Exciting New Health Advice For Women~Chardonnay May Be the Answer!

How many times have you reached for a cool white wine at the end of a long hard day? It seems Chardonnay is the choice for many women! Keep reading!


Do you have feelings of inadequacy?

Do you suffer from shyness?

Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist (or bartender or liquor store clerk) about Chardonnay.

Chardonnay is the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.

Chardonnay can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything. No more secrets!

You will notice the benefits of Chardonnay almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had.

Stop hiding and start living, with Chardonnay.

Chardonnay may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Chardonnay. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration,erotic lustfulness, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, loss of virginity, delusions of grandeur, table dancing,headache, dehydration, dry mouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke and play all-night rounds of Strip Poker, Truth Or Dare, and Naked Twister.

WARNINGS: -

* The consumption of Chardonnay may make you think you are
whispering when you are not.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may cause you to tell your
friends over and over again that you love them.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may cause you to think you can
sing.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may lead you to believe that
ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may make you think you can
logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

* The consumption of Chardonnay may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

Now Just Imagine What You Could Achieve With a Good Dry Red!!!

(this was too cute not to pass along... remember~MODERATION in EVERYTHING!)

Rock the Vote! Get Free Treats!

Please Vote!

You can even get a free treat for doing so!


Your favorite coffee awaits! Free for voting!

Starbucks: Giving away a free tall coffee to people with proof of voting

(or a pledge of having voted.)

A patriotic donut,

just for voting!

Krispy Kreme: Giving away free star-shaped donuts with red, white and blue sprinkles (while supplies last) to people with an “I voted” sticker all day

How about

some ice cream?

Ben & Jerry’s: Giving away a free scoop in any flavor from 5pm to 8pm

to anyone who say they voted.

Fun treats for you on an exciting day!

My Jack O Lantern Gets a Spa Treatment~Happy Halloween From Southern California! Cool and Crisp? I Don't Think So!

I try, I really try to bring the seasons to my home. Christmas (winter) is insane! I'll post my gorgeous over the top Christmas decor soon. I strive for a Griswald Family Christmas, to say the least! LOL

Come Spring, I bring out the bunny banners, garden statuary and pastel egg colorations, in every shape, form and fashion. I change the front door decor and many other table tops and display cabinets in my home.


Halloween and Fall? I'm having a dilemma! Here is a brief recap of my problematic fall decor...

Oh sure, I have my beautiful fall wreath on my front door, and my front porch decorations, are lovingly placed for all my trick or treaters to see. I have a cute glamorous witch sign, some nifty fall topiaries and a gorgeous black cat right at the entrance of my house. On All Hallows Eve, costumed visitors will even be treated to a talking wizard in a crystal ball. Yes, I am ready for the little tricksters.

Alas, my poor decorative outdoor pumpkins, part of my festive fall decor, are shriveling beyond recognition, thanks to the over 90 degree temps we have had in my neck of the woods, FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE FOREVER.

I am so sick of this heat....but, I digress.... I heard soaking them in water will perk them up.

This one got a Spa Treatment today!

I live in a beautiful part of California. We are blessed with Mediterranean temperatures, and ocean breezes, rolling hills, hot air balloons and wineries, right in our own back yard.

However, the past months have been brutal, with regard to daytime heat indexes. Every single day has been 87-100 plus degrees since....well, since the middle of summer. Now, I grant you, our nights finally cool off to the fifties or sixties, and that makes early morning jogs euphoric. However.....there is something wrong when the temperature reaches 90 degrees or more at the end of October!

You end up with pumpkins that need re-hydration!
I'm running a spa for pumpkins, people!

Only in California!

Ah, the things we do in the name of beauty!

Vote! Don't Let This Happen To You!

Nancy Ellyn thwarts the election! Video seen here!



I discovered this last week and sent it to a bunch of my friends! It's pretty fun (especially for my Democratic peeps) and your buds will get a kick out of it, I'm sure!

WHATEVER YOUR PARTY or PERSUASION......PLEASE VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOV. 4!

She Said She Had Breast Cancer~But, She LIED!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I have been pondering what kind of post I should make, recognizing this important cause.

This story hit my gut so hard, I decided this was the one I should post.

Please support all survivors, victims, sisters, friends, aunts, husbands, brothers, mothers and daughters who have been touched by this dreaded, yet common disease.

How do you feel about this fraud? I find it so disturbing, I cannot even come up with a good excuse for this person, who claims to be a victim.

Here is a look at the amazing, awful story.~ My synopsis follows~

Meet Suzy Bass (pictured left), a popular high school math teacher who had her students, her friends, her co-workers and her family convinced she had stage IV breast cancer.

She claimed it had spread to her shoulder, her bones, her heel and that Chemotherapy no longer worked. The truth? She was making it all up! She was perfectly healthy and duped everyone, even her own family.

How shameful is that? Wonder if Karma ever entered her mind? What a sad situation.

Disgusting, morbid, sad and incredible. I pray for her. She is one mentally ill woman, obviously.

_____________________________________________________________

Read the COMPLETE story, courtesy of Glamour Magazine. brilliantly written by the author Erin Zammett Ruddy

Suzy Bass had less than a year to live. The Knoxville, Tennessee, high school math teacher was battling stage IV breast cancer, and it had spread to her shoulder and heel. Chemotherapy no longer worked; an experimental bone marrow therapy she’d tried as a last resort appeared futile. Her students and colleagues were devastated. Bass, then 41, was a popular newcomer to the picturesque private Webb School near the Smoky Mountains that fall of 2007. “Ms. Bass was the cool teacher,” says Michaelan Moore, 18, who was a junior in Bass’s Algebra II class. “Everyone just loved her immediately. We could tell her anything.”

