caroline's stuff that doesn't go anywhere else.

oops?

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 21:46:00 +0000

In my truest nature, I have neglected the things that I like.

Well, not really... I just haven't found the time to update this little old thing.

Good news is that I'm working on some things, and I might even have a new blog to call home. It's currently in the works. But for now, I'll jump in here and there with even the littlest things like music reviews, random things I like, and a photo or two.

Until then... the balcony is closed. Or empty. Or something.

taking pictures to make it last longer.

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:28:00 +0000

I've always liked taking photos... the first camera I ever got was a Kodak. I don't really remember what the model or make of it was, but let's just say it resembled what might have been considered a disposable camera of today. It was red, and it looked a lot like a Holga. My aunt and uncle gave it to me for my birthday, and I pretty much used it up in an hour. And it was the best.

Looking back on it now, I realize that photography is one of the hobbies that I have kept going ever since. It's just one of those things I've grown accustomed to. The ironic thing about me liking photography is that I hate getting my own photo taken. I liken it to when movie stars say they never watch their own movies: it's just something they never want to see. I love to do black and white, and mainly because of the simplicity. I also like film photography, so of course my pockets feel a little lighter after getting them developed at Photoworks in The City (it's only because I don't have access to a darkroom like I did in the past).

Anyway, here's a bit of what I've been able to do lately.

Visit: my flickr for more photos

Louross is BOSS.

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:33:00 +0000

I don't know about anyone else, but this season of "Hell's Kitchen" has literally kicked my ass. While watching the season premiere there was a certain contestant that stole my heart immediately.

His name? Lou Ross. Or Louross... something or other. What a spunky monkey. It's not just the hair, the nicely shaped brows or hipster glasses, or that I don't give a damn attitude, but I just loved how he was ready to take over. In the season premiere, I liked it when he took charge and Gordon Ramsay made him captain. He owned it. BOSS ALL THE WAY. He's my surefire winner because he knows what he's doing, can be in control, and seems to like it when Ramsay gives him hell.

The only person I would think could give him a run for his money? That other guy with the hipster glasses ... Ben. He won them the halibut challenge, seemed like he was in control and knew what to do as well. If there were two guys in the end, it'd be Ben and Louross.

As for the women, I like Corey. She's the only one who's shown any kind of personality that isn't showy or super bossy. Though I did feel bad when she called out Christina ... but I later took it back because she started crying. Cry baby. As for Jen, the one who talks too much, I'm just waiting for her to get booted off. "AND I worked in Belgium..." Who. Cares. She also comes off as a tattle tale.

Visit: Hell's Kitchen (Fox)
Watch: episodes are available on Hulu, my new best friend.
Photo credit: Louross's mySpace!!!

from the bin: "Before I Speak" by Kyle Riabko

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:49:00 +0000

While filling up my iPod with some of my favorites, I came across some old $1.99 albums. What better way to bring back From the Bin, even though I've technically only done one installment so far.

Brief Intro: I bought "Before I Speak" because I was heavily into Ryan Cabrera for about five minutes. I thought I should venture out and find something else to obsess over that was very similar to Cabrera, and when I saw this album on sale, I decided to get it. Also what caught my eye about Kyle is that he is on the same label as John Mayer, so I thought I couldn't have gone wrong. Only the best for me.

Brief Bio: He sings... he now apparently acts! Well, more is here on the official bio.

Upon first listen...: I didn't like it. I kept skipping from song to song, hoping that I'd get my fix of some Ryan Cabrera-like stylings, but instead I turned it off. It went on my shelf of a thousand CDs.

Upon second listen...: I didn't give it the chance it deserved. I guess I was looking for some Ryan Cabrera in this guy a little too much, due to their similarities (guitar playing cute guys). Now as I listen to it almost two years later (yes... two years), it has somewhat of an edge on Ryan's first album. Kyle is less pop, but his album sort of builds a bridge between pop and ...jazz (contemporary jazz). There, I said it, even though some might not think so, but I think some of the arrangements have the elements, as well as elements of funk and the blues. It's very interesting, and considering how old he was at the time of the recording (barely out of high school)... dare I say, but it's very "way ahead of its time."

Songs to check out: "What Did I Get Myself Into" (I love this one because it's tinged with the blues), "Carry On"

Final thoughts: A lot of my final thoughts were stated in my "second listen," but now I feel super judgy for not giving Kyle Riabko the chance he deserved. I do like this album, and can't wait to see what he comes out with next.

Worth the $1.99?: Yes, upon a second, careful listen.

Buy it at: Amazon.
More info: mySpace

CUPCAKE WEEK ON MARTHA!!!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:20:00 +0000

Kara's Karrot Cupcake!

She teased me with "Cookie Week" ... and now it's "Cupcake Week" on "Martha" and I can't be more excited.

Apparently, a buttload of cupcake shops around the country sent her samples of their goods, including my favorite, SF's own Kara's Cupcakes! I was so delighted when I saw on the table that she had one of their famous pink boxes neatly displayed among the others. I was hoping that Martha would say her favorite was the Chocolate Velvet (because it's mine!), but it's not really surprising that she would pick Kara's Karrot, which is better than most carrot cupcakes I've had.

And besides Martha picking Kara's among some of the best in the country, I'm just ecstatic! I love Kara's Cupcakes. They're delicious and reasonably priced. My favorite, as stated above is the Chocolate Velvet, but I also enjoy the Ghirardelli Chocolate, Java Chip, Fleur De Sel. All of these are chocolate, I know, but I live for chocolate. I also like that they use ingredients from local businesses, more notably local chocolate juggernauts Ghirardelli and Scharffen Berger, which are two of my favorites. No wonder it's so tasty!

All in all, I believe Martha made an excellent choice in naming Kara's Cupcakes among the best. Oh, they're so good... and even though this day is really, really far away, I want to have some at my wedding (Because they do weddings!). If you ever want to catch me around, I'll most likely be at their location at Ghirardelli Square.

