One of my cats has a fetish for open boxes, so I can see his doing this. PS: I hate packing peanuts. Even the biodegradable ones are annoying.
Packing Peanut Nightmare
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Author Archives: Kristy Nicole
Apparently, I’m Friendly
First Impressions are everything. How do people perceive you?
You are such a hard person to come by!! You always give everyone a second chance and the benefit of the doubt, which if you didn’t already know, is very hard to find in people. You don’t necessarily put everyone before yourself but you defiantly care about everyone that you meet no matter the circumstance. NEVER LOSE THAT QUALITY!!
Take this quiz!
I would call this assessment situationally dependent. Basically, I really enjoy meeting people, so I do try to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, if they start talking about how funny it is to tie a plastic bag to their cat’s tail, I think my cheery attitude quickly degrades.
Also, I’m not sure if the author meant “defiantly” or “definitely,” but I like the idea that I am defiant in my niceness.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix directed by David Yates
Well, another Harry Potter movie is on the books. I’m not a huge fan like some, but the series of movies are well-made, and nerds of all types can enjoy fantasy movies.
Having never read a Potter series book, each movie unfolds as totally new to me. I thoroughly enjoy the creative ways that the screenwriter has made a tome into a manageable movie instead of a four-hour painstaking recreation.
The plot unfolds quickly, with a sugary sweet villain. I was a little taken aback by the notion that the Ministry of Magic would be foolish enough to deny that Voldemort had returned, but it was a minor flaw. The totalitarian rule of the new headmaster results in a secret society of young magicians: this seemed to be a reflection of what happens when any ruling body removes all individual freedom/power.
Lush decor in every scene was fantastic eye candy. I felt that Hogwarts was real at every turn. The CGI only distracted me briefly, except for the 3D section. I saw the film in IMAX and it had the Dumbledore versus Voldemort battle unfold in 3D. While many of the images were breathtaking and showed amazing perspective, I was sometimes so busy studying the 3D flaws that I stopped watching the film. Plus, donning and doffing the glasses took me out of the magical world each time.
Ron’s role was dwarfed by Hermoine’s, and that might not have been a bad thing. He was a comic foil that was overused in the last Potter film. I really liked his character, though, and missed him.
The best line of the movie? Hermoine: “[Ron,] you have the emotional range of a teaspoon.”
A great film for die-hard fans and for casual nerds like me. Possibly the best of the entire series.
[rate 4.5]
Transformers directed by Michael Bay
I’ll admit, I spent more time playing with Legos than with Transformers, and saw more commercials for Transformers during Voltron than I actually spent watching the show. But I didn’t go to this movie to see the toys coming to life.
I went to Transformers to see a fun summer movie. The film did not disappoint. Replete with special effects, it was a fun romp in the celluloid. The battle scenes were intense and exciting, if a little choppy. For example, it was very difficult to see how the transformations occurred in all but Bumblebee. It would have been nice to have one of those in slow motion for dramatic effect. The slow-motion desert scorpion was very well executed and added an element of “realism” to the CGI.
The jokes in the film weren’t very clever (like the leaky “lubricant” running joke, starting with the family dog), and the dialogue was hokey. I didn’t mind when Optimus Prime had a few diatribes about honor and duty and all; it was in keeping with the original show. But this movie didn’t know which audience to please: the thirtysomethings who wanted a throwback that included adult humor and adult language, or the younger kids who might buy the merchandise that’s freshly available. There was too much adult content for me to want to take a child, but the movie was too childish for adults.
If you want to be entertained by a simple movie with blockbuster special effects, have fun with this one!
[rate 2.5]
3 Sisters Cafe in Broad Ripple – Indianapolis
After reading Nuvo’s latest “Best of Indianapolis” issue, we decided to try a new place. Of course, we both realized we’d been there before, but it had been years.
I ordered Bob, a cheese omelet with calico potatoes and sourdough toast; Carlton ordered the SOB, which was scrambled eggs filled with fresh vegetables, cilantro, and salsa on the side. I also ordered a smoothie of mango, pineapple, and lime. The omelet was fluffy and delicious, but all items on my plate was a little cold when it arrived at the table. The calico potatoes had sweetness and cinnamon that were tasty. The SOB was underwhelming: despite being very colorful, it had little flavor or kick, even with the accompanying salsa. We agreed that the generous four slices of sourdough toast per person were delicious.
3 Sisters is in a very old house, but was very clean. I did not see the restrooms. My water glass had a vague dishwater odor, but the plates and flatware were spotless.
Our server was friendly and attentive. She complimented my choice of smoothie and helped me select the right potato side dish.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with local artwork on display throughout the brightly painted house-tunred-cafe setting. Sadly, the words in the painting of which I took a picture are illegible. It says “Unattended children will be given espresso and a free kitten.” I laughed out loud. Other quirky paintings liven the atmosphere as well. It’s a bustling, slightly noisy cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The creaky floors and antique hardware add to the homey atmosphere.
