Friday, March 6, 2009
Miami Int'l Film Festival
The 26th Annual Miami International Film Festival has begun and runs through the 15th. Screenings and parties will take place at various venues throughout Miami; you can peruse the program guide for details.
A different kind of candy
Or maybe that should be a different kind of candy nomenclature. Craque Candy is the creation of NYC resident Frieda Orange. It's packaged in small plastic bags, and there's also different flavors you have to see to believe.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Public displays of hygiene
Grooming in public... yuck! It's usually unnecessary and most of the time, gross.
I've witnessed coworkers clipping their nails, swabbing their ears, using a cordless shaver, cleaning their face with astringent, and flossing their teeth - all in offices or studios.
I'd have to say the flossing in public is the worst. Nothing like particles of food that were stuck in someone's teeth being dislodged into my atmosphere!
There also seems to be a growing need for some people to clip their nails outside of their home.
Here's another:
Etiquette Rule #13: Practice Nail Hygiene at Home
Going on a Pleasure ClipFellow riders, we have a bone (actually a small, keratinized piece of hardened protein) to pick with you: as we refrain from singing, and instead focus on the sights and sounds of our transit ride, we're irritated when the clang, clang, clang of the trolley is interrupted by the snap, snap, snap of your nails. We understand the need to be adequately equipped as you claw your way to the top, but we're manicurious about the need to subject others to your nail clippings. With 14% of the population suffering from nail fungus, why should we have to deflect your high-velocity shrapnel of dead tissue? Etiquette states that the occasional filing of painful or dangerously sharp nails is acceptable, but clipping your nails on mass transit is not. So, be a hygiene hero and fight foul fingernail form as you ride. You'll not only steer clear of irritating passengers, but also avoid exposing them to fungi, bacteria, and viruses - a strategy that has these Muni Ladies waking up on the right side of the cuticle bed.
Muni Manner: Clip nails at home to curb personal grooming on mass transit. It's the safe and courteous thing to do.
I've witnessed coworkers clipping their nails, swabbing their ears, using a cordless shaver, cleaning their face with astringent, and flossing their teeth - all in offices or studios.
I'd have to say the flossing in public is the worst. Nothing like particles of food that were stuck in someone's teeth being dislodged into my atmosphere!
There also seems to be a growing need for some people to clip their nails outside of their home.
Here's another:
Etiquette Rule #13: Practice Nail Hygiene at Home
Going on a Pleasure ClipFellow riders, we have a bone (actually a small, keratinized piece of hardened protein) to pick with you: as we refrain from singing, and instead focus on the sights and sounds of our transit ride, we're irritated when the clang, clang, clang of the trolley is interrupted by the snap, snap, snap of your nails. We understand the need to be adequately equipped as you claw your way to the top, but we're manicurious about the need to subject others to your nail clippings. With 14% of the population suffering from nail fungus, why should we have to deflect your high-velocity shrapnel of dead tissue? Etiquette states that the occasional filing of painful or dangerously sharp nails is acceptable, but clipping your nails on mass transit is not. So, be a hygiene hero and fight foul fingernail form as you ride. You'll not only steer clear of irritating passengers, but also avoid exposing them to fungi, bacteria, and viruses - a strategy that has these Muni Ladies waking up on the right side of the cuticle bed.
Muni Manner: Clip nails at home to curb personal grooming on mass transit. It's the safe and courteous thing to do.
Addicted to technology
While all this technology we have at our fingertips is great, there are some pitfalls:
Blackberry thumb! But seriously, many people are using sites like Facebook or Classmates and reconnecting with first, or lost loves and wreaking havoc in their lives. Back in December, a Pembroke Pines Charter High school student was suspended for talkin' smack about her teacher online. More recently, a British teen was fired for an online posting where she described her job as "boring".
Now, people are leaving online goodbyes when they leave a job. Sometimes your departure is on the side of hasty, so you aren't able to express your feelings, good or bad. Well, not anymore! You can post whatever you'd like, but beware, once you post your feelings, it's there forever.
There's a great article about cleaning up your Facebook page to make sure it doesn't end up embarrassing you, or getting you fired.
If you've ever run out of printer ink at an inopportune time, or dropped your cell phone in the commode, try these low-tech fixes.
Blackberry thumb! But seriously, many people are using sites like Facebook or Classmates and reconnecting with first, or lost loves and wreaking havoc in their lives. Back in December, a Pembroke Pines Charter High school student was suspended for talkin' smack about her teacher online. More recently, a British teen was fired for an online posting where she described her job as "boring".
Now, people are leaving online goodbyes when they leave a job. Sometimes your departure is on the side of hasty, so you aren't able to express your feelings, good or bad. Well, not anymore! You can post whatever you'd like, but beware, once you post your feelings, it's there forever.
There's a great article about cleaning up your Facebook page to make sure it doesn't end up embarrassing you, or getting you fired.
In the past 24 hours, both CBS4 and NBC6 have aired segments about the dangers of social networking sites. There's also a worm invading various sites; it's a new variant of the "koobface" worm that attacked the sites last year.
One author has written a book about the rise of nastiness online; in Snark: It's Mean, It's Personal, and It's Ruining Our Conversation, author David Denby laments the bullying that's become rampant, especially on the Internet.If you've ever run out of printer ink at an inopportune time, or dropped your cell phone in the commode, try these low-tech fixes.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Most miserable cities
Forbes magazine, always coming up with the strangest of stats. Forbes is responsible for the annual list of Top Earning Dead Celebrities, and also, the annual list of Top Ten Most Miserable Cities in the United States. This year, Stockton, California gets the top spot; Forbes uses nine factors to determine what makes a city miserable. Miami made the top ten, coming in at number nine, and here's why:
No. 9 Miami, Fla.
Miami has been crushed by the housing collapse. Moody's Economy.com estimates that 26% of mortgages in Miami are delinquent or are likely to be written off as bad debt that can not be collected. Violent crime and corruption are also off the charts.
No. 9 Miami, Fla.
Miami has been crushed by the housing collapse. Moody's Economy.com estimates that 26% of mortgages in Miami are delinquent or are likely to be written off as bad debt that can not be collected. Violent crime and corruption are also off the charts.
National Grammar Day
Today, March 4th, is National Grammar Day. Are you a grammar snob? I'm right there with you! Well, maybe not to the point of snobbery, but it does drive me a bit nuts when I see certain errors, e.g., 12 a.m. when it should be 12 p.m. or loose when it should be lose. Oh man, I am a grammar snob!
If you are, too, you'll find this poem Jeff Martin sent to me a bit more than painful!
If you are, too, you'll find this poem Jeff Martin sent to me a bit more than painful!
There's a great book titled, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. Ah, what a difference a comma can make!
There's even a grammar gang, if you will; the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, or SPOGG, has a book of their own titled, Things That Make Us [Sic].
You can peruse the Top 10 Grammar Tips and have a grammatical day! Here are ten more ways to improve your grammar. There is some controversy about using the word 'hopefully' to begin a sentence. What do you think?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Green doggie waste bags
Regular plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose, but how else do you get Fido's doo to the trash? Introducing Green Doggie Bags, an eco-friendly way to scoop. The bags are 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable. The founders of Green Doggie Bag are from Miami and North Lauderdale; they are working with local cities to provide free bags in dog parks!
There are other "green" dog bags on the market, so you have many choices other than plastic!
There are other "green" dog bags on the market, so you have many choices other than plastic!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Weston Int'l Woman's Day
While March is National Women's History Month, March 8th is International Women's Day; it was established by the United Nations in 1975 to recognize and honor women for their contributions to their communities. It is celebrated every year all over the world. This Saturday (7th), the Weston Chapter of the American Association of University Women will host an Int'l Woman's Day honoring women making a difference in our community.
The Weston International Woman's Day will happen from 2p - 4p, in the Cleveland Clinic's KRUPA Education Center, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd in Weston. It's free and open to you!
The Weston International Woman's Day will happen from 2p - 4p, in the Cleveland Clinic's KRUPA Education Center, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd in Weston. It's free and open to you!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
What would you do?
Parade magazine recently asked their readers to answer a series of questions as insight into the readers' morals. The results, in some instances, were surprising - I can't believe 67% of those who took the survey would not lie about their age and 66% would tell a friend his or her spouse is cheating - I think they got the yays & nays backwards!!!
Some more involved and potentially controversial ethical dilemmas here - what would you do?
You can also take the Harvard Moral Sense Test if you'd like.
Some more involved and potentially controversial ethical dilemmas here - what would you do?
You can also take the Harvard Moral Sense Test if you'd like.
