The "smarties" on Jeopardy know a lot about a variety of subjects. They have to...that's how they get on the show. I like to think that I'm pretty good at Jeopardy, shouting out a few answers here and there, but really I would come in last place every single time.
Unless, of course, most of the categories were about tv, movies, (some sports) and other pop culture. I would clear the categories on my own, and the crowd would applaud at how amazingly fast I buzzed in with the right answer.
If you pay close enough attention to Jeopardy most contestants save the pop culture category for last. They pick "The History of the Wheel" or "Around the World." They know things like who invented the apple peeler, or the name of Queen Victoria's head chef, or how much wood could a wood chuck chuck! It's crazy what these people know.
But today I was watching and you know what clue none of the contestants buzzed in for with Spice Girls in the category? "Tell me what you want, what you really really want...is this popular song...?" Okay, I can't remember the clue word-for-word, but they gave part of the lyrics! No one buzzed in. Hello? It's WANNABE!
Typical Jeopardy "smarties." They may have a broad knowledge of everything textbook, but they don't know the most popular song by the Spice Girls. They may know that Millard Fillmore was the last member of the Whig Party to hold the office of president, but they don't know the name of the actor who plays the lovable Jim Halpert on The Office.
This is how I know why I will never be on Jeopardy. I can't compete with the contestants who choose "American Politics of the 1940s" over "American Pie Sequels." I really have no chance at all.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wimpy Kid Mania
On Saturday I took my lovely little niece, Caitlyn, to Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. It was really good. Very funny - for both adults and children.
Short review: Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) returns to middle school a year older - 7th grade. This time the movie focuses less on school and more on family with Greg's older brother/tormentor Rodrick (Devon Bostick) as part of the main plot. Their mother (Rachael Harris) bribes the boys with "Mom Bucks" in exchange for brother bonding. The movie soars with undeniable funny family feuding, and the loyal best friend Rowley (Robert Capron) steals a few scenes with his endearing self. Also stars Steve Zahn as Frank Heffley.
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
I asked my niece if she liked the first Diary or this one better, and she replied: "This one."
Now I have to tell you about my experience while waiting in line to get popcorn before the movie. We arrived about 25 minutes before the movie started to give us enough time to go to the bathroom, get concessions, and find a good seat. Well, as Caitlyn and I headed to get popcorn, this little girl (about 6) raced in front of us, turned the corner to the concessions stand, and went straight up to the counter.
I noticed right away that she "cut" in line. The people (a high schooler with what looked like her younger sister), now behind her, also noticed but didn't say anything. Caitlyn and I stood in our respective spots in line. About 10 seconds later, the little 6-year-old deviant's father and brother walked up to the stand. The dad asked for five popcorns and two large sodas. The register dude said, "That comes to $40.37."
The dad was outraged at the cost. Meanwhile, Caitlyn asked what time it was. I said I didn't know, but not to worry, because we have a lot of time before the movie starts.
The father then said, "What if I get 3 popcorns and four large sodas?" The poor guy behind the counter told him that the price would still be 40 some bucks. Still outraged the dad said that was too much money. Um, yeah! CAN'T YOU READ THE PRICES IN FRONT OF YOU? Jeez.
I bent down to Caitlyn and said, "See that little girl." Caitlyn nodded. "If she wouldn't have cut in line, we would be sitting in theater by now." Caitlyn nodded again with an extra eye roll. I looked to my right and saw that the other line for concessions was moving at a regular pace. Ugh, I couldn't switch lines now, we were so close! So I stayed in my line with an annoyed look on my face.
Back to the father: Finally he decided on a large popcorn combo and another soda. The register guy asked him what kind of soda he wanted. And ya' know what? The father didn't know. He asked his two kids what they wanted...they didn't know either. So they THOUGHT about it for awhile.
Ohmigosh! I was starting to lose it. I was seriously going to throw some punches soon. Caitlyn looked at me again and asked what time it was. I told her again that we still have lots of time. I honestly had no idea what time it was, but I didn't want to worry Caitlyn that we might be late for our movie, because of some indecisive/unprepared parent. People in line behind me were also getting annoyed, shuffling their feet and rubbing their foreheads.
