Make Gentle the Life of this World

Virus Creativus

2012-01-28T22:15:00.001+01:00

Ever since I learned knitting (and crocheting) in elementary school, I like(d) doing it - usually, I'd go through phases where I'd do more or less. This past fall, I've started into a phase again - and I'm really enjoying it this time around. I made a pair of socks for my niece first, then decided I wanted to give her a cap for Christmas. Well, the first one I made was too big, the second to small, but all good things come in threes - so the last one fits perfectly! My sister liked it so much, she asked me to make gloves to go along with it - so I did that. And because I wanted to try yet another pattern and because I have so much wool at home, I decided to make another set - this time +shoes and more for a baby until like 6 months (also because my sister would never dress her daughter in pink! *g*). So here's a selection of my stuff...


My first attempt to make a hat for my niece - and my first attempt at cables! Pretty easy once you get the hang of them. It ended up being to small, but I've kept it - you never know when it will come in handy... :)


The "Charm" a.k.a - A cap that fits! Finally... :-) Every time my mom looks at it, she can't get over the fact that the cables weave into the other direction... (I'm a leftie, therefore the cables weave exactly the opposte direction from when she would've made them...)


The gloves to go with the cap (they are the same red as the cap, although it looks darker in the picture). The lace is laid behind the baby's neck so she can't loose them even if she slides out of one. Oh, an since they are baby gloves - no thumbs on these.

And here's pink "Girlie-Set" I completed today! I wanted to try different cables on the hat :) Nice, but not as nice as the others. Maybe a different wool would've been better. The shoes were made from "scratch", with my Mom's help (she gave recommendations on how to try it - she can't help me because she's right handed) and I really like how they turned out. I made them in one piece so I don't have to sow them anywhere. The gloves I ended up making because I had some pink wool left... *g*

PS: I've already started on another pair of shoes ;-)

Screaming

2012-01-26T19:30:00.000+01:00

Quietfire found this little jewel on vimeo, so I thought I'd share it here. Wonderfully edited for a first time piece!Be sure to drop Heather a line on Vimeo if you liked it :) (Link to her page is directly beneath the video)

I only have one complaint... it's too short!

Law & Order:Criminal Intent (Screaming) from Heather Garza on Vimeo.

#150

2012-01-25T22:46:00.000+01:00

To get you in the mood for tonight :)

Previously on Criminal Minds from CM Set Report on Vimeo.

TTFT

2012-01-24T22:13:00.000+01:00

Anybody who regularly visits Thomas Gibson's Tumblr Page has probably stumbled across the one or the other picture of his feet (and other people's feet), and if there was an inscription at all, it would probably say "TTFT". Well, recently Thomas kindly explained the story behind those pictures in two videos...

Posted to YouTube by maitearana

Well, in that case... TTFT!

Hands Up

2012-01-22T23:55:00.000+01:00

On Thursday, I decided I had to rewatch quietfire's vids... Well, I got stuck on this one and have been watching it a couple of times a day since, so I thought I'd share it again for you guys to (re-)watch :)

Posted on YouTube by quietfireca

Danny Pino's Bodyguard

2012-01-21T19:04:00.000+01:00

You know guys, I was very unsure whether I should join twitter, especially with what's going on on the web right now, but then tweets like this come along and I know it was totally worth it... :)

With my bodyguard in Centrl Park this am. Shootin #SVU on a Sat. Feels like an 8 show week. Hats off 2 bway peeps. twitter.com/TheDannyPino/s…
— Danny Pino (@TheDannyPino) January 21, 2012

Dinosaur Soup

2012-01-18T12:50:00.000+01:00

You know, I found this video a couple of days ago, but after Monday's blog post I wasn't sure whether I should follow that up with this. I mean, Monday's poat was thoughtful, and this one is essenitally funny, even if the whole event meant to raise money for a good cause - a Dinosaur Museum. But then, my mind makes the oddest twists and turns, and as a historian, it did touch something within me (even though the topic is way too old for anything that I ever studied - LOL!).

Last July, Dan Aykroyd and a few other celebrities (among them, Matthew Gray Gubler) went to Alberta, Canada, to dig for Dinosaur bones. There's a very funny bit of Matthew and Dinosaur Soup in this - actually, that bit made me think of Bobby Goren... just watch - you'll understand!

Interestingly, among the celebs was Robert Kennedy jr. and his boys Aiden and Finn. Maybe it's not that much of a big leap after all. :)

Posted on YouTube by EastlinkTV

Remembering Martin Luther King

2012-01-16T22:45:00.000+01:00

Posted on YouTube by hirmiestelio

Even in our sleep,

pain which cannot forget,

falls drop by drop upon the heart,

until, in our own despair,

against our will,

comes wisdom

through the awful grace of God.

(Aeschylus)

Dear Wheather God...

2012-01-15T21:01:00.001+01:00

... I realize that, according to weather forecasts, you can never give us quite the perfect weather. It's either too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry for the time of year, but... can we please have some nice winter weather? I'm so tired of this constant icecold rain...

Hollywood D'os and D'on'ts

2012-01-14T23:35:00.000+01:00

I know everbody has seen this already, but I had to giggle so much over it, I had to post it, too! Since I am a huge Starbucks fan I especially loved that bit...

By the way, no worries Mr. D'Onofrio. If I saw you at Starbucks, I'm afraid talking wouldn't be the thing I was still capable of doing... ;-)

Give Him A Lot of Great Big Kisses

2012-01-14T00:11:00.000+01:00

Rather recently (I think), Matthew Gray Gubler did a Photo Shoot for the French Magazine "Jalouse". They have kindly released two videos from the shoot... The first one makes me think about "Men In Tights" :)

The second makes me SMILE from ear to ear! Guess modeling is a hard job, huh? ;-)

PS: Yes - it IS hot in here...

Follow Jalouse Magazine on Facebook and Twitter.

Score!

2012-01-12T22:14:00.001+01:00

Found this today and was instantly reminded of Fred Flintstone :) Seemed to work, though...

*Warning: Do not play video if you are currently drinking your Good-Morning-Coffee or your Latenight-Tea. Your monitor will get speckled.*

Piggyback

2012-01-11T23:02:00.000+01:00

Found this on twitter today and just had to share...

Yes, @TheDannyPino, it's the television manifestation of this!!! Together again on NBC! TONIGHT! Well...almost... twitter.com/traciethoms/st…
— Tracie Thoms (@traciethoms) November 16, 2011

Isn't it the sweetest thing? Not only the picture, but also seeing that they still care for each other...Huge Thanks to Tracie Thoms for sharing this little jewel.

I miss Cold Case *sigh*

To The Boy In The Striped Hat

2012-01-10T22:30:00.000+01:00

Vikeau, you wanted the story on the hat... Truth ist, there's *no* real story, just a piece of clothing that has caught the fans' (or mine?? *gg*) attention and has appeared here and there.

It was - as far as I know - first seen during the Writer's Strike in February 2008:

We found out that he still has THAT hat when it then made a reappearance during a Florence and The Machine Concert at Irving Plaza in NYC in December 2010. Follow this link.

We hadn't see it since, so hence the squee - silly as it may be! ;-)

(Uuuuh-ooooh, did I just rhyme?)

Whoever would buy Manolo...

2012-01-09T23:44:00.001+01:00

Posted on YouTube by ALDOShoesVideos

Definitely go to YouTube to watch in HQ!!

... when you can get lucky with ALDO?
Really, I need not say more than this...

Matthew is so cute & funny in this :)

On Livejournal, chickloveslotr made a bunch of fantastic animated icons from this. See them here.

Drawn (to) Matthew

2012-01-08T00:01:00.002+01:00

I have no idea what I was looking for when I stumbled across this YouTube video today...

Posted on YouTube by Krisdrawsstuff

Isn't it amazing? Completely different form of fanart than I do - I could NEVER draw like that! But I always love when people share their drawings online and the idea to actually film the process and put that online is pretty cool! I thought it was so interesting how she started on one spot (his chin) and kinda went from there... I wasn't able to find the exact picture she used, but I found one pretty close. She really did an excellent job!

100 Club

2012-01-06T14:56:00.003+01:00

I was always proud that VDO was involved in some charities for policemen, and today, I stumbled over an article about a few other Chicago-born actors (all known faces) chiming in... *two thumbs up*

100 Club PSA: Chicago celebrities team up to help families of fallen Police Officers and Firefighters

73 Criminal Minds Icons

2012-01-04T23:16:00.003+01:00

Do not ask how these came about. Let's just leave it at me loving to play with Photoshop and having fun with a TV Show :)

Total Icon Count: 73

001

002

003

004

005

006

007

008

009

010

011

012

013

014

015

016

017

018

019

020

021

022

023

024

025

026

027

028

029

030

031

032

033

034

035

036

037

038

039

040

041

042

043

044

045

046

047

048

049

050

051

052

053

054

055

056

057

058

059

060

061

062

063

064

065

066

067

068

069

070

071

072

073

Table created with accio.nu's icon table(less) generator

Size 13

2012-01-03T23:26:00.002+01:00

I blame it all on Bobby and his quip to Henry Talbot about shoe size... so when a couple of actors from a TV-Show (*shall not be named here, but interestingly has a similar name to CI*) post a picture of their feet (via twitter, I think) I get all kinds of silly thoughts...

Hello 2012...

2012-01-02T20:36:00.003+01:00

"Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist.
Children already know that dragons exist.
Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed."

If you haven't seen it, check out Quietfire's latest CI vidlet - a jewel for Bobby lovers!

No excuses, no shady explanations... just a post with a smile.

Anderson Cooper in Tears - on the Ridiculist!

2011-08-18T23:59:00.002+02:00

Confession Time: I watch CNN. Not a lot, but here and there, when I flip through channels and something interesting is on - it's the best source for World News we can get. I like many of their news anchors, like Hala Gorani and Jonathan Mann (I loved his coverage of the 2008 US Presidential Campaign!). So of course, Anderson Cooper is also a familiar face - and while I don't think we often get his show (Anderson Copper 360°) on CNN International, I've come to know him as a pretty straight faced & composed news anchor. I swear I didn't know he could smile... but this evening, quietfireca sent me the following YouTube vid... He had me giggling from "jet stream" on and by "In-Continental", I was screaming with laughter... so for those of you who haven't seen it... Anderson Cooper in Tears on the Ridiculist:

Summer Time

2011-08-16T00:40:00.003+02:00

Okay, usually, I'm no fan of summer and heat, but this year, we're having a summer without sun.... or heat... NOT funny, let me tell you. Either way, not going to make excuses for not posting (well, maybe I am), but I came back alive and well from the European Open in Agility, only to start into another adventure with havers :) So nice to, once in a while, meet someone from the Fandom in person. Lots to chat about as you can imagine... nothing compares to talking about Bobby and Alex at two in the morning!

I haven't had lots of time for anything Fandom related, (I guess my blog is a witness to this!), and somehow, summer time seems to be lazy time for me, but, just as I was closing tabs in Firefox before going to bed, I see this link to LOCI filming in the "related" sidebar. So naturally, I have to click, thinking that I probably have seen this - but, oddly, I don't think I have, inspite of the fact it is two years old. This must be from Family Values, one of my favorites ever! I guess you guys have seen it, but if not, here it goes - very short! Only a couple of seconds, but Kathryn and Vincent pretty dang close to the lens...

Posted on YouTube by mfeierman

And - the following I blame on the SVU On Location Photos - I stumbled across this second video... somehow, I'm pretty excited about having Danny Pino back on TV for weekly stints... I mean I've followed Cold Case for years, so while it still feels as if someone is messing with my fandoms, I'm also pretty excited. I've never followed Cold Case as faithfully as LOCI, but with the latter being gone, there's some comfort in getting Danny Pino back - in fact, I'm really looking forward to it. The video below captures the essence of the relationship between Scotty and Elisa from Season 1 of Cold Case (Elisa was schizophrenic and ended up killing herself). The vid maker put together a "beautifully haunting" compilation, and it also showcases some of Danny Pino's fine moments on the show...

