Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Oh how Times Change

My nephew asked me to go to his school and pick up his IPOD that he got taken away from him. After I made sure his parents knew of the situation, I said I would go get it.

Amber: Where are we going Mom?

Me: I have to go to Devin's school to pick up his WalkMan(woops)

Amber: What's a Walkman Mom?

Very Random Wednesday Thoughts

1. I am thoroughly disgusted that $40 bucks only gets me a 1/2 tank of gas.
2. Miley Cirus' parents dropped the ball. BIG TIME.
3. I had such feelings of pride rather than embarrassment at my nieces communion when in the dead of silence in the church my son screamed out on the top of his lungs.."There's JESUS!"
4. The humiliation that I DO feel with my sons very vocal and tangible obsession with women's "boobies".
5. I ponder how my children could be so opposite. My daughter has been waving goodbye to me since birth with ease, and my son grips on for dear life every morning at school. My son is happy-go-lucky, and my daughter is Oscar the GROUCH.
6. I got a speeding ticket trying to avoid a "tardy" for Amber this morning. So she got a tardy, and a I got a speeder. GREAT JOB MOM. 4 hour class, here I come. YUCK.
7. I get a strange sense of satisfaction when I don't blow dry my hair, and then it rains. I know. Weird. If you don't have curly hair, you won't get this one.
8. I have severe concern that my 7 month old "Puppy" can officially DRAG me.
9. I have successfully lost the 5 pounds I gained. Go me.
10. I would never allow another human being take a knife to my face, take my nose off and put it on a table for safe keeping, remove parts of my face that were given especially to me by God, or inject my body with foreign objects/substances.
11. I will not accept that I have allergies. Instead, I SUFFER.
12. At 34 and 2 kids, I still hate and dread the gyno.
13. I am feeling the itch for another tattoo-which would be #6. I'm fighting it though.
14. I have a pleasant surprise planned for my kids and I that my whole family will love and cherish.
15. My sister started blogging, and you can access her blog here.
16. My sons Go-Kart is here, and I am a bit thankful that he is on the short side. :)
17. When I look at my daughter, I can't believe how big she is. Double digits in 2 weeks!
18. When I listen to my pastor preach online at work, and I use the bathroom down the hall, I can almost still hear him preaching through 2 closed doors. Now that's passion!
19. I saw Juno. Definitely disappointed in how much they "down played" a 16 year old getting pregnant. Kind of tasteless too. Teen pregnancy should not categorize as "comedy".
20. The People magazines "Most Beautiful People" is awfully shallow-isn't it? According to whom exactly?

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Nails in the Fence

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him
a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must
hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had
driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned
to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually
dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to
drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He
told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out
one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father
that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led
him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the
holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say
things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put
a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you
say I'm sorry, the wound is still there."
A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are very rare
jewels, indeed! They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They
lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open
their hearts to us.

Just one more thing...

Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Drive-Thru Etiquette

In my opinion, if you work in the drive thru, it is equivalent to a customer service position. No one can see you, or your body language, so it's all about your voice. Just like customer service on the phone. Without the right "phone personality", the job is just not for you. And businesses need to really pay attention and assess people before they put them on a customer service position. I headed for the border the other day and went to have lunch with Amber at school. It went something like this:

After about a minute or so of dead silence...I said "Hello?"

TB: How are you. Not in a question form. In a monotone flat voice.

CC: I'm doing well how are you?

(Dead air again for another minute or so.)

TB: State your order when your ready.(again, blah, blah blah....I speak in one tone blah)

So I ordered my food, and it's really funny how that impression can really put a picture in your mind. As I was pulling around I was expecting to see this miserable, rotten woman who hated life and everyone around her. I pull up, and there's a woman, with a great smile, and pretty eyelashes, and beautiful braids in her hair, and I know it was her because she was taking an order when I pulled up. But I can openly admit that she pissed me off from the start just by her voice. Isn't that crazy but true? Phone/drive thru etiquette can really alter how you perceive someone. When you answer your work phone today, make sure you do it cheerfully, or someone may think your a miserable rotten person who hates life and everyone around them. ;0)

Friday, April 25, 2008

Neil Peart

As we were driving in the car yesterday, I was listening to a great song, loudly, and my son started calling me..."MOM! MOM!" so I lowered the music, and said..."Yes Alex?" He replied "I like this song Mommy, that berry COOL."

