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Monday, June 25, 2012

Sealed records of Brain Terry murder may contain highly embarrassing facts

When U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered in December of 2010 while investigating illegal gun and drug smuggling that turned out to be part of the Obama Administration scandal known as Fast and Furious, all records concerning the murder were sealed by the courts.

But in a bombshell revelation made by author and reporter Katie Pavlich on C-SPAN2's Book TV series Sunday evening, Pavlich told National Journal reporter Major Garrett that all of the evidence suggests that the reason the records are sealed is to prevent the public from finding out highly embarrassing information about the Obama Administration.

Click here to continue reading at Anthony G. Martin's National Conservative Examiner.

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University surveys residents over community cats

This story is over

Residents living around the Monks Road area of Lincoln may have received a letter asking them to take part in a survey about cats.

Experts from the University of Lincoln’s School of Life Sciences have put together a questionnaire, asking what people think when they see felines in their street.

The survey has also been sent to houses in the nearby village of Dunholme. It is hoped that the different locations will give more in-depth results.

It is part of a big project called Cats in the Community, which is run by the university’s Naïma Kasbaoui (pictured).

Kasbaoui is in charge of the questionnaire, and hopes to find out how people feel about the animals.

The survey is part of her PhD in Animal Behaviour, which looks at the impact of a specific containment system on cats’ welfare.

She said: “Some will see them as a nuisance which hunts wildlife and damages plants. Others will enjoy fussing or even feeding familiar cats on their street.

“This is a unique survey and we very much need the support of local residents for it to be a success.”

Surveys were sent out on Monday, July 2 and they are the first part of a long process.

There are more than ten million cats in the UK. That figure means equates to one cat for every six people.

Source: University of Lincoln | Photo: Cats in the Community

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Monday, January 26, 2015

Christmas Day 2014

We met up with my side of the family on Christmas Day. Everyone flew or drove in from out of town, and it was nuts. We had all these delusional plans of eating breakfast together, then re-enacting the nativity with the kids (with 7 kids under 7 years old), and then Santa would stop by and be jolly and hand out presents, and then we'd all hug or something. We're so, so dumb. At least we're pretty.

Jim Gaffigan does this bit about his answer when someone asks him what its like having a bunch of kids. "Imagine you're drowning. And then someone hands you a baby." That pretty much sums it up. We chased the two years olds up and down the stairs while the older kids got dressed up and tried to listen to the nativity story. Nate took off his shirt. Amelia ran in circles. Jefferson, our stalwart "Joseph" climbed into the manger while a half naked Nate stole the sheep. The newborns looked on, unimpressed.

Eventually Santa did show up and passed out presents while we tried to make everyone wait to open gifts one at a time (per tradition) but, and I ask this in all seriousness, how do you catch a wave upon the sand? It was crazy, and ridiculous, and I laughed so, so much while I sorted through these pictures. I think my favorite is when Grandma attempted to make Nate into a shepherd. I will never not laugh at that sulky little face and shoulder hunch.

And so began our week of fun together. It was out of control, and overwhelming, and so, so great. I miss it already.

Nathan and Holly Larson said...

It looks like y'all had two amazing Christmas celebrations! :) And this post totally makes me laugh cause I can relate! Haha, isn't family fabulous? Also, love Amelia in her princess dress! What a magical age. :)

Tanya said...

I'm so glad you got pictures of Nate in that Santa outfit! And he was quite unruly. Haha


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The TSA’s PreCheck Program is worth considering

TSA security linesThe TSA’s PreCheck program considerably speeds up the security check process at the airport, and is worth looking into if you are a frequent traveler, perennially late for your flights or just flat out hate airport security lines.

Initially rolled out via the major airline frequent flyer membership rolls, the TSA is expanding the program to all eligible US citizens by way of their US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program.  Here’s the link for that application process.

Full Review

My luggage falls over: 5 ways to prevent tipping

luggage falling forwardOne of the most annoying things you can deal with when travelling is luggage that simply won’t stay standing when you let go of the handle – it falls forward.  Luggage that tips over makes your time at the check-in counter, buying that last minute bottle of water or newspaper or standing in line to board so much more stressful than it already is.

