Total Recall 2070

Somehow or another there actually was a sci-fi television series that slipped by me. Total Recall 2070 is very loosely based on two works by the author Philip K. Dick: his short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale," which was adapted into the film Total Recall, and his novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which was adapted into the film Blade Runner,

There are 22 episodes on hulu.com, if you are a sci-fi fan, you should check it out!

Tech Talk – Great Sites for TV Junkies

I am a self-confessed television junkie, I always have been. I love watching TV. I am great at multitasking, meaning the TV can be on while I read, work on my PC, or clean my house. I would even sleep with it on if my husband would let me. I love my Tivo (the real thing), we also have one of those crappy Comcast DVRs, and I have a Windows Media Center TV. So, I am always prepared to watch my favorite shows on one of multiple devices.

Both the Tivo and Windows media center can concert TV shows or movies for me to watch on my iPod. Technology is good.

Every once in a while Technology gets better. I was really thrilled when the major networks start streaming some of their TV shows online. This made catching up on shows I had missed during the season quite convenient. But it has gotten better.

Enter Internet TV- Online Video on Demand, first came Joost (www.joost.com); next Veoh (www.veoh.com); and now there is Hulu(www.hulu.com). All provide high quality online television programming, and get this… THEY ARE ALL FREE! (and you know I love a bargain).

I found the Joost interface quite intrusive, so eventually I removed it from my PC. But I really like the Veoh interface (and it will play Hulu programs). Both Hulu and Veoh will allow you to watch shows from their web sites. However, some full length movies on Veoh require you view them through their player (which is quite nice.)

If you have tried Veoh or Hulu, be sure to check them out. If you know of some other cool high quality Video on Demand Sites, please post a comment on my blog (pwsquare.blogspot.com).

Congratulations Alex!

I just want to share the fantastic news that one of my former dance students, Alexandra Lewis, just won Miss Lafayette!!!! She will compete for Miss Louisiana in November. Alex was a student at my dance studio Hip Bones In Motion, and also she was also a Bay Area Baptist Church Praise Dancer!

Alex is the daughter of Raymond and Pat (my friend, AKA Soror, & book club member) Lewis!!!

I love to share the news our youth doing great things!!! GO ALEX!!! We are so proud of your !!!!!

News Story: http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=7995921

What’s On My iPod - Upstate: A Novel by Kalisha Buckhanon

Buckhanon. One of our sponsors L. Peggy Hicks of Tricom Publicity donated the books to the children for them to read and discuss. I must admit, I wasn’t excited about reading it as I am not a big fan of Urban Fiction so I ordered the audio version so I could at least take part in the discussion. Well, I missed that meeting and never took the time to read or listen to the book. But this past week, I noticed that the book was on my iPod so I decided to listen to it, and I am glad I did.

It is a love story, between Antonio and Natasha, and it grabs you right from the start! The narrators Chadwick Boseman and Heather Simms are outstanding, and this book is a rare audio find! Now I hate I missed the discussion, because I know that this was a treat for our teens.

There is some very strong language and sexual content; however with parental consent I think it is an excellent book for teens. It is a real story that tells it like it is. I highly recommend it.

Movie Bliss

So far I have seen several of the films that are nominated for this year’s academy awards, (2 of which are nominated for best picture.) Here is a quick review of the movies that I have seen so far.

Atonement - this movie has been nominated for 7 academy awards including best picture and honestly I just don’t get it. I think the acting was good, Saoirse Ronan did a great job in her role and I can understand her nomination for best supporting actress (which really should be best actress) but the story was about as boring as they come (my two cents). I don’t even remember the music, so that is how good the score was to me. Over all I give the move 3 stilettos.

Juno – I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I found the movie to be quite entertaining. It tackled a serious subject, teen pregnancy, in a sensitive manner while still having moments of humor. It is nominated for 4 academy awards (Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role ,Achievement in Directing, Best Motion Picture of the Year, and Original Screenplay) Ellen Page did a great job in her leading role, I give this movie 5 stilettos.

