Land of the free. Home of the brave.

This is a little rant, but mainly it is a rave. Pro-America. 

While watching the "news"(1) coverage this week, a commentator wanted to remind his viewers that sadly, bombings like the one that struck Boston happen in some parts of the world daily, and with worse outcomes. The insinuation insult was that though horrific here, we were lucky considering.

Um, no. 

We live in the United States. The reason things like this don't happen here (as often) is no accident. It is by design. 

In the immediate aftermath, we all started to talk about it. We have an existing infrastructure of media that anyone can freely communicate on. No censorship. We were able to talk about who those guys might be. Where they might be found. An exchange of information. People were not afraid that if they talked there would be repercussions. The bombers (2) even used outlets of expression themselves that helped give us an idea of who they were, and what they might be capable of. Land of the free. 

It took us a work-week to wrap this thing up. We went out and found those men and started to implement justice. I say we, even though it was the federal and local law enforcement who did it. They were out there, when they knew things were dangerous, searching house to house on a man hunt. Bringing peace to the streets. Home of the brave. 

And that is why we are "lucky" enough to live in a part of the world where this doesn't happen daily. We are not ungrateful, but I am certainly not going to insult this country by comparing it to those nations that can't even come close to offering what our freedoms do. 

(1) The quotes are because until journalism regains some of it's lost integrity, I can't pretend they are to be trusted. 

(2) Stop calling them "suspects" now. They admitted to it themselves. They can be called bombers. That's what they did & who they are. 

State of the Unicorn

President Obama in black text (paraphrased), my response in blue italic text. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

"The State of our Union is strong" um, according to who? I am not saying I don't want it to be true, but I am saying let's not be ridiculous. 

Michelle shouldn't wear sleeveless dresses all the time. It is freezing out side. We get it, you have nice arms. 

Over the last few years, both parties have worked together to reduce the deficit by more than $2.5 trillion ... As a result, we are more than halfway towards the goal of $4 trillion in deficit reduction that economists say we need to stabilize our finances. That is interesting, seeing as your government has averaged a trillion dollar overspending each year. And you have been here four years. Do that math. 

Our government shouldn’t make promises we cannot keep - but we must keep the promises we’ve already made.  BOTH sides have made promises.

A once-shuttered warehouse is now a state-of-the art lab where new workers are mastering the 3D printing that has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything. Guys, is it me, or does it not make sense to put money into something that is going to eliminate the need for actual workers? Especially if you are trying to build the middle class. 

Heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and floods—all are now more frequent and intense. We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science—and act before it’s too late.  Not where I thought this was going. Ok, who is going to tell him? Not science, it's religion. THE LAST DAYS!

I’m also issuing a new goal for America: let’s cut in half the energy wasted by our homes and businesses over the next twenty years. The states with the best ideas to create jobs and lower energy bills by constructing more efficient buildings will receive federal support to help make it happen. I actually like this idea. Competition; wait, wait, we have that already... it is called a free market based in capitalism. Maybe what we should do is lower energy bills by opening up the market? 

Ask any CEO where they’d rather locate and hire: a country with deteriorating roads and bridges, or one with high-speed rail and internet; high-tech schools and self-healing power grids. STOP TRYING TO MAKE HIGH SPEED RAIL HAPPEN.

I propose a “Fix-It-First” program to put people to work as soon as possible on our most urgent repairs, like the nearly 70,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country. Wat?! He has been preaching less government, and now wants more government. I am all for infrastructure improvements. But you can't have it both ways. 

Tomorrow, my Administration will release a new “College Scorecard” that parents and students can use to compare schools based on a simple criteria: where you can get the most bang for your educational buck.  Mark my words, USU will do just fine. 

Immigration Reform: Send me a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next few months, and I will sign it right away. Here we are, one full year later... This is a quote from my blog last year, Obama: "We should take on illegal immigration... Send me a bill that affords people to stay in this country and I will sign it.  Me: SEND ME A UNICORN & I WILL RIDE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE MOON! " Aaaaand, I am still waiting for that unicorn. So, good luck with that Mr. President. 

