Kim's Blog

Precious!

2010-05-25T06:43:00.001-05:00

May 2010

2010-05-20T21:07:00.004-05:00

The awesome thing about Photoshop and fun websites like www.FaceinHole.com is that you can make yourself look GREAT!

The AWFUL thing is that you still have mirrors that bring you right back to reality!

CUTE, right? These sweet babies are living with Mama and Papa Fox about 50 yards from my back door. I'm okay with it as long as they stay to themselves. But if they go after someone I feed on a regular basis, we're gonna have to have a serious talk.

Thousands of pages down to...THIS.

2010-03-22T16:37:00.004-05:00

After doing a bit of research, this seems to be what we can expect with the New Health Care reform, Obamacare, whatever you want to call it:

WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF ENACTMENT

*Insurance companies will be barred from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Lifetime coverage limits will be eliminated and annual limits are to be restricted.

*Insurers will be barred from excluding children for coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

*Young adults will be able to stay on their parents' health plans until the age of 26. Many health plans currently drop dependents from coverage when they turn 19 or finish college.

*Uninsured adults with a pre-existing conditions will be able to obtain health coverage through a new program that will expire once new insurance exchanges begin operating in 2014.

*A temporary reinsurance program is created to help companies maintain health coverage for early retirees between the ages of 55 and 64. This also expires in 2014.

*Medicare drug beneficiaries who fall into the "doughnut hole" coverage gap will get a $250 rebate. The bill eventually closes that gap which currently begins after $2,700 is spent on drugs. Coverage starts again after $6,154 is spent.

*A tax credit becomes available for some small businesses to help provide coverage for workers.

*A 10 percent tax on indoor tanning services that use ultraviolet lamps goes into effect on July 1.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2011

*Medicare provides 10 percent bonus payments to primary care physicians and general surgeons.

*Medicare beneficiaries will be able to get a free annual wellness visit and personalized prevention plan service. New health plans will be required to cover preventive services with little or no cost to patients.

*A new program under the Medicaid plan for the poor goes into effect in October that allows states to offer home and community based care for the disabled that might otherwise require institutional care.

*Payments to insurers offering Medicare Advantage services are frozen at 2010 levels. These payments are to be gradually reduced to bring them more in line with traditional Medicare.

*Employers are required to disclose the value of health benefits on employees' W-2 tax forms.

*An annual fee is imposed on pharmaceutical companies according to market share. The fee does not apply to companies with sales of $5 million or less.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2012

*Physician payment reforms are implemented in Medicare to enhance primary care services and encourage doctors to form "accountable care organizations" to improve quality and efficiency of care.

*An incentive program is established in Medicare for acute care hospitals to improve quality outcomes.

*The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the government programs, begin tracking hospital readmission rates and puts in place financial incentives to reduce preventable readmissions.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2013

*A national pilot program is established for Medicare on payment bundling to encourage doctors, hospitals and other care providers to better coordinate patient care.

*The threshold for claiming medical expenses on itemized tax returns is raised to 10 percent from 7.5 percent of income. The threshold remains at 7.5 percent for the elderly through 2016.

*The Medicare payroll tax is raised to 2.35 percent from 1.45 percent for individuals earning more than $200,000 and married couples with incomes over $250,000. The tax is imposed on some investment income for that income group.

*A 2.9 percent excise tax in imposed on the sale of medical devices. Anything generally purchased at the retail level by the public is excluded from the tax.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2014

*State health insurance exchanges for small businesses and individuals open.

*Most people will be required to obtain health insurance coverage or pay a fine if they don't. Healthcare tax credits become available to help people with incomes up to 400 percent of poverty purchase coverage on the exchange.

*Health plans no longer can exclude people from coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

*Employers with 50 or more workers who do not offer coverage face a fine of $2,000 for each employee if any worker receives subsidized insurance on the exchange. The first 30 employees aren't counted for the fine.

*Health insurance companies begin paying a fee based on their market share.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2015

*Medicare creates a physician payment program aimed at rewarding quality of care rather than volume of services.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2018

*An excise tax on high cost employer-provided plans is imposed. The first $27,500 of a family plan and $10,200 for individual coverage is exempt from the tax. Higher levels are set for plans covering retirees and people in high risk professions.

3-9-10

2010-03-09T07:31:00.002-06:00

There are no calendars in heaven
But here on earth 20 seasons have passed without him.
Five times we have moved around the sun without him.
After 43,829 hours, I guess I should be done counting the time without him.
But I keep thinking he was here just a minute ago.
And then he's gone again. There are no clocks in heaven either.

I miss you, Dad.

Hey, I'M willing to try it. Just glad it's not Lima Beans and Liver!

2010-03-01T18:32:00.003-06:00

WHAT IS A TREATMENT FOR HEART DISEASES, ARTHRITIS, BLADDER INFECTIONS, CHOLESTEROL, COLDS, STOMACH UPSETS, FLU, WEIGHT LOSS, BAD BREATH, HEARING LOSS AND CANCER? AND MAY ALSO BE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH?

CINNAMON AND HONEY! (You can google this info if you want to get an expert opinion other than "Kim's mom.")

Cinnamon and Honey. Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast... It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

Little Girl Goes Fishing!

2009-08-13T06:36:00.000-05:00

Wow!

Who has the Best Worst Laugh?

2009-07-23T05:54:00.002-05:00

It might be tough to beat THIS LADY!

Email Panic!

2009-07-22T09:08:00.003-05:00

If you have ever recieved one of those emails with a "Health Warning" that you questioned, you will appreciate this email that Kim's well-meaning Mom sent to her. But BEFORE YOU BELIEVE it, listen to Mix 92.9's Dr. Donnica Thursday Morning to find out if ANY of it is true!

EATING FRUIT ...

What is the correct way of eating fruits?IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

Uh, what?

Nice Housing if you can afford it!

2009-07-14T10:39:00.003-05:00

What are the Swankiest places to live in the USA?

Who's that Mixed Up Celebrity?

2009-06-02T09:39:00.005-05:00

Do you have your ANAGRAM hat on?

See if you can unscramble these and come up with a celebrity's name!

(Answers below)

I Amazed Corn
Shout naked
My Glee Remarks
Bursting Presence
Best PR in years
Here Silly Maniac
I coach angels
I warm billions
Huge Cold Salami
His Basketball Cheese
Not sick, Never
His Poor Sweetener
Yes, I’m Curly

(Answers)
I Amazed Corn = Cameron Diaz
Shout naked = Kate Hudson
My Glee Remarks = Kelsey Grammer
Bursting Presence = Bruce Springsteen
Best PR in years = Britney Spears
Here Silly Maniac = Shirley MacLaine
I coach angels = Nicholas Cage
I warm billions = Robin Williams
Huge Cold Salami = Michael Douglas
His Basketball Cheese = Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Not sick, Never = Kevin Costner
His Poor Sweetener = Reese Witherspoon
Yes, I’m Curly = Miley Cyrus

One Personal Story from Murfreesboro

2009-04-13T20:05:00.004-05:00

My friend Rocco Cosco is lucky to be alive after a tornado swept through Murfreesboro Friday, killing two and destroying more than 200 homes, including his. Rocco, his wife Cheryl and sons Brandon (19) and Josh (17) are currently staying at a hotel.

Rocco suffered cracked ribs and a concussion; his sons also sustained minor injuries. The sons actually saved their father's life by pulling his unconscious body out from under a collapsed staircase. Cheryl was away from the house at the time of the storm.

The picture above is a view of what is left of the Cosco residence.

The family suffered a total loss, escaping with only the clothes they were wearing. To help with the immediate needs of clothing and shelter, a fund has been established at Regions Bank. Donations can be made at any Middle Tennessee branch in care of the Rocco and Cheryl Cosco Relief Fund. Donations can also be sent to that fund c/o Carrie Burch, Regions Bank Music Row Branch, 1600 Division Street, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203, by calling 615-748-2101 or by emailing carrie.burch@regions.com.

A benefit concert is being organized for Thursday night (4/16), 5:30pm at Nashville's Tin Roof. It's $10 to get in, more if you can, and the Tin Roof owners are throwing in 15% of the liquor sales to the cause, as well. Rodney Atkins, Phil Vassar, Lee Brice, David Nail, Jason Michael Carroll and Steve Holy are already confirmed, with more expected.

(Portions reprinted courtesy of CountryAircheck.com)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-09T14:30:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR A HAPPY EASTER!

Turkey Season?

2009-03-22T19:35:00.007-05:00

Please don't shoot the ones in my neighborhood!

How beautiful is this? (Sorry the quality is bad. Taken with my cell phone.)

Hmmm

2009-03-19T15:02:00.003-05:00

Why is the logo for Hendersonville, Tenn. a huge mutant goose attacking a sailboat with a hula-hoop?

Hard Abs, Soft Heart

2009-03-12T05:12:00.002-05:00

You may have heard me tell the story of my friend Brian. His wife is battling Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
Brian and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for almost 12 years. They have 2 daughters, soon to be 7 year old Madeline, and nearly 2 year old Mackenzie and they are expecting another little girl in July. Brian's wife Jennifer was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) in July 2005. Jen continues a CML Clinical Trial at Johns Hopkins to battle her cancer as aggressively as possible.

Here is a note from him:
My big race this year is Ironman Arizona in November, but first I’m doing an Olympic Distance Triathlon with Team in Training this Spring. And I need your help. I NEED YOU to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on my behalf. Click here to find out how you can help.

