The Certifiable Wenches

Falling Out Of Love With You

2012-01-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

Oh Duran Duran, how I used to love thee.

Age has not been very kind to some of you and your music has lost its luster.

There are a lot of artists I love, but I don't usually find myself losing affection for them, however Duran Duran are different.

They have put out shitty album after shitty album since the early 90s, with one or two gems in between. Ok, one gem. If you listen to any Duran Duran album recorded after The Wedding Album, let it be Astronaut. That album won't disappoint you, especially if you love the sound of their earlier material such as Rio and Seven and the Ragged Tiger.

I found myself listening to the band again today and found myself loving the stuff pre-1992. Any time any of the newer material came on I wanted to change my playlist.

I don't think I've ever felt this way about a band. I get so disappointed by their music these days. I doubt I'll buy their next album without hearing the whole thing first.

Things I Suck At

2012-01-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

I believe in being honest with myself and to do that I have to come to terms with my shortcomings, and boy do I have a lot of them.

Here are a few of the things I suck at.

1. Organization: I try and I try but chaos is all I'm good at.

2. Housecleaning: Somehow I think that goes hand in hand with organization.

3. Laundry: I procrastinate here. I hate laundry. It is a lonely chore. Before my grandmother passed away, I almost enjoyed it because we had time to catch up on things while we used her old ringer washer, but now..it is a lonely thankless chore and I hate doing it and probably suck at it too...cos I don't believe in ironing!

4. Multi-tasking: OK just can't do it...I try and try but I never succeed.

What are some of the things you suck at?

Arrrrr! Pirates Everywhere

2012-01-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

SOPA/PIPA has me thinking.

All the big wig industries want to limit our freedoms because of piracy. Piracy is bad. I understand that.

If you are a recording artist/author/actress...you want people to pay for your product.

Makes sense

However it would be nice if the publishers/record companies/movie studios would stop gouging consumers for that product.

Oddly, I think that music piracy has helped the recording industry in knowing what is fair in pricing. (At least with digital media). A full album is seldom more than $9.99, which is actually what albums cost on vinyl many many moons ago. There are also many deals on new releases where you can get the album much cheaper than that. Physical CDs are priced too high...but I guess that explains why most people don't buy them anymore. Why buy a CD when you can get the download. Who needs the cases and liner notes? (I do..but I'm in a minority here)

The cost of movies etc...is just ridiculous all the way around. That's all I can say on that front. Tis a shame the films coming out these days are mostly crap..it is no wonder people don't want to pay for them, but hey at when you buy a DVD it is cheaper than taking your girlfriend/boyfriend/child to the theater.

With books however, digital copies are priced almost as high as the book. It really is amazing there isn't more piracy there. I guess it is because reading isn't as cool. But I have to gripe that a trade paperback copy of The Woman in Black was priced at $10.99 and the ebook $9.99.

WTF!

Oh and a further gripe...if I buy a print copy of a book, I can share that with a friend or as many friends as I'd like..that's not the case with ebooks.

It really is no wonder piracy abounds in the entertainment world.

Rant ended..I'll step off my soap box for awhile

Madonna VS Elton

2012-01-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

Elton and his hubby David are seething because Madonna won the Golden Globe for Masterpiece from the film, W.E. Elton's song was Hello Hello with Lady Gaga. The scary thing about Hello Hello, is that Gaga sounds oddly like Stevie Nicks.

Here are both songs, I have to say both are great songs:

Hello Hello

Masterpiece

To be honest, I think Madonna's song is superior and feels right for the award. It really is one of Madge's better offerings in years.

What do you think?

Too Many Novellas Out There

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

I love a good book. I also love to discover new authors. Thanks to book blogging I've found quite a few great new writers in many genres that I absolutely adore.

What I can't stand about self publishing is that so many of the stories out there are novellas. W

Hmmm

I wonder how much that stupid Nanowrimo has to do with it? The word count of Nano is less than most Harlequin romances, m'kay and they are usually only about 180 pages.

Alot of the novellas out there have to be the results of Nanowrimo.

I despise Nanowrimo.

Ebooks are entirely too expensive when it comes to novellas.

$3.99 for 100 pages?

I don't fucking hardly think so.

Now I know many writers get on the discount train for Amazon and Barnes and Noble...so that the books cost is taken down to about a buck, but still, it leaves me feeling I didn't get my moneys worth.

How apt are you to buy a novella in print form or ebook form?

Something To Ponder

2012-01-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

Each week as I enter payroll taxes at work, I marvel at our stupidity. You know that Payroll Tax issue between the democrats and the republicans?

Well here's the thing...that bit of savings that doesn't really amount to much in your paychecks is a decrease in the employees contribution to Social Security.

Social Security is something that's failing because the gov't keeps dipping their greedy hands into it.

Yet we want to decrease our contribution to it...so we can have more money here and now.

That's nice in theory but when you think hard about it, it is pretty stupid.

Now I'm not one to side with Republicans on anything.

I can't fathom a good thing about any of them, especially the ones running for President, but what I do know is that sometimes I find that most of the country is uninformed about all the goings on in Congress.

We're scared of what may happen to Social Security and Medicare down the road, but we want the tax savings that may kill Social Security.

Doesn't make much sense.

Seriously....I think everyone in Washington should be fired.

Beyonce and Baby Blue Ivy

2012-01-11T16:52:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one that wants to scream that Blue Ivy (can you say stupid name) is just a freaking baby like all the other babies in the world.

I mean this kid is just another soon to be pampered and obnoxious child, like Suri, or any child spawned by Brangelina etc or rather bought by Brangelina.

It isn't as if this is the child of Prince William and Duchess Catherine who would at least grow up to be king or queen of England. Some wouldn't agree that that child would be special either, you know if Duchess Catherine were indeed pregnant...(is she? isn't she...is it twins...yada yada)

I'm just so sick of the media going on and on about this child, like it was royalty or Jesus Christ returning.

Uh no...you are just the child of some talented people. (And that is debatable too).

Take Me To The Movies

2012-01-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

The next few weeks are filled with movies that I desperately want to see. Some of them cheesy...some not so cheesy.

I'm dying to see Joyful Noise with Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. Those two alone could make the crappiest movie enjoyable, plus they will be singing...so it can't be all bad, right?

Next up is One For The Money. This one I'm 100% sure is going to be godawful, but I've been a fan of the Stephanie Plum novels forever and a day. I love them, even though they aren't nearly as good as they once were. I want to see this one because sometimes watching a trainwreck can be really fun.

I mean, can you imagine Katherine Heigl eating Krimpets? I think not? Stephanie Plum was a real woman...oh and Morelli was erm...Italian..and Jason O'Mara, while super hot...is not. I'm also having a hard time wrapping my mind around Debbie Reynolds as Grandma Mazur.

Lastly, I really really really must see The Woman In Black, I also really must read the book.

I think I'll buy a print copy so I can drool on the cover for awhile.

Dear God, Daniel Radcliffe is hot.

Weekend Tunes

2012-01-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

I discovered Schuyler Fisk this weekend and one of the songs I've totally fallen in love with is called Paperweight, which she recorded with Josh Radin. It appears on the soundtrack for Dear John and The Last Kiss.

Have a listen to a live version and fall in love with

Oh and lastly...Mika can sing anything...and he can sing it in French...

The Hardest Part Of The Christmas Season

2012-01-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I hate taking down the Christmas decorations. I can fully understand the people that leave their lights etc up all year long. There's something terribly depressing about it.

I started the process of dismantling one of the 3 trees we have up in our house, and it is a slow process. I love my Christmas trees. In fact, the tree is the thing I love the most about the holiday...ok aside from the cookies. I hate putting them away.

When the tree goes up there is a sense of anticipation....When it comes down it feels so sad...There's a whole bleak year ahead of us until next Christmas.

I'm not a fan of the hustle and bustle of the holiday, but I love the lights and the decorations. I always have. When it goes away...it makes me just a little bit sad. Maybe that's why the months of Jan-March are so miserable...its dark and dreary and cold and yucky and there are no pretty lights to brighten up the winter months.

Something I Don't Understand

2012-01-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

Why do I always forget to load my gift cards when I'm making purchases at Barnes and Noble?

I don't do this for Amazon.

In fact, most of the time I have my gift cards preloaded to my account.

Sadly that's not the case with B & N.

I have a $25.00 gift card that I got for Christmas and it is sitting downstairs. I bought 2 ebooks for my Nook tonight and do you think I was intelligent enough to load that card to my account.

Hell no!

So I paid $6.00 for something I didn't have to.

Pardon me while I put my head on the desk.

I'm so stupid!

Please tell me that I'm not the only one that has ever done this.

A Childhood Favorite

2012-01-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

I got an email from TCM annnouncing that Angela Landsbury was the featured actress of the month and it listed Bedknobs and Boomsticks as one of her films.

Believe it or not, I've never seen that film, but it did get me looking on Amazon for movies that I watched as a kid.

Some of my childhood favorites were Yellow Submarine and Willy Wonka (Even though the Oompah Loompahs scared the crap out of me). But the other film I absolutely loved as a kid was Pete's Dragon.

When I was little, I must have watched this film dozens of times, and that was before VHS and DVD.

I had a Little Golden Book copy of the story that I read all the time.

Like the Pixar films of today, the story is a bit depressing at times. But how can you not love Elliot the dragon?

I think I'm going to have to buy a copy of this one so I can revisit it now and again.

What movies did you love to watch as a kid?

Best Beatle Cover Ever!

2012-01-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

I've found that Elvis Costello is one of the few artists that can cover a song by The Beatles and do it admirably. The first cover I heard was You've Got To Hide Your Love Away.

More recently he covered Penny Lane at the White House when Paul McCartney was honored.

Have a listen.

Bloody brilliant, isn't it?

2011 in Review

2011-12-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

This was a very busy year for news both entertainment wise and "real world" wise.

~ Republicans still don't have a clue who may get the nomination. (Its hard to pick a wingnut when there are so many of them around)

~ Many many weddings this year...some high profile (Prince William and Duchess Catherine) Kim and Kris (which ended 72 days later)...some low profile...Big Ben.

~ Many celebrity deaths: Liz Taylor, Harry Morgan (M*A*S*H), Bill Keane (Family Circus), Andy Rooney, Elisabeth Sladen and Steve Jobs to name but a few.

~ Some great albums released this year...Miranda Lambert had 2...Erasure, Lady Gaga.

~ Some very interesting new television: Once Upon A Time, The Unforgettable, 2 Broke Girls, Grimm to name a few.

Share some of your favorite highlights or lowlights of 2011.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

A little interesting tidbit I learned about the English custom of plum pudding. The recipe has its roots in Catholicism.

