Becoming a Guitar Sensei

On Black Friday, my younger sister purchased the greatest game known to man: Guitar Hero III. I was extremely disappointed that she took the game (and the Playstation 2) back to school with her- 5 hours away. However, she's out on Christmas break and the rock show has begun.

Possibly the best thing about the game she bought after standing in line for 3 hours on that fateful day is that it came with two guitars. Score. Now we both rock out to "Paint it Black."

I have no idea how to play a real guitar, nor does she, but we're delusionally confident that we could so play one in real life. She has mastered the video game guitar and now plays on the expert level. I can tear it up on medium level (which is 2 steps down from expert), but I still have a ways to go to catch up to her.

This is not your typical video game. It is not to be played while sitting down on the couch. Oh no, you must stand and get crazy, perhaps occasionally banging your head (only when you know the "notes" without looking at the screen). You can start a band and play with another person, attempting to accomplish a tour around the world. You can play solo. You can battle it out with another player. Any way you play it, this game is a blast.

My sister's so good, she already has a groupie- our mom.

Mailing Your Secrets

Davy Rothbart's Found has always fascinated me. People around the world find bits of "trash" and turn them into treasure. Discarded notes, grocery lists, photographs, etc. that could be found anywhere (tumbling down the street, stuck between the pages of a library book...) are collected by people with watchful eyes, then they're mailed off to Davy Rothbart and company where they compile the notes into a book.

I have found some pretty good Finds, like 3 page letter from a father to his daughter who apparently hated him after an ugly divorce with her mother, in which he tried to explain his side of the story. I also found an eerie photograph of a frowning, distant little baby boy that I mailed in. So far none of my Finds have made it into the magazine, but I still keep an eye out when I walk my dog or go jogging to mail in some more.

My new fascination, however, is in Frank Warren's Post Secret books. The whole book is a similar concept to that of Davy Rothbart, except that people don't find anything to submit- they mail in secrets of their own on a handmade postcard.

The books have pages and pages of secrets from around the world. Some are heartbreaking (like the one I read about an owner accidentally killing his dog with rat poison), some are hilarious, and some are heart-wrenchingly depressing. It's startling how many secrets are relatable and it's somewhat relieving to see them printed on paper, even if you weren't the original sender.

Samples of Finds and secrets can be seen on their websites: www.foundmagazine.com and postsecret.blogspot.com. Both book series can be found at bookstores or online at amazon.com.

Encounter with the Grinch

I'm a manager at a fast food chain so I'm pretty used to dealing with disgruntled customers fairly often. However, Christmas time usually brings out the cheer in everyone, so my job is actually surprisingly easy during the holidays.

Or so I thought until today.

A man called the store and asked to speak with a manager. I quickly got to the phone and asked what I could do for him. He proceeded to tell me that he lives about 5 miles from the store and that we messed up his burger. He "specifically ordered it as a plain double-meat cheeseburger with only mustard and chili," but he bit into it and got "a mouthful of onions... which makes [him] gag."

I apologized profusely, but he cut me off and told me that this was the second time this happened. The first time "pissed [him] off," but he didn't call and notify us of the problem. Again, I apologized and tried to ask him what he prefer that I do (send him a card for a complimentary meal, have him come back up and I'd remake it, etc.), but he cut me off again to cuss me out, and said that I better send him the coupon because "[he's] so irate that if [he] comes back up, something's gonna happen to someone."

Are you kidding me?

This is not the first time I've received threats over something as ridiculous as onions (the last time, it was all over some mustard). I don't know what gives people the audacity to actually believe that they can treat us (food service workers, retail workers, etc.) like we are the scum of the earth. It was an honest mistake. I don't know where the chain of command broke down, but I was sure to talk to all of my employees about the problem. But really- I wish the only problem I had going on in my life was over some onions. Must be nice.

I was on the verge of tears when I got off the phone with this man (or rather, after he hung up on me), but my mood quickly changed when one of my employees came in with a generous $13 tip from a customer. At least someone was in the Christmas spirit.

I'd take Drunken Christmas Caroler Girl (refer to my "Christmas on Halloween" story) over Mean Onion Man any day.

Medical Leave & Someone Gets Auf'd

Wednesday was a sad day for me. Yes, that's right, we had to say goodbye to our first piece of eye candy on "Project Runway": Jack. At least Kevin is still there so not all hope is lost.

So sad to see him go, but it was even more upsetting that he had to leave because of a medical condition. Poor guy. I'm glad he was able to show some talent while he was on the show. Maybe he can audition again next season & get on the show again. Regardless, I hope his treatment works out for him & he gets his health back as much as he can.

