Friday, October 31, 2008

My Weekend Crush


I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Dorothy Surrenders, whose Weekend Crush this weekend is: Barack Obama. You should really read that post, amazing how she puts her thoughts into words.

Cristina Yang is one of the reasons why I still watch Grey's Anatomy. She's hardcore, she's driven and unforgiving and she still manages to be Meredith's 'person' without going insane. (Okay, that Derm episode might have been slightly insane). Cristina rarely shows her feelings, but when she does, I am always blown away by how well Sandra Oh can act.


I can't imagine any other actress portraying Cristina as well as Sandra Oh does. I've seen Sandra in 'Sideways' and in 'Under the Tuscan Sun', but I truly believe she does drama best. Which is why I will keep on watching Grey's Anatomy as long as Cristina brings some sanity into this hospital.


(Sorry for the shortness of this post, but I had a long day at university and I'm just too tired.)

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Vote! No, don't vote! Wait...? Yeah, do vote!

Have you seen those videos? A second one is on YouTube now and it is pretty funny.




There is a 14-page special in today's newspaper (Die Presse) about the American election and I realized that 7 days from now, in a week, I'll get up in the morning, turn on my radio and hopefully hear "Barack Obama zum neuen Präsidenten der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika gewählt". I've been following this election closely, even though I was disappointed that Hillary Clinton didn't make it to the 'final' round. Now I'm no expert on politics or the issues, but I have a strong dislike towards Sen. McCain that stems from the fact that he so openly disrespects women. He's disrespectful towards gays as well, but that's something I could live with, since we are a small minority. But from what I know, women make up approximately half of the population of this planet, so to look down on half of the population of this planet so openly makes his attitude a real problem for me. Which is just one of a few reasons why I really hope that American's aren't secretly racist and therefore won't vote for Sen. Obama.

Then there's the issue of Gay Marriage that is on the ballot in California. I can't believe how much money certain churches are willing to spend for something that would have no impact whatsoever on their church. From the blogs that I read, quite a few have mentioned this and shared their feelings far better than I could (I'd like to especially point out Lesbian Dad for her great posts). I know that this proposition won't have any effect on the Austrian law, but I still really hope that this proposition doesn't go through. I saw this great video on Feministing recently and it really drives the point home, especially for people who might be undecided on this issue.





Since I've seen this around the net all over the place, I thought I'd post it because it cracks me up.

1. Being Gay Is Not Natural
And real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning, tattoos, piercings and silicon breasts...

2. Gay Marriage Will Encourage People To Be Gay
In the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3. Legalizing Gay Marriage Will Open The Door To All Kinds
Of Crazy Behavior
People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract. Lamps are next.

4. Straight Marriage Has Been Around A Long Time And
Hasn't Changed At All
Hence why women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5. Straight Marriage Will Be Less Meaningful If Gay
Marriage Were Allowed
And we can't let the sanctity of Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage be
destroyed.

6. Straight Marriages Are Valid Because They Produce
Children
So therefore, gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our population isn't out of control, our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7. Obviously Gay Parents Will Raise Gay Children
Since, of course, straight parents only raise straight children.

8. Gay Marriage Is Not Supported By Religion
In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

9. Children Can Never Succeed Without A Male And A Female
Role Model
Which is exactly why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10. Gay Marriage Will Change The Foundation Of Society; We
Could Never Adapt To New Social Norm
Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

Repost This If You Think Love Makes A Marriage

Vote NO On Proposition H8

(Phew. That was one long post, but I had to get this out there before the election.)

I've been tagged!

Bri from Constant Thoughts tagged me with a meme! I know Bri from the great Callica-fanboard that I'm addicted to and once we've both made it big in Hollywood, we'll make our own movie together. I'll be the producer and take care of the business side and she'll do all the artistic work.

Okay, so that's the meme:

Where Would Your 8 Homes Be?
List them. You don’t have to list your reasons, but if you do at least for a few of them, it would be more fun. And remember that the only rule is: the homes must be within the borders of the United States of America or else, within the borders of the country you live in, so as to utterly emulate the McCains. When you’re done, tag 8 people, so that they may join in the self-indulgence, forgetting about the crappy property market and the equivalent of The End of Pompeii on Wall-Street. You could spend your time hammering your doors and windows shut in preparation for the apocalypse instead, but it would be much less fun.


