Sabrina's Adventures

Environmentally Friendly

I'm in Raleigh, NC on a business trip and I brought my mom with me. Well, someone in my class suggested we go to Angus Barn. He said it was "pricey" but very good. We decided to give it a try...... You can check out the menu to see the definition of pricey.

The food was very very good and probably worth the money; we split a steak dinner and it was plenty for the two of us.

After dinner, I went into the Ladies Room and when I opened the stall door, I saw the below sign.

WATER SAVING DUAL FUNCTION HANDLE

Even the green handle helps to fight germs....

I've noticed several environmentally friendly things here in Raleigh in my 2 days that I've been here. Their bottled water of choice is Deer Park and it's design is Eco Friendly. The design is supposed to have 30% less plastic.

The Hotel even have signs stating, "To save water and energy, if you want to reuse your towel, hang it on the rack; if not, leave it on the floor". I don't reuse towels so I can't help them save water and energy on that note. They also try to save on laundry by not changing your sheets but every 3 days, unless you request it changed every day. I can help them with that, that's fine with me. I think I can handle the same bed sheet for 3 nights.

Anyway, I wanted to share the bathroom stall sign as I thought it was funny.

Pregnant woMAN??

When I first read the story about the "pregnant man", my first thought was this has to be a woman who is a trans gender and sure enough; that's what he/she is.

This morning, on People.com, I saw this headline "PEOPLE & Oprah Exclusive: The Pregnant Man Speaks Out". It really bothers me that everyone is just in awe that a man could be pregnant.

I have nothing against trans genders because it's their choice to be the sex they feel inside. My problem is that it's not rocket science to figure out how a man became pregnant and how the media is acting like it's some miracle that a man's pregnant.

He was born a woman and still has woman organs, that's how he got pregnant.

It's not a man pregnant, it's a woman pregnant who happens to be a trans gender.

Lindsay = Marilyn ??

In New York magazine this month; they are featuring pictures of Lindsay Lohan in the same pictorial that Marilyn Monroe did 6 weeks before her death.

I'm sorry but Lindsay Lohan is NO Marilyn Monroe. Yes, the poses are the same; but that's where the line stops. I can't believe that of all the actresses in the world, this photographer would have chosen Lindsay.

Lindsay Lohan is not one of my favorite actresses; but even if she looked remotely like Marilyn, I'd be okay with it....BUT SHE DOESN'T!!!

Is it just me or does anyone else feel this way???

Lego is 50

My friend, Alli and Cindy both have sons that have a love for Legos. I don't have children and the nieces and nephew I have are mostly girls. I haven't seen too many Lego sets that are for girls; however, there may be a ton of them and I just haven't really looked.

Alli had an entry on her blog the other day about Lego turning 50 and how Damon and her son, Fuller, love playing with Lego. The day after I read the article, I saw this on Google.

Just thought it was cute how Google was celebrating Lego's birthday also. Maybe when Shane and I have a child; we can pass on this legendary toy that so many of my friends' children love.

Phone Numbers

Does everyone remember back in the 80's the song, 867-5309? I'm sure you do. Matt Lauer was talking about onThe Today Show America the other day and I had to blog about it and his conversation.

First of all, when I lived alone back in the 90's, my phone number was 867-2309 and I kept thinking, why does that sounds so familiar. Then, it hit me that it was so close to the infamous 867-5309 song.

Back to the The Today Show. Matt gave 5 phone numbers that will change your life and I found them to be really interesting. They are:

1-866-MYTRAFC (698-7232)
You can call this toll free number and get any traffic delays. They say it is very detailed and so much better than what your radio gives you in their 10 second spot.

1-334-844-4244
Even though this number isn't toll free, it may be worth the money spent to verify a bet. This is a number to the Auburn Question line. It is answered by Auburn students and they will answer ANY question you have about ANY subject. Matt called them and in less than 5 seconds had the answer to, "What is Barbie's real name?".

1-800-QUITNOW (784-8669)
This number is to help you quit smoking. Not sure what they do over the phone; but hey, it's a toll free number and worth a try for anyone trying to quit.

