According to lead singer Isaac Slade, the song was written about his then-girlfriend and future wife, Anna, when she was living in Australia and often when The Fray perform this song live, they sometimes insert a small interlude after the chorus where Isaac sings the refrains from either "Wonderwall", by Oasis, "You Are So Beautiful", by Joe Cocker or "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Ants Are Bad Asses
With their combined weight greater than the combined weight of all humans, ants are the most numerous type of animal.
An ant brain has about 250 000 brain cells. A human brain has 10,000 million so a colony of 40,000 ants has collectively the same size brain as a human. Ant brains are largest amongst insects. An ant's brain may have the same processing power as a Macintosh II computer.
The abdomen of the ant contains two stomachs. One stomach holds the food for itself and second stomach is for food to be shared with other ants.
Ants can survive in a microwave oven.
Check out this incredible footage of ants overcoming and eating a crab.
An ant brain has about 250 000 brain cells. A human brain has 10,000 million so a colony of 40,000 ants has collectively the same size brain as a human. Ant brains are largest amongst insects. An ant's brain may have the same processing power as a Macintosh II computer.
The abdomen of the ant contains two stomachs. One stomach holds the food for itself and second stomach is for food to be shared with other ants.
Ants can survive in a microwave oven.
Check out this incredible footage of ants overcoming and eating a crab.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Song Of The Day: Love That Girl By Raphael Saadiq
I like this early 60's sound alike track about..... you got it .....loving that girl. It's very sweet in an innocent way, reminiscent of Mary Wells' 1964 hit "My Guy."
Staged Wedding Reception
Improv Everywhere staged a surprise wedding reception for a random couple who got married in a registry office.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ivy Bean
Last August a woman by the name of Ivy Bean became something of an Internet phenomenon by joining Facebook at the ripe old age of 103. Now, she’s had a resurgence in popularity and press coverage by joining the new darling of the social media world, Twitter. Except she’s now 104-years-old.
Bean lives in the Hillside Manor care home in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Bean’s first tweet to the outside world was, “I’m enjoying Twitter and having my photo taken ......... and I’m looking forward to Deal Or No Deal.” Since then she has posted every few hours with news including how she’s playing Connect 4 with her friend Mabel and watching The Sound Of Music.
There is some dubiousness as to how and why Ivy Bean came to join Twitter. Some suggest the whole thing was set up by newspaper journalists in need of some material. And maybe that’s true, although the fact she is still updating suggests she is actually interested after the fact. But does it actually matter? Here is a lady older than anyone we know and she’s on Twitter! I think that should be celebrated.
Bean lives in the Hillside Manor care home in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Bean’s first tweet to the outside world was, “I’m enjoying Twitter and having my photo taken ......... and I’m looking forward to Deal Or No Deal.” Since then she has posted every few hours with news including how she’s playing Connect 4 with her friend Mabel and watching The Sound Of Music.
There is some dubiousness as to how and why Ivy Bean came to join Twitter. Some suggest the whole thing was set up by newspaper journalists in need of some material. And maybe that’s true, although the fact she is still updating suggests she is actually interested after the fact. But does it actually matter? Here is a lady older than anyone we know and she’s on Twitter! I think that should be celebrated.
Random Googling
This week I decided to do something kind of random. So I googled the phrase "90% of people" and this is what I found:
90% of people don't trust government with personal data.
90% of People Believe Personal Finance Should be Taught in School.
90% Of People Always Plan And They Never Take Action.
90% Of People Have No Goals.
90% of people don't believe what they read on the Web.
I then googled "8 out of 10" and this is what I found:
8 Out Of 10 UK Doctors Feel Alzheimer's Disease Is Undertreated
8 out of 10 Americans stressed because of economy.
8 out of 10 brides are planning to take the surname of their new husband.
8 out of 10 Graduates only search for jobs online.
I then googled "70% of People" and this is what I found:
70% of People Surveyed Don’t Enjoy Shopping Online
70% of people trust online recommendations from unknown users
70% of people would reveal their computer password in exchange for a bar of chocolate
70% of people fail their written DMV, driver ed or permit test
I then googled "6 out of 10 Canadians" and this is what I found:
6 in 10 Canadians plan summer vacations
6 out of 10 households reported using a forced air furnace as their primary heating system.
