It's not Robertson endorsing Giuliani that surprises me …

It's Giuliani accepting the endorsement that has me shaking my head. "America's mayor," the man who proclaims his love for New York City and insists he will never forget 9/11, has apparently chosen to forget -- or perhaps overlook for political expediency -- how Pat Robertson behaved after that ugly attack on America.

It was Robertson who gave Jerry Falwell a platform on his 700 Club just days after 9/11. When we were all reeling with shock, disbelief and pain. How did these two men of the cloth help us heal? By blaming ME for what happened to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Quoth Falwell: "The ACLU has got to take a lot of blame for this. And I know I'll hear from them for this, but throwing God successfully with the help of the federal court system, throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools, the abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked and when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way, all of them who try to secularize America. I point the thing in their face and say you helped this happen."
Added Robertson: "I totally concur, and the problem is we've adopted that agenda at the highest levels of our government, and so we're responsible as a free society for what the top people do, and the top people, of course, is the court system."

Yes, this gal has contributed money to the ACLU and People for the American Way. It's because of hate-mongering, demonizing creeps like Robertson and Falwell that I want government secularized. I want my country back. I want my Christian religion back. I want people like Robertson to have less power and influence.

And Rudy, how could you?
How could you allow yourself to be embraced by a man who used the horror of 9/11 to advance his regressive social agenda?

I know Robertson apologized for the above comments, saying later that Falwell's comments were "totally inappropriate." No shit, Pat.

Thursday Thirteen #40 -- With apologies to Julie Andrews …

THESE ARE THIRTEEN

OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

It’s no secret that I love The Sound of Music. But I just don’t like raindrops on roses. Roses lose their petals too quickly and have thorns. Bright copper kettles mean nothing to me. The USPS won’t even accept a brown paper package tied up with strings anymore. So thinking of that stuff when the dog bites or the bee stings doesn't really help. Instead, here are a few of my very own “favorite things” …

1. Blue. My favorite color. Cobalt, aqua, navy, robin’s egg … I love them all. Denim is my favorite-most favorite.

2. Eggs benedict. My favorite breakfast. To order at a restaurant, of course. It's too much work to prepare myself.

3. Okapi. My favorite zoo critter. Imagine a giraffe with a short neck and a soft, shiny coat.

4. Office supplies. I love my pens and pencils and pencil sharpener and personalized notepads.

5. A cat’s purr. The most comforting sound there is. Especially from the throat of my big old fatcat, Joey. He tries to meow and purr at the same time and it sounds like a gargle. Too cute!

6. “I Don’t Break Easily.” My favorite Barbra Streisand song that was never a hit. (It’s on her “Songbird” album, if you want to check it out for yourself.)

7. The Cubs starting infield, ca 1969. Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Don Kessinger and Ron Santo. I grew up on these guys and, for me, they will always personify fielding excellence.

8. Shea Body Butter. My favorite moisturizer is luxurious, thick and almost fragrance free. Available at The Body Shop.

9. Bruce Springsteen. My favorite concert performer. Ever.

10. The Law & Order cast, ca. 1995. In the courtroom: Adam Schiff, Jack McCoy, and Claire Kincaid. On the streets: Lt. Van Buren, Rey Curtis (I even named my cat after him) and, of course, Lennie Briscoe. I’m always happy when a rerun comes on and it’s this lineup.

11. The manicotti at La Cantina. Manicotti is a good comfort food under any circumstances, but OMG! Does this restaurant do it great or what?

12. MSNBC. If you really want your news “fair and balanced,” you should watch the newschannel that gives a daily platform to everyone from Tucker Carlson and Joe Scarborough to Keith Olberman. I positively gorge myself on the divergent opinions. Oh, and I have a crush on Dan Abrams.

13. The Slowskys. The commercials with these Comcast turtles always make me smile. Bill and Karolyn, you’re my favorite married couple.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.Ellen B has an uplifting post about friendship

2. Nap Warden serves up a delicious but high-cal TT

3. Forgetfulone takes us on a lovely trip into reruns

4. Sandee has 13 provocative thoughts

5. Nicole completely cracked me with her cowboy TT

6. Holly offers up 13 movies she can watch and watch and watch …

7. Malcolm lists the 13 best B sides of all time (including one of my faves)

8. Greatfullivin explains where our words come from

9. Nicholas celebrates his 100th TT with a list of DVDs

10. Impworks takes us "bird watching," and it's hilarious


11. Susan Helene Gottfried lets Kerri Voss share her observations of fall

12. Susie J has a unique culinary TT

13. No Nonsense Girl doesn't have a TT this week (or does she?)

14. Heather was busy today with these 13 things

15. Celebrate with Lori and wish her a happy birthday!

16. Joyismygoal takes us down on the farm

17. Harlekwin, who created that gorgeous banner you see above, wishes to celebrate some highly inventive holidays

18. Sorry, SJ, but I just couldn't find your TT. Here's a link to SJ's site.

19. Candyminx has the coolest TT ever!

20. Xakara teases us with compelling quotes from her work in progress


21. Yen takes us along as she remembers her childhood

22. Secret Agent Mama spills the beans on beans

23. Raggedy has a TT that every cat wants you to read and commit to memory

24. Maria's TT is important for flu season

25. Gabriella doesn't have a new TT this week, but if you're feeling brave, check out last week's Halloween/scary movie list

26. Mo's TT shines the spotlight on her favorite authors

27. Paige passionately rants

28. Carrie Lofty lists 13 favorite recipes inherited from Mom

29. Ann Aguirre is very excited about her new collaborator

30. Vixen has a TT about her blog that's interesting and creative.


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



Heads & Tails #8

Today's theme is "vote." Election Day and the act of voting make me feel more patriotic, more connected to my fellow citizens, than any other day on the calendar. Unfortunately, today in the Chicagoland area there aren't any races for me to vote on! So instead I'll share quotes about the system I hold so dear …

“People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing.” Walter H. Judd

“A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.” Theodore Roosevelt

“Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote.” William E. Simon

“Fifty percent of people won't vote, and fifty percent don't read newspapers. I hope it's the same fifty percent." Gore Vidal

For more about Heads or Tails, visit Mememistress Skittles.

