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March 31, 2008
Can You Spell R-O-C-K?
Ahmagod. I just spent a good two hours jamming out the HITS on Marie and Matt's Rock Band set up. (Turn down volume if you hit that link.) HOWLY CRAP, that were fun. I was all reserved at first, all "I'm just gonna watch," but after a mere 20 seconds on the skins, the groove was in the heart. I gave up the sticks to croon, among others, "Orange Crush," "Maps," "Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?" and - by far the hardest - "Sabotage." My soulful singing, accompanied by Marie on the guitar and Matt "Mr. Teeth" G. on the drums, set the dog audience afire, I tell you. AFIRE.
In summation, YOSEMITE STREET ROCKERS took Berlin and then we took Stockholm.
Them shit's fuuuuuun. If they get another guitar, the plan is to cap off our upcoming BINGO double-date with a four-person jam. Yeah, me and my friends? Downtown hip like that. Brother Matt, you have GOT to get this.
Posted by Bree at 11:01 PM | Comments (0)
Video Day
This is my friend Kirsten. This is a short movie I took of her by mistake on my digital camera a few years back at the Pub that I just found on my photo delete tour of '08. It also features my coat.
Kirsten is nice and funny and pretty and smart. I like Kirsten.
Posted by Bree at 02:58 PM | Comments (0)
Summ Summ Summertime
It's summertime and the living's easy. Well, in my mind at least. In reality, I woke up today and yesterday to a snow-covered yard and frozen little tootsies. Matt is *right now* driving over Teton Pass in a blizzard, and I'm thinking of wearing a coat (?!) to the gym in a few. Ridonx.
On the plus side, I just scored the above gas grill for $40 off of Craigslist. The owner's even going to deliver it Wednesday. Says she works like a beaut but got a new one, and it has to go. Considering the schmance-o grill we bought my parents a few years back was about $500 brand spanking, this is a serious skeeeyore!
Come on over. I'll make you a burg. We'll talk.
Don't forget your scarf.
Posted by Bree at 02:14 PM | Comments (2)
Winchester Mansion
I wrote before about the endless mansion, built by Mrs. WInchester (of Winchester Rifles) to escape her own guilty ghosts. Leave it to Paul Auster to add more details to what has become an absolute must-see for me:
"Or Mrs. Winchester, the widow of the rifle manufacturer, who feared that the ghosts of the people killed by her husband's rifles were coming to take her soul - and therefore continually added rooms onto her house, creating a monstrous labyrinth of corridors and hideouts, so that she could sleep in a different room every night and thereby elude the ghosts, the irony being that during the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 she was trapped in one of those rooms and nearly staved to death because she couldn't be found by the servants."
More facts:
- Construction continued around-the-clock from 1884 until 1922
- Costs of this work translate to $70 million in today's currency
- The construction most certainly was the primary cause of the dust bowl
OK, that last one was made up, but my GOD can you imagine? If she wasn't nutso before (doubtful), that certainly would've sealed the deal.
Posted by Bree at 12:21 PM | Comments (0)
Saw You Stretched Out in Room 10-0-9
Well, well, well. The Stones/Scorsese movie, Shine a Light, which I've been looking forward to since even before Elliott *SAW* one of the filmed shows at the Beacon nearly two years ago (!!), is almost here. Marie and I will be enjoying the IMAX experience of the flick on opening night at 7 p.m. on the dime. She's promised to smuggle in some rotgut whiskey like her man Keef, and I'm committed to dressing in scarves and top hats to pay hard-h homage to the brillig Mick. It promises to be a very sultry combination. Tickets available on Fandango.
I think I've already posted this trailer, but it never hurts to watch it again:
And here's a Youtube of me dancing to Gimme Shelter:
Posted by Bree at 10:27 AM | Comments (3)
March 30, 2008
Long, Arduous, Ultimately Pointless
The above title is how I refer to the fact I'm trying to dump loads of old pictures off of my desktop G5 and into my Flickr account so that I can free up enough memory to a. install Leopard and b. start using my 80 gig ipod ("free" from AmEx Rewards Points!) with the G5, which is where all my music is. Whew. 'pparently, whatever operating system I have working on her now (Tandy) isn't schmance enough to network with the latest generation of ipods. Whatever, touch-holes. So, short entry shorter: if you see a lot of rando shit on my Flickr account, that's what I'm up to. And if you don't, it's because I've given up the project and am casting my net desperately around for a better solution. FYI, you know.
Posted by Bree at 05:42 PM | Comments (0)
Snug As a Slug
Ooowee! Check out these loverly indoor/outdoor rugs from Gaiam. Made in some absolutely mysterious way from soda bottles, they're easily cleaned (with a hose!), reversible and CHEAP. Mmmm!