E*trade Baby Outtakes

2009-01-29T14:13:00.001-06:00

(Warning: There is one baddish word bleeped out. Though we have heard it on television before)

Things that may come in handy someday...

2009-01-27T19:28:00.001-06:00

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
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Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets downthe drain, followed by a cup of White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.
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When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.

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Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
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For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
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To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
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Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
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Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened' this way!
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Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL
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Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
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Spritz some perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. Make sure the light if off and cold when you spray it on.
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Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen in your linen closet too!
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Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
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To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
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To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
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Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
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Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Left over wine? What's that?
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To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
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Ants, ants, ants everywhere. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
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Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
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When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
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Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........
Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.
Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle w/water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

SMILE!!!

2009-01-26T19:14:00.001-06:00

WATCH THIS STORY.
I dare you not to smile....or cry with happiness.

Inauguration Day 2009

2009-01-20T12:46:00.003-06:00

It certainly was a tough political campaign, and regardless of who we voted for, we have a new President today. As Americans, he is OUR President. Just as George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and all those those who came before them. Every inauguration is historic by definition and for me, this one was just as touching and uplifting as many in the past. There's something about a fresh start, even in dire economic times, that gives us the sense of hope.

So today, I send up a prayer that all of our country's leaders will lead with courage and compassion.

Happy Inauguration Day!

Merry Christmas from the Mix Morning Show!

2008-12-15T10:43:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Emotions are on high alert during the holidays.

2008-12-07T19:10:00.004-06:00

Most of us have something we are feeling stressed about, or someone we are missing. But thinking about the children who have parents serving in our armed forces puts it all in perspective for me. As adults, we understand that while we cannot change the direction of the wind, we can adjust our sails. But what of the little ones? How can they possibly be expected to understand why Daddy or Mommy is halfway around the world on Christmas day... even though having them home was the only thing they asked Santa Claus for?

Also, In keeping with the spirit of the season, I wanted to pass this along. Whether you know this family or not, you may be able to help... This was passed along to me by someone who asked me to spread the word.--------------------------

Dear Lakeview Parents,
I am sure many of you have heard that Kaelyn and Isiac Desmarais, a 4th
grader and 1st grader at Lakeview, and their family lost their home to fire on
Saturday night. They lost everything.

We are asking parents if they could donate any clothing items, toys, gift
cards, etc. or if you would prefer to give a monetary donation, a
beneficiary fund has been set up at Wilson Bank & Trust. You can stop by or mail in a monetary donation for this family at any WB&T Branch. The mom's name is
Chrystal Russell. If you have any items or would like to give a gift card
please contact Christy Gold, 754-8827, email christypearlgold@hotmail.com.

Sizes: 10/12 Girls

6 Boys

24 month Boys

Thanks so much to you all for your kindness and generosity.
Sincerely, Lisa Patterson

754-7417

Charlie Bit Me!

2008-12-05T05:30:00.002-06:00

I dare you to watch this three times and not laugh!

Personally, I think this would be funny in American, but the English accent really makes it!

Turkey Time

2008-12-02T06:42:00.004-06:00

Turkeys for Thanksgiving!!!

Yup, they showed up in my backyard on THANKSGIVING DAY!

At least THIS time, Zoe the wonder dog showed them who's boss!

TITANS

2008-10-05T15:21:00.004-05:00

TITANS GO FOR IT!

Fun with Photos!

2008-07-31T19:15:00.005-05:00

www.photofunia.com

Make your own!

Left to right from top: Bryan Sargent, Me, Doug Hannah, Anna Marie, Barbara Bridges, Clint Redwine and Bob August (being held by Paris)

What do you think?

Alaska!

2008-07-25T20:35:00.006-05:00

I Miss "Will & Grace"

2008-06-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

The best scene.... EVER!

Breaking the glass ceiling with a baseball!

2008-06-25T07:45:00.003-05:00

I would like to think that this young lady would give anything to be playing Major League Baseball and that she saw an opportunity to be able to say "IN...YOUR...FACE!" to all those who say that girls can't play.

If there was ever an opportunity to say, "You go, girl!" this is it!

SPOILER ALERT: Unfortunately, this is apparently a "viral ad" for Gatorade. I am now boycotting Gatorade....not that I have ever had a Gatorade in my life.

Graphic Video Attached & Inspiring Video Attached

2008-06-06T11:26:00.003-05:00

After seeing the video today about the 78-year-old man who was run down in the street and had no less than 10 cars DRIVE PAST HIM.... I just about threw up.

And then I watched this video below to remind myself that people DO come together to take care of others. It's been 23 years since this happened. Maybe it's time for another one. Something to remind us that apathy is not our best trait.

And #3 is.....

2008-05-29T18:37:00.006-05:00

Harvey Korman died Thursday. He was 81.

What would "Blazing Saddles" have been without him as Hedley Lamarr? ("That's HEDLEY!")

I hope he is having an uproarious reunion with Madeline Kahn!

CLICK HERE for one of many classic "Blazing Saddles" scene.

Plus, he won four Emmys for his outrageously funny contributions to “The Carol Burnett Show.”

CLICK HERE for great skit with Tim Conway. A mainstay of my childhood. he will be missed.

And DID YOU KNOW..... Harvey Korman was the voice of THE GREAT GAZOO?!

CLICK HERE

Harvey, We're So Glad We Had This Time Together...

2008-05-27T08:50:00.003-05:00

"Sex and the City" - The MOVIE comes out this week....

See the trailer HERE.

What Character are you? Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte?

Take this quiz! Personally, I seem to be Charlotte with a strong dose of Carrie... You?

Fun Free Frivolity!

2008-05-27T05:10:00.004-05:00

Hats off to The Tennessean for their list of fun free stuff to do this summer!

Here is a Link to that article. I printed it out and have it in our kitchen. You might want to do the same.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080525/COLUMNIST0401/805250313

I'm becoming the Obit Blogger!

2008-05-26T21:01:00.005-05:00

Well, yes. I did just blog about Paul Davis passing not long ago, but now my all-time favorite director and one of my favorite actors has died and I am bummed. Not as bummed as I was when Gene Kelly died, or as bummed as I will be when Dick Van Dyke dies, but still...

Sydney Pollack has died at the age of 73, less than 4 months from his 50th wedding anniversary. As an actor, he appeared in many of the films which he directed. Here is a list of just some of his credits:

The Way We Were (1973) director
Three Days of the Condor (1975) director (One of the greatest spy thrillers, ever!)
The Electric Horseman (1979) director/actor
Absence of Malice (1981) director/producer
Tootsie (1982) director/producer/actor

He was brilliant in "Tootsie" as Michael Dorsey's agent.

Out of Africa (1985) director/producer
Havana (1990) director/co-producer
The Firm (1993) director/producer
Sabrina (1995) director/producer
Random Hearts (1999) director

Notice all the Robert Redford movies? Redford was one of his best friends.

Many people may remember him as Will's dad in the NBC hit show, "Will and Grace." He can be seen currently in the McDreamy movie, "Made of Honor."

Also, he directed 12 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Jane Fonda, Gig Young, Susannah York, Barbra Streisand, Paul Newman, Melinda Dillon, Jessica Lange, Dustin Hoffman, Teri Garr , Meryl Streep, Klaus Maria Brandauer and Holly Hunter.

What a loss for Hollywood, fans like me, and of course, his family and friends.

Alternate Reality

2008-04-29T20:49:00.010-05:00

I think someone spiked my macaroni last night.

That, or reality TV went to a decidedly weird place.

First, American Idol: It's official. Paula Abdul has lost her marbles. When asked to comment quickly on the first song of each of the five remaining contestants, she listened to Randy and then proceeded to comment on BOTH songs of one contestant, even though none of the contestants HAD SUNG TWO SONGS YET!

Hello?

McFly?

I was so embarrassed for her I had to get up and leave the room. And calling one of the contestants by another one's name probably wasn't her best moment either.

Then there was Dancing With The Stars:

I didn't think anything could be stranger than Paula.

I was wrong.

Two Words:

Def Leopard.

Rest in Peace

2008-04-22T22:31:00.004-05:00

Paul Davis

Born April 21, 1948 - Died April 22, 2008

Just one day after his 60th birthday. singer/songwriter Paul Davis passed away from a heart attack. He will be missed. "I Go Crazy" will always be one of my favorite songs. But I also loved "65 Love Affair" and "Sweet Life."

This got me thinking. It seems like a lot of celebrities die on or near their birthday.

Telly Savalas died the day after his 70th birthday.

Ingrid bergman died on her 67th birthday right after her birthday party.

William Shakespeare died on his 52nd birthday.

I guess the chances are 1 in 365 that someone will die on their birthday, but still...

Two Tone Blue!

