Archive for December, 2009

Cool Dogs that Handle Their Own Finances

Dec 30th

In the past couple of months, I’ve seen two – not one, but TWO – examples of dogs in banks. Weird – never seen it before, and not since.

But, in the service of my readers, I have memorialized the occasions -

small white dog in bank

Here’s a little dog who actually seems to be talking to the teller about his account. Maybe the lady sitting next to him is his dog-to-English interpreter?

Dogs waiting for owner in bank

Now, these two guys – while less interested in the actual financial transaction than the first – were cool for the fact that they were totally off-leash and well trained.

Here are some snaps I took of them across the plaza, waiting outside while their owner got some coffee -

Dogs Waiting While Owner Gets Coffee

Dogs Laying Down on Patio While Owner Gets Coffee

And then, of course, there’s what MY little guy does when we run errands -

Hercules Waiting in the Car

He waits cutely in the car!

This is What Life Looks Like When You’re a Professional Internet Nerd

Dec 30th

Posted by melanie in Funny

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Yes, that’s right folks. Four. Count ‘em. FOUR computers in line of sight.
Computer Nerdery

Hercules, Cookie, Trixie, and Zoey All Dressed Up for Christmas

Dec 29th

Posted by melanie in Christmas

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Yes, my family loves dogs. A LOT!

Just to get the doggie family tree straight – Hercules (AKA, Santa Claus) is my baby (but you all knew that!). Cookie and Zoey belong to my sister’s family, and Trixie is my Mom and Dad’s.

Here they are, check out their Christmas spirit!

Hercules Looking Stud-tastic in His Football Jersey

Dec 28th

Posted by melanie in Hercules

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Have you ever seen anyone cuter?
Hercules in his football jersey

Diane Birch’s Bible Belt Knocks My Socks Off

Dec 27th

Posted by melanie in Music

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I bought my Dad Diane Birch’s debut CD “Bible Belt” for Christmas, which was why I haven’t written about it here sooner. I didn’t want him reading about it and going out and buying it.

I have to say, though – this CD tops my list for most incredible and surprising music of 2009. Birch’s voice is reminiscent of the 1970s songstresses I grew up listening to – she’s like a cross between Carole King and Janis Joplin – and her melodies call up images of Carole King as well, and of Burt Bacharach at his best.

Not only that, but she has the maturity and melodic awareness to realize that using horns throughout her music is a smart choice. It adds depth and layers and brightness to the songs, making some of them remind me of Chicago in their heydey, or of Blood Sweat and Tears.

Being a debut effort from a very young artist, it’s not surprising that the CD is a little uneven, with high points of brilliance (Nothing But a Miracle, Fools, Photograph) and low points of fairly pedestrian offerings (Valentino). However, those flashes of brilliance cause me to predict that in 30, 40, and even 50 years – Diane Birch will transcend her peers – she won’t be a has-been, she’ll be a legend.

Autumn Birch - Fall Trees Art Canvas by Diane Romanello

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Merry Christmas from Juniper Creek – Can’t Wait for Big Love to Come Back!

Dec 25th

Posted by melanie in Christmas

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Only a couple more weeks until the return of Big Love, and I can’t wait!

In the meantime, here’s a Christmas greeting from the Prophet and Ladies of Juniper Creek to tide us over. It’s hilariously awesome!

Big Love - The Complete Series (2011) 20-Disc Set * Brand New * HBO Widescreen

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Brittany Murphy’s Death – What a Shocker!

Dec 21st

Posted by melanie in Happenings

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I can’t believe Brittany Murphy is dead. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like she was great or anything – but she was cute, and she seemed nice, if a little ditzy.

A lot of people didn’t know she had a pretty good singing voice, in addition to her acting. Take a look at this video from the 2002 MTV Movie Awards. She sings at 2:30.

Clueless Signed Movie Film Script X2 Brittany Murphy Alicia Silverstone reprint

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Brittany Murphy 8 x 10 autographed photo reprint

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Top Hip Hop Songs This Week

Dec 9th

Posted by melanie in Music

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Why, you wonder, am I writing a post entitled “Top Hip Hop Songs This Week”? Yeah, I realize I’m not a DJ or anything. However, I noticed that a lot of the traffic coming to my blog was from people who were finding posts that I’d written about rap or hip hop songs. And, since I’m a big proponent of the notion of giving the people what they want…voila!

Now, I don’t think I’m dating myself by admitting that my favorite rap song is a 3 way tie between Playaz Club, My Posse’s on Broadway, and Ditty…oh, wait, I *AM* dating myself? Wow. Sucks. Haha. But, my point is, that I also enjoy current hip hop trends. So, without further ado, here we go – a constantly updated list of the 25 Top Hip Hop Songs of the Week.

Why 25, you ask? Why not the ubiquitous 10, or even 15? Well, I will tell you. To use a phrase totally apropos to the genre we are currently celebrating…THAT’S HOW I ROLL!