A word about gender

I watched last week's Democratic debate and thought a fine time was had by all. I didn't see a group of men "piling on" a woman. I saw a collection of candidates -- a group that included a Black and a Hispanic -- nipping at the front runner, who happens to be a woman. I think this is a cause for celebration. The Iowa Caucus is less than 60 days away, and the serious Presidential candidates on the stage reflect America. How cool is that?

None of the men on that stage was condescending to Senator Clinton. Believe me, I would have noticed that. I'm still steaming about an exchange she and Rumsfeld had on C-Span when his voice was so dripping with condescension I had a flashback to most trips I've had to the hardware store. ("Don't worry your head about those other doohickeys and thingamabobs, little lady. Just buy this and be happy with it and be on your way.")

No, Obama and Edwards were just holding Hillary Clinton accountable for her recent decisions, current positions and past statements. And they should. She is asking us to elect her President of the United States. They didn't attack her marriage or her hair or personal finances. They didn't call her a harridan or a hormone hostage. They tried to pin her down on issues.

For her part, I thought she handled it all well. She got defensive and feisty but never shrill. I wasn't surprised. She's been through rough-and-tumble Presidential campaigns before.

There's an old Irish/Democratic saying that's been attributed to everyone from Mayor Daley (King Richard I) to Tip O'Neil: "Politics ain't beanbags." If she wants to win, Senator Clinton has to dish it out, and take it. She shouldn't be given a softer passage because of her gender.

BTW, I know this picture doesn't include Richardson and it probably should, considering the above content. But doesn't Edwards look yummy? I won't vote for him just because he's divine anymore than I'd vote for Clinton for being a woman or Obama for being Black. But this is my blog, after all, and if I want to gaze upon him, so I shall.

"Give Me 5 Monday"

Here's my first entry in a new meme by Becca. I'll let her describe it in her own words:

The 'Give Me Five' Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here's how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn't have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.

Today's topic: Give Me 5 Smells That Remind You of Childhood

1) Hot chocolate. My oldest friend's dad used to take us sledding and then to a local restaurant for hot chocolate. It's a dear memory.

2) Cinnamon. I used to hate oatmeal (I'm still not a big fan), so my mom would make Cream of Wheat instead and add a liberal amount of cinnamon.

3) Avon Skin-So-Soft Bath Oil. I remember that smell lingering in the steam after my mother took her bath.

4) Sweet Honesty by Avon. The kids' cologne I was allowed to wear when I was in grammar school. Does Avon still make it?

5) Chlorine. Swimming lessons! How accomplished I felt the first time I swam the length -- not the width, the LENGTH -- of the pool!

For more about "Give Me 5 Monday," or to play along, visit Becca's Buzz.

Just another Manic Monday

Describe yourself in one word: Lazy

What is your favorite kitchen utensil and why? My paring knife. It must be my favorite because it gets the most use. Even on those days when all I have for dinner is a Lean Cuisine, I use the paring knife to slit the cover.

What is the one thing that frightens you the most about growing old? Losing my independence.


For more information, or to join in yourself, visit Manic Monday.

This morning, I really, REALLY dislike my kid sister

I would say that right now I hate her, but it's the Sabbath and so I'm scaling it back a bit.

My niece invited me to her birthday dinner. She selected the restaurant, as the birthday girl should. It was the Olive Garden. Not my favorite place, but she's 15 and for her it was high living, definitely a step up from Old Country Buffet, her choice in years gone by. My sister began complaining about the service. I thought she was a little unfair. It was Saturday night, the restaurant was packed, I thought the waitress was probably doing the best she could. I said to my niece, who was sitting right beside me and has a good sense of humor, "We should cut her some slack. She's saving her tips to pay for her mother's spleen transplant." My little nephew got all big-eyed and said, "Really?" I assured him I was joking, I don't know the waitress, and I'm pretty sure anyone can live without their spleen, anyway.

My sister, rolling her eyes, said, "As I was saying, before The Gal started yelling about spleens …" Uh-oh. I interrupted her rant with levity. I felt like shouting across the table, ''THAT WAS ME TALKING. THIS IS ME YELLING. NOW YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE." But, because I wanted my niece to have a good 15th birthday, I bit my tongue.

When the check came, I slipped my sister a $20. She just took it as if it was her due. Um, I thought it was nice of me. I was invited, which I thought meant I was their GUEST.

We returned to their house for ice cream and cake. After we sang Happy Birthday and the kids left the room, I took 8 Savings Bonds from my purse. It's November, and every year at this time I give my sister four $50 EE bonds for each of her children. I never committed to doing this, I've never discussed this, but it is pretty frigging nice of me to do. She wordlessly took them and tucked them between the salt and pepper shakers on the kitchen table. I don't expect a party in my honor, but it would be nice if she said "thank you," or at least treated the bonds like what they are -- financial documents, not carryout menus from the local pizza place.

She's the baby of the family. I have always done for her, so I guess I'm in large part responsible for her prodigious sense of entitlement. But she is also 42 years old now, a mother of a teenager and a second grader. I thought that, as she tries to impart values to her kids, she would have matured a bit. I was wrong.

Oh well, I think my niece had a good time. And that is the important thing. Once again, blog, thank for listening to me vent.

