Tuesday, March 3, 2009

OPEN DISCUSSION

Feel free to discuss what is on your mind.

67 comments:

Quiltart said...

A news conference will be held shortly to make an announcement about the Chandra Levy case. You can follow it on Washingtonpost.com
... Here is a link:http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2009/03/chandra_levy_case_arrest_annou.html

Nina Bell said...

Thanks Quiltart,

I have always had an interest in that case.

Mom said...

I just watched a very heart-wrenching story on Oprah. It was about neglected children who were found in awful conditions. Did anyone see it?

Lizzy said...

Who else watched The Bachelor? Wow... I am shocked and really disgusted.... (for those who don't watch, The Bachelor picked one girl and even proposed to her, then dumped her 6 weeks later on camera for the After the Final Rose ceremony. Adding salt to that wound, the runner up was apparently who he really wanted so he told her he still loved her and by the end was making out with her and she gave him another chance).

I am not a huge Bachelor fan (I just caught this season because of Jason after hearing his story and how he's a single dad, etc) and this makes me feel like the show is worse exploitation than Jon and Kate could ever hope to be. In an article on People.com Jason said that dumping the girl he chose on camera was a part of his contract, so he hated himself for doing it but he had to. I call bullshit.

Eileen said...

I'm really hating The Bachelor now, Liza Beth, I will never be watching it again. We were duped.
I'm not completely stupid, I expect a lot of this is scripted and there's a certain amount of manipulation, but this went too far.
I too watched because of Jason, I really liked him and his little boy, and the first few tears from him really made me feel that he was a sensitive guy who didn't like hurting people. Now I feel like so much of it was 'staged'.
Plus, when he let Molly go and went into those dramatics, it made me sick. I just kept thinking if I were his fiancee and saw that display about the woman he turned down, I'd be putting that ring he gave me where the sun don't shine!

Darlene Williams said...

Mom, I just finished watching Oprah. Kind of puts things in perspective for me. The Gosselin children have a blessed life.

MrsRef said...

I think Molly brought women-kind down 20 notches last night. I would have told him to shove off. Why are these women so delusional to think that they can find the man of their dreams on a tv show with 25 other women? They are in love with the idea of love, that's all. It's not a competition and in my humble opinion, he was/is no prize.

Samantha@IW said...

I dont watch The Bachelor anymore, I used to but it became too ridiculous for me. I heard what happened on Regis and Kelley this morning- at least tell me she didnt say yes right away? Have a little dignity woman. How do you even explain that? "Well, see I thought I loved her, but....."

I don't see that going over well. If they actually make it to the altar (yeah right) she'll have amunition FOREVER. "Hey honey, remember that time you asked someonelse to marry you.....?"

MoreCowbell said...

Dear God. This batch of semi-finalists on American Idol is truly awful. Lord have mercy. YIKES.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

If I really said what was on my mind, this would turn into group therapy, LOL!!!! So I'll just say, I can't wait for the days when I stop living from paycheck to paycheck.

Then End, LOL!

Anya@IW said...

nomoredrama said...
If I really said what was on my mind, this would turn into group therapy, LOL!!!! So I'll just say, I can't wait for the days when I stop living from paycheck to paycheck.


Hey group therapy is good. I feel for you. Been there. I guess looking on the bright side, we at least have paychecks to live week by week on? Feel free to shoot me a death stare. I know it's still not easy.

Mom said...I just watched a very heart-wrenching story on Oprah.

Mom, I think they repeat Oprah on my station later tonight. I'll DVR it. Sounds like I better have some Kleenex or Puffs (P&G product LOL) available.

Mrs. Ref...Why are these women so delusional to think that they can find the man of their dreams on a tv show with 25 other women?

That has always been a big part of my problem with this show. I know some of them are just on for the fame (although less than the women on the VH-1 shows), but still...The whole concept is kind of degrading (not that I haven't watched an episode or two in my day).


MoreCowbell said...
Dear God. This batch of semi-finalists on American Idol is truly awful. Lord have mercy. YIKES.


I usually wait and check it out once they have narrowed it down to the finalists. It seems to be taking longer than ever this season. What do you think about the "feud" and the words between Paula and the new female judge (Karla?). A bit manufactured perhaps?

