Woody and Buzz Ride Again: Toy Story 3

Woody and Buzz ride again in Toy Story 3, a delight for adults and children alike.

I might have missed this entertaining trilogy if not for my grandson Mekhi. Since we spent quite a bit of time with him, my husband and I found ourselves following daily children programs like "Blues Clues" with its handy dandy notebook and thinking chair. We also shared time watching Toy Story, the adventures of  Woody and his trusty sidekick Buzz Lightyear. The original movie took us from the day the two toys met  through their developing friendship.

As Mekhi grew and got older, along came the sequel Toy Story 2, so off we went to see what was happening withWoody and Buzz. When a toy collector kidnaps Woody, it's up to his loyal buddy Buzz to rescue him. Another great adventure for the three of us to share.

Toy Story 3 hit the big screen a week or two ago. Since pre-teen Mekhi  was spending his time at the Boys & Girls Club, our time together was more limited. He no longer hung out all day with his grandparents as he once did. We had no ready excuse to make the trip to the local movie theatre to see TS 3, unless we waited for a visit from our grandson. It didn't take us long to bite the bullet, trek to the IMAX showing of TS 3 and catch up on our friends Woody and Buzz.

PIXAR didn't disappoint. The movie is a bit darker in places than the other offerings and may prove somewhat scary for sensitive little ones. But for experienced movie junkies like two retired seniors, it was great entertainment.  There's a hint of sadness as Andy prepares to leave for college, setting the stage for this new adventure.  Budding romance finds its way into the story as popular characters like Ken and Barbie develop new relationships. Finally, all the toys work together to resolve the challenges they face, serving as a lesson on the value of friendship, loyalty and love.

Toy Story 3 is for the young at heart, finding favor with all age groups.  It presents a unique birds eye view of real life situations, difficult decisions and their resulting outcomes. The triology is the best I've seen since Star Wars.  It was definitely time well spent and it'll take you ,as Buzz would say, "to infinity and beyond".

World's Most Powerful Celebrities

The Celebrity 100 is a measure of power based on money and fame. Earnings estimates, which include income from films, television shows, endorsements, books, and other entertainment ventures, are calculated between June 2009 and June 2010. This year’s top five celebrities are:

1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Beyonce Knowles
3. James Cameron
4. Lady Gaga
5. Tiger Woods

Take a look at the Forbes List and get additional information about elements in the ranking.

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/the-worlds-most-powerful-celebrities/43057?nc

The Unbearable Whiteness of Cable

New CNN Program Host Eliot Spitzer

There an interesting article on the Daily Beast about the lack of diversity on cable news. Thought it was worth sharing.

The Unbearable Whiteness of Cable

Doo Wop Quiz

Doo Wop Quiz:  Thirty great memories about music that caused our parents and teachers grief!

Take the quiz and see how you score as a true ''Oldies Fan.''


1. When did ''Little Suzie'' finally wake up?

(a) The movie's over, it's 2 o'clock

(b) The movie's over, it's 3 o'clock

(c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock



2. ''Rock Around The Clock'' was used in what movie?

(a) Rebel Without A Cause

(b) Blackboard Jungle

(c) The Wild Ones



3. What's missing from a Rock & Roll standpoint?  Earth _____

(a) Angel

(b) Mother

(c) Worm



4. ''I found my thrill .. . ..'' where?

(a) Kansas City

(b) Heartbreak Hotel

(c) Blueberry Hill



5. ''Please turn on your magic beam, _____ _____ bring me a dream,'':

(a) Mr. Sandman

(b) Earth Angel

(c) Dream Lover



6. For which label did Elvis Presley first record?

(a) Atlantic

(b) RCA

(c) Sun



7. He asked, ''Why's everybody always pickin' on me?'' Who was he?

(a) Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

(b) Charlie Brown

(c) Buster Brown



8. In Bobby Darin's ''Mack The Knife,'' the one with the knife, was named:

(a) MacHeath

(b) MacCloud

(c) MacNamara



9. Name the song with ''A-wop bop a-loo bop a-lop bam boom.''

(a) Good Golly, Miss Molly

(b) Be-Bop-A-Lula

(c) Tutti Fruitti



10. Who is generally given credit for originating the term ''Rock And Roll''?

(a) Dick Clark

(b) Wolfman Jack

(c) Alan Freed



11. In 1957, he left the music business to become a preacher:

(a) Little Richard

(b) Frank Paul Ankaie Lymon

(c) Tony Orlando



12. Paul Anka's ''Puppy Love'' is written to what star?

(a) Brenda Lee

(b) Connie Francis

(c) Annette Funicello



13. The Everly Brothers are . . ....

(a) Pete and Dick

(b) Don and Phil

(c) Bob and Bill



14. The Big Bopper's real name was:

(a) Jiles P. Richardson

(b) Roy Harold Scherer Jr.