That is some interesting stuff. I am part of the 90% that does not trust government with personal data, that believes personal finance should be taught in school and does not believe what they read on the Web.
Mad Men Yourself
I made this swanky 60's version of me at MadMenYourself (that's me in the middle with the cute handbag and the swell curves.)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Trailer: Toy Story 3D Teaser Trailer
Moviegoers are in for twice the fun and triple the thrills as The Walt Disney Studios prepares to debut the Disney Digital 3D versions of Disney-Pixar’s beloved animated features – Toy Story and Toy Story 2 – during a special limited engagement starting on October 2, 2009.
This extraordinary double feature, taking the latest advances in digital 3D technology “to infinity and beyond,” will play exclusively in 3D. Toy Story, the industry’s first ever computer-animated feature and the first feature released by Pixar Animation Studios in 1995, and Toy Story 2, the critically acclaimed sequel that debuted in 1999, were both directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker John Lasseter. Both films have been meticulously re-rendered in 3D from the original digital files using the latest state-of-the-art technology.
This extraordinary double feature, taking the latest advances in digital 3D technology “to infinity and beyond,” will play exclusively in 3D. Toy Story, the industry’s first ever computer-animated feature and the first feature released by Pixar Animation Studios in 1995, and Toy Story 2, the critically acclaimed sequel that debuted in 1999, were both directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker John Lasseter. Both films have been meticulously re-rendered in 3D from the original digital files using the latest state-of-the-art technology.
Song Of The Day: Dear God By XTC
I like this controversial song which refers to human suffering and how the narrator attributes it to God. The singers conclude every verse with the line "I can't believe in you."
Words Of Wisdom From Yoda......The Little Green Buddha
1.) "Do or do not… there is no try.”
By making clear choices to do or not do something........and putting power behind those choices – you are more likely to actually get things done and succeed.
2.) "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” “Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”
As Yoda says, you have to stop avoiding your fear. You have think about it and see what is you really fear.
3.) “You will find only what you bring in.”
In your world you can see yourself..... your thoughts and behaviours......reflected. By observing the world around you can gain insights into yourself and what you may need to improve.
By making clear choices to do or not do something........and putting power behind those choices – you are more likely to actually get things done and succeed.
2.) "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” “Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”
As Yoda says, you have to stop avoiding your fear. You have think about it and see what is you really fear.
3.) “You will find only what you bring in.”
In your world you can see yourself..... your thoughts and behaviours......reflected. By observing the world around you can gain insights into yourself and what you may need to improve.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Mental Health Matters
I have reposted this post that I found over at Sweet Jimmy SwingHammers blog and I did so because as a Mental Health Nurse this is a post that speaks to me.
Because of the stigma around mental illness, people are sometimes ashamed of their condition and are reluctant to seek help.
Not seeking professional help when we have a broken leg is just about unimaginable; in the same way, we need to develop the same attitude towards mental illness.
Society feels uncomfortable about mental illness. It is not seen like other illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, yet........
Because of the stigma around mental illness, people are sometimes ashamed of their condition and are reluctant to seek help.
Not seeking professional help when we have a broken leg is just about unimaginable; in the same way, we need to develop the same attitude towards mental illness.
Society feels uncomfortable about mental illness. It is not seen like other illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, yet........
