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October 01, 2007
Poor Little Cubbies Poor Little Cubbies
Not our Chicago cubbies, but our little Amur tiger cubs at the Brookfield Zoo: Tiger cubs recovering after attack by parents Chicago Tribute 11:46 AM CDT, October 1, 2007 Turns out, the cubs were in their enclosure with their mom, Tiara, who have been off-exhibit since their birth in May. Their enclosure is next to their father, Robecki. The male cub was sticking his paw through a small opening between the two pens and his father did some pretty bad damage to it. The damage to the cubs tails was the mother trying to pull the two cubs away from the opening to protect them. Who would have thought that the cute tiger in the picture below could attack his own kin? Poor little cubbies. Posted by Yano at 12:47 PM
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September 09, 2007
Too Much Salt can Put You in Jail Too Much Salt can Put You in Jail
Give me a break! Oversalted burger leads to charges This isn't food poisoning, it's a crappy burger. Just ask for you money back, jerk! Posted by Yano at 04:05 PM
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March 18, 2007
Yes, I Know He's On Dancing With The Stars Yes, I Know He's On Dancing With The Stars
Over the last month or so, I've gotten comments, emails, text messages and phone calls, all pretty much starting out the same way - "Hey, did you know that Apolo's going to be on Dancing With the Stars?" This "Apolo" being Apolo Anton Ohno, who I've filed under "those years that short track was a hobby". You all may know that I was (and still am to a point) a huge fan of the sport, going to competitions when I could and making some amazing friends along the way. So in a way, I owe it all to that long-haired soul patched foxtrotter. It makes me laugh that when friends and family see his name they think of me, even though that's been a part of my life that I really haven't had time for lately. My short track life is something that is a distant memory, replaced by dirty diapers, pureed banana on my floor and waking up to a giggling, smiling face (when he isn't falling off the bed, that is). But yes, I'm aware that Apolo's going to be dancing in this season of DWTS, I've known for some time yet. I have mixed feelings about it. Part of me is interested to see how he does, to see if his moves on the ballroom floor are as good as his moves on the ice. Part of me is wary of this move - I've felt that DWTS is a place where publicity hungry people go to extend their 15 minutes of fame. Nonetheless, I'll be watching it (like I do every year - Mario was cheated, man!) and I'll be cheering for A-Lo. Thanks to all of you who thought of me and let me know, just so I didn't miss it. For those of you interested, here's a link to some video, courtesy of the OZ: Click image to watch their interview: Posted by Yano at 03:44 PM
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March 12, 2007
Bored in New York? Bored in New York?
If you're in New York City today and have got some time tonight, check out my best friend Jaygee's show! She's amazingly talented, and everything she touches turns to gold, so I'm sure that this show is going to be a blast.
Posted by Yano at 12:53 AM
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February 10, 2007
Redpac's Mardi Gras Contest Redpac's Mardi Gras Contest
Redpac requested a pimping by me: 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Contest That's right, I'm starting it a tad early...this benefits you consistant readers. You can win a swanky Mardi Gras prize pack, consisting mainly of stuff I catch at parades and other places in New Orleans along with various other goodies I have from the Tall Steve giveaway archives. Here's how it works: Check out his site here. Believe me, he always has awesome prize bags! Posted by Yano at 05:17 PM
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January 05, 2007
The Real Heroes The Real Heroes
As I may have mentioned already, I'm a big fan of the show "Heroes". I'm also a huge fan of comic books. One aspect that I love about Heroes and comics is how these people use their powers to help people, that no matter how dire the situation is, there's someone to come in and save the day. These people often put themselves in danger to save lives. It's very rare that you see that happen in real life, but it turns out that this week is the week of heroes: Passerby catches falling child, say NY police Crazy, isn't it? I mean, that kid must have been so heavy falling from the fourth floor. Here's another one, same city, and it's pretty incredible... Rescuer pins fallen teenager as subway passes over them Can you believe that? It's like something out of a movie. He gets extra points for the pimp blue playboy hat! With all that's going wrong in the world right now, it's good to know that there are still heroes there, to be there when we need them... Posted by Yano at 12:26 AM
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December 13, 2006
Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose
![]() LOS ANGELES - Peter Boyle, the tall, prematurely bald actor who was the tap-dancing monster in "Young Frankenstein" and the curmudgeonly father in the long-running sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," has died. He was 71. Article: Actor Peter Boyle dead at 71 I'll miss Peter Boyle...he was one of the best actors of his generation. I also have a soft spot for him in my heart because he was the main character in one of my favorite X-Files episodes (I'm an X-Files freak, ya know) - "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose", for which he won an Emmy. He played a man who could see how people would die, and did it so effortlessly - making such a sad, tragic character so charming and lovable. He uttered one of the best lines of the whole series - when Scully finally relented to his question, "Don't you want to know how you're going to die?" he tells her, "You don't." Of course, most of you may know him from "Everybody Loves Raymond", where he played Ray's father in law. Or maybe "Young Frankenstein", where he danced. So goodbye, Peter, you'll forever be Clyde to me... Posted by Yano at 01:38 PM
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December 12, 2006
Johnnie Walker Helps NOLA Johnnie Walker Helps NOLA
Got this cool link via Redpac. You may know that New Orleans is a place close to his heart, and this is a great way to help them out AND get your loved ones some personalized Johnnie Walker labels! Home For the Holidays Customized Johnnie Walker Labels Best thing about it - it's free to you! All you have to do is customize your label on the site (after signing up and a little survey), and they will donate $5 to New Orleans Habitat for Humanity for up to $150,000. Here's the one I made: ![]() Posted by Yano at 10:39 PM
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December 09, 2006
Planetary triple play on deck Sunday Planetary triple play on deck Sunday
Sorry I've only been posting news and such - I've been busy with all this holiday crap. I've got a lot to do before I go out of town next week! Anyway, as a kid, I always loved gazing at the stars, so I thought this would be something really cool to share with you all: Stargazers will get a rare triple planetary treat this weekend with Jupiter, Mercury and Mars appearing to nestle together in the predawn skies. About 45 minutes before dawn on Sunday those three planets will be so close that the average person's thumb can obscure all three from view. Ahh, Mars, the Butterscotch Planet! Posted by Yano at 04:10 AM
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December 07, 2006
Pearl Harbor survivors meet for last time Pearl Harbor survivors meet for last time
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - With their number quickly dwindling, survivors of Pearl Harbor will gather Thursday one last time to honor those killed by the Japanese 65 years ago, and to mark a day that lives in infamy. Posted by Yano at 09:11 AM
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December 03, 2006
Maybe It's Because Your Kid Sucks Maybe It's Because Your Kid Sucks
Saw this one on Fark: Castro Valley hoops coach can't win The results are in at Castro Valley High School. That's where a group of parents were in an uproar over girls varsity basketball coach Nancy Nibarger and demanded that her team be picked by a six-person panel. This week the team roster was posted. See the whole story HERE Fine, I understand being bummed that your kid didn't make it on the basketball team. I mean, yeah, I'll be a bit bummed if Benjamin doesn't make the 2022 Olympics for the pentathalon. But I'm not going to cry and complain about it and say that rather having the coach pick the team, to have a panel of people choose the team instead. The coach SHOULD pick her own team - she's the one who knows their abilities the best, she's the one who has to work with them, she's the one who will be criticized if they don't win. But what I find to be the funniest part of this is that the whiny parents' kids didn't even make the cut after the panel decided....and STILL the parents cry foul. Get over it! Your kid sucks! If Benjamin doesn't make the track and field team, that's fine! We'll move on to curling for the Winter Olympics! Posted by Yano at 12:03 PM
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November 30, 2006
New Trivia Rules! New Trivia Rules!
