31 May 2011
50 State Stereotypes (in 2 minutes)
We Already Know Sue Bird Is Awesome...
... But it's nice to have proof. Check out this article (with video evidence!) from Slam Online: Analyzing Why Sue Bird is So Good.
My favorite part has to be "Game 2, WNBA Finals, pre-game":
The Play: Bird hits a backwards shot from half-court.
Why This is Significant: You try it and let me know how that goes.
Slightly off-topic: SportsPageMagazine.com has pictures from the Seattle/Tulsa pre-season game. Lauren Jackson is "only" two inches shorter than Elizabeth Cambage, but ... wow. Lizzie Cambage somehow manages to make LJ look small. Pictures here and here.
My favorite part has to be "Game 2, WNBA Finals, pre-game":
The Play: Bird hits a backwards shot from half-court.
Why This is Significant: You try it and let me know how that goes.
Slightly off-topic: SportsPageMagazine.com has pictures from the Seattle/Tulsa pre-season game. Lauren Jackson is "only" two inches shorter than Elizabeth Cambage, but ... wow. Lizzie Cambage somehow manages to make LJ look small. Pictures here and here.
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Dan Hughes
The head coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars, from this interview on the WNBA website:
"I think Seattle has a very similar basketball team [to last year], plus they've added Katie Smith. And that is a pretty significant quality to add to an already championship caliber team. Each year has its uniqueness. That is the only thing I've learned in so many years. Every year's going to have its uniqueness. But on paper Seattle is every bit as good as the team, and you might even argue, might even be a little better. It's our challenge, the rest of us, to raise our bar, because I don't think they're going to get worse."
"I think Seattle has a very similar basketball team [to last year], plus they've added Katie Smith. And that is a pretty significant quality to add to an already championship caliber team. Each year has its uniqueness. That is the only thing I've learned in so many years. Every year's going to have its uniqueness. But on paper Seattle is every bit as good as the team, and you might even argue, might even be a little better. It's our challenge, the rest of us, to raise our bar, because I don't think they're going to get worse."
Labels: Seattle Storm
30 May 2011
Storm the Pre-Season Favorite
According to Mechelle Voepel, anyway.
The Storm website has pictures from the pre-season game against Tulsa. I love the one of Katie Smith, Lauren Jackson, and Sue Bird chatting on the bench. (Second from the bottom.)
Based on the minutes played in that game, it looks like Ify Ibekwe is a lock to make the team. (She was the 2nd round draft pick.)
The Storm website has pictures from the pre-season game against Tulsa. I love the one of Katie Smith, Lauren Jackson, and Sue Bird chatting on the bench. (Second from the bottom.)
Based on the minutes played in that game, it looks like Ify Ibekwe is a lock to make the team. (She was the 2nd round draft pick.)
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Burn Notice
From "Family Business" (episode 1.05):
Jake: They're expecting my answer today. What do I say?
Michael: Well, since they're probably planning on killing you if you say anything else, I'd suggest, "Yes."
Jake: They're expecting my answer today. What do I say?
Michael: Well, since they're probably planning on killing you if you say anything else, I'd suggest, "Yes."
Labels: Burn Notice
29 May 2011
Adorable WNBA/Nike Commercials!
Swish Appeal dug up these from the depths of YouTube. Awesome! (And look how young Tina Thompson is! Awww...)
(Girl, where is your mama??)
(Pumps are for ex-players.)
(Girl, where is your mama??)
(Pumps are for ex-players.)
Labels: advertisements, WNBA
Storm Win Their Second Pre-Season Game
(It helped that Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson played this one.)
Katie Smith and Belinda Snell sat out with injuries. Rookie Ify Ibekwe made a good impression. More information here and here.
In other WNBA news, the Atlanta Dream (remember them?) played an exhibition game in Manchester against the Great Britain National Team. None of the stars of the Dream played. (Injuries, etc.) So, it was the second-string of a random WNBA team against the national team of the United Kingdom. Final score? Dream: 82, Great Britain: 51. Ouch.
In non-WNBA news, a player for the Dallas Mavericks said this: "It doesn’t make a difference to me [if we play Miami or Chicago in the Finals]. You can suit up the (WNBA’s) Seattle Storm and we’ll play them." I'm going to take that as a compliment...I think?
Katie Smith and Belinda Snell sat out with injuries. Rookie Ify Ibekwe made a good impression. More information here and here.
In other WNBA news, the Atlanta Dream (remember them?) played an exhibition game in Manchester against the Great Britain National Team. None of the stars of the Dream played. (Injuries, etc.) So, it was the second-string of a random WNBA team against the national team of the United Kingdom. Final score? Dream: 82, Great Britain: 51. Ouch.
In non-WNBA news, a player for the Dallas Mavericks said this: "It doesn’t make a difference to me [if we play Miami or Chicago in the Finals]. You can suit up the (WNBA’s) Seattle Storm and we’ll play them." I'm going to take that as a compliment...I think?
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
Quote of the Day: Emma Thompson
This site has a bunch of letters written by celebrities -- to their sixteen-year-old selves. Here's an excerpt from Emma Thompson's:
"Don't EVER EVER EVER bother to go on a diet. I know you're obsessed and have that awful thing of standing in the 6th form canteen trying to choose between a yoghourt & a breathe of fresh air (whilst wanting chips & a cheese salad). Don't sweat it. Eat regularly, try & avoid rubbish and never diet. You'll end up the same size anyway, so drop it girl, & drop it NOW. Believe me — nobody cares. Diets are the best way of confusing your metabolism for the rest of your life. Just be you & get on with it, I cannot tell you how much time & energy you'll save & how much happier you'll be."
