WATERWAY DINING AND BRITISH WEATHER

Tropical Storm, Isaac, is now an official hurricane.

After spending the weekend watching the pouring rain, Gaz and I headed to Waterway restaurant for dinner. Just a random Tuesday on the Intra-Coastal.

Waterway is offering up special pricing from 1986, but we had a discount coupon so it was ordering from the main menu for us. Fish and Chips and Crab Cakes were on our menu, along with Arnold Palmers. The food was good, the service was quite odd.

It really wasn't about the food or service, it was about sitting by the water and enjoying a lovely South Florida evening.

Much is said about South Florida. Good, bad, indifferent; much discussion, especially during difficult weather.

Home is where the heart is, but I do get a bit annoyed when people trash talk Florida. There is no Utopia, but if you don't like it? Move along to a place you enjoy!

Our British friends, Mo and Brian, have been also been experiencing difficult weather, but they press on and make the most of it, even when their gardens and croquet fields suffer.

Us?

We have the same attitude as those wonderful Brits.

Weather is weather and there is nothing to do about it one way or the other.

So, we'll see ya at the beach!

TROPICAL STORMS, HURRICANES, HATS AND JEWELRY

The Atlantic Ocean has been fierce over the last few days. We have been casting our gaze in the general direction of, Isaac.

We ARE in hurricane season, so why are people shocked when the potential swirling clouds move toward land? Should one really be shocked? Cautious and aware? Yes. Shocked? Not so muchy.

Having said that, I want to make certain we have water, flashlights, canned tuna and what-have-you. What I mind is how the weather people and channels pour on the drama until you want to throttle them.

So, we have been keeping our eyes on the clouds, attemtping to keep our eyes OFF the weather people and just kick back and watch it blow.

Tropical Storm warnings were all over us this past week and I did wonder, out loud, what is the appropriate attire for a TS Champagne Party.

I opted for shorts, a hat and jewelry. Always, jewelry, right? Of course.

Keeping the Gulf Coast in our prayers at Isaac roars (sort of) toward those coastal states of Mississippi and Louisiana.

COFFEE, HURRICANES AND MARTINIS

Having been away from, Indiscreetly Us, for a few months, I woke up this morning and felt compelled to post something.

What, exactly?

I have no idea.

Really, no specific topic is burning my fingers, yet I want to express myself here.

Gaz and I are in the midst of many other projects, but there is something calling me...drawing me here today as I sip java.

Is it the thunder, dark skies, rain and potential hurricane threat?

Could be.

Not certain.

We're about as ready as we can be for the swirling and twirling wind heading toward Haiti at the moment. My prayers are with all those there who have already suffered so much and still have so little.

Our preparation?

We have some water, flashlights, candles, are prepared to fill bathtubs (for toilet flushing if water supply gets interrupted), have full propane tanks for cooking outside on the grill if necessary and have random food items that will suffice.

You know what I really think?

I think August is crushingly boring and dull, even as a hurricane is threatening.

So, this afternoon it will be Rodeo Drive coffee and tonight it will be martini time with Gaz and we'll see where it goes from there.

TO MY SISTER, WITH LOVE, ON HER BIRTHDAY

Tomorrow, May 4th, is my sister's birthday. It is also my husband's birthday, but, for today, this blog post is just about her (he won't mind a bit).

Cards and gifts have been sent from Florida to Texas, but I just wanted to send a special greeting to her this morning. She knows how I feel in my heart, we tell each other, but this blog is the perfect way to summarize the celebration.

Barbara, has always been a part of my life. She has been there for all the important milestones for me. Always.

*She tells me she taught me to talk, and her name was my first real word. I have no doubt about this. No baby-babble was allowed!

*She let me play dress-up in her clothes and wasn't too angry about it when I messed them up.

*She made lists, assigned household duties and bossed me around and tried to be my mother, but I didn't mind too much. She's still a perfectionist about her house, but in a good way.

*She was always generous to me as a kid. She still is. I mean not just anyone would buy me a $50.00 salt keeper from Williams-Sonoma, just because I love to cook, right?

*One New Year's Eve when I was very young and disappointed about something, she surprised me with a little party for just the two of us. She had really fussed and I was so happy and loved it.

*It was in her car that I drove for the first time. It was standard-shift, I was horrible at it and I'm sure she was terrified. Our Father took over the lessons (bless his heart), but she never criticized me. I still loathe shifting gears in a car. This is why they make automatic transmissions!

*She took me to movies I loved. Of course, she was in charge of buying the concession treats. I didn't object. Did I want to? Probably.

*Years later, she pulled her husband to my crappy high school football games (she wasn't even an alum) to see me perform in the drill team. This in all kinds of weather, when she was quite pregnant. They also came to the dumb HS musicals and bragged on me (now, that's love).

*Her first-born, became like my own. When I babysat one evening and had to put him to bed with his shoes on because I had no idea how to remove those things that cover and protect shoelaces, she only laughed at me a little bit. She still brings this up though. Oh, yeah, some things never die.

*She was there for my high school graduation with her new baby.

*A few years later she gave me my wedding shower and years after that, my baby shower.

*As she is a fantastic cook, I learned so much from her. She still cooks RINGS around me!

*She was on-hand for the birth of my son, never leaving the hospital during my 12-hour labor. She helped us get through those trying first few weeks with a new baby. She stayed with us and didn't get much sleep, but she was happy and helpful and showered all of us with love and care.

*Once my child was born, he became her very special (and only) nephew. They have a bond that is strong and lasting.

