You'll be sad when I start telling Oprah stories!Friday, November 30
I'm a Redhead Now
The blond highlights made me look like every 40-something year old running around town, usually with three kids in tow at a soccer game. I told my stylist I needed a change, and he gave me one! It's actually a little more vibrant than this picture, but you get the picture! LOVE it!
I Think I'll Apply for This Job
One of the e-recycling publications I receive featured a job posting for Recycling Manager of the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. I think I should apply - ha ha! How much fun would it be to live in Las Vegas? Okay, so maybe not...
Monday, November 26
Should I Move to Animal Control?
That's probably what my co-workers are asking as I rescued another kitten today!I'm really not looking for them, they just keep finding me. John brought it in this morning, and I couldn't just turn it loose! He said it actually came out of a can (solid waste management speak for a dumpster.)
Luckily, one of the recyclers had brought me a cat carrier, so I was able to keep it until I found a home for it.
SWEET SWEET kitty. I hope it likes it's new home with either Amy or her father. I'm betting Amy won't be able to turn it loose!
I named it (couldn't figure out whether it was a boy or girl) Pet because I was reading about polyethylene terephthalate (aka PET or #1 plastic) when they brought it to me.
Pet looked like he or she could be related to Oscar, who I rescued last month. Oscar, BTW, is doing great in his new home and will soon be moving to Maine or Massachusetts with his peeps.
Oprah to stump for Obama in Columbia
I just signed up to attend a free public rally with Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey in Columbia on Sunday, December 9. Wanna come? Click here to RSVP.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey will be in Columbia Sunday, Dec. 9 to campaign for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, a Democratic presidential hopeful.
No details yet on where Winfrey will appear with Obama. The event is part of a two-day swing of early voting states.
Winfrey's appearance, according to the Obama campaign, will be free and open to the public.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey will be in Columbia Sunday, Dec. 9 to campaign for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, a Democratic presidential hopeful.
No details yet on where Winfrey will appear with Obama. The event is part of a two-day swing of early voting states.
Winfrey's appearance, according to the Obama campaign, will be free and open to the public.
Thursday, November 15
Paige Davis Returning to Trading Spaces
It's about time! I don't know about you, but I don't think it's been the same since the format change. Used to LOVE Trading Spaces, now, not so much. Hooray for Paige's return!
Iconic Toys from the ’80s and Earlier Get 21st-Century Makeovers
LOVE this article! What about Lite Brites and Spirographs? And those bald men with magnetic hair? There was also something I loved - it was a strap of black tubing with a lemon on the end. You put it around one ankle and swirled it around and jumped over it. Anyone remember that one? Oh, look - I found it. It was a Lemon Twist! Ooooh, Dawn dolls! I had so many of these!
Check out this site for a blast from the past!
By ALISON LAPP - The Associated Press
The desire to share favorite playthings with a new generation might be driving a trend of classic toys resurging on the market.
The Cabbage Patch Kids are skate punks. Strawberry Shortcake is wearing fitted jeans. And your Monopoly game piece might be a Starbucks cup.
Some favorite toys from the 1980s have gotten 21st-century updates, as children who grew up playing with the iconic toys are having babies of their own. Boomer-era grandparents also can get nostalgic, with LEGOs designed for imaginary trips to Mars and an Etch A Sketch for the mobile phone.
The desire to share favorite playthings with a new generation might be driving a trend of classic toys resurging on the market, but “nostalgia will only get you so far,” said toy analyst Chris Byrne. “The brands have to keep revitalizing and revamping to be relevant to today’s kids.”
Here’s a look at some oldies-but-goodies that have been updated for the children of 2007:
BARBIE
1959: Named after inventor Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara, Barbie was introduced to the nation as a teenage fashion model sporting a ponytail, black-and-white bathing suit and full line of fashion accessories.
2007: Barbie has exhausted more than 100 careers, from princess to astronaut, and now is available in the Barbie Girls line as more than just a doll. The Barbie Girl also is an MP3 player and a “key” to unlock exclusive online play features.
