Duh! Why did this never occur to me?

From the October issue of Allure: "Recycle body wash bottles, or use bar soap. 'If every household did so, we'd keep up to 2.5 million pounds of plastic out of landfills,' says Elizabeth Rogers, coauthor of The Green Book." It's so obvious! And after I empty and recycle the bottle of body wash currently in my shower, it's back to old-fashioned bar soap for this old Gal.

Handsome is as handsome does

This is Jennifer Levin. She was found strangled to death in Central Park back in the summer of 1986. She was only 18, ready to begin college in the fall. She was loved by her parents and a group of girlfriends who were traumatized by her death. Her confessed murderer claimed he killed her in "self defense" because she attempted to "rape" him during "rough sex." Her reputation was dragged through the mud as the sensational Preppy Murder gained more and more media attention, including a made-for-TV movie where Ms. Levin was portrayed by Lara Flynn Boyle.

Her killer, whose name and photo I choose not to include here, captured the public's imagination at first because he didn't "look like a killer." He was the precursor to Scott Petersen, a handsome, All-American Boy accused of the unthinkable. He plead guilty to manslaughter and served his entire 15 year sentence, refused parole because he assaulted a corrections officer and dabbled in weapons and drugs while behind bars.

Released in 2003, Ms. Levin's convicted killer continued down that same lawless path. In 2005 he was back in prison for heroin and cocaine possession. Today, at age 41, he is featured prominently in the New York Post for felony sale of narcotics to undercover officers. I am pleased to report that he looks rather dissipated these days.

I am sure that the "wanton sex maniac party girl," as Jennifer Levin was so unfairly portrayed during her killer's trial, would have done so much more with the past two decades. Life just isn't fair. Neither is death.

Heads & Tails #7

Today, the theme of Heads or Tails is "Train." I shall take this opportunity to applaud Thomas the Tank Engine for all the hours of joy he has brought my nephew.

My niece, his older sister, was passionate about American Girl dolls for a time. I wondered what toy would similarly capture his imagination. It was the pride of Island of Sodor, loyal friend to Gordon and Henry, nemesis of the evil Diesel 10, staple of Sir Topham Hat's Engine Depot … Thomas. It's been a constant source of amusement to me -- one the of the world's great Beatle fans -- that my young nephew knows Ringo first and foremost as The Conductor.

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit the Heads or Tails Mememistress.

The 4 Q&A Meme

Look what I liberated from Kellan.

NAME FOUR …

Jobs you've had:
1- Secretary at Sears HQ in the Sears Tower, on the 6th floor
2- Receptionist in a real estate office
3- Copywriter
4- Creative director

Movies I could watch over and over:
1- The Way We Were
2- Sound of Music
3- Little Miss Sunshine
4- Laura

TV shows I watch:
1- Grey's Anatomy
2- L&O Special Victims Unit
3- American Idol
4- Snapped!

Places I've lived:
1- Brookfield, IL
2- Oak Park, IL
(Sorry this is so boring)

Favorite foods:
1- Burgers
2- Eggs Benedict
3- Salmon
4- Pizza
(No wonder I've become Fatty McFat)

Favorite colors:
1- Green
2- Purple
3- Yellow
4- Blue

Places I'd love to be right now:
1- Chateau Elan Spa in Atlanta (getting a massage)
2- Anna George Salon in Chicago (getting a massage)
3- The Arlington Hotel and Spa in Hot Springs (getting a massage)
4- Soaking in a big tub of moisturizing bubbles
(That unreachable itchy spot in the middle of my back is clearly making me crazy!)

Names I love but could/would not use for my children:
1- Grace
2- Lisa
3- Michael
4- Robert

Gotta build an addition to the "Dig Me" room

Look what I got from Lori! You know, back when I first started this blog, it never occurred to me that anyone would read it at all, much less come back to it.

No wonder I live for Dancing with the Stars

I have been watching MSNBC off and on this afternoon/early evening and it's left me quite depressed. None of what I've learned today is really new, but it is all stuff I've chosen to forget about and today it was presented to me, point after point after point:

• There are conspiracy theorists out there, looking normal and moving among us, who actually believe that the US Government knowingly allowed 9/11 to happen so Bush, Cheyney and the neo-cons could get their way and invade/occupy Afghanistan and Iraq. How sad! I have made no secret of my on-going disdain for and disappointment with my President, but I have never once believed him to be evil.

• There are other Americans out there -- and make no doubt about it: they voted in 2004 and will in 2008, too -- who still believe that Saddam Hussein was actively involved in the planning and execution of 9/11. It's been disproved time and again, but still, the hardcore insist on believing.

• Vice President Cheyney is spouting rhetoric about Iran that sounds like a lead up to war. Another, concurrent conflict. From the people who brought you Iraq and Afghanistan.

I hate all this. It depresses me to my bone marrow and leaves me soooo weary. The only thing that will soothe me is watching mind-numbingly inconsequential TV, and to hear Bruno say something fabulously ridiculous like, "You are a seismic event! Like an earthquake! Complete with aftershocks!"

Congratulations, Red Sox Nation!

If it can't be the Cubs, I'm glad it's the Red Sox in the World Series. One of the oldest, most storied teams in the history of game now has the opportunity to school one of the youngest. And look at all the Red Sox had to overcome to get here! I'm lovin' the drama. I predict that the long time off has interrupted the Rockies' momentum/destiny status and it will be Boston in 5. (Of course, I believed the Cubs would be in the Series, so feel free to ignore me.)

