I saw this on the Fox News Webpage today, and if it is true, I am very sad. In 1987 when "Dirty Dancing" was in the movie theatres I was in London, England and missing my home so much. For some reason, I connected to this movie, I saw it 15x alone in England and another 100x on Video.
When I moved to North Carolina, I went looking for the resort it was filmed at, and when I found it, I was so excited. Now, I work in Maine and one of our function spaces reminds me of Dirty Dancing, I do not always say that to clients due to some people are not fans of the weather.
My heart goes out to his family and hope the rumors are not true.
"Dirty Dancing" star Patrick Swayze was diagnosed in late January with pancreatic cancer that has spread to other organs and he has five weeks left to live, according to the National Enquirer.
For the past month, Patrick, 55, has been traveling to Stanford University's prestigious cancer center in Palo Alto for radical chemotherapy, but his doctors no longer are optimistic that the treatments will be successful, the Enquirer says.
FOXNews.com's calls to Swayze's reps were not immediately returned. But a "very good source" reportedly told blogger Perez Hilton that Swayze has seemed fine lately.
"Patrick has been at rehearsals for a new cheerleading movie at Century City studio frequently lately, and he definitely does not look like he has 5 more weeks of life left…i'm not sure of his medical condition(s), but if he is gravely ill, he is hiding it very well," the source wrote.
According to the Enquirer, Patrick and his wife, Lisa Niemi — who both have pilot's licenses — have been flying their private Beechcraft plane into Palo Alto's airport, minutes from the Stanford Cancer Center, where the actor reportedly has received outpatient treatment.
He received three doses of chemotherapy and the tumor shrank, but less than his doctors had hoped for — and Patrick was told he should prepare for the worst, the Enquirer reports.
"He was told he could have two more treatments, but his cancer was not responding. In short — they held out little hope for a cure," an insider reportedly said.
Click here to read more on this story in the National Enquirer
The "Ghost" actor has lost more than 20 pounds in the past few weeks and is restricted to a liquid diet because he has trouble keeping down solid food, the insider reportedly added."
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
As the world of Dungeons & Dragons players, are in mourning, my husband being one, I just wanted to put this clip up from the Fox news Channel. Sorry for the loss.
Fox News Reports:
"MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A co-creator of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game has died.
Gary Gygax died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva, Wis. His wife Gail says the 69-year-old had been suffering from health problems for several years.
Gygax and Dave Arneson developed Dungeons & Dragons in 1974 using medieval characters and mythical creatures. The game known for its oddly shaped dice eventually was turned into video games, books and movies.
It is considered the grandfather of fantasy role-playing games and has inspired legions of adoring fans. Gygax's wife says he always enjoyed hearing from them.
Fox News Reports:
"MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A co-creator of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game has died.
Gary Gygax died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva, Wis. His wife Gail says the 69-year-old had been suffering from health problems for several years.
Gygax and Dave Arneson developed Dungeons & Dragons in 1974 using medieval characters and mythical creatures. The game known for its oddly shaped dice eventually was turned into video games, books and movies.
It is considered the grandfather of fantasy role-playing games and has inspired legions of adoring fans. Gygax's wife says he always enjoyed hearing from them.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Yesterday morning, I went in for a Root Canal, let me just say, I do not like going to the dentist, and will avoid at any cost. Well, it cost me, not just money but the whole experience.
My dentist is wonderful, and gentle, the worse part for me was the Novacane, I hate, despise and am very afraid of needles. I am sorry, to me that needle looks like the biggest thing in the world, and he does it slowly to make sure it is numb. Which worked besides the smell and sound of the drill I was in no other pain other than that. I think he was worried if I was jumpy and in so much pain from the Novacane, how is she actually going to handle the actual work?
He was pleasantly surprised, I was fine after that, the worse part is keeping my mouth open for 90 minutes, with all the stuff in it, the frame, that green masky thing and the protective glasses, as if, I was back in 8th grade chemistry class. I admit seeing the propane can, and hearing the sound of it scared me a bit. I kept my eyes closed, and just concentrated on the tv, yes there is tv on the ceiling and I had the Fox News station on, which even though the news was not good it did comfort me in a way.
I have to go back in 8 weeks for a crown, see if you take care of your teeth then you do not have to go through all of this, to keep them in good shape. How funny am I? I am vain about my hair and make up but due to my dislike for going to the dentist I neglect a very important part of myself. I love to see people with good teeth, you would think it would motivate me. I am going to start the cleaning process after the crown and then getting whiting, I love white teeth. My mom, spent $1,200 on braces for me in 8th grade, you think I would be respectful more of my teeth.
Luckily, I have found a dentist who is wonderful and gentle, and my toothache I have lived with for over 2 years is gone!!! A smile may not cost anything, but to keep it up, does and the more you neglect it the more money goes into fixing it, and the discomfort is it worth it?
My dentist is wonderful, and gentle, the worse part for me was the Novacane, I hate, despise and am very afraid of needles. I am sorry, to me that needle looks like the biggest thing in the world, and he does it slowly to make sure it is numb. Which worked besides the smell and sound of the drill I was in no other pain other than that. I think he was worried if I was jumpy and in so much pain from the Novacane, how is she actually going to handle the actual work?
He was pleasantly surprised, I was fine after that, the worse part is keeping my mouth open for 90 minutes, with all the stuff in it, the frame, that green masky thing and the protective glasses, as if, I was back in 8th grade chemistry class. I admit seeing the propane can, and hearing the sound of it scared me a bit. I kept my eyes closed, and just concentrated on the tv, yes there is tv on the ceiling and I had the Fox News station on, which even though the news was not good it did comfort me in a way.
I have to go back in 8 weeks for a crown, see if you take care of your teeth then you do not have to go through all of this, to keep them in good shape. How funny am I? I am vain about my hair and make up but due to my dislike for going to the dentist I neglect a very important part of myself. I love to see people with good teeth, you would think it would motivate me. I am going to start the cleaning process after the crown and then getting whiting, I love white teeth. My mom, spent $1,200 on braces for me in 8th grade, you think I would be respectful more of my teeth.
Luckily, I have found a dentist who is wonderful and gentle, and my toothache I have lived with for over 2 years is gone!!! A smile may not cost anything, but to keep it up, does and the more you neglect it the more money goes into fixing it, and the discomfort is it worth it?
Monday, March 03, 2008
Cougar-woman? A new phrase that is being said over and over, in the media. Supposely, talking about older single women going after young men. Below is and article from the New London Day, in regards to this question.
If you go by the original orgin, I am a Cougar, my husband (my1st and only marriage) is 5 years my junior. You can not tell because due to good genes, I do not look my age, but it is still the truth. We both waited a long time to get married, I was 40 when we got married, before him, most of my relations was with men at least 5 years younger, I did date a man 10 years and another 15 years younger than myself. Men my age seemed to always have alot of baggage, plus children and and ex-wife. I was a product of divorce, so I knew what it entailed, and did not feel I was the perfect woman to get involved with a man with children, ex-wife I could deal with, but not if children are involved. Selfish, maybe but at least I know my limitations. What do you think a Cougar is?
"What's a cougar-woman?” Barbara Walters asked recently on “The View,” in that Barbara Walters way of hers: part journalist, part socialite with a dirty mind. And thus, the archetype of the cougar — the sexy older woman who seduces younger men — reached the ears of a woman in sensible pumps. Another cultural boundary had been breached.
But don't fret, Barbara; you're not too late. If Mrs. Robinson came first, and Samantha on “Sex and the City” gave hope for broad acceptance, the cougar has now become a full-fledged pop-culture punch line. Last summer, NBC gave us “Age of Love,” a dating show that pitted 20-something “kittens” against 40-something cougars in pursuit of one hot Australian man. (The winner, no surprise, was 25.) In last fall's straight-to-DVD movie “Cougar Club,” Faye Dunaway vamped as the oversexed wife of a college grad's boss-to-be. In an episode of CBS's “How I Met Your Mother,” Neil Patrick Harris seduced Jane Seymour, who had also snarled at younger men in the film “The Wedding Crashers.”
Meanwhile on NBC's “30 Rock,” Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski picked up younger men. (Fey snagged a 20-year-old hottie, so Krakowski, to compete, corralled a teen wearing Heelys.) Most recently, Raquel Welch — who has kind of been a cougar for the past few decades — started to play one on the new CBS sitcom “Welcome to the Captain.”
By now, the cougar has become so ubiquitous — picked apart in Mark J. Penn's recent book “Microtrends,” mercilessly meta-mocked on network TV — that it's due for a reclamation. And sure enough, in self-help circles, a Take Back the Cougar movement is starting to form, complete with product tie-ins and promotional opportunities.
The cougar may be the butt of jokes, after all, but she's also an aspiration, a figure in stark contrast to some less female-friendly cultural trends.
On one hand, we're bombarded with ads for Viagra and Cialis — one current “Viva Viagra” spot features a virile middle-aged guy on a motorbike — which suggest that aging men ought to have as much sex as they physically can.
On the other hand, women are flooded with reminders that they ought to be nesting by now: celebrity pregnancy mania, fertility fear-mongering, anxious exhortations to find a mate already. In the upcoming issue of The Atlantic Monthly, Lori Gottlieb writes “Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough,” in which she suggests that 30-something women should give up the dream of true love and hot sex, and instead choose someone reliable to help with diaper changes.
The article, now up online, has set women abuzz. Asha Bandele, a 40-year-old author and poet in Brooklyn, says her friends in their late 20s and early 30s had a recent group dinner, centered on discussing whether Gottlieb is right.
Bandele gives thanks that she's in a different place: a mother, divorced, advanced in her career, and dating a man a decade younger. It's a low-pressure relationship, she says. And compared to some accomplished, jaded men close to her age, a younger guy — awed by her experience — makes her feel good.
“You can go out with someone who's interesting, with a million and one stories,” Bandele says. “But when someone makes you feel that way? That's sexy.”
Bandele considers herself a “real cougar,” a term coined by Linda Franklin, a 60-year-old life coach who runs a Web site aimed at women aging gracefully. In December, Franklin launched an offshoot site called the Real Cougar Club, where cougars can network, celebrate their sexiness, and shed what Franklin calls the “skeevy kind of image.”
In fact, Franklin wants to expand the “cougar” definition altogether. That part about dating younger men isn't essential, she says. A cougar, instead, is “a woman over 40 who is strong and confident and sexy and independent. ... She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it.”
By her standards, Hillary Clinton could be a cougar, too.
A cougar in a pantsuit? Hold on a minute. If we're going to set Barbara Walters straight, we should admit that the whole idea started with sex. So says Valerie Gibson, a Toronto-based sex and relationship columnist who takes credit for spreading the “cougar” label through the United States.
“Cougar,” Gibson says, is a Canadian term, born in the bars of Vancouver and meant to be unkind. But when Gibson heard the insult more than five years ago, she sensed an opening. Fifteen years ago, she had written a book called “The Older Women's Guide,” which gave tips on dating younger men. It never took off: “It was just too soon,” she says.
In 2002, Gibson tried again, with a new book called “Cougar: A Guide for Older Women Dating Younger Men.” Now, she takes credit for spreading the term through the U.S., largely by pushing her tome through the talk-show circuit. (She has explained cougar habits to the eager ears of Dr. Phil and Montel Williams, and also sent a book to Sharon Stone.)
Everyone loves a label, Gibson says, but the “cougar” type has actually existed for centuries. Catherine the Great dabbled in younger men because she could. For a long time, Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate” was the typical pop culture portrayal: By lusting for younger men, she was doing something wrong, so she had to be an alcoholic.
Then came Demi Moore, who has arguably had more sway on pop culture than any other woman of our time. First, with the help of Vanity Fair, she single-handedly made pregnancy look sexy. Then, with her real-deal relationship with Ashton Kutcher — now her husband, 15 years her junior — she sparked the idea that a cougar could be cool. Before long, magazines were celebrating the prowess of older Hollywood babes, cougar-dating Web sites were cropping up, and E! had come up with a list of “25 Hottest Cougar Tales,” calling out the likes of Barbara Hershey, Susan Sarandon, and Geena Davis.
All are gorgeous in their own right, which is no surprise: Hollywood has long been packed with the agelessly attractive. The cougar, thus described, shares some spiritual ground with the much-older notion of the Mom-I'd-Like-To-(expletive) — epitomized by Stifler's mom in 1999's “American Pie,” or “Stacey's Mom” in the song by Fountains of Wayne. But unlike the M-I-L-T-you know, the cougar has agency. She controls her destiny and picks her dating pool.
And she has little to do with that other vision of stress-free aging, the pert, grandmotherly “Red Hat Society,” which promises wholesome, sexless, depoliticized fun for over-50 women. The group's Web site declares, hopefully, that wearing the right-colored hat “adds an element of fun to aging.”
The cougar is interested in a different kind of fun — the sort that must appeal to a boomer bubble that is moving steadily toward retirement age. Census data predict a 72 percent rise in adults 50 and older between 2000 and 2020 — and not all of those women want to “greet middle age with verve, humor and elan,” as the Red Hat site declares.
Self-defined cougars take their aging seriously. And they consider themselves elite, Gibson says. Gibson — who declines to give her age but allows that she “loved getting 40 and loved getting 50 and so on” — is clearly enjoying herself.
“My last husband was 14 years younger than me,” she says by phone, “and it was the best marriage out of all my five.”
If you go by the original orgin, I am a Cougar, my husband (my1st and only marriage) is 5 years my junior. You can not tell because due to good genes, I do not look my age, but it is still the truth. We both waited a long time to get married, I was 40 when we got married, before him, most of my relations was with men at least 5 years younger, I did date a man 10 years and another 15 years younger than myself. Men my age seemed to always have alot of baggage, plus children and and ex-wife. I was a product of divorce, so I knew what it entailed, and did not feel I was the perfect woman to get involved with a man with children, ex-wife I could deal with, but not if children are involved. Selfish, maybe but at least I know my limitations. What do you think a Cougar is?
"What's a cougar-woman?” Barbara Walters asked recently on “The View,” in that Barbara Walters way of hers: part journalist, part socialite with a dirty mind. And thus, the archetype of the cougar — the sexy older woman who seduces younger men — reached the ears of a woman in sensible pumps. Another cultural boundary had been breached.
But don't fret, Barbara; you're not too late. If Mrs. Robinson came first, and Samantha on “Sex and the City” gave hope for broad acceptance, the cougar has now become a full-fledged pop-culture punch line. Last summer, NBC gave us “Age of Love,” a dating show that pitted 20-something “kittens” against 40-something cougars in pursuit of one hot Australian man. (The winner, no surprise, was 25.) In last fall's straight-to-DVD movie “Cougar Club,” Faye Dunaway vamped as the oversexed wife of a college grad's boss-to-be. In an episode of CBS's “How I Met Your Mother,” Neil Patrick Harris seduced Jane Seymour, who had also snarled at younger men in the film “The Wedding Crashers.”
Meanwhile on NBC's “30 Rock,” Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski picked up younger men. (Fey snagged a 20-year-old hottie, so Krakowski, to compete, corralled a teen wearing Heelys.) Most recently, Raquel Welch — who has kind of been a cougar for the past few decades — started to play one on the new CBS sitcom “Welcome to the Captain.”
By now, the cougar has become so ubiquitous — picked apart in Mark J. Penn's recent book “Microtrends,” mercilessly meta-mocked on network TV — that it's due for a reclamation. And sure enough, in self-help circles, a Take Back the Cougar movement is starting to form, complete with product tie-ins and promotional opportunities.
The cougar may be the butt of jokes, after all, but she's also an aspiration, a figure in stark contrast to some less female-friendly cultural trends.
On one hand, we're bombarded with ads for Viagra and Cialis — one current “Viva Viagra” spot features a virile middle-aged guy on a motorbike — which suggest that aging men ought to have as much sex as they physically can.
On the other hand, women are flooded with reminders that they ought to be nesting by now: celebrity pregnancy mania, fertility fear-mongering, anxious exhortations to find a mate already. In the upcoming issue of The Atlantic Monthly, Lori Gottlieb writes “Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough,” in which she suggests that 30-something women should give up the dream of true love and hot sex, and instead choose someone reliable to help with diaper changes.
The article, now up online, has set women abuzz. Asha Bandele, a 40-year-old author and poet in Brooklyn, says her friends in their late 20s and early 30s had a recent group dinner, centered on discussing whether Gottlieb is right.
Bandele gives thanks that she's in a different place: a mother, divorced, advanced in her career, and dating a man a decade younger. It's a low-pressure relationship, she says. And compared to some accomplished, jaded men close to her age, a younger guy — awed by her experience — makes her feel good.
“You can go out with someone who's interesting, with a million and one stories,” Bandele says. “But when someone makes you feel that way? That's sexy.”
Bandele considers herself a “real cougar,” a term coined by Linda Franklin, a 60-year-old life coach who runs a Web site aimed at women aging gracefully. In December, Franklin launched an offshoot site called the Real Cougar Club, where cougars can network, celebrate their sexiness, and shed what Franklin calls the “skeevy kind of image.”
In fact, Franklin wants to expand the “cougar” definition altogether. That part about dating younger men isn't essential, she says. A cougar, instead, is “a woman over 40 who is strong and confident and sexy and independent. ... She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it.”
By her standards, Hillary Clinton could be a cougar, too.
A cougar in a pantsuit? Hold on a minute. If we're going to set Barbara Walters straight, we should admit that the whole idea started with sex. So says Valerie Gibson, a Toronto-based sex and relationship columnist who takes credit for spreading the “cougar” label through the United States.
“Cougar,” Gibson says, is a Canadian term, born in the bars of Vancouver and meant to be unkind. But when Gibson heard the insult more than five years ago, she sensed an opening. Fifteen years ago, she had written a book called “The Older Women's Guide,” which gave tips on dating younger men. It never took off: “It was just too soon,” she says.
In 2002, Gibson tried again, with a new book called “Cougar: A Guide for Older Women Dating Younger Men.” Now, she takes credit for spreading the term through the U.S., largely by pushing her tome through the talk-show circuit. (She has explained cougar habits to the eager ears of Dr. Phil and Montel Williams, and also sent a book to Sharon Stone.)
