The Grecco Guise

Tiny Houses--under 500 square feet!

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

What a great solution for people who want a home, but not a frail trailer, but still has some creature comforts and don't have to pay mortgage for 30 or 20 years! Look at these tiny homes. So it's smaller than an efficiency but it's your own home. Isn't this one charming? At least it has a porch and lifted off the ground.

There are obstacles in getting a loan believe it or not, since it's not a typical house. Click here to read the full article and see other tiny homes. All comments welcome, even silly jokes about Tiny Tim!

Eat more Kale or Chikin?

2011-11-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that Chick-fil-A is pressuring a folk artist over the slogan "Eat More Kale"? Why? Good question! I call it another example of the "death of common sense"!

Fast food chicken giant, Chick-fil-A has slogan "Eat Mo' Chikin" and claims they are protecting "intellectual property" (Really?!) and is pressuring Vermont man, Bo Muller-Moore to cease from printing "Eat More Kale" on t-shirts and shut down his website http://www.eatmorekale.com/. Moore's stance on kale has nothing to do with chicken and everything to do with the root vegetable.

In a letter, a lawyer for Chick-fil-A said Muller-Moore's effort to expand the use of his "eat more kale" message "is likely to cause confusion of the public and dilutes the distinctiveness of Chick-fil-A's intellectual property and diminishes its value."

So here are my questions:
First, who's going to confuse kale with chicken? One's a vegetable, the other a poultry.
Besides, Chick-fil-A purposely misspells words as if cows are illiterate and can't write. But Bo spells out every word correctly. Or how about "Eat Moore Kale" and use his last name! Now there's a solution. But Chick-fil-A may claim that the phrase "Eat Mo" anything is there creation. What if my mother keeps telling me to "eat more veggies"? Or starts leaving me stickies ? in writing?! Ok so it's not for mass media. But what if my mother won the lottery and produced and paid for billboards and TV commercials directed to me to take better care of myself and "eat more veggies"? Trust me she would!

For a company that closes on Sundays so employees can be with their families, yet they still make a tidy profit, where is the value in Chick-fil-A beating down a single, hard-working American who's focus is helping agriculture and community-supported farmer's markets?

Well my fellow Americans, what do you think? Share your opinion by clicking on Comments below. [Remember your comments not appear right away until approved by moderator].

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE

What Part of "Illegal" Don't I Understand?

2011-11-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

Now I've really done it--gone off the deep end into boiling, scalding political water!

My heart breaks for those who seek better economic opportunities in other countries. Should they be allowed to break US law and stay here illegally? My heart aches even more for US legal citizens who are also struggling and worse, legal applicants wanting to come to this country, who suffer even more waiting--legally--in their native country riddled with economic strife. Waiting for years. My Blog Sister, Christine is one example. Her family has never been united, because they wait, 12, 15, 20 years to come here legally. A family torn apart for following the legal process. While illegal immigrants in US demand they should be allowed to stay, so they are not separated from family. Who's right? Who's wrong? What is the solution? Please share your comments.

What Part of Illegal Don't I Understand

By Joe Klock, Sr. http://www.joeklock.com/

FOREWORD: Following is a verbatim reprint of my 11/4/07 column, still a timely response to the "backdoor amnesty" currently being used as an end run around the democratic process. JPK

Coupla years back, I headed my column with a question about what part of the word illegal "they" don't understand, aimed at the millions in our midst who have no right to be here, sometimes euphemized as "undocumented immigrants," (a bit like calling burglars unexpected guests).

At that time, I strove to make a few points which seemed to be no less obvious than large facial carbuncles, to wit:

- Title 8, Chapter 12, Subchapter II, Part VIII, Section 1325 of the U.S. Code states in no uncertain terms that it's a crime to cross our borders without proper authorization or to remain here without validly acquired and unexpired permission to do so.

- Those failing to meet these bedrock criteria are criminals, however justifiable may be their motives in terms of a desire for self-betterment and/or escape from unpleasant economic circumstances.

- Those who serve as enablers, whether by employing them, sheltering them or condoning their renegade behavior are complicit in the crime.

- Their model behavior ex post facto, while commendable, does not expunge the guilt of their underlying misdoing.

- There is no legal justification for granting them - or allowing them to demand - rights reserved for bona fide citizens and legitimate visitors to our shores.

- "Illegal" is an uncomplicated word which simply means against the law, and I wondered then just what it was about the word that "they" didn't understand.
Since then, the "theys" and their supporters have become bolder and more openly strident, leading me to wonder if there is something about the word that I don't comprehend.

Mind you, I conceded then, and readily concede now, that understanding of their behavior and sympathy for their plight are easy to come by, unless one's mind is closed like a sprung bear trap and/or one's heart is cold as the proverbial well-digger's butt.

Valid arguments are made that many of "them" contribute positively to our economy and fill certain of our low-level labor demands, but temporary (and renewable) work permits would serve the same purpose, while restoring both law and order to the process.

It is widely suggested that many such jobs pay so poorly that Americans will not take them, further suggesting that the present (non)system fosters slave labor - one crime seeking to justify another.

In my further judgment (or lack of understanding), all workers are worthy of their hire at fair wages, and if it means a hike in the price of potatoes and tomatoes, we should either pony up the price or do without.

What I least understand and most deplore is the inaction of our legitimate citizens and the gutlessness of our elected reprehensibles.

While a thumping majority of "us" regard an uncontrolled horde of illegals as a major problem, we tolerate the hands-off policies of our leaders, only a minuscule few of whom are willing to take remedial steps before the situation gets totally out of hand.

Instead, we have pandering politicians and militant marchers sounding a drumbeat for the surrender of our rights as citizens under banners ranging from family unity to human rights and bogus references to our historical identity as a nation of immigrants.

In that regard, seldom is heard an explanatory word about the fact that our ancestors, mine included, came here under rigid regulation, accepted the law of the land and threw themselves into the melting pot of American society.

Their current counterparts demand automatic accommodation of their wants and needs and even their native languages, regardless of the reality that they are - euphemisms and political correctness aside - outlaws.

What to do? The easiest and most obvious strategy is to root out and identify those who are in our midst illegitimately, license those who contribute positively to our common weal, open a path toward eventual citizenship for those who qualify and deport the rest.

If that means we'll all have to carry ID cards, it's a small price to pay for restoration of order to a situation bordering on chaos.

The tougher chore is finding politicians in either of the major parties who are willing to belly up to the pressure groups and voting blocs supporting a vast and growing subculture of lawlessness.

The clock is ticking, the cost is growing and this Klock is ticked off about a paralysis of governance, combined with an apathy among the electorate, which is allowing the problem to fester.