Here's a bit of what I learned about the Puddin' via Wikipedia.

Basics

Many households have their own recipe for Christmas pudding, some handed down through families for generations. Essentially the recipe brings together what traditionally were expensive or luxurious ingredients - notably the sweet spices that are so important in developing its distinctive rich aroma, and usually made with suet. It is very dark in appearance - effectively black - as a result of the dark sugars and black treacle in most recipes, and its long cooking time. The mixture can be moistened with the juice of citrus fruits, brandy and other alcohol (some recipes call for dark beers such as mild, stout or porter).

Christmas puddings are often dried out on hooks for weeks prior to serving in order to enhance the flavor. This pudding has been prepared with a traditional cloth rather than a basin.

Prior to the 19th century, the English Christmas pudding was boiled in a pudding cloth, and often represented as round. The new Victorian era fashion involved putting the batter into a basin and then steaming it, followed by unwrapping the pudding, placing it on a platter, and decorating its top with a sprig of holly.
Initial cooking usually involves steaming for many hours (the period can be shortened without loss of quality by using a pressure cooker). To serve, the pudding is reheated by steaming once more, and dressed with warm brandy which is set alight. It can be eaten with hard sauce, brandy butter, rum butter, cream, lemon cream, custard, or sweetened béchamel, and is sometimes sprinkled with caster sugar.

History

The plum pudding's association with Christmas goes back to medieval England with the Roman Catholic Church's decree that the "pudding should be made on the 25th Sunday after Trinity, that it be prepared with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and the 12 apostles, and that every family member stir it in turn from east to west to honor the Magi and their supposed journey in that direction".^[1] Recipes for plum puddings appear mainly, if not entirely, in the 17th century and later. Their possible ancestors include savory puddings such as those in Harleian MS 279, crustades,^[4] malaches whyte,^[5] creme boiled (a kind of stirred custard), and sippets. Various ingredients and methods of these older recipes appear in early plum puddings.
Features of these recipes were combined or refined in ways that could have yielded plum pudding recipes. For example, combining the stirred custard with sippets makes it into a fool, a contemporary of early plum puddings, which is very similar to a pudding. Some early custard tarts, such as the crustade lumbard in Harleian MS 279, are only unlike plum puddings in that they are held together by a pastry crust and not by crumbs or meal. Malaches whyte, another kind of pastry, has a filling of eggs, bread crumbs, and butter, but no plums. So a fully developed plum pudding recipe could be derived from the above list of possible ancestors by some recombination. This is not to say that there were no other ancestors, only that there need not have been any.
Although it took its final form in Victorian England, the pudding's origins can be traced back to the 1420s, to two sources. It emerged not as a confection or a dessert at all, but as a way of preserving meat at the end of the season. Because of shortages of fodder, all surpluses livestock were slaughtered in the autumn. The meat was then kept in a pastry case along with dried fruits acting as a preservative. The resultant large "mince pies" could then be used to feed hosts of people, particularly at the festive season. The chief ancestor of the modern pudding, however, was the pottage, a meat and vegetable concoction originating in Roman times. This was prepared in a large cauldron, the ingredients being slow cooked, with dried fruits, sugar and spices added. In the 15th century, Plum pottage was a sloppy mix of meat, vegetables and fruit served at the beginning of a meal.^[6]
In 1714, King George I (sometimes known as the Pudding King) requested that plum pudding be served as part of his royal feast in his first Christmas in England. A recipe for "plum porridge" appeared in Christmas Entertainments in 1740.^[1] As techniques for meat preserving improved in the 18th century, the savory element of both the mince pie and the plum pottage diminished as the sweet content increased. The mince pie kept its name, though the pottage was increasingly referred to as plum pudding. Although the latter was always a celebratory dish it was originally eaten at the Harvest Festival, not Christmas. It was not until the 1830s that the cannon-ball of flour, fruits, suet, sugar and spices, all topped with holly, made a definite appearance, becoming more and more associated with Christmas. In 1747, London food writer Hannah Glasse had given a recipe for Christmas plum porridge, but it appears that East Sussex cook Eliza Acton was the first to refer to it as "Christmas Pudding" in her cookbook.^[7]

I Found A Funny @ Groupon

2011-12-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this guide to Body Language from the Groupon website.

I love how snarky this is..

To communicate, humans use body language 95% of the time and slogans they learned from pizza commercials for the other 5%. Communicate clearly using this guide to the language of the human body:

• Holding Hands: Couples are often seen holding hands during the beginning stages of a relationship because they're trying to memorize each other’s fingerprints—a critical part of the test to get a marriage license. For non-couples, holding hands is a way to gauge each other's hand sweat; whoever is sweating less is not as alive as the other person and should be rushed to the nearest adrenaline-producing skate park.

• Crossing Your Arms: Crossing your arms holds your organs in, letting people know that you love yourself for what’s on the inside, not just for your good outer looks.

• Hugging: People used to wrap their arms around each other so that they could punch each other in the back more easily without their sympathetic-looking faces getting in the way. Today, hugging is taboo, because it just looks too disgusting to see two grown adults embrace each other.

• Shaking Your Head: Shaking your head slowly lets people know that something is "a crying shame," and shaking your head vigorously means that you just had such a sick thought that you're trying to shake your brain out of your skull

Mmmm Nutella

2011-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

I love making cookies...and a few weeks ago I found a basic cookie dough recipe that can used in making 3 different cookies...

Allow me to share them with you. They appeared in last week's Relish magazine..

Here's the basic dough

3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Sift flour, baking powder and salt onto wax paper.

Combine butter, sugar and brown sugar and beat with a mixer until well combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture and beat until evenly blended. Dough can be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 3 days. Makes about 4 cups dough.

And now for the Nutella Sandwich Cookies

For rolled cookies, always start with cold dough,

Ingredients

2 cups Basic Cookie Dough

1/4 cup Nutella

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Line cookie sheets with parchment.

Divide 2 cups of Basic Cookie Dough into 4 pieces. Wrap 3 pieces individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Roll remaining piece on a sheet of lightly floured wax paper to about 3/8-inch thickness. Cut into 9 (2-inch rounds); arrange 1 inch apart on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until tops look done. Let cool on cookie sheet 3 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire rack; let cool completely.

Spread Nutella on half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies. Dust with powdered sugar.

Jen Aniston The Hottest Woman?

2011-12-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

Sure Jen, is cute, but the hottest woman? C'mon! Ever? And for all time?

I'm totally baffled by this?

I mean she is up against people like Liz Taylor and Marilyn.

She doesn't even have good boobs!

Who votes for these things?

I guess beauty and sexy are in the eye of the beholder.

Still, if I were voting I'd go for someone like Halle Berry first...but of all time? Really, how can you vote on that?

My Family's Christmas Song

2011-12-04T17:12:00.001-08:00

Trying to get in the holiday mood. What better song than Merry Christmas From The Family by Jill Sobule. Her cover is awesome!

Frustrations, They Are All I've Got

2011-11-29T18:34:00.000-08:00

I had to attend a Safe Child workshop yesterday so I can continue to be a lector in my church. It is the biggest crock of BS I've ever been put through.

I have to have a background check to get up and read in church?

Seriously?

I realize that we all need to be aware that things can happen...I can even stomach the workshop, but to have to have clearance to read, be a Eucharistic minister, or...get this..and usher, I'm sorry, that is just bullshit.

And the workshop is painful to deal with. You have to watch 2 videos where victims speak of their experiences and so do the predators.

OMG!!!

I left that workshop with a heavy heart.

See, we had a pastor be accused of some wrongdoing, (not that any of us were told what the allegations were), and seeing the stats that say less than 5% of the accusers are lying hit home.

Why?

Because I didn't want to believe this pastor could have done something like this. He was good to our family. I have always considered him a friend.

This meeting really hit me hard. In fact, it won't leave my head.

All that aside, I am left to wonder if members of other religions have to jump through this many hoops just to volunteer at mass?

Technology Hates Me

2011-11-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

The perfect computer would have about 12 USB ports.

With all the gadgets that need plugged in, either for charging or for data transfer you would think that desktops and laptops would have more slots for USBs, but no.

I have an external hard drive, my keyboard and mouse, my printer and at any given time, an ipod, a zen, or a nook connected for some reason or another. I hate when more than one gadget needs charging at the same time.

The thought of buying additional ports, that get plugged into one of the existing ports makes me want to scream almost as much as buying ink for my printer.

Why is it so hard to create a device that has enough slots for all of the damn gadgets that they encourage us to buy?

The Wench Makes Cookies

2011-11-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hannukah Apricot Cookies

Recipe taken from A Quilter's Christmas Cookbook

2 2/3 c of flour
1 c (2 sticks) butter
8 oz package of softened cream cheese
4 oz apricot preserves

1 Cut butter into flour. Stir in softened cream cheese
2. On floured board, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with a 2-3" diameter glass
Arrange on ungreased cookie sheet. Dab the center of each cookie with preserves
3. Bake @ 350 for 12 minutes.

As Mr. Food used to say...Oooo it's so good!

5 Things You Must Do On Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

1. Watch at least 5 minutes of the Macy's Parade.
2. Consume large quanities of food, preferrably stuffing and mash potatoes...a little bit of turkey or tofurky works too.
3. Nap.
4. Pretend to care or go totally nuts over whatever football game is on...usually when you are sitting down to eat.
5. Give thanks!

What things are on your must do list for Turkey Day?

Never Fail Nut Roll

2011-11-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

This basic, easy recipe for nut rolls came from Arlene Williams, who does a fabulous cooking show on Cornerstone Television. I don't make my own nut filling though, I use the Bakers filling that you can get at any store.

Ingredients
5 Tablespoon Sugar
2 beaten eggs
3 Tablespoon butter
1 cup sour cream
1/8 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 large cake yeast crumbled
3 cups of flour

In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring sour cream to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter, 5 tablespoons, sugar and salt and stir until well blended. Cool to lukewarm.

Add 2 eggs, crumbled yeast and stir until yeast is dissolved. Using a spoon, mix in flour until a dough forms.

Turn out onto a floured board. Knead lightly a few minutes to form a smooth ball. Cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Roll dough ball out on floured surface 1/4 inch thick. Spread with filling , roll up jelly roll fashion. Pinch seam to secure and tuck ends in. Place on a well greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Repeat with rest of dough. Let rise 1 1/2 hours, covered with clean cloth, in a warm draft free place.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake uncovered 35 minutes.

Sexy Songs

2011-11-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit of an oddball when it comes to music, so when it comes to "sexy" songs I'm sure my list would have a good many of you shaking your head, or at least wondering "who the hell are these people."

