After a taxi ride listening to various LP, LP/Jay Z and Fort Minor songs (all have Mike Shinoda in common), I was thinking about the two DVDs. Live in Texas (LiT) has been with me in Prague and in Beijing, and watched multiple times in both countries. Milton Keynes (MK) is relatively new, I got it when I was Stateside back in January.

Besides venues, the main difference between the two DVDs is material. LiT was released in 2003, so only had material from Hybrid Theory and Meteora. MK was released in 2008, so had material from the first two major albums, plus Minutes to Midnight and their collaboration with Jay Z Collision Course. If I have to choose, I prefer LiT. The performances seem to be more energetic, plus the camerawork was better. Also, I found the sound to be clearer.

This isn't to say I don't like the MK DVD, I do. Especially because it has the Minutes to Midnight songs and a short bit with Jay Z, it's just I find LiT to be the superior DVD.

The whole title was supposed to be: Paris Hilton kicks the bucket and Liam Neeson kicks booty (and Leverage is just plain awesome) but it didn't all fit.

House of Wax was the worst money I'd spent on a DVD in a long time. I wasn't expecting it to be anything wonderful, but I was surprised by how absolutely awful it was. I fast-forwarded through most of it, especially after Jared Padelecki's characters dies. But I stopped when Paris Hilton's character got speared through the head. That was enjoyable, since the rest of the movie was a waste of time.

The next movie I watched was Taken. It was a good enough action movie, but Liam Neeson definitely rocked hard. He's such a hot Irish guy, and he's aged well (just like Pierce Brosnan). It's a different role for him, this kind of action movie. I was pleasantly surprised. He does a good action hero. He could rescue me anyday.

And speaking of someone who could rescue me anyday... Christian Kane from Leverage. He plays Eliot Spencer- retrieval specialist. There isn't much known about his character, besides the fact that Eliot liberated Croatia, has been to Belgrade, cooks, plays chess and doesn't like guns. I like the fact that he plays a badass, has long hair, wears glasses sometimes (he should wear them more) and isn't a slimy bad guy like Lindsey (his character from Angel) was at times.

And to think I didn't waste my entire weekend- I did *finally* go to the YongHeGong Lama Temple and the Confucious Temple yesterday and today I ended up in Sanlitun and found a place to get a decent burger. And next weekend- Chengdu.

I've been following this story since I'm quite the Liam Neeson fan. When I first heard about the skiing accident, I had a feeling it was going to be bad. Living near a major ski area (I've been living near Vermont's Killington for a couple years now), I've heard the tragic stories about the accidents that can happen. Skiing isn't an inherently safe sport, but there are ways to limit the risk. Would a helmet have saved her life? I couldn't tell you. I'm not a brain expert.

I just know what I've learned from skiing. Both my parents wear helmets when they ski, but none of us have had a skiing accident that involved a head injury. I'm lucky, the worst I got were pulled muscles. My mom's done her knees in before, but that's the most serious of them.

In the end, the tragedy remains. The world lost a talented actress and one of its beautiful women. My heart goes out to her family and friends. She will be missed.

Yup, they are all (somewhat) related. Since getting back to China, I've waded through Season 4 of CSI:NY, Seasons 1-3 of Criminal Minds, and I'm working through Season 2 of Supernatural. Season 3 will be next since I missed a lot of that one too.

I started watching Supernatural when it first came out (Jensen Ackles- yes, please, two please). But I ended up moving to Prague in November, which meant I missed a lot of season 1. And by the time I got back from Europe, season 2 was just starting. And between moving, and only having 1 TV in the house, I didn't get to watch SN b/c mom and dad were more keen on watching CSI. Then there was the whole "China" move, which also stunted my SN (and TV in general) watching. Thank goodness for DVDs.

