Rants

Saturday, January 28, 2017

I don't usually do rants, but when I do... I present them in list format on my blog.

* I will not see A Dog's Purpose. From claims of video being edited to make it look like the dog was in distress (clearly he was terrified of the rushing water and also had to be rescued from being trapped against a wall underwater, no matter how you edit it) to diverting attention to the motivations of the videographer (that is a separate issue altogether), all we get is excuses and distractions, rather than the film makers simply being appalled that this happened at all. I wish they just would have said they are looking into it and the people responsible would be punished. Animals should not be placed into severe anxiety-causing situations, just for our entertainment. Don't care that the dog wasn't in danger or that he wasn't hurt. He was afraid for his life. Sickening!

* Trump- so incredibly impulsive and reactive in all arenas. He is thin-skinned and responds with rude comments like a middle-schooler when he feels he's been slighted. He also has sweeping ideas for changes, but doesn't ever seem to be aware of all the ramifications. He should stop and consider the reaching effects before tossing ideas into the universe. I did have hope that people around him might be able to advise him to slow down and gather information before speaking, but it doesn't appear they are, or he is ignoring them. It may be a long four years.

* Many celebrities, some of whom I really used to like, are wallowing around in the mud with Trump, saying all sorts of idiot things. These annoying hypocrites are only validating his behavior. Ashley Judd read a poem calling him "...a man who looks like he bathes in Cheeto dust." (They all make fun of the way he looks, yet whinge on when he makes fun of the way people look.) Chelsea Handler said she wouldn't have Melania Trump in her show, because "she can barely speak English." (Xenophobe much?) SNL writer Katie Rich tweeted that ten-year-old Barron Trump "will be this country's first homeschool shooter." (I can't even. Just awful.) Rosie O'Donnell posted a video and tweeted that she thinks Barron is autistic. (What. The. Hell. What kind of person says that about a child on social media?)

* News flash: Despite what many say, he actually IS your president. Right now, this country is the worst example of democracy on the planet. For America to function, we respect the office and the results of the election. Our system has checks and balances for a reason. (Perhaps valued more now than ever.) We can voice our disapproval of the man and/or his policies, but if you rebel against the government and the democratic process itself, you're really getting into some scary territory. Children are seeing adults as sore losers and disrespectful a-holes, rather than thoughtful, good-hearted citizens with differing opinions on how to make our country the best it can be for everyone. Be positive! Be a good example for the children and young people around you.


Saturday 9: Brokenhearted (2012)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a girl who is eager and anxious for her new lover to call. Do you owe anyone a call? An email? A text? 

I need to call Crystal.

2) The lyrics are peppered with the informal English exclamation, "cheerio!" What pops into your head when you close your eyes and think of England?
Buckingham Palace interior. (We've been watching The Crown!)

3) This week's artist, Karmin, is a husband/wife duo who met at college, and that meeting changed the course of their lives and careers. Think of someone who has had a huge impact on your life. Did you know, as soon as you met, that this was going to be a life-changing relationship?
The moment I met Jeff, did I think it was going to be a life-changing relationship? No, I was just hopeful that if I was charming and funny in class, he might ask me out!

4) Though she sings about consuming tequila, the female side of Karmin, Amy, is a big proponent of healthy eating. She recommends organic foods that are free of pesticides, hormones, food coloring and added sugar. Think about your most recent meal. Was it a good example of "healthy eating?"
Egads, no. I had enchiladas, queso and sopapillas.

5) Husband Nick has his own Twitter account (@NickKarmin), but he doesn't use it often. His last tweet was back in August. What's the last thing you posted to social media? (No, your blog doesn't count.) 
On Facebook, I posted a reply to Kimberly at 5 a.m. this morning, when she was sad about the ending of La La Land. I said, "Yeah, I was conflicted about the ending, too. It could have been happy and wrapped up in a pretty ribbon, but instead, we're left with a wistful feeling. (It's sort of how I felt about the ending of The Vow.) I did absolutely love La La Land's beautiful cinematography and new take on the classic movie musical. The opening number was my favorite!"

The last thing I posted myself was back on November 8, 2016. Election Day. It was this:


Ha!

6) Karmin performed "Brokenhearted" live on Dancing with the Stars. DWTS is very big business for ABC-TV. So many people vote for their favorite couples each week that their phone and text systems often overload. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol, DWTS, The Voice, etc.?
I voted quite a bit on the early seasons of American Idol.

7) In 2012, the year "Brokenhearted" was popular, the average cost for a gallon of gas was $3.91. In 2016, it had dropped to $2.40. When it's time to fill up your tank, do you shop around for the lowest price/gal.? Are you brand loyal and always return to the same station, regardless of price? Or do you just buy gas from the nearest station when you're running low?
I return to the same station all the time, unless I'm running really low and can't get there. Then I just go to the nearest one.

