Tonight, I am going to see Sex and the City: The Movie. Now, as I've mentioned before, I'm not an obsessive fan of the show. I have not watched the whole series, and I am sure I have a lot to catch up on. But, I do know the main details and I am really excited!
Of the episodes that I have seen, all of them are totally relevant. It has such clever, witty dialogue. While the characters may be stereotypes and not quite representative of a real person, on the whole, they do reflect aspects of all of us (I mean women), and I think it's great!
And, I will be seeing this movie without my usual male companion. I don't even think I'd want him there anyway. I feel like this is a movie that I would like to enjoy with my female friends. So anyway, I hope it's as good as they say!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
I saw this movie last weekend. Of course, I was disappointed. I mean nothing can compare to the excellence of the first three movies. (even Temple of Doom!) But what upset me the most was the sci-fi aspect of this movie. I don't want to give away the whole plot, but aliens? spaceships? Come on. Indiana Jones does not fall for such silly things.
I think part of the problem with this movie was the fact that people don't really know much about this crystal skull myth. Everyone knows at least something about the Holy Grail or the Ark of the Covenant. Even mystic temples in India seem more familiar than the idea of a fancy crystal skull with no carving markings.
I don't like aliens, and I don't like spooky alien heads. I like Mayan Temples and I like the idea of the crystal skulls, but I just don't like how they developed this story. It was entirely too unbelievable. It made me sad. I wanted to be involved in the story. I wanted to care about this legend. I thought the whole Communists thing was cheesy. I mean, it makes sense to have Russians as the villains, given that the movie takes place in the '50s. Maybe it's the fact that I don't particularly enjoy the '50s as a time period. I find it mostly bland and uninteresting. I am not interested in Communists or the Cold War or the homogenization of society brought on by suburbanization. I like Ike, I guess, but mostly, I remember him for D-Day and the military industrial complex.
So anyway, my area of historical interest basically goes from 1400s-1950 and then 1964-1977. Notice the gap from 1950-1964. HA!
This movie did not need to be made. I remember hearing rumors that the story was going to be about the mythical lost city of Atlantis. I think that would have been a better story. I will not be adding this to my Indiana Jones collection. Maybe in a few years, I'll reconsider. I will say that the special effects were fantastic...much better than the originals, which makes sense.
I think part of the problem with this movie was the fact that people don't really know much about this crystal skull myth. Everyone knows at least something about the Holy Grail or the Ark of the Covenant. Even mystic temples in India seem more familiar than the idea of a fancy crystal skull with no carving markings.
I don't like aliens, and I don't like spooky alien heads. I like Mayan Temples and I like the idea of the crystal skulls, but I just don't like how they developed this story. It was entirely too unbelievable. It made me sad. I wanted to be involved in the story. I wanted to care about this legend. I thought the whole Communists thing was cheesy. I mean, it makes sense to have Russians as the villains, given that the movie takes place in the '50s. Maybe it's the fact that I don't particularly enjoy the '50s as a time period. I find it mostly bland and uninteresting. I am not interested in Communists or the Cold War or the homogenization of society brought on by suburbanization. I like Ike, I guess, but mostly, I remember him for D-Day and the military industrial complex.
So anyway, my area of historical interest basically goes from 1400s-1950 and then 1964-1977. Notice the gap from 1950-1964. HA!
This movie did not need to be made. I remember hearing rumors that the story was going to be about the mythical lost city of Atlantis. I think that would have been a better story. I will not be adding this to my Indiana Jones collection. Maybe in a few years, I'll reconsider. I will say that the special effects were fantastic...much better than the originals, which makes sense.
The Best Phone Ever
The Apple iPhone!
(I don't feel like including a picture; I am sure everyone knows what it looks like)
Yes, it does live up to the hype.