I just finished reading the Supernatural tie-in book Bone Key (it's set during Season 3 just after the Christmas episode). Good, fun read. Not perfect, but you can tell it was written by a professional author with an editor (not like some other TV tie-in books that were more like fan fiction than a pro job). I started the other book, Witch's Canyon, and so far, so good. Nevermore I read a while ago, and I remember liking it, though not loving it.

And I have two more TV tie-in books waiting for me, but these are both Criminal Minds. I read Jump Cut a while ago, and I remember liking it, but not loving it too. I have high hopes, though, for the two that are waiting for me- Killer Profile and Finishing School. I'm hoping for a lot of Morgan and Morgan/Garcia banter. I wouldn't mind a good dose of Hotch, either. Can you tell who my favorites are?

Time for bed, and I'll let you know how the books turn out. I'll put more about my thoughts on Bone Key too, maybe this weekend since I'm not working.

Thank the higher deities for TV on DVD. In my Beijing apartment, I only have one English TV channel- CCTV9. And let me tell you that's on the interesting level of CNN, on repeat, on Prozac. DVDs have been saving my sanity, especially since my roommate's not gonna be back for a few weeks yet. I've already gone through season 4 of CSI:NY, season 3 of Criminal Minds (since I missed a few episodes). I'm rewatching season 1 of Criminal Minds because I can... and because of that wonderful and really hot Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore). I have season 2 right behind it, then I can follow with 2 seasons of Psych and season 2 of Supernatural. I'll buy season 3 when the time comes. And I'll be looking for the recent seasons when the time comes.

Oh, only to be able to watch the most recent episodes like I did at home. Alas, c'est la vie when living abroad. At least I have DVDs to keep me company.

Submitting, I mean. I know I don't have to, but I'd like to. Contributions and stuff. But my stuff always seems to get rejected! Just had one more thing..."was not accepted." Whatever.

8 Accepts
11 Rejects

Not good odds, huh?

Meh, I'll keep submitting anyway...with the pessimistic belief that it won't be accepted.

And note the new icon! *squees like a little fangirl* Jay Heaps! Don't know him? Good, more for me!

Edit: Changed pending to accepted.

Greetings from Beijing, China!

Haven't been on since I haven't had TV...just been checking in on what I've missed. Been trying to keep up with TV, but it's hard. But thanks to Internet TV and iTunes and DVDs, I'm caught up on CSI:NY and Numb3rs for the most part, and at least know how the new season of NCIS began. No new TV addictions except for Medium, which my roomie's gotten me into.

Not an exciting blog, but I'm just killing some time while I wait for my water to boil and listen to some music.

Yeah, I got sucked into it, though I'm not a faithful watcher. I just happened to see this week's b/c it was on right after the Top 20 countdown. When I first saw the show (the pilot), I detested Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees) b/c all he did was whine. I wanted to smack him upside the head. But it seems that he's calmed down...and passed the King Whiner crown to Chris Kirkpatrick (NSync). I just wanted to throttle the guy! He was acting like a spoiled brat who couldn't have a cookie. And I now know why he sang back up in NSync as well.

But how cute/cool was Rich Cronin (LFO)!?!?!? Excuse me while I have a fangirl moment.

SQUEE!

Rich Cronin from the SureShot MySpace page.

In light of the fact that I had a crappy yesterday afternoon (I got a speeding ticket on E. Pittsford Rd for doing 48 in a 35), I wanted to do something that would cheer me up. And no, the insanely long walk I took when I got home doesn't count. It just gave me inspiration for my Top Songs of the 90s list.

The 80s
Whitesnake- Here I Go Again
Bon Jovi-Livin' on a Prayer
INXS- Never Tear Us Apart
Poison- Something to Believe In
A-Ha- Take On Me

The 90s
Metallica- Enter Sandman
Guns N Roses- November Rain
Madonna- Vogue
Pearl Jam- Jeremy
Aerosmith- Janie's Got a Gun

The 00s (2000s) subject to change since the decade isn't over yet
Nickelback- How You Remind Me (flip flops with Far Away)
Fuel- Innocent (Falls on Me is awesome too)
Dashboard Confessional- Stolen
Lifehouse- Hanging by a Moment (flip flops with Broken)
James Blunt- High

Feel free to chime in with comments or your own Top 5s.

