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In 2001, I was a bridesmaid in my friend P's wedding. (Initials have been changed for privacy protection.)
When she asked me to be a bridesmaid, I was thrilled. She and her fiance had been together for so long, it was not a question of if, but when, he would propose. I had never been in a wedding before, so I was looking forward to the experience.
First came the dress shopping. Then came choosing the place for the reception. Then there were the honeymoon plans.
And then came the bridal shower.
Oh, how I hate bridal showers.
And I especially had a hard time with this one.
Here's a little bit of backstory: At the time of the bridal shower, in April of 2001, I was working in a full-time temporary position, in grad school full-time, and looking for a full-time, permanent position. In short, I had no money. P offered to pay for some of my bridesmaid expenses, like the shoes for my dress. I gratefully accepted.
But that's not the point.
Here's the real point:
It came at the bridal shower. As P opened up her fourth toaster oven, it suddenly hit me: She's getting all of her appliances for free. She has this registry where people can go buy her table settings and goblets and they just give them to her. All because she's getting married and moving out of her parents' house and into a new apartment.
One week after the wedding, I too, moved out of my parents' house and into a new apartment.
But I had to pay for my toaster. And my sofa. And my silverware.
Mama and Papa Cat helped me out, since I was a poor grad student with no money, but I was still feeling somewhat bitter.
Why can't there be single person showers? We have showers for women who are marrying or having babies, where they're getting a fresh start in life, and so we give 'em presents, sometimes useful, other times useless crap, so that they can have a strong beginning to marriage/motherhood.
Well, what about the people who are moving into new homes who are moving in alone? Or those who decide to adopt a child by themselves?
Do we give these people showers? No, we don't, and that is incredibly unfair.
Why do singles still get the short shrift in society when it comes to things like this? We are not worthless! We still deserve showers! Yeah, some of us are greedy bitches and bastards who want the loot, but others really need it.
Others such as the newly single divorcee, about to move into her first home by herself.
Or the freshly minted college grad, working at an entry level position, making her debut in the debutante ball known as "The Real World."
Or the woman who has never married and has decided to adopt a child of her own, with no co-parent.
Maybe I should start a business..."Single Showers by Kitten." Hmmm...
I just loathe going to bridal showers. I especially dislike shower games. Some of the shower games can be really cheesy, like shower bingo. But I like the ones that have a little twist to them. I went to one shower where we had to make bridal dresses out of rolls of toilet paper. That was a lot of fun, and quirky. And you know me, I'm all about the quirk.
But I digress.
I look back at my experience of being a bridesmaid and realize that I could have been a little more sensitive to what my friend was going through at the time. We were both in our own little worlds, I guess. She was focused on starting a new life with her husband-to-be and I was focused on launching a career and breaking free of the Cat Family homestead. I'd love to have a chat with her about what happened, but we haven't spoken in several years; we eventually drifted apart.
But I still think we should have single-person showers.
Showing posts with label commentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commentary. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
In the Singlehood: First in a series of posts
I am single and childless by choice.
Don't get me wrong, I like kids and enjoy spending time with them, but I really don't want any of my own. During my adult life I've never had a maternal instinct. I've never really pictured myself as a wife and mother. Or just a wife, for that matter.
There's a lot that influences this. My parents raised me and my sister to be independent. Mama Cat always told us, "You don't need a man to be a fulfilled person." That's the message that Grandma Cat passed on to Mama Cat when she was a kitten. A lot of it had to do with Grandma Cat's marriage to Grandpa Cat. During their later years, they didn't get along, but they never divorced. Grandpa Cat was an alcoholic. That alone should say it all.
(Then again, Mama and Papa Cat have been going strong for 36+ years as a married couple. Go fig).
Meanwhile, Papa Cat told us, "The only person you can ever depend upon is yourself." His message was influenced by the fact that we had no extended family in Connecticut. Our family tree branches into the New York/Newark metropolitan areas. We had no biological relatives around to depend on, so we created our own little network. To be honest, we're much closer to our chosen family members than our blood relatives. And we prefer it that way.
As we were growing up, Sister Kitten and I were taught, from an early age, how to cook, how to sew, and how to do laundry. When it came to automotive care, Papa Cat gave us AAA cards when we got our licenses. He also told us how to plan a budget and balance a checkbook.
We were raised with good manners and lots of discipline. Yeah, we both got spanked on occasion, but only if we did something to deserve it.
All of these tactics helped me and Sister Kitten stand on our own two feet. We both own condos, pay our bills, and hold down good jobs. Mama and Papa Cat still help out on occasion, but for the most part we do this by ourselves.
I'm proud to be independent. However, many people think it's strange that I have no interest in marrying and starting a family. It's become more common for couples to decide not to have kids, for whatever reason, but people will look twice--nay, three times or more--when a single woman decides to remain a bachelorette.
Here's my thing: relationships take work. It's like holding a job. I'm not at the point in my life where I would want to invest my time and energy in a partner.
But that's not the only thing...
I hate dating. I absolutely loathe it, despise it, detest it. Dating is like auditioning for a part in a movie over and over again and never getting it. I don't do well with small talk. I don't do well with awkwardness. There's either a spark, or there isn't. I don't like men fawning all over me. I need space.
But most importantly, this is what colors most of my feelings: In the past two years, I've known 12 friends and acquaintances who have either ended relationships or have divorced. All of these relationships have lasted for five years or less. This doesn't bode well for my generation.
I just don't see how some of my friends could have spent thousands of dollars on one day of their lives, only to have no return on the investment in five years.
I like living alone. I enjoy being able to go wherever I want, whenever I want. I actually am looking forward to being a spinster.
I have a lot more to write about this subject, but I won't do it now. In fact, I've decided to write a series of posts about it, which I will call, "In the Singlehood." For my next installment, I'm going to write about my experiences as a bridesmaid.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this series takes me.
Don't get me wrong, I like kids and enjoy spending time with them, but I really don't want any of my own. During my adult life I've never had a maternal instinct. I've never really pictured myself as a wife and mother. Or just a wife, for that matter.
There's a lot that influences this. My parents raised me and my sister to be independent. Mama Cat always told us, "You don't need a man to be a fulfilled person." That's the message that Grandma Cat passed on to Mama Cat when she was a kitten. A lot of it had to do with Grandma Cat's marriage to Grandpa Cat. During their later years, they didn't get along, but they never divorced. Grandpa Cat was an alcoholic. That alone should say it all.
(Then again, Mama and Papa Cat have been going strong for 36+ years as a married couple. Go fig).
Meanwhile, Papa Cat told us, "The only person you can ever depend upon is yourself." His message was influenced by the fact that we had no extended family in Connecticut. Our family tree branches into the New York/Newark metropolitan areas. We had no biological relatives around to depend on, so we created our own little network. To be honest, we're much closer to our chosen family members than our blood relatives. And we prefer it that way.
As we were growing up, Sister Kitten and I were taught, from an early age, how to cook, how to sew, and how to do laundry. When it came to automotive care, Papa Cat gave us AAA cards when we got our licenses. He also told us how to plan a budget and balance a checkbook.
We were raised with good manners and lots of discipline. Yeah, we both got spanked on occasion, but only if we did something to deserve it.
All of these tactics helped me and Sister Kitten stand on our own two feet. We both own condos, pay our bills, and hold down good jobs. Mama and Papa Cat still help out on occasion, but for the most part we do this by ourselves.
I'm proud to be independent. However, many people think it's strange that I have no interest in marrying and starting a family. It's become more common for couples to decide not to have kids, for whatever reason, but people will look twice--nay, three times or more--when a single woman decides to remain a bachelorette.
Here's my thing: relationships take work. It's like holding a job. I'm not at the point in my life where I would want to invest my time and energy in a partner.
But that's not the only thing...
