My Two Cents: 2010

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Apocalypse of the World

I want to see it. I don't care if I'm alive for it, looking down on it from Heaven, up from Hell or have to be re-incarnated, but it's must-see TV.

Swiffer Dusters

My only experience with one came when I used one that had already been used. It worked well enough that it made me wonder, "What kind of magical cleaning powers could a fresh one have?"

Kids on Leashes

What a sight to see! If I ever do that, though, kill me.

I feel like I've had to settle on DD because of a lack of Krispy Kreme factories in the area. Also, I waaaaaaaay prefer the bakery we used to have on my Main Street, which was incredibly delicious (until it closed).

Lady Gaga's Telephone Video

Her video for "Bad Romance" is the greatest video I've ever seen (which is only fitting, considering it's the catchiest song I've ever heard). I'd put the video, however, more on par with "Paparazzi" (a level below "Bad Romance"), if for no other reason that the inter-cutting of song with narrative.

Buddhism

I'm sort of surprised it hasn't taken off more in America. It hasn't, at least as far as I've noticed.

Tacos

All Mexican food tastes the same, which is cool because all Mexican food is great. Tacos were my family's food of choice for the Super Bowl until the Taco Bell nearby closed -- since then, we've had to make due with appetizers and other finger foods.

Bluetooth

I never knew I could shut off Bluetooth on my phone (which I never used) until two months before I got a new one. I wonder what that could have done to improve my battery life.

UGGs

While I can't speak about them in terms of fashion, they DO keep feet very warm. I forget whose pair I tried on (or at least got my feet somewhat into), but it was like Heaven (or should I say a pleasant Hell?) for my toes.

Star Trek

I've never seen an episode of the TV show, only the movie. I absolutely loved everything about the movie except for the fact that you know no one will die (because it's the origin story), so a lot of the suspense is taken out of it.

Star Wars

Sadly, I haven't seen them in a long time, which is why I'm planning on re-watching them this week. However, I'd rather watch Hurley's (from Lost) version of Return of the Jedi, which he was writing when he found himself in 1977 -- I'm sure it would have been the greatest thing I've ever seen.

LOLcats

They're sort of my favorite thing ever. Picking my favorite is like picking a favorite kid -- I just can't do it -- but I will leave you with a special little something.

The iPad

I get who they're marketing it to, and I know it isn't for me. I'm just banking on getting a free Kindle because of Amazon Prime.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Movie Spotlight: Glengarry Glen Ross

(A new feature on My Two Cents. In two sentences -- as usual -- I will tell you why I think you should watch a movie that I don't think you've seen.)

This film has the greatest combination of writing (David Mamet) and acting (Pacino, Spacey, Lemmon, Baldwin, Arkin) I think I've ever seen. Plus, you'll never see an A-Lister (Spacey) get so verbally destroyed in a movie again (care of Al Pacino).

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Girl Scout Cookies

Caramel DeLites (aka Samoas) are, far and away, the most delicious of all the cookies. I prefer Tim's scenario (on the Life & Times of Tim) of selling fake Louis Vuitton handbags, however.

Escargot

I'll never eat snails. However, if I had to, I'd call them "escargot" because the name is just fancy enough to make it tempting.

P.E.T.A.

I'm all for treating animals ethically, but can you all just not be so crazy? Thanks.

Fishing

I've only gone fishing once, and I out-caught my dad 2-0. I think I'm ready for the sea.

Wesley Snipes

He is in Passenger 57. The VHS for Passenger 57 holds a trailer for Jeff Speakman's "Street Knight," which is perhaps the greatest movie I've ever seen.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

My all-time favorite candy. While I like every variation I've tried -- peanut butter on the outside, white chocolate, dark chocolate -- old reliable is still the best.

Kit Kats

Like Twix, I like that you get two (or four!) of them because you can finish one and still know there's more. They may have replaced Reese's as my candy-to-get at Halloween, which I thought would never happen.

Plastic Beach

I haven't really listened to the Gorillaz since "Clint Eastwood." They're headlining Coachella, though, which tells me that maybe I should give them another shot.

Olympic Hockey

I watched more Olympic hockey this year -- roughly one half of the Gold Medal game -- than NHL hockey this year. I was especially upset with how quickly the game ended; it seemed like the U.S. cleared the puck, then all of a sudden Crosby cuts to the net and scores... huh?

