Sunday, May 16, 2010
New Words
If Shakespeare can do it then so can everyone else. A returned missionary spoke in church today and accidentally combined the words dramatic and drastic. The result was dramastic. I hereby support using this word.
The Official Rules of Calling Shotgun
I saw a post on facebook regarding the rules of Shotgun and I decided to make a few modifications. This is how we do it in our family but I would appreciate comments/stories/notes on facebook regarding the way you do it. I copied the rules of the post I saw but I will modify them with angry red text wherever wrong.
1. The shotgunner must be in clear sight of the car, and shotgun can be called regardless of whether the driver is in sight of the car.
2. If you are the first to be picked up on a journey you are automatically given shotgun. You retain this position for the entire journey, unless you violate rules 11, 16, 22 or any other rules stipulating the loss of shotgun.
3. You cannot declare shotgun if someone has previously declared shotgun for that journey.
4 When simultaneous shotgun is called, there is then a foot race to the passenger side door from all the people who called.
5. Shotgun cannot be called whilst inside a building (unless you are in a multi-story or underground car park!) Disagreed. As long as you can see the car and you are the way toward it you may call shotgun, even if you are inside of a building.
6. Shotgun cannot be called in advance, only whilst on the way to the car for the journey.
7. Once shotgun has been called the driver has the option of a reload. The driver yells "reload" and this means that all previous calls of shotgun are void and the first person to call shotgun again gets the seat. This is helpful if the driver really doesn't like the person who first called shotgun. It is often used when there is a simultaneous call and the driver is unsure of the outcome. Note that a shotgun has only 2 barrels so a reload can only be called once. I have never heard of this before and it is completely ridiculous. If the driver doesn't like the person who called shotgun they have any and all power to change whenever and however many times they want to.
8. Once shotgun has been called for the front seat then back left and back right can be called. This effectively leaves the slowest person to travel in the middle. I suppose this is true but I have never run into this problem before.
9. Because everyone is created equal, men have he same right to the front seat of the car as women (ie women don't own the front seat!). Disagreed. If a woman wants the seat, they get it. If there are more than one woman whoever calls shotgun first gets it. If a man is already in the front seat when a woman is picked up then the man does not have to relinquish shotgun unless the woman and the driver are dating. If the woman and man are related then women do not get preference.
10. If the regular driver of the vehicle is drunk or otherwise unable to perform their duties as driver, then he/she is automatically given shotgun.
11. Once the journey has begun, the driver is the obvious controller of the tunes. However if they feel the road requires their full attention, or they simply cannot be arsed any more, the duty is passed to the shotgunner. However, putting on crap tunes or allowing for silence when the iPod finishes a song then the driver has the right to relegate the shotgunner to the back seat. (I modified the end of this one).
12. Anyone calling shotgun must have his or her shoes on. This is to stop people running outside and calling shotgun, then having to go back inside to put their shoes on and slowing the journey. This is known as the Shoe Rule. The person does not have to have their shoes on, but they must have them in their hand. If they must go back indoors for any reason then they lose shotgun.
13. Shotgun overrules Dibs, Baggsies and other girly calls! Shotgun is the only valid call. If any other call is made then it is void.
14. Despite the debate, shotgun CAN be used to shotgun things other than the front seat (eg back left, back right, women, not going to answer the door, etc). Never used it in any sense except riding in cars and therefore this rule does not affect me.
15. When traveling with a couple, one of the couple MUST shotgun the front. No one wants to chauffer two of their mates whilst they are in the back all over each other. Disagreed. If people don't want to sit in the front seat then they don't have to.
16. If someone has successfully called shotgun, they have the right to the front seat. They do not have the ight to correct the driver on their navigation skills ("take a left here you moron!) or driving ability ("I'd be in third gear if I was driving"). If the passenger does this, then they forfeit their position as shotgun holder. While annoying, shotgun driving is allowed unless the driver states otherwise.
17. If someone says, "what's shotgun?" after it has been called then they have to walk.
18. If the shotgunner attempts to open the door just as the driver is unlocking it and jams the lock half open so that the driver needs to lock it and unlock it again, the shotgunner forfeits their position. This is known as shotgun suicide. Never heard of this before and it is not valid in my car.
19. The holder of shotgun assumes the responsibility for all gate opening, off license nipping into, takeaway ordering and question asking. He/she is in essence the copilot and therefore the enforcer of behavior in the vehicle and exacter of slaps/punches/water spraying/ bag throwing at the passengers in the back.
20. Automatic "couple's rights act 1997". This law states that, if the driver is the boyfriend/girlfriend of a passenger in the car, this person has the right to the seat of their choice.
21. If one of the potential occupants of the vehicle is dressed (convincingly) as a pirate then they are given automatic shotgun. In the event of more than one pirate being present, a sword fight shall determine the successful shotgunner. This is known as The Pirate Rule. I have never heard of nor enforced this rule before but it is a good one and I am adopting it.
22. When driving past a woman walking a dog, everyone in the car must shout out the window, "who's walking who?" It is the shotgunner's responsibility to spot potential heckling. Deciding who to "SCIENCE!" is also the responsibility of the shotgunner.