Okay, so I know this thing says I'm supposed to choose places within Austria, but I want to get out of here, so choosing 8 places here is pretty much impossible. Besides, have you looked at a map recently? Austria is tiny, tiny, so I'd have houses that would be within a hundred kilometers of each other.

My 8 places within the borders of the United States of America would be:

1) Los Angeles ~ Hollywood, here I come! I guess Los Angeles isn't really a nice city to live in, but it's the place to go to 'work in the industry', so I guess it'll be worth it.

2) I want to be a part of it, New York, New York ~ I have this dream of living in the Big Apple just to see how it would be. I think New York has a very special flair as a city, I'm dying to go and just visit, but living there would be great! I want to live in a penthouse suite overlooking Central Park. (Hey, if I can afford 8 homes I'll be able to afford that as well!)

3) A nice little house in Moab, Utah ~ I've been to Moab every single time I've visited the states and I just love that little town. How amazing is the Arches National Park?

4) One of those really big, old houses in New Orleans ~ There's no question as to why Hollywood likes to use New Orleans as a set - the old town and the old houses must be so beautiful! I've wanted to visit New Orleans ever since I saw 'Double Jeopardy' because I was that impressed with the scenery.

5) Key West ~ Sun, sand and the sea, what more could a girl wish for?

6) Las Vegas ~ I'm a sucker for big cities, what can I say?

7) San Francisco ~ Gay capital of America

8) Martha's Vineyard ~ Richard and Emily bought a mansion there, so it can't be that shady, right?

Since I don't believe in chain letters, I'm not going to tag anyone else. But feel free to tag me again, anytime.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Grey's Anatomy Monday


First of all, I want to say a HUGE *Thank you* to Sara Ramirez for her boldness to appear on national Prime time TV a) in red boyshorts (even though we 'only' saw her back), b) dancing her underwear, and c) taking her shirt off! Sara's figure doesn't fit into Hollywood's ridiculous 'beauty' standard and I have to say - I approve! Damn, that woman is hot!

This is my 100th blog post - hard to believe, I know - and it perfectly connects to my first blog post. Grey's Anatomy was one inspiration for this blog and up until last week's episode, I was thoroughly convinced that the writer's wouldn't completely eff up my beloved couple - some drama, sure. But last week's episode, "There's No 'I' in Team"? Whole different story.


What I liked:

  • The first Callica scene. Callie and Erica were so cute talking about how taking it slow was the 'Best. Idea. Ever.' and that there was no reason to rush things and the next moment they are all over each other.
  • Cristina is so mean, but I just think she's hilarious. How she treats her interns is so wrong on so many levels, but it still cracks me up. (Does that make me a bad person?). I also like that she seems to find closure with the whole Burke thing.
  • I liked Mark in the first part of the episode. He was funny, saying stuff like 'Two girls getting nasty and loving it? That's hot. One girl taking about how much it sucked? Depressing. And wrong. Just wrong.'
  • I loved that Lexie told George that he's a jerk. I really hope that that's the last we'll see of their relationship.
  • Brooke Smith completely blew my mind in this episode. I just loved perky and happy Erica and then how the shock and hurt settled on her face when she realized that Callie didn't have a good time. I really fell even harder for Erica, also because she's been showing us this side of her that we haven't seen much yet.
  • Callie being bossy and telling Erica to 'take your pants off'. And then she took her shirt off. *Swoon*


What I didn't like:

  • Callie didn't even tell Erica what was wrong, she made her guess and then she just let her walk away. That is so wrong and such a heartless thing to do. Clearly, Callie was uncomfortable with the situation, but she gave Erica the impression that what Erica did was bad for her. If I'm interpreting the situation correctly, that's not even the case. That was really low, you'd think that Callie had learned from the past and would 'use her words', like she asked George to.
  • Callie slept with Mark and no matter what they exactly did, that's cheating in my book. I was really on the fence about this all weekend long, but I think Callie cheated on Erica. She did the wrong thing for the right reasons, which still doesn't make it right. Had she tried talking to Erica or just tried having sex again, I am sure she would have figured it out on her own. But to ask Mark to 'show her'? Given her history with George, I can't believe that Callie wouldn't think that what she did was cheating.
  • The make-up sex happened in an on-call room, which I really hated. Erica isn't the person to have sex at the hospital and besides, it's their second time, how romantic is that? I guess they don't have a set for Erica's place, which I get, but it is a bit disappointing because I would love to see what Erica's place would look like.
  • With all the talk about his new leaf, Mark was ready to 'show Callie' pretty fast. That was disappointing as well. As her friend, he should have known better, IMHO.
  • Erica clearly is into Callie far more than Callie is into Erica and I just don't understand how Callie doesn't see that.


