Happy Memorial Day everyone!
I'm sorry I've not been posting in a while. Things have been crazy busy! I do have a couple of things to talk about. One is directly involving Memorial Day.
So I wonder. In most American's minds is Memorial Day only about the Vietnam War? At least that's the impression I get from the media. Rarely do they talk at all about World War I or II or any of the others, Korean etc. Hell, doesn't it even include Civil, Revolutionary, 1812? Americans died there too. But all we get now is Vietnam.
I was reading that Memorial Day was established in 1868. It has a long history coming from widows laying flowers on graves at a particular time of year.
My second topic is even more of a rant, actually, So I was watching the Today show today and they had some chef on making some kind of party dips. This is the guy from Take Home Chef on Discovery Channel (Or TLC, I never can tell the difference.) Anyway, he's that Aussie Chef, Curtis. Anyway, he made crab salad dip. Had lovely jumbo lump blue crab. Mixed it with some things and then came out the evil evil Lemon! *queue dramatic music*. Immediately my head exploded. Ok, so maybe this guy doesn't know because he's Australian and doesn't know the nuances of Blue Crab, but you NEVER NEVER use lemon on blue crab. NEVER! This has been a pet peeve of mine since I was about 18 years old and read an article in the newspaper by a Marylander. In it he explained that lemon will kill the delicate taste of the crab.
Really, you are paying something like 20 dollars a pound for premium lump crab meat, and. you. put. lemon. on. it. What's the point? Get imitation and pretend if you have to have lemon on your crab. Save yourself some money.
Come to think of it, I'm not a fan of lemon on any fish. Lemon will mask any flavors of the fish, presumably if the fish isn't all that fresh the lemon will cover up that fish age. If you have fresh from the sea fish, there's no reason to slap that lemon on it, don't you want the nuances to come through.
Anyway, happy Memorial Day everyone! And drop those lemons!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5th, 2009
Happy Cinco De Mayo! I hope all of you are enjoying your Margaritas! Wish I had one! I really miss them, LOL.
So I thought that this week I'd talk about X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
If you haven't seen it, I've got a few spoilers in here, so don't read if you don't want to be spoiled. I'll try to keep it vague though.
Husband and I went to see it over the weekend. I can honestly say I liked it. But it wasn't perfect.
First of all, it just felt like something was missing. I guess, for me, there just wasn't enough inner conflict with Wolverine. He very quickly shook things off, even deaths of important people in his life. In the comic, Wolverine is gritty, feral, haunted. Yes, wisecracky and seemingly put together, but in reality he's a bit of a disaster. I didn't get this in this movie. It was a little watered down. Believe me, if 13 year olds read this comic and understand it, then they'll understand the same theme if presented in the movie. And no, you should not be bringing your 8 year old. There is violence in there, what's wrong with you?
There wasn't enough exposition explaining what shaped Sabretooth and Wolverine in their early years (that really stuck in my craw). We guess they had it rough, but how? What exactly happened to make Sabretooth really lose it. And no, being "crazy" isn't cutting it. What bonded Sabre and Wolvie together? What made Sabre flip out? Argh, exposition folks!
One of the things my husband had an issue with is the adamantium bullets. Would an gun shoot this bullet hard enough and fast enough to penetrate an adamantium skull? Sure it's an adamantium bullet, but if you don't have a special gun what good is it? They didn't imply that it was a special gun, just special bullets. Does that mean if I have, for example, an adamantium nail clipper I can destroy Wolverine?
My issue was when they were injecting the adamantium into Wolvie. Stryker makes Wolvie indestructible. Even says so. Then Wolvie goes bananas and jumps out of the tank and runs away. Stryker turns to Zero and says, "Hunt him down and blow his head off." HOW? Dude, you just said he was indestructible! Audibly. For everyone in the damned room to hear! You encased his skull in adamantium! Zero may be a minion but is he really THAT stupid not to think to himself, "hmm, how do I take down an indestructible man? Better bring a bazooka." I remember turning to husband and saying "how?". Two minutes later, after sending Zero to pretty much his death, Son of Bitch Stryker magically produces a gun that shoots adamantium bullets. Hello? Moron, give the gun to Zero! That might have helped stuff, if you, you know, give the magic weapon to the man who can actually use it deftly! Argh!
So what did I like about this movie after some of this ranting? Well I thought the action was terrific. X-Force at the beginning was fantastic! The best was Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson. It's a real terrible shame there wasn't more of him in the film. Not liking what they did later in the film with him though. And it is totally WRONG in as far as cannon is concerned, and I wasn't even that familiar with that character and I still knew something was wrong. Incidentally, Deadpool is an interesting character! What a crazy backstory!
I really liked Gambit. Not only was he a cutie, but they did a nice job with his powers. I wish he was a little more like the Gambit in the comics, but it's ok, they can develop him more.
Wolverine's Lady love, Silverfox was awesome. So beautiful and I thought she did a good job. Nice powers too, under used though.
The scenery was lovely.
It was cool to see some of the mutant kids.
But the suspense was a little lacking...because you know he's going to pull through. You know?
The movie should have been longer. 1 hour 45 minutes, made it feel rushed. I wonder if it will be longer on the DVD.
All in all, it was an enjoyable popcorn flick. Nothing really to philosophize about. It's no Ironman, Watchmen, Spiderman, The Dark Knight, but it was fun enough to be entertaining.
What did you all think?
For now, Gothic Dragon
So I thought that this week I'd talk about X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
If you haven't seen it, I've got a few spoilers in here, so don't read if you don't want to be spoiled. I'll try to keep it vague though.
Husband and I went to see it over the weekend. I can honestly say I liked it. But it wasn't perfect.
First of all, it just felt like something was missing. I guess, for me, there just wasn't enough inner conflict with Wolverine. He very quickly shook things off, even deaths of important people in his life. In the comic, Wolverine is gritty, feral, haunted. Yes, wisecracky and seemingly put together, but in reality he's a bit of a disaster. I didn't get this in this movie. It was a little watered down. Believe me, if 13 year olds read this comic and understand it, then they'll understand the same theme if presented in the movie. And no, you should not be bringing your 8 year old. There is violence in there, what's wrong with you?