I hate dating. I absolutely loathe it, despise it, detest it. Dating is like auditioning for a part in a movie over and over again and never getting it. I don't do well with small talk. I don't do well with awkwardness. There's either a spark, or there isn't. I don't like men fawning all over me. I need space.
But most importantly, this is what colors most of my feelings: In the past two years, I've known 12 friends and acquaintances who have either ended relationships or have divorced. All of these relationships have lasted for five years or less. This doesn't bode well for my generation.
I just don't see how some of my friends could have spent thousands of dollars on one day of their lives, only to have no return on the investment in five years.
I like living alone. I enjoy being able to go wherever I want, whenever I want. I actually am looking forward to being a spinster.
I have a lot more to write about this subject, but I won't do it now. In fact, I've decided to write a series of posts about it, which I will call, "In the Singlehood." For my next installment, I'm going to write about my experiences as a bridesmaid.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this series takes me.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
My Super Bowl pick
It's gonna be the Steelers, and here's my crazy theory why:
It has to do with serendipity, Kittens.
You see, it starts with my theory on the American media: 25% of the American media is in Washington, covering all sorts of political matters. The remaining 75% covers matters of other sorts of importance. For example, those three-fourths traveled down to Tampa from Springfield, Illinois, where they covered the Rod Blagojevich trial. From Tampa, they will travel to Pittsburgh to cover all of the post-game celebrations, riots, and revelry.
From Pittsburgh, the media horde will travel through the night, 84 miles to the northeast, to be exact, to the borough of Punxsutawney, where a rodent is said to make weather predictions.
That's right, the day after the Super Bowl is Groundhog Day, and wouldn't it be ever so convenient if the media horde could just get in their cars and drive to Punxsutawney from Pittsburgh? Where the light from all of their camera flashes will inevitably cause that stupid groundhog to see his shadow, anyway, prolonging this blasted winter of ours?
Arrggh, I'm getting pissed right now--all over the damned Super Bowl too! So to sum up, it's gonna be the Steelers, don't ask me about a point spread, cuz I don't know a blasted thing about football.
As for that blasted rodent...stay tuned on Monday. I have a feeling there's gonna be another haiku in store.
It has to do with serendipity, Kittens.
You see, it starts with my theory on the American media: 25% of the American media is in Washington, covering all sorts of political matters. The remaining 75% covers matters of other sorts of importance. For example, those three-fourths traveled down to Tampa from Springfield, Illinois, where they covered the Rod Blagojevich trial. From Tampa, they will travel to Pittsburgh to cover all of the post-game celebrations, riots, and revelry.
From Pittsburgh, the media horde will travel through the night, 84 miles to the northeast, to be exact, to the borough of Punxsutawney, where a rodent is said to make weather predictions.
That's right, the day after the Super Bowl is Groundhog Day, and wouldn't it be ever so convenient if the media horde could just get in their cars and drive to Punxsutawney from Pittsburgh? Where the light from all of their camera flashes will inevitably cause that stupid groundhog to see his shadow, anyway, prolonging this blasted winter of ours?
Arrggh, I'm getting pissed right now--all over the damned Super Bowl too! So to sum up, it's gonna be the Steelers, don't ask me about a point spread, cuz I don't know a blasted thing about football.
As for that blasted rodent...stay tuned on Monday. I have a feeling there's gonna be another haiku in store.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Malia and Sasha go to Washington
I couldn't imagine going to school accompanied by an entire motorcade, but that's what happened to Malia and Sasha Obama yesterday, on their first day at the Sidwell Friends School. Photos were released of the pre-departure activities, of the President-Elect wishing his daughters good luck at their new school.
I was watching this story unfold last night at the end of the NBC Nightly News, when Brian Williams presented this clip:
I really respected Brian Williams before this, but after seeing this, my respect for the man has increased much more.
As with Messieurs Williams and Chancellor, I, too, will say that this is the last time I will write about the Obama daughters on this blog. I'll write about their parents when they make news, but I won't write about these two little girls. We need to let them be kids.
I was watching this story unfold last night at the end of the NBC Nightly News, when Brian Williams presented this clip:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
I really respected Brian Williams before this, but after seeing this, my respect for the man has increased much more.
As with Messieurs Williams and Chancellor, I, too, will say that this is the last time I will write about the Obama daughters on this blog. I'll write about their parents when they make news, but I won't write about these two little girls. We need to let them be kids.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
And they're already thinking 'bout number 19...
Once again, Michelle Duggar has defied the feats of the human uterus and has given birth to her 18th--yes, Kittens, you've read that right, 18th--child. Read all about it at the Today Show website by clicking here.
A while back, I wrote about my dislike--hatred is too strong of a word, but I do have an intense dislike--of reality shows. However, I make an exception to the Duggars' reality show, 17 Kids and Counting, which airs on TLC Monday nights at 10. It's not the fascination of a family with so many kids that draws me in. It's how they manage having so many kids that makes me want to watch.
Consider these points:
1. They're thrifty. (Click on the preceding sentence for a link).
With a family of 20, it's easy to run up huge bills for everything from clothing to groceries to electricity. However, the Duggars claim that they live debt-free. Their credo is, "Buy used, save the difference."
That's a credo we can all live by, especially in this economy.
Maybe Obama would have done well by appointing Jim Bob as an economic adviser in his cabinet.
Anyhoo, the Duggars have always bought used vehicles, have relied on thrift shops, tag sales, and have paid cash for everything they need. They make their own clothes (especially for the girls). Their biggest expense, according to Jim Bob, is, logically, groceries and diapers, at an expense of $3,000 a month.
Groceries, however, don't have to be quite that expensive. They do their primary shopping at Aldi, and buy many of their items in bulk. They bake their own bread. They even make their own laundry detergent. The recipe seems quite simple; I may just have to investigate this myself.
2. All 17 kids seem to get along very well.
There are no fights--at least on TV.
All of the Duggar children seem to be very mild-mannered and polite. Their secret? Speak softly when disciplining, and praise more than criticize.
Sister Kitten and I fought all the time when we were growing up. But we came from a family of four! I guess when you're a family of 20 you have no choice but to get along, considering how many potential fights you can get into. I'm glad this discipline works for Jim Bob and Michelle, because if it ever backfired...whoa...
Twenty siblings getting along...seems like a dream...
Which leads me to my next point...
3. The whole family just seems too damn perfect.
I think we can use the word sheltered here quite safely, Kittens.
Eldest son Josh, 20, recently married. When he and his wife were "courting" (they don't use the word "dating" in this family), they had to have a chaperone with them every time they went out. A CHAPERONE? AT 20 YEARS OLD? Both Josh and his wife, Anna, committed not to have premarital sex. Not only that, they committed not to have their first kiss until their wedding day.
WHAT?!!?
They had to have a chaperone for THAT?!?!
I respect the decision to remain celebate until the wedding night. That's a personal choice, and I guess the whole kissing thing is a personal choice, too. However, how can you not kiss your romantic partner? I mean, kisses are so romantic, they make you feel so secure, so loved, so...
Sorry, I'm digressing.
My point is this: How much of the outside world do the Duggars get exposed to outside of their Arkansas compound? It's great that the kids are so well-traveled domestically, but when it comes to day-to-day stuff, do they know how other kids act outside of their home?
And that brings me to my final consideration...
4. With a family that seems so perfect, I really want to see one of the kids rebel.
Yes, I know that is a horrible thing to write. A very horrible thing indeed. But how would the Duggars deal if one of their kids came out of the closet? How would they deal if one of them--especially one of the girls--decided to move out of the house before they got hitched? Or worse, what if one of the girls decided to move out and move in with a boyfriend?!?!
I hope to stay awake long enough to watch the latest episode of 17 Kids and Counting. It'll document the birth of the newest Duggar, Jordyn-Grace Makiya (Makiya?!). Lately I've been either too sick, too busy, or too tired to stay up till 10 PM.
