Thursday, October 30, 2008

Gimlets for everyone!!!

In the spirit of one the most entertaining, though-provoking and modern shows about advertising, men and women, and culture in general....here's a recipe to Mad Men's most famous drink. If you have any retro glasses to serve them in, along with a martini shaker, please do so! I am thinking dressing like Mrs. Draper next year for Halloween. I love Peggy-she's fierce too but I can't pull off the bangs.

GIMLET
2 oz. Gin (or Vodka)
1/2 oz. Rose's Lime Juice

Shake in martini shaker with ice, strain and service in martini glass with thin lime wheel.
Alternative that was favorite in the 50's...use less lime juice and stir in a drop of syrup. This reduces the bitter lime flavor and makes the drink smoother.
To be fair- i haven't tried this yet. It makes my lips pucker to think about it. but you never know...Have fun kids... and remember this famous poem:

There once was a women who lived in a shoe....

It was The Republicans' fault because she never saved her money to buy a house.

Thanks.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Movies you may not have seen yet...

Mac Attack- the horror flick that everyone's anticipating where an elderly but noble gent gets chased down by the demons until he is forced to accept defeat and retire to Arizona and play golf over and over again in a sun drenched landscape.

Barracuda Two- Electric Boogaloo- in which a beautiful lady is suddenly given a pair of ruby slippers that can transport her in a Cinderella world of shiny glass and riches, only to discover that it is all a horrible world of illusion. Watch the heroin fight crazy gargoyle like creatures and see if she makes it out of the maddening wilderness alive.

Obama Drama- This scary story pits a young man against a new world of old gray monsters that lurch in the most common places, waiting to take him down. Will he use his magical powers to fight these evil creatures, or will his powers fade as time goes on?? Time will tell, especially if they make a sequel.

Biden- I couldn't think of anything for this guy! Maybe Biden' Time- a story about a guy just sittin around waiting for something to happen to him! :)

Scary Movies! What scares you?

Time for Scary Movies....
1. The Shining- Jack Nicholson is not the nicest husband or father in this one... plus I know what it's like to write the same line over and over again when trying to complete your uncompleted masterpiece of a novel. he heh. Also let's not forget the freaky twins, the neverending outdoor maze, the ax, and the lady who plays the mother of Danny (forget her name) who looks like she needs a good homemade hamburger or some chicken wings with dipping sauce.
2. Carrie- this one isn't as much scary to me as unforgettably tragic. The girls are horrific bullies and the teachers do not much to help Carrie succeed in society (her mom is a nutjob). The bloody bucket that falls on her is like watching a trainwreck - and then prom gets just downright gothic. Doors close and lock shut, the blue polyester men's suits go up in flames in 10 second flat....poor Carrie - Sissy Spacek still looks like a 10 year old to this day! How does she do it?? Good SPF.
3. The Orphanage.... we viewed this one this summer. It is cinematically beautiful, and just so tragic I don't think I 'll ever want to watch it again. It is very very suspenseful, and the cutaway shots to and fro that bring in the shocking moments are the best camera work I have seen in a long time. Creepy children, dead children, ghost children, rocky high cliffs on a beach, old orphanage with lots of secrets, and loving parents who fall apart trying to solve it's mysteries. I love this director's other movies too and he is doing the Hobbit next year with Pete Jackson. ...
4. The Others- I liked the buildup in this one.. Its a great story that unfolds with wonderful Nicole Kidman in it right after her dwarf husband Tom Cruise dumped her for Penelope Cruz (supposedly) so I think that her acting was amped up a bit for this one. If you love a good twist that makes sense, this is a good movie that is fun to watch a few times to understand it. It also has a dramatic/romance angle that is more sentimental that most scary movies.
5. 28 Day Later.... The first one with Cillian Murphy ROCKS!!!! He is awesome to watch with his huge hollowed out face and eyes that almost are like a comic book hero. The zombies are actually very scary as is the story that seems like it could really happen. More scary are the crazy military boys holed up in some castle that are using the "virus" to further their own causes. Freaky freaky freaky movie that is also fun to see again and again.
6. The Ring- this one was very scary to me the first time around, and then got a little corny the second time..but worth it if you have never seen it. The imagery is what makes it work with a great eerie soundtrack to back it up. By the end, it seemed like a long road to get there, but that cute little girl Samarah gets her due payback.
Yes there are so much more..... I'll be back later with some more Halloween items....have a good day Ghouls and Goblins!! Bakachta, J.M.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Sunday night in sleepytown

As the TB Rays continue their struggle... I have a few things to ponder.