A video by sukkerspinnspinn

Second Skin

2011-07-28T23:45:00.005+02:00

... I'm talking about Badge, one of my favorites of the whole show - and, one of it's scariest, I think. Not "Boo"-kinda scary, but simply chilling in a way that crawls beneath my skin every time I see it. A whole family murdered for some extra money...

Today, while I was packing, I had it on, and when the famous "Blood Spatter Scene" rolled around, of course I had to pause and watch. I remember when I first saw this, I had three huge ??? above my head, wondering what Bobby was doing now... that quickly faded into a huge smile - but also gave me goose bumps. The way Bobby slips into the perp's (or supposed perpetrator's) mind, much like slipping into this blood stained shirt is fascinating and scary to watch. But then, it makes me think about how would Bobby feel at the end of a day like this? I mean, of course, he seems to turn that mode on and off, pretty unmoved, and while people working ins jobs like his usually have to find their "off"-switch somewhere, I keep wondering... how those he digest days like these?

On a sidenote - I'll be away for the weekend. Not that this will drastically cut the number of posts made on this blog, I'm not posting that often anymore - but just in case anyone was wondering... Have a good weekend, everybody!!

Just couldn't help myself...

2011-07-24T23:27:00.002+02:00

... after some more pictures of Mariska and Danny surfaced...

On a funny sidenote: Danny Pino also has a son named Luca, born Feburary 15th, 2006.

Title: New Kid on the Block
Flavor: L&O – SVU
Characters: O.Benson & ???
Word Count: 110
Rating: PG
Summary: Olivia meets Eliot’s “replacement”
A/N: The pictures made me do it!

Olivia had barely stepped outside when her eyes fell upon a stranger leaning onto the squad car, reading the The Ledger. She wanted to wave him away and screamg with anger, but the badge clipped to his suit jacket curbed her protest. So this is him? This is my new partner?

He was young, very young, dark and handsome - definitely of Hispanic descent. She reckoned he was around Elliot’s height, but he didn’t fill out those suit jackets like Elliot. In short, they had partnered her with a laughably handsome kid.

Just then, her heart missed Elliot terribly. But her head knew she had to give him a chance.

Feels Like An Odd Collision...

2011-07-22T23:22:00.005+02:00

Well, yet another Non-LOCI post... bare with me or run!! ;-)

It certainly feels like two galaxies collided when you see Danny Pino and Mariska Hargitay in the same picture! As some of my readers my know, I've enjoyed CBS's drama Cold Case for years. I really like it's entire (pretty steady!) cast, especially John Finn (Captain John Stillman) and Danny Pino (Detective Scotty Valens). I'm not crazy about Cold Case like I am about LOCI, but if I look for something to enjoy a nice evening, Cold Case will often do, too. It's pretty much the same with SVU. When I started watching LOCI, I also tuned into SVU here and there... just a bit of mindless entertainment ;-) Honestly, I was a bit heartbroken when Cold Case ended last year, more so as it will never be released on DVD. The cancellation came right after the Loyalty catastrophe and I felt like all the show I liked were ending... so it's no surprise I was thrilled to hear Danny Pino was making his return to TV screens - to *replace* (if that's possible?) Chris Meloni on SVU. I was also worried, because I think SVU might be on it's death bed, and I also feel Danny Pino might be a bit type cast. Yet I was curious to see how he'll fare in a different role... but until today, this was all just odd thoughts... now the first on set pictures have surfaced... Honestly, at first glance, it looks like two actors from different shows ran into each other... like for some odd reason, the SVU & Cold Case galaxies have collided... You can also see they are still adjusting to each other... I guess they - and I - will need some time... :-)

More pictures can be seen on Facebook, at Celebrity Laundry, Mariska Online & Newcom (if the link doesn't take you to the pics, simply type "Danny Pino" into the search field).

PS: Call me superficial, but doesn't Danny Pino look completely different next to Mariksa Hargitay than he ever did next to Kathryn Morris? It almost seems they shrunk him in size or something... *g*

Old Tidbit

2011-07-20T23:32:00.002+02:00

You know, I'd be damned if I remembered WHO posted this recently - maybe it was on some other VDO blog, or maybe Bev shared it on her Blue Velvet Vincent-site on Facebook... either way - THANK YOU. It's such a cute little thing, so, I figured it wouldn't hurt to repost this. Vincent (flanked by Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz) at the "Feeling Minnesota" Premiere... the neat thing in this vid is how it actually focuses on Reeves, and then - WHAM - there are those beautiful shoulders suddenly appearing on screen...

Towards Those Goals

2011-07-20T00:14:00.003+02:00

It's drabble time again! I better not tell you how often I've meant to write a drabble in the last couple of weeks, but never got around to them. But when the "off duty" challenge challenge rolled around, at LawandOrder100 I instantly had an idea and knew I had to write this - more so in the light of the recent news that LOCI has been cancelled. I really need some happiness right now...

Title: Towards Those Goals
Flavor: L&O – Criminal Intent
Characters: R. Goren
Word Count: 103
Rating: R (just to be on the safe side)
Summary: Sometime after “To the Boy in the Blue-Knit Cap” Bobby is working on it
A/N: In the light of LOCI’s cancellation, I need some happiness these days, so be prepared for some fluff

Bobby had forgotten how it felt to share his bed with a woman. He still caught himself amazed by her presence, although her visits had become more frequent recently. Dr. Gyson had been right. He could have a family. It only mattered if he considered himself to be eligible.

The soft chirp of his phone interrupted his thoughts. “Goren.”

“It’s me, Alex. We got a dead body on Times Square...”

At that, Bobby was already halfway out of bed. He never was off duty - really. But then, he finally had a life off duty. Theresa would still be here when he returned.

Do-Re-Mi...

2011-07-15T23:03:00.002+02:00

... trying to ignore the recent news and keep myself happy with stuff like this: The Do-Re-Mi Flashmob at the main train station in Antwerp... because you know, just for that moment, just for that second, all those people there are happy and smiling together...

Cache In, Trash Out...

2011-07-13T23:10:00.001+02:00

... at Mary Island. It's unbelieveable where people leave their waste!
Thanks, Aidan :)

More Friendship

2011-07-07T23:53:00.002+02:00

I'm obviously big on friendship vids right now. Don't mean this to upset my shipper friends, it's really more a side effect of really enjoying those lyrics. Especially about "chasing monsters"... so true for the two of them!

Well, and if you want Goren and Eames to chase more Monsters... go here!

PS: Heaven help me whenever I try to catch up on my blog reading...

July... already??

2011-07-06T23:28:00.003+02:00

Sheesh, where did those last couple of weeks go? I mean, yes, I had an exam, two trials, worked, had to get a few smaller chores to do (and completed them), had to take care of my mother's and my sister's sick dogs, I met with a good friend and we had a nice, but also sad afternoon... it sounds worse than it was ;-) Vincent's and Kathryn's birthdays came and went, so did Independence day... which actually happened to be a "historic" day for Austria this year. Otto von Habsburg died at 98 years of age. He was Austria's last crown prince before we became a Republic after World War I - but it was strange seing a life which had seen so much change, end. Otto von Habsburg may have been born a King. But he died a European.

... and oh, right! Somewhere in between there, there was the LOCI season finale! ;-)

You may have wondered why I haven't said anything about the finale... I've wondered about that, too - but I guess it's been because I really haven't had a reaction to the finale yet. I can only explain it by the other things on my plate, even if those didn't seem to be so numbing to me. I guess they were, and one of these days, I'll wait for a quiet moment and watch it again...

... However, one feeling I've carried all through Season 10 and which still holds true - I want more! So therefore - SavingGorenandEames launched the "Tie Clips and Skittles Campaign"... read more here or watch:

A couple of days after the finale, I stumbled across this song Jessica Andrews "I will be there for you"- which I think would be perfect for Goren and Eames (in a non-romantic way). Can't tell you why, but it makes me think about them and their friendship... one of trust and affection.

And while we're sharing YouTube vids... something cute!

I hope everyone is doing fine and is enjoying summer time :-)

Blogging on the Go

2011-06-21T08:16:00.001+02:00

Some of my readers may have noticed that sometime last week I activated the "mobile" viewing option on this blog, which displays a slimmed down version of this site on mobile devices, like your phone or blackberry. It strips the blog of it's sidebar and only gives you the blog post essentials - text and pictures. It also allows readers to comment on posts. Since posting to one's own blog has long been made easier - whether you post through the "Blogging on the Go"-feature on the blogger site or use a blogger app for your phone like I do, this mobile version has really made reading blogs easier. I mean, what's better than being able to get your daily VDO dose from anywhere? *g*

For my fellow blog hosts - you can activate the mobile viewing option on your blog under "Settings" => "E-Mail & Mobile".

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.1

My Vincent D’Onofrio Encounter of the Most Spectacular Kind

2011-06-18T21:12:00.007+02:00

Today, it's time for a VERY special post!
Bev has taken the time to tell her story of meeting Vincent D'Onofrio at the Utah Meth Cops-Benefit earlier this month. I have to say Bev, you were more coherent than I could ever be at an event like that! Reading this, I felt like you'd minimized me and put in your pocket to tag me along... Better buckle up, Readers, as this is going to be QUITE a ride...

*~*~*~*~*

It’s taken me a while to actually sit down and write this article, because really, my experience is still very much a fog to me. Meeting Vincent was one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had in my life and even today, it still feels like an incredible dream.
On June 2nd, 2011, I left at 12:00pm for a 7:00pm flight out of Detroit. My nerves were already shot. I had only flown once before and now I’m going by myself through a huge airport. That was a scary thought to me. Because I arrived at the airport with plenty of time left, it gave me ample room to get lost (which I didn’t) and find my departing gate and wait for Ruby to arrive. Time seemed to fly by quite quickly, as it seemed like in no time at all Ruby and I meet and embraced each other in a very welcomed greeting. It was so exciting to finally meet my long time VDO sister and friend. Our flight was great, we chatted nearly the whole way about our plans of what we were going to say to Vincent. Ruby prepped me on what my first experience of Vincent may be like...

After picking up our rental car and finding our hotel room without too much trouble, we leisurely unpacked and settled in, but not before giving a picture of Vincent a place of honor in room. Hence the giggling began and didn’t stop till our weekend ended. Ducky arrived sometime that evening to meet us at our hotel room. It was again such a joy to meet yet another VDO sister. We exchanged hugs and immediately the bonding began.

Friday morning was the big day. We arrive at the Good Things Utah studio with plenty of time to sign in. We had to wait in the entrance lobby but that didn’t matter because the anticipation of seeing Vincent outweighed any discouragement. And then it happened….gasp….Vincent arrived in a car which parked just outside of the lobby. Now I have to tell you, I was a little surprised by my whole reaction. The first sight of him literally took my breath away. It was a good thing Ruby was right there beside me, because my stomach was turning terribly, my knees were starting to crumble and I had tears in my eyes. Ruby tells me to breathe, deep slow breathe, as she rubs my back. I started pacing, not really knowing what to do with myself and at the same time telling myself to smarten up or else I’m going to look like an idiot. Vincent finally enters the lobby and I stood there with my back against the wall, clinging to it for support. I’m immediately struck by his height and his incredibly handsome good looks. There’s a saying that a picture paints a thousand words, well I’m telling you, seeing him in person, there are just no words to describe how beautiful he is. We exchange our “Hi’s” and he continues to walk on through. Now comes the fuzzy part. Vincent did two shows, but I was so desperately trying to take photos that I literally missed half of what they were talking about. Thank goodness for uploads on the internet. Many of my photos turned out quite fuzzy because for the life of me I couldn’t hold my camera still enough due to me shaking with excitement. It was just such a thrill to be in that studio to listen and watch this amazing actor talk about his work and the cause he was supporting.

