MUSIC HISTORY DECEMBER 3

1966 - The first Monkees concert was held, in Honolulu, HI.
1967 - The Supremes were guest on "Tennessee" Ernie Ford's TV special.
1968 - Elvis Presley's NBC-TV special "Elvis" was aired.
1969 - John Lennon was asked to play the title role in "Jesus Christ, Superstar." The offer was revoked the next day.
1971 - The Montreaux Casino was destroyed by fire during a show by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention.
1973 - Ringo Starr released the song "You're Sixteen." It was his second straight number one single.
1976 - The Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the U.K." was released.
1976 - Seven gunman fired shots into Bob Marley's home in Kingston, Jamaica where he and the Wailers were rehearsing. No one was seriously hurt.
1979 - At Cincinnati's Riverfront Coliseum eleven Who fans were trampled to death in the rush to gain admittance for general (unreserved) seats to the band's concert.
1986 - A lawsuit was filed against Judas Priest and CBS Records, alleging that two fans shot themselves after listening to the band's music for six hours.
1990 - Nightline aired Madonna's video for "Justify My Love." The previous week MTV had banned the video.
1991 - Gilby Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin as rhythm guitarist for Guns 'N' Roses.
1991 - Alan Freed received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1995 - Prince opened the inaugural VH1 Fashion Awards.
1997 - Janet Jackson got an injunction against Eric Leon Christian, who she claimed had been harassing her.
1998 - La Mafia announced its retirement after a 20-year career.
2002 - It was announced that Peter Garrett had quit Midnight Oil after 25 years.
2004 - The iTunes Music Store was launched in Canada.

EATERY IS OPEN - OSSO BUCO

 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds veal shanks, cut into short lengths
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 2/3 cup dry white wine
• 2/3 cup beef stock
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• salt and pepper to taste
•  1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Directions

1. Dust the veal shanks lightly with flour. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the veal, and cook until browned on the outside. Remove to a bowl, and keep warm. Add two cloves of crushed garlic and onion to the skillet; cook and stir until onion is tender. Return the veal to the pan and mix in the carrot and wine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Pour in the tomatoes and beef stock, and season with salt and pepper. Cover, and simmer over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, basting the veal every 15 minutes or so. The meat should be tender, but not falling off the bone.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, 1 clove of garlic and lemon zest. Mix into the veal just before serving.

FEAR NOT!

Deanna Verbouwens

Drowning, Abductions, Choking, Oh MY! I keep myself awake at night thinking about all these terrible things that could happen to my children. These are fears that send me running for a bag of Lays along with getting run-over, home-invasions, and fire (I get some sense of security when my FDNY hubby is home, I know he can handle at least one thing besides playing solitaire on the PC). I realize that the chances of these things happening are rare, well maybe not too rare but the odds are probably NOT against me. Illogical perhaps, scary as Jason sure and definitely a little bit crazy. Absof**kinglutley. And here’s how crazy--I have a ritual before bed each night, I set-up booby traps by every door and window, then I check on the kids to make sure they’re breathing, next I take the cell phone into my bedroom and turn off the lights to make sure I can dial 911 in the dark, and last but not least I run several different escape plans through my head before I close my eyes. I know, I know, crazy as drunk doing the Macarena.

You’d think that I would have had homing devices implanted in my kid’s asses or at least wrap them in bubble wrap before they left the house. Hey, now that I think about it - not bad ideas. The homing devices would be magical when they are teenagers because I’d know where they were at all times. I can see it now: I’d have a map in the my closet covered with little red push pins as I tracked their every move and maybe I could rig it so an alarm would sound when they hit the local 7-11 to try and buy beer with a fake ID of some random 52 year old man. Now that would give me peace of mind.

Ahhh a mom can dream, but since that’s not happening, how do I find the balance? I need to make sure my kids are protected from the ills of the world and give them enough freedom so they’re not neurotic messes and afraid of their own shadow by age 15. Do I prohibit them from doing anything that is remotely dangerous or send them out there to break every bone in their body? How do I successfully implement the “Don’t talk to strangers” spiel when I reprimand them when they don’t respond to a stranger in Target who have just asked them their age. Now that one is a 100% walking contradiction. Note to self, stress to the kids it’s only okay to talk to strangers when their with Mom and Dad.

So does anyone have any idea where the happy medium exists between becoming an over-protective neurotic Mom or the cool laid back chick that has it all under control? Maybe the answer is to take a little crazy from one and a little chill pill from the other. Like, I let them walk to their friend’s house when they are 15 but they have to call me when they arrive. Perhaps the perfect combination of instilling the right amount of common sense in my kids so they know to run when they see a white van, ’cause it’s always a white van right? Or a guy walking a dog, or a ball on the train tracks or a too big bite of chicken, or a… Oh shit, time for the chill pill.

Find more from Deanna:  www.theunnaturalmother.com

PRINCE WILLIAM; THE ROYAL HERO

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Prince William is being hailed a hero around the globe after piloting the Royal Air Force helicopter that rescued two Russian sailors in the Irish Sea. The cargo ship which suffered a cracked hull in gale force winds is still missing several crew members.