What I want to see in the next episode:

  • Some honesty coming from Callie.
  • Cristina and Owen!
  • Lexiepedia not being in love with George.
Favorite Quote:
"If it were me, I'd start with 'thank you', you'd be surprised how far that one goes, especially with us silly emotional women."



Favorite Moment:
I was going to go with the last Callica scene, but I changed my mind. My favorite moment was Callie and Erica getting back from their date, talking about pressure and rushing things and then falling onto the couch in a tangle of limbs.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Friendship struggles

Up until two years ago, I used to only have friends at school. I went to school with my friends and I didn't have any friends that I didn't go to school with. Which meant that I didn't have that many friends and I saw the ones I had almost daily. When you spend 6 or more hours 5 days a week together, go out on weekends and talk on the phone regularly, you automatically know a person pretty well. You know when they are upset, you know when they are lying and you know whether they are mad at you or just have a bad day. For me, one of the changes into adulthood is that you probably never know your friends that well ever again. I have problems adjusting to these new kinds of friendships. Especially because I have friends who live in my hometown and who I only see once a month at the most. I'm not saying that my friendships in school were that much better - trust me, they weren't - but it was way easier to know the boundaries, to know where the friendship stood and what I could or couldn't share.

Now, when I meet certain people and they aren't in a good mood or aren't as friendly/interested as I'd expect, I tend to question myself. Did I do something wrong? Is there a reason why this person could be angry at me? I have a really hard time figuring out whether they are just having a bad day or whether their behavior has something to do with me. I know that all of us have bad days, but when I meet people who I haven't seen in a while I at least try to be interested even if I'm having a bad day. Because if my day were that bad that I couldn't do that, I'd not meet them. Get my point?

I hate that I don't know whether certain people don't write back or call or something like that because they are busy and just don't have the time or whether they are just not that interested in me. It's very rare that I can't figure out whether a person likes me and wants to be friends with me, but it's the case with someone right now and it is killing me. I don't want to be that person who calls and texts and writes messages all the time. I don't want to seem desperate and I'm not desperate, if they aren't interested then just tell me. I've ended friendships before just because the chemistry wasn't right and I'm okay with doing that, because I don't want to waste my time. But if someone gives me the impression that they are interested and that they want to meet, but then suddenly lose interest, that's more than confusing. It's also fucking ignorant! Just because I tend to be in a good mood whenever we meet and tend to be okay with doing what they want to do doesn't mean that I don't have feelings or that I don't have the ability to feel bad about something.

So what do I do? Do I ask whether they even want to be friends with me? Do I ignore the situation? Do I call and text and see what will happen?

Friday, October 24, 2008

My Weekend Crush

I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Dorothy Surrenders, whose Weekend Crush this weekend is: 30 Rock.

On last night's episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigations (8x07), Sara Sidle left Las Vegas and Gil Grissom to fight and overcome her demons. I have to say that I was sad to see her go, even though I know she'll be back in Season 9. On ER, Jorja Fox played Maggie Doyle, a lesbian doctor who befriended Carter, but sadly never had a real storyline to call her own. I started watching CSI after I had seen one episode in the States while I was there on vacation. I knew Jorja from ER and had a crush on her, so back home I decided to give that show a try. The science parts of CSI really interested me, but after five seasons I could have easily given up watching that show. The only thing that kept me watching? Sara, and, naturally, the actress who portrays her, Jorja!


Jorja Fox is an amazing actress and the chemistry between her and William Petersen aka Gil Grissom was one main reason why I kept loving CSI. Yes, I was disappointed at times by the portrayal - or lack thereof - of their relationship, but I was drawn to it none the less.


Now that Jorja no longer is a series regular, I will definitely miss seeing her on my TV each week. While Jorja probably isn't what you would call a traditional beauty, I love her smile and her voice. Some of you might not know this, but Jorja also sings and plays guitar. Jorja is a vegetarian and stands up for what she believes in, she has taken part in an animal rights campaign and features some really interesting articles on her website. Plus, it doesn't hurt to think that she might be playing for my team either.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Remember that Weekend Crush?