Ducky met Ruby and I at Rib City Grill for a late lunch. We said our “Hello’s” to Toni and then got seated at a table where we ate some delicious BBQ and enjoyed some great conversation - again rehearsing what we were going to say to Vincent. The restaurant was a buzz with activity because a camera crew was also there taping for Toni’s reality show debut to air sometime next year. 5:00pm neared on so we thought we would go out and take our places in line. A small line was already starting to queue. We found our place in line in front of a couple of wonderful ladies who really knew very little about Vincent. They were co-workers of Fallen (Toni’s daughter), and she told them to come out and say “Hi” to “Uncle Vinnie”. These ladies were really great. They took pictures for us and everything. They even joked about holding the line back so that we could have plenty of time with Vincent.

*Click me to enlarge*

Vincent was a bit late on arriving, but that didn’t matter, our time was soon to come. The girls and I discussed who would go first, second and last. We decided that Ruby should go first because, after all, she is the seasoned Vincevent attendant. I watched closely, my eyes wide open, not wanting to miss anything but at the same time my nerves were on full tilt. Ducky then had her turn and before you know it, it was my turn to greet the man. It was weird because my first gut reaction was to turn and run. I said: “Oh my goodness, I’m so nervous.” He replies “Come here,” as he outreaches his arm and has a smile on his face. I step forward and he immediately goes into “take picture”-mode. I thought: 'Oh no, this is not going to end this quickly!', so I pull back slightly and tell him “I’ve come all the way from Canada just to see you.”
“You did?” he replies, and smiles again.
“I’ve something to ask you,” I say.
“Ok,” he says.
“I need you to put your acting cap on for a moment,” I tell him.
“Ok,” he says with a bit of curiosity in his eyes.
I go on to remind him of the interview he did on The View in 2002 (Watch it Here!) when Joy Behar says to him: "Let me hear you tell me I look fine.” (He doesn’t remember the interview)
I said, “Can you whisper that in my ear?”
At this point we’re both laughing, and he says, “What do you what me to say?”
The music was really loud and it was hard to hear each other. At this point I thought, 'Oh God, it’s taken me this much nerve to say this and now I have to repeat it.' He smiles as I tuck my hair behind my ear. I turn my ear towards him with the biggest grin on my face. He “leans” in and whispers, “You look fine”. I just about lost it. Okay, well I did lose it. I lean forward, hands clasped tight and start laughing in delight. He got the biggest kick out me and so did the crowd. Now it was my turn for my photo op. Again I thought I’m not going to have a generic fan photo here, I wanted something special. So I said, “Do you mind if I ask you to stand a certain way?”
“What do you want me do?” he asks.
“Can you stand with that hand in your pocket and set your feet slightly apart?”
“You’d make a great director,” he laughs.
He proceeds to do as I ask and I am quick to grasp his other arm firmly and squeeze while the cameras take pictures of this most wonderful moment. I release him and ask for a hug. We embrace and I’m sure to give him a kiss on his neck and inhale deeply to get the scent of him. He smelled clean and fresh just as if he used the soap the hotel room provides for you. LOL!
That moment ended all too soon. Vincent then proceeded to sign the pictures I had brought with me for him to autograph. I would’ve almost had forgotten, but that morning I applied a lick and stick tattoo with the intention to have Vincent sign it. He was hesitating to sign on top of it. “Are you sure?” he asked. The local news was there and they asked me what the tattoo stood for. I told them for the “VDO Love, baby!” From there, one of the kind ladies took a picture of the three of us with Vincent. Such a great time!! We hung around while the other fans had their photos taken and we continued to take more photos ourselves. We then had a late dinner at Rib City Grill; I needed a drink to calm down at that point, and treated myself to an imported beer. That evening at our hotel room Ruby and I indulged in an episode of LOCI and mulled over our photographs as we looked back at the memory of that day. A truly Spectacular Vincent D’Onofrio Encounter!!!

Therapy/Therapist Challenge - Anger

2011-06-17T00:51:00.002+02:00

You know, it's been ages since I've written one of these, but the (last) shrink session(s) really kept me thinking (I guess you noticed if you've stumbled acroos a couple of my comments on various blogs), so when the Therapy/Therapist challenge came along at LawandOrder100, I couldn't resist writing about the end of "Cadaver"...

*~*~*~*

Title: Anger
Flavor: L&O – Criminal Intent
Characters: R. Goren, P. Gyson
Word Count: 111 (sorry Nantz!)
Rating: PG
A/N: Set right after “Cadaver”. I think I’ve overdosed on promos. I know by Sunday this will be so obsolete, but I just needed to get it out of my system.

Dr. Gyson never noticed the sweet sunbeams tickling her face as she rushed outside, following Robert Goren, who had left her practice in an angry fit.

She quickly spotted him on a bench across the street, sunken into himself. She approached carefully, but although Bobby had definitely noticed her, he did not run - again. Cautiously, Paula sat beside him – yet she didn’t speak for while, giving him the chance to rewind.

“Tell me what I did wrong…,” she finally said. “… and where all this anger is coming from.”

Sighing, Bobby digested her words. He didn’t need to answer now. She knew he’d show for their appointment the following week.

*~*~*~*

Cadaver Bits

2011-06-13T22:54:00.002+02:00

While I'm staunchly trying to ignore the fact that my favorite show is most likely not coming back, let's enjoy some Cadaver bits... some funny ones, because I'm still digesting the shrink session and I'm really in the mood for something upbeat.

One: Too funny Rosalind Chao (Miss Zhuang) joins her on-screen husband from Star Trek, Colm Meany, in the ranks of CI murderers... it's all in the family, I guess :)

Two: Timecard wise, this takes place just days after "Last Street in Manhattan", which is quite odd when you take the shrink sessions into account, more so as in timecards, "Trophy Wine" actually took place BEFORE "Last Street in Manhattan"... huh?? You'd think they add the timecards in a format that makes sense?? No?

Three... look closely at the smug doctor... he's wearing a tie clip!

Four: This Captain has really settled in at Major Case... and become a chair hugger!

Five: Not funny, but to sweet not to post :)

Be Heard!

2011-06-11T21:19:00.003+02:00

As LOCI memorabilia are sold from Chelsea piers, I grieve what seems to be the end of our run Goren and Eames. If you don't want it to end, make yourself be heard! Ruby has kindly started a Thread at the USA Network LOCI Forums for all those that want LOCI to come back for an 11th season. Click Here to visit. There also is a poll and thread started by friend, Outerbankschick. I'm not ready to let LOCI go!

And for those who want to read a "fan encounter" of the Chelsea Piers sale, go here. Just be sure to have tissues handy... it breaks my heart.

I want a few more of these smiles!!! ===>

79

2011-06-09T00:46:00.002+02:00

79 smiles shared
79 tears dried
79 d'licious pictures posted
79 jokes told
79 times free encouragement
79 tough discussions
79 goofs found
79 thoughtful quotes
79 sorrows soothed
79 good morning pictures
79 backs
79 times vocab help
79 funny caps posted
79 binder ideas
79 funneeeh captions posted
79 songs sung
79 video clips suggested
79 secret binder notes
79 spoiler e-mails sent
79 minutes of skype
79 writing advice
79 secrets whispered
79 thuds
All in 79 messages a day.

Thank you, my fellow CIMusers :)

The Infamous Shrink Session

2011-06-06T23:55:00.004+02:00

... of course, not even 24 hours after "Trophy Wine" aired, most (if not all) talk in the fandom is centered around that one scene that already caused quite some uproar when it was only shown in a promo. I have to say that I really liked the episode around it, too - but I will have to put that aside for the moment and discuss the (infamous) shrink session. Here we have it now, in full length... and full force.

I will be honest and say I did not expect it to go that route. I was almost certain that Warren Leight was on the fast lane where a romantic relationship between Bobby and Alex was concerned, I really expected there to be an answer that would've leaned towards "deeper" feelings. Not because they were what I always saw on the show, but because I always was under the impression that Leight actually *wanted* them to be together.

I was very surprised with how this turned out - and I'm extremely torn about it. For me, it has destroyed quite some of the ambiguity that was always there and that I've enjoyed... and I have to say, I'm not happy about that. Yes, he didn't say he loves her and I won't lie - I'm relieved he didn't say it. But I didn't want Bobby to say what he said, either.

I've heard people say that Bobby's explosive reaction is clearly denial, but even after having seen the scene a couple of times I'm not getting there. His behaviour is just not quite right. I mean he was so clear, so steadfast, so real about it. He looked straight at Dr. Gyson when he talked about Alex, even when he said "No." and "She's like a sister to me." Yes, there's a quick look down, but his face is completely composed. His eyes aren't dancing in *anger* and they're certainly not saying "You got me!" like they have in the past when Dr. Gyson called him out on his behaviour. He's not uncomfortable talking about Alex, not at all. He doesn't feel like he needs to hide his feelings for her, to me he seems very honest about. Why? Because he knows Dr. Gyson won't put up with lies from him. In the past, she's often pushed him to make him think, pushed to find out the truth, and yes, she did push on the Alex question... but I'm not so certain she did to categorize his relationship with Eames per se, but his relationships with people he likes. The key in this scene really is "I'm wondering if you think romantic feelings for someone you admire and respect are at odds." Why? Because it perfectly describes his relationship with his family - his mom, his (step-)dad, even Frank. Now I get that they are not "romantic" feelings for Bobby, but, point is, the people around him were always people who were imperfect, who needed him more than he needed them, who would torture him and demand his help at the same time. An odd mixture of push&pull that we often saw with Francis, but also with Frank. Dr. Gyson was really asking him there whether he was unable to committ to a two-sided, healthy relationship. Whether he was unable to leave that drawbridge down.

Also, when Bobby was defending himself over having romantic feelings for Alex or not, I couldn't help but be under the impression that his wasn't the first time he's had to explain to someone that he and Alex were having a healthy (work-)friendship, nothing more and certainly nothing less. It seemed that other people had confronted him about it and that he was so sick of it... they even flashed back to Frank and the scene from Brother's Keeper, and for me, it suddenly all fell into place. The only two people on the show who've openly implicated a romantic relationship between Bobby and Alex are Frank ( Brother's Keeper / Untethered ) and Declan ( Frame ). Two people who do not have lots of insight into his life - heck, Frank even told Francis that Bobby was seing somone ( Endgame )... it seems to me that Bobby has had to deal with this question much more often than we realize and it just doesn't cover the feelings for his friend and partner.

There's also an interesting shift in the scene when they actually to start to talk about his past romantic endeavours. I've heard people say she changed the topic - I disagree. She was exploring his inability to trust and love someone he admires - like a girlfriend. The interesting thing is, that, contrary to when he talks about Alex, now when Bobby talks about his past relationships, he looks away. He becomes small, unsure. He barely looks back at Dr. Gyson, and this time, I'd argue he is ashamed, or embarrassed - or he knows the reasons he states for not having a girlfriend aren't "conducive" at all. It cluminates in her asking whether he ever feels lonely - I wonder whether we will adress this question again. This really hit and hurt me deep inside.

On the whole, as much as I'd love to put a "amiguous" slant on this scene, I'm not getting there, safe for the tiniest glimpses maybe. IMHO, Mr. Leight has vaporized quite some of the ambiguity I've always enjoyed. You need to understand that I don't necessarily need an answer to the "Do you love her?" - question on the show, in fact, I still wish it hadn't been adressed at all. The only thing that consoles me at the moment is that it seems shippers aren't seeing it my way. I was really worried about my shipper friends when I'd seen that scene, but luckily, they seem to have digested this better than I did.

This has been such an enjoyable Season thus far - such a beautiful Swan Song for CI: I still wish it could go on in this quality, with this zing, but if it has to go, it's at least going out in stlye. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, but I really feel we do not have to define the Bobby-Alex relationship now, after 10 years. Whatever, this is what I really feel - more than anything, I want all of us to walk away from that show being happy and content.

