Happy Medium

Good Evening Friends!

Tonight after work I kept working away at the old to-do list. After my success at the Mall of America, I tackled a haircut and Whole Foods tonight. The haircut was fabulous, as always (one of my favorite things to do), and once I GOT to Whole Foods (I went to the one on Fairview, which apparently is closed… everywhere…) I had a ball.

 

Now, only the quince and the grape tomatoes are from Whole Foods. The onions are from my mom (yellow) and man-go-rounds (pearl). I included the onions because I plan to make some salsa concoction tomorrow with those sweet little tomato nuggets! They were the sweetest things I’ve tasted all summer.

Now, the quince? I have no what to do with that. It was on sale, and I love trying new things. Any ideas?

And now, for the featured presentation: Television Watching Mediums!

When man-go-round and I spend an evening together (a very frequent occasion), often I am blogging or crafting, and he is doing “computer stuff.” Many times, we decide, “let’s watch something.”

When televisions were new, people didn’t have a lot of choice. You had one set, maybe in color. You had a few choices of programs. Life was simple. These days, there are about as many options for watching as your imagination can provide. Here’s a few my humble technological brain has discovered:

  1. Regular programming on network/ cable television
  2. Renting/ buying/ borrowing DVDs of TV shows
  3. Watching episodes online (youtube, Hulu, the network’s webpage)
  4. Netflix streaming
  5. Download and watch through VLC player (legally or illegally… your choice…)
  6. Tivo/ On Demand
  7. VCR- old school!
Am I missing anything? Our most frequently used mediums are Netflix streaming and hulu, and man-go-round sometimes hacks into other proxy sites to watch obscure hockey games, but don’t get me started on my lack of understanding of that subject…
What is your preferred way to watch television programming? Did I miss anything? And what on earth should I do with that quince? How do you even say it?
Meri
Posted in food, produce, shopping, television, twin cities, vegetables, Whole Foods | Tagged , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

M’sTV Awards: the Three-quel

I’ve made the executive decision to wait until the end of the month, and in one grand post announce all of the winners of M’sTV Awards. What do they win? Absolutely nothing. But I might make pictures. Therefore, tonight I will add a few new categories with nominees and open them up for voting/ write-ins.

First, however, I have to say that my work on my to-d0 list this week got off to a great start today- I went to the Mall of America as promised.

I got the single best parking spot possible (front row, right next to the handicapped aisle, near Nordstrom’s entrance.)

Then I found the best 70’s inspired clothes I’ve seen all year (this style of clothes suits me, both the style and patterns/colors). Here’s what I got!

Coat, Blue Dress-H&M Pink dress-F21

Now that I have my outfit for the Award Ceremony (yes, I’m being ridiculous about this on purpose), here are some more of the nominees!

Most useless younger sibling TV Character

  1. Chrissy from Growing Pains. Chrissy who?
  2. Nicky and Alex from Full House. Have Mercy on my soul for having to watch them be “cute.”
  3. The Youngest Kid from Party of Five (Owen?)
  4. The youngest two Partridge Kids (Between dreamy Keith, anorexic Lorrie, and Breaking Bonaduce, perhaps there wasn’t enough room for any more personality in the Partridge Family?)
  5. Brandon from Step by Step

Best TV Character with Magical Powers

  1. Sabrina the Teenaged Witch
  2. Samantha from Bewitched
  3. Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) from Charmed-as I recall, she had the best powers (and was the least annoying)
  4. Sookie Stackhouse from True Blood
  5. I dream of Jeannie
Best “Slick and Handsome Older Brother” Type on TV
  1. Eric Matthews from Boy Meets World
  2. Matt Camden on 7th Heaven
  3. Silas Botwin on Weeds
  4. Greg Brady on the Brady Bunch
  5. Nate Fisher on Six Feet Under
Biggest Bitch on TV
  1. Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl
  2. Heather Locklear on Melrose Place
  3. Karen from Will and Grace
  4. Sue Sylvester on Glee
  5. Jackie on That 70s Show
Alright- you guys all know the drill by now: Vote for your favorite of my nominees, or write-in your own votes! Have you been doing any back to school shopping this year (whether or not you actually go to school)…
Meri
Posted in lists, shopping, summer, television | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

Make my list with Magic!