*She has been a big part of every important milestone for my son: his typical babyhood accomplishments, his kindergarten graduation, school plays and events, his first trip to New York City, high school graduation and college graduation. She marks every occasion in his life with a call, card, gift of recognition (her love and regard is the most important thing).

*As I finally finished my college degree, she gave constant support.

We have, of course, also shared the joys of her family, but that's another blog.

Sadly, we have weathered the painful loss of beloved family members together. Giving and getting strength to and from each other.

Do we have and have we had tiffs or spats? Do we get annoyed?

Naturally. We're sisters.

Do they last long? Not really.

Our sister-story is long and there is much more to say about my sister. This is just me, blowing her a special birthday-kiss.

Those ties that bind, those heartstrings are impossible to break.

Happy Birthday, big sis, have a great day. You're in my heart today and always.

Love you, so much.

SQUARED, SQUARES

Salud, Kids!

Whew, it's been crazy for Indiscreetly.

But, we've some cool news about a new blog JUST launched.

So, get yourselves over there. It's still wet-behind-the-ears and sort of in BETA mode, but it's twirling a bit.

Perhaps we can convince, British Brian and Mo to join us there!

http://cruisingsquared.blogspot.com

PLEASE friend us at Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Cruising Squared for both!

See ya there, kids.

GAZMOOLIE GALLERY

Salud, Kids!

Busy at, Reggie's Rant 'n Rave (new year, new blog...always) and noodling with Pinterest (more on that later).



The above is my own creation for Gazmoolie Gallery entitled, Emerald. Abstract art on canvas.

Below is one of many Icart prints we own.


Pining It (them).

More on that later, too.

Join me, Pamela C Barker on, Pinterest!

DRESSY SWEATPANTS FOR MEN

Salud, Kids!

Poppin' in to say you should pop on over to the Rant 'n Rave blog and rant and/or rave about...DRESSY SWEATPANTS FOR MEN!

Oh, yeah.

http://reggiesrantnrave.blogspot.com

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches
Follow on Twitter, PalmBBarkerHowl

NEWT GOT NAUGHT, MITT GOT GRIT

Salud, Kids!

We are MONTHS away from the real-deal election, but are enduring the primary what-have-yous (narrowing the field, if you will).

Ghashing teeth is what we are doing, basically, because all candidates have the charisma of a limp dollar bill (no, the bill has more).



Florida Republicans cast their shiny ballots yesterday and Gritt Mitty (totally made that up, because they are ALL SO BORING) trounced FIG NEWTON (see, now he's not so boring, right?)

Anyhoo, British Brian (he wants to learn more about our system, but that is impossible because no one REALLY gets the primary shenanigans, the electoral college or WHY WE CAN'T ELECT A WOMAN (like a female could do worse around here?) pops in, so read on...

##

Contributed by Brian Wilson
Bath, UK
All Rights Reserved and Copyrighted

We read that Florida Republicans is the latest to be casting their votes for their candidate in the Presidential elections.

Now, I know something about your system (IU NOTE: good to know someone does) - but I would like to learn more (IU NOTE: so would we)

Us Brits do like the cut and thrust of political debate - and the chance to question your local politician is one that many people do not want to miss (IU NOTE: wish we had this passion).

At election time prospective Members of Parliament travel around their constituency giving speeches and shaking hands, etc.

Until recently most political meetings were open to one and all - and this gave people a chance to "heckle" a candidate.

Heckling (IU NOTE: sounds good to us)could be asking a question or shouting out a comment during a speech to show the weakness of an argument.

We like to put our politicians to the test (IU NOTE: bravo) - especially those who have delusions of grandeur (IU NOTE: all of the U.S. candidates have this), or those who tell us what to do and then do not do the same in their own lives (IU NOTE: ditto prior comment).

Unfortunately during Mr Blair's tenure as Prime Minister, he developed a more "presidential" manner (IU NOTE: sorry to hear) - only invited guests came to meetings and these would only be the party faithful.

This did not go down very well with the general populous(IU NOTE: the real movers 'n shakers) - us Brits do not like our MP's to get ideas "above their station"- we like them to remember that they are OUR representatives.

Anyway, here are some examples of UK heckling and political "banter."

In the 1960's Harold Wilson was one of our Prime Ministers.
It was a hard time - unemployment was rising (so what's new?).
Harold Wilson was walking down a street greeting well wishers etc, when "wham" he was hit by an egg!!
The Police arrested the egg thrower - but, quick as a flash Harold said "let him alone. You see everyone, only under a Labour government can people afford to throw eggs!!"
Everyone laughed and he got lots of press coverage (IU NOTE: lovin' this).

But, us Brits do not have to say anything to heckle.
When Tony Blair was Prime minister at the time of the launch of the Iraq invasion (which many people did not support) he was invited to speak at the Annual Conference of the Women's Institute (largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK, with 210,000 members - an organisation that any politician does not want to upset).

The invitation was for a non - political speech, one that reflected the debates at the WI Conference.

The Women's Institute has a rule that there is no heckling of invited speakers.
But, he started to give a political speech - against all the rules of the conference - and he was heard in absolute silence.

Even when he tried to make a joke there was no response.

Then the audience started a slow hand clap.
If you look at the videos of the speech you can see that Mr. Blair was almost panicking - certainly he was seating.

There is nothing so scary as standing in front of women who are silent - us men know the panic that such a non-reposne can engender.

Our politics are substantially more robust than yours - I'm not saying it is better -just different (IU NOTE: couldn't be worse).

But, now and again there comes from US politics some remarkable "put-downs" that makes the recipient squirm.