Anyway, I do know what "illegal" means, and so do "they" - and you!

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What are Americans Really Entitled To?

2011-11-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

To my readers, friends, & followers, in sharing this posting by Joe Klock, perhaps I'm officially abandoning my "no politics" rule but Joe loquaciously raises several points: the perception of these Wall Street protesters by us fellow American residents, and the pursuit vs. entitlement of "happiness".

Personally, Wall Street is not perfect, but if there are concerns, I would recommend to these protesters--work hard, get inside the companies, offer positive ideas and expose wrongdoings and blow that whistle. Freedom of Speech is powerful but when that speech is drowned by frustration of closed and clogged streets, fear by pedestrians to walk past an entanglement with protesters and police and to witness a once-clean area littered with trash, "actions speak louder than words".

By: Joe Klock Sr. http://www.joeklock.com/

Okay, so maybe OWS (Occupy Wall Street) deserves recognition as a legitimate movement, but so does "Number Two," and neither function furthers the cause of understanding between the have-more and the have-less segments of American society.

As a survivor of hand-to-mouth family life, maltuition, scrimping and skating on the thinnest of budgetary ice, I can understand the resentment, anger and/or envy of those people, both young and old, who struggle to keep their heads above the water of poverty in full view of the sybaritic shores inhabited by the well-to-do.

Editorial note: The foregoing sentence is, to be sure, long enough to have drawn a lecture from my Jesuit mentors, but it just spilled out and, anyway, said what I wanted to say.

What I also want to say is that I share the OWS folks' disapproval of the bloated incomes enjoyed by a relatively few fat cats in executive suites, on sporting fields and/or among the ranks of happenstantial heirdom.

However, with the exception of those whose gains are ill-gotten, that is the price some citizens must pay for living in a democracy that is driven (and blessed) by free enterprise.

The Declaration Of Independence claimed for us the right to life, liberty and the "pursuit" of happiness, the first two of these being birthrights enjoyed by all.

Happiness, however, was not a promise from our founders and was not intended to be a governmental guarantee, and neither was economic success.

Some, it was contemplated, would earn fat-cat status, some would fall into it, and, inevitably, it would elude the rest.

All Americans were promised only the right to pursue happiness - and, implicitly, a prosperous lifestyle - a fact seemingly seen as unseemly by the OWS drumbeaters.

While they legitimately exercise their entitlement to life and liberty, they appear to feel that they have a constitutional right to share the luxuries of those who have more, and that they might acquire that "entitlement" by camping out, shouting slogans and making demands.

Meanwhile, although they are of one voice in expressing discontent with the economic status quo, they are towers of babble when it comes to articulating exactly why they are entitled to the handouts they demand.

Life is a birthright which none of us did anything to earn, but for which we owe thanks to an industrious and competitive spermatozoon, a cooperative ovum and a hospitable Mom.

Our guaranteed liberty at birth is due either to our American parentage or to the mere fact that we "got borned" here in the USA- again something we did nothing to earn.

Aside: That "automatic citizenship" conferred on every baby delivered on U.S. soil, including those born to illegal immigrants, is a benefit granted in no other developed nation on earth and amounts to a reward for breaking the law, but let's defer that outrage for a future rant.

The pursuit of happiness - as opposed to an entitlement thereto - is quite another concept, but one not recognized as such by the unruly jeering sections seen in the media.

Granted, they have a right to complain and to demonstrate, so long as they do so without interfering with the lives, liberties and pursuits of others.

This would preclude, ipso facto, glutting and trashing public areas, peeing in public streets, disturbing the peace, destroying property and disrupting the normal activities of people with productive things to do.

Absent these symptoms of civility, the noisy, malodorous, undisciplined and omnidirectional protestors against godknowswhat come across as a disoriented mob of self-indulgent whiners looking for the "something-for-nothing" that legitimately is due only to the genuinely helpless in real life.

Although I don't offer it as a flawless analogy, many of us who are now long in the tooth and who have gotten fat with our assets were once flat on our asses, but did more than just squat in public places and wail like egoistic crybabies.

I wholeheartedly join you OWSers in believing that those whose gains were ill-gotten should be stigmatized, penalized and in extreme cases, penurized (a la Madoff).

Meanwhile, I offer you this advice, without apology: Take a break, take a breather, maybe take a bath, and then take a job, even if a demeaning one, rather than simply demand a share of those who are better off than you.

Hate to break this to you, gang, but there ain't no such thing as free lunch, unless you're truly unable to work for it.

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The Truth about Pawn Shops

2011-09-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

When I think of pawn shops I think of people from across all income echelons who have fallen on difficult times. The husband or wife with a gambling addiction, feeding his/her closet addiction by pawning jewelry even a wedding ring; the single mother who lost her job and needs to feed her children, she's desperate...And these pawn shops are located in seedy part of town.

Yes those are the words that come to mind--desperation, addiction, irresponsible, bad luck...

The perceptions of pawn shops are changing thanks to a reality show on the History Channel, "Pawn Star". Rick Harrison is interviewed by Breakout on Yahoo Finance.

Rick clears up that pawn shops serve primarily as a bridge loan and that 80% of customers reclaim their possessions despite the dismal economy. The pawn shop is their bank for these customers that live paycheck to paycheck and do not have a traditional bank account.

So what interesting items are for sale at Rick's store in Las Vegas? A 2001 SuperBowl ring is selling for $60,000. On the creepy side is a PeeWee Herman doll still in unopened box. So what's the number one items that flies out the door? Watch the video! CLICK HERE for the full article.

Have you ever used a pawn shop? What item did you use as collateral? Did you reclaim it? Share your experience by clicking on "Comments". Finally a reality show that teaches me something positive or dispels myths.

Two and a Half Men -Details Leaked

2011-08-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

My husband is a big fan of the show, while I just watch it when we're in same room. While he's been in Iraq, I had taped the shows. During the hiatus, John settled for reruns. They still make him smile and laugh.

Now, details have leaked about the first taping. What did the producers do with Charlie's character? Does Ashton Kutcher replace him or play a new role? Did John Stamos make a guest appearance?

Well I'll spill the beans on the first question--they kill off the character of Charlie Harper! How?

Drum roll please.... Answers to those questions and more from a Deadline report (click here) from the first live audience taping last night. The season premieres September 19 so mark your calendars!

Gulf Spills Shows Hypocrasy

2011-06-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

My eldest child was watching the news with us and airing was a daily segment on the Gulf oil spill and the threat to the fishlife. He then piped up and asked "Why does everyone care about the dolphins and fish and not as many people care about dogs and cats?"