1-866-411-SONG (7664)
Song stumped? Ever heard a song on the radio and just can't think of the name or anything and it just stays with you and bugs you all day. Well, you can call this number and sing parts of the song or hum the music and they will tell you the name and artist of the song. Been there, done that before!

1-415-989-SFSI (7374)
This is a sex question line and before you say it; they made sure to be clear that it isn't a porn line. It is answered by licensed, clinical people. They will help you with any sex question that you may have. It's supposed to be very professional.

I think some of the numbers could be very helpful in certain situations and maybe the toll free ones, I may try one day. Hope you enjoyed the info.

Which Side is Correct?

During dinner tonight, we were watching Steve Irwin and his animal show in Australia. I noticed that he drove on the left side of the road and I asked Shane, "A lot of countries drive on the left side of the road; so what makes how we drive be considered the right way?" I told him I was going to do some research on it and blog about it.

Here I am blogging about it and asking, "Which side is really the "right" side?". I found this article and I was surprised that out of 239 countries, 32% of them drive on the right side of the road.

So, even though the majority of the countries drive on the right side; does that make it right?

Something to ponder.....

Britney and The VMA

I've been putting off writing about this; but the more I see/hear/read about it, the madder I get. I'll admit, I like Britney Spears and I'll even admit her performance on the MTV Video Music Awards wasn't good at all; however, it gripes my a$$ that people are calling her FAT!!!

She is by no means FAT...I read somewhere she wears like a size 6! Where is that fat? She's also had two babies back to back and I think she still looks great. She doesn't look like she did when she was at the top of her game; however, that was about 6 years ago. People change and go thru things in their life that affect them differently.

I wish everyone would just back off from her and give her some breathing room; maybe then she could figure out her life on her own without hundreds of cameras in her face every minute of her day.

I've even said, yes, that's the price you pay for being famous; but sometimes enough is enough.

Lost Miners

I have been keeping up with the status of the lost miners. It just hit me of an idea; which now is a little too late for these miners, but definitely could save the life of future miners found in this same predicament.

Why don't miners be required to wear a GPS locator when they are working? At least this way, they know exactly where the miners are and don't have to guess where they think they may be.

You know there has to be a way that this could be done and it really could save lives. No, I'm not the next American Inventor; but it is a thought. I know you can't prevent things like this from happening, but if it did, you could get to the person a lot faster if you knew exactly where they were.

My thoughts and prayers are with the miners family and friends.

Jail time

Lately, you can't help put hear about Paris Hilton and her sentencing, jail time, house arrest, court date and then back to jail.

This is one of those areas that everyone has their own opinion about. Yes, she broke the law and yes, I feel celebrities get certain "special" treatment that gets them out of of trouble; but again, I don't think the time fit the crime.

She got 45 days in jail for violating her probation; yet Mary Winkler, the lady that killed her husband, may get out of jail after 60 days. How is that fair? Mary killed her husband point blank in their house with their 3 children at home; then fled the scene and took her kids out of state. 60 days!!!!

Where is the justice in that? I do agree sometimes celebrities need to learn their lesson; but I think the judge over Paris' case went a little far in teaching a lesson and then the judge in Mary Winkler's case didn't go far enough.

Can our justice system not be consistent and fair?

Downtown is not Pet Friendly

This afternoon, Mom and I decided to go down to the Chattanooga Market. The last time I was there they allowed pets; so I wanted to take Diesel with us.

As we were passing by, looking for a parking space, I saw a sign that said, "No Pets Allowed". I was disappointed. Diesel is a good dog and I knew he would behave. I then went over to the Walnut Street Bridge to walk him and there again, "No Pets Allowed". What is up with this town? It's a bridge that is in the open and no food around. I understand that some people wouldn't keep it clean after their pet; but do like New York and make people carry pooper scoopers if they plan on bringing their pets.

Again, I was disappointed so I ended up just walking him around on the sidewalks. I know Chattanooga has the dog park; but that's just like a back yard that my dog could just stay home and play around in.

Does anyone know if Coolidge Park is pet friendly?

Soaps

When I was in high school; I was a huge fan of Soap Operas. I used to tape them and watch them when I got home. General Hospital was my favorite; but I watched all of them from Ryan's Hope to All My Children to One Live to Live to General Hosptial. I even watched a show that was on for a while called Loving.