The best thing about it is that nothing on it is a gimmick. While the iphone copycats boast having a "touch screen", I noticed that they still have those annoying hard keyboards. So essentially, it negates the idea of a touch screen in the first place. The iphone seamlessly combines everything-keyboard, navigation, phone, internet, ipod, email, without any extraneous pieces. There is no need for another keyboard, because the iphone virtual keyboard works just fine. In fact, I like it a lot better than the standard keyboards on phones like the T-Mobile Sidekick, or the new Samsung phone. The iphone keyboard can be made larger or smaller. Capitalization and punctuation are a snap. And, it feels like you're really typing on it. I do admit that those with larger fingers may have more trouble adjusting to the keyboard, but it's a lot better than using the numbers to write text messages! No need to press the key 4 times to get the letter you want. I find that I am much more efficient at texting than I ever was before.
Another cool thing: the internet. The iphone picks up any wireless network in the area, but in the event you don't have that, it uses the AT&T network. While this network is slower than most Wi-Fi, it is a lot better than nothing! I can easily go on Wikipedia, check my gmail, and check facebook (it has its own special site for the iphone!) It's as easy as pie to just press the button and sail to the page.
The included ipod is another nice feature, but since I don't really listen to music, I don't use the ipod all that much. However, it does have all of my recent playlists, and the syncing with itunes is a snap.
Did I mention itunes? Yes, the iphone syncs with itunes, so it's ridiculously easy to update it. I love itunes, and have had it for several years now, so the switch just made things even easier.
You have to use an iphone to get how awesome it is. Once you do, you'll wonder why you used anything else.
By the way, the new Samsung phone ad made me laugh. I highly doubt it will be an 'iphone killer'. Anyone remember Microsoft's Zune MP3 player, the "ipod killer'? Ha. I didn't think so. I mean, yeah it's still around, but it's kind of lame, and not nearly as streamlined as the ipod.
The unique thing about Apple is it does things first. Apple was the first to introduce the ipod, with its scrolling wheel that was far superior to other mp3 players. So everyone copied it, or made some variation. The same is happening with the touch screen. Sure, other companies will now have touch screens. But do they have the same sleek design and ease of use? It doesn't really look like it.
So that's my ad for the iphone. I plan on buying the 3G model when it comes out. I love this phone, and it was worth every penny.
Also, I am not actually a fan of Apple computers. However, at school, we will be getting new ibooks. Which is kind of cool. The coolest thing is that these ibooks can run Windows and Mac. I will be running my parallel desktop in Windows mode only. No Mac OS for me. My allegiance to Apple only extends to the audio/phone department.
(I don't feel like including a picture; I am sure everyone knows what it looks like)
Yes, it does live up to the hype.
The best thing about it is that nothing on it is a gimmick. While the iphone copycats boast having a "touch screen", I noticed that they still have those annoying hard keyboards. So essentially, it negates the idea of a touch screen in the first place. The iphone seamlessly combines everything-keyboard, navigation, phone, internet, ipod, email, without any extraneous pieces. There is no need for another keyboard, because the iphone virtual keyboard works just fine. In fact, I like it a lot better than the standard keyboards on phones like the T-Mobile Sidekick, or the new Samsung phone. The iphone keyboard can be made larger or smaller. Capitalization and punctuation are a snap. And, it feels like you're really typing on it. I do admit that those with larger fingers may have more trouble adjusting to the keyboard, but it's a lot better than using the numbers to write text messages! No need to press the key 4 times to get the letter you want. I find that I am much more efficient at texting than I ever was before.
Another cool thing: the internet. The iphone picks up any wireless network in the area, but in the event you don't have that, it uses the AT&T network. While this network is slower than most Wi-Fi, it is a lot better than nothing! I can easily go on Wikipedia, check my gmail, and check facebook (it has its own special site for the iphone!) It's as easy as pie to just press the button and sail to the page.
The included ipod is another nice feature, but since I don't really listen to music, I don't use the ipod all that much. However, it does have all of my recent playlists, and the syncing with itunes is a snap.
Did I mention itunes? Yes, the iphone syncs with itunes, so it's ridiculously easy to update it. I love itunes, and have had it for several years now, so the switch just made things even easier.