There wasn't enough exposition explaining what shaped Sabretooth and Wolverine in their early years (that really stuck in my craw). We guess they had it rough, but how? What exactly happened to make Sabretooth really lose it. And no, being "crazy" isn't cutting it. What bonded Sabre and Wolvie together? What made Sabre flip out? Argh, exposition folks!
One of the things my husband had an issue with is the adamantium bullets. Would an gun shoot this bullet hard enough and fast enough to penetrate an adamantium skull? Sure it's an adamantium bullet, but if you don't have a special gun what good is it? They didn't imply that it was a special gun, just special bullets. Does that mean if I have, for example, an adamantium nail clipper I can destroy Wolverine?
My issue was when they were injecting the adamantium into Wolvie. Stryker makes Wolvie indestructible. Even says so. Then Wolvie goes bananas and jumps out of the tank and runs away. Stryker turns to Zero and says, "Hunt him down and blow his head off." HOW? Dude, you just said he was indestructible! Audibly. For everyone in the damned room to hear! You encased his skull in adamantium! Zero may be a minion but is he really THAT stupid not to think to himself, "hmm, how do I take down an indestructible man? Better bring a bazooka." I remember turning to husband and saying "how?". Two minutes later, after sending Zero to pretty much his death, Son of Bitch Stryker magically produces a gun that shoots adamantium bullets. Hello? Moron, give the gun to Zero! That might have helped stuff, if you, you know, give the magic weapon to the man who can actually use it deftly! Argh!
So what did I like about this movie after some of this ranting? Well I thought the action was terrific. X-Force at the beginning was fantastic! The best was Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson. It's a real terrible shame there wasn't more of him in the film. Not liking what they did later in the film with him though. And it is totally WRONG in as far as cannon is concerned, and I wasn't even that familiar with that character and I still knew something was wrong. Incidentally, Deadpool is an interesting character! What a crazy backstory!
I really liked Gambit. Not only was he a cutie, but they did a nice job with his powers. I wish he was a little more like the Gambit in the comics, but it's ok, they can develop him more.
Wolverine's Lady love, Silverfox was awesome. So beautiful and I thought she did a good job. Nice powers too, under used though.
The scenery was lovely.
It was cool to see some of the mutant kids.
But the suspense was a little lacking...because you know he's going to pull through. You know?
The movie should have been longer. 1 hour 45 minutes, made it feel rushed. I wonder if it will be longer on the DVD.
All in all, it was an enjoyable popcorn flick. Nothing really to philosophize about. It's no Ironman, Watchmen, Spiderman, The Dark Knight, but it was fun enough to be entertaining.
What did you all think?
For now, Gothic Dragon
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22nd, 2009
Happy Earth Day! Also, Happy Administrative Professionals Day! Both wonderful reasons to celebrate. Now if only the people at work had remembered their admin professional today. Grumble.
But in light of Earth Day, I have a pretty good website to pass to you all. First of all, I got this from a website that helps homeless animals. They sell products to benefit and feed animals in shelters and the like.
One of the little stores they have on their site is called Global Girlfriend. Here is the philosophy behind it,
"Created to help women worldwide gain economic security for themselves and their families by earning fair wages for their handiwork, Global Girlfriend sources women-made, fair-trade imported, eco-friendly products. By supporting long-term partnerships with the artisans, it fosters equal employment opportunities, healthy and safe working conditions, technical assistance, and development strategies to help reduce poverty, one community at a time. Become a "Global Girlfriend" and help build a brighter future for girlfriends around the globe!"
But wait, there's more. If you buy something from Global Girlfriend through the animalrescuesite.com a certain number of bowls of food are donated to homeless animals. Sounds like a good deal, help empower women and feed animals!
Here's the website! http://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/category.do?categoryId=2663&siteId=310
For now, Gothic Dragon
But in light of Earth Day, I have a pretty good website to pass to you all. First of all, I got this from a website that helps homeless animals. They sell products to benefit and feed animals in shelters and the like.
One of the little stores they have on their site is called Global Girlfriend. Here is the philosophy behind it,
"Created to help women worldwide gain economic security for themselves and their families by earning fair wages for their handiwork, Global Girlfriend sources women-made, fair-trade imported, eco-friendly products. By supporting long-term partnerships with the artisans, it fosters equal employment opportunities, healthy and safe working conditions, technical assistance, and development strategies to help reduce poverty, one community at a time. Become a "Global Girlfriend" and help build a brighter future for girlfriends around the globe!"
But wait, there's more. If you buy something from Global Girlfriend through the animalrescuesite.com a certain number of bowls of food are donated to homeless animals. Sounds like a good deal, help empower women and feed animals!
Here's the website! http://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/category.do?categoryId=2663&siteId=310
For now, Gothic Dragon
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13th, 2009
Well, Happy Easter Monday everyone! Sorry been so quiet, but life's been a little busy.
I would like to talk a little about something makeup related. Some of you may know I'm a real sucker for eye makeup. I like to play around with vivid shadows and all. But what to use to remove all that?
For many years I've been using the Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover by Mary Kay. It worked pretty good, that is until I couldn't find an agent to sell me anymore. There is one who works in the same building as I do and I've asked her to come by so I can buy some, but she never does.
Besides, I get a little sick and tired of needing to buy some Mary Kay product and getting backed into a corner about how I need to join the cult, etc etc. So I decided to try something over the counter.
Well, I managed to find Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover by Almay. It's got cucumber in it to make it more refreshing. Let me tell you, this stuff is great, by far a better makeup remover than the Mary Kay stuff, and it's half the price. I highly recommend it!
The only drawback is that this stuff is so good and removing stuff from your face that you'll need to extra moisturize after. I managed to order something today from Avon. I'll let you know how it goes and recommend that product if I like it.
Anyway, Almay's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover gets a thumbs up from me!
I would like to talk a little about something makeup related. Some of you may know I'm a real sucker for eye makeup. I like to play around with vivid shadows and all. But what to use to remove all that?
For many years I've been using the Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover by Mary Kay. It worked pretty good, that is until I couldn't find an agent to sell me anymore. There is one who works in the same building as I do and I've asked her to come by so I can buy some, but she never does.
