YouTube Tuesday: We Are Hungry

So some kids from a high school in Kansas are less than impressed with the new school lunches the government has introduced. The new regulations limit the intake to just 750-850 calories on the tray. (650 calories for elementary, 700 for middle-schoolers, 850 for high-schoolers) Assuming they eat everything on their plate. Also, they aren't allowed to refuse or substitute foods. As always, there is no right or wrong answer. I think that this issue, like many others, is having a 'one size fits all' solution applied when that clearly is not the case.

Instance #1:  For some children, this is their only meal of the day. True, it should be healthy, but what if they don't eat everything? And now the calories are being restricted? Hmmm.

Instance #2: We need healthy lunches for the children that come from homes where their choices are Twinkies or KFC for dinner. Setting a good example for them, etc.

Instance #3: Three words: High School Athletes
School lunch calorie limits

Instance #4: You're not happy with it, so you bring a lunch from home!

I think that, maybe, this is ONE solution to the school lunch conundrum. I don't think that this is the ONLY solution to school lunches. This problem, like most, needs solutions. See what I did there? I pluralized.

Oh and by the way, these kids rock. Truth be told, I wouldn't eat a mass produced hummus and black bean salad either. Mass production 'healthy food' = bland as cardboard crap.



p.s. i also have a strong desire to watch 'Friday Night Lights' tonight.

YouTube Tuesday: It's like that

I feel like I'm talking to myself. But that's okay, it's nothing new. I found this gem via a friend of mine. I've been know to post "out of the ordinary" before and this fits right in.  Like a Russian West Side Story; I find it strangely . . strange. I wish I could hear the music that they are dancing to.



But inserting different music over the original is nothing new. See below. 'Party Rock Anthem' set to the Star Wars cantina music.




Oh, and you're welcome.

YouTube Tuesday: She Lives!

I know, I know. I've used that title before. And the reference, too. (*cough* Mulan *cough*) I'm not even searching for the clip. It's a mental video you'll have to conjure.

We've been here, done that and bought this t-shirt so many times I could open my own t-shirt store. I know, I've been delinquent. Truthfully, I'm really working on making my own blog. Yessiree, my own, my precious. It's not anywhere near being ready to launch, so don't worry. When it's ready, you'll know. The biggest holdup is the name of the blog. I've changed this blog's title once and I don't want to do it again. The reason I want a separate blog? I'd like to put the more personal, family stuff private & let the rest all hang out. Maybe I'll get some input if I get really stuck.

But now, on to the real star of the day. The YouTube Video! I have to brag just a little because I found this channel all on my own, with just a little help from Me, Myself & I. And do you know who was on The Ellen Show yesterday? (hint: not me) Yousef, the guy who makes these videos. He plays all the characters, he is awesome. I did have a hard time narrowing it down to just one video. That's why there are two! You have to promise me that you will go see his other vids. Start with: 'You Know You're Arab When . . .', then move onto the 'Middle Eastern Family' episodes. 






 

 

YouTube Tuesday: Mr. Fancy Pants

Yep, pure and unadulterated childishness. A little Army of Darkness and a music video starring hilariously manipulated World of Warcraft characters. (I think. I've never played WoW, but that's my best guess.) Enjoy.

YouTube Tuesday: Move me

I'm not feeling particularly eloquent today, so I will let the video speak for itself.

It moved me.

Embedding has been disabled, so you have to go to the link.

Just click it. You'll be glad you did.

Practice Compassion - Narayan Krishnan

YouTube Tuesday: Thwarted

It's not like I'm already having a hard time blogging. Then Bahrain has to go and arbitrarily block a video. Why do I say arbitrary? Because we found that video on YouTube since we've been here in Bahrain. My girls have watched it as recently as August. It's not a great video; but I wanted to share it and I can't. It was the music video for the song "Step by Step" by ...... drumroll ...... New Kids on the Block. Yes, my girls are listening to a group that I listened to at their age. I was in 6th grade (same as Eliza) and 11 turning 12 years old (same as aforementioned daughter. yikes) My friend Tiffany lent me her brother's tape; I had to promise to be careful. I think I blasted the tape everysingleminute that I borrowed it. They were the *original* boy band. I had a NKOTB nightshirt; all the girls liked Jordan Knight, though Donny was #1 in my book.

