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Quarterlife Crisis ~

‘Quarterlife Crisis’ is shutting down

August 3rd, 2009, 2:23 pm by lgriffith

Hello, readers, for the very last time.

I’m sorry to say, this will be my last post here at The Telegraph - as of next week, I will be moving on down the road.

Over the short time this blog was online, (and before, when it was called ‘Here and There’) I’ve had fun sharing my stories and getting feedback from everyone about young adult living, area entertainment and lifestyles, random thoughts and quirky bits I’ve found on the Internet. I hope you liked some of my ideas and/or were inspired to come up with some of your own ;)

I want to thank you for sticking with me, those of you who are regulars, and for stopping by if this is your first time.

It really has been a good ride.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be goodbye forever- follow me, if you like, on Twitter - @lauranette

ALSO-

Check out my colleagues’ blogs at www.thetelegraph.com to see what they have to say.

Follow The Telegraph on Twitter - @altontelegraph and find us on Facebook!

Sincerely yours,
Laura

Posted in: Uncategorized | Post a Comment »

Don’t miss Jammin’ at the Zoo tonight

July 22nd, 2009, 9:34 am by lgriffith

ST. LOUIS – If you’re 21 and up, you’re invited to Jammin’ at the Zoo, a wine and beer-tasting, live entertainment, fun with the animals good time at the St. Louis Zoo, happening tonight (Wednesday, July 22) from 6 to 10 p.m.

The event will feature live music, 200 different wines from 50 wineries, and new beers and specialty products from Anheuser-Busch.

Tonight’s entertainment includes Arvell & Co. (http://www.myspace.com/arvellcompany), DJ Greasy (http://www.myspace.com/djgreasy), Electric Soul (http://www.myspace.com/esoulmusicstl), John Frischer (http://www.myspace.com/johnfrischerandthesquares), Tiny Cows (http://www.myspace.com/thetinytinycows ) and Urban Groove Project.

Gourmet picnic dinners, to be ordered in advance, will include four menu choices with a dessert and drink. Special wines will be recommended to complement each meal. Other food choices will be available at the event as well.

Zoo friends members get in free while non-zoo members can order tickets for $10 at the door, online at stlzoo.org or by phone at (314) 646-4771.

A tasting package, which includes wine, beer and general admission, is $10 for zoo members and $20 for non-zoo members.

Those who choose to become members of the Young Zoo Friends that evening will receive free admission for two to the event.

The Young Zoo Friends are a group of professionals in their 20s and 30s who support the future success of the Zoo through volunteer, fundraising, educational and social opportunities.

Proceeds from the party benefit the zoo and its efforts to save endangered species at home and around the world.

Visit www.stlzoo.org/yzf or call (314) 646-4771 for more information, to purchase tickets or to place orders for picnic dinners.

The general public should park on the south parking lot on Wells Drive and enter the zoo through the south entrance near the Z-O-O pylon and Highway 40/64. Zoo Friends members should park on the north parking lot and enter through The Living World. Parking is free on both lots.

Jammin’ at the Zoo is sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., with media support provided by Riverfront Times, Y98 FM and metromix.com.

If you miss tonight’s event, don’t forget to catch it the second time around, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, rain or shine, when the entertainment will be All4Nothin (http://all4nothinband.com/index.html), DJ Andrew Mullins (http://www.myspace.com/djandrew1), Jake’s Leg (http://www.jakesleg.com/), Kim Massie (http://kimmassie.com/site/), Mario Pascal (http://www.myspace.com/mariopascal ) and DJ Needles, and My Own Medicine (http://www.myspace.com/myownmedicineband).

Information from stlzoo.org

Posted in: Community • Current events • Dining/Nightlife • St. Louis • • • • • • • • | Post a Comment »

My family tree is so big, it’s more like a forest

July 20th, 2009, 3:32 pm by lgriffith

Interested in piecing together your family tree? Geni.com is a great way to keep everything organized.

My uncle Dick, who passed away back when I was in college, was really into geneology. I don’t know how computer saavy he was, but I know this Web site would have really done him proud.

After you log on and create a free profile, you can start putting together a tree, which might start to look like this example I found elsewhere on the Web.

http://www.geni.com/

Eventually, you can get your family members to join and edit the tree along with you. You can even add photos.

When you’re done, the result is an ever-updating, online, easy to manage family tree.

I started mine awhile back, but it has so many branches it’s gotten out of my control! ;) I need to get back on that…

Let me know how you’re doing on yours!

