Ravens home opener this evening. The weekend has already brought a Steelers loss and an almost win for Phil Mickelson and the Orioles. With all the greatness going on in sports, I'm feeling pretty pumped for a win. There's really not much more to say than:
Go get'em boys! Beat those Bengals!!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
This Post is a Paradox
I've written quite a few posts describing all the reasons why I think I was born in the wrong decade...maybe on the wrong continent. I've always thought 60s London would be the perfect place for me. I'm a hippie at heart and what's not to love about London?! However, there are times I'm so happy to in the future. There are so many things happening now that would never have been possible a half-century ago.
I've always been amazed by science and research, usually completely perplexed by the complexities, but amazed nonetheless. While watching the StanduptoCancer telethon, I listened as a researcher explained how a new drug that uses the "primacy effect" to prime cancer cells to accept chemotherapy. How amazing is that!? Then this morning, I listened to another researcher explain the use of bio-implants to control certain mechanical machines, while another researcher was using sound waves to make things levitate. These same scientists went on to explain how they also think that time-travel and cloning are possible. (Ethically probably not a great idea, but so super cool!)
So while, I'd love the chance to see the Beatles cross Abbey Road, I suppose being stuck here in the future isn't so bad as long as scientists keep making the strides that will allow me to actually see the Beatles cross Abbey Road one day : )
I've always been amazed by science and research, usually completely perplexed by the complexities, but amazed nonetheless. While watching the StanduptoCancer telethon, I listened as a researcher explained how a new drug that uses the "primacy effect" to prime cancer cells to accept chemotherapy. How amazing is that!? Then this morning, I listened to another researcher explain the use of bio-implants to control certain mechanical machines, while another researcher was using sound waves to make things levitate. These same scientists went on to explain how they also think that time-travel and cloning are possible. (Ethically probably not a great idea, but so super cool!)
So while, I'd love the chance to see the Beatles cross Abbey Road, I suppose being stuck here in the future isn't so bad as long as scientists keep making the strides that will allow me to actually see the Beatles cross Abbey Road one day : )
Saturday, September 8, 2012
The Bard and I
Despite being a bookworm, I don't tend to gravitate towards classics or heavy reads. I was a good English student but I was never the one that could glean deep insights from Shakespeare or Hemingway. I read them all for class (mostly because I was a goody two shoes). I sorta "got" them. I passed the test on them. Then I forgot them. However in the last few years, I've determined that to leep my book-worm cred, I should probably attempt to broaden my literary horizons. This doesn't mean that I'm going to start War & Peace any time soon, but I will try to give a few more of Shakespeare's works another look.
This is what brought me to Much Ado About Nothing. I've probably read, maybe 5 of the Bard's works in my school career, and actually liked one. (A Midsummer Night's Dream is on my Top 10 books list of all time) My fear of these plays had everything to do with the language and absolutely nothing to do with their quality. The story lines are woven beautifully and the characters are complex. However, my brain could never translate the language into US-ese. I was able to get the general jist of what he was saying, but analyzing the actual words was completely beyond me. So, imagine my surprise when I picked up my iPhone this evening (the only reason I'm doing this is because I can download his greatest works along with tons of other classics for free through iBooks: I'm not highbrow enough to actually fork out the cash for them-there are TOO many other books to buy!) and actually followed along with the comedy. Beatrice and Benedick kept my attention and the story unraveled like a 60s madcap comedy of errors.
The play is actually quite good and while I probably couldn't grab an A on any research paper on the subject, I caught some of the allusions and subtext. A few lines even made some goings on at the annual MD Renaissance (is there any word harder to spell?!) Festival much clearer. While I'm sure a trip to Stratford upon Avon and the Globe would actually help more in my understanding, I don't see that happening any time soon (unless you want to send me there-my 30th birthday is in just a few months...)
