This American Life - Harold
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Venture Bros., I Already Miss You
Playing around with Rainmeter, Customize.org, and generally missing Venture Bros. has led to a pretty cute desktop. Behold.
I could honestly be doing something more constructive, but why?
If you're still sleep, catch up with the show from the beginning on Adult Swim at 8:00 p.m. (central time) on Sundays.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
My First Computer Build
Yeah, I've swapped parts or been minimally involved in other computer builds, but this is my first, and it was successful!
My old HP m8200n Media Center PC was dying, and I figured I'd spend money starting over rather than spending money to upgrade. So, for less than $500 (much less after I send these rebates in), I have a nice quad core system with nice graphics and good amounts of space all because I spent a few hours not being lazy.
THE PARTS - I've provided links, but prices have mostly gone up since the holiday. They're still pretty good, though, and Newegg's shipping is fast.
Power Supply, OCZ Falat1ty 550W Modular - I guess I could've gone with more power, but I checked my needs against the parts I purchased, and this is more than enough. I'm happy that I got a modular model (one that has removable connections, so you can use only the cords you need) because the cord situation got a little crazy. It's also 80 PLUS certified and is ATX12V compatible, which is good since these features maximize energy efficiency and output.
CPU, AMD Phenom II x 4 955 Black Edition - So far I haven't really done anything labor intensive, but even with rudimentary tasks I can tell the difference from my old Athlon dual-core processor. I could've gone with an Intel, but for the extra money it just wasn't worth it for me.
Motherboard, Asus M4A88TD-V EVO/USB 3 - Nice motherboard for a cheapskate who wants to skip an extra graphics card but have HD capabilities. For my old system, I bought an Nvidia 8600 GT to get dual monitor capabilities, but there's no need with this MOBO. I currently have my flat panel monitor and LCD television hooked up and it's just fine. (There's a VGA, DVI, and HDMI out; the last is awesome since you don't have to have a separate cord for audio if you use it.)
Memory, G. Skill 4 GB DDR 1333 Dual Channel - It was well priced and highly rated. So far, so good. Since I'm finally using 64-bit architecture, I'll probably add additional memory at some point.
Case, Rosewill Destroyer ATX Tower - This was probably my biggest deal. This thing is huge and roomy and has three fans, located so that your system stays cool. I had absolutely no problem building inside this thing. Best of all, it was $39.99 when I bought it. Love it!
I finished it off with an LG DVD player and a Seagate 1 TB hard drive. Unfortunately, the Western Digital Caviar Black I bought arrived dead, so I had to run out to the Tiger Direct to grab one.
The 64-bit version of Windows 7 Professional I used was super cheap since I'm a student (see http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows/default.aspx for details. You just need an e-mail address ending in .edu.)
So yeah, I'm pleased as punch right now.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Top Five Halloween Viewing
My favorite holiday of the year is a-coming, which provides a perfect excuse to make yet another list of horror movies that I enjoy. In addition to the old stand-bys, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween, there are hundreds of other films fit to make you laugh, cry or puke. Why not let them entertain you?
Top Five Horror Films (in no particular order)
TO MAKE YOU LAUGH
3. Black Sheep
5. Werewolf
TO GENUINELY CREEP YOU OUT
1. The Exorcist
2. The Thing
3. The Birds
4. The Ring
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Isaach de Bankole
Other than being fantastically talented and a mathematician on the low, he is absolutely, undoubtedly, most positively the most gorgeous actor working today.
My favorite performances of his can be viewed in Chocolat (not the Juliette Binoche/Johnny Depp vehicle but the 1988 film), Ghost Dog, and The Limits of Control.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Curvy Kate & DimitySO Review
So, I did a post a minute ago about the shortcomings of the retail lingerie market here in America ... or something like that. Anyway, since I discovered some overseas brands, I've been buying more foreign lingerie. Freya, Fantasie, Lepel, and Pour Moi? have been my staples, but two recent companies have piqued my interest. Meet ...
Curvy Kate, a UK brand that specializes in pretty bras for the smaller-backed, larger-cupped lady. I ordered three of their signature styles from Brastop.com (another UK company that offers some of the best lingerie around at discounted prices. Shipping to the US is pretty fast.).
Thrill Me, Fuschia/Orange
From the Spring/Summer 2010 Showgirl collection.
Love it! It looks like much too much, but it works. The band on this one seems a bit stretchy, so you may be able to order down a size. (I'm usually a 30 in the band, but I think I could've easily fit the 28.) Otherwise, the cups are true to size and fit pretty much like Freya and Fantasie. (You may have to go up one or two cup sizes if you're used to US sizes only.)
Tease Me, Black/Lemon
From the same collection. Another winner. Same fit as above--stretchy band, TTS cups. Gorgeous and, incredibly, suitable for everyday wear.
Criss Cross, Teal/White
From an older collection, '08 I think. This one has a much more snug band, so you don't have to order down a size.
