So I’ve been down with a cold for the last few days which is why I’d like to say I haven’t updated but basically it’s just because I’m lazy. That and we got a Wii for Christmas.
But I do have an update tonight; sadly it’s a bad one. I recently found out that one of my favorite shows Journeyman has been canceled. Well not technically canceled yet but hasn’t been picked up for a second season. The rumor on the street is if the writers strike continues it stands a chance of being brought back. This leaves me torn, I don’t want the writers to be without work, but I really want my show back.
It saddens me that once again the networks have taken off a great show in order to continue to play reality tv crap. How many more of these shows can we take before viewers lose all sense of reason? Journeyman was a show with depth, great plot line,
actors that connected on screen, and a fresh idea. And let's not forget thankfully it wasn't another reality show. Yet, with all these qualities NBC has decided that once again another show they placed in the Monday night 10 pm time slot wasn't worthy of a second season. How many times will networks make decisions that kill wonderfully thought provoking programs while shoving another prime time reality disaster down our throats?
In fact after canceling Journeyman it seems all NBC has left is more reality shows that I think most Americans can agree we've seen enough of. I find it sad that a large network like NBC would continue to air shows like; Jay Leno's Garage, Clash of the Choirs, Americas Got Talent, and Last Comic Standing over quality programming.
You might say I’m going too far but I blame decisions like this for the moral decay of society. What happened to quality programming? It saddens me to see our youth learning their principles from shows like Family Guy, the Apprentice, and My Name is Earl. Journeyman was my ray of hope that good television was making a come back, but a lass it seems once again I gave too much credit. This is the last show I will get hooked on only to see it tossed in the trash after one season. I rarely watch new shows because I’m scared of this exact thing happening. I get hooked on a show and then some over paid executive cancels it so they have more air time for American Idol or Survivor.
Through my angry searches for more information about this incident I did run a cross another blogger who shares my same outlook about NBC and Journeyman. You can read his comments on the matter at Paul Levinson’s Blog
What really bothers me about all of this is the fact I didn’t even know I was watching the last episode until after it was done. NBC did so little advertising for the show and never once mentioned it was done. That’s just low in my opinion.
I’m sorry to say NBC has lost a loyal viewer, I can no longer continue to watch sub par programming. The only hope I have besides the writers strike is that another network will use some common sense and pick up Journeyman next season.
I wrote a letter containing many of these thoughts and emailed them to a few people over at NBC. I’m hoping to get some snail mail out this week regarding the issue. If you would like to send NBC your thoughts and support on Journeyman feel free to use and spread these contacts to friends. Maybe if enough of us make our feelings known we can bring Journeyman back for another season.
EMAILS:
Vince Manze, President of Scheduling at NBC
vince.manze@nbcuni.com
Jeff Zucker president and chief executive officer:
jeff.zucker@nbcuni.com
Joanne Park – in charge of journeyman
joanne.park@nbcuni.com
Marc Hirshfeld – Executive VP, Casting:
marc.hirshfeld@nbcuni.com
Mitch Metcalf - Program Planning & Scheduling:
Mitch.Metcalf@nbcuni.com
Lisa VebberSenior - Scheduling & Strategic Analysis:
Lisa.Vebber@nbcuni.com
SNAIL MAIL:
Ben Silverman,
Co-Chairman of NBC Entertainment
NBC/Universal
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA
Jeff Zucker c/o NBC
Re: Journeyman
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
NBC Universal, Inc.
Attn: Keep Journeyman
30 Rockefeller Plaza 5224
New York, NY 10112-0002
ONLINE LINKS
Petition online
Save-Journeyman
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
My thoughts on the Piñata
You know what I got to thinking about today?
Piñatas.
Why your probably asking – well let me tell you why my dear friends.
In our society we hear all the time how our children are being warped by all the violence in video games and television. And I tend to agree at least with the statement that things have gotten more violent, whether or not “Call of Duty” or “Grand Theft Auto” are to blame, I don’t know.
But I do know our entertainment has always been a little violent. I mean look at Tom & Jerry or even Popeye. Hell even the Care Bears had that wicked stare. Most of the shows youths watch revolve around the good guys beating up on some villain they’ve decided is deserving for their wrath.
But the Piñata is my favorite. It’s been around for centuries and is a whimsical game played at celebrations, but what is the Piñata really? Take away the cultural aspects and a Piñata becomes a paper Mache figure decorated in bright happy colors in which you take a bat or stick and beat the crap out of it for fun. Children mutilate these toys until they’re beyond recognition and what is their reward? Candy of course. Rather than guts the sweet filled animal contains suckers, chocolates, gummies, and usually small toys. What exactly does this practice teach our children; sub conscience or not? Violence has always been all around us just the graphic, realistic and reasoning behind it has changed. We used to bash open Piñatas for the candy inside now we blow away the competition with AK47’s so we can see their body parts spewed all over. And do you remember when Mom’s were upset over the original Mortal Combat because a red line that somehow represented blood would on occasion fly out if you hit your opponent hard enough. Maybe the problem isn’t that things are more violent in nature its that they’re more realistic. What once was a red line shooting out an arm is now a pile of intestines, limbs, and blood thrown on the ground as an aftermath.
Maybe we should just go back to the Piñata, an apparently harmless form of violence in the eyes of America.
Just my random illogical rant on Piñatas.
Piñatas.
Why your probably asking – well let me tell you why my dear friends.
In our society we hear all the time how our children are being warped by all the violence in video games and television. And I tend to agree at least with the statement that things have gotten more violent, whether or not “Call of Duty” or “Grand Theft Auto” are to blame, I don’t know.
But I do know our entertainment has always been a little violent. I mean look at Tom & Jerry or even Popeye. Hell even the Care Bears had that wicked stare. Most of the shows youths watch revolve around the good guys beating up on some villain they’ve decided is deserving for their wrath.
But the Piñata is my favorite. It’s been around for centuries and is a whimsical game played at celebrations, but what is the Piñata really? Take away the cultural aspects and a Piñata becomes a paper Mache figure decorated in bright happy colors in which you take a bat or stick and beat the crap out of it for fun. Children mutilate these toys until they’re beyond recognition and what is their reward? Candy of course. Rather than guts the sweet filled animal contains suckers, chocolates, gummies, and usually small toys. What exactly does this practice teach our children; sub conscience or not? Violence has always been all around us just the graphic, realistic and reasoning behind it has changed. We used to bash open Piñatas for the candy inside now we blow away the competition with AK47’s so we can see their body parts spewed all over. And do you remember when Mom’s were upset over the original Mortal Combat because a red line that somehow represented blood would on occasion fly out if you hit your opponent hard enough. Maybe the problem isn’t that things are more violent in nature its that they’re more realistic. What once was a red line shooting out an arm is now a pile of intestines, limbs, and blood thrown on the ground as an aftermath.
Maybe we should just go back to the Piñata, an apparently harmless form of violence in the eyes of America.
Just my random illogical rant on Piñatas.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Transformers
So Matt and I finally watched Transformers the other day. Actually it weeks ago but this is the internet so it was the other day in my time.
Honestly, I know Transformers received some high reviews, but I just wasn’t impressed. And here’s why…. I can handle a movie passing off fighting robots or whatever but not that our government would allow two college students access to their computer systems and national defense systems. And if those agents aren’t on enough drugs we’ve got another unit allowing a teenage boy and his recent girlfriend to boss them around just because he found the car and his great grandfather might have had a connection. Come on, our military would just ride in there, steal the car and never accept blame or admit they couldn’t do something. they certainly wouldn’t accept help from non government officials of this age.
The only reason these young actors/actresses are in the movie is to draw in a younger viewer demographic. If you’re like Matt your rebuttal is that “it’s just a fictional movie and I should calm down, because there are robots talking on the screen”. I’m just sick and tired of Hollywood treating all movie viewers like we’re freaking zombies and don’t pick up on these things. I’m even sadder that so many of the viewers prove them right.
The people who enjoyed Transformers are probably the same people who feel Gattaca isn’t Sci-Fi enough because they still use elevators. Bad Zombies Bad. Gattaca is one of the most realistic Sci-Fi movies out there for reasons that they are still using things like elevators. What do you expect them to teleport everywhere? They use elevators and cars because they still work, just like we do today. Henry Ford first mass produced the Model T in 1908 and although the technology and look has changed we’re still driving them. Why wouldn’t we continue to do so? Its only a few years in the future, this isn’t the Jetson’s.
The moral of my story is, if you’re looking for a good Sci-Fi put down Transformers and rent Gattaca instead.
But what can I say I have a feeling I’m going to love the new National Treasure even though it has Cage in it and is pretty fantasy filled. Like the government would ever give them five percent, they’d lock them up fast and keep all the goods themselves. So I guess I am a hypocrite after all.
“Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive, violent race.”
And this one because it’s a line I can relate to: “So I downloaded a couple thousand songs off the internet! Who hasn't? Who hasn't?”
Honestly, I know Transformers received some high reviews, but I just wasn’t impressed. And here’s why…. I can handle a movie passing off fighting robots or whatever but not that our government would allow two college students access to their computer systems and national defense systems. And if those agents aren’t on enough drugs we’ve got another unit allowing a teenage boy and his recent girlfriend to boss them around just because he found the car and his great grandfather might have had a connection. Come on, our military would just ride in there, steal the car and never accept blame or admit they couldn’t do something. they certainly wouldn’t accept help from non government officials of this age.
The only reason these young actors/actresses are in the movie is to draw in a younger viewer demographic. If you’re like Matt your rebuttal is that “it’s just a fictional movie and I should calm down, because there are robots talking on the screen”. I’m just sick and tired of Hollywood treating all movie viewers like we’re freaking zombies and don’t pick up on these things. I’m even sadder that so many of the viewers prove them right.
The people who enjoyed Transformers are probably the same people who feel Gattaca isn’t Sci-Fi enough because they still use elevators. Bad Zombies Bad. Gattaca is one of the most realistic Sci-Fi movies out there for reasons that they are still using things like elevators. What do you expect them to teleport everywhere? They use elevators and cars because they still work, just like we do today. Henry Ford first mass produced the Model T in 1908 and although the technology and look has changed we’re still driving them. Why wouldn’t we continue to do so? Its only a few years in the future, this isn’t the Jetson’s.
The moral of my story is, if you’re looking for a good Sci-Fi put down Transformers and rent Gattaca instead.
But what can I say I have a feeling I’m going to love the new National Treasure even though it has Cage in it and is pretty fantasy filled. Like the government would ever give them five percent, they’d lock them up fast and keep all the goods themselves. So I guess I am a hypocrite after all.
“Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive, violent race.”
And this one because it’s a line I can relate to: “So I downloaded a couple thousand songs off the internet! Who hasn't? Who hasn't?”
Monday, November 26, 2007
Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
Just finished Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. The book was very different then what I had expected I guess that’s what I get for just hearing “yeah it’s good” from others but not actually taking the time to simply read the back cover. Although when it was all said and done my friends were right and I did enjoy it. Lovely Bones wasn’t the typical book I usually read. In fact when I picked it up I though we’d be following the forensics of the case; anything to do with bones really. Anything but a quick reference in one of the last chapters that lasted a sentence, maybe two.
The story is about Susie a fourteen year old struggling to let go of her family while in heaver after being horribly murdered a short distance from home. Susie spends many years in her heaven watching her family and keeping track of their developments.
Lovely Bones, is much more about dealing with the loss of a loved one and coping with grief that solving a murder. And although it was written as fiction I think there are many things we can learn from the Salmon’s story about them struggles and our own. I’ll also admit that had I not read most of this book on a business trip I’m sure I would have cried. I was often moved by parts but didn’t want my roommate to think I was some crazy chick.
It isn’t a fit for every reader so just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you decide to dive right in. Overall it is a good book and if you think it might be your thing then give Sebold a shot to win over you book shelf.
“Nothing is ever certain”
The story is about Susie a fourteen year old struggling to let go of her family while in heaver after being horribly murdered a short distance from home. Susie spends many years in her heaven watching her family and keeping track of their developments.
Lovely Bones, is much more about dealing with the loss of a loved one and coping with grief that solving a murder. And although it was written as fiction I think there are many things we can learn from the Salmon’s story about them struggles and our own. I’ll also admit that had I not read most of this book on a business trip I’m sure I would have cried. I was often moved by parts but didn’t want my roommate to think I was some crazy chick.
It isn’t a fit for every reader so just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you decide to dive right in. Overall it is a good book and if you think it might be your thing then give Sebold a shot to win over you book shelf.
