Tootles 2008!

Farewell 2008. It's been real and it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun...

Hopefully I will be able to leave 2009 with a feeling of more accomplishment than I leave 2008 with.

It's always nice to have a fresh start, right?

Very Entertaining Site

Website I am currently wiling away the hours on? veryshortlist.com

Very Short List is very very cool. It's perfect for the cubicle-bound (or those who say they are seriously going to finish cleaning their apartment on Tuesday night, but end up doing a whole lot of...nothing productive).

Why not learn about the meaning of psychological abnormality, or a hilarious website that makes fun of adorable animals , or how to induce your very own visual dilusions ALL on ONE website!?

I'm here to help [you waste time].

AKA "obstinatefools.org"

I came across "'Watermelon Roll': More Racism from 'Team Sarah'" on the Huffington Post today and by the end of it, I realized I was grinding my teeth...

There's this Palin-tastic website called teamsarah.org and apparently there's been more posts about Obama than Palin herself- many of which have racist undertones. Surprise, surprise, right?

Anyway, I had to check this site out for myself and I have to say that I am currently being VERY entertained by the live chat. They are currently talking about Caroline Kennedy and someone just referred to her as a "third rate clown". (Now, I don't know about you, but Caroline never really seemed very clownish to me. Question her qualification all you want, but a clown? Hilarious.) I have yet to see an intelligent exchange in this chat...

Needless to say, the teeth grinding has stopped and the head shaking/giggling has commenced.

FYI: Tom Cruise is Hot Again

Has anyone noticed that Tom Cruise has been looking hot again lately?
(Don't get me wrong, I still think he's a little nut ball.)

I used to think Tom Cruise was the handsomest man alive. Looking back now, I realize that I probably liked the small man with boyish looks because I was between the ages of 5 and 14 at the time. Oh, and he wasn't obviously CRAZY yet.

It's the White House Christmas video!




I'm speechless.

Prop 8: The Musical

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

My View

Sunrise on Lake Michigan. November, 2008.

Lucky me.

Chicago Cares

I've been getting Chicago Cares emails for awhile now, but just like everything else in my life, it's taken me awhile to actually get moving on volunteering with them.

What is Chicago Cares? Their website sums it up pretty nicely...
"Since 1991, Chicago Cares has been inspiring individuals to serve our community by creating and leading original volunteer programming that addresses our community’s most pressing educational, environmental and social service needs. Whatever your passion, Chicago Cares has a group service project that aligns your interests with the needs of the community! "

If you're looking to do some volunteer work, I highly recommend using CC as a resource. Every month they post a calendar of various events that need volunteers and all you have to do is contact the coordinator of the event and you're in! I worked with them for the first time just this last weekend at a Sunday dinner in Rogers Park. It wasn't far from me at all and I met some really cool people. It was definitely the highlight of an already eventful weekend.

Check it out, peeps!

Au-some

I have to share Summer Heights High with y'all! It's an Australian show and it is PURE brilliance! It's shot as a "mockumentary" with comedian Chris Lilley (creator and writer of the show as well) playing the three main characters in an Australian public high school. I have to give big props to Rachael for bringing this back from the land of Oz.

The link I included is just the trailer, but I think if you're the kind of person that appreciates things that are outrageous, smart and hilarious, you'll want to see more.

Enjoy!

(Youtube search for clips. I'm pretty sure you have to download entire episodes.)

Freakin' Gooooood

I just started reading Freakonomics last week and it's faaaaaascniating. I'm not done yet, but as I read I keep thinking that I wish they'd keep writing this books because this approach can be applied to pretty much anything! Well, today I realized there's a Freakonomics Blog on the New York Times website. Check it out! It's good, smart stuff!

Rotten Apple

Computer hunt follow up...

Sorry Mac lovahs, I'm going with a PC.

Why?

"Green washing" (among other things).

Apple (a trendy/fab company), is always aware of what is well, trendy and fab and being "green" is all the rage these days (or rather being, "light green"...most folks aren't willing to push to total GREEN). Is Apple making efforts? Yes. But there are many GOOD and GREENER computers. Apple has toxic history (literally) and only after a big Greenpeace campaign to call them out on their shenanigans did they finally start taking note.

Also, Apple's bells and whistles aren't what I'm looking for. I quote Nick (one of my tenants/computer expert):

"...Macs on the other hand can be a little more difficult to become acclimated to if you've ONLY used PCs before. Apple computers DO have more advanced graphic capabilities which is the main reason why they tend to be pricier. The graphics may be good but that's all you'll really get. It's GREAT for those that are in to digital/graphic design, photography and movie editing, etc etc. BECAUSE of those graphics capabilities."

I'm currently consulting Greenpeace's GUIDE TO GREENER ELECTRONICS. It's updated regularly, so I won't make my final call until just before I set out to make the purchase!

Helllllp me!

So, I'm on the hunt for a new laptop. I'm hoping to purchase one some time next month. The search is a bit confusing, as I am pretty much a tech doofus.

Originally I wanted a MacBook. They're so sleek, streamlined and seemingly efficient. BUT then I hear maybe I shouldn't go that route. HELP ME!!!

- I want something environmentally friendly (developed with that in mind)
- I want something that will LAST. I know most notebooks are built to crash so you can go out and buy a new one, but I want to make my money go as far as it can. I want my computer to have staying power and strength.

So...where to?

If anyone happens to come across this little desperate blog, please clue me in! (You can comment on this blog if you have gmail, people!)

Mmmmm, beefy

Had to share this hilarious Hungarian sausage commercial that was posted on boingboing.net today.

Boy, do I miss meat!
(NOT!)*

















*Every once and awhile I find it's nice to bring back hip 90's phrases. Keep your eyes peeled for "no duh" in upcoming posts.