http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tiffiny-carlson/lessonspeople-with-disabilities-_b_4577337.html
by Tiffiny Carlson
No matter the type of person, there are lessons to be learned from them. People with disabilities are especially influential, as our hardships in life aren't easily forgotten. We go through every day with determination and strength, which many people are bowled over by, with many secretly wondering if they could do the same thing.
People with a disabilities learn so much throughout their lives; life lessons that able-bodied people rarely get to experience.
Having a disability is definitely difficult, but it's also one of the richest classrooms a human can experience, too. While these learning experiences are more profound experienced directly, there are some special tokens of wisdom we can pass along.
1) True happiness is really possible in a "broken" body.
Most say they would rather die than live with a disability, which makes me laugh. That's because most able-bodied people can't imagine being happy if their body was ever permanently broken. But the truth is that the human brain is very adept at transitioning into someone with a disability, if you let it, that is.
I thought I would never be happy again. But a few years after becoming paralyzed, I was happy. I found happiness through simply being alive, and through family and friends. I still wish I could walk again, but true happiness resides in me.
2) Patience can get you through almost anything.
You're told as a little kid how important patience is and as an adult you come to see how true this really is. But when you have a disability, the patience required is at a whole new level. Very often we have to wait longer for all types of things and over time we become masters at honing in on it. Patience has even helped me emotionally get over my physical inabilities in certain occasions.
3) Accidents can and will happen.
When you hear about people becoming disabled through an accident, you always think it could never happen to you, and you almost look at it like a TV show or movie -- something that could never be your reality. But the cold-hard truth is that accidents that cause disabilities happen every day, and they could likely happen to you or someone you know. The realness of this possibility is tangible in all lives, but when you have a disability you're just a bit more aware of it.
4) Disability can happen to anyone.
Maybe no congenital disabilities run your family, but say your first baby had cerebral palsy. It's shocking suddenly finding yourself in the camp of either being disabled or the family member of one. The wisdom here is to never forget we are all imperfect physical beings, and to never think you're exempt. We will all die one day and we're all human.
5) Don't sweat the little things.
Since having a disability can be rather stressful -- broken wheelchairs, health insurance cuts, caregivers suddenly quitting -- we learn early on to not let our stress levels get too high. If we did, none of us would make it past 40. We are confronted with crazy things all the time, so we learn to prioritize what is really worth freaking out over. That is why so many of us seem so zen-like. The movie is sold out? The restaurant has a two-hour wait? No biggie. It could always be worse.
6) Being different is an opportunity.
Most people don't like being different or standing out. You have the outgoing Venice Beach type people of the world, but generally most people don't want to be noticed. However, it's not as bad as you'd think. In fact, when you live the life as someone who's different, you learn right away it has its cool moments. You get to meet amazing people and get in on special opportunities. When you're vanilla, no one notices.
7) Fitting in is overrated.
When you have a disability, you pretty much have a free-for-all card to be exactly who you want to be since fitting in with the "in" crowd is impossible anyways and embracing this can be one of the most freeing feelings ever. You don't need to fit in to feel good about yourself or to think you "belong." You belong to yourself, we know this. And that feeling is amazing.
8) You can't judge a person by their looks.
You hear it all the time, don't judge a book by its cover. From Stephen Hawking, a man in a wheelchair who can't speak and is one of the smartest people in the world to Francesco Clark, a quadriplegic and CEO of a huge beauty product company, don't ever think a disability is equitable to someone who is not impressive or successful. You never know what someone with a disability is capable of.
9) Life is short. Embrace everything.
Having a disability can also, unfortunately, have an impact on your lifespan. For many of us, living to 95 isn't probably going to happen, which is why most people with disabilities have figured out the secret to life -- enjoy each day as if it were our last. We all try to do this in our own way, but many of us fail. People with disabilities however, have gotten it down to an art form, from enjoying the sun rays to a warm cup of coffee, we know how hard life can be so we know how to embrace the good things when they present themselves.
10) Weakness isn't always a negative
Just like the notion "it takes a village," being weak or disabled isn't necessarily a negative thing. When living with a disability, you learn to be OK with receiving help, and over time, many of us realize that we all need help in our own way, even athletes and the President of United States. It's unavoidable and part of the human experience.
There's no getting around it, having a disability is certainly a difficult ticket in life, but the life lessons to be had without question make it a near VIP experience. And hey, the free parking is a nice perk, too.
End of article
I really like this article. I agree with every point. There isn't anything that I disagree with. Well written, and on point. Having a disability is difficult, and I'm not going to say that cliched phrase, "I'm a better person for it, and if I had the opportunity to not be disabled, I'd take it." If I had that opportunity, I think I WOULD take it, because my disability and health conditions can lead to serious complications. I know some of my acquaintances with disabilities don't like this article. I think its because the author makes living with a disability sound too easy. She sounds very mentally healthy, and great for her if she really is this "put together." I know I'm not. While cognitively I understand that all these points are true, and I'd like to be able to live my life by them, I'm just not there. I DO sweat the small stuff, unfortunately. I still want to fit in. I'm not patient, especially with myself. I'm a work in progress. As I think most of us are.
librarianintx
Friday, January 24, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Finding time to exercise
Received this in an email at work:
Nine ways to exercise ... when you don't have the time:
http://www.ers.state.tx.us/News/Articles/Nine-ways-to-exercise/
Tips for fitting in fitness
•Wake up a little earlier. Start by setting your alarm clock just five minutes earlier. Do stretches and jumping jacks before getting in the shower, or follow a short exercise DVD.
•Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend is more fun than working out alone and a good motivator. Ask a coworker to go for a walk during lunch or see if a neighbor wants to shoot hoops.
•Change into exercise clothes before leaving work. You'll be ready for a short walk as soon as you get home.
•Schedule your fitness activities. If you put exercise on your calendar like other appointments, you're more likely to do it.
•Acknowledge your successes. Keep a log of all the times you make a healthy choice to move more, such as by taking the stairs instead of an elevator. After the first week, reward yourself with a new pair of sneakers or a cool new water bottle.
•Create a home (or desk) gym. If you have equipment always at the ready, it will be easy to steal five minutes to use it. A jump rope, a stability ball, exercise bands, and dumbbells don't cost much or take up much room.
•Move while you watch TV. Don't sit idly--or worse, snack--while watching TV. Do sit-ups or jog in place instead, even if only during commercials.
•Play games with your kids. Don't just keep an eye on your kids when they play outside--join in their fun! Play tag or Duck Duck Goose, or just toss a ball back and forth. If your kids love video games, think about swapping their current console for one that encourages movement, like Wii or Xbox One. The whole family will break a sweat using special controllers to compete at boxing, tennis, golf, and bowling.
•Exercise while you work. Raise your activity level and productivity with neck rolls or arm raises (push hands out to the side and then up toward the ceiling). Or do a few modified push-ups on the edge of your desk.
Stepping it up
After you've built short periods of activity into your day, think about times when you could lengthen each burst by a few minutes. The key is to start small and ramp up gradually.
Even if you're worn out from a busy day, try to make time for fitness. Regular exercise actually boosts your energy level. Exercise, along with restricting calories, is also important for shedding pounds and maintaining a healthy weight.
Next time you look for an excuse to skip exercise, remind yourself of the benefits. You're helping yourself feel good, look better, and live longer. Who wouldn't want that?
End of article
I actually do one of these! Not consistently of course, but I've started "working out" while watching television. Sometimes during the show, but more usually during the commercials, I'll move around, jog a little, exercise my arms. Ten minutes is my goal for now. Sometimes I do the balance exercises that I was given three or four months ago.
I've considered bringing clothes with me to work and changing at the apartment complex office so I can use their fitness equipment without walking into my apartment first, but that hasn't happened yet. Does it count that I have at least THOUGHT about doing it? :)
librarianintx
Nine ways to exercise ... when you don't have the time:
http://www.ers.state.tx.us/News/Articles/Nine-ways-to-exercise/
Tips for fitting in fitness
•Wake up a little earlier. Start by setting your alarm clock just five minutes earlier. Do stretches and jumping jacks before getting in the shower, or follow a short exercise DVD.
•Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend is more fun than working out alone and a good motivator. Ask a coworker to go for a walk during lunch or see if a neighbor wants to shoot hoops.
•Change into exercise clothes before leaving work. You'll be ready for a short walk as soon as you get home.
•Schedule your fitness activities. If you put exercise on your calendar like other appointments, you're more likely to do it.
•Acknowledge your successes. Keep a log of all the times you make a healthy choice to move more, such as by taking the stairs instead of an elevator. After the first week, reward yourself with a new pair of sneakers or a cool new water bottle.
•Create a home (or desk) gym. If you have equipment always at the ready, it will be easy to steal five minutes to use it. A jump rope, a stability ball, exercise bands, and dumbbells don't cost much or take up much room.
•Move while you watch TV. Don't sit idly--or worse, snack--while watching TV. Do sit-ups or jog in place instead, even if only during commercials.
•Play games with your kids. Don't just keep an eye on your kids when they play outside--join in their fun! Play tag or Duck Duck Goose, or just toss a ball back and forth. If your kids love video games, think about swapping their current console for one that encourages movement, like Wii or Xbox One. The whole family will break a sweat using special controllers to compete at boxing, tennis, golf, and bowling.
•Exercise while you work. Raise your activity level and productivity with neck rolls or arm raises (push hands out to the side and then up toward the ceiling). Or do a few modified push-ups on the edge of your desk.
Stepping it up
After you've built short periods of activity into your day, think about times when you could lengthen each burst by a few minutes. The key is to start small and ramp up gradually.
Even if you're worn out from a busy day, try to make time for fitness. Regular exercise actually boosts your energy level. Exercise, along with restricting calories, is also important for shedding pounds and maintaining a healthy weight.
Next time you look for an excuse to skip exercise, remind yourself of the benefits. You're helping yourself feel good, look better, and live longer. Who wouldn't want that?
End of article
I actually do one of these! Not consistently of course, but I've started "working out" while watching television. Sometimes during the show, but more usually during the commercials, I'll move around, jog a little, exercise my arms. Ten minutes is my goal for now. Sometimes I do the balance exercises that I was given three or four months ago.
I've considered bringing clothes with me to work and changing at the apartment complex office so I can use their fitness equipment without walking into my apartment first, but that hasn't happened yet. Does it count that I have at least THOUGHT about doing it? :)
librarianintx
Article on holistic ways to combat pain
"Holistic Ways to Fight Pain, and Win"
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/10/health/secrets-pain-free-life/index.html?hpt=hp_bn13
by Summer Suleiman
...
"Inflammation is the root cause of many illnesses, according to Dr. Reza Ghorbani, medical director of the Advanced Pain Medicine Institute and author of "Secrets to a Pain Free Life." Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, arthritis and several digestive disorders have all been linked to chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural part of your immune system; it occurs when the body is fighting against harm or infection. However, chronic inflammation hurts the body instead of healing it because the immune system is essentially attacking healthy cells, according to the National Institutes of Health.
In his book, Ghorbani outlines several methods for treating inflammation.
"I've seen a trend among patients looking for alternative and natural treatment," Ghorbani says. "I think a lot of consumers, whether it's in pain treatment, the food they eat, or what they provide for their family, the trend is to look for something that is safer."
Meditation may improve heart health
Fit Nation learns to eat healthy
Sleep apps a warning sign This year, for the first time ever at the annual American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain (ASRA) conference, experts held a half-day session dedicated to alternative treatments for chronic pain. Physicians are slowly beginning to recognize the importance of looking at pain holistically, says Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran, a board-certified pain management specialist and professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Rush University Medical Center.
"There are a lot of remedies that are available outside of the traditional means of treating patients," Buvanendran says.
It's not all about herbs and acupuncture. An overall healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy foods and getting the proper amount of exercise, plays a big role in managing chronic pain, experts say.
I was intrigued by the stories I found about the potential healing properties of food and the mind. Skeptical, I started integrating the things I learned into my daily life.
Nearly two years after my diagnosis, my health has been transformed. Each person's experience is different, but these holistic remedies have helped me achieve a better quality of life.
First, find the right doctor
If you are living with pain, and feel that you haven't received the proper treatment, don't give up. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations.
"I think patients need to understand that there are alternatives to what doctors normally prescribe for pain treatment," says Ghorbani. "Don't just take the doctor's word for it -- do your homework, too."
I spent most of my life looking before I found the right doctor. Keep searching until you find a doctor you feel comfortable with -- someone who can help you get the treatment you want.
Get adequate sleep
Getting the proper amount of sleep helps the body fight inflammation, pain and disease. A 2009 study published in the medical journal Sleep found people who get less than six hours of sleep, or have disrupted sleep, have higher levels of C-reactive protein in the body, which causes inflammation.
As a journalist working rotating shifts, I was not getting proper sleep and my health suffered because of it. After I was diagnosed, I made adjustments to my lifestyle to allow for enough sleep. I feel healthier and stronger when I have slept sufficiently.
Meditate
Research has shown the many health benefits of meditation. Studies suggest meditation can reduce blood pressure, inflammation, pain response and stress hormone levels, all while increasing concentration and improving sleep. One study funded by the National Institute of Health showed mindful meditation can help with pain regulation through cognitive and emotional control.
I began meditating shortly after I was diagnosed in January 2012. It has been a significant part of my recovery and improved health. There are various websites, books, and guided meditations available online. It can be as simple as taking 10 minutes a day to sit in stillness.
Managing stress is a significant part of healthy living. When stress goes unmanaged, it causes inflammation in the body. In a study done at Ohio State University, researchers showed that people who dwelled on stressful events in their lives, had higher levels of C-reactive protein. Meditation is a helpful tool to help manage stress, and it is available to everyone.
Eat foods that feed you
What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. According to a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, women who eat a diet high in red and processed meats, sweets, desserts and refined grains (foods known to promote inflammation) have higher levels of C-reactive protein than those who ate a diet full of fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry and whole grains.
I've incorporated many natural anti-inflammatory foods into my diet, including ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. I eat fruits and vegetables that are powerful anti-inflammatories such as pomegranates, blueberries and blackberries.
I also do my best to eliminate foods that are inflammatory, such as sugar, one of the biggest culprits. I can feel the difference because of these changes. There is an abundant source of books available on the topic. "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods" and "Secrets to a Pain Free Life" are a good place to start. You can take control of your pain, and your life, by eating right.
"No one should accept pain as a normal part of their life," Ghorbani says.
Don't neglect your brain
Both Buvanendran and Ghorbani believe another big part of treating chronic pain is addressing the psychological impact it has on patients.
"The physiology of pain is really connected to the emotional part of it," Ghorbani says. "It really can exaggerate when you get upset, anxious and depressed, and (in turn) increase your pain level."
Buvanendran says mental health professionals can help patients navigate the emotional terrain of managing chronic pain.
"Patients are sometimes reluctant to see a therapist, but once they see them, they find the benefits to be extraordinary."
Oftentimes loved ones may not fully comprehend the emotional toll that chronic pain can take on you. A therapist can offer the support and guidance that you may need to help you cope with chronic pain.
Your insurance company may provide coverage for a mental health specialist. Do your research and use all the resources available to you.
I found a therapist who specialized in patients with chronic illnesses. She helped me realize that I needed to accept my illness, something I hadn't been able to do, before I could really begin the healing process. I was struggling with the loss of my health, and she helped me to understand that it was OK to feel that way.
Once we were able to work through that, I was able to find gratitude in my new life, and begin to move forward."
End of article
Luckily, I don't suffer from a lot of pain. But as my osteoporosis advances, and other effects of aging take hold, I know my pain levels will increase. Osteoporosis is not due to inflammation, so maybe these ideas won't help. But I think the advice offered in this article would benefit my overall health, not just improve any pain that I have.
I am already trying to institute some of these changes. Unfortunately, I struggle a lot with motivation and keeping to a schedule. For these lifestyle changes to work, you really need to keep up with them on a daily basis. I have to find a way to increase my motivation and decrease my tendency to procrastinate.
Two of the habits outlined in this article that I've been trying to do:
1) meditate
I have a free app on my phone. I also have a book about mindfulness. The app has 10 levels on it. I am at level one, where you are supposed to meditate for 3 minutes a day. I did well with it when I was on vacation. Since I've been back to work, I haven't meditated at all. C'mon! It's only 3 minutes a day!
2) cut down on sugar
My usual daily snack is 3 - 5 cookies per day, or a cupcake or brownies. Plus I often eat a fruit bar, sometimes a granola bar, or a small piece of chocolate. That's a lot of sugar! And I eat white rice, white potatoes, I drink gatorade and apple juice, etc. Everyone tells me not to worry about it, because I'm so thin and need to gain weight. But that much sugar isn't good for anyone, thin or not thin. I'm taking baby steps in this direction, but at least I'm trying to change. Instead of the refined sugar in the cookies and brownies, etc, I'm eating chocolate cheerios for my afternoon snack. I didn't even know they existed! They have more than enough chocolate to satisfy my sweet tooth, and they are a source of whole grain. I'm keeping myself down to one glass of gatorade per day, and trying to drink water and milk the rest of the time. Unfortunately, I do not like brown rice, but I'm trying to mix white and brown when I eat rice. And on some days I'm substituting sweet potatoes for white ones. I eat wheat or rye bread, but I don't eat the better-for-you multi-grain bread.
Am I noticing a difference in how I feel? Do I have more energy and feel more healthy? Unfortunately, no. But I'm not expecting to. I have only just started making these changes. And I'm not being consistent yet. Motivation and consistency - I need both of these if I'm going to be successful in whatever I'm trying to achieve.
librarianintx
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/10/health/secrets-pain-free-life/index.html?hpt=hp_bn13
by Summer Suleiman
...