Visit: Martha's Favorite Cupcakes (MSO)
Photo Credit: marthastewart.com

redux: Brushfire Fairytales

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 02:01:00 +0000

(Albums I have, which I revisit in times of need ... or when I'm utterly and completely bored.)

Coming down...

I forgot where I first heard about Jack Johnson, but I don't think it really matters. He's mellow, he's from Hawaii, plays a guitar and has a voice to go with it.

But Brushfire Fairytales, his debut album, has to be one of my favorites. It was the album that introduced him into the mainstream, and it doesn't get any simpler than that. It's pretty much straight forward pop-acoustic tunage that you can listen to on a road trip or while you watch a sunset at the beach. Nothing complicated, and I think that's what sets him apart from the rest. It's good for a rainy day, just like this one.

Songs from "Brushfire Fairytales" that I like a lot: "Inaudible Melodies," "Posters," "Fortunate Fools," "F-Stop Blues"

Jack Johnson will be in San Francisco for the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park, August 22-24th. Tickets are going for, gasp, $225 bones PLUS fees! Holy crap. But you'd have to expect it, especially since others like Radiohead (!!!), Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Wilco, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Broken Social Scene, and so many others are going to be there. Maybe he'll come back another time, just him ... and cheaper, too.

Visit: 1% For The Planet, an organization Jack Johnson is highly active in.

random tv thoughts - from LOST to Hell's Kitchen and beyond!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:23:00 +0000

Jin's grave? Noooooooo....

- "Lost" has been good lately. Not bad for a show that was in the can about a season and a half ago with its Dharma Initiative-obsessed storylines that were turning viewers off. But really, was I one of the only few who really liked it when they got all mythological about things? What about all those stations that were on the blast door map? What's up with the rest of The Others? I care, ABC. I. Care.

- "Hell's Kitchen" is coming back (April 1st), but originally just to fill the void of there being no written television. Now that it's on before it's usual summer airdate, this leaves me pleased that it is on really soon, yet, what the hell am I supposed to watch in the summer? Certainly not anything stupid.

- "The Office" is coming back. There are no words. None.

- The big news of the week is Britney Spears doing "How I Met Your Mother." Photos of her on the set have been released, and all I can say is that she looks really happy and upbeat and normal, which is better than she's looked in years. I know she did "Will & Grace" about two years ago, and she looked happy and upbeat and semi-normal there, but there's something in the air this time. Can't wait to see what goes down.

- I said I wasn't into American Idol this year, but I admit that yesterday I was up until about 1:30am watching back video of all of the contestants this year (in part due to boredom). My favorites are:

David Archuleta - this shouldn't be a "real surprise," but this kid has killer pipes and he's such a cutie pie.
Jason Castro - he appeals to me because he has dreads and talks like he has possibly smoked a lot of weed ... I mean, he's really laid back and awesome. And that story he told about ripping a dread out of his head was just too funny.
Carly Smithson - I loved it when she sang "Come Together." She's also Irish and has a cool accent.
David Cook - I really liked that emo-tastic "Hello" he did. Too bad he's a biter.

- My least favorite American Idols:

Amanda Overmeyer - I get that she's rocking the "rock chick" thing, but her hair gives me a headache, as well as her voice. It always looks like she's getting ready to puke, too. Not my cup of tea.
David Hernandez - He's gone already, but he just reminds me of this guy I don't like.
Danny Noriega - Also gone. I did like his audition, but he tended to be a little too much on the flashy side for me. Good voice, though. Nice hair.

- AI's that make me go "meh:"

Ramiele Malubay - Yeah, woo hoo, Filipino people. However, I agree with the judges in that she's picking a lot of "safe" choices and it's getting b-to-the-oring. She has a good voice, but she needs to stretch it out a little bit, otherwise people are just going to forget about her.
Michael Johns - He's like the grandpa of the group, btw. He's hot and everything, but when he busted out with "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" I just thought that was a big fat no-no.
Syesha Mercado - I didn't think her "Saving All My Love For You" rendition was all that great, and it sounded like kareoke. Meh.

- I watched some of "Dancing With The Stars" tonight and caught Mario dancing. What a hottie pie.

Photo credit: Lostpedia

gym class hero.

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:49:00 +0000

Pic from Jer's Crossfit Zone Blog

Besides going to the gym to get healthy and work out, I really only go because it's an excuse to listen to my iPod. It's been many a strange workouts when I haven't had it (or it died on me) and I've had to listen to whatever 24 Hour Fitness was playing, or listen to other people breathing hard and running on treadmills. Not even the sounds of Yellowcard (I know) could drown that out. Having music playing really does get me moving faster and makes the time go by really easily. Listening to the iPod works in two ways: I work out and listen to music. Multi-tasking is a beautiful thing.

Now, this isn't a post where I give health tips or tell you about how "fabulous" my gym is (it's pretty mundane like all the rest of them, I suppose). I am nowhere near qualified to give any kind of health tips besides telling others that a cupcake a day doesn't keep the doctor away.

But, I do feel that I am qualified to give tips on the ultimate music playlist. How many times have I read an article in a health/fitness magazine, and they give the absolute lamest playlist? I look at the titles of the songs, and I'm like, "This is supposed to get me motivated?" Hell to the no.

Other than the typical artists that are suitable for workout music (Gwen Stefani's "Love.Angel.Music.Baby.," anything by Britney Spears that isn't stupid, some Black Eyed Peas songs), here's what has made it to my list:

- "Rumpshaker" by Wrexx N Effect: What else gets you moving than someone telling you to shake your rump?
- "The New Workout Plan" by Kanye West: I'm kinda-sorta over this song (because I skip over it now), but the end part is actually what keeps you moving. I also like it when he shouts "Double time!" much like Jane Fonda or Kathy Smith would in the days of yore.
- "Bebot" by the Black Eyed Peas: The beat wins you over. Also good for us Filipino people who don't speak Tagalog well, or at all. You learn AND you exercise.
- "Beat It" by Michael Jackson: It's badass, and it's a classic. I also recommend "Smooth Criminal," but sometimes it can be a little too slow for me.
- "Toy Soldier" by Britney Spears: I didn't really like this song at first, but after hearing it in a shoe store in NY (haha), I got over her wannabe sexy/cutesy voice, and gave in. The soldier beat during the bridge is the kicker. Also good from the "Blackout" album is "Hot As Ice."
- "Maneater" by Nelly Furtado: Synthesizer + beats = cool for the elliptical. Haha. I also enjoy this nice mash-up of this song and The Killers' "Somebody Told Me." (find it on YouTube)

Now that you've got somewhat of a basis of workout songs, it's time for you to go crazy and make your own.

