The Grecco Guise

Church Services for Pets and Owners

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Has an idea struck you that you were confident would benefit you and many others but in the end you forfeit its possibilities assuming the masses will consider you crazy or the idea is taboo?

Well I had one such thought and I was shocked that in California, it's coming true! Church service for pets and owners! In Los Angeles, Reverend Tom Eggebeen at Covenant Persyterian Church conceived the idea as a way to attract parishioners to his mostly empty pews. So he turned God's house into a doghouse by offering a 30-minute service complete with individual doggie beds, canine prayers and an offering of dog treats! Recognizing that many Americans love their dogs as much as humans, like true family members, Rev. Eggebeen opened the church to these God-created creatures.

Which type of dogs are welcome? All are. From pit bulls to miniature Daschunds to bichon frises. All dogs are welcome. I would imagine the dogs have to demonstrate obedience and correct social behavior.

While the pooches showed up on Sunday, they didn't seem interested in dogma. But it attracted many new faces and parishioners.

A 30- minute service with dogs? This also would help with the attention span of small children. My kids are asking me to go to our pastor and propose the idea. Minnesota is not quite as progressive as California. This will take some dogged efforts.

Share your thoughts and comments!

Should Cell Phone Interrupters Be Escorted Off Property?

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:42:00 +0000

As technology aids us in everyday work and chores, it also is increasingly intrusive in our lives and the cause of eroding manners.

There's always the person who forgets to turn off or silence their cell phone ringer in a movie theater, in church, at a dinner or special event with guests, etc.

At my church, the reverend will stop in mid sentence and stare down the section or person with such unGodly contempt you're frightened that person's soul will go straight to hell. But his laser stare followed by lecture on respect and manners leaves you sweating out of embarassment for the culprit and serves as painful reminder to turn off the cell phone at the next service. Later the reverend apologizes to the congregation explaining he's deep in thought when sharing the sermon and the cell phones interrupts his train of thought and pierces the post gospel message and momentum. I don't blame him.

This past September, Hugh Jackman was performing on Broadway, A Steady Rain, and at the height of his dramatic performance a cell phone rings in the audience. Jackman breaks character to tell the owner of the ringing cell phone, "You want to get that?" as the audience erupts in cheers. As the ringing persists, Jackman pleads: "Come on, just turn it off." He then paces the stage of the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, waits about a minute for the ringing to stop and the play resumes.

The interruption occurred during an intense moment in the play, when Jackman's character, a Chicago policeman, reveals haunting memories.

A customary loudspeaker announcement reminds theatergoers to turn off their phones. Since the incident, ushers who seat patrons and pass out playbills at Schoenfeld are also instructing patrons to silence their phones.

Should cell phone offenders be asked to leave the theater or church? Maybe that's taking it too far and the harsh glares from those sitting around the culprit is punishment enough. What do you think?

Share your thoughts by clicking on "Comment" below.

Should Child Rapist Go Free?

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:39:00 +0000

My dear readers,

Here is a sensitive issue that has me inflamed that I turned to my blog to unburden my shock and share my horror and hope you will respond inkind.

As you may have heard, Oscar- winning film director, Roman Polanski, plead guilty to having sex with 13 year-old girl in 1977. When he knew the judge was going to pronounce his long-term sentence, he fled to France. The French do not extradite their citizens and now they are pressuring the Swiss, where Polanski is currently being held for extradition, not to release him to the U.S.

There is a movement to pressure US officials to drop the charges. The backers range from France and Poland (where he holds dual citizenship) to other famous celebrities. Why? Because he's a brilliant film maker and celebrity?

In general, do you think a child rapist should go free? If it were your child, would you want him to never spend a day in prison if the man produced your favorite film? Perhaps he has reflected and repented but he has never served his term for violating a child. Does his award credits outweigh a child's innocence?

Does a 20 year run and a status of brilliance in film making grant immunization for such heinous crimes? An average person would never be granted clemency.

Am I being unreasonable? Please weigh in by clicking on COMMENTS below and share your opinion. I wonder how many "average people" like me, a mother like me, feel the same disgust that a culture around the world can easily disregard the act of raping a 13 year old child because he has already won favor and the hearts of the art world.

For the complete story, CLICK HERE.

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Willy Wonka Chocolate Theme Park to Open

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:24:00 +0000

You have to give credit to the Chinese. They know what markets are ripe for growth in this dour economy and how to "Present" to grab the world's attention a la Olympic style, "beyond imagination" according to the general manager of this upcoming project.

I always wondered what countries did to maximize on the vast terrain cratered by an Olympic site. The Chinese are brilliant.

China plans to cater to the country's rising number of chocoholics with the opening next year of a Willy Wonka-style theme park in Beijing, complete with a replica Great Wall.

The 'world chocolate dream park', reminiscent of Roald Dahl's beloved book Charlie and the Choc-olate Factory, will feature a life-size edible Terracotta Army, Great Wall and versions of famous paintings, the China Daily said.

The park, due to open in January 2010, will be located in the Olympic Green, which also includes the iconic Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatics centre used during the Beijing Summer Games last year.

