And then there was almost a brawl...

I love going to the movie at CineArts in Santana Row because I am almost always the youngest person there, especially when I go during the day like today. My movie was in one of the smaller theaters, and I took my small bag of popcorn and bottle of water to the back row and sat down with about 20 minutes to relax before it started. I was minding my own business, checking email, figuring out new features on my phone, breathing. Other people came in here and there...all normal stuff. Then, the pre-movie entertainment began.

With about 6 minutes to go, a couple of women sat down in the row in front of me - probably a little younger than me (curse them for ruining my youngest-at-the-movie status!) - and they were quite the chatterboxes. Now granted, the movie hadn't started and the previews weren't even on yet, but they were pretty loud and an older couple in the middle of the row they were sitting in gave a couple of glances in their direction, basically I think to see what all the hoopla was about that caused them to talk so loud. Heck, I gave 'em glance too, but I was behind them so it was far more stealthy in nature. This went on for another minute or two...the chatter and the glances, which were a bit dramatic, but kind of funny. And then it happened.

First Woman: "You know, the movie hasn't even started yet. We are allowed to talk. I don't know why you're staring at us and giving us the stink eye."

Oh yeah. She said stink eye.

The couple was quite huffy and sat back in their seats with heavy sighs.

Second woman: "We can still talk. It's not a crime." (or something to that effect)

First Woman: "I know. Go on."

Lights went down and they did get quiet, as I figured they would.

Sat through the previews, including that freaking annoying one for that Babies movie that actually makes me want to scream out loud every time I see it. The movie started, A Single Man, and if you've seen it, you know how it starts and how it's very calm. Even if you haven't seen it you likely know that it's about a gay man in the 60s. And near the beginning there is a kiss. And that's when the huffy couple from the middle of the row got up and walked out of the theater! I don't know if they were upset at the movie or the women, or what, but there were some looks passed between all parties as they passed by the women on their way out. Seriously. I thought there might be a brawl...which would have been highly entertaining in the land of Santana Row, but would have really detracted from the movie.

I knew I could not keep this little gem to myself, so I hope you've enjoyed today's adventure in the life of Carrie. I know. You WISH you had as much fun as me at the movies.

The 2010 Birthday Shuffle

So, last year on my birthday, there was a whole Facebook thing going around about songs on your iPod...I posted here and thought it might be fun to see how things have changed since then. So, without further ado, or really any ado whatsoever, here's the 2010 Birthday Shuffle! Instead of picking every 2nd song, I just went song to song after pushing Shuffle Songs on the pod...Enjoy!!

The photo is me and The Mother from my birthday a couple of years back...at The Tank...celebrating a little birthday with a side of hockey. Go Sharks!!

Opening Credits:
Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

Waking Up:
Red Sky - Brandon Heath

First Day at School:
Say (All I Need) - OneRepublic

What Your Friends Think of You:
If You Believe Me - Reliant K

What You Think of Your Friends:
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room - John Mayer

What You Think of Your Best Friend:
And Around - Tabitha's Secret

What You Like in a Boy:
Be Still - Kelly Clarkson

Falling in Love:
I Saw - Matt Nathanson

Fight Song:
All American Girl - Train

Breaking Up:
Sing a Song - Third Day

Prom:
Blind - Train (side note to Jill...this is the Café du Nord version...ha!)

What You Wanted to Be When You Grew Up:
East Jesus Nowhere - Green Day

Life:
I Don't Know - Third Day

How You Describe Yourself:
Mad Season - Matchbox Twenty

How You Feel Today - Your Birthday!:
Chasing Sunsets - Nate Fowler

Mental Breakdown:
When the Rain Comes - Third Day

Your Life's Purpose:
Piano Man - Billy Joel (hmmm...new career?)

Your Motto:
The Greatest Discovery - Elton John

What You Think About Often:
Poparazzi - Switchfoot (yeah, they did it before Gaga...different spelling, but still...)

Your Hobby/Interest:
Having a Blast - Green Day

Your Biggest Fear:
Yet - Switchfoot

Your Biggest Secret:
Know Your Enemy - Green Day

Driving:
Run to You - Third Day

Flashback:
Hate On Me - Glee Cast (no idea who did this originally)

Getting Back Together:
Carry Me Home - Third Day

Wedding Scene:
BlackBird - Third Day

Your Wedding Dance:
More Than This - Matt Nathanson

What You Think of When You See the Love of Your Life:
For Me, It's You - Train (well, that seems sort of perfect doesn't it?)

Birth of Child:
Simple Life - Elton John

Life Story:
3 A.M. - Matchbox Twenty (side note to Jill, Veronnica and Shawn - this is from the SJ show)

Final Battle:
Sky Falls Down - Third Day

Death Scene:
Then I'll Be Smiling - Matt Nathanson

Funeral Song:
Something More - Switchfoot

End Credits:
Show Me Your Glory - Third Day (quite possibly the most perfect ending to this list!!)

