Happy Chanukah

'Tis the season for lots of celebrations and Adam Sandler is the king of creating Chanukah songs.  So it seems fitting to share his 3rd version (and there could be more) of the song for the Festival of Lights which begins at sundown on December 1st.

Enjoy and sing along....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1sf5yqZX-k&feature=related

A Seasonal Favorite -- The Snuggie

There are always great gifts you can purchase throughout the year if you are willing to leave whatever you are watching on TV and grab your credit card and make a call.  It is interesting that most of these products are only advertised late at night or early in the morning--I guess they know when the "special people" are watching.  

Personally one of my favorite products is the Snuggie which now is sold in every drug store and Walmart in the country.  I actually do not know anyone who owns one, but someone out there is buying them because they are everywhere. 

Ellen DeGeneres and I share some of the same thoughts about the Snuggie only she is able to share her thoughts with 2 million people a day whereas my readers usually hover around two or three, but it is growing--I hope.  So, here's Ellen's take on the Snuggie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOhrsLEozZs

Horoscope for Sagittarius

If you happened to be born between November 22 and December 20th you are a Sagittarius kind of person.  The sign for Sagittarians is a centaur--you know, half guy, half horse which really seems like a smart combo.  You know if we could only produce half horse/half people we wouldn't have the problems we have with congestion and traffic because we could gallop wherever we wanted to go.  Sitting down at the dinner table could be problematic, but that's life...solve one problem, create another.

Now if you are a member of the Sagittarius club you are optimistic, honest, have a good sense of humor, but you can be restless, moody and overindulge in things I don't want to put into print. 

For this birthday your ruling planet, Jupiter is out of orbit which means you are currently upping your dosage of Xanax to get through this time of year.   It also means that you can expect things to happen that seem unusual or odd.  Looking at your chart, it appears that you will soon either receive an invitation to attend that royal wedding in April, or you will be asked to participate in several early morning mob scenes on Black Friday.

Around the first of the year, your Sun will be oppositional of Mars and several strange people who seem to think a fruit tree in your yard looks like the face of George Bush or Harry Potter and will start hanging outside of your house and singing songs from Glee.  Besides the groupies outside your house,  this little astrological oddity  results in your taking a trip across some body of water.  Not sure if this body of water is a lake, an ocean or a drainage ditch, but you are going somewhere.  Seems the purpose of this trip is to either meet the Dalai Lama, or Ricky Martin and his kids. Not sure which will happen because I misplaced that part of the chart, but you should be ready for either.

Later in your birthday year your Moon is rising over your 3rd and 4th house which means that you are getting smarter about a few things...please note the word, FEW.  Seems you are likely during this celestial phase to invest all your money into the Sarah Palin Corporation which creates products that assure the public that Sarah is alive and enjoying life gutting fish and hunting bear from her front porch in Alaska.  You have the brilliant idea of starting a line of educational videos which shows Sarah's knowledge of world geography and complicated social and political issues in a way only she and 4 year old children can understand.  Good luck with that.

Overall it is a great birthday year and your planets, stars, moons and property taxes all look seem to be in great alignment.  

Happy Horoscope.

The Name of Your Town is What?????

You don't have to look far to find some odd and funny things in life.  For example, the link below is about the name of several towns that have funny names, including not one, but two from Arizona.  This was featured last week in the Bing travel section so once you read about these lovely spots you may just want to cancel your current holiday plans and check one or two of them out for yourself.

http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=Funny+Place+Names%3a+Double+Trouble%2c+N.J.&FORM=TRSSPG

YouTube for animal lovers

Obviously I love YouTube.  It is like having a collection of old and new movies, videos and information available 24/7.  Now having said that it I have also say it is a place where people post a lot of stuff that should never be seen by others...I mean ever!  Yet, since it is available to the masses, people constantly post material on it that is strange,  boring, or gives the impression that people have too much time on their hands.

Animals do not escape the wackiness of YouTube as you will see if you click on the link below.  Seems people do odd things with their pets not just in the U.S., but around the world.  A friend of mine sent me this YouTube bit which shows a cat being gift wrapped.  Before you drag out your PETA contact list, you need to know the cat was not harmed in this venture.  In fact, she/he (I can't tell), seemed to like the experience.