The one from a month ago? I'd like to add a picture to that post, it was taken very recently so I couldn't have had it back then, but I think I should post it now.

Picture @ Die Presse

Some people make looking good seem so easy.

(Sorry for the lack of words lately, but I'm just too tired for real posts right now.)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

I want those boots

No, scratch that, I want that outfit.

I wouldn't exactly say no to that woman either.


Come to think of it, I think what I wore today looked a lot like that outfit.

(Sorry for the bad quality of the pictures, I only have those. Crossing Jordan, in case you were wondering. My first 'fashion' post, Woohoo!)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Grey's Anatomy Monday


In case you haven't noticed it, up to now Callie was my favorite character. But in the latest episode, "Brave New World", Erica started to seriously threaten Callie's place at the top of that list. We'll see how this development will evolve with the next episodes.

What I liked:
  • Erica being so into Callie and showing it so openly, even though she probably wasn't even aware of it.
  • Bailey was hilarious in this episode - her travel/food metaphors cracked me up!
  • The little kid was cute and I liked that George stood up for what he thought was the right thing to do.
  • Erica threatening Meredith over lying, with that cold and completely serious voice.
  • The music - Grey's generally has good music, but I noticed some really good songs in this episode.
  • I also noticed the wardrobe, I loved both the casual outfits Callie and Erica wore while moving and I absolutely loved their date outfits. Callie looked amazing in the dress, but I have to say Erica blew me away with that neckline and the necklace. So beautiful, both of them!
  • Callie taking Erica's water without asking - this small action shows how comfortable those two can be around each other.

What I didn't like:

  • Meredith lying about her experience - there's a little boy's life on the line, for Christ's sake!
  • Izzie taking Alex's abuse. I just hated their exchange at the bar - there is simply no excuse for treating Izzie that way and she shouldn't take it.
  • I so don't care about MerDer and I don't care about Ellis or her diary. Sorry, I just don't.
  • The whole Lexie/George relationship. One, as soon as passes his test he runs off to tell Izzie? Really? Two, we've seen these kind of crushes on TV so often before and it's just old and uninspired.


What I want to see in the next episode:

  • Callie being calm and collected. Honestly, after four episodes, I'm over her freaking out. I get that she's nervous, but it is starting to get old.
  • First or second bases. Or just any kind of body contact between my two favorite ladies. A hug, a kiss goodnight, some cuddling, just something. With all the talk about sex you'd think they give us at least a goodnight kiss or some handholding over the table at the date.


Favorite Quote:

"You lie to me again about your experience and the next heart you see will be your own as I cut it out of your chest with a steak knife."


New! - Favorite Moment:

(Actually, I have two favorite moments, because it is just too difficult to choose one.) First, just the short moment when Erica touched Callie's back in her new apartment. Second, Erica watching Callie get on the elevator - *swoon*!!


(Great screenshots from DBZMerciter2005 over at the amazing LJ Erica & Callie community.)

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Stuff I love

Totally random and in no particular order. Not complete.

  • Taking long, scalding showers, then opening the window and letting the night air cool me down again.
  • Chocolate
  • Sara Ramirez
  • Brooke Smith
  • Watching blooper reels.
  • Endless amounts of Callica fanfiction with loads of smut.
  • Feminists
  • My gay friend who organizes the local LGBT-teen meetings
  • Wikipedia, Youtube & Urban Dictionary
  • Fans who are as obsessed as I am
  • Beautiful fanart

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Some days you just want to cry

But you want to go out and have drinks with your friends. So you pretend that you're good. Great, actually. And smile. And hope that nobody sees through the masquerade. Or that they don't care enough to call you on your shit. Because if they did, you'd probably cry. And you don't cry. You just don't.

So I'm going to smile and drink and get it over with. Hopefully without tears.

Update: Just came back, without having shedded any tears. We didn't talk about the one topic that would have brought tears and skirted along the second. I'm better now.

My Weekend Crush

I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Dorothy Surrenders.

This weekend I'm crushing hard on both an actress and the character she portrays. How could I not, after last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy? Yes, I am talking about the amazing Dr. Miranda Bailey, portrayed by the equally amazing Chandra Wilson.

