The Classic Brillo

I had a small mishap on my stovetop last week, and I tried cleaning it up with several household cleaners. It was useless, the milk that had boiled over and out of a pot had decided it would forever stay caked on my smooth stovetop. Then, as I was cleaning up my kitchen over the weekend, it dawned on me (no kitchen pun intended) that I should try the classic brillo or S.O.S. So, while out at Target this weekend, I grabbed a box. A simple wetting of the pad and a few swipes later, and my stovetop had returned to its shiny and clean condition. Since this first use, I have already started grabbing for the fearless clean up pad for difficult dishwashing and sink cleaning. It makes me wonder...how could I have been so brillo ignorant all of this time?

Tribute Recommends: 30 Days

I have heard much buzz, moreso in the past, over the eye-opening Super Size Me. I have never taken a particularly close look at it simply because the terrible nutritional value of fast food is a given for me. The closest I got to paying attention was witnessing the McDonald's-free feasting campaign of my fellow blogger friend at The Midwestern Position.

Little did I know, however, that Morgan Spurlock, the creative genius behind Super Size Me, is a fellow West Virginian, born in Parkersburg and raised in Beckley. My Spurlock obsession was sparked by the viewing of his current project, 30 Days, a show on FX. I had not even heard of this show when I saw my first preview for it last week.

The premise for the show is to see what change can come about from walking in the shoes of another for 30 days. What grabbed my attention and made me watch this week's episode was that it placed Spurlock in a West Virginia coal mine for 30 days. My father has been a coal miner since before my birth, so this has always been a part of my life, but more on the periphery due to an inability to conceptualize exactly what it's like to go into the Earth for work everyday. So, it was very interesting to watch the show, both because it was definitely something close to Spurlock and something close to me.

Spurlock's discussions, both with just the camera as well as with others, are very engaging and smart. In addition to walking in the steps of a miner, he chose to do a segment on the issue of mountain top removal and surface mining, a very hot topic in the state. The emotion the surfaced in those interviews and expression of the facts were expertly captured. The hidden beauties of the state are many; the mountains hold most of them. Yet, these coal companies blow up the mountains to access coal that would be next to impossible to mine. A unique situation yet all too common theme of the human condition: do we curb our consumption habits or just continue to consume, assuming that by some miracle of God the environment will renew itself?

The show is in it's 3rd season. It's on Tuesdays at 10pm, with an encore at 11pm. I highly recommend choosing one to which you can relate and checking it out. Informative and entertaining.

Step it up, Associated Press!

How many times in our lives do we hear that the fact checking of a story is based on the work of the Associated Press? An incident during my dose of daytime television today made me question this agency--not just its existence but its accuracy in the context of its ever-present and dominating cultural force.

As I anxiously awaited Colin Firth's appearance on The View, the ladies were discussing various "hot topics" when Whoopi Goldberg announced that there was breaking news coming in from the AP. It was the announcement that Hillary Clinton would concede this evening that Obama has won the proper number of delegates in order to take the Democratic nomination. This, of course, is a hugely anticipated milestone in the presidential campaign. This news is so anticipated that Barbara Walters asked Whoopi to repeat the announcement before breaking for commercial, which she did. They return from commercial and continue on chatting when Whoopi suddenly interrupts the flow for yet another AP announcement. The Clinton camp wanted to squash the former AP announcement and confirmed that Hillary would not be conceding this evening.

How does this happen with such a respected and leading news authority? Within 5 or 10 minutes time a seemingly straightforward claim is proven completely unfounded and false. This is a case of black and white that needs to remain that way--either one will concede or she will not. There is no in between or wiggle room for debate.

To read up on just how powerful the AP has grown to be, check out this article. It demonstrates the breadth of influence the agency holds and may lead you to question, based on the atrocity above, exactly why it continues to be such a force in reporting.

Addiction: America's Next Top Model

I am treading dangerous waters, apparently. Just last week, I saw a segment on Good Morning, America, which featured a woman who professionals would say is addicted to reality television. She DVR's and views somewhere around 38 a week. That's steep, even by the homebound standard. I don't think I quite qualify for the reality television addiction just yet, though.

