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I snapped a picture with my camera phone this morning of the gorgeous 6:50AM sunrise. Maybe you were sleeping all snug and warm in your bed? Normally I would envy you...but not this morning.
Click to enlarge
The editor of Philly magazine is comparing Philly to Boston and New York. According to him we come up short, naturally. Has anyone ever checked out Philadelphia magazine? It is your go to mag for the latest in fine dining and plastic surgeons. It's an elitist rag that caters to the wealthy, Jewish residents of Philadelphia. As expected the vast African-American, working class community is ignored.
Author D. Herbert Lipson, whose family has published Philly Mag since 1946 is appalled that Walnut Street isn't attracting more upscale chain stores. He notes,
Not so long ago, a national high end retailer wanted to put a store on Walnut Street. A couple of executives drove down from New York one day, parked their limo on Walnut, and gazed out through tinted windows...at the slovenly crowd passing by. Then they drove back to New York, after coming to an easy decision: Philadelphia is not the place for high end retail.
I would suggest said executives maybe witnessed too many African- Americans for their liking? There is plenty of high end retail on Walnut Street. The truth is center city is flooded with former New Yorkers who decided it was more important to have a savings account then a New York city address. They seem to be managing here quite nicely. Myself and friends joke all the time- you can spot always the recovering New Yorkers in the crowd, they still haven't had the poles surgically removed from their nether regions.
Sure Philadelphians tend to be rather...shall we say... casual in dress and demeanor but some might say it's part of Philly's unpretentious, down-to-earth nature that sets us apart from the wannabe's. Blatant racism and classicism are more to the point when it comes to anything regarding Philadelphia magazine and it's editor.
I just want to remind my vast readership (lol!) to check my updates on Twitter. Just scroll down here, they are short and more to the point sometimes. Thanks.
My boss called me in the office this morning to say I'm getting my bonus check for perfect attendance. This is generous considering technically I didn't have perfect attendance but it was through no fault of my own and she recognizes this. That was very good news and I'm grateful.
Six months ago I told you to check out this marine Jayel Aheram, his videos and his blog. He seems like a bright, caring soldier. Just thought I would mention him again in case you wanted to check out his photos of Iraq and what looks to be a pretty bleak, boring existence sometimes.
His photos on Flickr are really good, but heartbreaking to me at the same time. He still has the bright out look of a young person and I hope to heaven that never changes for him. I hate the thoughts of those soldiers being there for another Christmas. What a nightmare. I can't even imagine the loneliness for them and their families. I guess they have at least another year to go, right? UGH!
Jayel Aheram: Making the Best of It.
The following clip is SO me when I'm on the phone with Freddy or Jimmi. This video is hysterical!
These sunglasses and this beret.
Graffiti Drawing By: Liz
"Deer and Stags represent swiftness, gentleness, grace and balance. They teach us the ability to listen and to sacrifice for the greater good."
Lately, I just love anything with a deer or a crow embellishment. Some people love owls, I use to love pigs. I have no idea why it's deer and crows right now except that you see more of them around.
With as much as I drive, deer cross my path everyday. While they startle me like crazy they are so pretty. Etsy is a great place to find beautiful deer and crow items- so crafty!
"Ravens and Crows represent magic, mystery, and sacred law as well as battle, and the mysteries of the Crone and Matron (warrior goddess). A gathering of ravens is called an "unkindness"while a group of crows is a "murder". They are highly intelligent birds, and have been known to follow armies for many miles."
Cute suggestions:
Last night at dinner, everyone scoffed. No one believed I would do and I did! I went to Target at 6AM and stood in line for about 20 minutes. They handed out the coveted Wii tickets (My nieces are getting a Wii, *I* can't wait) and instructed people not to push or run. When we got in the store they had lined up the carts to block the isles so people couldn't dash through the store. The big news is I got what I went there for...AT THE SALE PRICE because I've been holding on to my little rain check for weeks now.
They had all the sale items behind the register and you just asked for what you wanted. At the last minute I picked up a GPS for my Mom. She has been wanting one and this one was on sale for $139.00 so that was REALLY a deal, they are usually $250-$300. I ordered my Mom a DVD and shirt online for her birthday back in the middle of November and they STILL aren't here. UGH! When Jesse and I went to the art museum, I bought her a cutting board for her birthday with a Monet painting on it. I hope the other stuff gets here soon.
Everyone in line at this Target said the Delaware stores are CRAZZEEEEE!! Apparently people are lined up for blocks trying to get the deals. I stood in line but I was out of the store within ten minutes. Success is sweet!
Dinner: Place of Disbelievers
* Britney Spears- For being such a public disgrace and proving once again that we should never compare our insides to someone else's outsides. I was always in awe of her body. Britney had it all or so I thought. The truth is she had nothing to carry her through the tough times we all experience no matter how rich we are.