2008-04-15T20:51:00.004-05:00

For many people it may be hard to think about FOOTBALL season already but the NFL has released the Titans Schedule for 2008 - 2009, and it looks pretty good to me, so I thought I would share. Note four things: We open the season at HOME against a division rival. Our BYE week is week six. Not a bad time for a break. We get a home Monday night football game against the Colts! Afternoon rush hour should be very interesting that day! Also, we are playing THANKSGIVING DAY! Yippee!:

2008 schedule
All times Central
PRESEASON
Aug. 9 ST. LOUIS, 7 p.m., WKRN-2
Aug. 16 OAKLAND, 7 p.m., WZTV-17
Aug. 22 at Atlanta, 6:30 p.m., WKRN-2
Aug. 28 at Green Bay, 7 p.m., WKRN-2
REGULAR SEASON
Sept. 7 JACKSONVILLE, noon, WTVF-5
Sept. 14 at Cincinnati, noon, WTVF-5
Sept. 21 HOUSTON, noon, WTVF-5
Sept. 28 MINNESOTA, noon, WZTV-17
Oct. 5 at Baltimore, noon, WTVF-5
Oct. 12 BYE
Oct. 19 at Kansas City, noon, WTVF-5
Oct. 27 INDIANAPOLIS, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Nov. 2 GREEN BAY, noon, WZTV-17
Nov. 9 at Chicago, noon, WTVF-5
Nov. 16 at Jacksonville, noon,* WTVF-5
Nov. 23 N.Y. JETS, noon,* WTVF-5
Nov. 27 at Detroit, 11:30 a.m., WTVF-5
Dec. 7 CLEVELAND, noon,* WTVF-5
Dec. 14 at Houston, noon,* WTVF-5
Dec. 21 PITTSBURGH, noon,* WTVF-5
Dec. 28 at Indianapolis, noon,* WTVF-5
*Times subject to change.

Vincent Van Dumbo?

2008-04-10T05:37:00.003-05:00

Is this real? Or is it rigged? Seriously, can this elephant really paint his picture? Or is it just clever editing to make it LOOK like he is? Sure looks real to me! You decide...

Awwww!

2008-04-03T05:47:00.002-05:00

Adorable or Annoying? I gotta go with ADORABLE here.

Impressive or Repulsive?

2008-03-31T19:01:00.003-05:00

You be the judge...

Personally...... ewwww!

And NO, I am not jealous.

That said, somewhere between my arms and Madonna's arms would be some groovy arms. Granted, closer to hers than mine. But still...ewwww!

Ding Dong...

2008-03-18T19:29:00.005-05:00

...PANTS ON FIRE!

The link below takes you to the entire settlement agreement between Sir Paul McCartney and that woman to whom he was married for a few tumultuous years.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/03/18/mccartney_judgment_180308.pdf

If you have an hour or so to devote to this, read all 58 pages, as I did. If not, just scan through and pick a page at random. I found it riveting. Not just because the judge clearly spells out the true colors of the "wife," but I was thoroughly amused at the color with which it was written. Here in the USA, you are unlikely to ever find a judgement with so many adjectives expressed by the judge. He basically calls her a conniving liar living in fantasy land.

The good news about the former Lady McCartney: She is, according to Paul, a good mother. As to the rest... read on.

Sometimes it is better to try to blend in

2008-03-12T10:04:00.002-05:00

Can You Be Bought?

2008-02-03T19:30:00.000-06:00

Seriously, do politicians think that a television

commercial will make me vote for them?

Seriously.

If any of the candidates are going to spend 2.7 million dollars on a 30 second ad during the Superbowl, it better be mind-bogglingly clever and/or really significant to me personally. Here's one I might have enjoyed:

Candidate X is on the screen and says, "Superbowl Ads cost 2.7 million dollars. My financial team put aside enough money to run 4 ads. But I'm just appearing this one time. The other 8.1 million dollars is being donated to (charity.) To me, that seems like a better use of the money. Meanwhile, I am enjoying the Superbowl just like you... Of course next year, I sure would like to be watching it from the White House.... Thanks for your vote."

Why is our generation so FAT?

2008-01-14T06:44:00.000-06:00

FOOTBALL WITHDRAWAL

2008-01-13T19:07:00.000-06:00

I can feel it closing in already. Just knowing that there are only 3 more NFL games in the season! ARRRGH!

And how did a Manning get into a conference championship....and it's NOT Peyton! So the Titans are out and the Colts are out. The Patriots take on the San Diego for the AFC Championship and Green Bay takes on the Giants for the NFC Title. I think I have that right. I mean, I love watching football with my whole family on Sundays but I'm not fanatical. So now, I'm not sure who to route for. I did live part of my life in New York and some in New England so I suppose my loyalties should lie there, but on the other hand I really like the Packers because Brett Favre is really amazing. I can't see routing for the Chargers, although former Titan Billy Volek is a good guy, but he is only their back-up quarterback, so sorry Billy.

The fact is that it is so great to have all the kids over to watch football every Sunday. It's really the only time we are all together as a family outside of holidays and birthdays and such. So I will miss that until August when pre-season starts again.

On the other hand, this HAS to be a good thing for my diet, as every NFL game lends itself to pizza, wings, chips, cookies, barbecue, or some combination of all of the above.

So, bye-bye pigskins and potato skins...hello salads and sunday school!

Elections and Caucus and Polls, Oh My!

2008-01-06T13:56:00.000-06:00

We are still 10 months away from Election Day.

ARRRRGH!

One Single Christmas

2007-12-19T08:29:00.000-06:00

On a winter night in late December
My hearth aglow with ashes and embers
I watched the flames and tried to pray
For I know Christ was born this day

Logs sputter and hiss but there’s no one to hear it
No loved ones or family to share in the spirit.
I wondered aloud why I was alone
Is there a sin for which I must atone

Or is this a lesson that I’ve yet to learn
Did I lose my faith, did I make a wrong turn
When offered love, did I turn away
Or was it my heart that was betrayed

As I pondered my fate, a warmth filled the room
With a presence that I could only presume
Was not of this world, while it frightened me dear
For these were the words that I was to hear

“Be not afraid, for fear is the weakness
That shuts you away from the love that you seek.
This is the secret — in you, I’ll confide -
You, dear child, — You — are the Christ inside.”

Bewildered and questioning what I had heard
I walked out in the night and repeated the words
Why was I chosen and what did it mean
Did it truly happen or was it a dream

Then from the darkness a crowd appeared
With candles lit, they sang and cheered
“Join us! For the Christ child came
and blessed us with His holy name

Now Christ lives on in all who know
The secret written in your glow
Unite with us as we rejoice
For we are One soul, One heart, One voice

We are ALL the Christ that lives
And with this knowledge we are His
For God has told us from above
That Christ lives on in all who love.”

And with those words, my fears allayed
I do so love this Christmas day
For with this truth it is now known
That I am One, but not alone.

PROTECT YOUR PETS

2007-12-13T10:05:00.000-06:00

Some of these Pet Protection Facts surprised me. Some of them are Holiday-related but others apply year round...

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not toxic, but eating the leaves can upset a dog's tummy.

Chocolate can be deadly. It contains theobromine, which may cause diarrhea, seizures and death.

Macadamia nuts are a popular holiday snack, but they can cause vomiting and balance problems in animals.

If you have a live Christmas tree, make sure your pet doesn't drink the water in its stand. The tree food or preservative in the water can cause nausea.

Beware of electrical cords. Puppies and kitties can be electrocuted if they chew on them.

Onions are more harmful to cats than dogs, but eating a large amount can cause red cell damage even to canines.

Raisins and grapes can cause vomiting and kidney failure in dogs. No one knows why, but according to the ASPCA's poison control center, of the 140 cases of grape cases reported, over 50 dogs developed serious problems and seven died.

Perfect Tree or Family Tree?

2007-12-05T06:31:00.000-06:00

Christmas Trees always seem to lead to controversy. White Lights or Colored Lights? Tinsel or No? And the latest one I have been privy to is.... Matching Ornaments with a Color THEME? Or Traditional Ornaments collected since childhood.

It's a no-brainer for me! I am not a fan of the pristine tree with perfect matching ornaments or even ornaments all of the same color. That kind of tree belongs in a department store. No Sir!

Give me a tree cluttered with ornaments from every chapter of life! The Popsicle stick ornaments the kids made at age 6. The ornaments we picked up in gift shops every time we went on vacation, the ones with photos of family and loved ones in the middle... Now That's a tree!

NEW TURKEY RECIPE

2007-11-20T09:57:00.000-06:00

Your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!!You should try this!

Sure to bring smiles from your guests!

Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully as shown below.

3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.

4. Watch your guests' faces...

May your stuffing be tasty, May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious, And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

PARTY TIME or PANIC TIME?

2007-11-13T07:28:00.000-06:00

Holy Mackerel! It's party season! How did this sneak up on me? I don't know anyone who loves throwing parties. You plan, you cook, you plan, you clean, you plan, you shop, you throw all your plans out the window and make do with whatever you manage to throw together... Am I right? Plus, I am so stressed during the party that I really can't enjoy it. Oh, and then there's the whole clean up process! I recently came across a "helpful" list for putting together a party.

Call your guests. Let them know about your party at least ten days in advance. You don't want to get down to the wire and realize half of your guest list can't make it. Plus, it's polite to let everyone plan your party into their busy schedules.

Check and recheck. Don't wait until the 11th hour to make an ice run: Make a list of all the items you'll need, and go shopping the day before. Once you get home from the store, lay out every ingredient needed for each recipe, as well as for each room (like extra TP), and make sure you haven't forgotten anything.

Plan to stay out of the kitchen. The best dinner-party menus are the least intensive ones. You won't want to slave over a hot stove while your guests sit in the living room. Although fajitas sound like fiesta food, they are best eaten hot off the grill, making it impossible to hang out with friends while monitoring the meat. One of our favorite entrees is lasagna -- it pleases carnivores and vegetarians alike. And you can make it in advance and then just pop it into the oven to warm it up. Pick a low-maintenance salad as well: Prepare it before guests arrive, and keep it in the refrigerator until you need it.

