Wordless Wednesday: Merry Christmas!

©icanhazcheezburger.com

 

 

 

Or, as in the case of my cat, just knock it over because it's Wednesday.

Oh, The Horror! It's Halloween, Target!

©Phaitoon@freedigitalphotos.net

 

 
Today is October 31st. In my neck of the woods, it's Halloween. But several companies have decided that now is the time to air Christmas ads.

About 15 days ago, I saw saw an ad with a big dog, and shiny gifts. It was for Target. And they even used music asking if we were ready; a song by Fatty Gets A Stylist.

Here's their video, I think. I am not linking to the commercial. Then a few days ago, Aco showed me the Christmas trees they had on sale. And then I saw an Avon catalog.

Is it just me?

Companies, let's not start the Christmas rush before Halloween. If I thought these crazy election ads are nuts, then I can't fathom how bad it's going to be come tomorrow when radio stations get involved.

November 1st, here in America, will usher in Christmas and the ads. Are you ready?

Wordless Wednesday: Poor Wife!

©Themeapicture.com

Hilarious! Nabbed from Pinterest first.

Welcome 2012-2013 TV Season

This year has gone by really fast. One moment, I had plenty of time to write, and the next, it's September!

This week was full of premieres, and of course, what happens? My TV had technical difficulties. But thanks to CBS, NBC, and ABC valuing me as a consumer, I could watch them all online. I left out one network, but that's because they don't value me as a consumer so I'll catch the one show when I can.

This year is an election year, so really I should be watching everything online anyway to get away from all of the election commercials. Are you tired of them? I am.

What am I watching weekly that's new? Revolution and Go On.

©Krpike Enterprises/Bad Robot Productions/Warner Bros.

I would also watch Last Resort but that is up against Big Bang Theory. I am also going to check out 666 Park Avenue, but I get the feeling I'll be switching to the syndicated run of Stargate SG-1. I'm just not in awe like I am of Revolution. It's off to a good start, though I'm shocked who was the "villain." There's two. The second is waaay scarier than the first. It did take seeing the premiere a third time to realize Danny was the brother. Giancarlo Esposito is very, very good. It's like he could be compassionate, but he won't.

Go On

©Silver & Gold/Dark Toy/Universal

Sadly, Go On is the only comedy that piques my interest. I've always liked Matthew Perry and Tyler James Williams. I found it funny the bunch of times I saw its premiere. Yes, NBC, you showed the premiere way too many times. I've also caught two others, but I could pass on them. At least I'm not vehemently against them like I was last year's Whitney.

I will also be watching the second season of Revenge. Since I've switched to watching The View online, whenever I was too slow to changing to the next episode, ABC would switch me to Revenge. I was going to watch it first run, but my TV could not get the signal, but with the switch to Sunday and right after Once Upon A Time, I will be watching.

If you ask me, Emily's theme song should be Seven Devils by Florence & The Machine. They used it when Victoria boarded the plane to give her testimony in Washington. I could not get the song out of my head. It's very haunting.

Well, as you can see, my list is very short. I do expect good things from the shows I'm watching. What shows are you watching?

Wordless Wednesday: Spelling Is Just Two Hard!

Nabbed via Pinterest by way of Barticles from Taste of Awesome.

Wordless Wednesday: Bring On Teh Funny!

©epiclime.com

 

 

 

 

Sorry, AOL, but that is funny.

*Found on Pinterest from epiclime.com

Where A Movie Fails But Real Life Did Not

I've been away working on other projects, and this poor blog has suffered. I could have continued with the easy Wordless Wednesday posts, but I felt I should do more than that. I can't make any promises, but as soon as things slow down, I should be back. Keep your fingers crossed. Or not. Whatever floats your boat.

During a rather slow period, around my last post, I watched about 15 movies in three weeks. I checked out seven rentals at my local library. While choosing, I noticed they had "This Is Your Lucky Day" section. There were a few choices, including The Descendants with George Clooney, and For Colored Girls. My mother had wanted to see For Colored Girls, so I decided to go with that. Now, my mother is not one for seeing movies, so this piqued my interest but I should have seen it as a red flag.

My problem with For Colored Girls is it was heavy. While many may say it lightened up at the end. I don't see it that way. It was depressing from beginning to end. The sad thing is that Tyler Perry tried to lighten it at the end. By that time it was too little and too late.

