OH PUHLEEZE...............!!!!

I think we can all agree by now that I am no Little-Miss-Sunshine. Not unless she's become enraged at the sudden cloud burst that left her dripping wet with drops snaking down her neck, her new suede shoes tragically permanently ruined, and her french baguette sopping wet.

And we all know that I do not wear rose-coloured glasses. Nope, mine are Skeptical Grey with a twinge of Cynic Onyx.

So it was with multiple eye-rolls that I read the news that Brooke Shields* - - - rich, famous, beautiful - - - was sharing the glad tidings that she could still fit into the Calvin Klein's that she wore 30 yrs. at the age 15 in a highly successful tv and billboard campaign.

Uh huh. Just what I want to hear as I shop for Comfort Waist jeans at my local boutique.

Thanks for sharing Brooke. Now I have something to share with you: a non-refundable pass to a 24 hr. 'seminar' with Tom Cruise lauding the benefits of Scientology.

You can even wear your 30 yr. old Calvin Klein's to the class.
Enjoy

*http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/a-line/still-nothing-between-brooke-shields-and-her-calvins/626?nc

Cinema Cathy

I finally saw The Men Who Stare at Goats. You can check out their official web site here.

I enjoy 'quirky' stories and I like when it is difficult to predict the end of a movie and both these criteria were met in this interesting and humorous movie.

Bob Wilton, a journalist searching for a good story, happens to meet Lyn Cassady, a guy who claims to be a former member of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army, a unit that employs paranormal powers in their missions. They travel together on a 'mission' that Cassady claims to be on and Bob gets a chance to learn some of the New Earth Army's 'techniques.'

George Clooney played the lovable (is there any other kind of George Clooney?) albeit goofy army psychic; Ewan McGregor played the journalist searching for a story which literally led him to a 'Jedi Warrior' (gotta' love the irony --Ewan McGregor played a Jedi Master in the Star Wars saga); Jeff Bridges plays the new age hippie like one would expect (with reckless abandon which he fully embraces) and Kevin Spacey plays the sardonic cruel meanie which he does so well.

.

A fun interesting movie.

Now if you don't mind, I'm off to do a bit of cloud bursting; lots to practise with here on the West Coast.

Seriously ... Haven't We All Had Days Like This?

From the Associated Press:

OSLO - A Norwegian radio journalist quit on the air after complaining about her job and saying she wouldn't read the day's news because "nothing important has happened" anyway.
Pia Beathe Pedersen accused her employers at the regional radio station of public broadcaster NRK of putting too much pressure on the staff.
Pedersen said in the live Saturday broadcast that she was "quitting and walking away" because she "wanted to be able to eat properly again and be able to breathe."
She ended her nearly two-minute announcement by saying there wouldn't be any news on Saturday. The disgruntled reporter had worked at NRK for 18 months. Her station covers Oslo and the Ahershus region.
NRK spokesman Oeyvind Werner Oefsti says Pedersen's actions were a surprise.

And then there was the now infamous airline steward, Steven Slater, who exited his job via emergency chute, beer in hand, after cursing a difficult customer over the intercom and announcing he was done.

Or this young woman who chose to quit her job, say farewell to her co-workers and stick-it-to-her boss with a series of creative expressive 'messages': http://thechive.com/2010/08/10/girl-quits-her-job-on-dry-erase-board-emails-entire-office-33-photos/

Gotta' admire her creativity although I'm pretty sure she can forget about any forthcoming letters of recommendation

C'mon admit it ......... we've all had moments when we'd like to throw caution to the wind, and in a Networkesque Moment declare "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna' take it any more" and then exit in dramatic fashion leaving customers, bosses, etc behind in shock mode.

That being said I wouldn't want my dentist, surgeon, hairstylist or manicurist to make that decision while I was under their care.

Perhaps it is frustration that guides these dare-devil souls; perhaps it is the promise of future freedom from the hassles of their work place.

Or perhaps it is because they have just won the lottery.

.

Music to My Ears

So I hear a song I really like and ask my media specialist resource team (Toban and Katherine) who the artist is so I can get a copy of this great new song.

Since I don't know who the singer is I give them the title: I'm a Singlet. Singing them a few bars isn't an option since I can't even make make 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' recognizable. (Yes really.)

They look puzzled and I try to retrieve from my middle-aged brain any other lyrics I can recall. Nope. All that comes to mind is the repeated refrain 'I'm a singlet.' Since we all watch Glee I tell them that it was performed on an earlier episode. I think. They look even more puzzled. And maybe a bit exasperated. However Katherine is determined to solve this musical mystery and finally has the answer: All the Single Ladies by Beyonce.

