Incorporating Alex Ideas...:)

I can't believe how much great stuff there is to do on the Internet! It is amazing what is out there. I feel that some of it is a bit over my head, but I am open to trying it out. I am pretty sure that I am going to stick with a blog for my final project (I have already been searching for new recipes), and I am looking forward to more elaborate posts. I think I would really like to explore more with eyespot, and make some cool "how to" videos to add to my blog.
I really got a kick out of the hip hop pop ups. I think it would be cool to maybe have some pop ups on my blog of pictures, etc. Maybe it could somehow work just when you roll the cursor over a word a picture would pop up, or vice versa. I'm not sure how to do that but maybe someone could teach me!
The whole mashup concept is really interesting. It would be really neat to have sort of a recipe place. People could contributed recipes and continue to add to one big meal or something. (I'm still a little fuzzy on whether something like that would be a mashup or a wiki...) For instance everyone could submit a side dish or change up a recipe...etc. It could make for one big, fantastic Thanksgiving meal! That would be a cool idea. Again...I would need help to put it together!
I think it would also be neat to have a place where people could sort of draw on your page, if that makes sense. I think that the graffiti on the side of the building was sooooo cool. It would be interesting to have a place on my blog where people could doodle and then post their creations to the page. Maybe something a little more elaborate than comments...I'm not sure how that could relate to food and recipes...or if that makes sense! d

Those are just a few ideas. I look forward to learning new cool tricks!

Interactive Fiction

I can't credit myself as being a really great creative writer. I was absent for class last week and fell behind in a lot of school word. Therefore, my homework is not quite up to par and finished. I look forward to learning how to add images and pop-ups to my story.

So far, the story is about a woman named Amanda who wakes up and doesn't remember the night before. She goes on a journey that involves a strange man, and with more time I'll elaborate on it all.

Thursday, 10-25-07, evening...

I just deleted my story because I put it together wrong and am going to re-do it on Saturday. So it will be late!
NEVERMIND....

It is back up. I had some unfortunate personal problems this weekend that didn't leave much time for homework. I put my link back up but will re-do the story with Jottit...

STORY

I'm also putting up a link to a Jottit story. It was so much easier than writing html! It is a work in proces though...

Jottit Story

I HOPE THIS WORKS!!!

First attempt at eyespot...I have lots more work to do on it!!!

SF 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks 9/30/07

If you hadn't noticed I skipped writing about a very sad game last week altogether. The Niners played the Pittsburgh Steelers two weekends ago on Sunday the 23rd. It was a huge loss for the Niners, although the game was expected to be that way. The final score was 37-16, so at least it wasn't a shutout. The game this past weekend was a big deal because both the Niners and the Seattle Seahawks were 2-1, and this game decided who was in first place. It was a beautiful day for football.

We got up early and packed all our gear, leaving the house around 9:30. We wanted to get there super early for plenty of tailgating time! My boyfriend Rick, and his aunt and uncle, Allison and Ralph. We packed all the essentials including our table, chairs, BBQ, utensils, paper towels, etc. The drink menu was full, but simple. We made bloody marys and margaritas! Oh...and beer. We always have beer (and a sober driver by the end of the game...no drinking and driving kids)!

The menu was pretty simple this time too...


We made good old cheeseburgers and had some wings. We simply bought frozen patties, some nice rolls, sliced cheddar, tomato slices, lettuce and I caramelized some onions. They are simple to do:

Slice up one HUGE yellow onion, whatever way you like. Add one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil to a non-stick pan. Let them heat up so that the butter melts. Add your onions and about half a teaspoon of salt (this draws the moisture out of the onions). Put a cover over them with a small area left open for some steam to be released. Walk away for awhile...read the paper...pet your cat...drink some wine...watch the Food Network...then come back to occasionally stir the onions (making sure they don't stick to the pan). I like my onions super sautéed and brown, so I let them cook for about 10-15 minutes. We just cooked our burgers, piled on our toppings and enjoyed! We of course had mandatory chips and dip. Watermelon added a nice sweet end to a great fatty, tailgatin' meal! DELICIOUS!

Now to get to some football...despite total faith as always, we lost the game! There are so many factors building up against the team, the rest of the season is looking to be a little sketchy! With linebacker Manny Lawson out for the rest of the season, we already have a strike against us. The game started out with high spirits coming from the team and the crowd. We were all quickly shot down as Alex Smith separated his shoulder in the third play of the game. The extent of his injuries are still unknown, but it looks like he could possibly be out for up to six weeks...meaning BAD news for the Niners (and I can't look at his cute butt anymore). Replacing Smith at quarterback is Trent Dilfer, who unfortunately had a pretty rough game. He was sacked HARD five times and threw two interceptions. Out of 33 passes he only completed 12, for a total of 128 yards. The Niner offense really needs to step it up. Thus, the game was a sad one, although the spirit of the fans are always high. The experience of meeting people around you and having a common goal and love with strangers is wonderful. We left early to avoid traffic, and the final score ended at Seahawks 23, 49ers 3. The Niners continue on at home next week against the Baltimore Ravens.