Nat'l Women's History Month
We are women, hear us roar! It's National Women's History Month - a time to celebrate the wide range of contributions and achievements made by women that have been overlooked in many U.S. history classes.
The National Women's History Project, founded in 1980, is an educational nonprofit organization. Their mission is to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs.
You can help give the National Women's History Museum a permanent home; and, let us not forget about TITLE IX which is also known as the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, named for the late Congresswoman who wrote the law. She did so an outgrowth of adversities she faced in obtaining her college degrees at the University of Hawaii, University of Nebraska and University of Chicago.
If you've ever used a windshield wiper, cordless phone, dishwasher, Liquid Paper, automatic drip coffee maker, sports bra, Spanx, disposable diapers, electric hot water heater, scotchguard, circular saw, or a Roomba, you can thank a woman for inventing it!
Author Ethlie Ann Vare has written two books on the subject: Patently Female and Mothers of Invention: From the Bra to the Bomb: Forgotten Women and Their Unforgettable Ideas.
Ms. Vare is working with Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry on an interactive exhibit on women inventors and it could happen this year!
Why are so many women mystery Inventors?
We'll probably never know how many women inventors there were. That's because in the early years of the United States, a woman could not get a patent in her own name. A patent is considered a kind of property, and until the late 1800s laws forbade women in most states from owning property or entering into legal agreements in their own names. Instead, a woman's property would be in the name of her father or husband.
For example, many people believe that Sybilla Masters was the first American woman inventor. In 1712 she developed a new corn mill, but was denied a patent because she was a woman. Three years later the patent was filed successfully in her husband's name.
The National Women's History Project, founded in 1980, is an educational nonprofit organization. Their mission is to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs.
You can help give the National Women's History Museum a permanent home; and, let us not forget about TITLE IX which is also known as the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, named for the late Congresswoman who wrote the law. She did so an outgrowth of adversities she faced in obtaining her college degrees at the University of Hawaii, University of Nebraska and University of Chicago.
If you've ever used a windshield wiper, cordless phone, dishwasher, Liquid Paper, automatic drip coffee maker, sports bra, Spanx, disposable diapers, electric hot water heater, scotchguard, circular saw, or a Roomba, you can thank a woman for inventing it!
Author Ethlie Ann Vare has written two books on the subject: Patently Female and Mothers of Invention: From the Bra to the Bomb: Forgotten Women and Their Unforgettable Ideas.
Ms. Vare is working with Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry on an interactive exhibit on women inventors and it could happen this year!
Why are so many women mystery Inventors?
We'll probably never know how many women inventors there were. That's because in the early years of the United States, a woman could not get a patent in her own name. A patent is considered a kind of property, and until the late 1800s laws forbade women in most states from owning property or entering into legal agreements in their own names. Instead, a woman's property would be in the name of her father or husband.
For example, many people believe that Sybilla Masters was the first American woman inventor. In 1712 she developed a new corn mill, but was denied a patent because she was a woman. Three years later the patent was filed successfully in her husband's name.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Buy NYC tap water
Willing to spend $1.50 a bottle for New York City tap water? You can buy Tap'd NY by the case - now if I could somehow get a John's Pizza to arrive fully intact...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A few of the germiest things
There are two types of people: Germaphobes, and everybody else. That being said, there are a few items even us non-germ freaks should pay heed to and perhaps use a bit more caution when handling... or not.
Another item that can get quite nasty is the bottom of your purse, to the point of making you sick.
But wait, there's more ick! You cell phone, gone uncleaned, can have more germs on it than a terlit seat! If your not 'hands free', and you wonder why you keep having minor break outs around the mouth, cheek, and chin area, clean your phone!!!
Ya know, I clean and disinfect things to a certain degree, but I've been known to grab grocery cart handles bare-handed and don't always use paper towels to open bathroom doors; I'm not trying to gross the germaphobes out, but I wanted to point out that I'm rarely ever sick. I've had a cold once in the past 8 years. Meanwhile, many of my friends who have a Purell IV, disinfect everything all the time, and open public doors with their elbows, seem to catch every cold that blows by; just a little bacteria for thought.
Another item that can get quite nasty is the bottom of your purse, to the point of making you sick.
But wait, there's more ick! You cell phone, gone uncleaned, can have more germs on it than a terlit seat! If your not 'hands free', and you wonder why you keep having minor break outs around the mouth, cheek, and chin area, clean your phone!!!
Ya know, I clean and disinfect things to a certain degree, but I've been known to grab grocery cart handles bare-handed and don't always use paper towels to open bathroom doors; I'm not trying to gross the germaphobes out, but I wanted to point out that I'm rarely ever sick. I've had a cold once in the past 8 years. Meanwhile, many of my friends who have a Purell IV, disinfect everything all the time, and open public doors with their elbows, seem to catch every cold that blows by; just a little bacteria for thought.
Upcoming Job Fairs
Here's a list of upcoming job fairs:
Miami Dade College North Campus Job Fair
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
5:00pm - 7:30pm
11380 NW 27 AvenueMiami, FL 33167-3418
Miami Dade College North Campus Job Fair
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
9:00am - 12:00noon
11380 NW 27 Avenue
Miami, FL 33167 - 3418
Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale Campus Career Fair
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10:30am - 1:30pm
1500 NW 49 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Workforce One South
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10:00am - 1:00pm
7550 Davie Road Extension
Hollywood, FL 33024
Barry University Social Services, Non-Profit, & Government Career Fair
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2:00pm - 4:00pm
11300 NE 2 Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
St. Thomas University Spring Career Fair
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Evelyn & George Goldbloom Convocation Hall
16401 NW 37 Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Nova Southeastern University Spring 2009 Career
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
2:00pm - 6:00pm
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
Lynn University Sping Career Fair
Wednsday, March 25, 2009
10:00am - 3:00pm
3601 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Johnson & Wales University Spring Career Conference
Thursday, March 26, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
North Miami Campus
1701 NE 127 Street
North Miami, FL 33181
Florida Atlantic University - Davie Campus Career & Internship Fair
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
10:00am - 3:00pm
2912 College Avenue
Davie, FL 33314
Miami Dade College North Campus Job Fair
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
5:00pm - 7:30pm
11380 NW 27 AvenueMiami, FL 33167-3418
Miami Dade College North Campus Job Fair
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
9:00am - 12:00noon
11380 NW 27 Avenue
Miami, FL 33167 - 3418
Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale Campus Career Fair
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10:30am - 1:30pm
1500 NW 49 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Workforce One South
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10:00am - 1:00pm
7550 Davie Road Extension
Hollywood, FL 33024
Barry University Social Services, Non-Profit, & Government Career Fair
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2:00pm - 4:00pm
11300 NE 2 Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
St. Thomas University Spring Career Fair
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Evelyn & George Goldbloom Convocation Hall
16401 NW 37 Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Nova Southeastern University Spring 2009 Career
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
2:00pm - 6:00pm
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
Lynn University Sping Career Fair
Wednsday, March 25, 2009
10:00am - 3:00pm
3601 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Johnson & Wales University Spring Career Conference
Thursday, March 26, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
North Miami Campus
1701 NE 127 Street
North Miami, FL 33181
Florida Atlantic University - Davie Campus Career & Internship Fair
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
10:00am - 3:00pm
2912 College Avenue
Davie, FL 33314
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Cult of Snuggie-ality part two
So Bryan Shine and his lovely lady gave me the gift of a Snuggie. I'm sure they gifted me the blanket with sleeves because they're very nice people, but more likely the reason was my skepticism of the functionality of the Snuggie. I questioned its stay-up-ablity, that is, staying up around the shoulders; a snuggie is not unlike wearing a robe backwards. Bryan told me it worked, and to prove it, bought me a Snuggie of my very own.
So far, so good! Relaxing couch-side, yes; jumping jacks, no.
Millions of these things have been sold and they are on backorder a good portion of the time (Bryan said that was the case with mine).
My original Snuggie post has a link to videos a.k.a The Cult of Snuggie!
So far, so good! Relaxing couch-side, yes; jumping jacks, no.
Millions of these things have been sold and they are on backorder a good portion of the time (Bryan said that was the case with mine).
My original Snuggie post has a link to videos a.k.a The Cult of Snuggie!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Cheer for Coral Glades High
The Coral Glades High Cheerleaders have been named 'ultimate cheerleading champions' by MTV. The Jaguars won the grand prize of an MTV contest coinciding with the release of the film Fired Up. They win $5,000 and get to attend the movie's local premier. The film is in theatres tomorrow...
Wanna see the winning cheer? AND 2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate....
Wanna see the winning cheer? AND 2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate....
