Is it OK if this doesn't exactly fill me with sorrow?

Do you recognize this man? His name is Joe Francis. He made a fortune getting dumb girls drunk, encouraging them to flash their boobs, and videotaping the results. Yes, he's Mr. Girls Gone Wild.

Poor Joe has had problems lately. First he was sued by underage girls for making money off of their … er, um … "images." They were not legally old enough to drink, nor old enough to enter into contracts. There were allegations that he physically took advantage of these girls, as well. That suit was settled, then there was a drug charge. Now he's in jail regarding tax evasion.

I am shocked … SHOCKED! … and horrified to learn that he's had a hard time in prison! He charges that guards forced him to be naked -- in public!

No one should abuse their power. That's always bad. Whether it's a prison a guard with a badge, or a millionaire with a videocamera.

If November 22 is your birthday …

… then you share it with ME! And here's our horoscope, courtesy of the Sun Times: "This year presents many lessons in love. Your heart will have so many reasons to feel fulfilled, but you are also learning that you don’t need a reason — love is always there for you when you are open to it. December brings a financial windfall. There’s a chance to showcase your talent in July. You share a special connection with Gemini and Aries. Your lucky numbers are 30, 1, 4, 33 and 15."

Celebration update:

• Tuesday was dinner with an old friend, Linda. I'm pleased she remembered because her life has been hectic (good and bad) lately. She's broke, so we went to an all-you-can-eat buffet. It IS the thought that counts, though, and I hope I was able to convey that to her.

• Wednesday I received my very own Robert the Doll from my friends in Key West. The original Robert is a local hero, a demonic doll who did the evil biddings of his owner (including pushing people down stairs and locking them in wine cellars). Now that his owner is long gone, it is rumored that Robert can still make mischief (throwing shadows, moving drapes, etc.). I'm a big fan of both the doll and his legend and visit him each year, safely behind glass at the East Martello Museum. Naturally I am thrilled to have one of my own!

• I also had dinner last night with my friend Kathleen. I was happy to go, but she did not have to give me anything. After all, she's the one who took me to my one and only CUB PLAY OFF GAME last July. That meant soooo much to me! In a way, I wish we'd left it at that, because I drank a couple of pear cosmos and woke up this morning with a headache. I've drunk more than two cosmos in shorter time with no ill effects, so I think I should stay away from the fruit flavorings.

Gotta get dressed so I can head over to my mother's for my birthday with her, and then the Big Bird. Wish me luck. Family celebrations don't always go so well …

Thursday Thirteen #42 -- The Secret Word Is Groucho

THIRTEEN OF MY FAVORITE
MARXISMS

Since Thursday is Thanksgiving, let me give thanks for film, kinescopes and videotape. Without the magic of media, I couldn't be as familiar with Groucho Marx. What a loss that would be, because everything about the man cracks me up. His silly, painted-on mustache. The stooped walk. His wonderful, goofy songs (Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Hello I Must Be Going, Hooray for Captain Spaulding). His timing and delivery. Even the names of his movie characters: Hugo Z. Hackenbush, Rufus T. Firefly, Otis B. Driftwood.

Here are 13 of his quotes. As you read these lines, imagine them spoken as only Groucho could.

1. If you want to see a comic strip, watch me take a shower.

2. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

3. Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read anyway.

4. Last night I shot an elephant in my pajamas. And how he got into my pajamas I’ll never know.

5. Don’t gulp that poison! It’s $4 a bottle!

6. Any man who can see through women is missing a lot.

7. I don’t want to belong to any club that would have someone like me as a member.

8. I have here an accident policy that will absolutely protect you no matter what happens. If you lose a leg, we'll help you look for it.

9. I intend to live forever or die trying.

10. I’ve known and respected your husband for many years – and if you’re good enough for him, you’re good enough for me!

11. Here’s to our wives and our girlfriends … May they never meet!

12. I could dance with you until the cows came home. On second thought, I’d rather dance with the cows until you came home.

13. I wish you’d keep my hands to yourself.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Holly recommends drinking mimosas and 12 other non-football endeavors for Thanksgiving.