I just hope that it doesn't prevent me from sleeping at 11 PM.
No, wait, that's when The Daily Show comes on.
Okay, that's more reason for me to watch!
A while back, I wrote about my dislike--hatred is too strong of a word, but I do have an intense dislike--of reality shows. However, I make an exception to the Duggars' reality show, 17 Kids and Counting, which airs on TLC Monday nights at 10. It's not the fascination of a family with so many kids that draws me in. It's how they manage having so many kids that makes me want to watch.
Consider these points:
1. They're thrifty. (Click on the preceding sentence for a link).
With a family of 20, it's easy to run up huge bills for everything from clothing to groceries to electricity. However, the Duggars claim that they live debt-free. Their credo is, "Buy used, save the difference."
That's a credo we can all live by, especially in this economy.
Maybe Obama would have done well by appointing Jim Bob as an economic adviser in his cabinet.
Anyhoo, the Duggars have always bought used vehicles, have relied on thrift shops, tag sales, and have paid cash for everything they need. They make their own clothes (especially for the girls). Their biggest expense, according to Jim Bob, is, logically, groceries and diapers, at an expense of $3,000 a month.
Groceries, however, don't have to be quite that expensive. They do their primary shopping at Aldi, and buy many of their items in bulk. They bake their own bread. They even make their own laundry detergent. The recipe seems quite simple; I may just have to investigate this myself.
2. All 17 kids seem to get along very well.
There are no fights--at least on TV.
All of the Duggar children seem to be very mild-mannered and polite. Their secret? Speak softly when disciplining, and praise more than criticize.
Sister Kitten and I fought all the time when we were growing up. But we came from a family of four! I guess when you're a family of 20 you have no choice but to get along, considering how many potential fights you can get into. I'm glad this discipline works for Jim Bob and Michelle, because if it ever backfired...whoa...
Twenty siblings getting along...seems like a dream...
Which leads me to my next point...
3. The whole family just seems too damn perfect.
I think we can use the word sheltered here quite safely, Kittens.
Eldest son Josh, 20, recently married. When he and his wife were "courting" (they don't use the word "dating" in this family), they had to have a chaperone with them every time they went out. A CHAPERONE? AT 20 YEARS OLD? Both Josh and his wife, Anna, committed not to have premarital sex. Not only that, they committed not to have their first kiss until their wedding day.
WHAT?!!?
They had to have a chaperone for THAT?!?!
I respect the decision to remain celebate until the wedding night. That's a personal choice, and I guess the whole kissing thing is a personal choice, too. However, how can you not kiss your romantic partner? I mean, kisses are so romantic, they make you feel so secure, so loved, so...
Sorry, I'm digressing.
My point is this: How much of the outside world do the Duggars get exposed to outside of their Arkansas compound? It's great that the kids are so well-traveled domestically, but when it comes to day-to-day stuff, do they know how other kids act outside of their home?
And that brings me to my final consideration...
4. With a family that seems so perfect, I really want to see one of the kids rebel.
Yes, I know that is a horrible thing to write. A very horrible thing indeed. But how would the Duggars deal if one of their kids came out of the closet? How would they deal if one of them--especially one of the girls--decided to move out of the house before they got hitched? Or worse, what if one of the girls decided to move out and move in with a boyfriend?!?!
I hope to stay awake long enough to watch the latest episode of 17 Kids and Counting. It'll document the birth of the newest Duggar, Jordyn-Grace Makiya (Makiya?!). Lately I've been either too sick, too busy, or too tired to stay up till 10 PM.
I just hope that it doesn't prevent me from sleeping at 11 PM.
No, wait, that's when The Daily Show comes on.
Okay, that's more reason for me to watch!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Jon Stewart on the auto bailout
Mr. Stewart does bring up a valid point here.
By the way, in the interest of full disclosure, I must add that my family, at the same time they owned the Volare, also owned a Pinto. A two-door, bright orange, everyone in town knew it, couldn't miss it, Pinto hatchback.
We owned a Volare and a Pinto?!?!
AT THE SAME TIME?!?!?
Well, Papa Cat's first car was a Mustang convertable, so at least he at one point had some taste in cars...
By the way, in the interest of full disclosure, I must add that my family, at the same time they owned the Volare, also owned a Pinto. A two-door, bright orange, everyone in town knew it, couldn't miss it, Pinto hatchback.
We owned a Volare and a Pinto?!?!
AT THE SAME TIME?!?!?
Well, Papa Cat's first car was a Mustang convertable, so at least he at one point had some taste in cars...
Sunday, December 7, 2008
On the State of Saturday Night Live
I first got into watching SNL when I was in high school. Whenever I babysat, my thing was, after I put the kids to bed, I'd do my homework, then go downstairs into the basement to watch SNL.
I started watching during the second phase of its glory years, with the cast that boasted such wonderful comedians as Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, and Chris Rock. Who can forget such iconic characters and skits as Wayne's World, Nat X, Sprockets, and Weekend Update with Dennis Miller? Who can forget Phil Hartman's impersonations of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton (especially Bill Clinton?)
My love of SNL led me to discover the first troupe, and to this day, I still feel is the best, of Not Ready for Prime Time Players: Dan Akroyd, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner, to name a few. Ahhhhhhh, Gilda. She was one of my comedic inspirations growing up, and remains a favorite to this day. (She, Carol, and Patti are my top 3 entertainers). Some say that when it first aired, back in 1975, there was nothing like it on television. I like to think that, during its first few seasons, it was a much racier version of The Carol Burnett Show. While The Carol Burnett Show was gentle, but sharp, in its parodies, SNL had nothing genteel about it. It did not mince words, or names, in its satire.
Fast forward to the present day. SNL has remained a habit, if only because, well, it's a habit that's hard to break. Lately, every episode I watch has more cringe-worthy moments that just plain worthy moments. Take last night's episode, for example. Host John Malkovich was in two of the worst sketches I have ever seen on the show. In one, he and Fred Armisen played nerdy twins who were obsessing over getting a calculator for Christmas. I didn't know if the sketch was supposed to make fun of the fact that they were nerdy, or that it made fun of those who were OCD. I was personally offended by it.
Later in the show was a sketch called "The Lost Works of Judy Blume." John Malkovich portrayed a young teenage girl named "Gertie" struggling to adapt to the changes in her body. No, she's not getting her period--she's turning into a dog. Literally. She complained about growing a tail.
And there was the first SNL Digital Short of the evening--Virgania Horton's Pony Express, featuring Kristen Wiig acting like a really lame mail lady. It was as dumb as the title.
Now before you call me a hypocrite because I posted clips of last night's show that I enjoyed, let me just say that moments like those are fewer nowadays. Also note that both of the clips that I posted had to do with political humor. Yes, I enjoy political humor tremendously. SNL has always shined in the political humor arena, and it capitalized on this--very well, might I add--during this last election. Tina Fey's impression of Sarah Palin was nothing short of brilliant, and critics will argue for years to come that she very well may have helped sway the election. My favorite sketch from that time was the one that spoofed the Biden-Palin debate. I may just post that clip sometime.
However, the election's now over, and SNL can't depend on political humor all the time. I don't know where the writers are getting their ideas. Last night's episode was rather painful to watch. Most of this season has been difficult to watch. Other than Kristen Wiig's sketches, which include her impression of Suze Orman and her hilarious Target lady, SNL has not been doing so well.
I know I'm writing about an oft-debated topic here. Critics have debated for years about SNL's relevance. It goes through phases where it's not so great, then eras when it's fantastic, with some classic performances. I know it's premature to declare SNL dead, but TV execs have little patience these days. One low rating and you're canceled. Plus, how many other channels are out there?
I'm not watching next week, though, even though Hugh Laurie and Kanye West are the host and musical guest. I'm watching some friends perform in the "Messiah." Legend has it that the king fell asleep during the performance, only to have the "Hallelujah Chorus" wake him up.