8) In 2012, the Space Shuttle Endeavor was retired and placed on permanent display at the California Science Center, a Los Angeles museum dedicated to encouraging excitement and enthusiasm about air and space travel. Let's say you had a long weekend to spend in Los Angeles. Would you go out of your way to see The Endeavor? What else would you like to do during your time in the City of Angels?
I wouldn't make a special effort to see The Endeavor, because I've seen shuttles before. Remember, my dad worked in the shuttle program at NASA! I would definitely see a few shows in a live audience. I'd probably also go to the Walk of Fame and go see the Hollywood sign.

9) While we're thinking about aviation ... Statistics show that it's still a predominantly male field, and less than 10% of commercial pilots are women. Would you be nervous flying with a woman pilot?
Not at all!

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Wild Kingdom

Monday, January 23, 2017

Grocery shopping day. I was thinking about a funny conversation I had with my mom when I was a preschooler. We were at the grocery store and I watched her pay the cashier. The cashier gave her change. When we left the register...

Me: Why did you give money to the lady and then the lady gave money to you?
Mom: I gave her too much money, so she gave me some back.
Me: Why didn't you just give her the right amount?

Right?! Ha! Kid logic. I was quite perplexed.

There is an outbreak of flattened animals at our house. Not any large ones, thank goodness- just tinies. Still disturbing.

Let's look!!

Lizard I ran over in the driveway. We had another one inside the garage door jamb, but we got rid of him.
Froggie. He just dried out on the screen porch. Not sure what's up with that.
Um. MOUSE IN THE BACK DOOR! Gross. I thought he was another lizard.
Sometimes I think we live too close to nature.

Okay! Let' do this weekend's Saturday 9.


Saturday 9: A Summer Place (1960)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song highlights the soundtrack from the movie A Summer Place, which is about two teenage lovers named Molly and Johnny. Did you ever have a youthful summer romance? If so, what was his/her name?
I never had a short-term romance. I was either dating around or involved with a long-term boyfriend, but nothing really in between.

2) The "summer place" of the song/movie is a resort along the Maine coast. What "summer place" are you day dreaming about this winter morning?
Lounging on the deck of a cruise ship at sea.

3) In the movie, Johnny was played by Troy Donahue, who is remembered as nice looking but not terribly talented. Can you think of one of today's actors who you could describe as "nice looking but not terribly talented?"
Pierce Brosnan

4) Molly is played by Sandra Dee, a perky blonde who was one of 1960's bankable movie stars. Two other blondes -- Doris Day and Debbie Reynolds -- joined Sandra Dee in the Top 10. The only brunette to sell a lot of movie tickets that year was Elizabeth Taylor. Do you believe men find blondes more attractive than brunettes or redheads? 
Not at all. Each of us has certain physical attributes we find attractive. There's a stereotype that blondes are more promiscuous and sexually adventurous than other gals, so maybe that has an effect on who some men approach, but I don't think the majority of men find blondes "prettier."

5) "A Summer Place" was by far the best-selling record of 1960. Also in 1960, two brothers in Ypsilanti, Michigan, opened a pizza place called Dominick's. That was the beginning of a chain now known as Domino's. What's the last food you had delivered to your front door?
Pizza Hut

6) In 1965, one of the brothers sold his share of the business to his brother for cash so he could buy a VW Beetle. Tell us about a time you had buyer's remorse.
I wish I hadn't bought the Keurig model we have now. It's noisy and slow to warm up. At least it works! It's the first one we've owned that didn't stop working within a year.

7) In 1960, novelist Ernest Hemingway returned to the United States from Spain and settled in Ketchum, Idaho. Tell us about the last book you read. Was it a novel or non-fiction?
It gave me instructions for use and care of my new Le Creuset pan. Non-fiction. Very short. Lots of pictures.

8) In December, 1960, John F. Kennedy, Jr. was baptized in the Georgetown University Chapel. His godparents were Charles and Martha Bartlett, the couple who originally introduced young John's famous parents. Do you have godparents?
My godparents are my mother's mom and dad.

9) Random question: You're at dinner with a married couple who begins to fight. Would you intercede and try to make peace? Or would you just sit back stay out of it?
I try to lighten the general mood with a quip of some sort, to provide an easy escape for one or both of them, should they wish to take advantage of it. I try not to get involved in the argument itself, which would be a bad idea!

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Inauguration 2017

Friday, January 20, 2017

So saddened by so many people who threatened boycotts or even used death threats (seriously WTF) to keep performers from participating in the inauguration. Tell me- who is the bully again?

