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Just Because...
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Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Peaches & Cream With A Touch Of Arsenic...

Don't ask me why but I love this interview

Anna Wintour:  Behind the Shades


Watch CBS Videos Online

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Posted by Lys :: 12:24 AM :: 1 comments

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Monday, May 04, 2009

For The LOVE of God...

Will the news media shut UP about Casey Anthony - seriously. Every. Single. DAY there's something about this woman and that case.

Be warned - I'm on my soapbox.

So this chick's lawyer is now filing some motion to change venue in the morning as the defense feels the jury pool is "tainted". YOU THINK? She also seems to think that she'll get a fair trial from a different county? Give. Me. A. Break. Her (IMO) MediaHungry parents (who seem to give "exclusive comments every. other. day - *growl*) have made this so "in the forefront" that she won't get "her version" of what her and her team deam "a fair trial" anywhere.

Now - let me state for the record, this is just my opinion but, quite frankly, I'm so over this case already. I feel horrible for her dad and all but when her mother, Cindy, makes a comment that she decided to go on a morning show because it was "more ethical" than Oprah. Yeah, she's a fine one to talk. Hmmm.. how interesting considering that her deposition tape was supposedly sent to Oprah's offices by the civil attorney that deposed her lyin' behind or so a news station mentioned one morning.

Oprah's people decided they wouldn't go through with the interview -my guess is because Cindy tends to welcome cameras everywhere and anywhere. I just want this woman's 15 min. of fame to be over already and justice to be done.

There are other children that are missing in Florida and, sadly, they aren't getting the type of attention this @*@*#$*@*@* case is getting. Enough is enough already.

*jumps off soapbox*

UGH!

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Posted by Lys :: 1:12 AM :: 5 comments

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Feeling Jaded...

You know what's sad - knowing how badly the entertainment biz manipulates the media to promote whatever they have going on. Some things that have me going "ARRUUUU" and realizing that there's a publicist at work doing anything to "get ink". I can say with certainty that I don't follow the mantra of "Any Publicity is Good Publicity" and, when I would hear potential clients talk about it like "Oh lets do XYZ and then leak it to the press", well then - that's a ship I don't want to assist. So when I hear some stuff in the media, my eyes get a hell of a workout from all the eye rolling and sighing and "Oh puleaze... what the hell". I do giggle when I read some sites because, let's face it, they are paid for scandal and b.s. Heidi & Spencer from the Hills - stars? Really? For what? If anything, they manipulate the media. Not to mention all the celebs with "paparazzi shots" that are clearly staged for attention. Again - oh brother.

So, let's take a peek at some of the breaking headlines this week:
  • Real Housewives of NYC's Countess is getting divorced - news breaks today - when she's beginning her book tour. Hmmmmm.
  • More Housewives b.s. with other housewives getting threatened either by "non-boyfriend" or otherwise. Wait - contract decisions and season decisions being made by Bravo Suits to see if it's worth the interest. Hmmmmm.
  • ATL Housewives fighting, more b.s. etc. while filming - drumming up ATL interest because that show is a hot funky fried mess. Hmmmmm....
  • LeeAnn Rhimes and her "co-star" Eddie Cibrian both getting caught in an alleged "cheating scandal". Convenient that it "breaks" right before their Lifetime Movie premiere. Personally, I think many people wouldn't give a crap about Eddie Cibrian but LeeAnn - oh let me tune in and see that movie. Hmmmm... I would guess that someone at the network might have leaked that mess. *insert eye roll*
  • Sham-Wow guy was arrested for beating the crap out of a hooker, allegedly in Miami - Spokesperson says that the companies he endorses won't remove the infomercials. Hmmm.. sales must be down - or a competitor must be hot on the heels.
  • Kendra from Playboy's Girls Next Door is releasing a "stripper pole & workout" much along the lines of Carmen Electra (Original much! *snort*) but - wait for it - she's promoting a reality show that will be following her during her "engagement and wedding plans". Hmmm... she's really gonna marry that cat - Ummmm. I'll believe it when I see an actual wedding license. Til then I'll lump it with all the other "reality" shows.
  • Speaking of Girls Next Door - Holly Breaks a Rib; wait Holly Fractured a Rib; wait Holly might have bruised a rib. Wait - Holly is playing the sympathy vote so as to not get voted off Dancing with the Stars... Hmmmm
  • JLo's wearing her wedding ring - JLo looks great. JLo's got a handbag line - wait. JLo is the QUEEN of manipulating the media. Moving on...

Reminds me of that old saying that I used to hear - believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see. So, if you excuse me, I need to catch up on some fiction reading - where's the US Magazine...

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Posted by Lys :: 6:56 PM :: 4 comments

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Sunday, February 08, 2009

Riddle Me This...

Why the heck were The Jonas Brothers performing with Stevie Wonder. Seriously - how the hell does THAT happen. I thought J-Hud kicked Ass. I'm NOT a fan of Coldplay and BoyzIIMen - where the hell were they - wait, dwarfed by Justin, as always. Don't even GET me started on Kanye's mullet. Estelle's album is great - so glad to see she had the chance to perform live.