23. When riding in a 2 or 3 door car, it is the responsibility of the shotgunner to allow rear passengers in and out of the back of the car, NOT THE DRIVERS!! Regardless of the weather conditions.
24. Obviously the previous rule on the subject didn't clarify things completely with everyone coming up with a new rule that overrules shotgun. NOTHING overrules shotgun. Shotgun is final and cannot be overruled!!!!
25. It is the successful shotgunner's responsibility to be on the lookout for any police and/or speed cameras. If the shotgunner doesn't spot a speed camera and this results in a speeding ticket it is immediately their fault and not the driver's.
26. The driver hold all power and can suspend, amend, violate, or change any rule of shotgun at any time for any reason however the driver who does this too often or on a regular basis will not gain and does not deserve the respect and/or obedience of their passengers.
1. The shotgunner must be in clear sight of the car, and shotgun can be called regardless of whether the driver is in sight of the car.
2. If you are the first to be picked up on a journey you are automatically given shotgun. You retain this position for the entire journey, unless you violate rules 11, 16, 22 or any other rules stipulating the loss of shotgun.
3. You cannot declare shotgun if someone has previously declared shotgun for that journey.
4 When simultaneous shotgun is called, there is then a foot race to the passenger side door from all the people who called.
5. Shotgun cannot be called whilst inside a building (unless you are in a multi-story or underground car park!) Disagreed. As long as you can see the car and you are the way toward it you may call shotgun, even if you are inside of a building.
6. Shotgun cannot be called in advance, only whilst on the way to the car for the journey.
7. Once shotgun has been called the driver has the option of a reload. The driver yells "reload" and this means that all previous calls of shotgun are void and the first person to call shotgun again gets the seat. This is helpful if the driver really doesn't like the person who first called shotgun. It is often used when there is a simultaneous call and the driver is unsure of the outcome. Note that a shotgun has only 2 barrels so a reload can only be called once. I have never heard of this before and it is completely ridiculous. If the driver doesn't like the person who called shotgun they have any and all power to change whenever and however many times they want to.
8. Once shotgun has been called for the front seat then back left and back right can be called. This effectively leaves the slowest person to travel in the middle. I suppose this is true but I have never run into this problem before.
9. Because everyone is created equal, men have he same right to the front seat of the car as women (ie women don't own the front seat!). Disagreed. If a woman wants the seat, they get it. If there are more than one woman whoever calls shotgun first gets it. If a man is already in the front seat when a woman is picked up then the man does not have to relinquish shotgun unless the woman and the driver are dating. If the woman and man are related then women do not get preference.
10. If the regular driver of the vehicle is drunk or otherwise unable to perform their duties as driver, then he/she is automatically given shotgun.
11. Once the journey has begun, the driver is the obvious controller of the tunes. However if they feel the road requires their full attention, or they simply cannot be arsed any more, the duty is passed to the shotgunner. However, putting on crap tunes or allowing for silence when the iPod finishes a song then the driver has the right to relegate the shotgunner to the back seat. (I modified the end of this one).
12. Anyone calling shotgun must have his or her shoes on. This is to stop people running outside and calling shotgun, then having to go back inside to put their shoes on and slowing the journey. This is known as the Shoe Rule. The person does not have to have their shoes on, but they must have them in their hand. If they must go back indoors for any reason then they lose shotgun.
13. Shotgun overrules Dibs, Baggsies and other girly calls! Shotgun is the only valid call. If any other call is made then it is void.
14. Despite the debate, shotgun CAN be used to shotgun things other than the front seat (eg back left, back right, women, not going to answer the door, etc). Never used it in any sense except riding in cars and therefore this rule does not affect me.
15. When traveling with a couple, one of the couple MUST shotgun the front. No one wants to chauffer two of their mates whilst they are in the back all over each other. Disagreed. If people don't want to sit in the front seat then they don't have to.
16. If someone has successfully called shotgun, they have the right to the front seat. They do not have the ight to correct the driver on their navigation skills ("take a left here you moron!) or driving ability ("I'd be in third gear if I was driving"). If the passenger does this, then they forfeit their position as shotgun holder. While annoying, shotgun driving is allowed unless the driver states otherwise.
17. If someone says, "what's shotgun?" after it has been called then they have to walk.
18. If the shotgunner attempts to open the door just as the driver is unlocking it and jams the lock half open so that the driver needs to lock it and unlock it again, the shotgunner forfeits their position. This is known as shotgun suicide. Never heard of this before and it is not valid in my car.
19. The holder of shotgun assumes the responsibility for all gate opening, off license nipping into, takeaway ordering and question asking. He/she is in essence the copilot and therefore the enforcer of behavior in the vehicle and exacter of slaps/punches/water spraying/ bag throwing at the passengers in the back.
20. Automatic "couple's rights act 1997". This law states that, if the driver is the boyfriend/girlfriend of a passenger in the car, this person has the right to the seat of their choice.
21. If one of the potential occupants of the vehicle is dressed (convincingly) as a pirate then they are given automatic shotgun. In the event of more than one pirate being present, a sword fight shall determine the successful shotgunner. This is known as The Pirate Rule. I have never heard of nor enforced this rule before but it is a good one and I am adopting it.