And now for the fashion part of the show...

I'll come right out and say it: Steven's dress was horrendous. I kept saying "She looks like a maid!" during his model's fitting (Nina stole my line). However, it wasn't too poorly made, despite the last minute glue, and he definitely incorporated more of the original piece (an equally horrendous wedding dress. Okay, that's a lie- the wedding dress was worse) into his dress than Jillian did. Her dress was well made, but c'mon, she didn't use any of the original material. That's just not fair.

Based on the funeral-attending French maid dress, I suppose Steven should've been the one to go home (which is what ended up happening). But I still think that Jillian just didn't follow the rules and that should've trumped Steven's judgment error on his dress.

I propose that we overthrow Nina Garcia on the judges' panel and give me a shot at deciding what's hot and what's not.

Until next Wednesday... Auf wiedersehen.

It's Over

Last night was the final episode of "Kid Nation." I must say I was a little disappointed that Taylor wasn't reduced to tears by any of her fellow Bonanza citizens, and Sophia didn't give everyone a tongue lashing, but everything ended up being okay. One good thing that happened, or rather, didn't happen, was that Taylor wasn't awarded a $50,000 gold star. As a matter of fact, she went the entire series without winning a gold star period.

It was refreshing to see the kids being kids when the rules were thrown out the window. Surprisingly enough, they always chose the practical rewards rather than the fun rewards at the end of town missions, so this was quite a change. I can't say I wouldn't have ransacked the candy store either. Granted, they did redeem themselves when Zack encouraged everyone to clean up the town and they all got down to business.

So what will these kids be up to now? Of course, they'll all be heading back to school for the time being, but will there be a reunion? Give it 5-10 years.

Full- length Interview with Zack Pope

Zack Pope is a hometown guy from Round Rock, Tx. He just graduated from Duke University, where he played as an outside midfielder. Now he's looking to move on to bigger and better things: Major League Soccer.


Stefanie: Soccer is already popular in Austin, but there is not much coverage when in comes to MLS (as it unfortunately seems to be the case across the United States). How do you think that we can make MLS (and specifically, the teams in Texas) more popular in Austin?

Zack: Team camps- that's probably one of the best ways to get recognition for players and for MLS teams. Players coming to do day camps at a local parks and soccer fields would definitely increase awareness about the game and get their names out there.

Stefanie: Would you consider putting on one of your own camps here, being from the Austin area?

Zack: Definitely! For younger kids, that's probably best thing you can really do. It's one thing to sit around and watch a soccer game on TV or live, but to have hands on experience with players in the league would be awesome. Younger children would definitely take to that and parents would catch on.

Stefanie: What suggestions, if any, do you have about hyping MLS in Austin (player camps, fantasy camps, exhibition games, etc.)?

Zack: Definitely by raising awareness with fantasy camps and things like that. It's not that people aren't passionate about soccer, but they don't necessarily have the opportunity to show it. MLS is still growing, so they need to take advantage of their opportunities by reaching out to the community. Player camps put on in surrounding areas would definitely be good for MLS.

Stefanie: What do you expect from the player combine?

Zack: Basically, you have to be in the best shape of your life. I mean, you've got 3 games in 3 days. You're training for something that's huge.

Stefanie: How are you going to prepare for the player combine?

Zack: Well, I've got a torn MCL right now and I'm waiting for that to heal. There's not much I can do for that yet. After that heals, I'm just going to go running. The combine is held in January so I'm gonna work hard until then.

Stefanie: Do you have any fellow teammates or friends that are off to the combine with you (and if so, who)?

Zack: Yes, two teammates: Mike Videira and Spencer Wadsworth. Two players from Duke were drafted last year, and they actually were drafted to the same team.

Stefanie: Do you plan on going to any college tryouts for specific teams (L.A. just had one)? If so, where?

Zack: I do have one tryout with D.C. United, and possibly one with Chivas (USA), other than the player combine. I'm still working on some others, but it's all about networking. Use your connections where you have them so you can manage everything and hopefully get out there on a team.

Braving the Christmas Crowds

Holiday shopping usually makes me want to put my own eye out with a candy cane, but I was pleasantly surprised by my shopping experience today.

My mission: find gifts for my aunt and uncle, my grandmother, and my other aunt and uncle.
The place: La Frontera in Round Rock
The time: middle of the afternoon... a.k.a. the worst time to shop.

My mom, my sister and I all headed out to H.E.B. first to take a look at their ever-so-popular holiday food baskets. That was a bust. Everything was spectacularly overpriced compared to last year. We still liked the idea of food baskets for the family (they love 'em), but we figured we'd explore a little further down the road at La Frontera to check out whether or not there was something better.