Finders Key Purse
A former flight attendant had an idea and decided to run with it. Sandy Stein says she dreamt of a decorative key chain that attached to side of a woman's purse - so she could always find her keys. The next morning, she had a prototype and named it Finders Key Purse. Today she does about $6 million in sales and makes about 4 times her old income. Now if she could just find her keys...
Another free breakfast
I love how these restaurants keep wanting to give us free breakfast!
Next up, the IHOP National Pancake Day Celebration... whereby you get a free short stack of their buttermilk pancakes. It happens this Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, from 7a to 10a - and all IHOP asks is that you consider making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network.
The other free breakfast is courtesy of Chick-fil-A and the promotion runs through the end of them month.
Next up, the IHOP National Pancake Day Celebration... whereby you get a free short stack of their buttermilk pancakes. It happens this Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, from 7a to 10a - and all IHOP asks is that you consider making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network.
The other free breakfast is courtesy of Chick-fil-A and the promotion runs through the end of them month.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Buy jewelry, help mend heart
So let's say your Valentine's weekend went way wrong - you're no longer together 'cause he did something unforgivable. What to do, what to do... wait, I've got it! Sell all the jewelry he gave you. Nothing says movin' on like profiting from the ratty transgressions of an ex! You can even choose to donate some of the money to the Good Karma Fund... or not.
Need some inspiration? When actress Ellen Barkin's husband, billionaire Ron Perelman left her, she put his gifted jewels on the auction block ... uh, you know what I mean... She made a cool $20 million bucks off the sale. Ellen said it was not revenge, but a purely practical decision.
Need some inspiration? When actress Ellen Barkin's husband, billionaire Ron Perelman left her, she put his gifted jewels on the auction block ... uh, you know what I mean... She made a cool $20 million bucks off the sale. Ellen said it was not revenge, but a purely practical decision.
Monday, February 16, 2009
High fat diet makes you dumb?
Yep, in a recent scientific study - with rats and everything - it seems a diet high in saturated fat causes cognitive impairment. Eating fat could make you unable to think? That's either cause for concern, or a new excuse for everything that goes wrong. Why was I late? I had too many strips of bacon this morning and forgot where the office was...
Control-A-Cat remote
Think you own your cat instead of the other way around? This remote control may be the perfect thing for your delusion! There's no batteries required, as the remote is powered by wishful thinking...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
All about President's Day
It's President's Day - a Federal Holiday whose official name is Washington's Birthday. Since February is also the birth month of Abraham Lincoln, the holiday became known as President's Day. In 1968, changing the holiday's name to President's Day was considered and shot down by Congress. What they did do, was move the holiday to fall between the 1st and 16th President's birthdays.
What's closed today, what's open?
How presidentially savvy are you? Take the 20th Century Presidents Quiz to find out!
There have been 43 men that have served as President of the United states. How many can you name, and, can you name them in order?
While President Obama is the 44th president, only 43 Americans have taken the presidential oath. President Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms (1885-1889 and 1893-1897) and is recorded in history as the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.
Which term would describe the President?
Head of Government
Head of State
Commander in Chief
If you said, 'all of the above', you're ready to move to the Executive Branch!
Not all inaugurations have taken place at the U.S. Capitol. In fact, our first President took his Oath of Office in New York City!
Our 44th President, Barack Obama, has written a few books but recently a book was written for him. Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country is a compilation of letters to the President from kids of all ages.
Susan Wise put up some Presidential Trivia for last President's Day should you want to revisit.
What's closed today, what's open?
How presidentially savvy are you? Take the 20th Century Presidents Quiz to find out!
There have been 43 men that have served as President of the United states. How many can you name, and, can you name them in order?
While President Obama is the 44th president, only 43 Americans have taken the presidential oath. President Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms (1885-1889 and 1893-1897) and is recorded in history as the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.
Which term would describe the President?
Head of Government
Head of State
Commander in Chief
If you said, 'all of the above', you're ready to move to the Executive Branch!
Not all inaugurations have taken place at the U.S. Capitol. In fact, our first President took his Oath of Office in New York City!
Our 44th President, Barack Obama, has written a few books but recently a book was written for him. Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country is a compilation of letters to the President from kids of all ages.
Susan Wise put up some Presidential Trivia for last President's Day should you want to revisit.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Love, American Style
You probably won't like this news, especially if you're a romantic... Scientists say love is all about your head, not your heart. Four tiny parts of the brain form a 'circuit of love', and love works chemically in the brain like a drug addiction. Gives intervention a whole new meaning, no?
Another article links attraction to biology and society, as opposed to any sort of logic - so let me see if I have this straight - you don't use your head during the attraction phase, but then the cranium jumps in to determine whether he or she's a keeper? We need to form some sort of merger for the sake of time management.
What are the seven things he worships about your body? Before you look at the list, know that suprisingly enough, your brain is not on the list... I know, shock!
Have you found love at work? It's a very divided subject, but should you find cupid in your cubicle, there is a certain amount of decorum by which you should abide.
Did you find love on the subway? New York Transit Authority wants your story....
Did you know that sales of spyware and the hiring of private detective's grows tenfold around this time of year? So, watch yourself, or you could be on the next episode of Cheaters!
Another article links attraction to biology and society, as opposed to any sort of logic - so let me see if I have this straight - you don't use your head during the attraction phase, but then the cranium jumps in to determine whether he or she's a keeper? We need to form some sort of merger for the sake of time management.
What are the seven things he worships about your body? Before you look at the list, know that suprisingly enough, your brain is not on the list... I know, shock!
Have you found love at work? It's a very divided subject, but should you find cupid in your cubicle, there is a certain amount of decorum by which you should abide.
Did you find love on the subway? New York Transit Authority wants your story....
Did you know that sales of spyware and the hiring of private detective's grows tenfold around this time of year? So, watch yourself, or you could be on the next episode of Cheaters!
Boat Show and Arts Festival
More on peanut butter recall
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Romantic movie trivia
If you love a good tear-jerkin' love story, test your romantic movie trivia!
Got a favorite romantic movie line, post it here!! We might mention your favorite quote tomorrow morning.
Got a favorite romantic movie line, post it here!! We might mention your favorite quote tomorrow morning.
Pet vs. Partner
A territorial pet, or partner for that matter, can make a new relationship turn sour. With some house training and positive reinforcement with both pet and partner, you can return to relationship bliss!
It's me or the pet usually doesn't work... unless you're trying to get rid of the new partner!
Perhaps, though, a Pet Concierge would help?
It's me or the pet usually doesn't work... unless you're trying to get rid of the new partner!
Perhaps, though, a Pet Concierge would help?
Free hazardous waste drop-off
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Is your recipe worth a mil?
It's that time again, where the cooks are cooks, and the bakers can win a million dollars! The 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off is now accepting registrations, and the recipes must fit into one of the following categories: Breakfast and Brunches, Entertaining Appetizers, Dinner Made Easy or Sweet Treats. The recipes must also include two ingredients from a list provided by Pillsbury.
The deadline for your online entry is April 20th, 2009. The actual Bake-Off will take place April 11-13, 2010, in Orlando. The Grand Prize is $1 million bucks!!
The deadline for your online entry is April 20th, 2009. The actual Bake-Off will take place April 11-13, 2010, in Orlando. The Grand Prize is $1 million bucks!!
Kids advise President Obama
There's a new book out titled Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country - the book consists of letters from kids of various ages, with steadfast advice on how to get America on track!
The book benefits 826 National, a non-profit organization that operates tutoring centers throughout the country.
We were lucky enough to have Tiger Cubs Pack 442 in the studio tonight! Here's what they would ask the President to do:
Alex (chaperon) - Take a school day off each week to play video games all day.
Brandon - A free day off each week, where you don't have to do anything or listen to anyone.
Calvin - Free ice cream day each week, preferably chocolate.
Jacob - Be good, that is, make everyone be good to each other. This law would be in effect all
the time!
Kendra - Be kind to all animals, except bugs and reptiles, all the time. I may have to ask the President to VETO the reptiles portion of Kendra's law, as they eat a good portion of the gross bugs.
The book benefits 826 National, a non-profit organization that operates tutoring centers throughout the country.
We were lucky enough to have Tiger Cubs Pack 442 in the studio tonight! Here's what they would ask the President to do:
Alex (chaperon) - Take a school day off each week to play video games all day.
Brandon - A free day off each week, where you don't have to do anything or listen to anyone.
Calvin - Free ice cream day each week, preferably chocolate.
Jacob - Be good, that is, make everyone be good to each other. This law would be in effect all
the time!