Yeah, like last year, I wasn't too happy with this year's Grammy offerings. This is one of the times where I was glad that when I was faced with the choice of Grammy Tix v. SOBE Tix and Spring Training, I'm glad I chose the latter. I would have been PISSED if I spent $500 + a seat to see this show live. (Not to mention hotel, airfare, dress, etc. etc. etc.)

We'll see what the 52nd Grammys brings. However, I will say this - some artists should NOT sing live - or lay off the sauce prior to singing. That stuff seriously messes up one's vocal cords.

Snarky, yeah, I'm just a tad.

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Posted by Lys :: 10:05 PM :: 6 comments

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Thursday, January 08, 2009

Guilty of Idiocy: Progress Energy...

Progress Energy, we need to talk.

I've been your biggest defender since I moved to Central Florida 6 years ago. I was happy to hear that you would be my electric company when I moved to Altamonte because, well, we had a great relationship. You were the first to respond during a hurricane, we rarely had any power outages, your customer service didn't suck and we got along. I didn't even gripe (that much) about you raising the prices on my bill during the "energy crisis" because I knew everything was raising.

However, my alarms went off due to the fact that when the gas prices went down, my electric bill didn't. And, for a single girl living in Altamonte, I shouldn't be paying $200 a month in electricity. Thankfully, with the AC off, it's now down to $100 but still, with AC at the most it should have been was $150 for a 932 sq. ft. apartment.

Then I heard about THIS. Seriously, what in the blankity blank blank do you think I'm going to say. I have no choice but to USE you so I technically can't tell you to kiss it and break up with you via a post it note but seriously, a 25% RATE HIKE? ARE YOU FLIPPIN' CRAZY?

I have to really think twice about our relationship. Quite frankly, when your quasi new CEO is pulling down a salary and bonus that is quite sizable and you had a year last year that might have been the Best. Year. Ever. in terms of revenue (and, one could assume that it might give the execs either a really nice bonus or factor in future salary negotiations), I question the motives of the "rate hike" and the blah blah blah that your media person is spilling to the papers and such. I know people need to turn a profit but when does it go from profit to straight up greed?

Progress Energy - you are hereby on notice. I'm not drinkin' the kool-aid you are providing. Trust me on that. And, after my lease is up and I move, the energy company I have to deal with will be a huge factor in my decision because, quite frankly, I'm ready to tell you to bite. me.

We're already feeling the wallet pinch due to the costs of living in the Land of the Rat aka Orlando - namely low low low salaries and high high high cost of living. Please don't add to the financial strain that Central Floridians are dealing with by yet another "rate hike" and "economy" bull.

I just don't buy it anymore.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:43 AM :: 3 comments

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The One Where Ice Coffee Equals Christian Louboutin...

Tis the season to be jolly. For me, 'tis also the season to watch those pennies. So, while I was crunching my financial numbers and wincing repeatedly, one glaring cost kept coming up over and over again.

It's no secret that I can't make coffee. No matter how many times I try or new machines I get, the coffee I make still comes out tasting like swill. Not to mention, if I grab it at the 9to5, it's not as good as Starbucks aka 4bux. In talking with a co-worker and lamenting about the cost of living, lack of raises, inflation and how what was once a $50 grocery bill has since morphed into a $98 grocery bill, it's a surprise that some people can even function. As quickly as the money flows in, it quickly flows out. And when I starting thinking about where my money was leaking too, I had to focus on my coffee runs. Basically, my inner Suze Orman/Larry Winget/Jean Chatzky is freaking the eff out. And by freaking out, it means I have to admit a glaring problem - I just can't make coffee. And, those that can't make, buy. And by buy - yeah, I buy.

Here's what hit my little blonde brain today:

I run to Starbucks during work about 4 to 5 times a week. That's my 20 min. of piece and quiet (and normally my "lunch"). So, figuring that it averages at $6 per run, let's estimate that at $30 a week. Therefore, one could easily assume that it is $30 a week which translates into $120 a month and, therefore $2400 a year. WHAT THE HELL??

Couple that above figure with runs to Dunkin' Donuts at night and on the weekend, on average about 3 to 4 times a week. At an average of $5 per run, let's estimate that at $20 a week which translates to $80 a month and, therefore, $960 a year.

Add those two up and you get $3,360 - IN FLIPPIN' ICED COFFEE?!?!!!

My Bampa once presented the simple premise of equating a massively high bill to something that gives me pleasure to demonstrate what it translates to. (Back then it was a ridiculous phone bill from calling my boyfriend at the time = how many Limited Sweaters - but trust, I got the point). SO, let's see what can I get for $3,360?