Scrubs

I hate Zach Braff. With that said, I like Scrubs ten times more than I like Garden State, but I absolutely HATE Garden state.

George Clooney

I'm pretty sure the man can't make a bad movie. I'm planning on having a Clooney-double-feature-extravaganza soon, featuring Michael Clayton and Up in the Air.

Rodney Dangerfield

I believe I've only seen him in "Back to School." However, it was enough to make me laugh out loud (a little) when some girl on Jeopardy wrote him in as her final jeopardy answer, when the answer was actually Charlie Chaplin.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Non-College Students on Facebook

It's amazing how the possibility for more money can completely shift the target market for a product. Well, amazing isn't the right word, but it's the first word that came to mind.

Twilight

As though this series didn't do enough to completely disrupt all the credibility that the film "Let the Right One In" brought to vampires in cinema (and culture, for that matter), the Academy's decision to lump it in during the horror montage in this year's Academy Awards was disgusting. PLEASE WATCH "LET THE RIGHT ONE IN" NOW AND FORGET TWILIGHT EVER EXISTED.

Ayn Rand

Dear Ms. Rand: Why do you write books that are so appealing yet so long? You're discouraging me from beginning Atlas Shrugged solely because of the novel's sheer length.

Raising the Flag at Ground Zero (photograph)

(as seen here: http://iconicphotos.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/9-11_firemans_flag_full-jpg.jpeg)

I wish a picture I made became this well known. I'd like to be on a stamp!

American Gladiator

The older version reigns supreme in every way. In fact, pretty much everything from the 1980s was better than things are today.

Saturday Night Live

When your show is a "comedy" show, and I don't laugh for an hour, something's wrong. Something's also wrong when you can make Zach Galafianakis un-funny, which is exactly what they did last week.

Spam (Food)

I've eaten spam on exactly one day in my life, and it was in a friendly competition to decipher which sample was original spam, hickory spam and generic spam. The weirdest part was that the generic / storebought sample was the tastiest.

GTL

I'm not a fan of gym - tanning - laundry. I tried to think of an alternative that I prefer, but then I realized I don't like anything about this cultural movement, so it's probably best to just not get involved.

IMDb

Behind Google, it's arguably my favorite Web site. One of my favorite things to do is to click on a random actor in a movie and see how quickly I can get to another actor or another movie that I have in mind.

Tina Fey

While I haven't gotten to the "bad" seasons of 30 Rock yet (I'm still only in the middle of season two), I can't see how she could be unfunny. She may not be everyone's cup o' tea, but I love her quirkiness.

One Hit Wonders

They're everyone's favorites. Why do two hit wonders get no love?

All That

It's like SNL... for kids! I don't think I ever realized that until just now.

Pete and Pete

I always wanted to stand in front of an open refrigerator, just like the older Pete did in one episode. However, I had air conditioning, so I never really needed to do this -- it was more of a want.

Legends of the Hidden Temple

The wise choice is to go into the temple second. You come out looking like a hero, you're inevitably not going to get caught and even if you don't win, you can just say your partner didn't give you enough time.

Double Dare

Trivia always seemed like the better option than the physical challenge. Except for ratings, of course.

Ahh! Real Monsters

I never loved the show, though I did enjoy it. It did, however, foster my childhood interest of drawing monsters as weird as I could imagine.

Power Rangers

Green's a cooler color than white, so why Tommy made that change is a decision I'll never understand. Unless it was just to sell more toys, then I get it.

Rocko's Modern Life

Being able to use an episode from this show for my psychology class in high school was probably the pinnacle of my academic career. What blows my mind most about this show is how pointed and adult-oriented a lot of the jokes were, and how they went so far over my head when I was young.

Salute Your Shorts

One of my all-time favorite shows from my childhood. All I really remember from it, though, is that I simultaneously loved and hated the fact that campers ruined the theme song.

Zombie Dog

(as found here: http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/atreyu4life69/Ugly_dog.jpg)

I don't want to know what happened to this dog, nor do I care. The only thing I do care about is that I never meet him (or her).

Zombie Outbreaks

While an outbreak would certainly spice up the ole daily routine, I don't know that I'm all for it... yet. I want another month to prepare, then I'll be ready.

Decapitation

I'm not sure how anyone can be for it. However, my favorite moment in Gladiator is when Russell Crowe beheads that guy, so I guess at one point in my life, I was for it.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Blow-Up Furniture

Are we talking about inflatable furniture or furniture that can be detonated? Actually, I'm cool with both, so it ultimately doesn't matter.