After they paid, the line moved fast, since everyone had plenty of time to decide on what they wanted. It's really a no-brainer...this theater concession stuff. Pretty much everyone I hear in line knows what they want before they get there. It's not like people are deciding on a five-course meal here.
When it was my turn to order I simply said, "One large popcorn with butter. That's it." Wow, that took me less than a minute to order, pay, and receive my food.
I like people. I do. But when some people pull a "stunt" like this, I get really annoyed. Quietly annoyed. I would never throw punches...haha, I wouldn't ever even say anything. I'm too scared to do something reckless like that.
Anyway, after the movie was done, Caitlyn and I walked to my car, and Caitlyn said, "Remember that girl who cut in line?"
I said, "Yeah."
"Well," Caitlyn said, "We would've gotten our popcorn a lot faster if she didn't cut."
Yep.
Short review: Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) returns to middle school a year older - 7th grade. This time the movie focuses less on school and more on family with Greg's older brother/tormentor Rodrick (Devon Bostick) as part of the main plot. Their mother (Rachael Harris) bribes the boys with "Mom Bucks" in exchange for brother bonding. The movie soars with undeniable funny family feuding, and the loyal best friend Rowley (Robert Capron) steals a few scenes with his endearing self. Also stars Steve Zahn as Frank Heffley.
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
I asked my niece if she liked the first Diary or this one better, and she replied: "This one."
Now I have to tell you about my experience while waiting in line to get popcorn before the movie. We arrived about 25 minutes before the movie started to give us enough time to go to the bathroom, get concessions, and find a good seat. Well, as Caitlyn and I headed to get popcorn, this little girl (about 6) raced in front of us, turned the corner to the concessions stand, and went straight up to the counter.
I noticed right away that she "cut" in line. The people (a high schooler with what looked like her younger sister), now behind her, also noticed but didn't say anything. Caitlyn and I stood in our respective spots in line. About 10 seconds later, the little 6-year-old deviant's father and brother walked up to the stand. The dad asked for five popcorns and two large sodas. The register dude said, "That comes to $40.37."
The dad was outraged at the cost. Meanwhile, Caitlyn asked what time it was. I said I didn't know, but not to worry, because we have a lot of time before the movie starts.
The father then said, "What if I get 3 popcorns and four large sodas?" The poor guy behind the counter told him that the price would still be 40 some bucks. Still outraged the dad said that was too much money. Um, yeah! CAN'T YOU READ THE PRICES IN FRONT OF YOU? Jeez.
I bent down to Caitlyn and said, "See that little girl." Caitlyn nodded. "If she wouldn't have cut in line, we would be sitting in theater by now." Caitlyn nodded again with an extra eye roll. I looked to my right and saw that the other line for concessions was moving at a regular pace. Ugh, I couldn't switch lines now, we were so close! So I stayed in my line with an annoyed look on my face.
Back to the father: Finally he decided on a large popcorn combo and another soda. The register guy asked him what kind of soda he wanted. And ya' know what? The father didn't know. He asked his two kids what they wanted...they didn't know either. So they THOUGHT about it for awhile.
Ohmigosh! I was starting to lose it. I was seriously going to throw some punches soon. Caitlyn looked at me again and asked what time it was. I told her again that we still have lots of time. I honestly had no idea what time it was, but I didn't want to worry Caitlyn that we might be late for our movie, because of some indecisive/unprepared parent. People in line behind me were also getting annoyed, shuffling their feet and rubbing their foreheads.
After they paid, the line moved fast, since everyone had plenty of time to decide on what they wanted. It's really a no-brainer...this theater concession stuff. Pretty much everyone I hear in line knows what they want before they get there. It's not like people are deciding on a five-course meal here.
When it was my turn to order I simply said, "One large popcorn with butter. That's it." Wow, that took me less than a minute to order, pay, and receive my food.
I like people. I do. But when some people pull a "stunt" like this, I get really annoyed. Quietly annoyed. I would never throw punches...haha, I wouldn't ever even say anything. I'm too scared to do something reckless like that.
Anyway, after the movie was done, Caitlyn and I walked to my car, and Caitlyn said, "Remember that girl who cut in line?"
I said, "Yeah."