What can you do about it?  Here are a few tips:

Full Review

Briggs & Riley Luggage review: what makes it unique

bRIGGSrILEY lOGO 248X75Briggs & Riley is a unique sort of luggage company.  These days, it’s hard to find that sense of commitment to be the very best at what you do and bring that passion to serve your customer.  But that’s exactly the sense you get from Briggs & Riley, from the quality of their luggage to their ‘best in the industry’ warranty, and the little innovative touches that just seem to set them apart.

Their luggage is not for everyone, and you get the feeling that they’re totally OK with that. It’s more expensive than most, and their bags have a simple, almost elegant look that trendier buyers may not care for.  Briggs & Riley builds luggage for one type of customer: the customer who wants the best.

Full Review

Enjoy your Labor Day

The Luggage Lady wishes a Happy Labor DayToday is Labor Day here in the US – a day that traditionally marks the end of the summer season.  I always loved it more because it marked the beginning of fall,  a new school year, cooler weather, new thoughts and new possibilities.

But mostly,  I’ve always liked the idea of a day dedicated to the hard work that has built this wonderful country – the creativity, promise, opportunity and hope.

Happy Labor Day, America – put your feet up and relax a bit, enjoy the day – you deserve it!

Full Review

Packing Cubes: the must-have luggage accessory

packing cubesOne of the easiest ways to stay organized when travelling is to use packing cubes.  Rectangular pouches that come in a variety of sizes and colors, packing cubes can bring serious order to your luggage.  Honestly, this is one of those items in life that you wonder how you did without.

They are a great way to compartmentalize your stuff, and fit neatly inside your luggage, almost like rectangular puzzle pieces.  Made of super-light and washable nylon, packing cubes zip close to ensure everything stays put.  I like the mesh top for 2 reasons: you can see what’s inside and it provides ventilation  (unlike the ziplock bags I’d been using before).

Full Review


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They Came Up With A New Game With Their Kitten, But When You See What It Is…HILARIOUS!

This kitten has possibly never seen this kind of toy before and has no idea how to react to it! It’s the funniest thing ever – the little fluff ball can’t even control his little paws, they just go everywhere trying to catch the toy!

The gray kitty will simply amaze you – you won’t be able to stop laughing at this hilarious new game they tried. Who knows how they figured this out, but it’s simply priceless, LOL.

You have to see for yourself what this funny kitten does, it’ll make anyone smile at how cute he is! Just watch what happens next; it’s hilarious:

Such a funny kitty—SHARE this hilarious video with friends!

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Jeff Bridges

American actor Jeff Bridges has starred in over 50 films during his lengthy career. He comes from a family of performers and was introduced to show business by his father Lloyd. Jeff is most famous for his work in the films Big Lebowski (1998), Seabiscuit (2003), Crazy Heart (2009), and most recently True Grit (2010). His accolades include a long list of Academy Award nominations, and one win for Best Actor in 2010. Bridges was born in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles, California. After high school Jeff traveled to New York to study acting at the famous Herbert Berghof Studio. In the late 1960's Jeff served in the US Coast Guard, and stayed on reserve through the early 1970's to avoid Vietnam. As a child Jeff got a start in acting through his father Lloyd, and even starred in two of his television shows. Jeff achieved major success early in his career when he was nominated for an Academy Award in his first major film, the 1971 drama Last Picture Show. Three years later he starred opposite of Clint Eastwood in Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. By 1976 Bridges was casted in the first remake of King Kong, which turned out to be a huge commercial success raking in more than 90 million dollars. Over the next three decades Bridges went on to star in over 50 films and win countless awards for his work. More recently Jeff starred in the 2009 film Crazy Heart, which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. In 1977 Jeff married Susan Geston, the two met while filming Ranch Deluxe. Together they have three daughters. Along with other entertainment industry leaders, in 1984 Bridges founded the End Hunger Network, a humanitarian effort which aims to eliminate childhood hunger in the US by 2015. Along with his charitable work, Jeff is also known for his music and photography.
Name Jeff Bridges
Also Known As Jeffrey Bridges, Jeffrey Leon Bridges, Джефф Бриджес, 傑夫·布里吉, جيف بريدجز, 제프 브리지스, ジェフ・ブリッジス, เจฟฟ์ บริดเจส
Birthday 1949-12-04
Gender Male
IMDB Jeff Bridges profile on IMDB
Place of Birth Los Angeles, California, USA


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Saturday, April 25, 2015

Can't belive we're at another Avengers movie. It feels like just yesterday that I was lining up for Iron Man 3.