Floral Pattern Reversible All-Weather Floor Mat, 4x6, $39
Turkish Pattern Reversible All-Weather Floor Mat, 6x9, $89
Posted by Bree at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)
March 28, 2008
Release the Houuuunds
My mom told me about these ads (playing during Westminster, which I sadly only caught bits and pieces of), and my GOD they are heartwrenching. According to Denver blogger Andy Bosselman, howevs, all of the 12 dogs featured have found homes. Which makes the fact I have tears in my eyes just a teensy bit more overwrought. David Duchovny - you done good. Now get over here and let's do the no pants dance.
Oh my. Seriously weeping now.
And while I know we're batting 1.00 over here (or whatever, I'm no statistician) with our three rescue beasts (Deuce, Kryten and the ever-seductive Walter), that still doesn't feel like enough. Seriously. If I had my druthers, there'd be at least two more up in this piece. Including that guy (below):
Posted by Bree at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)
Genius Keith Richards Interview at GQ.com
Like your immune system—legendary.
It’s above average, yes.
That’s a fact of medical science?
Yes. They want it so they can study it and figure out how to make other people much better. [laughs] I mean, I eat everything wrong. I shove terrible things inside me.
Yet you won’t eat cheese.
No! Cheese is very wrong.
Why’s that?
Look at everybody. [makes bloated face]
Do you have any other phobias?
As far as bodily, no. Cheese is a no-no for me. Everybody else, go eat it. Just take a look at yourself. Fermented milk is not the ideal choice for everyday eating, that’s all. [laughs]
Read the whole piece here.
Link via Golden Fiddle.
Posted by Bree at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)
Reminder: The Unspeakable Event is Here!
Tonight is the Pecha Kucha (pronounced: Puh-cha-kah-cha) show at the Buntport Theater, developed by the lovely Angela and Jaime and featuring, among others, the always delectable Hannah D.
Show starts at 8:20 (doors at 8), and will feature 9 people showing 20 slides for 20 seconds a piece. $5 at the door and I've been assured there will be beer. Sources have also confirmed an obituary writer is in the line-up. Can you spell P-A-R-T-Y?
Posted by Bree at 09:51 AM | Comments (2)
March 27, 2008
Five Word Movie Review Wednesday
Too long, but pretty awesome.
Posted by Bree at 11:02 PM | Comments (0)
New (Perhaps Temporary) Logo
I like this. I may screw around with it in the future, by adding some design element or something, but for now - perfecto! Now, on to the web site and stationary (aka the fun bits) and then? Then, the clients.
Posted by Bree at 06:55 PM | Comments (5)
Crochet Mignon
Here are two delightful Etsy finds from seller yummypancake (ALL YOUR PANCAKES ARE BELONG TO US):
Mr. Nanner, $9
I Drink Your Milkshake, $8.50
If I wasn't back on my spending diet (gag), I'd totally snatch these up.
Posted by Bree at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)
Clocked Out
If it's wrong to really want this clock from an Alzheimer's product store then gd-it, I don't wanna be right! Shit's sleek and industrial and useful. Only prob: its spendy $140 price tag. $140?! Does Medicare cover that? What would Senator Clay Davis say about this?
Posted by Bree at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)
Making Your Nut: Squirrel Supper Edition
Picture c/o The Squirrel Queen
In homage to Jessica's cookbook collection, which included the Presley Family Cookbook and not one but TWO squirrel recipes, here's a bit of information regarding the tender, flaky and nourishing rodent, as well as Elvis'* apparent lust for his mama's - ahem! - Squirrel a la King:
"But though there certainly was no beef on the Presley's table, meat did make an occasional appearance. The Presleys were country people. The could live off the land. Nothing was more mouthwatering to Elvis than the sight of his father returning home with a shotgun in one hand and a freshly shot squirrel in the other. [Wouldn't a shotgun have obliterated the squirrel? Just wondering. - Ed.] Gladys cooked squirrels with dumplings - just like chicken - or fried them.
Fried Squirrel
To cook a squirrel, first go out and try to kill a very young one. This is the most important thing as old ones are too tough. When skinning the squirrel, make extra sure to remove all the hairs.
2 young squirrels, skinned and cleaned
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
After carefully washing the squirrels, pat dry. With a mallet, gently pound the meat until the bones are crushed and the flesh is tender. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-low heat. Dredge the meat in flour, and add to the melted butter. Brown and turn. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the meat is golden brown and cooked through. (Pierce with a knife to check doneness. The juices should run clear when cooked). The process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
Yield: Enough for a small starving family"
Editorial Note: Full disclosure - my Confederate grandmama once copped to eating POSSUM on Thanksgiving. Ever see a possum? No? Click HERE. Ever see a possum's bald, prehensile tail? No? Click HERE. Wonder who got lucky enough to munch the marsupial pouch...
