A Little Matt Costa Love

For some reason my DVR failed to record "obsessed" last night which REALLY upsets me. So I was forced to watch live TV which is a completely stone-aged activity. While I was stuck watching commercials I saw one for the iphone 3g. I didn't pay that much attention to what they were trying to sell - maybe something about how they have combined forces with Ron Popeil and there is a new app that will make you beef jerky on-demand. What I did notice was the music they used; throughout the first 85 seconds (of the 90 second commercial) they played the song "Mr. Pitiful" by Matt Costa. Then while showing how you can use voice activation to play music on your phone they used the example "play music by Jack Johnson" and quickly changed the song to one of his as well as displaying one of his album covers on the iphone screen. I know most people wouldn't even notice this but Matt Costa is freaking amazing and he deserves some R-E-S-P-E-C-T apple! I know the audience of The Bee cannot hope to compete with the audience of "The Colbert Report" which is what I was watching at the time, but I feel I should do my part; I have posted Mr. Costa's video for the song iphone used below. Love you Matt. Call me.

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KILLING the Spirit of Baltimore

Last night my husband and I went to see Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. ((For those of you unfamiliar with the game and its music I have added a sampling to the sidebar for your listening pleasure)) I had two very good reasons to be excited about this; #1 my husband is a huge gamer-geek and is totally into the Final Fantasy series, #2 its a guarantee that there will be plenty of people there (and when I say "people" I really mean 'guys that are somehow simultaneously sporting bald spots and adolescent squirrely mustaches') dressing up as their favorite FF character. Now, I love my husband but seriously #2 was by far the more appealing reason. I had very high hopes for the pictures I would be able to share with you. This was going to be my greatest post ever; award winning no doubt; people would cry over its fabulousness, mass hysteria would ensue. This post was going to give the world a reason to forget all the high profile celebrity deaths of this past week. MJ who?? To my great disappointment I did not see a single costume last night. What happened?!? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Baltimore, where's your spirit?!?

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I have a theory. According to FBI data, via a recent article in the Baltimore Sun our fine city is the murder capitol of the United States. I suppose dressing up as a Chocobo would draw far too much unwelcome attention to ones-self and Baltimorians don't need to give anyone more reasons to shoot them. As such, I blame our lovely Mayor, Sheila Dixon, for the lack of an amazing post today.

Please forward all complaints to:

Mayor Sheila Dixon
City Hall, Room 400
100 North Holliday Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 396-4804; fax: (410) 539-0647
e-mail: mayor@baltimorecity.gov

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The Suit

Lin over at duck & wheel owed me one and luckily the "tenth photo in [my] first file" is a winner ... Those of you that know me personally should understand this right away - for those of you that don't ... I bid you "Happy Guessing!"

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o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d

I'm not one of those people that slows down when they pass a car wreck on the road but I do understand the voyeurism involved. I suffer from it myself but I chose to do my watching from the comfort of my sofa. Mine takes a different form though; I'm a big INTERVENTION watcher from way back. If you haven't seen the show it follows people with drug and alcohol addictions, documenting a week in their lives culminating in a surprise intervention at the end of each episode. I realize some people might think you would have to be sick to watch something like this ... I'm fine with that label. Once in a while when I catch a marathon on A&E I think I, myself, might need an intervention from "intervention."

Even better - A&E came out with a new show this season called obsessed; and yes, I am obsessed with it. (Those people at A&E are so clever with their show names) Since the first episode a few weeks ago I have been wanting to blog about the show but I just don't even know where to start - it's that good. If you haven't been watching it yet then I suggest you get your ass over to hulu and catch up!

In obsessed A&E documents the lives of people with anxiety disorders and their journey through 12-weeks of therapy. Have I mentioned that I suffer from an anxiety disorder myself? You may have picked up on it back in my iatrotelephobia post but I'll make it official. About two years ago I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder and Acute Agoraphobia. Luckily with the help of a few months of therapy and a lifetime of drugs I am coping well with my disease. And let me just say on a serious note folks - mental disorders are no laughing matter. But enough about me - these people are NUTS!

I don't want to ruin it for those of you that have it saved up on your DVR's or anything but seriously - there was a lady that was so afraid to be "dirty" that she took a two hour long shower after every bowel movement. And she didn't joke around here - she had tools! I don't want to gross anyone out but I'll just say there was an enema and a toothbrush involved ... and I loved every crazy second of it!!

I'm sorry have we just turned a corner in our relationship? If you are too disturbed to ever readthebee again I understand ... but you will be missed.

For those of you still left - HOW CRAZY IS THAT BITCH??!?! Admit it - you're gonna start watching aren't you?