Saturday Night Live, where's your hallelujah chorus?
I started watching during the second phase of its glory years, with the cast that boasted such wonderful comedians as Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, and Chris Rock. Who can forget such iconic characters and skits as Wayne's World, Nat X, Sprockets, and Weekend Update with Dennis Miller? Who can forget Phil Hartman's impersonations of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton (especially Bill Clinton?)
My love of SNL led me to discover the first troupe, and to this day, I still feel is the best, of Not Ready for Prime Time Players: Dan Akroyd, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner, to name a few. Ahhhhhhh, Gilda. She was one of my comedic inspirations growing up, and remains a favorite to this day. (She, Carol, and Patti are my top 3 entertainers). Some say that when it first aired, back in 1975, there was nothing like it on television. I like to think that, during its first few seasons, it was a much racier version of The Carol Burnett Show. While The Carol Burnett Show was gentle, but sharp, in its parodies, SNL had nothing genteel about it. It did not mince words, or names, in its satire.
Fast forward to the present day. SNL has remained a habit, if only because, well, it's a habit that's hard to break. Lately, every episode I watch has more cringe-worthy moments that just plain worthy moments. Take last night's episode, for example. Host John Malkovich was in two of the worst sketches I have ever seen on the show. In one, he and Fred Armisen played nerdy twins who were obsessing over getting a calculator for Christmas. I didn't know if the sketch was supposed to make fun of the fact that they were nerdy, or that it made fun of those who were OCD. I was personally offended by it.
Later in the show was a sketch called "The Lost Works of Judy Blume." John Malkovich portrayed a young teenage girl named "Gertie" struggling to adapt to the changes in her body. No, she's not getting her period--she's turning into a dog. Literally. She complained about growing a tail.
And there was the first SNL Digital Short of the evening--Virgania Horton's Pony Express, featuring Kristen Wiig acting like a really lame mail lady. It was as dumb as the title.
Now before you call me a hypocrite because I posted clips of last night's show that I enjoyed, let me just say that moments like those are fewer nowadays. Also note that both of the clips that I posted had to do with political humor. Yes, I enjoy political humor tremendously. SNL has always shined in the political humor arena, and it capitalized on this--very well, might I add--during this last election. Tina Fey's impression of Sarah Palin was nothing short of brilliant, and critics will argue for years to come that she very well may have helped sway the election. My favorite sketch from that time was the one that spoofed the Biden-Palin debate. I may just post that clip sometime.
However, the election's now over, and SNL can't depend on political humor all the time. I don't know where the writers are getting their ideas. Last night's episode was rather painful to watch. Most of this season has been difficult to watch. Other than Kristen Wiig's sketches, which include her impression of Suze Orman and her hilarious Target lady, SNL has not been doing so well.
I know I'm writing about an oft-debated topic here. Critics have debated for years about SNL's relevance. It goes through phases where it's not so great, then eras when it's fantastic, with some classic performances. I know it's premature to declare SNL dead, but TV execs have little patience these days. One low rating and you're canceled. Plus, how many other channels are out there?
I'm not watching next week, though, even though Hugh Laurie and Kanye West are the host and musical guest. I'm watching some friends perform in the "Messiah." Legend has it that the king fell asleep during the performance, only to have the "Hallelujah Chorus" wake him up.
Saturday Night Live, where's your hallelujah chorus?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Curse You, Time Warner!
Yeah, I know it's only Tuesday, and I don't subscribe to TV Guide, or look at the TV listings beyond the current night. But is it me, or is there a total lack of animated Thanksgiving specials now? Or rather, a total lack of Thanksgiving specials, period?
When I was a kid, the airwaves were full of Thanksgiving specials such as Bugs Bunny's Thanksgiving Diet, Daffy Duck's Thanks for Giving, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Only A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has been seen on TV in the past five years.
So why, oh why, have the Warner Bros. toons faded into obscurity? I have no idea. Does it have to do with rights? Does it have to do with Ted Turner? Does it have to do with the fading popularity of Bugs Bunny and company, who are little known to the current generation of kids?
I will admit that a lot of the humor in the Looney Tunes library is dated, but we can't let Bugs and company simply fade into obscurity! What will it take to bring back our friends?
At least we still have Christmas specials to look forward to...but alas, not from Warner Bros. studios...curse you, Time Warner!
When I was a kid, the airwaves were full of Thanksgiving specials such as Bugs Bunny's Thanksgiving Diet, Daffy Duck's Thanks for Giving, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Only A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has been seen on TV in the past five years.
So why, oh why, have the Warner Bros. toons faded into obscurity? I have no idea. Does it have to do with rights? Does it have to do with Ted Turner? Does it have to do with the fading popularity of Bugs Bunny and company, who are little known to the current generation of kids?
I will admit that a lot of the humor in the Looney Tunes library is dated, but we can't let Bugs and company simply fade into obscurity! What will it take to bring back our friends?
At least we still have Christmas specials to look forward to...but alas, not from Warner Bros. studios...curse you, Time Warner!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sidewalk Sermons
One of our local residents, David Schultz, likes to have fun with campaign signs. Click here to see all of his sidewalk sermons, courtesy of our unofficial city blog, The Middletown Eye.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Biden-Palin Debate
I'm embarrassed to say, I fell asleep during the proceedings.
But I will say this:
I'm in luuuuuurrrrrrrrvvvvvvvvve with Joe Biden. Or at least the way he looks when he grins.
When he smiles, he's just so damn cute!
But that's NOT the reason I'm voting for the Obama/Biden ticket, though. Just want to make that point clear.
Sarah Palin, at times, I wanted to scream at her, "Answer the stupid question!" (I used much stronger language, but this is a family-friendly blog). And I HATED the way she winked at the camera. That aw-shucks tone may work with some Americans, but it doesn't work with the Vice Presidency, people!
Can you imagine, if McCain were to die in office, and President Palin (Arrgh! Perish the thought!) were to deliver an address to the nation in such a manner? Would anyone take her seriously? Would world leaders take her seriously?
Would she convert the White House lawn into a hockey rink so all the hockey moms can watch their kids play?
I don't have much else to say about it, other than, I fell asleep. I'm still housesitting, and one of the dogs likes to wake me up during the night to play.
Don't get me wrong, I loves me my animals...but I am much more of a cat person, anyway.
Oh well, all the sound bites will be on YouTube and CNN later, anyway.
But I will say this:
I'm in luuuuuurrrrrrrrvvvvvvvvve with Joe Biden. Or at least the way he looks when he grins.
When he smiles, he's just so damn cute!
But that's NOT the reason I'm voting for the Obama/Biden ticket, though. Just want to make that point clear.
Sarah Palin, at times, I wanted to scream at her, "Answer the stupid question!" (I used much stronger language, but this is a family-friendly blog). And I HATED the way she winked at the camera. That aw-shucks tone may work with some Americans, but it doesn't work with the Vice Presidency, people!
Can you imagine, if McCain were to die in office, and President Palin (Arrgh! Perish the thought!) were to deliver an address to the nation in such a manner? Would anyone take her seriously? Would world leaders take her seriously?
Would she convert the White House lawn into a hockey rink so all the hockey moms can watch their kids play?
I don't have much else to say about it, other than, I fell asleep. I'm still housesitting, and one of the dogs likes to wake me up during the night to play.
Don't get me wrong, I loves me my animals...but I am much more of a cat person, anyway.
Oh well, all the sound bites will be on YouTube and CNN later, anyway.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The M Word
In the past 18 months, I have had eight friends in my age group either break up with their long-term partners or get divorced. All of these relationships lasted under five years.
