Flirt to Convert

We really must stop eating at chain restaurants on Sunday "after church". Overheard today....

-Theory that the "liberals" are hiding the WMD in Iraq just to make Bush look bad. Great relief was shared that now that Saddam was dead, the 9/11 nightmare is over.
- Home from college participants discuss their Missionary Dating activities. (Bummer that no one seemed to be dressed in appropriate attire.)
-Quizzing of young children on the geography of heaven.
- Discussion of the lies of "science". (Where are those Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster tracts when you need them?)

Movies not as good as Little Miss Sunshine....

Even with Cable, my DVD player has been buzzing this snowy week.

Strangers with Candy: A few funny moments but no Little Miss Sunshine.
The Groomsmen: All of Ed Burns movies seem like they are from the same short story collection. This one is no exception. If you liked Brothers McMullen or She's the One or Sidewalks of New York, you will like this one too. I happen to like them.
OH in OHIO: This movie made me long for Sex and the City. It has the racy topics but not the smart, genuine writing. It also lead me to ask, what good movies has Danny DeVito been in? Twins, Throw Momma from the Train, Death to Smoochy?
America Dreamz: I am not sure if I watched American Idol if it would have helped, but I don't think so. This one has potential to be a Drop Dead Gorgeous but it falls very short. The Politicos will especially hate it.
UPDATE: Also note as good as Little Miss Sunshine but funnier than expected: Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby.

Also, for the Xmas Gang.... It appears there are no Colorado Cuddle Parties at this time. (which by the way are not free but are probably a deal compared to other Cults that SNG's bro has been invited to attend.) They do offer Facilitator Training. Interested, DHP?

Snow Pictures on dog blog: http://treselefantes.blogspot.com

Snow Bound . . . Again

This is the view from DHP’s porch at 6:30 on 28 December. Approx. 4 hours into the real snow. Here are today’s random thoughts . . .

Dear Swiffer Sweeper, I love you. I think all of the crafters own pets. Mine is a long-haired, old man, shedding cat. Hair everywhere, especially since he’s been inside for weeks now. Today I got out to Target and bought a Swiffer Sweeper. It is magical. I’ve gone through 5 sweeping cloths (that can also be used as dust coths) and there is not a drop of hair or dust in my entire apartment. Seriously, I walked barefoot across the floor with no residue on my feet. It also reaches under the radiators where it collected more hair than I knew the cat had, and it came back for more.

Download this on your Itunes. She will lift you up and break your heart at the same time. I've also re-discovered my love for Radiohead since I've spent an inordinate amount of time in my house.

What I’ve been watching. I’ve been sick for a few days now, which is deadly with no cable, so I went to Video One (no, I have not been watching porn, it is the last independent video store in Denver) and got the following:
Little Miss Sunshine. You must see this movie. Period.
The Squid and the Whale. If you are from a divorced family, this may raise some issues, but still very good and weird.
Akeelah and the Bee. Feel-good with some sad moments.
Big Love. It is an HBO series that is BRILLIANT! Loved it. See it.
Everything is Illuminated. Quirky and moving. You have to be in the right mood … say stuck in yet another snowstorm. Also, has a good dog subplot.
In Good Company. And you thought your boss/clients were hard to deal with.

Have fun. See you all after this storm subsides. Oh, it seems they are only predicting a foot of snow tonight. Goody.

Also, Colorado Clothing Chenile Sweater, I love you too. And, Chris Mann from MSHC Partners, thank you for the bottle of wine that showed up on my doorstep today, that I'm currently drinking.

More Snow is on its way

You know, right, that it only dumps when I'm out of town, right? That's why there's more snow predicted....never fear, our current plans are to arrive back by Sunday night and thus ban the snow until my next trip. If you're timing things, the next heavy snowfall will be on or shortly after January 25.

And, yes, Ghost Town Blog lives on, I see. You all must be out shoveling snow (I'm sure my neighbors already hated me before now) or having fun--or like me--in a cold/flu/too much to do/too little time funk, but I notice CC's participation has been upped since the trouncing at Cookie Day. Kudos!

Throw a snowball for me, and send advice for a fun NYE at home, since hopefully we'll roll in around 7PM...until then, it's breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, buckeyes, and grey skies here in the Midwest.

Thanks Pam!

Blizzard survival tip from camp cupcake. Pam on the snow shovel to keep snow from sticking. Shoveling out 4 foot drifts in driveway go much faster this way.

Just a thought.

The governor has declared a state of emergency. I-25 is closed from Wyoming to New Mexico. Most other highways are partially closed. The postal service isn't even delivering. It’s still snowing. And, every channel is scrolling school and business closures. Why? At some point, it would make more sense to scroll what is open. This morning Channel 2 was announcing which Starbucks were operational. Now that is a public service.

