Blog Banter

Deanna's current Blog is now available at http://www.deannaradams.blogspot.com/

January 2009 

Happy New Year!

Well, it’s that time of year again. So let’s talk just a bit about “New Year’s Resolutions” 

I’m going to start right off with making sure I write in this blog every month. I know, I know, we’ll see how that long that lasts. . . .

But it’s always worth the wait, isn’t it? I figure it is, if you’re reading this right now J

And yes, I’m going to try once again to lose a few unsightly pounds… sounds like my buddy Oprah will be doing likewise. So perhaps I can pick up a few good tips on that this month.  

So what are your resolutions? Many feel they’re a waste of time because by February, you’re often right back where you started.

So because I’ve also vowed to make my blog more informative – so that while you’re (hopefully) being entertained, you’re also learning something – I’m going to offer some suggestions on how to resolve those hard to achieve resolutions. 

1)      First off, you have to really want to make the change. If you’re lukewarm about it, it’ll never happen. Awhile back, I learned the absolute greatest and wisest saying which I’ve adopted as my own: People do what’s important to them. That goes for spouses, and friends, as well as resolutions. Think about it.

2)      Keep a log of your progress (seeing things in black-and-white somehow helps the mind absorb it. Like pressing “Enter” into the computer of your brain). But make sure you document it when you fall off the wagon, too. The best thing about falling off, is that you can get yourself right back up and start again. (That is, if you really want to).

3)      Stop making excuses. Talk about a waste of energy.

4)      Mental imagery is actually very helpful. Throughout the day, and particularly if you’re having a bad one, picture in your mind that you’ve already achieved your goal. You are thinner. You are smoke free. You are sober. And therefore, you are a strong, self-assured and better human being. There now. Doesn’t that feel good? 

And while you’re at it, please do your part and contribute to the health and longevity of that newspaper you have there, folded next to you. As I’ve said before (and it bears repeating), you can get lots of news from the Internet – it’s a wonderful thing – but isn’t it great to be able to hold those sections on sports, and art, and community events in your hands - folding it, refolding it, and then, when you come across a particularly good piece of writing or interesting article, you clip it out and stick it on your refrigerator.

Plus, consider that blasted snowball effect. Less reporters and columnists mean less of your beloved paper, and just think of the great articles and stories you may be missing as a result. So subscribe to your favorite newspapers. And magazines, too. Please. 

Besides, Cody, our black lab, would really miss the Pupperoni he gets each morning after he brings in my paper. So you’re also contributing to my dog’s health with daily exercise, and to his overall well-being. As well as keeping me from having to get dressed and go outside into the cold.

I thank you in advance.

My Favorite Plain Dealer Writers

And while we’re on this discussion, thought I’d let you know the writers I never miss in the Plain Dealer. (And thankfully, are still there). If you’re not familiar with them, you’re missing a good slice of life. Michael Heaton. Regina Brett. Connie Schultz, Joanna Connors.

And Ted Diadiun. His Sunday “Reader Representative” column is absolutely interesting. He talks about the business of newspapers, about readers’ responses to certain stories and subjects, and pretty much everything that goes into the paper (and sometimes what doesn’t) and why they make the decisions they do. 

Now, here’s where the Internet does the most good, I think. You can go back and see some of their past work online. Start with Regina Brett’s column from Sunday, December 28. An absolute must read. Check it out. Then move on to the others.

Oh, Deer

And because my readers enjoy seeing some photos in this blog, thought I’d show you what I often wake up to as I look out my office window in the morning (or really anytime, day or night).

Cool huh?

Though Cody doesn’t much like the invasion into his yard. . . .

New Book, New Promotion Challenges

Now, according to any Marketing 101 class, I have to shamelessly promote my new book whenever and wherever possible. And you couldn’t help but notice, since you most likely got to this blog via the home page, that I do have a new book out.

One which is getting a lot of attention – partly due to the title. 

My, oh my, how people can put their own spin on it. . . .

Now tell me, just what part of “not-so-good” converts into “bad.”

It’s mostly the men, of course, that are taking this title to a whole new level.

But hey, they’re buying the book, so who am I to quibble?

In fact, just as many men are buying it as the women! (So of course, now these guys know way too much about me, which is a bit disturbing. Should’ve marketed it as “fiction”) 

But then, part of writing a book is finding a good, catchy title because without that, no one will even look at your book. Trust me on that. Would you pick up a book titled:

“The Whys and Wherefores of a Catholic Upbringing.”

Or

“I Survived Hitchhiking in Orange County, California: Hey, it was the ’70s.”

Or

“I Was a Middle-Aged Parent Who Hadn’t a Clue What She Was Doing”

Or

“I Am Now a Middle-Aged Broad.” 

I think not. . .  

And just for the record, I wasn’t a BAD Catholic girl, I just wasn’t a very good one . . .

Read the book for further details (that’s where the shameless promotion comes in).

That’s all for now, folks. If I’m going to be true to my New Year’s Resolution, I have to leave something for next month. Now if I could just work on making these segments a bit shorter . . . That may be the biggest challenge of them all. . . .

I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy, and Well-Read (Newspapers, Magazines, My Book!) New Year, Everyone! J 

October 2008

Downsizing Your Life

I recently saw a segment on the Today Show where some people in Portland, Oregon are building really, really small homes because they’re affordable, easy to maintain, easier to clean . . . just easier in life. 

What a concept!

I’ve been saying it for years:

Big houses, big cars, big Stuff equals Big bills, Big mortgages, Big stress, and often Big unhappiness.

And now look at the mess we’re in.

Everyone is pointing fingers. I say the fault of this Recession (dare I say it) can be summed up in one word: GREED.

And yes, it’s the greedy bankers and the lenders, and the people who wanted all the “good things in life,” even though they couldn’t afford it . . .

First off, their idea of the good things in life is sadly misguided. Because when it all comes down to a genuinely good life, you really need only this:

Family

Friends

A belief in something bigger than yourself, call it spirituality, God, whatever. . . .

And okay, you also, of course, need a job (hopefully, one that gives you some kind of satisfaction), and a decent roof over your head, and food. That’s about it. Oh, and gratitude for it all. It’s a known fact that people who appreciate what they have—even if they don’t have much—are generally happier people.

Here’s the little house I grew up in Lakeline, Ohio, isn’t it cute? Even had the proverbial white picket fence. . . .

 And although there were five people in it (my mother, brother, me and my grandparents), we were, for the most part, pretty darn happy in it.

 Okay, end of this soap box. On to the next. . . .

Buy a Damn Newspaper, Will Ya?

Sorry to sound so harsh, but this is important!

Calling all of you who love getting up every morning - or at least Saturday and Sunday morn - pour your cup of coffee, tea, or juice, and sit down and read your newspaper. It’s a wonderful simple luxury.

While many of us like to get our news via the Internet, most of us still like holding that news print in our hot little hands, turning the pages, folding it on the table alongside our bacon and eggs or oatmeal, enjoying the photos that goes with the stories.

It’s as comforting as a big piece of apple pie, isn’t it?

Well, imagine, if you will, one day your favorite newspaper no longer existed. That you no longer had a choice but to go on the Internet for ALL your news, including what’s happening in your own hometown?

Just wouldn’t be the same, now would it?

And especially if you spend plenty enough time at the computer, thank you very much. Now you’re forced to sit there at the desk with the mouse, clicking away and wondering why your eyeballs hurt.

Believe me, you’ll grow tired of this practice soon enough and wish to God you had that newspaper over there on the counter or end table, just like old times.

I sincerely believe that most people who now depend on the Web for all their news, still likes to read a real newspaper, particularly with local stories in it.

As we all know, newspapers and magazines across this great country of ours are in big trouble, struggling to keep their readers and advertisers. They’re being forced to offer buy-outs for longtime veterans who’ve been faithful to that newspaper for decades, and who many of us have enjoyed reading, and are as familiar with them as a family member.

So what can we, the little people, do about this threatening situation where our papers are nearly on the verge of extinction?

Take a break from EBAY and ADVERTISE in your own newspaper, for starters. SUPPORT your newspapers by SUBSCRIBING to them, or picking one up Every Day on your way to work, or school or wherever life takes you.

Hey, even my dog, Cody, likes getting the newspaper every day J

Many people don’t give their papers a moment’s thought – assuming they’ll just always be there, like white bread.

But folks listen to me -  they won’t. Not if you’re not buying it, or advertising in it.

They will soon cease to exist and that’s one problem we can’t blame the politicians for. . . .

 And speaking of newspapers and politicians (now you just know where this is going, now don’t you?). I might as well say a few words about. . . .

What’s on Everyone’s Mind

Warning: The following is a political message. But I promise it’ll be short and sweet.

Okay, first off, let me say that I’m a pretty open-minded gal and I weigh all sides of every issue. I am not left (though I am left-handed), nor right, and sometimes I’m even wrong (just ask my husband). So I am not going to try and sway any of my readers one way or another as I know I’m not all that influential, anyway. But there are just a few things that I simply must comment on because, after all, that’s what blogs are for. . . .

That said, here we go.

Now I understand Sarah (who is now on a first-name basis with just about everyone, right Joe?) has to be awfully nervous throughout this whole predicament she’s found herself in, being plucked into the media so quickly and all. I myself would be a total wreck. And I admit that I can be intimidated easily. But then, I’m not running for Vice-President of the Untied States of America.

Therefore, I have to admit to being a little queasy when Sarah seemed so intimidated by Katie Couric in that now infamous interview (the whole confusing content I won’t even repeat as we all heard the many blunders, thanks to Saturday Night Live).

But she appeared particularly nervous when asked what newspapers she reads to keep abreast on current events. You could actually watch her mind go blank.

Now, I know how that can happen – been there, too! But I also know, for sure, if little ole me was asked that question by anyone I could at least mention my hometown newspapers. And I’d be proud to be able to give them a little national plug, besides.

But when she said “All of them!” Well, all I can say to that is, she’s a whole lot busier than I thought. After all, there are literally thousands of publications in the U.S. (least for now, see above).

Wow, she must be some kind of speed reader. . . .

That said, I will admit, that as a woman, I was glad for her sake she redeemed herself a bit at the Vice President Debates, though everything sounded awfully rehearsed.

Which was when I started thinking about it, I realized just why she asked Biden as she shook his hand, if she could call him Joe. . . .

It was a day or two after the debate, I was talking to a few friends about her performance when it suddenly hit me (ok, call me slow). It was now obvious when she piped in that “Say it ain’t so, Joe” remark that she was just waiting for the perfect time to use that – thus, why she wanted to call him Joe in the first place. Pretty sly there Jane, and not in a good way.

And yet, Biden remained very respectful to her the entire time, and always addressed her as “Governor” never once called her “Sarah.” He treated her like just another debater. I have to say, that cool. I like respect.

One more thing that bothers me that as a mother I just can’t shake. Lots of moms have to work full-time jobs, but having a child with special needs, a pregnant teenager, along with three other children (well, one is in the service, so we’ll go with two) who need their mother. Well, shouldn’t she be home as much as she can with her family instead of traipsing around the country talking about family values??? Seems my sense of family values and hers differs. . . .

I’m just sayin’, okay? No need to email me with an ongoing dialogue on the subject.

All that aside, I will only add this - with all the passion I can muster:

Please do not vote for a person because of the color of the person’s skin, or their gender. Or not vote for a person because of the color of his skin. That’s just ignorant.

I’m just sayin’. . .

I don’t care who you plan to vote for (well, actually that’s an out-and-out lie right there, but that’s beside the point). I’m just worried about two things. I want to beg you all to do your research, watch all the debates, and make an intelligent decision on the issues.

It is hard to hear how some people are measuring the candidates. Some folks are listening way too much to propaganda and this disturbs me greatly. So please do your homework! Even McCain publicly stated that no, Obama is not an Arab (which sparks the question, do you really think all Muslims and Arabs are bad people?)

I have to agree, it’s all getting a little nuts. And like all of you I’m sure, can’t wait for it to be over. Though I have to say, the conversations have been - mostly – enlightening.

But don’t forget to go into both candidates Web sites and learn what they really represent. And remember: Everything you read may not all be the exact truth (after all, this is politics) but least you’ll be more informed than just listening to those TV ads, or hearing other people rant. (And boy, I’m learning fast to keep my opinions to myself - well, except for this blog because it is, after all, my blog.)

And watch “Meet The Press” on Sunday mornings. Now that’s a great show!

This is the most heated election I can ever recall, with everyone being very adamant about their opinions, even the misguided ones. There are some big, serious issues, and whoever gets in will have to deal with the legacy of what’s been left us by the former administration, so voting this year is more important than ever.

SO JUST VOTE!  OUR COUNTRY, OUR CHILDEN, NEED YOU TO DO THE RIGHT, PATRIOTIC THING.

This was an unpaid political message, but thanks for your time. . . .

Next month – the Big Announcement!

Stay tuned, as they say. . .

August 2008

Surprise! It’s Me! Remember me? The writer whose dated photograph graces the home page of this website?

And yes, I know that old adage: “Writers Write.” Just not always in their Blogs. . .

See, I know what you’re thinking. It’s been 5 months since this Blog thing’s been updated and what the hell is wrong with me that I can’t write a bit each week like some of my more prolific blogger friends?

But I do have a perfectly valid excuse: Life Gets in the Way. A book’s life, that is. For the past several months, I’ve been in the long and tedious throes of editing and revising my next book and I have to do it while working full time writing other stuff that actually yields a pay check. Because contrary to what fans of Stephen King, David Sedaris and Barbra Walters believe, not every writer gets paid to write a book. The reality is that most authors don’t see any royalties until the book is out there and people buy it, and then the payment is usually just enough to perhaps begin another book (if you’re lucky and did the first one right) or purchase a decent used (very used) car, and even then that’s only from the first check, thanks to media exposure by doing the TV thing, the radio thing, having a couple good book reviews, or at least a nice article on how great your book is (again, if you’re lucky). After that, my dear aspiring writers, your book is then considered, by industry standards, as old as Andy Rooney. You are now passé and now it’s someone else’s turn. In which case, your follow-up checks after that exciting year when everyone knows your name, will be just about enough to cover a nice dinner at the Olive Garden and maybe, maybe, a bottle of good wine. Or these days, enough to fill up your gas tank. Once.

Some Writerly Advice:

So this is what I tell my students in my class on “What it Takes to Write a Book,” and those fans of Stephen King, David Sedaris, and Barbra Walters: Don’t Do It For The Money.

Do It Because You Have Interesting Stories To Tell. Fiction or nonfiction.

And please, make sure you have some well-read manuscript readers who will honestly tell you if your stories really are, in fact, interesting because if they’re not, that sole royalty check you receive won’t even get you a 99-cent meal at Wendy’s.

And here’s another piece of advice to writers: Only do it because you must. Because the book inside your head is nagging the hell out of you and you just have to write it. No matter how long it takes—in-between work and kids and spouses and sleep and a few nights out with the girls, or boys. Because Life Will Get in the Way and that book will ALWAYS take longer than you think it will.

My first book took nearly four years. My second has taken equally as long. Despite the fact that it will in no way be as long as the former (good news for all my friends who are still trying to get through “Rock and Roll and the Cleveland Connection”!) and I didn’t have to conduct like 300 interviews to put it together.

I won’t reveal any more right now about the book so that maybe curiosity will bring you back to this blog each month for a new hint and photo leading up to its release in Oct. or Nov. (I can only hope. Again, writer friends, once it’s in the publisher’s hands, it’s out of yours. So you have to be patient and play the waiting game. What to do in the meantime? Start your next book!).

So here is Hint Number One about my new book, with a few photos to hopefully pique your interest:

It’s about This:

And This:

And This:

Stay tuned next month (ok, it may be a little longer . . .) for the title and perhaps a few more hints, and photos. . . .

Blessed Are the Children . . .

Who have idiots for parents.

I’m sorry but I just cannot for the motherly life of me understand how people can leave their kids in the car “forgetting” they are there. Are You Kidding Me??

Hey, I’m busy too. I multi-task, too. But I’m still aware of any human being that may be sharing a ride with me, even if they’re quiet as a mouse. I mean, come on. If you have that much on your mind that you—even for a moment—have forgotten that you’re a mother, therefore, totally responsible for another human being’s life who is totally dependent on you, then you had better make some serious changes…

If you’re a boomer, you know that even though we were “seen and not heard,” we were never left anywhere.  Our parents may have dragged us to a lot of places we didn’t want to go, but least they didn’t leave us there. Although being left at a place like Euclid Beach wouldn’t have been too bad…

Observed on a Website:

“Welcome to the teeching profession! Some things you might want to check on before you start.”

Yeah, like spelling . . . .

Spammers Are Just Not Nice

We all hate spam and just like terrorists they keep finding new inventive ways to make our life hell.

Check out this latest story:

My friend Larry, is a hard working musician who sends out a news letter each month with his schedule of where he’s playing. So, as usual, I opened the email and knew immediately that ALTHOUGH IT CAME FROM LARRY’S ADDRESS, IT WAS NOT FROM LARRY!

In this letter, “Larry” was begging for my help because he had gotten this gig in some god-forsaken country, and was robbed and needed just “$2,000” to be able to return to the USA.!!