*The Continuous S
The rule of grammar states that if a name has more than one syllable and ends in an s, and the last syllable makes an /ez/ sound (like in Texas), then only an apostrophe is needed.
Posted by Bree at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2008
How My Morning Started
I know it's blurry, but if you squint your eyes, clench your buttcheeks and shove two uncapped sharpies up your nose then the picture quality ceases to matter. Trust me.
C/o Matt "Early Riser" Sullivan
Posted by Bree at 11:32 AM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2008
Exactly One Mile High
I'm at work for the second time this week (!!) and am bored. Regardless of the theory I learned in the ninth grade that people who say stuff like, "I'm bored" are actually BORING (whaa?) because clearly they don't have the mental capacity to entertain themselves, there's no shame in my game. Bored, bored, bored.
Hence, I ate lunch around 10:30 a.m. and bought the "Denver" mug at the local Starbucks on my second four-shot Americano run of the morning. Then I took a picture of it.
Good times.
Let me know if you want to borrow a paper clip.
Posted by Bree at 12:50 PM | Comments (2)
March 24, 2008
Getting My Goat
If I can't have a real goat, I guess I'll have to settle for this 8x10 lovely from Etsy seller Berkley Illustration. $15 plus $2.50 shipping and handling. Good stuff.
Posted by Bree at 09:31 PM | Comments (4)
Glued
If you're looking for me, I'll be the one Gorilla GLUED to the pages of Paul Auster's New York Trilogy (a birthday gift received from Marie). Yes, already on page 102 despite having started it late last night, I am in awe of the work's seeming ability to interfere with a widespread assortment of career development, home decoration and physical fitness goals.
But I've nattered on long enough.
Posted by Bree at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)
March 23, 2008
BONUS! Double Five Word Movie Reviews
Bree: I would've TOTALLY offed myself.
Matt: Finally, an NYC I like.
Posted by Bree at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)
Five Word Movie Review Sunday
Great script, fantastic performances, A+++++++++.
Posted by Bree at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)
Lady Diana
Inspired by a sculpture-bust of Diana, the goddess of hunting, in the latest issue of Domino (p. 157 for those of you keeping track at home), I just scored this modest replica on Ebay for $39 plus shipping.
Not bad for two reasons: (one) I needs me some sculpture up in this piece and (two) mythology was always my favorite subject in school. For realz, if being a Classics major didn't (one) require me to learn Greek and (two) destine me to a life of professorship, I would've spent my (four) years researching the wheres and how-for's of Clytamenstra and other folk whose names sound suspiciously like skin viruses.
Compromise? An english degree and a phony bust. Ahem.
Posted by Bree at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)
March 21, 2008
New (To Me) Site
Introducing friend of Design Boner: (the) Frugal Fag: Wit and Wisdom from the Cheapest Gay Man in America. I met the dough-conscious fella in question over a coupon-laden, four-blogger extravaganze including corned beef, cabbage and, um, barbequed ribs (I don't care what you say, Stephen, that IS a traditional Irish meal and you're totally gonna have to cage fight my Mom if this blasphemy keeps up), and have been amused by his site e'er since.
Sample entry exerpt (and an excuse to use the handy blockquote HTML tag):
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I didn’t do anything special for my boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. In my defense, I did fulfill one of his fantasies the night before by taking him to his favorite sushi restaurant for an all-you-can-eat Wednesday special. It truly was a match made in heaven, combining his love of raw fish and sticky rice with my love of flat-fee dining. I thought I was off the hook until he gave me a card after we got home from dinner. In the card, he listed a few of the reasons why he still adores me and I felt that special mix of appreciation and dread that can only come from being one-upped in the romantic-gesture department. In the ongoing dance-off that is our relationship, it was clear that I had just been served.
Posted by Bree at 12:44 PM | Comments (1)
Bree = Famous (Again!)
Heee! The celebrity bloggers today are having a field day with the fact that the man behind Charlotte York's NSFW hummer screen grabs is Chef Eric Stapleman of Santa Fe's very own "no-scent" restaurant Trattoria Nostrani. My mom and I totally ate there last spring! No shit! We even forewent our mutual penchant for smelly parfum for the experience.
And, for all the good flavors and lack of smell, I still had to send my ravs back to the kitchen as they apparently had been fire-hosed (wrong choice of word, perhaps) with salt water. Seriously inedible. And I'm not even...er...mouthy about stuff like that.