The view from DHP's porch.

Taken 10 hours into the snowfall. The car that has been abandoned in the street belongs to my neighbor. Where did she think she was going in a Honda?

"I think it's perfectly fine for the Governor to go to the Superbowl."

-Bill Owens reflecting on how his time in office will be different than that of (Amendment 41 prohibited) Bill Ritter

JeepBoy's Christmas Craft

.

We could all see this one coming...

900 miles away: Illegal Workers Hired By Border Wall Company.

Congrats to ChristianLiberalChic!

Congrats to CLC on graduation!
The paper is done.
The presentation is done.


And we look forward to seeing (& hearing from) you in 2007!

Ghost Town Blog.

It's like all the Crafters are traveling or something! I am too grumpy to post today as on my way home from the freaking POTLUCK- I had SNG "Car-ma". I have to head out to meet the tow truck to pick up my Vo-Vo from where she overheated. Grrrhhhh.

Update: It looks like my Car-ma is better then I had feared.
Tow to Dealer via Gieco Roadside Coverage: Zero Dollars
Thermostat replacement, shuttle service, & peace of mind: 141 Dollars
Having Penny Lane Back to Finish Holiday Shopping: Priceless

Craft Day: Years of good company & a few finished crafts

It's time for the annual "cookie" craft day where we celebrate the anniversary of our monthly gatherings. The first craft day was Dec '99 with InfoChef, CreamyCrafter, & CD2E. Always goal oriented, IC suggested we work on a project to enter into the state fair during our monthly gatherings. While there have been no state fair ribbons, there have been a few "prizes" for completed crafts, sails for an outdoor wedding, a fresh coat of paint in a baby's room, and somewhere in there we launched this blog. Some significant others consider it an excuse for cocktails (as if we need an excuse?) while others think it's just a giant pillow fight. For many of us, it is our favorite Sunday afternoon of the month. Cheers to another year!

Here is a link to what I will be making (slightly modified, of course): Parma-style Carrot Mini-Muffins.

Cheese of the Week

Okay, not really, this is a grocery entry. But, it relates.

AVANZA LIVES!
Cotija and many other kinds of mexican cheese (e.g. Mennonita, the
Muenster equiv) are $4 a pound--and where can you get any cheese for
$4/lb.? Como se dice <pound>?? Anyway, I'd forgotten about the
abundant, fresh, and CHEAP produce, and am a reborn Avanza shopper.

Having never visited the Mississippi/Federal location, CC assured me that
it was still open, and boy was it festive on Saturday! And the canned
Christmas music in English was very surreal. They even have several
non-corn-syrup-partially-hyrdogenated hot chocolate options. And they
have the often-hard-to-find ingredients that must be basics in some
ethnic kitchens--powdered buttermilk, ladyfingers, plantains.

Plus, my savings subsidized a trip to Marzyck's on the way home. $12--6
cooked shrimp, spinach, gingersnaps ?!

Tonight...coq au vin, and later this week, my favorite dish EVER: Sopa
Seca de Fideos
(http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_22034,00
.html), courtesy of my boyfriend Rick Bayless. It's vermicelli &
zucchini with chorizo in tomato/chipotle sauce.

Googlelicious

Remember The Milk allows you to map out your errands for the day on a map.

To Blog Co-Admins: Ignore the upgrade your blog now message. I have done some reading on the Blogger Help group and there are still lots of bugs with Team Blogs in Blogger Beta.

Also from my Blogger Beta reading- If you are creating a google account, I would encourage you to link it to a hotmail or yahoo account and not to a gmail account. You may want to create a hotmail or yahoo account with your blogger name to use with your google account.

NW Denver Shopping

Saturday, December 9th 3pm - 10 pm (Wine & Snacks served)
Kismet jewelry & accessories (3640 W 32nd- Meade & 32nd) "Trunk Show"
15% gross sales to purchase art & music supplies for Skinner Middle School

Wine Tasting at Mondo Vino (Lowell & 32nd) each Friday & Saturday from 2pm - 7pm

15th & Platte St Stores open until 9pm Wednesdays until Christmas

Tennyson St "Jingle & Mingle" on Thursdays until 8pm (thru 12/21), "pet friendly"
Mention ad in North Denver News at Ooh! Aah! for 10% discount

"independent.shops.urban.style" (group of women-owned, independent businesses) will host a boutique crawl 12/9 - 12/16. (there is a listing of 18 shops including Studio Bead, Zeldas, & Swinging Red Door but no web site nor mention on any of the individual websites I looked at...thinking they may need a consultant, InfoChef?)

Update- Online Shipping: Free Shipping on crocs.com
Enter promo code Holiday06 at checkout

Domestic Diva

Where's that photo??!