“Nothing is ever certain”
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Bee Movie - Review
I am weeks behind in my bloggings but work has me working what feels like 50 hours a week and the trips to Wisconsin. Anyway, a few weekends ago we went to see Bee Movie. The movie is about a Bee, Barry, who leaves the hive after finding out he will spend the rest of his days making honey. On his journey through New York City he befriends a florist named Vanessa. In time he learns about the human exploitation of bees in order to make honey and decides to sue humans. The rest of the movie is the subsequent legal battle and after actions. Overall I really enjoyed the movie, yeah it’s a little corny but I think it portrayed the environmental aspect in a subtle way throughout the movie. Unlike Happy Feet which threw it all in there during the last oh, three minutes.
I was also really happy with the fact I didn’t hear/see any sexual innuendos, swearing or other “adult” content that you see in many big movies starting comedians such as Shrek and The Grinch. Don’t get me wrong I love both those movies and own them but my children won’t be watching them any time soon. Especially considering I don’t have children; but when I do these movies won’t be on their shelf. If it is true that what our children watch can influence their behavior maybe this one will get more of our future generations thinking about our planet. And that’s never a bad thing.
It defiantly didn’t hurt the movie that Jerry Seinfeld was in it considering we can’t get enough of him in our house.
“Everyone knows you sting someone, you die. You don't waste it on a squirrel. He was such a hothead.”
I was also really happy with the fact I didn’t hear/see any sexual innuendos, swearing or other “adult” content that you see in many big movies starting comedians such as Shrek and The Grinch. Don’t get me wrong I love both those movies and own them but my children won’t be watching them any time soon. Especially considering I don’t have children; but when I do these movies won’t be on their shelf. If it is true that what our children watch can influence their behavior maybe this one will get more of our future generations thinking about our planet. And that’s never a bad thing.
It defiantly didn’t hurt the movie that Jerry Seinfeld was in it considering we can’t get enough of him in our house.
“Everyone knows you sting someone, you die. You don't waste it on a squirrel. He was such a hothead.”
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Tales from the Boom-Boom Room
Tales from the Boom-Boom Room by Susan Antilla has a good story behind it but the writing has to be the driest I’ve ever read. The story follows the lives of five woman during their time working in the financial district and the subsequent legal battles fought by them and many other woman. The issue wasn’t something about sexual harassment they faced every day on the job but their right to a jury trial for such claims. At the time all traders signed an agreement forcing them to binding arbitration. After 302 pages you learn the woman still have to go through arbitration but there’s a chance of one day getting a jury trial. Well I suppose one company’s employees gained the right but that was a foot note in the book. Of course it wasn’t until 200 pages in that the real legal battle even begins so I guess you take what you can get.
When I started reading the book I expected it to be based in the 70’s but to my amazement most of the events took place in the late 90’s and are still being dealt with by many women, on the job front and legally.
As I said in the end the women did have quite a battle but I’m not sure if the story needed a full 300+ pages to be fully told. If you are looking for a good legal read and aren’t concerned with the subject I’d suggest the “Buffalo Creek Disaster” by Gerald Stern. Much more interesting.
Overall:
C-
Recommended For:
Anyone who REALLY enjoys a true law book regardless of dry writing and weak endings
When I started reading the book I expected it to be based in the 70’s but to my amazement most of the events took place in the late 90’s and are still being dealt with by many women, on the job front and legally.
As I said in the end the women did have quite a battle but I’m not sure if the story needed a full 300+ pages to be fully told. If you are looking for a good legal read and aren’t concerned with the subject I’d suggest the “Buffalo Creek Disaster” by Gerald Stern. Much more interesting.
Overall:
C-
Recommended For:
Anyone who REALLY enjoys a true law book regardless of dry writing and weak endings
Monday, October 29, 2007
Day Five: Headed home
Our travel home day was basically that; traveling and lots of time changes, in the wrong direction this time. The only major item for the day was our meal at the Buena Vista Café in the San Francisco airport. I really wanted to try it but we didn’t have time while in the city so we decided to stop in for lunch. I wish we would have saved our money and had McDonalds. It was such a downer to end the vacation with such horrible service. Our waitress took ten minutes to finally greet us, never brought water or napkins even though I asked twice, didn’t bring half of the items we ordered, and never smiled. It was horrible, and everyone around us seemed to be having the same experience with her. She even mentioned in the end that she could tell we were upset but never once apologized or offered to compensate us.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Day Four: Lots of walking
Thursday was our mix n’ match day. The day where we see all the things we wanted to see but didn’t have time to earlier in the week. It involved being out the door at 8:30am and walking; yes that’s right WALKING, all over the city until about 4pm. We started at Union Square Shopping Center. Most of the shops were three times out of our price range but it was fun to see the products and displays, much classier than Target. Union Square would be a great area for anyone who enjoys a good name brand shopping spree. Be careful because there are a few nice shops on the side roads as well like Gap and Lucky Jeans and you don’t want to miss them. If you’re like me and would rather see the little Ma and Pop shops you should still take this small detour and stop by Union Square.
Chinatown was next on our map and we walked the hundred blocks there with some amazing views of the city. Chinatown was just opening for the day so it was fairly quiet only a few other early riser couples like us. We had the chance to quietly browse through the shops at our own leisure. I added Jade and bone figurines to my collection for less than a dollar. And yes, that made my day. If you want the full experience of this neighborhood walk a few blocks off the beaten path for a less tourist experience. That’s all the warning I’m going to give.
On the way to lunch we detoured to Lombard Street, the crookedest street (actually its not, but it is the most famous). Unlike smart people we approached Lombard from the bottom and after taking some pictures realized we now had to walk up the 27% incline. While walking we were able to see the house used in filming the Real World – San Francisco. At the top, twenty minutes later we had some more great pictures. Unfortunately we weren’t able to rent a car to drive down it and when I suggested a GO CAR Matt wasn’t very receptive to the idea. I mean who wouldn’t want to take an open frame go cart down one heck of a steep hill?
After all that walking we walked some more to In & Out Burger. Only a fast food joint to most but a California haven to Matt and I. The history behind this stop begins almost three years earlier during our last trip to California. During that vacation we visited Los Angeles, San Diego, and Tijuana (not California – I know). On every block corner there was an In & Out Burger lined with cars. They were like Starbucks and even with them being so prevalent we were unable to eat at one during our stay. So of course on Tuesday when we saw the In & Out right after eating we vowed to return later in the week. In & Out Burger was California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand, now the dinner is decorated as a 1950’s dinner (imagine that). They even offer merchandise online.
After eating we walked to the cable car line and rode on one of the old lines. There are only three working cable car lines in San Francisco and some say the world. The car was fun and we had the best seats; hanging off the side. We paid five pucks a piece to get on at the turnaround point and received a commemorative ticket for our fee. But you don’t have to buy tickets you can jump on any of the old Trolley’s once they are on their route. Even though we were slightly taken on the whole ordeal I got a commemorative ticket - damn it! And I helped to keep the lines running plus I got some great shots while we waited at the station. So technically we paid ten bucks for the pictures, totally worth it… yeah – shut up.
As the day went on we walked; yes walked again, all over town and saw many of the areas famous houses. We stopped by the Octagon House; not that great but it’s painted a nice purple color. We also saw the house used in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire and not too far away the mansion romance author, Danielle Steele calls home, Spreckels Mansion. My favorite house on our little tour was the Atherton House of 1900 California. The Atherton house is claimed to be one of the most haunted homes in San Francisco. It’s believed the house is hounded by four ghosts of previous owners and even though we couldn’t go in for a tour and see any floating orbs or anything it was still interesting. In between seeing beautiful houses in Pacific Heights and walking Cow Hollow we strolled over to the Palace of Fine Arts next to the Exploratorium. The Palace was built for the 1915 re-dedication of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. It is amazing and worth the short trip there. The best part is, in a city where bagels cost four dollars the Palace of Fine Arts is FREE as well as the all our housing viewing, which is great when you’re on budget. After a full day of walking we did some online research and headed over to Ken’s Chinese for the best Chinese I have ever eaten. The Crab Rangoon (Puffs) were made with real crab and a wonderful pepper mix. They aren’t located in Chinatown but it’s worth it to stop in.
Chinatown was next on our map and we walked the hundred blocks there with some amazing views of the city. Chinatown was just opening for the day so it was fairly quiet only a few other early riser couples like us. We had the chance to quietly browse through the shops at our own leisure. I added Jade and bone figurines to my collection for less than a dollar. And yes, that made my day. If you want the full experience of this neighborhood walk a few blocks off the beaten path for a less tourist experience. That’s all the warning I’m going to give.
On the way to lunch we detoured to Lombard Street, the crookedest street (actually its not, but it is the most famous). Unlike smart people we approached Lombard from the bottom and after taking some pictures realized we now had to walk up the 27% incline. While walking we were able to see the house used in filming the Real World – San Francisco. At the top, twenty minutes later we had some more great pictures. Unfortunately we weren’t able to rent a car to drive down it and when I suggested a GO CAR Matt wasn’t very receptive to the idea. I mean who wouldn’t want to take an open frame go cart down one heck of a steep hill?
After all that walking we walked some more to In & Out Burger. Only a fast food joint to most but a California haven to Matt and I. The history behind this stop begins almost three years earlier during our last trip to California. During that vacation we visited Los Angeles, San Diego, and Tijuana (not California – I know). On every block corner there was an In & Out Burger lined with cars. They were like Starbucks and even with them being so prevalent we were unable to eat at one during our stay. So of course on Tuesday when we saw the In & Out right after eating we vowed to return later in the week. In & Out Burger was California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand, now the dinner is decorated as a 1950’s dinner (imagine that). They even offer merchandise online.
After eating we walked to the cable car line and rode on one of the old lines. There are only three working cable car lines in San Francisco and some say the world. The car was fun and we had the best seats; hanging off the side. We paid five pucks a piece to get on at the turnaround point and received a commemorative ticket for our fee. But you don’t have to buy tickets you can jump on any of the old Trolley’s once they are on their route. Even though we were slightly taken on the whole ordeal I got a commemorative ticket - damn it! And I helped to keep the lines running plus I got some great shots while we waited at the station. So technically we paid ten bucks for the pictures, totally worth it… yeah – shut up.
As the day went on we walked; yes walked again, all over town and saw many of the areas famous houses. We stopped by the Octagon House; not that great but it’s painted a nice purple color. We also saw the house used in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire and not too far away the mansion romance author, Danielle Steele calls home, Spreckels Mansion. My favorite house on our little tour was the Atherton House of 1900 California. The Atherton house is claimed to be one of the most haunted homes in San Francisco. It’s believed the house is hounded by four ghosts of previous owners and even though we couldn’t go in for a tour and see any floating orbs or anything it was still interesting. In between seeing beautiful houses in Pacific Heights and walking Cow Hollow we strolled over to the Palace of Fine Arts next to the Exploratorium. The Palace was built for the 1915 re-dedication of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. It is amazing and worth the short trip there. The best part is, in a city where bagels cost four dollars the Palace of Fine Arts is FREE as well as the all our housing viewing, which is great when you’re on budget. After a full day of walking we did some online research and headed over to Ken’s Chinese for the best Chinese I have ever eaten. The Crab Rangoon (Puffs) were made with real crab and a wonderful pepper mix. They aren’t located in Chinatown but it’s worth it to stop in.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Day Three: Traveling
Before all the trouble with Mel’s (mentioned in yesterday’s post) we had a very busy day. Before getting to San Fran we had made two tour reservations for the day with Super Sightseeing Tours. They picked us up right at our hotel door in the morning and took us back to “base” where we would leave for our different tours. Even the ride there was a mini tour every time we passed something interesting or old we learned the history of the building and/or the events that took place there. Every bus we rode on was very nice, new and clean. I was a little weary at first because a few previous experiences, but they were very enjoyable. Our first tour was to Muir Woods National Monument with our tour guide Jay. He was great, tons of knowledge about the area locally and at the woods. You could tell he had a real passion for the area. The area was so peaceful and the trees were remarkable. These sequoia sempervirens aren’t the biggest trees around but they are the tallest. The national monument was created by President Theodore Roosevelt on January 9th, 1908. Muir Woods is the 7th National Monument and the first created from privately donated land. While there we also saw the historic place where the UN had their first meeting and tribute to FDR. There are a few trees on the path that you can walk right underneath. Jay schooled us in all the history of the woods and its founders William Kent and Gifford Pinchot.
