The Stir By CafeMom: Blogger Tracy Odell

'The Stir's New Look

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:16:00 EST

Post by Tracy Odell

If you're a regular reader of The Stir, you probably are noticing a few changes around here today. This month marks the third anniversary of The Stir's launch and we decided to give the site a little design update to celebrate. Never fear, it's the same Stir you know and love -- our look may have changed, but our sass remains.

We all hope you love the new design as much as we do (though we're sure you'll tell us in the comments if you don't!). Thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing our stories today and for the last three years!

My Halloween Costume Prank Made My Kid Cry -- Oops! (VIDEO)

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:25:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

It's Halloween, the time of tricks and treats. On October 31, our little ones will be full of treats, so we decided they should have a little trick, too. This week we are highlighting four prankster moms and their costume tricks.

I knew my son would be upset when I punked him with a pretty ballerina/princess costume when he was expecting a badass X-Wing pilot costume. But, I didn't expect so many tears. SO. MANY. TEARS. There goes my mom of the year award.

But, once the tears started to dry and he found out it was all a joke, a pretty amazing thing happened. That costume suddenly didn't look so evil. It might even look nice enough to try on.

Take a watch ...

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

More from The Stir: 10 Cheap & Easy Halloween Costumes for Kids

Special thanks to our neighbor Leonie for providing the girly garb. And hopefully The Stir will pay for my son's therapy in a few years when his friends find this video.

How would your kids react if you punked them with a "bad" Halloween costume?

See yesterday's prank: Halloween Prank: I Convinced My Kid He Should Wear a Marshmallow Costume (VIDEO)

The 2 Lives of Michelle Obama: From Stump Speeches to Doggie Playdates

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

This past weekend, with fewer than 30 days until the election, to the huge defining day for her family and our country, Michelle Obama hosted a doggie playdate at the White House.

At the urging of younger daughter Sasha, they invited five friends, their parents, and their dogs over to give the Obamas' dog Bo some much-needed (according to Sasha, anyhow) dog interaction. The dogs tore up some flowers and there was some poop on the South Lawn, but the doggie date was deemed a success by all. The rest of the weekend was filled with discussions about an upcoming dance, a big science test, and homecoming.

Contrast that to yesterday, when Michelle's afternoon was filled with campaign events including a stop in Leesburg, Virginia, for a rally where she gave a stump speech in front thousands and hosted a roundtable with reporters from women-focused websites like CafeMom. The juxtaposition between Michelle's “normal” family life and her carefully orchestrated public appearances is hard to fathom, but she says it's not that different from what any other working mom does -- she's just doing it in a bigger public spotlight. And when you talk to her, you get the feeling that her sentiment isn't spin -- she's really embracing both roles while trying to find balance between the two.

During our one-hour conversation with the First Lady, we hit on topics ranging from Barack's debate performance to what it's like for her daughters to grow up in the White House in the age of cellphone cameras and Facebook.

On Barack's debate performance, Michelle was understandably and predictably in her husband's corner:

I'm biased. I think my husband has done a phenomenal job, not just in the debates, but over the last three and half years.

When I asked what it's like to sit in the audience and watch her husband on stage, Michelle explained how hard it can be to keep the poker face expected of her when the cameras are pointed her way.

You can't gesture. You can't [yell] go, baby! Yes! You nailed that one! You can't do any of that.

And it's nerve-wracking watching her husband debate.

... it's watching your loved one perform on a tightrope. And yes, we have two more [debates].

She admitted it's sometimes hard to stay focused for the entire debate. She sometimes finds her mind wandering.

Debates, it's hard to hang in there for 90 minutes.

When asked if she'd support her daughters going into politics ...

I would support my daughters doing anything they want to do. So I always encourage them, think about your passion, think about your gifts. You don't think about what dad does or what somebody else wants you to do. And if it's politics, if it's serving in the military, if it's being a stay-at-home mom, I just want them to have confidence in whatever choice they make.

And she tells her daughters how fortunate they are to be growing up at a time when they can celebrate their intellect and be whomever they want to be. She says it was different when she was growing up ...

I tell them being smart in public school was dangerous. I mean, truly. You talk like a white girl, or who you are with grades? That's how we grew up. You had to be sneaky smart.

But her daughters do face other challenges that are unique to their generation and have not been present for past kids in the White House. As a family, they talk about Facebook and cellphone cameras. Her daughters are acutely aware that people have cameras everywhere and everybody is watching. She warns them ...

You can't go off on somebody. You can't act bratty. Because you may be having a moment, but somebody could use that moment and try to define you forever. So you want to be cognizant of that.

Her words speak to the reality for all kids today. It's a conversation we all need to have with our kids, but the pressure is so much higher when you're the President's daughters.

The ease with which the First Lady can move between discussing family and politics is a big reason she's so popular with moms. In a recent Moms Matter survey, we found her influence on moms' perception of Barack Obama to be hugely positive. Eighty-eight percent of Democrat moms view Barack more favorably because of her, and even 36 percent of Republican moms said they view the President more favorably because of her.