DHP seen with her house-roasted vegetables including marinated portobellos AND holding the baby!!

Shopping and Holiday Madness

Yes our dog stole our Thanksgiving turkey. Here it (the turkey) is after a bit of unearthing. Many days I really despise our pets. Other days they are okay.

I heard about some unique online shopping on NPR this weekend. I have not explored the sites very deeply but they look good. Lots of stuff from unique artists and handmade stuff (in case one of us crafters runs out of time to do intensive crafting). I was hoping for some surefire manly gifts but the guys section of Mighty goods was for the more urban chic guy than my guy is. There were lots of cufflinks, nondescript sweaters, and man purses. A couple interesting things for the construction type of guy (phillips head cuff links is one I saw). I did enjoy looking at the Solar Backpack (recharges all your gizmos while they are in the pack), Yeti ornament, and Fabio postcards (all at mighty goods.com). Tees that made me chuckle were "Stewart Colbert 08" and "Santa is Coming". Happy Shopping!

http://www.mightygoods.com/
http://www.elsewares.com/
http://www.bustedtees.com/
http://www.funkyutopia.com/

For the Foodies....

In a google search trying to find this month's code for Cooking Light (I hate AOL), I found the following sites & info of interest to the Foodies. Mama Cooks features a food blog of the week-ish. In mid-November, she featured Culinary Colorado which confirmed the rumors I had heard about another downtown grocery. When it rains, it pours. Cooks Fresh Market, is open at 16th & Glenarm. (I haven't been yet but I was at DTC location several years ago & remember it being fab.) I am puzzled by 5280's Best New Restaurants list.

More christmas-hating and satan worshiping, and a movie recommendation

So, I went looking on the internets tonight for a good old peace sign wreath because I’m not crafty enough to make my own and I came up with some fantastic blogs on the subject instead. Looks like I’ll have to make one at the next craft day. This will be my first holiday decoration (other than a poinsettia) put up since days of the LEON related theme (love the Hot Pants!).

This is my most favorite blog that includes a rant on the christmas-hating, devil worshiping liberals down in Pagosa Springs. The Top 10 Conservative Idiots, No. 270.
“Okay, where are we so far... liberals trying to ruin Christmas, check. Peace symbols = devil worship, check. Animated penguins making children gay, check. iPods helping the terrorists, check. As you can see, conservatives have really got some great ideas for winning back Congress in 2008. Oh yes, they're in touch with the mainstream. They've got their finger on America's pulse, you might say.”
The review of Happy Feet is actually my favorite part.

I was also going to write a rant of the “Peace. Love. The Gap.” ad, but I couldn’t possible top this one. "Peace Love The Gap": Everything that's wrong with this country in 30 seconds.

I watched my most favorite movie today, Harold and Maude. If you have never seen it, that needs to be corrected. If you haven’t seen it in a while, add it to your netflix, you will find new things you never knew were there.

Shopping the Unusual

Some shopping tips from an unlikely suspect...you can trace my path from
the day...

Next Saturday, visit the encore of the Young Entrepreneurs fair at Young
Americans Bank in CC across from Daniels Fund on 1st. 10AM-2PM, you can
grab lunch or a sweet there while you shop for knitted scarves, beaded
jewelry, dog biscuits, unusual and creative odds and ends. It was pretty
impressive to see some of the companies and what they were doing. Today
there were some pretty amazing professional quality photographers selling
their prints. Great place to pick up a few items.

Ever been to the Samsonite outlet north of I-70? You exit Havana north
to 47th then go east a few more blocks. If you are in the market for
decent luggage of all types (starting at about $40) and those small
travel items, it's a good place to know about.

DMNS members get 20% off gift shop in December. They have some beautiful
silver jewelry (mostly turquoise but some other stones). Let me know if
you need to drop in with a member; you probably aren't surprised to know
that I'm a fan of the cafeteria there, though it's not nearly as good as
it was 5 years ago when they still had a chef.

And you know that Tower Records in CC is going out of business, right?
CDs are half off. If I knew any pop artists, I could tell you if they
were still in stock or not. A decent bluegrass, latin, world, blues,
gospel and movie stock remains!

Who's Your (Big) Brother?

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. companies will need to keep track of all the e-mails, instant messages and other electronic documents generated by their employees thanks to new federal rules that go into effect Friday, legal experts say. Read More

Event recommendation 12/20

Madeline Albright is a great speaker--I heard her last time she was at the TC and she was very frank, left-leaning, and a fabulous female success. If you're around, check this out:

Madeleine Albright
Wednesday, December 20, 1:00 pm, Colfax Avenue TC
Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state and bestselling author of Madam Secretary, will make brief remarks and sign her recent book The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs.
Free tickets for a place in the booksigning line will be handed out beginning at 12:00 noon; one ticket per person in line.