Friday's Festivus for the Rest of Us - Drinks

The Seinfeld cast regulary eats and meets in Monk's Coffee Shop and regulary drink coffee, but I don't remember a memorable quote about coffee. Can you?

Below are some of the classic quotes about drinks:

Hennigans Scotch: “That's right folks. I just had three shots of Hennigans and I don't smell. No Smell. No Tell. Scotch.” - Kramer
Snapple: “Snapple?”
Ovaltine: “Why do they call it Ovaltine? The jar is round. The mug is round. They should call it Roundtine.” - Banya
Peach Schnapps: “I’ll put it in the vault” – Elaine “No good. Too many people know the combination.” – Jerry
Cel-Ray: “I bruised my lip. I was drinking a Celray, and I brought it up too fast and I banged it into my lip...And then I knocked your toothbrush into the toilet and I wasn't able to tell you before you could use it.” - Jerry (explaining why he can't kiss his girlfriend)
Tomato Juice: “What are you doing?” – Jerry “Getting some cereal.” - Kramer “That's tomato juice!” – Jerry “That looked like milk to me! Jerry, my Rods and Cones are all screwed up!” - Kramer
Ice Water: "Then Mr. Seinfeld went to the restroom, at which point Mr. Costanza scooped ice out of Mr. Seinfeld’s drink with his bare hands using it to wash up; then Mr. Costanza remarked to me, 'This never happened.'" - Darren (Kramer's intern)

Can you think of other drinks the Seinfeld cast drank?

Never have I ever

...Kayaked in the Lagoons at Presque Isle (until this Memorial Day).


I was accompanied by my mom and her good friend Cheryl. (Picture taken right before we were shoved into the water.)


It took me awhile to become comfortable rowing. But I never dared hand my camera over to my mom (so a self portrait of me is the only proof I have).


We paddled almost to the bridge, which was a mile away.


The Lagoons vary in depth and have a plethora of foliage, wildlife, and seaweed.


Memorial Day morning was a beautiful time to be a "tourist in our backyard." While it was windy and kind of chilly, the sun was out and we were not suffering in the heat.


The lilly pads were gorgeous with the sun reflecting off them and the grass and cattails blew gracefully in the wind on shore.

These particular lilly pads were in full bloom. I had a heck of a time paddling to get a close-up picture of them. It's difficult for a beginning kayak-er to stop the floating vessel, thus, I ran over quite a few when trying to get near them. (Don't worry. They are hearty enough to survive.)

With more than 140 species of birds on Presque Isle, I decided to take a photo of a non-feathered friend's nest - a beaver.

We weren't the only ones enjoying the beautiful day and soaking up the sunshine.

The turtles also were taking a vacation day and basking in the rays. As I got closer, many took a dive in the water. But I was surprised with how close I was able to get before they got scared.

So cute!

I had a great time trying something new in Erie. It cost $22 for 2 hours ($15 for the first hour) and we paddled nearly 2 miles around the Lagoons, through Long Pond, past the unoccupied eagles' nest, and back. And the great news, I didn't flip the kayak and hardly got wet at all!

adding to the collection

I was kinda bummed I spent the beautiful Memorial day afternoon shopping. But it had to be done. I needed to get some presents for this weekend's shower.

I did get a few presents for myself (I needed a little reward, right?).

Two new pairs of shoes! I am excited to have some colors that will pop! Although I was frustrated with the selection of colors. Jewel tones are so IN right now, I was really hoping to find some cobalt blue shoes and fuchsia heals.

Working at Penn State, I had to invest in a blue and white ring. Unfortunately, it's not the real thing yet.

I am so excited about this belt ring! (I am wearing it today). I saw a similar ring on QVC and almost picked up the phone to order it. I am glad I held out; I got a much better price.

This canvas tote from The Sak matches a similar cross-body handbag I recently purchased. Every time I look at this I get more excited. It will work for so many occasions, including, what else, shopping.

I only took pics of the accessories. I also purchased two tops, a pair of black pants, and a fuchsia wrap; not to mention all the presents (which I am unable to blog about). I didn't do too much damage to my pocket book, especially due to the Memorial Day sales.

Friday's Festivus for the Rest of Us - Fruit

Food is very important on Seinfeld. The cast gathers at the coffee shop, raid Jerry's refrigerator, and they once spent an entire episode waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant.