Posted by Bree at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)
March 20, 2008
Shit's Bananas
In between writing a script about geriatic pain and mapping out a site plan for a new client (!), I have managed to find time today to order two of these banana holders from Delight.com. One for me and one for...wait for it...the GIFT CLOSET, where I store rando selections for rando events wherein I am imparted upon to bring a rando present. Like Christmas. Or Boxing Day (Canada).
They're only $13.50 with free shipping if you order today. Added special: get 15% off if you use the code Decor8Delight (from, natch, Decor8). That sounds like Decor ATE Delight, which makes me laugh but then again I am high on the crack cocaine. It is Thursday, after all.
On a side note, do yourself a favor and watch this Eddie Izzard clip:
Matt and I constantly do "Can I have a bahnahna?" bit. We're fun like that. You should TOTALLY get to know us. Bear in mind that we also know a really, really reliable source for crack cocaine.
Additional side note: Hey Mike, remember when we broke up during that Eddie Izzard show in New York? Them's were some good times.
Me: Wait, are you saying you don't love me anymore?
[Curtain rises for second act. Life as I knew ends.]
Posted by Bree at 01:31 PM | Comments (2)
DMX Weighs In On E-Commerce, Presidential Race
How do you feel about the digital—like, everything going through the Internet as far as…
I don’t even think about it. I don’t even think about it.
The music business is pretty much going in that direction.
I don’t know. That’s just… that’s probably not… People want the actual CDs not no shit that’s disposable.
***
Are you following the presidential race?
Not at all.
You’re not? You know there’s a Black guy running, Barack Obama and then there’s Hillary Clinton.
His name is Barack?!
Barack Obama, yeah.
Barack?!
Barack.
What the fuck is a Barack?! Barack Obama. Where he from, Africa?
Yeah, his dad is from Kenya.
Barack Obama?
Yeah.
What the fuck?! That ain’t no fuckin’ name, yo. That ain’t that nigga’s name. You can’t be serious. Barack Obama. Get the fuck outta here.
You’re telling me you haven’t heard about him before.
I ain’t really paying much attention.
I mean, it’s pretty big if a Black…
Wow, Barack! The nigga’s name is Barack. Barack? Nigga named Barack Obama. What the fuck, man?! Is he serious? That ain’t his fuckin’ name. Ima tell this nigga when I see him, “Stop that bullshit. Stop that bullshit” [laughs] “That ain’t your fuckin’ name.” Your momma ain’t name you no damn Barack.
Via XXLmag.com. Thanks to Marcus, who calls the piece "Perhaps one of the most/least enlightening things I’ve read in a long time."
Posted by Bree at 10:52 AM | Comments (2)
Project Runaway
Breaking: I have another project to start!
Thar she blows! Stolen directly from a Design Sponge DIY contest winner - and the perfect solution as to what to do with my beloved Nana's somewhat beloved monogrammed suitcase! Granted, I don't have a dachshund (which, by the by, I totally didn't realize was the same dog as a "Doxon" until, like, 2006), but I do have a Walter. And access to Denver Fabrics, a shop Jessica assures me is to cloth what Hickory Farms is to boxed sausage and cheese. Envy me, bitches!
Posted by Bree at 09:58 AM | Comments (0)
Allaying My Quilt
I was so inspired in Chicago! Both Molly and Jessica have the sweetest, coolest little homes as well as tons of interesting and fun projects and design ideas. All weekend, I kept thinking, "Why, why hath I no time to be all creative and girly? Why ith my time not devoted to making, and doing and learning?" Then I would pour another glass of wine and take a nap.
But! Like a piece of toilet paper stuck to the bottom of a shoe, the inspiration has followed me. So! As is my wont, I decided not to recrochet the wheel over here and, instead, stole one of Molly's projects. Thus! I have ordered pre-cut baby-quilt fabric squares from ebay. From the exact seller she ordered hers from, in fact. Because I am both a copywriter and a copycat. (Though I must say, hers were a lot cooler than mine. Sigh. Gender-neutral pastels? God, I'm desperate.)
Behold! The 20-square chenille quilt squares from Ebay seller Mason's Cottage.
Now all I have to do is learn how to sew and have a baby! Easy peasy.
Posted by Bree at 12:32 AM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2008
The Days of Our Knives
James and Kay Salter's wonderful book, Life is Meals, offers the following advice about cooking knives (a subject close to my heart seeing as my feet are shaped as such).