Wannabe Healthy Breakfast

I find it hard most days to eat healthy. With work, school, and taking care of my everyday life, I find myself eating the wrong things. We have all heard a million times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I understand that eating most of your carbohydrates at the beginning of the day is more beneficial, as you have the rest of the day to burn them off. I'm for breakfast, and I'm for carbs. What I do find important is that I eat lower fat, and get my fruits and vegetables in everyday. (I do love V8. If you have not tried it yet, I highly suggest it!) While pancakes and French toast is awesome, most of us spread too much butter and syrup over them. You can still eat French toast and make it healthy. I tried a healthy version of French toast, cottage cheese, and a yummy smoothie.

Breakfast for 2 -

French Toast Ingredients:
4 pieces of whole grain toast (I prefer Oroweat)
1/2 tbl butter (try Smart Balance...it is better for you)
2 eggs beaten
dash salt & sugar

Heat a non-stick pan to medium heat. Add JUST a dash of salt and sugar to the beaten eggs. Quickly dip each side of each piece of bread into the beaten eggs. Let the excess egg run-off, as you don't want them to be soaked through. Once the pan is heated rub the small amount of butter over the bottom. Add each piece of bread to the pan. Let each side brown, so that the egg is cooked and a bit crispy. Remove from pan. Some great topping alternatives are fresh fruit and non-fat whipped cream (try Reddi-wip, it is delicious).

I love cottage cheese, and it is healthy for you. My favorite (it is worth the higher price) is Knudsen from Kraft Foods. It is a good source of calcium and protein. Once again, cut up fruit is the way to go! Right now peaches and nectarines are delicious...but the season is about over.

We have been very in to smoothies recently. Here is a new one to try:

3 small bananas
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup lowfat yogurt (any kind you like)
1 cup lowfat milk
2 tbl honey

Blend and enjoy! My father always made the best smoothies, and he passed on his love for them to me. They are really a healthy great way to enjoy a treat. Get together with your loved ones and enjoy the morning.

SF 49ers vs. St. Louis Rams 9/16/07

The game today goes to Frank Gore and his Mother....

I woke up to a foggy morning, and the Niners were playing away in St. Louis, MO. Because of the time difference the game started here on FOX channel 2 at 10am. I got the gym out of the way early and came home to make a brunch to eat while watching football!!!
Here is what we ate:

Eggs and Sausage Ingredients:
6 eggs (more if you are serving more people)
4 breakfast sausage links fully cooked (I like turkey ones) :)
1 medium yellow onion
1 red bell pepper
handful shredded cheese (I like cheddar) :)
1 tbl butter
salt & pepper

Heat a non-stick pan and add butter. Let it melt. Finely dice the onion and pepper and add to pan. Add a pinch of salt to draw out the moisture. Saute for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, put links on a grill pan to heat through and make slightly crispy. Beat eggs all together in bowl and add pinch of salt and pepper. Remove links from grill pan and cut into pieces. Add eggs to pan and cook until almost done. Add the sausage pieces and cheese. Continue cooking until eggs are done. For those who enjoy ketchup, squirt in on top! You could add a slice of toast with jam...or something else. EAT! (I hope my cooking instructions make sense. I would love feedback on that!)

Smoothie Ingredients:
1 cup ice
2 bananas
1 peach diced
1 pack blueberries
1 cup lowfat berry yogurt
1 cup lowfat milk

Put the ice in the bottom of the blender and add the rest of the ingredients. Blend and enjoy. (Sounds so corny!) I find that Smoothie Recipes is a great site for smoothie makers!

So we enjoyed our food while we watched the game....

The Niners took on the St. Louis Rams in Missouri today. The Niners defense is looking really good this season! Despite a touchdown by the Rams in the first quarter, the Niners came back with the first touchdown by Frank Gore. Gore made another touchdown at the end of the game. These touchdowns were close to his heart today. His mother passed away four days ago, and I have to commend him for coming out and playing his hardest. It was a promise that he made to his mom. The Rams quarterback Marc Bulger got rocked by the Niners' defense, as he looked pained throughout the game. (He does throw some good passes though). In the end (to wrap up a short girl version of the game), the Niners win!!!! 49ers- 17, Rams- 16. Hooray!

9/10/07 Game Day Pictures

SF 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals 9/10/07

WHAT A FREAKIN' GAME THAT WAS!!!!!! I knew this season would start off with a bang. The weather was pretty good for football...maybe a little too windy but we are used to that at Monster Park. The newly renamed (very appropriately) Bill Walsh field was buzzing. I enjoy football better in cold weather. The highlights (besides hot men in tights) were awesome. The Cardinals ended their winning streak against the 49ers...finally!!! About time! The game got off to a great start with a touchdown in the first few minutes. Matt Leinart's first pass of the game went straight into the hands of Frank Gore for a beautiful pick-off. Poor Matt (he is still sexy)! The game went back and forth during the middle, and the Niner defense really began to step up towards the end. In the last 22 seconds of the game Alex Smith redeemed himself for the last few years of rookie quarterbacking, and threw in a TD pass to Arnaz Battle who ran it in from the one yard line. The ball went back over to the Cardinals after that, and Leinart ended the game, as he had begun it, with an intercepted pass caught by Shawntae Spencer in the last 8 seconds. Unfortunately we did see both quarterbacks throwing turnovers, and one of each led to touchdowns. In the end, both teams played hard, but the Niners prevail. Final score: 49ers- 20, Cardinals-17.