Kendra - Be kind to all animals, except bugs and reptiles, all the time. I may have to ask the President to VETO the reptiles portion of Kendra's law, as they eat a good portion of the gross bugs.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Joy of Sleep
Author Julie Rottenberg wrote a brilliant article in the February issue of Real Simple Magazine about sleep. From all the blogs I've seen, many see the prose as an ode to those of us who are professional sleepers! Read it and let me know if you're one of us!
Good in Bed
Studies show that the average American gets about seven hours of sleep a night. Writer Julie Rottenberg would prefer, oh, 12 to 15 (though she'd settle for 10). Here, the story of how a sleep lover learned to cope in this "rise and shine" world.
I have a problem. No, scratch that. It's not a problem. I do not have a problem. I'm fine. It's more of a passion, an obsession; some might even argue it's a talent. For sleeping. Late. And I mean really, really, really late.
If left to my own devices-with all the phone ringers turned off, the doors and windows shut, and the doorbell intercom turned down-I can sleep until one, two, and three in the afternoon and often for stretches of 12 to 15 hours. I will do basically anything to be able to sleep late: lie, cheat, manipulate social plans and travel itineraries. I go through life the way I imagine a smoker in a nonsmoking world does: I'm constantly thinking about the next time I will be able to get my fix.
I am a superhuman sleeper.
As a child, I slept so late that when I went to slumber parties, all the other kids had already left by the time I woke up. I once slept so late at a sleepover party that when I awoke, not only had all the other kids been picked up by their parents but the guest of honor herself had gone roller-skating.
Even at my own sleepover parties, I woke up so much later than everyone else that my family was forced to pick up the slack. On one occasion, my older sister assembled my guests in her room and taught them geometry. At another party, my father kept the troops occupied by playing the banjo and singing folk tunes while I slept soundly in the other room. I remember my mother eventually coming in and saying, "Jul. People want to leave. I think you should get up."
As time went on, I started to wonder if I would ever find a friend who shared my insatiable need for sleep. Then, when I was nine, I met Elisa Zuritsky. We seemed to have everything in common, and on our first sleepover I discovered that she, too, loved staying up obscenely late and putting on talk shows and midnight musicals as much as I did. Still, I expected our new found friendship to come crashing down the next morning, at which point my sleeping "problem" would surely be revealed.
I awoke the following day at Elisa's house and checked my watch; it was just past noon. I prepared myself for the usual wrath of a none-year-old who has been up waiting for hours. But then I discovered a shocking sight: Elisa Zuritsky was still sleeping. I stared at her, stunned, then checked the clock again. I looked back at her and made sure she was still breathing. Then I sat there, paralyzed, unsure what to do. I had never woken up before anyone, ever.
Elisa and I became best friends for life.
Some time after college, I started picking up the cues that sleeping late is not socially acceptable behavior. In fact, by now you've probably made all kinds of judgments about me, assuming I must be depressed or ill or a big slacker.
For the record, I am not depressed. Moreover, I have always been gainfully employed and am even occasionally required to wake up as early as five or six in the morning. And I do it. It's upsetting-very upsetting-but I can do it.
In fact, in my waking hours, I'm not a just awake, I'm hyper-awake. I walk fast; I write fast; I type 107 words per minute; I'm ambitious and highly motivated. But in the morning, lying in bed when the alarm goes off, I have no ambitions, no desires, no real reason to live. I am filled with hate and loathing, and the only thing I want is to sleep forever.
Over the years, my sleeping habits never changed, but my awareness of a stigma deepened, and I'm ashamed to admit I started lying to cover it up. For instance, if someone suggested meeting for brunch at 10 or 11 on a weekend, I might say, "Oh, I have to run a bunch of errands beforehand, could we make it later...much later?"
But I soon realized that by covering up my penchant for sleeping late, I was perpetuating the prejudice my people have had to endure for centuries. So these days when someone calls and wakes me up from a deep sleep, I don't feign a wide-awake "Hello?" I've never understood that. Why should the person who has been awakened-victimized, really-assume responsibility?
Instead, I answer the phone like this: "Hulllmph...?" dripping with as much outrage as can be conveyed in a dingle grunt. Invariably, the caller has the audacity to ask, innocently, "Oh, did I wake you?" To that I grunt back, "Yeah! You did!" and hang up. Because if I don't teach these people, who will?
Now, as hard as it was to find a friend who shared my passion for sleeping, I knew it was going to be even harder to find that trait in a partner. When I First started dating Ben, well over a decade ago, he seemed mildly amused and even impressed by my ability to sleep so late.
All that changed on our first vacation together. Ben and I went to New Mexico and stayed in a bed-and-breakfast owned by a lovely couple. Upon our arrival, they informed us that they were famous for their delicious home-cooked breakfasts. All the ingredients, they boasted, came straight from their garden. Then they lowered the boom: "And breakfast is served from seven to nine."
"From seven to nine, from seven to nine" echoed in my head as Ben and I walked back to our room in silence. I shut the door, spun around, and glared at him, speechless. "Well, what do you want to do?" he asked. "What can we do?" I wailed and collapsed on the bed, moaning about what kind of deeply hostile, uncivilized people would stop serving breakfast at nine.
Ben, an incredibly patient and sweet man, suggested that I get up for a quick breakfast, then return to the room and go back to sleep. And that's when I started to wonder if Ben and I would ever really understand each other. Because any serious sleeper knows that once the stream of sleep has been interrupted, it's all over. There is no joy in going back to sleep once you've brushed your teeth and been forced to interact with the world.
Sensing he was hitting a brick wall, Ben suggested that I skip breakfast altogether, which, of course, is exactly what I wanted permission to do. But, oh, the shame and humiliation! To make matters worse, breakfast has long been one of my favorite meals. (Ironic, I know. Maybe because it is always the meal I am missing.) I was forced to reckon with dueling parts of my identity: torn between my love of sleep, my love of food-and did I mention my love of getting my money's worth?
The next morning, at 8:58 A.M., I dragged myself out of bed and down to breakfast. In the end, I decided to sacrifice my precious sleep for the sake of a freshly baked muffin and my new relationship with Ben. And, as happy as I am to be with Ben all these years later (he's now my husband), I still mourn the loss of those gorgeous hours of sleep. You can never get them back, you know.
After that trip, I vowed never again to compromise my relationship with sleep, and I've been a happier person for it. Friends, colleagues, and family members understand that this is simply a part of who I am, and aside from the occasional ribbing, they have come to accept it. More than a few have admitted to wishing they could adopt my sleep philosophy but claim they couldn't live with themselves if they slept past 9 A.M. "That's sleeping the day away!" they cry. Frankly, this sort of thing breaks my heart. It also reminds me of how vitally important it is for me to take a personal stand against the rampant sleepism in this country.
So when I find myself lying in bed on a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning, plagued with the feeling that I should get up and embrace the day, I do not. Instead, I abandon all guilt and shame, put on my sleep mask, rollover, commit to sleeping, and continue sleeping until I can sleep no longer. I firmly believe that only then, in the deepest of sleep, can true progress begin.
Julie Rottenberg is an award-winning playwright whose work has appeared in the New York Times and Marie Claire. She was a producer of HBO's Sex & the City; her work for the show was nominated fro three Emmy Awards. She lives in Brooklyn.
And she's probably sleeping right now.... YA YA, sister!
Good in Bed
Studies show that the average American gets about seven hours of sleep a night. Writer Julie Rottenberg would prefer, oh, 12 to 15 (though she'd settle for 10). Here, the story of how a sleep lover learned to cope in this "rise and shine" world.
I have a problem. No, scratch that. It's not a problem. I do not have a problem. I'm fine. It's more of a passion, an obsession; some might even argue it's a talent. For sleeping. Late. And I mean really, really, really late.
If left to my own devices-with all the phone ringers turned off, the doors and windows shut, and the doorbell intercom turned down-I can sleep until one, two, and three in the afternoon and often for stretches of 12 to 15 hours. I will do basically anything to be able to sleep late: lie, cheat, manipulate social plans and travel itineraries. I go through life the way I imagine a smoker in a nonsmoking world does: I'm constantly thinking about the next time I will be able to get my fix.
I am a superhuman sleeper.
As a child, I slept so late that when I went to slumber parties, all the other kids had already left by the time I woke up. I once slept so late at a sleepover party that when I awoke, not only had all the other kids been picked up by their parents but the guest of honor herself had gone roller-skating.
Even at my own sleepover parties, I woke up so much later than everyone else that my family was forced to pick up the slack. On one occasion, my older sister assembled my guests in her room and taught them geometry. At another party, my father kept the troops occupied by playing the banjo and singing folk tunes while I slept soundly in the other room. I remember my mother eventually coming in and saying, "Jul. People want to leave. I think you should get up."