Afterwards our group headed to Sausalito. There we stopped at the Finger Hut Gallery and grabbed some food at Hamburgers. Their cheeseburgers are first-rate huge beef patties with all the extras. Once the quick stop was done it was back on the bus for some more of Jay’s vault of vast knowledge for the trip home. Once we made it back to San Francisco we had an hour to shop before hopping on another bus headed to The Winchester Mystery House. This guide was slightly more erotic then Jay. In our hour drive to the house she spent time making fun of the people on the street and off based comparisons between Americans and people from other countries. Needless to say it was an interesting ride that ended with her openly asking for tips. In the end it was worth it because we were able to see and tour The Winchester Mystery House. Our sixty-five minute tour was lead by an enthusiastic Matthew which just made the whole adventure so much better. I wish we would have had time to do the underground/Behind the scenes tour but since our bus was twenty minutes late leaving we were a little rushed as it was. The house was nice it was interesting to learn the history of the house and Sarah Winchester’s obsession with the number thirteen. Also sad to see the house wasn’t very furnished and the furniture that was there wasn’t original because the house was heavily looted after Sarah’s death in 1923. So after another exciting hour ride home hearing about how churches are older in Germany than the U.S. (DUH – people have been living and practicing religion there longer) we made it home and had our dinner experience at Mel’s. On a positive food side we ended up eating at Round Table, a pizza joint a few blocks down the road. Good taste at a decent price and who doesn’t love pizza?
Overall the day was great and we learned so much not only about our destinations but the city itself. If you decide to book with Super Sightseeing Tours ask for Joy he’s worth it.
Afterwards our group headed to Sausalito. There we stopped at the Finger Hut Gallery and grabbed some food at Hamburgers. Their cheeseburgers are first-rate huge beef patties with all the extras. Once the quick stop was done it was back on the bus for some more of Jay’s vault of vast knowledge for the trip home. Once we made it back to San Francisco we had an hour to shop before hopping on another bus headed to The Winchester Mystery House. This guide was slightly more erotic then Jay. In our hour drive to the house she spent time making fun of the people on the street and off based comparisons between Americans and people from other countries. Needless to say it was an interesting ride that ended with her openly asking for tips. In the end it was worth it because we were able to see and tour The Winchester Mystery House. Our sixty-five minute tour was lead by an enthusiastic Matthew which just made the whole adventure so much better. I wish we would have had time to do the underground/Behind the scenes tour but since our bus was twenty minutes late leaving we were a little rushed as it was. The house was nice it was interesting to learn the history of the house and Sarah Winchester’s obsession with the number thirteen. Also sad to see the house wasn’t very furnished and the furniture that was there wasn’t original because the house was heavily looted after Sarah’s death in 1923. So after another exciting hour ride home hearing about how churches are older in Germany than the U.S. (DUH – people have been living and practicing religion there longer) we made it home and had our dinner experience at Mel’s. On a positive food side we ended up eating at Round Table, a pizza joint a few blocks down the road. Good taste at a decent price and who doesn’t love pizza?
Overall the day was great and we learned so much not only about our destinations but the city itself. If you decide to book with Super Sightseeing Tours ask for Joy he’s worth it.
Day Two: Sightseeing
The Opal did redeem itself when the next morning we went to the front desk and spoke to someone who seemed to know a little more than our previous associate. He was wonderful and unlike the woman the night before totally understood that we wouldn’t be happy having to change our room on our honeymoon. The man was so great he gave us an update to the Executive suite which I must say was amazing. I plan to write a letter to the hotel expressing just how great he was.
After getting our new room we headed out to do our sightseeing. From our research we learned that the boat from Alcatraz was only two miles away and since we walk that all the time we figured no big deal right? Wrong, our friendly research and tip from a friend left out the fact that the walk was all uphill. We someone lived through the walk and made it to the Fisherman’s Wharf and pier 33 to get on the boat to see the famous prison, Alcatraz. Tickets for the tour of Alcatraz go quickly, if possible you should purchase your tickets online a few days before. We didn’t have to wait in line for tickets and so as soon as our departure time was called we were able to get right in line. On the way there make sure to sit on the top of the boat, you’ll be eaten alive by deer flies or some breed of killer flying thing, but the views are worth it.
Alcatraz was great; the island was such a remarkable place. They give the audio tour for free (well I’m sure it’s included in the price but they make it feel free). The tour was information and better than the normal audio – type in the number ones found in most places. It was interesting to hear opinions from actual prisoners and guards plus it was narrated by Gunny, what more do you need? Make sure and take the small walk through the family housing area around the bay by the boat dock. There you will find some really amazing views and maybe even some wild life.
After Alcatraz we went to Pier 39 – Fisherman’s Wharf; the local tourists trap. The people at SFT Travel were right, a waste of time but we went anyway. We’re tourist, we have to. We had lunch at The Eagle Café, a little over priced but with great views of Alcatraz and the sea lions. The food is delicious and the portions large.
After lunch we walked over and saw the sea lions slightly closer. They’re neat as long as the wind doesn’t shift. Just trust me on that. We also got to see the carousel although Matt wouldn’t let me ride it. Spent some more of our day shopping at Ghirardelli Square where I got some delicious chocolate samples.
Later we grabbed a taxi to Golden Gate Park to see the Japanese Tea Gardens. For four dollars a piece the price wasn’t bad but the gardens aren’t very big at least not as large as I expected. Even though there were many people in the gardens it was very tranquil and calm. Since that didn’t take as long as we planned we stopped by the Conservatory of Flowers just to view it, I really liked the bird house look of it. On the way back to the hotel we detoured to see a few more sights since we had the time. The first stop was the corner of Haight-Ashbury, the location of the 1960’s “hippy” movement. We also saw a Ben & Jerry’s on the corner. Sadly it was slightly cold for ice-cream, but I have a pint in the fridge at home so I think I’ll be ok. Next up we walked by the Painted Ladies a cross from Alamo Square. They were attractive especially knowing how famous they are. Now when we’re home watching TV and they are shown we can both yell… “We’ve been there”. We’re dorks so we’ll find it fun.
Later we headed back to the Opal and had dinner at Mels, San Francisco’s very first drive in. It was nice, the food was good, service was fast, and customer service was great. Prices weren’t horrible either. My chili and the three cheese grilled cheese was delicious. I would have given Mel’s an outstanding review it if wasn’t for our next day. After spending another long day out sightseeing we were exhausted and decided for the sake of our feet we’d just eat at Mel’s again. Apparently Mel’s has great food but the service is touch and go. Our first night we were greeted at the door with waters in hand. Our second trip it took over ten minutes for someone to acknowledge us and another five to get waters. After having the waitress basically call me a liar about whether or not I was allowed to order a bowl of chili the night before we just chose to leave. The restaurant wasn’t any busier the second day, only the servers had changed and they were horrible. Not a single one smiled or greeted/acknowledged for the thirty minutes we were there. Our waitress had an attitude problem and was rude and snippy the whole time, she acted as if we were some burden she had to deal with and in no hurry. For this I would not recommend them.
After getting our new room we headed out to do our sightseeing. From our research we learned that the boat from Alcatraz was only two miles away and since we walk that all the time we figured no big deal right? Wrong, our friendly research and tip from a friend left out the fact that the walk was all uphill. We someone lived through the walk and made it to the Fisherman’s Wharf and pier 33 to get on the boat to see the famous prison, Alcatraz. Tickets for the tour of Alcatraz go quickly, if possible you should purchase your tickets online a few days before. We didn’t have to wait in line for tickets and so as soon as our departure time was called we were able to get right in line. On the way there make sure to sit on the top of the boat, you’ll be eaten alive by deer flies or some breed of killer flying thing, but the views are worth it.
Alcatraz was great; the island was such a remarkable place. They give the audio tour for free (well I’m sure it’s included in the price but they make it feel free). The tour was information and better than the normal audio – type in the number ones found in most places. It was interesting to hear opinions from actual prisoners and guards plus it was narrated by Gunny, what more do you need? Make sure and take the small walk through the family housing area around the bay by the boat dock. There you will find some really amazing views and maybe even some wild life.
After Alcatraz we went to Pier 39 – Fisherman’s Wharf; the local tourists trap. The people at SFT Travel were right, a waste of time but we went anyway. We’re tourist, we have to. We had lunch at The Eagle Café, a little over priced but with great views of Alcatraz and the sea lions. The food is delicious and the portions large.
After lunch we walked over and saw the sea lions slightly closer. They’re neat as long as the wind doesn’t shift. Just trust me on that. We also got to see the carousel although Matt wouldn’t let me ride it. Spent some more of our day shopping at Ghirardelli Square where I got some delicious chocolate samples.
Later we grabbed a taxi to Golden Gate Park to see the Japanese Tea Gardens. For four dollars a piece the price wasn’t bad but the gardens aren’t very big at least not as large as I expected. Even though there were many people in the gardens it was very tranquil and calm. Since that didn’t take as long as we planned we stopped by the Conservatory of Flowers just to view it, I really liked the bird house look of it. On the way back to the hotel we detoured to see a few more sights since we had the time. The first stop was the corner of Haight-Ashbury, the location of the 1960’s “hippy” movement. We also saw a Ben & Jerry’s on the corner. Sadly it was slightly cold for ice-cream, but I have a pint in the fridge at home so I think I’ll be ok. Next up we walked by the Painted Ladies a cross from Alamo Square. They were attractive especially knowing how famous they are. Now when we’re home watching TV and they are shown we can both yell… “We’ve been there”. We’re dorks so we’ll find it fun.
Later we headed back to the Opal and had dinner at Mels, San Francisco’s very first drive in. It was nice, the food was good, service was fast, and customer service was great. Prices weren’t horrible either. My chili and the three cheese grilled cheese was delicious. I would have given Mel’s an outstanding review it if wasn’t for our next day. After spending another long day out sightseeing we were exhausted and decided for the sake of our feet we’d just eat at Mel’s again. Apparently Mel’s has great food but the service is touch and go. Our first night we were greeted at the door with waters in hand. Our second trip it took over ten minutes for someone to acknowledge us and another five to get waters. After having the waitress basically call me a liar about whether or not I was allowed to order a bowl of chili the night before we just chose to leave. The restaurant wasn’t any busier the second day, only the servers had changed and they were horrible. Not a single one smiled or greeted/acknowledged for the thirty minutes we were there. Our waitress had an attitude problem and was rude and snippy the whole time, she acted as if we were some burden she had to deal with and in no hurry. For this I would not recommend them.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
San Francisco - A honeymoon review
We spent a few days in San Francisco earlier this month. The next few post are review of this trip.
On Monday the 8th we left from our little local airport which was supposed to make the trip easier. I had more issues with their security than anywhere else and I’ve had the pleasure of playing red light green light in Mexico. I’ll admit some of it was my fault but I can’t travel without hand lotion, but after I bought my twenty-seven cent zip lock baggie we were good to go. I’m still trying to figure out how the easy open zip lock bag would stop me if I had disastrous plans even though I’ve had it explained to me, but whatever. I guess we should feel safer knowing my lotion is in a bag and under three ounces. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful until we got to the hotel.
We spent the week at The Opal, a hotel built in 1908 located right down town. I was happy with the appearance of the hotel but very disappointed in the customer service aspects. The day before we left Matt called ahead to make sure our room was all set and they reassured us everything was fine. So imagine my surprise when we check in and they tell us they gave our room to a guy off the street who didn’t have a reservation but really wanted a king suite. So they decide to “upgrade” us to a Junior Suite but for only one night so we would have to get up the next morning and store our luggage until our actual room is ready. Sometimes I swear I live in an episode of Seinfeld. I mean what is the point of a reservation if the hotel doesn’t hold the room. A reservation is an agreement that I will pay for said reserved room and they will hold this now paid for room. I upheld my end of the agreement why didn’t they? Plus when you do give someone’s room away you could at least make up a better reason other than some guy off the street wanted it. But the room was nice, comfortable and clean.
On Monday the 8th we left from our little local airport which was supposed to make the trip easier. I had more issues with their security than anywhere else and I’ve had the pleasure of playing red light green light in Mexico. I’ll admit some of it was my fault but I can’t travel without hand lotion, but after I bought my twenty-seven cent zip lock baggie we were good to go. I’m still trying to figure out how the easy open zip lock bag would stop me if I had disastrous plans even though I’ve had it explained to me, but whatever. I guess we should feel safer knowing my lotion is in a bag and under three ounces. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful until we got to the hotel.
