Saturday, December 15, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
snowball
The '07-'08 snowboarding season has been anything other then ordinary. My first day up a couple of weeks ago I managed to be the proud owner of a runaway board that decided to launch down a small hill and head directly toward a group of people waiting in line to get on the lift. Not wanting to look like I didn't care if it hit anyone, I actually tried to run after it. In my snowboarding boots. It didn't work well. I did not catch up to it.
Later that same day, I managed to sprain my ankle.
My next time up I was staying overnight at a hotel during a weekend event which included 36 hours of events and skiing/boarding time. My floor had a lot of big groups of high school/college kids. One room managed to set the fire alarm off for the entire hotel by the massive amounts of pot they decided to smoke. Walking out my door, the smell hit you in the face. It was obvious what the culprit was. This occurred around 8 am. I was THIS close to getting in the shower. Sometimes I am glad that I'm lazy in the morning.
My most recent attempt was cut short due to my inability to wake up to my alarm. I overslept and by the time we got on the mountain it was already 12:30 in the afternoon. We did a few runs and then I was lost. After my 30 minute wait I had a 1 hour lunch with my friends. We did a run and couldn't stand how cold it was. I did a total of three runs that day. Maybe not worth the drive and gas, but the view was nice.
Later that same day, I managed to sprain my ankle.
My next time up I was staying overnight at a hotel during a weekend event which included 36 hours of events and skiing/boarding time. My floor had a lot of big groups of high school/college kids. One room managed to set the fire alarm off for the entire hotel by the massive amounts of pot they decided to smoke. Walking out my door, the smell hit you in the face. It was obvious what the culprit was. This occurred around 8 am. I was THIS close to getting in the shower. Sometimes I am glad that I'm lazy in the morning.
My most recent attempt was cut short due to my inability to wake up to my alarm. I overslept and by the time we got on the mountain it was already 12:30 in the afternoon. We did a few runs and then I was lost. After my 30 minute wait I had a 1 hour lunch with my friends. We did a run and couldn't stand how cold it was. I did a total of three runs that day. Maybe not worth the drive and gas, but the view was nice.
they're baaaack
Back in the late 80's early 90's I was a huge fan of American Gladiators. I don't really know why. I guess I am easy to entertain. You can only imagine how excited I was to find out that NBC is bringing the show back in January of '08. A lot of the old events seems to be making a comeback, but from the commercials, the show seems to have more of a sexy edge. If you go to the Gladiator Zone website you can read up on the new Gladiators. The guys seem to have a little bit of a crazy look to them. I don't think I would do well if I crossed them on the street. All of this change made me nostalgic. You really can't beat the spandex that was my childhood.
Monday, October 29, 2007
mr. predictable
No such thing in sports! It was a sad weekend for the Rockies, but this win looks like something straight out of the movie "Little Giants."
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
ello govna'
There isn't much to this commercial, but it is pretty much the one thing on tv that makes me laugh every time I see it.
I'm a big fan of the new one, too...
Love it. Can't wait to see what they come up with next...
I'm a big fan of the new one, too...
Love it. Can't wait to see what they come up with next...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
cuz it's one...two...
My best friend called me the other night and when I told her I was watching the Rockies game her response was "Why?" (keep in mind my friend lives in California, so may not be aware of how well the Rockies have been playing). Turns out, our talk made me realize why I actually like watching sports. It's because of this:
I love the energy of sports. I love being surrounded by people and the anxious moments that come along with being a fan. When you step back, you realize just how absorbed you are in the moment.
Happy Rocktober!
I love the energy of sports. I love being surrounded by people and the anxious moments that come along with being a fan. When you step back, you realize just how absorbed you are in the moment.
Happy Rocktober!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
how to find mr. or mrs. right
Several years ago in a faraway land, I took a memorable psychology class from a professor whose interest in the field seemed to be motivated, at least in part, by a desire to unearth new tricks for beguiling the opposite sex. Ethical implications aside, his lectures were generously garnished with anecdotes that held his wide-eyed freshmen audience in rapt attention.
Among the tips he shared was a psychologically based method for casually gauging just who might be checking you out in a crowded place: yaawning. The theory goes that if you yawn, anyone who’s surreptitiously watching you won’t be able to resist yawning too, giving themselves away (and marking them as a susceptible target for wooing).
The trick is based on a real phenomenon called “contagious yawning,” in which seeing, hearing, or even thinking about someone else yawning causes you to follow suit. The biological function of yawning is debatable and there are several kinds of yawns that may signal everything from fatigue to aggression. But contagiously opening your yapper in a yawn seems to be distinct from doing so spontaneously, based on the fact that the former does not occur in all animals. In other words, plenty of animals yawn, but not all animals mimic one another’s yawns.
Whether or not seeing someone else’s jaws gaping wide gives you the uncontrollable urge to join in may say more about your personality than you realize. Roughly half of people yawn when watching videos of others yawning. Some researchers hypothesize that contagious yawning is more common in people with greater empathy — the ability to recognize and share other people’s emotions — an idea that has gotten quite a bit of press lately.
Developmental clues support the empathy theory for contagious yawns. Children younger than about 4 years old, it seems, yawn spontaneously but don’t catch contagious yawns from adults or from one another. Neither do many older children with autism spectrum disorder, who have an impaired ability to communicate, socialize, and empathize, according to a paper published this summer in Biology Letters. The authors found that children with autism yawned spontaneously about as often as children without autism. But when watching videos of yawning adults, children with autism yawned fewer times than other children. They believe this supports the claim that contagious yawning is based on the capacity for empathy.
Indeed, studies of what’s actually happening in the brain when we see others yawn also seem to support the empathy explanation. For example, in 2005, researchers used an imaging technique called fMRI to see what happens in the brain when people see others yawn. The images showed that in the person seeing the yawn, there was increased activity in the part of the brain involved in self-processing, a region believed to be related to empathy.