And for Eternity, a Tribute and Farewell

2011-06-04T00:40:00.003+02:00

I'm sorry for having been absent this week, but as I said in my last post, life has really thrown a curveball my way. Last Saturday, Aidan's mom died after we were hoping and praying for her for a week. She had been in a heavy accident in the woods a few weeks back, but appeared to be on the road of recovery. But on Saturday, 5/28, she eventually lost her battle. Sometimes, the events in our lives connect in a very odd way. Her death came on the first anniversary of the Binder Handover to Vincent... and it put me in a strange kind of funk. I know, I know - she was only a dog - that's what I kept telling myself, too. But that thought just couldn't fill up that deep hole inside me... and then, midweek, a friend said to me: "You know, she was one of those dogs who are the reason for so many things that follow..." And it's true. Mo was only a dog, but she influenced so many things in my life... if by herself, or through her son. Aidan is the perfect carbon copy of his mother - in looks, in mind - and in spirit. To say goodbye, I will quote Gaius Valerius Catull:

And for Eternity, a Tribute and Farewell.

Mo, at the far left, with two of her pups.

Talk About Commitment and Inspiration

2011-05-29T23:11:00.003+02:00

I haven't exactly had a good day, not only because of the latest CI matters, but more so because sad happenings in my own life, and when these days come, I pull lots of strength from videos like this. I'm sure most of you have either seen this or heard about Dick and Rick Hoyt, but I stumbled over this yesterday and I just had to share it. I think these two are the true meaning of a Team...

Together Everyone Achieves More

Halftime

2011-05-26T23:11:00.002+02:00

I was very anxious about seeing ep 10x04 "The Last Street in Manhattan". Not because we were supposed to be seing Alex's Dad or anything like this, but mainly, because I had really liked "Boots on the Ground" and I was very worried that whatever was gonna come next would royally disappoint me. Luckily, I worried for no reason!

"The Last Street in Manhattan" was a very, very, very strong episode. First of all, I really grinned about all the little jewels in it - from Goren's "Oooooh, lucky Nicky" to getting the cake on Alex: We now know where she went to school and grew up - and as icing they served us cute childhood stories... and of course, the random high five Goren gave the kid in the school hallway, the tug of war with the bag (it seems we get one of these every week now), all those F. Scott Fitzgerald quotes, which were (I guess) supposed to remind us of "The Great Gatsby" - Fitzgerald's "From Rags to Riches"-story that turns complicated when Gatsby becomes involved with two women. It's been very long since I've seen "The Great Gatsby", but it definitely stood model to this story. All scenes at the Swan Club were right out funny... when Goren was offered to try it, he looked at Eames like he was screaming "Waaaaaaaaaah, help me!" And of course, he would notice the traces of David Kellan's humble origins - it seems this was something he was identifying with...

On a different note, whoa - Alex certainly has her snark back! That episode was FULL of it, and most of these had me laughing hard. (I should remember to keep fluids far away when watching these episodes on the computer!)

To the Lady at the Swan Club: "Sorry, he can't afford your meat market."
To the waiter: "...Aside from legs that go on… forever…"
To her Captain: "And how many French Lit Professors have perfect legs?"
(she can't drop it, can she?)
To the lady at the Swan Club: "Because it's soulless?"
To Ashton Skinner: "… you didn't bother to tell us you also merged with his girlfriend."
"There's no place like home." (about a sight where a corpse was dumped)

It seemed she left almost no room for Joe Hannah, though his tiny snark was cute, too!!
"Finally a suspect I like."

The case held my interest for a whole hour. The story was just twisty enough to keep me guessing, and the motive in this was developped beautifully. Good people trying to do good things and it still turns out to be bad. It was a bit sad to see the aria not with the actual killer, but with with a player in this deadly game of life. What makes Vanessa really stand out to me though is the very human element in her, they make you feel very sorry for her and Bobby feels it, too. I do think this episode, too, would've profited from us seeing the killer before the opening credits. I mean he was clearly set up as the bad guy (a bit too stereotypical, huh?), but just like in "Boots on the Ground", this would've allowed us to concentrate some more on the why and not as much on the who.

I did very much like the scene with Mr. Eames, though I thought it seemed a bit redundant. There was no REAL need for them to visit Eames' dad, yet this scene is great for what we learn about Eames. Obviously, somewhere between Season 4 (In the Dark) and now, her mother has died or is in a Nursing home. Her Dad is lonely, and drinking, clearly a bit upset for being trashed by the city he once served for (and judging from how he talks, he was a cop with all his heart). I did like his interaction with Bobby, it seems they have met at some point in the past (Johnny used the informal "Bobby", while Bobby was more formal an called him "Mr. Eames"). I could imagine a few police functions where they could've met in the past... we also learned Alex is Irish (at least that's what I gathered from her Irish-Alzheimer's comment), though we know she's not Catholic (but always wears a cross). It was really nice to see Bobby and Alex go into role reversal, and when he praised Alex for taking care of her Dad, I couldn't shake the feeling he was really saying something he would've needed to hear a couple of years back...

One highlight - if not the highlight for me - was the shrink session. I could do without the flashbacks (not very common in LOCI), but wow, this was rich of information about Bobby and I like how you know Dr. Severin is making him think and challenging him but they manage to throw more questions our way than answers. I do think the Father Issue might come up again as Bobby has not talked about Mark Ford Brady yet - which I think he might - but then, Mr. Goren is the one who counts, right? I mean he raised the kid, took him along when he was seeing his mistress and then making himself feel better by buying ice-cream for his boy... and what did Bobby learn? People lie. All people lie. Wow. So, he trusts no one? What about Alex? Lewis? Deakins? Joe? That certainly was interesting, more so because at times in the past (Think "The War at Home", "Purgatory" or "Endgame"), it seems like he treats anyone in his life that way, at least when he's in a tight spot.
I'm really likeing Julia Ormond in this role as Dr. Severin. Passive enough to be a listener, but then, she's never letting him get away, poking and pushing him. Julia and Vincent make the room sizzle with excitement, you can almost feel it. I mean, wasn't it fantastic how, at the beginning of the scene, he sat, lonely, but then, he moved closer while Dr. Severin was challenging him that he was putting a distance between them? He was trying to "fool" her, subconsciously, I guess, and she saw it and didn't let him do it. It was amazing. I'm really curious what else we will be seeing in the remaining four sessions.

There's no new episode this Sunday, which in a odd and funny way, I am happy about. I'm really digging these episodes and there's only four more to come and I plan on enjoying every one of them! We're already halfway through the season... *sigh*

Not a muggle anymore...

2011-05-26T08:19:00.001+02:00

Whew, de-muggling myself yesterday ate more time than I thought it would... and I can quite start on my new hobby yet - app problems - again!

While we're on that topic, I found a decent LJ app - at least for posting. Reading, I'll have to do via the LJ page - I just hope it will let me comment now and then. You can really tell Android and Google are one company - never struggled to find a blog app. Though I have to concede I rarely read blogs mobile... anyone know if there is a decent app for that?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.9

The abundant cuteness...

2011-05-24T08:15:00.001+02:00

... of Sunday's episode made me all high! Yet there was lots to chew on... need to rewatch to get some more details :D (I could see worse things happening!)

On a different note - I like the new mobile LJ - lots easier to read! Unfortuneately, it's not letting me post for some odd reason. I hope someone will get to this problem and maybe make and app? Just like this blogger app: Has all the essentials and works well :-D

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Monday-Monday...

2011-05-23T08:11:00.001+02:00

Monday morning and I'm on my way to work and classes... the only thing that makes me get through the day? Tonight is LOCI night for me ;-)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

LOCI has landed on its Feet

2011-05-22T22:55:00.002+02:00

Before we get into this weeks episode (jeez - can you believe we're already halfway through the season?), I want to take a few minutes and talk about last weeks episode "Boots on the Ground".

Wow. What a solid outing that was! I was completely stunned after seing this episode...

... the only thing that I think they could've done better was showing us Rebecca do the push. This would've really made this episode of LOCI a Whydunit, because we could've focused solely on finding out why she did it. The way it was written, it was a Whodunit, but at least they were working on motive most of the time, so I'm willing to cut them some slack... It also seemed to be too easy to lock up everybody at the end, but still, this episode was so cleverly crafted that any little plot holes that might have been there really didn't bother me much.

First of all, I have to say I really liked Jeri Ryan as "Naomi Halloran". I was so worried that we'd be seeing Seven of Nine all the time, but she wasn't there at all. Naomi was desperately trying to get control the situation, but the more she tried, the more things started to slip away from her. She planted Matt as a mole, never realizing that he was betraying her as well, she was falling in love with someone she shouldn't be - and in the end, ceased to do something to prevent a killing from happening. A classic LOCI perp - someone who's not exactly guilty, but definitely not innocent - someone who thinks she can fool Detective Goren. Oh well...

Yet, she wasn't any better than her "Partner in Crime" - Terrence brooks. The straight-laced soldier who doesn't worry about body count to get his things done. I loved the little Army-Navy joke! Terrence really believed himself to be the master manipulator, and he was, but not in a way that would hide his tracks and really, from the beginning you knew he was playing the dirty game...

... and the mother - Alice Clark. WOW! What a lovely performance -she shook our Detectives to the core when she didn't even flinch at her boy's death. She's the eternal revolutionary, who can't but cry when Robert Goren holds a mirror in front of her face - and you can't help but wonder whether he, himself has looked into this mirror. Was it worth it, Bobby?

Additional bonus points (again!) also go to Captain Hannah. His clearly has some good instincs (and pegs this case as a lover's quarrel) and a good sense of humor.
"Ladies and Gentleman, let's go to the video tape."
"I have a migraine now."
"Do I need sunshine here?"

His snarks only fade in comparison to Alex, who's delivered some of her best lines this season:
"Consider us gone."
"You better cancel Krav Maga."
"Friends with benefits?"
"It's tough to meet a man in New York..."

Besides all the little Gorenisms this week (the winner definitely was Bobby and Rebecca playing the turning-page-game and of course - the lean to meet Rebecca's gaze! And let's not forget the taxi climb!!), the psych session turned out pretty interesting. First off, Bobby mentions Lewis who we haven't heard of in more than 5 years, and he likens himself to an old car. Interesting analogy. And then there's the Nicole Wallace flashback - new to LOCI, but interesting, because Bobby says he pimped out his family to get a confession. What a trail of thought! I'm really liking this! In fact, I like that they don't really seem to be answering questions all that much, they just raise points for us to think about...

... I was really pleased with this outing and hope "Last Street in Manhattan" will be right up my alley! Enjoy watching tonight :)

Silly Me...

2011-05-19T23:26:00.002+02:00

You have all probably seen this already, but I get goosbumps from VDO saying my name at 0:28... I know. Silly. These things don't always jump out at me, but today they did... so much, I could barely follwing his thoughts on Goren after that... Luckily, there's a reaply button, so I can watch this over and over... plus, I've come to really like the pause button, too. Gives me room for a high-pitched *squee* now and then... *g*

Conditio Sine Qua Non

2011-05-17T23:00:00.004+02:00

I'm probably gonna need a flame suit after I post this, but this has been going around my head all day... so I'm gonna write if off my chest now.

Before I get to the meat of this post, I might have to explain the title, I guess. Literally, Conditio Sine Qua Non means "a condition without which it could not be" - or more commonly, an essential action, ingredient, or condition, without which a second action oder condition would not happen. Lawyers use this formula to string events togehter in legal cases, but it guess I could borrow this phrase for a little... and write about Robert Goren and Alex Eames. What's their conditio sine qua non? Love? Friendship?

I'm a non-shipper (NOT and anti-shipper) - I don't ship. Add no subject, it's unnecessary - I don't watch many shows, none regularly, but even on those I do watch now and then I don't ship. It guess I just don't have the shipping gene. So naturally, seeing Bobby and Alex as a couple is no priority of mine. I do like the fact that they are in a healthy working relationship and good friends, even confidants, but I also enjoy the fact that LOCI is so soap free where possible love interests are concerned. This doesn't mean that I don't like to toy with shipping scenarios in fanficition, in fact, I do, but still, when I watch my favorite TV show, I tend to watch it for different reasons. No, funny folds in VDO's pants are not part of it! I like to enjoy good acting, to watch a cleverly crafted crime story, to pick up tiny details and references...