Unconscious Mutterings #16

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

1. Assets :: Liabilities
   
2. Concern :: Worry
   
3. Over the top :: Obnoxious
   
4. Supplies :: Pens, pencils, paper clips, binder clip ("These are a few of my favorite things")
   
5. Mustache :: Beard
   
6. Doug :: Wilson, really dishy former Black Hawk
   
7. Coach :: Ditka, formerly of the Bears
   
8. Bleachers :: Wrigley Field
   
9. Stripes :: Stars
   
10. Assortment :: Whitman's Chocolate Sampler

For more information, or to play along and "free associate" yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

Girly Survey

Here's a fun quiz that I shamelessly stole from Kwizgiver.

What color is your bra? Beige

Do you straighten your hair everyday? I've started to. I'm letting my hair grow out, and every day is a new hair trauma or discovery.

Do you worry about the size of your boobs? Sometimes, but basically, I think they're still cute and I like 'em.

What's your favorite girly magazine?: Allure

Would you kill for chocolate? When I'm PMSing

Jeans or Skirts? Jeans

Do you wear clothes/shoes/jewelry that's uncomfortable? No

Did you ever spend all day/night getting pretty for a guy? Not quite …

Did you ever cry during a romantic movie?: I have.

Would you leave the house without makeup on?: No.

Do you consider making out "unladylike"? Yes

On a scale of 1-10, how fun is shopping?: 11+

Are you spoiled? No

Do you think lipgloss is the best?: No

Do you freak out if you miss your favorite show? Yes. Especially if it's Cubs baseball

Do you yell a lot? Not intentionally … I know I shouldn't … OK, yes

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 45 minutes if I'm motivated; 2 hours if I'm not

Do you wear sweatpants/pajama pants to school/work? never, ever, ever, NEVER

Accessories make the outfit; true or false? True

Is pink truly the best color in the entire universe? Not on this Gal

Lip gloss a must?: No (Another lip gloss question? What gives?)

Status? Eternally single

Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy? No

Do you often wish there was something you could change about yourself? Yes!

Gold or silver?: Silver

The guy that you like/love/whatever, what does his name begin with? S

Do you dress up too much for holidays? Not very much

Do you like wearing dresses? No

Do you write a lot of mushy love poems? No

What makeup could you not live without? Tinted moisturizer

If you take this, let me know so I can compare our answers.

These poor kids today don't even know what they're missing

When I was a little girl, Jackie Kennedy was on all the magazine covers and even in the daily newspapers, usually in white gloves, looking beautiful as she watched another school, airport, park or library named to honor her martyred husband, here or abroad. Then she became Jackie O and there were even more photos and articles: water skiing around her new husband's island, sunning herself on her new husband's yacht, in evening clothes dining at the coolest restaurant, or at an airport, hiding behind enormous sunglasses as she boarded one of her new husband's jets. Widowhood ended that marriage, too, and Jackie came home. Now her press centered around the attention she lavished on her kids and how she the former First Lady embarked on her own career in publishing. There were photos of her with the portly, balding man that we knew she lived with, and yes, we knew he was still married to someone else, but since Jackie, the man and his wife all behaved with such dignity, there was barely a whiff of scandal. She began to recede from the daily papers and the magazine covers as she got older. Partly because her life had become less glamorous, partly because even a fit and beautiful grandmother in her 50s and 60s won't be the world's fashion trendsetter. I don't think Jackie minded it one bit as her position as the world's #1 covergirl was taken by a shy young London kindergarten teacher …

Lady Diana Spencer was a blonde, blue-eyed teenage charmer. Clearly in love, she was the girl at the center of the storybook romance. We watched her wedding to Prince Charles (I got up at some crazy hour in Los Angeles, where we were vacationing, to see it live). We watched her accept flowers from children and comfort the elderly. The magazines, newspapers and entertainment shows kept us up to date on her pregnancies and the births of the young princes. We watched her style become more sophisticated on her trips abroad, representing The Crown. Her fairytale marriage deteriorated before our eyes and we had to choose sides. We chose her. We went to Disney World with her and her boys, we watched her be romanced by a foreign suitor with a yacht (deja Jackie), and then suddenly, tragically, she was gone.

Both Jackie and Diana still sell. I'm always happy to see them on magazine covers (like the Avedon portrait of the Kennedys on the cover of Vanity Fair) or on the bookshelves (the spate of books published to coincide with the Dianaversary).

I think part of why these women still have a hold on our imaginations is that, no matter what, they were ladies in the old-fashioned sense. The paparazzi encroached on their personal space in ways that certainly weren't fair (Jackie even took a photographer to court and won a judgment that kept him away from her), but they didn't throw vulgar tantrums. They were both keenly aware that the newspapers are "the first rough draft of history." Jackie tried to never be photographed smoking. It's impossible to imagine either her or Diana getting in or out of a car at a nightspot and flashing their naked crotches at photographers. They made their kids a priority. Whatever else was said about these women, the world recognized and respected the way they handled their responsibility to their children. There would never, ever be a scathing report from a court-appointed parenting coach about either of these mothers.

Today, young girls are following the misadventures of the women who have replaced Jackie and Di on the magazine covers: Paris and Britney. I feel sorry for them. Jackie and Diana gave us ideals to aspire to, not to rise above.

Friday's Feast #21

Appetizer. How much money do you plan to spend this upcoming holiday season? I don't really plan. For example, there are some people -- like my brother-in-law, who is very hard on clothes -- that I shop for all year around, whenever I find a good sale. My cousin Rose is big into family photos and I found her the perfect multi-picture frame ages ago, but I can't remember what I paid. You get the idea.

Soup. What was the last television show you watched, and was it good? Grey's Anatomy, and yes, I enjoyed it.

Salad. If you had to paint the walls of your living room tomorrow, what color would you choose? I love the current color, a pale citrus-y green, but it really could use some touch-ups!