You have to use an iphone to get how awesome it is. Once you do, you'll wonder why you used anything else.
By the way, the new Samsung phone ad made me laugh. I highly doubt it will be an 'iphone killer'. Anyone remember Microsoft's Zune MP3 player, the "ipod killer'? Ha. I didn't think so. I mean, yeah it's still around, but it's kind of lame, and not nearly as streamlined as the ipod.
The unique thing about Apple is it does things first. Apple was the first to introduce the ipod, with its scrolling wheel that was far superior to other mp3 players. So everyone copied it, or made some variation. The same is happening with the touch screen. Sure, other companies will now have touch screens. But do they have the same sleek design and ease of use? It doesn't really look like it.
So that's my ad for the iphone. I plan on buying the 3G model when it comes out. I love this phone, and it was worth every penny.
Also, I am not actually a fan of Apple computers. However, at school, we will be getting new ibooks. Which is kind of cool. The coolest thing is that these ibooks can run Windows and Mac. I will be running my parallel desktop in Windows mode only. No Mac OS for me. My allegiance to Apple only extends to the audio/phone department.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
American Idol
American Idol=teh suck
hehehehe.
Man, I hate that show. I am glad I have Tivo, because this night's finale would have been an awful waste of 2 hours. Meanwhile, I zipped through the whole thing in 5 minutes, like I do all results episodes.
I am pleased about the results...but then again, it's not like I would actually buy any albums.
Modern music has left me feeling somewhat empty. I have not found a band that whose album I would buy in about 3 years. The last band was Interpol in 2005. However, their second album was a disappointment. I also liked The Strokes back in the day. Now, it seems like there is just a lot of trash floating around.
Which is why I prefer the music of the past. Honestly though, I haven't listened to things on my ipod in a very long time. I prefer NPR to drive to in the car because it informs me about things and is less distracting than a song. Maybe I'm just getting older and lamer. :-(
I never thought that would happen to me, as I have always considered myself a devout fan of music. I remember just listening to my Beatles cassette tape on my walkman (!!) for hours back when I was in high school....yeah, I was a little behind the times. But it was all I needed. I could listen to the same songs forever. And now, it's like, yeah I know all of that. I don't even need to listen to it anymore because it's a part of me. I can just play it in my head if need be. I always thought I would be a freakish Beatles fan forever, but I guess people change. I remember shunning all popular music from 7th grade through about junior year of college. Then I discovered some new music. But now, nothing. I don't even know if my desire to listen to music and do nothing else will come back. It's really quite sad.
However, one thing that has not changed is my complete and utter obsession with reading. I can't sit still without having something to read, whether it's an ad from the paper, a book, a magazine, whatever. I particularly enjoy eating and reading. (when I'm alone)
Reading is something that will always be fun for me. And for that, I am grateful!
hehehehe.
Man, I hate that show. I am glad I have Tivo, because this night's finale would have been an awful waste of 2 hours. Meanwhile, I zipped through the whole thing in 5 minutes, like I do all results episodes.
I am pleased about the results...but then again, it's not like I would actually buy any albums.
Modern music has left me feeling somewhat empty. I have not found a band that whose album I would buy in about 3 years. The last band was Interpol in 2005. However, their second album was a disappointment. I also liked The Strokes back in the day. Now, it seems like there is just a lot of trash floating around.
Which is why I prefer the music of the past. Honestly though, I haven't listened to things on my ipod in a very long time. I prefer NPR to drive to in the car because it informs me about things and is less distracting than a song. Maybe I'm just getting older and lamer. :-(
I never thought that would happen to me, as I have always considered myself a devout fan of music. I remember just listening to my Beatles cassette tape on my walkman (!!) for hours back when I was in high school....yeah, I was a little behind the times. But it was all I needed. I could listen to the same songs forever. And now, it's like, yeah I know all of that. I don't even need to listen to it anymore because it's a part of me. I can just play it in my head if need be. I always thought I would be a freakish Beatles fan forever, but I guess people change. I remember shunning all popular music from 7th grade through about junior year of college. Then I discovered some new music. But now, nothing. I don't even know if my desire to listen to music and do nothing else will come back. It's really quite sad.