Mmhmmm. That's right. No where, no place anywhere in the song is the phrase, 'I'm a Singlet.' Nada. Nope. Zilch. It's actually 'All the Single Ladies.'

Katherine deserves a Sherlock Holmes Badge for being able to decipher this

puzzle.

Take a listen yourself and let me know what YOU hear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY

A SLICE

I feel like a divorced Dad: Today after taking Corey to the dentist, we went for pizza.* Afterwards we went to the bowling alley and bowled a few games. And finally we went for ice-cream.

One day: four activities.

*Me-n-Ed's . VERY thin crispy crust. Not greasy. Thumbs up.

** The dentist, bowling alley, and ice-cream parlour were all within a two-block radius. My kind of day: one stop parking --- everything within walking distance. We even inadvertently passed the specialized cake shop, 'Luscious Creations' that I have been dying to check out after seeing its ads in the local papers.

'B' or 'P'?: You Be the Judge*

To demonstrate the degree with which hockey-talk thrives in my household and the passion with which it is discussed let me inform you of the current debate (argument) underway in my household. It isn't enough to simply watch the playoffs; we need to be thorough in our analysis. Hence the following discussion: Who has the simplest logo: the Boston Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers. And the pertinent criteria to judge this crucial issue is the following: Could a third grade draw the logo?

I'm going with Bruins logo. A large

'B' with lines around it. Even I, who cannot draw a straight line with a ruler, can manage this logo.

Corey insists the Flyers is the easiest. He insists an eight yr.old could draw the wing-adorned hockey puck 'P.' I didn't even realize there was a 'P' in the logo.

You just looked for yourself didn't you?

Tell us what you think.

*Archived from the Boston/Philadelphia series. Current debate is focused on: Who would a taxi driver be most likely to pick up: Joe Thorton or Patrick Kane? And where would the cab driver be most likely to drop him off???

Pass me my cane..........

Someone at work mentioned they had just bought tickets for Tool and I assumed it had something to do with Bob the Builder. Apparently not. Not unless Bob is into hard rock alternative music.

Colour me lame. *sigh*

Who is reading Archie????

Archie comics came out with the startling news last year that Archie was proposing to Veronica. Veronica! I was disappointed enough to blog about it: http://andyouthoughtyourlifewasboring.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-not-cool.html and added an addendum when it was revealed months later that it was all a dream http://andyouthoughtyourlifewasboring.blogspot.com/2009/10/archie-perfers-blondes.html.

Now they are updating the status quo at Riverdale High by introducing an openly gay student in their September 1 issue: http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/93608?fp=1

While I applaud the attempt to bring Archie Comics out of the museum they have been drinking their milkshakes in when was the last time you saw a kid, or anyone for that matter, reading a current issue of Archie? Does anyone under the age of 40 even know who Archie Andrews is let alone his 'gang' of school mates? I am really curious about this............

We Are Family . . .

13 mini-marshmallows equal 1 regular marshmallow.

Some families play chess or practice the piano or build intricate models together but not my family. Nope. Not us. We spend our precious time together otherwise engaged:
Here then is an excerpt from the Berdusco family life:

Cathy reading a recipe* which calls for 10 regular marshmallows. She only has a half bag of mini-marshmallows. She wonders aloud how many mini-marshmallows make up one regular marshmallow. Everyone weighs in with their guess. Cathy is unsure and googles the information. Corey is closest with his guess of 12 marshmallows. Cathy now wonders if she actually has enough marshmallows (10x13=130) to complete the recipe. She asks everyone how many marshmallows they think remain in the bag. A record keeper is appointed and guesses are recorded:

COREY : 150 (after he ate 6)
RACHEL: 315
KATHERINE: 200
TOBAN: 300 (before he stepped on three)
CATHY: 210