22. When driving past a woman walking a dog, everyone in the car must shout out the window, "who's walking who?" It is the shotgunner's responsibility to spot potential heckling. Deciding who to "SCIENCE!" is also the responsibility of the shotgunner.
23. When riding in a 2 or 3 door car, it is the responsibility of the shotgunner to allow rear passengers in and out of the back of the car, NOT THE DRIVERS!! Regardless of the weather conditions.
24. Obviously the previous rule on the subject didn't clarify things completely with everyone coming up with a new rule that overrules shotgun. NOTHING overrules shotgun. Shotgun is final and cannot be overruled!!!!
25. It is the successful shotgunner's responsibility to be on the lookout for any police and/or speed cameras. If the shotgunner doesn't spot a speed camera and this results in a speeding ticket it is immediately their fault and not the driver's.
26. The driver hold all power and can suspend, amend, violate, or change any rule of shotgun at any time for any reason however the driver who does this too often or on a regular basis will not gain and does not deserve the respect and/or obedience of their passengers.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Robin Hood
I was not expecting this movie to be great and it definitely was not. I gave it a solid 5. The casting was terrible except for a few minor characters and Lady Marion. I actually liked the way they played with the Robin story but the acting was not particularly good and the storyline was extremely flat. Even the action was rather less impressive that I expected. The best part of the movie, ironically, was the end; not because it was over, but because the end credits are creative in my opinion. Beginning and ending with text was also not a stroke of brilliance I thought.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Iron Man 2
Long-awaited. This movie was supposed to have come out in 2009 but was pushed back for more than one reason. I was hoping it would be better than the first since the first was an introduction to the Iron Man character, but this movie was a continuation of that. In addition, SHIELD hijacked the film and made it more of a set-up for the Avengers than an actual Iron Man film. Having said that, the action was amazing, it was nice to see War Machine. Scarlett Johansen did excellent in my opinion. Gweneth Paltrow also did an amazing job. After the first movie I was still unsure about her but she pulls it off in this second movie well. The largest complaints concern the villains in the show. Hammer was simply annoying and Rourke was good visually, but terrible in every other way. I gave this movie a seven out of ten and it only received that because of the action scenes.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
New Artemis Fowl Covers
As you may or may not know, the covers for the books in the Artemis Fowl series have been redone. I am not a particular fan of either cover in general and I understand that the new covers probably have a greater appeal to young readers but I am upset that they did not make the decision to publish all of the books under the old covers. Below you can see an example of the old cover vs. the new cover.
Now, I would not normally be so upset, but the series was unfinished when they decided to make this decision. This means that the most recent release, Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, only has the old cover if you purchase the hardback copy. I collect paperbacks and therefore can't purchase this book to complete my set. The seventh book, tentatively set for release at the beginning of August this year, will not be released with the old cover either.
I could not let this travesty occur without comment.
Now, I would not normally be so upset, but the series was unfinished when they decided to make this decision. This means that the most recent release, Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, only has the old cover if you purchase the hardback copy. I collect paperbacks and therefore can't purchase this book to complete my set. The seventh book, tentatively set for release at the beginning of August this year, will not be released with the old cover either.
I could not let this travesty occur without comment.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
How to Train Your Dragon
I finally broke down and went to see this movie. I had heard it was amazing from all sources so I decided to go, even though I thought it just looked alright. Well, that opinion shattered as one of the best animated movies of all time unfolded on the screen before me.
The humor is genuinely funny, was not forced, and continued throughout. You immediately fall in love with the main character and even though I typically don't like narration sequences to begin movies, it didn't matter because they did it so well that you didn't even notice. Pacing was perfect and each moment came at good times in the movie. Definitely a movie for all ages. The sole complaint I have is that I personally thought the dragons were ugly, especially Toothless. However the movie was so well-made that it didn't really matter that much. I have heard that it does not follow the book very well but I have not read it and probably wouldn't care even if I had. Great job. My first 10 of the year.
The humor is genuinely funny, was not forced, and continued throughout. You immediately fall in love with the main character and even though I typically don't like narration sequences to begin movies, it didn't matter because they did it so well that you didn't even notice. Pacing was perfect and each moment came at good times in the movie. Definitely a movie for all ages. The sole complaint I have is that I personally thought the dragons were ugly, especially Toothless. However the movie was so well-made that it didn't really matter that much. I have heard that it does not follow the book very well but I have not read it and probably wouldn't care even if I had. Great job. My first 10 of the year.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
2010 Utah Senate Race
On Friday April 2nd I went to a debate between the candidates running for Utah senate in 2010. I will give you a brief summary of what I gleaned from the debate for anyone interested.
Bennett - Senator Bennett is the incumbent. He hates the Health Care bill, supports earmark spending as long as it is done out in the open and not behind closed doors. He encourages discussion and disagreement on understanding and interpreting the constitution.
Bradley - Constitution Party member. As expected he is a strict constitutionalist. He supports a return to a strict interpretation of the constitution and is completely against stretching the necessary and proper clause.