What brought on this topic?

I pulled out some of my Elvis Costello CDs recently and the song "Inch By Inch" was on one of them. That is one of the many Elvis Costello songs that always leaves me feeling a bit hot and bothered. It is more than just the lyrics...its the music...and Elvis' unique voice.

Another song that always gets me is Man Out Of Time

Another odd song that really gets me going is Paul McCartney's Hi Hi Hi

So what are some of the songs that you consider sexy?

Rushing Things

2011-11-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas, but isn't it a bit ridiculous hearing holiday songs and seeing Christmas commercials way before Thanksgiving?

Couldn't we get through one holiday first?

It is really making me bitter towards Christmas.

I don't have much in the way of money this year for presents, and this early push to spend more is really irksome.

Please tell me I'm not the only one annoyed by all of this?

A Wenches Rant About The Penn State Abuse Scandal

2011-11-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

Dear PSU students,

How can you possibly be sad about the firing of JoPa? Yes, he was a fabulous coach, but the man hid the fact that Sandusky was abusing children from the authorities. HE DID NOTHING!! That is wrong. That is what cost him his job.

What annoys me is that other asshat that saw it happen, that only went to him with the allegation, when he WITNESSED the abuse! The fact that that little asshat is only on administrative leave sickens me.

Actually the whole thing sickens me. Why is football placed higher than the lives and well-being of children?

I guess it is the whole issue that sports come before education. Is it any wonder that we are failing as a nation?

PSU students....you can love your former coach, but please think of kids that were harmed because that beloved man, did nothing to stop the harm...

Sincerely,

A rattled wench

Music Review: Jann Arden - Uncover Me

2011-11-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Jann Arden is one of Canada's finest singer/songwriter, which makes us wonder why she's going down the "covers album" road again. They answer is probably because, she can sing anything well, and let's face it...even though covers albums are a bit stale, we all love a good cover.

Jann delivers. One of the things that makes Uncover Me 2 different, is that Jann doesn't go for standards. She goes for hits from across the ages, Que Sara Sara from the 50s, Only The Lonely from the 80s and Dreams from the 70s.

Jann doesn't seek to change the songs with her recordings, but she does bring her special sound to each song. Mr. McLennen, is a song by the country band SheDaisy. Their as yet unreleased album, A Story To Tell, was produced by Arden. When you listen to Jann sing the song, you can here the country vibe ringing through.

Jann gives a go at "You Don't Own Me." She brings a soulfulness to the song, rather than going the girl power route. Its a different twist, but by the end of the song there is some of the traditional "You Don't Own Me," angst shining through.

Surprisingly her cover of Fleetwood Mac's classic, Dreams is the strongest cover on the album. Arden seems to be channeling Stevie Nicks, because there are times when she almost sounds like her.

Jann has delivered a strong set of songs here. If you loved Uncover Me, you'll want to add this one to your collection. If you love great cover songs...you'll probably want to grab this too. Definitely one of the year's better listens

TV Review: Once Upon A Time

2011-10-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

ONCE UPON A TIME - From the inventive minds of "Lost" executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis comes a bold new imagining of the world, where fairy tales and the modern-day are about to collide. "Once Upon a Time" stars Ginnifer Goodwin ("Big Love") as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison ("House MD") as Emma Swan, Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty," "Trainspotting," "SGU Stargate Universe") as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina, Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham, Jared Gilmore ("Mad Men") as Henry, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/John Doe and Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket/Archie. "Once Upon a Time" was written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who are also executive producers, along with Steve Pearlman (ABC's "V"). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Mark Mylod ("Entourage"). "Once Upon a Time" is from ABC Studios. (ABC/JACK ROWAND) GINNIFER GOODWIN, JOSH DALLAS

If there is one crazy show to watch this season, Once Upon A Time is it. I can't pinpoint what it is about this that really pulls you in to watch more and more, but there is something there. I hope it succeeds, because it is so unusual, almost as unusual as Lost, who the executive producers also created.

The cast is stunning with Jennifer Morrison, who most of us know from House, as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret. With short hair as Mary Margaret, she's really unrecognizable.

I really am interested in seeing how long they can keep this show going. What is the public's interest in fairy tales that try to become part of reality?

Well, it is a Sunday show, so the public doesn't have to be too interested to keep it going, and I would love to see it last more than 6 episodes. The scenery is fantastic, as are the costumes when the show goes into "fairytale land."

If you haven't given this show a shot, I suggest that you do, it is probably one of the most original things on right now.

Album Review: The Bangles - Sweetheart Of The Sun

2011-10-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Bangles are making a return to the music scene. Their last album Doll Revolution was released in 2003. It has been a long eight years, but once you listen to Sweetheart Of The Sun you’ll know the girls are back and true to their form, albeit less popalicious than they were in the 80s.

What the girls bring to the table is that fantastic girl group 60s sound. This album has a heavy psychedelic sound, very reminiscent of their third album Everything only with songs that are more mature. The vocals are still shared between the three ladies, Michael Steel left the band in 2005, leaving Susannah Hoffs and Vicki and Debbi Peterson to soldier on.

This album is like a trip back to the “Summer of Love,” especially on songs like “Mesmerized.” The guitars are jangling and trippy. The girls harmonize perfectly, which contributes to that old school girl group feel. The album’s opener “Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun)” sounds like it should have been a hit in the mid 60s.
The 60s vibe is there through all the tracks on Sweetheart of the Sun. That might be the one thing that keeps the album from being fantastic. Sure these are some great retro pop songs, but when you think of The Bangles, you think of fun pop music like “Walk Like An Egyptian” or stellar love songs like “Manic Monday” and “Eternal Flame.” There’s nothing of that caliber on Sweetheart, but there are a few songs that make a valiant effort. “Open My Eyes,” is a super fun rocker, which will remind some fans of “In My Room,” from Everything. It was penned by rocker Todd Rundgren. It has the same psychedelic harmonies and trippy guitar.

“Through Your Eyes,” is a George Harrison-esque ballad. It’s Susannah’s shining moment. She’s always done superb ballads, and this one is no different. Debbi handles vocals on “Circles In The Sky.” Her vocals are deep and mellow.

This album marks the band’s 30th anniversary and it is clear that they still have it. Though the kitschy pop songs that scored them many hits in the 80s is definitely not present on Sweetheart Of The Sun, the finely polished pop gems found here will definitely please old and new fans.

Acoustic Goodness

2011-10-27T18:26:00.001-07:00

Sunday Girl was my favorite song from Erasure's last CD. I love all the bleeps and bloops but I was totally surprised at how great it sounds acoustic...

Watch and listen

Musical Mondays: Ashton Sheperd - Where Country Grows

2011-10-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ashton Sheperd's latest offering Where Country Grows is a "real" country album. Country has been flooded with more pop sounding music lately and Ms. Sheperd doesn't really play that way.

Her songs have that ole "My dog died, my car broke down, and my guy is cheatin' on me." She also sings it with a twang.

The lead single is "Look It Up" a cover, originally done by Jasmine Rae. Ashton gives some hell to a cheater. The follow up single is the title track. It's a bit slower, but it is a true country anthem, that is great for blasting on sunny days.

Where Country Grows is infused with some humor too. "More Cows Then People," is one of those songs. It has a great fiddle and an infectious melody. How can lyrics like

"Ain't no noise, no red lights

Ain't no buildings messin' up my moonlight
Ain't no doubt, why I live out where there's more cows than people"

not bring a smile to your face?

The token sappy ballad is "I'm Just A Woman." It isn't the best ballad, and it is a trifle depressing, but it does show that Ashton can sing a sad sad song with the best of them. It also makes listeners glad for songs like "Beer On A Boat," which leave you smiling.

Ashton's music is all about fun. This album is 10 songs of good country. It is definitely worth a listen or two.

Awesome Steak In A Crock Recipe

2011-10-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

This recipe came from the Fix It And Forget It Entertaining Cookbook.

It is super easy.

I placed 4 frozen steaks in the crock.

Seasoned with salt and pepper

Then put 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of ketchup over it.

Put the crock on high for 3 hours and then low for another 3 hours.

The result was an incredible bbq steak that you didn't even have to cut!

Mmmmm good. I want to try the sauce with country style ribs next

Movie Review: Inkheart

2011-10-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

I bought Inkheart at Five Below several weeks back, because I love Brendan Fraser and I've wanted to see this movie since it came out in 2009.

I had heard bad things about it but I was prepared to enjoy the eye candy and nothing else.

After watching, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised in the film, and I really want to read the trilogy. I've heard the film doesn't do the book justice, but if you've not read Inkheart, then give the movie a go. It really is a nice fantasy piece revolving around a family of book lovers.

Brendan Fraser was a great Mort, who could read characters out of books...we later learn his daughter, Meggie shares the ability...they both are "Silvertongues."

Helen Mirren as Elinor is another fabulous character. She's an obsessive old bookworm.

My favorite character is Dustfinger (Paul Bettany), a character from Inkheart that Mort had read out of the book, who was trying to get back into the book.

I really loved the concept and the filmography was stunning especially towards the end when the darker characters from the book appear. The Shadow is really amazing looking. I also loved how Meg read out Toto from The Wizard Of Oz.

If you haven't read the book and you are looking for a good family film. It deserves far more credit than it received. Oh and Brendan and Paul are really easy on the eyes!

Films On Friday

2011-10-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

There's so much buzz going around the new version of Footloose. I can't really understand why. I really think that it show a great lack of creativity in Hollywood.

There are way too many remakes going on both on the big screen and the small screen.

It is really pathetic.

Then there's the possiblity of a Dirty Dancing remake? That somehow seems sacriligious.

Why do people want to mess with things that are so well loved.

Granted, some remakes are good. Father of the Bride was done really well, so was Parent Trap (though not as good as the original)...and I'll even give props to Ocean's Eleven..but the for the most part...remakes are annoying. (Even more so in TV)

What are some of your likes and dislikes about remakes in films? Are there any you'd like to see remade?

Must See TV For The Fall

2011-10-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

The new season has started and there are so many new shows to watch, but which ones are worth your time?

Here are a few that this wench is getting really excited about.