Her life is unfathomably different from ours in so many ways, yet it feels so similar when she talks about her daughters. Do you find her relatable?

Student Loan Debt -- Do Moms or Their Kids Worry More? (VIDEO)

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Are you concerned about how to pay for college for your children? You aren't alone. Our Moms Matter 2012 survey found that moms are very concerned about affording college tuition for their children. Overwhelmingly, moms' worries are dominated by two very practical day-to-day economic considerations: paying the mortgage or rent on their home (55%) and spending on groceries (36%) ... followed by one very long-term concern: college tuition for their children (31%).

Unless you've got significant savings, student loans or scholarships are probably on your radar for your children's college education. But scholarships are getting harder to come by. A recent study from Sallie Mae found that 35 percent of families paying for college received a scholarship in 2012, down from 45 percent in 2011. At the same time, student loan debt is on the rise -- Americans now hold almost 1 trillion dollars in student loan debt -- a number that is growing rapidly as tuition costs rise.

As part of the Moms Matter 2012 Swing State Road Trip, we stopped in Pittsburgh, PA where we visited the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University to find out if current and prospective students are as worried about student loan debt as their mothers.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Are you worried about how you'll pay for college for your children? Should the government do more to help?

Introducing the Moms Matter 2012 Swing State Road Trip - First Stop: Youngstown, Ohio (VIDEO)

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:12:54 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

This summer, the Moms Matter 2012 team is hitting the road to bring you stories from the moms and explore the issues that will decide the presidential election in November. We're focusing on key swing states for our road trip because even if you don't live in one of these states, what happens in these states will ultimately determine the election. We're traveling America's highways and windy country roads to find out what moms are thinking in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Nevada and Iowa. We hope you'll come along for the ride!

Our first stop on the road trip is Ohio, a key battleground state. With 18 electoral votes and a history of close elections, Ohio is a must-win for both Obama and Romney - you can bet they'll be spending LOTS of time here. Ohio is also a bellwether for picking the winner on election night. Only once since 1944 has Ohio sided with the losing candidate. (*Do you know when? The answer is at the bottom...)

We visited Youngstown, Ohio, a mid-size city in Northeastern, Ohio that has been seeing a bit of an economic resurgence over the past few years due largely to natural gas drilling in the area and an uptick in manufacturing jobs.

We met with a group of moms (and their children) here to see what will be driving their vote in November. The group was pretty evenly split between Obama voters, Romney voters, and undecided voters. Ohio's coveted electoral votes are clearly up for grabs because even amongst "decided" voters there's a lack of enthusiasm for their pledged candidates. During our conversation, we covered topics ranging from the auto bailout to public education and health care. See what these moms had to say:

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

If you were Obama's or Romney's political strategist, what would you tell them to do in order to win Ohio?

Follow along as we cross the country by subscribing to the Moms Matter 2012 YouTube channel and checking back here at The Stir! We'll have a new video every weekday.

* In 1960 Ohio picked Nixon over Kennedy, spoiling its otherwise perfect record.

I Took My Son to Work Today, But It Was No Ordinary Day (VIDEO)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:02:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Occasionally an invitation comes along that you can't turn down. You rearrange your schedule and make it work at any cost. Today I was invited to spend Take Your Son/Daughter to Work Day at the White House with Michelle Obama. As a result, my son now thinks that a typical work day for me involves long train rides, cool Secret Service agents, and trays of delicious oatmeal raisin cookies that always seem to magically be refilled.

We watched as Michelle Obama held court with about 200 kids whose parents work in the Executive Office of the President, answering their questions and later we had the opportunity to ask a few stumpers of our own. Michelle connected beautifully with the kids, modulating her answers so they were just right for the 5-year-old boy or the 14-year-old girl asking the question.

Here are few of my favorite questions and answers:

Do Sasha and Malia have sleepovers? Yes. Though they prefer going to their friends' houses just like any other kids.

An 8-year-old girl celebrating her birthday today asked what the First Lady likes to do on her birthday. She likes to sleep late and have a day where she can do exactly what she wants to do and eat whatever she wants. She then reached out to the adults in the room adding, "Doing nothing is a really big gift. Right parents?" Head nods all around.

Who is her favorite superhero? Superman. She likes how he's just a regular guy hiding all these superpowers. People always underestimate him because he looks so nerdy. And her superhero power of choice would be flying.

Occasionally Mrs. Obama looked to the press corp to help her with answers to questions. When did they get Bo? How big is the White House?

Later in a more intimate round table, Michelle answered questions from journalists and their children. My son asked a real puzzler: Where do you park your helicopter? (A future Bob Woodward -- right?) He got some laughs though he was deadly serious and the answer was actually pretty interesting. She assumes the helicopter, which is named Marine One, gets parked at Andrews Air Force Base with the planes, but it flies around the world in the belly of a plane if the President needs a helicopter elsewhere. No rent-a-copters for the Prez.