Because Bass had recently moved to Knoxville and was single, two Webb staffers—Julieanne Pope, 43, and Terri Ward, 51—became her part-time caregivers. “I left my cell phone on my nightstand every night in case she needed anything,” says Ward, the dean of faculty. “On bad days I’d tell her, ‘We are going to attack this. We are going to fight.’” When Bass was too sick to teach, they’d cover her classes. And they kept a steady stream of casseroles and smoothies going to her condo. “We would visit and she’d be shaking, pale and so sick,” says Pope, Webb’s technology coordinator. At school Bass would cover her head—bald from chemotherapy—with a knit cap, and limp from the tumor in her foot.

In October Webb students and faculty put together a team for Komen Knoxville Race for the Cure to benefit the local breast cancer charity affiliate. “Suzy’s Crew for the Cure,” they called it. But when race day came, Bass was too weak to even walk. “She just met us at the finish line so she could cross it,” says Pope. As Bass’s condition worsened, she sent an e-mail to Pope thanking her for her support and friendship, and in an attached document, she outlined her last wishes. She asked that she be cremated, her ashes scattered in the Cayman Islands, with no tears: “I want whoever is sprinkling to be enjoying friends, family and loved ones, laughing and just having fun,” she said.

Inspired by Bass’s brave battle, Webb’s students dedicated their prom fund-raiser to her, raising money for Komen for the Cure by selling T-shirts bearing the charity’s logo. “Everyone wanted to support Ms. Bass,” says Eliza Dawson, 17, a student who helped coordinate the event. The students planned to present a check to the director of Komen’s Knoxville branch—with Bass by their side—during prom, and their efforts were covered by the local newspaper.

A week before the big dance, though, the school received a series of troubling phone calls. The callers were intimately familiar with Bass’s devastating saga. But they weren’t upset about her deadly illness—they were furious.

Read the rest of the story here~http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2008/10/she-said-she-had-breast-cancer-but-she-lied

My Blog Log Deleted My Blog~Move Along~Nothing to See Here!

I'm trying to claim it and get it back. They tell me I have to post a new post and include some sort of tag. Okay, here it is. I hope it works.

Here's a little visual, to make this less boring..... I love John & Kate Plus 8 and little Joel is my favorite.....here's a clip of the little cutie!

Now, for those of you who don't know, he is one of six!

A major multiple birth story, he has three sisters and two brothers, all from the same "litter". I don't mean that to be rude, but I don't know the PC term. Anyway, he is the youngest of the six sextuplets.

So, he has all these semi similar siblings (how's THAT for alliteration?) around him! Plus, he has two older twin sisters.

I'm sure his dad was trying to explain to him the differences between him and all his sisters. So sweet and so innocent. I love it. What a precious baby!





Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

(My Blog Log IS a Wiener for deleting me and not adding me back!) BlogLog! Please fix my account!

I am Nancy Ellyn and I approved this message.

Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon

Watching this video of Jackson and Warren Zevon warmed my heart. I know Jackson is close to the family, and seeing those two together so long ago, you can see their mutual admiration for each other. Watch when they make eye contact, and the smiles between them.





Mohammed's Radio
(Warren Zevon)

Everybody's restless and they've got no place to go
Someone's always trying to tell them
Something they already know
So their anger and resentment flow

But don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's Radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio, Mohammed's Radio

You know, the Sheriff's got his problems too
He will surely take them out on you
In walked the village idiot and his face was all aglow
He's been up all night listening to Mohammed's Radio

Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's Radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio, Mohammed's Radio

Everybody's desperate trying to make ends meet
Work all day, still can't pay the price of gasoline and meat
Alas, their lives are incomplete

Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long Mohammed's Radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio, Mohammed's Radio

You've been up all night listening for his drum
Hoping that the righteous might just might just might just come
I heard the General whisper to his aide-de-camp
"Be watchful for Mohammed's lamp"

Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long Mohammed's Radio

BACK By Popular Demand! Chewy, Traditional LOW CARB Pizza Crust!

Okay, folks YOU ASKED FOR IT....Here is THE ORIGINAL VERSION of Nancy's Low Carb Pizza! HAND TOSSED STYLE!

I added an extra egg to make a slightly chewier crust. This is like a traditional, hand tossed pizza!

Ingredients for crust~

4 Eggs
3 Cups Shredded Mozzerella
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar/Jack Combo
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Basil

Mix all this in a bowl until all the cheese is coated with egg. I do it by hand, like when you make a meatloaf

The extra egg makes a traditional, substantial crust.

Your cheese egg combo will feel wet, but just pat, pat, pat it out onto your pam sprayed pan.

Bake at 450 for 10-15 minutes

Here is a picture before baking

Once it is baked it will look like this

Now, add your toppings

I used

1/4 cup marinara sauce1

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup shredded cheddar/jack

12 Italian Meatballs sliced into quarters

1 onion sautéed

Top the pizza and run it under the broiler at 500 until cheese is melted.

Here's what my finished pizza looked like! ~~~~~ I know you're drooling!

This yields a slightly thicker, chewy crust with crispy edges. I

t makes a huge 16 inch pizza.

It yields 12 to 16 slices with a very low carb count depending on toppings.

If you like a classic, chewy crust, this one is for YOU!

Is this what we call food porn?
Enjoy with a side salad or some yummy broccoli!