This only confuses me a hell of a lot more about the state of long-term relationships right now. Why is it that so many people my own age are experiencing this? Is this a social phenomenon? I've read about the so-called "starter marriages," which are similar to starter homes in the sense that one neither keeps the house nor the spouse for too long, and then people invest in something with more value. That's fine for a house, but not for a person!
However, when one examines these "starter marriages," there's a lot more going on beneath the surface. I've known people throughout my life who have had issues with their partners before they get married, and they have believed that marriage would solve all of their problems, that it was the great equalizer. They all admitted, after the fact, that they were wrong. The issues didn't go away, and if anything, marriage made the problems worse.
I don't understand why people invest thousands of dollars in one day of their lives to make a commitment that should last the rest of their lives--only to have it broken in less than five years. Lots of people go into a marriage hopeful and optimistic, that they'll live happily ever after, like in the movies. Well, I've never been married, but I've had enough life experience to know that fairy tales only exist in storybooks, and you can't get a frog to turn into a prince with a kiss.
I come from a family where long marriages are the norm. My parents have been married for 35 years, and almost all of their friends are still married, and have been for years. My parents have certainly had their disagreements and their issues; they have always worked things out, but I'm not sure how they did. I was never privy to what went on between just the two of them, and I feel it's inappropriate to ask what happened. Regardless, I think one of the reasons they're still together is that they've allowed each other to live their own lives, have their own friends, and be two separate individuals.
I'm afraid that, if I enter into a relationship, I may lose some of my individuality. I don't ever want to be so associated with another person that I become known as "KittenandJohn," as opposed to just "Kitten." I know that I will have to sacrifice some of my solitude to be with someone else, but I don't want to give it up entirely. I treasure my time alone, and sometimes, I feel that I'm better company with myself than with anyone else.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy attending weddings. As a little girl, I dreamed of my wedding, with the white dress, bridesmaids, flowers, and bouquet tossing. Sometimes I still daydream about getting married. But if I do, it'll be a simple, simple affair--probably a justice of the peace and a couple of witnesses. Nothing fancy.
I don't want to spend a lot of money on the ceremony, but I want to gain a lot from the return investment.
This only confuses me a hell of a lot more about the state of long-term relationships right now. Why is it that so many people my own age are experiencing this? Is this a social phenomenon? I've read about the so-called "starter marriages," which are similar to starter homes in the sense that one neither keeps the house nor the spouse for too long, and then people invest in something with more value. That's fine for a house, but not for a person!
However, when one examines these "starter marriages," there's a lot more going on beneath the surface. I've known people throughout my life who have had issues with their partners before they get married, and they have believed that marriage would solve all of their problems, that it was the great equalizer. They all admitted, after the fact, that they were wrong. The issues didn't go away, and if anything, marriage made the problems worse.
I don't understand why people invest thousands of dollars in one day of their lives to make a commitment that should last the rest of their lives--only to have it broken in less than five years. Lots of people go into a marriage hopeful and optimistic, that they'll live happily ever after, like in the movies. Well, I've never been married, but I've had enough life experience to know that fairy tales only exist in storybooks, and you can't get a frog to turn into a prince with a kiss.
I come from a family where long marriages are the norm. My parents have been married for 35 years, and almost all of their friends are still married, and have been for years. My parents have certainly had their disagreements and their issues; they have always worked things out, but I'm not sure how they did. I was never privy to what went on between just the two of them, and I feel it's inappropriate to ask what happened. Regardless, I think one of the reasons they're still together is that they've allowed each other to live their own lives, have their own friends, and be two separate individuals.
I'm afraid that, if I enter into a relationship, I may lose some of my individuality. I don't ever want to be so associated with another person that I become known as "KittenandJohn," as opposed to just "Kitten." I know that I will have to sacrifice some of my solitude to be with someone else, but I don't want to give it up entirely. I treasure my time alone, and sometimes, I feel that I'm better company with myself than with anyone else.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy attending weddings. As a little girl, I dreamed of my wedding, with the white dress, bridesmaids, flowers, and bouquet tossing. Sometimes I still daydream about getting married. But if I do, it'll be a simple, simple affair--probably a justice of the peace and a couple of witnesses. Nothing fancy.
I don't want to spend a lot of money on the ceremony, but I want to gain a lot from the return investment.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Sarah Palin's Daughter Is Pregnant...
...and she should be left alone. Period.
Shame on those who say that Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign are using this for political gain. Shame on those who started the rumors that Governor Palin faked a pregnancy and that her five-month-old son is actually her daughter's. Shame on those who are going, "Tsk, tsk, poor thing, glamorizing teenage pregnancy."
LEAVE BRISTOL PALIN ALONE. She's got enough on her plate being five months pregnant. Now her mom's a candidate for Vice President of the United States, and I'm sure bloggers are going to scrutinize this the way the media is between coverage of Hurricane Gustav.
This is not one of those blogs that will judge, criticize, or berate such a situation that should remain out of the public eye as much as possible. Kudos to the Palin family, and both the Obama and McCain campaigns, for handling this with class and aplomb. Teenage pregnancy is an unfortunate situation, but what Bristol Palin needs most of all right now is love and support from her family, and the respect of the American media.
Now please, American media, no candids of a pregnant teenager in our tabloids or glossy magazines. I implore you once again, LEAVE BRISTOL PALIN ALONE!
Shame on those who say that Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign are using this for political gain. Shame on those who started the rumors that Governor Palin faked a pregnancy and that her five-month-old son is actually her daughter's. Shame on those who are going, "Tsk, tsk, poor thing, glamorizing teenage pregnancy."
LEAVE BRISTOL PALIN ALONE. She's got enough on her plate being five months pregnant. Now her mom's a candidate for Vice President of the United States, and I'm sure bloggers are going to scrutinize this the way the media is between coverage of Hurricane Gustav.
This is not one of those blogs that will judge, criticize, or berate such a situation that should remain out of the public eye as much as possible. Kudos to the Palin family, and both the Obama and McCain campaigns, for handling this with class and aplomb. Teenage pregnancy is an unfortunate situation, but what Bristol Palin needs most of all right now is love and support from her family, and the respect of the American media.
Now please, American media, no candids of a pregnant teenager in our tabloids or glossy magazines. I implore you once again, LEAVE BRISTOL PALIN ALONE!
And Now...Back to the Old Grind
Tomorrow the kids are returning to school, and with it comes the busyness that comes with every new school year--getting to know the kids, getting them organized for the year, and going through a lot of paperwork. So you may not hear from me for a bit.
Of course, every time I say that--save for when I am actually physically away from home and a computer--I end up blogging ferociously.
Soooo...let me amend this by saying, maybe you'll hear from me soon, and maybe you won't.
Ciao, kittens.
Of course, every time I say that--save for when I am actually physically away from home and a computer--I end up blogging ferociously.
Soooo...let me amend this by saying, maybe you'll hear from me soon, and maybe you won't.
Ciao, kittens.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Veepwatch, GOP Style
This morning I woke up on the couch. I didn't realize I fell asleep on it last night when I got home from an Obama-acceptance speech-watching party with a group of friends. And worse, I left the TV on all night. Did not hear it all night. All I remember is intending to lie down for a while to watch the Travel Channel before I washed up and got ready for bed.
One of the cats woke me up at 7:30, and I couldn't get back to sleep, so I reached for the remote and did the morning show surf that marks many a summer morning for me. And on CNN: the red "Breaking News" banner:
One of the cats woke me up at 7:30, and I couldn't get back to sleep, so I reached for the remote and did the morning show surf that marks many a summer morning for me. And on CNN: the red "Breaking News" banner:
MCCAIN PICKS VP; ANNOUNCEMENT EXPECTED SOON
Soon??!? Define soon for me, Kittens!
There was a group of three reporters analyzing the possible choices with John Roberts. Who was in the running? What were the pros and cons? There was some discussion that McCain would choose a woman as a running mate, possibly to recruit some of Hillary Clinton's supporters who were still up in the air about Obama. (However, after both Clintons' speeches last week, I certainly hope that Hillary's supporters will support the Democratic nominee).