It was "Tom Sawyer" by RUSH. Hence, my Friday music blog turned into a blog about one of the best drummers alive. Even if you are not a RUSH fan, and shame on you if you're not, you HAVE to watch this man play. He's phenomenal. Mesmerising actually.

Peart is consistently ranked as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time by both fans, fellow musicians, and magazines. His influences are eclectic, ranging from John Bonham, Michael Giles, Phil Collins, Steve Gadd, and Keith Moon, to fusion and jazz drummers Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, Bill Bruford and Gene Krupa. The Who was the first group that inspired him to write songs and play the drums. Peart is distinguished for playing "butt-end out", reversing stick orientation for greater impact and increased rim-shot capacity. "When I was starting out", Peart later said, "if I broke the tips off my sticks I couldn't afford to buy new ones, so I would just turn them around and use the other end. I got used to it, and continue to use the heavy end of lighter sticks - it gives me a solid impact, but with less 'dead weight' to sling around."
Peart had long played just matched grip, however, he decided to shift to traditional as part of his style reinvention in the mid-1990s under the tutelage of jazz coach Freddie Gruber. Shortly after the filming of his first instructional DVD A Work in Progress, Peart went back to using primarily matched, though he does switch back to traditional when playing songs from Test for Echo and during moments when he feels traditional grip is more appropriate, such as the rudimentary snare drum section of his drum solo, "The Floating Snare". He discusses the details of these switches in the DVD Anatomy of a Drum Solo.

Equipment

Neil Peart and his 360 degree drumkit
With Rush, Peart has played Slingerland, Tama, Ludwig, and Drum Workshop (DW) drums, in that order. Historically he has played Zildjian cymbals exclusively (from the "A" series, save for various effect cymbals, like Wuhan China cymbals), switching only very recently to Paragon, a line created for him by Sabian. In concert, Peart uses an elaborate 360-degree drum kit, with a large acoustic set in front and electronic drums to the rear.

Neil Peart began incorporating Simmons Electronic Drums beginning with 1984's Grace Under Pressure
During the late 1970s, Peart augmented his acoustic setup with diverse percussion instruments including orchestra bells, tubular bells, wind chimes, crotales, timbales, timpani, gong, temple blocks, bell tree, triangle, and melodic cowbells. Since the mid-1980s, Peart has replaced several of these pieces with MIDI trigger pads. This was done in order to trigger sounds sampled from various pieces of acoustic percussion that would otherwise consume far too much stage area. Some purely electronic non-instrumental sounds are also used. Beginning with 1984's Grace Under Pressure, he used Simmons electronic drums in conjunction with Akai digital samplers. Peart has performed several songs primarily using the electronic portion of his drum kit. Peart's drum solos also feature sections performed primarily on the electronic portion of his kit.
Shortly after making the choice to include electronic drums and triggers, Peart added what has become another trademark of his kit: his rotating drum riser. During live Rush shows, the automated rotating riser allows Peart to swap dynamically the prominent portions of the kit ("front", traditional kit; and "back" electronic kit). A staple of Peart's live drum solos has been the in-performance rotation-and-swap of the front and back kits as part of the solo itself. This special effect simultaneously provides a symbolic transition of drum styles within the solo, as well as providing a visual treat for the audience.
In the early 2000s, Peart began taking full advantage of the advances in electronic drum technology; primarily incorporating Roland V-Drums and continued use of samplers with his existing set of acoustic percussion. Peart's digitally sampled library of both traditional and exotic sounds has grown over the years with his music.

Solos

Peart is often regarded as one of the finest practitioners of the in-concert drum solo. He is known for extensive, intricate drum solos containing odd time signatures, complex arrangements. These solos have been featured on every live album released by the band.

