Your Money Friday: Delayed Gratification?

14 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 14th,2012 | Finances |  Comments Off

What happens when you really want something that you can afford but don’t need? Do you buy it the second you start to covet it? Or do you make yourself wait a while to see if you really do want it/want to spend the money on it? If you saw something a couple of months ago and told yourself no, but find that you’re still thinking about it, will you go back and buy it, even if you have no idea where you’ll put it/how you’ll use it?

These are questions raised in this week’s Your Money thread, I’m obsessed.

Movie Review: The Lorax

13 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 13th,2012 | Authors & Books, Movies |  Comments Off

What can you really expect when they make a 90 minute movie out of a children’s book, right? In most cases, I would give the movie a pass, except when it is based on a Dr. Suess book. Seuss packed a lot of punch in his books. I expect that if you are making a movie out of a Dr. Suess book, you will pack the same kind of child friendly punch.

This is not to say The Lorax was bad, just that I was hoping for something more meaningful than an extended 3D scene of woodland creatures eating marshmallows.

The Voice s3 Semi-Final Elmination

12 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 12th,2012 | Music, Television |  Comments Off

In the past, the Voice finals have consisted of 4 people- one for each coach. This season, it will be 3 people, as chosen by America. I am thrilled with America’s choices.

If I have a favorite, it is Nicholas David. I love that he’s not your standard pop music competition show fodder. But truth is, I will be happy regardless of who wins this year. All three contestants are fabulous.

I loved that this season we have seen all of last season’s finalists and know they each have record deals. That may be my favorite thing about The Voice.

The Voice s3 Semi-Finals

11 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 11th,2012 | Music, Television |  Comments Off

Starting with the caveat that all four singers who made it to the Voice semi-finals are incredibly talented and have the ability to do great things, Trevin was once again the weakest link. I think part of it was song choice. I love Wind Beneath My Wings, but he did not do anything with it to stand out. Less than 5 minutes after watching the performance, I had forgotten it.

Nicholas David, singing to his family, was powerful and tear inducing. Both Cassaddee and Terry brought their styles to the songs they sang. Looking forward to next week’s final performances.

Only Equal is Equal

10 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 10th,2012 | Discrimination, Gay Marriage |  Comments Off

Yesterday was a day of weddings across Washington state. What was so special about December 9? It’s not like it was 12/12/12. It was the first day same sex couples could legally marry in Washington. On Thursday, they were able to get their licenses, but because of the 3 day mandatory waiting period, Sunday was the first day the weddings could take place.

I wasn’t a guest at any of the weddings, though I do know some couples who got married. And I want to say congratulations to them and all couples who are waking up this morning as newlyweds.

Blog Feature: No Dog About It Blog

08 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 8th,2012 | blogging, Dogs, Pets, Writing |  Comments Off

Let’s just start with the fact that Mel’s blog is terrific at all times. She writes from the heart. And you can see how much she loves her dogs. But after having experienced having a missing dog a year ago, she shines now as an advocate for missing dogs everywhere, and a great source of information for their owners. Take this post on why your lost dog may not run back to you- it’s full of compassion for pets and their people. So thank you Mel for sharing your experience and being such a strong voice for a great cause.

Your Money Friday: Do You Invest?

07 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 7th,2012 | Finances |  2 comments

The question is “Does anyone not invest?”. The poster was basically wondering, if you didn’t have money in the stock market, where did you keep your long term (retirement, etc) savings?  But a second conversation has grown from this- how do people define “investing”?

Many have money in the stock market through 401(k) or 403(b) retirement accounts, but don’t consider themselves investors because they aren’t directing their money. Others figure that if you have any money in the stock market, you’re an investor.

So what about you? Do you have money in the market? Would you call yourself an investor?

Discovering the Nyasasaurus Parringtoni

06 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 6th,2012 | Science |  Comments Off

Have you ever been sorting through things, found something you had no idea what it was, set it aside and thought “I’ll figure that out later”? That’s essentially what happened to a fossil in the collection of the London Museum of Natural History. Found in the 1930s, originally studied in the 1950s, but not identified until this year, the fossil is of what is now believed to be the oldest ever dinosaur- by 10 to 15 million years.

Obviously, researches intend to go back to the area where it was originally found inAfricato try and find more samples.

The Voice s3 Top 6 Eliminations

05 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 5th,2012 | Music, Television |  Comments Off

It is down to CeeLo and Blake. I was not surprised by Melanie going home. She’s a talented young girl, but she’s more suited to indie pursuits than pop stardom. I was stunned by Amanda going home.

Mind you, all of the top 6 are incredibly talented, so I’m not saying Amanda deserved it more than Nicholas or anyone else. However, she is an attractive woman with a powerful voice. Nicholas is a middle aged, kind of funny looking guy, whose style is not quite mainstream. I am thrilled he’s still in the competition, but sad to see Amanda go.

The Voice s3 Top 6

04 Dec

Erin Shanendoah |  December 4th,2012 | Music, Television |  Comments Off

It was a night of really strong performances. With each singer getting 2 songs, it’s not uncommon for people to have one good song and one okay song, but last night everyone was really consistent.

This should be the end of the road for Melanie. Last night wasn’t one of her strongest to begin with, and I just don’t’ think she has the fan base to pull her through.

I also didn’t think Trevin had a good night. The judges thought otherwise, though, and I honestly can’t imagine him going.

So tonight it will be Melanie and ??? going home.

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