Can you remember in the 1988 Vice Presidential debate between Lloyd Bentsen and Dan Quayle?

Dan Quayle said " I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency. I will be prepared to deal with the people in the Bush administration, if that unfortunate event would ever occur."

Lloyd Bentsen replied "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."(Prolonged shouts and applause.)

Ouch!! - and Senator Bentsen looked like a quiet and retiring man (IU NOTE; it's always the quiet ones).

This retort has gone down in history - it is a phrase that many still remember.

So good luck to you all over in Florida - both us over here and you folks over there have had to fight and struggle for the vote - so make sure you use it (IU NOTE: of this, I am a fanatic about voting...to NOT vote is a crime against our heritage).

All the best - Brian and Mo.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Visit our blog, Reggie's Rant 'n Rave, http://reggiesrantnrave.blogspot.com!!

CLASSICAL MUSIC, FOR PETS

Salud, Kids!

Is classical music good for the ears of pets?

I have no idea, but this cool-kitty doesn't need anything to keep calm.

Please visit; Reggie's Rant 'n Rave.

http://reggiesrantnrave.blogspot.com

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks.
Follow me on Twitter, PalmBBarkerHowl (I may follow you back)

NEW YEAR, NEW BLOG

Salud, Kids!

Get yourselves over to my new blog (no, I'm not ditching this one)...it's where we will discuss all sorts of people, places and things.

Rant about them...then...rate them. In a manner of speaking.

Today?

It's all about a restaurant called, Brio and Arnold Palmer (the drink).

See ya there.


http://reggiesrantnrave.blogspot.com/

THAT YANK ARCHIE LEACH HITCHED IT WITH HITCH

Salud, Kids!

SAG Awards were last night and Clooney lost to that French guy from, The Artist!

If you saw a prior blog post you know I don't think ANY of the nominees can touch a glorious hair on the head of, Cary Grant.

Now, we still have to endure the Oscars (and the ridiculous interviews on the Red Carpet...wish they would present the carpet celeb-stroll like, The Artist...SILENT-with music.), so Clooney COULD bring it all home, but I doubt if he will. We saw his little movie, The Descendants, and it was good. And, excruciating. So, if he wins; he wins.

British Brian chimes in with his 'Two Pounds' on Cary Grant and the fabulous Hitch (cock, of course).

Yes, Hitchcock movies are in my library and I am a huge fan of most of his tales. His later flicks just got gory and weird (not in a particularly fun way).

The Civil War aside, I think we can all assure Bri that we are, indeed, Yanks-when it comes to a point of reference for the UK.

So, read on...

##

Submitted by Brian Wilson
Bath, UK
All rights reserved and copyrighted

Cary Grant - Alfred Hitchcock - like so many Brits, they had to cross the pond to "make their fortune."

Now,. we look forward to the you folks from USland coming over here

Cary was born, Archibald Alexander Leach (IU NOTE: Forgive that I will ALWAYS think of both Cary AND John Cleese when it comes to this name...if you don't know why, just move on), in 1904 in Bristol, England (we only live a few miles away from Bristol) - so he was a Brit - well English actually.


Horfield, Bristol BS7. Birthplace of Archie Leach better known as Cary Grant.


He was an only child (IU NOTE: We like only children) and had an unhappy start in life.

His mother lost a child and went into a clinical depression.

When Archibald was only 9 years old, his father placed her in a mental institution and told Archibald that she had gone away on a long holiday.
What a xxxxxxxx of a father (IU NOTE: agreed) - just think of the effect on a little 9 year old.

To make matters worse when Archibald was 10, his father abandoned him after remarrying and having a baby with his young new wife.

His father must have been such a nice man - I think not!!

Archibald believed this story; only finding out the truth in 1935 when he was 31!!

How would you feel if it was you?

One can only guess at the effect on Cary.

As Cary Grant he immediately came back to Bristol and sought out his mother - who was still alive in a mental care facility!

Just try to imagine the mixture of emotions that must have coursed through his mind.

Even though he had a very disturbed early life, Archibald was no academic slouch - he passed his scholarship exam to attend a Grammar School, but was expelled in 1918 (aged 14) - I wonder why?

At the age of 11 children took a special exam (the 11+) and, if you passed; you had a place.

But, only 35 to 45 % passed and studied what we would call today a very academic series of subjects - the majority had to go to a Secondary Modern School and studied technology and practical subjects.

Today our schools are Comprehensive - they enrol students of all skill and attainment levels.

There is some debate as to which system is best - but, as Mo and I can confirm (we both passed the 11+) the old system enabled bright students, from poor backgrounds, to get as top flight education.

I was even more lucky - I got a scholarship to attend a boarding school - one where you lived at the school - shades of Hogwarts eh!!

Back to litte Archibald. He joined an English travelling troupe of player, even performing as a stilt walker!!.

Archie Leach (Cary Grant) with the Bob Pender troupe (sitting, far right).

Aged 16 he crossed the pond, with the Troupe to New York in 1920 for a two year tour.

But, when they returned Archibald decided to stay.

Our loss - your gain.



What's your favourite (sorry favorite) Cary Grant film (IU NOTE: See photo for answer to that question, and NEVER apologize for using English spelling, etc.) - for me it is North by North West - directed by yet another Brit - Alfred Hitchcock!!


It's behind you!!!

The fantastic last reel.

During the World War 2 Cary was devastated when he was told that his family home had been destroyed during the bombing of Bristol and that his whole family (uncle, aunt, cousin and their families) were killed as well.
So much sorrow in his life.