Bridgewater - Formerly worked in the treasury of the Reagan administration. He is for a fair tax. Against special interest earmark spending. Said that the necessary and proper clause was meant to limit not open it up for congress to do whatever it wants.
Chiu - It was hard to figure out what made Chiu unique because he spent the whole time talking about patriotism, freedom, values, and invoking God. But he didn't really come down on any issues except the ones that everybody agreed on.
Cook - Served as one of Utah's reps previously. Hates the Fed and is for either a flat tax or a fair tax. Hates the IRS. He is in favor of cutting government programs that don't belong there such as the department of eduation and department of commerce.
Eager - Lots of energy. Does not like globalism. Hates the federal government taking Utah's land. Against free trade, instead for something she calls fair trade. Wants a return to Reaganomics. Wants the states to decide individually how they want to raise federal funds.
Fabiano - In favor of term limits (as most of the candidates were). Will not accept wages if elected. Hates Obamacare. He reminds me a bit of Ron Paul.
Friedbaum - Admitted he was there just to provide a negative view of Senator Bennett. Pretty much just made jokes the whole time. The word that comes to mind is crackpot.
Lee - Similar to Eager and Cook though less animated and dedicated. Supports the balance budget ammendment. Supports a 1 year ban on all earmarks.
Stout - Democrat. Very focused on the national debt. He says limited the government alone can not reduce the debt. Thinks the Judiciary has too much power.
In my opinion Bennett, Cook, and Eager made the best impression on me personally. Stout, Friedbaum, and Chiu are at the bottom of the list and the others are somewhere in between.
Bennett - Senator Bennett is the incumbent. He hates the Health Care bill, supports earmark spending as long as it is done out in the open and not behind closed doors. He encourages discussion and disagreement on understanding and interpreting the constitution.
Bradley - Constitution Party member. As expected he is a strict constitutionalist. He supports a return to a strict interpretation of the constitution and is completely against stretching the necessary and proper clause.
Bridgewater - Formerly worked in the treasury of the Reagan administration. He is for a fair tax. Against special interest earmark spending. Said that the necessary and proper clause was meant to limit not open it up for congress to do whatever it wants.
Chiu - It was hard to figure out what made Chiu unique because he spent the whole time talking about patriotism, freedom, values, and invoking God. But he didn't really come down on any issues except the ones that everybody agreed on.
Cook - Served as one of Utah's reps previously. Hates the Fed and is for either a flat tax or a fair tax. Hates the IRS. He is in favor of cutting government programs that don't belong there such as the department of eduation and department of commerce.
Eager - Lots of energy. Does not like globalism. Hates the federal government taking Utah's land. Against free trade, instead for something she calls fair trade. Wants a return to Reaganomics. Wants the states to decide individually how they want to raise federal funds.
Fabiano - In favor of term limits (as most of the candidates were). Will not accept wages if elected. Hates Obamacare. He reminds me a bit of Ron Paul.
Friedbaum - Admitted he was there just to provide a negative view of Senator Bennett. Pretty much just made jokes the whole time. The word that comes to mind is crackpot.
Lee - Similar to Eager and Cook though less animated and dedicated. Supports the balance budget ammendment. Supports a 1 year ban on all earmarks.
Stout - Democrat. Very focused on the national debt. He says limited the government alone can not reduce the debt. Thinks the Judiciary has too much power.
In my opinion Bennett, Cook, and Eager made the best impression on me personally. Stout, Friedbaum, and Chiu are at the bottom of the list and the others are somewhere in between.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Fat Boy Diary
So pretty much I'm sick of being fat. I'm not saying I liked it before (it irritated me) but I decided I hate myself whenever I think about my weight. I'm not enormous but the bottom line is that I am not happy.
I'm going to exercise every single day whether it's at night, the morning, afternoon, or whatever. I'm not putting any time limit on it or bounds of any sort. No limits on how to exercise, where to exercise, when to exercise, or how long. As long as I do it every day. I realize I have a long way to go, but my biggest problem with anything in my life that I have tried to change in consistency so that is what I am going to focus on. Hopefully this blog will be one tool that can hold me somewhat accountable and keep me going.
I would add a before picture....but my embarrassment won't let me.
I'm going to exercise every single day whether it's at night, the morning, afternoon, or whatever. I'm not putting any time limit on it or bounds of any sort. No limits on how to exercise, where to exercise, when to exercise, or how long. As long as I do it every day. I realize I have a long way to go, but my biggest problem with anything in my life that I have tried to change in consistency so that is what I am going to focus on. Hopefully this blog will be one tool that can hold me somewhat accountable and keep me going.
I would add a before picture....but my embarrassment won't let me.
Monday, March 22, 2010
DC Spring Break 2010
Alright, prepare for a long post. Here is my official journal post for my entire trip last week. Good luck getting through it all.
Wednesday, March 17:
Our flight left the SLC airport at about 7:00 am. The students were all told to be there by 6:00 am and my friends Aubrey, Talaina, and Jamie offered to drive me up there early in the morning. In fact, we just hung out Tuesday night and didn't go to sleep all night. It was a lot of fun and it helped me sleep on the plane.
