Manchester Square-- politics, pop culture, 'newz'... and more !

GOP looks at a dry well for 2012 -- Mitch Daniels Out, too !!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sun, 22 May 2011 21:13:00 +0000

Progressives Throwing Tantrums: Obama Seen as Sellot..!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:59:00 +0000

For some the job is never easy. Politics has always been my past time and would acknowledge that I have not heard it all when we talk Presidents ( Democrat or Republican) being beaten the way Obama is in the first two years of his presidency.

That said, when you seek the support of certain groups--be prepared to be thrown under bus when the going gets tough. There was a time when Obama was labelled by the right as the most liberal person in the Senate. Today he stands accused of being a Republican pretending to be a Democrat.

Federal Employee Pay Freeze: Now what for the rich....?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:44:00 +0000

Fashion Week Moves to Paris-- What Else is New...?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:56:00 +0000

There was a time when I thought of nothing in my spare time than seeing myself as well dressed clothes-horse, fashionista-- and of course equally embracing my passion-- politics. They were my companion pieces as one thinks: bread and butter, Jekyll and Hyde or Bonnie and Clyde. But no more. Then, thinking fashion... was splendid! It left one awfully excited to think curves, boobs and looking good. But not this time around. As the dollars go... not surprsing so does the level of excitement. Just too bad you say. Really?

Efforts of so many to strutt their stuff in style.. given the current recession gets more difficult by the minute. But my

interests and that of so many for razzle-dazzle quietly withers on the vine.

Yes, Fashion Week came to New York.. and now moves to Paris; and for the First time I thought even Fashion Night was too much. Why? Not possible to fully embrace it. Its flavor, or what it means for the persona. There just isn't enough $$green to make the engagement of dressing to kill meaningful. Create a difference for the mind and circumstances. The dollars for splurge is not there. Gone!

Kept thinking when will the thrill of ordinary living 'survival' returns? 'Walking a mile in my shoe'' this shoe

should be a refrain. Repeatitive! But it's not. Absolutely frightening when money is tight. Reality in harsh financial times breeds the bleak--- overcast of a sordid reality.

Things are bad-- bizzare-- financially so that one feels lucky to settle for so much less and with gratitude.

Must admit I missed it all-- the designers and all that goes with the visual effects of thinking and feeling pretty. Spruced up if only in the imagination. Fashion and what it means to those who love to take in the best of what a designer offers tried to find ways to suck it up-- but it was difficult.--iIrrespective of where it was-- whether it was in New York City, Paris or London. Just think possibilities had no measning. 'Cause with a recession where lack and need are constant companions-- turning off the light is easy. Thinking walk a mile in this shoe-- a constant reminder of an awfully terribe option. Boredom, jaded.. un- interesting and more. Commonplace. But one must continue to try-- living the dream.

How bland a world it would be-- without fashion and the fashionable.. among us? Whether or not its in Paris of Paraguay, London or Lancashire.

Fashion Week Moves on-- so what else is new? Life at the bottom of pit. And that too, is Unacceptable!! So

no need for guessing games. You --I, know the answers!! We must get the economy moving again. And fast!

Kit Constantine

Oprah: To Visit "Downs" of Australia...!?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:48:00 +0000

The Queen of talk, Oprah Winfrey, created much Oohs, Ahhs, today on the first day of her show's new season--when she announced plans for an upcoming trip to Australia.

Yep, she plans to get a close -up on that country down there. Australia!

Queen of Talk-- Oprah Winfrey

Exclamations of : Oh! Boy! were evident in my circle and beyond when she said that on the last season on ABC-TV network, she will take an entire audience on a trip to be remembered. Wow! That's for real you ask? Yes, indeed! Oprah always delivers on her promises.

Questions: Is she hoping to rake in some coal from Newcastle...visit a wheat farm on the "Downs" or watch a Kola Bear make a fast trip up a tree? No! Apparently not! But she hopes to do that and more-- As she elaborates in this article in Popeater. When Oprah gives-- the gifts are breathtakingly, awesome. What a way to end-- and start a new beginning with OWN (Oprah Winfredy Network.)?

Yep, it will be all hands on deck as Oprah and company heads for Australia. There the Diva  hopes to also develop /stregthen ties with a very loyal group of fans. Of course, its great news for those already aware they will be a part of that 'treat' but an awful disappoinment for those of us -- left out.