I asked him what he meant. He went on to explain (and I'm paraphrasing from kid lingo) that suddenly the whole country was concerned about dolphins and seagulls and other water life suffering as a result of the BP oil rig explosion. Drawing from our family's experience in rescuing stray dogs and cats, he wondered why there isn't the same national movement to get people to spay/neuter their pets, why people who abandon their pets don't go to jail or pay fines like BP Oil.

I was amazed at his analysis! And I applauded him for his keen perception.

Kirstie Allie's Organic Weight Loss

2011-06-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

If you follow the actress, Kirstie Allie, or the hit show Dancing with the Stars and had a thumb on the pulse of her weight loss goals, then it was no surprise that Kirstie, dubbed the "Fat Actress", would launch her own program for shedding the pounds.

Sure, we knew she was going to lose significant weight on the dancing show, especially since she lasted to the final round. Kirstie lost 90 pounds. One-third of that weight she lost during the dance show. The other 60 pound loss is through her fresh and real approach.

What's different about her program? Kirstie has gone organic. Is this something new? No. But this program is branded with Kirstie's name. Yes another weight loss product created by a celebrity. Nothing wrong with that concept--it's a free country and another revenue source. The beauty of this country. But look at her now. She's done it and good for her.

Does it work? Well I confess I've tried a few programs and honestly, I learned that each human body is different. Some respond better to certain food regiments, for example avoiding breads/pasta, others like the grapefruit diet, there's the soup diet, the South Beach diet, the Atkins diet and my diet--the tuna and pineapple diet--that's tuna in the day and pineapple in the evening. It could be a tuna salad, tuna sandwich, tuna with crackers. Now I do eat other foods but when I'm busy (which is most of the time) that's my Fast food--fast to prepare, quick to eat and it's light! But that's at lunch and dinner, is a homecooked meal for the entire family.

But EVERYONE benefits from exercise! Kirstie did!

Visit her website http://www.organicliaison.com/ and to see her photos and get a FREE copy of her book, Body Game.

Thelma & Louise's original ending

2011-05-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

There's a reason they call it "freeze frame". The final scene of this sleeper hit (Thelma and Louise drive their car off the cliff and as it cannons in the air) is frozen on screen and in our minds lasting decades of conversation about the movement of feminism. Women can be as crazy as men!

Marking the 20th Anniversary, you can see the original ending on Blue-ray. Does the car run off the cliff? Do we follow it to its landing? Is there no trajectory car and does the director offer a completely different ending? Susan Sarandon is interviewed and shares that she grilled the director, Ridley Scott, before she agreed to accept the part of Louise. Critics agree if the ending were any different, the movie would not be the icon it is today. Order your Blue-ray DVD or the original DVD below for the best prices. If you haven't seen the movie, it is considered a classic in film industry.

For a list of Yahoo!'s 100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics.

The Facts of Life

2011-04-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

What girl my age didn't watch this series and identify with one of the members. Were you more like beautiful bombshell Blair or portly Natalie (with all due affection) or tomboy Jo or cutie Tooty? Wait there missing the traditional nerd. Yes I definitely identified with Blair who was not always taken seriously. People judge on looks and if you're beautiful and smile a lot, the assumption is that we're dumb blondes. Which means we have to work extra hard to prove we're pretty AND smart.

Did you know that Lisa Whelchel, the actress who played Blair was a born-again Christian and refused to play the scene where she is the first girl to lose her virginity? Good for her! I wonder how many actresses out there forgo their personal values to land a role? How many are comfortable disrobing, appearing nude, or acting violent?

Yes someone has to play these roles but I hope actors who have strong beliefs stand up for them.

Are there any quality programs for teens that doesn't involve sex, drugs, violence or vampires? TV Land is our favorite channel although my eldest wants to watch the blood sucking vampires. With a growing number of bad influences, it gets harder each day to teach and discipline our children and teach good from bad.

Good Morning America featured the reunion this morning and here's the link to photos then and now.
Enjoy the journey back in time.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/slideshow/facts-life-cast-now-reunion-13300472

Minnesota Mom Fined $1million for Illegal Music Downloads

2010-11-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

When I came across this article I had mixed feelings. (scroll down for complete article).

First, stealing is stealing. Yet downloading unpurchased music or "sharing music files" doesn't conjure up the same reaction or emotions since we don't physically see a person swipe an object in a store and stick it in their pocket. Technically, it is illegal and I'm surprised that music file sharing websites like LimeShare were just recently closed down. The fact is there are costs that go into producing a song and mouths to feed. Believe it or not there are many people involved in the making of that song and its distribution. The singer, the other talent playing musical instruments, the recording studio, the editing studio, the record label and the distribution. So when I pay $0.99 for one song, think about it. All the contributors receive a few cents. That's why they need to sell millions to make a living.

On the other hand, the punishment should fit the crime. Now in a store, if you stole a CD, the store has the right to call Police and have you arrested. That goes on your record forever as petty theft. So a $1million fine is insane. And because the fine is so ludicrous, I wager that it will NOT deter people from the continued practice of illegally downloading songs.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. I doubt Jammie, the Minnesota mom, will be paying the $1 million. Such an extreme fine could create a backlash toward the music label industry. A fair punishment would send a clear message and deter future downloading.

What do you think?

Written by Daniel Kreps for the Amplifier

What's the value of a song? Jammie Thomas-Rasset has spent the last few years in court debating that question. The Minnesota mother of four is being penalized for illegally downloading and sharing 24 songs on the peer-to-peer file-sharing network Kazaa in 2006, but how much she owes the record labels has been in question. The jury in her third trial has just ruled that Thomas-Rasset should pay Capitol Records $1.5 million, CNET reports, which breaks down to $62,500 per song. It's a heavy penalty considering the 24 tunes would only cost approximately $24 on iTunes, which was Thomas-Rasset' argument, too

Thanks to Thomas-Rasset's colorful case, she has become the public face of the record industry's battle with illegal downloaders. In her first trial, in 2007, the jury demanded she pay $222,000 for violating the copyright on more than 1,700 songs by Green Day, Aerosmith and Richard Marx, to name a few. (Marx said he was "ashamed" to be associated with the "farcical" prosecution of an illegal downloader.) Thomas-Rasset maintained she wasn't the computer user who did the file sharing, and her legal team cited an error in jury instruction to secure a second trial in 2009 that ended with a much harsher result: an astronomical fine of $1.92 million. However, earlier this year a U.S. District Court judge found the $1.92 million penalty against Thomas-Rasset to be "monstrous and shocking" and "gross injustice" before lowering it to $54,000, or $2,250 a song. Thomas-Rasset and her legal team decided to appeal that decision, too.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the organization that represents the four major record labels, was pleased by the most recent decision, even if it has no intention to collect the $1.5 million from Thomas-Rasset. "Now with three jury decisions behind us along with a clear affirmation of Ms. Thomas-Rasset's willful liability, it is our hope that she finally accepts responsibility for her actions," the RIAA said in a statement. Earlier this year, the RIAA offered Thomas-Rasset the opportunity to end the legal battle for $25,000 and an admission of guilt; Thomas-Rasset declined.