Contagious yawning is not a strictly human habit, though. Research shows that a couple animals related to our species, like chimps, do it too. In one study, British and Japanese researchers showed six female chimps videos of other female chimps that were either yawning or just opening their mouths. A third of the chimps yawned significantly more when watching other chimps yawn, while none of them yawned when watching the non-yawns.
So, yes, it seems that my professor was on to something with his yawning scheme. Not only does research show that yawning is contagious, it suggests yawning weeds out the starers who are a bit less empathetic (too bad the yawning trick won’t weed out the chimps, too).
This was written by Andrea Anderson. I think it might be worth a try...
Among the tips he shared was a psychologically based method for casually gauging just who might be checking you out in a crowded place: yaawning. The theory goes that if you yawn, anyone who’s surreptitiously watching you won’t be able to resist yawning too, giving themselves away (and marking them as a susceptible target for wooing).
The trick is based on a real phenomenon called “contagious yawning,” in which seeing, hearing, or even thinking about someone else yawning causes you to follow suit. The biological function of yawning is debatable and there are several kinds of yawns that may signal everything from fatigue to aggression. But contagiously opening your yapper in a yawn seems to be distinct from doing so spontaneously, based on the fact that the former does not occur in all animals. In other words, plenty of animals yawn, but not all animals mimic one another’s yawns.
Whether or not seeing someone else’s jaws gaping wide gives you the uncontrollable urge to join in may say more about your personality than you realize. Roughly half of people yawn when watching videos of others yawning. Some researchers hypothesize that contagious yawning is more common in people with greater empathy — the ability to recognize and share other people’s emotions — an idea that has gotten quite a bit of press lately.
Developmental clues support the empathy theory for contagious yawns. Children younger than about 4 years old, it seems, yawn spontaneously but don’t catch contagious yawns from adults or from one another. Neither do many older children with autism spectrum disorder, who have an impaired ability to communicate, socialize, and empathize, according to a paper published this summer in Biology Letters. The authors found that children with autism yawned spontaneously about as often as children without autism. But when watching videos of yawning adults, children with autism yawned fewer times than other children. They believe this supports the claim that contagious yawning is based on the capacity for empathy.
Indeed, studies of what’s actually happening in the brain when we see others yawn also seem to support the empathy explanation. For example, in 2005, researchers used an imaging technique called fMRI to see what happens in the brain when people see others yawn. The images showed that in the person seeing the yawn, there was increased activity in the part of the brain involved in self-processing, a region believed to be related to empathy.
Contagious yawning is not a strictly human habit, though. Research shows that a couple animals related to our species, like chimps, do it too. In one study, British and Japanese researchers showed six female chimps videos of other female chimps that were either yawning or just opening their mouths. A third of the chimps yawned significantly more when watching other chimps yawn, while none of them yawned when watching the non-yawns.
So, yes, it seems that my professor was on to something with his yawning scheme. Not only does research show that yawning is contagious, it suggests yawning weeds out the starers who are a bit less empathetic (too bad the yawning trick won’t weed out the chimps, too).
This was written by Andrea Anderson. I think it might be worth a try...
Monday, September 24, 2007
frenchies
When I was in France I asked my friend why all of the stores were playing American music. She told me it was because French music consisted of bad techno. I guess this is what she had in mind, but I have to say, I kinda dig it!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
it's all so obvious
I am a big nerd and have a thing for desk calendars. This year's has quotes from "wild women." A couple of months ago I got this one, "Meeting guys in bars is like going grocery shopping when you're hungry. You come home with things you don't need." Not that I tend to go home with the guys I meet in bars, but last weekend was a pretty good example of why this quote is true...
A friend and I decided to go out even though we had just exausted ourselves doing a 50 mile bike ride earlier in the day. It was definatly not an all out night, but we kind of felt like people watching, and there is nothing more entertaining then watching drunk people when you are sober (although, we have realized that when you are sober and actually enjoying kicking back, drunk people think that you look unhappy and will make sure to tell you this multiple times).
While this first encounter has nothing to do with guys in bars, it was the begining to what would be a bizarre night. Standing on the corner about the cross the street, out of nowhere there is a loud scream in my friends ear. We turn around to find an older man with no teeth grinning. He then turns around and walks away.
At our first bar I headed off to get drinks and my friend stayed back to avoid the crowd at the bar and to save our seats. Not even 30 seconds after I left her, Mr. Parts His Hair (seriously, it was tamed in such a way that you could tell a healthy amount of gel was used in preparing for this look) was on the prowl. He had been standing near us earlier in the night and at his first opportunity decides to start talking up my friend. I come back to find her awkwardly giving him her number. I think I must look scary because as soon as I got back he bolted. Maybe he doesn't have a lot of game when someone else is watching? Not really sure. But my friend later told me that a lot of the conversation had to do with her looking at the floor or around because she was having a hard time looking directly at him due to his choice of hairstyle. This comment makes us sound mean, but I promise, we really are nice girls.
Shortly after this encounter came the boys who ended up running us out of the bar. Showing his new roommate what Denver has to offer, drunkie proceeds to ask me the same question about 5 times (which I calmly answer hoping that he will eventually move on, but no). As the conversation dies down and we don't instigate anything else we think they will take the hint but don't so we decide to head out and go somewhere else. I guess we aren't the kind of people who can flat out tell someone to move on down the line. Maybe we just really wanted a change of scenary.