Unconscious Mutterings #14

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Las Vegas :: Viva, Las Vegas!
2. Linus :: His blanket
3. Struck :: Moonstruck
4. Movie :: Star
5. Anxious :: Eager
6. Bandit :: Armed
7. Picks :: Quick Picks (lotto tickets)
8. Lasso :: Rodeo
9. Dinner :: Date
10. Bargain :: Dollar store

For more information, or to mutter yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

If the devil on my shoulder spoke out loud

… it would sound like Kathy Griffin.

My oldest friend and I went to see my sister Oak Parker Kathy Griffin last night at the Chicago Theater. She was raunchy, vulgar and so, so funny as she took on Dr. Phil, Larry Craig, Paris, Britney, Paula Abdul, Fox News, etc., etc. She says a lot of things about hypocrisy and personal choice that need to be said, but she's also a complete riot as she does it. I thank her for a terrific Saturday night out, and recommend everyone go see her, if only to hear the hilarious story behind this photo. (Borrowed from kathygriffin.net)

Behold My "Dig Me!" Post

My favorite baseball player, future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, was recently asked where he kept his record-breaking 14 Golden Glove Awards. His response, "At home in my 'dig me' room."

Yesterday I was surprised and happy to find this blog has received two more awards, both from Alison,* who warmly and generously shares her experiences as kindergarten teacher, wife and mother to "two angels" with her readers. And so I'm pleased to display them here, in my "dig me" post. Naturally I'm happy to be referred to as a "sweet treat." But I'm proud of my Community Blogger Award. "This award celebrates people who reach out and make the blogger community a better one."

*P.S. Alison, Blogger won't let me open the "comments" link on you blog so I have to thank you here. But please know that these made me very happy this morning. THANK YOU!

Saturday Special #8

~Words Ending in OWL ~ I Say You Answer~

1. Screeching Owl..."from the trees up above"

2. Night To Howl..."Halloween"

3. Evening Prowl..."the bars"

4. Nasty Scowl..."icky Debbie from work"

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit The Saturday Special.

Look what I got!

Kwizgiver has honored me with the tastiest award ever!

Update on Nailah Franklin

This post is dedicated to the 28 year old woman who disappeared on September 18. For nine days, Ms. Franklin's friends and family were mobilized: searching for her, recruiting others to search for her, praying for her, keeping her name and photo in front of the news media. It was impressive and quite moving. Clearly Nailah Franklin was much loved. Sadly, her dead body was discovered on September 28.

There doesn't appear to be any progress in the search for her killer. At least nothing has appeared in the press recently. A former boyfriend of Ms. Franklin's was taken into custody on an unrelated matter. Since she recently reported that an old boyfriend had been threatening her, this seemed like a promising lead, but to date no one has been charged in her murder.

On a positive note, there's a Nailah O. Franklin Memorial Fund at Chicago Community Trust Bank. The fund will provide grants to community organizations working to prevent violence and guide young people's educational and social development.

About this woman who I never met, but whose story has touched me:

• One of five daughters
• Graduated from Homewood Flossmoor High School and University of Illinois
• Spent 5 years at the prestigious ad agency, Leo Burnett
• Joined Eli Lily as a sales rep in 2006
• Volunteered for charities including the Chicago Urban League
• At her funeral, which was attended by hundreds, she was remembered as "not just a star, but a superstar"

Friday's Feast #19

Appetizer If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why? A mutt. I believe they're the most charming dogs and besides, no living thing should be judged by its breed, bloodline, nationality, etc.

Soup What does the color purple make you think of? The book, movie and play by that name.

Salad Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning? As little as 45 minutes or as long as 2 hours, depending on how motivated I am. (Today I was not motivated.)

Main Course How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them? Six. And no, I'm not to close to any of them.

Dessert Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter) TGH = Tickles Giggles & Hilarity

For more information, or to whip up your own feast, visit fridaysfeast.com.

Thursday Thirteen #38 -- Favorite Love Songs

THIRTEEN LOVE (OR LACK OF LOVE)
SONGS THAT ALWAYS GET TO ME

Maybe it’s because Sweetest Day is almost upon us, but this Gal is really feeling romantic and sentimental and mellow today. So here are 13 love songs that stop me in tracks and make me sigh every time I hear them. My mind is on “shuffle,” so these songs are in the order they occurred to me. I could easily come up with 13 more, but then I’d just melt into a romantic old puddle.

1. “Thunder Road,” Bruce Springsteen. Show a little faith, there’s magic in the night.

2. “Sunday Morning,” Maroon 5. Back and forth we sway like branches in a storm. Change the weather, still together when it ends.

3. “I Will,” The Beatles. Who knows how long I’ve loved you? I know I love you still. Will I wait a lonely lifetime? If you want me to, I will.

4. “The Right Thing to Do,” Carly Simon. Hold me in your hands like a bunch of flowers. Set me moving to your sweetest song, and I’ll know what I think I’ve known all along: Loving you’s the right thing to do.

5. “Bubbly,” Colbie Caillat. It starts in my soul and I lose all control. When you kiss my nose, the feeling shows.

6. “Change the World,” Eric Clapton. You would be the sunlight in my universe. You would think my love was really something good, Baby, if I could change the world.

