This post and link come courtesy of Meevs, who actually saw the memorable, but sad Ben Kweller performance live at Austin City Limits last week (so jealous!). Poor Ben had a bloody nose that just wouldn't stop. Watch a clip of his set. I'm going next year; who's coming with me!?
Sep 23, 2006
LastCall
I'm clearly not as tech savvy as some people think I am, as I'm only now catching wind of DCists's LastCall (beta), a text-messaging service that puts access to Metro times, concert listings, movie times, and weather updates at your fingertips.
Basically, for you DC-area folks, store 202-299-7949 in your cell phone, send a text message with your inquiry using some key phrases, and within a couple minutes you'll get a response. I tested it with "weather" this morning and it actually works!
See the original DCist post for all the details and instructions. No need to call your friend and have them queue up moviefone.com or have an unexpected 15 minute metro wait any longer!
Basically, for you DC-area folks, store 202-299-7949 in your cell phone, send a text message with your inquiry using some key phrases, and within a couple minutes you'll get a response. I tested it with "weather" this morning and it actually works!
See the original DCist post for all the details and instructions. No need to call your friend and have them queue up moviefone.com or have an unexpected 15 minute metro wait any longer!
Sep 20, 2006
Tales from the grocery store
Now that I'm living on my own, I've been doing more grocery shopping than usual (whether I'm buying fresh produce or Totino's Pizza is none of your business) and encountering all the interesting trials of the modern day supermarket.
The other night I was at the store ready to check out when I realized that at prime grocery time on a Monday night, they only had about two real people cashiers, and the rest were self check-out or just closed. This was ridiculous! Everyone knows I love the self check-out as much as, if not more than the average kid who loves playing "store," but when my item count exceeds 30 or so, it's a bit much to handle and I get kinda anxious about the whole experience.
Am I moving fast enough? Am I "that" customer? I hope this doesn't break so I don't have to call over an attendant and hold up the line. There's the pressure of finding your barcode while the person behind you is analyzing your every move. Then of course when you've finished the transaction, your food items are all in a big clump at the end of the short conveyer belt; meanwhile the next customer has begun scanning his items which are beginning to race toward your own. It's all a big mess, basically, and I've begun to resent this activity that I used to enjoy so much.
I also encounter big issues of indecision when it comes to purchasing a simple item... say, mustard. I'm standing in the condiment aisle and staring back at me are dozens of mustard styles and brands, when all I want is some straight-up deli mustard. Naturally, the one that I usually buy is out, so I'm faced with a dilemma. I'll literally stand there for 5 minutes analyzing all the bottles and types and ingredients until I come to no conclusion at all and grab whatever bottle is the prettiest (good methodology, I know).
The other grocery store issue is the courtesy card. A couple weeks ago in the Washington Post Magazine I read a brilliant column on this card that often seems to cause more annoyance than good. It's a story everyone can relate to. Then again I did save $15.39 on my last order, so I guess I'll be sticking with it for a while. I really am a brilliant bonus card shopper -- who can resist Breakfast Lean Pockets at 2/$5?
Finally, there's the parking lot. I arrive at my car to load up all my groceries, and by the time I get there another car is already on deck to take my spot. Talk about feeling rushed! I calmly load everything into my car, then decide to abandon my grocery cart right there rather than wheel it across the parking lot to where it belongs. Of course, I get punished for this as it slowly wheels its way directly into the bumper of my car the moment I am buckled in the driver's seat. So I end up in a panic that I'm going to have a runaway grocery cart doing damage to a whole row of cars, when I should have just parked it correctly in the first place.
As you can see, I really know how to turn an everyday activity into an anxiety-inducing adventure. Who knew shopping for food could be so stressful?
The other night I was at the store ready to check out when I realized that at prime grocery time on a Monday night, they only had about two real people cashiers, and the rest were self check-out or just closed. This was ridiculous! Everyone knows I love the self check-out as much as, if not more than the average kid who loves playing "store," but when my item count exceeds 30 or so, it's a bit much to handle and I get kinda anxious about the whole experience.
Am I moving fast enough? Am I "that" customer? I hope this doesn't break so I don't have to call over an attendant and hold up the line. There's the pressure of finding your barcode while the person behind you is analyzing your every move. Then of course when you've finished the transaction, your food items are all in a big clump at the end of the short conveyer belt; meanwhile the next customer has begun scanning his items which are beginning to race toward your own. It's all a big mess, basically, and I've begun to resent this activity that I used to enjoy so much.
I also encounter big issues of indecision when it comes to purchasing a simple item... say, mustard. I'm standing in the condiment aisle and staring back at me are dozens of mustard styles and brands, when all I want is some straight-up deli mustard. Naturally, the one that I usually buy is out, so I'm faced with a dilemma. I'll literally stand there for 5 minutes analyzing all the bottles and types and ingredients until I come to no conclusion at all and grab whatever bottle is the prettiest (good methodology, I know).
The other grocery store issue is the courtesy card. A couple weeks ago in the Washington Post Magazine I read a brilliant column on this card that often seems to cause more annoyance than good. It's a story everyone can relate to. Then again I did save $15.39 on my last order, so I guess I'll be sticking with it for a while. I really am a brilliant bonus card shopper -- who can resist Breakfast Lean Pockets at 2/$5?
Finally, there's the parking lot. I arrive at my car to load up all my groceries, and by the time I get there another car is already on deck to take my spot. Talk about feeling rushed! I calmly load everything into my car, then decide to abandon my grocery cart right there rather than wheel it across the parking lot to where it belongs. Of course, I get punished for this as it slowly wheels its way directly into the bumper of my car the moment I am buckled in the driver's seat. So I end up in a panic that I'm going to have a runaway grocery cart doing damage to a whole row of cars, when I should have just parked it correctly in the first place.