My goal for my little project is to at least get through the comedies. I know that I should also read Hamlet and MacBeth again as well if I really want to gain some insight but they're so depressing. I hope to check in every few days/weeks and let you know how I'm doing on my race to become a more intellectual book-worm so if Shakespeare's not your thing, I apologize. I will let you know when I make it out of Medieveal England into something more exciting like turn of the century England (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is also available as a freebie on iBooks : )
This is what brought me to Much Ado About Nothing. I've probably read, maybe 5 of the Bard's works in my school career, and actually liked one. (A Midsummer Night's Dream is on my Top 10 books list of all time) My fear of these plays had everything to do with the language and absolutely nothing to do with their quality. The story lines are woven beautifully and the characters are complex. However, my brain could never translate the language into US-ese. I was able to get the general jist of what he was saying, but analyzing the actual words was completely beyond me. So, imagine my surprise when I picked up my iPhone this evening (the only reason I'm doing this is because I can download his greatest works along with tons of other classics for free through iBooks: I'm not highbrow enough to actually fork out the cash for them-there are TOO many other books to buy!) and actually followed along with the comedy. Beatrice and Benedick kept my attention and the story unraveled like a 60s madcap comedy of errors.
The play is actually quite good and while I probably couldn't grab an A on any research paper on the subject, I caught some of the allusions and subtext. A few lines even made some goings on at the annual MD Renaissance (is there any word harder to spell?!) Festival much clearer. While I'm sure a trip to Stratford upon Avon and the Globe would actually help more in my understanding, I don't see that happening any time soon (unless you want to send me there-my 30th birthday is in just a few months...)
My goal for my little project is to at least get through the comedies. I know that I should also read Hamlet and MacBeth again as well if I really want to gain some insight but they're so depressing. I hope to check in every few days/weeks and let you know how I'm doing on my race to become a more intellectual book-worm so if Shakespeare's not your thing, I apologize. I will let you know when I make it out of Medieveal England into something more exciting like turn of the century England (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is also available as a freebie on iBooks : )
Friday, September 7, 2012
Friday Five
1. Stand Up To Cancer: As I'm writing this I'm watching the telethon. Such an amazing cause that, as someone who's lost loved ones to cancer, I fully support and am happy to see so many people joining in on. So visit standup2cancer.org to join the fight and Stand up to Cancer!
2. There's really not much to say, you have to watch. It's really kind of hillarious!
3. Finally realizing that the crazy politicos on Facebook just aren't worth it. Yeah sure, they're still annoying. However, when I realized that they were ignoring facts they didn't like in favor of ones that supported their opinion (which, is a duh! I know), the rants became a little more palatable.
4. A fabulous night out with the momma. Dinner, shopping and ice cream: perfect evening with a favorite person! Love ya bud!
5. "Some Nights" by Fun and "Home" by Phillip Phillips: Love these songs! Not sure what the civil war has to do with the first song but I suppose it works in an artsy-esque way.
2. There's really not much to say, you have to watch. It's really kind of hillarious!
3. Finally realizing that the crazy politicos on Facebook just aren't worth it. Yeah sure, they're still annoying. However, when I realized that they were ignoring facts they didn't like in favor of ones that supported their opinion (which, is a duh! I know), the rants became a little more palatable.
4. A fabulous night out with the momma. Dinner, shopping and ice cream: perfect evening with a favorite person! Love ya bud!
5. "Some Nights" by Fun and "Home" by Phillip Phillips: Love these songs! Not sure what the civil war has to do with the first song but I suppose it works in an artsy-esque way.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The Dictionary of Me
As a reluctant editor, I have a crazy fascination with words. I live for cool new turns of phrase. I pick up on grammatical quirks in everyday speech (which is annoying to most people). I have lengthy quotes decorating my bulletin board at work. I will read emails multiple times before sending to make sure the words make perfect sense and nothing can be misconstrued. (I've been told that sarcasm (my resting state) doesn't really play well in emails and I'm terrified that I'll insult someone trying to make a joke) I quote book/TV characters. Puns and sarcasm are my ideal forms of comedy. I use 10 point words in everyday speech because they're just too good not to use. All of this should be of no surprise to you, as I've written in detail about my love affair with the words of Stephen Fry AND Aaron Sorkin.