(c) Marion Michael Morrison



15. In 1959, Berry Gordy, Jr., started a small record company called...

(a) Decca

(b) Cameo

(c) Motown



16. Edd Brynes had a hit with ''Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb''. What TV show was he on?

(a) 77 Sunset Strip

(b) Hawaiian Eye

(c) Surfside Six



17. In 1960 Bobby Darin married:

(a) Carol Lynley

(b) Sandra Dee

(c) Natalie Wood



18. They were a one hit wonder with ''Book Of Love'':

(a) The Penguins

(b) The Monotones

(c) The Moonglows



19. The Everly Brothers sang a song called ''Till I ______ You.''

(a) Loved

(b) Kissed

(c) Met



20. Chuck Berry sang ''Oh, ___________, why can't you be true?''

(a) Suzie Q

(b) Peggy Sue

(c) Maybelline

21. ''Wooly _______''

(a) Mammouth

(b) Bully

(c) Pully



22. ''I'm like a one-eyed cat . . . .."

(a) can't go into town no more

(b) sleepin' on a cold hard floor

(c) peepin' in a seafood store



23. ''Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do . . .. . ..''

(a) cause there ain't no answer for a life without booze

(b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

(c) cause my car's gassed up and I'm ready to cruise



24. ''They often call me Speedo, but my real name is . . . . . .''

(a) Mr. Earl

(b) Jackie Pearl

(c) Milton Berle



25. ''You're my Fanny and nobody else's .....''

(a) girl

(b) butt

(c) love



26. ''I want you to play with my . . . ''

(a) heart

(b) dreams

(c) ding a ling



27. ''Be Bop A Lula ....''

(a) she's got the rabies

(b) she's my baby.

(c) she loves me, maybe



28. ''Fine Love, Fine Kissing ....''

(a) right here

(b) fifty cents

(c) just for you



29. ''He wore black denim trousers and . . .''

(a) a pink carnation

(b) pink leotards

(c) motorcycle boots



30. ''I got a gal named . . .''

(a) Jenny Zamboni

(b) Gerri Mahoney

(c) Boney Maroney

In Memoriam-Mid Year 2010

The world has lost many notable people so far this year, including groundbreaking singer Lena Horne, Polish leader Lech Kaczynski, heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio and major league pitcher Jose Lima. Here are some talented and interesting stars that we will miss and will always remember:

Rue McClanahan
1934 - 2010

Rue McClanahan won an Emmy for her role as Southern belle Blanche Devereaux in the sitcom "The Golden Girls," an unlikely hit about four aging - and often eccentric -- women. The show, which also starred Beatrice Arthur, Betty White and Estelle Getty, lasted from 1985 - 92. McClanahan, who was married six times, died of a stroke June 3. She was 76.

Gary Coleman
1968-2010

Former child actor Gary Wayne Coleman was best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in the TV sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" (1978 to 1986). He suffered from a congenital kidney disease, a side effect of which limited his growth. His later years were plagued by financial and legal problems. In 2006, Coleman married Shannon Price, whom he met on the set of the comedy "Church Ball."

John Forsythe
1918-2010

New Jersey-born actor John Forsythe is best known for his portrayal of Blake Carrington on the hit television show "Dynasty" from 1981 to 1989. He was also the voice of Charlie in the 1970s TV show "Charlie's Angels" and the more recent "Charlie's Angels" movies. He died April 1 of complications from pneumonia. He was 92.

House Votes to Repeal DADT

In a 16 to 12 vote, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed a measure that could pave the road to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Clinton-era policy that bans openly gay men and women from serving in the military. Later, the House voted 234-194 for a Defense authorization bill that included the repeal of DADT. It marks the most aggressive step by Democrats in implementing President Obama's campaign pledge to end the policy.


