The New Classics

Seen at The Neutral Zone Trap - The "new classics" from the last 25 years. According to Entertainment Weekly, and who I am to argue with Entertainment Weekly. Plus it kinda goes along with the fact that I just turned 25.

Movies I've seen in bold. Commentary when applicable.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03) - I refuse to watch movies about hobbits. And shouldn't this be 3 separate entries?
3. Titanic (1997)
4. Blue Velvet (1986) - I keep saying I'm going to watch it, maybe this will inspire me.
5. Toy Story (1995)
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
9. Die Hard (1988)
10. Moulin Rouge (2001)
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) - Never had any interest.
12. The Matrix (1999)
13. GoodFellas (1990)
14. Crumb (1995)
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
16. Boogie Nights (1997)
17. Jerry Maguire (1996)
18. Do the Right Thing (1989)
19. Casino Royale (2006) - I have never watched a Bond movie and do not plan on starting now.
20. The Lion King (1994)
21. Schindler's List (1993)
22. Rushmore (1998)
23. Memento (2001)
24. A Room With a View (1986)
25. Shrek (2001)
26. Hoop Dreams (1994)
27. Aliens (1986)
28. Wings of Desire (1988) - I have honestly never heard of this movie.
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004) - meh.
30. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
32. Fight Club (1999)
33. The Breakfast Club (1985)
34. Fargo (1996)
35. The Incredibles (2004)
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004) - I have an intense irrational hatred for Kristen Dunst most likely related to her bad teeth and ridiculous clothing and can only stand movies where she dies, someone is trying to kill her, or she plays a cheerleader and I love it because it's a guilty pleasure (See: Virgin Suicides, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and Bring It On).
37. Pretty Woman (1990)
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Yes, I realize Kristen Dunst is in this movie, but it's easy to hate her character so it was ok. And she wasn't a lead.
39. The Sixth Sense (1999)
40. Speed (1994)
41. Dazed and Confused (1993)
42. Clueless (1995)
43. Gladiator (2000)
44. The Player (1992)
45. Rain Man (1988)
46. Children of Men (2006)
47. Men in Black (1997)
48. Scarface (1983)
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) - Some of my friends in high school saw this like 5 times at the theatre. I was always "busy".
50. The Piano (1993)
51. There Will Be Blood (2007)
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)
53. The Truman Show (1998)
54. Fatal Attraction (1987) - Saw it when I was about 5 or 6. I'm sure that has nothing to do with all my trust issues.
55. Risky Business (1983)
56. The Lives of Others (2006)
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
58. Ghostbusters (1984)
59. L.A. Confidential (1997)
60. Scream (1996)
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989)
63. Big (1988)
64. No Country For Old Men (2007)
65. Dirty Dancing (1987)
66. Natural Born Killers (1994)
67. Donnie Brasco (1997)
68. Witness (1985)
69. All About My Mother (1999)
70. Broadcast News (1987)
71. Unforgiven (1992)
72. Thelma & Louise (1991)
73. Office Space (1999)
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989) - I really liked this one and doubt many people have seen it.
75. Out of Africa (1985)
76. The Departed (2006) - WHY IS THIS SO LOW ON THE LIST?
77. Sid and Nancy (1986)
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
80. Michael Clayton (2007) - MMMMM. CLOONEY!.
81. Moonstruck (1987) - CHER!
82. Lost in Translation (2003)
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
84. Sideways (2004)
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)
87. Swingers (1996)
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
89. Breaking the Waves (1996)
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
91. Back to the Future (1985)
92. Menace II Society (1993)
93. Ed Wood (1994)
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
95. In the Mood for Love (2001)
96. Far From Heaven (2002) - Seriously?
97. Glory (1989)
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)

When I read the list I figured I'd watched 75% of them. Turns out I haven't seen 25, 27 if you count the LOTR Trilogy as 3 separate movies. There are a few movies that I just cannot believe are not on here, when movies like Far From Heaven made the list (seriously?). Such as: The Big Lebowski, Blow, Donnie Darko, Forrest Gump, Kill Bill Vol. I and II, Magnolia, Mulholland Drive, Requiem for a Dream, Traffic, Trainspotting.

Petri Dish

Being the tremendous germophobe that I am, I find these really creepy and I cannot see a practical use for them outside of prop for a weirdo biology teacher or uber nerdy child. I had a math teacher in high school who celebrated Pi Day with her husband (a mathematician), I could easily see her science teacher doppelganger exchanging these for monumental occasions likes the start of cold and flu season.