2. Susie J takes us into the kitchen and shares the secret to really great cornbread

3. Ellen b sings the praises of New York

4. Tink fills us in with 13 facts about her life today

5. SJ introduces us to 13 of her ancestors

6. Nicholas returns to his bookshelf with his TT

7. Yuriko shares 13 Thanksgiving wishes

8. Lori has a thankful TT this week

9. Get to know Ms. Nononsense a bit better through her TT

10. Susan Helene shares Thanksgiving lore from her town of Riverview

11. Janet has a dreamy Thanksgiving menu


12. Shesawriter has a literary TT

13. Fresh Girl pauses to be thankful with her TT

14. Wacky Mommy shares "a little about us."

15. Grace lists 13 momentous events that happened on 11/22 -- her birthday!

16. Sassy Lucy is thankful today, and here's why

17. Amy's TT is a how-to about reaching your goals

18. Geek Betty is a thankful one, but from her one-of-a-kind POV

19. Adelle's TT is filled with fascinating facts

20. Aline PROVES she exists!

21. Di shares her iPod playlist with us.

22. See why Leslie enjoys Fall

23. I Am the Diva is suspicious, and here's why

24. Harlekwin's TT is beautiful

25. Denise introduces us to 13 fascinating characters

26. Tina Kubala is thankful, and here's why

27. Damozel gives us 13 profiles in courage

28. DriverAA is thankful, too, and shares 13 reasons






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



My sixth birthday

Jenny McB asked me what I recall about November 22, 1963. In Brookfield, IL, I turned 6. In Dallas, TX, the world changed. I think my indelible memories of those days all these years later may serve to help parents understand that when major news events happen (Columbine, the death of Princess Diana, 9/11), children are very, very aware of it.

It was a Friday. My teacher's name was Mrs. Kroch. Because it was my birthday, I got to pass out a special treat (round milk chocolate discs individually wrapped in red/black aluminum foil and glued to black paper "feet" so that they looked like lady bugs).

The loudspeaker came on suddenly but it wasn't our principal, Miss McCann. Instead it was a scratchy radio broadcast that I couldn't understand. (I still can't understand announcements over loudspeakers.) Mrs. Kroch seemed confused and upset and sent a classmate next door to see "if it's true." I still didn't know what "it" was.

I realize now that at this point, no one knew JFK was dead, but that he had been shot. The teachers conferred in the hall for a while and then we were all sent home -- not just for lunch but for the whole day. I don't remember what we were told, but what amazes me about this today in 2007 is that (1) we were all allowed to walk to and from school; no one got a ride and (2) the school was confident that we each had a stay-at-home mom who would be there waiting for us.

When I got home, my mom was sitting on the coffee table, staring at the TV and crying. I remember that she was sitting on the table because we got yelled at for doing that. I think she wanted to be as close to the TV as possible. By now it had been announced that the president had died. She told me she'd heard the news at the grocery store and was so upset she just left her cart and came home. This part of the story is highly significant for me because it meant I WOULDN'T HAVE A BIRTHDAY CAKE AT DINNER THAT NIGHT! Remember, I'm a six-year-old first grader. I barely knew who JFK was, but I sure as shit knew it was my birthday and I wanted a cake.

Still, I'd never seen my mother cry like that before so I kept quiet. She was kinda scaring me. This was the first clue that there was something very wrong in my world.

My older sister (second grade) came home shortly after and informed me I was NOT going to have a birthday party the next day . She has always enjoyed whipping me up. This couldn't be true! I confronted my tearful mother about my party. She took me into my room to help me change into my playclothes and confirmed that yes, she was going to call all the moms that night and cancel my "kids party." I would still have my "family party" that night, but you just can't have a "kids party" when the president has been assassinated.

I don't recall if I argued with her or not. I just remember her crying and crying and crying. I realize now, looking back, she was half in love with JFK. My mom was 26 years old, and loved that the Kennedys had two kids and she had two kids (Caroline and I are just days apart). She had been terribly upset when Jackie had a miscarriage earlier that year. And JFK was just too cool. And now he was dead. She kept mentioning "those two kids."

I don't remember much until that evening, my "festive" party with no birthday cake. By now the Zapruder film was on TV. Over and over and over again. The same film! (Though the goriest frames had been censored.) My dad, still in his 20s himself and a gearhead, was just THRILLED to see that we had the same model Lincoln Continental convertible as Kennedy was shot in. "Look at the doors! Those are our doors!" My mom already hated that car because riding with the top down gave my older sister earaches. Anyway, every time my dad mentioned the convertible, my mom got this look on her face and I knew that car was gonna be gone soon. (It was. We got a nice blue Cadillac sedan after that.)