Musical Theater

If I'm going to see a play, I think I'd prefer to see a musical. However, the play that I want to see the most -- an adaptation of the opening scene of Inglourious Basterds -- would have to be 100 percent music-free.

Snowboarding

Yet another experience I've yet to... experience. I'd like to ultimately learn how to snowboard and ski, but I feel I would be good at neither.

Converses

I've never owned them. Then again, I've never really been fashionable, so I feel this falls right in line with who I am.

Plain Note Cards

They're sort of like stiff printer paper. They're more for drawing than writing, so you need to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into when you buy 'em.

Sippy Cups

Is it possible to make them fashionable for college students? Because then I could maybe drink while walking, instead of having to slow my progress to a halt to take a sip of Mountain Dew while on the go.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

When you play extreme rock, paper, scissors, I feel it's to your advantage to always throw paper (if you lose to scissors, it's generally the least painful of the three ways to lose). I still prefer the game my friends and I made up in first grade, though: log, river, volcano.

Hay Barrels

I've never seen a barrel of hay. I like hay rides, though, so maybe I should try rolling down a hill in a hay barrel, just to see what it's like.

Super Mario Bros.

The third incarnation of the game may be my favorite NES game. I've never beaten it, so I feel it's something I'm going to need to do before I kick the bucket.

Mexican Jumping Beans

Are they a food? Or a toy?

Crackheads

I've never met one, as far as I know. If I ever do meet one, I just hope he or she doesn't pull a knife on me, because I'm really trying to get through life without being stabbed.

Jesus

I feel featuring him on a Web site with links to two Justin Bieber videos is a little strange, but whatever. Growing up, I always thought it was weird that Easter was a more important holiday to Christians than Christmas, but once I got it, I got it.

French People

They're alright, I guess. This is such a broad topic that it makes a poignant response difficult -- I loved the film Amelie, though (and more specifically, Audrey Tatou).

Elevators

I routinely looked forward to using elevators at malls, hotels and wherever else I could find them. However, using them for most of my time at college has destroyed the novelty they once provided me.

Dede Koswara

I sort of would like to have this problem, if only for the novelty of it all. He's also one step closer to becoming a Pokémon than me, which is never a bad thing.

People Who Eat Placenta

It's supposed to make you younger, right? Can't exercise and a healthy diet do the trick with 100 percent less gross?

Babies

I don't think every one is cute, yet many people do. On a side note, I feel the film of the same name is going to be the dumbest-yet-most-profitable documentary of my lifetime.

Hulk Hogan

I never cared for wrestling growing up. However, while watching Wrestlemania 25 (A QUARTER CENTURY OF GREATNESS), I pined for a childhood filled with Hulkmania.

Campus Police

The level of power they actually have has an inverse proportion to how much they think they have. At least, that's what I've come to learn in my limited experience.

Justin Bieber

What started out as an ironic enjoyment of his music has evolved into a much darker yet enjoyable experience for me. I only wish someone had gotten me his "One Less Lonely Girl" flower bouquet for Valentine's Day...

The Jonas Brothers

I can't tell them apart, though my favorite is probably the Bonus Jonas (Bonas Jonas?). They're nothing, though, when compared to Miley or J-Biebz.

Macs vs. PCs

In a dream world where I've won the lottery / inherited money I can blow on frivolous things, buying a Mac to use for design would certain be near the top of the list. However, since I live in reality (and enjoy playing computer games), I see myself sticking with PCs for the foreseeable future.

Rock Band

Rock Band Network came out today, which means I'm going to be more broke than I was rather quickly. Anyone who thinks Guitar Hero is better needs to have their mental health examined.

The Simpsons

Growing up, I wasn't allowed to watch it, which I feel has left me in the dark in terms of a lot of references and jokes. It's pretty daunting to catch up on 20 seasons, but I've got some time.

Blackberrys/ies

I feel that they're a weird middle ground between regular cell phones and other smart phones (like the iPhone or the Droid). Blackberries and raspberries are a delectable taste combination.

Homemade Cards

I think buying cards from anywhere is a waste of money. Homemade cards, therefore, have two benefits: they are cheaper and also show that you care!

Old Spice Commercials

I feel rather neutral about them, to be honest. I use their products already, though, so I guess it's safe to say that I'm not the demographic that they need to be targeting.