And by realizing the promise of an AIDS-free generation which is with in our reach. THANK YOU GWB. Oh gosh,  President Bush better flip out at President Obama taking credit for one of his greatest world-wide accomplishments. 

Overall,  there were a lot more facts and figures given to us this year. The President amazes me with his public speaking abilities. I had a copy of the speech before it began and read along as he delivered it. There were only minor additions and virtually no omissions. I'd be more impressed if he did that with implementation of work instead of just with rhetoric. My top criticism of the man and his plan is that there has 
been virtually no output comparatively speaking. Initiative: take some; it's free. 

Link to the transcript of the speech.

Awards Season

It's that time of year again. I need to publish this blog before the Globes tomorrow night, but I had to see Zero Dark Thirty last night, so you get this now. This year I have a lot of questions; some answers. 

So, with out further adieu... in alphabetical order... the Best Picture Nominees followed by the Best Opinions, presented by me. 

Amour- Haven't watched it yet. Also, don't think it should be nominated in this category. It is a foreign film and was nominated in that category. What is it doing here? 

Argo-  The plot was gripping. The actors did well. It drew you in. It was timely and historic. Overall, this is a winner.  It should win. That is what I am saying, this one should win. 

Beasts of the Southern Wild- I challenge anyone who claims they think this a good movie. There are good elements. The little girl is cute. The frames were individually beautiful. Even the points of the movie which were horrific, they were artistic. Now, on to everything else: this movie is so full of itself it is beyond repair. Those people who just "get it" transcend movie basic understandings. (They actually don't). Beasts tries so hard to be a metonym, metaphysical, metaphoric, metathetic story and ends up a just a mess. Oh, I didn't use those words correctly? I just did it to sound cool but in reality they aren't backed by anything? Huh. 

Django Unchained- Won't see. I just can't digest gore/violence. But, ask my friends from the early 2000's. I have been saying that Leo was more than just a pretty face since then. I hear this movie confirms that.

Les Miserables- This was a good movie. Did you catch that? It was a movie. On film. Was it a good stage production that was regurgitated on the screen? Not really. It shouldn't have been either. People had wild expectations that were improbable to meet. This was a movie, based on musical, based on a book. It was good. The story is epic. The filming was nice. The music delivery could have been better. I appreciated that they did sing live and actually acted through it. There were some scenes that I wish would have set the bar for the rest of the movie. The scene where they are escorting the Thenardiers out of the wedding. That was brilliant The part when Fantine sells herself. Those moments made it special... but it was hurried, or just not brilliant enough to be carried through out the entire movie. I don't know. 

Life of Pi- Didn't see. Seems boring. 

Lincoln- Saw it. Was actually too boring. Except for that amazingly horrible Disney-esq intro scene with the soldiers approaching the President. What was that scene doing? I am glad it was first, so after four hours of the movie you forgot how bad that was. Was the movie well acted? Yes. Was the plot interesting? Yes. As a viewer did you learn and progress? Yes. Did it feature a scene right out of the 1995 Rom-Com "The American President"? Yes.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnKV34oNXiw

Bonus: This clip also foreshadows our current actual political crisis starting at 2:15

My criticism of Lincoln is that it is nothing new. It was not only stale, but it was also not THAT much better then similar movies from the recent past. Like the film Amazing Grace, or the completely underrated The Conspirator. Lincoln might win. Ugh. 

Silver Linings Playbook- This was a basic exploration of mental health. The movie Flight was a basic exploration of mental health and addiction and that movie did it better. Silver Linings was also a little heavy handed on exploiting the viewers emotions, having a complete identity crisis at the end. Is the movie a drama, a sports flick, a chick flick? That is also what made it great. It was a little bit of everything else, but mostly a drama. 

Zero Dark Thirty- I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It was less controversial then I feared; less torturous to watch the torture scenes then I had feared. It was the story of a woman devoting her life to something. The set backs and the ultimate triumph. God Bless America. I was pleased that it was directed by a woman, since it is telling the story of a woman in a mans world. Though that was never really presented as a theme in the movie, it is hard to not notice. It did a good job telling a story that is important for people to understand. The integrity of the story is what is in question. Is it accurate? Is it Hollywood's place to tell it? Is it propaganda? Is it too much of a political statement? I didn't think so. There wasn't much wrong with it. 