It's been brought to my attention that people have been playing multiple times in the trivia game, giving them better scores if questions are re-used. So I just wanted to post a couple rules and notes about the YWIM trivia game (which you can find HERE if you're interested in playing - it's fun!): 1) Only one login ID per person. Which means you can only play once per day. I have access to all the IP addresses of players so I know who's got more than one ID. I also know that there are some players that live in the same household, so if that is the case, please leave a comment below stating the ID's for your household. I have having to do this, but this is what happens when people take advantage of the loose rules I had before (which were no rules). If I see anything suspicious, I'll give a warning, and after the second offense I will ban the IP address from playing. 2) If you ever need to recreate your ID, let me know. 3) I try to change the topics as often as I can, but things happen and sometimes there will be a sucky topic two or three days in a row. Shit happens! Literally, that's all I do nowadays...clean up shit. 4) Weekends are the best time to play because I usually make it an easy, generic subject like "Easy Trivia" or "80's Trivia". 5) Feel free to trashtalk...just be nice! Everyone's been pretty good about it so far! 6) If two or more people play the trivia before I've had a chance to change the topic, chances are I won't change it for that day. Remember, the games reset at around 11pm CT. I usually change the topic between 10pm - 3am. 7) Feel free to suggest topics...most of the time I'd be happy to use them. If there are any questions, suggestions, comments you'd like to make about trivia, please say them now! I'll be constantly monitoring this post and linking it in the trivia so feel free to comment here anytime! Posted by Yano at 02:06 AM
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August 27, 2006
Fine, Yelp, I'll Pimp You Out Fine, Yelp, I'll Pimp You Out
Walter, my other "internet addiction" pimp (the main one being Mike), got me hooked on Yelp, an online review site. Yelp is a community that started out in San Francisco that reviews local businesses - restaurants, stores, nightlife, pretty much anything around the area. It currently has about 20 cities in its listing (mostly around California), and they are always adding more. I love reading reviews. When I was buying stuff for Benjamin I spent hour poring over reviews on the Babies R Us site, trying to see what experiences people have had with whatever bathtub, crib or toy I was planning to buy. I always told myself that I would do reviews on things, too, since I rely so heavily on others. So that's what I'm doing with Yelp...However, I'm having a hard time reviewing because I really haven't encountered too many places that I'm disappointed in, so pretty much everything gets a high score from me. So today my review for Cafe Iberico was chosen as the review of the day, so I thought I'd give them some linky lovin' back. You can see all my reviews here. So go ahead and check it out! Feel free to add me as a friend! Posted by Yano at 11:15 AM
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August 17, 2006
24 Second Shot Clock 24 Second Shot Clock
Because I'm the queen of useless but interesting information...here's a little thing I found while surfing the net. Ever wonder why the 24 second shot clock started in basketball? Or why it's 24 seconds. Probably not. But let me tell ya! Back in the day, all a team had to do was get a nice lead in the game, then just waste the rest of the game passing to each other and playing keep away from the other team until the game was over. This made some really low scoring games, and people weren't interested to come to watch because it was so boring! So they decided to create a time clock for possession. But why the 24 seconds? Here's why: The question we want to consider here, though, is "Why 24 seconds?" Given our penchant for favoring round numbers, why didn't the NBA adopt a 30-second clock, or at least a 25-second clock? What's so special about the 24 seconds? Now you know! You can spread this knowledge to your friends at critical times during basketball games so they can say "Shut up!" and kick you in the head. Posted by Yano at 07:16 AM
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August 16, 2006
Trivia Quiz Problems? Trivia Quiz Problems?
Is anyone else having problems with the daily YWIM quiz? I got an email from a concerned player who said she couldn't access the page. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, feel free to play the daily Yanowhatimean? Trivia Game! That is, if you can access it. The game is hot and heavy with Noelle, Cav and Redpac currently fighting for the top spot. It's always a lot of fun, and trashtalking is welcome! Posted by Yano at 10:23 AM
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August 11, 2006
YWIM PSA: Jury Duty Scam YWIM PSA: Jury Duty Scam
You know, I get a lot of emails that end up being scams. I usually check any emails I have against Snopes.com to check if it's legit or not. I got this one in the email today that turned out to be the real deal: Here's a new twist scammers are using to commit identity theft: the jury duty scam. Here's how it works: This has been verified in this article by snopes and this article by the FBI. So watch out...always be suspicious when someone is asking for your information over the phone or online! Thanks to Megan for the heads up! Posted by Yano at 11:01 AM
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August 02, 2006
My Guilty Pleasure - Hollywood Stock Exchange My Guilty Pleasure - Hollywood Stock Exchange
Over the last couple months I've had a new internet addiction - The Hollywood Stock Exchange. It's a free site where you get $2 million Hollywood Dollars and you can invest in different things, like movies, movie stars, etc. You can also try to predict how much a movie will make in its opening weekend - will it meet the industries estimates or fall short? It's a lot of fun to do, though it can get pretty stressing. I got screwed over because "Superman" did so crappy. Sure, it made tons of money, but it really didn't do as well as suspected. Luckily, "Little Man" did surprisingly well, just like I knew it would. I was also able to cash in a little on the success of Pirates II. For this weekend, I've got my fingers crossed that "The Descent" falls flat, that "The Barnyard" ends the losing streak of weak performing childrens' movies (Ant Bully and Monster House didn't do well) and that "The Night Listener" makes at LEAST $6 mil at the boxoffice. Those of you who like Project Runway can have some fun with hsx also, since you can invest in the contestants to see where they will place. I've got stock in Uli Herzner and Robert Best. As long as they place in the top 5 I'll be making a nice profit. So check out the site, see if you enjoy it as much as I do. It's a bit confusing at first but I'd be happy to give you some help, even though I'm still learning how to use it. I lost a million my first couple weeks because I didn't know how to play, but I made it back and then some. If you want to see how other people are doing, you can also add friends to your "league". You can't see what stocks they have, but you can see how well they're doing. Post up your screen name if you want me to add you to mine...my sn is Kwannon if you want to add me. Have fun! Posted by Yano at 10:28 AM
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June 28, 2006
Yeah, You Knew It Was Coming Yeah, You Knew It Was Coming