Rube Goldberg Machines

Regardless of how long it takes you, getting one to work perfectly is worth however much time you put into it. On a side note, I wish I'd played Mouse Trap when I was little.

OK Go's Music Videos

I'm not really a fan of their music, but they routinely make incredible videos. If it wasn't for Gaga and Muse, I'd have to give them the nod for best videos ever.

Second-Hand Smoke

If I don't want first-hand smoke, what makes you, random smoker, think I want your second-hand smoke? I don't mind if you turn away mid-conversation to blow the smoke in a direction that isn't toward my face -- I'd applaud the gesture, in fact.

Plaid Shirts

Wearing one makes you run the risk of looking like a lumberjack. Being able to pull it off, however, opens your wardrobe to a whole other realm of fashion.

Beer Pong

Drinkball is a more exciting rendition / take on this game. However, seeing Payson throw a ball that hit off his opponent's cup's lip and bounce into his own cup was priceless (and something I don't think will ever be topped).

Muscle Milk

Milk already gives you muscles. Right?

Pilates

I'm relatively amateur when it comes to the subject. However, doing pilates in high school was always frustrating because I'd hurt for the rest of the day, which made getting work accomplished rather difficult.

Alice in Wonderland

I'm looking forward to the new movie, if for no other reason than Depp + Burton + Bonham Carter. My favorite adaptation of (or allusion to) the story, however, has got to be "The Matrix."

Skype

I'd love to be able to utilize this for all it's worth. I've used it once for a podcast (which went really well), but I'd like to have reason to use the headset I bought for $15 a few years ago.

Starbucks

I don't like coffee. Luda's reference in "Baby" is my favorite instance of the word.

McCafé

I've never been to one. Considering I don't like McDonalds or coffee, I can't imagine why I'd want to go to one.

Pink Flamingos (film)

I've only seen one John Waters movie, Serial Mom, which was before I saw him do a semi-stand-up routine at Ramapo my freshman year. I thought it was weird, but I wonder what I'd think now if I saw him again?

Crayola Crayons

I wish I still had a reason to use them. My favorite used to be Robin's Egg Blue, which you could tell because it was severely run down while most of the rest were nearly flawless.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Old-Timey Actors

When I watch old movies, I'm blown away by the fact that it seems like everyone is a great actor or actress. I know I'm mostly watching the best of the best, but when comparing it to today's movies, it isn't even close.

Cary Grant

I've seen him in five movies -- Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, Notorious, To Catch a Thief and North By Northwest -- and I've really liked them all. What impresses me most, though, is that I'd watch any of them again in a heartbeat.

The American Museum of Natural History

I've never been there, but I've been to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, and that was totally awesome. Dinosaurs!

Double Breasted Suits

I prefer Zoot Suits, to be honest. Actually, I know nothing about suits.

David Fincher

One of my ten favorite directors. I've seen most of his movies, and there isn't one I didn't like -- The Game is a surprisingly great sleeper.

NBC

Unless I'm forgetting something, I've only liked one show that's ever been on NBC: 30 Rock. It is host, however, to my least favorite show on television today: The Office.

Plastic Bubble Packaging

Like packing peanuts, it was much more fun when I was little. Unlike packing peanuts, though, it still remains fun to this day.

Maury

Every episode of Maury I've ever seen (keep in mind, this is roughly two) has been about fat babies. I'd like to think every episode is about fat babies, even though I know they aren't.

Pulp in Orange Juice

I prefer No Pulp, thank you very much. The only pulp I like is in my fiction.

Ghostbusters 3

Considering the fact that I only saw the first two for the first time in the last 36 months, I'm not pining over new Ghostbusters adventures as much as many others are. I'd like to see one, sure, but I wouldn't want it if it tarnished the series in any way.

Bananas (1971 film)

It gets a little slow in the second act, but the beginning and especially the end are tremendous. Though I've only seen four of his movies, it's easily my second favorite (behind Annie Hall).

Brian Scully

This site was 95 percent his idea. But come on -- anyone who knows him knows he'd be way too lazy to actually maintain something like this, right?

Lil' Wayne

Even though I love him as a rapper, and I love his voice, the thing I love most about him is that he's just a huge nerd. While every other rapper talks about killing guys and dealing drugs, he's making Bad Boys references.

Anthropogenic Global Warming

I don't think there was any doubt that if Earth's atmosphere and the ecosystem was going to be messed up that it'd be almost entirely our fault. Earth was doing just fine before we got here, so why would it put itself out of whack?