Mary McMullen's Gift Guide 2012

Gender neutral gifts! Yes! Have fun shopping. 


Slate Cheese Board

This Brooklyn Slate Company board will only set you back $25 and is tres chic. 

Do It Yourself Option: to make your own buy picking up a slab of slate from Lowes or Home Depot and glazing it yourself. Tutorial found here. Other online articles suggest using a matte varnish and then adding the oil as a conditioner/barrier.

If you want to add an exceptional cheese on the cheap, I am partial to this aged gouda from Trader Joe's. And as always, a forever advocate of Savannah Bee Company honey. This one is gold-standard.

(Go-Anywhere) Hammock

I can imagine setting this up at a friends BBQ or taking it with on a camping trip, or a trip to a beach or lake house, or even just putting it up in the back yard on a lazy Sunday afternoon. This hammock by Hammock Bliss is portable and under $50.

Sunglasses

Who doesn't wear them? I am partial to a wood pair. They are unique enough to be cool and universal enough for anyone.

Daily Journal
I have kept a journal since I was like 12. I have it in my directive to burn all of them after death. 

These little guys make it simple for anyone to start a personal record. Question & Answer a day for adults or a version  just for kids. $12 each. 

A Fish

Probably a betta since they are so low-maintenance. And pretty. Maybe a gold fish, but for like under $20 you can get a nice betta set up from your pet store. 

Subscriptions & Memberships

You have to know your audience here...
Hulu Plus for the couch potato on the go
Costco for anyone who loves America and Pizza


Switch Pitch Ball

Its cool and cheap at four minis for $20. Or one for under $10.

Home Made Sweet Treat

As always I like to suggest a nice baked good for the season. This year I am partial to these chocolate mousse brownies. They are half-assed, using a box as the base saving you time and are festive with the minty deliciousness. 

_______________________


Last Years Guide
And the Year Before

Not much to begin with...

I have never had much respect for Taylor Swift. I concede; she is a very talented song writer. And marketable. Every time a song is released I think to myself "I wish _____ [insert any other country singer name here] would have recorded this song." 

Girl is so marketable, that I have come to the point where all respect has been lost. She basically recorded RED as an advert for Target Stores. Not kidding. I am sure they will never admit this. The only sell-out who sold-out more was when Jewel recorded "Intuition" for a freaking woman razor company. Truth. 

10/22: UPDATE! I WAS beyond RIGHT--- she is marketing all sorts of Red things. 

Please see: This Link To Gross Marketing and Product Sell Outage

and there are various exclusive red items at target. gag. 

10/28: UPDATE (thanks Jess) She is also hawking her CD at Papa Johns 

Counter Blog

You may have been reading the wildly popular series over at Petechat; "meet-his-groomsman"

Peter just posted the final, albeit most anticipated, installment. 
http://petechat.blogspot.com/2012/09/meet-my-groomsman-pt-9-featuring-dan.html

It features none other than my boyfriend, Dan Nelson. 

This post, (which you are reading now) is my reaction to it. 


Original, PeteChat blog text in blue font.  NYHeartsMe reaction in red bold font.

This posts focuses on none other than my consigliere Mr. Daniel John Nelson. Ok, a few years ago they (Dan & Peter) sat around and spout off who from our real life they would cast in The Godfather. I still haven't forgiven them for casting me as Constanzia "Connie" Corleone. Also, I think we should all question their casting, since I'm pretty sure Derek Jamison was Vito. Whatever. 

When did you meet?
Great story actually. I was sitting in the SWKT at Washington Seminar orientation in Fall 2003. Ok, that is probs true... but let me tell you about the time I met Mr. Nelson- he came over to my house, he was wearing a smart argyle sweater, and he didn't talk to me for about 3 hours. 

Who does he root for? Dan Nelson is a true sports fan. Understatement of the year. BTW, Dan also roots for the rally monkey's death. 