On the way to the next bar we are stopped by a guy standing on the street. He has wild curly hair, an odd look on his face, is holding his phone, and looks a little lost so we think he is just going to ask for directions. He then launches into a little speech, "Have you ever felt like you have to say hi to someone because they could change your life forever? That you just have to say hi to them?" It went on like this for awhile and my friend just can't handle it so she walks away laughing. I am stuck there trying to be polite as I back away when he asks me the kicker question, "So, would you...make me coffee, or buy me coffee..." Can't say that I have heard this one before but decided this was my exit so I said goodbye and ran to catch up with my friend who buy this time was halfway down the block.
By the time we got to the last bar it was a little late and not too crowded. Honest to God we were really actually having a good time talking and watching people but according to the general drunk public, since we were not falling over ourselves or making out with a random guy in a corner, we looked like we were miserable. In order to cure our saddness, Mr. iphone says he will buy us a drink. My friend tells him she is driving and declines but he decides to ignore this statement and orders her one anyway. The drinks come and she tells me that I have to drink hers for her and fast because she wants to go and get away from this kid. I look at the two long islands and get a little nervous because all I can imagine is how this may cause me to feel later in the night. I suck it up and down two long islands (which, thank God this bar does not put much alchohol in their drinks or I would have been in a lot of trouble) and we head out the door. This does not come fast enough to avoid the "Can I have your number" moment, which in this instance also came with, "What do you think of my roommate over there?" Yeah, the guy who has been sitting with a girl who we can only imagine is his finacee due to the insane rock on her finger, that guy.
We think there must have been a full moon.
A friend and I decided to go out even though we had just exausted ourselves doing a 50 mile bike ride earlier in the day. It was definatly not an all out night, but we kind of felt like people watching, and there is nothing more entertaining then watching drunk people when you are sober (although, we have realized that when you are sober and actually enjoying kicking back, drunk people think that you look unhappy and will make sure to tell you this multiple times).
While this first encounter has nothing to do with guys in bars, it was the begining to what would be a bizarre night. Standing on the corner about the cross the street, out of nowhere there is a loud scream in my friends ear. We turn around to find an older man with no teeth grinning. He then turns around and walks away.
At our first bar I headed off to get drinks and my friend stayed back to avoid the crowd at the bar and to save our seats. Not even 30 seconds after I left her, Mr. Parts His Hair (seriously, it was tamed in such a way that you could tell a healthy amount of gel was used in preparing for this look) was on the prowl. He had been standing near us earlier in the night and at his first opportunity decides to start talking up my friend. I come back to find her awkwardly giving him her number. I think I must look scary because as soon as I got back he bolted. Maybe he doesn't have a lot of game when someone else is watching? Not really sure. But my friend later told me that a lot of the conversation had to do with her looking at the floor or around because she was having a hard time looking directly at him due to his choice of hairstyle. This comment makes us sound mean, but I promise, we really are nice girls.
Shortly after this encounter came the boys who ended up running us out of the bar. Showing his new roommate what Denver has to offer, drunkie proceeds to ask me the same question about 5 times (which I calmly answer hoping that he will eventually move on, but no). As the conversation dies down and we don't instigate anything else we think they will take the hint but don't so we decide to head out and go somewhere else. I guess we aren't the kind of people who can flat out tell someone to move on down the line. Maybe we just really wanted a change of scenary.
On the way to the next bar we are stopped by a guy standing on the street. He has wild curly hair, an odd look on his face, is holding his phone, and looks a little lost so we think he is just going to ask for directions. He then launches into a little speech, "Have you ever felt like you have to say hi to someone because they could change your life forever? That you just have to say hi to them?" It went on like this for awhile and my friend just can't handle it so she walks away laughing. I am stuck there trying to be polite as I back away when he asks me the kicker question, "So, would you...make me coffee, or buy me coffee..." Can't say that I have heard this one before but decided this was my exit so I said goodbye and ran to catch up with my friend who buy this time was halfway down the block.
By the time we got to the last bar it was a little late and not too crowded. Honest to God we were really actually having a good time talking and watching people but according to the general drunk public, since we were not falling over ourselves or making out with a random guy in a corner, we looked like we were miserable. In order to cure our saddness, Mr. iphone says he will buy us a drink. My friend tells him she is driving and declines but he decides to ignore this statement and orders her one anyway. The drinks come and she tells me that I have to drink hers for her and fast because she wants to go and get away from this kid. I look at the two long islands and get a little nervous because all I can imagine is how this may cause me to feel later in the night. I suck it up and down two long islands (which, thank God this bar does not put much alchohol in their drinks or I would have been in a lot of trouble) and we head out the door. This does not come fast enough to avoid the "Can I have your number" moment, which in this instance also came with, "What do you think of my roommate over there?" Yeah, the guy who has been sitting with a girl who we can only imagine is his finacee due to the insane rock on her finger, that guy.
We think there must have been a full moon.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
this is why i'm hot
You too can sport some awkwardly large glasses. Just roll like the cool kids and see Harry Potter in 3D Imax...yes, I actually did this, and it was pretty rad...
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
"L" is for the way you look at me
So it seems that I have crossed into the phase of life where more and more of my peers are starting to tie the knot. A friend told me that up until she reached the magical age of 25, life was good. Then, all of the sudden, marriage popped in her head. Babies. She still isn't sure that all of it is what she wants right now, but a good chunk of her now mid-20's friends are taking that route.
Growing up I always just assumed I would get married. It was just the thing to do. I love the idea of finding someone who clicks with you. Who gets you, and ultimatly helps you to be your happiest, best you. I know it can never be a 24/7 thing, but a majority of the time would be nice! But then I wonder, why do we need someone to help us be happy? Why can't we make ourselves happy? There is so much talk of soul mates, our other halves. Everyone wants to be "completed" by someone else. I think some of it comes from our fear of loneliness. Is this need for companionship a human need, or a desire driven by social stigma? Who doesn't fear becoming the old cat lady??