I am, however, admittedly becoming more and more attracted to crazy marathons. Before, it was much less likely that I could watch them in their entirety because of timing. Being stuck home for 3 weeks has, however, changed this. Ironically, my first full marathon was America's Next Top Model, Cycle 5. The key to this viewing was, thankfully, the great DVR technology. I think part of my motivation for watching was to get them out of my DVR queue. How many folks would you want to see upwards of 8 episodes of America's Next Top Model in yours?

In any case, I thought this was a one time occurence. However, as I flipped through the trusty cable guide today, I noticed it was a new day of ANTM marathon on MTV! I will leave it a mystery whether or not I repeated the recording and viewing like above! Some things are just better left to secret.

A Plug

Charlie Rose. The sound of that to me is similar to Lawrence Welk or Hee Haw. Something more aged and less of interest. Some nostalgic value in them, of course, but just not something I thought I would ever become a fan of. But, here I am, obsessing over its greatness. It is pure, and it is fact. Perhaps, to be fair, a little opinion is tossed in there to avoid total dryness. But, with a world of sensationalism that robs us of every accurate news source, this hour long program provides a true escape from that. It is a refreshing reminder of what news, reporting and journalism are meant to be.

So, if you haven't before, check it out.

Political Monogamy: 21st Century Oxymoron

What is happening in New York? Is it really possible that the two leaders of one of our most prominent states are both cheaters?

I know we had Clinton, a respectable and very strong leader, who had to dodge the storm of public opinion that followed the uncovering of his tryst with Monica Lewinsky. While completely revolting, disappointing and shocking, for some reason that incident played out without getting under my skin too terribly much. Perhaps it was that there was some small bit of consequence being paid. Instead of such extreme focus on the rest of the political package and legend and a blind eye to the moral wrong (as is the case with JFK), there was some acknowledgement of wrong and reaction to that wrong.

When Gov. Spitzer of New York came out about being nabbed by the feds for participation in a prostitution ring, it was even more revolting. A lawmaker fell to the ranks of a lawbreaker in addition to a major wrongdoer, morally speaking. Now, David Paterson and his wife have come foreward to air their dirty laundry, admitting to affairs on both ends due to a rocky marriage. Are we supposed to think it's better that they apparently agreed that they should both branch out? I do not quite understand all of this cheating and inability to be a loyal partner. And what part of these actions is meant to lead us to believe that they will be loyal leaders for us if they don't even do that with those whom they pledge their lives to andexchange vows.

As our elected lawmakers and leaders, they should know best the laws of moral and legal conduct. Why they all have chosen to be involved in legal marriages, only to violate the very basis of those marriages, is beyond me. It's optional people! It's also perfectly acceptable this day in age to get a divorce or at the very least separated...before you've violated what was to be your lifetime partner and, in many cases, the fellow parent of your children. So, why not just make it legal. Curb those apparently unforgiving human impulses and practice a little self-control. While the Governor Spitzers, Governor Patersons and many others in the world make it seem unbelievable...it really is possible. I think we should consider getting a handle on this before the future generations of America sit in their various history classes, learning of the defunct attempts to join the concepts of politics and monogamy.

Beware iTunes Junkies

I am an iTunes junkie.

As a proud iPhone owner and user, I have discovered new features of the phone nearly every month that make me love it more. One thing I know I had been told of early on but obviously breezed over was the new iTunes feature on the phone. The phone contains all of the great iPod features, but the added bonus is that you can download music from iTunes straight to the iPod included in the phone. I'm guessing that my breezing over this initially was divine intervention in order to avoid financial collapse!

Usually, this takes more time and effort since the typical iPod owner must login on their computer and explore the iTunes store, download and then synch that new music on their iPod. The bonus feature of the iPhone makes it so that you simply go into the iTunes Store, using the wireless internet connection and click buy.

I just discovered this and used it for the first time a couple nights ago. I have two words to describe the experience...awesome...and...dangerous. All music is a simple click away, providing you've got the wireless connection available to do so. This is probably the one area of shopping that definitely makes me the typical American consumer with an insatiable appetite.

