Barbara Ward-Finneran
Keep the promises that you make to yourself!
Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC
© All Rights Reserved
Sunday, December 18, 2011
SOUL FOOD
MUSIC HISTORY DECEMBER 18
1959: The Ohio State University Research Center issues a report showing that rock and roll is the overwhelming favorite music of people aged 14-18. However, most over the age of eighteen who were polled considered it their least favorite form of music.
1966: Elvis Presley's film Spinout premieres in Los Angeles.
1966: Chad and Jeremy appear as special guest stars on today's episode of ABC's Batman show.
1967:: Dick Clark announces that he's filming a movie about hippies, The Love Children, starring Jack Nicholson and Dean Stockwell and featuring the music of Strawberry Alarm Clock and the Seeds.
1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono begin their "Bagism" project, arriving at London's Hyde Park inside a white bag located in a white Rolls Royce, and then giving a protest speech -- from inside the bag -- on behalf of executed prisoner James Hanratty. (The idea was that the press and skeptics would have to listen to their words without being distracted by celebrity.)
1971: Radical John Sinclair is released from prison.
1972: The film Born To Boogie, a biopic of T. Rex's Marc Bolan directed by Ringo Starr, premieres in London.
1972: Alexander's department store in New York City stays open late so that Alice Cooper, who is wearing silver pants and a "Paul Lives" button, can do his Christmas shopping.
1977: The film Saturday Night Fever opens in New York City, singlehandedly reviving the dead "disco" fad and turning it into a genuine national obsession.
1980: At widow Yoko Ono's request, a ten-minute worldwide silent vigil is held at 2:00 PM EST for John Lennon, who had been shot down just six days earlier. Over 100,000 observe the vigil in New York's Central Park alone, while 30,000 observe the vigil in Liverpool.
1985: James Taylor marries actress Kathryn Walker.
1992: On the same day he files for bankruptcy, Merle Haggard becomes the father of a son, Binion Louis Haggard.
1995: ABC airs the Frank Sinatra tribute special Sinatra: 80 Years My Way, featuring performances by Little Richard, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, among others.
1995: The FBI, acting on a judge's order, releases most (but not all) of its documents revealing the organization's attempts to deport John Lennon.
1999: In a much-publicized show, Paul McCartney returns to play the Cavern Club in Liverpool for the first time since 1963. Joining him are Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Deep Purple's Ian Paice.
2001: Billy Preston pleads guilty to insurance fraud in a Los Angeles court and agrees to testify against six other defendants in the same case.
1966: Elvis Presley's film Spinout premieres in Los Angeles.
1966: Chad and Jeremy appear as special guest stars on today's episode of ABC's Batman show.
1967:: Dick Clark announces that he's filming a movie about hippies, The Love Children, starring Jack Nicholson and Dean Stockwell and featuring the music of Strawberry Alarm Clock and the Seeds.
1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono begin their "Bagism" project, arriving at London's Hyde Park inside a white bag located in a white Rolls Royce, and then giving a protest speech -- from inside the bag -- on behalf of executed prisoner James Hanratty. (The idea was that the press and skeptics would have to listen to their words without being distracted by celebrity.)
1971: Radical John Sinclair is released from prison.
1972: The film Born To Boogie, a biopic of T. Rex's Marc Bolan directed by Ringo Starr, premieres in London.
1972: Alexander's department store in New York City stays open late so that Alice Cooper, who is wearing silver pants and a "Paul Lives" button, can do his Christmas shopping.
1977: The film Saturday Night Fever opens in New York City, singlehandedly reviving the dead "disco" fad and turning it into a genuine national obsession.
1980: At widow Yoko Ono's request, a ten-minute worldwide silent vigil is held at 2:00 PM EST for John Lennon, who had been shot down just six days earlier. Over 100,000 observe the vigil in New York's Central Park alone, while 30,000 observe the vigil in Liverpool.
1985: James Taylor marries actress Kathryn Walker.