DINNER IS SERVED!

Hope you will try it, especially if you low carb, or avoid gluten. No
flour of any kind in this yummy pizza!

Jackson Browne! on ~the Cover of the Rolling Stone!~

I don't know how many years it has been since

I've seen Jackson Browne mentioned on the cover of Rolling Stone.

There he is!

I got the new Rolling Stone today, and I was thrilled to see Jackson featured on the cover "blurbs".



I open up and there is a multi page interview with him.

"The Easygoing Patriot" Jackson Browne on Obama's chances, what he learned from Dylan and living off the grid, By David Fricke.




Great read and it has a really personal picture of Jackson, sitting on the floor of his bedroom, playing his electric guitar.




How about that picture?



Thrilling that his album is in the top 20, and he is featured in a multi page story in Rolling Stone!

His upcoming birthday is mentioned as well.

He'll be sixty in a few days. Time didn't conquer Jackson Browne, that's for sure!


From the text~

Making music is one of the greatest pleasures I've ever experienced — and I'm one who sought pleasure," Jackson Browne says with a quiet laugh on an early-autumn afternoon in a New York hotel room. But, he adds, "the heart of my activism is the belief that these pleasures are for everybody. If we continue what we're doing as a country . . . " He pauses. "We're all in the same boat. That's always been the subject of my songs. We only have a little time. It's a mess, so you do everything you can."

That urgency also runs through Browne's new studio album, Time the Conqueror, one of the best and most important records he has made because it combines his folk-rock romanticism and his political idealism in songs that are both pointed and reflective.

In the late-Sixties high of "Off of Wonderland," named after a street in Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon, Browne looks back on his own merry adolescence. But he follows that with the dark, brisk march "Drums of War" that, Browne says, "is a call to arms. We've just been accepting someone else's description of who the enemy is." In the nine-minute Hurricane Katrina postmortem "Where Were You," Browne pursues the trail of failure with the detailed fury of Bob Dylan's "Masters of War." "Everyone wants to get to the bottom of things," Browne insists. "They want to decide and know. It's natural."

Born in the former West Germany and raised in Los Angeles, Browne — who turns 60 on October 9th — was a precociously successful songwriter, covered by Nico, Tom Rush and the Byrds, even before he released his 1972 debut album, Jackson Browne. By the late Seventies, Browne had defined the indulgence and interior examination of California-rock life on bestselling albums such as 1976's The Pretender and 1977's Running on Empty.

But then he turned acutely topical, addressing America's imperial capitalism and swing to the right under Ronald Reagan on 1983's Lawyers in Love and 1986's Lives in the Balance.

Now, Browne says, "One of the great affirmations is to play a really old song next to a new one, to hear how they resonate with one another."

He is doing that on his current tour, with a full band, connecting the pleasure and patriotism, history and new headlines in his work. "'Lives in the Balance' was about U.S. policy in Central America," Browne says, "but it's about much more. If I play it now, it's obviously about Iraq." But Browne looks forward to the day when he no longer needs to sing it. "Hopefully, it will become an artifact of the distant past."

How do you define a successful topical song — one that works as melody and message, not just protest?

Strategy is important. You want to reach people, and you want to reach people that don't necessarily agree with you. People stand up and cheer in the middle of "Lives in the Balance" when I sing it now.

At the time, they weren't sure they wanted to go there. Also, I used to make the mistake of introducing the song, talking about it. Suddenly, you're a civics teacher, and that isn't cool.

You have to be stealthy. Sting's song "They Dance Alone" [on 1987's Nothing Like the Sun] is one of my favorite examples of how to speak to people. He magnified an appropriated image [demonstrations by women in memory of the men tortured and murdered by Chile's military junta in the Seventies] and passed it on to the world. So did Marvin Gaye in "What's Going On." No one was expecting an anti-war song from him. But it was a moment in time when people were willing to hear it from anybody, if it was heartfelt. And who better than the person who has talked to you about love and desire?

When you wrote "Where Were You," did you sit down and think, "I have to say something about how the White House failed the people of New Orleans"?

It began as an idea I had literally in the middle of a cloudburst in California. It was raining so hard, I thought, "These people in the street, where are they gonna go? They're gonna wash away." I had this guitar lick, and when I played it with the band, I thought, "I know what this can be about." I spent a lot of time researching what happened, the timeline.

I wrote a lot of stuff that I threw out: "This does not bear singing over and over again."
Passion is always the thing that motivates you. You're trying to get to the truth, what matters. There is a natural sense of politeness: "I don't want to bum you out." We all have that in certain measure. But isn't politeness one of the things punk musicians railed against? "F**k you! I'm talking about something that matters here."

When Kris Kristofferson became political, it was astounding. He made an album of great songs and understanding about what was going on [1990's Third World Warrior], singing these songs to the most conservative audience America has. I thought it was one of the hippest records anybody ever made: [affects Kristofferson's deep, slow growl] "They're killing babies in the name of freedom/We've been down this sorry road before....I've just got to wonder what my daddy would've done/If he'd seen the way they turned his dream around" ["Don't Let the Bastards (Get You Down)"]. That's a strategy — no apologies. Tell them what you know, in this undeniably authentic, American voice.

How American — and authentic — is your voice?

One of the great things about America is there are so many freaks and oddballs, instances of uniqueness. I would hope I'm unique [laughs]. I'm certainly American. I grew up in a Mexican neighborhood, in a house people referred to as "the church" because it looked like a mission. It had stained glass and a chapel with a pipe organ in it. Underneath that was a dungeon. We had a full array of metaphysical metaphors, right there in the house.