There are so many books about Cary, but suffice to say that, after working under his own name, when Hollywood called he decided to change his name to Cart Grant and became a US citizen. He was known for his transactlantic accent, debonair demeanour and "dashing good looks". Pam - does this describe me (IU NOTE: Absolutely)??!!! (only kidding).

Although Grant was only 62 when he retired from the screen, he remained active in other areas.

In the late 1960s, he accepted a position on the board of directors at Fabergé and later joined the boards of The Academy of Magical Arts, Western Airlines and MGM amongst others.

He died on November 29, 1986 at the age of 82 (IU NOTE: Sadness. Just sadness).

A Statue was erected in memory of Cary in Bristol - the town of his birth and childhood.

See there are so many links between us (IU NOTE: We are happy about this).

Long may it reign - sorry is that OK when speaking to a citizen of a Republic? - Sorry for the daft English joke (IU NOTE: Yes, it is very okay and don't apologize...we adore English jokes).

Finally - if we are called "Brits" what do we call you over there in USland?
I understand that "Yankee" means people who supported the North in the Civil War - Americans could mean people from both North and South America - or do folks over in Florida want to be called "Floridians"?

Anyone got any ideas?

_________________________________________________________________________
Love to all - Brian and Mo


Brian Wilson - brian@europaassociates.co.uk
P.S. Like to try Croquet this winter?
When: - Every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 1.00 to 4.00pm.
What is the cost?: - £3/session.
What is needed?: - No booking or equipment required - just flat shoes and warm clothes.
Where do I go?: - Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club, Redpost Ground on Whitebrook Lane, opposite Red Post Inn, Peasedown St John, Bath. BA2 8JH

INDIA IS SOCIAL DITCHING AND DANCING

Salud, Kids!

Oh, Facebook-Facebook, I have abandoned you...again! And, I am not alone (more on that in a second). I am just to the point of being Facebooked-Out (just invented that word) and have taken a much-needed break.

Twitter?

Yeah, I'm still Tweeting, but it is random and scarce. Mostly, I use it to promote the blog, stay in touch with a few folks and cast a squint-eye on idiotic Tweets of celebrities (if you check my Follows, you will see I use that term loosely).

Now, this brings me to India.

Oh, India-India, I love how you honor special days of Republic by rocking it on a plane.

Plus, your savvy youth seem to be seeking the true meaning of life-after-social-media. Apparently.

Yep, According to ChannelNewsAsia, India'a youth seem to be ditching social-media to immerse themselves in something other than on-line shenanigans. Maybe they are even seeking something radical like real life. You never know.

I'm not saying I won't go back to Facebook, but, like India's youth, it really is exhausting.

And, let's not even discuss how boring it can be to read details on someone making a tuna sandwich for lunch and then how they went for a power-nap.

Read on...


ChannelNewsAsia...
NEW DELHI: India's urban youth are suffering social-media "fatigue," prompting a number to delete their Facebook and other accounts, according to a new study.

"Youngsters have started finding social media boring, confusing, frustrating and time-consuming," the survey commissioned by by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) found.

India's youth have "started experiencing social-media fatigue" and are tending to log less frequently onto social networks like Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Orkut, and others than when they signed up, the study reported.

Some 55 per cent of respondents said they had "consciously reduced" their time spent on social media websites and it was no longer a "craze" for them.

More than half of the 55 per cent who had cut down on their activity on social media sites said they had actually deactivated or deleted their accounts and profiles from these websites.

Of nearly 200 young people interviewed in New Delhi, 60 per cent said they found it "boring and sick to see constant senseless status updates."

##

Gotta run. I have LOTS of time to fill now that I am not social-networking.

What do I do now?

Help!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Follow me on Twitter (I may follow you back)
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!

OSCAR AWARDS, CLOONEY IS NO CARY

Salud, Kids!

I am stifling a yawn as I peruse the Oscar nominations for this, well, last year.

Yes, The Artist, is excellent and unique.

Yes, many of the films and performances are worthy of a nod.

Yet, when I cast a squinted-eye upon the list of BEST actors, to me, they seem an overall boring lot.

The man in the the YouTube clip for today is anything BUT, and his reward? An honorary statue, toward the end of things.



His personal life aside (and we should all try to do a better job of keeping our fat noses out of the private affairs of others), this man was witty, urbane, handsome, real, unreal. And, has a man EVER looked so perfect while hitting the dirt in an open cornfield (see: North By Northwest)? I think we all know the answer to that question.

Cary Grant.

In my opinion (which doesn't mean much), no one will ever touch the hem of his perfectly creased trousers (wearing plain pants is for the ordinary).

But, keep trying George and Brad and Collin (he comes kinda close), and Johnny.

Sorry boys, you will just never make it to the top of the Cary Grant heap.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Follow me on Twitter, PalmBBarkerHowl (I may follow you back)
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!

HAGGLING FOR A MOROCCAN MAGIC CARPET RIDE

Salud, Kids!

Those zany Brits...Brian and Mo sent us a little something (more to come) about their MOST recent shenanigans (vacay to Morocco), but I thought I would kick it off with a little something from Bob and Bing. Just to get you into the spirit of things with a camel (NOT the smokes).



That world-weary twosome put us all to shame with their exotic jet-setting. So, read on...

Contributed by Brian Wilson
All rights reserved and copyrighted
(IU NOTE: Indicates comments inserted by Indiscreetly Us, editor)

"Like Webster's dictionary, we're Morocco bound" - so said Bing Crosby and Bob Hope - as so were we.

We took off from London Gatwick (IU NOTE: I love the sound of this airport and have utilized their services with Gaz...Gaz at Gatwick...sounds like a poem) and, after a straightforward flight we arrived at Marrakesh.