You can watch the full event with children from the Executive Office here :

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

What would you ask the First Lady if you had a chance to sit down with her?

Election 2012 Round-Up: Stay Informed

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:51:00 EST

Post by Tracy Odell

Here are some political stories we found interesting this week ...

1. Jill Greenlee, assistant professor of politics at Brandeis University, discusses her research on how becoming a mother affects a woman's politics. [The Brian Lehrer Show]

2. Rick Perry does damage control after his debate gaffe with a funny top 10 list on Letterman. [USA Today]

3. Herman Cain does damage control of his own -- expressing regret for his "Princess Nancy" comment that he made during the same debate. [Reuters]

4. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords spoke with a clear voice in her first TV interview since she was shot 10 months ago. [Huffington Post]

5. A proposed Christmas tree tax is met with bah humbug sentiment by many pundits (and presumably Santa Claus, though we couldn't reach him for comment). [Michelle Malkin]

What surprised you most this week in politics? Any predictions for the week ahead?

Image via theresasthompson/Flickr

Here's Your Chance to Participate in an Upcoming Republican Debate!

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:49:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Have you been watching the Republican Presidential debates? Do you find yourself yelling at the TV and wishing you could ask the candidates a question? Well, wish granted, for one mom ...

We're going to send one lucky CafeMom member* to the Thanksgiving Family Forum -- a family discussion with the Republican candidates -- on November 19 in Des Moines, Iowa. YOUR question will be asked and you can finally get the answers you've been craving.

Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, and Rick Santorum are confirmed to be there. Mitt Romney has also been invited. The debate is sponsored by The FAMiLY LEADER, in conjunction with CitizenLink (the family advocacy arm of Focus on the Family) and the National Organization for Marriage. It will be hosted and moderated by top political pollster Frank Luntz.

Here's what Frank Luntz has to say about the debate:

I promise this won’t be like anything you’ve ever seen. No 'gotcha' questions by the panel. No spin by the politicians. Just an authentic discussion among the people who seek to lead this great nation. It has the potential to be the most important forum of the primary presidential campaign.

We can't think of anything more important than moms being an integral part of this debate and making sure the candidates talk about the issues that are important to us.

So, moms, what's that burning question you want answered? If it keeps you up at night, it's probably on the minds of thousands of other moms across the country, too. Tell us the question you'd ask the Republican Presidential candidates in the comments section below before November 7 and we'll contact you if your question is chosen. We hear Iowa is lovely in November!

*If you're a mom and you're not a CafeMom member yet, registration is quick and free. Register first, then leave your comment if you'd like to be considered to attend the debate.

Image via Ethan Miller/Getty

Hanging Out With Michelle Obama: 5 Things I Learned

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:41:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending an hour with Michelle Obama on behalf of CafeMom and The Stir. I was joined by editors of other women-focused websites and together we had an intimate and wide-ranging conversation with the First Lady.

Michelle answered all our questions with a down-to-earth charm that immediately put us all at ease. It felt like having a chat with your girlfriends -- that is, if your girlfriends just happen to come with a professional photographer, fancy china, and everything you say is recorded and transcribed for posterity.

Before I get into the meat of our conversation, here are the two things you're dying to know:

1. Yes, her biceps really are that impressive. She is extremely fit.

And ...

2. She was wearing a really nice dress from Target. She really does shop there.

Okay, now we can move on.

During our visit, we talked with the First Lady about everything from the first family's television viewing habits (Barack isn't too fond of his daughters Sasha and Malia watching the Kardashians) to how moms can feel empowered to make change in the world. Whether we were talking important stuff or junk food, I found myself nodding in agreement as she dropped little nuggets of wisdom. Here are a few of my favorites…

On raising her daughters in the White House:

... They’re terrific girls. They’re poised and they’re kind and they’re curious. And like any mother, I am just hoping that I don’t mess them up.

Sounds familiar to all moms -- right?

On being happy:

Even when times are tough, in the end, you are as happy as your least happy child.

I never really thought of it in those terms, but so true.

On finding time for herself:

... What I learned early was that I have to be healthy. I have to exercise. I have to eat right in order for me to be able to perform at maximum capacity for my family.

That’s advice I need to take to heart.

On mom needing a support system:

I know how blessed I am [having so much support], and I know how rare it is to live in an institution that can provide you with that kind of support. I believe every mother needs a personal assistant. And a chef, and -- what else do we need?

Was that a rhetorical question? Because I could use a handyman and pastry chef, too.

On how mom can stay motivated to make change in the world:

[Change is about moms] getting up every day doing just what they’re doing -- focusing on family, focusing on self, focusing on the things that we do have control over -- our kids’ schools, our workplace, the other parents in our community. There are hundreds of wonderfully small changes that we can make in our lives if we’re all doing that. That becomes the collage of real change.

And I just think ... we lose sight of the fact that that day-to-day work is really how change happens. So I would urge them: don't get discouraged. Don't get discouraged at all. Because our kids already see the world differently -- today. They're born into a different way of thinking that I think is good. They're more open. They're more curious. The world is different. And each generation, just by the sheer fact that they come on this Earth, is creating change.