I just finished reading a book called Eat, Pray, Love. This woman went through a nasty divorce and left the country to find out what was going on in her life and to try make sense of it. While she was in India she met a man from Texas. During one of their conversations about her lost love, he had a really good insight:
People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that’s holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah, to painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it. Your problem is, you just can’t let this one go. It’s over, Groceries. David’s purpose was to shake you up, drive you out of that marriage that you needed to leave, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light could get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you had to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master and beat it. That was his job, and he did great, but now it’s over.
So in a way, our soul mates do complete us. They help us to find out who we are and what we are made of, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be with us in a physical form forever. This whole take on things makes me wonder, then, what is so big about getting married? Can you really make it work with one person (who may or may not be your soul mate, because, let's face it, a lot of people do settle) for a very large chunk of your life? (Think about it, you get married at 25, live til your 80...is being single so terrible?) Don't get me wrong, I am not a hater of marriage, I'm just trying to make sense of it all. Like most American females, I do still hope to find "the one." But with this new take on things, I think that it's important to really look around and take everything in. No one person can ever make you truly happy. You alone are the person who controls your emotions. Live and learn and make yourself whole. Then, maybe, when you get to that spot, allow someone to share in your already marvelous life.
Growing up I always just assumed I would get married. It was just the thing to do. I love the idea of finding someone who clicks with you. Who gets you, and ultimatly helps you to be your happiest, best you. I know it can never be a 24/7 thing, but a majority of the time would be nice! But then I wonder, why do we need someone to help us be happy? Why can't we make ourselves happy? There is so much talk of soul mates, our other halves. Everyone wants to be "completed" by someone else. I think some of it comes from our fear of loneliness. Is this need for companionship a human need, or a desire driven by social stigma? Who doesn't fear becoming the old cat lady??
I just finished reading a book called Eat, Pray, Love. This woman went through a nasty divorce and left the country to find out what was going on in her life and to try make sense of it. While she was in India she met a man from Texas. During one of their conversations about her lost love, he had a really good insight:
People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that’s holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah, to painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it. Your problem is, you just can’t let this one go. It’s over, Groceries. David’s purpose was to shake you up, drive you out of that marriage that you needed to leave, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light could get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you had to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master and beat it. That was his job, and he did great, but now it’s over.
So in a way, our soul mates do complete us. They help us to find out who we are and what we are made of, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be with us in a physical form forever. This whole take on things makes me wonder, then, what is so big about getting married? Can you really make it work with one person (who may or may not be your soul mate, because, let's face it, a lot of people do settle) for a very large chunk of your life? (Think about it, you get married at 25, live til your 80...is being single so terrible?) Don't get me wrong, I am not a hater of marriage, I'm just trying to make sense of it all. Like most American females, I do still hope to find "the one." But with this new take on things, I think that it's important to really look around and take everything in. No one person can ever make you truly happy. You alone are the person who controls your emotions. Live and learn and make yourself whole. Then, maybe, when you get to that spot, allow someone to share in your already marvelous life.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
my baby's got sauce
You know you're in for a good show when you see the artist post this on his blog:
Tonight is actually early Friday morning, August something, 2007 at 2:41 am. I'm lying in my bunk on the back of the bus. The bus is rolling through the deserts of New Mexico on the way to Morrison, Colorado. I can't sleep.
I've just been practicing up all day getting ready for the show at Red Rocks which is now about 18 hours away. I've already written and rewritten the set list about 20 times. I've ran some old tunes, worked on finger exercises and scales, noodled endlessly and worked on a song Jeff and I are writing. It’s fair to say I've done my work. This is a good thing as I'm hoping tomorrow I can just get up and flow straight through to the show.
We've got some cool musical surprises planned for what I'm considering to be the biggest show of my career. Jimmy Jazz is telling me to stop thinking and freaking out about it and I think he's right I should. And I'm going to stop thinking and rethinking about it as soon as I stop typing and this old bus rocks me to sleep.
Trying to write this set list has been the hardest thing. I wish I could just play every song I got then it would be easier. It’s tough cause maybe I will get to play around 15-20 songs. The thing is I've got hundreds. What should I play??? Anyway, I've picked out 20 of the best plus we've got a special guest. Hmmmmm...Can't tell you who yet it’s a surprise. See you when the sun is rising high. That’s my word bet, get ready to rock Red Rocks So steady when that sun sinks and the night time rises, sky-high-shooting stars ain't the only thing that shines. Get your shine on tonight
Peace out
G
G. Love at Red Rocks was AMAZING. I've seen him in concert before, but this show was 10 times better. The next day he wrote this:
We just got to Kansas here and my head is still spinning from last night. Red Rocks was siiiiiick. I can't thank Colorado enough for showing up so large. Both Miles (Slightly Stoopid) and I agreed that there is something special about the way people love music in CO. What a great crowd, It was super hype!
Ozo started off the evening with a killer set and the crowd never stopped jamming. Slightly Stoopid had an amazing set and honestly I knew that was going to be a hard act to follow. But we did and I think we had a pretty hot set. The crowd stayed live and my guitar was singing. Jimmy Jazz pulled off a hot solo in "This Ain't Living", Mark and Jeff crushed as well. For the encore we were blessed with Tristan Prettyman coming out from SD to join us for one of our best renditions of "Beautiful" (thanks to KBCO for blowing it up in Boulder). Mellow Mood had just about every musician on the tour on stage. We closed the set out with Sauce and Jersey and sealed the deal.
Thanks for everyone coming. We will be back!
I gotta go to sound check…tonight Kansas City here I come.
