Christmas is supposed to be a time of love peace and happiness. For some reason, this time of the year only brings anxiety, angst and semi confusion. Good thing I have more time off work and school then the rest of the year to cope with the madness.
I have not even started my Christmas shopping yet...uggh!
The good thing is I do not have to buy that many gifts this year...here is the breakdown:
Secret Santa-
In our groupd of friends of 10 people or so, instead of spending a multitude of money, we have decided to draw name sna just spne about $40 on the person whom we drew. Go figure that I get the name of me former boyfriend. He likes i-Tunes, so I may just get him a gift certificate for a few downloads. Quick, simple and brainless.
Mom and My Three Dear Brothers-
Since two of my brothers are typical teenagers and are enthalled with hundred dollar gym shoes and simlalry priced video grames, I am not able to get them exactly what they want to get. Mom, on the other hand is a better pic. I think I am going to make a pit stop at the local Barnes&Nobles book store to knowck four birds out with one stone.
And Then There Was One-
My Gradmother is the last person on my list and is the most difficult to shop for. Never wanting anything and if she did, would never tell anyone, it is always difficult to chose a gift that will make her happy. i think I am going to treat her to the movie, Dreamgirls. I think that she will aprreciate the performances and will be very capable in comparing Jennifer Holiday's rendition of "Your Going to Love Me" and Jennifer Hudson's.
With the marvels of modern technology, us younger folk can do the same thing.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Cincinnati's Indian Food Fetish
I am not sure how popular Indian cuisine is in most other cities, but her in the Queen City, it is one of the more popular restaurants in town. In the area of Clifton, near the University of Cincinnati, you can find a number of restaurants thats specializes in Indian food. If you go to Ludlow Ave, you will find several on the same block.
A friend of mine turned me on to Indian food a few years ago. I have to admit, the first time that a plate full of Saag was placed in front of me, I thought that I was going to vomit, but once that creamy sauce tricked down my throat, I was addicted!
I have to say that my favorite Indian dish Saag Paneer. The green gosh is a bit hard to get over at first but the dish is creamy and filling. Great for mid-western stomachs.
Though I am a fan of all the Indian restaurants in town, my favorite is Akash, located right downtown near Fountain Square. I may be bias because of its close proximity to my apartment but...who am I kidding, that is the only reason why it is my favorite.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Bengals Fall to the Colts
A kick in the hopes
Cincinnati loses key ground in race for playoffs
BY MARK CURNUTTE MCURNUTTE@ENQUIRER.COM
INDIANAPOLIS - The Bengals last-ranked pass defense lived down to its standing as the NFL's worst Monday night.
Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 282 yards and four touchdown passes, three to wide receiver Marvin Harrison and one to Reggie Wayne, in leading the Colts to a 34-16 victory.
The loss snapped the Bengals' four-game win streak and dropped them to 8-6 and the sixth seed in the AFC wild-card race - one spot behind Denver, where they will play Sunday after a short week.
The Broncos are 8-6, as are Jacksonville and the New York Jets.
The Bengals' loss gave the Baltimore Ravens the AFC North title.
AFC South division champion Indianapolis improved to 11-3.
On Monday night, Manning threw four touchdown passes in a single game for the 15th time in his career. He has 26 for the season, giving him 25 for all nine of his NFL seasons - a league record.
Three of the scores went to Harrison from short-yardage in the red zone - from the 4, 3 and 1-yard lines.
Bengals cornerback Deltha O'Neal was beaten in single coverage twice by Harrison. Wayne twisted Tory James around on an 18-yard touchdown.
Colts speed rush defensive end Dwight Freeney, who came in with just 21/2 sacks, had three against the Bengals. Freeney beat rookie left tackle Andrew Whitworth consistently and forced two fumbles.
In all, Indianapolis had four sacks.
The Bengals did activate left tackle Levi Jones, who always has played well against Freeney, but Jones was unable to play because of his injured knee.
Bengals All Pro right tackle Willie Anderson left in the first quarter with an aggravated right foot injury. Stacy Andrews replaced him, and Andrews and Whitworth struggled all night with Indianapolis' fast ends.