Wow, those are some powerful words. Who's ready to change the world with me?

'What Do Pirates Eat?' and Other Tough Kid Questions Answered (VIDEO)

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:04:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

When kids reach a certain age, the creative, but tough questions start rapidly coming at you. If you're lucky, you'll know the answers to a few of them.

Q: Where does chocolate milk come from?

A: Duh. Chocolate cows.

But, the majority of the questions are real stumpers in one way or another. There are the ones that require some deep introspection on your part.

Q: Why isn't daddy's mommy around?

A: Um. Let me grab a tissue while I think about how to answer this one.

And there are plenty of ones that simply require having Wikipedia bookmarked.

Q: How old are dinosaurs?

A: One sec, while I look that up!

My 4-year-old son is a walking question factory, so I was excited to take part in a new video series that aims to answer those crazy questions kids ask.

My son is just slightly obsessed with pirates and always stumping me with h-aaargh-d questions, so we invited a "real" pirate over to meet him and his friends and answer their question. Take a look at what went down ...

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Do you have questions you'd like to see answered in a future episode? What'd you think of this video -- would you watch more like this?

Mets and Phillies Fans React to News of Bin Laden's Death (VIDEO)

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:39:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Mets and Phillies fans aren't exactly on the friendliest terms. (To put it lightly.)

But, earlier this evening as news of Osama bin Laden's death made its way through Citizens Bank Park, baseball fans of the rival teams united in an outburst of national pride. New York and Philly fans broke out into chants of "USA! USA! USA!"

You can watch the video below.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Where were you when you heard the news of Bin Laden's death?

Notice Anything Different About Us?

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:57:00 EST

Post by Tracy Odell

Hello Stir Readers! We've been tinkering with things around here over the past few weeks and wanted to update you on all the changes.

We've got a new look. Swirls! And stripes! Oh my! Likey? We added some new channels to our lineup so we can cover more of the topics you want to read about: Sports, Technology, and Teen. We have new writers we'd like you to meet. Say hi to Maressa, Janelle, Lindsay, and Heather. They've all been through our intense hazing training and are ready and able to read your comments without crying.

Stay tuned next week for more announcements and fun as we celebrate The Stir's first birthday!

5 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes - Empty Out That Fridge!

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:05:00 EST

Post by Tracy Odell

Are Thanksgiving leftovers staring you down every time you open the refrigerator? Can't stomach another turkey sandwich?

Put the mayonnaise jar down and try one of these easy, creative recipes that offer a second life to your turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and anything else taking up space in your refrigerator.

1. Five-Layer Turkey Dip

This Rachael Ray creation has you layering lots of leftovers - stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, turkey, and cranberry sauce - adding some butter (because the stuffing didn't have enough in the first place) and baking it all together. Trust me, it's delicious.

2. Mashed Potato Soup

Creamy and decadent with cheese and bacon, mashed potato soup is the perfect leftover meal that tastes nothing like leftovers. Serve it with a simple salad, and dinner is done.

3. Turkey Pot Pie

This recipe calls for carrots, onion and potato, but it doesn't matter what types of vegetables you've got lingering around -- throw them all in and create your own unique take on this fondly remembered dish.

4. Turkey Casserole

A hearty, traditional casserole that will use up all that leftover turkey. With just four ingredients, you'll be able to relax and get out of the kitchen for awhile.

5. Turkey Waldorf Salad

If you're like me and thinking it's time to hop back on the diet train, this delicious salad might be just the ticket to get us back on track. No butter in sight with this recipe.

What are you doing with your Thanksgiving leftovers?

Image via Rex Root/Flickr

'Dancing With the Stars' Recap: Who's Instant Dancing Home Tonight?

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:34:00 EST

Post by Tracy Odell

And then there were five.

The remaining contestants on Dancing With the Stars can be divided into two groups:

Those with a music and/or dance background who possess *the buzzword of the night* "musicality."

Those who can't really dance, but try awfully hard. I'm looking at you Kurt and Bristol.

Last night's gimmick -- the Instant Dance -- rewarded the first group and punished the second. The dancers were given a dance style to practice but didn't receive their song until 45 minutes before they had to perform it. For the less musically inclined dancers who learn dances by listening to lyrics, this was going to be tough. Let's take a look at how they did ...

Kyle Massey -- Kyle who? Sorry, but that joke's getting old. Kyle is still around and still earning good scores. He brings a youthful energy to the competition that's lacking in the other dancers. His Viennese Waltz showed refinement, then his energetic Instant Jive blew the judges away.

Jennifer Grey -- She cried and limped and moaned about her knee, but ultimately came out on top last night, tied with Brandy for first place. Her Quickstep was classic and elegant. Then her Instant Rhumba earned her the first perfect score of the season. But, really Jennifer and Derek -- you never heard of Foreigner's classic ballad "Waiting for a Girl Like You"? For shame!