American Gangster – was nominated for two academy awards (Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and Achievement in Art Direction). Where I love any movie that stars Denzel Washington, I still hate to see him play a “bad guy.” I enjoyed this movie as much as I can enjoy seeing a life of crime and violence. And I am glad to see actress Ruby Dee get her much overdue acknowledgment, for her role in this movie. I love you Ms. Ruby, and I give this movie 5 stilettos.

The Bourne Ultimatum – If you know me you know that this is my kind of movie! Action, More Action, and Even More Action!!! The movie is nominated for three academy awards (Achievement in Film Editing, Achievement in Sound Editing, and Achievement in Sound Mixing.) I really have no idea what the criteria for judging is in any of these categories, I can just say I enjoyed the film, and I hope they win something!

3:10 to Yuma – Talking about surprises, I really was surprised when I liked this movie! I normally “don’t do” westerns, but in a effort of world peace (watching a movie with my husband) ... I said "uncle." However, I really enjoyed this move (my husband on the other hand went to sleep.) It was nominated for two academy awards (Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) and Achievement in Sound Mixing.) Again, I don’t remember the score (it ain’t no Shaft), but I did enjoy the movie.

Ratatouille – I hate mice, rats and most rodents. But this movie managed to make them tolerable (but not adorable like Alvin and the Chipmunks.) It is a cute movie for kids with some sprinklings of adult humor. It was nominated for 5 academy awards (Best Animated Feature Film of the Year, Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Original Screenplay.)

Transformers – I know you are thinking to yourself, she will watch any damn thing (my husband mumbles that to himself all the time.) Well, my son was a big Transformers fan in the mid 80’s (he even dressed up like one for Halloween one year.) So once it came to video, I said “what the hell.” It kept me entertained , although the premise t it was kind of silly. It was nominated for three academy awards (Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, Achievement in Visual Effects)

I plan to try to knock-out a few more nominated films before the show which airs soon. I don’t want to be totally out-of-the-loop like I was last night watching the Grammy awards - I just didn’t have a clue about most of those songs. Hey now …. that’s another blog.

Tech Talk: Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

After February 17, 2009, all TV stations must cease analog broadcasting and transition to exclusively broadcasting in a digital format, also known at DTV.

If you subscribe to cable or satellite, your access to broadcast channels should not change. However, if you currently rely on over-the-air signals via an analog television and an antenna ("rabbit ears"), you will need to act to continue to receive television.

You must either:

• Purchase a low-cost converter box to use with your existing analog television
• Purchase a digital television that can receive DTV signals
• Subscribe to cable or satellite

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program), as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. Starting January 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes.

To Get Coupons - go to: https://www.dtv2009.gov/

You Got to Love the French...

I have a few friends who are quite the wine connoisseurs. I won't mention any names (Wanda, Nina, Pat, Belinda, and Deon) but wouldn't we love one of these cool USB devices? (Click the Arrow to Start.)

Happy New Year and Tech Talk...

I truly believe there is nothing like a cheap DVD player.


Cheap DVD Players will play any darn thing, unlike those fancy models. I had an APEX that I wore completely out, I loved it because there was no limit to what it was willing to play, lol! Well after a little searching, I finally found a pretty good replacement.


I purchased a "Philips DVP3960 Multiformat 1080i Upscaling DVD Player with DivX, MP3, Windows Media Support" from Amazon.com, and I really like it. It is not high def or blue ray, but it has a great picture and will play all type of movie formats.

I created a data DVD that has 6 DivX Movies on it, and I was able to navigate the folders to play the selected movies. So far, I am really pleased. I paid $69.99 for it, but I had some Amazon.com money (much like Monopoly Money), so it ended up costing me about $15.00 bucks.

This week Circuit City has a similar model on sale for $39.00.







Philips DVD/DivX Player - Model #: PHL DVP3140


Besides DivX, this DVD player also plays DVD, DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG and SVCD formatshttp://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-DVD-DivX-Player-DVP3140-37/sem/rpsm/oid/174777/catOid/-12872/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

So if you are looking for a inexpensive 'play-any-damn-thing' type of DVD player you might want to check this one out!