Avengers: Age of Ultron is the sequel to The Avengers and the 11th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. S.H.I.E.L.D. is gone, so Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) are leading the Avengers as the world's #1 peace organization. Stark's plans of using A.I. in hopes of keeping the peace goes horribly wrong as he creates the Avengers' worst enemy - Ultron (James Spader).

Obviously, Marvel Studios has been on a high streak recently, with top-notch comic book films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy, and with Captain America: Civil War on the horizon, you betcha I was excited to see how this film would shape up.

Shockingly, the film manages to double up on the character work and the action. I wouldn't have thought that the most interesting characters coming out of that film would be the characters who don't get their own movie. Less popular characters such as Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) are given much more to do this time around and Whedon adds more depth to them. I applaud the move to give a relationship angle to Natasha and Bruce, because I find they perfectly compliment each other. Also, Hawkeye may have just proven himself to be the most important member of the team, being the most human character in this group of gods. The new characters also get their own moments to shine in the film, but really, it's Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) that gets to take home best newcomer award.
Whedon knows how to create interesting group dynamics while also fleshing out individual characters, and that's as evident as ever here. The back-and-forth between characters is just as effective here as it is in the first Avengers film, and it gets even more interesting when they throw the Maximoff twins and the Vision (Paul Bettany) into the mix.

The action set pieces are what you already expect from Marvel; a lot of laughs and very fun sequences that look like they're pulled straight of the comic. Whedon's strength at keeping action sequences that have way too many things going on focused is also evident here.

The most talked about aspect of this film will definitely be Ultron. I feel that Ultron is the perfect Marvel Studios villain. He captures the studio's charismatic spirit and he proves to be perfect foil for the team. Spader turned out to be a great casting choice, as his really powerful voice could alternate between the genocidal prophet and the narcissitic evil genius, and still pull it off. He's also the center of the main theme of the film - which is the failure of heroes.
Throughout the course of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you never really got the sense that these heroes' failures would prove catastrophic... until Ultron. The film highlights every civilian they have to save/fail to save, the effect of every decision, and life after heroism, after acting as protectors. I like those themes they brought up in the film.

The film is far from perfect, however. Pacing is an aspect of the film that I thought would've improved in the sequel, but it didn't, it's worse actually. There might've been less of a clunky first act in this film (they hit the ground running), but the film made me feel like they were rushing through highlights. There's so many things going on, plotwise, and the film tackles all of it. It's not like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, where most sub-plots were inserted solely as set-up. It's more off the film biting off more than it can chew, and as a result, they happen to rush through a lot of scenes. The build-up is faulty as well, things just happen because plot convenience. They make sense, sure, but build-up would've made the execution a whole lot smoother. Also, it would've had a greater impact had there been proper build-up. I admire the first Avengers film for its simplicity. They brought in just the right amount and gave time for things to sink in. I didn't feel that smooth flow in this film.

As I said, the individual character work was really well done in this movie, and I like the theme they brought up, but I felt that the story never came around full circle, thematically speaking. The final moments of the film happen pretty quickly, and they don't reall tie up the main theme of the movie. It's just sorta left there hanging. It's partially the fault of the how they ended the film, tonally. It would've worked better had they addressed it with the complete opposite of the tone they actually used.

Pacing issues aside, I had a blast with Avengers: Age of Ultron. They got a lot of things really right and the moments where the film gets to breathe prove to be equally as great & important as the fun and exciting action sequences, if not more. The first film earned $1.5 billion worldwide, so I know you're already going to see it.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

FURIOUS 7 movie review

Instead of taking a shot every time Vin Diesel says "family", how about we all join hands and cry a river? It's the natural reaction.

Furious 7 is the seventh installment in the Fast & Furious series. The film is directed by James Wan (of The Conjuring). This go around, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew are being hunted by Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) for killing his brother back in London in Fast & Furious 6. A covert ops unit led by "Mr. Nobody" (Kurt Russel) also gets involved, enlisting Toretto's crew to retrieve a worldwide tracking device from terrorists. That's the plot, with everything you love about the Fast & Furious gluing all of it together.