Due to food's integral importance on the television show, I have to break it up into categories in order not to bore you (the reader). Today I am going to focus of fruit. Kramer has always been adamant about having high quality fruit and even tried to return a piece of fruit. But Jerry is quoted as saying, "I don't return fruit. Fruit is a gamble. I know that going in."

Mackinaw Peach: “Makes your taste buds come alive. It's like having a circus in your mouth.” - Kramer

Hampton Tomatoes: “I love Hampton tomatoes. You can eat 'em like apples. The tomato never took on as a hand fruit.” – George “The tomato's an anomaly. So successful with the ketchup and the sauce, but you can't find a good one.” - Jerry

Mango: “Very good. Juicy. Ripe. This Joe's got some terrific fruit. I feel like I got a B12 shot. This is like a taste explosion! … I think it moved. Oh my god, I think it moved. Yeah, give me the big piece. I'll see you later. I'm back, baby! I'm back!” – George

Oranges: “You've been living in America too long. You've forgotten what it's like to have no oranges.” – George (to the Japanese TV Executives)

Cantaloupe: “See, that stinks. You can't eat that. You should take it back. Cantaloupe like this should be taken out of circulation.” – Kramer

Joe’s Fruit: “Gotta have fruit in the house. I like it as a snack: wholesome, natural, chock-full of vitamins. Let's see... mangos... four plums, with red on the inside, ... avocado ... ooo, just right, ... and three plantains ought to do it.” – Jerry (shopping for Kramer’s fruit)

Did I forget any?

What's your favorite Seinfeld quote about fruit?

Group of Chicks

Glee (noun): Delight or Pleasure; Jubilant Joy

GLEE is Fox's new a one-hour musical comedy that follows an optimistic high school teacher as he tries to transform the school's Glee Club and inspire a group of ragtag performers to make it.

This sarcastic comedy features bursting-into-song musical numbers and, while I am a sucker for musical theatre, many television viewers might have a sightly different initial reaction.

This new musical-comedy-drama gets an A in may TV report card. However, I fear it my fail in the ratings because: 1) there’s nothing else like it on TV, 2) regular episodes won't begin airing weekly until this fall, 3) American Idol fans appreciate the interaction and reality of the singing competition not the scripted drama, and 4) some demographics are not likely to admit to watching a "musical."

Let's hope the ratings keep it on air, because I need some musical theatre in my life.

How great would life be if we constantly broke into song and dance?!

(Note: Glee does not do that. All musical numbers are performances or rehearsals.)

Lake Effect Lace - limited edition photos

Lake Effect Lace: "Potentiality" by Carol Posch Comstock

Lake Effect Lace, Limited Edition Photos, Series One

The first series of six matted, unframed images of Lake Effect Lace by Carol Posch Comstock, entitled: Heart Center, Lake Effect Lace, Blue Freeze, Song Sung Blue*, Moon Flake*, and Potentiality has been released at of the Bayfront Gallery in Erie, PA.

The gallery is open Tues.-Sat. 11-5, and Sun. 11-3 during the spring/summer. There is a grand opening reception for the season on Friday, May 22, 2009, from 7-9 p.m. The series will remain on sale through mid-September at the gallery or through Carol’s website.

These images are Giclee prints on 100% rag paper and matted to 11”x14” (with the exception of *photos, which are mounted 11”x11” and 11”x12”.)

The work was produced directly by the artist, including the printing. This first series, signed and numbered, are limited to 25 prints.

The snowflakes are photographed outside in below freezing weather (5-10 degrees optimal) using a microscopic process. This series features images from the first and second winters (2008-09) that Carol photographed snowflakes in the Lake Erie region. Subsequent series will be released in groupings of six in future months. Greeting cards featuring these images, as well as larger prints are also available.

Comedy Central Presents: Jack Burke & Raychel Vendetti

If you missed it, last Thursday Behrend's Chancellor Jack Burke and Alumna Raychel Vendetti guest hosted at Junior's Last Laugh Comedy Club. They opened the Penn State night for the two professional comedians.

