Gotta give credit where credit it due. Thanks to my crazy cool email-forwarding mom, Priscilla Anderson, for this little bit o'magic. ALSO - please note. The girl in the video does take a few seconds to get going. So be patient. It's well worth it.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
My Newest Hobby
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Who Knew..
-that something as corny and curious sounding as the 'National Bonsai Museum' (at the previously discussed Arboretum) could turn out to be SO amazingly awesome!? i mean.....there is no way to describe it....you gotta see these TREES!
Patti and Michelle check out the first, of many, bonsai tree.
Amazing bonsai from the 'Fall Foliage' exhibit.
-that there were columns that USED to be on the Capital Building here in DC that were removed years ago (for an expansion) and put out on a hill in the middle of this Arboretum, next to a cool reflecting pond? And you can just SIT there and contemplate....whatever you want. Life. Navels. Inflation. You name it. You can ponder it.
Friends sitting....and pondering...
-that we had a National Herb Garden? (Yep. Part of the SAME Arboretum.)
Rachel, Michelle and Patti check out what they know about 'What Makes Peppers So Hot'. (Hint: The answer to #10 is ALL OF THE ABOVE. Don't let it stump you.)
-that a koi pond could be such a FEROCIOUS place?Smaller fish basically have NO chance. Hmmm...like LIFE, sometimes. Weird.
I'm a NEW fan of this place, folks. And if you live in the immediate DC area and haven't been, do yourself a favor today and go. And if you're NOT in the DC area, add it to your list of places to visit when you come here. (Make it #2 on that list. #1 should already read 'Segway Tour'. I trust you that it does.)
The Clegg Family enjoy the columns. Max wishes here were down....out of his dad's arms....walking free....
Bonsai.
Bonsai.
Bonsai.
Bonsai.
Columns.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Last Laugh
It will probably surprise most of you to find out that we run tours in the rain....but we do. If the people are willing to go out, then out we go. On Friday, we ended up having 16 people willing and ready to go out in the storm. So Karen took half of them, and I took the other half. When Karen showed up, she was grinning from ear to ear, and said she came 'prepared' for the tour in the weather. She disappeared into the bathroom, and reappeared soon after in her boyfriend's hip-waders that he uses to fish. In a RIVER. Like...basically rubber pants. And I got such a laugh out of it. I mean - first off, they were like 14 sizes to big. And second of all, it was a little bit of rain! Put on a poncho and call it good.
WELL.....there is no way to describe just how WET I got on that tour. I had a full length rain-slicker on, down to just below my knees.....and still...the shorts I was wearing were drenched everywhere. I had to have atleast 2 inches of water in my shoes....my socks were completely drenched...and my 3 layers of shirts were soaked through to the bone. My hat? Sopping wet. It was ridiculous. It took my shoes 2 full days to dry out!
And when I walked in....there was Karen in her hip-wading-comfort! I think her wrist was wet in one place....and the rest of her was dry as the desert. Stupid rubber pants!Friday, October 26, 2007
Run, Don't Walk, To Amazon.Com
By Dana Ford (click HERE to read the whole ridiculous article)
AMEN!
Now THAT'S What I Call 'ART'
Don't want to click? Let me show you a couple of his 'pieces' here.....and then decide. All I'm saying is that it's a good way to pass some time before that clock strikes 5pm and sends you away on your weekend.
I LOVE it and hope you will, too. A HUGE shout out of thanks to CousinJeff for bringing this to my attention. He reports that his family has gotten a lot of good laughs out of these pics...and since he sent it to me, I have also enjoyed laughing at it all. I've said it before....and I stand by it now...we are creative beings, given the chance.
Stay dry...and happy weekend!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Perspective
Looking up the hill to the Callahan's house...over the burned area.
Looking at how close the fire got to the house.
A sooty, dusty interior of the front entry way...but still, pretty darn lucky, all things considered.
This is the most amazing picture she sent. Click on it to make it big and check it out!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Speechless
Enjoy...
Halloween Costumes*
If Tim doesn't want to do it, because.....you know....he lives in Tucson or he has 3 kids of his own or he's travelling for work.....then that's fine. I don't mind going solo.