****
Now DimitySO is a brand I just discovered a few months ago. They're an Australian company that also specializes in small bands and large cups. Launched this year, they focus on a more simple and pretty look.
Glum Pixie, After Dark/Buff
You've seen this one before, but I've actually had the chance to try it out. The band runs pretty TTS; unfortunately, the cup I wanted wasn't in stock, so I tried a few others. It seems my size would fit perfectly. As cute as it is, the support is just okay. Any sort of jumping around might find you knocked out by knockers. (I'm a hoot! -ers. Zing!)
So, yeah, I'm still on an underwear kick. Of course I'm all about sharing the wealth, so I'll list a few great online shops for my fellow shopping addicts.
(Pictures from curvykate.com, brastop.com, and figleaves.com)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Twisted Nostalgia - Horror for Kiddies
I have a new favorite podcast, horroretc (horror etcetera). If you love horror, are deeply nostalgic, and like knowledgeable but fun discussion of your favorite flicks, check them out. They don't ramble like most podcasters.
In the process of catching up on their 150 shows, I came across Episode 80, Kid Friendly Horror, and thought back to my younger days, those spent watching Svengoolie and renting videos from the local shop (or having my mom rent them ... whatever). Though I started out pretty early watching things I shouldn't have (Vampyros Lesbos anyone?), I have so many memories of those kid-geared early flicks that were the right mix of creepy and comforting.
Something Wicked This Way Comes - Honestly I can't remember a thing from this movie other than some magical light and advanced aging and a guy with a great beard, but I remember loving it. I think a teacher of mine actually showed it in class.
The Witches - I wonder do kids have people like Roald Dahl today, a man that writes funny but disturbing tales that refuse to mistake the audience's youth for stupidity. The Witches brought Dahl's special blend of crazy, funny, and creepy to the screen pretty well (despite the happy ending). With Angelica Houston, you really can't go wrong. I swear, everytime this movie magically finds its way onscreen, I forget how shitty it is to be an adult and get all warm and happy inside. Jim Henson was involved!
The Monster Squad - I think I've mentioned my love for Night of the Creeps numerous times. Fred Dekker was responsible for that masterpiece and this one, an homage to childhood and the classic pantheon of monsters. Another I have to rewatch since I haven't seen it in a while but undoubtedly one of the best from that period.
The Gate - Remember The Gate! Man, that was my stuff (not to be confused with The Stuff). All I remember is a gate (of course) and some kids and a portal to hell, but boy was that combination fantastic. I now know that it stars a young Stephen Dorff. Who knew?
The Lady in White - Man!!!! This movie used to come on what felt like all the time. So atmospheric, this film. A true ghost story that creates a mood that is sustained the entire time. If you've never seen it, do.
Transylvania 6-5000 - Does anyone remember this? It was fantastic. Jeff Goldblum stars as a dude who travels to Transylvannia for a story, but that's not really important. What's important is that this movie is completely silly and hilarious. They just don't make them like this anymore.
Haunted Honeymoon - Gene Wilder and Gilda Ratner star as a couple who honeymoon in a haunted castle (I think). Another horror/comedy that just cracked me up as a yute. I miss that Gilda Ratner.
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown - Okay so this isn't quite a horror flick, but it is Halloween-themed, so it counts. I love the Peanuts features; they always make me so happy and sad at the same time. This one's an annual favorite.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
What I've Been Watching
My Doctor
Dr. Who (reboot): Seasons 1 &2 - Revisting the first season with Christopher Eccleston, I've loved the initial episodes all over again, but I've also finally let go of my first doctor. He won't be back, so I've made my peace with David Tennant. Matt Smith is still on the outs though.
Being Human - I just love British television. It's grainy (which reignites my 70s and 80s nostalgia), tends to feature more black people than US offerings, and gets directly to the point with six-episode or so seasons (generally). This show, about a ghost, werewolf, and vampire attempting to cling to their humanity, is well done and not at all corny like you'd expect. Actually, it's kinda dark.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - Saw this one with the family on Friday. Really entertaining. Definitely in my top five of the summer. (Not hard considering this summer's offerings were pretty universally crap.)
The Expendables - Another family outing. This was required viewing for one who grew up on action (my mom is an action hound). Loved the 80s/early 90s explosion-laden, plot-lacking, big-dude-with-muscles action. Dolph Lundgren looks great.
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Black Sunday & Bay of Blood AKA Twitch of the Death Nerve - I love my Italian horror, but sadly, had not explored the work of Mario Bava. Black Sunday was pretty standard to me, reminded me a lot of those old Corman movies with Vincent Price. Bay of Blood, on the other hand, was great. That beautiful coloring and cinematography with the signature Italian gore and atmosphere. This one also had a plot, which I am NOT used to. Seems like Bava, unlike my beloved Fulci, likes to pay attention to the story, too. Interesting that.
Venture Bros., Season 4.1 - Just amping myself for its return on September 12. It's my absolute favorite show on television, and I can't wait.