At La Frontera, we immediately headed to World Market, which happens to be one of my absolute favorite stores. However, the three of us were a little nervous about heading into the holiday shopping crowds without knowing exactly what we were looking for. World Market surprised us in the best way possible.

Upon entering the store, two employees cheerfully greeted us. Immediately, we spotted a table off to our right that was stacked with holiday specials. Shiny ceramic mugs, pasta gift bags, Asian cookware, and all the trimmings for the everyday griller. Perfect. My Uncle Steve and Aunt Brenda love to grill (and we love to eat whatever they barbecue). We decided on a gift pack of different grilling spices, rubs and sauces for them. My Aunt Gwen and Uncle Ken are healthy eaters and love Mediterranean food. We got them the pasta gift pack, complete with oils and sauces.

The only negative experience I had at World Market followed my sampling of a red apple caramel candy. The sourness of the apple mixed with the caramel did NOT make for a good combination. That was quite possibly the worst thing I have ever tasted.

After a speedy checkout at World Market, we headed over to a little country store here in town and quickly found the softest white sweater ever created. Perfect for Grandma.

Mission accomplished.

A Gift for Granny

You would think that I'd have learned my lesson by now: plan out Christmas gifts earlier in the winter. But does that stop me from waiting around? Not at all.

I'm getting a little better though because I'm currently contemplating the gift for the most difficult person to shop for in my entire extended family: my grandma. After turning over multiple ideas in my head, I've still got nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Here's the basic rundown on things that she loves to do: cook (and boy, is she good at it), collect pictures of the whole family, and watch LSU football. That's it.

So what do I do about this?

She's pretty set in her ways when it comes to cooking. She doesn't need anymore cookware and certainly has no use for a cookbook.

Her house is literally covered in framed photos of the extended family. No lie; it's wall-to-wall. I don't think she has anymore wall space for another picture.

I considered getting her an LSU football blanket or something like that, but that's problematic for a couple reasons. A.) She is always hot. Always. Her house is fifty below and she thinks she's in a sauna. What use would she have with a blanket? B.) The purple and gold would NOT match the interior design of her home. Trust me, she wouldn't dare throw a blanket over the back of her floral-print couch. The blanket would just go in the hall closet where she keeps all her other spares.

I haven't visited the Hill Country Galleria yet. Maybe they'll have the perfect gift for her already waiting for me. I just hope I can find it.

Puppy Play Day

I've taken my dog, a black Labrador named Ajax (pronounced EYE-yaks, not A-jacks like the dish soap), to Walnut Creek Dog Park a few times in the past couple months and he loves it, of course. When my car takes the turn off of Lamar into a little winding street, his whining ensues. Immediately, he begins pacing back and forth from window to window in my backseat. Excited is not the word for it. More like bursting with animated spirit.

At first I was apprehensive about getting him around other dogs, especially without the restraint of a leash. He's very shy and is afraid of other dogs (puppies included). He's not too keen on other humans, either. But after our first trip to the park, I knew we'd finally found something that we both could get used to.

The scenery is reminiscent of my California days when we'd go hiking down to a little creek (minus the redwoods, of course). The enormous white boulders that dot the banks of the creek are perfect for owners to take a pit stop while their dogs run amok in the shallow water. It's a little strange that for as much as my dog despises bath time, he adores splashing around in the creek.

Foot trails wind around the park in numerous directions and are often so deep and twisting in the woods that other dogs and owners can't be seen. Occasionally the trails are shared with brave cyclists, who are always polite to curious dogs and nervous owners (like myself). I've tried to jog the trails alone, without my dog, but the sight of other canines running free in the park instantly makes me feel guilty and I'm forced to dash home to get him.

Despite the frigid weather today, I think Ajax might be in for a treat: a day at the dog park. I just hope he avoids the water today...

Who am I kidding?

Hopefully Nobody Can Catch This Gingerbread Man

Smithville, Tx has a hold on a record that hopefully won't be topped for a while: the World's Largest Gingerbread Man.

Last year, the folks from Guinness came out to inspect the 25-foot gingerbread man to see if it qualified for the books. So far, the people of Smithville haven't heard back from the Keeper of the Record-Holders, but that didn't keep them from baking another cookie man this year.

Volunteers mix up huge buckets of dough and pour about a thousand pounds of batter into the giant cookie mold. The gingerbread man is then cooked over an open fire, while volunteers and onlookers participate in the town's annual Festival of Lights. Of course, it's difficult to get an even bake for the cookie and some burn holes appear, but according to festival-goers, it tastes better than it did last year.