Snuglis

They're like a backpack on your front... for your baby! What's not to like?

Killer Whales

I'd like to have one as a pet, or at least meet one. I'd also like to see Jaws fight one (or did this happen?).

The Zoolander Sequel

I've never seen the first, so if it was possible to not even care that a sequel was made, I feel that's where I reside. When the best line from the first trailer is, "The files are IN the computer?!" where do you go?

The Dalai Lama on Twitter

He has a Twitter? Tell him to hit @soulpopped up!

"Brighton Beach" (aka Russian "Jersey Shore")

I've heard that it "aims to be a cross between 'Jersey Shore' and Anna Karenina.'" If this isn't an abomination of all that is holy, I don't know what is.

Derek Jeter's Contract

If there's ever a day when he's not a Yankee, that's the day I won't be a Yankee fan. It'll never happen, though, and he'll get any amount of money he wants (which I don't think will be anywhere near A-Rod level).

Blueberry Vodka

Regular vodka is nasty. Blueberry vodka is much more palatable.

Eminem

"The Eminem Show" may be my favorite rap album of all time, and I liked "Relapse" way more than a lot of other people did. He and Lil' Wayne are, in my mind, the two best rappers out right now (and maybe ever).

Shamwows

I've only used one once, and I don't remember it working as well as it does on the commercial. It was on carpet, though, so I'll give it (and Vince) the benefit of the doubt.

Formspring

I see no point in it -- but that's also true of like 95 percent of the internet. My biggest question is what's a stupider craze right now: Formspring or Chat Roulette?

Wide Brimmed Hats

Are these like farmer's hats? Because those are totally cool.

"Jesus Loves Me" Bracelets

I have no idea what these are. I know WWJD bracelets, though, and I'm cool with those.

The Olsen Twins

It's never good when you peak at age three. I still can't tell which is which.

Oragami

The only kind of oragami I'm interested in is paper airplanes. Do they even count?

Tumblr

I once followed a Tumblr without having one, which sort of defeats the point. Facebook adding a 'Like' feature also defeated the point of Tumblr, though, on a much larger scale.

Mario Party

Nothing after the third game is even remotely worth playing. I'm still upset over the fact that I lost Mario Party 2, which I think is the only thing of importance I've ever lost.

Hayley Williams

Her voice is pretty much the only reason I'd listen to Paramore. CRUSH, CRUSH, CRUSH -- TWO, THREE, FOUR!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Maura Schwartz

We're going to be best friends. And it's going to make Natalie and Keryn totally jealous.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Karl Malone & John Stockton

It's incredible what one play (in this case, the pick and roll) can do for two careers. Is John Stockton the best white player of all time... or at least the best guard?

Velociraptors

They hunt in threes; as soon as you think you can escape the one, his two partners get you. Good thing they're no longer around, or life would be way more complicated.

Snuggies

I'm still not sure if they're more practical or just lazy. Either way, it's probably one of the most useful infomercial products on the market today (or ever, for that matter).

Regina Spektor

She flipped out at me while she was sound-checking and now I'll never like her. E-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-t.

T-Sweezy vs. Taylor Swift

T-Sweezy's "Thug Story" is the best sub-2:00 song I've heard since the LazyTown / Lil' Jon mash-up. For more information on Taylor Swift, see below.

M&Ms

When I was little, I'd only eat the greens. I no longer have the patience to sort them out.

Moe's Southwestern Grill

I find it pleasantly coincidental that the burrito I'd order (if I custom made one) has my name in it already -- the Joey Bag O' Donuts. However, since trying the nachos (more specifically, the queso), there's been only one return trip to Burrito Island.

Rainbows

Double rainbows are the only ones that ever really interest me anymore. I guess I've been rainbow'd out.

Rainboots

I have no interest in the matter. I did learn, however, that most cute rainboots come from Target.

Keanu Reeves

All you need to know about Keanu Reeves is that the first list in the Onion A/V Club's book of lists is "Six Movies Keanu Reeves Somehow Didn't Ruin." Despite the fact that he can't act, The Matrix still remains one of my five favorite movies of all time, and probably will forever.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

GET TO THE CHOPPAH. Also, I loved him in Predator.

Applebees vs. TGI Friday's

I'd still have to say I prefer Friday's. But Friday's doesn't offer half-price apps, now do they?