My icky grandparents (my mom's side) were guests. I was so happy that I got the one gift I'd really, really wanted. Ordered from the Avon book, it was a pink whale filled with baby shampoo. Press his tail and the shampoo comes out his blow hole. I showed it to my icky Grandma, who snapped, "Can't you see I'm watching TV?" That's all any of the adults did that weekend -- watch TV.

I have no memories until Sunday, when my dad took me to my good grandparents' house to get my birthday gift from them. My grandpa (one of my favorite people ever) was playing Lincoln Logs with me, showing me how to make a fence, when my dad started yelling at the TV. It was the first time I heard the word "lynching." Oswald was dead now, too. Being a budding wordsmith, I remember thinking that "assassinate" and "lynch" were very fancy words for "shot."

Since the next week was a short week anyway (Thanksgiving), school stayed closed until the following Monday. My mother wouldn't let us ride our bikes or play with other kids because it would be disrespectful to the President, so my sister and I stayed inside and fought. My mom tried to explain to us that we should watch the funeral, that this was history and very important. But she was still crying a lot and making me uncomfortable.

About four years later, my kid sister was a toddler and very ill. My mom explained to my older sister and me that our sister was staying in the hospital for a few days but not to worry -- SHE WAS NOT GOING TO DIE. Mom kept emphasizing it so we wouldn't be scared, but she needn't have. I remember thinking, "She's not crying like when JFK died, so it can't be bad." Same thing when the Apollo astronauts were lost in space. I figured they'd be OK because my mom wasn't crying like when JFK died. Or when she herded us into the basement because a tornado was sighted not far from our home. How close could the tornado really be? She's not crying like when JFK died. That remained my measurement for bad news for years: How hard is Mom crying compared to 11/22/63?

Most important to me at the time: while my party was never rescheduled, I did eventually get most of the gifts from my classmates. I know it sounds shallow, but remember, I was 6!

Most important to me now: Jackie managed to throw a third birthday party for John-John after the funeral on 11/25/63. I am completely in awe of her for that. I remember my own mom -- and every adult in my world -- confused, mournful and almost non-functioning between the assassination and the funeral. Yet somehow Jackie, at the center of it all, managed to suck it up and host a party for her little boy. That woman must have been made of very strong stuff.

The Gal's Gala

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving, the 44th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination, and my birthday!

Since my birthday falls on a holiday, it's hard for people to celebrate what Elvis would call "the wonder of me" on the anniversary of my arrival. So instead it's a festival, which began last Friday with a trip down to Springfield with my oldest friend. We rode Amtrak, which made it an event, visited Lincoln's home (shown), law office, tomb and Presidential Museum. And my friend gave me my first birthday gift of the season (the Beatles book, Yesterday).

When I was a little girl, Abraham Lincoln was my first hero. I think part of that is because I've always been embarrassingly, geekily patriotic. But it's also because I was born and raised here, in the Land of Lincoln. We learned about Abe early and often and reverence for him is imprinted on me, just like my vaccination scar. Even though I spent the weekend in search of the man, he's still more mythic than real. Like Santa. I know he suffered depression, I know he lost his mother at an early age and buried two of his sons. He was smart as well as wise, literate, compassionate and decent. Even in wartime. It was impossible for me not to draw comparisons to the current, all-too-human resident of the White House -- who seems to have none of those attributes. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I'm wrong about Bush #43, and that 100 years from now, schoolchildren will be studying him along with Lincoln?

And then, the Lads. Black and white photos -- many that I've never seen before! -- of them in 1964. How young they were! Ringo, the oldest, was just 24. It's fascinating to see them at the beginning of Beatlemania, before drugs and Yoko and Apple dragged them down. It's also a little sad to see how much they smoked, especially when you consider what ultimately happened to poor George.

This afternoon, a dozen roses arrived. On the card, my niece and nephew in California refer to me as their "cool aunt." That I am. Even at 50. Of course, I've met my competition in the "cool aunt" category and it's not exactly tough. But still, the flowers are pretty and it's good to hear.

Heads & Tails #10

Today's theme is NEVER. As in, "Never Say Never: What is something you thought you'd never do or say, but now you do?"

I'm stealing this one directly from mememistress Skittles, but it applies to me, too. I never thought I'd be this B-I-I-I-G. My size 12 jeans are now tight, and in the good old days (my 30s) I was a 6.

This can be blamed on a slower metabolism, drug interaction, and the fact that for years I had the worst diet on the planet. I am attempting to make a change, though. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading off to the health club.

THIS JUST IN: No, I'm not. Because some work needs to be done NOW! Damn job interferes with my working out, my blogging, my TV watching …

For more information on Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit Skittle's Place.

