IT'S TIME TO RE-EVALUATE OUR LIVES! YIPE? OR YIPPIE!!!

It's that time again! Time to re-evaluate where we've been and more than that, where we're going in life. Discuss your resolutions at our forum discussion site. Click on the icon above.


 Let's Make New Year's Resolutions!!!! Here are some ideas.....

*Concentrate more on where you're going than where you've been.  I'm guilty of looking back too much. I don't know if you're guilty of the same thing.  This year my first resolution is to stop looking back and instead, looking to my future. If you are like me, constantly looking to the past, will you join me in promising to look to the future and our future possibilities?

*Make no more than 5 resolutions.  That doesn't mean that only make 5 goals, but by making fewer resolutions, you're more apt to stick to them and see them through. 

*Start making your resolutions list before New Year's Eve.  If you think them through during the week between Christmas and New Year's, write them out by December 30th.  Then spend New Year's Eve partying the night away.

*Start fullfilling your list, immediately on Jan 1st.  That's what's great about the new year, you get a fresh new start.  I like to start right after Christmas Day!  I don't like to equate the filling my life goals with starting a race. When I begin my N.Y. resolutions, I like to incorporate them into my lifestyle, so it's easier to start gradually during the week between 26th and the 2th. 

*Give someone else a copy of your list (preferably a close friend or relative) so they'll know what your resolutions are (and you can have a copy of their list too).  This way they'll keep you ontrack and vice-a-versa. 

When I raised my children, we'd each make a list of resolutions, then put then in a small ceramic vase. With all 3 lists inside the vase, I'd seal it with wax.  The following year we'd take out the lists from the vase (breaking the vase, the kids loved that!) and read our lists aloud.  We'd see who fullfilled the majority of their resolutions and whoever did, got at gift (usually money like $50.00 or so). Depending on our financial situation at the time, we might bake a cake for the winner or have them pick a family game night and choose the game we'd play.  Choose the reward that fits into your budget.

Those are  my ideas that I'm passing on to you.  Feel free to pass some onto me too! either in the comments, or by going to our discussion forum. Just click on our icon above to go to the forum. But first, enjoy this retro commercial starring Ms. Farrah Fawcett !!


AND NOW;  JUST FOR FUN!
Here are the most popular New Years resolutions:

1- Spend more time with family
2- Loose weight
3- Stop smoking
4- Control stress and enjoy life more
5- Curtail drinking
6- Get out of debt
7- Learn a new language
8- Volunteer more
9- Get organized

How about yours? Are any of  your resolutions on this list?  Do you make resolutions at all? I have 4 that are on the list and since I'm only making 5 this year, I guess my list is within the norm! I'll let you in on mine:

1-Loose weight
2-Enjoy life more
3-Learn French
4-Get organized
5-Eat healthier so I can feel healthier

Get your list ready and remember to stay funk, stay fab!!

HUGH HEFNER ENGAGED?! WTF!

TO DISCUSS THIS TOPIC, OR ANY OF BLOGS TOPICS, ON OUR NEW FORUM GO HERE

Hugh Hefner Engaged to Playmate Crystal Harris On Sunday December 26, 2010 08:30 AM EST

Hugh Hefner

David Gabber/PR Photos

Hugh Hefner rang in the holidays with an engagement ring. The Playboy founder is engaged to girlfriend Crystal Harris, 24, he announced on Twitter.


"After the movie tonight, Crystal & I exchanged gifts. I gave Crystal a ring. A truly memorable Christmas Eve," Hefner, 84, wrote. "When I gave Crystal the ring, she burst into tears. This is the happiest Christmas weekend in memory."

Later, he clarified, "Yes, the ring I gave Crystal is an engagement ring. I didn't mean to make a mystery out of it. A very merry Christmas to all." This will be the third marriage for Hefner. In 2009 he filed for divorce from his second wife, former Playmate Kimberly Conrad, after the two separated in 1998. He was previously married to Mildred Williams; their marriage ended in divorced in 1959.

Harris was December 2009's Playboy Playmate**.
What a story! We can only imagine (or maybe not) that marriage. A 60 year age difference. Well I'd better stop complaining to my Dad for marrying a 29 year old woman to his 75 years. This takes the cake! I'm leaving my comments here and hopefully you can add yours in the comments!

**www.people.com/people/article/0,,20453173,00.

Quote: LIVE OUT OF YOUR IMAGINATION; NOT YOUR HISTORY- R. STEVEN COVEY

PERSONAL NOTES-Christmas Morning

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I couldn't help but post this Christmas morning, I feel so filled with the Christmas spirit. This year was difficult for my family, as I know it was for many people.  So, for Christmas I decided that instead of buying individual gifts for everyone, the family would receive one physical gift plus the gift of my time.

You see, this time last year, I owned a local souvenir gift shop. All my time was spent trying to make the shop "work" and, as you could probably imagine, Christmas was my busiest time.  By Christmas morning I was exhausted, all I wanted to do was sleep.

I closed my store in June 2010 and while I've been closing my accounts and taking care of the aftermath of closing the store, this is the first time in 10 years that I could enjoy a Christmas holiday season. We don't have as much money as we had when the store was open, but we have more than enough and definitely more than I thought we'd have.

This year I was able to enjoy watching my daughter sing in the community Holiday Pageant.  I walked through the local park and took pictures of the neighbors skiing there. I took pictures of the lighted trees and decorations throughout our town and, one of the best things was, I got to walk outside in the snow whenever the urge hit me and got to watch the snow fall by my window while drinking a hot cup of cocoa with a mountain of whipped cream on top while keeping warm and comfortable inside whenever necessary.

These are simple pleasures I haven't enjoyed in years. Life certainly has a way of teaching us what's important and I'm certainly learning now that I've chosen to listen. I've just decided to post one of my daughters Christmas performances here on this blog. Sorry, I cut off the beginning of the song! But, please enjoy below.



She is singing "Walking in The Air" in our local Christmas Pageant. It's been so long since I've been to one of her performances without having to run back to work or return to the shop to finish out my day.  This was truly a blessed event for me to be able to support her before and after her performance. She's decided that she wants to take professional singing lessons and I'll look forward to going to her recitals in the future.  Of course I will post of her progress (and mine) in this blog from time to time using the title PERSONAL NOTES.

That's all for my Christmas morning observations. I'd really love to hear how your Christmas day is going, so feel free to post.  MERRY CHRISTMAS! and as always, stay funky, stay fab!!

