24: The Final Hours

The last two hours of the series delivered by the writers of 24 consumed intense emotions, and I was not disappointed. 

I'm at peace now with Madam President Taylor, redeeming herself and being a true friend of Jack Bauer.  Chloe too, a true-trusted friend and co-worker of Jack Bauer, risked her life and her career to find him, even though she thought he went "postal" just a few hours ago. We watched Jack Bauer's final moments on television "disappear" once again from the face of society; and I am glad that his character wouldn't be killed-off" forever, as some had presumed.

It was a wonderfully scripted drama with intelligent writings so believable and the timing couldn't have been better from the beginning to its finale ending.  We could easily relate to the story-lines of the terror and nuclear threats to our world.  It was nice to have such a hero who would go to any extremes for the sake of his country, his president, and justice.  We were vicariously hooked week after week to watch the suspense unfold, while it had us all on the edge-of-our-seats, glorified our nerves to the maximum adrenaline rush and we waited for Jack to watch him acquire by any means, the information from his enemies, unbeknownst to the rest of the citizens of the United States, was unfolding right in the streets of America. Jack would always seek the truth, the moles of the world, and would stop at nothing until he acquires it.

He was a true, American Hero, who's real heart and conscience was to always protect the lives of innocent people, no matter what it takes. He was true to us.

Music and Mangled Senses

I was editing some pictures I shot this morning and was feeling a bit disgusted that half of them were disposable. A bit disappointed and realizing that I have to shoot more pictures, I spotted my old iPod across the room, laying on the round ebony coffee table. I put the earbuds in, hit the Rock playlist and suddenly, my senses were mangled.

The first tune that came on was I-Robot from Alan Parsons Project. The non-vocal tune mesmerized me into another world; one that got me moving my keyboard and mouse with the beat. Suddenly, I felt more creative, enjoying what I was (somewhat) dreading; looking at the plant photos.  My favorite fusion of rock music in the taste of:  Sympathy for the Devil by the Stones, Coldplay, Stranglehold by Ted Nugent and Frankenstein by Edgar Winter moved me to a place of utopia while editing pictures.

I appreciate the creative geniuses of Steve Jobs and Apple by inventing iPods, and transforming my inner world.

Directv and 3D Eyeglasses

Next month, Directv will be adding 3D channel line up that include ESPN, 3D Cinema, 3D On Demand, and a few other 3D channels. You don't have to pay extra to get 3D, and the software upgrade for your HD DVR. Of course, you need a TV with 3D technology and special 3D eyeglasses.  The 3D eyeglasses are a little expensive, but you can get them free along with a 3D movie, in a Starter Kit from Samsung.

The 3D eyeglasses:  They're called 3D Active Eyeglasses- they are powered by batteries, the kind you use in wristwatches; the button batteries (CR2025).  These 3D eyeglasses are very different from the eyeglasses that you get from the theatre  3D movies (IMAX, Real 3D).  Don't think the eyeglasses you get from the theatres will work on the new 3D TVs--they won't!  Here's why:  Your 3D enabled TV sends a signal to your 3D Active Eyeglasses which then controls the built-in shutter's on and off switch in the lenses.  You can also turn the eyeglasses on or off with a tiny power button on the frames.

Just a note: The only thing I didn't like about the Samsung Active Eyelasses is the flimsy cloth case.  I mean, for such expensive "tech" eyeglasses, it would have been nice to have a sturdier case to protect them.

Directv will broadcast the World Cup event on ESPN in 3D 

I can't wait to watch football in 3D

Here's a link to learn more about the 3D technology: http://www.samsung.com/us/learningresources3D/
Here's Directv's link about the 3D Press Release: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/article.jsp?assetId=P6770179

I think the wave of the future for 3D TV is here to stay.  Pretty soon, hologram television! (I can only hope).

Samsung 3D TV: A Simple Push of a Button

At Gamestop, I saw a new Batman video game in 3D for sale.  I asked the clerk if he can show me 3D glasses that comes with video game, and they were made out of flimsy, cardboard paper; the kind with the red and blue cellophane lenses. 

We started talking about real 3D technological effects, such as the Samsung's LED 3D TV. He told me he was hesitant to buy a 3D TV because he couldn't see himself watching 3D constantly. I explained that you don't watch 3D all the time; there's a button on the TV remote control that you lets you switch the viewing mode from 2D and 3D. He was bewildered that you can watch regular TV (in 2D mode) on a 3D enabled TV.  Also, to watch 3D movies on DVD, you need a Blu-Ray 3D DVD player.  In addition to that, 3D eyeglasses.  The 3D eyeglasses are expensive; however, you can get them free with the purchase of certain models and DVD Blu-Ray player promotions. 

Now, after somewhat "educating" my young clerk at Gamestop on 3D TVs, he said he's ready to go and buy one because of my testimonial.  He was clearly grateful and was going home after work to make room for his new TV.

Ladybugs for Adoption?

As I was shocked to see people buying containers of live ladybugs for $20 for a small cup, what I found online was even weirder. Ladybugs for Adoption!