What does he like? Nothing. Dan likes reading sports biographies, baseball, BYU, Star Wars, Quicksilver, batting cages, bow ties, bobble heads, Mario Kart, Snap Shirts, sitting on the porch, having a catch, the Crossroads of the West, Don Draper, IN-N-Out, Brigham Young's Birthplace, Jim Rome Show, Sports Reporters, Redskins Fans, IBC Rootbeer, Sundown, Magnum PI, Karate Kid, and Hulkamania. Ok, I'd say he has a mild interest in all of things, barely. 




Which Star Wars Character is he most like?No question Lando Calrissian. Obviously, Peter and I just don't agree about our real-life to movie-life conversions. Because Dan would be Darth Vader, duh. 

Things you should know about Dan- 
Notable omissions:
-Dan loves to have people fake like they are going to take a bite out of him for a snack. "Nompf"
-Once dan got kicked in the face by someone who will remain unnamed, but at one point took his shirt off. 
-Dan is a crock-pot guru.
-He also really loves bouncy-hearts. 
-Dan and I share the best all-around DC memory of all time. We will always have the moment that Military Police and Military Warden came out on their balcony for a refreshing bit of air and a nice stretch. 
-Dan started ZTF. If it is ever Friday, ask him about his tolerance level. 

I probably have a million inside jokes with Dan. He's been a great friend, and I am absolutely pumped for him to move out to CA for school. Now we just need to get Joe out here too and there will be balance in the force. WTF OMG HOW DARE YOU NOT INCLUDE ME ON THIS LIST OF DC-TO-CA TRANSPLANTS. I'm coming. 

And, lastly, here are some pictures of Dan that I have, but can't tag on facebook, because he refuses my virtual friendship...

Puerto Rico Luquillo San Juan Vacation Report Review Itineracy

What this post is about is all right there in the title. This isn't a fun vacation post, its just a guide in case you ever find yourself vacationing in PR. 

We did a quick jaunt down to the Island, and I would highly recommend taking a trip Puerto Rico for anyone on the east coast. It may not be worth it for someone who is on the West Coast, because you have Hawaii. We went over Memorial Day weekend (last week in May)

Car Rental: We flew in late Saturday and rented a car from Charlies - this was a recommendation from a friend, and beat out my costcotravel.com prices by about $50- which is surprising because for years I've found the best car rental bargains through Costco. I assumed since I booked for an airport transfer they would be waiting for us- we had to call them for the van to come get us. Even though there were about 6 people also waiting for their shuttle it was clear they wouldn't have come with out that phone call. They didn't have our economy car so they gave us a free Jeep upgrade, which was so perfect to drive around the island with the top off. If you have it in your budget, I would say get a jeep or convertible. However, upon our return they claimed the reservation was to be returned at 1am instead of 1pm and charged us for an extra day. I didn't have my paperwork, so we just paid up- but I double checked when I got home and they were wrong. I bet they try to do this a lot, they even put it in the computer that way, so double check when you sign for your rental. I believe we paid about $25/day, all inclusive for the car rental. 

top down, windows up- jeep ride through the rain forest

We then drove straight to our condo rental in Luquillo on the East Side of the island. It took about 45 min to drive there, and there was a toll, which we had to buy a toll card but did so at the toll booth. We chose Luquillo for a few reasons- it was a centralized spot near the beaches, the rainforest, the bio bay, and was outside of the city a bit so accommodations were more affordable. 

Condo Rental: I found a beach front condo rental in Playa Azul Building 1, through homeaway.com - I set up the rental through the owner, who then transfered the business (payment, parking, etc) to the condo property management company. The communication was terrific and the price was great. The condo itself was safe (front desk, 24 hour security, gated parking) and the condo had spectacular views, was clean, the pool was clean, it was great. I really liked having the beach right outside and a pool to relax in whenever we found ourselves with a bit of free time. 

View from front door of condo rental

view from the balcony of the our condo rental

We woke up Sunday and had McDonalds breakfast- there is one right across the street from the condo, as well as a grocery store. However, in Luquillo they don't open most stores until after church, which translates to 11am.  McDonalds was open.