Full-length Interview with Stuart Holden

Stuart Holden is a 22-year-old midfielder for the Houston Dynamo.

Stefanie: How did you get involved in soccer?

Stuart: I started playing soccer at a young age in Scotland with the influence of my mum and dad. I always loved kicking a ball around and as I got older my love for the sport became stronger. Growing up in a country where soccer is the main sport obviously helped me develop a strong passion for it.

Stefanie: Soccer is already popular in Austin, but there is not much coverage when in comes to MLS (as it unfortunately seems to be the case across the United States). How do you think that we can make MLS (and specifically, the teams in Texas) more popular in Austin?

Stuart: It is tough for the MLS to put a lot of money into advertising the MLS in cities that don't have teams, but TV exposure is the best way to grow the popularity. If people can turn on their TV's every saturday and watch their favorite MLS teams or the best games of the weekend, it will help turn more people (adults and children included) into bigger soccer fans and hence increase the demand for more soccer on TV.

Stefanie: Does playing in front of a home crowd for you personally (since you're from Houston) affect your play?

Stuart: For me to be able to play in Houston infront of friends, coaches, and most importantly my family is unbelievable. It gives me a special connection to the crowd and in a way I am a role model for young soccer players growing up in Houston with aspirations of playing professionally, which gives me a great deal of pride when I put on the Dynamo uniform. My first goal in my professional career was at home vs New England, and my whole family was there to experience it, which to me was more than I could have ever asked for.

Stefanie: When you're playing against teams with some of the "big names" of soccer, does it enter your mind at all that you're playing against guys you possibly grew up watching or can you just naturally block that out?

Stuart: Before the games, you know who you're going up against and you start to prepare yourself for that game, so obviously you know if you're going to be playing against some "big names" who are good players. But once you step on the field, all of that goes out the window. Even if at a younger age they were my role models or idols, we are playing in the same league now and are both professionals, so to put them on a pedestal during a game would only leave me at a disadvantage.

Stefanie: How effective do you think that MLS teams giving youth soccer camps in their respective cities (and possibly surrounding cities, such as Austin in this case) would be in raising awareness about MLS? What about doing another exhibition game (like the Dynamo did in Austin when Houston just got a team)- would that ever be in the works again?

Stuart: I think this is an initiative that MLS has already started to take, because players on our team partake in these events from time to time. This is one of the most effective ways of promoting the game, because young players get a chance to interact with their idols and learn the game from them. This helps develop a passion for soccer and therefor more interest in playing it at a higher level. As far as exhibition games and camps in surrounding cities such as Austin, this only helps spread the popularity and awareness for the Dynamo and the MLS. I personally loved playing in Austin, because it gives a chance for fans of the Dynamo to come and see us a little closer than a 3.5 hour drive!

Stefanie: I know the L.A. Galaxy runs a Fantasy Camp for adults that is widely popular among the fans. As a player, would participating in something like that (with fans) interest you at all? How active do you think the team would be in putting on something like this for fans?

Stuart: I have been involved with a couple soccer events similar to that put on by the Dynamo, including a Soccer 101 event for women that was extremely successful. I loved doing these sorts of things and interacting with people that want to learn more about soccer and that have a love for the Dynamo!

Stefanie: Who do you room with when you're on the road with the Dynamo? Any roommates at home in Houston?

Stuart: On the Road I room with Joseph Ngwenya and we have a great time. I have enjoyed rooming with someone other than the people I live with because it gives me a chance to get to know them better. At home in Houston I live with Mike Chabala and Patrick Ianni and we have become close friends. Pat and I are actually together with the USA U23 team in China and it really helps having close friends on these trips especially.

Stefanie: I know you're headed to China to get ready for the Olympic qualifiers. I've always wondered how much down time you guys get while you're away at tournaments and friendlies? Is there anything you're personally looking forward to doing while you're in China (will you guys get to see the Great Wall haha)? Do you know who your roommate will be over there?

Stuart: I am actually writing to you from the hotel in China and the experience so far has been out of this world. The 15 hour flight was draining, but the hotel has more than made up for it. We are stationed in Changsha in a 5 star hotel with staff that are constantly helping us with anything. We dont usually get too much downtime on these trips, because at the end of the day we are here on business and to help prepare for Olympic Qualifying in March. I think later in the week we are going to have an afternoon or two to try and see some sights around here, which I am definately looking forward to.

Stefanie: How does the coaching style of Peter Nowak compare with Dominic Kinnear?