Neil Peart is also the main lyricist for RUSH as well. Talk about talent. This is one amazing Man of Music.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Chores

I am sometimes accused of making my daughter do too many chores. NONSENSE! She does chores all week, and she gets allowance on Fridays. Which is only for incentive because I don't think you should have to pay your children to help you take care of the house that you live in! Yeah. I'm mean. So What. My daughter will be 10 in a few weeks. Currently, she empties and loads the dishwasher, sets and cleans the table, cleans, dusts, and vacuums her room, and makes her bed. I put her clothes in her room, and she is responsible for putting them away, and hanging them up. Right away I might add. I also have her wipe down her bathroom, and I am not afraid to hand her rubber gloves and a toilet bowl brush. She also will "swift" the hardwood floor. She is ALSO my second set of hands for my son at times.

SO, the question is....Why do I do this? Do I do this for my benefit, or hers? Certainly not mine. Of course due to time and experience, I can do much a better job. I often have to go over things that she has done, of course, when she's not looking. I certainly do not do this for me.

I am grooming my daughter to be a good wife, mother, and housekeeper. These will be the most important jobs that she has in life. I am all for the working woman, women with career dreams and goals, but being a good mother and housewife is a MUST. I believe that the way a woman keeps her home is a reflection of herself-not her husband. That's just the way it is. I want these things to be so bred naturally in her that when she goes through the transition from daughter to wife, or daughter to college student(although I will die if my kids want to go AWAY to school) she won't struggle with all of the many many responsibilities. Being the baby of four, I never had to do much. When I went out on my own, I struggled BIG TIME. It took me years, and I'm still working on it. I'm doing her a favor by instilling these things in her at a young age. She will Thank me some day...I hope.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

"The Italian Princess"


Okay, Robert called me an Italian Princess the other day. He was refering strictly to the way I dress, and nothing else. He is a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, with a sequence and high heel kind of girl. Who cares though-it's just clothes-right? I have to say I thought it was hilarious that he refered to me as a princess. At first, it hit a nerve. So my response was this......

"Really? I had no idea "Italian Princesses" worked 60 hours a week and filled the rest of their time with laundry, cooking & cleaning! I also didn't know Italian Princesses have the same wardrobe for 4 years with the expception of a few items because they deliberately buy timeless clothes to get the most use out of them! And I definitley didn't know Italian Princesses drive 10 year old trucks because it is paid for and I intend to drive it until I have to pick it up and run with it Freddie Flinstone style! and I'm SURE Italian Princesses go get mani/pedi's on a regular basis unlike myself who managed to spill a bottle of red nail polish on my COUCH trying to save money on a pedi. (I got it out-Thank Goodness!)"
Disclaimer: Robert read this and is forcing me to inform you that HE got the stain off the couch cushion with about a week of hard work. He also said, I'm still an Italian Princess.

Hey, I can't say I wouldn't love to be an "Italian Princess", but there are definitley no Italian Princesses in this house.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Mommy Corbett-Part 2

My mother sent me this email. Nothing like starting the morning with a good cry. I'm glad I chose not to wear make-up today.


Your last name is not the only link you have to Daddy-you are him. Your skin, the
softness of your body, his feet and his hands, Daddy lives in you, you feel just like
him. I love you....

Friday, April 18, 2008

My Musical Dream

No music facts today. This is all about me. I have several musical dreams. I have rhythm, I can dance, and I FEEL music, so I truly feel that I am a prime candidate to learn how to play an instrument. This is a life long dream of mine. I dream about it often actually. I am torn between The Piano, Lead Guitar, or Base Guitar. I have tried countless times to play Big Alex's drum kit, and as long as I am doing 2 things, I am fine, but once I try to switch it up, or add to it, everything falls apart. He used to tell me...."You have to keep trying, I used to do the same thing". Plus drums are not practical for my life right now. I also know that once you learn one, it's probably easier to learn other instruments. Okay:

The Goal-To learn how to play an instrument, and share music with my children in a tangible way so that it becomes a part of their every day life, and of course to fulfill a life long dream of mine.