* George W. Bush- That's right I said it. Ole Simple Simon himself for proving to America that we need to question absolutely everything in government and never take anything for granted and always, always act in a spirit of compassion for others because this war has not only destroyed our once high standing in the world it has hurt US for generations to come.
* Stupid People Who Blog- You know who you are don't be shy now!! Whether it was recounting the trials and tribulations of your depressing, abysmal life or regaling us with your high-falutin times at Denny's or your brilliant Republican wannabe point of view, you have given myself and my friends plenty of laughs throughout the year. Keep up the good work.
* The Hills- One of my favorite "reality" shows, The Hills was a tour guide of LA before I got there. The show is filmed very beautifully and contains subtitles on each location and with stunning scenery of LA as it's back drop. I visited many places seen on the show like The Grove; a pretty out door shopping center and enjoyed it. While the story line has been disputed at times it actually contains a subplot reflective of my personal life.
*You!- Thank you for reading my blog this year. You guys are so sweet and I appreciate your wit and wisdom more than I can say.
*My Family and Friends-Thank you for your continued love and support. With a special word to The Divine Ms. Jimmi- Thank you for allowing me to be your personal make-up artist and reminding me where my true passion lies. I've had the most fun ever working with you!
Very high these past three days.
Everyone in a tail spin.
On too plan B.
Plan B worked and I have the coveted little white card.
Everyone is happy again.
Eating an animal cracker.
I felt the tooth crack.
In the dentist chair.
Back to the dentist next week and the week after.
Trying not to look like Amy Winehouse.
OK, that's enough for now.
I need a rest.
Today Oprah releases her annual list of favorite things. Well, her $4000 refrigerator is nice, but check out my non- billionaire list of favorite things. Unlike Oprah, I'm not making money off my list (One of her fav things is her own book).
* Do you love tea and special touches on gifts? Here is an adorable little Xmas card any tea lover would enjoy.
* I have really been enjoying my short Ugg boots. They are so comfy and easy that I have even worn them without socks!
* "Better Than Botox" and you know what? They are right. Strivectin SD is the bomb.
* Want a smooth finish and decent coverage? Nothing beats MAC's studio fix. If you think you hate foundation, try this. Ms. Liz is an NC 20.
* Evening bags are bigger than ever. No they are still small I just mean popular. Macys has an adorable selection.
* Omaha Steaks are delicious. Have you ever tried one? Thick and scrumptious, they are the best.
* I love diners. The one I go too at least once a week is Ruby's. They have quality food and healthy choices at reasonable prices. I give gift certificates to Ruby's every year.
* My favorite fragrance this year has been Chance by Chanel. People always comment favorably when I wear it.
*American Girl Dolls. These are pretty, graceful dolls for the special little girl or girls in your life. These elegant dolls reflect a period in American history showing a young girl at her best. They might seem pricey but trust me, young girls treasure them forever. I'm taking my nieces to the American Girl store in NYC in a few weeks.
My heart breaks for Kayne West and anyone who loses the person they call "best friend." Click here to see the YouTube video of Kayne onstage holding his hands over his face unable to go on. The poor man is grief stricken.
Trust me when I say the day I loose my mother my world will collapse right out from under me. I can only image what it is taking for Kanye West to get out of bed everyday let alone get up in front of an audience. His mother was his world. It was always her and him right from the beginning.
My mom was always my soft place to land. I was never thrown out into the wicked world so she could put herself first like a lot of mothers do. During my hardest days now guess who is there? She never judges me, and is always there to make me laugh. No one can make me laugh the way she does because we share so many inside jokes.
I feel like I know what Kayne is missing. I talk to my Mom several times a day. December 4th is her birthday and on the 8th we are taking the kids to NYC for the first time. This is something she has looked forward to now for YEARS (Yes, she is an awesome Grandmom too)! She wants to be there when the kids see the Big Apple for the first time, the same way she was there when I saw Gotham for the first time.
I've been judged by others as being "too close" to my Mom and I'm sure Kanye has been called a Mommas boy, but those people don't understand the camaraderie we share with our Mothers. They don't have what we have and they never will. I feel sorry for them.
Knowing that his mother loved him the way she did will sustain Kayne now. I imagine he will still talk to her and her replies will come in different forms. His audiences will hold him up the way they did in Paris and their love will carry him through this tough time. As for me, I can tell you that I truly make the MOST of every day I have with my Mom (You might have noticed I mention her often). I don't care what anyone thinks. When that time comes for me, I will have no regrets.
