All I Can Say Is...Yikes

This video was passed to me tonight. I find it embodies the following qualities: cute, funny, disturbing.

Please watch. You will not be disappointed.

Also, there is a new post on Red Reviews.

Arrival

I created my new wine review and musings blog.

redreviews.blogspot.com

As of now, there is nothing to read that you haven't seen on this blog already, but you should go and see what it looks like if you want. Considering I don't drink wine every day and may have nothing to say, I will post a quick note at the bottom of my daily post on this site if there is something to check out on the other blog.

Most Beautiful Bottle

Last night we were treated to a fantastic dinner. Out with friends, we had dinner more the way the Italians do. Things came in courses; I was full before my dinner got to the table, so I brought almost all of it home as leftovers. The restaurant, Bugatti's in West Linn, had a nice atmosphere and was packed---an affirmation that the food there is good. And it is.

The real surprise, I must admit, was the wine, however. We tasted several and I had saved the corks so I could remember what they were called. (Unfortunately, the waiter took them as he cleared the table and I didn't realize until it was too late.) Having not brought a pen, I had no way of writing down the information on the wine, so thinking smartly, I took a picture of the last bottle (which I liked the best) with my cell phone so I could at least remember the name.

2000 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
This vintage is basically unobtainable with the oldest on their website being 2003. I have never tasted wine this expensive before. The waiter poured me a taste because (stupidly) I wasn't planning on drinking and since I had to get up very early, I didn't want to get tipsy. Had I been smarter, I would have demanded a full pour and then hoarded the bottle. Curse my sensibilities!

I like wine, and especially Cabernet Sauvignon. But I don't know the first thing about it. My palate is probably the most underdeveloped of anyone I know. I swirled the glass, I checked the density of the color, I breathed it in. When I tasted it, I found it to be the most beautiful and pleasant wine I've had thus far, and at this time I didn't know it was a Cab because the bottle was on the other side of the table. But no matter how much I tried, I couldn't pick out one definitive flavor---it was just...really good. It had a full flavor that didn't taper off into tannins as I swallowed it. It didn't make my tongue feel "squeaky clean" (like those old Tupperwear ads) as some other wines tend to do. Finally, I asked them to pass me the bottle whereupon I immediately knew why I liked it---my favorite varietal, Cab. Also I found the bottle itself to be appealing to the eye. Taller than I'm used to and slender, it seemed suited to the contents.

After this experience, I am definitely going to start a wine blog. I will let you know when it comes out and what the URL is.

Surprising New Word

I have very little to talk about today. It was my first full day back at work since my vacation, and several key people made it abundantly clear that I was well missed and that they were amazed that one person---I---can get everything done. They admitted that they weren't able to finish all the aspects of my job, even when partnered together. I digress though, because I did mention in an earlier post that I wouldn't talk about work.

So, onto something more interesting. On a blog I read, someone used the word "ennui," which I have never heard before. I think it is fantastic and have thus incorporated it into my vocabulary.

End Of The Line

Today was a transition between vacation and work. I had a meeting for two hours this morning but was off the rest of the day. That fact, however, did not counter the "alarm anxiety" I get in such circumstances, and I couldn't sleep at all last night. My suspicion is thus that I will not sleep tonight either, considering I have to conduct shipment tomorrow morning which requires me to leave my apartment by 4:45 am to make it to work on time. By all counts, I should already be trying to sleep.

Unless I'm sick or exhausted though, I rarely can sleep before 10 pm.

Actually, what I'm looking forward to the least is how everyone will undoubtedly ask me what I did for my vacation. "Nothing" doesn't seem to be a satisfying response for most. This week was supposed to be a period of relaxation for me. I did next to nothing the entire time which was exactly what I wanted. My intent was fulfilled. With hope, though, it won't be another five months before my next break.

Too Much Wine

Ugh. I'm seriously starting to wonder if I can somehow have a lower tolerance to wine than to say, vodka. Does anyone else experience anything like that?

Sewer Drug Test

MSN reported a few days ago that Oregon State University researchers had come out ahead of the rest in developing ways to drug test entire cities.

This doesn't strike me as odd, since Corvallis is just in the backyard of America's meth capitol: Portland.

Some of you also may have seen this funny blog on gawker.com as well.

Doing Time

This isn't a post about all the little spoiled rich girls who are going to and from jail. Instead it is about how a Florida prison has stopped serving kosher food to inmates.

The article states the following statistics for cost of three meals per inmate per day:
non-kosher $2.66
kosher $4.71

They had this to say about the price difference: "Kosher meals cost the same [as non-kosher], but with costs for disposable containers and transportation, since the food was not prepared at each facility, the price came to about $4.71."