1992: On the same day he files for bankruptcy, Merle Haggard becomes the father of a son, Binion Louis Haggard.
1995: ABC airs the Frank Sinatra tribute special Sinatra: 80 Years My Way, featuring performances by Little Richard, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, among others.
1995: The FBI, acting on a judge's order, releases most (but not all) of its documents revealing the organization's attempts to deport John Lennon.
1999: In a much-publicized show, Paul McCartney returns to play the Cavern Club in Liverpool for the first time since 1963. Joining him are Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Deep Purple's Ian Paice.
2001: Billy Preston pleads guilty to insurance fraud in a Los Angeles court and agrees to testify against six other defendants in the same case.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 17
| - 1986 | Vanessa Zima (24) | |
| - 1979 | Ryan Key (31) | |
| - 1978 | Manny Pacquiao (32) | |
| - 1978 | Chase Utley (32) | |
| - 1975 | Milla Jovovich (35) | |
| - 1974 | Duff Goldman (36) | |
| - 1958 | Mike Mills (52) | |
| - 1953 | Bill Pullman (57) | |
| - 1947 | Wes Studi (63) | |
| - 1946 | Eugene Levy (64) | |
| - 1945 | Chris Matthews (65) | |
| - 1930 | Bob Guccione (80) | |
| - 1929 | William Safire (81) | |
| - 1894 | Arthur Fiedler (116) |
Friday, December 16, 2011
LONG ISLAND STUDENTS SUSPENDED...
Dawn Boyle
...for praying?
If you are a football fan you most likely have heard of Tim Tebow andTebowing, which was made headlines for his devotion to his faith and displaying that on the sidelines during games. Two students in Riverhead, New York have been suspended for one-day on Wednesday, after three days of taking a knee with their foreheads resting on their fists and apparently clogging the hallway of their school. Reports said that the students had been Tebowing all week, starting Monday. It was meant to be a joke, only paying homage to one of pro football's newest stars. But other students started joining in and administrators claimed it had become a disturbance. District officials reportedly told the students that the celebration was making it unsafe for students walking the hall in between classes.
I have to say this is probably the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard and if this was any other religious or cultural gesture the school would not be suspending students, rather jockeying a litigation team to deal with being sued.
In the world we live in where kids are bullying others and committing suicide due to the bullying - give me a break! Even if it started out as a joke for these students wouldn't we want our kids to display signs of Faith rather than signs of hate?
I have to say this is probably the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard and if this was any other religious or cultural gesture the school would not be suspending students, rather jockeying a litigation team to deal with being sued.
In the world we live in where kids are bullying others and committing suicide due to the bullying - give me a break! Even if it started out as a joke for these students wouldn't we want our kids to display signs of Faith rather than signs of hate?
FEARING THE WORST...
Tony Walker
It's not Halloween but I am going to share with a scary story.
If you've read my posts you may know that I have a 12 year old autistic daughter. She is very high functioning but just makes the spectrum.
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011. A day I will never forget.
My daughter is in the drama club at her middle school. She attends the regular middle school in the town we live in. Last year she joined the club. She had no friends in the club. None of the "typical" kids would talk to her yet she loved going. This year one of her classmates is in the club. Yay!
When any after school activity is over the main office is open so kids can use a phone to call someone for a ride. In my daughter's case she always used that phone or her friend's cell to call me. A rehearsal schedule was not given out yet so I had no idea what time rehearsal would be over so I could expect my call.
Around 515 I realized she should be home. My wife was working so my son & I ran up to the middle school. The security guard told us that the drama club let out at least 45 minutes prior to us getting there. Immediately I went into "Oh shit" mode. Panic.
My son & I walked the parking lot. We split up to look around the middle school. We ran over to the high school which is right next door. Nothing.
We went back home in case someone gave her a ride. Nothing.
I know the parents of the friend who is drama club with her. So I called their house. The friend was absent from school that day.