My grandfather — my father's father — built that house in a countryside between Los Angeles and Pasadena that was inhabited by a lot of odd people. He was from the Bay Area and played jug-band music. He made a grandfather clock by hand, carved out of wood. And the house was filled with Indian artifacts, because he collected them. I have an ever-present example in my life of someone who was bohemian, making the world what he wanted it to be.

Read the rest of the story here:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/23415857/the_easygoing_patriot

Your Friday Levity

After my rant yesterday, I decided I better lighten up today!
This little baby gives a "speech" that is hilarious. Too cute.

Charming Jackson on the Colbert Report

Jackson Browne totally charms me. I don't always agree with him politically, but I love his passion and dedication to his beliefs. This interview with Stephen Colbert is fabulous and you can see why so many people love him! Oh gosh, Jackson is so composed and trying so hard to get his points across, but that Colbert is running the show! So special to see Jackson in this genre.

********Be sure and watch both the interview and his performance. Scroll past the transcript for the second clip. You don't want to miss this stunning acoustic version of this song.********

Jackson Browne on Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, Tuesday, September 23, 2008, ©2008 Comedy Central.



Transcript:

Stephen Colbert: A huge longtime fan, which makes it even harder to do what I have to do right now, which is tear you a new one, my friend. Now, you're suing John McCain, because he used "Running on Empty"? Tell me about it.

Jackson Browne: Yeah, well, he used my song in an attack ad, attacking Barack Obama, and he didn't —

Colbert: So??

Browne: — ask for it, nor would he have been given permission. He didn't get permission, he didn't pay for it.

Colbert: How do deny John McCain anything? Need I remind you who else denied him their song rights? The Việt Cộng! [laughter] The man gets anything he wants now.

Browne: Evidently.

Colbert: Yeah, evidently he does. So, what's your problem with McCain? You've got a few differences of opinion, I'm guessing. What are your concerns that he doesn't share?

Browne: Well, uh, besides copyright, besides honoring artists' rights to their property —

Colbert: Oh, it's "free" everything, "Free Love!", "Free Speech!" — but not free songs.

Browne: That's right.

Colbert: That's right. That's very selective with your freedom there, Jack!

[laughter]

Browne: Well, you know, I'm also pretty tight with my endorsements. I don't endorse anybody who comes along.

Colbert: You didn't endorse me when I ran for President, and I didn't even use one of your songs. I used Devo's "Whip It!" — and I got some trouble for that. Yeah, they were pretty mad at me, but I think it was a perfectly valid use for the song, because, you know, as the lyric says, "when a problem comes along, you must whip it!"

Browne: Yeah, one of the great rock lyrics of all time.

Colbert: So, you're no fan of nuclear energy, are you?

Browne: No.

Colbert: What are your problems with nuclear energy, other than the fact that there might be an accident or a meltdown or fallout from a terrorist attack? Other than those three, 'cause I've named them —

Browne: Other than that, it can't pay for itself. It needs government subsidies, which basically will result in a sort of socialized corporatism that the American people would pay for and Wall Street would profit from —

Colbert: They're getting used to paying for things that Wall Street profits from.

Browne: Exactly.

Colbert: So I think it might be easier in the future, to sell that idea.

Browne: The problem is, they still don't know what to do with all the waste. They act as if, "Oh, we're gonna work that out in the next little while," but it's been 50, 60 years now —

Colbert: Why don't we just spread the waste evenly from state to state? Or do you have something against mutants now?

Browne: Exactly.

Colbert: "Everybody should be accepted, except people with psychic power"?

Browne: That's it, that's it.

Colbert: You have a new album called Time the Conqueror.

Browne: Yes.

Colbert: Is it safe to assume that that is about a time-traveling conquistador?

Browne: Sort of, yeah, no, it's about that time is the one thing that will conquer all of us, and conquer —

Colbert: That's why we should stay in Iraq for 100 years, because that's the best way to conquer it, just throw as much time at it as we possibly can.

Browne: That's the other thing I really differ with McCain on, you know. He should not — we should be out of Iraq as fast as we can. We should be leaving —

Colbert: Whose side are you on in this war??

Browne: That's a very good question. I asked that —

Colbert: It's an excellent question.

Browne: I asked that question in my new album. I asked that question in "Drums of War," that's right: Who is the enemy? Who is the enemy?

Colbert: The "Blame America First" crowd.

Browne: No, who — [laughter] — no, no: who is the enemy who's trying to crush us? Who's the enemy of peace and justice? Who's the enemy of truth and freedom? Where are the courts when we need them? Why is impeachment "off the table"?

Colbert: Oh, just because it rhymes doesn't make it true, Jackson! It's not fair! I don't have a rhyming dictionary back here!

Browne: We'd better stop them, while we are able.

Colbert: Will you come back, and rhyme with a guitar?

Browne: Sure. Sure.

Colbert: Thank you, Jackson. Jackson Browne — he'll be right back.

____________________________________________________________________

In part two, he performs "Going Down to Cuba", a new song from Time the Conqueror. I love this song. Jackson is always so serious, so it's a real treat when his sense of humor comes thru. Lovely performance, and a favorite of mine. I think I love it more than the version on his new record.