1. Why are people so insistent that they are somehow enlightened? do they buy that at the dollar store, or are they really no more enlightened than the cheap plastic brown Buddha at the Chinese Buffet down a road?
2. This thing they call Facebook is really cool, I have met up with some interesting people that I have always wondered about and am really happy to see out there living fulfilled lives. It's so neat that we are all so different and yet we still remember each other as young'uns so full of hope and fun...and now as adults are living such full lives with the funniest memories.
3. Next Halloween, I'm Beth and my man is going to be The Dog from Bounty Hunter- we need a full year to prepare the mullets, the nails, the feather and silver jewelry, the leggings, the leather, the gear attached to each hip, etc. It will be worth it. Promise. What are you doing this year??
4. Good friends know you well.. even the ones I have only had the privilege of being around for a year or two still get me as I do them. What a comfort in this crazy world today.
5. The place we currently live, is a funny little bubble of of a place. Its got all the great qualities of a safe small town...it's more preppy than PC, more upper class and can be a little snobby( and small minded). But- it's a "great" place to live for now and I hope we pick up even more friends here as time goes on just as we have in the other places we have lived.
6. We cannot wait for the new Hobbit movie- the LOTR movies have been viewed so many times here it's silly and i love that the guy who directed The Orphanage(scary and tragic) ,HellBoy and Pan's Labryinth (crazy movie) is doing it along with Pete Jackson- yeah! Just bring back Viggo Mortenson and all is well.. although not sure he fits into that story. but still.
Night ya'll....J.M.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Pieces of advice for the day.

1. You can't fix stupid. (now, this can apply to all of us who find ourselves in bad situations and is just good common sense.)
2. When you feel like you're doing ok, don't worry, someone will come along and tell you otherwise.
3. If the fish don't bite, leave them alone and go get a steak to grill.
4. Sometimes, it's best to not have Starbuck's after 3 p.m.
5. Your own answers are the ones that are best for you.
6. Don't drink the cool-aide.
7. When the tough get going, find out where they are going and go with them- they'll survive!
8. Laugh often and hard - it's good for the six-pack abs that's under all that other stuff.
9. When life gets ridiculous, have a good phone call with a best friend - it works!
10. Make a mountain out of a molehill - you can see much more clearly from the top.
11. When life gets you down, call Tim Tebow for his daily blessing and you will be alright.
12. Perception is reality....this one I didn't understand before, but do now.
Later, Ya'll!!!!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Time Travel movies, and other nonsense

yesterday sucked really bad. Our son was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disorder and instead of explaining it here.. I thought it would fun to list my favorite time travel movies. It's popular on blogs to see lists of everyone's favorites movies, music etc so this is just another variation. Now- time travel can mean different things to anyone, but I'm talking about just any good sci-fi or fantasy type story that you like that involves some sort of time travel or dimension-jumping. OK- I'll go first!

1. Donnie Darko- if you have never seen this 2001 Jake Gyllenhall movie (also Drew Barrymore) - you must run RUN to get it & watch it over and over until you are just as amazed and confused as we are every single time we watch it. Besides a fantastic trippy 80's soundtrack (Echo and the Bunnymen,etc) there are theories about God, science (as God), time jumping, deja vus, killer rabbits, wormholes, etc. It's too much to explain. It's also a tender comming of age story that reminds me oh such awkward times in school. YOU MUST SEE THIS> and discuss with me anytime what You think the ending means. Or the entire movie for that matter!