I've been a huge fan of the Fast & Furious series only since Fast Five (which is the first one I watched). I watched the other films later, but Fast Five is when they really found their identity, by upping the ante with ridiculous action fare and giving more attention to a single idea brought up in The Fast & the Furious - family. It's what drives the Fast & Furious series for me, and I'm happy to see it's still at the forefront in this installment.

The first act of the movie is undeniably clunky and unfocused set-up for a plot that is nonsensical and convoluted, but the film still manages to tie up all their plotlines together through action sequences, believe it or not. The film really kicks into full throttle in its first big action sequence, showcasing the characters playing off each other with their insane on-screen chemistry. From there, it's just hits all the right notes and delivers on everything you love about and want from a Fast & Furious movie.

There are unbelievable action sequences that prove to be immensely entertaining spectacle. I don't know how they continue to keep topping the level of absurdity every film, but they somehow succeed at it. However, "this time it's not just about being fast," as Vin Diesel said. The stunt work and fight sequences in this movie are absolutely breathtaking. Tony Jaa and Ronda Rousey make special guest appearances to showcase their amazing skills but even Diesel, Walker, and Statham get to join in on the fighting fun. The choreography and the camera movements lend themselves perfectly to make the fights just as exhilarating as the chases.

What makes these films particularly so exciting to go back to is not just the action sequences, but the earnest way they put forth their simplistic ideas of family and loyalty. It isn't deep analytical subtext, it's a heavily emphasized theme. One that should make you feel close to and a part of this "family". It's what makes you care about these characters, even though they're admittedly one-note. This series is self-aware of what it is and doesn't try to do anything more, which gives it the opportunity to really excel at what they are good at and what they can achieve. It's a simple approach to a simple idea in order to create the best outcome.

James Wan truly understands how the Fast & Furious series works, which is made clear by the fact that everything I love about the series is still present in this film. He pays respect to the visual style, overall feel and tone that Justin Lin set up during his time working on the last four installments. It feels just enough like a F&F movie, but there's enough of Wan's visually appealing flavor and energy there to make it special, I'd say this is one the better directed Fast & Furious films (second to only Fast Five). I would say the finale tops Fast Five's finale. It feels like something taken out of a superhero movie (which the series has now become, actually). Wan most certainly can deliver on the visually stunning set pieces and exhilarating action sequences and he understands the relationships between characters and ultimately what the Fast & Furious series is about.

Furious 7 is just as earnest and emotional as it is absurd and illogical. Touching on family themes and putting characters we care about in explosive action sequences, it becomes another worthy installment in this mighty series. And of course, the Paul Walker tribute at the end was respectfully and beautifully done. He's definitely going to be missed.


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"the" Mrs. Astor

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

I'm really worried about Bob. He is the stable one, the one we all depend upon for sound judgement. Bob goes to bed early while we run wild in the streets; when he says "We have to have a talk..." everyone knows that whatever they are doing has got to end. But since the death of our friend, Mickey, he has decided to pick up the baton of bad behavior and run with it. We are scared silly.

After a six-day bacchanal, regretful images inevitably surface. Singing to Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance" is one of them. The next event of danger will be my party this Saturday in Twist's bungalow for Terry's fiftieth birthday; if I haven't seen you, contact me for the guest list (you won't regret it). Then next Sunday is Henrietta's 69 th birthday party...if we are still alive.
Of course, everyone was acting up including Dr. Brad and the lovely Georgette; they couldn't WAIT to get those hats on again. As I said: Wait until Saturday.

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Saturday, 31 July 2010

We are looking after the YD's dog this weekend while the YD careens down rock filled rivers - not something that her very timid pooch would appreciate.  It's not a hard job, Shammy sitting, because Shammy spends a lot of time sitting.  Well, more accurately, she spends a lot of time lolling around in the shade of the maple trees in our front yard or lying like a heap of grimy wool on the living room carpet.  She does not snore and you can easily step over her to get out to the screen porch. She sleeps in.  A model dog guest.

The squirrels do not like her.  They cling to tree branches and chrr away at her; she pays no attention at all.  If you throw her ball for her she will bounce after it, grab hold of it and refuse to give it up.  If you suggest a walk, she will pad along for a while but soon lose interest and return to her nice soft grassy spots.  Obviously, she is missing the YD who plays with her, runs with her and provides her with water to swim in and other dogs.  I don't do the running bit, nor does JG.