Besides, I get a little sick and tired of needing to buy some Mary Kay product and getting backed into a corner about how I need to join the cult, etc etc. So I decided to try something over the counter.
Well, I managed to find Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover by Almay. It's got cucumber in it to make it more refreshing. Let me tell you, this stuff is great, by far a better makeup remover than the Mary Kay stuff, and it's half the price. I highly recommend it!
The only drawback is that this stuff is so good and removing stuff from your face that you'll need to extra moisturize after. I managed to order something today from Avon. I'll let you know how it goes and recommend that product if I like it.
Anyway, Almay's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover gets a thumbs up from me!
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30th, 2009
Well, it's been a few days. Thought I'd take a break on the blog just to build up some things to talk about. Been a tough couple of days but things are getting better.
Well, on my Watchmen forum in the "everything else" section there's been discussion about the Twilight series of books as well as the movie. What really shocks me is to see fan reaction. It would appear that if you are not a fan you get attacked! And not only verbally. I've read account after account of outraged 13-19 year olds who punch, scratch and kick non fans.
I have to say, I find this really reprehensible behavior. Part of learning to be an adult is to accept that others may not have your same opinions or points of view. You learn to deal with that. I'm not happy that there are those who don't like Watchmen or don't want to understand it, but I'm not going to gouge someone's eyes out for it.
Also in these books there are the elements of stalking, possessiveness, and control. Is this really the kind of thing that young people ought to be reading and identifying as "true love"? In real life those are terrifying things. Words of experience here, believe me. It wasn't romantic, let me tell you.
Again, I'm still quite shocked at some of the fan reactions, and I'm also saddened by it. What do you think?
For now, Gothic Dragon
Well, on my Watchmen forum in the "everything else" section there's been discussion about the Twilight series of books as well as the movie. What really shocks me is to see fan reaction. It would appear that if you are not a fan you get attacked! And not only verbally. I've read account after account of outraged 13-19 year olds who punch, scratch and kick non fans.
I have to say, I find this really reprehensible behavior. Part of learning to be an adult is to accept that others may not have your same opinions or points of view. You learn to deal with that. I'm not happy that there are those who don't like Watchmen or don't want to understand it, but I'm not going to gouge someone's eyes out for it.
Also in these books there are the elements of stalking, possessiveness, and control. Is this really the kind of thing that young people ought to be reading and identifying as "true love"? In real life those are terrifying things. Words of experience here, believe me. It wasn't romantic, let me tell you.
Again, I'm still quite shocked at some of the fan reactions, and I'm also saddened by it. What do you think?
For now, Gothic Dragon
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
March 24th, 2009
Good evening folks. Yes, normally I post my blogs earlier in the day but it has been a crazy day and I'm only really concentrating now on this particular blog.
I was shopping in Ulta the other day for some oil free eye make up remover...found an awesome one, but I'll blog about that another day I think. In other words, I don't want to get up and look right now, haha.
But in my browsing I came across this crazy mascara! Crazy enough for me to glom on to it and want to wear it! It's called Max Vivid Impact Mascara. I didn't buy any at the time, but I think I may, for occasions such as conventions and places where it's ok to be a little crazy. Anyway, it's a double application. You have a base color for your lashes, such as a dark plum or a midnight blue color and then a really bright contrasting shade you are supposed to put on the tips of your lashes.
Here's a web page that explains it a little better and has a sample of the stuff. Fun stuff. I'd wear it for sure! What do you all think?
http://www.splendicity.com/makeupminute/max-factor-vivid-impact-highlighting-mascara/
For now, Gothic Dragon
I was shopping in Ulta the other day for some oil free eye make up remover...found an awesome one, but I'll blog about that another day I think. In other words, I don't want to get up and look right now, haha.
But in my browsing I came across this crazy mascara! Crazy enough for me to glom on to it and want to wear it! It's called Max Vivid Impact Mascara. I didn't buy any at the time, but I think I may, for occasions such as conventions and places where it's ok to be a little crazy. Anyway, it's a double application. You have a base color for your lashes, such as a dark plum or a midnight blue color and then a really bright contrasting shade you are supposed to put on the tips of your lashes.
Here's a web page that explains it a little better and has a sample of the stuff. Fun stuff. I'd wear it for sure! What do you all think?
http://www.splendicity.com/makeupminute/max-factor-vivid-impact-highlighting-mascara/
For now, Gothic Dragon
Monday, March 23, 2009
March, 23rd, 2009
Good evening all! Here's hoping that everyone is well today.
I just spent the better part of the afternoon writing! Yes, for my other blog. It's basically a fanfiction, creative writing project. I write a little more in the story every day.
Funny thing happened the other day. Husband asked me why the TV wasn't on and was it broken. I was writing! It's easier to concentrate when the tv is off. Though it's only for a few hours, I've found that focusing on writing or doing something, anything, engrossing has gotten me out of watching so much television. I still watch a lot, but at least not as much as I did. Just as well, I was starting to watch too many court shows, LOL.
Have any of you made any kind of changes in your tv watching routines lately?
I just spent the better part of the afternoon writing! Yes, for my other blog. It's basically a fanfiction, creative writing project. I write a little more in the story every day.
Funny thing happened the other day. Husband asked me why the TV wasn't on and was it broken. I was writing! It's easier to concentrate when the tv is off. Though it's only for a few hours, I've found that focusing on writing or doing something, anything, engrossing has gotten me out of watching so much television. I still watch a lot, but at least not as much as I did. Just as well, I was starting to watch too many court shows, LOL.
Have any of you made any kind of changes in your tv watching routines lately?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
March 21st, 2009
Good afternoon everyone. Just a quite blog post today I think. Just wanted to wish everyone a happy spring! This is the first full weekend of spring. I'm in Northern Virginia, and some of the early trees are blooming. A few early cherries and some red buds. A few daffodils are popping up as well. I'm excited for flowers to be in our world again! Not so excited about the bugs though!
So in my previous blog I had indicated that I was museum hopping on Friday. The National Gallery of Natural History is my very favorite, and I was pleased to see some new exhibits. Right now there is a temporary exhibit on Orchids. It's a whole room filled with them! And some of them were very perfumey. So wonderful. It's a welcome sight after a long dreary winter.
Here's a picture of one of the lady slipper orchids I took. This one had no smell though. Enjoy!