So the question is: If they prepared all meals kosher at the facility, wouldn't that eliminate the disposable containers and need for transportation? Thus the price would return to approximately $2.66 for each inmate and those without food restrictions due to religious beliefs would simply be eating kosher instead (which tastes no different than non-kosher I'm sure).

And then the other option is: Inmates can accept the absence of a kosher option as yet another symptom of incarceration, along with basically all other freedoms of choice. I have a feeling it won't be long before the people of authority (whoever they are) force them to reinstate the kosher meals.

Take It Easy, Sweetheart

It is one thing if your close friend calls you sweetheart as an acceptable replacement for your name. It's a completely different thing if a guy you haven't seen in five years calls you sweetheart to try to calm you down after giving an offhanded comment that you, of course, were bothered by.

The story goes, my friend AR, was told by some guy that he was was surprised she moved to LA. Upon asking what he meant, he said, and I quote "take it easy...it's not a bad thing sweetheart. it's just...you strike me as too innocent for LA...you know?" [sic].

What does any of that mean? The guy hasn't seen her for five years---how does he know she is too innocent for LA? The whole thing just sounds so condescending, and that's exactly how AR felt. Oh, and as an aside, this entire conversation took place on myspace.

Bitter-Sweet Moment In News History

Everyone, the time has come to say aufweidersehen to the "Weekly World News." I know I'll miss it when I'm checking out at the grocery store looking for my alien news fix. But it wasn't only about the aliens, it was about God, Lucifer, 10-ton babies, and much, much more.

(Frankly, I am shocked the thing was still around. I mean, it is 2007---who buys that crap? I would say 28 years was a good run.) Lord. Isn't that picture just hideous?

Back In Time

In this article, a scientist has claimed to have discovered a new method for time travel. While I understand little of what is being said, I still have a vague concept of it. And, one thing they should have elaborated on was why one "can't go back in time prior to when the time machine was invented." I don't get that at all.

On a much related note, haven't we all wondered how our lives would be different if we had the option to go back and correct mistakes we made? I can think of any number of things that I wouldn't mind seeing changed. Of course, then one must wonder about the consequences of making said changes...

The List So Far

This is my repertoire of Anime. I call it such because I can give at least the general gist of each of these. Most I have seen completely through, several times over. This will be a list that will eventually come in handy.

Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball Z
Rurouni Kenshin
Samurai X
Spirited Away
Princess Mononoke
Shamanic Princess
Witch Hunter Robin
InuYasha
Fushigi Yuugi
Full Metal Alchemist
FLCL
Big O
.Hack//Sign
Akira
Cowboy Beebop
Naruto
Ghost in the Shell
Animatrix
Appleseed
Samurai Champloo
Grave of the Fireflies
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Vampire D
Wolf's Rain
Lain
Tenchi in Love
Lupin
Metropolis
Yu Yu Hakusho
Case Closed

New York City

On the drive home from Eugene, my sister posed a question that I haven't been asked before. "What makes New York so much better than every place else?" She also added in something about my anti-social tendencies being in contradiction with living in the most dense area aside from the Gaza Strip.

I find it difficult to put into words what I like about NYC. The majority of it has to do with it being an architectural achievement on a galactic scale. I say galactic because it supersedes the word monumental so completely, since each building there is a monument in itself. The city is a testament to the driving desire in people to grow and do things bigger and better. I told my sister that it represents a promise. That promise being that ability exists in people.

NYC is also of huge historical significance. History matters to me so it is a reason I want to be there. It's a promise in this case too, because people flocked there from everywhere to try to make their way. I'm not afraid of New York at all. What I am afraid of is failing to live up to it's expectations.

While I don't believe the inhabitants would eat me alive, I have reservations about my ability to succeed there considering its status as one of the most expensive places to live. So, when I speak of failing to meet its expectations, that is what I am referring to. Failing would be having to return to Portland, tail between my legs, unable to find my dream there.

On Cutting the Umbilical Cord

As the children of our parents, do we ever stop to put them in their place? Particularly our mothers, with whom we have the umbilical bond? These questions spawn from an incident I witnessed in which a mother took on the role of the child and the grown daughter calmly attempted to talk her down from "the ledge," as I later called it. The episode was so uncomfortable for me to be seeing and hearing that I actually left before it's resolution.

At what age are we allowed to sit our parent down and say "This is my life, and you have to accept it"? I had such a conversation with my mother. It took place when I was 21, right after the breakup of my sham of an engagement. Sometimes I think that if I could do it, anyone could, and those who really should, should. In the end though, I suppose it is different for everyone. My parents raised us to say what we mean so putting one of them in their place when it is appropriate isn't necessarily surprising, and in my case, she reacted well. It may not be the case for everyone, but I certainly think many clingy mothers could benefit from the wake-up call one of these conversations might induce.