Burying a Midwestern mom in insurmountable debt isn't the best publicity move, so rather than argue the labels are entitled to the cash, the RIAA has sought to make this trial into a cautionary tale for anyone considering illegally downloading music -- a reminder that there are penalties. But as the constantly declining weekly Nielsen SoundScan sales figures demonstrate, nothing seems to have deterred music fans from stealing rather than purchasing songs and albums. And in a digital world now dominated by Bit Torrent and Rapidshare, a trial over a music-sharing dinosaur like Kazaa seems nothing but antiquated. (Last month, after a decade of illegal file sharing, peer-to-peer service LimeWire was shut down by the government, much to the surprise of the millions who thought LimeWire had faded years ago into the Internet ether.)

Still, Thomas-Rasset and her legal team are already making plans to appeal, setting the stage for a fourth trial. "The fight continues," promised Thomas-Rasset's lawyer Kiwi Camara. Even if Thomas-Rasset were to win the next trial, the RIAA would likely appeal that decision to ensure that copyright infringement without penalization won't happen. This story has the potential to drag on well into the next decade -- when for $1.5 million, all of Thomas-Rasset's four kids could finish law school and take up the fight on her behalf.

2010 Youth Olympics Opening Ceremony, Singapore

2010-08-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well as much as I take pride in keeping up with news and events around the world, somehow, this soccer mom almost missed this historical event had it not been for my children.

Below is a brief YouTube video highlight of the magnificent opening ceremony with vibrant colors, staging, featuring both native and American pop music as the background for the presentations. They even played 1950's classics and more.

Who knew about this event for the youth? How did it miss my radar? My children are enthralled and so now I'm wondering how to augment the family income to support their Olympic dreams! This is a great motivator for children to learn the value of discipline, whether it's sports or academic. So share this with your family one night over dinner!

Click here to view the video!
Click here for part 2.

Emjoy!

Lottery Winner Spends Winnings on Goats!

2010-05-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Did you hear about the selfless Lottery winner? Yes they exist.

Who's using the $2 million she won to help goats? And she plans to keep her job at Walmart!

Be Inspired! CLICK HERE for the full story.

From Homeless to CEO

2010-05-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

I love these stories of creative use of resources to survive.

This man lost his job, lost his home to foreclosure but was wise to save all his frequent flyer miles and hotel reward points to provide roof over his head and travel for job interviews. Stockpiling miles/points for emergency use is a smart idea.

Now, because of his resourcefulness, an Internet advertising company hired as CEO!

Be inspired--watch the video and learn the entire story, click here!

Dog Saved One Hour Before Euthanasia

2010-04-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

While this story is emotional in the beginning, it has a happy ending.

If you're thinking of adopting a dog, please consider adopting from a local rescue organization or animal shelter.

Click on the video below for the story about Edie.

Eating Habits - a Needed Revolution in the U.S.

2010-04-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

As a mother of three children, and who has witnessed relatives pass away from complications originating with obesity, I am so thrilled to see First Lady Michelle Obama and Jamie Oliver from England spearhead the issue of child obesity. It is an epidemic in this country.

This is not a political issue. It's a health issue! Ironically, as a nation that leads in health technology we have the highest rate of heart disease, cancer and a host of other illnesses. It boils down to our lifestyle.

While I applaud Michelle Obama's chosen cause, I have to disagree with the President to place the burden on healthcare reform on insurance companies. They are but one-tenth of the solution. What about the accountability of the American people? I have to agree with Dr. Oz that we all bear some responsibility in making changes. No one is forcing us to eat foods with exorbitant sodium, high fat and processed carbohydrates with little to no nutritional value.

Granted, habits are difficult to change. I hear other mothers arguing "Who are you to tell me I should not give soda to my kids everyday?" Well the mother encouraging the change is aware of the dangers of feeding our children with high contents of sugar and processed foods--diabetes is a big one.

Speaking of habits, that's where Jamie Oliver comes in. My pouring passion is from watching his show right now. Alleluia. This country does need him. Who cares that he's from another country. We need to emulate other countries that know how to eat freshly prepared food. We need more high profile people and celebrities coming forward on this issue!!!

I pray this course escalates and we effect the eating habits of our children.

Want to take action? Click here for Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.

What happened to the saying "And the Oscar Goes to..."?

2010-03-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Just a quick posting how I noticed immediately that the announcer's for each of the Oscar categories never said "And the Oscar goes to....".

Yes the detail-oriented marketing pro in me said "Why the generic, 'and the winner is...'"? It's the OSCAR for goodness sake--the highest achievement in the acting, directing, and production of films!

Did this start last year which I missed from taking care of a sick child in the Emergency Room? Or did 2010 mark a new decade of "let's see how we can change things up"? Or is it now politically incorrect to say "Oscar"?

A quick Google search resulted in a dead end. Does anyone know?

For some strange reason, I would really like to know why! If you have the answer, please click on "Comments" below.

Homes for Abandoned Chihuahuas

2010-02-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

First it was the dalmations after the movie 101 Dalmations aired. Families flocked to adopt the cute black and white spotted dogs. But little did they know about their personalities and their high energy levels which require regular exercise. Many dalmations were returned to shelters. And they kept on coming.

Now California is experiencing an explosion of Chihuahuas no doubt influenced by celebrities toting their tiny friends a-la-Legally Blonde-type of accessory. There's also the Taco Bell commercial, Paris Hilton paparazzi photos capturing her chic chihuahua, and the movie featuring the cutest dog, Beverly Hills Chihuahua (my kids have watched this movie 12 times--my daughter is still counting).

First, it's amazing how many people do not take the time to research the type of dog they are going to adopt. Dogs, cats, any pet animal is a responsibility, and not a toy. The good news in California, the Home Sweet Home Campaign is working. To learn the whole story, click below for the segment on ABC's Nightline. A happy ending.