We spent the week at The Opal, a hotel built in 1908 located right down town. I was happy with the appearance of the hotel but very disappointed in the customer service aspects. The day before we left Matt called ahead to make sure our room was all set and they reassured us everything was fine. So imagine my surprise when we check in and they tell us they gave our room to a guy off the street who didn’t have a reservation but really wanted a king suite. So they decide to “upgrade” us to a Junior Suite but for only one night so we would have to get up the next morning and store our luggage until our actual room is ready. Sometimes I swear I live in an episode of Seinfeld. I mean what is the point of a reservation if the hotel doesn’t hold the room. A reservation is an agreement that I will pay for said reserved room and they will hold this now paid for room. I upheld my end of the agreement why didn’t they? Plus when you do give someone’s room away you could at least make up a better reason other than some guy off the street wanted it. But the room was nice, comfortable and clean.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Windy City
This weekend Matt and I drove to Chicago to see Wicked at the Oriental Theater. The Oriental is such a wonderful theater. While waiting for the play to begin we learned that the Oriental used to be a movie theater. The carvings and artwork were just beautiful. The play Wicked was also great. I loved the stage set up, but GaLinda (with a ga) and Elphaba really stole the show. Erin Mackey the actress who plays Galinda especially. The play tied in a lot of “missing” information. And without giving out too many spoilers there was only one thing I felt was left unsettled and two things I wish were different. That is really good for me, because normally I can find quite a few issues.
The play also had a happy ending for me because I was able to purchase a pin to add to the collection and now I have so many I don’t have room in my jar so I’ll be making something for them this winter while I hibernate.
On Saturday night after the play we stopped off for some good ol’ Chicago Style Pizza at Pizzeria Due, the second restaurant owned by Ike Sewell, the man credited with creating the deep dish pizza. The place was packed so genius me decided we should eat outside so we’d get seated right away. Yeah we and the other five couples realized quickly why you don’t eat outside after dark in September in Chicago. It’s not the windy city for nothing. And yes I understand that’s not why Chicago is called the Windy City; but it should be. (Click here for the real reason Chicago is the windy city) Anyway, back to Pizzeria Due. The pizza was ok. Not the best I’ve had, but it ranked up there. It was fun to eat at a place we had seen highlighted on the History Channels – American Eats.
Sunday before heading home we stopped at the Adler Planetarium. In our previous trip we did the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Navy Pier, and Shedd Aquarium.We haven’t done the Planetarium yet because we have one locally and I just wasn’t sure if it would be worth it. But I’m glad we went. There were a ton of exhibits, most of which were hands on so we got to be big kids. Our show Black Holes wasn’t that great, or the 3D Milky Way show, but I loved the Atwood Sphere and how to make a crater exhibits. Plus they had an actual meteorite from mars on display which we got to touch. Matt enjoyed the Mars rover display where you get to control its movements. I was also able to stop at the gift shop and add another pin to my ever growing collection. The Adler Planetarium is an over looked stop in Chicago. If you’re in the area make time to stop in and see the Gemini XII, it’s worth the money.
When we go to Chicago we normally stay in the outskirts of town and ride the train in but since we were only going to be there one night and had a play to get to we decided to stay on the Magnificent Mile, boy was that mistake.
We stayed at the Allerton Hotel on the corner of Huron and Michigan Ave. The hotel was very lovely. The décor was amazing. The room was small but we were expecting that since they openly tell guest. Actually the room was bigger than I expected it to be so that is a plus. I would have given our stay five stars hands down if it wasn’t for the incident that happened as we were leaving. We had booked a package deal that included the $45 parking fee, but as we were leaving the attendant tried to charge us for parking. I explained we had purchased the package but when I showed him our bill it wasn’t listed in the details so he insisted we pay for parking again. And stupid me forgot to show the information I printed at home which showed it was a package purchase. So anyway here we are in the streets of Chicago arguing with the parking security over forty-five bucks, but at that point it was the principle of the matter. So finally he gets snippy with us and barks that his manager will deal with us and figure it out later. Like we were some kind of liars trying to jip them out of forty-five dollars. This incident ruined my whole Allerton experience and almost my whole day. I hope he felt like a fool when he figured out we had paid for parking.
I understand Matt and I may look young but it drives me nuts when people treat us like we’re some kind of hooligans or something. Just because we’re young doesn’t mean we’re irresponsible thieves. So needless to say we won’t be returning there.
Overall Chicago was great and Wicked made it all worth it.
The play also had a happy ending for me because I was able to purchase a pin to add to the collection and now I have so many I don’t have room in my jar so I’ll be making something for them this winter while I hibernate.
On Saturday night after the play we stopped off for some good ol’ Chicago Style Pizza at Pizzeria Due, the second restaurant owned by Ike Sewell, the man credited with creating the deep dish pizza. The place was packed so genius me decided we should eat outside so we’d get seated right away. Yeah we and the other five couples realized quickly why you don’t eat outside after dark in September in Chicago. It’s not the windy city for nothing. And yes I understand that’s not why Chicago is called the Windy City; but it should be. (Click here for the real reason Chicago is the windy city) Anyway, back to Pizzeria Due. The pizza was ok. Not the best I’ve had, but it ranked up there. It was fun to eat at a place we had seen highlighted on the History Channels – American Eats.
Sunday before heading home we stopped at the Adler Planetarium. In our previous trip we did the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Navy Pier, and Shedd Aquarium.We haven’t done the Planetarium yet because we have one locally and I just wasn’t sure if it would be worth it. But I’m glad we went. There were a ton of exhibits, most of which were hands on so we got to be big kids. Our show Black Holes wasn’t that great, or the 3D Milky Way show, but I loved the Atwood Sphere and how to make a crater exhibits. Plus they had an actual meteorite from mars on display which we got to touch. Matt enjoyed the Mars rover display where you get to control its movements. I was also able to stop at the gift shop and add another pin to my ever growing collection. The Adler Planetarium is an over looked stop in Chicago. If you’re in the area make time to stop in and see the Gemini XII, it’s worth the money.
When we go to Chicago we normally stay in the outskirts of town and ride the train in but since we were only going to be there one night and had a play to get to we decided to stay on the Magnificent Mile, boy was that mistake.
We stayed at the Allerton Hotel on the corner of Huron and Michigan Ave. The hotel was very lovely. The décor was amazing. The room was small but we were expecting that since they openly tell guest. Actually the room was bigger than I expected it to be so that is a plus. I would have given our stay five stars hands down if it wasn’t for the incident that happened as we were leaving. We had booked a package deal that included the $45 parking fee, but as we were leaving the attendant tried to charge us for parking. I explained we had purchased the package but when I showed him our bill it wasn’t listed in the details so he insisted we pay for parking again. And stupid me forgot to show the information I printed at home which showed it was a package purchase. So anyway here we are in the streets of Chicago arguing with the parking security over forty-five bucks, but at that point it was the principle of the matter. So finally he gets snippy with us and barks that his manager will deal with us and figure it out later. Like we were some kind of liars trying to jip them out of forty-five dollars. This incident ruined my whole Allerton experience and almost my whole day. I hope he felt like a fool when he figured out we had paid for parking.
I understand Matt and I may look young but it drives me nuts when people treat us like we’re some kind of hooligans or something. Just because we’re young doesn’t mean we’re irresponsible thieves. So needless to say we won’t be returning there.
Overall Chicago was great and Wicked made it all worth it.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Mackinaw City
So Matt and I went back to Mackinaw on the 8th and had wedding shots taken on the Lake Michigan. Lake Huron, and the Mackinac Bridge. I think they turned out really nicely. One day I’ll link to a few anonymous ones for your viewing pleasure.
I’m still waiting to see our professional pictures but if they turn out this nice I’ll be more than happy. And once we get those back I’ll be able to spend hours on hours sorting them and getting them printed and put in books. Can you tell I’m excited? Hey it beats cleaning.
While in Mackinaw City we stayed at the Baymont Inn and Suites. I was really nervous about the quality of the room because we had to get a pet friendly room since we brought the baby with us. And you never know what other pets have done and what ours will do on top of theirs. But to my amazement the room was wonderful. Very clean and spacious with a very large bathroom and you all know how important those are to me. If you need a place to stay with a pet for a decent rate I strongly suggest them for travelers.
My only complaint isn’t with the hotel but with our dog. Since he’s so spoiled at home he wouldn’t let us leave the room because he’d bark too badly so we had to stay in and order pizza. But it was still a wonderful weekend.
I’m still waiting to see our professional pictures but if they turn out this nice I’ll be more than happy. And once we get those back I’ll be able to spend hours on hours sorting them and getting them printed and put in books. Can you tell I’m excited? Hey it beats cleaning.
While in Mackinaw City we stayed at the Baymont Inn and Suites. I was really nervous about the quality of the room because we had to get a pet friendly room since we brought the baby with us. And you never know what other pets have done and what ours will do on top of theirs. But to my amazement the room was wonderful. Very clean and spacious with a very large bathroom and you all know how important those are to me. If you need a place to stay with a pet for a decent rate I strongly suggest them for travelers.
My only complaint isn’t with the hotel but with our dog. Since he’s so spoiled at home he wouldn’t let us leave the room because he’d bark too badly so we had to stay in and order pizza. But it was still a wonderful weekend.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Labor Day
I am about two weeks behind on updates, you will just have to live with it, pretend its like time travel and you get to relive the last two weeks of your life vicariously through me.
So after having our beautiful wedding on Saturday Matthew and I took the long drive to Mackinaw to walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor day. We have wanted to do this for the last few years but haven’t been able to. So this year regardless of the fact we had a wedding the day before we decided that we were going this year. What I didn’t consider was driving that far after our wedding day with slight hangovers and severe exhaustion.
We stayed at a great little Bed and Breakfast names the Colonial House Inn in St. Ignace. The rooms were very nice, right by the water, and the house was well preserved. The bathroom was huge which is always a nice feature. I highly recommend it to anyone staying in the area that is looking for a nice relaxing evening. We really enjoyed sitting on the balcony and watching the water.
Sunday evening we walked around St.Ignace and of course bought some fudge and fresh water taffy. Also a pair of walking shoes since of course I forgot to pack mine and I couldn’t walk the bridge in sandals. We ate at a really nice dinner, the Ma and Pa kind, my favorite.
On Monday we woke up early, I grabbed some muffins and we headed out to walk the bridge. There is still a debate on how long the actual walk is so I’ll just say more than five miles. I think everyone can agree on that. We did our bridge walk in about an hour and a half, one of our best distance times. I think it was the adrenaline of being on the bridge in that large crowd. We walked on the grating and Matt was finally able to get over his gephyrophobia. He did great. After walking the bridge from St. Ignace to Mackinaw city we went to get in line to ride a bus back over and get to our car, since we stayed in St.Ignace. Five and a half hours later we finally boarded our bus. Everyone in line said it is normally a ten to twenty minute wait. So apparently someone really dropped the ball this year or they didn’t expect such a large turn out. They usually stop walkers from crossing the bridge at 11am but at 2pm when we finally made it back there were people just starting the walk. I’m not sure how long they continued to let people walk, but the Bridge Authority said everyone who wanted to walk would have the chance. At one point I heard that 85,000 people had crossed the bridge, but later we can only confirm 57,000, from the official website. Still a record.
On the way home we stopped in at the good ol’ Sea Shell City for the required Mackinaw purchases. We even had a happier ending when we returned home and heard the football scores. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful wedding weekend.
So after having our beautiful wedding on Saturday Matthew and I took the long drive to Mackinaw to walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor day. We have wanted to do this for the last few years but haven’t been able to. So this year regardless of the fact we had a wedding the day before we decided that we were going this year. What I didn’t consider was driving that far after our wedding day with slight hangovers and severe exhaustion.
We stayed at a great little Bed and Breakfast names the Colonial House Inn in St. Ignace. The rooms were very nice, right by the water, and the house was well preserved. The bathroom was huge which is always a nice feature. I highly recommend it to anyone staying in the area that is looking for a nice relaxing evening. We really enjoyed sitting on the balcony and watching the water.
Sunday evening we walked around St.Ignace and of course bought some fudge and fresh water taffy. Also a pair of walking shoes since of course I forgot to pack mine and I couldn’t walk the bridge in sandals. We ate at a really nice dinner, the Ma and Pa kind, my favorite.
On Monday we woke up early, I grabbed some muffins and we headed out to walk the bridge. There is still a debate on how long the actual walk is so I’ll just say more than five miles. I think everyone can agree on that. We did our bridge walk in about an hour and a half, one of our best distance times. I think it was the adrenaline of being on the bridge in that large crowd. We walked on the grating and Matt was finally able to get over his gephyrophobia. He did great. After walking the bridge from St. Ignace to Mackinaw city we went to get in line to ride a bus back over and get to our car, since we stayed in St.Ignace. Five and a half hours later we finally boarded our bus. Everyone in line said it is normally a ten to twenty minute wait. So apparently someone really dropped the ball this year or they didn’t expect such a large turn out. They usually stop walkers from crossing the bridge at 11am but at 2pm when we finally made it back there were people just starting the walk. I’m not sure how long they continued to let people walk, but the Bridge Authority said everyone who wanted to walk would have the chance. At one point I heard that 85,000 people had crossed the bridge, but later we can only confirm 57,000, from the official website. Still a record.