I'm also disappointed in Congresspeople and celebrities who refused to participate in or attend the inauguration because they don't like the president-elect. Today is a celebration of American democracy. Your participation doesn't mean you voted for or support in any way the politics of the incoming president. One of the most important aspects of this day is that there is a peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next, and even those of us who didn't vote for the new president do respect the office.

I put the inauguration boycotters and celebs who refused to participate in the same loathsome bucket as Ariana Grande with her "I hate America" petulance and whatshisname not standing for the national anthem. If Hillary Clinton herself made it to the inauguration, so could all of them. Show a little pride in your country and its history.

On one thing, I can definitely agree with Trump. I'm hopeful that Washington DC will become more representative of what the people want, rather than what the old establishment we keep re-electing thinks is best for us. I think most people would be happy with that. We'll see what he can do.

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Never Trust a Big Butt and a Smile

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Bel Biv Devoe was on the Today show this morning, where they performed one of the best songs of all-time...



They looked good!

...I know she's a loser
How do you know?
Me and the crew used to do her...

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Jail Museum

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Went to the Home and Garden Show on Saturday. It's always fun to see all the products. The best thing we saw this time was the container homes. Pretty cool!

Jeff and I went to Lockhart on Sunday. We had lunch at Black's for the first time. Yummy! Then we went to the nearby Caldwell County Jail Museum, which was really interesting.

The jail has beautiful architecture and is on the same plot as the old county jail. It was used from the the early 1900's until the 1980's.

The sheriff's family lived on the first floor, where they now have various exhibits of Caldwell County historical items, including some related to the jail itself. The top three stories of the building were jail cells. A big metal door opens to the stairway and as one teenager kept saying over and over, "It is CREEPY."

The cells are pretty much untouched since the jail closed, with peeling paint, original plumbing and old graffiti. I really like when historical places remain more untouched, rather than when they've torn something down and reconstructed it, or even rejuvenated it. The natural state gives you a feeling of authenticity.

You can walk through the cells. It's very immersive and informal. The very top floor is just a single cell that we called the white collar crime penthouse cell. It is the biggest, in its own room with its own shower, bathroom, etc. Barred windows, but the best view of the town!

Be sure and listen to the docent's short talk. It is very informative!

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Feelin' All Feminist-ish Today

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Just leaving this little Sarah Bird article here, because YES.

Brava.

Texas lawmakers retracted my award, but I wrote an acceptance speech anyway


Well, wait. I wanted to let Sarah have a virtual "drop the mic" moment on my little blog, but gosh darnit, while we're on the subject... Y'all 'member I was just saying it's legal to have an abortion through 20 weeks gestation in Texas, so our state deems our fetuses human beings at 20 weeks, yet the state wants to require burial of fetal remains for any miscarriage or abortion at any gestational age, in direct conflict with that idea? 

Now we have some additional questionable logic. The fetal remains burial rules also conflict with laws allowing human ashes to be disposed of in landfills. According to the state... 

wait for it... 

the ashes allowed in landfills law "...only applies to human remains, not fetal tissue."

Good grief. Seriously?

Judge asks if Texas fetal remains rules override current law

"So you're bringing dignity to non-human remains?"

Exactly.

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Monday Monday

Monday, January 9, 2017

La La Land won big last night at the Globes! Woohoo! The film was great, and that opening number is AMAZING- the backdrop, the choreography, the song, the single take... just fabulous.

Attention hypochondriacs:


Never. 

Jeff and I are on our computers and a new show called Kiss Bang Love is on.

Jeff: How does this show work?
Me: I guess this girl kisses ten guys while they're both blindfolded and picks one or two, based on the kiss.
Jeff: Then they bang and decide if they're in love?

Bwahaha! Oh lawdy. It's not MTV, for heaven's sake.

Sunday Stealing: The Shipwreck Questions
You are shipwrecked with friends (your group can include real life or virtual life or both) think about it and pick some friends to truly enjoy your cruise + and tell us why you assembled the group by just telling us...

Who would throw the wildest parties, and why did you pick them? 
Sebastian. I picked him because he is so gregarious and has lots of great stories.

Who would always fall asleep on the couch, and why did you pick them? 
Julie. I picked her because she makes the most groan-worthy puns.

Who would enter to be in a talent show, and why did you pick them?
Cathy. I picked her because she is my lifelong partner in crime. And also the queen of open mic night.

Who would try to get out of doing their chores and why did you pick them?
Angel. I picked her because she is always up for anything.

Who would accidentally set the kitchen on fire whilst cooking and why did you stupidly pick them?
Doug. I picked him because he is the life of the party.