Anyone else watch "American's Next Top Model". The new season starts tomorrow. I wish they would make Paula Porizkova the host, but my teenage daughter insists we need to keep Tyra for the "crazy" factor.

LOL. It sure seems like I watch too much T.V. Believe it or not, I have other interests! :-)

MrsRef said...

Samantha NC - I agree with you, what ammunition for later and it is all on tape!!!! Have any of these so called relationships ever actually worked out - except for Ryan and Trista?

Theresa said...

I haven't watched the Bachelor for a few seasons now. The last one I saw was the season with Byron Velvick. Quick Byron Velvick story...

About 5 months after that season ended and he picked Mary DelGado, he was in our town as part of a big Fisherman's show. The PR firm arranged for him to be on our morning show. What a NICE guy! Very handsome, very funny, great sense of humor and ease about him. Mary was there too. She was very nice, but very clingy to him and always trying to kiss him. They seemed good together, but I found it odd that he was so outgoing and fun, yet she was reserved and quiet (but nice). Since that time, she has had her mugshot made public with her assault/domestic battery charge when she punched him in the face. And, then her drunk and disordly arrest last year.

I don't know if they're still together. I hope for his sake, he eventually meets someone with his level of maturity and love of life and fun.

merryway said...

Okay when you think you've heard everything... A 14yo in Chicago got away with impersonating an officer for more than 5 hours. He was even given a patrol car and participated in an arrest! How on earth did this kid get away with this so long? How did he know what to do when he was in the station? I'm always shocked at the brazen things people dare to do.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29498364/

merryway said...

It seems Nadya has already been investigated by CPS. Police have previously responded to complaints also. It says that the accusations were determined to be unfounded.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29498452/

Ann said...

My husband and I are considering a move to NC in a year or so. We were just there for a few days to look at schools/homes in the area. We landed in a driving bitter rain, and woke up Monday to a beautiful snowfall that closed schools and businesses for the day, and even some the next. It was warmer in PA, and my PA home got less snow. Irony. I was hoping for some southern sun.

Last fall there was a rumor that the Gosselins were moving from PA to NC, just because of the "family job." Some people (not all, surely) found it reprehensible that they would consider moving away from friends and family just to pursue a financial reward. Well, I sure am glad I didn't make that judgment against them. We are considering the very same thing. We are reluctant to give up a good-paying job in this economy. We don't want to move from family, but we may have to do so. We spoke with so many "locals" there and found many, many Northeasterners and Midwesterners who did the same thing.

It isn't easy house-hunting from a distance of several hundred miles. Local people tried to be helpful, telling us to be careful about where we buy a home. Apparently the airport will be changing flight patterns to accomodate a FedEx expansion, and the value of homes in some neighborhoods is expected to drop considerably in the coming years. If anyone has the inside scoop on the ins and outs of Greensboro, please speak up! We could use all the advice we can get.

Samantha, would you know why we couldn't get "Jon & Kate" on TV Monday night down there? No one we spoke to knew what I was talking about. I understand they may not carry the show in that market?

By the way, I LOVE those NC biscuits! Yum.

Lizzy said...

Theresa, I think Byron and Mary are still together... I have to say that as much as I really hate what Jason did to Melissa, it was probably for the best. And I am THRILLED that Jillian is the new Bachelorette. My friend and I were talking about how we were going to swear off watching the series after what Jason did and now ABC is drawing us back in :).

MCB, I have to say that the Idol semi finalists have been interesting. I really like watching and thought last night had more great performances than the past two weeks, but its just weird to see these kids get reamed by the judges when they really are trying to do their best. I think song choice is proving to be way more important than any of the singers realized, as well. We shall see what happens when the top 12 is formed-- so far I really like Danny Gokey and hope that Jasmine Murray gets chosen as a wild card...

Samantha@IW said...

Saint-

I live on one end of the s tate and my family lives on the other- we both get the show so I have no idea. Did they carry TLC? If you were at a hotel maybe it was limited channels?

merryway said...

I don't watch the bach or am idol. But it's fun to read your guy's interest. My bf and I used to talk so much about Survivor CSI (the miniature murders were awesome), we were so into it. Both of us have lost interest in both the shows the last couple of years. After Warwick died I watched a couple of more and then I thought Grissom was going to be gone right away, but turns out he stayed on longer than I thought. I do plan on catching the rest of the CSIs someday.