- One in five people in Ontario will experience a mental illness at some point in his or her lifetime
- Mental illness affects people of all ages, in all kinds of jobs and at all educational levels
we think with it right
but don't think about it so much
so let's think about this
-
the brain
it's an organ in the body
it has a vital role
a profound perfunctory purpose
it weighs about three pounds
-
three pounds of primarily water and fat
and
it doesn't just keep your heart beating
it mitigates
EVERYTHING
-
any awareness you have of the world around you
is because you have a brain
every wish every hope every desire
every smile every laugh every feeling
every regret every sadness every disappointment
every sensation
every movement
mitigated by your brain
-
it interprets facilitates enables overrides underwrites
determines supposes surmises perceives organizes
relates regulates mobilizes monitors translates
ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING
it perceives
the world around us
our experiences
the experiences of others
and stores fragments of each unique complex moment
consciously
unconsciously
to sort catalogue reference and interrelate
into
constructs of understanding
belief structures
protective mechanisms
and response patterns
-
it allows us to be connected to each other in the present
it is what connects us to our past
and determines our future
-
life is what it is
because of how this organ
our brain
functions
-
but
we rarely think of it
much less
think of it as an organ
just like the other organs we rely on
day in day out
-
if your stomach hurts
if your eyes get blurry
if you can't breathe
it doesn't diminish you as a person
you seek professional help
-
but
for some reason
when happiness fades
when anger irritability anxiety invade
and so much more about the world seems unpleasant
when feelings of self worth erode
when pleasure wanes
and thoughts race
when the little things become big things
when hopelessness helplessness and despair visit
but rarely leave
when these things persist
in an unnatural
what's wrong with me sort of way
we don't often seek help
-
we blame others
we blame ourselves
we wait
we need
we hurt
-
the brain is an organ
very like every other organ
and as such it is susceptible
to alterations affecting optimal performance
things like
bad chemistry
distorted constructs
counter productive protective mechanisms
-
so maybe
it's not a character flaw to be defensive or ashamed about
maybe
it's not weakness
maybe
it's not the world
maybe
it's just your brain
being an organ
and
maybe
it's time to get help
Song Of The Day: The Middle By Jimmy Eat World
I love the video of this song which features a fully clothed teenage boy attending a house party at which Jimmy Eat World is playing, only to find everyone, except the band, in their underwear. Much of the crowd is making out, but the boy is excluded. Finally, out of frustration, he starts to strip to be like the others, only to bump into a teenage girl doing the same thing in the wardrobe he is in. The kids keep their clothes on and leave the party, arms around each other, as the song concludes.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
This Week I......
Worked 2 12 Hour Day shifts.
Hung out with my parents.
Went for coffee with my Mom, Aunt Patti and their 2 other gal pals Irene and Linda.
Went shopping at the Lynden Park Mall with my Mom and daughters.
Went to Cambridge and had lunch and then to Costco with my parents where I bought Brooke and I matching cardigans for the fall.
Returned to Bowmanville.
Resumed my work outs at the gym....vacation time is over.
Went to the theatre with the girls and their friend to see Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince.
Uploaded some of my NYC photos onto Flicker.
Got caught up on all the Big Brother I missed while I was away.
Visited with neighbors who house sat for us while we were away.
Went to check out the new Algoma Orchards in Clarington
Worked 2 12 Hour Day shifts in IOTU.
Watched " Fast & Furious "
Hung out with my parents.
Went for coffee with my Mom, Aunt Patti and their 2 other gal pals Irene and Linda.
Went shopping at the Lynden Park Mall with my Mom and daughters.
Went to Cambridge and had lunch and then to Costco with my parents where I bought Brooke and I matching cardigans for the fall.
Returned to Bowmanville.
Resumed my work outs at the gym....vacation time is over.
Went to the theatre with the girls and their friend to see Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince.
Uploaded some of my NYC photos onto Flicker.
Got caught up on all the Big Brother I missed while I was away.
Visited with neighbors who house sat for us while we were away.
Went to check out the new Algoma Orchards in Clarington
Worked 2 12 Hour Day shifts in IOTU.
Watched " Fast & Furious "
Song Of The Day: Don't Let me Get Me By Pink
I like the girl power messages behind alot of her tunes. This song is about not liking the person you are and wanting to change in order to "fit in".
Logos With Hidden Meanings
You would say you have seen it thousand times but just to make you notice an arrow formed between the letters “E” and “X” conveying speed, direction and reliability of this amazing courier service.
Notice carefully…the VIA rail Canada logo makes two train tracks with the letters” V” and the “A”. The alphabet “I” is the division between the two. A simply brilliant logo.
One of my favorite chocolates…yummy!! But trust me I never noticed the brilliant logo while enjoying my bar. You must be thinking what is there to find out as it clearly shows the Swiss Alps? Let me explain…Toblerone originated in Bern, Switzerland - A city whose name is rumored to mean, “City of bears”. When you look at it again you will find a bear in the logo.
This famous logo is extremely clean and simple but this arrow might not look like more than a smile to you. Before, coming to any conclusions I would like you to know the concept behind this…it says that amazon.com has everything from a to z and it also represents the smile brought to the customer’s face.
Notice carefully…the VIA rail Canada logo makes two train tracks with the letters” V” and the “A”. The alphabet “I” is the division between the two. A simply brilliant logo.