I can't rightly say anyone shined. (Here comes spoilers, but really, don't waste your time.) I think because I was up in arms over the rape scene and then the children's demise scene, nothing could shine from that. But I was wrong. One shining part: Maybe it was Janet's delivery, but I think it was Ntozake Shange's words that got me. Her "sorry" poem was on point. It resonated.

The men in the movie were your typical no-good men. Hill Harper's character wasn't a no-good man, but did not stand out. I was not impressed at all with anybody. Again, I may be colored (pun intended) by those two scenes and nothing could improve this film for me after that.

I've seen and read so many stories about rape and date rape, that whatever emotion Tyler Perry wanted me to have, I can guarantee I did not have it. When the guy asked her to cook dinner for him on the second date, I was already thinking "red flag." And this was my second red flag. My exact thought was "but they've only had one date?!" How could this woman go from barely giving him the time of day to being okay with cooking for him at her apartment on the second date?! My circle and I don't roll that way. What it boils down to is while Perry had limited time to share her story, he did not use his time wisely. He rushed to the rape so we could understand her pain in Shange's words. Because of that, the rape scene was just annoying. I usually get very upset at rape scenes, but I was annoyed.

I got more annoyed at the children's murder scene. One woman was able to climb down all those stairs and alert everyone about the dangling children, but nobody tried to do anything?! Really? What a cold and callous street. What Perry could have done, was have people make a commotion to get Janet out of her limo, while Phylicia Rashad rushed down the stairs in vain. Have Janet and several people head over there but everyone is too late. That was two small children being dangled out a window. Mr. Perry, on any busy street like what you shot, somebody would have been moving.

I had to cleanse my palette with comedies before I could watch another drama or thriller. I didn't even watch The Book of Eli because I was having issues getting rid of the stench that was For Colored Girls.

Imagine my surprise when this news story came out.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/watch-nyc-bus-driver-steven-st-bernard-catches-7-year-old-girl-after-3-story-fall/

What did it do? It proved my point. Whether they are too late or whether they are successful, someone will try to do something in that situation.

Steve St. Bernard saw a little girl playing on an air conditioner, and he high-tailed it over there to catch her and catch her he did. As a matter of fact, several people tried to do something.

See the movie at your own risk. And if you saw, did you like it? If you did, tell me what you liked.

Wordless Wednesday: Do It and Do It Now!

©HomegrownHospitality.typepad.com

 

 

 

Grabbed on Pinterest, but originally posted at Homegrown Hospitality. She has a lot of talent. Great advice for us all.

Social Media And Privacy: What Gives?

Last week, I was traipsing through the Internets and I came across an article about not being fully signed out of Facebook. As I read the article, I learned that Facebook, Yahoo, Google, and a few others could follow me around the Internet, even though I've signed out.

When I first joined Facebook last year, I was going to do something on Yahoo, when Yahoo asked if I wanted to mark it under Yahoo or Facebook. I immediately signed out of Facebook.

About a month ago, I got a friend request from someone I didn't know, and I was all set to sign in to see if I knew this person. Imagine my surprise when I didn't need to sign in.  I was not a happy camper.

I was more unhappy to learn about these sites following me around the Internet despite me being signed out. The best way is to download something to block them. But it sure does throw everything into a lurch. But for some reason, my Firefox has gotten really slow, so it has third-party blocker, CSFire, on it. When I sign into the big three: Facebook, Google and Yahoo, I sign in through Firefox. All of my other sites go though the much faster Chrome.

While looking for CSFire, I saw this infographic and thought, "Wow." When that SOPA and PIPA debacle went down, who was at the forefront to getting the word out? Even I posted a few words on it, though my take was slightly different.

Even though a few social networking sites have had meteoric rises and the crashed and burned most epically, the one thing companies need to recognize is social media is here to stay. Old money may not like it (and by old money, I mean the traditional way money was made-the corporate world), but it won't go back.

We the consumers, however, need to protect our privacy. Don't think each company has your best interests at heart. You are the product Facebook is offering to businesses. GM may not have made money on the ads, but somebody is. Don't be fooled by Facebook's lukewarm IPO reception. And the others are no different. Think I'm wrong? Check this out. If I am, send me the links so I can learn. I like to stay informed.

Here's the infographic, brought to you by onlinemastersdegree.com via Trick Masters. Click the link for a better view until I figure out how to fix this thing.

Wordless Wednesday: Successful Women

©The Art Asylum

You Go, C.J.!