Kurt Warner -- Ok, so, Kurt isn't the best dancer as the judges pointed out once again. But he tries really hard and embodies the spirit of the show. His waltz was graceful for a ginormous dude and his Instant Cha Cha was a crowd pleaser. He was even -- dare I say -- a little sexy shaking it on the dance floor last night?

Bristol Palin -- Bristol was feeling homesick so she went home to visit the Palin clan this week. Mama Palin looked green with envy while she watched the rehearsal -- do not be surprised to see Sarah Palin in sequins next season. Bristol put in two respectable performances, but her Instant Samba really showed her lack of musicality. She tried to make up for her missteps with a lot of shoulder shaking, but alas, it wasn't enough to distract from her two left feet.

Brandy -- A funny thing happens when Brandy comes on my TV. My index finger twitches towards the fast forward button on the remote. Her personality ruins the show for me. Apparently she danced well enough to earn top scores.

So, the final scores:

Jennifer and Brandy are tied at the top with 57.
Kyle's next with 56.
Kurt's got a 48.
Bristol's alone at the bottom with 47.

Who's going home tonight? Well, obviously, I'd love Brandy to go home so I can give my remote control a rest. But, I'm afraid Bristol is going to be Instant Dancing her way back to Alaska. She's had a respectable run and should be proud.

Who do you think is going home tonight?

Image via abc.com

20 Frighteningly Good Halloween Recipes

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

See this slideshow on The Stir by CafeMom.

Get Lost in This 'Twilight' Corn Maze

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:27:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

If you were lost in an enormous Twilight-themed corn maze, who would you run to for help -- Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Black Island Farms in Syracuse, Utah, has a new Twilight maze this year and it's bigger than ever. They promise it will take at least an hour to make your way through it .... Heck, that's longer than it took me to read the first Twilight book!

Photo via Black Island Farms

Halloween Costumes Your Kids Can Wear All Year

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:39:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

I love Halloween, but I'm bothered by the wastefulness of the holiday. I buy my kids a Halloween costume, they wear it for a few hours, and then it's over. Even if they don't grow out of it, there's no way they'd want to wear the same costume again.

Yes, the photos of them dressed up as pirates and pumpkins are priceless, but the practical side of me is always looking for costumes that can be made from clothing that will be worn again long after all the candy is gone.

If you share my sentiment, here are 3 ways you can make a Halloween costume out of clothing your kids will wear again (no sewing required):

Option A: Accessorize "Normal" Clothes

My boys love to play construction. We have an abundance of hard hats and tools in our toy chest that can be used as part of this Halloween costume. I just need buy a few items of clothing that can be re-worn all winter and -- ta-da -- a construction worker costume.

For a girl, you can start with basics like a tutu and some sparkly ballet slippers to make a beautiful princess, a twirling dancer, or a fairy.

Option B: Pajamas Aren't Just for Sleeping

There are a lot of cute pajamas out there that can double as Halloween costumes. And as a bonus, when your children pass out from a sugar high at the end of the night, they are already in their sleeping clothes.

Option C: It's Raining Candy

Grandma bought my son this fireman raincoat and boots for his birthday last year. When Halloween rolled around (2 days later), this is what he wanted to wear trick or treating, not the costume I bought him. Fast forward to a year later, and any time there's a rain cloud in the sky, he still asks to wear this raincoat. Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's gotten tons of use.

What are your kids going to be for Halloween this year? Will you make their costume or buy it?

Are You a Teen Book Junkie?

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:12:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Last week I devoured The Hunger Games. Not just the book -- the entire trilogy. Nom, nom, nom. It was delicious reading.

I read it because every other woman I know (or follow on Twitter) was peeing herself in anticipation of Mockingjay, the last book in The Hunger Games trilogy. The series, written by the talented Suzanne Collins, is a full blown pop culture phenomenon and I jumped on the bandwagon along with legions of other ADULT women.

Why do I emphasize ADULT? Is my Cap Lock key stuck? No. It's because like Twilight and Harry Potter, The Hunger Games belongs to the Young Adult (YA) literary genre.

All these books were written for teenagers, so why are women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond going ga-ga for “kid books”?

Adolescent Protagonists. Remember being a teenager? Every emotion is on overdrive. You feel things deep in your core. Every setback is the end of the world. Every crush is true love. When a book can capture this kind of passion, it’s exhilarating to go along for the ride. Complicated and Creative Plots. The reason I devour these books and stay up way too late reading them is because they are page turners. And frankly the YA novels I’ve been reading are way more creative than most adult novels. In The Hunger Games, Collins comes up with at least 50 different ways to kill people -- a trident, tracking bees, poison berries, mutant dogs with human eyes, and on and on she goes. The Writing. Putting Twilight to the side because as much as I loved it, the writing is garbage, YA in no way means dumbed down writing. Future Classics. Your kids could be reading these books in school some day. If you look at the YA genre historically, books we now consider classics like Little Women and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer fall into this category. An Arbitrary Distinction. It's pretty subjective what gets classified as YA. The only defining characteristic of a YA novel seems to be an adolescent protagonist. And I'm sure some savvy publishers are sitting in a conference room right now saying: "Let's call this a YA book so 30-year-old women will buy it!" Because We Are Grown-Ups. One of the supposed perks of being an adult is that you can do whatever you want. So, if you like ‘em, read ‘em!