Sleepy Hollow

I have been aware of the tale of Sleepy Hollow and the headless horseman for some time. In fact, my introduction to the stage was in 3rd grade as the great Katrina Van Tassel from the tale. Then, there was the making of the movie with one of my favorites, Johnny Depp. However, it was not until yesterday that I came to know yet another incarnation of Sleepy Hollow.

I got to visit Sleepy Hollow, NY, or at least the immediate vicinity as I went on a site visit for work at the Tarrytown House. There was some talk at the close of the tour about how the headless horseman makes an annual visit to the estate, blowing through to the fascination of kids and adults alike. Instead of scoffing at this and laughing at the gullibility of those who would participate in such a silly thing, I thought to myself: "How cool is that for the imagination?" Just goes to show the magic of legend remains steadfast despite the passing of my years!

Expiration Worries

I am wasteful. I hardly ever put a dent in, let alone finish, a meal out. It's borderline painful for me to go out and eat a normal meal because I leave with such a feeling of guilt for not finishing my food, considering how many people in our country and worldwide could really use that food. On top of that, I am not that great at eating leftovers. I've had to practically go through a self-help program just to remember to pick up my bag or box that sits on the table after getting my food wrapped. So, in those cases I forget, I am also being wasteful on top of wasteful by wasting the plastic (bag) and styrofome or whatever synthetic makes up the carry out container. I believe the pinnacle of my shame came in Philadelphia when I finally remembered to pick up a container off of the table, strolled out to my car, drove home and realized as I went into my house that I had placed the container on top of my car and had driven off. Add littering to that wasteful offense.

One of the ways I've found to help rehabilitate my ways and perhaps compensate in some way is through my milk purchases. At first glance, organic milk is expensive. To look at a carton of milk and think of paying over $3 for that milk makes one wince. However, first, there truly is a difference in taste. Organic milk is very cold and fresh tasting. That, alone though, does not validate the purchase. What does is the fact that the expiration date on organic milk gives you another good two weeks than you would otherwise get out of your milk purchase. I have been a repeat offender in the area of wasting milk as well...for years. As soon as I started buying it while in the dorm, I realized there would not be too many times that I would even polish off a half gallon within its fresh period. But, to downgrade meant possibly not having enough. And who wants to get stuck with a dry bowl of cereal in the sleepy mornings?

I have learned since this discovery that ultrapasteurization (heating the milk to a higher temp) is what extends the expiration. There is speculation, however, that you should still ditch the milk a week after opening.

Gilbert's Tenets

It's taken me quite some time to both fully get into and appreciate Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Eat Pray Love, but it's one of those reads better once it steaps a bit. And, actually, that's one of the inspirations of the book...it makes you want to tuck a little bit of time away each day just to think a little more. Whether on the way you're doing things, why you're doing them as you are, what you're eating, with whom you're talking, what you're talking about or simply where to go to next, this book validates your every thought.

This life has such potential, especially now, to make you want to move ultra fast, sometimes forgetting all together what your motivations are or what you want them to be. What Gilbert says, and most eloquently so, is that we all need to put some more thought into things. For her, it's about her yoga practices and spirituality, but at the base of those like most other things is really just inspiration. What inspires you? And is that inspiration centered as it needs to be? Or is it sort of reckless?

Throughout the book, you get an intimate look at Gilbert's (sometimes incredibly embarrassing) thought processes, motivations and inspiration. She makes amazing leaps in the areas of honesty (both with herself and others) and love. She takes down the artifice and suffers through the journey to getting real. I am close to the end, not yet finished, but I can safely say at this point that this book is a good guide to being human and becoming better at being just that...human.

Whether looking for a good laugh, clever writing or just an adventure to Italy, India and Indonesia, you will probably enjoy this read. The title definitely wins the prize for three great tenets around which we could all stand to organize our lives. Try it out.

Another Reason to Love NY...

