Hallelujah, Paramore

Guess what's coming out this Friday? Toy Story 3. This is the first movie that I really have wanted to see this summer.

Top 3 reasons I am excited for this movie:

1) I am not sure why, but I have vivid memories associated with seeing the other two movies. When I saw the original feature I went with my friends Tyler and Britney. Somehow we decided to skip school, and conned one of our parents to drop us off in Scare Valley. We shopped at Media Play, and then proceeded to the movie theatre. You may not believe that I wasn't always pop culture knowledgeable, but before going into the movie, I had no idea what the movie was about. As I sat watching the opening sequence of the movie, I thought it was lame and that the graphics were awkward. By the end, I was in love with this new tale of two best friends.

2) It's Pixar, which means there is high quality in their story-telling and they actually want you to feel something*. I often think that I hide my heart by an igloo built around it. Because of this, very few things make me feel an emotion. *Not added to this list are Cars, Incredibles, Wall-E, and Finding Nemo. Snooze-ville.

One of the "feels" from the previous movies have been the relationship with toys and their owners. Going back eons ago, I sat and considered if my action figures would hate me if I stopped playing with them. I seriously thought they would be sad and that I would be forgotten in their eyes. I had issues with this for a while, but thanks to the Toy Story movies, this feeling of lost identity was released.



3) Thanks to my cousin with crazy connections, we were able to tour the Pixar Studio and see how it works. From the tour I learned that the animators are hard workers, but know how to play hard as well.One of the fun things that impressed me was their cafeteria that provides food anytime of the day! Also they set up a museum-like area from their next feature production. At the time it was Toy Story 3, so I am excited how the artwork, sketches, and fun projects translate to the movie.

Un-thinkable (I'm Ready), Alicia Keys

Every now and then I am reminded how humanity and my own character is changing. I speak to a fair amount of people around the world every day. Some are good, while others need a refresher course from the Book of Virtues. Today's was thanks to a woman in Nebraska. Upon taking the call I noticed that she was speaking individual muffled syllables separated by seconds between. I had a hard time understanding her and instantly became annoyed and thought of how I could write her off. I asked several questions asking what she was calling about because the only word I could understand was Or-der-ed.

I then decided to listen harder and her 15 second message was life-changing. "Th-anks for the Or-der." Instantly I was ashamed of my disgruntled thoughts towards this wise woman. In some ways it reminded me of Susan Boyle's audition. I was expecting a horribly flawed person, but quickly realized the judgment was a reflection of who I am. 'It's moments like this that remind me that while the world may be falling apart there will always be the kind person to help it.

To the woman in Nebraska, thank you for making my day and changing my mind and heart.

Blind, Ke$ha

Typically the topics in my mind's Rolodex are pop culture or music based, but this week I have done deeper thinking than I usually do:

• I really am grateful to those that believe in protecting and serving our country. I don't think that I mentally, physically and emotionally could handle it. It really takes a special kind of person to do this. Because of my feelings, I think "don't ask, don't tell," should be repealed. Simply broken down, if a person desires to be in the military, they should be allowed to.
  

• The oil spill sponsored by BP is one hot mess. I have always enjoyed nature and the protection of it. As a corporation with a product that massively endangers the environment, you had better come up with a plan quickly. I fully support the government sending an invoice to BP. They have created a huge problem and it sometimes appears that they are somewhat lax in getting a resolution put in place. For example, believing that putting golf balls and old tires down the pipe will stop an oil leak? This isn't the "making time for those things that are important" object lesson. Two sources of info that helped me with knowing how gigantic a problem are: CNN's summary of the oil spill from day one here. Also check out this site that compares how big the spill is to your state.
  

• Everyday I try to catch a little bit of talk radio into my radio schedule. The other day I heard an advertisement from a political commentator speak about how kids need to get into homeschooling. I brought this hot topic up in my office and we had a good discussion on it. In short, I think that many people can't handle the time, discipline, and the mess that homeschooling requires. I also think that it stunts one's social growth drastically. If you are to homeschool it is better to do it in the 2nd to 4th grade of elementary school than K-12.