One of my favorite chocolates…yummy!! But trust me I never noticed the brilliant logo while enjoying my bar. You must be thinking what is there to find out as it clearly shows the Swiss Alps? Let me explain…Toblerone originated in Bern, Switzerland - A city whose name is rumored to mean, “City of bears”. When you look at it again you will find a bear in the logo.
This famous logo is extremely clean and simple but this arrow might not look like more than a smile to you. Before, coming to any conclusions I would like you to know the concept behind this…it says that amazon.com has everything from a to z and it also represents the smile brought to the customer’s face.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Song Of The Day: Baby I Love Your Way By Big Mountain
"Baby, I Love Your Way" was originally written and performed by singer Peter Frampton however it was covered by the American reggae band Big Mountain in 1994 and featured on the soundtrack for the 1994 movie Reality Bites.
What An Entance
Here is a video of young Minnesotans Jill and Kevin who decided not to walk down the aisle. The YouTube clip has gone viral in the past few days.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Song Of The Day: Fool For Love By Sandy Rogers
Good tune from Resevoir Soundtracks. I wonder if she is related to Kenny?
Deal Of The Day:
Swiss Chalet has a new summer meal deal and now they are also offering a free pop with your meal!
Included in the Summer Sensations meal is a Classic Quarter Chicken, paried with a refreshing Tomato Cucuumber or Spinach Salad, served with your choice of side and a piece of pie for dessert.
Then to top it off, they are giving away a free pop with each order. You can print off the coupon and bring it in to a restaurant.
Included in the Summer Sensations meal is a Classic Quarter Chicken, paried with a refreshing Tomato Cucuumber or Spinach Salad, served with your choice of side and a piece of pie for dessert.
Then to top it off, they are giving away a free pop with each order. You can print off the coupon and bring it in to a restaurant.
Trailer: Alice In Wonderland
I am a huge fan of visionary director Tim Burton and am looking forward to the epic 3D fantasy adventure “Alice in Wonderland.” Johnny Depp stars as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends.... the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. The all-star cast also includes Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Crispin Glover. Capturing the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) and “Through the Looking-Glass” (1871) with stunning, avant-garde visuals and the most charismatic characters in literary history, “Alice in Wonderland” comes to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D on March 5, 2010.
What Should I Read?
Have you recently finished a great book and don’t know what to read next? Tell Book Seer what you’ve just read and it will suggest new books for you to enjoy.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Holy Jumpsuits
I personally hope they never make a comeback in the fashion world. This type of garment should only be worn by auto mechanics, prisoners, and toddlers in their pajamas.
How do people go to the bathroom? It must be quite the experience.
I say "NO" to going back to the 70's/80's at least not for jumpsuits....they need to stay as a portion of history.
How do people go to the bathroom? It must be quite the experience.
I say "NO" to going back to the 70's/80's at least not for jumpsuits....they need to stay as a portion of history.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Song Of The Day: My Life Would Suck Without You By Kelly Clarkson
I love this fun pop song that deals with a woman in a relationship with a dysfunctional man. However she can't let go as, "My life would suck without you."
Awkward Family Story
Sheila sent me the link to this fun and humourous site that features some real gems. Most photos look to be from the 70s era. The site is relatively new and already it's getting two million hits a day. The creators have even gotten offers for book deals from Harper Collins, Penguin, and Random House. I can see why.......these photos and stories are ridiculously hilarious!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Song Of The Day: Fool In The Rain By Led Zeppelin
This song has never been performed live at Led Zeppelin concerts as the song was heavily studio-based. The piano was quite necessary in the song, but with John Paul Jones on piano, there could be no bass. There is also a twelve-string guitar line at one point in the song and the guitar solo that has to be pulled off. However, on October 5 2005, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant performed the song with Pearl Jam at a Hurricane Katrina Benefit Show.
Lyrically, the song is about a man who is supposed to meet a woman on a certain corner. When the woman doesn't appear, he is filled with grief at being stood up. By the final verse, he wonders whether he'd been waiting for her on the wrong corner, making him the eponymous "Fool in the Rain."
Lyrically, the song is about a man who is supposed to meet a woman on a certain corner. When the woman doesn't appear, he is filled with grief at being stood up. By the final verse, he wonders whether he'd been waiting for her on the wrong corner, making him the eponymous "Fool in the Rain."
