FRIEDA BABBLEY

Paula Deen is in the Right

2012-01-20T12:13:00.001-06:00


Paula Deen, cute as a button.

The key to healthy eating really is moderation. Variety is even more important. Now I don't mean like a variety of desserts or fatty beef all in one sitting. I mean a variety of ingredients in the meal or snack you're about to partake of. A variety of menu items and combinations throughout your day.

The point is, moderation and variety are beneficial to good health. As is knowing what your body does well with and what it doesn't. I don't feel so great after eating anything with ketchup, and I do even worse when it comes to anything from the cabbage family. My stomach gets hard, I get sleepy in that not so good way. I also have to keep in mind that there are certain foods I'm allergic to, and while the reaction is mild, I do best to stay away from those foods or to eat miniscule amounts here and there.

Why do I even bring any of this up? Because I'm upset about the flack that Paula Deen is getting about having diabetes and her cooking style.

We all know that certain things are done for entertainment purposes and entertainment purposes only. This includes all the stuff we do for holidays and for when we entertain friends and guests. We serve more during these few hours than we do on any other average day of the year. We don't even cook the same types of foods as we would normally cook. Alcoholic consumption is normally much lower on your average day.

The point is, there are a handful of days in a year that we go overboard, whether with what we cook, serve, or consume. Sure every day is a special day, but not every day is a holiday or a birthday, or a day in which we entertain special friends and guests, and so we should see that our creativity and consumption is balanced quite well with the rest of our daily lives. To say that "Paula Deen is a terrible person for what her shows and cookbooks entertain us with..." really is a terrible thing to be saying.

We may see her everyday, but her shows don't get filmed every day. And would we really be so in awe of her if her show were about dry diabetic foods? No, I don't think so. Cake Boss ranks much better than Diabetic Boss would.

In our quest for political correctness and ethics, the media and the public seem to be missing out on the fact that a constrained life is as destructive as a fancy free life. There is no perfect, one size fits all solution to health and happiness. We are each our own person. Paula Deen knows this. And if I'm remembering correctly, and I am, she's the first to say how rich her recipes are. She's also the first to instruct us all to moderate our intake.

Enjoy her show for what it is, entertainment. There is no misleading you in that.

Jose Andres makes a good point (from about 4 minutes in, in the backlash video below), Paula Deen is NOT the cause of obesity in America. And I don't care that it took her so long to come out with the fact that she had diabetes, she didn't know what to think of that fact herself. It's time for ALL of us to move forward.

Ground Control, It's David Bowie's Birthday

2012-01-08T19:26:00.002-06:00

So it's David Bowie's birthday today. Not that I keep track of these things, they just jump out at me and I think to myself, "Really? I could have been celebrating all day and I find out now?"

In tribute to Mr. Bowie, who is 65 years young today (and looking pretty sweet I might add) I thought I'd take us back in time for a couple of tunes. You may want to change your outfit and grab yourself a drink. Oh, and some lipstick and eyeliner.

Here's the original 1969 video for David Bowie's Space Oddity:

And since I really feel like dancing and I bet you do too...

Cheers to 2012

2012-01-01T23:19:00.001-06:00

Well, it is 2012. Finally. All last year I've been wanting to write 2012 and found myself rather disappointed when I came to write 2011.

I don't feel the likelihood of the ending of the world. Not this year. But I do expect there will be lots of changes. And I mean lots. Not sure what they will be, or how any of us will make out. Though I can say I detect quite a bit of creativity coming from people.

2012 will be a wonderful year for creating and recreating ourselves. The proof will be in the pudding.

Things I'm looking forward to this year:

Wonderful blogs by awesome people.
Lots of nature walks.
Taking more pictures with my camera.
More game nights (or days) with the family.
Juicy books to read on my Kindle.
And a whole lot of life and article writing (maybe a good balance of the two this year?).

Happy 2012 to everyone. Cheers!

~ Frieda

Understanding your Pet Cats - The Felinespeak 3000

2011-02-09T00:02:00.005-06:00

Ah, cats. Many think of cats as Godlike and royal. Others think cats believe they are Godlike and royal. Personally, I think cats are hysterical. I think they have lots to say. If you really pay attention to cats, and really tune into their vibes, attitudes, and brains, you will find many a funny story to write.