• I can't leave a pop culture topic out can I? A good friend and I were discussing Mariah Carey's alleged pregnancy rumor, which brought us onto the topic of celebrity kids. We both commented that the kids of Hollywood icons are becoming another type of celebrity monsters and only have their vain parents to thank. Take Will and Jada Smith. Several of their children have engaged in movie or singing roles. I realize that because their parents are famous helps them break into the business, but as a parent I wonder if I would subject my kids to the paparazzi, critic's tireless rants, and the dangerous paparazzi. Yes I don't know the full story on the kids but I have to think that exposing your kids for publicity can't be good for their well being. I am also curious to see what the lil celebrities, eventually do in life. Will J-Lo's twins become fashion designers and rappers? Will Suri Cruise become an Academy Award winner? Only time will tell...

So that's my rant. You may agree/disagree with what I said, and I would love to hear why. What hot topics are on your mind?

Belief, John Mayer

1. Sunchips -- the best food to take on a picnic.
2. Summer music makes my soul shimmy.
3. I love/hate flip flops. I love them but hate that I stub my toes!
4. To love someone is not always easy to do.
5. On the summer to do list: Take a long hike.
6. When I crave food, it's usually fried or incredibly manufactured. Fries Anyone?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having nothing planned, tomorrow my plans include a visit to the pool and Sunday, I want to zzz!

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/

There is a Light That Never Goes Out, The Smiths

On the second day of New York we got to experience Times Square. A part of town that is crowded like Disneyland on a bad summer day, but the spectacle is so worth it.
Our morning started by taking the subway to Times Square. Once I walked out of the station and onto the street I was amazed at all the signs and how tall it is.

Jon and I decided that we were pretty hungry so we found a small store and bought a toasted bagel with butter, and a fruit parfait. Surprisingly its simplicity was amazing and really good.

We then headed out to explore the area. With a stop at the M&Ms store (similar to the Vegas one), American Eagle, and the Hershey's store, we had crossed off the tourist part of our list.




It was then about time to go to our show, Chicago. Thanks to a good friend, I had seen the movie a few nights before our trip, and I have to say it made the musical easier to enjoy. The show starred Michelle Williams aka 1/3 of Destiny's Child who was an amazing singer, and somewhat of a good actress. Part of this is due to the childish and crazy role Roxie Hart. What I loved about the show was the consistency of black and red, the Fosse inspired dance numbers, the simplistic set design, and the singing was incredible. We had an excellent cast for the Saturday matinee.


After the show we went out and decided it was time for lunch at Carnegie Deli. My traveling adventurer and I decided to split a sandwich and both decided that the beef brisket was a good choice. I loved how stacked the sandwiches were, and the fact we got to sit next to random strangers. We happened to sit next to a British family, and then a couple that spoke Spanish. One hilarious moment of our trip was that our waiter had such a heavy accent that we could not understand a single word he said. What made this better was that the two groups of diners next to us had a harder time understanding him. Turns out we just nodded to what he said, and if a similar statement was made we asked him to say it again. Only in NYC!




After our late lunch we had no idea what to do, so we decided to try out for the Wicked raffle. What happens is that you line up and enter your name for a choice of 1 or 2 tickets. Most often these seats tend to be ultimate front row (or close to it) for only $25-ish a ticket. You must pay in cash, so make sure to have it in hand, and you must be present at time of drawing with an ID in your name! Jon and I had seen the Wicked previously so we didn't have a strong desire to see it, but if we won tickets we wouldn't object to it. There was about 50-75 people that had entered, and as fate would have it, we didn't get our names drawn.