For anyone unfamiliar with the name Jesse Marsch, don't worry. He isn't a household name amongst non-soccer fans. He is, however, one of the most underrated players in MLS. And no, he doesn't play for the Revolution...damn.

Short history lesson of Jesse Marsch

Began his MLS career in DC, then went to expansion team Chicago Fire, where he played for several years. The past two he's spent in LA as a part of Chivas USA. And since Chivas' home field in the Home Depot Center, which is also home to the LA Galaxy (hereby know as the Starsucks). He's got 3 MLS Championship rings (2 in DC, 1 in Chicago). He's also got 4 US Open championships to his name- 1 in DC, 3 in Chicago.

Personally, he's one of the better enforcers in the league. Aside from Shalrie Joseph, but I may be a teenie bit biased there. (hint: Shalrie plays for the Revs) Yes, we have enforcers in soccer, at least some teams do. Seems to me they're mostly defensive midfielders, though they could also be straight defenders too. Jesse and Shalrie are the only two that immediately come to mind, but I tend to blank out on other teams unless the Revs are playing them. z.B. the Revs are playing RBNY and I don't see anyone I'd call an enforcer on their roster. But I'll see for sure on Saturday when I travel to one of my personal meccas- Foxboro. Yup, Revs and Pats... I'm a New England girl through and through.

Jesse's profile at MLSnet.com

Why he rocked tonight (besides being on my MLS fantasy team this week, along w/ Brad Guzan and Sacha Kljestan)

He took ahit from Becks, and had the balls to return the favor. Not only that, when Mr. Posh got in his face, Jesse didn't back down. Too bad he got a yellow for it though... okay, it was a yellow card offense, but one thing I've been afraid of was refs being too quick to call fouls and issue cards when anyone so much as breaths near Mr. Posh. Nice to see that isn't happening.

But it was just so sweet to see Jesse give as good as he gets, and unlike Mr. Posh (*sigh* I was a fan until I couldn't look at anything soccer related without seeing/hearing about him), Jesse maintained his composure and didn't go looking for a fight.

I was just scrolling through the game threads on BigSoccer.com's pages for the Chivas and the Starsucks... LOL @ at the Starsucks. They're supposed to be MLS' "golden team" and the "darlings" of American soccer and they SUCK! They've only got three wins on the season despite the arrival of Mr. Posh (okay, so he needs a better nickname). I have to give it to the Chivas board, at least most of them had didn't flame.

And as a sidenote, it was nice being on the Revolution pregame thread. It was soccer discussion and not a flame job. Anyone wonder why I like NE so much...

And I really need to do better with my fantasy team... at least I should be getting points for Chivas (though I think Jesse's #s will be lower b/c of the yellow).

And at 1:19am, it's time for bed.

I posted these at my LJ a while ago, and just thought I'd bring 'em over here. Please credit if taking, don't alter and don't hotlink.

Until you're safe and sound- From Sheryl Crow's Safe and Sound

How could this happen to me?- From Simple Plan's Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me?)

but Pat Noonan got taken out of last night's away game at Colorado in the 26th minute with what looked like (and reported to be) a right groin strain.

*looks up at the sky* Why are You doing this??? Why??? He's on a HOT streak, playing up top with Taylor again... *shakes fist at sky*

UNhealthy obsession with soccer and all things Revolution. No, why you do ask?

*fingers crossed for Pat...and for water in the condo. Pat's more important.*

Today wasn't just any other Revolution game. It was a home game against KC...and it was #11's birthday!

And he got the game winning goal and Honda's Man of the Match!