"Inflammation is the root cause of many illnesses, according to Dr. Reza Ghorbani, medical director of the Advanced Pain Medicine Institute and author of "Secrets to a Pain Free Life." Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, arthritis and several digestive disorders have all been linked to chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural part of your immune system; it occurs when the body is fighting against harm or infection. However, chronic inflammation hurts the body instead of healing it because the immune system is essentially attacking healthy cells, according to the National Institutes of Health.
In his book, Ghorbani outlines several methods for treating inflammation.
"I've seen a trend among patients looking for alternative and natural treatment," Ghorbani says. "I think a lot of consumers, whether it's in pain treatment, the food they eat, or what they provide for their family, the trend is to look for something that is safer."
Meditation may improve heart health
Fit Nation learns to eat healthy
Sleep apps a warning sign This year, for the first time ever at the annual American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain (ASRA) conference, experts held a half-day session dedicated to alternative treatments for chronic pain. Physicians are slowly beginning to recognize the importance of looking at pain holistically, says Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran, a board-certified pain management specialist and professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Rush University Medical Center.
"There are a lot of remedies that are available outside of the traditional means of treating patients," Buvanendran says.
It's not all about herbs and acupuncture. An overall healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy foods and getting the proper amount of exercise, plays a big role in managing chronic pain, experts say.
I was intrigued by the stories I found about the potential healing properties of food and the mind. Skeptical, I started integrating the things I learned into my daily life.
Nearly two years after my diagnosis, my health has been transformed. Each person's experience is different, but these holistic remedies have helped me achieve a better quality of life.
First, find the right doctor
If you are living with pain, and feel that you haven't received the proper treatment, don't give up. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations.
"I think patients need to understand that there are alternatives to what doctors normally prescribe for pain treatment," says Ghorbani. "Don't just take the doctor's word for it -- do your homework, too."
I spent most of my life looking before I found the right doctor. Keep searching until you find a doctor you feel comfortable with -- someone who can help you get the treatment you want.
Get adequate sleep
Getting the proper amount of sleep helps the body fight inflammation, pain and disease. A 2009 study published in the medical journal Sleep found people who get less than six hours of sleep, or have disrupted sleep, have higher levels of C-reactive protein in the body, which causes inflammation.
As a journalist working rotating shifts, I was not getting proper sleep and my health suffered because of it. After I was diagnosed, I made adjustments to my lifestyle to allow for enough sleep. I feel healthier and stronger when I have slept sufficiently.
Meditate
Research has shown the many health benefits of meditation. Studies suggest meditation can reduce blood pressure, inflammation, pain response and stress hormone levels, all while increasing concentration and improving sleep. One study funded by the National Institute of Health showed mindful meditation can help with pain regulation through cognitive and emotional control.
I began meditating shortly after I was diagnosed in January 2012. It has been a significant part of my recovery and improved health. There are various websites, books, and guided meditations available online. It can be as simple as taking 10 minutes a day to sit in stillness.
Managing stress is a significant part of healthy living. When stress goes unmanaged, it causes inflammation in the body. In a study done at Ohio State University, researchers showed that people who dwelled on stressful events in their lives, had higher levels of C-reactive protein. Meditation is a helpful tool to help manage stress, and it is available to everyone.
Eat foods that feed you
What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. According to a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, women who eat a diet high in red and processed meats, sweets, desserts and refined grains (foods known to promote inflammation) have higher levels of C-reactive protein than those who ate a diet full of fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry and whole grains.
I've incorporated many natural anti-inflammatory foods into my diet, including ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. I eat fruits and vegetables that are powerful anti-inflammatories such as pomegranates, blueberries and blackberries.
I also do my best to eliminate foods that are inflammatory, such as sugar, one of the biggest culprits. I can feel the difference because of these changes. There is an abundant source of books available on the topic. "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods" and "Secrets to a Pain Free Life" are a good place to start. You can take control of your pain, and your life, by eating right.
"No one should accept pain as a normal part of their life," Ghorbani says.
Don't neglect your brain
Both Buvanendran and Ghorbani believe another big part of treating chronic pain is addressing the psychological impact it has on patients.
"The physiology of pain is really connected to the emotional part of it," Ghorbani says. "It really can exaggerate when you get upset, anxious and depressed, and (in turn) increase your pain level."
Buvanendran says mental health professionals can help patients navigate the emotional terrain of managing chronic pain.
"Patients are sometimes reluctant to see a therapist, but once they see them, they find the benefits to be extraordinary."
Oftentimes loved ones may not fully comprehend the emotional toll that chronic pain can take on you. A therapist can offer the support and guidance that you may need to help you cope with chronic pain.
Your insurance company may provide coverage for a mental health specialist. Do your research and use all the resources available to you.
I found a therapist who specialized in patients with chronic illnesses. She helped me realize that I needed to accept my illness, something I hadn't been able to do, before I could really begin the healing process. I was struggling with the loss of my health, and she helped me to understand that it was OK to feel that way.
Once we were able to work through that, I was able to find gratitude in my new life, and begin to move forward."
End of article
Luckily, I don't suffer from a lot of pain. But as my osteoporosis advances, and other effects of aging take hold, I know my pain levels will increase. Osteoporosis is not due to inflammation, so maybe these ideas won't help. But I think the advice offered in this article would benefit my overall health, not just improve any pain that I have.
I am already trying to institute some of these changes. Unfortunately, I struggle a lot with motivation and keeping to a schedule. For these lifestyle changes to work, you really need to keep up with them on a daily basis. I have to find a way to increase my motivation and decrease my tendency to procrastinate.
Two of the habits outlined in this article that I've been trying to do:
1) meditate
I have a free app on my phone. I also have a book about mindfulness. The app has 10 levels on it. I am at level one, where you are supposed to meditate for 3 minutes a day. I did well with it when I was on vacation. Since I've been back to work, I haven't meditated at all. C'mon! It's only 3 minutes a day!
2) cut down on sugar
My usual daily snack is 3 - 5 cookies per day, or a cupcake or brownies. Plus I often eat a fruit bar, sometimes a granola bar, or a small piece of chocolate. That's a lot of sugar! And I eat white rice, white potatoes, I drink gatorade and apple juice, etc. Everyone tells me not to worry about it, because I'm so thin and need to gain weight. But that much sugar isn't good for anyone, thin or not thin. I'm taking baby steps in this direction, but at least I'm trying to change. Instead of the refined sugar in the cookies and brownies, etc, I'm eating chocolate cheerios for my afternoon snack. I didn't even know they existed! They have more than enough chocolate to satisfy my sweet tooth, and they are a source of whole grain. I'm keeping myself down to one glass of gatorade per day, and trying to drink water and milk the rest of the time. Unfortunately, I do not like brown rice, but I'm trying to mix white and brown when I eat rice. And on some days I'm substituting sweet potatoes for white ones. I eat wheat or rye bread, but I don't eat the better-for-you multi-grain bread.
Am I noticing a difference in how I feel? Do I have more energy and feel more healthy? Unfortunately, no. But I'm not expecting to. I have only just started making these changes. And I'm not being consistent yet. Motivation and consistency - I need both of these if I'm going to be successful in whatever I'm trying to achieve.
librarianintx
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Kat Kinsman article on battle with anxiety
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/08/living/anxiety-coping/
This is a long article, and a great one, about what it feels like to battle anxiety on a daily basis. Here are the paragraphs that resonated the most with me:
""You're so useless. You let down the people you love. Everyone who's been stupid enough to love you will regret it when they realize how weak you are." It goes on and on until my body just shuts down for a couple of hours."
"Anxiety hurts. It's the precise inverse of joy and blots out pleasure at its whim, leaving a dull, faded outline of the happiness that was supposed to happen. It's also as sneaky as hell."
"What am I afraid will happen? There's no easy answer to that. Anxiety is not easily explicable or rational -- at least not to those who don't suffer from it -- and that only compounds the problem."
"But Generalized Anxiety Disorder (300.02 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the single most common mental health diagnosis) is more nebulous than that. It's free-floating fear that metastasizes until it's all-consuming and often debilitating. For me, it's physically painful, from stomach, head and muscle aches to exhaustion from chronic insomnia to raw thumb skin that I've picked at until it bled -- and kept picking some more."
"It's deeply alienating to friends who assume that I didn't come to their party, show up at their event or call to explain because I didn't care enough or didn't love them anymore. It's perhaps even more humiliating to explain that I was too terrified to leave my house and interact with people in person where they could see what a drab, value-free mess of a person I am and that they'd made a mistake for ever liking me in the first place."
"Anti-anxiety medications work beautifully for millions of people. The withdrawal from a particularly wicked one nearly ended me, and the brain zaps (those are sharp, horrifying electrical currents you can physically feel inside your head) and metabolic sluggishness increasingly outweighed any benefits while I was on it. Perhaps I will change my mind someday, but for now that's not an option."
"I'm sick to death of feeling ashamed for this illness, am just plain worn out from the physical fight and angry that I've let it thieve so much life and time with my loved ones."
So I posted a good chunk of the article. Thank you, Kat Kinsman, for posting it, and for your bravery in sharing your struggle with the world. I've shared bits and pieces of my fight on this blog. Writing about it, talking about it, is hard, because you feel embarrassed. You think everyone is in control all the time, but they're really not. You don't want to look weak, or crazy, or both. And you think if people know, they will be looking at you all the time, waiting for you to have an attack. They will either shy away from you because they are uncomfortable, or they will become overprotective. But I have come to realize two important concepts: 1) People can rarely tell when you're having an attack, even people who are emotionally close to you, and 2) People are busy with their own lives. They care about you, they worry about you, but they also have their own lives to lead. They have better things to do (usually!) than stand or sit around, waiting for you to have an attack.
And two more important concepts, even more important than the first two:
1) An attack always goes away. ALWAYS. Some are worse than others, some last longer than others, but they always come to an end. Often if I can focus on something - a book, a game, a puzzle, a television show - I don't even realize until later that the attack has come and gone. Its often very hard to tell yourself that when its happening, but I think its helpful to remind yourself of that when its not happening. Sometimes when I'm concentrating on something, I'll stop for a minute and say to myself, "Oh wow, I was having a hard time like an hour ago, and now I'm fine. Cool."
2) Try to live in the moment. This has been a revelation for me. I realized that my ruminations are worries about what COULD happen. And yes, it is within the realm of possibility that someone I love could die in a car accident, or I could accidentally burn down my apartment, or I could fall and break a hip, or any number of calamities. But they haven't happened YET. And there is a good chance they won't. At least not today. Learn to live in the moment. Right now, at this moment, everything is okay. And that is all the information I need. Worrying about what might happen is pointless. The future is out of my control, at least for stuff like that. Live in the moment, and revel in the fact that in this moment, you are okay, and life is good. Learning to live in the moment has the power to increase joy and decrease worry I think. Whenever a rumination pops into my head now, I try to say to myself, "Stay in the moment. Stop worrying about the future. This has not happened, and hopefully never will. Live for today."
More to come.
librarianintx
This is a long article, and a great one, about what it feels like to battle anxiety on a daily basis. Here are the paragraphs that resonated the most with me:
""You're so useless. You let down the people you love. Everyone who's been stupid enough to love you will regret it when they realize how weak you are." It goes on and on until my body just shuts down for a couple of hours."
"Anxiety hurts. It's the precise inverse of joy and blots out pleasure at its whim, leaving a dull, faded outline of the happiness that was supposed to happen. It's also as sneaky as hell."
"What am I afraid will happen? There's no easy answer to that. Anxiety is not easily explicable or rational -- at least not to those who don't suffer from it -- and that only compounds the problem."
"But Generalized Anxiety Disorder (300.02 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the single most common mental health diagnosis) is more nebulous than that. It's free-floating fear that metastasizes until it's all-consuming and often debilitating. For me, it's physically painful, from stomach, head and muscle aches to exhaustion from chronic insomnia to raw thumb skin that I've picked at until it bled -- and kept picking some more."
"It's deeply alienating to friends who assume that I didn't come to their party, show up at their event or call to explain because I didn't care enough or didn't love them anymore. It's perhaps even more humiliating to explain that I was too terrified to leave my house and interact with people in person where they could see what a drab, value-free mess of a person I am and that they'd made a mistake for ever liking me in the first place."
"Anti-anxiety medications work beautifully for millions of people. The withdrawal from a particularly wicked one nearly ended me, and the brain zaps (those are sharp, horrifying electrical currents you can physically feel inside your head) and metabolic sluggishness increasingly outweighed any benefits while I was on it. Perhaps I will change my mind someday, but for now that's not an option."
"I'm sick to death of feeling ashamed for this illness, am just plain worn out from the physical fight and angry that I've let it thieve so much life and time with my loved ones."
So I posted a good chunk of the article. Thank you, Kat Kinsman, for posting it, and for your bravery in sharing your struggle with the world. I've shared bits and pieces of my fight on this blog. Writing about it, talking about it, is hard, because you feel embarrassed. You think everyone is in control all the time, but they're really not. You don't want to look weak, or crazy, or both. And you think if people know, they will be looking at you all the time, waiting for you to have an attack. They will either shy away from you because they are uncomfortable, or they will become overprotective. But I have come to realize two important concepts: 1) People can rarely tell when you're having an attack, even people who are emotionally close to you, and 2) People are busy with their own lives. They care about you, they worry about you, but they also have their own lives to lead. They have better things to do (usually!) than stand or sit around, waiting for you to have an attack.
And two more important concepts, even more important than the first two:
1) An attack always goes away. ALWAYS. Some are worse than others, some last longer than others, but they always come to an end. Often if I can focus on something - a book, a game, a puzzle, a television show - I don't even realize until later that the attack has come and gone. Its often very hard to tell yourself that when its happening, but I think its helpful to remind yourself of that when its not happening. Sometimes when I'm concentrating on something, I'll stop for a minute and say to myself, "Oh wow, I was having a hard time like an hour ago, and now I'm fine. Cool."
2) Try to live in the moment. This has been a revelation for me. I realized that my ruminations are worries about what COULD happen. And yes, it is within the realm of possibility that someone I love could die in a car accident, or I could accidentally burn down my apartment, or I could fall and break a hip, or any number of calamities. But they haven't happened YET. And there is a good chance they won't. At least not today. Learn to live in the moment. Right now, at this moment, everything is okay. And that is all the information I need. Worrying about what might happen is pointless. The future is out of my control, at least for stuff like that. Live in the moment, and revel in the fact that in this moment, you are okay, and life is good. Learning to live in the moment has the power to increase joy and decrease worry I think. Whenever a rumination pops into my head now, I try to say to myself, "Stay in the moment. Stop worrying about the future. This has not happened, and hopefully never will. Live for today."
More to come.
librarianintx
Saturday, September 28, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance
I know I'm weeks late in posting this, but better late than never, right?
My picks for top 4 all made it! Hooray for Aaron, Amy, Fik-shun, and Jasmine!
Of course I'm glad that Fik-shun won. He's been my favorite guy the entire season. But I have to admit that I do feel a bit unsettled that he won. Other non-trained male dancers have won, of course. I'm talking about Joshua and Russell. But I do think they were stronger overall dancers. Especially Joshua. But we have to keep in mind what the judges and Cat tell us all the time: SYTYCD is about finding America's FAVORITE dancer, not America's BEST dancer. So if you remember that, then I definitely think that Fik-shun was the right choice.
For sure this season no one was criticized more than Fik-shun. Blu-Print and Curtis were also criticized a lot, but they were eliminated earlier in the competition. The girls were rarely found fault with this season. I felt bad for Fik-shun. Several times during the critiques for his performances with Amy or an all star, Nigel in particular would go back to the group number to pick him apart. "You were the only one who wasn't..." he would needle. I didn't think that was fair. But I do understand that criticism can make you better at your craft, and definitely Fik-shun did grow during his time on the show. He took in all the negativity with that mega-watt smile on his face, and those eyes full of joy, and he just kept dancing. I am thrilled for him. He without a doubt made the season for me.
Aaron should feel SO proud of himself. He went from not even on the show to top 4! And the first tapper to do so! He also has a great personality; I loved his and Fik-shun's routine. Paul is a great dancer, and I was shocked that he didn't make top 4. He was very popular. I just didn't connect with him on a personality level.
I love both Amy and Jasmine. I can't choose between them. I'm thrilled for Amy and sad for Jasmine. I admit that when the season started I didn't have high expectations for Jasmine. I thought she would go out early and that her biggest draw was that she was Cyrus' ex-girlfriend. Boy, did she prove me wrong! Jasmine is amazing! She has the best legs ever on SYTYCD. And she went for it on every routine. I wish both she and Amy could have won. I think what put Amy over the top were her routines with Travis and Robert. They were both beyond stunning.
Overall, I thought this season was good, but not great. For me, I don't think this cast is going to be remembered like other seasons. Many of the dancers were very strong, especially the girls, but not very memorable unfortunately. If you put Amy, Jenna, Haley, Makenzie, Alexis, and Brittany in a row, I don't think I could tell you who was who. Especially Haley and Makenzie. Great dancers they are, but are we going to be talking about them like we still talk about Allison and Heidi and Katherine and Melanie? Many of the routines were wonderful, but would they make any top 10 lists?
I'll list my top 5 most memorable / favorite routines of the season, in no particular order, off the top of my head:
Jasmine and Alan's "blindfold" routine
Amy and Fik-shun's bellhop routine
Amy and Fik-shun's waitress routine
Jenna and Mark K.'s routine
Tucker and Robert's brother routine
And I have to also mention Comfort's reptile walk. I can't say I loved the routine, but her reptile walk was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen on this show. How did she do that?!?! That girl is mad talented! :)
librarianintx
My picks for top 4 all made it! Hooray for Aaron, Amy, Fik-shun, and Jasmine!