2. The Wizard of Oz- freaky flying monkeys, green faced witches, poppy fields, munchkins, and oh yeah! Red ruby slippers that take you back to Kansas. Maybe this isn't a true time travel movie but more of a "was it all a dream" movie. But since I've read all the original Frank Baum series - I understand this movie better. Green = The Great Depression, Poppy = Heroin/Escapism from the Great Depression, The Yellow Brick Road = Bars of Gold,
Well.. it 's a great classic but also a great adventure in speculation as the symbolism of the books which were written during the Great Depression. It's also fun to watch the munchkins sing their high-pitched songs for Dorothy like they just helium and can't exhale fast enough.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia- yet another great fantasy adventure that is pretty straightforward and full of Christian symbolism. I thought the affects were good, and although I wasn't really sure of the ancient past or "parallel" place the kids travel too, it's just dark enough to keep my interest in what really is a children's story.

4. Alice in Wonderland- now there are several tv and movie versions of this story. but Mr. Lewis Carroll must have really been on something to come up with the idea of a naive little blonde girl falling into a rabbit hole and meeting some crazy characters. I hear that Johnny Depp may be the Mad Hatter in the new Tim Burton version... I cannot wait.

5. The Time Machine - this movie really stunk and I usually love Guy Pearce! This just seemed like a low budget tv movie. Don't waste your time.

Well...duty calls for now. Think of some and let me know. I have short term post baby memory these days. Bakatcha! J M.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Monday ya'll!

The Rays won- yeah. too bad their games are on so late... I have a hard time watching baseball as it is, but am so happy for their superfans that they beat the RedSox.
I stayed up to watch SNL for Palin and although was impressed by the light comedy routine she carried out (and also by Alex Baldwin for not popping a blood vessel standing next to her), I don't think it did a whole lot to change any numbers. Theoretically, SNL shouldn't influence people's voting choices, but we all know that the world we live in a very much influenced by celebrity endorsements, tabloid entertainment, and general tv entertainment. I am very disappointed with how quickly women in our society tear each other apart, as has happened since Palin's nomination. While it's ok for a strong, smart woman like Clinton to make it so far to the White House, it seems like it's not acceptable for a conservative women like Palin to even be recognized for her historic nomination as the first woman VP pick ever for Republican party. As a woman, I see clearly the double standards that apply here, and as women we should all start looking at how by tearing down this woman we are saying to ourselves and our daughters that we must all be just alike (Stepford Wives, anyone?) I know that it's a nasty campaign and it's too easy to make fun of her personal history of growing up in Alaska, but this mindset only diminishes that accomplishments she has made - without the help of a more prominent husband, and without the help of old family money- like most women in DC have had to help them gain more status.
Well, enough about politics for now... we made it to early church ( a bid deal!) so of course had to reward ourselves with a big breakfast. Then nap, then went again to Dunedin causeway to check out the lowtide. It was outstanding to be able to get outside in 70 degree weather finally and not melt away before noon! Afterwards, Dude got a bath so instead of smeling like dirty dog when he comes inside, now he smells like a wet dog. There are alot of snowbirds around now & their accents are great, but drive particularly slow.
Tomorrow we take D for his eye appointment, and then to get him fitted for glasses. The main thing is going to get him to keep them on. He is very happy, and is singing right now to himself in his room. It's naptime but this takes a while sometimes. Throughout all these appointments, he is never as stressed out as his parents are- in fact he doesn't seem to have a clue that we are worried- so that's a good thing! His hearing is 100% so that will help with communication skills when the speech ther. comes to our home for the weekly visits. Also, I hope being diagnosed as nearsighted will also help with that situation. Now, maybe from far away Mom and Dad won't look like two big blobs waving bye bye.
Well, going for now. Time for some down time while the house is quiet. Hope the week is great for everyone out there!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Doctors and our son