Dog Soldiers Saving Lives in War in Afghanistan

2010-01-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

My son Ryan asked me if we could train our Labrador to sniff out bombs in Iraq and to protect her daddy similar to dog soldiers protecting US soldiers in Afghanistan. So I explained to him that these dogs start training when they are puppies. "But your dog is here to protect you". Then he asked if we could add the title "Colonel" to our dog's name just like dog soldiers in Iraq ie. Colonel Brooks is the true name of one dog. Hmm "Colonel Logan" has a strong ring to it! Don't you think?

Man's best friend is also a soldier's best friend and defense in war. Below is an article about these dog soldiers and heroes that protect our US soldiers in foreign lands filled with bombs, and other hidden explosives. Indeed these are amazing creatures!

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by Jason Gutierrez

SOUTHEAST OF MARJAH, Afghanistan (AFP) – For the US Marines patrolling the dusty footpaths of southern Afghanistan, a bomb-sniffing black Labrador can mean the difference between life and death.

These "dogs of war" have saved countless lives and their record for finding hidden explosives has won them a loyal following.

"They are 98 percent accurate. We trust these dogs more than metal detectors and mine sweepers," says handler Corporal Andrew Guzman.

Trained to detect five kinds of threat, from military grade C-4 plastic explosive to common chemicals used by the Taliban to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the dogs play a vital role alongside their human comrades.

Bomb expert Sergeant Crush is all concentration as he leads a foot patrol by two squads of US Marines deployed to Afghanistan as part of Washington's fresh surge to end an eight-year insurgency by the Taliban.

His job along with Corporal Goodwin is to lead the men to safety through dusty footpaths and compounds where Taliban militants plant deadly bombs that have left many troops dead in recent months.

They are from a group of four Labradors, who are on average four years old and have all seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"These dogs are great. They keep our Marines alive," says First Lieutenant Aaron MacLean, 2nd Platoon commander of the Marines 1st Battalion, 6th Regiment Charlie Company, to which the dog team is attached.

Crush suddenly goes on a swift bound, sniffing out a corner of a compound in the outskirts of a Taliban stronghold in Helmand province.

There is a quick change in his demeanour, his muscles tense up, he freezes, sticks out his tail and then lies down with his paws extended up front.

The area turned out to have been a former storage place for ammonium nitrate, a fertiliser compound recently banned by the government that the Taliban commonly use in making powerful homemade bombs.

"It's better safe than sorry," Guzman says.
Just days earlier two squads of Marines were ambushed and trapped in a compound. Two Marines died after stepping on the pressure plates of IEDs, just minutes before the dogs were to have cleared the area.

The force of the explosion threw the handlers and the dogs to the ground, but they quickly got up and resumed their jobs.

The dogs also provide an emotional crutch for young Marines facing death every day. They crowd around the dogs and play with them inside the camp. There are frequent questions about adopting them after the Labradors end their tour.

Lance Corporal George Grimm, the handler of Corporal Brooks, says most Marines feel safer with his bomb team leading the way.

Brooks, a three year-old Labrador with tan fur, has been deployed three times in Iraq and Afghanistan and has helped with the recovery of approximately 14 bombs and saved many lives.
One sniffer named Ringo gained a legendary reputation for having found as many as 30 daisy-chain landmines in Iraq, he says.

"Our life is in this boy's hands pretty much," says Grimm, a 19-year-old who has been Brooks' handler since late last year. Grimm grabs a rubber toy called a "konk" and lets Brooks nibble on it.

"They don't ask for much except to be taken care of," he says.
Handlers say the US government spends huge amounts of money to train the dogs in a civilian-led programme contracted out by the defence department.
They begin training when they are puppies, and by the time they reach two and half years old, are ready to be deployed.

The bomb squad in Afghanistan prefer using pure-bred Labradors over sentry dogs such as German Shepherds because they are easier to train. Labradors are also hunting dogs who can pick up a scent as far as 500 metres (yards) away.

With the Taliban increasingly relying on IEDs to cripple the US advance, officials say up to 70 dogs are now on operation in southern Afghanistan alone, where the insurgency is festering.
More are expected to be deployed in the coming months, officials say.

Help Connect Soldiers with Loved Ones

2009-12-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

The USO is an organization that bridges American people with our brave men and women in combat. They do all the work for providing those celebrity tours to war torn countries so our soldiers can enjoy a break for some laughter and cheer. USO provides calling cards and counseling and so much more. They are a private organization totally funded by donations and is not part of the US government.

This holiday season, and there's still plenty of time, any donation you make will help lift the spirits of our fighting military. CLICK HERE to show your support.

God bless,

Easy Way to Send Thank You Holiday Card to Troops

2009-12-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks to XEROX, together we can ensure a soldier received a holiday card.

Please visit web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ , select a thank you card and Xerox will print it and send it to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.

While you can not select a specific recipient soldier, it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every soldier received one? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and also take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say "Thank You" enough!

Thanks for taking time to support our military!

Church Services for Pets and Owners

2009-11-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-10-19T17:42:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-09-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-18T12:24:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-09-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-09T07:38:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-07T07:55:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T12:28:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-03-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-20T15:19:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-05T11:49:00.001-08:00

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!!!!

Here Comes Mustang Mary

2008-11-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

On Friday, November 21, ABC News featured Mary Pickens as their "Person of the Week" for her humanitarian efforts to save wild mustangs in this country.

After her oil-tycoon husband donated $7 million to help Hurricane Katrina victims, Mary decided to take it a step further and help the pets and animals. Now she's trying to rescue the free-spirited mustang horses dating back to the conquistador period.

Here's her interview and a glimpse of her efforts and plans to save thousands of mustang horses from euthanization.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6310380

Let's Talk Turkey and Pets

2008-11-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and one of our favorite holidays to give thanks for what we do have and of course, the food.

It's also a good time to check what Thanksgiving foods are safe for your pets and what ingredients can be harmful. My favorite resource, ASPCA, offers these helpful tips and reminders on Thanksgiving preparation alongside your family of pets. For example, if you did not prepare the stuffing for the turkey and are not aware of the ingredients, it's best not to feed it to your dog or cat. The herb, sage, can cause upset stomach and affect their central nervous system.

However, I do give my dogs pumpkin which is healthy. Pumpkins are a root vegetable, like potatoes, but contain beta carotene.

Happy Thanksgiving and feasting!

On this Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T19:33:00.001-08:00

Today is Veteran's Day and to answer your burning question, yes I have heard from John. He was on a mission, the details are confidential. He is safe, he is in good spirits and he's coming home soon! With this news, I felt like buying a new dress to look good for his homecoming. But since I left my job, shopping for a new dress is a luxury. My husband returning in time for Thanksgiving IS a luxury. I'll take the latter! So in the spirit of this wonderful news, I decided to get a new look--not a dress for me-a blog dress. In "shopping around" designer blogs, I came across this artistic template.