There was a group of three reporters analyzing the possible choices with John Roberts. Who was in the running? What were the pros and cons? There was some discussion that McCain would choose a woman as a running mate, possibly to recruit some of Hillary Clinton's supporters who were still up in the air about Obama. (However, after both Clintons' speeches last week, I certainly hope that Hillary's supporters will support the Democratic nominee).
I flipped over to Fox News. The three anchors of Fox and Friends were leaning over intently towards their satellite feed screen, smiling and wondering just who was the lucky man or woman to accompany John McCain to the Twin Cities.
And on the Big Three, CBS, NBC, and ABC...nothing.
There were fans screaming on NBC all right, but these were tweens screaming for the Pussycat Dolls and Jesse McCartney, not our elders screaming their hearts out for that hunky "white-haired dude" (thanks, Paris Hilton) running for president. CBS and ABC had commercials.
Yesterday I was talking with a friend at lunch, and we were both reminiscing about the days when the networks had wall-to-wall convention coverage, instead of the one-hour prime time slot, or what my friend calls "The Highlights Show". I have fond memories of watching CBS conventions with my parents. My father especially got into it, cheering whenever Walter Cronkite was on screen. (When I was a kid Uncle Walter still helped Dan Rather out with the convention coverage, much the same way that Tom Brokaw helps out Brian Williams).
Well, I've got the day off...maybe I'll go watch CNN now. The website's saying the Veep is Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
Actually, only I know who the choice really is.
Me.
You've heard it here first. Now I gotta catch a plane to Ohio! See you at the debates!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Viva Variety
I'm not normally a slave to the boob tube, but when it comes to the Olympics, it's on nearly 24-7 in my house.
Last night, after Michael Phelps's big win, I decided to go to bed. But then there were the post-race interviews, so I stayed up to watch those. And then there was the local news, followed by more post-race interviews. Finally, around 1:30, I headed up to my bedroom.
Then beach volleyball came on. Quarterfinal match between May-Walsh and the Brazilians.
Sooo...can you guess what I did till 2:30 this morning?
After the Games are over, I'm going to go through withdrawl. Yes, the shows are returning, but they're nothing I would care to watch. All of the sitcoms today are formulaic, with very tired jokes. And I find reality TV to be just plain mean-spirited. I am appalled at just how low people will sink to win money.
There's one genre of television, however, that I really, really enjoy, and it's considered to be dead, although there have been a few people over the last few years who have tried to revive it.
Variety.
I remember watching a special about Ed Sullivan when I was a kid, and being fascinated by the plate spinners. I couldn't believe that people actually watched this sort of thing, in droves, but I still loved it. Broadway performers raved about Ed because his program provided a showcase for all of their musicals and plays. And, of course, without Ed Sullivan, the Beatles may not have been quite as big in America.
Ed Sullivan was just the tip of the iceberg. As you all are aware, I am a huge Carol Burnett fan, and grew up with her sketches. I didn't learn until 1993, when her 25th anniversary special aired, that she also had musical guests and Broadway-style finales on her show every week. The reunion special contained various clips of these musical numbers, and they were amazing. I started to wonder why these elements of her program were left out of syndication--then, as I got older, I learned about rights, royalties, and unions, and how performers are supposed to get money each time their clip is viewed on TV.
A few years pass, and I learn that The Carol Burnett Show was available on Columbia House via subscription. At the time, I was a poor graduate student and didn't have the funds to secure such an item. However, I worked with someone who was as much of a fan of Carol as I was, and she loaned me two of the tapes, one of which I reviewed not long ago.
I was hooked. My mom saw me watch the tapes and she sat with me and shared some of her memories of watching the original runs.
Fast-forward to the present day. I got out of grad school, got a job, moved out, and got so occupied with my life and career that I nearly forgot about Carol. However, whenever I found out she would be on TV, you can bet I wrote myself notes to remind me that she was going to be on the air. I watched the reruns on TV Land and E! whenever I could.
Earlier this year, when Horton Hears a Who came out, I was reminded of my affection for Carol. I found out she was going to be on Oprah with Jim Carrey and Steve Carell and rushed home to watch the show. (I don't have TiVo, and my VCR was on the fritz at the time, so I couldn't record the program. More in the future about these frustrations of mine). Harvey Korman's death reminded me some more of my affection for her, and I did a YouTube search and found dozens of clips. These clips were not just of the old sketches from the syndicated version of the show, Carol Burnett and Friends, no! These were clips that contained the musical numbers, guest stars, and much more! I was overjoyed!
Through YouTube, I was able to discover other variety stars of days gone by--Garry Moore, Dinah Shore, and many more. I found these clips to be much more entertaining than what is currently on TV, and wished that I had DVDs of all of this material.
I really think I was born in the wrong decade. I should not have been born in the 70s, but the 40s, because then I would have been able to live through the Golden Age of Variety Television.
But by the same token, they didn't have any of the recording or preservation technologies that we have today, so I couldn't see them on reruns.
So now, I am a happy subscriber to the Guthy-Renker Carol Burnett Show program, and look forward to more volumes of the show. In the meantime, I would like to entertain you all with some clips of days gone by. Each week, I will post a "Viva Variety Clip of the Week," so you can see what great television once was, and what could be. I still have hope for the future.
If Fox can have an all-reality channel, we need an all-variety channel--and soon!
Last night, after Michael Phelps's big win, I decided to go to bed. But then there were the post-race interviews, so I stayed up to watch those. And then there was the local news, followed by more post-race interviews. Finally, around 1:30, I headed up to my bedroom.
Then beach volleyball came on. Quarterfinal match between May-Walsh and the Brazilians.
Sooo...can you guess what I did till 2:30 this morning?
After the Games are over, I'm going to go through withdrawl. Yes, the shows are returning, but they're nothing I would care to watch. All of the sitcoms today are formulaic, with very tired jokes. And I find reality TV to be just plain mean-spirited. I am appalled at just how low people will sink to win money.
There's one genre of television, however, that I really, really enjoy, and it's considered to be dead, although there have been a few people over the last few years who have tried to revive it.
Variety.
I remember watching a special about Ed Sullivan when I was a kid, and being fascinated by the plate spinners. I couldn't believe that people actually watched this sort of thing, in droves, but I still loved it. Broadway performers raved about Ed because his program provided a showcase for all of their musicals and plays. And, of course, without Ed Sullivan, the Beatles may not have been quite as big in America.
Ed Sullivan was just the tip of the iceberg. As you all are aware, I am a huge Carol Burnett fan, and grew up with her sketches. I didn't learn until 1993, when her 25th anniversary special aired, that she also had musical guests and Broadway-style finales on her show every week. The reunion special contained various clips of these musical numbers, and they were amazing. I started to wonder why these elements of her program were left out of syndication--then, as I got older, I learned about rights, royalties, and unions, and how performers are supposed to get money each time their clip is viewed on TV.
A few years pass, and I learn that The Carol Burnett Show was available on Columbia House via subscription. At the time, I was a poor graduate student and didn't have the funds to secure such an item. However, I worked with someone who was as much of a fan of Carol as I was, and she loaned me two of the tapes, one of which I reviewed not long ago.
I was hooked. My mom saw me watch the tapes and she sat with me and shared some of her memories of watching the original runs.
Fast-forward to the present day. I got out of grad school, got a job, moved out, and got so occupied with my life and career that I nearly forgot about Carol. However, whenever I found out she would be on TV, you can bet I wrote myself notes to remind me that she was going to be on the air. I watched the reruns on TV Land and E! whenever I could.