I don't get to watch too many soaps now because I work until 5:15; but my mom watches them faithfully and sometimes when I'm home, I'll watch them and be all caught up.

Soaps.com is a great site for catch-ups and it even has some night-time soaps. I started watching Ugly Betty and it has recaps of that show too.

I'll definitely have to tell my mom about this site because she is always wanting to know the scoop and she does miss some episodes. I highly recommend this site for anyone that needs the 411.

this is a sponsored site

American Idol

Last night was the season premier of American Idol. It's in the 6th season and it was pretty good. Pretty good meaning very entertaining.

Some of those poor kids though....I really felt bad for some of them; however, I've always wondered why they let so many bad singers in. Someone at work said they let them in for entertainment purposes. Guess it works because everyone I've come in contact with so far today watched it.

The girl that sang like the lion from The Wizard of Oz was really a bad singer; however, she did a great impression of the lion. Then there was the vocal coach that couldn't carry a tune.

I agreed with most of their choices but the girl that her boss flew her out to the audition; I really thought she sang good.

Anyway, here's the link to the video in case you missed last night's show.

It's on again tonight so just a reminder if you love IDOL!

Emissions Testing

It's a new year and it's that time where you have to go thru Emissions Testing once again. As long as you have a newer car, you are in the clear; however, if you have an older car, watch your wallet.

Shane has a 1989 Chevy S-10 Truck and last year it didn't pass. Several times. He ended up spending about $400 in order to for it to pass Emissions Testing. If your car was made in 1975 or before, you don't have to take the test; which is odd to me. I mean, it's the older cars that are polluting the city, not the newer ones. I think the older cars should have to take the test and newer cars, like (2000 and above) shouldn't.

Anyway, it's time for Shane's truck to be tested again. He went one day after work and sure enough, it failed. The tech at the Emissions Testing place was kind enough to suggest something that may get it to pass. RACING FUEL!! He said to just put a few gallons in his truck and run it for about 15 mins before he comes back for the re-test. He said 90% of the people he suggests this to, comes back and passes.

Racing fuel is $5.99 a gallon; so Shane only put $8 in his tank. He ran his truck hard and went for the re-test. He passed!!!! That was such a relief on both of us.

I think someone should rethink the Emissions Testing. I mean just because he passed doesn't mean his truck never pollutes.

Celebrity News

I am a huge fan of gossip magazines...I'm just a sucker for them. I love any type of gossip about celebrities.

I'll admit I watched Britney and Kevin's reality show before they got married. I like Britney Spears and follow what's going on with her. I was ecstatic when her and Kevin split up. I was more ecstatic when I heard one of Justin Timberlake's songs on his new CD and thought, "OMG, that song is about Britney".

Today, Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz officially announced their split. Hmmm...I just wonder if it's about Britney.

Also today, Britney took Sean Preston to a pet store and he picked out a Bulldog. How cute.

Well, check out Celebrity Gossip by Derek Hail. He's got a ton of gossip about a variety of celebrities. Good reading if you are into this kind of thing; which I am.

this is a sponsored post

Miscellaneous News

1. I was totally shocked when I heard that Britney Spears had filed for a divorce from Kevin Federline. Shocked meaning, I couldn't believe she'd finally grown some balls to actually leave him.

I'm glad she finally decided to divorce him because he has brought her down so much; however, I think it was her own fault too.

I like Britney Spears and I hope she gets her life back and takes care of her babies and gets her career back on track.

2. On a different note though, I have the new Justin Timberlake CD and there is a song on there that I believe is for and about Britney Spears. If you have the CD, it's track #6; listen to it and tell me what you think? There's another song on there that I think is about Justin and Britney also, but I can't remember the track #.

3. Tuesday night is the Grand Finale of Dancing With the Stars. I really have enjoyed it this season. There were a lot of great dancers on the show. I like Emmitt because he can really move and seems to be really having fun. But, I like Mario also because he's just so dang sexy. He can dance too and he looks great while he's dancing.

At least the news of Britney and Kevin divorcing has taken the spotlight off of Madonna; which is a good thing.