What a cool present! So, in honor of the occasion... my favorite Noonan/Twellman icon (simply b/c they are my Revolution Strike Force).

In the past three games, Taylor has assisted on three of Pat's goals, while Pat has assisted on one of Taylor's. That's why they are my Strike Force, and why they're my forwards on my MLS fantasy team.

Yeah, just in case anyone wants to know where my screenname comes from... it's the Croatian word for princess (I think, I got it off of some website). And the 9 is there b/c it's prevalant in my birthdate.

Ya know, I've noticed that other people have comments on their blogs and they have friends. I have neither. *cries*

Now to get myself a beer and settle down with Boondock Saints. Nothin' like violence and swearing to cheer a girl up. Ok, so it's a little early for beer and Saints... how about soda and Pat Noonan's goal and an episode of Psych.

Yeah, again. And from what I've heard, it was a gem. Can't wait to see the replay.

EDIT: Just saw the replay over at MLSnet.com...and it was awesome! If that isn't GOTW stuff, then there's something wrong with those people.

You're probably wondering what the two have in common.

I'm sick of them!

As a soccer fan, I've liked Becks for a long time. I liked him a lot better when I could turn on a game and not hear about him all the time. I mean, the MLS All-Star game was all about Becks- who wasn't even playing in it! The same for the LA Suckmeisters vs. Chelsea. At least when I watched the end of the Revolution/Laundry Detergent game, they talked about the game and not Beckham.

I think this is what they mean by Be careful what you wish for b/c you just might get it. He just better not replace Landon as captain, that'd be a crime.

As for HP, I know I'm one of a very few who doesn't read the books and doesn't care about the movies. I did read the first book (and the 3rd in German) and I've seen the first three movies. But I don't care about HP! I don't care what happens and if HP lives or dies!

Like Becks, I just want HP to go far, far away. Never to be seen or heard from again.

But that's just my humble opinion. And yes, in honor of Pat's 3rd goal of the season-

He's sexy, talented and has great hair. So yeah, it's all about #11 (and where there's an 11, there's a #20). *sighs* I'm so gonna miss this...

Now to start watching season one of Psych that came in the mail today!

I haven't been watching USA Network's Psych for too long, but I've already noticed something.

They're borrowing guest stars from Stargate SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis.

In the 1st season episode From the Earth to the Starbucks, Richard Kind and Ryan Robbins had roles. Kind played Hugo and Robbins played Vernon. On SGA, Kind had two episodes as Lucius Lavin and Robbins had multiple episodes as Ladon Radim.

Also 1st season- He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, He Loves Me, Oops He's Dead. Colin Cunningham and Teryl Rothery played a married couples of cons- Marvin and Glenda. And on SG1, they played Major Paul Davis and Dr. Janet Frasier, respectively.

The Revs finally won!! Andy Dorman got 2, Pat Noonan got 1, and TFC got nothing!

And in honor of Pat's goal...

Alright, so I finally got to the movies. It was hot & humid on Tuesday and the condo is sans A/C. I used my free ticket (got for giving blood) to see Spidey 3 @ the Movieplex. I was pretty disappointed with it, honestly. I wanted a remote control to fast forward through half of the movie. Actually, the only decent scenes were the action scenes. But the end was cool, especially the whole Harry and Peter working together thing.

I had to be in Dartmouth anyway, and since no theater around me (the whole 2 of them) is playing Fantastic Four 2, I went to see it in Lebanon. I had to kill a bunch of time before the movie, but anywho...

It was pretty frickin' good. I didn't want to fast forward through much, and though I saw Victor's betrayal a mile away (who didn't?), it was still good. I really liked Johnny this time, he was the same...just a little more grown up. Some of the faces he made were really touching, and Chris Evans did great with the material.

Stan Lee was great in his small bit, and it was much more appreciated in FF2 than in Spidey 3. I'm glad the cast signed up for three, since I can't wait to see what they do with a third installment of the franchise.