Anyway, this video is the best I can access from this country. It's pretty recent; they did a reunion tour in Summer '10, I think? You know what Mairyn said about this recording? Their voices did not sound the same. Yeah, that's what happens after 20 years. Yikes again. But they still got the moves; that robot-like move they do at the beginning of the song? Swooned me 20 years ago on MTV, still swoons me now. I wish I could show you the original music video. It was hot; like white T-shirt & vest, acid washed jeans hot. H-A-W-T. If you're in the U.S., look it up. I'm sure it's not blocked there. ;-)



And in other news, I'm working on this song right now. I heart Ok Go.

YouTube Tuesday: It gets me

Do you ever reach one of those music plateaus and go, "I need to find some new stuff!" And then after fruitless hours of listening to 30 second segments of lame-o songs, you still don't find anything? I sometimes wonder why I even go to Amazon for song hunting. YouTube is the place to be. Vevo is awesome. They have music videos. Vevo rocks, not only because of the music, but because I can watch their videos here in my realm outside of the United States. Yes Hulu, I hope you're reading this. You give me unending frustration with that confused emoticon and message, ":-/ We're sorry, this is not yet available in your country." Vevo may not have instant T.V., but they do have (just about) every artist's music video you could dream of.

This song, "Hey Mama" by Mat Kearney is a gem. It's got hand-clapping but it's still got a rock-y edge. And booming drums; a beat you can really move to. I pump this song up when I'm in the homestretch in my workout. It gets me through.




So you only got one song from that odyssey of hunting, you're saying. Yes, one new-to-me song. Break your Heart & Dynomite by Taio Cruz may have been slipped into the cart at the begging behest of my 9 & 11 year old daughters. *sigh* What can I say? I'm a sucker for my kids. I still think it's cool that they have their own "taste" in music. Even if their taste is every song that is played ad nauseum (extra on the nausea) on the radio. It is entirely Mairyn's fault that we own Chris Brown's song "Forever". Do you have any songs like that, ones that you wouldn't listen to, but you like it because you like that your kid likes it? Still with me? Anyway, that's enough jibber-jabber from me.

Cool at 86

I know, it's not YouTube Tuesday. But I couldn't wait until Tuesday to share this gem.

This vid is called, "Webcam 101 for Seniors". Here's the article, --> 'Vid Turns Oregon Oldsters into YouTube celebrities'. Basically, Grandma & Grandpa (they would be *my* grandparents age, my children's great-grandparents) got their first laptop and were trying to figure out how to take pictures. Grandma unwittingly turned the video feature to 'record' and then continues to try to figure out how to take pictures, while Grandpa goofs off.

The great thing about this vid is that it isn't even adorable because they're trying to figure out the computer. It's them being so dang sweet and not even trying! They are a couple obviously still in love AND have a sense of humor. Remember, they don't know they're being recorded and are still acting like this. And I think they'll still have videos like this when I'm a grandparent/great-grandparent, only the super-geeks will be completely up to date on all technology! Watch, learn & enjoy!

YouTube Tuesday: We can't do that video!

Other than the fact that is is YouTube Tuesday, it is also the first day of school. Alhamdulla-freakin'-llah! It's about time. You cannot fathom the feelings that are coursing through me right now. I love my kids; I'm their number one fan. But three months and 6 days is way too long for summer vacation. Way. Too. Long. Especially when two of those months were spent inside the house because it was too hot to go outside and do summertime activities, like ride bikes or even swim. I have been ready for this day for a long, long time. 

And so to transition smoothly into the Video du Jour, I freaking love this vid. It is a recent find and I have probably watched it about 10 times. I love Ok Go. I love their music. I love their videos. I love love love them. The energy and fun of this collaboration just suits my mood so well today. Please enjoy!