El Yunque Rainforest- We got there mid-morning and drove around a bit and found the trail head to La Mina Falls at this point it was around 11am and the parking was sparse, but we found an off road spot, which other regular cars seemed to park just fine, but it is on a bit of an incline. The hike was fully paved and I was tired, complained the whole way, it was humid (duh, rainforest) and there were lots of ups and downs. I did it in flip flops though, so it couldn't have been too bad. And I have hiked much worse conditions- though I kinda hated the hike (not in shape, whatever). It was very pretty and we got there before the big crowds came. We were there on a holiday weekend. To swim at the base of the waterfall you have to scramble some slippery rocks, but nothing crazy. Again, I was able to go right down the the swimming hole section just fine in my sandals, but chose not to swim because I didn't want to be wet for the uphill hike out. 

on the hiking trail

after the crowds came

la mina falls before it got crowded

We then grabbed some lunch/groceries/sunscreen/etc and headed to the beach right outside our hotel. 

At night we had booked a bio bay tour through the only motorized tour company. We drove to the Fajardo docks and it was A) Really hard to find and B) packed with traffic. We were over an hour late, but were in constant (bad) communication with the tour company and they waited for us- the other people on our tour were also late. 

Bio Bay Tour- One of the most magical nature based activities I have ever done. We chose a boat tour of the bio bay in Fajardo - there are either kayaking tours or two electric boat outfits who tour the bio bay. The kayak tours had reviews that said it was hard to navigate the mangrove tunnel at night and there were too many kayaks in each group. Also, its vacation, I wanted to be relaxed. There is only one kayak company and one boat company that does Sunday tours. Choosing sunday not only fit our plans, but gave the added benefit of having a more secluded experience in the bay, since there are ELEVEN tour companies that run tours Monday-Saturday. We went with a tour company that you have to call to book through, then bring cash to- also, you have to book in advance, we were lucky and booked about 3 weeks out, but I would suggest booking 6-8 weeks in advance. Tipping is appreciated.

As you probably know, you can not swim in the bio bay (too bad, so sad) and it is extremely hard to capture the bio luminescence with a camera (even more sad). Also I had read all over the internet that the Veiques bio bay was better. However, everyone in PR seems to think they are comparable since the Fajardo bay stopped allowing swimming a few years back. I enjoyed trolling through the mile long mangrove tunnel and the bright moon lit sky just as much as the bio lum waters. The guides were great and they give you sticks to play around in the water. Though, my favorite way to see the bio-lum was to scoop up a handful of water and watch it fall off like magic glitter. 

mangrove tunnel on way into the bio bay 

The next day we wanted to go to an off-island island. There are catamaran tours that offer snorkling, lunch, and island time or there are ferries that can take you to islands further out. From what I read online and talking to people who have been the ferry system is hard to navigate and frustrating, so we went with a private boat. 

Captain Mingo/Icacos Island- Paradise. We spent the whole day there. The difference between the beach on the main island and this small private island is drastic. It has crystal clear turquoise waters, soft white sandy beaches. You have to carry anything you want (umbrellas, chairs, food, etc) with you, and there are no bathrooms on the island. The Baby Bay people from the night before hooked us up with Mingo, and I had read about him on the internet beforehand so knew he was legit. We were able to talk to him Sunday night and make arrangements. He took us across and picked us up for $100 (3 people). He also didn't have any thing booked after us, so he stopped off shore a bit and let us use his snorkeling gear for about an hour. Great service. You can call him to book or you can find him down at the docks in a bright yellow boat in the morning/afternoons. 783-383-6509 is his cell phone. 

boat ride with captain mingo (and his young captain in training)

view from the beach on icacos island, looking at the main island

a view of the private boats docked on the beach on icacos island

snorkling off icacos island

Monday night we went to dinner at Pasta Y Pueblo in Luquillo

Pasta Y Pueblo- Fantastic meal. Simple island foods, fish, seafood, steak with either pasta or coconut rice. Delicious. The place has five tables, a gravel floor, and is open air with a shack like room. Hard to find, put "Luquillo Sunrise Inn" in your GPS, and it is next door, right near the round about with the sculpture facing the beach. We also took a stroll down the beach afterwards. The food was the star, and I appreciated the laid back atmosphere. 

dinner at pasta y pueblo

Luquillo after dinner walk on the beach

The next day we packed up and drove back to San Juan. On our way out of Luquillo we stopped for lunch at the kioskos. Its a row of little restaurants. Some nice and had seating, some just little walk ups. Many are only opened on the weekend. They are numbered and have names. We ate El Jefe Burger Shack, #12. 