Freeney beat Whitworth to collect three sacks and force three fumbles. The pocket collapsed around Palmer throughout the fourth quarter. He was hit several times.
The Bengals were determined to run the ball against Indianapolis' last-ranked run defense.
Rudi Johnson ran 22 times for 79 yards. Third-down back Kenny Watson ran four times for 30 yards.
In all, the Bengals ran 30 times for 133 yards. The Bengals ran 32 pass plays. Carson Palmer was 14-for-28 passing for 176 yards and no touchdowns and no interceptions.
"These guys didn't throw as much as we thought they would,' Colts coach Tony Dungy said.
The Bengals converted just 2 of 11 third-down plays, but Indianapolis was 5 of 10 on third down.
With the Colts nursing a 31-16 lead, the Bengals could not stop the Indianapolis run or quick slants to Harrison down the middle of the field. The middle of the field was open all night for Manning in the pass game.
Both teams committed turnovers in the first half that resulted in points for the opposition.
Palmer lost a fumble on a Freeney sack. Tackle Andrew McFarland recovered for the Colts on the Cincinnati 46-yard line.
Indianapolis drove 34 yards on nine plays to set up a 30-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri and give the Colts a 3-0 lead.
The Bengals answered with a 27-yard field goal by Shayne Graham. It capped a 13-play, 66-yard drive. Rudi Johnson ran 21 yards to move the ball to the Colts 19, running through an attempted arm tackle by linebacker Cato June.
Johnson would end the half with 13 carries for 64 yards.
The Colts would move down the field twice, primarily on the pass, to take a 17-10 lead into the half.
Manning, who was 18-for-20 passing for 148 yards in the first half, threw his first of two first-half touchdowns from five yards to Harrison. One of Manning's two incomplete passes was intentionally thrown away.
With the Colts leading 10-3, the Bengals got a big break when Terrence Wilkins muffed a Kyle Larson punt at the 25, where Bengals tight end Tony Stewart recovered. Ethan Kilmer was down in coverage as the gunner.
From the 25, Freeney again beat Whitworth on an incomplete pass. On third and seven from the 22-yard line, wide receiver Reggie McNeal went into the shotgun, faked a handoff into the middle of the line and ran right for eight yards. He is a former college quarterback. Johnson ran in from the 12-yard to tie the score at 10.
Indianapolis took its 17-10 lead into the half by scoring on a pass from the 3, Manning to Harrison, on a near-double pump by the quarterback. Harrison got inside of O'Neal.
Cincinnati loses key ground in race for playoffs
BY MARK CURNUTTE MCURNUTTE@ENQUIRER.COM
INDIANAPOLIS - The Bengals last-ranked pass defense lived down to its standing as the NFL's worst Monday night.
Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 282 yards and four touchdown passes, three to wide receiver Marvin Harrison and one to Reggie Wayne, in leading the Colts to a 34-16 victory.
The loss snapped the Bengals' four-game win streak and dropped them to 8-6 and the sixth seed in the AFC wild-card race - one spot behind Denver, where they will play Sunday after a short week.
The Broncos are 8-6, as are Jacksonville and the New York Jets.
The Bengals' loss gave the Baltimore Ravens the AFC North title.
AFC South division champion Indianapolis improved to 11-3.
On Monday night, Manning threw four touchdown passes in a single game for the 15th time in his career. He has 26 for the season, giving him 25 for all nine of his NFL seasons - a league record.
Three of the scores went to Harrison from short-yardage in the red zone - from the 4, 3 and 1-yard lines.
Bengals cornerback Deltha O'Neal was beaten in single coverage twice by Harrison. Wayne twisted Tory James around on an 18-yard touchdown.
Colts speed rush defensive end Dwight Freeney, who came in with just 21/2 sacks, had three against the Bengals. Freeney beat rookie left tackle Andrew Whitworth consistently and forced two fumbles.
In all, Indianapolis had four sacks.
The Bengals did activate left tackle Levi Jones, who always has played well against Freeney, but Jones was unable to play because of his injured knee.
Bengals All Pro right tackle Willie Anderson left in the first quarter with an aggravated right foot injury. Stacy Andrews replaced him, and Andrews and Whitworth struggled all night with Indianapolis' fast ends.
