lied to them. Hello?!? This is a game that in order to get to the final two you're gonna have to lie to someone. I can see this be a stunning development in season one, but in the ninth season when you know every one of these players has seen a couple of episodes, it shouldn't be that huge of a shock, should it? Next up, I have to admit I was on the floor laughing at the latest attempt to make Jeff Probst and action hero. When he took the machete and started hacking through the jungle and then parachutes out of the plane....oh my word....this man needs some help. He is trying soooo hard to be Mr. Cool Action hero when he's not. I bet he tries to chat up Julie after the show--so, did you see me parachuting? If not, he can make an alliance with Eliza, if you know what I mean.
Finally, the "Survivor Death March" before the final immunity challenge. I just love the attitude of--well, this place is sure sacred to these people. Let's go stomp around it for the sake of good television. Sort of like last week's challenge on the Amazing Race of let's go wander around a cemetary to find a clue.
OK, onto the results....
1. Will Eliza express her feelings about Chris voting for Julie? Yes
2. Three or more or two or less: Number of times before the first tribal council that Chris mentions he's in the power seat? Shockingly enough, none
3. Is the first Immunity Challenge a mental or physical challenge? Physical
4. Who wins the first Immunity Challenge? Chris
5. Who is the voted out at the first Tribal Council? Eliza
6. Will the Chris and Eliza alliance hold to get them both to the final three? Nope
7. Will Scout and Twila's alliance hold to get them both to the final three? Yep
8. Who wins the second immunity challenge? Chris
9. Who is the last person voted out? Scout
10. Upon returning to camp, will the final two wax nostalgically about their time on the island? Of course
11. Who is the first member of the jury we see in a confessional? We don't see any of them--instead we get clips from their exit interviews.
12. Who gets to make their case first at the final tribal council? Chris
13. Who asks the first questions at the final tribal council? Eliza
14. Who goes last with a statement or questions at the final tribal council? Scout
15. Who votes first in the final tribal council? Sarge (Lea)
16. Who votes last in the final tribal council? Ami
17. How will Jeff Probst leave the islands with the final votes? (as in, will he use a boat, lama, plane, etc.) Machete through the jungle, leaves by plane.
18. How will Jeff Probst return to the studio with the final votes? Parachutes to motorcycle and rides to studio.
19. Whose name is revealed first from the final vote? Chris
20. Who wins Survivor Vanuatu? Chris
Extra Questions:
21. During the reunion special, will Jeff Probst ask Julie about her nekkid sunbathing? Unfortunately, no.
22. Who is the first torch the final two pass during the "Survivor Death March"? Brook
23. Which voted out tribemate's torch will the final two pass last during the "Survivor Death March"? Eliza
24. Will there be a marriage proposal during the reunion special? Nope
25. After the big winner, who is the first person Jeff Probst talks to at the reunion speical? Julie
26. Whose audition tapes will see highlights of during the reunion special? No one.
27. Will we get a preview for the next installment of Survivor? Yes
28. Will the camp be destroyed before the final two Survivors leave it? No
And now, to the final leaderboard...
Clayton 111/232
Vickie 95/232
Amanda 88/232
Michael 86/232
TW 82/232
Dar 79/232
Leslie 78/232
Kurt 40/232
Bill 24/232
Danielle 23/232
Jessica 20/232
Tudy 15/232
Vito 3/232
Congratulations to Clayton! You are the official winner of Big Orange Survivor Magnolia.
Thanks to everyone for playing. It was a lot of fun and I'll see y'all for the next installment, whenever it starts!
posted by Michael at 12/13/2004 10:57:00 AM |
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Bracelets taped as a precaution
If you or a loved one has to go into the hospital (I pray it doesn't happen, but it might), make sure you're aware of the accessories he or she is wearing. According to this article, the Lance Armstrong "Live Strong" bracelets can be the same color as bands put on patients to indicate "do not resuscitate."
Pennsylvania city councilman demands that Bush photo be removed from market stand
Anyone else find it ironic that the name of the councilman involved in this story's name is Nelson Polite?
Election Recount 2004?
In the story above, councilman Polite wants "healing" for our divided nation. (In a side note, if John Kerry had won, would we need "healing"?) Maybe he should think about accepting that his candidate did not win and looking to find a way to lead his community forward instead of spinning his wheels and complaining about who did or did not win the election. Maybe calling these group and saying--hey, we didn't win, but that doesn't mean we can't all come together, move forward and do what's best for America. Nope, instead let's all get out and protest some more. Yeah, that'll show 'em. Again, if the roles were reversed with Bush losing, can you imagine how these protestors would be portrayed?
Official: Alcohol detected in fourth-grader's suspected 'Jell-O shots' cannot be confirmed
I heard about this story last week--little girl gets into trouble when she arrives at school with Jell-O shots. My first thought was--man, the in-class party sure has changed a lot since I was in the fourth grade! Of course, as Christmas nears and the children get more and more excited about the Winter break, the teachers may need a few more of these....
10-year-old girl arrested, handcuffed for taking scissors to school
Guess it's a good thing she wasn't running with scissors....
posted by Michael at 12/13/2004 08:24:00 AM |
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I was surfing through the BoB (Best of Blog) 2004 nominations and saw that my blog was nominated for Best New Blog.