Cat loving people have an exceptional sense of humour. Cats love people with exceptional senses of humor. For these reasons, cats and people have shared lives and homes for centuries, bringing many a smile and healthy heart beat to both species.

Even though certain humans and certain felines are made for each other, some people are better at translating these stories than other people. This could stem from the fact that some people have purchased Felinespeak 3000s. The Felinespeak 3000, is perhaps the best cat speech translator to date. Cat's of course, have no trouble at all translating human humor, and therefore have never seen the need to develop such a device.

How it works:

Pretend to pet your cat's ear and scratch in the sand grain sized applicator. Your cat won't notice, but your cat will certainly appreciate the offered grooming. The wax in his or her ear will act like sticky gum, and hold the applicator in place. Once implanted, the applicator will automatically catch brain signals and transfer those signals through the ear hairs and into the air like fm radio signals. These signals can be picked up by the Felinespeak 3000 within 100 feet of the subject. It's as simple as that. Extra applicators can be purchased separately.

If your cat suspects anything, simply buy it pretty things for distraction.

Luis Vuitton Pet Cat Collar and Leash

or perhaps

Blue Ice Beaded Pet Collar by Whiskerkisses from Etsy

Here is proof that the Felinespeaks 3000 really works, and proof to all non-believers that cats are truly hysterical:

And here's another example, just in case you're not convinced:

cat photos sources:

http://www.thefurseasonsresort.com/CatBoarding.html
http://www.etsy.com/listing/16129893/blue-ice-beaded-pet-collar-s-m

Meet the Twins, Dan and Dan, and Share in Some Laughs

2011-02-06T20:32:00.000-06:00

Today I met Dan and Dan from the UK on YouTube. I think they're twins. They're absolutely funny, and have lovely soothing voices. We got off on the right foot and so I decided to indulge myself in some fun. I drank some fruit punch and listened to them go on about some interesting things for about an hour or so. Thought I'd introduce them to some of my friends before letting them meet my parents. I know you'll love them.

So do get yourself a nice glass of fruit punch, it seems most appropriate, and enjoy.

(Dan and Dan don't always get along...)

As you can see, they may not even be friends?...

You're probably getting along very well by now, yes? Finding them quirky and funny and sweet are we? Well, hold onto your horses, I have just found out that there has been some deception.

Uh, excuse me?

Well, I'm really not sure what to think or say. I just don't know Dan and Dan anymore. Or is it Dan and Dan and Dan and ...
*throws punch at the Dans face(s)*
*sobs wildly*

Excuse me.

*runs out of the room*

I don't think they'll be meeting my parents after all.

For more Dan and Dan, please visit "Dan and Dan - The First Sign of Madness" .

Another Great Reason To Drink Pepsi

2011-01-18T08:00:00.002-06:00

Pepsi Cola has come a long way with their commercials. This one, however, is dear to my heart. It was made in 1957, but if you ask me, while, yes, it may be sexist, there is quite a bit of truth to it. We can't really fool ourselves there. Yes, life is more work than a daydream. Yes, a beautiful, sparkly purse makes for an exquisite trophy. And yes, Pepsi is not too sweet and not too filling.

I was never much of a cola drinker. Water, fresh juice, and milk, were my drinks of choice. And then one day I got pregnant for the fourth time and due to acid reflux, water and juice would no longer do during meal times. I turned to a few bubbly alternatives, like 7-Up and Sprite. Coke had them beat. And then one day I have a Pepsi. Finally a drink that was not too sweet, not too filling, was refreshing, and didn't taste bad when ice melted in it. I've been hooked ever since.

I don't feel bad about this at all, despite the fact that soda's aren't really all that good for you. It's not like I bath in it. And it's not like it's the only thing I drink. And now I'm especially pleased to announce that I read today an article about Pepsi's plan to become fossil fuel free by the year 2023. Very exciting news.

Read the article here: PepsiCo on track to becoming "fossil fuel free" by 2023 by Will Nichols on Business Green: sustainable thinking.

Want to try out some Milk and Peps like Laverne De Fazio from Laverne and Shirley? Check out this article on TV Dinners: Laverne & Shirley Pepsi Milk

Yes, Laverne did love her milk and Pepsi, both on and off stage. Laverne is a true Pepsi girl, and so is Penny Marshall ;) For that reason alone, I should have never thought of drinking anything but!

Lets take a moment and reminisce the romance of Laverne and Shirley (you know, since we're on this related topic).

