Monday, July 11, 2011

Monday Movie Blog

Welcome to the Monday Movie Blog on Chief 187 Chatter! After six months of painstakingly creating an alphabetical resource of favorite movies, it is time to explore new formats for this blog. Whether tackling different genres, actors’ movies, or movies connected to song, we’ll delve into many topics.

This week’s focus is movie sequels. Summer is notoriously a time for releasing sequels and Hollywood certainly enjoys bleeding a big seller for all its worth by creating these “gems”. What are your favorite movies that are sequels? Please give the movie title, the original movie it was sourced, a list of actors, and a brief synopsis or review.

Please join me tomorrow for the most uplifting post of the week, Simple Joys. To reach me, tweet me @Chief187s. Send me your comments and suggestions and don’t forget to follow me to make sure you receive updates on all of my postings.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Friday Music Blog

Welcome to the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187 Chatter. Fully in my summer routine, enjoying fun in the sun, swimming, relaxing, and spending time with my kids, I realize how much music means to my everyday life. From singing in the car with my children to belting out my favorite tunes in the shower, and listening to my iPod to hearing live music performed, music turns me on like nothing else. I created the Friday Music Blog years ago to share my passion for music and to pick the brains of those around me to see what other music I could get turned on to. It worked! I’ve been given tons of suggestions, been sent music, and reminded of gems that got lost in my clouded memory. With each week I get excited anew to think that this is another opportunity for me to surround myself with more music!

Today’s focus is your five favorite songs RIGHT NOW! What songs are on heavy rotation in your iPod, constantly on your mind, and get turned up loudly when they come on the radio? Please list the song name as well as the artist who performs it.

Please check back with this post throughout the day and weekend to see what new selections were added. If you are curious to see what other topics have been tackled on the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187 Chatter, simply type “Friday Music Blog” into the “Search” feature on the top left hand corner of this page.

I hope you can all join me again on Monday for another brand new week of original posts! The Monday Movie Blog, upon completing the alphabetical journey started in January, will offer an entirely new topic so please check back for that!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Tantalizing Thursday

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187 Chatter. Summer has its grip in my part of the world. Even the mornings are hot and appetites are waning. In lieu of a traditional breakfast, something quick, cool, and refreshing is the order of the morning. With summer fruit in abundance offering a light, naturally sweet flavor and a punch of fiber to keep you full, a Berry Smoothie is a fast, fruity, and fantastic way to start your day!


Berry Smoothie
Recipe from http://Allrecipe.com

Ingredients:

1 cup of milk
1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup ice cubes

Directions:

Place the milk, berries, and sugar in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice cubes; cover and process until smooth.

Yields 3 Servings.


Although this recipe calls for using frozen berries it is advisable to use fresh when they are in season, simply adjust the ratio of berry to sugar to ice as needed. Serve this on the run before work, to the kids before school or camp, or as a pick-me-up in the afternoon. Try the recipe with other fresh or frozen fruits and by adding yogurt to up the calcium and richness factors.

Let me know if you tried this recipe and how you liked it. If you are looking for any other recipes featured on Chief 187 Chatter, simply type “Tantalizing Thursday” into the “Search” field in the upper left hand corner of this page.

I invite you to return tomorrow for the Friday Music Blog, a favorite way to end the week!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

"Notorious" Nick Newell

From the surface it appears Nick Newell lives his life single-handedly. His young mother raised him single-handedly, as she and Nick's father separated early in Nick's life. Nick Newell was born with a single hand due to congenital amputation. But upon closer inspection Nick Newell actually has a village surrounding him, lifting him up, supporting him, and watching him conquer the world like any two-handed person can do, only better in his case. This is Nick Newell’s story.

Never having two hands, Nick Newell’s life is no more difficult than most. And, after the initial questions surrounding his one handedness, I forgot that had anything to do with who Nick Newell is. Born in Milford, Connecticut to “young parents”, Nick Newell arrived with one hand. For some families this would have been devastating, but to Nick’s mother, it was what it was. She always encouraged Nick to pursue his dreams and, when he became hesitant to try something new, she would tell him to “Man up”. Nick Newell admits, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mom.” In fact, it was Nick’s mother who wanted him to try out for wrestling. Unsure at first, this athlete, comfortable playing everything from soccer to basketball and most sports in between, gave it a shot. In Nick Newell’s world, “Wrestling is hard and fun. I was a WWE fan growing up, but it was wrestling at the high school and college level that was great. I believe every kid should do wrestling, it is the best foundation!” Nick Newell was All-State in high school with several other accolades to his credit. In college, while rooming with a guy who eventually went on to a career in the WWE, Nick’s television was constantly on Spike for the WWE coverage. Directly before that program began, The Ultimate Fighter came on and Nick became interested in MMA. “It was the coolest thing I ever saw in my life!” Nick said exuberantly. Within a month Nick Newell was training, commencing his career in MMA.