Huge thanks to Georgia Jones over at the Zero Boss for giving me the nod. I appreciate it a lot.
Now, I feel as though I should post something profound, intellectual and moving. But then I think--why start now?
posted by Michael at 12/10/2004 01:57:00 PM |
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Lost: All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues
For a few minutes Wednesday night, J.J. Abrams had me. I mean, he really had me thinking they'd actually done the unconventional move and killed off a popular character. I felt sure that all the press coverage of Dominic Monagahan's protrayal of Charlie and how popular the actor and the character are was just going to be a ruse. One of those moments where just as you started feeling comfortable and safe with all these characters that, by gum, the one you thought they wouldn't kill would actually be the one who died. Those few moments when it looked as if Charlie was gone for good reminded me of the early season of Picket Fences when no one was safe from the cruel finger of fate (Mayor Pugen, anyone?). So, I guess that when Charlie was revived a part of me was relieved but a bigger part of me was kind of annoyed--not at the show for keeping him around but at myself for buying hooking-line-and-sinker that they might, must might kill off the character. I mean, I have heard through the grapevine that someone is scheduled to shuffle off this mortal coil before the season ends. So why not Charlie?
It's interesting that this episode should remind me so much of the Picket Fences rule that no character is safe because it reminded me a lot of Picket Fences in other ways as well. The biggest being that it's beginning to provide some payoff on the wheels set in motion by the first ten episodes. I loved seeing the character interactions--from Walt's defense of Locke to Michael to Walt playing backgammon. Also, we had the scene between Sawyer and Sayid, in which we assume that Sawyer is gonna take his shot and exact retribution...but yet he doesn't. Instead, he tells Sayid that he's keeping the signal fire going and doesn't take the chance to kill him or beat the crap out of him. Why? We're not quite sure yet--I don't think it's that Sawyer has had some big change of heart. I see Sawyer as Rygel-like character (from Farscape). He's selfish and it's all about how the situation helps his own agenda. At this point, it makes no sense to kill Sayid but later it might. It should be interesting to see how it plays out. Also, I loved Walt's comment to Sawyer that making up a name is silly. Great moment.
But the focus of this one is about Jack and his need to be a hero--to save people. We see this in flashbacks--Jack tries to save his father from himself but can't. It leads to Jack's betraying his father and possibly causing his father to lose his medical license (hence why he had to go to Australia after Dad. Also makes Jack's obsessive need to just be done with the whole funeral for his dad in the last Jack-centered flashback make a lot more sense). On the island, Jack sees his chance to be the hero again by rescuing Charlie and Claire--doing what he couldn't do for his fathe and save them. Seeing Jack's drive and obsessive quest reminded me a lot of John Wayne's Ethan Edwards from The Searchers (one of my favorite movies). Ethan goes on the quest to save his niece and he doesnt' care what happens so long as he saves her--but will he really save her?
Meanwhile, we're left with a cliffhanger--Locke and Boone discover some type of metal buried in the mud. What is it? And where does it lead? Part of me shouted out "It's an SD6 facility so we can have an Alias crossover!" but I'm intrigued. I've heard some good theories like it's a spaceship, but I don't buy it. All I know is that we left things hanging and I will be anxiously awaiting January 5 when the story continues....
Smallville: Scare
Something goes wrong (again) at LexCorp. The town is threatened (again). Clark runs around and saves the day all while concealing his true nature from everyone (again). You know, I am beginning to wonder if there's something in the water in Smallville that makes the entire town completely unobservant. How Clark can get away with savng everyone or miraculously showing up at the right moment in places he has not right to be without anyone going, "You know, that's a bit odd..." is beyond me. I think I'm thinking waaaaaay too much about this show. It may not be meant to stand up to the same level of scrutiny that Lost does. I'm beginning to get the feeling that this season's theme is "keeping secrets is hard". I say this becuase it feels as if the last act of EVERY episode talks about this. Seriously, at this point, I'm guessing the only way we can make this more clear is if Jonthan reveals he's a cross-dresser who likes wearing his Daisy Dukes. This week, Chloe tells us she has a secret--her mom is in the looney bin (can you spot the clever out by the writers for why Chloe won't be believed when she figures out Clark Kent equals Superman later?). And she knows Clark has a big ol' secret...if only he'd unburden to her.
Meanwhile, the only one in town showing any sense is Jason, who is packing his bags and running for the hills. I guess he finally figured out that dating Lana ain't no great shakes since she has been possessed by a witch, go him fired and this week nearly got him killed. He didn't like the person he had become with her...I almost fell out of my chair laughing at this scene. We all know he'll be back since his Mom is lurking around now. And three guessses as to who was in the limo that picked up Lionel--wanna bet it's Jason's Mommy?