For now, Gothic Dragon
So in my previous blog I had indicated that I was museum hopping on Friday. The National Gallery of Natural History is my very favorite, and I was pleased to see some new exhibits. Right now there is a temporary exhibit on Orchids. It's a whole room filled with them! And some of them were very perfumey. So wonderful. It's a welcome sight after a long dreary winter.
Here's a picture of one of the lady slipper orchids I took. This one had no smell though. Enjoy!
For now, Gothic Dragon
Friday, March 20, 2009
March 20th, 2009
Hello! Today's post is about Jewelry! And I present to you..
Spladow!
How about them apples?! I went museum hopping today and of course it's mandatory to visit the jewelry exhibit! Yes, I tried to take pictures of the Hope diamond, but it was "hopeless" haha. It was spectacular though.
The picture above are big honking sapphires. The one on the right (if the picture shows up right) is about as big as a fist! So sparkly! The color is amazing and the diamonds are amazing.
There were tons of people there, but I got to see some of my other favorites, the Hooker Emerald, the colored diamonds, the big Diadem. Wow *swoon*. Ah to be an heiress!
What is your favorite gemstone?
Spladow!
How about them apples?! I went museum hopping today and of course it's mandatory to visit the jewelry exhibit! Yes, I tried to take pictures of the Hope diamond, but it was "hopeless" haha. It was spectacular though.
The picture above are big honking sapphires. The one on the right (if the picture shows up right) is about as big as a fist! So sparkly! The color is amazing and the diamonds are amazing.
There were tons of people there, but I got to see some of my other favorites, the Hooker Emerald, the colored diamonds, the big Diadem. Wow *swoon*. Ah to be an heiress!
What is your favorite gemstone?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 19th, 2009
Good evening all! Sorry I'm so late on posting today. I run another blog, a story blog involving Rorschach from Watchmen. It's intense writing and I've found that it takes me time to get in the zone and write. It's been a lot of fun though and I hope that my readers enjoy the plot I've come up with.
Today I saw a short story on Exotic Fruits and Vegetables online and they went to describe 13 exotics you can get in the supermarket. I was frankly surprised to see Kumquats on the list. Maybe because I live near DC so Kumquats have been in our markets since I was a little girl, but they don't seem exotic to me at all. Also on the list were Cherimoya, Tomatillos (Really?), Star Fruit and Meyer Lemon. Here's the link: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/story?id=7095647&page=1
Honestly, with the exception of a couple of things, I've had most of what was on this list. I wonder if this list is geared more toward the Midwest and other places away from big cities that don't really have a diverse ethnic community.
I can say, the Cherimoya was delicious! And Kumquats are a real favorite of mine. So what weird fruits and veggies have you tried?
Today I saw a short story on Exotic Fruits and Vegetables online and they went to describe 13 exotics you can get in the supermarket. I was frankly surprised to see Kumquats on the list. Maybe because I live near DC so Kumquats have been in our markets since I was a little girl, but they don't seem exotic to me at all. Also on the list were Cherimoya, Tomatillos (Really?), Star Fruit and Meyer Lemon. Here's the link: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/story?id=7095647&page=1
Honestly, with the exception of a couple of things, I've had most of what was on this list. I wonder if this list is geared more toward the Midwest and other places away from big cities that don't really have a diverse ethnic community.
I can say, the Cherimoya was delicious! And Kumquats are a real favorite of mine. So what weird fruits and veggies have you tried?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March 18th, 2009
Good afternoon all. Just got done with my afternoon nap. Totally forgot to put on any makeup or jewelry today. Ack what kind of diva am I anyway?
Today I'd like to talk a little about jewelry! Yay! Finally she talks jewelry.
So I was pawing through my chainmaille jewelry yesterday. I have a few people in my chorus who heard I make stuff and wanted to see it. (Gonna bring it in a few weeks). It really made me miss the good old days of hours of opening and closing rings.
I didn't' quit or anything, I'd still like to make it all. I'd still like to to craft shows and sell. And I'm thinking I'm catching the bug again! Yay!
How many of you out there are familiar with Chainmaille? Think back to the knights of medieval times. Remember the chain armor they wore? That's chainmaille. Amazingly, it comes in all kinds of patterns, and can be woven as a simple necklace all the way out to clothes and accessories.
I usually work in copper, bronze, silver and titanium with a little steel here and there. Heck if I could work in gold I would, but I can't afford it. The silver is bad enough but it makes a pretty item.
My favorite weaves are byzantine, the Persian weaves, and the shaggy loop. Perhaps I can show a picture here. Let's see if this works.
This item is a titanium piece. Yes, it's purple. It is a European 6in1 to be technical. And it was one SOB to put together because, well, it's titanium! They're not kidding that it's tougher than steel! I have to use large jewelry pliers to put titanium together. And yet it is so light!
So I think I may decide to pick the chainmaille back up again as I miss it quite a bit. I wouldn't even mind teaching a class or two. :)
For now, Gothic Dragon
Today I'd like to talk a little about jewelry! Yay! Finally she talks jewelry.
So I was pawing through my chainmaille jewelry yesterday. I have a few people in my chorus who heard I make stuff and wanted to see it. (Gonna bring it in a few weeks). It really made me miss the good old days of hours of opening and closing rings.
I didn't' quit or anything, I'd still like to make it all. I'd still like to to craft shows and sell. And I'm thinking I'm catching the bug again! Yay!
How many of you out there are familiar with Chainmaille? Think back to the knights of medieval times. Remember the chain armor they wore? That's chainmaille. Amazingly, it comes in all kinds of patterns, and can be woven as a simple necklace all the way out to clothes and accessories.
I usually work in copper, bronze, silver and titanium with a little steel here and there. Heck if I could work in gold I would, but I can't afford it. The silver is bad enough but it makes a pretty item.
My favorite weaves are byzantine, the Persian weaves, and the shaggy loop. Perhaps I can show a picture here. Let's see if this works.
This item is a titanium piece. Yes, it's purple. It is a European 6in1 to be technical. And it was one SOB to put together because, well, it's titanium! They're not kidding that it's tougher than steel! I have to use large jewelry pliers to put titanium together. And yet it is so light!
