Game Addiction

I think I finally gave up my addiction to this online game from MSN game section - Bejeweled2!! Unfortunately what steered me away from this game was another one. I installed motocross on my PC last night and stayed playing it until 3am. My computer is now having problems starting up, I think it's because of the game. I haven't played it again, I think I'll un install it. I'm glad I haven't bought playstation 2 or an X-box. I know for certain that I would be addicted to the games on those consoles as well.

McDonald's to consider more humane method to slaughter chickens

Yowsers, I never thought of the killing process. I wonder what do they do to get the burgers? I'm feeling guilty for being a carnivore now...

The fast-food giant says it's studying the possibility of what's called "controlled atmosphere killing."

That process puts chickens to sleep with a gas. It would replace a slaughtering process in which chickens are hung by their legs on a moving conveyor line and their throats cut. | source: ABC7Chicago.com

Why Are We So Lucky?

Sometimes I really wonder why the U.S. is so lucky - Especially with the devastation occurring in the east. We have had our share of natural disasters but none compared to the likes of the Tsunamis that destroyed the coastal regions of Southern Asia. I had to turn the TV off, the news has too sad to bare.
View animation of the tsunami's path

Joke of the Day

Still within the holiday spirit, I'd like to spread good cheer.

Christmas 2004

Almost every guest showed up at the house. There was sooo much food, we gave some of our guest doggie bags filled with food to take with. There is a few casseroles left, good thing it's the dishes we prefer :) Julian as I predicted was showered with gifts, all very nice ones too. I received better than I expected. A few more than I wanted, because I now I feel guilty for not giving as big a gift as I received.

Oh well the holiday lights will come down soon, my sister already brought down her Christmas tree. I'm keeping mine up for at least two more weeks. I don't want to holiday to be over. This is how our house looks from outside.

Merry Christmas

Did I force my dog to pose with a silly Christmas hat this year? What do you think? Of course not, Charlie is always happy and willing to pose on his own. Wearing the silly hats... Well he can only commit for a few minutes. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Truths

From E-mail Forward:
GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus. > > > >

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . . . having money.
At age 50 success is . . . having money.
At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . having friends.
At age 80 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.

Google: We've fixed desktop search tool flaw

Google says it has fixed a flaw that could have allowed hackers to search the contents of PCs running the company's desktop search tool. | Source: CNET News.com

SEE!! This is what scares me. Every single file is scanned and location is stored in these desktop search systems. Google has fixed a known flaw. The question still remains are there others? A hacker will sure try to uncover more possible doorways into our personal files.

Holiday shoppers brawl over parking spot

"The dispute Sunday led to the arrests and court appearances for two women and a teenager for breach of peace.
Police said the confrontation developed just after 3:30 p.m. in the crowded lot of the Corbins Corner Shopping Center, home to Best Buy, Toys 'R' Us and other retailers.
When a parking space opened up, two cars turned up to fill it.
A woman riding in one of the cars tossed an orange peel at the other vehicle. Angry words erupted and three people jumped out of the cars and, within moments, Officer Kevin McCarthy said, 'all three went to the ground.'" | source:
The Modesto Bee

Yep, that's the holiday spirit folks! I've seen this upclose, when I use to work in retail. The patience tolerance of humans decreases to an all time low that cause tempers flare at all time highs. It's a few extra steps people, it will do you good to burn off those Christmas cookies you've been eating at the office. Damn it I have to go shopping today!!

Take This Survey: Are you a mall parking lot stalker?
Results yield that 87% of people claim to have a 'See it and take it' parking lot personality. Are they telling the truth?

Holiday Blues

I remember not so long ago - 2 years I think it was. The office was dead during Christmas week. Everyone was off on vacation, there was no work that needed to be completed. THAT IS NO LONGER THE CASE!!! This year and last year December has been one of the busiest months. At least time passes by quickly, however so much work is giving me the blues :(

Search Engine Strategies 2004 - Chicago

The conference ended today. After four days of what after the end of each day seemed to be information overload, I take a moment to reflect. Representatives from the major search engines were helpful, but I liked the forum from the New York conference better. I'm not sure if it was because I was so new to SEO that I was able to pick up A LOT more information. This time I picked up few nuggets here and there and got some good ideas. For the most part it served as a validation on the efforts made on my company's site and assured me that we are on track. I will have to make some modifications though.

There also seemed to be less exhibitors than the NY conference. I remember talking to many more vendors there. This year I enjoyed talking with MSN more. I like their new Desktop Search program, but I must admit I'm still scared of it. Even though the rep assured me that they were very diligent and thorough over security issues, having that program scan and reference all my PC files, contacts, apps is very scary. I might try it at my office PC :) I don't store much personal info there, so I can test it out with more assurance. It really is a powerful search tool and it's worth giving it a try.

Orland Square Mall

This week has been sooooooo busy. I haven't had time to check in. For the most part I've spent most of the week at a conference downtown. Strangely enough the various sessions are draining. By the end of the day I am physically exhausted! Tuesday and Wednesday, the days I've spent all day at the conference, When I arrived home within minutes I knocked out for a few hours. I then had to wake up to buy my groceries and take my mom Christmas shopping. I am finally done with my gifts but have tagged along with my sister and mom on their hectic gift buys.

This weekend I went to Orland Square mall. I prefer that mall over closer ones I have by my house. I didn't feel like walking through narrow passageways and crazed shoppers, luckily Orland is big enough and Christmas was still a full week away that it went fine. They did a nice job decorating the place for the Christmas season.

I was disappointed though to find out that they don't have a Santa in the store to take pictures with. My sister and I had primarily made the trip so my nephew could take his annual sit on Santa's lap picture.

Flash Movie - Give Bush a Brain

This one is funny. Beatgreets collected some George W. Bush poor grammar comments and tied it to a game. The name of this new game: Give Bush A Brain

Shopping mood

I'm glad tomorrow is Friday, this week has been a long, tough and emotional week. The plan for this weekend is to finish my Christmas shopping - YEAH!! We are having more guest coming for Christmas, that means more gifts I have to buy. Strangely even though my budget is tight, I don't' mind it. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family and friends. It's always exciting to see the kids open up their gifts with such anticipation and excitement. My nephew will be showered with gifts of course. My little cousins will also be coming. I think I will get them a little something extra, so they won't feel so bad seeing my nephew with all his gifts, from our side of the family and my sis' in-laws.

We have already gift wrapped many of our gifts and I also have some hidden from my snooping mom and sister. OOOh, I have to get a little something for Charlie, cool another excuse to go to another store. Yeah-yeah, those of you who call me know that either I'm in a store, on my way to the store, or just coming from the store.

That's the reason why! I find excuses to go shopping.

How was my Thanksgiving?

It was nice, I know this is a late post but I still get that question. I noticed I didn't post anything as to what I did. Well aside from the normal dinner with the family here goes...

It was Thanksgiving day and Charlie wanted to do something different. Instead of going to the park he wanted to take a walk by the lake. I normally take him by the lake in the summer, I guessed he missed it, so he dragged me out to the cold. We geared up in our winter attire and took a drive by the Shedd Aquarium. After seeing this picture I realized Charlie needed a trim, and have cut his long beard and the fur around his eyes, since. He looks years younger now :) You wouldn't know from this picture but he is only three years old (21 in dog years) but by no means not as old as he looks here.
© 2004 Araceli Arroyo photograph

Flash Movie - Coffee?