SPECIAL NOTICE**
R.I.P. TO OUR FELLOW TWEENEE BOOMER TEENA MARIE WHO DIED ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 26, 2010.  HERE IS A BIOGRAPHY BORROWED FROM WIKIPEDIA WITH A LINK TO THE TEENA MARIE PAGE:

"Teena Marie (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010) was an American singer–songwriter–producer Marie, nicknamed Lady Tee, (sometimes spelled Lady T), was a protégée of late funk legend Rick James, and was notable as one of the few successful white performers of R&B. She played rhythm guitar, keyboards and congas. She also wrote, produced, sang and arranged virtually all of her songs since her 1980 release Irons in the Fire. She said it was her favorite album. She had a daughter, Alia Rose, who, as of 2009, sang under the name Rose Le Beau. Marie died on Sunday, December 26, 2010, at home, as announced by her manager, Mike Gardner. She was 54.* "  Sleep well, our friend.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teena_marie

CHRISTMAS WEEK IS HERE!! ENJOY! [take the christmas poll, below]

I had to share these with my tweenee boomer compadres!  I found these videos on youtube.  They really got me ready for Christmas week.  I  wanted to go to New York City for Christmas but the plans didn't come together (timing wise).  I would have had to travel for two whole days just to spend Christmas day in NYC. It just wasn't worth in when I could relax and spend Christmas in New England.  But, watching these videos certainly make me crave a week in Manhattan. I LOVE it there.

That made me ask myself (and now you) the question.  Which would you prefer. If you could snap your fingers and be there in an instant.  Would you prefer spending Christmas week in a small New England town? or in a exciting city like New York.  I'll let you know my preference on my next post. Here are the two videos to help. And hey guys, no fair judging by the quality of the video because, hands down, the NYC video is much much bettter.  I'd really like to do a study of which is preferable. Enjoy the Vids!!

Ok you have the samples, now which do you choose?  COUNTRY CHRISTMAS OR CITY CHRISTMAS
OH, AND STAYING HOME IS NOT A CHOICE.........

KARDASHIAN CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTOS

ENTERTAINMENT TIDBIT I WANTED TO SHARE

I HAD TO SHARE THESE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES WITH ALL OF YOU!!

First of all I have to give props to our fellow tweenee boomers, Kris and Bruce Jenner for producing (and Bruce for helping to raise) these beautiful children.  Then to photographer Nick Saglimbeni, the family photographer, for his beautiful pictures.

When I modeled in my 20s, I had a personal photographer so I know how valuable they are. Personal, professional photographers are worth paying for because they learn how to take a beautiful picture of you from every angle (something a studio photographer wouldn't have).

It's worth researching a personal and/or a family photographer especially as we're aging and changing.  I'm happy to have pictures of myself professionally glamorized so that, after I'm gone, my descendants will have great pictures to remember me by. 

Now, if you can't afford a personal photographer, there are shops in the malls called Glamour Shots. They will make a beautiful and glamorized picture of you and your family for much less than a celebrity pays. Go to their site at:   http://www.glamourshots.com/  for information and locations of their stores.  But here we're looking at the beautiful photos of the Kardashians that they'll be using on their Christmas Cards.




This is the picture the Kardashians are using for their Christmas card.  I think it's beautiful what do you think?
Look at Kiley standing next to Kim!  Is she the next model coming up? I guess I should tell you who's who.
Starting fromthe top of the stairs is Lamar Odom, Khloe Kardashian-Odom, Bruce Jenner, Kris Jenner,
Kim Kardashian, Kiley Kardasian, Robert Kardashian Jr. (sitting), Kendall Kardashian (on floor), off to
the side is one year old, Mason Dash Disick holding mommy's hand, Kourtney Kardashian, and
Kourtney Kardashian's baby's daddy , Scott Disick  (not married yet, he takes a great picture, doesn't he?)

 


Here's a behind the scenes shot of the family waiting
for the cameraman Nick to prepare.



The family awaiting posing instructions

Doesn't Kim look like a throwback to the glamour
of the 1940s and 50s? I know that's before my time
but it's style is still my favorite of all the decades!

Nick reviews the photos with some of
the family

More waiting, how do you like Kourtney's
boyfriend suit. It's the new fashion. Women
are wearing matching suits to their husbands

The pictures were
taken in the Jenner
home on the stairs.

Well what do you think, do you like these pictures? Have I encouraged you to go out and get your family pictures done?  It's been a while since I've had mine done but this makes me want to get them taken. Remember, if you can't afford the private photographer, go to Glamour Shots http://www.glamourshots.com/   and get them done.  You'll make a memory that'll last long after you're gone. 

Visit my event planning site. Share my journey:   http://kikigoesgreen.blogspot.com/2012/02/about-me.html

I hope you enjoyed this tidbit I wanted to share.  Come back again and read my official post. Until then, remember to stay funky, stay fab!  Post your Comments



Dating Part 2 [Banned Dodge Charger Commercial]

Now that we've discussed how to meet someone to go on a date with, where do you go?  Part 2 of this article will cover a little of where to take each other on this date once you decide to go. 

First dates can make us anxious.  There's the question of what to wear, what to talk about and of course, where to go.  This is especially true if this is the first date you've been on in a long time, maybe in years or for some of us, decades!!  Ok, maybe not decades.... 

SMART FIRST DATE IDEAS

1. First dates are less stressful if you go in a group.  Perhaps even particpate in a group activity.  Let the group date center around activities that you both have in common and/or an activity that you both like to do and are good at.  If you consider yourself a patient teacher, now isn't the time to show that off. Save that for the second or third date. You don't yet understand your date's true dating temperment and it could kill the mood for the rest of the evening.

2. Go on a date and do an activity that both of you are confident in. 
Tailor a first date to something you're both good at because it'll foster a positive connection between you. Even in our modern times, the essence of dating hasn't changed.  It's still to share a common interest, keep an open mind, and always, have fun!

3. Dance lessons are a really great first date. Women, for the most part, like to dance.  Taking lessons together gives you the opportunity to get closer and see if you have chemistry.  Many nightclubs have dance lessons on certain nights or some have lessons for an hour or two before the doors open.

Call around and ask if any clubs in your area do this.  The good thing is that the lessons are usually free so you could stay after, have a few drinks, and use what you've just learned to dance together before you head out to dinner or a movie. Another advantage is that, if the date isn't going well, you could end it after the dance lessons!

4.  Go on a picnic.  One of the more soothing dates is a picnic in the park or at the beach.  Decide what the two of you will bring for the food. This is perfect for two people who like the outdoors. If you're so inclined, invite 2 more couples to come along.  If the date's going well, the two of you can take a walk to be alone and talk.  If it has anxious pauses, you'll have two other couples to help relax the atmosphere. 

5.  If art is what you both like, go on an art gallery walk or to a museum.  Or find a wine tasting art auction and limit you wine intake (you wouldn't want to over bid).