2 Jimmy Choo Riki Handbags

5 pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes

6 Kooba handbags

10 pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes

3.5 trips to Philly

and so on

Better yet - I could be earning ING interest on that $3,360. Therefore, with you readers as my witness, my coffee budget has been slashed from $50 a week to $20 a week (if that). I will have to learn how to brew coffee and, if it's still swilly - tough, I have to buck up and deal.

Tough times ahead...

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Posted by Lys :: 6:15 PM :: 9 comments

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Friday, November 28, 2008

Tis Hard Times, My Friends...

Everyone is falling on hard times and, even the City of Orlando appears to be feeling the wallet pinch (or, perhaps, did Buddy cut the holiday budget?)

See what we encountered Wednesday on the daily 'Bucks run - The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Last year, the City Hall Tree was ablaze with lights, ornaments and more on a giant tree. This year's tree is scrawnier and sparsely decorated.

I guess it really is tough times ahead!


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Posted by Lys :: 8:36 AM :: 2 comments

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Friday, November 14, 2008

Paying It Forward...

What's that saying, "If you hurt, I hurt. If you bleed, I bleed."

I love those commercials for the insurance company where they talk about paying it forward. You know the commercial where the woman sees someone crossing a street, not paying attention and she pulls him back to the curb. Someone passing by sees her action and then helps someone else and it become a full circle of good-heartedness. Do I believe that can happen? Quite simply, yes.

I believe that people are compassionate. Those selfish s.o.b.s that don't think about how their action (or inaction) can affect someone - well that's their karma issue. However, speaking from my own experience, I've tried to be a little bit nicer, patient and more understanding - well, except when I have to deal with ineptitude but that's a whole other story. I believe in paying it forward.

This week, as I'm getting ready for work, I decided to shut off the iPod and listen to Doc & Grace on K92. Now, I adore Doc and he's a good egg (even if he is a Tampa Bay Rays fan) and he's always been one for saying "If it's for the community, call in". Well, that morning, he had Pat Michaels of Florida's Blood Center on the radio talking about a blood drive. Now, I see those blood drive vans in front of the office all. the. time. and think "I should give" but I don't because, quite frankly, I'm a chicken. Needles + me + blood = Are you flippin' kiddin' me??? Whenever I have to give blood at the doctors, I freak out. Hell, I don't even know my blood type. But, the urge to give is still there.

Well, on the radio interview was not only Pat but this woman talking about her daughter Talia who has Neuroblastoma. Turns out, there was a blood drive for Talia today at Fashion Square Mall from 11-5.

I thought I was hearing things - Neuroblastoma?? Wait - the childhood cancer? The dreaded disease that our friend Justine passed away from? The more she talked about the cancer and what her daughter was facing, the more and more I thought of Justine's last days and how she was caught so late in the game that there was no cure. However, that was in 1990. It's now 2008 and Talia has been in remission already once. However, she needs blood and platelets to hopefully give her a new lease on life. Talia is 9 and such a courageous little girl. You can read her story over here.

Not to mention, Jenny of All Eyes on Jenny and Sarah at Pink Shoe Diaries have talked often about their dear friend Dink and her platelet issues. So, you know me, if I hear something more than once, I pay attention. So, after reading about Dink's experience with platelets and Talia's need for platelets, I was floored. Apparently, platelets can help someone with cancer. It's not just the blood, but the stuff IN the blood that they need.

Well, I know that this is something I HAVE to do. So, today, I head over to Fashion Square Mall and, don't ya know, the place is packed. However, the time frame didn't allow me to stay over an hour as I had to get back to work. So, after talking with the uber fabulous Pamela, when I got back to the 9to5, I made a call, set up a profile and next Saturday I'll be at "Headquarters" paying it forward as they are draining 10% of my blood. Because, if it helps spare a little one (or big one) that is affected by the dreaded "C", then good. I've done my part. While I couldn't have helped Justine while she was sick, I can, however, help someone else beat this thing.

If you are in the Orlando area (hell, wherever you are), please call your local blood center and donate. Pay it forward people, pay it forward.

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Posted by Lys :: 2:01 PM :: 6 comments

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Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Tis Done, The Vote Is Cast...

Did you guys get your behinds out today and vote?

I don't care which way you voted, as long as you spoke up. See, my theory is this - if you don't vote, you can't complain. Now I'm not saying that you can't complain if you CAN'T vote which is totally different.

I remember going to the polls with my parents when I was a kid. It really stuck with me. When I turned 18, I registered as an Independent and I never had to deal with the primaries and such. Just wasn't my thing. When my Bampa died, in his memory, I registered as a Republican as he would want one Republican on the rolls but I do NOT vote down party lines. I vote for what and WHO I believe in, both in the General Election and in the Primary. However, I do think he would have enjoyed this election and I'm sure he and I would have had some spirited debates.

I've had some interesting talks with friends and family about this upcoming election and I feel very strongly on some issues. And I noticed the questions were definitely written to be confusing - very legalese. Thankfully, I speak legalese fluently and, after reading it a few times, I channeled my inner law diva and got to voting. MB and I had some great talks about the system of checks and balances and, while I often say how politics make my head hurt, common sense wise, I get it. And I also believe that we are a democracy and our forefathers fought for our freedom and our right to vote. So to not exercise that right is, in my opinion, a shame.