Welcome home St, what a snowstorm. Oh wow, picking a new place out of state is kind of scary unless you know someone else who has gone to same area. I'm not surprised the locals were helpful, all that wonderful southern hospitality. I have some friends and relatives sprinkled here and there but none in NC, I love the cultural differences. Ime, People introduce themselves to you all the time and then usually invite you to a church. People avoid eye contact where I live. I've driven through there a lot. So gorgeous and yes, delicious food everywhere. I can't believe there was no J&K? That's so weird, I wonder if she's on the WalMart screen? Maybe the people at the hotel just didn't know.

Samantha@IW said...

Merryway-

LOVED the miniature murders, and I was pissed when Warwick died, we were like: Are you KIDDING me?!?

merryway said...

Samnc. I know!! and he was so sexy, I loved the heat between him and Catherine. They were all so good, it was a great show.

MonicaW42 said...

Saint,

My husband and I were going to move back east. We started looking in North Carolina first, however we decided on South Carolina. Due to family circumstances with my Mom, we have decided not to move. If you need any realtor information, I have some good ones for North Carolina. Let me know.

Lizzy said...

I am glad you are back safely, Saint! My family moved around a lot when I was younger, and now that i am looking to buy my first house I am debating whether to stay in the area (to see my wonderful nephew often and be near family) or to spread my wings and move where I really want to live (i.e. West Virginia, where I was born and raised).

At this point it looks like I will be staying in Michigan, especially since I found the PERFECT house which is in my price range, in an ideal location, and just the right size. We shall see what happens, but one thing I know for sure from moving around so much is that home really is where the heart is. Good luck with all the searching you have to do, Saint!

Tyra said...

I wish they would make Paula Porizkova the host, but my teenage daughter insists we need to keep Tyra for the "crazy" factor.

Hey!
;-)

About 'The Bachelor', a show that makes no sense to me:

If I met a guy in 'real life' who was dating several (many) women at the same time, having 'romantic' dinners and hot tub dates with this one and that one, I would be completely turned off. Why does this formula work just because it's happening on television?

Ann said...

Thanks for the "welcome home" everyone. Monica42, my husband is in SC today as part of business, and he said it's really beautiful there too. He's meeting with other guys from NC, so he will be asking them lots of questions we didn't really have until after we visited together.

Guinevere said...

If I met a guy in 'real life' who was dating several (many) women at the same time, having 'romantic' dinners and hot tub dates with this one and that one, I would be completely turned off. Why does this formula work just because it's happening on television?

I know! That's what gets to me - and why I have trouble understanding why anyone would buy the concept. It seems to me (I've only watched one cycle), that for dramatic tension, the bachelor(ette) cannot decide right up until the very last episode; s/he may be falling in love with two (or more!) people. How is this romantic? It's no wonder these things almost never work out.

The one I watched was the last one, with the English guy (Matt Grant?). He was kind of sleazy, but he was also cute and seemed to have a bit of a personality - smart and funny. I also liked Shayne Lamas a lot, so I was glad he chose her, even though they seemed quite mismatched and I wasn't exactly surprised when they "broke up".

I've never been much one for "relationship" reality shows, though I watch a LOT of competitive reality TV - Survivor, TAR, Big Brother, The Apprentice, etc.

Guinevere said...

Speaking of reality tv: okay, I've gotten sucked into the Duggar show to the point that I'm DVRing it - I watched last night's ep this morning while getting ready for work. I guess I'm just curious because so many people compare the Duggars to J&K.

I have let go of some of the judgments I had about the family before I watched the show. Michelle does seem pretty genuinely sweet, and even if I don't quite understand her or what she believes, who am I to judge her for being a nice person? I like most of the kids and even Jim Bob is okay (again, if I don't think about some of his beliefs that I suspect I really disagree with).

I understand people making comparisons between the Duggars and the Gosselins in terms of how the families behave - it's a valid comparison, though I probably relate more to the Gosselins, so it's not like I can really hate on them for being snappish and fighty.

But from what little I've seen, the shows seem pretty comparable in terms of privacy issues and "freebies". I mentioned earlier that last week's episode featured the Duggars' newborn daughter moments after her birth, and Jim Bob's aged and infirm father, in a situation where he obviously wasn't qualified to give consent to being filmed. So I don't see how the Duggars are "better" than the Gosselins in that regard.