About a year ago, I was reading an article about this amazing boy, who was really into fitness, and was releasing a fitness video for kids. I wrote a little blurb about him.

C.J. Senter has released his video, and he also appeared on Anderson Cooper. He did a better job than Anderson! And I know he would do a much better job than me, since I am not allowed to do that type of exercise.

I had been hemming and hawing about buying a gym membership (other bills should take precedence), but this little boy inspires me. So, maybe I'll make that purchase soon.

The video disappeared so I am removing it.

Goodbye TV 2011-2012 Season

Are you just as thrilled as I that this season is done? Probably not since the reason I'm happy it's over is political. So of the new shows, what did you like?

Just Another Wordless Wednesday: Content Creation

Hello world!

Here's some tips on how to create content, brought to you by SarahArrow.co.uk.

©SarahArrow.co.uk

 

 

 

My Cooking Disasters

(©Sicha Pongjivanich, FreeDigitalPhotos)

I like Pinterest. I've written on it before, but one reason I like the website is for the recipes. I also mentioned becoming a foodie, but that's not going to happen. Why?

One Year, Y'all!

I've been incognito for a few weeks. But I decided to post because one year ago, on March 29th, I opened this blog.

Hello World!

Over the past year, I've done some reviews. I have two followers. I made a few mistakes. I was thrilled and then dismayed by a post, and thrilled by yet another post. Thank you, Japanese people and Rizonesoft and Blog Glue! Thank you all my readers. Please read more and comment!

I've learned some things and regretted a few things.

I talked about Yogi Tea, here and here. Yeah, I've since stopped buying Yogi, and will do a post on Bigelow and Celestial Seasonings. Particularly a comparison between similar flavors.

I wrote on what I am watching this TV season. I may not like The New Girl, but I am loving Awake, Ringer, and Person of Interest. And Grimm and Once Upon A Time are even higher on my list.

Then I spoke on my substitutes for yogurt and coffee. While Cafix and Kaffree got high praise, thanks to other complications I wrote about, I just have a half a cup of coffee when the mood hits me, but never more than once a week.  Again, ladies, if you are pregnant or have issues, chicory should be avoided.

I was going to write about how Yoplait's Greek yogurt was not good for the lactose intolerant, and it was creamy but not thick and and nothing like Chobani or Dannon Oikos. But Yoplait did everything one better: Yoplait has created a lactose free yogurt. It's good. As far as I know, there are only four flavors. Just today, I bought Oikos on sale, but then thought why when Yoplait has the lactose free brand for cheaper. Every now and again, I'll buy Greek yogurt, but those days are done. Thanks Yoplait!

As far as rants go, I am adding my two cents to this Trayvon Martin debacle: the truth will come out. The only thing this whole thing has showed is the United States of America still has a race problem. And the "Stand Your Ground" law is flawed. Let's attack that and not the man. Sanford police cleared him, thanks to that law and an ineptness I've only seen on TV.

This grieving family is not going to roll over and let this get swept under the rug. They are in pain and were not getting answers.

I understand a few people don't want to sign the petition or have been burned one too many times, cool. But what if it was your family? It happened to Emmet Till. It happened to my family. It happened to Trayvon. It will happen again. Don't fool yourselves. 

(©The Grasshopper Group)

As for this blog and its future:

I had so many ideas and plans, but work has gotten in the way. I also came to some conclusions.

I am pretty sure that I will continue blogging (you need to see the recipes/meals I destroyed!), and making it yet more attractive. I will get that underway in a few months (or a few weeks cuz ya never know). I will probably host my own site.

But work will always come first, both actual and potential. And I got to get back to work.

Happy Birthday, Well-Informed Typist! Go, on with yo bad self!

My favorite post is still this: Go Mr. President!

Pinterest: Internet's Newest Sensation

 ©Pinterest.com

I decided to join Pinterest. It's such a fun site, and who doesn't love looking at pretty things?! Well, according to Mashable, 82% of Pinterest's users are women, but I think that will change. I have a couple of men who I follow.

I tend to follow people who post funny things, recipes, and natural hair styles. Oh, and let's not forget quotes. Pinterest was my place du jour for finding quotes for my other blog.

Pinterest works with the visual. You create boards and pin images that you find on websites to these boards with a little note, and then your followers or people in your category, see your pins, and either click the like button or re-pin to one of their boards or they can choose to follow your board. Pinterest is a social media site, but it's very different from Facebook and Twitter. Though it's been around since 2009, its popularity continues to grow.