Main Course. Name something clever or practical you have thought of that should be invented, but hasn’t yet. I'd love a Magic 8 Ball I could depend on! "Does he really care?" "Should I seriously consider that new job opportunity?" "Will I ever lose weight?" I'd love to be able to ask questions and never get, "Ask any again later."

Dessert. List 3 things you would like to receive as gifts this upcoming holiday season. Lovely Cologne and Body Lotion by Sarah Jessica Parker; Body Shop Body Butters; a Sephora gift card so I could snap up all those terrific mascaras

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

Yearning

Today while at lunch, I saw a heartbroken little girl on the street, crying to her parents that she had "to go get it!" She was all teary, redfaced determination. I could tell by her parents' response that she had left something very important behind at one of their earlier stops and just now noticed it. I don't know if it was a pacifier or a blanket or a doll, but boy, she wanted it sooo bad, and her parents seemed quite sure it was lost to her forever.

This scene touched me so because, kiddo, I know how you feel. No feeling is as motivating, enduring and consuming as wanting what we don't have. And then there's the heartbreak of having to accept that we can't ever have it.

That poor little girl learned a tough lesson today. And as I get older and watch more dreams recede into the distance, I feel more, not less, like her.

Thursday Thirteen #39 -- Campy Movie Classics

THIRTEEN CINEMATIC STINKERS

The Gal Herself

SAVORS

Yes, I'm a connoisseur of terrible pop songs. But I delight in bad movies, too. I never miss an opportunity to watch one of these clunkers. They are all earnest, sincere, unselfconsciously and gloriously bad. A big glass of milk, a box of Nilla Vanilla wafers, and one of these, and I’m simply in heaven. If you're a fan of bad dialog, unreasonably lavish wardrobes, cheesey special effects and completely unbelievable plot twists, then these movies are for you! Since this is the witching time of year, I’ll lump all the stupendously stupid horror movies together at the top.

1. Attack of the Puppet People (1958). A lonely Gepetto-type lures people to his studio and then shrinks them so he’ll have company forever and ever. My favorite scene: When the Puppet People try to get help by climbing the phone cord and attempting to dial Gepetto’s ginormous (at least to them) rotary desk phone. You don’t have to be loaded to enjoy this cinematic gem, but it helps.

2. Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). A group of scientists sail down the Amazon and encounter a scaly underwater creature with love on his mind. My favorite scenes: Every time the Creature grabs Kay, the female scientist who has captured his heart, but can never return his love because she is promised to another (who, incidentally, is of her own species). It probably doesn’t help their relationship prospects that the Creature tragically has no genitals. I know this because I search for them every time. If I ever get hi-def, it will be because of this movie.

3. The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1962). After a terrible car crash, a mad scientist keeps his girlfriend’s head alive. In a shallow dish. On a long table. While her hair is hidden under a turban, her makeup is always perfect. Never could figure out how she managed that with no hands. At any rate, the prospect of a future with no body, or perhaps with a transplanted body, leaves her grumpier and grumpier as the movie wears on. My favorite scenes: Any of the Brain’s scenes with the drooling mutant brute who is also kept in the la-BOR-a-tory. She’s all bossy attitude with him. You have to admire her spunk under these trying circumstances.

4. Valley of the Dolls (1967). Sex, Broadway, sex, pills, sex, Hollywood, sex, cancer, sex, dementia, sex, booze, sex … and some of the worst acting and incongruous wardrobe, hair and makeup choices in the history of cinema. This is my most beloved wretched film of all time. My favorite scene (and it’s hard to choose just one): when movie star Neely O’Hara confronts Broadway legend Helen Lawson in the ladies’ room, rips off her wig, and tries unsuccessfully to flush it down the toilet. No, I'm not kidding. You have to see it to believe it.

5. Written on the Wind (1956). The lives and loves of two men who have been friends all their lives, even though one (Rock Hudson) is earnest but poor and the other (Robert Stack) is the playboy son of one of Texas’ richest oil families. My favorite scenes: Any with Dorothy Malone, who inexplicably won an Oscar for her over-the-top portrayal of Stack's Bad Sister. When called a filthy liar, she responds coolly, “I’m filthy. Period.”

6. Change of Habit (1969). Elvis made a lot of bad movies, but none worse than this. Mary Tyler Moore plays a groovy nun who switches from her habit to miniskirts as she helps Dr. Elvis in his ghetto clinic. Only he doesn’t know she’s a nun and he falls in love with her. Watch for Ed Asner, Mr. Grant himself, in a bit part as a very uncool cop. My favorite scene: At the end, when MTM is in church, trying to choose between the Son of God and The King of Rock’n’Roll.

7. The Best of Everything (1959). Career girls in New York want it ALL! Careers, men, and children. But no woman can have it all, as miserable, old, childless, spinster career woman Joan Crawford warns them. But they won’t listen. No, no. Caroline (Hope Lange) and Gregg (Suzy Parker) and April (Diane Baker) have to learn it for themselves, the hard way. Fortunately for us, they learn it in beautiful apartments while wearing great clothes and spouting hideous dialog. My favorite scene: When aspiring actress Gregg is driven mad by her unrequited love for the caddish Louis Jordan and is reduced to spying on him and his new girl from the fire escape … and then tumbles to her death.

8. Billy Jack (1971). He’s a mysterious half-breed Green Beret who protects the peace-loving hippies at the Freedom School. Almost always with his feet. The thing I love about Billy Jack is that he comes from Shatner school of dramatic pauses. He may be a man of few words, but it takes him FOREVER to spit them out. My favorite scene: After the incident at the ice cream shop, when Billy Jack says, “When I see … what you did to this little girl … this little girl that we call … ‘God’s gift of sunshine’ … and I think of all the years that she will carry the memory of this … I JUST GO BERSERK!”

