May 2006

Sounds like a country music video.

Ever watch something, think nothing of it, then start to second-guess yourself when someone else thinks quite a lot about it? I’m not really second-guessing my own thoughts, though, as much as I’m trying to get my mind wrapped around other people’s.

Back to the Fairy. I’ve read on quite a few blogs that people are taking offense to a certain Dodge commercial. Maybe I’m missing the point or maybe I’m naive, but I really think they’re making something out of nothing - and why would anyone want to do that?!

Looking for symbolisms underneath every rock or behind every tree is a waste of time, and will lead to nothing but anger, trouble, hurt feelings, and more problems. Not a one of which is progressive, positive, or good. It doesn’t move us forward, it pushes us back.
Here’s the link to a particular post - one in which uses much more inflammatory verbage than the commercial even began to! Granted, he wasn’t meaning to be offensive - just as the commercial most certainly meant to do anything but sell a sexy car. However, if the writer, or anyone else, is offended by the commercial - saying so is their right. Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing! I just wish that educated, well-versed people would fight the real villains of the world. There are plenty.
I wanted to link you to the commercial, in case you haven’t seen it. I just really don’t see what the fuss is about. The dude at the end of the commercial is a preppie/yuppie type of deal - like Carlton on “Fresh Prince.” Carlton fancied himself a ladie’s man - not a man’s man. He’s a total nerd - and the outfit screams that fact. (As if Carson Kressley would ever step into those threads!)
As for the fairy being a fairy - what other positive-type of being could fly around with a magic wand?!
There are lots of instances of hate speech out there - flagrant, obvious, and defiant. I’m all for calling out idiots who perpetuate hate and bigotry, but when the “calling out” is so ridiculously misdirected - I think you do more harm than good.

Joi

One of my daughters, Emily, and I are 100 percent addicted to Lost - arguably the best drama on television. Ever. Getting lost in Lost is something we look forward to all week - and the rest of the family knows that for at least an hour and a half coming into the living room had better be done in sock feet, on tippy toes, and with every intention of being as silent as a monk. We watch for 1 hour, then dissect what we’ve watched for about 30 minutes - sometimes more, because we have to go back and pause on what we perceive to be clues. Like pictures of the island in doctor’s office, people in the background of flashbacks, etc.

Last night, another family favorite, American Idol, was on. In a cruel twist of tv fate, it comes on at the same time as Lost. So, last night Emily and I decided that we’d record our beloved drama on one tv and watch AI live in another room with everyone else - sending all of our good will Chris and Katharine’s way.

After we express a sufficient amount of outrage over Paris being the one sent home rather than Taylor, Em and I grab our snacks and head off for the island. 55 minutes into the show, we’ve drawn another family member (Brittany) into our world and we’re all on the edge of our seats, frozen, mouths hanging slightly open - hanging onto every word Michael and Ana Lucia are saying - watching every move of the gun. Then Michael, who is holding the gun, says, “I’m sorry.” - - - - - Then, then, then…. nothing! The dvr had stopped recording! We had a collective conniption, we had an emotional upheaval, we had an ARRRGH moment. We had everything but the last 5 minutes of the most emotionally-charged, dramatic Lost in months.

Brittany, who isn’t as invested as we are, laughed (I’ll remember that, by the way!) as Emily and I headed for the computer. The youngest, Stephany, was at the one we ran to - and looked puzzled to say the least. Somehow we conveyed the message to her that she needed to find a Lost forum RIGHT NOW - fortunately, the kid is a mad typer, so we were hooked up asap. (The husband just looked at us with that, “I am so surrounded” look he’s perfected.)

When we found out just what all we had missed, I we felt worse rather than better - it would have a totally kick arse show to have seen ALL of, especially the last 5 shocking minutes!

I wish I could say that the lesson learned - about never assuming anything, or taking anything for granted - was worth it.  But it wasn’t.  Not by a New York minute.  And especially not by Five Island Minutes!

“I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done, than be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching.”  ~Shakespeare

If you’re trying to lose weight (or just trying to maintain the shape you have), you might want to consider eating more homecooked meals.

A typical meal out ranges from 1,000 - 1,600 calories, whereas a meal at home averages 600 - 700 calories.

Another “Dining Out Downer” - In a typical restaurant, customers receive 27 cents worth of food for every dollar they spend.  Then, if a tip is involved - it’s jacked up even higher.  Quite honestly, I believe those numbers will soon be shifting for the worse. Servings in restaurants are getting smaller, but the prices are staying the same.
Doesn’t that add insult to injury?   Not only are we courting weight and health problems, we’re overpaying for the right to do so.

Joi

(Okay, shoot me, the burger and fries look good.  I may eat a grilled chicken salad for lunch, but I’ll be calling out the burger’s name.)

“You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted.”