Random Thoughts

Finally after 2 years and 7 months of applications, doctor visits, appeals, and waiting for a court date for a judge to decide on my case, I finally got some news. I got a call end of last week telling me a court date has been finally set.
Its not till August 13th but the end of this ordeal is in sight, just hope don't get denied yet again. If I get denied here will probably then will be a waiting game till I develop diabetes or have a heart attack. Which would guarantee me an approval.

So keep your fingers crossed, wish me luck, keep me in your prayers, whatever works best for you. Hopefully on August 13th the judge will finally approve me. The next 6 weeks will be the worst, knowing the end is in sight and knowing have to wait, and worry about being denied even after all this.

Finally got a chance to watch the I Survived a Japanese Game Show premier episode. I find the Japanese culture and their entertainment endlessly fascinating. So I found this pilot episode very entertaining and interesting.

The contestants thought they were going to Los Angeles for a new reality show. Once they arrive they are then bustled from one end of the airport to the other end and put on a flight to Japan. The contestants are then shown where they will stay while in Japan. Talk about culture shock. They found out the beds were on the floor, they would sleep several to a room with very little room, and Japanese food in the pantry. Then they were introduced to "Mama-san" she immediately berated those who had left shoes on and gave then their marching orders and ordered them to bed. You could tell several of the contestants were dazed, like deer caught in the headlights, they didn't know what was all going on and confused on what to do. The next morning they are woke up early, combined with jet lag, and but on a small tour bus with a short tour along the way. They stopped at the famous filming studios. They are told they are going on a tour and are hustled in a door and back through the back areas to a set of double doors. They are told to go on in, the room is pitch black and spotlights glaring in their faces, which means they can see nothing beyond the small pool of light they are standing in. The lights come up and there is the crowd, announcer, and game show floor; all cheering. This is when they finally find out exactly what they signed up for.

The following contests and events give them a taste of what Japanese game shows are like. The group is split into two teams. The winning team of the first contests got a nice, high class, tour of Tokyo from the air in a big luxury helicopter. The losing team then has to complete a challenge in the streets of Tokyo. Afterword's they then also had to choose 2 team members to for elimination. The two contestants then participated in another game show contest with the loser walking off and heading home.

I found the show quite fun. It had a nice balance of poking fun at our clueless American contestants with a crash course in Japanese life and culture. I look forward to catching each episode as they air as soon as Hell's Kitchen wraps up.

Last night saw the first new game shows, "Wipeout" and "I Survived A Japanese Game Show" (ISAJGS). Unfortunately they moved up the release of ISAJGS and it was competing for viewers with Hell's Kitchen, which is down to the final 3 last night. So I missed ISAJGS, hopefully will have a review later this week.
Last night, "Wipeout" premiered and was a good funny family friendly show. The commentary was hilarious. It reminds me of a cross between "Ninja Warrior" (Japanese Game Show) and MXC or Takeshi's Castle as it is know in Japan. The commentary was spot on and suitably funny without being crass or using vulgar language. If they can keep of the level of hilarity and commentary this one will be a decent guilty summer pleasure.

Hell's Kitchen last night saw us down to the Final Three, Cory, Christina, and Petrozza. After the evening service it was Christina and Cory on the block. Petrozza though having a few problems on the Pass did fairly okay and had a great evening of cooking. The chef's final chose was to send Cory home. She did not have that assertiveness needed at the Pass and did not catch a single one of the intentional flubs by the Ramsey's assistant chef's. Christina had a bad night on the fish station, surprisingly, but on the Pass she was spot on and performed greatly.

This leaves us with Petrozza and Christina for the final 2 episode. While Petrozza is sufficient he is only so-so, nothing special and quite messy when cooking.
Christina on the other hand has won the last 3 or 4 challenges in a row, Not counting last nights service she has performed very good for the most part and this is on top of only 2 years of experience and still in Culinary School. She has shown amazing talent and I think she has what it really takes to run one of Chef Ramsey's restaurants.

So I am rooting for Christina. Next episode will tell. Who is your favorite to win? Is it Petrozza or Christine? Sound off in the comments.