6.  Go to a book reading at your local bookstore or college.

7.  Rent a canoe or a sail boat and head out on the high seas.  I once went on a date with a man who rented a boat and anchored it in a location where we saw a concert by the bay.  Bring a little wine and cheese and you have a perfect setting for romance.  My date happened to end with a fireworks display.  It was very romantic.

8.  If you both enjoy music, a concert is a good bet.

9.  Finally, talking on a date is the last anxiety causing activity. What do you talk about?  It's important to remember that the purpose of the date is to make the other person feel comfortable with you, accepted by you, attractive, and they should feel that you'd like to see them again (if you do).  If you don't, then graciously end the date because that person is missing the chance to meet someone who will.  The discussion should be the two of you asking about each other. You should genuinely want to get to know the other person. This isn't a job interview but you want to ask questions of interests without becoming too intrusive.

Before I conclude this article, let's watch a vintage commercial, shall we?  I certainly hope that during your date you (or the date) don't end up like the people in THIS commercial.....  let's watch!





That poor guy, he didn't have a chance!  It's circa 1970.

Now, hopefully these articles help you to go give the dating scene a chance.  It's not so hard.  If you're a lady, share this with your men friends.  If you're a man....how YOU doing ;). But whichever your fancy is, remember to stay funky, stay fab!!

17TH ANNUAL SAG AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS airing January 30, 2011 on TNT

Nominations for the 2011 Screen Actors Guild awards were announced this morning.  I wanted to share the announcement with you.   The guild awards are unique in that the winners are chosen by their fellow actors and others who work at making Hollywood what it is (directors, producers, etc).  The only requirement is that they are members of SAG and their dues are paid.

And the Nominees are.......

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
JOHN GOODMAN / Neal Nicol – “YOU DON’T KNOW JACK” (HBO)
AL PACINO / Jack Kevorkian – “YOU DON’T KNOW JACK” (HBO)
DENNIS QUAID / Bill Clinton – “THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP” (HBO)
ÉDGAR RAMÍREZ / Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, aka ‘Carlos’ – “CARLOS” (Sundance Channel)
PATRICK STEWART / Macbeth – “MACBETH (GREAT PERFORMANCES)” (Thirteen/PBS)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
CLAIRE DANES / Temple Grandin – “TEMPLE GRANDIN” (HBO)
CATHERINE O’HARA / Aunt Ann – “TEMPLE GRANDIN” (HBO)
JULIA ORMOND / Eustacia Grandin – “TEMPLE GRANDIN” (HBO)
WINONA RYDER / Lois Wilson – “WHEN LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH: THE LOIS WILSON STORY” (CBS)
SUSAN SARANDON / Janet Good – “YOU DON’T KNOW JACK” (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
STEVE BUSCEMI / Nucky Thompson – “BOARDWALK EMPIRE” (HBO)
BRYAN CRANSTON / Walter White – “BREAKING BAD” (AMC)
MICHAEL C. HALL / Dexter Morgan – “DEXTER” (SHOWTIME)
JON HAMM / Don Draper – “MAD MEN” (AMC)
HUGH LAURIE / Dr. Gregory House – “HOUSE” (FOX)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
GLENN CLOSE / Patty Hewes – “DAMAGES” (FX)
MARISKA HARGITAY / Det. Olivia Benson – “LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT” (NBC)
JULIANNA MARGULIES / Alicia Florrick – “THE GOOD WIFE” (CBS)
ELISABETH MOSS / Peggy Olson – “MAD MEN” (AMC)
KYRA SEDGWICK / Dep. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson – “THE CLOSER” (TNT)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy - “30 ROCK” (NBC)
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
STEVE CARELL / Michael Scott - “THE OFFICE” (NBC)
CHRIS COLFER / Kurt Hummel – “GLEE” (FOX)
ED O’NEILL / Jay Pritchett – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
EDIE FALCO / Jackie Peyton - “NURSE JACKIE” (Showtime)
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon  - “30 ROCK” (NBC)
JANE LYNCH / Sue Sylvester – “GLEE” (FOX)
SOFIA VERGARA / Gloria Delgado-Pritchett – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
BETTY WHITE / Elka Ostrovsky – “HOT IN CLEVELAND” (TV Land)


LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Screen Actors Guild Awards 47th Annual Life Achievement Award
Ernest Borgnine

THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
JEFF BRIDGES / Rooster Cogburn – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)
ROBERT DUVALL / Felix Bush - "GET LOW” (Sony Pictures Classics)
JESSE EISENBERG / Mark Zuckerberg - "THE SOCIAL NETWORK" (Columbia Pictures)
COLIN FIRTH / King George VI - "THE KING’S SPEECH" (The Weinstein Company)
JAMES FRANCO / Aron Ralston - "127 HOURS" (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
ANNETTE BENING / Nic - "THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
NICOLE KIDMAN / Becca – “RABBIT HOLE” (Lionsgate)
JENNIFER LAWRENCE / Ree Dolly – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
NATALIE PORTMAN / Nina Sayers – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
HILARY SWANK / Betty Anne Waters – “CONVICTION” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
CHRISTIAN BALE / Dicky Eklund – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
JOHN HAWKES / Teardrop – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
JEREMY RENNER / James Coughlin – “THE TOWN” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
MARK RUFFALO / Paul – “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
GEOFFREY RUSH / Lionel Logue – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
AMY ADAMS / Charlene Fleming – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
HELENA BONHAM CARTER / Queen Elizabeth – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)
MILA KUNIS / Lily – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
MELISSA LEO / Alice Ward – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
HAILEE STEINFELD / Mattie Ross – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)


Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

BLACK SWAN (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
VINCENT CASSEL / Thomas Leroy
BARBARA HERSHEY / Erica Sayers
MILA KUNIS / Lily
NATALIE PORTMAN / Nina Sayers
WINONA RYDER / Beth Macintyre

THE FIGHTER (Paramount Pictures)
AMY ADAMS / Charlene Fleming
CHRISTIAN BALE / Dicky Eklund
MELISSA LEO / Alice Ward
JACK MCGEE / George Ward
MARK WAHLBERG / Micky Ward

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (Focus Features)
ANNETTE BENING / Nic
JOSH HUTCHERSON / Laser
JULIANNE MOORE / Jules
MARK RUFFALO / Paul
MIA WASIKOWSKA / Joni

THE KING’S SPEECH (The Weinstein Company)
ANTHONY ANDREWS / Stanley Baldwin
HELENA BONHAM CARTER / Queen Elizabeth
JENNIFER EHLE / Myrtle Logue
COLIN FIRTH / King George VI
MICHAEL GAMBON / King George V
DEREK JACOBI / Archbishop Cosmo Lang
GUY PEARCE / King Edward VIII
GEOFFREY RUSH / Lionel Logue
TIMOTHY SPALL / Winston Churchill