As for the freebies, last night's episode had the family traveling to San Antonio (apparently overnight, though they did not show their accomodations) for a Christian film festival. The Duggars appeared to be guests (I think they announced some awards on the second night), they got to meet Kirk Cameron and the Von Trapp singers (descendants of the Von Trapps from "The Sound of Music").

Now, if you weighed this against a free Hawaii vacation, I know which I'd choose. But they are still both "freebies", and I'm guessing the Duggars would accept a trip to Hawaii if they wanted to go to Hawaii (I guess they'd *rather* go to a Christian film festival in San Antonio, but that just illustrates how different they are from me). So I'm not seeing the big Duggar/Gosselin difference there.

Finally, in terms of being realistic v. staged, what is with "Cousin Amy" coming everywhere with the Duggars? I haven't watched long enough to know if there is some other explanation for it, but from my perspective her inclusion seems to be to provide a counterpoint to the Duggar girls - she's the free-spirited, whacky cousin. Which is a very sitcom set-up, really. Again, maybe there is some reason she's included all the time that I'm not aware of?

Ann said...

I never watched The Bachelor or any spin-offs for the very reason mentioned here: I can't relate to a woman who would want a guy with a harem. Yuk. I wouldn't want to get near that hot tub...what a science experiement must be brewing in there!

I love the Amazing Race, but I only ever see it if I stumble upon it. I watched one season of Survivor, realized it was edited to manipulate the viewers and quit.

I know that J&K is edited to keep the pot stirred. People who tune in to hate Kate are as important to the success of the show as those who tune in to admire the kids. As long as there is controversy to draw attention to the show, the editing will create controversy. People who truly feel that there is a need for child advocacy should really just stop watching if they want to help stop that show. JMO.

Ann said...

Guinevere,
I have only seen about one and a half Duggar episodes and one of their specials now. I am no expert, but I had the same take on "cousin Amy." She's seems to be there as a contrast to the other girls. She's sort of 'scripted in,' like some of the activities the Gosselins do (Mady and Cara in charge for the day, the talent show or dress-up show epi.) I think it's normal for "reality" TV.

themrs said...

so radar online released a 911 call that nadya suleman made in oct 08 when she thought her son was missing. can i say that this chick sounds crazier and crazier every time i hear something new about her? apparently the kid was on a walk with a nanny and the younger twins. did she not notice the twins were misssing? they have a nanny???

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/03/octomoms-call-to-911-hear-it-first.php

Anonymous said...

I watch a little TV in bed at night to help me sleep, and have stopped a few times on reruns of "Bus of Love" (is that the name? It's about Brett Michaels of "Poison" fame). I was a teen in the 80's, so listened to that kind of music and wanted to see what his show was about.

But....wow. This show is so outrageous and trashy, it makes me cringe. I've only seen a handful of episodes and cannot believe how these women (and Brett) behave. Do they not have any morals or values at all? It seems that the more drunk and trashy you act, the better. Talk about setting women back a few decades! Your mind is not valued, the size of your fake breasts, the length of your weave (including Brett's) and how much skin you show to the entire world is. I think the funniest one was when two girls got in trouble for acting drunk at a concert. Hello? This is every episode, but they got called out that time?!

I just wonder if these women ever later regret watching how they acted. One thing positive, my 14 yr old daughter came in and watched with me one night, and we had a good discussion about this type of behavior and having self-respect.

Thanks for letting me vent, it just saddens me that society has dumbed-down so much, this is what is considered good entertainment.

Samantha@IW said...

Firebird-

My first car was a white firebird with t-tops, I LOVED it.

Anonymous said...

Samantha, me, too! My very first car, at 16, was a red Trans-Am with t-tops. Oh, yeah, we were stylin'! My last one was a '98 black Firebird and I sure would like to have it back.

I wish Pontiac would bring it back (if Pontiac even stays in business!)

Jenn said...

themrs,
thanks for that link. holy cow that woman has lost her mind!!! i understand that things happen and people panic but she did not handle that situation very well, at all.

Kuromi said...

Saint, I wish you and your husband well, whether or not you end up having to move.

I think that those who harshly judge others for "moving from family" are themselves people who never had ambition to live beyond their small town existence. (I'm not knocking small towns, just those who can't imagine any other life.)