This is a painting by Van Gogh not the famous Grecco painting from Spain. But the whimsical strokes are purposeful. They tell a story. So this blog is my story.

Someone recently asked me how they could help our military men and women. Easy! Give2thetroops.org is an organization that collects care packages and toiletries and ships them to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Everyday things like Beef Jerky, instant drink mixes, coffee, air freshener, batteries and DVD movies are like gold to them. Check the website for items currently needed by our troops.

You'll notice on the website that our soldiers are also asking for gently worn or new clothes and toys for the children of these war torn countries. Many soldiers and Iraqi and Afghani children are friends. Yes friends. Through the universal language of sports, playing soccer or teaching baseball and even English, these children and soldiers develop an enviable bond, the one highlight they all look forward to any day there's no fighting or mission. I am grateful for these children who give my husband hope and lift the spirits of our weary soldiers.

Please consider sending a few items to this organization. They will ship the packages for you.

Thank you for considering. God Bless you, our troops and God Bless America.

We Have a Winner!

2008-11-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Pino at Apifera Farm from the blog Donkey Dreams.

You are the winner of the famous book, The Last Lecture, and a potpourri of herbal teas from Evolution. We hope this book will continue to inspire your wonderful efforts even when the going seems donkey slow. Sit back, absorb the book and warm tea, and follow your childhood and philanthropic dreams.

all the best,
Alicia

(Pino Blangiforti pictured above)

The First Pet- What's a Goldendoodle?

2008-11-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

You have to love this country where there is as much attention, if not more , about Michelle Obama's dress the night of the election and now what type of dog the First Family will get when they move to the White House.

Yesterday was the first time I heard of Goldendoodles (pictured above) and Labradoodles, a cross between a Labrador or Golden Retriever and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. These type of dogs are recommended for several reasons. They are mid-sized, shed very little, are easy to train, and have an even temperament. Sounds like Obama. Just kidding.

So who were past President's best friend. Click here to view some Presidential shots with dogs and cats. My favorite--Socks the cat posing at the press podium. Now we know who was really running affairs during the Clinton Administration!

Here is an ABC report on what type of dog is best for the First Family. What type of dog would you recommend? POST A COMMENT!

Randy Pausch--The Last Lecture

2008-11-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

With a barrage of news on the nosediving economy and the harangue of political campaigns, I searched the Internet for inspiration and hope. I have not heard from my husband John in Iraq for several days. But yet there is no heavy pit in my stomach. I am hopeful. My church, friends, and family and neighbors have generously called and paid visits with cheery fruit baskets and minimal gifts for the kids. I don't want them to get used to gift receiving all year long. Limits are important. What was I searching? Not sure, a book to read, a movie, someone else's story.

Then I found it. The story of Randy Pausch--The Last Lecture. You probably heard of him and may have even seen the Last Lecture on video. If not, THIS IS A MUST SEE. Randy was a charismatic professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon and was battling pancreatic cancer. Actually I would say he embraced it. Doctors gave him six months to live. So Randy embraced this disease not as an intruder but as a guest who bears other gifts. Randy fulfilled his childhood dreams (you have to see the video to find out what those dreams were]. He shared an exuberant "last lecture" that inspired people beyond the walls of the university. The speech reverberated around the world and inspired millions of people --everyday people with everyday problems and moreso. These same people wrote to Randy and shared their stories. "No more whining about my arthritis or aches and pains," wrote one man. "I'm going to live life again, aches and pains and all". Another woman wrote "I'm getting out of my sick bubble and bed. Randy if you can do pushups with pancreatic cancer, I can start taking walks outside and gain strength. I have no excuse."

As you can see, the video provokes self reflection. For me, I know I am very blessed. Three healthy children, a wonderful husband who fights for our country with no reservations (I believe this has helped him survive), a home, a great country. Perhaps not perfect, but still the greatest country. We have worked hard and God has blessed us. We are still together.

In the spirit of positive thinking, Christine (my Blog Sister) and I want to spread a little of Randy's humble ways and powerful message. To the first person that posts a COMMENT on this blog (minimum 30 words), we will send you a copy of Randy Pausch's book The Last Lecture. To accompany your reading, we will also send a potpourri of herbal teas (Chamomile, Green Tea, Earl Grey) in a handsome box. [see instructions at bottom of this posting] . *** NOTE: As of Saturday, Nov 8, we have a winner! *** But you can still order the book from Amazon by scrolling down to the bottom of this posting.

Here is our prelude to the video. So find a quiet spot, sit back and discover your inner child and fulfill those childhood dreams:

Randy was not a religious zealot but he was deeply rooted in faith in others.
Randy did not live in the past, he lived for the moment.
Randy did not live in his ill-fated present when he became increasingly ill. He lived for a better tomorrow for the rest of mankind. That we dare not pity him but have the courage and conviction to achieve our childhood dreams. Randy was an average man with average dreams and superhero achievements--he moved mountains -- that of hardened souls --with a few, simple words. No fervent sermons, no shouting
harangue, no over-your-head anecdotes. Randy used simple, words. And he INSPIRED.

Below is Randy's Last Lecture on video (76 minutes). I have watched it twice in the past year. Like a classic movie that never loses appeal, this story is for all ages for ages to come. Book mark this site for a reference at a moment of bad news, sadness or despair.

Good Morning America interviewed Randy right after his wildfire speech. Click on the link below for the interview.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/LastLecture/

Randy Pausch died on July 25, 2008.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVEAWAY
Right below this posting, click on COMMENTS. You have the option to use your first name or a pseudo name, maybe your favorite superhero. Comment must be minimum 30 words. All comments are directed to our INBOX before they are posted so we can moderate for foul language and spammers. So you will not see your comment right away. The first commenter will be announced on this blog. So you just have to check back. If we announce you're the winner, you'll need to email us at blog.sisters@yahoo.com so we can mail your prize anywhere in the world. IT'S THAT EASY! Any questions, just email us. Thank you for reading our Blogs. We hope it makes your world a little lighter & brighter.

Best Dog Halloween Costumes

2008-10-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Our family has a couple of dogs and John and I never dressed up Fenway and Fiona until we had kids. Is it safe for pets? Like children, you want to ensure the costumes are not too tight or cutting off their circulation. Most dogs will let you know in their own way if something is hurting. But still a less than tight-fitted costume or accessories that pinch or squeeze slightly can slowly prevent dogs from breathing and perspiring. In other words, don't leave Fluffy in the costume for more than an hour or two.

Enjoy these cute and creative Halloween costumes for dogs:

Which Came First--The Chicken or the Egg?