On the way home we stopped in at the good ol’ Sea Shell City for the required Mackinaw purchases. We even had a happier ending when we returned home and heard the football scores. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful wedding weekend.
I am about two weeks behind on updates, you will just have to live with it, pretend its like time travel and you get to relive the last two weeks of your life vicariously through me.
So after having our beautiful wedding on Saturday Matthew and I took the long drive to Mackinaw to walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor day. We have wanted to do this for the last few years but haven’t been able to. So this year regardless of the fact we had a wedding the day before we decided that we were going this year. What I didn’t consider was driving that far after our wedding day with slight hangovers and severe exhaustion.
We stayed at a great little Bed and Breakfast names the Colonial House Inn in St. Ignace. The rooms were very nice, right by the water, and the house was well preserved. The bathroom was huge which is always a nice feature. I highly recommend it to anyone staying in the area that is looking for a nice relaxing evening. We really enjoyed sitting on the balcony and watching the water.
Sunday evening we walked around St.Ignace and of course bought some fudge and fresh water taffy. Also a pair of walking shoes since of course I forgot to pack mine and I couldn’t walk the bridge in sandals. We ate at a really nice dinner, the Ma and Pa kind, my favorite.
On Monday we woke up early, I grabbed some muffins and we headed out to walk the bridge. There is still a debate on how long the actual walk is so I’ll just say more than five miles. I think everyone can agree on that. We did our bridge walk in about an hour and a half, one of our best distance times. I think it was the adrenaline of being on the bridge in that large crowd. We walked on the grating and Matt was finally able to get over his gephyrophobia. He did great. After walking the bridge from St. Ignace to Mackinaw city we went to get in line to ride a bus back over and get to our car, since we stayed in St.Ignace. Five and a half hours later we finally boarded our bus. Everyone in line said it is normally a ten to twenty minute wait. So apparently someone really dropped the ball this year or they didn’t expect such a large turn out. They usually stop walkers from crossing the bridge at 11am but at 2pm when we finally made it back there were people just starting the walk. I’m not sure how long they continued to let people walk, but the Bridge Authority said everyone who wanted to walk would have the chance. At one point I heard that 85,000 people had crossed the bridge, but later we can only confirm 57,000, from the official website. Still a record.
On the way home we stopped in at the good ol’ Sea Shell City for the required Mackinaw purchases. We even had a happier ending when we returned home and heard the football scores. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful wedding weekend.
So after having our beautiful wedding on Saturday Matthew and I took the long drive to Mackinaw to walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor day. We have wanted to do this for the last few years but haven’t been able to. So this year regardless of the fact we had a wedding the day before we decided that we were going this year. What I didn’t consider was driving that far after our wedding day with slight hangovers and severe exhaustion.
We stayed at a great little Bed and Breakfast names the Colonial House Inn in St. Ignace. The rooms were very nice, right by the water, and the house was well preserved. The bathroom was huge which is always a nice feature. I highly recommend it to anyone staying in the area that is looking for a nice relaxing evening. We really enjoyed sitting on the balcony and watching the water.
Sunday evening we walked around St.Ignace and of course bought some fudge and fresh water taffy. Also a pair of walking shoes since of course I forgot to pack mine and I couldn’t walk the bridge in sandals. We ate at a really nice dinner, the Ma and Pa kind, my favorite.
On Monday we woke up early, I grabbed some muffins and we headed out to walk the bridge. There is still a debate on how long the actual walk is so I’ll just say more than five miles. I think everyone can agree on that. We did our bridge walk in about an hour and a half, one of our best distance times. I think it was the adrenaline of being on the bridge in that large crowd. We walked on the grating and Matt was finally able to get over his gephyrophobia. He did great. After walking the bridge from St. Ignace to Mackinaw city we went to get in line to ride a bus back over and get to our car, since we stayed in St.Ignace. Five and a half hours later we finally boarded our bus. Everyone in line said it is normally a ten to twenty minute wait. So apparently someone really dropped the ball this year or they didn’t expect such a large turn out. They usually stop walkers from crossing the bridge at 11am but at 2pm when we finally made it back there were people just starting the walk. I’m not sure how long they continued to let people walk, but the Bridge Authority said everyone who wanted to walk would have the chance. At one point I heard that 85,000 people had crossed the bridge, but later we can only confirm 57,000, from the official website. Still a record.
On the way home we stopped in at the good ol’ Sea Shell City for the required Mackinaw purchases. We even had a happier ending when we returned home and heard the football scores. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful wedding weekend.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Read this
I'm going to be gone for the weekend so ponder this to keep entertained.
It's a great article about reading on Gilded Pages. Afterwards make sure to pick up a book. I'll be trading in the lap top for one this weekend
It's a great article about reading on Gilded Pages. Afterwards make sure to pick up a book. I'll be trading in the lap top for one this weekend
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
I'm Married!
It's official
I'm married!
and maybe now life will return to normal and I can blog on a regular basis again.... oh wait I still can't see my living room floor. It might be a while
Play around with this to keep you busy
I'm married!
and maybe now life will return to normal and I can blog on a regular basis again.... oh wait I still can't see my living room floor. It might be a while
Play around with this to keep you busy
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Today in passing at work someone said to me “oh well you can’t predict the weather” and it got me thinking. Yes we can.
In fact there is a whole profession dedicated to it. Meteorology. And while those in the profession might not be able to predict the weather by 100% they do a pretty darn good job in my opinion.
So the next time someone tells you we can’t predict the weather gracefully explain to them you think the National Weather Service would beg to differ.
And with that I’m also proposing we get rid of this clearly outdated saying and start using something like, “You can’t fly to Pluto in a day”. Now in 100 years this may be outdated as well, but until then I think we’re better off. Let’s not continue to down play all the things we’ve accomplished in the last 100 years, predicting the weather included.
In fact there is a whole profession dedicated to it. Meteorology. And while those in the profession might not be able to predict the weather by 100% they do a pretty darn good job in my opinion.
So the next time someone tells you we can’t predict the weather gracefully explain to them you think the National Weather Service would beg to differ.
And with that I’m also proposing we get rid of this clearly outdated saying and start using something like, “You can’t fly to Pluto in a day”. Now in 100 years this may be outdated as well, but until then I think we’re better off. Let’s not continue to down play all the things we’ve accomplished in the last 100 years, predicting the weather included.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Stratford
The fam and I traveled to Stratford this last weekend to see the Merchant of Venice. The town of Stratford is absolutely wonderful. I love the main streets with the little shops, if it wasn’t located in the depths of Canada I could see us moving there, owning a little shop (maybe used books), and then just closing down for the winter and reading. Sadly, Canada is a dumping ground for way too much snow. We’re trying to leave the snowy regions not move further north.
Our reason for visiting Canada wasn’t to see the shops, but to visit the Stratford Festival of Canada in its 55th season. We watched the The Merchant of Venice which over all I absolutely loved. The acting was wonderful and I loved seeing the play in what I am calling a “Shakespearian” setting. No bright lights, microphones, or other overly flashy elements. I have seen many on Broadway plays and this one ranks over most of them. Just goes to show you don’t need all that extra fluff to have a great play and evening. The play did have many modern basics worked in with their costumes, music, and transportation. I liked this aspect, while I wouldn’t go as far to call this play one of Shakespeare’s most timeless works the modern day aspects were easily worked in and really added to the night. Plus I got a pin and you know how that makes my day. I’m still digesting how I feel about the plays message and ending, I had read a little about it before going but hadn’t read the play and wasn’t prepared for everything we got.
We stayed in the Arden Park hotel, which was so nice and large, held five of us with no problems. Very clean, friendly staff, and its only a short walking distance from the Festival theater. Stay there if you go and can get a room.
On our trip home we stopped in a slightly smaller nearby village of which I have a special connection with. Unfortunately, it wasn’t everything I believed it would be, but at least I was there and I have pictures to prove it.
Our reason for visiting Canada wasn’t to see the shops, but to visit the Stratford Festival of Canada in its 55th season. We watched the The Merchant of Venice which over all I absolutely loved. The acting was wonderful and I loved seeing the play in what I am calling a “Shakespearian” setting. No bright lights, microphones, or other overly flashy elements. I have seen many on Broadway plays and this one ranks over most of them. Just goes to show you don’t need all that extra fluff to have a great play and evening. The play did have many modern basics worked in with their costumes, music, and transportation. I liked this aspect, while I wouldn’t go as far to call this play one of Shakespeare’s most timeless works the modern day aspects were easily worked in and really added to the night. Plus I got a pin and you know how that makes my day. I’m still digesting how I feel about the plays message and ending, I had read a little about it before going but hadn’t read the play and wasn’t prepared for everything we got.
We stayed in the Arden Park hotel, which was so nice and large, held five of us with no problems. Very clean, friendly staff, and its only a short walking distance from the Festival theater. Stay there if you go and can get a room.
On our trip home we stopped in a slightly smaller nearby village of which I have a special connection with. Unfortunately, it wasn’t everything I believed it would be, but at least I was there and I have pictures to prove it.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Harry Plopper
Saw Harry Plopper with the family last week, in IMAX. I gave my family a lot of crap but it really wasn’t that bad of a movie. I haven’t seen a Harry movie since like the first or second one so it was interesting to see them more mature, especially after seeing the naked pictures of Harry (Caution not work safe) from the play ‘Equus’.
My only real issue was at the end during our 20 minutes of action packed excitement right after the Dark Lord Vader emerged I kept waiting for someone to tell Harry to use the force. I waited and waited but it never came. I figure if you’re going to use the same plot as Star Wars or you know World War II you could at least throw a few lines in there. How hard would it be to have Harry lose a hand or let Dumbledore grow a toothbrush moustache? I don't think I'm asking too much, all the other movies coming out of Hollywood have been remakes lately, why not this one?
I suspect the Nargles are behind it
My only real issue was at the end during our 20 minutes of action packed excitement right after the Dark Lord Vader emerged I kept waiting for someone to tell Harry to use the force. I waited and waited but it never came. I figure if you’re going to use the same plot as Star Wars or you know World War II you could at least throw a few lines in there. How hard would it be to have Harry lose a hand or let Dumbledore grow a toothbrush moustache? I don't think I'm asking too much, all the other movies coming out of Hollywood have been remakes lately, why not this one?
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Simpson's Movie
So Matt made me go see The Simpson Movie last week. I must say it wasn’t as bad as I expected. It was basically like watching a long episode, which I knew going in so I was ready for it.
My main grip is having to hear everyone sing the “Spider Pig” song, hopefully that fades soon. I still have the song that never ends and the Freddy Krueger song run through my head every so often. Let’s just hope I’m not fifty singing
Spider pig, spider pig
Does whatever a spider pig does
Can he bounce, from a web
No he can’t, cause he’s a pig
Look out, he’s a spider pig,
Look, out he’s a spider piiiig!
I know we’ll be buying this movie when it comes out. If you’ve ever watched and enjoyed a Simpson’s episode you should probably check this out, even if only to say you’ve seen it.
Some advice: Stay for ALL the credits
-Some fun trivia-
Twentieth Century Fox registered the internet domain SIMPSONSMOVIE.COM on 22 April 1997, nine years before the movie finally was green lighted.
The choral version of "Spider Pig" from the movie soundtrack, credited to Hans Zimmer, reached #24 on the British singles chart for the week ending 08-05-2007. At 64 seconds, it is the shortest track to ever reach the British top 40.
Look at that, you can see the four states that border Springfield: Ohio, Nevada, Maine, and Kentucky!
My main grip is having to hear everyone sing the “Spider Pig” song, hopefully that fades soon. I still have the song that never ends and the Freddy Krueger song run through my head every so often. Let’s just hope I’m not fifty singing
Spider pig, spider pig
Does whatever a spider pig does
Can he bounce, from a web
No he can’t, cause he’s a pig
Look out, he’s a spider pig,
Look, out he’s a spider piiiig!
I know we’ll be buying this movie when it comes out. If you’ve ever watched and enjoyed a Simpson’s episode you should probably check this out, even if only to say you’ve seen it.