"Don't EVER EVER EVER bother to go on a diet. I know you're obsessed and have that awful thing of standing in the 6th form canteen trying to choose between a yoghourt & a breathe of fresh air (whilst wanting chips & a cheese salad). Don't sweat it. Eat regularly, try & avoid rubbish and never diet. You'll end up the same size anyway, so drop it girl, & drop it NOW. Believe me — nobody cares. Diets are the best way of confusing your metabolism for the rest of your life. Just be you & get on with it, I cannot tell you how much time & energy you'll save & how much happier you'll be."
Labels: health, random niceness
28 May 2011
One Week To Go!
Yes, More Storm Stuff
2011 WNBA Preview: Will The Seattle Storm Have A Good Enough Bench To Repeat?
"There's no point in talking about the Storm in terms of strengths and weakness - let's say strongest points and less strong points."
Katie Smith battles Achilles injury but Storm enthused about potential to add 13-year veteran
"A native of Ohio, Smith chose Seattle despite a significant pay cut, because she's either played with or been coached by nearly everyone involved in the organization..."
Also, keep an eye out for the Storm Wheaties box. I tried the four closest grocery stores (Fred Meyer, Safeway, and two QFC's) with no luck.
"There's no point in talking about the Storm in terms of strengths and weakness - let's say strongest points and less strong points."
Katie Smith battles Achilles injury but Storm enthused about potential to add 13-year veteran
"A native of Ohio, Smith chose Seattle despite a significant pay cut, because she's either played with or been coached by nearly everyone involved in the organization..."
Also, keep an eye out for the Storm Wheaties box. I tried the four closest grocery stores (Fred Meyer, Safeway, and two QFC's) with no luck.
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Glee
From "Funeral" (episode 2.21):
Howard: Do I get a super villain nickname?
Sue: Your nickname is Panda Express.
Howard: But I'm not Chinese.
Sue: Neither is the food at Panda Express.
Howard: Do I get a super villain nickname?
Sue: Your nickname is Panda Express.
Howard: But I'm not Chinese.
Sue: Neither is the food at Panda Express.
Labels: Glee
27 May 2011
Just Over a Week To Go....
AfterEllen did a nice preview of the 2011 WNBA season. In the bit about Seattle:
"A blog post that I refuse to link to claims Seattle players are getting too long in the tooth to play hard. If Katie Smith, Sue Bird, Swin Cash and Lauren Jackson read that, Seattle probably will not lose a single game."
Today was "media day" for the Storm. Here's Swin Cash, Lauren Jackson, and Sue Bird posing in the new uniforms.
Jayda Evans asked the Storm players "What is a champion?". Results were mixed.
In addition to taking a paycut, Katie Smith also gave up her jersey number. She was 30, but Tanisha Wright uses that here. So, she chose to use her Olympic jersey number. (She has three gold medals, you know!)
"A blog post that I refuse to link to claims Seattle players are getting too long in the tooth to play hard. If Katie Smith, Sue Bird, Swin Cash and Lauren Jackson read that, Seattle probably will not lose a single game."
Today was "media day" for the Storm. Here's Swin Cash, Lauren Jackson, and Sue Bird posing in the new uniforms.
Jayda Evans asked the Storm players "What is a champion?". Results were mixed.
In addition to taking a paycut, Katie Smith also gave up her jersey number. She was 30, but Tanisha Wright uses that here. So, she chose to use her Olympic jersey number. (She has three gold medals, you know!)
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Sue Bird
As quoted in Bird at the Buzzer, by Jeff Goldberg:
If [Notre Dame point guard] Niele Ivey was the half-court [shot] champion of grade school, Bird is the champion of the college and professional level.
"I like to consider myself a proficient half-court shooter," Bird said. "In the WNBA, we shoot them for money. I've made a lot of money."
If [Notre Dame point guard] Niele Ivey was the half-court [shot] champion of grade school, Bird is the champion of the college and professional level.
"I like to consider myself a proficient half-court shooter," Bird said. "In the WNBA, we shoot them for money. I've made a lot of money."
Labels: Seattle Storm
26 May 2011
Josh Groban & Michael Ball
Iris brought this bit of awesome-ness to my attention.
Here's the full episode: part 1, part 2.
Michael Ball totally killed it in the "Next Lines" game. (11:05 in part 2.) He answered all of them, except for K.T. Tunstall's song -- which she answered herself, of course!
Extra fun with Josh Groban: Here's him showing up at a Michael Buble concert.
Here's the full episode: part 1, part 2.
Michael Ball totally killed it in the "Next Lines" game. (11:05 in part 2.) He answered all of them, except for K.T. Tunstall's song -- which she answered herself, of course!
Extra fun with Josh Groban: Here's him showing up at a Michael Buble concert.
Labels: music, random silliness
Quote of the Day: Veronica Mars
From "Rat Saw God" (episode 2.06):
[Logan has been arrested. His court-appointed lawyer, Cliff, meets with him.]
Logan: So, my tax dollars at work. Where were you? Getting thirds at the Crazy Girls lunch buffet?
Cliff: Actually, they discontinued the buffet. Some health code thing. Okay, my name is Cliff, I'll be your 'if-you-cannot-afford-an-attorney' attorney. So. What are you trying to prove?
Logan: Um...my innocence?
Cliff: No. I mean with this 'poor little rich boy' stunt. Having me represent you doesn't make you look innocent. It makes you look like an arrogant jackass. If the witness' story holds, you are going to trial.