Peace
I have to admit, I wasn't the biggest fan of Slightly Stoopid. The set they played was way to long, but everyone else made up for their shortfallings. The night was one for the record books. After the rain ended the sun came out and a rainbow framed the stage. I heart Colorado.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
My roomate just got a book, The Secret Universe of Names by Roy Feinson, that is based on the idea that words evolve into our language and culture because the sounds in these words evoke a particular emotional resonance in humans. When speaking, we have to make certain facial expressions to form sounds. These facial expressions reinforce the emotional response from the listener. Feinson hypothesizes from this that the reactions people have to these sounds in our own names can affect our self-image and the expectations other people have of us. Below is what this book says about me.
VK names: Youthful, Sensitive, Devoted - Manipulative, Conflicted, Hypersensitive
Because the letter V is the icon of virility and vitality and the K (or hard C sound) is the symbol of forceful action we find in king, kill, kick, Kaiser, kidnap and knock, when these two letters are combined in a word the result is the dynamism found in the words Viking, viscount, victory and Valkyries (the battlefield maidens of Norse mythology). Typically, we find a strong contradiction embedded in the personalities of those who bear the VK names-their personalities are alternately alluring and slightly dangerous-depending on the mood of the moment. Those who choose to end their names with the feminizing, high pitched Y, I or IE (Vicky) are signaling themselves to be somewhat more playful versions of the otherwise uncompromising VK names; creating a bit of uncertainty as to the VK's true motives.
It could be said that the VKs have a simplistic view of the universe reminiscent of the fierce idealism of middle adolescence. VKs are the champions of right, the first to point out shortcomings in others but also the first to give support when it's needed. They seem born with the ability to manipulate their environments, a trait which stands them in good stead in their personal lives, but which doesn't win them many allies in the workplace.
Although they're forceful at times, VKs also have a strangely powerful magnetic appeal-their playful sensuality and stunning smiles could disarm the NRA. But VKs aren't about to rely only on their charms for resources. Their recipe for success calls for finding other people's buttons and pushing them until they get what they want. VKs have the advantage here. Their control is subtle and their playful behavior distracts people while they're being outmaneuvered. Still, most of the time when a VK is being charming and friendly, it's not an act. They have big hearts and even bigger hopes for you. In any event, it's not all bad if you find yourself succumbing to a VK's will; they're quite generous in rewarding those who toe their line.
Marriage to a VK will be a treat for anyone who craves unconditional love and doesn't mind adhering to someone else's ideals. But make no mistake; if VKs believe that their partners aren't as committed as they are, they'll be out faster then a Taliban in Texas. But when their mates are dedicated to common ideals, VKs will do everything in their power to create a stable and loving environment in which both can reach their full potential.
Not half bad! Some sounds like me, other stuff, I'm not so sure. My roommate and I were thinking it would be a cool experiment to go through the book and pick out the names that seem like they are the coolest, most well rounded people and name any future kids with these names. Then, later on in life, go back and read the book to see if they turned out the way the book said they would.
VK names: Youthful, Sensitive, Devoted - Manipulative, Conflicted, Hypersensitive
Because the letter V is the icon of virility and vitality and the K (or hard C sound) is the symbol of forceful action we find in king, kill, kick, Kaiser, kidnap and knock, when these two letters are combined in a word the result is the dynamism found in the words Viking, viscount, victory and Valkyries (the battlefield maidens of Norse mythology). Typically, we find a strong contradiction embedded in the personalities of those who bear the VK names-their personalities are alternately alluring and slightly dangerous-depending on the mood of the moment. Those who choose to end their names with the feminizing, high pitched Y, I or IE (Vicky) are signaling themselves to be somewhat more playful versions of the otherwise uncompromising VK names; creating a bit of uncertainty as to the VK's true motives.
It could be said that the VKs have a simplistic view of the universe reminiscent of the fierce idealism of middle adolescence. VKs are the champions of right, the first to point out shortcomings in others but also the first to give support when it's needed. They seem born with the ability to manipulate their environments, a trait which stands them in good stead in their personal lives, but which doesn't win them many allies in the workplace.
Although they're forceful at times, VKs also have a strangely powerful magnetic appeal-their playful sensuality and stunning smiles could disarm the NRA. But VKs aren't about to rely only on their charms for resources. Their recipe for success calls for finding other people's buttons and pushing them until they get what they want. VKs have the advantage here. Their control is subtle and their playful behavior distracts people while they're being outmaneuvered. Still, most of the time when a VK is being charming and friendly, it's not an act. They have big hearts and even bigger hopes for you. In any event, it's not all bad if you find yourself succumbing to a VK's will; they're quite generous in rewarding those who toe their line.
Marriage to a VK will be a treat for anyone who craves unconditional love and doesn't mind adhering to someone else's ideals. But make no mistake; if VKs believe that their partners aren't as committed as they are, they'll be out faster then a Taliban in Texas. But when their mates are dedicated to common ideals, VKs will do everything in their power to create a stable and loving environment in which both can reach their full potential.
Not half bad! Some sounds like me, other stuff, I'm not so sure. My roommate and I were thinking it would be a cool experiment to go through the book and pick out the names that seem like they are the coolest, most well rounded people and name any future kids with these names. Then, later on in life, go back and read the book to see if they turned out the way the book said they would.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
if a caveman could do it...
By now I am sure that everyone has heard about the Geico cavemen getting their own sitcom. Now who's bright idea was this and who green-lighted the thing??? I can't imagine that it would be any good. I've already heard through the massive amounts of industry emails I get daily at work that the pilot has already been re-shot because it was that terrible. While I don't really believe that commercials have the story background to flesh out into much of a series, I have come up with a top ten list of characters from commercials that I would rather see have a TV show. Hey, if a caveman could do it...