So, if you don't care about gift wrapping a cat for the holidays, then skip this little video, but if you have ever wanted to gift wrap your cat, or neighbor's cat, then this will be helpful and bring a bit of joy to your life.  Just sayin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-31F9_SxIg

Another Round of Sarah Silverman and Cancer

I am re-posting this bit on cancer done by Sarah Silverman as I have a good friend who has a very rare cancer and will soon go through surgery and radiation that is very invasive.  I share Sarah's sentiment about cancer...and if you know anyone who has ever had cancer you will totally relate to what she has to say in her funny, crazy way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGtaV85AzWE&feature=related

A Muppet Moment

I admit I love the Muppets.  Jim Hensen in the mid 1950s took the art of puppet making to a whole new level.  I have seen (several times) one of his early efforts,  Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas which gives you a glimpse of how Muppets began and how far they have come.  Jim Hensen went on to create the characters for Sesame Street, The Muppet Show and numerous other movies and television shows.  Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are now known around the world.

One of my favorite characters is the Chef and when I saw the clip below I loved it.  It made me smile.   So Happy NFAL and thanks to Jim Hensen and his wonderful Muppets.

One small note...there is a brief commercial (sorry) before the Chef appears...

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

A Moment to celebrate Veteran's Day

In case you missed the memo, today is Veteran's Day and there are many solemn celebrations for the women and men who have served our country over the decades.  I also believe that NFAL has a place among the men and women who wear uniforms and serve our country.  Here is my tribute to them...and as veteran, myself I can really relate to this tribute.

http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/index.jsp?cid=35342

Kathy & Mo - The Angel Skit

In 1991 Kathy Najimy with Mo Gaffney did the Kathy & Mo - Parallel Lives Show.  Kathy went on to roles in the Sister Act movies, several television shows and most recently was the voice of Peggy in the King of the Hill animated show on Fox. 

This clip is from the Kathy & Mo show and involves two angels who are creating people on earth. 
Happy NFAL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etid_-PmdeU

Ellen & Chelsea

Chelsea Handler is big right now and I say enjoy it while you can.  She appeared several months ago on Ellen DeGeneres' show, and the clip is pretty funny and will probably encourage some of you to read her latest book--Chelsea, Chelsea, Bang Bang.    If you happen to love dogs then there's a bit about her dog, "Chunk" along with his picture.

May it make you smile:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1QY4k_z0HM

A Therapuetic Moment with Bob Newhart

Ah, the joys of being a counselor, therapist or psychologist.  For those people who do not work in a mental health clinic it is hard to imagine the day-to-day pressure of hearing sad, sad stories and having little time to really see people in a way that feels like you are doing your best work.  I refer to this as assembly line counseling...but Bob Newhart has a solution for doing therapy quick and easy.  Please check it out -- it will be, I am sure the newest trend in therapeutic approaches.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYLMTvxOaeE

Gun Control for Sleep Walkers

You have to watch it when you talk about Gun Control because  alot of people want to cough up a hairball any time you even hint at the need for it.  I have heard all the reasons against it:

1.  It is our right to bear arms...okay, whatever.  I really don't ever think about bearing arms; actually I don't think about bearing anything.
2.  The bad guys will always have guns.  Probably so...usually bad guys find ways to get whatever they want but I am not sure an arsonal at home or having a shoot out with bad guys is the way to go. Just sayin'.
3. I feel safe with a gun in my hand, my home, my life.  Okay, I understand that need to feel safe.  I feel safe with a debit card, money in my bank and John Denver tunes on my iPod.  Except for the John Denver tunes, nothing I have will harm anyone else.
4. The Government isn't going to tell me what to do.  My favorite argument.  Some people resent regulations and rules but if there is a problem they get upset if the government doesn't help out.  Funny how that works.

I must admit I believe that some people are just dumb and should be bubble wrapped as soon as they reach the age when they can leave home without parents keeping them on a leash.  Sad but true...