The neat thing about LOCI has always been that most hints that went beyond friendship between the tow main characters (with the exception of the years Leight headed the show) where subtle - at best. This doesn't mean that I don't think some of Bobby's and Alex's actions couldn't be interpreted as romantic feelings, but similarly, I don't think they have to. I always liked the fact that LOCI was ambiguous and open to interpretation. VDO and KE developed an interesting dynamic of looking at each other - shippers like to call it "eye sex" (do not like this term, as I think it implies romantic feelings as a conditio sine qua non for those looks). While I think these looks are not scripted, they were something that VDO and KE obviously talked about Rene Balcer - he mentions this "look routine" in the Season 3 DVD extras and elaborates that this is they way Goren and Eames communicate with each other, how they "bounce off" ideas off each other. I think it shows that they are a great team, even more, friends, who understand each other without words. I have no problem with people who want to interpret romantic feelings into this - as long as they don't make it the conditio sine qua non for any relationship between Goren and Eames at all. Or the only theme in LOCI that's worth being discussed.

Last Sunday, while doing the live chat with fans, VDO stated pretty clearly that he does not think Bobby and Alex should be together on the show. He later added that he liked CI as "soap free" as it is now, but of course, by then many shipper hearts were already broken. I get that - what a blow! The literal punch in the stomach. Some of my closest LOCI (and real life!) friends are shippers, and it wasn't nice seeing them upset. I wish this question had gone unanswered. Visiting some fan places on the net only strengthened this wish.

And then, it made me angry, angry because some shippers now write that Robert Goren has been played like he's in love with Alex. I beg to differ for the reasons mentioned above. And I do think that it's not necessary to jump at VDO for stating an oppinion that he was asked for, actually, I think it's unfair and unnecessary. I know he's a big boy and can handle it, but it also angers me, because it claims that there is no question about there being romantic feelings and a stance like this only adds fuel to the fire. Last night, I typed two or three posts, only to delete them before posting because I didn't want to get into another shipper war. I had one about a year ago and that was one more than I ever wanted to have. I'm so tired of this discussion that always seems to end with people getting hurt - at least over the net. Luckily, I have had some decent and honest discussions about the ship with some of my close friends. The Bobby and Alex ship still ain't my cup of tea. However, I do like to look beyond the rim of my cup once in a while.

Tea, anyone? :-)

Can't wait...

2011-05-16T08:16:00.001+02:00

... for tonight :-D It will will be a challenge stearing clear of spoilers... very curious about Jeri Ryan :-D

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

You know you have wrong Hobby...

2011-05-15T11:52:00.001+02:00

... when you're sitting on a camping chair while the wind is blowing around your ears and you had to get up excruciatingly early... at least it's not raining ;-) But the dogs think this weather is juuuuuuuuust right for running... they prefer these cooler temperatures... actually, I do, too... as long as it's not raining :-D

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Season 10 - alternate opening

2011-05-14T23:31:00.003+02:00

I'm trying to steer clear off the "Boots on the Ground" clips and episode info, so I'm not spoiling myself. I think it's better if I go into an episode without expecting anything... and I do have high hopes for this one, as I really do like Jeri Ryan a lot.

But, while we're waiting... Bev posted this on Facebook a couple of days ago... Alternate Opening Credits for S10 in the stlye of the UK's Channel 5 version. These are fan made, but I think they're pretty cool:

Not Consoled

2011-05-13T19:21:00.001+02:00

... by "The Consoler". I hate myself for saying it, because there's SO much about this episode, that I did like - it's just that I can seem the fully see beyond the "pink elephant" in the room...

Not only was I sad to find out that they REALLY did change order of episodes and "The Consoler" actually takes place after "Rispetto", I would've expected just a tad bit more of a return for our duo. Think back to "Faithfully", it's clear that it takes place after "Frame", in which Bobby was not fired and Eames had not resigned, so there wasn't more need to clear up things. Okay, in "The Consoler" we found out that the new Captain went to bat for Bobby and that's the reason why he's back... but what about Eames? And never mind, but what happend to Callas, Stevens and Nichols? Not that I care *that* much about the latter three, but for the sake of continuity...

So what if I do look beyond the pink elephant? Hmmm... I did think the story fell a bit flat - mainly for being full of stereotypes. Of course the Monseigneur can't keep it in his pants (they all can't, remember Father McShale from "The Faithful" and Reverend Wyler in "Faithfully"?), and inspite of the fact that he would've made a great opponent for Bobby, of course, he didn't kill Theresa - the "molested kid grown up to be a twisted adult" did. Of course that kid loved sports - and of course the sports teacher at a Catholic school was the perpetrator... the episode was convoluted, therefore barely scraped the surface of what's important and rather stuck to predictable twists and turns...

... maybe, had Theresa's sole reponsbility been settling the cases associated with Franklin Catholic High School, framing Johnny would've worked better. Maybe Johnny could've been more honest about what happened to him much earlier in the story... maybe we should've known right from the start that Johnny was VERY suspicious... Not the Monseigneur, not the troubled friend... sll of this makes these episodes still more into a "Whodunit" than a "Whydunit". The "Whydunit" jumps out of the hat (tiara?) more or less at the very end, expect for Bobby inquiring about Johnny's High School years once or twice. I'm gonna duck for stone's flying my way, but IMHO, what made some of LOCI's greatest perps so interesting was that you KNEW they were the killer... you just didn't know why. Think about Dr. Dwyer from "Seizure" or Nelda from "Semi-Detached"...

But, onto nicer things... the stuff that I really liked:

JOE Hannah! Jay O. Sanders is really working, taking the little they offer him and turning it into a sweet performance. "Don't get in my face", "I know how non-negotiable these sessions were to get your ass behind this desk." and "I got your back" tell us so much more about this character. He's loyal. He's stern. He knows what he wants, he makes sure he gets it, but yet he also cares about his Detectives, he's a friend and a defender... just a very decent guy. I really like him and I hope they will be able introduce Captain Hannah to us a bit more in the remaining six episodes.

Bobby & Eames - too funny in this episode! Her little "cough" when the Captain is approaching, her exasperation when Bobby proceeds to call the Captain a moron... they go bat together for their case. They work a lovely tandem interrogation that finally breaks down the Monseigneur, they even argue about the case without getting lost in it... maybe, after they've solved this one, Alex now has time for Catechism class? (funny snark, btw.!)

All the little Gorenisms - so sweet! So wonderful! The heigthened sense of smell is back, and Alex patiently waits (even amused?) when Bobby examines the body, plus the little "tug o' war" with Johnny and the DVD! Taking the racket from the blond lady on the tennis court, knowing about the characteristics of suicide notes, recognizing myrrh, spending hours at the office looking at tapes... Bobby Goren is really back. Full force. Makes it all REALLY worth watching...

... oh, I almost forgot. The shrink. Wow. GREAT scene. Extremely lovely performance by VDO, who made Bobby all nervous and insecure - something we don't see often. Fast paced scene, confusing, not sugar coating anything. I love Dr. Severin. She never lost control of the situation, yet let Bobby have his little "freak out" about even being there before they could begin... This will be very interesting. I do think that less in more in this respect. Little tibdits like this should be easy to digest, but we don't want to choke on a huge bite...

All in all, an episode with dozens of treats for the viewer. The story was a bit flat, but maybe I wasn't in the right mood for it... but I definitely can't wait for the little jewels we'll see this weekend :)

Speechless

2011-05-12T19:41:00.002+02:00

... no, that's not the reason I have neglected this blog for over a week. That's the old reason - I don't have as much time as I used to... no. This here... this made me completely speechless:

Q) Your role is so iconic and it’s become such a fan favorite, what would you like to say to everybody who’s been a supporter of Criminal Intent and yours as well?

Kathryn Erbe: I cannot thank everyone enough. This has been such an amazing experience. And it’s not - honestly, I have - since leaving the show I mean I was aware that people were enthusiastic but when I was asked to step down a year and a half ago was when I really - it really hit home for me how strongly people did support the character and me, especially this group that they collaborated on this - what they call the binder project. And they sent one to Vincent, to me and to Eric Bogosian. And when I received this sort of in the depths of my despair about not being on the show anymore it just really was - I was speechless. I was so moved by everyone’s support. It has been really just an amazing experience. I’m so, so grateful.

Thank you, Kathryn. We had such great fun putting the binders together :)

Source

Edit 5/13: I reposted this as Blogger's maintenance yesterday ate it.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T - find out what it means to me...

2011-05-03T21:34:00.002+02:00

So I had the chance to see ep. 10x01 Rispetto, and as you may have guessed, I'm not sparing you with my thoughts on it now *ggg* Let's start with what I didn't like and then move onto what I did like...(careful, babbling ahead ;-)

- USA switching around the order of episodes! Unforgiveable. I meant it doesn't really change Rispetto, which is a good episode, but it completely throws off the story arc - there was (of course) no mention of how they came back to MCS, of the new Captain... Rispetto drew 5 million viewers this week, which is pretty darn good, but I'm almost certain it would've done just as well next week. The only thing that consoles me, litterally, is the fact that the timecards are back and therefore, depending on what we'll see in The Consoler next week, we'll just know, or be able to pretend, that Rispetto didn't take place before The Consoler.

- Detective Eames? Did they just erase Loyalty? She was a Lieutenant back then... but she still wears a Detective badge and wasn't ever addressed as Lieutenant. I'm hoping they'll explain next week. I mean Captain Hannah has the spot she was slated to have...

- Here's some beef with the actual episode. So Nyle Brite was this very famous fashion designer... then how come that his daugter, Sarah Bell (Chloe Miller) did never see a picture of him in any magazine or on TV? I mean she even wore many of his dresses, so I'm guessing she should've seen a picture at some point. IMHO, it's a tad bit unbelieveable that she would just show up at his party and be shocked to find her dad. Even with the Name change from Norman Brightly to Nyle Brite - if he was that famous, she should've seen a picture of him at some point. A bit of a plot hole, huh? That's okay, I'll sacrifice some realism for drama ;-)

- Rispetto was a pretty classical Whodunit, not a Whydunit. The motive didn't take shape until the last scene and though we did get great characterization of Nyle Brightly, he was not the murderer. In fact, after he was killed, it seemed a bit like everybody had become "a person of interest" and they were just going from one suspect to another. I think showing us who Teddy Scolar was fell a bit short in comparison to Nyle Brite, but we really would've needed that.

But, even though I have the aforementioned quabbles, there was lots to like:

+ Gorenisms!! A whole stack of them... he's into people's faces again (Are you texting us?), he's taking charge at the crime scene, playing with the lilac braclets like a little child (of course he knows what they mean), shows some insight in psychological behavior (remark about Nyle's son Tyler), pokes around and notices little details that otherwise might have gone unnoticed, the phone call to Teddy Scolar as Armani representative, the tie clip, the binder, leaning to examine the bruise at the morgue... yes, Bobby is back in full force!

+ The aria! Technically a "Gorenism", but I think this needs an honorary mention, as the aria was really nice. He was really poking Teddy, mocking him, making fun of him, pushing him until he'd know Teddy would crack... it also showed in their movements - Bobby was pushing him Teddy around the room, literally, almost "dominating" him. The Rispetto theme was nicely woven into it, and of course I did not miss the water carrier line that probably was a bit of a "tongue in the cheek" for the fans more than anything. The only little minus I have is that I think it would've worked even better had we gotten bit more background on Teddy scholar.

+ They still do have that interrogation room - and whoa, they still know how to use it. Nyle Brite's interrogation was really good - some fine acting by three actors and some wonderful tag-teaming by Goren and Eames. In general, I gotta say, Jay Mohr turned in an excellent performance. He was emotional, bouncing off the walls, funny, crazy, desperate... you didn't know whether to feel sorry for him or be mad at him...

+ Captain William Hannah - I really, really enjoyed him!! He was a bit "subdued" in this episode, still lookin' for his spot, uncertain. There wasn't much to hold onto where his character was concerned, but I'm guessing this will change this Sunday... however, what I saw I really liked. He's more the Jimmy Deakins type character (or so it seems), a bit more of a cop than a detective, has authority, yet seems to be a fun fella to hang out with. Maybe I'm giving him too much credit, but I really liked what I saw.