Over Chicago was amazing. They have pools and lakes all over their land, even in their cities. Some were the size of an entire city block, just sitting there in the middle of the houses and businesses. The airport was large and we had a brief layover before heading on to D.C. which was so crowded that we had to remain airborne for a long time. That part made me kind of sick but I was doing well up until then.
Our hotel this year was on the red line instead of blue, which was annoying because that meant we had to transfer metro cars every time we went somewhere. In addition, the hotel was something like 7 or so blocks, maybe more, from the station whereas last year it was one block away. No wifi either.....hmmmm. In short, was not pleased with the hotel selection. But it was cheap so that's good.
We went out to Johnny Rockets for dinner, some burger joint close to the hotel, then explored the area a little. We were all pretty tired so we turned in at about 11. My roommate and I ended up staying awake till about 1:30 talking.
Thursday, March 18:
It was not terribly difficult to get up and be ready by 9 so we could go to the holocaust museum. Once there everything became extremely familiar and I fell right in where I was last year. We did not have long in the archives before everyone decided to go and see the permanent exhibit. That took about three hours or so and we went out for lunch afterward.
We did see a small rally that day (or maybe it was the next day, I forget) of people supporting the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy for homosexuals in the military.
It's odd, but I don't remember what we did for dinner that night.....
We did listen to the speech of a soviet army expert who talked about anti-semitism in the soviet army. It was an interesting speech and I feel bad because I was very tired and was having trouble staying awake. There was a dessert reception afterward.
After getting back to the hotel one of the girls wanted to organize a party thing but it appeared to fall through so we went to bed. A half-hour later brings a banging at our door and there she is with a small group of people. We talked and listened to music for a little while then went to sleep.
Friday, March 19:
I probably spent more time in the archives this day than I did any of the other days. I also got a chance to see some of the other, smaller exhibits in the holocaust museum.
Today was our memorials day. We started at the Washington Monument. Obama's car actually drove past right as we crossed the street but I didn't see him or anything.
Brooke and I made the long trek over to the Jefferson Memorial which I hadn't seen last year because of its distance from the rest of the memorials. We caught up with the rest of the group later. The group separated for dinner. Brooke, Alysse, Kevin, and I went to a pretty expensive restaurant called Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
The restaurant was amazing. The Caesar salad which made up my first course was huge, and the most delicious salad I have ever had in my life. Next came the potatoes and steak. I had a medium rare 16 0z ribeye. So. Good. The potatoes were also amazing. That was followed up with some raspberry sorbet. I'm still not sure if it was wise spending so much money on one meal but......man was it delicious.
Saturday, March 20:
This morning we went to the National Archives which I also didn't do last year. I got to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. All of them were extremely faded but you could still read a lot of it.
After that Alysse and I separated from the group and went to Congress where the anti-health care bill rally was taking place. The next morning on the news I saw that 5 people had been arrested. We walked through the rally and heading up behind the Capitol building to the Library of Congress.
AMAZING. That building rocks my socks. I wasn't allowed in the reading room but I did see it and it was breathtaking. This was probably one of my favorite things I saw this year.
We walked about two miles to Union Station where the two of us ate lunch and talked before taking a metro over to the American History Smithsonian for the rest of the day.
For dinner Alysse and I had been planning to go to a Cheesesteak place in Georgetown I had seen last year but it was no longer there so we went with the rest of the group to the pizza place we went to last year. The Quattro Formagia pizza was delicious.
That night we went to Alysse and Brittany's room to play games for a while. (Actually, I lie. I'm pretty sure we did this last night).
Sunday, March 21:
So I was planning on going to church but it turns out it was stake conference for everyone in the region. Lame.
Instead Alysse, Brittany, and I went to Arlington then quickly over to the American History Smithsonian to finish up a few things and eat lunch.
On the way back to the hotel we were stuck in the metro for 45 minutes, which really stressed us out. By the time we got back to the hotel we were forced to take a taxi or be late for our flight....neither were happy options but we opted for the taxi.
Flying back was a beast because both flights were delayed making it past midnight when I got home....I just woke up a few hours ago.
And that was my happy trip. Pictures will be coming to facebook soon but I warn you that I don't have many this year.
Wednesday, March 17:
Our flight left the SLC airport at about 7:00 am. The students were all told to be there by 6:00 am and my friends Aubrey, Talaina, and Jamie offered to drive me up there early in the morning. In fact, we just hung out Tuesday night and didn't go to sleep all night. It was a lot of fun and it helped me sleep on the plane.
Over Chicago was amazing. They have pools and lakes all over their land, even in their cities. Some were the size of an entire city block, just sitting there in the middle of the houses and businesses. The airport was large and we had a brief layover before heading on to D.C. which was so crowded that we had to remain airborne for a long time. That part made me kind of sick but I was doing well up until then.
Our hotel this year was on the red line instead of blue, which was annoying because that meant we had to transfer metro cars every time we went somewhere. In addition, the hotel was something like 7 or so blocks, maybe more, from the station whereas last year it was one block away. No wifi either.....hmmmm. In short, was not pleased with the hotel selection. But it was cheap so that's good.