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You Suck At Life

What's up with speaker-phone?? OK, I know it serves a purpose, but I also know that it is massively abused in our society. Especially when it comes to cell phones; I mean, if you're still holding the phone up to your mouth while on speaker - then what is the point??? Can someone please explain this to me? I know one of you must know because I feel like I'm the only person that doesn't do this. And don't even get me started on push-to-talk. I firmly believe that Nextel is in bed with the Devil.

But even worse than being forced to listen to the conversations of total strangers at the bank or in the mall, is being forced to listen to someone's conversations while at work. Every office I have ever worked in has one* jack-ass that just doesn't get it. They never even bother to pick up the receiver - from the initial dial tone, to them dialing the number to the obnoxious hold music or ring-back tone of the person they are calling straight on through the entire conversation, everyone around them is forced to suffer through it. But it's not just one call its EVERY CALL EVERY DAY. Can we shoot these people? They SUCK AT LIFE!

Don't you realize that the rest of us are trying to work here too? We're trying to read something or write something or maybe even have a phone conversation of our own and your noise is not helping things. Yes, I know you need to take notes or possibly even type while you're talking - but that is why God created your shoulder; as a neat resting place for the G.D. phone!! You could even get yourself a nifty head-set. Sure, you'll look like a moron while wearing it, but only to your co-workers, who will be so overwhelmed with gratitude that you put the damn thing on, that they won't even notice how unattractive it is.

*There is generally only one of these offenders in each office because everyone else realizes how hated that person is and thus refrains from the behavior themselves.

Blue-tooth is its own animal - equally (if not more) obnoxious but in its own self-important kind of way.

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Shutter Island

I recently came across a trailer for a new movie called "Shutter Island" on this blog. It's based on a novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane who also wrote Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone and several episodes of The Wire. I have to add, that I have never seen a single episode of The Wire even though it is a complete sacrilege for any one that lives in the Baltimore-Metro area. I'm waiting to borrow it on DVD - it will happen some day I swear. But everyone I know has seen the entire show and constantly raves about it and how true to Baltimore life it is. Also, Mystic River, I totally fell asleep on. SORRY! I know that its against the law to say such a thing but its true so get over it. As far as Gone Baby Gone is concerned I've heard that it too is a fantastic film but I have never seen it. Somehow though, the fact that David Lehane had a hand in all of these great projects (that I never saw) makes me want to actually see this one. But more than that even, I feel the need to read the book before the movie comes out this October. I was wondering if any of you have read the book and if so, what you though of it. I almost feel like the trailer gave too much away and maybe the book would no longer be as enjoyable or suspenseful. What do you think? Anyone else out there want to read the book, or at least see the movie?

I've added the trailer to the right side bar if you'd like to check it out - be warned though it might contain spoilers.

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UPDATE: I went to the bookstore today to buy something else and thought - what the hell! I went to the Fiction ... found the L's ... found David Lehane and about 3 other books of his, but no "Shutter Island." I thought maybe they had them on an end-cap or table somewhere because the movie is coming out but couldn't find it. So I caved and went to the counter to ask an employee. He walked right over to the shelf with the other David Lehan books where I had already checked - this was a little annoying but I maintained composure and only let out a few heavy sighs. He was as surprised as I had been that there were no copies of the book, then said "We've had a lot of people asking for that one. Is there a movie coming out or something?" Guess that answers the question.

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The Amazing Bento

What was your favorite subject in grade school? Most kids would say recess, which is nothing if not honest. But what about lunch?

Lunch was the shit people.

Each August, the day my sister and I went to the store to pick out our new lunch boxes was simultaneously the most exciting and most stressful day of my life (yes, my anxiety disorder started at a young age - but I digress) The lunch box had to be super cool, but not the most popular thing because then every other kid would have it too. It had to be original. And it could not be too babyish - I mean as eight year olds we all still watched The Smurfs but we weren't going to admit it to each other and walking through the class with a public announcement that you did was social suicide. I can still remember the purple Mickey & Minnie Mouse gem that was the shining star of my third grade existence. But imagine if your parents sent you off with one of these boxes -> I mean the colors are cute enough but seriously ... L-A-M-E. But these little boxes hold a secret; a secret that would instantly make you the King or Queen of the lunch room and the envy of the entire student body. These are Bento boxes. Have you heard of Bento? If not, wiki defines it as "a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. [...] Although bento is readily available in many places throughout Japan [...],it is still common for Japanese homemakers to spend considerable time and energy producing an appealing boxed lunch." But even from this definition you cannot appreciate the magic that is - Bento. Imagine now, that you opened that innocent looking box to reveal this ...

I discovered Bento several months ago on 'adventures in bento making'. I was instantly amazed. She makes one of these almost everyday. Sometimes for herself and sometimes for her husband but often for her children. Some of my favorites are the ones which were inspired by the tv show LOST. I have posted a few below but you must go visit her site and check out the gallery for yourself.

