theblackrainbow

My Monday night class is going to make me miss 24 (but I will be able to see the premiere on 1/17) and Gossip Girl and my Thursday night class will make me miss Survivor and Grey's Anatomy next semester. I'm not happy with this because although I'm trying to cut back, these are shows I've been following for awhile (24--even though the latest season was way out there--and Survivor are major favorites) and I'll still have to download and watch them after the fact, and that takes a lot of time (or see them On Demand, which is quicker). I'll be around for Nip/Tuck, American Idol (should I choose to watch it this season--with three classes I'll probably have more than enough homework to keep me occupied), and--thank goodness!--the final season of Lost. The Tudors is coming back too, but I don't have Showtime so it doesn't matter as much.

I know Survivor and Nip/Tuck (which has gotten so ridiculous that I can't wait for it to be over so that I can stop watching it) are On Demand, but I don't know about the rest.

I'm seriously considering shelling out the extra $12 per month or whatever it is for a Comcast DVR box, but I already get Netflix for the Instant Queue and adding even more TV costs would be ridiculous. (Also, I AM trying to cut back.) There' still the possibility that someone decided to get me one for Christmas, but honestly I doubt it. In any case... not a huge deal, but it's still kind of upsetting. As long as I manage to get a new external hard drive, I should be okay.

I ♥ my TV!

Link: Premiere dates

I thought this was relatively lame, but the last line is great.

For those who asked, here's the recipe.

I didn't have a 10x15 jelly roll pan so I used one of those smaller, deeper square metal baking pans, and these came out almost cake-like (I also had to adjust the baking time to about 42 minutes). Still very yummy, and suitable for my small-ish family gathering today. But I recommend baking them as the recipe states to get a more brownie-like texture. Also, don't expect them to be brown. They're more like pumpkin blondies. For my next batch, I think I'll add some baking cocoa.

I used organic pumpkin and organic free-range eggs.

Ingredients:
1 2/3 cup unbleached flour
1⁄4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1⁄2 tbs cinnamon
1⁄4 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup butter (room temperature)
1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbs vanilla
1⁄2 cup water
1 cup no-spice canned pumpkin
1⁄2 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix butter, sugar, and vanilla.
4. Beat in eggs.
5. Stir in pumpkin.
6. Fold in dry ingredients. (Batter consistency should be between cake mix and cookie dough. If it’s too thick, add a little water.)
7. Add chocolate chips.
8. Pour into 10×15 jelly roll pan and bake 25-35 minutes.
9. Let cool 45 minutes and cut into two-inch pieces.

Makes 36 squares

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This is cross-posted to my Facebook notes.
Source: http://www.findyourcraving.com/craving/pumpkin-brownies

...but click anyway if you love your arteries and you want them to survive.

Eric is never going to let me buy popcorn at the movies again, but since I've been on something of a health kick lately I thought it was worth sharing.

Boston.com: Ruining movies for popcorn-lovers everywhere.

I LOVE movie theatre popcorn and I had no idea it was this bad for you. I mean, I knew it wasn't good, but seriously....

My father forwarded me this article because his company, Eisai Inc., is involved in the development of many of these upcoming vaccines. One of their drugs (not a vaccine, but still cool) just went into large-scale clinical trials for breast cancer therapy after 15 years of research.

Shots on horizon for Alzheimer's, AIDS, herpes
Malaria. Tuberculosis. Alzheimer's disease. AIDS. Pandemic flu. Genital
herpes. Urinary tract infections. Grass allergies. Traveler's diarrhea. You
name it, the pharmaceutical industry is working on a vaccine to prevent it.
Many could be on the market in five years or less.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33979090/ns/health-infectious_diseases/from/ET

Yep, it's there!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/science/14moon.html?_r=2&hp&emc=na

Does anyone who reads this drink espresso?

I'm looking for recommendations of really nice, gourmet espresso to give as a holiday gift.

Thanks. =)

Donated blood yesterday, and my arm still hurts.