So, hence my taking the task of voting so seriously. And by seriously, I mean actually doing my research on the issues, verifying with the Seminole Board of Elections my polling spot, GETTING UP EARLY, busting my chops to get to the CORRECT polling spot, waiting in line only to be told "Lys, ummmm... you aren't in this precinct. You have to wait in THAT line to find out what precinct." Ummmm.. NOT AGAIN. Remember, in the primaries, they couldn't find me on the rolls and such. Ugh!!! So I wait in ANOTHER line only to find out they changed my precinct from 64 to 34. Thanks for NOT telling me!!! Oh, and they forgot to send my voter card too. Double BOO!

So, I go wait in ANOTHER line for my new precinct (thankfully they were in the same building), the volunteer gal can't find my name and I spot it - UPSIDE DOWN - and point out my location and tell her this is MY precinct now!!! (Don't worry Mom - I was perfectly nice :).) I get my ballot, go to my little voting "stand" and grab the "special" pen to start filling out the circles. And boy did my head hurt but I was determined to figure out the legal stuff and then vote for President last. I knew the judges (well most of them) and the propositions and amendments and scribbled in my little circles like I was taking the LSAT all over again. And then it was done. And into the little ballot reader it went and I swiped my sticker and ran out the door. Starbucks was going to give me free coffee with that sticker and I held onto it like I won the lottery.

Well, as fate would have it, the free coffee was NOT good at all - as a matter of fact I make coffee that is 10x better than that swill but eeeehhhhh. I still enjoyed the fact that I voted my little heart out and my vote counted as much as everyone else's vote. No one is separated by job, race, sex - nada. We can all vote as ONE nation, even the homeless guy - it all counts.

And, to boot, for my birthday, as an Election Day baby, y'all are going to give not only me, but our entire country a fabu present - A Spankin' New President. Granted his first day on the job will be in January but you know what - tonight's news should be interesting. Let's just see how much Florida screws up the election this time.

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Posted by Lys :: 5:07 PM :: 4 comments

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Friday, October 24, 2008

I Know I'm About To Poke A Bear...

I don't know about y'all but is anyone else just want this election OVER??? Ugh!

If I see ONE more negative ad, I'm about to go out of my flippin' mind. And it's tough when I have one opinion and my friends have another (*cough cough* MB *cough cough*) but it's all good. I don't claim to know all about the election, but I do want to know who is shadier than the other, who "allegedly" uses funds/workers/etc. for personal use *cough cough* Huggie Bear *cough cough*, and who is best for our towns, schools, state, and country. Oh, and I'd like to know who WASN'T yappin' with Jack Abramoff. That's always good to know, no?

We all have a right to choose and we have a right to vote. So, rather than vote early, I'll vote on my birthday and make my voice heard. And I'm sad I can't vote Jerry Demings for Orange County Sheriff (Yes, I said it!) Sadly I'm in Seminole County but after having the pleasure of meeting both Mr. Demings and his fabulous wife, [Orlando Police Chief] Val Demings and seeing what she has done for the Orlando PD, he's got my full support. Two weeks into Chief Val's administration, I ran into one of the Orlando police officers here at the complex and he told me how awesome she was and what she had done to shake up the "desk jockeys". Even when I met her, I got a little teary when I thanked her for actually giving a care not only for her officers but for the people she protects. She truly is the best person for the job (and y'all might remember many a battle I waged due to Chief Mike having his bike units walk along the highway ala Village People Cop in rush hour traffic!). So I hope Jerry Demings wins the election because he will shake up the "Boss Hogg" crew (as some of my cop friends like to call the Orange County Sheriffs) and make some changes for the better of those living here in Central Florida...

Other than that, I'm not getting any more political here at Just Because... well, until Buddy Dyer pisses me off [again]...

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Posted by Lys :: 9:43 PM :: 2 comments

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

On Deck For This Evening...

Big plans tonight, people. Big Plans. Yours truly will have her butt firmly planted on the couch watching her beloved Phillies spank the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series.

My condolences to Rifleman who was unable to procure a plane ticket to Tampa to cheer on our team because he's playing responsible adult in Philly. However, Ant and Crew have descended on Tampa Bay and I hope they show those Tampa Bay Ray lemmings a thing or three about how NOT to piss of a Philly fan.

Ant - please note, I have spent any available bail funds on choos and Starbucks so you are on your own, kiddo!

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Posted by Lys :: 5:21 PM :: 3 comments

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Like A Storyline Out of Law & Order...

Who hasn't heard about the Casey Anthony story unfolding here in Orlando? If you haven't, let me give you a quick synopsis.