Logan: Hmm. The guy's lying.
Cliff: June 27th: you gave testimony saying that you couldn't remember a thing. Now, he comes forward saying he saw you, bloody knife in hand, ranting like a maniac over a dead body.
Logan: And what exactly did I say, huh?
Cliff: "The expletive racial-expletive had it maternal-expletive coming."
[Logan has been arrested. His court-appointed lawyer, Cliff, meets with him.]
Logan: So, my tax dollars at work. Where were you? Getting thirds at the Crazy Girls lunch buffet?
Cliff: Actually, they discontinued the buffet. Some health code thing. Okay, my name is Cliff, I'll be your 'if-you-cannot-afford-an-attorney' attorney. So. What are you trying to prove?
Logan: Um...my innocence?
Cliff: No. I mean with this 'poor little rich boy' stunt. Having me represent you doesn't make you look innocent. It makes you look like an arrogant jackass. If the witness' story holds, you are going to trial.
Logan: Hmm. The guy's lying.
Cliff: June 27th: you gave testimony saying that you couldn't remember a thing. Now, he comes forward saying he saw you, bloody knife in hand, ranting like a maniac over a dead body.
Logan: And what exactly did I say, huh?
Cliff: "The expletive racial-expletive had it maternal-expletive coming."
Labels: Veronica Mars
25 May 2011
Rolling in the Deep
I've requested this from the library, but I'm not sure I can wait. I may have to shell out the $1.29 and buy the song from iTunes....
Labels: music
Stormy Stuff
Nice article from the Bleacher Report: Why All Males Should Embrace The Two-Time WNBA Champion Seattle Storm. [h/t Jayda Evans]
Slam Online is previewing each team's "5 Keys to a Successful Season". Here's the Storm's.
The Storm played their first pre-season game today against L.A. They lost (71-66), but Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Katie Smith all sat out the game for (minor) injuries and/or rest.
Slam Online is previewing each team's "5 Keys to a Successful Season". Here's the Storm's.
The Storm played their first pre-season game today against L.A. They lost (71-66), but Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Katie Smith all sat out the game for (minor) injuries and/or rest.
Labels: Seattle Storm
My Favorite Tweeter (So Far)
I'm really loving Rebecca Lobo's tweets. Every week or so she'll send out something one of her kids said, like:
At my 4-yr-old's preschool graduation. When she saw what I was wearing this morning, she asked me to "change into something pretty."
or
My 6-yr-old: "Mommy, you are good at cutting my nails and brushing my teeth. Daddy is good at watching tv and playing on his iPad."
Funny!
At my 4-yr-old's preschool graduation. When she saw what I was wearing this morning, she asked me to "change into something pretty."
or
My 6-yr-old: "Mommy, you are good at cutting my nails and brushing my teeth. Daddy is good at watching tv and playing on his iPad."
Funny!
Labels: computers
Quote of the Day: AfterEllen
From the recap of the Glee season finale:
"Excuse me while I crank up my suspension of disbelief. And I know you're all going, wow, she really hated this episode, but honestly, I didn't. I enjoy suspending disbelief. I watched Xena: Warrior Princess for seven seasons. They got to China from ancient Greece in like, three days. Suspension of disbelief is one of my favorite things."
"Excuse me while I crank up my suspension of disbelief. And I know you're all going, wow, she really hated this episode, but honestly, I didn't. I enjoy suspending disbelief. I watched Xena: Warrior Princess for seven seasons. They got to China from ancient Greece in like, three days. Suspension of disbelief is one of my favorite things."
24 May 2011
Quote of the Day: Black Adder
From "Duel and Duality" (episode 3.6):
Blackadder: God, I'm wasted here. It's no life for a man of noble blood, being servant to a master with the intellect of a jugged walrus and all the social graces of a potty!
Baldrick: I'm wasted too. I've been thinking of bettering myself.
Blackadder: Oh really, how?
Baldrick: I applied for the job of village idiot of Kensington.
Blackadder: Oh. Get anywhere?
Baldrick: I got down to the last two, but I failed the final interview.
Blackadder: Oh, what went wrong?
Baldrick: I turned up. The other bloke was such an idiot, he forgot to.
Blackadder: God, I'm wasted here. It's no life for a man of noble blood, being servant to a master with the intellect of a jugged walrus and all the social graces of a potty!
Baldrick: I'm wasted too. I've been thinking of bettering myself.
Blackadder: Oh really, how?
Baldrick: I applied for the job of village idiot of Kensington.
Blackadder: Oh. Get anywhere?
Baldrick: I got down to the last two, but I failed the final interview.
Blackadder: Oh, what went wrong?
Baldrick: I turned up. The other bloke was such an idiot, he forgot to.
Labels: Black Adder
23 May 2011
Matrix Music
Quote of the Day: Top Gear
From episode 11.03:
James: I want to say a couple more things about that Bentley. See, you said there it was like a slab of old England.
Jeremy: Yes.
James: But Bentley is owned by VW. That car was styled by a Belgian and it was engineered by a man called Ulrich Eichhorn. Doesn't sound very British.
Jeremy: Are you presenting Top Gear or are you writing a letter to the Daily Telegraph?
James: Well, I am just saying that you know immediately that this car is German because it's got too much power. They've overdone it, as usual. Like they did on their French holiday in 1939.
Jeremy: James, James, the Queen is German.
James: Yes.
Jeremy: You can't sing "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" every time she comes on the television, do you?
James: Well, I do actually.
James: I want to say a couple more things about that Bentley. See, you said there it was like a slab of old England.
Jeremy: Yes.