Arrested Development: Good Grief
Every time they had someone walking away depressed, head hanging down and the "Christmas Time Is Here" track from A Charlie Brown Christmas playing, I was laughing out loud. Espeically the first time when you see Snoopy's house in the background. Ah, it was so great. This show is just too funny sometimes. And then, Lindsey's trying to pick up Ice, the bounty hunter/caterer.
posted by Michael at 12/10/2004 11:46:00 AM |
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Thursday night, Clayton held on to his narrow lead over Vicki. Now as we head into Sunday's two-hour super colassal finale, there are only four Survivors left standing--Twila, Scout, Eliza and Chris, (Personally, I was hoping they'd get rid of Twila in the last episode simply because with Julie around there might be some nekkid sunbathing which might liven up the usually rather tedious final two hours of Survivor). Anyway, I went to CBS's web site but they're giving nothing away about the super finale, so I'm gonna have to come up with questions on my own, I guess. So, here we go, the final set of questions for the Survivor Vanautu. Good luck!
1. Will Eliza express her feelings about Chris voting for Julie? (1 point)
2. Three or more or two or less: Number of times before the first tribal council that Chris mentions he's in the power seat? (1 point)
3. Is the first Immunity Challenge a mental or physical challenge? (1 point)
4. Who wins the first Immunity Challenge? (1 point)
5. Who is the voted out at the first Tribal Council? (1 point)
6. Will the Chris and Eliza alliance hold to get them both to the final three? (1 point)
7. Will Scout and Twila's alliance hold to get them both to the final three? (1 point)
8. Who wins the second immunity challenge? (1 point)
9. Who is the last person voted out? (1 point)
10. Upon returning to camp, will the final two wax nostalgically about their time on the island? (1 point)
11. Who is the first member of the jury we see in a confessional? (1 point)
12. Who gets to make their case first at the final tribal council? (1 point)
13. Who asks the first questions at the final tribal council? (1 point)
14. Who goes last with a statement or questions at the final tribal council? (1 point)
15. Who votes first in the final tribal council? (1 point)
16. Who votes last in the final tribal council? (1 point)
17. How will Jeff Probst leave the islands with the final votes? (as in, will he use a boat, lama, plane, etc.) (1 point)
18. How will Jeff Probst return to the studio with the final votes? (1 point)
19. Whose name is revealed first from the final vote? (1 point)
20. Who wins Survivor Vanuatu? (1 point)
Extra Questions:
21. During the reunion special, will Jeff Probst ask Julie about her nekkid sunbathing? (1 point)
22. Who is the first torch the final two pass during the "Survivor Death March"? (1 point)
23. Which voted out tribemate's torch willt the final two pass last during the "Survivor Death March"? (1 point)
24. Will there be a marriage proposal during the reunion special? (1 point)
25. After the big winner, who is the first person Jeff Probst talks to at the reunion speical? (1 point)
26. Whose audition tapes will see highlights of during the reuion special? (1 point for each correct answer, points off for each incorrect answer)
27. Will we get a preview for the next installment of Survivor? (1 point)
28. Will the camp be destroyed before the final two Survivors leave it? (1 point)
The voting is now open. You can vote anytime in the comments field, up to the start of the final episode, Sunday at 8 p.m EST. Good luck!!
posted by Michael at 12/10/2004 08:38:00 AM |
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It's here...the final four of Survivor Vanuatu. Here are the answers to this week's questions.
1. Who is alienated? Twila
2. Who refuses to reveal where the hidden provisions are? Twilia
3. Who wins reward this week? Julie
4. Can reward be shared? If so, who shares the reward? Yes, Chris
5. What is reward? Trip on horseback to the volcano, hot dogs, beer and wine.
6. Who catches two tribemates talking strategy? Twila
7. Which tribemates are talking strategy? Eliza, Chris
8. Who wins the chance to be in the final four (aka immunity)? Eliza
9. Who works both sides of the divided camp? Chris
10. One, two, three or four: How many people does the person working the camp make promises to? Four
11. Is the Immunity Challenge physical or mental? Physical and mental
12. Who get voted out this week? Julie
And now, to the leaderboard...
Clayton 96/204
Vickie 95/204
Michael 81/204
Amanda 79/204
Dar 79/204
TW 72/204
Leslie 70/204
Kurt 40/204
Bill 24/204
Danielle 23/204
Jessica 20/204
Tudy 15/204
Vito 3/204
posted by Michael at 12/10/2004 08:21:00 AM |
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Merry Christmas.
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas.
1) Which holiday movie/special do you have to watch every single year?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, the animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas.
2) Which holiday movie/special could you live without every year?
Christmas Vacation 2....sorry, but it's just a bad movie. No where near as great as the original.
3) Do you have any special traditions that you do while watching the holiday films? (i.e - decorating the tree, drinking eggnog, opening gifts)
I like to eat homemade holiday cookies while watching the movies.
BONUS) Is there any holiday classic that you would like to see remade? If so, what is it, and who would you like to see play the parts?
Not really....I think we should leave the holiday movies just as they are. But then again, I'm one of those who feels if you're gonna remake a movie, there should be some reason to do so--not just for the sake of having a remake.
posted by Michael at 12/09/2004 09:58:00 AM |
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Last week, Ami the godmother got voted out and it's now down to the final five. Let's see who's still in the game...=
Here's what CBS's web site tells us for the penultimate episode of Survivor Vanuatu:
One Survivor is alienated from the tribe after an outburst that jeopardizes any chance of being in the Final Four.