I am an avid fan of Firefox. It is a good program, lots of extras for true customization, and its not Microsoft owned. Microsoft has done a lot for the computer world but they have become to greedy of late. So anything that works as well or better and is free especially, gets my attention. Mozilla released Firefox 3 yesterday. There was a campaign running up to the event asking people to help them try for a new Guinness World Record for the most downloads in one day. The attempt did have a few hitches, including a crash of the servers at the starting hour. So many people were trying to access at once that he servers went down. There was some sporadic outage later in the day as well but over all the event was a HUGE success.

In the 24 hour download period, Firefox 3 was download approximately 8.2 MILLION times. This included 2.5 million downloads in the U.S.A alone. So why not check out this amazing browser, if you haven't yet, and give it a try. I think you will find it a better browser than IE.

Mozilla Firefox 3

I have a small web page detailing a couple programs that can help you earn a little extra cash. Well i was rechecking my site yesterday and realized I had majorly goofed. I figured out why the Reward1 banner wouldn't show and also learned that I had encoded the PrizeRebel banner improperly and that it didn't link to the appropriate site. It should be working correctly now, be sure to refresh the page to see corrected version.

Related Links:
My Web Page
PrizeRebel
Reward1
Win an Xbox 360 Post
Extra Cash Post

Two new posts today.

First is last night's Hell's Kitchen episode. Last night we were down to four contestants. Cory, Christina, Jen, and Petrozza. Christina won last nights Challenger, yet again. This time the prize was a $1,000+ clothes shopping spree at Lisa Kline's with Lisa herself. Jealousy reared its ugly head in both Cory and Jen with both of them commenting that the reward was wasted on Christina since she has no fashion sense. This was followed by a cold shoulder from all three when Christina came in and offered her help with prepping for dinner service, even though the winners usually sit back till service is to start.

During evening service Jen and Cory both waffled a bit in their service. Chef Ramsey berated Petrozza, again, about the general mess and slovenliness of his station. Christina brought a pan for Chef Ramsey and didn't mention the handle was hot. She rally goofed and did it a second time later on. Chef Ramsey burned his hand both times, leaving him quite upset with Christina's lack of warning.
When it came time for the team to nominate 2 people for elimination; Christina, Petrozza, and Cory were all in agreement that Jen needed to go. It was then decided to put Petrozza up apposite Jen. After final plea's, Chef Ramsey sent Jen home. Leaving the final three of Cory, Christina, and Petrozza.

Jen from day one had a chip on her shoulder. It grew worse and worse as each week passed. For the last couple weeks Jen has been out for one person and one person only, herself. Even to the point of undermining the team efforts and waffling service and ability. One moment cooking great and next serving junk, especially after a dressing down from Chef Ramsey. Several times she seemed to just give up and phone in her work. It was past time for her departure, in my opinion.

Of the final three only 2 have what it takes in my opinion, Christina and Petrozza. Cory runs hot and cold and just doesn't quite have what it takes, I believe. Christina on the other hand has shown an increasing aptitude and improvement in her work and cooking. She has real potential at winning this. Petrozza is fairly good as well but he has two distinct turn offs for me. One, he is very messy in the kitchen. Dirty pots and pans all over the place and continuing using same surface over and over with out cleaning off between dishes cooked. Second, he is easily distracted and losses focus of what he should be doing any time a pretty face shows up, even pregnant.

Be sure to leave a comment and voice your opinion on who you think will win and who deserves/deserved to win this position as Chef Ramsey's new chef.

The Middleman televsion show premiers.

Last night saw the first "real" summer television show. The Middleman premiered last night on ABC Family airing at 7 p.m. Central. ABC Family has had a decent record of late of bringing new and unique shows for the summer viewing crowd. The commercial for The Middleman had me worried that this would be a less than serious attempt at a true summer offering though.

Now while I will hold a final verdict till the show has a couple episodes under its belt, last nights show was unique. This one shows promise and last nights episode was different than your usual fare, I found it enjoyable and was definitely family friendly.

SPOILERS BELOW. SKIP TO NEXT ARTICLE IF DON'T WANT LAST NIGHTS SHOW RUINED BEFORE YOU GET TO SEE IT!