El Jefe Burgers- Fried cheese was gross. The nachos were delicious. No one got a burger because they were out of buns after the weekend. The onion rings were good/greasy. The fish and chips were ok. 

We stayed in the Radison in San Juan. It was priced right (we used the Friends & Family discount code "CarlsonF" and had no questions asked upon check in). The hotel had on site parking, was walkable to lots of food options and the beach, and had a small casino down stairs and roof top pool. We were tired and actually went to their bar and watched an episode of Hatfields & McCoys (real classy). We ordered a trio of desserts which were average at best. We took a cab ride to Old San Juan from the hotel. It was about $15. 

Old San Juan- we were dropped off at the old fort Castillo de San Cristobal but didn't pay to go inside, it was only a few dollars though. We decided to walk around the streets. There were toursity shops and a few restaurants; brightly colored row houses and such. We bought ice cream from a cart. It was like a dollar and I didn't like it. It was really hot and I didn't find anything too interesting. We made it down to the wall 

the fort at san cristobal

old san juan street

That night we went to a nice dinner out. We walked to Jose Enriques. From the Radison it was walkable, but also in a seedy part of town. We went under a freeway underpass. I was with two men and felt safe, but also urban environments aren't threatening to me. It would not be unreasonable to taxi cab there or drive if you have a car, there is ample street parking. 

Jose Enriques- The food was top notch. We shared the avocado to start, which was dressed. I then had a nice portion of fish with a fresh salad and some tropical fruit. So good. The atmosphere is smart-casual. Many there seemed to be regulars and/or celebrating special occasions. From what I overheard/witnessed they only turn the tables twice for dinner service. People seemed to all order apps/mains/desserts/drinks. It was about $30 for entrees and then additional for the other courses. Worth it. 

The next day we ate at a local cafe, can't remember the name of it, it was rated high on yelp, but the food was nothing special in my opinion- obviously forgettable. 

Flew home. 

Overall, I loved it. I'd spend less time in San Juan and more time everywhere else. Four days was a fast jaunt, but totally doable. I didn't feel rushed and I got to see a diverse amount of attractions. When I return (soon) I'd like to check out the West Coast and the Southern Ponce areas. It was also great to feel like I was in another country but have everyone speak english (enough) and take US cash. 

The weather called for sparse showers daily, but we didn't have any problems. Rained about 10 min in San Juan, but none other than that. Tropical places usually have rain or overcast for brief periods and then sunshine the rest of the time, such was the case on our trip. 

A few places did not have websites, and we had to call to book. Also, many places did take plastic, but you will want cash for tours. 

GO! 


LINKS

Charlies Car Rentals- http://www.charliecars.com/

Costco Travel- http://www.costcotravel.com/

Condo Rental- http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p264865

El Yunque Rain Forrest- http://www.fs.usda.gov/elyunque

La Mina Falls Hike- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147324-d150258-Reviews-La_Mina_Falls-El_Yunque_National_Forest_Puerto_Rico.html

Baby Bay Bio Tours- 1 (787) 655-2739 or email captainsuarezbiobaypr@gmail.com

Captain Mingo (Private boat ride to Icacos Island)- http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/icacos

Old San Juan- http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

Pasta Y Pueblo- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g635965-d1510373-Reviews-Pasta_y_Pueblo-Luquillo_Puerto_Rico.html

El Jefe Burger Shack Kioskos #12 - http://eljefeburger.com

Jose Enriques- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147320-d1818329-Reviews-Jose_Enrique-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html

Radison Ambassador Hotel- http://www.radisson.com/condado-hotel-pr-00907/prsanjua