Rants

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!