Posted in: On the Web • family • • • • | 1 Comment »

All-Star history, by names and numbers

July 14th, 2009, 3:58 pm by lgriffith

Here are some interesting All-Star stats, via the Associated Press:

Gettin’ paid
How much are 2009’s All-Stars getting for their appearance tonight?

Roy Halladay, Toronto

$100,000

Carlos Beltran, N.Y. Mets; Torii Hunter, LA Angels; Francisco Rodriguez, N.Y. Mets; Johan Santana, N.Y. Mets

$75,000

Ted Lilly, Chicago Cubs; Jason Marquis, Colorado

$50,000

Josh Beckett, Boston; Ryan Braun, Milwaukee; Matt Cain, San Francisco; Ryan Franklin, St. Louis; Chone Figgins, L.A. Angels; Brian Fuentes, L.A. Angels; Zack Greinke, Kansas City; Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee; Ryan Howard, Philadelphia; Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia; Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay; Victor Martinez, Cleveland; Yadier Molina, St. Louis; Jonathan Papelbon, Boston; Dustin Pedroia, Boston; Albert Pujols, St. Louis; Hanley Ramirez, Florida; Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle; Miguel Tejada, Houston; Chase Utley, Philadelphia; Tim Wakefield, Boston; David Wright, N.Y. Mets; Kevin Youkilis, Boston; Michael Young, Texas

$25,000

Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay; Jason Bay, Boston; Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati; Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay; Heath Bell, San Diego; Prince Fielder, Milwaukee; Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego; Curtis Granderson, Detroit; Brad Hawpe, Colorado; Felix Hernandez, Seattle; Aaron Hill, Toronto; Brandon Inge, Detroit; Adam Jones, Baltimore; Joe Mauer, Minnesota; Justin Morneau, Minnesota; Joe Nathan, Minnesota; Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay; Hunter Pence, Houston; Freddy Sanchez, Pittsburgh; Shane Victorino, Philadelphia; Ryan Zimmerman, Washington; Jayson Werth, Philadelphia

$15,000

Mark Buerhle, Chicago White Sox

$10,000

Nelson Cruz, Texas; Josh Hamilton, Texas; Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay

Nothing

Andrew Bailey, Oakland; Chad Billingsley, L.A. Dodgers; Jonathan Broxton, L.A. Dodgers; Zach Duke, Pittsburgh; Dan Haren, Arizona; Orlando Hudson, L.A. Dodgers; Edwin Jackson, Detroit; Derek Jeter, N.Y. Yankees; Josh Johnson, Florida; Tim Lincecum, San Francisco; Brian McCann, Atlanta; Mariano Rivera, N.Y. Yankees; Mark Teixeira, N.Y. Yankees; Justin Upton, Arizona; Justin Verlander, Detroit

I’ve got my money on…
Who’s won in the past? Who do you think will win this year?

2008 — American, 4-3, 15 innings
2007 — American, 5-4
2006 — American, 3-2
2005 — American, 7-5
2004 — American, 9-4
2003 — American, 7-6
2002 — Tied 7-7, 11 innings
2001 — American, 4-1
2000 — American, 6-3

1999 — American, 4-1
1998 — American, 13-8
1997 — American, 3-1
1996 — National, 6-0
1995 — National, 3-2
1994 — National, 8-7, 10 innings
1993 — American, 9-3
1992 — American, 13-6
1991 — American, 4-2
1990 — American, 2-0

1989 — American, 5-3
1988 — American, 2-1
1987 — National, 2-0, 13 innings
1986 — American, 3-2
1985 — National, 6-1
1984 — National, 3-1
1983 — American, 13-3
1982 — National, 4-1
1981 — National, 5-4
1980 — National, 4-2

1979 — National, 7-6
1978 — National, 7-3
1977 — National, 7-5
1976 — National, 7-1
1975 — National, 6-3
1974 — National, 7-2
1973 — National, 7-1
1972 — National, 4-3, 10 innings
1971 — American, 6-4
1970 — National, 5-4, 12 innings

1969 — National, 9-3
1968 — National, 1-0
1967 — National, 2-1, 15 innings
1966 — National, 2-1, 10 innings
1965 — National, 6-5
1964 — National, 7-4
1963 — National, 5-3
1962 — National, 3-1
1962 — American, 9-4
1961 — Tied 1-1, 9 innings, rain
1961 — National, 5-4, 10 innings
1960 — National, 5-3
1960 — National, 6-0

1959 — National, 5-4
1959 — American, 5-3
1958 — American, 4-3
1957 — American, 6-5
1956 — National, 7-3
1955 — National, 6-5, 12 innings
1954 — American, 11-9
1953 — National, 5-1
1952 — National, 3-2, 5 innings, rain
1951 — National, 8-3
1950 — National, 4-3, 14 innings