Of course I'm glad that Fik-shun won. He's been my favorite guy the entire season. But I have to admit that I do feel a bit unsettled that he won. Other non-trained male dancers have won, of course. I'm talking about Joshua and Russell. But I do think they were stronger overall dancers. Especially Joshua. But we have to keep in mind what the judges and Cat tell us all the time: SYTYCD is about finding America's FAVORITE dancer, not America's BEST dancer. So if you remember that, then I definitely think that Fik-shun was the right choice.
For sure this season no one was criticized more than Fik-shun. Blu-Print and Curtis were also criticized a lot, but they were eliminated earlier in the competition. The girls were rarely found fault with this season. I felt bad for Fik-shun. Several times during the critiques for his performances with Amy or an all star, Nigel in particular would go back to the group number to pick him apart. "You were the only one who wasn't..." he would needle. I didn't think that was fair. But I do understand that criticism can make you better at your craft, and definitely Fik-shun did grow during his time on the show. He took in all the negativity with that mega-watt smile on his face, and those eyes full of joy, and he just kept dancing. I am thrilled for him. He without a doubt made the season for me.
Aaron should feel SO proud of himself. He went from not even on the show to top 4! And the first tapper to do so! He also has a great personality; I loved his and Fik-shun's routine. Paul is a great dancer, and I was shocked that he didn't make top 4. He was very popular. I just didn't connect with him on a personality level.
I love both Amy and Jasmine. I can't choose between them. I'm thrilled for Amy and sad for Jasmine. I admit that when the season started I didn't have high expectations for Jasmine. I thought she would go out early and that her biggest draw was that she was Cyrus' ex-girlfriend. Boy, did she prove me wrong! Jasmine is amazing! She has the best legs ever on SYTYCD. And she went for it on every routine. I wish both she and Amy could have won. I think what put Amy over the top were her routines with Travis and Robert. They were both beyond stunning.
Overall, I thought this season was good, but not great. For me, I don't think this cast is going to be remembered like other seasons. Many of the dancers were very strong, especially the girls, but not very memorable unfortunately. If you put Amy, Jenna, Haley, Makenzie, Alexis, and Brittany in a row, I don't think I could tell you who was who. Especially Haley and Makenzie. Great dancers they are, but are we going to be talking about them like we still talk about Allison and Heidi and Katherine and Melanie? Many of the routines were wonderful, but would they make any top 10 lists?
I'll list my top 5 most memorable / favorite routines of the season, in no particular order, off the top of my head:
Jasmine and Alan's "blindfold" routine
Amy and Fik-shun's bellhop routine
Amy and Fik-shun's waitress routine
Jenna and Mark K.'s routine
Tucker and Robert's brother routine
And I have to also mention Comfort's reptile walk. I can't say I loved the routine, but her reptile walk was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen on this show. How did she do that?!?! That girl is mad talented! :)
librarianintx
Dancing with the Stars Week 2
Latin Week! I love Latin Week! Overall I thought it was a pretty good show, but I did think some of the judges scores were a little generous. Here are my top 4, in order:
1) Corbin and Karina
Great routine! The high school sports theme really stood out among all the sequins and flash of the other costumes and set designs. Corbin is definitely the strongest of the guys, and he is in it to win it. He is a very strong contender for the title.
2) Elizabeth and Val
Wow, that was a fast samba! Elizabeth really kept up with Val. I liked her red dress and she looked great in it, but I thought she was a little covered up for a samba. I thought at some point Val might rip the skirt off or something. :)
3) Amber and Derek
A super cute routine. I do agree with Bruno though - that was much more lindy hop than a jive. Her outfit and shoes definitely read lindy hop. They had great energy, and I enjoyed it.
4) Brant and Peta
They made my best list for one thing really - their chemistry. That was quite a sexy routine. I didn't think Brant did all that much in the dance, but he did smolder, so...it worked for me! :)
librarinaintx
1) Corbin and Karina
Great routine! The high school sports theme really stood out among all the sequins and flash of the other costumes and set designs. Corbin is definitely the strongest of the guys, and he is in it to win it. He is a very strong contender for the title.
2) Elizabeth and Val
Wow, that was a fast samba! Elizabeth really kept up with Val. I liked her red dress and she looked great in it, but I thought she was a little covered up for a samba. I thought at some point Val might rip the skirt off or something. :)
3) Amber and Derek
A super cute routine. I do agree with Bruno though - that was much more lindy hop than a jive. Her outfit and shoes definitely read lindy hop. They had great energy, and I enjoyed it.
4) Brant and Peta
They made my best list for one thing really - their chemistry. That was quite a sexy routine. I didn't think Brant did all that much in the dance, but he did smolder, so...it worked for me! :)
librarinaintx
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Big Brother Finale
Andy won the final HOH...blah
Andy and GinaMarie were the final two...blah
Andy won...blah
Elissa won the viewer vote...meh. Judd and Howard were also in the running...cool.
Julie's dress...thumbs up!
Quote of the show:
"Did I say anything Julie?" Spencer, referring to how controversial the season was. The members of the jury and the final two at that point had no idea how much the nation was talking about them.
Julie's reply: "We don't have enough time."
What a difference a day makes.
Until next summer, BB'ers.
librarianintx
Andy and GinaMarie were the final two...blah
Andy won...blah
Elissa won the viewer vote...meh. Judd and Howard were also in the running...cool.
Julie's dress...thumbs up!
Quote of the show:
"Did I say anything Julie?" Spencer, referring to how controversial the season was. The members of the jury and the final two at that point had no idea how much the nation was talking about them.
Julie's reply: "We don't have enough time."
What a difference a day makes.
Until next summer, BB'ers.
librarianintx
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Dancing with the Stars Week 1
It was a good show! I was pleasantly surprised. I like the new format. It flows better. Still a little too much time with Brooke. But overall, I'm happy.
Although I think the women are much stronger than the men this season, Corbin has a good chance of winning. That contemporary routine was amazing. One thing you have to say about Karina...she will put herself in danger to make the routine exciting. It was beautiful, passionate, and definitely exciting.
And then we have to talk about Miss Riley. Girl kicked that cha cha's ASS!! I'm a huge Glee fan of course, so it was so much fun to see so many cast members in the audience - Chris, Kevin, Ashley, Jenna, Diana - Harry was supposed to be there too, but I didn't see him. To say they were enthusiastic is an understatement. And Chris was there with his boyfriend. SO cute! Okay, back to Amber. It was a fantastic routine. She is going to be fun to watch this season.
To round out my top three - Snookie, of all people! People like Elizabeth and Christina might have been technically better, but I really enjoyed Snookie's dance. She got a song where she could shake what her momma gave her, and she did. :) Like Carrie Ann said, I like people who go for it, and she went for it.
Pretty much every season I say, "Well, I may not watch this season. I don't care about most of the cast, and I'm already watching too many shows." And then I watch the first episode...and I'm hooked.
Here we go again! :)
librarianintx
Although I think the women are much stronger than the men this season, Corbin has a good chance of winning. That contemporary routine was amazing. One thing you have to say about Karina...she will put herself in danger to make the routine exciting. It was beautiful, passionate, and definitely exciting.
And then we have to talk about Miss Riley. Girl kicked that cha cha's ASS!! I'm a huge Glee fan of course, so it was so much fun to see so many cast members in the audience - Chris, Kevin, Ashley, Jenna, Diana - Harry was supposed to be there too, but I didn't see him. To say they were enthusiastic is an understatement. And Chris was there with his boyfriend. SO cute! Okay, back to Amber. It was a fantastic routine. She is going to be fun to watch this season.
To round out my top three - Snookie, of all people! People like Elizabeth and Christina might have been technically better, but I really enjoyed Snookie's dance. She got a song where she could shake what her momma gave her, and she did. :) Like Carrie Ann said, I like people who go for it, and she went for it.
Pretty much every season I say, "Well, I may not watch this season. I don't care about most of the cast, and I'm already watching too many shows." And then I watch the first episode...and I'm hooked.
Here we go again! :)
librarianintx
Big Brother Season 15
The last night of Big Brother for 2013. What a controversial season it has been. Honestly, I don't care who wins. I don't care for anyone in the final three. I actually grew to dislike pretty much everyone this season. I think Judd has a good shot at the fan favorite vote, and I'm okay with that. I like Judd.
I don't agree that the exterminators were the ones who got Aaryn out of the house. They are pretty full of themselves if they think that. Amanda was still in the house at that point. Amanda called the shots until the day she got kicked out. Nice try, exterminators.
I think GinaMarie became a more likeable person when all of the girls were out of the house. I think she is one of those girls who doesn't get along well with other girls. I could ALMOST root for her...until I remember how she treated Candice. How she and Aaryn treated Candice. GinaMarie can be as much of a bully as Amanda. So I can't root for GinaMarie.
Hard to know how the jury will vote. If Andy makes it to the final two, will they reward him or punish him for backstabbing several of them? It appears that a few in the jury think he's a good player. I think he was lucky. He rode on McCranda's coattails for most of the summer. He calls himself an exterminator. I call him an informant. It's a fancy synonym for tattletale.
Enjoy the show BB'ers!
librarianintx
I don't agree that the exterminators were the ones who got Aaryn out of the house. They are pretty full of themselves if they think that. Amanda was still in the house at that point. Amanda called the shots until the day she got kicked out. Nice try, exterminators.
I think GinaMarie became a more likeable person when all of the girls were out of the house. I think she is one of those girls who doesn't get along well with other girls. I could ALMOST root for her...until I remember how she treated Candice. How she and Aaryn treated Candice. GinaMarie can be as much of a bully as Amanda. So I can't root for GinaMarie.
Hard to know how the jury will vote. If Andy makes it to the final two, will they reward him or punish him for backstabbing several of them? It appears that a few in the jury think he's a good player. I think he was lucky. He rode on McCranda's coattails for most of the summer. He calls himself an exterminator. I call him an informant. It's a fancy synonym for tattletale.
Enjoy the show BB'ers!
librarianintx
Thursday, September 05, 2013
Diana Nyad
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/sports/july-dec13/nyad_09-03.html
"Diana Nyad Says Record-Setting Swim Was About Being 'Fully Engaged' in Life"
Quote from article:
"And I wanted to swim this endeavor not to just be the athletic record. I wanted it to be a lesson for my life that says, be fully engaged. Be so awake and alert and alive every minute of every waking day, because that's where I had to be for these fortunately years to get this done."
My thoughts:
The fifth time was the charm for Diana Nyad. Five times she has attempted to swim from Cuba to the Florida Keys. Four times she has been unsuccessful. During those four attempts she suffered jellyfish attacks, asthma attacks, shoulder pain, lightening storms, and currents that pushed her far off course.
Diana Nyad is perseverance personified. Each failed attempt gave her the information she needed to ultimately achieve success. Diana didn't let anything stop her from reaching her goal. She didn't let her age prevent her. She didn't let the naysayers deter her. She didn't let the jellyfish stings, the persistent vomiting, the weakness from the vomiting, the sores caused by the jellyfish mask...none of it caused her to give up this time. She pushed through all of it, and she finished that swim.
To be honest, I don't understand why someone would spend so many years trying to do something like this. Why anyone would put her body through such torment, and risk not only her life, but the lives of her crew as well. But while I don't comprehend the why, I still can applaud and appreciate the effort, the determination, the "never give up" attitude. When you think you can't do something, when you're convinced that what you're attempting is just too difficult, think of Diana Nyad.
And then try again.
"You're never too old to chase your dreams" Diana Nyad
librarianintx
"Diana Nyad Says Record-Setting Swim Was About Being 'Fully Engaged' in Life"
Quote from article:
"And I wanted to swim this endeavor not to just be the athletic record. I wanted it to be a lesson for my life that says, be fully engaged. Be so awake and alert and alive every minute of every waking day, because that's where I had to be for these fortunately years to get this done."
My thoughts:
The fifth time was the charm for Diana Nyad. Five times she has attempted to swim from Cuba to the Florida Keys. Four times she has been unsuccessful. During those four attempts she suffered jellyfish attacks, asthma attacks, shoulder pain, lightening storms, and currents that pushed her far off course.
Diana Nyad is perseverance personified. Each failed attempt gave her the information she needed to ultimately achieve success. Diana didn't let anything stop her from reaching her goal. She didn't let her age prevent her. She didn't let the naysayers deter her. She didn't let the jellyfish stings, the persistent vomiting, the weakness from the vomiting, the sores caused by the jellyfish mask...none of it caused her to give up this time. She pushed through all of it, and she finished that swim.
To be honest, I don't understand why someone would spend so many years trying to do something like this. Why anyone would put her body through such torment, and risk not only her life, but the lives of her crew as well. But while I don't comprehend the why, I still can applaud and appreciate the effort, the determination, the "never give up" attitude. When you think you can't do something, when you're convinced that what you're attempting is just too difficult, think of Diana Nyad.
And then try again.
"You're never too old to chase your dreams" Diana Nyad
librarianintx
Big Brother Season 15 9-5-13
Wow...a busy night of BB!!
But first, I have to go back to last week for a second. Aaryn....please do not insinuate that you speak for an entire state. Texas might still be a red state, but not all of its inhabitants are racist and homophobic. Your wide-eyed, innocent, "Southerners say those things" bullshit was both laughable and hugely insulting. Hope you have fun looking for a new job.
And now on to tonight. Thank goodness Amanda is finally gone! But what was with Elissa trying to save her at the last minute? What a terrible move on her part. All of her effort went for naught, as Andy flipped yet again, which forced GinaMarie to break the tie. Amanda absolutely tormented Elissa, but somehow Elissa thought that aligning herself with the power couple of the house would get her farther in the game? *shakes head*
Of the people left, I'm definitely rooting for Judd. He's a good guy that hasn't tried to hurt anyone. GinaMarie is a bully. Andy is a tattletale. Spencer is anti-Semitic. I think McCrae is actually a good guy as well, and I wouldn't mind if he won, except knowing that the money would really go to Amanda.
Go Judd!
librarianintx
But first, I have to go back to last week for a second. Aaryn....please do not insinuate that you speak for an entire state. Texas might still be a red state, but not all of its inhabitants are racist and homophobic. Your wide-eyed, innocent, "Southerners say those things" bullshit was both laughable and hugely insulting. Hope you have fun looking for a new job.
And now on to tonight. Thank goodness Amanda is finally gone! But what was with Elissa trying to save her at the last minute? What a terrible move on her part. All of her effort went for naught, as Andy flipped yet again, which forced GinaMarie to break the tie. Amanda absolutely tormented Elissa, but somehow Elissa thought that aligning herself with the power couple of the house would get her farther in the game? *shakes head*
Of the people left, I'm definitely rooting for Judd. He's a good guy that hasn't tried to hurt anyone. GinaMarie is a bully. Andy is a tattletale. Spencer is anti-Semitic. I think McCrae is actually a good guy as well, and I wouldn't mind if he won, except knowing that the money would really go to Amanda.
Go Judd!
librarianintx
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Adventure
Yesterday my oldest niece left her home for a semester abroad. She will be based in one country, but because everything is so close in Europe, she will have the opportunity to visit multiple countries during her three plus months there.
This is an outstanding opportunity for her, and I know she will make every moment count. Luckily this girl takes after her father. He is a do-er, an adventurer. He has travelled all over the world with his job: UAE, Algeria, Singapore, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Rome, just to name a few. My niece is not infected with the worry gene that plagues her mother's side of the family. Or if she has it, she has been able to control it. Her mother has learned over the years, in large part because of her husband I think, to have more control over this. She has been able to fly with my brother-in-law to Rome and to Buenos Aires, and to go with the family to Hawaii. They also took a cruise once. She didn't love the cruise, but she did it.
Someone asked me the other day if I was jealous of my niece. Not jealous, but envious, yes. I am a history nut, and to have the opportunity to visit Europe, especially England and Ireland, would be beyond amazing. But I don't see it ever happening. Money is of course the main obstacle. Physical health is a problem as well. But even if I somehow had the money to go, and someone to help with the physical aspects of travel, would I? If I'm being honest, I would have to say no. Because the anxiety would be too overwhelming. Too many fears. Fear of flying. Fear of flying over water. Fear of terrorism. Fear of any other number of things. Fear of fear. The list would be long. The physical and mental toll would be so exhausting.
I do still have hope that one day I will be able to get more of a handle on all of this. I have to keep hoping. But in another way I am kind of resigned to it. I've always been this way, and I probably always will be. It's never going to completely go away. I'm trying to just learn to live with it. Try to relax and not let it upset me. Getting mad and frustrated only makes it worse. Be kind to myself. Undertand that it's not my fault, and I'm doing the best I can. Surround myself with people who like me for who I am and are kind to me when I'm anxious, scared, and weird about certain things.
I don't think I'm ever going to see the world in person. But I can see the world through books. On the Internet. And in the pictures and stories of my healthy, brave, strong, intelligent, talented adventurer. She will see the world, and then she will share her knowledge, her experiences, and her memories with me.
librarianintx
This is an outstanding opportunity for her, and I know she will make every moment count. Luckily this girl takes after her father. He is a do-er, an adventurer. He has travelled all over the world with his job: UAE, Algeria, Singapore, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Rome, just to name a few. My niece is not infected with the worry gene that plagues her mother's side of the family. Or if she has it, she has been able to control it. Her mother has learned over the years, in large part because of her husband I think, to have more control over this. She has been able to fly with my brother-in-law to Rome and to Buenos Aires, and to go with the family to Hawaii. They also took a cruise once. She didn't love the cruise, but she did it.
Someone asked me the other day if I was jealous of my niece. Not jealous, but envious, yes. I am a history nut, and to have the opportunity to visit Europe, especially England and Ireland, would be beyond amazing. But I don't see it ever happening. Money is of course the main obstacle. Physical health is a problem as well. But even if I somehow had the money to go, and someone to help with the physical aspects of travel, would I? If I'm being honest, I would have to say no. Because the anxiety would be too overwhelming. Too many fears. Fear of flying. Fear of flying over water. Fear of terrorism. Fear of any other number of things. Fear of fear. The list would be long. The physical and mental toll would be so exhausting.