Stuart: Coach Nowak is very focused on the job at hand, which is to help the team prepare for qualifying and then competing in the Olympics in Beijing. His style differs slightly to that of Coach Kinnear, but both are very knowledgeable and passionate coaches. I relish the opportunity to work with both Coaches and learn from them to help develop as a player.

It's that time of year...

The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is back!

This is my favorite time of year because I get to go back to my childhood days. Walking up and down those trails at Zilker with millions of Christmas lights twinkling all around me makes me feel like I'm in my own version of a real-life Candy Land. Glittering lights, hot chocolate, candy canes and Christmas carolers always put me in the Christmas spirit.

Dell always puts on a spectucular display, which is the main event I look forward to every year, aside from eating too much kettle corn and spinning around under the Big Tree at the trail's end until I nearly puke.

I'm intrigued to know what goes on behind the scenes setting this monster up. I've never seen it going up, oddly enough, but something this big has got to take a lot of man hours. Hmm... maybe next year I can get a sneak peek.

This year, a bunch of my girlfriends and I are planning on going to the Trail together in honor of our good friend, Megan. She was always a huge fan of this spectacle at Christmas, but very sadly, she passed away this past August. On December 17th, we will gather under the Big Tree and toast our hot chocolate to our friend. She wouldn't want it any other way.

The End of a Kiddie Era

CBS's newest reality tv show, "Kid Nation," is approaching its end with the finale airing next Wednesday.

So now is the moment of truth: which kid will be awarded that final $20,000 gold star, whose parents will actually be proud of their child, and who will finally put Queen Taylor in her smug little place? I hope DK gets to do it because he's been chomping at the bit to let her have it. Should be interesting.

It is worth knowing what will become of these kids as they grow older. Will Taylor grow up to be an even brattier Miss America? Will Anjay enter politics? Will Jarod invent a groundbreaking teleporter in the world of science? Will Hunter star as the all-American "Bachelor" in years to come and hold a rose ceremony of his own? I smell a "Where are They Now?" special in the distant future.

I think if Sophia goes off on everyone before it's time to go home, Taylor is reduced to tears, Olivia professes her undying love for Anjay, and 8-year-old Mallory makes Greg cry, then the finale will be a success. Be sure to tune in.


CBS Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. central

These Night Witches Have Got it Together

Two Texan ladies on a mission: bringing back pin-up girl style to fashion.

Jenny Howe and Kim Jaques are "Devushka." The word (devushka) comes from the Russian word for "girl," which aptly describes the elegant, sexy style of the dresses put out by Devushka. All of the dresses are inspired by the 1940's style of womenswear in Russia and Eastern Europe, yet they also have a slightly more sinister role model. Russian women during World War II were fashionable by day (in dresses similar to Devushka's recreation), and ferocious bomber pilots by night. They were appropriately dubbed the "Night Witches," by the Germans who feared them, and are also the clothing line's major influence.

Most of the dresses are fairly form-fitting, allowing the wearer to flirtatiously, yet tactfully, show off her curves. Bold gem tones, sleek fabrics, and racy prints make up this apparel line. Ladies will definitely be able to channel the seductive pin-up girls of the '40s in one of Devushka's dresses.

Devushka has revamped the 1940's style for modern women's fashion. Geared towards the trendsetting young adult female, Devushka's clothing is sure to have quite an impact on Austin's fashion industry .

View some of the dresses or drop the lovely ladies of Devushka a line here:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=252501361

OR
View the dresses in person at Devushka's upcoming debut fashion show:
December 14, 2007 at 9:00 p.m.
Vicci Nightclub
404 Colorado Street
21 and older

Not making it work

This season of "Project Runway" is a bit lackluster compared to seasons past, in my opinion. None of the designers truly stand out in their clothing designing abilities. Granted, some of the men and women on the show have made some clean, wearable dresses and womenswear, but everything is forgettable.

Well, everything except for the horrendous menswear some of the designers threw together for celebrity guest Tiki Barber. I realize that most of them have never designed menswear, and designing a men's button-down shirt might be vastly different than designing a women's button-down for all I know, but they were better off sending down a smock than some of the pieces that went down the runway. Inadvertent three-quarter sleeves on shirts and circulation-stopping crotches on pants are completely unacceptable. And don't even get me started on the sloppy collars. Some of these designers should really be ashamed of themselves, especially if they didn't bother putting a shirt on a model at all (and yes, this really did happen).

It's time for Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum to light a fire under these guys. I want something to wow me. I suppose I could lighten up; after all, it is just fashion (thanks to Andre and Santino from two seasons ago for that little saying), but it's time for the designers to bring their A-game.