1949 — American, 11-7
1948 — American, 5-2
1947 — American, 2-1
1946 — American, 12-0
1945 — No Game
1944 — National, 7-1
1943 — American, 5-3
1942 — American, 3-1
1941 — American, 7-5
1940 — National, 4-0

1939 — American, 3-1
1938 — National, 4-1
1937 — American, 8-3
1936 — National, 4-3
1935 — American, 4-1
1934 — American, 9-7
1933 — American, 4-2

Shining Stars
A look at All-Star MVPs over the years…

2008 — J.D. Drew, Boston, AL

2007 — Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle, AL

2006 — Michael Young, Texas, AL

2005 — Miguel Tejada, Baltimore, AL

2004 — Alfonso Soriano, Texas, AL

2003 — Garret Anderson, Anaheim, AL

2002 — None

2001 — Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore, AL

2000 — Derek Jeter, New York, AL

1999 — Pedro Martinez, Boston, AL

1998 — Roberto Alomar, Baltimore, AL

1997 — Sandy Alomar Jr., Cleveland, AL

1996 — Mike Piazza, Los Angeles, NL

1995 — Jeff Conine, Florida, NL

1994 — Fred McGriff, Atlanta, NL

1993 — Kirby Puckett, Minnesota, AL

1992 — Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle, AL

1991 — Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore, AL

1990 — Julio Franco, Texas, AL

1989 — Bo Jackson, Kansas City, AL

1988 — Terry Steinbach, Oakland, AL

1987 — Tim Raines, Montreal, NL

1986 — Roger Clemens, Boston, AL

1985 — LaMarr Hoyt, San Diego, NL

1984 — Gary Carter, Montreal, NL

1983 — Fred Lynn, California, AL

1982 — Dave Concepcion, Cincinnati, NL

1981 — Gary Carter, Montreal, NL

1980 — Ken Griffey Sr., Cincinnati, NL

1979 — Dave Parker, Pittsburgh, NL

1978 — Steve Garvey, Los Angeles, NL

1977 — Don Sutton, Los Angeles, NL

1976 — George Foster, Cincinnati, NL

1975 — Bill Madlock, Chicago, NL, and Jon Matlack, New York, NL

1974 — Steve Garvey, Los Angeles, NL

1973 — Bobby Bonds, San Francisco, NL

1972 — Joe Morgan, Cincinnati, NL

1971 — Frank Robinson, Baltimore, AL

1970 — Carl Yastrzemski, Boston, AL

1969 — Willie McCovey, San Francisco, NL

1968 — Willie Mays, San Francisco, NL

1967 — Tony Perez, Cincinnati, NL

1966 — Brooks Robinson, Baltimore, AL

1965 — Juan Marichal, San Francisco, NL

1964 — John Callison, Philadelphia, NL

1963 — Willie Mays, San Francisco, NL

1962 — x-Maury Wills, Los Angeles, NL

1962 — x-Leon Wagner, Los Angeles, AL

x-two games

Posted in: Sports/gaming • St. Louis • • • • • | Post a Comment »

Who’s pumped for Potter 6??

July 14th, 2009, 7:58 am by lgriffith

I am!

That’s right River Bend, I’m a Harry Potter nerd, and dang proud of it.

For all those who think a saga that follows a young wizard and his friends as they grow up and fight the forces of evil sounds like a kiddie-fest, “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” is likely to surprise. A true follower of J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece of a series knows that the later books/movies are anything but child’s play.

Film-Growing Up Potter

As the characters and the actors have grown older over the years, the literature/storyline has matured quite a bit, while maintaining a kid-friendly status. The book on which this movie is based, the second to last in the “Harry Potter” series, is dark. I’m talking creepy zombies and death, dark.  In my opinion, the book/film just before this one, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” was the first in which the playfulness and fun really give way to that creepy feeling that things may not be so sunny for our wizarding friends in the last part of the series. This one takes it a step further.

Still, the book manages a good balance, as I expect the movie will. The characters, although dealing with serious issues, are still shades of those little kids we fell in love with when the books and the movies first came out. There’s Quidditch, there are crushes that need to be resolved…

The great thing about this series is that a generation has been able to grow with the main characters. The maturity of the content, like I said before, grew with them so they never got bored.

With the help of the movies, we actually got to SEE Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and the rest physically, emotionally, and mentally grow older (thanks to their respective actors).