As finally, even though I love hearing all the latest Hollywood gossip; the media really needs to give some of them a break.

Downtown Politics

Today at lunch, a co-worker and I went for a walk. We stopped in at Curves to check out their membership plan. After we left Curves, we saw a bunch of TV cameras around The Innside Restaurant; I was like "I wonder what happened?". As we got closer, we heard someone speaking and finally we saw it was Harold Ford, Jr.

He was thanking Chattanooga for their support. We stood there for about 10 minutes listening to Harold Ford, Jr. and I really wish I had of voted. Not that my 1 vote would have made a difference; but I normally do vote. It's just I went before work and there was a long line; then by the time I got off work and went to Weight Watchers, it was too late.

I'm glad I got to hear Harold Ford, Jr. speak today downtown and I'll remember to go out of my way to vote next time.

Election Day

Tomorrow is Election Day. The big race in Tennessee is the Senate race between Harold Ford, Jr. and Bob Corker. I normally vote Republican; but I really have no idea how to vote tomorrow.

I know all the candidates do this; but I hate when they bash their opponent. Wonder what would happen if one candidate didn't bash the other via tacky commercials? I would think that person would win by a landslide for the simple fact that they won honestly; not by airing the dirty laundry of their opponent.

What do you think? Do you think there will ever be a non-bashing campaign for any political party? I'm not big into politics but I do know voting is very important and I will be at the polls first thing in the morning casting my vote; but as of right now, I'm undecided.

Isn't Hacking Illegal Still?

I read an article on CNN this morning, titled Hacker claims to have cracked iPod restrictions and in it, they state this "Today, songs purchased from Apple's online iTunes Music Store can't be played on portable devices made by other companies. Songs purchased from many other online music stores also won't work on iPods because they similarly use a form of copy-protection that Apple doesn't support". Well, that is so not true.

I had an iPod and we had over 1000 songs on our PC where we downloaded from another source other than iTunes and they all played just fine on my iPod. I mean, people are praising this guy for being a Hacker. I thought hacking was illegal? Yes, that's great for him but I doubt I'd be announcing it to the world.

Also, it states, "managing director Monique Farantzos states that an unnamed client will soon use the technology so its copy-protected content will be playable on iPods, she said, declining to give any specifics".

They complain about people file sharing, but yet they are supporting a hacker...go figure.

Madonna vs Angelina

I've been reading about Madonna adopting a child from Malawi and how child-protection groups are complaining about it.

Why are they complaining about Madonna adopting a child, when they praise Angelina Jolie for doing it? Angelina can just walk in a proverty-stricken country, give them a few million and come out with a child; but when Madonna tries it, someone has something to say about it. Why is that?

The way it sounds is that Madonna's adoption is an interim adoption, meaning they have the child for 18 months while they are being evaluated first. It sounds like a real adoption and why bother her about it?

She is helping the country just like Angelina does and if a group is going to challenge one famous person for doing it; they need to challenge everyone including Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan and any other celebrity that does it.

Elmo TMX

Around the Holidays, there is always a new toy that comes out that is supposed to be top secret and just everyone has to have it. This year, it's Elmo TMX; which means Elmo Tickle Me Extreme or Elmo Tickle Me Ten. Even the case is Top Secret.

The Elmo TMX is really cute and is hilarious to watch. There is a video on the site. Tickle him once, and he starts laughing hysterically, slaps his leg twice, falls down into a sitting position, then rocks himself back up. When you tickle him a second time, he repeats all the movements he did before, plus he falls backwards, and starts kicking his feet while laughing even harder.

The third time you hit his tickle spot, he goes through the first two patterns, rolls over onto his tummy, and starts hitting the floor with his hands ending his laughing attack with a deep sigh.

I remember getting up at 4:00 am the day after Thanksgiving trying to find that hard to find toy on sale at the local toy store. I've looked online for Elmo TMX and they are already sold out in most stores. I'm sure people on eBay, that were able to actual purchase this, are making a killing.

A New Restroom Hand Drier

Dyson is well known for their vacuum cleaners. They are supposed to be the best vacuums around and pick up dirt really well from your carpets.