Further reading: Brlliant Playlists (Macworld) - this is pretty old (2005), but it has the right idea.
Certain songs found from typing them into: Project Playlist (what a beautiful site)

food.... everywhere!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:29:00 +0000

Yummy!

My recent trip to New York was jam packed with wonderful places I visited. But most of all, New York gave my taste buds a major workout. I mainly made appearances at eateries in the Upper West Side, however I found myself trekking halfway down Manhattan to visit the famous Momofuku noodle bar, located at 171 First Avenue to get me some of those fabulous pork buns I've been hearing about.

I'd be lying if I said I heard about the pork buns word of mouth, but the truth is, I heard about them from Martha Stewart. She had David Chang (the owner) on the show a couple of months ago, and he managed to get my mouth watering from his process of curing the pork belly to steaming the buns. (No lie, but I haven't been able to get that place out of my head since.) It's an easy enough recipe, but it really takes a long time (patience is the key). But after everything is finished, it's super easy to put together.

The experience in the Momofuku Noodle Bar was amazing ... even sitting at the actual bar (instead of the communal tables) was actually pretty nice. The waiters were all really friendly, dishing out some great service. Once I ordered those buns, I ate them up super fast! I also ordered some Chicken Ramen, which I have to say tasted like nothing I've ever had before (in other words: not packaged ramen) ... but those buns were pretty filling, so I got full quickly. I say you should probably take someone with you next time if you don't want to get full too fast!

To my dismay, there is a lot more on the menu than I had originally thought, and it just makes me sad I wasn't able to try more. But everything I had was good... I'm spreading the word, even though the nearest location is over 3,000 miles away from me. If you're ever heading to NY, don't forget to visit Momofuku!

---

David Chang describes his restaurant as first starting out as a "mom and pop" type shop, but how it evolved into much more:

Visit: Steamed Pork Buns (MSO - watch the video, too!)
Photo credit: Martha Stewart.com

for the record...

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:06:00 +0000

One of the many reasons that I am looking forward to visiting NY this time around is to shop. Yeah, I don't really seem like the type to be a crazy shopper, but there's something really exciting about browsing and possibly selecting something to purchase. Or heck, I just love impulse buying even though it's usually followed by some serious buyer's guilt. And plus, I feel like I've shopped San Francisco to its limit ... well, shopped all the places I can afford of course.

While perusing the web the past couple of weeks, I have decided on certain places that I must go. There is the undiscovered, meaning all the stuff I didn't see the first time. And then, there is the old, which I have been waiting four years to revisit.

NYC is most definitely a music town, and that excites me, too. From all the record shops (and I don't mean Virgin), music clubs, Broadway, and even the street performers, the musical possibilities are endless. It's like an important destination for anyone who wants to make music, and/or be a part of the scene.

So imagine my dismay to find out that a certain place on Prince St. called Rocks In Your Head closed down last year and moved to Brooklyn! That place was amazing when I saw it back in 2004. It was the one thing I couldn't stop talking about when I came back, and it's one of the things I vividly remember. When first walking in, I was taken aback by the walls being covered fully by record covers, crates on the ground full of records (records galore!), certain shady people perusing through the stacks... it felt like I walked into some hipster mystery movie, and I was ready to be singled out. I thought this place was utterly perfect--- from the decor, to the counter where I purchased a used copy of John Lennon's "Rock n' Roll" album where they manually (!!!) filled out a receipt for me. Yeah, it's not like some "new" technology, but the simplicity of that really threw me. In that moment, my love for the place was born.

And ever since then my vow was to return, but now I return to dust. Seems like everything I take a liking to either closes down or moves away. Oh well. There are other fish in the (record store) sea.

Visit: NYC Record Shops (Gridskipper)
Photo credits: Peyri; Gothamist

quit the snubbing!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:11:00 +0000

Oscar nominations came out. Blech.

I think a lot of the nominations are pretty much what people expected. Juno got a lot of love, as well as Daniel Day-Lewis scoring another nomination, and everyone wet themselves over Cate Blanchett for the umpteenth time in her career (twice!). Really, Academy... while she's probably this century's Meryl Streep, I do believe there were many performances this year you could have given that extra nomination to. I'm not saying Angelina Jolie should have got it, but share the love once in a while!

My heart was broken when I didn't see Emile Hirsch on the list for Best Actor for his performance in Into the Wild. It has to be one of the best of the year, a transformation for Hirsch to actually become this character. And Sean Penn, the film's director and co-writer (along with the book's author Jon Krakauer) is sorely missing from the bunch. I figured they would at least get a Best Cinematography nod due to the sweeping shots of Alaska and beyond, but they could only make due with a Best Editing and Supporting Actor nod for Hal Holbrook, who was pretty damn good in the movie, too. Also missing is Eddie Vedder with his great soundtrack. None the less, whatever recognition they got, it's Into the Wild for the win!

I can't remember a year when I've actually been happy with the Oscar nominations fully---I think there's always a chance that somebody will get snubbed. But I really, really, really hate when they're it's so obvious that they're all IDIOTS.

One more note: no love for The Simpsons Movie is a serious, serious mistake! But then again, nothing will stand a chance against Ratatouille. Nothing!

Visit: Oscars (Official site)
Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes

my guide to making your iTunes playlist look cooler than it actually is

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:29:00 +0000

Lloyd Dobler wants you to listen to Peter Gabriel!