Just like Laverne and Shirley, PepsiCo is making their dreams come true too. Here's a fresh one for you, PepsiCo... and thanks.

Fish and Birds Die in Arkansas Could it Be Aliens?

2011-01-03T20:58:00.000-06:00

Upon coming home today, my husband asked whether I'd heard about the thousands of birds that fell out of the sky, dead. I'd said, "No. Really? Where? When?" He said it was on New Years Eve. Look it up. And so I did. It was in Beebe Arkansas. Believed to be due to stress, lighting, or hail. Only one type of bird... the red winged blackbird. Some say it was 1000, some 3000, some 5000 of them (really? such an exact number?). He said, "Then all of a certain type of fish died, not too far from where the birds did." So I looked that up as well and found the article I've shared below.

Now if you ask me, their varied reasoning just doesn't stand well with me. Not even the conspiracy theory; it would be impossible to pull off. No, I'm more akin to believing my husband when he said it was due to aliens. Seriously, what other kind of explanation could there be. That many of the SAME type of bird and that many of ONLY one type of fish? The question is why; and I doubt we'll ever know the answer to that.

Please note that while most articles will say that all the birds were the red winged blackbird, this is not the case (as you'll see in the video provided below). However most of them were, and THAT is the scary part. And who knows, the few others could have been at the wrong place at the wrong time.

I'm waiting to see what happens next! Things come in threes you know.

100,000 drum fish die in Arkansas River, more than 100 miles f...

Officials are investigating what may have killed some 100,000 fish in the Arkansas River in the northwestern section of the state, authorities said on Sunday.

Friday Morning Christmas Songs Starring Ella Fitzgerald

2010-12-10T10:33:00.001-06:00

So I've been listening to Christmas songs for a few days now. There's a station on the radio, and frankly, it puts a smile on my face... most of the time. Some Christmas songs just suck, and others are botched up by singers trying to be unique. You know what I'm saying, I'm sure.

Well, here I am this morning, trying to fax the office on my new fax, having troubles, of course, and getting frustrated. So I'm on YouTube poking around and then I see a Christmas video and think, yeah, I'd like to share some good old Christmas music, you know, like Ella Fitzgerald and who not. Sooooo, I have for you all some sweet Christmas sounds that I enjoy any time of day, that put a smile right on my face and lower my heart rate when I'm frustrated with the foolishness of, oh, say, fax machines.

Enjoy today's Christmas songs via video starring Ella Fitzgerald:

Happy Thanksgiving Music and Videos

2010-11-24T22:05:00.006-06:00

Three Finger Banjo Blue Grass Monday Night Guest Artist Steve Martin

2010-08-09T18:35:00.000-05:00

Haven't had a music night in a while, but tonight I believe I've found just the thing.

Steve Martin plays the banjo and wins awards, photo by Todd Heisler for The New York Times

On just about any given night of the year, cold or cool, warm or hot, sometime after 10pm, we could walk outside or open a window and hear the sweet banjo and fiddle bluegrass songs played on the balcony of a quadro-plex across the street and two houses down. Always a sweet sound. Perfect for those nights when you just couldn't get to sleep. All would be still and the music would come. Those were the nights I had the best sleep. It's been about a year now since their Blue Grass wafted through the air, bringing smiles to everyone within earshot; they've since moved away.

One of my favourite sounds is that of Blue Grass, a style that grew out of the 1940s and 50s. Steve Martin grew up with that sound in his home-town of Berkeley California. He fell in love with the Banjo, especially the sound of the three finger banjo. And much like everything else he set his mind out to do, he learned to play it, and play it he does, touring with his Blue Grass band, The Steep Canyon Rangers, at one point it was with Men With Banjos Who Know How to Use Them, which they certainly did, and there are other Blue Grass bands he plays with I'm sure (I have to say I'm not very read up on his tours and play dates over the last few years).

There's something so relaxing about Blue Grass. Sure it speaks to some more than others, but overall, it's hard for one's heart's spirits to not to be lifted when Blue Grass is played. It's also a rush when that banjo plays faster and faster, showing off for the folks, now and again.

Without further ado, I present to you, this evening, Steve Martin and his Blue Grass band, The Steep Canyon Rangers and others,... Enjoy.