So as a result of these feelings, I've come to a conclusion: We all have our own little dictionary in our head. There are "go to" words in every language, like "cool" or "great" to describe something good. But then there are also words that people specifically gravitate towards. Not necessarily catchphrases; more of a spoken quirk. I may just be making a sweeping generalization here, but, at least for me, it's true. The unfortunate thing about my personal language quirk is that for someone who relishes language as I do, my "go to" words are fairly ridiculous.
Exhibit A...
Awesome: Usually said sarcastically and under my breath (like everything else I say usually is)
Example: "It's raining outside and I don't have an umbrella...awesome."
Cool Beans: Give me a break, I taught 4 year olds, and it kinda stuck.
Example: "There's a sale at LOFT, Cool Beans!"
Super Cute: Used to describe something that is cuter than cute. Great, because as a descriptor, it works for just about anything.
Example: "This craft I just found on Pinterest is super cute!"
I'm skeptical...: Ripped off from a friend but the best way to disagree with someone without really disagreeing with them.
Example: "You said that George Clooney is not crazy good-looking? I'm skeptical."
Son of a Putney!: I'm not a big fan of cursing. It goes back to the language thing. There are much more interesting ways to express yourself out there than 4 letter words (however this phrase is not one of them). It stems from a 1 season show and a fairly stupid joke that I found hillarious. So now it's my curse word. I say it when I'm annoyed.
Example: <I've just dropped something heavy on my toe> "Son of a Putney!"
Dude!/ What the heck?!: Used in place of "What?!" and as a statement of disbelief.
Example: "You had ice cream without me?! Dude, WTH!?"
Smooth Move Dude: Add on to "Dude!". Perfect way to tell someone they've just done something stupid that they know they've just done.
Example: <someone else drops something heavy on their toe> "Smooth Move Dude!"
See what I mean? My dictionary makes me sound like a 12 year old boy. But I suppose it's mine and I'll stick with it for the time being.
There are other words and phrases, of course, that I'd like to add in to the dull bit I have now, but I have a feeling people may look at me funny when I start using "Brilliant!" or "Lift" in everyday language (especially when I launch into the bad British accent...)
So as a result of these feelings, I've come to a conclusion: We all have our own little dictionary in our head. There are "go to" words in every language, like "cool" or "great" to describe something good. But then there are also words that people specifically gravitate towards. Not necessarily catchphrases; more of a spoken quirk. I may just be making a sweeping generalization here, but, at least for me, it's true. The unfortunate thing about my personal language quirk is that for someone who relishes language as I do, my "go to" words are fairly ridiculous.
Exhibit A...
Awesome: Usually said sarcastically and under my breath (like everything else I say usually is)
Example: "It's raining outside and I don't have an umbrella...awesome."
Cool Beans: Give me a break, I taught 4 year olds, and it kinda stuck.
Example: "There's a sale at LOFT, Cool Beans!"
Super Cute: Used to describe something that is cuter than cute. Great, because as a descriptor, it works for just about anything.
Example: "This craft I just found on Pinterest is super cute!"
I'm skeptical...: Ripped off from a friend but the best way to disagree with someone without really disagreeing with them.
Example: "You said that George Clooney is not crazy good-looking? I'm skeptical."
Son of a Putney!: I'm not a big fan of cursing. It goes back to the language thing. There are much more interesting ways to express yourself out there than 4 letter words (however this phrase is not one of them). It stems from a 1 season show and a fairly stupid joke that I found hillarious. So now it's my curse word. I say it when I'm annoyed.
Example: <I've just dropped something heavy on my toe> "Son of a Putney!"
Dude!/ What the heck?!: Used in place of "What?!" and as a statement of disbelief.