Little girl goes missing, mother doesn't report it for ONE MONTH, blames a non-existent babysiter who is allegedly holding the child and gave her a "script" of stuff to say, gets arrested not once but THREE TIMES for forgery and theft, parents turn around and cajole the media left and right until the media started to get "too intrusive" (read not playing to the family), the police find evidence of decomposition in the car where Caylee was, etc. etc. etc. It's a big mess. Watch Nancy Grace - you'll get the history.

Well, the grand jury indicted her today and, IN MY OPINION [my blog, my home, my opinion] GOOD! If there is enough evidence to warrant an indictment, then my opinion (that word again) is that there has to be JUST CAUSE for her to get charged with CAPITAL murder. It is not "proof of guilt" but a finding and an accusation. She's repeated lied to law enforcement. She's shown herself to be a thief, stealing from her friend, forging checks, etc. She's had suspicious behavior from the get go and she needs to just start telling the damn truth! Now, I know she's a "mother" and someone's "daughter". Her lawyer made a point of saying that trying to make the jury pool sympathetic to her plight in yet ANOTHER press conference. However, I do not have patience for b.s.

To quote the news media, she showed more emotion today then she's shown during the whole drama. Protesters are having issues, some in support of her, some against her. You have people grandstanding for the cameras. You have attorneys that, imo, aren't out for the family but for themselves *cough cough* (and to that attorney, don't DARE tell the public that we need to "bless these people" even though they might not "pass a personality test from time to time". I'm really going to start thinking that this particular attorney has a Paris Hilton complex aka media hog).

In my opinion, the main problem is that we've lost sight of the most important thing - the child. That child needs to be found, alive or dead. The father can try to cast doubt on how, perhaps, there was "a different dead body" in the car or that it was "rotting pizza", whatever. I get that a parent doesn't want to believe that their child could have killed someone, let alone their grandchild. But what I don't get is why not just tell the truth. It's well beyond the "scared" part.

I think the first bail bondsman had a point - she's been lyin' from the beginning and now everything is starting to catch up with her. Let's just hope that the t's are crossed and the i's are are dotted and all paperwork and procedures are in order. If not, that gal is gonna be throwing holes into the whole case if the State Attorney is not careful.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:10 PM :: 3 comments

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Ahhhh - the Joys of Living In Florida...

With every election, you can rest assured that something, somehow, someway will muck up an election - especially in Orlando and Orange County.

Check out this news article about people getting a letter telling them they can't vote on Nov. 4th.

Yeah, computer glitch, my butt. Every election, without fail, there is a tango of some sort. I'm just sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what's next.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:24 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, October 05, 2008

That's Mah Boyz...


The Phillies are headed towards the National League Championship Series..

Sorry Reese, I gotta root for my boys as they (hopefully) defeat the Dodgers...
[Photo courtesy of Philly.com]


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Posted by Lys :: 6:39 PM :: 3 comments

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

What Came First - The Chicken or the ...Pipe Bomb?

My father mentioned in passing that there was a new method of terrorism. In Connecticut, someone is pipe bombs in roasting chickens and leaving these chicken bombs curbside like a home grown IUD.

Now - before we get going, I first have to say that I am in NO way making light of what happens overseas. Hell, three guys from A.'s unit were killed by IUDs planted roadside.

What I am focusing on is this article that ran on MSNBC:

POLICE FIND PIPE BOMB STUFFED IN CHICKEN
"SIMSBURY, Conn. - Authorities in Connecticut are wondering who stuffed a
raw roasting chicken with a pipe bomb and left it on a roadside. Simsbury
police Capt. Matthew Catania says a motorist noticed the chicken Monday morning.
He says the bomb was large enough to harm a person if it went off. The
road was closed while the Hartford Police Department's bomb squad came and blew
up the chicken."

Now, I don't think that Al Queda is going to come over here and start buying out Perdue to leave chickens roadside. So, in true Lys fashion, I decided to develop a theory applying the methodology that one can learn from three popular crime solving shows: CSI, Criminal Minds and NCIS.

Applying the CSI theory, one can deduce that it's probably a prank from some student exploring "What if". They'd fingerprint the inside cavity of the roasting chicken only to find that there are two suspects - one being the biology teacher who had an ax to grind with the town of Simsbury and the other being his intern who was sent to plant decoy chickens in the woods.

Applying the Criminal Minds theory, one can deduce that it is a male Caucasian who lived a sheltered life growing up, is angry at his mother, is about 5'7, has a pronounced stutter and is angry with the townspeople of Simsbury. He's also failing his biology class and the chicken is his way of manifesting his anger at his professor.

Finally, applying the NCIS theory, its an angry male, about 5'9, is angry at the war and is hoping to piss off the reserve and bring them home. Because, obviously, we're having terrorists on our own soil. They'd also find bomb parts in the garage of a relocated Iraqi informant planted there by the local police.

Now, in all seriousness, I hope they catch the person who PLANTED the chicken bomb because I'd like to have a word with him about is obviously warped reasoning. Some people just never cease to amaze me.

And yes, I'm totally at a loss for blog fodder when I'm entertaining articles from MSNBC. Hell, it can go in my FBI file, right Kristabella?