Three knives are essential in the kitchen: - A chef's knife, eight to ten inches long with a wide, tapering blade for slicing and chopping. - A carving knife, thinner for slicing and carving meat, turkey, etc. - A paring knife, which is a small version of a chef's knife, for peeling, coring, mincing.Also useful:
- A bread knife with a serrated blade.Knives should be kept on a wooden block holder or on a magnetic wall rack (OR! The totally swank-ass squishy countertop knife holder Matt's sister gave me in celebration of my birth! - ed.) rather than loose in a drawer. They should not be put in the dishwasher.
Posted by Bree at 10:38 PM | Comments (0)
Best Bumper Sticker Ever?
Posted by Bree at 09:12 PM | Comments (0)
Pecha Kucha Denver
And no, thank God, I'm not presenting. More info at Jaime's site here and Angela's site here. Picture of Luke Perry here and Billy Squier here.
Posted by Bree at 08:47 AM | Comments (2)
March 13, 2008
If Celebs Moved to Oklahoma...
Jennifer Aniston
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones-Douglas
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
More deliciousness here.
(Via Denver Egotist.)
Posted by Bree at 08:19 PM | Comments (0)
Eye Level Plightful (Say it Aloud)
The delightful Miss Angela Schwab's spectacular Benta plates have finally made their debut on Umbra's web site! For a mere $42 American, you too can own a piece of the Schwab design legacy. Read her take on them over at her web site, and order yourself up a set here. Do it.
Yay Yay Yay Ang! You're, like, the only one of my friends who has ever accomplished anything of import.
No offense!
Posted by Bree at 07:47 PM | Comments (1)
Travel Plans
Matt and I are heading to Chicago early in the a.m. to hang with the Design Boner ladies, the inestimable Molly and Dave, and (surprise!) my sister-in-law and nephew, who will be in town touring Northwestern and U Chicago. Plans include salsa dancing (correction: watching others salsa dance while I drown my coordination sorrows in 18 bombay and tonics), dinner here, a perhaps pedicure (I'm begging, Mol), shopping, giggling, squeezing Evan and 4,000 beers in honor of this man.
UPDATE: The much-delayed Pedicure is on the list for Saturday, and now - at Jenny's suggestion, and Molly's affirmation - we're going to Avec (sister restaurant to the delicisiousuususo Blackbird, which my Dad, M and D went to last time I rolled through town). Jenny recommends the chorizo-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. (OMG OMG OMG.) Wish you were coming, Dad!
Thus, if I haven't returned your phone calls, e-mails or any other forms of communique, don't take it real personal-like. It's not that I don't find you absolutely intoxicating. It's just, shit's been hectic this week, and promises to be next as well when the shadowy rider comes to town.
Posted by Bree at 11:02 AM | Comments (4)
March 12, 2008
Love This Idea...
then again, I am sometimes referred to as a bit of a ball-buster. And not in the flattering way.
"Writing a letter to the president of the company these days is not going to get you anything. They've got legions of people and the president of the company is never going to see that letter. But I have a letter-writing technique that's called "Spokesperson For The Competition." You don't write a letter to the company that's causing you a problem, you write a letter to the president of the company that is their number one competitor, telling your true story and offering to become their number one spokesperson, and giving them permission to give a copy of your letter to every one of their sales people. Now before you send that letter to the competitor, you send a copy of that letter to the president of the corporation that's causing you a problem. And now they do the math. They say, OK instead of losing just that one customer, our competitor is going to have evidence of just how poorly we treat our customers. And since we're in a highly competitive business, and we're trying to get those business accounts and fleet accounts or whatever, if every one of their sales people have evidence of how badly we treat our customers, how much business will we lose? You see what's happened there, it's the same technique, you're writing one letter, but you have somehow multiplied the effect, because you're not now one individual against the company that is causing you a problem. Using this technique of writing a letter to the competition, and offering to become a spokesperson for the competition, you've now multiplied your impact, your effect, a thousand fold? Ten-thousand fold? And suddenly, once again, it becomes more cost-effective for the company to take care of you than to ignore you."
- Ron Burley, author of Unscrewed: The Consumer's Guide to Getting What You Paid For as interviewed by Consumerist
Posted by Bree at 11:42 AM | Comments (3)
Ebay Once Again Tries Its Damndest to Make Me Purchase Wares
How charming would this vintage baby bath be burgeoning in the backyard with potted plants or, perchance, potted party Pabst? $165, however, equals $165 I don't have. Especially since I just got news that Deuce has to have laser gum surgery to correct her once delightful - now dastardly - dental deformity.
Posted by Bree at 09:02 AM | Comments (3)
March 11, 2008
What About Prom Night or a Special Evening Out?
OMG. EXTREME SHOIGGLES.* Thanks, Margo!
*Shoiggles = shared office-giggles; brother to hoiggles -> home office giggle, and cousin to cubigiggles and offigiggles.