Tempers flare when one tribemate refuses to tell another the whereabouts of some buried provisions.
When a tribemate catches two Survivors talking strategy, an altercation erupts that makes everyone realize what's at stake.
Working both sides of a divided camp, one Survivor makes conflicting promises going into Tribal Council. Which way will the tribe member vote? And who will make it to the Final Four?
Keeping that in mind, here is this week's contest.
1. Who is alienated? (1 point)
2. Who refuses to reveal where the hidden provisions are? (1 point)
3. Who wins reward this week? (1 point)
4. Can reward be shared? If so, who shares the reward? (2 points possible)
5. What is reward? (1 point)
6. Who catches two tribemates talking strategy? (1 point)
7. Which tribemates are talking strategy? (2 points)
8. Who wins the chance to be in the final four (aka immunity)? (1 point)
9. Who works both sides of the divided camp? (1 point)
10. One, two, three or four: How many people does the person working the camp make promises to? (1 point)
11. Is the Immunity Challenge physical or mental? (1 point)
12. Who get voted out this week? (1 point)
There you go. Good luck to everyone!
posted by Michael at 12/09/2004 07:23:00 AM |
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I logged into My Yahoo to how my fantasy football teams were doing and I saw that this photo below was one of the most popular ones on Yahoo. Apparently, there are a lot of people very interested in the movie version of Phantom of the Opera. I mean, what other reason could there posssibly be for this picture being so widely ciruclated?
Actress Jennifer Ellison arrives at the premiere of her new movie 'Phantom of the Opera' in Leicester Square, London, Monday, Dec. 6, 2004. The film is based on the musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. (AP Photo/John D McHugh)
posted by Michael at 12/08/2004 02:48:00 PM |
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| You Are From Saturn | 
You're steady, organizes, and determined to achieve your dreams.You tend to play it conservative, going by the rules (at least the practical ones).You'll likely reach the top. And when you do, you'll be honorable and responsible.Focus on happiness. Don't let your goals distract you from fun!Don't be too set in your ways, and you'll be more of a success than you ever dreamed of. |
Tip of that Santa hat to Stephanie at Nashville Web Girl for this....
posted by Michael at 12/08/2004 09:59:00 AM |
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1. Do you have a favorite Christmas song? If so, what is it?
I'm not sure if I have just one favorite Christmas song. I love Carol of the Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. I think a lot of times it depends on what mood I'm in.
2. List your top five Christmas albums/CDs. (or you can go with songs, if you want).
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi
2. Rebecca St James - Christmas
3. Natural Wonders Christmas Collection Volume 1 and 2.
4. Manheim Steamroller's Christmas collections
5. Mary Did You Know?
3. Is Christmas music played too much/not enough/just about right? Explain.
If I worked at the mall or somewhere, I could see how the Christmas music could be overplayed. But I have to admit I love the Christmas music--I love hearing it, I love singing it. I have my car radio set to a couple of stations that play nothing but holiday music.
4. Were you part of any holiday themed Christmas pagents growing up? If so, please tell us about one that is particularily memorable or stands out. Parents--tell us about one that your children have been involved in or will be involved in this year.
I was involved in them for years growing up. I did ones at school--I remember singing with the school choir in fourth grade up to about eight grade. I played handbells in high school and when I graduated from college.
BONUS - Is there just one song that you want to hear every year that really makes it feel like Christmas? If so, which song is it? Are there are any special instruments involved? (For example, I love to hear Carol of the Bells played by a handbell choir).
Well, I already took my best answer...but I love hearing a handbell choir play Christmas music--esp. Carol of the Bells and Silent Night.
posted by Michael at 12/08/2004 09:46:00 AM |
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Tonight is the last new episode of Lost until 2005! Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! It cannot be...I far too addicted to this show to not have new episodes until next year.
But from what I read over in Robert Bianco's USA Today review of the episode (four stars BTW), this one is gonna be a doozy....
posted by Michael at 12/08/2004 09:38:00 AM |
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I hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas challenge. It's Wednesday and that means it's time for some new meme questions...
It seems as if every recording artist under the sun records at least one Christmas song. For some, that song can define a career such as Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" or Elmo and Patsy's "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." There's a holiday song for everyone--from the serious music of cantadas to the comedy stylings of the Bob Rivers Christmas albums. This week, we'll take a look at the music that surrounds the festive holiday season.
1. Do you have a favorite Christmas song? If so, what is it?
2. List your top five Christmas albums/CDs. (or you can go with songs, if you want)
3. Is Christmas music played too much/not enough/just about right? Explain.
4. Were you part of any holiday themed Christmas pagents growing up? If so, please tell us about one that is particularily memorable or stands out. Parents--tell us about one that your children have been involved in or will be involved in this year.
BONUS - Is there just one song that you want to hear every year that really makes it feel like Christmas? If so, which song is it? Are there are any special instruments involved? (For example, I love to hear Carol of the Bells played by a handbell choir).
Just leave a link to your answers in the comments!
posted by Michael at 12/08/2004 12:01:00 AM |
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Genuine has a post about the BOB (Best of Blogging) awards for 2004. The competition kicks off this Friday, Dec 10th and there are a plethora of interesting categories.