What a nice thing to return to!

I went away for the weekend and came back to find that I AM AN AWARD WINNER! Misty Dawn has presented me with a pair of blogging trophies.

(1) The Be the Blog Award because my musings "really sum up what a successful blogger does. And what I mean by successful is that they make it their own, stay with it, are interactive with their readers, and just plain have fun."

(2) The Friend Award. What a lovely gift this is.

I just began this blog as online journal. I didn't expect to have readers or receive praise. This is fun and very satisfying. Thank you, Misty Dawn!

Friday's Feast #23

Appetizer
What was your first “real” job? A secretary (we were called "secretaries" back then) in the Newspaper Advertising Dept. at Sears Corporate Office in Sears Tower.

Soup
Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity? The tub. I seem to get my best ideas while I'm bathing or showering, and can't write them down!

Salad
Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when my stomach growls during a meeting.

Main Course
What values did your parents instill in you? I learned from my mom that pets are members of our family, too, and must be treated with love and respect.

Dessert
Name 3 fads from your teenage years. (1) TV was dominated by cheesey variety shows -- Donny & Marie, Sonny & Cher, Tony Orlando & Dawn; (2) Girls wore their hair long, straight, and parted down the middle; (3) CB radios

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

Oh no I don't!

I've been just laying down for a minute, just resting on the sofa, and then waking up at 2:00 AM. While I'm wide awake at 2:00 I do a few chores and find myself crawling into bed at 4:00 … to be awakened by my alarm clock at 6:00. So I start my workday exhausted, with vague memories of bad dreams.

It's almost 9:00 and I feel that lethargy coming on. So I'm getting UP OFF THE SOFA! I'm going to pack my overnight bag for my weekend trip with my oldest friend. I'm not going to sleep until 10:30. And when I do go to sleep, it will be in my bed. Tonight it stops.

Thursday Thirteen #41 -- 13 Tearjerkers

THIRTEEN MOVIES THAT
ALWAYS MAKE ME CRY

I do not cry in public. Never have. Unless I’m watching a movie. Then the faucets open up. Perhaps it’s because I’m so in love with the movies that it’s easy for me to get drawn into their world. Or maybe we each get a certain number of tears to shed in life and the ones I don’t weep in “real” life, I cry in “reel” life. But I’m not sure it really matters. I love a good tearjerker, and here are 13 reliable ones.

1. Titanic. (1997) Poor Jack, who perished. Poor Rose, who persevered without him. “Jack Dawson saved me in every way a person can be saved.”

2. The Wizard of Oz. (1939) I agree with Dorothy. The Scarecrow was my favorite, too, and I believe I’d miss him most of all.

3. Gone with the Wind. (1939) Damn that Civil War! But don’t you worry about Miss Scarlett O’Hara. She’ll never be hungry again. Not her, nor any of her folk. If she has to lie, steal, cheat or kill, as God is her witness, she’ll never be hungry again.

4. Casablanca. (1942) Damn that World War II! But thank God for men like Rick. He was wrong, you know. He was “good at being noble” after all. That’s why he sacrificed his great love so that right could prevail.

5. Shenandoah. (1965) Damn that Civil War! When Jimmy Stewart visits his wife’s grave and tries to explain how it decimated her family, how it took her sons, how only the politicians and undertakers and old men won, I just dissolve.

6. Mr. Roberts. (1955) Damn that World War II! It took a good and decent man like Doug Roberts, broke his spirit and then took his life. Some consider this movie a comedy, and it has its moments, but its portrayal of mundane reality of war and what it does to the soldiers and sailors who live it day to day breaks my heart.

7. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. (1967) OK, so it’s well-meaning but dopey and dated and at times even insulting. But if you can get through that scene near the end without tears … that scene where art imitates life, when an aging Spencer Tracy, in his last movie, publicly tells Katharine Hepburn – the woman he secretly loved for decades – that his passion for her is still there, that he remembers how it felt to first fall in love with her … then there’s something very, very wrong with you.

8. Splendor in the Grass. (1961) When a grown-up, married Bud tells Deanie he doesn’t think much about happiness anymore, and she gets back in the car to go home, impossibly beautiful in her white hat and gloves, and recites to herself, “nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass or glory in the flower, we will grieve not but rather find strength in what remains behind,” I ache for them both.