7. “You Don’t Know Me,” Ray Charles, Elvis, and dozens of others. To you I’m just a friend, that’s all I’ve ever been. No, you don’t know me.

8. “This Old Heart of Mine,” The Isley Brothers. But if you leave me 100 times, 100 times I’ll take you back. I’m yours, whenever you want me. Not to proud to shout it, tell the world about it: I love you …

9. “Dream a Little Dream,” Mamas & the Papas, Louis Armstrong, etc. Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you. Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you. But in your dreams, whatever they, dream a little dream of me.

10. “I Love You,” Martina McBride. So totally wrapped up, emotionally attracted, physically acting, so recklessly I need you, so desperately sure as the sky is blue … baby, I love you.

11. “If Only You Knew,” Patti LaBelle. I dream of moments we share, but you’re not there. I’m living in a fantasy. You don’t suspect, could probably care less, about the changes I’ve been going through. But if only you knew, how much I do, do love you …

12. “Someone to Watch Over Me,” Streisand, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald. There’s a somebody I’m longing to see. I hope that he turns out to be someone to watch over me.

13. “Foolish Heart,” Steve Perry. Foolish heart, hear me calling. Stop before you start falling. Foolish heart, heed my warning. You’ve been wrong before, don’t be wrong anymore.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Chelle, who has somehow managed to miss ALL 13 of these songs!, has a TT devoted to songs her piano students are practicing

2. Tink displays 13 unexpectedly beautiful photos (you'll have to go see what they are for yourself)

3. See WorksforMom for trivia tidbits I guarantee you will repeat in conversation to amaze your friends.

4. Bloggers lists 13 scary movies you can watch online, for free!

5. Malcolm gives props to 13 stand up comics

6. yh reminisces about 13 terrific stage productions

7. ellen b proudly shows off her favorite state

8. Nicholas says 13 things he'll never say (it makes sense; really, check it out)

9. Sandee touches us with 13 bits of wisdom

10. Country Dawn gives all us gals excuses for not shaving our legs

11. Ornery's Wife lists tedious traffic-related tribe of travesties. Whew!

12. Yen offers up a random Q&A, a good idea for a future TT

13. Jenn helps Northerners like me understand the South

14. Jenny McB likes perhaps the world's cutest kittens, and 12 other things

15. Visit Susan Helene's TT to see the impact of cold and flu season on Shapeshifter

16. Nicole Austin takes us along on her trip to San Fran, but only if you stand lots of blue skies, clear beaches and fun

17. Lori features a very funny banner and an upbeat TT about fall

18. Harlekwin (she who produced my lovely banner) has tips for online dating

19. No Nonsense Girl went on a shopping spree last week and shares the highlights

20. Damozel has a juicy list filled with political gossip

21. L-squared promotes her new business venture, which is highlighted by PUPPIES!

22. Gabriella Hewitt goes where no TTer has gone before to list her 13 favorite sci-fi shows

23. Natalie tempts us with her 13 favorite desserts

24. See how Kate Davies (aka The Birthday Girl) celebrated her Big Day

25. Xakara has a spooky and challenging TT

26. Christy! I apologize but I can't get to your TT! Forgive me.

27. QuietMom has a peaceful audio TT

28. Michelle has 13 terrific reasons for why she needs to go on that job interview. (Go, Michelle, go!)

29. Sue recommends we spend our time with these 13 hand-picked bloggers

30. Mercy's Maid's TT is a challenging musical quiz

31. Joy Is My Goal finds happiness in the rain

32. Erin takes us back to 1981, a special year because it's when she arrived!

33. That outdoorsy Vixen takes us camping

34. Mark thrills us with dastardly, deadly traps!

35. Race downhill with Nap Warden


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Palace Intrigue

It's weird here at work today. Two of our big bosses were "let go" (fired, canned, booted) yesterday. I've been in this business long enough to believe they both had it coming, or at least had both been given ample warning that this was on the horizon. These two men at the top just couldn't get along, couldn't agree, couldn't cooperate, and it compromised the work we delivered to our client. When you consider that, if allowed to continue, their egocentric "dick wars" could have actually jeopardized our relationship with the client, thereby risking the jobs of at least 50 people who worked for them (including me), I say "screw 'em."

It's on days like this, though, that I'm glad I'm old. So many of the young pups are walking around either shell-shocked or frightened and the rumor mill is working overtime. I wouldn't trade places with them. Today I'm grateful I'm a seasoned vet who has seen it all, and knows to have 8 months* living expenses in the bank at all times, just in case.

*OK, I confess -- my savings are stalled at 7 1/2 months living expenses and somehow I can't just get over that hump. It's like the last 5 lbs. you can never lose, except completely opposite. Hey, cut me some slack! My nose and throat may have recovered from my bout with the flu, but my brain remains a little fuzzy.

Heads & Tails #6

The theme for this week's Heads & Tails is "Ten Things."
I've listed 10 characters who star in their own book series,
and who I feel I've come to know.