Even though Miranda was 'The Nazi' at the beginning, I liked her character. She is always right, she expects only the best from her interns and she also always gives her best. She knows when to offer support and wisdom and when to kick the interns'/residents' asses. And, despite saying that she doesn't talk about sex, she still helps Callie out with the whole going south of the border inexperience.

Chandra Wilson is doing an amazing job at portraying the sometimes harsh and always tough surgeon and teacher and also showing Miranda's softer sides, making her a likeable character. She shows her incredible acting range with just one character, which in my humble opinion, isn't that frequent on TV shows. Chandra has been nominated for an Emmy Award three years in a row and I think it's about time she also won the Emmy. This year, Chandra won the People's Choice Award for "Favorite Scene Stealing Star" - which makes so much sense, since Bailey does steal all the scenes!



Count me in on the 'Bailey for Chief' team!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Spoilerfree and patriotic

I'm staying away from all Grey's Anatomy spoilers right now. I want to see how it affects my viewing pleasure when I haven't seen any spoilers beforehand. When there are only 3 Callica scenes and I've already seen the longest one in a sneak peak, the episodes get even less interesting, Callica-wise seen. So, I'm doing my best to kill my curiosity and stay away from all sneak peeks.

I would say that I'm not a patriotic person, I'm not proud of my country. I see its flaws and problems and my dream is to get out of here soon. I feel like the traditions, the people and their narrow-mindedness is suffocating me. But, sometimes I hear/read/see something about Austria in the international media and I have to smile.


If there's one thing we Austrian's are good at it is skiing! Skiing in Austria seems to be pretty amazing as well, we do have beautiful mountains and tourists from all over Europe and even Asia - I'm looking at you, Russia - spend their winter vacations in Austria every year. So, go Austria!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

O Sleep, Where Art Thou?

What do you do when its past one at night, you've been trying to go to sleep for almost an hour and the wheels in your head just won't stop turning? You blog about it!

There are a few posts that have been going through my mind for a while. I started this blog for two reasons. One, I wanted to comment on all the pop-culture thoughts that went through my mind anyways. Two, I felt like I needed an outlet for the things that I can't or don't talk about to any of my friends. I have posted a few personal things in the past and since this is my blog and those posts were about me, I always knew what I felt comfortable posting with. Now I have this post already written in my mind and I don't know if I can post it. I feel like I need to get this out of my system because I want to let it go, but it's not really my story. It's the story of a person I love very dearly and while she'd probably never read it, I'm still not sure whether I'm comfortable with posting it.

Then there's this thing called privacy. I don't know and have no control over who reads this blog. Most people, especially ones from my past, know my nickname, so I'm thinking it's not impossible for them to find my blog if they want to find it. My guess is that the number of people who know me or have met me and who read this blog is between 0 and 10, probably leaning towards 0. I've told two friends from Austria about the blog and one very dear friend who I've never met IRL but we've been friends for a while. However, I don't really know whether any of them still read my ramblings. I don't really mind either way, but blogging about my issues and blogging about somebody else's issues makes a difference.

Long story short, I have stuff going through my head that I need to find answers within, but what I need more importantly is to be able to sleep. And I can't. Writing down what is going through your head is supposed to help, I might be able to tell you later that day if that's true or not.

Good night, sleep well!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Grey's Anatomy Monday

I feel the need to write a little preface to this post: As you might or might not know, one of Sara's best friends, Al Rodriguez died this summer of cancer. The assumption is that this happened around the time filming for Grey's started again. Naturally, his death affected Sara and she probably took some time off. Had this not happened, I would probably be more critical of the way Callica is handled at the moment. But it did happen and right now, what is important is that Sara is alright. Life is more important than a TV-show, even if it doesn't seem that way from my blog sometimes, and if you are a Sara-fan like me you'll have probably noticed that she's not as radiant as she used to be. Which is only natural as well, since one of her best friends passed away. My point is, Sara is a great actress, but there are things that you just can't fabricate sometimes.