It’s just about time for another Make My List Monday… but this week is a MAGIC edition, as I promised photos from the magical birthday and costume party to some of you…

However, this weekend was also magical because of the astounding number of creatures witnessed in a 24 hour period:

  1. Wild Turkeys
  2. Doe and fawn
  3. Scary prehistoric spider
  4. Tiny turtle
  5. Dragonflies and Damselflies (and man-go-round even taught me the difference)
  6. Huge chestnut colored horses
  7. Butterflies
  8. Loon
  9. Bald Eagle
  10. -Cows (but not the bull I sometimes see!)
We had a great time at the party (and my mom graciously fixed my dollar store wings when they broke after 4 and 1/2 minutes), there were three Harry Potters, 2 canisters of pixie dust, 27 pairs of wings, and more wands than I’ve ever seen in one place. No one found the golden snitch.
Be-costumed partygoer, sunset waterskier, pixie dust, decor
The aforementioned creatures, cakes, cupcakes, and flowers
This week, I finally feel like I can breathe a bit as summer nears its end. There has been such a whirlwind of events all summer I kind of just want to relax! However, I still need to make my list, so here it is:
1. Finish watching and return season 6 of Weeds to the library. We’ve been doing this one in little marathons, and am VERY HAPPY they are so short! We’ve just gotten past Zack Morris’ guest appearance and laughed pretty hard at that.
2. Finally, a haircut. My brother-in-law today noticed how unbelievably long my hair has gotten. When guys start to notice how fast your hair grows, its time to tame the beast. I can’t wait.
3. Play around with Picnik, Illustrator, Photoshop.
4. Start a new book. Perhaps something by Wendy Holden or a travel book. Why? Because I finally finished Bossypants this morning and was able to return it to my poor sister.
5. Tally up votes from M’sTV awards and maybe learn how to make a graph.
6. Make a long put-off stop at the Whole Foods near my hair salon and ignore the expense in the name of final delicious summer produce.
7. Make a daytime visit to the Mall of America. Yes, this close to school starting. No, I’m not a masochist, I just miss that H&M and that Nordstrom… wish me luck…
So what the heck are you guys all going to do this week? Have you started slowing down at the end of summer, or are you still going strong?
And keep voting for M’sTV Awards- I’ll be adding a few more before the winners are announced!
Meri
Posted in animals, family, flowers, food, library, lists, nature, parties, photography, shopping, summer, television, twin cities, Whole Foods | Tagged , , , | 37 Comments

Parental (Remote) Control

First off, tonight I did an experiment with my ISO to capture the painting I won from Taylor at Anticipation (http://tmango7.blogspot.com/). I copied and pasted that because my link tool isn’t working. Lame.

Gorgeous, right? I can’t wait to frame and hang it!

Next up, I’m so happy with the feedback from round one of M’sTV awards. (I’d link to yesterday’s post, but like I said, its not working. so scroll down if you missed it.). I’ll tally up the results soon but for now I’m going to leave the voting open (including write-ins, they are fabulous!). Tonight, a special edition of nominees for M’sTV awards:

M’sTV Awards Part 2: Parenthood

1. Best Classic TV Parents

A.  The Huxtables (Cosby Show). More so Claire than the Dad.

B. The Foremans (That 70s Show)- so Red is kind of a curmudgeon, but he means well. and Kitty way more than makes up for it.

C. The Cunninghams (Happy Days)- Sit on it, Potsy.

D.. The Keatons (Family Ties) Even though they make me feel older and way more conservative than I actually am.