Two Broke Girls airs CBS Mondays @ 8:30

From the official site:

2 BROKE GIRLS is a comedy about two young women waitressing at a greasy spoon diner who strike up an unlikely friendship in the hopes of launching a successful business - if only they can raise the cash. Sassy, streetwise Max Black works two jobs just to get by, one of which is waiting tables during the night shift at the retro-hip Williamsburg Diner. Sophisticated Caroline Channing is an uptown trust fund princess who's having a run of bad luck that forces her to reluctantly give waitressing a shot. At first, Max sees Caroline as yet another in a long line of inept servers she must cover for, but she's surprised to find that Caroline has as much substance as she does style. When Caroline discovers Max's knack for baking amazing cupcakes, she sees a lucrative future for them, but first they need to raise the start-up money. While they save their tips, they'll stay at the restaurant, working with Oleg, an overly flirtatious Russian cook; Earl, a 75-year-old kool-kat cashier; and Han Lee, the new, eager-to-please owner of the diner. Working together, these two broke girls living in one expensive city might just find the perfect recipe for their big break.

Why you should watch?

Max is so snarky you have to love her. Caroline is not the typical dumb blonde. Believe it or not she breaks out of that mold and is smart. These two girls make for an awesome show and when you add the creepy yet funny Oleg in the show is really great. I hope this one lasts...It is perfect between the two hits How I Met You Mother and Two and a Half Men. (BTW...Ashton sucks!)

Suburgatory airs Wednesdays @ 8:30 on ABC

From the official site:

Single father George Altman is doing his best to raise his sixteen-year-old daughter Tessa in the big city. When he discovers a box of condoms in her bedroom, though, he decides the time has come to move her to a more wholesome and nurturing environment: the suburbs.

But behind the beautiful homes and perfect lawns lurk the Franken-moms, spray tans, nose jobs, and Red Bull-guzzling teens who have nothing in common with Tessa. It’s a whole new world, one that makes George wonder if they haven’t jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

With the help of suburbanites like old college friend Noah, flirty Alpha mom Dallas and awkward classmate Lisa, George and Tessa slowly learn to navigate the pitfalls of suburban life. With time, they might even find that it isn’t so bad. Once you get past the plastic smell.

Why you should watch:

It is a smart funny family comedy that isn't Disney sweet. It also keeps the sexual innuendo to a minimum, which is pretty hard to do on sitcoms these days. It is a perfect fit for most of ABC's family shows on Wednesday nights. It is a bit more grown up then The Middle but not as cutting edge as Modern Family, but still pretty damn fun to watch.

Unforgettable airs on CBS Tuesday @ 10:00

From the official site :

UNFORGETTABLE stars Poppy Montgomery as Carrie Wells, an enigmatic former police detective with a rare condition that makes her memory so flawless that every place, every conversation, every moment of joy and every heartbreak is forever embedded in her mind. It's not just that she doesn't forget anything - she can't; except for one thing: the details that would help solve her sister's long-ago murder. Carrie has tried to put her past behind her, but she's unexpectedly reunited with her ex-boyfriend and partner, NYPD Detective Al Burns (Dylan Walsh), when she consults on a homicide case. His squad includes Det. Mike Costello (Michael Gaston), Al's right-hand man; Detective Roe Saunders (Kevin Rankin), the junior member of the team; and Detective Nina Inara (Daya Vaidya), a sassy, street-smart cop. Being back on the job after a break feels surprisingly right for Carrie. Despite her conflicted feelings for Al, she decides to permanently join his unit as a detective solving homicides - most notably, the unsolved murder of her sister. All she needs to do is remember. Ed Redlich, John Bellucci, Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly are executive producers for Sony Television Studios in association with CBS Television Studios.

Why you should watch:

This isn't your typical cop/detective drama. Poppy Montgomery rocks as Carrie Wells. It is really hard to pinpoint why this show is so awesome, but it is. Of course anything is better than more rehashed Law and Order.

Musical Mondays: Erasure - Tomorrow's World

2011-10-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

There are very few constants in this world. Good Erasure CDs were one of them, until now.

I'm not sure when things started to change for this band, but Erasure were one of those artists that put out quality music even when they were recording potboilers (ie: Erasure)

Maybe it is because 2007's Light At The End Of The World was so good, a return to form, that Tomorrow's World feels like a bit of a let down. I'm not saying that the album is bad, Erasure is really not capable of putting out an album that is unlistenable, but they have put out an album that is totally uninspired.
Every Erasure album has one song that is super catchy and fun. The Erasure ear worm is something that fans look forward to...nay yearn for witch each new CD. The closest we come to that is "Then I Go Twisting."

It is hard to pinpoint what is lacking in this album. Andy is in fine voice, as always. Vince delivers fun bleeps, bloops and other assorted fun sounds that make you want to get up and move. It all feels a bit forced though.

What is notably absent in Tomorrow's World is fun. Erasure have recorded breakup songs before, but this CD feels SERIOUS, and Erasure isn't a band that does serious.

The album's lead single "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" sounds like a throw back from their self titled CD from 1995. "You've Got To Save Me Right Now," is Erasure doing something close to Motown. It proves that Andy Bell can sing anything that he puts his mind to, but the song just doesn't feel like Erasure. Maybe this is something he couldn't fit on his last solo album?

This album feels totally off. The only song close to feeling like the happy bouncy Erasure that we know and love is the album's opener, "Be With You." If only the rest of the album could have been as fun as that one.

Get back in the studio guys, we know you can do better than this, a whole lot better.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Restaurant Review: Old Mexico Belle Vernon

2011-10-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Foodie Beware!

Old Mexico in Belle Vernon was definitely not ready to open for business. Their staff is incompetent; slow service and not enough staff for a Sunday afternoon.

Word to owners. Belle Vernon is actually a high traffic area on weekends. Expect business!

When I arrived to pick up my fajitas for two at 4:30, the place was about 80 % full, but you couldn't find a member of the wait staff anywhere.

While I was waiting I noticed the following:

1. One large table hadn't received silverware.
2. Several parties left because they weren't going to wait for inept staff.
3. One waitress was handling way too many duties and was frazzled beyond belief

I waited an additional 20 minutes for my fajitas and when I opened the boxes, there were no wraps! What's the point of fajitas when you have no tortillas to put the meat in. I also ordered a combo of steak and chicken and I only got steak.

It is a good thing that the steak was good.

The food was OK, but after having eaten at La Fiesta in Charleroi for many years, this was sub par.

Oh and the restaurant placed coupons in the clipper magazine that they wouldn't honor for takeout, even after I waited over 40 minutes for my food, and there was nothing on the coupon indicating that the coupons were for dine in only.

I've heard good things about the location in Washington PA, but this no location isn't ready for the business it can expect. There are no Mexican or Tex-Mex places in the Mon Valley. If they want to build a customer base, they better learn how to serve the customers there.

It will be a long time before I try Old Mexico again.

Restaurant Review: Little Bamboo

2011-10-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

It has been years since I've eaten at Little Bamboo in Belle Vernon, PA. The reasons have never been about the quality of the food served there. Every town in the mon valley has a Chinese restaurant and driving there for lunch on Saturday just doesn't usually work for me. Plus most of the smaller, less fancy places offer dinner specials, Little Bamboo does not.

Little Bamboo is an Asian restaurant specializing in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Sushi lovers will be happy, because they won't have to travel out of the Valley to get their not-cooked fish fix.

There's a lot to be said about Little Bamboo.

1. The service is always good, even when the place is busy.

2. Of all the restaurants that are sit down/not buffet style, Little Bamboo has the best quality food. It is hands down one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Valley.

3. The steamed dumplings are a must order no matter when you eat there. OMG they are so good!!

4. The chef really knows how to chop veggies. You will never find huge pieces of peppers etc at Bamboo. The veggies are always nicely chopped, except in dishes that demand bigger pieces, such as pepper steak.

5. When they say a dish is spicy, believe them. The Kung Pao chicken at Bamboo is one of the spiciests I've had in ages. This is another must order if you like some heat in your meal.

6. The tea is absolutely fab!

Films On Friday

2011-10-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

The weekend is upon us and TV is a vast wasteland now. So what's a wench to do, except try to find some good movies to watch.

I'm thinking of going for a little bit of fluff.

Here are two titles that I bought on the cheap in the past few months that I never did get around to watching.

I know neither of these films are super great. In fact, I've heard Inkheart really stunk, but Brendan Fraser is such lovely eyecandy that I may be able to overlook the badness of it. As for 27 Dresses, I've not heard anything about it, and I got it for my birthday, because I thought the plot looked cute and well, it was a $5.00 gift from my college age nephew.

So which one should I try? Or what should I rent?

There's no Doctor Who for a long while now, and I need to have some weekend TV viewing that doesn't involve the Disney Channel.

Help a wench out!

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

It is really hard to fathom that one man has changed much of the way the world communicates and is entertained the way Apple founder Steve Jobs has.

Take a look at all the innovative (and expensive) technology that Apple has rolled out since the company started in the late 70s. Macintosh....to iMac...to iPod...to iPhone ....to iPad.

How many of us have one or more of these devices?

I know I have many pods, though I was slow to convert and I still hate iTunes, but you really can't say anything against the quality of something made by Apple. (You can gripe about the price though)

I find it really amazing that the world has really shown such emotion in regards to this man's passing. He wasn't really a celebrity...he was an innovator and a businessman.

One can only wonder, if Apple will come up with such awesome gadgets now that he's gone.

RIP Steve!

Bloo and Ms Blackie my two iPod shuffles weep for you.

Books To Movies

2011-09-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

It seems like a lot of the huge movies this season are based on novels, some huge sellers and others that aren't so well known.

So far this year we've seen several book to movie adaptations

Of course Breaking Dawn is coming over the holidays, but the one that I find the most intriguing is I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson

The film version stars Sarah Jessica Parker, who is not my favorite actress, but she seems totally suitable for the character she playing.

The author also penned, I Think I Love You, a book that's been on my wishlist since it was released.

So many interesting book to movie releases, and I'm not sure if I want to watch them on the big screen before I've read the books. The disappointment that usually results is something that usually keeps me from seeing the films, but this year, there are just so many, and the books have had such rave reviews that I really would like to see the movies.

So which ones have you read or seen?

When SNL Gets It Right

2011-09-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, everyone has probably seen these. And Lonely Island, I'm sure, is for some walking a fine line between ridiculously hilarious and over-the-top and obnoxious. But frequently, they're spot on. Plus they guest stars they've gotten are insane.

Michael Bolton as Jack Sparrow?

Akon talking about the beauty of sex?

Insane, star-studded angst?

And perhaps best of all, the third installment of our favorite "Dick in a Box" bros.

I consider "Mother Lover" to be the sophomore slump.

Then there's the John Waters and Nikki Minaj cameos in "The Creep."

What fun will the new season bring?

Another Letter To Sarah Palin & The Teaparty

2011-09-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Sarah Palin and all the crazy Tea Party candidates,

A few things.

1. Wanting to have social programs in a country does not make you a socialist, it makes you responsible.

2. Poor does not = Lazy.

3. If you are going to speechify about what you would do if you were in office, this means you, Sarah, tell us what you'd do..not that you'd do it.