Steve Martin, Great Banjo Player, and the “Malcolm Gladwell 10,000-hour rule”

Steve Martin to play MerleFest; met his band in North Carolina

When life gives you lemons, it's not safe to make lemonade without a license

2010-08-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

Who knew that one of my favourite motto's "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" would end up backfiring? One little girl had to learn this lesson the hard way.

I was scrummaging around on the NPR facebook page today, and I was a bit curious about one article titled, "Zealous Health Inspector Busts Ore. Girl For Unlicensed Lemonade Stand".

Crazy but true. 7 year old Julie Murphy's lemonade stand was shut down at an art fair. Go figure some overzealous inspector should be such a stick in the mud. A screw loose? Perhaps.

Technically he was in the right, I mean, if she were an adult. And I assume she was backed by an adult, so shouldn't the inspector instead have gone after the child's legal guardian? Seems to me the child would a) never have known better, b) was doing what every child dreams of, c) was proud of herself, d) is now quite ashamed. This inspector is not only ethically wrong, in my opinion, but also has possibly scarred this child for life; not to mention the fact that the next time this girl gets the urge to sell lemonade, or start another entrepreneurial project in the future, she might think twice, and the next female conglomerate could fall by the wayside.

On the other hand, this could have actually been a very good thing. I'm thinking that Julie may end up being one up on her peers, becoming quite prepared and knowledgeable on the laws of enterprise. My hope is that she'll learn from this and take the world by storm the next time around. And that she and others will continue to fight for their rights and make necessary changes in our laws and ethics systems, all while preserving the simple beauties and heritage of our cultures ancestries, like kids selling lemonade for example (or whatever those may be).

So I suppose one of my favourite mottoes hasn't been thwarted after all... I suppose in retrospect, Julie Murphy's lemonade stand fiasco can teach us how to make lemonade out of lemons, even if someone shuts us down.

The Overly Dressed Too Much Baggage Woman

2010-07-30T09:27:00.000-05:00

Found this photo on Tumblr, and I have to say, I started cracking up. Not because it is a funny photo, which it is, but because I actually feel like this sometimes. roflmao. You too, huh? I knew I wasn't alone.

Ivy Bean, Now I know why I wanted to skip over Wednesday

2010-07-28T23:41:00.001-05:00

Late last night, I had a weird feeling. It was probably around midnightish. I haven't really felt like skipping a day, and yet, there I was, feeling off, like it just wasn't going to be a normal day. I had no proof, mind you, and I felt a little silly making a decision about a day that had barely started. And can it really be considered a new day when you haven't gone to sleep yet? I was going to wait until the morning, and if I still felt that way, I would post my thoughts on my status on Facebook. But then I thought, no, no, I really do feel this way. I really have to write it down, see what other people think, you know, like maybe there was something in the stars or whatever. So this is what I wrote:

Sooooo. Today is Wednesday. The middle. Like a middle child. Poor poor Wednesday. I'm not really feeling it today. Yes, I'll seriously have to think about whether it's a good day to have at all. I'm thinking I might just fly right over Wednesday and into Thursday. No, I have a meeting on Thursday. Okay, so Friday.... Friday night. I'm just going to skip right on over to Friday night. Anybody with me?

I got a variety of responses. But here's the thing, nothing really happened today. Nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn't a stressful day, or a bad day. In fact it was overall a happy day. I even got in a nap after work and found out I lost an inch. But throughout the whole day, something wasn't quite right. I just couldn't put my finger on it. Not until the end of the day, did I figure out what it was. It all finally came together as I was browsing through Tumblr... And she died at 12:08am. How's that for coincidence?

Makes ya think about the strange ways we're all connected.

via Putzinaround

Ivy Bean, 'world's oldest Twitter user,' dead at 24 (CNN).

On NPR: Ivy Bean, Known As Oldest Twitter User, Dies at 104 by Zoe Chace

google found photo:

Here's looking at you, Ivy Bean. Hope you're living it up, wherever you are.

Lamb, Goat, whatever, still brings back memories

2010-07-28T12:31:00.000-05:00

Photo via Zoo Borns: March out with two little lambs.

So I know this is a photo of a lamb, but it reminds me of the goats at Grants farm. Just so sweet.

We were at a goat petting zoo at Grants Farm a couple of months ago. One of the ones with the baby bottles and the nibblets that they sell for everyone to feed the cute goats. Well, some get more ornery than others, not to mention they do have a wonderful time of trying to eat as much of your clothing as possible, even in their calmer moments. A bit of a neuroses of theirs.