The site will include five pavilions and two outdoor sites where chocolate-made objects, such as the replica Great Wall, will be on display, the report said.

Chocolate is not as popular in China as it is in Western countries, but the sweet treat is increasingly popular with the nation's younger generation.

A number of prestigious chocolate makers from Europe, including Belgium and Switzerland, want to participate in the project, but Tina Chenge, general manager would not reveal their names in a recent interview.

"There is the potential for a huge market in China with regards to chocolate consumption," she said, according to the report.

"That's why many overseas chocolate producers are vying to join our project."

Shakespearan Birds Terrorize the U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Flock of Starlings in Rotterdam (Europe)

Who could hate a bird? Well if a pooping pigeon or crop-eating nuisance caused you to lose money and sleep, one could easily hate certain birds.

A darling from a Shakespearean novel is now the Hitchock of caws in the US and Americans hate them. Some fanatical group of Shakespeare decided to bring these starlings to the U.S. and they are no darlings.

Below is an article from Associated Press explaining the history and dangers of the starling birds. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By MIKE STARK, Associated Press Writer Mike Stark, Associated Press Writer – Sun Sep 6, 1:00 pm ET

SALT LAKE CITY – The next time the sky darkens with a flock of noisy unwelcome starlings, blame Shakespeare — or, better yet, a few of his strangest fans.

Had the Bard not mentioned the starling in the third scene of "Henry IV," arguably the most hated bird in North America might never have arrived. In the early 1890s, about 100 European starlings were released in New York City's Central Park by a group dedicated to bringing to America every bird ever mentioned by Shakespeare.

Today, it's more like Hitchcock.

Some 200 million shiny black European starlings crowd North America, from the cool climes of Alaska to the balmy reaches of Mexico's Baja peninsula. The enormous flocks endanger air travel, mob cattle operations, chase off native songbirds, roost on city blocks, leaving behind corrosive, foul-smelling droppings and hundreds of millions of dollars of damage each year.
And getting rid of them is near impossible.

Last year U.S. government agents poisoned, shot and trapped 1.7 million starlings, more than any other nuisance species, according to new figures, only to see them roaring back again.
"It's sort of like bailing the ocean with a thimble," said Richard Dolbeer, a retired Wildlife Services researcher in Sandusky, Ohio who spent years trying to figure out ways to keep starlings — which he calls "flying bullets" — and other birds from causing problems at airports. Federal aviation officials say they have caused $4 million in damage since 1990.

After the starlings' introduction, they quickly expanded west, taking advantage of vast tracts of forested land opening up to agriculture and human development, Dolbeer said. By the 1950s, starlings had reached California and nearly all parts in-between. Today, it's one of the most common birds in the U.S.

Their prodigious presence is no mystery. Starlings breed like crazy, eat almost anything, are highly mobile and operate in overwhelming numbers. They're also expert at nesting in protected nooks and making an intimidating statement as they swirl in vast clouds called "murmurations."
"They're great survivors and quite the biological machine," said Greg Butcher, director of bird conservation at the National Audubon Society.

They're also responsible for the most deadly bird strikes in aviation: a 1960 civilian crash in Boston that killed 62 and a 1996 military cargo plane crash that killed 34 in the Netherlands. Since then, there have been close calls, including a Boeing 747 that ran into a flock in Rome last fall. No one was killed but the badly damaged plane had a rough landing.

Those kinds of scenarios are why wildlife biologist Mike Smith has been tweaking a series of traps used at Salt Lake City International Airport, where there have been 19 reported starling strikes since 1990. The traps use dog food to attract a starling or two. Hundreds more soon follow, driven by their innate desire to flock with each other. He once caught 800 in a single day.
The most popular lethal tactic is a poison called DRC-1339, which is often sprinkled on french fries, a favorite starlings snack. Within a day or two, starlings keel over from organ failure.

No other state poisoned more starlings last year than Washington. Starlings there caused $9 million in damages to agricultural operations over five years. Nationwide, starlings cause $800 million in damage to agricultural operations each year, according to a Cornell University estimate.

At one feed lot, some 200,000 starlings gathered each day, lining fence tops, wires, water troughs and even perching on top of cows. They've learned to steal the most nutritious morsels from the cattle troughs and pose an ever-present threat of moving disease from one ranch to another, said Roger Woodruff, director of Wildlife Services in Washington.

Nearly 650,000 starlings were poisoned last year in the state, an all-time record, he said.
When killing's not an option, agents often turn to harassment campaigns.

In downtown Indianapolis, flocks as large as 40,000 show up around dusk in the winter to hang out, find food and keep warm. They quickly wear out their welcome with their noise and their mess. Crews are deployed nearly every night to scare them off with lasers, pyrotechnic explosions and noise devices with names like "screamers" and "bangers."

Like other urban areas, they've had some success shooing them out of downtown and onto undeveloped land, said Judy Loven, director of Wildlife Services in Indiana, but it's likely going to be an ongoing battle.