As time went on, I started to wonder if I would ever find a friend who shared my insatiable need for sleep. Then, when I was nine, I met Elisa Zuritsky. We seemed to have everything in common, and on our first sleepover I discovered that she, too, loved staying up obscenely late and putting on talk shows and midnight musicals as much as I did. Still, I expected our new found friendship to come crashing down the next morning, at which point my sleeping "problem" would surely be revealed.
I awoke the following day at Elisa's house and checked my watch; it was just past noon. I prepared myself for the usual wrath of a none-year-old who has been up waiting for hours. But then I discovered a shocking sight: Elisa Zuritsky was still sleeping. I stared at her, stunned, then checked the clock again. I looked back at her and made sure she was still breathing. Then I sat there, paralyzed, unsure what to do. I had never woken up before anyone, ever.
Elisa and I became best friends for life.
Some time after college, I started picking up the cues that sleeping late is not socially acceptable behavior. In fact, by now you've probably made all kinds of judgments about me, assuming I must be depressed or ill or a big slacker.
For the record, I am not depressed. Moreover, I have always been gainfully employed and am even occasionally required to wake up as early as five or six in the morning. And I do it. It's upsetting-very upsetting-but I can do it.
In fact, in my waking hours, I'm not a just awake, I'm hyper-awake. I walk fast; I write fast; I type 107 words per minute; I'm ambitious and highly motivated. But in the morning, lying in bed when the alarm goes off, I have no ambitions, no desires, no real reason to live. I am filled with hate and loathing, and the only thing I want is to sleep forever.
Over the years, my sleeping habits never changed, but my awareness of a stigma deepened, and I'm ashamed to admit I started lying to cover it up. For instance, if someone suggested meeting for brunch at 10 or 11 on a weekend, I might say, "Oh, I have to run a bunch of errands beforehand, could we make it later...much later?"
But I soon realized that by covering up my penchant for sleeping late, I was perpetuating the prejudice my people have had to endure for centuries. So these days when someone calls and wakes me up from a deep sleep, I don't feign a wide-awake "Hello?" I've never understood that. Why should the person who has been awakened-victimized, really-assume responsibility?
Instead, I answer the phone like this: "Hulllmph...?" dripping with as much outrage as can be conveyed in a dingle grunt. Invariably, the caller has the audacity to ask, innocently, "Oh, did I wake you?" To that I grunt back, "Yeah! You did!" and hang up. Because if I don't teach these people, who will?
Now, as hard as it was to find a friend who shared my passion for sleeping, I knew it was going to be even harder to find that trait in a partner. When I First started dating Ben, well over a decade ago, he seemed mildly amused and even impressed by my ability to sleep so late.
All that changed on our first vacation together. Ben and I went to New Mexico and stayed in a bed-and-breakfast owned by a lovely couple. Upon our arrival, they informed us that they were famous for their delicious home-cooked breakfasts. All the ingredients, they boasted, came straight from their garden. Then they lowered the boom: "And breakfast is served from seven to nine."
"From seven to nine, from seven to nine" echoed in my head as Ben and I walked back to our room in silence. I shut the door, spun around, and glared at him, speechless. "Well, what do you want to do?" he asked. "What can we do?" I wailed and collapsed on the bed, moaning about what kind of deeply hostile, uncivilized people would stop serving breakfast at nine.
Ben, an incredibly patient and sweet man, suggested that I get up for a quick breakfast, then return to the room and go back to sleep. And that's when I started to wonder if Ben and I would ever really understand each other. Because any serious sleeper knows that once the stream of sleep has been interrupted, it's all over. There is no joy in going back to sleep once you've brushed your teeth and been forced to interact with the world.
Sensing he was hitting a brick wall, Ben suggested that I skip breakfast altogether, which, of course, is exactly what I wanted permission to do. But, oh, the shame and humiliation! To make matters worse, breakfast has long been one of my favorite meals. (Ironic, I know. Maybe because it is always the meal I am missing.) I was forced to reckon with dueling parts of my identity: torn between my love of sleep, my love of food-and did I mention my love of getting my money's worth?
The next morning, at 8:58 A.M., I dragged myself out of bed and down to breakfast. In the end, I decided to sacrifice my precious sleep for the sake of a freshly baked muffin and my new relationship with Ben. And, as happy as I am to be with Ben all these years later (he's now my husband), I still mourn the loss of those gorgeous hours of sleep. You can never get them back, you know.
After that trip, I vowed never again to compromise my relationship with sleep, and I've been a happier person for it. Friends, colleagues, and family members understand that this is simply a part of who I am, and aside from the occasional ribbing, they have come to accept it. More than a few have admitted to wishing they could adopt my sleep philosophy but claim they couldn't live with themselves if they slept past 9 A.M. "That's sleeping the day away!" they cry. Frankly, this sort of thing breaks my heart. It also reminds me of how vitally important it is for me to take a personal stand against the rampant sleepism in this country.
So when I find myself lying in bed on a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning, plagued with the feeling that I should get up and embrace the day, I do not. Instead, I abandon all guilt and shame, put on my sleep mask, rollover, commit to sleeping, and continue sleeping until I can sleep no longer. I firmly believe that only then, in the deepest of sleep, can true progress begin.
Julie Rottenberg is an award-winning playwright whose work has appeared in the New York Times and Marie Claire. She was a producer of HBO's Sex & the City; her work for the show was nominated fro three Emmy Awards. She lives in Brooklyn.
And she's probably sleeping right now.... YA YA, sister!
NECCO's, naughty and nice
The New England Confectionery Company better known by its acronym NECCO, are the sole makers of Sweethearts. The heart-shaped candy with a message has been around since 1866 whereas the company has been making candy since 1847. This year, in addition to the "I Love You" and "Sweet Talk", they'll be a Twilight series; messages from the film such as "Bite Me" and "Bedazzle"!
Candy, the other white meat!
Candy, the other white meat!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
SoBe Wine & Food Festival
The 2009 South Beach Wine and Food Festival is upon us! Thursday, February 19th through Sunday, February 22nd, a slew of your favorite Food Network personalities will be on hand to tantalize your taste buds, bud. Many an event is already sold out, so get to clickin', and get tickets for your favorite cook/chef/master creator...
Monday, February 2, 2009
I-95 ramp signals
Beginning Wednesday, February 4th, ramp signaling will begin on northbound I-95 between 62nd Street and 167th Street.
There are other major cities with highway ramp signals, and it will allegedly improve the overall flow of rush hour traffic. The ramp signal is fairly easy to figure out - red means stop and green means go... there is no yellow. You will get a ticket if you blow through a red - and one would assume the argument "I didn't know I was supposed to stop (at a red light)" won't fly to well.
I just want to say, "Good Luck, we're all counting on you".
There are other major cities with highway ramp signals, and it will allegedly improve the overall flow of rush hour traffic. The ramp signal is fairly easy to figure out - red means stop and green means go... there is no yellow. You will get a ticket if you blow through a red - and one would assume the argument "I didn't know I was supposed to stop (at a red light)" won't fly to well.
I just want to say, "Good Luck, we're all counting on you".
Free Breakfasts for you
Chick-fil-A would like to feed us for free, and really, who are we to argue?
(If you happen to like the freebies, there's a site that will alert you to whatever's being offered by companies all across this land)
The nine South Florida Chick-fil-A restaurants will offer free breakfast entrees, EVERY weekday in the month of February!! The offer is good 6:30a-10:30a, Monday through Friday, no purchase necessary, limit one free item per customer.
Mondays/Chicken Biscuit: A breakfast portion of the famous boneless breast of chicken served on a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit.
Tuesdays/Chicken or Sausage Breakfast Burrito: Chunks of chicken or sausage mixed with scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses. Wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with spicy salsa.
Wednesdays/Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis: Three bite-sized Chick-fil-A Nuggets in warm mini-yeast rolls.
Thursdays: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: Pork sausage patty served on a biscuit with egg and American cheese.
Fridays: Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit
3995 Northwest 107th Ave., Doral, 305-593-7881
3211 Southwest 160th Ave., Fountains of Miramar, Miramar, 954-433-3890
8190 West Commercial Blvd., Lauderhill, 954-741-9395
11401 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Lakes Mall, Pembroke Pines, 954-435-2677
12600 West Sunrise Blvd., Sawgrass Square, Sunrise, 954- 846-1870
8000 West Broward Blvd., Plantation, 954-476-9425
(If you happen to like the freebies, there's a site that will alert you to whatever's being offered by companies all across this land)
The nine South Florida Chick-fil-A restaurants will offer free breakfast entrees, EVERY weekday in the month of February!! The offer is good 6:30a-10:30a, Monday through Friday, no purchase necessary, limit one free item per customer.