Posted by Bree at 11:48 AM | Comments (1)
March 10, 2008
Boxer Porn
After reading about (but not watching...no way, no, no, no way) the soldier killing a little puppy over in the Iraq, I was pretty bummed out last week. Enter a teary-eyed Google search on "boxer denver" and behold: The HO-BO Care Boxer Rescue web site and its wonderful adoption "Success Stories". If you're feeling a bit blue, or just thinking about saving a tasty little beast (I'm looking at you, brother!), I really encourage you to take a stroll through the letters and pictures discussing how much these rescued boxers have brought to their owners' lives.
"Thank you so much for allowing us to adopt Otis (Brando). We adore him, he is part of the family and we cannot believe how well he fits in! We didn't know a male dog could be this sweet. He is so gentle with the kids, so patient. He loves to play ball and tug-o-war; he would play all day if we let him. We laugh every day. He brings so many smiles into our family. We thank God for you and all you do to get boxers into good homes. Thanks again. Marita also said that the shelter wanted to put Otis (Brando) to sleep! I cannot imagine why. We ask ourselves regularly: why would someone give up a dog like this? He is great with kids, even neighbor kids, he loves to play, but can be calm too, he is protective at the appropriate times, seems fine with other dogs, does well while we are not home, doesn't run away when we open the front door, walks well on a leash, gives lots of kisses every day. What else could we ask for in a dog?!"
"We just wanted everyone to know how grateful we are for Marita and all that donate their time to Hobo Care. We adopted a 1 year old white boxer just five days ago who was very abused but has a happy ending to her story. Girllie is her name.
We saw Girllie for the first time Monday March 20th at a shelter. My husband, our two boys, our other boxer Louie and I went to the shelter to see Girllie. It was love at first sight for all of us. Girllie being abused and in the shelter for two and half months was excited to see us but wasn't real sure about Louie. Like most dogs she snarled at him and at that time the shelter told us we were unable to adopt her because she snarled at Louie.
We were sent home and let me tell you it was a very quite ride home and our hearts went out for poor Girllie. Girllie has had both of her ears cut with scissors, stabbed in her back with some sharp object, had her dew claws ripped out and has been burned with acid. When we got home that evening we started looking at the ads in the paper when we came across one out of the hundreds that caught our eye. The ad said young female boxer and it gave a number. We called and it was Marita who answered. We asked if they had any white female boxers and Marita had told us that she was going to be getting one the next day from a shelter that had called her that evening and said to come pick her up or she would be put to sleep. God really had his hands in this and wanted Girllie to have a good home and a great life that she so truly deserved.
We were able to pick up Girllie the following Thursday and things have been great! Her and Louie couldn't be any better friends. They play non stop! She has enjoyed having her own bed, couch, toys and a family that has nothing but love to give her. She truly has been a blessing to us as well as Marita. Thank you just doesn't say it! May God bless Marita and all the other angels who donate their time and money to save wonderful dogs such as Girllie. If it wasn't for Hobo Care Girllie wouldn't be blessing our lives and for that there just isn't any words to show or tell how grateful we are to Marita and Hobo Care. You have completed our family!"
"I adopted "Sugar" -- now Miss Vanna White from HoBoCare in May of 2004, and I've been meaning to send an update -- I hope it's not too late. Vanna is my little China Doll; I am so glad I have her. She's deaf, but she doesn't care, and neither do we (me and her big brother, Mo). She is a happy little girl with a huge personality and a truckload of self confidence. Being deaf is such a non-issue for Vanna. She understands body language, facial expresssions, and hand signals. She really pays attention to what Mo does, especially if "cookies" are involved. She's the one who explodes out the dog door ahead of her brother to meet me when I get home from work. She's cuddly and playful and incredibly entertaining. We love her. Thanks Marita. You couldn't have placed her in a better home."
After reading the owners' stories and looking at the dogs HOBO has up for adoption, it is so difficult for me not to open up my heart to another one. But between Kryten and Deuce and Walter and our fairly ridiculous travel schedule and my suddenly small car, I don't feel quite ready to add another hairy creature to the list of responsibilities. Maybe in April.
Posted by Bree at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)
Monday Afternoon Family Circus - Enjoy!
Posted by Bree at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)
I May Be 32...
but I still enjoy a good dip in the pool (table).
Picture c/o my photoshop class last year - aren't I a MASTER at the cut and paste? NB: I was wearing that exact same outfit all weekend long at the cabin (minus a short break of ski pants, wicking shirts and sports bra) to effectively hide the gluttony. I'm nothing if not consistent.