What does attract her attention is nice shiny bowls full of kibble or cold fresh water.  As long as said bowls appear in regular progression, she seems content.

Thursday, 29 July 2010

More Reflections

This is a wreck on the Oregon beach at Astoria.  I took this one in May.  I figure anyone with a camera who has even been on this beach has taken this same shot.  But why should that stop me - I still love it.

I am working on 'sustenance', really I am, but those are still on the camera.  Dentist day.  Ow.

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Photo Essays - Project 365.

I've just joined a crew that has committed to taking a photo a day for the next year.  The purpose is to change and enhance the way we see the world.  The rules are fairly loose - there will be a weekly theme word and the photos can be posted daily or in batches.  The home site is shown as a link in the right hand column.

Last week, however, I took over three hundred photos while vacationing with my family at a cottage on Lake Opinicon in the Rideau Canal system.  I just have to use some of them.  One of the consistent challenges I set myself when photographing is to see if I can pick up contrasts in light and I also love reflections.  The sunsets from our cottage were gorgeous and I can't resist using some that came out fairly well.

And so - here is a sunset shot across Opinicon Lake.
In the series, this is 001/365.

It's clouds' illusions I recall,
I really don't know clouds at all.

Wednesday, 14 July 2010

What I Did On My Day Off

We took Little Stuff home yesterday afternoon, after a nine day visit while her parents were at a conference and then took a mini holiday. She's hardly 'little stuff' any more, at seven, but that's how I still think of her.

We had a good time, given that the heat and humidity were severe for Eastern Ontario -- humidexes in the 40's mostly (That's 40 C, American friends, equating to 104 F). Luckily we have aquaintances with a cottage on a small lake nearby and we spent a lot of time on their beach. Not only does it have frogs and minnows and a crayfish, but it also has northern water snakes, at least two, much to the child's joy. ('Can I catch it, Grama?'. 'No, better not, we have nothing to keep it in,' said Grama, trying to keep her voice from quavering.

On the weekend her aunt (the YD) came out to stay and we ventured to a public beach at a nearby park, where the YD's dog decided to join a baseball game, necessitating a lot of chasing on the YD's part and a lot of giggles from Little Stuff. On Sunday we took the big boat out on Big Rideau Lake, Grandpa opened up the throttle and we zoomed up the channel, bouncing over the wakes of all the other boats, including a couple of big cruisers. Ouch - my poor butt. But Little Stuff and her aunt had huge grins on their faces and shrieked with delight at the wildest bounces and sheets of spray.

Inside we did lots of crafts and painting - and it took me a lot of time to remove blue spray spots from her brand new white pants.

There was one interesting difference in this visit. Little Stuff was homesick at times, mostly in the late morning when things were slow. She never has been before. 'I miss my mommy and daddy,' she would say, the big brown eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her mother and I figure she is now at a cognitive level where she realizes how long nine days are - and that much time does seem like a very long stretch to a child. I vividly remember feeling like that at about the same age, on a week long visit to my grandparents. But I suspect I was not as disciplined about it as Little Stuff. She didn't whine or pine and if given an engrossing activity she would come out of it pretty fast. It did keep me jumping to provide a steady stream of such activities, however.

A few photo highlights:
A visit with Milly, a neighbour's two month old miniature horse.

Batting practice with Grandpa.
 With Grama and Octoraft.  The weater fostered a horde of horseflies.  Little Stuff floated around on the raft looking at fish through her goggles with Grama standing guard to fend off the evil critters.  Chlorine and all, there is something to be said for indoor pools.

And now it is my day off and I get to blog in peace.  Ahhhh.

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Oh, Where have You Been, Mary G, Mary G.

Number one Fan of Them's My Sentiments has just demanded that I get back on track and start posting again. NOF is, of course, my Younger Daughter, who reads my blog, I suspect, to keep track of what her dotty mother is doing from time to time. But, I have my orders, so here is an update.

In early May JG and I left on a marathon driving vacation. Our goal was a wedding to take place in early June in Washington State but the attendance at the wedding was really an excuse. We had both had a really tough spring and needed the break. And we had a good one. I am putting together a trip diary, this being a great excuse for not posting, don't you think, and may put up some of the best bits. With a few of the best of the photos. If I ever do get it done. We went across the continent through Nevada to Sacramento and detoured to Yosemite National Park. Then skirted San Francisco and drove Highways 1 and 101 north along the coast of northern California and Oregon. We left the coast at Astoria and drove along the Columbia River, with some detours, to the Methow River and up to Twisp, went to the wedding and, JG being totally tired of touring by then, drove east to the Ottawa Valley in five days. Zoom, zoom. 16000+ km on the car, I think JG calculated.