As you can see, I really know how to turn an everyday activity into an anxiety-inducing adventure. Who knew shopping for food could be so stressful?
Sep 13, 2006
How bout 'dem Apples?
Apple today announced its latest update to the iPod line, which includes a newly shrunken Shuffle and a gorgeous new Nano available in five colors in the scratch-resistant aluminum shell made popular by the phased-out Mini.
Then again, there's always the 80 gig (that's right, 80!!) iPod to support not only your giant music collection, but for all the new movies -- and games!! -- Apple is now offering through iTunes. It was only a matter of time before they got into the movie market, but at $12.99 to $14.99 a pop, what I imagine will be extremely long download times, the potential for battery drain, and of course the idea of watching a 2 hour movie on a 2.5" screen, I'm guessing most people will stick to Netflix. Then again, now that I'm a Metro rider, I can appreciate a good way to pass the time on the morning commute. Tetris, anyone??
Sep 12, 2006
Garden State II?
The Last Kiss, a new twentysomething movie starring Zach Braff, The O.C.'s Rachel Bilson, and MTV Real World's Jacinda, among others, is set for national release this Friday, September 15.
Through some casual web/blog surfing, I came across a great blog post regarding what may be the formula for a successful Zach Braff film. Sure, this is only his second movie, and he actually doesn't receive writing credit on this one, but these ten accurate comparisons show that he may have had some influence...
See the trailer. And if you're me, you'll probably go watch the movie anyway. Even if it plays out like a Garden State sequel, at least I know I can expect some good music. And oh come on, as an unofficial candidate for the quarterlife crisis, I can totally relate to Braff's perfected "Who am I?" act. Check out his newly unveiled website for other musings. The guy is all Hollywood now yet somehow he's a more frequent blogger than I am.
Through some casual web/blog surfing, I came across a great blog post regarding what may be the formula for a successful Zach Braff film. Sure, this is only his second movie, and he actually doesn't receive writing credit on this one, but these ten accurate comparisons show that he may have had some influence...
See the trailer. And if you're me, you'll probably go watch the movie anyway. Even if it plays out like a Garden State sequel, at least I know I can expect some good music. And oh come on, as an unofficial candidate for the quarterlife crisis, I can totally relate to Braff's perfected "Who am I?" act. Check out his newly unveiled website for other musings. The guy is all Hollywood now yet somehow he's a more frequent blogger than I am.
Sep 10, 2006
Quick hits
Just a quick post to promote some great music I heard over the weekend. I went to the Velvet Lounge Friday night for The Roosevelt's EP release party/show. These guys are friends of Molly's brother and I know at least half of them personally. They are great people and also great musicians. Stream some of their tracks at myspace, or visit their website directly for more. It's solid and catchy stuff.
Opening for The Roosevelt that night was an act called Vandaveer, who I found out is actually a guy named Mark Charles Heidinger. Anyway, this guy was incredible. He played quiet and simple acoustic guitar tunes and let his soothing voice carry lush and memorable melodies. Check out his myspace immediately for a sample track.
Sorry for the brevity of the post; twas a long weekend and I'm completely spent!
Opening for The Roosevelt that night was an act called Vandaveer, who I found out is actually a guy named Mark Charles Heidinger. Anyway, this guy was incredible. He played quiet and simple acoustic guitar tunes and let his soothing voice carry lush and memorable melodies. Check out his myspace immediately for a sample track.
Sorry for the brevity of the post; twas a long weekend and I'm completely spent!
Sep 5, 2006
Big News!
This year's Labor Day Weekend was fantastic and memorable, beginning with some indoor relaxation in Sea Girt, and ending with a great day of tennis at the U.S. Open. But all who were there know this weekend's highlight was Friday's big announcement that Huan and Molly are officially engaged!!
I'll say it again in case your eyes didn't catch it the first time: Huan and Molly are engaged!
After keeping the proposal a secret from Molly for at least 2 weeks (which -- believe me -- was difficult, especially when you consider my entire family knew!), Huan decided not to wait any longer and to pop the question upon arrival in Sea Girt on Friday afternoon.
So on a completely deserted beach with Ernesto's stormy weather threatening, my brother made a very romantic proposal and asked Molly to be his wife!
It's still a bit of a shock to me even though I knew it was coming. After all, I've seen Huan through everything, and here he is making this very important grown-up decision.
But I am definitely very happy for them, and I'm especially looking forward to having Molly as my future sister-in-law!
Since I'm not completely wired these days, I'll refer you to Huan's Flickr album for the rest of the photo set!
I'll say it again in case your eyes didn't catch it the first time: Huan and Molly are engaged!
After keeping the proposal a secret from Molly for at least 2 weeks (which -- believe me -- was difficult, especially when you consider my entire family knew!), Huan decided not to wait any longer and to pop the question upon arrival in Sea Girt on Friday afternoon.
So on a completely deserted beach with Ernesto's stormy weather threatening, my brother made a very romantic proposal and asked Molly to be his wife!
It's still a bit of a shock to me even though I knew it was coming. After all, I've seen Huan through everything, and here he is making this very important grown-up decision.
But I am definitely very happy for them, and I'm especially looking forward to having Molly as my future sister-in-law!
Since I'm not completely wired these days, I'll refer you to Huan's Flickr album for the rest of the photo set!
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