Don't overestimate your cooking abilities. If you're the next Martha Stewart, more power to you. But for the rest of us, a three-course menu featuring pork loin in wild-cherry sauce and ground curried goat wrapped in pockets of phyllo dough is a bit of a stretch. You don't want to realize you've cooked your goose wrong at the last minute and have to send out for Chinese.

Do a test run. Successful dinner parties start with a well-practiced recipe. Make the crowd-pleasing crab dip you've brought to everyone else's parties. Using a familiar recipe will ease some of your stress, and your guests won't complain -- their mouths will be full. If you don't cook regularly (or ever), try your concoctions at least once before making them for a roomful of hungry friends.

Use premade items. Unless you're Superman (or woman), you won't have the time or energy to make all the food you serve. So go to a French bakery or gourmet grocery and stock up on tartes Tatin or a delicious side dish. It'll be our little secret.

Have appetizers ready. Guests will arrive hungry, but don't spring the main course on them right away. Give everyone a chance to relax and hang out. Chips and dip are old standbys, but it's much more fun to try something more creative. If you opt for the lasagna dinner, a good like-minded Italian appetizer is bruschetta -- toasted slices of French bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and chopped tomatoes.

Let someone else bartend. This is a role many people (read: men) will be all too eager to play -- why not let 'em? It'll save you time and stress. As far as drinks go, save the wine for dinner and start the evening with something fun and frozen, like margaritas or daiquiris (put that new blender to good use!). For sophisticated guests, let your bartender mix up martinis or cosmopolitans.

Mix and match your friends. No, we're not saying you should play matchmaker, but this is your chance to hang out with whomever you want. You can bring together friends from different circles who've never met, or just mix different personalities whose company you enjoy. Just make sure you and your mate are on deck to keep the conversation afloat.

Include entertainment. Make sure you have a camera ready -- it's an added incentive for guests to ham it up! For instant photographic evidence, go Polaroid. For even more laughs, pull out an active game like Pictionary or Cranium and play a couple of rounds.

Just reading this list is freaking me out. Fuggeduhboutit.

This is Spinal Tap

2007-10-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

Couldn't sleep tonight. That's always a little tough when you know you have to get up at 3:30 a.m. and you've been on "regular people" time for the past two days.

So, I watched "This is Spinal Tap."

While, I would not consider this family fare if you have little people, it's hysterical for us grown-ups. I am however, having trouble accepting the fact that this movie came out 23 years ago. There are so many funny moments in this movie, and SO MANY cameos. Every time I watch it, I find new ones. This time, it is Dana Carvey as a Mime Waiter, or is it Waiter Mime?

If you have never seen it (God forbid) or it's been a few years.... dig out your oldest concert t-shirt and your most comfortable jeans and watch. Priceless.

Marty DiBergi: Now, during the Flower People period, who was your drummer?
David St. Hubbins: Stumpy's replacement, Peter James Bond. He also died in mysterious circumstances. We were playing a, uh...

Nigel Tufnel: ...Festival.

David St. Hubbins: Jazz blues festival. Where was that?
Nigel Tufnel: Blues jazz, really.

Derek Smalls: Blues jazz festival. Misnamed.

Nigel Tufnel: It was in the Isle of, uh...

David St. Hubbins: Isle of Lucy. The Isle of Lucy jazz and blues festival.

Nigel Tufnel: And, uh, it was tragic, really. He exploded on stage.
Derek Smalls: Just like that.

David St. Hubbins: He just went up

Nigel Tufnel: He just was like a flash of green light... And that was it. Nothing was left.

David St. Hubbins: Look at his face.

Nigel Tufnel: Well, there was...

David St. Hubbins: It's true, this really did happen.

Nigel Tufnel: It's true. There was a little green globule on his drum seat.

David St. Hubbins: Like a stain, really.

Nigel Tufnel: It was more of a stain than a globule, actually.

David St. Hubbins: You know, several, you know, dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported.

Perspective

2007-10-23T18:49:00.000-05:00

Number of people forced from their homes in California this week = 1,000,000

The current population of Nashville Metropolitan Area = 552,120

Imagine the entire population of Nashville plus all the surrounding counties being forced to leave most of our belongings, mementos, everything we have worked for our entire lives and in some cases, our pets. It is mind-boggling. At this moment, most of the people affected don't know if they have homes to go back to. Who knows how this will all play out? The Wildfires of 2007 will likely be to California what Hurricane Katrina was to Louisiana. It is so hard to imagine that loss when it is on such a grand scale. Personally, I think it is easier when there is a face attached to it. Here's a couple of faces. They could be any of our neighbors:

What can we do?

www.redcross.org/

www.salvationarmyusa.org

Pray.

TiVo or TV-no?

2007-10-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

In a recent discussion about living without a television in the house, I was shocked at how many people are actually doing that very thing in this day and age. I was also jealous.

It made me examine my own dependence on what my father lovingly referred to as "the boob tube." So this weekend, I have made a serious effort to not watch any TV... at all. Nope not a bit. Not even going near it.

Except the Titans game, of course.

Wish me luck.

SUSPECT or HERO?

2007-08-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

"One-time Olympic park bomb suspect dies"

BREAKING NEWS FROM CNN

AND NUMEROUS OTHER MEDIA OUTLETS

"(Richard) Jewell went from hero to suspect to innocent."

Reminder: This is the security guard who identified a suspicious package and began moving people away from it during the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. The package turned out to contain a bomb, which went off, killing one person and wounding more than 100, including Jewell himself.

He was originally hailed as a hero for moving people away, but he was later hated by most Americans for 88 days when the FBI declared him their top suspect, saying that he had set off the bomb to give himself an opportunity to be a hero.

Nine years later, Eric Robert Rudolph pleaded guilty to the bombing. But until then, Richard Jewell undoubtedly was gawked at by thousands who needed someone to blame, even after he had been declared "no longer a person of interest" by the FBI.

So let me get this straight.... he went from "Hero to Suspect to INNOCENT?" What takes away the HERO status? The fact is, the man was ALWAYS innocent and he DID in fact, save MANY LIVES that day. Is it any wonder that we have so few genuine heroes anymore?

So, instead of memorializing him as a "One-time suspect," shouldn't the headline read:

"Olympic park bomb HERO dies?"

Rest in peace, Richard Jewell,...hero.

Having Faith

2007-08-16T20:23:00.000-05:00

How WRONG is this? Spend about 60 seconds looking at the before and after. Check out the ARMS, the BACK, the EYES, and about 15 other subtle things.

BEFORE..... ...and AFTER!

Here is a copy of my letter to the editor of Redbook and her response:

To: Redbook
Subject: Faith Hill
Importance: High

To whom it may concern,

I am certain that mine is not the first communiqué you have received regarding your retouched cover photo of Faith Hill, but when I stumbled across the altered and unaltered photographs on the internet, I was appalled.

I have met Faith Hill on more than one occasion and she is not only naturally beautiful, but incredibly thin. Your retouched version of Faith makes her look emaciated and more disturbingly, helps perpetuate the ongoing stereotype of the ideal woman as being an unhealthy stick figure. Your version of Faith has arms that appear to be thinner than that of a starving child. And while this may be common practice among fashion magazines, I expect more from Redbook.

In addition to the absurd distortion of her body, her gorgeous 39-year-old face was changed to appear to be in her twenties. I can see no purpose to this, except to cause the other women in her age group to feel grossly archaic in comparison. It's hard enough trying to look like the real Faith Hill, let alone a overly enhanced and misrepresentative version of her.

On a final note, let me add my personal feelings that Faith is a beautiful woman inside and out. What a shame that you could not see that.

Kim Leslie
Nashville TN

-----Original Message-----
From: Redbook [mailto:redbook@hearst.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 4:18 PM
To: Kim Leslie
Subject: RE: Faith Hill

Dear Kim,Thank you so much for taking the time to write in about Redbook’s July cover. I appreciate that you shared your thoughts, and I can only say that I will keep them very much in mind with every future cover we do. All of us here at REDBOOK work hard to create a magazine that is inspiring, beautiful AND real, and we will continue in our efforts to do that. I certainly hope you will continue to consider REDBOOK, because I know there are no other magazines out there like ours, who strive to show how real women are living their lives all across America in every single issue.

Thank you.
Stacy Morrison

--------------

While I appreciate getting ANY response at all, clearly I have been bulk mailed.

When did Meatloaf turn into Rich Little?

2007-06-11T20:13:00.000-05:00

Born before 1980?

2007-06-03T00:44:00.000-05:00

(I can't take credit for this blog entry, though I wish I could. I am passing it along as it suggests. Feel free to do the same and add your own thoughts as I have.)

TO ALL OF US WHO SURVIVED any of the following:

1930's 40's, 50's, 60's or 70's...

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
We were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We walked to our local public school every day and never had to be wait-listed so we could pay $8,000 per year for pre-school.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because...

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day, and yet we still made it home just fine.
We would spend hours building go-carts and sleds out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After crashing a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, or video games at all. We had no cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or Ipods! No cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms....... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke our bones and our teeth and it never occured to us or our parents that we should sue someone in connection with these accidents.
We ate mud pies made from dirt, and the dirt did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,
We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, most of us did not poke an eye out.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law and punished us far worse than today's juvenile courts do.