I happened to see Larry soon after and he had said that somehow, someway, some jerk figured out his password, got into his email and sent this letter to everyone in his email address book (as if someone who actually knew Larry would simply just send him a few thousand. I mean, Larry’s a nice guy and all, but $2,000 a lot of cash. Poor guy would’ve probably been stuck there for awhile…). He had to go through all kinds of hassles to get his own address back. Sheesh…

Life Comes At You Fast

When your first born child turns the magical age of 21, you wonder how that happened. Because you yourself don’t feel any older, but suddenly your job is done and that child is an adult living her own life. But if you’ve done a good job (and yes, sometimes it’s just a matter of luck), you look at this grown child and actually like her as a separate human being. You take pride in knowing she has all the great qualities you’d hoped for way back when. And you don’t have to worry about her (well, there’s always that) because you know she can stand on her own two feet. Which is all very gratifying.

We look at this girl who we spent all those years raising, and Jeff and I realize that not only did we get lucky, we really did do an admirable job…

Happy Birthday, Danielle.

That’s it for now, folks. See ya all next month. Well, ok, maybe a little longer than that J

March 2008

Well, okay it’s almost April but it’s been a busy month. How busy? I’m, of course, going to tell you.

 Cruising to Music  Aboard the Costa Fortuna

So I’m sitting at my computer one cold January day, checking my email, when I come across this subject line: “Cruise Opportunity for Rock Historian.” Now, first off, I do not consider myself a “rock historian.” Yes, I did write that little (okay, so it’s not so little) book on Northern Ohio rock history. And yes, it did take nearly 4 years of research and 300 interviews (at last count). And I did chronicle the decades of rock and roll history throughout the book… But calling anyone a historian somehow gives people the impression that you know everything about that topic and I’m here to tell you that’s simply impossible. There is always someone who knows more than you and I’m first to admit it. So please don’t test me. Though I will say, I know an awful lot about the area of which I write.

Now that that’s clear, I can tell you I nearly deleted that email before reading it, thinking it must have come from this website and was spam.

Sure glad I didn’t.

Long story short (Hey, it’s a goal – though, as we all know, I usually fail miserably at that), it was indeed from a reputable Ft. Lauderdale company that books entertainment for cruise lines and they asked me to be a presenter for a Rock ‘n’ Roll themed cruise (right up my alley) with The Lovin’ Spoonful (“Do You Believe in Magic”? Yes, I do!) and Three Dog Night (“Joy to the World” among others) - two bands I grew up with and whose music has given me fond memories of my misspent youth.

So where do I sign up? was my first reaction…

So I have now just returned from a week-long cruise to San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola Island, and Nassau Bahamas aboard the beautiful ship, The Costa Fortuna.

Yep, my husband Jeff and I were cruisin’ with aging rock stars!

(Sorry guys, don’t take it personally, after all, we’re all aging, ya know) -  though a few of them weren’t aging quite so much since there were a few “young guys” in the bands. But before you’re thinking this was all just a pleasure cruise, believe me, I had to work for it. I had to put together (and deliver!) four 45-minute presentations on the bands and the ’60s and ’70s – and while I do know a bit about all that, in order to do it right, I had to do a lot of research and update my knowledge on the bands, past and present.

But it was fun dressing for the parts – some examples:

Check out the peace medallion (actually is from 1972!) and the embroidered bell bottoms!

Yeah, sure looks like I’m working hard, doesn’t it?

You like my go-go dress? And how ’bout those cool boots? If you look closely you’ll see I also have on BIG peace earrings.

Dressed in tie-dye and faded jeans – now all back in style! 

By the way, the man who shared the stage with me was my “technical support” guy, Jim Cannon from Online Vacation Center - I couldn’t have done those power points without him!

So despite all the preparation work and having to entertain these people J I managed to have a great time. Jeff and I were able to chat and get to know a lot of interesting people as well as these talented musicians, and that was a real pleasure. They were all terrific. The first night at the VIP party (yes, they actually let us in!), we were lucky to sit next to two of the guys in Three Dog Night – Paul Kingery (bass, guitar and vocals), and Pat Bautz on drums (who explained the difference between a right-handed drummer and a left- handed drummer, he being a lefty – like me). These guys were so friendly and funny!

Me and Paul Kingery

Jeff had fun too – with the rockers wives!

And the concerts!  Those great songs by both bands really took you back to “the old days.” Oh, did I just say that? 

The Loving Spoonful – Left to right - Joe Butler, Steve Boone, and Jerry Yester. Phil Smith (the younger one) behind Joe and their excellent drummer, Mike Arturi (another of the “younger ones”)

Three Dog Night

“Three Dog Rap”

The group did a rap version of “Mama Told Me Not to Come” – now that alone was worth the price of admission!

Then there was the “’60s Party!”

Talk about reliving the past!

As you see, everyone went all out with those crazy outfits!

And I guess I should also include a couple of picturesque shots of our travels...

Yes, it really was beautiful

This photo is from Tortola Island - and where the local teens hang out – their underwear!

He Didn’t Have to Be So Nice…  I Would’ve Liked Him Anyway….

A real treat for me personally was meeting the Lovin’ Spoonful’s Joe Butler, former drummer now on auto harp and vocals (Mike Arturi is the band’s drummer, and man, this guy plays an amazing old-fashioned drum solo!).

Anyway, I had a major crush on Joe when I was 12 and got to meet him back in 1966 when the group was performing at Euclid Beach Park. My grandmother stayed at one of the onsite cottages each summer, and the group used the empty cottage next to hers as a dressing room – so when they came out, my brother, Dennis, and I were right there to meet them - though I was so nervous and shy (I know, I know, hard to imagine) and hardly said boo to him. But I’ll never forget it. Particularly because he was so nice. And he’s still just as nice. I talked to him briefly on the ship but then was lucky enough to run into him at the airport as we were awaiting our flights to go home. Joe came up to the bar Jeff and I were at, and sat down with us. And of course we bought him a drink – the least we could do for all those great years of wonderful songs (and a hell of a concert). We chatted for a full half hour and even after four decades, I was thrilled to hang out with him, even for a short time. Did I mention how absolutely Nice he is? It does my heart good…

Me & Joe – Finally - together after 42 years!

Well, I’m all out of time – but not out of stories – or pictures.

But must go and make a living now. Like writing for money!

So Till Next Time:

As my teenage daughter says “Peace Out!”

February 2008

 Let’s Not Get All Crazy Here, Folks  . . .

Okay, so it’s an election year. And yes, it’s the most exciting, controversial, actually quite interesting, election year in the history of our country.

Still, that doesn’t mean we have to get all Ga-Ga over a candidate just because he tells you everything you want to hear. Especially when we’re not quite sure just HOW he’s going to do all these wonderful things.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a bit impressed with Obama myself. How can you not be? And perhaps—because I don’t get to see and read everything that’s out there about any detailed plans if he becomes a president—I may have missed a few things, like the particulars on how, exactly, he’s going to execute all his great ideas (and yes, they sound pretty great).

I just don’t think we should give him this much power. Especially this early in the game.

He hasn’t yet earned it. And it’s kind of unnerving to see people acting like he’s a rock star. I don’t want a rock star as my president (well, maybe Mick Jagger – ok, just kidding) but it’s starting to look like a cult out there. Geeze, people are practically bowing down to the guy wherever he goes, like he’s this great king (who has yet, I might add, to have gained enough experience to make me comfortable with him as our Commander-in-Chief of this great country, and thus, in my opinion earned the right for Americans to treat him as such). Though, I will say I kind of like his wife.

And no, it’s not because I’m voting for Hillary. The jury’s still out on that.

And by the way, Hillary, if you’re reading this (well, it could happen!) I am really, really sorry I hung up on you the other day when you called. You see, it was right at the time Steve Boone from the Lovin’ Spoonful was scheduled to call me (more on that next month, folks) and I thought it was him and I really needed to be available, so when you called, I just didn’t have time to talk.

Please call again. Mornings are usually good. . .

And then of course, we have McCain. Who I liked a lot before this whole thing started, but he’s getting a little surly lately. And you got to think how a president’s going to deal with things when people piss him (or her) off. After all, you got to keep a level head, and not jump the gun, so to speak.

Plus, I’m holding out to see, if he goes all the way, who his running mate will be. After all, let’s face it. He’s kind of old for the job. And with that young wife of his, well, you know, things can happen. . . .

New “Amazing” Invention on QVC

Speaking of old (well, older), if you’re anywhere near my age, you, too, wake up every night, say, around 2:30 a.m. At which point you get up, go to the bathroom, go back to bed, only to begin thinking what you have to do tomorrow or what you did yesterday, or 10 years ago, or what your grown single child—who is way too young and beautiful to be on her own—is doing right now, or how, in fact, you even get to an age that you have a grown child, and that you have to get up every friggin’ night to go to the bathroom…

So you get up and go to the computer or click on the TV. Me, I go the TV route because frankly it’s the only time I get the controller. So I’m channel-surfing and something catches my attention. This guy on QVC is selling this great new invention for your digital camera. Of course, I don’t recall the name of it because I didn’t write it down and well, it was 3 in the morning…

But it was a octopus-like “mini-tripod” for your camera about the size of your hand, with flexible “legs” that goes on your camera to supposedly (emphasis on supposedly) be able to stand it up “to ensure a perfect, steady photo.” So the guy tries to stand it up on the table in front of him and he’s putting the bendable “legs” every which way and it still won’t stand on its own (by now I’m laughing so hard, I can forget about falling back to sleep). Then you see a fake tree next to him (I am not making this up folks) so after giving up on showing how this “remarkable, easy to use” nifty device that he doesn’t dare let go of because it’ll fall flat on its viewfinder, and right off the table, he goes over to the tree and wraps those bendable plastic legs around the fake plastic branches, and after several attempts, finally gets that sucker wrapped tight and boasts, “Look, folks! You can even place it in the tree to get that perfect shot of those birds.”

Okay, all together now . . .

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

And one more thought, why the hell would you put the camera on the table, then have to bend down, and lean over to take a picture anyway? And sure, there are those who cannot hold a camera steady, so how ’bout just bringing a friend along who can? Even if you have to buy them a beer after the photo shoot, or several beers, it’s still cheaper than the “low price” of just $17.94, plus $4.95 S&H (and why, I have to ask, the weird .94 cents thing, instead of the normal .99??

Well, least it kept me from thinking about what I did 10 years ago…

Picture This!

Because my blog readers really enjoy pictures with their prose, here a few just to keep you reading J

Here are some cool guitars from the Guitar Mania last year at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

And yes, I still have stories about Cody, which will have wait till when I have nothing else to say (yeah, it might be awhile), but he’s still cute

We also still have “Harley” who was here before Cody, and has always been a little  prima-donna, so of course hates, hates, hates this big, black animal who has invaded her home!

I love this Bar!

Okay, now where were we. Oh, yeah…

Kindle This!

One new gadget that is sure to have a longer shelf life than the camera “mini-tripod” octopus legs is the new Kindle, the hot new “wireless reading device” that is currently all the rage – at $399.00 a pop.

 I’m sorry, but if it doesn’t look like a book, feel like a book, or smell like a book, I’m not buyin’…

Yeah, I know. It really is a pretty cool device, and I’m sure it’ll get more young people to read again (other than Harry Potter) and that’s a great thing.

Still, what about all those great “author book signings.” Can they have “Kindle signings?” Hmmm. Doesn’t sound right to me.

Yes, I understand the importance of technology and all. But like when Britney Spears recorded her own version of the Rolling Stones “Satisfaction” (AGHH!!) some things should just be left well enough alone, as my mother used to say . . .

My Very Own My Space

So my oldest daughter thought I should have my own My Space because it’s a good networking tool and she thinks her mother should be up on all that technology has to offer. So one day last week after we went to lunch she says, “Come on Mom, let’s get you your own My Space. “Uh, okay,” I said, just happy that she actually likes spending time with me now (she actually talks to me now!).

I have to say we had fun picking out all these pictures where I could choose my favorite books (Yeah, real books, no Kindles!), my favorite films, my favorite music and actors, actresses and heroes...

But now that it’s there, I forget about it. This same daughter (who is my My Space manager) just called me the other day, “Mom, you have like 10 messages on your My Space.” “My what? Oh, yeah, I got a My Space!”

Maybe I’ll remember tomorrow. At 2:30 in the morning…

Happy Birthday to Me

It’s my birthday today as I write this, and I don’t feel a day over 29. Though I’m still getting over a little conversation I had with my youngest daughter, the teenager one. Last night, she plops down on the couch beside me and says, “So Mom, you excited about your birthday tomorrow?”

I looked at her and decided to give her a bit of reality from a middle-aged broad who wakes up in the middle of the night and starts watching QVC.

“Honey, when you get to be my age, you’re just excited that you get another birthday!”

How true. And, being here, as opposed to there means more time with all my favorite people. Cool.

So yeah, that’s pretty exciting to me.

So Till Next Time, listen to the candidates very carefully, don’t drink water two hours before bedtime, and sure why not, get yourself a My Space…

Cheers everyone! J.  

January 2008 – Likes, Dislikes, and Down-right Disgust . . . 

I miss Ross Perot.

That’s right. That funny looking guy with the squeaky voice, with all those graphs and charts and maps. Yeah, that guy, remember him?

I have no idea if he’d had made a great president or not, and after 16 years (can it really be that long ago?) it hardly matters. But now that we’re in the political trenches once again, I miss how refreshing he was.

And smart. And honest.

Gee, no wonder he didn’t win.

We Americans aren’t used to such honesty in our politicians. But I think we’re finally beginning to demand more of that, and welcome the change. (Just look at the reaction when Hillary came close to tears the other day as she talked – honestly – about her fears that we may be going backward instead of forward. And how that moment of sheer honesty moved people, maybe even winning over a few more voters.)

And finally – finally – the majority of us have become absolutely disgusted and tired of the mud-slinging and nasty accusations and overall childish behavior.

For me, that’s always been the part that swayed me AWAY from a candidate. But then they all started doing it and so I had to try and figure out who was doing it in the most evil, backstabbing, underhanded way. Then vote for his opponent (the better of two evils so to speak).

To my recollection, Ross Perot didn’t talk much against anyone. He was too busy showing Americans EXACTLY what he would do if president, and EXACTLY HOW he was going to go about it. What a concept!

Then he lost. And in some ways, so did we.

But I don’t want to go back. I want to move forward

And as much as we may dislike all those “we interrupt this program” for political news bulletins, etc., we had all better pay attention because whoever becomes our president has his or her work cut out for him.

And now we get to Hillary. I may lose some Blog readers by this next sentence but I’ll risk it.

I like Hillary.

Believe me, this comes as a surprise to me, too. This admiration, respect and trust I now have of her was late in coming. Granted, she may not have a dynamite, charming, enduring personality (her husband seems to have covered that territory) but then, aren’t we past voting for a president based on good looks and charisma? I hope so (I’d hate to think Perot lost largely because of his looks, or lack thereof). While those physical traits certainly make it easier on the eyes to watch TV debates, it will ultimately be the decision he or she makes that will affect our everyday lives.

With that in mind, I watched the New Hampshire Primaries. And again to my surprise, it actually made a difference in how I thought before I watched it…

And it made me like Hillary even more. And not because I want to see a woman president. Frankly, I don’t care if our next leader is female, male, black, white, or Arnold Schwarzenegger (which I don’t think is all that bad an idea). I—like most Americans—just want someone who can get the job done right, on all the problems we face.

This night, like most I’ve seen, Hillary was focused and had specific plans on the issues. She even showed a sense of humor, letting people see she really does have a softer side. But she is tough. And isn’t that what we want?

Then too, the debates introduced me to many likable things about Bill Richardson (he’s practical, logical and intelligent). As a registered Democrat (but in truth, an Independent - I will, if a candidate persuades me enough, vote Republican, although that has yet to happen), all four candidates actually gave me hope for America.

Listening to the Republican candidates, I was most impressed with Mike Huckabee.

Again, he had concrete details about his plans, and intelligent thoughts on all the important issues. And he was professional (no tacky comments about this opponents). In fact, I was so impressed with him that should I decide that voting Republican would be best for our country, he’d be my man. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a musician, as you may know, I’m fond of music men.)

That said, the debates in turn dampened my enthusiasm for John Edwards (I appreciate his passion for the middle-class—after all, I’m one of them—but he just didn’t convince me that he’d be the best one out of a really good group of contenders). And I was disillusioned by a guy I’ve always liked (even have his excellent book, “Character is Destiny”) - John McCain. I was turned off by his continual disruptions when others, particularly Romney, was trying to speak, so points off McCain for blatant rudeness…

And after all was said and done, it gave me little to sway me in Obama’s direction. He just doesn’t have enough experience for me to be comfortable with him running a country at a time we have so many problems, like a war we shouldn’t be involved in, and terrorism, which no one should be involved in. . .

This night gave me hope. A lot more hope. I also found it vastly entertaining (another big surprise), and made me really anxious for that change we’re all so desperate for.  

Still, I miss old Ross… 

I love Ugly Betty 

I don’t really watch a lot of TV (mostly because my husband is a REMOTE CONTROL FREAK, see below) but Thursday night is my special TV night. I get a glass of wine, big bowl of popcorn and get entertained. Beginning with Betty. But last night, the 10th, was the best of all episodes. It addressed the issue that wearing a size 0 should not be a goal young women should be striving for. This was an important show all teen girls should have watched because being a size 0 is just not healthy, nor does it look good.

This topic hits me personally as a mother of two daughters. But it’s not just the super-skinny part that has me up in arms, it’s also the fact that today’s fashions seem to dictate that these girls show cleavage. And lots of leg.