We Americans are kind of lucky that we can stay in our own country and float financially. When I lived overseas, I met so many Europeans who would have had a dead-end existence if they hadn't decided to go abroad and get jobs. That's not something we normally hear about (though we are used to hearing about East and South Asians having to do so).

NC sounds like a great place to live; I have cousins who live there now, and friends who are natives. So nice, maybe the family you leave behind will be spurred to visit you often!

Ann said...

Thanks, Kuromi. My daughter's BFF's dad lost his job today. We're trying to be grateful for a good job in a nice (if far-off) state where the real estate is cheaper and the sun warmer. And yes, I know extended family will suddenly think NC is the best state for a vacation. We'll need a room for guests!

Lizzy said...

I just saw on the news that there will be a new Barbie doll that comes with tattoo stickers. And a 'tattoo gun' that is really a water gun that allows little girls to put fake tattoos on themselves.

http://www.amazon.com/Mattel-N4758-Totally-Stylin-Tattoos/dp/B001NXO1YE

Does anyone else think this is a really disturbing sign of our times when 5 year olds can ask their parents for a tattoo Barbie doll?

Anya@IW said...

Saint, nice to see you made it back and I am glad you met some locals to give you the inside scoop.

Kuromi said...We Americans are kind of lucky that we can stay in our own country and float financially

Excellent point. I can only imagine the courage it takes to pick up and go to a new country and learn a new language all in the name of bettering your family's life. Even though many Americans are going through tough times, we remain on the whole, very blessed.

Liza Beth...Does anyone else think this is a really disturbing sign of our times when 5 year olds can ask their parents for a tattoo Barbie doll?

Um, ok. That's a bit different. Personally, I find tattoos to be NOT the least bit attractive. JMO.

Anya@IW said...

themrs said...
so radar online released a 911 call that nadya suleman made in oct 08 when she thought her son was missing. can i say that this chick sounds crazier and crazier every time i hear something new about her?


I have to agree, unfortunately. I am really beginning to think she must be compelled to accept mental health intervention if she is going to be allowed to bring these babies home. There is something *not right* going on. Hopefully, she can get the help she needs.

Samantha@IW said...

About tattoo Barbie- our little girl wont be getting one :)

Guinevere said...

I don't really "get" the tattoo Barbie, but I guess it doesn't bother me too much. I think an argument can be made that Barbie herself isn't a great role model for little girls, with her unrealistic proportions and perpetually high-heel ready feet. That doesn't mean I didn't want one as a kid! (I had two - gosh, by the time my niece came around she got a Barbie every time she turned around. She had dozens.)

I consider tattoos themselves pretty morally neutral, but I can't really imagine what image I would want bad enough to have it permanently inked on my skin. It just seems sort of silly to me.

Guinevere said...

Did anyone watch America's Next Top Model last night? I'm glad it's back. I liked several of the girls, though probably not the ones that are long for the competition (favorites are Fo and Tahlia - I think Fo will go for being too short and not modelesque, adn Tahlia for lack of confidence). I didn't like Celia at first (people on TWOP say this all the time about perfectly pretty girls, so I feel bad saying it, but: Celia is homely), but I appreciated the way she stood up to Sandra. I liked Sandra for about a minute, when she stood up to the ultimately kind of pathetic and trashy Angeliea (sp?), but boy, she is turning out to be awful. She reminds me quite a bit of Fatima, not just because they are both African but because they both mask their insecurities by criticizing the other girls 24/7. I don't have a strong impression of most of the other girls yet.

MrsRef said...

Barbie and I are the same age!!!!! I think she is too old for tatoos. ;)

Eileen said...

No, MrsRef, I heard that's the latest craze now, older women going for tattoos! On the news it was touted as Tattooed Grandmas I think! Women in their 50's, 60's, and 70's getting tattoos.
Happy Birthday to you and Barbie! Enjoy this year, it's the start of something wonderful!

Kuromi said...

I only ever had one Barbie doll, as well as the SuperStar Barbie Fashion Face (I'd thought I could sneak her makeup onto myself, but no joy). But I would have LOVED the Tattoo Barbie!

As a kid, whenever we'd go to this one supermarket I would be excited because one of the gum dispensers actually dispnsed tiny food-coloring tattoo booklets. I'd put one on my hand until I got yelled at, then would wash it off and a few days later try again.