Posted by Bree at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)
Cloudiya Explains It All
Exciting news from Margo...er, I mean Cloudiya Noque.
"We, the creators of 'Trillions,' our camp homage to the nighttime soaps of the 1980s, are proud to announce our featured series full-season debut on PitTV, the video channel of the People's Improv theater and the Independent Comedy Network, which works with top emerging comedy talent to develop, license and distribute episodic comedy content.
We owe a great deal of thanks to PitTV's Ali Farahnakian ("Saturday Night Live","Video Shmideo") and Kevin Allison ("The State") for their belief in and support of our work, and for making this possible!!!
New episodes will air every two weeks on PitTV's main page... Just follow the link below, and bookmark it!
http://thepit.independentcomedy.tv/
Find more videos like this on People's Improv Theater
NB: Look for my brother - wearing a conspicuous amount of "base" - in episode three (above)! And Joe as the face transplant Doctor in Episode Six!
Watch some of the ep's NOW I tell ye, NOW over at Margo's Youtube Page or just search for "Trillions."
Posted by Bree at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)
March 07, 2008
Will Arnett Takes Things Up a Notch
"I can't believe my dick just barfed that much."
Posted by Bree at 03:27 PM | Comments (1)
March 06, 2008
Text of my E-mail to Consumerist.com
Hey Ben,
I'm a big fan of Consumerist and just wanted to let you know of an experience I've been having for the past NINE months with Unica Home (an online, high-end furniture and accessories store based out of Las Vegas).
On June 26, 2007 - I ordered four chairs for a total cost of $1,500. The contract I signed stated this:
Delivery time for the items is approximately 12-16 weeks not including August as all factories in Europe are closed during the month of August. Unicahome will use its best efforts to adhere to the delivery schedule but cannot be responsible for delays due to customs, manufacturing or transportation services.
The tail-end of that estimate was December, 2007. It is now March (NINE MONTHS LATER) and I have still to receive the chairs. I have paid a deposit of +/-$750 that - according to the contract - is apparently not refundable. After several emails and phone calls to this godawful company (most of which were unreturned...at one point, they even told me that because they were moving offices the people I needed to speak to didn't have phones!) I found out the following today (after yet another email from me):
We have received news just yesterday afternoon that the container which has your chair is on the water and is on its way to us. We are in the process of contacting all the customer's whose products are on that container to let them know that their items are on the water and are on their way here to the US. The products will take 4 weeks to get here from overseas, and once they hit land US Customs will be contacting us once they allow the container to ship via truck to us. It usually only takes about a day or so for our items to get cleared through customs.
I don't know if this is really up to Consumerist standards - and I know I'm not doing the most eloquent job of explaining it - but I just can't believe that they can so clearly not live up to their end of the contract in a timely manner (bear in mind they give customers a whole 48 HOURS to cancel an order). Unbelievable.
Also, if you google them, you find quite a few disgruntled customers with similar stories:
http://www.shopping.com/xMR-Unicahome~MRD-420879
http://www.yelp.com/biz/unica-home-las-vegas#hrid:r4Z0ImhH52JuSb6m-Rv1fw/query:unica (that's my review on the top, there)
http://www.dyslexicchicken.com/?p=191
http://www.epinions.com/content_286140173956
Check out the comments here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/onlinecatalog-only/unica-home-big-modern-fun-001062
Again, I don't know if my particular experience is quite so bad as to merit a posting on Consumerist but I wanted to alert you to this company. That they continue to operate in this manner is truly an abomination.
Posted by Bree at 07:00 PM | Comments (0)
Athinine
Network Apologizes for Mocking Athol
By STEPHANIE REITZ
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A cable sports network says it no longer will make Athol the butt of its jokes. Comcast SportsNet said Thursday it would pull a newspaper ad that leaders of the small central Massachusetts town called insulting and offensive.
The ad featured two side-by-side signs that together read: "We can pronounce Worcester ... without sounding like an Athol."
A network spokesman said it apologized Thursday to the town and Selectman Wayne Miller, who raised the issue this week after residents complained that the ad ridiculed Athol by linking its name to a similarly sounding vulgarity...
Posted by Bree at 03:50 PM | Comments (0)
Geddy Up
Stephen just sent me this bit from The Family Guy for the specific reason that it makes reference to my all-time favorite assertation, ever, ever, ever. Watch until the end to see what that is.
Posted by Bree at 01:16 PM | Comments (1)
Done and Done
Gawly, it feels good to write that. And ladies and gents, I think it's true - I am (almost) done and done with this massive house renovation I've been doing since the day of my move-in, February 24, 2007. Granted, I still need to tackle the bathroom and replace the linoleum in the kitchen and back entranceway and sort out an unfortunate wallpaper experience I've been having (erm...ordered the wrong color!), but the majority is done. And as Posh would say, it's mayjuh.