E. The Lopezes (George Lopez show) I love their dynamic, and I love the mom. I’m starting to see a theme that I prefer the moms…

F. The Seavers (Growing Pains) They had their stuff together!

 

2. Grossest TV Parents

A. The Bradys (Brady Bunch) Mostly because Carol calls him “Mr. Brady.” Ew.

B. The Walshes (90210)

C. The parents from Step by Step. Suzanne Somers is okay, but Patrick Duffy makes me gag.

D. The Camdens (7th Heaven). I hate almost everything about this show.

E. The parents from My So Called Life. again, Ew.

 

3. Best Single TV Parent

A. Michael Bluth (Arrested Development)

B. Shirley Partridge (The Partridge Family) They get to have a freakin’ family band! Come on!

C. Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls) Mom? Friend? Who can tell?

D. Ruth Fisher (6 Feet Under) She rules this show, and even when she’s having a nervous breakdown I love her.

 

4. Most Utterly Ridiculous TV Parents

A. The Bundys (Married with Children) for obvious reasons

B. The Addams Family, Gomez and Morticia. Again, obvious reasons

C. George and Lucille Bluth (Arrested Development). If  you haven’t seen this show, go watch it, and then come back to vote.

 

5. Worst Job of Parenting on TV

A. Nancy Botwin (Weeds) It might be the drug dealing. Or the promiscuity. Or the lack of responsibility for her actions.

B. Celia Hodes (Weeds). It might be the alcoholism. It might be her slipping Isabel laxatives. I’m not sure

C. Danny Tanner (Full House) A clean freak- my worst nightmare. Plus, all that freaky hugging.

D. Most of the parents on Desperate Housewives. Yikes.

 

Okay! So place your votes, or write in your own! What TV parents did you always want to have? What are you up to this weekend?

Meri

 

Posted in television | Tagged , , , | 38 Comments

M’s TV awards

hehe… get it?

I’m M… they are TV awards.. it sounds like MTV awards… okay, I hear crickets. I tried.

So tonight is part one of VOTER CHOSEN TV awards! I haven’t done one of these posts in awhile, and TV month seemed appropriate, so tonight’s nominees are:

M’sTV Awards: Part 1

1. Best hair on a TV character

A. Rachel on Friends. “The Rachel”

B. Grace from Will and Grace.  The curls, the color…

C. Serena from Gossip Girl. Don’t lie, you want it too.

D. Moesha on Moesha. Okay, maybe I just wanted to be Brandy when I was a kid…

E. Jill (Farrah Fawcett) on Charlie’s Angels

2. Most annoying TV theme song

A. The theme from the L Word (particularly the part at the end where they chant, “laughing loving lying licking leaving losing learning leaning limping living… this is the waaaaaay that we liiiiiiive” awful.

B. “I’ll be there for you”- Friends. I know this song was a hit in the ’90s, but I can’t stand it.

C. Three’s Company. I love the show, I love the cheese, I still hate this song. “come on knock on my dooooor…” ugh.

D. The Brady Bunch. Love it or hate it?

3. Best gay teen/tween character (yes, its a weird category. deal with it)

A. Isabel Hodes from Weeds. Well, I think everything she does is awesome.

B. Marshall on the United States of Tara. Not to be confused with his loser friend.

C. Justin on Ugly Betty (I had to look up his name because I’ve only seen this show about 2 times, but the character is awesome and I remembered him)

And since I don’t want to look up pictures of any of these characters, I’ll instead give you a gorgeous summer night sky:

 

So there you have it- part one of M’s TV Awards, and a display of natural beauty. What more could we want from a Thursday night?

So vote for one, or vote for them all! Or, suggest a category for round 2!

Meri

 


Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

The Ty(ra)s that Bind

Good evening friends! Straight to it tonight…

After Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model is arguably my favorite reality TV show. Here’s why:

12 beautiful girls stand before me... but only ONE will be ON TOP! loverofgods777.wordpress.com

1. Tyra Banks: No one- not Patty from the Millionaire Matchmaker, not Jerry Springer or Ricki Lake, not Tim Gunn or even Simon Cowell entertains as well as Ms. Banks. Whether she’s shamelessly promoting herself, rocking adult one-sies, doing a crazy dance, or using herself as an example of perfection for the millionth time, this woman performs. Even though I can’t quite decide if she’s really as narcissistic as she pretends to be, there is NEVER a dull moment.