Monday, July 20, 2009
This Week I..... (and my) Trip To New York City
Packed for my trip and spent time celebrating my birthday with Family. I was spoiled with 2 of my favorite movies on Blueray and a pair of Earrings. I was then taken out for an incredible dinner of Striploin Steak, Ceasar Salad, Creme Brulee, Brushetta, Calamari, Stella Artois and Specialty Coffee at Shrimp Cocktail. Came home to watch Bachlorette. Life at 43 is good!
I am a huge fan of New York City, aka as......... The Big Apple, The Big Burg, The Big City, The Biggest Gateway to Immigrants, The Burg, The Business Capital of the World, The City of Islands (the borough of Manhattan and numerous other small islands within the city limits), The City of Skyscrapers, The City that Never Sleeps, The Crossroads of the World, The Entertainment Capital of the World, The Fashion Capital of the World, The Land of Surprising Contrasts, The Metropolis of America, The Metropolitan City, The Mighty Manhattan.
I have been there before but never with my husband and it has always been my desire to share a few exciting and romantic days in New York City.......just the two of us.
Day 1- Tuesday July 14th
We dropped the kids and dog off at grandparents and spent the evening at the Holiday Inn by the airport and had dinner at Perkins. Free parking for the duration of your travels when you stay overnight in this Toronto hotel.
Day 2- Wednesday July 15th
Woke up early and took the hotel shuttle to the airport and boarded the plane at 9:00. Arrived in LaGuardia at 10:20.
Took shuttle bus from the airport to our hotel......OMG! What a ride. I am used to erratic, aggressive drivers from living and travelling overseas but Garth who is a small town boy was amazed and his face was priceless.
Checked in at our hotel and due to some fancy telephone work from a friend who let it be known to them that we were there to celebrate my birthday and our recent anniversary they gave us a King superior room on the top floor. It was wonderful.
Went for a walk around Central Park and saw Strawberry Fields, Imagine Mosaic, Turtle Pond, Tavern On The Green, The Lake and the Boathouse.
We walked over to The Dakota.
We had dinner at The Brooklyn Diner.
Walked to the drugstore to get some supplies and..............when we walked out we saw a police car with lights on drive up in haste and block off the street. I immediately felt a shift in energy around me and I became somewhat anxious. Garth stayed remarkably calm. (I swear we are morphing into each other the longer we are together.) I noticed 2 helicopters hoovering directly above us. Garth grabbed my hand with the biggest smile and asked, "Did you hear that? Paul McCartney just said 'Hello New York.' We then both heard the starting of "Get Back."
We had no idea where we were running to but we followed the music.
Paul played for 45 minutes atop the Ed Sullivan Theatre Marquee where the David Letterman show is now shot. The street was packed and the energy of the crowd was amazing. People in high rise office buidings dancing away while Paul playfully banter with them......"Shouldn't you people be working?" Every American News Station was there while Paul and his band played:
1.) Get Back
2.) A new single.....unknown to me
3.) Coming Up
4.) Let me roll it
5.) Band on the run
6.) Helter Skelter
7.) Back in the USSR
.........and so were we.
Day 3- Thursday July 16th
Went on a hop on/ hop off bus tour of downtown Manhattan and saw......Greenwich Village, Times Square, The Empire State Building, the FlatIron Building, Union Square, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Lower East Side, East Village, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden, Macy’s, Site of the World Trade Center, Wall Street, Financial District, Battery Park, South Street Seaport, United Nations, Carnegie Hall, & Broadway Theater District.
We hopped off and toured St Pauls Chapel and the World Trade Centre Site.
Walked to Battery Park and took the Staten Island Ferry (which is free) and saw the Statue of Liberty.
Spent the late afternoon in South Street Seaport sipping cocktails and eating appetizers.
Saw Al Sharpton
Hopped on the bus and did The Brooklyn Tour which
let us see amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park and stately mansions.
When we returned across the Brooklyn Bridge we were able to see President Obamas helicopter landing on the southport Heliport.
We went over to the Sheraton Hotel in Manhatten and saw Obamas Motorcade.
Had dinner at McGees Pub.
Day 4- Friday July 17th
Took uptown tour during the morning and saw.....Central Park, Lincoln Center, Theater district, Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City, St. Patricks Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, American Museum of Natural History, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Apollo Theatre and Harlem neighborhoods, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Guggenheim.
