Not So Great Live Performances: Mariachi El Bronx

14 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 14th,2013 | Concerts, Music |  Comments Off

Mariachi El Bronx was the second opening act for Flogging Molly. They are, in fact, a straight up mariachi band. They even wore traditional mariachi costumes while performing on stage. They had two horn players, one guy who played a number of instruments, depending on the song, two guitar players, a banjo player (who later came out and did a couple songs with Flogging Molly as their banjo player had flown home for the birth of his second child), and the singer.

We found them to be only OK. Or, I should say, we found their front man only ok.

Great Live Performances: The Donots

13 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 13th,2013 | Concerts, Music |  Comments Off

The Donots were one of the opening acts at the Flogging Molly concert we went to last night. They are from Germany and describe themselves as a punk band. I don’t really know if they are punk or not, they are definitely a rock band (though that phrase is now reserved for a video game). They put on a great high energy show that included the lead singer crowd surfing during their final song- a cover of Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It.

The crowd was definitely into it. We certainly enjoyed the performance and will be following them.

Stonehenge History

12 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 12th,2013 | Religion, Science |  Comments Off

When we went to England, one of the highlights was seeing Stonehenge. I am completely fascinated by the different theories for how Stonehenge came to be and what purpose it served. Now there is a new study showing there was another stone circle in that same spot, before the current Stonehenge was built.

It looks like that stone circle marked a graveyard, as researchers have found cremated human remains from family groups that pre-date Stonehenge at spots they believe were marked by bluestones.

Was the graveyard the reason Stonehenge was built on that particular site? Or is there something more?

Wake Up! It’s Daylight Savings Time

11 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 11th,2013 | Work |  Comments Off

For many people, the first Monday after Daylight Savings Time can be very hard. Even though the time officially changes on Saturday night, fewer people have set schedules for Sunday, and therefore end up feeling like maybe they missed an hour of their day, but don’t really notice getting up an hour earlier until their alarm goes off on Monday.

I have found that making myself get up on that first Sunday (and I do have someplace to be) really helps me with the transition to Monday. I’m tired enough Sunday night to go to bed at the right time.

Blog Feature: Dachshund Nola

09 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 9th,2013 | blogging, Dogs, Pets, Writing |  Comments Off

It’s a great time to head on over and meet Nola the Dachshund. Why? Because this week she celebrated her second blogiversary! That’s right, she’s been on the internet since she was 5 months old and winning more hearts every single day.

In those two years, she’s earned her Canine Good Citizenship certificate, obtained 3 minions (and you know good minions are hard to find), gone running on the beach, and now, she’s even watching over some baby goats. Plus, she’s the co-host of one of my favorite blog hops, Black & White Sunday.

Nola, you are one busy girl!

Your Money Friday: Health Insurance Not Paying

08 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 8th,2013 | Finances, Healthcare |  Comments Off

Insurance companies make mistakes. No one is perfect. If your health insurance company isn’t paying claims it should, you cannot just keep sending documentation to the claims department. It won’t do any good. Before going (or threatening to go) to your state’s Insurance Commissioner, you should follow the process your insurance company has set up to fix mistakes. Look at the denial you were sent. There should be information on how to file an appeal. If you don’t still have that paperwork, call customer service and ask for appeals. Insurance companies make mistakes. Appeals departments are how they fix them.

I Support Real Filibusters

07 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 7th,2013 | Politics |  2 comments

Yesterday the Senate saw a real filibuster, and I am thrilled. It is not that I agree with the reason that Senator Paul was filibustering, but that it was a real “talking” filibuster. I hate what the filibuster has become, a simple tally of votes, called a filibuster, and we’ll just end the session for the day. If you’re going to decided something on a vote, it better be an up and down vote on the measure. If a Senator wants to filibuster something, he’d better be willing to get down on the floor of Congress and talk. It works.

Measurements

06 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 6th,2013 | Food, Healthcare |  Comments Off

I repeat that I’m very happy I’m not doing some sort of system for my weight loss. Being completely in control of what I’m doing makes it much easier for me to think of this as a lifestyle change and to know that I will be able to continue it. However, every once in a while I do wish I was on a system for one simple reason- the systems remind you not just to weigh yourself, but to measure yourself, when you start. I took no measurements. I know I’ve lost inches, but I have no idea how many.

Weight Loss

05 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 5th,2013 | Food, Healthcare |  2 comments

Two different weight loss plans are sweeping my company. The people on both plans are constantly talking about how great they are. They are seeing results, and that’s fabulous, but I think that may be why I’m not on a “system”. Weight loss is personal to me, and I have no desire to go around and talk to everyone about the great plan that’s helping me get there.

I have lost enough that people are noticing (45lbs in 7 months), and it’s nice to be able to just say “thank you” without feeling the need to sell them a product.

Movie Review: Fast Five

04 Mar

Erin Shanendoah |  March 4th,2013 | Movies |  Comments Off

I enjoyed the original The Fast and the Furious. I’m pretty certain I even saw the second installment in the theater. And I think Tokyo Drift was the 3rd movie, but I have no memory of the 4th movie existing. In fact, the only reason I even think there was a 4th movie is because the last one released was called Fast Five (and I have now seen ads for number 6).

I liked Fast Five. I knew going in that plausibility was not going to be high, so I was just able to ignore that and enjoy the ride.

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