I cannot describe to you the feelings I felt while this was happening. Is my girl gone? This happens to other people, not us! Am I going to be one of those people crying to Diane Sawyer on TV pleading for my girl's return? I kept picturing her face. My son was ready to burst. I had to keep it together for him.
A buddy of mine who happened to stop by right at that moment agreed to stay at my house to man the phones as I head out to search.
We went back to the school. Still nothing. As we started driving up & down Wantagh Ave my son is practically begging me to call the cops. I considered calling my father in law who lives nearby & is a retired policeman. I thought about calling my wife. I figured I don't need to call anyone, she's fine. Then again I was also thinking I need to call someone, she's gone! Every face you see on the street I studied. Every person I made eye contact with I hoped was going to be someone with info. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.
This went on for over an hour.
Finally my buddy called me. He said my dog started barking so my buddy looked out the window. Nothing. But something had to be up if the dog was barking. All of a sudden in the backyard was my girl.
He called me. I raced home. I grabbed my girl who looked frazzled. She said the main office was closed, the security guard was on his phone for a long time, & her friend was absent. One of the main symptoms of autism is the lack of social skills-my daughter asked 2 girls she didn't know (which was a major thing for her to do) if she could borrow their cells. These girls were "typical" girls. They both said no. My daughter panicked so she ended up walking home. She went the long way.... crossing some major roads & walking close to 3 miles.... IN THE DARK!!!! My heart races just thinking about it. Sure enough the very next day in our town someone tried to throw a teenage girl into a van.
Needless to say I ran up to the school the next morning to kick some ass. Why would the teachers (yes there are more than one at drama club) leave the place without checking to see if everyone, especially the special needs child, is accounted for? Why is the security guard yapping on his phone instead of doing his job?? Why are the "typical" kids so freaking mean?? I thought there was a lot more acceptance these days!!
All school districts need to supply more knowledge, understanding, & acceptance into the general population of their schools, plain & simple. Autism numbers are rising all the time. Practically everyone is closely associated to someone with some kind of autism these days. I am appalled that these things happen.
I went out & bought her a cell phone the very next day.
Have you ever experienced something like this?
A few years ago my daughter's bus was lost for 2 hours. We were freaking out then too but I don't wanna make this post an even longer read. Point being no matter how many times this happens you never get used to it. The most scary feelings you will ever have, believe me.
It's not Halloween but I am going to share with a scary story.
If you've read my posts you may know that I have a 12 year old autistic daughter. She is very high functioning but just makes the spectrum.
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011. A day I will never forget.
My daughter is in the drama club at her middle school. She attends the regular middle school in the town we live in. Last year she joined the club. She had no friends in the club. None of the "typical" kids would talk to her yet she loved going. This year one of her classmates is in the club. Yay!
When any after school activity is over the main office is open so kids can use a phone to call someone for a ride. In my daughter's case she always used that phone or her friend's cell to call me. A rehearsal schedule was not given out yet so I had no idea what time rehearsal would be over so I could expect my call.
Around 515 I realized she should be home. My wife was working so my son & I ran up to the middle school. The security guard told us that the drama club let out at least 45 minutes prior to us getting there. Immediately I went into "Oh shit" mode. Panic.
My son & I walked the parking lot. We split up to look around the middle school. We ran over to the high school which is right next door. Nothing.
We went back home in case someone gave her a ride. Nothing.
I know the parents of the friend who is drama club with her. So I called their house. The friend was absent from school that day.
I cannot describe to you the feelings I felt while this was happening. Is my girl gone? This happens to other people, not us! Am I going to be one of those people crying to Diane Sawyer on TV pleading for my girl's return? I kept picturing her face. My son was ready to burst. I had to keep it together for him.
A buddy of mine who happened to stop by right at that moment agreed to stay at my house to man the phones as I head out to search.