"They're pretty much wise to our ways and pass that information along," said Jeff Homan, a wildlife researcher in Bismarck, N.D., who's part of a team focusing on starlings and blackbirds.
It's unlikely those who engineered the starlings' release in Central Park — including its leader, New York drug manufacturer named Eugene Schieffelin — could have fully imagined the consequences of their experiment, said author Kim Todd, who wrote about the introduction in her 2001 book "Tinkering With Eden: A Natural History of Exotic Species in America."

"It's sad but true that we often only see a creature's beauty when it is out-of-reach or rare," Todd said in an e-mail. "I can't imagine that Schieffelin, who appreciated starlings on the page and in small groups, would have the same affection for them in their enormous, pesky flocks."

The Lottery Curse

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:11:00 +0000

How could winning millions of dollars be a curse? It's true. What is a tremendous blessing has often turned even tragic.

Winner's lose their minds or have no sense of investing for the future. Greed takes over like a disease. It infects and spreads. Not just for the winners but immediate relatives. Jeffrey Dampier, a $20 million winner, was kidnapped and murdered by his own sister-in-law.

A 16 year-old girl won $3 million six years ago which has dwindled down to $32,000. The story of Callie Rogers is typical of many winners not just a very young winner.

Often in social circles or at the watercooler when the jackpots are at stratosphere amounts, people talk about what the would do with the money--travel around the world, buy new house, fancy cars and donate to charity and help our family.

That's what Jack Whittaker did for his granddaughter Brandi and renovated a $5 million dollar home for her and her mother. Then his generosity surpassed common sense. He gave his 17 year old granddaughter and allowance of $2,000 A WEEK! Eventually Brandi attracted new "friends" and started using drugs. She died of a drug overdose. Jack now wishes he never won. To watch the interview, CLICK HERE.

LESSONS LEARNED
1- Keep quiet if you win. Don't go on the news or hold the jumbo check. Only let your spouse know. Otherwise you will be hounded for life and never enjoy a normal life with people approaching you only for your money. The life of a celebrity is not all fun and glamorous. This is the ugly side.

2- INVEST, INVEST, INVEST. Use the money to generate a continual income stream. If you don't know a dime about investing, just purchase a "Investing for Dummies" book at your local bookstore. It's not that difficult. Just start with the basics.

3- If you choose to donate to an organization or relatives, establish a trust or foundation so you can make "anonymous" donations. Again, this is to avoid avarice vultures.

4- Don't forget where you came from. Continue to go to church or start attending a faith-based program to stay grounded. I think this is the most important.

Honestly, I rarely play the huge jackpot lotteries. I'd rather dabble in the smaller games with smaller payouts. I would be ecstatic with just $10,000--the chances are much better--but then again, I know I can make that money stretch and regenerate!

What would you do if you won the lottery? Share it by posting a comment below--you can remain anonymous or use a code name!

The Real BOND Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:35:00 +0000

There is such a person as the bond girl outside of Hollywood films that is fierce and chases down and handcuffs the bad guys. In this case there are two bond girls. But these aren't the sexy, sultry, carrying-shiny-automatic weapon Bond Girls from the Bond movie. No these are the Bail Bond girls and they call themselves the Lipstick Bail Bonds.

And everything is pink--like their lipstick. From their shirts, shoes, to the handcuffs and even their taser gun. No kidding. Men can work for them but wearing the color pink is a requirement.

CLICK HERE to view the video and interview by ABC News, John Quinones to see these girls in action.

What a great idea! Easy for them--they used to be police officers.

Gidget the Taco Bell Dog Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Oh no! One of TV's favorite dog has died at age 15. Remember Gidget the Chihuahua from the Taco Bell commercials? Of course you do. Sadly she died suddenly of a stroke. Just the day before she was running around like normal according to news reports

My Blog Sister, Christine and I both work (or I used to work) in the marketing and advertising field. Few commercials are memorable and break through the clutter. But this one did. Those ears, her stature, and Mexican voice impersonation. It was the whole package.

Our favorite Gidget performance was in Legally Blonde 2 with Reese Witherspoon. You just wanted to scoop up that little dog and smother her in kisses and take her shopping and ride in a convertible.

Do you have any memorable commercials due to an animal as spokesperson? Sure, the duck from AFLAC, the gecco from Geicho (rhymes with Grecco, my last name), any others?

In honor of Gidget, I'm taking the kids to Taco Bell.

Betty the Goose Gets First Ever Bionic Leg

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:32:00 +0000

Over in the United Kingdom is the world's first bionic Goose. The two-week old gosling was found with a broken leg, but vets did not have the heart to put her to sleep permanently.

Instead, they decided to operate on the young creature, named Betty, to give her a bionic leg.

She was fitted with steel pins, nuts and bolts to build a leg brace which soon got her back up and waddling around. Betty the Bionic Goose!

The orphan, found at Watermead, Buckinghamshire, has already learned to walk again at nearby Tiggywinkles (love that endearing name!) Wildlife Hospital.

Carers hope to release Betty back to the wild in three weeks.

Thanks to our British friends for taking the time and energy to save a helpless creature.

Do You Remember Nancy Drew?

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Smart, logical and courageous are all attributes that describe a female heroine many of us baby boomers read about and aspired to. I'm talking about Nancy Drew. Remember the young, smart, sleuth who often solved a case before the police? Of course you do! I loved her!