The Seven Doors of Death AKA The Beyond - People consider this Fulci's masterpiece, a successful union of his fondness for gore-heavy images and oneiric vision. I think a good many of his films succeed in this union, but I must say this one has one of the biggest WTF endings ever. Face-eating tarantulas, unexplained blindness, hydrochloric acid accidents, quicklime crucifixion punishments, time-space shifts, this film really does have it all. I watch it at least once a year.
(Do be aware that the former title usually refers to the edited US release except when released by Diamond Entertainment.)
Breaking Bad - Monica finally broke me. I succumbed to her constant rhapsodizing about how great this show is. I've only made it to season two, but she's right, it's pretty good. I'm still mildly freaked out about how much I'm gonna be destroyed when horrible things happen to my protagonist. It's bound to happen.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I Need Boots ... Again
Preferably ankle height, brownish in tone, lined in lambswool or some other luxurious animal pelt, and comfortable.
Some ideas ...
I'm a little embarrassed to like this one, but it looks warm.
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I'm a sucker for a disco wedge.
Mmmm.
I don't know.
Absolutely.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
PAN-TEEZ and BRAWS
DimitySO's Glum Pixie
Things go in cycles for me. One month I'm cuckoo for shoes, another I can't get enough of fabrics. This particular month finds me mooning over pretty lingerie, which is fortuitous since this is lingerie sale season.
I guess I'm also on this lingerie kick because I'm all of a sudden hyper-aware of just how wrong most women have it when it comes to their bra sizes. I get it, stores offer very limited selections and would have you believe that life stops at the d-cup (unless your band size is big) and that women with small backs have tiny breasts. It's not true. A d-cup is honest-to-God not big at all. As a matter of fact, I'd say the average cup size is d. Because I'm sure that most everyone's wearing the wrong bra size, I offer this advice:
You're wearing the wrong bra size if --
1. You have quadra-boob (the appearance of four boobs) or have "meat" hanging out the sides and/or bottom of your bra. Go up a cup size or two (34 d or dd instead of 34 c).
2. You can comfortably wear your new bra on the tightest hook. Go down a band size (32 d instead of 34 c. When you go up or down a band size, you must go down or up a cup size to maintain the same proportion of band to cup. A 30 e (ddd), 32 dd, 34 d, 36 c, 38 b, and 40 a roughly the same size.). New bras should fit best on the largest hook and progressively stretch over wear and time to fit on the smallest.
3. You can fit a fist or more (some say two fingers or more) in the back band. Go down band sizes. Your band is meant to provide most of the support, not the straps. If your band isn't firm, you are not being properly supported and may have back pain.
4. Your band rides up your back and is not completely horizontal. Go down band sizes. As mentioned above, the band should be comfortably snug, and not loose enough to ride up, to provide the best support.
Accept that you'll probably have to buy your bras online, in small lingerie boutiques, or at high-end departments stores once you've been properly fitted. The unfortunate thing about the US lingerie market is that 32-36 band sizes are very hard to find in cup sizes above d in most cases.
That said, there's some gorgeous stuff available if you look hard enough.
My favorite right now, this is Wacoal's Retro Chic. Comfortable and 50s-esque. Goes up to g-cup if you need it. I'd totally recommend buying more than one.
One of the best lines out there for small band, large cup seekers. Bright colors and gorgeous designs aplenty. They use a more European cut, so I find it's best to go up a cup size in most bras (a 32 f instead of 32 e.) Right now I'm in love with this Frankie style. I guess it's my thing for polka dots. Goes up to gg-cup.
Don't know why, but I just love this bra, Fantasie's Elodie. Maybe it's the grey and the embroidery and the lace, who knows? Another brand that usually runs small in the cup but accommodates the larger cupped. Goes up to h-cup.
Just gorgeous. This is Fauvre's Merissa. Another brand with a good reputation. A bit rich for my blood, but if I had the money, I'd be on it. Goes up to g.
Agent Provocateur is my La Perla. I love their lingerie, but there's no way I can pay two hundred bucks for a bra. Some day. This is Fenella. Isn't she pretty?
I'm not all frill and lace, I like the structural, geometric designs too. Once upon a time, you could find this Danish lingerie designer's line on Figleaves.com. One Christmas, I ordered the most perfect winter white, polka dotted set and waited with bated breath for it to arrive. It never did. Either the postman stole my booty or a neighbor got a free gift that year. To this day, I get pissed when I think about it. (Proof that Figleaves is fantastic. Even though they had a record for delivery, they refunded my money ... all of it.) Either way, this is Early Jet Set and Cartland.
Another specialist in large cups, Miss Mandalay. From left to right, Gigi and Paige. Once you could find this brand on figleaves, but not so much lately. Go to their website or try smaller lingerie boutiques.
A final note on places to buy pretty lingerie that fits: Figleaves.com, Barenecessities.com, BiggerBras.com, HerRoom.com.
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