1. the people in the Sonic commerials
2. the Apple and the PC guy from the Mac commercials
3. the King from the Burger King commercials
4. the travelocity gnome
5. the new Old Spice guy
6. the Frontier Airlines animals
7. the guy from the Volkswagon commercials
8. the people in the Axe commercials
9. the Budweiser frogs
10. Buddy Lee
1. the people in the Sonic commerials
2. the Apple and the PC guy from the Mac commercials
3. the King from the Burger King commercials
4. the travelocity gnome
5. the new Old Spice guy
6. the Frontier Airlines animals
7. the guy from the Volkswagon commercials
8. the people in the Axe commercials
9. the Budweiser frogs
10. Buddy Lee
celeb-reality
I wrote this blog a couple of months ago for my company's blog. If you want to read it with all links intact, click here.
I’m not sure when it happened, but Americans have become obsessed with celebrity culture. These days there seem to be more tabloids than legit newspapers in any given market. There are even popular blogs devoted solely to celebrity gossip such as perezhilton.com and thesuperficial.com, which, I admit, I check on a daily basis.
Companies are noticing this love affair that America has with celebrities and they are starting to try to use it to their advantage. In the past, American celebrities would only do commercials in foreign countries because they said that they wanted to keep their professional image in the US. Many celebrities are now capitalizing by endorsing products in the US and companies are hoping that everyday Americans will connect with their product because of their adoration for the celebrity advertising it. In a recent episode of 30 Rock on NBC, they made light of this situation. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) explained to a recently broke Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) that to make enough money to keep from losing his house all he had to do was find a product to put his name on and it would sell. It didn’t matter what the product was because the product wasn’t what was being sold. What was being sold was Tracy’s name and image. Jack told him that people would buy him, not the product. Tracy came back with The Tracy Jordan Meat Machine. Hey George-isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery??
I can’t help but wonder why the sudden change of heart? Why do the celebrities do it? Is it for the money? I thought they were all about remaining professional. Did they sell out? Or is it more that they want, in a way, to sell themselves? Celebrities have an image that they project to the world. This image has evolved into their brand. When you really think about it, a celebrity is a brand. You have your Tara Reids and Julia Roberts. Why else would they have so many agents, hairdressers and P.R. Reps? By doing commercials and being broadcast across the country on a daily basis they are trying to further their own brand. Plus, they have to find some way to pay for their million dollar homes.
I recently read an article on AdAge.com about a new commercial that Kevin Federline (yes, you heard me right) is doing for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. that will be aired during Super Bowl XLI. My first reaction to this news was laughter. If celebrities are brands, then to me he is synonymous to a K-Mart shoe. I don’t see how Federline could be a good spokesman for an insurance company. To me, the match seems way off. Then it hit me. It’s all about face time for both parties, Nationwide and Federline.
According to the AdAge.com article, Nationwide is hoping for a repeat of the $7.2 million media frenzy they received after last year’s Fabio Super Bowl commercial. It got 158 million impressions and generated over 500 media stories. I think that Nationwide knows Federline is a household name all across America and by using him in their ad people will pay attention to it. People are drawn to watching Federline just like they are drawn to watching a train wreck. You know you shouldn’t but you do anyway. On the other half of this match up, Federline is out to make a name for himself. What better way to get face time then to be on TV during the Super Bowl?
All the negativity aimed at Federline lately makes me think that maybe we should all throw him a bone. Perhaps he isn’t as clueless as we think. He did manage to land a high profile commercial and this is a good example of how celebrities (or in this case wanna-be celebrities) are using advertising to extend their own branded image and get their name in the press. Even if it’s obvious that Nationwide is using his status to get a laugh out of the American public, he is willing to be the butt of the joke just to be included with the big kids. It’s a hard knock life being Britney Spears’ baby daddy.
I’m not sure when it happened, but Americans have become obsessed with celebrity culture. These days there seem to be more tabloids than legit newspapers in any given market. There are even popular blogs devoted solely to celebrity gossip such as perezhilton.com and thesuperficial.com, which, I admit, I check on a daily basis.
Companies are noticing this love affair that America has with celebrities and they are starting to try to use it to their advantage. In the past, American celebrities would only do commercials in foreign countries because they said that they wanted to keep their professional image in the US. Many celebrities are now capitalizing by endorsing products in the US and companies are hoping that everyday Americans will connect with their product because of their adoration for the celebrity advertising it. In a recent episode of 30 Rock on NBC, they made light of this situation. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) explained to a recently broke Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) that to make enough money to keep from losing his house all he had to do was find a product to put his name on and it would sell. It didn’t matter what the product was because the product wasn’t what was being sold. What was being sold was Tracy’s name and image. Jack told him that people would buy him, not the product. Tracy came back with The Tracy Jordan Meat Machine. Hey George-isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery??
I can’t help but wonder why the sudden change of heart? Why do the celebrities do it? Is it for the money? I thought they were all about remaining professional. Did they sell out? Or is it more that they want, in a way, to sell themselves? Celebrities have an image that they project to the world. This image has evolved into their brand. When you really think about it, a celebrity is a brand. You have your Tara Reids and Julia Roberts. Why else would they have so many agents, hairdressers and P.R. Reps? By doing commercials and being broadcast across the country on a daily basis they are trying to further their own brand. Plus, they have to find some way to pay for their million dollar homes.
I recently read an article on AdAge.com about a new commercial that Kevin Federline (yes, you heard me right) is doing for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. that will be aired during Super Bowl XLI. My first reaction to this news was laughter. If celebrities are brands, then to me he is synonymous to a K-Mart shoe. I don’t see how Federline could be a good spokesman for an insurance company. To me, the match seems way off. Then it hit me. It’s all about face time for both parties, Nationwide and Federline.