Going Down to Cuba
(Jackson Browne)

I’m going to down to Cuba someday soon
Following that Caribbean moon
It’s been too long since I’ve been there
I’m going down there to see my friends
Down where the rhythm never ends
Where women wear gardenias in their hair

People will tell you it’s not easy
You’re not supposed to go, they say
They say that Cuba is the enemy
I’m going down there anyway

I’m going down to Cuba to see my friends
Down where the rhythm never ends
And no problem is too difficult to solve
Yeah times are tough down there it’s true
But you know they’re gonna make it through
They make such continuous use of the verb to resolve

They’ve got to deal with that embargo
Enough to drive any country insane
They might not know the freedoms you and I know
They do know what to do in a hurricane

Maybe I’ll go through Mexico
Old Jesse Helms don’t have to know
Anyway all the allies of the USA
Travel to Cuba everyday

I’m going down to Cuba to see my friends
Down where the rhythm never ends
Where by comparison my trouble will just unravel
I’m North American, you know
Don’t like to hear where I can’t go
Free people will insist on the freedom to travel

I’m gonna drink the ron añejo (no, no, a mojito)
And walk out on the malecón
In one hand a monte cristo
And in the other an ice cream cone

I’m going down to cuba with my band
We’re going to formulate a plan
By where we obtain that cultural permission
If I told you once I told you tres
It’ll put a smile on your face
to see a Chevrolet with a soviet transmission

Elvis Has Left the Building~Houston, We Have a Problem

Say goodbye to Disneyland.

In a vote that shook the government, Wall Street and markets around the world, the House on Monday defeated a $700 billion emergency rescue for the nation's financial system, leaving both parties' lawmakers and the Bush administration scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Dismayed investors sent the Dow Jones industrials plunging nearly 800 points, the most ever for a single day.

This isn't a good thing, my friends. It is just the beginning of a financial crisis that will leave America reeling for many years to come. I'm mad that it happened; I'm mad that good honest taxpayers will be footing the bill.

We are being played. Wall Street, Big Government, Golden Parachutes, Gordon Gekko, Greed.

Who is funding the nonsense?

Main Street (that's you and me and any other taxpayer in America!)

Thru our tax dollars, mortgages, accumulation of "stuff" and general consumerism we continue to line the coffers of big business, bankers and industry, leaving our hard earned dollars disrespected and misused.

We've had our heads in the sand.

They've played us and we trusted them.

Yes, we've been conned, because we forgot whose pockets the money is coming from. It is OUR money that has been mismanaged and misused. OURS. It will be OUR MONEY that funds whatever buyout agreement finally passes.

I'm so upset about all of this I can't even see straight.

We are paying for the gasoline for our politicians, for crying out loud! We are paying for their CARS! We are paying for expenses regular people cannot even afford for themselves!

We've been conned by the best...those that gained our trust and distracted us, even as the walls were tumbling down.

I know the consumer created this along with the liberal lending, and outrageous spending. I don't have my head in the sand, but I probably was in some sort of pink cloud denial.

However, I'm one consumer who never needed to over extend myself, have a second mortgage, max out my credit cards, etc. to feel good or provide luxuries. I've never even had a car payment! We have luxuries because we saved for them and had the money to pay cash.

I hate debt; it makes me nervous. Saving and planning feels good to me, yet I feel the responsible citizens are on the short end of the stick. Other than dire circumstances, why did so many overextend and default?

I realize, the bailout is inevitable. It will happen, that's for sure. We have to get the economy moving and it won't move without a bailout.

I know that credit drives big business, and there is a major freeze on it right now, and that people could lose jobs, etc. But, if we had controlled that credit to begin with, wouldn't we be better off?

Am I one of the ones who aren't getting it?

I want to wrap my mind around WHY this happened. Because I've been very aware of money, credit and debt since I was a child, thanks to a very astute father. Am I understanding it all, from a laypersons point of view?

It doesn't help that today, out of our household income, we bring home about 55% after taxes, SSI, insurance, etc. (I live in the beautiful, yet very expensive, So. Cal.)

My area is one where foreclosures are rampant, because money was loaned on $600K houses to households with incomes less than $75K with zero down, interest only, ARM's.

Now, those houses are worth half that....and you know the rest of the story.....

The beauty has faded, Elvis has left the building, and yes, Houston, we have a problem.

If Sarah Palin Was Your Mom~What Would Your Name Be?

Sarah Palin has picked out an unusual set of names for her children. I must say, these are some very interesting choices for her babies.

Her children are named as follows: Track, Trig, Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

Ever wonder, What would your name be if Sarah Palin was your mother? Well now you can find out! Maybe you've run across this little gadget on the web before, maybe not. Put in your real name and hit submit! Funny!

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Time the Conqueror

Jackson Browne World Tour 2008 - 2009

Jackson Browne Launches World Tour in Support of

Time The Conqueror, his first album of new material in six years.

(I waited to post this until the album had dropped.)

Here is one of many fabulous reviews.

Review of Live Show : Hail the 'Conqueror, Jackson Browne triumphs at Orpheum

By Christopher John Treacy : Boston Herald

» Learn More

Wednesday, September 17, 2008


Jackson Browne refrained from mouthing off about his "Running on Empty" copyright infringement suit against John McCain Tuesday night at the Orpheum. The nearly 60-year-old songwriter charmed the audience through a night that leaned heavily on brand new music, a tricky maneuver but one he pulled off admirably.

Indeed, Browne made a good case for his new CD, "Time the Conqueror," which arrives in stores next week (Note: this CD is available everywhere now), mainly by demonstrating how little he's changed.

His last two releases have been eager-to-please concert recordings culled from solo shows. Full band tours leave less room for flexibility, but the fullness of the arrangements more than compensated for his sticking to a set list.