So a couple weeks after Benjamin was born I had stated that I had thoughts of creating a blog for my little man, but then said I was crazy for thinking it because I didn't even have time to update my own. Well, I am crazy because I've just created "The Ben Blog", a little journal for little Ben-pao to share his perspective on the world with all of you out there. To tell the truth, one of the reasons I haven't been updating lately is because not much has happened to me, or if something has happened, it would take too much time to write about it. But Ben, on the other hand, has tons of things happening in his life, and like his attention span, these events are nice and short, which would be easy to blog about. So yeah, rather than making this into a mommy blog where I gush about every little thing that my little booger does, he can have his own blog where he can just tell you what's going on. Which leaves me to write about more important things on this blog, like how I'm addicted to the E! network. You know, important things. So check out Ben's blog and say "hello": Who am I kidding, this is still gonna be a mommy blog! I mean, how can I not gush over a cutie like this? ![]() Posted by Yano at 12:50 AM
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June 05, 2006
For the Boys - The ALMA Awards For the Boys - The ALMA Awards
[reposted since the show airs tonight!] This blog has been very woman-centric lately, and it's going to be like that for a while. But I know I've got some male readers out there so I want to make sure I take care of you guys, too. So I just wanted you all to mark your calendars - Monday, June 5th - because that is the night the ALMA Awards will be televised. What are the ALMA awards? The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., announces the return of the NCLR ALMA Awards in a prime-time spot on ABC Monday, June 5 (9:30-11:00 p.m. EST)! The NCLR ALMA Awards honors outstanding Latino artistic achievement in television, film, and music and the enhancement of the Latino image in the entertainment industry. "But I'm not Latino, Christine, why should I care?" Well, my friends, you should care because Eva Longoria is hosting the show! Well, you should really care because it's important to celebrate the impact that Latinos have made in entertainment, but you should watch because Eva is the host - and she has several dress changes. If Eva isn't enough to entice you, the opening act has Eva dancing in a almost-not-there dress with some of the hottest Latina women in entertainment - Carmen Electra, Rosalyn Sanchez (Rush Hour 2), Constance Marie (The George Lopez Show), and Paulina Rubio (singer). I saw clips of their dance on some of the entertainment shows and let me tell you, it was HOT! ![]() Rosalyn, Carmen, Eva, Paulina, Constance Legs! Legs! Legs! I'm going to start doing lunges while carrying Ben so I can get some hot legs like that. So watch it. Support Latinos. And after you watch Eva & Co shake their booties and you think to yourself, "Damn, that was hot! I'm glad I caught that!", remember where you heard it first, and say to yourself, "Yano is so good to me. She rocks!" Posted by Yano at 02:41 PM
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May 12, 2006
Go White Boy Go White Boy Go! Go White Boy Go White Boy Go!
I just had to post this video of Tom Cruise dancing at BET while doing publicity for Mission Impossible. It makes me laugh. Posted by Yano at 06:48 PM
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May 11, 2006
Stop Drive Through Mastectomies! Stop Drive Through Mastectomies!
Here's another thing that I'd love if you all spread the word about - copy it in emails to friends, post it on your blogs, stick it on your office fridge. I checked it out (I'm always wary of email hoaxes so I check things out to make sure that they are legit. This one definitely is and once again, it's a great cause: PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and family. THANKS! Click here for the Lifetime site to sign the petition. I remember when my mother got home from her operation. She was groggy, out of sorts, and needed a lot of cheering up. I don't remember how long she was at the hospital, but I remember that when she did come home she still needed a lot of TLC. Getting a mastectomy isn't something that should be an in and out procedure - not only is the recovery tough, but it's also mentally and emotionally very trying. So I beg you to sign this petition, and hopefully this bill gets passed. Posted by Yano at 12:44 AM
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May 10, 2006
Lobello Walks for Charity Lobello Walks for Charity
Olympian Anthony Lobello is going to be walking for charity in the Relay for Life, trying to raise $50,000 for the American Cancer Society on Friday. I really don't have any extra cash lying around right now - it's all going to diapers and doctor bills, but this is my way of contributing to the cause. The 2006 Olympian is joining forces with the American Cancer Society to raise money for the Relay for Life Friday in his hometown of Tallahassee, Fla. Typically, participants form teams and take turns walking during the 18-hour event, but Lobello plans to walk the entire time himself. He’s looking forward to the challenge. If you've got anything extra to give, please donate. It's a great cause and one that's close to my heart. Also, I know a lot of you do fundraising out there and have sent me emails (I'm talking about YOU, Leen, the charity queen!). I give when I can, but what I'll also be doing from now on is posting them here so other people will get a chance to donate too! Posted by Yano at 10:25 AM
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May 03, 2006
Excessive and Unnecessary Contact Excessive and Unnecessary Contact
Did anyone see Reggie Evans from the Denver Nuggets totally stick his hand up Clippers player Chris Kaman's ass the other day? I saw this on ESPN, which is funny because Dave didn't know about it when I told him. Here's the AP take on it: NEW YORK -- Denver forward Reggie Evans was fined $10,000 and assessed a flagrant foul penalty two by the NBA on Monday for his actions during the Nuggets' 100-86 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. What would provoke someone to stick their hand up some other guys butt? Sure, during a pickup game on a playground court, maybe, but not during a playoff game when it's televised and ESPN can replay it over and over again in slow motion, showing your hand totally get stuck up another guys butt. Eew. Posted by Yano at 12:19 AM
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May 02, 2006
The Day is Coming The Day is Coming
Fatima just informed me that there's going to be a remake of "The Omen", starring Liev Schrieber, Julia Stiles and Mia Farrow. The official website has a pretty interesting trailer. I'm always wary of remakes, they never seem to be as good as the original. The great thing about the original "Omen" was the feeling of impending doom that you felt throughout the movie. No special effects, no gratuitous blood and gore, all of it done with the simple art of directing. I doubt I'll watch this one in the theater, may not even see it on video, I'll probably wait til it's on cable. You know what the spooky thing is though? The opening day is 06.06.06. Ohhhhh.......creepy! I think I'll spend that day in church praying for our souls. Posted by Yano at 08:04 PM
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March 30, 2006
Conan's Coming to Chicago! Conan's Coming to Chicago!
As some of you know, I love Conan O'Brien...turns out he's coming to Chicago in May! I don't know how busy I'm going to be with the baby, but I'm definitely going to try and get tickets...just in case! Here's the 411 for you Chicago cats: Location: The Chicago Theatre 175 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60601 Show Dates: Tuesday May 9, 2006 - Friday May 12, 2006 Show times: 4:30pm Posted by Yano at 02:37 PM
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March 22, 2006
I'll Be Staying Out of Texas for a While... I'll Be Staying Out of Texas for a While...