We went back to the school. Still nothing. As we started driving up & down Wantagh Ave my son is practically begging me to call the cops. I considered calling my father in law who lives nearby & is a retired policeman. I thought about calling my wife. I figured I don't need to call anyone, she's fine. Then again I was also thinking I need to call someone, she's gone! Every face you see on the street I studied. Every person I made eye contact with I hoped was going to be someone with info. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.
This went on for over an hour.
Finally my buddy called me. He said my dog started barking so my buddy looked out the window. Nothing. But something had to be up if the dog was barking. All of a sudden in the backyard was my girl.
He called me. I raced home. I grabbed my girl who looked frazzled. She said the main office was closed, the security guard was on his phone for a long time, & her friend was absent. One of the main symptoms of autism is the lack of social skills-my daughter asked 2 girls she didn't know (which was a major thing for her to do) if she could borrow their cells. These girls were "typical" girls. They both said no. My daughter panicked so she ended up walking home. She went the long way.... crossing some major roads & walking close to 3 miles.... IN THE DARK!!!! My heart races just thinking about it. Sure enough the very next day in our town someone tried to throw a teenage girl into a van.
Needless to say I ran up to the school the next morning to kick some ass. Why would the teachers (yes there are more than one at drama club) leave the place without checking to see if everyone, especially the special needs child, is accounted for? Why is the security guard yapping on his phone instead of doing his job?? Why are the "typical" kids so freaking mean?? I thought there was a lot more acceptance these days!!
All school districts need to supply more knowledge, understanding, & acceptance into the general population of their schools, plain & simple. Autism numbers are rising all the time. Practically everyone is closely associated to someone with some kind of autism these days. I am appalled that these things happen.
I went out & bought her a cell phone the very next day.
Have you ever experienced something like this?
A few years ago my daughter's bus was lost for 2 hours. We were freaking out then too but I don't wanna make this post an even longer read. Point being no matter how many times this happens you never get used to it. The most scary feelings you will ever have, believe me.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
HUG IT OUT
Deanna Verbouwens
I am in inadequate hugger when my children need it most, and I need an intervention. It’s just not a natural instinct for me to hug them when they fall or get hurt. I can hug the shit out of them in a normal environment, cuddle up watching TV, reading a book, tickle them and kiss them up until they tell me to stop but once the hurt starts, the tears start flowing my initial reaction is “Get over it” or “Shake it Off”. It literally takes my brain a few seconds to activate the” Oh, shit I should probably hug them” brain cell. It’s like my brain’s defibrillator needs to be fine-tuned because now those shocks are coming in at a turtle’s speed and it ain’t doing nothing for me. It shouldn’t take a good 5-to-15 seconds for my brain to register comfort, hugs, love… but it does.
The littlest bugger pummeled Richie and smacked the crap out of him with a plastic elephant, which I know hurt, it had too; there was no way it couldn’t. What did I do? I turned around, and walked to the kitchen, than a full 15 seconds later it registered that the poor little guy must be in pain. I know, I know, I am SO getting Mother of Year award, the plaque is being engraved and I believe it’s being shipped out as I write this. What’s wrong me with me? I am really trying to figure this one out as I’ve noticed in recent weeks that my response rate to any injury is terrible, thank goodness I am not employed by EMS. I shudder thinking about those poor people I would have let down, I would have been fired. I wonder if my children notice that I let them cry it out instead of running to their aid. I am actually training myself to stop what I am doing the minute I hear the hurt happen and go to their aid; it’s hard, very hard. I mean, I just had to stop writing this wonderful blog to comfort Richie. The two-year old with full force, with the fire in his eyes, his little body moving so fast it looked like his feet were flying, grunting like a weight lifter from one end of the basement to the other sacked Richie as if he was a linebacker for the New York Giants. Knocked the crap out of him. Richie didn’t know what hit him; the poor little bugger looked like he got knocked out by Tyson, but thankfully he still had his ear.