"Boulevard," from 1980's transitional "Hold Out," made for a lively opener, featuring harmonies from piano man Jeff Young and impeccable backup singers Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills.

The first set included four new songs, including title track "Time the Conqueror" with its gorgeous melodic pop, the Laurel Canyon-inspired "Off of Wonderland" and "Live Nude Cabaret," which showcased the raunchy, blues guitar of Mark Goldenberg. more

Listen to Time the Conqueror

All Jackson Browne~All the time

So, Why Do We Blog?

Why do I go to the trouble of blogging, expressing my feelings and sometimes, baring my soul?

Why do any of us do this? It's certainly not for any monetary gain, I would guess for most of us.

Maybe it's just plain old narcissism. That's just part of the human condition, after all....

Why do I blog?

Sometimes, to help others...other times, to amuse myself. I love words and pictures; symbols, icons, pop culture, philosophy, new age wisdom and the teachings of the masters.

If a smile can be shared, I want to blog about it.

If wisdom AND KNOWLEDGE equals power, I want to further the cause. If something delights my heart and soul, I want to share it with YOU!

My reasons are at once selfish and selfless; a dichotomy.

I am a Renaissance woman and I am ever evolving, as is my blog. I have no focus group or demographic...that will be revealed in time.

Still, my answer and the reasons for blogging captures the essence of ME, from my heart and soul and not what others expect of me......

This is true and it is MY truth.....

In amusing and educating myself, I hope to do so with others....... and contribute to the realization that we are all part of the whole.

Disturbing, Amusing and VERY, VERY STRANGE!

What was the advertising agency thinking, for crying out loud?????




There is so much about this video that is disturbing.

OMG! It sounds like he's saying "prostitute".

Also, is it just me, or does that little dude look a tad (ahem) phallic??????

Not only does it sound like "prostitute".. the little guy clearly says "were all gettin some"..

Gives a whole new meaning to "thirty minute delivery". YIKES!!!!!

Is this subliminal or a joke????

I can't believe it's a real commercial!

(maybe I should just get my mind out of the gutter!)

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Take It Easy....FLASHBACK!

So many folks don't know that Jackson Browne wrote most of the song "Take It Easy".

When Jackson didn't finish it, his buddy Glen Frey asked if he could complete the song.

After many discussions....Jackson said, "okay".

You all know the end result was a HUGE hit for the Eagles.

Here is some rare footage of the Eagles, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt performing the classic song, "Take It Easy".

VERY RARE to have this group performing the same song at the same time!!!! Fabulous!

I have no idea who's in that audience, but I shudder to think that's what we all looked like,back in the day!

Jackson Browne - These Days

He wrote this when he was sixteen....Talk about poetry....

Well I've been out walking

I don't do that much talking these days

These days--

These days I seem to think a lot

About the things that I forgot to do

For you

And all the times I had the chance to

And I had a lover

It's so hard to risk another these days

These days--

Now if I seem to be afraid

To live the life that I have made in song

Well it's just that I've been losing for so long

I'll keep on moving...moving on

Things are bound to be improving these days

These days--These days I sit on corner stones

And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend

Don't confront me with my failures

I had not forgotten them

How can you argue with this? Jackson, Jackson, Jackson! YAY!

It's Time For Another Funny Kitty Video

For your end of the week viewing pleasure~

I give you

PIPPY the Jumping Kitty!

be sure and play with the sound on

Medusa: COLD CASE FILE: THE CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS KIMKINS WOMAN...CONTEST !!!

Do You Know This Woman?

Have YOU Ever Seen This Photo?

Medusa: COLD CASE FILE: THE CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS KIMKINS WOMAN...CONTEST !!!

My friend Medusa, is so smart...Keep reading!

~This is from her blog~

One of the many fake "after" pictures that Heidi Diaz/Kimmer posted on her Kimkins.con website last year to depict her fraudulent weight loss continues to intrigue me.

The picture has never been found and/or the woman identified.

Many posters on the Fascination with Kimmer (FWK) thread on Low Carb Friends searched for the picture but never found it.

So I have decided to have a contest in an attempt to

quench my insatiable curiosity.

The person who is able to find the original picture of the mystery woman and provide me with a link or

tear-sheet of it in its original form,

will win

a $25.00 gift certificate from Amazon.com

.So all you super sleuths, start digging :^)

DO ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO THIS WOMAN IS? If so, please report to Medusa!

Here is her original post, with all the contest details!

http://www.2medusa.com/2008/05/cold-case-file-case-of-mysterious.html

Beautiful Jackson~

Yes he is, and here he is....for your viewing pleasure~

Still takes my breath away.....

~I thought I was a child

Until you turned and smiled

By now I should have long been gone

But, here I am, still looking on

As if I didn't know, which way to run~

thank you, Jackson!

Farts Are Funny!

In a discussion which got heated, on a message board I frequent, a few of us decided to lighten the mood by discussing, of all things, farts.....

Why are farts so funny?

The great comedian George Carlin actually has a routine based on the humorous nature of farts.

Great material.

Here's my contribution to all the folks out there who agree with me,

that FARTS are indeed FUNNY!

(yes, at times I have the sense of humor of a twelve year old boy)

In my powder room~

(guest bathroom, decorated with hand painted tole trays,

paintings of roses and a very Victorian theme)

I have this book, prominently displayed

Yes, I do.

This is a classic and I encourage you to Google it

and obtain it from your favorite bookstore as well as the sequel~

In an effort to lighten your (ahem) load at the end of this busy week~
I leave you with a fart joke
~to read~to share~to laugh about

Don't be afraid to laugh!
It's good for your spirit and good for the soul!