They set the stage like news anchors. Here are some of their jokes:

Vendetti: Welcome to WPSB Channel 48, Behrend Alumni News at 6:30. I’m Raychel Vendetti. As a disclaimer, the jokes you are about to hear have no affiliation with the thoughts and views of Dr. Burke, myself, or the staff at WSEE - if there are any left after this month.
Burke: And I’m Jack Burke. Thank you all for joining us tonight. Did you know Raychel's name is really Raychel Vendetti-Adiutori? Never again will she have to buy a vowel.
If you miss any of tonight’s stories you can catch them virtually on our YouTube page, Facebook group, Twitter account, and LinkedIn group.
Vendetti: You know, I’m not sure how students can get any work done with online sites like Facebook. When I was in school our faces were in books not online on a computer
Burke: Oh sure, you had books. When I was in school, we used stone tablets and Plato was still lecturing

Vendetti: (to Burke) So I hear you are in favor of the Tires to Energy Plant and will be moving there next year?
Burke: I am?
Vendetti: Sure. The plant will change all our retired to energy.

Burke: Supreme Court Justice David Souter said he's going to retire next month. I don’t get why he would leave that job, because when I retire I plan to sit around all day in a robe being judgmental.
And, I intend to relive my childhood and look like a brand new baby again.
Vendetti: No hair, no teeth and in a diaper.

Vendetti: Because of Swine Flu, Ken Miller says Behrend’s Health Center has had a run on women wanting to get tested for H1N1.
Burke: Why so many women?
Vendetti: The co-eds were under the impression that if you came into contact with a man who acted like a pig, you might be at risk for the flu.

Burke: Ouch. Hey, I was talking to some students about Arlen Specter switching parties. Their thoughts: how lame must a party be to leave it? It would have to run out of beer for them to jump ship.

Burke: And speaking of ships, I sat in on one of our economics classes last week. Jim Kurre compared Somali Pirates to AIG executives. You know the difference?
Vendetti: What?
Burke: There isn’t any.
Vendetti: Do we have any alumni in Somalia?
Burke: I’m not sure, but we are sending Kristen Comstock (the person who booked us for this event) to find out.

Burke: Last week, Obama got his 100-Day Report Card. Raychel, what was your report card like after 100 Days at Behrend?
Vendetti: Well let’s just say: I learned the concept of supply and demand, the value of money, and credit card debt – and that was just on the first day when purchasing my text books.

Vendetti: Did you know Politico is reporting that in his tax documents Tom Ridge no longer calls Erie, Pa., home. He now lives in Chevy Chase, Md. In a statement, Ridge said he moved because he was tired of his mail being incorrectly sent to Erie’s airport and environmental center.

Burke: Have you started making your summer vacation plans?
Vendetti: I haven’t decided, but I want it to be something memorable and adventurous. I'm torn between a Somali pirate cruise or a trip to a Mexican pig farm, or maybe use my vacation money to purchase a Chrysler vehicle.

They both did a wonderful job and the packed house really enjoyed their jokes. Thanks so much!

Festivus for the Rest of Us Friday

I am a huge Seinfeld fan! I have have seen every episode multiple times. My friends can attest, I relate much of my life to something that happened on Seinfeld (Seinfeldology). And I most likely quote scenes in my sleep.

Although I was too young to watch the TV show in its early years (the show aired from 1989-1998, which means I was 5 during its first year), I have watched repeats throughout the years. And much to the dismay of my roommate and family, I will always stop channel surfing when I come across an episode.

Since Seinfeld is one of my true loves, I have decided to start a weekly blog post on Seinfeld. I have dubbed it "Festivus for the Rest of Us Friday." I welcome topic suggestions. Some of the upcoming topics will be clothing, food, dessert, and people descriptions and how they relate back to Seinfeld.

For example, my clothing entry will have to mention the "puffy shirt," my food entry will cover "lobster bisque," the dessert topic will, of course, talk about the "Junior Mint," and people descriptions will include "the close talker"... just to name a few.

And I won't forget to blog about Seinlanguage, the lexicon of Seinfeld code words and recurring phrases that evolved around particular episodes.

Please check back next week and/or suggest some topics.

gas holes

The gas holes have raised the price of gas again...

... I'm trying to grin and bear it.

Although it's obviously rising because the summer travel season is here. It rose right as the college students were finishing the semester.

Coincidence? Nope.

Gouging? Yes.

Painful? Excruciating.

Penn State Night at Juniors

This Thursday, May 14, Penn State Behrend's Chancellor Jack Burke and WSEE morning anchor and Behrend alumna Raychel Vendetti will guest host an evening at Juniors Last Laugh Comedy Club (1402 State St., Erie, Pa.).