Here are our 2 choices. Let me know what you vote for:
"Clown and Devil". Tim likes this one because of his extensive and convincing make-up job, but I feel that my devil just seems to be lacking something.
"Devil and Indian" (don't mind the Stars Wars guys...those classic costumes aren't available). So somehow, Tim figured out a way to dress HIS devil look up a little bit more than I did. But with my Indian, NOW who has the awesome make up job? And be honest...have you ever seen an Indian with cooler kicks?
No Tim? NO PROBLEM! I'll scrap it all, and go solo as Frankenstein. How realistic is THAT?
Monday, October 22, 2007
This Just In
AND....this just in....first confirmed/scheduled MAnderson Report to take one of tours wins a PRIZE! And it's going to be a good one! So get busy and make your plans TODAY! (You'll probably need to ask me for when I'm working....but I'm happy to let you know!)
Happy Monday!
MAnderson
Thursday, October 18, 2007
It's All Very Unclear
Then I say, "Heck yes, Nippon! Roll. That. Tape!"
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Just Kill Me Now
And yet for some reason, I decided to read the entire article, knowing it had a 99.99% chance of ticking me completely off...and while I did, I came to realize that the article and accompanying picture had a misprint in it. Because what it said and showed was that Clay Aiken will be joining the cast of Spamalot on Broadway and will be playing the role of Sir Robin. And then, the article was accompanied by this picture:
But what I'm PRETTY sure it should have said was that Clay Aiken will be joining the cast of Spamalot on Broadway and will be playing the role of Zac Efron playing the role of Sir Robin.
I mean HONESTLY! Which is which, people? Am I the only one that finds this disturbing? Both the casting AND the fact that Clay Aiken and his people totally Efroned it up for his new headshots? I guess they are finally trying to draw the younger, teenage demographic - since Clay's current demographic is dying by the hundreds each day...in nursing homes across the country.
WHY, Broadway? WHY are you submitting us to these continual stunt-casting-fiascos? First Bob Saget in 'Drowsey Chaperone' and now THIS? CLAY EFRON-AIKEN!?
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Monday, October 15, 2007
First Peek!
So here is the first official look at Matt: The Tour Guide. This self-portrait was snapped tonight on the steps of the US Capitol Building, while my tour group of 4 took pictures of themselves. That's me, my baseball cap, and my safety helmet leaning, like the cool guy that I am, on the self-balancing people transporter I have come to love so much.
Kind of makes you want to come on a tour, doesn't it?
WELL....what are you waiting for?
I'm waiting for YOU!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Notes On A Weekend
So, on Friday, I had a tour with my little jobby-job that tested my patience to the very end. And I know...I can hear you saying HOW can a tour on a people transporter really test your patience? And here is what I have to say to you.....if YOU had the lady from California who went twice as slow as everyone else on the tour AND who grunted...LOUD, like Monica-Seles-grunting from days gone by...everytime she went up or down a sidewalk handicap ramp, you would ALSO probably have been stressed out. PLUS - the other 3 people who were on the tour with her pretty much abandoned her because they were embarassed by her riding and grunting style, so I had to try and keep our group moving along AND single handedly make sure that Madam Grunter was with the group. It was a challenge....but we made it through. Plus, everyone else in the group was awesome and very good sports about it all. But seriously...if you come to take a ride, please leave your grunting habits at home. Thanks.
Note 2: CHEESECAKE!
So its been awhile since a MAnderson blog had a chance to make an entry in the Cheesecake Tour....but that time has come NOW! Today, Sunday, I took a trip out to Steve and Kate Keifer's place for a goodbye party for our friend, Sharon Smith who is moving to Florida. Rough life. Anyway - when I was getting ready to leave, Kate smiled slyly and said she had something for me. She then proceeded to go to the fridge and cut me a piece of a Pumpkin Cheesecake that she had made yesterday for a baking club or something like that. To be honest with you, the minute I saw the cheesecake, I pretty much zoned out. She could've said she made it for Kim Jong-Il of North Korea and it wouldn't have phased me....because in t-minus 4 seconds, I was going to have a piece of pumpkin cheesecake in my hand.