Doctor, "What seems to be the problem?"

Patient, "Doc, I've got the farts. I mean I fart all the time,"

The Doctor nods, "Hmm."

Patient, "My farts do not stink and you can't hear them.
It's just that I fart all the time.

Look, we've been talking here for about 10 minutes and I've farted five times.

You didn't hear them and you don't smell them, do you?

""Hmm," says the Doctor,He picks up his pad and writes out a prescription.

The patient is thrilled

"Great doc. This prescription, will it really clear up my farts?"

"No," sighs the Doctor,

"The prescription is to clear your sinuses.
Next week I want you back here for a hearing test."

The Case of the Missing Tampons

I saw these two pictures today, and thought they were so funny. Apparently, the person who took them was standing in line at Wal Mart to return something, and noticed this cute little kid.

Upon further observation, she noticed the kid was sucking on a TAMPON!

Later today, I read the funniest story, written by a friend who posts on one of the message boards I frequent. She is the mother of sons, the only girl in the house, and kept discovering a dwindling tampon supply month after month. Was she going crazy, simply forgetful, or was there more to this mystery?

My friend, "Tooter" had to solve

the case of the missing tampons!

Her Story Follows

Where Are The Tampax?

Ok, I'm the only female in a house full of guys: 4 sons and a hubby.

Toilet seat never down, etc.-you get the picture.

Therefore, I'm the only one who would be using Female products, correct?

A strange thing was happening at my house: tampons were disappearing.

*insert Twilight Zone theme*

It started a few months ago, when I went to my cupboard to get out a tampon and there was only one left. I could have sworn I had just bought a box the month before.

So, I go back to the store, buy a new box and forget about it.

The next month (that time of month), I go back to the cupboard and viola! there is only one tampon left, again!

What is going on here? Gremlins? Total memory failure?

I go to the store, buy another box and try to chalk it up to forgetfulness,

but am really wondering, now.

Later in the month, I decide to clean out my two youngest sons' closet and,

Low and Behold!

at the bottom of their closet are the wrappers, applicators, and the tampon themselves!

Now I am starting to freak... Dear God, what are they doing with them?!!

I get hold of myself, tell myself that "I am an Adult" and can handle this-despite the bizarre thoughts running through my mind.

Wondering, "Do I have enough money saved up in the bank for

MAJOR THERAPY?"

I go to the stairs and yell to my two youngest sons to "Come Here, RIGHT NOW!!!"

With their usual lack of speed, they finally appear in their room to find me staring

into the bottom of their closet.

I firmly, but with control, ask,

"What are you doing with THOSE? Those are MINE!"

My 12 year old looks like a deer caught in the headlights and is silent.
My 10 year old looks at me, all innocent, and says,

"Well, Mom, we were playing with our G.I. Joes and THOSE make really good SCUD missiles.

What do YOU use them for?"

"NEVER MIND...GO PLAY!"

Aggie American Idol! ~Calling All Jason Castro Fans~

My nephew (darling sister Debbie's son) is a graduate student at Texas A & M University, and my sister recently sent me this forwarded letter which is a "call to action" to help get American Idol contestant Jason Castro in the top three finalists.

I was going to get my friend Austin Girl or her side kick Buddy "Fat Bastard" to do a shout out about this to all her Texas readers, but I thought better of it, figuring those two are University of Texas fans (for those of you who don't know, there is a bitter rivalry between Texas A & M and University of Texas....Bitter, bad, bad. bad, bitter, bitter.)

http://buddyfatbastard.blogspot.com/
(read more about Buddy, here)

http://www.austingirlblog.blogspot.com/

(read more about Austin Girl, too)



Fat Bastard has probably already wrecked havoc upon an Aggie dog or two

(or fifty),

I'm guessing.

If you are a Jason Castro fan, or a Texas A & M Fan~Here's some info~

If any of you are inclined to help out an Aggie,

here is the plea to all Aggies,

which was sent to me!

Please, no messages about the merits of each contestant. I love all of them, but the three boys left really are my favorites!

The voting for tonight continues for two hours after your

American Idol episode airs.


Texas A&M student Jason Castro '09, a landscape architecture major from Rockwall, has made it to the final four on the Fox television talent show American Idol.

If he receives enough votes tonight to advance to the final three, Jason will come home to Texas A&M to film a segment for the American Idol show, bringing a glimpse of Aggieland to tens of millions of American Idol viewers

around the world.

But for that to happen, the Aggie Network must join together to vote Jason through to the next round. Something special happens when the Aggie family unites in support of a fellow Ag—bonds are strengthened, memories are made, and the Aggie story gains another layer.

This is where you come in as a former student. Tonight at 7 p.m. Central time, take a moment to watch Jason perform live on American Idol on your local Fox station, then follow the instructions for voting Jason through to the next round. Voting is straightforward: a simple phone call or text message to the number on the screen.

For more information:

Maroon Out planned for Jason Castro
Vote Jason Home podcast (iTunes software required)
American Idol homepage
"An American Idol Journey" from The Bryan-College Station Eagle

Gig em, Aggies! Yes, that would be Beautiful Daughter, oh so many years ago~

Editing after the show~ My LORD!

David Archuleta blew everyone away, in my humble opinion!

This boy is in a league all his own.

I don't know how to define his voice and presence.

The words that come to mind are ~heavenly, angelic, pure, innocent, beautiful, stunning, perfect, harmonious~

This is the person to beat, IMO and the fabulous music savant that lives with me! Well, he's really not a savant~ just really smart about anything involving music!