Freeney beat Whitworth to collect three sacks and force three fumbles. The pocket collapsed around Palmer throughout the fourth quarter. He was hit several times.
The Bengals were determined to run the ball against Indianapolis' last-ranked run defense.
Rudi Johnson ran 22 times for 79 yards. Third-down back Kenny Watson ran four times for 30 yards.
In all, the Bengals ran 30 times for 133 yards. The Bengals ran 32 pass plays. Carson Palmer was 14-for-28 passing for 176 yards and no touchdowns and no interceptions.
"These guys didn't throw as much as we thought they would,' Colts coach Tony Dungy said.
The Bengals converted just 2 of 11 third-down plays, but Indianapolis was 5 of 10 on third down.
With the Colts nursing a 31-16 lead, the Bengals could not stop the Indianapolis run or quick slants to Harrison down the middle of the field. The middle of the field was open all night for Manning in the pass game.
Both teams committed turnovers in the first half that resulted in points for the opposition.
Palmer lost a fumble on a Freeney sack. Tackle Andrew McFarland recovered for the Colts on the Cincinnati 46-yard line.
Indianapolis drove 34 yards on nine plays to set up a 30-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri and give the Colts a 3-0 lead.
The Bengals answered with a 27-yard field goal by Shayne Graham. It capped a 13-play, 66-yard drive. Rudi Johnson ran 21 yards to move the ball to the Colts 19, running through an attempted arm tackle by linebacker Cato June.
Johnson would end the half with 13 carries for 64 yards.
The Colts would move down the field twice, primarily on the pass, to take a 17-10 lead into the half.
Manning, who was 18-for-20 passing for 148 yards in the first half, threw his first of two first-half touchdowns from five yards to Harrison. One of Manning's two incomplete passes was intentionally thrown away.
With the Colts leading 10-3, the Bengals got a big break when Terrence Wilkins muffed a Kyle Larson punt at the 25, where Bengals tight end Tony Stewart recovered. Ethan Kilmer was down in coverage as the gunner.
From the 25, Freeney again beat Whitworth on an incomplete pass. On third and seven from the 22-yard line, wide receiver Reggie McNeal went into the shotgun, faked a handoff into the middle of the line and ran right for eight yards. He is a former college quarterback. Johnson ran in from the 12-yard to tie the score at 10.
Indianapolis took its 17-10 lead into the half by scoring on a pass from the 3, Manning to Harrison, on a near-double pump by the quarterback. Harrison got inside of O'Neal.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Macy's Dazzle Weekend
The Fall 06 semester is over and I have about two weeks to sit on my ass and do absolutely nothing. Well I should not say that. I still have to produce a website for one of my clients. Good thing I bought a book over the weekend that gives me insight to creating one.
To celebrate the sitting for me last final exam of the semester, I did absolutely nothing. It was a bit comforting to be able to simple rest and not worry about studying for the first time in 6 months.
So for the first time in months, I decided to forgo a night of partying and stay in.
This fanned relaxation continued on to Saturday night. Instead of going to one of my favorite haunts for a cocktail, I called a friend of mine to have dinner at Rock Bottom on Fountain Square. To my surprise it was packed. Wall to wall cars sood still in the streets surrounding the Square. I called my friend and suggested that I pick him up since downtown was so crowded. He was already on his way so that was out of the question. As I ended the call, I remembered that this was the night that Santa and his two elves repelled down the side of the Key Bank building.
And when I tuned on to Race Street from 6th, It took me more than twenty minutes to drive a round the block and park in the new Fountain Square Garage. A task that should have only taken a half a minute.
We managed to squeeze into a spot at the bar, for going the hour and a half wait there was for a table. The food was great, fast, but not cheap, but worth it tin the long run.
Thinking that we should get out of Dodge before Santa comes tumbling down the side of the building so that we are not stuck behind a multitude of soccer moms cladden with strollers, but just as we walked out of the doors, we exited to see everyone standing still with their eyes focused to the sky. Being the livestock that we are, we mimicked everyone else's gaze to see Santa repelling the side of the Key Bank building on Vine St. It was actually quite entertaining so we decided to stay and watch the ascent. I am glad that we did so, because fireworks display that followed was OUT OF CONTROL!!! I was very impressed.