Case in point. The other day, my teenage daughter got a “prom” catalogue in the mail (addressed to her, apparently they have access to a list of high school girls) from a company I’ve never heard of. This book filled with Angelina Jolie/Pamela Anderson/Paris Hilton look-a-likes all with come-hither expressions, wearing the slinkiest, lingerie-type, Academy Award dresses I’ve ever seen. And no, it wasn’t a Victoria Secret catalogue but it may as well have been. There is also a caption on the back of said catalogue promising that they will not “sell your dress to anyone else at your school.” Yeah, so only YOUR daughter can look like a hussy. (Sorry, that’s the mother in me talking). And many of these dresses were really slinky and showed way too much skin. To be fair (and I always try to be), there were maybe two or three dresses that were not bad. Of course, there were no prices listed, but with all that sequence and diamond (okay, probably cubic zirconia) studs, and boas (BOAS!!) it was obvious the cost for these gowns are as high as those slits that went all the way up the thighs.

There was no way I was letting her father see what prom dresses have come to, both in style and price. Not to mention (but I will) one shot of a young girl in an aqua lacey nightie (or so it looked to me) sitting up with her back arched to make her budding breasts look even larger, and another page depicting two girls posing around a David-like statue ….

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

WHY would we want our young hormonal teenage girls looking like and posing like that?

My only hope is that mothers are paying attention to this and not going to be buying anything from this company.

You all know I’ll be making a phone call… 

I Love New York

Okay, I’m calmed down now—well okay, a little—because I just came across some photos from when I was in New York. It’s been a more than a year since my last (actually only) visit to the Big Apple, but boy, what a town. I was there just one weekend for a writers’ conference, so didn’t get to see any Broadway shows. But I did get to the New York Library and the Library Hotel  which is heaven to book lovers. Imagine actually staying in a room with Books Everywhere! (Unfortunately it was way over this freelance writers’ budget).

And contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are actually quite nice and friendly. And helpful (my friends and I couldn’t at first find that Library Hotel and simply stopped a person at random on the street and she actually stopped and made a phone call [!] to find out for us! Now that is the epitome of nice!        

A Very Cool Lady

Another really nice person is my friend and colleague, Aileen Gilmour, a member of the Writers of the Western Reserve group. But more than that, she is one of the most inspiring people I know. At age 80, she published her first novel (see photo) last year, and is rapidly working on her second, a fictionalized story about her family (which takes readers on many journeys, including Europe). Another cool thing about her is she still writes hand-written letters to friends! These little notes (often enclosed in a card) always says something nice For example, say when our group goes over our individual manuscripts, she’ll write to say what she liked about it, or some comment on the work. How cool is that?  

Writing

Speaking of writing, I’ve noticed several other writers have “Writing Blogs” that focus on the writing life. And while that’s certainly a great concept, there are two reasons I don’t have one.

Number one, a writing blog appeals to only writers, which eliminates a lot of people …

Two, I’d rather actually write, than talk about writing.

.That said, there are a few things about the writing life I think can be beneficial to everyone, but once again, I see that I’ve overextended my stay ( how do those bloggera stay under 500 words?

And so I’ll stop here before I get on to other topics and just say so long…

Except for this: 

Happy New Year To Everyone! (Especially to all you cool, nice people)

I’m sure you’ve all made some resolutions so I’ll add this:

Remember, The Road to Tomorrow - and Your Own Personal Dreams Come True - Begins with You. All it takes is one foot in front of the other.

Now go….

Oh, and one more thing – Spend some Time with Friends…

November, 2007

“Life Gets in the Way”…

I am not dead.

Really.

See? I’m here, just lying around, doin’ nothing.

(And sorry, folks, this is about as provocative as I get, least on the Internet J

I’ve been so comfortable in fact, that I’ve just haven’t felt like getting up and writing in this blog…

Blog? What Blog?

Oh, yeah, right. That’s it…

Of course, I could simply admit that I’ve ignored this blog way too long because I’ve been so busy. And that would be true. But hey, you’re busy, too, and you’ve had time to go into this blog expecting some kind of entertainment (yeah, I got your emails) but you see, as my friend Michael Heaton says (well, he’s not my friend-friend, but we are acquaintances) writers don’t get paid to blog, and it takes an enormous amount of time to write it – for free (something we serious writers were trained never to do, and by the way, go Writers Guild! – *not that I support anyone out of work but rarely do writers get compensated enough for their work, and then there’s that whole internet issue…) 

But bloggin’ is fun, and I forget that sometimes, when life gets in the way.

So let’s have some fun. . . .

What really is fun is listening to those great Bud Light Real Men of Genius commercials. In my opinion these writers are true geniuses (And I bet they get paid very well, too - as they should).

It just makes my day when I hear these bits on WNCX-98.5, and boy, what I wouldn’t give to be in a room full of those writers as they crank out those gems! (My favorite part is when that guy, who talks really, really fast, pipes in with his little input – it’s the best part.

So in honor of those talented writers, and the guy who keeps this website current (that is when I finally send him something) I thought it’d be fun to make up my own little Real Men of Genius ditty. 

But of course, in order to truly appreciate this, you have to have that little jingle going on in our head as you read along. . . .

Ready? (and if you don’t know what the hell I’m talking about, please move on to next subhead as it really doesn’t work on paper if you don’t know the tune – or better yet listen to 98.5 for at least an hour, you’ll hear it)

Okay, here goes…

My Personal Bud Light Salute:

Real Men of Genius. Reeaal Men of Geeeniuuuus . . .

Today We Salute You, Oh Great Master of Dee’s Website      

(Oh, Great Master of Deeee’s Websiite!)

Without you, this site would look like that first attempt so long ago, when musician Jonah Koslen had but one word to describe its graphics . . . “Oooouch”

(Oh, where are my cheap sunglasses ? …)

But then, without me, my fine Webmaster, your hair might look like David Lee Roth’s, circa 1980…

(But you’re no Gigolo...)

At a moment’s notice, you carefully cut, and paste, and copy, and send. And—after much-advanced notice—I carefully trim, and weave, and highlight your drummer locks. . .

(We make each other look good …)

So crack open another cold, thirst-quenching brewski, Oh Creator of the Charismatic Website

Because without you, I’d be just another writer desperately seeking a left-brained computer geek

(We only use our right brains, ya know…)

And you’d be just another poorly coiffured (but great, great) musician from the North Coast….

(Oh Greeeat Maaaster of Deeeee’s Websiiite…..)

Brought to you by deannaadams.com, Cleveland, Ohio

Gee, now that was fun (though a lot of work for free…)

If You Want to Get Caught – Rob a Bank!

Okay, we all know it’s tough to get a job with limited skills and brain cells, but come on, there are better options than wearing a stupid scarf on your face and barging into a bank demanding money. New Flash!: Statistics show that 98% of bank robbers get caught. Hear that? 98%!! Now wouldn’t you want better odds if you were going to break the law? I mean, duh?! And yet, this is still one of the most common crimes. And it’s particularly sad when you read about a guy who had a hit R & B record and is now robbing banks for a living. The artist, who now lives in Northeast Ohio, was a member of the ‘50s group, The Coronets which charted with “Nadine,” recently robbed a Key Bank because he “was behind in his bills and was going to get evicted from his apartment.” Didn’t anyone ever tell him he could always sing for his supper?

Still There’s Hope for America

 A wonderful thing happened to me on Halloween night. I was enjoying handing out the treats to the kiddies with their little bags (some with not-so-little bags) marveling at their costume ingenuity and politeness (every one of them, save for one, said “Thank you” upon receiving their treat). After one excitable boy, perhaps eight or nine, took off after receiving his candy, but then soon came back. Did he want more candy? No, he came up to me and handed a broken solar landscape light that graces our driveway. “I’m really sorry, ma’am,” he said. “I broke your light but it was an accident. I didn’t see it, honest, I’m really sorry.”

Wow, what could I say? He was so sweet and apologetic. I was so impressed and wanted to immediately flag down his mother and thank her for raising such a great kid, but he was gone in a flash, perhaps expecting me to yell at him.

Of course, I can forgive him for breaking the light, though I’m not so sure about calling me, Ma’am. Man, I hate being called Ma’am…

Anyway, it did my heart good that there are still kids out in the world who are kind, polite and respectful. And own up to their mistakes. Some adults can learn a lesson in that . . .

It Is What It Is!

 While I do try and keep this blog short and to some kind of point (I may not keep the promise of “updated weekly!” but once I’m in here, it’s hard to get me out! J

I like having all the old blogs on one continuous page. However, one of my old friends (he deserves that) mentioned to me that when he finally took time to check out my blog, he first scrolled down to see “how long it was.” (Apparently, he’s a busy guy, being retired and all…)

And I suppose he scrolled down so quickly, he didn’t notice that every entry is not only dated, but also has subheads to separate topics so readers don’t have to read everything all in one setting (I suppose he thought there would be a test afterward…)

Now, I could have my Honorable Webmaster (remember him?)

 put in a separate link for each dated blog as many folks do. But then, let’s be honest here, would you really read the old stuff? I think not.

I myself never click on those dates in other sites because I don’t know what they’ll be about, and so am not intrigued enough to go into it.

It is thus my opinion that having all the blogs on one easy-to-read page J you scrollers out there might actually spot something of interest on your way down.

In addition, I often refer to former entry mentions to emphasize a point, so it’s actually to your best interest to have everything readily available. So keep up with me people.

Lastly, I remember when my rather lengthy book came out - one look and a few people thought “I’ll never read all that, it’s too long!” Then they realized that each chapter has a lot of subtitles dividing the sections for easier reading (I was way ahead of you who “don’t like to read a lot”).

Anyway, it’s my hope that as a result of keeping this whole Blog at your one-stop disposal, that you return often, since you’ll have something else to read before you must fill up your time with boring stuff like work, and chores, and bathroom duties. . .

This has been an emergency announcement. Now back to our regularly scheduled Blog…

Cody Update

You know, when we first got this dog, I was surprised at the reaction I often got from people (apparently who have had dogs in the past). First, they’d ask what kind of dog, then they’d say, “Now why would want to do that?” And now I know why. . .

In the hour I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve let him outside four times, let him back in four times, have gotten up once again to feed him, give him water, stopped him from chasing the cat, taken away one of my best socks (too late, holes already there) along with pulling out some other kind of foreign matter from his mouth . . . And it’s only 8 a.m.!!!

There was also the time we got him fixed a few months back and we had to make him wear this cone around his head so he wouldn’t tear out his stitches .

But then he kept bumping into furniture (ok, that was kinda funny) so my daughter got this idea to wrap him up with an old shirt, like a diaper but that didn’t last long either. Finally we gave up and he is just fine, thank you.

So many times I have asked myself, Oh, what were we thinking?

But then . . . then  . . . I look at that face And all is forgiven…

It reminds me of that saying ‘bout little kids, God makes them cute so you don’t kill ‘em….

One More Thing Before I Go

First a big shout out to The Indians (for at least getting us in the playoffs) The Browns (for getting us excited again – that was some kick . . .), and well, I’m almost ready to forgive LeBron for that cap incident. So you all can forget what I said in the previous blog. . .

I also want to say Happy Birthday to my much-older husband, who, like a fine Merlot, gets better with age. Here he is still celebrating his big day a week later, (he generally goes the whole month but has mellowed over the years). And no, that’s not me sitting next to him, but another redhead (who doesn’t even use Miss Clairol, the bitch LOL – really, just kidding) who is actually a good friend of ours who, fortunately for me, has a nice boyfriend).

Anyway, Happy Birthday, Jeff, here’s to another 50-something years (that is, if you quit smoking J

Till next time, folks, if you ever feel the need to get a pet, I hear a Chia Pet is pretty low-maintenance. And cheap, too. 

September 2007

Steelers Fans Have More Fun.

There I said it. Sorry but it’s the plain, ugly truth. It’s just no fun being a Browns fan (except, of course, for those tail-gate parties). I’m not going to even try to figure out why our team continually disappoints us (In case you don’t know, our beloved Browns lost last Sunday to Pittsburgh AGAIN. Oh how we suffer!).

Granted they did put on a valiant effort, and should be applauded for that, but turns out it was just a mean, mean tease. I’d be more forgiving if it wasn’t such a common occurrence but geeze.

All I’ll say about that is, if our own job performance record was this bad, we’d all be standing in unemployment lines, and living on Spam (wait, does anyone really eat that anymore? Let’s change that to plain old pork and beans. You can live on pork and beans).

But the GOOD NEWS is:

Sales of hard liquor in Ohio has hit a new record high this year, keeping many people, like bar owners and liquor salesmen employed. Still, some wonder why the increase, particularly in Cleveland.

Okkaaay, now let’s review: The Indians. The Browns. And our beloved LeBron James wearing a Yankees cap during the ALDS playoffs IN Cleveland. Man, that was just plain mean….

And people wonder why we drink??!!

But getting back to good news -  many of us apparently make enough money to actually afford the top shelf spirits, such as Grey Goose vodka, Crown  Royal whiskey and high buck martinis, which were the biggest factor in the record sales. But the BEST news is that we baby boomers have nearly forgotten what Ripple Wine tastes like! Now THAT’S something to celebrate! 

Cheers!

More Record Breakers

It’s a fact that two-thirds of Americans are overweight. And it appears, according to one poll, that most of them live in Cleveland (why do we only get on the negative lists?)

Well, one thing for sure, drinking all that liquor, and those Starbuck’s Lattes, and eating drive-through burgers on your way to a ball game where your team is sure to lose, are bound to show its effects. Especially for us baby boomers who are in that “middle-age spread” stage.

But some of us are losing weight, and that would be my newly buff and trimmer husband, Jeff, who has lost 20 pounds (in three months! Feel free to hate him). And while I’m thrilled that he’s now healthier and easier to hug, it makes me mad that he has done it with such ease! (Though if you ask him, it was “sooo hard”)

When we women want to lose weight, we have to live on those tasteless card-board patties (Senior Moment: What are those called again?), and drink “lots of water” and give Jenny Craig all our income.

Men? They drop pounds as easily as Paris Hilton slips in and out of jail.

Then to add insult to injury, Jeff says—ever so smugly—“You just have to eat less and be more active.” Don’t you just want to slap him, girls??

Still, I have to congratulate my husband for finally listening to me. Now, if he’d just quit smoking! I know, I know, one vice at a time…

Question of the Month:

Why don’t dogs give themselves baths like cats do? The other day, our daughter brought Cody (see Blog entry below) all dirty and smelly from romping in a nearby pond. She then ran off to work, leaving me to give this now-55 pound animal a bath.

So I roll up my pant legs, hop in the tub and ask Cody, politely, to join me. “Come on boy, let’s get a bath, it’ll be FUN!”

His eyes said, “Lady, have you been dipping into that Grey Goose again?”

I then proceed to pull up his big front paws while still being polite, “Cody, come on, it’s not so bad.”

And Viola! It works. He steps into he tub, albeit reluctantly.

That is, for 2.1 seconds, upon which time—and while the shower is spurting out—he decides to jump ship. He’s out of the bathtub and slippin’ and sliddin’ all over the wet, wet floor. I reach over to catch him before he escapes, but slip myself and the sprayer thingy takes flight like a helicopter and everything in the bathroom, walls included, gets cleaned.

Except for Cody. Who stands there all dumb-like, staring at me, full of innocence.

Me—a woman who normally takes pride in her healthy sense of humor—is NOT HAPPY.

And did I get any help at all from my newly fit husband? Nooo, he is laughing, laughing  so hard outside the door that he later tells me he finally had to run to the garage so I wouldn’t hear him (or is that kill him?). I believe he’s still in there. . . .

One thing for sure, I will NEVER, repeat NEVER give a dog a bath so long as we both shall live. SO HELP ME GOD.

One More Question:

How is it that one poll says only 25% of Americans read books, when just last year, the Book Industry Study Group reported 3.1 BILLION book sales?

It can’t be my purchases alone, (though if you ask Jeff, he’d say it’s pretty close).

My times up, folks, so till next time, don’t eat or drink too much, and instead of trying to give a dog a bath, soak in the tub surrounded by bubble bath and candles, and read a good book.

Sounds good to me.  . . .

July 24, 2007 

Favorite Vacation Spots 

I think this is what heaven might look like 

I’m jumping right ahead to favorites this time because I have Chautauqua on my mind.

Hmmm, sounds like a song . . . oh, wait, no, I think that’s Georgia . . . well ANYWAY . .

Lake Chautauqua is in New York and is truly a heavenly place. And let me tell you why.

The town surrounding this beautiful lake is quaint, quiet, and lovely. And so are the people. And yes, they all - everyone I’ve ever met there - are really NICE (my favorite kind, as my friends and regular Blog readers know). It is actually a place where kids can ride around on their bikes till sundown and parents don’t have to worry about them, and that’s surely saying something these days.

I go there every June for the Chautauqua Writers Festival, but no sooner did I get back this year when my husband asked me where I wanted to go for our anniversary (24 years, but who’s counting?), it was an easy answer. I said, “Back to Chautauqua.” 

As we usually do when we planning a trip, we got online to look up Bed & Breakfast Inns (another of my favorites), which far as we’re concerned are the only places to stay (homey atmosphere, wonderful breakfasts, and yes, Nice people – always).

This area has so many places to stay that I’m sure you can find something even last minute. We chose the Maple Springs B&B because it’s right on the lake, and we had a wonderful stay. Owners, Paul and Rose were great hosts and always had lots of suggestions on where to go and what to do.