THE SOCIAL NETWORK (Columbia Pictures)
JESSE EISENBERG / Mark Zuckerberg
ANDREW GARFIELD / Eduardo Saverin
ARMIE HAMMER / Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss
MAX MINGHELLA / Divya Narendra
JOSH PENCE / Tyler Winklevoss
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE / Sean Parker

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
JOHN GOODMAN / Neal Nicol – “YOU DON’T KNOW JACK” (HBO)
AL PACINO / Jack Kevorkian – “YOU DON’T KNOW JACK” (HBO)
DENNIS QUAID / Bill Clinton – “THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP” (HBO)
ÉDGAR RAMÍREZ / Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, aka ‘Carlos’ – “CARLOS” (Sundance Channel)
PATRICK STEWART / Macbeth – “MACBETH (GREAT PERFORMANCES)” (Thirteen/PBS)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
CLAIRE DANES / Temple Grandin – “TEMPLE GRANDIN” (HBO)
CATHERINE O’HARA / Aunt Ann – “TEMPLE GRANDIN” (HBO)
JULIA ORMOND / Eustacia Grandin – “TEMPLE GRANDIN” (HBO)
WINONA RYDER / Lois Wilson – “WHEN LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH: THE LOIS WILSON STORY” (CBS)
SUSAN SARANDON / Janet Good – “YOU DON’T KNOW JACK” (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
STEVE BUSCEMI / Nucky Thompson – “BOARDWALK EMPIRE” (HBO)
BRYAN CRANSTON / Walter White – “BREAKING BAD” (AMC)
MICHAEL C. HALL / Dexter Morgan – “DEXTER” (SHOWTIME)
JON HAMM / Don Draper – “MAD MEN” (AMC)
HUGH LAURIE / Dr. Gregory House – “HOUSE” (FOX)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
GLENN CLOSE / Patty Hewes – “DAMAGES” (FX)
MARISKA HARGITAY / Det. Olivia Benson – “LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT” (NBC)
JULIANNA MARGULIES / Alicia Florrick – “THE GOOD WIFE” (CBS)
ELISABETH MOSS / Peggy Olson – “MAD MEN” (AMC)
KYRA SEDGWICK / Dep. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson – “THE CLOSER” (TNT)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy - “30 ROCK” (NBC)
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
STEVE CARELL / Michael Scott - “THE OFFICE” (NBC)
CHRIS COLFER / Kurt Hummel – “GLEE” (FOX)
ED O’NEILL / Jay Pritchett – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
EDIE FALCO / Jackie Peyton - “NURSE JACKIE” (Showtime)
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon  - “30 ROCK” (NBC)
JANE LYNCH / Sue Sylvester – “GLEE” (FOX)
SOFIA VERGARA / Gloria Delgado-Pritchett – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
BETTY WHITE / Elka Ostrovsky – “HOT IN CLEVELAND” (TV Land)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)
THE CLOSER (TNT)
DEXTER (Showtime)
THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)
MAD MEN (AMC)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

30 ROCK (NBC)
GLEE (FOX)
HOT IN CLEVELAND (TV Land)
MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
THE OFFICE (NBC)

Print out this list. Pick who you think should win and then tune in to the SAG awards show on January 30 to see how close you came to choosing the winners!!

Dating, Part One [ Mystery Date Commercial circa 1960]

The date on the calendar says that it's time to get back into the dating world.  For those of you with a steady partner, go out and have a great time. I'll write an article for you soon, perhaps for New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day.  This article, however, is for those of us that need help getting back into the dating scene.

The following information was mostly taken from an old article I read on the perfect match (dot) com site.  The article's entitled, "Dating Advice for Singles over 50" (or in our case 40).  It identifies online dating but can be used in any dating situation.

According to the article, at our ages, we bring alot to the dating table namely wisdom, experience, and street smarts.  We can easily identify what we want in a relationship and what we don't.  With this said, this website has good advice to help us find dates for the holidays and all year round, but I don't agree with everything it says.  Let's follow along as we review the article together, shall we?  Midway through we'll stop for one of our vintage commercial breaks.

ONLINE DATING 

First we'll take a look at online dating.  This luxury, our parents didn't have. For better or for worse, we're stuck with it and it can be a blessing or a curse. The good part is that we have a large quantity of daters to choose from and lots of venues to pick.  Because we have so much, we tend to have dating ADHD.  One way to beat this, perfect match (dot) com says, is to make a list.

1. Write down what kind of person you're looking for, your expectations (companionship, marriage, networking, etc.),  your values and special interests.

2. Next make an online profile that honestly describes you.  When you do this, remember this profile is about attracting quality, not quantity.

* I'd like to share with you an experience I had when I joined a site last year. I got alot of responses but they were not the type of men I wanted to date (I wasn't much into dating Mr. "2big4u").  I really wanted to meet a man I could travel with and someone who shared my interests but my profile mentioned "widow, back out into the dating world, fun", and it included a picture. Nowhere did I mention travel or anything that was really important to me and I got the results of what I asked for.

3. Create a headline that stands out.  If the site allows for a picture, put a full length picture on the site with you wearing a fitted outfit, but not a skimpy or skanky outfit and, if you're a guy, wear  a fitted pair of jeans and a t-shirt, or a buttoned shirt with a pair of dress slacks.

Don't show any beat up looking "comfy" shoes in the picture and please don't take a picture holding your niece, nephew, or the next door neighbors kid.  It raises too many questions. Remember, we just want to see you, it's a picture, not an interview and remember to smile, it's not a GQ ad.  I remember getting a response once, and the guy was holding a baby! I thought, this guy is 60 years old! Whose 18 month old child is he holding?  A little bit of mystery is good, but not THAT much mystery!!

4. Don't be negative!  According to perfect match (dot) com, this is a big turn off.  Let's be honest, everyone has been hurt or let down at one time or another.  Although it may be hard, don't dwell on the past.  Anyone can be in a bad mood.  It takes a special person to be in a good mood and to make their date feel good to be out with them (or in this case reading about them).

5. Use spellcheck.  Nothing says lack of education or lack of consideration more than bad spelling.

6. Don't be picky? This is where I disagree with the perfect match site.  When I read that, I asked myself, why do they call this a perfect match site and then they tell you not to go after your perfect match?

Now, "being picky" doesn't mean turning down everyone who doesn't sound like Hugh Grant or look like Hugh Jackman.  But if you want someone who likes to travel, don't pick a homebody and convince yourself that you really wouldn't mind staying home with them!

Before we move on to why we can be picky, let's reminisce about our first dating experience, shall we?