To celebrate the sitting for me last final exam of the semester, I did absolutely nothing. It was a bit comforting to be able to simple rest and not worry about studying for the first time in 6 months.
So for the first time in months, I decided to forgo a night of partying and stay in.
This fanned relaxation continued on to Saturday night. Instead of going to one of my favorite haunts for a cocktail, I called a friend of mine to have dinner at Rock Bottom on Fountain Square. To my surprise it was packed. Wall to wall cars sood still in the streets surrounding the Square. I called my friend and suggested that I pick him up since downtown was so crowded. He was already on his way so that was out of the question. As I ended the call, I remembered that this was the night that Santa and his two elves repelled down the side of the Key Bank building.
And when I tuned on to Race Street from 6th, It took me more than twenty minutes to drive a round the block and park in the new Fountain Square Garage. A task that should have only taken a half a minute.
We managed to squeeze into a spot at the bar, for going the hour and a half wait there was for a table. The food was great, fast, but not cheap, but worth it tin the long run.
Thinking that we should get out of Dodge before Santa comes tumbling down the side of the building so that we are not stuck behind a multitude of soccer moms cladden with strollers, but just as we walked out of the doors, we exited to see everyone standing still with their eyes focused to the sky. Being the livestock that we are, we mimicked everyone else's gaze to see Santa repelling the side of the Key Bank building on Vine St. It was actually quite entertaining so we decided to stay and watch the ascent. I am glad that we did so, because fireworks display that followed was OUT OF CONTROL!!! I was very impressed.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Wow...Has it been that long?
Has it been a week since I have updated all my readers about the happenings in the Queen City? I guess it has. Alot has happened but since I am in the midst of studying for final exams, i guess your updates will have to wait until my two week vactaion.
I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
I had one final exam yesturday and it was surprisingly a little bit easier than I had anticipated. I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing, but I will soon know. Wednesday is my next one and I am abit scarred about the difficulty about it. My final paper was chewed up by the professor so I guess tonight will be a cram session...wish me luck!
I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
I had one final exam yesturday and it was surprisingly a little bit easier than I had anticipated. I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing, but I will soon know. Wednesday is my next one and I am abit scarred about the difficulty about it. My final paper was chewed up by the professor so I guess tonight will be a cram session...wish me luck!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
New position.....New start...
Well, I would not say that I am going to quit my day job, but I think this may be a great opportunity.
This morning, I had the most amazing meeting with the owner/operator of the Wali Dance Company based here in Cincinnati and they want me to head up their PR efforts. I have some great ideas, and they are all for it.
You will hear more about it in the posts to come.
This morning, I had the most amazing meeting with the owner/operator of the Wali Dance Company based here in Cincinnati and they want me to head up their PR efforts. I have some great ideas, and they are all for it.
You will hear more about it in the posts to come.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
What happened to MTV?
I am sitting infront of the television on a Sunday morning. I am the only one awake in the house so I decided to watch a bit of MTV. A smile appears on my face because two of my favorite shoes that I used to watch regularly were on back to back. Making the Video and Real World.
I was not impressed.
The episode of making the video followed Beyonce on the video shoot of 'Listen' from the movie Dream Girls, which I am really excited to see. Though Beyonce's voice is amazing and her stage presence is awesome, the video could have been more exciting. One scene, one costume change, one person and shots from the movie were not enough to pull off this movie promo.
On to the Real World. As most of you have read on 'The Right Side...' I have been a fan of The Real World since its first season in New York in 1990. I religiously followed each season until they ventured to Miami. Because of my stint in the US Army, my RW homage was deterred a bit, but I still knew the plots and characters of each season.
This morning, they are airing the first episode of RW:Colorado, which I have never scene before. The kids are boring, lifeless and have little life experience. The all are college students, so their view on life is a bit naive and sheltered. One girls said that she was not used to living in a place like this because she is living in a 3 bedroom Condo with her mom and sister. You have got to be kidding me. Of cause, there are two educated African American males on the season so I guess I can at least watch this episode,
Thinking about it, what was I supposed to expect. Why should I presume the MTV would changed its target audience to suit my entertainment needs. The reason why I watched shows like RW was because I wanted to see life outside of Covington, KY. I wanted to learn about people who have different viewpoints to myself. I have already lived the life of those personified on this reality show. I think its time for me to move on.
