"Hey, send it in to overtime .."

Buffalo Wild Wings. I've never been a real fan. Your wings aren't that good, to be honest. Your restaurants are all gimmicks, and now you have the absolute worst commercial on TV, ever. And thanks to the lovely TiVo/DVR invention (genius) I usually don't have to watch many commercials. But with sporting events, like the NCAA tournament, I am forced to. And you play that commercial EVERY GD commercial break. It's enough to make someone want to hurl their slipper at the TV. And Steve would kill me for that. But it would be your fault stupid camera guy, flashing the opposing team with your ridiculous flash. I'm not even putting up a link. I like you all too much.


Along those lines - the Tourney this year - what a snore. No real upsets. Almost everyone is a 1-4. The games haven't been great. What a bore if it's all four #1's again. I hope you all got a chance to watch the World Baseball Classic instead which was just about the most fun I've had this year watching sports. GREAT baseball. I've heard rumors they may not do it again, which would be too bad. I guess that means Japan is forever the world champion.


On to Vegas ..

I'm sure most of you have read my Facebook status. It was not my favorite trip. But it's the place. I've been there before, and it's never quite gotten to me like this. I don't gamble, don't bet, don't club and when the weather is roughly 55 the entire trip, it's just not the place for me. THEHotel was amazing and beautiful and Steve and I ate very, very well. But, never, ever again.

Steve and I at the Hoover Dam. One of the highlights actually.

The biggest highlight. The best diner on the planet - the Peppermill. A must I think if you're in Vegas. Sit at the bar. The waitresses are hilarious.

"Next stop, Vegas please .."

Steve and I will be heading off this weekend to stay in TheHotel - connected to the Mandalay Bay. Steve is there for work but I need a vacation, in a big bad way. This is generally time for a spring training visit to Phoenix, or a wedding, but this year all we could make work was Vegas. I'm really excited - though I don't gamble a lick. So tell me - what are your favorite places in Vegas?? I'll have a lot of exploring time ..

Yayyy Andrea (Megan Corkrey). Still going strong. Her version of "Walking After Midnight" was one of my favorite performances last week. I just love her. She's such a breath of fresh air after the karaoke set we usually see. I like that the show is rewarding talent that's not pre-determined by today's pop standards. Her voice is unique. She's a little off. And I love her for it all.

Can someone - anyone, please explain why the Harem is apparently in-style with Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores). Why would any women choose to do this to her legs? And in the process - shell out $178 to do so? The next person I see wearing these - I promise you - I will chase them down to see if their pants catch air and they fly away. Make. It. Stop.

Probably my favorite commercial on television right now. Dustin Pedroia arguing his batting capabilities for MLB '09:The Show for Play Station. If you've been watching the WBC at all - I'm sure you've seen it. I don't know why - but even the fact he starts out with, "Dear Playstation" makes me laugh.

Stunning

Pretty sure I have nowhere to wear this necklace but I literally stumbled over myself when I saw it. I love the store Mali, they have the most unique pieces.


You know what else is stunning? My dessert from Bandera, lunch with L on Tuesday. I have no clue what I had for my actual lunch. It was all a blur once the House Made Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches. (Not bad for a camera phone picture)

My life would really suck without Kelly Clarkson

I downloaded the new Kelly Clarkson two nights ago and I am just in awe - it is even better than I thought it would be. I really liked My December but I know it was too dark for some people. All I Ever Wanted is a barrage of different types of music - with a lot of the same messages. "Whyyawannabringmedown" has a great punk feel. In "I Want You," she plays the girl-group retro-pop vibe perfectly. "Don't Let Me Stop You" shows she hasn't abandoned the rock style she clearly loves. And apparently "I Do Not Hook Up," was written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuadia and Katy Perry. I also enjoy "Cry" which again, shows the girl can sing, and enjoys her country roots. "All I Ever Wanted" sounds like it's using an Abba song as the chorus, but I haven't been able to figure out which one (Gina?). Download this CD. Quickly.