May I offer you a coffee?
I am not that familiar with my Italian yet, but it's funny anyway. SEE BELOW FOR INSTRUCTIONS...
Coffee Vending Machine

1. CLICK ON THE LINK Above
2. PUT THE COIN IN THE VENDING MACHINE
3. CHOOSE YOUR DRINK
4. CLICK ON THE CUP WHEN IT IS READY
5. CLICK ON "APRI"
* ENJOY! Don't forget to click on < APRI > at the end

Zoom-flash

A Cold Winter Night

The night is so cold and I can hear the wind howling from my window. The sound is scary, maybe it feels like that because I'm alone. Perhaps I feel it more because I am also cold. Imagining myself out there makes my throat hurt and my body shiver. I hate that winter is already here. When I thought of winter before the cold, I remembered children playing in the snow. I forgot the homeless dying under the bridges from the frozen air. When I thought of winter during snow, I remembered the joy of Christmas. I had forgotten the madness of holiday shoppers. These thoughts are dark, because with the winter comes the coldness in my heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The day is here, time to stuff your face :) Well technically we should take time to be thankful and share time and love with family/friends and loved ones. Let the celebration begin - Pass the potatoes!!
Where's that darned turkey?

Napster and Blockbuster Online Make a Deal

I'm skeptical about this deal.

Napster and Blockbuster Online entered a co-marketing deal to package their music and movie services together in a "Digital Duo" gift card. The card, which will be available in time for the holidays, costs $20 and is available at RadioShack retail outlets.

Card holders get unlimited access to Napster's music library and two free track downloads from that service, as well as a month of free movie rentals from Blockbuster's DVD-by-mail offering | source: ClickZNews

It may be my un-trusting nature: this sounds like a good deal, but something is telling me beware. Blockbuster is doing everything it can to remain the movie rental giant. Did you know they followed Netflix plan and are not doing rental mailings. This seems odd considering that there are so many rental stores nearby that it would be faster to just drop them off. The late fee is what gets most of us, and that is where Blockbuster and most movie rental stores get their profits from. I'm interested to see how this works out.

Dream Nonsense Rambling

I am a dreamer that is my fate. Somemay argue that fate is a mere dream as well. A dreamer may dream but not acquire his dreams. If he fufills said dreams, are not those dreams therefore over? Is that why dreamers want the unreachable? The hopes for something so unlikely that to even contemplate reaching it is nonsense? Are dreams nonsense? Are all dreams nonsense? Are all dreams that have hopes tied to them ridiculous?

It depends on the outcome. Not the outcome of attaining the dream for that is irrelevant. Forego the possibility that one does achieve that dream. We will leave that aside, for that's another possibility of madness on it's own.

The mere sake of dreaming up a want, builds up hope. For hope is all that man has. If that is the case man has now acquired a possession. Funny a possession out of nothing. However not a tangible one, it isn't something one can grab - Remember this is a dream that hasn't been attained. It is now part of man though. Something conjured up in the mind and can build up with the ever increasing want, and thought of getting closer. So now we have tied emotion to this abstract want. Isn't it all emotion? The want, the need, the need to want.

Wanting is not emotion. The emotion conjured up by the want can vary. One can become saddened by this want that is unfufilled. Man becomes joyous when his chest fills up with hope thinking he can actually achieve said dream. I confess I am a dreamer. I realize my limitations. In my dreams I am what I cannot be in real life. It is not a hope that I will attain this success, love, fame that I dream. When I think about it with reality I don't really want all of my dreams.

A dream is also an escape. I escape to my dreams to attain, yes grasp that emotional happiness that I lack in my everyday routine. What are your dreams? Why do you choose to dream those more so than any other? It's because they are always something that you lack. Where am I going with this? I don't know I am letting my fingers flow again.

I Must Vent

I am seriously annoyed!!! My browser just crashed because of another stupid blog requesting to install a plugin. What the hell!?! I am not going to install any plugins, I am not going to upgrade my browser, I don't want to listen to the crappy music.

I enjoy using the "next blog" feature from Blogger. However, people I beg you if you want people to visit your blog and better yet want to come back? Allow at least a somewhat pleasing user experience. If your content won't hold up, don't make things worse. Should you happen to think your blogs are worth seeing, then allow them to be seen! If you don't want visitors make your blogger private! Sorry for all the exclamation signs, I just needed to vent.

Error Page For Idiots

I love this page! I wish we would customize error messages in my company website, like the one found in this page. I found this link in one of my POP-Sci magazines, after squinting for a few I was able to go to the correct web address and retrieve the message:

YOU REFRESHED WHEN TOLD NOT TO!

The previous page clearly asked you to wait while the transaction is being processed, and NOT to refresh the page.

Your inability to read a clear instruction has now caused the transaction to be aborted abnormally. An email has been sent to the merchant web site and also to PriceTag in order for us to try and track your transaction.

Close your browser - you will be contacted at your given email address if necessary.

View Idiot Error Page Here

Tax Refund Finder

Find out if the IRS owes you money. Simply provide full name, city & state and retrieve results for that information. Heck it's that easy you should check on that neighbor, that hasn't paid you the money he owes you!
National Taxpayers Union & National Taxpayers Union Foundation - IRS Database

Kmart buying Sears to form third biggest U.S. retailer

ABC7Chicago.com: Kmart buying Sears to form third biggest U.S. retailer

This is quite surprising, considering that Kmart filed for bankruptcy a few years back. I heard that their stocks were up and they were doing better but not for retail sales. Kmart was actually profiting from real-estate sales. Kmart bought out Venture Stores (I know this very well, I use to work for Ventures and left a few months before the sale). When they bought the company they bought all the stores through out the country. They did open a few Kmart stores in the new locations, but after the bankruptcy incident they began selling all these vacant buildings. So now, the merge. The decision was unanimously agreed upon my all board members of both Sears & Kmart. I don't disagree with Sears wanting to merge, I'm just unsure if this is a smart move for the blue-light savings giant. Anyway, I just though this was interesting news.

Nature Walk

Today was a relaxing day, I don't get to have many of those often. I took advantage of the surprisingly nice weather today and took Charlie on a nature walk with me. Well as much nature as you can get in a big city as Chicago is. We went to Marquette park, I hadn't been there in years. They are doing some renovation or something because some sections were closed off. I'm glad we were able to go over the bridge and go by the pond. That was my favorite spot, now it looks more dirtier than I remembered. Charlie enjoyed ruffling and rolling around in the fallen autumn leaves and took a run, attempting to catch the geese. If the weather permits we might go back next week.
© 2004 Araceli Arroyo photograph

It's Still Over

When I saw a figure as I walked up the path I never imagined it would have been you. I thought I heard the rooster yell out the dawn's good morning. Unfortunately, it had to be your disapproving tone, questioning the time. I never thought you would await my arrival. What a bitter surprise. How long were you out there standing in the cold, letting your breath escape the warmth of your body? When I told you I would return early, I meant early the next day. I really hope you weren't outside waiting for me all night long. I doubt that was the case. The cold night air would have sent you running back inside.

Darling you and I both know we live together but we no longer share our lives together. You have no say in what I do. We are broken up, our relationship is nothing more than just roommates now. I don't know why you insist to think there will ever be more. I told you too many times that you and I don't work together as a couple. The times we've shared have been more painful and frustrating than it had to be. I like you as a friend, please lets not ruin that.

Joke of the Day

After numerous rounds of "We don't even know if Osama is still alive," Osama himself decided to send George W. a letter in his own handwriting to let him know he was still in the game. Bush opened the letter and it appeared to contain a coded message: 370HSSV-0773H

Bush was baffled, so he e-mailed it to Colin Powell. Colin and his aides had no clue either so they sent it to the FBI. No one could solve it so it went to the CIA, and then to the NSA, then to the Secret Service.