But, the problem was - so did 3 other flights - who schedules these flights to land one after the other (IU NOTE: Morocco?)?

Mo and I were sitting at the rear of the plane (IU NOTE: Gaz and I always prefer that section, it's great for observing the hi jinks of other passengers. Who wants first class? All the fun happens in the REAR of the plane) - so we were the last to get off.

It took us over 1.5 hours (IU NOTE: What sort of system allows jet-setters to WAIT?) - yes 90minutes just to clear passport control!!!!!

But, the hotel pool made up for it at Riu Palmerie (IU NOTE: Agreed. Now, THIS is what we call jet-set-savvy ).


But, if you are looking for good food (IU NOTE: Yes, we always are) you may want to give this a miss (IU NOTE: Thumbs down!)- it was very bland and the specialist Italian restaurant was a joke (IU NOTE: We NEVER joke about food)- lamb in a rosemary sauce was lamb in a brown sauce (which tasted very much like a Moroccan meal we had a day prior!!

But, we were in Marrakesh - have you been (IU NOTE: Nope. And, don't taunt us, Bri) -the old town (the Medina) is worth a trip.

The snow-topped Atlas Mountains (IU NOTE: We feel this is just another taunt, Bri, but carry on)were only an hours's drive away - from our hotel we could see them clearly - what a sight!!

These are the old wall of Marrakesh with the snow topped Atlas mountains calling you (IU NOTE: Well, we couldn't hear them all the way from South Florida, so we have to take your word for it) towards them.

We went shopping in the main souk or bazaar. But take care as you are hassled all the time by vendors of all ages and genders wanting to sell you something .

In the souks you must haggle(IU NOTE: I try to haggle at the grocery store. I'm cheap like that.) - it is part of the "game" of shopping (IU NOTE: Bri, I have a black-belt in this, and let me say shopping is no GAME where I am concerned).

We - well actually Mo - bought a 150 year old carpet from the Atlas Mountains - a real bargain at £200 (IU NOTE: Well, I love a bargain, so bravo, Mo. But, for that price we hope it is a magic carpet).


The souks are usually crowded with people!!

##

Yes, Brian and Mo bring us their world travels and Indiscreetly Us brings you snide comments.

Who could ask for more?

Well, you gonna get more...from Brian and Mo...so, stay with us, Kids!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual!
Follow me on Twitter, PalmBBarkerHowl (I MAY follow you)
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!

SLEEPING WITH ORANGES

Salud, Kids!
So, yesterday, a little sleep-deprived, I made Britt a dreamsicle cake (SCRATCH) for her birthday (the other B helped).



Dreamsicle sounds so, dreamy, but is really an orange cake. It was topped with a decadent buttercream orange frosting that was exquisite.

All this delectable orange-sugary-delight dreaminess, immediately make me long for a tiny snooze sleep under groovy orange light bulbs.

Seriously, I JUST (I am WAY behind this orange-curve as the science world yapped about it back in 2011) now discovered that white light bulbs are B-A-D for sweet dream inducing slumber and the glow of an orange one causes you to drift sweetly into dreamland.

It is all about Melatonin and stuff. The orange glow is good for you.


Come ON...let's get brainy (we can TRY) today and cast our eyes upon a colorful tidbit from Science Daily...

##
ScienceDaily (Sep. 12, 2011) — Exposure to the light of white LED bulbs, it turns out, suppresses melatonin 5 times more than exposure to the light of high pressure sodium bulbs that give off an orange-yellow light. "Just as there are regulations and standards for 'classic' pollutants, there should also be regulations and rules for the pollution stemming from artificial light at night," says Prof. Abraham Haim of the University of Haifa.

##

Kids, the thought of replacing a zillion light bulbs is exhausting, so I was wondering if tossing in a gaggle of the real deals (oranges) would cause the same effect. We do dwell in the land of oranges, so how hard could it be to just go find a grove and grab a load of 'em?


Probably not!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!

QUINN CUMMINGS, COLLAPSED AND A FROCK

Salud, Kids!



Hey, I never promised you would learn anything USEFUL on this blog.

Ridiculous? Fun? Well, that depends on your sense of humor (I know you have one or you would NOT be here), so I can not answer that searing question. Fun is as fun does, I always say.

It's Tuesday today, but it feels like Monday because yesterday was a holiday, so I'm totally off-course (like that cruise ship, but that's another blog).

So, hello, Tuesday and goodbye, Monday (yes, I am reaching, but I need a segueway).

Speaking of farewells, remember the, Goodbye Girl?

Marsha M., as a single-mom and Richard D., as a goofball actor. Loved that movie, but especially the kid.

Remember the kid who didn't like to be called kid? Lucy was her character, but her parental-unit-given-name is, Quinn Cummings.

I realize it is unfair to her (she's all growed up now with a kid of her own) to toss this bit of ancient history out there, but read on and you'll understand. Maybe. Don't count on it though.



As a blogger (I am one if I say so), I find myself trolling for other, more interesting (keep your comments to yourself on that statement) rants and raves and I find them, sometimes. Rarely.

Occasionally, I uncover something particularly worthy, informative, witty or dark-humored.

Enter, Quinn Cummings, and her blog, QC Report.

It's worthy because she seems smart and sassy (she probably would NOT like that term) and she recently wrote a blog that really spoke to me on several levels.

Yeah, it was all about reading a real book, the kind with binding and ink pressed upon actual paper (which is mostly water with a little wood pulp tossed in) that comes from a library (large building housing, um, BOOKS).