Now back to the article:  I say, be picky!! After all, we're over 40!! If we can't be picky now, then when can we be. More than likely, we won't want anymore children (I'm assuming not).   Therefore, we have to really like the person that we date (and/or eventually marry) and we don't have to settle anymore.  At worse, we'll travel solo or with some good friends or with our grown children and I hear that in alot of countries, young guys like older women! And just think, we can go wherever we want without having to agree with someone else on where to go.  And for the record, I don't want to end up alone, but I'm not settling either!  I AM picky, and you should be too! We deserve to be!

Now, I'll climb down off of my soapbox and finish my article.

7. Just be nice!  The secret to being likeable is just being nice. Nobody likes to think they're being tested (even if they are).  Remember to keep your communications warm and generous.  Then after you've communicated online for about 2 weeks (that's two weeks worth of time, not twice in two weeks), someone pick up the phone and call (traditionally the man).  Although the article doesn't say where to call from, I suggest you call from a cell phone or a pay phone.  Many people know how to acquire your home address if you call from a land line phone.  Remember, women and men have to keep themselves safe.

8. Meet in person once you feel safe enough to meet.  Meet in a public place and BE ON TIME! Being on time shows that the person you're meeting is important to you.  If you are unavoidably late, please call and let them know.  Which brings up another point. Bring your cell phone.  Also, let your friends, neighbors, relatives and anyone else you trust, know where you're going and who you're meeting with. At least one of those people (perhaps a parent or best friend) should have your date's phone number. When I was in college, when my date came to pick me up, one of my roommates would run downstairs to get his license plate number.  We didn't play around. Someone has to "have your back", especially because you're older now and not married (notice I avoided saying alone, because we are not alone just single).

9. Go out on your date and enjoy your new friendship. Allow your date to get to know you. Prepare to share one (and only one) intimate thing about yourself. This will let your date know that you're willing to let him/her into your personal space.  The intimate thing should be something folksy, yet positive, like, "my favorite thing to do is walk in downpouring rain" (of course, you'd work that into the conversation and not just "blurt it out").

10.  SMILE!!    Ah come on!   I had to add a number 10!!

Well, that's alot to take in, for now.  Tomorrow I'll cover some first date ideas.  Come back tomorrow and until then remember to stay funky, stay fab!!

FEELING FRAZZLED AND OVERWHELMED?

Holiday crunchtime is almost here. So now, is the time to prepare for it.  First, take a deep breath, then exhale, then look around your town at all the beautiful decorations, lights, santas, and happy smiling faces of the children in anticipation of getting presents on christmas morning.  Then go home and remind yourself that YOU are responsible for making it happen in YOUR home.  Now, I know that's not all true but it certainly feels that way sometimes.

STRESSED, ALMOST OUT OF TIME AND LOSING PATIENCE

If we're stressed with the "normal" things we have to do at this time of the year, then why take on more?  Picture this, someone asks for your help with some christmas festivity.  The first thing that comes to mind is "oh, no! I can't possibly fit anything else into my schedule" then you get a sinking feeling.  You really don't want to take another task on but you eek out a "yes" or "uh, ok". You don't want to do it but you say "yes" out of habit.  Now you're really stressed! On top of stressed, you have less time to do what YOU need to get done and you're running out of patience! If this is you, then you, and I, know that it's time for a change!

Remember for this time next year, that the best time to assess your limits, set boundaries and divide your holiday time is right after Halloween.  That gives you 3-4 weeks before Thanksgiving to assess your time limits.  Once Thanksgiving arrives, the holidays have begun.  But, what if you miss it again? Let's see.

First of all, it's important to remind yourself that usually, people who agree to give of their time will be asked over and over again.  So, it's time for you to set your limits.  Figure out exactly how much time you can give and how many outside projects you can and/or WANT TO be involved in (yes, you can decide not to do something even if you do have the time to do it), it's still your choice.

OVERDRAINED?

Tell yourself that this is what you can afford to do, that your time and energy are like money in the bank (especially during the holidays)  and, just like money in the bank, when you use up your reserves and don't take time to replenish them, you'll become overdrawn (or in this case overdrained).

WAYS TO TAKE BACK YOUR TIME

Now, because you're (and I say you, but I've had the same problem in the past, so I'm not judging),  automatically in the habit of saying "yes" to requests, you'll have to practice saying no by saying things like, "I'm already committed at that time", "this is something I'm not interested in" or I'm sorry but, I won't be able to help with this (or that)".  Practice this by repeating these statements out loud. You'll need to hear yourself say them aloud for them to sound "normal" to you.  Practice these responses to use when you've decided that an offer is not for you.

REASONS WHY WE BECAME THIS WAY

Those of us who tend to get "sucked into"  or rather "roped in" is a better description, do so because the person asked us with disclaimers like, "it won't take long", "Please, I can't find anyone else to do it", "it'll be just this once", "I won't ask again", or any number of phrases that usually work!  These aren't reasons to say, "yes", they're only reasons the asker is putting on you.

On the other side, not wanting to let someone down, being afraid that they will get angry with you, or you feel duty-bound, are all reasons that you're putting on yourself.  Thinking this way takes away your ability to judge the worth of the task in comparison to your available time, your energy, and your actual interest in the task.

START A NEW HABIT 

Then, start a new habit. By practicing sentences, it'll help you to not accept a task that you really don't want to do.  You won't waste your time or, at the very least, it'll give you extra time to consider if the task is really something that you'd like to do. Then, when you say yes, you'll say it because you want to help. Begin to let your yes be a mindful affirmation rather than another reason to be "frazzled". 

I hope you feel encouraged to post your personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed and frazzled by the holidays or at anytime of the year.  Remember, being frazzled doesn't only happen during the holidays, it can happen at any time. We can use the exercises in this article to set boundaries and assess our time at home, at the office, during the holidays or anytime.

Enjoy this commercial that aired back during our "wonder years" (early 1960s) and please post a comment.
Remember to stay funky, stay fab! 

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

When I read this post from Fran Golden at the travel and leisure blog site (address below) I have to admit I became so anxious that I decided I wouldn't fly until this TSA "lunacy" has run it's course. I posted the article in its entirety. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject of pat downs and body scans.  Read on about this woman in Arizona.

TSA Pat Down in Oklahoma307 Comments

A wheelchair-bound Oklahoma woman stripped down to black lingerie to go through TSA airport security, twice. The first time she was questioned for more than an hour and ended up missing her flight.

Tammy Banovac, a retired dental surgeon, says she expected her wheelchair to set off metal detectors, but she figured by wearing only her lingerie she would be able to avoid a pat down . Apparently she was wrong.

The sexy, 52-year-old blond, who posed for playboy in  1997, arrived at the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City in her trench coat which she peeled off at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security to reveal her sexy lingerie. She accessorized her sparse outfit with pearls and carried a white dog, for her flight to Phoenix.

The event was caught on video by a fellow passenger.