As for guns, here's my latest plug to support gun control for people.  Some guy in Boulder Colorado shot himself with a shotgun while sleepwalking.  This 63 year old guy keeps a 9 mm near his bed (I keep a glass of water and my phone...just personal preference I guess) and obviously a shot gun nearby.  Evidently Mr. NRA took some medication to help him sleep and at some point was awakend to a loud "bang" and realized he shot himself and called the police.  Oops...those loaded guns nearby may be there to protect but this time the "bad guy" was just sleepwalking.

Oh well, with the election over I am absolutely sure that no legislation for gun control will be even whispered in the Halls of Congress.  So I am sure I will have more gun stories to share for the next couple of years.  Stay tuned.

Roger Ramjet

If you think cartoons are for children, think again.  Most cartoons can entertain the wee ones, but if you are an adult there are often many funny lines in cartoons that children would never get.  Such is the case of Roger Ramjet.  Created in 1965, Roger Ramjet was shown on the "Wallace and Ladmo" show in Phoenix and that's where I first saw him.  I loved the cartoon and thought it was very funny and so when I saw it on YouTube, I jumped up and down, sang the theme song and then had to leave the public library where I was using my computer because the Quiet Police thought I was either disturbed or disturbing others. 
Anyway, if you ever watched Roger, then you will probably react just like me and if you have no idea who I am talking about, check him out:     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GBxWmuYLmA&feature=related

George Burns & Gracie Allen

George Burns and Gracie Allen met in Vaudeville in the 1930's and then went on to perform on Radio, and eventually had their own television show in the 1950s in front of a live audience.  Burns was the straight man to the scatterbrained but loveable Allen. 

They continued to play together until Gracie died in 1964 of a heart attack at age 62 while George lived until he reached 100 in 1996.   He never remarried saying Gracie was his partner for life.

This clip is a perfect example of Burns and Allen with a bit of Jack Benny tossed in there for laughs.  Although dated, the jokes are timeless and a great example of how the Gracie Allen and George Burns' chemistry worked to make audiences laugh for decades.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt1XwaJAr-w&feature=related

Co-Dependency Once More

People who love to track co-dependent moments scored big time last week when news broke that Virginia Thomas ("Ginny" to her friends) had left a voice mail on Anita Hill's work phone asking her to please apologize to her husband (Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas) for the accusations she made during his Senate Confirmation Hearings regarding the sexual harassment charges she filed against him.

I wondered if Virginia was having an Ambien moment!  There are several things wrong with this picture:

1.  Was why Virgina calling Anita Hill asking for something for her husband?  Did she know he was in need of an apology?  Has she read his journal?  Does he often cry about those confirmation hearing moments from 1991?  Did he ask her to please make the phone call because he was busy doing his job at the Supreme Court?

2.  I remember watching those hearings and I think maybe Clarence Thomas should have been calling Anita apologizing for many things--if I had been having to deal with all the ugly questions and accusations those men who were on the Senate Confirmation Committee tossed at me I would have lost it and the television viewers would have had to deal with bleeping out most of my words.    Anita Hill never lost it even though she was clearly perceived by the Committee to be less than creditable.

3. Why would Anita have to apologize anyway?  Clarence was confirmed to the Supreme Court and now he makes a lot of money, gets to wear some lovely black robes and make decisions that impact the entire nation.  Did I miss something here?  How did Anita's testimony impact him?

In case you don't know the fine details...well, here they are.  I guess "Ginny" called Anita Hill's phone at Brandeis University and basically told Anita it was time she apologized to Clarence for that ugly confirmation hearing business about him sexually harassing her.  Now Anita has, no doubt, over the years received many phone calls or messages that were unfriendly, so when she got the message she reported it to the Brandeis Police, who turned it over the FBI and then the news broke, and then quickly died down.

However, rumor has it that Melody Beattie who wrote Co-Dependent No More is beyond excited because Virgina has committed a huge co-dependent no-no and that means it is time to get the movement up and running again.  I believe either a Lifetime movie will come out of this event, or Virginia will be asked to compete in Dancing With the Stars.