Who would try to domesticate an island pet and why did you pick them?
Crystal. I picked her because she is funny and observant and loves to travel.

Who would make the others carry their bags on a shopping spree and why did you pick them?
She would carry her own bags, but MelissaQ would go on a shopping spree. I picked her because always tells it exactly like it is... non-stop entertainment.

Who would throw the first person off the boat and why did you pick them?
ScottK. I picked him because he is funny and very knowledgeable about travel destinations and excursions.

Who would be the best caregiver when someone got sick and why did you pick them?
Kimberly. I picked her because it's fun to convince her to do things she wouldn't normally do.

Who would try to force the others to play sports with them and why did you pick them?
Kristy. She's a good time and would keep us all moving after eating all that cruise food.

Who would have the best holiday ideas for your space on the island and why did you pick them?
KathyL. I picked her because she's a fun travel partner and great bartender.

Who would need to clean out someone else's stuff to make room for their own and why did you pick them?
Laura. I picked her because she's hilarious and would keep us all entertained.

Who worries about how they will look when they’re older and why did you pick them?
I don't think I know anyone who worries about how they will look when they're older.

Who flashes everyone when they walk by after taking a shower alone and why did you pick them?
Shane. I picked him because he flashes everyone after he takes a shower.

Who wakes you to ask weird questions in the middle of the night and why did you pick them?
Jeff. I picked him because he has hunky shoulders and great hair.

Who will constantly ask you “what are you thinking about?” and why did you pick them?
Grant. I picked him because he is one of the most fun and kindest people ever.

Which of your friends on this island might be too touchy-feely while you interact, why did you pick them?
Jennifer. I picked her because she'll match me one-for-one drinking as many New Mexican Martinis as we want!

So, the Kiss Bang Love show is literally Kiss, then Bang (the contestant had an overnight stay with each of the two people she chose as best kiss), then pick the one you want to start dating. Super-lame!

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New Year Survey

Thursday, January 5, 2017


Posted after Carrie Fisher's death. So true!


Sunday Stealing: Bud's Last Stand of 2016

1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?
became a contract professional

2. Best thing that happened to you was...
completing our will updates

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Jennifer!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness.

5. What countries did you visit?
didn't go out of the country in 2016

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?
more concerts!

7. What dates from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
the day we were told Lauren had a brain mass

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
pulling the trigger on the kitchen remodel

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting the front yard re-landscaped.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope

11. What was the best thing you bought?
wood-look tile

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
American Abbey D'Agostino and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin, the two runners who went down during a race at the summer Olympics. Hamblin helped D'Agostino up, so they could complete the race. (They won the rarely awarded Pierre de Coubertin medal for extraordinary sportsmanship.)

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Donald Trump

14. Where did most of your money go?
our kitchen remodel

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
the final kitchen walkthrough, after which the contractors were out of the house and at last we could use the kitchen again!

16. What song will always remind you of 2016?
"Cake by the Ocean" DNCE

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
happier, thinner and poorer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
home projects

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
spending time at hospitals with loved ones

20. How will you spend New Year's Eve?
We ordered pizza and hung out at home.

21. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I read the news today, oh boy...

"A Day in the Life" The Beatles

22. What was your favorite new TV program?
This is Us

23. What was the rudest thing someone did to you in 2016?
Hmm. I can't think of anything.

24. What was the best book you read?
I was going to make a joke here about the phone book or the dictionary, but those aren't actual books anymore. Ha! Didn't read a single book in 2016.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
the original version of "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" so different from the radio version

26. What did you want and get?
a mini-vacation

27. What did you want and not get?
a long vacation!

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
La La Land

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 49. (Me and Jamie Foxx!) We probably went to dinner. (Jeff and I, not Jamie Foxx.) Nothing major.

30. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
leaving my workplace

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?
dressy casual

32. What kept you sane?
having time to help Lauren manage her health needs and also to take care of other things at home

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Adam Levine

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The new Texas law forcing hospitals to bury or cremate the remains of early miscarriages and abortions (currently temporarily blocked by a US District judge). National law allows for abortions, and thus does not recognize fetuses to a certain gestational age as "people." Burying fetal remains should be the choice of the parents, based on their own religious or personal beliefs. This law is in place to attempt to limit legal abortions by placing burdens on the clinics that provide them, but it will also have effects on women who are suffering already, either from having a miscarriage or having made a difficult decision to have an abortion.

35. Who did you miss?
my work friends

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Carol, a friend and caregiver of my grandfather's. She is a very selfless person who dedicates her time in retirement to visiting and helping out older seniors in her community.

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