Another place I’d recommend is the Italian Fisherman in Bemis Point (right outside Chautauqua). In fact, that whole area makes a great vacation place – and only about two and half hours from Cleveland. (Check out Chautauqua Institute for all kinds of events throughout the summer season).

So if you’re still wondering where to go, before this summer is just a memory, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Chautauqua, New York (especially if you’re a boater, fisherman, arts lover, or just like being around nice people).

Okay, that’s my plug for this month… 

Some Thoughts on Marriage

So speaking of our anniversary, people often ask us how we have kept a marriage together all these years when so many other couples can’t.

Well, I have to say, first off, we got lucky. We happened to meet at the right time, if not exactly the right place (that’s a story for another time) and we were friends for some time before we got, let’s say, involved.

We have a lot of the same interests, like music, and going to new places, and bed & breakfasts, etc). But we also have separate interests. He likes golfing and, on occasion, gambling casinos. While I like books, and on occasional, women’s retreats (preferably for writers). So, of course neither of us have a problem with going away separately. Plus, it gives us more to talk about when we return (and of course, there’s the trust issue – absolutely essential for a strong marriage).

We also don’t agree on movies (he likes “Action and Comedies, I like films with a PLOT) and TV shows (I like Grey’s Anatomy, he LOVES Funniest Home Videos) and that’s why I often read or work when he watches TV, which is just as well because even when he falls asleep he STILL has the controller thingy in his hand, and when I try to remove it ever … so … gently … he wakes with a start and says, “Hey, I was watching that!”

SOOOO….

Guess what I bought my wonderful TV CONTROL FREAK husband for our anniversary?

Ta!Da! 

Yes, that’s right - a JUMBO REMOTE CONTROL that’s nearly as large as the TV itself! 

Now this is the way to a man’s heart, girls… 

Ugly Divorces are Bad for Your Health

And since we’re talking marriage, let me say a few words on divorce….

When there is no other choice left, and both parties determine they want to live separate lives, why does the process have to get so ugly? Okay, so they can’t live with each other. Fine. But how easy it would be on everybody (especially the kids) to simply admit that it’s not working out, say, “Okay, we gave it a good shot, so see ya later, have a nice life, GOODBYE.” End of discussion. Get on with your new life.

But no, instead many people feel it necessary to make their former partner—who they once vowed to love and cherish—absolutely miserable. I’ve seen it all too many times. And all that negative energy is so draining, and let’s face it, depressing. It all takes up so much precious time, and life. Not to mention the vast amount of money, high blood pressure, stress…

Why can’t we all just get along? And when we can’t at least be KIND to each another.

So girls, come on, just give the guy the darn remote control and be done with it… 

ANYWAY, Happy Anniversary to the man who takes such good care of me and his family, who supports everything I do and write about (even when it’s about him), who tells me he loves me—everyday—and who knows when to just use the smile-and-nod program and simply say, “Yes, Dear.”

Now that is one smart man J

Oh, and he cooks, too.

PS - Now before you women get all envious and such, I have to admit that it did take some training to get him to be the wonderful husband he is today, in fact, several years. And the cooking part? Well truth be told, that was basic self-preservation since I’m not exactly Betty Crocker (or even Aunt Jemima). Remind me to tell you about the time I set the kitchen on fire one day… 

Gee, For A Minute There I thought It Was Just Me... 

Sometimes when I read an article, or an issue comes up - often about parenting – and I feel like I’m terribly old-fashioned and that raising kids with certain morals, values, and respect for others is passé.

Then comes those times when my opinions are justified. And that there are still some parents out there who think like me. 

Here’s the story:

A few weeks ago, there was an article in the Plain Dealer – kind of a new twist on “local teens make good.” But this twist was plain horrifying by my—and apparently many parents’—standards. You see, it’s a story of 23-year-old triplet girls who are all excited (and so is “proud” mom, who always told the girls they could do anything they wanted) that they will be featured in an upcoming Playboy issue.

Jeff and I were sitting on our patio, and I had to read this one out loud to him.

The girls were realizing one of their life dreams! (Wait till you hear of the others). Ever since they were 15, their goal was to be featured in Playboy and “to be famous!”

In preparation for this wide-eyed career achievement, they all dyed their naturally brown hair a wonderful platinum, hussy shade (sorry, just can’t help myself) and each one decided to forgo a high school education (after all, an education is not the “big” requirement for Hefner). They also saw no need to get a job until they were 19 (how they lived, I can’t imagine as the article didn’t say anything about a struggling mom or dad trying hard to make ends meet to support their GROWN triplets).

Now wait - It gets better  . . .  The girls finally did get a job but that was only so they could buy themselves nice large breasts. So they became strippers and quickly made $40,000 in 45 days to pay for it (my, they must have been very good at their jobs).

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!

They aim to live in the Playboy Mansion, and strive to be in the Centerfold (apparently just “being” in the magazine isn’t enough), and if that doesn’t pan out, their “back up plan” is to be strippers at an “upscale club in Las Vegas.”

I believe my whole neighborhood heard me scream . . .

(Okay, you regulars know what’s coming) . . .

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” 

To add insult to injury, one triplet is quoted as saying, “Every girl wants to be famous and every girl wants to be in Playboy.”

Excuse me, not MY girls!

As you can imagine, other mothers – and fathers - of girls were all over this story. So I was so relieved to read the letters to the editors from others who had the same reaction as I did, and that Plain Dealer columnist Connie Schultz echoed my thoughts that this should be used as a teaching lesson for parents to show their daughters that they are worth more than just their looks, bodies, etc.

I mean, come on, this is the Millennium for heavens’ sakes! An age when women have more opportunities than ever before to live fulfilling lives that involve more than just being someone’s fantasy girl (I mean, let’s face it, looks are fleeting, best have some brains to go along with those physical amenities)

I have to say, after the shock wore off, I found the story actually incredibly sad that these girls think that’s all they have to offer the world. These are indeed beautiful girls and I am sure they - although terribly naïve - are probably not unintelligent (just naive and gullible enough for others to lure them and take advantage of their misled Fame and Fortune dreams).

I sure hope someone, if not their parents, think a bit deeper about their life’s goal and try to direct them toward something that will benefit them when their looks decline…

I hate to see them on the same path that includes Britney, Paris, Nicole, and of course Lindsay Lohan, the saddest of all the stories because she is the biggest talent, I think, and I’m sure, the most intelligent and has (had) a really great future ahead of her.

It’s like I said about Anna Nicole a few Blogs back – there seems to be no good influences around them, and no one has their back, so to speak (they’re all too busy watching their own backs). Sorta makes you glad these days that you’re not “rich and famous.”

And Playboy Centerfolds…

A Cody Update

Okay, on a lighter note (see how I always strive to bring the conversation onto happy things J )

Our dog, Cody, has successfully integrated himself happily into our family. He’s already house broken, though he does tend to chew things up rather quickly. In fact, he’s in need of a new chew toy since he’s torn out the stuffing of all of them, so now I’m looking for one with MICHAEL VICK’s face on it (bet those would sell better than Harry Potter books right now).

And wasn’t I just saying a few Blogs back about how pets have a way of bringing such peace and love to our world and how we should be KIND TO ANIMALS?!!!

Okay that’s all I’ll say on THAT subject…for now, anyway.

Here’s a great Cody photo

 As you can see, he’s getting bigger, but I miss his floppy ears. While they are still a little floppy, they’re raising up a bit more now with his growth spurt. Jeff says his ears look like Yoda’s, but they remind me more like Sally Field’s habit in the Flying Nun (for those of you who actually recall that ’70s sitcom).. . .

And speaking of Sitcoms, with so many programs on TV these days (and so little to watch) I was thinking… why is it the so many shows these days are so stupid and mindless and so not entertaining when “back then” there were tons of equally silly, mindless shows that were wholly entertaining like the aforementioned Flying Nun, and My Favorite Martian, and Wonder Woman and Bewitched, and My Mother, the Car, oh, wait, no, that really was stupid…

Anyway, speaking of TV shows, a quick congrats to our own Cleveland native, Drew Carey, who is replacing Bob Barker on The Price is Right. Now that’s huge. He’s not just an old Cleveland boy comic anymore… 

More Favorites:

Friends and Sunsets 

And speaking of favorite things and places (remember up top, now pay attention), I just want to share a photo of one of the many beautiful sunsets we get here in Northeast Ohio and a photo of a couple good friends of ours, one night when we all took a walk (yes, we can actually walk to the beach where we live, we’re one of the lucky ones). 

Oh, and remember that inquiry into Eliot Ness’s Funeral I was going to get into, and the tie-in with my mother [See further down in May/June Entry?]

 Well, sorry, I’m out of time, so please stop back next time for the continuing saga of Blog Banter and “My Opinion” J 

And remember – if you can’t be happy, or rich and famous (which can be a good thing), or happily married, or have daughters who want to be in Playboy (again, a good thing, in my opinion), or have an innocent little animal in your life, at least be NICE. It really does feel good  

So till next time, put a photo of Michael Vick in front of your dog and tell him to “Get It!”

Good Dog…

June 25, 26, 27, 28 . . . (I told you life gets in the way!)

Well, it appears my webmaster should change the home page and put “Updated Monthly” since I’m always late on this thing – but hey, let’s look at it this way – when this BLOG does appear there is lots to read in one sitting J 

Okay, let’s get it over with. . .

A few words about you-know-who: 

We Americans should be ashamed (well some at least). What is it about celebrities (especially those who have not done one thing to improve the world) that capture us so?

I don’t watch much TV, but I only had to turn it on for a minute the other day to catch the media folks making idiots out of themselves scurrying to get to Paris Hilton as she walked out of jail. They weren’t that excited when THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND came to America last month for the Kentucky Derby. They were clustering around her like the mob of those mating Lake Erie Mayflies that attach themselves to our house each summer.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Why does anyone care??

I just wish the world would give that much energy to concentrate on issues of poverty, crime, and HELLO – THE WAR! 

And then before I had a chance to switch the station (I actually had the remote control thingy in my hand – which, in our house, is highly unusual – you wives know what I’m talking about J.) Entertainment Tonight was showing this man, this awful, despicable man (I have more choice words for him but this is a family BLOG) who was touting his NEW BOOK on John F. Kennedy Jr. and revealing all kinds of shocking revelations! about his life, his dalliances, and of course speculations about how he died – now, hasn’t’ all that been done and sensationalized before, time and again? 

Again, why would we want to know these things? The poor man is dead, for heaven’s sakes. Geez, leave him alone already . . . and leave his poor sister alone. My heart goes out to her every time these things come up, it’s got to be really painful to hear that crap. 

Okay, I have to settle down a bit, I know you didn’t come here to hear me rant (or maybe you did?) because we all know how I can go on . . .

So I’ll conclude this topic of Paris and why she matters (or more so, why she shouldn’t) by actually quoting her:

“Jail is scary.” She says.

YA THINK?

And this one, in answer to Larry King’s questions (and no, I didn’t watch it, but people talk):

“I’ve never done drugs.”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? 

Okay, that’s all on that one, folks.  

Oh, this just in . . . There is one more complaint I have (today anyway).

Am I the only mother in America who still wants to actually talk to another parent when it comes to my children’s whereabouts?

Case in point:

I used to think that kids outgrow sleepovers once they’re in their teens but nowadays it’s nearly a weekly event, especially in the summer. My daughter often stays over a friend’s house, and vice versa. And it seems to me that it’s a no-brainer that parents should touch base or at least talk to each other when they are responsible for another kid (and if this sounds familiar to you then I thank you for reading my Essays link).

I’ve raised two teenagers and although I’ve had many kids stay at our house through the years, I can’t recall one parent calling me to be assured that we in fact will be home, or to meet my husband and be reassured he isn’t some deranged person, or that alcohol won’t be given to these under-aged kids. And why do some parents act like I’m bothering them when I call just to make sure everything’s on the up and up?

I don’t get it.

Right now, I have a beautiful teenage girl staying overnight at our house and not only have I never met the mother or father, but neither one of them has even bothered to call me to make sure their daughter is in fact really staying with us! In fact, they don’t even know where we live – and we don’t even know where she lives! 

Why don’t most parents today seem to even care to know who these people are where their child is staying?

Again, I just don’t get it.

Though I do believe part of it is because parents feel funny about calling and talking to strangers. I myself am very uncomfortable making these calls, but then I remind myself I want to know who my child is staying with, even if I just talk to them on the phone (and in one instance, I decided my daughter is better off not staying there).

Isn’t your child, your teenager, worth taking a few moments out of your busy schedule to make sure (best you can) that she or he, will be safe?

Whenever I mention these kinds of issues to my daughter, she calls me a “worry wart.”

Well, isn’t worrying a parental trait? It’s the lack of parental worrying that bothers me. It seems there are a lot more causes for worry and concern these days than ever before, and the fact that some parents are oblivious is extremely disturbing to this “worry wart”... 

Of course, this is a topic that can go on and on, so let’s just say parents need to be more involved with their children lives. They’ll be doing everyone who ever has contact with them in the future a favor. And the kids themselves will thank them later.

Trust me on that one. 

And on a lighter note. . . 

More Favorites 

Great Bands, continued: 

It’s been awhile since I included some of my favorite things. And as often happens in this BLOG, the topic includes music.

Besides being a die-hard Rolling Stones fan (and thank you, Paula Balish at WNCX for always playing my requests, even though we differ on who’s the Best Rock and Roll Band in the World - she thinks it’s Led Zeppelin, but they’re Number Two, followed by Van Halen – and how do I know this? It’s My BLOG, correct?) I’m also a big fan of many, many Cleveland bands (remind me to tell you of the time someone – who in fact has never BEEN to Cleveland – ignorantly questioned the talent here just because of the city itself and how I sent the poor fool straight).

Anyway, there is one local band that you simply must check out, especially if you’re a Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny fan (and actually even if you aren’t, they are that good). Quite simply, this band will make you happy.  

The Stone Pony Band

I’ve been meaning to mention them for some time now and after seeing them perform once again, I cannot delay any longer. They are so good that now, whenever I hear a Springsteen song, or a Southside Johnny song, I often think of Kelly Derrick singing and performing it.

Here’s the thing about Kelly that makes him stand out - He can sound exactly like the singer of any song he sings! I am not kidding. He’s got those kind of pipes that seem to adjust to any vocals. His history is too long to go into here, but when he was in "Stage Pass," the Michael Stanley tribute band, he sounded just like Michael Stanley. And now he sounds like The Boss, or Southside – whoever he is singing – and get this – he can even sing a Barry White tune and sound just like him! – it’s truly amazing!

And in addition to that, he is a great performer, and has a great stage presence.

In fact, the entire band - that includes all equally talented musicians - is fun to listen to and entertaining to watch (because they’re having fun, too).

That’s when you know a band is doing its job.

So first thing you should do when you leave this BLOG, is go to www.stoneponyband.com

to check them out.

And the second thing you do is go see them perform… 

And here’s a photo of another local band, Damnation of Adam Blessing, I’ve always loved (they go way back to the late ’60s and early ’70s and still perform occasionally, such as last April when they performed at the Beachland Ballroom as seen here): 

I believe they are playing my favorite song here – “Back to the River.” Excellent song.  

Harley Davidsons: 

There is simply no better way to enjoy and appreciate the land in which we live than riding on a Harley (notice I did not mention those other motorcycles, and there’s a reason for that - beginning with the vroom vroom sound).

I do some of my best writing on a bike (mentally, of course, although I admit I have been known to write a few things down while driving a car, I feel it’s best not to do either). It clears your head, and makes you feel good. I liken it to sitting in a church pew, really. It’s very satisfying and produces great thoughts.

So naturally, people often ask me, do I ride my own bike? That would be a no (remind me to tell you of the one time I tried lifting my husband’s bike off its kick stand and ended up on the other side…). But I do so admire other women who ride their own bikes (and that would include, once again, Paula Balish, who I’m sure rides down the highway listening to Zeppelin). But hey, it’s never too late and maybe someday, like when I’m 60, I’ll decide it’s high time to get my own. But for now, I am very content to let Jeff do the driving, so I can merely enjoy the landscape and think great thoughts. 

Summer Reads

And speaking of books (remember up at the top?) I have a lot better suggestions for you than reading some sleaze bag who makes money off poor dead people who can’t defend themselves.

The following are but a select few of my favorites (with more at a later date) 

As they say, summer is the best for reading a good book. So here are some (old and new) that will surely become some of your favorites, too:

Fiction:

The entire Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes (though The Rebels and The Seekers are the best –in my opinion)

East of Eden, by John Steinbeck

What We Keep by Elizabeth Berg (Wonderful!) and so is Berg’s Open House

Lily White by Susan Isaacs

Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (yeah, I know - but it’s still a good read)

And an old favorite – Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk

Nonfiction:

Family Portraits: Remembrances by Twenty Distinguished Writers edited by Carolyn Anthony

The Liar’s Club, by Mary Karr

Mommies Who Drink: Sex, Drugs and other Distant Memories of an Ordinary Mom, by Brett Paesel (actually haven’t read this one yet, but love the title! And the book cover with the lady with the lampshade on her head)

Why Do I Love These People? (about families) by Po Bronson (another one I haven’t yet read, but I’m sure we can all relate!)