So I think I may decide to pick the chainmaille back up again as I miss it quite a bit. I wouldn't even mind teaching a class or two. :)
For now, Gothic Dragon
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March 17, 2009
Well Happy Saint Patrick's Day! I ended up in a green sweater and green eyeshadow.
Right now I'm trying to write this blog and watch the last episode of Kyle XY. It's actually pretty good this time. More substance than just about which girl Kyle wants to date.
I have trouble with these kinds of shows a lot of the time. Stuff like this and the earlier years of Smallville. I guess they are geared toward the teen/young adult audience and involve a lot of love triangles and the classic, "I Love you, come here, go away, no come here, no go away."
Smallville tortured us with that and then after a while, Kyle XY did the same. It's frustrating. But I have to say that Smallville did improve in the later seasons and has actually become a show that I enjoy, most particularly since they have the Justice League in there once in a while.
Oops, now it's over. Just like that. What the heck? Argh, and not only that but the show is cancelled, so no we'll never know.
But I believe in the power of the fans. Fans always find a way for writing endings, alternative universes. There's a certain amount of closure in the fan community, or continuance if you want to know more.
Well, my musings on Kyle XY I guess.
For Now, Chrissy
Right now I'm trying to write this blog and watch the last episode of Kyle XY. It's actually pretty good this time. More substance than just about which girl Kyle wants to date.
I have trouble with these kinds of shows a lot of the time. Stuff like this and the earlier years of Smallville. I guess they are geared toward the teen/young adult audience and involve a lot of love triangles and the classic, "I Love you, come here, go away, no come here, no go away."
Smallville tortured us with that and then after a while, Kyle XY did the same. It's frustrating. But I have to say that Smallville did improve in the later seasons and has actually become a show that I enjoy, most particularly since they have the Justice League in there once in a while.
Oops, now it's over. Just like that. What the heck? Argh, and not only that but the show is cancelled, so no we'll never know.
But I believe in the power of the fans. Fans always find a way for writing endings, alternative universes. There's a certain amount of closure in the fan community, or continuance if you want to know more.
Well, my musings on Kyle XY I guess.
For Now, Chrissy
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16th, 2009
Hello everyone!
Yes, still on my Watchmen kick! :) Weeeeee!!!! I've been having a good time coming up with a little fan fiction which I'm actually sharing with the public. It's come to this, after all this time. I've been writing for years but have never let it outside of a few friends.
More Watchmen related, I'm waiting for an order to come in of one of the figures from the movie. Laurie...Silk Spectre II. Hey, my collection can't ALL be Rorschach, though most of it is, LOL.
So I got an email from the Laughing Ogre comics that the store in Leesburg will be having a special sale on March 17th. They have titles that are green related on sale 20%. So if you are a Hulk Fan, or a Green Lantern fan they you can get your comics at a discount tomorrow, for St. Patrick's Day. Hmmm I wonder if they have any Dr. Doom stuff for sale, 'cause you know he wears a green cape!
Must wear green eyeshadow tomorrow. The best one is Vert from Urban Decay, just in case you'd like to have a source for really good eye shadow. Urban Decay's shadows are pigment rich and a little goes a long way. I think they are worth the 15 dollars for a pot of shadow. The ones I have have lasted me quite a while and I've gotten lots of use from them.
Ok that's it for now, a sort of pre-St. Patrick's Day green talk.
For now, Gothic Dragon
Yes, still on my Watchmen kick! :) Weeeeee!!!! I've been having a good time coming up with a little fan fiction which I'm actually sharing with the public. It's come to this, after all this time. I've been writing for years but have never let it outside of a few friends.
More Watchmen related, I'm waiting for an order to come in of one of the figures from the movie. Laurie...Silk Spectre II. Hey, my collection can't ALL be Rorschach, though most of it is, LOL.
So I got an email from the Laughing Ogre comics that the store in Leesburg will be having a special sale on March 17th. They have titles that are green related on sale 20%. So if you are a Hulk Fan, or a Green Lantern fan they you can get your comics at a discount tomorrow, for St. Patrick's Day. Hmmm I wonder if they have any Dr. Doom stuff for sale, 'cause you know he wears a green cape!
Must wear green eyeshadow tomorrow. The best one is Vert from Urban Decay, just in case you'd like to have a source for really good eye shadow. Urban Decay's shadows are pigment rich and a little goes a long way. I think they are worth the 15 dollars for a pot of shadow. The ones I have have lasted me quite a while and I've gotten lots of use from them.
Ok that's it for now, a sort of pre-St. Patrick's Day green talk.
For now, Gothic Dragon
Sunday, March 15, 2009
March 15th, 2009
Happy Sunday everyone! Ok, so I know it's late in the day so Sunday is almost over. But have a great evening!
Today I went with my friend to a little place in Tyson's Corner II the Galleria. The place is called "Art With Flowers". Now I know some of you may say, "Oh, she went to a florist today." Oh but it's much more than flowers!
This shop has all kinds of room scents, fine perfumes, soaps, jewelry, gosh a little of everything! Good stuff too, and wonderful people. They have an open house get together every so often and today A.V. and I went and had a nice time chatting with people, with the owners and enjoyed browsing.
They usually set up a nice buffet in the back with some delicious foods made in house! Nice food, such as a generous deli platter, crudites, chaffing dishes with meats and finger foods, all the way to deviled eggs and fresh shrimp, and people walking around serving wine from trays!
This is an awesome place to buy a gift for a friend. There are some unique things there and there are some perfume lines made specifically for this store as well. Of course, you could try one of the other fine perfumes they have there as well. Hundreds of them.
Next time you are in Tyson's Galleria, stop in. I'm sure you'll enjoy visiting!
For now, Gothic Dragon
Today I went with my friend to a little place in Tyson's Corner II the Galleria. The place is called "Art With Flowers". Now I know some of you may say, "Oh, she went to a florist today." Oh but it's much more than flowers!
This shop has all kinds of room scents, fine perfumes, soaps, jewelry, gosh a little of everything! Good stuff too, and wonderful people. They have an open house get together every so often and today A.V. and I went and had a nice time chatting with people, with the owners and enjoyed browsing.