James: But Bentley is owned by VW. That car was styled by a Belgian and it was engineered by a man called Ulrich Eichhorn. Doesn't sound very British.
Jeremy: Are you presenting Top Gear or are you writing a letter to the Daily Telegraph?
James: Well, I am just saying that you know immediately that this car is German because it's got too much power. They've overdone it, as usual. Like they did on their French holiday in 1939.
Jeremy: James, James, the Queen is German.
James: Yes.
Jeremy: You can't sing "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" every time she comes on the television, do you?
James: Well, I do actually.
Labels: Top Gear
22 May 2011
Torchwood: Miracle Day
There's a trailer out for the new season of Torchwood.
I hope the show is better than the trailer makes it seem.
I hope the show is better than the trailer makes it seem.
Labels: Torchwood
Quote of the Day: Misha Collins
From his twitter account:
"I have good news & bad news. The good news is the reality show I like about the two brothers who take acid & hunt ghosts gets a 7th season. The bad news is... brace yourselves... they were out of my fleur de sel carmel ice cream at the grocery store just now. I am beside myself."
"I have good news & bad news. The good news is the reality show I like about the two brothers who take acid & hunt ghosts gets a 7th season. The bad news is... brace yourselves... they were out of my fleur de sel carmel ice cream at the grocery store just now. I am beside myself."
Labels: Supernatural
21 May 2011
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
Never Mind the Buzzcocks is a very funny music "trivia" "game show". I really wish it would air on BBC-America.
In the meantime, we can enjoy the blessings of YouTube.
Here's an episode guest-starring Stephen Fry: part 1, part 2, part 3.
And here's an episode featuring Josh Groban -- I don't like his music, but he is always a hoot on talk shows! part 1, part 2, part 3.
Finally, here's the special Doctor Who episode, hosted by David "the 10th doctor" Tennant, and featuring Catherine Tate (Donna) and the guy whose name I don't remember that played Donna's grandfather: part 1, part 2, part 3.
In the meantime, we can enjoy the blessings of YouTube.
Here's an episode guest-starring Stephen Fry: part 1, part 2, part 3.
And here's an episode featuring Josh Groban -- I don't like his music, but he is always a hoot on talk shows! part 1, part 2, part 3.
Finally, here's the special Doctor Who episode, hosted by David "the 10th doctor" Tennant, and featuring Catherine Tate (Donna) and the guy whose name I don't remember that played Donna's grandfather: part 1, part 2, part 3.
Labels: Doctor Who, music, Stephen Fry, TV
Quote of the Day: Dark Angel
From "The Berrisford Agenda" (episode 2.11):
Logan: Well, I am looking forward to spending some time with Joshua.
Max: Yeah. You know, I think you two will get along. Just, you know, remember to act natural.
Logan: As opposed to the unnatural way I normally act?
Max: No. You know what I mean. Just don't stare.
Logan: Oh, okay. Don't stare at the genetically engineered part-man part-dog guy. Got it.
Logan: Well, I am looking forward to spending some time with Joshua.
Max: Yeah. You know, I think you two will get along. Just, you know, remember to act natural.
Logan: As opposed to the unnatural way I normally act?
Max: No. You know what I mean. Just don't stare.
Logan: Oh, okay. Don't stare at the genetically engineered part-man part-dog guy. Got it.
Labels: Dark Angel
20 May 2011
Interview with Brian Agler
Listen here.
Apparently Katie Smith took a pay cut to come to Seattle. I did wonder...
Apparently Katie Smith took a pay cut to come to Seattle. I did wonder...
Labels: Seattle Storm
It's OK To Be Takei!
New Sue Bird and Swin Cash Videos
Found here.
I love the bit at the end of the interview with Sue Bird, when she reacts to the idea of her joining twitter.
In other news, I joined twitter. I have no plans to tweet, but I wanted to support a friend of mine who needed some followers. (Wow. That makes it sound like I joined a cult.)
I love the bit at the end of the interview with Sue Bird, when she reacts to the idea of her joining twitter.
In other news, I joined twitter. I have no plans to tweet, but I wanted to support a friend of mine who needed some followers. (Wow. That makes it sound like I joined a cult.)
Labels: computers, Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Supernatural
From "The Man Who Would Be King" (episode 6.20):
[Crowley, the new King of Hell, has revamped Hell. It is now a loooonnnggg line.]
Crowley: Just look at them. No one likes waiting in line.
Castiel: What happens when they reach the front?
Crowley: Nothing. They get right back to the end again. That's efficiency.
[Crowley, the new King of Hell, has revamped Hell. It is now a loooonnnggg line.]
Crowley: Just look at them. No one likes waiting in line.
Castiel: What happens when they reach the front?
Crowley: Nothing. They get right back to the end again. That's efficiency.
Labels: Supernatural
19 May 2011
More Interviews from Training Camp
Quote of the Day: True Blood
From "Sparks Fly Out" (episode 1.05):
[Sookie and Arlene are working at the bar. Sookie spills some ketchup on her hand.]
Arlene: That vampire Bill would get a rise out of that.
Sookie: You'll have to ask him yourself.
Arlene: Vamp club not all it was made out to be, huh? A lot of freaks, I hear. And people from Arkansas.
[Sookie and Arlene are working at the bar. Sookie spills some ketchup on her hand.]
Arlene: That vampire Bill would get a rise out of that.
Sookie: You'll have to ask him yourself.
Arlene: Vamp club not all it was made out to be, huh? A lot of freaks, I hear. And people from Arkansas.
Labels: True Blood
18 May 2011
More from Training Camp
Jayda Evans has a Storm training camp round-up on her blog.