My assessment is this~ Jason has such charm, but he was off for his two songs.

I liked him, but music experts who reside in my house pointed out his sacrilege;

for example, pitch problems, cadence, phrasing, etc.

I bow to the expertise I am blessed to live with, but I liked what he did!

I Shot the Sheriff and Mr. Tambourine Man, two completely classic, wonderful, quirky songs, were great choices, IMO

~ I loved him, but the consensus (in my humble abode and that of Randy, Paula and Simon) was that he was "off"~

The kid is so relaxed and adorable, you can't help but love him! Nothing Simon says phases him. For sure, he is the underdog for the top three, but my family is certainly rooting for him! GO JASON!!!

I think David Cook will make it thru....I'm on the fence with regard to Sayesha.

Tell me what you all think! Leave a comment!

It's getting down to the wire!

For My Girlfriends of a ~Certain Age~

For All My Girlies!

Where has the time gone?

Remember when we were little girls, playing jump rope,

telling secrets, sharing dreams?

Then, we were "babes", ahhh what a life!

Hopefully, we look more like "babes" than this! YIKES

My advice? Stay YOUNG~Stay LOOSE~

RELAX & Have FUN!

Laugh Everyday!

Here's something to laugh about today!

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy one in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls! Cosmos anyone?

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot, it solves nothing; and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons in 2008 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka. Lemondrop anyone?

12. Remember every good-looking, sweet, single male is someone else's ex-boyfriend or ex-husband!

Here's a toast from me to you! CHEERS Ladies!

Talking Kitties~Your Daily Dose of Adorable!~

How much do we love darling kitty cats?

Today, I read a story about someone leaving a mother cat and her two week old babies out on a curb in a cardboard box, with NO food, blanket or anything.

A precious cat lover is now fostering the little family, bless her heart!

How can anyone do anything like that to these little fur babies?

All kitties melt my heart!

They should all be loved and adored like the two in this sweet, funny clip!

Enjoy this heart warming and endearing video.Share it with your family~

Your kids will love it!

I increased this to full screen and my OWN two cats couldn't take their eyes off the computer!

About the Kitties

Stina and Mossy (the two cats seen in this video) usually fight instead of talk,

so this was an odd moment.

They kept "talking" for about 1 hour, constantly, according to their "mom" who posted this video.

Find more about these adorable female felines here TheCatsPyjaaaamas~

enjoy!

Kitchen Table Medicine~Alternative Health Advice from Doc Nicole

Being a new blogger, I have been so impressed by the myriad of undiscovered treasures in the world of blogging. Here is one of my new favorites!

Meet Dr. Nicole Sundene!
She is the editor-in-chief of Kitchen Table Medicine.

Dr. Nicole Sundene

"Doc Nicole" is beautiful, wise, intelligent, and has a natural easy going charm!

To be sure, her website is candid, interactive AND alternative, featuring advice from this wonderful naturopathic physician, as well as all of her guests, who are experts in their fields.

Her style of offering sound health advice is so easy to understand, as if given by a very wise friend. Dr. Nicole communicates with wit and flair, while dispensing valuable facts which enhance a healthy lifestyle.

Combining the science of medicine, a friendly easy attitude, and extensive experience as a naturopathic physician, Dr. Nicole seeks to bridge the gap between conventional medicine and a more natural holistic approach.

"Doc Nicole" (as she humbly refers to herself) offers these words about herself and her site~

"Hey everyone! My friends call me "Doc" but formally I'm known as Dr. Nicole Sundene from Kitchen Table Medicine. Feel free to stop by my "kitchen table" for alternative medicine news as well as tips on herbs, diet, nutrition, and exercise.

If you are someone that struggles with being healthy then you are in good hands by subscribing to my blog, as I have some of the weakest will power on the planet! I work hard to share with everyone my latest health promoting finds, tips and tricks so that we can all get the most out of life possible.

No hype...only help. Progress not perfection right? You are welcome to post a topic idea for me on my blog. Be sure to subscribe and check back for the answer!"

Her impressive credentials and extensive experience lends much credibility to her wisdom and advice on her outstanding blog Kitchen Table Medicine

The biography below appears on her website.

A graduate of Western Washington University for her undergraduate degree, and Bastyr University for her Naturopathic Physician degree, she also spent eight years working as a Medical Assistant for the world renowned institute Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Throughout her education she had the invaluable opportunity to work side by side with many talented physicians specializing in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Otolaryngology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Urology, and Urgent Care. Her alternative medicine education along with training at Virginia Mason combined with the many years spent talking to patients as a telephone triage “nurse” have given her a diverse perspective on health care in America.

Dr. Sundene’s goal with Kitchen Table Medicine is to provide readers with the missing link in their health care experience and to ease the educational burden off busy doctors while providing the information and coaching that is typically not allotted in an individual appointment.

She is currently pursuing a career in medical writing, while working on various projects to improve the health care system via the creation of efficiency tools for health care providers.

Funds from Kitchen Table Medicine will in time be used to create a program designed to provide alternative care services to under-served populations such as the homeless, elderly, children in need, and those in third world countries

Take a look at Kitchen Table Medicine. I'm sure "Doc Nicole" would love to have you over!

Her latest post can be found here ~Top Five Foods For Preventing Cancer

The good doctor's website is so well-organized with a plethora of valuable information! I'm sure all will be as impressed with "Doc Nicole" as I am!

~~So fine and so fabulous!~~