+ Meet Alex Eames, the fashion victim! She rarely gets to show the lady side inside her, but her "fashion statements" were sweet and from the crime scene to the aria always fit in with the flow. There was no force á la "Let's give Alex some snarks" in them... and they weren't only verbal statements - she wore no less than 3 different coats in one episode (that's gotta be a first!), pretty boots at Debra Brite's apartment... and while we did she her in somewhat casual clothes in some scenes, much like we have in the past, she also was in a bit fancier attire in some scenes. Plus the fact that Kathryn Erbe is still amazingly beautiful.

That's pretty much all I have to say after 1.5 viewings - I really liked Rispetto. I can overlook that little plot hole in the beginning an enjoy a nice episode of Criminal Intent. It's not the episode's fault that USA switched around the order again...

Oh, and one last plus. A big one, kinda one of the ultimates for me.

+ The timcards are back!!

'Nuf said :)

I just realized...

2011-05-02T11:03:00.001+02:00

... it's a good thing I work today, so I don't have to run a zig-zag course around my e-mail, blogs, lj, facebook and the web in general in order to avoid spoilers :D

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

A Heartfelt Letter from Kathryn Erbe

2011-05-02T00:47:00.002+02:00

Maybe my "amzing Lady" outburst earlier this week makes sense after you've read this Heartfelt Letter from Kathryn Erbe (posted at the GorenandEamessaved-Blog) which the Easter Bunny brought to us. We wanted to post it on this special day, but really, I just couldn't keep the joy to myself...

We're just a bit over 2 hours away from the Season 10 premiere, which means I'm way past my bedtime for someone who has classes and work tomorrow! I hope everbody has a great evening, don't forget to burry Vincent in tweets and I'll hopefully be catching up sometime later, much later... :)

And just because I adore it sooooooooooooooooo much!
(some of you will be seeing the real thing soon!)

T-27 Hours... getting into the mood...

2011-04-30T23:53:00.002+02:00

... with some caps! I'll be dead asleep when LOCI premieres, but here's to the lucky ones who will get to see LOCI 10x01 Rispetto (gee, that one looks odd and I never thought I'd be writing it!!) tomorrow evening... and something to enjoy - or be spoiled - for the others!
Sorry for the crappy quality, video files do not like being converted twice before you have them in a *cappable* format...

You know, they both look like they're about to see a dentist, but I like the fact that you can see Bobby's badge number... it's still 4376!!

Okay, that witness has red ears! You know what red ears mean...

Shoulders...

... and sheesh, they're spoiling us! Even more shoulders!

He's still got the look...

Uuuuuuh-oooooh, he's in for a prank...

Nice and shiny teeth, Detective!

Someone's enjoying the Goren Show! ;-)

Ahhhh, Intensity!

And a absolute personal favorite to finish this post :)

An Amazing Lady

2011-04-27T22:14:00.003+02:00

It's no secret I started watching CI because of Alex Eames - her snarkyness, her independence, her wit, her loyalty to her job... that was what made me come back to see CI initially... those traits that she shares with the lady who breathes life into her - Kathryn Erbe. Just today, she proved to me yet again how considerate and loyal she is... simply an amazing lady!

All Things Bright and Beautiful...

2011-04-26T23:55:00.002+02:00

... so we're enjoying spring!

Oh No... Aidan is a tree-hugger!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T23:54:00.002+02:00

Hoppy Easter, Everyone!

So we're a week away from the LOCI premiere and while I've grown anxious about this shuffle USA has made, I can at least say that I really, really like the clips that have surfaced, especially the third clip where Goren pretends to be a "fashion guy" working for Armani. Not only would I say is this a bit of a tongue in the cheek - as Goren used to (and probably does again) wear Armani suits... of course, it's such a joy seeing him toy around with suspects! We probably haven't seen him act this "gay" since Anti-Thesis...

While we're on the topic of phones... I have made my first Skype conference call! Skype is really cool and it's so nice to talk to people on the other side of the world (or closer *g*), and there's NO static but excellent sound quality, and, to top it off - it's free of charge!

Oh, and while everybody is celebrating Easter today (I'm already showing side effects of chocolate overdose), there's a Birthday Girl among us... I'm not as good as you are at making birthday cards, but I came across this tree today and thought is was kinda perfect for the occasion...

It's the Order, Stupid! => Rispetto Promo

2011-04-22T00:21:00.003+02:00

So they are really doing it. Let's hope they can work this out without a repeat of the "Faithfully"-Fiasco! *Sigh*

Isn't it sad that right now, although I'm liking what I see, I can't get excited?

Eeny-meeny-miny-moe...

2011-04-21T22:31:00.004+02:00

We're down to T-9 days until season 10 launches, and up until now, I was in good spirits. I have been kinda cautiously waiting from the sidelines, not wanting to get all excited, or my hopes up so they're so high they can't meet then, but I've been enjoying every tidbit of LOCI that was thrown our way... from the vids to the *airbrushed* picture ;-)

And now I'm scared. This came into my inbox today: LOCI Tidbit at AllThingsLawandOrder - so now Rispetto is the Season Premiere, not "The Consoler", like we've been told? Please tell me they had this in mind all along and this is not some knee jerk reaction and we're gonna see the actual Season Premiere as epsiode 3 or 4... We do not need a repeat of the Disorder that was Season 8, it really killed the great and SUBTLE Goren story arc that was going on... I remember that when I did my post about what I wanted to S10, that was on my list. Proper Order, because, after all, it's the order, stupid! ;-)

*Sigh*

I guess this is what USA does to figure out episode order??

Eeny-meeny-miny-moe...

45 Million Dollars

2011-04-19T00:30:00.003+02:00

Just about 10 years ago to the day, all LOCI cast and crew received a memo like the one posted above, which cracks me up every time I read it. I love the reference to "appropriate dress" for a wooded area - I'm thinking shoe gear wise, or pants wise, but to phrase it that way... I guess the person who dropped the boom mic into the shot when they recover the victim from the car (only visible in the 16:9 version) wasn't in "appropriate attire"!

And it gets even better. Besides the fact that I think 45 Million Dollars is quite expensive for a prop (even if it was only rented), I'm trying to think what kind of equipement people would wish to place on the outside??

But, to top it off, I love how they emphasize that no one can be on the plane who doesn't have to... I wonder why! *gggg*

"It's a tight fit in here!"

You name it, Bobby, cause your head was constantly brushing the ceiling, getting your curls in a twist! (I'd tidy them up for you in a New York minute! *g*)

And finally, one posted solely for the LOVELY smile :)

Stylish :-)

2011-04-17T22:29:00.003+02:00

Bev of Blue Velvet Vincent gave me this award! It came as a total surprise and I can't thank her enough. Bev - do not remember how we met, but you're honest, and caring - I'm very glad I know you!

Now, I'll have to put off awarding this any further, as I see most blogs I would've given it to have already gotten it... but, in the mean time, I'll tell you seven things about me.

I'm lefthanded. In fact, I'm as lefthanded as it gets - my right hand is pretty useless!
I own three dogs and two cats. That's about 20 paws too many!
I learned Navy carrier slang to be able to understand JAG undubbed. From "bolter" to "trap", from "CAG" to "LSO" (and some other pretty odd acronyms) I knew them all. In fact, I still do!
I recently skyped for the first time. That was pretty exciting and gave me the uniqe chance to talk with a fellow Vincent fan I've known for more than two years. And it wasn't weird at all - just lots of fun. We talked for more than two hours and could've easily talked for two more!
I love the English language more than my own. If available, I'll watch TV in English, I always prefer LOCI undubbed. For me, that's the biggest bonus in buying DVDs.
I love writing fanfiction, but I'm better at getting things started than finishing it. My "Work in Progress" Folder is WAY TOO BIG. Except for a little Star Trek ficlet, I've never published any other work than LOCI, though.
I get a silly satisfaction of finding little Easter eggs on shows... I have to say, LOCI is a bit boring where that is concerned (though I love those little goofs!), but one of my other favorite shows of the past, JAG, is full of them. Don Bellisario, the producer, was known for hiding these little treasures... one's right here, from the ep. 3x04 "Blind Side". Commander Rabb has a witness on the stand read the letters on the board - except for the last line - which reads "I fly Navy".

Oh, and while we all know the TV business is hard... I had the best of times watching this Video about Making JAG. Why? Because Catherine Bell explains how she was cast and how they wanted someone who was tall because the star of the show was 6'4''. LOL! Don't get me wrong, I love Catherine Bell, she portayed "Mac" so well, but I'm glad there never was a height requirement for Eames. That wouldn't have been stylish at all.

Golden Oldie...

2011-04-12T23:18:00.002+02:00

... turns 10 years young today! Let's hope for a couple more with our first dog, Queen of Stubbornness, lover of everything edible (and everything not edible), who will do almost anything for a treat and always welcomes guests with gifts (shoes, socks, stuffed animals...) also known as "please give me belly rub" ... :)

M&M's... back for good

2011-04-09T00:58:00.002+02:00

I absolutely love M&M's commercials, but this definitely is one of their best! I just came into my teenage years at the very tailend of Take That's existence, so... this is just too funny!

Pillow/Cushion Challenge - Body Pillow

2011-04-04T23:41:00.002+02:00

I'd meant to write a drabble in weeks, but never got to it. Life is seriously cutting into my LOCI time these days... anyway, tonight I couldn't resist toying with this idea just a bit :-)

I know it's not Bobby, but I adore this picture so much, I had to post it with this...

~*~*~*~

Title: Body Pillow
Flavor: L&O – Criminal Intent / SVU
Characters: R. Goren, O. Benson
Word Count: 109
Rating: Mature (kinda)
Summary: Changing sleeping patterns, set in S8, a sequel to some of the others I’ve written
Yeah, once in a while I still like to play with those two. It’s a bug I can’t get rid of ;-)

Later, Bobby couldn’t tell how long it had taken for the afterglow to fade, but when sleep started to creep up on him, he subconsciously grabbed a pillow and cuddled it. Years of nightmares and too many nights without a woman in his bed, much less one he loved, had shaped a pattern.

Olivia, tethering on the brink of dreamland herself, smiled. “So I’m not the only one tired? Good.”

She reached for his hand and started to wrap his body around hers like a blanket, her body curled into his. Burying his head in her neck, Bobby realized that he preferred this new body pillow to all others.

~*~*~*~

Yawn! I think it's time for bed now... ;-)

Ordinary Miracle

2011-04-02T00:11:00.003+02:00

Sorry, having a bit of an emotional moment here, as my niece is in her baby seat next to me sleeping... I still can't believe she's here. She's ours! Silly, I know, but I cannot change my feelings...

It's not that unusual
When everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

The sky knows when it's time to snow,
Don't need to teach a seed to grow,
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you every day
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own love.

Isn't it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

Birds are meant to have their flame
They always make it home on spring
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
'Cause we are all a part of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle,
Do you want to see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional
The things just work out after all
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

The sun comes up and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

It's just another ordinary miracle today.

~*~*~*~*~

Oh, and while we're on the topic of miracles... let's share today's CI miracle. USA is really beginning to advertise the coming Season of Criminal Intent! (of course, with USA's track record, that's more like an out-of-the-ordinary miracle!!)

Doesn't he look phenomenal?

*click to enlarge - YAY!*

To a very Special Lady

2011-03-30T22:39:00.002+02:00

It's a pity this is post 304, not 303 (or 30-3), which would've been kinda funny, but really, it doesn't matter, beacuse I gotta say "Happy Birthday!!" to a very special Lady today! I don't know or remember how long you've been around this blog, Bev, but I often smile about your comments and I do enjoy talking to you here, and sometimes, on a more private level :-) I know we have some more things in common than just the incredibly talented Mr. D'O and I hope we'll get many more chances to talk... but, like I promised you earlier today, for now, Bobby has got plans for you...

You know, he spent countless hours researching on what to do with you on a perfect date:

So tonight, when the sun is setting...

... have some overnight stuff ready...

... and better be all fancied up and ready to go, 'cause there's a sharp dressed man coming to pick you up...