Little did I know that the Nancy Drew series was born in 1930, a decade after women gained the right to vote in the United States.

She was my heroine and apparently that of many female leaders including Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and the soon-to-be inducted Supreme Court justice, Sotomayor, according to a report this morning on Good Morning America [CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY].

The segment brings up an excellent point--how young women today point to singing artists as Beyonce, Brittany Spears, and Paris Hilton as their role model. Oh how standards have evolved with this generation. As the reporter mentions, maybe these celebrities will take a page from Nancy Drew and show that smarts as much as sass is appealing and attractive.

I certainly can't wait for my little girl to start reading the Nancy Drew series. And you know, it's been long while since I've read the books, but I plan to rediscover them along with my daughter and we can have our own informal book club and share something special.

Which story was your favorite Nancy Drew story? Do you remember?

Share your Nancy Drew story by posting a comment below! If you encounter any technical difficulty, send me an email to blog.sisters@yahoo.com!

The Sins of Sarah Palin

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:55:00 +0000

This morning I'm treading dangerously close to self-imposed boundaries--never post about religion and politics. With so much news about Sarah Palin and her recent resignation, I couldn't resist. Well I do read other blogs and came across this one about "The Sins of Sarah Palin (click here)". It's actually comical sarcasm but much of it rings true about everyone else other than Sarah Palin.

Whether you love her or hate her, you have to give her credit in certain areas. She's not a mainstream politician. Think about it. How many politicians would give up the luxury of a private jet and sell it on eBay? I think she would have cut out the pork fat in government spending. Would she have accomplished beyond that? Well, we won't know unless she runs again. But I respect her decision to resign so the residents of Alaska do not have to pay for endless legal and ethical probing into her dealings as Governor. It would never end. She put her state before her political career.

Perhaps she's most famous for her manner of speaking--a folksy, wordy presenter. Maybe she could use a little polish training but I respect her for wanting to be herself. Here is what Roger Simon had to write about her:

She is a dumb hick, a nobody from nowhere. She hunts moose with a chainsaw from the back of a snowmobile or something. Just listen to her resignation
speech. It was not slick or polished or written by somebody else. She appeared to deliver it off the top of her head as if she were a real person. What a doofus!

Doesn’t she know that the highest form of political communication today is to exactly regurgitate a speech written for you by a speechwriter who has crafted, vetted and polled every phrase, line and word?

But listen to Palin. Listen to how “rambling” and “disjointed” she is.
Once upon a time in American politics, this was known as being “plain-spoken,” but that time has gone. An entire industry of political consultants has grown up to make sure politicians are never plain-spoken.

So what do you think about Sarah Palin? We know most Democrats do not hold her to high esteem. Share your comments below!

World's Ugliest Dog 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Well the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, CA held their 11th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest and the winner broke a a seven year tradition.

Meet, Pabst, a four-year old boxer-mix, shelter dog. This was the first time in seven years that a Chinese Crested dog did NOT win the popular contest. His underbite but sweet personality won the hearts of the audience and eventually the judges. The fact that the judges picked a shelter dog and a mutt will definitely help the cause of animals still living in shelters and waiting for a warm-hearted owner. A true dog lover.

Honestly I don't think Pabst is ugly. Mean looking yes. But definitely not ugly. What do you think? Post your comment below!

Below is Miss Ellie, a blind 15 year old chise Crested Hariless dog that won in the pedigree class.
Here she looks cute but in other pictures, well...

If you have a picture of an ugly dog, email to me at Blog.Sisters@yahoo.com and I'll feature the dog's story here on this blog!

What to Tell Your Children when Asked about Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:28:00 +0000

My Blog Sister (Christine) and I were both torn about the sudden death of pop icon Michael Jackson. We loved his music and danced to our own beat.

For Christine it inspired her creative talent as a dancer and performer. When Thriller album launched, Christine's college had a long-time tradition of each class performing a sing-song-dance competition.

With nonstop media coverage on his death, now my children are asking who was Michael Jackson? Now that's a loaded question! So I tell them the Michael Jackson I knew, the one who inspired every young person.

For me, Michael sparked my fashion sensibilities. I just had to run out and get the red leather jacket, the black pants, and sequined accessories. Do any of you remember that store "Chess King"? Did you notice Michael only wore the colors, black, white red, gold and silver? Except for the yellow vest for one album cover.

Looking at Michael Jackson he did not fit the stereotypical rock star. A skinny guy with a chiseled face, cute Barbie doll nose, sequined white mime glove in right hand, and strands of curly black hair was not your usual stud of music. But his exuberant songs and provocative dance electrified music and dance lovers. He overshadowed the "Karma" of Culture Club and the futuristic lyrics of Prince (1999--that was so far away in 1982). Michael Jackson, preempted the new US President, Ronald Reagan, and commanded attention worldwide that eventually his everyday clothing was a type of glorified uniform with epaulets and gold threading and buttons. The moral of this story, which the children loved, "It's OK to be different".