Seems her selection was something or other on the sexual history of London. Well, I ADORE that magical city, so she had me at the title (come ON, it WAS only the allure of the city!).

Quinn takes her readers on a humorous adventure as she plots and executes ways to READ the book without exposing her young and curious off-spring, and quite uninteresting-sounding other mothers, to the contents of the tome.

Sexual history in a foggy town? Heavy and compelling subject matter.

So what?

You want heavy and compelling?

Fine. I am here to serve.

That photo of a book resting at the top of this blog? It's the latest book given to me and I stare at it, resting on a table, and keep walking.

Compelling, huh?

The title pretty much sums up how I feel about actually reading that book. Nah, I don't...Give A Frock...about reading it. But, I do like the tone of the title, so I will leave it on the table as inspiration.

Like I Give a Frock, is by some Australian kid who, apparently, also does blogging and has oodles of fans and what-have-yous. It is a small volume (so, forget it being heavy), like Nancy Drew with snap, I suppose.

Honestly, I did thumb through it and read a few reviews and they were similar to what a reviewer could quip about this blog. Some people really DO NOT give a FROCK about the feelings of creative types like the Aussie and myself.

Now, as for Quinn...she would most likely enjoy a rowdy literary conversation with Gaz (if you don't know about him, just move on), or B (see prior parenthesis).

Their current titles, respectively; Biocentrism, and Collapsed. And, simply gazing upon the covers causes me to cringe and I flee the room.

Basically, I do NOT give a frock about them, and as you can clearly see, our Cavi-Girl doesn't give a FLYING (or maybe SLEEPING) FROCK about any book that doesn't taste like chicken (yes, there are flavored books for dogs).

Call me frivolous (I've been called that and worse), but when I want to escape reality via reading material I want to catch a flight to fluff-land. Isn't there enough pain and suffering (I didn't say one word about those KarDASH-DOT-SEMICOLONS) in the world? Do I have to read books about it? Nope, but those around me just have to be intellectual.

Oh, it pains me to say this, the readers of these nerdy-looking books are SMART-ASS-SMART, and would not dream of reading anything trivial. But, they are also fun and sassy, so I tolerate their brains, and boring-ass-looking books.

Collapsed and Biocentrism rumblings aside...that historical read Quinn blogged about could find me dusting off my library card. Yes, I DO have one.

I am fairly certain Gaz would drop Biocentrism like a hot (insert some scientific term, I can't do everything) and read that aloud to me while I sip a cocktail.

B?

Nah. He'd nicely suggest I try to enlighten myself by grabbing the audio version of his book and then return to the deeply-serious pages of a deeply-serious topic. Either that, or recommend I return to the glory-days of reading Carolyn Keene.

Okay then...cocktails and Biocentrism...sounds...magical!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!

GOLDEN GLOBES, JE T'AIME MIDNIGHT PARIS

Bonjour!!



It's MOI...blathering on about absolutely nothing significant, but if we must...I wonder if you are going to be catching the Golden Globes on Sunday.

They are shaping up to be boring, but I thought I would yap about it only because it gives me a chance to post this snap of me in Paris.

Oh, je t'aime that city. Do they hate us? Probably, but that's their problem. Paris is divine.

But, about the GG's.

Mon Dieu...the ONLY movie in the running that is even remotely interesting to me is, Midnight in Paris. Oh, Woody...your little film is also divine and I have never loved the nasal chirpings of Owen Wilson more.



Au revoir!!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks.

SURI IS BLUE, BUT IVY SHOULD BE GREEN

Salud, Kids!

Joy and rapture.

Bouncin' Blue Ivy Carter has made the scene in New York City and people are losing their minds.

I know this because Ivy is GREEN.

Wait, if you are richly-rich I suppose it can be any color in the rainbow. You just pay someone to change it for ya.


Some are lovin' Beyonce (I'm not putting in the dumb accent mark)and JZ and their shenanigans.

Some are, well, not.

Heck, a new baby (faked pregger pillow? who's to say?)IS always a joyous thing to behold. So, let us simply say that we hope this infant brings them peace on earth.

However, like the month January and the Kardash-dots-semicolons, I'm already BORED BLUE with this news/mess (was she or wasn't she preg, did she have some Brazilian surrogate). Yawn and snooze-fest.

Please let them cocoon for a few months and coo and cuddle BIC (I still say it should be GIC-Green Ivy Carter).

Besides, the cradle runneth-OVAH with celeb-tots, so they should TRY to keep it real.


My favorite celeb-spawn?

Suri Cruise.

Not only because she is defiant and publicly lets her feelings be known (that's not HER in the snap), or refuses to wear a coat in the frigid NYC winters until she probably turns a perfect designer shade of blue.

Not only because she wears better shoes and threads than the Queen of England (have you ever really looked at the shoes wrapped around those royal soles?).

No, I prefer Suri because she is always eating cupcakes, ice cream or penis shaped gummy-whatevers (don't give me the squint-eye on that last one. Katie bought 'em for her, not me-Google/Bing it).

I admire that her parental units let her do whatever she wants, 24/7. It's easier that way, let me tell you. I mean why fight it? You know celeb-snots are gonna grow up and do whatever they please, so why not kick it off at birth?

This reminds me that I need to share this gem to a certain someone a time zone and climate range away.