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Small Wonder – collection of essays by Barbara Kingsolver

Teach with Your Heart by Erin Gruwell (should be a summer must-read for all teachers)

The Seasons of Women: an Anthology edited by Gloria Norris 

Great books by Ohio Writers – Fiction and Nonfiction

Tinkerbelle: The Story of the Smallest Boat Ever to Cross the Atlantic Nonstop by Robert Manry (who is from my hometown of Willowick, Ohio). Although the book is out of print, try to find it – it is a truly amazingly, intriguing, and inspiring story of a man’s journey to fulfill a dream.

Some Things That Stay by Sarah Willis

We’ll Always Have Cleveland by Les Roberts (Read it especially if you’ve never read anything good about this really fine city).

Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection, by me – this is not a self-promoting plug - it’s for those kind of people I mentioned above, who haven’t a clue as to the huge amount of musical talent that stems from the North Coast of Ohio. So for those of you who are quick to judge, especially you who have never even been to My Town, please - Read This!

House by Michael Ruhlman

The Year that Trembled by Scott Lax

Gum-Dipped: A Daughter Remembers Rubber Town by Joyce Dyer

And for now, I’ve Saved the Best for Last:

Journey Through Heartsongs, Reflections of a Peacemaker - and anything by the amazing young poet Mattie Stepanek (one of the reasons there is some truth to the saying the good die young). If you do not know who he is – you need to find out. Your life will be enriched a hundred fold . . . And that’s an absolute promise. 

Well, that should keep you all reading for awhile . . . Enjoy 

And till next time . . .

Read, Ride, and Dance to your favorite band  . . .

And PLEASE  - KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE!

June 1

Wow, time sure flies, doesn’t it?

I do try to keep this Blog thing going on the promised weekly basis, but alas, Life Gets in the Way, as I always say.

And before you know it, you’re late.

As I am with this entry.

But I have a good excuse, or rather excuses. First one is that earlier this month, I was in Key West, Florida.

Ah, yes, now you understand…

The last time I was there was in 1985, and before that, my honeymoon in 1983. So I expected to see a lot of changes—and, as in most places that run on tourism—not good changes. But I was pleasantly surprised.

Key West is still magical. And a whole lot of fun.  

Okay, I admit it, I have a Fear of Flying

Jeff (no need to explain who he is if you’re a regular here) and I flew first to Ft. Myers, and for me, that’s traumatic enough (though I’m getting better, really I am) but then, we had to hop on this nine-seat “puddle jumper” to the island. AGHH!

I mention this only because I’m very proud of myself. I stared into the face of fear, shook out those menacing thoughts of imminent death, started singing Gloria Gaynor’s ’70s disco hit, “I Will Survive” . . . First I was afraid, I was petrified . . . all the way there (a whole 20 minutes), and indeed lived to tell the tale!

AGHHHH!"

Well, okay, so it wasn’t all that dramatic. There was never a point where the plane started going askew and I feared for my life (thank God) but flying is not in my comfort zone. I don’t like being up in the air, or the water (while I will swim occasionally, I keep my head above the water the entire time. Which is odd, considering I’m Aquarius - a water sign…). 

Anyway, we met my best friend, Nina, and boyfriend, Joe, there and, for the next four days, partied like it was 1999. Unfortunately, we woke up and it was 2007! Every part of our bodies hurt. Because in Key West, you walk everywhere - all day and all night - while visiting the numerous restaurants, bars, and of course Mallory Square (the place to see the quirkiest of performances, along with a great sunset (though to be perfectly honest, Lake Erie’s can rival theirs anytime). We must have put in 100 miles a day (well, it felt like it). I had blisters on my blisters! And yet, with all that walking, I still managed to gain weight (those Pina Coladas with dark rum floaters are just too good J). 

Clothing Optional?

When Jeff and I go out of town, we often stay at a Bed & Breakfast Inn. They are always, clean, quaint, and always operated by the nicest people (my favorite kind, as you know). And I guess, they’d have to be pretty tolerant to let perfect strangers stay in their homes.

So what better way to stay in Key West then to find a cute little Southern-style house among the palm trees. And when I discovered the Pilot House online and saw the beautiful little rooms they offer, I called immediately. That’s when I learned they offered even more.

“I just want to let you know,” the lady taking our reservations began, “that our pool area is clothing optional.”

“Oh, uh, okay,” was all I could mutter.

And yes, I did see some naked people, and no, I won’t tell you if my husband and I were among them, but I will say that they were all very nice and very discreet and we and our friends had a few good laughs (yes, at their expense). It was quite entertaining, and as usual, I was inspired to write about it. Just not too much . .  .

Books, Glorious Books!

Ironically, the book I chose to take with me (and for four days, I knew I’d only have time for one) was a book by Erica Jong. No, it wasn’t her bestselling novel, Fear of Flying, which became infamous in the1970s (for reasons I’ve no time to go into if you were born too late), but her memoir, Fear of Fifty. Now that I can identify with. And it really is a good read. And speaking of books, I wasn’t going to be in Key West and not check out the former home of one of my favorite authors, Ernest Hemingway. I took the tour and saw where he wrote some of his greatest works, and even petted a couple of the cats that are direct descendents of his cats. It was all very cool (even at 85-degree heat) And I will try and include photos soon of many such interesting subjects). And because my designated writing time is running out, I’ll have more about my favorite authors (and local one too) and why I’m merely previewing this topic (Book Lovers - Stay Tuned!) 

Where "Papa" wrote

"Archibald" - one of the 60 cats that live in Hemingway's former residence

Another Excuse

To further explain my Blog absence, after that all-too-short vacation, I had to play catch up when I came back. Which means frantically meeting several writing deadlines in record time! This is never easy when you need to rely on quotations from people for your articles and they are sometimes hard to get a hold of, or are lax in returning your call, or, in the following case, so rude you actually wished you had a different job, like communicating with monkeys.

Case in Point:

Here We Go Again

Seems that Rudeness is becoming a theme of this Blog and that’s not a good thing. But I seem to find this trait wherever I go and sometimes I just have to write about it to get it off my chest. Ok, here’s the story.

I’m working on this article for the Lake County Business Journal, and although I only plan to make a small mention of this particular business, I want to make sure I’ve got the right info, as most professional journalists will do (contrary to – apparently – popular belief).

And so I call and talk to this man who sounds rather snobbish and not the last bit interested in talking to me. After all, He Is The President of the Company! And me, I’m just a lowly writer struggling to make a living.

But I am a professional and do not let first impressions interfere. I ask him a couple of questions, then mention the little I managed to research on his company. Alas, there was one detail I had wrong (blame it on Google) so I said, “Well, I’m certainly glad I called, it’s why I feel it necessary to contact the person to verify, and (through our short conversation I could hear him sighing with boredom in the background) I’m so sorry if I caught you at a bad time. I just want to be accurate in my information. . .     

And do you know what this man said to me?

I quote: “Oh, yeah, you people always want to be accurate,” his voice dripping in sarcasm.

YOU PEOPLE?? Did I really hear him say, You People??

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

It was yet another mouth-dropping moment when I am sure that because of people like him (Him people?) the world is going to hell in a hand basket. Some people can be so mean for no reason! And a businessman, no less. He may deem himself smart enough to be President but apparently he’s not smart enough to realize that it often pays to be nice to “we people” who will be giving him free publicity. For heaven’s sakes!

Okay, Last Excuse . . .

These are Truly the Dog Days of Summer

We now have a little addition to our family. No, I am not a grandmother – something I’m certainly looking forward to – though not anytime soon (hear that kids?). 

We, the family who has had three cats in our lives: Tigger (mine from a previous marriage) Harley (a Christmas present for our poor pet-deprived children who Jeff insisted on naming after his favorite recreational vehicle), and Smokey (my mom’s cat who came to live with us after she passed away), now have a DOG.  

He’s a two-month-old Black Lab with floppy ears, huge, oh my really huge, paws (yeah, I know what’s coming), and a bladder apparently the size of an ant hole.

Cody and Jeff

This wasn’t my idea. Nor Jeff’s, to be fair. But when our 17-year-old came home telling us about her friend’s cute little puppies - and this one in particular, who she fell in love with - it was hard to say no (though in retrospect, I can’t remember why it was hard to say no).

And guess who gets to take care of this very cute, and very needy, puppy all day long when my daughter’s in school? (Oh just 6 more days! I’ve never been this excited about my kids being out of school!).

Cody (his name) must know I’m writing about him right now because he’s just moved from beside my feet to on top of my feet, his soft, warm, lovable snout caressing my toes. Ahhhh, so what if I have to take him out every 20 minutes and that this Blog is taking all day to write and I am not making any money?

Pets have a way of bringing such peace and love to our world.

Like Mastercard  - that’s Priceless. . . .    

So til next time,

Be Kind to Animals – and Journalists, too.

Please. Thank You. 

 April 30 

You’re Back! 

Welcome back Blog Readers! Glad you returned after my little rant last week. And I didn’t get one nasty email about that freedom of speech remark – in fact, everyone who commented concurred with my thoughts. It’s reassuring to me that many people are as fed up as I am with all the negative stuff in our society.

And these disturbing issues do need to be addressed and talked about - in hopes that these all-too-often occurrences can - at least sometimes or even once - be prevented. The topper last week was seeing the obit of that pretty teenage high school girl who didn’t want to live anymore. It absolutely breaks your heart.

I was glad, however, to see that the family requested donations be sent to Crossroads, a wonderful nonprofit organization which is dedicated to providing a range of services to children and adolescents who are experiencing emotional, behavioral and substance abuse problems.

I pray those who are suffering, in so many ways, will find the help they need.  

I was also glad to see that my words did indeed get people talking (especially parents) and maybe even get the message across to those in authority to help prevent future tragedies.  

Here were some comments regarding last weeks’ blog: 

“Your blog was right on target--it's scarier and scarier what is happening on high school and college campuses. Why kids like Cho go untreated is alarming. Thanks for writing that. I would have kept my kids home, too, under the same circumstances.” 

“Freedom of speech has made us all prisoners of fear, hate and disrespect. Disrespect seems to be the root of many evils in my opinion.” 

“I agree, especially with the sentiment about Don Imus.  I think a huge part of the picture starts at home. This society as a whole has become more interested in getting what it wants and more "stuff", than in realizing what gifts they already have and nurturing those into a positive, caring addition to society with values and integrity to pass on to their children.  I rarely hear kids of today refer to anything their grandparents had to say.  I cherished the time I had with my grandparents and miss them every day.  She [grandmother] not only knew what her kids were doing, she knew what all of their friends were up to.  Who needed police?  In my opinion, society needs to take a long hard look at what it values and why.” 

And this from my buddy, and former magazine editor, now living in Europe, said:

“This is something I can say from afar, after three years away, is very oddly and tragically uniquely American. People always ask me WTF is going on there that kids keep blowing each other away.”

And then there’s this from a male musician friend of mine:

“Gee, Dee, you’re getting pretty political there - just don’t get into Gun Control – some people know where you live.”

 I’m not sure he even knows how I stand on that issue, and no, John J, I’m not going to go there – well, save for this one little comment: 

While it is indeed a frightening, and disheartening, thought imagining everyone wielding guns around everywhere you go (kinda reminds me of that Wild, Wild West show we boomers grew up with), I do agree that it’s high time we are legally able to defend ourselves in our own homes. Just last week in Cleveland, a 15-year-old attempted to rob a man on his own property, and the man shot – and killed - the kid. As terrible as that is – and it is terrible, that it’s come down to this – that man’s actions, along with others in similar situations, may finally get these thugs thinking before they act. It all just makes me incredibly sad that our world is so violent.  

And if you’ve read any of my former blogs, you know what’s coming next:

Why can’t everyone just be happy? And if you can’t be happy, at least be nice. That might make you happier. Really, try it sometime….  

Well, so I guess I did get into that issue, now didn’t I?  . . . Okay, enough on that topic….

I have to remind myself that I’m not in the running to replace Rosie O’Donnell (and don’t want to be). So yes, let’s keep it mild, shall we? J  

Praise The Lord – But Keep it Down, Will Ya? 

I love this one:

Some residents in Massillon are raising “Cain” because church worshipers are too loud with all that happy singing and praising the Lord stuff.

My, oh, my, the way the world is today, we can’t have that now, can we?  

Of course, it’s a black congregation causing all that ruckus. And I think I’m going to head down there real soon and join them, before those neighbors who “don’t like that high-decibel style” of worship obtain enough signatures on their petition to stop them.

I’m not kidding. I’ve always wanted to go to a black church because it always looks like they’re having such a good time (remember Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act, now didn’t that look fun?). And I think it would be a wonderful, and positive (and we can always use positive) experience. I think it’s great that they all get excited. I’m Catholic and I do really like my church, especially our priest, who is a very intelligent, interesting speaker (and most of all, has a sense of humor – which is essential to my continued attendance), but sometimes the mass is just too slow. It’s why I don’t do Yoga. I like lots of energy around me (this does not come as a surprise to those who know me). And I like singing (though I sing solo . . . so low no one hears me, that is - and believe me, that’s the most Christian thing I can do for those folks. Just ask my husband . . . and my best friend  . . who’ve heard me sing - and loudly).

So I see nothing wrong with happy, loud voices thanking God for their life. Everyone should be doing that. Maybe we’d all be a lot happier … Or at least more grateful. And nice.

Missing Mom 

Last Friday was the anniversary of my mothers’ death three years ago.

All of us baby boomers are at an age where our parents are becoming ill and dying. So many of you can relate to how I feel. I’m upset that all those people were wrong. The ones who told me, “It gets easier with time.” I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t. I honestly miss my mom more today than that first year. I think I miss her phone calls the most. Her voice was always animated, “Heeelllloo, what’cha doin?” she’d sing into the receiver.

She’d then tell me what she’d been up to the past week and this is how the conversation often went:

“Hi, Mom.”

“Oh, you’ll never guess who I saw yesterday!”

“Who, Mom?”

“Well, I was walking to Marc’s ‘cause I was almost out of cat food, and you know Smokey just won’t eat anything but that canned stuff. And then I remembered I had to first stop at the post office, and I wasn’t even sure I’d make it there before it started raining, those clouds did look awfully grey . . . but luckily . . .”

“Mooommm, who did you see?”

“Now, just hold your horses, I’m getting to that . . .”

And when she finally got around to telling me, it was usually someone I didn’t even know… 

Another time she called and excitingly asked:

“OH, you will never guess where I was today?!”

“Where were you, Mom?”

Now this time she really did surprise me . . .

“I was at Eliot Ness’ funeral!” 

Now, granted my mother did like having a few beers (on weekends it was Gin & Squirt) but this was on a Tuesday afternoon and although giddy, she sounded perfectly sober.

“Come on, Mom, Eliot Ness died years ago”

“I know,” she said quite smugly. “But they moved him to Lake View Cemetery today, and I was there.” 

I can’t recall the details on why, or the year (I’m thinking it was ’97 or so) so I just called my 84-year-old uncle for more details because it is quite a story. He’s going to look into his newspaper archives and get back to me, so I’ll save that for next week. 

But yeah, that was my mom.

How can you not miss someone like that?  

I cannot express to you how much I miss those chats and stories of hers that I, in truth, used to think took too long, or often was stuff I wasn’t really interested in.

Yet, those are the moments I should have appreciated more. Those are the moments I really miss.

God Bless you, Mom 

So, till next time, blog readers - Call Your Mother.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to .  . . 

April 20 

We Don’t Have to Send our Children off to War -  They’re Fighting One Right Here in Their Own Country 

My teenage daughter didn’t go to school today.

My husband and I wouldn’t let her. 

Rumor had it that some kids from her school were really, really angry and wanted to let the whole world know it. They had “suggested” to others that maybe people might finally listen to them and do something about all the bullying and name calling they have to put up with everyday in their school if they arrive with shotguns and blow people away. Yeah, that’ll teach them.

After all, this is the anniversary of the Columbine School Massacre, so the timing seemed appropriate. Plus, these kids had just lost two of their friends within three weeks. The boy had shot himself in the head, the girl, just yesterday, followed suit. They blame other kids, and perhaps parents too, for their loss and their friends’ misery.  

So yes, the timing was appropriate. Not only that, but there was all the press reports on Virginia Tech where one boy, just one lost boy, made his anger known and now he’ll be forever famous. It’s probably the only way he would have been remembered. Doesn’t matter for a horrific reason. He has made the history books. 

Yep, it all seemed appropriate. 

Word spread Thursday night like hateful rounds of ammunition. Kids told parents (Thank God) and parents called police. Friday morning 80% of kids (some say more) didn’t show up for school [I’ll decline to name which one, and it certainly was not the only school facing this very issue across the nation today].

When I called to report my daughter was absence, the mail box was “full.” I then turned to every news broadcast for more information – what have they found out? Have they made any arrests? I heard only about another local high school, which experienced the exact same kind of threats and opted to close its doors for the day. But not a word about this other school. Why not?

The principal who decided to close his school said it was because emotions were running so high from this weeks’ tragic events, and this day being the anniversary of Columbine, it simply wasn’t worth the risk. 

I agreed - as did every parent who kept their children home today. So why, and who, determined that the threat wasn’t great enough for this other high school – of more than 2, 000 students - to shut down when the threats were the same – and neither had real proof at this point.

[The next day, a local paper reported this principal stating that every year there has been “some kind of issue” relating to this time of year and that “They have just been rumors that have spun out of control.”] 

So how, and when, do you determine how serious the rumors have to be to take some action? Where is the line drawn between out-of-control-rumors, and out-of-control gunslingers? 