2008-10-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

A little humor for the day...

A chicken and an egg are lying in bed.

The chicken is leaning against the headboard smoking a cigarette, with a satisfied smile on its face.

The egg, looking a bit pissed off, grabs the sheet, rolls over, and says,

"Well, I guess we finally answered THAT question!

Wait! There's more. We also solved the second biggest mystery surrounding eggs: What is the difference between a brown egg vs. white egg? Christine explains in Zip Tips.

Rubber Duckies cause Penis Shrinking

2008-10-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Could this be true?

As a mother of three young children who love to take baths and shrivel like raisins while playing with the rubber ducks and other bathtub toys, this is no laughing matter. Apparently some toys such as rubber ducks, are made from phthalates, a substance found in plastics. According to one research, chewing on these toys can impact shrinking penises or "descended testicles". The U.S. government is banning all toys with the toxin beginning next year.

"Dr. Swan's research, conducted on 106 boys from Los Angeles, Columbus, Missouri and Minnesota, ...found pregnant women with the highest amount of phthalates were markedly more likely to give birth to boys who had shorter anogenital distances."

My main question: What about pacifiers?

My next question is: Should adult men be concerned too? Will the macho world be ruled by plastics? Well, I will just have to go through John's "treasure chest" and discard his "toys" that are made of soft plastic.

In the meantime, I never allow my children to put anything in their mouth if it's not food (at least in my presence). Thankfully they are beyond the pacifier stage.

Read the article and decide for yourself. As always, BLOG SISTERS encourages readers to do more research and consult with scientific journals and not just unknown blog postings.

Ohio Bucks Politics -- Offers Horse License Plates

2008-09-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

It only took three years, but Ohio, the Buckeye State, passed legislation to sell horse-friendly license plates.

Beginning last month on August 28, 2008, motorists could purchase the new license plate and at the same time help the growing problem of unwanted horses in the Buckeye State.

A portion of the plate’s cost will benefit Ohio’s neediest horses—from retired racers to horses who are abandoned, abused or neglected. Funds will also be used for owner education and scholarships.

To buy the license plate or learn more, please visit http://www.ohioshorses.com/.

What a great idea! I wonder if other states are considering something similar.

If you know anyone that lives in OHIO or moving to OHIO, please share this posting by sending them the link.

Breed Greed--a True Story

2008-09-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

One unusual hazy morning here in the suburbs of Minnesota my little girl cries out "Look mommy, there's a horse!" Several thoughts flashed before me which almost caused me whipflash. From the tone of Emma's voice, I knew she saw something. Is there a horse running perpendicular about to cross in front of the car like many tragic deer stories? There were three children in the car and as a mother you think lightening quick! My head performed an Exorcist -the-movie rotation. Simultaneously, I released my foot from the gas peddle.

"Emma where's the horse?" I asked with masked calm. In a typical response by any little five year old who thinks mom is a superhero and can see with eyes behind her head "Over there", responds Emma. Standing in the far distance in a nonpasture of dessicated grass, was a tall, emaciated horse."Mommy why does he look sad?" continued Emma. Then my eldest jumped in "What is a horse doing out here by itself?" Super mom was feeling as lost as the horse. "I don't know Emma," I admitted. "Mom can you rescue him like the dogs and we bring him home?" asked Emma. "He probably has a home and his owner is waiting for him to come home," I guessed.

In the end I placed a few phone calls to friends with ties to the animal community--dogs, cats, sheep. I don't know what happened to the mystery horse. As a volunteer for rescuing stray dogs, the signs surrounding the horse were eerily similar to that of lost or stray dogs. Immediately I did some research. The knot in my stomach turned into gut wrenching news about horses. 170,000 known horses were recorded as abandoned in 2007. Add a few more thousand for "unrecorded" horses and then a guesstimated number for year-to-date 2008 in a suffocating economy for horse owners. Has this always been an epidemic?

It is now.

It's all about the money--breeding. Breeding for the highest bidder. However, breeding horses is a gamble compared to breeding dogs. Unlike dogs where breeding produces a runt of the litter, the number of horses with physical or behavorial faults is greater. Not even suitable for crestfallen second place or step sister domestic duties, the horses in U.S. were once sent to domestic "humane" slaughterhouses for the sale of horse meat to countries like France and Japan, a delicacy in these countries. This is permitted in U.S. since horses are not considered "pets" and we do not eat horsemeat here like cows or chickens.

The anti-horse slaughter movement was galvanized when the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand, was killed and eaten in Japan. Activism then led to the ban of these "humane" slaughterhouses in the U.S. Supporters included the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the Humane Society of the U.S. and PETA. The irony is that this ban in the name of humane treatment, has lead to neglect, abuse or worse, the shipment of horses to countries like Canada or Mexico, where slaughtering is true to its name-- barbaric. On one side, activists for the ban have failed to suggest viable alternatives. While opponents (the American Medical Veterinary Association and the American Quarter Horse Association) have failed to raise funding for rescue facilities and adoption programs. Remember, horses are larger and eat more than your average dog.

In the meantime, the number of unwanted horses is swelling, many of them languishing in grassless pastures, no water, ailing with disease and pain.

We hear of rescue programs for dogs, cats, sea mammals, jungle creatures. How did we miss the horses? Who's going to rescue America's legend? Horses have held an iconic place in America's consciousness: They symbolize the American West and our pioneering spirit. Many people believe such magnificent creatures should be euthanized by a veterinarian when they're unwanted, old , or sick.

What you think?

Emma is pushing me to adopt a horse. We are actually considering it. Maybe for Christmas.

Cinderella--British Piglet

2008-09-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Cinderella, a British piglet, won't walk through mud unless she is wearing her specially adapted Wellington boots. The little piggy lives with owners and pig farmers Debbie and Andrew Keeble.(Ross Parry Agency )

Choosing your Blackberry over Spouse in the Bedroom?

2008-09-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

In skimming the news headlines online, I came across "Blackberry in the Bedroom". As a former crackberry user, I clicked on the link. According to the story, 35% of Blackberry users would choose their PDA ("Personal Digital Assistant", NOT to be confused with "Public Display of Affection"), over their spouse in the bedroom.

As a former executive, it was not a choice. My Blackberry kept me connected to all business dealings when I could not be at four places at the same time. For this reason, I was grateful for the electronic gadget. Mostly because I could attend my child's soccer game or dance recital. My B-berry was 95% for business use. Sometimes my hubby would send me a text message letting me know that he was picking up the kids.