9. Glen or Glenda (1953). The inimitable Ed Wood directed himself in the title role of misunderstood young transvestite with a fondness for angora. My favorite scene: Bela Lugosi reciting, “Beware of the green dragon. He eats little boys and puppy dog tails and big fat snails!”

10. Ski Party (1965). Much like the beach party movies, but with an important difference: this one takes places IN THE SNOW! Frankie Avalon and Dwayne Hickman have to dress in drag in order to go on a “girls only” ski weekend. And they can’t even ski! I’ll bet you can just imagine all the trouble those wacky scamps get into on the slopes! My favorite scene: Teen idol Leslie Gore at the ski lodge, singing “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.”

11. Madame X (1966). Lana Turner was one of the worst actresses ever. And, oh boy, does she ever stink in this one! A girl from the wrong side of the tracks marries a politician -- even though she looks and acts older than the politician's mother -- and has a beautiful son. She gets bored with the life of a socialite/political wife and has an affair with Ricardo Montalban. (How could she resist?) That nasty Ricardo threatens to expose their affair so she kills him and then disappears to save her husband’s career. She becomes a hopeless drunk who has to kill again. This time it’s a sleazy blackmailer who figures out who she is and also wants to ruin her husband’s career. This time she gets caught but refuses to reveal her real name or motive for the crime. Hence the appellation “Madame X.” She finds herself represented in court by the public defender who is (gasp!) HER SON! My favorite scene: In the courtroom, when the doctor explains that she’s HOOKED (!) on absinthe, which causes INSANITY!

12. Tammy Tell Me True (1961). I love the entire Tammy Trilogy, but this is the worst and therefore my favorite. Tammy Tyree, a sweet, uneducated girl who has lived her entire life on a riverboat, somehow ends up at a prestigious university without the benefit of grammar or high school. My favorite scene: When she rebels against being treated as a child, announcing, “I’m a woman, fully growed! Front and back!” and inviting Professor John Gavin to check her out.

13. Showgirls (1995). Remember Jesse Spano from Saved by the Bell? Have you ever wanted to see her dance naked? Here’s your chance! You have to buy the premise that whereas little girls once wanted to run off to New York to star in Broadway musicals, in the 90s they want to run off to Vegas to be the lead “exotic dancer” at a resort hotel. My favorite scene: When our heroine says, in a typical moment of introspection, “I like having nice tits.”

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Works for Mom has facts that are so appropriate for the day

2. Nicole Austin always has good TTs and this week is no exception, but I can't load it (Sorry, Nicole.) Please, everyone, go check her out.

3. Greatfullivin has fun and family friendly cartoons

4. Nicholas not only has an interest list of books with one-word titles, he has the damndest TT banner I've ever seen!

5. Courtney has an upbeat TT

6. Malcolm has a fun list of 13 shows that Jumped the Shark

7. No Nonsense Girl takes us on a tour of her desk

8. Morgan Leigh enthusiastically shares her passions

9. Susan Helene Gottfried celebrates a Shapeshifter Halloween

10. Pussreboots shares her thoughts about National November Writing Month

11. Lisa rants, and who could blame her?

12. Lori gives single parents tips for taking care of themselves -- but we can all benefit from it

13. Moondancer teases us about "White Lotus"

14. Sandy Carlson has a Halloweeny TT about Riverside Cemetery in CT


15. Raggedy teaches us to "speak Southern"

16. Cordia Amant shares some imaginative Halloween costumes

17. Open Grove Claudia uses her imagination and converses with the dead


18. Mommyba has an inspirational TT about weight loss. Go, girl!

19. SJ has 13 terrific baseball movies to warm your heart this offseason

20. Lori's TT brings us up to date with enhancements to her blog

21. Dane lists shows that "spun off" from other shows

22. Yenn explains digital scrapbooking

23. cj shows us what would be in her dream trick or treat bag

24. Damozel presents some great Halloween photography

25. Xakara gets us started on her NaNo project


26. Janet's TT is spoooooky


27. WAHM (Bloggers) shares tips for keeping the wee ones occupied

28. Scooper lists intriguing sentences from books

29. Aline outlines 13 books she's written … AND HAD PUBLISHED!

30. Wakela shares 13 things about Wakela

31. Holly loves these 13 things about Halloween

32. Carrie Lofty takes a tumble

33. Sassy Lucy is up for some games

34. Sparky Duck has a serious, heartbreaking TT

35. Harlekwin (who gave me this banner) celebrates the single life

36. Lisa shows us how she keeps busy

37. Titania Starrlight celebrates my favorite color

38. Sleeping Mommy loves the fall, and here's why

39. ellen b takes us to "the other side of the pond"






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



It's Halloween, so naturally I scare people

One of the weirder aspects of my emotionally-charged relationship with my iPod is that when it's on "shuffle," I'm often surprised and delighted by the songs it plays. This is dopey because I downloaded every last damn song on the thing. All 1,711 of them. I should know what's on there, and if I want to hear something I should be able to just click on it. But if I was that aware and organized, I guess, I'd be someone else entirely.

Anyway, this morning the song I was thrilled to rediscover through my headphones was "You Make It So Hard (to Say No)" by Boz Scaggs. I LOVE THAT SONG! (Perhaps that's why I downloaded it.) As I was crossing Michigan and Randolph, I heard my favorite lines:

You know I tried to get you out of my mind
But now I'm to the point I find
I just can't leave and not have kissed you
You know I could never resist you

The pedestrians crossing beside me were eyeing me. This seldom happens. If you make eye contact with someone downtown, then you may end up talking to them, and no good will come of that. It may be a former lover's best friend, or someone you interviewed for a job but didn't hire, etc. Everyone knows that. So why were these people looking at me?