Prince William, known as Flight Lieutenant William Wales to his crew mates, serves in the Royal Air Force as his “day job”, a dangerous occupation for a future King. He has expressed a desire to remain active in the Air Force even after his term of service is over. Prince William spent 19 months training as a search and rescue pilot, qualifying in September of last year. He has been flying operational missions since then, and in another two years will rise to the rank of captain. He is to be posted to the Falkland Islands next year as part of his training. This has angered Argentinean politicians, who William has “put in their place” concerning exactly who owns the Falkland Islands in the past. Argentina still claims ownership causing the U.K. and Argentina to fight a brief conflict 30 years ago.

This is not the first story of William’s heroics. He and his crew flew their SeaKing helicopter into a remote area of North Wales in May, to save retired British Judge Nick Barnett. Barnett, 70 years old, had suffered a heart attack while hiking in the mountains. The Prince delayed his own honeymoon to participate in the rescue which transported Judge Barnett to the hospital, saving his life.

Unfortunately, in all my research I have been unable to find the names of the fellow crew members who, with Prince William, rescued the stranded sailors. They are all heroes and should be recognized as such. I’m sure Flight Lieutenant William Wales would agree.

WORLD AIDS DAY

About World AIDS Day

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

Why is World AIDS Day important?

More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

What should I do on World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding. Click here to find out the facts.
You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness.

 

www.worldaidsday.org

THE HOLIDAY SECRET

Today was the day! I got up early, popped in a Christmas CD and started to scrub, polish and sweep the house. It’s my annual after Thanksgiving house cleaning campaign. All the Thanksgiving decorations are down and packed away and the Christmas boxes are waiting! Once the floor dries, I’ll put up the tree, and then we’ll decorate, a little at a time, all night long. Tomorrow the elf village, Lladro Nativity and the “It’s a Wonderful Life” village will go up. By Monday, I’ll have the lighted holly garland up on the china cabinet and across the kitchen counters. My Whoville Christmas tree with a stuffed Grinch and his dog will fill my shelf over the refrigerator and my Precious Moments Christmas figurines will go on the shelf between the kitchen and living room. Little by little, every room in the house will be filled with Christmas cheer! My husband will put the lights up outside in his own good time. (I’ve learned not to nag or cajole.) The real Maine wreath will arrive on December 6^th, Sinterclaas Day, and our house will be complete!

Then the baking starts! Several kinds of cookies (candy cane cookies, German Christmas cookies, Ricotta cookies, sugar, chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies to start). Of course I’ll be baking my famous Whiskey Cakes, but hopefully this year I won’t set the kitchen on fire! ( http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/04/fire-fiasco.html)

I also make pistachio cakes for the neighbors and decorate them with sprigs of holly and poinsettia flowers. There’s nothing like the smell of fresh baked goods to set the mood for the holiday season!

I always have all my gifts bought way before Christmas, but now it’s time to start wrapping them! One year I thought I was smart and wrapped them as I bought them, but the tags fell off and I had to open each one to see what it was and who it was for. So let the wrapping begin! (I have to admit I do some cheating, I send fruit to the relatives up north and wreaths to the relatives down south.) I bought my Christmas wrap the day after Christmas last year, so I have plenty to choose from this year!

The final , dreaded job for Christmas is writing and mailing the Christmas cards. Don’t get me wrong, I love all my friends and relatives near and far. I love hearing from them, seeing pictures of their kids and reading family newsletters. I just hate writing mine out! I feel I have to put a personal note in them or people will think I don’t care, and it takes me forever!

WANNA LAUGH?!?!??!

A couple were having marital problems. They decided to do the right thing and contacted a marriage counselor.

Several visits followed when lots of questions were asked and lots of listening carried out. Eventually the counselor felt that he had discovered the main problem. He stood up, went over to the wife and asking her to stand up, he gave her a big hug.

He turned to the husband and said, "This is what your wife needs, at least once every day."

The husband frowned, considered what had been said for a moment, then replied, "OK, what time do you want me to bring her back tomorrow?"

WHAT MATTERS...

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Listening to children you love laughing.


Living with a thankful and generous heart.


Doing what's right.


Embracing the moment.


Loving unconditionally.


Liking what you see in the mirror.


Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!

J.R. MARTINEZ:HOMETOWN HERO

Did anyone call for a hometown hero? If so, I say it would be J.R. Martinez! Martinez was the winner of Season 13, “ Dancing With The Stars”. He was also chosen to be the Grand Marshall of the 2011 Rose Parade. Martinez has played the role of Brot Monroe on the TV Daytime Soap “All My Children” for the past 8 years. On the show, his character was in the Army, served in Iraq and sustained injuries. The role is perfect for Martinez because he too, served in Iraq.

 In April of 2003, Martinez was serving as a Humvee driver when the wheel of his vehicle ran over a landmine. He suffered from smoke inhalation and was severely burned over 40% of his body. He was sent to Germany for immediate care and then to Texas where he spent 34 months in the hospital undergoing 33 cosmetic and skin graft surgeries.

