Puppy Request!

Here's Mack, a personal puppy request from Liz. I agree that he's pretty frickin' adorable, especially with that white streak down his face and tummy.

However, I couldn't resist posting Chewbacca, this adorable poodle mix because he just looks plain crazy. He's a flying ball of fluff - Watch him go!

Puppy Poll: Just One Day Left!

Only one more day to vote on often you'd like to see puppies on this blog!

GOTV!

Organ Donation: It's Just that Easy!

This is a screen grab from my (very easy) confirmation that I am an organ donor in Texas!

I wanted to double check because I thought I was, but then I decided it would be very hypocritical of me to talk up organ donation without making sure I am one myself. Well, consider me not hypocritical, Readers, because I'm in!

The process was so simple. All I did was Google "organ donor Texas" and up popped "Donate Life Texas". I filled out a quick questionnaire (name/birthdate/etc) which took about 15 to 20 seconds, then clicked confirm and SHABAM! Organ Donor!

It's that simple, and they have one for every state! Here is Donate Life NY! Wow! And in New York you can sign up when you get or renew your driver's license, too. When you do that, they'll put a little red heart on your ID because that's adorable. And life-saving! Hooray!

And I just read that April is Donate Life Month - that's the same month as my birthday!

Alright, everybody, no more excuses - if I can do it in under 2 minutes, so can you. Get on it, get online, and sign up! You just might save someone's life.

PS. Don't forget to tell your family and loved ones about your choice. It's an important one, and they deserve to know.

State of the Union 2010

Before everybody comes over and rains on my parade with their spin and "he did too much but not enough," I'm just going to come out and say it - that was a great State of the Union address.

He discussed and elaborated on everything I wanted him to. He made proposals which I found strong. He was tough on his adversaries and his predecessor, but still found the moral high ground to admit his own setbacks. He called on the Democrats to (for Jeebus' sake) get things done (HEALTHCARE PLEASE!). He called on the Republicans to stop blocking every piece of legislation that comes through the door. He called on Congress to man up. He even knocked the Supreme Court for being corporatist d-bags. And all the while, he still talked about how he and Congress could work together to make America better for us now and for generations to come.

Because while our President may not be perfect, he's trying so hard to make things better for all of us and you just know that he will not give up until he does; that's why I admire the guy.

Well, that and because the looks exchanged between him and Michelle tonight made me blush by just how crazy in love with each other they are. They nearly beat me and my bf for Best Couple Ever (nearly!).

So just take a night, America, to lay down your critical, cynical arms, and embrace the fact that this is our guy and we can get it right just this once. Please. For me?

Restaurant Week Winter 2010!

It's that time of year again (at least for us New Yorkers)! Restaurant Week!

The name is a misnomer, since Restaurant Week often lasts much longer than a single week. This year it's from now until Feb. 7th, and at many places it will go on until the 28th. You can find out about dates, places, and much, much more on the Restaurant Week Homepage.

Eating well during Restaurant Week is a hard-earned skill. It takes time, internet savvy, accounting, and pretty much requires having a foodie friend on hand to make sure those Yelp reviews are accurate.

Why is this seemingly great feast of a deal sometimes a dud?

For one, there are 200+ restaurants listed, and you can get a great dinner for under $35 at quite a few. Others limit their menus so much that the meal you'll get won't taste up to snuff. A mighty few, though, are truly worth the hullaballoo. How do you find out?

1) Go through all 200+ restaurants with your foodie friend and have them pick out a "best of" list for you. Make sure they give you a significant amount of options, though, because...

2) Cut out any restaurants that don't offer the meal deal you want. Some only offer dinner, some lunch. No places abide by RW on Saturdays, and only a few on Sundays. The last thing you want to do is show up to a place only to realize that you'll have to pay full price.

3) Compare the RW menu to their real menu. How much are saving? $4 or $40? This is where you'll really get the bang from your buck, so make sure that number suits your needs. Also, check and see what options they've got on there - do you have any dietary restrictions? Does the menu adhere to them? If not, you may want to check out a different place.

4) Make reservations early and be flexible. RW is a big ticket item, and reservations go quickly, especially at the places with the best deals.