Now if only they have a category for "Insanely obsessive football fan who watches waaaaaay too much TV"....
posted by Michael at 12/07/2004 10:55:00 AM |
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One of the great Christmas traditions I've been invovled in was the University of Tennessee's Wesley Foundation's Candlelight Service. The Wesley Foundation has a small chapel and on the front wall, there are notches where you can sit candles. As you come in, the only light comes from the two candles on the altar. The service would start off with singing of some Christmas hymns and a few words. Then, the service would be turned over to the group gathered. If you wanted to, you could go up front and light a candle and say a few words. Or you could just light a candle. It was really special to watch as the room was slowly filled with light and to hear the words each person said.
The service is one that I have very fond memories of. My first Candelight Service, I remember Barry getting up and talking about how there were two sets of lights slowly coming together and then he proposed to Laura. (Officially..that is...we all knew they were gonna get married. Some of us got confirmation earlier than others--remember that ride back from East Town mall Barry and Laura?) In my later years, I was in head of the worship work area at the Wesley Foundation and worked on helping to make sure the Candelight Service became a reality. Boy, it was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. I also remember after graduating from UTK, going to candelight with Julia.
But it wasn't just the service--it was a whole evening. My first and last year at the Wesley Foundation, we presented the Who feast--which was the feast the Who's ate in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, accompanied by a dramatic presentation of the story. Other years we had a large Christmas meal. After the service, we had cookies and fellowship downstairs in the social hall and would decorate the tree and the rest of the building for the season.
Good memories..
posted by Michael at 12/07/2004 10:04:00 AM |
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A couple of years ago, I was asked to help out good ol' Kris Kringle at church for the children's program by playing Santa for the children. Let me say this--if you're feeling a bit Grinchy in your heart and not getting the spirit, I cannot recommend donning the Santa outfit. Yes, there were some children (BB and his partner in crime JAB) who saw right though the fact that it was someone they knew from church in the suit helping Santa, but there were some children who had complete and total faith that I was Kris Kringle. That child like wonder is absolutely amazing. I got lots of requests for puppies and kitties to which I replied that Santa would have to check with Mommy and Daddy to see if that was OK. I didn't make any promises that Santa could not keep--that's pretty much rule one of wearing the suit.
Of course, the worst part of it was that the night I got to dress up in the suit, we were having something of a heat wave. Now it wasn't summer like, but it was still in the upper 50s/lower 60s outside. The suit was HOT. I now see why Santa has to eat cookies at each stop along the way--if he didn't, he'd pass out from exhaustion. I bet it's not so much the cookies that Saint Nick needs as the fluid replacement from drinking the milk.
All that said, it was still a wonderful experience. In fact, I'm looking around for a Santa suit that I can borrow/rent for a low price now. I want to take Gracelyn and Davis to see Santa and take about a million pictures. But I thought--you know, it would be really cool if I dressed up like Santa and dropped by their hosue for a visit. When I was little, Santa came by my hosue for a visit and I thought it was really cool. And Gracelyn and Davis are at the perfect age for Santa to drop by to hang out, know their names, eat some cookies and tell them to be good little girls and boys.
posted by Michael at 12/06/2004 10:50:00 AM |
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Well, the Vols didn't win the SEC Championship Game. Thankfully, the game wasn't the blowout that it could have been early on. I don't know what Fulmer and company said to the team at halftime, but it was a remarkably different team in the second half.
Too bad we couldn't have stopped those two early scores...but coulda, woulda, shoulda....we should have played better.
Hats off to Auburn for going undefeated. I hope y'all get to play for it all, espeically after USC looked less than impressive today. However, I think y'all are gonna get the short end of the stick. I'm sorry BCS, but it's bulls**t that a team can go undefeated in the SEC--the best conference in America--and NOT play for a national title.
posted by Michael at 12/04/2004 09:08:00 PM |
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It's two memes in one post!
Friday's Feast
Appetizer
Tell about a toy you remember from your childhood.
Well, I was going to save this story for my Christmas Challenge, but I won't. Back when I was five or six years old, my family and I lived in Hawaii. Every year, the base movie theater would have a day--very close to Christmas--when they'd show crappy Christmas cartoons for an hour or so and then you got to meet Santa. I went and had colored or drawn a picture for Santa. I was one of the last in line and went up to see the big guy. I gave him the picture and this apparently touched Santa, who I think was burned out on the whole kids saying "I want, I want" and so he said, "Little boy, you tell Santa whatever you want and he will bring it." I blurted out I wanted a Steve Austin action figure/doll. Here's the bad part--I had NEVER metioned wanting this until that moment EVER. So, my parents overhear this and panic...it's two, maybe three days before Christmas, we live in Hawaii, this is a hugely popular toy and Santa has just promised he'll bring it. My parents spent the next two days coming the island to find one for me..and they did. I remember getting it and I remember it because of the story I hear about it every year. I also remembered this when I got to help Santa out at church a few years ago by putting on the suit and sending the orders to him...to make sure I did not put any other elves in the same position.
Soup
If you could make one thing in the world absolutely free for everyone, what would it be?