The Obstacles-I do not have the resources to purchase an instrument, nor to pay for lessons, nor do I know anyone that would be willing to teach me out of the kindness of their heart. In addition, I am the busiest Mommy alive and free time is next to none.

Now, for The Dream..........

I want to be able to play this song, on an acoustic guitar, to my son, and sing it to him as well. Which would also mean singing lessons because....well.....to say i need some "fine tuning" is an understatement.

Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say.
And if you do this, It will help you some sunny day.

Take your time... Don't live too fast,
Troubles will come and they will pass.
Go find a woman and you'll find love,
And don't forget son, There is someone up above.

And be a simple kind of man.
Be something you love and understand.
Be a simple kind of man.
Won't you do this for me son, If you can?

Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul,
And you can do this if you try.
All that I want for you my son, Is to be satisfied.

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Be a simple kind of man
Won't you do this for me son, if you can?

Boy, don't you worry... you'll find yourself.
Follow you heart and nothing else.
And you can do this if you try.
All I want for you my son, Is to be satisfied.

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Be a simple kind of man
Won't you do this for me son, if you can?

And with all do respect to Lynrd Skynrd, the song MUST be sung as the band SHINEDOWN sings it. They add such nice edge to it. "Rock it out" to where it needs to be.

That's it. That's one of my musical dreams. Maybe someday I will be able to fulfill it. I hope so.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

UpScale Chinese Food? Really?

All my life when I hear the words "Chinese Food", my thoughts are.....lots of yummy yummy food for really really cheap. Right? My father used to go out at midnight (In NY, everything is open really late) get enough Chinese food to feed a small third world country, and wake us all up and we would FEAST. Sometimes I would hear him coming, and cringe. What I wouldn't do to have him wake me up to share a meal with him now. Don't EVER take time with loved ones for granted.

Anyway, the other night I had a meeting for church-which I completely botched up, but that is a whole different post. 3 nights a week my children go to their Daddy's, so the other 4 nights are crucial for sit down dinner time. I make sure that we all sit at the table and eat together those 4 days. Whether it's my table, my sisters table-as long as we are together. So even though we were going to be served dinner at the meeting, I wanted to go home and eat with my babies first. And no I didn't eat twice but I wanted to. So, Quick, Easy, & Cheap=CHINESE FOOD! Right! I am very finicky with Chinese food. I go to House of Taipei, or Taipei Express and that's it. Same owner. Neither one close to my house at all. But I will make the trip if I want Chinese. That's just the way it is. Big Alex recommended a different place that he goes with the kids. My kids eat out 3 nights a week because Daddy can't cook. Nice right! He is as picky with Chinese as I am, so I figured it must be good. I ordered 4 entrees...to have variety, plus I had my niece so I got more than I usually would. 4 entrees at Chinese-what would you guess? STRETCHING IT TO THE MAX-35 bucks tops? For what I thought would be 4 quarts in white square boxes-right? WRONG. I get there, I state my name.....$80+ freakin' dollars! Can you believe? I said..."Oh no, you must have me mixed up with someone else." He said no, and he broke down the bill for me. I have to say, although I was humiliated, I very politely told him he needed to keep more than half of his food. His response was....."We are an Upscale Restaurant". So again I politely said.."Well, I didn't know that, I am sorry". Even if I had the $80 to spend on food, which I didn't, I would never pay that for take out for me to bring home for a few of us. That's crazy. You would have thought I was feeding a husband, wife and 4 kids for $80.00. So....back to Taipei Express. Even with the travel, at least it's not "UpScale Chinese".

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Mommy Corbett

Okay, a brief back round for those of you who don't know. My last name is Corbett. I was born a Corbett, I have never been married. At this point if I ever marry, I think I would be sad to give up my name, and one of my only connections to my Daddy that I have left. But I would, of course. My children have their fathers last name, which is Delemo. Amber Michelle Delemo, and Alexander John Delemo III. They all have "A" names, they are all Delemo's.....somehow although I carried them and I gave birth to both of them naturally with NO DRUGS, I seem to be the outsider. So there's the back round, now here is the post.