My friends and I acted quickly and are going to David Burke Townhouse (a $20 value!) next Monday. We're very excited for it and will let you all know how it goes. Stay tuned!

And if you have any RW experiences (horror stories, success stories, etc) you'd like to share, write them in the comments! We'd love to hear them.

Happy Stewing, Readers!

I Direct, So What?

Self-Promoting Shout Out!

I directed some videos for the group SmallGRAND over the summer. They're available here. For your enjoyment, I've also embedded one below. I can't take any credit for the writing, but check out those awesome editing skillz! Am I right?

Squirrelpocalypse Now: Coming of the Squirrelmageddon

Silly humans, little do they know that the "extra food" they put out for the tiny mutinous beasts will be turned into fuel for their Mankind Obliteration Tanks, their MOTs.

While we think we're "appreciating" the little maniacs' athletic escapades, they're actually using decoys to hypnotize us while they put their evil plan into action.

Don't be sucked in, Readers. Don't watch the videos. Don't feed them in the park. Don't listen to their soft chirpy chirps. Don't be fooled.

Because if today really is Squirrel Appreciation Day, we should appreciate how dangerous they really are. We should appreciate that in this game of Squirrel and Man, we have everything to lose.

Why Would Anyone Want to Do This Ever?

If you have to wear a spacesuit, it's not skydiving anymore.

Seriously. People are way too crazy for their own good.

Thanks, Mr. President

Thank you for telling us that you haven't given up and that you're ready to fight, Mr. President.

Now could you go please smack some sense into the POS Congress we've got so we can finally pass health care and move on with our lives?

And don't forget that we've still got the climate change bill, the 2nd stimulus (+jobs), and financial reform to get through before your term's over. It's a busy slate, so get to work tearing Congress a new one because I just can't deal with all this inaction.

PS. Really, seriously, thanks for not giving up. I know it's tough being in your position. I know it's easier to blame others (btw, it's ok to blame Bush for more things, he really did mess up a lot), but it's not about blame. It's about making things happen. You can do that. We really need this reform, and we really, really need you to step up so that it can get passed. Lead the way!

When Movie Plots Seep into the Real World

If this happened in a dark comedy, it would be hilarious.

When it happens in real life, it just seems stupid. And wrong. Very, very wrong.

Poll! Just a Few Days Left to Vote!

Don't forget to vote on how often you want to see real-live puppy photos on the blog! So far "Weekly" has taken a strong lead, but at least one of you out there wants to see a new puppy every day!

But what about the rest of you? Are there any of you who never want to see anymore puppies? Or some that want all puppies all the time? Or do you support weekly or daily and want to give it a push in the right direction?

Whatever you want me to do, speak your mind now! I'm listening.

This is Way Too Addictive

I usually don't fall for the classic "this wacky YouTube video!" videos. I did not think it was funny that Chawlie Bit Another Kid's Finger. Nor did I fall into the Chocolate Rain or even (though maybe just a tiny bit) Surprised Kitten. I don't consider myself above these videos, but I usually just don't get why everyone loves them so much. The worst of these are the Japanese Variety/Game Show videos. They usually show people doing terrible things or just random people, drawn-on graphics, and bright lights and annoying music. I just don't see what the point is.

I still agree in this case. But for some reason, and I have no idea why, I love watching this video. Yes, the editing is terrible and it would work much better as a 1.5 min clip than a 4 min endeavor, but oh man, I really, really want to see one of those completely unaware animals make it through the domino maze.



Here's my one question, though. How did they get their hands on all of those unusual animals? Ok, two questions - what kind of armadillo is that?

Give-a to Kiva!

Hey Readers,

So I love Kiva, the microlending website. I love it because I know exactly where my money is going, and then I get it back so I can give it out again! It (literally) is the gift that keeps on giving. What could be better than that? Kiva is my default present nowadays because it just brings so much joy to the people who give and those who receive.

Therefore, I've signed up to be on Kiva's bloglist. This means when they have big news or need some help, then I'm going to let you all know!