I am wondering if the fact that I grew up with four sisters and a sick dad made an impact on my response. We fought but with words, rarely with anything physical – we’re not angels. We laid the smack down but only when we really had too. But our words, our words could cut you like a knife, they still can. I mean, my older sister was overweight and we came up with the most hurtful thing in the world to call her “Blubber Harry”. We slung that in her direction any chance we got. I actually apologized last year (okay, a little late) but c’mon, you couldn’t get any meaner. We were mean, mean, mean.
The littlest bugger pummeled Richie and smacked the crap out of him with a plastic elephant, which I know hurt, it had too; there was no way it couldn’t. What did I do? I turned around, and walked to the kitchen, than a full 15 seconds later it registered that the poor little guy must be in pain. I know, I know, I am SO getting Mother of Year award, the plaque is being engraved and I believe it’s being shipped out as I write this. What’s wrong me with me? I am really trying to figure this one out as I’ve noticed in recent weeks that my response rate to any injury is terrible, thank goodness I am not employed by EMS. I shudder thinking about those poor people I would have let down, I would have been fired. I wonder if my children notice that I let them cry it out instead of running to their aid. I am actually training myself to stop what I am doing the minute I hear the hurt happen and go to their aid; it’s hard, very hard. I mean, I just had to stop writing this wonderful blog to comfort Richie. The two-year old with full force, with the fire in his eyes, his little body moving so fast it looked like his feet were flying, grunting like a weight lifter from one end of the basement to the other sacked Richie as if he was a linebacker for the New York Giants. Knocked the crap out of him. Richie didn’t know what hit him; the poor little bugger looked like he got knocked out by Tyson, but thankfully he still had his ear.
I am wondering if the fact that I grew up with four sisters and a sick dad made an impact on my response. We fought but with words, rarely with anything physical – we’re not angels. We laid the smack down but only when we really had too. But our words, our words could cut you like a knife, they still can. I mean, my older sister was overweight and we came up with the most hurtful thing in the world to call her “Blubber Harry”. We slung that in her direction any chance we got. I actually apologized last year (okay, a little late) but c’mon, you couldn’t get any meaner. We were mean, mean, mean.
MOMMIES R US....
One baby crying, two toddlers fighting , only three lanes open , four Barbies flying , FIIIIIIIIIIVVVE PONY TALE WEARING MOMS!!!!!!
Yes, the Christmas dash is on and the new mommy and me meeting spot these days seems to be Toy R Us.
As we were gathered around the board game aisle , in outfits we vowed not to be wearing when we became moms, you know - sweats , a t-shirt that was okay for your child to wipe his/her mouth on , bear paw slipper/shoes and of course the traditional mom pony tale - frizz free and pulled back tight enough to make your eyes look wide awake and refreshed. I remember distinctly saying to myself when I saw someone dressed so ," I would never dress that way when I become a mom", now knee deep in it I see the rational.
We all paused in the board game aisle took a deep breath , glanced at each other - laughed and shook our heads in some bewildered state of comradeship . Talks of the outrageous price of a board games (Doggie Doo Game - $24.99, do I really need to pay for a toy to crap in my house and clean up after it - hello - mom of three boys here!!) and break your bank account LEGOS, that will probably be completed in twenty minutes($150.00 later) , In the midst of the Christmas kaos it was a nice breather.
We exchanged gift ideas , where something may be less expensive , yet - is it worth the gas money to drive and purchase it elsewhere? What's the hot toy everyone is on a treasure hunt for? Complaining about the lack of registers open when people are looking for jobs even a few laughs.
Even on line there were some thoughtful do gooders, handing coupons back and forth if someone saw something in your wagon they were't purchasing or didn't make the limit to use a certain coupon. I have to say that even at the register ( forty minute wait repeating -"don't touch that - annnnd don't touch that!) the cashiers seemed to be non - robotic and shared a little holiday spirit interaction.
So , if you think your alone, the only crazy person on the planet who's head is spinning in all directions waiting for your eyes to catch up and focus during these last few shopping days and preparation for Christmas GOOD NEWS - YOU'RE NOT!