However, I am tempted to get Theodore the Giardia one so that he can toss it around and kick its ass.

200K

At 10:13 a.m., from a visitor in the United Kingdom searching for the purpose of legally blonde, this blog reached it's 200,000th hit.

I find the search rather apt.

Dear Guy on the Treadmill Next to Me,

When you see I'm pouring sweat and have a heartrate of about 170 it's kind of annoying for you to get on and start running at what most people would consider a sprint and barely break a sweat.

Hugs and Kisses,
Elle Woods

Dry Cleaners, Part II

I have been frequenting the same dry cleaners since this post (the more expensive one). They have been pretty good, except one time they didn't have one of my suits ready on time because it wasn't pressed.

All in all, I was happy. Until I went in yesterday to pick up the suits I dropped off on Friday. And there was a handwritten sign on the counter.

"Unfortunately, we are unable to accept clothes with bodily fluids on them."

My immediate reaction: Is that a really common issue?

High School Aged Male Dry Cleaners Employee: You have no idea. It happened twice today.

My Next Thought: People admit to it?

HSAMDCE: Ohh Yeah. Luckily, state law prohibits us taking them.

My Final Thought: I need a new dry cleaners.

Happy Saturday.

There are very few things that get me excited to leave the house before 10 a.m. on a weekend, shopping, a Michigan Football game, and a Spa Day is an exhaustive list.

Today I'm having a Facial, getting my hair cut and colored, and having a manicure and pedicure.

Boring.

I wish I had exciting things to report, but I really like work, outside of all my insane clients there is nothing to complain about.

I'm trying to give up coffee. Note I said coffee, not caffeine. I'm switching to Green Tea, mostly for the increased metabolism. I'll still be having my afternoon diet coke (and the caffeine in the Green Tea), don't worry.

Finally, I had a really good lunch today at Noodles and Company that was only 360 calories! Pasta! Cheese! And White Wine sauce, for only 360 calories! Fantastic!

Digital Era

Lately, I have been considering opening a savings account. It seems like a good idea to keep some "back up" cash. The obvious choice to open it at was with the bank whom I have a checking account with. Until today. Basically, every time I have to order checks it's a huge hassle, but since it happens so intermittently, I always forget about it.

I've been with the bank for about 7 years now. I ordered checks when I opened the account, and I've had to reorder them once since. Today I realized I was down to 1 remaining check, so I might as well reorder. I use roughly one check a month, to pay my mother for car insurance. Previously, when I had more bills, I would write maybe 3 checks a month. Plus, sporadic checks to friends for reimbursement for things like concert tickets. Given that my bank makes me order checks in intervals of 200, it takes me roughly 3.5 years to go through an order. That, in and of itself is ridiculous, what else do you buy 3 years in advance?

I attempted to order them online, but it said that my information could not be retrieved. So I called the bank, which then transferred me to the company that they use for the checks. After about 10 minutes of phone system bullshit, the informed me that I hadn't ordered checks recently enough for them to process my order and that I would need to call my bank.

So I did. They informed me that they did not have my information and could not process my check order. Excuse me? You are my bank? How do you not know my account number, routing number and address? You expect me to go into a bank for something I was able to do over the phone previously?

I have since decided to not only open my savings account elsewhere, but to move my checking account with it.

You Know You're Boring When...

you choose not to go out on Friday night since you're doing your taxes, and then you are up by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Cleaners

Today I tried to take a couple suits to the dry cleaners. It's in a location that is difficult to reach, but it didn't used to be as bad when I lived near there and passed it a couple times a day. It's hard to explain to people who do not understand Michigan Left's. But I had to turn around to get into the cleaners, but you cannot access the cleaners from from the road I was on, and you cannot access the road I needed to be on to enter from the road I was on, so I had to turn onto another road, and then turn left onto the road I needed to be on, and finally right into the cleaners. Then to get back on track I had to turn right out of the cleaners, the opposite direction of what I needed to be going, turn right on the first road I was on, Michigan Left to turn around, turn right back onto the road I was first on, Michigan left again to turn the direction I needed to be going. In case any of that was unclear I documented the paths below. The yellowish color is the path to get to the cleaners, and purple path is what it took to get back to the correct direction.