Today, they'd like to win the Chase Community Giving Contest. The winner of the contest gets $1 million from Chase Bank (and who doesn't want to take money from banks right now, am I right?) and the winner is determined entirely by votes! That's right guys, time to put your internet clicking skillz to use! If you're on the Facebooks, you can vote via a Facebook app (more info here). Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to vote besides through this app. Since I'm no fan of FBook Apps, I'd suggest signing up, voting, and then deleting the app off your page. It's that easy.

And whenever you need a quick $25 present for someone, why not turn to Kiva? They're awesome and help people out who really need it. And that's badass.

*(*)I know you're all aware of the horrible devastation going on in Haiti right now, so in case you need a friendly reminder to donate to charities that are helping out Haiti, consider this it! Americans have already donated over $150 million dollars, but they'll need every penny to help them rebuild over the ensuing years. For the Red Cross, text "Haiti" to 90999. For other organizations, try searching through this list.
(*)That first asterisk was not attached to anything, but it did a good job of getting your attention, didn't it?

I Think We All Deserve a Puppy Break

Seriously. I've spent 10 hours in the ER, eaten 10 saltines, and taken 1.5 L of IV fluids today. I'm taking a puppy break, and you're all going to love it. Or else.




How could you not love a face like The Daily Puppy's Lucy? Especially when covered with snow! I want to snuggle with her.

Sick Day

Here are some things I learned about taking a sick day when you're a transplant patient.

1) Don't get sick on the weekends or on a holiday (apparently it's not just banks that close on MLK Day).

2) If you do get sick on a weekend or holiday, charge your iPod, Kindle, or any other form of electronic entertainment BEFORE going to the ER or risk endless hours of boredom.

3) Remember your sick days in high school? When you got to sleep in, turn on the TV, put a heating pad on your stomach and just relax while your mom made you chicken noodle soup? Those days are gone, sucker. Your sick day will actually take up the same amount of time and energy as, if not more than, your regular work day.

4) The real ER is not like the show ER. It's actually a lot more similar to "The Office" but with people's lives at stake. For example, the top doctor in my ER today was a pretty decent cross between David Wallace and Tim Gunn.

5) Pray that the worst of your illness happens before you actually go to the hospital. You do not want to be the woman screaming, "Dear God, no! Please! Make it stop!" in the bathroom. (I can say thankfully that today, that was not me. Yesterday, on the other hand... well... it was a good thing I was the only one home).

6) Have a wonderful boyfriend who will meet you at home with soup and hugs afterwards. It really will make the whole mess seem a lot better.

7) Appreciate being healthy. You already do, of course, but appreciate it just a tiny bit more, and be very happy that you get to go back to work the next day.

Happy News of the Day!

Wow. Even though kittens aren't my favorite animals (how did it get up there in the first place!?), this is both adorable and inspirational. I sure hope I'm that fit when I'm her age!

Puppy Attack!

Liz from Bear O'Snark/Serious just sent me this video in an email stating it "seemed like [my] kind of thing."



While I appreciate the poodle (poodle!), I do not appreciate the fact that he's dressed in people's clothes and looks miserable! Of course, he's benignly letting his human do that because poodles are loving and good-natured, but that doesn't mean they deserve that kind of treatment.

I say, Chester, you should rip off those clothes and tear out into the backyard and run around. Then maybe we'll actually get to see that adorable face of yours!

New Poll: How Many Puppies?

New poll! New poll! New poll! Poll that is new!

Alright, readers, it's been a while since a poll, but I expect you all to bring it for this one. Why? Because your responses will DIRECTLY AFFECT YOUR LIVES!

At least in terms of the content on this website. How many puppy photos do you want? I'm listening. You tell me, I'll make it happen.

Go, team!

Hybrids + Video Game Music = A Really Fun Trip!

Watching this video made my day. Not that the car is super adorable (more like a cheaper version of my super cute Prius, which makes sense because it's Toyota's concept of a cheaper hybrid for their upcoming Prius "family of cars." Anyway, I'm in, even if only for more of this great marketing.)



PS. I just sneezed so hard my computer's charger just popped out. Thought you should know.

Sign of the Times

On my commute home tonight, I saw a young man with a huge set of gold and faux(?)-diamond bling hanging from his jeans' zipper - his jeans' crotch fly. The entire zipper and zipper area were gold-plated, and hanging off of the zipper itself was a huge gold and diamond - I kid you not - ball.

