Ah, the 1970s

Today there's Jesse McCartney, John Mayer and Orlando Bloom. But back in my day, here are the heartthrobs who decorated my high school locker. I think I had impeccable taste ... for the most part.

Robert Redford. Hubba hubba Hubbell Gardiner. Can I pick 'em or what? He's gone on to be an award-winning director, a serious environmentalist and indie auteur.

Warren Beatty. I knew him more from Rhona Barrett's Hollywood than from his movies. I'm still curious what he must be like in bed. Gossip leads me to believe I may be the only woman of my generation who doesn't know for a fact.

Joe Namath. He delivered. And besides, he made my parents and teachers nuts.

Paul McCartney. Forever and always. This was his Wings period.

O.J. Simpson. Yeah, well, who could have possibly guessed?

I Miss My Mommy

Early Saturday evening is when my mother and I usually check in with one another. This weekend she is staying with my uncle, her baby brother, who is unfortunately suffering through advanced stages of Parkinson's Disease. I would call over there, except his illness makes his moods very unpredictable. He might think it's great to hear from me, or he might get pissed that I'm interrupting whatever they are doing together. So tonight, I feel a little twinge. Our routine is off, and I miss her.

And mentioning Parkinson's Disease and the impact it has had on my family: Rush Limbaugh, you are an asshole. Michael J. Fox was courageous in showing the ravages of his disease on that spot. The twitches, the tremors, the mood swings, the lack of control … patients attach so much shame to what they can't help. (At times the tremors are so bad that my uncle's preschool-aged grandchildren are afraid of him. Last Christmas, while trying to write out a gift tag, he suddenly was unable to control the hand that was holding the pen and accidentally "wrote" on my sweater. He was so upset, so apologetic, that it broke my heart.) To say it's an act, to say MJF shouldn't have appeared while "off his meds," was so insensitive it's as if you've lost your humanity. Shame on you. It makes me sad that this is how ugly the campaign season has become.

Do I LOOK happy?

Got a most fascinating message from my doctor yesterday. Even though I have lost weight ... even though I have increased my aerobic capabilities ... even though I have begun choking down (ugh) oatmeal on a regular basis ... even though I (try to remember to) replace at least one Coke a day with apple juice ... even though I have been taking my Lipitor religiously ...

SOMEHOW MY CHOLESTEROL WENT UP!

I am miserable, and feeling rather rebellious. That's why I'm considering eggs benedict for breakfast, a cheeseburger for lunch and fried chicken for dinner. I know, I know. That is not the direction I wish to be moving in. But I mean, I've been consuming frigging oatmeal and apple juice!

In praise of McDreamy

Have you seen the new issue of US? I am once again sooooo in love with Patrick Dempsey.

Seems that the on-set argument we've heard whispers about included a castmate using hate language to refer to TR Knight's sexuality. Since there was press on the set that day, poor "George" was inadvertently outted. Patrick Dempsey objected. He used his star power (and, it sounds like, physical size) to stick up for a friend and coworker. How hot is that?

I swear. A lot. Vulgarity doesn't offend me. But I never, NEVER speak ill of anyone's ethnicity, religion or sexuality and I object to it when those around me do. It's ugly, and it hurts people. Besides, it's ignorant. Is someone lazy or sloppy because of where his or her grandfather was born? Does sexual preference make someone rude or dishonest? It's not only ugly, it's ridiculous. When you think of it, it's almost as insulting to the listener as it is to the target.

And if there's anything I hate more than bigots, it's bullies. And if there's anything I love more than men with thick dark hair, it's men with thick dark hair and clear blue eyes … and a well-defined sense of right and wrong.

Sigh. Dr. McDreamy, you're my he-ro.

P.S. And, Dr., because I love you so I hope you come to your senses and pass on drippy Meredith. She's so boring and whiny. I like Addison more, but I can see why you two crazy kids can no longer make it work.