They usually set up a nice buffet in the back with some delicious foods made in house! Nice food, such as a generous deli platter, crudites, chaffing dishes with meats and finger foods, all the way to deviled eggs and fresh shrimp, and people walking around serving wine from trays!
This is an awesome place to buy a gift for a friend. There are some unique things there and there are some perfume lines made specifically for this store as well. Of course, you could try one of the other fine perfumes they have there as well. Hundreds of them.
Next time you are in Tyson's Galleria, stop in. I'm sure you'll enjoy visiting!
For now, Gothic Dragon
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, March 14th, 2009
Greetings all of you! Today's blog will be entitled, "But Stormtroopers can't sit down! Their butts would break!"
Mystified? My husband and I went to see that new Race to Witch Mountain movie Starring "The Rock".
I know that some of you were discussing this the other day, where I informed you that we'll be going to see it. In a stroke of madness, we almost went to see Watchmen again as well, but decided we didn't' want to be in a movie theater in the dark for 5 hours.
Overall, Witch Mountain was an ok movie. It's a good movie for a family that has kids. The plot was pretty simple, straight forward. Not much thinking required.
My biggest quibble was that a lot of it was set in some kind of fictional Sci-Fi convention in Vegas. You might have seen the commercial, a couple of guys in Stormtrooper outfits hop, easily mind you, into The Rock's cab. Hence my title. In reality, that armor is made of plastic and there's a butt piece that gets cracked if you sit on it, so nope, not going to happen. No self respecting fanboy (or girl) is going to spend 3 thousand dollars on a costume to crack it.
But I digress. The convention scenes were handled horribly, the typical geeks are morons kind of thing, that we believe that we have been abducted, that we aren't interest in real science, etc. (Not to mention that most conventions have real science lectures and they are very well and respectfully attended.) It all got my blood boiling, actually. It just perpetuates the stereotype.
There were a few stereotypes in this movie. The Rock's character himself, Jack Bruno. Bounced around in foster homes, arrested and spent time in juvie, then arrested for a felony. But wait, he has a heart of gold! (but he was likeable.)
The geeky scientist woman, who no one give any credit to. Black sheep. etc. Boy did she ham it up. Good grief
The alien kids. Wide eyed, innocent, full of powers, "we're only trying to save our home planet!"
The evil government military official who only wants to dissect the kids, ooorah!
There's even an alien bounty hunter after the kids....who looks suspiciously like The Guyver. Hey! And by the way, he's ugly under his mask, 'cause you know, evil stuff is ugly and good stuff is pretty and blond and angelic.
Ok, I'm starting to rant. LOL.
Anyway, I'm quite sure that the location of this "Witch Mountain" is the place where they filmed Close Encounters of the Third Kind." I might be wrong though.
SO I'd say I'd give it maybe a 5 or 6. I actually started to care a little toward the end. I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy it, but it's a good movie if you don't want to think too hard.
For Now, Gothic Dragon
Mystified? My husband and I went to see that new Race to Witch Mountain movie Starring "The Rock".
I know that some of you were discussing this the other day, where I informed you that we'll be going to see it. In a stroke of madness, we almost went to see Watchmen again as well, but decided we didn't' want to be in a movie theater in the dark for 5 hours.
Overall, Witch Mountain was an ok movie. It's a good movie for a family that has kids. The plot was pretty simple, straight forward. Not much thinking required.
My biggest quibble was that a lot of it was set in some kind of fictional Sci-Fi convention in Vegas. You might have seen the commercial, a couple of guys in Stormtrooper outfits hop, easily mind you, into The Rock's cab. Hence my title. In reality, that armor is made of plastic and there's a butt piece that gets cracked if you sit on it, so nope, not going to happen. No self respecting fanboy (or girl) is going to spend 3 thousand dollars on a costume to crack it.
But I digress. The convention scenes were handled horribly, the typical geeks are morons kind of thing, that we believe that we have been abducted, that we aren't interest in real science, etc. (Not to mention that most conventions have real science lectures and they are very well and respectfully attended.) It all got my blood boiling, actually. It just perpetuates the stereotype.
There were a few stereotypes in this movie. The Rock's character himself, Jack Bruno. Bounced around in foster homes, arrested and spent time in juvie, then arrested for a felony. But wait, he has a heart of gold! (but he was likeable.)
The geeky scientist woman, who no one give any credit to. Black sheep. etc. Boy did she ham it up. Good grief
The alien kids. Wide eyed, innocent, full of powers, "we're only trying to save our home planet!"
The evil government military official who only wants to dissect the kids, ooorah!
There's even an alien bounty hunter after the kids....who looks suspiciously like The Guyver. Hey! And by the way, he's ugly under his mask, 'cause you know, evil stuff is ugly and good stuff is pretty and blond and angelic.
Ok, I'm starting to rant. LOL.
Anyway, I'm quite sure that the location of this "Witch Mountain" is the place where they filmed Close Encounters of the Third Kind." I might be wrong though.
SO I'd say I'd give it maybe a 5 or 6. I actually started to care a little toward the end. I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy it, but it's a good movie if you don't want to think too hard.
For Now, Gothic Dragon
Friday, March 13, 2009
March 13th, 2009
It's Friday the 13th. Oooga Booga! LOL. I barely even thought about it. I find it so funny how superstitious people can be. My own mother was the queen of superstition. Her mother too. Good grief, it drove me crazy. For a while I was too. For Friday the 13th I used to wear a gold charm of a heart and a number 13. I've noticed, I got neither good nor bad luck from such charm.
Actually I consider today a bit lucky for me, I was able to score some good Watchmen merchandise, before it was sold out. Got the Barbie Sized Rorschach. Wow that wasn't cheap either. And also the 6 inch Unmasked Rorschach figure. Last one on the shelf. Toys R Us exclusive limited run. I'm a happy girl. :)
So, getting to the mete of my blog now, I'm going to a little jewelry party tonight. A friend from my Choral Society has a Silpada business. Silpada is kind of like Pampered Chef or Mary Kay, only for silver jewelry.
Yes, I know what some of you are saying, "but, but, Gothic Dragon, you have your own jewelry business. I've bought stuff from you for Christ's sake!" True! And I thank you for past and future purchases. I am, however, happy to support friends and their businesses too. I'm not guaranteeing that I'm going to buy something tonight, but I've asked her to look for a particular charm for me. So we'll see.