I do still have hope that one day I will be able to get more of a handle on all of this. I have to keep hoping. But in another way I am kind of resigned to it. I've always been this way, and I probably always will be. It's never going to completely go away. I'm trying to just learn to live with it. Try to relax and not let it upset me. Getting mad and frustrated only makes it worse. Be kind to myself. Undertand that it's not my fault, and I'm doing the best I can. Surround myself with people who like me for who I am and are kind to me when I'm anxious, scared, and weird about certain things.
I don't think I'm ever going to see the world in person. But I can see the world through books. On the Internet. And in the pictures and stories of my healthy, brave, strong, intelligent, talented adventurer. She will see the world, and then she will share her knowledge, her experiences, and her memories with me.
librarianintx
Big Brother 8-29-13
Spencer could potentially be the swing vote tonight. I feel certain that Judd and GinaMarie will vote to evict Andy. And if Amanda and McCrae figure out that Aaryn and Elissa were starting to work together, then they will vote to keep Andy. I really don't know how Spencer will vote. He has been wanting to work with Aaryn. Hopefully Aaron and Elissa can convince him to evict Andy.
Wait, did I just say that? Did I just write that I want Andy to go home over Aaryn? It's just because I want Amanda out so bad. I'm not rooting for Aaryn. I know Andy said he won't be loyal to McCranda anymore, but sorry, I'm not interested in what Andy says. He's not a key player in this game to me.
Amanda has become one of the most unlikeable people to play Big Brother. She's a huge bully, but then when she feels threatened she turns on the waterworks and becomes the biggest whiner. Aarghh! Please, fellow houseguests, please find a way to get her out next week. She is making the show painful to watch.
Unfortunately, because of football, Big Brother won't be on until after midnight. Sucks! I won't know until Friday afternoon what happens. I like the show, but not enough to get up an hour early to watch it. This means I'll have to stay off Twitter so I don't get spoiled. Facebook should be safe.
librarianintx
Wait, did I just say that? Did I just write that I want Andy to go home over Aaryn? It's just because I want Amanda out so bad. I'm not rooting for Aaryn. I know Andy said he won't be loyal to McCranda anymore, but sorry, I'm not interested in what Andy says. He's not a key player in this game to me.
Amanda has become one of the most unlikeable people to play Big Brother. She's a huge bully, but then when she feels threatened she turns on the waterworks and becomes the biggest whiner. Aarghh! Please, fellow houseguests, please find a way to get her out next week. She is making the show painful to watch.
Unfortunately, because of football, Big Brother won't be on until after midnight. Sucks! I won't know until Friday afternoon what happens. I like the show, but not enough to get up an hour early to watch it. This means I'll have to stay off Twitter so I don't get spoiled. Facebook should be safe.
librarianintx
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Big Brother 15
What was going to be my prediction / strategy analysis for tonight's episode will now be a rant against posting spoilers online. People, please. I'm getting old. My memory isn't what it used to be. Usually I save the last few episodes on my DVR so I can refer back to them if necessary when writing a blog post. I've even taken notes - about who won HOH, who was nominated for eviction, blah blah. But I just went to look up one piece of information - and found out EVERYTHING that happened tonight - on wikipedia! COME ON! If you're going to post spoilers, fine, but do it in such a way that people can avoid them if they want to. I found out who won POV, and if that changed the nominations. It was in a grid with all the other information from this season. All I'm asking is that information NOT be posted until after the episode airs. Some people don't want to be spoiled. Some people want to make predictions and analyze the situation first. Our predictions may or not be stupid...but let us make them first!! Let us have our fun, let us use our brains a little, even if it is just for a silly television show. Geez! :-(
librarianintx
librarianintx
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Big Brother
I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a few weeks.
I'm still enjoying the season. But I don't have a favorite. Not even close. In fact, until Judd came back into the house, I didn't like anyone. Elissa is okay, but she can get on my nerves. I'm a girlie girl, but Elissa is beyond a girlie girl. I sort of like McCrae, but unfortunately the fact that he is with Amanda keeps me from liking him as much as I would otherwise. I do appreciate the fact that he tries to keep her in line. But Amanda is so unbearable, so unlikable, that some of it rubs off on McCrae for me. I don't have any hope that their relationship will survive outside the house. For McCrae's sake, I hope it doesn't. It would be okay with me if McCrae wins, as long as he dumps Amanda in the process.
I do like Judd. Out of the four jurors, I was definitely rooting for either him or Jessie to make it back into the house.
After Amanda, my most disliked houseguest is...not who you would expect I imagine. That "honor" goes to...Andy! Andy is a tattletale. That is the only game he has. All he does is run to "McCranda" when anyone tells him anything. Why does he trust them so much? They are a couple. The best he's going to be able to do is third or fourth place, unless he can win HOH. Why is he settling for that? If he could help get Amanda out, he would be more on an even playing field I think. There would be no Queen Bee if Amanda was gone. Maybe Aaryn would take her crown, but I tend to think that having to be the evictioner (is that a word?) for Helen and Amanda has made her squeamish about doing the same thing to someone else. Aaryn definitely is in it to win it, but I don't think she wants to be a puppetmaster.
So we'll see what happens. Maybe Elissa can backdoor Amanda. If she doesn't go this week, I think it will probably be McCranda as the final two. *Shudder* I'm having an Amber / Boston Rob "Survivor" flashback.
librarianintx
I'm still enjoying the season. But I don't have a favorite. Not even close. In fact, until Judd came back into the house, I didn't like anyone. Elissa is okay, but she can get on my nerves. I'm a girlie girl, but Elissa is beyond a girlie girl. I sort of like McCrae, but unfortunately the fact that he is with Amanda keeps me from liking him as much as I would otherwise. I do appreciate the fact that he tries to keep her in line. But Amanda is so unbearable, so unlikable, that some of it rubs off on McCrae for me. I don't have any hope that their relationship will survive outside the house. For McCrae's sake, I hope it doesn't. It would be okay with me if McCrae wins, as long as he dumps Amanda in the process.
I do like Judd. Out of the four jurors, I was definitely rooting for either him or Jessie to make it back into the house.
After Amanda, my most disliked houseguest is...not who you would expect I imagine. That "honor" goes to...Andy! Andy is a tattletale. That is the only game he has. All he does is run to "McCranda" when anyone tells him anything. Why does he trust them so much? They are a couple. The best he's going to be able to do is third or fourth place, unless he can win HOH. Why is he settling for that? If he could help get Amanda out, he would be more on an even playing field I think. There would be no Queen Bee if Amanda was gone. Maybe Aaryn would take her crown, but I tend to think that having to be the evictioner (is that a word?) for Helen and Amanda has made her squeamish about doing the same thing to someone else. Aaryn definitely is in it to win it, but I don't think she wants to be a puppetmaster.
So we'll see what happens. Maybe Elissa can backdoor Amanda. If she doesn't go this week, I think it will probably be McCranda as the final two. *Shudder* I'm having an Amber / Boston Rob "Survivor" flashback.
librarianintx
Sunday, July 28, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance 7/23/13
Yep, I'm really late on this write-up, so it will probably be pretty short.
I was fine with four of the bottom six this week. I don't understand why Jenna keeps winding up there, and Alan. I was fine with Mariah and Blu-Print leaving this week.
This week I felt like some of the routines lacked the energy that was promised in the rehearsal footage, especially Nico and Alexis' jive, and Mariah and Blu-Print's jazz number. Both of those dances suffered from an abundance of tricks that interrupted the flow of the dances, and the timing of the dancers. I thought the jive was especially rough, and Nigel and Mary were too easy on Nico and Alexis.
In contrast, i thought Amy and Fik-shun's jazz, and Makenzie and Paul's hip hop were two routines that were successful. Tice's jazz number included just enough tricks to make the dance fun and exciting, but didn't detract from the flow and timing. Dave Scott's hip hop number was hot, sexy, and had great energy.
I also enjoyed the two contemporary numbers: Jenna and Tucker's Travis Wall piece, and Hayley and Curtis' piece by Dee Caspary. Bravo to Hayley for overcoming her fear of heights to dance that number! Ladders are scary!
Normally I would feel sorry for the poor pair that is dealt the dreaded quickstep. But no lamenting needed for Jasmine and Aaron, 'cause they kicked that quickstep's booty! It was a great dance to show off tapper Aaron's personality and the much-admired legs of contemporary dancer Jasmine. They did a great job on a very tough dance.
One more point: The dancers have to step it up on their solos! Makenzie was the only one who really looked like she was dancing for her life. Alan's music was exciting and the cape work was cool, but he needed to do more. The other three were pretty blah in my opinion. The dancers have to pull out all the stops and show the judges they deserve to stay on the show.
librarianintx
I was fine with four of the bottom six this week. I don't understand why Jenna keeps winding up there, and Alan. I was fine with Mariah and Blu-Print leaving this week.
This week I felt like some of the routines lacked the energy that was promised in the rehearsal footage, especially Nico and Alexis' jive, and Mariah and Blu-Print's jazz number. Both of those dances suffered from an abundance of tricks that interrupted the flow of the dances, and the timing of the dancers. I thought the jive was especially rough, and Nigel and Mary were too easy on Nico and Alexis.
In contrast, i thought Amy and Fik-shun's jazz, and Makenzie and Paul's hip hop were two routines that were successful. Tice's jazz number included just enough tricks to make the dance fun and exciting, but didn't detract from the flow and timing. Dave Scott's hip hop number was hot, sexy, and had great energy.
I also enjoyed the two contemporary numbers: Jenna and Tucker's Travis Wall piece, and Hayley and Curtis' piece by Dee Caspary. Bravo to Hayley for overcoming her fear of heights to dance that number! Ladders are scary!
Normally I would feel sorry for the poor pair that is dealt the dreaded quickstep. But no lamenting needed for Jasmine and Aaron, 'cause they kicked that quickstep's booty! It was a great dance to show off tapper Aaron's personality and the much-admired legs of contemporary dancer Jasmine. They did a great job on a very tough dance.
One more point: The dancers have to step it up on their solos! Makenzie was the only one who really looked like she was dancing for her life. Alan's music was exciting and the cape work was cool, but he needed to do more. The other three were pretty blah in my opinion. The dancers have to pull out all the stops and show the judges they deserve to stay on the show.
librarianintx
Big Brother 7/27/13
It was a good week on Big Brother for me. The evil trio of Aaryn, GinaMarie, and Kaitlin ended up on the block together. Oh happy day! Unfortunately, the least evil of the three went home. And the most evil won HOH. UGH!! Not much else to say. I predict that Aaryn will nominate Elissa, and maybe Candice or Howard. That is, if she sticks to her supposed agreement with Helen. I haven't watched any of the live feed this week, so I don't know what's going on behind the scenes.
I hate to say it, but I do feel a little sorry for Jeremy at this point. He might be arrogant as hell, but I think he really does like Kaitlin. And maybe she was just being coy, but when she was talking to Julie, it sure sounded like she is way less into Jeremy than he is into her. I guess we'll find out at the finale...maybe.
librarianintx
I hate to say it, but I do feel a little sorry for Jeremy at this point. He might be arrogant as hell, but I think he really does like Kaitlin. And maybe she was just being coy, but when she was talking to Julie, it sure sounded like she is way less into Jeremy than he is into her. I guess we'll find out at the finale...maybe.
librarianintx
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Cory Monteith's toxicology report
Cory died from a lethal mix of heroin and alcohol.
I'm so mad. I AM SO MAD. Not at Cory. He was an addict. He did what addicts do. Okay, maybe I am mad at Cory. Because he knew he was an addict, but he did things that addicts should not do. He lived with people who drank and had parties (this was several years ago.) He went to two clubs the night he died. He was around people who were drinking in the days before he died. He put himself in situations where he was around alcohol (and evidently drugs). Surrounding himself with his poisons, just months after getting out of rehab.
So yes, I'm mad at Cory, even though I shouldn't be. But I'm even more mad at the drugs. Drugs have stolen another young, talented, beautiful young man. Cory was an actor, a singer, and a musician. He also used his celebrity to make the lives of others better through non-profit organizations. He was involved in three projects in addition to Glee when he died. He was busy, he was productive, he was doing great things with his life.
Drugs took all of that away. Drugs ended what could have been decades of professional accomplishment and the personal enrichment of helping others. Drugs snatched the opportunity for Cory to marry his love and maybe raise a family. And now he'll be remembered in the annals of entertainment history as another actor dead from drugs. Just another young talent gone too soon.
The media has already moved on to the next headline.
librarianintx
I'm so mad. I AM SO MAD. Not at Cory. He was an addict. He did what addicts do. Okay, maybe I am mad at Cory. Because he knew he was an addict, but he did things that addicts should not do. He lived with people who drank and had parties (this was several years ago.) He went to two clubs the night he died. He was around people who were drinking in the days before he died. He put himself in situations where he was around alcohol (and evidently drugs). Surrounding himself with his poisons, just months after getting out of rehab.
So yes, I'm mad at Cory, even though I shouldn't be. But I'm even more mad at the drugs. Drugs have stolen another young, talented, beautiful young man. Cory was an actor, a singer, and a musician. He also used his celebrity to make the lives of others better through non-profit organizations. He was involved in three projects in addition to Glee when he died. He was busy, he was productive, he was doing great things with his life.
Drugs took all of that away. Drugs ended what could have been decades of professional accomplishment and the personal enrichment of helping others. Drugs snatched the opportunity for Cory to marry his love and maybe raise a family. And now he'll be remembered in the annals of entertainment history as another actor dead from drugs. Just another young talent gone too soon.
The media has already moved on to the next headline.
librarianintx
Big Brother July 14th and 17th
"I am sincere in my apology to Candice to the point that she needs to know that she took my comment wrong."
That was, of course, Aaryn's "apology" to Candice on Sunday night's show. And by "apology," I mean "accusation." That is not an apology, even though the word apology is in the sentence. So is the word sincere. Aaryn evidently doesn't know the meaning of either one.
I am very pleased with the three nominees, and I will celebrate when any one of them walks out the door tonight. The only way I would be happier would be if it was the evil trio up there: Aaryn, Kaitlin, and GinaMarie.
I hope its either Jeremy or Aaryn that goes, but I have no love for Spencer either. Actually, I do like Howard, so I'm glad Elissa didn't put him on the block. I know he lied and denied and all that, but I believe he's a stand up guy. He took the high road when Aaryn and GinaMaria were bullying Candice, and helped Candice do the same. I think Howard prevented a physical altercation between GinaMarie and Candice. And even though GinaMaria started it by getting in Candice's face, they both could have been ejected, depending on what transpired.
librarianintx
That was, of course, Aaryn's "apology" to Candice on Sunday night's show. And by "apology," I mean "accusation." That is not an apology, even though the word apology is in the sentence. So is the word sincere. Aaryn evidently doesn't know the meaning of either one.
I am very pleased with the three nominees, and I will celebrate when any one of them walks out the door tonight. The only way I would be happier would be if it was the evil trio up there: Aaryn, Kaitlin, and GinaMarie.
I hope its either Jeremy or Aaryn that goes, but I have no love for Spencer either. Actually, I do like Howard, so I'm glad Elissa didn't put him on the block. I know he lied and denied and all that, but I believe he's a stand up guy. He took the high road when Aaryn and GinaMaria were bullying Candice, and helped Candice do the same. I think Howard prevented a physical altercation between GinaMarie and Candice. And even though GinaMaria started it by getting in Candice's face, they both could have been ejected, depending on what transpired.
librarianintx
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Cory Monteith
A very sad day for Glee fans. I read the news on Facebook. The comment I want to make is that if drugs are what killed him, I don't think you can paint him as another Hollywood star who died of excess. Cory Monteith was an addict before he became a star. If anything, I think becoming an actor kept him alive. He found his purpose in life; he found what he was good at. Before that, he was floundering in life. He had no direction.
Of course dead is still dead. Maybe my point doesn't matter. But I think maybe we can find some sense of peace in this tragedy if we have the mindset that Cory "made it" to the age of 31, instead of focusing on the fact that "he only lived to be" the age of 31. Dead at 31 is still senselessly young. But at least he left a legacy of fans of all ages. And his scenes with Chris Colfer as Kurt and Finn travelled their journey from victim / reluctant bully to loving, accepting stepbrothers was groundbreaking, riveting television.
Cory knew he was lucky to be alive, and he was grateful for the opportunities afforded him. He donated his time and lent his name to non-profit organizations, and he worked as both an actor and singer/musician in multiple endeavors. Maybe the stress of so many projects is what caused him to relapse. I just think it speaks of his character that he wanted to do so much with his life, and that he did try to beat his addiction.
Glee won't be the same without him.
librarianintx
Of course dead is still dead. Maybe my point doesn't matter. But I think maybe we can find some sense of peace in this tragedy if we have the mindset that Cory "made it" to the age of 31, instead of focusing on the fact that "he only lived to be" the age of 31. Dead at 31 is still senselessly young. But at least he left a legacy of fans of all ages. And his scenes with Chris Colfer as Kurt and Finn travelled their journey from victim / reluctant bully to loving, accepting stepbrothers was groundbreaking, riveting television.
Cory knew he was lucky to be alive, and he was grateful for the opportunities afforded him. He donated his time and lent his name to non-profit organizations, and he worked as both an actor and singer/musician in multiple endeavors. Maybe the stress of so many projects is what caused him to relapse. I just think it speaks of his character that he wanted to do so much with his life, and that he did try to beat his addiction.
Glee won't be the same without him.
librarianintx
The Zimmerman verdict
I'm sad, but I can't say I'm completely surprised. The prosecution did not do its job, plain and simple. I knew he wouldn't get second degree murder, but I thought manslaughter was a possibility. Instead, George Zimmerman goes home a free man. And Trayvon Martin's parents go back to a life of no justice for their son.