If that alone didn’t qualify Martinez to be a hero, how about this: While still in the hospital, he began talking to other burn victims, encouraging them and helping them begin the journey to recovery. Presently he serves as a member of the Board of Directors of The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.  He first attended the Phoenix Society's World Burn Congress in 2008,  and was a featured speaker at the 2010 World Burn Congress. Martinez has had a fellow burn survivor, Jenna Bullen, attend taping of "Dancing with the Stars" as his guest and has taped a public service announcement with her on behalf of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.

He is called on by a wide range of groups, including large corporations, veterans groups, non-profits and schools, and has shared the stage with the likes of global self-help guru Tony Robbins and Evangelist Dave Roever. In 2008, Martinez was honored as a "Shining Star of Perseverance" by the WillReturn Council of Assurant Employee Benefits. In 2009 Martinez was honored by the non-profit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) with the Veterans Leadership Award, given in recognition of his dedication to our nation's newest generation of veterans. Martinez has been featured in The Washington Post, People magazine, on CNN's Sunday Morning, on TV show 60 Minutes, and other major national news outlets.

I can’t think of a better role model than J.R. Martinez. His courage, intestinal fortitude, drive and concern for others makes him #1 in my book!

WHAT MATTERS...

Barbara Ward-Finneran

A thankful word.

The confidence dressing up gives you.

Having a party, just because...  

Knowing your blessings. 

Forever friends.

Anticipating something that brings you joy.

Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!

WANNA LAUGH?!?!??!?!

Author/Artist Unknown

MEET MAGGIE

Marion Pellicano Ambrose
Maggie is one of the Great Apes living at the Center for Great Apes in Wachula, Florida. She lives in a group of five adolescent chimpanzees… all retired from the entertainment world when they were still juveniles. Like many others at the sanctuary, Maggie worked for several years and appeared in a number of commercials and television shows, including the Tonight Show, until she became too large and dangerous to work around the public.

She arrived at the sanctuary in March 2005 with her younger siblings, Bella & Mowgli and now lives with Bella, Ellie, and twins Jonah & Jacob. Maggie spends most of her time in the company of the other females in the group – grooming, playing, and resting with them. She loves to clean the other chimpanzees’ faces, wiping their eyes, picking their noses, even cleaning out their ears. Even as an adolescent, Maggie is the most mature individual in her group. She is often seen up in the cupola or in the chutes just watching the others at play. 

Maggie is shy around people and only gives her friendship when she truly trusts someone. But she does enjoy playing a game with her caregivers, where she points at a spot and wants them to run to it. She could play that game all day. And, she also enjoys having her nails filed by the caregiver staff... sometimes taking the emery board and filing her own nails. Maggie is very tidy and likes to wash her hands in the hose.

WOMENS HATERS CLUB

 Tony Walker

This weeks He Said is something I've touched on before but I am bringing it up again.

The other day I was watching Jerry Maguire. I enjoy many parts of the movie. I enjoy the performances of Cuba, the little kid, & especially Renee Z. I think Renee is a delightful actress & she looks SO GOOD in this movie.

But mostly this movie pisses me off. 

What a poor depiction of women. Renee's character is miserable throughout the whole movie unless she has a man. Her whole happiness depends on Tom Cruise. 

Then Cruise isn't ready to commit because his career is a mess. But when his career picks up then he decides to commit? Sorry jackass... you love the girl no matter what!

Then I thought about Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts. I blogged about that one already so I won't go nuts here.... but that's another movie where the woman's life is not right until she finds a man. 

Where are you ladies? Why aren't you speaking up against movies like these? They're out in theatres all the time!

Now here's my concern... in Jerry Maguire there are a bunch of women who have their little "We Hate Men" club where they complain to each other about what jerks men are. You ladies help me out here... is this shit real? Are there really clubs like this?

Not to toot my own horn but I work very hard to make sure my wife is happy. My whole adult life the 90% of the guys who are my close friends do the same. Are there really that many guys out there that treat you ladies so bad that you need to form clubs to complain about us?

Sure there are guys who treat women like dirt but I know just as many women who treat men like dirt! Are we really that bad? The only club I know of where women are not allowed was on The Little Rascals!!! Us guys LOVE you girls!! We dedicate our whole lives to having sex with you ladies! What is it about us that make you hate us??

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Give all you've got and then dig deep and give a little more. 
All you'll lose is your regrets. 
It costs you nothing but the return is priceless.
Your power for greatness dwells within you - 
Trust it!
Unleash it! 

Live YOUR life - no regrets!

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC

©  All Rights Reserved

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RUN, KATE MIDDLETON, RUN!

MARION PELLICANO AMBROSE

Have you seen Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge? She’s drop dead gorgeous! Now, have you seen Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall? She has a horse’s face and hair like white straw. And here’s the clincher – Camilla has been giving beauty advice to Kate! Yes, Camilla has been advising the newest member of the Royal Family on her complexion.  Camilla has been a client of beauty therapist Deborah Mitchell, who treats her regularly with her £165 bee sting facial, hailed as a ‘non-surgical facelift’ – the organic alternative to Botox. The bee venom mask containing about one per cent bee venom, tricks the skin’s surface into thinking it has been stung, increasing its blood flow, collagen and elasticity.