Breaking Tradition

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a Christmas-aholic!

There is no greater thrill for me that to find the perfect Chocolate Santa or Christmas ornament. Not just during the holiday season, oh no, for me the hunt begins the day after Christmas and continues throughout the year. So last year after Christmas, when I announced that I would be skipping Christmas this year, my family and friends gave a sly chuckle and said "um-hum, sure you will."

Well, here we are deep into December, and I have stuck to my guns. Instead of hosting my family for Christmas this year, I opted for Thanksgiving. While this holiday still involves the great cooking of the mighty feast, it doesn’t include the decorating and the mad rush for buying gifts.

There have been three major perks to my decision to "Skip Christmas" this year;
NO Decorating, NO Shopping, and No Cooking!

No Decorating…

There is no Christmas tree in my house. There… I said it.

I feel like this is a part of some twelve-step program. Not a tree, not a wreath, no lights, not a Santa. (OK, I am lying there are a few Santas, but they all are 2007 Santas.) None of the Santas that reside in the attic or closets were allowed to come out, lol!

No Shopping…

I purchased a lot of things during the after Christmas sale last year. Also, throughout the year if I say something fabulous that I wanted to put up for the holiday I got it. However, after Halloween, I made it a point to purchase all of my gifts online, especially for those gifts that needed to be shipped. No shopping malls… No Post Office, wow, I could learn to live with this.

No Cooking…

As I mentioned my mom visited me during Thanksgiving so I had the opportunity to share the kitchen with her, and eat some of her delightfully delicious dressing. I have had a LOT of dressing in my life, but no one comes close to my moms. I have some in my freezer so when everyone else is eating their holiday leftovers, I will break out mine from Thanksgiving.

Since my son "the big time New York Media Mogul" has to work both Christmas and New Year’s it wasn’t too hard for me to opt to go on a cruise. I can handle being queen for a day (well, in this case 5 days) and having people wait on me hand and foot!

While cruising (and thinking of you, of course) I will be reading some good books; listening to some great holiday music classics; and dancing the night away with my handsome hubby.

I am so thankful that I was blessed to live another year and have wonderful family and friends in my life, and I look forward to the blessings that await me in 2008. I wish each of you good health, a safe and happy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year!

Happy Holidays!!!

Tis the season to be jolly! Check out our holiday message:

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9626785100

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. - Aesop

The holiday season is fast approaching and our family is "Skipping Christmas" this year! Not the spirit or the meaning of Christmas, but the all of the hustle and bustle associated with the season.


We welcome a card from you, but respectfully request that in lieu of buying us a gift please do a random act of kindness for someone. This won’t cost you a dime, and I guarantee it will make you feel good. Here are a few ides....

1. Say Hello


2. Visit a friend


3. Let another go first


4. Forgive mistakes


5. Share a smile


6. Open a door


7. Lend a hand


8. Be tolerant


9. Offer a hug


10. Do an act of kindness everyday

Divas For A Cure

Greetings!
I am very happy to support Divas For a Cure for the second year in a row. I am also excited about being their personal "Blogger" for the event. I hope that you decide to donate to this wonderful charity.

To find out where the divas are each day go to the official Blog at: http://www.divasforacure.blogspot.com/

To find out more about the organization to to: http://www.divasforacure.org

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS

The Harry Tompson Center is a day shelter for homeless guests to shower, do laundry, seek medical and legal services, etc. Because of Katrina, a new facility is being built on the grounds of St. Joseph church on Tulane. And they need funds!!

Don Thompson, who is director of the Center is asking us to participate in Burger King’s “Campaign for Your Cause”. The center is already in the top ten vote getters! Starting today and running through July 13 the center needs us to vote for them. We can vote once a day, every day, and on every computer we have access to, at home and at work.

This is how to vote:

- go online to www.campaignforyourcause.com

- click on line that reads “click here to vote for New Orleans”

- enter your birthday on the line (mm/dd/yyyy) and then click the circle next to the line that reads “Father Harry Tompson Center”.

