Life 101 – Vote!

The United States presidential election of 1789 was the first presidential election in the America. George Washington was elected for the first of his two terms as President of the United States, and John Adams became the first Vice President of the United States. It wasn’t until 1870 that African American men got the right. And women had to wait until 1920 for the right.
Voting defines our democracy. Exercise your right America!

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Gossip! – Football Talk

NFL vs MLB? Drew Brees wins.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen (in football, anyway). The Dallas Cowboys lost Sunday to the Jaguars, 24-17. Replacement QB Jon Kitna threw a few nice passes, one of which bounced gracefully off tight end Jason Witten’s helmet. And the Longhorns are having their worst season in a decade, topped off with a loss to Baylor on Saturday, 30-22. It looks like the Vikings will bid farewell to Randy Moss, who’s been enshrouded in mystery for most of the season. Coach Brad Childress confirms the Viks will let Moss go. In other news, more people watched the Saints-Steelers game Sunday night than the MLB World Series. No surprises there. It’s a snooze.

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American Pets – Granddogs

Tux made possible by Grandma.

Newsweek calls it a “social trend.” I call it “totally adorable.” Grandparents across the country are caring for not only their actual grandkids, but also their kids’ dogs- their granddogs. “It’s an epidemic; everyone I talk to over 45 is going through this. We want grandchildren, but we got granddogs instead. I know I’m not alone,” Rozlynn, 55, said in a recent article. Birdy and Missy, Rozlynn’s granddogs, sound like typical, happy grandkids. They sleep in Rozlynn and her hubby’s bed and get holiday gifts. Come to think of it, I’ve always loved my grandma’s southern mac-n-cheese, and I bet Westminster would, too! We’re going for a visit!

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Household Tips – New uses for old things

No offense Real Simple, but I can think of better uses for my cocktail shaker than filling it with glitter.

My friends at Real Simple have gotten extra- crafty and come up with a great list of new uses for old things. The sugar/Vaseline lip scrub is great for colder weather and those inevitable chapped lips, and the funnel twine dispenser is pretty clever (and might work for holiday ribbon too!) But I’m not sure how I feel about turning my cocktail shaker into a glitter dispenser. I love glitter, but I don’t want it in my martini! And making things out of dryer lint?! A little weird. But I gotta say, these people are resourceful!

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American Fun – Punkin Chunkin

Old Pumpkin
If you’re not lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with a bunch of marauding teens that find a use for your our old jack o’ lanterns (read: smash!), the residents of southern Delaware have solved the problem of getting rid of the molding gourds through FUN! Every year, thousands of people converge on a cornfield in rural Delaware for the World Champion Punkin Chunkin Festival, a massive contest/tailgate party in which spectators watch as contestants pit their pumpkin-launching machines against each other, attempting to set a new world record for the farthest pumpkin “chunked.” The contraptions range from catapults to pneumatic cannons, and the current world record is 4,483.51 feet! Now that’s using science for a good cause. How do you dispose of your pumpkins once Hallow’s Eve has come and gone? Just wait ’til you hear what you can do with a fruitcake!

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Holidays – Bruce’s Cheap Halloween Tips

Check out my easy pumpkin candelabras!

Like I told my friends at Howdini, nothing could be scarier this year than the economy! But luckily, I’ve got a whole roost of helpful LAST MINUTE hints to celebrate the holiday on the cheap. Check it out here and get ready for some screamin’ good times.

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Dinner Party Talk – For your weekend

What's on the plate this week?

It’s Halloween. Is your yard decorated? Costume picked? Candy bought? This year, according to the National Retail Federation, the average American will spend $17.99 on candy, $20.75 on costumes and $14.54 on decorations. A few of the yards in my neighborhood are blowing out the national average.
Here are my spooky predictions: Old ladies in your neighborhood will still think raisins are a suitable treat. There will be at least 5 Lady Gaga meat dresses and 15 Jersey Shore variations at every party. And someone (you know who you are) will don a long black wig, mascara and lip liner waaaay outside the natural lip line, and call it “Cher.”
Here is the NY Times spooky prediction: someone will die by Halloween egging. Since 1984, egg-throwing confrontations have led to at least 24 people being wounded or killed in stabbings, shootings, beatings or accidents. That’s no yolk!
If you fear death by egg, perhaps you want to stay in and quiver. For you nice people, I’ve thought of a dozen movies that have left my knees knocking: Alien, Dawn of the Dead, Halloween (the original!), The Shining, The Exorcist, Jaws, The Changeling, Hellraiser, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Silence of the Lambs, Rosemary’s Baby, and Amityville Horror. (The last of which led to my sleeping for a week under my parent’s bed.)
Speaking of SCARY… President Obama was told this week that U.S. defense forces lost complete command and control of one-ninth of America’s nuclear arsenal last Saturday. Holy-atomic! That’s a little more discomforting than losing your remote control.
Marie Claire’s fat lip. “Should Fatties Get a Room? (Even on TV?)” was the headline of a controversial piece on the mag’s website this week in which writer Maura Kelly pondered the sitcom Mike & Molly about a couple who meets at Overeaters Anonymous. She wrote: “…I’d be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other.” And more! “I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room.” Oh-ffensive! Definitely a classless move from a classy magazine. Maura has already apologized; so don’t go egging her house.
Now, eat your dinner!

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Holidays – Bruce Carves Pumpkins on Howdini

We just loved scooping out the seeds. Fry 'em up for a tasty treat!

If you haven’t already carved your pumpkin, it’s time to get, um, pumpkin-carving. I love me some jack-o-lanterns, and we have a whole brood at my country house. I got together with my fabulous friend Lizz Winstead at Howdini to spill my greatest jack-o-lantern secrets, and here’s the key: a nice, sharp knife (sharpen it right before you get carving, and keep little fingers out of the way!) and a candle in a glass votive (this reduces the risk of fire and pumpkin meltage, plus it lasts longer.) Other than that, let your imagination run away!

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Holidays – National Cat Day

Good morning! It's National Cat Day!

Today is National Cat Day, and I better be hearing some happy meows from everyone. My dog Wes and I love cats, and who doesn’t? In honor of our feline friends, I just have to post my favorite YouTube cartoon, Simon’s Cat. You must watch and smile. And check out the ASPCA’s cat adoption center– you can even watch videos of the adoptable cats. I’m so in love with Opal‘s gorgeous stripes and bright green eyes!

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Holidays – Halloween Cocktails

Food Network has a great list of creepy Halloween cocktails.

If you’re throwing a Halloween party this weekend, you’ll probably be starting your shopping, oh, yesterday. But you have plenty of time if you start today. I like to follow this formula for the three days leading up to my parties: shop, cook, cook and decorate/party on the fourth day. My friends at my favorite magazines have great lists of Halloween treats, and I’ve picked out a couple of my fave cocktails. The liquor run can definitely be done today, and many of these cocktails can be made ahead. This Vampiro cocktail sounds fruity and exotic, and Better Homes and Gardens’ drinkable Bananas Foster? Yes, please. For a non-boozy option, try Good Housekeeping’s Hot Spiced Cider. Feel free to taste test while you stir!

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