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of us, CONGRATULATIONS! And while you are at it, share it with your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.

Is the Funeral Parlor next to the Glue Factory?

2007-02-01T11:04:00.000-06:00

Barbaro's Funeral

Am I the only one who thinks this

is just wrong on so many levels?

... a corpse is a corpse, of course, of course

Couldn't do this again if she tried

2007-01-22T22:46:00.000-06:00

The woman in this YouTube clip apparently did NOT read the study mentioned below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RMLt28n0-M

Just had to share

2007-01-19T03:17:00.000-06:00

Before you ask, this study was conducted by a man.

From the Associated Press:

Women drivers? They’re WAY safer than men
Road risk analysis shatters stereotypes about traffic terrors

WASHINGTON - That age-old stereotype about dangerous women drivers is shattered in a big new traffic analysis: Male drivers have a 77 percent higher risk of dying in a car accident than women, based on miles driven. And the author of the research says he takes it to heart when he travels — his wife takes the wheel. “I put a mitt in my mouth and ride shotgun,” said David Gerard, a Carnegie Mellon University researcher who co-authored a major new U.S. road risk analysis.

The study holds plenty of surprises.

The highway death rate is higher for cautious 82-year-old women than for risk-taking 16-year-old boys.
New England is the safest region for drivers — despite all those stories about crazy Boston drivers.
The safest passenger is a youngster strapped in a car seat and being driven during morning rush hour.

The findings are from Traffic STATS, a detailed and searchable new risk analysis of road fatality statistics by Carnegie Mellon for the American Automobile Association. Plans are to make the report public next week, but The Associated Press got an early look.

Drivers aged 40 and 50 tie for the lowest risk of dying in an accident. But if you’re a male out at 2 a.m. Saturday on a motorcycle in the South, you may want to take out some more insurance.

By combining a batch of data of all types, you can construct the safest possible scenario on the road: That would involve a 4-year-old girl in a van or school bus, stuck in a Wednesday morning rush hour in New England in February.

------------------

I stole this from the Associated Press (and edited it) despite their warning that this may not be re-distributed in any fashion without their express permission. I hope they can forgive me.

Farewell Lilly

2007-01-11T02:57:00.000-06:00

Yvo n ne D eCarlo has died. Best known for portraying Lilly Munster on the iconic television series, "The Munsters," she passed away almost exactly one year after Al Lewis, who played Grandpa.

Fred Gwynne of course, died years ago. Wanna guess when?

Was it:

a.) 2002

b.) 1999

c) 1996

d.) 1993

The answer below.

Pat Priest and Butch Patrick are still living. But their careers are dead.

Am I the only one who remembers that there were some bizarre rumors about Butch Patrick? What was that? Of course he did go on to star in a fabulously weird drug-induced 1970's show called "Lidsville" with Charles Nelson Reilly and Billy Hayes as Witchipoo. Anyone? Anyone? The only thing I have been able to confirm is he was last seen recording the single, "Whatever Happened to Eddie?" (1983); living with his family in St. Petersburg, Florida; selling Woof-Woof dolls online.

Yup. Fred Gwynne died 14 years ago in 1993! His last movie was "My Cousin Vinny" in 1992. Can you believe that?

RIP Herman, Grandpa, and now... Lilly.

What DOES "Auld Lang Syne" mean anyway?

2006-12-30T20:26:00.000-06:00

"It's just another New Year's Eve, It's just another Auld Lang Syne, But when we're through this New Year You'll see, WE'LL be just fine. We're not alone, we've got the world you know. And it won't let us down, just wait and see. And we'll grow old, but think how wise we'll grow. There's more you know, it's only New Year's Eve..." Thank you, Mr. Barry Manilow.

For the MANY, MANY years that I was single, I found New Year's Eve to be the most depressing of all the holidays. That was until I was invited to take part in a ceremony that changed my outlook about the whole New Year's experience.

Every New Year's Eve or within the first day or two of the New Year, I take part in what is known as a Burning Bowl Ceremony.

While there are numerous places of worship that offer this service, and there are several ways of doing it, there is no wrong way. Whatever works for you, and it is not necessary to leave your own back yard, to paraphrase Dorothy.

The Burning Bowl ceremony is a time to relinquish anything that burdens your mind and at the same time identify those things in your life that you wish to occur in the coming year.

Here's how it works: I write things on a piece of paper that I want to be rid of. Burdens that I have carried with me throughout the year. Anger, unresolved issues, bad habits, destructive behaviors, fears, etc. The next step is to say whatever prayer or affirmation I feel best releases these things from my grasp. Then it is time to burn it! Literally. I burn it and watch the smoke and bits of burning paper fly into the heavens. An actual bowl is not necessary but it helps prevent yard fires.

Then, when I am ready, I switch gears emotionally. I take another piece of paper and write down what I wish to bring into my life. It might be a goal that has to do with work or relationships or a state of mind. Perhaps it is a resolution of sorts, such as exercising and getting healthy. (AMEN!) Whatever it is that is a deep desire, I write it down. And POOF! Watch it go out into the universe in the same manner as the first list. Some people keep the second list (or a copy) in a sealed envelope and open a year later. But I don't choose to do that. Mostly because I'm afraid I'll want to shoot myself if I read it and have accomplished none of the goals I set for myself.

So does it work? It makes me feel better. So yeah, it works at least on that level. And it can't hurt, unless you try this after having a few drinks and do something stupid. But my eyebrows grew back in about three weeks.

Happy New Year!

2006-12-30T20:15:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year...almost.

My friend Dave recently blogged about New Year's resolutions. It's a good read. It reminded me of a list of New Year's thoughts that I had posted on my desk several years ago and it seemed like a good time to dig out the list, so here she is: My list for the New Year:

Don't be afraid to say "I don't know."
Don't be afraid to say "I made a mistake."
Don't be afraid to say "I need help."
Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry."
Don't be afraid.
Never fail to say "Thank you."
Never compromise your integrity.

2006-12-24T13:33:00.000-06:00

It was posed by the CBS Sports commentators during the Titans/Bills game today:

"Who plays Jeff Fisher in the movie?"

VOTE or submit your own

2006-12-24T12:39:00.000-06:00

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

God Bless us, every one.

I Guarantee I had more Turkey than YOU did!

2006-11-26T20:33:00.000-06:00

These Turkeys (and at least 10 more) showed up the backyard the morning after we ate one of their 16 pound brothers. As you can see, they are eating all the grass seed that was recently spread. Revenge? One can only guess....

The picture at right was taken after we let Zoe, the wonder dog outside.

Yes, Turkeys can definitely fly!

What went wrong? Mr. Spears? Mr. Witherspoon?

2006-11-07T22:42:00.000-06:00

Til death do us part, as long as you aren't more famous than me!

With the totally predictable split up of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline right after the unfortunate news of Reese Witherspoon's break up with Ryan Phillippe, one has to ponder why it is that famous couples only last as long as SHE doesn't get TOO famous.

Is it a coincidence that SIX of the past TEN Best Actress Oscar winners are no longer with the husband or boyfriend they were involved with BEFORE they won the award?

Hard to believe?

In 2002 Nicole Kidman won the Oscar for Best Actress for "The Others." She was also named E!'s Celebrity of the Year 2001 and named Entertainment Weekly's Entertainer of The Year for 2001. What was Tom's claim to fame in 2001? "Vanilla Sky." Not that "Vanilla Sky" was anything to brag about. Hasta La Vista, Tommy. He left her.

Hilary Swank won the Oscar in 2005 for "Million Dollar Baby." Life Goes On solo for Chad Lowe.

Halle Berry won for "Monster's Ball" in 2002. The union with musician Eric Benet soon went south.

Other famous couples with dominant female fame (at the time of the break-up) include:

Renee Zellweger/Kenny Chesney
Whitney Houston/Bobby Brown
Lucile Ball/Desi Arnaz
Jennifer Aniston/Brad Pitt
Elizabeth Taylor/Everyone (John Warner, for example)

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban haven't split up, but he is already in re-hab just months after signing a pre-nup that included a clause about substance abuse and excessive drinking.

The staying power of equally famous couples remains to be seen. There's the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill relationship. They have ups and downs that seem to coincide directly with their careers.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie seem to be equally famous at the moment, but that is mostly due to eachother and you better believe that if her career starts leap-frogging his, all bets are off.

I think Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue set a good example after 26 years of marriage.

Granted, there ARE some exceptions to the female-dominant rule:

Kelly Ripa/Mark Consuelos

Barbara Streisand/James Brolin

Sarah Jessica Parker/Matthew Broderick

Uh... anyone? anyone?

Several famous women have had long marriages...as long as they are married to people who are not seeking the spotlight themselves. ie. Dolly Parton, married since 1966.

There are plenty of power couples who seem to go the distance, but the man is almost ALWAYS the superstar:

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

John Travolta and Kelly Preston

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

Allegedly, Ryan Phillippe hooked up with a lesser-known and less attractive woman, as did Christie Brinkley's husband. Perhaps they are trying to recover that part of their ego that says they are the secondary player in their partnership. Hmmm.

What price, democracy?

2006-11-01T18:27:00.000-06:00

Today was early voting day in my city. Like many others, I take my right to vote seriously. It is an honor and a privilege for which many men and women have served and sacrificed. I cannot understand people who choose not to vote. It is not only the greatest right of American citizenship, it is our responsibility. Not to the candidates, or any administration, or political party, but to those very people who have put their lives on the line, and to their families who have made their own sacrifices for OUR rights.

