Governance Instability and Other Musings

POLITICS


President Obama's slogan was "Yes WE Can".  President Trump's slogan is "Yes I Can"


If I could present a few presents to President Trump, they would be the following:
Permanent Mittens-He would never be able to tweet again!


Red, White, and Blue duct tape for his mouth-he would never be able to speak again!


Roget's Thesaurus-If we can't get him to use the duct tape, he needs a vocabulary lesson. If I hear
the words tremendous, great, amazing, very, many and total disaster one more time.....


President Trumps selections for staff and Cabinet-I could go on ad infinitum about Spicer, Flynn, Sessions, but I won't.  Let's just discuss Andrew Puzder who is possibly the next Labor Secretary. As
someone who will represent the  working men and women of this country, I find it reprehensible that he hired a housekeeper and did not pay the appropriate taxes. (And by the way, in Trump's world this undocumented housekeeper should not be allowed in our country.) On top of this revelation, we find out that Puzder's former wife appeared (incognito) on Oprah years ago accusing him of Domestic Violence. Even the Republicans have problems confirming this man. Just Say No.


Ok - enough ranting. Now for the fun stuff.


TELEVISION


For those of you looking for some television shows, here we go.


Imposters-On Bravo. About a con artist who is beautiful and dangerous.  Fun!


The Young Pope- On HBO. Ten part series just finished. Not sure the series is great, but Jude Law and Diane Keaton are. Worth a binge watch.


Victoria-on PBS. Drama about the young Queen and her passionate courtship with Prince Albert.
If you like Downton Abbey, you will also like this. Check out the size of her waist.


Suits-on USA. The remaining six episodes of season 6 began on Jan. 25. A legal drama about a firm with infinite issues including a lawyer who never passed the bar and practices law! Not great but good enough! And Prince Harry's girlfriend is one of the stars.


The Grammys-Channel 2 On Demand. Although this was last Sunday, I think it's worth viewing.
I thought it was a fabulous show. My observations:
Ed Sheeran-I love the Shape of You!  This guy is the real deal.
Lady Gaga and Metallica-not sure why they performed but she rocked it. Too bad his mike failed...or not.
Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood-great duet called The Fighter. Her dress was distracting-kept looking to see if she had underwear on-Ha Ha. He is toooo cute. I fell.
Adele-come on-that opening was beyond. Her voice is crazy good. The Most beautiful face and skin..
Beyoncé-the number was a spectacle. I didn't get it. But everyone loves Queen B, so who am I to argue?  The tilting chair-scary for the twins!
The Weekend-so smooth-sounds a lot like Michael Jackson. I feel it coming, babe.
JLo-she didn't sing, but damn, she looks good. Not like JLo, but her new face is nice too.


For the record, I bought all of the above songs on ITunes. I loved all the music. And best quote goes to Twenty One Pilots:
"Anyone from Anywhere can do Anything. And That is That."


Finally, for those of you who live in Jersey, I have many restaurants to try or go back to again.
Ones I haven't been to yet:
Sla Thai - Montclair.
White Maple Café-Ridgewood
Chit Chat Diner-Hackensack & coming soon to West Orange
Koreander Fusion Café-Montclair
Le Salbuen Cafe-Montclair
Bluff CityBBQ-Montclair
South and Pine-Morristown
Ruthies BBQ and Pizza-Montclair
Plum on Park-Montclair
The Corner-Montclair (brunch)
Vital-Montclair
Laurel and Sage-Montclair
Essex Junction Craft Bar and Kitchen-Bloomfield
Mish Mish-Montclair


Ones I have tried and liked:
Turtle & the Wolf-Montclair
T S Ma-Montclair
De Novo-Montclair
Raymond's-Montclair
Bluestone Café-Montclair
Scala de Nonna-Montclair
Brick Lane-Montclair
Toast-Montclair

Halloween Greetings-Let's Talk TV and Movies

The most beautiful time of year is here! And with Fall comes my Birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving: all favorite celebrations. But, the true reason to celebrate is Fall TV Season begins. We finally have discarded the summer reruns and the dreadful heat. Alas- shows premiering and new seasons for returning shows. As everyone knows, I do not sleep more than 3 hours a night. This gives me a tremendous amount of time to watch a ton of television. Here's a recap of what you should be checking out.


MONDAY


Real Housewives of Orange County-Bravo @ 9 p.m.  I just can't help myself. It is like watching a train wreck. You should turn away, but you just can't. Kelly Dodd is bad news-she's a villain that has got to go. All of  these women are totally insane. But it's perfect for a Monday night when you don't want to watch  another football game.