And the Storm website has video with both Sue Bird and Swin Cash.
And the Storm website has video with both Sue Bird and Swin Cash.
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Sue Bird
From this article by Jayda Evans:
One thing is certain, however. After the complete core practiced together Tuesday, Seattle is even more versatile. Agler had center Camille Little work on her three-point shooting while playing in Israel and at camp, she's played Cash's small forward position along with post Le'Coe Willingham.
"We're a very versatile team, you know Brian loves that," [Sue] Bird said.
"I think you're going to see a lot of different combinations this year from both guards and post players. Not me [though]. You know where I'll be."
One thing is certain, however. After the complete core practiced together Tuesday, Seattle is even more versatile. Agler had center Camille Little work on her three-point shooting while playing in Israel and at camp, she's played Cash's small forward position along with post Le'Coe Willingham.
"We're a very versatile team, you know Brian loves that," [Sue] Bird said.
"I think you're going to see a lot of different combinations this year from both guards and post players. Not me [though]. You know where I'll be."
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Steven Brust
From Orca:
Kiera: How have you been getting by?
Vlad: It's been harder since I acquired the boy, but I've managed.
Kiera: How?
Vlad: I mostly stay away from towns, and you know the forests are filled with bandits of one sort or another.
Kiera: You've become one?
Vlad: No, I rob them.
Kiera: How have you been getting by?
Vlad: It's been harder since I acquired the boy, but I've managed.
Kiera: How?
Vlad: I mostly stay away from towns, and you know the forests are filled with bandits of one sort or another.
Kiera: You've become one?
Vlad: No, I rob them.
Labels: Vlad Taltos
16 May 2011
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
From "The Doctor's Wife" (episode 6.04):
Rory: What is happening?
The Doctor: We’re leaving the universe!
Amy: How can you leave the universe?
The Doctor: With enormous difficulty!
Rory: What is happening?
The Doctor: We’re leaving the universe!
Amy: How can you leave the universe?
The Doctor: With enormous difficulty!
Labels: Doctor Who
15 May 2011
Windshield Wipers
My driver's side wiper hasn't been working well lately. I need to buy new ones, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. It was super-rainy this morning, so I decided to switch my driver's-side-wiper with the passenger-side-wiper. It took fifteen minutes and some sore fingers, but I did it! It worked pretty well, too.
I also found out something interesting: The wipers aren't the same length! Oh well. Like I said, it worked!
I also found out something interesting: The wipers aren't the same length! Oh well. Like I said, it worked!
Labels: driving
Quote of the Day: The O.C.
From "The Telenovela" (episode 1.20):
Kirsten: He's a consultant.
Sandy: Could you be please be a little more vague?
Kirsten: He knows people.
Sandy: You did it. That was a little more vague.
Kirsten: He's a consultant.
Sandy: Could you be please be a little more vague?
Kirsten: He knows people.
Sandy: You did it. That was a little more vague.
Labels: The O.C.
14 May 2011
Getting Ready for the WNBA!
The Storm's training camp has begun!
And (Chicago Sky star) Sylvia Fowles is looking forward to working with Courtney Vandersloot.
And (Chicago Sky star) Sylvia Fowles is looking forward to working with Courtney Vandersloot.
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
Which Is (One Reason) Why I'll Never Use It...
Quote of the Day: io9
From this review of the Smallville series finale:
Several months ago, I was talking with io9 reporter Alasdair Wilkins about how the hell this perennially unhip, unheralded, and mostly forgotten show stayed on the air for ten years (this is a mystery that's intrigued me for a while).
Alasdair had a terrifically plausible theory. In real life, Tom Welling really is Superman, but instead of fighting for justice, he coerces Smallville's cast and crew to make the show under the threat of death, sort of like Superboy-Prime mixed with that psychic kid from The Twilight Zone who exiled his enemies to the cornfield.
Alasdair and I never figured out why Smallville would be canceled if Superman was holding the staff hostage, but after watching "Finale," I think I understand. Smallville was no simple TV show. It was a decade-long case study in delayed gratification, a tenth-of-a-century long con.
And I presume that despotic, real-life SuperWelling did this to inculcate Stockholm Syndrome in viewers and to Pavlovianly condition the populace. Smallville was a means to soften us up before Welling's velvet revolution, Pax Supermana. This 10-year propaganda campaign has bred two vintages of Smallville viewer, the masochists and the apologists. I know this sounds outlandish, but consider the (anecdotal) evidence.
Several months ago, I was talking with io9 reporter Alasdair Wilkins about how the hell this perennially unhip, unheralded, and mostly forgotten show stayed on the air for ten years (this is a mystery that's intrigued me for a while).
Alasdair had a terrifically plausible theory. In real life, Tom Welling really is Superman, but instead of fighting for justice, he coerces Smallville's cast and crew to make the show under the threat of death, sort of like Superboy-Prime mixed with that psychic kid from The Twilight Zone who exiled his enemies to the cornfield.
Alasdair and I never figured out why Smallville would be canceled if Superman was holding the staff hostage, but after watching "Finale," I think I understand. Smallville was no simple TV show. It was a decade-long case study in delayed gratification, a tenth-of-a-century long con.
And I presume that despotic, real-life SuperWelling did this to inculcate Stockholm Syndrome in viewers and to Pavlovianly condition the populace. Smallville was a means to soften us up before Welling's velvet revolution, Pax Supermana. This 10-year propaganda campaign has bred two vintages of Smallville viewer, the masochists and the apologists. I know this sounds outlandish, but consider the (anecdotal) evidence.