During the afternoon we spent time walking along Bleeker Street in Greenwich village. We went for a carmel frappacino at Starbucks and saw Nicole Kidman who sat right beside me. She even used the same public washroom as me. She truly is stunning.
Took bus to Canal Street however I am not comfortable haggling and we returned to hotel for a much needed nap.
Had a lated dinner at Vizio and then walked to Central Park to see and hear the New York Phil Harmonic Orchestra play and see fireworks.
Walked back to Carnegie Deli for Chocolate Cheesecake.
Returned to the hotel to learn of the deathe of Walter Cronkite.....RIP
Day 5- Saturday July 18th
Went back on the downtown loop and hopped off at St. Patricks Cathedral. It is the most beautiful church to me and full of history.
Walked to Rockerfeller Square and spent the afternoon shopping along Fifth Avenue.
Had lunch at O'Connollys Pub.
Picked up souveniers for the girls from American Girl and treated myself to a watch.
Took the night tour with the most amazing and fun tour guide which included evening and nighttime views of Central Park, Times Square, Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy.We were able to see all the glittering lights of the City that never sleeps and it included a stop in Brooklyn for magnificent views of Manhattans skyline.
Had an amazing dinner at Rosie O' Gradys.
Day 6- Sunday July 19th
Took shuttle bus from our hotel to Airport and returned to Toronto late afternoon. Drove to Brantford to pick up girls and continue to visit with my parents.
I am a huge fan of New York City, aka as......... The Big Apple, The Big Burg, The Big City, The Biggest Gateway to Immigrants, The Burg, The Business Capital of the World, The City of Islands (the borough of Manhattan and numerous other small islands within the city limits), The City of Skyscrapers, The City that Never Sleeps, The Crossroads of the World, The Entertainment Capital of the World, The Fashion Capital of the World, The Land of Surprising Contrasts, The Metropolis of America, The Metropolitan City, The Mighty Manhattan.
I have been there before but never with my husband and it has always been my desire to share a few exciting and romantic days in New York City.......just the two of us.
Day 1- Tuesday July 14th
We dropped the kids and dog off at grandparents and spent the evening at the Holiday Inn by the airport and had dinner at Perkins. Free parking for the duration of your travels when you stay overnight in this Toronto hotel.
Day 2- Wednesday July 15th
Woke up early and took the hotel shuttle to the airport and boarded the plane at 9:00. Arrived in LaGuardia at 10:20.
Took shuttle bus from the airport to our hotel......OMG! What a ride. I am used to erratic, aggressive drivers from living and travelling overseas but Garth who is a small town boy was amazed and his face was priceless.
Checked in at our hotel and due to some fancy telephone work from a friend who let it be known to them that we were there to celebrate my birthday and our recent anniversary they gave us a King superior room on the top floor. It was wonderful.
Went for a walk around Central Park and saw Strawberry Fields, Imagine Mosaic, Turtle Pond, Tavern On The Green, The Lake and the Boathouse.
We walked over to The Dakota.
We had dinner at The Brooklyn Diner.
Walked to the drugstore to get some supplies and..............when we walked out we saw a police car with lights on drive up in haste and block off the street. I immediately felt a shift in energy around me and I became somewhat anxious. Garth stayed remarkably calm. (I swear we are morphing into each other the longer we are together.) I noticed 2 helicopters hoovering directly above us. Garth grabbed my hand with the biggest smile and asked, "Did you hear that? Paul McCartney just said 'Hello New York.' We then both heard the starting of "Get Back."
We had no idea where we were running to but we followed the music.
Paul played for 45 minutes atop the Ed Sullivan Theatre Marquee where the David Letterman show is now shot. The street was packed and the energy of the crowd was amazing. People in high rise office buidings dancing away while Paul playfully banter with them......"Shouldn't you people be working?" Every American News Station was there while Paul and his band played:
1.) Get Back
2.) A new single.....unknown to me
3.) Coming Up
4.) Let me roll it
5.) Band on the run
6.) Helter Skelter
7.) Back in the USSR
.........and so were we.
Day 3- Thursday July 16th
Went on a hop on/ hop off bus tour of downtown Manhattan and saw......Greenwich Village, Times Square, The Empire State Building, the FlatIron Building, Union Square, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Lower East Side, East Village, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden, Macy’s, Site of the World Trade Center, Wall Street, Financial District, Battery Park, South Street Seaport, United Nations, Carnegie Hall, & Broadway Theater District.