1) Nero Wolfe, an obese, orchid-loving genius detective, by Rex Stout

2) V. I. Warshawsky, a detective and a Cub fan, by Sara Paretsky

3) Spenser, a smart-ass Boston detective, by Robert B. Parker

4) The Southern Sisters, two genteel crime-solving retirees from Birmingham, by Anne George

5) Amanda Pepper, Philadelphia prep school teacher who can't keep away from crime, by Gillian Roberts

6) Kay Scarpetta, great cook and great medical examiner, by Patricia Cornwell

7) Jim Qwilleran (and Koko and Yum Yum), the most popular columnist and sleuth in Moose County, by Lilian Jackson Braun

8) Kinsey Milhone, the Santa Theresa detective who is working her way through the alphabet, by Sue Grafton

9) Britt Montero, a savvy Miami crime reporter, by Edna Buchanan

10) Becky Bloomwood, the Shopaholic herself, by Sophie Kinsella

For more information, or to play Heads & Tails yourself, stop by Skittles' Place.

This is soooo NOT FAIR!

It's Monday and guess what. I'M FEELING BETTER! Perhaps not as strong as Rosie the Riveter here, nor as motivated and alert as I should be, but better than I was all weekend, or last week, for that matter.

I wasted an entire weekend curled up on my sofa, drinking orange juice and passively staring off into the middle distance. And now that it's Monday, here I am at my desk. Isn't there some cosmic loophole which bequeaths me an extra vacation day to make up for my lost, lamented weekend?

Unconscious Mutterings #13

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Illicit :: Naughty
   
2. Go :: Go, Dog, Go! (Dr. Seuss)
   
3. Jacket :: Hood
   
4. Blow :: Cocaine
   
5. Coach :: Mike Ditka
   
6. Effort :: "A" for Effort
   
7. Leadership :: Inspiring
   
8. Snore :: Sleep
   
9. Fearless :: Superhero
   
10. Network :: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"
    

For more information, or to "mutter" yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

Is it a cold or is it the flu?

I've taken the Cold and Flu Symptom Quiz on WebMD, and guess what. I can't figure this thing out.

Do you have a fever? No. "Generally a high fever points to flu." Okay then. I'm just a big baby with a bad cold.

A stuffy nose? Yes. "Classic cold," it says. Though congestion "can occur" with flu.

A sore throat? I did at first, but now I don't. A sore throat is "a sure sign it's a cold coming on. Sometimes, however, a sore throat can show up with the flu." Well that was helpful, wasn't it?

Chest discomfort or cough? Yes. "A cough can appear with either colds or flu but is more common with the flu. And a severe cough usually signals the flu." Uh-oh. Sounds like I've got the flu …

Are you exhausted or weak? Yes. I considered curling up on the floor and taking a quick nap while waiting in line at Walgreen's. "Slight fatigue can occur with a cold, but extreme exhaustion is a definite sign of the flu."

Do you have a headache? Yes, on and off. "Generally, headaches are more common with the flu than with a cold." Looks like the flu, ladies and gentlemen.

Are you complaining of an aching body? Well, I wouldn't complain because the cats don't give a shit. But no, I'm not achy. "Body and muscle aches are common flu symptoms." So it's a cold, right?

Or is it? I'm too foggy to decide. Don't they know it's not nice to mess with an old broad with a stuffy head? I think I'll go to Blogthings and find out my vampire name. (It's Jezebell of Macedonia.)

As Fred Astaire sang, "Oh no, they can't take that away from me"

Look what came in today's mail. I may be reduced to watching the Rockies/Dbacks, but I have verifiable proof (what's more credible than an official MLB shirt?) that MY GUYS were the 2007 Central Division Champions. I will save it for my New Year's holiday in sunny Key West. I will proudly proclaim my love for and loyalty to the team that went from worst to first.

No joy here

This post is going to be long and intense. If you're going to comment, please understand how sensitive all of this is. Thanks.

I was raped shortly after my 30th birthday. I was involved in an abusive relationship, and that is what the violence finally escalated to. I remember cataloging my bruises in the shower the next morning and realizing I could no longer be with this man. After years I finally ended it. I was unable to put it behind me, though, because the rape left me with health issues.

I don't think about the rape every day anymore. But it does come up regularly. For example, it was top of mind as I watched The Brave One. It's been part of every relationship I've had since. It's there. It's always there. Like a birthmark or a vaccination scar. It's part of me.

So is my niece. What she's done has confused and hurt me. I'm having a hard time processing it.

This past summer she graduated from 8th grade. The photos are still in my camera. She had a terrific summer with her gang of girlfriends. There's one girl that she's close to, but they have a dramatic, incendiary relationship. We'll call her "Jane."

Jane has had vision problems since birth, and that's a card she often plays to get her own way. One day, when the two of them were alone and arguing, my niece decided she was sick of hearing it. She said something to the effect of, "So what if your eyes bother you? I was raped!"

Jane wanted to know who did the deed. My niece named a boy, known around town because he'd been caught shoplifting and breaking into the school. As the summer went on, Jane kept pressing my niece for details. Rather than admit the lie, she kept embellishing it. She believed it was between her and Jane.

High school starts. My niece is getting straight A's. She seems to be enjoying life as a freshman. We thought she was adjusting well.

Until the call came from the school principal.

Seems that now that they're in high school, Jane's been making lots of new friends. Two of them mentioned how cute that particular boy was. "Stay away from him," Jane warned. "He's a rapist." These two girls, who barely know my niece, went to the principal.

My niece is a 14 year old virgin. She's never had a date. The only boy she's ever been interested in is John Mayer. She's curious about sex certainly, but has no up-close-and-personal experience. She barely knows the boy she named.

She cried and cried in the principal's office when she was confronted, in front of her mother, Jane and Jane's mother about the lie. The school has mandated that she get counseling.