I've looked at Dyson vacuum cleaners when I bought my house; however, I just couldn't afford one.

Now Dyson has reinvented the hand driers in public restrooms. It's called the Dyson Airblade. I've never liked those driers because I never feel like they dry my hands good enough.

This is some of the features of the new hand drier:

Unique hand drying action
Clean air to dry clean hands
Uses less energy
Twice as fast
Dyson Atomising Technology
Dyson Digital Motor
Anti-microbial coating
British Skin Foundation validation
Royal Institute of Public Health certification

I'm not sure if this will ever be in the public restrooms that I visit; but it looks nice and seems like it would really do the job.

PPP on The Today Show

This morning on The Today Show, Payperpost Postie (PPP), Guerilla Marketing, got in on the crowd. It was wild.

I've been to New York several times and never made it on The Today Show. It was either raining, too cold, too crowded or too early for us.

I think their idea was great and they caught it all on camera. You can check out their behind the screen footage of them getting on the show.

Way to go, guys and girls!!! It was awesome.

3-D Sidewalk Art

I've seen this numerous times; however, it still amazes me how this artist does this.

How does he do it?

DigitalLife '06

Shane loves gaming, anything and everything to do with gaming. He is a HUGE online game player. His favorite is Dungeons & Dragons Online. A couple of months ago in Indianapolis there was a gaming convention. Several of his online buddies went to this and he really wanted to go but we didn't know about it in time to plan a weekend get-away.

On October 12-15, in NYC, there is DigitalLife 2006. This year's exhibitors include hundreds of the world's top technology and gaming
brands such as: Alienware, AMD, ATI, Best Buy, eBay, ESPN, Game Stop, Intel, Logitech, Maxim, Microsoft, NVIDIA, XBox, and many more.

I know Shane would love to go to this; however, if a flight and hotel in NYC would be cheap enough we would definitely be going.

So, all you guys and girls that live close enough and can afford to go, I have free ticket code for you. Regular priced tickets are $15. Simple click on this ticketing page and mention the code "Insider" and you will get a free admission ticket.

Have fun and enjoy your gaming adventure.

NEWS

Alot of things have been happening this week around the globe.

9/11 Five Year Anniversary

I remember this very well as I went to New York just a month after 9/11. We actually planned to go that very week, but my aunt decided to visit that week, so we put it off until the next month. It was scary when I heart about this because I had a friend that lived right in Manhatten and he worked in the middle of the city. We always stay right in Time Square, so we would have been safe if we were in our hotel; however, we toured every day and passed the World Trade Centers almost every day. we went to New York a year earlier and were right where 9/11 happened. My friend was safe and so was his family, but my thoughts and prayers go out to anyone that lost a loved one and/or friend.

Anna Nicole Smith Gives Birth and Loses Son

I couldn't believe it when I read about Anna Nicole Smith's son dying while visiting her after giving birth to her daughter. This is a terrible thing for anyone to have to go through and my prayers are with her.

Britney Spears Gives Birth to Another Boy

Well, Britney did it again. Another boy. I'm anxious to see what he looks like and what she will name him. Congratulations!!!

This week has been a week of sadness and joy, may God Bless Everyone.

Britney Spears

I am so sick of hearing about Britney Spears being a bad mom just because a photographer is in her face 24/7.

Yes, I totally agree that it was WRONG that she drove with the baby in her lap. The other incident about his car seat wasn't rear facing is a bit much. The CA law recommends that a baby under 1 year old and under 20 lbs. face the rear; however, it's not the law, so she wasn't breaking any laws.

Then, today on CNN, I see this headline "Caught on film: Britney baby bobble feeds tabloid turmoil". She tripped over her jeans; it's not like she purposely tripped in order to drop the baby.

I feel like her first time experience as being a mother is 10X worse because of the papparazi. They need to remember that she is a first time mother, everyone has made mistakes when trying to raise a baby.

I remember when Ashley was about 6-9 months and I fell in my driveway with her. Fell meaning, down on the ground.....I reacted fast enough to use my arm to protect her head from hitting the concrete; but accidents happen.

Give Britney a break! Atleast everywhere she goes, she has him with her and she isn't leaving him with a nanny all the time.