My son had this conversation with the director of his school this morning, and I don't care what you say, he's one of the smartest 28 month old children you will ever meet. I don't care who you are. He's so articulate. And his comprehension level amazes me, and most people that spend 3 or more minutes with him.

Miss Katie: What's your name? (I'm not sure why, she knows very well who he is.)
Alex: Alex. Alex Delemo
Miss Katie: How about your sister?
Alex: Amber Delemo

"My Mommy is not a Delemo. She is a Corbett. Mommy is a Corbett"

COME ON. She said she had wished another adult was in the room with her because she didn't think anyone would believe her that he said that. This is not something I drill into my sons head. I don't even address it really. Amber's friends innocently call me Mrs. Delemo, and I don't see the harm. I answer them, and I don't correct them. I figured why explain it to them, they may or may not grasp the concept. Well, my 28 month old grasps the concept just fine, now doesn't he.

Monday, April 14, 2008

PRECIOUS

I will never look at this word the same again. As a matter of fact, I will see a disturbing image in my mind the next few times I hear it. after this post, you will know why.

I have never been into Wizards, Swords, Hobbits/Halflings, The Undead, The Alliance, Hoards, Orks, Bow and Arrows or anything that has to do with the like. If you have ever checked my profile, these types of movies not only do not make it into my top list, their not even on the list. Then along came Robert. I tell him he's a sci-fi geek. Although, this doesn't qualify as sci-fi. It's more like...magic, imagination...well honestly I don't know what it's called. So you could imagine my dismay when he was thrilled to ask me to watch all three Lord of The Rings with him yesterday. My first thought was...NO. I'm not into that stuff. But then my ever so faithful free spirit and open mind came creeping up, and I thought 2 things. 1. It would only be right for me to at least give his interests a try. Check them out. See what they are all about. That's what you do when you care about somebody, and want to get to know everything about them. He gets stuck doing the tango with my daughter on a regular basis, so how can I not return the generosity? 2. What the heck. I could be missing out on something good. That's where the "Open Mind" comes in. I figured we would conquer one movie at a time, and I have them until Friday, so that should have been enough time to get it done-if I even made it past the first one. I am notorious for falling asleep watching movies. WELL. I was up until 2am, and watched every bit of all three movies and they were GREAT. I need to watch them a few times more, because it's quite confusing the first time around. But the movies were awesome. The creativity and imagination is unbelievable. I'm glad I didn't take a close minded approach, and say...."Nah.....you watch them.....I'm not feeling it. I don't like that stuff."

NOW, anyone who has seen these movies knows where "PRECIOUS" comes in. This once hobbit/little thingy with stringy hair and big bugged out eyes and transparent skin who is in desperate need of dental work walking around butt naked called "The Ring" "PRECIOUS". I will say in the beginning I found him very amusing and was getting quite a kick out of his schizophrenia, but by the end of the last movie I wanted to rip him through the screen and choke him like a chicken.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

The DoodleBops

I'm sorry to offend, but I just can't. I would never encourage my child, especially my SON to watch this "group". Is that what they are? Whatever they are, they freak me out. Maybe it's as simple as the outfits, or the colored faces, but I just can't do it. I pretty much squeezed by "The Wiggles"....I had minimal experience with them due to time and space between my kids, and I can do without them too, but at least their faces weren't blue, and green....with the wigs....I mean...I've toughed it out before. I've hung with Barney. LOTS of Barney. You know who else I toughed it out through, and I think was a terrible example for children because he was forever crying and whining? My least favorite thing in the whole world? Caillou. What a whining wimp. I have to admit that I have a secret love for Dragon Tales. Speaking of which I find it quite hysterical that Jennifer Lopez named her twins Max and Emme and those are the 2 names of the brother and sister on Dragon Tales. HeHeHe. AND if I'm not mistaken-Max and Emme on Dragon Tales are of Spanish heritage as well. That should have been on my "Things that make you go HHHmmm..." list. But anyway, yeah, I can't do the DoodleBops. Not that I have this issue because my son doesn't watch any television at all anyway. Sometimes that makes me HAPPY! And sometimes that makes me SAD. I'm sure you can decipher why.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Name That Band