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On the down side, as an eight year old I would probably rather die than eat the amount of broccoli that she includes in these things but at least I would die as the kid with the coolest lunch.

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Blog Awards!

Wow! What a week, I'm a totally noobie blogger so I've never received an award before and this week I got four!

~~ You guys must have really been into Twilight more than I expected ;) ~~

A sincere Thank You goes to all of you; Donna from cuteasabuggy and Sasha from sasha-says and Patricia from subjectivesoup and communicationexchange. I have chosen a few more sites to pass these awards onto which I will list below. Someone of you know I'm hooked on your sites and others I've just been lurking on, but I'm glad to have the chance to let you know how much I enjoy what you're doing. I know that some of you look at these awards as a chore (I'm looking at you Lin) so please don't think of this as an obligation, I don't need any of you to pay-it-forward unless you want to.

cuteasabuggy.blogspot.com

sasha-says.com

subjectivesoup.blogspot.com

communicationexchange.blogspot.com

duckandwheelwithstring.blogspot.com

ofmiceandramen.blogspot.com

twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.blogspot.com

nutsinanutshell.blogspot.com

myrocketscience.blogspot.com

thecouchpotato.info

nocleaninghere.blogspot.com

cromely.blogspot.com

simply-b.blogspot.com

ariazink.blogspot.com

yourgoldenmoment.com

inaykupo.blogspot.com

sewingmom.com

theackattack.net

Please accept your award and take a minute to visit some of the other great sites I've listed, I'm sure you'll find one you enjoy as much as I do.

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That's Mr. LaForge to You

I know this might seem like a bit much to some of you but at the risk of alienating some of my readers all I can say is ... sometimes the truth hurts.

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Confession

I have to admit I have been keeping a skeleton in my closet. Most of you don't realize that I have a secret obsession ... one that I am a bit embarassed about. But I can't keep it in any longer.

If you're squeemish you should just turn away, actually maybe everyone should just close their eyes for this next part ... (go ahead - I'll tell you when it's safe to open them again) ...

If the term "Team Edward" means nothing to you .... then I'm even more embarassed (and also slightly relieved.) What it means is that I am completely hooked on all things Twilight.

~~~Don't judge me people~~~

Well that was a bit like ripping off a band-aid; quick and painful but I'm so glad it's over. I feel so close to you all now! Maybe we should have a sleep-over or something ... we can paint each others toe nails and talk about The Jo-Bros!! No? Too much?

Anyway, what I really wanted to share was how excited I am about the next movie that's coming out later this year. Michael Sheen (who you may remember from Underworld or Frost/Nixon) will be joining the cast to play Aro. I like to refer to the character of Aro as the Godfather of the Vampire Mafia. Okay have I gone too far again? Fine! Sorry! I'll try to keep it under wraps. Ugh.

He recently did an interview with Empire and said "I'm all done on it; I had a great time. It was nice to go in and not be playing the main part, just go in for a few days and play this really really extraordinary character. I remember I was thinking, 'Oh, there's a bit of a Child Catcher here [from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]; bit of the Blue Meanie from The Yellow Submarine; bit of Olivier from Richard III. There was a bit of all kinds of stuff." Anyman that can combine Twilight with Blue Meanies is cool in my book. Am I alone here?

Please give me some Twilight love ... or at least some Michael Sheen love. Look - at least I spared you from the typical Twilight fan post. Consider yourself lucky, it could have been much worse...

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You Suck at Life

The Bee is proud to present the inaugural edition of what is expected to be a weekly feature here. "You Suck at Life" will be spotlighting some of the biggest douche-bags in today's society. It might be someone famous, or someone you've never heard of (and for that you should be glad) it might just be the stupid guy at the gas station that pissed me off because he didn't understand the finer points of fuel pump etiquette. We will also be accepting nominees - if you know someone that sucks at life (and I'm sure you do) be sure to leave a comment and let us know how you feel.

Today I share the following news story:
LAKEVIEW, Mich. — A man who tried to burn an anthill in west-central Michigan started a blaze that damaged about an acre of land. The Daily News of Greenville reported the fire was set Tuesday afternoon in Lakeview, about 40 miles north-northeast of Grand Rapids. The flames quickly spread to a nearby wooded area. Firefighters were on the scene about an hour and extinguished the blaze. Lakeview Fire Chief Clark Newell said the man who started the fire will be billed for the cost of the run.

Seriously? This is what happens when you give matches to white-trash people. Was the ant hill really ruining his life or was he just bored? And how does it get that out-of-hand?!?! I mean was he burning it with a blow torch and a barrell of gasoline or what? Wouldn't a magnifying glass have been more than sufficient? I only wish I could be given the opportunity to meet him face to face so I could say "You Suck at Life!"

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