Have you read any good YA books lately?

'True Blood' Recap: You Know I Love You More When You're Cold and Heartless

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:41:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

The penultimate episode of Season 3 of True Blood aired last night with the action amping up and the writers frantically attempting to wrap up some of the story lines. There was fleeting talk of a fresh start between Sookie and Bill, but before any of us can begin anew, we need to deal with the lovely, gory mess that’s been unfurled by True Blood’s writers this season.

There are still many unanswered questions, from the humdrum like: When will Sookie pull a shift at Merlotte’s again? She hasn’t put on her apron all season. To the loftier questions, like: Who is the superior race -- vampires or humans? (Or fairies? Or werewolves? Or witches? Or werepanthers?) To the heart of the matter: When will Sookie and Eric finally make some nookie?

So, with just the finale left, let’s see how Season 3’s stories are shaping up and make some predictions for the finale …

Vampire Politics -- It looks like the King of Louisiana, Russell, will meet the sun next week. But what happened to the Queen of Louisiana, Sophie-Anne? After seeming integral to the plot in the first few episodes, the Queen has left the building. Jesus and Lafayette -- Nobody on True Blood has simple romantic relationships, so we all knew things between Jesus and Lafayette would get complicated. But, this introduction of black magic just seems a set-up for next season when we’ve been promised witches will play a central role. Werewolves -- Werewolves were supposed to be central to this season, but where are they now? Specifically, where is hunky Alcide? I had high hopes for something more than just some sexual tension between Alcide and Sookie. But, Sookie seems to have forgotten Alcide just like the writers seem to have forgotten about the werewolves. Jason and Crystal -- Big reveal last night: Crystal is a werepanther. Jason comes to terms with her freakiness, saying, “No one in this town is what they’re supposed to be.” Very astute, Jason. The only thing left to figure out now is what’s going to happen when the DEA raids the meth labs at Hotshot? I have a feeling there’s going be some claws coming out in this showdown. Jessica and Hoyt sitting in a tree, S-U-C-K-I-N-G -- Jessica and Hoyt are back together. No surprise there. We find out Hoyt’s mom was behind a plot to distract Hoyt from Jessica. Ho hum. I like Jessica’s character, but this relationship does nothing for me. If I were cutting superfluous subplots, this one would get the axe. Eric’s Revenge -- Viking Eric avenged the death of his parents, but will he pay the ultimate price for getting his revenge? With Eric and Russell handcuffed together and melting in the sun, we were left with a cliffhanger. But, come on, we all know Eric will live. He has to. And that's not just my libido talking. Cousin Hadley -- Hadley made several appearances this season, but like the werewolves and her sugar mama Sophie-Anne, Hadley’s story fizzled out. We last saw her running away with her telepathic son -- when and where will Hadley resurface? My guess: Not until Season 4. Sookie and Bill -- We see the two daydreaming about a “normal” life together -- Sookie will be a wealthy real estate agent and Bill will be a third grade teacher. Then BAM! Russell and Eric show up and ruin any hopes of normalcy. Will Sookie give Bill another chance? Not likely. Sookie and Eric -- All season we’ve been teased with sexy daydreams and hot kisses between these two. Not to mention, Eric's naked bottom was a nice way to start the season. But, disappointingly, Eric and Sooks never really got together. Now with Eric taking Sookie hostage and offering her blood to Russell, I see little chance of reconciliation this season. Not exactly the way to win over a reluctant lover -- maybe next time he’ll try roses and chocolates. Arlene’s Demon Baby -- Arlene had a spiritual abortion in the woods with Holly and lost her baby. Oh, wait, no she didn’t. What exactly is this baby she’s carrying? Holly’s words will likely turn out to be prophetic: “If the spirit was meant to be born, it will be born. Nothing we can do about it.” Lock your doors residents of Bon Temps. Something evil is coming your way in about 7 months. Sam's Dark Past -- Sam is not the good guy we all thought he was. Did we really need to go here? With Jason in a dark place, Sam was our last remaining bit of good in Bon Temps. Now with Sam gone to the dark side, our only moments of lightness and levity come from twisted sex scenes and decapitated heads. You are a sick man, Mr. Ball. Tara -- Oh Tara, what are we going to do with you? She seems to be the unluckiest gal in Bon Temps. First her true love, Eggs, is killed. Then she rebounds with a lunatic vampire who can text really fast and rapes her. Then she sleeps with Mean Sam. Maybe it will be revealed that Tara is actually some supernatural creature whose power is being attracted to really bad men? Otherwise, I don't have much empathy left for Tara. Sookie Is a Faerie -- "How fucking lame." Sookie is a faerie who can channel natural energy and zap vampires with her light force. Her blood is “supernatural sunscreen” and in high demand. So, how come she always ends up being held captive by vamps? Come on Sook, learn to channel that power. In the words of Yoda, "Much to learn, you still have."