9. To Kill a Mockingbird. (1962) I know young Scout has no idea why her neighbor tells her to stand up because her father is passing. But I also know that some day she will, and she’ll be a proud woman because her father was Atticus Finch.

10. The Way We Were. (1973) Yes, I know Hubbell is a shitheel – a man who knowingly squanders his talent and refuses to stand up for what matters. Yes, Katie probably is better off without him. But how she loved him and believed in him! It’s so hard to let go of such a beautiful dream. Who hasn’t felt this romantic, impossible longing?

11. Breakfast at Tiffany’s. (1961) That scene in the alley in the rain … am I happy because Holly reunites with Paul, or with Cat? Oh, what difference does it make? Just so all three live happily ever after.

12. Brian’s Song. (1971) A male buddy of mine says that there are only 3 acceptable reasons for a real man to cry: Pain, extreme pain, and Brian’s Song. Maybe it’s a Chicago thing, but I know of no one over 30 who can be in an elevator when the theme comes on without choking up. There are many movies about romantic love, but few that tackle (pardon the pun) the powerful, platonic love of friendship. This is the true story of enduring Bears hero Gale Sayers and his brave, doomed teammate Brian Piccolo. The shy, private Sayers really did accept the Halas Award saying that “I love Brian Piccolo. And tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him, too.”

13. Old Yeller. (1957) I can’t even look at the DVD cover without welling up. Was he a great Yeller Dog or what? Capable of so much joy, so much love, so much courage. This movie introduced me to one of life’s toughest lessons – our furry friends never live as long as we need them to, and they depend on us to do right by them when they’re suffering, even if it breaks our hearts.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Nicole Austin has a seasonal TT with a great banner

2. Chelle Y. has a warm and lovely list of things she's thankful for

3. Susiej's TT is an important one -- safe toys

4. Tink shares facts about her favorite jungle cat, the black panther

5. Sandee asks Why? 13 provocative times

6. Malcolm takes us down memory lane with 13 terrifically sleazy quotes from my favorite nighttime soap, Dallas

7. Crimson Wife shares 13 yummy recipes

8. WorksforMom shares bumper sticker wisdom

9. Hard-hearted Nicholas lists 13 books with cities, states or countries in their names

10. Susan Helene Gottfried sings the praises (as it were) of the rythm guitar

11. Janet gets down to basics with her TT

12. Sandy Carlson shares fascinating facts about her family tree

13. Greatfullivin has a TT that will leave you feeling warm all over

14. Leeann shares some amazing pregnant lady cravings

15. Lori offers up lovely quotes on love and friendship (and a really cool banner, too!)

16. Nononsense Girl lets us read the thought bubble over head

17. The Head Gaggler comes clean and names the worst bands

18. Journeywoman has a wise and sensitive TT about IVF

19. Jenny McB is back and funnier than ever!

20. Open Grove Claudia was kind enough to do a TT that makes me feel better about myself

21. Fresh Girl has a birthday coming up. Swing by and wish her well.

22. Wakela's TT was is all about hyperthyroidism

23. Megan is a frustrated book-a-holic

24. Morgan Leigh shows off her beautiful family

25. Heads up! Crazy Working Mom has a birthday coming up, and her gift list is her TT

26. Mitchypoo has 13 one-liners about weight loss and diet

27. Becka muses about 13 imponderables

28. Visit Grace for 13 facts about dates (as in tasty food, not men nor the calendar)

29. MomG has funny courtroom anecdotes

30. Raggedy takes us back to airforce in 1920

31. Xakara gives us insight into her creative process

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 #9

Today's theme is ROAD.

As soon as I saw it, two songs from two very different performers popped into my head. All these two have in common is that they are both deeply romantic and fiercely independent American originals … and they're both from New Jersey.

We're drinking, my friend, to the end of a brief episode. So make it one for my baby, and one more for the road … Frank Sinatra of Hoboken, "One for My Baby"

I know you're lonely for words that I ain't spoken. Tonight we'll be free, all the promises will be broken … Bruce Springsteen of Asbury Park, "Thunder Road"

For more information about Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit mememistress Skittles.

I'm it!

Kwizgiver tagged me for the 7 Random and/or Weird Facts about Me meme.

First the facts …

1. Mary Jane peanut butter kisses are my favorite non-chocolate candy.

2. I hate doing laundry, but it's the only domestic chore I'm really good at. I can get just about any stain out of almost any piece of clothing.