Fights came, but sporadically. Many fighters backed out by weigh-in or on the day of the fight. They were afraid of what fighting would do to their career; if they won they beat a one-handed man and if they lost they lost to a one-handed man. Eventually, though, true competitors stepped into the cage with Nick Newell. Self-described as “humble, not cocky or arrogant”, Nick Newell admits, “My heart is in fighting, my dreams. I am fully dedicated to this.” And, although he stands with a current record of 5-0, Nick Newell realizes he could always get his “ass kicked”, but responds, “That’s my right. And if somebody has a problem with me fighting, no one makes them watch.” Nick continues, “I train harder than most. You’ve got to know everything to be good. If your goals are not to be the best, then you are in the wrong sport.”

Still a kid at heart who lives at home and loves his family, Nick Newell doesn’t take life too seriously. He likes to “goof off” and explains, “Fighting is fun. Before a match I stay relaxed, warm up, get loose, stretch, go over techniques, and joke around and have fun with my friends. My friends are all cool guys. I’ve had many of my friends since Kindergarten.” One friend he met in college, Abi Mestre, however, lost his life in a motorcycle accident earlier this year. Mestre was “like a brother to me.” Nick will never forget about him and relayed that Mestre was someone, “everyone loved. He was a fantastic person and a fighter. He was a great person. It makes me sad and I miss him a lot.”

Regarding fighting Nick also indicated that he is, “…not scared of anyone. I practice all sorts of situations so I’m ready when I enter the cage.” Nick feels trash talking his opponents is unnecessary and he generally likes his competitors for the most part. He simply stated, “Like you or not I’m still going to beat you up!” Nick sums up his fight style and his current win streak by philosophizing, “Nobody is unstoppable. I have a lot of heart; I go for the finish.”

Nick Newell is a nice guy who helps other people. He recently returned from a visit to Walter Reed Hospital to talk to amputees as well as a trip to Nebraska where he talked at length with David Stefan who has a disability and is also interested in a career in MMA. But mostly Nick spends his time with his friends, his girlfriend, his mom, and at work. He works five days a week, trains 6 days, and on his days off, travels to Springfield, Massachusetts from his home in Connecticut to train intensely with his coach. Nick says the misconceptions he finds many have about MMA is that they are unaware of the many techniques and body mechanics employed. Nick shared, “It is the hardest sport. There are so many different styles, so much to know. It is a scientific sport and deserves respect.” He feels the sport will continue to grow. As for his own career, Nick Newell simply wants to get some fights close to home as he usually travels around New England for his matches. Ultimately he’s looking at a title shot for Cage Titans and is not picky about his opponents; he’ll fight anyone. The end goal is to fight in UFC. He would certainly jump at a chance to appear in The Ultimate Fighter, as “it is the gateway to the UFC.”

Loyal, dedicated, and savvy, Nick Newell was sure to include shout outs to all who support and help him. He started by thanking “my friends and family because without their support I wouldn’t be doing this.” Next he mentioned Fighting Arts Academy, his main team, and specifically Jeremy Libiszewski and his whole family, for “taking me in”. “They give me my game plans; Jeremy is the boss. I have the best coaches around.” Next Nick spoke about Crossfit Concept in Orange, Connecticut run by Louis Figueroa who works with Nick on strength and conditioning. Nick also listed Ultimate MMA in North Haven, Connecticut, C3 Athletics in Stanford, Connecticut located near his work, Wnec Wrestling, and Jonathan Law Wrestling where Nick got his start. Finally Nick added Fight It Out Clothing and Tap Out Cancer, a charity he affiliates himself.

Nick Newell enters one’s mind as a novelty, the one-handed cage fighter in MMA. But that quickly fades within moments of talking to him or watching him fight. Nick is passionate, focused, capable, nearly unstoppable, and will not be denied anything in life. He is not disabled; he is, in fact, more “abled” than most. There is nothing Nick Newell does single-handedly except win.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Simple Joys

Moods, relationships, and life have an ebb and flow. We are bound to have off days, weeks, even years. It is difficult to navigate these times and not feel frustrated, ashamed, lost, and defeated. But, by opening yourself to pleasure, even for a few minutes here and there, and recognizing that these times do exist, you are on the path to finding your Simple Joys. An unexpected laugh, a peaceful feeling, a much-needed hug, handhold, or back pat are all Simple Joys. Enjoying a sunny day, rainy evening, fireworks, time alone, a good book, or a favorite television show all qualify as Simple Joys. They are all around; it becomes easier the more you open yourself to Simple Joys, the more you notice them around you and you are able to partake. Since writing Simple Joys low these many months, my life gets exponentially better because I am opening my life to more and more Simple Joys. It can work for you, too. It’s not about money, station in life, or opportunity, it’s simply about letting in the goodness that exists all around. Now, without further ado, is this week’s Simple Joys.