Today my oldest niece and I took in the Pierre Auguste Renoir Landscape exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I have a friend who works there and he gave me two free passes. The other two nieces (ages 6 & 3) wanted to stay home with Grandmom and bake cookies. Besides my Mom, my niece is the perfect person to see something like this with. At only 8 years old, she really appreciates art is quite the artist herself. With the benefit of audio, the exhibit comes alive and we left the museum with a better understanding of French impressionism. Click below where I have included just a small sampling of the amazing paintings we saw. They really were so brilliant and colorful in person. I also picked up a Van Gogh (Starry Night) cutting board in the museum gift shop for my Mom's upcoming birthday.
I needed a new party/event dress. I got this one tonight and I love it. It's way cuter than the picture. I would describe it as very Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby and you know I'm obsessed with that movie. It has a polo shirt collar and a ruffle. Two things I never wear but I liked them together for some reason. Naturally, I plan on wearing it with black tights and ballet slippers, my signature look this season.
80's dream boat, Andrew McCarthy is 44. He is still gorgeous in my opinion and can be seen in the upcoming film, "The Spiderwick Chronicles."
I still have worries over some families member's health. It's stressful. Today I got into a car accident with my job's vehicle (thank goodness). Everything is fine and no one was hurt and the vehicle is already repaired.
Sal called me from work and explained one photoshop question to me. That was super nice of him. I thought he had forgotten me and I was bummed because I wanted to learn.
I hung out with the kids this afternoon. My niece said I "look really different" in the pictures below (it's the make-up). I asked her if that was good or bad and she said good so I know it's the make-up.
Today was supposed to be a really easy day schedule wise and it was far from it. I had to make a decision I didn't anticipate. I make the decision rather quickly based on my heart and I felt good about it. I was told by people in authority that I did the right thing and they wished more people were like me. It was hard but I'm glad I care about justice. I hate to say this but guess what? Tomorrow should be an easy day too...yea right.
Make-up by MAC
Nu uh! What a freak show. Who is Tila Tequila anyway and why is everyone fighting over some girl named after my favorite shot? Yea OK, first I admit to watching The Hills now this hot ass mess. I NEED A DISTRACTION SO SUE ME!
"So you'll just work us to death?"
"We'll sure try!" ~Bee Movie
Last night I saw Bee Movie with my three nieces. I was really stunned by the theme of the movie and it's direct references to Haliburton, Enron and corporate thieves in general.
The little worker bee is coming to terms with his station in life after graduating school. His options don't seem very exciting. He is a curious, dynamic, thoughtful bee and he can't imagine doing the same thing day after day for the rest of his life. Many references are made to how hard the working class has it with so little recognition.
Finally, the little bee realizes that any contribution no matter how large or small is immensely valuable to the big picture. I'm thrilled to see a mainstream film adopt the working class as a theme when Republicans launch a daily war on the working class in the United States EVERYDAY! The healthcare crisis, illegal immigration and unemployment are all our fault according to the Republican mouth pieces. The bee movie sends a completely different message, one we working stiffs don't hear often enough. The conveniences and services most people in the United States enjoy are provided by many hard working, industrious and underappreciated people.
Last night on The Hills (Yea, I watch fake reality TV sometimes) former longtime friends briefly met up. Heidi claimed total innocence in the spreading of a vicious rumor allegedly started by Heidi's fiancee, Spencer. Lauren always disliked Spencer and begged her best friend to rethink the relationship. Heidi is totally isolated now with Spencer so she decided to do a little back peddling in an effort to recoup her long gone girlfriend. After several attempts on Heidi's part Lauren agreed to meet up and hear her out. Lauren's final word to Heidi was,
"I want to forgive you and I want to forget you."
That's a powerful line for me I guess because I've known that feeling and over pretty much the same circumstances. With that said, I'm so grateful for the friends I have in my life today and I love them dearly.
It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care.
Lauren and Heidi, The Beginning of the End.
The Holiday season is upon us. How do we know this? Because celebs like Lindsey Ho-han are carrying thier holiday Starbucks cups. I'm just wondering if her sobriety and rehab romance are going to make it through Christmas? That's OK Linds, you still have Britney and Amy beat in the recovery department.
"The term "scab" is a highly derogatory and "fighting word" most frequently used to refer to people who continue to work when trade unionists go on strike action. This is also known as crossing the picket line and can result in their being shunned or assaulted." ~Wikipedia
SCAB! That's all I can say about her but the Hollywood writers are pissed! While people like Eva Longoria, Robin Williams and Tim Robbins picked up signs and walked with the strikers, Ellen DeGeneres crosses the picket line everyday! Insiders say it's no shock to them. Apparently she is all smiles until the camera stops rolling and then her face drops and the diva complaints start. She should just get rid of the high-maintenance expensive girlfriend and not be so desperate to do a simpleton, middlebrow show. You're a scab Ellen. DAVID Letterman, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien have all refused to cross the line.