That said, is there any limit to the time that one must sacrifice in order to vote? Today, early voting was available from 1-6 p.m. This was the line when I got there at 2:30 p.m.

After 40 minutes (at 3:10 p.m.,) I got out of the rain and turned the corner to find THIS line:

Once inside the building, the remainder of the line was easily four times longer than either of this pictures indicates. I stopped someone who had survived the line and was on their way out.

"Excuse me. May I ask how long it took you to get through this?"

"Sure. I got here 30 minutes before the doors opened (at 1:00 p.m.) "

"So, even though you got here early, it took you two hours and forty-five minutes to vote?"

"Yup. And when I got here the line was about half of what it is now. They only have four voting machines open."

Excuse me? This was the ONLY early voting location available in a town with a population of more than 46,000 people, where apparently everyone shared the same idea to vote early and avoid the line on Election Day. Only four voting machines open? All in favor of paper ballots, step forward!

After doing the math, trying to come to terms with the fact that I would have a FIVE-AND-A-HALF HOUR wait, I decided to leave and try my luck on Election Day. But next Tuesday, I will be prepared with a brown bag lunch (with thermos), a folding chair, my lap-top, a book, and an ipod.

I may make a few dozen bologna sandwiches and sell them for $4.00/each to the would-be voters on that day. Now THAT'S democracy! God Bless America.

(Photos are not of actual event but are designed to be representative of the moment.)

Been waiting all year for this one

2006-10-31T19:01:00.000-06:00

Saved especially for today, this is one of my all-time favorite songs. The music is even more beautiful than the lyrics. The Nancy Wilson version is my favorite.

When October Goes

Lyrics by Johnny Mercer/Music by Barry Manilow

"And when October goes
The snow begins to fly
Above the smokey roofs
I watch the planes go by
The children running home
Beneath a twilight sky
Oh, for the fun of them
When I was one of them

And when October goes
The same old dream appears
And you are in my arms
To share the happy years
I turn my head away
To hide the helpless tears
Oh how I hate to see October go

I should be over it now I know
It doesn't matter much how old I grow
I hate to see October go"

Say whaaaaa?

2006-10-29T22:45:00.000-06:00

Ok. How come pronunciations change?

I was just getting used to Halley's Comet (it was called "HAIL-lee's Comet when I was a kid)

The latest one I have trouble with is Martin Scorsese.

The director of such classic films as "Taxi Driver" has ALWAYS been pronounced "Score-SAY-zee."

However, not anymore. He is now Martin "Score-SEZ-ee." What-ever! When did we start eliminating the long "A" sound from our vocabulary?

I HATE FALLING BACK!

2006-10-29T17:33:00.000-06:00

More than ANYTHING, I hate setting the clocks back. Is it not bad enough that it was getting dark at 5:30? Apparently NOT! Here is a photo I took at 4:30 this afternoon.

Well, actually I took this picture in Maine last summer around 11:00 p.m.

But you get the idea.

Dark Dark Dark Dark Dark! YEEECH!

Pulitzer Prizefighting

2006-10-28T22:45:00.000-05:00

I ADORE Steven Wright.

He FINALLY had a new show on the Comedy Channel recently. It was worth the wait.

Here are some of the gems that only Steven Wright could deliver effectively:

"I wish when I as a baby, my first word was 'Quote' so just before I die, I could say 'Unquote.'"

"What did Jesus ever do for Santa Claus on his birthday?"

"I joined the Jehovah's Witness Protection Program. I have to go door-to-door and tell everybody that I'm someone else."

"She was a mail order bride's maid."

"The earth is bi-polar."

"I was wondering how my life would have been different if I had been born one day earlier. For one thing, I would have asked that question yesterday."

I sort of assume this aired earlier on HBO or something but it's the first time I've seen it. Though I would have liked it even better without commercials. His style does not allow for interuptions.

Barry, we hardly know ye

2006-10-22T00:46:00.000-05:00

Let me just say that I am a card-carrying Fanilow. But, is it me? Or is Barry turning into Liberace?

Not that there's anything wrong with that. Liberace made gazillions of dollars and was adored by men and women alike.

Granted, the man is 63 years old and has the right to have as much plastic surgery as he wants. Whatever makes you feel good, Barry. But generally speaking, your real friends should tell you when you are starting to pull a Michael Jackson.

Thank goodness, someone actually sat down with 68-year-old Kenny Rogers and delivered the unfortunate news. In his latest publicity photos, THIS was as close as they dare get.

Kenny has said that he is acually going to have his latest eye lift un-done a little. Hope that works out for you, Kenny. You are a great looking guy. But they actually had to pull your current photos off the website MenWhoLookLikeKennyRogers.com.

Perhaps Kenny Roger's plastic un-surgeon
could give Tanya Tucker a call, too.

By the way, her publicist says she is 47.

Isn't plastic surgery supposed to make you look YOUNGER?

The only debate that really matters

2006-10-21T01:10:00.000-05:00

Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Donuts?

When I moved from Yankeeville to Nashville, I thought the only place to get a fabulous mouth-watering donut was Dunkin' Donuts. THAT was before I was introduced to Krispy Kreme.

And NOW, apparently, the debate is raging: If you had to choose...which would you go for?

The very first Dunkin Donuts served up that fabulous circular puff of sugary lard-soaked dough near my old stomping grounds in Massachusetts. However, the big story here in Middle Tennessee this week is that the big bad yankee donut makers have done opened shop right 'cheer in TENN-ah-see. 12 Times!

Donut Tidbits: Dunkin' Donuts currently has about 4,400 stores in 36 U.S. states. Krispy Kreme isn't sharing that info. Each Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut has 4 grams of trans fat. In the United States alone, there are claimed to be over 10 billion donuts made every year. AND according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the record for donut eating is held by a man named John Haight, who consumed 26 average donuts in just over six minutes in 1981. Any takers?!

Now folks, I can tell you from vast personal experience that we are talking about two very different donuts. DDs are much cakier than the KKs, which is lighter, sugar-glazed and served piping hot. Unless you get the day old ones dirt cheap.

You can enjoy either, but you really HAVE to pick one as your true love. The best analogy I have seen is that it is like the Red Sox and the Yankees — you like one or the other. Click here to vote.

Personally, I really dig the pastries at Starbucks! Mmm Mmm!

Son of Samantha Law?

2006-10-10T06:44:00.000-05:00

First this headline from USA Today today:
" ‘Runaway bride’ sues ex-fiancee for $500,000

Jennifer Wilbanks, who became known as the "runaway bride" after taking off just days before her lavish wedding in 2005, is suing her former fiance for $500,000.

Wilbanks and John Mason broke up for good in May, about a year after her excursion to Las Vegas and New Mexico made international headlines while hundreds of friends and family members searched for her back home in suburban Atlanta... Wilbanks seeks $250,000 as her share of a home Mason purchased ...with proceeds from $500,000 received for selling their story to an agent, plus $250,000 in punitive damages for allegedly abusing the power of attorney she granted for him to handle their financial affairs."

All right, let's recap: This whacko bride skipped town four days before her wedding. Hundreds of police and volunteers searched for her for three days before she called home from Albuquerque, lying through her teeth, claiming to have been abducted and sexually assaulted.
She later recanted and pleaded no contest to telling police a phony story. A FELONY, by the way. She was sentenced to two years' probation and performed community service that included mowing the lawns of public buildings in her wedding dress.

Okay. Just kidding about the dress part. But here's the thing: Aside from that fact that the groom dodged a BIG ol' crazy bullet, they made a Half Million Dollars selling their story??? I think he should get the whole thing! Not just because he put up with the bug-eyed psycho bee-ahtch, but because she committed a crime. The Son of Sam Law was designed to keep criminals from profiting from their crimes by selling their stories. Ok, it wasn't like she WAS the Son of Sam. She didn't go shooting people making out in cars or anything. But the law does not quantify the heinousness of the crime. So how is it that she got a DIME out of that mess?

AND what of the milions of people who PRAYED for her safe return when the media was reporting that she had been "kidnapped." Personally, I want my prayer back. I am a big believer in the power of prayer. Granted, it may be inappropriate to consider the value of prayer monetarily, but let's anyway. What if she had to pay back everyone who prayed for her? How much were those prayers worth? Personally, I'll take ten bucks. Cuz mine wasn't a real on-my-knees, hail-Mary, rosary-in-hand kind of prayer. Mine was really more a prayer in passing, which I figure for about ten bucks. Now if I'd just given her a good ole southern "bless her heart," I'd settle for about a buck-fifty.

Paris Punch

2006-10-05T04:04:00.000-05:00

Paris Hilton claims she was punched in the face by former beauty queen Shanna Moakler at a Hollywood nightclub.

The line starts here for people who would like to buy the beauty queen a drink!

If someone goes after Ms. Hilton with a .38, I may be tempted to buy them a Mercedes.

May The Farce Be With You

2006-09-21T17:15:00.000-05:00

No one is more excited than I that Mel Brooks is developing an animated TV series based on his 1987 comedy "Spaceballs."