With no clue as to it's meaning, they eventually asked Canada's RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for help. The RCMP cabled the White House as follows: "Tell the President he is looking at the message upside down"

Flash Movie - Color Vision Test

This test is designed to evaluate the quatlity of your color vision....
Click link to continue with the Color Vision Test

Play The Simpson's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

See how far you can get answering Simpson trivia a la millionre style. I only got up to 1600, note the lifelines weren't working for me.
Play Simpson's Millionaire

Movie Review - The Incredibles ***1/2

The Incredibles (2004)
Directed: Brad Bird
Written: Brad Bird
Genre: Animation / Family / Adventure / Action / Comedy
Main Cast:
Craig T. Nelson .... Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible (voice)
Holly Hunter .... Helen Parr/Elastigirl (voice)
Samuel L. Jackson .... Lucius Best/Frozone (voice)
Jason Lee .... Buddy Pine/Syndrome (voice)
Sarah Vowell .... Violet Parr (voice)
Spencer Fox .... Dashiell 'Dash' Parr (voice)

The creators of Monster's Inc and Finding Nemo have done it again! Pixar's The Incredibles was a very cute and entertaining movie with a real story line that an adult will not be annoyed by. There were actually real issues underlying the storyline of The Incredibles. Mr. Incredible voice of "the Coach" Craig T. Nelson - refusing to give up his super hero life with angst of midlife crises sneaks around behind his wife's back seeking the glory days of rescuing people. Former Elastic girl, voice of Holly Hunter, attempting to conform to the society expectations gives up her hero days. Sensing deception, while battling with her withdrawn teenage daughter and overactive middle son, and apparently only normal toddler, is brought back from her hero hibernation and piece her family together. With subtle jokes for adults and colorful entertainment for the youngsters no wonder why this animated film scored $60 million it's opening weekend.

Plot Summary - courtesy of the Internet Movie Database
Mr. Incredible is a superhero; or he used to be, until a surge of lawsuits against superheroes submitted by the people they've saved forced the government to hide them in witness protection programs so they could lead normal, anonymous lives. Now known exclusively by his secret identity, Bob Parr, he lives with his wife Helen, formerly Elastigirl, and their three children Violet, Dash, and Jack Jack. He works as an insurance claims specialist, and he's fed up with his pushy boss and his immoral profession, but his wife's worked too hard to build a normal life for her family to abide his nostalgia for heroism. When Mr. Incredible's offered the chance to play the role of hero again by a mysterious informant, he jumps at the opportunity, but when it turns out to be a trap set by an old nemesis he had a hand in corrupting, the whole family must reveal themselves to save Mr. Incredible and countless innocents.
Summary written by Michael Loughrin

QT Video - Office Surprise

Don't you just hate confined places? Watch this funny clip of an office birthday surprise. The surprise backfires on the office mates :)
Office Surprise from Donwload-Video.TV

Saturday Poker

We had game night at my house on Saturday. It was my brother in law's b-day and my sister threw him a casino theme party. It was actually a great idea, especially considering my side of the family mom's side. It was a perfect way to mingle and talk with everyone. We stayed up until 5:30 am. Would have been better if I was winning though, I don't have the lucky gambling gene my family has. However, with the exception of the traditional Mexican ending to parties (small drunken fight) it was a lot of fun :)

Celebrity Pictures - The Future

Check out these funny pictures of famous celebrities. This is how your favorite celebrity will look 50 years from now.

NIght Owl

El amanecer se espera hasta que la noche termina su fiesta
- Araceli Arroyo

That phrase just came to me this afternoon, translation:
The dawn waits until the night finishes it's party. Sounds nicer in Spanish trust me. Why it came to me I am not sure. I think it was after listening to a friend practice her Spanish by reading the reading material for the class I teach. The phrase itself, however proves that I am a night bird within. It's 1:53 am and I have no desire for sleep, even though I have been awake for 18 1/2 hours. Last night I slept only 4 hours. I know it's not healthy but I can't shake off the idea that sleep is a waste of time. You could do so many other things instead of sleeping, far more entertaining and far more productive. Ok, so writing this crap is not productive but it is more entertaining to me than sleeping.

Oh well have to go to sleep now. Even though I don't want to. My eyes have been fighting to stay open for a while. I have a 9am meeting tomorrow anyway and I will have to wake up extra earlier to prepare for it.

Buenas Noches

Joke of the Day

The Cathouse Parrot

A woman went to a pet shop and immediately spotted a large, beautiful parrot. There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00. "Why so little?" she asked the pet store owner.

The owner looked at her and said, "Look, I should tell you first that this bird used to live in a house of prostitution; and sometimes it says some pretty vulgar stuff."
The woman thought about this, but decided she had to have the bird anyway.
She took it home and hung the bird's cage up in her living room and waited for it to say something. The bird looked around the room, then at her, and said, "New house, new madam." The woman was a bit shocked at the implication, but then thought "that's really not so bad."

When her two teenage daughters returned from school the bird saw and said, "New house, new madam, new girls." The girls and the woman were a bit offended but then began to laugh about the situation considering how and where the parrot had been raised. Moments later, the woman's husband, Keith, came home from work.
The bird looked at him and said, "Hi, Keith."

Personal Update

November has kicked off for me with a busy tone. I took another class to teach on Thursday so now I will be rushing even more. Christmas is coming and I know I will need the money. The class is very small though only 6 students. I am surprised they didn't cancel it. My regular job as usual has been keeping me very busy as well, which is ok it's busy in a good way. I think I've become accustomed to my routine and can now easily add on activities. I've committed two Mondays in October and November to my Alumni Club. I volunteered to help out under grads with mock interviews. So far it's goes well. I have enjoyed the my time helping them out and get a sense of accomplishment and pride. Speaking of which I completed my civic duty this morning and voted in this years presidential election. It took longer than I thought because I've moved since the last election. I was the first one to use one of those provisional forms. I'm sure my vote wouldn't have made much of a difference since Illinois is a highly democratic state but I always feel it's a must. After voting in every election, even the primaries I feel really good.

I finally added some of my traveling pictures to my photo blog. Typical celi-organization they are organized by cities I've been to. Check them out in my Photo Blog

Boston 2004 World Series Champions

Yes it's true, it wasn't all a dream! The Boston red sox have overcome the curse of el Bambino. Oh man, the Chicago Cubs are now the oldest team in baseball that hasn't won the World Series again. Boston decidedly charged over the St. Louis Cardinals and clean swept them out of the series. I didn't have much time to watch all four games and after the Yankees lost - I wasn't that motivated anyway. This was the year for the Red Sox to win and it couldn't have been more apparent when playing against the Cardinals. What now, What's next do you ask? "They're going to Disney Land" :)

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling (R) waves during a parade at the Walt Disney World Resort October 28, 2004. Schilling's Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in four straight games to take their first World Series championship since 1918. REUTERS/Kent Phillips/Handout

Do the Math

from E-mail Forward:
THIS IS AMAZING! TRY IT. Cleo

CHOCOLATE MATHEMATICS
This is pretty neat how it works out.
This is cool chocolate math!!!!!!!
DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It takes less than a minute.......
Work this out as you read.
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked
it out! This is not one of those waste of time things,
it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that
you would like to have chocolate. (try for more than
once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (Just to be bold)

3. Add 5. (for Sunday)

4. Multiply it by 50 I'll wait while you get the
calculator................

5. If you have already had your birthday this year
add 1754.... If you haven't, add 1753 .....

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were
born.

You should have a three digit number

The first digit of this was your original number
(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each
week).

The next two numbers are ........

YOUR AGE! ~ ( Oh YES, it IS!!!!! )

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR IT WILL EVER WORK, SO
SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS

Florida's 2004 voting Machine

State of Florida presents it's new Voting Technology for the 2004 Presidential election - Take a look at this funny clip of the Voting Machine

Mirror site: Voting Machine

WORD MIX-UP

When words become scrabbled!