Another TV insider told Page Six , "This is her (Ellen) last chance in show business. This show is the only thing keeping her from a lifetime of touring college campuses."
UPDATE
The Writers Guild of America released a statement today:
"We find it sad that Ellen spent an entire week crying and fighting for a dog that she gave away, yet she couldn’t even stand by writers for more than one day - writers who have helped make her extremely successful.
Every show and film set has a production staff and crew that is beloved by their writers. Ellen’s staff is no more important than the rest of the industry. When shows refuse to stand with us they create huge revenue streams for the companies and that prolongs the strike for the thousands of staff and crew members who are noble enough to honor our picket lines. We find this situation hurtful to those people and extremely unfortunate.
The writers did not cause this strike. The companies’ greed caused this strike and it could end tomorrow if they were finally willing to negotiate a fair deal. "
I'm so excited. I just returned from Target with a DVD called Fireside Reflections. In case you aren't familiar, it is a DVD of fireplace scenes and it is so soothing! I'm all about adding ambiance to a room, and this is lovely especially if you don't have a fireplace. You can also choose from the Christmas scene selection and it plays classical Christmas carol instrumentals. This is probably a pretty corny thing, but when some of the scenes were of Rockefeller Center (I'm taking the nieces there December 8th for the first time) I was extactic. For only one dollar this glorious DVD and all it's simple charm can be yours.
Wanting: Cody Castagna. The sexy, trashy male hustler who nabbed Republican Rep. Richard Curtis wearing red stockings and sequin top in an adult bookstore.
Watching: Dark Shadows on DVD. I've been renting and watching since last June. Yes, it's getting old but never tired. Also watching I Love NewYork and A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila- game shows at their trashiest.
Wearing: My new thinner fabulous eyebrows.
Listening: Peace Train by Cat Stevens, Dirty Work by Steely Dan and Straight Line by Silverchair.
A young, very hot Yusuf Islam AKA Cat Stevens
Watch this hilarious MAD TV parody of the Olive Garden commercials! Olive Garden has the most disgusting food on earth. I'm half Italian and never saw "Italian" food like that. I think the last time I went to a O.G. was in the 80's.
I should post this under the "hot mess" category but I don't have one. Ms Britney Spears needed to park her Mercedes in the handicapped parking spot at the tanning salon on Saturday. Well where did you think she would be, the library?
Jimmi and I finally made it out to the center city Sephora. Our visit was really rather anti-climatic. The service there isn't the best. My best tip after visiting Sephora's from Las Vegas to Miami is always approach a pleasant looking salesperson. Step back and watch for who appears to be helpful with other patrons. Sephora has some nasty sales help.
MAC was a whole different vibe. We had a lovely sales girl who helped Jimmi and I find the most fabulous eyeshadows, lipgloss and pencils.
I finally found a great pair of knock-off Uggs. I hated Uggs for a long time, but I've finally given over to comfort and warmth. I've been wanting them for work. I scored a great pink pair at Daffy's and sprayed them down with weather repelant in case I come across the inevitable puddle.
We had lunch and later tea at Cosi. Pax keeps promising to join us sometime which would be so nice. I modeled my new eye brow shape (see below). I finally went a much thinner shape, I've been wanting a change. What a joy to take advantage of a mild Fall day in the city.
The Sun Sets on a Day of Beauty.
Well A&E thankfully has pulled Dog The Bounty Hunter. Make no mistake, yours trully was a fan of the show but Dog speaking to his son like this is sickening to me and I would never be able to watch him again.
Watch and listen as "Michelle" on YouTube shares her feelings about Dog's message to his son. She makes many good points regarding his "clarification" of the "N" word and it's usage. The bottom line here folks- none are Dog's adult offspring are to date African-American people because DOG is not comfortable with the idea and has no intention of reevaluting his position even after his son tells him how much his girlfriend loves him. It's really sad. BTW- it was revealed today that the son, Tucker did in fact sell this tape to a tabloid. I understand the anger that was behind that move.
I love old Marlene Dietrich photos and movies. She was so ahead of her time. Of course the glamour shots are great, but I love her in older pics as well. The picture above is my all time favorite because it is so timeless. It could have been taken yesterday. The look is totally current and I respect women so much who can pull that off.
In 1941, the U.S. entered the World War II and Dietrich became one of the first celebrities to raise war bonds. She entertained troops on the front lines in a USO revue that included future TV pioneer Danny Thomas as her opening act. Dietrich was known to have strong political convictions and the mind to speak them. Like many Weimar era German entertainers, she was a staunch anti-Nazi who despised anti-Semitism.
If you can, treat yourself too seeing "Marlene", the 1984 documentary film by Maximilian Schell about the legendary film star Marlene Dietrich.