- Finally click “vote”.

That's it!

Rebuilding New Orleans

Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others? - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.




This past week I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana Food Bank. I along with 9 of my girl friends met in New Orleans and together we packed over 2,000 pounds of food for their emergency food box program (http://www.no-hunger.org/programs/emgencyfoodbox.htm). We were told that this would feed over 200 families.

Out of Pocket!

As you can see, I have been incognito for a few months! Nothing new and exciting has been going on, I have just been busy. Thanks to everyone who called to check on Ruff and I during the NASA incident. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness and well wishes. Last week was a bad one. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was affected directly or indirectly by the unfortunate incidents at Virginia Tech or at the Johnson Space Center.

On a happier note….

There is a new "Pirates of the Caribbean" Movie coming out on May 25th. I am looking forward to seeing cutie pies Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom in "At World’s End."

Here is a little sneak peak:

Holiday Edition of Getting to Know your Friends... ho ho ho

What are your holiday traditions? Here are mine, let us know yours!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Sits them under the tree, except for one special gift. That one is wrapped in red with a white bow.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put decorations up? I start the week after Thanksgiving. But it is a process still in work :-)

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding desserts)? Candied Sweet Potatoes and Fried Turkey!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Getting a sewing machine for Christmas when I was 13.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What do you mean the truth about Santa?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? umm... you mean trees :-)

• Living Room Tree - The "Fu Fu tree, All Gold and Silver
• Family Room Tree - Chocolate Santas and Keepsake Ornaments
• Dining Room - The Shoe Tree (It is a white feather tree with shoe ornaments
• Office - The Star Trek Tree (Aluminum tree with Star Trek ornaments)
• Kam's Room - The Wizard of Oz Themed Tree

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love to look at it, hate to drive or live in it.

12. Can you ice skate? Nope

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My son Kam who was born in December.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Remembering the reason for the season and gathering with family and friends.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cookies and my late Aunt Met's pound cake.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Cooking with my mom on Christmas eve.

17. What tops your tree? Angels

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? "Oh Holy Night" and "This Christmas by Donnie Hathaway"

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I can take them or leave them.

21. What is on your wish list for Christmas? To have all of my family and close friends together once again for a happy occasion.

A Fun Time on a Not-So-Fun Ship

We recently returned from our annual October Cruise. This year we decided to do something different, so we booked our cruise on the NCL Dream (Norwegian Cruise Line). For the prior 6 years, we had gone on Carnival Cruise Line, the Fun Ship! In retrospect, I wish we had continued this tradition, because NCL was Not-So-Fun.

First, I must tell you, that we had a great time. This was due to the fact that we had an awesome group of people traveling with us, and we managed to make our own fun.

Here is a synopsis of our trip:

Saturday, October 14, 2006 - Embarkation, La Porte, TX

Five of us arrived at the cruise terminal in La Porte, TX about 11:00 AM. We were dropped off right in front, and Ruffus went to park our vehicle at the parking lot that was adjacent to the terminal (very close.) The embarkation was the fasted that I ever experienced (and this was my 14th cruise.) So, at this point we were very impressed. By 11:30 AM we were onboard and hurdled into the "Stardust Lounge" to wait for our cabins to be ready. We waited there for about 30 minutes when they announced that there was lunch being served in the "Sports Bar." Ruffus went to scope that out, while we waited in the lounge. He came back and told us that it was VERY crowded and the lines were out the door waiting to get served. (Also it was starting to rain, and there was very limited indoor seating.) So we continued to wait. Around 12:30 PM they announced that our cabins were ready. So we gather our junk and headed to our cabin 8014.

These were the smallest damn cabins I have ever seen! We had a balcony cabin, and it was MUCH smaller than the cabins on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess or Disney. There was hardly any closet space, but we had to make due. Luckily, there was room under the bed for us to place our luggage or we really would have been SOL. After we settled our things in our cabin, we again tried to get something to eat at the Sports Bar. No luck, so we went to one of the main restaurants Terraces to eat lunch. Our food was tasty and the service was excellent. Little did we know that this would be the last time on this cruise for us to have such a dining experience.