Like many people with nothing else to do, I try to strike a balance between keeping my iPod "up to date" with some of the more popular music today, as well as some of the "oldie, but goodie" songs that I remember from my childhood.

But like many people with iPods, I find that what makes you super cool is the playlist that you can put together. There are many playlists that you can model your own after, such as a specific genre, a film's soundtrack, or whether a couple of songs you like happen to be upbeat. Playing your playlist for someone else by let's say, lending your iPod to someone is the ultimate test of your super cool-ness: if they like it, I'm sure they'll say something like "Kick ass playlist, man." If they don't, they either say nothing or hand you your iPod back in silence. You're either ahead of your time, or your taste sucks. I like to think you're somewhere in between.

Basing your list on a theme is always a winner. For example, if you like 80s music, you can make one that is simply called "80s music." You could go a thousand ways on this one, such as filling your list with popular songs from the era, or maybe a hundred metal hair-band songs from the 80s. Possibilities are endless.

If you're looking for inspiration, I really suggest you try the iTunes store where almost every week Celebrity Playlists are updated. In these playlists, you get to know your favorite celebrity's favorite songs, and you can either download the whole thing or download the songs that you want. It's sort of a window into the soul of your favorite celebrity, a way to know what inspires them and if they actually have decent taste.

My favorite playlist was one that was never posted. It was director Kevin Smith (Chasing Amy, Clerks, etc.), whom by the way is one of my heroes because of his talents as a writer and his ease at being so articulate when called upon. Smith's was never posted because it was too long! If you read it, you get classic Kevin Smith with all his quips, quirks, and hardcore love for songs you know and songs you'll make fun of him for liking. Whatever. It's just too good.

My least favorite? Any playlists on which I know none of the artists. Why? Well, this ties into the the whole "ahead of your time" thing. Sometimes celebrities like to prove how interesting or how "ahead of their time" they are by saying they like all of these obscure artists that nobody knows about. While I agree that it's nice to know the obscure artists, my only suggestion is that they manage to insert at least one artist that the masses would know. I'm not saying that they need to have T-Pain or Carrie Underwood in there, but maybe just one Elvis or Bob Dylan song would suffice. Something to make me care. Their descriptions also might need work. I'm kind of over the whole "This is AMAZING!" or "I love how this makes me feel."

No matter where you draw inspiration from, my best advice is to go with your gut, and go with what you like. It doesn't really matter what other people think about your playlist... unless you're throwing a party for a hundred drunk college kids. That's when you probably need to consult popular radio, or read Blender.

Some "choice" playlist themes that I'm planning to attempt, complete with their titles:
Steal this movie!: It seems that these days movies don't have a hit single in them anymore, ala "I Will Always Love You" (The Bodyguard) or "My Heart Will Go On" (Titanic). This playlist lets the trend live on! Planned songs include songs from Ghostbusters, Footloose, Mannequin, etc. Not so much 80s movies, but also 90s and others. Many possibilities here, folks. You could also do one with TV theme songs!
Sensitivity: This will be dedicated to all the songs that are about love that make me cry, or songs that make me feel more misunderstood than I actually do already. It might contain some emo songs (maybe), but I really think I'll fill this one with songs from John Mayer, Jason Mraz and countless singer-songwriters. If you have a guitar and you sing all raspy and sweet, then this is the playlist for you.
Travellin' Songs: Named after a Bright Eyes song. What else does it have but songs that make you feel like you're out on the road. It's not anything new, but I think it's essential for your iPod.

---

My own personal playlist (filled with songs/artists you know, songs/artists you might not):

"I Want You Back" - *NSync: Quite possibly my most favorite song by the band because of its cheesiness and super-Swedish production. It has this late 90s boybland-licious vibe that I can, and never will shake. It still gets me all riled up (to dance). *NSync will be back!
"1000 Things" - Jason Mraz: It's a "love at first sight" song. I'll never get tired of it because Mraz always know how to make you feel lovey dovey, even if you're not in love. I like listening to his music when I need to relax or get in the mood. He's also one of my favorite artists.
"Modern Nature" - Sondre Lerche: It was one of the songs off of the soundtrack to Dan In Real Life, but it's been out for a while. This is a song that would most definitely be on a romantic playlist just because it's playful and sweet.
"Narcolepsy" - Third Eye Blind: 90s rock at its best. That particular line "how'd you like to be alone and drowning" still gets me.
"How Come U Don't Call Me" - Prince: I didn't hear the original one until I heard Alicia Keys' version. Although I love both, I dig Prince's more because damn, it's Prince. Alicia's version is more upbeat and pop-like, while Prince's is stripped down and seems more tragic in his grief.
"Vegas" - Sara Bareilles: My favorite singer-songwriter to emerge from the past year! She's really great live, and this song is my theme song as of ... now. You can kind of go through the motions of wanting to start anew when you listen to it without actually having to do it. She gives you an idea.
"I Believe When I Fall In Love (It Will Be Forever)" - Stevie Wonder: The title pretty much explains it. My favorite Stevie song, too.
"I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)" - The White Stripes: Also self-explanatory. And I'm a huge, huge, huge White Stripes fan. Huge.
"Videotape" - Radiohead: I never really liked/listened to Radiohead until "in_Rainbows" came out. Call me bandwagon, but I think these guys might be onto something here! ;)
"Coming Clean" - Green Day: a "coming out" song. It has this innocence to it.
"Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)" - John Legend: another "love" song. Making a love-song playlist without anything by John Legend is a sin. (Also, do you notice I like a lot of songs that have parenthesis in the title?)
"Foolish Love" - Rufus Wainwright: I discovered him late, but this is one of his classics. He can certainly belt out a tune.
"The Professor & La Fille Danse" - Damien Rice: Another singer-songwriter ... please don't except anything less! I love his voice and its' ability to get quiet at the most appropriate times. Sigh.
"Livin' On A Prayer" - Bon Jovi: My fondest memory of this song is me and my cousins in a car banging our heads along to this song while my uncle blasted it on the radio, the windows down, the wind blowing hard. It sounds like it's out of a movie, but it wasn't. I still get chills.
"Back Here" - BBMak: This song is so unbelievably lame, but I'll be all cliche and say I LOVE IT, and I could listen to it forever.
"Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)" - Ashlee Simpson: I know I lose my street cred (ha) by saying I like this song, but damn. I really like this song.