CABBAGE PATCH KIDS
1983: The ideal tag-along buddy, each doll was unique and came with its own birth certificate and back story.
2007: The one-of-a kind dolls are hipper and have moved ahead in their interests. “A doll today might carry a skateboard as opposed to skates,” said Al Khan, CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. Also available are Lil’ Sprouts, 4-inch dolls that come with play sets allowing them to attend parties or ride ponies, for example.
CARE BEARS
1981: A lovable troupe of rainbow-colored bears had decorative bellies that radiated the power of sharing and caring.
2007: The core values remain the same, but the group has a few new members. The bears received a makeover after their re-launch in 2002, and their differentiation is moving beyond the belly badge. Increased distinctive features include bears of varying heights and accessories: Sunshine Bear has a cap, and Share Bear has a purse, for example.
ETCH A SKETCH
1960: The simple screen with two knobs allowed budding artists to take a gray line in the direction of their choosing. Invented by a French factory worker, it’s going strong 150 million pieces later.
The desire to share favorite playthings with a new generation might be driving a trend of classic toys resurging on the market.
The Cabbage Patch Kids are skate punks. Strawberry Shortcake is wearing fitted jeans. And your Monopoly game piece might be a Starbucks cup.
Some favorite toys from the 1980s have gotten 21st-century updates, as children who grew up playing with the iconic toys are having babies of their own. Boomer-era grandparents also can get nostalgic, with LEGOs designed for imaginary trips to Mars and an Etch A Sketch for the mobile phone.
The desire to share favorite playthings with a new generation might be driving a trend of classic toys resurging on the market, but “nostalgia will only get you so far,” said toy analyst Chris Byrne. “The brands have to keep revitalizing and revamping to be relevant to today’s kids.”
Here’s a look at some oldies-but-goodies that have been updated for the children of 2007:
BARBIE
1959: Named after inventor Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara, Barbie was introduced to the nation as a teenage fashion model sporting a ponytail, black-and-white bathing suit and full line of fashion accessories.
2007: Barbie has exhausted more than 100 careers, from princess to astronaut, and now is available in the Barbie Girls line as more than just a doll. The Barbie Girl also is an MP3 player and a “key” to unlock exclusive online play features.
CABBAGE PATCH KIDS
1983: The ideal tag-along buddy, each doll was unique and came with its own birth certificate and back story.
2007: The one-of-a kind dolls are hipper and have moved ahead in their interests. “A doll today might carry a skateboard as opposed to skates,” said Al Khan, CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. Also available are Lil’ Sprouts, 4-inch dolls that come with play sets allowing them to attend parties or ride ponies, for example.
CARE BEARS
1981: A lovable troupe of rainbow-colored bears had decorative bellies that radiated the power of sharing and caring.
2007: The core values remain the same, but the group has a few new members. The bears received a makeover after their re-launch in 2002, and their differentiation is moving beyond the belly badge. Increased distinctive features include bears of varying heights and accessories: Sunshine Bear has a cap, and Share Bear has a purse, for example.
ETCH A SKETCH
1960: The simple screen with two knobs allowed budding artists to take a gray line in the direction of their choosing. Invented by a French factory worker, it’s going strong 150 million pieces later.
2007: Color versions, a “plug-and-play” screen with a hand-held controller and screens in heart-shaped containers are a few of the newer incarnations of Etch A Sketch, which also will be coming out in a mobile version for cell phones.
HOT WHEELS
1968: The die-cast race cars impressed a generation of boys needing speed and went on to become coveted collectibles quickly.
HOT WHEELS
1968: The die-cast race cars impressed a generation of boys needing speed and went on to become coveted collectibles quickly.
2007: In anticipation of the brand’s 40th anniversary next year, the model cars are going back to their heritage with sleeker versions of classic cars, trucks and play sets. The gravity-defying track sets and skateboards that have been added over the years remain on the market.
LEGO
1949: Rectangle and square interlocking blocks let young architects build their dream structures — and smashing them afterward always was part of the fun.