One by one, our entire group arrived on the ship. Some of us had not seen each other since our last cruise, so the reunion was joyous and fun. We had planned some fun activities and looked forward to sharing this time together with family and friends.

Unlike other cruise lines, NCL has "Free Style" dining, which means you have no assigned time, dining room or seating. This works like a restaurant, first come-first served, or by reservation. The first night we all dined separately, as most of our group traveled from other cities that day, and wanted to rest. However, since we were traveling as a group and we wanted to eat dinner together for the remainder of the cruise, so we had to make reservations. Group dinning is only reserved for a 5:30 PM seating or 8:30 PM seating. We opted for 5:30 PM.

That night we had VERY rough seas, so most people remained in their cabins and many people got seasick.

Sunday, October 15, 2006 - At Sea

Refreshed from a rocky night's sleep we got up early and again tried to eat breakfast at the Sports Bar (top deck.) The weather was still bad, and the ship was rocking – big-time! Again, there was a long line and no place to sit indoors. We stood in line and finally got some food, then headed into one of the lounge areas to find a place to eat indoors. By this time we were really missing the Lido Deck on Carnival, and were beginning to regret our decision to go NCL.

Since the weather was bad, all of the on deck activities were cancelled, which is understandable. However, there were limited things to do inside. The Casino was calling everyone’s name, and I can attest to spending more money in this casino that any other one that I have visited. That still is not much, because I don’t normally even go into the casino. But being bored, I tried my luck, and I won over 200 dollars between the "Wheel of Fortune" and "Black Widow" slot machines.

That night we had a surprise birthday party for Ruffus, and we all wore Black and White formal attire.

It was so funny when we arrived at the dining room. Ruffus commented that everyone had on black and white. It was not until we were all seated and yelled "surprise" that he knew it was a party for him.

Again, we waited several hours for our food, but because we were in such great company, we managed to enjoy the evening. Which ended with a birthday cake and at the wait staff singing "Happy Birthday To You" and of course in the African American Tradition we sang "Happy Birthday to Ya" as song by Stevie Wonder.

After dinner, we all changed and went to our favorite, Karaoke. There was a very strong crosswind on the top deck as we fought our way to the observatory lounge. We were almost blown away, and we laughed so hard our sides hurt and the prospect of falling overboard or losing our "evening hair"!

Karaoke was a dud. Not much participation. I think mainly because it started so late, 10:30 PM. After our group performance of "Proud Mary" we left and headed to the Disco. The Disco was almost as dead as the Karaoke bar, however, eventually they played a few good songs that inspired everyone to get up and dance. Please note that there was a man shortage on that boat, so Ruffus and Winston had to do double duty dancing with all the ladies in our group.

Monday, October 16, 2006 - Progresso, Mexico

We purchased a shore excursion to Chichen Itza, Mexico. We had to meet in the Stardust Lounge at 7:45 AM where we were given a box lunch (tuna sandwich, veggie sandwich, granola bar, fruit cocktail, and a bottle of water) the trip to the Mayan Ruins would take two hours and our tour guides Jorge and Victor, told us about the Mayan Culture past and present as we were in route from the Progresso port.

The Ruins were beautiful, and I am glad I finally got to see them. It was very HOT, and we had to walk on gravel paths, so I was worn out by the time we returned to the ship.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - Cozumel, Mexico

We purchased a day pass at the Reef Club and Resort. It was absolutely beautiful. The pass included open bar, all you can eat buffet, all you could eat from the grill - a beautiful beach, swimming pools... movie stars... Well not the movie stars part, but everything else was included. he resort was on the beach and they supplied us with towels, beach chairs and use of water sports.

Today was Nina's birthday so we had reservations to eat at LaBistro restaurant. There is an additional $15.00 surcharge to eat in this restaurant. It was not worth the extra money, and the service was slower than the other restaurant. We had a 6:30 PM reservation and did not finish until after 9 PM. The staff continuously apologized about the delay because of the "new menu", but this was starting to get old as we were hearing this same old song in every restaurant.