4. If you are going to through your hat in the ring, do it now, or get off my tv screen.

5. If you are running, please have the decency of possessing at least 4 functioning brain cells. Michelle Bachman, that means you need to back out.

6. Explain why cutting education is such a good thing when Americans are lagging behind in the world?

Sincerely,

A citizen that would like to see a good candidate running for office

This Country Is Full Of Too Much Hate

2011-09-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Let me get this straight...People won't be watching Dancing With The Stars because of Chaz Bono? Because Chastity is now a Chaz? Because they are afraid of a transgender person? Because that is somehow the work of Satan?

That is seriously fucked up.

I'm so sick of people using God as an excuse for their hatred. There is no where in the Bible that preaches hatred. I don't care what your pastor says. It is wrong.

And for those that are getting huffy about it..I suggest you open your Bibles to the Romans and read the passages that say:

" Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."

"The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, (namely) "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

"Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law."

Now leave Chaz Bono alone, you idjits!

Looking For A Few New Wenches

2011-08-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Are you a woman who loves Pop Culture? Politics? Food? Blogging?

If you do, The Certifiable Wenches wants you!

I'm looking for a few new bloggers so that the site isn't so dreary. If you are interested in becoming a member of the blog, leave a comment here with an email where you can be reached and how much posting you can do for the blog. I'd like to be able to have one post a week.

Hollywood Skinny

2011-08-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

What is is with Hollywood starlets and British Royalty? The obsession with skinny is getting to be a bit much.

Look at Angelina Jolie or The Duchess of Cambridge.

These are beautiful women, but yikes, a good strong wind could blow them away.

Being too skinny is just as bad as being fat, and is it really sexy?

Recent reports say Duchess Kate weighs 105 lbs! she's 5'10!

I think there are some runway models that would be jealous of that. Heck, I haven't seen 105 lbs since high school and I'm a mere 5'2 and a bit.

What's wrong with these women! And why do we all think we need to have similar bodies?

Dirty Dancing Remake?

2011-08-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

I'm really getting sick of the laziness of Hollywood? Why do we have to remake films? Especially films that are almost classics. Or at least campy classics.

Footloose? and now Dirty Dancing?

Really?

What next? Casablanca? Gone With The Wind?

And there are going to be country artists recording the music.

NO!

Now I really enjoy country these days, but not for Dirty Dancing, m'kay?

Why can't we leave things well enough alone?

Political Rant Ahead

2011-08-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks I've determined that every member of the government needs to be fired, tea party and republicans first.

Why is it so hard to agree on tax revenues for the wealthy?

Really?

They make more, therefore they should pay more, and isn't some of these huge corporations that took bailouts and don't pay any taxes anyway?

For the love of all that is holy, what is wrong with people!!!!

We are living in a country that is losing its middle class.

The median income of the town I live in is less than $25,000, which is POVERTY LEVEL. A good deal of these are seniors, and we want to mess with Social Security...a program that hasn't given a cost of living adjustment in years!

Essentially our country says, Fuck You! if you are poor or old.

The more political stuff I see and read, the angrier I get. AT BOTH PARTIES. I want to like Obama, but he doesn't have enough spine. I can't like the Repugnant ones because they don't give a shit about anyone except the people lining their pockets.

What a sad sorry state we our in..and even when the debt ceiling is passed, and it better be or we are all fucked...it will just be another few months before this BS starts again!

Gadgets I Can't Live Without

2011-07-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

There are so many things that keep us connected...to other people, to information to games. It is no wonder we have absolutely no social skills!

Here are my must have gadgets.

First up is an mp3 player. It doesn't have to be an iPod. I have two shuffles and I don't really like them. I do love my old Creative Zen Vision. It is a wonderful mp3 player and I've had it for several years now. I keep saying I'm going to get an iPod Classic or Touch, but I don't see a reason to with this little thing working so well

My next gadet that I can't live without is my nook. I have the original Wifi version and thanks to a very special person, I have a nook Color which is something similar to an iPad only with a smaller price tag.

Have I mentioned that everytime I see an iPad, I still think Maxi Pad? I know its childish, but the name lacks something!

But back to the nook...the Color is fab and has gorgeous visuals...It makes me want to buy all sorts of kids books just for my eReader.

Lastly, my little android phone makes the list. I don't make a lot of money, so I couldn't toss the cash on the HTC model I coveted or the LG model I wanted so badly.

So I went with Motorola's starter Droid and I have a love/hate relationship with it. I'm not sure the extra money I'm paying is worth the Angry Birds or Four Square Apps. I mean...when people know exactly where you are...couldn't bad things happen?

LOL!

But if you take any of these things away from me...I'm pretty sure I will perish.

Childhood Reading

2011-07-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Growing up, Little Golden Books were always found all over the floor in my house. I was cleaning today and I found Good Little, Bad Little Girl, one of my absolute favorites.

The illustrations in this one are absolutely beautiful, which is why I think I loved it so much. Written by Ester Wilkin and illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. The story is simple but the illustrations really carry the story.

I'm glad I found this book today. It reminded me of simpler times.

What books did you read when you were a kid?

Must-Have iPhone Apps

2011-07-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

Yes, I've given in to smart phones. When my battery was dying ridiculously quickly and the back of the phone wouldn't stay on, I knew it was time for an upgrade and I went straight to the iPhone.

Sure, it's expensive, but it's fun as hell, not to mention convenient and helpful. To get the most out of your iPhone (and maybe even Droid, or whatever), here are the apps I've already got.

Angry Birds: Yeah, obvious, and just as addicting as they say. Be sure to check out Angry Birds Seasons, too.

Words with Friends: Basically, a Scrabble match with whatever friends of yours are also playing.

Hanging with Friends: The same concept except with Hangman.

Hisptamatic: Get beautiful pictures with different effects that basically make the pictures look like old Polaroids someone found in the attic. Like, "Remember way back in 2011 when iPhones were all the rage?"

Facebook: Yes, getting all your notifications and news on your phone is a very dangerous thing. But that's why it's so awesome.

Skype: If you want the thrill of a webcam but your computer is as terrible as mine, Skype on your phone is just as good. It'll be nice come fall to keep in touch with my long-distance man without using his minutes. The quality sometimes is sometimes mediocre, but it's better than nothing.

The Weather Channel: iPhone may come with a weather app already, but it blows. The Weather Channel is as good as you get, complete with maps, hourly predictions, and 36-hour coverage.

Flashlight: You know how you use your phone as a flashlight anyway? This makes it more legit.

Foursquare: Welcome stalkers and earn badges and points for every place you visit. Or prove that you really are a hermit.

PNC Virtual Wallet: My mom doesn't trust phone banking, but it rules. Transfer money, check balances, even deposit checks! No more trips to the bank. There goes my Foursquare points...

Pittsburgh Penguins: Up-to-date news and, come hockey season, live scoring and penalty updates.

Team Coco: All the ginger fun on your phone.

Fruit Ninja: Slice that fruit!

Alarm Clock: The chimes are so peaceful.

Twitter: Because you can never be too connected.

RedLaser: Okay, I haven't actually used this yet, but it scans barcodes and tells you if that item is available elsewhere cheaper.

Mancala: As addicting as any iPhone game hit.

Mahjong: Same deal.

ParkPGH: Need to know what garages in the Cultural District are open and what they cost? This will tell you!

Where Does It End

2011-07-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about that idiot from Sister Wives? He's got a lawsuit against Utah because of their bigamy law. You can read more about it here

You know, right now we're trying to allow gays to be married. I have no problem with that. I think if you want to be married...that's just hunky dory! Get married, be happy...yada yada yada.

But when it comes to people like this, I start to wonder about the state of the world.

I'm sorry..polygamy is just plain greedy!

But now is the right time to bring this issue up. If gays can get married why shouldn't wackjobs be allowed to marry as many consenting women as the want.

This whole issue hurts my brain.

So what do you think...

Things I Don't Understand

2011-07-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

1. Republicans: I don't think I have to explain this to you, right? I am a bleeding heart liberal!

2. The people leaving their porch lights on for Caylee Anthony! Uh...erm? Why? I understand the feeling of hopelessness that a murderer got to walk because of a lousy case, but the little girl is dead, leaving your porch light on isn't going to do anything to help her.

3. People that dislike Obama but can't come up with a viable reason why...Uh...my guess is the color of his skin. I'm also guessing if he were a white man, he wouldn't be getting half the shit he's getting in office right now.

4. What is the big fuss about Duchess Catherine wearing jeans 3 days in a row? GAH! Get a grip. The big fuss should be that she looks too freaking thin. Feed the duchess a CHEESEBURGER!

5. Ebook pricing! You only save when you purchase a brand new ebook or a classic. Anything else and you might as well buy the paperback.

Restaurant Review: The Panino Bistro

2011-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

The people of Charleroi might say, "Do we really need another Italian restaurant in town?" Well as soon as they eat at The Panino Bistro, they'll take back those words.

The Panino Bistro is different from most of the other restaurants in the 'roi. It is a sandwich shop with a little taste of Italy to make you want more.

The Panini offered by Chef Scott C'one are nothing short of amazing.

The Panini that we brought home were wonderful. We chose the roast beef and the Cuban. The roast beef had ample meat and the provolone cheese was thick and gooey and wonderful. This is the kind of cheese that makes you remember the old "Behold the power of cheese ads."

Then there was the Cuban. OMG! Shaved ham and pork...and when the menu says, sliced roasted pork, they aren't lying. The pork tasted like it came from one of my mother's slow cooked pork roasts.

If these two sandwiches are any indication of what the rest of the offerings are like, The Panino Bistro is a winner.

It is also in a better location than most of new restaurants in town. It has easy access to parking, which is really saying something.

So if you are in Charleroi and you have a craving for a great Panini, or maybe some pasta? You might want to give The Panini Bistro a try.

I Hate This Term

2011-07-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

I want to know who coined the phrase baby bump?

There's just something about it that makes me want to gag.

The woman is simply pregnant. It is a baby, m'kay.

I don't know why we must sugar coat things.

And while I'm on the pregnancy subject, why do women feel the need to pose nude when they are pregnant? Personally I don't understand the desire to get naked for any camera, but naked and pregnant? No thank you.

I'm not a huge fan of nudity period...so I'm not just saying this to be nasty to pregnant women. I'm saying this to the whole world.

KEEP YOUR DAMN CLOTHES ON.

OK....enough of my pregnancy rants...go forth and have your babies.

An Intriguing Book

2011-07-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, Monica Ali's book that was inspired by Princess Diana really has me intrigued.