StarCraft 2

Since they're releasing it in three parts, I'll only get the first. I hope I'm better at it than I was at StarCraft (1).

Cash Cab

At the end of the game, I'd play it conservatively when debating whether or not to try to double my money. I feel like $200 is the cutoff -- anything more, and I'm not risking it.

Taylor Swift

For a while, she was America's sweetheart and I loved her. Then she beat out Gaga for too many big Grammys; now she's dead to me.

Autotune

I never liked it. Until I heard "Thug Story."

Nightmare on Elm Street Series

I've only seen the first, but it falls in the middle of the road for me in terms of 1970s / 1980s horror series. I like it more than Friday the 13th, but it really pales in comparison to Halloween.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Snow Days

I used to love them, but now that we have them more frequently than we have Wednesdays, I've grown tired of them. I usually get shortchanged and miss out on hours at work, which only leaves me poorer and more broke than I was.

Moral Relativism in Modern Society

As long as you feel you're doing the right thing, that's fine by me. But I guess this is the reason why there's so much disagreement in our world, huh?

Paper or Plastic?

I actually prefer paper in plastic: it gives you handles to carry with but the durability of the paper bag. When I worked at a grocery store, my least favorite thing to do was double paper; do you have any idea how annoying it is to put together eight double paper bags?

Super Soakers

Like Legos, I always wished Super Soakers were cheaper so I could have had way more. My four puny Super Soaker 100s don't get the job done.

Nature of Man / Good vs. Evil

I feel we're treading water that's almost too deep for this blog. I don't know whether I should approach this topic with humor or seriousness, so I'm taking a two-sentence cop-out.

Dippin' Dots

I like how ice cream for astronauts has been distributed to us, the common people. I wonder how well little ice cream balls hold up in outer space, anyway.

The Lemon Party

I miss the times when the Lemon Party played only Weird Al, the Beach Boys and Will Smith. Those were the good days.

Matt Bacon Hand

He's on the internet. Also, I hope Bacon is as good for Lily as bacon is for me.

Jwoww Kaufman

I'm amused by her constant name changes on Facebook. No one I know does it more, and no one does it better.

Lily Szabo

She's alright, I guess. Isn't that what the song says?

Morning Hand

Their cover of Holy Diver is my favorite cover of that song I've ever heard. I've yet to wake up and remember to feel what morning hand feels like.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Pull and Peel

This technology is incredible. I wish all foods came in this form.

Disney Starlets

Do I have to pick a favorite? Can't I just love them all?

Gummy Bears vs. Gummy Worms

Give me gummy worms, hands down. Especially sour gummy worms -- they're quickly ascending on my list of "favorite candies you can buy two bags of for a dollar at most supermarkets."

Gummy Bear Flavors

I think trying to figure out what color is what flavor is a lost cause. That's why I eat 'em by the handful.

Gossip Girl

I've never seen an episode and I aim to keep it that way. I'd rather be forced to watch the O.C., though, probably.

Ducks

“I was not aware that ducks eat for free at Subway. It's like, 'Give me a chicken fajita sub, but don't worry about ringing it up: it is for a duck.'”

Ice in Drinks

I've learned to drink these drinks fast, lest flavor prepare for a watery grave. Not getting ice at soda machines gives you enough additional beverage that the trade-off for a slightly warmer drink is totally worth it.

Tea

I'm not a fan of any kind but iced. If you have unsweetened, you better give me a lot of sugar on the side.

The Jersey Shore (location)

I want to go the boardwalk. Who wants to come?

7/11

7/11, Wawa, Quick Chek: there's no real difference. As long as I can get a sandwich and a milkshake / other tasty beverage, I'm down.

Sunshine

I enjoyed the movie. Jessica, when you see it, wear some sunglasses.

Amsterdam

Never been there. Doubt I'll ever go.

Miley Cyrus

I wish I never heard her talk. Singing's okay, but talking's a no-no.

Women With Hairy Armpits

It's suggestions like this that make me pause. I just say, 'Do what you gotta do.'

Old School Nickelodeon

There's nothing like it. Five cents to see a movie -- you can't beat that!

Goosebumps (Book Series)

These were a big part of my childhood. My favorite was, "Say Cheese and Die!"

The Bad Girls Club

I had to look this one up. I hate reality TV, so I'd imagine I'd hate this, too.

Simon Leaving 'American Idol'

Is $100 million a year too much for you? I'd do it for $25,000 a year.

