Pro-War Rhetoric

April 25th, 2011

I am not the best about finding new music (or Waldo), but when I do stumble upon a new band I love, I dive in head first (and hope that I’m not in the shallow end). Such has been my response to The Civil Wars. This singing, co-writing duo creates folk magic in their first album, Barton Hallow. It’s one of those rare albums without one bad song (unless you’re a Justin Bieber fan, in which case you will most likely hate all of them).

I saw them live on Friday, and am pleased to say that the beauty of their harmonies is equally matched by the charm of their stage presence. He (John Paul White) looks like Johnny Depp on the set of O Brother, Where Art Thou? and she (Joy Williams) is pint-sized, flirty, and as fun as a field of fireflies. They have the capability to carry nearly an entire show with just their voices and a guitar.

I didn’t shoot this, but here’s one of their originals from the show the other night – Tip of My Tongue:

And they do a few covers that are recognizable, but have a very unique flavor – such as You Are My Sunshine:

If they are within driving, flying, or rowing distance, you should really go see them. For those of you in the KC area, they will be just that on June 30th. Hope to see you there. They won’t disappoint… unless again, you have Bieber fever. In which case, I suggest you get that looked at right away.

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A Little Beep

December 16th, 2010

I was reminded today of one of my favorite Christmas songs ever. It was Jon Bon Jovi’s first professional recording, and it obviously launched his career.

If you’re not feeling the Christmas spirit just yet, then I’m sure “R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas” will do the trick!

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Such a Baby!

December 13th, 2010


You might remember all of the letters to my best friends daughter, Stella. Well these days she’s eating “cereal,” (never could comprehend why this stuff is in the same category as Fruity Pebbles), and sporting the best bib in the world! Her Aunt Llama may or may not have given it to her.

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Stepping Up

November 20th, 2010

I realize that my blogging has dropped a bit over the last two weeks, but that’s because I’ve been set free!! No longer in a cast, I was given permission to leave the couch and see the world again. It’s nice, that… what do you call it… outside?

I was in an air cast for 2 weeks, and for the past 2 days I’ve been wearing SHOES!!! I feel like Pinocchio. I’m a real girl now! I will most likely be wearing walking shoes for the next few months, but I’m okay with that. If they have the word, “walking” in the description, that’s a huge (literal) step from where I’ve been.

FYI – If you’re not a Groupon user yet, now is the time. Right now, you can get a $25 microloan to Kiva for just $15. I talked about Kiva last year in a series of what to get people who don’t need any more photo frames or bath gel for Christmas. It’s an awesome organization that gives microloans to entrepreneurs in 3rd world countries. And you get the money back to loan again! I HIGHLY recommend it.

But wait! Don’t buy the Groupon just yet. Make sure you sign up for Ebates first. By going through their site, you get 3% cash back (it works, I’ve done it). Even if you don’t care about starving people in 3rd world countries, and you just want to buy a shiatsu massager from Bed, Bath and Beyond – sign up for Ebates. Unless you don’t like money, then please disregard… and give me yours.

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Bringing Home the Bacon

November 9th, 2010

When I was in my TV warrior glory days, I started watching the Next Iron Chef. It just so happens that one of the contestants is from Kansas City. Chef Tio is the head chef at Julian in Brookside. So since we couldn’t spend our anniversary on our way to the great pyramids (which I hear are mediocre at best), we went to eat at one of KC’s finest. It’s not a fancy schmancy eating establishment, but a cozy restaurant that serves food that is so good that it will make a protestant feel the need to run to confession.

Brandon had scallops that melted in your mouth with a piece of heavenly apple pie for dessert. It’s hard for me to recall the specifics of his meal, because I can’t stop fantasizing about mine.

I had a crusted pork shoulder on a sweet potato puree with tamarind pork sauce. If pork sauce is akin to tomato sauce, you don’t want to imagine what part of the pork produces said sauce, but even if that was the case, you don’t care!! I was nervous when my meal wasn’t served with any sort of a meat knife, but it didn’t even require a butter knife. It just fell apart when I looked at it (I looked at it with my fork). And then for dessert, I had a walnut financier with maple-bacon creme anglaise. Yes, that’s right – bacon… for DESSERT!!! I was nearly brought to tears. You may have your doubts, but this was so good that it could be served at a PETA convention without a single complaint… unless they ran out. In which case there would be riots.

But the bacon icing on the cake is that chef Tio showed up when we were half-way through dinner! Plus, she went to each table in her jeans and greeted the guests, thanking them for coming. If you are in the area, you should definitely go. If you’re not in the area, you should definitely get in the area. Bacon… for dessert!!

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When Not in Rome

November 1st, 2010

It’s November 1st, and here is the significance. Today was the day we were supposed to be strolling the cobbled streets of the only city in the world with more fountains than Kansas City. We were supposed to be hanging out in the Colosseum and seeing a bit of Vatican. But since I’m not even strolling the living room, trying to manage Rome is completely out of the question. It didn’t fall in a day, and hopefully it won’t completely crumble in the couple of months we have to wait.