3. I suck at the Pogo game Turbo 21, yet I play it compulsively.

4. I must like Tom Selleck. I don't consciously think of him often, I'm not sexually attracted to him, and I've never seen him on Vegas, but I must like him because I have a recurring dream where he rescues me from a burning car. I wish I knew what/who he represents to my subconscious.

5. My cat Charlotte is named for Charlotte Anne from the movie A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries.

6. I think just about every man is more attractive in a jacket and tie.

7. I still believe Patsy Ramsey killed JonBenet.

Now the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Boho Rap
Cupcake
Mo
Jenny McB
Misty Dawn
No Nonsense Girl
Candy Minx

Give Me 5 Monday -- #2

This week's theme: GIVE ME FIVE FAVORITE AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES

1. Roller coaster. I especially like the old-fashioned wooden ones because the clacky sound as you ascend toward the top is louder and scarier.

2. Disney Monorail. Yes, I know it's not as exciting as the other rides, but it gives you a chance to look out onto the entire Magic Kingdom.

3. The Scrambler. I love how thrillingly helpless I feel as I'm flung from one side of the car to the other.

4. The Tilt-a-Whirl. Just the opposite of the Scrambler. I enjoy coordinating with my ridemates in an attempt to achieve the perfect tilt and whirl.

5. The Log Ride. Where you splash down into the water. These are great for cooling off on a hot day.

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit mememistress Becca.

Unconscious Mutterings #17

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

1. Treadmill :: Health club
   
2. Stroke :: High blood pressure
   
3. Exclusively :: Especially
   
4. Lash :: Mascara
   
5. Red carpet:: Paparazzi
   
6. Credit card :: Interest rate
   
7. Points :: Airline miles
   
8. Domestic :: Beer
   
9. 21 :: Black Jack
   
10. Inject :: Shot

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

In praise of provocative artists

In Redford's Lions for Lambs, Senator Tom Cruise presents a pro-military governmental approach to the War on Terror in articulate, global terms while Professor Robert Redford tries to convince a lazy and disillusioned but bright and gifted student to use his talents for the greater good. It's a talky movie, but it's good talk. Why does it seem that it's always the young people who enjoy the best of what this country has to offer who skip military service for advanced degrees and big paydays, while defending the American Way often falls to those kids our society ignores? What is our responsibility to one another? How can we each use our individual talents for the greater good? If you want fun, buy a ticket to Seinfeld's bee movie. If you want to examine your heart and conscience, go see Lions for Lambs.

On his new CD, Magic, Bruce Springsteen sings lyrics that are seared into my soul:

"You know that flag flying over the courthouse
Means certain things are set in stone
Who we are, what we'll do and what we won't"

Who are we? I don't know anymore. It feels like our standards are no longer set in stone. Abu Gharib. Water boarding. Lying about WMDs. Demonizing gays. "Swiftboating" veterans. It's all so, so very ugly and I don't LIKE thinking about any of these painful topics. But when "Long Walk Home" comes through my headphones, The Boss forces me to confront them. As we approach another election, we must confront them. It's irresponsible and immoral not to. Thank God Bruce is there to remind me.

Springsteen and Redford have released deeply patriotic, thoughtful art that celebrates who we have been and who we can be again. I am better for it.

It was a very good week

I've missed this photo. So I'm glad I have two such terrific reasons to run it!

1) My beloved future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux signed a one-year contract with the Padres. So I get another season to watch the Professor at work!

2) He won a record 17th Gold Glove award for for fielding excellence. His comment upon hearing the announcement? "It's cool to win again. I'm fortunate to still be pitching at this level and honored to be recognized with this prestigious award."

I love you. Sigh.

This must STOP!

I want to put a halt to middle-aged women who say, "Many talk the talk but …"

"I speak the truth." (Star Jones on CourtTV)
"they don't walk the walk." (A friend of a friend on her blog.)

I know these 40+ women think it makes them sound legitimate and "street," but it doesn't. It's cliche, it's not age appropriate … and it annoys me.

If you hear and read any middle-aged women who use this phrase, first issue a citation that includes a fine. Next time, take them into custody. PLEASE!

(Ah! I feel better now.)

Friday's Feast #22

Appetizer
Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies? Snocaps or Raisinettes. (Yum!)

Soup
What year did you start using the internet? 1995 perhaps? AOL was the only game in town.

Salad
What is your first name in Pig Latin? Al-gay

Main Course
Name something you are picky about. My face care. I've learned that the most expensive moisturizers aren't necessarily the best for my skin.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: I worked out yesterday and I will again today. (Hopefully!)

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

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.