Membership to a gym. Honestly, it helps me out so much to be able to go to the Y and workout, swim, etc. I just think so many people are missing out on it. Of course, then I'd have to make the pool bigger....maybe I take that back...LOL
Salad
Approximately how many times per day do you think about your significant other?
None, really. Of course, I don't really have a significant other right now.
Main Course
Name something you believe in 100%.
God answers our prayers. He may not give us the answer we want, but He answers all of them.
Dessert
List 3 things you did this year that you would consider a "good deed."
1. Taking care of Gracelyn and Davis when they are sick so parental units can go to work.
2. Starting to help out with the youth at church.
3. Moving the furniture in my grandfather's apartment around.
Theater Thursday
The Competition
The past couple of weeks saw the opening of several big-budget and high-concept films: The Polar Express, Alexander, and National Treasure. These movies starred Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell and Nicholas Cage, respectively.
Only one question this week. Which of these three is the better actor, and why?
Until Alexander, Colin Farrell had a pretty good streak going of opening movies number one at the box office.
That said, I think Tom Hanks if the better actor of the three. Hanks has grown so much since his Bosom Buddy days and doing comedies like Bachelor Party and Splash. Hanks can run the whole gamut from serious to comedy and do so believably. He also seems very willing to take on any role and run with it. So far, it seems as if Cage and Farrell do variations of the same type of character and there's not much challenge to it.
posted by Michael at 12/03/2004 01:22:00 PM |
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My good friend Barry over at Inn of the Last Home has a great post today. It starts off talking about season one of the greatness that is 24,but that's just a lead into....well, to say more would be to ruin it for you. Check it out...you'll be glad you did.
posted by Michael at 12/03/2004 11:39:00 AM |
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It was either my first or second Christmas when this happened, but I'm not exactly sure which. My parents had some ornaments that were small boxes wrapped up to look like presents. They have flashy metallic paper on the outside and at the core is a styrofoam block. In fact, we still have a couple of them and they are hung on the tree every year. But back then, apparently I decide that these ornaments looked particularily tasty and chewed on one--ended up chewing off a corner from what I gather. Well, every year since then, I'm always asked if I can remember what they taste like and if they were any good...
posted by Michael at 12/03/2004 11:30:00 AM |
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1. Which tribe member accosts another for breaking a pact? Ami
2. Who is the tribe member who gets accosted? Eliza
3. Will Ami and Julie sulk about their alliance being broken? Yes
4. Who will complain first about the alliance being broken--Ami or Julie? Ami
5. Is part of this week's reward a car? Yes
6. Who does Jeff Probst single out for comment first at the reward challenge? Ami
7. Who wins reward? Eliza, Ami, Chris
8. Can this week's reward be shared? If so, who gets to share the reward? Top three get some reward.
9. Which two tribe mates show little desire to help around camp? Ami, Julie
10. Is this week's Immunity Challenge a mental or physical test? Mental
11. Who does Jeff Probst single out with a comment first during the Immunity Challenge? Chris
12. Who wins immunity this week? Chris
13. Who is the powerless tribe member who tries to sway another before Tribal Council? Ami
14. Who is the tribe member who the powerless tribe member attempts to sway? Julie
15. Who is voted out this week? Ami
Bonus Questions:
16. Will water be involve in either the reward or immunity challenges? Yes
17. Will part of the reward involve food? Yes
18. Will Jeff Probst use the phrase "Worth playing for'? at the reward challenge? Yes
And now to our leaderboard..
Clayton 87/189
Vickie 82/189
Amanda 69/189
Michael 74/189
Dar 67/189
TW 66/189
Leslie 63/189
Kurt 40/189
Bill 24/189
Danielle 23/189
Jessica 20/189
Tudy 15/189
posted by Michael at 12/03/2004 11:07:00 AM |
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The BBC has posted a tiny version of the first trailer for the revival of Doctor Who next year. I eagerly clicked on it and it was just OK. We get to hear the voice of the new Doctor, see the new logo and the TARDIS dematerialize and hear the old theme song playing in the background. I have to say, it left me wanting something more...which is probably the whole point...
posted by Michael at 12/03/2004 10:24:00 AM |
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This meme fit into my Christmas Challenge, so I borrowed it from Megan over at Divine Reality who stole it from Gina who took from The Mommy Blog, who stole it from Broken Fairy, and from Janet. Step One - Make a post to your weblog/journal. The post should contain your list of 10 holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all,big or small. The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really, truly want.
- If you wish for real life things, make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address where Santa (or one of his elves) could get in touch with you.
- Also, make sure you post some version of these guidelines, or link to this post (it'll be public) so that the holiday joy will spread.
Step Two: - Surf around your blogroll (or friend's blogrolls, or just random journals) to see who has posted their list. And now here's the important part:
- If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use--or even know where you could get someone's dream purebred Basset Hound for free--do it.
- You needn't spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out, it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf--to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not--it's your call.
- There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just...wish, and it might come true. Give, and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.