The following are details about Broadway Raffles and Cheap Tickets for Students:

SHOW	Raffle Begins prior to Curtain
Hair	2.5 Hours
In the Heights	2.5 Hours
Million $ Quartet	2.5 Hours
Next To Normal	1.5 Hours
Rock of Ages	2 Hours
West Side Story	2.5 Hours
Wicked	2.5 Hours
Behanding	When Box Office Opens
American Idiot	2 Hours
Lend Me a Tenor	When Box Office Opens
Sondheim on Sondheim	When Box Office Opens

Student Tickets:

South Pacific: 1 per student, $20, 2 hours prior to start time.
Sondheim on Sondheim: 1 per student, half price seats, half hour before curtain.
Promises Promises: 2 per student, $30 each, limited, get when box office opens.
Mary Poppins: 1 per ID, $30, when box office opens.
Billy Elliott: 2 per ID, $40.00, 2 hours before curtain TUES, WEDS, THURS only.


We decided to kill some time off of a tip I had been given. In the Times Square Visitors Center you can ask the front desk for some tissue paper to write a wish on. All these wishes are then put on display for 24 hours, and added to the confetti they use for New Year's Eve! I think it's a cool way to help celebrate and make your wish come true.


We then walked briskly over to the Rock of Ages raffle and entered. There was little to no people there and we had a good feeling about it. Turns out that my name got drawn, so we got to Constantine from American Idol in all his glory. Our seats were on the first row of the balcony and were pretty impressive. The show was okay and not something that one would see twice. The musical is filled with rock ballads from the 80's, and multiple inside jokes from that decade. Also there was little to no dancing, unless you count the multiple strip teases that are part of the story line.




After the show, we were pretty hungry so we ventured to Ellen's Stardust Diner which was in Times Square. Who knew that heaven was on the earth. At the diner they have amazingly good food, with ridiculously fun entertainment. All the waiters and waitresses are Broadway bound superstars who perform the entire time! You can even request your favorite songs from musicals, or any hit song. I requested some Lady Gaga but apparently their Gags only works breakfast. BUT they did have one of their waitresses sing the popstar smash song, "...Baby One More Time." I loved it so much I could not help but shimmy and sing along. Sure enough the waitress singing came over to our table and we sang to each other. When you go, make sure to request a table on the main floor in the middle, since this is where all the action takes place! This whole experience is a MUST do if you visit NYC, especially if you have a fun group that likes to sing or dance!



Late Show with David Letterman is just down the street from Ellen's Stardust Diner!



On our way out of Times Square, I loved the way majestic glimmer of smiles looking up and being mesmerized by the glow of the lights. Times Square truly is a magical, yet commercial, place!

Got Me, She & Him

This is going to be a Tyra classic aka Tyssic! File it under reason # 433 "Why I like Tyra."

I promise the whole thing is worth it!

City Love, John Mayer

Earlier this year I was deciding on what to do for spring break. I talked to my friend Jon and he mentioned the incredible flight deals for New York. Several hours later we booked our seats (less than $230 round trip) and were all set for the big apple! Double the points because it was through Jet Blue (my favorite air provider)!

We decided that it would be best to take a red eye flight, that way we have a full day the following day. I have never been on a flight that took off in the just before midnight, that eventually landed in the early morning. It was quite the experience.

Usually I can sleep anywhere, but for whatever reason once we boarded the plane, I could not sleep on the flight. I took a sleeping aid, had a pillow, and a seat next to the window but could not fully fall asleep. At one point I almost passed out, but had heard the steward asking if people needed drinks. I raised my hand and asked for a water because I was thirsty. Several minutes went by and he brought various drinks to the other passengers. I thought he had run out of space on his tray, so I was expecting him to come back to bring me water. Alas 20 min had passed and I never got the water. So I continued to wrestle comfort all night while trying to fall asleep. The morning came fast, and soon enough we were landing at 5:30 A.M Friday morning.

The dark city greets us!