"Well," Caitlyn said, "We would've gotten our popcorn a lot faster if she didn't cut."
Yep.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wanna hear something sad?
It's not boo-hoo-hoo sad. It's pathetic sad. My favorite kind of sad.
Yesterday, our local NBC station was out because their tower was down. Instead, we received NBC out of the cities. Bummer.
Anyway, the sad part is, at 11am, I switched over to our local NBC channel to watch Kathie Lee and Hoda on Today. What I found instead was Kare 11 news. Boy, was I disappointed. Kathie Lee and Hoda are my guilty morning pleasures. I find them utterly entertaining. They drink early in the morning, interview B-List actors, and interrupt each other constantly. They're a hoot! But I didn't get to see them. My whole morning was thrown off. What was I going to watch from 11-noon?
Today is different though. My local NBC channel has been up and running since yesterday at noon. Too bad it wasn't fixed at 11. Sigh.
**I have more good news!**
I got offered a job! I'm so excited about it, and I can't wait to start. Everything is coming together for me, and I am so thankful. Plus, with this job I'll get to use my writing expertise!
Yesterday, our local NBC station was out because their tower was down. Instead, we received NBC out of the cities. Bummer.
Anyway, the sad part is, at 11am, I switched over to our local NBC channel to watch Kathie Lee and Hoda on Today. What I found instead was Kare 11 news. Boy, was I disappointed. Kathie Lee and Hoda are my guilty morning pleasures. I find them utterly entertaining. They drink early in the morning, interview B-List actors, and interrupt each other constantly. They're a hoot! But I didn't get to see them. My whole morning was thrown off. What was I going to watch from 11-noon?
Today is different though. My local NBC channel has been up and running since yesterday at noon. Too bad it wasn't fixed at 11. Sigh.
**I have more good news!**
I got offered a job! I'm so excited about it, and I can't wait to start. Everything is coming together for me, and I am so thankful. Plus, with this job I'll get to use my writing expertise!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Ride a Bike
Before the age of sixteen my bicycle was my only form of transportation. The faster I pedaled, the farther I ventured into my imagination: I was the cop, they were the robbers. I was a motorcyclist on the open road. I was the navigator of my airplane.
I grew up in a neighborhood with four other houses settled in a cul-de-sac. We all called it "The Circle." Across the road was my best neighborhood friend, Dusty. We would ride our bikes constantly around the circle, through our yards, and down to the stop sign at the end of our road only to turn around and do it all over again.
We would see how fast we could take the inside corner of "The Circle" where light sand and dirt settled. Sometimes we would wipe out. Sometimes not.
One time, Dusty rode on my bike handles. It wasn't safe, but it was fun. Especially when he flew off my handlebars because I hit the brakes too hard and quick. We never did that again. It sure was funny though.
When we drew our chalk houses on our driveways, our bikes were our cars and were parked in our chalk garages.
Our bikes acted as step-ladders propped next to a tree in order to get a frisbee down or to simply just climb a tree.
I would "repair" my bike in our garage. Fiddling with my dad's tools, not really doing anything to fix the unbroken bike, but to pretend that I knew how to fix my bike, because it was fun.
I loved my bike as a child. Almost everything I did growing up was with my bike. At first it was my sister's banana seater, and then I received my own NEW bike as a birthday gift around the age of 11 or so.
It saddens me to see some kids who don't appreciate the power of the bicycle. They are too busy with video games and television. My childhood was my bike and the adventures we had together, and I hope my kids (when I have them someday) will share this love too.
I grew up in a neighborhood with four other houses settled in a cul-de-sac. We all called it "The Circle." Across the road was my best neighborhood friend, Dusty. We would ride our bikes constantly around the circle, through our yards, and down to the stop sign at the end of our road only to turn around and do it all over again.
We would see how fast we could take the inside corner of "The Circle" where light sand and dirt settled. Sometimes we would wipe out. Sometimes not.
One time, Dusty rode on my bike handles. It wasn't safe, but it was fun. Especially when he flew off my handlebars because I hit the brakes too hard and quick. We never did that again. It sure was funny though.
When we drew our chalk houses on our driveways, our bikes were our cars and were parked in our chalk garages.