YouTube Tuesday: Ramadan

It's that time of week again! One of my favorite channels is GoRemy. He's a genius. His parents are Iraqi and Lebanese; but he was born and raised in Northern Virginia. So he "gets" the culture, but isn't constrained by it. A rare man that, I hope, can have some sort of influence for good. One of his most recent parodies was even featured on all the major news networks. It's title: 'Raise the Debt Ceiling'. Pay close attention to "Sen. Fran Tarpington's" monologue. (1:26 - 1:35) Musical & magical!


"I got a monetary plan and it involves a lotta toner"

And maybe some of his Middle Eastern humor is only funny to me (it's so hilarious because it's true). You've got to listen to the lyrics a couple of times. He crams so much into each verse! This is his video addition for Ramadan.



Also, I think the magic of his vids is the re-watchability (yeah, it is to a word --> urban dictionary) I can't post all of his videos on here, but here's a few I recommend.

Hey there Khalilah
Oh what a day it's been!
The Falafel Song
Why they Fought
Hummus: The Rap
Shamkhwow
Saudis in Audis

YouTube Tuesday: Ok, we did it.

After a little more research, the girls and I decided that we could give this stop-motion video business a try. And oh boy, are we happy with the results. Enjoy!

YouTube Tuesday: Baby, ride your Firebolt

For all you Harry Potter fans out there. This group, Divine Comedy, has been around at BYU since before I went to college. The members come in & out, kind of like SNL. Only better. And squeaky-Mormon clean. C'mon, you know you want to mock us. I'll take a sucker punch right in the humerus. Hahaha, I kill me.

YouTube Tuesday: Revived

Well, shave my head and call me Sinead; I'm blogging two days in a row. It feels *so* nice to be back in my own home. A place for everything and everything in it's place. My bed. My desk. My pots & pans. My car. Mine mine mine, it's all mine!

We all slept through the night; but that's not too surprising. The first night back is usually like that. What was amazing was that nobody took a nap today and nobody turned all Oscar the Grouch! All are bathed, fed and starting a game of hide & go seek. I'm not sure the last activity is very evening approved, so let me go throw some water on that fire.

Ok, I'm back & wrapping this bad boy up. We're going to play a new game on the PS3 called 'Portal 2'. It's awesome. I'll have to extoll the virtues of this game at a later date. Here is my current favorite YouTube video.

YouTube Tuesday: You

This video in no way reflects anything lying in my subconscious. It's just been in my head the last couple of days. I heard it on an episode of House & just loved it. My favorite part? In the chorus when he sings " . . . 'cause I'm gonna lose yaaaaa . . " and he holds out the word 'you'. *swoon* Just love it!



I also made a play list this last weekend while we were on house arrest, I mean, spending some quality time at home. Every one of these songs I can recommend. I truly love them all. Go have a listen!

Can you guess why I named it 'You'?

I need you now - Lady Antebellum
Lose You - Pete Yorn
I wish it would rain - Phil Collins
Do what you want - Ok Go
Prettiest Girl - Weezer
Slow Dancing in a burning room - John Mayer
Can't help fallin' in love - UB40
Only wanna be with you - Hootie & the Blowfish
Life on the Moon - David Cook
Shine - Collective Soul
Bulletproof - La Roux
All is not lost - Ok Go
If you're wondering, if I want you to - Weezer
I don't trust myself with loving you - John Mayer
Good Riddance - Green Day
I Wanna Be with You - Fun Factory
I'll Follow You - Colors

YouTube Tuesday: We're headed to Saudi

Okay, okay, I know it's Wednesday. But I've been uber busy. With Cairo going to you-know-where in a palm frond hand basket, it has affected every aspect of my life. Home & work. So we're taking off this weekend to decompress with our friends in Riyadh. Unfortunately, neither of us have an Audi.

YouTube Tuesday: Lavendars Blue

I know, I know, it's Thursday today, not Tuesday. But I have been having some real video uploading issues and power outages lately, so there, that's my excuse.



I caught Jacqueline singing this medley of bedtime songs to her dolly. Interesting fusion of 'Twinkle Twinkle' and 'Lavenders Blue'.

Never heard of Lavenders Blue? Shame on you.