I got back just in time to fall into the last meetings and events of the several committees where I volunteer. That, plus trying to remedy what the neglect of five weeks of a May and June absence had done to the yard and gardens, not to mention dust, cobwebs and assorted wild life inside the house, seems to have used up the rest of June. We are now hosting Little Stuff, who is not so little all of a sudden, for nine days while her parents are overseas. Then we go to a cottage en famille for a week.

Then I may get a day off.

It always puzzles me as to what to say to acquaintances who invariably say 'HOW was your trip?' the first time they see you after you return. There may be a few who actually are interested and who will sit still for a short summation and even ask questions, but for the majority who ask, I think the question is a social noise similar to the 'How are you?' that people have to throw in after a greeting. I try never to ask that, mainly because the answer, if honest, would take longer than summing up a five week trip. I can't believe that anyone wants a comprehensive answer, really, at that level of superficial interaction.

For instance:
'Hey, Sally, good to see you. How have you been?'
'Well, my dear, my bunions are giving me hell and my blood pressure test came back way too high, the deer have eaten all my tomato plants and my husband hasn't spoken to me for a week.'
'My dear, can you believe it, I just won a lottery, my daughter has been granted a Rhodes Scholarship and I have the best tomatoes in the valley.'

In either case, caveat rogator. Too much information is not, in my opinion, a good thing, especially in the soup aisle at the supermarket where the interaction is blocking off the Campbell's chicken noodle.

If I am a close enough friend of the person I encounter, I will ask, specifically, 'How has ____ turned out?' or some other defined query to which I want an answer. Or if the friend is in uncertain health, I will ask about it. But to answer a greeting with 'How are you?' seems to me to be a silly, or even futile thing to do. The only possible polite and socially acceptable answer is a quick version of 'Fine, thanks. And you?' Mostly, the answer to that is a variation on 'fine' and no one is better informed.

And so I have been answering the question of 'HOW was your trip?' with a one sentence generality, mostly. I find it frustrating. I love to talk with people but I get horribly bored with meaningless conversations, party chit chat and other abuses of good communication. Most large parties cause me to long to be home with a book. This may sound weird, but I really enjoy riding or driving with someone and talking as we go; a very good opportunity to explore a subject or just chat. I also like writing letters or comprehensive emails and getting a detailed response. And just hanging out with a few other people is my ideal of a good time - if I don't have to cook, serve and clean, duties that really cut into the conversation.

Of course, there's blogging. Here I am, after a two month hiatus, saying that blogging is a conversation. Bad, bad Mary G. But for me, it is.

And, in the same vein, what do you do when someone asks you about your health or your trip?


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Sunday, September 30, 2012

The K&N Pro Series Tries to Conquer the Monster Mile

After two years of asking to go to the K&N East race at Dover International Speedway, I finally got to go this past Friday for the American Real TV 150 - and trust me, I was extremely happy that I went!

Leaving my house at 6:19 (I know, I pay way too much attention to detail) in the morning, my dad and I arrived at the Monster Mile at around 9:30, a half hour before the gates opened.  I took that valuable half hour and filmed a part of my video blog (the link for the finished video will be posted at the end).  Honestly, filming a video blog at the track is one of the coolest feelings ever; even though fighting the music playing wasn't too fun.   Once I was finished filming the opening segment, we headed into the stands to watch some of qualifying; and when I say I stood near the fence, I mean, I stood near the fence:  (A) I could look into the car and see the driver as they drove past and (B) I think I went deaf.  When qualifying was all said and done, Darrell Wallace, Jr. won the 21 Means 21 Coors Light Pole Award.