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Posted by Lys :: 11:10 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, May 23, 2008

Deep Thoughts: Can You Really Change The Past...

Here's something to ponder: will Moses be able to carve new sins into the 10 Commandments, the basis of sins that all Catholics are taught?

I know, I know - you're groaning "Lys, we're supposed to talk about Shoes, and Boys, and Parties and ohmigod-SHOES! It's a holiday weekend." However, this post has been in draft and daggone it - time to publish and clear my conscience. We'll go back to shoes tomorrow - promise!


Ok, let's have a bit of a refresher course if you will. During my 12 years at Catholic School - these were the sins that were taught:

  1. Thou Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me.
  2. Thou Shall Not Take The Name of the Lord, Thy God, In Vain.

  3. Thou Shall Observe the Sabbath Day and Keep It Holy.

  4. Honor Thy Mother and Thy Father.

  5. Thou Shall Not Kill.

  6. Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery.

  7. Thou Shall Not Steal.

  8. Thou Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Thy Neighbor.

  9. Thou Shall Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Wife.

  10. Thou Shall Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Goods.

My father mentioned in a phone conversation not too long ago that the Catholic Church is interested in amending the 10 Commandments. Namely, the Catholic Church decided to put a new modern spin on things and are including "modern" sins including pollution, genetic testing, abortion (like they didn't try to include this before - See Commandment #5), obscene riches and a host of others. To quote my father "What's next - Gas Prices?" In that case, Rome needs to take its happy behind to an oil field and figure out that problem, imo. If using too much fuel is a sin, they need to figure out alternatives. Like what does the Pope drive? Is the PopeMobile a hybrid?

Now, this one about the overabundance of riches. OK - so, let's say you are insanely wealthy, you contribute a ton to charity along with your time. Is it still a sin to be rich? Or are you absolved because you are paying the Church a huge tithing? Hmmm...

I think Verena von Pfetten at the Huffington Post summed it up perfectly in her post, "My Spiritual Journey: Thoughts On Sin" While I am a Catholic, I still have my issues with the Church - and one of them is based on confession. How can I confess to a priest who will then tell me "Say 5 Hail Marys, 10 Our Fathers and 1 Apostle's Creed" and *poof* I'm absolved. While I know they are priests and all, personally, I'd rather confess to God and do something in penance to make up for my sin. I've got enough Catholic Guilt to go around for eons. I'm more spiritual now then I was a few years ago.

My other issue is how dare the Church tell me what to tithe. That's between me and God. I know what the Bible says and God knows how much time I also donate and sacrifices that we make. What really got my goat back in the day was being told I couldn't be confirmed because my parents didn't contribute enough to the Church. It was not only embarrassing (because they contributed MORE than enough - my father just refused to use those damn envelopes so Father Huller could track everything), but it was infuriating. I think that's one of the few times I cursed out a priest - and Father Huller HAD it coming. If I could have, I probably would have put a banana in the tailpipe of his spiffy shiny new Cadillac too. So yeah, I'm a tad wary of the Catholic Church sometimes. While I may be Catholic and won't jump faiths, I do, however, reserve the right to speak my mind.

And that's one other thing I told my father as he was scolding me for saying perhaps Moses DID have hallucinations. I'm not doubting God spoke to Moses - but perhaps he had a mushroom or three while he was staring at a bush and the flames could have been a vision/hallucination. [Yeah I know I'm going to hell or, at the very least, purgatory]. I dunno- I'm trying to give the scientists a benefit of a doubt on their hallucination theory. But as I told my dad, I am grateful that the Catholic Church doesn't really excommunicate people based on their beliefs or speaking their mind, unlike a couple faiths I know which are fond of handing a pink slip and a boot to the butt when you question their tenets.

So, should Big Brother of the Church happen to Google search this and find my opinion, I don't need a pink slip. Just understand that I'll follow the original 10 because pretty much, that's what you drilled into my head for 12+ years of daily catechism. I think that's what God wants us to pay attention to.

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Posted by Lys :: 3:24 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Ultimate Smackdown Approacheth...

Sunday will be a day that I decide to hole up like a hermit in Altamonte and not even venture NEAR Orlando. Why, you ask - because Orlando is the home of Wrestlemania XXXXXXIZ-Whatever. We are going to have wrestlers, fans and the ever present groupies around the city and it will, indeed, wreck havoc.

I stopped watching wrestling years ago but - in my defense, my friend had a severe crush on a wrestler and often would watch the matches, etc. Yes, I have attended a Wrestlemania and it's a madhouse. Granted I was a guest of a wrestler - we'll call him "M" and he watched out for me like a little sister of sorts. Back in the day when I was friends with H., his cousin M. was part of the WWF and many shows I'd hear "Lys - there's tix for you at the window". As my gal V. had the hots for Bret Hart pretty severely, we would go to the matches and we'd have a good time. Then after the match we'd go out to dinner/cocktails whatever with M. and his buds. Some of the groupies' antics were definitely memorable. Looking back, there were quite a few where I'd say "WTH?" and "What the heck are they wearing". Now, looking back, I remember MY outfits and think "WTH" and "What the heck was I wearing??". I remember seeing some of the various wrestlers backstage - pissed and upset over some of the stupidest things but getting pumped up for a match. I remember Vince McMahon when he was "much skinnier" and not as "pumped up". I remember some of the wrestlers' kids and their moms - again, good people. Lots of memories and lots of good times.

