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

A Regular Day

A man sat next to me on the A.M. Train this morning. More than likely he was on his way to work as was I. I couldn't help but to feel concern instead of irritation as he sat down. He had headphones on, however the music was loud enough that I could clearly hear it, as he crouched over to read his book. I gazed at his back figure as it now faced me. He seems to be a fit tall well groomed black man. I'm curious and wish to see how exactly he looks, not because I may think I have a chance to stir up a conversation. I don't dare dream he would ask me out, but it's early and I could use some eye candy.

I think back on those magazine articles that show the reader: "How to meet & where to meet men” I can picture them now, 'The train is a great way to meet men. Muscle up some courage & say something" - Yeah Right!!

The last thing anyone wants during a work commute is to be hit on. You would think it would be flattering but more than likely that person, who hasn't even looked at you once during the train ride, isn't going to suddenly realize what they were missing in Life. On that A.M. train that person is either sleeping, studying, whatever but he/she is not looking forward to their destination. Think about it!? All the fun places you go to, do you need to get on an early train to get there?

Anyway morale of the story, don't hit on anyone, mind your business and be quiet - some of us are trying to sleep.

Movie Review - Bourne Supremacy ***1/2

Bourne Again - Good Again

The story from this sequel was actually better than the first. It was an intense movie that had you and didn't give out it's entire plot as many blockbuster movies do within the firat 15 minutes of the movie. Within the first 15 minutes of this movie you actually get a surprise twist.

I agree with many of the other reviews for Bourne Supremacy. They story is Great the Acting is Great, Matt Damon NICE

The non traditional camera action could have been better if not used in the fighting sequences and the car chase. I can see how sometimes directors prefer this in order to get a closer look or a feeling that you are the one actually seeing things. When it comes to fighting and chasing cars though, I want to see everything, having snipets of the impact shots goes gar more instead.

Visit this review & other movie reviews from me - celikins @ countingdown.com | Bourne Supremacy

Celebrity News - Lindsay Lohan

I'm sick - Lohan's price tag: $7.5 million

I love Lindsay, I really do. I'm a big fan. Something about this Girl just makes you want to watch her. NOT that perverted way either. She's just a very charismatic beautiful girl. BUT at AGE 18 EARNING 7.5 Million per MOVIE???! Lohan's price tag: $7.5 million Oy Vey America, this is just asking for trouble.