Here is Kate, showing off the pumpkin goodness!
Here it is...up close and personal.
So I got it wrapped, took a fork, went to the car and headed into the city. My plan to save it for after my tour tonight was blown away when I got it in the car and I smelled it. A smell led to a taste....the taste led to another...and by the time I was at 9th and G in downtown DC, I was throwing an empty plate away. The pumpkin cheesecake that Kate gave me today is coming in on the MASE at a whopping, solid 9. The pumpkin-to-cheesecake ratio as nearly flawless. It was a subtle pumpkin that didn't overpower the cheesecake...and I loved how light it all was. The thing that threw me was the crust...and it's not that it was bad....at all. It was delicious...but I still can't figure out what it was. I thought it was gingersnap...and then I thought maybe graham cracker...and then I thought maybe a molasses cookie...man. I don't know. But my inability to pinpoint it frustrated me and my MASE. BUT - it was a near flawless attempt at a cheesecake. So if anyone knows Kate, you might want to ask her to make you one. And Kate...I'd love the recipe if you're sharing it! Thanks SO MUCH for the treat....it made my drive so much more rewarding!
Note 3: 69-67 Should NOT Be A Football ScoreTonight, I got home from my tour in time to see the entire second half of the Boise State vs. Nevada football game live on ESPN from the blue turf of Bronco Stadium in beautiful Boise, Idaho. And when I say 'entire', I mean the 3rd and 4th quarters plus all the overtimes. Now, I love my Boise State Broncos....and I'm ALWAYS happy to have a "W" in the books when it comes down to it. But in the future, what I don't think we need ever again is a 4 overtime barn-burner football games that end in score that looks more like a basketball score than anything else. I had just gotten over being stressed out from Madam Grunter 2 days earlier, and the next thing I know, the Wolf Pack is coming at my Broncos with everything they've got and giving them a run for their money. Man....it stressed me out all over again. But, in the end, we got the "W" and that's what it comes down to.
OH - and as a side note....Nevada played a new redshirt freshman quarterback tonight named Colin Kaepernick...and he was STELLAR. The kid can run, throw, hit....you name it, he did it. Hell, he RAN for 2 touchdowns and passed for 3 more. And he was impressive while he was doing it all. So they scored 67 points and still lost...that's not that point. This kid was amazing - and even as a Bronco fan, I had to give props where props were due. Good luck with the rest of your season and career, Colin.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Odd Conversation
Before the show started, I was standing in the lobby as Heather was off talking to someone else, and I ran into a woman that I worked with here in DC a few years ago. We shall call her Vickie. Vickie (50-something years old) and I sat across the wall from each other when we both were working at a certain performing arts center named for a previous US President. We were always friendly, but never really shared a social circle or calendar. The last time I had seen Vickie was about 2 years ago or so. We had not spoken between our last meeting and this current meeting.
The following is the ENTIRE exchange that took place between Vickie and I. I'm still a little confused by it. But maybe it's just me. Let me know what you think.....odd? or not so much?
Matt: Hey there Vickie! Long time no see. How are you doing?
Vickie: (please add British accent...since Vickie has one) I'm doing well, Matt. It's good to see you. (cricket.......cricket.......)
Matt: So you excited to see this show?
Vickie: Oh yes. Of course. (cricket........) So....where are you living these days?
Matt: Oh I'm here in DC still. Just living in Northwest....up by Friendship Heights.
Vickie: Good. Good. Did you drive here tonight or Metro up?
Matt: I drove.
Vickie: Oh good. (cricket....cricket....) I only ask because I'm here with my cycling friends, and I'm the designated driver, and I have an extra space in my car....if you needed a ride.
Matt: (a little baffled....) Oh yeah? No...I'm actually fine. But.......thanks........
Vickie: Well, nice to see you. Enjoy the show. (Exit left.......)
Matt: (cricket......cricket.......) Oh. OK. Bye.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand SCENE.