Some advice: Stay for ALL the credits
-Some fun trivia-
Twentieth Century Fox registered the internet domain SIMPSONSMOVIE.COM on 22 April 1997, nine years before the movie finally was green lighted.
The choral version of "Spider Pig" from the movie soundtrack, credited to Hans Zimmer, reached #24 on the British singles chart for the week ending 08-05-2007. At 64 seconds, it is the shortest track to ever reach the British top 40.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Father of the Bride
We watched Father of the Bride on T.V. a few days ago. I had not seen it before, but had heard about it from many people.
The part I connected the most with, as many of you will guess, is the blender. In this movie the situation wasn’t as bad since it was technically a wedding gift, but I can totally relate to the brides dismay.
Matt and I have discussed this multiple times and we’ve concluded that house items are purchased for the house and gifts our purchased for us. I’m not the only one who uses a vacuum so why would I be the one to get the vacuum for a Christmas gift? Why is it that men get golf clubs, sport things, basically really cool guy gifts, but girls get towels, vacuums and blenders for gifts? Have we really made as much progress towards equal rights and progressive thinking as we say we have?
I can also admit that I have in the past committed one of these social faux pas. I have purchased dish towels and other kitchen accessories for a non wedding gift. And I feel bad about it. Why couldn’t I put a few more seconds of thought or a few more dollars into my gift selection – I had to just go with the typical “woman” gift? And yes of course I heard how that is really what she wanted and she always ask for them and of course after they were opened we heard thank you about how much she liked them, but did she really? Maybe she did, but what would she have liked more?
I mean come on really what woman… any woman wouldn’t like a piece of jewelry (non determinate of size) over a pair of dish towels. Or ok, let’s say you honestly just don’t like jewelry and wouldn’t use it like you would the towels. Isn’t there something/anything out there you would enjoy more? A nice CD, perfume, clothes, a book, something hand made and thoughtful, I can think of a hundred things I would like more than a set of dish towels; can’t you?
If our house needs dish towels or a new vacuum; preferably the Dyson Animal, then Matt and I will buy it together for the house. There is no way I’ll be opening even a set of dish towels on Christmas day, if so Matt will be opening the door to his new life… at the local motel.
So as many of you have probably realized I am a hypocrite. I say I won’t accept these gifts myself, but yet I give them out? That’s right I’m bad, but I vow from this point on to never commit such ghastly actions again and I employ you to do the same.
And now for my required bits:
If you’re like me and haven’t seen Father of the Bride yet, check it out, it’s worth the hour and a half not so much on Father of the Bride II.
”What is this, 1958? Give the little wife a blender? “
The part I connected the most with, as many of you will guess, is the blender. In this movie the situation wasn’t as bad since it was technically a wedding gift, but I can totally relate to the brides dismay.
Matt and I have discussed this multiple times and we’ve concluded that house items are purchased for the house and gifts our purchased for us. I’m not the only one who uses a vacuum so why would I be the one to get the vacuum for a Christmas gift? Why is it that men get golf clubs, sport things, basically really cool guy gifts, but girls get towels, vacuums and blenders for gifts? Have we really made as much progress towards equal rights and progressive thinking as we say we have?
I can also admit that I have in the past committed one of these social faux pas. I have purchased dish towels and other kitchen accessories for a non wedding gift. And I feel bad about it. Why couldn’t I put a few more seconds of thought or a few more dollars into my gift selection – I had to just go with the typical “woman” gift? And yes of course I heard how that is really what she wanted and she always ask for them and of course after they were opened we heard thank you about how much she liked them, but did she really? Maybe she did, but what would she have liked more?
I mean come on really what woman… any woman wouldn’t like a piece of jewelry (non determinate of size) over a pair of dish towels. Or ok, let’s say you honestly just don’t like jewelry and wouldn’t use it like you would the towels. Isn’t there something/anything out there you would enjoy more? A nice CD, perfume, clothes, a book, something hand made and thoughtful, I can think of a hundred things I would like more than a set of dish towels; can’t you?
If our house needs dish towels or a new vacuum; preferably the Dyson Animal, then Matt and I will buy it together for the house. There is no way I’ll be opening even a set of dish towels on Christmas day, if so Matt will be opening the door to his new life… at the local motel.
So as many of you have probably realized I am a hypocrite. I say I won’t accept these gifts myself, but yet I give them out? That’s right I’m bad, but I vow from this point on to never commit such ghastly actions again and I employ you to do the same.
And now for my required bits:
If you’re like me and haven’t seen Father of the Bride yet, check it out, it’s worth the hour and a half not so much on Father of the Bride II.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights
I love this movie. I literally jumped a little when we saw it in the store because some times these great; yet, little known movies are hard to find.
This movie is one of the main reasons I’ve always stuck to my guns about never owning rental properties. You never know who will be your Carter Hayes, and frankly I don’t need that.
I should have more whitty things to say, or at least a half assed rant, but sadly I don’t. Maybe after the next movie.
I love this movie. I literally jumped a little when we saw it in the store because some times these great; yet, little known movies are hard to find.
This movie is one of the main reasons I’ve always stuck to my guns about never owning rental properties. You never know who will be your Carter Hayes, and frankly I don’t need that.
I should have more whitty things to say, or at least a half assed rant, but sadly I don’t. Maybe after the next movie.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Three for one
So during our last $5.50 bin rummage Matt found a box set for the Scorpion King, The Mummy, and The Mummy Returns. Well it wasn’t actually in the $5.50 bin it was on the shelf next to it, but we still got a great deal for all three. Of course that means that I get to have the pleasure (or displeasure) of watching all three of these movies with Matt because we all know The Mummy isn’t played enough on TV, right.
Honestly I can handle The Mummy, its action packed with a little bit of history for background. The Scorpion King and the Mummy Returns not so much, at least The Rock is nice to look at.
We’ve added a lot to our collection, I need to update our movie catalog. Yes, I catalog and alphabetize our movies… books too.
Honestly I can handle The Mummy, its action packed with a little bit of history for background. The Scorpion King and the Mummy Returns not so much, at least The Rock is nice to look at.
We’ve added a lot to our collection, I need to update our movie catalog. Yes, I catalog and alphabetize our movies… books too.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Twister
We watched Twister last night. I love that movie no matter how un-factual it may be. Yes, I just made up the word un-factual… live with it. It’s my damn blog, I’ll do what I want.
There are some great one liners in Twister it’s a classic 90’s movie.
And did you know that it was the first movie to be released on to DVD? Remember that you might need if you’re ever on Jeopardy.
So with all that said, if you own Twister, pull it out and watch it again and if you don’t then check out ebay because I’ll be listing our old VHS version of it.
And as always I leave you with a little tid bit for today’s feature – it was hard to select just one, but here it is:
“I gotta go Julia, we got cows”
There are some great one liners in Twister it’s a classic 90’s movie.
And did you know that it was the first movie to be released on to DVD? Remember that you might need if you’re ever on Jeopardy.
So with all that said, if you own Twister, pull it out and watch it again and if you don’t then check out ebay because I’ll be listing our old VHS version of it.
And as always I leave you with a little tid bit for today’s feature – it was hard to select just one, but here it is:
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Must find new obsession
Just finished Harry flippin’ Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Took me longer than expected.
Not as bad as I expected; not as good as I had hoped.
At least the series is complete.
Took me longer than expected.
Not as bad as I expected; not as good as I had hoped.
At least the series is complete.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Movie Marathons - brought to you by the 5.50 bin
So you can imagine my total amazement when Matt and I went to Wal-Mart this weekend to buy his sister a baby gift and we discovered that at long last they had updated their five-fifty bins. Needless to say we kind of went crazy. The best part is we increased our DVD collection by at least ten more movies all for less than one month’s cable bill. Some of our finds were newer releases and as always there was a nice selection of 80-90’s. You’ll be reading about all of them soon since we have enacted a movie marathon night every night until we watch them all.
Man I love the five-fifty bin.
Man I love the five-fifty bin.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Serendipity
Just finished watching Serendipity on TBS. Sometimes I hate watching movies on TV because so much ends up getting left out. Surprisingly I rather enjoyed this movie despite the romantic debate I engaged Matt in during it. Obviously the movie is something that is suppose to be an unrealistic romantic comedy, but sometimes I’m bothered by how easily Hollywood will take a solid relationship and throw it out the window for the stranger on the street. What if these two get together and find out the other one is absolutely crazy? And the movie always ends with the two main characters ending up happily ever after, but we never really learn what happened to the old significant others. The ones that were throw to the road at the first signs of some new adventure. When is someone going to make a movie about the other side?
I know sometimes I just need to let go and enjoy the movie, but commercials are just such wonderful little breaks that allow these types of thoughts to form in my mind.
With all that said I would like to put it in writing that I did enjoy the movie and should I ever see it in the discount bin, we’d pick it up.
You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries. They only asked one question after a man died: "Did he have passion?"
I know sometimes I just need to let go and enjoy the movie, but commercials are just such wonderful little breaks that allow these types of thoughts to form in my mind.
With all that said I would like to put it in writing that I did enjoy the movie and should I ever see it in the discount bin, we’d pick it up.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
One for the Money ~ Janet Evanovich
I’m sorry about my recent absents. As some of you know I’ve been working about fifty hours a week and planning my upcoming wedding, so needless to say I’ve been slightly busy. And while I’ve been a fairly calm bride for the last ten months I have officially started to freak out.
I don’t know when or how but last weekend I sat down and read One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. I wasn’t expecting to like it as I did. Everyone told me it was funny, but I was a little hesitant. It isn’t the type of book I typically like to read. Yet, I really enjoyed it, so much in fact that I read it in one sitting. Something I haven’t done with a book in quite some time.
As I expected it wasn’t the typical story I like to read, but it was hilarious, the one liners kept me wanting to turn the page. I don’t know if I’ll pick up any of the other books in the series, but this one was a good read.
“There are some men who enter a woman's life and screw it up forever.”
I don’t know when or how but last weekend I sat down and read One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. I wasn’t expecting to like it as I did. Everyone told me it was funny, but I was a little hesitant. It isn’t the type of book I typically like to read. Yet, I really enjoyed it, so much in fact that I read it in one sitting. Something I haven’t done with a book in quite some time.
As I expected it wasn’t the typical story I like to read, but it was hilarious, the one liners kept me wanting to turn the page. I don’t know if I’ll pick up any of the other books in the series, but this one was a good read.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Charmed
I finally finished all the Charmed seasons. I started watching them during my stint with unemployment on TV, but wasn’t able to watch season eight. So I made M download it for me and I’ve been watching a few episodes a night to finish it off.
As for the series in a whole, I loved Charmed. I’m not normally one for skinny beautiful girls in leather and high heels, but it is much better to see some strong independent woman actually taking control of their future rather than screaming for a man to save them, as is often portrayed in movies and television today. It also doesn’t hurt that Julian McMahon was able to have a lead role for a few seasons. Eye candy is always appreciated.
Now on to some negatives or at least less positives… there may be some spoilers.
I agree with most Charmed fans that after Candace Burke left the show did get a little fairy tallish. There were multiple shows in each season dealing with fairy tales, leprechauns, nymphs, and the like. Does that make the series worse? I don’t know. Maybe for some viewers, honestly I didn’t really notice myself until it was mentioned to me by someone else.
And while I will say I did think season one through three were the best I think Paige ( Rose McGowan) made a much better third sister. I began to feel toward season three that Charmed was becoming the Prue show. Everything seemed to revolve around her. While there were periods that seemed to revolve around a certain sister in particular there was a better balance between the three of them.
I will also admit like most people that the series should have ended with season seven. Season eight had way too much crap shoved into the episodes, it would have taken three season to accomplish as much as the sisters did in those few precious episodes. And allowing the sisters to find, fight and kill off the ultimate power in less than five episodes was just crazy. It took how many seasons to kill off the source? Bringing in Billy and Christie was just another shows sad attempt in adding new characters to a show that never seem to pan out.
Even with all the faults of season eight I still enjoyed the series and will probably end up adding it to my collection.
“Besides, everyone is odd in San Francisco.
That’s why we fit in so well.”
As for the series in a whole, I loved Charmed. I’m not normally one for skinny beautiful girls in leather and high heels, but it is much better to see some strong independent woman actually taking control of their future rather than screaming for a man to save them, as is often portrayed in movies and television today. It also doesn’t hurt that Julian McMahon was able to have a lead role for a few seasons. Eye candy is always appreciated.
Now on to some negatives or at least less positives… there may be some spoilers.