And the other significance (other than Dia de los Muertos!), is that it means that the October Pepsi Refresh Project is over. The Kyrie Foundation came in a very commendable fourth place. It was a mere two places from getting the $250K grant. And out of over 1,000 ideas, that’s not too shabby! I want to thank the many of you that voted daily for the organization. It was not taken for granted. They have decided to take a couple of months off from the Pepsi Refresh Project, but plan to try again after the first of the year. If you can think of ways to help promote the daily vote process, please let me know. I just know we can do it!

I encourage you to learn more about the organization by checking out their website, their blog and friending them on facebook.

As a reward for your dedication to voting, I will share with you this picture of Zoey in a scarf! He came home from the vet wearing it. Isn’t he dapper?!

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Boo!

October 31st, 2010

It’s October 31st, which means 2 things. 1. It’s the last day of the Pepsi Refresh Project, PLEASE vote for The Kyrie Foundation by facebook here, with your email here and by text by sending 103447 to 73774. It’s easy and free! Thank you for all of your support for this great cause!

And 2. It’s Halloween. In honor of the holiday, I feel the duty to share one of my favorite Halloween specials from the cartoon Home Movies.

I recommend you watch the full thing here if you have a chance (23 min.):


Watch Home Movies – S3E13 – Coffins & Cradles.avi in Animation  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

But if you only have 3 minutes and 50 seconds, you can check out this one:

Happy Halloween!

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The Value of Educatiosn

October 30th, 2010

As you know, I’m a big fan of the Groupon (side note – when buying Groupons, go through other sites. Discover card users get 15% in cashback rewards and Ebates users get 3%-6% back depending on the week). So the other day, I was looking at Groupons from other cities, and stumbled upon one for Dormzy.

Dormzy sends groceries and care packages to anybody, but focuses on, well… you guessed it – kids in dorms. I checked out their site, and on their home page I noticed this glowing recommendation:

Groceries mailed to your dorm are great, but perhaps that money would have been better spent on tutoring!!

Just 2 days left! PLEASE vote for The Kyrie Foundation by facebook here, with your email here and by text by sending 103447 to 73774. It’s easy and free! And spread the word to your friends. Shoot, spread it to your enemies! These kids need a cure! Thank you!

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Letters to Stella: Food

October 28th, 2010

Once again, please vote for The Kyrie Foundation by facebook here, with your email here and by text by sending 103447 to 73774. It’s easy and free! Thank you!

Here’s another addition to the compilation of letters to my best friend’s baby.

Stella,

Here’s a little secret: Uncle Brandon does all of the cooking. It’s not that I can’t cook. At least I think that’s the case. It’s been a while. It’s just that when you’re married to a man that loves to do it, well – you hate to deny him of that. I should be wife of the year!

But I do bake every once in a while. This is a recipe that both your Aunt Llama and Uncle Brandon have made and love. Actually, he made it for me when we first started dating, and he set my oven on fire in the process. I was talking on the phone with your mom outside when I saw him come out holding the smoke alarm. I don’t recommend starting your oven on fire, but I do recommend these cookies.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
(Makes about 5 1/2 dozen cookies)

Ingredients:
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened (not melted)
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg or 1/4 cup fat-free cholesterol-free egg product
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1 package(6 ounces) white baking bars(white chocolate),
cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch chunks
White Chocolate Glaze (see below)
————-
Heat oven to 350º.

- Beat sugars, shortening, butter, orange peel, vanilla and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, or mix with spoon.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in cranberries and white baking bar chunks.
- Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet
- Baked 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown.
- Cool 1 to 2 minutes: remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
- Cool completely about 30 minutes.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate Glaze.
=======================================

White Chocolate Glaze

Ingredients:
1 package (6 ounces) white baking bars (white chocolate), chopped
2 teaspoons shortening
———–
- Place ingredients in 2-cup microwavable measuring cup or deep
microwavable bowl.
- Microwave uncovered on High 45 seconds, stir.
- If baking bars are not melted, microwave 10 to 20 seconds at a time, stirring after each time, until melted.

Barring any kitchen accidents, I think you’ll love these!

Much ruv,

Aunt Llama

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Not-So-Care-Bear

October 27th, 2010

I’m not exactly the first to know about internet fads. In fact, if it weren’t for my parents, I’d be pretty confident that I’m the last. So the other night when Brandon brought up Pedobear in a conversation during a board game, it shouldn’t be shocking that he had to explain to me who or what it was.

Apparently it’s well known around what people call “the World Wide Web,” that when people post something that shows young people in situations that could be read as questionable in taste, they might be given a Pedobear seal of approval or the Pedobear himself might even make an appearance. For example, the picture below is one of the few pictures I found that I feel comfortable posting (taken from Know Your Meme).

Brandon used my computer to pull up a site to explain the creepy creature. The next morning, I turn on my computer, saw this and thought, “Even McAfee knows who Pedobear is!”

It’s another day, so don’t forget to vote for The Kyrie Foundation by facebook here, with your email here and by text by sending 103447 to 73774. Thank you!

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