But as they say 'that's the way the cookie crumbles.'   Doesn't look so for those of us outside the doors of Harpo Studios. Nevertheless, we wish the group-- Oprah and her vacationers a great trip. Just wish I could be there.

Not to mention, wth all the talk of: politics, tax cuts and mid-term elections, thinking Australia at this time-- allows one a great escape.. !!  From the not so positive tunnel of politics. If even, temporarily. Such news-- provides a great escape to 'another' world --to be compared to a waterfall on treats-- exotic gifts, and excitement from a billionaire who does everything in style. The Oprah Effect lives on.
Continues!! Blessed are the 'lucky' to be a part of all this.

Neverthess, to Oprah and company-- Kudos! Enjoy!!

KitConstantine

Michael Jackson: The Memories Live On!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:55:00 +0000

The King of Pop is gone.. but will never, ever be forgotten. Michael Jackson had he lived would have celebrated his fifty (52nd) birthday on August 29. And yes, his momories Live on and ON. Not only in his music but in: Prince, Paris, Blanket and even in Joe Jackson, among so many others He has left behind a legacy -- a vast painting with strokes never to be modelled, re-shaped, changed by anyone. They go beyond the sounds, Play his records/CD wrap yourself in the mood, to dance, shout. Embrace the ambiance of room in which you sit. Then give thanks for the gifts in music left behind.

I can still see the images-- the moon walk and the beyond. Yep, his memories live on. So just don't let the music stop.

Although he's absent in space and time he remains with us. Lord Byron an English Poet said "Those whom the Gods love die young". How true? Fifty is now forty. His music made him even younger. Michael was loved beyond what his detractors imagined. May his music never, ever stop.

To my followers --irrespective of how few/many I apologize for not sharing my thoughts as often as I usually do. Unable to get into the 'belly' of my blog. Signing in a problem. Blogger is there a bug--out there?
Hopefully in time I can return with regular updates. But for now, we celebrate Michael. A picture/video is promised when downloading one will not take a day.

KitConstantine

Joe and Catherine Jackson: Divorce after 60 years....?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:38:00 +0000

Wealth and money could possibly " do-in" a traditional black family.. who 'jumped' the broom when marriage was taken seriously is the talk of the town.

Yes in the BUZZ the Jacksons as in Joe and Catherine are getting a divorce. Trampling the 'broom' Shattering it to splinters for good. Laughing their way to bank as they go? Is this all about Michael? But does that really matter?

Times change and money becomes more the center of life...living, fame, and all else. The Jacksons have had their share. Now adding to that rumors are flying that the parents of Michael-- and the rest of brood of seven are heading to splittsville. After jumping the broom '60' years ago, it would appear... if the rumors are true they are calling it quits.

I thought for one that after sixty years-- neither is discovering-- discovering something 'new' about the other. Catherine knew what she had when times were tough and the Joe worked two or three jobs to keep that family going. Not to mention coming home and giving music lessons which resulted in the group The Jackson Five and of course-- the most talented of them all, the late Michael Jackson, King of Pop.

Aren't they Jehovah's Witnesses? Divorce for them --a no, no ? Joe is said to be arrogant, cruel to his children, was reponsible for Michael's death... but is this all about money? It would appear so. And if that is what is behind this new family drama; shame on both.. There will be no kudos from this corner.

Sixy years of family traditions, pain, joy, laughter and suffering.. will not get better at this stage of the game Joe? The same is true Catherine! Hopefully, they will think again, and keep that family circle together. Why add 'divorced parents' to the legacy of the Jackson family? Such a divorce will not bring Michael back?

Joe and Catherine don't fall for the bait--- or the cool aid. Seldom when one talks relationship after 60 years does the grass gets greener on the other side..unless is at a mount on the hill.

Reject the status quo.. embrace family and traditions. What say you?

KitConstantine

Dr. Laura's N-Word Rant: Needs to see Dr. Phil..?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:38:00 +0000

At a time when the economy is depressed and we -- the average Joe and Mary's are looking to be helped by a psychologist/psychiatrist..low and behold we could just be 'bawled out by a Dr. Laura out there.

Dr. Laura's rant should have you running-- fast in the next direction. As in go talk to a friend/family member. Or do the proverbial-- go to a bar and speak to a drunk. They --he/she would pretend to listen having at the end of your narration said nothing you could use.
That said, after listening again and again at what the caller asked.. the good doctor-- I'm thinking would it be that Dr. Laura needs to have an appointment with Dr. Phil?