Our rule in the house is never to bring the PDAs to the table during meals or to bed. Although sometimes I brought the laptop to bed only when I needed to rest and elevate my elephant legs and tie up loose ends for a project that was due the next day.

I still have my B-berry but I seldom use it for emails. Personal emails from friends and family still go to my webmail account that I access from a computer. Mostly I have B-berry to instantly receive text messages from John. A reassuring sign he's still alive.

But a colleague recently shared a story where he was on a date with a girl who took out her Blackberry in the middle of dinner and starting texting. No polite forewarning "Excuse me, I am expecting an important business call or email that I will have to respond to." Is there written or unspoken etiquette on use of PDAs? Share your ideas!

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Would you choose Blackberry or your spouse in the bedroom? Post a comment, it can be anonymous!

Never buy a dog at pet store!

2008-08-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

In our family, dogs are not just animals. They're family members. For other people, dogs are animals, pets, still deserving of humane treatment. In parts of our country and around the world, they are a commodity. Inhumane treatment is an understatement.

I knew it was a matter of time before I blogged about this very serious subject that I can only pray readers will take the time to watch and FORWARD TO ALL YOUR CONTACTS.

As a stay-at-home mother, I had the rare chance to watch a segment of Oprah. Rare because normally it's time for homework or chores. But this cold day in March, was an exception.

If you love or even like animals (dogs, cats, rabbits), and if you have furry four-legged pet now or plan to add a dog or pet to your family, PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO. I warn you it is painful to watch. But it enlightens the minds and hearts of pet owners and humane people.

An important fact to know before watching the video: 99% of dogs at dog stores or puppy stores come from puppy mills.

PLEASE HELP PUT AN END TO PUPPY MILLS!

Please consider other options such as adopting from your local city shelter, local humane society (they are separate organizations), or from a respectable breeder.

By clicking on this link, you can view the actual clip on Oprah. You may need to close the door and have tissues nearby.

To end on a positive note, here is the next segment of the same story on Oprah. It glimmers of a happy ending for some dogs that were rescued.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS BLOG TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY!

To end this viewing session with laughter instead of tears, view this funny video about cats by my Blog Sister, Christine. It's hilarious.

What You May not Know About Flea Control

2008-08-16T08:52:00.001-07:00

Even as summer winds down, fleas continue to thrive and attack.

The ASPCA offers this Pet Health Alert to help you combat those tiny parasites that can affect all your pets and invade your home.

Start off your back-to-school or fall season itch free!

Marley & Me & Jennifer Aniston

2008-08-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

If you love to read and you love dogs, then you must have read the New York Times bestseller "Marley & Me" by John Grogan. If not, then order this book to read by the pool or beach or campgrounds these final days of summer. You'll laugh, squirm, laugh, cry, and feel good all over.

Marley & Me is about a neurotic labrador retriever that is brought home as a puppy by a young wed couple, Jenny & John. His misdeeds include chewing through drywall, stealing women's undergarments, and crashing through screen doors. His neurosis awarded him the first dog ever to be expelled from dog obedience school. At the same time, Marley teaches partners-in-life, Jenny & John about unconditional love. It's also a testament to that universal bond between man and his dog.

But hurry, before the movie is wrapped in a bow and released at Christmas time. Christine was telling me a few months ago, that the movie was filmed in Miami mid March and wrapped up in May. Playing the role of Jenny, is a famous Jennifer...

Jennifer Aniston.

This book is for both women and men--the author is a man, a former writer and columnist for Sun Sentinel and then the Palm Beach Post, the setting for Marley & Me.

And if you already read the famous book, I have a few more recommendations on the sidebar.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!

6 Easy Steps for Raising a Puppy

2008-07-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Potpourri Blog. Christine (my blog sister) and I share many interests including our love for dogs and cats as you can hear from our screaming wallpaper. Aren't they cute? I realize my text is a little difficult to read with this template, but in time that will change. That's the beauty of blogs. You can change a background with a few keystrokes and voila!

If you ever watch Animal Planet and all the wonderful work by the ASPCA or the local city police in various major U.S. cities, you know you want to adopt a dog or pet and welcome them into your family as FAMILY MEMBERS not just pets. But pets require lots of care and responsibility. If you're starting with a puppy and never had a puppy to train before, following these steps can prevent a "Marley & Me" hurricane. If you have not read the book--it's a must read for anyone--especially men. The author lived and worked in South Florida.

1. Never leave your puppy unsupervised. Placing puppy in a confined area or large cage for dogs, but making it comfy with little bed, bowl of water, newspapers, is not cruel. It's being kind and smart! This will prevent him/her from developing bad habits and from hurting himself.

2. Utilize critical stages. Week six to week eight of your dog's life is a time when a small amount of exposure to other dogs will have a lasting effect on how he relates to other canines throughout his life. Week eight to ten is the stage for socializing with other people.

3. Establish yourself as Pack Leader. Your puppy is a social pack animal. By establishing yourself as the "Alpha-dog" or leader of the pack, Buddy will grow up to respect you, respond to you, bond with you, and want to please you. This will instill confidence in Fido too.

4. Mix Food with Water before serving. Mix Monty's dry kibble with water so that it looks like a stew. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before feeding. Kibble can expand up to thirty percent, so let it expand in the bowl rather than in Zeus' stomach.

5. Touch conditioning. Gently rub all areas of Phee Phee's body so she will become conditioned to your touch and feel comfortable with your feel.

6. Puppies and dogs need routine and attention too. If you work long hours, do the responsible thing and hire a pet walker or pet sitter to walk and play with your dog. Dogs and cats too, are live creatures and depend on interaction for stimulation, confidence and happiness. Would you like to be locked up with no one to talk to except for swatting at flies?

Your puppy will grow to an obedient, best friend and family member!

Share your Puppy tricks and lessons learned. Go ahead! POST A COMMENT!

Introducing Alicia Grecco

2008-06-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

While her husband is serving in Iraq, Alicia decided to quit her corporate job and take care of her children full time at their home in Minnesota. She enjoys reading, researching and surfing the Internet for great deals and tips that make the piggy bank snort with delight. It’s her stress-reliever and keeps her mind from wandering and wondering about... For this former corporate director, multi-tasking at the office is far easier than juggling kids, pets and tasks at home without help. “It’s a jungle in there”. So Alicia is on a mission including how to take bargain hunting to the next level – a necessary trade skill when living on a military income. But this time she reports to herself and a board of three small individuals ages, 3, 5 and 7.

Her hobbies, other than surfing the internet, include reading fiction, gardening, grooming her dogs, sending care packages to her husband and playing board games and reading to her children. Did I mention she loves dogs? Alicia helps lost or stray dogs find their home.