1. Their first album (on a major label) was released July 31st, 1987

2. The band was formed in 1985 in Los Angeles

3. The bands name was a contraction of 2 bands the members had previously performed in

4. Their first album is still the best selling debut of all time

5. Their first gig of their first tour was at the Omni Room where they had an audience of 13

6. In the end of 87, they made a tour with Motley Crew

7. All of the original members were big Queen fans, and asked to play at Freddie Mercury's memorial concert

8. The band had a total of 20 different members

9. #9 on VH1's Greatest Artist of Hard Rock

10. Has sold over 90 million albums worldwide

Bonus: In 2002 former members of the band formed a new band called Velvet Revolver

Still need help? Just give it some thought.....All we need is just a little PATIENCE.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

I Do! You Do? Why? ALL THE TIME!


These are my sons most frequent sayings. I love when he says them too. Although we can ALL live without the "Why?" sometimes and if you say you can't then your a liar. Shame on you. Don't tell me that when you child asks you why, and you answer them, and the next word out of their mouth is....Why? That you don't feel the repetition game creeping up to torture you!

I Do!- this he uses when I repeat back to him what he said to me. Example: "I Love you Mommy" My reply-"You love me Alex?" I Do Mama! I Do! I Do Love You!
You Do?-same concept here. Example: "I Love You Alex". Reply: You Do Mom? You Do Love me Mama? I do Love You Too."

ALL THE TIME-the latest and the greatest:

The wheels on the bus go round and round
round and round
round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round..........

ALL THE TIME!

That must be the remix-Alex D. style.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Things that make you go HHHmmmm.....

1. Why kids cry when their parents drop them off, but are rarely ready to go when you pick them up.

2. One of O'Charley's mediocre desserts is...donuts. A plate full of donuts. really?

3. What does the weather man get paid for? He's allowed to be wrong A LOT.

4. Why Hollywood Mommy's can expose their midriff-where's their Mommy Tummy's and stretch marks? I could see one or 2, but all of them?

5. Why when given the opportunity to sleep late, you still see 8am, but when the alarm goes off at 8am, you feel like you just got ran over by a truck.

6. People love spinach dip, but hate spinach.

7. Tweens think that adults have nothing better to do but be there when they need something at all times.

8. How you can develop "allergies" as an adult. Where were they all of the years before?

9. How some people drink coffee to "wake up", and others drink it before bed for a nice warm beverage.

10. Caffeine itself I believe is a mystery. does it really boost your energy? Or is it a mind trick? HHHmmmmm.......

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Change

Even when change is elective, it will disorient you. You may go through anxiety. You may miss aspects of your former life. It doesn't matter. The trick is to know in advance of making any big change that you are going to be thrown off your feet by it. So you prepare for this inevitable disorientation and steady yourself to get through it. Then you take the challenge, make the change and achieve your dream.

-Warren B. Bennis

Friday, April 4, 2008

Who would have thought?




I can not fathom that Mariah Carey has surpassed Elvis on Number One Hits, and is on her way to pushing out THE BEATLES. Mariah Carey? Really? Not a big fan. And hands down her new song does not warrant the number one slot. Both Elvis and the Beatles are ICONS. The Beatles introduced the world to Rock and Roll(yes, it was considered Rock and Roll at the Time), and Elvis...shaking those hips.....people screaming and crying and fainting (I never understood that kind of stuff) I Mean...He's ELVIS. THE KING FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. And in comes Mariah? I can't recall one of her songs that WOWED me. Can you? Well...it is what it is....I guess. At least she acknowledges that she can not be put into the same category as these extrordinary musicians that will forever be 2 of the biggest ICONS in music.
___________________________________________
Singer Mariah Carey has passed Elvis Presley for the most No. 1 US singles and is now second only to the Beatles.
But while the diva was in full celebration mode after learning of her latest milestone with her 18th chart-topper "Touch My Body", she was also quick to put her accomplishment in perspective.
"I really can never put myself in the category of people who have not only revolutionised music but also changed the world," she said.
"That's a completely different era and time ... I'm just feeling really happy and grateful."
Carey's single is the new No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart: The song also is No. 1 on the trade magazine's digital download chart.
She had been tied with Presley with 17 No. 1 singles; the Beatles are the all-time leaders with 20 (Madonna also beat a Presley record this week, surpassing the King for the most top 40 hits with her 37th for her hit "4 Minutes".