Mondays/Chicken Biscuit: A breakfast portion of the famous boneless breast of chicken served on a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit.
Tuesdays/Chicken or Sausage Breakfast Burrito: Chunks of chicken or sausage mixed with scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses. Wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with spicy salsa.
Wednesdays/Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis: Three bite-sized Chick-fil-A Nuggets in warm mini-yeast rolls.
Thursdays: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: Pork sausage patty served on a biscuit with egg and American cheese.
Fridays: Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit
Locations:
1341 North University Dr., Coral Springs, 954- 753-0779
9409 West Atlantic Blvd., Coral Square, Coral Springs, 954-753-7767
7501 North Kendall Dr., Dadeland Mall, Miami, 305- 661-11733995 Northwest 107th Ave., Doral, 305-593-7881
3211 Southwest 160th Ave., Fountains of Miramar, Miramar, 954-433-3890
8190 West Commercial Blvd., Lauderhill, 954-741-9395
11401 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Lakes Mall, Pembroke Pines, 954-435-2677
12600 West Sunrise Blvd., Sawgrass Square, Sunrise, 954- 846-1870
8000 West Broward Blvd., Plantation, 954-476-9425
Friday, January 30, 2009
Renaissance Festival cometh
Hear Ye, hear ye, Lords and Ladies
The 17th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival and Artisan Village returns to Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. For 5 weekends, February 7 - March 8, you can browse the village, cheer battling knights, applaud performers, feast on hearty food, and play games of chance! It's always a good time, and when you visit their site you can print tickets from home! Huzzah!
The 17th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival and Artisan Village returns to Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. For 5 weekends, February 7 - March 8, you can browse the village, cheer battling knights, applaud performers, feast on hearty food, and play games of chance! It's always a good time, and when you visit their site you can print tickets from home! Huzzah!
Miami is most popular
A Pew Research Center survey has found that more than 1 in 4 Americans would like to live in Miami. The numero uno reason Miami was picked by more than 1 in 4... the weather! Go figure.
In fact, even now as I look at the current temperatures in these United States, we still have the best weather around. Enjoy your sunny, cool weekend and know you are the envy of more than 1 in 4 Americans; well, at least for where you live!
In fact, even now as I look at the current temperatures in these United States, we still have the best weather around. Enjoy your sunny, cool weekend and know you are the envy of more than 1 in 4 Americans; well, at least for where you live!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Cult of Snuggie-ality
You've seen the commercials, it's a blanket with sleeves known as the 'Snuggie'. Since Snuggies went on sale in August, over 4 million have been sold. But wait, that's not all - there seems to be a risin', a cult following for the fleece blanket; from Facebook postings, to countless You Tube parodies, to Snuggie drinking games, to a site dedicated to Snuggie sightings! You can purchase Snuggies online or in stores that have an "as seen on TV" section, such as Walgreens.
We are easily amused, aren't we?
If you have one of these, let me know if they're really all that. It would seem that without something to fasten the Snuggie in back, the thing would keep slipping off your shoulders; and constantly having to scrunch it back up would get really annoying after a while. Am I wrong?
We are easily amused, aren't we?
If you have one of these, let me know if they're really all that. It would seem that without something to fasten the Snuggie in back, the thing would keep slipping off your shoulders; and constantly having to scrunch it back up would get really annoying after a while. Am I wrong?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Presidential products
Never... never ever do I remember a Presidential family so marketed with products. First there's the President Obama plates and coins, then the Chia Obama; now, the Ty Co. has come up with two new Beanie Babies - Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia - not due to any resemblance to the first family says the company, but because they're beautiful names... riiiight!
Turns out our first lady is none too pleased with the dolls. “We believe it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes,” Ms. Obama’s spokeswoman said.
What do you think?
There's even a R-rated President Obama product. So naughty, in fact, that I can't put the link to it here.
And then there's the Ashford and Simpson remake of "Solid (As A Rock)" into "Solid As Barack"!
Yes, you can see the video, and you can purchase the song for 99 cents!
Turns out our first lady is none too pleased with the dolls. “We believe it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes,” Ms. Obama’s spokeswoman said.
What do you think?
There's even a R-rated President Obama product. So naughty, in fact, that I can't put the link to it here.
And then there's the Ashford and Simpson remake of "Solid (As A Rock)" into "Solid As Barack"!
Yes, you can see the video, and you can purchase the song for 99 cents!
Fun with roman numerals
If there can be such a thing! Every time the Olympics and/or Super Bowl comes around, it's a trip to the far crevasse of your cranial matter - the section that was taught about roman numerals.... or do you just wait for the sportscaster to translate what the Games of the XXIX Olympiad or Super Bowl XLIII mean?
As long as you have a basic knowledge of which letter represents which number, it's cake! Lower number in front of higher number you subtract, lower number behind, you add.
VIII = 5+3 = 8
IX = 10-1 = 9
XL = 50-10 = 40
XC = 100-10 = 90
MCMLXXXIV = 1000+(1000-100)+50+30+(5-1) = 1984
It's really not a hard as it may appear, and by the way, it's the 29th Olympiad and
Super Bowl 43.
Now pass the quesadillas, please.
As long as you have a basic knowledge of which letter represents which number, it's cake! Lower number in front of higher number you subtract, lower number behind, you add.
VIII = 5+3 = 8
IX = 10-1 = 9
XL = 50-10 = 40
XC = 100-10 = 90
MCMLXXXIV = 1000+(1000-100)+50+30+(5-1) = 1984
It's really not a hard as it may appear, and by the way, it's the 29th Olympiad and
Super Bowl 43.
Now pass the quesadillas, please.
Kudos, Claudine Ryce!
Claudine Ryce. Many of us knew of her but did not know her. What I remember was her overwhelming sorrow, grace and strength after the disappearance and, ultimately, murder of her son Jimmy at the hands of a predator. She suffered a 9/11 before any of us could fathom the term; it was on that date in 1995 her 9-year old son went missing. After Jimmy's death, both Claudine and Don Ryce have worked tirelessly for children's rights. The Ryce's helped get sex predator legislation passed, worked with law enforcement agencies to use bloodhounds to search for missing kids, urged then-President Clinton to sign an executive order to allow photos of missing children to be posted, and opened the Jimmy Ryce Center, which helps teach kids how to escape from predators.
Claudine passed away last week from an apparent heart attack. She was only 66-years old. Yesterday, she was laid to rest next to Jimmy, at Woodlawn Park South Cemetery.
If you'd like to leave a message on Claudine Ryce's guestbook....
If you'd like to make a donation to the cause in Claudine's name...
Claudine passed away last week from an apparent heart attack. She was only 66-years old. Yesterday, she was laid to rest next to Jimmy, at Woodlawn Park South Cemetery.
If you'd like to leave a message on Claudine Ryce's guestbook....
If you'd like to make a donation to the cause in Claudine's name...
Girl Scout peanut butter okay!
Girl Scout cookies are on sale and two of the flavors, Do-Si-Dos and Tagalongs, are made with peanut butter. The Girl Scouts want you to know that both flavors are okay to eat - the peanut butter used has no connection to the recalled stuff! Use the cookie locator to find a Thin Mint near you!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Custom made trail mix
You know how that goes... you buy a bag of trail mix and you like everything except that (throwing out sound effect) and that (ditto). Wouldn't it be great if you could have your granola and eat it all, too? For instance, maybe dried strawberries and raspberries, pistachios, organic peanuts, sesame sticks, honey smacks, peanut butter pretzel bites, and none of the stuff you don't like? Well, thanks to 2 guys in Miami, you can mix your mix any way you like! Mix My Granola offers a veritable potpourri of delectable options, all the while tallying the carbs, protein, and overall nutrition of your mix.
They also have pre-mixed options, including the Mega Superbowl Granola mix. There is a $4.99 flat fee for shipping, which is a pretty good deal.
They also have pre-mixed options, including the Mega Superbowl Granola mix. There is a $4.99 flat fee for shipping, which is a pretty good deal.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Burn Notice returns
I don't usually talk about television shows because, well, I'm on the radio side of things. However, in this case, I make an exception; the show brings lots of dollars and jobs to our fine city, and it's a good show.
The USA Network show Burn Notice has returned for it's mid-second season premiere -notable, since the show is filmed entirely in South Florida, mainly Miami. The main set for the show is the Coconut Grove Convention Center... don't know if you've ever watched it, but it really is a good show and bonus - the actors are smokin' hot! Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, and Sharon Gless are the main cast members. Check it out, and see if you recognize the location!
