My Dad, The Photographer's Muse

Last weekend, my folks came down from Virginia to visit my new digs. My dad, the avid bass fisherman, took it as an opportunity to try surf fishing. Mom and I weren't so keen on getting up at 6 AM so we ended up joining him out on Emerald Isle later in the morning. Our loss. Turns out sometimes the early bird does get that proverbial worm. My dad met a photographer out there as the sun was rising who ended up taking some fab pics of him. Neither of them had a pen and paper to exchange email addresses so dad wrote his email in the sand and the guy took a picture of it. My thanks to the photographer, Justin Pond. Not only did he take some amazing shots but he really made my dad's weekend. Man thinks he is some kind of supermodel now. Next stop... the cover of Vogue?!?

I May Not Be Miss Manners But...

Has etiquette fallen to the wayside these days? I threw a party last night and was astounded by the amount of no-shows who didn't even bother to pick up the phone to call or text that they weren't coming. All of them were people who at least acted like they fully intended to come. How rude! If someone takes the time to clean their house and stock the fridge for you, at least have the common courtesy to RSVP properly.

File Her Under "Women I Admire"

It's official: Betty White rocks my world.

Welcome To The Island: Christian Bale

Just in time to sweep down and rescue us all from The Great Economic Crisis of 2008, this week's island inductees are examples of America's love of superheroes (or of Roadtripper and Bad Wolf's love of hot muscular guys in silly costumes.)



My pick is Christian Bale, the latest Dark Knight. I honestly don't give a fig about Batman yet I squealed like a school girl when I heard Christian Bale was going to don the Caped Crusader's codpiece. This man has talent, not to mention extreme dedication when it comes to his roles. His intensity, smoldering eyes and sick physique are too much for this girl. Just take his role in American Psycho. I didn't know if I should turn off the TV and cower in the other room or roll on the floor with laughter or lick the screen every time he appeared sans shirt (FYI: I chose the latter two options.) He can save the day, even if he does make you feel a little uncomfortable while doing it. And did I mention how hot he is with his shirt off?

Welcome to the Island: Troubled Superheroes

You should recognize him from Iron Man, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Tropic Thunder, Chaplain and many more movies (and hopefully not his less than stellar roles: I am looking at you Ally McBeal!). Superhero: check, he did an awesome turn as Tony Stark. Troubled: check, I think we all know his history and are happy that the troubled times are behind him. And now that they are, I think we can all agree that Robert Downey Jr has aged like a fine wine, he just keeps getting better and better. As previous posts of mine and Roadtripper's can attest, I tend to go for the blond boys. I can always make an exception for RDJ. Those eyes, that hair, that smart ass attitude! And he can completely disappear into his roles, showing great versatility as an actor. And you can tell there is intelligence there as well. I want to hang out with him, converse with him about all matters of the universe, make fun of others with him, cause massive amounts of trouble with him, and then shag him silly!

He is more than a pretty face, but oh what a face. Welcome to the island, Robert, now get over here.

Fairly Unbalanced (And Freaking Hysterical!)

I am forced to watch FOX news at work (it just doesn't seem worth it to put up a fight because I am grossly outnumbered). Most of the time FOX makes my blood boil, but every once in awhile, a comedic gem like this one lands in my lap.

Maybe Mud Wrestling Would Have Been A Better Format

Yup! This was the highlight of the debate.

I had a blast live-blogging the VP debate. I don't know if tonight's Presidential Debate will be anywhere near as entertaining but here goes:

9:00 Oooooh! Town hall format. This shows promise.

9:01 Tom Brokaw as the moderator. I love how he can't properly pronounce his Rs. I find this man strangely hot. Strange, I know.

9:02 Brokaw jokes that audience members have to show restraint but those of us at home don't have to do the same. The man knows me too well.

9:03 Dorky wave from McCain. He looks like he is facing a firing squad.

9:05 Straight out the gate, the economy question comes up and Obama blames Bush then McCain. Follows ups with exactly how he would fix it. Well played.

9:06 McCain is going to solve the economic crisis by cutting money to "countries who don't like us very much." Uhhhh... yeah...

9:08 McCain tries for down-home folksy by addressing everyone as "my friends." It just sounds snippy.

9:09 Brokaw asks who McCain would appoint Secretary of Treasury. McCain responds with "Not you, Tom." Joke bombs. Crickets chirp.

9:10 I receive a text from Dustin saying "No drinkin during the debate." Too late! I was going to take a drink every time someone mentioned the economy but wisely decided against it.

9:12 McCain pats himself on the back again for suspending his campaign to deal with the economic crisis. How'd that work out for ya, old man?