Those of you who know me from my pre-pregnancy days and knew the party gal I was in college are aware of my affection for alcohol. Not alcoholic-affection, but an affection for a good night of drinking, dancing and just being plain silly. With drinking comes the chance of being drunk. It's been rare in the last several years that I've been classified as drunk, but I have been on occasion...Sometimes I just forget to watch my consumption...and open bars make me really happy. Anyway, looks like I'll be staying out of the state of Texas...seems like they're pretty strict out there: SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Reuters) - Texas has begun sending undercover agents into bars to arrest drinkers for being drunk, a spokeswoman for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said on Wednesday. ADVERTISEMENT Hmm, I can see raids in college towns to catch underage drinkers, but people getting arrested when they're IN A BAR? I dunno, I understand their reasons for it, but it seems a little too strict for me. Why not have your undercover agents follow people to their cars or set up surveillance in parking lots? Or wait til those drunk people get kicked out of the bar? I mean, yeah, being drunk in a bar = public intoxication, but come on, isn't there another way? People won't want to go to bars anymore and will stick to house parties which a much more dangerous than being in bars (collapsing balconies, alcohol poisoning, etc) Well, I guess I don't really have anything to worry about right now...since I can't drink any alcohol anyway and even if I did, my drunken partying days are over...that is, until my kid gets into college and I become that mom, the one who goes to the college bars and makes a complete drunken fool of herself as her son looks on and shakes his head. Oh yeah, I'm going to be SO awesome at that.... Posted by Yano at 05:53 PM
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March 21, 2006
Richard Simmons on WLIIA Richard Simmons on WLIIA
This one in from Rod... Richard Simmons on "Who's Line Is It Anyway" I'll never look at a jetski the same way again....Simmons is CRAZY!!!! Posted by Yano at 09:35 AM
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March 10, 2006
Apolo Store Apolo Store
Since Rusty doesn't let me post links on his site, I'll post this here... For all you Apolo Anton Ohno fans that haven't heard, his online store opened today! ![]() Click on the link for some happy Apolo related shopping! Posted by Yano at 11:00 AM
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March 08, 2006
The New Furry Blond Lobster The New Furry Blond Lobster
I think it's always worth a mention when a new species is discovered, so new that it gets its own family and genus name for it. Introducing...the Kiwa hirsuta, what is also known as the furry blond lobster. The animal is white and 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) long -- about the size of a salad plate. Story: New animal resembles furry lobster ![]() I'm half expecting this thing to jump up and start singing "Copa Cabana" or something like that. Posted by Yano at 10:07 AM
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March 06, 2006
Gangsta Nat Gangsta Nat
Thanks to Wally for this vid...taken from last weekend's SNL. Even when Natalie Portman's a screaming, swearing banshee, she's still beautiful and classy! Posted by Yano at 08:34 AM
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March 02, 2006
I Need the Pill I Need the Pill
....well, not THE pill, because I'm a little past that now...but THIS pill: ![]() Work has been kicking my ass this week! I haven't had time to sit down and really just relax... Thanks to Sue for the pick-me-up! Posted by Yano at 04:32 PM
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February 23, 2006
For Your Consideration - Cheek! For Your Consideration - Cheek!
DHL (the delivery service) is holding a contest called the U.S. Olympic Spirit Awards, where people can vote on the US athletes they feel best show the Olympic spirit. You can vote for a team, a male athlete and a female athlete. Also, by registering to vote, you get a chance to be an Olympian for a day - that is, head out to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training center, where the short track team, volleyball team and other Olympic teams train. This is a pretty cool contest, but unfortunately, much like Dancing with the Stars, it's a mere popularity contest...whoever is the most visible athletes are getting the most votes. Here are the standings so far... Male U.S. Olympian As much as I love Shaun White, I don't feel he should be at the top of this list. I definitely don't think that Chad should be #2 - yes, he's won us some medals, but showing Olympic spirit? No, I wouldn't have voted him on my list. (FYI - I wouldn't have voted for Shani, either) As for the women, I'm glad to see Lindsey Kildow at the top of the list. Though I voted for Kelly Clark, since she went all out in her last run and really broke the barrier between women and men in terms of how awesome her run was, til the end. Snowboarding is a good choice for the top of the team list, having gotten the most medals, a great team of good sports (let's forget that Lindsey Jacobellis snafu). But let me bend your ear for a bit, my friends, and let you know who I endorse... There is one person throughout this whole Olympics who, to me, has exemplified what being an Olympian is - competing his hardest, being a good sport, being unselfish, and playing nice when a storm of controversy surrounded those around him...and that is Joey Cheek. No one heard of Joey Cheek before these games. He didn't have a cool NBC add with flames and cool rock music. He was hardly talked about by any sportscasters and was off the radar of many people who were making race predictions. ![]() Even now, after winning a gold and silver medal and donating all of his winnings ($40,000) to an organization that brings sports to children of underdeveloped countries, his light is still hidden under the Shani/Chad feud. But his contribution to Right to Play has caused other sponsors to match his donation, currently around $300,000 in matched donations. During all of this, he stays humble" He seems genuinely embarrassed by the attention his donation has attracted. "I always felt like if I did something big, I wanted to give something back," Cheek said. "The best way is by helping someone else. It is empowering to think of somebody other than yourself. I can take the time to gush about how wonderful I feel or I can use it for something productive. I skate around ice in tights. It's not that big a deal." So here's the link to vote, you can vote for whoever you want to, you don't have to vote for Joey...but I ask you to really think about who you're voting for, who really has the Olympic spirit... Vote for the US Olympic Spirit Award (you have to register to vote, but you can vote every day) Posted by Yano at 12:09 PM
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February 20, 2006
A YWIM Public Service Announcement A YWIM Public Service Announcement
This message is brought to you by Aquaman Sam, who thought my Chicago readers may want to beware! Illinois will begin using photo radar in freeway work zones in July. Second offense tickets are $1,000 with license suspension. As someone who doesn't really pay attention to workzones, this is something that I'll really be watching out for. However, this will be much more effective to slowing people down than those signs that they used to have, written in kid scrawl that I had to actually READ as I was driving..."Please slow down, my daddy has died...etc" I'd think more people would get into accidents reading it! Posted by Yano at 11:06 AM
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February 17, 2006
Redpac's Mardi Gras Contest Redpac's Mardi Gras Contest
Since Redpac's driving out to Indiana and buying a lotto ticket for me... Only a couple more weeks to participate in Redpac's yearly "Guess the date and time the first Mardi Gras drunken vomit will happen" contest. Yes, he's still going to Mardi Gras. I'm sure he'll have many interesting photos and he's more than happy to support the economy of NOLA. Check out Redpac's contest Posted by Yano at 11:53 AM
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January 24, 2006
Wally the Thames Whale Wally the Thames Whale
Rescue workers came immediately, trying to prevent the adolescent whale from beaching on the shallow banks of the river and trying to point her downstream, back to the ocean. No one knows how she got lost and came up the river, but various theories say predators, sonar from ships, illness or just got lost chasing a meal. It was obvious to onlookers that the whale's health was deteriorating because of lack of food and the shallow waters. She was put upon a rescue barge so they could take her out to the deep see before her condition worsened. However, Saturday night 'Wally', as she was dubbed by the British press, suffered from convulsions and died. So now comes the necropsy (which I guess is the same as an autopsy) to see what could have caused the whale to stray so far from deep water. After that is probably the blame game, since people need someone to blame for a tragedy like this. Number one on the list right now, the UK government, who people believe should have been monitoring the cetacean population around its waters in the first place. Wally's resting place will be the Natural History Museum, where her bones will be used for scientific research. Rest in peace, Wally, and hopefully you found your way home to that big deep blue ocean in the sky... Posted by Yano at 10:17 AM
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January 07, 2006
Bear Down, Chicago Bears! Bear Down, Chicago Bears!