I question their intent, however, because I think that perhaps they have a different sort of fashion sense than we do and are simply more adamant about this than your average person. At any rate, one got hold of my grey summer sweater. I did catch it before there was major damage done, but as we all know, a tiny chewed off edge of sweater is the same as a huge chewed off edge of sweater.

I can’t seem to bring myself to throw it out, however. Yes, it’s beyond any state of repair, and the goat chewed edge is quite an eye sore. But it reminds me of that day, and so…. I wear it.

What's wrong with this picture monday, the pool vac

2010-07-25T23:57:00.005-05:00

So I've been thinking about this for a long time. I may do a grander version on The Pretty Life on Eye on Life Mag, but I thought I'd also post some of these here.

For our first "What's wrong with this picture Monday" I'd like to introduce to you, "The Pool Vac". You see, this is a lovely pool. In fact, I'd love to take a dip in it right now, wouldn't you? In the sunset. Surrounded by adobe, a gorgeous deck, boulders and stones, various cactus greens, serene reflections... And yet, there is something there that just spoils the whole dream. Now I ask you, do you place your vacuum cleaner in the middle of the living room before you take that perfect snap? No, no you don't. I rest my case.

This photo does, however, bring to mind quite a few story opportunities. Something is happening. Something is about to happen. And it all stems from, in my mind, "who, exactly, put the pool vac in, where are they now, and what is going on in this house while the pool vac is running?" Hmmmmm.

Photo writing prompt: Anyone caring to tackle this possible story or snippet or poem, please feel free to add it to the comments, or on your blog with a link in our comments. Nothing overly gruesome please, and nothing too sexually descriptive left in the comments, please. Should prove interesting.

Moments

2010-07-21T00:31:00.002-05:00

(Warning: A couple of bad words. Explicit moments referred to. Note: fictional, but had to come out.)

Fuck you and those moments that I want so bad of yours; only mine when I'm in your face, begging, coaxing, making them happen. All the while, there you are, not realizing the consequences of your actions. Or do you? Do you realize them? Deep down, every fool does.

And you, fool, are choosing to play the fool, at the expense of the nobody girls that would love a piece of your moments, moments meant for me. And there you are, giving away moments of yourself, moments you can never get back. And you wonder why you get so lost.

Memories are made every moment. The second you give away those moments, you have no hope or chance of recovering them.

Moments like tonight, make being struck by lightning a welcome pleasure. Jerk.

I can tell you whole heartedly, that the seduction of the pouring rain feels so damn good, when the thunder claps and rumbles through the heaviness of the drops. Better than your cum ever did. Better because it is filled with pure, powerful, and thrilling energy. And it comes from a place you will never reach. It comes from a moment without you. Never to be erased, never to be replaced. A moment that came from a moment you chose to relinquish.

If I were never touched again, it wouldn't matter, because it would never be so spur of the moment, so true, that power of nature enveloping me in a moment I thought I would rather be with you.

Stings, doesn't it? Stung me too, before the cumming of the thundering rain.

Work out the Frieda Babbley way

2010-06-28T06:41:00.013-05:00

Marilyn Monroe Workout

There are many workout trends out there. It's hard to keep up with any one of them. I know I for one do not have much luck. I get bored, quite frankly.

I have, however, found a wonderful workout that works out for me; better than any other workout, I might add. Monetarily, anyway.

With this new workout, I don't eat as much (I don't really have time to) and I don't drink as much, either, so I have dehydration on my side. And of course when you're dehydrated, you tend to get sleepy. If you're sleeping, you can't eat. Another wonderful thing about this particular workout is that you really have no choice in the matter, as it is a lifestyle. A wonderful lifestyle.

With this new workout lifestyle of mine, I have found that I need to shop for clothes a lot. Workout clothes are a must if you are going to be successful.

Now, I know, it's the thing to say that your workout is a lifestyle, it's a psychological slant. But this really is a lifestyle, and one that takes up more of your time than any other task you may have. Forget your family and personal life, with this workout, your lifestyle is your focus and all those that aren't in your circle of workout buddies need to be second fiddle.

You may have guessed the kind of workout I'm involved in by now... Yes the Frieda Babbley workout is working out(side) of the home. Works every time.