2. The other judges: Well, there’s Nigel Barker, who nurses a narcissistic personality disorder all his own for one. Then there’s Mr. Jay with his ridiculous makeup, silver hair, and sing-song voice. My personal favorite would be Miss Jay, who has some of the best legs (male or female) I’ve ever seen, and surprisingly doesn’t seem to take any of this show very seriously. Back in the good old days there was Stock Bitch Character Janice Dickinson, who enthralled me to the point where I scanned her autobiography at one point and fell even deeper in love with her. Twiggy was sweet when she was a judge, and brought something a bit different. Paulina Porizkova was okay but I kept having to google who the heck she was. In my humble opinion, the current judge Andre is a poor man’s Miss Jay and makes me long for the days of Janice or that guy with the glasses.

3. The formula: So sue me- I like a formulaic reality show with a beginning (recap of who went home last week, boring house stuff), middle (challenge and photo shoot) and end (photo reveal and sadistic judging session). My favorite part is always when they show the photos- I’m a sucker for a “how its made” type show like this.

4. The theme song: Correct me if I’m wrong, but is this not Tyra herself slurring, “You wanna be on top?” over and over with various remixes over the years? Accompanying said cacophany, the models of the year wear ridiculous themed wear and look stupidly at the camera in turn. Tyra has slowly taken over more and more of this intro over the years, I’ve noticed…

adriannecurryphotos.blogspot.com

5. The part where no one talks about how none of the winners ever actually become real models. Not even Adrian Curry, who went on to marry Peter Brady with her reality star fame, has ever been seen outside of the Surreal life. I wonder if Tyra thinks no one will ever notice this- or just knows that no one cares.

…And a few things I find sort of annoying about the show (yes, they exist…)

-When they fight in the house. Yawn. You can’t do better than the Real World, so stick to what you know ANTM!

-When they make them redo what they are wearing in judging, like it matters whatsoever.

-When they have episodes with little or no photo shoots and too many inane challenges. I don’t care if they know how to put makeup on, show the photo shoot!

-the editor from 17, and the way she talks when she guest judges.

-The way there is always, inevitably, a character who goes abroad at the end of the season who is culturally insensitive. I know Americans are ignorant, but I don’t want to see it on my smutty teevee programs- I want to pretend these people don’t exist!

I know more people out there watch ANTM, since its in its 87th season in about 4 years right now- so who else likes this show? and more importantly, What ridiculous or obnoxious celebrities do you nonetheless love to watch?

Meri

Posted in celebrities, television | Tagged , , , , , , , | 49 Comments

A la cartoon

I promised I would return to cartoonland when I wrote about childhood cartoons. I was rewarded with loads of feedback about the cartoons you all loved as kids- Darkwing Duck, Smurfs, the Jetsons, and more. Lovely blogger Lindsey even recognized Mya the Bee!

But the time has come to GROW UP, people- onward to adult subject matter!

Well, to adult cartoons, anyway. Here are a few of my favorites among the many great ones.

Meri’s Peter Pan Syndrome Survival Kit:

1. Daria. I own exactly 4 DVDs other than my Sex and the City collection… Three movies that were gifts (Rear Window, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Moulin Rouge), and the Daria boxed set. I designed my Wii “Mii” to look like a Meri/ Daria hybrid (whom I hope I resemble when wearing my glasses). Between sarcastic Daria and her bff Jane Lane, Daria’s workaholic mom, regressed to infancy dad, hypershallow sister, and the rest of the crew, I never stopped laughing. It’s a sick sad world out there, but Daria makes me feel less alone.

epguides.com

2. Oblongs. Voiced by Will Ferrell, Bob Oblong is the head of a family of damaged by toxic waste children. Its bizarre, offensive, and strange. Bob Oblong (say that three times fast) has no limbs, he just bounces around. It is the single most ridiculously funny cartoon I have ever seen in my life. Not for the PC at heart, but if nothing is sacred, at least its fair…

3. Family Guy. Another cartoon where absolutely. nothing. is. sacred. Thus the beauty of Family Guy. With a protagonist like Homer Simpson and a delightfully alcoholic and sarcastic dog, the show would be good enough. But add a psychotic infant who vacillates between toddler needs and world domination dreams? If not for Stewie, this show might be ordinary. But Stewie tips the balance to my top contenders.

