Contest winner!

Congratulations to Jenn for winning the Refer-a-Blogger contest! Jenn, watch your mail for your prize. :)

(But you know how I am with sending packages... I'm better off bringing it in May -- you'll probably get it more quickly that way. Hee hee.)

Who Woulda Thought?

I'm a numismatist.

Okay, so maybe I'm not. (It's a coin collector, btw.) But I bet I made you crinkle your forehead in wonder and think "What the heck is she talking about? A Pea collects coins??" Or maybe you really are a fan of all things Franklin Mint and were thrilled to confide in a fellow coin lover after keeping your covert obsession secret all these years.

We all have things about us that people are shocked to know... those little idiosyncrasies that make each of us so complex and fascinating. Embarrassing or not, each of us has traits, habits or hobbies that surprise even our closest friends. Just when they think they have us figured out, we throw a curve ball in there. A simple librarian? I think not... unless that means all librarians rock out to Def Leppard in their living rooms.

We'll leave this one pretty open-ended to give you the chance to go where ever you may please with your response. Tell us how you wish that you could have cited your fluency in Pig Latin under the language section of your latest job application or once took the stage in your high school talent show to share your hidden juggling abilities with the world at large. Let us in a little bit. What is/are something(s) people would be surprised to learn about you?

And The Oscar Goes To...

I don't watch the Oscars. I'm not a movie buff to begin with, and the films that rank high on my list are usually far from any Academy worthy efforts. Rather than stare at the tv in complete confusion while actors I've never heard of accept awards for movies I've never seen, I usually skip the ceremony and catch the highlights on the next day's news feeds. (Aside from the fashion - you know I'm all about E!'s coverage of the pre-show.)

Personally, I'm a bigger fan of the Razzies - the awards that recognize all that is bad about movies. Or should I say they point out the creative genius of such stellar films as The Hottie and the Nottie and polish the acting chops of true stars of our time, like the Wayans Brothers. Alas, these stars may never be recognized by the Academy, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for a little creative liberty with the category list, right?

So, imagine if you will, you receive a mysterious envelope in the mail, bearing the seal of the Academy and a silhouette of that trademark Oscar statuette emblazoned on the flap. Oscar is looking to go a little non-traditional this year, and they need your help. In hopes of waking up viewers who nod off somewhere between Best Cinematography and Best Sound Effects editing, they're asking your opinion about what category should exist but doesn't.

So, help them spice things up a bit. If you were able to create a new "Best ..." award, what would it be and who/what would be the lucky recipient?

I'll take "Come again?" for $200, Alex.

Let's turn the tables today.

We here at Two Peas like to stand on our double wide soapbox and rant and rave about all of the idiots that we come across on (what seems like) a daily basis. But we confess that we are not perfect. (I know, I know, you're having a hard time believing that, aren't you?) We, too, have been known to be idiots on occasion.

So, let's make today Confession Friday. Everyone's said or done something in their lives that they are (to say the least) not proud of. Share some of your doozies. We promise not to laugh. Too hard.

Earworm

One of the main reasons that I can't wait for winter to be over is: country music.

Yes, country music. I can't stand it. A song here or there isn't too bad, but I just can't stand listening to song after song after song. Unfortunately, school closings in our area are announced on the local country music station. So, every winter I reset my clock radio to Indiana 105 ( o/~ Indiana 105 wea-ther! ~\o ) and listen for the school closings in between hitting the snooze button on blustery/icy mornings.

This morning, however, I was treated to an oldie but goodie -- Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler." Unfortunately, it is now stuck in my head and I just can't shake it.

You got to know when to hold 'em,
(When to hold 'em!)
Know when to fold 'em,
(When to fold 'em!)
Know when to walk away,
And know when to run.

Those earworm songs are like leeches -- you just can't shake 'em! They move in to your brain, unpack, and settle back into their recliners for the long-haul before you know what hit you.

What are some of the songs that make you think, "Oh, no.... this is going to stick in my head for the next week!" as soon as you hear the first few notes?

Seriously, who ARE you people?

I just witnessed an accident on campus that made me totally lose my mind. A woman pulled out in front of me without looking or even slowing down, then proceeded to do this TWO MORE TIMES -- even AFTER I laid on my horn to get her to pay attention.