It has mixed reviews, but something about a what if, involving this woman really makes me want to grab a copy and start reading.

I always find it funny when people say American's don't care about British royalty. We do. They are intriguing people, even though it is hard to fathom why anyone is born to rule a country without anyone else having a say so in that matter. But then again....voting for someone doesn't always net a good ruler either...case in point...George W. Bush...oh wait, we didn't elect him the first time around, he stole the Presidency.

Ah well, it doesn't matter. I just think this looks like it might be a fun summer read. Tis a shame though that we don't have Princess Diana to read about. I'm sure if she were still alive, her life would be much more fascinating than what any author might dream up for her.

I've Started Watching True Blood

2011-06-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

As always, I'm a little late getting aboard the ship, but yesterday I finally watched an episode of True Blood.

I was all excited too. I was ready for an hour of hot vampire sex.

Did I get that?

Hells to the no.

For a season opener, I found the show to be a bit dull, but I'm going to try to start watching, and then go back and watch the last...erm 3 seasons. I will say that I find the cast to be exceptionally pretty.

However watching these has made me wonder about how much they draw from the books, or if they have moved beyond them.

I guess what this means is...more tv to watch. Woo hoo! Anyone want to fill me in on this stuff?

Any Idiot Can Write A Book

2011-06-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

There are some things that really make me go Hmmm.

As if Sarah Palin's Going Rogue weren't bad enough, daughter Bristol has a memoir out.

This is just insane.

Her journey so far?

Pardon me while I throw up!

That's almost as bad as Miley Cyrus writing a book.

I realize publishers want to make scads of money off talentless people.

At least Miley has had some legitimate fame.

But Bristol Palin.

All she's done is get knocked up and go on Dancing With The Stars. I'm sorry that doesn't warrant a book in my eyes.

There are millions of teenaged girls making their way in the world with babies. Most of them have slightly more sane parents too. Maybe one of them should write a book. Anything would be better than giving the Palin family more time in the spotlight!

Summer Reading

2011-06-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

I have huge stacks of books that I'm trying to work through this summer. My Nook is overloaded with ebooks and my house is full of hard cover and soft.

Right now I'm reading Ira Wagler's Growing Up Amish. Summer vacations to Lancaster, PA have given me a curiousity about the Amish culture. I snagged an ARC ebook copy of this one via Net Galley, and I'm about a third of the way through it.

I'm really enjoying it so far, and if you have a curiousity about the Amish, this book is really an eye opener.

The next few books I really want to read are historical fiction/bios. The first is Brandy Purdy's The Turdor throne and the other is Margaret George's Elizabeth I. When I was younger I always read about the kings and queens of Europe on my summer vacations. I devoured many of Jean Plaidy's books and loved every one.

What books are you hoping to read this summer?

Sarah Quits AGAIN!

2011-06-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

Can anyone else say they didn't see this coming?

Sarah Palin quits her bus tour.

Is there anything that this woman will stick with doing?

Oh yes, I know, being annoying.

What I can't understand is how people can follow blindly this attention seeking wingnut?

I realize that the republican party is really digging deep to come up with some candidates from 2012, but I really think she should be tossed out of the party and polical life for her behavior. I mean, she quit her governorship, for no good reason.

Doesn't that say something for her work ethic?

I don't like this...I quit!

I wish I had that option in my life...

I Wish I Could Make Things

2011-06-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

Really, how cool is this for Wizard of Oz/Wicked fans?

Lucky for us, the creator is selling them in her Etsy shop, but they go fast.

The Disease Of The Month: Sex Addiction

2011-06-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to that Weiner, sex addiction is really becoming the disease of choice. I actually think it was David Ducovny that made the who addict thing popular, now it has moved on to really creepy looking politicians. Because you know, we have to have some "disease" to explain away the fact that Mr. Weiner is in fact a pig.

Sir, there is no cure for stupid, especially at your age.

It was kind of like the Congreewoman that said she couldn't believe their were flawed individuals in congress.

WTF?

Really?

I'd say 90% of congress fall under the flawed individual category.

The other thing that always makes me go hmmm about politicians and their misbehavin' ways...most of the wives stand by these guys.

It boggles the mind.

I will miss all the Weiner jokes now that this scandal is about to fizzle out.

Bridesmaids

2011-06-14T20:55:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, Bridesmaids has been out for a month, Judd Apatow was pimping it hardcore on Twitter for a while, and it looks like The Hangover for girls, which kind of makes it easy to write off. But don't.

Bridesmaids is hilarious and a great girl's-night-out movie (but one the boys can enjoy, too, if you must take them). Although the major plot points can be a bit predictable, the film totally makes up for it. It never loses its charm. The casting was spot-on, from SNL alums Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph to scene-stealing Melissa McCarthy to the gorgeous Rose Byrne. And it was easy to relate to, even for those of us who have yet to be a bridesmaid.

It's not your typical romantic comedy, chick flick, or even general wedding film. It's worth the trip out.

Food For Thought

2011-06-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

People are up in arms about Ronald McDonald promoting junk food and cartoon characters being used to promote sugary breakfast cereals, but what about those new Dairy Queen commercials? You know the ones that say that they blow bubbles with kittens in them?

Hey! That promotes kitten loving children to want high fat milk shakes and burgers and dogs.

Why is it that one is ok and not the other?

How is it that I've lived 36 years without being hyperactive as a result of eating Super Sugar Crisp. Yeah that's what it was called in the 80s.

There was no food entering our house that my mother didn't buy. And even if I cried and whined for it, I didn't necessarily get it. So for the love of god, stop targeting these things as if they were the culprits of why Americans are fat. That isn't the case.

Ronald McDonald didn't drag me in to eat a Big Mac.

I wonder when they'll realize that the internet has kept millions of Americans on their asses for years and years...

Hmmmm

Maybe I should keep that tidbit to myself.

Political Craziness

2011-06-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm in full belief that every inch of our government is full of idjits.

~ Anthony Weiner texting pictures of his...well...his name says it all. I have only one thing to say to this. How did he think that doing something stupid like that wouldn't blow up in his face? Oh and why do people act like he's crazy good looking? And geeze Louise, he's only been married for a year!! Settle down Tony!

~ Sarah Palin doesn't know her history. Whodathunkit? Really? I say it is futher proof of her stupidity. And yet there are still people blindly following her.

What is wrong with PEOPLE!!!!

~ John Edwards is indicted for misuse of campaign funds. I bet Elizabeth is looking down from the next world and grinning at the lousy cheating fool.

Which leads me to wonder, why do people like John and Arnold...forget about condoms when they are cheating on their wives?

So much stupidity in one government.

Fear Mongering News Stories Suck

2011-06-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

I was looking at the MSN start page today when what popped out at me.
Pickles cause cancer?

The article went on to list places where people ate a large quantity of fermented veggies and how they have higher rates of esophagial cancers.

Yada Yada Yada

You can read the whole article here.

What it essentially says is that The World Health Organization has put PICKLES on a list of possibly carciogenic things. POSSIBLY! There's no conclusive link but there is a bit of an association.

ARGH!

I think one of the commenters on the post said it best.

"Warning: Life causes death!" everyone panic!

I think I'll go eat some pickles.

Cadbury Racist?

2011-06-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to figure out why Naomi Campbell is so insulted by a Cadbury ad, except that the ad is calling her names.

But wait....it isn't calling her any bad names.....or names you'd really get upset about.

Nope, it is comparing her to a chocolate bar...

I was actually surprised by the comments on the OMG site that agreed with me. I don't think it is racist. It is calling Naomi a diva. And how many times has Naomi acted like a diva?

Maybe that's the real reason she's offended by the ad. Not because it is comparing her to a chocolate bar, but because it is calling her out for her lousy behavior in a nice way.

So what do you think about the ad? Is it really racist?

Foodie Review: Wendy's Berry Almond Chicken Salad

2011-05-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Wendy's finally has a salad on the menu that actually is healthy and quite tasty. The Berry Almond Chicken Salad is everything that it says it is...Strawberries and blueberries on a bed of greens with a packet of sliced almonds and raspberry vinegrette dressing. Oh and did I mention shaved asiago cheese? Not nearly enough for this wench's taste, but oh it is so good.

Allow me to go through the pros and cons of this tasty offering.

It is available 3 ways.

Half salad, full and with a pair 2.
It is one of the tastiest healthy offerings on any fast food menu.
It is available without chicken...but unless you are a vegetarian, why would you want it that way?

Now for the cons.

The price tag. It is the highest priced salad at the chain. Priced at $6.49 for the full salad. I can go to a sit down restaraunt and get a salad with more bang for my buck.
It still has 450 calories and 16 grams of fat...though I'm sure that's mostly the almonds.

This isn't a menu option for anyone on a budget. And well...the McDonald's Asian salad is much better for you and just as tasty. Still...for a treat during the summer months this is a good salad to grab..especially with the Wild Berry Iced Tea.

Donate to a Good Cause

2011-05-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, people are always asking for money. I have a pile of mail from organizations asking for donations that I can't afford to honor right now, and I'm going to do so when I can because 1) I feel bad 2) they send me really nice address labels 3) I'm a sucker.

It helps when the cause is well-known, or when you can put a face to the organization. If you've read Mark Reads, for example, you might want to sponsor Mark in Los Angeles' annual AIDS/LifeCycle ride.

Mark's goal is to raise $10,000. Help make his dream a reality and help people with AIDS.

Progress is being made--a man from the Bay Area seems to have been cured of the disease. Everyone give three cheers for science!

Gaga Refutes Critcism That She Wants Attention

2011-05-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

Too bad she doesn't do it well.

Rolling Stone has a preview of yet another Gaga cover story in which she says the claims that she wants attention annoy her and that she already has attention. Obviously true, but that still doesn't mean she doesn't want more or wasn't out for it before she had it.

"Is it that you believe that I am attention-seeking or shock for shock's sake, or is it just that it's been a long time since someone has embraced the art form the way that I have?" she says.

Yes to the former, Mother Monster. If that wasn't the case, you wouldn't change outfits numerous times to award shows. You wouldn't show up in an egg to others. You wouldn't have done that really awkward childbirth bit in your Saturday Night Live performance. Your antics have done nothing to suggest that music and art are the goal.

Wrong on the latter, though. Plenty of other musicians before you and even now have done similar things, and the problem is your critics see that and see through you.

She goes on to say that maybe it's because artists aren't as vocal on social issues. Wrong again. These days activism seems more predominant outside of the mainstream, but it's still done, it's done well, and its acknowledged and praised.