There are so many reasons to love New York City. Today, however, I had a chance meeting with a lady that made me add a new reason to my list. With all of the speculation outside of New York about New Yorkers and their distant and oftentimes cold dispositions, I met a lady today who proves them all wrong. I ran to an appointment downtown, and as I waited for the elevator, latest read in hand (A Thousand Splendid Suns), I noticed her kind of staring at me in my peripheral vision. My first response, as I think most would have it as well, was to think to myself, "Why do people have to stare? It's so rude." Now, mind you, if I'm the one doing the staring, then there must be a very good reason for it, but if I'm the object of inspection, then I have very different feelings about it.

In any case, she broke the awkward elevator anticipatory silence with a question: "How is that one? I read The Kite Runner and loved it." I told her I wasn't too far in, but that I really enjoyed getting Hosseini's powerful writing from the perspective of a female protagonist after such a powerful account from his male protagonist in The Kite Runner. She went on to tell me about how much she loved The Bookseller of Kabul as well, perhaps even more. She also added an anecdote about her friend's Afghani husband, but for some reason that didn't mean quite as much to me.

The moral of the story: New Yorkers are not distant and cold. They've been more apt than perhaps any other group of people in any of my other globetrotting experiences to strike up a conversation--and those conversations are usually pretty interesting. Case in point!

Bookswim

Because I have not been able to hop right into my new digs and begin living as the New Jersian and NYC commuter that I now am, I have had a few things pop up as problematic. Trust me, a permanent address takes you far in this world, and the absence of one can be pretty frustrating. For the most part, the things that have been most bothersome are those that are the most normal everyday type things.

One of my favorite things, and to be completely honest probably the top thing on my list of favorite things, are books. Ever since I was a young kid, I've marveled at books as most do at money or big star sightings. In fact, as I've slowly moved from West Virginia to New Jersey, one of my biggest concerns has been where or how I will find the perfect bookcase on which I can display my collection. I resolved to invest in a "grown up" bookcase, so I passed on my set of bookshelves from Staples to my niece. So, now I have lots of boxes of books and no way to display them. To me, this is a big deal because they're all hidden away, not giving me half of the pleasure I get from merely seeing them all lined up on their shelves.

In any case, I used to love heading to the library to grab up a few good reads each month. However, I really don't have a good way of proving I'm a permanent resident, well, anywhere. So, I have had difficulty doing anything that requires that proof--like getting a library card. So, when I asked a friend at work, who lives in the city, if she had a library card that I may be able to use for one round before I get permanently settled, she presented a fabulous idea. She said she would forward to me the name of an online service that's like Netflix but for books. Can you imagine the excitement that I felt? I had never even considered this concept because I always had my library sitting conveniently nearby, and I worked hours that made it very convenient to pop in and out.

I went on the Internet to surf and find the service my friend spoke of, and sure enough it was there! It's called Bookswim. I realize that both the DVD mail service and this newly discovered service really only support the claim that we're becoming a people with insatiable appetites for anything and everything material, but I have to give them both two thumbs up. There promises to be a future blog entry, describing the Bookswim experience!

The Workplace: Is Its Time Up?

A conversation at work today brought something to my attention that I hadn't really considered before now. There is not a real big reason for folks to come to work anymore.

With the internet and all of the other forms of technology that have been developed, anyone can telecommute from just about anywhere. The concept of office settings was the natural result of needing a team of employees, working separate aspects of projects, to come together in order to communicate needs or offer support to one another. Now, we have phones, PDAs, the BlackBerry, computers, etc. Many of my co-workers and others spend so much time outside of the office anyhow. But, whether on travel or taking time off, they manage to keep in touch and things, for the most part, remain on track. It seems, on the surface at least, that a new organizational set up such as more working from home wouldn't create that much of a change. Think about the ramifications of this who trend: commercial real estate, office supplies and furniture industry, mass transit. They would all experience huge changes.

So, I ask, what is the value add of the office setting this day in age? Can we safely say that it's at the beginnings of being phased out?

Hello, Fall...Goodbye, Summer?

I'm not sure there's anyone who can say they truly dislike summer. But, I will admit that I am not its biggest fan. The extremes--both summer and winter--tend to make me long for the more moderate and unpredictable days of fall and spring. There's nothing I completely dislike about summer or winter, but they seem to get old much more quickly for me while the other two seasons don't seem quite long enough. A lot of people have commented on how quickly this summer has passed, and I guess it has. However, I am not mourning its end as some do.