I love my niece. She is very smart, funny as well as clever, and curious about the world around her. She is very gentle and patient with her kid brother (I love him, too, but he can be a handful). She is very sorry that she got caught in the lie, heartsick about the pain it's caused her parents, and unhappy because she's grounded until further notice.

But she doesn't seem to understand the horrible, horrible thing she has done. False rape accusations diminish what happened to all of us who have survived it. She's only 14, so I've never told her what I went through or how it felt, but I'm sorely tempted to. Rape is nothing to aspire to, nothing to joke about, nothing to co-opt. Rape is desperately serious.

Likewise she doesn't seem to understand what she's done to that poor guy. She seems to think that since he has an arrest record, his reputation was already ruined. She doesn't get that what she accused him of is heinous on a whole new level.

She also doesn't seem to realize that her reputation will be forever changed because of this. She's now either the girl who got raped, or she's the girl who lied about rape.

My niece says SHE didn't report him as a rapist, Jane's friends did. She sees herself as a victim in this, embarrassed and betrayed by Jane. (And yet she and Jane remain friends. Go figure.)

I am, quite literally, sick and tired. I don't feel well and I had a busy day at work. I know I should call and talk to my niece but I can't right now. Whatever I say to her will stay with her forever, and I'm too angry.

My niece works in a soup kitchen. She goes to church regularly. She writes well and has a wonderful sense of humor. She's a good student and an avid reader. She's endlessly respectful and helpful to my mother (her grandmother). I am trying to remember all those many good things, all those things that make proud of her.

Because I love her, and can't bear to think of her as a girl who tried to gain the upper hand socially by portraying herself as a victim of violence, as "The Girl Who Cried Rape."

Friday's Feast #19

Appetizer When was the last time you were surprised? Yesterday. My niece, a high school freshman, is in trouble in school. I know every loving adult says this, but I didn't expect this at all!

Soup Fill in the blanks: My eyes are a pretty shade of green, but I wish they were not so very, very near-sighted!

Salad If you were a Beanie Baby, what would you look like and what would your name be? I'd be a tiger cub, and my name would be McAndrew. When I was a little girl, I slept in a tiger costume. My dad's nickname for me at that time was McAndrew. (I don't remember why he called me that, but I liked it.)

Main Course Name two things you consistently do that you consider to be healthy habits. I walk and take the stairs whenever I can. I have begun swapping out cans of cola for bottles of water.

Dessert What brand of toothpaste are you using these days? Do you like it? Why or why not? AIM. It's fine, but I don't have an undying loyalty to it. I chose it because it's formulated with baking soda.

For more information, or to serve up your own feast, visit www.fridaysfeast.com.

Thursday Thirteen #37 -- The Most Recent Books I've Read

Thirteen Books

THE GAL HERSELF

Has Read in 2007

(I Enjoyed 12)

As luck would have it, I just finished the 13th book I've read this year. That inspired me to steal this idea from Thomma Lyn, who did the very same TT on October 4. I’m sure she’s honored, since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

1. Where There’s a Will by Rex Stout. This Nero Wolfe mystery is a joy. I loved it as a whodunit and as a period piece, a stylish valentine to long-ago Manhattan. Oh, and there’s that desperate crush I have on narrator Archie Goodwin. What made this even more charming is I got this particular edition at our local book fair for 25¢. It’s an original paperback from 1940. I love the cover, with the hot pink and bright yellow type against the black background and the illustration of a femme fatale.

2. Reclaiming History: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by Vincent Bugliosi. Another murder mystery, this one solved once and for all by the passionate former prosecutor. Not at all exploitive, it’s a serious, important work. I must admit I’m not done with it yet. It’s massive – more than 1600 pages. It’s beside my bed and it’s taking months but I’m chipping away at it slowly but surely. Maybe I should rethink when I turn to it, as this isn’t exactly the stuff of sweet dreams, is it?

3. Last Chance Saloon by Marion Keyes. I loved this book. A warm and affectionate story of three long-time friends who move from small-town Ireland to London in search of romance and success. The characters are carefully drawn and believable, and the plot took some unexpected but credible twists. Yes, it’s chick lit. But it’s chick lit of a high order, and at times it really touched me.

4. The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton by Joe Klein. The 1990s feel so long ago. Pre-9/11, the world and the political landscape were completely different than they are today. Klein is careful to place Bill Clinton, his accomplishments and failures, in the proper (and fair) context.

5. Bookends by Jane Green. This novel started strong – introducing us to a group of friends at the beginning of their university careers – but then ran out of gas after they graduated. It’s harmless, but there are so many better books out there I don’t recommend you spend your time on this one.

6. The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown. I observed the Dianaversary by reading this detailed biography. It’s hardly a love letter to the Princess, as it details her infidelities and petty publicity ploys. But as I was finishing it, I still felt great compassion for her. I don’t know if it’s because of Brown’s writing or Diana’s spirit, but I kept hoping that last night in Paris would end differently for her.

7. Spare Change by Robert B. Parker. A Sunny Randall mystery. I have a love/hate relationship with Parker. What he does well – unusual plotlines, spare dialog, and action – he does very, very well. But his attitude toward women can be soooo exasperating, and it’s never more obvious than when he writes a female heroine.