GEORGE BUSH | HE BUGS GORE
DORMITORY | DIRTY ROOM
EVANGELIST | EVIL'S AGENT
PRESBYTERIAN | BEST IN PRAYER
DESPERATION | A ROPE ENDS IT
THE MORSE CODE | HERE COME DOTS
SLOT MACHINES | CASH LOST IN ME
ANIMOSITY | IS NO AMITY
MOTHER-IN-LAW | WOMAN HITLER
SNOOZE ALARMS | ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S
A DECIMAL POINT | I'M A DOT IN PLACE
THE EARTHQUAKES | THAT QUEER SHAKE
ELEVEN PLUS TWO | TWELVE PLUS ONE

And for the grand finale:
PRESIDENT CLINTON OF THE USA | TO COPULATE HE FINDS INTERNS

Presidential Makeover

This site is pretty cool, it made me laugh this morning. You can change both John Kerry And George W. Bush, although the Bush make over was more fun. I wish they would have done the same for kerry. Kerry's is fun nonethe less. Give them a make over at: Funny.AnsMe.comHere are my presidential make overs:

Bush in 4 Years

Kerry in 4 Years

Illinois Senate Race

I am watching the Illinois senatorial debate and in doing so I am getting more and more annoyed by Alan Keyes. He's such a pompous thespian wannabe hypocrite. I respect the views from various people but Keys doesn't firmly stand behind them. He spouts out rhetoric in an insulting manner and defends them blindly though the bible. I am a religious person however I don't believe you can accept blindly the interpretation of the man-written book. Well this is getting in far heavier topic than need be. If you live in Illinois please look up where the senate candidates stand on the issues. I hope you can look at any broadcast of the debate and will vote for Barack Obama. I am not a democrat nor republican, I will confess that I am a registered Democrat, but I am a swing voter. In my opinion Barack is the wiser, smarter, solid choice for senate. Here's a snippet of their difference on issues:

Barack Obama
Opposes mandate death penalty for gang members
(I agree they are already eligible and is unnecessary)
Supports abortion
(I don't agree with abortion but support the right of a woman to choose)
Supports stem cell research
(I think for humanity sake we need some further research)
Supports gun control
(item in question was for automatic weapons, I'm on the fence about this one)


Alan Keyes
Opposes all gay/lesbian issues (adoption, birth) even them as a whole.
(he preaches all men and woman are created equal, yet he vilifies gays/lesbians and condemns any right for them.)
Opposes stem cell research
(Keyes doesn't anything to do with stem cells)
Opposes all laws for gun control
(Wants to focus more on law enforcement to resolve gun issues)
Opposes abortion
(indirectly stated that Rowe vs Wade should be over turned)

LOOK UP THEIR STANCE ON ISSUES @ issues2000.org

Joke of the Day

A woman was walking down the street when she was approached by a man.
The man said, " I must have you right now! I'll drop 500 dollars on the ground at your feet and in the time it takes for you to pick it up I can have my way with you from behind!" The woman thought it over and told the man to wait a minute.

She called her girlfriend on her cell phone and told her about the man's proposition. Her girlfriend said.. "When he drops the $500 on the ground I'm sure you can pick it up and run before he gets his pants down. Call me back and tell me what happened." An hour and a half later the lady called her girlfriend back. "What happened?" the girlfriend asked. The lady said " That M.F. had $500 in quarters!"

Unbelievable BOSTON WINS!!

I started writing into this blog session as the Sox lead game seven 6-0 in the second inning. Damned Color-me-Bad look a like Johnny Damon. He hit a grand-slam towards the right side of the field. Homers AGAIN, beginning of the 4th - the score now 8-1. What's the deal with the Yanks' pitchers? This is not was not the plan. The Yankees were supposed to start off with the big lead! It was the total opposite.

I think Damon made a pact with the devil. In the fifth inning he was supposed to be out, well could have been. His hit was caught by the pitcher. Vasquez throws to third base when payback....runner runs back to plate and inadvertently blocks the throw - No out! Luckily they didn't score in that inning.

In seventh inning Damon at bat with two runners on plate, one out. Joe Torre cautious walks out to the field, stalls for time. New pitcher Felix Heredia is brought out to face the Damon Demon. No runs from Boston in that inning. Finally though the Yankees are able to score as Pedro Martinez starts his pitching round of the night. Questionable why he was brought in though when Boston was still up 7 points and Lowe was pitching very well. Martinez gives up two runs decreasing there lead to 5 points at the end of the seventh.

Awk the Sox start the eight inning with a homer from Bellhorn. Then score another in the ninth. Yankees bring in Mariano Rivera to close the ninth. All hopes to stop anymore runs seem insignificant at this point where the score is not 10-3. Williams,Posada & sierra pop-out and aren't able to add to the huge deficit. Best of luck Boston, I'll cheer for you on to go all the way now.

Damn Gas Prices!

This hasn't been the highest price this year, but I am tired of paying more than 25 bucks every time I fill up! Want to find the best prices around your area check out GasPriceWatch.com
© Araceli Arroyo

Boston Reds Hold On

UGH!! I am so frustrated. I cannot believe the Yankees are allowing a game seven. I'm actually embarrassed at the sneaky attempt from Alex Rodriguez. I am a die-hard Yankee fan, yes even more than my home teams (sox & cubs). However Alex Rodriguez clearly attempted to purposely knock the baseball out of Arroyo's glove. (I love hearing my last name in the major leagues :)

Anyway, the Yankees were up 3-0! THREE-to-ZIP! The previous two games the yanks were leading! I am amazed. If the Red Sox end up winning the series I will honestly give it up to them. They deserve to win the pennant at that point. ONLY if they win game seven.

The Yankees have to come out and build a lead early in the game. They have to imagine that each inning is the last one of the game and play with major heart. I didn't see that heart today. They are taking their history of championship appearances for granted. They are completely underestimating the presumably cursed team. The Sox are not leaving their fate up to luck, they are fighting with all their might, common Yankees! Show me your heart!

Flowing Fingers

I love it when words just flow onto the screen. I don't really know what is about to unfold whether it's a story a song a poem. I just know that as soon as I lay my fingers onto the keyboard my thoughts direct my finger tips towards the appropriate keys on the keyboard. With the exception of the many typos I know what word will follow. The problem is getting to maintain my hands on the laptop. Well honestly my mind needs to maintain it's focus on the monitor screen. I always find a way to distract what I should be doing. There are a million better things I should be doing instead of watching TV. Television is my number one distraction from my writing. There are a million other things I should be doing instead of writing too! I rather do this.

When I see the words appear on the screen, even better when I don't have to look at the keyboard to find the specific letter...and the words from my mind appear without typos. That is magic. There is no magic of the pen here. Who cares - you say what I write. I write crap? Well it's my crap. What are you writing. You aren't even writing a freaking comment. So clearly you are one of the many that don't care. Continue onto the next blog, all you want to do is to criticize me.

Say What You Mean

Why do people, men in particular, bring up an idea and say we'll do something. Hey maybe this weekend we should do this or hey this sat we should go here. I reply yeah that’s a good idea lets do that. What happens next?

No deal. I didn't get that I'll call you line. We all know what the means - it not going to happen. The thing is - I hate when people mention something and then I get my hopes up. I know, I know, the plans weren't set in stone, but one-day prior it was still the idea.

Am I wrong to want to go through that great original idea? If there was no intention to follow thorough why even bring it up? Yes it would be good to do that thing THIS weekend. Yes it would be cool to go to that place This Saturday. LETS!?! He did say 'this' not 'some', meaning don't get your hopes up it' just a thought. Well I got my hopes up, and now it's Saturday and we didn't do anything and didn't go anywhere. My beef today - you said you would come over - where the hell are you? Ugh I hate these games, where's that phone? I have to make a call and bitch.

My Kind of Town

It's a funny thing how movies can inspire you and remind you of what you should feel lucky about. That's why love them, each of them tell you a story. Each of them can take you to places you have never traveled too. I love them best when they take to places you have traveled to and bring you back those memories. They take you through some roads and sights that are familiar and are happy to see once more. I haven't traveled enough, but I enjoy thinking of the possibilities.

I just watched a movie that takes you through Paris. I was fortunate to have been there. Now I want to go back. I wonder though...

I have friends that left Paris, and now live here. As I saw the actress stroll through the bridge across Notre Dame, I felt like asking my friends.... How does it feel to come from one of the greatest cities on Earth? Then I thought, actually I just realized. I come from one of the greatest cities on Earth. Here I am idolizing other cities like Paris, New York and Rome and never included my own hometown. I dream of going back to these cities especially New York, God I love that city. BUT...I love Chicago. I have never appreciated Chicago though. A friend visited last month, from New Jersey. During her visit, while we crossed the streets of the Chicago loop, I told how I wished I had NY as close as she did. She reminded me though how Chicago was in her mind the best city. She has traveled a bit more, and lived in different places. She told me it took leaving this city to realize how much you can miss it. My response: I guess I have to move away to get that appreciation. Today for some reason, I get it. Don't get me wrong I still want to travel. I love traveling, but today I love Chicago more than I ever did.