OK...
My sentimental awakening has just been confirmed. I have now surpassed the first episode filled with introductions. Within that first episode, that was, in reality, a span of about 12hours, two woman have made out with each other, I learned that one of the African American males has 'homophobic tendencies' and the other is going to be personified as an aggressively hot headed Terrell Owens. Not good.
The token gay person is present...He is a Southern Baptist.
The gay is sharing a room with the homophobic...it may be a bit better than I expected.
I was not impressed.
The episode of making the video followed Beyonce on the video shoot of 'Listen' from the movie Dream Girls, which I am really excited to see. Though Beyonce's voice is amazing and her stage presence is awesome, the video could have been more exciting. One scene, one costume change, one person and shots from the movie were not enough to pull off this movie promo.
On to the Real World. As most of you have read on 'The Right Side...' I have been a fan of The Real World since its first season in New York in 1990. I religiously followed each season until they ventured to Miami. Because of my stint in the US Army, my RW homage was deterred a bit, but I still knew the plots and characters of each season.
This morning, they are airing the first episode of RW:Colorado, which I have never scene before. The kids are boring, lifeless and have little life experience. The all are college students, so their view on life is a bit naive and sheltered. One girls said that she was not used to living in a place like this because she is living in a 3 bedroom Condo with her mom and sister. You have got to be kidding me. Of cause, there are two educated African American males on the season so I guess I can at least watch this episode,
Thinking about it, what was I supposed to expect. Why should I presume the MTV would changed its target audience to suit my entertainment needs. The reason why I watched shows like RW was because I wanted to see life outside of Covington, KY. I wanted to learn about people who have different viewpoints to myself. I have already lived the life of those personified on this reality show. I think its time for me to move on.
OK...
My sentimental awakening has just been confirmed. I have now surpassed the first episode filled with introductions. Within that first episode, that was, in reality, a span of about 12hours, two woman have made out with each other, I learned that one of the African American males has 'homophobic tendencies' and the other is going to be personified as an aggressively hot headed Terrell Owens. Not good.
The token gay person is present...He is a Southern Baptist.
The gay is sharing a room with the homophobic...it may be a bit better than I expected.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Gotta Give Props Where Props Are Due
After a great dinner at the Korean restaurant, Riverside in Covington, KY. A friend and I loafed on the couch and watched the last three quarters of the Ravens-Bengals football game. Though hoping for another blowout, I was satisfied with the 13-7 Bengals; win.
Though I love to watch the game, I am not the best at conveying the high points of the game, so I will leave that to Mark Curnutte from the Cincinnati Enquire.
Though I love to watch the game, I am not the best at conveying the high points of the game, so I will leave that to Mark Curnutte from the Cincinnati Enquire.
Backed into a corner and facing the possibility of seeing rival Baltimore
take the division crown away on their home field, the Bengals defended their
house Thursday night. The Bengals almost pitched their second consecutive
shutout for the first time in franchise history, winning 13-7 to tighten the AFC
North race and help themselves greatly in the wild-card chase.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis had nothing enlightening to say to explain his defense's rapid improvement.
A big play came with 6:20 to go in the fourth quarter.
On fourth-and-3 to go from the Bengals' 11-yard line, the Ravens threw a quick
slant for Mark Clayton that cornerback Tory James knocked down. The Bengals led
13-0 at the time, and the Ravens could not go for the field goal, needing two scores.
But James was beat by Derrick Mason on a 36-yard touchdown pass from
Steve McNair with 1:01 remaining in the game.
Attendance was 65,973 on a rainy but unseasonably warm night.
The
Bengals won their third in a row and snapped the Ravens' five-game win streak,
slugging it out with a Baltimore team known for pushing around its opponents.
The Ravens came in with the league's second-ranked defense.
The Bengals finished November with a 3-2 record.
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
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