It all boils down to reasonable doubt. It doesn't matter that Zimmerman profiled and followed Trayvon. It doesn't matter that he defied what the police told him to do. It doesn't matter that his statements were inconsistent. What matters is that those six jurors could not find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, based on the testimony and evidence presented. Period.
As I said earlier, I think Trayvon's parents will bring a civil suit against Zimmerman, and I think they have a chance at a better outcome. But it just doesn't seem fair to me that a 17 year old kid is gunned down walking home from a convenience store, and no one is held responsible. It doesn't make sense.
And to everyone who says this case isn't about race...even the Florida officials and the prosecutors who said that in the press conference last night...I have to say, as respectfully I can...that is bunk. Absolute bunk. Listen to the 911 tapes, to Zimmerman's own words: "He looks like he's up to no good...he looks like he's on drugs or something..." He was a 17 year old kid with skittles in his pocket! But he was also a black kid wearing a hoodie, walking in a predominantly white neighborhood. And that was enough to justify killing him. I'm sorry, I don't think a small scratch on the back of someone's head (that happened to bleed a lot) is justification for shooting someone through the heart. Zimmerman is claiming self defense; what about Travyon's right to self-defense? Who was following whom that night? Who was the one acting suspicious?
Maybe I shouldn't be surprised at all, considering a Florida jury also acquitted Casey Anthony...
librarianintx
It all boils down to reasonable doubt. It doesn't matter that Zimmerman profiled and followed Trayvon. It doesn't matter that he defied what the police told him to do. It doesn't matter that his statements were inconsistent. What matters is that those six jurors could not find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, based on the testimony and evidence presented. Period.
As I said earlier, I think Trayvon's parents will bring a civil suit against Zimmerman, and I think they have a chance at a better outcome. But it just doesn't seem fair to me that a 17 year old kid is gunned down walking home from a convenience store, and no one is held responsible. It doesn't make sense.
And to everyone who says this case isn't about race...even the Florida officials and the prosecutors who said that in the press conference last night...I have to say, as respectfully I can...that is bunk. Absolute bunk. Listen to the 911 tapes, to Zimmerman's own words: "He looks like he's up to no good...he looks like he's on drugs or something..." He was a 17 year old kid with skittles in his pocket! But he was also a black kid wearing a hoodie, walking in a predominantly white neighborhood. And that was enough to justify killing him. I'm sorry, I don't think a small scratch on the back of someone's head (that happened to bleed a lot) is justification for shooting someone through the heart. Zimmerman is claiming self defense; what about Travyon's right to self-defense? Who was following whom that night? Who was the one acting suspicious?
Maybe I shouldn't be surprised at all, considering a Florida jury also acquitted Casey Anthony...
librarianintx
Friday, July 12, 2013
Big Brother July 11th
Well, color me stupid.
Did I miss something? Did everyone else watching know THAT was going to happen?
The Moving Company is a sorry excuse for an alliance. They couldn't even stay together two weeks! McCrae said something like, "I split with the Moving Company to further my own game." What?! How is an alliance of six or seven weaker than an alliance of two...him and his showmance. Well, I guess he's right, since so much of the alliance bailed at the second opportunity.
Spencer is running the game? I didn't get that. Again, am I clueless? Did all the other viewers already know that?
I wasn't hugely invested in who went home. I like Helen, but I don't have strong feelings for or against Elissa or Nick. I'm rooting for people like Helen and Andy because they're the underdogs, and because they've been marginalized by the evil clique in the house. I'm SO glad Helen won HOH.
I just don't understand why they kept Elissa. There's a good chance that she'll win MVP again next week, and since her biggest ally is HOH, they'll be able to put up three people that they really want out of the house. Or put up two people and a pawn, and then try to backdoor a big threat. I shouldn't make predictions after my Elissa leaving debacle, but I think we all know Aaryn, Kaitlin, GinaMarie, and Jeremy are all strong possibilities for nomination.
librarianintx
Did I miss something? Did everyone else watching know THAT was going to happen?
The Moving Company is a sorry excuse for an alliance. They couldn't even stay together two weeks! McCrae said something like, "I split with the Moving Company to further my own game." What?! How is an alliance of six or seven weaker than an alliance of two...him and his showmance. Well, I guess he's right, since so much of the alliance bailed at the second opportunity.
Spencer is running the game? I didn't get that. Again, am I clueless? Did all the other viewers already know that?
I wasn't hugely invested in who went home. I like Helen, but I don't have strong feelings for or against Elissa or Nick. I'm rooting for people like Helen and Andy because they're the underdogs, and because they've been marginalized by the evil clique in the house. I'm SO glad Helen won HOH.
I just don't understand why they kept Elissa. There's a good chance that she'll win MVP again next week, and since her biggest ally is HOH, they'll be able to put up three people that they really want out of the house. Or put up two people and a pawn, and then try to backdoor a big threat. I shouldn't make predictions after my Elissa leaving debacle, but I think we all know Aaryn, Kaitlin, GinaMarie, and Jeremy are all strong possibilities for nomination.
librarianintx
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Big Brother July 10
Good job, Candice, for figuring out that there's a guy alliance. The problem is, most of the guys in the house are in the alliance. Even ones who act like they aren't, aka Howard. And the guys who aren't in the alliance, aka Andy, aren't threats that you want out of the house.
Elissa recognizes that Jeremy is the biggest threat, and kudos to her for trying to get him out. But unfortunately that will be impossible for awhile. The Moving Company thinks he's one of them, and he's got Aaryn, GinaMaria, and of course Kaitlin on his side as well, so he's indestructible for now.
She should realize that Nick is in the alliance as well, but really, she couldn't do much more than pick a guy and hope for the best. I'm afraid Elissa doesn't have a chance in hell of staying. Her biggest ally is on the block with her, so neither one of them can vote. Its a no-brainer that Aaryn, Jeremy, and the evil majority are out to get her. So who does she have? Candice. Maybe Andy. And she probably thinks she has Howard, but she doesn't. Anything can happen on BB, but I feel certain this elimination will not be a shocker.
The next question is, if and when Elissa goes, who will America choose to be the next MVP? Candice maybe? Helen?
librarianintx
Elissa recognizes that Jeremy is the biggest threat, and kudos to her for trying to get him out. But unfortunately that will be impossible for awhile. The Moving Company thinks he's one of them, and he's got Aaryn, GinaMaria, and of course Kaitlin on his side as well, so he's indestructible for now.
She should realize that Nick is in the alliance as well, but really, she couldn't do much more than pick a guy and hope for the best. I'm afraid Elissa doesn't have a chance in hell of staying. Her biggest ally is on the block with her, so neither one of them can vote. Its a no-brainer that Aaryn, Jeremy, and the evil majority are out to get her. So who does she have? Candice. Maybe Andy. And she probably thinks she has Howard, but she doesn't. Anything can happen on BB, but I feel certain this elimination will not be a shocker.
The next question is, if and when Elissa goes, who will America choose to be the next MVP? Candice maybe? Helen?
librarianintx
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance July 9th
Not happy with the results. Why is Alexis still in the competition? She's okay, but when it was a choice between Jasmine M., Jenna, and Alexis, I definitely would have sent Alexis home. But then again, I'm not a judge and I'm not a choreographer. And we all know how much Nigel loves his tappers.
Why were Jasmine M. and Jenna in the bottom three to begin with? What show are you watching, America? They are both fantastic! I know I shouldn't complain; I'm not voting. And I really like most of the girls this season, so it is a hard choice. But Jasmine M. gone...really? I can't stop thinking about that blindfolded routine. Sheer brilliance.
The dances last night were mostly just okay for me. It was nice to see some new choreographers on the show. My favorites were Amy and Fik-shun's paso, and Jenna and Tucker's jazzy hip hop. I love Jean-Marc Généreux's choreography, and I liked the Samba, even though Curtis struggled with it.
I just adore Fik-shun and Amy. They are rapidly becoming a super couple for me, a la Joshua and Katee, and Benji and Donyelle. Fik-shun reminds me of Joshua; I think he's going to be another street dancer that's good at everything. And I just love his personality. When he's listening to the post-dance critiques, his face is so expressive. He's got such a cute smile and his eyes twinkle. I think I have a little Fik-shun crush. :)
Jasmine H. and Aaron are another power couple. I enjoyed their routine as well. Jasmine is a definite contender to win it all. Her legs should be insured for a high price. I think Aaron is good, but Jasmine is better. She is the one who makes their duo so dynamic. If he makes it to the top 10, I don't know if he will do as well with a different partner. We shall see.
I was sorry to see Jade leave the competition. I think both he and Blu-print are equally good at animation, but I agree with the judges: Blu-print needs more personality when he performs. Jade has that personality. He has a very expressive face like Fik-shun. If Jade and Blu-print had been in the bottom three together, I would have voted out Blu-print.
Final comments: Paula Abdul didn't drive me crazy! She was a little spacey on her first critique, and I did get squeamish when she mauled Nigel (I guess she heard the accent and thought he was Simon.) But otherwise I thought her comments were on point and she was able to deliver them without stammering and acting like she was medicated. Erin Andrews was charming and funny. She reminded me of Christina Applegate.
librarianintx
Why were Jasmine M. and Jenna in the bottom three to begin with? What show are you watching, America? They are both fantastic! I know I shouldn't complain; I'm not voting. And I really like most of the girls this season, so it is a hard choice. But Jasmine M. gone...really? I can't stop thinking about that blindfolded routine. Sheer brilliance.
The dances last night were mostly just okay for me. It was nice to see some new choreographers on the show. My favorites were Amy and Fik-shun's paso, and Jenna and Tucker's jazzy hip hop. I love Jean-Marc Généreux's choreography, and I liked the Samba, even though Curtis struggled with it.
I just adore Fik-shun and Amy. They are rapidly becoming a super couple for me, a la Joshua and Katee, and Benji and Donyelle. Fik-shun reminds me of Joshua; I think he's going to be another street dancer that's good at everything. And I just love his personality. When he's listening to the post-dance critiques, his face is so expressive. He's got such a cute smile and his eyes twinkle. I think I have a little Fik-shun crush. :)
Jasmine H. and Aaron are another power couple. I enjoyed their routine as well. Jasmine is a definite contender to win it all. Her legs should be insured for a high price. I think Aaron is good, but Jasmine is better. She is the one who makes their duo so dynamic. If he makes it to the top 10, I don't know if he will do as well with a different partner. We shall see.
I was sorry to see Jade leave the competition. I think both he and Blu-print are equally good at animation, but I agree with the judges: Blu-print needs more personality when he performs. Jade has that personality. He has a very expressive face like Fik-shun. If Jade and Blu-print had been in the bottom three together, I would have voted out Blu-print.
Final comments: Paula Abdul didn't drive me crazy! She was a little spacey on her first critique, and I did get squeamish when she mauled Nigel (I guess she heard the accent and thought he was Simon.) But otherwise I thought her comments were on point and she was able to deliver them without stammering and acting like she was medicated. Erin Andrews was charming and funny. She reminded me of Christina Applegate.
librarianintx
Monday, July 08, 2013
Big Brother Season 15
I was happy to see that Big Brother finally showed the footage of Aaryn making her racist and homophobic comments.
I was sad to see Jeremy and Aaryn win the challenge. It was smart of Jeremy to let Aaryn take the HOH so he can compete for it next week. Jeremy is the biggest threat in the house in my opinion. He's very good at challenges, and he will try to win at all costs.
No surprise on the nominations.
LOVED Andy's comments last night!!
"I'm keeping my friends close and my Aaryns closer."
and
"...how often is it that you get to see baby pictures of the devil?"
:-)
librarianintx
I was sad to see Jeremy and Aaryn win the challenge. It was smart of Jeremy to let Aaryn take the HOH so he can compete for it next week. Jeremy is the biggest threat in the house in my opinion. He's very good at challenges, and he will try to win at all costs.
No surprise on the nominations.
LOVED Andy's comments last night!!
"I'm keeping my friends close and my Aaryns closer."
and
"...how often is it that you get to see baby pictures of the devil?"
:-)
librarianintx
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Big Brother Update
That didn't take long.
Aaryn has been fired by her modeling agency.
librarianintx
Aaryn has been fired by her modeling agency.
librarianintx
Racism, Homophobia, Sexism on Big Brother
http://www.today.com/entertainment/big-brother-rocked-big-controversy-racism-sexism-homophobia-6C10523010
The 15th season of CBS' "Big Brother" kicked off just one week ago, and evidently, that's more than enough time to kick off some controversy.
As the new houseguests settled in to their summer home and started bonding with their fellow players, some of them have shown their less-than-TV-friendly sides.
In fact, the worst of the behavior -- which has included undeniably racist, sexist and homophobic remarks -- hasn't even made it to the small screen at all. Instead, live-feed viewers, who pay a subscription to see the events in the house as they happen on the "Big Brother" website, watched the action and uploaded the evidence to YouTube (the clips have since been removed "due to copyright claim by Endemol USA Inc," the production company behind "Big Brother").
The offenses include frequent use of the N-word and gay slurs by more than one contestant and much more. Some of the most shocking comments so far have come from what's shaping up to be this season's "Mean Girls" clique, made up of Aaryn Gries and GinaMarie Zimmerman.
Both Gries and Zimmerman slammed Korean-American housemate Helen Kim behind her back, each saying she should serve them some rice, with Zimmerman adding, "I'm gonna punch her in the face. I'm, like, 'Oh, maybe it'll make her eyes straight."
The two have also bashed African-American contestant Candice Stewart, accusing her of letting her "blackness show." Gries went so far as to warn her in-game ally to watch what she says in the dark because she "might not be able to see the b----."
Various slams from Kaitlin Barnaby, Jeremy McGuire, David Girton and Spencer Clawson have been somewhat less frequent, but just as upsetting to those watching the feeds. But why haven't TV viewers seen or heard any of it?
That's what some fans -- and at least one past contestant -- are asking.
Former "Big Brother" player Ragan Fox, who was part of the season 12 cast, posted an open letter to the production team on his blog.
"Houseguests GinaMarie, Aaryn, and Kaitlin referred to historically marginalized players as 'tokens,'" Fox wrote. "Sadly, they aren’t too far off in their assessment. Characters like Andy (Herren), Candice, Howard (Overby), and Helen are reduced to mere tokens when production fails to include micro-aggressions that they have to endure on a day-to-day basis. What’s the point of casting racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities if production’s going to edit out the racism, ethnic discrimination, and homophobia that these people encounter inside the house?"
Fox went on to explain why he thinks it's so important for CBS to air the offensive footage.
Aaryn Gries. "'Big Brother,' I LOVE you, but, if you really want to provide a groundbreaking twist, SHOW CBS VIEWERS HOW SOME STRAIGHT, WHITE PEOPLE talk about gays, Asian Americans, and African Americans," he said. "Capitalize on the Paula Deen controversy! Hate speech is currently a hot topic in the United States. It would be irresponsible to punt on this issue. What makes Aaryn’s homophobia and racism especially insidious is that it comes packaged in a bright-eyed, pageant-like exterior. I mean, how can somebody so sweet looking spew so much venom? Viewers would have to SEE it to BELIEVE it."
Fans have even started a Change.org petition asking CBS to expel Gries, perceived by many to be the worst offender, from the house. Over 3,600 fans have signed it so far.
As for what, if any, action the network will take, that remains unclear. TODAY.com reached out to CBS for comment about the current controversy, but a statement from the network made no mention of changes.
“BIG BROTHER is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 — and seeing every moment of their lives," the statement read. "At times, the Houseguests reveal prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone. We certainly find the statements made by several of the Houseguests on the live Internet feed to be offensive. Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a Houseguest appearing on BIG BROTHER, either on any live feed from the House or during the broadcast, are those of the individual(s) speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of CBS or the producers of the program.”
During a 2010 interview, "Big Brother" executive producer Allison Grodner addressed past decisions not to air certain controversial and insensitive comments on the show.
"We always say that these are real people and they are not being censored in there," Grodner told Reality Blurred. "And they have opinions and so forth that we don’t necessarily agree with and condone and want to put out there further, to be honest. We really don’t want to put hateful things out there in our edits. And so for the most part, when this goes down, we keep that out of the show."
End of article
My take:
I absolutely agree with Ragan. If the contestants are saying and doing things, the public needs to know about it, and not just the people who watch the live feed. Especially this season, since the viewers are voting for a "player of the week." If all we see is a sanitized version of what's going on inside the house, our voting is going to be very different from the people who are also watching the live feed. I don't know what the percentage is of the tv viewers who also pay to view the live feed.
Aaryn has projected an image thus far (I haven't seen last night's show yet, by the way) of a fun-loving, competitive, yet seemingly harmless Texas girl, and I would have considered voting for her as a player of the week. Now that I know some of the things she has said, my perception of her has definitely changed.
I know reality tv often isn't very real, but the producers need to get real about this season of Big Brother. The people who watch the show need to see it all - the good, the bad, and the indifferent. And the contestants need to realize that anything they say or do has the potential to air on network television. They did sign a contract clearly stating that there would be cameras and microphones throughtout the house, correct?
librarianintx
The 15th season of CBS' "Big Brother" kicked off just one week ago, and evidently, that's more than enough time to kick off some controversy.
As the new houseguests settled in to their summer home and started bonding with their fellow players, some of them have shown their less-than-TV-friendly sides.
In fact, the worst of the behavior -- which has included undeniably racist, sexist and homophobic remarks -- hasn't even made it to the small screen at all. Instead, live-feed viewers, who pay a subscription to see the events in the house as they happen on the "Big Brother" website, watched the action and uploaded the evidence to YouTube (the clips have since been removed "due to copyright claim by Endemol USA Inc," the production company behind "Big Brother").