Movie Review - Ladder 49 ***

Ladder 49 (2004)
Directed by: Jay Russell
Writing credits: Lewis Colick
Genre: Action / Drama / Thriller
Main Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix .... Jack Morrison
John Travolta .... Captain Mike Kennedy
Jacinda Barrett .... Linda Morrison

Ladder 49 will hit home for many Americans. This sad movie whether it intended to or not reminded you of the difficulties that the firemen go through, in particular the tragedy of September 11th. This movie on its own right, without the recollection of the terrorist attack on the empire state building, saddens you. Waiting to see if Joaquin Phoenix’s character is rescued from the burning building, you can help to imagine real firefighters in that same situation. I think we all need this remembrance, we can't forget to honor our brave and heroic civil servants from that day and those who risk their lives everyday. This blockbuster is a tear jerker and worth seeing.

Plot Summary - courtesy of the Internet Movie Database
Under the watchful eye of his mentor Chief Mike Kennedy (Travolta), probationary firefighter Jack Morrison (Phoenix) matures into a seasoned veteran at a Baltimore fire station. Jack has reached a crossroads, however, as the sacrifices he's made have put him in harm's way innumerable times and significantly impacted his relationship with his wife and kids. Responding to the worst blaze in his career, he becomes trapped inside a 20-story building. And as he reflects on his life, Chief Kennedy frantically coordinates the effort to save him.

Cubbies' Dream Over for the Season

I got a great treat from work last Tuesday. I was invited to see a cubs game at wrigley field courtesy of my company. About fifteen of us were treated to skybox seats, stocked with free food and drinks. I'm glad my brother in law's joke-wish of rain didn't come true. I know he was only playing and wish he could go, but when I saw the dark clouds in the morning I distinctly remember his word. "I hope it rains." - OUCH! I had a good time even though. The gma was never close but had fun chatting with my coworkers and OMG that carrot cake from the dessert cat, yum yum. I was upset towards the end when the cubs lost, but was glad I went. That was the first and probably my last time being able to watch a game from the suites. My next goal is to watch from front row, by the dug out.

No home runs from Sosa

Final Score

Sadly this weekend they completely lost out of the wildcard race. That's it for this year, season is over. That's such a dissapointment. We could have had a better shot of it this year. We were stocked with great hitters, ugh what a time to get into a hitting slump. Well as the old cliche goes - Wait till next Year!!

Movie Review - The Forgotten**1/2

The Forgotten - 2004
Directed by: Joseph Ruben
Writing credits: Gerald Di Pego
Genre: Thriller / Sci-Fi / Drama / Mystery
Main Cast:
Julianne Moore ..…… Telly Paretta
Gary Sinise…………. Dr. Jack Munce
Dominic West .…….. Ash Correll

I have been criticized to be too lenient on this movie. The reason I say this is because I don't believe this movie sucked. I know I usually do enjoy many movies, more than I should. However, I have low expectation for all alien movies anyway. Most of them are usually goofy and completely unbelievable.

That being said, this was the first time I was pleased with the plausibility of an alien movie. I don't want to give any of the storyline away but the way the story unfolded, if you give in to the idea that aliens can control our thoughts the movie makes sense. Granted that is a HUGE if, but nonetheless not as weak as other hilarious theories attempted in other movies. What makes sense is the strength between a mother and child. The movie did drag on just a bit longer than it should. Overall This movie would be a recent retal, wait until it comes out on DVD. If you rent it you won't hate it.

Celebrity News - Cynthia Nixon

This one came as a shocker, after reading this my jaw dropped.

The actress, who just won an Emmy for her role as Miranda Hobbes in the hit HBO comedy, is in a relationship with another woman, a source who works with Nixon told The Associated Press on Friday. source| MSN Entertainment

Hey all I can say as long as she's happy all else is good! She has her kids now. Not that that's all that men are good for, but why bare to live with a man she's not attracted too?

Creative Branding

I was clearing out my inbox and found a forward from last month. I still laughed at the site of the picture so I deemed it worthy to post. Enjoy:

nice legs

Canté El Dia De Ayer

La creatividad en español me viene mas facil. ¿Me pregunto por qué sera? Me recuerdo de un novio que tenía cuando era muy joven. Él y yo cantabamos versos que venian a nuestra mente del nada. Era mu lindo, pero confieso que algunas veces me sentía ridicula mientras cantaba. Bien dicen que uno no sabe lo que tiene hasta que lo pierde. Que no daria hoy, en tener ese joven muchacho romantico de nuevo a mi lado trayendo un poco de felicidad con la creatividad.

Te extraño querido.

Take This Fun Quiz

Do you want some insight of yourself? Many test are lame and give you predictable answrs you already know about yourself. Take this quiz and I guarantee you will learn something different. Take Quiz Now

Flash Movie - US MAP TEST

I must admit I failed the test the first time, more so because I had the window too small and my lack of accuracy hurt my time. Maximize your window and Take the US Map Test

--Goodluck!

Flash Movie - Your Colour Profile

Choose your color and determine what your color profile is.
What they told me:

You make sure that your financial decisions are safe and secure. You are wary of taking risks and are overly cautious that tends to let golden opportunities slip from your grasp!

Preferring a more casual appearance, you are more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt than in a suit. You don't like over dressing for any occasion, although you never look scruffy.

You are aggressive in business, but tend to take the backseat when it comes to your personal life. You are more comfortable talking about work than relationships.

You are a very practical person. It's more important to you that the things you own are useful, rather than nice to look at.

A good listener. You are comfortable allowing others to take the spotlight and share their adventures. You are protective about your friendship and ensure the best for your friends.

You are very strong-willed, even bordering on stubborn. You like to take care of yourself before helping others, although you will never let people down.

Movie Review - Shaun of the Dead***

Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Writing credits: Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright
Genre: Action / Comedy / Horror /
Main Cast:
Simon Pegg .... Shaun
Kate Ashfield .... Liz
Nick Frost .... Ed
Lucy Davis .... Dianne
Dylan Moran .... David
Nicola Cunningham .... Mary
Peter Serafinowicz .... Pete

I had a good time watching this movie. Shaun of the dead was a great spoof of the zombie movies and in turn resulted in being a good zombie movie itself. The first half of the movie concentrated on the comical side of the characters. Whether you’re a fan of British humor or not I will find it hard to believe that a person will not laugh out loud at least once! I enjoyed the gradual change from the comedy to action horror, which I'll confess was much less horror than it was more gory. Look out for a very gory and graphic scene. I seldom look away from horror flicks, but in this one I had no choice. It was unexpected and disgusting, but understandably a must if one is too truly spoof a zombie film.

un dia

"Escribeme, escribeme manana" grito Jorge mientras Mayla le soplaba un beso desde el porton azul de la calle. Acabaron de discutir las posibilidades que probablemente vengan por la decision que Mayla tuvo. Nada tiene que cambiar, es lo que pensaba inocentemente ella. Si el amor que sienten uno al otro es verdadero, porque tiene que cambiar simplemente por la distancia entre ellos por solo unos meses.

Mayla nunca fue una muchacha de impulsiones rapidas y menos de esas que alteraban la vida de ella y sus queridos tan drasticamente. Pero por esa misma razon, es por cual Mayla decidio viajar hoy. Ella savia muy bien que si se quedaba unos dias mas, ella misma se hubiera convencido en quedarse. Toda su vida ponia las necesidades y sentimientos de todos por delante de los suyos. Ella misma se enganaba de que los deseos de los demas eran en realidad los de ella. Nunca resentia la vida que vivia por complacer a su familia, novio, amigos, incluso unas quantas gentes estranas.