Dick Cheney

As though getting shot a few years ago wasn't enough, poor guy had a heart attack today. Can't he catch a break?

'Joey' vs. 'Joe'

I've pigeon-holed myself into being Joey to distinguish phone calls between my dad and me. I don't see myself ever changing my name.

The Sensible Six

If you don't have the Ultimate meal plan (or no meal plan), no other meal plan makes sense. The clique is too exclusive.

Jager Bombs

I'm remarkably neutral toward them. They are a prominent feature of my favorite song by LMFAO that features Lil Jon, though.

Snooki

Yesterday, when I said I liked pickles (I forget the context, so don't judge me), someone asked me if I was Snooki. I hate that we've come to this.

Chris Novy = Edward Norton?

He's never re-enacted scenes from American History X at two in the morning. How can I tell if they're one in the same?

Olivia Munn

She gets points for being a hot nerd. But Olivia Wilde is more attractive, by far.

5A

It was fun pre-break. It's not fun post-break.

People Named 'Denise'

Until a month ago, I believe I'd met one person with that name. Is it weird that I'm now in a class with two others?

Times New Roman

It gets the job done. I wonder what the default font would be had it not existed?

Helvetica

The font is nicer than Times. Eventually, I'd like to see the documentary of the same name.

Tom from MySpace

I wish I had that many friends. He's so popular!

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

They're cursed... or are they? Who's real: Hurley or alterna-Hurley?

The Word 'Taciturn'

I see no need for it. Why can't we just use 'quiet' instead?

Legos

I love 'em. When I was little, I wish the sets weren't so expensive... what's up with that, anyway?

Monday, February 22, 2010

Microsoft Paint

I'm waiting for a friendly admiration to turn into a rivalry. Who's the better artist: Steve Payson or Pete Calautti?

Libraries

Though I don't use them to check out books any more (I usually just end up buying them), I've gone to my local library more in the last two years than in my previous 20. Though I subscribe to Netflix, being able to check out up to ten movies per week is too good to pass up.

The U.S. Government's Attempts to Get Rid of the Penny

Our currency would be one third less colorful, which would be a disappointment. Also, it would require me to change the name of this blog, and that's a bit more effort than I'm willing to put into anything right now.

Candy Cigarettes

I'm blissfully unaware to their existence. Let's keep it that way.

Names That Begin With the Letter "H"

My favorite is probably Haley (or, for the purposes of this post, Halley). What other "H" name has a comet named after it?

Cheese Doodles

A food whose tastiness is only surpassed by the hilarity of its name. If they didn't turn your fingers orange, they'd be a nearly perfect snack.

The Beatles

They're pretty good, I guess, and sort of influential. My favorite song of theirs is either "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" or "Dear Prudence."

American Idol

The show has produced two superstars out of eight winners: Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Is that an acceptable success rate?

The Polan-Clarke Family

One of only two families, to my knowledge, who have invited me into two places of residence. Select company.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I felt cheated that he *SPOILER* didn't die. That's a cop out.

Spanish Signs in Stores

I've never really given much thought to this. But if you're going to have one sign in Spanish, it only makes sense to have all signs in both Spanish and English, right?

Australia

I know to never call a Kiwi an Aussie. I wonder if the inverse is true, too.

Old Spice

The combination shampoo / body wash makes showering twice as easy. It cut my shower time from roughly seven minutes to six.

Winter Olympics

Curling is the highlight of these games. I prefer the summer flavor, though.

Wal-Mart

Any place that sells machetes for $8 is okay in my book. Also, their no-receipt return policy is pretty much the greatest thing ever.

McDonalds

The McDonalds by my house is the most disgusting fast food place I've ever been in, which is why I won't eat there. The fries, snack wraps and desserts are the only things worth eating anyway.

Cellphone Radiation

We're all in trouble. But before it becomes a debilitating problem, they'll find a solution... I hope.

Grapes

I thought for the longest time that I preferred green grapes. Once I tasted red grapes, everything changed.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Man on Wire (2008 film)

One of the best (if not THE best) documentaries I've seen (though I haven't watched many). It's on Netflix instant -- go watch it now.

Pearl Jam

I wish I was old enough to appreciate them in the early 1990's. My favorite song of theirs, I've just decided, is "Garden."

Pink Floyd

Is it weird that I don't really like them? I don't dislike them, but I don't find anything great, especially when compared to a band like Led Zeppelin.