Earlier this year, when Horton Hears a Who came out, I was reminded of my affection for Carol. I found out she was going to be on Oprah with Jim Carrey and Steve Carell and rushed home to watch the show. (I don't have TiVo, and my VCR was on the fritz at the time, so I couldn't record the program. More in the future about these frustrations of mine). Harvey Korman's death reminded me some more of my affection for her, and I did a YouTube search and found dozens of clips. These clips were not just of the old sketches from the syndicated version of the show, Carol Burnett and Friends, no! These were clips that contained the musical numbers, guest stars, and much more! I was overjoyed!
Through YouTube, I was able to discover other variety stars of days gone by--Garry Moore, Dinah Shore, and many more. I found these clips to be much more entertaining than what is currently on TV, and wished that I had DVDs of all of this material.
I really think I was born in the wrong decade. I should not have been born in the 70s, but the 40s, because then I would have been able to live through the Golden Age of Variety Television.
But by the same token, they didn't have any of the recording or preservation technologies that we have today, so I couldn't see them on reruns.
So now, I am a happy subscriber to the Guthy-Renker Carol Burnett Show program, and look forward to more volumes of the show. In the meantime, I would like to entertain you all with some clips of days gone by. Each week, I will post a "Viva Variety Clip of the Week," so you can see what great television once was, and what could be. I still have hope for the future.
If Fox can have an all-reality channel, we need an all-variety channel--and soon!
Monday, August 11, 2008
More Donuts in the Making
I was driving on Washington Street earlier this afternoon when I noticed a sign in front of a new building under construction:
DUNKIN DONUTS: COMING SOON TO THIS LOCATION!!
Yes, Middletowners, we have yet another Dunkin Donuts coming to our fair city. This makes the fifth DD location in town and the third that I will drive by on my way to work. Seriously, do we really need another Dunkin Donuts in our city of 45,000? That's one for every 9,000 who live here! I have a friend who's upset it's a Dunkin Donuts and not a Starbucks! However, with Starbucks closing stores now, I doubt we'll see a new Starbucks for quite some time.
I'm going to have to compose a post on making coffee, since, based on the number of coffee shops that have been built over the past decade, most Americans seem to have forgotten how...
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Air Over There
It's no secret that Beijing has a tremendous problem with air pollution. All you have to do is look at aerial shots of the Bird Nest and see the thickness of the smog. I have trouble breathing just looking at the picture.
I got an especially good glimpse of it as I watched the men's cycling road race today. It's a wonder that no one collapsed from choking on the pollutants in the air.
I really wonder how the Chinese are able to breathe in this air every day of their lives, and there has been no real report on elevated cancer rates in their country.
So far, the air quality hasn't really affected athletic performance; several records were broken today in the Water Cube. (I LOVE the Water Cube! What a great design for a building! And the Bird Nest, too!) However, the Water Cube's an enclosed facility. It'll be interesting to see what goes on when the Track and Field events start next week.
Be sure to remember your running shoes, athletes...and your masks, too...
I got an especially good glimpse of it as I watched the men's cycling road race today. It's a wonder that no one collapsed from choking on the pollutants in the air.
I really wonder how the Chinese are able to breathe in this air every day of their lives, and there has been no real report on elevated cancer rates in their country.
So far, the air quality hasn't really affected athletic performance; several records were broken today in the Water Cube. (I LOVE the Water Cube! What a great design for a building! And the Bird Nest, too!) However, the Water Cube's an enclosed facility. It'll be interesting to see what goes on when the Track and Field events start next week.
Be sure to remember your running shoes, athletes...and your masks, too...
Saturday, August 9, 2008
An Olympic-Sized Dilemma
There are many in the United States who are performing a television boycott of this year's Olympics due to Chinese human rights violations, the maltreatment of those in Tibet, as well as the situation in Darfur. While I am opposed to such travesties, the dilemma still looms large in my mind:
But it's the OLYMPICS!!!
I love the Olympics. Ever since I was a kid, I never missed an Opening or Closing Ceremony. When I was eight years old, my mom popped up some popcorn, set up little tables in front of the TV, and my sister and I watched the Opening Ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics in awe. We were especially interested because they were in our home country! I remember Rafer Johnson lighting the torch, and Mary Lou Retton's vault. That's all the memory I have of those games.
So with all of this tradition in my family, I couldn't help myself. As soon as I got home from Sing, Virgie, Sing, I turned on the TV to see how far along they were in the Opening Ceremony. It was 11:15, and they were about three-quarters of the way through the Parade of Nations. I called a friend out in Colorado and she told me that the Parade of Nations had just started. So I poured myself a glass of wine and settled in for the action.
I regret missing a lot of the pagentry, such as the drummers and the dancers, but I figure, with today's technology, I can view segments of those later. But the most breathtaking moment of the ceremony had to be the torch lighting. I never saw anything like it. I really can't put it into words how incredible it was, but if you thought the torch lightings from Barcelona in 1992, Sydney in 2000 and Torino in 2006 were amazing, you've got to see this. The clip has to be up on YouTube somewhere.
So while I am angered and saddened by the human rights travesties, I'm still going to watch the Bejing Olympics and cheer on our American athletes. Which reminds me...I think Michael Phelps is about to swim...excuse me while I go to my living room...
But it's the OLYMPICS!!!
I love the Olympics. Ever since I was a kid, I never missed an Opening or Closing Ceremony. When I was eight years old, my mom popped up some popcorn, set up little tables in front of the TV, and my sister and I watched the Opening Ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics in awe. We were especially interested because they were in our home country! I remember Rafer Johnson lighting the torch, and Mary Lou Retton's vault. That's all the memory I have of those games.
So with all of this tradition in my family, I couldn't help myself. As soon as I got home from Sing, Virgie, Sing, I turned on the TV to see how far along they were in the Opening Ceremony. It was 11:15, and they were about three-quarters of the way through the Parade of Nations. I called a friend out in Colorado and she told me that the Parade of Nations had just started. So I poured myself a glass of wine and settled in for the action.
I regret missing a lot of the pagentry, such as the drummers and the dancers, but I figure, with today's technology, I can view segments of those later. But the most breathtaking moment of the ceremony had to be the torch lighting. I never saw anything like it. I really can't put it into words how incredible it was, but if you thought the torch lightings from Barcelona in 1992, Sydney in 2000 and Torino in 2006 were amazing, you've got to see this. The clip has to be up on YouTube somewhere.
So while I am angered and saddened by the human rights travesties, I'm still going to watch the Bejing Olympics and cheer on our American athletes. Which reminds me...I think Michael Phelps is about to swim...excuse me while I go to my living room...
Kitten Confessions, Part Seven
My name is Kitten, and I read the comics the way some watch soap operas.
I don't know why I get so caught up in comic strips and their storylines. Currently, in For Better or for Worse, the Pattersons' eldest daughter, Elizabeth, is finally marrying Anthony. It was stated, however, in a previous strip, that the wedding would not take place until August 23rd, which is two weeks from now. Right now they're profiling all of the activity leading up to the big moment. Which leads me to wonder: Is something catastrophic gonna happen that will postpone the big event? The suspense is killing me!
Then I wander over to Sally Forth. Since Memorial Day, Sally and Ted have been trying to have another baby. Their daughter, Hilary, is ten years old, going on eleven, and during the past two weeks, Sally and Ted have been telling Hilary about how they purchased their first house. Well, enough with the suspense! Is Sally preggers, or isn't she? Only her creator knows, and he ain't telling!
And then there's Funky Winkerbean, which is as close to reality as you can get in the comics. This week, Les and Summer are back in the neonatal ICU for a reunion of all of the babies who had been there sixteen years prior. Summer, as many Funky fans will recall, was a preemie. I really got tied up in this strip last year when Les's wife, Lisa, was dying of cancer, and I actually cried when I read the strips leading up to her death and funeral.