However, one thing that has not changed is my complete and utter obsession with reading. I can't sit still without having something to read, whether it's an ad from the paper, a book, a magazine, whatever. I particularly enjoy eating and reading. (when I'm alone)
Reading is something that will always be fun for me. And for that, I am grateful!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Names that I like
Jordan, Grace, Michael, and Mark....
tee hee hee....
Any Chicago sports fan should easily be able to figure this out.
But if you're dense, I would like to name my 4 (hypothetical) kids after 2 famous sports figures, Michael Jordan and Mark Grace. How awesome would that be!!
The name Jordan could be interchangeable as a boy's or a girl's name. I have it all figured out!
Other names that I like or would consider...Note: I feel that names should have meaning, so every name that I like is in homage to something....
Judy-after Judy Garland, perhaps the most talented singer/actress/entertainer ever
Elizabeth-after Queen Elizabeth I, one of the most powerful female monarchs ever
John-a nice solid name that resists insults-also in homage to John Lennon, musical genius
Robert Charles-after one of me heroes-my late grandfather
Desmond-I like the character on Lost and in the Beatles' song Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da...it's a little too girly sounding to realistically consider though
Julia-from the Beatles' White Album, the name of John Lennon's late mother, but also a really pretty song
Clark-after Clark Gable, but also a good, solid name
tee hee hee....
Any Chicago sports fan should easily be able to figure this out.
But if you're dense, I would like to name my 4 (hypothetical) kids after 2 famous sports figures, Michael Jordan and Mark Grace. How awesome would that be!!
The name Jordan could be interchangeable as a boy's or a girl's name. I have it all figured out!
Other names that I like or would consider...Note: I feel that names should have meaning, so every name that I like is in homage to something....
Judy-after Judy Garland, perhaps the most talented singer/actress/entertainer ever
Elizabeth-after Queen Elizabeth I, one of the most powerful female monarchs ever
John-a nice solid name that resists insults-also in homage to John Lennon, musical genius
Robert Charles-after one of me heroes-my late grandfather
Desmond-I like the character on Lost and in the Beatles' song Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da...it's a little too girly sounding to realistically consider though
Julia-from the Beatles' White Album, the name of John Lennon's late mother, but also a really pretty song
Clark-after Clark Gable, but also a good, solid name
Monday, May 12, 2008
Living Together
I just wanted to dash this off as a response to J-Train. I completely agree with everything you said. Numerous statistics and studies exist proving the inefficacy of cohabiting before marriage. It's not a test drive. It's just...living together, pretending you're married without the responsibility.
My parents didn't live together before they got married. They've been married 33 years. My grandparents didn't either. They were married for 45 years. My other grandparents were married for 52 years.
I myself would like to be engaged before I do such a thing. I don't think it's necessary, but the main reason I would do it is for convenience and because it makes economic sense. I would not go into it thinking I'm prepping for marriage. I see it for what it is: it's just easier.
My parents didn't live together before they got married. They've been married 33 years. My grandparents didn't either. They were married for 45 years. My other grandparents were married for 52 years.
I myself would like to be engaged before I do such a thing. I don't think it's necessary, but the main reason I would do it is for convenience and because it makes economic sense. I would not go into it thinking I'm prepping for marriage. I see it for what it is: it's just easier.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Shoes
I would like to point out a fantastic website to those who may be hiding under a rock....All joking aside, www.zappos.com is perhaps the greatest site in the world. Zappos sells shoes. They sell other things too, like clothes and purses, but shoes are primarily what they're known for. Zappos is fantastic. Their service is unparalleled. Their selection is huge. Returns and exchanges are a snap. The people that work there are friendly and helpful.
I can't say enough about how much I love Zappos. I am, as some people may know, shoe obsessed. I absolutely love shoes, and Zappos definitely fuels that fire.