APTOPIX Today Show Daniel Radcliffe

I didn’t get into the series until the first four books were already out. At that time, I was a student at Alton High School taking John Kline’s Pop Lit class. Oh, how I dreaded the reading overload I would have to endure in that class - but in the end, it was actually one of my favorites. I went through all four books with a quickness and have been a fan ever since.

I can remember the release of the next three books - especially the last one. And I remember the emptiness after I finshed reading it. This movie is going to bring it all back.

For me, the Potter series is about friendship and family, knowing right from wrong, and fighting for what you believe no matter how tough the obstacles are. Although Harry is “the Chosen One” and the hero of the series, he is, above all things, human. His friends, from the beginning, aren’t anything special either- but the things they do are so much more.  The overall story is about what seemingly normal people, or normal wizards in this case, can really do if they care enough to try.

After you see the movie, write us and let us know what you thought in my comment section below. No spoilers, please! And stay tuned for a review.

Posted in: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Sudoku on the Web!

July 13th, 2009, 9:00 am by lgriffith

Need a little distraction today?

sudoku1

http://www.websudoku.com/

Posted in: On the Web • • | Post a Comment »

Zumba: Dance + Workout = Fun and fit

July 8th, 2009, 2:43 pm by lgriffith

Zumba is a fitness phenomenon that combines dancing and fun with an inspiring workout. If any of those sound enticing to you, I suggest calling your local gym to see whether or not they offer the class.

The dances, which can be tough to learn but are fun when you get the hang of them, “combine body sculpting movements with dance steps derived from cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaetron, hop hop, mambo, rumba, flamenco and calypso,” according to Wikipedia.

Check out this video I found on YouTube. (I apologize for the cheesiness.)

YouTube Preview Image

It’s an all over workout that can be modified by any instructor or by anybody that can’t quite get the hang of all the moves. Enjoyed by young and old, it’s so far from a boring workout, you’ll forget you’re at the gym!

I found Zumba classes at Metro Sports in Alton on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. Call your gym to find out what’s available to you.

If you’re not one for group workouts, visit Zumba.com for DVD ordering information.

If you’re looking to get fit, and ready to try something new, Zumba is definitely worth a try (even for the uncoordinated and clumsy ;) Trust me.)

Read a related Associated Press story on Zumba.

Posted in: Fitness/exercise • • • | Post a Comment »

Musings, liveblog on the Michael Jackson memorial

July 7th, 2009, 11:43 am by lgriffith

With the King of Pop’s public memorial service streaming live on my computer as I went about my daily duties today, it was hard not to shed a tear for fans and a family that have lost a very special person in Michael Jackson.

I know that a lot of my readers disagree with me about what Michael’s legacy will or should be, but today’s service completely reinforced what I’ve said repeatedly - it’s overwhelming when you see all that he’s created and done crammed into a short period of time. It makes you appreciate his incredible talent even more.

But today’s service added something more to that. Through people that knew him personally, we got to hear about Michael the person. Not the musical genius, entertainer extraordinaire, media circus or all the drama that surrounded him - but Michael himself.

Michael Jackson

Singer Janet Jackson, left, Paris Jackson, La Toya Jackson on stage during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, July 7, 2009. Associated Press

It was nice to hear Brooke Shields joke about the sequined glove and talk about how natural their friendship was. It was more than just talk - it was genuine, and you don’t see that in Hollywood so much these days.

The most touching part of the ceremony came at the end, and though it didn’t last more than a few seconds, hearing Michael’s daughter Paris get on that microphone and tell the world what she thought about her dad was heartwrenching. I can’t imagine how I would feel, and I’ve been lucky enough to have my dad much longer than she has.

Adding to the emotion were some beautiful performances - my favorite being John Mayer’s instrumental “Human Nature” and “Britain’s Got Talent” finalist Shaheen Jafargholi singing  ”Who’s Lovin’ You.”

“We are the World” and “Heal the World” were sad but uplifting at the same time. I never realized the sheer importance of Michael Jackson in relation to civil rights, but he’s done a lot to bring different nationalities and people with differences together. In that sense, I found the Rev. Al Sharpton’s talk absolutely inspiring. I hope people can take Michael’s message with them, and in that way, figuratively speaking, he’ll live on forever.

As the Jackson brothers wheeled the casket out of the building, each sporting a single white, sequined glove in his honor, I found the single spotlight on an empty microphone to be especially touching.

Below are some thoughts and musings I posted on Twitter, http://twitter.com/lauranette,  during today’s memorial service for the King of Pop.