4. The Simpsons. To me, shows like Futurama, King of the Hill, and even Family guy are funny- but they all fade in comparison to the classic, The Simpsons. Three words- See My Vest.

5. Aqua Teen Hunger Force. I’ll be honest, and lose some street cred here- I’ve only seen this one about 3 times, ever. But they have a character named Meatwad for crying out loud. And Frylock. and the best, “Master Shake.” That’s enough for me. I still don’t know what this show is about, and I could care less.

Almost made it to the top 5: Beavis and Butthead (coming again soon to a TeeVee near you!), South Park, King of the Hill, (“I sell proPANE, and proPANE acCESsories!”), Futurama

"you're standing on my neck... la la laaa la laaa" navtones.com

Do you like sarcastic, irreverent cartoons like these? Did I miss any? What ways do you indulge like a kid even though you’re a grown up?

Meri

Posted in television, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 52 Comments

Catch that phrase

Everyone has certain things that they are known for saying. My own particular “catchphrase,” has to do with a little song I like to sing about Radishes being Savages (Pocahantas) while chopping veggies, or dancing with my butt pointed towards people until they are freaked out and uncomfortable (it’s a gift).

On television, however, catchphrases tend to be stupid, sort of meaningless things that a character says at least once per episode, which the shows marketers dream and dream will become soundbites or trends in popular culture. These catchphrases can start out funny, but often morph into obnoxious excuses to stop doing intelligent writing and instead rely on the slow build up to the inevitable same joke episode after episode. The catchphrase, in television, is almost exclusive to the sit-com, for obvious reasons. Here are some that are burned into my brain, for better or for worse:

“How you doin?” Joey, the “lothario” of the friends cast. While this show was on the air, I thought Joey was funny. Looking back, Joey is a loser. Watching him use this line makes my face hurt. The only other Friends catchphrase that came close was, “WE WERE ON A BREAK.”

“Wwwhoa” Joey, again, (Lawrence. I’m sorry, Joseph…) but this time from Blossom. I guess in TV if your name is Joey you are an airhead. Lesson learned.

“Did I do that??” Urkel from Family Matters. Actually kind of funny, still.

“I’ve made a huge mistake…” Gob on Arrested Development. Everything Will Arnett does makes me happy, I think.

“Arr arr arr MORE POWER.” Tim “the D-bag tool man” Taylor from Home Improvement.

“Lucy, you’ve got some ‘SPLAININ to do..” Desi/ Ricky from I Love Lucy. This one I actually like, because it means the impending disaster is about to be revealed… the shizz hitteth the fan…and I heart this.

“Yadda yadda yadda” Everyone, on Seinfeld. I’m pretty sure everyone on earth said this one for awhile, as well as, “NO SOUP FOR YOU”

“Doh!” Homer Simpson

“Let’s Hug it out, B&*%#” Ari from Entourage. I still find this character entertaining.

and finally…

thecount.com

“You got it dude,” “Haaaave Mercy.” “WATCH the HAIR,” “How Rude,” “Is a woodchuck made of…wood?” Michelle Tanner, Uncle Jesse, Uncle Jesse, Stephanie Tanner, Uncle Joey, all from Full House, apparently the catchphrase motherload. That and the big hug at the end practically constructed this show.

So there you have it! Do you have any catchphrases or expressions you say a lot? Did I miss any on my TV list? 

Good night, and Good luck.

Meri

Posted in lists, television | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

Weekend Update

Yes, further reading of Bossypants (finally!) has inspired me to do a little SNL love later on in today’s post. But first- it is time to honor Make My List Monday, where I share my plans and to-do list for the week and invite all of you to do the same!

How did I do this week? Well, pretty well, I think! Highlights!

-Spending quality time outside now that it’s not insanely hot!

-pedicure and wine spa party for my dear sister! Can you guess which toes are mine?

-family gathering at Luci

-BBQ for my visiting bestest friend. (With a most excellent host, if he’s reading this! Thanks sir!)