The prices were somewhat reasonable, considering the large portions. However, I don’t equate large portions with value. The smoothie was $5, which was a bit pricey but was the most delicious part of my meal, so it was worth it.
6360 Guilford Ave
Indianapolis, IN
317.257.5556
[rate 3.5]
I Joined a Webring!
I saw the link on Amy’s blog, and thought it would be good to link with my community. They even posted a nice little intro for me. I have surfed around on the ring a bit, and already see some great blogs that will help keep me doing fun stuff in Indianapolis!! You can also use the links posted in my sidebar to surf on your own. But, in less than 30 minutes, I found these:
Beer stuff:
http://www.hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/
Wine stuff:
http://www.winecanine.com/
Sports stuff:
http://worstsportsblogever.blogspot.com/
All include things to do in the city. Enjoy!
The Pope Does It Again
When the new pope was initially announced, I was disappointed because of his age. I felt that he wouldn’t have time to make any impact. But, in his brief papacy, he’s proven to me that he’s not just a figurehead. He’s challenging the catholic Church and religious leaders of other faiths on a regular basis to – gasp! – use their brains.
In this article, Benedict XVI challenges not just the evolution/creationism debate, but also shows compassion for the Earth in general. His use of intelligent discourse really challenges me. I admire that he sees his power as a chance to do good things…so many have not.
I’ve disliked the papacy for many years, and was very conflicted about its dangers, such as the infallibility decree. But now, I’m being challenged on new intellectual and spiritual topics, and it helps me resolve some the discord between my scientific and spiritual needs. The pope is calling for people to ask intelligent questions and for faith not to be blind.
I like it.
Unsurprising Quiz Results
I wonder how I would have scored ten years ago, when I knew all the cool new bands and had more time to shop for eclectic stuff.
You Are 55% Indie |
 You’re pretty indie, but you don’t make a fuss letting everyone know. You just do what you like. You enjoy many types of things – from trendy to bizarre. |
Ichiban Restaurant in Greenwood Indiana
I think we accidentally found Ichiban while we were waiting for our tires at the tire shop. Please don’t be turned away by the fact it’s in a strip mall!
Ichiban has some classic rolls and some inventive sushi presentations. The non-sushi menu has a lot of great items too. Both menus have lots of vegetarian selections, and they even have a selection called “cooked sushi” for the less adventurous or immune-deficient customer. I have never tried something that I didn’t like.
The service varies; sometimes it is exceptional, sometimes it is a little slow. I recommend sitting at the bar to watch the master do his work.
The restaurant is clean; I’ve never used the restrooms.
The ambience is nice… though I wish they’d remove the television. During our last visit, our party was large enough to warrant on of the special rooms for six or more. The television was out of sight and the atmosphere was very fun and private.
The sushi competes with much more expensive restaurants for flavor and presentation. The price? At least 30% less than other Indianapolis sushi spots. Thank goodness a great restaurant can be found on the South side!
8265 US 31 South
317-883-1888
[rate 4]
Elements Restaurant in Indianapolis
Ever since the Indianapolis Monthly article naming Elements as Indianapolis’s best restaurant, I’ve wanted to go. It took four years, but I finally did.
The menu, which changes frequently, is very short and focuses on fresh flavors and allowing the ingredients to shine. I ordered a lightly dressed whitefish accented with miso and shiitake mushrooms. Carlton had the salmon with steak fries. Both were elegant and understated. The fish was cooked perfectly and the light accompaniments enhanced each bite. The fries were a bit overdone. For dessert, we had the vanilla bean ice cream with warm mission figs and the oatmeal cookies with espresso whipped cream. Dessert was even better than the main course but repeated the same theme: choose only the finest ingredients and simplify the accoutrements. I looked at the wine list and saw several great, mid-range wines and a few newcomers. I was glad to see that they didn’t simply have expensive wine for the sake of its expense.
The restaurant is well-maintained. The ladies’ room only held one, which could be an issue on a busier night. It was clean and equipped well.
Service by the hostess was very good. She was attentive and gracious. Our server could have been a little more gracious; I had the feeling we were not his favorite customers. We didn’t order appetizers or wine so maybe he knew we wouldn’t be spending a great deal (but I don’t know if my perception is true or not).
The atmosphere is great. The original artwork is gorgeous and lush with reds and browns. I liked that several different artists were used; it provided visual variety while keeping the tonal theme. Tables were separate enough for private conversations. We never had to compete with the music’s volume, either. The quiet atmosphere led us to feel more relaxed at the end of the meal.
Prices were as expected for this type of fare. I will definitely go back to experience Elements again.
[rate 4.5]