Here's why:
Zappos is based on the West Coast. So, if you place an order for shoes at around 8:00 am central time, that means it's 6:00 am Pacific time. Why is this important? Because Zappos has free shipping.
Here is a secret about Zappos shipping: a few months ago, Zappos used to advertise free overnight shipping. However, they changed this policy and now say that 4-5 day shipping is free, and it's $25.00 for overnight shipping. What they don't say is that in most cases, your free shipping will still be overnight. Basically, they don't guarantee free overnight shipping. However, for the last 4 pairs of shoes that I have ordered, I have received them the next day. So anyone who would pay $25.00 for the overnight shipping is just...unaware. Hehe. I am a Zappos sneak...I found this out by reading one of their blogs. So anyway, the overnight shipping is awesome, because if you place an order in the morning, you'll get the shoes by the next afternoon.
Another nice thing is that returns are a snap. Several times, I have ordered shoes that end up being too small. I guess my feet have grown a bit, since I always used to wear a 6.5. Now it seems like I have more 7 s that 6.5 shoes. Not that my old shoes don't fit....I guess it all depends on the type of shoe. But anyway, I have had to return and exchange several pairs. The process is ridiculously simple: call them up, reach a friendly salesperson in a matter of seconds, they walk you through the process, process the exchange, and then print out your free UPS shipping label. Drop off the old shoes at a UPS store, and your new shoes will arrive the next day.
One time I ordered 2 different pairs of shoes. I knew I was going to return one of them. So, when I decided on the ones I was going to keep, I simply clicked "return" on my account, printed out the label, dropped the shoes off, and a few days later, I had my refund.
Another time, I received a note in the mail from the person who had helped me process an exchange. A handwritten card from the girl who helped me on the phone, thanking me, and hoping I enjoyed the shoes. It was totally unnecessary, but it made me feel like there are actual people working at Zappos, and they care about helping me! What an excellent online business model.
Zappos has a 365 day return policy on their shoes. What store has that?? Plus, you don't pay tax, and the prices are about the same or cheaper than a department store. I have had experiences at department stores with waiting in lines to try on a pair of shoes, only to find that it doesn't fit, only to find that they don't have a different shoe in the right size...Zappos has a HUGE inventory, and they never sell sizes that are out of stock. I just love coming home to a Zappos box on my doorstep.
I realize that this is probably more promotional than anything else, but I feel like Zappos deserves it. They have made a lifelong customer out of me, and I encourage other people to try it.
Oh, and sometimes, I think working at a shoe place like Zappos would be a dream job for me....just sayin'...it's either books or shoes. :-P
I can't say enough about how much I love Zappos. I am, as some people may know, shoe obsessed. I absolutely love shoes, and Zappos definitely fuels that fire.
Here's why:
Zappos is based on the West Coast. So, if you place an order for shoes at around 8:00 am central time, that means it's 6:00 am Pacific time. Why is this important? Because Zappos has free shipping.
Here is a secret about Zappos shipping: a few months ago, Zappos used to advertise free overnight shipping. However, they changed this policy and now say that 4-5 day shipping is free, and it's $25.00 for overnight shipping. What they don't say is that in most cases, your free shipping will still be overnight. Basically, they don't guarantee free overnight shipping. However, for the last 4 pairs of shoes that I have ordered, I have received them the next day. So anyone who would pay $25.00 for the overnight shipping is just...unaware. Hehe. I am a Zappos sneak...I found this out by reading one of their blogs. So anyway, the overnight shipping is awesome, because if you place an order in the morning, you'll get the shoes by the next afternoon.
Another nice thing is that returns are a snap. Several times, I have ordered shoes that end up being too small. I guess my feet have grown a bit, since I always used to wear a 6.5. Now it seems like I have more 7 s that 6.5 shoes. Not that my old shoes don't fit....I guess it all depends on the type of shoe. But anyway, I have had to return and exchange several pairs. The process is ridiculously simple: call them up, reach a friendly salesperson in a matter of seconds, they walk you through the process, process the exchange, and then print out your free UPS shipping label. Drop off the old shoes at a UPS store, and your new shoes will arrive the next day.