Dr. Phil McGraw

ASK him for help?Would he be able to calm her down? She did make an apology after the fact, but golly hearing her I was ready to run to an attic...hide under a bed for cover. Climb a tree. Plug my ears!

Be warned, madness takes many forms. Should you see -- be in touch with anyone/anywhere who comes/responds to you in that manner when you seek help, make a quick dash in the opposite direction. Avoid any delay. 'Cause that person is not the ghost you imagined living in your attic but a maniac at your front door. A verbal attack is imminent.

You need advice--make your fingers do the work. The walking. But not through the yellow pages... not through the Dr. Laura's out there; but through looking for the names of old friends you might have forgetten. Ignored! When you came into glory
.
Yes, they may go into a rant hearing your voice.-- curse at you, but at least you expected it. You have not called, asked for advice in a long time. Cannot believe what you experienced-- call Dr. Phil? Probably! But please stand clear of the: highway, railroad tracks, missiles and Dr. Laura.

Rants-- can and will do harm, to the mind and body. Still calm after hearing videos? Join the conversation.!

KitConstantine

Speaker Pelosi : Great Job!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:14:00 +0000

As we repeat in earnestness the need for jobs and more jobs, its pleasing that Speaker Pelosi has used her skills as leader... and one who realizes we need our teachers, nurses, etc. working to get this legislation passed. n To act-- and fast when the pressure is on.

Well done. On this not sure if this adage is appropriate.. "but a stitch in time does safe nine".

Jobs created are saving lives.. and communities across the country. Bring it on!

KitConstantine

Wyclef Jean: A shift from popculture to politics...?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:34:00 +0000

:
The word is out. "Wyclef Jean for President." Is he being drafted... or is this a decision he made on his own? Irrespective, Wyclef Jean the singer-- a player as we think popular culture is now thinking politics, and at the presidential level.
Jean a citizen of Haiti by birth, hopes to participate in that country's presidential election on November 28 . There is no doubt this is a bold, audacious move. Still trying to get my head around it. But after reading it...hearing more times than is necessary, the rapper intends to run. And from what it look like for now he could possibly win.
"Iron sharpens Iron" but does music a politician make? More relevant: approachable, less elitist, more sensitive to the needs of the poor, capable of making needed changes were necessary? Or all this just plain music and nothing else? The coming months days will showl what pans out for Wyclef, but for now try thinking, if even for a short while-- President Jean of Haiti.

Let the race begin.. some think he will be a great inspiration to his people. Possible? Probable? In politics most times we guess our way to find the answers. Will Wyclef find his before that before the poll closes on that day? I await the outcome, and with much anticipation.

KitConstantine

A Hot Summer: Whose ready to say "Calm Down"...?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:51:00 +0000

elephants at war

After a month of depressing heat and my computer crashing more times that I wanted to acknowledge, its a pleasure to be back with you despite the challenges we all face in the economy, among other places. Few I have met are in a mood for love or to love... most seem to ready for war....but not the one in Afghanistan.

So after surviving the hottest "July'" in recorded history... Boy, Oh! Boy, was it hot! I say lets calm down. Time to use these early days of August to grab some needed relaxation, and take some time to look at the roses. Enjoy nature... sit by the brooke, and just splash... water, everywhere. Yes, see the rose--images around you...wherever they are.

Yes, its good to be back. So this is just a shout out to say...Manchester Square is still that place to hang out. Throw our windows open and explore with us.

The SQUARE is not always with four sides.. in between are triangles of : laughter, thought, reflection, policy and politics. At Manchester-- we run the gamut on great ideas.

Its good to be back to share our thoughts of the week. And thank you for the visit.

KitConstantine

David Letterman on Larry: He's no King "David..!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:19:00 +0000

Dave give Larry... the "king" a break! Why be so mean? Surely, he's there a long time-- gave you ideas to get into the business? Right? Wrong?

Know you are no King David, but at least after this.. we can look to some tough questions and not from Larry. Now to the next act-- Rock N Roll with David and the King, forget the theater lets stick to the come-deeeee!