Halftime was great. A big tribute to the late great Bill Walsh with fireworks included. Fabulous.

Although we took a charter bus, I'll include a popular meal when we tailgate. Kabobs!!! You need to bring your own grill, and don't forget utensils, paper plates, paper towels, cups, etc.!

BBQ Sauce:

Saute...
1 tbl butter
2 finely chopped green peppers
1 finely chopped onion

Then Add...
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbl dry mustard
2 tbl sugar
2 tbl worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tbl vinegar

Simmer all for about 1/2 hour...and there you go!!!!

Kabob Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenders cut into one inch pieces
1 green bell pepper cut into one inch pieces
1 red bell pepper cut into one inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper cut into one inch pieces
1 orange bell pepper cut into one inch pieces
1 large yellow onion cut into one inch pieces
1 can chunked pineapple

Soak skewers for at least 1 hour prior to use
Alternate kabob parts (ex. chicken, y pepper, onion, r pepper, chicken, pineapple...or however you want!!)

Drench all kabobs in BBQ sauce and let stand in refrigerator for an hour.
Bring to game and BBQ!!! Easy and yummy finger food...

My Football Past and Present

Growing up I was really into soccer and softball. Those were my sports. I did learn early on that baseball was America's pastime. I enjoyed going to baseball games, but I didn't find out until later on in life that football was where it is all happening!!! I remember watching some football games with my Dad when I was younger, but we never actually went to any games. In high school I discovered the Raiders and went to my first NFL games. They were awesome! I never really understood the big rivalry between the Raiders and the Niners, and I still don't...besides that it was something for everyone in the Bay to be competitive about. We all live here in the Bay Area, and I frequent both cities all the time, so why can't I love both?! (You should have seen the heckling I got at the pre-season Raider/Niner game for wearing both teams!)

When I met my boyfriend Rick it was clear that he would have a problem with my affection for the Raiders. He has come to ease up on the teasing a bit, but since both of the teams have not been doing so hot in recent years, he can't say much. Rick and I are fortunate enough to be spoiled and have Niner season tickets for the last few years. So...my love and affection for the Niners has grown, but the Raiders remain my first love. Although, as you will come to find, I am in love with Alex Smith...the Niners quarterback! We have the best time ever at the games. We go with Rick's lovely Aunt Allison and Uncle Ralph (who are only a few years older and our best friends). Only too much alcohol gets in the way from time to time, but all the games hold great memories and a special feeling that is hard to describe. The unity and faithfulness of the fans of the 49ers is also indescribable. Being an emotional girl it sometimes brings tears to my eyes when all 70,000 people are yelling and cheering for the same cause. I love it there.

I wanted to create a blog that covers the actual game, but also includes my personal experiences and tips on how to have a great time! We always tailgate, and I can promise some great recipes for food and cocktails!

49ers News Review

This blog, 49er News, seems to be more all 49er centered. They have links to many of the players and have some pretty funny opinions! While they do have links to other teams and such, they don't make it so obvious. I find the overall site entertaining. They even have created a drinking game, based on the events of the game. Awesome! The page is set up really well. It is easy to navigate and includes everything from shopping to really entertaining "joke" blogs. Frank Gore's bitch is hilarious. The people behind this blog are creative and know their stuff. The one downside is that they have a contact page, yet it is not really open to the public. I suppose all blogs can't be a free-for-all. You can get great information on the actual games, as well as laugh. That is something we all love! They are also sarcastic, which is always a plus to me. This blog is already read by much of my family, so it has to be good!

49ers Locker Review

49ers Locker seems to be a much small blog. Possibly a little more generic too. They have links to any teams in the NFL, and their "locker" blogs, as well as covering all teams in the NBA and MLB. The layout of the blog is much simpler than the last. I actually like that since I only want to cover the basics when it comes to the actual game. The do have a lot of information though, covering some of the same topics as the potential move, and even have a link to 49er ringtones! The site is run by several bloggers, and I'm assuming that some are paid professionals, not just crazy fans! They do have a spot for anyone to post a blog though, which is a great idea to let everyone have a say! I might add to Alex...I see a spot that says RSS...which as I understand is a great thing!

Niners Nation Blog Review

While I plan to take a lighter approach to my blog on 49er football, this site, Niners Nation has great information for the real play-by-play, locker room type talk. It is a very full blog. They include links to everything from tickets to polls, and even talk about the possibility of having a new stadium. They have a great spot for diaries where people can rant and rave, claim their predictions and comment back to each other. You can also create a login and get up-to-date information from the blog. I think that this blog will be a great spot for me to refer back to...if we are allowed to do that! Overall I think it is a great site, but a little more on the "ARHHHH...I'm a big man who likes football"!!!! I'll be coming from a different spot!