The offenses include frequent use of the N-word and gay slurs by more than one contestant and much more. Some of the most shocking comments so far have come from what's shaping up to be this season's "Mean Girls" clique, made up of Aaryn Gries and GinaMarie Zimmerman.
Both Gries and Zimmerman slammed Korean-American housemate Helen Kim behind her back, each saying she should serve them some rice, with Zimmerman adding, "I'm gonna punch her in the face. I'm, like, 'Oh, maybe it'll make her eyes straight."
The two have also bashed African-American contestant Candice Stewart, accusing her of letting her "blackness show." Gries went so far as to warn her in-game ally to watch what she says in the dark because she "might not be able to see the b----."
Various slams from Kaitlin Barnaby, Jeremy McGuire, David Girton and Spencer Clawson have been somewhat less frequent, but just as upsetting to those watching the feeds. But why haven't TV viewers seen or heard any of it?
That's what some fans -- and at least one past contestant -- are asking.
Former "Big Brother" player Ragan Fox, who was part of the season 12 cast, posted an open letter to the production team on his blog.
"Houseguests GinaMarie, Aaryn, and Kaitlin referred to historically marginalized players as 'tokens,'" Fox wrote. "Sadly, they aren’t too far off in their assessment. Characters like Andy (Herren), Candice, Howard (Overby), and Helen are reduced to mere tokens when production fails to include micro-aggressions that they have to endure on a day-to-day basis. What’s the point of casting racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities if production’s going to edit out the racism, ethnic discrimination, and homophobia that these people encounter inside the house?"
Fox went on to explain why he thinks it's so important for CBS to air the offensive footage.
Aaryn Gries. "'Big Brother,' I LOVE you, but, if you really want to provide a groundbreaking twist, SHOW CBS VIEWERS HOW SOME STRAIGHT, WHITE PEOPLE talk about gays, Asian Americans, and African Americans," he said. "Capitalize on the Paula Deen controversy! Hate speech is currently a hot topic in the United States. It would be irresponsible to punt on this issue. What makes Aaryn’s homophobia and racism especially insidious is that it comes packaged in a bright-eyed, pageant-like exterior. I mean, how can somebody so sweet looking spew so much venom? Viewers would have to SEE it to BELIEVE it."
Fans have even started a Change.org petition asking CBS to expel Gries, perceived by many to be the worst offender, from the house. Over 3,600 fans have signed it so far.
As for what, if any, action the network will take, that remains unclear. TODAY.com reached out to CBS for comment about the current controversy, but a statement from the network made no mention of changes.
“BIG BROTHER is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 — and seeing every moment of their lives," the statement read. "At times, the Houseguests reveal prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone. We certainly find the statements made by several of the Houseguests on the live Internet feed to be offensive. Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a Houseguest appearing on BIG BROTHER, either on any live feed from the House or during the broadcast, are those of the individual(s) speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of CBS or the producers of the program.”
During a 2010 interview, "Big Brother" executive producer Allison Grodner addressed past decisions not to air certain controversial and insensitive comments on the show.
"We always say that these are real people and they are not being censored in there," Grodner told Reality Blurred. "And they have opinions and so forth that we don’t necessarily agree with and condone and want to put out there further, to be honest. We really don’t want to put hateful things out there in our edits. And so for the most part, when this goes down, we keep that out of the show."
End of article
My take:
I absolutely agree with Ragan. If the contestants are saying and doing things, the public needs to know about it, and not just the people who watch the live feed. Especially this season, since the viewers are voting for a "player of the week." If all we see is a sanitized version of what's going on inside the house, our voting is going to be very different from the people who are also watching the live feed. I don't know what the percentage is of the tv viewers who also pay to view the live feed.
Aaryn has projected an image thus far (I haven't seen last night's show yet, by the way) of a fun-loving, competitive, yet seemingly harmless Texas girl, and I would have considered voting for her as a player of the week. Now that I know some of the things she has said, my perception of her has definitely changed.
I know reality tv often isn't very real, but the producers need to get real about this season of Big Brother. The people who watch the show need to see it all - the good, the bad, and the indifferent. And the contestants need to realize that anything they say or do has the potential to air on network television. They did sign a contract clearly stating that there would be cameras and microphones throughtout the house, correct?
librarianintx
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
SYTYCD Season 15 July 2, 2013
Really, dance fans?
Alan, Makenzie, and Brittany in the bottom this week?
I am very surprised.
My predictions would have been Mariah, Carlos, Alexis, and Nico. After that, I didn't know. So I was correct on two of the six.
In my opinion, the two strongest solos were performed by the dancers who got cut: Brittany and Carlos. Then Brittany danced a great routine with Blu Print. Of course I loved it - the setting was a library! And Carlos and Mariah took my breath away with their Stacey Tookey contemporary number. Sometimes a dance can really change your opinion of a dancer - or a couple.
No way in hell that Alan belonged in the bottom. There must have been some anomoly in his phone line or something. Makenzie was wonderful in her Viennese Waltz last week. I'm shaking my head.
Okay, I must move on. It's hard every week when the dancers leave. Some weeks are tougher than others.
My faves from tonight:
Jasmine H. and Aaron did it again! Tabitha and Napoleon put together a great routine. I loved the unique moves, and these two have chemistry out the wazoo. This number reminded me of the "cornflakes" dance that TWitch and Sasha danced two years ago.
Jasmine M. and Alan's Tango:
WOW! Mary was right, passion and physicality ignited this dance. Jasmine's dress was amazing. The lifts were beyond amazing. I was breathless by the end of this one. Spectacular.
Amy and Fik-shun's hip hop:
Nappy Tab's was 2 for 2 tonight! This is the most fun routine I've seen on the show in awhile. The choreography was hitting, the song fit perfectly, and Amy and Fik-shun were so into it. Fik-shun was in his element, and Amy kept up with him just fine. I'm still annoyed with Nigel pimping them, but he's right: their winning personalities in combination with their dance skills should keep them in the competition for a long time.
I also agreed with Nigel on Jenna and Tucker's dance. I liked it, and I think Dimitry is a very good choreographer, but it didn't have enough cha cha in it. The choreographers should not be "dumbing down" the routines. And I don't think Jenna and Tucker needed that. Definitely Jenna didn't. She's a ballroom girl. I think Tucker could have handled the hip action of the cha cha. It was fun to see him go from Broadway geek last week to latin lothario this week.
My prediction for the bottom six next week?
I really have no idea!
But here goes: Jade, Nico, Curtis, Malece, Hayley, and Alexis.
I'm not saying they deserve to be! I'm just making a prediction.
librarianintx
Alan, Makenzie, and Brittany in the bottom this week?
I am very surprised.
My predictions would have been Mariah, Carlos, Alexis, and Nico. After that, I didn't know. So I was correct on two of the six.
In my opinion, the two strongest solos were performed by the dancers who got cut: Brittany and Carlos. Then Brittany danced a great routine with Blu Print. Of course I loved it - the setting was a library! And Carlos and Mariah took my breath away with their Stacey Tookey contemporary number. Sometimes a dance can really change your opinion of a dancer - or a couple.
No way in hell that Alan belonged in the bottom. There must have been some anomoly in his phone line or something. Makenzie was wonderful in her Viennese Waltz last week. I'm shaking my head.
Okay, I must move on. It's hard every week when the dancers leave. Some weeks are tougher than others.
My faves from tonight:
Jasmine H. and Aaron did it again! Tabitha and Napoleon put together a great routine. I loved the unique moves, and these two have chemistry out the wazoo. This number reminded me of the "cornflakes" dance that TWitch and Sasha danced two years ago.
Jasmine M. and Alan's Tango:
WOW! Mary was right, passion and physicality ignited this dance. Jasmine's dress was amazing. The lifts were beyond amazing. I was breathless by the end of this one. Spectacular.
Amy and Fik-shun's hip hop:
Nappy Tab's was 2 for 2 tonight! This is the most fun routine I've seen on the show in awhile. The choreography was hitting, the song fit perfectly, and Amy and Fik-shun were so into it. Fik-shun was in his element, and Amy kept up with him just fine. I'm still annoyed with Nigel pimping them, but he's right: their winning personalities in combination with their dance skills should keep them in the competition for a long time.
I also agreed with Nigel on Jenna and Tucker's dance. I liked it, and I think Dimitry is a very good choreographer, but it didn't have enough cha cha in it. The choreographers should not be "dumbing down" the routines. And I don't think Jenna and Tucker needed that. Definitely Jenna didn't. She's a ballroom girl. I think Tucker could have handled the hip action of the cha cha. It was fun to see him go from Broadway geek last week to latin lothario this week.
My prediction for the bottom six next week?
I really have no idea!
But here goes: Jade, Nico, Curtis, Malece, Hayley, and Alexis.
I'm not saying they deserve to be! I'm just making a prediction.
librarianintx
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Big Brother Season 15
I don't have too much to say yet. Looks like another season of predominantly self-absorbed, physically attractive, competitive people, with one or two geeks thrown in for good measure.
McCrae comes across as a visual and social outcast, so I'm not sure why he fought so hard to win HOH. Good for him that he outlasted those buff guys, but why does he want to make enemies so soon? Definitely no one was rushing over to form an alliance with him last night. Unfortunately, several people left a room when he entered. But maybe that's his strategy. Seize power early, demonstrate that he can win challenges, and maybe people will begin to take notice. Anything can happen in Big Brother. Superfan geek Ian won last season.
Texas is representin' in season 15! Aaryn, Candice, Jeremy, and Jessie are all current residents of the Lone Star State, although Candice originally hails from New Orleans.
And who is my favorite so far? Easy answer if you know me: Andy. I love the geeks, especially when they're red-headed. :)
librarianintx
McCrae comes across as a visual and social outcast, so I'm not sure why he fought so hard to win HOH. Good for him that he outlasted those buff guys, but why does he want to make enemies so soon? Definitely no one was rushing over to form an alliance with him last night. Unfortunately, several people left a room when he entered. But maybe that's his strategy. Seize power early, demonstrate that he can win challenges, and maybe people will begin to take notice. Anything can happen in Big Brother. Superfan geek Ian won last season.
Texas is representin' in season 15! Aaryn, Candice, Jeremy, and Jessie are all current residents of the Lone Star State, although Candice originally hails from New Orleans.
And who is my favorite so far? Easy answer if you know me: Andy. I love the geeks, especially when they're red-headed. :)
librarianintx
Abortion Bill Fails in Texas - For Now
http://www.kvue.com/home/Capitol-protesters-help-prevent-vote-on-controversial-abortion-bill-213121161.html
Protesters Help Prevent Vote on Abortion Bill
AUSTIN -- Lt. Governor David Dewhurst is blaming the failure of Senate Bill 5 on hundreds of protesters. The vote for the bill came in just minutes after the midnight deadline, which means it was unable to pass.
Hundreds of protesters exploded in anger just before midnight at the State Capitol when Republicans moved to vote on a bill that has been controversial in Texas and across the United States.
More than 11 hours into a filibuster by Senator Wendy Davis, leaders ended her speech, saying a point she was trying to make was not within the rules. With just 15 minutes left in the special session, Republicans moved to vote on Senate Bill 5, and that's when the gallery erupted. People began shouting and screaming so loud that those there say you couldn't hear the person next to you talking.
There was a vote and Republicans passed the bill. The Senate's website even showed it happened after midnight. Moments later it was changed to say the vote happened on June 25.
There was then more confusion and uproar from Democrats and protesters. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst called a caucus and cleared the gallery.
After three hours he came back to say the vote did not happen before midnight, not before the special session ended, therefore the bill was dead.
Around 3:30 a.m. Senator Davis came out to address the hundreds who supported her in the gallery and through Twitter. Many used the hash tag #IStandWithWendy.
Democrats say they are prepared to continue the battle over this issue.
"Last night you saw 2 or 3 thousand people in the Capitol," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa estimated. "Next time you'll see 10 thousand people in the Capitol making sure that the Republicans don't do this. They're gonna be heard and they're gonna be sure that the Republicans know there are consequences for their dirty tricks and the way they're playing in the Texas Senate today."
Lt. Governor Dewhurst took to Twitter to speak to more than 6 thousand followers just after 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, stating "I pledge to Texas one thing; this fight is far from over".
In addition to the abortion regulations, there are two other bills lawmakers never had a chance to vote on in this historic special session.
End of article
Oh, I wish I could have been there! How great to see the will of the people prevail! Now we need to get Wendy Davis elected governor, and oh how happy we Texans would be!
Well, the Democratic Texans anyway. The people who matter. :)
Unfortunately, this was a short-lived victory. Governor Perry has called a second special session. The bill will pass this time. Very sad that a bunch of lawmakers who advocate so hard against big government are spending taxpayers money to push a bill through that will tell Texas women what they can and can't do with their bodies. Especially Texas women in poverty, who don't have the financial means to travel out of state for needed gynecological care.
#standwithwendy
"Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!"
from "Les Miserables"
librarianintx
Protesters Help Prevent Vote on Abortion Bill
AUSTIN -- Lt. Governor David Dewhurst is blaming the failure of Senate Bill 5 on hundreds of protesters. The vote for the bill came in just minutes after the midnight deadline, which means it was unable to pass.
Hundreds of protesters exploded in anger just before midnight at the State Capitol when Republicans moved to vote on a bill that has been controversial in Texas and across the United States.
More than 11 hours into a filibuster by Senator Wendy Davis, leaders ended her speech, saying a point she was trying to make was not within the rules. With just 15 minutes left in the special session, Republicans moved to vote on Senate Bill 5, and that's when the gallery erupted. People began shouting and screaming so loud that those there say you couldn't hear the person next to you talking.
There was a vote and Republicans passed the bill. The Senate's website even showed it happened after midnight. Moments later it was changed to say the vote happened on June 25.
There was then more confusion and uproar from Democrats and protesters. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst called a caucus and cleared the gallery.
After three hours he came back to say the vote did not happen before midnight, not before the special session ended, therefore the bill was dead.
Around 3:30 a.m. Senator Davis came out to address the hundreds who supported her in the gallery and through Twitter. Many used the hash tag #IStandWithWendy.
Democrats say they are prepared to continue the battle over this issue.
"Last night you saw 2 or 3 thousand people in the Capitol," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa estimated. "Next time you'll see 10 thousand people in the Capitol making sure that the Republicans don't do this. They're gonna be heard and they're gonna be sure that the Republicans know there are consequences for their dirty tricks and the way they're playing in the Texas Senate today."
Lt. Governor Dewhurst took to Twitter to speak to more than 6 thousand followers just after 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, stating "I pledge to Texas one thing; this fight is far from over".
In addition to the abortion regulations, there are two other bills lawmakers never had a chance to vote on in this historic special session.
End of article
Oh, I wish I could have been there! How great to see the will of the people prevail! Now we need to get Wendy Davis elected governor, and oh how happy we Texans would be!
Well, the Democratic Texans anyway. The people who matter. :)
Unfortunately, this was a short-lived victory. Governor Perry has called a second special session. The bill will pass this time. Very sad that a bunch of lawmakers who advocate so hard against big government are spending taxpayers money to push a bill through that will tell Texas women what they can and can't do with their bodies. Especially Texas women in poverty, who don't have the financial means to travel out of state for needed gynecological care.
#standwithwendy
"Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!"
from "Les Miserables"
librarianintx
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance Week 1
I probably won't have time to blog every week, but here's a few comments on week one. I'm not going to talk about each dance, just mention a few of my favorite moments.
1) The group dance number
Absolutely the most innovative creation SYTYCD has ever done. Innovative for this show, not as in "never been seen before" because it reminded me of an opening to an awards show, like the Tony's or the Emmy's. Anyway, I thought it was great. Fun to see Mary and Nigel in on the act as well.
2) Yea for TWO Travis Wall numbers!
The first one was much more memorable to me than the second, but the second one was good too. Wow wow wow to Jasmine M. and Alan...having to be blindfolded on their first dance together! It was an amazing piece, and they danced it beautifully. Unlike Wayne Brady, I WAS super nervous for them, but I have OCD. Anyway, they rocked it. For Jasmine to have that level of faith in Alan so soon...that she would fall backward into the arms of her blindfolded partner...incredible!
3) Jasmine H. rocked her dance as well. Sonya knew what she was doing when she put all those leg extension moves into the routine. What a standout performance! And she and Aaron look great together! I'm happy that Aaron made it on the show, and that he has a strong partner who will soon be known as much more than "Cyrus' ex-girlfriend."
4) I agree with the judges that Hayley and Curtis' hip hop routine was miles better than Alexis and Nico. Surprising to me, because I would think Nigel would want his tapper girl to stick around longer.
5) Wayne Brady was a great guest judge! He was funny and he gushed, but he also showed he knows a thing or two about dancing.
6) The girls stood out more to me than the guys on this first night, but the exception to that would be Jenna and Tucker. I think Tyce's Broadway routine allowed Tucker to outshine his partner.
Overall I think it was a great first night. That first hip hop routine was kind of a dud, and the jive routine was just a'right, but in addition to the performances already mentioned, I really enjoyed the African jazz and Viennese waltz numbers, as well as the final contemporary dance with Amy and Fik-Shun. Fik-shun is already being touted as this year's TWitch, Joshua, Russell, and Cyrus. I think it was presumptuous of Nigel to declare him and Amy Top 4 on Night One, but that's what Nigel does.
librarianintx
1) The group dance number
Absolutely the most innovative creation SYTYCD has ever done. Innovative for this show, not as in "never been seen before" because it reminded me of an opening to an awards show, like the Tony's or the Emmy's. Anyway, I thought it was great. Fun to see Mary and Nigel in on the act as well.
2) Yea for TWO Travis Wall numbers!