But lo and behold, Orton did ok as a quarterback, staying uninjured and started 10 games, something almost unheard of in Chicago where we have been cursed with bad, easily broken quarterbacks for more than a decade. Thomas Jones came out from what would have been Cedric Benson's shadow and became one of the best running backs in the league, helped out by the gritting play of Adrian Peterson. ...and that defense! The best defense in the league, rarely allowing touchdowns for the opposing offense and having the best red zone coverage of any of the other teams, only allowing 202 points this year, 45 points lower than the nearest team. The defense that constantly won various 'Defensive Player of the Week' awards, Nathan Vasher getting a record 108 yard touchdown after a missed field goal, and not only did Brian Urlacher get the Defensive Player of the Year award, his teammates Lance Briggs, Nathan Vasher and Alex Brown also received votes. All of this under Lovie's watchful, calm as a cucumber eye. That's the thing that I love the most about him - he always keeps his cool. Rarely yells at the players, rarely jumps up to celebrate. His demeanor is the same after a loss as it is after a win. When there was an issue with two team members fighting, he managed to keep the press from getting details and dealt with it himself, only making the team stronger afterwards. That's the kind of coach that people want to win for. Not because they're scared of being punished or getting yelled at, they win because they want to make someone that that they respect proud of them. They're doing it for Lovie, because each one of those guys on that field know that he's the best coach in the league. Luckily, the AP reports figure that out, too... Posted by Yano at 12:52 PM
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January 06, 2006
Trivia and Football Standings Trivia and Football Standings
Sorry for the delay on the trivia standings, I know you've all been anticipating my post about them (DAN). Last month was a busy month for Trivia, with Redpac bringing in all his friends to play so he could increase the points that could be won on any given day (the more that play, the more points the winner gets). Short came in and was dominating for the first couple days, and then Zebedest looked lije the months winner, but Redpac came from behind with his superfast reading skills and won the month! 1. Redpac (471 points, 4 wins) It infuriates me that this is my own quiz and I'm not even in the top 5. *cries* Just kidding...Anyway, thanks for playing everyone! Spread the word and increase the available points! Remember, I'm always open to new trivia topics, also... Last month also ended my football pool...where Redpac beat me by ONE POINT. Of course, if I didn't screw up my point spread early in the season my accidentally betting against the Bears (come on now, I NEVER bet against the Bears!) I would have beat him for sure. However, the true champion of my 2005 pool goes to Jerry, who spanked everyone with his superior football picks! 1 Jerry 1566 Thanks to all the guys that played, it was a lot of fun! Posted by Yano at 10:24 AM
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December 22, 2005
Keep Away Keep Away
Here's a fun game to play - see how long you can last: http://www.iol.ie/~dluby/escape.htm OK, I'm lying. It isn't fun. It's addicting. Addicting until you realize that you're going to have a heart attack because your heartrate is going so fast because you're so nervous you're going to fail. But that's kinda fun, isn't it? http://www.iol.ie/~dluby/escape.htm I got up to 21.51 seconds before I realized I was holding my breath the whole time and needed to take a break. How long can you last? Posted by Yano at 09:26 AM
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December 13, 2005
I'm Having Fun and You're Not I'm Having Fun and You're Not
It seems that a researcher in Washington has discovered that when your dog is panting after you've been playing for a while or when he's anticipating a walk outside is actually "dog laughter". He's happy, and that's his way of showing it. This same researcher has been trying to find some way to ease the stress levels at dog shelters, where dogs are often barking and whining and the conditions aren't that great. Patricia Simonet, development and program coordinator for Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service, also found that the sound of dog laughter comforts other dogs. When she played a recording of "play panting" through the speaker system at a shelter in Spokane Valley, all the barking dogs quieted within a minute. I think that's really great, that they've found a way to help calm these other dogs. But we don't really understand dog-speak yet. Sure, it may be dog laughter, but what if the dogs are really saying, "I'm so happy to be out here in the sunshine and playing with a family that loves me! Those poor fucks in shelters are so screwed! This is the life!" ...and then the researchers play the sounds over the loudspeakers, 'calming' the shelter dogs. But maybe it's not actually calming them, maybe they've given up on life, knowing that they may never get to feel the love of a family, that those sounds of laughter are so foreign to them that they've given up hope, that the sleeping room is just one bark away... Then again, it might be good for the dogs, so they'll totally kiss up to the people who come by to adopt, just so they could have a chance to laugh again... I don't know. It's late. I'm off to sleep! Posted by Yano at 05:09 AM
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November 14, 2005
Green Puppy Born! Green Puppy Born!
Thought this was a cute story....I'd love to see if the little bugger stays green: ![]() ALHAMBRA, Calif -- The littermates of a Northern California puppy may be green with envy. Posted by Yano at 06:55 AM
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November 04, 2005
Chicago Filipino Film Festival! Chicago Filipino Film Festival!
I'm not going to be back in town until late tonight, but if any of you are interested in going to the Filipino Film Festival in Chicago, it should be a great treat! Here's some information: THE CHICAGO FILIPINO AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL 2005 THE CHOPIN THEATRE 1543 W. DIVISION STREET CHICAGO, IL 60622 NOVEMBER 3-6, 2005 Check out the schedule at http://cfaff.org/. Posted by Yano at 07:08 AM
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October 21, 2005
Don't Forget! Don't Forget!
Hey! Don't forget to click on the link on the left (or right, depending on which layour you're using) to help fund a free mammogram! Click once to go to the page, and click again on the main page of the site to make your click count. Posted by Yano at 09:36 PM
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September 21, 2005
The Book of Revelations The Book of Revelations
This is pretty spooky...National Guard in a New Orleans school are starting to see ghosts. Soldiers Spooked by New Orleans Spirits Posted by Yano at 11:47 AM
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September 20, 2005
Damn You, Federated Department Stores, Inc.! Damn You, Federated Department Stores, Inc.!