Labels: scifi/fantasy, TV
13 May 2011
Blogger Weirdness
Blogger was down yesterday, and I noticed that my posts from two days ago had weird tags on them. When I fixed the tags, suddenly blogger decided that they were brand-new posts and moved them to the "13 May 2011" heading.
So, there are new posts for today, but you have to go past the ones from Wednesday.
Blech.
So, there are new posts for today, but you have to go past the ones from Wednesday.
Blech.
Labels: computers, random weirdness
Quote of the Day: White Collar
From "Bad Judgment" (episode 1.09):
Peter: She's taking advantage of the system.
Neal: I hate when people take advantage of the system. Now that I work for the system, of course.
Peter: She's taking advantage of the system.
Neal: I hate when people take advantage of the system. Now that I work for the system, of course.
Labels: White Collar
More From Team USA Training Camp
Today they've got a video interview with Swin Cash.
They also have pictures from the practices. I particularly liked these two that featured both Sue Bird and Courtney Vandersloot. It's so cool to see them playing together!
Speaking of Courtney Vandersloot, here's what Head Coach Geno Auriemma had to say about her:
"It’s funny, the two newest guys, we added the tallest guy [Baylor's Brittney Griner] and the shortest guy [Vandersloot]. One [Vandersloot] is coming from a conference that nobody gives any respect to. I talked to her about not feeling intimated, don’t feel like you don’t belong here, and then don’t come here and try and prove anything because you don’t have to. This kid comes in – who’s this kid? Where’s she from? Let’s see if she’s any good compared to the big time players from the big time conferences. And I’ll tell you what, I must have heard from five or six coaches that watched practice and I’d say 'who is the most surprising player at practice' and they would tell you Courtney Vandersloot, every one of them, every one of them.
That says a lot for somebody who really doesn’t play that kind of game. She’s not going up and down the floor going 'I just saw Sue [Bird] do this, let me try it. I just saw D [Diana Taurasi] do this, let me try it.' She does exactly what she’s good at and she does it well. She makes other people better. She’s smart, you only have to tell her things once or twice and boom, she’s got it. And she’s a great teammate, so what is there not to like?"
They also have pictures from the practices. I particularly liked these two that featured both Sue Bird and Courtney Vandersloot. It's so cool to see them playing together!
Speaking of Courtney Vandersloot, here's what Head Coach Geno Auriemma had to say about her:
"It’s funny, the two newest guys, we added the tallest guy [Baylor's Brittney Griner] and the shortest guy [Vandersloot]. One [Vandersloot] is coming from a conference that nobody gives any respect to. I talked to her about not feeling intimated, don’t feel like you don’t belong here, and then don’t come here and try and prove anything because you don’t have to. This kid comes in – who’s this kid? Where’s she from? Let’s see if she’s any good compared to the big time players from the big time conferences. And I’ll tell you what, I must have heard from five or six coaches that watched practice and I’d say 'who is the most surprising player at practice' and they would tell you Courtney Vandersloot, every one of them, every one of them.
That says a lot for somebody who really doesn’t play that kind of game. She’s not going up and down the floor going 'I just saw Sue [Bird] do this, let me try it. I just saw D [Diana Taurasi] do this, let me try it.' She does exactly what she’s good at and she does it well. She makes other people better. She’s smart, you only have to tell her things once or twice and boom, she’s got it. And she’s a great teammate, so what is there not to like?"
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
Last Day of Team USA Training Camp
Here's the official report, which includes a video interview with Courtney Vandersloot.
Here's Slam Online's overview. The article lists several stand-outs, including Courtney Vandersloot:
"Vandersloot was probably the player who stood-out to me the most. Vandersloot’s use of angles and passing lanes reminded me very much of a Sue Bird/John Stockton hybrid (Stockton worked with her extensively at Gonzaga). With Vandersloot running the point, Epiphanny Prince and Shameka Christon scoring the ball, and Sylvia Fowles holding it down in the post the Sky look to be playoff-bound."
....and "other things of note": "Sue Bird and Lindsay Whalen graciously offered tips and suggestions to rookie Courtney Vandersloot who soaked up everything she could."
Speaking of Courtney Vandersloot, here's articles about her time in training camp from the Chicago Sky website and the Spokane newspaper.
Here's Slam Online's overview. The article lists several stand-outs, including Courtney Vandersloot:
"Vandersloot was probably the player who stood-out to me the most. Vandersloot’s use of angles and passing lanes reminded me very much of a Sue Bird/John Stockton hybrid (Stockton worked with her extensively at Gonzaga). With Vandersloot running the point, Epiphanny Prince and Shameka Christon scoring the ball, and Sylvia Fowles holding it down in the post the Sky look to be playoff-bound."
....and "other things of note": "Sue Bird and Lindsay Whalen graciously offered tips and suggestions to rookie Courtney Vandersloot who soaked up everything she could."
Speaking of Courtney Vandersloot, here's articles about her time in training camp from the Chicago Sky website and the Spokane newspaper.
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA
Quote(s) of the Day(s): Daria & Due South
[Blogger was down yesterday.]
From "Just Add Water" (episode 3.12):
[The school is having a casino-themed fundraiser.]
Mr. DeMartino: Daria, take my chips.
Daria: Excuse me?
Mr. DeMartino: You know, as a thank you for making me want to kill myself a little less than the processed sausages who call themselves your classmates.
Jane: You're not one of those "young people are our greatest hope" guys, are you?
From "We Are the Eggmen" (episode 2.11):
Ray: Aren't you worried about your wolf around all these chickens?