However, no changes will be made until the Pentagon finishes a study about its impact on troops. That report will go to Congress December 1. The measure will next pass through to the Senate, which will vote next month. Despite apparent support for the provision, the heads of four uniformed services are urging Congress to wait until the Pentagon study is completed over concerns about its impact on the military's "readiness."


The push from Democrats comes as public opinion on the issue has changed dramatically. In 1993, 44 percent of Americans supported allowing people who are openly gay to serve in the military. Today, 75 percent support that idea, according to a recent Washington Post poll.


Any change is unlikely to happen before next year. Pentagon officials have said it could take several months after completing the study until they are prepared to fully integrate gays into the armed forces as they consider such issues as whether gay and heterosexual troops could be required to share housing and whether the military would be required to extend benefits to same-sex partners.

Say What? Expressions and Phrases in Our Language

Technology, custom and culture change with the times. Along the way, they spawn expressions that become an integral part of our language. Most of the time, the phrases outlive their roots. The next generation is at a lost trying to understand the meaning and origin of these expressions, sayings and phrases. It’s a conversation I often have with the younger members of our family, as I try to explain meanings and historic roots.


Take a look at the items below and see if you could help youngsters understand the commonly accepted meanings.


1. Asleep at the switch (or wheel)

2. Take a rain check

3. Pencil me in

4. Back to the drawing board

5. Beam me up, Scotty

6. Big Cheese

7. Carbon copy

8. Catch you on the flipside

9. Close, but no cigar

10. Cut to the chase

11. Dial her up

12. Drink the Kool-aid

13. Drop a dime

14. Film at 11

15. Full steam ahead

16. Get a pink-slip

17. Ground zero

18. Hit Parade

19. Hung out to dry

20. In a straitjacket

21. In like Flynn

22. In Technicolor

23. Left his calling card

24. Best thing since sliced bread

25. Let’s get cranking

Ten Common Phobias

I was reading my son's Blog and ran across "ophidiophobia".  Of course I didn't have a clue, so I went straight to dictionary.com to look the word up. I was easily hooked and started my journey to discover information about phobias.  Since I'm all into sharing, check out the list of common phobias.

When it comes to the 10 most common phobias, people are often surprised by the list. The 10 most common phobias can take complete control of people’s life and leave them in the midst of either an anxiety and panic attack or full of so much fear that they can not move. The 10 most common phobias are:


Arachnophobia – Probably the most recognized of the 10 most common phobias, arachnophobia is the fear of spiders. The statistics clearly show that more than 50% of women and 10% of men show signs of this leader on the 10 most common phobias list.

Social Phobia -- The second of the 10 most common phobias, is the fear of social situations. This is a very open phobia among the 10 most common phobias, in that, the definition can range based upon the person and the situation.

Aerophobia – Aerophobia, or the fear of flying, is the third of the 10 most common phobias. The fear of flying is so strong in some people that they are often unable to fly without using some form of medication before the flight.

Agoraphobia– One of the most complex of the 10 most common phobias, agoraphobia is the fear of being in a place or a situation where the person mentally feels they will not be able to get out of. Agoraphobia is one of the most serious of the 10 most common phobias and often leaves the person enclosed in their home without proper treatment.

Claustrophobia – In the middle of the 10 most common phobias, is the fear of tight places. This phobia is one of the most publicized phobias and is often used in television and movie settings as a characteristic for the actors parts.

Acrophobia – The fear of heights or high places is the sixth of the 10 most common phobias. High places can mean any situation where the ground is not within immediate reach. This can be as simple as standing on a chair or as complex and crossing a bridge in a car.

Emetophobia – This number seven of the 10 most common phobias is one of the most uncommonly recognized. Emetophobia is being afraid of vomit.

Carcinophobia – A relative newcomer to the 10 most common phobias, carcinophobia, is being afraid of cancer. People suffering from carcinophobia often choose daily activities and foods that claim to decrease the chances of contracting cancer, as well as, avoidancing any activity that may increase these chances of contracting it. This is number eight of the 10 most common phobias.