I could go on, but it would take forever.

Visit: iTunes (official)
My Boring Ass Life (Kevin Smith's blog)
Image Credits: Scene Stealer (Say Anything), Amazon (for the CD covers)

so long (and good night.)

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:48:00 +0000

Brad Renfro (1982 - 2008)

(Dexter has just woken up to find his sleeping bag drenched with sweat. Erik is already awake from hearing him whimper; he takes the shirt off his back to give to Dexter, and gives him his dry sleeping bag as well. Dexter is scared, and Erik assures him that he is not alone.)

Dexter: Suppose you kept going another 18 billion light years, what if there's nothing out there? Suppose you kept going another trillion times further, so far out you see nothing. The light from the universe would be fainter than the faintest star. Infinitely cold. Infinitely dark. Sometimes if I wake up and it's dark, I get really scared, like I'm out there and I'm never coming back.
Erik: Here, hold onto this when you sleep. And if you wake up and you're scared, you'll say, "Wait a minute. I'm holding Erik's shoe. Why the hell would I be holding some smelly basketball shoe a trillion light years from the universe? I must be here on earth, safe in my sleeping bag, and Erik must be close by."

(Scene from "The Cure")

---

I think Sir Ian McKellen, Brad's co-star from "Apt Pupil" really puts it best as to how much everyone will miss this kid.

---

Films he made that I recommend you check out: The Client, Ghost World, Telling Lies In America, Apt Pupil, Bully.
Randomly useless fact about that photo: About five years ago, I was planning on putting that photo on a t-shirt because of how cool I thought it was.

Visit: Brad Renfro.org

the martha stewart collection: did I really pay 72 bucks for a 7 quart pot?

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 08:28:00 +0000

The Martha Stewart Collection, which has probably been out for only a couple of months is my ultimate guilty pleasure. Sure I could buy pots and pans that don't have the MS brand label on it, but then again, I could also go to sleep at a reasonable hour every night and not eat dinner at 11pm. That in itself is another issue.

But to focus on the subject at hand: the collection is my vice. Anything and everything you can think of to use in the home has been made for this collection. And it seems that Martha knows that I have a weakness for newer, shinier versions of things I already have. For some reason, I believe that if Martha puts out a melon baller, I MUST HAVE A MELON BALLER. NOW. EVEN THOUGH I DON'T EAT MELONS UNLESS AT A BUFFET IN RENO.

I haven't bought as much from the MSC as you would think, especially since I'm a super hardcore Martha enthusiast. So far, I am satisfied by each of the products I have bought.

Product: "Waterman" Double Old Fashioned Glass
Price: $19.99
Worth it?: Absolutely. My family has always had a penchant for breaking glasses, which made me a little apprehensive about buying these glasses. But for a bargain like this for some European glass, I really, really could not not buy it. Also, if anyone breaks any of these glasses, they know what will happen to them. I really like how they look, too.
Personal rating: pretty damn great.

Product: Non-stick Spring form Pan
Price: $9.99
Worth it?: For me, yes, since I cannot find my old spring form pans. My only regret is that this spring form pan doesn't have any ridges on the bottom, therefore when I made the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake from Everyday Food, it was kind of rough to lift out of the pan at first. I recommend letting your cheesecake set for more than a couple of hours in this pan. Maybe even for a day.
Personal rating: super.

Product: 7-Qt. Cast Iron Round Pot
Price: $119.99 (Regular price - currently unavailable online!)
Worth it?: YES, YES, YES!!! I can't tell you how much it helps to go to an actual Macy's and check out the collection in person. It seems to me that anytime I'm walking around in The Cellar, everything is on sale. Last week, I bought myself a red one (much, much prettier than the blue one in my opinion) for the ultimate low price of $72 bucks. I really love having this pot, and I cannot stop talking about it, let along using it. When and if I'm home early enough to make dinner, this is the pot I have been using. I christened it while making the Beef Stew recipe from December's Everyday Food. It took a while, but I enjoyed making a meal in a really, really nice pot. I can't wait to do a roast! While it's not a Le Creuset... okay. I really don't care.
Personal rating: the best (damn) thing since sliced bread. And drive-thru Starbucks locations.

There is a lot more from this collection that I could go for, but at the same time, I'm happy with the things that I do have, as well as the things from the MSC that I have shelled out some cash for. If there is anything I really recommend, it's that you visit Macy's and try to buy everything on sale. Usually on sale is the cookware, bakeware, and even dinnerware. But never the gadgets and things ... never. And, if you're as hardcore as I am, I really think getting that 7-quart pan is essential.

Sigh... Martha Stewart has truly made my house a home.

Product photos from: The Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's
MS Logo Photo: Doyle Partners
Visit: Martha Stewart (official)
The Martha Blog (official blog!)
Secret Sources (Martha's favorite sources)

gladiator ready!!!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:15:00 +0000

(Old school Malibu looking fierce as hell.)

The new American Gladiators premiered on Sunday, and man! It was both exciting and hilarious. Exciting because of the changes (Water below the joust! Fire on the water!), and hilarious because certain people can't take the heat (falling off balance beam face forward!).

And that's the one thing that gets me: is the new Eliminator so tough that these people can't even get through the whole thing without looking like a hung over zombie? During the first half of the two hour special, the first two women competitors were exhausted after swimming under the fire and climbing the cargo net! It was INSANE, but so funny how they struggled to do anything, or as they were on that barrel roll. It was like, dude, all you have to do is hang onto the barrel, but they couldn't even do that! Oh man. HI-larious.

And man, I don't even remember the Eliminator being so hard. That treadmill that used to be at the beginning looks easy now that there's a rope there, but even that's tough to get up. Terrible. I also thought that their cuts to footage of the losing competitor trying to get up that treadmill after they lost were also terrible, but super funny.