Some sure signs that summer will soon be history...

I like the fact that my new fellow Jersians are waiting with bated breath for the summer shore population to go home and stop intruding on their turf. I like it that fall clothes are starting to show up in stores and that magazines are showcasing the new fall fashion trends. I have a friend from home who reminded me that WVU's football season will kick off next week, and I have been able to catch a few takes of preseason NFL games hitting the networks. Another friend of mine has already started her search for the ideal Halloween costume for this year's celebration. And last, but surely not least, there's the fact that pumpkin is slowly working its way back into menues nationwide; one of its first appearances--Dunkin' Donuts' pumpkin donut.

In addition to all of this, I highly anticipate the return of television. Summer has proven a great time to catch some new trial run shows like Heartland and The Closer. I've also had the chance to try out the 1st season of Weeds due to the summer hiatus that all of my regular shows take. All of this TV novelty has been great, but I have to say that the return of the Grey's Anatomy crew as well as Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters will be just a smidge more fulfilling.

Back to School

There's definitely one thing that has never changed for me: I love school. I love virtually every aspect of it. There were always those days I really wished it were optional rather than mandatory--just think of how great that would be. But, other than those days, I am an academic addict.

I began to realize how true this really is as the same old back to school fever lit up inside of me despite the fact that...well...I am a student no more. There's no classroom in my near future. But, as the back to school ads have geared up, and the stories of preparations for the school year have been told to me, I have taken on this permanent state of nostalgia for anything connected.

Years ago...almost 20 to be exact...I started to walk the couple of neighborhood blocks late in August to jump into the school year fun. I would go roam the halls of Park View Elementary School, helping everyone to get their bulletin boards all set and decorated. It was as if I wanted to hurry them along so that we could just start the year already. I can literally smell the halls of the school that is now a professional building. I can see the gymnasium where I learned to master the art of running under the collapsing parachute as my classmates hoisted it in the air. That same gymnasium held the stage where I played the lead female role of Katrina Van Tassel in The Headless Horseman--my 3rd grade theater debut.

Even in high school, some of my best memories are those from playing the part of lab assistant to the Chemistry teacher--she shall remain anonymous, but she was the best teacher because a) she made chemistry fun and b) she told us stories of going to see The Doors in concert and told cautionary tales wisely disguised as edgy stories from the days of the hippies. Why is it that so many high school kids love hippies? Maybe it was just an era during my years.

Now, I have friends who are teachers. I have friends who are lucky enough to still be stalling the brave new world of adulthood, basking in the eternal youth that comes with academia and grad classes. I have young people around me who are preparing for their return. And I'm totally envious of them all. Happy trails to all who will soon be journeying down the path of the 2007-08 school year!

Beachin' Solo

I went to a beach called Sea Bright in New Jersey today. If you happened to wake up in virtually any part of New Jersey today, you would have wondered why any fool would've headed to the shore. All I can say is a red flag day at a Jersey beach can be a perfect day of bliss for those who prefer the less busy shore--like empty. To me, though, rough waves and an empty beach is just as beautiful as any pristine day at the shore. To look up and look down the shore and see no one in sight and only beach and sea as far as the eye can see is perfect. I definitely suggest it for something different to do on a rainy day. Pull up the hoodie, set the iPod on shuffle and just walk. It will be just you, the gulls and the ocean.

Here's Looking at You

A new pitfall of public transportation: being stuck for something to look at for the ride. This is probably the worst while on the subway. You're in such close quarters usually, and everyone is painfully searching for something that they can focus on. This is usually a successful move if gazing at the various advertisements in your car. You're golden if you've brought along your own reading or entertainment. But, in the case that you're stuck going in search of your focus, it can be a downright desperate search. I am a fan of the advertisements, regardless of how boring they are or how far from my interest the advertised product or service is from my own, they always pull through when you need them most. The worst, though, is when you go in search and either due to your position or your car, there is absolutely nothing to turn to for gazing. As a result, I usually start out looking down, but then I realize that others probably look at me and think I'm in some deep mourning or something. If this does happen, and I'm stuck looking down, then I've found it's important to look as though you're in deep thought. That look also lends to your credibility as a seasoned traveler, I think.