Pero eso se acabo. Hoy empieza una nueva etapa de su vida y una nueva manara de pensar y vivir. "Mayla soy yo, y Yo estoy primero en mi vida!" - asi exclamo la bella y aparentemente fragil muchacha ya una mujer decisiva.

MPG Movies - Athletes not Going to Athens

OUCH!!!

These are more painful to look at than funny, but for those that have a more sadistic sense of humor check these out.
Javelin
Gold
Silver
Bronze

Movie Review - Resident Evil **

Disappointing Evil

This sequel was a different type of movie than the first. At no time was I ever scared of the walking dead. I did like s few effects, which is the only reason one might opt to see this movie at the theater. Other than I don't recommend spending those $9. The story was very predictable and worse had many cheesy lines. Of course that is to be expected in an action film, which is what the movie ended up being. I suppose it more closely relates to it's game originator, but if that's what we wanted we are better off playing the actual game.

Headache

Wow I have a bad headache right now. My class is ending i about 5 minutes I can't wait to go back home and go to sleep. They were good today, I just suffered because of the pain in my head :(
It's funny how different things can cause headaches. The one I have now I know is due to lack of sleep. As usual I stayed up last night watching a movie. Last night "Duplex", I'll add rental reviews in the Movie section soon. Quick note it was just blah ;P

Well for quick reference here are headache causes:

Lack of sleep
hangover (consuption of too much liquor)
Stress
Too Much Crying
Head Injury (Duh)
Hormone imbalance (Don't freak out t his can be common)
Tumor (Don't freak out can be benign)


Will write more, going home now :)

WM Movie - Funny Iraq Subtitles

Funny movie...

Iraq infedels need subtitles?

Around Town - Redneckville

I got these in one of my e-mails. Click on image to view larger size. You know you're a redneck when...

Helpful Hint - Health

Did you know..
100 people choke to death on disposable pens evert year.
Milk from young coconuts can be successfully used as blood plasma.
Couples that diet while on vacation argue 3 times more often than those that don't.
Microwave ovens can cook food so fast that germs can survive on the surface, to counteract this, it is recommended to cover the cooking dish with another dish.
Mosquitos are attracted to people who have just eaten a banana.

QT Movie - Bush On OBGYN Love

What THe?!?

"Too many OBGYN aren't able to practice their, their love with women all across this country"

-George W. Bush

onegoodmove.org/1gm - Bush On OBGYN Love

Helpful Hint - Women

WORDS WOMEN USE WHAT THEY TRULY MEAN

FINE:
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES:
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING:
This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in "Fine"

GO AHEAD:
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.

LOUD SIGH:
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing"

THAT'S OKAY:
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS:
A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.

How Long? How Long?

I've heard you shouldn't question fate.
If it's meant to be it'll truly be.

I ask how long must I wait for the day to come
and be what was destined to be?

Yes I do believe I pushed away some chances.
Yes I know i've had luck in other aspects.

I regret most that long time love who loved me
but I was too immature to see.

I'm more than grown now, and reflect back often.
I always wonder till this day where is he?

He wasn't a perfect thing,
but I can now see he was my exact being.
A perfect match for me.

Around Town News - Russia

There has been so many events that I haven't had the time to write about. The topics that this blog focus on seem (correction ARE) so aloof in comparison to many devastating world events. I am deeply saddened to the horrid killings occuring in Russia. How can anyone overbear and seek to make a point by harming children? The innocence and well being of children should never be threatened. These kids are defenseless innocent beings that should have no part in these ridiculous terrorist acts. I always try to put myself in the other persons' point of view. I can understand that people want to be heard and taken seriously. However there is a line with trying to prove a point and sheer madness and cruelty. The massacre at the Russian school has no reasonable explanation.

What urks me more is the fact that our president makes no mention of these events and continues on his normal planned activities of self promotion. This goes for all politicians. I have always been a bit ticked off at the fact that an elected official doesn't continue with his job responsibilities, that he was elected to perform and instead travels around running for office. ALL of them do this, they decide they want a higher post and try to gain exposure by raising a campaign and STOP WORKING. George Bush campaigned for re-election, and makes no mention of the Russian Events.

What can he do anyway? Awareness alone is something. Sadly many Americans don't watch the news, but some do go out to these campaign rallies. Some do catch his speeches on TV. Let me know you are doing your job and what is going on in the world that affects us and humanity for that matter.

MSNBC - More than 100 killed in Russian school siege

Helpful Hint - Medicine

Whenever possible, stand up to swallow medicine. Pills taken lying down can lodge in the throat and dissolve there, producing inflammation or injury.

Helpful Hint - Contacts

If you wear contact lenses, clean your case often. A dirty lens case can be the culprit behind a corneal ulcer, a painful and potentially dangerous eye condition.

Flash Movie - Walking Drunk Game

Help the poor drunk guy walk without falling over.
Die Wagenschenke - Das Partyzelt am Albanifest in Winterthur.

Auto Fanatic

OK here's another tidbit info about me, some of my friends already know. I Love Cars - I love Fast cars!! I love tricked out, pimped up, blazin power, juiced up vehicles! Got the point?

I watched a couple of shows that do this (trick out the ride)! Now I am all pumped up. I wish I could afford to add more bling bling to my luvbug, that's what I call my little truck by the way. Anyway, here are my suggestions to wow you and give you some suggestions if you also dream the ghetto fabulous dream. You must check out MTV's 'Pimp My Ride'. Sometimes the pimpin' s taken to more ghetto level than my taste desires, but they add major wow to the cool factor.

Catch TLC's 'Overhauled'. I just watched th show and I am abit ashamed to admit, I teared up to a bit. This kid was tricked while his car got tricked out. His parents set him up for a fake tow of his car, and stalled him while the car gets juiced. The kid was so excited when he sees it once more but with the new look he is left speechless and choked up.

First Day of School

My class is ending soon. I gave my students five more minutes to practice their fast typing exercise. I had a very good class today. The class is a great size, ten students total. They all seem very nice and were eager to learn. I found myself interacting very well with them and was able to express the lesson easily. I didn't struggle or feel as nervous as previous times, maybe I am getting really use to this. Well it's about time I've been teaching for 1 1/2 years already. I feel really good because this class was very attentive. The time went by quickly and I was actually not able to cover all the meterial, which means next class will be easier. Phew I survived! Time to go home and I didn't even break a sweat - woohoo!

Around Town News - London

This just looks funny. I feel bad for the short guy, being a short person my self I know standing next to a 7ft+ person all day would make me feel even smaller.

August 27, 2004 (London, England)

The queen's newest guard towers over London, though he's not as tall as Big Ben. Martyn Walters is 7 foot 3- and 9 foot tall in his bearskin helmet.
	He serves next to the shortest member of the guard outside Buckingman Palace who is 5 foot 2. "Walters can do just about anything except when it rains. Then he's replaced by a shorter soldier who can stand under the rain shelter."

Source @ ABC7Chicago.com

Chain Letters

Usually I hate getting chain letters and for the most part I delete them before reading them. The reason I hate them more though is for the few ones I actually read. Some of them get me, and guilt me into wanting to forward on the e-mail. I feel guilty that if I don't forward on the message I am not being true to my religios beliefs and am embarrased of my faith. So instead of e-mailing it I decided to post this one instead here instead. I figure it's less obstrusive and i still have some ground of loyalty: If you like it copy and paste it into one of your e-mail messages:

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and! there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said,"Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! " He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for busin ess on a football
scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents,your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly
your friends...

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill ! himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved." My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never under estimate the power of your actions. Withone small gesture you can change a person's life. Forbetter or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.

You now have two choices, you can:

1) Pass this on to your friends or 2) Delete it and act like it didn't touch your heart. As you can see, I took choice number 1. "Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our! wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. That The Reason It's Called The Present It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.