Banovac tells the Oklahoman newspaper she decided to modify her outfit after undergoing what she says was an uncomfortable and intrusive airport pat down last month.

"If it happened anywhere else, it would have been sexual assault," she says.An airport spokeswoman tells the local CBS affiliate that Banovac, in her lingerie, refused to go through any metal detector at all, and opted for the pat down.

Security officers detected traces of nitrates on the wheelchair when they did the search. Nitrates are used to make explosives.

Branovac says she believes the traces may have been the result of medication. Or perhaps they were from a recent hunting trip, she says.

In any event, she missed her flight after more than an hour of searches and questioning.

The next day she went back to the airport, again in her lingerie, and got through security without a hitch.

What Happens if You Decline a Full Body Scan?

When you ask a friend to join you for a nice weekend cruise from Miami, you don't expect the friend to be hauled away by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents into a private room where she says she was practically strip-searched. But that's what happened at Logan International Airport in Boston.

I breezed through security, taking off my shoes, putting my stuff on the belt and walking through the traditional metal detector machine. The process took less than five minutes.

Then I looked over to the adjacent security line and saw to my horror my red-faced friend questioning TSA officers after she was chosen at random for, and refused to go through, a full body scanner.

My pal happens to be a Boston media personality and crime reporter, Michele McPhee. She is not a shy lady. When this tough blond makes up her mind she makes up her mind. There was no way she was going to be convinced to do a body scan if she didn't want to.

So instead, she opted for a pat down and was whisked away, barefoot, by two women - a TSA officer and her supervisor - to a private room, where McPhee says a very intrusive body search was conducted.

"They run their hands inside your leg and under your bra strap and patted the front of my breasts," she says. "If someone had done that to me at a nightclub I'd call the cops."

McPhee says the officers were "nice and apologetic" and seemed to feel bad they couldn't give her her shoes back until after the search, especially when she pointed out how dirty the floor of the terminal was. The whole process took about 15 minutes.

So why did she reject the full body scan? McPhee says her big issue is privacy when it comes to the images that are taken.

"I have questions about privacy. I don't really trust the TSA to keep these things private," she says.

McPhee says she'd also like to know who profits from the proliferation of the body scanner machines the TSA is rolling out.

With some grass roots groups calling for a boycott of full body scanners on Nov. 24, the day before Thanksgiving and one of the busiest travel days of the year, McPhee says she's all for it if it shakes things up.

"People need to know why we need body scanners," she says. "The humiliation of walking across a crowded, dirty terminal in bare feet, escorted by two TSA agents, dragged into a room and essentially assaulted, I really did leave mad."

The TSA maintains both pat downs and full body scans are designed to find dangerous items such as explosives and bomb parts that can be concealed on the body.

Coming back from Florida, at the airport in Fort Lauderdale, neither of us was asked to go through a body scanner or given a pat down.*

How about you? Are you prepared for holiday traveling? Would you do  the body scan? or the pat down...  Which, to you, is the lesser of the 2 evils? Post your comments.

But before you post your comments, enjoy this Continental Airlines commercial circa 1978. A time when travel was much simpler and as a former fashion model, I traveled alot. I know we'll never see these times again due to our homeland security issues, but we can dream, can't we?  Anyway, here's the commercial. Then don't forget to post!

                                        

*material written by Fran Golden  Author of Fran Golden's Posts at   www.travelandleisure.com/blogs/carry-on/.../fran-golden

DRESSING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When we were younger we could get away with wearing anything around the holidays.  Now, being  more mature and somewhat wiser, we're expected to carry ourselves with a little more class and elegance. That doesn't mean frumpy and it doesn't mean we should look like we're wearing a christmas tree either.  The knowledge that gifts are coming to them on Christmas morning should be enough to make kids and grandkids happy.  We shouldn't have to walk around looking like a Christmas in Mother Goose Land travel brochure.  So how do we add Christmas cheer without becoming a walking Christmas billboard?  Read about it below but, before you start reading, let's remember "The Archies", shall we? Scroll down and listen to the Archies Saturday Morning Christmas Party Song circa 1975!  Then read my tips on dressing for the holidays!

CHRISTMAS FASHION FOR US


Classic holiday fashion on
50+, actress Helen Mirren


Here are 8 rules for tweenee boomers to follow when dressing for the holidays.

1. Avoid the Christmas Sweater!

 "I really don't know why people think that Christmas sweaters are cute," Leslie* says. "If you're a kindergarten teacher, I kind of get it. If you're baking cookies with your grandkids, I kind of get it. But the second you leave the house in a Christmas sweater, it's like, ooh, just add another decade to your age. A holiday sweater turns you into a total joke and makes you look a minimum of 10 years older -- and it's very rare that I meet a woman who wants to look older."

2. Red and Green Is Great for a Tree...
"Bright Christmas-y red and bright Christmas-y green -- is just a little bit too obvious, a little too cliché," Leslie says. "If you want to look more sophisticated, it's probably a better idea to look for richer colors; things like jewel tones are great, deeper burgundies, anything in the wine family is nice, merlot, that kind of thing. Especially be careful of wearing red and green together."

3. Be Yourself
"Wear something that fits your personality, no matter what that is," Fishel* says. "A holiday party is not the time to try out a new persona. If you're colorful, wear something that shows that, and if you're more reserved, reflect that in you outfit, as well."


   

4. If You're Going to Wear a L.B.D., Dress It Up
"A plain L.B.D. is not really enough to carry you through a holiday party," says Leslie. "You need to make your little black dress special during the holidays, whether that's through an amazing pair of shoes or really great jewelry."

5. Wear Something Comfortable
"If the outfit you want to wear is only flattering when you're standing, facing one direction, pick something else," Fishel advises. "When you wear an outfit you feel good in no matter what the seating arrangements are, or what the lighting is, you feel confident. And confidence is sexy."

6. Jingling Jewelry Is a No-No
"I don't think you should wear anything that jingles on purpose," Leslie says. "Sometimes I see these earrings that look like Christmas lights or bells. Anything battery operated is probably best left to the privacy of your own home."

7. Dress Warm, It's Winter After All!
"If it's cold the night of your holiday soiree, dress for the weather," Fishel says. "Short, sleeveless dresses with open-toed shoes look silly when it's 35 degrees outside."

8. Overly Sexy Outfits Aren't For Office Parties
"You might be an incredible attorney, but if you show up showing a lot of cleavage and a lot of leg, it's really hard for people to erase that image from their mind the next time you're in the courtroom," says Leslie. "Keep skirts to the knees, keep the cleavage to a minimum but visible. I have a rule of thumb for professional environments: You can show chest but not breast."

Leslie agrees with me that wearing anything both low-cut and short to the office party is a no-no. "You've worked hard for the reputation you have at work; don't blow it by dressing the part of office skank," she says.