Jon and I collected our belongings and proceeded to the line of taxis. For whatever reason I thought a taxi ride would be more exciting than what it was. I expected speeded blurs with near misses of other cars. Only the latter seemed to be true. Seat belts were needed! As we drove through the city to our hotel, I was amazed at how close the tall buildings were. It really was a city, and not a small segment of a downtown metropolis.

We landed at our 4 star hotel (Doubletree Metropolitan), and decided to freshen up a bit since we couldn't check into our hotel. After checking in our luggage at the hotel, we decided to venture out into the city of wonder.

Our first destination was to see the Statue of Liberty. Thanks to a hot app on Jon's iPod touch (and his good navigational skills), we were able to navigate the subways very well. We landed at the bottom of the island, and rather than waiting to take a ferry out to see the historic monument, we decided to chill on a bench while taking in the sight. For whatever reason, I thought the Statue of Liberty would be bigger than what it was. I was expecting it to be the size of a multi-tiered skyscraper. I think that movies and television lie about it's size. :(

The national treasure from France

After stopping at the statue, we decided to hit the pavement to find Ground Zero. We walked several blocks until we got to the site of the terror that occurred on September 11th, 2001. I didn't know what to expect, but it was just a huge construction site with signs designating the arrival of the memorial that was going to be built. I think perhaps they should have built the memorial first, then the new skyscraper, 1 World Trade Center. (I recently saw a 60 Minutes piece on how numerous problems are delaying the building, and many are wondering if it will even be accomplished).

What WTC currently looks like.

We then continued northward, and stopped to eat at a little shop called 'Wichcraft. The restaurant was created by one of the judges from Bravo's Top Chef. I had one of their fried egg sandwich with bacon, gorgonzola & frisée sandwich on ciabatta roll. It was quite tasty and the perfect pick me up! As we sat in the cafe, I loved looking at all the business people venturing around. It seemed that many were in their 20s or 30s and all seemed driven. Also we saw several dog walkers and kids going to school. I think it would be extremely difficult to be in high school in the city. It seems like so many distractions would get in the way, that I would never make it to class.

No black magic involved in making my 'wichcraft breakfast!

After a late breakfast we took off to see little Italy and little China. Both of which felt unique because it was like we were transported to a foreign country. At one point we got tired and found this little plaza in the middle of little China. It was fun to sit and watch the people.

The guy in the statue helped stop the drug trade in Chinatown.


The view as we sat in China Town

By this time it was the afternoon. We decided to go to Brooklyn Bridge to walk across. A while later, we were so tired and I was somewhat grumpy that we decided not to. Instead we walked to the discount tickets booth near the bridge. We waited an hour and once the booth opened we got tickets to two shows. Fuerza Bruta that night, and Chicago the next day. Because we were tired we decided to go back to the hotel and try to take a nap in their lobby. Once we got there we noticed several people were checking in, and sure enough we were able to (total miracle for two tired travelers)! We got our bags and checked out our hotel room. Instead of two full beds, there was a single queen. We tried to work out a solution, but the Doubletree had issues on fulfilling their promises, but when you are tired you can sleep anywhere.

Hours later we woke up in just enough time to hit the streets for taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. We walked to Rockefeller Center and looked around. We ventured into St. Patricks cathedral, which had recently celebrated St. Patricks Day. It was very cool to see the high ceilings and the hundreds of candles honoring different saints. Also we sat in the pews and I discovered that when you are long-legged there is no need for for the knee rest, because I can sit on the bench and still have my knees touch the ground. :)

St. Patricks

Candles lit for one of the Saints.

30 Rock minus Kenneth

We saw where they filmed the Today show, the ice skating rink, and even Felicity's Dean and Delucca! Also while were walking around I noticed a guy on his cell phone. I did a double take and noticed it was the guy from "Take Home Chef" and the current season of Celebrity Apprentice. I pointed this out to Jon, and as we tried to remember his name, he walked back inside the nearby building. Turns out it was Curtis Stone... he also is the chef on the Biggest Loser.