Even the city police dismissed this horrific threat to our young people and school administrators because “they thoroughly investigated it” (REALLY? Seems hundreds of kids know more about this situation than these authorities appear to) and “found no evidence of any real danger.” So how did they determine that? Because none of these angry kids actually got on the phone and called the authorities directly?!

And doesn’t hard evidence usually make itself known only after a disaster happens?

If these threats are on public display through a “popular social networking site,” isn’t that enough basis to take these kids seriously?  

Even if authorities did not know for sure who these kids were – someone was making harsh enough threats to alert hundreds, if not nearly a thousand, of other kids (Readers, Take Note: If you ever want something to get out – and fast – forget the news media, just give a teenager a cell phone, sit back and watch how rapid news can indeed travel).  

Of course the tough question here is just how can you know if they’re serious or simply venting? And while I disagree vehemently with this principal’s decision not to close the school in light of these threats – and their timing – I realize that if you close one day, what about the next, and the next?

Then there’s this: If you make a huge deal out of their behavior, you give them what they want, and more attention than they deserve. Yet if you tuck it under the radar (such as this case where there was no mention of it on TV, that I, or anyone I know who watched for it, saw), they may retaliate because they indeed got so little attention, and no one took them seriously. A classic case of damn if ya do, damn if ya don’t. 

But damn it, we better figure out some way to deal with this before it happens again.  

I’m not much up on certain laws, but aren’t verbal threats such as “we’re gonna come in with shotguns and kill people” enough to say YOU WILL BE SEVERELY PUNISHED FOR THIS KIND OF THREAT, or at the very least, WATCHED OVER EVERYTHING YOU DO AND WE WILL BE YOUR BIGGEST NIGHTMARE?

Anyone who does this should be made to wear some kind of warning label, perhaps like a scarlet letter, but instead of a red letter A - how about a bright shade of orange (like the national alert system) of the letters, PK, for Potential Killer. 

And yes, I know that at this point, those who engage in this kind of activity are way beyond feeling like, well maybe this isn’t a good idea. But it’s high time we all pay better attention to those big red flags waving, so we don’t have to pull our American ones down later - at half-mast.

These are tortured souls and anyone in contact with them seem to know who they are, and they need to get the help they so desperately need before they kill themselves (such as those two kids in my daughter’s high school) or someone else. Or packs of them.

We need to speak up more often when we hear or see something that seems a bit off.  Even if we may be wrong. As one woman on the news said yesterday, “Better to be safe than sorry.”

We all know now about the many warning signs others noticed about Cho, yet school administrators couldn’t even alert his family about his increasingly disturbing behavior – for years - because of some sort of “privacy law?” Are you kidding me?

Wake up people. This is the millennium, times have changed, and so should some laws.

TV AND VIDEO GAME VIOLENCE, AND NASTY MUSIC LYRICS REALLY ARE TO BLAME – AT LEAST SOMEWHAT  - AND YOU’RE A FOOL IF YOU THINK OTHERWISE

It’s interesting that this should come on the heels of the Don Imus debacle. Actually, I’d like to thank him for finally saying something that really - finally - got people mad enough to say, Now you’ve crossed the line. Personally, I think the line’s been crossed way long ago and way too often. 

And I’m sorry (well, actually I’m not) but there is just too much bad stuff that hides under the umbrella of freedom of speech. Yes, I’m a writer and yes, I believe in our right to express our personal opinion (like I’m doing now) and YES, I know all about the endless query on where do you in fact draw that line, and who draws it?  

Here’s a thought: The line gets drawn when you rudely and crudely insult people for shock value, when you use that medium to spread evil into the minds and spirit of others, and when you threaten other people’s lives. Period. 

And the line gets drawn when we let ourselves accept a steady stream of negativity and gratuitous violence into our lives, ignoring the very real fact that little-by-little it eats away at our human spirit. Especially in the past ten years, there’s been so much of it in our faces in every medium that we humans are now immune to much of it. We watch people put guns to heads, or slice hooded hostages, or a hundred of other images (some fiction, others horrifyingly real), on TV and feel nothing. We watch, then simply go about our busy lives. When those real tragedies occur, the only time it really affects us is if it’s someone we know, or we see those innocent faces in the newspaper and on the television screen. We feel it then. But only until we turn the pages, or click on some bizarre reality show to get us away from our own bizarre reality.  

And yes, I know I’m gonna catch hell for this and hear from all those people who say, “Well, it’s our right and all that stuff really doesn’t affect me - it only affects those people who already have mental issues. YA THINK?

And aren’t those the very ones we’re supposed to be worried about?

I rest my case.

Because I’ve got way too much to say on the issue of violence, nasty song lyrics and such, and just not enough time.  

I do believe, as a human race, we are becoming immune to these horrific acts, both fiction and nonfiction. It takes so much more to really shock us these days that it is, in fact, shocking. We’ve allowed all that violence and hatred to seep into our psyche and pay little attention to what it’s doing to us as a human being.

And I’m not just talking TV, radio, video games and CDs when it comes to everything negative – Next time you go into the grocery store, take a look at all those tabloids on the shelves – Here’s just a few regular samplings on relationships (expect of course for those exciting “hot new romances”):

So-and-So Walks Out on So-and So.

So-and-So Seeks Counseling for their Rocky Marriage.

So-and-So says She/He has HAD IT!

Then there’s the latest Rehab Patient, the DUI arrests, the venting of racial slurs, and let’s not forget the “Who’s my baby’s daddy?” so many women ask themselves because they, as my dear sweet grandmother used to say, “just can’t keep their legs together. . . 

And don’t even get me started with how some folks treat their children (ok, I’ll name just one fine example – Alex Baldwin’s phone message to his “11 or 12” year old (seems he’s not quite sure) calling her a pig – AND the fact that his ex, Kim Bassinger, then releases it to the media (uh, I mean, allegedly released it).

Yeah, let’s make it all even worse – particularly to the total humiliation and shame (no, not Alex’s, he deserve it … in my opinion) of that poor daughter caught in the web of pure hatred and blind anger. Simply unbelievable. . .  

I will add, however, that much as I wish I was, I am not a great activist. I’ve tried to shake things up on several issues, such as the massive use of violence and hatred on TV and in music lyrics. I’ve written to sponsors, joined some mailing group where members spread the word about how damaging it is to the human spirit, and talked about the topic to other concerned parents in hopes we could all ban together and make a difference for the next generation.

Yeah, like the flower children on Vietnam. They got far, too, huh?

We’re doing a crappy job at getting it.  

But at least if we’re aware of it, we can strive to move in the right direction. But we’ve got a long way to go and part of that has to do with greed (which I’ll kindly save for another time).  

And yes, we really do need to be nicer to one another - especially you kids who feel that bullying others is fun – look around you and see where it leads.

Sticks and stones do break bones, but names and mean words break spirits.

(For further reading on the kindness issue, please see February’s Entry below] 

But all in all, Life is STILL GOOD!

As previously mentioned, I’m a proud Pollyanna and I think there is still are a lot of my kind of people out there. Despite the tragic events of this week, and others, I still believe that there is more good in the world than bad (one clear example is the way those wonderful and impressive students at Virginia Tech dealt with their tragedy - during and after. I hail them). In closing on these disturbing issues I’ve addressed here, I want to leave you with one of the most profound quotations I have ever read. It reminds us to REMEMBER THE VICTIMS - NOT THE SHOOTER! Surely a step in the right direction.

It comes from Peter Read, father of Mary Read, one of the Virginia Tech victims (and a very wise man): 

“I want to issue a direct personal plea to all the major media. For the love of God and our children, stop broadcasting those images and those words. Choose to focus on life and the love and the light that our children brought into the world, and not on the darkness and the madness and the death.” 

AMEN.  

One Good Thing That Happened This Week  

My favorite oldest child (as opposed to my favorite youngest child) had a birthday this week. She made it through her teens (and so did we!) and has grown into one beautiful person, both inside and out.

And while you always want more for your children than you had, and you don’t always agree with some of their decisions (because they’re not yours), if they can step out in the world and stand on their own two feet, and have compassion for people, animals, and nature, get down on your knees and thank God that you brought such a positive force into the world.

We got lucky, twice. Or rather, blessed.

Happy Birthday, Honey 

And spring has finally sprung here in Northeast Ohio. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and looking out my window just now, I see a para-glider sailing through the blues skies. It is a beautiful scene.  

Yep. Life still is good. 

So till next time -  be grateful for those little things, that really is the big stuff.

April 8

Say It Isn’t Snow!…

I should say Happy Easter (yes, I am writing this on a holiday because first, I finally have time, and second, it’s 7 a.m., I’m wide awake, and the family isn’t), but as I look out my office window this bright morning, I see that it is not bright due to a marvelous glare of eye-blinding spring sunlight, but from a continuous flurry of white flakes swirling around the landscape like it’s December instead of April.  

So in keeping with the mood this wintry scene brings – I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Even I, who generally appreciates a beautiful blanket of snow, am less than thrilled. The groundhog - back on February 2 - did NOT see his shadow. And so, everyone across the Midwest was all giddy that, based on some such ancient belief, that we were guaranteed an EARLY SPRING. 

And actually, if that varmint could talk he’d say, “Hey, you silly humans, I wasn’t lyin’ – you DID have an early spring – remember? Last Tuesday, April 3, when it reached

80-degrees? People running around in shorts and tank tops, lying in the sun  . . . THAT was your spring, folks, hope you enjoyed the day. Now leave me alone till next year.” 

Yeah, just wait till next year, Bucko, and see if you get any press at all. You can just crawl back in your hole and stay there….  

More Favorites 

Okay, now that I’m done addressing the lyin’, over-rated, and not funny at all, groundhog (who incidentally is not one of my favorites), I’ll continue with the winter theme by way of Thanksgiving. In this fast-paced lifestyle we live, it’s so easy to take things for granted. So on this snow-covered Easter holiday, take a moment to bask in the many simple pleasures in life.

Mine include the freshly ground coffee I sip as we speak. We used to have gourmet coffee only on Sundays, but Jeff (the hubby) and I decided we deserve to have it everyday. So we bought a grinder and alternate between Hazelnut, French Vanilla and whatever else the store may offer. Yes, a simple pleasure but a wonderful indulgence.  

I’m also grateful that I’m at a point in my career where I can work at home and write in my PJs. I don’t have to battle traffic jams, or coworkers, or try to make everyone happy (well, except for editors).

And since she is lying against my back right now, I have to say I’m also grateful for what I call my little muse - a pretty calico cat who turns 10 next month. Jeff of course named her, Harley, after his favorite thing. She was our daughters’ Christmas present all those years ago, and truth be told (I’m glad the cat can’t read over my shoulder) I wasn’t too crazy about her at first. I like male cats, and tabbys in particular. This female feline, even at 7 months old which is when we got her, had an attitude from the start. You’d think she would’ve been grateful to us for saving her life there in that pound - but no, she’d prance around the house like she owned the place. Like we should be at her beck-and-call, and only pet her whenever she felt like it (and she really hated being pick up, still does).

Yet like all of us who reach a certain age, she has mellowed considerably. She comes up to us now, all cute and purring. And she has adopted my chair, so that when I write I have to move her over before I sit down (and sometimes she actually stretches out her legs in an attempt to push me off! So yes, she still harbors a bit of an attitude). But writing is a lonely profession, where you spend many solitary hours trying to eek out a living, so I do enjoy her quiet company.  

And speaking of reaching a certain age -

Happy Birthday to my Honorable Web Master, Mike Miheli – who is also a pretty good drummer. (okay, amazing drummer)

It’s your last year of your 30s, so better enjoy those shots of Jack Daniels. They won’t like you much once you hit your 40s. Or so I hear J  

Okay, family’s up and there’s snow to plow [!], and Easter baskets to indulge in.  

Lots more topics to cover next week (that does not include a weather report) once my deadlines are met. Also, some photos for your continued entertainment. Stay tuned.  

Till next time  - Stay Warm

March 26, 2007 

The Cleveland Icon Perseverance Awards  2007 

This event, the second annual, once again took place at the Agora and was hosted by the venerable “Host of the North Coast” - Peanuts (who still won’t reveal his real name).

The Cleveland Entertainment Coalition puts on a truly worthwhile event, but unfortunately, it’s still a well-kept secret. Their mission is to honor longtime veterans of the local music scene, including musicians, media, and behind-the-scenes movers and shakers. But more people are needed to shake things up and get their mission moving. President Londi Viccarone told me he needs more volunteers, particularly concerning this event. So if anyone is interested in being involved in this noteworthy organization, go to their website at www.clevelandec.org

Although the crowd Sunday night was lean at times, the music and the distribution of awards was entertaining, and the many reunions among friends created a party-like atmosphere.

It also gave you hope for the future musical generation. The first band that played, Nostalgia Cleveland featured a young boy, Alex Raz, who was just nine years old. He started things off in true rock-and-roll style by playing guitar like Jimi Hendrix (he did a near-perfect rendition of  “Star Spangled Banner” - not an easy feat at any age) and then, out came 7-year-old Vincent Fondale, who did a medley of Journey songs and he was absolutely amazing. Not just his voice, but his whole demeanor - he worked the crowd (who couldn’t take their eyes off of him) like a true professional at the top of his game. Wow.

I’m going to do a Jane Scott right now (for those who recall this veteran Cleveland rock reporter proclaiming Bruce Springsteen as the next big thing, back when most had never heard of him). So Remember the Name – Vincent Fondale. He’s going to be a star… 

I was also thrilled to finally meet Michael Calhoun, of the great Dazz Band, and even more honored to present a Perseverance Award to Carlos Jones, indeed an icon of the reggae music scene, as one of the members of I-Tal and First Light (yes, reggae has been alive and very well in Cleveland, Ohio since 1979) and whose band, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S Band, performs regularly throughout the North Coast. He’s not only an amazing percussionist/guitarist/vocalist, he’s a really nice guy (and regular readers of this blog know how I feel about nice).   

It was a fun night and I only hope that word spreads more widely for next year’s event, and more people show up to honor, as the Coalition says “Cleveland’s Own,” and our Rock City maintains its claim to fame. 

Thoughts on Discipline 

We Catholics are now nearly done with Lent, and if you’re like me, are counting down the days to Easter Sunday. But for the wrong reason. We just can’t wait to go back to indulging ourselves with whatever we gave up for the past long six weeks. I don’t have many vices left since I grew out of my youthful ways (read: became a parent), so I usually give up the same thing every year—but this time I added chocolate, which I slowly have acquired a great love for (this I blame on the media ever since they said how good dark chocolate is for you …  well, okay… like wine … I’ll do it for my health…. 

I mention this because I realized last Friday, as I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich (on rye, which is the only way to have one), that I had, that morning, packed my daughter (never mind the husband, he is one of those “non-practicing” Catholics) a honey ham sandwich, and the week before that, I’d packed her a salami sandwich, and the week before that, I believe it was turkey … 

I am a horrible Catholic mother. 

I used to be a great one. Fixing my little children tuna salad, or PB & J, or egg-salad sandwiches (the latter of which I still hear about. Apparently, even when they start out from the fridge, once they sit in a dark cubby hole in a dark paper bag, in a hot, sweaty, stifling room, the greenhouse effect begins, and the sandwich which the well-meaning mother made with love, starts to reek. Throughout the entire classroom. So I am still told.  

But least they didn’t eat meat on Fridays. Not a morsel. But nowadays, I’m slacking off a bit more because they’re getting older and on their own (well, one already is, and yes, I still pack lunch for the last one at home - upon request).

So it’s not really all my fault, because once they begin working up to 18 (and who decided that this is the big cut-off point for ultimate control, anyway?), they tend to make their own decisions and do their own thing, so when I asked my daughter when she came home, “Did you eat that ham sandwich?” she replied, “Yes.” And when I said, “But it’s Lent, why didn’t you remind me these past Fridays I made your lunch?”

She then suddenly and miraculously turns all the control, and blame, back to me and says, “That’s your job, Mom.” Oh, yeah now I’m supposed to go from “You’re too protective” to “It’s your job to keep me in line.”

She then adds, “Don’t worry, Mom, ham isn’t really meat, not like steak or roast beef.” What?? Oh, to live in a teenage land where the world is only as you see it...   

Anyway, I think everyone, Catholic or no, should give up something once in awhile. Just because it’s good to be disciplined. Because we really are awfully darn good to ourselves. And discipline is good for the soul. Really. It makes you feel you have more control over your life.

And what you give up is usually something you can do without. Like TV, or sweets, or cigarettes. Then when you do treat yourself to these luxuries, you actually appreciate them more. Though I’m not sure it’s a good thing to appreciate cigarettes... 

Anyway, if you really think about it, many of us are not very disciplined. It’s a constant human struggle. That’s why it’s so hard to lose weight, for one. And that’s why giving up some kind of delightful food is the number one Lenten sacrifice. Thing is, we may lose a few pounds, but it’s almost a guarantee we’ll gain it all back in a week.

So much for our holy deprivation. 

A Few Words on Elizabeth Edwards 

Leave it to cancer to make the wife more newsworthy than the husband running for president. In the case of this amazing woman (not because she has cancer – it is this: You may not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you deal with it), who chooses to make the best of a devastating diagnosis, C is not for Cancer. It is for Courage. It is for Class. 

Last Word on Anna Nicole 

Well, actually two: Real Friends. 

Maybe the rich and famous will learn something. But probably not. 