The shows hero is a quirky but interesting character with a love of milk. His side kick, the heroine, is an art student trying to get by working temp jobs till an accident at her most recent job brings her into contact with a mutant like monster and our hero, The Middleman. After being blamed for the incident at her last job, which is being explained away as a gas explosion, and our heroine being suspected as the culprit for starting it, she finds herself unemployable; on top of being dumped by her boyfriend for a film school project. Till she receives a call from an oddly named temp agency asking her to come in for a job placement. After a lengthy and weird application process, she finds out that the temp agency is a front for The Middleman to recruit possible help. After initially turning down the job, she relents and decides to join The Middleman.

Thus starts the unique and quirky show that is The Middleman. The Middleman has a bit of detective film noir feel to it. The series is based off a popular graphics novel series, i.e. comic book. For more be sure to check out TV.com and ABC Family for more about the series.

Father's Day

Yesterday was Father's Day. I hope you showed your Father's yesterday how much they mean to you. My dad died suddenly 6 years ago. Ever since then Father's Day has been a very sad day for me and my family.
So me and the family decided to take car trip up to see my sister about hour and half away. Hadn't seen here in several months. Me and my sister get along really well. We both have a unique outlook on life and a unique humor. I always love visits with her. We visited, played a fun board game, went out to supper, and did a little geocaching.
It was a hot day yesterday and had no AC in the car. So got a little too much heat yesterday and a slight sunburn on my right arm, it was the one hanging out the window. Also due to my health problems, yesterday was a major work out for me. I am exhausted today sore but it was great spending time together with the whole family, helps us all get through a tough day.

Win an Xbox 360

For those who have read some of the older posts. I have mentioned before



and

REWARD1

Well for the month of June, reward 1 is giving away an Xbox 360 or 360 points, your choice. For every person you refer and completes at least 1 offer, you will receive one entry into the drawing for the month of June. So be sure to sign up and invite all your friends. You never know you may find yourself the proud winner of an Xbox 360.

Mabinogi - Pets Added

Last Thursday, June 5th, Mabinogi added pets to the cash shop. Currently there is only 5 pets. More will come with future updates. I found this little video, really liked it.




If you do get a pet be sure to show it off in the related contests. Check it out.

Summer is on us and with it comes a season of reruns and old movies. Luckily the networks are starting to realize that their is still some money to be made from summer series and that their are still people out there who are looking for something good to watch during the summer months. This list is by no means extensive but it a list of my picks for the "best of" or "promising" shows.

The Mole - - June 2nd
This game show might be interesting. Some people might remember it from its debut several years ago. I don't hold high hopes for it but it is slightly entertaining while we wait for the good stuff to come in July.

The Middleman - June 16th
This is a new show from ABC Family is based on a comic book of the same name. Looks to be a science fiction/comedy/hero show. It has good potential.

Wipeout - June 23rd
This is another game show. Think Ninja Warrior like courses, now add in clueless contestants falling flat on their faces for your amusement. Nothing stimulating but good for some simple laughs and mindless TV when last thing want to do is think.

I Survived a Japanese Game Show - July 1st
I have a fascination for all things Japanese. And any one who has ever seen any clips on the Internet from some of their game shows knows they have the oddest competitions. Now throw unsuspecting Americans into said wacky shows to compete and might be interesting.

Burn Notice - July 10th
This show premiered last summer. This summer brings Season 2. I strongly suggest giving this a try. And be sure to catch the reruns of last season now airing on USA Network. This is one of those shows that looks like it would be a mediocre show at best but the cast and writing of this show make this one of my HIGHLY anticipated shows of the summer. I love this show.

Stargate Atlantis - July 11th
I am a sci-fi fan and the Stargate and Stargate Atlantis series are some of the best TV you will see. This starts the 5th season for the members of Atlantis.

Psych & Monk - July 18th
Psych is one of the best most hilarious shows I have ever seen. The show is about Shawn Spencer who has an amazing ability to notice clues, almost Sherlock Holmes like. He starts consulting for the police and starts his own business. He pretends to be able to see stuff psychically and calls his new business Psych.
Monk returns for its 7th season with the Obsessive Compulsive detective. Monk is another brilliant detective, almost Sherlock Holmes style but he has major phobias and obsessive compulsive problems ever since his wife's death several years ago. He can no longer work on the police force so they hire him as a freelance consultant and his assistant for the most baffling cases.

Eureka - July 29th
This sci-fi channel show is returning for its 3rd season. This show has an amazing cast with some amazing chemistry. In a world of ever increasing technology, I think we all identify with Sheriff Carter on some level or another. Another can't miss series.