The memorial was streaming live online at Associated Press and CNN, and I certainly wasn’t the only one tweeting. Visit twitter.com and look at the trending topics for opinions from across the globe.

Leave me a message and share with The Telegraph your feedback. Did you watch? What was the most memorable moment of the ceremony?

–

NOTE: I came in a bit late due to other obligations here at the ‘graph, so I do apologize for that.

CNN will replay the memorial service at 3 p.m. and and 6 p.m. tonight if you missed it.
less than a minute ago from web

About 50,000 people were at the memorial - CNN
11 minutes ago from web

That was heartwrenching. Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson.
18 minutes ago from web

Holy CR*P Paris is going to make me cry.
20 minutes ago from web

This is way more emotional for me than I thought it would be.
21 minutes ago from web

Love the sequined gloves at the memorial.
25 minutes ago from web

“Heal the World, make it a better place. For you and for me and the entire human race.” This song, this ceremony, is really moving.
29 minutes ago from web

This song makes takes me out of reality for a minute and makes me think the world is a peaceful place! It could be this way, people!
35 minutes ago from web

Shaheen Jafargholi is his name. Shaheen just made MJ happy. MJ just made Shaheen the luckiest kid. That kid will remember this FOREVER.
37 minutes ago from web

Lil’ dude from “Britain’s Got Talent” I’m hearing?
39 minutes ago from web

“I wanted to see his birth certificate.” Smokey Robinson
about 1 hour ago from web

BTW, I think this goes without saying, but Usher would not be the artist he is today if it were not for Michael.
about 1 hour ago from web

P.S. “What’s up with the glove?” Sequins hurt my hands. - Brooke Shields
about 1 hour ago from web

Brooke Shields’ talk made it a lot easier to look at MJ as a person, rather than a musical genius or media circus. Bravo, Brooke.
about 1 hour ago from web

I know this is late but the Rev. AS’s speech was really moving. Michael really did do a lot for civil rights.
about 1 hour ago from web

I just got a “Twitter is over capacity” message. Wow. I guess a lot of people are chatting about MJ’s memorial. Oh, it’s a trending topic.
about 1 hour ago from web

Posted in: Uncategorized | Post a Comment »

Plan your walking routes with Livestrong

July 6th, 2009, 4:18 pm by lgriffith

I believe I have mentioned the site before on my blog, but it’s defintitely worth mentioning again -

Livestrong.com is a great tool for those trying to lose weight or get back into shape, and here recently it’s gotten even better!

The site already allowed users to track calories from the foods they ate, as well as how many calories they burned after exercise -

Now, Livestrong.com’s “Loops” feature helps users map their walking/jogging/running/biking routes and gives an even better estimate of the workout those routes actually provide.

I used the feature to map a “loop” in my neighborhood, which I saved to “private.” It’s about 1.3 miles, including some slight rolling areas and one large hill.

Loops actually calculates the terrain of the route into your workout and tells you, based on your personal weight, how much you are likely to burn. You can adjust your walking/jogging/running/biking speed for various results.

You can create public loops too, or shop through routes other users have already created to add them to your workout.

Posted in: Fitness/exercise • On the Web • • • • • • • • | 1 Comment »

The fireworks are far from over…

July 4th, 2009, 1:00 am by lgriffith
fireworks

Fireworks display off Navy Pier June 2009 in Chicago, Ill.

Miss the fireworks in Alton?

Never fear, you can catch them in St. Louis on Fridays and Saturdays this summer, July 17 through Aug. 1.

(Fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m.)

Live on the Levee offers great live music, kids activities and a fireworks display.

Here’s this year’s schedule (from celebratestlouis.org):

A local band kicks off the live music each evening at approximately 6 p.m. National acts take the Budweiser Main Stage at approximately 8 p.m.

Friday, July 17th - Sonic Youth
Opening is Awesome Color
(Sonic Youth will take the stage at 7:30 rather than 8 p.m.)

Saturday, July 18th - Little Feat
Opening is Madahoochi

Friday, July 24th - Angie Stone
Opening are Soul Alliance and LeAndra

Saturday, July 25th - Gretchen Wilson
Opening is Pearl Heart

Friday, July 31st - Guster
Opening is Joe Stickley’s Blue Print

Saturday, August 1st - Lupe Fiasco
Opening is Black Spade

Alton’s own One Lone Car opened for OneRepublic last year (at Live OFF the Levee). Here’s the YouTube video I shot (stay tuned till the end for the fireworks display :))

YouTube Preview Image

By the way, have a happy and safe 4th of July!!!

Posted in: Music • On the Web • St. Louis • • • • • • | Post a Comment »

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