I agree with most Charmed fans that after Candace Burke left the show did get a little fairy tallish. There were multiple shows in each season dealing with fairy tales, leprechauns, nymphs, and the like. Does that make the series worse? I don’t know. Maybe for some viewers, honestly I didn’t really notice myself until it was mentioned to me by someone else.
And while I will say I did think season one through three were the best I think Paige ( Rose McGowan) made a much better third sister. I began to feel toward season three that Charmed was becoming the Prue show. Everything seemed to revolve around her. While there were periods that seemed to revolve around a certain sister in particular there was a better balance between the three of them.
I will also admit like most people that the series should have ended with season seven. Season eight had way too much crap shoved into the episodes, it would have taken three season to accomplish as much as the sisters did in those few precious episodes. And allowing the sisters to find, fight and kill off the ultimate power in less than five episodes was just crazy. It took how many seasons to kill off the source? Bringing in Billy and Christie was just another shows sad attempt in adding new characters to a show that never seem to pan out.
Even with all the faults of season eight I still enjoyed the series and will probably end up adding it to my collection.
That’s why we fit in so well.”
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Scrubs
Finished all the Scrubs seasons this week. When the show originally aired I thought it was going to be another ER and decided it wasn’t worth my time. So you can imagine my surprise when we actually caught a show late one night on accident and ended up loving it. I always seem to get into shows after they are already mega popular. Anyway we downloaded all the seasons and I watched them religiously for three weeks. Was it worth it? Yes, most defiantly.
I can also say I am so thankful it will be returning for a season seven. I just hope it’s not like many other series where it all goes to crap in the end. I’ve seen way too many great shows go down the toilet in the end, this better not be one of them.
This is defiantly a show you’ll find on my shelf.
I can also say I am so thankful it will be returning for a season seven. I just hope it’s not like many other series where it all goes to crap in the end. I’ve seen way too many great shows go down the toilet in the end, this better not be one of them.
This is defiantly a show you’ll find on my shelf.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Where to donate stuff
Looking to get rid of your things – donate them.
And here’s where to donate what.
- Prom Dresses –
glassslipperproject.org
- Wedding gown –
Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation
12708 SE Stephens Street
Portland, OR 97233
If possible, pin $5 to your gown to help pay for the preparation of the garment for sale.
- Baby quilt to at-risk infants or small children
ABC Quilts Home Office
569 First NH Turnpike – Suite #3
Northwood, NH 03261
www.abcquilts.org
- Doggy Gear donations (leashes, toys, bones) – Prison Dog Project
Pathways to Hope
P.O. Box 581
Casco, ME 04015
- Old Books
Books for Charity Inc.
472 Stumptown Road
Bainbridge, NY 13733
- Soda pop tabs – Ronald McDonald House
www.rmhc.com to find a drop off point
- Greeting Cards fronts (for crafts – Fronts Only) – Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
100 St. Judes’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005-1618
- Used cell phones
Phones4charity.org
And here’s where to donate what.
- Prom Dresses –
glassslipperproject.org
- Wedding gown –
Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation
12708 SE Stephens Street
Portland, OR 97233
If possible, pin $5 to your gown to help pay for the preparation of the garment for sale.
- Baby quilt to at-risk infants or small children
ABC Quilts Home Office
569 First NH Turnpike – Suite #3
Northwood, NH 03261
www.abcquilts.org
- Doggy Gear donations (leashes, toys, bones) – Prison Dog Project
Pathways to Hope
P.O. Box 581
Casco, ME 04015
- Old Books
Books for Charity Inc.
472 Stumptown Road
Bainbridge, NY 13733
- Soda pop tabs – Ronald McDonald House
www.rmhc.com to find a drop off point
- Greeting Cards fronts (for crafts – Fronts Only) – Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
100 St. Judes’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005-1618
- Used cell phones
Phones4charity.org
Friday, June 8, 2007
History Channel
Currently I'm pondering:
The History Channel is playing the movie "Planet of the Apes".
Do they think it is a documentary or a prediction for the future?
The History Channel is playing the movie "Planet of the Apes".
Do they think it is a documentary or a prediction for the future?
Monday, June 4, 2007
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Watched Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End last week. I haven’t written about it yet, because I’m still deciding how I feel about it. Better than two not as good as one. I’m just not feeling the ending and I know there is a large debate on IMDB on how it actually ends and what that ending says. I think I’ll wait till the DVD comes out in December and hope they include some deleted scenes or director commentary to clear it up.
All in all if you have watched the other two make sure to see the final and stay past the credits!
Grade: B- (Waiting further information)
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Creepers - Book Review
I just finished Creepers by David Morrell. It was a good page turner. The book is written well and its not one of those suspenseful books that you can guess the next plot twist or the ending which is always a plus. Sadly, it just wasn’t really my taste. I like a little more mystery in my reading, now if it had included a ghost it would be a keeper, but this one will be going back to the lender. I was also disappointed the hotel, the books main feature wasn’t real, at least I couldn’t find any information online.
Grade: B+
Recommended: If you like suspense
Grade: B+
Recommended: If you like suspense
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Hott fuzz - Movie Review
We also went to see Hot Fuzz in the theater. If you like Shaun of the Dead you will LOVE this movie. I love those two and the movie is great. I was worried they would use too many of the same bits and such from the first one, but they didn’t. I love how they can make a spoof and you don’t even realize your watching a spoof. See this one soon.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity:
So Matt and I went to see Sweet Charity last month. It was really good, but I wasn’t impressed with the ending. I won’t give too much away. It was neat to see Molly Ringwald on stage again. The next Charity is going to be Paige Davis.
The major disappointment of the night was that we went to a matinee and they didn’t have any swag for sale. I collect pins and I get a pin at every show we go to. Now I don’t have a pin for Sweet Charity. I even looked online for one…nothing. It saddens me.
I know the show has left but if you get the chance to see it you should… and pick me up a pin.
So Matt and I went to see Sweet Charity last month. It was really good, but I wasn’t impressed with the ending. I won’t give too much away. It was neat to see Molly Ringwald on stage again. The next Charity is going to be Paige Davis.
The major disappointment of the night was that we went to a matinee and they didn’t have any swag for sale. I collect pins and I get a pin at every show we go to. Now I don’t have a pin for Sweet Charity. I even looked online for one…nothing. It saddens me.
I know the show has left but if you get the chance to see it you should… and pick me up a pin.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
The Jane Austen Book Club - Book Review
Finished The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Fowler last month but was so bored by it I had forgotten to do a review. The book isn’t so much bad, as it just wasn’t my style. The writing was fine, I just didn’t feel there was a plot and even after reading it I’m left wondering the purpose and plot of the book. There isn’t a climax or even a story line in my personal opinion. A book should be working towards a main theme and hopefully that theme/problem will be slightly resolved in the end. Well Fowler never had to resolve the issue because she never developed an issue so in that since I guess the mission was accomplished.
Grade: D
Recommend: Probably not
Grade: D
Recommend: Probably not
Monday, April 2, 2007
Another Theater Rant
So when Matt and I were in the theater on Tuesday I as slightly annoyed because apparently theaters are not sound proof. I don’t understand why someone would build a room with a huge ass screen great sound system and put it next to an identical room without sound proofing either one. And the least these cheap non sound proof owners could do is use a little common sense and say not put Rambo next to My Girl. And why wouldn’t you do this? Its simple your patrons don’t want to be in the middle of a quiet love scene while Rambo is killing off another bad guy. I’m not sure why but for some reason a man spilling his feelings for another kind of loses something when there is gun and bombs blaring in the background. Usually there is a little carry over noise from other theaters but not so badly that the walls shake.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Movie Ticket Prices
Recently I posted an entry on 2007 movies I wanted to see. January 26th Blood and Chocolate came out, a movie based on one of my favorite books in school. So I decided Matt was going to take me to see said movie when it came out but my master plan hit a snag. This is the story of that snag.
Now I have to go off topic here to give some background information. Matt and I normally frequent a theater where we can see any movie they are playing on Tuesdays for 2.50 a ticket. So yes we’ve been a little spoiled in that department.
Now back to my story…
Our favorite cheap theater only has five screens and they aren’t using one of them to play Blood and Chocolate for some unknown reason. So needless to say we had to find another theater which wasn’t hard, just a few miles down the road. But after surfing their website I decided just to take a look at their prices to see how much a full priced movie cost these days.
::Insert panic attack here::
The price for one regular priced adult movie ticket at this theater is EIGHT bucks! Now this theater isn’t new, it hasn’t gone through any renovations or upgraded their equipment so why exactly did their ticket prices go up almost two dollars? I have a guess and it involves the words minimum wage, increase, and Granholm, but that’s story I’ll save for later in the week.
So let’s do the math here:
So it now cost twenty nine dollars to see a movie in theater whish you never knot if that movie is going to be worth thirty dollars. You would think if the movie theater is going to increase their prices then Hollywood could at least try to make quality flicks rather than this crap they keep dishing out. People continuously bitch that the movie industry isn’t making enough money anymore and no one can figure out why. Maybe because the prices keep going up, but the quality keeps going down with all these shittastic remakes? It wouldn’t work that way in any other industry why should the movie one be any different – supply and demand people . There is no original thought in Hollywood anymore. Don’t even try and fight with me about this either because I’ll break out my review of the Wicker Man remake and that’s a trump card.
It reminds me of the US Postal System. The cost of stamps keeps going up but the quality or quantity of services hasn’t changed. Why would we pay more for the same products? And I know everyone will says it’s because FedEx and email bla bla bla crappity crap. Well my friend those are excuses they need to work on their system. If FedEx can do it cheaper so can they. If all mail carriers charged that much I might believe it actually cost thirty-nine cents to mail a standard one ounce letter, until then I’m skeptical. And just to keep you up on gossip there are rumors surfacing that the cost of stamps in the spring.
But I digress; we were discussing movies not the failures of our postal system. Basically at this point it is cheaper for Matt and I to buy movies from Wal-Mart and watch them in the safety of our home while eating a ninety-eight cent BOX of popcorn on the couch. The best part is we won’t have to sit next to someone hacking up a lung on us or small children crying. Wal-Mart has a great selection of movies for $5.50, $7.50, $9.50, $13, and their highest price 20 bucks. So anyway you play it you can get at least one movie and still save money on going to the theater. You can even get a Season of a television series for thirty-two dollars only two dollars more. And on the even brighter side you get to take those movies home and add them to your collection.
So that was my rant about movies. For now we’ll be staying home and watching the five movies we bought for the price of going to the theater. At least until Blood and Chocolate comes to the discount show.
Now I have to go off topic here to give some background information. Matt and I normally frequent a theater where we can see any movie they are playing on Tuesdays for 2.50 a ticket. So yes we’ve been a little spoiled in that department.
Now back to my story…
Our favorite cheap theater only has five screens and they aren’t using one of them to play Blood and Chocolate for some unknown reason. So needless to say we had to find another theater which wasn’t hard, just a few miles down the road. But after surfing their website I decided just to take a look at their prices to see how much a full priced movie cost these days.
::Insert panic attack here::
The price for one regular priced adult movie ticket at this theater is EIGHT bucks! Now this theater isn’t new, it hasn’t gone through any renovations or upgraded their equipment so why exactly did their ticket prices go up almost two dollars? I have a guess and it involves the words minimum wage, increase, and Granholm, but that’s story I’ll save for later in the week.
So let’s do the math here:
| Adult movie tickets | 8 x 2 | = $1 |
| Couple Combo | 13 x 1 | = $13 |
| Total | - | $29.00 |
So it now cost twenty nine dollars to see a movie in theater whish you never knot if that movie is going to be worth thirty dollars. You would think if the movie theater is going to increase their prices then Hollywood could at least try to make quality flicks rather than this crap they keep dishing out. People continuously bitch that the movie industry isn’t making enough money anymore and no one can figure out why. Maybe because the prices keep going up, but the quality keeps going down with all these shittastic remakes? It wouldn’t work that way in any other industry why should the movie one be any different – supply and demand people . There is no original thought in Hollywood anymore. Don’t even try and fight with me about this either because I’ll break out my review of the Wicker Man remake and that’s a trump card.
It reminds me of the US Postal System. The cost of stamps keeps going up but the quality or quantity of services hasn’t changed. Why would we pay more for the same products? And I know everyone will says it’s because FedEx and email bla bla bla crappity crap. Well my friend those are excuses they need to work on their system. If FedEx can do it cheaper so can they. If all mail carriers charged that much I might believe it actually cost thirty-nine cents to mail a standard one ounce letter, until then I’m skeptical. And just to keep you up on gossip there are rumors surfacing that the cost of stamps in the spring.