To make matters worse, the cleaners has changed hands and as I walked in I saw a giant sign reading:

PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED
CASH ONLY!

Perfect. I only carry debit, and while they suggested I use their convenient onsite ATM. Thanks but no thanks, I'm not about to pay a $2 fee when I only come to this cleaners since it's the cheapest in the area ($1.99 per piece). When I left the door was flung open by the 50 mph wind gusts, which I didn't notice until I got to my car, only to see the owner giving me a dirty look as he closed it, as if I intentionally left it open.

So I stopped at another cleaners on the way to work, which is much easier to access. It is, however, a bit more expensive ($2.99 per piece) and also requires pre-payment.

Call me crazy, but isn't it weird for dry cleaners to require prepayment?

Meme

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY?" YOU SAY?
Fool to Cry-The Rolling Stones.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Only Heart-John Mayer

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Who'll Stop the Rain-CCR

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
A Certain Shade of Green-Incubus

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Surf Song-Jack Johnson

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Wonderwall-Oasis

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Touch the Sky-Kayne West

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
I'm on Fire-Bruce Springsteen

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
Gin 'n' Juice-Snoop Dogg

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
All Along the Watchtower-Jimi Hendrix

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
The Space Between Us-Dave Matthews Band

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
More Than A Feeling-Boston

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
The Good Fight-Dashboard Confessional

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Lay Lady Lay-Bob Dylan

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Wonderful Tonight-Eric Clapton

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Time of Your Life-Green Day

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
While My Guitar Gently Weeps-The Beatles

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Swallowed-Bush (You can't make this shit up people.)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Tarantula-Smashing Pumpkins

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Only in Dreams-Weezer

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Wisemen-Slightly Stoopid

Via Lily Greypure.

Obligatory New Years Post

I've never been a big fan of celebrating New Years, overly crowded bars and drunken strangers spilling drinks on me has never been my idea of a good time. Plus the entire experience is usually so anti-climatic, I think the last person I kissed on New Years was a gay (male) friend 2 years ago.

So this year when the friend that I have sorta been seeing asked me what I was doing for New Years my answer was simple, I was staying home. Apparently that answer was not satisfactory, and led to an entire debate about how I am passive aggressive and wouldn't just admit I wanted to spend New Years with him, which led to me calling him egotistical and wrong. After much nagging I finally agreed to go out to watch the Wings game (insert random tangent about how much I hate hockey), I stipulated that I wasn't feeling well, but that I'd put in my best effort.

As we arrived at the bar I immediately was put on notice of what type of establishment it was by the three overweight, middle-aged, unattractive women leading a sing-a-long from their bar stools. Then it was a hassle to even get the hockey game on, which I was fine with me since any football game is better than a hockey game to me. To make matters even more fun, my seat was at a weird angle that forced me to slouch and weirdly bend my neck to see the television.

All of that I could tolerate, but when my "special male friend" started ranting about how much he hates Theodore for no apparent reason, and I got up to pee and both women's restrooms were out of order I drew the line¹. I used the men's (something I generally would only do while intoxicated), and came out and politely asked my friend to lay off the "threatening to kill my dog". When my request wasn't honored I decided to leave, without regard for the fact that I drove everyone. Sure it was bitchy, but the smokey environment was making me sicker by the minute, and they were within walking distance of one of their houses.

I was home by 10, took my temperature to learn I was running a low-grade-temp, and in bed by 10:45. All I wanted for New Years was to rest, which I guess occurred. As for New Year's Resolutions, I've never been big on making them, however this year I am going to focus on not doing things I don't want to just to make others happy.

¹I feel the need to point out that the bar isn't actually a total dive, it just appeared to be last night.

Public Service Announcement

I hadn't mentioned any of this here since my ever so simple plan of ignoring it had been going rather well. But as I spend a lazy afternoon checking other sites I am seeing things that seem to fit the same pattern of what I experienced.

Beginning in September I started to receive threatening comments and emails on not only current but also really old posts. The comments were basically all the same, I was called a whore/slut/skank and the poster threatened to expose me. I was completely weirded out, but I ignored him, and it seemed to stop. Based on the comments I received and 5 minutes of investigation, he refers to himself as John or Jack most times (really narrows it down), he is most likely applying to law schools now, and I can provide an email address and other sites he's posted on using that email address if anyone is so inclined.