Then comes the harder question: "why and how did he change his skin color"? Like an objective reporter, I answered, "Michael said he suffered from a pigment-erasing skin disease called Vitiligo. My older child, smart as a whip then asked, "Is it true?". I neither confirmed nor denied.

In later years, I did not recognize the new Michael Jackson on the outside from what I assumed were various cosmetic surgeries. It was apparent he was struggling with demons of the past. Of a childhood lost to a parent's quest of celebrity stardom for their children. I never believed he molested any children. Perhaps he made poor choices but his love for children was apparent in so many other ways.

Now I learned he suffered from lupus, an auto-immune disease that can trigger vitiligo.
When he started wearing the white glove, I started to carefully study his hands in interviews (as we are trained in the media world) when he wasn't wearing the signature apparel. I noticed that it was blotchy with black spots. Friends in the industry who had personal contact with the celebrity shared with me that he had large, unattrative hands, especially the one with the white glove. Maybe Michael was telling the truth. Who am I to judge? No one.

I believe Michael would have risen again, and reinvented himself with his upcoming tour in London. But death had other plans for him. He never had a chance. But all of us, his fans, can still celebrate his music and his life by playing his songs at every party and never deleting it from the iPod.

I will always remain a true fan of this music genius. Thank you Michael for inspiring all people, all generations, cultures with the power of music and dance.

To read my Blog Sister's tribute, click here.

Dog Sniffs Out Illegal Movie DVDs

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:07:00 +0000

As a dog lover, I love a good dog-sleuth-hero story. I know dogs can be trained in many areas but this is a first!

In this headliner story today in the news (CLICK HERE) , a dog is trained to sniff out a certain chemical used in producing pirated movie DVDS.

The dog was trained by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and given to Malaysian law enforcement officials to track down sites that warehouse caches of these illegal copies, costing the movie industry billions in dollars worldwide.

I wonder what they named this dog?

Testing Products for their Commercial Claims

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:07:00 +0000

You've heard the claims on TV--Product A can remove any stain, Product B will make the perfect coffee, espresso, and capuccino, and Product C will do all the above and cook you dinner.
Seriously though, some products work, some a little, some NADA, ZILCH! So I like to keep tabs by watching the news stations who gladly do the testing. Today, we have four contestants:

1.Tide detergent: CLAIM: less fade after 30 washes compared to other detergents
2. Bounce fabric softenener for dryer. CLAIM: repel most pet hair
3. POPS-A-DENT. CLAIM: This is the gizmo that claims to pop a ding in your car back into perfect car body shape.
4. Tempura mattress that minimized motion from transferring throughout the bed when you move so as not to disturb your sleeping mate.

Watch this four minute segment on Good Morning America to see which products lived up to their claim or promise!http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7584873

Have you tried any of these products against other name brands or generic brand? Share with us by leaving a comment below!

Barbara Walters Loses her Twitter Virginity

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:08:00 +0000

It was one of those rare occasions where I had the television turned on while I was cleaning the house and heard a topic that struck me, so I stopped to sit on the sofa and watch this segment on THE VIEW. The topic was Twitter and Barbara Walters decided to join another realm of social media. Click here to view the entire clip on ABC.

Which means--Christine will have to join. As a hum-drum housewife, my life is no where near as exciting as a single woman in Miami. I love my life as mother and wife in Minnesota but I'll leave the social media spotlight to the media darling--my blog sister Christine.

So what is Twitter? Twitter is like a micro website or blog site where you have a profile. Anytime you post to it, normally people say what they are doing, it automatically gets sent to your "followers". Those followers can be restricted to your friends and family or you can allow the entire world to read about you.

Twitter is also referred to as texting on Internet. You can also connect it to your Blackberry and "tweet" ( the verb). The purpose? Well if you are a celebrity, or famous or want to be famous, then this is the social medium for fans and others to follow you.

Should Barbara Walters join Twitter? Absolutely. As a media figure, if she wants to increase her profile, her viewers, and show ratings, Twitter is another important dimension to add to her repetoire.

Admire this Easter Egg TREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Happy Easter!

Easter-- A day of joy, of renewal or new life. For children in the U.S. it means Easter Egg hunts with surprises inside, colorful candy or something green--MONEY! We're such a commercialized nation. It's like a mini Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, while we are familiar with the traditional "Christmas tree", I stumbled upon this picture of an Easter Egg tree! How colorful! I wonder if they are plastic or real eggs?

Above, Volker Kraft decorates a tree with some 9,200 Easter eggs at the garden of Christa and Volker Kraft, in Saalfeld, eastern Germany, Sunday, March 29, 2009. The Kraft family have decorated their tree with Easter eggs for more than 40-years during the Easter time. [Photo by AP Photo/Jens Meyer]

Despite the cold weather, Easter is my chance to reflect and make a change for the better. Some type of improvement. New Year's is simply too busy with the holiday madness. So my resolutions kick off in Springtime at Easter.

As you know my husband John is in Iraq, so when he returns to the U.S. I always plan something special for his stay. This time I want to spice up his visit and beautify myself. I think it's important to take care of ourselves as woman to keep that spark alive in the marriage. But I'm not a believer in cosmetic surgery for me personally. While I do exercise regularly, I wonder what else I can do other than the obvious sexy lingerie. Perhaps a private bellydance performance? That requires lessons. Not sure if my kids want to be dragged along, well my daughter yes but not the boys. Any ideas ladies?