Our bikes acted as step-ladders propped next to a tree in order to get a frisbee down or to simply just climb a tree.
I would "repair" my bike in our garage. Fiddling with my dad's tools, not really doing anything to fix the unbroken bike, but to pretend that I knew how to fix my bike, because it was fun.
I loved my bike as a child. Almost everything I did growing up was with my bike. At first it was my sister's banana seater, and then I received my own NEW bike as a birthday gift around the age of 11 or so.
It saddens me to see some kids who don't appreciate the power of the bicycle. They are too busy with video games and television. My childhood was my bike and the adventures we had together, and I hope my kids (when I have them someday) will share this love too.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Wonderful News!
Last Wednesday I received some great news in the mail. A ten-minute play of mine is getting produced at a local theater!
I found that the theater was holding a New Playwright's Competition, so I entered. Two plays were accepted in each age category: Middle School, High School, and Adult. I was one of the winners in the adult category.
My play, along with the other 5 plays, will be shown on April 19th. Also, I get to act as assistant director to my play and help make decisions on costumes and music.
I'm overjoyed with the thought of it all. Even now when I think about it I can't help but smile!!!
The title of my play is A Little Bit. It's a glimpse into the lives of two friends while they sit in a hospital waiting room. And it's funny :)
I found that the theater was holding a New Playwright's Competition, so I entered. Two plays were accepted in each age category: Middle School, High School, and Adult. I was one of the winners in the adult category.
My play, along with the other 5 plays, will be shown on April 19th. Also, I get to act as assistant director to my play and help make decisions on costumes and music.
I'm overjoyed with the thought of it all. Even now when I think about it I can't help but smile!!!
The title of my play is A Little Bit. It's a glimpse into the lives of two friends while they sit in a hospital waiting room. And it's funny :)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tumbling Madness
Last week, a blogger friend of mine, Krystal at Krystal's Kitsch , introduced me to tumblr.com in an around about way. She blogged about her tumblr account, and after I checked out her page I spent a couple hours browsing the website and liked what it was all about. So I decided to hop on the bandwagon.
Tumblr is another way to post whatever you want - you can blog, post pictures, videos, links, whatever! Well, I like blogging from blogger better than I do from tumblr. No worries...I will still be on blogger! I use tumblr to post pictures, videos, and quotes - just a few random things a day that I create/like. It's a quick and easy way to share anything. I like it for it's simplicity.
If you'd like to check out tumblr for yourself, go ahead. But be forewarned...you may get hooked. I did ;)
Here is my tumblr address: http://laughingand.tumblr.com/
Tumblr is another way to post whatever you want - you can blog, post pictures, videos, links, whatever! Well, I like blogging from blogger better than I do from tumblr. No worries...I will still be on blogger! I use tumblr to post pictures, videos, and quotes - just a few random things a day that I create/like. It's a quick and easy way to share anything. I like it for it's simplicity.
If you'd like to check out tumblr for yourself, go ahead. But be forewarned...you may get hooked. I did ;)
Here is my tumblr address: http://laughingand.tumblr.com/
Monday, March 14, 2011
Squirrel!!!
I've never been squirrel shooting before. I know people who really enjoy the sport, because it's fast-paced and it really tests your shooting accuracy.
We have a big gray squirrel that eats out of our bird feeder in the backyard. Yesterday, my niece and nephew were at our house, and I pointed out to them the squirrel gobbling up the bird seed.
I said, "I'm gonna get the BB gun!" They both smiled in excitement. Aunt Kinsey is going hunting!
Outside on the deck I squatted with the gun pointed at the bird feeder. No squirrel in sight. In the window were four little eyes staring at me with their noses pressed to the pane. Connor gave me a thumbs up and Addie blew me a kiss.
I was a warrior ready for battle against the evil gray-haired squirrel. When he returned, I was going to pop him one and scare him away for good.
After 10 minutes of standing in the 30 degree winter weather, I shivered in disappointment and went back inside, defeated. The squirrel must have known that I was out there. Sneaky little vermin.
All three of us sat inside and watched out the window for the return of the chubby mammal. And what to our hunting eyes did appear? A little red squirrel. Good enough for me!!