Buckle up and enjoy the sleigh ride my friends , the holiday season comes once a year ( exhale), next year we're all a year older (don't be scared) , we hope and pray they still "BELIEVE" ( threaten them if they don't - wink wink) , and don't forget the egg nog!!!!!
Merry Christmas!
Natalie
WOULD YOU LET THIS WOMAN TOUCH YOUR PENIS.....WITH A NEEDLE???
This New Jersey
Justin Street, 22, at her home, inEast Orange , New Jersey
Rivera was arrested and bail was set at $75,000. She was also charged with unauthorized practice of medicine. Police believe there are other victims out there and are calling for them to come forward.Justin Street, 22, at her home, in
Honestly, I can understand men and women wanting to enhance their natural attributes, but to go to some untrained, unlicensed stranger’s non sterile apartment for such a procedure? Really? I think it’s taking enough of a chance going to a licensed professional these days!
My wish for the New Year: Let’s love and appreciate people for who they are inside and what they do for others. Let’s also recognize that not everyone needs to look like a model or movie star. Some of the most amazing people I’ve had the joy of loving and sharing friendship with would not fit society’s definition of “beautiful”, and yet, they are truly the MOST Beautiful, lovely, attractive, endearing, treasured and adored people in my life. Some are gone and in my memory they are and always will be, perfect! I wish all of you the good fortune of having such people in your life;
Happy Holidays to all you beautiful people!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Marion’s Best Cookie Cutter Sugar Cookies
Attending a cookie exchange, having the neighborhood kids over, or going to a friend's Christmas party? You can never go wrong with a really good basic sugar cookie. These have been my favorite for the past 30 years. I've yet to find another recipe that is as easy and produces such delicious cookies!
Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and egg and keep blending. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well. Add baking powder. When well blended, roll out on floured surface to 1/8” thickness. Dip cookie cutters in flour and cut shapes. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Bake for 6-7 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack. Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1tsp vanilla
1 egg
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and egg and keep blending. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well. Add baking powder. When well blended, roll out on floured surface to 1/8” thickness. Dip cookie cutters in flour and cut shapes. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Bake for 6-7 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack. Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.
Optional: cookies can be decorated with icing or drizzled with melted chocolate.
SURVIVING THE HOLI-HATES!
Dawn Boyle
We are days away from either enjoying ourselves and our families OR suffering through yet another year of WTF?
Here are a few simple suggestions that should you through the days ahead!
1. If you think you didn't buy enough, you did. Go take a look in the closet and see exactly how much the kids haven't even opened from last year! If you still have a certain person that you just can't figure out what to get, bring them to or make them a special dinner or take them to a show. I bet you have no idea what you got or gave for Christmas, but will remember time spent with special people.
2. Stop being jealous of your siblings...some have more money or a bigger house or was you parents favorite, but get over it! Stop dwelling on things that you can not change! The only way to enjoy yourself will be to let it go and remember YOU ARE FAMILY!!
3. Remember why we are celebrating. The reason for the season. It might not be about the birth of Christ for you, but it is about joy and peace. Find a moment to reflect on all the positive things in your life and encourage your kids to do so as well, it will brighten up the darkest day.
4. If you want to kill your mother-in-law throughout the year, this is usually magnified during the holidays. Give her a break. Remember that without her, you wouldn't have your significant other (good or bad). Let things roll off your back. It will be January 2 in no time and will be months before you have to deal with her again!
5. Don't let the holiday cheer get the best of you! Aside from the fact that you are probably already run down, the booze will only intensify those "liquid" feelings! Keep the consumption to a minimum and actually enjoy the day after!
6. Last but not least, surround yourself with your older relatives. You don't realize how much of a blessing they are until it is too late. Listen to stories, bring out old photo albums or videos. Remember those who you lost but appreciate those you still have!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & GOOD LUCK!!
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