Stardust

I just got back from watching "Stardust." It was really good. Everyone should see it.

It was sort of "Princess Bride" meets "Pan's Labyrinth." Definitely worth the cost of a trip to the theater, both literally and figuratively.

New Crush

These beautiful Prada shoes strike a question in me.

How does an admitted communist become a glorified fashion designer who can charge over $500 for a pair of shoes? A contradiction to ponder...

Rebirth Of A Bygone Era?

Is anyone else kind of bothered by this? Or this?

Petition

Judge Judy is an awesome woman. I've never seen an episode in which I disagreed with her ruling---she is ruthless and never fooled by the idiots who cross her path.

I'm sure many of you read the post about her on jezebel with the video attachment. This is an episode I saw a long time ago, but nevertheless, it is still hilarious. Within the comments, someone suggested that she preside over Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan. I think this is a great idea. Can you imagine the spectacle? It would be one of the most entertaining events in all of modern history.

We should start a petition that she preside in any cases involving celebrities. Someone should put them in their places.

The Cheesecake Factory

Had a light dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, finally. As predicted, the food was mediocre at best but the cheesecake was pretty good. I should hope so, since that is what they are all about.

Also, I found the decor a bit over the top in there. I felt like I was dining in a carnival or something.

Hottest Thing Since....Ever

Ta Da!!!!!

I am in love with this car, even to the point where I tried to rationalize with my dad that he owes me the gift of this car to make up for my "tormented" childhood.

What we are looking at is the Dodge Challenger 2008 concept car. It is a positively beautiful specimen of all the things I like about cars. (If anyone could ever consider me to be some kind of tomboy it would be because I like cars and I go to car shows---is that bad? *shrug* I don't care.) The other rational thing about it is that it really isn't that expensive. I think I read somewhere that it will be in the $30,000 range. Of course for a descendant of a 1970 muscle car that can cost as much as $90,000, I wouldn't consider that a bad price at all.

I will continue to drool the same way I do over Manolo's or those delicious Louboutin's I showed a while back. (!Thought! Wearing the Louboutin's WHILE driving the car!)

Funny Little Tabloids

I was standing in line at Safeway when I noticed two current tabloids. In reaction, I quickly grabbed a cell phone picture. I can't read the title of the first one, but it proclaims "Brad Moves Out!" There were rotten pictures of both Angie and Brad looking angry and sickly. On the shelf, directly next to that little mag was another, "OK," which proclaimed Angelina said "How Love Changed My Life," accompanied by a stunning picture of her with typical celebrity happy-love shots of the couple.

In my sleep-deprived state, I found it particularly funny that two tabloids would take the complete opposite stance to get readers' attention. Of course, it's probably all just a ploy to get the gullible masses to buy both so they can try to figure out which one has the right story.

I wanted to increase the picture size but the resolution is too terrible. You may have to squint and to see it. If one of you simply MUST see it, I can pix message it to you. It's funny.

Firefly, Serenity

Have you ever had a hankering to see a western and a sci-fi at the same time? If the answer is yes, and you also like good acting and stories, than I would encourage you to watch the "Firefly" TV series or "Serenity," the movie.

Some of the funniest stuff I've heard was said on this show. Here is the Wikipedia.

The Worst Movie Ever

The movie "Contract" is a study in what not to do in film making. Riddled with cliche's and predictability, it is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. In fact, I want my lost hours back. What is saddest is that John Cusack and Morgan Freeman were the two stars.

Possible reasons I have thought about for how this crap-ass movie could have come into existence:

1) it was made by college students who had some connection to one of the two actors
2) Morgan and John did it as an inside joke
3) it was actually meant as a training video for what no director should ever do
4) it was made in hopes that it could be used in a "Mystery Science Theater" revival

If one of the above reasons wasn't the cause of its incarnation, than I pity the future of film making.

(Pictured above are the stars of MST3k: Tom Servo, Mike, and Crow. They look ready to take on this terrible movie.)

Endeavour Liftoff

I know some of you think my space posts are oddities among the rest. Oh well, it is one of my favorite topics.

The space shuttle has gone off on a new mission. I had been wondering why NASA seemed to only be using Atlantis and Discovery for missions of late. It turns out, and I discovered this while researching for a previous post, that Endeavour has been out for the last five years getting some nice upgrades. This makes it the most modern of the three remaining shuttles.

Here is an interesting Wikipedia about Endeavour.

Milo's City Cafe

I've been to Milo's for breakfast a couple times. They have excellent eggs benedict for a very reasonable price. So, since I couldn't think of any place to eat tonight that I haven't been to a thousand times, I decided it would be good to try for dinner.