My blog sister, Christine, came across a beauty treasure tome. A book written by a 1970's European socialite with her recommendations and collection of "beauty secrets" from her friends. One recommendation is "private bedrooms". Now what does that mean? Some beauty tactics are hysterical, others are plain haughty. Read all about it by clicking here.

Happy Easter!

Is a Kiss Just a Kiss?

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Intriguing? Well my daughter asked me about this act of affection with great interest which of course caused my stomach to get twisted in knots. Was there a boy in school who tried to kiss her? Did she like and want to kiss a boy? So I explained with measured calm so not to encourage any ideas stemming in that young brain.

In scanning the room for ideas, I saw the dogs and cat laying comfortably next to one another. A safe starting point. Cats and dogs rub noses, or lick eachother's nose or barely-there lips. Aah the famous kiss by Lady and the Tramp.

Then I treaded lightly to deeper waters and explained the woman's "foot pop" in the old days to signal a sensational kiss and referred to Ann Hathaway in the movie Princess Diaries. Immediately she understood. To myself: What happened to those days where less was more? Remember where the fixated gaze, the intense embrace and the smack of lips sent hormones racing? In this century, I think sociologists have confidently answered the famous line from Casablanca pivoting on the question on whether "a kiss is just a kiss?"

What I didn't tell her is that in today's more liberated society first time connections skip the smooch and dive into lovemaking. My bet is the relation doesn't last beyond the next day. Why? According to scientists and even parts of society's culture, a kiss conotes attachment and intimacy, moreso than raw sex. Hence the reason many hookers do not allow kissing with their clients. It brings emotion into business. So that's why Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman did not allow Richard Gere to kiss her in the beginning when it was business only.

To end her "educational lesson" for the moment, I ended on a historical fact on the famous sayings of a kiss and their history:

There's "Sealed with a Kiss" as pictured above

Butterfly Kisses

The ritual kissing of the pope's ring or the Wimbledon trophy or the Blarney stone.

The therapeutic "kiss a boo-boo"

My favorite, the chivalrous hand kiss

The Hollywood air kisses

I left out the Godfather's kiss--the kiss of death. But I will be armed and ready for that day.

Which is your favorite kiss? LEAVE A COMMENT!

Rekindling the Kindle 2

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Dear Book Readers,

You may have heard or read online (see my Blog Sister's posting The new AMAZON 2 Kindle) about the firestorm surrounding the latest Kindle (What's a Kindle? It's the digital reading device for reading books. You buy the device and reading any book through Kindle. This ends the collection of hard cover or soft jacket books that pile up as quick as dust).

If you were contemplating buying the new version of Kindle, you may want to reconsider rekindling the purchase. What is the uproar about?

A special feature, the text-to-audio capability, will not be available. Apparently, Amazon has easily backed down due to pressure from the Author's Guild that audio version is a separate copyright issue.

Why has Amazon backed down so easily? It means separate fees for the consumer, and more commission for Amazon. Here's another blog by Mr. Null with more details.

Do you own a Kindle? How is the experience reading a digital screen vs. a print book? Were you considering purchasing the Kindle 2? Is the storytelling audio feature that captivating to warrant a purchase of $300+?

I still purchase the books, either used or new, and share them with friends or donate to local school or library. For me, turning the pages is part of the reading experience. If the book is oustanding, hence the expression "it's a page-turner".

Do you still plan on buying the Kindle? Share your comments below!

Tablescaping

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Like any good blogger, not only do I write and add postings to my blog regularly, but I also browse through other blogs and if it tickles my brain, then I'll spend time reading them at length. As part of blogger etiquette, I will add it to my blog on the side bar or even spotlight it in an exclusive posting. The degree of creativity and eclectic hobbies I come across is amazing. Where do people get these wonderful ideas? Many are artists and showcase their work, especially photographers.

I recently came across a blog "Tablescaping". The title is true to its namesake. What is it? Well, it's tilling, plowing, planting and decorating table tops with plates and accessories.

Zoey is the author of this delightful blog. Tablescaping is the by product of three predecessor hobbies--dish collecting, perennial gardening, and quilting. Here's a perfect example and one of Zoey's favorite called Peach and Black Lustre. [For a larger view, click on the image below.] Her starting point was the wild animal fabric. This led to an unexpected but pleasant surprise of peach and black luster colors. The dahlias (flowers) came directly from her garden and the small pears are also real, and like the flowers, originated from her backyard tree. How convenient! Are those octagonal black dishes? How unique! It definitely adds character inbetween the layers of orange plates.

So in my brief e-interview with Zoey, I asked her if she does this only for dinner parties or for her family. No, for Zoey it's her creative outlet for anytime and not just for meal time. "I find it a good outlet when I feel the need to create something. It's so much faster than making a quilt!" So true.

Here is another example for a tablescape for Valentine's where Zoey incorporates her own handmade quilt. This is more for design than function since the quilt can acquire stains from spills of food liquids.