Till next time,

Do Good Deeds

March 18 

Yes, I will include a couple of my favorites this time - but first, a few words on happenings this week: 

In regards to the piece I wrote about teachers. I received some good feedback on it, and everyone agrees—including teachers—that for the sake of everyone involved changes need to be made. One person who responded mentioned a very important issue concerning the school system that I didn’t even touch on -

STANDARDIZED TESTING. 

In my opinion (and I’m always allowed my opinion here, one reason I love to blog J), these state assessment exams are too standard, too regimented, and not at all good for those who are just not good test-takers. This would include me…

I feel it’s a big reason why some teachers have lost their enthusiasm and love for teaching. And I can’t blame them there. So I guess it’s time for parents to do more intervening, more complaining, and more VOTING to get the right people in to help make schools more productive, more conducive to learning  and -  come on now - MORE FUN. Because not only do kids absorb more knowledge when they’re enjoying what they’re learning, but we all tend to remember things more easily during times we’ve had fun. Think about it. That’s why you often remember more good times than bad as you get older. Well, least I hope so.

Anyway, let’s all hope and pray for change so that both teachers and students can enjoy what they do, enjoy each other’s company, and in the process, produce better leaders…. 

Okay, now I have to share something with you that reminds me of that Bill Engvall joke, “Here’s Your Sign.”

I’ve been working on an article about teenage bullying and fighting, and in my research came upon this startling statistic:

“Teens who carry weapons are more likely to suffer serious injuries. When teens fight, those who carry handguns are three times more likely to require medical attention than those who do not carry weapons.” 

YA THINK?? 

I realize that we all have different degrees in intelligence, but still, some things are just way too obvious. Like some of those inane warning labels: Don’t use hair dryer in bathtub. Do not iron clothes while wearing them (really, check the label next time you buy an iron), and on every label from baby oil to hydrogen peroxide to sun screens – WARNING: For External Use Only!” 

Ya Think??  Could there possibly be someone who would actually try drinking that stuff? 

It also reminds me of something my Favorite (yes, we’re finally getting back to that!) teacher in Journalism 101 emphasized to all would-be reporters. “Do not,” he said, “ever ask someone whose house is burning in front of their eyes, or kid has died, or lost their job, “How do you feel right now?” 

We’ve all heard that one, haven’t we?

I was taught never, ever, to use that horribly distasteful, inept query back in the early ’80s, and yet I hear it all too often. Still.

I’m waiting for that one person who, in the midst of their darkest hour, whips their head toward the reporter, looks them straight in the eye and says, “How the F~%#* do you think it feels, A~*# - H*#@? 

And who knows? Maybe that has happened, in which case they wouldn’t air it anyway, even though it would surely make great ratings. I can already hear the viewers standing up in their living rooms shouting YES! IT’S about F*&$%#@’ TIME!! 

As you see, I did not spell out those words because first of all, like those labels that state the obvious, it’s not necessary, and it’s like I’ve always told my daughters: While swearing isn’t nearly as bad as the violence and sexual innuendos we’re bombarded with in our TV and radio programs, it’s in rather poor taste, and I want them to have class.

But, of course, sometimes you just have to make a point. Then you go for the symbols….  

Every time I hear a reporter ask that question, I think of Mr. Gene Dent, my journalism teacher. He will always be on my list of Favorites, because, although I attended a private all-girls school (which by the way, was not my choice - my mother made me), he was the first teacher who (much like Erin Gruwell) gave me the encouragement I needed, and was the catalyst for my getting an internship at a local newspaper. He’s also a really nice man (and by now, you know how much I like nice). It sounds corny, but he made me believe that my dream of being a writer wasn’t all that unreachable. I ran into this dear man a few months ago. I was working one of my part-time day jobs at a restaurant and he came in. I hadn’t seen him in 20 years. He looked absolutely the same.

I was so thrilled to tell him what I’d been doing in that time. Upon hearing about my book, he was anxious to see it, so I ran out to my car (every smart author carries a copy at all times) and when I showed it to him, I told him how he had affected my pursuit as a writer, how much his inspiration, knowledge, and support helped me along the way. It was one of those great moments between a teacher and former student.

One teacher can indeed make a difference.

And that’s what I mean about the importance of having a good teacher, and why every instructor should aspire to do the best they can. It’s a win-win, slam dunk… 

Another of my Favorite People is the Plain Dealer columnist, Connie Schultz. Her greatest talent is not only writing, but lobbying for the Everyman and Everywoman who works hard making a living. Last Friday, her column was on appreciating, and tipping, your hairdresser. She has now become beloved by stylists everywhere. I know by personal experience (since I’ve been a stylist for, well, let’s just say more than 30 years – though I now work just a couple of days a week because I still love it and it also helps me in my many ways as writer) that this profession has long been underappreciated. There is still a bit of a stigma that if you can’t do anything else, might as well “do hair.” I actually had a man in my chair one time who, upon leaning toward the mirror to read my Ohio State Board of Cosmetology license, looked back at me and said, “You need a license to do this?”

I was oh-so-tempted to retort (while smacking away at my Bubble Yum), “Nahh … actually I just woke up one day and uh, had this mind-blowing epiphany, and thought, Hey! I know! I’ll go out there and cut and dye people’s hair for a living - that’ll be a hoot!” (Smack, smack).

If only people knew all it takes to become one (must study chemistry, electricity, anatomy … and that’s just the theory part). And talk about standard testing…. 

And just like restaurant servers, I’ve been stiffed (why, just yesterday while out for St. Patty’s Day, my friend, a server, told me that one if her tables last night got up, handed her the bill, and walked out the door before she could see that not only did they not tip her, they didn’t even leave enough to cover the check! Which of course has to come out of her own pocket. Hey, Connie, there’s another column for you - I just can’t believe people can be that insensitive, and down right nasty).

And yes, I’ve had my share of nasty customers, too. But fortunately, I’m now in the position where I only do my longtime regular clients who I absolutely love and treat and tip me very well (well, I do have one who has never tipped me in the ten years I’ve done her, so I’m hoping she caught Connie’s column).

But yeah, hairdressers work hard on their feet, and have to deal with all kinds of issues (my favorite is when they do their own hair - then go to the hairdresser to “fix it.” Which of course costs more than just going there in the first place). And yes, those who’ve been doing it for years do charge more, and rightfully so. They have earned it, and years of experience should have a decent price tag. 

Okay, once again, I’m over my proposed blogging limit (when am I ever going to get that right? Well stay tuned and see - it will happen one of these days J 

And it seems I’m not going to run out of favorites any time soon. But for now, I’ll let you get back to your life, and I, mine. 

Let’s meet again next week.

Thanks for reading.  

And till next time,

Read your Labels Carefully ….

March 12

One Teacher Can Make a Difference 

Before I continue on with my favorite things and people, I want to focus this entry on one particular person who I hope people – especially parents, teachers, and politicians too! - will pay attention to.

I’m sure some of you know who Erin Gruwell is. She’s the teacher who Hillary Swank portrays in the recently released movie, Freedom Writers. In 1995, Erin began her teaching career at a high school in Long Beach, California. Her class consisted of a diverse group – African-American, Asians, poverty-stricken – all mixed in with Caucasians from upper middle-class neighborhoods (this, a result of busing).

Hers was the class of kids “no one else wanted” – the troubled ones (many were gang members by age 14) with bad attitudes, arrest records, and horror stories before they were 16. Society had already written them off. The other teachers and school officials did nothing to give these kids one ounce of hope for a future that didn’t include drugs, jail, pregnancy or death. These adults in their lives, who were supposed to help them find their way in life, assumed they were not worth helping. They fully expected them to drop out by 10th grade, and that they’d never amount to anything.  

And like most perceptive kids, they knew it. And behaved likewise.  

Through her unique brand of teaching (and a lot of heart, coupled with energetic ambition) this dynamic English teacher won the kids over and got them interested in great authors. She taught them to be proud of their heritage and respect others’ differences. She taught them about the Holocaust so they could understand that fighting among others and labeling people can produce disastrous results that last forever. She also got them to learn how writing can save you. That the mere act of writing down your true thoughts and feelings is oftentimes the best therapy one can get. And it’s free.

So they began writing journals and called themselves, “The Freedom Writers,” after the Freedom Riders of the 1960s civil rights group.  

Erin Gruwell is my hero. 

And the timing of this movie—and the books, “The Freedom Writers Diary” and Erin’s memoir, “Teach With Your Heart,”—was apt because my daughter is having trouble with one teacher who seemingly hates her job, and doesn’t much like her students, either. It’s not the first teacher my daughters have complained about in the course of their academic years. The first time it happened, my one daughter was still in elementary school, and the teacher was so angry all the time, she was making the kids hate learning. But upon my talk with the principal, I basically learned that one parent’s complaint does not produce change. And most parents feel they don’t have the means, or the power, to question this kind of authority. Sad, but true.  

Before I go on, let me say that I have the highest regard for teachers, who are at the top of my list that includes nurses and librarians—all who work hard to improve the quality of life.

And I know how kids can be. They can be disruptive, argumentative, and make a classroom miserable by their attitude and behavior. And that’s precisely why I respect teacher’s positions. I’m lucky. I teach adults – who not only want to be there, but pay to be there.

However, when the teachers reflect the same bad attitude as their students, not much gets done. And what is done, is often damaging to the kids who all need, and deserve, a good education—whether in a public or a private school.  

I’ve known some excellent teachers, and they are the ones we should bless and thank God for every night—even if you don’t have school-aged children— because they are influencing a whole new generation. They should be hailed, supported, and awarded. Many are, and that’s good. It’s so important to honor great work. It gives people pride. And more energy to do more great things. Which can be contagious. 

I’ve always taught my children to give their teachers that due respect. But there are some who don’t deserve it, because they clearly don’t want to be there, and are not respectful to their students. And it should go both ways, don’t you think? 

So when I had a conference last week with this problem teacher, I was first in line. She was late. Seven minutes. She dropped her stuff on the table and handed me a sign-in sheet. She did not apologize for being late (but I know she reprimands her students for this very thing), despite other parents in line who were a bit perturbed by her tardiness. Apparently, her lack of respect extends to the parents as well.

Our talk produced no great result. There was no apparent concern on her part, no “I’ll talk with her and see what we can work out.” She placated me by assuring that my daughter “will be just fine,” despite the threatening letter I’d received in the mail about my daughter’s grade. 

The interesting part came a few days later when I was relating my story to another parent with kids in college. “What’s that teacher’s name?” When I told her she screamed, “Oh, not her! She is just terrible!” The woman proceeded to tell me that ten years ago her son had many of the same problems that my daughter has experienced, which basically came down to a horrible attitude toward the students, and a clear dislike for her job - which ultimately affects her teaching abilities. 

Who’s Doing the Evaluating? 

I teach at a community college, and literary center, and I have to pass out evaluations about my performance at the end of every one of my courses.  

And every time I, my kids, or husband, go to the doctor, we receive an evaluation form in the mail asking us to rate our experience – on the physician’s knowledge, ability, interest, and attention to us. And whether the physician explained everything we needed to know in a way we understand it. 

I have never received any such form from my child’s school or the school board.

And why not? Why aren’t parents and students given the opportunity to evaluate their teacher’s performance?

I do feel children of all ages have a right to voice their opinions. And sure, some grievances will not be warranted. But there will surely be some valid complaints that should be addressed.

But I wonder, do administrators even care?  

Is anyone doing any evaluating when it comes to our children’s education? 

Why are these D- teachers allowed to continue to make themselves, their students, and parents miserable day after day, year after year, decade after decade until they retire, leaving a legacy no one should be proud of?

Have they ever thought how wonderful it would be, to be remembered as someone’s “favorite teacher who really cared?”  

Striving for that should be on every teacher’s personal syllabus.

And I don’t mean winning a popularity contest by catering to kids’ whims.

I mean simply doing their job and doing it well. That’s the kind of popularity that changes lives. Produce honorable adults. Can even change the world …  

No wonder schools across the nation are in trouble. It doesn’t all have to do with money. It has to do with heart. 

That’s why Erin is my hero. I saw her speak at the Cleveland Public Library this past Sunday. She had the capacity crowd in the palm of her hand. She was interesting, captivating, and a great storyteller. 

Just like any good teacher.

Just like those we name as our favorites. 

I just wish there were thousands more like her.  

For more information, please check out www.freedomwritersfoundation.org. 

Till next time ….

Thank a teacher.

I mean a good one.

March 2 

My Favorite Things – and People 

Well first off, seeing how this is my favorite youngest daughter’s (as opposed to my favorite oldest daughter) birthday, I just want to tell her, and apparently thousands of others reading this, how proud I am of who she’s turned out to be. She has given her father and me hardly any worries or problems, and there are no words to describe how grateful we are for that. But then, the lawn ornaments that greeted her this morning gave her a pretty good indication J  I loved seeing her face as she walked out the door and found our yard filled with a menagerie of some 25 plastic farm animals (and cute little penguins) along with the big Happy Birthday sign with the rainbow and smiley face.

My, that was fun...

Luckily, our daughter has a good sense of humor (and we all know where she got that from). Happy Birthday, Honey.  

A Word on Intervention: 

I know you’re all tired of hearing about it, but in the midst of the ongoing exploitation of the tragedy of Anna Nicole Smith, the most important issue remains in the shadows, so I feel a need to address it. But just for a moment. Promise.  

Anna Nicole had an awful lot of people around her, yet no one had her back, so to speak. All those people. And no one seemed to have stepped up to the plate to save her from herself. From what I hear, those around her the most, (ALLEGEDLY) fed into her substantial (ALLEGED) drug use.

It’s the same old sad story. Add her now to the long list of rich and famous addicts gone too soon – Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Janis Joplin … (I’ll stop there).  

Here’s my take - when someone really loves and cares about you and they see the train wreck coming, they will throw themselves on the track and do what you need to do to prevent the inevitable collision. Even if they realize that you’ll probably hate them, for awhile, for “interfering.”

Remember the old adage, “Tough Love?” It is my hope that more people will interfere with those who obviously need help before it’s too late. It may not only save their life, but others as well.

Case in point: Here in northeast Ohio, there was a woman this week who abruptly made a U-turn on Ohio Route 2 in Eastlake – straight into oncoming traffic at 65 mph. Her minivan immediately smashed into another car. The crash killed the other driver, as well as her own babies, ages 2 and 3. She survived but is in critical condition. Drug and alcohol use is suspected.

Ya think?

Turns out this woman had purchased a car of mine some 8 years back, when she was 19. And just so I don’t get in trouble here, I’ll just say the signs were there then. She went on to get two DUI convictions and two other citations for not having her children in car seats. (Which apparently had no effect as the kids weren’t buckled in seats at the time of the crash).

We all know drug addition affects more than just the one doing the drugs, and sometimes they leave a real mess behind. Anna Nicole is now the Poster Child for that lesson.

So, if you love someone who’s clearly going down the wrong side of the road, be a hero. Step in and get them help. Before you read about them in the paper or see their face on TV. 

Sorry, I had to bring that up because the theme this week is my favorite people and these news stories just remind me how lucky I am to have many people at my back, and how grateful I am for that.  

And they’ll be plenty of time to talk about my wonderful family and closest friends - who already know they are my favorite. For now, I’d like to hail some of my other favorite people - who may not even know they’re my favorite. 

And here’s where I’ll probably get into trouble again. I’ve learned the hard way that anytime you start naming names, you’re gonna hear from those you didn’t. If you don’t know of my personal experience on this after my rock book came out, and feel you just have to hear about it, email me, so I don’t use up my space here (remember I have a vow to try and keep these entries short).

And really, I should know better about naming names. After all, you baby boomers out there remember that great children’s show, Romper Room with Miss Barbara, right? Okay, you now have that image in your head - the one where she’s looking out through that damn fake hand mirror and calling out all those little children’s names? Well, you guessed it, I’d sit there in front of that 12-inch black-and-white screen every day waiting  for her to call out Deanna, or even Dee, and never, not once - day after day, week after week, year after year (gee, ya think I still hold a grudge?), did she ever call out my name. I believe it damaged my self-esteem for life - well, at least until I grew up and realized she didn’t know any of those kids personally anyway, well, except for David Spero—whose father was a television producer at that station—and not only was his name called out zillions of times (David was a common name) but he also got to go on the show…. 

But ANYWAY, please don’t be offended if I don’t name you this time. There’s always next time - if indeed you really are one of my favorite people.

Okay, I have to start with my honorable and esteemed webmaster, Mike Miheli. He’s not only one of the great drummers here on the North Coast (see his website www.LocoGatos.com ), he’s a very dependable web guy. I have a writer friend whose web person has been MIA for months now and she can’t post any updates, current info or book signings. That’s very frustrating. What I suggest is getting yourself a musician to do your site because, if they don’t have a day job, they’re usually home, so when you send your stuff, it gets posted that day. Least that’s been my experience. So yes, the very dependable, talented, and rather nice (and cute) Mike is one of my favorite people. So is his nice girlfriend, Crystal, and his very nice mom and Aunt Patty (who I’ve known since the Hullabaloo days, which once again, will mean nothing to you if you’re not a baby boomer). 