Yeah, she's got a new babeh and needs tips (doesn't every new Mother just CRAVE loads of unasked for advice? Certainly.) to get him off on the right foot in life. He is gonna need every advantage to compete with the spawn of the famous.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUPER SPOILED CELEB-WORTHY-CHILD

*No specific bedtime (should set their own schedule to fit their mood)
*Loads of sugar (any form), day and night
*No fruit or vegetables, if they don't want them
*No books allowed in house
*No educational games, ever
*Unlimited clothing budget (even if parents have to sink deeply into debt)
*Allowed to select their attire (even if inappropriate for weather or occasion)
*No form of manners to be taught or used
*Uncontrolled running/screaming in any and every public location (especially restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, malls...endless)is required
*Public and private temper tantrums (prolonged preferred) should be encouraged
*Hitting, slapping, scratching, shouting (this should include parents, other adults and children)
*They should never respect rules or authority figures

Yeah, I think this is an excellent way to get her little guy off to a perfect start in life.

Naturally, I plan to offer tons more unsolicited advice. A lot of it.

Wait, I wasn't raised according to the rules on that list, so guess I will have to utilize those dumb manners my parents INSISTED on hammering into my thick head and NOT offer her my tips.

Dragola and HOW will she manage without them? Better yet, how will her offspring navigate a world filled with entitled little celeb-brats?

Drama, drama, drama.

And, if you haven't seen the blog, Suri's Burn Book, you should-but only if you REALLY appreciate satire.

Oh, that Suri.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks.

SPLASHING BOREDOM, BLOCKED HEAD

Salud, Kids!

I am already bored with the usual assortment of January chatter. Taxes, exercise, resolutions, blah, blah, blah. BORING!!

And, can you believe it?

We have already arrived at January 11, and you know what that means, right?

Don't disappoint me and say you have NO FREAKING IDEA.

Remember?

January 11 — National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day.
The folks in the photo know HOW TO DO IT!! That is what I call splashing. Friend? Probably not, but I love their style.
They gonna need a Hot Toddy or two, after THAT splash. And, yes...they DROVE through a puddle, but let's don't split water particles over it!

January 11 - National Hot Toddy Day-WELL, THIS SHOULD BE EVERY SINGLE DAY!

See how I'm keeping this month jumpin'?

Do I have to do everything 'round this blog?

Oh, yes. I guess I do.

No matter, 1-11-12 has dawned and wouldn't you know it, the temps have zoomed back into the 80's here in South Florida. Not exactly hot drink weather.

Oh, who cares...move out of my way...it's TODDY and PUDDLE TIME. Now, if I only had a friend and a puddle it would be the perfection.

Hm, I wonder if it would count if I tossed a glass of water on a stranger?

But, wait. Seems I DON'T have to EVERYTHING.

British Bri and Mo have drifted back to Bath (where they live, not the tub) and promise to regale us (he didn't really use that expression) with tales of Morocco.

However, he DID send his thoughts on all things Hot Toddy, including how the libation is excellent for a blocked head/nose. Sounds better than Advil Cold and Sinus.

Kids, if Bri can get into Hot Toddy Day...WHY CAN'T EVERYONE?

So, read on...

From British Brian Wilson
All Rights Reserved and Copyrighted.

Hoping that everyone over there (IU Says: he means us Yanks) has had a superb National Bittersweet Chocolate Day (70 to 80% cocoa rules OK?).

(IU Says: Bri, every day is celebrate chocolate day 'round these beaches.)

We also want to wish you and everyone over there (IU Says: Yanks, again) an excellent "Step in a Puddle .......... Day" - not forgetting National hot toddy day."

I never knew that the US had so many special days (IU Says: neither did we) - are they all holidays (we have no idea, Bri)?

But, Pam - hot toddy?

Years ago in my home area (the north of England) this was a preparation of a hot toddy mixing whisky, boiling water, and sugar or honey (IU Says: sounds good to us, Bri).

We sometimes added cloves and even cinnamon (supposed to clear a blocked head/nose).
Why ruin a superb drink (Scotch) with anything but water? I do not add anything to my whisky - and certainly not, if it is my usual 12 or 18 year old single malt whisky (IU Says: Wow, everything we drink was made last week, Bri).

We are holding onto our supply for your visit (IU Says: see why we adore Bri and Mo?) - but it gets harder and harder not to delve into our little "stash" (IU Says: we understand, completely, Bri).

I understand that in the US Bourbon is mixed with Ginger ale - is this true (IU Says: huh?)?

Love to all - Brian (sorry Bri) and Mo.

##

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches

OLYMPIC GHOSTS FLOAT TO BAHAMAS

Salud, Kids!!

Even Florida residents need a winter break. This first photo comes up later, so remember it.

Ignoring your squint-eye at that statement, we'll just move on and yap about a little trek the Four-B's made to the Bahamas a few days ago aboard one of the Celebrity ships.

Yeah, we did the famous Straw Market and half of our little troupe beach-bummed, but that's NOT what we seriously need to focus our bleary eyes on at the moment.

Take a look at the RMS Olympic, sister ship (it didn't sink) to the Titanic, and think of ghosts from Restaurants-Past.
Can't you just picture the elegant and richly-rich wining, dining and dancing...surrounded by heavy wooden walls and glorious beveled windows and mirrors? Close your eyes and you can probably hear the music playing and the glasses tinkling...everyone dressed in fine linen, lace and silk (even some of the women).

If your imagination is still on weekend-mode, picture the banquet room on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World. There you go, now you're getting it.

Now, take a gander at Celebrity, Millennium. Close your eyes and try to imagine the same thing. Forget that most people live in shorts and flip-flops while making the journey to the Bahamas.

Ghosts from a ship that has sailed on to the shipyard in the heavens, twirled all around us as we dined amid flaming food and attentive, well, attendants.