Claudia Schiffer photo controversy

2010-06-17T11:07:00.007-05:00

Dom Perignon - Stern Fotografie
This does NOT look like "blackface"
to me. Blackface would refer to
just a face, and for comedic value.

I love a good controversy, especially when I've got something to say about it, and when useful and logical information is given. But this? This should never have been a controversy in the first place. Karl Lagerfeld's vision should have been, instead, appreciated.

I thought this was an old controversy resurfaced, but apparently not (it must be deja vu or something), oh, no, it has resurfaced... two years after the fact. I mean seriously people, why? Anyway, why this is such a controversy, I couldn't tell you. But here it is... Again. Via CNN and everywhere else at that. Can we not get over this and understand an artist's vision?

Brief recap: Karl Lagerfeld, the genious behind this women of the world series, posed his highest inspiration, Claudia Schiffer, to represent a variety of women from around the world. May I just say, the execution and end result was exquisite. Not to mention the fact that it shows what an excellent model Claudia Schiffer really is; isn't it a model's job to go beyond, to showcase the limitless possibilities of fashion, its universality and uniqueness? She was playing a part, representing masses of women.

If this spread's foundation and purpose was The Claudia Schiffer and all that she is and can be as a model and inspiration to the fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, why then are we switching the purpose. There is nothing about these photos that is comedic, in fact they are tasteful to an extreme. Claudia is representing the black woman. In fact at first glance one cannot tell that she is anything but. Exquisite (have I said that?)

I think what I am even more discouraged with is the fact that this glorious photo shoot has been resurfaced two years later. What, there's nothing more important to talk about? I'm thinking the reporter/journalist/professor (if you could even call her any of those things) - I don't remember what this woman is I just remember how stupid and uptight and wrong I think she is - has done herself a disservice. And all those that followed in her footsteps by even considering this pathetic excuse for news and attention really ought to have spent their time with something more useful or entertaining.

So why do I bring this up? It's important for me to vent about this stupid situation. Blackface, indeed. Pahlease.

Claudia Schiffer Tries to Defend Blackface photo shoot - NPR results.

Dom Perignon - Stern Fotographie

Claudia Schiffer's Red Shoes (British Poets)

Nikki Yanofsky, Tuesday Morning Jazz

2010-06-08T07:51:00.002-05:00

Nikki Yanofsky. Not a name you would associate with Jazz. At least not until you hear her sing it, and you probably most likely have, if you watched the Olympics this winter. You'd also never think this voice of hers would be that of a young Canadian teenager.

In a word, she is: incredible. And she does look a lot like Audrey Tautou, wouldn't you say?

Now, I usually do Jazz nights, but today I thought that some of Nikki Yanofsky's Jazz singing, and a delightful interview with Brian Williams, would be a lovely morning treat. Perhaps some hot tea, or a coffee or espresso drink of some sort, would be a fitting drink while you listen?

Enjoy.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Nikki

Ella... Of Thee I Swing [CD+DVD] [+3 Bonus Studio Tracks] [Universal Music] [Korea 2009]

I Believe (Enhanced)

Stars without makeup, but are they really?

2010-06-06T19:21:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, there was a big to do about celebs going without makeup. It all started with Jessica Simpson who did an au naturale photo shoot for Marie Claire, saying, basically, that she was confident in her own self and didn't care what other people thought. Personally, I think she is soooooo much better looking without her makeup.

The Today Show decided that they would go bare-faced for a day. And of course other celebrities have been sporting the natural look as well. Now, sure, this is not really a new thing, the going without makeup, but those who just simply wouldn't (because of their television status) did. Kudos. Awesome. They handled it well. It was wonderful to see. And they got more and more comfortable as the show went along. And they also talked about other female celebrities that were and had been, doing the same and why.

Now, unfortunately, it seems to me that they didn't exactly follow the rules all the way. The eyes and the lips told a different story to me; and in some cases I questioned skin tone. Now it could have been that they've been wearing makeup for so long that their eyelids and lashes and lips were stained. Or maybe their lips, lids, and/or lashes were tattooed (can you tattoo lashes?). Doesn't really matter, and it was sort of sad to me that some of these women (one in particular) couldn't seem to show her all the way bare true self, even for a morning.

What do you think? Am I just seeing things?