We hopped off and toured St Pauls Chapel and the World Trade Centre Site.
Walked to Battery Park and took the Staten Island Ferry (which is free) and saw the Statue of Liberty.
Spent the late afternoon in South Street Seaport sipping cocktails and eating appetizers.
Saw Al Sharpton
Hopped on the bus and did The Brooklyn Tour which
let us see amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park and stately mansions.
When we returned across the Brooklyn Bridge we were able to see President Obamas helicopter landing on the southport Heliport.
We went over to the Sheraton Hotel in Manhatten and saw Obamas Motorcade.
Had dinner at McGees Pub.
Day 4- Friday July 17th
Took uptown tour during the morning and saw.....Central Park, Lincoln Center, Theater district, Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City, St. Patricks Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, American Museum of Natural History, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Apollo Theatre and Harlem neighborhoods, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Guggenheim.
During the afternoon we spent time walking along Bleeker Street in Greenwich village. We went for a carmel frappacino at Starbucks and saw Nicole Kidman who sat right beside me. She even used the same public washroom as me. She truly is stunning.
Took bus to Canal Street however I am not comfortable haggling and we returned to hotel for a much needed nap.
Had a lated dinner at Vizio and then walked to Central Park to see and hear the New York Phil Harmonic Orchestra play and see fireworks.
Walked back to Carnegie Deli for Chocolate Cheesecake.
Returned to the hotel to learn of the deathe of Walter Cronkite.....RIP
Day 5- Saturday July 18th
Went back on the downtown loop and hopped off at St. Patricks Cathedral. It is the most beautiful church to me and full of history.
Walked to Rockerfeller Square and spent the afternoon shopping along Fifth Avenue.
Had lunch at O'Connollys Pub.
Picked up souveniers for the girls from American Girl and treated myself to a watch.
Took the night tour with the most amazing and fun tour guide which included evening and nighttime views of Central Park, Times Square, Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy.We were able to see all the glittering lights of the City that never sleeps and it included a stop in Brooklyn for magnificent views of Manhattans skyline.
Had an amazing dinner at Rosie O' Gradys.
Day 6- Sunday July 19th
Took shuttle bus from our hotel to Airport and returned to Toronto late afternoon. Drove to Brantford to pick up girls and continue to visit with my parents.
Song Of The Day: In The Summertime By Mungo Jerry
This great summer themed song was featured in the official soundtrack of the 2005 film, Wedding Crashers.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Song Of The Day: A Summer Song By Chad & Jeremy
Chad and Jeremy were a singing folk rock duo in the 1960s that sang with such harmony on this lost summer romance song.
Link Of The Day: Run Pee
I know when I go to the theatre I always have a water bottle with me and most likely I still order a jumbo-Sized drink. Not always a good idea when the featured flick involves an intricate plot. You can now get relief, and the most out of your movie-going money, with RunPee.com, a site that’s like a friend who’s seen every flick out there and knows when the bathroom break moments are.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Song Of The Day: Under My Skin By Gin Wigmore
Virginia "Gin" Wigmore is a New Zealand singer/songwriter with a very distinctive voice.
Kush Support
Check out this flesh toned and phallic instrument that rests between a woman's breasts. Apparently it is not a joke.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
50 Greatest Trailers of All Time
The IFC decided that the best trailers are those that most effectively combine art and commerce, and that sell and entertain with equal skill in span of two and a half minutes. See the 50 best here.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Creative Shopping Bags
Link here to see some clever shopping bags that were used in advertising campaigns by various companies from around the world.
My personal favorites are the one for the Bulgarian Beer, the skipping rope one and the Barbell Bag.
My personal favorites are the one for the Bulgarian Beer, the skipping rope one and the Barbell Bag.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Song Of The Day: Viva La Gloria By Green Day
This is song that I can so relate to as I turn a year older fighting to hold on to my youthful idealism.
Make It Yourself McDonalds Items
Check out these do it yourself McDonalds recipes.
It should probably be noted that these aren’t the recipes used by McDonald’s, but these clone recipes were reverse-engineered with little more than taste buds and passion.
If you’re thinking of whipping up some homemade nuggets or a hot apple pie, take a peek and see how it turns out!
It should probably be noted that these aren’t the recipes used by McDonald’s, but these clone recipes were reverse-engineered with little more than taste buds and passion.