3-D Movies

I've never been more sure of anything than I am that this is a phase that will die out soon. My Bloody Valentine 3D was stupid enough as it was; the cheesy 3D effects made it even worse.

Sour Patch Kids

All four flavors are delicious. If you haven't tried a Sour Patch Kids sandwich, with all four flavors in a little stack, go do that now.

American Apparel

Could the store feature any smaller clothing? Their shirts sure are soft, though.

Lord of the Rings

Embarassing, I know, but I've only seen the first movie. Two Towers and Return of the King are probably the two movies I'm most embarrassed to say I haven't yet seen.

2012

This end-of-the-world talk is preposterous. The Mayans only stopped their calendar because they were killed off before they could continue.

Newspapers

As a journalist, I'm sad they're dying out. But why would you pay for news when you can get it online for free?

Mad Dog (1977 film)

Stumbling upon this in movie roulette was fun. It provides us with classic lines, like, "I haven't had a woman in a long time -- and I like women!"

Melissa Lynam

This is a weird topic to put on my blog, but here it is. She's one of my top-ten all-time roommates.

iPhones

I wish the iPhone was unlocked for Verizon; I'd probably have one. My primary interaction with iPhones, though, is when they're used as a timer in charades.

S'Mores

Authentic s'mores are delicious. The s'more "Chewy" bars by Quaker, though, are the weakest of the four flavors in the variety pack I buy (along with chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin).

Red Heads

I don't understand what all the hate is about. Have you seen Christina Hendricks?

Aliens

They're out there, for sure; the universe is too big for us to be alone. Also, I loved James Cameron's "Aliens."

Pennies

I'm confused by their smooth edges (as well as the smooth edges on nickels). They also provide great inspiration for blogs.

Double Stick Tape

I haven't had to use this much. However, 3M's Poster Strips are the best for hanging up posters at school without leaving a mark after they're removed.

The Obamas' Dog

I feel Sasha and Malia were probably more excited about getting a new dog than their father winning the presidency back in 2008. I probably would be, too.

Bono

Sonny Bono shouldn't have gone skiing. As for plain Bono (vanilla Bono?), I liked U2's "No Line on the Horizon," even though "Get on Your Boots" was totally out of place on that album.

Stage Musicals Made Into Movies

I like The Music Man, both in stage and cinema form. I probably like it better in cinema form, actually.

Zooey Deschanel

She's adorable and she can sing; if she could act, she'd be nearly perfect. My favorite role for her was Summer in (500) Days of Summer, mostly because she didn't need to really act.

Actors Who Start Bands

I'm mostly unfamiliar with this phenomenon. However, the only part of Eurotrip that I like is when Matt Damon sings, so I guess this counts as a favorable review.

Oprah's Book Club

As far as I know, I've only read one book she recommended: The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I liked it, so I guess I'm in favor of her selections.

Payson's Beard

My favorite version is the version Melissa made out of the letter I. I also liked it when he turned it into Lemmy's beard.

Religion

I'm cool with it. Just don't push it on people, okay?

Surf Ninjas

I've never seen it. Considering Casey's love for this movie and considering I've lived with him for 3+ semesters, I find that fact fascinating.

Rainbows

Learning ROY G. BIV was one of my finest moments of fourth grade. Also, double rainbows impress me far more than regular rainbows.

Kimbo Slice

I like his hair. I know nothing else about him.

Brittany Janelle Brophy

She's a piece of trash. Whoever made a Facebook account for her needs to find better things to do with his or her time.

Payson's Mom

She's the sweetest mother of any of my friends at Ramapo. Plus she brings us food; what's not to love?

Caps Lock

It's one of the clearest ways to demonstrate how I'm feeling at any given time. I'm sad that the BILLY MAYS sticker I bought to place on it fell off.

Mr. Potato Head

I like his black hat. I wish he had better taste in women.

Mrs. Potato Head

Can't say I'm a fan. She's too sassy to Mr. Potato Head in both the Toy Story movies and that one commercial where they're riding in a car.

Chat Roulette

Who are people looking to chat with on this site? That's my biggest question: Does everyone have one specific demographic they hope to get when they 'next' you?

Cops (the people)

I have nothing against them. Until they pull over to the side of the highway, then pull back out into traffic behind me, waiting for me to break a law.

Cops (the show)

I don't watch it that much. However, if I was going to be arrested, and there was at least a 90% chance that it'd be for something cool, I'd want to be arrested on the show.