Example: "You had ice cream without me?! Dude, WTH!?"
Smooth Move Dude: Add on to "Dude!". Perfect way to tell someone they've just done something stupid that they know they've just done.
Example: <someone else drops something heavy on their toe> "Smooth Move Dude!"
See what I mean? My dictionary makes me sound like a 12 year old boy. But I suppose it's mine and I'll stick with it for the time being.
There are other words and phrases, of course, that I'd like to add in to the dull bit I have now, but I have a feeling people may look at me funny when I start using "Brilliant!" or "Lift" in everyday language (especially when I launch into the bad British accent...)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Most Wanted
Have you ever really wanted something but had absolutely no idea how to get it for yourself? This is the boat I'm in right now. Every post I read on Facebook is about an engagement or new baby. How does everyone instinctively know how to go about getting those things? Bars aren't my thing. I've never understood "flirting". I'm all awkward and nervous trying to talk to new people. How is someone like me going to meet my nerdy dream guy?
When you look around at all the marriages between truly awful people, you'd think it wouldn't be that hard. I'm not terrible. I don't kick kittens and I love puppies. I've been told I'm funny and sweet. I sorta get football and hockey. I cook and bake-ish. So WTH is the problem here?!
My hope is to bump into an attractive, intelligent, caring professor between the ages of 30-40 with most of his original hair, who loves kids, in the bookstore. In my head we are browsing the same section, and just bump into each other and fall head over heals immediately. But so far the only thing the bookstore has gotten me is a full bookcase.
In my heart, I know that one day my prince will come. But if it could happen sooner rather than later, I'd be much obliged, not to mention a little less grumpy...
Rant concluded : )
When you look around at all the marriages between truly awful people, you'd think it wouldn't be that hard. I'm not terrible. I don't kick kittens and I love puppies. I've been told I'm funny and sweet. I sorta get football and hockey. I cook and bake-ish. So WTH is the problem here?!
My hope is to bump into an attractive, intelligent, caring professor between the ages of 30-40 with most of his original hair, who loves kids, in the bookstore. In my head we are browsing the same section, and just bump into each other and fall head over heals immediately. But so far the only thing the bookstore has gotten me is a full bookcase.
In my heart, I know that one day my prince will come. But if it could happen sooner rather than later, I'd be much obliged, not to mention a little less grumpy...
Rant concluded : )
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
10 @ 10pm
I've been sitting here for an hour trying to decide what to write about. So here's what happens when I've got nothing exciting to say.
@10pm on a random Tuesday night:
1. I'm still stuffed from the excellent (even if I do say so myself) burgers I made for dinner.
2. I'm currently watching Covert Affairs. (Go Auggie!)
3. I've just finished an episode of Doctor Who (apparently I drank the kool-aid...)
4. I'm anxious for a call regarding a new job (hope this is the dream one!)
5. I'm wishing my stupid dryer would just dry already!
6. I'm looking forward to a nice warm bed.
7. I'm searching Pinterest (apparently I've gone over to the dark side...)
8. I'm annoyed at the politicking going on on Facebook. Ugh!
9. I'm being nosey about the flashing lights outside my window.
10. I'm finally finished this dreadful post...sometimes writing is like pulling teeth!
@10pm on a random Tuesday night:
1. I'm still stuffed from the excellent (even if I do say so myself) burgers I made for dinner.
2. I'm currently watching Covert Affairs. (Go Auggie!)
3. I've just finished an episode of Doctor Who (apparently I drank the kool-aid...)
4. I'm anxious for a call regarding a new job (hope this is the dream one!)
5. I'm wishing my stupid dryer would just dry already!
6. I'm looking forward to a nice warm bed.
7. I'm searching Pinterest (apparently I've gone over to the dark side...)
8. I'm annoyed at the politicking going on on Facebook. Ugh!
9. I'm being nosey about the flashing lights outside my window.
10. I'm finally finished this dreadful post...sometimes writing is like pulling teeth!
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