Category Archives: Random

The Chicago Tribune recently published this article about how the FDA could soon require cinema operators to disclose the amount of calories in their concessions. Needless to say, theater owners are not so happy about it. And who can blame them? The buttery, salty goodness of movie popcorn, combined with overpriced soft drinks, Sour Patch Kids and Twizzlers are movie staples. But if I had to look at the calorie counts for my favorite treats, I’d probably opt out more often than not.

Regardless, Josh and I made it out to the theater on Friday afternoon to see The Lincoln Lawyer with Matthew McConaughey. Despite a pretty good cast (McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe, Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy, Josh Lucas and John Leguizamo) the movie was just okay. It kept us entertained for sure, but it’s definitely not a movie I’ll need to see again in the future.

While there aren’t many other movies I’m especially looking forward to, there are a few already out that I’m still dying to see. What movies are you aching to watch?

How to Train Your Dragon (nominated for two Oscars this year)
The Illusionist (also nominated for an Oscar this year)
Biutiful (another Oscar nominee, plus Javier Bardem is awesome)
The Romantics (I’ve been dying to see this for months, as I’m obsessed with Katie Holmes; Josh Duhamel isn’t too bad either)
Unstoppable (I love Denzel)
Gladiator (corny, I know, but I’ve wanted to see it ever since returning from Rome)

After returning from a much anticipated vacation, it can be easy to feel a little bummed. Oftentimes, half the fun of taking a vacation is the happy anticipation you feel in the weeks leading up to it. Fortunately, today is Friday (which is reason enough to be happy) and I’ve got five things I’m looking forward to this weekend.

1. Finally trying McDonald’s new fruit and maple oatmeal
I’m dying to know if this oatmeal tastes as good as all of McDonald’s commercials make them look. Plus, I have a coupon for a free one.

2. The Pet Nutrition Talk, sponsored by the Dane County Humane Society
I’m a sucker for most events offered by the DCHS, but this one especially appealed to me. The talk will be given by Michelle Longergan, owner of a Madison-based pet supply store. She’ll be sharing her thoughts on proper diets for cats and dogs. Frasier, watch out.

3. Seeing the Madison Symphony Orchestra
With a student ID (I’m still considering myself a student for the next two weeks) you’re eligible for up to two $10 tickets to see Beethoven’s Third Symphony. I don’t think I ever been to the symphony, but I’m definitely excited to see what it’s like.

4. Campus Candy
This candy store, which opened last fall on State Street, is a dream come true for anyone who has a sweet tooth. With over 400 varieties of candy, as well as frozen yogurt, there is sure to be something for everyone. I’m normally not into sweets, but as of late, I’ve been craving them (as seen here). So when Josh purchased a Groupon for Campus Candy, I was more than a little excited.

Kristian Knutsen/Isthmus

5. Bringing awareness to the many animals displaced by the disaster in Japan
When the disaster in Japan struck two weeks ago, not just millions of residents were displaced. Just as with Hurricane Katrina in the U.S., there are many, many animals that have been affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Just check out this heart-wrenching video of one dog protecting another to see for yourself. Click here to see how you can help the animals in need.

Photos courtesy of Jasmyne Cannick, Dog Treat Kitchen, Flickr, Yahoo News

Anyone can go on and on about how all you need in life is a caring family, friends for life and a lovable pooch. And that may well be true, but let’s be real here. What do you really need in life? A decent Internet connection, which I did not have for the greater part of my morning.

I am sorry, but the daily functions of life–life’s necessities if you will–include the ability to easily check your e-mail without having to walk to the Panera down the street (purchase of delicious Asiago cheese bagel notwithstanding), get your news for the day and get on with it.

I suppose no one likes to listen to an endless rant, so suffice it to say, I had my Internet up and running several hours later and all was once again right with the world. I will give Charter this, though–they actually respond to your tweets. Plus one for them.

The cure for a bad case of being crabby? Reading comics!! Here are three of my favorites:

Peanuts — Snoopy is awesome. Enough said.

Love Is… — the best thing to hit the comics page since the Peanuts gang. For a daily helping of Love Is… click here.

Funky Winkerbean — the name alone says it all.

[All images via fanpop, weblogtoolscollection & tech it easy]

Each time March comes around, it seems to be the beginning of the end of winter. As all Midwesterners know, winter truly doesn’t seem to end until April, but still, one can hope right?

Here are 5 things I’m looking forward to this month:

1. As mentioned above, the promise of warmer weather. It seems like wishful thinking at this point, but I’m not giving up yet. Technically-speaking there are only 19 more days of winter. YAY!

If only spring in the Midwest looked like this.

2. An upcoming trip to Italy (!!!). Josh and I were in agreement that we both wanted to do some traveling after graduation so it only seemed natural that we plan something together. After realizing–well more like panicking–that a three week sojourn around Europe is kind of expensive, we settled on a week-long adventure to Rome and Florence.

I can only hope Florence actually looks like this.

3. St. Patrick’s Day. I may be Irish (helloo Caitlin Ashleen – can it get any more Irish than that?), but I’ve never been one for beer or excessive amounts of drinking. However, I’m happy to celebrate the luck of the Irish. Now if only some of that luck would rub off on me.

A little luck o' the Irish.

4. The promise of more dogs to walk! January and February are historically slow months in the dog walking business. Which seems odd to me, since if I had a full-time job and a pet and I could afford a dog walker, I would definitely want someone for all those cold, snowy, icy days. I cannot tell you how many times I have slipped on the nasty sidewalks. And yes, the pooches just look at me, as if to say, “Why are you sitting down? We have a walk to take!”

Thank goodness I only have to walk them one at a time. And that I'm a girl.

5. Hopefully “building confidence beyond stature.” Sounds corny I know, but there is a great blog that I follow called Extra Petite. As the name sounds, it provides tips and suggestions on how to find great clothes that fit when you are petite. Sunday’s post was all about looking your best, carrying yourself well and being a valuable contributor. I couldn’t agree more and believe it is something that everyone should work on, no matter what your stature is.

Being petite is all about dressing the part, I suppose.

[Images courtesy of Getty Images, Extra Petite]