Future American Idol

This is so cute, I just had to share.

Future American Idol

Jacksonville, FL

This past weekend, we went to Jacksonville, FL for Ashley's Cheerleading Competition.

Jacksonville was really nicer than I thought. We stayed right on St. John's River and had a beautiful view. (see pic)

Ashley's team ended up winning and got a really nice jacket for coming in 1st place. We had a good time and I may end up going back to Jacksonville for a vacation. We went to the beach on Saturday and it was a nice beach, clean and the water seemed clean also.

Check out my flickr page for more photos from the weekend.

The White House Christmas Card

Has President George W. Bush gone MAD?! I read an article from World Net Dailey and this is just the first paragraph:

"An the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree last night, President Bush made a remark alluding to Jesus Christ, which some feel compared Him with Santa Claus.

Flanked by the first lady, as well as members of Congress and the Cabinet, Bush told the public, "The lighting of the National Christmas tree is one of the great traditions in our nation's capital. Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy – and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity. Santa, thanks for coming. Glad you made it.""

How can you celebrate lighting of the "Christmas" tree, but can't include the word Christmas on your "Christmas" cards?

The cards simply state something about this Holiday Season. That is fine and dandy if people didn't make such a big deal about why it doesn't say Merry Christmas. Why worry about offending anyone in the USA with Merry Christmas because they may not celebrate Christmas; when you've offended the entire USA and more countries because you don't know how to handle the war in Iraq. Can you not have your own individual thought and say, "I'm the President of the USA", if I want Merry Christmas on my own Christmas cards, damnit, I'm going to put it on there. Why let someone else tell you what do? Aren't you the leader of the entire country?

Evidentally, all the balls that are in the White House are decorating the Christmas Tree; because the President doesn't have any.

**This is strictly my own opinion and I do have the right to voice it. I do welcome all and any remarks as everyone is free to their own opinion with no hard feelings.

Devastation Around The Nation

It is devastating to see all the news about Katrina and the damage it has done. I feel sorry for anyone that lives in any of the areas that Katrina has hit.

I know people can't help where they are raised and live; however, it makes me wonder why people live in the states where there is a chance of a catastrophe (meaning tornado, hurricane, earthquake, tornado)? I'm thankful that I was raised in Chattanooga. Yes, we may have tornados; however, not like Kansas. Luckily, I live on a hill, and don't have to worry about flooding either.

My mom is from Hawaii and even though it is Beautiful there, I don't think I would want to live there. Volcanos, small chance of a Tsunami if a big enough earthquake hit California.

My boyfriend, Shane, is a big strong guy; however, when all the news broke out about Katrina and how big it was going to be and it was headed our way, he kind of got worried. Acts of God is the one thing I DON'T worry about. You can't prevent them from happening. You just have to have faith that God will keep you safe from harm.

When Shane said he didn't sleep last night because he was worried about tornado and the store, I was really shocked.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones, friends, their homes and/or businesses.

PS: I really don't understand how in a time of despair, Gas prices have to keep on rising???

Daylight Savings Time

Here is an clip from a story I was reading on CNN this morning:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- An agreement was reached Thursday to extend daylight-saving time in an effort to conserve energy, but not to the extent the House approved in April.

House and Senate negotiators on an energy bill agreed to begin daylight-saving time three weeks earlier, on the second Sunday in March, and extend it by one week to the first Sunday in November. The House bill would have added a month in the spring and another in the fall.

I think this will be a good thing...however, I never understood how someone has the authority to change time? Guess it's just the Government playing God again.

TV Dinners

Every morning I read CNN.com and this morning I saw this article, "Inventor of TV Dinner dies at 83"

I remember eating TV dinners when I was little and them not tasting so bad. Always had to make sure when we bought them, they included a dessert. Now that I'm older, I don't find TV dinners as good as they used to be. I find that in more and more food I eat as I'm older.

For example, I used to love Dots Candy as a kid and now they are just so bland and not appealing to me. On this site, there is a lot of Old Candy that I used to enjoy but don't think I could stomach today. Wax Lips???

Does anyone else feel that way? Is there a candy that you just loved as a child and found again as an adult and thought how did I eat this?