Yes, now I think I've heard it all.  At http://ladybugsforsale.com/ website, they were serious about the availability of the sale or adoption of live ladybugs.  Oh, did I mention, they can name the critters, provide a color photograph and a certificate of authenticity?

Their ladybugs are from Arizona, supposedly. The question is: how do we really know they are natives from Arizona, or did they migrate to that state, illegally? Hmmm.

Ladybugs for Sale?

At the local nursery, there was a shelf lined with containers of live ladybugs for sale.  Are they kidding me?  It wasn't cheap either, and there's no guarantee that they'll stay in your backyard garden.  And don't you wonder how the sellers collect them? 

The ladybug collectors scoop up the hibernating ladybugs by the millions, put them in containers and place it in a cool place, then ship them out to retailers.  Similar to how bulb plants bloom; the ladybugs are dormant and won't lay their eggs and mature until they break this dormancy period. 

It doesn't seem natural to me to buy ladybugs for your garden.  It's a waste of money unless of course, you're able to keep the ladybugs from ever leaving your garden. 

What to Wear

How often do women, especially the stay-at-home moms go shopping for clothes for themselves, not for their kids?  As a teacher's assistant, working with special ed students, I don't need to get dressed up for work because we're allowed to wear jeans, t-shirts, gym shoes, casual clothes. 

As a frugal mom, I've washed the same Summer and Spring clothes over and over, for four years; they lost shape and structure.  Since I have been in the spring-cleaning mode,I will finally give them up and donate them to goodwill.  The last time I wore my beautiful business suits was back in 2007.  Yet, they're still in the closet, because someday, I think I wear it again.  Why on earth do I still have them, I don't know. They just take up space and collect dust. I really thought I would wear the suits again someday; but have only wore it once to attend a function last year. 

Today, I decided I am gonna let go of the past (clothing that is, that I haven't worn for 3 years) and open up a new space in my life!  One that is more free (or loose fitting), carefree and a start to a whole new beginning of fashion-sense and savvy!  

24 and Jack Bauer: The end of an Era

Another excellent episode delivered by Fox.  Jack Bauer don a black mask and outfit, which reminded me of Ironman, but instead of the red suit, it's a "black" ironman CTU agent.

For the last eight seasons, I have enjoyed watching the nerve-wrecking stories that unfolded every Monday.   The series finale  is next week, and I'm somewhat saddened by its ending.  CTU and Jack Bauer was created to fight terrorism in America.  A secret-agent man gone wild, in a sense, where Jack doesn't follow any protocols set by the US government, it's agencies including the presidential affairs.  Jack Bauer is the "superman" who can withstand, survive any torture, being stabbed, electrocuted, shot at, and has an amazing ability to shoot perfectly at his enemies with the first pull of the trigger, plus catch the culprit, all within 24 hours!

Every season, it's always a terrorist and a mole installed at CTU. Then, there's Jack who can't decide to retire or not, since the agency is begging him to come back (sounds like that football quarterback story?).

Seriously, the writers have come up with some of the best stories about the life of Jack Bauer in a 24 hour period, season after season. Each delivered an intense drama that left the their television viewers on the edge of their couches! It was an amazing TV experience that FOX Network delivered.  We'll miss Jack Bauer and the rest of the CTU operatives! 


Going dark now.

Miss USA Shocker

Are we shocked to hear about another controversial story about the current Miss USA?  Reports are surfacing that the pageant was "rigged"?  Supposedly, there was a political concern for her to win? The resources of the funds that supported her and the Trump Organization? Her religious background, she tripping over her gown?

A VIDEO OR TWO SUDDENLY SURFACES AFTER SHE WAS CROWNED MISS USA 

Reporters who did all this research after the crowned contestant, should have fished for the "worms in her background" before she won. But that would take the fun out out of it, now wouldn't it? American reporters and journalists seems to always wait for someone to be in the public's eyes, before they release the frenzied stories.  They're so obsessed in digging up the dirt on the victims of the famous.

Miss USA Photos too Sexy?

Do you think that this year's Miss USA contestants photos are too sexy?  The media is making such a big deal about the pictures.  So what if they were wearing fishnet stockings, wore high heels, posed in such a way to show some cleavage?  Did "they" want these ladies to don the swimsuits from the 1950s and perhaps wear business suits for the PR shoots?  Who are these people complaining anyways?

Celebrity Apprentice 2010

I really look forward to my Sundays. My one favorite Sunday thing to do is watch Amazing Race (2010) and Celebrity Apprentice.  It was a really good episode because Maria got fired along with Curtis.  I was disappointed that Sharon Osborne got all emotional and crying in the Boardroom.  Give me a Break!  I hate criers in a work place. It shows a weakness that, to me, does not belong at work.  Leave the crying and deep emotions at home, ladies.  It is such a turn-off and I knew right then when she also cried to Joan Rivers that she would be fired. 
As much as I do not care for Holly Peete Robinson, she made it to the Finals against Bret Michaels. Of the two, I am rooting for Bret because he seems more reasonable, creative and much more smarter than her.  Holly will say anything about anyone if it means she moves ahead in the game-- just like the real world; you have to watch out for people like her.  She may be a strong contender but if you watched all the previous episodes, she got there also by turning on her teammates.