Blogging the Grammy's

I'm watching the Grammy's tonight...in DVR-delayed fashion, so I'll publish this when it's all over. But let's get started...

Performance #1 - Lady GaGa and Elton John: Hi. Elton John completely rocks - can't wait to see him in a few weeks, and while Lady GaGa always looks nutty, she can actually sing. Me loved.

Stephen Colbert - "What up Z?" Excellent. Oh, an iPad? Nice.

• Apparently Grammy liked it and did, indeed, put a ring on it. Beyonce 1. Taylor 0. (not counting awards from earlier in the day, only those shown on TV...I mean, if it's not on TV, did it actually happen?)

Performance #2 - Green Day and the American Idiot cast: Seriously can't wait to go see this show again later this year and really, I'm not sure Green Day could rock any more. I will go see them anytime they are playing near me. Me loved immensely!

• Taylor 1. Beyonce 1. Beauty of DVR is that I can fast-forward through all the names and just hear the winner. Also, I can fast-forward through acceptance speeches.

Simon Baker - Yummy.

Performance #3 - Beyonce: Um...did she really just grab her crotch? See, this is what I don't get. She can SING. Why hide behind all the costumes and theatrics? And did she mean to only wear one earring? Me annoyed. Beauty of DVR means I don't have to watch the whole thing. Okay, I stopped my fast-forwarding to discover she's covering Alanis? Really? Me even more annoyed.

Seal - Why can't he be singing to me?

Performance #4 - Pink: See. She can SING too, and it's so much better because she's just standing there singing. Now, I saw her show last year and it's very theatrical but I never felt like it got in the way of her voice like I feel happens with Beyonce. And yes, the trapeze and water stuff was in her show and it was amazingly beautiful and emotional and moving. Me loved lots!

• Okay. I just don't like country so I'm annoyed with the Best New Artist winner. Fast-Forward.

Performance #5 - Black Eyed Peas: Imma be fast-forwarding. Okay, not really. I saw them open for U2 last fall and they were pretty good. But it's so NOT about Fergie. It's about everyone else. They're actually pretty fun. Me liked. Mazeltov.

Performance # 6 - Lady Antebellum: Yeah. So don't care. Country. Moving on.

• Stephen Colbert wins a Grammy. Awesome. 

• Taylor and Beyonce both lose. You go Kings of Leon.

OMG. Could I love Robert Downey Jr. anymore? Seriously. LOVE.

Performance #7 - Jamie Foxx: Who knew he could sing a little opera? But seriously, auto tune should be banned (blaming that on T Pain), especially since he can actually sing. Jay Z shoulda jumped up there and ended that nonsense. I still can't believe how popular this song was, but I have to admit that it's freaking catchy. Damn you Jamie Foxx. Alright, me liked. Way to pull it altogether with Slash...and his hat.

Ke$ha and Bieber. That's just not right at any level.

FYI, Alice Cooper and I have the same birthday. Awesome times ten.

• GREEN DAY BABY!!! Total punk rock stars.

Performance #8 - Zac Brown Band: No.

Performance #9 - Taylor Swift: Meh. I like the pop side of Taylor, not the country side. I guess I should be thankful Kanye didn't show up. But oy, she's just not great live. Maybe we should bring auto tune back. Guh. Steve Nicks. I just can't. Fast forwarding now. Me no like.

I just adore Lionel Richie. It's a shame his daughter is so whack.

Oh Beyonce. Put those away or cover them up please.

I still can't believe Michael Jackson died.

Hey, I actually HAVE 3-D glasses! Never mind. Those hurt my eyes.

Performance #10 - Michael Jackson Tribute: Celine can sing, but she looks strange. Usher - amazing! Carrie can sing, but it seems weird to have her in this. She's country. Jennifer Hudson - yay! Smoky Robinson - awesome. Michael Jackson - pure genius. Me liked.

Okay, seeing MJ's kids brought tears to my eyes.

 
Performance #11 - Bon Jovi: First of all, how is it that this is their first Grammy performance ever? JBJ = YUM. Will he ever start aging? This just made me even more excited to see them in concert in a few weeks. The Jovi ROCKS!! Could have done without the countrified interlude, but overall, me loved! I'm still fascinated by that tool Richie uses to make that noise. You know the one. Classic Jovi. Bring it. Although please bring it without that Sugarland chick. She is NOT part of the Jovi. Me annoyed.

Mos Def and Placido Domingo presenting the best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Twelve kinds of awesome.

• I wonder if Kanye will interrupt his own acceptance speech to let us know Beyonce should have won? Oh, he's not there? Bummer. Is that Jay Z's kid? Super cute.