So. A round-up:
Donezo:
Skim-coated nearly all vertical surfaces in the house
Fixed wood floor in living room, added wood floor in downstairs study
Added new light fixtures in every room
Painted every room including the kitchen twice (Thanks, Rick, Marie, Nate and Angela!)
Changed wood fireplace to gas; installed custom-made glass doors
Installed custom-made shelves, baseboard and mantel in study (Thanks, Matt!)
Wallpapered study
Bought new couch (arriving in April) for living room to replace the once-white, now...um...burnt sienna pre-dog selection
Bought all new furniture, bed linens and etc. for guest room
Bought new chairs for my dining room LAST FUCKING JUNE which have yet to arrive (Thanks again, Unica Home - you can bet you'll be getting my business again...uh...NEVER. Trust me, there is a venomous post just waiting to be sprung about this situation. Look forward to it.)
FINALLY got my wicked irritating wireless connection sorted out (again, THANKS MATT!)
Carpeted basement with remnants (Thanks, Rick!)
Swapped old, leaky fridge for a "new to me" one with the freezer on the bottom (Thanks, Matt's Dad!)
Bought custom window treatments for living room and guest bedroom
Future Plans
Install slop sink in the basement for...um...my slop. Also to make the washing machine drain.
Retile kitchen and add baseboard; buy new stove
Retile and repaint bathroom; replace sink and mirror
Figure out entry wallpaper situation - perhaps buy more, or just eat the $1,000 fuck-up. Shweet.
Re-roof garage
Repaint exterior
Yep, things are coming together - and all rather quickly. Matt's dad, in fact, told me the other night that the amount of renovations I've done usually take about FIVE years, so I guess that's something. Of course, I'd love to add a bathroom downstairs and totally redo the back entranceway but, yeah. Not at the moment. Instead, I'd just like to rest on my laurels for a bit, enjoy all the progress and give my bank account a break from the sound beating it's been taking for the last 11 years or so.
Posted by Bree at 09:10 AM | Comments (1)
March 05, 2008
Comforting
I received this card today from Angela care of Some Ecards.com ("For when you care enough to hit send."). Hilarity was ensuant.
Posted by Bree at 06:53 PM | Comments (0)
Sleepy Hot Dog
Posted by Bree at 06:34 PM | Comments (1)
March 03, 2008
About Last Night
Sarah M*nte sent me the DVD version ($6.99) of the above as a special (and much deserved) "Get Well" gift. I haven't viewed the movie in question since elementary school - when I obviously failed to appreciate the erotic nuances of Jim Belushi - and couldn't be more excited to dive back in. Especially since reading Sarah's accompanying overview:
"It's so hideous, it's amazing. Just to prepare you:
- there's great views of 80's closets
- amazing apartment color schemes
- fantastic sex scene with sweatpants
- Demi and Rob have identical bodies
- famous extras
- moments of Mamet dialogue mixed in with trite writing"
As spectacular as that all sounds, the back copy may truly take the crap-cake:
"But Danny and Debbie wind up living together and amidst the daily drudge of domestic life, they begin to realize that making love is easy, saying 'I love you' more difficult, and being in love the hardest of all."
And PLAY.
Posted by Bree at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)
Vanquish Your Dirty Monitor Screen
Simply by clicking here.
Posted by Bree at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)
And Boy Are My Arms Tired
My former boytoy and tech-blogger extraordinaire Stephen wrote an interesting post about flying with the new CLEAR system identification card. Considering his first experience resulted in him being carded three times at SFO, and beat through security by a non-CLEARed couple flying with a stroller, I think I'll pass on this particular improvement for the time-being.
Posted by Bree at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
Today in GLGS News
Sick to death of misfiring your spermatophores and TOTES missing the ladies' buccal cavities? Scrub your blues away, squidados, with this new dish brush in your likeness(es). $8 at Urban Outfitters. Tell 'em GLGS sent you.
Posted by Bree at 02:17 PM | Comments (0)
Google Reader Be Gone!
As phase one in my Internet addiction therapy (don't be fooled - I'm not in Internet addiction therapy. Nor is there a phase two.), I DELETED ALL OF MY GOOGLE READER FEEDS yesterday. The constant pressure to read every last published piece that came up on my monitor was unhappily reminiscent of the early aughts - back when I had a dial-up modem...and subscriptions to 15 magazines and newspapers.
So, yes. I am free. But I'm also kind of bored. And out of coffee. Tragedy!!
Posted by Bree at 10:21 AM | Comments (4)