8. Angels by Marion Keyes. Not as stong as Last Chance Saloon, but still warm, funny and entertaining. A Dublin divorcee runs off to Southern California to heal. It’s filled with amusing, astute observations about LA, as well as about love, sex, friendship and forgiveness.

9. High Profile by Robert B. Parker. A Jesse Stone mystery. Everything I wrote about Spare Change (#7) applies here. It isn’t that I didn’t like it, really. It’s just that I found some aspects positively infuriating. I wonder why I stick so stubbornly with Parker when he so often disappoints me.

10. Short and Tall Tales by Lilian Jackson Braun. A brief, completely adorable history of Moose County written in the voice of Braun’s “Cat Who” narrator, James Mackintosh Qwilleran. I am 110% City Mouse, and would never even consider living “400 miles north of everywhere.” But I certainly enjoy visiting this corny, imaginary rural haven.

11. Camelot at Dawn: Jacqueline and John Kennedy in Georgetown, 1954 by Ann Garside. The Senator and his new bride open their home to a magazine photographer. The b/w photos show one of American history’s most famous couples in a more innocent, more unguarded way than we would ever see them again.

12. Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers by Elizabeth Edwards. This book, written before the recurrence of her breast cancer, had a tremendous impact on me. Not really about politics, it’s Mrs. Edwards explaining how the death of her son taught her to open up and reach out to others. Her reminiscences about those horrible days are shockingly, breathtakingly honest. She got through to me and encouraged me to have the strength to be vulnerable. I’m grateful.

13. I Feel Bad about My Neck by Nora Ephron. Nora is the wise, witty and wonderful older sister I always wanted. She writes essays about aging, treating everything from facial hair to love and money with her own brand of gentle, sophisticated humor. I finished it quickly and Nora left me wanting more.

PS -- Do you like the new banner? I got it from Harlekwin.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Ellen B's TT is both spiritual and visual

2. Chelle Y takes us shopping

3. Works for Mom gives us 13 facts that we'll want to work into conversation to impress our friends

4. Nicholas revisits his book shelf and comes up with 13 (more) books with one-word titles

5. Malcolm bravely shares his musical guilty pleasures

6. Susan Helene Gottfried lets us watch Kerri pack for a road trip

7. L-Squared gets inside the heads of some adorable critters

8. Damozel has examples of bureaucratic waste that will make you laugh, cringe and scream

9. No Nonsense Girl had a roller coaster week and she recounts it for us

10. Writing in Faith finds the beauty in street art

11. Lori shares 13 of her favorite songs

12. Harlekwin (creator of my new banner) vents about her 13 pet peeves

13. Janet shares 13 of her recent Halloween photos

14. Claudia's TT is 13 reasons why she's glad that paparazzi don't follow her

15. Wolfie's personality is revealed through 13 tests

16. Hootin' Ani has 13 terrific Halloween recipes

17. PJ lists 13 popular teen TV shows

18. Bloggers quotes from Napoleon Dynamite

19. Carrie Lofty lists 13 unusual titles

20. Sparky Duck takes flight with 13 faeries

21. Joy Is My Goal has a bright and brilliant TT

22. Samantha K brings the game of Clue to life

23. Laura shares her 13 all-time favorite movies

24. Bermudabluez lists her 13 favorite TV shows

25. Go to Denise's Den to see 13 works by her favorite artist, Franz Xaver Winterhalter

26. Vixen tells us 13 reasons why she blogs

27. Mama Pajama recommends some soundtracks for your listening pleasure

28. Karen has a highly admirable TT

29. Nicole's TT is all TT's!


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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Smile!

I'm not sick exactly. I just feel crappy. Scratchy throat, achy, weak … Can't sleep because of the lovely cough I just developed. I turned on the TV and believe I heard that the Banquet Pot Pies I just bought cause salmonella. (But how can that be? Is there anything on earth more benign than a Banquet Pot Pie?)

Then I logged on and discovered that Tina gave me this award for making her smile.

Well, Tina, thank you so much for making me smile when I feel so icky!

"You say it's your birthday. It's my birthday, too, yeah."

No, it's not my birthday. But it would be his, were he still with us. Happy birthday, John.

He was a giant, and his career cast a long shadow over music, over his generation, and over me personally. John was never one of those artists who was afraid to let his world view inform his art. He was aware that there were those out there who just wanted him to stay a "mop top" forever, to do fun music that didn't make them think. But he understood that the role of the artist always has been to challenge the status quo. I loved him for his uncompromising courage in this area.

Just because he knew how to articulate what he saw around him and set it to music doesn't mean that's all he did. Not by a long shot. Now that I've given him his props for his message music, I want to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite (and lesser known) Lennon CDs, Rock'n Roll. If this CD has a message, it's simply that early rock can fill us all with joy. I still miss the old boy, but I'm grateful I can still hear these 13 songs through my iPod headphones whenever I feel like celebrating his life.

1. Be-Bop-A-Lula
2. Stand by Me
3. Medley: Rip it up/Ready Teddy
4. You Can't Catch Me
5. Ain't That a Shame
6. Do You Want to Dance?
7. Sweet Little Sixteen
8. Slippin' and Slidin'
9. Peggy Sue
10. Medley: Bring It on Home to Me/Send Me Some Lovin'
11. Bony Maronie
12. Ya Ya
13. Just Because

I'm not moving from this spot. Ever.