Everyone loves a label, Gibson says, but the “cougar” type has actually existed for centuries. Catherine the Great dabbled in younger men because she could. For a long time, Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate” was the typical pop culture portrayal: By lusting for younger men, she was doing something wrong, so she had to be an alcoholic.
Then came Demi Moore, who has arguably had more sway on pop culture than any other woman of our time. First, with the help of Vanity Fair, she single-handedly made pregnancy look sexy. Then, with her real-deal relationship with Ashton Kutcher — now her husband, 15 years her junior — she sparked the idea that a cougar could be cool. Before long, magazines were celebrating the prowess of older Hollywood babes, cougar-dating Web sites were cropping up, and E! had come up with a list of “25 Hottest Cougar Tales,” calling out the likes of Barbara Hershey, Susan Sarandon, and Geena Davis.
All are gorgeous in their own right, which is no surprise: Hollywood has long been packed with the agelessly attractive. The cougar, thus described, shares some spiritual ground with the much-older notion of the Mom-I'd-Like-To-(expletive) — epitomized by Stifler's mom in 1999's “American Pie,” or “Stacey's Mom” in the song by Fountains of Wayne. But unlike the M-I-L-T-you know, the cougar has agency. She controls her destiny and picks her dating pool.
And she has little to do with that other vision of stress-free aging, the pert, grandmotherly “Red Hat Society,” which promises wholesome, sexless, depoliticized fun for over-50 women. The group's Web site declares, hopefully, that wearing the right-colored hat “adds an element of fun to aging.”
The cougar is interested in a different kind of fun — the sort that must appeal to a boomer bubble that is moving steadily toward retirement age. Census data predict a 72 percent rise in adults 50 and older between 2000 and 2020 — and not all of those women want to “greet middle age with verve, humor and elan,” as the Red Hat site declares.
Self-defined cougars take their aging seriously. And they consider themselves elite, Gibson says. Gibson — who declines to give her age but allows that she “loved getting 40 and loved getting 50 and so on” — is clearly enjoying herself.
“My last husband was 14 years younger than me,” she says by phone, “and it was the best marriage out of all my five.”
Saturday, March 01, 2008
This week, I went on line again, I have done this for the past few years looking for a old friend of mine. I don't mean "old" in the age way, I mean we have known each other since I was 15 years old which means 28 years. We dated when I was 15 and he was 17, he was my first Car date. For the young crowd it means when my parents let me actually go out with a guy in his car and they were not driving me.
I think it was because they knew his parents who lived down the street, and he seemed responsible. He had a Nova, blue a big seat in front not the bucket seats of today. No, I was a good girl so get your mind out of the gutter, it was very innocent and sweet. I remember his birthday, Dec. 16, we went to dinner at Poor Richards in Waterford, no longer there, the building is still there but nothing is housed in it, very sad. It was a great restaurant and building, they served us a bottle of wine, we both had baby faces but the waiter let us get away with it anyway. We then went back to his parents house, not the best idea after some wine from two kids who were not suttle in anyway that we got served.
We ended up breaking up, I dumped him for another man. We always were friends though, he got married and divorced, and always remained friends part of a a four-some. About 5 years ago, we had a major falling out, due to 1 of our four-somes made a play for my friends girlfriend, and I knew about it and kept my mouth shut. There was reason, but he would not believe me, his girlfriend twisted everything around, now his wife. For the last 4 years, every year, I send him a Birthday Card, and both of them a Christmas Card, and in 2005 and invitation to my wedding. I heard nothing, this year on the Christmas card, I wrote, this is the last one because I have been trying to become friends again and you don't even enknowledge these cards.
I found him on www.linkedin", and we emailed each other all day on Wednesday. Come to find out he knew nothing about the cards, he never got them and he had not moved, which means "she" his wife got them and threw them out. I don't know about the Wedding Invitation, but I believe that is what happened to that. I am so hurt, he and I knew each others secrets and we loved each other even for all our faults.
We were better friends then anything else, so the fact his wife felt we should not be together as friends is unimaginable to me, I felt he threw a 20+ friendship away without looking back. We are going to try to get together next week, when my husband and I are in town, he has never even met Stephen. I knew his ex-wife, and she didn't like me anymore than this wife but she put up with me because of John.
If John's new wife lets him come and meet us for a drink I will be suprised, I want to see him, but am not holding my breath. My question when do you give up on a friendship?
I think it was because they knew his parents who lived down the street, and he seemed responsible. He had a Nova, blue a big seat in front not the bucket seats of today. No, I was a good girl so get your mind out of the gutter, it was very innocent and sweet. I remember his birthday, Dec. 16, we went to dinner at Poor Richards in Waterford, no longer there, the building is still there but nothing is housed in it, very sad. It was a great restaurant and building, they served us a bottle of wine, we both had baby faces but the waiter let us get away with it anyway. We then went back to his parents house, not the best idea after some wine from two kids who were not suttle in anyway that we got served.
We ended up breaking up, I dumped him for another man. We always were friends though, he got married and divorced, and always remained friends part of a a four-some. About 5 years ago, we had a major falling out, due to 1 of our four-somes made a play for my friends girlfriend, and I knew about it and kept my mouth shut. There was reason, but he would not believe me, his girlfriend twisted everything around, now his wife. For the last 4 years, every year, I send him a Birthday Card, and both of them a Christmas Card, and in 2005 and invitation to my wedding. I heard nothing, this year on the Christmas card, I wrote, this is the last one because I have been trying to become friends again and you don't even enknowledge these cards.
I found him on www.linkedin", and we emailed each other all day on Wednesday. Come to find out he knew nothing about the cards, he never got them and he had not moved, which means "she" his wife got them and threw them out. I don't know about the Wedding Invitation, but I believe that is what happened to that. I am so hurt, he and I knew each others secrets and we loved each other even for all our faults.
We were better friends then anything else, so the fact his wife felt we should not be together as friends is unimaginable to me, I felt he threw a 20+ friendship away without looking back. We are going to try to get together next week, when my husband and I are in town, he has never even met Stephen. I knew his ex-wife, and she didn't like me anymore than this wife but she put up with me because of John.
If John's new wife lets him come and meet us for a drink I will be suprised, I want to see him, but am not holding my breath. My question when do you give up on a friendship?
Friday, February 29, 2008
REALITY CHECK:
Rock of Love 2: Rodeo from the 1st season came back today, I still think she should of been in the final 2. It was no shocker that Bret being 40ish, got rid of the only 2 women close to his age, when you have young 20's something with nothing but boobs (fake most) and butts. Catherine and Peyton were let go this week. While psycho Meghan is still in the house, I was routing for her at first because of Beauty and the Geek, but it seems she is reverting back to her self absorbed self, and learned nothing from that show. Kristi Jo needs to go, quit crying already, and you are not all that pretty. My new choice for final two Ambre and Destiny, most like it will be Daisy but I am trying to give it alittle thought unlike Bret, we know what he is thinking with now don't we.
BIG BROTHER 9: Alex and Amanda are gone this week, 2nd week in a row, the woman on the team has destroyed the guys chances. My thought bring Parker and Alex back, as a team. The team to watch is going to be Sharon and Joshua, a Pretty girl and a Gay Man, no romantic notions involved. Allison is now scheming to break up Ryan and Jen, she succeeded in getting Jen out of the house, and now she has her chance. Is Ryan a dog and going to do something or is he playing the game just to win? Beware Allison, you have not heard the last of Jen. Natalie has fallen for Matt, is it because you are stuck in a house isolated, or because they said, the magic words for women "SOUL MATE"? Admit it women we love the whole romantic notion of being with our soul mate, why not, its in the movies, on our TV and in our books, why shouldn't we believe there is that (1) person for each of us?
PROJECT RUNWAY: Chris Marsh was out this week, BOO~ BOO~ I love him, it will be great to see Rami's collection, but I would of loved to see Chris's because we all know it would of been over the top. I want to meet Chris and give him a hug, he is just so wonderful. I can not wait for next week for the Final 3, even though it has been over since September when the actual Fashion Week took place, I can not find much on the web, so can not wait to see the collections. I believe even though he is cocky as anything that Christian will win, he really has talent, if someone will just check his ego at the door. STOP saying "FIERCE" it is annoying.
I can not wait, next week, Top Chef in Chicago is back and Real Housewives of NY, as if there really is anything like that in NY or Orange County for that matter, it is really rich people that us peon's just like to watch. Still I will keep you updated on those shows.
Rock of Love 2: Rodeo from the 1st season came back today, I still think she should of been in the final 2. It was no shocker that Bret being 40ish, got rid of the only 2 women close to his age, when you have young 20's something with nothing but boobs (fake most) and butts. Catherine and Peyton were let go this week. While psycho Meghan is still in the house, I was routing for her at first because of Beauty and the Geek, but it seems she is reverting back to her self absorbed self, and learned nothing from that show. Kristi Jo needs to go, quit crying already, and you are not all that pretty. My new choice for final two Ambre and Destiny, most like it will be Daisy but I am trying to give it alittle thought unlike Bret, we know what he is thinking with now don't we.
BIG BROTHER 9: Alex and Amanda are gone this week, 2nd week in a row, the woman on the team has destroyed the guys chances. My thought bring Parker and Alex back, as a team. The team to watch is going to be Sharon and Joshua, a Pretty girl and a Gay Man, no romantic notions involved. Allison is now scheming to break up Ryan and Jen, she succeeded in getting Jen out of the house, and now she has her chance. Is Ryan a dog and going to do something or is he playing the game just to win? Beware Allison, you have not heard the last of Jen. Natalie has fallen for Matt, is it because you are stuck in a house isolated, or because they said, the magic words for women "SOUL MATE"? Admit it women we love the whole romantic notion of being with our soul mate, why not, its in the movies, on our TV and in our books, why shouldn't we believe there is that (1) person for each of us?
PROJECT RUNWAY: Chris Marsh was out this week, BOO~ BOO~ I love him, it will be great to see Rami's collection, but I would of loved to see Chris's because we all know it would of been over the top. I want to meet Chris and give him a hug, he is just so wonderful. I can not wait for next week for the Final 3, even though it has been over since September when the actual Fashion Week took place, I can not find much on the web, so can not wait to see the collections. I believe even though he is cocky as anything that Christian will win, he really has talent, if someone will just check his ego at the door. STOP saying "FIERCE" it is annoying.
I can not wait, next week, Top Chef in Chicago is back and Real Housewives of NY, as if there really is anything like that in NY or Orange County for that matter, it is really rich people that us peon's just like to watch. Still I will keep you updated on those shows.
I was reading of course, The New London Day today, and the letter below is a Letter to the Editor, that I find quite interesting and definately something to think about.
If you have ever been to Mystic, CT you will notice on each street corner, is a Church, Ice cream Parlor, Pizza Place on each corner going in and out of Mystic and of course BARS! Redundant yes, but it could just be we like choice.
In Groton, we have Long Hill Road ( or Hamburger Hill locals call it), Which has McDonalds, Burger King right next to each other, Applebee's, 99 across the street from each other, a little further Wendy's, and 3 pizza places. It is to say Southeastern CT likes to eat and have as many options as possible.
"I was driving around town — er, I mean, the city — the other day, and noticed that there's a new Starbucks about to open near Big Y in Groton. My first thought, naturally, was to call my friend in East Lyme to gloat about yet another reason why Groton is better. But then I started to think about how there are now three Starbucks in our, um, city/town, and at least five Dunkin' Donuts.
Has anyone else noticed that Groton seems to have a problem with redundancy? We are both a city and a town, each with its own budget, municipal building, parks and recreation department and mayor. I'm wondering if there isn't a connection between this problem with repetition and Groton's higher-than-average caffeine consumption. As a community, we seem to require some serious Joe. I myself am no latte-sipping lightweight. My brew of choice is a hot turbo at Dunkin' Donuts, and a Red Eye at Starbucks, which are essentially cups of coffee with an added shot of espresso — again, the redundancy thing.
I'm thinking maybe there's a Pfizer connection here. After all, it has redundancy issues of its own, what with offices all over New London and Groton. Maybe it's all that military training, but at least Electric Boat sticks to Groton (City, that is), in those same petrified buildings they've been in for the past 100 years (except for the newish “engineering” building, which houses senior staff, the finance department and a terrific conference/movie room). And they build only one thing — submarines — and even those are usually just one at a time.
Back to Pfizer — could they be experimenting on us? Is that why we keep forgetting we already have enough coffee shops in town? Did I ask that already?
Leslie Westhaver
Groton
If you have ever been to Mystic, CT you will notice on each street corner, is a Church, Ice cream Parlor, Pizza Place on each corner going in and out of Mystic and of course BARS! Redundant yes, but it could just be we like choice.
In Groton, we have Long Hill Road ( or Hamburger Hill locals call it), Which has McDonalds, Burger King right next to each other, Applebee's, 99 across the street from each other, a little further Wendy's, and 3 pizza places. It is to say Southeastern CT likes to eat and have as many options as possible.
"I was driving around town — er, I mean, the city — the other day, and noticed that there's a new Starbucks about to open near Big Y in Groton. My first thought, naturally, was to call my friend in East Lyme to gloat about yet another reason why Groton is better. But then I started to think about how there are now three Starbucks in our, um, city/town, and at least five Dunkin' Donuts.
Has anyone else noticed that Groton seems to have a problem with redundancy? We are both a city and a town, each with its own budget, municipal building, parks and recreation department and mayor. I'm wondering if there isn't a connection between this problem with repetition and Groton's higher-than-average caffeine consumption. As a community, we seem to require some serious Joe. I myself am no latte-sipping lightweight. My brew of choice is a hot turbo at Dunkin' Donuts, and a Red Eye at Starbucks, which are essentially cups of coffee with an added shot of espresso — again, the redundancy thing.
I'm thinking maybe there's a Pfizer connection here. After all, it has redundancy issues of its own, what with offices all over New London and Groton. Maybe it's all that military training, but at least Electric Boat sticks to Groton (City, that is), in those same petrified buildings they've been in for the past 100 years (except for the newish “engineering” building, which houses senior staff, the finance department and a terrific conference/movie room). And they build only one thing — submarines — and even those are usually just one at a time.
Back to Pfizer — could they be experimenting on us? Is that why we keep forgetting we already have enough coffee shops in town? Did I ask that already?
Leslie Westhaver
Groton
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Letter to the Editor of the New London Day.
This is in response to the letter titled “Concealed firearms will not stop the violence,” published Feb. 25. Although I applaud the writer for taking an interest in these tragic events and advocating a solution of prevention, she should have researched the facts before coming to her misguided conclusions. If she had, she would have known there are gun laws in place that should have prevented the Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois shooters from legally obtaining firearms.
Had a thorough background check been implemented, as is the law, it would have uncovered that both men suffered from mental illness and should have been denied the right of purchase. Reasons they were not are complicated, citing certain states' private health records not being included in the federal database. You can implement 10 or 1,000 more gun laws, but people who wish to use guns for criminal acts don't care about laws. They're going to disregard them.
The answer is not to pass more laws, but enforce existing ones. And the answer is not to deny law-abiding citizens their right to personal protection against those who wish to do them bodily harm. Yet this is what the letter writer proposes: denying law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves. That is the purpose of a concealed-weapons permit. How many lives would have been saved had any students or faculty been allowed to take advantage of this privilege and right?
We read about home, mall and parking lot abductions almost weekly. These heinous acts, often against young women, almost always end tragically, with sexual abuse and murder. How many could be prevented, and how many depraved individuals could be stopped, if women exercise their constitutional right to legally carry a concealed firearm? Mace? Taser? Maybe. A .40 caliber, definitely.
Tom Gresh
North Stonington
This is in response to the letter titled “Concealed firearms will not stop the violence,” published Feb. 25. Although I applaud the writer for taking an interest in these tragic events and advocating a solution of prevention, she should have researched the facts before coming to her misguided conclusions. If she had, she would have known there are gun laws in place that should have prevented the Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois shooters from legally obtaining firearms.
Had a thorough background check been implemented, as is the law, it would have uncovered that both men suffered from mental illness and should have been denied the right of purchase. Reasons they were not are complicated, citing certain states' private health records not being included in the federal database. You can implement 10 or 1,000 more gun laws, but people who wish to use guns for criminal acts don't care about laws. They're going to disregard them.
The answer is not to pass more laws, but enforce existing ones. And the answer is not to deny law-abiding citizens their right to personal protection against those who wish to do them bodily harm. Yet this is what the letter writer proposes: denying law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves. That is the purpose of a concealed-weapons permit. How many lives would have been saved had any students or faculty been allowed to take advantage of this privilege and right?
We read about home, mall and parking lot abductions almost weekly. These heinous acts, often against young women, almost always end tragically, with sexual abuse and murder. How many could be prevented, and how many depraved individuals could be stopped, if women exercise their constitutional right to legally carry a concealed firearm? Mace? Taser? Maybe. A .40 caliber, definitely.
Tom Gresh
North Stonington
Every Thursday, in the New London Day, there is a Restaurant Review, even though I no longer live in Southeastern CT, I do visit and love to read the reviews, I sometimes agree, and sometimes disagree. I opened the Article today, and was so excited it was about Mystic Pizza, my best friend Claudette works there, so definitely if anyone goes there, please ask for her as your waitress. I have personally, been to Mystic Pizza and love their Pizza.
Of Course, when I did weddings in Mystic, inevitably someone or a few brides would give out the DVD/VCR Tape as a Favor. I personally, have 3 copies of the movie. It is fun to watch Julia Roberts and see how far she has come since this film. Even advertising for the movie in the day, did not mention her at all, now if you watch it on TV they say, "Starring Julia Roberts."
Living in Mystic is the highlight of watching the film, and knowing the places that either exist or made up, but know where it was filmed or the inconsistency of some of the action. Prime Example, When Kat (Annbeth Gill)is on her moped delivering pizza to her mom, how quick she got from Mystic to the Noank area,not possible for it to happen in 2 minutes, just a thought.
Here is the review from the New London Day on Mystic Pizza, It is worth the stop.