Like the movie, which parodied well-known science-fiction movies, "Spaceballs: The Animated Series" will spoof current blockbusters as well as every genre of entertainment from movies and reality TV to culture and politics. Now THERE's a job I could get into; pop culture parodies. That would be almost as cool as coming up with the names for OPI nail polish!

Will we see a resurgence of Princess Vespa, Barfolemew, and of course, JM J Bullock as Prince Valium? Well, Barf would need to be re-cast, though no one could do it justice after the inspiring original performance of John Candy.

Some of the great lines from the original "Spaceballs" include:

"Lord Dark Helmet! So we meet again for the first time for the last time!"

"I bet she gives great helmet."

(And my favorite exchange)
Princess Vespa: I am Princess Vespa, daughter of Roland, King of the Druids.
Lone Starr: Oh great. That's all we needed. A Druish princess.
Barf: Funny, she doesn't look Druish.

Of all the many jokes in this film, Mel Brooks says that the two he is most proud of are the running gag about merchandising ("Spaceballs: the Breakfast Cereal", "Spaceballs: The Tee-Shirt", etc.) and Col. Sandurz's renting "Spaceballs" before it was finished.

"Spaceballs: The Animated Series" is set to debut on some cable network called G4 in fall 2007. Mel Brooks will voice two characters in the show. Is this man a genius or what?

Mancations

2006-09-20T23:23:00.000-05:00

The idea of "Mancations" may be the hottest new trend in the travel business.

The idea of men getting away from it all (and by "it all" I mean their wives and/or girlfriends) is now being marketed by some of the finer hotels in the hottest vacation spots. Everything from poker parties to hand-rolled cigars, ice-cold beer and tickets to sporting events are being listed in the latest Mancation brochures. It is safe to assume that there are other manly services provided as well.

So, is this normal? Women go on vacations together all the time. I have been on several vacations with gal-pals and never thought it was odd. However, a study recently claims that almost 10 percent of men who say they're straight also happen to be having sex with men. So are one out of ten Mancations on the down low?

And on a related note, what's the harm in taking a (heterosexual) Mancation? Personally, I encourage my better half to do this once a year. Why? Because I don't necessarily want to ride a motorcycle 400 miles through the mountains so I can get a plate of the best barbeque in the southeastern United States. BUT, I would not want to deprive him of that pleasure, if that is what makes him happy. In the long term, I never want to hear him say that he doesn't get to do fun stuff with his friends since we got married. In the short term, it opens up the opportunity for me to do "girl" stuff in which he has no interest.

And finally, What is up with using "MAN" as a PREFIX?
Manbag, manpurse: A purse with a strap worn by a man, often carried by someone who is metrosexual.
Mandals: Man sandals.
Man blouse: A buttoned-down shirt with a pattern or style that gives it a feminine quality.
Man crush: Hero worship; a man who has a crush on another man without sexual attraction.
Mantastic: Feeling fantastic after the successful completion of a particularly macho feat.
Manties: A pair of very brief, tight-fitting men's underpants.
And finally,
Manpal: The guy version of girlfriends.

Which brings us back to Mancations. Gentlemen, just make sure you bring us back a present that shows us how much we think you missed us.

From the "Why didn't I think of that?" category

2006-09-19T01:06:00.000-05:00

With all the new shows starting this week, pay close attention... If you blink, you could miss one. For example, what was the name of that Heather Graham series last season that got pulled the day after the pilot aired? Answer below.

Meanwhile, I am loving this! www.brilliantbutcancelled.com.

The site is running a sweepstakes for fans to predict which of the 24 new series being introduced by the broadcast networks this fall will be the first cancelled.

The "Fall Season Death Watch 2006" game actually regenerates each week for nine weeks. Participants win prizes like video ipods.

The Web site is an outgrowth of the Bravo program, "Brilliant But Cancelled," which brings back to life good or groundbreaking television shows that didn't last long.

As people place their bets in the game, the odds of a show being the first to go are adjusted accordingly.

Personally, I've got to go with "Til Death" with Brad Garrett. What drek!

What was the disasterous Heather Graham series from last season?
"Emily's Reasons Why Not" on ABC.

And how was YOUR day?

2006-09-18T19:19:00.000-05:00

THESE are the elements of my day. Feel free to write your own story.
Any questions?

Wait, oh yes wait a minute, mister postman

2006-09-13T01:09:00.000-05:00

I say, the Royal Mail is saluting the Beatles in January by releasing six commemorative stamps illustrated with memorable album covers.

The set includes "With the Beatles," released in 1963, which was the group's second album. In the United States, it was the first Beatles album to be released and was retitled "Meet the Beatles." What was their first album released in Great Britain? See below.

Others in the series include "Help!" (1965), "Revolver" (1966), "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967), "Abbey Road" (1969) and "Let It Be" (1970).

What? No WHITE Album?

So, the Beatles first album was Please, Please Me, and postally speaking, produced this hit:

P.S. I Love You
(Lennon/McCartney)

As I write this letter
Send my love to you
Remember that I'll always
Be in love with you

Treasure these few words
Till we're together
Keep all my love forever
P.S. I love you
You you you

I'll be comin' home again
To you love
Until the day I do love
P.S. I love you
You you you

As I write this letter
Send my love to you
Remember that I'll always
Be in love with you

Treasure these few words
Till we're together
Keep all my love forever
P.S. I love you
You you you

As I write this letter
Send my love to you
Remember that I'll always
Be in love with you

I'll be comin' home again
To you love
Until the day I do love
P.S. I love you
You you you
You you you
I love you

Could anyone besides Lennon and McCartney get away with saying "You you you you you you" when they couldn't come up with a lyric?

In remembrance

2006-09-11T13:58:00.000-05:00

September 8

2006-09-08T05:17:00.000-05:00

I found these moments in the history of this date interesting:

1900 6,000 killed when a hurricane & tidal wave destroys Galveston, Texas. While Katrina was certainly horrific, this was the grandaddy of them all.

1966 "That Girl" starring Marlo Thomas premiers on ABC-TV and yes there is still a website devoted to that show. Click here. That show featured guest appearances by several soon-to-be famous people including Penny Marshall, Dabney Coleman, and William Christopher (of M*A*S*H fame).

1974 President Gerald Ford pardons former President Richard Nixon of all federal crimes.

A classic trivia question: "Who was the only person to ever serve as both Vice President and President of the United States, but was never elected to either office?" That is why Ford was known as The Accidental President. And you thought it was because he kept falling down the stairs. If you don't remember him falling down the stairs, you're too young to be reading this blog. Other Trivia: At 93, he is the oldest living former president. That's the same age that Reagan was when he died. Ford was one of seven U.S. Presidents who legally changed his name. Any idea who the others were?

That concludes our history lesson for today.

Suri with a fringe on top

2006-09-05T23:18:00.000-05:00

Okay. It's a baby, right?

Tragic Yes, But Shocking?

2006-09-04T01:19:00.000-05:00

While the sudden death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin is certainly tragic, is it shocking? Or one could argue the point that yes, it might be a shock, but is it really surprising? Granted, it would have been a bit less shocking had he been killed by a Croc instead of a stingray. The same could be said about other people who choose to risk their lives through their vocation every day. Ie. Dale Earnhardt? Granted, the risk does not make the loss any more acceptable to those close to the deceased, but shocking is a two-year-old shot in the head in a drive-by shooting. Now THAT's shocking though I doubt it will see the same press.

Nah nah nah nah nah...HEY!

2006-09-02T01:04:00.000-05:00

Sorry. I was on vacation from my unemployment. That is not to say that I was working, but I was on holiday with my family in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. I never thought I would miss roads signs written in English. On holiday? Maybe I BECAME English while I was away.

I wasn't really inspired to write about anything until I saw this headline:

"NFL Bans Gary Glitter Song"

So apparently, Gary Glitter's touchdown anthem, "Rock and Roll Part 2" won't be playing in NFL stadiums this year. Or will it?

The league has 86ed the practice of playing Glitter's pump-up song during its games, post-touchdown or any other time. The decision was made after Glitter was convicted of molesting a pair of girls in Vietnam. He is now serving a three-year term for the conviction.

Interestingly, the NFL didn't have much problem with Glitter when he was a mere child pornographer: He was convicted of kiddie porn and listed as a sex offender since his 1999 conviction.

Now, I'm certainly not condoning his heinous crimes. I'm not a complete idiot. But why should the rest of us suffer? Personally, that is one of my favorite parts of going to NFL games. Granted, being a Titans fans, I have not had a lot of opportunity to celebrate touchdowns in recent years.
So here's my thought: Next time you are at an NFL game and your team scores, start the song by yourself; "Nah nah nah nah nah, HEY! Nah nah nah nah nah..." I guarantee that most people around you will join in almost instantaneously.

Puh-leeze. What are they going to ban next? The WAVE?

It's just a malapropism

2006-08-15T22:29:00.000-05:00

Today's pet peeve: Putting "just" in the wrong place.

Definition of JUST: adv.
1. Precisely; exactly: just enough salt.
2. Only a moment ago: He just arrived.
3. By a narrow margin; barely: just caught the bus.
4. At a little distance: just down the road.
5. Merely; only: just a scratch.
6. Simply; certainly: It's just beautiful!
7. Perhaps; possibly: I just may go.

We can't just leave that abandoned puppy on the side of the road in the pouring rain means we can't merely leave that abandoned puppy on the side of the road in the pouring rain.

We just can't leave that abandoned puppy on the side of the road in the pouring rain means we certainly can't leave that abandoned puppy on the side of the road in the pouring rain.