One time I ordered 2 different pairs of shoes. I knew I was going to return one of them. So, when I decided on the ones I was going to keep, I simply clicked "return" on my account, printed out the label, dropped the shoes off, and a few days later, I had my refund.
Another time, I received a note in the mail from the person who had helped me process an exchange. A handwritten card from the girl who helped me on the phone, thanking me, and hoping I enjoyed the shoes. It was totally unnecessary, but it made me feel like there are actual people working at Zappos, and they care about helping me! What an excellent online business model.
Zappos has a 365 day return policy on their shoes. What store has that?? Plus, you don't pay tax, and the prices are about the same or cheaper than a department store. I have had experiences at department stores with waiting in lines to try on a pair of shoes, only to find that it doesn't fit, only to find that they don't have a different shoe in the right size...Zappos has a HUGE inventory, and they never sell sizes that are out of stock. I just love coming home to a Zappos box on my doorstep.
I realize that this is probably more promotional than anything else, but I feel like Zappos deserves it. They have made a lifelong customer out of me, and I encourage other people to try it.
Oh, and sometimes, I think working at a shoe place like Zappos would be a dream job for me....just sayin'...it's either books or shoes. :-P
Friday, May 2, 2008
This is hard
I have trouble thinking of what to write. Mostly, I am just too tired and lazy to think of clever things. Yesterday, I had a terrible headache which I believe was caused by a combination of allergies and shifting barometric pressure. I finally had to stop working at the computer and just focus on trying to stop the pounding in my head.
I will say this though: for anyone who thinks teachers have it easy, that is simply not the case. There is a reason we have summer break. The students definitely need it-they are pulled in multiple directions and are expected to come into school at 7 am, pay attention all day in 90 minute long classes, participate, and learn the lessons...then, a great majority of them go to sports or other activities after school until 6 or later at night. And then they go home and grab a quick bite to eat, and do homework until 12 or 1 am. And then they wake up at 6 to do it all again. Being a high school student is hard, perhaps the hardest work you'll ever have to do. For the teachers, it's a matter of planning lessons, running those activities, attending endless meetings, and being available to help students who missed class or need extra help. For me, I am also a resource for teachers, so at any moment a teacher can call/visit me to tell me they need me to put together a lesson on primary sources from the Civil War for their 3 US History classes by next week, or less. I don't mean to complain, but I am just exhausted. I like the students and I like my school, and I feel very lucky to be here, but I just wanted to explain why my posts are lacking.
I do wish to keep updating this, and I have some ideas stewing in my head, but right now, I am just not in the mode to articulate them.
Perhaps when I have time over the summer I will elaborate more.
I will say this though: for anyone who thinks teachers have it easy, that is simply not the case. There is a reason we have summer break. The students definitely need it-they are pulled in multiple directions and are expected to come into school at 7 am, pay attention all day in 90 minute long classes, participate, and learn the lessons...then, a great majority of them go to sports or other activities after school until 6 or later at night. And then they go home and grab a quick bite to eat, and do homework until 12 or 1 am. And then they wake up at 6 to do it all again. Being a high school student is hard, perhaps the hardest work you'll ever have to do. For the teachers, it's a matter of planning lessons, running those activities, attending endless meetings, and being available to help students who missed class or need extra help. For me, I am also a resource for teachers, so at any moment a teacher can call/visit me to tell me they need me to put together a lesson on primary sources from the Civil War for their 3 US History classes by next week, or less. I don't mean to complain, but I am just exhausted. I like the students and I like my school, and I feel very lucky to be here, but I just wanted to explain why my posts are lacking.
I do wish to keep updating this, and I have some ideas stewing in my head, but right now, I am just not in the mode to articulate them.
Perhaps when I have time over the summer I will elaborate more.
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