The third time was a charm -- she got hit.

And she did not seem fazed in the least bit. After my ranting and raving (I got out to give my phone number to the poor guy who hit her), she proudly declared, as if in explanation, "I'm a new driver!"

Then wouldn't you think you'd be EXTRA cautious in this weather? Or, better yet, STAY OFF THE ROADS????

Who ARE these people?

Let's have it today. We're all sick of this weather (yeah, yeah, except for Jenn in Florida...), we've all got cabin fever, and we just need to let it out.

Tell us about the most blatant displays of rule breaking (or just plain idiocy) that you've witnessed and made you think, "Seriously, who ARE you people?"

Hi! My Name is...

In light of the recent announcement of the most popular baby names of '07, I found myself mulling over the monikers that just might top the "best of the worst" list. These are the names that make you shake your head in wonder, trying to figure out why any parents would set their child up for what is sure to be a lifetime of teasing. You know the names I'm talking about... Heaven Leigh, Rain Beau, Carolyn Noel.

Perhaps we aren't totally to blame. Influences are everywhere, with a whole new crop of Apples, Cocos and Violets popping up on the celebrity playground. We've even learned how to twist the most common names into something a little more interesting. Wave goodbye to Alex, Faith and William, and say hello to Alyxx, Fayth and Wylliem instead!

Yes, it seems that non-traditional names are here to stay. Put little Jack Daniel down for a nap, and take some time to let us know what names make you cringe or giggle each time you hear them and think "Wow. Even if I don't love my name, thank God it's not ..."

Sometimes you feel like a nut.

Andrew and I were watching a program about commercials the other night, and I was absolutely amazed at the creativity that is poured into some of these advertising campaigns. Let's face it: like it or love it, McDonald's has been phenomenal with their advertising. Happy Meals? Genius. (Have you been to a fast food restaurant lately that doesn't have a kids' meal of one kind or another?) And their partnership with Coca-Cola? Well, if you haven't had a Coke in the past year, you're obviously not doing your part in teaching the world to sing in perfect harmony.

On the other hand, there are those ads that you just have to wonder, "And they paid someone to come up with this for them? I'm so sorry...." Whatever Eagle Man has for me, I'm certain that it's nothing I want.

And let's not forget about jingles. How many of you finished the song by singing, "Sometimes you don't!"? They stick in your head. That, my friend, is when you know you've been successfully marketed to. It could be the dumbest commercial in the world, but if it has a catchy jingle... well, you'll never forget that product, will you?

In honor of Presidents' Day being exploited by every furniture store in America today, tell us about your favorite (and not-so-favorite) commercials, slogans and jingles throughout the years.

I won.

Look closely -- can you see the faux cross stitching?



And the inside:



(I don't really call him "Schmoopy," btw. It just added to the cheese factor.)

Andrew did put forth a valiant effort, though:



We then spent the night bathing the boys, picking up the house, washing dishes and folding laundry. Ah, could you die from the romance of it all?

You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore

Love it or hate it, there's no denying it. It's Valentine's Day. The day that causes otherwise normal people to become that schmuck ahead of me in line today at Walmart, buying Whitman's Sampler in the shape of a heart and a single rose encased oh so beautifully in a plastic sheath. Don't you wish you were the lady in his life?

Or maybe you really are one of those romantics who has been pinching pennies for weeks to afford dinner at that oh so exclusive restaurant. You gaze into each other's eyes, reveling in the perfection of the night... until you're presented with food so small (yet overpriced) it makes Wally Walmart's Whitman Sampler look like a pretty good bet after all.

Either way, we're pretty sure you have some kind of reaction to the holiday. Whether it's a groan of disgust in protest of all that Hallmark has created in poor St. Valentine's wake or a cheer of exultation in honor of the glory of love in all its finest forms, let us know how you feel. And while you're at it, tell us why. Maybe it's a day you'll never forget it b/c it marks the anniversary of the day you met the special someone in your life. Then again, maybe it marks the fateful eve when Mr. So-called Wonderful broke your little heart not so many years ago. We know you have your own ideas about the 14th of Feb, so let's hash it out. Valentine's Day -- yay or nay?