Uh-oh. I touched my vocal chords and realized I was singing. Perhaps loudly. Certainly tunelessly.

I wish I'd recovered from my humiliation quickly enough to stare back and yell, "BOO!" But I didn't. I just hunched my shoulders and walked faster.

I still really love that song, though.

I know they're in there

Hershey's kisses, that is. A whole bag of 'em. They're in the next room, on the kitchen counter. I have the Dems debate on, and nothing would make me happier than ripping that bag open and gobbling as I watch. But no. Those little chocolate darlings are for the Trick or Treaters.

Wish me strength. I must exercise my will, even though I know they're right there waiting for me.

Frustrated

As I mentioned recently, most everyone here at work is walking on egg shells because two of our top guys were fired, presumably at our client's request. This doesn't happen very often and it was big enough to be covered in the business section of the morning paper. (It's always a "feel good" to start the day by reading that your job may be in jeopardy.)

Now I'm not freaking out, but I am aware that "now is the time for all good workers to come to the aid of their agency." Those of us who are lower on the totem pole have to work harder and smarter to undo the damage to our client relationship done by our Big Bosses. It's just common sense. We're all doing that.

Except her. The coworker I've mentioned who cries in the office. Except she's stopped that, at least around me. She's developed a new trick -- sleeping at her desk. She thinks it's funny, too. I asked her if she ever sent out the project we worked on together and she said with a giggle, "No, I fell asleep."

She's tired all the time because since her divorce went through, she's been dating like crazy. Good for her, I say! She was with one man exclusively for 20 years (and he wasn't even very nice to her) so if she's curious about what else is out there, I think she should go for it.

This isn't a moral judgment on my part, but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect her to still do her job. It was easier for her to get sympathy for not doing her work when she was going through a divorce. "I was up all night doing a guy young enough to be my son," while certainly an interesting reason, is not as compelling.

Some of our teammates have expressed nervousness about her performance. It's important that, now especially, we behave as though there's zero tolerance for errors in our work, and she's dropping the ball. I said I would try to explain this to her (even though it should be obvious) because I don't want this issue to escalate to our boss. If layoffs come, and they are a fact of life in this business, I don't want her to be vulnerable. I don't think Miss Tears would take being let go very well.

This morning I tried to get through to her. I'm not sure I did. I told her that obviously we all need to step it up, especially since our client relationship is fragile right now, what with the firing of "Jim" and "Tom." Her response, "Jim and Tom?" I felt like yelling, "What? Did you sleep through that big meeting in the conference room? Did you not read about them in frigging newspaper, you wretched nitwit!" But I held my tongue.

Sometimes it's hard being a team player. Especially when I think of the women who are pregnant and nauseous or the parents who were up all night with sick kids or the coworkers with sick relatives who manage to work an 8 hour+ day and meet their deadlines and even somehow REMAIN AWAKE!

Ah, thank you, dear blog. After venting to you, I feel better.

Hats off to the Red Sox Nation

Manny sure was fun to watch, and how can you not root for a pitcher to prevail after he has survived cancer? Enjoy your euphoria! (My generosity of spirit is tinged with sadness, because I really, really did want it to be the Cubs.)

A good kid

We've all been wringing our hands lately over my niece. Yes, she lied herself into a stupid, unsavory and potentially damaging situation at school. And no, she still doesn't understand all the implications of her actions. But she and her parents are going to counseling, and she is sorry she caused us all (especially her dad) so much pain.

But I'm done with the hand wringing because I know she's a good kid. We spoke on the phone today and the high school freshman/social butterfly filled me in on her social activities this past week and the upcoming week.

She spent her day off ("teachers' institute") with classmates, going to the post-office, supermarket and drugstore for the elderly. She prepared meals for the homeless. She's thrilled that this weekend they're having a "Halloween Lockdown" in the church basement -- a costume party that will run until after midnight, then the kids from her church group will spend the night in sleeping bags. She believes their pastor is the greatest guy ever!

Oh, and she's on the honor roll, as she has been every quarter since she was in 7th grade.

This is not a bad 14-year-old girl. A confused one, perhaps, but not a bad one. I love her so I'm still concerned, but I'm also proud of her.

In praise of Pollack

This is Sydney, not Jackson. I love his work.

Right now you can see him on the big screen as the boss who alternately comforts and torments Gorgeous George Clooney in Michael Clayton. He played Will's dad off and on throughout the run of Will & Grace. He was Dustin Hoffman's manager in Tootsie. He seems to have perfected the world-weary, hard-edged, whatever-it-takes businessman who still has a heart of gold buried in there somewhere … or at least remembers what it felt like to have a heart.

The was in front of the camera. Behind the camera, he's an Oscar-winning director (Out of Africa) with a very, very impressive resume including: The Firm, Tootsie, Absence of Malice, and They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Most of all, I enjoy the movies he made with Redford. In addition to Out of Africa, they collaborated on Jeremiah Johnson, The Way We Were, Three Days of the Condor, The Electric Horseman and the very underrated Havana.

Perhaps I shouldn't admit how low-brow I am, but I've gotten more hours of pleasure from the work of old Sydney here than I ever have from Jackson. Maybe it's me, but I simply don't get him.

Unconscious Mutterings #15

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

1. Inaugural :: Balls
   
2. Pledge :: Furniture polish
   
3. String :: Cheese
   
4. Trot :: Canter
   
5. Fitness :: Health club
   
6. Cinder :: Block
   
7. Edge :: Shaving gel
   
8. 31 :: Flavors
   
9. Blue :: Sky
   
10. Leather :: Bag

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

"My Hometown" Meme

Sparky Duck touched his beak to my shoulder and now I'm it.