The first one was much more memorable to me than the second, but the second one was good too. Wow wow wow to Jasmine M. and Alan...having to be blindfolded on their first dance together! It was an amazing piece, and they danced it beautifully. Unlike Wayne Brady, I WAS super nervous for them, but I have OCD. Anyway, they rocked it. For Jasmine to have that level of faith in Alan so soon...that she would fall backward into the arms of her blindfolded partner...incredible!
3) Jasmine H. rocked her dance as well. Sonya knew what she was doing when she put all those leg extension moves into the routine. What a standout performance! And she and Aaron look great together! I'm happy that Aaron made it on the show, and that he has a strong partner who will soon be known as much more than "Cyrus' ex-girlfriend."
4) I agree with the judges that Hayley and Curtis' hip hop routine was miles better than Alexis and Nico. Surprising to me, because I would think Nigel would want his tapper girl to stick around longer.
5) Wayne Brady was a great guest judge! He was funny and he gushed, but he also showed he knows a thing or two about dancing.
6) The girls stood out more to me than the guys on this first night, but the exception to that would be Jenna and Tucker. I think Tyce's Broadway routine allowed Tucker to outshine his partner.
Overall I think it was a great first night. That first hip hop routine was kind of a dud, and the jive routine was just a'right, but in addition to the performances already mentioned, I really enjoyed the African jazz and Viennese waltz numbers, as well as the final contemporary dance with Amy and Fik-Shun. Fik-shun is already being touted as this year's TWitch, Joshua, Russell, and Cyrus. I think it was presumptuous of Nigel to declare him and Amy Top 4 on Night One, but that's what Nigel does.
librarianintx
Monday, June 24, 2013
George Zimmerman trial
From what I know about the trial, which I admit is not extensive, I'm going to make a prediction. The jury will not find him guilty of murder. He may be convicted of a lesser charge, but if the voice recording analysis is not going to be allowed, I don't think the prosecution will be able to prove murder without reasonable doubt. If we don't know for sure who was screaming, but we do know that Zimmerman had injuries and Martin had the fatal gunshot wound but no other injuries, then self-defense has to a possibility. I don't think it can be ruled out. I'm not saying I agree or like my assessment, but I believe that he will not be found guilty of murder. I also predict that Martin's family will then bring a civil case against Zimmerman, and they might have more success with that trial.
When it comes to this case especially, self defense is an interesting concept. Zimmerman is claiming self defense, right? But he was the one who was following, in effect stalking Martin, who was simply minding his own business, walking home from a convenience store. The fact that he was a black kid in a predominantly white area, walking at night, wearing a hoodie, these facts are what made him an object of suspicion to Zimmerman. And of course Zimmerman has no authority to be following anyone, and was told not to by the 911 operator. Martin was unarmed; Zimmerman had a gun. But Zimmerman is claiming self-defense. If you're a teenager, walking alone at night, and a dude is following you, wouldn't you consider the need for self-defense?
librarianintx
When it comes to this case especially, self defense is an interesting concept. Zimmerman is claiming self defense, right? But he was the one who was following, in effect stalking Martin, who was simply minding his own business, walking home from a convenience store. The fact that he was a black kid in a predominantly white area, walking at night, wearing a hoodie, these facts are what made him an object of suspicion to Zimmerman. And of course Zimmerman has no authority to be following anyone, and was told not to by the 911 operator. Martin was unarmed; Zimmerman had a gun. But Zimmerman is claiming self-defense. If you're a teenager, walking alone at night, and a dude is following you, wouldn't you consider the need for self-defense?
librarianintx
So You Think You Can Dance
In all honesty, I'm more excited about the start of Big Brother when it comes to summer reality tv, but I'm still a SYTYCD fan. I think it will be a good season. I don't remember anyone's name yet, but I think the girls stand out to me more than the guys so far.
Tap is probably my least favorite style of dance, so I'm not thrilled that there are three tappers this season, although I am interested in this season's crop more than usual. The female tapper is quite unique; I enjoyed her audition. And I'm excited for the guy who didn't make it, but then did make it into the Top 20 because someone else had to withdraw due to injury.
I'm also glad both of the animators made it, because I like both of them and couldn't choose between them, but I think they will have a rough road with the choreographers.
Hopefully Adam will be on the panel frequently this season. I liked that he gave a lot of constructive criticism after the first night of dancing. The dancers aren't going to learn and grow if the judges give standing ovations and glow about every performance. And I really like the way Adam gives critiques. He's very liberal with his praise, but he also gives clear, concise instructions on what he feels they need to do to improve.
Hopefully it will be an exciting season of breathtaking dancing and fresh, innovative routines by inspired choreographers.
librarianintx
Tap is probably my least favorite style of dance, so I'm not thrilled that there are three tappers this season, although I am interested in this season's crop more than usual. The female tapper is quite unique; I enjoyed her audition. And I'm excited for the guy who didn't make it, but then did make it into the Top 20 because someone else had to withdraw due to injury.
I'm also glad both of the animators made it, because I like both of them and couldn't choose between them, but I think they will have a rough road with the choreographers.
Hopefully Adam will be on the panel frequently this season. I liked that he gave a lot of constructive criticism after the first night of dancing. The dancers aren't going to learn and grow if the judges give standing ovations and glow about every performance. And I really like the way Adam gives critiques. He's very liberal with his praise, but he also gives clear, concise instructions on what he feels they need to do to improve.
Hopefully it will be an exciting season of breathtaking dancing and fresh, innovative routines by inspired choreographers.
librarianintx
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Vacation
What a great vacation!
--I welcomed my new baby, a Samsung Galaxy S4, swaddled in a pink case (of course!)
--slept late
--spent time at my favorite hangouts, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks
--indulged in the amazing chocolate mousse at Ciro's
--got an awesome mani and pedi
--found some pretty summer dresses online (hope they fit!)
--and most importantly, did all this with two of the best people ever.
librarianintx
--I welcomed my new baby, a Samsung Galaxy S4, swaddled in a pink case (of course!)
--slept late
--spent time at my favorite hangouts, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks
--indulged in the amazing chocolate mousse at Ciro's
--got an awesome mani and pedi
--found some pretty summer dresses online (hope they fit!)
--and most importantly, did all this with two of the best people ever.
librarianintx
Friday, June 07, 2013
Life coaches commit suicide
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/06/us/new-york-life-coaches-suicide/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
"Two life coaches who hosted a radio show called "The Pursuit of Happiness" apparently committed suicide together in their Brooklyn apartment, police said.
Motivational speaker John Littig, 48, and his common-law psychotherapist wife, Lynne Rosen, 46, were found with plastic bags over their heads and a tube attached to a canister of helium, according to police.
Two suicide notes were found, police said. ..."
Wait...what?? They were life coaches?!?! Suicide is tragic anyway, but to think that these two people spent their lives trying to help others achieve happiness, when they were obviously so broken....how terrible. I'm shocked, but I guess I shouldn't be. They say that comedians can be some of the most miserable, messed-up people, and they spend their time trying to make everyone laugh.
librarianintx
"Two life coaches who hosted a radio show called "The Pursuit of Happiness" apparently committed suicide together in their Brooklyn apartment, police said.
Motivational speaker John Littig, 48, and his common-law psychotherapist wife, Lynne Rosen, 46, were found with plastic bags over their heads and a tube attached to a canister of helium, according to police.
Two suicide notes were found, police said. ..."
Wait...what?? They were life coaches?!?! Suicide is tragic anyway, but to think that these two people spent their lives trying to help others achieve happiness, when they were obviously so broken....how terrible. I'm shocked, but I guess I shouldn't be. They say that comedians can be some of the most miserable, messed-up people, and they spend their time trying to make everyone laugh.
librarianintx
Oklahoma weatherman
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/06/us-usa-tornadoes-meteorologist-idUSBRE95506S20130606
A well-respected weatherman in Oklahoma is receiving critcism for urging residents in the path of a violent tornado to leave their homes and head south by car. Many people believe that he is the reason why there was a huge traffic jam on the main highway. So far as least twenty people died that day, and several of the dead, including a mother and baby, were in their cars, trying to flee the tornado.
Weathermen have always urged people to seek sturdy shelter during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. An interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, or a basement, are the best places to be during a tornado. But after an EF5 tornado decimated part of Moore, Oklahoma less than two weeks earlier, and many of the dead were in those supposedly safe areas, weather experts have started to say that sheltering is no longer good enough during a tornado of that magnitude. Many are now stating, "A direct hit by an EF5 tornado is unsurvivable."
My thoughts on this:
People in the path of an EF5 tornado are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Staying in your home may kill you; trying to leave may kill you. It's really difficult to know what to do. If you have enough warning, leaving might be the right option. But you have no idea how many other people are also trying to leave. And a tornado can both change direction and vary in strength. It can be an EF5 for awhile, then weaken, then re-strengthen.
I think putting all the blame on this one weatherman is unfair. There were other weathermen saying the same thing. And not everyone on the highway was there because they heard someone on tv tell them to do it. Some decided on their own. Some were on their way home from work, or somewhere, and didn't know how bad the weather was going to get. Forecasters had been talking about impending storms, but they blew up very quickly. The weather had been sunny and hot just a short time earlier.
EF5 tornadoes are not a new thing. But to have two in the same state, in the same part of the state, in less than two weeks - that is unusual. Maybe it was just an oddity. Or maybe it's a sign of our worsening climate problems.
Someone said to me the other day, "Anyone who lives in Oklahoma who doesn't have a basement or a storm shelter or a safe room is crazy." Did they stop to think how many people in Oklahoma can't afford a storm shelter or a safe room?" Safe rooms aren't cheap. And many houses in the state don't have basements because the ground is too hard.
librarianintx
A well-respected weatherman in Oklahoma is receiving critcism for urging residents in the path of a violent tornado to leave their homes and head south by car. Many people believe that he is the reason why there was a huge traffic jam on the main highway. So far as least twenty people died that day, and several of the dead, including a mother and baby, were in their cars, trying to flee the tornado.
Weathermen have always urged people to seek sturdy shelter during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. An interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, or a basement, are the best places to be during a tornado. But after an EF5 tornado decimated part of Moore, Oklahoma less than two weeks earlier, and many of the dead were in those supposedly safe areas, weather experts have started to say that sheltering is no longer good enough during a tornado of that magnitude. Many are now stating, "A direct hit by an EF5 tornado is unsurvivable."
My thoughts on this:
People in the path of an EF5 tornado are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Staying in your home may kill you; trying to leave may kill you. It's really difficult to know what to do. If you have enough warning, leaving might be the right option. But you have no idea how many other people are also trying to leave. And a tornado can both change direction and vary in strength. It can be an EF5 for awhile, then weaken, then re-strengthen.
I think putting all the blame on this one weatherman is unfair. There were other weathermen saying the same thing. And not everyone on the highway was there because they heard someone on tv tell them to do it. Some decided on their own. Some were on their way home from work, or somewhere, and didn't know how bad the weather was going to get. Forecasters had been talking about impending storms, but they blew up very quickly. The weather had been sunny and hot just a short time earlier.
EF5 tornadoes are not a new thing. But to have two in the same state, in the same part of the state, in less than two weeks - that is unusual. Maybe it was just an oddity. Or maybe it's a sign of our worsening climate problems.
Someone said to me the other day, "Anyone who lives in Oklahoma who doesn't have a basement or a storm shelter or a safe room is crazy." Did they stop to think how many people in Oklahoma can't afford a storm shelter or a safe room?" Safe rooms aren't cheap. And many houses in the state don't have basements because the ground is too hard.
librarianintx
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Survivor: Fans v Favorites
I know I'm several weeks late, and this is old news now...
but...
YEA COCHRAN!! CONGRATS!!
I'm a big Cochran fan. I was a fan last season as well as this season. I love watching superfans play the games they love. I was so happy when Ian won Big Brother last summer. And now Cochran has won Survivor. He outwitted, out played, and out lasted tough, buff Malcolm, Eddie, and Reynold; beautiful Aundrea and Brenda; and at times emotionally unstable Dawn. He won with a unanimous vote, took four individual challenges, masterminded the blindsides of Aundrea and Brenda, and made sure he took two women to the final tribal council with him who were the least deserving to win the million dollar prize.
While its obvious that I absolutely think Cochran deserved to win, I do understand the arguments of his critics. Cochran was very lucky in many respects. Malcolm didn't find another hidden immunity idol. Cochran outlasted Eddie in a challenge because he (Cochran) paid for an advantage during the Survivor auction. Aundrea got blindsided with an idol in her pocket. Brenda let Dawn win a challenge, which resulted in her blindside. And Eric had to leave the game due to illness. If Brenda or Eric had made it to the final tribal council, Cochran might not have won.
But that's the great thing about Survivor. Malcolm said it himself during the reunion. ANYONE can win Survivor. Anyone. In fact, its often NOT the brawny tough guy that wins. This year, it was the pasty, nerdy, formerly social awkward Harvard law student that took the prize. And I am thrilled. Way to go Cochran! By your example, we see that dreams can come true, using our powers of intelligence, perseverance, and learning from previous missteps.
librarianintx
but...
YEA COCHRAN!! CONGRATS!!
I'm a big Cochran fan. I was a fan last season as well as this season. I love watching superfans play the games they love. I was so happy when Ian won Big Brother last summer. And now Cochran has won Survivor. He outwitted, out played, and out lasted tough, buff Malcolm, Eddie, and Reynold; beautiful Aundrea and Brenda; and at times emotionally unstable Dawn. He won with a unanimous vote, took four individual challenges, masterminded the blindsides of Aundrea and Brenda, and made sure he took two women to the final tribal council with him who were the least deserving to win the million dollar prize.
While its obvious that I absolutely think Cochran deserved to win, I do understand the arguments of his critics. Cochran was very lucky in many respects. Malcolm didn't find another hidden immunity idol. Cochran outlasted Eddie in a challenge because he (Cochran) paid for an advantage during the Survivor auction. Aundrea got blindsided with an idol in her pocket. Brenda let Dawn win a challenge, which resulted in her blindside. And Eric had to leave the game due to illness. If Brenda or Eric had made it to the final tribal council, Cochran might not have won.
But that's the great thing about Survivor. Malcolm said it himself during the reunion. ANYONE can win Survivor. Anyone. In fact, its often NOT the brawny tough guy that wins. This year, it was the pasty, nerdy, formerly social awkward Harvard law student that took the prize. And I am thrilled. Way to go Cochran! By your example, we see that dreams can come true, using our powers of intelligence, perseverance, and learning from previous missteps.
librarianintx
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Big Brother
This was arguably one of the best seasons of Big Brother. This installment had it all: epic fights, an ejection, a few crushes, a showmance, crazy competitions, and some of the most shocking blindsides the game has ever seen.
In the end, Ian, the boy wonder / superfan came away with the win. He was up against former coach Dan, who has already won once. Dan played one of the dirtiest games in Big Brother history, possibly worse than Evil Dick and Dr. Will. An outspoken Christian who often read the bible while in the house, Dan swore on that bible, as well as on his wife's life, his wedding ring, and promised his father's gold cross to a player as he backstabbed, blindsided, and lied his way through the season. I was very happy to see that the jury did not reward Dan's bloody play with a win. In fact, the only vote he received from the seven members was from Danielle, who in my opinion will need intensive therapy to recover from her obvious case of Stockholm Syndrome. Yes, Dan was her coach, and he did help her get far in the game. But how do you still vote for someone who tricked you into getting your "boyfriend" evicted from the house, convinced you to give up on the first of the three part final HOH competition, AND found out during the live show that Dan made a pact with both herself and Ian to get to the final two, when just the day before he swore that all of his evildoing was so she, his "protege", could win the grand prize. I do understand that Big Brother is just a game. And its a social game and a mind game as much as it is a physical game. But I just don't agree with swearing on the bible and your loved ones lives in order to get to the end.
In my opinion, Ian played the best game. He won four HOH's, and I believe two POV's. He had to get his hands dirty; he had to make some big moves. He broke his alliance with Boogie and Frank to join the "Quack Pack," and he had to put his crush, Ashley, on the chopping block, which resulted in her eviction. Although I didn't really want to see Dan make it to the final two, I absolutely understand why Ian chose him. After all, if Dan had not blindsided Shane, Ian would have been out of the game. Plus, Ian had a better chance of winning against Dan than Dani. If it had been Danielle and Ian in the finals, I believe that at least Frank, Shane, and Dan would have voted for Danielle. I think it would have been a very tough choice for Brit and Ashley.
I was happy to see Frank win the fan favorite award. Also a supfan of the show, Frank fought hard to stay in the game, constantly winning POV's so he could save himself after being nominated multiple times.
And in the final live show, Mike Boogie redeemed himself in my eyes with his praise of Ian. Boogie was more than a little immature in my opinion when he was blindsided, in large part due to Ian being the mole of the Quack Pack. But last night he was very classy in his comments to and about Ian.
Thanks for a great season, Big Brother!
librarianintx
In the end, Ian, the boy wonder / superfan came away with the win. He was up against former coach Dan, who has already won once. Dan played one of the dirtiest games in Big Brother history, possibly worse than Evil Dick and Dr. Will. An outspoken Christian who often read the bible while in the house, Dan swore on that bible, as well as on his wife's life, his wedding ring, and promised his father's gold cross to a player as he backstabbed, blindsided, and lied his way through the season. I was very happy to see that the jury did not reward Dan's bloody play with a win. In fact, the only vote he received from the seven members was from Danielle, who in my opinion will need intensive therapy to recover from her obvious case of Stockholm Syndrome. Yes, Dan was her coach, and he did help her get far in the game. But how do you still vote for someone who tricked you into getting your "boyfriend" evicted from the house, convinced you to give up on the first of the three part final HOH competition, AND found out during the live show that Dan made a pact with both herself and Ian to get to the final two, when just the day before he swore that all of his evildoing was so she, his "protege", could win the grand prize. I do understand that Big Brother is just a game. And its a social game and a mind game as much as it is a physical game. But I just don't agree with swearing on the bible and your loved ones lives in order to get to the end.