However - Wrestlemania was the big event every year. V. and I headed down to Atlantic City to hang out and when we were at the hotel - it was gorgeous. I remember EJ's cousin had a favorite wrestler and all he wanted was an autograph. I was determined to get that autograph. Often, the wrestlers knew to not even step to me as M. wouldn't let some of the vile ones within 10 feet of us. So, here we are, having "cocktails" (they had cocktails - M. made sure I had diet coke - I was only 18 at the time) and I'm sitting on the couches laughin' with some of the big "bad guys" who, in all reality, were some of the NICEST guys -very down to earth, genuine and just straight up real. Well - I see this big mammoth guy walkin' by and remembered EJ's cousin's wish for the autograph so, sweet little Lys went up to him to ask nicely. His response to my simple request was so rude and vulgar, I basically told him to jump in the ocean off a short pier and was in a huff. That, my friends, was my most vivid memory of Wrestlemania. (I later saw this wrestler one night in LA with MB when we went to dinner - again, yeah - remembered what a slimebag he was and he still hasn't changed.)

A few years later, Wrestlemania was in Hartford and Mark wanted to go. He had seen the pictures, heard the stories but was upset that I had never taken him to a match or show. Fine, okay. So I made a few calls and we hung out with the guys pre and post show. As we are all hanging out, one wrestler came up to me (some unknown idjiot), ripped open my jacket - looked at the *ahem* cleavage and asked Mark "Are these real?" DOH! Again, this unknown idjiot should have known not to step to me. Of course Mark didn't do a damn thing, but the wrestlers who knew M. did. Again, more groupies, again chaos. Such is the life of Wrestlemania.

My days of dealin' with wrasslin' are long over. Many are still in the WWE/WWF whatever but we don't keep in touch. I've learned that many live around these parts and that's cool - one even is in Altamonte (haven't seen him yet but as I need a personal trainer, I think I'm going to have to give him a call). M. still lives here with his family and the last time I saw him was back when H. & I were close. H.'s cuz, Fus, keeps me up to date with the latest with M. and crew.

Today, as I'm walking back from my 'Bucks retreat, I see this big honkin' sign advertising the imminent arrival of Wrestlemania. :::sigh:::. WWE will be in Orlando and the big show is on Sunday. That means, starting tomorrow my haven will no longer be MY haven. I'm going to run into these big honkin' mammoth men and groupies galore as I'm running to get my 'Bucks. Fans will descend on Orlando invigorating its economy, clogging the roadways and the news will showcase all the stupidity that ultimately follows a wrestling event. Inevitably, during my travels I know I will happen to see men with hairweaves *cough* SM *cough* and other individuals that will bring back the memories of so many "interesting" times. Times when I would see them more as individuals and less as a character on a screen. Times when I would hear whispers of what they would do on the d/l. Times when I would see them acting *ahem* intrastin'. And, I'll be the same sweet not so little Lys who will be "Hey - how ya been" all while keepin' it at a distance.

Because that world and I really don't need to collide again.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:39 PM :: 3 comments

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

A Call To Action...

I have a mission for you. No seriously, I do.

I was going to write a big fluffy piece on my shoe scores today (dammit Hotfessional - you basically twisted my arm on your DSW post and... lemme shut up) but that post (and pics) will have to wait til tomorrow.

OK - listen up. Meowmix, MB, Bec, Reese, Michelle, Kat, Erin, Dayngr, Prep (even tho she's on vaca), Lesli, Amber, KimmyK, Bren, and everyone else who reads this blog (there are too many to name - sorry!), all lurkers, friends, my mom, everyone. I need a favor.

I need you to go over to Hotfessional's blog and read her post today. This one. Right here. Click Here.

Then please go and read the posts she's referencing. If there is ANYTHING - and I mean ANYTHING you can do to help, that would be fabulous. Even if it's a post about the situation(s) or cause(es). Every little bit helps.

One thing about blogging is that blogging is a community. A community that is there for each other when the times are good, bad and eeh. A community that lifts each other up when life attempts to tear you apart. A escape from the craziness even to just read a post by a fellow blogger that will make you smile or act on something.

As I mentioned on Hot's site, I came home fully prepared to post the fluffy post and wallow in my doldrums from this week and lick my wounds. I was prepared to just be miserable, annoyed and pissy. Yet something happened. After reading all three of these posts, I can say that this week is a cakewalk compared to what I read. And truly, all the issues I'm pissed about are NOTHING compared to what these women face on the day to day - the situations they are in - the causes they are championing. And these women are FABULOUS people - just our kinda peeps - smart, funny, witty, entertaining (and KristaBella even hangs out with BACON - lucky duck!).