If you've been a follower of this blog for a while, you've come to learn one very important fact about me:  I love food.  I also love Grotto Pizza, so being at Dover was a win-win in that respect.  After we finished watching qualifying, my dad and I headed over to Grotto Pizza (one of the main reasons I love going to Dover) to get a pizza.  Once we finished the pizza, it was noon, and since I wanted to go to the K&N East autograph signing and there was already a line, we got on line.  It seemed like it was a million degrees and I was tired, so I took a seat on the ground and waited there for the autograph session to start.  Big props to the drivers for getting there a half hour early; most Truck Series drivers are late to their meet and greets - and yes, I have one driver in mind.

After meeting all twenty-six drivers, yes, you read that correctly, twenty-six…there were only two drivers that weren't able to make it due to Nationwide practice - Ryan Blaney and Darrell Wallace, Jr.  It's crazy to think that I was around the same age the majority of the drivers in the race…is that even normal?  I digress.  My dad went to go take pictures, so I stood there awkwardly drinking my lemonade and scrolling through my twitter feed when one of my NASCAR friends and NASCAR Corner followers, Randall, recognized me and came over to say hello.  Earlier in the week, I posted on the blog that I was going to give away two tickets to the Nationwide race since we couldn't use them, and whoever found me first would get the tickets.  Luckily for Randall, he was the first person to find me and he was the winner of the two tickets.

At 4:30 the race started and when I say it was an exciting race, it was an exciting race.  Within the first 75 laps, there were SEVEN cautions and, thankfully, no one was hurt.  The best part of the race?  The last few laps.  On lap 147, Corey LaJoie and Brandon McReynolds got together battling for the lead; McReynolds got into the back of the No. 07 of LaJoie, pulling off the majority of the bumper cover.  The bumper cover was left hanging by a thread and if LaJoie didn't either (A) get it off of the car himself or (B) pit to get it taken off, he would have been black-flagged and would have lost the race.  Thankfully for Corey, the No. 46 of Brandon Gdovic, who was the free-pass, was able to hit the bumper cover, knocking it off, allowing LaJoie to keep his lead, and getting the "Monster" win.  See what I did there?

This was Corey's fourth win of the season, all of these wins coming in the last eight races.  The American Real TV 150 win propelled LaJoie to the second place in the points standings - one point behind Kyle Larson.  Brett Moffitt, who was the points leader going into Dover, fell to the third position in the points standings after having to change a battery during the race.

If you're interested in watching this exciting race, tune into the SPEED Channel this Thursday, October 4, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Finally, my latest video blog, featuring qualifying, practice, drivers, pictures, and everything else is below.

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Fathia Balogun earns respect from her fans!

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THERE are celebrities and there are celebrities, but one star that has earned the respect of fans and critics in recent times is no other than adorable actress, Fathia Balogun. Gist from AMAA awards has it that the actress was given an economy class ticket on getting to the airport to travel for the prestigious award. But rather than making an issue out of the situation like many would have, she simply upgraded her ticket to Business Class. Not stopping there, she also acquired same class of tickets for her Personal Assistant and Make-Up artistes who were on the trip with her.

Those who were at the scene when this happened immediately went to town with the gist. Since the event occurred, the fame of the beautiful actress who donned a brown flowery gown at the award ceremony has further soared among her colleagues and numerous fans who already heard the gist.

Meanwhile, Fathia was among the lists of celebrities who present the AMAA crest to winners at the just concluded event.


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Thursday, February 12, 2009

You should watch this

I've been thinking a lot about old movies, ones that have stayed with me since I've seen them, however long ago that might be. These are films that I feel very lucky to have seen, so I am going to start showcasing my favourites, with the hope that some of you will be inspired the next time you go to the video store (if anyone even does that, anymore). (Or the library! You can get DVDs from the library! For free! Go support those wonderful people.)

First up on the list, among my favourite films ever. I could watch it every day. That may be hyperbole, but still - I love it.

Imitation of Life - 1959 - Directed by Douglas Sirk

This is among the most glorious, heartbreaking films I have ever seen. It follows the stories of two single mothers - one white, one black - as they perform the near-impossible task of raising their daughters. This is melodrama at its best, in technicolor.

Eight billion stars.

ana said...

Funny.. I've been thinking this old movie yesterday. Have you watched it?

Ella said...

Ana: I have seen the Umbrellas of Cherbourg. I thought it was beautiful to look at, but I found it a little bit tedious, and I didn't love it. I did, I suppose, like it.

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I think I might be addicted to books. And noodles. I need the ocean. I want to know everything. Almost. I love love. And loving things. Like love. And like.

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