Personally I think it's genius that Zoey has discovered a hobby that harnesses her creative skills of colors and design, takes minimal time to create and she does not have to mastermind infinite space for storing more items in a finite home. Please take a moment to visit her blog, Tablescaping. As of today she's added a posting addressing her two minutes of fame from receiving the "Blog of Note" spotlight. Zoey is obviously a woman secure in herself and abilities and possesses a great sense of humor. Now why can't men take up quiet, steady paced hobbies versus fast cars or video games? That deserves an entire posting of its own.

Do you enjoy tablescaping? Never tried it? Next time, take a picture of your table scaping and I'll be happy to add this to my blog. After you visit Zoe's blog, please take a moment to return here and leave your comment!

America's Artist Paints the Bleak into Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:28:00 +0000

The painter of Christina's World died Friday at the age of 91. Andrew Wyeth, well known realist artist, was known for turning the bleak into beautiful. His work captured the wistful, the solitude, and the overlooked- America and brought it to light and life in a Puritanical sense.

Wyeth was born in 1917, the son to a book illustrator, N.C. Wyeth. He was a sickly child and was schooled at home. Summers, however were a ritual spent in Cushing, Maine.

Hermetically sealed from his father's art style, Andrew started with watercolors but after the death of his father in 1945 in a railroad crossing accident, Andrew delved into painting. Then in 1948, he created his most famous painting, Christina's World, a crippled, withered woman in a pink dress dragging herself up a parched hill toward a weather-beaten Maine farmhouse.

Critics derided his work as drab and dreary while others praised the melancholy as "capturing the heart of America," toasted Richard Nixon at a White House Dinner in 1970.

When Christina's World was staged at the MoMa Museum in 2007, the label read:

The woman crawling through the tawny grass was the artist's neighbor in Maine, who, crippled by polio, "was limited physically but by no means spiritually." Wyeth further explained, "The challenge to me was to do justice to her extraordinary conquest of a life which most people would consider hopeless." He recorded the arid landscape, rural house, and shacks with great detail, painting minute blades of grass, individual strands of hair, and nuances of light and shadow. In this style of painting, known as magic realism, everyday scenes are imbued with poetic mystery.

His other works include the unsettling tempera Winter 1946, Karl (a portrait of
his German neighbor), and Groundhog Day. He often painted the landscape of his familiar home in Pennsylvania-a hilly prairie of dry, parched tall grass blades.

Andrew Wyeth died peacefully in his sleep at the Wyeth Family estate in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

Start the Year Barefoot!

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:39:00 +0000

The Barefoot Contessa has a recipe for success--living life! Amen to that! Can you believe this celebrity chef and author was once a nuclear policy analyst under Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter? She went from the most high-powered chem lab in Washington, rubbing elbows with policy makers to studying Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking like a college text book and experimenting in her kitchen.

So what do nuclear policy and French cooking have in common? Intrinsic value! "What interests me is flavor. How can I bring out the intrinsic flavor of what's already there?" says Ina Garten, the real name of the Barefoot Contessa. It's about getting back to basics for this "barefoot" chef. Does she really walk around barefoot? Stay tuned..

Ina first discovered cooking when she got married. As a kid, her mother would tell her to get out of the kitchen and to go study. That's what kids were supposed to concentrate on--studying. Once she was married, Ina considered it a privilege to finally cook, and anything she wanted.

So why did she leave Washington? "I left because I wanted to have fun. And that wasn't fun". So when she bought her first tiny shop (400 square feet) in West Hampton in 1978 on a lark, she literally worked around the clock that summer. Cooking is her passion so it's not entirely work. The food shop she had just purchased was already christened "The Barefoot Contessa" (named after the 1954 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ava Garnder. She kept the name.

Eventually Ina moved across the street to a 2,000 square- foot space and later to East Hampton to a 3,000 aquare-foot store that quickly became a focal point of the trendy, celeb-filled summer community.

In 1996 she sold the shop to her chef and manager. Then she hit a rut! What to do? In following the best advice, she decided to write a cookbook. Ina listened to her customers. In reviewing other books by chefs, The Cake Bible, and How to Cook Everything, she found them daunting. Ina took the art of recipe books to the next level and simplified it. "I wanted you to look at the photos, look at the recieps and say, 'I can do this.' "

Ina wisely sifted and refined all her recipes until she was sure the recipes worked and were easy to follow. Her first book was The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook in 1999. Her latest book, Back to Basics where she focuses on the process, is her sixth book and on the New York Times bestsellers list.

Her most recommended recipe in the new book is the roasted tomatoes. To overcome the cardboard like taste, she cuts them in half, drizzles tomatoes with good olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar and slow roasts them until the flavors are caramelized and concentrated. I'm already salivating.

To prepare a really fabulous dinner for guests, the Contessa suggestes a roasted capon, tagliatelle with white truffle butter, which is so easy you can't believe it, and roasted carrots. To uncover this secret recipe and the tenets of classical cooking, get the book!

Speaking of the book, each one has advanced the goal of Ina Garten. She loves her work and is loving life.