Left work at 12:30 today. Stopped for snacks and coughdrops and juice on the way home and now I'm settled in. For the duration. My throat is sore and I'm weak and my thought processes are fuzzy (OK, fuzzier than usual). I'm grateful I don't have a fever, and that I do have a cat. My very own Miss Thing, Charlotte, is fascinated that I'm home this early and is happy to keep me company.

A sinfully snatched quiz

Check out Kwizgiver's original "7 deadly sins" post

Wrath
Who did you last get angry with?
My boss

What is your weapon of choice?
Words. The pen is mightier than the sword.

Would you hit a member of the opposite sex?
Only if I had to

How about the same sex?
See above

Who was the last person who got really angry at you?
My best friend

What is your pet peeve?
Commuters who take up two seats on the train. If you didn't pay a separate fare for that tote bag, it shouldn't get its own seat.

Do you keep grudges, or can you let them go easily?
If grudge carrying were an Olympic event, I could win the Gold for the old US of A


Sloth
What is one thing you're supposed to do daily that you haven't?
Straighten up my livingroom

What is the latest you've ever woken up?
10:30

Name a person you've been meaning to contact, but haven't?
Edgardo

What is the last lame excuse that you made?
Truly, I can't think of any

Have you ever watched an infomercial all the way through?
Yes! Love them.

How many times did you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock this morning?
Three times

Gluttony
What is your overpriced yuppie beverage of choice?
Bottled water

Are you a meat eater?
Yes

What is the greatest amount of alcohol you've had in one sitting -outing -event?
Three appletinis and a beer. Yes, I knew better. And yes, I got sick.

Are you comfortable with your drinking and eating habits?
Yes

Do you enjoy candy and sweets?
yesyesyes

Which do you prefer: sweets, salty foods or spicy food?
Always, sweets. Salty is wonderful when I'm PMS-ing. Don't like spicy foods.

Have you ever looked at a small house pet or child and thought, "lunch"?
No, Silly!

Greed
How many credit cards do you own?
OMG! Too many to count!

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?
Redo my condo, begin a foundation, take care of my mom

Would you rather be rich or famous?
Rich!

Would you accept a boring job if it meant that you would make megabucks?
Yes. And if anyone out there has a boring job that pays megabucks, feel free to call me.

Pride
What's one thing that you have done that you're most proud of?
I have a way with critters.

What's one thing you have done that your parents are most proud of?
My mom is proud of my toughness.

What thing would you like to accomplish late in your life?
I'd like to be as organized personally as I am professionally

Do you get annoyed by coming in second place?
No. I'm not that competitive.

Have you ever entered a contest of skill, knowing you were of much higher skill than all the other competitors?
See above

Have you ever cheated to get a better score?
No

What did you do today that you're proud of?
I came up with a clever tagline

Lust
How many people have you seen naked (not counting movies, family, strippers, locker rooms)?
5

How many people have seen you naked (not counting physicians, doctors, family, locker rooms, or when you were a young child)?
The same 5

Have you ever caught yourself staring at the chest/crotch of a person of your chosen sex during a normal conversation?
Yes

What is your favorite body part of a person of your gender choice?
Hair

Have you ever had sexual encounters (including kissing/making out) with multiple persons?
No

Have you ever been propositioned by a prostitute?
No

Envy
What item of your friends would you most want to have for your own?
Barb's Steve Madden bag

Who would you want to go on "Trading Spaces" with?
No one. Decorating is rather intimate and I wouldn't trust anyone with it.

If you could be anyone who existed in the world, who would you be?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Have you ever been cheated on?
Yes

Have you ever wished you had a physical feature different from your own?
Yes

What inborn trait do you see in others that you wish you had for yourself?
Patience

What deadly sin...
Do you do the most often?
Lust, sloth, pride, envy and even more lust

Do you do the least often?
Wrath, greed, gluttony

"Know thyself"

My best friend called me this evening. He needed to speak to me right then. Immediately. He was in the car, en route to an impromptu dinner with his boss. His boss usually works out of the Chicago office, had just arrived in Denver for a meeting tomorrow (unrelated to any of my friend's projects), and wanted to take my friend out to dinner when he was in town.

My best friend was freaking out. What did his boss want? What was it that could only be said, face to face? Was he in trouble? What had he done, or hadn't he done, that would cause his boss to arrive in Denver on Monday night for a Tuesday afternoon meeting? His self doubt was really sad.

I told him what I truly thought, "Your boss thinks it would be weird to be in Denver and not see you." I waited by the phone for about 90 minutes, just to make sure I was right. I was.

He's good at his job! He's not the best marketer I've ever worked with, but he's solid. He has very good people skills. I tell him this all the time. It's never enough.

I have a lot of faults and many weaknesses. But I know what I can and can't do. I know that just because someone says something to me, it doesn't make it true. I'm neither as good, nor as bad, as bosses have told me over the years.

If I could give my friend anything, it would be a little more self confidence, a little less self doubt, and a bit more self knowledge.

But I can't, can I? All I can do is support him as best I can.

I enjoyed it. Is that a good thing?

Made an effort to finally see The Brave One. This film has been out for more than a month and received uniformly good reviews, so I wanted to catch it at the theater, before it goes to DVD.

It's a vigilante drama with a highly relateable heroine. Jodie Foster's Erica is smart, a serious broadcaster who loves New York and discusses it weekdays on NPR. She's healthy and happy, with a loving doctor fiance, a wedding to plan, and a beautiful dog named Curtis. And she's little. This last one struck a particular chord with me because I'm 5'2 -- and that's if I'm on my toes.