LEGO
1949: Rectangle and square interlocking blocks let young architects build their dream structures — and smashing them afterward always was part of the fun.
2007: Most every cultural and historical phenomenon has made its way into LEGO form, including this year’s re-launch of the Space line, now as Mars Mission. This season, the classic line of homes, vehicles and animals is back, albeit with motors and sensors.
MONOPOLY
1935: The monocled capitalist who represents this game of real estate mastery long has been a household figure.
MONOPOLY
1935: The monocled capitalist who represents this game of real estate mastery long has been a household figure.
2007: No longer fighting over the boot or the iron, players of “Monopoly Here and Now” can move Toyota Prius, Starbucks mug or cell-phone playing pieces to acquire new properties, like famous ballparks. And, old Monopoly money is out; in the “Electronic Banking Edition,” players make transactions with a debit card.
MY LITTLE PONY
1983: The original six pastel ponies frolicked their way into the little girls’ hearts.
MY LITTLE PONY
1983: The original six pastel ponies frolicked their way into the little girls’ hearts.
2007: The herd has grown to dozens of named ponies in an updated color palate and modern themed play sets.
POUND PUPPY
1985: Creator Mike Bowling came up with the concept for the palm-sized puppies when watching his own daughter interact with a baby doll. “I was amazed at how she treated an inanimate object with such love,” he said. “I thought, there are two things people love: babies and pets.”
POUND PUPPY
1985: Creator Mike Bowling came up with the concept for the palm-sized puppies when watching his own daughter interact with a baby doll. “I was amazed at how she treated an inanimate object with such love,” he said. “I thought, there are two things people love: babies and pets.”
2007: Those plush pets are back, in a softer material that ups the hugability factor. The puppies also come packaged with a 36-minute DVD of the pilot episode of the ’80s cartoon.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
1980: The fresh-faced girl with a wardrobe that spans the spectrum from rose to fuchsia lived with her confectionarily christened friends in the fanciful Strawberryland.
1980: The fresh-faced girl with a wardrobe that spans the spectrum from rose to fuchsia lived with her confectionarily christened friends in the fanciful Strawberryland.
2007: “The attributes that make her Strawberry Shortcake, innocence and empowerment to little girls, are timeless,” said Tamra Knepfer of American Greetings. It’s just that now, Strawberry Shortcake is more likely to be wearing a pair of fitted jeans with a sweatshirt around her waist than a knee-length dress of patterned fabric.
TRANSFORMERS
1984: One of the first two-in-one toys, the car-turned-robot action figures were “more than meets the eye.”
1984: One of the first two-in-one toys, the car-turned-robot action figures were “more than meets the eye.”
2007: The recent Paramount movie pushed the shape-shifting robots back into the public imagination, although the toys have had an ardent fan base for the last 25 years, said Hasbro spokeswoman Audrey Desimone. The new robots have a modern design flair and transform into cars that could be seen racing down the highway today.
Wednesday, November 14
Help Me Find a Song!
The SC Soundtrack got me in the mood for some beach music. One of my FAVORITE songs is "Closely Guarded Secret." I couldn't find it on iTunes, nor could I locate it in any Google search. It MAY be by the Fantastic Shakers. anyone who can help me find a copy to download will be rewarded.
Who Will Get YOUR Vote?
I was talking to a politically astute friend today about the upcoming primary, and I indicated to him that I was stumped as who I would vote for in the January primaries. He gave me a fun Web site to help me narrow my choices: http://selectsmart.com/president/2008.html.
Here's their verdict for me: Barack Obama, which really surprised me. The first Republican to appear on the list was Rudy at number 10.
Take the test. Very interesting.
They also have one to help you discern your belief system. Perhaps no surprise that I was 100% Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants. I am a good PCUSA/Methodist girl, after all. The remaining top five were odd to say the least: Bahai, Liberal Quakers, Unitarian Universalism (EEEK), and Reform Judaism.
Share as comfortable.