On Unemployment: Sharron is no "Rose"...!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:54:00 +0000

The message to the unemployed from Sharron-- get off your ....? Who do you know who enjoys a hand out just to buy bread ...if there are other choices? Apparently, this "Rose of Sharon" knows no one in this category. Face to face she's telling it like it is in 'her' world.

Will voters do like wise given how she describes them? One can only hope so! What your message to Shar-ron?

Toronto G20 Protest: Riots and More..!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:43:00 +0000

Love to the Tough Guys: "Happy Father's Day...!"

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:09:00 +0000

It's the third Sunday in June-- and its not a wedding day for anyone I know. Yet, it's a very special day. Yep, today is Father's Day and to all the Dads-- have a splendid one!!

Go soft for moment! Accept the compliments and kisses. Chocolates, too! Accept and show love. You were meant and live to get a special gift --too.

We are talking 'dads'. So today hop aboard the bus and take a ride down memory day. When I think "Papa" I think the first person who taught me to:

Read, think, not accept anything at 'face value', question authority, never settle, most important--love and believe in myself. So in honor of Father's Day-- mine departed, lets take time out to celebrate all the 'great, loving and caring dads out there. They too gave us "Life"!

From Manchester Square " Happy Father's Day" to great guys.
It's Father's DAY let's show the 'tough' guys some love!!

KitConstantine

Aretha Calls: Whether its 'Golden' or not!!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Aretha -- the Queen of Soul

Aretha the Queen of Soul-- missed a 'golden' moment in that dress? I dont think she cares!

Yes, the "Reviews" are in --and she was spotted twice in this dress at the Tony Awards. But so what? Certainly, it can't be she is unable to afford to buy another. It could be --given her weight/size this fits the best.  So what's the gossip, buzz all about?

Frankly, I really don't care. What matters-- she's on the RED Carpet, many are'nt.   Are you?

Carrying all that weight around more of a concern. Clealy she calls: And its her 'golden' moment!

Take it or Leave it!   She has "elbows." Still making a whole lot of money and laughing her way to the bank as recording artist.

So as we talk --The Queen of Soul..! Settle to see her in: gold, silver, bronze or pewter. Once or three times a day.

The throne belongs to her. And no one does a Whitney or a coup..

Yes, she still holds Court her way!   Hail to the Queen!!

KitConstantine

Football at it best: Greece v Nigeria 2nd half goal

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:42:00 +0000

This is a great game. Wow! Football/soccer the way I like it. Nigeria under fire-- no time for a breather. The Greek 'god's are cheering. And they have reasons to. Football.. rocks!!

Lets cheer them on!

Joe Jackson: Still in Pain, blames Catherine...!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:38:00 +0000

When we lose somone who was dear to us.. particularly under tragic circumstances we always try to see how and why we failed to prevent that tragedy.
A year after Michael Jackson's death... we all remember the 'genius' of the King of Pop and ask how and why did his life end this way? Of course, his parents still mourning his death are asking the same questions.
And as is typical, we blame those close to us in these situations. Here Joe Jackson, blames Catherine for not going to visit Michael... somehow, if she did, she might have seen that 'trouble' was near. And yes, she may have prevented his death. Joe I happen to disagree.
The moment Michael with the help of 'doctor' who encouraged him to use drugs to 'go under' to get some sleep.... this tragedy was likely to occur. The blame never works...never corrects. One can only learn from the experience. Wackos, nuts, the uinformed about life and living comes in many forms.
Unfortunately, with our without a visit from mother, Catherine Michael was surrounded by the wrong people. Tragically he's gone and with the talent of making music... the way so many enjoyed it.
So we should continue to celebrate his life .. by the gifts he shared with us through his music and there's much to hear and enjoy.
Sorry Joe.. for your pain. Catherine I say'' Not Guilty" of the accusations. Now lets move on!
Your spin on Joe? Is he being mean? Or is he just trying to find way to deal the this loss? Pull Michael back to the screen move to his dance and change the conversation to something, positively musical.
KitConstantine

Gary'sWife, Shannon Price: Taking what's not Nailed Down..?...

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:51:00 +0000

Gary Coleman, child star is dead. But not his story. Or the drama surrounding the last moments of his life. It would seem his ex-wife, is not Out but "In". Busy trying to get from his home, allegedly what's not nailed down.

Shannon say it ain't so. After hearing this video. I wonder. Was this really someone who cared.. not to mention if "X"is out, how does and ex-wife walks in takes hold of what not nailed down/

Interesting development indeed. What say you? Is Gary turning in his grave?