Looks like Federated Department Stores, Inc. is planning on changing the name of the beloved Chicago department store Marshall Fields.....to MACY'S. Ugh. "To better serve our customers in this highly competitive retailing environment, we must concentrate on our best national brands and reduce costs so we can deliver outstanding value to shoppers," said Terry J. Lundgren, Federated's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We believe that continuing to build Macy's and Bloomingdale's aggressively across America will accelerate our comp store sales performance and increase profitability, thereby driving shareholder value. The place just won't be the same. It's hard to comprehend how much this saddens me. I mean, it's going to sell the same things, look more or less the same, but there's so much to a name. Marshall Fields. The name conjures up so many memories - eating in the swanky Walnut Room and seeing Billy Corgan and Courtney Love, taking the train with my mom and dad as a kid to see the window decorations during Christmas, Frango mints, etc. Marshall Fields *IS* Chicago. ![]() Marshall Fields during the holidays "We have great respect for the legacy and traditions of Marshall Field's, and we carefully researched customer preferences and studied alternatives before making this decision to incorporate Marshall Field's into the nationwide Macy's brand," Lundgren said. "While the store's name will change, much of what customers love will stay the same, including Marshall Field's traditions and its outstanding record of community and charitable giving. As part of this name change process, we will do everything we can to honor the Marshall Field's heritage, particularly in its Chicago birthplace." WHATEVER! LIARS! There's a poll in the Chicago Tribune article (which is linked in the first paragraph of this post). Out of 3000 responses, 90.2% of those polled said that the name change will make a difference to them. 96.2% said that they will be less likely to shop there. Does that help the shareholder value? I don't think so. Here's the comments of some readers: - Why not change Wrigley Field to Tribune Park? People outside of Chicago just don't get it. Macy's will never be successful here. ( Submitted by: DK) Sure, we're being big babies about it. But it's so hard to see a landmark that you've known all your life change names, because a corporation wants to make more money or wants to advertise. I still call it the Rosemont Horizon, even though it's officially "The Allstate Arena". Same thing with Comiskey Park/US Cellular Field, The Rosemont Convention Center/Donald A Stephens Convention Center, etc. The only one I call by its slave name is 'The United Center'. Because I really had no childhood memories of the Chicago Stadium, and it's not the same building anyway. The name has a big tie to the people. I've traveled all over the US. I've shopped at Macy's, and no offense, Macy's is no Marshall Fields. Fields has a character that is all its own. Hmph. Will I shop there? I might, but not as much as I used to. And I won't be happy about it. *pouts* Posted by Yano at 11:31 AM
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September 16, 2005
The Latest Harry Potter Trailer The Latest Harry Potter Trailer
Ohh, I'm rubbing my hands with excitement! I can't wait until this movie comes out! Latest Trailer for the Goblet of Fire Thanks to the wonderful Mike for the link! Posted by Yano at 01:06 PM
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September 15, 2005
Even Presidents Need to Pee Even Presidents Need to Pee
This was pretty funny.... Posted by Yano at 11:32 AM
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September 14, 2005
Pimpin' Aint Easy Pimpin' Aint Easy
Redpac has learned the fine art of nagging from his fiance. To stop what could be endless nagging, I'll make this post. (fine, he asked me twice, but I was grumpy so I called it nagging) Hope on over to his site for two contests he's having for the next couple weeks. He always has fun prize packs that he sends out, and this one will be sure to have some Mardi Gras beads inside, too. Plus, if you're a reader of YWIM and you win, I'll throw in a little something myself! So give it a try. I'm tired of that Noelle person winning all the contests around here. Give her some competition! Posted by Yano at 02:17 AM
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September 12, 2005
What a Surprise! What a Surprise!
Well, I'm sure no one saw THIS coming! NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Brown, under fire over his qualifications and what critics call a bungled response to Hurricane Katrina, resigned Monday, senior administration sources told CNN. At least he's resigning, rather than getting fired from the job, like most people would have been asking for anyway. I think people on all sides could agree that if fingers were to be pointed, the fattest finger would be pointed to FEMA and how ill-prepared it was for this emergency, which is its job to be ready for. Bye-bye Brownie! Posted by Yano at 03:24 PM
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September 07, 2005
One Last Thing One Last Thing
I swear, this will be my last hurricane related post for a while....or at least til tomorrow. *wink* I just checked out The Onion, and although it's not positive news, it's still funny in a sad, morbid kind of way...here's a couple of their headlines for this week: God Outdoes Terrorists Yet Again Katrina Officials Uncertain Whether To Save Or Shoot Victims Nation's Politicians Applaud Great Job They're Doing Government Relief Workers Mosey In To Help Another Saints Season Ruined Before It Begins -------------------------- I've never been to New Orleans, but I've always wanted to go. Not during Mardi Gras, but just to see the city, to feel the culture, to taste the food to experience the people. The city has so much character, so much history, so much mysticism...But I never had the chance to go. Now I never will. Not that they're not going to rebuild, because I believe they will. But I don't think it will be the same. I'm a big fan of Anne Rice, I love her books about witches, vampires and other creatures of the night. Through Anne, I'd fallen in love with New Orleans, at least the New Orleans that she had portrayed in her books. I was so saddened to realize that the places she wrote about in her books, places that had become so beloved to me in my mind, like the Garden District, could be gone. I wondered if she would say anything, of she would make some sort of statement. A couple days ago, she did, and I just wanted to share it with you - the point of view of one person from New Orleans who had shared her beloved city with so many... September 4, 2005 Do You Know What It Means to Lose New Orleans? By ANNE RICE La Jolla, Calif. ....for more, click on the link - Anne talks about what has happened in the last several days... I share this history for a reason - and to answer questions that have arisen these last few days. Almost as soon as the cameras began panning over the rooftops, and the helicopters began chopping free those trapped in their attics, a chorus of voices rose. "Why didn't they leave?" people asked both on and off camera. "Why did they stay there when they knew a storm was coming?" One reporter even asked me, "Why do people live in such a place?" Posted by Yano at 02:41 PM
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A Little Positivity A Little Positivity
I think the emotions from the hurricane are finally dying down - people are finally realizing that there will be time for finger-pointing later, that there have been failures on all levels of government (city state and federal). Hopefully they all learn from it, and that people who did fail will be held accountable. But what's good to know is that people are getting help. The convention center is empty now, and states are opening their doors to evacuees to help them get their lives back in order. Children who have been separated from their parents have been reunited. Progress is being made. There is still a LONG way to go, but we'll make it. So I just wanted to share a couple stories that show that there are some positive things happening. ------------------- So I'm at home today, watching Oprah, and they've got Julia Roberts, Matthew McCaunaughy, Chris Rock and other stars going to the affected areas and helping out and providing comfort. Yeah, some people will say it's a publicity stunt, but it's obvious that the people who are seeing them appreciate them coming out with supplies and hugs. I admit to crying when Chris Rock broke down crying thinking of his own daughter when he saw a little girl who was so happy and knew that nothing bad would happen as long as she was with her daddy. *wahhhh* I'm such a sap. ------------------ Kids are doing what they can to help the cause: The Frueh family kids began selling lemonade at rush hour Friday and planned to close their lemonade stand Monday afternoon. But the response has been so overwhelming, they said they`ll continue