Nearly everyone has a favorite radio station, but few, anymore, have favorite disc jockeys. That’s because there are not many left who we still feel a real connection with these days. So many changes, so many impersonal “announcers.” We are so lucky here in northeast Ohio to have a few deejays who were born and raised in the Cleveland area, still live here, and have somehow managed to stay on the airwaves for decades now, despite the encroachment of corporate, focus-group controlled radio. That’s quite a feat!  So as most people know, I love listening to Bill Louis and Paula Balish at WNCX, and Brian & Joe, who has a great morning show at  WMVX, because they all are the real deal. WNCX, in particular, is dear to my heart because the station was, and still is, amazingly supportive of my book. And everyone there is just so genuine. I like that in a person. In fact, I like all the deejays there, and personally, I was thrilled when Howard Stern went off the air, and even more thrilled when locals Mud, Mihalik & Mike took over the morning show. And though I don’t know him well, I really enjoy Chris V, who says in his bio that he really likes nice people (hey, me too, Chris, read down further!).

And of course, I’d be remiss in not mentioning Michael Stanley who so kindly wrote the foreword to my book. And his bands - past and present - are pretty good too J

So if you don’t live in the area, go to these websites to see, and hear, what I mean: www.wncx.com and www.wmvx.com 

And while we’re talking music, I have to go to favorite bands. OF course those at ‘NCX and my personal friends know of my affection for the Rolling Stones, and I have some more as well. But in my continuing efforts to keep these entries short (I know, I’m failing miserably), let’s go straight to the local ones, who never seem to get their due anyway. 

Mr. Stress has to come first because he’s the guy that inspired me to write my book. His longtime blues band broke up a few years ago, but Bill Miller still plays out regularly - now with the Alan Greene Band (yes, Alan, bass player, John “Slap” Daubenspeck, and drummer Rob Luoma are among my favorites as well). Bill is one of the great harp players in this land with great blues pipes, and although he’s been known to be somewhat of a curmudgeon, he’s really the sweetest guy on the planet, and I love and respect him dearly. He’s got a good heart - the essential trait needed to be one of my favorite people. 

The Elm Street Blues Band has been around for decades and each member is talented in his own right. Their drummer, Hank Hess, is high on my list of favorite people. And absolutely no one can get a crowd going like Hank can. And although he’s been having health issues of late, we all can’t wait for him to get back where he belongs. Hurry and get better, Hank!

And Stone Pony! Oh, how I love this band. They pay tribute to Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny - got the horn section and everything. They also have an absolute awesome singer, Kelly Derrick. That guy can sing – and sound - like anyone. Michael Stanley, Springsteen, Southside - even Barry White. I kid you not. Please, for your own happiness, check them out.  

And I guess because blood’s thicker than water, I should mention that another one of my favorites happens to be my brother, Dennis’ band - Mojo Street Blues Band. I am being honest here - I am proud to say this fiery, kick-ass band really is impressive. Even if my bro is in it J  

Last but of course never, ever least (hear that, other bands I didn’t mention?). There’s a new band in town, too, that’s getting a lot of notice, particularly last week when they played the House of Blues. Signals is a Rush tribute band, and I didn’t even know I liked Rush that much until I heard this band’s debut. It helps, too, that one of its members is also one of my favorite people - Dan Sidoti, whose girlfriend, Lynne Bryant, is another of my favorites. It’s all kind of like a local “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” thing (Okay, I won’t explain that one - if you don’t know - Google’s a wonderful thing). 

Whew, alright looks like I’m way past my limit for today - and I didn’t even get to my Favorite Things, and have lots more favorite people. But I’m sure you all have a life, and I’ve got a deadline. So look for more favorites next week. Go now, and do good things. And be nice (isn't that right, Chris J).  Till next time ….  

P.S. Oh, and please check out this Sunday’s Plain Dealer for a really interesting feature in the PDQ section on famous Rock ‘n’ Roll Autograph Collector John Markulin. He’s a true man about town getting autographs of everyone even faintly mentioned in my book. The stories behind his getting Alice Cooper’s, Chrissie Hynde’s are … Well, just read about it.

I’m done. Really.

February 23

Oh, to Be a Pig!

I’ve been hearing a lot lately about how great it is to be a Pig.

That is, of course, due to the Chinese New Year, and apparently 2007 is a swine’s year.

If you are born, say, in 1947, 1959, or 1971, you are a Pig. And in this case, that’s a compliment. Because The Pig is a sign of wealth and prosperity.

I wonder if Donald Trump is a Pig? Well, from what I hear, Rosie O’Donnell thinks so.

Anyway, for your enjoyment, I was going to type out the whole Chinese Zodiac, but sorry, that’s way too much typing. But I will give you the website so you can look up your own. But not yet, you have to wait till I’m finished. Thank you. 

After reading about some others signs of people I know, I think there’s something to this.

Me? I’m a Horse. And though I may not have the lucky qualities of a Pig, Horses are supposed to be cheerful (I have been called “bubbly” on occasion), wise (well some people think so) and talented (well some people think so). All sounds good to me. Well … there is that other thing they mentioned … “they do tend to talk too much” ME? Well, they can’t get everything right, right?

My husband, Jeff, is a Snake – though he’s not really a Snake. Ask anyone. Most people think he’s a pretty nice guy. And if he wasn’t, this Horse sure wouldn’t be married to him. She’d have kicked him to the curb – or, rather, out of the barn - years ago.    

Anyway, Snakes are supposed to possess great wisdom (he married me, didn’t he?). But then, according to the Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco, “although [Snakes] are calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate.” Well, I am telling you from years of personal experience that you cannot, in any way, shape or form, be calm and intense at the same time. You can be calm one minute and intense the next, but you cannot be both simultaneously. Trust me on that….

Ok, I did promise you a website on this fascinating topic, but that’s before I actually looked it up and there are tons of them on the subject, so just Google “Chinese Zodiac” and have fun….

And while you’re at it, enjoy some Chinese food.

February 23 – Yes, still the same date – but I Have Breaking News for an Important Apology

I made a really embarrassing blunder the other day, and although I did make a personal apology, I feel this is a good opportunity to talk a little about the writing world in which live.   

Ok, here goes: So I decide to write my very first review on Amazon and choose Carlo Wolff’s new book, “Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories” because some people thought that just because he wrote a book on the same topic as I did, that I’d be upset about that.  On the contrary, I thought it was great. I love my city and I’m proud of its musical heritage and the more books about it, the better, far as I’m concerned. So to all you Ohio rockers - keep ‘em coming. There are certainly enough stories to go around. 

Anyway, and it pains me, still, to bring it up, but somehow in the process of writing the review (cringe), I (cringe, cringe) misspelled (cringe, cringe, cringe) his name! Not his last name - his first name! Carlo unintentionally became Carol. And apparently, no one checks these things before it goes into print, kind of like one newspaper awhile ago which posted an ad for a proof reader but it came out, “Prof Reader Needed.” Apparently.

And getting a professor for the job is a real good idea.  

Anyway, as I told Carlo, I have a real dyslexia problem when it comes to typing, though I’m not sure he really bought that excuse. Because he’s a writer, too - a real prolific one at that. And everyone, especially those who aren’t writers, naturally assume that writers are great typists. I mean, they’d have to be or they couldn’t write, right?

Well, let’s just say that I’ve always been a Horse of a different color.  

I’m here to confess that I am not the best typist. Mediocre, on a good day. And because of this dyslexia, or whatever the cause may be, I make lots of mistakes and constantly have to go back and switch the i’s and e’s and apostrophes (they always land in the wrong place). And sometimes, like the newspaper that desperately needed that proof reader, I don’t catch it. And that’s really embarrassing when you put a good writer smack in the middle of your World Wide Web blunder. Once again, sorry Carlo L 

So anyway, here are just some of the words I always screw up: From. Always comes out form. And sometimes I actually mean to say form. But then it comes out from.

Believe – again, that i and e switch.

Because  - that always comes out becuase the first itme out. OH, and as you see, there’s another one Time.   

And speaking of which, it’s time to move on. …

Because I made a promise to myself when I started this blog thing that I can’t let my Blog bore people. Becuase, oops, because, then I’d have to change it from Blog Banter to Boring Blog. And that’s just not good marketing. So I aim to keep these things short and to the point. Well, as much as I - who does tend to ramble (and okay, talk too much on occasion) - can do. So please stay tuned next week when I reveal Some of My Favorite Things (ok, so I stole that one from Oprah. But they say, if you’re gonna steal, steal from the best - but always put a twist on it). So this one will reveal not only some of my favorite things, but some of my favorite people (the emphasis on the word some is essential, as to not offend anyone or any company I may not mention, more on that later). 

So ‘til next time, be happy. And be nice (see below).

Even if you are a rich Pig. 

February 2007 

That snow we got last month? That was nothing folks. We are now recovering from what they’re calling the “Blizzard of 2007.” OK, now we’re talking major snow storm, now we’re talking Breaking News category. I’ll give them that.

But do they have to extend the Breaking News to a consecutive NINE HOURS? I am not making this up, folks. As a matter of fact, the news people proudly boasted yesterday that they have given us NINE straight hours of coverage, and after NINE STRAIGHT HOURS of “Let’s go now to Medina and see what’s going on there” (I bet it’s snowing) and “Let’s see what’s happening in Canton” (snowing) and “Let’s go now to Bob in BFE (Ok, I made that last one up but when reporter Bob does make it to BFE, I just know for sure it’s gonna be snowing).

OH, and then they tell us not to worry, our regularly scheduled programs will be broadcast so you won’t miss them, that’s right, stay tuned for them to air at … 1:30 a.m.!! Are they kidding me??  

Okay now that I’ve got all that off my chest (Sorry, I didn’t plan on talking about this topic but I am sure all you Midwest people can identify with what I’m saying here. The media is just a little too, well … too … much (I have to be careful here if I want their attention when my next book comes out J 

So it’s time to move on. To what I really wanted to talk about.

Let’s title it:

Why Can’t Everybody Just Be Nice? (yes, even to media people)  

Have you noticed that people are becoming ruder, nastier, and just down right meaner?

I’ve come to the conclusion that these meanies are really just sad, unhappy people who are so miserable and lonely in their gloomy state that they simply want to spread this unhappiness where ever they go. I wish they’d just keep their grumpy misery to themselves…

I know, everybody can’t be happy, life is full of tragedies. But can’t we all be nice to one another? Is that too much to ask? Apparently for some…

I was reminded of this the other day when someone who really isn’t very nice, got nasty to me on the phone at my job (well, one of the jobs I do when I’m not writing. This one is where I play hostess one day a week at a local restaurant - just to get me more novel ideas. Wink, wink).

It wasn’t the first time something like this has happened, as you’ll read further down, but it does make me think why some people assume that if you are doing a particular job that doesn’t require say, brain surgery, that you in fact, don’t have much to go on. And so they treat you like you’re some kind of ditz (I was gonna mention a few famous names here, but realizing I’m on the WORLD WIDE Web, decided to forgo the name-calling. Besides I’m a nice person)

Of course, when people are mean, rude and nasty, they rarely do this to your face (save for ones like the road-rage people, who’ve been known to get right into your face), because they can sound meaner, ruder, and nastier on the phone, or in the email, or as they whiz by in a car with their middle finger in the air. Whatever …

So I dug out an essay I wrote on this topic a few years back, and thought I’d share it with you.

It is my hope that those who may be guilty of these actions will read it, and change their nasty ways.

Hey, I’m a writer, therefore I dream… 

Till next time. 

Peace and love, oh, and happiness, too, for all you nice people, 

Deanna 

Where’s Our Manners?

A "National Nice Week" Might Feel Good

I’m beginning to think we need a new national holiday. It wouldn't require cards, flowers or money. "National Nice Week" would simply suggest that people be nice to one another – for an entire week. This would include family members (friends are a given or we wouldn’t have any) but also coworkers, bosses, and strangers. It would have to last more than one day because, after all, anyone can be nice for a day. The real challenge would come when we'd have to be courteous, considerate and well, nice, to others through an entire week.

            I like this idea because I think many of us are slacking off in the nice department. It seems we’re becoming a nation of impolite and inconsiderate people and are almost accepting of it. I first noticed it when my kids were young. I’d take them out in public and someone would say to me, “Oh, your children are so polite!” in a tone that suggested that this was unusual. Although I appreciated the comment I had to wonder why it seemed so rare that it bore mentioning. “Say please, thank you, and be considerate of others” were the manners most of us grew up with. I was simply passing it on.

            Lately, I’ve noticed a shortage of good manners, examples of niceties being pushed aside like bullies in a playground as we rush busily through our day. Technology, of course, is partly to blame. We’ve all been witnesses to excessive cell phone use. People oblivious to others around them as they chat on and on into their cordless conversation piece.  We’ve experienced the disrupting sound of ringing or musical jingles piercing through a church service or presentation while its owner digs in pockets or searches frantically through a purse to silence it. In fact, I recently attended a funeral service, and smack in the middle of the minister quoting from the Bible no less, came a cheery little song that echoed happily throughout the dully quiet room. Was it angels welcoming my dear cousin into their heavenly midst? No, the woman behind me confirmed that it was her phone when she bent down to grab her purse to quickly shut it off.

While it is truly sometimes a case of forgetfulness, more often it’s the same guilty person (who secretly likes the attention). And many of us have also experienced rude behavior through an email or phone call that probably wouldn’t have occurred had we stood face-to-face.

Recently, I was answering the phone at my job when a caller was having trouble with her phone line. “I’m sorry, all I’m hearing is static,” I tried explaining over the loud “schhh-schhhing.” “I think it’s your line since my other calls are coming in clear.” This didn’t seem to register as the woman only tried talking louder. “Please try again later,” I begged her on call number three. By the fifth call within minutes, I probably did sound a bit irritated. “I’m sooorrrry, I still caaaann’t hear what you are saying. I don’t know what else to tell you,” and I hung up. The determined woman somehow found another line and called again. This time I could hear her loud and clear, and it wasn’t pretty. “You hung up on me!” she screamed. “What are you - young, dumb and never had a job before?”

            I wanted to tell her that no, at 50-something, I can’t say I’m considered young (but thanks for the compliment), that I’ve been working since I was 15, and would hope that a college degree and life experience would render me fairly intelligent. I wanted to say all this but I couldn’t get it in over her ranting. Which made me wonder, would she have talked to me like that in person? Probably not. Yet how easy it was to spew insults to an unknown.

            Then I heard a story about a performer at a Cleveland concert club last summer who had to stop in the middle of a song because the din of chatter among the crowd was so loud he could barely hear himself. The singer got the message across to the audience, but I wondered if they even realized how rude they’d been. I thought the same thing the week before when I attended a group memorial service at a fairground where hundreds gathered outside to pay respects. Although loud speakers were used, I couldn’t hear the orator over the people sitting nearby, talking away as if at a picnic. “I’m sorry,” I began, so they didn’t think I was rude interrupting their conversation, “but I really want to hear what he’s saying.” “Oh, sorry,” the woman said, smiling meekly. That’s when I realized they probably hadn’t given thought to their behavior.

The topper, though, was when a coworker told me about a woman who squeezed passed others in line at a bank because she “was in a hurry.” The teller, perhaps attempting to remind her to take life slow, wrote on the back of the receipt, “Patience is a Virtue.” Suddenly, the woman had all the time in the world. She called for the manager and demanded the man be fired for his lack of judgment. He was.

Are we losing our sense that we’re all in this together? Would a “National Nice Week” even make a difference? Or would we be too busy to notice?

I don’t know the answers to those questions. But I do know that it still feels awfully good when someone smiles at me and wishes that I “Have a Nice Day.”

*Deanna R. Adams has been accused of being a “Pollyanna” and that’s just fine with her.

January 2007

So I’m in the living room the other day taking my usual break. I begin writing at 6:30 a.m. when everyone in the house leaves. So by 9, I’m ready for a little light entertainment to free my mind from the deep thinking that writing takes - and Regis & Kelly’s 15-minute morning chat provides just enough to distract those heavy thoughts, laugh a little, eat breakfast, then get back to work. 

But this day, when I turn on the TV for my much anticipated break, the news is on. I look at the clock thinking, oh, I must be early. It reads: 9:03 a.m..  

That’s odd, I think. This must be important  … hey, maybe they finally found Bin Laden! 

I tune in. The newscaster is interrupting my regularly scheduled program for some Breaking News. The weatherman now comes on with his charts and graphs to inform us—we northeast Ohio folks—that it is snowing and that we’d better “be careful out there.”  

Snowing. In Cleveland. In January. Be Careful Out There ... That’s the Breaking News? Are you kidding me? Isn’t that what’s it’s supposed to do this time of year?

It was news when it wasn’t snowing here a few weeks ago - now it’s Breaking News that it is.

9:08 a.m. -  I’m really getting anxious now. I’m missing the best part of Regis & Kelly because the news people are showing me what snow looks like out there on the highway. Cars are moving slowly. Downtown workers with snow flakes on their heads.

Yep, it’s winter alright. How about that. Right on time. Go figure…

But this is no where near what we endured during the Blizzard of ’78. So come on now, media man, give me back my Reege… 

Yeah, ok, ok, I got it. Be careful, drive safe, bla bla bla…. I say out loud to the TV guy. Now can I just get my program back?

Nope. Here comes more Breaking News. “We are tracking snow right this minute,” TV guys says in dramatic tones. “and you can expect the flurries to continue…”

Ya think?

“HEY PEOPLE? YOO, HOO? IT’S JANUARY!! IT’S CLEVELAND!! THIS IS NOT BREAKING NEWS!!

JUST LET ME KNOW WHEN SOMEONE FINDS BIN LADEN, OKAY?...

HOME

2010 © website by mike miheli