If you’re thinking of whipping up some homemade nuggets or a hot apple pie, take a peek and see how it turns out!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Song Of The Day: You're Aging Well By Dar Williams
Seeing that today is my birthday I thought this song was most fitting.
Happy Birthday To Me
At 43.....
I’m glad I did not spend my whole childhood in the same place. It taught me to make ME my home.
I still dislike clowns and spiders.
I am in love with non-conformity, sleeping at odd hours.... if I so please and, laughing too loud at a stupid joke that only I get.
I am in love with the fact that I am becoming the person I want to be, and that I have finally......at the cusp of 43............stopped making excuses, or concocting explanations for my idiosyncrasies.
I am what I am, and who I am.
I feel light in spirit. I feel like one of the luckiest people on earth. I have two girls who brighten each day. I have a husband who adores me. I have parents who love me. I have friends who stay with me on this wild adventure. I am loved. Life is good.
I am in love with the fact that I am becoming the person I want to be, and that I have finally......at the cusp of 43............stopped making excuses, or concocting explanations for my idiosyncrasies.
I am what I am, and who I am.
I feel light in spirit. I feel like one of the luckiest people on earth. I have two girls who brighten each day. I have a husband who adores me. I have parents who love me. I have friends who stay with me on this wild adventure. I am loved. Life is good.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
This Week I..........
Worked four 12 hour night shifts.
Went to my family doctor for daughter and myself.
Had more blood work done.
Welcomed my daughter back from the cottage.......yeah!!!
Hosted a sleepover in the backyard with 5 girls in a tent.........I'm sure my neighbors love us.
Play dates, play dates and more play dates.
Had friends and wee ones over for morning coffee and conversation.
Went swimming with Garth and the girls. Hung out in Sauna and whirlpool.
Attended Garths specialists appointments with him.
Watched Alan King Documentaries.
Felt a malingering sense of grief all week as I hear of death of celebrities and attended a memorial service for the loss of a family member of a dear friend.
Went to my family doctor for daughter and myself.
Had more blood work done.
Welcomed my daughter back from the cottage.......yeah!!!
Hosted a sleepover in the backyard with 5 girls in a tent.........I'm sure my neighbors love us.
Play dates, play dates and more play dates.
Had friends and wee ones over for morning coffee and conversation.
Went swimming with Garth and the girls. Hung out in Sauna and whirlpool.
Attended Garths specialists appointments with him.
Watched Alan King Documentaries.
Felt a malingering sense of grief all week as I hear of death of celebrities and attended a memorial service for the loss of a family member of a dear friend.
Song Of The Day: 21 Guns By Green Day
This song features on the soundtrack of the film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (and also features it four times in the film itself.)
Cool HP Printer AD
In response to a call from Hewlett Packard for user-made advertisements, two students (Matt Robinson and Tom Wrigglesworth) at London’s Kingston University pulled off a mesmerizing synchronized printing routine with a stable of HP printers. The ad is both artistically and conceptually impressive.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Song Of The Day: Please Put The Phone Down By Pilot Speed
Pilot Speed (formerly known as Pilate) is a Canadian rock band that formed in 1999 in Toronto, Ontario.
On June 26, 2006, the band posted a message on their site stating that, due to legal restrictions, they decided to change their band name before it incited lawsuits from companies outside Canada. As a result, they altered their name to Pilot Speed.
On June 26, 2006, the band posted a message on their site stating that, due to legal restrictions, they decided to change their band name before it incited lawsuits from companies outside Canada. As a result, they altered their name to Pilot Speed.
The Interview Project
Check out The Interview Project. David Lynch has launched this cool series which features brief video interviews with interesting people. I love hearing the stories of peoples lives.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Song Of The Day: All You Did Was Save My Life By Our Lady Peace
The video for this new tune by Our Lady Peace was shot up by my parents neck of the woods in Ancaster, Ontario.
Jim Carrey Is Going To Be A Grandfather
Jim Carrey's rock musician daughter Jane Carrey is expecting her first child. "I am very excited," Jim, 47, says in a statement. "Jane is going to be a great mom." His 21-year-old daughter, who sings for the Jane Carrey Band, is having the baby with her fiancé, Alex Santana of the rock band Blood Money. Jane is the Liar Liar star's daughter with his first wife Melissa.
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