The USA Network show Burn Notice has returned for it's mid-second season premiere -notable, since the show is filmed entirely in South Florida, mainly Miami. The main set for the show is the Coconut Grove Convention Center... don't know if you've ever watched it, but it really is a good show and bonus - the actors are smokin' hot! Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, and Sharon Gless are the main cast members. Check it out, and see if you recognize the location!
Chinese New Year
Monday is the Chinese New Year - the Year of the OX! Lots of local events begin Monday, and some continue on into February...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Stop sitting, get moving
It is astounding how moving just a tad more can make a huge difference in calories burned, and your overall health. In this article I've linked, see the difference between sitting for a 45-minute lunch, and taking a 30-minute walk and then have a 15-minute sit down lunch. It's crazy, almost too good to be true... there's even a book - "Move a little, lose a lot". Try it, and let me know.
Tip: You may want to let the person on the other end of the phone know that you're pacing, ya know, to explain the breathiness.
Tip: You may want to let the person on the other end of the phone know that you're pacing, ya know, to explain the breathiness.
Ch ch ch chia Obama
A special edition Chia Pet will be released in March... the Chia Obama! You even have your choice of the 'determined pose' or 'happy pose', and enough seeds for 3 plantings.
Can you grow one? Yes you can!
And if that weren't bizarre enough, there's "Obama On My Mind", the musical set for early March in London.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Reality potty training?
Yep, it's gone there... or, it's on its way. Casting for a potty training reality show will happen January 26-28. So, if you plan to potty train your 1 1/2 to 4-year old in March, and would like the world to see how it goes for you, and forever have something to hold over your kid...
NEW REALITY SHOW
POTTY TRAINING YOUR CHILD
Do you have a Potty Training Child in your family?
Do you know anyone who does?
WE ARE CASTING FOR A NEW REALITY SHOW
If your child will be Potty Training March 2009
and you would like to audition for this new Reality Show
CALL for an appointment - 305 354-3901 to set up your audition date and time.
Audition Dates January 26, 27, 28, 2009
CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!!
305 354-3901
NEW REALITY SHOW
POTTY TRAINING YOUR CHILD
Do you have a Potty Training Child in your family?
Do you know anyone who does?
WE ARE CASTING FOR A NEW REALITY SHOW
If your child will be Potty Training March 2009
and you would like to audition for this new Reality Show
CALL for an appointment - 305 354-3901 to set up your audition date and time.
Audition Dates January 26, 27, 28, 2009
CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!!
305 354-3901
Monday, January 19, 2009
Recycle hazardous waste free
You have many chances to do the right thing and recycle your hazardous waste whether in Miami-Dade or Broward County. Old paint cans, propane tanks, tires, batteries, pesticides, and compact fluorescent bulbs,are some items considered to be hazardous waste. Usually, only proof of residency is required to drop off your stuff. The goal is to keep this type stuff out of landfills and dispose of it properly.
Tainted peanut butter snacks
UPDATE: More peanut butter products have been pulled from shelves, although jars of peanut butter are still said to be safe.
There is a massive salmonella outbreak that is possible linked to peanut butter paste - which is not sold directly to us - it's the stuff used in between crackers and cookies. Contamination was confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration in a single package of Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter. . Thus far, Kellogg Co., has recalled 16 products. They include Austin and Keebler branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and some snack-size packs of Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies. Health officials said consumers who have bought any of those products should throw them away. Officials say that jars of name brand peanut butter should be fine.
There is a massive salmonella outbreak that is possible linked to peanut butter paste - which is not sold directly to us - it's the stuff used in between crackers and cookies. Contamination was confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration in a single package of Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter. . Thus far, Kellogg Co., has recalled 16 products. They include Austin and Keebler branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and some snack-size packs of Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies. Health officials said consumers who have bought any of those products should throw them away. Officials say that jars of name brand peanut butter should be fine.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
See Taravella March
See them march in the parade!
THIS JUST IN:
You made sure that all 174 members of the J.P. Taravella Marching Trojans get to be part of history!!
As of this afternoon, nearly all the money needed has been raised, and the band is now on their way to Washington, D.C.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you again!!
There's still time to help the J.P. Taravella Marching Trojans raise all the money they need to get the entire band to Washingtion, D.C.
Beef ''O'' Brady's, 10079 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise, is donating 15 percent of sales on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. to the band.
Pizza Stop, 8275 NW 88th Ave. in Tamarac, will donate 15 percent of all orders to the trip through Friday.Also, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will match all donations up to $20,000 made through Neighbors 4 Neighbors.
Donations can be made by mailing checks to Neighbors 4 Neighbors, 8900 NW 18th Terr., Doral, FL 33172. (Checks should be made out to Neighbors 4 Neighbors Family Fund, with J.P. Taravella band noted in the memo area and on the envelope.)
More information on the band is available online at jptmusic.org
THIS JUST IN:
You made sure that all 174 members of the J.P. Taravella Marching Trojans get to be part of history!!
As of this afternoon, nearly all the money needed has been raised, and the band is now on their way to Washington, D.C.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you again!!
There's still time to help the J.P. Taravella Marching Trojans raise all the money they need to get the entire band to Washingtion, D.C.
Beef ''O'' Brady's, 10079 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise, is donating 15 percent of sales on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. to the band.
Pizza Stop, 8275 NW 88th Ave. in Tamarac, will donate 15 percent of all orders to the trip through Friday.Also, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will match all donations up to $20,000 made through Neighbors 4 Neighbors.
Donations can be made by mailing checks to Neighbors 4 Neighbors, 8900 NW 18th Terr., Doral, FL 33172. (Checks should be made out to Neighbors 4 Neighbors Family Fund, with J.P. Taravella band noted in the memo area and on the envelope.)
More information on the band is available online at jptmusic.org
South Florida Fair begins
The South Florida Fair beings tomorrow and runs through February 1st. Rides include the RC-48, the largest portable roller coaster in the U.S. The fairground's location may be familiar to concert goers - it's on the Cruzan Amphitheater property in West Palm Beach.
Obama trading cards
President-elect trading cards from Topps, including his rookie card! Barack Obama now has a 90-card series available online or in stores. $2 bucks for a pack of six cards, plus one sticker.
The Inauguration less than a week away, and the Queen of Soul will be there..
The Inauguration less than a week away, and the Queen of Soul will be there..
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Girl Scout Cookies
It's that time again - make room in the fridge for your Thin Mints! Girl Scout Cookies are going on sale! There is one cookie that's going away - the All Abouts; there's a new cookie in it's place - Dulce De Leche, as much fun to say as it is to eat. Enjoy!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Free Ansel Adams Exhibit
You can see the work of photographer Ansel Adams for free through the end of the month.
The Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery hosts Ansel Adams: The Man Who Captured the Earth's Beauty.
Ansel Adams is one of the most celebrated photographers of the twentieth century recognized for his dramatic black and white photographs of the American wilderness. This traveling exhibition of Adams western landscapes is organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Gallery is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Wednesday and Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery hosts Ansel Adams: The Man Who Captured the Earth's Beauty.
Ansel Adams is one of the most celebrated photographers of the twentieth century recognized for his dramatic black and white photographs of the American wilderness. This traveling exhibition of Adams western landscapes is organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Gallery is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Wednesday and Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Now, he's got leggs!
Mantyhose - or pantyhose for men - or legwear anatomically designed for men , are apparently a lot more popular than you or I knew.
Luxe Legwear say they sell 75-80% of their products to men! Some of the items are out of stock due to popular demand... And, proving guys are really buying the hose, on the site's FAQ, they stress that the packaging sent to men will not read "hosiery". Buck up, cowboy, and own it!
Luxe Legwear say they sell 75-80% of their products to men! Some of the items are out of stock due to popular demand... And, proving guys are really buying the hose, on the site's FAQ, they stress that the packaging sent to men will not read "hosiery". Buck up, cowboy, and own it!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Help local band to inaugural
There is still time to help!
Beef ''O'' Brady's, 10079 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise, is donating 15 percent of sales on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. to the band.
• Pizza Stop, 8275 NW 88th Ave. in Tamarac, will donate 15 percent of all orders to the trip through Friday.
Also, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will match all donations up to $20,000 made through Neighbors 4 Neighbors. Donations can be made by mailing checks to Neighbors 4 Neighbors, 8900 NW 18th Terr., Doral, FL 33172
Checks should be made out to Neighbors 4 Neighbors Family Fund, with J.P. Taravella band noted in the memo area and on the envelope.
More information on the band is available online at jptmusic.org.
Here's almost everything you need to know to help the J.P. Taravella High School Marching Trojans make it to Washington, D.C., to be in the inaugural parade. They are scheduled to leave Friday, January 16th, so time is of the essence!