Betty White, Her Upcoming Movie Role, and SNL

2010-05-19T17:27:00.005-05:00

Betty White hosted Saturday Night Live the other weekend and I can't tell you how thrilled to pieces I was. I'd been looking forward to this since I heard about it on Facebook a couple of weeks before. If you friended me on Facebook, you would have seen my promotions of Ms. White and of the new movie "You Again" she is going to be in with Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kristin Chenoweth (yeah, all faves of mine). It'll be out I think in the fall. Long time to wait.

Anyway, guess who missed it? Saturday Night Live with Betty White, I mean (not "You Again" 'cause that's not out yet). Yup. Moi. Thank goodness for the internet. I was able to watch it on line the second I remembered (which was the morning after it aired).

Thought I'd watch it again today, so figured I might as well share with you guys. I know there's loads of Betty White and of Saturday Night Live fans out there, so whether you haven't seen it, or have already seen it but want to watch it again or to share it with someone you know, here you go. Commercial free with no interruptions (except at the very beginning, and a couple of other spots, but limited to be sure). Who could ask for anything more? Oh, me! Me me me! Snacks. You can't watch SNL or The Golden Girls, or Betty White, without... snacks. So get them out, get your drink, sit back, and enjoy. (Cheesecake would be your best bet.)

What do the Miss USA 2010 Contestants and I Have in Common

2010-05-17T13:28:00.003-05:00

Miss USA 2010

Note: When I first wrote this post, I was looking for photos on line of the contestants while I was watching the Miss USA pageant on television. Now I have to say, I did NOT watch to the end. I got bored. When I was looking on line for photos, I saw that it mentioned Miss Virginia as being the winner. Well, what I read misinformed me. Now I wish I could go back and find the source. Perhaps it was 2009? I honestly don't keep track. So anyway, I had to change parts of my previous article, after seeing who the winner is today on The Hollywood Gossip and other news sources. That's what I get for jumping the gun. Sorry, so so sorry!

Well, for starters, the Miss USA 2010 contestants and I have nothing in common. Zip, zilch, nada. It is difficult for me to see a difference between any one of them. You basically have to look at their faces to get a glimpse of what their personalities may be like. None of them a bit like mine. But then, I'm not a Miss USA 2010 contender, am I?

After the swimsuit competition, Joan Rivers (a woman I have grown to love) and her daughter, commented on the boobs on one and the perfect body of another (not too thin, muscular)... What show were they a part of? I thought I had switched channels! There was nary a difference in the sticks that held their heads up. This is proven by the fact that I could swear the Miss Virginia that I had posted as being the winner, was not the winner and she must have been from another year.

Women used to eat. Colorado has (used to have) big portions of everything, every where you turn. This Miss Colorado has never eaten a Colorado meal in her life. And miss Wyoming does not get her hands on that home-grown cattle; wait, maybe all the cattle there, has been bought out by corporate farms (this would be most sad). Miss Kansas has eaten corn, but then threw it right back up. As for Miss Virginia, she just may actually represent; it is quite apparent that she lives on a diet of English tea - no cakes, but she does know how to make a Texas toast and cheese sandwich, which is nada in the nutrition department - you can't blame her for being confused when she started down the glamour stairs to the runway (poor thing). And she's not big on smiling either, as you can see from the photo on the left. But that didn't stop judges from loving her. She was in the top 12 the last I watched.

I have to say though that one and only one, stood out to me. That was Miss Michigan. I admit I did love something about her from the second I saw her. She had personality and a certain confidence; others lacked in those departments. She IS gorgeous. Truly she is. And unlike the other girls, I liked what I saw in her eyes. Apparently the judges saw what I saw, because she did, in fact win. She's Muslim American to boot.

Miss USA 2010 being crowned.

Am I offended? No, I'm not. These pageants don't hold too much weight in my mind. As for jealous, as trump mentioned would be a word to substitute for offended, hardly, and I say this as sincerely and honestly as I ever could. At my most gorgeous and wise (which would be now) and even at my most immature (which would have been most of my life) I have never been so bland as these ladies. I have always stood out in a crowd in a most positive way. I too could wear a plastic bag and walk it like the highest of Haute Couture. I am most proud that I could always actually hold that bag up with a gorgeous, yet subtle, curves, broad shoulders, sexy sway, and classic yet exotic looks.