Brontophobia – Often thought of as a child’s phobia, number nine of the 10 most common phobias, is being afraid of thunderstorms. This fear is normally centered on either the lightning or the thunder side of the storm.

Necrophobia – It is last on the list 10 most common phobias. This phobia is the term used to describe two different phobias. Being afraid of dying or being afraid of dead people are both considered necrophobia.

The 10 most common phobias is a list of fears that are very real to those who suffer from them. I found that I could qualify as being fearful of four of the ten.  If you feel you have any of these phobias, a doctor may be able to help.

Obituary: The Strong Black Woman

The Strong Black Woman is Dead... While struggling with the reality of being a human instead of a myth, the strong black woman passed away. Medical sources say she died of natural causes, but those who knew her know she died from being silent when she should have been screaming, smiling when she should have been raging, from being sick and not wanting anyone to know because her pain might inconvenience them.


She died from an overdose of other people clinging to her when she didn't even have energy for herself. She died from loving men who didn't love themselves and could only offer her a crippled reflection. She died from raising children alone. She died from the lies her grandmother told her mother and her mother told her about life, men & racism.

She died from being sexually abused as a child and having to take that truth everywhere she went every day of her life, exchanging the humiliation for guilt and back again. She died from asphyxiation, coughing up blood from secrets she kept trying to burn away instead of allowing herself the kind of nervous breakdown she was entitled to, but only white girls could afford.

She died from being responsible, because she was the last rung on the ladder and there was no one under her she could dump on.

Rules For Living A Good Life

1. Wake Up !!


Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord hath made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at outward appearance;

but the Lord looks at the heart."

I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!

Say nice things and learn to listen.

God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant

for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his soul."

Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!...

For what you believe in.

Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,

we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."

Galatians 6:9-10



5. Look Up !!...

To the Lord.

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".

Philippians 4:13





6. Reach Up !!...

For something higher.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not unto your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your path."

Proverbs 3:5-6



7. Lift Up !!...

Your Prayers.

"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT

EVERYTHING."

Philippians 4:6





A POSITIVE THOUGHT

-If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

-If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.

-Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.

-He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

-What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it, He's crazy about you.



Remember:

God answers Knee-Mail.

Message From God

I THOUGHT SOME OF MY FRIENDS MIGHT NEED THIS:






GOOD MORNING

I AM GOD. TODAY I WILL BE HANDLING ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT I DO NOT NEED YOUR HELP.

IF THE DEVIL HAPPENS TO DELIVER A SITUATION TO YOU THAT YOU CANNOT HANDLE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE IT. KINDLY PUT IT IN THE "SOMETHING FOR JESUS TO DO" BOX. IT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN MY TIME NOT YOURS.

ONCE THE MATTER IS PLACED INTO THE BOX, DO NOT HOLD ONTO IT OR ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT. HOLDING ON OR REMOVAL WILL DELAY THE RESOLUTION OF YOUR PROBLEM. IF IT IS A SITUATION THAT YOU THINK YOU ARE CAPABLE OF HANDLING, PLEASE CONSULT ME IN PRAYERTO BE SURE THAT IT IS THE PROPER RESOLUTION.

BECAUSE I DO NOT SLEEP, NOR DO I SLUMBER, THERE IS NO NEED FOR YOU TO LOSE ANY SLEEP. REST MY CHILD. IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ME, I AM ONLY A PRAYER AWAY.

Rush Limbaugh To Wed

Will the fourth time be the charm for Rush Limbaugh?


Limbaugh, 59, is set to marry 33-year-old girlfriend Kathryn Rogers on Saturday, June 5, at the talk radio star's palatial Florida beachfront property.

Although Limbaugh never seems at a loss for words, he's been uncharacteristically quiet about the pending nuptials. Fill-in hosts have taken over the show, with his website simply noting that "El Rushbo will be out until Tuesday, June 15th."

However, Limbaugh emailed a statement to his local paper, the Palm Beach Post. "We try to live our lives as normal people," he wrote. "We do NOT seek media attention, we do not want it, especially for this. It is very special, obviously, and we just don't want any media attention."

What a laugh! This from a loud mouth who holds nothing sacred...what a joke.  I don't remember ever hearing anything on Limbaugh's show that was positive or uplifting. Maybe mention of his own nuptials will turn the corner and change the toxic tone of his show.