In any case, I usually try to find something...anything...to get fixed on. In the process of searching, if I happen to meet the eyes of another commuting New Yorker, then I am quickly reminded that the myth of New Yorkers who don't stare is just that...a myth. In fact, just about everytime I have met the eyes of another, it's me who has to break the eye contact. They're kind of intimidating like that. But, then again, I always remind myself, they're just another passenger on the same train, looking for something to stare at for a few stops. And if I can be of service in providing myself as a focal point, then I'm happy to oblige. I just hope when I do happen to choose another person as my focus that they aren't quick to judge me as strange or rude. After all, appreciating the beauty of others (or quirks) is a cornerstone of culture!

The History of Today

Today is an important day. I'm sure that can be said for most, if not all days. But, I decided today was a day to be commemorated on A Tribute to Life. Little did I know how much had happened on this day. So, jump into my time machine and enjoy the journey...

• In 1875: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was born


• In 1914: Panama Canal opens to traffic


• In 1935: Will Rogers was killed in a plane crash


• In 1939: The Wizard of Oz premiered in Hollywood, CA. Judy Garland became famous for the movie's song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."


• In 1940: Air battles and daylight raids over Britain began in WWII.


• In 1945: WWII ended


• In 1948: CBS-TV inaugurated the first nightly news broadcast with anchorman Douglas Edwards.


• In 1961: East Germans began construction of the Berlin Wall


• In 1965: The Beatles set a record for having the largest single crowd at a concert at Shea Stadium in New York. Attendance was 56,000.


• In 1969: The Woodstock Music and Art Fair began in Bethel, NY. The three-day concert featured 24 bands and drew over 400,000 people


• In 1972: A dear friend of mine, Cindy Whitecotton, whose flame would be blown out all too early was born.


• In 1991: Paul Simon played a free concert at New York's Central Park in front of an estimated 750,000 people


• In 2001: Chandra Levy's parents appeared on CNN's "Larry King Live." They discussed Levy's disappearance on April 30, 2001.

Morning Obsession

My new morning life requires an earlier rise, minus a homemade pot of coffee and minus the time to eat breakfast...or the desire to at that early hour. So, over the past month, I've tried some different ideas. I've brought food in with me, I've gotten coffee at the train station, and I've gone without both some mornings. None of these got it for me.

Then, one morning, I decided to try a street vendor on the 53rd Street side of our building since a co-worker had suggested it. He had said that the coffee was the best, so I ventured there with high expectations. Dangerous, I know, but in the end, I found the coffee to be completely delightful. Every sip tastes just the way I like my coffee to taste. Bold, but not too bold, smooth and made to order with cream and sugar. This was phase one of the building of my breakfast routine.

A few days after falling into this routine, I decided to venture out once again. This time, I decided I would not just get my coffee, I would try a morning treat that the vendor had to sell. This was quite the decision since the cart is packed full of all of the best morning goodies--muffins of every kind, bagels of every kind and donuts of most kinds. I decided, though, that I would go with the plane Jane of them all...the croissant. This morning marked the official start of a breakfast utopia for me.

I now visit this vendor each and every morning, asking for the same order most if not all mornings. The only deviation is my occasional passing on the croissant. However, I can admit that from the time I wake until I'm walking into 666 Fifth Avenue, brown bag in hand, all I can think about is taking in the luscious coffee and croissant.

Opening Pandora's Box in the World of Music

I introduce you to my newest obsession. To some, it will be a great find, I hope. To others, it's probably old news. In any case, as my officemate and I went in search of some tunes for the day, I opted for some internet radio. I headed for MSN.com to use they're radio, and to my surprise, this new-fangled message popped up, informing me that MSN has now partnered with Pandora to provide better radio service. Let me tell you that this is some fantastic stuff! A sample of the player or radio screen is above--very easy to use. Perhaps the best feature of the tool is that you can type in an artist or song and a customized mix of songs is automatically created for you, and that mix mirrors the style of that artist or song you typed in.

I think this is fantastic. Try it out!