I ran out of the house, sneaked up the tiny fuzzball, and aimed. I missed. The little thing sprinted towards the woods. In turn, I stepped on the bench railing of our deck and shot again. He knew I was after him, and he ran away in fright.
Maybe tomorrow, or the next day, or sometime in the future the squirrel and I will meet again. And I will be ready. Yes, I will be ready. Connor gave me some good advice that I'll have to take into account next time: He said, "Aunt Kinsey, I think you need to wear camouflage."
We have a big gray squirrel that eats out of our bird feeder in the backyard. Yesterday, my niece and nephew were at our house, and I pointed out to them the squirrel gobbling up the bird seed.
I said, "I'm gonna get the BB gun!" They both smiled in excitement. Aunt Kinsey is going hunting!
Outside on the deck I squatted with the gun pointed at the bird feeder. No squirrel in sight. In the window were four little eyes staring at me with their noses pressed to the pane. Connor gave me a thumbs up and Addie blew me a kiss.
I was a warrior ready for battle against the evil gray-haired squirrel. When he returned, I was going to pop him one and scare him away for good.
After 10 minutes of standing in the 30 degree winter weather, I shivered in disappointment and went back inside, defeated. The squirrel must have known that I was out there. Sneaky little vermin.
All three of us sat inside and watched out the window for the return of the chubby mammal. And what to our hunting eyes did appear? A little red squirrel. Good enough for me!!
I ran out of the house, sneaked up the tiny fuzzball, and aimed. I missed. The little thing sprinted towards the woods. In turn, I stepped on the bench railing of our deck and shot again. He knew I was after him, and he ran away in fright.
Maybe tomorrow, or the next day, or sometime in the future the squirrel and I will meet again. And I will be ready. Yes, I will be ready. Connor gave me some good advice that I'll have to take into account next time: He said, "Aunt Kinsey, I think you need to wear camouflage."
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What I Overheard
Last night, I didn't go to Trivia. Kory had homework and Andrea and Jeremy had church to attend. So my mom and I went out to eat and to a movie - Just Go With It. The movie was great! Really funny. I loved it.
We ate at Perkins because it was Customer Appreciation Week and they had some really good deals. A family of five sat behind me. Two little boys and a girl. I overheard a lot of their conversations, and I just have to share some of what I heard, because it was so cute.
The mom to her son: "I love you too much to argue with you."
The mom asking one of her sons: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
He replied, "I want to be an electricity man like my uncle!"
The two boys conversing about K-Mart across the street: "How many cars do you think are out there?"
"20-30, maybe 55."
"I think 2." He laughs, "No, I don't think 2. I was joking." He laughs more.
It was just so fun to listen to these kids talk. And while they kept me interested, the little girl in the high chair kept smiling at my mom. I'm happy to say that these kids didn't complain or scream or cry about anything after their mom said, "I love you too much to argue with you." Good parenting. Good job!
We ate at Perkins because it was Customer Appreciation Week and they had some really good deals. A family of five sat behind me. Two little boys and a girl. I overheard a lot of their conversations, and I just have to share some of what I heard, because it was so cute.
The mom to her son: "I love you too much to argue with you."
The mom asking one of her sons: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
He replied, "I want to be an electricity man like my uncle!"
The two boys conversing about K-Mart across the street: "How many cars do you think are out there?"
"20-30, maybe 55."
"I think 2." He laughs, "No, I don't think 2. I was joking." He laughs more.
It was just so fun to listen to these kids talk. And while they kept me interested, the little girl in the high chair kept smiling at my mom. I'm happy to say that these kids didn't complain or scream or cry about anything after their mom said, "I love you too much to argue with you." Good parenting. Good job!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Trivia in Chippewa
As most of you know Wednesday means Team Trivia night for my friends and me. We started back in October at a bar in Stanley. Then after they stopped hosting there, we moved to a place in Eau Claire. Now we go to a bar/restaurant in Chippewa Falls.
Well, last week was our first week in Chippewa Falls at The Sheeley House. Kory and I arrived first, so it's our job to start thinking up a clever name for our team so we can win the free pitcher of beer at halftime. Previously, in Stanley and Eau Claire, the best team name won a free pitcher of beer...we've only won the pitcher a couple of times.