Bike Riding. My oldest son who gets a lot of mentions in Chief 187 Chatter, had several goals to achieve before his ninth birthday which occurs in August. Top on the list is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. We live in an area with no real flat areas or safe bicycle trails, consequently he’s ridden around our larger driveway for years using his training wheels. This summer we all vowed would be his last doing this. The first day trying was difficult and frustrating resulting in a bad spill that saw his beloved horn, a gift from his grandparents, broken off his bike. He made some progress, but the mosquitoes who feasted on my son had a better night. The next afternoon, however, my son tried again. He was a bit apprehensive yet still determined to succeed! My husband, a champion with patience in this situation, coaxed our son to trust in his father’s grip of his seat so he could concentrate on moving his body correctly while turning. After many minutes our son got the hang of riding, trusting his father was holding the seat behind him. Eventually, unbeknownst to our son, my husband let go, keeping a very safe two inch space from his hand to our son’s seat, but still not touching the bike. Only after our son stopped did we tell him jubilantly that he was riding unaided! He was overjoyed and so emotional, as we all were. There is still more work to be done, practice to endure, and confidence to build, but our son took his first steps… ride into independence; a very huge Simple Joy for all of us!

Library. With school out for summer, we look for activities that are reasonable (read free) that occupy our time constructively and entertain as well. A trip to the library is a perfect way to fulfill those goals! A recent trip to our local library yielded four books, two Wii video games, and a movie all for … FREE! And the best part is, when we are done with these treasures, we return them and the choosing begins again. Having a wonderful library to visit and borrow from is a much appreciated Simple Joy!

4th of July Fireworks. Growing up I was so lucky to experience a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, the largest lake in my great state. A Yacht Club organizes and foots the bill for the public display. Boats from all around gather in the main part of the lake, wait for nightfall, and ooh and ahh over the amazing show. They honk their horns enthusiastically when they see a particularly beautiful firework go off. Seeing fireworks on the lake was always the highlight of the 4th of July weekend. In recent years I have missed many of these displays because I have had babies, too young to stay out late. But, as my sons get older I happily send them to their grandparents, the ones who live on the lake, to take the boat ride to witness the gorgeous show. I get a bit sad and envious that I am unable to see the event, but deep down I am tickled to have them enjoy an experience that I did for years and will again once my baby grows up. Knowing they are taking part in a phenomenal 4th of July fireworks display is a time-honored Simple Joy!

100 Fans/16000 pageviews. Recently the Fans Page my husband started for me as a lark on Facebook reached over 100 fans! I couldn’t believe it! When I scroll through the list I am cheered by how many friends, both on and offline, became fans. It fascinates how many names I don’t know who jumped on the Chief 187 bandwagon! My “Like” page on FB is nearing the 100 mark. Finally, Chief 187 Chatter reached and surpassed the 16000 pageview late last week and is already on its way to 17000! To some these numbers are small potatoes and not worthy of note. To me, these numbers reflect love, loyalty, friendship and support as well as my hard work throughout the months since I started my career in earnest. I am cheered, encouraged, always humbled, and thrilled by your response to me, and excitedly look to the future to be able to continue to serve and entertain you. Writing for me and you is an all-encompassing Simple Joy!

These Simple Joys are obviously mine. I always encourage you to share yours and look forward to reading them. Even if you are against posting them publicly, at least I hope you are inspired to write yours down or think of them if nothing else! Simple Joys are a powerful way to add a positive cast to your life and they truly do grow exponentially once you let them. Wishing you all Simple Joys!

Please join me tomorrow for another all new and original post on Chief 187 Chatter! Thank you for spending some time with me.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Monday Movie Blog

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Welcome in to a special edition Monday Movie Blog on this July 4th! For the final time the alphabetical odyssey we began back in January will be played out here. Six months of listing our favorite movies in alphabetical order culminates with today’s entry. We are left with a wonderful resource for all to share and continue to add to as the month and years unfold.

Today’s focus is movies that begin with the letter “Z”. List any and all movies that begin with the letter “Z” while also including the stars of the film and a brief synopsis or review. To access any archived Monday Movie Blogs on Chief 187 Chatter, simply type “Monday Movie Blog” into the “Search” function in the upper left hand corner of this page.

As it is July 4th, I also want to highlight the entry of Monday, May 30th (Memorial Day) when the Monday Movie Blog also featured favorite patriotic/war movies. The address for that blog is http://chief187.blogspot.com/2011/05/monday-movie-blog_30.html (copy and paste into the URL).

Wishing you all a very Happy Birthday to our Beloved Country, the United States of America! Please join me tomorrow for the most uplifting post of the week, Simple Joys!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Friday Music Blog

Welcome in to the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187 Chatter. As the Independence Day Weekend is upon us, my thoughts turned to all things American. Rock-N-Roll, an American creation, is always in the forefront of my mind. I grew up on Rock, still appreciate it, and love to expose my children to it!

This week’s focus is great American Rock Songs. Whatever you categorize as the songs that are performed by American acts and are anthems of sorts is what I’m after. The only criterion is the music listed by you is written/performed by American bands/performers. I am anxiously awaiting your replies!

I wish you all a very Happy 4th of July Weekend! A huge thank you to all of the men and women who serve our great country, a shout out to our forefathers who set this awesome country into motion, and to my brothers and sisters who work tirelessly to keep this fantastic country a most desirable place to live, worship, speak, and just be. God Bless America! Happy Birthday, America!!

Please remember to carve out a few minutes on Monday, July 4th, to visit Chief 187 Chatter for the Monday Movie Blog. It will be all-new. Thank you for your continued support. Be safe and enjoy!