Surprisingly, it wasn't until I was 23 that I got my first tattoo. Despite the fact that they are addicting, I didn't get my second one until less than a year ago.

Most people I know get tattoos because they are very meaningful--for example, a memorial to a loved one who's passed on, or a symbol of a life milestone, or an expression of their spirituality that they believe go beyond words or bragged-about church attendance. The latter may be why people of, say, Western European heritage would opt for a Maori tribal symbol :)

Guess that's why it makes me laugh in derision whenever people get a tattoo for reasons like, "My boyfriend wants me to" or "I wanted something but didn't know what so I just got this." Most people don't fall into this category, luckily.

What I really can't wait for is the Pierce-Your-Own-Barbie!

Ann said...

Mrs Ref said...Barbie and I are the same age!!!!! I think she is too old for tatoos. ;)
Lol!

themrs said...

Kuromi- you took the words right out of my mouth! i got my first tattoo at 19 and it had alot of meaning to me. i got my second right before i turned 30 last year. it is hebrew writing that says "i am His and He is mine" which has a spiritual meaning for me and one for my husband. they both mean alot to me. my husband has five tattoos, one being a full sleeve. they are all very meaninful to him. i hate it when people get one just to get one too:)

Eileen said...

Kuromi, what are your tattoos of? I'm actually considering becoming one of those 'tattooed grandmas', only I would want one of those ghost tattoos (I think that's what they're called - the white ones).

Ann said...

Can HOM Mommy Barbie be far behind?

Samantha@IW said...

I cant speak for others but for me, what was meaningful at 18- I probably dont even remember now. I'm so glad I never "inked" myself. My little sister got a chinese symbol last year- the funny thing to me is that tattoos started as a way to be different and "rebel". She got the trendiest thing she could- a chinese symol. Fine if your chinese but hello, white girl who doesnt speak chinese, has never been there, has no desire to go and all she knows about china is that pandas are cute and egg rolls are yummy: seriously?

Eileen said...

I love the idea of your tattoo, themrs. My kids so far haven't gotten any, but my nieces and nephews have a lot (Michael The Archangel, dragonfly, lily, Marine symbols, roses). They all have stories behind their choices too.

Guinevere said...

I understand the idea of getting tattoos to commemmorate something that is meaningful to you. I guess for me when it comes down to it, I prefer to have those memories in my head, rather than on my body. I think I have a fear that I'd regret getting one some day, if I did it. I don't begrudge anyone else getting them, though.

The other issue is where to get it - the places that seem the "nicest" to have one are also the tritest - the ankle, the small of the back (OMG, if you've ever been in a gym locker room you realize just how many women have "tramp stamps"!).

Never say never, I guess, but for now I'll stay uninked.

Theresa said...

SamanthaNC--not to mention also that the skin at 18 is by far less elastic than 40 and what may have started out in one area, now is drooping. :)

Kuromi said...

Eileen, I think I can answer two things for you :)

First, my tatts: One is a butterfly on my tummy, something I had wanted since I was about 9 years old, partly because I always had a fascination with butterflies and partly because of a particular book I read as a child. It's almost 15 years old! My second one is a pastel spiderweb on my forearm with my deceased sister's name written within; if you don't know to look for it, you can't see it.

This leads to your comment about white tattoos: Originally I wanted my web to be white! However, I was told that my skin tone (which I would describe as "light tan" or "medium golden") was too dark. The only white tattoos that remain visible are when the person has a very, very pale complexion; such skin is the most translucent of all skins and so won't "tint" the ink beneath. If you're complexion falls under that category, you should go for it!

Theresa said...

Saw a promo on Oprah today. The Gosselins are going to be on Monday's show.

Eileen said...

So sorry about your sister, Kuromi, and thanks so much for sharing your story. That's sort of along the lines I wanted to go, a heart with 'MoM' inside it, a tribute to my Mom (and the way we lost her to Alzheimer's, losing her little by little until there was only the ghost of her left as my sister always said), and also as a tribute to all mothers.
I am pale, but I don't know if I'm pale enough, I guess a reputable place would be able to tell me. But pastel sounds nice too.
And as far as drooping in the future, I've already lost elasticity and I'm sagging, the future is now.

Kuromi said...

Eileen, your idea sounds awesome. I'm sorry about your mother, but what a fitting tribute.