OK seriously folks......I understand the offering was very nice. But regardless, I was, and still am, a little baffled. OH - and I don't drink and I didn't appear drunk, so don't go assuming that. I hadn't even had a Diet Coke. I know - hard to believe but true.
So....is it odd? Or is it just me?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Pants Feel Comfortable
Here's a special treat, all the way from Japan, to help get you through your Wednesday.
THANK YOU, Land of the Rising Sun.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Affirmations
Am. I. Ever.
The original source. Notice the sun beam shining down ON the source? I was meant to receive this message. Amen.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
'Funny' And 'Not So Funny'
FUNNY
-watching a guy ("that guy"), who thought he was pretty cool on our tour yesterday, try and show his friends how good he was at riding a Segway before our tour started in our 'practice alley'.
-watching that same guy, in the same practice alley, run into the wall and fall off his Segway. TWICE.
-nearing the end of our tour, looking up and watching that SAME GUY accidentally hit his wife's Segway with his own, as we were going up 15th street by the Treasury Building, and seeing BOTH of them fly off their Segways. (it was all slow motion...but I remember seeing them crossing in the air and one of the Segway's also flying through the air...horizontally...)
-hearing that same guy tell the tour guide, Karen, that he didn't want her to put anything 'non-herbal' on his severly scraped up knee as she was about to clean up his wound.
-hearing Karen ask, stunned, if he wanted her to just clean it with water....
-finally, hearing that SAME GUY blame his wife for the accident.
NOT SO FUNNY
-turning my own Segway over to the scraped-up rider so they could finish the tour, and dragging his broken Segway 6 1/2 blocks back to the City Segway Tours office.
-the number of times I heard "Aren't you supposed to ride those things?" or "Those work better if you ride them." as I dragged it down G Street on a humid October afternoon.
Friday, October 5, 2007
TAG! I'm It!
Enjoy. Or don't. I don't care.
MAnderson
Jobs I have had:
1 – Event Coordinator
2 – Boise Park Systems swimming safety character, Gus (the Goldfish)
3 – Waiter, Old Chicago
4 – Actor
Movies I could watch over and over:
1 – Waiting For Guffman
2 – Clue
3 – Hoosiers
4 – Shawshank Redepmtion
Favorite TV Shows: (I went with shows currently on TV)
1 – Friday Night Lights
2 – The Amazing Race
3 – Brothers & Sisters
4 – The Office
5 - Entourage (shhhhh....I added a 5th...don't judge)
Favorite Hobbies:
1 – movies
2 – blogging
3 – watching and discussing tv with friends
4 – reading at the beach
Places I have lived:
1 – Seoul, South Korea
2 – Boise, Idaho
3 – Charleston, WV
4 – Washington, DC
Favorite Foods:
1 – Korean bbq
2 – pizza
3 – chips & salsa
4 – cheesecake
Places I'd rather be:
1 – Cape May, NJ (newly discovered place of magic)
2 – Manhattan (with a ton of cash)
3 – Canon Beach, OR
4 – Charleston, SC
Websites I visit:
1 – Playbill
2 – The Idaho Statesman
3 – YouTube
4 – Marc Broussard
Who I am Tagging:
1 – Life With Shannon
2 – What Darren Thinks
3 – This Shouldn’t Surprise You
4 – Cody T
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Helpful Hints for Roommate Relations
Oh....today's video is proudly sponsored by Parkay.
Enjoy.....
MAnderson
***Please note....the video does have a bit of 'colorful' language. Just FYI.....
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Rollin' Along
The Segways lie in waiting....
until our group got their chance to test out the machines...
and FINALLY roll out on the open road.
The group listening to Tom's information about the Navy Memorial....only mere MINUTES before I face-planted.
Not for the squemish. This is my 'war wound' from the incident. But I'm fine. Thanks, upfront, for your concern.
The Segway Gang rollin' up to the Capital Building.
This couple, Rob and Mae, were celebrating their 2 year wedding anniversary. So...that's fun.
The group rolls down Constitution Ave, nearing the end of the tour.
A roll-by of the White House.