New Stuff

I always like getting new stuff. New clothes, new food, new books and new pieces of mail.

And yesterday I go the greatest new thing that stuff can buy! A new car--A PRIUS!

This is my Shiny New Car, which I get to pick up tomorrow:

Freakonomics: The Consequences of Being Green

Freakonomics: The Consequences of Being Green

I'm going to say it again. I really like economics. Especially FREAKONOMICS!
This article is short and simple, like most of blogger Daniel Hamermesh's entries, but I like it more than a few of his others. Most just explain basic economic principles and apply them to real world events. But this leaves a little more room for interpretation, and I enjoyed all the comments as well.

But this is the best, "There should be a rule: before helping the environment in one market, we should be required to think through the impacts on other markets."

Callsandcallsandcalls

My job right now involves calling lots of people. Nearly 1000 people. So I spent all afternoon calling people. I almost got to call Guam, but I checked and it was still 5:30 am there. Maybe I should try now.

I called all over the country. For most people I left voice mails. Others were friendly and called me back immediately. Others were short and to-the-point. And others just didn't care.

It is exhausting to call and call and call.


This is what my phone looks like. I've seen too much of it!!!! AHREEAOHHGA!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/magazine/20wwln-lede-t.html?ex=13665168

I enjoyed this article, especially the middle part about ways and reasons to change habits to affect the environment. I know planting a garden is not an easy task, but I was thinking about growing some herbs at least, even without reading this article. And I think that making changes do affect the people around you.

And that's part of the reason I want to buy a Prius, since Brentan and I have to buy a car. And hopefully we do buy a car soon, it is exciting that we will be able to go more places. That's my weakness though, lots of (desire to) travel, and sometimes not needed consumer goods. (Oh, how do I love shopping!)

Pink Chandeliers

Here are the promised pics. The blue is a little off-putting.

Pink Chandeliers

For my wedding in August, my mom has been refurbing old chandeliers. And then painting them pink. And I really love them! Who thought that pink chandeliers would look so cute?

But what to do with them when the wedding is over? We have three. My mom suggested that we use them as door prizes. I think that we should sell them on ebay or craigslist. I would love to see who would want a pink chandelier, and what they would do with it. Maybe we could find a boutique that would raise the retail price considerably for a unique piece of art. Maybe we should ship them off to Martha Stewart, queen of weddings. Or hang them in my apartment. But then I would have to get them to Boston somehow. Bridesmaids gifts? I have three bridesmaids!

The pictures don't seem to be uploading. I will try later.

In Boston?

Free JP Lick's today!
I believe that I will be going. Probably tonight around 9. So don't go then so I don't have to wait in line.

Economist of the Day

Today's economist of the day is:

Paul Krugman

So liberal, so free-trade.

He has a blog, too, but I prefer his opinion articles.

I like Netflix, and I like Web 2.0. I also enjoy watching TV shows and movies (sometimes too much!). I especially like the ratings for movies, and how Netflix predicts what I will like. It is not always right, since it is usually a blend of Brentan and my ratings. (It thought we would like the second Indiana Jones movie, which is a huge, stereotyping, racist, bust.)

Anyways, since I like Netflix, I also think I am going to like Hulu.
I haven't signed up yet, but it looks promising for when I am out of Netflix on demand movies to watch. I mean, The Office! Arrested Development! SNL! Bad B Movies!

It is about time that television studios figured out that the web is where it is at. And all in one place! I predict that ABC and CBS follow, but maybe not for another year or so. Maybe the CW?

So I got to sign up and then I'll give it a real review.

I want to blog again

I want to blog again. And I'm going to. And I can write about whatever I want and don't need a theme, because only several people read this.

I started another blog, but I don't think I'm going to continue it, since my one and only post was this one, several months ago:

Valentines Cupcakes

I made these cut cupcakes for Valentines Day this week! The recipe is from recipezaar.com, Kittencal's Easy One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes. Really, they were easy. Everything goes into a bowl, mix together, and bake in a cupcake pan. Its just as easy as my bread machine. They turned out a little spongey, probably because I used butter instead of shortening, like the recipe specifies. Or maybe I mixed them for too long. But I LOVE the buttercream frosting I used, adapted from Magnolia's Bakery cookbook. The heart designs on top are drawn on with gel frosting from the grocery store.

Easy One-Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes

2	cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2	cups sugar
1/2	cup shortening (I used butter)
1	cup half-and-half or milk
3 1/2	teaspoons baking powder
1	teaspoon salt
1	tablespoon vanilla
3	eggs

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1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, beat all ingredients on medium speed of an electric mixer, scraping the bowl constantly, until well blended for about 30 seconds.
3. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
4. Pour into paper-lined muffin cups, filling HALF full.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes test done.
6. Immediately remove from pans.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

Makes about 2 dozen cupcakes.

Buttercream Frosting
1/4	cup butter, very soft
2	cups confectioners' sugar
1/8	cup milk
1/2	teaspoons vanilla

1. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla.
3. Beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the remaining sugar, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency (you may very well not need all of the sugar).