When the cover for Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” was released Kelly Clarkson posted the following blog in response, “it’s very colorful and they have definitely photo-shopped the crap out of me but i don’t care haha! whoever she is, she looks great ha!”

It's just refreshing, for once. Little girls who listen to pop music should have some alternative singers to listen to and watch - besides the size 2 LA Barbie dolls.

(The Bird and the Bee)

Fast forward to my latest mix for anyone interested. March 2009. J told me that it was all one mood, and my playlists almost never are. "It had a I'm Riding in my Yacht to Wherever the F*ck I Want To Go feel."

1. No You Girls / Franz Ferdinand
2. My Love / The Bird and the Bee
3. Back In Your Head / Tegan and Sara (Tiesto remix)
4. Sweet Dreams / Beyonce
5. Puppets / Atmosphere
6. Embrace the Martian / Crookers
7. Down Boy / Yeah Yeah Yeahs
8. Get Used to It / The Brand New Heavies
9. People Got a lotta Nerve / Neko Case
10. A Dustland Fairytale / The Killers
11. F-king Boyfriend / The Bird and the Bee
12. Gravity / Sara Bareilles
13. Fix It / Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
14. Absolutely Clear / Action Painters
15. Cemetery Walk / Umphrey's McGee
16. Lost! Coldplay / Jay-Z
17. St. Peter's Day Festival / Ra Ra Riot
18. Landslide / Stacey Kent

Side note - Tracy Jordan and Kelly Clarkson are doing SNL this weekend. I'm looking forward to actually laughing during an SNL this year. Did anyone see 30 Rock last week? They made an entire episode based on Harry and the Hendersons.

"This morning it hit me in the shower why the Hendersons named him Harry. That film has layers." Jack

Have a happy weekend.

And people said we'd hang clothes on it ..

Note: We actually use the treadmill all the time. I would say I'm on it 3-4 a week and Steve 1-2. Even Vinney walks on it - at about 1.0, but he gets bored quickly if you don't have treats.

But, this made me laugh and we all need some laughter today.

Some very sad news I feel compelled to mention, if only to remind people what a large problem neglect is with animals. We had a foster dog that came to us, very sick. We all got to meet her at the all volunteer meeting. She went in for surgery the next day, went home, and did not make it very long after. Her foster parents (ie - angels) tried everything they possible could to keep her alive but her little body just couldn't handle it. It was a very sad day for rescue, and animals alike. Mariska was very young - and never had a fair chance.


You can help by visiting the Chicago English Bulldog Rescues website, or by remembering to support *your* local shelter. Volunteer, become a foster, become an advocate for animals. Like my friend J says, speak up for them, they can't speak for themselves.

For those of you who don't know (you must not read this blog very often) our dog Vinney is a rescue and was bounced around several homes before coming to his forever home with Steve and I. I can't imagine our life without him and George. If it had never been for the rescue, and their drive and motivation to take in dogs when their owner no longer wants them, or could not care of them, we would never have met our "special" guy - Vinney.

Give your pet a good rub today, they're usually right in your direct path anyway ..

Anoop-dog and Andrea

It's that time of the year again people. Idol time. The country has picked some *questionable* people so far for the Top 12. Last night the judges pushed eight people through to compete for the wild-card spot. Tonight they sing and the *judges* will pick the top 3. This, I hope means good things. Simon brought back the best two.



First off - Anoop has a great voice. He totally pulls off R&B. And what is with the lack of diversity this year?? I was surprised about Ju-not. But I am excited for Anoop. I hope he rocks it tonight, I think he will.



Then we have Andrea - aka Megan Cockrey. Megan has no shot winning this thing because American Idol is really only pop (and one country star - who is pretty pop when you really think about it). Wouldn't it be great to have an artist who is unique and talented?!? And won't always be on the Top 40?!? I guess not. At any rate, Andrea's twin is one of my favorites. I hope she makes it.