Political Rant Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?