Pajama Party - hosted by Nina and Lynda

That night at 10:30 PM Nina and Lynda hosted a pajama party in the NCL Conference Room! Boy did we have fun. The first funny thing that happen was we got locked in the room! What made this hilarious is that Ruffus was locked in the room with us; he was knocking on the glass windows asking for help, this was truly funny. Finally, someone came to his rescue and he and Winston left hightailing it out of there, not to be seen again that night!

We played games and read passages from "Tickle His Pickle"; I laughed 'til I cried. Literally. If laughter is a good cleansing for the soul, I was thoroughly cleanest.


Wednesday, October 18, 2006 - Belize City, Belize

You have to tender into Belize, which I hated, because it is a LOOOONG tender to port.
This was our third trip to Belize so we had done all of the tours. However, since it was the first time for a few people in our party, we got a taxi at the port and took a city tour. Our taxi driver did a good job of showing us around. He even took us to his wife's restaurant where a few of us sampled some authentic Belizean food, Rice and Beans, Stewed Chicken and Plantains. I only got a spoonful, but from what I tasted it was pretty good. After the tour, we walked around the port and purchased a few souvenirs and made our way back to the ship

Pokeno Night – Hosted by Sara and Tami

At 10:30 PM Sara and Tami hosted a Pekeno Party, where we each received cards and put quarters in 6 different pots; Pokeno, Center, Four Corners, Two of a Kind, Four of a Kind and Flush. We listed to oldies music and argued about the "official" rules of the game. We had a great time, and Jan was the biggest winner that night ($35.00!) She continued her winning streak at the Casino where she won a couple of hundred dollars.

Thursday, October 19, 2006 - At Sea

African Healing Night - Hosted by Karan

Four Season's Restaurant

Friday, October 20, 2006 - At Sea

Terrace Restaurant Dining

Saturday, October 21, 2006 - Debarkation


PROS: Embarkation and Debarkation, the easiest and fastest that I have experience on any cruise line and at any port. The staff was very courteous and polite.

CONS: Our biggest complaint was dining. It took a ridiculously long time for us to receive our food in all of the restaurants. Our average wait time after dinner seating was 2 hours. This was the norm, not the exception. The quality of the food was OK. Better at the beginning of the cruise and declining thereafter. Also, we missed having formal nights. We enjoy the opportunity to get dressed up and be entertained by the staff. There was no singing or dancing in the dining areas (except for one waiter in the Sports Bar who did some sing-alongs during lunch.) The cabins are very small and there is not much storage (we had a balcony room.) The NCL Dream is an older ship. No elaborate atrium lobby, and a very funky layout. We were told that the ship was being retired in 2007.

Good! I think it should be.

Lost and Found

Recently, I broke down and purchased a black "Le Mystere Dream Tisha Seamless Bra." Why is that important you say? Well, that girl costs $66.00! And for me to spend that much for a damn bra, is a major investment. You see I am the queen of bargains. I pity the fool who stands in my way when I am in route to a sale. It HURTS me to pay full price for anything, because the truth is everything goes on sale eventually - but they might not have your size.

My girl Oprah went on and on about this bra, and how it made your girls all "perky." And since one of my pre-menopausal gifts was a blossoming bosom, I thought it time that I purchased myself a good industrial strength bra. I ordered it online at Amazon.com and a few days later it arrived in the mail. It certainly looked different than any bra I had every seen, and I am quite sure it can stop bullets. The important question is how does it feel?

It felt great, and it sure looked great underneath my clothes, so I decided it was worth the hefty price tag, and even considered ordering another one in white.

When laundry day rolled around, I decided that I was not putting my $66.00 bra in the washing machine; surely it deserved to be hand washed. And that is when all hell broke loose. I lost the damn bra.

I tore my house up from top to bottom trying to find my Tisha. I took everything out of every dresser drawer; went through each clothes hamper; looked behind the washer and dryer; and tore apart my closet. No Tisha.