selling during afterwork hours this week. ------------------ A six-year old hero brings his little herd of children to safety: In the chaos that was Causeway Boulevard, this group of evacuees stood out: a 6-year-old boy walking down the road, holding a 5-month-old, surrounded by five toddlers who followed him around as if he were their leader. ------------------ Oil exec charters a jet to bring evacuees to San Diego: But he was clearly not content with merely contributing money. ------------------- This blog has a whole bunch of stories, heart warming and heart breaking, of the people touched by Hurricane Katrina: http://blogs.chron.com/katrinavoices/ ------------------- What has happened to the police force in New Orleans? They're hanging in there. Barely, but they are. For more than a week, they have dealt with personal tragedies no different from anyone else's here — apartments that are underwater, parents who are missing, children who are being shuttled from one shelter to the next. ------------------- 18 year-old hijacks a school bus, picks up people and brings them to safety: The teen packed it full of complete strangers and drove to Houston. He beat thousands of evacuees slated to arrive there. Authorities eventually allowed the renegade passengers inside the dome. But the 18-year-old who ensured their safety could find himself in a world of trouble for stealing the school bus. ------------------- Yesterday I got my copy of "LOST: Season I" in the mail. May not be good news to the people of the south, but hell, it's good news to me! Yay!!! LOST party at my house this weekend! Yay!!! Posted by Yano at 07:24 AM
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September 06, 2005
Give A Little Bit Give A Little Bit
I never realized my Kanye thread would blow up as it did - thanks to everyone for participating in it (to the person who called me out to "just shut up and help", I've been trying, I've donated and I only wish I could do more). We all have our opinions as to who to blame, what could have been done, what's going wrong now, but I know that in the end, what we care about is what is going to happen to those people, and how we can help. Here's a list of what ways you can help: FEMA Approved Charities ...more from FEMA ------- • Best Buy - Donate at your local Blockbuster and they'll match it up to 1 million • Bendis Board Charity Auction - Comic Fans get together to auction original art, toys, comics, etc for charity • Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue • Network for Good - several different charities you can choose from to donate to • The Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund - Papa Bush and Bill Clinton team up to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina • Manilow Fund for Health and Hope - They'll triple your contribution up to $50,000. • The Ellen Degeneres Show/Warner Bros - Trying to raise $1.5 million, and they will also match your contributions • Kevin Smith at View Askew is giving away a barbecue at his house - so far it's $5000. There's a lot more here, too, like a walk on part in the "Clerks 2" movie. Online Poker Charity Tournaments Where: Full Tilt Poker Where: Party Poker Where: Poker Stars Where: Poker Stars Where: Poker Stars Where: Poker Stars ------------- If you know of any more, post the link and I'll add it to the list... Beware of fake Katrina charity sites out there - I've heard rumors that there are a lot of them out there. Bastards should be shot for using a tragedy like this to make some money. Posted by Yano at 06:44 AM
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August 30, 2005
Are You Ready for Some Football? Are You Ready for Some Football?
I know I mentioned this a while ago, but who is interested in playing a football pool this season? It's nothing as time extensive as a fantasy football league - all you have to do in this pool is pick the winners for the games and choose your confidence in your choice. Here's an example...lets say there's 5 games being played this week. Red vs. Blue Within each game, choose who you think will win. Once you choose your winning teams, then rank them in order of 1-5 as to how confident you are that that team will win. Let's say this is how I think the games will go down: Red will beat Blue - 4 confidence because red is a pretty strong team Depending on what happens with the game, the amount of correct guesses I have adds up the corresponding confidence points. Lets say all my picks were right except for the Black game, that means that my total points come out to 13. It sounds confusing right now, but really, it's easy! In a nutshell, you pick the winners each week, assign them a number - if your pick wins, you win that number. At the end of the season, the overall winner (or top 3 depending on how many people play) will get a nifty prize. So if you're interested in joining, sign up for an account here: Office Pools Comment here and leave your address (or if you don't want to comment, email me at kwannon-at-gmail.com) and I'll send you a tournament invite. It'll be a lot of fun! More instructions coming soon - if you have questions, just comment below! --------- For those of you that were winners for the NCAA tourney last March, I haven't forgotten you. Email me your mailing addresses and I'll hook you up with some sweet, useless crap. Posted by Yano at 03:55 PM
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No Day Like Today No Day Like Today
Found out they just posted the trailer for "Rent", the movie based on the hit Broadway musical. I totally forgot that this movie was coming, I'm so excited! What's so awesome about the movie is that it's got most of the original cast members, including Jesse L. Martin (who you might remember from Law and Order), Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel (who's been popular lately for being the original Elphaba in Wicked). It will be really strange to see Rent on the big screen - there is so much imagination that is used when you see a musical on stage. Seeing it all laid out for you in film is a bug change. Whoo hoo! Rent comes to theaters on November 23rd. Looks like this will be a busy holiday season for me in the movie theaters, with the next Harry Potter and the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe coming out this winter! Posted by Yano at 02:26 AM
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August 24, 2005
Put ICE in Your Phone Put ICE in Your Phone
Ever since the bombings in London, I've heard about putting emergency contact information on your phone in case something happens to you and they need to call your next of kin. I've also seen the traffic messageboards on the highway talking about it, too. A British paramedic came up with the idea of asking cell phone users to input an entry into their cellular phonebook called ICE for "in case of emergency." Accompanying that acronym would be the name and phone numbers of the person who should be called if something has happened to the owner of the phone.USA Today I think this is a great idea. There's no harm in doing it - you're just adding one more name to your addressbook. But if something were to happen, then any emergency personnel who respond will immediately know who to call, and they'll be able to know if you have any allergies or something in your medical history. So take a couple seconds and put that ICE contact information in your phone. I've put in my dad's home phone#. I was thinking of putting in Dave's info, but if we were in a car accident together, it wouldn't help if my ICE info was his cell phone number. I know it's a bit morbid, but its true. This public service announcement was brought to you by yanowhatimean and the letter "I". Posted by Yano at 11:17 AM
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August 22, 2005
Newest Harry Potter Trailer Newest Harry Potter Trailer
Found the latest trailer for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on this French site: It makes me rub my hands in glee and cry, "YES! YEEEEEESSSS!" Posted by Yano at 04:29 PM
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August 14, 2005
For The Future For The Future
The Campaign starts now. This country needs more cowbell. Posted by Redpac at 10:50 PM
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August 11, 2005
Be like Simpson--only just a bit bigger Be like Simpson--only just a bit bigger
Today's Chicago Tribune gives me a reason to add to my Jessica Simpson annoyance: Be like Simpson--only just a bit bigger That is just about the funniest thing ever. People come out to Jessica Simpson and say "I'm just like you?" Wow, didn't know that there were so many blond ditzes out there who realize that their popularity is waning so she goes against everything she stood for in the beginning of her career and uses sex to sell herself, not to mention killing a really great song by Nancy Sinatra just to sell her movie. I laugh. Posted by Yano at 10:52 AM
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August 01, 2005
New Trivia Month! New Trivia Month!