A few rules that I'd add are: 

*Don't repeat any style or trend that you've worn before or you could be visited by the ghost of decades past.  A good rule of thumb is; if you were young enough to wear it before, then you're too old to wear it now. 

*Feel comfortable (and proud) showing cleavage. It's the sexiest asset on an older woman and there's nothing wrong with showing it as long as "the girls" are well contained.  Display them proudly!!

*My last rule is; just because you can fit it, doesn't mean you should wear it.  Let your daughter or granddaughter wear it instead, or better yet, give it to charity and treat yourself to a whole new and age appropriate look.

Use these tips when dressing for that holiday bash then go out and have a blast!  And as always, stay funky, stay fab, and Have a Very Merry Christmas!!

*8 rules for dressing for the holidays was taken from an article written by Leslie Kennedy for  http://www.stylist.com 
*Fishel is a notable fashion journalist, expert, and also a writer at stylist.com

Here's a beautiful example of 50+
holiday wear on Ms. Helen Mirren

SPOTLIGHT ON VALERIE BERTINELLI

ENTERTAINMENT

I had a hard time deciding who to put the spotlight on this weekend. I have a "girl/woman crush" on Helen Mirren. Do you know what a "girl crush" is? It's when you have admire a person so much that you make them a friend in your head. You like everything that you know about them and feel like you know them better than you do. Well, anyway, I have one on Helen so I will be putting a spotlight on her career soon.

But today, I'm spotlighting Valerie Bertinelli. The fact that my last spotlight was on Betty White might make you think I'm a fan of Hot in Cleveland and, although I think it's a good show, I'm not. Not yet anyway.


VALERIE BERTINELLI was born April 23, 1960, in Wilmington, Delaware. Honestly, I had to look up her birthday because it was hard to believe she is 50 and soon to be 51 in April!  If you're a tweenee boomer reading this you  might remember her as the very cute Barbara Cooper on a show called "One Day At a Time".  When she married the reputedly wild Eddy Van Halen we all gasped.  NOOOO! Barbara DOOOOON'T!!! You know, like we are all saying to Jessica Simpson now, who's marrying her ex-football playing "fiancee".  We're saying  GET A PRE-NUP!!!!  Anyway, I digress....

Well, that marriage lasted a long time to the pleasant surprise of all of us who cared to follow it.  It had some problems but no more than anyone elses.  Well, back to Valerie.  As a child, Valerie's family moved around alot; living in 3 or 4 states before moving ato California where she decided to take acting lessons and landed her role on "One Day At a Time" playing the youngest daughter to a single working mom living in Chicago.  Valerie grew up on the show playing her role from age 14 until she was 24 years old.  She married Eddie Van Halen while she was still working on the show and had a son with Eddie in 1991 named Wolfgang "Wolfie" William Van Halen. Let's see, that would make Wolfie 19 years old right now. So, let's expect to see him in the tabloids or on a reality show real soon. 

Earlier this year, Valerie released a "tell all" book in which she mentions her husband's drug addiction and her ultimatum to him to give up drugs or to give up their marriage. That being said, they got divorced in 2005.  But don't fret for Valerie. Her book's making lots of money, she's on a hit show for the TV Land channel called HOT IN CLEVELAND, and she's picked up right where she left off; being America's sweetheart!  Also, her six year relationship with partner and financial advisor Tom Vitale became an engagement as on May 2010 although a wedding date has not been set.  Oh Vaaalerieee!  Pre-nup, ok, pre-nup.  Ladies, paleese!

Well, I'm glad to see her back in the spotlight and Valerie Bertinelli is certainly an example of how we can be vibrant in our middle years. Oh yeah, that reminds me of her weight loss success that we all watched play out on the Jennie Craig commericials all over the country. What an inspiration!!  Thank you Valerie for allowing us to see you in your honesty and candidity (candidity?), well you know what I mean.

Well thanks for reading and remember to stay funky, stay fab!

MOVIE ALERT!!!!! MOVIE ALERT!!!! [THOR TRAILER]

I watched the Video Gaming Awards with my family tonight. I try to keep up with a social culture outside of my own so I can join in conversations at family reunions. I learned alot about the gaming culture (some things I think I'll forget) but one person I won't forget and that's Chris Hemsworth. He is certainly a person to watch. Already enjoying a successful showbiz career in Australia, the 27 year old actor is about to take the U.S. by storm!

Alright, I know this is supposed to be a blog mostly dedicated to people (tweenee boomers) over 40, but in my defense, Anthony Hopkins is in the movie too, and he's 72!! And look at Chris, he's soooo cuuute! JUST LOOK AT THAT FACE!!!!



He's already been cast in 2 or 3 movies for 2011 including Thor where he plays THOR; The god of thunder and Anthony Hopkins plays ODIN: Father of the gods. I can just hear the "thunder from down under" jokes now!! He's been cast in a Joss Whedon film , too and I think one other one that's being released next year. Thor is scheduled to be released May 6, 2011.

DO YOU PLAN TO SEE THOR WHEN IT'S RELEASED IN THE THEATRES?? Let us know and remember to stay funky, stay fab!!

Another installment of: IS IT JUST ME? OR........

TODAY: CAT POOP COFFEE!!!

As if there weren't enough coffee fads to choose from, the newest fad takes the cake... or should I say.....the poop! Yes, I said poop...cat poop to be exact. In this installment of, is it just me? or has the world gone mad, I'm writing about the newest coffee fad, a flavor of coffee called Kopi Luwak also known as Civet Coffee after the food that the cats eat before they poop, civet coffee cherries.
Ok, I realize this is hard to understand so let me explain the process as it was explained to me.

This coffee is pooped out of the butt of a Civet cat. Now, a Civet cat although in the feline family, looks like the mixture of a ferret and a racoon more than a common housecat. Follow this link for more information on the Civet cat, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring-tailed_Cat. The Civet cats (or ringtailed cat is what it is called here in the north) food of choice is civet coffee cherries which is how they got their nickname, civet cat.

Somehow a connection was made that these cats love coffee cherries and people love coffee. SO, why not make coffee from the turds that these cats poop out.

Some genius figured out that if these cats eat coffee cherries the coffee beans will stay in tact. Once the cat poops out the beans (which apparently they can't digest), we clean the poop off the cherry beans, grind the beans, and make coffee from the sh-t!

But, which is crazier, the person that comes up with this ridiculous idea? or the people who pay between $25 and $50, (depending on where you buy it) to drink it?

I mean, is it just me?!I can't believe we're paying $50 to drink cat poop!! And who's to say that we aren't drinking coffee from beans that a human pooped out, huh? Are they going to bring out the cat that bless us with his "presents"? or do we just take their word for it.