Mr. Stone Himself



Waiting for Felicity and Ben... But they were a no show.

It came time to line up for the tv taping. I love going to TV shows and seeing how they film the show, the celebrities, and the free swag they give. Jimmy's show didn't disappoint. Since his SNL days I have thought he was hilarious and is a personal favorite of mine. From watching his show, I think it's a blended cocktail of daytime talk show (cool games, celebs), and late night (different feel of show, crazy jokes). We got to see funny and bleeping Ted Danson, greatest songwriter of the past decade Kara Dioguardi, and the electro band The XX. We also got free shirts since it was March Madness for Siena College (funny because they had already lost before the taping but we had to pretend that they hadn't played yet).


After Jimmy we raced to our show for the night. Rather than taking a taxi we decided to hit the pavement. I am glad we did because we saw several art installations in buildings. In one there was a touch screen wall. I decided it was perfect for a photo shoot so we took some photos.



When Jon and I had heard about this show, it sounded crazy so we knew we would love it. It's an interactive performance art piece that starts with a guy on a treadmill, which then goes to a giant clear slip and slide feet above your head (tall people duck), and ends with a dance party. On America's Next Top Model, they did a photo shoot of the slip and slide part so I was familiar with that element. The show was somewhat spiritual and had a liberating message, although that message is entirely interpretive as there is no story line. It was a really fun show where the actors interact with you, and you become part of the show. Not to be missed.

This is the fun-hot-mess that was on the floor as we danced! Ke$ha would have bathed in all the confetti glitter!

This was a highlight of the show... Dance party with glitter and confetti!

The worlds largest slip and slide!

After the show we took off for some dinner, and eventually decided for some Italian food at the nearby Osso Buco. It was a small and inviting restaurant with unique Italian food. I had the delizioso meat ravioli. We drank so much water with our food that our waiter must have thought we were crazy. After eating we took the subway back to our hotel, and fell asleep.

Tomorrow, Annie

While I am tinkering away on a new project please enjoy this video. Because Tomorrow is only a day away?!

Memories Can Weigh You Down, Up Soundtrack

As of late I think I am having serious brain loss. This isn't meant to be a , "haha he is so funny post," but more of a serious problem. During several conversations I forget what I am trying to say, or forget the word that I wanted to use. Also within the past year or so, as I read I can remember what I read, but the moment I put the book down, I could not tell you what I read. This even goes for once I finish a book.

I wonder if this is a problem with my short term memory? How do I fix this? Do these things happen to you on a frequent basis? How do you remember things you read or view?

While you think, I love love love this video... I just bought Up on DVD for $6.00 @ Target!

Voice on the Radio, Marie Digby

Early in my childhood I used to listen to a radio station that was meant for kids. "Imagination Station" aka KKDS ruled the airwaves at my house. To me the station was similar to Mary Poppins. As kids the radio kept us doing our chores on Saturday, we would call in and be rewarded for being knowledgeable, and the station put us to bed as it went off the the air around 10 PM.

Much of my personality has resonated from listening:

• I learned how to redial into radio stations to win contests, and the best way to call them (Not the local number). I remember answering a trivia question that required me to name all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... I thought I was cool.
  
• I learned about Drugs and Alcohol through the D.A.R.E. program that they aired on Tuesday nights. This later made me want to join a high school club that went around to various elementary schools to teach them about the same principles.
• The pop music greatly enhanced my music taste, and has helped me determine what songs have the chance to become a hit.
• I got to see my childhood idol in concert, thanks in part to winning tickets to see Shari Lewis in Concert. Growing up I was obsessed with Lamb Chops Play-Along. It was memorable to see Shari on stage singing and entertaining the crowd. There was the giant Lamb Chop that came on stage and that was somewhat terrifying...
  

As all good things do, the station changed formats and eventually floated away as the umbrella shaped airwaves rose into the air