In January, Pinterest had over 11 million unique users. Of course, people around the Internet are taking notice. The amount of sharing is tremendous and there have been many articles written about the site. Some like it. Others don't.

Blogher talked about how Pinterest brought new traffic to your blog or website, but I haven't seen that, even though I have 13 followers. I commented on Logallot's post about the site, and she brought up a good point: It showcases your personality. Yeah, I know. That could work against you, but that is why Pinterest is so appealing. It organizes what you've found across the web, and now you have a place so you can find those things in one place. Remodeling a room? Create a board on Pinterest for that. Planning a party? Pinterest got you covered.

The detractors worry about copyright infraction or that if you are found in violation, Pinterest does not protect you. Just because you find the image on a website does not mean you should use the image. Even though clicking the pin will lead back to the original website (and even that is iffy), people re-pin without clicking through to the website. Media Bistro wonders if Pinterest's terms of use are overreaching, and according to LLSocial, 99% of Pinterest users are violating are violating the site's terms of service (sadly, that includes me until I clean up my boards--Yays, another task to get done!).

Writer and blogger Gwendolyn Gage brought up that if the user is found in violation of anyone's copyright, Pinterest cannot be held liable. And perhaps the most valid point of all--Pinterest is a great time waster.

I debated before joining Pinterest because I knew I would spend a lot of time on it. I haven't because I'm working a lot of hours. But if I wasn't, I would spend a lot of time there. For me, Pinterest is better than Facebook. I don't mind looking at the pretty, but hearing about what an acquaintance or former co-worker is having for dinner doesn't move me. But when it comes to pinning for myself or from other websites, I need to follow certain tips.

*Find public domain or Creative Commons licensed images

*Create my own images and allow others to use them or monitor the images closely

*If I do repin, give credit! 

Is it time-consuming to find the original website? Yes (seconds-ten minutes)! Is it time-consuming to type out the original web address or mention the creator? Yes (seconds to a couple of minutes)! Is it time-consuming to ask permission? Yes! But it keeps you in the clear. Plus for every person that won't allow you to use their images, there are dozens who want you to. With Pinterest growing in popularity, the company is taking steps to cover themselves, and each user should do the same. Go back through your pins, and give credit. If you find yourself in trouble, Pinterest wrote this page to help you.

Is Pinterest for you? Only by checking it out will you know for sure! Here's a few interesting facts to help you decide.

©mdgadvertising.com Copy-pasta'd from Mashable**

 

**Took me three minutes.

You can follow me on Pinterest: AtheWriter.

Green Eggs And Ham

*This is not a sponsored post. I will get nothing for fawning over the Green Eggs And Ham from IHOP.

Going out to eat is a no-no for me. My budget simply won't accommodate that. But IHOP has piqued my interest.

©IHOP

I want to try the green eggs and ham. I am pretty sure it will taste much better than the green eggs I got almost daily during college. If you try it before I do, let me know.

Brings up good memories.

In Honor Of Black History Month

I had planned to post a lot on Black History Month, but work has kept me from doing that. And typically something got my knickers twisted in a bunch. I could shoot off at the mouth like this person, but I much prefer to do it this way.

Chicory And Your Health: Its Benefits And Uses

There are many uses of Chicory, and I decided to conclude my "series" on it with this Ezine article.

 (Image provided via Creative Commons License from PicDome)

Careful About That Chicory

Chicory as a coffee alternative is great. But pregnant women and women with uterine complications, seek the advice of your obstetrician or gynecologist before drinking or avoid chicory altogether. I love that chicory was a great coffee substitute.

Funny Because It's True!

The Oscar season is upon us, and the Oscar nominees have been announced. The only thing left, besides the campaigning, is the satire.

If RIAA, US Chamber of Commerce, And the Motion Pictures Association of America Had Their Way

Personally, I'd like to do something tougher, such as not buy music or watch movies, well, go to the movie theater to show these companies that I am not only on to them, but just how much money they would lose if they do not back down from backing SOPA and PIPA. (Full disclosure: I don't do that now since nothing good is coming from music and most movies leave a bad taste!)

My Top Four Shows From The 2011-2012 Season

Well, it's now 2012. So what am I liking this season? Even better question is what are you liking this season?

Wordless Wednesday: It's All Good!

From Pinterest!

Link: From Ida Chang on Pinterest