We went out to Johnny Rockets for dinner, some burger joint close to the hotel, then explored the area a little. We were all pretty tired so we turned in at about 11. My roommate and I ended up staying awake till about 1:30 talking.
Thursday, March 18:
It was not terribly difficult to get up and be ready by 9 so we could go to the holocaust museum. Once there everything became extremely familiar and I fell right in where I was last year. We did not have long in the archives before everyone decided to go and see the permanent exhibit. That took about three hours or so and we went out for lunch afterward.
We did see a small rally that day (or maybe it was the next day, I forget) of people supporting the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy for homosexuals in the military.
It's odd, but I don't remember what we did for dinner that night.....
We did listen to the speech of a soviet army expert who talked about anti-semitism in the soviet army. It was an interesting speech and I feel bad because I was very tired and was having trouble staying awake. There was a dessert reception afterward.
After getting back to the hotel one of the girls wanted to organize a party thing but it appeared to fall through so we went to bed. A half-hour later brings a banging at our door and there she is with a small group of people. We talked and listened to music for a little while then went to sleep.
Friday, March 19:
I probably spent more time in the archives this day than I did any of the other days. I also got a chance to see some of the other, smaller exhibits in the holocaust museum.
Today was our memorials day. We started at the Washington Monument. Obama's car actually drove past right as we crossed the street but I didn't see him or anything.
Brooke and I made the long trek over to the Jefferson Memorial which I hadn't seen last year because of its distance from the rest of the memorials. We caught up with the rest of the group later. The group separated for dinner. Brooke, Alysse, Kevin, and I went to a pretty expensive restaurant called Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
The restaurant was amazing. The Caesar salad which made up my first course was huge, and the most delicious salad I have ever had in my life. Next came the potatoes and steak. I had a medium rare 16 0z ribeye. So. Good. The potatoes were also amazing. That was followed up with some raspberry sorbet. I'm still not sure if it was wise spending so much money on one meal but......man was it delicious.
Saturday, March 20:
This morning we went to the National Archives which I also didn't do last year. I got to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. All of them were extremely faded but you could still read a lot of it.
After that Alysse and I separated from the group and went to Congress where the anti-health care bill rally was taking place. The next morning on the news I saw that 5 people had been arrested. We walked through the rally and heading up behind the Capitol building to the Library of Congress.
AMAZING. That building rocks my socks. I wasn't allowed in the reading room but I did see it and it was breathtaking. This was probably one of my favorite things I saw this year.
We walked about two miles to Union Station where the two of us ate lunch and talked before taking a metro over to the American History Smithsonian for the rest of the day.
For dinner Alysse and I had been planning to go to a Cheesesteak place in Georgetown I had seen last year but it was no longer there so we went with the rest of the group to the pizza place we went to last year. The Quattro Formagia pizza was delicious.
That night we went to Alysse and Brittany's room to play games for a while. (Actually, I lie. I'm pretty sure we did this last night).
Sunday, March 21:
So I was planning on going to church but it turns out it was stake conference for everyone in the region. Lame.
Instead Alysse, Brittany, and I went to Arlington then quickly over to the American History Smithsonian to finish up a few things and eat lunch.
On the way back to the hotel we were stuck in the metro for 45 minutes, which really stressed us out. By the time we got back to the hotel we were forced to take a taxi or be late for our flight....neither were happy options but we opted for the taxi.
Flying back was a beast because both flights were delayed making it past midnight when I got home....I just woke up a few hours ago.
And that was my happy trip. Pictures will be coming to facebook soon but I warn you that I don't have many this year.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Princess and the Frog
So last night Aubrey Sorensen and I went to see The Princess and the Frog at the dollar theater. I had been told by several people that this is their favorite Disney movie or close to it so I was expecting it to be pretty good. If you wish to quit reading now I'll just give you a quick answer. It was a pretty good Disney movie.
It was funny and cheesy, true to Disney form. I felt as if it were much more romantic than any previous Disney animated film. There was way less focus on the adventure and the villain and more focus on the romance between Tiana and Naveen. This is new. In every other Disney movie I've seen with a romance, the adventure thread was the main part or at least on the same level with the romance thread. In this movie, the romance thread dominated.
I had also heard before going to see this movie that some people thought the villain was too scary. I think Ursula and Malefocent totally own this guy in scariness. Not to mention the evil king in The Black Cauldron (if that is even Disney....?).
All in all, definitely worth a see.
It was funny and cheesy, true to Disney form. I felt as if it were much more romantic than any previous Disney animated film. There was way less focus on the adventure and the villain and more focus on the romance between Tiana and Naveen. This is new. In every other Disney movie I've seen with a romance, the adventure thread was the main part or at least on the same level with the romance thread. In this movie, the romance thread dominated.
I had also heard before going to see this movie that some people thought the villain was too scary. I think Ursula and Malefocent totally own this guy in scariness. Not to mention the evil king in The Black Cauldron (if that is even Disney....?).