The problem is, Gaga, that you think you're original when plenty of people know you're not. You've brought nothing new to the genre. Your lyrics have become sub-par. People talk more about your clothes than your music. You've made an obvious effort to stay relevant and in the spotlight by releasing new music quickly--and it's suffered--and touring constantly with an overpriced spectacle that focuses more on theatrics than on talent, which you have but overshadow.

We don't "expect little," as you say. Some of us just know better.

Speaking Of Pittsburgh Bands

2011-05-26T03:35:00.000-07:00

Oddly most of my favorite Pittsburgh bands are country, except for one, Donora.

I'm excited to say that they have a new video out and it is super cute. Looks like there's going to be a new album out in the coming months as well.

But check out The Chorus now. Oh and raise your hand if you remembered playing with the parachute in gym class!!

Don't Like It? Pretend It Doesn't Exist!

2011-05-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that will ban teachers from kindergarten through eighth grade from discussing homosexuality.

Everyone congratulate Tennessee for being so accepting!

I get the fact that some people don't like homosexuality--I don't agree with their views and think they're not even trying to understand how complex sexuality really is, but I realize that people think this way and they always will. I get that for some reason people think they need to protect their children, but I don't get from what. What I also don't get--and never will--is why this is a government issue.

Admittedly, homosexuality was never addressed when I was in school, but I also went to Catholic school. However, I did learn in elementary school that the word "gay" meant something other than "happy" but never knew exactly what for a long time, and my wonderful curiosity has made that memory stick with me. But to completely go out of your way legally to make it completely off limits? It's extreme and discriminatory and a step backwards. We can teach kids about drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes but not love regardless of gender? My elementary school could bring in a man without a voice box when I was in kindergarten (which scared the shit out of me and made me go home and insist that my dad quit occasionally smoking cigars because he would die) but can't explain to curious children what "gay" is? Great job, America.

Things That Make Me Happy

2011-05-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

~ Hines Ward winning DWTS. This was the only season I truly watched, voted and cared about. All because of Hines Ward.

~ Getting free books in the mail. I'm all about free!

~ Owl City! I don't know how I missed this band. I've seen there albums around but never bothered to listen. I love them now!!

~ 3 day weekends!! Nuff said there, right?

~ Donald Trump not running for president. I was really scared that he would be crazy enough to get elected!!

~ $20.00 Gift Cards from Amazon

So what makes you happy?

$130,000 For THE HAT

2011-05-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

The hat from hell, has officially been auctioned off!

I wonder if Aretha thought of auctioning her inaugural hat off, that one was kewl, this one is just CRAZY!

However, it has generated more buzz than anything those two newly married royals have done.

Though one does have to wonder what exactly the winner of the auction is going to do with this hat?

Pittsburgh's Latest

2011-05-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, sort of.

Blue of Colors is the solo project of Punchline lead singer Steve Soboslai. Despite Steve's unique voice, the song is definitely a departure from Punchline's pop-punk--it's nice, mellow music for all you fans of folk- and indie-type stuff.

"Goodbye Stranger" is the first song Steve's put online. Enjoy.

Let's Talk About TV

2011-05-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

As this season of telly draws to a close I find myself becoming more and more disillusioned with the boob tube.

There's entirely too many reality based shows everywhere and the dramas and comedies are all the same or at least they feel like they are all the same.

I have a few staples in my viewing...Big Bang Theory, Mike and Molly and The Middle for comedies. NCIS, Castle (here and there) and Bones for my dramas. Oh and let's not forget Doctor Who. I must have some Who.

I just wish there was something more entertaining out there.

My mother commented during The Middle last night that there was more commercial time than actual show time! WTF is up with that.

In the UK, most shows that run a half hour are pretty close to that. In the US they are only about 20 minutes long, and actors are pulling in huge amounts of money!

Doctor Who is about 48 to 50 minutes except when it is on BBC America where they shave off about 8 minutes of the show somewhere.

How is this right?

Do commercials really affect our buying that much?

GAH!!!!

And while I'm bitching...USA Network, since Monk left your ranks...all of your shows...with the exception of White Collar have gotten really really boring!!!

Mumford & Sons

2011-05-18T18:35:00.002-07:00

I've praised them before, but it needs to be done again. Especially since I finally got around to buying their album, Sigh No More, on a whim. All I'd heard was "Little Lion Man," but sometimes a single song is so good that you think going in blind on a CD just might be worth it. That's a chance you have to take. Sometimes it ends well. Sometimes it doesn't.

If you're like me and have only heard "Little Lion Man" and liked it but weren't sure if that's enough to justify laying down the cash on an album--because let's be real, they're overpriced and often singles are emphasized over a whole solid album--trust me when I say the money is worth it. "Little Lion Man" is a good representation of what to expect, but not of just how beautiful, impressive, and intense this band gets. Finding an album these days that's exhilarating from start to finish is rare, but this is one of those diamonds in the rough. Nothing will make you more sure of that than quiet country drives alone with said album.

Mumford & Sons does not disappoint in any way. They're catchy, pretty, fun, somber, emotional, relatable, uplifting...everything you want from an album these days but can rarely get.

Get The Gaga Out Of My Facebook

2011-05-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

I'm so over Lady Gaga. When she has to infiltrate my facebook games to sell her album, I get pretty pissed. Right now she's taken over my Zynga Games. You know, Farmville, Cafe World etc?

Yeah!

I've had the misfortune of listening to two of the new songs from Born This Way, and I really have to say, I'm unimpressed.

Both Electric Chapel and Marry The Night leave a lot to be desired.

It goes so show that most people really don't care about the music, because her music is pretty boring. They compare her to Madonna, but at least Madonna's music in the 80s was worth listening to.

All I can say is this: Please make the scary lady go away!!

Gaga Shenanigans as Usual

2011-05-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

The pop powerhouse (and peeve) that is Lady Gaga has once again released a song from her upcoming Born This Way. So now we have "Born This Way," "Judas," "Edge of Glory," and "Hair." Aside from their album and artist, what do they all prove? That Gaga's originality--as has been pointed out time and time again, especially by us Wenches--is more like a facade.

Since the world was most recently given "Hair," let's talk about that.

First of all, if you didn't see the song title and think, "Oh sweet baby Jesus, please tell me that's not a cover from the beautiful musical of love and LSD!" then we have little in common and can't be friends. But if that is what you thought, you and I can revel in the relief that it is, in fact, an original Gaga tune...in a manner of speaking. Which brings us to Point #2.

Like its hippie predecesor, Gaga's "Hair" is an anthem all about, you guessed it, hair. Some subjects will be covered by songwriters time and time again (love and heartache, for example) and hairy issues are no exception (AFI's "I Wanna Mohawk (But Mom Won't Let Me Get One)" anyone?) but to have a song with the exact same title and unique subject matter as a song from decades earlier currently being revived?

Then there are the lyrics, which are terrible, just like all the other Born This Way songs that have come before it. Except maybe "Edge of Glory." "Born This Way" was full of cliches, "Judas" was only redeemed by its chorus, and now "Hair" reads like it was ripped out of a middle school girl's diary in the middle of a fight with Mom and Dad whilst trying to assert her individuality. "Whenever I dress cool / My parents put up a fight"? "Whether my hair is pink / My soul is pink"? Everything about this album feels super rushed and over-hyped.

Someone needs to tell Lady Gaga that being able to crank out lyrics to a song in ten minutes isn't necessarily a good, impressive thing. Few songwriters have been able to brag about that fact, and any writer will tell you that something they wrote in ten minutes probably falls under the category of their worst work, not their best.

Try harder, Lady.

Gossipy Bits

2011-05-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

~ The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are wasting another million to go on their honeymoon to a private island for 10 days. Must be nice to take vacations at the expense of the British public. Now I'm no hater of the monarchy. I find them really amusing. But when the country is likely footing the bill, maybe a little jaunt somewhere a little less pricey. Especially after a wedding that cost $60 million! Yikes!

~ Speaking of those royals Princess Beatrice is going to auction off "THE HAT". You know that pink spider-like thing she had on her noggin for the royal wedding? Proceeds from the auction will go to Unicef! Woo hoo! More fame for the hat!!

~ Mary Tyler Moore is having brain surgery to remove a benign tumor. Let's hope all goes well for the funny lady.

~ Hugh Grant was considered to replace Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men. WTF! However if he had been cast the shows entertainment value would have gone up significantly.

So what gossipy bits have amused you?

Dullsville Trolley

2011-05-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

What is it with celebrities right now...It seems that now that the royal wedding is over there is nothing to talk about. Unless you want to talk about Paul and Nancy walking down the aisle, and thank you very much, but I don't.

So what is there to talk about?

We could talk about Pippa Middleton, but really? I've had it with most of the royals...

Unless you want to talk about Prince Harry. I'm always up for talking about sexy redheads!

See

Of course, Prince Harry is not my absolute favorite redhead. See he's about 10 years younger than me, so thinking he is totally hot and doable kind of makes me feel like one of two things:

1. A Cougar...and sadly I look nothing like Courtney Cox. (damn it)

2. A dirty old lady.

Poo!

But seriously, how can you resist that ornery look in his eye...and it seems when he's not shacking up with that horsefaced Chelsy Davy, who makes Camilla Parker Bowles look like a supermodel....he does seem to go for older women!

Hey Prince Harry! Can I get in line?

But let's talk about my other favorite redhead! Danny Elfman!!

I think he's totally mellowed now that he's remarried, but Danny is still one of my favorite redheads...

Own a Piece of Pop Culture Beauty

2011-05-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched the 90s classic Home Alone and thought, "Damn, that's a gorgeous house. I'd love to live there." I haven't, because I was too young to care when the movie came out and now I'm too focus on the nostalgia. But if you have, the house is now for sale.

It'll cost you, though--it's going for $2.4 million. I admit, not as much as I thought it would be on the market for, but still a good bit of money. But it is a nice, big, iconic house, and it's the first time it's been put up for sale since the movie filmed.

This house isn't the only iconic movie home to hit the market recently. Cameron's house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off was also recently put up for sale, and it's cheaper: $1.65 million.

I'd rather have Cameron's house because: 1) Cameron is my favorite Ferris Bueller character, 2) Cameron is one of my favorite film characters ever, 3) that house is badass, 4) it's in the woods and that rules. And it's very modern. Unlike the Home Alone house, though, this one did hit the market before in 2009 for $2.3 million.

Things That Annoy Part XII

2011-05-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Actually I have no idea what installment this is, so just giggle with me.

1. Bill O'Reilly dissing the Royal Family. This man doesn't have two brain cells to rub together and his bitching and moaning about people in other countries. Get over yourself, and no one wants to hear you. Go away!

2. Osama Bin Laden: Ok...he's dead. Frankly I'm a bit underwhelmed by the whole thing. I don't feel super patriotic or any safer now that he's been taken out. Oh and I am sick to death of hearing about people wanting to see pictures. To them I say: NO THANKS!