What stories are you most looking forward to seeing resolved in the finale (in 2 weeks)?

Restaurant Rewards Gluttony -- This Is Why Everyone Is Fat

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:53:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

While on vacation last week, my family ventured to an all-you-can-eat buffet. The woman we rented our vacation house from described the restaurant as a "local landmark." And indeed it was something to behold -- seating for over 1,200 people and 200 feet of "deliciously authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking."

Everywhere you looked there was food and fat. Fat in the food and fat people eating the food. For $14 you could eat and eat AND EAT and plenty of folks around us seemed to be taking full advantage.

But what made me really sick was this pricing policy on the menu board:

Gastric Bypass Surgery Policy
Year #1 - 50% off base price.
Year #2 - 10% off base price.
Year #3 - 0% off base price.
To receive the reduced price you must provide Photo ID & Gastric Bypass Card!
Card must include, Patient Name, Date Of Original Surgery & Doctors Signature.
Without complete documentation on Gastric Bypass Card 0% off base price.

Note this policy is intended as a short-term price adjustment to accommodate a person whose intake is limited due to gastric bypass surgery.

Forgive me, but I'm going to go all judgmental on you here for a moment. But, if you just had gastric bypass surgery, should you really be hanging out at the ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT smorgasbord? Isn't that like an alcoholic hanging out at the brewery? Isn't this kind of food, in this kind of quantity, the polar opposite of what you should be eating?

It's almost as if this restaurant is offering a reward for obesity. Or, perhaps the discount is simply their way of apologizing for getting their patrons to the point of needing weight loss surgery in the first place. Either way, this backwards policy is another reminder of what's so wrong with the health of so many people in our country. There is no "Healthy Lifestyle Policy" pricing for those who only want to eat a moderate amount of food at the buffet. Just like my insurance company will pay for me to have gastric bypass surgery and go on diabetes medication, but won't pay for my gym membership.

I wonder when we as a country will say "enough is enough" and demand that our government, our employers, our health insurance companies, our schools, our restaurants, our friends, and our families begin to change the course of our collective health. I want to be healthier and I'm pretty sure the diners at the buffet want to be healthier, too. But, it's really hard to change bad habits when they are reinforced and rewarded everywhere we go.

Photo via basykes/Flickr

'Hard Knocks' Jets: Rex Ryan Is a Motivational Machine

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:58:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

I'm a huge NFL fan and a huge New York Jets fan, so it was a no-brainer to tune in for the premiere of Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the New York Jets on HBO last night.

Hard Knocks is an Emmy-winning documentary series in its sixth season. Each year the show follows an NFL team during training camp. The New York Jets were an obvious pick for this season -- the team is coming off a surprisingly good year -- making it to the AFC playoff game with a rookie quarterback and coach in 2009.

So how are they looking this year?

Well, it's clear that head coach Rex Ryan is the sun around which this team revolves. He is a charismatic, down-to-earth, funny, trash-talking, motivational machine. He makes me want to get off my couch, grab some pads, and join the team.

Ryan is not afraid to dish out criticism or take it, so I'm sure he won't mind if I take a moment to comment on his man boobs. Honestly, I feel a little mean even going here because I know he had lap band surgery in the off-season and dramatic weight loss can do funny things to bodies. But, the man boobs are so very, very distracting.

PSA: Jets staff, if you are reading: For the sake of all our eyes, please no more silky polo shirts for Rex. Get the man some cotton shirts. Pretty please!

Back to the team ... the big story is who's not at training camp. The Jets' best player and arguably the best defensive player in the entire league, Darrelle Revis, is holding out for a new contract. He wants more money to play this season and the rest of the players don't seem to begrudge him for this. Unfortunately for us, Revis won't appear on camera, so it's hard to adequately capture this drama on screen. But it's still obvious that his absence is casting a shadow over training camp.

Stars of the team like the goofy, good-looking quarterback Mark Sanchez and center Nick Mangold (my son's favorite player) get a little airtime, but the most compelling storyline is about the players who don't make the team. One gets hurt. Another just isn't good enough. We see them getting the news that they've been cut and the (emotional) pain in their faces is frankly hard to watch. I felt for these guys and wanted to reach through the screen and give them a big hug. They are great football players, just not great enough.

Hard Knocks, however, is great enough. I'll be tuning in every Wednesday to get my fix of the J-E-T-S.

Are you a football fan? Who's your team?

Photo via NewYorkJets.com

Steven Slater, American Hero, We Salute You

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:13:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Steven Slater, a JetBlue flight attendant, yesterday acted out America's collective fantasy with more flair and "f-bombs" than we ever even dared to dream of using.