The marshmallows are carefully counted out. The total is exactly 400. Rachel wins!
The recipe is completed and another family activity comes to a conclusion.
~~~

*CHEWY PEANUT BARS -- NO BAKE

A VERY easy recipe. Somewhat reminiscent of an Eat-More bar only much much better. Always a huge hit.

3/4 cup creamed honey (I've also used liquid honey with great results)
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
10 regular marshmallows (or 130 mini-marshmallows!*)
3 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup finely chopped salted peanuts.

Grease 9 X 13" pan.

Combine honey and peanut butter in saucepan. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until just boiling. Remove from heat. (I just put them into a large bowl and melt in the microwave).

Add chips and marshmallows. Stir until melted.
Add cereal and peanuts. Grease your hands slightly. Pack, pat, spread - whatever - the mixture into greased pan, pressing firmly and evenly. Chill. Cut into bars. Enjoy.

*8 Regular Marshmallows = 1 cup
16 oz bag Miniature = 8 cups
10.5 oz bag Miniature = 5-1/2 cups
50 Miniature Marshmallows = 1/2 cup Miniature Marshmallows
5 Regular Marshmallows = 1/2 cup
64 Regular Marshmallows = 16 oz bag

If you love marshmallows, or kids, or studying human behaviour then you have to watch this: click here

....Another Saturday Night

A half-dozen 15yr.old boys in the basement watching 'the game' and making their Play-Off Pool Selections.

Two grown male adults in the family room watching the same game talking about their up-coming Play-Off Pool selections.

And one female adult filling chip bowls, ice-cube trays, and planning a chick-flick marathon . . .

. . .with pink drinks.

No Boys Allowed.

Drinking Can Cost You................

Irish based airliner Ryan-air has announced its plans to start charging passengers for using the bathroom on board. No we are not taking about putting the deep six on the Mile High Club but simply charging people for relieving their bladder. They plan to install slots on the outside of the lavatory doors that will accept coins or credit cards. Also planned is a reduction in the number of loos per plane to allow for more seats.

Boggles the mind doesn't it?

Apparently according to the executives it will ensure that fares stay reasonable. Uh-huh. Rrrrigghhttt.

The choice to fly at an admittedly lower rate but with increased chance of an urinary tract infection. Customer service anyone?

What's next? Charging for vomit bags, life jackets, and pillows?

I only hope they don't decrease leg room making it difficult for passengers to cross their legs when needed............

...and you certainly do NOT want to be consuming any prunes, chili, or cherries preflight.

*

Simple Pleasures

Today I picked a huge bouquet of daffodils from my front garden. They are now in a vase smiling on the kitchen table.

Is there ever a happier flower than than the sun-yellow daffodil?

RANDOM OBSERVATION:

Why do people always complain about how much media attention Kate Gosselin attracts and then spend the next 20 mins. discussing it in minute detail?????????

Charmed...............

From my Hey Girlfriend desk calendar (thanks Cynthia):

"Charm is the ability to make someone else think that both of you are pretty wonderful."
-Kathleen Winson

Continuing Cathy's Cine Choices.....

Recommendation: THE INFORMANT
Click here for information from the official movie site.

Based on the true story of Mark Whitacre, a highly paid executive who worked with the FBI to gather information on international price fixing regarding specific chemicals used primarily in food processing. A surprising twist occurs which makes the story even more interesting and more than a little bizarre. Matt Damon stars which is reason enough to watch this film.

CATHY'S CINE CHOICES

My favorite type of movie is not a chick flick nor would it be found in any of the following categories: sci-fi, mystery, action/adventure, special effects spectacular, or intense drama. I prefer something with inherent idiosyncratics .......... in other words something quirky.

I was then pleased with the delightful film 'The Invention of Lying.'

http://the-invention-of-lying.warnerbros.com/

It is funky, off-the-wall and thoughtful, and one of those movies that can make you laugh but also can bring tears to your eyes.

O' Canada..............

880 pairs of these puppies for sale on e-bay.

A Dirty Observation..........

Just in case you think my current interest in songs about Canada has someone changed me let me assure you that Cathy the Cynic is alive and well. Case in point: Would truly patriotic Canadians litter their streets of the very country they so loudly professed to love?

Monday morning showed those very streets where the day before Canadians clad in their red maple-leafed apparel proclaimed their love to their country, now strewn and blanketed with garbage.

Patriotism is more than just waving red mittens and jumping wildly when a camera rolls over you. It is invested commitment to your country that involves giving back to your community in whatever way you are best able to carry out. It is turning out to vote at all three levels of government. It is respecting and honouring our veterans regardless of your views of war. It is respecting your environment and striving to keep the water and land clean.

Patriotism isn't solely about the decibel level we can cheer at but more about the commitment we can show on an every day basis.

Perhaps this new-founded enthusiasm can be an impetus for a deeper, thoughtful, and more dedicated form of patriotism.

Yet Another National Anthem

Dwight's charming little song isn't the only song about Canada that I want to share. I loved the following song from the moment I heard it some 43 years ago. (You do the math.) Fragments have long been rolling around in my head (there's a lot of room in there) but I finally did a bit of research and dug up the original lyrics and a sound byte.