What I liked:
  • Erica's hair. I know I'm repeating myself, but those curls! Damn, those curls! *Sigh*
  • I actually enjoyed Mark teasing Erica, it was amusing. As long as it doesn't actually interfere with Callica I don't mind.
  • Callie telling Mark to stop, that was really cute. And the face she made when Mark and Erica talked:

  • Cristina taking Izzie's apartment - priceless!
  • Meredith finally behaved like an adult and told Derek she didn't want her friends to move out. Finally!
  • At the beginning of the Chief's speech, Erica leans forward and asks about the Chief's new rules, but nobody answers her. Erica is the geek in highschool that gets ignored by the cool guys!! That was so awesome, I loved that scene!
  • Callie does the adult thing as well and just talks to Erica, is honest with her and tells her that she's friends with Mark. I loved that! Their relationship has a basis that her marriage with George never had - they talk!
What I didn't like:
  • The Chief - again! Nobody treats Bailey that way, nobody! I don't care who you are, you treat Bailey with respect. And in the scene in which he tells her to shut down the surgical floor, instead of apologizing like he should have he tells her "Not to gloat". WTF? Did he really think that Bailey would gloat over the fact that they have to shut down their surgical floor? I hope he finally gets his act together, because I really, really don't like him right now.
  • Callie's hair. It's too straight, that doesn't suit her.
  • The editing was weird, IMO. In the scene with Mark, Erica and Callie, after Erica leaves the room, they cut the scene off abruptly and you can barely make out Callie ask "Okay?". They should have given them a few more frames. Same applies to the bar-scene, Erica delivers her line and then we only get to see Callie's reaction. They could have shown a few more frames of happy, smiling faces.

What I want to see in the next episode:

  • Bailey talking about vajayjay!!
  • Mark helping Callica, not just teasing Erica.

Favorite quote:

"I think I just hate him because he's seen you naked."

Duh. My favorite quotes will probably always be 'Duh' like this, sorry about that. I just can't help it.

(Great screenshots from DBZMerciter2005 over at the amazing LJ Erica & Callie community.)

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Angelina Jolie *gasp* breastfeeds!!

So I have this completely unscientific theory.


Angelina Jolie is on the November cover of W magazine, with a picture taken by Brad Pitt. When I first heard that a picture of her breastfeeding would be published, I thought 'Bold move'. Then I saw the cover and thought 'That's it?'. Pictures of Angelina like this:

or this or this have been published in magazines throughout the years, so the latest of her breastfeeding is not really gasp-inciting in my book. It is a beautiful picture taken in what I believe is a strong bonding moment between mother and child, but not really worth the fuss.

Here's my theory: Men obviously love womens breasts and have no objections seeing nice ones naked. BUT, when a woman breastfeeds in public, men realize that breasts were not made for them and their pleasure, but that they actually serve a purpose. A pretty amazing purpose, that is. Men realize that breasts feed children and they get jealous. I'm sure there are men out there who feel differently, but this is my much generalized theory. I think it's pretty ridiculous that women are not supposed to breastfeed in public. Babies need to eat and when the mother feels comfortable feeding her child in public, she should be allowed to do so. If you don't want to see her breast, then don't look. It could be that easy!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

In the blink of an eye

Every day, people get hurt and killed in accidents on our streets. That's a fact. But it isn't something that seems real or registers with me. Unless the person killed is someone I know or a famous person, such as a politician. Late last night, Jörg Haider died in a car accident on his way home. One moment he was celebrating his party's election result and the next he was gone. This can happen to anyone and it can happen so fast that you need to take a moment to pause and think.

Today will be a calm day for me, in memory of all the people who are taken from us too soon, through accidents, diseases or crimes. May they rest in peace.

Friday, October 10, 2008

My Weekend Crush


I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Dorothy Surrenders, whose weekend crush this weekend is: Helena Bonham Carter. This woman is so captivating, I'll have to do her justice some other time!

When I first started watching Cold Case, I was all over Lilly and honestly, when Tracie Thoms joined the show, I wasn't sure whether another woman had a place in this show for me. I just wanted to focus on Lilly and Lilly alone. But the more I found out about Kat Miller, Tracie's character, the more I started liking both Kat and Tracie. While Lilly is serious and all business, Kat brings an easy-going nature to the show. Her character works especially well with Nick Vera and their chemistry and easy banter lightens up the show. As Kat, Tracie shows a very special charm that makes me swoon at times.


I had never seen Tracie Thoms in any other movie or show before she appeared on Cold Case and when I finally got around to watching Rent, I was very pleased to see her in the movie. Tracie has an amazing voice and is a great actress, especially as the uptight Joanne who is so different to Kat.