Fraser: Well, as long as they aren't in possession of any Milk Duds, they should be fine.
Ray: He hasn't kicked that junk food habit yet?
Fraser: You know, they say it's harder than heroin.
From "Just Add Water" (episode 3.12):
[The school is having a casino-themed fundraiser.]
Mr. DeMartino: Daria, take my chips.
Daria: Excuse me?
Mr. DeMartino: You know, as a thank you for making me want to kill myself a little less than the processed sausages who call themselves your classmates.
Jane: You're not one of those "young people are our greatest hope" guys, are you?
From "We Are the Eggmen" (episode 2.11):
Ray: Aren't you worried about your wolf around all these chickens?
Fraser: Well, as long as they aren't in possession of any Milk Duds, they should be fine.
Ray: He hasn't kicked that junk food habit yet?
Fraser: You know, they say it's harder than heroin.
10 May 2011
Tamika Catchings
I knew (the utterly charming and insanely talented) Tamika Catchings had a lisp, but I thought it was just a speech impediment. I had no idea she was actually hard-of-hearing. She's going to be the commencement speaker at her alma mater (University of Tennessee) this year -- isn't that cool?
Right now she's training with Team USA:
Right now she's training with Team USA:
Labels: WNBA
Quote of the Day: Glee
From Rachel in the episode "Prom Queen" (episode 2.20):
"When I'm done rehearsing, I'd like your feedback. Tell me if I was brilliant or simply outstanding."
"When I'm done rehearsing, I'd like your feedback. Tell me if I was brilliant or simply outstanding."
Labels: Glee
09 May 2011
Busy "Weekend"
A fun "weekend" (i.e. Saturday and Sunday, which are workdays for me) but two days in a row of leaving the house at 8:20 a.m. and not getting home until 11:30 p.m. left me pooped.
I'm going to bed early tonight!
I'm going to bed early tonight!
Labels: family, random niceness
Quote of the Day: Dollhouse
From "The Hollow Men" (episode 2.12):
Topher: I did all of this. I'm the one who brings about the thought-pocalypse.
Adele: Thought-pocalypse?
Topher: Is brain-pocalypse better? I figure, if I'm responsible for the end of the world, I get to name it.
Topher: I did all of this. I'm the one who brings about the thought-pocalypse.
Adele: Thought-pocalypse?
Topher: Is brain-pocalypse better? I figure, if I'm responsible for the end of the world, I get to name it.
Labels: Dollhouse
08 May 2011
Quote of the Day: Get Fuzzy
From The Get Fuzzy Experience by Darby Conley:
Bucky: Where would I get titanium around here? I need it for my new mouse trap.
Rob: We don't have mice here, Buck.
Bucky: That's why Phase 3 of Operation Stifle Squeak is an intensive program of cheese deployment.
Rob: Ohhh my head. According to the scale, this "trap" is bigger than the house. There's no way you could build this thing.
Bucky: Robert. I think I know a thing of two about catching mice. I mean, it's not rocket science now, is it?
Rob: Well, your own diagrams in Phase 9 would suggest otherwise.
Bucky: Where would I get titanium around here? I need it for my new mouse trap.
Rob: We don't have mice here, Buck.
Bucky: That's why Phase 3 of Operation Stifle Squeak is an intensive program of cheese deployment.
Rob: Ohhh my head. According to the scale, this "trap" is bigger than the house. There's no way you could build this thing.
Bucky: Robert. I think I know a thing of two about catching mice. I mean, it's not rocket science now, is it?
Rob: Well, your own diagrams in Phase 9 would suggest otherwise.
Labels: Get Fuzzy
07 May 2011
Quote of the Day: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
From "Goodbye, Iowa" (episode 4.14):
Buffy: [about Adam] I could barely fight him. It was like Maggie designed him to be the ultimate warrior. He's smart and fast, he gave the commando guys the slip with no problem.
Willow: There's gotta be a flaw.
Buffy: I think the part where he's pure evil and kills randomly was an oversight.
Buffy: [about Adam] I could barely fight him. It was like Maggie designed him to be the ultimate warrior. He's smart and fast, he gave the commando guys the slip with no problem.
Willow: There's gotta be a flaw.
Buffy: I think the part where he's pure evil and kills randomly was an oversight.
Labels: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
06 May 2011
More Trick Shots
Quote of the Day: xkcd
The rollover on this comic:
"The universe is probably littered with the one-planet graves of cultures which made the sensible economic decision that there's no good reason to go into space -- each discovered, studied, and remembered by the ones who made the irrational decision."
"The universe is probably littered with the one-planet graves of cultures which made the sensible economic decision that there's no good reason to go into space -- each discovered, studied, and remembered by the ones who made the irrational decision."
Labels: xkcd
05 May 2011
Lot's of Storm Stuff!
The WNBA website has a Q&A with Katie Smith.
Jayda Evans talked to Sue Bird at the unveiling of the Championship ring.
The new Storm team, by the numbers. (Although I think it should say four silver Olympic medals, since Belinda Snell got one at the Beijing Olympics.)
A neat article from Ohio about Katie Smith joining the Storm. It includes quotes from Coach Agler and Assistant Coach Nancy Darsh. Plus, if you click on the "more photos" link, you can find a cute picture of Smith and Swin Cash from their Detroit days, as well as a photo of Katie Smith as a college senior with her coach Nancy Darsh and her ABL draft-day picture with Coach Agler.
Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Katie Smith were all at the ring-unveiling ceremony. King 5 posted interviews with all of them:
Is it June yet?