Anyway. Take a look at a clip from the old Eliminator, where they get through the hand bike really fast. Crazy.

Visit: American Gladiators (NBC.com)

conan back = happy me

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:59:00 +0000

I can't tell you how happy I am that "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" is back tonight. So far the show has been as funny as I'm used to it being. Unfortunately, they returned without the writers, thus coming up with material on the spot as well as on the spot material previously taped. But first and foremost, he stated that he supports the writers, which was met by applause.

The show so far has included:
- Conan and his sexy strike beard, which proves that he "has testosterone."
- A nice tribute to his strike beard ... I love you.
- Conan trying to break the record of how long he can spin his wedding ring on his desk. (Longest was 41 seconds; tonight he got 36)
- A tour of Conan's office, as well as what he and others have been doing during these past two months.
- Conan talking about playing Sudoku, then throwing the book of it at someone in frustration.
- Conan and a portable amp, playing his guitar.
- Taking his amp and guitar and playing while people are trying to do work, or playing while people were trying to play Rock Band. Ha.
- regular guest Bob Saget from "Full House" and making bad jokes. Of course.

Others like Letterman and Leno returned as well, but to be pretty damn honest, I really only cared about Conan. The most important thing that should happen as quickly as possible is that this strike gets resolved ASAP. I was so upset about "Heroes" ending so early, earlier than it should have been. It would have been a phenomenal season, but right now I just feel like nothing's happening. Nothing! Hurry up! TV is super boring these days, which is something I never though I would say. I don't want to see anymore reality shows... because most of them suck.

Well... except "American Gladiators." Holy crap, I'm excited that that's coming back.

Picture from: Faded Youth Blog
Visit: O'Brien Improvises, saying "Sadly, we don't have our writers with us" (NYT Blog)

not like them?

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 06:54:00 +0000

From left to right: ... sorry, don't know.

During the recent allegations of super producer Chris Stokes (Immature, B2k) going on Lou Pearlman on his acts, I discovered through Oh No They Didn't that Stokes is one of the driving forces behind a "new" boyband called NLT.

Now, don't judge me, but hot damn ... I LOVE THESE GUYS. I don't know why, but I solely believe that I'm interested in this group because they're a couple of guys who decided to form a boyband-like harmony group who dances. Also known as the next *NSYNC, BSB ... whatever.

NLT (Not Like Them), if you look at them closely, have followed the boyband rules to a T. For example:

- There are at least four guys, so if they stand in a diamond formation, you can see all of them.
- Two guys sing lead: one is decent, the other is superb.
- There's one blonde guy, who's probably everyone's favorite because he's super cute.
- There's a creepy guy who made a bad hair choice of wearing a ponytail (re: Chris Kirkpatrick's braids, Nick Carter's manbangs, Howie D's long hair. Ugh.)
- There's a lot of dancing. A lot.
- Hand movements are in full use, especially the one where they tap their chest, meaning, "I love you, you're in my heart."

Other things to really mention is that for some reason, they look completely different from the boybands of the past, especially in image. If you see a picture of them, they look like the next coming of Fall Out Boy or Panic! At the Disco. Also, their sound has the typical Timbaland-infused beat, whereas 90s boybands had the Swedish influence of Max Martin and Kristian Lundin. I figure Chris Stokes is going for ... I dunno, NKOTB 08, or even a white B2K? It's official, I guess: Chris Stokes is the new Maurice Starr. None the less, I love it all.

Anyway, I've gone all mad on the whole thing, and I'm even pimping their song on my mySpace. But here's the video to "She Said, I Said," produced by Timbaland (who else?), which reminds me a little bit of the old music videos of yore that had some kind of lame story to it, and some girl who's wearing a cropped shirt for the sole reason of showing her belly. And she seems pathetic, too. They also do a lot of JT-like choreography, which in my book is enough to win me over.

Visit: NLT (official), NLT's mySpace
Further reading: B2K's former manager denies sexual molestation allegations (MTV)

domo arigato!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:13:00 +0000

My obsession: Domo-kun. My mission: to make a Domo-kun iPod case!!!

I recently found a link to it from the MAKE: Blog while trying to find a picture of my lovely Domo. I don't know why I like this character so much. It's very disturbing for someone my age, but then again, I have a lot of obsessions that would classify me as a twelve year old. So to speak. Well, let's just say that one day I bought myself a small Domokun plush from Urban Outfitters, and two days later, I bought myself an extra large one at Metropark. The main reason: I wanted a bigger one.

But making an iPod case will be a challenge for me, and I think this one would make me happiest due to the fact that it's cute and it's Domokun. If there's anything I love, it's a character that loves watching TV. Except, I don't fart when I'm nervous. Or do I ...

Visit: Tutorial: Furry Monster iPod Case (Domokun) (Craftster)
Domo-kun Official Site (Domomode)

out of sync.

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:15:00 +0000

"According to Justin, the whole reason for the breakup of *NSYNC was everyone else's fault? That was crazy! All of us had done nothing but wait around for him to feel he was ready to start work on a new *NSYNC album."
- Lance Bass, Out of Sync

A friend of mine picked up Lance Bass' memoir, "Out of Sync" when he was doing a signing at Books Inc. in the Castro. While there, he also managed to pick up an autographed copy for me as well. Naturally, any piece of *NSYNC-related memorabilia means the world to me, and this autographed book joins its brother, an autographed piece of paper that a friend of mine got Joey Fatone to sign in a Walgreens. Now, if only I could find that piece ...

I started to read this book, for certain that I would get to read some of the deepest, darkest *NSYNC secrets imaginable, ala New Kids On the Block's "Behind the Music" episode. I suppose I got a little of that, since Lance mentions their love of the attention, having a little bit of fun, and Lance trying to get some on the DL. But a lot of it, for some reason I don't understand, didn't resonate well with me.