Apparently, the Civet cat's digestive processes are said to add the "special flavor" that makes the coffee taste so "good". The digestive juices and enzymes break down the proteins that give other coffees their bitter taste thus making the Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee less bitter.

Is this sanitary? Well, according to the experts, it is. If you decide to try Kopi Luwak coffee know that it has been much researched. The beans are lightly roasted to kill any bacteria before they are ground into coffee. Special analysis by labs have surprisingly showed that roasted Kopi Luwak beans have lower bacterial levels than normal coffee. A scientific study of the chemical compounds in the cat poop coffee also reveal how completely different Kopi Luwak coffee is from other coffees. This might account for the incredible taste.

There are only 1000 pounds of this coffee produced per year. This rarity, and the increasing demand, (yes, I said increasing demand) have pushed prices to about $450-$600 a pound or up to $50 dollars a cup.

Some of the "fans" of this newly designed coffee are concerned (understandably so) that they may be getting scammed and being served human designed poop instead of cat poop. Because of this, experts suggest ordering the beans still unroasted in the cat poop as proof.

This adds to the experience because you get the smell.... (ok, I'll let that one go), the experience of visiting with the cat, petting the cat to relax it, seeing it poop out your coffee beans and then picking the beans out yourself. And later, you can enjoy picking the poop out from under your fingernails!!

Perhaps you could clean under your fingernails as soon as you pick out the beans to avoid any contamination and then brush your teeth after drinking it because, girlfriend, "poop-breath" is way more offensive than onion breath.

So, I ask again, is it just me? or have we as a society, com-pa-leeeet-ly (or completely) lost our minds! Paleeeze! let me know your opinion. Until next time, stay funky, stay fab!! Oh...and NEVER buy fake Kopi Kuwak!

PLAYBOY'S IN TROUBLE? SOME SAY YES! BUT REASON IS NOT A GOOD ONE...

Well it was bound to happen. The economy is hurting everybody and the soft core porn industry is no exception. According to an article in the December issue of Business Week, the company that branded themselves as a magazine that worshipped the female body is struggling to stay afloat.

The ironic twist to this however, and to the dismay of many religious groups is, the reason the magazine is struggling is that mainstream publications are becoming its competition! Long gone are the days when Playboy competed with Hustler. Now, Playboy is competing with magazines like Glamour and Rolling Stone for the semi nude covers. Some of the mainstream magazines will even go where Playboy will NEVER tread and that's putting full nude pregnant models on the cover!!

Some people may see a poetic justice in the fact that Hugh Hefner's fight to mainstream the porn industry just might be its undoing. That and the fact that Hugh's girlfriends that endeared themselves to his readers and fans, namely; Holly, Kendra, and ....I forgot the other woman's name (sorry but, I am over 40...), I liked their show, really! Anyway, they left the show all at the same time and quite abruptly.

With that being said, it seems like the magazine was the glue that held the empire together. Now, there is so much mainstream stuff to buy to view sofcore porn and tear out pin-ups, that no one has to buy a skin mag anymore!

The following statement is an incendiary remark that I copied from a popular evangelical blog. While I understand some of it, I am, after all, a capitalist and also a fan of the Playboy empire. I admire anyone who can create an empire and fullfill a need/niche at the same time. It's priceless!!

Here is the Statement: from a blog entitled; reformation 21, an online magazine of the alliance of confessing evangelicals: Posted by Carl Trueman; Jan. 3, 2009

In his article Carl implies that although it is good (in his opinion) that the "sofcore" porn king is in trouble, the fact that he is being silenced because the mainstream magazines are carrying so much sofcore porn, there's no need to buy Playboy magazine anymore, is a sad comment on our society. Read his quote then let us know what you think on the subject.

HE SAYS:
"What does that say about our society."

I understand his concern but, I've always had a problem with this country's taboo regarding nudity and sensuality but I'll touch on that subject another time (pardon the pun).

FUTHERMORE HE SAYS:
"The mainstreaming of pornography, and the rise of amateur web pornography, witnesses not simply to the insatiability of the fallen human appetite for sexual pleasure; it is also an (albeit extreme) piece of evidence that the whole idea of what is public and what is private is being radically reconfigured in our society; indeed, the distinction may, just possibly, be about to be abolished in its entirety. When `reality TV shows' top the viewing polls, when the internet allows anyone to observe my town, my street, my house, by satellite cam, when anybody can post video of themselves doing anything -- from the mundane to the obscene -- online, then the distinction of the public and the private -- and the concomitant notions of decency and decorum upon which the distinction depends-- is rendered meaningless. What is left is little more than a hedonistic wasteland inhabited by exhibitionists and voyeurs, where the tawdry and the trivial must inevitably triumph.

I'd always assumed that learning that a magazine like Playboy was in financial difficulties would be an answer to prayer and a source of rejoicing. Given what it says about society, however, I am perhaps more inclined to mourning and lamentation at this point".

What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree?
Let's talk about this employing the maturity we've worked so hard to earn. And as always remember to stay funky, stay fab!!

ELIZABETH EDWARDS LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER TODAY AT 61

I had another blog entry prepared and perhaps I'll get to it. But right now I would like to pay homage to Elizabeth Edwards who died today after losing her fight with cancer. It seems ironic that she passed away only two years after her 88 year old father passed. Edwards exhibited the strength and will that should be an example for all of us. She found out she had cancer in 2004, the same year her husband, John Edwards, ran for the democratic candidate for president against John Kerry and, as we remember, during that same time it was discovered that John Edwards had a mistress and that his mistress has his love child. Before her passing, Elizabeth was separated from her husband and hopefully, the drama that he caused in her life isn't something that he now has to live with the guilt of.

Elizabeth Edwards was a formidable woman, a woman truly to be admired. Her husband's infidelity and the death of her one of her children are only 2 traumatic events in her life that she handled with grace. She took these trials in her life and instead of becomimg a victim of her trials, she volunteered her time helping the less fortunate and served in many charitable organizations. Elizabeth Edwards left behind a legacy that we could learn from. She wrote books that could help us cope with the adversities in our lives. We would do well to heed her well written words.

The information below was taken from wikipedia...Elizabeth Edwards' entry; about her books

"In September 2006, Edwards released a book, Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers,[15] focusing on the death of her son and her illness. In May 2009, Edwards released a second book, Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities,[16] further detailing her illness, the deaths of her father and son, the effect of these events on her marriage, her husband's infidelity, and the general state of health care in America.[17][18]"

TJE FAMILY IS ASKING THAT, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PEOPLE DONATE MONEY TO THE WADE EDWARDS FOUNDATION. YOU CAN GET TO THAT WEBSSITE BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: http://www.wade.org/wef.htm

Feel free to post your feelings and condolences to the Edwards family in the comments section of this blog. We welcome your thoughts.