Do as you will

--Celi

Celebrity News - Dave Matthews Band

I must add this to provide a follow-up from my previous postings. Dave Matthews Band has issued a statement on their website - The Official Dave Matthews Band Website In an attempt to assist authorities DMB members have offered to provide DNA evidence to help authorities determine the source of the sewage. I continue with the - EEEeeew

Celebrity News - Julia Roberts/Benjamin Bratt

Julia Roberts taking it slow. E-online reports she is taking a break from filming as her twins are due to arrive around Christmas. What's juicy in that article is what her ex, Benjamin Bratt is quoted saying:

"With Julia I saw up close what fame really does to a person, It sounds great but it comes with a terrible price. Getting too close to the light is a dangerous thing. But I needed to go through that to appreciate what I have now.

My wife is the most beautiful actress in the world, but what makes her special is that she's beautiful on the inside too. She doesn't have an unbearable ego."

It is so sad to see a grown man be so bitter. That is exactly what he sounds like. It would have been better to say: "It didn't work out, best wishes. I am very happy with my wife, who is my opinion is the most beautiful woman in the world inside and out.

See full article @ e.online.com

MTV's VMAs

A blasé show as I expected UNTIL: What I wouldn't have I done for an opportunity to have been at this performance live. Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys & Lenny Kravitz!!!!!!

I've seen Alicia & Lenny in their own concert performance, but all THREE on stage mixing it up together. Wonderful!!! I Love Alicia and Lenny, and Stevie common you owe this man major props. There are many many critics at MTV's 'sellout performers' and MTV's direction of music choices, but with that line up who cares.

Movie Revew - Suspect Zero **

Don't assume a scary thriller as I did after watching the trailer for this movie. It wasn't scary at all and was too slow paced to consider it a thriller. The storyline and acting were lacking and dull.

I'm not sure if the actual actors selected fit the movie though. I would have gone with a different casting. Ben Kingsley might have fit the role of a dark frieghtful serial killer, at least so it seemed in the first five minutes of the movie. However, as stated earlier the movie went a different direction. Aaron Eckhart, who plays the other main character of the movie is bland. I found myself more irritated at his character more than anything else. The forced relationship between him and Carrie-Anne Moss, his partner seemed to be thrown and mixed together just to add some substance to the story.

This won't be the worst movie you'll see far from it, but wait until you've seen all the other movies you want to see. this one can wait. I'd say rent this one if it's the only one on the shelf.

Sore Spots

My goodness what a headache I woke up with. Went out to the nightclubs last night. I had a really good time. We left Bio Bar and headed towards Zentra. One of my favorite things to do at a club if possible is lean against the speakers and feel the vibration against my body. Sometimes the base is so deap you can feel the beats pulsating though your veins and pumping your blood even heavier. I definitely love the techno clubs more than the others. Zentra played awesome techo last night and the beats were even better than what I had remembered. PsychoBitch was mixing and we even got free CDs! We tried heading back to Bio Bar to meet up with some friends but my VIP pass had a time limit ;( I must have drank some cheap vodka though because my head was pounding this morning.

This morning was a bear to wake up. I have forgotten I had asked my sister to wake me up so we could prepare the deck for staining. The power washer did do most of the magic dirt removal but my we did our fair share of scrubbing. I am so glad of our results, te deck looks great. I'll post before and after pictures after it's stained. Maybe next week we'll have a deck staining party where 'BYOB' will mean 'Bring Your Own Brush' ;)

We were done with the deck and front entrance steps around 5pm. I decided to take a quick nap. I woke up an hour later so increadibly sore. I don't mind, over all a good weekend. Now I'm off to the movies.

I Miss My Sex

I've popped Sex in the City into the DVD tonight and miss it all over again. Yes I was one of these women who found herself glued to the television set every Sunday, living vicariously through the lives of the dramedy characters. I don't care what anyone thinks this show has always found the way to make me laugh and gave me glimpses of one the cities I've come to love. I enjoy seeing parts of NewYork that I've walked upon and remember those times. New York has always given me the Zsa Zsa Zsu - You know that butterflies in your stomach thing that happens when you not only love the person but you gotta have them! (in this case the place)

Energy Drain

I am exhausted! I went to sleep very late, I know that is not a new thing for me. However last night I went to bed later than usual - 2:30 am. I had completed a power point presentation for work and was just about to e-mail it, when the computer stalled on me. I figured 'OK, I'll just reboot and try to e-mail again' 20 mins later and I was still unable to get the laptop back up. I brought it in today and had our Tech department work on it. Turns out the drive crapped out, and NOTHING was recoverable :( I lost soo much time in vane on that presentation. Today I scrambled to complete it and also work on my schedule assignments. What is worse I had forgotten what I had wrote the night before. I had to re-think and create the presentation from scratch again!

Some people ask me how is it possible for me to be very tired if all I do at work is sit behind a desk and stare at a computer. My explanation for this is simple. The work I do requires me to use my head a lot and think and plan things out. This procees uses up my energy. This lack of energy strangely enough gives me similar symptoms as those people the do hard labor. I get weak, have headaches, sometimes body aches and ultimately become very tired. Time to go home, I'm going to take a nap on the train :)

Around Town News - Athens, Greece

Greek taxi driver finds Olympic medal

... And the silver metal goes to Simon Diederik! Event: Getting trashed and losing your belogings...

August 26, 2004 (ATHENS, Greece) — One Olympic athlete better keep his medal around his neck.

Greek taxi driver Ioannis Zavos found a surprise in the back seat of his cab -- an Olympic silver medal.

The medal had been won by Dutch rower Simon Diederik. He had hailed a yellow cab Monday night and left the medal behind.

Olympic officials notified Athens cab companies after Diederik realized what he had done.

There are about five-thousand taxis in Athens, but the medal was found after a two day search. The Athens Organizing Committee will be rewarding the cabbie for his honesty.

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Source from: ABC7Chicago.coml

Miami Dream on Hold

It doesn't seem I'll be taking the trip down south anymore :( The girl we were waiting on didn't come through. There's maybe another chance but it's looking very grim. My sister suggested we hit the Dells instead. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea. I've never been to Wisconsin Dells and it will be A LOT cheaper to go there instead. I think they are looking to go through a time share sales pitch. Hey I don't mind listening to the hot air if it reduces the expense greatly. Oh well, we'll see what the stars have lined up for us.

IM Junkie

Yeah, yeah I admit it. I am an IM fiend!
I use MSN, Yahoo and AOL instant messenger applications. Sometimes I bring in Trillian to maintain them all within one application. Trillian has it's drawbacks though. A friend from work sent me this link mapping out all the new extended AOL Instant Messenger smileys. AIM Smileys - BigBlueBall.com They are pretty cool. To use them though I had to upgrade my AIM. I was pleased to find that the site is geared to discuss all about instant messaging. I will be visiting this site often! BigBlueBall.com

Celebrity News - Dave Matthews Band

I guess it was Dave Matthews!
In a post I made on August 9th It was believed that the tour bus belonging to the Dave Matthews Band had dumped smelly sewage onto unsuspecting tourist. Now the City of Chicago is taking action:

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- The state of Illinois sued the Dave Matthews Band on Tuesday for allegedly dumping up to 800 pounds of liquid human waste from a bus into the Chicago River, dousing a tour boat filled with passengers.
courtesy of: cnn.com

Celebrity News - Matt Damon

Matt Damon gives upon dating celebrities

Apparently in reaction to the media circus that surrounded his long-time buddy Ben Affleck’s romance with J.Lo, Damon says that now he will only date “civilians” — i.e., not celebrities.
Courtesy of MSNBC

See I told you guys Matt and I were dating ;)

My Next Trip - MIAMI

My family and I are hopefully going to take the trip down south for a couple of days next month. I could sure use the fun in the sun! Even though I am not fond of the sun, a nice vacation is always nice. I have to find a dog sitter, the turtles will be fine, we're only heading out for four days. I can hardly wait, seeing this video just makes me want to head out there now! Miami Video

Celebrity News - Tom Cruise

Cruise Says He's Keeping Vote Private

Tom Cruise says he respects the right of entertainers to participate in political campaigning, but his vote in the upcoming presidential election will remain private. Courtesy of:yahoo news

Hmmm.. Lets see
1. Scientologist
2. Actor
3. from Syracuse NY
4. Contribution History: Democratic 100% | Republican 0%
source: campaignmoney.com

What's the point of stating you are keeping your vote private? You don't have to be a psychic to guess where his vote is going.