Here's their verdict for me: Barack Obama, which really surprised me. The first Republican to appear on the list was Rudy at number 10.
Take the test. Very interesting.
They also have one to help you discern your belief system. Perhaps no surprise that I was 100% Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants. I am a good PCUSA/Methodist girl, after all. The remaining top five were odd to say the least: Bahai, Liberal Quakers, Unitarian Universalism (EEEK), and Reform Judaism.
Share as comfortable.
A Holiday Do or Don't? You Be the Judge!
You be the judge. I saw this Christmas tree in someone's front yard TODAY at 5:30 p.m. This wasn't the first time I saw it; it first made its appearance LAST week.Before anyone asks, it's not in Lexington County, but in the City of Columbia in a very tony neighborhood. (But there are two properties aglow landfill way.)
The funniest thing is less than a mile away, I passed a house with a lighted Halloween wreath on the door. What gives??
You be the judge! Too early or whenever the spirit hits? My vote: wait 'til the day after T-giving!
Thursday, November 8
Introducing the South Carolina Soundtrack!
The Twist – Chubby Checker
I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown Carolina In My Mind – James Taylor
Would You Go With Me – Josh Turner
Carolina Girls – General Johnson and Chairmen of the Board
Heard It In a Love Song – The Marshall Tucker Band
Stay – Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs
Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love) – Swingin‘ Medallions
Hold My Hand – Hootie and the Blowfish
Outskirts of Town – Josh White
Groovin’ High – Dizzy Gillespie
Ridin’ That Midnight Train – Yeehaw Junction Bluegrass Band
Big Front Porch – Danielle Howle and the Tantrums
Under the Boardwalk – The Drifters
I’ll Fly Away – Reverend Gary Davis
I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown Carolina In My Mind – James Taylor
Would You Go With Me – Josh Turner
Carolina Girls – General Johnson and Chairmen of the Board
Heard It In a Love Song – The Marshall Tucker Band
Stay – Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs
Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love) – Swingin‘ Medallions
Hold My Hand – Hootie and the Blowfish
Outskirts of Town – Josh White
Groovin’ High – Dizzy Gillespie
Ridin’ That Midnight Train – Yeehaw Junction Bluegrass Band
Big Front Porch – Danielle Howle and the Tantrums
Under the Boardwalk – The Drifters
I’ll Fly Away – Reverend Gary Davis
Tuesday, November 6
Sunday, November 4
New Gamecock Fight Song
Sister and I were talking about last night's game this morning and came up with a great new song for the Gamecocks. Remember this one?
Gloom, despair and agony on me!
Deep, dark depression, excessive misery!
If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.
Gloom, depair and agony on me.
Gloom, despair and agony on me!
Deep, dark depression, excessive misery!
If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.
Gloom, depair and agony on me.
Thursday, November 1
Eeeeeeewwwwwww!
Does anyone else find this a little creepy? It's only a 15 year age difference, but she seems so young and he seems older - and creepier - than just 36.
ODD couple alert: Ashley Olsen has a new, older man. The 21-year-old twin showed up to the Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel Monday night with Tory Burch's ex, Lance Armstrong, 36. Our bar spy said, "They came together with a group of friends. Ashley drank red wine, sat on his lap and they were making out all night. They left together around 2 a.m." Armstrong has been spending more time in town since he bought a home here. Another source said, "He tried to make Tory happy when they were dating by buying a place here, but she couldn't deal with him not actually living in the same city, so they broke up." Olsen's rep didn't return calls.
ODD couple alert: Ashley Olsen has a new, older man. The 21-year-old twin showed up to the Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel Monday night with Tory Burch's ex, Lance Armstrong, 36. Our bar spy said, "They came together with a group of friends. Ashley drank red wine, sat on his lap and they were making out all night. They left together around 2 a.m." Armstrong has been spending more time in town since he bought a home here. Another source said, "He tried to make Tory happy when they were dating by buying a place here, but she couldn't deal with him not actually living in the same city, so they broke up." Olsen's rep didn't return calls.
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