I only knew I wanted salmon and potatoes. I was not disappointed. The salmon was baked and covered in a delicious creamy champagne sauce and served with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed in-husk peas and baby carrots. For $14.95 I couldn't complain, especially since that was just $3 more than I paid for macaroni and cheese at Jake's last night.

So from my excursion I have learned two things. 1) Jakes is overpriced, and 2) I spend way too much eating out. Though I sort of knew both those things already, I rarely spend that much on any meal. In this case, I don't regret it.

Lack Of Amusement

I went to see the Simpson's Movie. I almost completely failed to see the hilarity of it. All the best jokes were the ones they showed on TV which left nothing surprising. While I did find there to be a bit of value in it, I am actually just happy that I got in for free because my friend CR works at that theater. It would have been a disappointment to pay regular movie price.

Street Kids

Most of you can't escape knowing how bad Portland's street kid population is, especially within a ten to fifteen block radius of where I work.

Today was just another occurrence of hostility toward me for not giving them what they wanted. In this situation, a girl and her male companion asked JB and me if one of us had a cell phone she could borrow. Of course, we said no politely. Then she asked for fifteen cents. Again, we apologized. Then they muttered (with intent for us to overhear) some obscenities at us. They then proceeded across the street and bitched for an entire block about how we wouldn't give them fifteen cents before proceeding to ask every other passerby for use of a phone or money. And these two were among some of the less brazen.

I am all about personal freedoms. But do these people have the right to harass pedestrians? Is it our right to be able to walk down the sidewalk without being accosted, harassed, and even assaulted in some cases over change? Would vagrancy laws that prohibited panhandling in downtown be inhibiting any rights at all? The Constitution doesn't mention begging for money as a protected right.

One hardly need mention the major benefit of enacted vagrancy laws: increased desirability of downtown for renters and businesses which has a positive effect on the crappy economy.

Biopsied Finger Update

This morning I woke up and my finger hurt incredibly bad. I am guessing it was because of how tightly I wrapped it. Being the big baby that I am, I called my mom to find out the best course of action.

She asked me to look under the band aids at the wound. Unfortunately, they were basically glued together and I had to cut up the side to get a look. I have never experienced this reaction before: instantly upon seeing my sectioned finger, I became nauseated and light headed. I laid down. At that point in time, my mom advised me to go to the doctor.

Naive as I tend to be, I assumed it would be a quick in/out kind of thing. I wanted a doctor to just see it and tell me it would be fine, especially since I apparently cannot stomach the sight of it. It seems my finger will be fine, beginning to heal itself in a few days. The doctor put liquid skin on it and covered it with a band aid which serves two purposes: I cannot see the injury, and I am reminded that I'm injured (though, trust me, it would be impossible for me to forget that fact) and to be careful.

It was the other part of the visit that I hadn't thought about. I was two years overdue for a tetanus immunization. So yes, I got to have one of those today, too. My right hand, with my mangled index finger is almost useless for many tasks, and now my left arm is dead at the shoulder. If I remember correctly, when I had the tetanus shot at age 15, my arm hurt for two weeks. Sigh.

On Cutting One's Self By Accident

It was a beautiful night at my friends T&BB's place. We had just finished a fantastic dinner cooked by Chef TB. Unfortunately, in true la petite chou chou fashion, whilst demonstrating my understanding of how someone sheared the top of a champagne bottle clear off, and quite possibly influenced by the mixture of several different wines I was consuming, I managed to give myself quite a cut.

It isn't a sheer cut which could be stitched. No. I managed to hastily remove 6 or so layers of skin off the top of my right hand pointer finger. It was so sudden that it didn't even hurt when it happened. The pain didn't start until JB and TB wanted to inspect the wound. Once the water hit the cut, it started hurting pretty badly, and by that time, bleeding with equal ferocity.

Several wads of toilet paper later (note to self: ALWAYS keep band aids handy.), I had managed to clear my head enough to drive home. Once there, I turned my bathroom into a de facto emergency room. There, I put on some neosporin and 4 band aids. It was still bleeding when I got home so I want to make sure it is good for the night. The band aids are on so tight I can feel my pulse through my finger. This is going to make for a fun next couple days.

Mangled Insanity

There was a bridge collapse in Minneapolis-St. Paul this evening. Here is the article for those of you who may have not seen the reports.

Apparently, the bridge has been under construction for quite some time. It makes me think twice about crossing the Burnside Bridge, which has also been under construction off and on for literally years. The differences here are that Burnside is supported by concrete, while this other bridge was held by steel.

On another note, why is terrorism now always the first suspect in any case of disaster? If terrorists were going to strike, would they really go for a single bridge in Minnesota? Doubtful. They would probably want to do something on a much larger scale--- something that would affect the workings of a city on a much grander scale, such as blowing every bridge in town. (Not to give any prospective terrorists any ideas; I'm sure they've thought of that.)