The night was coordinated by the Penn State Behrend Alumni Society to benefit their scholarship fund. Half the price of each $11 ticket sold that evening benefits the Penn State Behrend Alumni Society Scholarship, as will the proceeds from a 50/50 drawing and a raffle of Penn State-themed gift baskets.

Tom Segura and Joe Larson will be the headliner and featured comedians, respectively. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30. For individual tickets or table reservations phone Jr.’s at 814-461-0911.

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Hope to see you there!

Blogiversary

Today is my Blogiversary. I have blogged for one year (not a lot of time in the blogging community).

Thank you for reading (today and any other day). My blog has gained some popularity, but it is still in the need of some direction and focus.

In case you missed them, my top 3 posts for the most unique visitors were:
1) SS - Senseless Shooting
2) Ghastly Grammies
3) Teabaggers Go Nuts

My 3 posts with the highest average time on a page were:
1) 3 Cheers for Bread
2) Erie has food ethnicity
3) Bumper Bummer

My top 3 posts with the most comments were:
1) Bumper Bummer
2) TIE: Gimme Some Greek and Palin Presumes Poorly
3) First of Many

Even though these results might be a little skewed, if I use these as a guide, my readers enjoy Erie topics, Fashion, Politics, Food, and Bumpers. All of those topics I, too, appreciate (minus bumpers), but the ignores many of my favorite subjects: Penn State, Penn State Behrend, Art, Travel, TV, Shopping, Humor, Animals, Event Planning, Shoes, Marketing/Advertising, and Seinfeld.

When someone has so many interests, should she just nail down her blog to a few? Or should she continue writing on various items and study her Google Analytics for another year? And if you had a choice, what would you prefer to read about on my blog?

Ooo, Sparkly!

Here's some pics of the jewelry I purchased this weekend.

I love me some sterling silver and white gold.

I cannot wait to wear this feather cuff. It was a little pricey, but I hope to get a lot of use out of it.

I love how the cuff is semi Native American inspired.

Zany Zebra Zuitcase

Saturday, I did my small part to keep the economy afloat - I went shopping. I splurged on some things, but I also bought some practical things. And somethings were a little of both.

Specifically, this Liz Claiborne luggage I purchased. It was practical because I needed a new small, rolling, carry-on piece, yet impractical because its zebra print will not match my other luggage pieces. Practical: because who cannot use another tote/laptop bag. Impractical: because I do not need another tote bag. Practical: because it has a 10-year warranty. Impractical: because it will probably be out of style before 10 years is up. Practical: because I will be able to recognize my bag at the baggage claim. Impractical: because it is less professional then I try to present myself.


All in all, I am very pleased with the purchase and cannot wait to use it. I have lots of trips this summer and these pieces will get used quite often.

Here are the trips (some are fun trips, others are work events, and a couple are trainings):

• June 2-3: ServSafe Training in State College
• June 9-10: Penn State Alumni Relations Professionals Retreat in State College
• June 13: Katie and Mike's Housewarming Party in Pittsburgh
• June 19-21: Katie's Bachelorette Party (secret location(s))
• June 23-25: Alumni Dinner and Alumni Reception in Chicago
• August 8: Katie and Mike's 2nd Wedding Reception in Pittsburgh
• August 21-23: Nikkie's Bachelorette Party (secret location(s))
• September TBD: Alumni Receptions in D.C. Metro and Baltimore

Making a Case for a BB

I finally ordered and received my BlackBerry Storm cases. I ordered two because they both have their own personality (and, frankly, I couldn't decide on just one).

The first one is a leather, zebra print case. It has a belt clip and belt loops. And it's lid closes magnetically. It's definitely the funky, less professional case - just like the Storm has its playful side.

The other case is the black, imitation leather BlackBerry sleeve. Not only is this sleeve the professional case, but it is also very practical. The sleeve's best feature is that it puts my Storm into stand-by mode, which helps saves its battery life and eliminates "butt dialing."

Verdict: Since receiving both cases, I have only used the BlackBerry sleeve - it's sleek size and functionality have been quite appealing. I like the look of the Zebra case, but it is larger and, since it does not cause my BB to go into stand-by mode, makes me have to lock and unlock the BB every time.

My next task: put a screen protector on - successfully. (I already tossed one after a ruined application attempt).