According to the AdAge.com article, Nationwide is hoping for a repeat of the $7.2 million media frenzy they received after last year’s Fabio Super Bowl commercial. It got 158 million impressions and generated over 500 media stories. I think that Nationwide knows Federline is a household name all across America and by using him in their ad people will pay attention to it. People are drawn to watching Federline just like they are drawn to watching a train wreck. You know you shouldn’t but you do anyway. On the other half of this match up, Federline is out to make a name for himself. What better way to get face time then to be on TV during the Super Bowl?
All the negativity aimed at Federline lately makes me think that maybe we should all throw him a bone. Perhaps he isn’t as clueless as we think. He did manage to land a high profile commercial and this is a good example of how celebrities (or in this case wanna-be celebrities) are using advertising to extend their own branded image and get their name in the press. Even if it’s obvious that Nationwide is using his status to get a laugh out of the American public, he is willing to be the butt of the joke just to be included with the big kids. It’s a hard knock life being Britney Spears’ baby daddy.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
wii
To anyone who says that video games make kids fat and stupid, I only have one thing to say...buy a Wii!! A couple of nights ago I played wii boxing for the first time ever and the next day I was a little sore. It only got worse today. I didn't know why. Did not even dawn on me that the pain I was feeling was from a 15 min game that I played with hand held controllers...I think this beats DDR.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
look what i got...
So, we are all familiar with the obligatory, "My parents went to Hawaii and I all got was this t-shirt" type souvenir gifts. Well, I have to say that my parents have taken it one step farther. Right before they took off for the east coast a couple weeks ago I had been talking to my mom about how I wanted some White Castle. Not really sure why, since I never really ate there much when I actually lived there, but it was one of those cravings I guess. How can you not like those little bitty burgers? They make me feel like a giant. Anyway, so I'm hanging out with my parents today for the first time since they have been back and my mom gets all excited about what she brought back for me. Turns out they decided to go to White Castle one day and thought it would be the best idea to bring me back a bunch of ketchup packets along with the cardboard holder that had once held their delicious meal. My parents really do love me.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
kids say the darndest things
I know in my younger days that I've said a lot of things to embarress my parents. The other day I was in Target. A woman was looking at a dress. I noticed this woman because her little boy, let's say he was 4 or 5, was SO excited about the dress, which struck me as odd that a little boy would be so into a dress. Touching it, oohing and ahhing over it. I laughed to myself. Anyway, this made me think that this child might be the next Marc Jacobs or something. That's until he opened his mouth and proceeded to tell his mother in a very loud voice that you would be able to see her boobs if she wore the dress. At this point they walked away. I started laughing harder.
the good old days
I can't say that I ever really got into the Transformers as a kid, but my older brother was all about them. I think he even had his Transformer pillowcases until the age of 12. In honor of all things 80's that rocked (including me, seeing as how I was born in '83) here is a little Transformer love.
On another note, I feel bad for kids these days. Their Saturday morning cartoons are nothing like we had. I think people are realizing this. Why else would I have woken up one day and seen Babar and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the tube?
On another note, I feel bad for kids these days. Their Saturday morning cartoons are nothing like we had. I think people are realizing this. Why else would I have woken up one day and seen Babar and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the tube?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
splat
This is actually really gross and I don't know why I took a picture of it (especially because I was driving). But I have hit a lot of bugs with my car in my day and this was the first time that after the act I had BLOOD on my window!! Kinda grossed me out. I'm guessing it was a recently full and content mosquito. FYI - if this is you, you should probably avoid freeways.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
don't forget to hydrate
I got a workout tape from the library because it said it was by a guy who does workouts for the stars.
I have never been a huge fan of product placement. I'm not sure exactly why, but I think its because it seems to me like ads are invading my entertainment. Like you can't ever get a break from them.
Anyway, today was a first for me, because right in the middle of the workout, Gunnar Peterson says, "Now would be a great time to catch your breath and get some water. We're drinking Propel Fitness Water." He lifts up his plastic bottle, label out to the camera.
I started laughing. Anything to make a buck.
I have never been a huge fan of product placement. I'm not sure exactly why, but I think its because it seems to me like ads are invading my entertainment. Like you can't ever get a break from them.
Anyway, today was a first for me, because right in the middle of the workout, Gunnar Peterson says, "Now would be a great time to catch your breath and get some water. We're drinking Propel Fitness Water." He lifts up his plastic bottle, label out to the camera.
I started laughing. Anything to make a buck.
the british are coming!!
I don't really know why, but it seems like all the new music I listen to lately comes from the brits...My best friend always thought I'd end up marrying a guy I met in a pub...maybe I'm just subconsciously headed in that direction?? Enjoy!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
vic's got jokes
I made up a joke today:
What did the kangaroo say to the cow?
How's it going down udder?
Get it???? Should I stick to my day job?
What did the kangaroo say to the cow?
How's it going down udder?
Get it???? Should I stick to my day job?
Monday, May 07, 2007
Oh the places you'll go...
I just got back a couple weeks ago from the most amazing trip ever. I haven't written anything about it because I have never been able to really put in words all of the things that I wanted to and have it make sense. It almost feels like it might be one of those memories that lives on better in your mind then on paper, but I want to get it all out, so I'll keep working on it. Anyway, that isn't why I'm writing this entry. When my friends and I were on our trip we met some kids at our hostel in Rome and one of them has started emailing me. He doesn't speak (or type I guess in this case) the best English (but then I can't do too well in Spanish!) but it is so fun to decipher what he is saying. I loved how so many people in Europe spoke more then one language. To be able to speak with people and understand them even though you come from completley different cultures is something that really amazes me. I love it. It makes the world so much smaller and open for you to explore.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Quilts
I spent the day with my mom yesterday and we went to a quilt show (she is really big on quilting). There were a couple that seemed to really stand out. I can't imagine how much time and thought went into making all of them. It's pretty amazing. I don't know if I would have the patience! My mom had alwasys tried to get me into sewing when I was little but I would always start things and not finish them. I'm trying to learn how to knit now, and she gave me her old sewing machine, so who knows...the creative bug might hit me soon! The pictures up top are a couple of my favorite quilts from the show. I loved the "doodle on paper" one. Very cool.