... for a long and lovely walk on the beach...

... just to spend some good time with you...

... showing you the tiniest of treasures...

(and, notice, he's even put on his good cufflinks for you!!)

... like this little restaurant, where you'll dine...

... and enjoy a few drinks...

... okay, maybe not that many drinks, but you'll get a good chance to talk and enjoy each other's company... until sunrise...

... when he'll take you home so you can unwrap your present...

... start with the velveteen ribbon in the middle...

... and work yourself through several layers of "packaging"...

... yeah, we like to wrap thoroughly...

Hey, stop rushing this, will ya!?

You'll get to enjoy this thoroughly...!!

It's just... it's a bit censored after I get to the unwrapping part, you know?? *ggg*

Happy Birthday, Beverly!!

Since this Blog just Turned Two...

2011-03-29T23:57:00.001+02:00

... a couple of days ago and Mr. Nimoy just turned 80 a couple of days ago... let's enjoy a bit of silliness!

Setting Course for the next 2 years. Warp 9. Make it so! ;-)

So Robert Goren...

2011-03-29T00:27:00.003+02:00

... when did you get married??

I know, I sometimes have the oddest of thoughts, but when I saw THIS picture, clearly featuring Vincent studying his script, the above still ran through my head... I guess it's because in all these years we've never seen a flub where the wedding band was visible. We won't, in this scene, either - he was wearing gloves for the acutal shoot... and unless they magically dissappear like those in Family Values... hey, I claim work overload from tax season or something like that!! Well, anyway, check out the story behind the picture, if you haven't done so, kindly put together by redwingx/ny-odyssey.

That time of the Month again...

2011-03-21T00:37:00.002+01:00

Round #6 for CI20in20!
I really enjoyed doing these - playing with one of my favorite episodes - Semi-Detached :) "Weapon" was quite the challenge, so where the directions... but enjoy anway !!

10 THEMES

beginning	green	emotion	plus one	angst


badge	weapon	black & white	interrogation	ending

5 Category - Directions

right	left	front	up	down

5 Artist's Choice

#1	#2	#3	#4	#5

Let us all be Irish for a while...

2011-03-17T22:30:00.002+01:00

It's a happy coincidence that this post is my 300th, just about 2 years after I started this blog. Mind you, 300 is not that much, but then, I honestly didn't expect to be around this long, never mind ever reaching 300... so I get to celebrate this along with St. Patrick's Day! :)

Today, while thinking about what to post, I realized that I know just about nothing about St. Patrick - so I googled and realized - there is not much to be known about St. Patrick or rather - it quite a matter of contestion where and when he lived and what he did exactly. Most Historians today seem to believe two letters that are attributed to him (very likely authentic): He was born in the 5th century BC, the son of a Roman Soldier stationed in Britain. His mother was very possibly related to Saint Martin of Tours and when he was 16, Patrick was abducted and sold into slavery in Ulster. Working as a shepherd, he acquired the Gaelic language, and legend has it that he fled after six years, when the Angels told him to. From then on, he lived as priest and missionary in Ireland, teaching the "savages" about the Holy Trinity, symblized by a green clover. However, it is genuinely accepted today that some stories of other missionaries and early priests are falsely attributed to him. Most likely, he died on March 17th, 493, thus this day is celebrated as St. Patrick's Day. While considered a Saint, he was never formerly canonized by a Pope. Thus, St. Patrick's Day is only a church Holiday in some areas, while in others, it's not observed at all or it's a day to celebrate all things Irish.

Since I've been to Ireland twice, in 1995 and 1997, I can very much unterstand this notion to celebrate all things Irish. Not only do I remember the green hills of Ireland, and the beauty of its landscape, the millions of sheep, the ancient stone buildings, but also the levity with which they lived their everyday life and the friendliness with which they welcomed all strangers. So, I guess, it's appropriate to share some of it in an irish blessing today... this is for my friends and readers... let's all be Irish for a while :)

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

Tax Season

2011-03-16T23:48:00.003+01:00

This is basically how I've been feeling since mid-February... With my sister out of the company and home with her newborn and the advent of tax season in Austria, stuff has been piling up on my desk... it's not that I don't like work. I like it, it's fun - it's just a lot right now!! And really, sometimes I can't help but smile at people when they make lots of money, never realizing that they will have to pay taxes for what they earn. I'm paraphrasing, but often times I hear them ask me: "Are you trying to tell me that I will have to pay taxes for money I've already spent?" It's like... "Erm, yes, that's how it works here..."

Anways, now and then, some distraction is good... so... have fun being distracted with me!

Hmmm... that was nice... now here's my question of the day: If I admit to being involved in a major tax scam, what are the chances of a certain detective coming to arrest me?? *g*

A few lima beans short of succotash...

2011-03-13T23:20:00.001+01:00

... that'd be Aidan :-) But we'll get there - more time, more practice, more trials! Very proud of my little redhead anyway...

A woman of my kind

2011-03-09T07:04:00.000+01:00

When the recent pictures of filming "Boots on the Ground" surfaced, I discovered that Kathryn Erbe really is a woman of my kind... why? Because she realizes there's no way around a dog called "Lilah" having a beautiful lilac colored leash! I just wish they'd included Lilah in this pictures - what better is there than two beautiful blondes smiling at the camera??

(Yes, I do attend Leash-aholics-anonymous frequently!!! It's a bad, bad habit! )

Living Props

2011-03-07T00:04:00.001+01:00

All these pictures of shooting 10x2 "Boots on the Ground" and the corpse on the cab again made me wonder... how do some people manage to stay this still? I remember posting this girl from Semi-Detached, who had to sit through Bobby fumbling around her bra...

*click on picture to go to original post*

... but just when I thought it doesn't get better than this, how about Bobby hovering over you, holding up your head?? I mean how many takes end up on the cutting room floor because someone screams, giggles or sighs? Yeah, maybe it's just my overimaginative mind, but I certainly can't see myself being a good dead - living prop... *gg*

Bobby's Secret Binder Notes #6

2011-03-05T23:17:00.004+01:00

... from 3x02 "Gemini"...

- Wonder how I'd look with blue contacts. And, if one wears blue contacts - do you see things in blue?

- I can't believe how slow some doors close.

- A ring species is a connected series of neighboring populations, each of which can interbreed with closely sited related populations, but for which there exist at least two "end" populations in the series, which are too distantly related to interbreed, though there is a potential gene flow between each "linked" species.

- Return "In the Struggle" and "Survival Strategies" to the library on Wednesday.

- The Eyes Have It. What a name for an optician's store!

- A feeling of being surrounded by fakes + the world being out of order = paranoid delusion.

- "Our siblings push buttons that cast us in roles we felt sure we had let go of long ago - the baby, the peacekeeper, the caretaker, the avoider.... It doesn't seem to matter how much time has elapsed or how far we've traveled." ~Jane Mersky Leder

- Eames is looking for a new hair colorist. One for which you do not need referrals!

- I want a book on tax cuts for NYPD Detectives!

- Where did I put my Burberry Travel Kit?

- I hate people who mark up library books. Bad habit.

- Paranoid Schizophrenics make excellent witnesses.

Enjoyed this?
Read more Secret Binder Notes:
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5

Mobile :-D

2011-03-05T00:22:00.001+01:00

Have I mentioned that I really do like my new phone? It's still working... so I'm gonna have some fun! ;-)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Auntie, again :)

2011-02-28T21:41:00.002+01:00

Little Miss Chiara arrived just about two hours ago. Mom and Baby are doing fine. No, this is not her - I do not have any specifics just yet. But of course I'm just a bit excited... really, just a bit ;-)

Does becoming an Auntie twice in 2 weeks make me officially old?

One Last Lean

2011-02-26T22:44:00.002+01:00

You know, when Sharon commented on the "buzzing energy" in the early Goren in the post below, I just had the oddest of thoughts, or rather, came to realize that in fact they are coming back. I guess now that they have been filming and that I have seen a commercial, it's the first time I actually believe it. And then, I had to think of that lean above. It was probably one of the only times I've had a very conscious thought when watching LOCI, but I remember thinking. "Oh my. This is it. This is the last lean. He's leaving..." A few people critcized that hug as half-hearted, but I always couldn't help myself but love it, love it for what it was... a little gift for the fans. I think I'm gonna save that thought for watching the new episodes. This doesn't mean that I won't be critical, or watch and think, but then, I'm ready to view the eps on this other level, you know? It's called "I'm gonna enjoy every second of it!"

Oh my...

2011-02-26T00:03:00.003+01:00

I know everybody has already seen this like a gazillion times today, but...

Suit. Tie. All tidy hair! Drop dead gorgeous.

Welcome Back, Bobby Goren.

He's lookin' mighty fine. Certainly not like he still needs extensive counseling... uuuh, sorry.
Anybody care to quench that obnoxious voice in my head?

I'm taking bets...

2011-02-23T00:07:00.003+01:00

... on how long I will have my new phone. When I got it for Christmas, the SIM card reader was not working. It was sent in, replaced and I had the phone for 12 days before the touchpad ceased working... it's back now. So get your bet in on how long I'm having it this time...

Just in case...

2011-02-15T08:00:00.001+01:00

Here's another drabble for the current L&O 100 challenge. I think I need not explain how this came about :)

Title: Just in case
Flavor: L&O – Criminal Intent
Characters: A. Eames
Word Count: 113 (will try to do better next time, I promise!)
Rating: PG
Summary: Alex is prepared... just in case!

It was just a precaution. Even before Alex went on desk duty, she decided to keep an overnight bag in her locker – just in case her water would break at the most “inconvenient” of times. She had made the baby promise to be born outside of office hours, but just in case... She didn’t want to take any risks where this pregnancy was concerned. The road to getting pregnant had been rocky enough.

When Alex got into work the morning of November 21st, she felt funny. By eleven, she decided to fetch her bag and go to the hospital. A couple of hours later she was sending a very special message to Bobby...

Now talk about a Valentine's gift...

2011-02-14T19:56:00.002+01:00

I was really trying to come up with something cute for Valentine's Day, but alas, when I checked facebook this afternoon, I discovered this task had just vanished into thin air...

I'm an Auntie!
Kathryn Sara was born at 6:20 this morning (12:20 p.m. my time), weighing 5 lbs. 1 oz (roughly 2300g). Grandma reported she has great chances in a career as choir singer ;-) Mom and Baby are doing fine, I jope it won't be too long before I get to meet her in person - I'm a tad bit homesick right now... and can't help but think a Valentine's baby really is the perfect Valentine's gift...!
(Sorry Luca, you're gonna have to "share" your birthday now...)

I think...

2011-02-12T21:32:00.003+01:00

...we'll be seeing this ear more often in the coming 8 episodes.

(Never mind the cute detective in the center of the picture!)

And silly me can't get over the new Captain's name... William Hannah. ;-)

Hugging you in my Heart

2011-02-08T23:31:00.003+01:00

No, sorry, Barbi, this is neither incredibly creative, nor funny, nor Vincent related. I came up with this post last Saturday, when this picture was taken, and I'm certain you recognize it (the text, not the picture *LOL*) and know how much it means to me - or to us, as friends.

Happy Birthday!

I wish you were within hagging distance.
I wish you were right here, face to face,
and that we were laughing and talking
about anything and everything
that comes into our heads.

I know there are many ways
to keep in touch these days,
and I am thankful for all of them,
but what I wouldn't give,
to have you in the same room with me!

But I can still imagine it, of course,
and that's what I'm doing right now.
I'm smiling to think about
how much you mean to me,
how lucky I am to have you in my life...
and I'm hugging you in my heart.

~ Cheryl Hawkinson ~

Smoking can damage your health

2011-02-07T23:50:00.001+01:00

A friend sent this to me today, and I literally fell over laughing - I just had to share...

