Some days my horoscope is ominous and some days it is promising but in either case about 3 out of 7 days, it just pans out. I suppose I could read into it and make it work out everyday whether that were a good or bad thing but in the case of nearly half my week, I don't need to. I wonder how the horoscope I read gets made up and if I had ever Taurus I know read the same one, if the results would be the same for them. Would reading other signs' horoscopes and then only hanging with people who had a decent horoscope make my life less dramatic or even more fun? I wonder. Regardless, I read ahead to Sunday and am pretty excited about the part of the day I have before work. My horoscope aligns well with the plans I have and if it all works out, I'm in for a meaningful day.
Good weekend to you.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Dan in Reel Life
This is just a quick one to recommend the film "Dan in Real Life" to everyone whether you're a "Dan" or not. The ever-endearing Steve Carell stars in this fun and "heartfelt" film about Dan, a widower and advice columnist who ultimately could stand to follow his own advice if not his heart. Juliette Binoche is lovely as the love interest. Dane Cook, John Mahoney and Diane Weist are among the cast. Speaking of the cast, the film was well cast right down to the children in the film. The kids did a great job and in the case of Dan's daughters, could have over-acted teen angst but instead they portrayed their characters perfectly.
This is a film the whole family can see which is a welcome change of pace from most films. There was a good balance of amusement, romance and drama making it a film that anyone can enjoy. I'm glad I happened to catch the sneak preview tonight. It made me feel warm.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Genesis Meets the Hollywood Bowl
Phil Collins took over as Genesis' front man in 1975, 4 years before I was born. I missed the Gabriel (called by some "glory") days of the band the first time around and missed Phil's debut. I didn't discover Genesis until I saw the "Land of Confusion" video for the first time and bought "And Then There Were Three..." after hearing "Follow You, Follow Me" which many fans would not consider their best song. Still, all in all I'd say that I've evolved into a respectable fan of the band and was thrilled to see them at the Hollywood Bowl this past Friday night.
The Hollywood Bowl is one of my favorite music venues. I see about 30 shows a year and despite the traffic and hassle, I can't say I love a place much more. Seeing Genesis there was magic.
Right from the beginning, it was a great musical show. Had Phil and the band left vocals aside, it would have been a fantastic show. They were really, really playing and Genesis' catalogue allows for long musical sets which incorporate all of the talented musicians. Right up through a drum duet between Phil and Chester Thompson the music engaged me, excited me and consistently left me wanting more. Plus, they did some of my favorite songs and a song that wasn't expected (based on set lists posted from previous shows) which was my companion's favorite. It was a great set.
Despite a great show, it was also a show that was victimized by unusual weather. On tickets for outdoor venues, there is always that "rain or shine" disclaimer that one reads and scoffs at because let's face it, it never rains in Southern California. Overall that is true but Friday night was the exception. At first the rain fell only slightly, getting everyone wet but not wet enough to ruin the show. Then, it began to rain hard. The audience was soaked, Tony Banks' keyboards were outfitted with an umbrella and Mike Rutherford and Daryl Struermer were close by seeking cover where they could. Still, the crowd was digging the show and things kept moving.
Finally, once everyone was soaked to the skin and the stage was marred with standing water, Phil announced that they could not continue. The show was cut short! No "I Can't Dance/Carpet Crawlers" encore and no more music in general. The Hollywood Bowl sound people were kind enough to toss some Phil onto the speakers for the exiting crowd but the show was done and for a moment, we were left hanging.
The show did have to end though. The weather didn't get any better and L.A. traffic after the show became L.A. traffic with rain.
All in all, it was a show I am so glad I didn't miss and so glad I got to share with a friend. It was my 4th time seeing Phil and sadly my first time seeing Genesis. I hope they get together again in a few years. They've aged well and seemed to be enjoying themselves and that, even under a rain cloud, made all the difference.
The Hollywood Bowl is one of my favorite music venues. I see about 30 shows a year and despite the traffic and hassle, I can't say I love a place much more. Seeing Genesis there was magic.
Right from the beginning, it was a great musical show. Had Phil and the band left vocals aside, it would have been a fantastic show. They were really, really playing and Genesis' catalogue allows for long musical sets which incorporate all of the talented musicians. Right up through a drum duet between Phil and Chester Thompson the music engaged me, excited me and consistently left me wanting more. Plus, they did some of my favorite songs and a song that wasn't expected (based on set lists posted from previous shows) which was my companion's favorite. It was a great set.
Despite a great show, it was also a show that was victimized by unusual weather. On tickets for outdoor venues, there is always that "rain or shine" disclaimer that one reads and scoffs at because let's face it, it never rains in Southern California. Overall that is true but Friday night was the exception. At first the rain fell only slightly, getting everyone wet but not wet enough to ruin the show. Then, it began to rain hard. The audience was soaked, Tony Banks' keyboards were outfitted with an umbrella and Mike Rutherford and Daryl Struermer were close by seeking cover where they could. Still, the crowd was digging the show and things kept moving.
Finally, once everyone was soaked to the skin and the stage was marred with standing water, Phil announced that they could not continue. The show was cut short! No "I Can't Dance/Carpet Crawlers" encore and no more music in general. The Hollywood Bowl sound people were kind enough to toss some Phil onto the speakers for the exiting crowd but the show was done and for a moment, we were left hanging.
The show did have to end though. The weather didn't get any better and L.A. traffic after the show became L.A. traffic with rain.