My attention veered off when the book wasn't talking about *NSYNC, and I believe that's really my fault. But then again, a book with a title like "Out of Sync" would definitely cause my mind to go a million miles a minute, as anything that is merely reminiscent of *NSYNC would make my heart pound faster. But, I also forgot that this is a memoir --- Lance's memoir --- so his whole life before being super famous had me wanting the *NSYNC part to come faster. It's a memoir, though ... it is what it is.

I do find a lot of the parts after he joined *NSYNC to be interesting, such as knowing that he was gay, the whole Lou Pearlman saga, Joey realizing he was gay, and also his love life that he constantly struggled to keep quiet at the height of *NSYNC domination. There's something noble about trying to not hurt the image/careers of your friends while you quietly suffer behind the scenes. I think that his memoir does a good job of recalling those conflicts, and it does a great job of showing that it's always best to be who you are and not what others expect you to be.

My biggest regret from reading this book is reading the chapter in which the fall of *NSYNC begins. It's nothing that I would have ever wanted to read, and I wouldn't wish it on any other *NSYNC fan. It's not like a crazy, horrible breakup, but in a way it seems like Lance pins it all on Justin and his solo career. Though Lance recently stated on "The View" that he didn't just blame Justin, he blamed management, members of the group ... basically everyone, even himself. He even states this in the book.

But I am glad to know that Lance feels that there is a brotherhood upon him and the rest of them that can never be broken. He would like to get back together someday, and hell, I'd like that too. But like all good things, nothing lasts forever. You look at some of the greatest bands of all time, and none have had smooth sailing all the time. It's rare that they'd stay together forever, but if they broke up, they'd all still manage to find their way back home.

---

Random *NSYNC thoughts/facts:
- *NSYNC's "No Strings Attached" remains the top selling album in one day with over one million, 2.4 million in a week.
- *NSYNC isn't some stupid, lame name, but it's also the last letter of each of the guys' names put together. Except Lance, who replaced some dude name Jason. For the same of the name, Lance tried unsuccessfully to go by the nickname Lancesten. Something lame (!) like that.
- Speaking of "No Strings Attached," Britney Spears' "Blackout" CD has the same exact look. Seriously.
- Though now I'm a huge, huge, HUGE Justin fan (more than I was when he was in *NSYNC), JC was, and always was the best singer. Period.
- JC is also my favorite member. Because everyone has one.
- Joey Fatone's big thing while in *NSYNC was that he liked Superman. I wonder if that's still true.
- Chris had these really, really, really ugly braids when they first got big in the US. And I mean like, FUG. When he cut them off, it was like night and day.
- I can't really tell when their last performance as a group was (Lance names a couple in his book), but I believe their performance at the 2003 Grammy Awards during a tribute to the Bee Gees was. I still watch it on YouTube. And I cry. Sad.

---

Videos of note:

In this video, *NSYNC performs their Spanish version of "This I Promise You" - "Yo Te Voy Amar." Also in this video: JC outsings Justin.

Britney Spears and *NSYNC make their respective debuts on the MTV Video Music Awards. Britney appears fresh from the tanning booth, while *NSYNC stomps on desks. Also: JC gets to sing lead while Justin's lead part doesn't even get to see the light of day.

The Grammy Awards, where they pretty much perform for the last time. In this video: JC decides to make me cry by growing his hair out into a greasy mop. Boo on the haircut. Boo on it being the last performance. Ever.

Buy, buy buy it: Amazon
Visit: Lance Bass (mySpace)
Pictures from: Rolling Stone, NsyncGuide.

STRRRIKE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:41:00 +0000

Conan O'Brien will be a rerun tonight, and I'm not happy.

But then again, it's not really much when you think about what the Writer's Guild of America isn't happy about. This is the first strike in over twenty years, and it's absolutely ridiculous (!) that they're not getting properly compensated. To make it worse, the AMPTP is offering a deal that compensates writers .3% of revenue from writers' creations viewed through the internet and other new media, while the WGA want 2.5%... it's not really a huge demand, but it's a reasonable one. The AMPTP's reasoning for their small offer? They think it's too soon to tell how "big" new media will get, AND if there is enough evidence that there is money to be made from it. Yeah, and George Bush ain't the President of the United States.

This whole argument goes beyond new media, but it also delves back into the details of the contract they decided on in 1988, so you know there's a big mess to go through. The union has had enough and has decided to strike against the greedy establishment that continues to take what isn't theirs everyday. It's a harsh way to describe it, but there is no other way. This is something that needs to be addressed, and hopefully it will be resolved soon enough. Not only does this strike effect the writers, but it's also effecting the directors, actors, and not to mention the production crew. Everyone who makes these shows happen is effected, meaning there are sure to be imminent layoffs not too far off in the distance if not resolved in a timely manner.

All seriousness aside, what the HELL is going to happen to "The Office?" Or "Lost?" "Lost" was supposed to premiere in February. My real concern right now besides the WGA and my favorite shows is the demise of real TV shows. Meaning: reality television will kill us all. And I may be forced to hate the one thing I truly love.

Watch as the writers of "The Office" talk about how the strike is affecting them:

Support: Fans 4 Writers - don't write until it's right!, United Hollywood

More updates in the coming days, I'm sure...

sondre lerche (in real life)

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 08:16:00 +0000

Norwegian singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche won me over with his music on "Phantom Punch" so much that I was willing to trek to Amoeba earlier this year to watch him live, performing his own classic songs like "On the Tower," as well as "The Tape" and "Airport Taxi Reception." It wasn't until recently that I found out that he is the main (and pretty much only) soundtrack contributor to a film that I would like to see, which is "Dan in Real Life" starring Steve Carell.

Some of the tracks are songs that have appeared on previous albums, such as "Faces Down" but others are remakes of classic Elvis Costello and Pete Townsend songs that are sure to please audiences. His vocals are pretty much universal, basically in a way that he can sing whatever he pleases from jazz ("Duper Sessions") to experimental rock (his latest album).

Other than that ... I love him! I met him, and what a nice guy. I talked about it in a previous blog before, but I think it's worth rehashing for one last time.