"The film “Mystic Pizza” has a running time of 104 minutes. It came out 191/2 years ago. I mention this because, apparently, the movie runs continually on suspended screens inside the actual and original Mystic Pizza restaurant, which of course served as the inspiration and setting and focus for the movie.
Now, Mystic Pizza is open 12 hours a day, seven days a week. That means ... let's see ... that the film has played (very roughly) 82,900 times there. I wonder if the waitresses can guess what's going to happen at any given plot juncture by this point. I'm betting yes.
I figured this out when I went there for lunch recently. And I did so because we have lived here for over 10 years, and it wasn't until a few weeks ago, when we by chance saw part of the movie on television, that my wife and I looked at each other and she said, “Do you realize we've never eaten at Mystic Pizza?”
It's true — and I suppose the original reason was as a point of pride — that it was probably a tourist spot and we longed to be non-touristy in our new home. Later, despite the fact that there are more pizza joints per square mile in this region than McDonald's has sold hamburgers, and we have eaten at many of them, Mystic Pizza just sort of faded from our consciousness.
And we felt bad about it.
So that's when I soloed for lunch on a rainy February day and discovered the movie was showing. I brought a book, but it was sort of unique to think that I was watching a hit movie about the place I was sitting in.
I took stock of my legendary surroundings and was immediately comfortable. For one thing, there was a nice crowd of what appeared to be local regulars. For another, there's just a warm amiability to the place. It's a multi-level construct, with the bipartite main dining room at the lowest depth. A takeout/bar area is up a half-flight of stairs, and there's also a second floor space to handle the overflow weekend or warm-weather crowds.
There's a lot of wood and brass and deep, friendly booths so worn they're patched with tape. Etched glass partitions sit atop the booth-backs to afford a bit of privacy. The walls are cluttered with memorabilia — not just of the movie but also Hollywood and sports photos, beer distributors' clocks and signs, and the attendant seaport minutiae from working fish boats.
Plus, it was only after sitting there for a few minutes that I realized the film wasn't shot inside the real Mystic Pizza. Hollywood's mistake.
During an evening visit, my wife and I briefly considered the dinner menu because it's there. In addition to fish & chips ($11.99) and fried calamari ($14.99), both supplemented with fries and slaw, there are several pasta meals including spaghetti choices and eggplant, chicken and veal Parmesan ($11.99 to $16.99). These come with salad and garlic bread.
But there was no doubt we'd have to have pizza.
As with my lunch experience, we were served by an extremely polite and friendly young woman wearing the same “Slice of Heaven” shirt proudly sported by the movie stars up on the screen. Which I pointed out.
“You're right,” my wife said. “They are showing the movie.”
And, indeed, it's sort of a weird presence. You find yourself compelled to keep glancing up and seeing where they are in the narrative — whether Annabeth Gish has hooked up with the professorial dude with the child, or whether Lili Taylor is screaming at Vincent D'Onofrio again, or if David Coverdale has shown up to demand that Julia Roberts give his hair back.
In the meantime, we settled in. Eileen, who last ate meat on October 14, 1993 — at which point Mystic Pizza was about 21,800 showings into their movie loop — requested a small Grecian Delight ($10.20) and I custom-ordered a small pie with sausage, pepperoni and pepperocini ($8.60).
Very quickly, the legendary pizzas were placed before us — and we were both very pleasantly surprised. Both selections featured a very buttery and toasty crust that gives way to a happy chewy quality. The Grecian included pepperocini, Feta, tomatoes, black olives, garlic and oregano — and, in addition to a generous wisely apportioned toppings, came with a layer of melted brown cheese over the top. A brilliant touch.
My diced pepperocinis were sprinkled like tiny, clever toadstools underneath a battleground of tart sausage coins and slices of playful pepperoni, and that the Mystic Pizza recipe seems to focus on cheese more than tomato sauce gives the whole effort a superb sensory twist. There is a sauce presence, mind you, it's just not overwhelming and modestly takes its place in the litany that creates the whole package.
It made us happy a place that could rest on a built-in and perpetual Hollywoody tourist draw clearly makes an effort to maintain quality and please the regulars that have been there all along.
Of Course, when I did weddings in Mystic, inevitably someone or a few brides would give out the DVD/VCR Tape as a Favor. I personally, have 3 copies of the movie. It is fun to watch Julia Roberts and see how far she has come since this film. Even advertising for the movie in the day, did not mention her at all, now if you watch it on TV they say, "Starring Julia Roberts."
Living in Mystic is the highlight of watching the film, and knowing the places that either exist or made up, but know where it was filmed or the inconsistency of some of the action. Prime Example, When Kat (Annbeth Gill)is on her moped delivering pizza to her mom, how quick she got from Mystic to the Noank area,not possible for it to happen in 2 minutes, just a thought.
Here is the review from the New London Day on Mystic Pizza, It is worth the stop.
"The film “Mystic Pizza” has a running time of 104 minutes. It came out 191/2 years ago. I mention this because, apparently, the movie runs continually on suspended screens inside the actual and original Mystic Pizza restaurant, which of course served as the inspiration and setting and focus for the movie.
Now, Mystic Pizza is open 12 hours a day, seven days a week. That means ... let's see ... that the film has played (very roughly) 82,900 times there. I wonder if the waitresses can guess what's going to happen at any given plot juncture by this point. I'm betting yes.
I figured this out when I went there for lunch recently. And I did so because we have lived here for over 10 years, and it wasn't until a few weeks ago, when we by chance saw part of the movie on television, that my wife and I looked at each other and she said, “Do you realize we've never eaten at Mystic Pizza?”
It's true — and I suppose the original reason was as a point of pride — that it was probably a tourist spot and we longed to be non-touristy in our new home. Later, despite the fact that there are more pizza joints per square mile in this region than McDonald's has sold hamburgers, and we have eaten at many of them, Mystic Pizza just sort of faded from our consciousness.
And we felt bad about it.
So that's when I soloed for lunch on a rainy February day and discovered the movie was showing. I brought a book, but it was sort of unique to think that I was watching a hit movie about the place I was sitting in.
I took stock of my legendary surroundings and was immediately comfortable. For one thing, there was a nice crowd of what appeared to be local regulars. For another, there's just a warm amiability to the place. It's a multi-level construct, with the bipartite main dining room at the lowest depth. A takeout/bar area is up a half-flight of stairs, and there's also a second floor space to handle the overflow weekend or warm-weather crowds.
There's a lot of wood and brass and deep, friendly booths so worn they're patched with tape. Etched glass partitions sit atop the booth-backs to afford a bit of privacy. The walls are cluttered with memorabilia — not just of the movie but also Hollywood and sports photos, beer distributors' clocks and signs, and the attendant seaport minutiae from working fish boats.
Plus, it was only after sitting there for a few minutes that I realized the film wasn't shot inside the real Mystic Pizza. Hollywood's mistake.
During an evening visit, my wife and I briefly considered the dinner menu because it's there. In addition to fish & chips ($11.99) and fried calamari ($14.99), both supplemented with fries and slaw, there are several pasta meals including spaghetti choices and eggplant, chicken and veal Parmesan ($11.99 to $16.99). These come with salad and garlic bread.
But there was no doubt we'd have to have pizza.
As with my lunch experience, we were served by an extremely polite and friendly young woman wearing the same “Slice of Heaven” shirt proudly sported by the movie stars up on the screen. Which I pointed out.
“You're right,” my wife said. “They are showing the movie.”
And, indeed, it's sort of a weird presence. You find yourself compelled to keep glancing up and seeing where they are in the narrative — whether Annabeth Gish has hooked up with the professorial dude with the child, or whether Lili Taylor is screaming at Vincent D'Onofrio again, or if David Coverdale has shown up to demand that Julia Roberts give his hair back.
In the meantime, we settled in. Eileen, who last ate meat on October 14, 1993 — at which point Mystic Pizza was about 21,800 showings into their movie loop — requested a small Grecian Delight ($10.20) and I custom-ordered a small pie with sausage, pepperoni and pepperocini ($8.60).
Very quickly, the legendary pizzas were placed before us — and we were both very pleasantly surprised. Both selections featured a very buttery and toasty crust that gives way to a happy chewy quality. The Grecian included pepperocini, Feta, tomatoes, black olives, garlic and oregano — and, in addition to a generous wisely apportioned toppings, came with a layer of melted brown cheese over the top. A brilliant touch.
My diced pepperocinis were sprinkled like tiny, clever toadstools underneath a battleground of tart sausage coins and slices of playful pepperoni, and that the Mystic Pizza recipe seems to focus on cheese more than tomato sauce gives the whole effort a superb sensory twist. There is a sauce presence, mind you, it's just not overwhelming and modestly takes its place in the litany that creates the whole package.
It made us happy a place that could rest on a built-in and perpetual Hollywoody tourist draw clearly makes an effort to maintain quality and please the regulars that have been there all along.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
I am going to start with I LOVE TOBY KEITH!! I love the way he embraces the military and goes out of his way to go and perform for them no matter what war, or where they are in the world.
I started to watch, "Gone Country" on CMT, if you have not seen it, the idea is musicians from other facades of music are trying to go Country and their "coach" for this journey is John Rich, from "Big n'Rich", one of my favorite duo's to watch and listen to their music.
Contestants: Dee Schneider - HEAVY METAL GOD IN THE 80's. I kind of liked him on the shows when his wife talks about him, and even he interviewed well, he was a big push when Tipper Gore wanted to Rate Albums, he was up there with Frank Zappa, John Denver saying it is wrong to sensor Albums. I was so upset, when the first time he meets John Rich, he informs he that he does not like Country music, so my question is why be on the show? To get your career back? You have been on the Radio in CT for a few years, your intelligent, why make such a dumb and disrespectful comment?
Have you ever actually listened to Country Music? Words and all?
Toby Keith- Talks about Love, Soldiers, America respect what is wrong with that.
John Rich- November 8, INCREDIBLY PERSONAL SONG!!
Trace Adkins- Everything!!
I am still appalled by Dee Schneider's Comments and the show has been on for a while, that was the only episode I watched because I was so upset, and felt he was disrespectful to all the people out here who Love Country Music. I admit up until about 6-7 years ago, I would listen to it, but not go out of my way, then a friend of mine moved to Austin, TX and he turned me on to Country Music. It is real stories, real music give it a try.
I started to watch, "Gone Country" on CMT, if you have not seen it, the idea is musicians from other facades of music are trying to go Country and their "coach" for this journey is John Rich, from "Big n'Rich", one of my favorite duo's to watch and listen to their music.
Contestants: Dee Schneider - HEAVY METAL GOD IN THE 80's. I kind of liked him on the shows when his wife talks about him, and even he interviewed well, he was a big push when Tipper Gore wanted to Rate Albums, he was up there with Frank Zappa, John Denver saying it is wrong to sensor Albums. I was so upset, when the first time he meets John Rich, he informs he that he does not like Country music, so my question is why be on the show? To get your career back? You have been on the Radio in CT for a few years, your intelligent, why make such a dumb and disrespectful comment?
Have you ever actually listened to Country Music? Words and all?
Toby Keith- Talks about Love, Soldiers, America respect what is wrong with that.
John Rich- November 8, INCREDIBLY PERSONAL SONG!!
Trace Adkins- Everything!!
I am still appalled by Dee Schneider's Comments and the show has been on for a while, that was the only episode I watched because I was so upset, and felt he was disrespectful to all the people out here who Love Country Music. I admit up until about 6-7 years ago, I would listen to it, but not go out of my way, then a friend of mine moved to Austin, TX and he turned me on to Country Music. It is real stories, real music give it a try.
My husband and I actually watched the show, "The Moment of Truth" on Monday night, and could not believe it. Below is what happened from the Fox News Webpage.
I was so appalled at this woman, and then to find out she was looking for fame and fortune, I am glad she lost, how disrespectful to her husband. She should of said, No when her EX-BOYFRIEND Frank came out to ask a question. You kind of knew it was not going to be good. To admit on National TV, Yes, I should of married you and not my husband and the fact you cheated on your husband of 2 years. She got what she deserved, and I am glad her husband has come to his senses and doesn't want her back. how good of a person can you be really?
"The wife of a New York City cop who admitted to cheating on him and wanting to be married to another man on Monday's episode of Fox's "The Moment of Truth" says she did it for fame and fortune.
But Lauren Cleri, 26, and her husband, NYPD Officer Frank Cleri, 24, came away from the show with no prize money, no immediate job offers for her and a possible divorce in the future after being eliminated when a polygraph detected a "fib."
"We're kind of up in the air right now — I want to [get back together], but I don't think he does," Lauren Cleri told the New York Post.
"It's not very easy to overcome," Frank Cleri, a cop with the 48th Precinct in The Bronx, told the Post.
Frank Cleri said he had been aware of his wife's cheating but was not prepared to go public with it for the money.
The pair said they had planned to share any money she won.
On the show, contestants are hooked up to polygraphs and can be eliminated if a lie is detected. Cleri's alarm went off after she answered "yes" when asked if she believed she is a good person.
According to the show's Web site, contestants "answer 21 increasingly personal questions honestly, as determined by a polygraph, and win up to $500,000."
I was so appalled at this woman, and then to find out she was looking for fame and fortune, I am glad she lost, how disrespectful to her husband. She should of said, No when her EX-BOYFRIEND Frank came out to ask a question. You kind of knew it was not going to be good. To admit on National TV, Yes, I should of married you and not my husband and the fact you cheated on your husband of 2 years. She got what she deserved, and I am glad her husband has come to his senses and doesn't want her back. how good of a person can you be really?
"The wife of a New York City cop who admitted to cheating on him and wanting to be married to another man on Monday's episode of Fox's "The Moment of Truth" says she did it for fame and fortune.
But Lauren Cleri, 26, and her husband, NYPD Officer Frank Cleri, 24, came away from the show with no prize money, no immediate job offers for her and a possible divorce in the future after being eliminated when a polygraph detected a "fib."
"We're kind of up in the air right now — I want to [get back together], but I don't think he does," Lauren Cleri told the New York Post.
"It's not very easy to overcome," Frank Cleri, a cop with the 48th Precinct in The Bronx, told the Post.
Frank Cleri said he had been aware of his wife's cheating but was not prepared to go public with it for the money.
The pair said they had planned to share any money she won.
On the show, contestants are hooked up to polygraphs and can be eliminated if a lie is detected. Cleri's alarm went off after she answered "yes" when asked if she believed she is a good person.
According to the show's Web site, contestants "answer 21 increasingly personal questions honestly, as determined by a polygraph, and win up to $500,000."
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sometimes, I believe people think I am not that smart. I admit, I become lazy and am not living up to my potential. I was the girl in college who would rather socialize then actually go to class and apply myself. Also, I do have to study in order to actually pass a test, unlike my oldest sister who can listen to a lecture, never take notes or study and get a B+, my gosh if she study she could of been a A+ Student, but why bother when it is really no effort?
I am saying this because lately, I realize that even though I love weddings, I would much rather move into the position in my career where, I can mentor other people and implement plans to make more business. I have been in hotels for well over 15 years, and different types of hotels. I have worked the big Convention hotels, the small boutique hotels, the spa hotels and the individual hotels not corporate owned. Each hotel has qualities I like, the convention hotels are fabulous because you have so much space and get break up the rooms almost anyway you need to please the client. On the other hand, not very intimate or pretty for that special wedding.
Boutique hotels usually great wedding settings but restrictions on timing and amount of guests and limited guest rooms, hard to do destination weddings with not alot of rooms. Hard to book corporate in this enviroment for reasons of A/V, types of guest rooms same with Spa hotels.
Right now, I work in a Resort Property that is only open May - Nov, hard to book corporate due to how far we are from anything, and nothing in the winter. Our Space can not accommodate large conventions, weddings are wonderful here, but again because we are seasonal we have minimums especially in Spring and Summer for guest rooms.
Every hotel has something, so you have to work your niche, and advertise correctly, smartly so you are definately getting your money's worth. I have thought long and hard if I was to build a hotel from scratch which type would I build and what special qualities would I put into that hotel? If you had all the money in the world what qualities would you look for in a hotel? As a traveler what do you look for? These are questions Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt ask all their clients to mention a few. Almost all chain hotels have different type properties to get every different type of clients.
I would want to focus on (1) type and make it a success, and improve as the clients change. I want my hotel (imaginery or real) to make and impact on the Hotel business. I would approach Donald Trump ( if I had the balls and a good marketing plan) because here is a man who is not "In the hotel business", meaning it is not his only thing in his portofolio but he definately appreciates people with drive and the ability to stand behind their concept. I have a concept in mind and due to reading all the publications for Hotels in the industry it is new and fresh. I believe it will work, have to love to dream when I have money... Do you have a dream for business or just to retire?
I want to bring my life into a new phase and I really enjoy working and love the hotel business it is in my blood. I knew it the first time, I worked in a Marriott in 1987 as a hostess, that I had found where I want to be in my career, now I am at a crossroads to have to make it even better for myself.
I am saying this because lately, I realize that even though I love weddings, I would much rather move into the position in my career where, I can mentor other people and implement plans to make more business. I have been in hotels for well over 15 years, and different types of hotels. I have worked the big Convention hotels, the small boutique hotels, the spa hotels and the individual hotels not corporate owned. Each hotel has qualities I like, the convention hotels are fabulous because you have so much space and get break up the rooms almost anyway you need to please the client. On the other hand, not very intimate or pretty for that special wedding.
Boutique hotels usually great wedding settings but restrictions on timing and amount of guests and limited guest rooms, hard to do destination weddings with not alot of rooms. Hard to book corporate in this enviroment for reasons of A/V, types of guest rooms same with Spa hotels.
Right now, I work in a Resort Property that is only open May - Nov, hard to book corporate due to how far we are from anything, and nothing in the winter. Our Space can not accommodate large conventions, weddings are wonderful here, but again because we are seasonal we have minimums especially in Spring and Summer for guest rooms.
Every hotel has something, so you have to work your niche, and advertise correctly, smartly so you are definately getting your money's worth. I have thought long and hard if I was to build a hotel from scratch which type would I build and what special qualities would I put into that hotel? If you had all the money in the world what qualities would you look for in a hotel? As a traveler what do you look for? These are questions Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt ask all their clients to mention a few. Almost all chain hotels have different type properties to get every different type of clients.
I would want to focus on (1) type and make it a success, and improve as the clients change. I want my hotel (imaginery or real) to make and impact on the Hotel business. I would approach Donald Trump ( if I had the balls and a good marketing plan) because here is a man who is not "In the hotel business", meaning it is not his only thing in his portofolio but he definately appreciates people with drive and the ability to stand behind their concept. I have a concept in mind and due to reading all the publications for Hotels in the industry it is new and fresh. I believe it will work, have to love to dream when I have money... Do you have a dream for business or just to retire?
I want to bring my life into a new phase and I really enjoy working and love the hotel business it is in my blood. I knew it the first time, I worked in a Marriott in 1987 as a hostess, that I had found where I want to be in my career, now I am at a crossroads to have to make it even better for myself.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Unfortunately, we all become our mothers. As we are growing up, we tell ourselves and of course, anyone who is listening I will "never" be like my mom. I have come to realize it is not a bad thing to be my mother, or I say that because sometimes when I say, do or gesture, I can see my mother doing the exact same thing in the same way.
In my mind I will always be between the age of 30-35, and not "43", which in reality I am at in my life. Last week, when my mom stopped over, first thing out of her mouth was "hi" it was I need a glass of wine, with a hand geature as if I should of already had it poured for her. I have on numerous occassions done the same thing when driving the 90 minutes or longer to see my family. Even when my husband and I are arguing, I will make a comment and his look says it all, "You are so your mothers daughter". My sisters and I like to pretend none of us have gotten traits from our mother, but we all have. Lynne ( oldest) has gotten's mom inate ability to have company and actually sit, relax and enjoy the company,nope instead she is in the kitchen, cleaning, or cooking to make it perfect but does not actually enjoy her company.
Gwynne (2nd oldest) has gotten my mother's ability to over react to situations, and example of this would be: One time I was at her house, and her husband (ex now), was outside and she didn't know where he was, she was running through the house freaking out that he might of gotten kidnapped or something. You are in Mystic CT, and he is at least 35 years old, he is probably ignoring the screaming woman out the door. Which is what he was doing.
Now, both my sisters have daughters, it will be quite interesting to see when they become their own mothers, which at this point they both swear is not going to happen to them.
Here is a column from the New London Day on the subject:
February 7, 2008. A date which will live in infamy. For it was on this very day, at approximately 6:35 p.m., that I went to the bottom of the stairs in my home, pointed my face upwards and hollered,
“TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN!”
February 7, 2008.
A Thursday.
6:35 p.m.
I became my mother.
Of course, it was inevitable. No matter how much in my heart of hearts that I believe I am still 27, I'm not. I'm teetering on the cusp of 45. And as with much of life, it's been slowly creeping in. The second after the second you have a kid is when the specter of your mother sticks its toe in the door of your persona. I've been replying “Because I said so” to their questions for years. That was one of my mother's Top 10. “Don't make me say it again” popped up around the time they started getting homework.
Those, of course, are mild. They are merely tools we store in the Effective Parenting Shed. Uttering them doesn't at all imply that you are over the hill or middle-aged or completely unhip to the kids of today. It simply means you are out of patience at the moment and want something important - like teethbrushing or silent reading or bed-making - done in a timely and responsible manner.
But “Turn down that music!” That's the beginning of the end.
I was trying to get something done on the computer downstairs. But all I could hear was Miley Cyrus (or perhaps it was Hannah Montana, I'm not sure) warbling about the importance of all of us being ourselves and not letting life get us down and woo-hoo while we're at it have a party:
So anywhere we are
Anywhere we go
Everybody kno-ows
We got the party with us
Anywhere we are
Anywhere we go
Everybody kno-ows
We got the party with us
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ohh ohh
Now, I'm all in favor of girl power and nice role models and I actually like both the “Hannah Montana” show and Miley Cyrus. It's a cute sitcom with good messages, and Cyrus does not expose her belly button to the world. I have no quibble with my daughter loving her or her music.
I am, after all, the one who bought her the little boom box last year for her ninth birthday, and I am the one who buys her the CDs. I love that she loves music. I fondly remember all those nights, in my bedroom, blasting the Bay City Rollers, and Bread and Air Supply and Journey and Donna Summer.
I also remember my mom hollering up the stairs to turn it down. Many, many times. For many, many years.
I guess they call that full circle. Or payback.
This is the opinion of Elissa Bass.
In my mind I will always be between the age of 30-35, and not "43", which in reality I am at in my life. Last week, when my mom stopped over, first thing out of her mouth was "hi" it was I need a glass of wine, with a hand geature as if I should of already had it poured for her. I have on numerous occassions done the same thing when driving the 90 minutes or longer to see my family. Even when my husband and I are arguing, I will make a comment and his look says it all, "You are so your mothers daughter". My sisters and I like to pretend none of us have gotten traits from our mother, but we all have. Lynne ( oldest) has gotten's mom inate ability to have company and actually sit, relax and enjoy the company,nope instead she is in the kitchen, cleaning, or cooking to make it perfect but does not actually enjoy her company.
Gwynne (2nd oldest) has gotten my mother's ability to over react to situations, and example of this would be: One time I was at her house, and her husband (ex now), was outside and she didn't know where he was, she was running through the house freaking out that he might of gotten kidnapped or something. You are in Mystic CT, and he is at least 35 years old, he is probably ignoring the screaming woman out the door. Which is what he was doing.
Now, both my sisters have daughters, it will be quite interesting to see when they become their own mothers, which at this point they both swear is not going to happen to them.
Here is a column from the New London Day on the subject:
February 7, 2008. A date which will live in infamy. For it was on this very day, at approximately 6:35 p.m., that I went to the bottom of the stairs in my home, pointed my face upwards and hollered,
“TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN!”
February 7, 2008.
A Thursday.
6:35 p.m.
I became my mother.
Of course, it was inevitable. No matter how much in my heart of hearts that I believe I am still 27, I'm not. I'm teetering on the cusp of 45. And as with much of life, it's been slowly creeping in. The second after the second you have a kid is when the specter of your mother sticks its toe in the door of your persona. I've been replying “Because I said so” to their questions for years. That was one of my mother's Top 10. “Don't make me say it again” popped up around the time they started getting homework.
Those, of course, are mild. They are merely tools we store in the Effective Parenting Shed. Uttering them doesn't at all imply that you are over the hill or middle-aged or completely unhip to the kids of today. It simply means you are out of patience at the moment and want something important - like teethbrushing or silent reading or bed-making - done in a timely and responsible manner.
But “Turn down that music!” That's the beginning of the end.
I was trying to get something done on the computer downstairs. But all I could hear was Miley Cyrus (or perhaps it was Hannah Montana, I'm not sure) warbling about the importance of all of us being ourselves and not letting life get us down and woo-hoo while we're at it have a party:
So anywhere we are
Anywhere we go
Everybody kno-ows
We got the party with us
Anywhere we are
Anywhere we go
Everybody kno-ows
We got the party with us
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ohh ohh
Now, I'm all in favor of girl power and nice role models and I actually like both the “Hannah Montana” show and Miley Cyrus. It's a cute sitcom with good messages, and Cyrus does not expose her belly button to the world. I have no quibble with my daughter loving her or her music.
I am, after all, the one who bought her the little boom box last year for her ninth birthday, and I am the one who buys her the CDs. I love that she loves music. I fondly remember all those nights, in my bedroom, blasting the Bay City Rollers, and Bread and Air Supply and Journey and Donna Summer.
I also remember my mom hollering up the stairs to turn it down. Many, many times. For many, many years.
I guess they call that full circle. Or payback.
This is the opinion of Elissa Bass.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Last night was this incredible Eclipse at 10:26pm, here in Maine. I was out there with my big coat on, it really was incredible. We tried to take a picture but did not come out. I found a great one in Charlotte, NC on Charlotte.com, and tried to put it here, but for some reason my pictures are not coming out on Blogger right now.
They say, the next one is not until 2010. My next purchase is going to be a Telescope, especially living out here, the stars sometimes are so bright it seems you can touch them. Does anyone have a great picture of the Eclipse from their house?
They say, the next one is not until 2010. My next purchase is going to be a Telescope, especially living out here, the stars sometimes are so bright it seems you can touch them. Does anyone have a great picture of the Eclipse from their house?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
REALITY CHECK:Quite the Week, so here is my options on the subjects.
Rock of Love 2: Daisy is gross, but Bret seems to really like her, and Peyton, are you 12 or what? You leave a note in chicken scratch and even though Bret never got the note, he still met with you and why would you ask him if he is attractive to you? NEVER put a man in that position, you may not like the answer. Megan is just a dumb B****, and should be kicked out for destroying all the notes, Peyton luckily did not come down to your level and destroy your note even though she had ever right, or atleast call you out to Bret. This women this season are even more vindictive then last season, which is unbelievable with Lacey in the mix. Personally, I think he should bring back Lacey for a few weeks not just an appearance to mess with these girls head, and teach them how to really play the game.
Flavor of Love 3: RAUNCHY!! How dare Senex say something negative about Sheryl Ralph does she not even understand this woman is class and wants to help them? Where is NY to put these girls straight? Tweedle dee and Dumb get over yourselves.
Big Brother 9: OK, I love Parker and think he and Amanda would be a great couple, switch it up would be my motto, I want Jen gone, (Must be the name) and keep Ryan and really see him play the game. Alex needs to stop whining about Amanda, the worse still is Shelia, you are 46 years old learn to play with the other children, and even if you don't like Adam, have you never heard "Treat others as you want to be treated". I give him credit for putting up with you as long, he deserved to go off on you. I am happy to see Sharon back, love her!! I hope she helps Allison bring down Jen.
Rock of Love 2: Daisy is gross, but Bret seems to really like her, and Peyton, are you 12 or what? You leave a note in chicken scratch and even though Bret never got the note, he still met with you and why would you ask him if he is attractive to you? NEVER put a man in that position, you may not like the answer. Megan is just a dumb B****, and should be kicked out for destroying all the notes, Peyton luckily did not come down to your level and destroy your note even though she had ever right, or atleast call you out to Bret. This women this season are even more vindictive then last season, which is unbelievable with Lacey in the mix. Personally, I think he should bring back Lacey for a few weeks not just an appearance to mess with these girls head, and teach them how to really play the game.
Flavor of Love 3: RAUNCHY!! How dare Senex say something negative about Sheryl Ralph does she not even understand this woman is class and wants to help them? Where is NY to put these girls straight? Tweedle dee and Dumb get over yourselves.
Big Brother 9: OK, I love Parker and think he and Amanda would be a great couple, switch it up would be my motto, I want Jen gone, (Must be the name) and keep Ryan and really see him play the game. Alex needs to stop whining about Amanda, the worse still is Shelia, you are 46 years old learn to play with the other children, and even if you don't like Adam, have you never heard "Treat others as you want to be treated". I give him credit for putting up with you as long, he deserved to go off on you. I am happy to see Sharon back, love her!! I hope she helps Allison bring down Jen.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Restaurant Review:
Saturday night, we went out to celebrate my husband's new job and being Valentine's Day weekend. I asked people I work with where they suggest we go, some of the suggestions were:
Harraskeet Pub - Freeport, ME - Right now they are having their Game Menu. Now, I have been here a few times, and to be honest not all that impressed with the service or the food. I was willing to try it again but still was not sure, so I kept asking around.
Montsweag Roadhouse- Wiscasset, ME - Definately, casual but fun have live music, food was comfort food. Yes, I think we will try this but not for this occassion.
Solo Bistro Bistro- Bath, ME - Which is the closest to us, but they are closing as of Sunday for a few weeks, so I was not sure if it would be great right befor they are closing for a bit.
Blintiff- Edgeware, ME - Right on the water, romantic feel to it.
So, I made a reservation at Blintiff's for 7pm on Saturday night. We got there at 6:30pm and even though we could of sat down right away, we decided to have a drink before dinner, so we went to the Bar. They had a duo playing in the corner, fireplace going, wood panelling, clean bar area, with a few nooks for people to go off and be alone if felt the need. Very New England feel, you can see the dining room, but there is a glass partition so you can not disturb the people dining in there.
Dave was our bartender, friendly guy, Stephen and he talked about Tatoos, because Dave has quite the selection which he designed, and Stephen has 3, so it was quite the discussion, and Dave is from Rhode Island so they both knew where the other had gotten their work done. Myself, I hate needles so even though I love them, I do not think I will ever actually get one. Then we got seated and our waitress was Kayla, 22 years old, fun!! Stephen let her know right off the bat, they we are old restaurant people. He threw things at her, and she threw them right back.
It was so much fun to watch them go back and forth, she did not get flustered and has a quick wit, Stephen thrives on this. We started with Escargot and Carpiccio, the Escargot was in a puff pastry, garlic butter and herb could you get any better? The Carpiccio was served with a salad. Then he of course, got the Lobster and Crab Bisque smooth taste incredible. Then our entrees, mine was Tournadoes (MR) with a Bearnise and Bourdeaux sauce, and risotto, all the flavors worked so well together. When I ordered it, Stephen was worried too many flavors would be overpowering for me, but my meat was a perfect MR, I did not really need the Steak knife provided it was so tender.
Stephen had orderd "Rack of Lamb" ( his standard), but for some reason he was served "Veal Oscar", he took a bite and his mouth was watering, he loved it!! It took 3 more bites before Kayla came back and realized her mistake ( most likely because the table who actually ordered it was looking for it), Stephen decided to stick to the Veal Oscar, he just loved all the flavors, and ate every bite, I never even got offered a bite. The Potatoes were deep fried, incredible.
They had my favorite dessert Creme Brulee, but I was so full , I could not even do dessert. Our whole experience was wonderful, even the mess up with the food, turned out for the best, Stephen moved out of his comfort zone. Ironically, when he cooks he loves to experiment, but when he is paying for it, he goes for either Rack of Lamb or Prime Rib everytime. It could be because these two items he does not usually cook at home unless we are entertaining then he makes Rack of Lamb.
We got to sit right on the window, and I am sure in the Spring and Summer it is worth it to sit there, but on a cold February night, I could not see much but the outline of the water. We will definately be going back, I saw their Brunch Menu and would love to try that sometime soon, maybe in March for Easter or something.
This is one of our recommendations for Mid-Coast Maine. Blintiff's on the property of Sheepsott Harbor Resort on Rte. 1. Even down to the fact they have a scented candle in front of the Lobster Tank, I guess to give the Lobsters themselves some atmosphere before they are taken away.
OUr next dinner out will be in Southeastern CT for our 3rd Anniversary, we are not sure where we are going yet, but I will definately do a review.
Saturday night, we went out to celebrate my husband's new job and being Valentine's Day weekend. I asked people I work with where they suggest we go, some of the suggestions were:
Harraskeet Pub - Freeport, ME - Right now they are having their Game Menu. Now, I have been here a few times, and to be honest not all that impressed with the service or the food. I was willing to try it again but still was not sure, so I kept asking around.
Montsweag Roadhouse- Wiscasset, ME - Definately, casual but fun have live music, food was comfort food. Yes, I think we will try this but not for this occassion.
Solo Bistro Bistro- Bath, ME - Which is the closest to us, but they are closing as of Sunday for a few weeks, so I was not sure if it would be great right befor they are closing for a bit.
Blintiff- Edgeware, ME - Right on the water, romantic feel to it.
So, I made a reservation at Blintiff's for 7pm on Saturday night. We got there at 6:30pm and even though we could of sat down right away, we decided to have a drink before dinner, so we went to the Bar. They had a duo playing in the corner, fireplace going, wood panelling, clean bar area, with a few nooks for people to go off and be alone if felt the need. Very New England feel, you can see the dining room, but there is a glass partition so you can not disturb the people dining in there.
Dave was our bartender, friendly guy, Stephen and he talked about Tatoos, because Dave has quite the selection which he designed, and Stephen has 3, so it was quite the discussion, and Dave is from Rhode Island so they both knew where the other had gotten their work done. Myself, I hate needles so even though I love them, I do not think I will ever actually get one. Then we got seated and our waitress was Kayla, 22 years old, fun!! Stephen let her know right off the bat, they we are old restaurant people. He threw things at her, and she threw them right back.
It was so much fun to watch them go back and forth, she did not get flustered and has a quick wit, Stephen thrives on this. We started with Escargot and Carpiccio, the Escargot was in a puff pastry, garlic butter and herb could you get any better? The Carpiccio was served with a salad. Then he of course, got the Lobster and Crab Bisque smooth taste incredible. Then our entrees, mine was Tournadoes (MR) with a Bearnise and Bourdeaux sauce, and risotto, all the flavors worked so well together. When I ordered it, Stephen was worried too many flavors would be overpowering for me, but my meat was a perfect MR, I did not really need the Steak knife provided it was so tender.
Stephen had orderd "Rack of Lamb" ( his standard), but for some reason he was served "Veal Oscar", he took a bite and his mouth was watering, he loved it!! It took 3 more bites before Kayla came back and realized her mistake ( most likely because the table who actually ordered it was looking for it), Stephen decided to stick to the Veal Oscar, he just loved all the flavors, and ate every bite, I never even got offered a bite. The Potatoes were deep fried, incredible.
They had my favorite dessert Creme Brulee, but I was so full , I could not even do dessert. Our whole experience was wonderful, even the mess up with the food, turned out for the best, Stephen moved out of his comfort zone. Ironically, when he cooks he loves to experiment, but when he is paying for it, he goes for either Rack of Lamb or Prime Rib everytime. It could be because these two items he does not usually cook at home unless we are entertaining then he makes Rack of Lamb.
We got to sit right on the window, and I am sure in the Spring and Summer it is worth it to sit there, but on a cold February night, I could not see much but the outline of the water. We will definately be going back, I saw their Brunch Menu and would love to try that sometime soon, maybe in March for Easter or something.
This is one of our recommendations for Mid-Coast Maine. Blintiff's on the property of Sheepsott Harbor Resort on Rte. 1. Even down to the fact they have a scented candle in front of the Lobster Tank, I guess to give the Lobsters themselves some atmosphere before they are taken away.
OUr next dinner out will be in Southeastern CT for our 3rd Anniversary, we are not sure where we are going yet, but I will definately do a review.
Yesterday, my mom and sister Gwynne came by my house here in the backwoods of Maine. It was nice to see my sister since I have not seen her since Christmas. My mother, of course wanted her to come see my house, so she embellished how far we are from her.
When they started out in the morning we were only 45 minutes away, then after stopping at Marshall's in Windham, she said really it is an hour away, ok, since technically at this point they are stuck due to mom is driving, about 1 hour and 15 minutes into the journey, my 11 year old nephew goes, "What do you mean it is another 20 minutes?" Nana, you said it was 45 minutes away. We are in fact 90 minutes away from her house, but due to the fog yesterday on Route 295, it was even longer.
I find this funny, because mom being herself walks in the house and wants a glass of wine because they are driving her crazy. My family always makes me smile and laugh at the same time. No matter what the circumstance, my family is funny. So, the 3 women sat at the table and caught up for about and hour, then Nephew announcing he is ready to go to Target, and puts on his shoes and walks out the door, that was the end of the visit. Then 2 hours later, I get a call mom has forgotten her life at my house, really her purse but for women same thing. Now, what do you do? Luckily, my husband was going to Portland today for work, so he and my mom will meet up to give her back her purse, I put it in his car this morning so I would not forget, otherwise we were going to have to drive that 90 minutes to get it back to her.
I love my family, especially all the fun.
When they started out in the morning we were only 45 minutes away, then after stopping at Marshall's in Windham, she said really it is an hour away, ok, since technically at this point they are stuck due to mom is driving, about 1 hour and 15 minutes into the journey, my 11 year old nephew goes, "What do you mean it is another 20 minutes?" Nana, you said it was 45 minutes away. We are in fact 90 minutes away from her house, but due to the fog yesterday on Route 295, it was even longer.
I find this funny, because mom being herself walks in the house and wants a glass of wine because they are driving her crazy. My family always makes me smile and laugh at the same time. No matter what the circumstance, my family is funny. So, the 3 women sat at the table and caught up for about and hour, then Nephew announcing he is ready to go to Target, and puts on his shoes and walks out the door, that was the end of the visit. Then 2 hours later, I get a call mom has forgotten her life at my house, really her purse but for women same thing. Now, what do you do? Luckily, my husband was going to Portland today for work, so he and my mom will meet up to give her back her purse, I put it in his car this morning so I would not forget, otherwise we were going to have to drive that 90 minutes to get it back to her.
I love my family, especially all the fun.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Aol made a list of greatest TV Couples, here is there list do you agree or disagree?
My list is below this one.
1.Sam and Diane, 'Cheers'
2. David and Maddie, 'Moonlighting'
3. Carrie and Big, 'Sex and the City'
4. Lucy and Ricky, 'I Love Lucy'
5. Buffy and Angel, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
6. Furillo and Joyce, 'Hill Street Blues'
7. Ross and Rachel, 'Friends'
8. Rob and Laura, 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
9. Cliff and Claire, 'The Cosby Show'
10. Veronica and Logan, 'Veronica Mars'
11. Doug and Carol, 'ER'
12. Homer and Marge, 'The Simpsons'
13. Angela and Jordan, 'My So-Called Life'
14. Bobby and Pam, 'Dallas'
15. Kevin and Winnie, 'The Wonder Years'
16. Jim and Pam, 'The Office'
17. Joey and Pacey, 'Dawson's Creek'
18. Morticia and Gomez, 'The Addams Family'
19. Brenda and Dylan, 'Beverly Hills, 90210'
20. Meredith and Derek, 'Grey's Anatomy'
MY LIST
1. Luke & Laura - "General Hospital"
2. Luke & Loreli - "Gilmore Girls"
3. Angel & Buffy -" Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
4. David & Maddie - "Moonlighting"
5. Angela & Tony - "Who's the Boss"
6. Gary & Val - "Knots Landing"
7. Stone & Robin - "General Hospital"
8. Patrick & Marty - "One Life to Live"
9. Bo & Hope - "Days of our Lives"
10. Jessie & Angie - "All my children"
11. Greg & Jenny - "All my Children"
12. Alex P. Keaton & Ellen Reed - "Family Ties"
13. Rob & Laura - "Dick Van Dyke"
14. Hayden & Christine- " Coach"
15. Julie & Gopher - "Love Boat"
16. Richard & Emily- "Gilmore Girls"
17. Brenda & Dylan -"Beverly Hills, 90210"
18. Miranda & Steve -"Sex and the City"
19. Kevin & Winne-" Wonder Years"
20. Sam & Diane - "Cheers"
There are so many more to explore, but if I only had 20 to choose from, what would your top 20 be?
My reason is more of the storylines that are created before they actually get together, sometimes, once they get together something happens and it is not as good. My first two choices that did not happen, I love both of these couples.
My list is below this one.
1.Sam and Diane, 'Cheers'
2. David and Maddie, 'Moonlighting'
3. Carrie and Big, 'Sex and the City'
4. Lucy and Ricky, 'I Love Lucy'
5. Buffy and Angel, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
6. Furillo and Joyce, 'Hill Street Blues'
7. Ross and Rachel, 'Friends'
8. Rob and Laura, 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
9. Cliff and Claire, 'The Cosby Show'
10. Veronica and Logan, 'Veronica Mars'
11. Doug and Carol, 'ER'
12. Homer and Marge, 'The Simpsons'
13. Angela and Jordan, 'My So-Called Life'
14. Bobby and Pam, 'Dallas'
15. Kevin and Winnie, 'The Wonder Years'
16. Jim and Pam, 'The Office'
17. Joey and Pacey, 'Dawson's Creek'
18. Morticia and Gomez, 'The Addams Family'
19. Brenda and Dylan, 'Beverly Hills, 90210'
20. Meredith and Derek, 'Grey's Anatomy'
MY LIST
1. Luke & Laura - "General Hospital"
2. Luke & Loreli - "Gilmore Girls"
3. Angel & Buffy -" Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
4. David & Maddie - "Moonlighting"
5. Angela & Tony - "Who's the Boss"
6. Gary & Val - "Knots Landing"
7. Stone & Robin - "General Hospital"
8. Patrick & Marty - "One Life to Live"
9. Bo & Hope - "Days of our Lives"
10. Jessie & Angie - "All my children"
11. Greg & Jenny - "All my Children"
12. Alex P. Keaton & Ellen Reed - "Family Ties"
13. Rob & Laura - "Dick Van Dyke"
14. Hayden & Christine- " Coach"
15. Julie & Gopher - "Love Boat"
16. Richard & Emily- "Gilmore Girls"
17. Brenda & Dylan -"Beverly Hills, 90210"
18. Miranda & Steve -"Sex and the City"
19. Kevin & Winne-" Wonder Years"
20. Sam & Diane - "Cheers"
There are so many more to explore, but if I only had 20 to choose from, what would your top 20 be?
My reason is more of the storylines that are created before they actually get together, sometimes, once they get together something happens and it is not as good. My first two choices that did not happen, I love both of these couples.
Friday, February 15, 2008
I think Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag 15 minutes of fame is over!! I actually clicked to watch her video "Higher" which I understand Spencer Directed, obviously, these (2) are so desperate to be famous it is pathetic.
First off, who's voice is that on the Video BETTY BOOP!! Awful, and what was the point, to make a semi-pornographic video so people will watch it? Not that interesting. I hope they are not back on The Hills this season, I like Lauren, Whitney and Adrianna so much better, and actually enjoy their stories.
Spencer and Heidi need to give it up, you will never be anything more than want a bee's with no real talent, you deserve each other. Spencer's Ex-BFF Brody Jenner, is definately more fun to watch, especially when he and Lauren try to figure out their relationship and neither is trying to out do the other and take control.
YOUR 15 Minutes of Fame were over long ago, please go away.
First off, who's voice is that on the Video BETTY BOOP!! Awful, and what was the point, to make a semi-pornographic video so people will watch it? Not that interesting. I hope they are not back on The Hills this season, I like Lauren, Whitney and Adrianna so much better, and actually enjoy their stories.
Spencer and Heidi need to give it up, you will never be anything more than want a bee's with no real talent, you deserve each other. Spencer's Ex-BFF Brody Jenner, is definately more fun to watch, especially when he and Lauren try to figure out their relationship and neither is trying to out do the other and take control.
YOUR 15 Minutes of Fame were over long ago, please go away.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
REALITY CHECK:
BIG BROTHER 9: What the heck did Jacob say, that got him and Sharon kicked out? It so should of been Sheila and Adam, which they obviously understood because they worked and cheered each other in the HOH contest. Who will Matt and ?? put up?
Ryan and Jen should never of told Allison, she likes Ryan and was hoping on a connection and to find out your SOUL MATE, is actually part of a couple. Women are not good when they feel rejected, watch out Jen and Ryan. I am sure everyone will know soon enough and that will bring fireworks, since my couple who could of supplied good tv are out.
PROJECT RUNWAY: I am so happy for Jillian and Christian, even though he is a young arrogant guy, his clothes are amazing. It will be interesting to see who comes through Rami or Chris, I love, LOVE Chris. His clothes, over the top and personality has been so much fun to watch especially on a guy who was let go and came back YEAH!!
ROCK OF LOVE 2: What the heck was with Audrea? Giving up her slot, which never was hers in the first place, you cornered him as if your in a relationship already, and Kristy Jo, you are as frail as last seasons Sam.
I know I am not suppose to watch but seriously, what else is on TV?
BIG BROTHER 9: What the heck did Jacob say, that got him and Sharon kicked out? It so should of been Sheila and Adam, which they obviously understood because they worked and cheered each other in the HOH contest. Who will Matt and ?? put up?
Ryan and Jen should never of told Allison, she likes Ryan and was hoping on a connection and to find out your SOUL MATE, is actually part of a couple. Women are not good when they feel rejected, watch out Jen and Ryan. I am sure everyone will know soon enough and that will bring fireworks, since my couple who could of supplied good tv are out.
PROJECT RUNWAY: I am so happy for Jillian and Christian, even though he is a young arrogant guy, his clothes are amazing. It will be interesting to see who comes through Rami or Chris, I love, LOVE Chris. His clothes, over the top and personality has been so much fun to watch especially on a guy who was let go and came back YEAH!!
ROCK OF LOVE 2: What the heck was with Audrea? Giving up her slot, which never was hers in the first place, you cornered him as if your in a relationship already, and Kristy Jo, you are as frail as last seasons Sam.
I know I am not suppose to watch but seriously, what else is on TV?
This article was in the New London Day today: It made me remember being in Jr. High and my family owned Eldredge Hardware in Taftville, we had so many calls asking to open the store to get pumps, the water was so high.
If I could find the pictures, I would, it was when the Norwichtown Mall, was under water, along with Benny's across the street, and then go down Sturtevant Street, and at the time Shop Rite was there, compeletly underwater, it was amazing. Norwich gets huge floods, my family was lucky we always lived on Hills in Norwich, but poor downtown in 1978 after the great blizzard came in, and left all that snow, then the rains happened. I feel for these people.
Article::
Emergency calls came pouring in like the rain Wednesday. Norwich Emergency Management Director Gene Arters was deluged with reports of flooded basements, impassable roads, inundated businesses and one school with water at its doorstep.
Rivers, streams and storm drains held the surge of rain for much of the day in area towns, but by 3:30 p.m. they had had enough in Norwich.
A small West Town Street commercial plaza, which houses D&D Dry Cleaners, Nails Plus and Sam's Smoke Shop, was forced to close about 4 p.m. when water filled the basement. Norwich Public Utilities cut power to the entire complex as crews from the Yantic Volunteer Fire Department arrived with pumps to drain the basement. At the Sam's Smoke Shop side of the building, there was about 5 feet of water. D&D Dry Cleaners had 3 to 4 feet of water in its basement.
Richard Forsyth, owner of D&D, praised the fire department for its quick response “this time and last time.” D&D also flooded about a year ago when heavy rain overwhelmed the Norwichtown and Yantic areas of the city. In that incident, air compressors in the basement tipped over in the flooded basement. Forsyth said he took the advice offered by Director of Inspections James Troeger and raised the equipment off the floor on 2-foot-high cinder blocks. This time, he said, the tanks remained in place.
Yantic Fire Chief Frank Blanchard said the water came from overwhelmed storm drains — not from flood-prone Yantic River. His crews set up about 40 sandbags in the rear parking lot to direct the rushing water away from the building and set up the pumps. Blanchard estimated it would take about an hour to pump the water out of the basement. Then it would be up to Troeger and NPU to decide when to restore power.
Forsyth hopes to open for business at his normal time, 7 a.m. today.
Also in Norwich Wednesday evening, Mediterranean Lane, a narrow country road off the Norwichtown Green, was closed due to flooding.
Blanchard said one single-family home at 12 Gifford Lane had 4 feet of water in the basement. Power was cut off and fire crews were pumping out the basement, he said.
The Yantic River was “high” but holding in its banks, Blanchard said Wednesday afternoon.
At the start of the storm, the river was 7 inches below normal, giving it some capacity to absorb the new storm, Arters said. The electronic flood gauge that normally monitors the river is not functioning, Arters said, leaving him and his staff to resort to on-site inspections.
Around 3:30 p.m. roadways in East Lyme looked like they might be overwhelmed by storm runoff, but the rain slowed and the water receded, according to Dick Morris, the town's fire marshal. Morris said by 5 p.m. everything was back to normal.
Around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the Montville dispatch center reported flooding in the Oakdale section of town, on Hunter's Run.
In Groton, police reported flooding on the Interstate 95 onramp at Bridge Street, and flooding on Route 117 near Groton Public Library.
Police in Stonington said at 4:30 p.m. they almost decided to close Route 1 in Mystic, an area east of Mason's Island Road, when rain flooded the street and made it difficult for cars to pass. An officer and a firetruck were posted at that stretch of road to warn drivers to slow down.
State police reported several minor motor vehicle accidents in the morning due to people traveling too fast for the conditions on the road.
The National Weather Service radar indicated areas of heavy rain moving through southeastern Connecticut in the afternoon.
Gary Lessor from the Weather Center at Western Connecticut State University said the amount of rain that southeastern Connecticut area received, 1.82 inches, could produce 19 inches of snow under the right conditions.
If I could find the pictures, I would, it was when the Norwichtown Mall, was under water, along with Benny's across the street, and then go down Sturtevant Street, and at the time Shop Rite was there, compeletly underwater, it was amazing. Norwich gets huge floods, my family was lucky we always lived on Hills in Norwich, but poor downtown in 1978 after the great blizzard came in, and left all that snow, then the rains happened. I feel for these people.
Article::
Emergency calls came pouring in like the rain Wednesday. Norwich Emergency Management Director Gene Arters was deluged with reports of flooded basements, impassable roads, inundated businesses and one school with water at its doorstep.
Rivers, streams and storm drains held the surge of rain for much of the day in area towns, but by 3:30 p.m. they had had enough in Norwich.
A small West Town Street commercial plaza, which houses D&D Dry Cleaners, Nails Plus and Sam's Smoke Shop, was forced to close about 4 p.m. when water filled the basement. Norwich Public Utilities cut power to the entire complex as crews from the Yantic Volunteer Fire Department arrived with pumps to drain the basement. At the Sam's Smoke Shop side of the building, there was about 5 feet of water. D&D Dry Cleaners had 3 to 4 feet of water in its basement.
Richard Forsyth, owner of D&D, praised the fire department for its quick response “this time and last time.” D&D also flooded about a year ago when heavy rain overwhelmed the Norwichtown and Yantic areas of the city. In that incident, air compressors in the basement tipped over in the flooded basement. Forsyth said he took the advice offered by Director of Inspections James Troeger and raised the equipment off the floor on 2-foot-high cinder blocks. This time, he said, the tanks remained in place.
Yantic Fire Chief Frank Blanchard said the water came from overwhelmed storm drains — not from flood-prone Yantic River. His crews set up about 40 sandbags in the rear parking lot to direct the rushing water away from the building and set up the pumps. Blanchard estimated it would take about an hour to pump the water out of the basement. Then it would be up to Troeger and NPU to decide when to restore power.
Forsyth hopes to open for business at his normal time, 7 a.m. today.
Also in Norwich Wednesday evening, Mediterranean Lane, a narrow country road off the Norwichtown Green, was closed due to flooding.
Blanchard said one single-family home at 12 Gifford Lane had 4 feet of water in the basement. Power was cut off and fire crews were pumping out the basement, he said.
The Yantic River was “high” but holding in its banks, Blanchard said Wednesday afternoon.
At the start of the storm, the river was 7 inches below normal, giving it some capacity to absorb the new storm, Arters said. The electronic flood gauge that normally monitors the river is not functioning, Arters said, leaving him and his staff to resort to on-site inspections.
Around 3:30 p.m. roadways in East Lyme looked like they might be overwhelmed by storm runoff, but the rain slowed and the water receded, according to Dick Morris, the town's fire marshal. Morris said by 5 p.m. everything was back to normal.
Around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the Montville dispatch center reported flooding in the Oakdale section of town, on Hunter's Run.
In Groton, police reported flooding on the Interstate 95 onramp at Bridge Street, and flooding on Route 117 near Groton Public Library.
Police in Stonington said at 4:30 p.m. they almost decided to close Route 1 in Mystic, an area east of Mason's Island Road, when rain flooded the street and made it difficult for cars to pass. An officer and a firetruck were posted at that stretch of road to warn drivers to slow down.
State police reported several minor motor vehicle accidents in the morning due to people traveling too fast for the conditions on the road.
The National Weather Service radar indicated areas of heavy rain moving through southeastern Connecticut in the afternoon.
Gary Lessor from the Weather Center at Western Connecticut State University said the amount of rain that southeastern Connecticut area received, 1.82 inches, could produce 19 inches of snow under the right conditions.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
ITS BACK, BIG BROTHER 9 : TO DEATH DUE YOU PART !!
We did not have to wait to summer, most likely due to the Writers Strike. I am addicted to this show, the twist this season, you will be working in pairs, supposely, with your "Soul Mate", by your answers to the application, everyone's soul mate is in the house and they must work together as a team, and sleep in the same bed.
Who do you dislike the most? Love? Want together?
On other blogs it looks like Sheila has really killed her team before the first contest what a B****!! I am 43 years old, and watching her act like a baby kills me, you have experience on your side chicky, use it to your advantage, why cry because you don't think Adam is your Soul mate?
Have you never read articles in woman magazines, that your type, is not necessarily the right guy or your soul mate? Think about it, you are single right? Obviously, dating the bad boys, or tall, dark and handsome has not worked for you? Believe me, I did not get married until 3 years ago, and my husband was not my type, but he really is, because I stopped acting like I was more than I am and found the perfect person for me.
I feel bad for Adam he got stuck with the B**** from H*** and it is going to cost him the game, I hope Sheila realizes it is all her fault if they go home first, not Adam he was trying to make the best of the whole situation and she was acting like a spoiled brat, is that what you teach your 16 year old?
Favorite: Jen & Parker and Sharon & Jacob - I love that Jen and Ryan were not teamed up because they had plotted and schemed what they would do when they got into the house, and now everything is changed, they always say Expect the Unexpected. Now, are they the only "real Couple" in the place? What makes you so special that would happen? Also, are the pairings really their soul mates, or to see how you act under pressure out of your comfort zone?
Alex and Max both think way to highly of themselves it will be great when they go down, they are no Mike Bogie & Dr. Will, Or Evil Dick and his daughter. This season will be very interesting, I know there is more twists to come in this game.
It will be interesting to see if Ryan can control his jealousy with Parker in Jen's bed and not him, according to the Blogs, Jen has already told someone her and Ryan are a real couple what complications will that bring with it?
Other Reality Shows Back:
Rock of Love 2 - Worse than the last and rauncher, I never thought it without Heather and Lacey but it is awful, I watched 2 episodes and was so appalled no way.
Flavor of Love 3 - Give it up Flav, you are never going to find your woman, just get back with NY and settle it already...
Star Jones CANCELLED YET AGAIN, as if anyone cares...
Biggest Loser - Love it Couples !!!
We did not have to wait to summer, most likely due to the Writers Strike. I am addicted to this show, the twist this season, you will be working in pairs, supposely, with your "Soul Mate", by your answers to the application, everyone's soul mate is in the house and they must work together as a team, and sleep in the same bed.
Who do you dislike the most? Love? Want together?
On other blogs it looks like Sheila has really killed her team before the first contest what a B****!! I am 43 years old, and watching her act like a baby kills me, you have experience on your side chicky, use it to your advantage, why cry because you don't think Adam is your Soul mate?
Have you never read articles in woman magazines, that your type, is not necessarily the right guy or your soul mate? Think about it, you are single right? Obviously, dating the bad boys, or tall, dark and handsome has not worked for you? Believe me, I did not get married until 3 years ago, and my husband was not my type, but he really is, because I stopped acting like I was more than I am and found the perfect person for me.
I feel bad for Adam he got stuck with the B**** from H*** and it is going to cost him the game, I hope Sheila realizes it is all her fault if they go home first, not Adam he was trying to make the best of the whole situation and she was acting like a spoiled brat, is that what you teach your 16 year old?
Favorite: Jen & Parker and Sharon & Jacob - I love that Jen and Ryan were not teamed up because they had plotted and schemed what they would do when they got into the house, and now everything is changed, they always say Expect the Unexpected. Now, are they the only "real Couple" in the place? What makes you so special that would happen? Also, are the pairings really their soul mates, or to see how you act under pressure out of your comfort zone?
Alex and Max both think way to highly of themselves it will be great when they go down, they are no Mike Bogie & Dr. Will, Or Evil Dick and his daughter. This season will be very interesting, I know there is more twists to come in this game.
It will be interesting to see if Ryan can control his jealousy with Parker in Jen's bed and not him, according to the Blogs, Jen has already told someone her and Ryan are a real couple what complications will that bring with it?
Other Reality Shows Back:
Rock of Love 2 - Worse than the last and rauncher, I never thought it without Heather and Lacey but it is awful, I watched 2 episodes and was so appalled no way.
Flavor of Love 3 - Give it up Flav, you are never going to find your woman, just get back with NY and settle it already...
Star Jones CANCELLED YET AGAIN, as if anyone cares...
Biggest Loser - Love it Couples !!!
Do you remember the song, "Downtown", when I was a kid my mom for some reason loved that song, and would sing it whenever we went to Downtown Norwich. At that time Downtown Norwich, was something to see. We had Sears with the Escaltors, and of course at Christmas Time it was Santas Workshop. I used to love to go through the Sears Catalog and circle what I wanted for Christmas, and my other favorite time of year was back to school shopping.
All the new cloths, and school supplies ( I still love office/school supplies). Sears was huge back then, the building now is State of CT unemployment office. Back then right next door was Midtown Movie Theatre, and down an alley was the Midway Movie Theatre, I remember when I was 12 years old and got to go to the movies with my friends alone, I saw, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" With Gene Wilder. It was the most amazing movie to me, it could of been because it was my friend Melissa and I and no parents. It was a Sat. Matinee, and I can tell you it was packed they just kept selling tickets back then, we were sitting on the floor, and two to a chair.
Woolworth had the best lunch counter, my grandmother would take me for tuna fish sandwiches and chips, and a root beer, to me that was grown up. Next to that was a art supply shop my grandmother loved, especially since she was an artist. Across the street was Reid and Hughes the High end Department store, when I was a girl scout that was where you got all your gear, dress, sash, badges. I would stare at the badges and imagine them on my sash to alittle girl it was a thrill to get a badge for your sash. When you went from brownie to girl scout you walked across a bridge, and your parents were there it was a celebration. Do they do that anymore? I realize now, it is going from being a child to becoming a woman, but to me at the time I was just excited everyone was there for me.
Downtown Norwich, there was always something going on, then on Route 32, a new movie theatre opened with (2) Screens, and brand new, so people didn't come downtown to often for movies. I saw Star Wars, Episode III, at the Midway Theatre in Norwich, I think that was the last movie I saw there, when it was rereleased 20 something years later, I saw it at the "new Movie" theatre on Route 32, because that was always what I called it even after 20 years. It is gone now too. The Midtown Theatre in the last 20 years, has been night clubs, different ones and as soon as there is trouble which there seemed to be alot, it closes and a few months later a new one opens.
Now, it is Otis Libary which has always been downtown, moved across the street, and grew, which I am so happy for it is nice to see all the revitalization of my hometown, Downtown Norwich is coming back again.
I have been reading in the New London Day, how there is a movement to rename downtown to be "The District" insted of Downtown New London. WHy I ask? What is wrong with the word Downtown? When we moved to Charlotte, NC there downtown area is called Uptown,NOT DOWNTOWN, that is also how they can tell if you are from Charlotte or just visiting. The problem with Charlotte, is there are so many different areas of the city, and each has their own style, there is no real "dowtown" to walk around and get the feel of the city.
In Winton-Salem, NC, no one goes downtown in the evening, they go to the Mall Road, or on the outskirts, they are trying to build up the downtown area, but unless there is a huge event it is not very busy. There a few Restaurants that are making it wonderful to go downtown, when George Clooney, Renee Zellwegger were filming "Leatherheads" Last summer, people came downtown in droves trying to get a glimpse, I can tell you Jonathan Pryce, Ed Harris did go to 6th and Vine, my favorite restaurant a few times. I only saw George on the street going to the set even though he was staying in the hotel I worked in, Renee every morning was in Starbucks, boy is she tiny, I didn't always recongnize her, but when she talked you could tell.
So my question is what happened to the Downtown areas in Cities? For me it was always a thrill, I love Portland, Maine, you go down to Congress Street and there is so much going on, to me it is exciting even now as and adult, I love downtown areas in little cities. So what is wrong with calling it Downtown?
All the new cloths, and school supplies ( I still love office/school supplies). Sears was huge back then, the building now is State of CT unemployment office. Back then right next door was Midtown Movie Theatre, and down an alley was the Midway Movie Theatre, I remember when I was 12 years old and got to go to the movies with my friends alone, I saw, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" With Gene Wilder. It was the most amazing movie to me, it could of been because it was my friend Melissa and I and no parents. It was a Sat. Matinee, and I can tell you it was packed they just kept selling tickets back then, we were sitting on the floor, and two to a chair.
Woolworth had the best lunch counter, my grandmother would take me for tuna fish sandwiches and chips, and a root beer, to me that was grown up. Next to that was a art supply shop my grandmother loved, especially since she was an artist. Across the street was Reid and Hughes the High end Department store, when I was a girl scout that was where you got all your gear, dress, sash, badges. I would stare at the badges and imagine them on my sash to alittle girl it was a thrill to get a badge for your sash. When you went from brownie to girl scout you walked across a bridge, and your parents were there it was a celebration. Do they do that anymore? I realize now, it is going from being a child to becoming a woman, but to me at the time I was just excited everyone was there for me.
Downtown Norwich, there was always something going on, then on Route 32, a new movie theatre opened with (2) Screens, and brand new, so people didn't come downtown to often for movies. I saw Star Wars, Episode III, at the Midway Theatre in Norwich, I think that was the last movie I saw there, when it was rereleased 20 something years later, I saw it at the "new Movie" theatre on Route 32, because that was always what I called it even after 20 years. It is gone now too. The Midtown Theatre in the last 20 years, has been night clubs, different ones and as soon as there is trouble which there seemed to be alot, it closes and a few months later a new one opens.
Now, it is Otis Libary which has always been downtown, moved across the street, and grew, which I am so happy for it is nice to see all the revitalization of my hometown, Downtown Norwich is coming back again.
I have been reading in the New London Day, how there is a movement to rename downtown to be "The District" insted of Downtown New London. WHy I ask? What is wrong with the word Downtown? When we moved to Charlotte, NC there downtown area is called Uptown,NOT DOWNTOWN, that is also how they can tell if you are from Charlotte or just visiting. The problem with Charlotte, is there are so many different areas of the city, and each has their own style, there is no real "dowtown" to walk around and get the feel of the city.
In Winton-Salem, NC, no one goes downtown in the evening, they go to the Mall Road, or on the outskirts, they are trying to build up the downtown area, but unless there is a huge event it is not very busy. There a few Restaurants that are making it wonderful to go downtown, when George Clooney, Renee Zellwegger were filming "Leatherheads" Last summer, people came downtown in droves trying to get a glimpse, I can tell you Jonathan Pryce, Ed Harris did go to 6th and Vine, my favorite restaurant a few times. I only saw George on the street going to the set even though he was staying in the hotel I worked in, Renee every morning was in Starbucks, boy is she tiny, I didn't always recongnize her, but when she talked you could tell.
So my question is what happened to the Downtown areas in Cities? For me it was always a thrill, I love Portland, Maine, you go down to Congress Street and there is so much going on, to me it is exciting even now as and adult, I love downtown areas in little cities. So what is wrong with calling it Downtown?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
My Husband is in Boston for the week to train for his new position with Sears. I am so excited for him, but do miss him.
It is hard being in a new place, not many friends, back woods of Maine and the weather not being the best. I have to cook for myself, which is always a challenge, I would not even consider it cooking, more like heating up soup, living on Cereal. It is going back to Single Behavior.
I was Single for so long, so I should be used to it right? Nope, I have become so spoiled, relying on someone else for me I am appalled that I can not think of what I did before I was married. Very SAD!!
I do admit, even though the house makes noises at night, and I miss him when I am in bed, I am enjoying the privacy of having the whole house to myself. It is always nice to have a little break, and when he gets back really enjoying our time together. This weekend was getting ready for him to be gone for the week. He worked on his blog, and all the posts that will go up this week, on Sunday before the storm hit we went for a long walk to Totham Cove Preserve, he had been down there in the Fall, but this was my first time out there. It was so peaceful and serene, I can not wait until Spring to see it not under snow.
We have decided to go out to dinner this weekend, we have not done this in such a long time, about 3 months, so now I am trying to find the perfect restaurant, there are actually alot to choose from between Freeport, Brunswick and Bath, Maine. I am leaning toward the new place in Brunswick ( forgot the name) which features TAPAS menu, which I love. I love AZU in Mystic for that reason, so I am excited to try a place closer to where I live now.
I miss my husband, and am looking forward to the weekend, but tonight is going to be just me, and candles ,wine and relaxation.
It is hard being in a new place, not many friends, back woods of Maine and the weather not being the best. I have to cook for myself, which is always a challenge, I would not even consider it cooking, more like heating up soup, living on Cereal. It is going back to Single Behavior.
I was Single for so long, so I should be used to it right? Nope, I have become so spoiled, relying on someone else for me I am appalled that I can not think of what I did before I was married. Very SAD!!
I do admit, even though the house makes noises at night, and I miss him when I am in bed, I am enjoying the privacy of having the whole house to myself. It is always nice to have a little break, and when he gets back really enjoying our time together. This weekend was getting ready for him to be gone for the week. He worked on his blog, and all the posts that will go up this week, on Sunday before the storm hit we went for a long walk to Totham Cove Preserve, he had been down there in the Fall, but this was my first time out there. It was so peaceful and serene, I can not wait until Spring to see it not under snow.
We have decided to go out to dinner this weekend, we have not done this in such a long time, about 3 months, so now I am trying to find the perfect restaurant, there are actually alot to choose from between Freeport, Brunswick and Bath, Maine. I am leaning toward the new place in Brunswick ( forgot the name) which features TAPAS menu, which I love. I love AZU in Mystic for that reason, so I am excited to try a place closer to where I live now.
I miss my husband, and am looking forward to the weekend, but tonight is going to be just me, and candles ,wine and relaxation.
President's Day is Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. Here is some history:
History of the Holiday
The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22, 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11. At least in 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead. "
Personally, I remember being in grade school and loving February, due to the fact we had (2) Mondays off in a row, for Lincoln and Washington's Birthday and then of course, Feb. Vacation. Now they have combined everything. Is that really fair to our fore fathers? Or am I just being selfish. Ironically, I have Monday's off, so it does not really affect me, but I just like those memories, because March is such a LONG Month with no time off. Now, and when I was a kid.
I know, I got married in March for alot of reasons, but 1 was to break up the month that has no real holidays. Even though I love St. Patricks Day. Which this year is a Monday.
History of the Holiday
The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22, 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11. At least in 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead. "
Personally, I remember being in grade school and loving February, due to the fact we had (2) Mondays off in a row, for Lincoln and Washington's Birthday and then of course, Feb. Vacation. Now they have combined everything. Is that really fair to our fore fathers? Or am I just being selfish. Ironically, I have Monday's off, so it does not really affect me, but I just like those memories, because March is such a LONG Month with no time off. Now, and when I was a kid.
I know, I got married in March for alot of reasons, but 1 was to break up the month that has no real holidays. Even though I love St. Patricks Day. Which this year is a Monday.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, you can tell because of all the TV Shows about finding love on, or the Ads on TV telling you if you are single this holiday is not for you, and basically you are a loser. I know now, I am not single any longer, but I am still offended by the fact, there is a holiday for couples but what about celebrating singlehood? I have alot of friends still single and hate that they might feel left out or inferior because they are not part of a couple. Being the fact, I was single for 40 years before tying the knot, I am really close to this, and the feeling that would come over me every New Years Eve, New Years Day and Valentine's Day as if I was not worth thinking about due to being single.
I did some research on the Holiday, and this is what I found:
Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. Until 1969, the Catholic Church formally recognized eleven Valentine's Days. The Valentines honored on February 14 are:
Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae): a priest in Rome who suffered martyrdom about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome. [5] and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland.
Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae): He became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been killed during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. He is also buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a different location than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino).
The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third saint named Valentine who was mentioned in early martyrologies under date of 14 February. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him.
Some sources say the Valentine linked to romance is Valentine of Rome, others say Valentine of Terni.[citation needed] Some scholars (such as the Bollandists[citation needed]) have concluded that the two were originally the same person. In any case, no romantic elements are present in the original Early Medieval biographies of either of these martyrs.
An overview of attested traditions relevant to the holiday is presented below, with the legends about Valentine himself discussed in the end
Using the language of the law courts for the rituals of courtly love, a "High Court of Love" was established in Paris on Valentine's Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts, betrayals, and violence against women. Judges were selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.[12][13]
The earliest surviving valentine is a fifteenth-century rondeau written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his "valentined" wife, which commences.
Je suis desja d'amour tanné
Ma tres doulce Valentinée… (Charles d'Orléans, Rondeau VI, lines 1–2)
At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt, 1415.[8]
Valentine's Day is mentioned ruefully by Ophelia in Hamlet (1600-01): "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's Day."
In 1836, relics of St. Valentine of Rome were donated by Pope Gregory XVI to the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. In the 1960s, the church was renovated and relics restored to prominence.[14] In American culture,Saint Valentine's Day was remade in the 1840s; as a writer in GFTraham's American Monthly observed in 1849, "Saint Valentine's Day... is becoming,nay it has become, a national holyday."[9]
In the 1969 revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feastday of Saint Valentine on 14 February was removed from the General Roman Calendar and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: "Though the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to particular calendars, since, apart from his name, nothing is known of Saint Valentine except that he was buried on the Via Flaminia on 14 February."[10] The feast day is still celebrated in Balzan and in Malta where relics of the saint are claimed to be found, and also throughout the world by Traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Vatican II calendar.
Valentine's Day postcard, circa 1910
Tree decorated for Valentine's DayThe reinvention of Saint Valentine's Day in the 1840s has been traced by Leigh Eric Schmidt.[11] In the United States, the first mass-produced valentines of embossed paper lace were produced and sold shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828-1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father operated a large book and stationery store, and she took her inspiration from an English valentine she had received. Since 2001, the Greeting Card Association has been giving an annual "Esther Howland Award for a Greeting Card Visionary."
In the second half of the twentieth century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States, usually from a man to a woman. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.
The day has come to be associated with a generic platonic greeting of "Happy Valentine's Day." As a joke, Valentine's Day is also referred to as "Singles Awareness Day."
In some North American elementary schools, students are asked to give a Valentine card or small gift to everyone in the class. The greeting cards of these students often mention what they appreciate about each other.
The Early Medieval acta of either Saint Valentine were excerpted by Bede and briefly expounded in Legenda Aurea,[12] According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer.
Legenda Aurea still providing no connections whatsoever with sentimental love, appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In an embellishment to The Golden Legend, on the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved,[13] as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed,[14] or both.[15] It was a note that read "From your Valentine."[13]
In another apparently modern embellishment, while Valentine was imprisoned, people would leave him little notes, folded up and hidden in cracks in the rocks around his cell. He would find them and offer prayers for them.[citation needed]
I did some research on the Holiday, and this is what I found:
Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. Until 1969, the Catholic Church formally recognized eleven Valentine's Days. The Valentines honored on February 14 are:
Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae): a priest in Rome who suffered martyrdom about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome. [5] and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland.
Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae): He became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been killed during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. He is also buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a different location than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino).
The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third saint named Valentine who was mentioned in early martyrologies under date of 14 February. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him.
Some sources say the Valentine linked to romance is Valentine of Rome, others say Valentine of Terni.[citation needed] Some scholars (such as the Bollandists[citation needed]) have concluded that the two were originally the same person. In any case, no romantic elements are present in the original Early Medieval biographies of either of these martyrs.
An overview of attested traditions relevant to the holiday is presented below, with the legends about Valentine himself discussed in the end
Using the language of the law courts for the rituals of courtly love, a "High Court of Love" was established in Paris on Valentine's Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts, betrayals, and violence against women. Judges were selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.[12][13]
The earliest surviving valentine is a fifteenth-century rondeau written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his "valentined" wife, which commences.
Je suis desja d'amour tanné
Ma tres doulce Valentinée… (Charles d'Orléans, Rondeau VI, lines 1–2)
At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt, 1415.[8]
Valentine's Day is mentioned ruefully by Ophelia in Hamlet (1600-01): "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's Day."
In 1836, relics of St. Valentine of Rome were donated by Pope Gregory XVI to the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. In the 1960s, the church was renovated and relics restored to prominence.[14] In American culture,Saint Valentine's Day was remade in the 1840s; as a writer in GFTraham's American Monthly observed in 1849, "Saint Valentine's Day... is becoming,nay it has become, a national holyday."[9]
In the 1969 revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feastday of Saint Valentine on 14 February was removed from the General Roman Calendar and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: "Though the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to particular calendars, since, apart from his name, nothing is known of Saint Valentine except that he was buried on the Via Flaminia on 14 February."[10] The feast day is still celebrated in Balzan and in Malta where relics of the saint are claimed to be found, and also throughout the world by Traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Vatican II calendar.
Valentine's Day postcard, circa 1910
Tree decorated for Valentine's DayThe reinvention of Saint Valentine's Day in the 1840s has been traced by Leigh Eric Schmidt.[11] In the United States, the first mass-produced valentines of embossed paper lace were produced and sold shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828-1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father operated a large book and stationery store, and she took her inspiration from an English valentine she had received. Since 2001, the Greeting Card Association has been giving an annual "Esther Howland Award for a Greeting Card Visionary."
In the second half of the twentieth century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States, usually from a man to a woman. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.
The day has come to be associated with a generic platonic greeting of "Happy Valentine's Day." As a joke, Valentine's Day is also referred to as "Singles Awareness Day."
In some North American elementary schools, students are asked to give a Valentine card or small gift to everyone in the class. The greeting cards of these students often mention what they appreciate about each other.
The Early Medieval acta of either Saint Valentine were excerpted by Bede and briefly expounded in Legenda Aurea,[12] According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer.
Legenda Aurea still providing no connections whatsoever with sentimental love, appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In an embellishment to The Golden Legend, on the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved,[13] as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed,[14] or both.[15] It was a note that read "From your Valentine."[13]
In another apparently modern embellishment, while Valentine was imprisoned, people would leave him little notes, folded up and hidden in cracks in the rocks around his cell. He would find them and offer prayers for them.[citation needed]
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Watch out "Big Brother" is watching. For anyone over the age of 35 should know what this means. The Book 1984.
When I was in high school my freshman year, we were required to read this book, and the year was 1979, so it was coming up quickly. Now, obviously, none of his predictions came true as of 1984, but now Big Brother is watching.
Everyone has a cellphone was a camera, so whenever you do something it will be on YouTube within the hour and everyone can see what stupid thing you have done. It is instant, same with recording, example the Wife of the Administrator who called the kid back, have we not heard enough about her comments. Alec Baldwin leaving awful messages for his daughter, can you believe his ex-wife would leak those to the press? Shocker right? As if their divorce was so quiet and dignified?
Everyone should worry about someone filming or recording them, now a days any indescretion will be on line within and hour and try to get out of it with pictures and audio.
When I was in high school my freshman year, we were required to read this book, and the year was 1979, so it was coming up quickly. Now, obviously, none of his predictions came true as of 1984, but now Big Brother is watching.
Everyone has a cellphone was a camera, so whenever you do something it will be on YouTube within the hour and everyone can see what stupid thing you have done. It is instant, same with recording, example the Wife of the Administrator who called the kid back, have we not heard enough about her comments. Alec Baldwin leaving awful messages for his daughter, can you believe his ex-wife would leak those to the press? Shocker right? As if their divorce was so quiet and dignified?
Everyone should worry about someone filming or recording them, now a days any indescretion will be on line within and hour and try to get out of it with pictures and audio.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Super Tuesday, was yesterday. It looks like McCain will get the Republican Nomination, the Democratic Nomination still looks like a fight between Clinton and Obama. I do not really believe in anything McCain says, so it looks like I am going to have to look at the Democrats and see which one, I believe in most. Quite the problem, since I have been a registered Republican since 1982, can you just believe it?
In the midst of the big Politics yesterday, there was a Tornado in TN which killed 48 people, my heart goes out to everyone affected by this natural disaster. Up here in Maine it is snowing yet again, I am to go to a Wine Tasting this afternoon, and my husband was worried they would cancel it due to snow, you are now in Maine nothing gets cancelled unless it is really bad.
Monday was 40' and up, felt like Spring was upon us, FOOLIN US Obviously, since we are to get snow right through the weekend. My husband has gotten a new position, and has to go to Boston for training next week, hopefully,the snow will let up so he can get down there and back safely. We will not see each other on Valentine's Day, it is going to feel like when I was single and sitting in my house watching chick flicks.
I was not really that pathetic, I would go out with my friends for dinner, and we always seemed to have a bit more fun then the couples sitting there trying to look romantic and having a boring time. Up here in Maine, knowing no one, it would be hard to arrange that in the middle of the week. What are you planning for Valentine's Day?
In the midst of the big Politics yesterday, there was a Tornado in TN which killed 48 people, my heart goes out to everyone affected by this natural disaster. Up here in Maine it is snowing yet again, I am to go to a Wine Tasting this afternoon, and my husband was worried they would cancel it due to snow, you are now in Maine nothing gets cancelled unless it is really bad.
Monday was 40' and up, felt like Spring was upon us, FOOLIN US Obviously, since we are to get snow right through the weekend. My husband has gotten a new position, and has to go to Boston for training next week, hopefully,the snow will let up so he can get down there and back safely. We will not see each other on Valentine's Day, it is going to feel like when I was single and sitting in my house watching chick flicks.
I was not really that pathetic, I would go out with my friends for dinner, and we always seemed to have a bit more fun then the couples sitting there trying to look romantic and having a boring time. Up here in Maine, knowing no one, it would be hard to arrange that in the middle of the week. What are you planning for Valentine's Day?
Friday, February 01, 2008
This is an article from the New London Day today, you have to wonder what NH Is thinking now huh? They don't want him anymore than anyone else does. Live Free or Die right?
"Michelle Spencer was 6 years old on July 19, 1981, when her older brother watched her walk down the sidewalk of their Laurel Hill Avenue neighborhood in Norwich. She never came back.
By 6 that evening, about 100 firefighters, police officers, friends and neighbors fanned out in the neighborhood, nearby woods and railroad tracks in search of the child.
On July 21, 1981, two workers from Norwich Public Utilities found her body, partially clothed and bruised around the neck. Stuffed underground, she lay atop a grate inside a pumping station.
Police said there was no way the girl could have crawled into the pumping station by herself.
The man who pleaded guilty to the murder, who police determined had strangled and then sexually assaulted Michelle before putting her body into a storm drain, is now living in Derry, N.H.
Douglas Allen Simmons, now 47, moved into 71 East Broadway, Apt. 3, in Derry over the weekend, according to police. On Thursday, his name and photo were posted on New Hampshire's child sex offender Web site.
The apartment where Simmons lives is near two private schools, a public-school bus stop, a park and the public library.
People in Derry remained on edge Thursday as town officials considered passing an ordinance restricting where sex offenders can live.
•••••
Simmons was a 20-year-old sailor living in Norwich when he lured freckle-faced Michelle into his apartment that July day more than 26 years ago and murdered her. He strangled Michelle with a paint-speckled gray telephone cord, then sexually abused her and disposed of her body in a sewer drain near her home. The paint was later matched to Simmons' apartment.
At the time, Simmons lived with his wife of five months in the same building as Michelle, just two floors above the Spencer family, which had recently moved to the neighborhood.
A Michigan native, he was a machinist's mate aboard the submarine tender USS Fulton. On that day he had just returned home from drinking with friends.
Michelle, wearing green shorts and a red T-shirt with a “Wonder Woman” emblem on it, was last seen playing in her front yard. The day her body was discovered, The Day's headline read: “A beautiful child” and described the girl's older sister, Laurie, crying in a relative's arms on the front porch of their home.
“I tried to teach my children not to get into cars with strangers and not to talk to people they didn't know,” the child's mother, 34-year-old Patricia Spencer, told a reporter at the time. “I'm sure Michelle knew that. What happened to her was something I was always afraid of, having daughters, you know.”
At Simmons' sentencing, a prosecutor said Simmons hit the child's hand when she reached for his stereo and, when she began to cry, covered her mouth with his hand to quiet her. She collapsed to the floor. Simmons grabbed the telephone cord, wrapped it around her neck and strangled her.
The prosecutor said Simmons then molested the girl before putting her body in a cardboard box and dumping it in a storm drain.
Simmons essentially ended up with a 35-year sentence and five years of probation, but earned time off for good behavior because of laws in effect when he was sentenced, said Philip Fazzino of the New London's state's attorneys office. Simmons served about 22 years in prison and completed probation.
Amid some controversy, he was released on probation in 2003 in Connecticut after Michigan officials scuttled his attempt to move there to be near his mother, Jacqueline Dean of Grand Rapids. A judge ordered Simmons to complete probation in Connecticut.
•••••
Derry town councilors scheduled the meeting Thursday to discuss the possibility of enacting an ordinance to limit where sex offenders can live after police announced Simmons' relocation to the New Hampshire town.
“I've never had as many phone calls about any issue as this one,” Councilor Kevin Coyle said. “I think parents are very concerned. I think people are very concerned in general.”
Councilor Brian Chirichiello said he was surprised to learn there are no state laws preventing offenders from living so close to a school.
“We need to really have an open discussion and find out what is the best course of action we need to take for the town,” he said.
Cheryl Lynch, director of the Derry Public Library, said security at the library near Simmons' apartment is already tight. “We're vigilant every day,” she said. “We ask the patrons to be aware of their surroundings.”
The private schools near Simmons' new address are the Derry Montessori School and St. Thomas Aquinas School.
Paul Rakiey, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas, a former prison superintendent, said steps have been taken to ensure students' safety.
“I think they have a sense that I'm very, very cautious because I know there are people like this out there,” he said.
Donna Compagna, founder and headmaster of the Derry Montessori School, said her students are safe. “It's sad we live in a society where we have to be accepting of people who have committed some really heinous crimes living right next door to us,” she said.
•••••
Simmons' mother spoke briefly with the New Hampshire Union Leader this week. “He served his time. He's doing fine. He's been out of prison over five years,” Jacqueline Dean said. “He just wants to live his life.”
Asked whether Simmons has friends in New Hampshire, Dean said she believes he does.
The family of Michelle Spencer could not be located for comment.
Simmons is free to live wherever he wants because his sentence and probation are completed; in New Hampshire he is required to register for the child sex-offender list. He came into the Derry police station Monday and registered, police said. There is no mention of his murder conviction on the New Hampshire state police site.
Simmons was never charged with sexual assault, but later admitted it.
"Michelle Spencer was 6 years old on July 19, 1981, when her older brother watched her walk down the sidewalk of their Laurel Hill Avenue neighborhood in Norwich. She never came back.
By 6 that evening, about 100 firefighters, police officers, friends and neighbors fanned out in the neighborhood, nearby woods and railroad tracks in search of the child.
On July 21, 1981, two workers from Norwich Public Utilities found her body, partially clothed and bruised around the neck. Stuffed underground, she lay atop a grate inside a pumping station.
Police said there was no way the girl could have crawled into the pumping station by herself.
The man who pleaded guilty to the murder, who police determined had strangled and then sexually assaulted Michelle before putting her body into a storm drain, is now living in Derry, N.H.
Douglas Allen Simmons, now 47, moved into 71 East Broadway, Apt. 3, in Derry over the weekend, according to police. On Thursday, his name and photo were posted on New Hampshire's child sex offender Web site.
The apartment where Simmons lives is near two private schools, a public-school bus stop, a park and the public library.
People in Derry remained on edge Thursday as town officials considered passing an ordinance restricting where sex offenders can live.
•••••
Simmons was a 20-year-old sailor living in Norwich when he lured freckle-faced Michelle into his apartment that July day more than 26 years ago and murdered her. He strangled Michelle with a paint-speckled gray telephone cord, then sexually abused her and disposed of her body in a sewer drain near her home. The paint was later matched to Simmons' apartment.
At the time, Simmons lived with his wife of five months in the same building as Michelle, just two floors above the Spencer family, which had recently moved to the neighborhood.
A Michigan native, he was a machinist's mate aboard the submarine tender USS Fulton. On that day he had just returned home from drinking with friends.
Michelle, wearing green shorts and a red T-shirt with a “Wonder Woman” emblem on it, was last seen playing in her front yard. The day her body was discovered, The Day's headline read: “A beautiful child” and described the girl's older sister, Laurie, crying in a relative's arms on the front porch of their home.
“I tried to teach my children not to get into cars with strangers and not to talk to people they didn't know,” the child's mother, 34-year-old Patricia Spencer, told a reporter at the time. “I'm sure Michelle knew that. What happened to her was something I was always afraid of, having daughters, you know.”
At Simmons' sentencing, a prosecutor said Simmons hit the child's hand when she reached for his stereo and, when she began to cry, covered her mouth with his hand to quiet her. She collapsed to the floor. Simmons grabbed the telephone cord, wrapped it around her neck and strangled her.
The prosecutor said Simmons then molested the girl before putting her body in a cardboard box and dumping it in a storm drain.
Simmons essentially ended up with a 35-year sentence and five years of probation, but earned time off for good behavior because of laws in effect when he was sentenced, said Philip Fazzino of the New London's state's attorneys office. Simmons served about 22 years in prison and completed probation.
Amid some controversy, he was released on probation in 2003 in Connecticut after Michigan officials scuttled his attempt to move there to be near his mother, Jacqueline Dean of Grand Rapids. A judge ordered Simmons to complete probation in Connecticut.
•••••
Derry town councilors scheduled the meeting Thursday to discuss the possibility of enacting an ordinance to limit where sex offenders can live after police announced Simmons' relocation to the New Hampshire town.
“I've never had as many phone calls about any issue as this one,” Councilor Kevin Coyle said. “I think parents are very concerned. I think people are very concerned in general.”
Councilor Brian Chirichiello said he was surprised to learn there are no state laws preventing offenders from living so close to a school.
“We need to really have an open discussion and find out what is the best course of action we need to take for the town,” he said.
Cheryl Lynch, director of the Derry Public Library, said security at the library near Simmons' apartment is already tight. “We're vigilant every day,” she said. “We ask the patrons to be aware of their surroundings.”
The private schools near Simmons' new address are the Derry Montessori School and St. Thomas Aquinas School.
Paul Rakiey, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas, a former prison superintendent, said steps have been taken to ensure students' safety.
“I think they have a sense that I'm very, very cautious because I know there are people like this out there,” he said.
Donna Compagna, founder and headmaster of the Derry Montessori School, said her students are safe. “It's sad we live in a society where we have to be accepting of people who have committed some really heinous crimes living right next door to us,” she said.
•••••
Simmons' mother spoke briefly with the New Hampshire Union Leader this week. “He served his time. He's doing fine. He's been out of prison over five years,” Jacqueline Dean said. “He just wants to live his life.”
Asked whether Simmons has friends in New Hampshire, Dean said she believes he does.
The family of Michelle Spencer could not be located for comment.
Simmons is free to live wherever he wants because his sentence and probation are completed; in New Hampshire he is required to register for the child sex-offender list. He came into the Derry police station Monday and registered, police said. There is no mention of his murder conviction on the New Hampshire state police site.
Simmons was never charged with sexual assault, but later admitted it.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
I am reading "Time Magazine" January 28, 2008 issue. I do not usually read Time but an article caught my eye, called " The Science of Romance", I read the first part of why people mate, basically it is all to have children. I do not believe this, even though my husband and I would love to have children, it does not seem in the cards for us, we have come to terms with it.
I have now moved on to the next Article, Why we Flirt? I side note to this: When I was in High School ( Many years ago) I was named Class Flirt out of a graduating class of 620 kids. I admit, I enjoy flirting, and it seems now that I am married, I love it even more, especially knowing nothing will every come from it, but every woman likes to know men find you attractive. My husband is also a big flirt, and when we go out, we enjoy our time apart at parties. We even look for each other and across a room give each other a look, like I know what you are doing and when we get home it will be more fun. It is like foreplay for us.
Do you still flirt? Do you do it well? Is it verbal or physical? Do you tilt your head, do you stand in a certain way, or even just stare at the other person's eyes? It really is and art form, some people are better at it than others. For me it has always come pretty easy. I feel out of my league when we are at a party of 20 years old and their skills seem more calculated then mine every were. There is Dark Side to Flirting:
When it can become harassment, stalking or worse. You have to be very careful, because you may be just having fun and the other person will take it way too far. Now a days, there is on-line flirting, email and text make it easier for people to become someone else then who they are in person. It can become dangerous.
Flirting can be fun, just watch out for what the other person is actually perceiving from your actions.
I have now moved on to the next Article, Why we Flirt? I side note to this: When I was in High School ( Many years ago) I was named Class Flirt out of a graduating class of 620 kids. I admit, I enjoy flirting, and it seems now that I am married, I love it even more, especially knowing nothing will every come from it, but every woman likes to know men find you attractive. My husband is also a big flirt, and when we go out, we enjoy our time apart at parties. We even look for each other and across a room give each other a look, like I know what you are doing and when we get home it will be more fun. It is like foreplay for us.
Do you still flirt? Do you do it well? Is it verbal or physical? Do you tilt your head, do you stand in a certain way, or even just stare at the other person's eyes? It really is and art form, some people are better at it than others. For me it has always come pretty easy. I feel out of my league when we are at a party of 20 years old and their skills seem more calculated then mine every were. There is Dark Side to Flirting:
When it can become harassment, stalking or worse. You have to be very careful, because you may be just having fun and the other person will take it way too far. Now a days, there is on-line flirting, email and text make it easier for people to become someone else then who they are in person. It can become dangerous.
Flirting can be fun, just watch out for what the other person is actually perceiving from your actions.
I loved this article and believe it the older I become. Please read and enjoy.
This is an article for "O" magazine written by Anne Lamott:
I was at a wedding Saturday with a lot of women in their 20s and 30s in sexy dresses, their youthful skin aglow. And even though I was 20 or 30 years older, a little worse for wear, a little tired and overwhelmed by the loud music, I was smiling. I smiled with a secret Cheshire-cat smile of pleasure and relief in being older --- 49 and changing, which even I would have to admit is no longer extremely late youth. But I would not give you back a year of the life I've lived.
Age has given me what I was looking for my entire life --- it gave me "me."
It provided the time and experience and failures and triumphs and
friends who helped me step into the shape that had been waiting for me all my life.
I fit into me now --- mostly. I have an organic life finally ---
not the one people imagined for me or tried to get me to have or the life someone else might celebrate as a successful one --- I have the life I dreamed of.
I have become the woman I hardly dared imagine I could be.
There are parts I don't love --- until a few years ago, I had no
idea that you could get cellulite on your stomach; but I not only get
along with me most of the time now, I am militantly and maternally on my own side. Left to my own devices, would I trade this for firm thighs, fewer wrinkles, a better memory? On some days, that's why it's such a blessing I'm not left to my own devices. Because the truth is I have amazing friends and a deep faith in God to whom I can turn.
I'd give up all this for a flatter belly? Are you crazy? I still
have terrible moments when I despair about my body. But they are just moments. I used to have years when I believed I would be more beautiful if I jiggled less --- if all parts of my body stopped moving when I did. But I believe two things now that I didn't at 30. When we get to heaven, we will discover that the appearance of our butts and skin was 127th on the list of what mattered on this earth. And I know the truth that I am not going to live forever, and this has set me free.
Eleven years ago when my friend, Pammy, was dying at the age of
37, we went shopping at Macy's. She was in a wheelchair, with a wig and three weeks to live. I tried on a short dress and came out to model it for Pammy. I asked if she thought it made me look big in the thighs, and she said so kindly, "Annie, you just don't have that kind of time." I live by this story.
I am thrilled for every gray hair and achy muscle, because of all
the friends who didn't make it --- who died too young of breast cancer or AIDS.
And much of this stuff I used to worry about has subsided ---
what other people think of me and of how I am living my life. I give these things the big shrug. It's a huge relief! I live by the truth that NO is a complete sentence. I have grown up enough to develop radical acceptance.
On the day I die, I want to have had dessert. So this informs how
I'll live now. I have survived so much loss, as all of us have by our 40th - my parents, dear friends, my pets. Rubble is the ground on which our deepest friendships are built. If you haven't already, you will lose someone you can't live without, and your heart will be badly broken; and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of a beloved person. But this is also the good news. They live forever, in your broken heart and that doesn't seal back up. And you come through. It's like having a leg that never heals perfectly --- that still hurts when the weather is cold, but you learn to dance with the limp. You dance to the absurdities of life; you dance to the minuet of old friendships.
Younger women worry that their memories will begin to go. And you know what? They will. Menopause has not increased my focus and retention as much as I'd been hoping, but a lot is better off missed. A lot is better not gotten around to. I know many of the women at the wedding fear getting older, and I wish I could gather them together again and give them my word of honor that every one of my friends loves being older --- loves being in her 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s.
Look, my feet hurt some morning, and my body is less forgiving
when I exercise more than I'm used to; but I love my life more and me more. And, like that old saying goes, it's not that I think less of myself, but that I think of myself less often; and that feels like heaven to me.
This is an article for "O" magazine written by Anne Lamott:
I was at a wedding Saturday with a lot of women in their 20s and 30s in sexy dresses, their youthful skin aglow. And even though I was 20 or 30 years older, a little worse for wear, a little tired and overwhelmed by the loud music, I was smiling. I smiled with a secret Cheshire-cat smile of pleasure and relief in being older --- 49 and changing, which even I would have to admit is no longer extremely late youth. But I would not give you back a year of the life I've lived.
Age has given me what I was looking for my entire life --- it gave me "me."
It provided the time and experience and failures and triumphs and
friends who helped me step into the shape that had been waiting for me all my life.
I fit into me now --- mostly. I have an organic life finally ---
not the one people imagined for me or tried to get me to have or the life someone else might celebrate as a successful one --- I have the life I dreamed of.
I have become the woman I hardly dared imagine I could be.
There are parts I don't love --- until a few years ago, I had no
idea that you could get cellulite on your stomach; but I not only get
along with me most of the time now, I am militantly and maternally on my own side. Left to my own devices, would I trade this for firm thighs, fewer wrinkles, a better memory? On some days, that's why it's such a blessing I'm not left to my own devices. Because the truth is I have amazing friends and a deep faith in God to whom I can turn.
I'd give up all this for a flatter belly? Are you crazy? I still
have terrible moments when I despair about my body. But they are just moments. I used to have years when I believed I would be more beautiful if I jiggled less --- if all parts of my body stopped moving when I did. But I believe two things now that I didn't at 30. When we get to heaven, we will discover that the appearance of our butts and skin was 127th on the list of what mattered on this earth. And I know the truth that I am not going to live forever, and this has set me free.
Eleven years ago when my friend, Pammy, was dying at the age of
37, we went shopping at Macy's. She was in a wheelchair, with a wig and three weeks to live. I tried on a short dress and came out to model it for Pammy. I asked if she thought it made me look big in the thighs, and she said so kindly, "Annie, you just don't have that kind of time." I live by this story.
I am thrilled for every gray hair and achy muscle, because of all
the friends who didn't make it --- who died too young of breast cancer or AIDS.
And much of this stuff I used to worry about has subsided ---
what other people think of me and of how I am living my life. I give these things the big shrug. It's a huge relief! I live by the truth that NO is a complete sentence. I have grown up enough to develop radical acceptance.
On the day I die, I want to have had dessert. So this informs how
I'll live now. I have survived so much loss, as all of us have by our 40th - my parents, dear friends, my pets. Rubble is the ground on which our deepest friendships are built. If you haven't already, you will lose someone you can't live without, and your heart will be badly broken; and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of a beloved person. But this is also the good news. They live forever, in your broken heart and that doesn't seal back up. And you come through. It's like having a leg that never heals perfectly --- that still hurts when the weather is cold, but you learn to dance with the limp. You dance to the absurdities of life; you dance to the minuet of old friendships.
Younger women worry that their memories will begin to go. And you know what? They will. Menopause has not increased my focus and retention as much as I'd been hoping, but a lot is better off missed. A lot is better not gotten around to. I know many of the women at the wedding fear getting older, and I wish I could gather them together again and give them my word of honor that every one of my friends loves being older --- loves being in her 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s.
Look, my feet hurt some morning, and my body is less forgiving
when I exercise more than I'm used to; but I love my life more and me more. And, like that old saying goes, it's not that I think less of myself, but that I think of myself less often; and that feels like heaven to me.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
It is amazing how many young actors have died as their careers were taking off, Heath Ledger is just another in a line of the others before him.
• James Dean, 24, died Sept., 30, 1955, after an automobile crash on the highway near Paso Robles, Calif. He only made (3) Films, "Rebel without a Cause", "Giant" and "East of Eden".
• Sharon Tate, 26, was murdered Aug. 9, 1969, by followers of Charles Manson in Los Angeles.
• Freddie Prinze, 22, died Jan. 29, 1977, after shooting himself in Los Angeles. Can you believe it? His son has gotten further in his career and lived longer than his father.
• Jon-Erik Hexum, 26, died Oct. 18, 1984, after accidentally shooting himself with a
prop gun in Los Angeles.
• Rebecca Schaeffer, 21, was murdered July 18, 1989, by stalker Robert John Bardo in Los Angeles.
• Brandon Lee, 28, died March 31, 1993, after accidentally being shot on the set of “The Crow” in Wilmington, N.C.
• River Phoenix, 23, died Oct. 31, 1993, from a drug overdose outside of a night club in Los Angeles.
• David Strickland, 29, died March 22, 1999, after hanging himself in a hotel room in Las Vegas.
• Jonathan Brandis, 27, died Nov. 12, 2003, from injuries he suffered after hanging himself in Los Angeles.
• Brad Renfro, 25, died Jan. 15, 2008, the day after reportedly spending the previous evening drinking with friends
Why is Suicide so prevalent in their deaths? Is it Hollywood's fault? Is it the pedestal we put actors on that makes them realize they are only human? Is it the Media's fault for all the attention bad or good performances, instead of realizing they are only young adults trying to make it in a tough business. I find it quite sad. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Heath Ledger and Brad Renfro.
• James Dean, 24, died Sept., 30, 1955, after an automobile crash on the highway near Paso Robles, Calif. He only made (3) Films, "Rebel without a Cause", "Giant" and "East of Eden".
• Sharon Tate, 26, was murdered Aug. 9, 1969, by followers of Charles Manson in Los Angeles.
• Freddie Prinze, 22, died Jan. 29, 1977, after shooting himself in Los Angeles. Can you believe it? His son has gotten further in his career and lived longer than his father.
• Jon-Erik Hexum, 26, died Oct. 18, 1984, after accidentally shooting himself with a
prop gun in Los Angeles.
• Rebecca Schaeffer, 21, was murdered July 18, 1989, by stalker Robert John Bardo in Los Angeles.
• Brandon Lee, 28, died March 31, 1993, after accidentally being shot on the set of “The Crow” in Wilmington, N.C.
• River Phoenix, 23, died Oct. 31, 1993, from a drug overdose outside of a night club in Los Angeles.
• David Strickland, 29, died March 22, 1999, after hanging himself in a hotel room in Las Vegas.
• Jonathan Brandis, 27, died Nov. 12, 2003, from injuries he suffered after hanging himself in Los Angeles.
• Brad Renfro, 25, died Jan. 15, 2008, the day after reportedly spending the previous evening drinking with friends
Why is Suicide so prevalent in their deaths? Is it Hollywood's fault? Is it the pedestal we put actors on that makes them realize they are only human? Is it the Media's fault for all the attention bad or good performances, instead of realizing they are only young adults trying to make it in a tough business. I find it quite sad. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Heath Ledger and Brad Renfro.
I am sick yet again!! We have lived in Maine since October 2007, and I have already been sick no less than 3x, what is that? This time, I am stuffed up, my voice sounds like Kathleen Turner with a Cold, which would not be bad, if when you start my voice didn't already sound like Demi Moore. Yes, I have a deep throaty voice to begin with and add a cold, with sinus issues and it is as if I should be on a #900 number.
I always get colds every year, but this year, everytime I am sick it knocks me out for atleast 2 or 3 days. I have a huge weekend coming up, going to Boston to do the Bayside Bridal Show, just what potential brides want to deal with a sick wedding planner. I left work at 1pm on Tuesday and called out sick yesterday, so this morning I had messages to return, contracts to settle etc.. I hate being sick! I really dislike having to come back after being out and seeing work pile up, why is it no one else takes responibility when someone it out sick? I always check my co-workers phone messages, and respond to them even if it is to say, "So and so is out sick and will not being getting back to you until..." Usually, I can help them, but if I can't they seem to appreciate a heads up of why they are not being responded back to right away. Let's face it everyone wants and instant response. Especially, in this day and age of email.
So, hopefully I will be better for the weekend in Boston. My husband is excited because he gets to go to his favorite store at the Prudential Shops, Levenger on Saturday. Its my treat since he is driving me down there, and helping me set up my booth.
I always get colds every year, but this year, everytime I am sick it knocks me out for atleast 2 or 3 days. I have a huge weekend coming up, going to Boston to do the Bayside Bridal Show, just what potential brides want to deal with a sick wedding planner. I left work at 1pm on Tuesday and called out sick yesterday, so this morning I had messages to return, contracts to settle etc.. I hate being sick! I really dislike having to come back after being out and seeing work pile up, why is it no one else takes responibility when someone it out sick? I always check my co-workers phone messages, and respond to them even if it is to say, "So and so is out sick and will not being getting back to you until..." Usually, I can help them, but if I can't they seem to appreciate a heads up of why they are not being responded back to right away. Let's face it everyone wants and instant response. Especially, in this day and age of email.
So, hopefully I will be better for the weekend in Boston. My husband is excited because he gets to go to his favorite store at the Prudential Shops, Levenger on Saturday. Its my treat since he is driving me down there, and helping me set up my booth.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Today, on the Mid-Coast of Maine it is about 30' outside, sunny and windy. I had a 9am appointment this morning at work to look at the Resort for her wedding. I told the bride, my work schedule is 10am-4pm on Saturday's but I will come in at 9am to show her around, due to her schedule. I called her yesterday and left a Voice Message and email to confirm. I did not hear from her, so I came to work at 8:15am just in case she arrived early. She No-Showed, to me it is rude. I understand things happen, but please email or leave a message that unfortunately, you can not make it, especially when I am making a special trip for you.
I know this must sound petty, but I have been in this business along time, and believe me, I do not get mad or upset if you cancel, but when I am going to be late or have to cancel I always call, because I have been stood up on dates, and to be honest it feels the same. I have worked on Holidays and even a Sunday for the business because I realize sometimes schedules are hard to coordinate and a bride is more stressed than most business people. All I ask is for common courtesy.
One July 4, I did a wedding tasting, for a bride who swore to me, I will book,I just want to try to food before we commit. I told her we only allow 2 people for the tasting, she brought 4 including her and the groom it was 6 people. The appointment was for 2 hours, they were there 4 hours, then when I called her back a few days later, they decided against us, so basically she got a free lunch for 6 people.
She ended up calling me back a few weeks later, livid that I had informed all the other wedding facilities of what she was pulling, so everyone else was willing to do the tasting at $45.00 a head, and if she booked it would be taken off her final bill. She thought I had no right, you better watch out you never know who talks. Every since then, all tastings are after you book the event, and if you want it beforehand it is a charge and if you book then yes, we will have that money go toward your event. I know the wedding magazines say, Tastings are standard, no they are not, it is a courtesy, one place I worked refused them, I was to tell them eat in the restaurant, pay for it, same food, same chef. That is wedding planners trying to get something for nothing for their clients.
Personally, I believe tastings are important, and I liked them because it gives me one on one with my bride and grooms. Some facilities do a large tasting with everyone at once, I think it is a great idea, but personally I like the one on one I get with my clients.
People have to realize, especially wedding planners, a Hotel/Resort is a business, and weddings are big business, and we can not give everything away in order to stay a float. I am not saying we will nickle and dime you, but realize everything has a price. I have worked for major hotels and small resorts and boutique properties, each one has a different philosophy on weddings. So, before any bride commits to a facility realize what you can live with and absolutely can not live with because believe it or not, a contract from a hotel is actually binding. Another, false hood, oh don't worry about it, we will go after you and make you stick to what you signed for, so please read all contracts carefully.
I know this must sound petty, but I have been in this business along time, and believe me, I do not get mad or upset if you cancel, but when I am going to be late or have to cancel I always call, because I have been stood up on dates, and to be honest it feels the same. I have worked on Holidays and even a Sunday for the business because I realize sometimes schedules are hard to coordinate and a bride is more stressed than most business people. All I ask is for common courtesy.
One July 4, I did a wedding tasting, for a bride who swore to me, I will book,I just want to try to food before we commit. I told her we only allow 2 people for the tasting, she brought 4 including her and the groom it was 6 people. The appointment was for 2 hours, they were there 4 hours, then when I called her back a few days later, they decided against us, so basically she got a free lunch for 6 people.
She ended up calling me back a few weeks later, livid that I had informed all the other wedding facilities of what she was pulling, so everyone else was willing to do the tasting at $45.00 a head, and if she booked it would be taken off her final bill. She thought I had no right, you better watch out you never know who talks. Every since then, all tastings are after you book the event, and if you want it beforehand it is a charge and if you book then yes, we will have that money go toward your event. I know the wedding magazines say, Tastings are standard, no they are not, it is a courtesy, one place I worked refused them, I was to tell them eat in the restaurant, pay for it, same food, same chef. That is wedding planners trying to get something for nothing for their clients.
Personally, I believe tastings are important, and I liked them because it gives me one on one with my bride and grooms. Some facilities do a large tasting with everyone at once, I think it is a great idea, but personally I like the one on one I get with my clients.
People have to realize, especially wedding planners, a Hotel/Resort is a business, and weddings are big business, and we can not give everything away in order to stay a float. I am not saying we will nickle and dime you, but realize everything has a price. I have worked for major hotels and small resorts and boutique properties, each one has a different philosophy on weddings. So, before any bride commits to a facility realize what you can live with and absolutely can not live with because believe it or not, a contract from a hotel is actually binding. Another, false hood, oh don't worry about it, we will go after you and make you stick to what you signed for, so please read all contracts carefully.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