3. TV: I'm over just about every show that I usally watch with the exception of Doctor Who. Please writers, do something amusing. Thank god for books!

4. The Disney Channel: 2 things for this channel of evil.

a: The girls you hire can't sing. I love the girl that plays Teddy on Good Luck Charlie but she can't carry a tune!

b. Why are all the good shows ending this year!! How will I exist without The Suite Life?

It Was Only a Matter of Time...

2011-05-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

...before Twitter users jumped on the chance to make fake Osama accounts and bring off-color hilarity to the world. I give you GhostOsama.

Remember, no person - dead, alive, or fictional - is immune from a fake Twitter. We also have such gems as ShitMyDarthSays, PimpBillClinton, and for the Pens fans, FakeRayShero.

More Royal Wedding Blatherings

2011-05-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

There's a lot I don't understand about Royality. I truly understand the pagentry that goes with the marriages of the heir to the throne. Plus really, who wouldn't want that kind of wedding for themself if they had the money to put on such a fete? I know I would

William will be King of England one day, God willing. Though at this point he will probably be well into his old age when that happens because Granny the Queen is still doing well...and Charles certainly doesn't seem like he'd be willing to abdicate in favor of this son.

But all the rest...a Honeymoon?

Granted they really aren't taking one now..but still.

Uh...they've been living together for much of the last 5 years or so.

They've vacationed together from the beginning.

Honeymoon?

Oye! and vey!

But hey..they are pretty to look at....and we all want to see what they are doing because it makes us...even American's feel like there is something magical in the world...and you just can't get that kind of magic with a democracy.

The Best Part of the Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't watch the Royal Wedding. I finished all my college coursework EVER last night, so you know what I did? I passed right out, slept really late, and loved every minute of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for the royal couple and it's awesome and Kate looked totally gorgeous, but I knew all the news stations would be playing clips all day and social media would be all over everything. I was totally right. There's even a GIF floating around of their kiss, which is adorable.

But the best picture to come out of this whole thing?

A True Work of Horror

2011-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

I don't scare easily. I laughed during The Exorcist and was almost entirely unphased during Paranormal Activity. But a YouTube series that's probably cheaper than dirt to make has me entirely freaked out, even though I know the entire thing is fake. It's Marble Hornets, and if you're familiar with Slender Man lore on the internet you know all about it. If not, don't turn to Google - just watch the introduction and Entry #1 and see what happens.

It's like a combination of H. P. Lovecraft, Signs, The Ring, and a good version of The Blair Witch Project. Really unnerving, scary, and a well-done mystery.

You May Not Kiss The Bride

2011-04-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

With stuff about the Royal Wedding plastered just about everywhere you go, more and more things about the Royal Brits make me go WTF!

If you read this article you will see that there won't be a kiss at the end of the ceremony.

It's just not done in the Church Of England.

Hmmm

Really?

That's all too Hollywood?

Really?

Seems to me they don't kiss because that would make them appear human. After all kissing at the end of the wedding isn't something new, or something that Hollywood made up.

Funny thing is I found this info on several websites

And then there is the kiss at the end of the wedding ceremony. In ancient times, the kiss was legally binding and signified mutual acceptance of the contract of marriage. It is said that the bride and the groom "exchanged a bit of their souls" with the breath of a kiss!

So my advice to England's royalty.

Get over yourselves!

To Parody Or Not To Parody

2011-04-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga turned Weird Al down the first time he asked her if he could parody her song Born This Way.

She has since changed her mind.

But really!

Having Weird Al parody your song is a compliment of the highest degree. Even if the song is silly, Weird Al does everything tastefully. I can't imagine why she turned him down the first time.

Go to Youtube and check out Perform This Way you'll get a laugh, because it is more a lampoon of Gaga than the song...which for the most part stinks.

Weird Al, at least makes it worth listening to.

Celebrity Gossip Sites Breed Hatred

2011-04-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

I love to read gossip just as much as anyone else. I love to know the crazy stuff that millionaires are up to, but what I can't stand about sites like Popeater.com are the comments to the posts.

Most of the time they make my head want to explode!

There are always a handful of people wishing someone dead. Bashing someone or calling them fat or ugly.

Crikey.

Jealous much?

Granted I don't find artists like Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus supremely talented, but some people cross the line. Sure you can state an opinion, even with a little snark, but some of the comments are really nasty.

If you don't like someone, why comment on the article? Why would you even read it.

It is even worse on News websites for anything political. I swear Obama is more hated than Bush...and jeeze...I don't think he's done anything to deserve it.

Goes to prove what a bunch of racist, hate filled individuals live in this country.

ARGH

Want to Be in a Newspaper?

2011-04-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Tribune Review has a reporter on the prowl for people with stories of how they've been impacted by inflation. If you have something to say - and I know plenty of people do - contact Tom Olson by e-mailing him at tolson@tribweb.com or calling 412-320-7854.

One of the great things about being a writer is giving people the opportunity to tell their stories. Show everyone from your experiences what's going on and try to make a difference.

So Long Sarah Jane Smith

2011-04-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Elisabeth Sladen the actress best known for portraying Sarah Jane Smith, companion to Doctor Who has passed away. She had been battling cancer for a long time.

I can't remember when I last felt so bad about a celebrity death. I love Doctor Who and Sarah's character has always been one of my favorites on the show. I especially loved her new series The Sarah Jane Adventures.

She was such a beautiful and talented lady.

Why Eating Healthy Sucks

2011-04-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

I've tried many times to go the healthy route. I've bought cook books and diet books. I subscribed to the Hungry Girl emails.

You know what?

All of these doctors, authors, TV people do it wrong.

Not that I know how to do it right, but they all write their books and doll out recipes and advice for people who are single and likely living alone or have lots of money to kill.

I want someone to come up with healthy eating on a budget. OK, on a college budget. I may be employeed full time, but I'm pretty sure there are college kids that are making more than I am.

That 4 year degree really did me good.

But back to Budget Friendly Healthy Eating.

I want to be full and satisfied, but I don't want to have to spend $30 on an internet order to get vitatop muffins. I don't want to mail order strange noodles to replace spaghetti, because

1. I can't afford it.

2. The rest of my family will kill me.

Why can't these people come up with stuff that won't make the person...erm dieting feel left out at the supper table?

Oh yeah, they like to torture us.

And this is why we all go to McDonald's and order a Quarter Pounder.

Rant ended...I'm hungry

I Don't Understand Ayn Rand

2011-04-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

In high school, I had teachers talk about Ayn Rand and how great she was and how everyone needs to read Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. So finally, in college, I've made it to the latte - The Fountainhead - and over 100 pages in, I'm trying to figure out what the hype was about because really, she doesn't deserve it.

While her ultra-conservative views are definitely disconcerting, the main problem for me right now is The Fountainhead is incredibly boring. So far, it's a bunch of architects drawing and talking about drawing and going through architect drama. Nothing is happening. And I have lots more pages to go.

Going along with that is the fact that the characters are incredibly flat. They're all simple and they're all alike, to the point that I have trouble distinguishing between them. And because of that, I don't care about any of them. The dialogue is unrealistic and cliched. And the characters are unlikeable - they're all self-interested and boring, with nothing notable about them.

Am I alone in this?

Things That Make Me Go Hmmmm and Woo hoo

2011-04-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

~ Republicans passed a budget that will slash social safety net programs like food stamps and Medicaid and fundamentally restructure Medicare health care for the elderly. Way to go fucktards. I can't believe people voted for you.

~ Charlie Sheen is organizing a Bi-Polar Awareness Week. Maybe he should become aware of it..and get some help himself!

~ Miley Cyrus won't be touring the US because she doesn't feel the love here. Hmmm. Could it be because we know she hasn't got talent. But then again, people still watch Idol....so that really can't be it...maybe we're just sick of her!

~ OMG OMG OMG there's going to be a Men In Black III. I have no idea why that fills me with such glee. Aw hell..the movies are such fun, and Will Smith is so damn cute! I can't wait.

~ Drew Carey has a new Improv-A-Ganza show on GSN! Yay! Not as good as Whose Line, but it still gets a squee from me

Random News Related Thoughts

2011-04-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

~ A Chicago school banned kids from bringing their lunches. OMG! I'm getting sick of this country telling us what to eat. Apparently freedom isn't really what this country is all about. All I can say is they better make damn good lunches in that school and they better have options to cater to all the food allergies out there.

~ The republicans running for president in 2012. Pardon me while I overuse OMG, but OMG!!!! And Donald Trump? Please no! He'd fire us all and sell us to the Chinese to pay off the debt.

~ The nuclear disaster in Japan: Again OMG do they not realize how many cancer deaths there are going to be in the next 50 years as a result of this. Why can't we come up with ways of living that actually help us. But then again that is a republican thing...make more money...who gives a shit about people and the environment.

Do I sound like a bleeding heart liberal? Maybe it is because I am.

Who to Follow on Twitter: The Reckoning

2011-04-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

I know tons of people who still can't get on board with the Twitter thing, especially my classmates. I understand this. In some ways, it's a great tool for writers and funny people. And there are plenty of funny people around. I've highlighted some before, but they just keep on popping up.

White Girl Problems: Oh, white girls. Our lives are just SO HARD.

PimpBillClinton: What if Bill Clinton was a total pimp? Oh, wait...

fsmikey: For the Pittsburghers - Mikey of Kiss FM's Morning Freak Show. He's up on all the latest pop culture nonsense, Pens news, and Fayette County nonsense. And he loves my Fayette County blog.

Texts from Last Night: What happens when you're bad drunk texts from last night meet the internet.

BreakingNews: It's not all funny all the time. Links to articles, quick information, etc. This was great for following the news in Egypt as it happened for quick, real-time updates.

Jon Stewart Is the Greatest Human Alive

2011-04-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

Glenn Beck has announced that he's leaving Fox and I'm weeping for joy. Jon Stewart, on the other hand, is busy doing the most spot-on impression and parody of Beck that the world has ever seen.

You can watch the full episode over on the Daily Show website here.

Must We Remake Everything?

2011-04-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm horrified after having watching the trailer for Arthur.

I know that Russell Brand is apparently the next big thing but seriously....Arthur is a true classic and I'm sure Dudley Moore is rolling over in his grave for it.

Is nothing sacred?

Apparently not.

It is also apparent that there's a total lack of creativity in Hollyweird if we have to recycle films that are only 30 years old.

So if you have a desire to see Arthur, I beg you not to.

If you want to see the film, netflix the original film and it's sequel, starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. Those will be worth your dollar.