1. Season three of 24 on DVD.
2. Shrek 2 on DVD (widescreen)
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakban on DVD (widescreen)
4. A full-time, permanent job.
5. That Gracelyn and Davis have a wonderful Christmas.
6. Tennessee to win the SEC Championship
7. A parallel study Bible.
8. CD: Bethany Dillon.
9. Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions Box Set DVD
10. To not gain any weight over the holidays but still enjoy all the great food.
UPDATE: I created a Wish List over at Amazon just for fun. Also, so I can keep up with the prices on the items I want in case they should go on sale!
posted by Michael at 12/02/2004 09:49:00 AM |
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Lost: Raised by Another
While watching this week's episode of Lost, I kept stealing glances at the clock. Not becuase I was bored and waiting for the episode to be over mind you. Far from it. I kept looking up thinking, "No, there can't only be x-number of minutes left in this week's episode."
I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again--this show continues to amaze and it only gets better and better.
This week, we look into the history of Claire, who along with Shannon, Boone and Hurley (just his nickname we find out this week), has been pretty much enigmatic until now. Yes, we know their names, but we don't know a whole lot about them--other than Shannon has asthma and Hurley isn't hoarding food. At first, it seems like Claire's story is going to play out rather predictably--girl and boy get pregnant, decide to make a go of it and then boy bails out becuase it's "too much" for him. But just as it seems we've got the "been there, done that" feeling sinking in, we see Claire visit a pyschic, who won't forecast her future. As the episode moves along, we see Claire slowly turning to him for advice on the future--makes you wonder if she went to her parents who she states early on would "disown her" for having the baby. As Claire decides to give the baby up for adoption, the pyschic warns her that she must have an influence in raising the child, something she resists until the scene at the lawyer's office when none of the pens will work. At this point, the feeling that Claire had to end up on the island with her baby grows, espeically when psychic boy gives her a ticket for the flight and tells her she must be on board.
So, here's an intersting question--should Claire not have boarded flight 813 would our heroes be in the situation they are now? Is Claire's baby a lynchpin for what the island wants or needs and are the rest of our castaways just unfortunate victims of being on the same plane as Claire? Interesting to speculate.
Meanwhile, Claire is having some wacky dreams--including a creepy one to start the episode. How cool a detail was the mobile of the plane that cracks in half over the crib? And the empty crib filled with blood--foreshadowing? Claire is also attacked, though whether it's a dream or not we're uncertain about until the final moments of the episode.
And how great were the last five or so minutes. Suddenly, you get this feeling of things spiralling out of control. Hurley's census reveals that Ethan wasn't on the plane, Sayid shows up ranting that the castaways aren't alone and Charlie and Claire meet Ethan in the forest. Interesting that Jack quickly believes Sayid's story about meeting Danielle and the group not being alone on the island but dismissed Claire so quickly and tried to medicate her. And certainly it was one heck of a cliffhanger leading into next week, which is exactly what was intended. Also, while we answered a couple of good questions, we got a lot more of them brought up. Apparently there is something else on the island, but just what? And why was it content to leave the castaways alone for a few days but now appears to be ramping up its activities? Is it Claire's baby?
Also, I strongly suspect Locke knows more than he's telling...he's the only one who's faced down the island and come away better for it. Is that significant? Probably so.
Or I could be totally off track here.
The Real Gilligan's Island
Speaking of castaways, I gave into the unrelented TBS hype for this latest "reality" show based on Gilligan's Island and was, well, bored. (Even with the prospect of the cute Mary Ann Kate ) Apparently, this show is one part Survior, one part Real World. And all parts not that compelling or entertaining. The challenges are copied from Survivor's early seasons--heck, even the computer game of Survivor had more interesting challenges. And none of these castaways" are really THAT close to how the original Gilligan group was. It's too bad becuase this show has an interesting idea, it's just not executed all that well. And host, Scott Lasky, is Jeff Probst without the snark...what is the fun in that?
The Amazing Race
Once again, I refer you to Stacy's Snark-filled summary of this week's episode....hilarious.
All I can say is--just as I was starting to pull for Lena and Kristy, they get eliminated. I had to feel for Lena, spending eight hour out there unbailing hay and NEVER finding a clue. Add to it that every other teams shows up, finds a clue and then leaves and I'm surprised she didn't lose it. Which is brings up a question--on a detour, can you switch who is doing the task? I don't think you can, but it'd be interesting to see if you could.
Meanwhile, Lori and Bolo prove why pro wrestling is fake and there never is any real winner--they can't count. 66...68...80. I almost fell on the floor laughing at the moment. Oh, they were so close to getting put out of the race, but alas, it was not to be.
It seems as if every week, the team I pull for is quickly eliminated. Hence why I am going to pull for Jonathan and Victoria next week. Man, this guy makes Colin from last year look well adjusted. I hope it's just editing and he's not really this big an a****** in real life. The scene where he drew his arm back to smack Victoria and she winced...that was just scary on a whole lot of levels.
posted by Michael at 12/02/2004 08:56:00 AM |
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It's that time again. With only three episodes left, the competition is getting intense! And that's just our little game!
Last week, two coups were pulled--Eliza, Scout and Twilia broke their alliance with Ami and Clayton made a move to the top of the leaderboard. And let us never forget dar, who has an uncanny knack for knowing what's going to happen next on the show. So, it's still anyone's game.
Here's who's left:
The previews this week have shown Ami being shocked and promising the "most shocking tribal council yet!" It also states it's the biggest reward ever and that immunity is vital! (Yeah, no kidding!)