If you'd like to see what I saw in March, then watch the video below in which he talks about his first musical memory, meeting Elvis Costello, and making music. It's part performance, part interview, which is cool ... but it would've been even better if they had more of the performance.

Buy it here: Amazon
Visit: Sondre Lerche @ Amoeba, 3/23/07 (Amoeba)

whole foods alert! NEW whole foods alert!

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:39:00 +0000

I can't believe I didn't know about the new Whole Foods in Lake Merritt!!! I just read about it on SFist a mere week too late (d'oh!). But I'll just come out and say it: I'm in love!!!

Check the link, if you please. I only have three words for you: BIG. MARKET. HALL.

Visit: Whole Foods Market Set to Open First Store in Oakland, Featuring a First-of-its-Kind "Market Hall" Design (wholefoods.com)
What is Old is New...The Building of Whole Foods in Oakland (flickr)

green is out, black is in

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 23:47:00 +0000

Yesterday, my relationship with my green 6GB iPod Mini ended. Bought ages ago (2005), it somehow managed to piss me off doing what it usually does (die on me), when the battery is still somewhat full. It was like a dramatic ending to one beautiful relationship that was beyond repair. As I waited in the pouring rain, I pulled out my iPod Mini in search of a tune that fit the moment (something like John Mayer ... ha) only to have one message flash before my eyes as the song became distorted:

"The battery is running low..."

I couldn't even switch it off either, and I had to press menu and the center at the same time to reset it. Angry and frustrated, I knew it was so over. Over!

The good news was that I came home to find my new black iPod Classic waiting for me. Sleeker design, more space (80GB), shinier and brighter, it was a welcome glow as opposed to that drab hunk of junk that I used to love so much. Maybe it's cliche for me to drop one thing for something that's better looking, but I do believe that I made a good choice. Upgrade!

But now comes the tedious task of putting (almost) all of my music on it, but remembering to pace myself and not put everything on it. Having the iPod Mini was kind of like practice: what to put on it, what not. And now with the option of putting TV shows and movies on it, I think I'm going to have a lot more fun with it.

More fun features:
- Games! There's the iQuiz, which on my Mini was just a "guess the song snippet" kind of Thing. But now it's better, complete with five rounds, and even a random question thrown in about something like about how many records you need to sell to go gold (500,000, FYI). I also enjoy the game Vortex, which is like Pong, but ... not.
- Cover flow: sort of like when you have iTunes on your Mac. Some reason I want to just touch the screen, but it's not a touch. I end up looking quite the fool.

I'm glad I waited a while before buying another iPod. It's good that they came out with a new one, and that it came out just in time before the holiday. And, if you're wondering, I'm not quite through with my Mini ... I'll use it for the gym, and also for uploading the music I listen to when I'm doing my reviews. We're all winners here.

Buy it here: Apple Store
Visit: Funny iPod Ad Spoofs (TechEBlog)

1977: not born yet, but kinda wish I was.

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 02:40:00 +0000

SPIN magazine grabbed my attention with their latest issue, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the year punk made its superbad debut (or big splash, for you purists that say it goes farther). My love for punk doesn't date back as far, but it definitely starts with the bands from that era: one I wish I was around to see.

But alas, I was a couple of years too late into it, but appreciation for the more known bands (Sex Pistols, the Ramones) and probably lesser known but still important (Television, one of my faves!) is something I won't apologize for. Heck ... why should I apologize for being born after this era? I shouldn't! That's not punk. Ha.

My greatest punk beginnings? My parents, whom while still young frequented the Mabuhay Gardens, aka the Fab Mab. Filipino restaurant by day, punk club by night! Upon learning this piece of history, after listening to my first Ramones record, I knew this love affair was meant to be. As someone who still thinks she needs to be better versed in the punk world, I picked up this issue pronto. More punk, the better.

Worth checking out is the interview with Johnny Rotten ... with him saying that the Ramones were never punk (among other things), it's a perfect interview. He says things that'll probably make you squirm, but it still makes for a good read.

If you don't want to pick up the issue, you can find that they have everything featured about 1977 on their website.

Visit: 1977: the year that punk exploded! (SPIN.com)
Flier: Random one from the Fab Mab, from a Flier index. Check it out for more goodies. Also notable: a show for 2 bucks? Damn.

dumping the "Big Shots" for some "Heroes"

noreply@blogger.com (caroline) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:28:00 +0000

Man, that was fast.

I dropped "Big Shots" about ten or fifteen minutes into it. It's my fault, I suppose. I banked on it so much to be my male version of "Sex and the City" but it failed, as the others have over the years.

The characters are a bit too whiny, and even though Michael Vartan is on the show, I can't watch it. It's literally unwatchable, at least from my standpoint. It's over. It's done. I think I would have liked it more if they didn't just sit around and bitch about their lives all the time. It's one thing to have one character that's p-whipped; it's another when it's all of them, and it's the main premise of the show. Booooring.

No matter, it's all water on under the bridge. I have been able to pick up another, better show called "Journeyman" which coincidentally is set in San Francisco! You can tell when it's shot here and when it's somewhere else. Or at least native SFers notice... right?

---

In the course of three weeks, I was able to watch the entire first season of "Heroes." I'm always slow to the hype surrounding new television shows, as I was with "Lost" and "Ugly Betty" to name a few. In fact, I was slow to watch these shows because my days at the time were occupied by school, work, eating, sleeping, and managing to watch the shows I did keep up with. Now I am completely caught up, with the episodes and the show. I was skeptical at first, just because it seemed to me that this was another attempt as some kind of "X-Men" show. Still wounded by that film called "X-Men 3" (*shudder*), I decided not to rub salt in the wound. But now: I can't get enough of it!

... actually, this is just an excuse to post some pictures of Milo Ventimiglia, aka Peter Petrelli. My "hero," and new "boyfriend." Check two of my favorite pics of him from Best Life Magazine:

And, this probably doesn't really need to be said, but "Heroes" has one of the best looking casts in television! Kudos to them for adding Hunter from "The Office" as well. Keep it coming!

Visit: More Milo in Best Life Magazine (ONTD)