-Celebrating 5 year anniversary with man-go-round at Oceannaire with some whiskey (something old) escargot (something new, for me…), free flaming dessert (baked alaska, another new one for me), toasts, and good company.

-spending time schmoozing/ travel planning with my momma

-Dollar store finds for my magical “golden snitch fairy” costume for niece’s party. Score!

-More “ready to wear” shopping finds via The Gap and F21 (those jeans? 6 dollars, thank you…)

and for THIS WEEK:

1. Try this guy out: (I think I heard about this from Errign- thanks for the recommendation full of 10 grams of protein!)

2. Magical Birthday Party (surely to be a highlight)

3. Berry picking?  (I need to research whether any are still available this time of year…)

4. Writing. No excuses.

5. Practice working in photoshop on a project related to this:

6. Burn CD for road trip, involving oldies, Adele, and No Doubt

7. Read (Bossypants will be finished before the end of time, I know this because I cranked out another 80 pages in about a half hour today. Not a difficult read!)

8. Turn the mango I bought today into “mango chips.”

9. Enjoy a weekday off (well, the part where I’m not at the doctor, anyway)

10. Library, obviously (although recently I’ve started going to both Mpls and St. Paul, rendering things a bit crazy as I try to keep two separate accounts afloat. Somebody stop me).

                                                                                                                                                     

And now, the promised land. I can’t begin to get into how much I love Saturday Night Live, but after spending some quality time with Bossypants tonight, and in the spirit of TV month, I’ll give you a few of my favorites to check out if you haven’t seen them yet:

Meri’s Random Saturday Night Live Favorites:

1. Goulet. “Oh. A bighorn!”

2. Oops I crapped my pants. I think I spent 3 entire years of my childhood laughing over this one

3. D$%# in a box. Okay, so its new, its crass, and its not particularly clever. But on the plus side, Justin Timberlake, one of the most surprisingly funny digital shorts yet, and it set the bar pretty high for future digital shorts.

4. Chris Farley as “el nino.” Which is Spanish for… The Nino.

5. Schmitt’s Gay brought to my attention just last week by a coworker. Best part? when the beer just flies out of the pool out of sheer awesomeness.

6. Celebrity Jeopardy “Threeve”

7. King Tut still has me laughing every time

8. Miley Cyrus “Pretty Cool” show. Based almost exclusively for my glee at turning around my hatred of miley cyrus into liking her because her existence provides the material for this skit.

9. The Spartan Cheerleaders

10. “Can you catch a falling star without burning your hand? No! Such is MANGO.”

                                                                                                                                                                             

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNL SKIT FROM OVER THE YEARS? HAVE YOU EVER TRIED ESCARGOT OR BAKED ALASKA? WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEK? JOIN IN IF YOU LIKE!

Meri

Posted in Uncategorized | 49 Comments

Won’t you (not) be my neighbor?

My best friend is visiting from out of town, and as we caught up with each other this week we got to talking about neighbors. Both she and her man, and me and mine have moved to new homes within the past few months, and we were discussing the neighbor, “situation.”

You can really luck out or really get burned with neighbors. Whether you’re in a house in the suburbs, a crowded apartment, or even a dorm- you sometimes really get to know your neighbors. And you can’t really pick them. Luckily, neither my friend nor I have any obnoxious neighbors. But just imagine what it would be like if some of the freak neighbors we see on TV were out here in the real world? The Horror!

So in the spirit of, “it could always be worse than what you have now,” I’ve created a “bizarro-meter” to rate some of the kookier and more odd neighbors of our favorite TV families. Some are just plain strange (Ugly Naked Guy), some are mind-numbingly annoying (Urkel), some are creepy beyond reason (Quagmire), and some are just a bit odd, but really quite benign (Wilson).

So here it is- The Bizarro-meter. Let’s hope these people never leave the TV screen and move in next door!

Who do you all think is the most annoying? Did I miss anyone (or block them out, rather?) Do any of you have horrifyingly weird neighbors?

Happy Friday!

Meri

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Posted in television | Tagged , , , , , | 63 Comments