She becomes the victim of a horrible, violent crime. It destroys her life and devastates her soul. She tries to get past it, but how exactly does anyone do that? Can anyone do it? Or does unimaginable tragedy leave us forever changed … and changed into what?

As you can tell by the trailers, Erica becomes something of a vigilante. But, unlike Travis Bickle or Charles Bronson, she doesn't enjoy it. She's compelled to avenge the violent crime she encounters, even seeks out, but she's surprised and appalled by what she's done. At one point she asks, "Why doesn't someone stop me?"

Similarly, I was disgusted by the cathartic thrill I got when she took out those who "deserve" to go. Intellectually, I understand how wrong her actions are. We are a nation of laws. The criminal justice system works more often than it doesn't -- and it can't work at all without the support of our citizens. No one has the right to play judge, jury and God. I know all that. I believe all that.

But I am also a short, pudgy, middle-aged woman who works in a major city … a wonderful city that I love. I get frightened and intimidated, especially if find myself on the el after rush hour. (Something I work hard to avoid.) I keep hearing how Chicago is safer and that violent crime as down, just as Erica often reminds us about her beloved New York. So why do I still feel vulnerable? Is it smart self-preservation that fuels the fear? Or is it paranoia? And what to make of the thrill I got watching Erica switch into vigilante mode?

This movie is serious, not exploitive. The issues it raises are real. But, like Erica after that horrible night in the park, I don't know what to do with the feelings it inspired.

Unconscious Mutterings #12

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Cluster :: headache
   
2. Announcement :: morning announcements over the old PA system at my high school
   
3. Respect :: Aretha
   
4. Incident :: "There were incidents and accidents, there were hints and allegations." (Paul Simon)
   
5. Accordion :: "Lady of Spain"
   
6. Drunk :: Ow! Hangover!
   
7. If :: " If I fell in love with you, would you promise to be true?" (Beatles)
   
8. Dexter :: Showtime series (I keep meaning to rent the DVD)
   
9. Wedding :: singer
   
10. Gambling :: boat
    

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit Unconscious Musings.

I'm tired and disappointed … but ultimately grateful

It was a bright afternoon and a clear, lovely night. Ernie Banks threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and Ron Santo sang during the 7th Inning Stretch, so I relived the glory days of my Cub fan girlhood. I ate Cracker Jack and a hot dog and drank two beers. I saw Kerry Wood pitch in the post season. We waited around for Lou Pinella doff his cap at the fans in the stands. I was there.

No, it didn't end the way I wanted it to. I resent the Diamondbacks and the Rockies both for being so nouveau and yet still doing so well. (It would be easier to take if was the Phillies who prevailed, it simply would.) From this moment on, I'm pulling for the Red Sox.

I wanted this badly and the roller coaster of emotions has left me exhausted. I'm one of the 41,000+ who entered the park with high hopes and left broken hearted (and that doesn't count the countless millions throughout Chicagoland who feel the same way). But this season has been a party. I'm not prepared to say "Wait till next year" yet because I'm still looking back at all the entertainment and happiness this team gave me this year.

Update on Nailah Franklin

This post is about the local woman who disappeared on September 19. Her legion of friends and family searched for her and kept her story front and center until, unfortunately, her dead body was found 9 days later.

Ms. Franklin's funeral was held last Wednesday. Hundreds were in attendance. A pharmaceutical sales rep for Eli Lily, she was remembered fondly as "not a star, but a superstar."

A week before her disappearance, Ms. Franklin contacted police about threatening phone calls from an ex-boyfriend. A man who once dated her was arrested Friday for "misdemeanor battery" (he allegedly threatened a gas station attendant). I'm not including his name or photo here because the authorities have not officially tied him to Ms. Franklin's death. Let's just say that I hope that talking to him brings police closer to solving the mystery of Nailah's murder.

The bunting is going up … AND I'LL BE THERE

Saturday's game, the Cubs first Wrigley Field play-off appearance in years, has long been sold out and scalpers are getting $2000/seat. But this is of no concern to me.

I'll be there. FOR FREE.

A friend of mine works for the Tribune, the company that owns the team. The Tribune had an employee lottery and she won 2 seats for Saturday and 2 seats for Sunday. She and I are going Saturday, her son and his best friend go on Sunday.

I'm excited, naturally. In my whole life I've never been to a play-off game. I believe the team will stay alive to play on Sunday, but even if they don't, I'll consider it an honor to be there. There were weeks this past summer when I wrestled with the blues, and this team was one of the few reliable bright spots, one of the only things I could depend on to distract and cheer me. I'm tickled to be one of the 40,000 fans who will be there to welcome this team home and thank them for the wild ride.

I'm also honored that my friend chose to share her prize with me. After all, I'm bumping her husband and her parents! I don't know what I've done to deserve this, but I'm grateful all the same.

Heartbreak!

I admit that when I went to bed last night, I was desperately disappointed with Cubs ace Ted Lilly. He simply wasn't very good, and in the play-offs, no one can afford to have an off night. In a single inning, he gave up 4 runs and that's just not acceptable.

But then, this morning, I saw this photo. Look at the pain etched in his face. I no longer have the heart to be upset with him. Not when fate has sentenced him to reliving that inning for the next 50 years or so.