Chime in..help him roll over to shout... unjust!

KitConstantine

Joan Rivers: No "Cooking" for Me...!!"

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:29:00 +0000

If you like comedy and love to laugh... surely you ,know of Joan as in Joan Rivers. Well, yesterday she celebrated a birthday. And at 77 she's still kicking. Hear he talk facts, games people play, pressures from Hollywood. At her best. Kicking you to new heights of laughter. Not to mention, she believes in 'Straight" talk and makes it clear, even at this stage of life... she's isnt thinking: Cooking or cooking classes. To that I say, "Right on Joan". Women, girls don't belong in the kitchen. No more. We have turned it over to the men... they are now the best Chefs in town. The world.

Joan Rivers

As she puts it, for us to understand " I don't want to go have lunch with you. I don't want to take cooking classes with my girlfriends. I 'm a performer. That's what I do."

I always like hearing plain talk. No guesses about where she stands. Love her/hate her the Diva speaks her mind. "Happy Birthday" Joan. You Go Girl!

KitConstantine

Joan Rivers: No "Cooking" for Me...!!"

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Rue: Another 'Golden Girl,' Gone....!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:08:00 +0000

If laughter is the best medicine, then Rue McClanahan and the rest of "Golden Girls" healed many. Cannot think of ever seeing an episode, that I never laughed my head off. Literally. Falling of a chair sometimes.

That's how good this group of women - actresses, Golden Girls were. Now Rue now joins two others. Another golden girl-- gone. But in our tears.. we will remember their laughter.

Rue, keep it funny and classsy up there just the way you made it 'presentable' to us down here and for so long. You will be missed.

Rest In Peace.

Al and Tipper: Calling it Quits....?

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:41:00 +0000

Al and Tipper at " Happier" Times.

Ooops! Did you hear about Al and Tipper? Just trying to get the details.. but there are none..Only that they have decided to separate. Say that again! Separate! And from what? After forty (40 years together, this couple whom I always thought of as 'peas in pod' tells us they are going in separate directions.

Truly I am shocked. Never heard of any cheating scandals about either of them. These two have been together since they got married shorty after high school. Now this! In the buzz-- they have just grown apart.

Yep, that happens. And to the best of us. But somehow hearing this about the Gores-- for a moment had me taking a deep breath.

Always enjoy a 'human interest' story. But this one came as shocker. If I heard that Bill and Hilary were separating.. I would probably have said "what took so long"?. John and Elizabeth, also as political power couples -- we know their story, would have been no surprise.

But squeaky clean Tipper and Al...reveals even that even when the page is without scandal..something else as in--cant give it name-- sends them in different directions. Love and marriage--aint no horse and carriage.

Political power couples are seen as a team. Going for more than the 'glory' and agony that goes with poltics. However, behind all that-- are lives.. and people wanting to 'live their best life'. Hope somehow these two will re-discover the: smile, embrace, frienship that first brought them together.

Getting back together is still possible. Like you I have not heard the word 'Divorced" So Al, Tipper let's tip your love boat to allow more LOVE in... and nip this trip to Separation.. in the bud.

After 40 years, not ready to see you settle A-P-A-R-T. Check with Hilary.. she could have some ideas. Hahaha. Who would think on this Hilary could be helpful?

Your thoughts on Al and Tipper. Ready to see them ride into a deep sunset on separate horses? Chime in. Or hold your peace!

KitConstantine

Gary Silenced at 42: But his humor lives on..!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Sun, 30 May 2010 19:57:00 +0000

Gary Coleman-- the child star that just about cracked up so many in laughter, for year has made his transition at age 42. His life clearly was a difficult one, having his first transplant at age two. But he seemed never to complain, he just kept going. He's silenced by a fall that left in coma. But his humor lives on.
The show in which he became famous in his own right "Diff'rent Strokes" lasted six seasons on NBC and two on ABC. Yet, he died poor although having chalked up conservatively $18 million in fees.

"For when the one great scorer comes to write against your name

He writes not that you won or lost.. but how you played the game!"
Gary you were brave and played the game the way you knew how. "Rest In Peace."

KitConstantine

BP: The "Muck reaches land!

noreply@blogger.com (Manchester Square.com) — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:08:00 +0000