And also, I'm very excited about this Prevention feature: 400-Calorie Pasta Meals!

Medical marijuana expansion: Passed.
Gay marriage: Repealed.

1 out of 2 isn't bad, but seriously? Maine, you sadden me.

I dragged Eric to see "Paranormal Activity" last night, just so that we could do something Halloween-y this year. (We're not in a party mood.) I also wanted to see it in the hope that it would actually scare me, since I'd heard such good things--otherwise, I would have gone for "Saw VI" (I know, I know). Eric thought it was pretty scary, but I found myself mainly bored, bordering on slightly creeped out at times. Keep in mind, though, that I am yet to find any movie that will actually scare me... and I've tried my fair share, from teenage slasher flicks to "Hostel" to "The Exorcist."

This movie, if you haven't yet seen it, centers around young lovers Katie and Micah, who have just moved in together. Katie confesses to being frightened by a demonic presence that has followed her since she was a kid, so Micah buys a video camera to try to catch it in action. Throughout the film, his skepticism and sarcasm anger both Katie and the demon, even though he's doing his best to be helpful.

The movie is told from the viewpoint of Micah's camera, which never leaves the house. The camera work is "Blair Witch Project"-esque, and it catches the demon's actions when our protagonists have left the room or even the house. The scariest parts come at night, when Micah sets up the camera at the foot of the bed--we get to see what happens while our characters sleep.

( Contains MAJOR spoilers. )

"Paranormal Activity" was enjoyable, but it's probably not a movie I need to see again. I'm not quite ready to give up my quest for a movie that will actually scare me, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to toss 'em my way. I don't even know what WILL scare me, so it's a bit of a shot in the dark (I'm certain working at the Haunted Mansion and seeing my first R-rated movie when I was 9 probably ruined me), but I'm willing to try.

And, if you want to be creeped out this Halloween, I do recommend "Paranormal Activity." I liked it, I just wish it had been more effective at scaring me. If you're easier to scare, then go for it.

Through October 26th, use the code SHARELUV on DSW.com to get $10 off any purchase of $49 or more.

Courtesy of rhymed.

I've alphabetized, first by fandom and then by name. (If they have last names that I've forgotten, forgive me.) Characters who appear in two or more series are grouped with the series I prefer her in (usually shows that came later, after the character has developed more).

Characters come from literary works as varied as Shakespeare and Tamora Pierce. There are video games, both a comic book series and a webcomic, TV shows, and movies represented.

Some of these ladies are fierce and strong, and others are clever and sassy. Many have free spirits I find admirable, and some just make kickass villains.

( 100 Fictional Ladies I Love )

There a few more I wish I'd had space for, like George's mom from Song of the Lioness and Dr. Arizona Robbins from Grey's Anatomy, but oh well. There are just so many awesome women out there!

If ANYONE wants tea from Adagio teas, go to Adagio.com and use this certificate number: 6877528021

It'll get you $5 off.

But it'll only work once, for one person, so act fast. It's just about to expire and I will never use it.

I made Amish friendship bread last night. I got the starter bag from one of the girls at work, who made a batch when one of our bosses left. It's very, very tasty--for those who don't know, it's a yeast-based cake/bread with lots of flavor. It includes a box of vanilla instant pudding and cinnamon, and I also added nutmeg, poppy seeds, and chocolate chips. In any case, though, I have 2-3 starter bags left (you can't make this bread without a yeast starter, and supposedly only the Amish know the recipe for the starter, so once you give it all away you have to wait for someone to give some back before you can make more--although I'm sure you could Google it), and I'd be happy to pass them along to anyone interested in making a loaf of their own.

Let me know!

Linebacker Junior Seau, whose return to the New England Patriots has been long-anticipated, made it official Tuesday, according to a news release from Versus.

Seau, who has been shooting episodes for his show, "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau," on the network, will provide depth and leadership at linebacker, where the Patriots have had a run of injuries. Versus said the show will debut Dec. 2, as planned.