Primeval - Aug 9th
This is a British series from the UK. This along with Dr Who and Robin Hood are amazing examples that cable companies should broaden their horizons and start importing more shows from other countries. Unfortunately due to these being UK shows you will have to get a copy from a friend but these three shows are a must see. Luckily Sci-Fi channel has picked up Dr. Who, usually a week or 2 behind regular Britain schedule and Robin Hood which is a whole season behind. No American channel has picked up Primeval yet.

On a side note, two other great Britain shows are 'Life on Mars' and 'Ashes to Ashes'. Ashes to Ashes is along same vein as Life on Mars but different leading character and different time period. These two shows are very unique and are mind stretchers, they are not for every one but if your in a mood for a good cranium exercises and stretching of the imagination then these may just be up you alley.
One kudos to the cable companies. They have picked up Life on Mars and remaking it with an American feel and theme. Where as the British version is full of British slang, cultural history reverences and the such. I'm hoping they do it real justice and not a crappy attempt at cashing in a popular idea with no real attempt to make it truly unique and American.

STUPID TENNESSEE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICIANS


I was born in Texas. I have lived in Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Ohio, Colorade, Oregon, Washington, and a little bit in California. Texas, California, and Iowa were when I was very young and I have no memory of those places. Though through my Dad I retained a love of The Houston Oilers who are now the Tennessee Titans which is even better. Tennessee is the state I have lived the most in and I consider it home. All places have there good and bad. I especially love how even in today's age a lot of Tennesseans, especially in rural areas will wave and say Hi to any one they meet as if your were a friend or neighbor. Makes you feel at home. Tennessee also has a unique culture and heritage. But there is 2 things that just really annoy me and are so frustrating.


1. TAXES. Tennessee is still using an antiquated sales tax, instead of a more appropriate income tax. There is a 5.5% tax on all food items and a 9.75% tax on everything else. Compared to the other 50 states. Tennessee has the highest sales tax rate and along side New Hampshire are the only ones that doesn't have an income tax. This means the poor and middle class residents of Tennessee are footing the largest percentage of take home pay. At the same time every year they cry that there is a budget short fall and more services and programs will have to be cut, except their paychecks of course. Add to that increased prices in gas, 85% increase in price in last year, and the resulting raised cost of food and goods due the gas prices and you have one messed up system that is headed down economic ruin highway and were wondering why all the rest of the traffic is turning around and going the other direction.


2. SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY. I have several health problems, that combined have left me unable to work. So I have applied for Social Security Disability so I can get some help getting my medical problems addressed and hopefully back on my feet again. Yet here again Tennessee leads the way into stupidity. Tennessee has the worst record of handling of disability cases. In Tennessee 99% of applications for disability are turned down. On first appeal 97% are denied. On second appeal 95% are denied. Third step is a court appeal, at this stage 70% are APPROVED. Because of the practice of habitually denying all applications except for a few extreme cases, all cases have to wait for a court decision on their disability claim. This though has caused a HUGE backlog in the court system. Which leads to 1-2 YEARS wait for a court date. This means those who have no income and can't work and need help usually have to struggle through 2-3 YEARS of appeals and waiting to finally get approved. During this time your left to wait and try to make due through help of family and friends if they have anything to spare to help you. In my case that has meant living with my mother and my minor brother, 17, for 3 years now. My clothes are all old, full of holes and several have had to be thrown away after reaching more holes than fabric or down right indecent to wear anymore. I have big feet, 13-14 EEEE. I also due to the way my legs turn slightly out, a small birth defect, i wear through shoes in 6-12 months at best. Also because of size my shoes easily run me $80-$120 a pair. This means I am left with shoes that are worn through and barely holding together. This also means years of mediocre state health care for just the basic of health problems. Also having to use food stamps to get food. My mom and younger brother make ends meet through my Dad's social security money since he died suddenly 5 years ago and what work my Mom can get that provides here with a flexible schedule so she can work around my brothers school schedule and events. Thanks to some generous church members he is attending a private school but that means no buses, which means she must drive him to school and pick him up after. This leaves me as burden on my family while I wait on the stupid bureaucracy of the Tennessee government.

Thats the end of my rant, stepping off the soap box. ;-)