All in all, it was a show I am so glad I didn't miss and so glad I got to share with a friend. It was my 4th time seeing Phil and sadly my first time seeing Genesis. I hope they get together again in a few years. They've aged well and seemed to be enjoying themselves and that, even under a rain cloud, made all the difference.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
I Slept Wrong
You know when you sleep wrong and have a crick in your neck? That is enough of an inconvenience when you have an office job, need to switch lanes or for some other reason have to turn your head quickly. What if you were a Cirque du Soleil performer? I think then sleeping wrong would be nearly a tragedy. Just a random thought...
Not that it changes my mind...
A friend who read my blog chose not to support me not due to financial reasons or general disinterest, but because Komen supports Planned Parenthood and therefore abortions and death (not my words). Thanks to her though, I did some research and found that Komen did issue a grant to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas (I take more exception to Texas at this point!). I am glad she let me know because this has been an interesting morning of research for me.
Here is what I have to say:
I think it is important to know exactly where the money you are sending to an organization is going. The national Komen organization is funded partly by local organizations but partly by direct donations to them. You can support your local Komen chapter and even find out where your funds would be allocated without worrying about later implications of the money.
The money to Planned Parenthood is going to breast education for low-income people who use the clinic not simply for abortions but also for their health. To limit the scope of Planned's work to just abortions is discrediting the organization based on only one aspect. Doctors perform procedures that one may not agree with but we still see them for our own health. The women who use Planned Parenthood are entering an environment that they feel is safe for them, that they can afford. Healthcare is very complicated and Planned is better than the County clinic or no care at all. The more we can do to educate and prevent illness, the better.
Below is the article on the grant by Komen. I hope you feel a bit better about your donation. I participate in Race for the Cure annually and am very proud of it. If you'd like to donate, please visit my page.
Planned Parenthood Receives Breast Cancer Health Screening Grant
from Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund
Project targets low risk women ages 18-34
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund has selected Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region to receive a $17,000 grant to provide affordable and prompt breast health education and evaluations to low-income, low risk women ages 18 to 34.
With the Komen for the Cure’s grant, Planned Parenthood will provide valuable breast education and screening for Austin area women in 2007. Young women often fear the worst regarding their breast health. When they detect an unusual lump or thickening, they may not be able to distinguish between normal tissue and suspicious masses. These women often seek out complex diagnostics, creating an unnecessary expense for the patient as well as the health care system. Planned Parenthood seeks to interrupt this sequence of events by providing prompt and affordable breast evaluation and management services to low risk women. The breast evaluation and management services covered by the grant will include breast cancer risk assessment, a breast exam, breast education with nutrition and health counseling, a follow-up exam, and referral when needed.
Komen Fund 2007 grant recipients include the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin, Wright House Wellness Center, and Services for the Elderly.
Here is what I have to say:
I think it is important to know exactly where the money you are sending to an organization is going. The national Komen organization is funded partly by local organizations but partly by direct donations to them. You can support your local Komen chapter and even find out where your funds would be allocated without worrying about later implications of the money.
The money to Planned Parenthood is going to breast education for low-income people who use the clinic not simply for abortions but also for their health. To limit the scope of Planned's work to just abortions is discrediting the organization based on only one aspect. Doctors perform procedures that one may not agree with but we still see them for our own health. The women who use Planned Parenthood are entering an environment that they feel is safe for them, that they can afford. Healthcare is very complicated and Planned is better than the County clinic or no care at all. The more we can do to educate and prevent illness, the better.
Below is the article on the grant by Komen. I hope you feel a bit better about your donation. I participate in Race for the Cure annually and am very proud of it. If you'd like to donate, please visit my page.
Planned Parenthood Receives Breast Cancer Health Screening Grant
from Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund
Project targets low risk women ages 18-34
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund has selected Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region to receive a $17,000 grant to provide affordable and prompt breast health education and evaluations to low-income, low risk women ages 18 to 34.
With the Komen for the Cure’s grant, Planned Parenthood will provide valuable breast education and screening for Austin area women in 2007. Young women often fear the worst regarding their breast health. When they detect an unusual lump or thickening, they may not be able to distinguish between normal tissue and suspicious masses. These women often seek out complex diagnostics, creating an unnecessary expense for the patient as well as the health care system. Planned Parenthood seeks to interrupt this sequence of events by providing prompt and affordable breast evaluation and management services to low risk women. The breast evaluation and management services covered by the grant will include breast cancer risk assessment, a breast exam, breast education with nutrition and health counseling, a follow-up exam, and referral when needed.
Komen Fund 2007 grant recipients include the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin, Wright House Wellness Center, and Services for the Elderly.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Donate to Race for the Cure
I know I asked for money earlier this year, for MS. The other cause that is close to my heart, is breast cancer. Please visit my fundraising page for this year's Race for the Cure and if you can, join our team or donate.
My company, ProFlowers, will match your donation dollar for dollar and you can help people living with cancer and help find a cure!
If you aren't yet compelled, here is some of what you'll find on my page:
Know anyone who has breast cancer? Know anyone who has had breast cancer? Know anyone who has breasts?
If you answered "Yes" to one or more of the above questions, then I'd like you to consider a donation to ProFlowers Pink Parade, the Race for the Cure team I am proudly walking with in a month. Even a few dollars will be appreciated!
Thank you for reading and I appreciate your time and your help.
My company, ProFlowers, will match your donation dollar for dollar and you can help people living with cancer and help find a cure!
If you aren't yet compelled, here is some of what you'll find on my page:
Know anyone who has breast cancer? Know anyone who has had breast cancer? Know anyone who has breasts?
If you answered "Yes" to one or more of the above questions, then I'd like you to consider a donation to ProFlowers Pink Parade, the Race for the Cure team I am proudly walking with in a month. Even a few dollars will be appreciated!
Thank you for reading and I appreciate your time and your help.
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