This ritual went on for two days. Yesterday, I decided to go through everything again, this time I would do it like on "Mission Organization" (on of my favorite HGTV shows) I would create a pile to donate, a pile to keep, and a pile to throw away. I found bras that were as old as my 23- year-old son (these were 32 A 's by the way); how in the hell could I keep up with a 23 year-old bra, and lose a new bra within a week? Then it was obvious, there has got to be ghosts in my house.

Why then, did the ghosts decide to just take my bra? Well, ghosts are smart. They know that I am cheap, and the thought of loosing an expensive bra would literally drive me crazy. And they are right...I couldn't sleep. I keep getting up looking for the bra. Then I remembered I had just mailed Peggy her Santas, maybe I put the bra in the box. Ruffus looked at me like I had completely lost my mind, but I was dead serious. So when Peg called me last night to tell me she received the Santas I asked her "Was there a bra in the box?" After she stopped laughing she told me no, then she said she would double check ...no bra.

So now I have a huge pile of clothes to donate to the Goodwill, and a big trash bag of clothes that I didn't even know I had. But no Tisha, so I finally went to bed.

Last night I tossed and turned all night wondering where was my bra? I said to the Lord, "I know this isn't that important in the scheme of life, but I really hope you let me find my bra." I woke up this morning, and decided to take my own advice "just let it go!" I would just go on-line and order me another Tisha, and hopefully she would arrive before we leave for our cruise next week.

I took my shower, got dressed and got ready for work. I decided to take one more look;

I looked through my dresser...no Tisha.

I looked through my closet.. no Tisha.

I looked through Ruffus's side of the closet...no Tisha.

Then I decide to look at the area of the closet that I keep out-of-season-a.k.a-too-small clothes and there behind a file cabinet was Ms. Tisha Le Mystere!

All I could say was Hallelujah, thank-you Jesus!

But what I was thinking was, Ghosts I tell you. Ghosts.

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts

If you haven't had a chance to see Spike Lee's new HBO documentary, it is not too late. It is still being aired on HBO and is worth the disc space on your DVR (or video tape on your VHS) to record and watch at your leisure.

It is an in-depth look at the Hurricane Katrina Disaster and you are sure to learn something you didn't know. It is also a reminder that the survivors of this disaster are still going through some difficult times, and are still in need of much assistance.

For more info visit:
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/whentheleveesbroke/?ntrack_para1=leftnav_category6_show0

For upcoming show times visit:
http://www.hbo.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?ACTION_DETAIL=DETAIL&FOCUS_ID=633828





SYNOPSIS:

On August 29, 2005, the city of New Orleans was forever changed when Hurricane Katrina made landfall, breaching levees, flooding neighborhoods, and killing more than a thousand residents. One year later, acclaimed director Spike Lee presents this four-hour, four-part HBO documentary event that recounts one of the United States' most profound natural disasters through words and images. In addition to revisiting the hours leading up to the devastating storm, the film tells the personal stories of those who lived to tell about it while also exploring the underbelly of a nation where the divide along race and class lines has never been more pronounced.

Say What? Pluto is not a Planet?

I was already upset when I found out my favorite TV Show, Stargate SG1, was not being renewed after 10 seasons, then today I get the news that Pluto is not a planet. News like this makes you wonder, WTF?

There are some thinks that we think we know for sure... The earth is round, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and there are nine planets. Well so much for what we know!

That's right, Pluto's out!

Discovered by American Clyde Tombaugh in 1930, Pluto has been considered a planet my entire life. But today, the International Astronomical Union (who the heck are these guys?) voted to remove Pluto as a planet. You know you got a lot a clout when you can ban a planet.

Now our solar system consist of 8 planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) and 4 plutons or Pluto-like entities: Pluto itself, Ceres, 2003 UB313 and Charon.

Now Moms everywhere are scrambling to revamp those science fair projects (Not to mention all the textbooks and encyclopedias publishers.)

So now I sit Plutoless, watching Stargate SG1 reruns, and saving-up to complete my SG1 DVD Collection.