Choking on a Tidbit

2011-02-04T22:58:00.003+01:00

So LOCI is coming back May 1st. YAY!! That's great news and really made my day yesterday :-)

But aside from that, I'm not certain how much of the new info I like, or rather, if I should make all kinds of theories about it. I mean, Networks have a tendency to tease us, and when they threw some info at us, yesterday, it was probably just to feed us some breadcrumbs while were waiting impatiently. I, currently, am choking on that Psychiatrist Counsil for Bobby that they have mentioned. I simply don't think he needs it - not for healing, he's been healing all over S8 and we saw it. Maybe he needs it to order some things in his life, maybe, we won't see this psychiatrist much at all. I don't know - and really, I probably shouldn't be chewing on this tidbit. Rather, I should lean back, wait and enjoy what we already have. Such a moving healing process, wonderfully portrayed by Vincent, and put together in this sweet video...

Thought of the Day: On Writing

2011-02-01T22:44:00.002+01:00

Today, I came across this quote - and I have to say, I really love it for the truth in it. Often times, books (and to a lesser extent, TV-shows) have made me think, see things differently or notice things that I haven't paid attention to before...

The two most engaging powers of an author are
to make new things familiar and familiar things new.

~ Samuel Johnson ~

Little Red Rocket

2011-01-31T21:52:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was Aidan's first Agility Trial! We had two Standard runs. Although we were disqualified on the first run and had a rather "uneasy" run-in with the tire jump plus two dropped bars on the second run (both entirely my fault!!), I'm very pleased with the results. Luckily, he didn't get hurt on the tire jump and wasn't afraid to redo it, either. We still have to learn so much as a team, but he's only 18 months old and ran 3.96 m/s (!) on his second course. I'm so very proud of my boy.

One size fits all...

2011-01-27T22:11:00.003+01:00

That was the thought that crossed my mind when I was capping 3x02 "Gemini". I mean, when you look at this picture, the latex gloves fit Eames nicely, like a second skin. They cover her wrist nicely, but his look crumpled and small... or he has sweaty hands ;-) Sorry, tired brain and silly thoughts today... *ggg*

Recovery Challenge - Man in Uniform

2011-01-25T22:29:00.002+01:00

Okay, ever since I got this "Most Popular Posts" gadget for the sidebar, one post has been sitting at the top - the "Man in Uniform" post about Bobby and what the uniform he wore in 2x08 Pilgrim could possibly tell us... and somehow, while I was thinking about that and this weeks' LawandOrder100 challenge, the drabble below was conceived.

Title: Man in Uniform
Flavor: L&O – Criminal Intent
Characters: R. Goren, A. Eames
Word Count: 107
Rating: PG
Summary: The Uniform messes with Bobby’s head (post 2x08 Pilgrim)

It had to be the uniform.

Although it was sitting more tightly, he felt ten years younger, coupled with an invincible urge to light another smoke when he had beaten this bad habit years ago. His knee, injured beyond recovery in Kuwait, had hurt, even before his struggle with the terrorist.

“Did you get hurt? You’re limping,” Alex looked at him from beneath her beret.

Bobby smiled back at her, she looked so cute in this military uniform which was at least three sizes too big. If the wind were to pick up, she’d be blown right out of it.

“Don’t worry. It’s the uniform. I’ll recover.”

Apples and..., well, Apples!

2011-01-24T18:21:00.002+01:00

Okay, I concede, I am a major schmuck when it comes to interior decoration! I like my home nice, clean, without anything "too much", because really, that will just be something I have to dust... but I think when I discovered the fake apples in 3x01 Undaunted Mettle, I had to laugh. Three of them, they sit on the architect's table, in beautiful red when we first meet him...

... and, get this. Later on, in the ep, they change color!! I know it's hard, but keep your eyes to the right for a second ;-) I'll have to pay more attention next time I visit IKEA... I might be missing out on a new trend!

20 reasons to post... (CI 20in20)

2011-01-20T23:35:00.002+01:00

Hey guys! I hope you all started out well in the new year? I can't believe it's been weeks since I posted, but I'm not going to make up apologies for it. Or maybe I am... anyways, it's because I haven't had that much blogworthy stuff on my mind - in fact, because I haven't watched anything VDO in weeks. Eeek. Now THAT might be a problem. HELP! I just often work "off" seeing an episode or so... I did watch some of the S3 DVD extra's over Christmas and have caught something VERY interesting, but it will probably be a bit longer before I post it. I had a nice Christmas and did take the off time to do some writing, which felt so nice. Other than that, school and work is busy as usual. Aidan is going to his first trial, soon, so I've put some more attention to that... I know I haven't done blogrounds in ages, either, but I really wanted to say thanks to all of those that have been sending me messages and checking in whether I was ok. It's nice to know you're appreciated and missed.

I did enter Round 5 and Criminal Intent 20in20, so here are my entries: Picking images for the themes seemed easier this time around, and I've done little plays with textures here and there... by the way: Thank you erniemay & acolornavy for their lovely textures. For Artist's Choice, I went all "Malignant"... I was going through this scene, and was like - Oh, this could be water... this could be quote... this could be back... this, this, this & this could be hands... so in the end, I decided to make it mit Artist's Choice Theme. The quote is by Ron Carver from "Tomorrow". Enjoy!

10 THEMES

back	blur	call me	crazy	dramatic


faceless	front	hands	quote	water

5 Category - One Image "Undaunted Mettle"

#1	#2	#3	#4	#5

5 Artist's Choice - "Malignant"

#1	#2	#3	#4	#5

Gift Challenge - Christmas Gift Part 1 & Part 2

2010-12-28T23:02:00.004+01:00

My muse is back! I haven't really written anything in months. Couple words here and there, but really, after my hard drive crashed, I was so discouraged because I'd lost bits and pieces of my writing here and there... Anyhow, lately, my fingers have been itching, at least a little, so I couldn't resist taking part in the latest challenge at LawandOrder 100. And my muse was so friendly - I even had to make it a two-parter *LOL*

Title: Christmas Gift (Part 1)
Flavor: L&O – Criminal Intent
Characters: R. Goren, A. Eames
Word Count: 94
Rating: PG
Summary: Eames gets a Christmas Gift to stay connected.
SAP Alert Again. Must be a Christmas Thing.

When Alex stepped onto the break, the Explorer came to a screeching halt. “Damn! I’m never gonna make it to my nephew’s nativity play!”

Bobby sat in the passenger seat, feeling guilty. They’d gotten held up at an interview and now were stuck in Christmas Eve rush hour traffic, which was worsened by the beginnings of a blizzard. They were stuck, not moving an inch. Really, he could only think of one thing to cheer her up.

“Here,” Bobby fetched a gift box from the back seat. “Santa came early this year. Merry Christmas!”

~*~

Title: Christmas Gift (Part 2)
Flavor: L&O – Criminal Intent
Characters: R. Goren, A. Eames
Word Count: 94
Rating: PG
Summary: Eames gets a Christmas Gift to stay connected.
SAP Alert Again. Must be a Christmas Thing.

First, Alex frowned upon the present, but slowly, she felt herself melt. “Bobby, you shouldn’t ha...,”

There was a crisp chirp from inside the box interrupting her. Hastily, she ripped it open, only to discover a new smartphone. And her sister was calling it – via videophone!

“Hey, Alex! We feared you’d be late, but at least this way you can see the play,” Liz said, then turned around and through the phone’s camera, Alex got to see the nativity play after all. And suddenly, she realized that the real gift was sitting beside her.

~*~

Remembering Grandpa

2010-12-26T17:02:00.003+01:00

For love is strong as death...
Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can the floods drown it.

(Song of Songs, Ch. 8, Vers. 6/7)

I can barely look straight ahead today (woke up with a stiff neck), but I really wanted to post these lines today, which meant so much to my Grandfather. He passed away a year ago today. These lines were printed on my grandma's obituary, and on his own, and at his memorial service, we sung a song with them. He was a devout Catholic, and quoting these from the bible for his wife always meant a lot to him. He was a caring, gentle man, a wonderful grandfather and, while he was so ill it did seem as a bit of relief for him to go, I do miss him at times, the laugther we had with him, even up to his very end, when severe dementia was plaguing him.

You Could Be Happy

2010-12-24T01:14:00.002+01:00

I'm certain most of you have seen this already, but Quietfire posted her latest Criminal Intent Video "You could be happy", and when I first saw it, I was so happy to see another up-beat, sweet LOCI video on the block. The angsty ones have always outdone those "uplifting" ones by far, and while many of them are very touching, it's also nice to once have all those cute little moments and sweet smiles "assembled" into one. If one thing shines through in this vid, then it's how much Bobby and Alex depend on each other and need it other, their friendship just oozes from this vid... and I think there's nothing more appropriate to post for Christmas. Enjoy Watching :-)

Goren's back...

2010-12-22T21:40:00.003+01:00

Because I got caught up in pre-Christmas chaos, I almost missed quietfire's post: She asked for our favorite shots of Goren' back... hmmm, guys, I think I'm gonna need help deciding on this matter! Especially because these are only the pics up to In the Wee Small Hours (from what I have capped), I gave up after that because Photobucket is so slow tonight...

Help me... which one should be linked??

Shades of John Lange...

2010-12-15T23:00:00.004+01:00

Outerbankschick sent me this article today about a man who got caught between the train and the platform at Union Square this past Friday. I'm not kidding. John Lange style. I feel my gut wrench... I mean I know Yoshimura wrote the HLOTS episode around the real stories, but still, seeing this happen... another story. I'm a bit speechles, honestly, but thought I'd share with you. It's just unbelievebale and scary how closely these pictures resemble each other and how similar the scenarios are...

Thanks for sending the link, OBC :)

Fellow Bloggers, I know I haven't been around much lately.
I'm sorry for that, but at this point, all I can do is promise to be back :) (PS: So no, sorry, you ain't gettin' rid of me yet!)

Thought of the Day

2010-12-13T01:15:00.003+01:00

I haven't posted one of these in a while, and while I was at an Agility Trial today, I remembered this quote and thought about how it's applicable to so many happenings in my life.

“If you can accept losing, you can't win.”

~ Vince Lombardi ~

Make Gentle the Life of this World

Virus Creativus

Screaming

#150

TTFT

Hands Up

Danny Pino's Bodyguard

Dinosaur Soup

Remembering Martin Luther King

Dear Wheather God...

Hollywood D'os and D'on'ts

Give Him A Lot of Great Big Kisses

Score!

Piggyback

To The Boy In The Striped Hat

Whoever would buy Manolo...

Drawn (to) Matthew

100 Club

73 Criminal Minds Icons

Size 13

Hello 2012...

Anderson Cooper in Tears - on the Ridiculist!

Summer Time

Second Skin

Just couldn't help myself...

Feels Like An Odd Collision...

Old Tidbit

Towards Those Goals

Do-Re-Mi...

Cache In, Trash Out...

More Friendship

July... already??

Blogging on the Go

My Vincent D’Onofrio Encounter of the Most Spectacular Kind

Therapy/Therapist Challenge - Anger

Cadaver Bits

Be Heard!

79

The Infamous Shrink Session

And for Eternity, a Tribute and Farewell

Talk About Commitment and Inspiration

Halftime

Not a muggle anymore...

The abundant cuteness...

Monday-Monday...

LOCI has landed on its Feet

Silly Me...

Conditio Sine Qua Non

Can't wait...

You know you have wrong Hobby...

Season 10 - alternate opening

Not Consoled

Speechless

R-E-S-P-E-C-T - find out what it means to me...

I just realized...

A Heartfelt Letter from Kathryn Erbe

T-27 Hours... getting into the mood...

An Amazing Lady

All Things Bright and Beautiful...

Easter Sunday

It's the Order, Stupid! => Rispetto Promo

Eeny-meeny-miny-moe...

45 Million Dollars

Stylish :-)

Golden Oldie...

M&M's... back for good

Pillow/Cushion Challenge - Body Pillow

Ordinary Miracle

To a very Special Lady

Since this Blog just Turned Two...

So Robert Goren...

That time of the Month again...

Let us all be Irish for a while...

Tax Season

A few lima beans short of succotash...

A woman of *my* kind

Living Props

Bobby's Secret Binder Notes #6

Mobile :-D

Auntie, again :)

A woman of my kind