This New Year, let's follow the in the footsteps of the Barefoot Contessa and live life with passion! SALUTE!

Words of Sympathy, Kindess is the best Christmas Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:19:00 +0000

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration. However, for some it is a month of frenzy, pressure, and stress.

Recently, my blog sister, Christine, experienced the sudden death of her five year old baby boy-- a cat. While Christine may not have primate children like me, those three loving pets ARE her children. She talks to them, trains them, cares for them, travels with them on weekend trips (from Sarasota to Key West) and they follow her around the home. Two of the three are cats.

While we have been worrying about my husband possibly getting killed in Iraq, Christine is the one to face a sudden loss, her first. The impact is great for her especially during the holidays. Pepe Francois was her Christmas cat--he graced the cover of many family Christmas cards and loved to run around and up the Christmas tree. Swatting the Christmas bulbs, rolling around the jingle bells, and knocking over his stocking full of treats were part of the festivities for the cats.

Take a moment to read about this angelic creature and fall in love with his stunning photos. If you ever lost a pet, or faced a sudden loss, please share your thoughts, advice or well wishes with Christine in the COMMENT section.

It's easy to purchase a gift for someone. Let's not forget those who are hurting and offer just a few words. For Christine, she says each kind word or comment is like Pepe Francois speaking to her. Her angel is talking to her from cat heaven.

Santa May Get More than Lump of Coal

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 04:59:00 +0000

Looks like that winter storm which started in Northern Virginia over the cancellation of a popular Santa gathered momentum. A suprising or not-so-surprising announcement by Santa's publicist (only in the USA) stated a mutual agreement may be reached. News spread across the nation and both the management company of Tyson's Corner and World Wide Photography admitted it was not the best decision for the long-time customers. Looks like the Grinch will not succeed and steal Christmas.

LESSON LEARNED: if you lose your current job you can secure one, and earn the deed to Santa's workshop or Cinderalla's castle, as a favorite, fictional character especially if your physical features match the real character and you genuinely love kids.

This gives me an idea--I could be Mrs. Santa- wide girth, chubby cheeks and a nurturing spirit. [Alicia]

WHAT DO YOU THINK? GO AHEAD, don't be shy--tell us which country you live in and what you think! Even if your family doesn't celebrate Santa, let us know what your family tradition entails. You can remain anonymous or use a code name.

Even Santa Gets Laid Off in this turmoil Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:49:00 +0000

A friend of mine emailed me with a prickly holiday dilemma. She lives in Northern Virginia and has taken her daughter Rachel to visit Santa at the Tyson's Corner mall for the past five years. Not just any Santa, but the "real Santa" as pictured on the left. Except this Santa was laid off! Rachel understands the slew of Santas in other stores are substitutes but believes this Santa, with the real beard, red chubby cheeks, and twinkling eyes is the real deal. So my friend Michelle is unsure what to do? Her daughter is only seven years old. Does she tell Rachel that he only visits other malls and will never return to Northern Virginia but still come down her chimney with gifts if she's a good girl? Or does Michelle tell Rachel the truth now that she's increasingly suspicious and smart to say the least? My children have not reached the age to learn that Santa is a symbol and motivator for children to behave well for Santa to bestow them with gifts as a reward.

So what happened to Santa? In these turbulent economic times, even Santa gets laid off. Yes it's true. A popular Santa in Northern Virginia (his real name is Mike Graham), was given a pink slip instead of a red suit. But wait, another Santa was going to replace the Santa with the real, white, snowy beard.

Like Santa who works in the north pole, and travels the globe to fill stockings of children with care, Mike Graham actually lives in Tennessee as a carpenter and works the Christmas season (a total of five weeks, seven days straight) in Virginia listening to children share their wish list. This particular Santa is known for his notable patience, wit and humor with children.

The Washington Post ran the article back in October and the news spread faster than the speed of Santa's sleigh of reindeers --that's a lot of countries in 24 hours to give you an idea.

According to the story, the management company of the Tyson's Corner mall, hired a new photo company and the two agreed to pick a new Santa.

So Blog Sisters has a couple of theories. One, if you look at Mike Graham's publicity photo--he's the perfect Santa. But when was it taken? If Mr. Graham has served as Santa at Tyson's Corner mall for 18 years, and is now 51 years old, has time taken its toll on his appearance? Are his cheeks rosy or weather gray? Do his eyes twinkle or simmer like charcoal? Yes, it could be all about looks. Let's face it, Models are hired first for looks.

Theory two: MONEY. Mike Graham was paid $30,000 for each season, -- this ain't no stocking filled with coal for working 7 days x 5 weeks straight--that's 35 days. Money talks and according to the new photography company, Santa's earn an average $17/hour. But Mike Graham invests in three costom made, red velvet Santa suits each costing $900 a piece not including the boots. We assume he has to pay for room and board nearby.

According to the article, two generations of families have sat on the knee of this Santa who enamors all. We predict this story is far from the Grinch stealing Christmas. Rather, tradition, a long-time and cherished tradition of Santa and the Christmas spirit will prevail one way or another.

What do you think?? POST A COMMENT BELOW!!!!