Of course there are rules: answer the questions, tag 5 people and then go off on your travels to their hometowns. The hardest part is that you can only give one answer for each of the questions. No ties, which sucks.

While I firmly believe Chicago is the greatest city in the world (because it is), I will follow the rules to the letter and answer regarding the town where I reside: Oak Park, IL. As you will see, it's nice, too.

Best place to eat. This one is only difficult because I'm a regular at so many local restaurants. Right now my favorite is Winberie's. It fulfills all my requirements for a favorite dining spot -- varied menu, attractive decor (I like exposed brick), good service and a full bar. Best of all, I've never felt out of place there while wearing jeans.

Best shopping mall. Oh, good! Open that can of worms, why don't you? Technically speaking, Oak Park no longer has a "mall" because Marion Street, which had been closed to traffic for decades, is being turned back into a street right now. Literally and loudly as we speak, with jackhammers and cement mixers and other heavy-duty equipment I wouldn't presume to identify. As most things are in Oak Park, it was controversial and many citizens (including me) think it's a bad idea. But never mind. Even though it's no longer a mall, DTOP (Downtown Oak Park) still has many of my favorite stores, a health club and our movie theater.

Famous landmark. "For the worship of God and the service of man." That's what's carved over the entrance to my church, Unity Temple, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright over 100 years and shown above. I love this building. Of all the FLWs in Oak Park, my church is the only one designed as a public building.

Best tourism attraction. Hemingway Birthplace and Museum. Old Ernie was born in Oak Park and spent his first 20 years here. The museum is interesting and the home where he was born has been lovingly restored. (I was tempted to mention the Wright Home and Studio, but I gave Frank his props above.)

Best place for kids. Wonderworks Children's Museum. I've never been there myself, but the North Avenue Art Works Exhibit has gotten high marks from wee ones who have.

Popular outdoor activity. Skateboarding past the signs that say "NO SKATEBOARDING." (Oak Parkers are a free-thinking, lawless lot.)

Breathtaking view. Take in the view of Scoville Park from the new public library. On an autumn day like this, when the leaves have color, it really is breathtaking.

Only found in Oak Park. The Lake Theater. It's been open continuously since the 1930s, which adds to the romance of going to the movies today. Renovations and restorations went on throughout the 80s and 90s and now it's considered "a model of art deco style." Lately it's been home to all the summer blockbusters, today I'm going there to see Michael Clayton, and I just love that it gives today's audiences an "old-time movie palace" experience in a new century.

Now who shall I tag?

No Nonsense Girl
Mo
Jenny McB
Kwizgiver
Boho Rap

So hello, Gorgeous!

As this week draws to a close, I'd like to thank the good people of Entertainment Weekly for their current issue. Every time I saw the fabulous Patrick Dempsey cover, I was happy. Every time I saw the old-fashioned Hollywood McDreamy-noir photos within, I was sure life is indeed worth living.

I cannot imagine how EW can top this. You're right -- they can't.

Friday's Feast #20

Appetizer. Name a great website you would recommend to others. Just Give.com. You can buy your friends and family charity "gift certificates" that can be redeemed at any of the million charities participating (anything from legal aid to literacy groups to animal shelters). This way, the person who receives your gift certificate can choose the cause closest to their heart.

Soup. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night? 3. I don't often remember my dreams.

Salad. Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what kind and what was its name? When I still lived with my parents I had one of the world's great cats, Tommy. Big, affectionate, always happy -- he was my best friend and some of my happiest childhood memories include him.

Main Course. If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise? Shout Color Catchers. Throw them in the wash and they capture the loose dye in the water, enabling me to wash darks and lights together. I truly love Shout Color Catchers. They have shortened my time in the laundry room and saved some of my clothes.

Dessert. What is your favorite kind of hard candy? The little cinamoon disks that my florist has in a bowl next to the cash register.

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

"Scared and thinking that maybe we ain't that young anymore"

I had dinner with my friend John in our favorite pub. The one we've been going to for more than 25 years. It was a typical evening for us. We laughed as we compared notes on Britney, discussed our jobs, gossiped about our friend, Linda … the usual.

Then, as we were leaving, he told me that his doctor has twice suggested he get a implantable defibrillator. November 18 is the first anniversary of John's hospitalization, and his heart just isn't getting as strong as they hoped. He's healthy enough, certainly stronger than he was before they aspirated all the fluid around his heart, but he will never be strong. And the defibrillator will help ensure he won't "just drop dead." Huh? What? I didn't think it was still that serious. I asked him why he was stalling. He explained that:

1) Sudden death might be preferably to the alternative -- which is slow, painful death
2) There are rules that go with the defibrillator (can't stand by the microwave when it's on and has to have the wand, not the metal detector, at the airport, etc.)
3) It will show and he's afraid he'll feel like a freak or a grandpa.

I told him I'll give him until after the first of the year before I start nagging him, but he's got to get this done. I offered to go with him and take care of him afterward if he needs me. But he's got to get this done.

I'm reeling. We're standing in front of our familiar old bar, and we're talking about how he wants to die! It's not right. It's surreal. I don't accept it. This is not a reality I want. Not John. I'm not done with John. I would miss him so.

Thursday Thirteen #38 -- Regarding Miss Hepburn

THIRTEEN THOUGHTS ON

One of The Gal Herself's Favorite People Ever …

KATHARINE HEPBURN

I just adore her. She’s been gone for more than four years now, but her work remains as vibrant and timeless as ever. So today I celebrate her life, spirit and career with 13 thoughts about The Great Kate.

1. She has more Best Actress Oscar nominations (12) than anyone else. (Meryl Streep has 14 overall nominations, but three of hers were for Best Supporting Actress.)