Performance #12 - David Foster, Mary J Blige and Andrea Bocelli: Melting. Tears. Love Love Love. Andrea Bocelli is a complete genius and Mary J is just unbelievable and looks gorgeous. Me absolutely loved!!

Fast-forwarding through Grammy chatter box.

Adam Sandler wearing Usher's jacket. Burger King. Funny.

Performance #13 - The Dave Matthews Band: Forgot about their band member dying a couple of years ago. Sad. So freaking talented even though songs all sound about the same. I still like it and Dave always seems so happy. Me liked a lot.

Side note: I saw Ricky Martin in concert. Oh yeah. Livin' la vida loca baby.

• Beyonce 2. Taylor 1. But oy with that dress B. Seriously. Put 'em away.

Is anyone cooler than LL? I gotta go with no. I mean, the word cool is in his name!

Performance #14 - Maxwell and Roberta Flack: I love R&B, but I seem to find myself uninterested. He can totally sing, but I would have rather seen LL perform. How old is Roberta? Man, she can still sing! And yet, I still want to push the FF button. Me indifferent.

In Memoriam's make me sad. So many good people lost. And many very young. But what a weird way to end it. 

Performance #15 - Jeff Beck: Guitar genius. I think he made Les Paul proud. Me liked.

Really? Quentin Tarantino? Freak.

Performance #16 - Drake, Eminem, Lil Wayne and Travis Barker: First of all, crazy collection of people. I have to watch just to see what might happen and how many bleeps there might be. Hey, anyone remember Drake from Degrassi? Oh yeah. I used to watch it. Oh Lil...pull up those pants. Eminem is always good. True talent. And he wears his pants correctly. Drizzy Drake? What? Seriously. Eminem has some crazy rhymes going on. And Barker is a survivor and a real drummer. I guess I have to say...me enjoyed!

Please explain to me why Rob Thomas is not out there with Santana.

• Taylor 2. Beyonce 2. I guess they're even? Well, not really since I think B won more of the non-televised awards than T. Not sure I agree with this one, but hey, I apparently know nothing about music according to the Grammy's so whatevs.

Is it just me, or were there only like 8 awards presented on the telecast tonight? I mean, I love the performances, but shouldn't we see more of the artists winning the awards? Any thoughts on the night? I suppose I should get to bed since it's now almost midnight. Happy music listening everyone!

Oh, wanna see all the winners? Check it here.

Countdown to Concert Craziness

So if you're a regular reader of this anti-blog you'll know I'm a teensy bit of a junkie. A concert junkie that is. In 2009 I went to about 14 concerts. That's a little more than one a month which seems normal to me, but apparently, per pretty much everyone in my life, it's a lot. Okay, so maybe it is. Well, we're about 3 weeks into 2010 and I haven't gone to one concert yet, not one! However, that's all about to change...

• February brings the Elton John/Billy Joel concert I was supposed to see in November. It also brings Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey. Oh yes, I've got an eclectic playlist.

• March brings John Mayer to town. I'll be seeing him by myself since my normal concert-going friends had no interest. Ah well...more for me I guess...

• April brings MUSE, and May gives me James Taylor and Carole King and hopefully Lifehouse and Daughtry - though those tickets aren't actually on sale yet.

• Finally, June comes along and brings U2 to town - well, to O-Town, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them again on their crazy stadium tour. 

I'm sure some others will come along to take my concert dollars, and I can't wait!

Why isn't it okay that I don't want an iPhone?

So I purchased a Palm Pixi today and couldn't be happier. When I posted this status on Twitter and Facebook, a string of comments came quickly...mostly wondering why I didn't get an iPhone and letting me know that my choice was substandard. Apparently it's not okay to want a Palm. Apparently I'm subhuman if I don't want an iPhone or a Blackberry or even a Google Nexus or whatever that new phone is called. But mostly, it was about the iPhone. There were a few who liked my status or told me to go for it - thank you for that.

Is the iPhone cool? Of course it is. It's made by Apple. Despite my devotion to Apple, I don't actually have to own everything they make. And sorry, but having AT&T as my only provider option? No thanks. If the Sprint Network carried the iPhone, then we might be having a different discussion, but I don't know. I'm frankly just addicted to Palm.

I've had a Palm of some variety for more than 10 years. Yes. I was one of those geeks with the Palm Pilot way back when. I synched, I beamed, I learned the graffiti. It was a big thing when I moved to the Treo and combined two pieces of technology into one. It worked though. The Treo was a great tool, but not a great phone. The Centro, also made by Palm, my current phone, is both a great phone and a great tool. The Pixi is just the next best thing in my opinion.

Let me restate: IN MY OPINION.

Most of my friends have iPhones. Many that don't wish they did. I have zero issues with any of it. I just happen to prefer the Palm OS. Maybe it's because I want to be different. I don't know. Maybe I just like it. And maybe, just maybe, that's okay.

Note to self: Make Twitter and Facebook updates less attackable in the future.