Someone please assure me that this is not the latest trend, because that sort of thing really does draw the eye, and I really did not want to be looking at this guy's golden, saggy, jeans' crotch.

I'm just saying.

I Think It's About Time for a Poodle

We haven't had one on the blog in a while, and The Daily Puppy has provided us with Sophia, an adorable little toy poodle that reminds me so much of my old puppy, Diggy. I miss Diggy (and Harry, her adopted brother), every day. It's nice to remember that she really was a puppy once, so small that she could fit in the palm of your hand or easily be mistaken for just another fluff ball in my enormous mountain of stuffed animals.



Also, click here to see some super cute shots of Sophia and her mommy.

Things Worth Noting

I just made my lips bleed trying to scrape off blue icing so that I would look professional at work...

... for the second time this week.

PS. I said "moral high ground" not "social high ground." Thought that was worth mentioning.

PPS. Damn you, delicious ice cream cake!

PPPS. Also, today is the 1 Year Anniversary of my kidney transplant. Congratulations to me and infinite thanks to my donor, Aunt Kidney!

Rollercoasters VS Pillowfights

A) I can't believe these were actual studies

B) I hope at least one of them wins an Ig Nobel prize next year

C) I honestly believe that writing about it was just an excuse for this guy to put up pictures of scantily-clad women having pillow fights. I'm shaking my head in disgust.

I mean, come on, at least I'm straightforward about my obsession with puppies. I don't try to hide it behind "science." I see a picture of a puppy I like. I post it. Done deal, no hidden agenda here.

I'm just saying that I'm clearly on the moral high ground when compared to "The Neurocritic."

By the way, I haven't posted a picture of a puppy in days! I better get on that.

I'm No Jimmy Fallon Fan, But...

I AM a huge Muppets fan, and this improvised, off-air performance of "One" is adorable.



You can read the full story on Late Night's blog.

I'm Moving to Hawaii

Because, apparently, if I live there, I will live longer.

Also, I bet I'd be happier, too, what with all the beaches and the relaxing and the walking-through-rainforests adventures and whatnot.

Ok, plans made. I'm doing it.

... Just maybe not right now.

PS. Rush Limbaugh can suck it.

Also, this is Hilarious

I only watched Buffy until she killed Angel, but this video really highlights how much more kick ass she was than Bella. Seriously, Buffy wouldn't get caught up in no stalkerish vampire stuff (- Angel, of course). Oh, and love that random bit in the end about taking footage from Harry Potter - Team Harry!

Dog's Best Friend

Because sometimes we do the rescuing. Way to go, people! Isn't that newly warm puppy the cutest? I love him!

Nate's Cartoons is Back!

Hooray! Nate must be back from a winter vacation because Nate's Cartoons are back in action! Cheers all around!

Who Wants to Happy Cry Today?

Just read this.


I LOVE DOGS!

Belated Holiday Present!

Here's a little something from Maria Bamford for everyone for the holidays! I saw her stand-up live once and she was great, but this is even better because it's an hour and there are hilarious sleeping pugs involved.

Enjoy!

Maria Bamford's One-Hour Homemade Christmas Special! from Maria Bamford on Vimeo.

Happy New Year's!

I know it's past Christmas, but I didn't get a chance to watch my favorite old holiday specials while I was home, so I thought I'd post them now. Naturally, they're animated and focus on animals - clearly that was the only way you could get any sort of story across to me. Here's the first part of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (how could you go a Christmas without him?). Even if the plot is a little wonky (why did the Abonimable Snowman capture his mom, dad, and girlfriend all on the same night as he got back into town?), that is the cutest darned reindeer ever.



And here's "The Small One" a Christmas special which actually has to do with the Christmas story, but has much more to do with the love between a donkey and his owner and their sacrifice than anything super religious. The ending always gets to me (it's actually kind of subtle!), and it really is a cute, sweet, little story.



And for the New Year (not my favorite - that flying bird thing is scary! - but Rudolph's still in it!)



Happy 2010, readers! We're making it!