Who among us hasn't secretly yearned to quit her job when it becomes unbearably annoying? And who hasn't seen (or worse been seated next to) an obnoxious passenger on a plane who deserved to be told off?

In case you're just catching up on the story, here's the awesomeness that went down yesterday:

Slater's plane landed at JFK after an uneventful flight from Pittsburgh. A passenger stood up to get their suitcase from the overhead compartment before it was time to do so. Slater told the passenger to sit down. The passenger ignored him AND hit him on the head with the suitcase. Slater asked for an apology. The passenger refused to apologize. And this is when Slater LOST IT. He grabbed the plane's intercom and announced:

"To the fucking asshole who told me to fuck off, it's been a good 28 years. I've had it. That's it."

Then he grabbed two beers from the galley, activated the emergency slide, threw his carry-on bags down the slide, and made a dramatic escape from the plane.

How amazing is that story? Steven Slater is a brave and reckless modern day hero who now has over 25,000 fans on Facebook (and growing by the second). Free Steven Slater t-shirts are sure to be a collector's item. He's even trending on Google AND Twitter. Will the glory ever fade?

Now, of course, there are some pretty big downsides to actually living out the fantasy like Slater did. Like, for instance, losing your job. And being charged with crimes that could land you in jail for seven years.

But, just for today, we'll brush aside these petty consequences and raise a $6 beer from the beverage cart in honor of Steven Slater, a hero with courage and flair who taught us all what it truly means to go rogue. Cheers!

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar Considering 20th Child

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:21:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

If you listen closely, you can hear Michelle Duggar's uterus screaming for mercy all the way from Arkansas. After 19 kids, reality TV stars Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar aren't quite ready to stop procreating.

Super-mom Michelle told RadarOnline earlier this week:

"That would be wonderful! We would love another person to add to our family. We will wait and see and take it one at a time."

The season premiere of 19 Kids and Counting aired last night on TLC and showed the homecoming of baby number 19, Josie, who was born in late December three months premature.

So, how's Josie doing seven months after her birth?

In last night's episode, we see Michelle saying an emotional good-bye to the hospital staff in the NICU who have been caring for Josie. Josie still needs supplemental oxygen to ensure her oxygen stays at a certain level and wears a heart monitor. Michelle wonders how Josie will adjust to a world that's not full of beeping machines and bright lights. It was an emotional farewell, then homecoming. Maybe I even shed a tear.

Josie is still tiny -- only weighing 11 pounds, 1 ounce -- less than my sumo wrestler of son weighed at birth. But, she's smiling, cooing, and developing well.

Despite my personal misgivings about the Duggars wanting to have more kids, I'm happy to see Josie is doing well and we know that she'll grow up in a large, loving family.

Do you think the Duggars are crazy to want a 20th child?

Image via TLC

Tropical Storm Colin: Whose Weekend Plans Is It Going to Ruin?

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:08:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

Tropical Storm Colin has formed in the Atlantic and is on a trajectory to hit the Atlantic Seaboard this weekend. Tropical storms are never good news, but at least this one doesn't look like it will interfere with the oil spill clean-up in the Gulf.

Colin, the third tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, currently has maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and is located 840 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands.

(Don't worry, I don't expect you to know where the Leeward Islands are ... I googled them for us. The Leeward Islands are in the northern Caribbean and include popular vacation spots like Saint Martin and the Virgin Islands.)

So, where is Topical Storm Colin headed once he leaves the vicinity of these lovely islands?

The current storm track would bring Colin somewhere between Bermuda and South Carolina by Sunday. But, more good news about Colin -- it's not currently expected to become a hurricane. It is however likely to bring heavy surf and rip currents to beaches along the Atlantic coast, so take precautions if you're planning to hit the beach this weekend.

Tropical Storms Alex, Bonnie, and Colin have all been pretty tame. Are you still nervous about hurricane season this year?

Image via Shootingsnow/Flickr

Bethenny Frankel Teaches Us How Not to Shop For 'I Just Had a Baby' Undies

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:09:00 EDT

Post by Tracy Odell

gets sent to shop for "I just had a baby" underwear.

When I needed post-baby panties, I just picked up a package of granny panties at Target. But, this being reality tv, Max goes to Intimacy, a high-end lingerie store, to buy the undies.

The saleswoman starts off by giving him some good advice, like looking for something that is stretchy and soft at the waistband. But, then she suggests a thong. Huh?

Trust me on this -- you will NOT want to wear a thong home from the hospital after giving birth.

Here are three things you should look for when shopping for "I just had a baby" underwear:

A soft, stretchy material. Whether you have a C-section or vaginal birth, you are going to have sensitive, sore areas and won't want anything that's too tight touching them.

A full cut brief. You'll be wearing a bulky maxi pad for at least the first few weeks post-birth and you'll need enough material to hold that sucker in place.

A cheap price tag. Skip the lingerie store. You're going to want to throw these panties away when you're done with them.

Want to laugh? Watch this video of Max shopping, including his hilarious indecision about what size to buy: