Saturday, August 20, 2011

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Wishes and dreams are pointless unless we take action to pursue them. The momentum of our desires will brings these goals to life. Setbacks may discourage you, but never let them daunt your desires. Listen to your inner voice and strive to reach your every ambition. Be who you are, do what you need to do, in order to evolve in all your limitless potential.

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!
©  All Rights Reserved

HE (or SHE) WHO CANNOT BE NAMED

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

In Harry Potter, the evil archenemy of our hero is Voldemort, more commonly referred to as “He who cannot be named”. Voldemort uses fear and intimidation to retain power over others. He demands unwavering loyalty with no regard for the pain, suffering or welfare of his followers. When Snape, who Voldermort believed to be his most faithful servant, was thought to be the master of the Elder wand, Voldemort had no trouble killing him to get what he wanted. When Voldemort possessed Harry in Order of the Phoenix, he attempted to suck the life and spirit out of him. It was only through recalling all those who loved him that Harry was able to overcome Voldemort’s influence and even feel pity for him.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 20




Happy Birthday

"Sonny With A Chance" star Demi Lovato (1992)

Strange Days At Blake Holsey High actor Robert Clark (1986)

Actor Andrew Garfield (1983)

English actor Ben Barnes (1981)
Singer Jamie Cullum (1979)

Actress Amy Adams (1974)

Limp Bizkit singer Fred Durst (1970)

Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell (1966; d. 2004)

TROPICAL STORM HARVEY

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Tropical Storm Harvey is just north of the coast of Honduras, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The center of Tropical Storm Harvey is expected to move across the coast of Belize on this afternoon or evening. Some additional strengthening is forecast as Harvey approaches Belize.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic Ocean, showers and thunderstorms have become better organized in association with a large tropical wave about 625 miles east of the Lesser Antilles.
Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for a tropical depression to form over the next couple of days. This system has a high chance, 60 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west at 20 mph.
Farther east, a large but disorganized low pressure system is centered about 100 miles southeast of the Cape Verde Islands. Although upper-level winds are favorable for some development, this system is expected to encounter a more stable environment with drier air by Sunday. This system has a medium chance, 40 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves to the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

 The National Weather Service recommends that the public keep an eye on the progress of this wave.
Accuweather report: http://hurricane.accuweather.com/hurricane/index.asp

Friday, August 19, 2011

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?"


Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."


The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

MEMBERSHIP NOT DESIRED

Barbara Ward-Finneran
The signs are rather subtle at first.  And, perhaps we choose to ignore them rather then face the reality of our midlife sandwich.  Somewhere along this middle part of our life journey most of us will be faced with not only parenting our children, but “parenting” our parents. Leaving us sandwiched between the two generations that mean the most to us besides our own and longing for a special sauce or condiment that will make this painful process more palatable.  
I was blindsided by the realization that my parents wouldn’t be around forever when my Dad died unexpectedly in his sleep when I was twenty-five.  When someone you love is fine one day and gone the next, the shock and pain is indescribable.  It can happen to anyone at anytime and it leaves you forever never the same.  There is no warning or planning.  It just is.  Just is over.  All that you knew is gone forever.  When this happened to me.  I was “alone in it”. None of my peers had lost a parent.  Although I had a great support system, they weren’t in the “club”. They could offer sympathies - but they just didn’t get “it”.  Hell, neither did I.  Truth be told, on some levels, I still don’t.  But, you can’t look for sense where there isn’t any...  
Now in my forties the practicality of the fact that your parents won’t be with you forever is a blatant fact for myself and my friends.  I guess the only upside is, now it’s not such a “lonely” club.  However - still one that no one longs for membership. Yet it cannot be avoided.  We are aging, our little ones are growing up faster with each passing day, and our own parents are gathering up the years too. At some point for many it will become inevitable that our parents need us to care for them.
At some point it becomes evident in your interactions with your parents. They slow down.  Their actions remind you of your own grandparents.  They can be more easily confused, frustrated or nervous.  They can’t do all they once did. The TV has become deafening.  A cane or walker fills the hands that not so long ago once held and helped your babies.  Or worse, they become ill or have dementia issues.  The list could goon and on.  But, the fact remains, if we are midlifers, our parents are “old”.  Varying degrees of mentally and physically old, but old, nonetheless.  
With caring for an aging parent things can be stressed.  As much as you long to help, they want not to need help.  So often independence is important above what seems practical and right to you.  Yet how do we tell our parents “no”?  How do you flip that switch and become the one parenting? The one taking care of your parent like they took care of you. Transportation, meals, appointments, a trip to the market, etc., are just a few of the things that can become more complex.  If one parent is already gone, it’s hard to see the other alone and it can be even create more difficulties.   Hard to see them not full of the vim and vigor that used to surround them.  It’s hard not to feel raw and vulnerable with this role reversal. It's hard not to begin grieving what was and no longer is.
About two weeks ago my Mom went through her third surgery in as many years.  The first one being emergency that she was NOT expected to survive.  This one “easier” of sorts.  Yet, three years older and with all surgery having risks - we had to have “those conversations”.  The ones about what their wishes are if there are complications and/ or once they are gone and the laundry list of things to do.  I humored my Mom as she went though the “Need To Know” details, none of which, by the way, was news.  Yet somehow it all needed to be said.  I was fine with it.  There wasn’t much concern for complications.  Yet, sitting in that small pre-op room after they wheeled my Mommy away - left me feeling like a very little girl.  Thinking what if...... 
Hours later, settled in a crowded room with beeping machines and flashing alarms, I camped out to mother my mom.  Watching someone I love be in pain.  Watching the woman whom I admire most needing help with tasks we all take for granted. Watching someone become “dependent” or “helpless” makes you all too aware of the fact that at some point, although I believe our soul lives on forever, at some point our earthly life has an end. 
I am blessed.  My Mom is doing well.  I’m lucky.  My role reversal was once again temporary.  
Yet again, things have changed. A few days after my Mom’s surgery.  We got word that my “aunt” had died in NY.  My mother’s oldest and dearest friend.  My mom is the last survivor of this circle of friends.  Take note and take time.  Say what you need to say.  Do what you need to do. Because at anytime you could find that roles have reversed forever or that time's up.

DID FACEBOOK RUIN THE MYSTERY...

DRL Is Thrilled to Have "Ms. Sticky Sweet" Posting 
Her First Original Blog...  Way to go!
PATTY B
Did Facebook ruin the mystery of what we use to call ... High School Reunions???
So I am doing what most of us, typically stay-at-home Moms do, running errands when listening to my Sirus radio in my car and a question was brought up during one of my favorite morning talk shows. Now in this technical era of computers and Facebook... Is it really necessary to attend those High School reunions we use to look forward after 10, 15, even 20 or 25 years after graduating what was suppose to be the most memorable times in our teen lives? Is the mystery gone? Has Facebook killed our longing for live interaction with those from our past that we once so looked forward seeing at these High School reunions?

I mean we are almost all guilty of looking or searching for former classmates on Facebook. Wanting to see how he or she turned out all these years. Have they gained weight? Did they lose hair? Are they single or married or in a complex relationship? Did those most likely to succeed as our yearbooks had predicted, do just that?. Did our Homecoming Queen and King stay together or was it splitsville from the first day of college? Where did they finally move to and call home? Did the super smart classmates create something fabulous or cure some disease? Did the jocks make it to professional team status? Did those in the Fine Arts make it to Broadway or the likes of Hollywood?

Most all of these, if not many of these questions, can simply be answered by looking at ones information on Facebook. And, of course the pictures people post they show their important things as well. Where they have been, their kids, who they have met ---it is all there with just a click of a button. No need to fly half way across the country to return to one's home town for a usually well over-priced dinner.  No need to start dieting or getting in shape for fear of what others who you haven’t seen in years think of you at first glance. Are the egos still going to be there like well over inflated balloons? Will it still be should I dare say the word... “clicky”? Not to mention, it's bad enough if you are nervous about attending, but then, "they" make us wear those name tags with our senior pictures on them. Seriously like everyone wants to have that photo to compare to all night long. Blah!

So my questions to you...
Will you still go given the choice now in our age of computers and of all that can be seen and learned without going "live"?
Will you attend your High School reunion given the chance or will you stay home in your pj’s and just click on to your Facebook account wondering how your former classmates live?
Will you share your thoughts with us here at DRL?  Comments welcomed!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran
Find the dreams in your heart and use everything you have to create them. Foster them with dedication and tenancity for when you work towards your own unique vision you will be empowered to clearly see and embrace the blessings in your life. Happiness will decorate your soul with beauty and light. Challenges often come - push through - in the aftermath they will have only sweetened your victory.

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC
©  All Rights Reserved

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

A father was trying to teach his young son the evils of alcohol.
He put one worm in a glass of water and another worm in a glass of whiskey. The worm in the water lived, while the one in the whiskey curled up and died.
"All right, son," asked the father, "what does that show you?"
"Well, Dad, it shows that if you drink alcohol, you will not have worms."

Playdates for Adults? LET'S PLAY! THAT'S WHAT IS SHAKIN'!!!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Do grownups need to play with other grownups?  Ever heard of a grown up play date? I say yes to both! Adults spend so many hours working, stressing about finances, health, education, and a million other worries. We get into bed and thoughts run through our heads: how will I pay the mortgage this month? What if I get laid off? Is my aging parent safe living alone or do I need to start thinking about assisted living? This is a far cry from the visions of sugar plums of our childhood!
I believe that we all need to make time to have fun. Not just going to a movie, having dinner at a nice restaurant, or renting a DVD! I mean we need to PLAY! We need to do something imaginative, childish and liberating. Here are my top suggestions for having a fun time playing with adult friends!

Telling fortunes

1.       Have a psychic party! Hire a psychic entertainer (find them on line or even in the yellow pages) to come to your home. Invite friends, decorate with hanging silver stars and candles. Serve finger sandwiches, fruit and light fare, punch and an amazing dessert. You can ask guests to chip on (be sure to state this on the invitations) to cover the cost of the psychic entertainer. Play new age music in the background and have the psychic tell fortunes with tarot cards, runes, palm reading etc. When I had a party I was lucky enough to find a psychic entertainer who also did belly dancing and gave us all a lesson. We laughed till we cried and had a fun filled, stress erasing evening!
Murder at Cunningham Castle
2.       Host a Murder Mystery Dinner. There are kits available that have everything you need from character descriptions to suggestions on menu and décor. Some are also available on line. Because I had 30 guests for mine, a friend and I wrote our own. Unless you have about 3 months and great organizational skills, you might want to use the kit!  We sent invitations in envelopes stamped TOP SECRET. Inside was the character description, suggestion for costume, menu, and all information needed about date, time, and the background story of the mystery. Guests each had the responsibility to get certain information out at certain times during the evening. Some had specific things to do like “after the soup is served, go to the bathroom and scream bloody murder” or “take the key you find under the yellow lamp and put it in your pocket. Tell no one.” It was only in the end that it all came together. My first murder mystery party was about 8 years ago and people are still talking about it. It was a treasure hunt in an old Irish Castle. I’ve since had “Murder in Paradise” (guests were supposed to be at a tropical resort so we served tropical drinks, Hawaiian Chicken , tropical fruit salad, coconut rice and pina colada cake for dessert.) which was just as successful. Right now I’m working on a Cruise themed murder mystery. It’s as much fun to plan them as it is for the guests who attend!
Casino Night
3.       Casino Night! Set up a few laptops as slot machines. There “slots” programs on line that mimic Las Vegas style machines. You can buy a mini roulette wheel, blackjack table cloth and craps cloth on line very cheaply. Get lots of poker chips for payouts and have door prizes for the person with the most/ least chips at the end of the evening. Set up a “free buffet” for the gamblers. You’ll need help manning the tables and handing out chips for the slots, but guests can rotate through positions. Use casino themed decorations and paper goods and sprinkle some casino confetti on the buffet table (available in party stores or on line).
These are just a few ways for grownups to play and have the fun of a kid again. If the group thing is not for you, go to the beach and fly a kite, ride a rollercoaster, visit the state fair and get some cotton candy and elephant ears, ride in a hot air balloon, go for an airboat ride, bunji jump (at a safe and reputable place), or find something special that will free your spirit and bring out the child in you!
We’d love to hear your suggestions for a grown up play date! (G rated only , all others please direct to Jillian or Tony)

 
Natasha the Psychic Lady
(407) 351- 7875


April Keough: Co-Director
april@dropdeadcomedy.com
631-758-2564
Tony Walker: Co-Director
DropDeadComedy@aol.com
516-783-3364

http://www.lasvegascasinoparty.com/ace_las_vegas_casino_party.html



STICKY SWEET

Patty B

I'm not responsible for my actions before chocolate.

Chocolate means a happier me!


If chocolate equals heaven, I’m an angel.

Fruit only angers my need for chocolate. 

SHAKEN IT UP!!

Dawn Boyle

It rained a lot this week in New York, and when I mean a lot I am talking to the tune of 10 inches of rain. By day three of the crappy weather I broke down and agreed to take the girls to the movies.Since avoiding The Smurfs, which the girls saw that a few weeks ago with their friends they had been hard pressed to see the limited engagement of Glee The Concert 3D. I caved.

We decided to go to a major theater instead of our small town, local joint. I figured if I was going to do this...we were doing it big. We arrived about an hour early to secure our tickets and get on line. No line...what is going on? The last time we went to a "tween concert/movie" I had to be there two hours prior to ensure tickets. We got on line with about 15 other moms and their daughters. There were a handful of teens aged girls as well.

I have seen the show Glee and have liked it. I am not as die hard as my kids, religiously watching every week. They play Glee on their Xbox or Wii all the time. They actually joined drama due to their love of the show. I was along for the ride.

Go see this film, take your kids. The only time I felt awkward was when "Britney" did her rendition of Slave for You by Britney Spears, but to be honest it was way more sexual when Spears did it. These kids today are really learning about acceptance, equality and tolerance. I was surprised to hear at the end of the movie which were my girls favorite parts. My youngest described a part where a "little girl" talks about her story, which was very heartwarming. My other daughter stated that she just couldn't pick one part. They both spoke about being able to do whatever they wanted to do in life as long as the were a positive light. I was very impressed with what they came out with from the show.

So no matter if you are a jock, cheerleader, wallflower, band geek, or a loser, the Glee's will accept you and so will my kids! Check out this film!!!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE - THE EATERY IS OPEN

  • 4 cups mussels
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic  
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 3/4 C. Lemon Butter Sauce (recipe follows)
Instructions
Soak mussels in cold water for several minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and remove "beard" (the little tuft of fibers protruding from the shell), either with a sharp knife or by pulling on it with a damp cloth. Rinse mussels again in cold water.
Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet; add mussels. Cover with another 10-inch skillet or lid and cook until shells begin to open, about 2 minutes. Remove top and add onion and garlic and toss. Cover pan again and cook for 1 minute. Remove top and add pernod, basil, lemon juice and lemon butter sauce. Return to flame for 30 to 45 seconds with top off skillet. Discard any mussels that did not open.
Serve in a deep bowl.
LEMON BUTTER SAUCE:
2 tablespoons clarified butter (you'll need about 1/2 stick butter; directions follow)
2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons dry white wine
Kosher salt
White pepper
2 tablespoons cold butter
To clarify butter: Melt 1/2 stick butter over low heat. When melted, remove from heat and set aside for several minutes to allow the milk solids to settle to the bottom. Skim the clear (clarified) butter from the top and discard sediment. (This can be done ahead.)
To make sauce: Heat clarified butter, add onion and garlic and saute until transparent. Add lemon juice and white wine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes to reduce liquid. Remove from heat and swirl in cold butter until sauce is smooth and emulsified.

WANNA LAUGH?!?! - From the diary of a Pre-School Teacher...

My five-year old students are learning to read.
Yesterday one of them pointed at a picture in a zoo book and said,

"Look at this! It's a frickin' elephant!"

I took a deep breath, then asked..."What did you call it?"

"It's a frickin' elephant! It says so on the picture!"

And so it does...
A f r i c a n Elephant

Hooked on phonics! ...Isn't it great?
Now that's funny, I don't care who you are!

THE AMAZING GARY CARTER

Gary Carter :: C


Tony Walker

A few weeks ago I posted a piece about Baseball Hall Of Famer Gary Carter.
Carter has some inoperable tumors in his brain.
Word came out that the tumors have shrunk by 80%!!!
80%!!!
I have to tell you... I am amazed by this. Are you?
Did I mention it was 80%?
That's quite a number!
Congrats to Gary Carter on this wonderful news. I hope for him & his family the good news keeps coming in.
Ever since I've been following Gary Carter since the early 1980's it's been widely reported that he is a Christian, a "man of God."
I'm curious to hear what you guys think. Do you think someone's faith has anything to do with this miraculous news? Do you think it was the chemo and other meds,  religion has nothing to do with it?
Maybe you think it's neither and what saves you is just a true positive attitude.
I was a devout Catholic when I was young and I was at Church every Sunday from the age of 6 through the age of 26. While I may not practice under the title of a religion now I do have my faith. I also tried to keep a positive attitude while I was sick. I personally believe my survival was a combination of my faith and my attitude but I will also tell you that while those 2 things worked for me I honestly have no idea of that's what every person needs to survive something like cancer.
Tell us what you think.

SEX VS. INTIMACY


Marion Pellicano Ambrose
In our society there is so much emphasis placed on the actual act of sexual intercourse. Movies, commercials, magazines, TV, everywhere you turn, it always begins and ends with sex. Don’t get me wrong, I think sex is wonderful, but it’s not the be all and end all in a relationship.

Passion is the quickest to develop, and the quickest to fade. Intimacy develops more slowly, and commitment more gradually still. -Robert Sternberg
To me, the most important element of a long term, successful relationship between people is intimacy. Intimacy is really a deep knowing and understanding of another person. It’s being comfortable and feeling safe with that person. It isn’t just confined to marriages or other relationships which involve sex. It is much deeper and broader than sex.
I'm certain that most couples expect to find intimacy in marriage, but it somehow eludes them. - James Dobson
Intimacy is not easy. As a matter of fact it’s hard work. It also involves taking risks. With intimacy we give our hearts and bear our souls to another, giving them the power to hurt us. But the rewards are great. To be truly known, loved, accepted, and valued by another living being is the most gratifying feeling in the world.
There are many ways to share intimacy in a relationship.
1.Human Contact; holding hands, snuggling, sitting side by side, “softing” one’s hair or gently rubbing one’s back. We do this with our children, our spouse, other loved ones.
2. Sharing: conversation, feelings, frustrations, joys, funny stories, as well as dessert, memories and activities. Didn’t your mom always give the bigger piece of pie to you?
3. Giving: kindness, patience, trust, encouragement and love; Showing sensitivity to the moods, experiences and feelings of another.
There are hundreds of ways we share intimacy with people we care about. In any relationship it’s a vital element, but I believe it’s even more so in a marriage. Many couples have sex without intimacy and miss out on the most amazing experience of a lifetime! Many couples have intimacy without sex (whether it’s because of health, hormones, or other reasons) and are happy, content and satisfied. Of course, the ideal is to be able to have both, but if I had to choose just one, intimacy would win hands down!
When I attained a certain advanced intimacy with a man, and I don't just mean sex, I married him. -Hedy Lamarr

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

After Leslie brought home her fiance to meet her parents, her father invited the young man into his study to find out more about him.
"What are your plans?" he asked Joseph.
"I'm a scholar of the Torah," Joseph replied.
"Well, that's admirable," Leslie's father replied. "But what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter?"
"I will study, and God will surely provide for us," Joseph explained.
"And how will you buy her a nice engagement ring?"
"I will study hard, and God will provide for us."
"And children?" asked the father. "How will you support children?"
"Don't worry, sir, God will provide," replied the fiance.
The conversation continued in much the same fashion. After Joseph and Leslie had left, her mother asked her father what he found out.
The father answered, "Well, he has no job and no plans, but the good news is that he thinks I'm God."

HE SAID....

  
Tony Walker
When I first watched this commercial I started thinking about how stupid men can be. I can say that because I am one of the stupidest. Then my thoughts took me further. I thought about how stupid we all are.
Think about it.
Just like the commercial shows, we judge women because they don't have a penis.
We judge blacks, asians, indians, etc. because of the color of their skin. 
We judge people by their religious beliefs. 
We judge people because of a disability.
We judge people by how much money they have or don't have.
We judge someone based on how their hair looks.
And I am sure all of you can add to this list.
So I want you to look at this list & think about it... really think about it. How ridiculous is this?

SHE SAID

Marion Pellicano Ambrose
Sexist Tire Commercial, A Sign of the Times
In 1970, Goodyear produced a commercial for their new tires. Looking at it now, we think “How sexist and stereotypical!” And certainly, it was, but let’s take a look at what the world was like for women in the 1970’s.
On TV, the shows to watch were Mary Tyler Moore, Charlie’s Angels and The Bionic Woman. On the surface these seem like independent, working women who know their own mind and achieve success. In reality, they were women who are given their “power” by men. Lou Grant hires Mary and she answers to him. The “Angels” are ruled by Charlie and his sidekick Bosley. Jamie, the Bionic Woman, was created and controlled by Oscar. All three use some form of female persuasion to get things they want. Jamie and the Angels use sex appeal while Mary uses old fashioned, motherly caring. This was as far into the female liberation movement as TV was willing to go.

Commercials also tried to portray female independence but in a sexist way. The popular Virginia Slims commercials with the familiar "You've Come a Long Way, Baby”, for example. In the background, they flashed pictures of women in the 20’s and 30’s being punished by men (husbands, clergy, police officers) for smoking cigarettes. The ads showed slim, classy looking ladies smoking, as if puffing on a Virginia Slims cigarette was a personal rebellion against women’s traditional roles.

It’s no surprise then, that Goodyear would produce a commercial that would be aimed at husbands, who were the major breadwinners and decision makers for most families at the time. It played on their protective instincts and masculine egos. I’m sure, even today; it would strike a chord with some husbands and fathers.


So is the Goodyear commercial of 1970 sexist, yes, definitely. But that was the 70’s and this is now. According to Ford, statistics show that women are directly responsible for 45-50 percent of all new vehicles purchased in the United States, and they have a direct influence on up to 80 percent of all vehicle sales.

Margaret Brooks, marketing director for small cars and crossovers at Chevrolet, says GM does lots of target market exploration when developing new cars. “It is now critical to understand what women consider most when buying a new car since she is ultimately going to not only drive the purchase decision, but be the driver and the one we ultimately need to satisfy,” says Brooks. You can bet that Goodyear would never, in a million years, produce a commercial like this one in 2011. Women are large and in charge of their own lives today and are a force to be reckoned with. We truly have come a long way baby!


Take a look for yourelf: Sexist or not? You tell us!

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=rC5aGCOT6bs&feature=player_embedded

These were the 70's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znrjbo9QRLk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J30lYdanqV8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeFLbUIFl5Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEdWvYA0icg


Monday, August 15, 2011

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Funny Quotes From Insurance Claim Forms

  • "I pulled into a lay-by with smoke coming from under the bonnet. I realized the car was on fire so took my dog and smothered it with a blanket."
  • "On approach to the traffic lights the car in front suddenly broke."
  • "I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident."
  • "I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed over the embankment."
  • "The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention."
  • "I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way."
  • "In an attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole."
  • "I had been shopping for plants all day and was on my way home. As I reached an intersection a hedge sprang up obscuring my vision and I did not see the other car."
  • "An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished."
  • "I was thrown from the car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows."

EATERY IS OPEN - BASIL PESTO

Basil Rubbed Leaves

 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil  
  • 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

1 Combine the basil in and add the garlic, pulse a few times more in food processor.
2 Add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

KARMA....

Tony Walker
Yesterday I was with Bobby "Be A Rock Star" Donohue. We were working on some Planet Bonehead stuff with my Drop Dead Comedy partner April Keough. (How's that for a bunch of plugs? LOL)
Bobby & I got into a discussion about the law of attraction, positive energy, etc.

Bobby looked at all the pro-CWA things I've been posting on Facebook & YouTube during this time of striking against Verigreedy.

He felt that my posts against the company is putting negative energy out there which will bring negative energy back to me.

I disagreed. I explained to him that I didn't feel like my posts were negative. I told him that I am just reporting what is going on since I feel people should be aware of it. Sure I am making my opinion known to a certain degree but so what.

Rock Star felt that all this anti-company stuff is bad for me. Anti anything is bad for anyone. Pro-CWA stiff is good for me. Pro-anything is good for anyone is basically what Bobby was saying.
While I do agree with him my I admitted to him that I am enjoying the posts. I'm enjoying going to picket lines & seeing my fellow CWA brothers & sisters, especially the ones I know but haven't seen in a long time. Since I am not currently working there I don't see anyone anymore. After what Verigreedy did to me I am enjoying seeing them get screwed.

So I asked Bobby if I should step back from any negativity & let karma take it's course. He said yes.
Here's my dilemma-what if my posts & enjoyment of participating in picket lines is my karma?
I talked to my wife who also believe in the law of attraction.

She agreed with Rock Star but also agreed with me. She said that the universe doesn't look at my opinion. The universe just looks at what I am putting out there as positive or negative. And yes, my anti-verigreedy posts are negative. BUT what about fighting with my CWA members? We're fighting for a good cause. The law of attraction doesn't say we sit back while someone else does the work. The law of attraction says we have to make choices & make things happen for ourselves. Aren't I doing that? Aren't I making things happen for my fellow CWA members & their families?

Yes I have moved on to my new life since verigreedy dumped me. Hopefully my lawsuit will start moving soon, but in the meantime I am enjoying this. I got majorly screwed by this company without a kiss & this is the first time, after 6 years, that I am doing something in response. How many times have you said, "Boy I'd like to see them get theirs!" Well isn't this my chance to see them getting theirs? Is there something wrong with participating in it? After all it was me they screwed.... why not enjoy this?
Am I even making sense?

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TONIGHT? TAKE OVER THE WORLD!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose
Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolph Hitler, Gaius Julius Caesar, Pinky and the Brain: They all have something in common, World Domination! 
Throughout history there have always been, and will always be those who dream of “taking over the world”. I’ve always had difficulty understanding why anyone would want to do this. I love the idea of diversity and the multitude of different customs and beliefs to be found all over the globe. Why would anyone want to blend us all into one boring empire?
New York's Little Italy
One of the reasons I love living in the United States is the amazing variety of cultures, races, religions and customs of the different people living here. Coming from New York, I know the great pleasure of having a Jewish deli, Italian restaurant, French bistro and Irish pub all on the same block! On weekends we would all go up to China town for authentic Chinese food or Little Italy for the best pastries on earth. We could have a Guinness (or in my case some good Irish tea) at McSorley’s Bar and then hop over to Brooklyn for the Chili Pepper Fiesta! One minute you could be doing the polka in a Polish club and then the next sitting in on a new age séance in the village! The options are endless!
McSorely's Pub
I’m all for world peace, cooperation between nations, and fair, humane treatment for all people, but why can’t we just live and let live, accepting our differences as blessings instead of obstacles?  Believe me, I know it isn’t as simple as that, but I think this world would be a happier, more interesting place to live if we could all give up the idea of “taking over the world”!  Sorry Brain!

Dancing the Polka


Chinatown, New York


Sunday, August 14, 2011

WANNA LAUGH?!?!


A dog ran into a butcher shop and grabbed a roast off the counter. Fortunately, the butcher recognized the dog as belonging to a neighbor of his. The neighbor happened to be a lawyer.
Incensed at the theft, the butcher called up his neighbor and said, "Hey, if your dog stole a roast from my butcher shop, would you be liable for the cost of the meat?"
The lawyer replied, "Of course, how much was the roast?"
"$17.98." said the butcher.
A few days later the butcher received a check in the mail for $17.98. Attached to it was an invoice that read: Legal Consultation Service: $150

SUNDAY TRIVIA

Did you know...

On average women say 7,000 words per day. Men manage just over 2000.

A penguin swims at a speed of approximately 15 miles per hour.

Approximately 850 peanuts make a 18 oz jar of peanut butter.

Babies are born with 300 bones, but by adulthood we have only 206 in our bodies.

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City hung Matisse's ‘Le Bateau’ upside-down for 47 days before an art student noticed the error.

Three-hundred-million cells die in the human body every minute.

Women's hearts beat faster than men's.

Uranus is the only planet that rotates on its side.

There are 1,792 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

A cough releases an explosive charge of air that moves at speeds up to 60 mph.

Most men have erections every hour to hour and a half during sleep.

A 1.5 oz. milk chocolate bar has only 220 calories.
A 1.75 oz. serving of potato chips has 230 calories.

Frederic-August Bartholdi sculpted The Statue of Liberty.

Sea water is approximately 3.5 percent salt.

Ancient Chinese artists would never paint pictures of women’s feet.

A honey bee must tap two million flowers to make one pound of honey.

The largest stained-glass window in the world is at Kennedy International Airport in New York City. It can be seen on the American Airlines terminal building and measures 300 feet long by 23 feet high.

Aunt Jemima pancake flour, invented in 1889, was the first ready-mix food to be sold commercially.

An arabica coffee tree can produce up to 12 pounds of coffee a year, depending on soil and climate.

3 medium size bananas weigh approximately 1 pound.

Chocolate was introduced into the United States in 1765 when cocoa beans were brought from the West Indies to Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Raw coffee beans, soaked in water and spices, are chewed like candy in many parts of Africa.

A person will die from total lack of sleep sooner than from starvation. Death will occur about 10 days without sleep, while starvation takes a few weeks.

Since Hindus don't eat beef, the McDonald's in New Delhi makes its burgers with mutton.

The difference between apple juice and apple cider is that apple juice is the juice of the fruit only, and apple cider is the whole apple-skins, seeds, and all- which gives it the fuller body and deeper color. The juice is pasteurized and the cider is not.

In 1995, KFC sold 11 pieces of chicken for every man, woman and child in the US.

In Hershey, Pennsylvania, the streetlights along "Chocolate Avenue" are in the shape of Hershey Kisses.

The average person will consume 10,000 chocolate bars in a lifetime.

Beethoven who was a coffee lover, was so particular about his coffee that he always counted 60 beans each cup when he prepared his brew.