Friday, May 04, 2007
SOS
Last night I was driving down the street and saw a Hummer police car. What is the point of this? How can a cop chase anyone down in a Hummer? Who pays the bills for the gas in that thing? I know I live in Colorado, but there isn't a ton of off roading around where I live. It just seemed like a very odd fit to me.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Click on the Horses
Click on this link first and then follow the directions given above.
http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/Kor/hestekor.swf
http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/Kor/hestekor.swf
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
back for more
It's been awhile since I've written anything. Things that have been occupying my time: I have to admit, my time online has cut back a lot since daylight savings time kicked in. I just have so much more energy and I LOVE being outside. I've also been busy planning for what will probably be the most amazing trip/adventure of my life to date!! I am hooked on a couple new musicial talents (Mika and Amy Winehouse specifically) so I just like to mellow out listening to them. I managed to find some kick ass bindings for my snowboard (since I broke my old ones) and had to work on getting those put on. Now tomorrow I have to find a place to get my tires re-aligned since the massive pot holes that covered the city of Denver after multiple blizzards have taken a toll and are killing my tires. There always seems to be something going on!!
Happy Spring!!!
Happy Spring!!!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
valentines flowers from my secret admirer
I meant to post this a couple days ago, but here are the GORGEOUS flowers that I received from my secret admirer (aka my best friend Nancy) on Valentine's Day. She treats me better then anyone, 2 dozen!! Don't hate...although I am hatin hard on FTD because I ordered flowers for her through them and they did not deliver them on time!! Nothing sucks more than expecting flowers on Valentine's Day and them not showing up...trust me, I know. So don't use FTD!!! But please feel free to admire how pretty mine are!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Scanaholic
I just got my new scanner in the mail and felt like playin around with it. This is a coaster/postcard I got in a bar one time and I kept it because I think it's hilarious AND a good message!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Attack of the Kamakazi Fly
I was sitting at my desk today at work and heard a fly buzzing around. All of the sudden I look up and see this black dot headed at me. It hits my chest right under my collar bone and disappears. I could have sworn it went in my shirt but I couldn't find it so I gave up the search. Then I feel something move near my arm and sure enough when I move a fly falls out from my shirt...I found it dead under my desk later on in the day. My brother had given me the Orlando Bloom figure for Christmas...his action pose didn't seem to to intimidating to the fly, I guess!.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
I'm getting old
I have started feeling old already and I'm only 23! I was at the movies on Friday night and it is insane how young the kids that hang out there look. It doesn't feel like that long ago that I would spend my Friday nights at the movie theater hanging out wtih my friends. I don't remember feeling like I looked that young though...And I've noticed something about young girls nowadays. They seem to have this way that they stand. It takes leaning on one leg to new heights. It's like they have this attitud-y stance where they have to stick one hip way out and lean the other direction on their other leg. I can't really explain it. All I know is that I've seen it more then a couple times. But attitude and being a teenager do go hand in hand.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Oh Boulder...
So, tonight I went to see the new Jennifer Garner movie "Catch and Release." I have to admit that I am not really a huge Garner fan, but I had heard that the movie was filmed in Boulder a couple summers ago and I wanted to see what they did. I was living in Boulder at the time and had no idea that a film crew had been in town at all. I was working a lot that summer...Anyway, it was wierd to see so many places on a movie screen that I used to walk by on a daily basis. They really sterotyped Boulder, though. They had one scene where they were on Pearl St. and OF COURSE they had guitar playing hippies hangin around. They showed parts of Boulder Creek and The Hill (good ol Sink and Half Fast!), too. They even had one of the characters working at the Celestial Seasonings plant. They drank New Belgium beers and had a Bolder Boulder poster hanging in the background. One thing that kind of annoyed me...they had Garner's character go to a bar that does not exist. Not only that, they had all the people in the bar be cowboy types. If you live in Boulder, you know there are no cowboys and no cowboy bars. Especially bars that play all country music and have cowboy hat wearing men sitting at the bar. Other then that one gripe, I did like the movie and I loved seeing Boulder on the big screen!!!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Miss Thang
I found this website that lets you create your own M&M with accesories and all kinds of stuff. I kept mine simple. She's headed out the door after a long day at work straight to happy hour. She likes to have a good time.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Europe here I come!!!
Guess who's going to be a world traveler in less than 4 months...ME!! I have been reading up on things I want to see and even joined a email list that sends French language lessons for travelers to their emails every week. Maybe I should come up with something like that for people who want to learn English...not a bad idea! I'm so excited though. I want to read up on stuff so I am not completly lost when I get over there. A blondie in Barcelona...watch out!
Love songs for the lazy (or untalented)
I was reading through a springwise email the other day and saw the funniest rip off ever. Springwise is all about new buisness ideas. They did a whole article on a new-ish website that creates love songs for you to give to that someone special. www.tailoredmusic.com lets you pick a song, add your own lyrics and then someone at the company records your song and sends it to you. The thing that got me is how much it costs. It easily runs $300 bucks per song. What ever happened to writing a card or silly poem for Valentine's Day...
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Cat House
After unpacking all the boxes from the move we became inspired. First came the door. Then we went all out and decided to build Kacee her own little house. It looks like something one of the three little pigs would build. It didn't last long. Curiosity killed the house and now it sits in the middle of the floor in a collapsed heap. The funniest part is that now that it is broken, she actually likes to sit in it.
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