Pretty Much Picasso Petunia Plant

Finally! I started to get in the mood for planting; spring-clean my patio and replacing some empty plant containers with annual flowers. 

My favorite petunia this year is the NEW "Pretty Much Picasso Petunia".  I really like the combination of the purple and green flower; a hardy plant, can climb on trellis or spill over a container. I decided to grow mine in a container that sits on top of a stand.

Here's a website to learn more about this beautiful flower: http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=9320

Good Housekeeping Magazine Subscription

I subscribe to Good Housekeeping magazine and I am a little bit upset that the new issue is out at the newsstands and in the stores.   I thought that part of the benefit of being a subscriber was that I would get the newer issues FIRST, before they hit the newsstands.

So, I called my friend who lives about 30 miles from me and also a subscriber to Good Housekeeping magazine and asked her if she received her June 2010 issue yet. She has not gotten the new issue either and she too noticed the newest issue at the store. I'm sending email Good Housekeeping to find out what is going on.  Because for awhile there, I thought the ladies at the post office was reading my magazine first.  (Absurd, right? But that's really what I thought.)

Does anybody out there have this problem with subscriptions to other magazines?  I'm thinking of subscribing to More and Food Network magazines.

Cilantro Lime Rice Picture

I want to share the photo from a  recipe of the Cilantro Lime Rice I made the other day.  I tweaked the recipe a bit by replacing half the water with chicken broth.  The rice dish came out really tasty.  Next time, I will chop the cilantro finely instead of just tearing up the leaves.  Nice alternative to plain old rice.

Cilantro with Lime and Rice

Salsa Recipe for Cinco De Mayo

Because it is Cinco De Mayo, I thought I'd make homemade Salsa.  Here's a simple easy recipe.

2 Tomatoes on the Vine
1 can (16oz) Del Monte Stewed Tomatoes Mexican Recipe
1/2 Medium onion
Handful of Cilantro
1/2 teaspoon sugar
lime (optional)

Add fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, onion in food processor and chop coarsely.  Remove and place in medium bowl with cilantro and sugar.  Mix with spoon.  (optional- squeeze 1/2 of the lime juice now)  Serve with your favorite tortilla chips. We especially liked this recipe with the Tostitos Multi-grain Tortilla Chips.

What is Cinco De Mayo?

Mexico stopped making payments to France because their country was in debt. So, France invaded Mexico to collect the payment. However, on May 5, 1862,  in the city of Puebla Mexico, Mexican forces were able to defeat the well-equipped soldiers from France.

California was the first state to recognize and celebrate Cinco De Mayo, in the 1860s.  So, every year, on May 5th the people of the United States celebrate this victory by remembering the people's cultures, history, celebrations with dance, drink and food.

Cinco De Mayo

Happy Cinco De Mayo Day to all!  I had a taste for Chipotle's Cilantro and Lime Rice entre.  But since I am frugal at times, and prefer to make it here, rather than spend money on take-out food; I wanted to make it at home and so I "googled" a recipe for it. Got lots of results but I like this one particular site.  It's Closet Cooking Blog.  This guy had a recipe that I was looking for and it looks easy to make.  His version of the Cilantro and Lime Rice Recipe here.  
Along with the rice recipe, I will make a low-fat Chimichanga.  A simple recipe that a friend made and shared with me.

Ingredients:

1/2# ground tukey breast
1 Taco Bell Taco Seasoning
Low-fat Shredded Cheese, cheddar
water
Taco Sauce ( I use Ortega brand )
1 can Fat-Free Refried Beans
1/2 frozen corn kernels
12 Low Fat Tortillas

Directions:

Brown turkey breast.  Add Taco Seasoning and water and simmer following the directions on the package. Add the corn and heat thru, about 6 minutes.  Now, on 1/2 of the tortilla and spread about 1 tablespoon of the refried beans.  Add 2 tablespoonful of the turkey mixture and place in tortilla.  Add about a teaspoon of taco sauce, sprinkle a little cheese.  Roll it up and place in a 9x12 casserole glass dish.  Continue with the rest of the tortilla.  Then sprinkle cheese over the tortillas, cover and bake in 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

24 on FOX

I'm pretty bummed out that this is the Season Finale for 24.  What will I ever do on Mondays now? :-D
It's also true; how much more storyline can the writers can come up with for a show like this?  How many more bad guys, corrupt agents working on the inside, getting CTU all torn-up and compromised?  It's the same thing over and over for the last 8 season; although the plots were so intense, it was easy how people get hooked.
Right now, it's really getting pretty intense, beginning with the last 4 hours on 24.  Hope all you 24 fans catch up with Jack Bauer tonite until the season ends--forever.

Amazing Race

I was so glad that the two detective cops on Amazing Race was eliminated last night.  From the very start of this season's Amazing Race on CBS, the two men boasts how "powerful" and in "great shape" and "fit" they were in, to win and or be in the final show-down.  What they didn't count on was strategy, getting around in a foreign country and language barrier challenges. 
It's down to three couples now.  Can't wait 'til next week's Season Finale.  Go cowboys!