Just for the record, in case I lose count down the road, our son Nick has seen over 6 doctors in his short 20 month life. These include a plastic surgeon who recommended a therapuetic helmet and got him a CScan, our first pediatrician, our second pediatrician (in Fl), a neurologist who was recommended by our concerned second pediatrican who (neurologist) did not understand why we were sent to him, an audiologist to check his hearing, an opthomologist (who gave us a prescription for glasses) who has now recommended we see a Retina specialist next week on Tuesday and who wer also have to of course do follow up visits with (the opthomologist) since now he wears glasses. Also we have an occupational therapist still scheduled (yet unseen) to do home visits with him for motor skills and an yet unseen speech therapist who will also visit our home to help him speak at a faster rate. Everybody needs to keep up with this in case I lose my mind and start speaking in tongues or something. Thanks! Love, Jennifer

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The header photo

This photo was taken by me last spring in Panama City next to Teddy Tucker's. You can tell it's early spring because of the paleness of the light- when it's not raining or cold that's great time of the year to get down to the water. It's clear and the sun is mellow and soft. I'm not a great photographer but that was one of a group I took of Hunt's, Pappy's and the dock that still stands where we got engaged. I miss home alot but am glad to have images of it around all over and know it's not too far away. Night ya'll, J

Countdown to 2012

This is a cool website that counts down various items like the next Republican National Convention, the next General Election, etc. It also includes interesting countdowns and facts for nerds that liketo gather information.
Have fun!
http://www.daysuntil.com/Politics/index.html
This website is a quick way to check up on local events in Safety Harbor, FL. Looks like they have alot going on through the fall which is great due to weather cooling off a bit!
www.cityofsafetyharbor.com
  • Oct. 17 3rd Friday
  • Wine Festival Nov. 8
  • Nov. 11 Veteran's Day
  • Nov. 21 3rd Friday
  • Dec. 19 3rd Friday
  • Dec. 20 Holiday Parade
I have a great new rule for weekends. If you are not in a good mood, grumpy, tired, fed-up, layed-up, unfriendly - maybe you shouldn't go to that dinner party, cook-out or get together. Maybe you should stay home and get your sunny side back and wake up with a better attitude...And yes, this applies to myself too.
Good Morning tater tots. I cannot get something out of my head..Rachel Ray saying "Hi Guys - it's RAAAAAYCH!" anyhoo, It's hump day and another debate tonight. I don't even know if I want to watch it, they are on so late here. McCain has gained some points lately but unfortunately alot of younger people think he's too old so he's not going to get any "new voter" gains. Phillip said if he loses we're going to be ex-pats in Italy (making fun of all the celebrities that threatened to move after W won again in 2004. ) But since we cannot afford that, maybe a trip to the local beach will make us feel better on Nov. 5 :) Nick is enjoying some Baby Einstein and I love the Bolero song they are playing right now.
In other news....I i was remembering the old hangout Hunt's this morning as I came across a photo I took there of a perfectly placed Corona next to a tray of cold raw oysters....I cannot wait to get back to PC to see Gina and Danny and also get to Hunt's before the water warms up! Clearwater is a very nice, clean place but I like the grit of the Panhandle...it's different and that's good.
We are always thinking of strange discussions and this one came up- if you were a wrestler- What would your stage name be and what moves would you have??
Mine is Starlight-Rosey (I won't say the whole thing it's too embarrassing. ) If you are tired of the crap on the news then this is a very intellectual game to keep your mind afloat.
Have a great day folks and never forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day and wear sunscreen.
J McCarthy

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Hello! This is my first blog to my very own blogspot! Now I can write any ole crazy thing I like- and boy are there some crazy things going on in the world today! Besides the fact that the Gators beat LSU and the TB Rays are doing well...I have some interesting viewpoints that I cannot wait to share. Since I am surrounded by yippies down here, I have discovered that one must tread very lightly or you may just upset people. Imagine that! People disagreeing! What is the world comming to when we do not see things the same way. It just stinks of individuality and freedom....More to this on a different day.
I cannot wait to build more on this site as I hope my friends and fam connect on it and feel free to interact and React to anything. Please send any interesting links that I might post for others to enjoy. Coming soon....salt and lime takes you on a mind bending journey to the outer reaches of the cosmos....
hang in there folks -it's only Tuesday.