Chelsea Handler on Sister Wives

Recently watched Chelsea Lately, the eChannel show which stars Chelsea Handler.  She is my kind of comedian...funny, irreverent and sacrastic.   She will tackle any topic or issue, even her own life with her comedy.  This short clip is from a recent show where she shares her thoughts about the new reality show, Sister Wives--which may soon be off the air since the people on it forgot they were living in Utah and breaking the law.  Sister Wives may soon have a whole new meaning for the 4 women if they end up in jail. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbaCZ94orRg&list=SL&playnext=1

Changing the Age We Retire

I understand that France is attempting to increase the retirement age to 62 and there are a lot of French people who are very unhappy about this...mostly young people who planned to retire much younger than 62.

I think the retirement system in the U.S. also needs revising and for the past few years I have been doing powerpoint presentations at drive-thrus and campgrounds in an effort to promote my proposal for change.  This effort has so far resulted in my making America's Most Delusional List--picture included, but I am thoroughly committed to continue this effort.

My proposal is simple...retirement should begin at 40, continue until we are 60 and then you work until you just can't stand it any more.  I think this is a very reasonable idea because in your 40s most people look good in their passport photos, have energy to do things, and are willing to travel, learn new languages and drink microbrews.  It is the best time to enjoy your retirement.

I am not sure the age people can currently retire in France, but I am thinking of proposing my plan to their government because I need to find a new audience.  Au revoir

Horoscope - Scorpio

I am going to start writing my horoscopes again not because anyone has requested them, but because I have to write something other than long letters to John McCain and Jon Kyle urging them to find another line

work.

So for you astrological types, here is the horoscope for Scorpio.  In case you don't recall dates, Scorpios are October 23 to November 21st.  The sign for Scorpios is that of a Scorpion...not really that clever if you think about it so try not to.

Scorpios are intense little beings who can be nasty if you hurt or cross them.   They are both likable and just the kind of people you report to Block Watch.

If you are a Scorpio just know that you are in for a fun year. Seems that Neptune is aligned with Mercury rising and what that means is beyond me.  However, I do think you will find yourself wanting to spend a lot of time looking at the Dollar Menu at McDonalds thinking there is a message hidden among the menu items.  The message is probably related to your cholesterol levels, but who knows?

Scorpio is a water sign and so after the first of the year you will find yourself unable to resist popping a tent and living near water.  This could mean the ocean, a lake, a stream, or your bathtub--whatever works because if the stars dicate it, you have to it.

Later in the year your 8th house is going up for sale, which means that you are going to have some turmoil in your life.  Can't determine what this is right now--could be a job change, a liposuction procedure, move, relationship change, or a reality show with Wink Martindale, if he is still alive and well.  Be ready for anything.

Remember, Scorpios, Pluto is your key planet, so keep a picture of it in your wallet, on your desk, or better yet, get a tattoo some place where you can share it in public.  Pluto is related to your unconscious mind or maybe being unconscious, I can't remember which.  So, if you are unconscious alot or think you are channeling Sigmund Freud you are in the Scorpio Zone -- yipee for you.

Happy Stars and Planets

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball started out as a dramatic actress but anyone who has seen her knows comedy was meant for her.  Lucille Ball married Desi Arnaz who was a successful band leader from Cuba.  They wanted to do their own show but found resistance for backing their show because he was Cuban, had an accent and they didn't believe American audiences would like him.  So, Lucy and Desi started their own production company and their show, I Love Lucy was a huge success and is now a classic example of physical comedy.

BTW...this clip illustrates the mind set of the 1950s in America...It makes you laugh but grateful you missed that era as an adult woman.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScLNAVwmjgQ&feature=related

The Diversity of Humor

I love to find a stand-up comic's routine or read something that I find very funny and then pass it along to another person and watch which part makes them laugh.  Certainly, once in awhile someone laughs at exactly the same phrase or word or behavior that makes me laugh, but most of the time it is totally different.

It is often said that laughter is a universal language, but what makes people laugh is very diverse.  Our sense of humor is unique--shaped and formed by our identity, our culture, our family, our beliefs and life experiences.  Comic routines actually celebrate diversity--our similarities and our differences.

I am not ashamed to say I am a graduate of the School of Eternal Optimism, and I think humor and its diversity is one way we can understand and appreciate each other.  I want to start a Foundation that supports the growth and development of humor and laughter throughout the world, which is why I am buying a lottery ticket and saying Novenas to the Patron Saint of Gambling--St. Roulette.   Wish me luck.