Here's what CBS's web site says about this week's "shocking" episode:
One tribe member accosts another for breaking a pact.
The tribe is irritated by two tribemates who show little desire to contribute to routine camp life.
A suddenly powerless castaway attempts to sway an undecided tribe member going into a crucial Tribal Council.
Keeping all that in mind, here are this week's questions:
1. Which tribe member accosts another for breaking a pact? (1 point)
2. Who is the tribe member who gets accosted? (1 point)
3. Will Ami and Julie sulk about their alliance being broken? (1 point)
4. Who will complain first about the alliance being broken--Ami or Julie? (1 point)
5. Is part of this week's reward a car? (1 point)
6. Who does Jeff Probst single out for comment first at the reward challenge? (1 point).
7. Who wins reward? (1 point)
8. Can this week's reward be shared? If so, who gets to share the reward? (2 points possible)
9. Which two tribe mates show little desire to help around camp? (2 points)
10. Is this week's Immunity Challenge a mental or physical test? (1 point)
11. Who does Jeff Probst single out with a comment first during the Immunity Challenge? (1 point)
12. Who wins immunity this week? (1 point)
13. Who is the powerless tribe member who tries to sway another before Tribal Council? (1 point)
14. Who is the tribe member who the powerless tribe member attempts to sway? (1 point)
15. Who is voted out this week? (1 point)
Bonus Questions:
16. Will water be involve in either the reward or immunity challenges? (1 point)
17. Will part of the reward involve food? (1 point)
18. Will Jeff Probst use the phrase "Worth playing for'? at the reward challenge? (1 point)
You can cast your vote now by leaving comments below. Or you can cast your vote in your blog and leave a link to your votes in the comments field. All votes must be cast by 8 p.m. EST. Good luck everyone!
posted by Michael at 12/02/2004 08:07:00 AM |
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FHM's "Baseball's Hottest Wife" Anna Benson vowed on Howard Stern's show today that if her husband ever cheated on her, she'd sleep with the entire Mets franchise.
In a related note, Pedro Martinez seems more eager than ever to sign with the Mets...
Also, Keith Herndanez is looking to make his return to the Met because, "I'm Keith Herndandez." (Seinfeld reference! Seinfeld reference!)
posted by Michael at 12/01/2004 03:07:00 PM |
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1. When do you decorate your home for the season?
When I went to college at UT, we started setting up and deocarting the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving so we could do it as a family. I'm allergic to live trees so since I have an artificial tree, I'm pretty much ready to set up the tree and the decorations the minute Thanksgiving is over with. Let's face--decorating the house is far more fun than shopping.
2. If you have a Christmas tree, what kind of lights do you prefer--multi-color, white, all one color? Do you like blinking, steady on or those chasing lights that do tricks?
For me, it depends. I really like multi-color lights and the white lights, but it depends on how they're used and what kind of decorations you have. I also have to admit I love the light strands that have eight settings and can chase each other or slowly dim, etc.
3. Do your parents or family still have decorations and/or ornaments you made when you were little? Parents--do you still have decorations your children made when they were little?
My parents still have ornaments from both my sister and I were little that we hang on the tree. When I was a teenager, it was kind of embarrassing and I'd hide them in the back of the tree. But now, it's actually cool becuase the ornaments have stories and memories associated with them. Though there is one that I get out every year and think about how much I despise the fact that my fourth grade techer would never call me Michael because there were two Michaels in her class and I was Mike whether I liked it or not. We've also got some ornaments that I just colored on back when I was three that are old, faded but yet they still mean a lot to my mom to have them on the tree. I also kind of look forward to sharing the stories and ornaments with my niece and nephew and my own kids someday (should I be blessed with kids).
4. Do you like decorating outdoors as well? If so, are you conservative or do you go Clark W. Griswold (from Christmas Vacation)?
I like outdoor lights and decorations, though I don't honestly see the appeal of having those huge blow up Santas or Snowmen in your yard. I like tastefully done light...and I've never spelled anything out in lights.
Bonus -- What is your favorite family decoration or family decorating tradition.
I love putting on some good Christmas music and decorating the tree with my family.
posted by Michael at 12/01/2004 10:56:00 AM |
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Only 24 more decorating days until Christmas! This week, we'll look at all of those holiday decorations. Sure, they've been in the malls since mid-October, but what about the decorations in and aroundy our house? If you're like my family, we have a lot of decorations that we've collected over the years--a lot of them with intersting stories behind them.
1. When do you decorate your home for the season?
2. If you have a Christmas tree, what kind of lights do you prefer--multi-color, white, all one color? Do you like blinking, steady on or those chasing lights that do tricks?
3. Do your parents or family still have decorations and/or ornaments you made when you were little? Parents--do you still have decorations your children made when they were little?
4. Do you like decorating outdoors as well? If so, are you conservative or do you go Clark W. Griswold (from Christmas Vacation)?
Bonus -- What is your favorite family decoration or family decorating tradition.
If you want to leave a link in my comments to share your answers, I'd appreciate it!
posted by Michael at 12/01/2004 10:22:00 AM |
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