All in all, definitely worth a see.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Taylor Swift
Alrighty, so I thought it was high time I did a post about Taylor Swift. When Teardrops on My Guitar came out I liked it instantly. I'm afraid to admit that I didn't listen to much else of her first album and still haven't because the country drives me crazy. Luckily for me, she released Fearless in both a pop version and a country one. It sort of makes me feel like a girl to admit it but she is amazing. I have loved every song I've ever heard from her. I guess being a hopeless romantic that connection seems pretty obvious but I thought I'd throw it out there anyways.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Alice in Wonderland
So I went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3-d last night. I wish it had been in 2-d though because I'm not a big fan of 3-d movies. The plot moved refreshingly fast and I was worried that many of the jokes would be geared towards little kids only but for the most part they weren't. All I can say is Tim Burton is a genius, but we already knew that. It is definitely his style and the randomness of it was perfectly calculated. The music was pretty good too. I would recommend this movie to anyone.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It's Here!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Top 10 Disney Animated Movies of All Time
Ok, so a bunch of us were playing Disney Scene-it and I decided I needed to make a list of the top 10 Disney movies of all time. These are all ranked in order of awesomeness, number 1 being the best.
1. Beauty and the Beast (No. Contest.)
2. Hercules
3. Treasure Planet
4. The Emperor's New Groove
5. Aladdin
6. Toy Story (ONLY THE FIRST ONE THE SECOND ONE IS AWFUL!!!!)
7. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
8. Finding Nemo
9. Sleeping Beauty
10. Tarzan
1. Beauty and the Beast (No. Contest.)
2. Hercules
3. Treasure Planet
4. The Emperor's New Groove
5. Aladdin
6. Toy Story (ONLY THE FIRST ONE THE SECOND ONE IS AWFUL!!!!)
7. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
8. Finding Nemo
9. Sleeping Beauty
10. Tarzan
Friday, February 26, 2010
Uneducators
This post is inspired by something I saw on Facebook the other day. There I was scrolling along when all of the sudden my heart jumped. Could it be? Had someone really become a FAN of my least favorite educator of all time? Indeed, unfortunately, it was true.
I thought about trying to come up with a term to describe this teacher accurately. Poor teacher didn't seem harsh enough and the devil seemed too cruel (although I have been known to refer to this teacher as the devil on more than one occasion). The best thing I could come up with was uneducator: one who not only stalls the education process but reverses it.
Creative writing 101 in Jr. High. That class had my name all over it so I decided to literally add my name to its roster. A few friends were taking it with me and we were young so of course chatting ensued, often during class since this teacher rarely taught but mostly spent time praising her own literary accomplishments and letting us know how many important people she had met. For this I earned a well deserved Unacceptable in my citizenship grade.
But on to writing. The thing I remember this teacher being most vocal about was adverbs that ended in ly. If we even used one we would be marked down. Examples of these are slowly, accurately, repetitively and so on and are usually followed by a verb ending in ed such as placed, jumped, pounded, laughed etc.... The reason ly adverbs should not be used profusely is because they sometimes weaken rather than enhance the verb and increase the passivity of the sentence. They are, however, meant to be used occasionally. I dare you to find me one full length novel without a single ly adverb in it. See, they aren't evil.
Other annoyances were when her personal opinion came out, completely infringing my right to "creative" writing. For example here follows a partial of a sentence I once created: A smile danced across her lips.... I was pretty damn proud of my personification of a smile however this teacher simply looked at me, irritated and asked "How can a smile dance? Change it."
I won't go in to how the teacher slighted me personally except to say that several of my assignments were conveniently "lost" several times so that even though I did every assignment and did them well, I ended up with a D in the class, my lowest grade to date.
This teacher has won the best educator in Utah award before, probably more due to the fact that she teaches the cream of the crop honors classes where students work hard rather than her actual teaching ability. Luckily I discarded her ly nonsense and continued writing creatively so I was not uneducated as hopefully not many of my classmates might have been. Therefore I dub her the best Uneducator in Utah.
I thought about trying to come up with a term to describe this teacher accurately. Poor teacher didn't seem harsh enough and the devil seemed too cruel (although I have been known to refer to this teacher as the devil on more than one occasion). The best thing I could come up with was uneducator: one who not only stalls the education process but reverses it.
Creative writing 101 in Jr. High. That class had my name all over it so I decided to literally add my name to its roster. A few friends were taking it with me and we were young so of course chatting ensued, often during class since this teacher rarely taught but mostly spent time praising her own literary accomplishments and letting us know how many important people she had met. For this I earned a well deserved Unacceptable in my citizenship grade.
But on to writing. The thing I remember this teacher being most vocal about was adverbs that ended in ly. If we even used one we would be marked down. Examples of these are slowly, accurately, repetitively and so on and are usually followed by a verb ending in ed such as placed, jumped, pounded, laughed etc.... The reason ly adverbs should not be used profusely is because they sometimes weaken rather than enhance the verb and increase the passivity of the sentence. They are, however, meant to be used occasionally. I dare you to find me one full length novel without a single ly adverb in it. See, they aren't evil.
Other annoyances were when her personal opinion came out, completely infringing my right to "creative" writing. For example here follows a partial of a sentence I once created: A smile danced across her lips.... I was pretty damn proud of my personification of a smile however this teacher simply looked at me, irritated and asked "How can a smile dance? Change it."