But I digress; we were discussing movies not the failures of our postal system. Basically at this point it is cheaper for Matt and I to buy movies from Wal-Mart and watch them in the safety of our home while eating a ninety-eight cent BOX of popcorn on the couch. The best part is we won’t have to sit next to someone hacking up a lung on us or small children crying. Wal-Mart has a great selection of movies for $5.50, $7.50, $9.50, $13, and their highest price 20 bucks. So anyway you play it you can get at least one movie and still save money on going to the theater. You can even get a Season of a television series for thirty-two dollars only two dollars more. And on the even brighter side you get to take those movies home and add them to your collection.
So that was my rant about movies. For now we’ll be staying home and watching the five movies we bought for the price of going to the theater. At least until Blood and Chocolate comes to the discount show.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Nothing Last Forever
Just finished reading Nothing Last Forever by Sidney Sheldon. I’d give it a C+ at best I was very unimpressed. I love books and reading so for me to give something a C means don’t waste your time. I’ve heard such good things about Sheldon but honestly I found the book to be way too happy and unrealistic, the dialog was unbelievable and of course the ending was just puppy dogs and rainbows all around. Not my general type of enjoyed reading. If I wasn’t trying to start a library in our home one day I’d probably try to sell it…yes it was that bad. I mean I’ve read worse but this one is closing up the rear of the train.
Two Stars
Maybe if you like medical stuff
Two Stars
Maybe if you like medical stuff
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Widescreen Rant
I do not for the life of me understand why people buy widescreen movies. Let me rephrase that sometimes I have to purchase widescreen because that is all that has been produced. What I don’t get is why they make widescreen movies and those people who actually like them. I don’t understand why people enjoying having half their TV screen taken up by two large black lines.
I’ve also heard all the so called reasons why the widescreen movies are better and I still disagree with it. The number one reason I have heard is that widescreen opens the shot and lets you see what happens on the sides of the camera shot as well. My question is…why do I care what happens on the sides of the camera shot? If it was important to the scene and needed to be seen wouldn’t the camera man (if he was worth the money you were paying him) put the item in the middle of the shot? Or at the bare minimum put the item far enough within the shot that you can see the item in a regular viewing screen.
I do not need to have huge ass black lines coving half my television in order to see the flower vase or half of some extra’s arm. And now they are even doing it to television shows, but at least on the shows and some movies the black lines aren’t as over powering.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Wild Hogs - Movie Review
Tuesday we went and watched Wild Hogs for Matt’s birthday. Very funny movie. At first I was nervous because it seemed like they were showing all the funny parts from the previews and I thought it was going to one of those movies. Thankfully it wasn’t and the comedy continued. It gets a little mushy in the end but overall very good.
It will be another one we pick up when it comes out.
It will be another one we pick up when it comes out.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Ghost Rider - Movie Review
We went to see Ghost Rider last Sunday with my Mom and Matt. And amazingly a Nicholas Cage movie was good. I may have to take back my posting on the Cage curse. He’s now made two decedent movies; Ghost Rider and National Treasurer.
I was slightly confused on the plot outline because I feel like the previews made it seem like the Ghost Rider’s part in the story line was slightly different that what it really was. But I also haven’t read any of the comics so that could be why.
Overall a great film I think we’ll buy it when it comes out.
I was slightly confused on the plot outline because I feel like the previews made it seem like the Ghost Rider’s part in the story line was slightly different that what it really was. But I also haven’t read any of the comics so that could be why.
Overall a great film I think we’ll buy it when it comes out.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Rid Yourself of Junk Mail - Save the Earth
So I had a great article I found in one of my MSU today magazines they seem to waste so much tuition on making but a lass my scanner is broken. I’ll try to give you the gist of it.
Junk mail is a huge problem in America and it’s taking its toll on our natural resources. Make sure and read all the stats below. There is a wonderful team of people from MSU who for 41 dollars will stop 95% of your junk mail (per household) for 5 years! Sound great right? Well it is, there isn’t a but here. Go to their website and see for yourself 41pounds.com Half of what they receive goes to charity.
Check it out and spread the word.
•Each person will receive almost 560 pieces of junk mail this year.
•The average person gets only 1.5 personal letters each week, compared to 10.8 pieces of junk mail.
• More than 4 million tons (62,000,000,000 (billion) pieces) of junk mail are produced yearly.
• California’s state and local governments spend $500,000 each year collecting and disposing of AOL’s direct mail disks alone.
• Individually, an average of 41 pounds of junk mail are sent to every adult each year. Approximately 44% goes to a landfill unopened.
• Lists of names and addresses used in bulk mailings are in mass data-collection networks, compiled from phone books, warranty cards, and charity donations (to name a few).
• Your name is typically worth 3 to 20 cents each time it is sold.
• $320 million of local taxes are used to dispose of unsolicited mail each year.
• It costs $550 million yearly to transport junk mail.
• The production and disposal of junk mail consumes more energy than 2.8 million cars.
• 100 million trees are ground up each year for unsolicited mail.
• 42% of timber harvested nationwide ends up as pulpwood for paper.
• It wastes 28 billion gallons of water for paper processing each year.
• If you cut your bulk mail for 5 years, you’ll conserve 1.7 trees, 700 gallons of water and prevent 460 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the air.
• 40% of the solid mass that makes up our landfills is paper and paperboard waste. By the year 2010, it is predicted to make up about 48%.
• Scarce landfill space disfigures rural areas and pollutes ground water.
• It is difficult to recycle, as the inks have high concentrations of heavy metals.20 cents each time it is sold.
(Taken from 41pounds.com).
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The Rivet Head - Book Review
Finished reading The Rivet Head last week. It was actually one of Matt’s books he had for a class last semester but it’s about working on the assembly line and being that I’m the Labor Relations major I was drawn. It’s a good book not exactly what I expected, I thought there would be more on the unions and management relationship rather than just daily activities. Sadly the man worked very closely with Michael Moore and Moore even wrote the forward for the book but I guess I won’t hold that against him. Hopefully Ben Hamper can keep his facts straighter than Moore.
If you’re into boring stuff like me and like to read about Unions, Management, and the daily trifle of the “common man” pick it up.
If you’re into boring stuff like me and like to read about Unions, Management, and the daily trifle of the “common man” pick it up.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Bridge to Terabithia
So Matt, my Mom and I saw Bridge to Terabithia last week. It’s a great movie but you really need to read the book to completely appreciate the movie. Matt didn’t like it because he hadn’t read the book and therefore was expecting something different. They cut out a lot of the first few chapters, but overall if followed the book well and didn’t go too “Hollywood” on us.
Four Stars
You should rent it if you have read the book
Four Stars
You should rent it if you have read the book
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Minimum Wage
I’m sorry if this hard to follow it was more rant filled than usual.
So I promised my thoughts on the minimum wage increase in a previous post and alluded to my feelings. Now unfortunately I have taken a few labor economic classes but I really have no major in depth schooling so people may disagree with me (Leon). So here is my disclaimer:
:: Megan might not always be 100% right, but she should be ::
Basically I complained about the ticket prices increasing but I know why, Granhom’s wonderful minimum wage increase. The theaters have to pay their employees more (and they still make crap) and when labor cost goes up the company has to recoup those losses by raising the cost of their product. ie: ticket and food prices. These increases could be avoided if the company can get rid of internal overhead but I can’t imagine there is much overhead in a theater. Turning of lights or heat down isn’t going to save enough to offset the new labor cost. If you’ve been paying attention there have also been increases at McDonalds, Taco Bell and many other local favorites.
But Granholm raised the minimum wage so that’s good right? Well maybe if you make minimum wage, but not for those people with salaried positions or those making a significant amount higher than the new wage. An example from my own life. While working for the State I made 11.50ish in September. When the minimum wage went up in October Granholm didn’t raise the student assistant’s page or salaries employees pay per hour. Think about it did you get a dollar plus raise in October? Probably not and if you did you are one lucky employee (unless you were making minimum wage to begin with). So what does this mean for us? We actually lost purchasing power in this deal meaning in a way we lost money. We still make X amount of dollars but the cost of foods and other products have increased which takes more of our X dollars to pay for it. So we can buy les with our salaries than we could before the raise hence lower purchasing power less stuff for us. It really helps me sleep though to know that Granholm helped a bunch of high school kids who still live at home have more flexible in their spending money. Which they can buy CD’s and other useless crap with. Oh maybe even drugs. It’s a fact that most workers who make minimum wage are high schoolers, but those working families who are earning minimum wage are still fucked. They are earning 90 cents more an hour which is roughly $144 more a month. Yet, food has increased 50 dollars a month plus all those other things gas, oil changes, child care cost, movies, clothes all these things local to Michigan increased. Taking more of that extra money each month and therefore leaving the person monetarily exactly where they were before the increase or even further behind. . But I guess they think they are earning more so they feel better about themselves right? Even if they still can’t buy their meds…Thank You Governor Granholm.
Where did the economist working for her go to school, U of M? If you just think about the basic relationships between jobs and wages. Its basic labor/union principles. If you have to pay your employees more you can’t afford to have as many employees as before. It’s been a while but I believe for every 30 cent increase in wages per hour its generally a 5 o 10% lay off of the labor force. So if companies have to increase wages and can’t or won’t increase their product cost they ultimately may lay off some of their work force. So I leave you with this question:
Would a person who’s just been laid off and now making zero dollars an hour want Granholm’s increase or would they prefer the wage they were making before?
So I promised my thoughts on the minimum wage increase in a previous post and alluded to my feelings. Now unfortunately I have taken a few labor economic classes but I really have no major in depth schooling so people may disagree with me (Leon). So here is my disclaimer:
:: Megan might not always be 100% right, but she should be ::
Basically I complained about the ticket prices increasing but I know why, Granhom’s wonderful minimum wage increase. The theaters have to pay their employees more (and they still make crap) and when labor cost goes up the company has to recoup those losses by raising the cost of their product. ie: ticket and food prices. These increases could be avoided if the company can get rid of internal overhead but I can’t imagine there is much overhead in a theater. Turning of lights or heat down isn’t going to save enough to offset the new labor cost. If you’ve been paying attention there have also been increases at McDonalds, Taco Bell and many other local favorites.
But Granholm raised the minimum wage so that’s good right? Well maybe if you make minimum wage, but not for those people with salaried positions or those making a significant amount higher than the new wage. An example from my own life. While working for the State I made 11.50ish in September. When the minimum wage went up in October Granholm didn’t raise the student assistant’s page or salaries employees pay per hour. Think about it did you get a dollar plus raise in October? Probably not and if you did you are one lucky employee (unless you were making minimum wage to begin with). So what does this mean for us? We actually lost purchasing power in this deal meaning in a way we lost money. We still make X amount of dollars but the cost of foods and other products have increased which takes more of our X dollars to pay for it. So we can buy les with our salaries than we could before the raise hence lower purchasing power less stuff for us. It really helps me sleep though to know that Granholm helped a bunch of high school kids who still live at home have more flexible in their spending money. Which they can buy CD’s and other useless crap with. Oh maybe even drugs. It’s a fact that most workers who make minimum wage are high schoolers, but those working families who are earning minimum wage are still fucked. They are earning 90 cents more an hour which is roughly $144 more a month. Yet, food has increased 50 dollars a month plus all those other things gas, oil changes, child care cost, movies, clothes all these things local to Michigan increased. Taking more of that extra money each month and therefore leaving the person monetarily exactly where they were before the increase or even further behind. . But I guess they think they are earning more so they feel better about themselves right? Even if they still can’t buy their meds…Thank You Governor Granholm.
Where did the economist working for her go to school, U of M? If you just think about the basic relationships between jobs and wages. Its basic labor/union principles. If you have to pay your employees more you can’t afford to have as many employees as before. It’s been a while but I believe for every 30 cent increase in wages per hour its generally a 5 o 10% lay off of the labor force. So if companies have to increase wages and can’t or won’t increase their product cost they ultimately may lay off some of their work force. So I leave you with this question:
Would a person who’s just been laid off and now making zero dollars an hour want Granholm’s increase or would they prefer the wage they were making before?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
USPS v UPS
So I ordered a product last week and the company I ordered it from uses UPS which then uses the USPS system. So UPS gets the package to a set destination and then USPS gets the package to your doorstep. Makes sense right? I thought so until I ordered the product. It took UPS less than three days to get my product from California to Ohio it then took USPS almost a week to get the box from Ohio to Lansing. Making it late I might add. Anyone see the irony in this?
Just one more reason I believe our postal system is fucked and is still being run as a government agency rather than a business like it should. When will we learn?
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Monday, January 1, 2007
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