2. She also holds the record for most Best Actress Oscars with 4. (If you haven’t seen Morning Glory, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter and On Golden Pond, get thee to Netflix right now.) In a way, she received a 5th Oscar, because Cate Blanchette won an Academy Award for portraying Hepburn in The Aviator.

3. Despite all her acclaim, she was fired once – from Travels with My Aunt in 1972. Legend has it she demanded too many script changes. I have fired people and trust me, they don’t take it well. I cannot imagine the guts it would take to face The Great Kate and tell her she was being replaced by Maggie Smith. I’d probably have chickened out and done it over the phone. From an undisclosed remote location.

4. Her career spanned more than 50 years, so naturally she made some flops. So many that, in the late 1930s, an influential theater owners group named her “Box Office Poison.” With characteristic determination, she set out to rebuild her career, heading to Broadway to star in The Philadelphia Story.

5. Among those flops are two of my all-time favorite Hepburn movies, Holiday and Bringing Up Baby.

6. She lived by her own code of personal conduct – which demanded dignity and integrity but did not preclude passionate love affairs with fascinating men. Howard Hughes and Leland Hayward both gave her expensive jewelry. She didn’t wear it often in public, but she did keep it. After her death, her diamond, emerald and ruby pieces were among the personal effects auctioned by Sotheby’s.

7. Her great love was Spencer Tracy. Their romance lasted more than 25 years, and their professional partnership included 9 films. She was with him when she died, but didn’t attend his funeral. He never divorced his wife, Louise, and Hepburn respected that Louise was his widow.

8. A good tennis player and golfer, she was proud to do her own sports in the Tracy-Hepburn classic, Pat and Mike.

9. She based her wonderful performance as Rose Sawyer in The African Queen on Eleanor Roosevelt.

10. Her Bryn Mawr accent and cadence so impressed young Anthony Hopkins (he played her son in The Lion in Winter back in 1968) that it was his inspiration for Hannibal Lector’s speech pattern in Silence of the Lambs.

11. I’m in heaven when I watch the early version of Little Women. It’s my favorite actress portraying Jo March, one of my all-time favorite heroines.

12. She never shied away from controversial material. Though it seems dated and corny today, the subject of interracial marriage addressed in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? raised eyebrows in the 1960s. Suddenly, Last Summer, with its heady mix of homosexuality, insanity, incest and cannibalism, was downright shocking in the 1950s. Without the prestige Hepburn brought to that project, the film may not have been made.

13. In closing, here she is, in her own words:

“Life is supposed to be hard. After all, it kills you.”

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

“To keep your character, do not stoop to filthy acts. It makes it easier to stoop the next time.”

“I don’t care what’s said about me so long as it isn’t true.”

And my favorite …
“Love has nothing to do with what you expect to get – only what you expect to give – which is everything.”

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.Works for Mom shares 13 comical quotes (I'm stealing #9 for myself)

2. Chelle Y. lists 13 unforgettable children's songs

3. Country Dawn warns us AGAINST visiting a Haunted House

4. Sandee takes a closer look at Murphy's Lesser Known Laws

5. Ellen b. uncovers 13 very funny town names

6. Malcolm gives us some deliciously quotable "Grease" trivia

7. Nicholas has another one of his inimitable book lists.


8. Susan Helene Gottfried has a TT "ripped from today's headlines"

9. Irene's imaginative TT combines the green with the Greek

10. Jenn has 13 FAMILY-FRIENDLY Halloween jokes

11. Janet gives funny and ever-so useful Halloween wisdom

12. Wylie has a great list of rewatchable movies

13. Yen takes on a subject she's an expert on

14. Buck Naked Politics fantasizes about the best publicly funded shopping spree of all time!

15. Lori offers up unbeatable ways to beat stress

16. Greatfullivin takes us traveling

17. Jenny McB takes us through her busy day (wear your track shoes if you want to keep up)


18. Yellow Rose has a movie TT, and you know how this Gal loves those!

19. Joyismygoal takes us for a hike

20. Bermudabluez makes some vacation recommendations

21. Carrie Lofty's TT is a tribute to special 5-year-old on her birthday

22. I'm in heaven! Patti gives us another movie TT to check out!

23. Maribeth gives us the derivation of some enduring superstitions

24. Ann Anguirre has a thought provoking TT

25. Xakara shares insights about a topic she's an expert on

26. Adelle has a very porcine TT

27. Claudia posted some funny, some truly NOT funny photos of unwise plastic surgery

28. Harlekwin (who created my fabulous banner) gives us 13 ways to tell if it will be a good day

29. JLynne answers any questions you may have about Halloween superstitions






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



He's my person

Remember last year on Grey's Anatomy? Christina didn't want Burke to tell anyone about their engagement until she had a chance to speak to Meredith first, one on one. Burke thought it was because Christina needed Meredith's approval. No, Christina insisted, it's just that Meredith is her "person." As I recall, Christina said something like, "Telling her makes it real. She's my person."

My best friend showed up unexpectedly last night. He's only in Chicago for the day for a meeting. But even though he was tired (clearly very tired) from a busy family vacation last week and a bumpy flight in from Denver, he sat up with me drinking and talking and yawning until nearly 1:00 AM. He's also going to try to get in some time next month.

This is important because he's my person. Telling him everything that's important to me -- the hurtful and confusing issue with my niece, the professional opportunity I'm considering, even my lingering ambivalence about Hillary Clinton -- makes them real and less daunting. I know he gets something out of reporting the major and minute of his life to me, too. You should have seen his face as he described how tiny the white part of his youngest daughter's French manicure was and how much she enjoyed her "day of beauty" before her first stint as flower girl.

So now the only question is, which of us is Meredith and which is Christina? Yeah, I know, it's obvious. He's more sensitive, whinier and marginally better adjusted. I'm outwardly tougher and far less socially adept. Clearly he's Meredith and I'm Christina.

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.