When you click on the following be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the 'ON AIR' icon. Those of you who are in my age demographic will most likely remember this: song_Cathy_loves

(click on the link).

WARNING: It is one of those songs it is hard to get out of your head. I have been singing it daily for about a week now ---- and not just in the shower. It had nothing to do with my boss sending me home early from work.......

Geography Lesson/New National Canadian Anthem?

This is just too good to miss - click on the link and ENJOY:

http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/clips/dwights-tribute-to-canada/1203838/?__cid=thefilter

WITH GLOWING HEARTS AND RED MITTENS

The 2010 Olympic Canadian Athletes may not own the podium but they own our hearts.
- - - Cathy Emily Berdusco

Blades of Steel

Conflicts, conflicts! Do I watch the Team Canada's men's hockey team or men's figure skating tonight???? Lots of diva-like behaviour is already emerging from the men's figure skating ..... Evgeny Plushenko, Johnny Weir, and Patrick Chan all deserve medals for drama queen behaviour with bonus marks for whining, bragging, and inflated egos.

What to do? What to view?
Sheer athleticism and artistic showmanship combined with gooey soap opera drama OR the intensity and passion that is always hockey in Canada?


I am going to go with figure skating. It never fails to entertain, the only brawls are hissy fits, the costumes are always interesting, and the unmitigated power, talent, and athleticism by its competitors is pure beauty to watch.

Plus I will have the remote in my hot little hand.

Thank goodness for more than one TV in the house.

SEEING RED

Strolling around Vancouver last Saturday I have to say I literally felt like a prop from Sesame Street's 'One of these Things Doesn't Belong.' It seemed that practically everyone was wearing red and/or an article of CANADA emblazoned clothing or a piece of official Olympic gear. Those cheery red mitts were on hand (hee hee --- feel free to laugh) as were those stylish red, black, and white toques and plaid scarves. I felt like the uninvited schlep who arrives to the party with no appetizer, no bottle of wine, and wearing their gardening clothes when everyone is clad in formal wear. The sea of Canada Red (this really should be an official colour --- Crayola take note) projected an instant camaraderie and goodwill amongst the many pedestrians soaking in the Olympic excitement.

I was therefore unpredictably excited when someone from the Royal Canadian Mint passed out free Olympic pins to all of us standing in the 2 hour plus line-up to see and hold the medals. I immediately proudly pinned my on (well only after consenting to a trade where I gave up my pin with the snowboarder for one with a curler) and felt a little less like an outsider.

GO CANADA GO!!!

Victoria's Secret?

From the Hey Girlfriend! 2010 Daily Calendar of Thoughts and Inspirations (thanks Cynthia!) FEB. 5:

If love is blind,
why is lingerie so popular?
~anonymous

COMPLAINING WITH CATHY

What Was That Bump?????

In a world that can transport us half-way around the world in a matter of hours, that can blast man into space, and safely land jets in fog and snow, is there NO ONE that create lanes lines on the road that can easily be seen at night in the rain??????

I Did Not Know That ...............

Guess what Australia's leading dictionary named 'word of the year' in 2007?
Not 2009 or 2008 but 2007???
Drum roll . . . . . POD SLURPING.

It has nothing to do with 7 Eleven convenience stores* and their icy cold slurpees and alien life forms.
From my 2010 WORD ORGIN Calendar for January 26 (thanks Rachel and Kyle):-

pod slurping: Downloading huge quantities of recorded material to listen to on a portable music device is a pastime of many a young person
The Australians, who are good at coming up with slang, gave the name "pod slurping" to the phenomenon.

Three years later and this is the first time I am hearing this term. Is it an age thing? An Australia thing? Had you heard the term before? If I ventured into a local middle school would it be present in the kids' conversations?
Or would they be too busy pod slurping to even converse with one another?


*Another little fact made known to me recently (thanks Corey and his marketing class):- 7 Eleven is the largest chain store in the world surpassing even McDonald's and Starbucks.

See, this blog attempts to entertain and inform.

With This Video I Now Pronounce You...........

I love weddings. The bride's dress, the bridesmaids' dresses, the flowers, the speeches, the bar, the cake........you get the idea.
Whenever I am in need of a little cheer, I watch these videos and instantly am grinning ear to ear. You need to watch to the very end. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTqLyCTESjg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbr2ao86ww0

WARNING: The following may offend some readers........

I want it to snow.

I want it become very cold: so cold that the air itself feels different - - - crisper, fresher, sharper. The kind of cold that slices through; your extremities feeling like lit birthday cake candles. Invigorating, exhilarating - - - the senses stimulated and enlivened.

And then, I want it to snow. Dry huge flakes descending from above. Feathering and then blanketing the earth like icing sugar on a freshly baked cake. Not just a dusting though but rather a luxurious canopy covering trees, shrubs, rooftops and lawns.


I want it to snow.

Random Idle Mindless Thought for the Day.........

Knuckles can sometimes resemble knees.

Is Ring Around the Rosie Still Legal?

Last night I dreamed four friends and myself were playing with hula hoops - - - one red, one blue, one green, one black, and one yellow.

By mid-morning I had been contacted by VanOc and told if I perchance experienced this as a recurring dream they would have me confined to a sleep clinic in a lock-down facility until March.

I am now concerned about my neighbour who likes to blow smoke rings........