On top of being talented and open to playing a lesbian character (YAY!), Tracie is beautiful and charming. What more can anyone ask for?


Pictures @ Tracie Thoms fansite

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

I heart the internets (and sometimes I don't)

I keep reading stuff like "Gosh darn it" and "You betcha" all over the internet. Clearly, people are mocking Sarah Palin and I have to admit it amuses me. I know that politicians need to appeal to the "Joe Sixpacks" and "Average Hockeymoms" to get elected, but I don't actually want an actual "Average Hockeymom" in office. I want someone who's smart and knowledgeable and eloquent for such an important job. I've been missing that in Austrian politics and I don't think Sarah Palin is cute when she talks that way. I'm not saying that she's not smart or eloquent, she just doesn't present herself that way. Hm, maybe I'll post more about her when I'm less tired some other day.

On a different subject - I really don't like it when people make up rumors about actors who play a LGBT character. Yes, Sara and Brooke have loads of chemistry as Callica, they are both beautiful woman and I can imagine a lot of use dream of woman like them. BUT, they are not a couple IRL and making up those rumors isn't helping us as a community. When a great actress like Brooke Smith is so open about playing a questioning character and then we fans make up rumors about how she is questioning her own sexuality and is in love with Sara, I can imagine that she's not exactly happy about that. Brooke is happily married and has two kids, she values her privacy and the fact that she's willing to portray such a character should be reason enough for us to just leave her private life alone. Why is that so hard? Is that our thanks, saying that she's not happy in her marriage? She's an ACTRESS, which means that she plays a ROLE. I could get so angry over this!! It's one thing to say that you dream about someone and wished they were gay, but to say that this is supposed to be true when it is very clear that it isn't is just ridiculous!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Two adults and a kid in a candy store

How cute are Erica and Callie?


So cute it makes me watch that video over and over and over again. (Hat tip to Lestobiosis.)

Monday, October 6, 2008

Being touristy in my home country

Artificial lake in the salt mine - they pump
water into the Mountain to extract the salt,
which creates lakes and caves.

I had a very exciting, exhausting and interesting weekend!! Last Wednesday, I met Miss J to dinner. Miss J and I met at the Zurich AE meet-up and had a lot of fun and when she told me that she is traveling through Europe right now and would be heading to Austria soon, I told her to give me a call when she arrived in Austria and I'd show her around a bit. So I kept my promise and showed her parts of Salzburg this weekend. We did all the touristy things - Mozart museum, Getreidegasse, 'Sound of Music'-tour, salt mines tour with a stop in Berchtesgaden (Bavaria, for the non-Austrians/non-Germans among you) - but I also showed her Salzburg from an Austrian point of view - or at least tried to. We had a lot of fun, great, really amazing, really interesting conversations and now I'm sad that she lives in London. That's not fair!

Berchtesgaden

I'll write more about my great weekend once I don't feel like a whining, little child anymore.

Friday, October 3, 2008

My Weekend Crush

I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Dorothy Surrenders, whose weekend crush this weekend is: Thandie Newton.

I've had a crush on this wonderful lady for a while and now that I've met her that crush just got bigger. I think we all know what's coming now: How crushworthy is Bridget McManus? Very, I can tell you that much. She's hilarious in her stand-up routines and on Brunch with Bridget, but when she talks about serious topics once in a while you pretty much instantly know that she has depth. She's very open about her sexuality and, in my humble opinion, is a role model to questioning teens because she's not afraid to speak her mind and say 'Look, I'm gay, but that's fine. In fact, I very happy as a lesbian and you should be too.' She talks openly about her body issues and weight problems, but she also pens hilarious songs about men she wouldn't even date if she were straight. The way Bridget comes across on her show is also pretty much how I experienced her and I was so blessed to talk to her for a short while and it was amazing. She really listened to what I had to say even though we had just met and honestly, she could have cared less about me. But she was genuinely nice and just as beautiful in person as she is on TV. Now that she's on TV (woohoo!), I'm allowed to say that.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Zurich pictures

Zurich waterfront

They have those cute balcony-thingies, no idea what they are called.

a park I discovered in the middle of the old-town

STARBUCKS! My financial ruin - if they had one here

a beautiful old building that houses a school