Not Archie Bunker

Wow it's been incredibly too long since my last post. But in all honesty, there hasn't been much to warrant a post ... until tonight.

I just caught the newest episode of "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and while I wasn't balled over laughing I did let out many chuckles. In this particular episode, Christine and Barb are at risk of losing their gym franchise because they signed a contract saying they were not gay ... which they're not but married each other to allow Barb to stay in the country. However when "the man"(played by Megan Mullally) visits to evaulate their franchise, Christine reveals their marriage and Megan revokes the franchise. Damn the man!

This brings up converstations among their group of friends about how ethical it is to work for a company who blatantly discrimiates against gays and lesbians - but in a funny way. I equate the show to being the updated version of "All in the Family" however the main character isn't racist or homophobic, just self-involved.

While I do love Julia Louis-Dreyfus' character, my favorites are still Marley and Lindsay, the snobby rich moms at Ritchie's school. I'll leave you with one of my favorite clips of them.

Enjoy!

Newton of Newport

Before we left to start our journey back home on rt. 95 (complete with torrential downpours) we decided to take a walk to the end of Bannister's Wharf. Outside the Black Dog General Store we couldn't help but notice the EXTREMELY large dog chillin' outside the cafe. The only information we uncovered was that his name is Newton and contratory to popular belief - mine - he is not the Black Dog Company's mascot or owner's dog, just the owner of the average coffee goer.

Despite his LARGE size, Newton was surprisingly docile ... but I still kept my distance. Far enough to snap this picture (inconspicuously I'm sure) but close enough to catch his name. Unfortunately, the garbage can in my line of vision cuts down his magnitude, but I think you get the picture.

A long post for a long day in Newport

My husband and I took a long trip up to Newport, RI this weekend. Since we're not much mansion-touring people we opted to take tours of another huge presence in Newport; the bar scene.

We visited Buskers pub for dinner Thursday night where we learned that there is a limit of how much meat should be allowed on one plate. Friday we took a short drive to Middleton and tasted wine at Newport Vineyards and GreenVale Vineyards. While we enjoyed the wine more at Newport (purchased 3 bottles) we definitely preferred the atmosphere at Greenvale (bought 1 bottle) - it had the traditional vineyard feel with a pourer that was actually personable. She even recommended our favorite locale of the night, but I'll get to that later.

Following our winery visits/tastings we traveled to Coddington Brewing Company for some much needed lunch ... and beer, thus beginning our beer tasting portion of the afternoon. Mike ordered his 2nd sampler of the weekend, the first coming from our lunch stop during our drive up at SBC Restaurant & Brewery. After chowing down on our lunch, we needed to pass the time before our 5:45 call time at our next destination, so we played a couple games of pool - victor was Laurie, both times. While we enjoyed the Pumpkin Ale most, we opted to purchase a growler of the Golden Ale.

Now close to 5:00, we decided to make our way to our most anticipated venue of the evening, Coastal Extreme Brewing Company. While we arrived close to 5:15, I decided to take advantage of our promptness and enjoy a 15-minute power nap ... again, very much needed. As Mike was keeping tabs on the line, he noticed it getting longer and longer so we felt the need to join the crowd ... as we were informed once again by our Greenvale pourer that they only allow 30 people for the tour.

While most tours are boring, this one far surpassed other ones we've visited since they gave two pint-size samples during it and two more after the tour, you can't beat that! Our favorite by far was the Rhode Island Blueberry Ale. It was a perfect blend of fruitiness and beer and we actually find out that Blueberries are frequently harvested in Rhode Island, hence the many varieties of blueberry beer we saw during our travels.

After we ate dinner at a less than stellar establishment on Bannister's Wharf, we made our way over to Celctica Public House. A great pub with friendly people who welcomed this first time Karaoke singer; my song of choice, "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Following a couple of high-fives and "awesome" comments, I witnessed a rather interesting menu item ...

God Bless America!

Thank you Andy

Thankfully Thursday night TV came through for me and offered some much needed entertainment.

Survivor provided some new avenues for alliances which seems like it will change up the game quite a bit when the tribes merge next week - at least that's what I suspect.

The Office was rather humerous, especially as Michael claimed to have Bruce Springsteen tickets to auction off during C.R.I.M.E. A.I.D, while he danced to Huey Lewis and the News.

While I thought 30 Rock was coming back this past week, I was pleasantly surprised to find a final Thursday Edition of Weekend Update which actually provided the biggest laughs of the night. My personal favorite moment was of Andy Sandberg's digital short "Jam the Vote" to encourage people to vote.

TV Slump

So I don't know if it's the cold weather that's gotten me down, but it seems like all my favorite shows are not so great this season. Since Monday I've watched "The Big Bang Theory", "How I Met Your Mother", "Heroes" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and all I can really say is "Ehhh."

BBT is centering too much on Sheldon, HIMYM needs to ditch the lead character Ted, Heroes should completely scrap its current storyline and NAOC is losing its punch. After last night's episode I think the characters need some serious therapy ... Christine resisting the urge to crawl in bed with her son each night and Matthew's uncontrolable need to respond back to anyone saying "I love you?" It got just plain creepy.

Tonight is my last hope to turn my feelings around with "Survivor," "The Office," and "30 Rock."

If anything I know "Hole in the Wall" will be there to bring a smile to my face.

Stick a fork in her ... Sarah's done!

So While I was in Hershey this weekend, I caught Sarah Palin's second appearance on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update ... SNOR.

I missed the opening sketch with Sarah Palin and Tina Fey, but thanks to the glorious internet I just viewed it on NBC's website.

I love that Tina Fey merely walked past her and didn't backpeddle from previous impersonations and her "she's done" quote. Bravo Tina, Bravo!

Trick or Tramp

We all know that Halloween gives women the chance to dress a little more risque than they normally would, but I didn't know that was the case for little girls as well.

While in Hershey Park this weekend waiting to ride Comet Hollow (the Halloween-named version escapes me) I caught a girl no older than 10 departing the ride dressed as a French Maid. Hello, where was the parent in that costume buying decision?! The white thigh-high stockings would've been my first reason why this was an inappropriate costume. I would've loved to catch a glimpse of what the parents looked like.

Ding Dong the 40's Witch is Gone

I am so happy that annoying Kenly did not win Project Runway. She made the same style dress throughout the entire show including during her show at Bryant Park - not to mention she made her models look just like her! Ugh!

And she was so rude to all the judges and Tim who obviously know more than her since many of her dresses were reminiscent of well-known designers.

And her annoying laugh! Ah HA HA HA ... gag me.

See ya G.C.!

Finally G.C. has been voted off Survivor, and it couldn't have come at a better time since he was my pick on my fantasy league. I did feel bad for him since he missed his family and didn't want to deal with any more hardships in his life - but come on ... it's Survivor, you have to expect it's going to be difficult.

I was this close to trying out for Survivor, but I got a job and my priorities quickly changed. However, I think I would be an excellent candidate - I'm athletic, quiet and pretty personable. Plus now that they don't do the eating challenges I would do even better ... but the lack of food and sleep would be a MAJOR concern. Knowing my luck they would bring the food challenges back the season I got chosen.

I didn't even win McCain Bingo

After watching the Presidental debate last night I was both proud and disappointed of Obama. Proud that he kept his composure and class but disappointed that he didn't go after McCain. I guess he's trying to keep his lead and doesn't want to jeopardize that, but I just wish he would've thrown a couple of jabs his way.

While I will most definitely vote for Obama, I wanted to share this t-shirt I found. Ah the 80's ...