I would suggest going on Yelp.com and looking for tattoo shops in your town. See which ones have the highest ratings, see what people are saying (about artistry, hygiene, and the like) and then go on their websites. Reputable places won't even mind you dropping in to discuss what kind of art you want, and if it's feasible or not. One hint: If they have a lot of "flash art" (pre-drawn tattoos) on the walls, they probably aren't the most artistically skilled. (In a small town this might be OK since there is probably only one shop that needs spur-of-the-moment clientele in order to survive. Otherwise, run!)

Eileen said...

Thanks so much, Kuromi!:)
Great advice!

Mom said...

I'm inked.

There, I said it.

NO ONE in my family knows! LMAO! I'm forty and my mother would kill me! LMAO.

I have two very tiny black paw prints on my lower tummy. Honestly, I forget it's there. Only my H gets to see it as even a bikini covers it up.

I just remember when I found out I was pregnant thinking "OMG, are my little prints going to grow to be HUGE prints?" They didn't. Thank goodness.

I'll pass on the Barbie. Geez.

Eileen - I highly recommend some drinkies prior to getting inked. Good luck! :-)

Eileen said...

Thanks, Mom, my sister-in-law and I used to have 'Cosmopolitan Fridays' every week, I think we'll have to institute it again, give me some courage, I really don't like needles, not at all.

Anya@IW said...

http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/jon-kate-plus-8-little-helpers.html

I finally get to be the one to let you know you guys know that there is a new webisode up on TLC (usually Liza Beth beats me to it!).

Thanks to Angie on Baby Mama's site for pointing this out.

I really liked this one. Kate is grateful for her little helpers and the kids are such typical kids for their age. Eager to help. Very sweet....

Guinevere said...

Thanks, Anya, that was awesomely cute.

Kate should get them trained now. Somehow I think she's up to the job. :-)

merryway said...

To all the posters who were talking about The Bachelor; I don't watch it, but The Soup did a bit with clips and it was hilarious. It's prob one of the ones on Eonline. You can watch The Soup clips there. I think you guys would think it's worth watching.

Anya@IW said...

Merryway, I saw "The Soup" last night too. Joel pretty much eviscerated "The Bachelor" - didn't he? Kind of makes his Katezilla pieces pale in comparison. It was very funny...!

Ann said...

That's a sweet clip, Anya. Congrats beating Liza Beth to the clip! I wasn't aware of the competition, but I now that I am I will be following it :).

Anonymous said...

I am so mad right now! I just read how the mom in California who has 14 kids (I refuse to call her that ridiculous name the press made up) is getting a new house! One over $500,000. Supposedly, her Dad is paying for it, sure he is. *eye roll* She has also "agreed" (how nice of her) to allow some nanny place to take care of the kids around the clock, which would cost over $100,000. a year normally....but she will get for FREE. I saw a picture of her talking on a nice cell phone with a designer handbag and new clothes, kids nowhere in sight.

At first, I gave her the benefit of the doubt. Now, I'm furious at how she has played everyone for fame and fortune. How she is using human lives in her quest for selfish reasons. She's making the down payment on the house with the MONEY SHE GOT FROM INTERVIEWS. See, it's working! She's no idiot.

To California posters: how do you feel having your tax dollars go towards supporting this women? (The nannies she's getting are funded by the state, if what I read is correct). I would be furious! My husband and I work hard, while nearly half our money goes to taxes, and someone like her is getting it?

And what kind of life will those kids have with an obviously mentally ill mother and no father? All those "I hate Kate!" site posters need to focus their unlimited energies on this women, don't they say they want to help kids?

Thanks for letting me rant. I'm just beyond angry that our society allows something like this to happen. And who will be the next copycat?

Guinevere said...

TxMom, as a California taxpayer, I personally cannot get that worked up about paying money for Nadya Suleman's kids. If I got upset about all of the ridiculous things my taxes went for, I'd go crazy. At least this is something necessary and (I hope) beneficial to these innocent children who did not ask to be born into this crazy situation.

Yes, Ms. Suleman has behaved irresponsibly. I would tentatively be in favor of laws that give doctors guidelines about how many embryos can be implanted at a time. But I doubt we are going to see a rash of Suleman copycats. I think the reason she's gotten so much attention is precisely because her circumstances are so unusual and bizarre.