And in Stanley and in Eau Claire we were competing with some pretty clever and rude team names. One team always joked about Helen Keller and Anne Frank. Lately, people have been picking on Scott Walker. We once won with the name: "I tried to use penis as my password, but my computer said it was too short" - rude but worthy of free beer.
So Kory and I sat at The Sheeley House scoping out the other teams around us. We figured that they, like the other teams we played against in other towns, were just as clever and funny with their names. I mean, hello, it's a free pitcher of beer we're playing for!
We decided to use the name: "I like my women like I like my wine - 12 years old and locked in the cellar." (I think pedophilia is awful...but the team name was funny, so we used it). Our other team members agreed with the name. Hopefully the pitcher of beer would be ours.
Eight other teams were there, and when our standings were announced at halftime we awaited the creativity of names the other trivia teams had thought up. Boy, were we wrong. The DJ announced the names and the points accordingly. Here's how it went: The Jokers, 18 points, We Love The Sheeley House, 19 points, I'm Batman, 22 points, I like my women like I like my wine - 12 years old and in the cellar, 23 points.
Oh my gosh, we all sank in our seats. No other team was playing it funny and clever like us! How humiliating. Luckily, the other teams laughed at our name respectively. However, there is no free pitcher of beer at The Sheeley House. No wonder we were the only team with a rude/sick name.
Tonight, we will again drive to The Sheeley House for trivia. This time though, our name will be of a different sort.
Well, last week was our first week in Chippewa Falls at The Sheeley House. Kory and I arrived first, so it's our job to start thinking up a clever name for our team so we can win the free pitcher of beer at halftime. Previously, in Stanley and Eau Claire, the best team name won a free pitcher of beer...we've only won the pitcher a couple of times.
And in Stanley and in Eau Claire we were competing with some pretty clever and rude team names. One team always joked about Helen Keller and Anne Frank. Lately, people have been picking on Scott Walker. We once won with the name: "I tried to use penis as my password, but my computer said it was too short" - rude but worthy of free beer.
So Kory and I sat at The Sheeley House scoping out the other teams around us. We figured that they, like the other teams we played against in other towns, were just as clever and funny with their names. I mean, hello, it's a free pitcher of beer we're playing for!
We decided to use the name: "I like my women like I like my wine - 12 years old and locked in the cellar." (I think pedophilia is awful...but the team name was funny, so we used it). Our other team members agreed with the name. Hopefully the pitcher of beer would be ours.
Eight other teams were there, and when our standings were announced at halftime we awaited the creativity of names the other trivia teams had thought up. Boy, were we wrong. The DJ announced the names and the points accordingly. Here's how it went: The Jokers, 18 points, We Love The Sheeley House, 19 points, I'm Batman, 22 points, I like my women like I like my wine - 12 years old and in the cellar, 23 points.
Oh my gosh, we all sank in our seats. No other team was playing it funny and clever like us! How humiliating. Luckily, the other teams laughed at our name respectively. However, there is no free pitcher of beer at The Sheeley House. No wonder we were the only team with a rude/sick name.
Tonight, we will again drive to The Sheeley House for trivia. This time though, our name will be of a different sort.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Confirm Your Address
Why is it that when you enter information into a form on a web page to win a contest there is always that line that says: Confirm e-mail address. So just by typing in my email twice...it's a confirmation?
Same with passwords. What's magical about entering the password again? I don't get it. Frankly, I find it a little annoying when I have to type in the same exact information consecutively on a web page.
I would rather have a confirmation e-mail sent to my address where, then, I can confirm that I'm entering to win a pink punching bag on fitness.com.
If I win that pink punching bag, the first thing I'm going to do is punch out my frustration about this ridiculous e-mail and password confirmation hoopla. Sheesh, I tell ya.
Same with passwords. What's magical about entering the password again? I don't get it. Frankly, I find it a little annoying when I have to type in the same exact information consecutively on a web page.
I would rather have a confirmation e-mail sent to my address where, then, I can confirm that I'm entering to win a pink punching bag on fitness.com.
If I win that pink punching bag, the first thing I'm going to do is punch out my frustration about this ridiculous e-mail and password confirmation hoopla. Sheesh, I tell ya.
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