( More! )

Source

Yay! I hope it helps! Of course, at his age, it could just make things worse... but it's worth a try. I'm not sure who exactly he'll replace, as Belichick is being tight-lipped as always about that roster move, but I suppose we'll find out on Sunday! Woooo Patriots. I love fall so much.

LONDON -- Brigitte, one of Germany's most popular glossy women's magazines, has banned models from its pages and will instead use only "real" women in its editorial pages, as a protest against society's obsession with stick-thin women.

( Read more... )

Source

It's about time the fashion industry started catering to women, not the other way around.

This is a quick and easy recipe--the tastes are definitely more summer-like than the season right now, but I figured it was worth sharing anyway.

Recipe for Pasta Salad with Cucumber, Red Pepper, and Feta

-6 oz multigrain chiocciole, elbow macaroni, shells, or other pasta shape
-1/2 C fat-free sour cream
-1/2 C reduced-fat mayonnaise
-1/4 C crumbled feta cheese (1 oz)
-3 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves (key ingredient!)
-3 tbsp 2% milk
-1 tbsp dijon mustard
-1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
-1/2 med cucumber, chopped (about 1 c)
-1/2 med red bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 c)

1. Prepare pasta per package directions. Rinse.
2. Stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, mint, milk, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in large bowl.
3. Add pasta, cucumber, and red pepper and mix to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Work Time: 20 Minutes / Total Time: 30 Minutes / Servings: 4

Originally published in Prevention magazine.

Ben Affleck was filming "The Town" in Copley Square this past week, and I managed to get a look when I left work on Thursday. After hanging out behind the police tape for a few minutes, Affleck and actress Rebecca Hall came out to film a scene while sitting on the edge of the fountain. I unfortunately didn't bring my camera and they were too far away for my glorious iPhone to get a good shot, but it was my first celebrity sighting in Boston (besides writers at readings, and I don't think that counts) and I've been here for over four years now.

I didn't get a chance to see Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, but I know she's in town too.

You can see photos of the scene I witnessed at this PopSugar link.

Join Team LUSH Rockingham Park!

WHEN: Saturday, October 03, 10 and 17, 2009, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

WHERE: Lush Rockingham Park | 99 Rockingham Park Blvd, Space F202, Salem NH 03079 | 603.890.3455

Every year LUSH launches new and seasonal products and gifts that make the holiday shopping at our stores an original experience every season! Indispensable to this experience is the role of seasonal sales associate: if you are enthusiastic about customer service, passionate about products, and thrive in a team environment, then the Lush Life is right for you! To learn more about the fabulous opportunities that await you within Team LUSH, come experience our loud and proud demonstrations, WOW customer service, and fun shop atmosphere. Please email your resume, cover letter, and availability, then come get to know us and show us how you'll be a fabulous addition to our exciting, progressive, and fun company!

RSVP: rockinghampark@lushusa.com

I love LUSH and I know several of my friends here in Boston and home in NH do too, so if you're close to Salem and looking for a job, check it out! The stores in Burlington, MA and Providence, RI are hiring, too.

This is why it's no fun to get caught up on popular shows while seasons higher than you've watched are airing on TV.

( Contains major spoilers for Grey's Anatomy Seasons 5&6 )

Rant over. I'm very adverse to being spoiled because I enjoy TV the most when I see shows from start to finish, from premiere of first season to finale of last season, without knowing what's going to happen. My curiosity unfortunately gets the best of me sometimes, but this time it wasn't me doing some Internet-snooping (like I kinda sorta did with Battlestar Galactica a teensy little bit...)--it was TV being evil. =)

( And Project Runway... )

I'm also really enjoying Top Model this season, which I'm a bit surprised about. The girls, being "petite" models (they range in height from 5'3" to 5'7"), seem to feel like they have more to prove because they're technically "too short" to be top models.

And after 19 seasons, I might finally be getting burnt out on Survivor. I hope this season reels me in soon; I'm not really feeling it after just the first 2 episodes.

♥!