Why do I get tied up in these situations? I have to occasionally remind myself, "These are only comic strips!" Most of the people I know occupy themselves with the latest plotlines of various TV shows, but not me. I feel that I can't go a week with the suspense of not knowing what'll happen next. With the comics, there's a feeling of instant gratification; I only have to wait for the next day to find out what's going on.
Only lately, the comics have gotten a lot craftier, what with the examples I've mentioned above. Thankfully, I read all of my comics online; they're among the first sites I go to when I first log onto the Internet in the morning. That, in addition to checking my E-mail, I also read the obituaries first thing.
But that's another Kitten Confessional for another time.
I don't know why I get so caught up in comic strips and their storylines. Currently, in For Better or for Worse, the Pattersons' eldest daughter, Elizabeth, is finally marrying Anthony. It was stated, however, in a previous strip, that the wedding would not take place until August 23rd, which is two weeks from now. Right now they're profiling all of the activity leading up to the big moment. Which leads me to wonder: Is something catastrophic gonna happen that will postpone the big event? The suspense is killing me!
Then I wander over to Sally Forth. Since Memorial Day, Sally and Ted have been trying to have another baby. Their daughter, Hilary, is ten years old, going on eleven, and during the past two weeks, Sally and Ted have been telling Hilary about how they purchased their first house. Well, enough with the suspense! Is Sally preggers, or isn't she? Only her creator knows, and he ain't telling!
And then there's Funky Winkerbean, which is as close to reality as you can get in the comics. This week, Les and Summer are back in the neonatal ICU for a reunion of all of the babies who had been there sixteen years prior. Summer, as many Funky fans will recall, was a preemie. I really got tied up in this strip last year when Les's wife, Lisa, was dying of cancer, and I actually cried when I read the strips leading up to her death and funeral.
Why do I get tied up in these situations? I have to occasionally remind myself, "These are only comic strips!" Most of the people I know occupy themselves with the latest plotlines of various TV shows, but not me. I feel that I can't go a week with the suspense of not knowing what'll happen next. With the comics, there's a feeling of instant gratification; I only have to wait for the next day to find out what's going on.
Only lately, the comics have gotten a lot craftier, what with the examples I've mentioned above. Thankfully, I read all of my comics online; they're among the first sites I go to when I first log onto the Internet in the morning. That, in addition to checking my E-mail, I also read the obituaries first thing.
But that's another Kitten Confessional for another time.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Plug In, Talk On, Zone Out
When I graduated from college ten years ago, cell phones, iPods, pagers, and other portable electronic devices were not very common. I knew two people who each had one, and I thought that was an amazing thing.
Two months after graduation, I purchased my first cell phone, an Omnipoint. My father asked me why I wanted to be in touch with someone 24 hours a day. I told him it was for driving purposes, in case I got into an accident, my car broke down, or ran out of gas. At that time, statewide cellular networks were still being built, and Omnipoint had the lousiest coverage out of all of them. The only place I could get reception in my hometown was at the traffic light at the intersections of Routes 20 and 189, and only if I positioned my car, and leaned my body, just right.
When SNET came out with their own cellular service, I canceled Omnipoint and switched carriers. I got better coverage, but I also got a cell phone larger than the palm of my hand. When I went to upgrade it six months later, I placed it on the counter at the Cingular wireless store and the employees started laughing.
Two years later, I upgraded again, to a small, digital Motorola StarTac. I loved having a phone that you could flip open. It was a simple, silver phone, with only one ringtone.
In the fall of 2004, I took a course at Southern Connecticut State University. That was the first time I noticed this phenomenon...
...after I got out of my car and started walking through the parking lot, I observed nearly everyone on campus walking around, gabbing on a cell phone. When I got in the building, everyone in the hallways--or nearly everyone--gabbed on a phone. Whenever there was a break between classes, people whipped out their cell phones to check their voicemail or make a call.
And now, it's the year 2008. I just got back from a conference where most people whipped out their cell phones whenever there was a break in the action. And now these cell phones have miniature keyboards, internet, music players, and lots of ringtone styles. Most of the American population has an electronic portable device. During most of my Subway/Metro rides this summer, I noticed many riders listen to their iPods, text their loved ones, and organize their Palm Pilots--all while being completely, or almost completely, oblivious to the outside world, only to snap back to attention when they arrived at their destination. There is absolutely no human interaction.
I've become one of the guilty ones. When I leave work, the first thing I do, once I get in the car, is turn on my cell phone, put my Bluetooth behind my ear, and check my voicemail. I return any calls on the commute home. Then I get home, turn on the computer, and catch up on E-mail.
At the beginning of the summer, I decided that I was tired of depending on my phone so much, so I started to leave it at home. And I felt, in a strange way, free. I felt good that no one was able to reach me, that no one could get in touch with me. It was a little difficult at first, but it got easier.
Then my hypochondriac, on-edge side took over and thought, "What happens if you're in an accident, Kitten?" So I started carrying my phone again, only I started leaving it off for extended periods of time. If people missed me, so they did. I could always call them back.
Now, if Darwin's theory of evolution ever becomes law, it may not be so unwise to think that humans may eventually evolve so that the portable electronic device becomes an appendage. Don't be surprised, ladies, if you hear a "Barney" ringtone come from your womb if you ever get pregnant in the next twenty years...
Two months after graduation, I purchased my first cell phone, an Omnipoint. My father asked me why I wanted to be in touch with someone 24 hours a day. I told him it was for driving purposes, in case I got into an accident, my car broke down, or ran out of gas. At that time, statewide cellular networks were still being built, and Omnipoint had the lousiest coverage out of all of them. The only place I could get reception in my hometown was at the traffic light at the intersections of Routes 20 and 189, and only if I positioned my car, and leaned my body, just right.
When SNET came out with their own cellular service, I canceled Omnipoint and switched carriers. I got better coverage, but I also got a cell phone larger than the palm of my hand. When I went to upgrade it six months later, I placed it on the counter at the Cingular wireless store and the employees started laughing.
Two years later, I upgraded again, to a small, digital Motorola StarTac. I loved having a phone that you could flip open. It was a simple, silver phone, with only one ringtone.
In the fall of 2004, I took a course at Southern Connecticut State University. That was the first time I noticed this phenomenon...
...after I got out of my car and started walking through the parking lot, I observed nearly everyone on campus walking around, gabbing on a cell phone. When I got in the building, everyone in the hallways--or nearly everyone--gabbed on a phone. Whenever there was a break between classes, people whipped out their cell phones to check their voicemail or make a call.
And now, it's the year 2008. I just got back from a conference where most people whipped out their cell phones whenever there was a break in the action. And now these cell phones have miniature keyboards, internet, music players, and lots of ringtone styles. Most of the American population has an electronic portable device. During most of my Subway/Metro rides this summer, I noticed many riders listen to their iPods, text their loved ones, and organize their Palm Pilots--all while being completely, or almost completely, oblivious to the outside world, only to snap back to attention when they arrived at their destination. There is absolutely no human interaction.
I've become one of the guilty ones. When I leave work, the first thing I do, once I get in the car, is turn on my cell phone, put my Bluetooth behind my ear, and check my voicemail. I return any calls on the commute home. Then I get home, turn on the computer, and catch up on E-mail.
At the beginning of the summer, I decided that I was tired of depending on my phone so much, so I started to leave it at home. And I felt, in a strange way, free. I felt good that no one was able to reach me, that no one could get in touch with me. It was a little difficult at first, but it got easier.
Then my hypochondriac, on-edge side took over and thought, "What happens if you're in an accident, Kitten?" So I started carrying my phone again, only I started leaving it off for extended periods of time. If people missed me, so they did. I could always call them back.
Now, if Darwin's theory of evolution ever becomes law, it may not be so unwise to think that humans may eventually evolve so that the portable electronic device becomes an appendage. Don't be surprised, ladies, if you hear a "Barney" ringtone come from your womb if you ever get pregnant in the next twenty years...
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