If you show up Wednesday, January 14th, 3:00p - 4:00p at the Whole Foods Market in Coral Springs to see the band perform, you'll also get us! LITE FM, we'll be there from 2:00p - 4:00p with free prizes for you! (810 University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33071 - Phone: 954-753-8000) UPDATE: $2283 was raised at Whole Foods! Thank You.
Beef ''O'' Brady's, 10079 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise, is donating 15 percent of sales on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. to the band.
• Pizza Stop, 8275 NW 88th Ave. in Tamarac, will donate 15 percent of all orders to the trip through Friday.
Also, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will match all donations up to $20,000 made through Neighbors 4 Neighbors. Donations can be made by mailing checks to Neighbors 4 Neighbors, 8900 NW 18th Terr., Doral, FL 33172
Checks should be made out to Neighbors 4 Neighbors Family Fund, with J.P. Taravella band noted in the memo area and on the envelope.
More information on the band is available online at jptmusic.org.
Here's almost everything you need to know to help the J.P. Taravella High School Marching Trojans make it to Washington, D.C., to be in the inaugural parade. They are scheduled to leave Friday, January 16th, so time is of the essence!
If you show up Wednesday, January 14th, 3:00p - 4:00p at the Whole Foods Market in Coral Springs to see the band perform, you'll also get us! LITE FM, we'll be there from 2:00p - 4:00p with free prizes for you! (810 University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33071 - Phone: 954-753-8000) UPDATE: $2283 was raised at Whole Foods! Thank You.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Idol judge has killer resume
I'd thought I'd never heard of her until she was announced as the new American Idol Judge; turns out, Kara DioGuardi has written or cowritten a slew of hits! So we've all heard her, quite often in fact! Some of her creations:
Enrique Iglesias 'Escape'
Christina Aguilera 'Ain't No Other Man'
Pink 'Sober'
Celine Dion 'Taking Chances'
Gwen Stefani 'Rich Girl'
Kelly Clarkson 'Walk Away'
Jonas Brothers 'Play My Music'
Kylie Minogue 'Spinning Around'
Ashlee Simpson 'lala'
With the season premiere of Season 8 next week, at least you know you have a judge with some mad credentials.
Enrique Iglesias 'Escape'
Christina Aguilera 'Ain't No Other Man'
Pink 'Sober'
Celine Dion 'Taking Chances'
Gwen Stefani 'Rich Girl'
Kelly Clarkson 'Walk Away'
Jonas Brothers 'Play My Music'
Kylie Minogue 'Spinning Around'
Ashlee Simpson 'lala'
With the season premiere of Season 8 next week, at least you know you have a judge with some mad credentials.
Solid as Barack!
UPDATE: The song is out, complete with video!
You may have seen the "Barack Obama Variety Hour" skit on Saturday Night Live, where Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen as President Elect and First Lady sang their slightly altered version of 'Solid (As a Rock)'; now the original artists, Ashford and Simpson, have recorded 'Solid (As Barack)'. The new version, with more apropos lyrics, will be available by digital download by Inauguration Day... that's January 20th to you and me!
You may have seen the "Barack Obama Variety Hour" skit on Saturday Night Live, where Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen as President Elect and First Lady sang their slightly altered version of 'Solid (As a Rock)'; now the original artists, Ashford and Simpson, have recorded 'Solid (As Barack)'. The new version, with more apropos lyrics, will be available by digital download by Inauguration Day... that's January 20th to you and me!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Chick-Fil-A fever!
So my coworker - let's call him Vance - mainly because that's his name... he says if he wins the Powerball jackpot, the very first thing he'd do is buy a standalone Chick-fil-A! He was totally serious, and I had to admit my ignorance when it comes to the passion for a Chick-fil-A sandwich. I do remember the amusing campaign with the cows that wore signs readin "eat mor chikin".There's Chick-fil-A grand opening tomorrow morning and the first 100 adults in line will get 52 coupons, each good for a free Chick-fil-A meal. So popular is the First 100 Fans promotion, people have been known to line up a day in advance. Word is, there have been tents sighted in the vicinity of this new Chick-fil-A!! Doubtful you'd be one of the first 100 at this point, but should you want to try, it's at 8190 W. Commercial Blvd. (that's between Pine Island and University Dr.).
Monday, January 5, 2009
Local dude digs tree power
An MIT Senior in Palm Beach County is tapping into tree power - he's our very own Lorax!
21-year old Christopher Love has been traveling the world, using his science expertise to help others. Love's also the vice president of the company that has figured out a way to use the energy that comes from trees to power sensors which can detect forest fires! What were you doing at 21? Yeah, me too...
Before we branch out too far, make sure you recycle your Christmas Trees!
21-year old Christopher Love has been traveling the world, using his science expertise to help others. Love's also the vice president of the company that has figured out a way to use the energy that comes from trees to power sensors which can detect forest fires! What were you doing at 21? Yeah, me too...
Before we branch out too far, make sure you recycle your Christmas Trees!
Powerball lottery is here
The Powerball Lottery has arrived, and the first drawing is Wednesday, for an estimated $105 million! Now 30 states are involved and the starting jackpot will usually begin at $20 million; the average jackpot expected to be in the range of $141 million. The Florida Lotto lottery still exists, and compared to the Powerball, the odds for Lotto seem much sweeter.
Powerball jackpot: 1 in 195,249,054
Florida Lotto jackpot: 1 in 22,957,480
In lottery related news, have you heard the story about the guy who bought a winning lotto ticket the same day he passed away? For 20 years, Donald Peters bought lotto tickets, and when he died, his wife of 59 years put all the tickets aside. She almost threw them out, instead checked them, thinking she'd won $6 million bucks. She was informed she had, in fact, won $10 million dollars. One of the couple's three children said his father's response would probably be, "Figures!".
Powerball jackpot: 1 in 195,249,054
Florida Lotto jackpot: 1 in 22,957,480
In lottery related news, have you heard the story about the guy who bought a winning lotto ticket the same day he passed away? For 20 years, Donald Peters bought lotto tickets, and when he died, his wife of 59 years put all the tickets aside. She almost threw them out, instead checked them, thinking she'd won $6 million bucks. She was informed she had, in fact, won $10 million dollars. One of the couple's three children said his father's response would probably be, "Figures!".
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Twilight, the perfume
If you own a teenager, you know all about Twilight! Now, Hot Topic is offering Twilight Perfume... a $48 apple-shaped bottle marked with the words, the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest! The store is limiting purchases to one per person.
Hey, you could always get a $60 Twilight Couture Flocked Burnout Crest T-Shirt...
Hey, you could always get a $60 Twilight Couture Flocked Burnout Crest T-Shirt...
What's your resolution?
Have you made a New Year's resolution? Perhaps it's one that made it into the Top 10 Resolutions? If you find the most common resolutions a bother, how about looking into the Top 10 Best Resolutions? Some studies even suggest resolutions are bad for your health!
Let me know what you're going to, or not going to do!
Let me know what you're going to, or not going to do!
Help local band to inaugural
A few weeks back, we received the good news that the J.P. Taravella High School Marching Trojans were invited to perform in the inaugural parade! They really need our help as the band needs to raise $150,000 to travel to Washington D.C. There are a couple of ways you can participate to help this worthy band make a trip into the history books!
You can mail a donation:
J.P. Taravella High School Band
c/o Mr. Neil Jenkins
10600 Riverside DriveCoral Springs, FL 33071
You can make a donation online.
Or, you can show up Sunday, January 11th, for the BBQ Feast fund-raiser. It's happening 1:30p - 3:30p, at the school (10600 Riverside Drive, Coral Springs)
Or, you can show up Wednesday, January 14th, 3:00 p - 4:00p at the Whole Foods Market in Coral Springs. See the band perform and, hopefully, you can make a donation to help the group get to D.C.! (810 University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33071 - Phone: 954-753-8000)
Need to know more options, you can call Mr. Jenkins at 754-322-2359
You can mail a donation:
J.P. Taravella High School Band
c/o Mr. Neil Jenkins
10600 Riverside DriveCoral Springs, FL 33071
You can make a donation online.
Or, you can show up Sunday, January 11th, for the BBQ Feast fund-raiser. It's happening 1:30p - 3:30p, at the school (10600 Riverside Drive, Coral Springs)
Or, you can show up Wednesday, January 14th, 3:00 p - 4:00p at the Whole Foods Market in Coral Springs. See the band perform and, hopefully, you can make a donation to help the group get to D.C.! (810 University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33071 - Phone: 954-753-8000)
Need to know more options, you can call Mr. Jenkins at 754-322-2359
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