I write this not only to let other (female) bloggers know that this weirdo isn't just targeting them but also to explain why things will most likely taper off here in the near future. I've been rather tight lipped about it, but I found a job, in the area of law I wanted to practice in. I'm extremely excited and I don't want to take any actions that could compromise that. While I really enjoy posting here I really doubt I will be able to find the proper balance once I start work.

UPDATE: it's WAY more widespread than I thought. Grace posted his IP address, as I said earlier he has emailed me.

Friday Cat(?) Blogging

Just when I thought cats couldn't scare me more than they already do. The article says the cats only glow where there isn't a lot of hair (mainly the face), however it's only a matter of time before these evil cats are cloned with hairless evil cats producing ultraviolet radiating supercats whose sole purpose in life is to torment me and host kitty rave parties where young impressionable cats use too much catnip and generally misbehave.

I do kinda feel sorry for the cats since it's clear that animal testing most likely occurs on them. Which I assume involves trance music being play at obnoxiously loud volumes to compare their sensitivity to regular cats.

Sicko

To cap off a perfect weekend, I woke up at 3:16 this morning with a sore throat. I got up and started taking all sorts of herbal supplements and then went back to bed until "9:45"...Which I didn't learn was really 8:45 until some family came over around "12:00" and asked if I had set the clocks back.

I thought I was going to be able to tough it out with just Airborne, Echinacea, and Yin Chiao¹; however, even though I feel a bit better it's looking like I might need to see a doctor since I started running a fever and my tonsils have spots.

¹Yes, I am taking some random Chinese supplement that has not been tested by the FDA and which I cannot read anything on the bottle besides "take 3-4 pills up to 3 times daily."

Music Survey

Since I need to distract myself, via You're so Vain.

Which bands/artist do you own the most albums by?
I haven't bought albums lately. It's probably a tie between Weezer, Foo Fighters, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan.

What was the last song you listened to?
My Name is Jonas (Weezer)

What's in your CD player right now?
I'm not sure, the only CD player I even own is in my car. If I had to guess I'd say there is a Matt Nathanson CD in it.

What’s your favorite local band/group?
Manna and Quail.

What was the last show you attended?
Sigh. I will admit, Christina Aguilera.

What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
Cher, Farewell Tour.

What's the crappiest show you've ever been to?
Sadly, Elton John and Billy Joel. Elton was losing his voice and Billy was drunk. But it was still awesome.

What’s the most musically involved you have ever been?
I was in choir in Junior High and High School. The most involved I get now is dancing and signing like a weirdo.

What show are you looking forward to?
I am hopeful to get Spice Girls tickets for Chicago.

What is your favorite band shirt?
I'm not sure I own one anymore.

What musician would you like to hang out with for a day?
Currently I'd love to spend a day with Britney and try to talk some sense into her. Once that failed after about 2 hours I'd regret not picking Robert Plant, Bob Dylan or Stephan Jenkins

Who is one musician or group you wish would make a comeback?
Obviously my wish already came true when the Spice Girls reunited.

Who is one band/artist you've never seen live but always wanted to?
Bob Dylan. And the Spice Girls.

Name 5 of your favorite songs of all time?
In no particular order my current 5 favorites:

1. Tangled Up In Blue (Dylan)
2. D'yer Ma'ker (Led Zeppelin)
3. Say It Ain't So (Weezer)
4. Boy Named Sue (Johnny Cash)
5. Cocaine (Clapton)
   

Name 4 flawless albums:

1. Highway 61 Revisited (Dylan)
2. Let it Bleed (The Rolling Stones)
3. The Fourth Album (Led Zeppelin)
   
4. The Blue Album (Weezer)
   

How many music related videos/DVDs do you own?
None. I do own a few tapes though.

1. Rattle and Hum (U2)
2. Like a Virgin (Madonna)
   
3. Spice World (The Spice Girls)
   

How many concerts/shows have you been to, total?
Way too many to count.

Who have you seen the most live?
Tie, I've seen four shows of: Weezer, Third Eye Blind and Reel Big Fish.

What is your favorite movie soundtrack?
Magnolia.

What was your last musical "phase" before you wised up?
I wish I could say I've wised up and don't listen to awful pop music like The Spice Girls and Britney.

What's your "guilty pleasure" that you hate to admit to liking?
The Spice Girls and Britney.

What album have you purchased the most copies of?
I bought 3 copies of Goldfinger, but 2 were gifts.

Who is your favorite musician?
Dylan.