Celebrity News - John Stamos/Rebecca Romijn Stamos?

John Stamos files for divorce from Rebecca Romijn-Stamos. After 10 years of knowing each other and five years of marriage the romantic relationship of the arguably most beutyful couple has ended. John Stamos has filed for divorce today, read more @ Hollywood.com: "John Stamos files for divorce from Rebecca Romijn-Stamos"

Flash Movie - I Will Beat Pacman

This one is kinda scary, but errr interesting? Check it: Newgrounds

Around Town News - New York

Breast Cancer Awareness with the World's Largest Pink Ribbon

The pink ribbon means something different for everyone. For one it might be a memory of one lost to breast cancer. For another it might be a symbol of what the future could bring. For yet another, it could mean survival. No matter what it represents to each individual, it brings hope to the thousands of people who are affected by breast cancer every year. If you're one of these people, join Post-it® Brand in creating the World's Largest Pink Ribbon and "sticking up" for the cause that touches so many lives. Read more info @ www.3m.com/us/office/postit/research/largest_pink_ribbon.jhtml

Movie Review - Open Water **1/2

You are better off renting this movie, and only if you actually like shark movies and unique film style. The film was presented in documentary low budget style, gving you the genuine feeling of reality. This actually fits perfectly since the story is based on a true story. Do not expect your typical hollywood fairytale endings with this one. You will enjoy the reality of the film especially the interaction between the main actors. I was very pleased ith their acting and their lines within the story. It was exactly what you'd expect a couple to go through and relate to. Overall a decent film, but you could afford to wait until released for renting.

Organization

I've decided to create sub-blogs! For ease of navigation and better access to sections within this blog, you can now link to the main groupings.
Movie Reviews
Flash Movies
Around Town News (any town any where, but fun and interesting)
Celebrity News

Flash Movie - Woman Drivers

I love this clip because it demonstrates the truth. Men always scoff at the capabilities of women drivers. I don't want toot my own horn, but I know for sure I am an excellent parallel parker, far better than many men. I must admit the woman on this commercial clip has me beat ;)

Check it out @ HolyLemon.com - Woman Drivers

Celebrity News - Britney Spears

I'm not surprised:

Simon Amstell of the U.K. show "Popworld" asked Spears what was the last thing she’d put in her mouth. Spears reportedly replied that it was a sex toy.

Read the first article from MSN's Gossip Column

Flash Movie - Alcohol Warnings

OMG! This one is hilarious! Common, you know you have done this or been a victim of that obnoxious drunk. For those of you that like to drink to the point of idiodic behavior here are some warnings for you! The Webshite: Alcohol Warnings

Flash Movie - Music Video: 59 Ways to Move Ya

My two main addictions - movies and music (esp. dance). As a child of the eighties I thought music videos were awesome! Check this out, a flash music video. 59 WAYS TO MOVE YA

Celebrity News - Nicole Kidman/Sean Penn

That's Right! You Tell Him Girl.

"What's wrong?" Nicole finally fessed up. "His breath stinks," she wailed. "It smells like smoke . . . and it's making me sick!"

I don't tend to feel sorry for celebrities, but this is a complaint by many women and even men. Don't be rude freshen up before puckering up! Read the full story @ My Way - Celebrity Gossip

Around Town News - Chicago

ABC7Chicago.com - August 16, 2004:
Oprah Winfrey reports for jury duty

The billionaire will wait with about 300 other prospective jurors. A jury supervisor says -- even if Winfrey isn't picked for a jury by the end of the day -- she'll still receive a 17-dollar check from the court for her time.

What are the odds!?! I've served twice now and never has there been a BILLIONAIRE sitting next to me.

Movie Review - Manchurian Candidate **1/2

A Rental Candidate Instead

Was it because I was tired? Doubtful, this movie wasn't as good as I expected. I think some scenes went farther than they should have been, to the point of complete disbelief and irritation. I expected an edgy film dealing with government conspiracy in a realistic modern day scenario. After all this was a remake of much older film. Without giving too much information about the movie, the outcomes and behavioral changes in the platoon could have been achieved by drugs and hypnotism alone. Spoiler here - NO NEED for brain probing and implants. I can forgive the implants, but the cheesy lines that surrendered the characters into a trance were more idiotic and funny than serious.

Many events were also too predictable. I mean common there was a woman who was overly friendly to Denzel's character. We later find out the reason, however no one is that assertive and persistant unless she's a hooker, even if it is Denzel. Movie dragged on, you are better off waiting to see this movie as rental instead.

Pictures - Baby Caps

I stole this from another blog. What can I say I could resist the picture is just soo cute. I do give credit where credit is due here is the blog entry and link:

More mini-me; cats come with hats - August 12, 2004
Apparently, babies don't always come with hats, but sometimes cats do.. posting from: www.cnewmark.com

Click on Image to view larger size

Flash Movie - BrainPop

This is a pretty cool, this site has done a good job at making small movies allowing you to learn various subject such as: Health, Science, Technology, Math, English, & Social Studies. Aimed for kids but anyone at any age should learn this stuff.

BrainPOP - Educational Animation for Kids.

Around Town News - Switzerland

Below are pictures of a public toilet in Switzerland that's made entirely out of one-way glass. No one can see you in there, but when you are inside, it looks like you're sitting in a clear glass box.
Click on Image to view larger size

OOooooooh!

AAaaaaaah!

Celebrity News - Alicia Keys

ABCNEWS.com : Ga. Man Gets Calls for Alicia Keys
I must admit everytime I heard that song I was tempted to call that number.ABCNEWS.com : Ga. Man Gets Calls for Alicia Keys

Now that I know there is a recoring for her fans I will leave a message.

Around Town News - Chicago

EEEEEEEEWWWW!!!!!!
ABC7Chicago.com: Bus dumps waste on boat below
-I heard on the radio this morning that allegedly the tour bus that made the dumping belonged to the Dave Matthews Band.

Movie Review - Collateral ****

A Must See Action Thriller that will THRILL you

To no surprise to me is the fact that Tom Cruise's charm transcends into his character. Playing a villain for the first time was a nice change of pace. You don't fall in love or have deep sympathy for him, but you can't help to chuckle a few times at his take for his profession. A hired assassin with a job of 5 people within a short period of time, Vince (played by Tom Cruise) hijacks a cab driver to transport him to these their various locations.

I enjoyed the pace of this movie. Some movies hit you off with action sequences off the bat - those are the action movies. Others build up the suspense till toward the last part of the movie, those would be the suspenseful thrillers. Now that brief lesson is over: Collateral eases you in developing the cab driver's character (Jamie Foxx) and builds a bond between you and him and then hijacks you as well in a smart impacting ride.

Jaime Fox adapted well to his character, although I can see why Cruise played the Villain in this film as his character has a stronger spark. This film hold it's plot and anchors it's story with great action sequences. This film has everything required in a summer block buster. The girl, the guy (although no cheesy romance - great omission in this film by the way) and superb action shots. Shooting, car chases, jumping, running, I was thrilled. If you like action go see this movie. If you like suspense movies, go see this movie. If you like either of the main characters go see this movie.

Visit this review & other movie reviews from me - celikins @ movies.com | Collateral

PICTURES - CV Summer Cruise 07/27/04

Anyone who knows me knows I get trigger happy when I have a camera with me. Sorry Julian & Charlie. My small nephew & dog are helpless victims of my camera frenzy.

This year I was quite upset that I forgot to pack my trusty cam with to our second annual boat cruise at work. (wow that was a long name for an event)

Luckily, Michelle was nice enough to lend me her camera for a quick fix of that photography addiction I have. Well not like she had a choice ;) Check out some quick pictures I took or tried to take. I'm known as the Celi Paparazzi in that collection.

CV Summer Cruise 07/27/04