The Contest.

Okay, so maybe you don't care about winning a blogging contest. Maybe you're thinking, "I don't really want whatever dumb prize they have tucked up their proverbial sleeves. " Don't think of it that way, then. Think of it as helping out a friend and recruiting your friends to join in the fun! And if you're a lurker, feel free to post any time now. Aaaaany time. Go ahead. You can do it. We know you can.

The contest deadline has been extended to Friday, February 29.

[gavel cracked]

Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart?

Imagine this. You're standing in line at the Pearly Gates. You look around and see, well, whatever it is that you imagine that Heaven looks like. Above the gates is a scrolling marquee:

-----

Temperature: 75 and sunny

Welcome, Bill Marshall from Schenectady!

Tonight only - Elvis! See Apollo for tickets!

Now Playing at the Multiplex: Bridget Jones's Diary, You've Got Mail, The Mummy, Top Gun, Stand By Me, Glory, Serendipity

Next Q & A Session: 20 minutes

-----

Q & A session?

You lean forward to the person in front of you in line and ask, "What's a Q & A session?"

He turns around and explains, "Oh, the Q & A session! That's supposed to be the best part of being here! We get to go and ask any question that we've always been, well, dying to know the answer to! Heh, heh. No pun intended."

"Hmmmm!" you think. "Any question? I can find out everything I've always wanted to know?"

You lean forward again and ask your new friend, "Where do I sign up??"

What would you ask?

Hangin' Tough

Break out your Monkees lunch box and whip out those NKOTB buttons - teen idols are back! Faster than you can say Hannah Montana, the next generation of teen superstars has stormed the world, poised to ride the wave of superstardom before assuming their rightful places in Teen Idol History, cozied up in between David Cassidy and Color Me Badd.

Maybe you don't get the new obsession with today's teens. What's so special about brothers who sing? Been there, done that, Jonas Brothers. Ever heard of Hanson? Chances are, you're a little too old to understand why Zac Efron is so dreamy b/c in your world, High School Musical is just something your senior class did every spring. But someone even begins humming the first few lines to Greased Lightnin', and you're back at Rydell High quicker than you can hand jive.

So quit playin' games with my heart. Confess to these teen stars that had you swooning as you pored over the pages of Teen Beat, ripping out pictures and posting them above your bed as only a true fan would. We know the plot to Stand By Me wasn't the real reason you kept coming back for more, Corey lover. Spill it. Who were/are your favorite teen idols?

Two Peas on MySpace!

We are now on MySpace! Our site needs some work, but we are there, and there is a link back to our blog.

If you are also on MySpace, hook a pea up and add us as a friend!

In other news -- A Pea and I have been a bit busy the past couple days, but rest assured that questions will resume soon.

Peas out.

Turtle Power

They were heroes in a half shell, and they were green. Even though they lived in a sewer and answered to a giant rat, things weren't so bad for those mutant ninja turtles.

And what about Catwoman? Sure, tuna might get old after a while and that black suit may be a bit uncomfortable on really hot days, but those razor sharp claws could come in handy sometimes.

We aren't in Gotham City anymore my friends, so say goodbye to Batman b/c there's a new kid in town. If you were suddenly granted magical super abilities tomorrow, what would they be? And, if you're feeling especially inspired, let us know what your super sweet superhero name would be... you know you have one :)

And Bingo was his name-o.

I was just driving back from lunch and heard Kid Rock on the radio, and I thought to myself, "Really? You could have picked anything, and this is what you came up with? Dude, you're clever." I mean, can't you just see it? He and his buddies were sitting around one day, probably getting loaded, when someone called him "Kid Rock" and he said, "That's totally the name I'm gonna use when I make it big!" And all his friends were like, "Duuuuude, that's awwwwesoooooome!"

So I got to thinking about the other dumb names for bands or solo artists... LL Cool J? "Ladies Love Cool James?" Are you serious? Were you, like, 15 when you thought of that? And come on, Mark Wahlberg, was Marky Mark really the best you could come up with? Or how 'bout that guy from The New Radicals? Dude, it's only you. Get over yourself.

So today is a Crabby Monday Sound Off. Let 'em rip. What musician or band names do you think are completely moronic?