Jayda Evans talked to Sue Bird at the unveiling of the Championship ring.
The new Storm team, by the numbers. (Although I think it should say four silver Olympic medals, since Belinda Snell got one at the Beijing Olympics.)
A neat article from Ohio about Katie Smith joining the Storm. It includes quotes from Coach Agler and Assistant Coach Nancy Darsh. Plus, if you click on the "more photos" link, you can find a cute picture of Smith and Swin Cash from their Detroit days, as well as a photo of Katie Smith as a college senior with her coach Nancy Darsh and her ABL draft-day picture with Coach Agler.
Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Katie Smith were all at the ring-unveiling ceremony. King 5 posted interviews with all of them:
Is it June yet?
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Leverage
From "The Studio Job" (episode 3.06):
Kaylin: Have you ever been in love?
Eliot: Once.
Kaylin: How'd it end?
Eliot: I promised her I would be there for her.
Kaylin: What's wrong with that?
Eliot: 'Cause I made the same promise to the United States Government, and I found out you can't make that promise more than once.
Kaylin: Have you ever been in love?
Eliot: Once.
Kaylin: How'd it end?
Eliot: I promised her I would be there for her.
Kaylin: What's wrong with that?
Eliot: 'Cause I made the same promise to the United States Government, and I found out you can't make that promise more than once.
Labels: Leverage
04 May 2011
Well, *I* Like It!
Apparently some BBC viewers don't like the new season of Doctor Who. They're saying it's too dark and too complex.
No wonder I'm loving it so much!
No wonder I'm loving it so much!
Labels: Doctor Who
Quote of the Day: Veronica Mars
From "Meet John Smith" (episode 1.03):
Keith: Have you been playing nice with the other children?
Veronica: You know, Dad, I'm old school: an eye for an eye.
Keith: I think that's actually Old Testament.
Keith: Have you been playing nice with the other children?
Veronica: You know, Dad, I'm old school: an eye for an eye.
Keith: I think that's actually Old Testament.
Labels: Veronica Mars
03 May 2011
Quote of the Day: Swish Appeal
From this article about the Atlanta Dream:
"The next year [2010], Angel McCoughtry - the #1 draft pick of the Dream - carried the team on her back the way she had carried the Louisville Cardinals on her back to a NCAA title game the previous year, the one in which she was drafted. The Dream finished fourth, but swept past both Washington and New York to the WNBA Finals, where they would lose to a Seattle team that probably couldn't have been beaten by God that season."
"The next year [2010], Angel McCoughtry - the #1 draft pick of the Dream - carried the team on her back the way she had carried the Louisville Cardinals on her back to a NCAA title game the previous year, the one in which she was drafted. The Dream finished fourth, but swept past both Washington and New York to the WNBA Finals, where they would lose to a Seattle team that probably couldn't have been beaten by God that season."
Labels: Seattle Storm
02 May 2011
The Doctor & River Song
For those of you confused and interested, here's a handy chart someone made to try to sort out their relationship timeline(s). It makes a few assumptions, but I think it's pretty sound. (Click on it to enlarge.)
[h/t io9.com]
[h/t io9.com]
Labels: Doctor Who
Thanks, Internet!
Last night The Amazing Race was pre-empted by Osama-bin-Dead stuff. It finally started to air just as my recording stopped.
I didn't find this out until I sat down to watch it tonight. But the internet came to my rescue -- I was able to watch in on the CBS website. Thanks, internet!
I didn't find this out until I sat down to watch it tonight. But the internet came to my rescue -- I was able to watch in on the CBS website. Thanks, internet!
Labels: The Amazing Race, TV
Quote of the Day: Red vs. Blue
From "Winter Lames":
[Discussing their version of the Winter Olympics...]
Sarge: I also think we should give medals out to the losers.
Church: You want to give the symbols of Olympic victory to losers? That doesn't sound very much like you, Sarge. So what would it be? Gold, silver, bronze, and...?
Sarge: Enriched Uranium! The losers will be forced to wear radioactive isotopes, making sure they die the excruciatingly slow and painful death they deserve! I also think if you beat a country in an event, you get to keep it. Or at least burn it down.
Church: Yeah, that's the Olympic spirit.
[Discussing their version of the Winter Olympics...]
Sarge: I also think we should give medals out to the losers.
Church: You want to give the symbols of Olympic victory to losers? That doesn't sound very much like you, Sarge. So what would it be? Gold, silver, bronze, and...?
Sarge: Enriched Uranium! The losers will be forced to wear radioactive isotopes, making sure they die the excruciatingly slow and painful death they deserve! I also think if you beat a country in an event, you get to keep it. Or at least burn it down.
Church: Yeah, that's the Olympic spirit.
Labels: Red vs. Blue
01 May 2011
Quote of the Day: Modern Family
From "Not in My House" (episode 1.12):
Alex: Did you draw on my poster?
Haley: Yeah, I did. Maybe you'll think about that the next time you read my journal.
Alex: I didn't read your stupid journal, and I waited in line to get this signed, Haley.
Haley: Oh, don't be such a baby. It's just some dude with weird hair.
Alex: That's Maya Angelou, you idiot.
Haley: Oh, sorry I don't follow the WNBA.
Alex: Did you draw on my poster?
Haley: Yeah, I did. Maybe you'll think about that the next time you read my journal.
Alex: I didn't read your stupid journal, and I waited in line to get this signed, Haley.
Haley: Oh, don't be such a baby. It's just some dude with weird hair.
Alex: That's Maya Angelou, you idiot.
Haley: Oh, sorry I don't follow the WNBA.
Labels: Modern Family