I won't go in to how the teacher slighted me personally except to say that several of my assignments were conveniently "lost" several times so that even though I did every assignment and did them well, I ended up with a D in the class, my lowest grade to date.
This teacher has won the best educator in Utah award before, probably more due to the fact that she teaches the cream of the crop honors classes where students work hard rather than her actual teaching ability. Luckily I discarded her ly nonsense and continued writing creatively so I was not uneducated as hopefully not many of my classmates might have been. Therefore I dub her the best Uneducator in Utah.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wheel of Time Hardcovers
Interesting Note:
After I purchased The Gathering Storm (Book 12 in the Wheel of Time Series) during its release party I decided I would collect the other books in hardcover as well since it is my favorite series. I didn't even own a paperback version of book 11 so I bought it in hardcover. It just so happens that I was in DI today and I saw book 10 and book 9 in hardcover. The world is obviously telling me that I am meant to purchase the Wheel of Time series hardcover books in descending order.
After I purchased The Gathering Storm (Book 12 in the Wheel of Time Series) during its release party I decided I would collect the other books in hardcover as well since it is my favorite series. I didn't even own a paperback version of book 11 so I bought it in hardcover. It just so happens that I was in DI today and I saw book 10 and book 9 in hardcover. The world is obviously telling me that I am meant to purchase the Wheel of Time series hardcover books in descending order.
Snowboarding 101
Snowboarding was a lot of fun. The weather was pretty crappy and I knew I was gonna have a hard time convincing Tasha to go. Luckily my counting on her not wanting to disappoint me went a lot farther than I thought it would. I feel bad about it now....but only kinda so I'm going to have to find a way to pay her back for that.
The weather actually wasn't that bad up there and it was really only cold on the lift when we weren't moving. We started on the bunny hill to get the basics but it was terribly groomed so the boards wouldn't go very well and we just went up the lift.
I had been expecting to pick things up pretty quick because of the carry-over from skiing. Shifting the weight on a particular foot is pretty much the same for both so that part was fairly easy. I think I only fell down a few times doing that.
What really threw me for a loop was learning how to snowboard backwards, which by the way is vital because it gives your muscles a much needed rest. I don't think I could even make it down a single run without going backwards or resting at least a couple of times.
I'll tell you what. Catching back lip sucks but catching the front of the board is like a million times worse. I didn't quite break my wrists but just about. I know I'm not supposed to catch myself with my hands when I fall but it's a natural reaction. Of all the times I fell I only remembered not to use my hands 2 times.
The only pretty bad fall was when I tried to go really fast. I was going pretty good for a little run but I hit some light powder which moved my board a little and it scared me so I totally lost control of it and flipped over. I hit my head pretty good on that one (I think I'm going to rent a helmet next time).
All in all I did slightly better than I expected to. I can carve no problem and am pretty good at intermediate speeds. I can turn backwards on my left really well but on the right I fall about 40% of the time.
The biggest dislikes I have about snowboarding now having done it are the following: Your body is facing sideways instead of straight, on skiis you can stand still without it pulling your muscles but with snowboarding you have to sit down to rest, and it is a flipping pain to have to bind in and out and in and out every time you get on or off the lift.
I would definitely do it again though and would recommend it :)
The weather actually wasn't that bad up there and it was really only cold on the lift when we weren't moving. We started on the bunny hill to get the basics but it was terribly groomed so the boards wouldn't go very well and we just went up the lift.
I had been expecting to pick things up pretty quick because of the carry-over from skiing. Shifting the weight on a particular foot is pretty much the same for both so that part was fairly easy. I think I only fell down a few times doing that.
What really threw me for a loop was learning how to snowboard backwards, which by the way is vital because it gives your muscles a much needed rest. I don't think I could even make it down a single run without going backwards or resting at least a couple of times.
I'll tell you what. Catching back lip sucks but catching the front of the board is like a million times worse. I didn't quite break my wrists but just about. I know I'm not supposed to catch myself with my hands when I fall but it's a natural reaction. Of all the times I fell I only remembered not to use my hands 2 times.
The only pretty bad fall was when I tried to go really fast. I was going pretty good for a little run but I hit some light powder which moved my board a little and it scared me so I totally lost control of it and flipped over. I hit my head pretty good on that one (I think I'm going to rent a helmet next time).
All in all I did slightly better than I expected to. I can carve no problem and am pretty good at intermediate speeds. I can turn backwards on my left really well but on the right I fall about 40% of the time.
The biggest dislikes I have about snowboarding now having done it are the following: Your body is facing sideways instead of straight, on skiis you can stand still without it pulling your muscles but with snowboarding you have to sit down to rest, and it is a flipping pain to have to bind in and out and in and out every time you get on or off the lift.
I would definitely do it again though and would recommend it :)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Waiting for class to start
Waiting for class to start, computer about to die, snowboarding looming on the horizon in the next few hours......woot. I'll tell all about the new experience tomorrow morning after I get back.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Starting a new Blog
Hey world! I decided I am going to start a blog. I don't know why and I'm not sure how long this will last but its gonna be awesome I'm pretty sure.
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