Here's to a most delicious salad, a side of chicken, an orange, (or some barbecued steak with lemon, home-made mashed potatoes - because I make the best there is and I'm not afraid of butter - and some grilled mushrooms and zucchini) and a glass of delicious champagne. Because I'm worth it. I'm no Miss USA, but I do wear an "I'm Fabulous" crown...and I'm proud.

Miss USA 2010 Crown

I think I'd look fabulous! So would you, don't you think?

I really need to get more pics of me. Perhaps I can hire the same people who did the Miss USA 2010 gals?

Greece and the Dow actually a good thing

2010-05-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

Lots of people were and are a bit freaked out about the dow drop on Friday in relation to Greece. But it did balance itself out, and it was a good thing. The drop and subsequent rise is really bringing a much sought after stability to the market.

When I first heard about this, I most probably heard about it in a much more realistic and full bodied way than most. Yes, I got my news via NPR. So when I heard the scare tactics used by news stations on television to gain viewers, I thought to myself, "Oh palease. The general public is NOT going to get the right info, are they?" Well, I spent some time on the net and found some information on this issue that effected the Dow. So to better educate anyone who wants to be, here is a link and video I found to be useful.

Yes, there is much light at the end of the tunnel. All I can say is, thanks Greece, you done well.

All results Greece+dow on NPR.org

Song and video find of the day Landslide by Fleetwood Mac cover

2010-05-04T11:53:00.000-05:00

I remember the first time I heard Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" sung by Stevie Nicks. I was young, quite young, and I found myself wondering about the words, what they meant, feeling the sorrow and the happiness, picturing it all in my head, wondering how the ache of life could be such a sorrowful thing yet bring so much pleasure and understanding to so much in this world. Today seemed like a day to hear that song again, don't ask me why, it's just one of those things.

When you look up songs on YouTube, you often get a delightful (and many times not so delightful) array of amateur hair brush singers that hope to be discovered in someone's home office.

Every once in a while you hear an unprofessional cover and think, "Wow, that's pretty cool." But it's once in a blue moon when you hear one that speaks to you perfectly, and feels better flowing through your ears than your favorite version ever seemed to.

I came across one such voice today.

Now I must say I'm a die hard fan of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. But "thebrook" on YouTube just took my breath away. Literally. I didn't even sing (and believe me I always do). I sat there, stunned, listening, feeling, wondering, "How?... Who?" I must have come across it at the right time. Now, you may not react to this in the same way as I did, after all, beauty is in the eye (and ear) of the beholder, but I figured I just had to share. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Enjoy.

U by Kotex ads break the cycle

2010-04-27T23:57:00.003-05:00

It's rare that you see an ad lately that just knocks you off your feet with perfection. For me, they've been few and far between these last 10 and some odd years. Used to be I looked forward to commercials alsmost as much as the show I was watching. Those days are long gone. Almost. Now there's U by Kotex and I am in love.

First of all, Kotex is my preferred brand of pad, so Kotex is a product line that interests me.

Second of all, have you see the U by Kotex ads? They suck you in. The gal that is informing us of U by Kotex, in the first U by Kotex ad I saw, is friendly, personable, and gave me information I could totally relate to. Her sarcasm is so right on. This ad is entitled "Reality Check"and is one of my favorites.

For those of you that may not have heard, Kotex is running a "Break the Cycle" campaign. The Break the Cyle campaign is not geared to literally break women's "cycles", but it is dedicated to making them less painful to some respect. Kotex has designed their campaign to spread feminine confidence and true knowledge of what women's body parts are really called and that sort of thing. With Kotex, you don't have to be ashamed to be a woman. We're real and we're awesome. And Kotex is backing us up every step of the way.

Let's help bring society up to speed on vaginal issues and take back the word "vagina." Have you helped take it back? Maybe you've quit using nicknames like va-jay-jay, or started talking more openly about period stuff with your friends. You can share other period stories too. Whatever your story, let's hear it.

Yeah, you can even write your own story or record (upload) your own story, right onto the U by Kotex site.

To view their way awesome video ads, got to UbyKotex.com, click on the "Get Real" tab, and you'll find video choices under "Tellin' it like it is". Become inspired, transpired, and aspire, with U by Kotex.

note and disclaimer from blogger: The only way that I am affiliated with Kotex is the fact that I use and love their products. I am simply a fan and have not been compensated in any way by Kotex or any of their affiliates. however, if they would like to compensate me for my support and loyalty, payment in pads would be just grand.

Photo found at Jeane.makeup on blogspot.