How Boring Am I? Very.

Via Harmless Error:

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night. I was sick last night and I don't think I laughed. If I did was too jacked on cold medicine to remember.

2. What were you doing at 0800? Taking Theodore for a walk.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Sending an email about a possible job opportunity.

4. What happened to you in 2006? 2nd semester of 2L, 1st semester of 3L and I finally escaped the clutches of Hours.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud? "Teddie, how did you manage to change the time on my alarm clock?"

6. How many beverages did you have today? Venti Passionberry Lemonade Tea, Water, and a Diet Fountain Soda.

7. What color is your hairbrush? As if I only have one hairbrush.

8. What was the last thing you paid for? The tea lights (pumpkin spice flavor) for my Pumpkin.

9. Where were you last night? I went to bed around 10 since I felt so bad. Theodore joined me around 11:00

10. What color is your front door? A warm shade of tan.

11. Where do you keep your change? In my "mom" wallet.

12. What’s the weather like today? It's just an average fall day.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Butter Pecan.

14. What excites you? Depends on my mood.

15. Do you want to cut your hair? No, I think I'm going to grow is back out.

16. Are you over the age of 25? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

17. Do you talk a lot? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

18. Do you watch the O.C.? I own all 4 Seasons on DVD. So that is a yes, I have seen every episode numerous times.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven? I know a few guys who go by "Steve".

20. Do you make up your own words? Yes. A lot. So much that my friends used to refer to my words as "Woods"-Bonics.

21. Are you a jealous person? Most likely.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. I just made one.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. 3.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? My mom.

25. What does the last text message you received say? "P.S.-I like the picture of Teddie", sent by my brother thanking me for the Halloween care package I mailed him with Candy, Soap, Shampoo, Lip Balm, and a picture of Theodore.

26. Do you chew on your straw? No that is one oral fixation I have avoided.

27. Do you have curly hair? Yes, but I straighten a lot. Today, however it's straight.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? Probably the kitchen or to take a bath.

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? I tend to avoid rude people. However my dad is kinda unavoidable.

30. What was the last thing you ate? I can't remember. I am eye-ing the caramel appel a friend made me though.

31. Will you get married in the future? Who knows.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? The only movie I've watched in the last two weeks was Erin Brocovich on cable while I was bored. So I guess it wins by technicality.

33. Is there anyone you like right now? I like 2 guys. I've been dating one for a bit and I'm not entirely sure about him and I just met another one who has potential.

34. When was the last time you did the dishes? The dishwasher does the dishes.

35. Are you currently depressed? Sigh. Yes. I'm getting really nervous about bar results, not having a job and my student loan payment coming due soon.

36. Did you cry today? No. I am not a crier. Unless I am PMSing.

37. Why did you answer and post this? I was bored.

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey. I hate tagging. Do it if you want.

Horray!

In case you haven't noticed, two of my favorite boys are back. Legal Bachelor and Moonlighting in Misery.

Trashy.

Something about Disposable Underwear that doesn't sit well with me. Mainly I think it's that I've been trying to be environmentally friendly lately, going so far as to switch to Diva Cup since I didn't want the waste from tampons.

The commercial I saw marketed using a slogan along the lines of "easier than doing laundry". While I can't say I've never bought new underwear rather than do laundry, I didn't see a reason for that new underwear to be disposable. Eventually you're going to have to do laundry (unless you have a disposable wardrobe), and I just washed all the underwear then.

The other way I've seen them marketed is as underwear for use after a one-night-stand. I kinda feel that the type of girl who has a one-night-stand won't care if they have to go panty-less.

I guess people could use them for travel, but it's not like underwear takes up a lot of room in a bag.

Waterproofing

I think it goes without saying I'm a bit clumsy. Particularly once I have a few "adult beverages" in my system when we're out on the lake during the summer. If only I'd thought of an invention as genius as the Key Buoy; or it's trashy cousin, the Butt Buoy.

Although the only thing I've "dropped" in the water lately is myself. The dock and boat spread apart as I had one foot on each as I helped tie the boat up. This of course led to a failed attempt at pulling myself back into the boat. Fully Clothed. While my phone was in my pocket.

So really, I guess this would be a better invention for me to invest in. I guess I could just get this, but I think a Ziploc bag would be just as effective. Plus I could leave a bunch of air in it and I bet it would still float with my keys in it, eliminating my need for a Key Buoy.