If any of you are interested in hosting a Silpada party, I can get you Melissa's information to contact her. She's very nice and fun.
Well, that's it for today.
For now, Gothic Dragon
Actually I consider today a bit lucky for me, I was able to score some good Watchmen merchandise, before it was sold out. Got the Barbie Sized Rorschach. Wow that wasn't cheap either. And also the 6 inch Unmasked Rorschach figure. Last one on the shelf. Toys R Us exclusive limited run. I'm a happy girl. :)
So, getting to the mete of my blog now, I'm going to a little jewelry party tonight. A friend from my Choral Society has a Silpada business. Silpada is kind of like Pampered Chef or Mary Kay, only for silver jewelry.
Yes, I know what some of you are saying, "but, but, Gothic Dragon, you have your own jewelry business. I've bought stuff from you for Christ's sake!" True! And I thank you for past and future purchases. I am, however, happy to support friends and their businesses too. I'm not guaranteeing that I'm going to buy something tonight, but I've asked her to look for a particular charm for me. So we'll see.
If any of you are interested in hosting a Silpada party, I can get you Melissa's information to contact her. She's very nice and fun.
Well, that's it for today.
For now, Gothic Dragon
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March 12, 2009
Good afternoon all! So I was thinking about this on the way home since I'm hungry and would love a big juicy steak right now.
Some of my friends have heard me many times whine about this, but I'll mention it here. Maybe I'm really sensitive becasue I'm on a diet that is restrictive of sugar and carbs, but it's very difficult to go to a restaurant these days and get something that isn't floured, batter dipped or breaded. It's also very difficult to get something that doesn't have some kind of sugar BBQ sauce or honey sauce or just some kind of sweet sauce. Think about it next time you go out and look at the menu and see how much as all that kind of stuff on it. Think about those diabetics who can't have sugar. Those people with flour allergies. I know a few, they are in the same boat as me.
For example, the other day I went out with the people at work and we had lunch at this new Vietnamese place. I had some soup with watercress and ground pork. It was nice. But I would have loved the duck legs. They were swiming in Mango sauce. Ug. There was no offering of just plain roasted duck leg. Everything else had to be with a sweet sauce or covered in rice paper or yams.
Then there are places such as Ihop where you get a side of carbs with your carbs. I'm very surprised you don't get a side of pancakes with your pancakes.
Oh well, sorry for the rant, but dang it, I'm hungry! I'm tired of ordering food and being forced to scrape out the little bit of meat in it and throwing the rest of it away! Today I had to order a chicken sandwich and was not permitted to trade out the potato chips. I had to throw those away along with the bun. Grrrr.
Off to cook steak now.
For now, Gothic Dragon
Some of my friends have heard me many times whine about this, but I'll mention it here. Maybe I'm really sensitive becasue I'm on a diet that is restrictive of sugar and carbs, but it's very difficult to go to a restaurant these days and get something that isn't floured, batter dipped or breaded. It's also very difficult to get something that doesn't have some kind of sugar BBQ sauce or honey sauce or just some kind of sweet sauce. Think about it next time you go out and look at the menu and see how much as all that kind of stuff on it. Think about those diabetics who can't have sugar. Those people with flour allergies. I know a few, they are in the same boat as me.
For example, the other day I went out with the people at work and we had lunch at this new Vietnamese place. I had some soup with watercress and ground pork. It was nice. But I would have loved the duck legs. They were swiming in Mango sauce. Ug. There was no offering of just plain roasted duck leg. Everything else had to be with a sweet sauce or covered in rice paper or yams.
Then there are places such as Ihop where you get a side of carbs with your carbs. I'm very surprised you don't get a side of pancakes with your pancakes.
Oh well, sorry for the rant, but dang it, I'm hungry! I'm tired of ordering food and being forced to scrape out the little bit of meat in it and throwing the rest of it away! Today I had to order a chicken sandwich and was not permitted to trade out the potato chips. I had to throw those away along with the bun. Grrrr.
Off to cook steak now.
For now, Gothic Dragon
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
March 11th
Good afternoon! Found some terrific Watchmen pictures today. I'm waiting for my order too. How silly is this, a Rorschach lunch box! LOL. I also would like to get more merchandise as well as make a bumper sticker. That ought to be really fun.
So today's blog, I guess ought to be about food as, well, this is also a blog about food! I have to say, currently, I'm on the Atkins Diet, so my intake is pretty restrictive. I've lost 54 pounds, so it works! But having said that, I'm not afraid to talk about good food here, and I welcome comments about it.
I've got a birthday coming up and can't have the traditional cake, so I'll be making a low carb sugar free cheesecake. Nut crust. There are a bunch of recipes online, a lot of them really good. Cream Cheese is allowed on the diet, so having cheesecake is fine, so long as there's no flour in it.
Oh how I long for the days of regular cake, but heck I'd rather have my weight loss, thanks.
I'm curious, what is your favorite kind of cake?
For now, Gothic Dragon
So today's blog, I guess ought to be about food as, well, this is also a blog about food! I have to say, currently, I'm on the Atkins Diet, so my intake is pretty restrictive. I've lost 54 pounds, so it works! But having said that, I'm not afraid to talk about good food here, and I welcome comments about it.
I've got a birthday coming up and can't have the traditional cake, so I'll be making a low carb sugar free cheesecake. Nut crust. There are a bunch of recipes online, a lot of them really good. Cream Cheese is allowed on the diet, so having cheesecake is fine, so long as there's no flour in it.
Oh how I long for the days of regular cake, but heck I'd rather have my weight loss, thanks.
I'm curious, what is your favorite kind of cake?
For now, Gothic Dragon
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
March 10th, 2009
Yes. Still thinking about Watchmen. But I'll spare you some of the lunatic rantings of this Watchmen/Rorschach fangirl...for now, LOL.
Anyway, my husband showed me some of the comics that he's been following lately. Much to my surprise he's totally uninterested in Spiderman these days. He said it's gone to an odd place and he's just lost interest. I'm actually quite surprised because Spiderman has been such a staple in this house for a long time.