9:14 Obama says he has to correct McCain "not surprisingly." Them's fighting words. Maybe there is hope for this debate after all.

9:17 Wow! This isn't as much fun tonight. The economy has even put a damper on my ability to laugh at anything.

9:17 McCain just said "my friend" again. Not sure who to. New drinking game, anyone?

9:21 They are both trying to out-do each other in the "I'm a reformer" department. It was more fun when it was being called maverick. Can't believe I am saying this but bring back the maverick! Where's Palin when we need her?

9:24 "My friends". Drink! (I am chugging $5 wine tonight. In case you haven't heard: ECONOMIC CRISIS!!!)

9:27 Brokaw reminds them to keep it short or they will "have a bigger deficit than the US government." Oh, Brokaw, I am glad someone didn't lose their sense of humor tonight.

9:29 McCain answers the "what sacrifices would you ask the average American to make to solve the economic crisis?" question without mentioning his own huge sacrifice as a POW. Is he even awake tonight? Old man is slipping.

9:35 Obama uses the "scalpel not a hatchet" line regarding cuts to government spending. Cool line but its effectiveness is waning with overuse.

9:40 McCain's laugh reminds me too much of a dying man's last gasp. It makes me break out in hives by reminding me that he is decrepit and Palin is waiting in the wings. Thankfully he says "my friends" again so I can take another swig and calm my nerves.

9:45 Obama says the government scientists invented the Internet. Know your history, son! Poppa Gore is responsible for that one.

9:47 Damn, Brokaw is getting really pissy about time. Looks like he needs some $5 wine too.

9:53 I just noticed the candidates' choice of ties. Obama in blue, McCain in red. How original. What I wouldn't give to see a pink checkered tie...

9:54 McCain makes a needing a hair transplant joke when talking about health care. Not only did the joke suck but way to draw attention to the fact that you are ancient, McCain. I think of Palin taking over again and take two swigs.

9:55 Is health care a responsibility or a right? Obama says right, McCain says responsibility. Easy to say when your wife is a beer heiress.

10:08 Damn, I am bored!

10:11 McCain cribs Teddy Roosevelt's "speak softly and carry a big stick" then says Obama talks too loudly because he announces his plans. God forbid we keep Americans in the loop.

10:14 Obama gets pissed and throws McCain's "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" comment back in his face as an example of McCain not speaking softly. LOL, Obama!

10:15 Regarding bin Laden, McCain just says "Don't even worry... I know how to catch him." Okay, so why hasn't he shared this great master plan sometime in the past 7 years?!?!?!?

10:16 McCain accuses Obama of sending out a telegram of his military plans. Telegram? Join this century, old fart. FYI: It would be a Facebook status update nowadays.

10:23 Brokaw tries to limit the candidates to a yes or no answer when asking the question "Is Russia still an Evil Empire?" Politicians giving a concise, one-word answer... bitch, please! On a serious note, that was way too complicated of a question for just a yes or no.

10:26 A retired Naval chief asks McCain a question. McCain thanks him for his service and says everything he learned in the Navy was from a chief. Hell yeah! Enlisted folks rock! Too bad I don't think his fly-boy ass really believes that. Especially since all reports about McCain's military service make him out to be an asshole.

10:30 Shot of Michelle Obama. I heart her!

10:32 Obama talks about his single mom, growing up on food stamps and being raised by grandma in his closing statement. Too little, too late with your attempt to pull the heart strings after being bone dry all night.

10:33 McCain tries to match Obama with his absent military father. Even worse.

10:34 Brokaw tells the candidates to get the hell out of the way of his tele-prompter so he can sign off and go get his drink on. I feel his pain!

I think I would have had more fun sitting in the dentist's chair than watching that debate. Lame!

Farewell To Old Friends

After a weekend of gorging myself on fried seafood, cheesecake and Hardee's breakfast (in my defense, my folks were in town), I have decided to tighten up the diet again and start hitting the beach for some running starting tomorrow morning. Monday mornings suck but they offer up a tabula rasa of sorts. But since it isn't Monday yet, I used the excuse of "cleaning out my fridge" to indulge in the ultimate gastronomic pleasure.

Hellooooo, old friend!

If you have never had English sticky toffee pudding, search the dessert menu of your local English or Irish pub. It is a must have. Over Memorial Day, Bad Wolf, Momma Bad Wolf and I almost fought over who got to lick the plate after we shared a plate of it at an Irish pub in Louisville. No pub nearby? This Haagen-Dazs version is an awesome substitute (Thanks for the heads-up, Bad Wolf!)

Well, I am off to go "clean my fridge" some more. Wish me luck!