A new trivia contest starts this month! I'm glad people are having a good time, it's fun to see people talk smack on the site's tagboard. Here's last month's winners: 1. Redpac (391 points, 6 wins) Redpac returns to the top this month, not for lack of everyone else trying to get him down! Remember, you don't have to play every day to get in the top ten (I had missed about 5 days this month, and I'm the one running the thing!) Thanks for playing, everyone! Now go on and beat that bitch ass Redpac at trivia! (I say that with utmost affection, Redpac) Posted by Yano at 03:10 AM
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July 30, 2005
I Love John Cusack Just a Litttle More I Love John Cusack Just a Litttle More
I was in the airplane coming home from Jackson, and I saw this article in American Way magazine. This is a fantastic article based on an interview with John Cusack, Chicago's favorite son. He talks about what he loves about Chicago, and it just makes my heart sing to hear him talk so fondly about my hometown. ---------------- Just a Guy on a Bike John Cusack is a would-be boyfriend in multiplexes this month in Must Love Dogs. Anyone who wants to keep up with him as he guides a tour of Chicago must love riding a bike. The guy on the bike is famous, but he's not right now. Zipping up and down the skyscraper streets, along the famous lakeshore, and through the heady arts, restaurant, and nightclub districts of Chicago, he's no longer best identified as John Cusack, one of the most venerable actors of his generation. Returning to the city where he grew up, Cusack reverts to the role he loves most. He becomes just another Chicagoan, another guy on a bike in awe of the city sprawling beneath his pumping feet. 'Chicago is the best-kept secret in America, in a weird way,' he says. 'It's an international city, and you have all the great 'architecture and all the stuff that any major international city would have. But it still has a great, down-home, down-to-earth, almost no-nonsense sensibility. They don't suffer fools well.' Which is why Cusack's favorite way to see Chicago is not from some stupid sports car or silly limousine but from the seat of a bike. And even though America's third-largest city stretches across 229 square miles, Cusack insists that the heart of the city is easily navigated. 'It's a great city for biking around,' he says, rattling off streets, sites, secret places. 'I do it on a little half mountain, half electric bike called the Wavecrest.' So, with the wind in his hair and his grip on the handlebars of his Tidalforce Spike bike from Wavecrest, Cusack takes us on a tour of his hometown, the City of Big Shoulders, the Windy City, Frank Sinatra's kind of town. Cusack is calling from a hotel in Los Angeles in the middle of a daylong studio promotion for Must Love Dogs, the romantic comedy in which he stars this month with Diane Lane and Dermot Mulroney. He says he's had a very long day, filled with one interview after another, with photo sessions interspersed. 'So, we're going to talk about Chicago,' I say, and I can hear him brighten. 'Hit me,' says Cusack. And he's off and riding. Cusack has a home in Los Angeles, but when you're from Chicago, you're a Chicagoan until the day you die. He has a place downtown, and on his first day or two back, he usually wants to see everything at once. 'I'll ride up and down the waterfront, go by Navy Pier, then all the way down the public park toward Montrose,' he says, ticking off a multiday biking itinerary. 'You can go all the way up and down Lake Shore Drive. There are parks all over there. Then you can go through the city and all of its different neighborhoods ' Wrigleyville and near Halsted, everywhere. You can go up toward the South Side, toward Millennium Park, to the Shedd Aquarium and Soldier Field, through Chinatown, and all the way back through the city to the Loop, and then through downtown.' He could practically bike through Chicago' blindfolded. 'I know the city inside and out,' he says. 'I don't think there's an area I haven't been to.' Then he begins directing me: 'There is a tour where you can go up and down the river and see the architecture there ' it's just out of control.' He's talking about a boat tour called Chicago from the Lake, which hits the highlights of Chicago architecture. But Cusack prefers the bike to the boat. 'You go past the Wrigley Building,' he says of the circa-1921 terra-cotta-clad edifice that's known as the gateway to the Magnificent Mile, one of the greatest shopping streets on earth. He'll bike by the city's landmarks, starting at the Marshall Field's building, where his parents used to take him to see the big tree at Christmas. Then there's the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center, where Cusack will jump off the bike and hop into an elevator, arriving at the top of the Hancock, where a diorama of the history of Chicago competes with the heavenly view. 'The John Hancock is great because you can see the whole city from all the way around,' he says. Back on the street, he heads into Bucktown, once a scruffy quarter named for the immigrant families who kept goats in their yards and now Chicago's hottest neighborhood. Cusack fans would recognize it from his 2000 movie High Fidelity, in which John starred with his sister Joan as a Chicago record-store owner charting his top five romantic breakups. 'You can take your bike through Bucktown, which is terrific,' Cusack says. 'Just a cool area with lots of great coffee shops and clubs and restaurants. We shot all over there for High Fidelity. It's where Double Door [a live-music venue] is. There are great record stores in Bucktown. Tiny little record stores like the one in High Fidelity. They are all over. You can also find great funky art and stuff like that.' When the lunch hour looms, Cusack bikes to Leo's. 'Leo's Lunchroom,' he says. 'That's a great little place for lunch, a tiny little diner, down on ' I can't remember where it is [in Bucktown]. I know how to get there on a bike.' Afterward, he might spin by some of the museums. 'MCA is right downtown,' he says of the Museum of Contemporary Art, dedicated to the avant-garde. 'It's fantastic. And there's the Art Institute of Chicago ' unbelievable.' But now, since it's July, the middle of baseball season, Cusack's bike will head, almost automatically, to Wrigley Field. 'I'll bike from my apartment, meet somebody for lunch,' he says. 'If the game is at 1:20 p.m., you can leave the restaurant at 1:05 and ride your bike right up to Wrigley Field, lock it outside in this bike rack they have out there, and walk in. Wrigley Field is amazing, right in the heart of the city.' His restaurant choices are dependent on their proximity to the field. 'I could say, 'Hey, I'll meet you over at Smith & Wollensky,' and we would bike over there, have some food, and then make a mad dash to Wrigley Field.' A lifelong ritual, returning to Wrigley Field represents much more than baseball to Cusack. 'It totally connects me to Chicago and my childhood,' he say |