Granted, it may seem like a minor difference and either way, we'd end up taking the puppy home.

10 Working Days

2006-08-15T01:19:00.000-05:00

I FINALLY sold my car this week! Yippee!...uh, NOT so fast.

Well, I was given money and in exchange I let someone else drive off in my car with the expired tags. BUT, I haven't given them the title yet, so do THEY own the car or do I own the car?

(INSERT LOUD BUZZER HERE.)

The answer is C.) NONE of the above!

Despite the fact that the "payoff" on the above vehicle was paid to Honda financing over the Internet within a matter of hours of receiving the cash, a lovely loan officer who is named something that sounded very much like the country of Tunisia owns the car. Along with several hundred other Honda finance employees.

As it was explained to me today, it will take approximately TEN WORKING DAYS to get the title for said automobile. That is TEN WORKING DAYS during which I must keep paying insurance on the car, and TEN WORKING DAYS that the new owner will have to drive around with expired tags since they can't get it registered in their name without the title.

It takes TEN WORKING DAYS to stick my title in an envelope? "Nope," said Tunisia. "It takes about 2 minutes for the whole process," she exclaimed proudly. "So, what's the deal?" I asked. To which she replied, "There are almost 100-thousand titles ahead of yours." Honda is apparently having a VERY good year.

Technically, I guess I could be nice and borrow the car back from the new owners, get the emissions test ($15) and get the new registrations sticker ($116) but what's the point since the new owners will have to go through the process all over again in TEN WORKING DAYS.

It's official. We have both been carjacked by Honda.

Manhattan Manatee

2006-08-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

I read an article this week about a Manatee that somehow found its way into the Hudson River.
I hate to open a can of peas
But what of this poor manatee
Against the norm, up north he swam
And now he’s really in a jam

Although it’s a great place to visit
New York sure ain’t Florida, is it
But from the Hudson, he won’t budge
He must be drawn to oil and sludge

In that river, what may he find
Where mobsters bury their own kind
One day, perhaps back south he’ll go
With Jimmy Hoffa pulled in tow.

Two-fer?

2006-08-09T23:23:00.000-05:00

Which one of these gentlemen would be more pissed off to be stuck as roommates for the next 30 days?

Robin Williams is an Episcopalian. His mother was a Christian Scientist. Mel Gibson is an idiot. His father was a Nazi psychopath.

The Joys of Unemployment

2006-08-04T21:04:00.000-05:00

Now that I find myself temporarily unemployed, I decided that I no longer have an excuse for ignoring my blog. More than that, I am in need of a creative outlet. So, here we go...

My friend Dave prompted me to think about Words to Live By...

My dad had a great expression that has quite literally changed my life:

"Malen Sie nicht den Teufel auf der wand." What? You've never seen that bumper sticker? It's all the rage in Germany. It can be directly translated to "Don't paint the devil on the wall." Americans have a simplier version; "Don't borrow trouble" but it just doesn't paint the same picture. Once I realized what my father's expression meant, (Stop saying "what if...") I stopped wasting time and energy worrying about what might happen. Which leads me to...

"Everything we do is based on either Love or Fear. And anything based on fear is a waste of spirit." Not exactly a bumper sticker, but something that I took from the Marianne Williamson book, "A Return to Love," which is a nice layman's guide to A Course In Miracles.

Now, let's talk about Mel Gibson. Ok. Let's not. But I do have a few words for him:

Oy vey ismier. You may be a good shoyshpiler but next time you want to get vashnukad, let's hope you aren't a complete shmuck again. Your half dozen children and the rest of the world now know what a total putz you are. If you are shemen zikh mit yourself right now, let's hope you remember this feeling.

Insert One-Liner Here...

2006-06-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

So, let me get this straight. NESTLE is buying JENNY CRAIG.

Oh-kay.

Isn't that like Pfizer buying the Betty Ford Clinic?
Or a pedophile running a day care center?
Or a vegan overseeing a meat packing plant?
Or a monastery housing a porn shop?
Or... well, surely you got the point.

I give it six months before we see Kirstie Alley doing commercials for Butterfingers.

Should Ben's Boo-Boo Bounce Bonus Bucks?

2006-06-13T07:25:00.000-05:00

There is a reason that Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisburger don't speak anymore. That reason is now lying in a $20,000 junk heap in about 20,000 pieces while Roethlisburger lies in a few pieces too.

After the Cleveland Browns Kellen Winslow Jr. was injured in a motorcycle accident last year, Roethlisberger continued to ride (helmet free), and that ticked off Terry Bradshaw, who took the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories before Ben was riding tricycles. Bradshaw remarked: "Ride it when you retire."

Did Ben think he was indestructable? "I'll just continue to be careful... I don't ever ride alone, we always ride in a group of people, and I think it makes it even more safe." Was he riding in a group when he went through the windshield of that car yesterday?

Asked why he doesn't wear a helmet Roethlisberger said, "Obviously Pennsylvania doesn't think people need to (wear a helmet)," he said. "There's a law you've got to wear it in football."

Many NFL contracts prohibit engaging in dangerous activities, but Roethlisberger's deal apparently doesn't specifically ban motorcycle riding. However, should professional atheletes who are paid gazillions of dollars for doing exactly what they love have to pay back their bonus money or salaries when they make dumb-ass moves that risk their ability to perform? Show of hands, please!

Requirement #2

2006-06-01T00:06:00.000-05:00

Ok. In addition to spending time in New England, everyone should be required to visit the Grand Canyon at least once.

No. Really. Like you can't vote, or you can't get your tax refund or you can't get your diploma or you can't become a citizen until you see it in person. It awes one into a whole new level of appreciation for our country. And no, the IMAX movie doesn't count.

I saw it this weekend for the first time. The Canyon, not the movie. I have travelled to several other countries, but had no idea until a few days ago that there was something so overwhelmingly magnificent in my own back yard, figuratively speaking.

It is considered the 7th Natural Wonder of the World. Any idea what the other six are? Think about it and click here to see how many you got right. By the way, the only other one I came up with was Niagara Falls, and as it turns out, that did NOT make the list so it's official: I really did sleep though high school.

And if you are just dying to see someone else's vacation photos, click here, and then find a support group.

2006-05-25T20:50:00.000-05:00

So, is it me?

Or are the season finales of network TV shows pretty (yawn) boring this season. There are some exceptions. "Grey's Anatomy" was pretty good. Same for "Desperate Housewives."
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But "Will & Grace" sucked. Not the one hour series review. That was okay, but the finale itself was lame-o supreme-o. And I can not say anything about "American Idol" that has not already been said. Except perhaps that the real contest between Katharine and Taylor was who-could-look-more-surprised when the winner was announced. Neither won that one. That's what I like about "Deal or No Deal." Not much opportunity for a disappointing season finale.

2006-05-21T00:09:00.000-05:00

My husband Alan turns 50 today. I remember when 50 seemed old. Well, it's still older than me by more than a few years, but I digress. This is not about me.

I have one regret about my husband turning 50...

That I missed the first 45 years, while I was wasting my time on the David Cassidys and Robby Bensons of the world. Okay, I guess this is about me.

I woke up unloved this morning

2006-05-15T20:46:00.000-05:00

Yeah well. Lesson Learned.

Meeting one's idols is a dangerous idea. Meeting David Cassidy was the second most unpleasant thing about my weekend, second only to sitting through his concert, which would have been more fun had I seen an impersonator. He started out harried which quickly turned to bored and ended with him being annoyed at the fans who were screaming at him, begging for him to throw one look their way...and that was just the meet and greet.

Whah think I love you

2006-05-12T21:45:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I am scheduled to meet the one and only David Cassidy. I can say no more. I want to throw up.

What's in a name?

2006-05-10T00:03:00.000-05:00

A friend of more than 20 years recently looked at this blog and said "Since when do you go by 'Kimmy?'"

The answer is... since about birth.

But this started me thinking. By how many names are we known? Birthnames, nicknames, pet names, maiden names, married names, legal names, professional names...and those are just the ones we know about. Who knows what we are called behind our backs. But I digress.

Just dealing with our first names can lead to identity confusion. Personally, I have been known to answer to all of the following variations:
Kim
Kimmy
Kimberly
Kim Kat
Kimmy Kat
Kimbo
Kimba
Kimothy
Kimly
Kimberlisa
Kimlet
and Jill. Yes, Jill. I was going through a phase.

Some represent certain stages of my life, others are pet names assigned to me by a variety of people. Ironically, the Social Security Adminstration knows me as Kimberly, but in my whole life, only the IRS and my doctor actually feel comfortable using that in a sentence.

We are the champions, my friend

2006-05-08T20:37:00.000-05:00

I'm just saying...

Nashville, Tennessee tops “50 Smart Places to Live,” a ranking of American cities released yesterday by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and published in the June 2006 issue.

To make the list, a city had to score well in a variety of areas, including housing prices, cost of living, education, health care, and the local arts scene. Twang Town topped the list due to the really affordable housing and what they called "moderate" weather. Apparently, the editors did not visit during July.

Here are the losers.

#2 Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
#3 Albuquerque, N.M.
#4 Atlanta, GA
#5 Austin, TX
#6 Kansas City, MO
#7 Asheville, N.C.
#8 Ithaca, N.Y.
#9 Pittsburgh, PA
#10 Iowa City, IA