Thursday, April 3, 2008

They Don't Make 'em Like They Usta









Not to offend, but both the Big Screen and the small screen have let me down in my older years. What happened to the oldie but goodies? When television was for entertainment purposes only? Reality T.V.? I have my own reality, why would I want to watch someone else's reality that I don't even know and don't even care about? T.V. is to ESCAPE reality for an hour or so. I don't even watch television. No Desperate Housewives, No Grey's Anatomy, No Lost. I have never watched one reality show in my life. Not Survivor, not American Idol, not Dancing with the Stars not The Bachelor....none of it. I have zero interest in any of it. If I had to say a few shows that I may watch here and there, it would be....House....Cold Case.....George Lopez show is pretty funny....late night Law and Order re-runs.......and I have a slight addiction to cheesy Soap Operas from time to time that has been handed down from generation to generation. The last 3 movies I saw...

Atonement-human bobble head in the movie theater-I am starting to think I have a sleeping disorder. I went to bed at 7:30 last night.

Sweeney Todd-This was a bizarre musical/horror film. It was dark and dreary from start to finish. All I wanted was for them to stop singing.

I am Legend-Not a feel good movie by no means. When I hear Will Smith-I think FUNNY. Between this one and the pursuit of happiness.....it's time for a comedy.

Whatever happened to the perpetual Blockbusters like...Back to the Future? Rocky? (the first 3 on both), Beverly Hills Cop? Tango and Cash? Ghost? Karate Kid? The Outsiders? Trading Places? The Terminator? Full Metal Jacket? Die Hard? and so on and so on?
Televisions shows that I grew up with...some cheesy, some classics-none the less, they all beat out television of today.

I Love Lucy
Gilligans Island
Different Strokes-what-cho talkin' 'bout Willis?
Sanford and Son-THIS IS THE BIG ONE!
Good Times- DY-NO-MITE!!!!!!!!!!!
The Jeffersons-George and Weesie
What's Happening-hey hey hey!
Wonder Woman
The Bionic Man
Night Rider
Three's Company
Dukes of Hazard-I saw this recently-CHEESE, but I liked it then.
Little House on the Prairie
The Hulk
Family Ties
Growing Pains
Fresh Prince
All in the Family-Meathead, DingBat, the list goes on........
Dallas
Knots Landing
Hart to Hart

I can't even get into cartoons, or the post will be much too long. But they don't make those like they Usta eitha.


Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Do you know a "McGyver"?


Do you? I think everyone knows 1 or 2 McGyvers. You know...someone that can make something, out of what appears to be nothing? I know I am throwing my age out there, but this was a prime time T.V. show when I was growing up. For those of you who don't know who McGyver is, he was always saving the day with his home made contraptions. Big Alex is a McGyver-all the way. He can "rig" almost anything when need be. He has a full workshop at his house, with all that he needs to "McGyver" just about anything. My friend Billy-he's the biggest McGyver I know. He has added an entire upstairs on to his house-almost by himself with the exception of a framer and maybe little help here and there. Can you imagine? My friend Siobhainin(sha-vaun-nin), his wife, wanted a....what are they called....it's like an archway, that you can put at the opening of your yard...some people get married under them.....well she wanted one, so Billy gathered up the left over wood that was lying around the house-and wala! And it's beautiful. My brother-in law Joe is a McGyver as well. He installed an entire Bose system in his house. The speakers are IN the walls, throughout the house. In their bedroom, living room, in the yard...with no wires...anywhere.....the speakers are not free standing, they are cut outs in the walls. You know you have to have McGyver in your blood to be able to do something like that. Music in every room you walk into throughout the house-that would be a dream come true for me! So think about it....do you know a McGyver?