But seriously, I know I've been a somber sally for the past week, but no more. Instead I am looking forward to helping a fellow soul in their situation any way I can and, Sarcastic Mom - trust me when I say if you need someone to whip that landlord into line with a nasty-gram, I am TOTALLY your gal and I can assist in the media situation too. That's when you put the Law and the PR side together - win win, I say. Liz - don't stress, everything will work out. I'm sure of it!! KristaBella, as I said earlier, it's a good thing you are doing and I don't see why the community can't help you way surpass your goal! Every little bit counts!

Thank you for anything you can do. It's all about spreading the luck - and right now these ladies need a little luck o' the Irish cast their way.

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Posted by Lys :: 9:18 PM :: 1 comments

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Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Question To Y'all...


Did you cast your vote in the Primary?
As y'all know, Florida's election was last week (which, in of itself, was way too much nonsense for me but what do you expect - it's Florida), but I know a bunch of states are voting today.
I'm not going to ask who you voted for - not my business, just wanted to make sure your voices are heard!


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Posted by Lys :: 12:22 PM :: 3 comments

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Adventures in Voting...

So today is the big day in Florida - V-Day. Well, for the primary at least.

Let me state for the record, my family affiliation is Republican - I, however, vote any way I like (and this election looks like I'll be heading down the "D" path). However, I do get to vote against dear ol' Mitt in the primary. MB joked with me saying it was a Mormon issue - I responded saying it was a Massachusetts issue. Finish what you started and Mitt certainly did NOT do that. Prime example - Big Dig catastrophe. 'Nuff said - but this isn't a POLITICAL blog - well, only when it's Buddy Dyer related, but you know what I mean.

Anyways - I'm all excited to go vote in the Primary and cast my vote for anyone that is NOT Huckabee or Romney. Huckabee wants to change the constitution - not havin' that, in my book. Romney - see above. So, with that being said, off I went to the polls.

Let me preface this story with a note that when I first moved to Altamonte, during the registration of my car, license, and all that blah blah b.s., I was told I would be registered to vote in Seminole County. And I, like a dummy, thought Florida was so efficient to really do what they say. I should know better - this state always has voting drama. ALWAYS. I thought it was funny that I didn't hear anything about voting etc. in the mail but eeh - I shrugged it off. So when I tell y'all to listen to your instincts, please listen to your instincts! My gut told me to double-check as I was dealing with a state office and we know how often things fell through the cracks. I chose to not listen.

Back to the voting journey - I originally went to go to the precinct my gal M. told me about but I couldn't find it. I called the Seminole County Board of Election's office - no answer. Thankfully, by way of the Blackberry I see there's a precinct 3 - 4 streets from my apartment in the Altamonte City Hall. SCORE!

I get to the Altamonte City hall, chat with this wonderful woman who sends me in to cast my ballet. Surprise, surprise, when I give them my name and ID - *insert Dum Dum Dum music here* There IS NO LYS on the roster.

What do you mean I'M NOT ON THE LIST????

I think I scared the elderly lady when I mentioned that I wanted to rip the throat out of the state office worker who told me I was taken care of. Don't worry, I apologized for my outburst. She took pity on lil' ol' me and sent me to a cohort of hers, Richard with a card and told me he'd take care of me. (She probably thought he could take me down too if I got too feisty but I digress)

Richard looked through books and books and, yes, I'm STILL not on the list. God I hate being told that. Well, I told him about my move from the land of the Rat aka Disney to Altamonte and he asked "Did you verify everything with the Seminole County Board of Elections".

Don't Orange County & Seminole County chat?

Well, the answer to his question was NO or I would have done so. Now, out comes the affidavits which have to be filled out and signed, he has to call Orange County and get me authorization to vote and verify my voting status. You know, in case I was committing a felony or something. Turns out I almost did - see, I was in Precinct 4 and if you don't vote in your precinct and vote in another precinct, it's a felony. I know, I know - stupid law. So I was sent on my way with affidavits to be filled out and off to Precinct 34 - IN LONGWOOD, over 15 min. away and the next town over from Altamonte.

Tell me the logic in going from Altamonte City Hall to Longwood to vote - again, Florida & Voting = Convoluted!

I toodled down to Longwood to vote and I finally find my way there, go into the church, sign my affidavit in front of an election official, they put me ON THE LIST and I get my little slip to vote. All this for 2 fuggin' questions. UGH! But it's done, signed, sealed and delivered. And I almost ran over the Huckabee campaign worker on my way out - but in my defense - it was a campaign free zone and he was in front of my car. No jury would have convicted me, right?

And, no, I'm not telling you who I voted for - but I can tell you it definitely WASN'T Romney!

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Posted by Lys :: 6:54 PM :: 1 comments

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