What are they doing to Spidey!?! I think it may have really started going south with the Mary Jane/Peter marriage, break up deal with the devil thing. It's too frustrating to fans. Personally, I'm not a Mary Jane fan, there was too much "come here go away" with her. And poor Peter is a sucker for it. But I don't want the franchise to start failing.
I'm curious about other Spidey fans and what they think of the series now. Are you happy with it? How is it different now?
Ciao for now, Gothic Dragon
Anyway, my husband showed me some of the comics that he's been following lately. Much to my surprise he's totally uninterested in Spiderman these days. He said it's gone to an odd place and he's just lost interest. I'm actually quite surprised because Spiderman has been such a staple in this house for a long time.
What are they doing to Spidey!?! I think it may have really started going south with the Mary Jane/Peter marriage, break up deal with the devil thing. It's too frustrating to fans. Personally, I'm not a Mary Jane fan, there was too much "come here go away" with her. And poor Peter is a sucker for it. But I don't want the franchise to start failing.
I'm curious about other Spidey fans and what they think of the series now. Are you happy with it? How is it different now?
Ciao for now, Gothic Dragon
Monday, March 9, 2009
Watchmen
Well, I got a chance to see Watchmen this weekend. Actually, I had two chances to see it. Saturday I went with a group of about 25 and Sunday I went with my husband. Everyone loved it, including those who hadn't read the book.
There were a few little nit-picky things I have though, and really it's not that big of a deal, but they stuck out at me as being absent from the novel, most specifically the Rorschach/Kidnapper scene. It didn't go that way in the book and to be honest, I felt the book version to be more impacting for me.
I can see the intensity in the movie scene, and it certainly was well done and acted, but still, I don't know, a little too brutal than necessary.
A scene in the book which was a favorite of mine was when Rorschach and Nite-Owl walk into a bar. Dialog missing from the movie has Rorschach saying, "We've been to two other bars, you may have heard the ambulances." I missed that line! I loved that line! Then later in the same scene Nite-Owl finds out his mentor had been killed by a gang of kids and he loses it in the bar and grabs and informant and is ready to destroy him. In a reversal of roles, Rorschach is the one to calm him down, keeping him from clobbering the informant. This scene was not in the movie, and yet, it was a very emotional scene for me and shows Rorschach's depth, as well as Nite-Owl's. Nite-owl, at least for once in the book, really lost his cool and became passionate about something for a change.
Some things such as dialogue that I loved in the book were missing, but all in all, I'm really happy how it all went. The prison scenes I was most interested in. Of course a cheer went up by a lot of us when Rorschach's famous quote went out, "You don't understand, I'm not locked in here with you, you're locked in here with me!" *Gothicdragon laughs maniacally* Muahahaha!
If you haven't guessed, dear reader, I'm a big Rorschach fan. It seems a lot of people who have read the book can say the same. I think he's probably the most interesting character with the most interesting (and probably most tragic) back story. Ok some may disagree with me, that's ok. But really in the end he was the only one who fought for the truth, which is more that any of the other characters can claim. Passionate and yet dispassionate. The duality and inner conflict made for a rich character.
So, in a nutshell, I loved the movie. Loved the book. I'll likely be writing more about it as I'm really nutty for the story and it's characters.
Incidentally, since this blog is also about makeup, LOL...this movie, set in the 80's, really rocked the 80's makeup. Gosh I haven't seen that kind of makeup since I lived through the 80's, LOL. Heavy Lipliner, heavy mascara, lots of brown and taupe eye shadows and lots of frosted eye shadows as well. Wow. And the helmet hair hair styles. Wow, it was a flashback for me.
There were a few little nit-picky things I have though, and really it's not that big of a deal, but they stuck out at me as being absent from the novel, most specifically the Rorschach/Kidnapper scene. It didn't go that way in the book and to be honest, I felt the book version to be more impacting for me.
I can see the intensity in the movie scene, and it certainly was well done and acted, but still, I don't know, a little too brutal than necessary.
A scene in the book which was a favorite of mine was when Rorschach and Nite-Owl walk into a bar. Dialog missing from the movie has Rorschach saying, "We've been to two other bars, you may have heard the ambulances." I missed that line! I loved that line! Then later in the same scene Nite-Owl finds out his mentor had been killed by a gang of kids and he loses it in the bar and grabs and informant and is ready to destroy him. In a reversal of roles, Rorschach is the one to calm him down, keeping him from clobbering the informant. This scene was not in the movie, and yet, it was a very emotional scene for me and shows Rorschach's depth, as well as Nite-Owl's. Nite-owl, at least for once in the book, really lost his cool and became passionate about something for a change.
Some things such as dialogue that I loved in the book were missing, but all in all, I'm really happy how it all went. The prison scenes I was most interested in. Of course a cheer went up by a lot of us when Rorschach's famous quote went out, "You don't understand, I'm not locked in here with you, you're locked in here with me!" *Gothicdragon laughs maniacally* Muahahaha!
If you haven't guessed, dear reader, I'm a big Rorschach fan. It seems a lot of people who have read the book can say the same. I think he's probably the most interesting character with the most interesting (and probably most tragic) back story. Ok some may disagree with me, that's ok. But really in the end he was the only one who fought for the truth, which is more that any of the other characters can claim. Passionate and yet dispassionate. The duality and inner conflict made for a rich character.
So, in a nutshell, I loved the movie. Loved the book. I'll likely be writing more about it as I'm really nutty for the story and it's characters.
Incidentally, since this blog is also about makeup, LOL...this movie, set in the 80's, really rocked the 80's makeup. Gosh I haven't seen that kind of makeup since I lived through the 80's, LOL. Heavy Lipliner, heavy mascara, lots of brown and taupe eye shadows and lots of frosted eye shadows as well. Wow. And the helmet hair hair styles. Wow, it was a flashback for me.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Welcome to the first entry to my blog! I hope you all enjoy it! I'm going to be talking about a lot of things, some things may seem a little unrelated, but they are all things that I love.
Besides, I thought it would be fun to show a woman's perspective on things such as Sci-Fi and Comics and beauty issues.
Enjoy!
Besides, I thought it would be fun to show a woman's perspective on things such as Sci-Fi and Comics and beauty issues.
Enjoy!
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