Lavenders blue, diddle diddle, lavenders green.
When I am king, diddle diddle, you shall be queen. {'cept J. turned it around b/c she said she wouldn't be king, she's a girl, she'd be queen}
Call up your men, diddle diddle, set them to work.
Some to the plow, diddle diddle, some to the cart.
Some to make hay, diddle diddle, some to cut corn.
While you and I, diddle diddle, keep ourselves warm.

Well, that's the way it was in my nursery rhyme book. I actually did some reading on this little ditty and found it quite interesting. It's an old English nursery rhyme first printed around 1680. Now, from what I could find, this video below was the only offering of the tune & words familiar to me. This guy's a riot.

YouTube Tuesday: On Wednesday

Exactly.

YouTube Tuesday: Flash Mob

Ok, so I'm posting this *after* the 2nd of Dec post but dating it before. It's my bloggy & I can do what I want to. . . .

Just saw this video, posted by one of my friends. I wish I had been there!



And here's another example. It just makes me want to get up and dance!! If only "peaceful" public demonstrations weren't so loosely defined here in Bahrain.



And I want that version of the Nutcracker. NOW!

YouTube Tuesday: Under Pressure

I am probably doing everything possible to avoid doing what is staring me right in the face. We've got boxes. Lots of them. It has been a frenetic 2 days. Boxes came Sunday morning and unpacking began. I have found just about everything I was worried about.

My worry checklist for the last 3 months:

- Piano still work? Check
- Guitars not broken? Check, check and check. {that teeny check was for the ukulele)
- Computers work? Check
- Alabaster, glass and all things breakable intact? Check times infinity.
- My favorite chair not ripped or infested with some sort of moth? Ch-eck.
- 3 inch foam bed pad still in one piece? Check

Now that my fears have been assuaged, I'm finding it hard to regain the momentum I once had. Though I haven't unpacked the sewing machine yet. I fear that if I break open that box, the world will grind to a halt. At least the world of those that depend on me. My kids will be the ones running through the streets half-naked, starving and filthy whilst I am locked away in my own paradise, whizzing together projects I have had saved up for the past 4 months. I broke my own rule of "Thou shalt not participate in hobbies until thine boxes are unpacked" My fingertips are already sore from last night's jam session. But each instrument is tuned up & in fine shape. ;)

But I've got added pressure to get this place whipped into shape. Thursday is Thanksgiving. We are having 2 Marines, a family of 3 and our own family sharing the meal this year. I have my meal preparation very well orchestrated for a low-stress meal prep. But that means I need Wednesday for peeling, chopping, & baking. I really enjoy making *good* food. I love cooking for people. But when my house looks like a box barfing ground, it's not as easy. Breathe in, breathe out. I can do this. Just relax to the tunes of Queen. (i couldn't find the Milli Vanilli remake. but this video is the bomb. haha, bomb)



And while we're at it, I just had to put this one up, too. I was in the mood. My friend lent me her New Kid's on the Block cassette tape & I wore it out listening to them. And, odd fact for the day, NKOTB and Back Street Boys are touring together in Summer 2011. BSB, gag me. The New Kid's were the first & best boy band. Though Boyz 2 Men really had a good thing going. If I could turn back time . . . (no, i'm not posting a Cher video) Though really, it's seriously been 20 years?? I went to the NKOTB website. Danny did not age well. *shame* Though he never really did it for me. Joey McIntyre all the way! And a Wahlberg brother thrown in. Please ignore the Spanish subtitulos. This is the only "original" music video I found that could be embedded. Enjoy the era of when it was ok for boys to wear overalls & not be working on a tractor. Rar.

YouTube Tuesday: You want fries with that?

I'm a little late to the party. I always am. And not fashionably so. I won't even pretend that I *totally* know about the drive-thru raps everybody was doing a while back. Which in this digital age could be referring to last week. I just really like this song. And the drive-thru employee. He should *totally* get a raise. Or a promotion. Or a promotional raise.



p.s.
i'm also so jealous of this guy's guitar skilz. i wanna be like him. *grin*