In my opinion, Ian played the best game. He won four HOH's, and I believe two POV's. He had to get his hands dirty; he had to make some big moves. He broke his alliance with Boogie and Frank to join the "Quack Pack," and he had to put his crush, Ashley, on the chopping block, which resulted in her eviction. Although I didn't really want to see Dan make it to the final two, I absolutely understand why Ian chose him. After all, if Dan had not blindsided Shane, Ian would have been out of the game. Plus, Ian had a better chance of winning against Dan than Dani. If it had been Danielle and Ian in the finals, I believe that at least Frank, Shane, and Dan would have voted for Danielle. I think it would have been a very tough choice for Brit and Ashley.
I was happy to see Frank win the fan favorite award. Also a supfan of the show, Frank fought hard to stay in the game, constantly winning POV's so he could save himself after being nominated multiple times.
And in the final live show, Mike Boogie redeemed himself in my eyes with his praise of Ian. Boogie was more than a little immature in my opinion when he was blindsided, in large part due to Ian being the mole of the Quack Pack. But last night he was very classy in his comments to and about Ian.
Thanks for a great season, Big Brother!
librarianintx
Thursday, August 16, 2012
So You Think You Can Dance
Wasn't a fan of last night's show. They had the dancers re-create some of choreographer Mia Michael's most famous performances from previous shows. I understand that dances are often performed by various dancers, just as plays and musicals have different actors. But the dances they chose to re-create are so iconic...I identify the original dancers so much with the pieces, that the re-creations fell flat for me, even though I think this season's cast is just as talented as previous dancers. For me, no one can perform "The Bench" like Travis and Heidi did; I don't want to see anyone but Katee and Twitch dance "The Door." Kupono wasn't necessarily my favorite dancer in his season, but the intensity, the fire, the evil he brought to his portrayal in "Addiction"...as amazing as Cole is, he did not bring that same level of performance for me. He did it for Mary Murphy and for Nigel, but not for me. Even the "Butt Dance," which was never a favorite of mine, and Randi and Even were not my favorites in their season, while I adore Amelia and Will...even with that dance, Randi and Evan did it better. So I was disappointed. And very sad to see Amelia and Janelle get eliminated, although I'm a big fan of Lindsay too.
librarianintx
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Glee Project results
I thoroughly enjoyed this season of the Glee project. I thought the cast was refreshingly diverse and uber-talented, and I really could see all of them as characters on Glee. Their group numbers were superior to last season's cast in my opinion. Basically I was pleased with the top 3 contestants, although I thought Lily deserved to be in the finale as well.
I thought I would be happy with whoever won, because I think all three showed themselves to be hard-working, accomplished individuals. But there was definitely one person I was rooting for, and she didn't win.
When Kevin McHale was cast as Artie, Ryan Murphy and company defended their decision to hire an able-bodied person to play a person with a disability by explaining that they were unable to find a person with a disability who could act, sing, and dance. On this season of the Glee Project, they found that person. Ali is beautiful; has a Broadway-style voice; could play a heroine, a manipulator, or a combination, and more than kept up with the choreography on the show. She never used her disability to get out of tough situations, like the slushie shoot, or the grueling gym video. She won the homework assignment multiple times, and was the only contestant to never be in the bottom. She only had to do a last-chance performance one time, and that was when all the contestants had to perform. Ali sailed through every part of the competition - studio work, choreography, and video shoots. Her fellow contestants adore her, the judging team recognize her talent, and she is easy to work with and takes direction well, unlike some of the other people this season.
I hope other opportunities happen for Ali. She is so talented, but the road is tough for a performer with a disability. I congratulate Blake, and I think he will do a good job on Glee. He is a very good actor, and will be popular.
I wish Ryan would consider hiring some contestants from this season for at least short-term roles, and see how they do. In my opinion, people like Ali, Lily, Aylin, Dani, Charlie, Abraham, Nellie, and Mario are what Glee is all about - being a little different and finding your place in the world. Look at what happened with the season one Glee Project cast. Alex, who was a runner-up, arguably made a bigger splash and had a much more compelling storyline than co-winner Damian. It has already been announced that Damian will not return for season four, but there's been no word yet on Alex.
librarianintx
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Anxiety
The only good thing about a day of anxiety...the one redeeming quality of a long, frustrating, emotional day...is when I become aware that the anxiety has finally retreated. Sometimes I can actually feel it slink away, usually when I am in bed, my body finally becoming more fluid, my stomach and leg muscles no longer rigid, my mind no longer racing to worst case scenarios, my heart easing into a natural rhythm. Other times, it disappears without me noticing because I have been able to focus on something else. In times like those, I suddenly become aware of the changes in my body and mind, and I smile and say to myself, "All right. I've survived it again." No matter how it happens, its a cause for quiet celebration each time. And moments to reflect and remind myself, "See...you are always stronger that it is. You will beat it every time. It will never win. No matter how much it twists your body into knots or causes your mind to ruminate, you will make it through to the other side." Is it worth all the hard stuff, to have those few moments of feeling at least relatively proud and strong? I'm not sure it's exactly worth it. It's definitely not an even trade off. But its better than never feeling proud or strong at all.
Last night my girls saved me. As they have done many times before. Concentrating on their energy, their enthusiasm, their uninhibited, fearless zeal for life, I climbed aboard their train of teenage giddiness and left my blanket of anxiety on the tracks. Unfortunately, I woke up this morning once again swaddled in that familar cloak. But I know I'll make it through, and at some point in the day I will realize I have shed that straightjacket once again.
librarianintx
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Time managment
I listened to a webinar at work a few weeks ago on time management. That is the aspect of my job that I struggle with the most. Well, actually, public speaking is the hardest for me. But time management is second on the list.
The webinar gave me a lot to think about. Procrastination is a big enemy in my life, and not just at work. There are many reasons for procrastination, and all of the ones the presenter mentioned affect me at one time or another: fear, boredom, perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed, poor planning. Procrastination results in stress, sloppy work, and is a waste of time and energy. It makes me feel unproductive and bad about myself.
I'm also learning to recognize time wasters in my work day. Facebook is the biggest culprit. We are only supposed to check Facebook on our work computers during breaks or before 8 am. But of course I have Facebook on my phone. I also have other distractions on my phone, like Scramble, or Words with Friends. And personal e-mail. And texting. I don't do any of this excessively. But a few minutes here or there add up, and also make it hard to re-focus on work.
My inner ear disorder also complicates the situation; it can affect my concentration, energy level, focus, mood, and anxiety level. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, imbalance, and nausea. This was not mentioned in the webinar, but I think even the food I eat affects my work performance. Bread is known as a breakfast staple, but bread, especially the kind I prefer, breaks down into sugar in my body, and can contribute to fatigue and poor concentration. I'm trying to eat more protein in the morning - hard boiled eggs, cheese cubes, and vegetarian sausage.
Finally, I'm going to try structuring my day according to my energy peaks and valleys. I tend to have a dip around 11 - noon most days, and during that time I plan to do something more physical and less mental. Something that would require moving around more - unpack boxes, shelve books, file periodicals, organize my cubicle. The presenter also stressed the importance of taking regularly scheduled breaks. I rarely take a scheduled break, because 1) I only work part time, and 2) I take a minute here and a minute there during my work day. Taking a scheduled break will help keep me on task and make me feel organized. We are allowed one fifteen minute break for every four hours of work, and I work five or more hours per day.
The one piece of advice the presenter made that I excel at is to be a list maker! :)
librarianintx
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Productivity
I was amazingly productive yesterday, and it felt SO GOOD! Considering it was my first day back at work from a week's vacation, AND it was a Monday, you would think that everything went wrong yesterday, but it didn't.
One new thing I did yesterday - I read during the trip to and from work. Unfortunately this resulted in mild bouts of carsickness, but I did it anyway. I started reading Fifty Shades of Grey on my nook in the morning, and read a bit more of that in the afternoon. I got to page 55, which is quite a feat for me. I'm not a faster reader, but somehow I am able to read more quickly on the nook, and with better comprehension. Then on the way home I continued reading Mennonite in a Black Dress, which I have been trying to finish for months and months.
It felt great to read that much in one day. And I think because I didn't just sit in the car and do nothing, I got to work feeling more energized and ready to work. I had good focus during the work day, and was nicely productive. I finished the day with thirteen hash marks for requests completion, and a lot of work put toward a big request that I should be able to finish today.
I also had time to journal a bit yesterday, type up a few brief reviews on Goodreads, and write a card to my younger cousin Katherine at camp. I unloaded the dishwasher, did my daily chores, watched the new episode of Push Girls, and was in bed by 11.
Of course there were things I didn't do that I should have. I didn't do my breathing exercises. I didn't do any exercising. But let's focus on the positive. It was a good, successful day. I'm happy. And my drought-plagued city got rain for the second day in a row!!!!
librarianintx
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Little accomplishments
A few days ago I was able to open two jars.
I successfully cleared a paper jam in the copier at work.
And I figured out how to use my vaccum cleaner for the first time.
Little moments that mean a lot.
It feels so good not to have to ask anyone for help.
Not that there's anything wrong with needing help sometimes. We all do.
But self-sufficiency still feels great.
librarianintx
I successfully cleared a paper jam in the copier at work.
And I figured out how to use my vaccum cleaner for the first time.
Little moments that mean a lot.
It feels so good not to have to ask anyone for help.
Not that there's anything wrong with needing help sometimes. We all do.
But self-sufficiency still feels great.
librarianintx
Friday, February 24, 2012
You are what you eat...and do
Interestingly, since I made that last post I think I have improved in at least one or two of those areas. I still don't get enough exercise, but it's on my list of things to do. I am very grateful that at least for right now I seem to be in a good sleeping pattern. I still don't get to bed on time, but I am sleeping through the night more than I was. Two nights this week (during the work week) I got full night's sleep on the bipap. Oh, it feels so good!
And I have eaten pretty good this week. Well, better at least. I had vegetable soup yesterday for lunch. And two nights this week I had spinach salad. It boggles my mind that I am eating spinach salad. I never liked any form of spinach, and I rarely ate salad because of chewing issues. Now I do ruin some of the nutrition by eating it with a good amount of ranch salad dressing, but at least it's light dressing. Spinach salad with tuna. YUM.
And I have been getting some good fruit in too, thanks to my wonderful roommate. He made smoothies twice this week. Blueberries, peaches, strawberries, orange juice, plus almond milk and flaxseed. SO healthy for me, and delicious too!
I have also been pretty good this week about taking my multi-vitamin and D supplement. I was quite tired earlier in the week, but I also had a very busy weekend and I worked a conference on Monday and Tuesday.
A friend likes to say that caring for your health is like a full time job. It can be, especially if you have health issues. Little changes can really help though.
Now I need to work on reducing my sugar intake. Too many oreos. :)
librarianintx
And I have eaten pretty good this week. Well, better at least. I had vegetable soup yesterday for lunch. And two nights this week I had spinach salad. It boggles my mind that I am eating spinach salad. I never liked any form of spinach, and I rarely ate salad because of chewing issues. Now I do ruin some of the nutrition by eating it with a good amount of ranch salad dressing, but at least it's light dressing. Spinach salad with tuna. YUM.
And I have been getting some good fruit in too, thanks to my wonderful roommate. He made smoothies twice this week. Blueberries, peaches, strawberries, orange juice, plus almond milk and flaxseed. SO healthy for me, and delicious too!
I have also been pretty good this week about taking my multi-vitamin and D supplement. I was quite tired earlier in the week, but I also had a very busy weekend and I worked a conference on Monday and Tuesday.
A friend likes to say that caring for your health is like a full time job. It can be, especially if you have health issues. Little changes can really help though.
Now I need to work on reducing my sugar intake. Too many oreos. :)
librarianintx
Monday, January 02, 2012
Ways to boost energy levels
from Real Age:
1) sleep
2) exercise
3) stay hydrated
4) cut back on sugar
5) spend time in the sun
6) sip tea
7) increase magnesium intake
8) power nap
9) eat mini meals
Number nine is the only one I'm currently successful at. :/
But I'm working on some of the others.
librarianintx
1) sleep
2) exercise
3) stay hydrated
4) cut back on sugar
5) spend time in the sun
6) sip tea
7) increase magnesium intake
8) power nap
9) eat mini meals
Number nine is the only one I'm currently successful at. :/
But I'm working on some of the others.
librarianintx
Monday, October 31, 2011
Lyrics
"I love the time and in between
the calm inside me
in the space where I can breathe
I believe there is a
distance I have wandered
to touch upon the years of
reaching out and reaching in
holding out holding in
I believe
this is heaven to no one else but me
and I'll defend it as long as I can be
left here to linger in silence
if I choose to
would you try to understand
I know this love is passing time
passing through like liquid
I am drunk in my desire...
but I love the way you smile at me
I love the way your hands reach out and hold me near...
I believe...
I believe
this is heaven to no one else but me
and I'll defend it as long as
I can be left here to linger in silence
if I choose to
would you try to understand
Oh the quiet child awaits the day when she can break free
the mold that clings like desperation
Mother can't you see I've got
to live my life the way I feel is right for me
might not be right for you but it's right for me...
I believe...
I believe
this is heaven to no one else but me
and I'll defend it as long as
I can be left here to linger in silence
if I choose to
would you try to understand it
I would like to linger here in silence
if I choose to
would you understand it
would you try to understand..."
"Elsewhere" by Sarah McLachlan
from the album "Fumbling Toward Ecstasy"
I may have posted these lyrics before. I know they have had a lot of significance to me since I first heard them. Someone played the song for me again yesterday. The words washed over me once more. More than any other song, this one defines me, explains me, describes me...empowers me.
librarianintx
the calm inside me
in the space where I can breathe
I believe there is a
distance I have wandered
to touch upon the years of
reaching out and reaching in
holding out holding in
I believe
this is heaven to no one else but me
and I'll defend it as long as I can be
left here to linger in silence
if I choose to
would you try to understand
I know this love is passing time
passing through like liquid
I am drunk in my desire...
but I love the way you smile at me
I love the way your hands reach out and hold me near...
I believe...
I believe
this is heaven to no one else but me
and I'll defend it as long as
I can be left here to linger in silence
if I choose to
would you try to understand
Oh the quiet child awaits the day when she can break free
the mold that clings like desperation
Mother can't you see I've got
to live my life the way I feel is right for me
might not be right for you but it's right for me...
I believe...
I believe
this is heaven to no one else but me
and I'll defend it as long as
I can be left here to linger in silence
if I choose to
would you try to understand it
I would like to linger here in silence
if I choose to
would you understand it
would you try to understand..."
"Elsewhere" by Sarah McLachlan
from the album "Fumbling Toward Ecstasy"
I may have posted these lyrics before. I know they have had a lot of significance to me since I first heard them. Someone played the song for me again yesterday. The words washed over me once more. More than any other song, this one defines me, explains me, describes me...empowers me.
librarianintx
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Quote from the book Mennonite in a Black Dress
"Is it ever really a waste of time to love someone, truly and deeply, with everything you have?"
Mennonite in a Black Dress is about a woman who goes back to live with her Mennonite parents after her husband of fifteen years leaves her for a man he met on gay.com.
I really like this quote. It has become my philosophy. Regret is as useless in life as worry. Everyone in your life and everything you do in life serves a purpose. Some people come and go and some remain constant for decades, but each person you come in contact with is or was in your life for a reason. Every human being, every situation is meaningful in some way. Some relationships are positive, some are negative, some start out good and end badly, and vice versa. Your life is comprised of experiences, and each one is designed to teach you something.
Your likes and dislikes, your hobbies, what you're passionate about...all of this changes and evolves as you go through life. You might be a Trekkie, or a huge fan of the band Bon Jovi, or you might read every Twilight book ever published. And then you become interested or passionate in something else. And you might think, "Oh, it was silly of me to be so interested in..." "I wasted so much time and money on this." But it wasn't a waste. It was meaningful to you at the time. It brought you happiness and excitement. It made you a part of something. It gave you a sense of belonging. It made you think and feel. You may have even made friends who shared your interest. Why should any of this be considered a waste?
Same with relationships. I have never been through a serious break-up or a divorce, thank goodness. And I can certainly understand how there can be regret in such situations. Regret and pain and lots of second guessing. But it sure would be nice if even in such times of hurt, we can look back on the relationship and remember the love that was there, and always believe that love is never a waste of time.
librarianintx
Mennonite in a Black Dress is about a woman who goes back to live with her Mennonite parents after her husband of fifteen years leaves her for a man he met on gay.com.
I really like this quote. It has become my philosophy. Regret is as useless in life as worry. Everyone in your life and everything you do in life serves a purpose. Some people come and go and some remain constant for decades, but each person you come in contact with is or was in your life for a reason. Every human being, every situation is meaningful in some way. Some relationships are positive, some are negative, some start out good and end badly, and vice versa. Your life is comprised of experiences, and each one is designed to teach you something.
Your likes and dislikes, your hobbies, what you're passionate about...all of this changes and evolves as you go through life. You might be a Trekkie, or a huge fan of the band Bon Jovi, or you might read every Twilight book ever published. And then you become interested or passionate in something else. And you might think, "Oh, it was silly of me to be so interested in..." "I wasted so much time and money on this." But it wasn't a waste. It was meaningful to you at the time. It brought you happiness and excitement. It made you a part of something. It gave you a sense of belonging. It made you think and feel. You may have even made friends who shared your interest. Why should any of this be considered a waste?
Same with relationships. I have never been through a serious break-up or a divorce, thank goodness. And I can certainly understand how there can be regret in such situations. Regret and pain and lots of second guessing. But it sure would be nice if even in such times of hurt, we can look back on the relationship and remember the love that was there, and always believe that love is never a waste of time.
librarianintx
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