Black Friday

No thank you!   I'll just wait for Cyber Monday!

Don't Worry! Be happy!

OK...according to Buzzfeed, here are some simple ways to make your life happier.   I need to jump on a bunch of these!

1. Write out a quick list of what you are grateful for at the end of every day.  
   Everyday...I'm grateful for my family and to be alive!
2. Try to share what made you happy on a given day with close friends and family.  
   Rum & Tonic!
3. Surround yourself with the color blue.  
   It's called my 1990 XJS Convertible in powder blue!
4. Fit meditation into your schedule.  
   I meditate about money!
5. Spend your money on others.  
   AKA...your kids!
6. Devise a workout schedule, even if it is only something quick.  
   I live in a 3 story townhouse.   Enough said!
7. Make sure you’re living in the moment.
   (see response to #1)!
8. Make sure to stay plenty hydrated.
   (see response to #2)
9. Get a good night’s rest.  
   (see response to #2)
10. Treat yourself to time outside.  
    With today's windchill factor, it was 9 degrees out side!
11. Set yourself achievable goals.  
    (see response to #1...aka Be Alive!)
12. Try your best to smile.
    (see response to #2)
13. Listen to your favorite upbeat songs.  
    "Don't Worry...be Happy!"   Thank you Bob Marley!
14. And finally, spend less time on Facebook.  
    I ain't on Facebook!   I'm here!

Still not convinced?   Check out the detailed sources of each of these suggestions over at Buzzfeed!

The Day America Lost its Innocence

I was in high school and just finished 8th period history class.   All hell broke lose in the hallways and we were all in a state of shock and thought it was just a rumor!   Got home and turn on the TV and saw this.   I still get choked up watching it.

Historic Level of Obstruction by the Rethuglicans

Feb 14 - First-ever filibuster of Chuck Hagel as Pentagon chief.
July 17 - Head of Consumer Watchdog confirmed after a two year battle.
Oct 31 - Mel Watt becomes the first sitting member of congress to be denied confirmation since the Civil War!
Oct 31 thru Nov 18 - All 3 DC court of appeals nominees blocked!

Source: The Washington Post

Why all this obstruction by the Rethuglicans and Teabagistan?  
Here's why!

Pipcorn is still Poppin'!

Just ask Oprah!   Pipcorn was one of her favorite things back in 2012 and it's back again in 2013!

"One of my favorite snacks is popcorn sprinkled with truffle oil, so I'm thrilled that Sabatino has created this dream kit.   It contains Pipcorn (hulless popcorn, one of last year's Favorite Things), black and white truffle oils, and truffle salt."

Check out Pipcorn at this years' Oprah's Favorite Things!

Veterans Day

I'm a veteran...not by choice!   Trust me!   I've expressed my opinion about the insanity of war before.   In spite of that, I was really moved this morning watching Aaron Mankin on the Today show.   Actually had me drop a few tears to think what these young men have endured.   If you have some spare change, please consider donating to these two noteworthy organizations highlighted below.

UCLA Operation Mend
Healing the wounds of war!   Donate here!

UCLA Operation Mend is a groundbreaking program that provides returning military personnel with severe facial and other medical injuries access to the nation's top plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as well as comprehensive medical and mental-health support for the wounded and their families.

Operation Mend started with facial reconstruction.   The program has since expanded in order to optimize healing-body, mind, and spirit. In addition to plastic and reconstructive surgery, mental-health support (for warriors and their families), orthopaedic reconstruction for severely damaged limbs, urologic treatment, otolaryngological care, the examination and treatment of reproductive issues, repair of airways, and design of new prosthetic ears are provided.

Stand Up for Heroes!
Donate at the Bob Woodruff Foundation

Injured vets and their families face unique challenges that require innovative solutions. Finding counseling, a job, or just new meaning and purpose.

1% of American citizens serve in the military. But 99% benefit. Our cause is bigger than politics. It’s about helping veterans and their families return home to a community and nation fully prepared to help them. Not just today, or tomorrow, but for the long haul. Just 1% serves. It’s time to repay that loyalty. It’s time to stand up for our heroes.

Bill Maher on Christian Values

Out of the mouths of babes....

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff.   Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.   Alan, age 10
No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.   God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.   Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.   Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.   Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.   Lori, age 8

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.   Pam, age 7
The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.   Curt, age 7
The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them.   It's the right thing to do.   Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys.   Boys need someone to clean up after them.   Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?   Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.   Ricky, age 10

Rafael Cruz: Evolution Is A Communist Lie

This is Ted Cruz's dad!   The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree!

Once a cook! Now a Chef!

OK...everyone who knows him...knows this boy can cook!   He's one of my sons-in-law and he can cook his *ss off!   I'm talking serious eats here folks!   Now the boy has gone to this exclusive culinary academy in London, and among other things, threw these desserts together!   Goodbye cook!   Hello Chef!

Iced praline and white chocolate parfait, tempura fig beignet, cardamom and port syrup.

Grilled pineapple, yogurt crackle ice cream, black pepper and pine nut tuille, aged balsamic, toasted pine nuts.

Hope to visit my "chef" son-in-law and my daughter in London next spring and I will make sure that he has these on the table!