Kids, the fabulous, Olympic, lives on in small ways aboard the Millennium. I wouldn't kid ya. Well, I would, but I'm not this time.

When you step your designer-clad-self(go with me here)into the Olympic restaurant on Millennium, it is first class for many reasons. So, you pay extra-it's worth it!

You are surrounded byfabulous service, stellar food
and glorious paneling, glass and mirrors from the one and only, RMS Olympic.You got it!! Celebrity rescued lovely pieces of that lovely ship and they now sail on.

Yes, we were CERTAIN we saw ghosts from the Olympic staring at us, so we lifted a glass to them and sailed on.

Not to disappoint you zany IU readers, I tossed in the usual Bahamas kinda thing for your viewing (or tomato tossing) pleasure...complete with proper foot attire!



Thank you, Celebrity, for keeping a bit of the past in the present!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.

TONED TIMBERLAKE AND HISTORICAL HOTTIE

Salud, Kids!

Work with me here. Let's find ways to take the BLAH out of January.

How?

Did you not read the post yesterday?

I handed you a photo, probably, of January Jones (what kind of name is that?).

Today I offer you a couple of slick guys, both born in January.

The toned and fab-abs of JT...have no idea how old this snap is.

He claims to have brought sexy back, but the jury is still out that one.

While we ponder if JT has the chops to conjure up a sexy image, let's cast our gaze upon this historical musical hottie.



Frisky Franz (Schubert, if you don't recognize this visiion) isn't flashing his toned tummy, he still looks hot in that get-up. Veru hot.

Seriously, with that mess of fabric cinched up around his neck he HAD to be hot.

We do know that the original Mr. Schu (if you have never watched, Glee, you won't get that reference and I salute you), most-def had the musical chops, even if he failed to bring the sexy.

Let's keep January Jumpin'!!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!

JANUARY JONES AND A HOT TODDY

Salud, Kids!

Cold weather has zipped into South Florida.

COLD.

It's dipping into the 30's for a few minutes and the weather folks are having all kinds of fun.

Gonna be 80 in a few days, so, PLEASE. Grab a hot-toddy and that paper party hat you donned for the New Year welcome and warm your niblets.



##

January.

What does that word conjure up?

It has the potential to be a blah and boring month. But, wait.

That photo at the top is meant to conjure up that actress and spice things up for ya. Heck, I'm not sure if that IS her (pretty sure), but it's a great snap anyway, right?

So, the word, January. Let's see.

January Jones (I only liked her for that second she appeared in, Love Actually).

January-a REALLY long month.

January-Britt's (if you don't know her, just skip it) birthday month.

January-1962 - Pope John XXIII excommunicates Fidel Castro.

What? A little bit of history will kill ya?

January- MLK Day.

And, if that's not getting your mo-jo revvin', gaze upon these January highlights.

January 11---MY FAVORITE, and I plan to honor it appropriately.


January 4 — National Spaghetti Day-LOVE THIS ONE
January 4 - National Trivia Day
January 5 — Bird Day
January 5 — National Bean Day
January 5 — National Whipped Cream Day-OH, YES!
January 5 - Organize Your Home Day
January 6 — International Respect for Living Day
January 6 — National Shortbread Day
January 6 - National Smith Day
January 6 - Apple Tree Day
January 6 - National Bean Day
January 7 - I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore Day
January 7 - National Tempura Day
January 8 - Midwife's Day or Women's Day
January 8 — National Bubble Bath Day
January 8 — National English Toffee Day
January 8 — Postal Day
January 8 - Show and Tell Day at Work
January 9 — National Apricot Day
January 9 — National Static Electricity Day-GET A LITTLE SHOCK!
January 9 - RV Workers and Workampers Day
January 10 — Volunteer Fireman's Day
January 10 - Weigh-In Day-ABSURD!
January 10 - National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
January 11 — National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day
January 11 - National Hot Toddy Day-WELL, THIS SHOULD BE EVERY SINGLE DAY!
January 12 - National Clean Off Your Desk Day
January 12 — National Marzipan Day
January 12 - Thank God It's Monday Day
January 13 — Blame Someone Else Day

See, here is proof that January is a very thrilling month. And, I have only taken you through less than half of it.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!

MO IS IN MOROCCO

Salud, Kids!

The holidays are sort of over. I mean here we sit at January 2, already. Where has the year gone?

Seriously, the holidays were sublime in South Florida, but now I sit here watching my dog snore and ponder all things 2012.

Well, not that deeply...you know, Mayans and all.

Nah, I detest reflecting on the old year. I mean, what's done is done, right? Let it go already.

Emerson said it perfectly..."You've done all you can do with the day (substitute year)...move on (I'm paraphrasing, naturally).

##



Letting no grass under their British Soles...Brian and Mo.

You know them.

They reside in Bath, UK (and frequently contribute to IU), and tried to teach us stuff (a scone is a scone by any name) on the Queen Victoria a few months back. They tolerate my zany Anglo-Philean (is that a word?) obsession and are quite gracious.

However, I am digressing here (what else is new?).

Mo and Bri (I just HAD to abbreviate Brian, it just goes SO well with Mo, don't ya think?) are world-tripping to Morocco. You heard me.

Go on, be jealous. I am.

Morocco (see above snap to be really, really jealous).

Sounds so exotic.

IS exotic.

Here in South Florida?

Well, we went to Starbucks today with the top down on the car.

Exotic!

Go on. Be jealous.

Happy New Year, kids!

Jump in. Even if you can't go to Morocco or Starbucks with the top down.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, Barnes & Noble, eBooks!