TUESDAY


This is Us-NBC @ 9 p.m. A wonderful show following the lives of triplets  and their parents. Written beautifully, but at times, a little schmaltzy. Works for me!




Chicago Fire-NBC @ 10 p.m.  My favorite of the three Chicago Series. And now that Taylor Kinney is back on the market after his breakup with Gaga.... Let's just say he looks even more amazing than last season. I love this guy!






WEDNESDAY


Younger-TVLAND @ 10 p.m. Sutton Foster and Hillary Duff star in this comedy about a 40 year old women pretending to be 26, so she can reenter the job market after a divorce.  Very Enjoyable.


Queen Sugar-OWN @ 10 p.m. This show follows the life of three siblings who inherit a failing sugar cane farm from their father. Created, Directed, and Produced by Ava DuVernay.  Extremely well done.




Chicago PD-NBC@ 10 p.m. My least favorite of the Chicago Series, but that doesn't stop me from watching.




Designated Survivor-ABC@ 10 p.m. One of my top shows. Keifer Sutherland is a low level cabinet member who steps into the presidency after a bomb kills many during a State of the Union Address. Not usually my type of show, but I am totally hooked. And I love the actress, Natasha McElhone, who plays the First Lady. I think she is extraordinarily beautiful!









THURSDAY


Chicago Med-NBC@9 p.m. Third in the Chicago Series. I like all the characters in this one. Entertaining to watch.


Better Things-FX@ 10 p.m. Co-created by Pamela Adlon and Louis CK. Adlon plays a single mom of three girls. She is hysterical-so many funny bits in this series. If you like Louis CK, you will find this comedy worthwhile.


FRIDAY


Dog With A Blog-Disney@ 7:30 p.m. I admit that I  have never watched this because, generally, I am usually out drinking Vodka on a Friday night! However, for families with young children, this looks
great. Puppy Stan can talk and writes a blog- and his owners don't have a clue. Check it out with the kiddies.


SATURDAY


Saturday Night Live-NBC@ 11:30 p.m. The best season in years. After all, Clinton and Trump provide hilarious material for Alec Baldwin and Kate Mckinnon.  It's gotten so I can't delineate between the actors and the real candidates. Opening segments of this show are THE BOMB!


SUNDAY


Shameless-SHO@ 9 p.m. The usual antics continue. The cast is stellar. Love William Macy. Tune in but first watch all previous seasons.


Divorce-HBO @ 10 p.m. Stars Sara Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church. I do not like this show. Poorly written and a bit boring. I still watch though. Falls short.


Insecure-HBO @ 10:30 p.m. Series about modern day black best friends and their insecurities. I have fallen asleep during each episode. Doesn't hold my interest. Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore.


FINISHED SEASON


Ray Donovan- SHO. Season Four ended and Ray is still alive. His wife survived breast cancer and he is getting along with Mickey (Jon Voight), his dad. They tied up the season in a tidy bow.  Let's see if Ray changes his ways in the fifth season.


Green Leaf-OWN. The Greenleaf family runs a mega church in Memphis. Examines sibling rivalry, adultery and greed among the family members. A "Dynasty" type of soap opera in 2016! I loved it!


Ballers-HBO. Dwayne "the rock" Johnson is my favorite! Love watching this show about sports agents. I think Johnson is fabulous in this role. Very Charasmatic and soooo easy on the eyes!


Happy Watching!

A Change of Seasons-A Change of Makeup

Ladies, this blog is for you. Fall has arrived and with the noticeable change in weather, so too, there is a noticeable change in our skin. We need to reevaluate our skincare and makeup as the cold weather arrives. I have found some fabulous new products for you to transition to in the fall.


FOUNDATION




1) Anastasia Stick Foundation-a great product for touch ups. Carry in your purse and reapply as needed from day to evening. My color is Warm Ivory.


2) Bare Minerals Pro-this is a product for youthful skin. A powder foundation just doesn't cut it for a
60(+) year old. But their brush and compact is great for 20-40 year olds looking for light coverage.


3)YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation-Many people I know love their products. Me-not so much. Not great coverage and not anything spectacular. Certainly not worth the bucks. But, it does have SPF, and it is a serum and foundation all in one, which is a plus.


4)Urban Decay All Night Foundation-this is quite heavy and more pasty. For true coverage and blemished skin, you may love it. Use sparingly. I use color 3.5 and like it if I apply a small amount.


5)IT CC Cream-love this! just tried it and it is light with nice coverage. Feels like you are wearing nothing. This may be my new go to. I use the Light.


6)Hourglass Liquid Foundation-I like this product as well. It provides a little bit more coverage than the CC Cream. I use the porcelain.


7) Elf flawless Finish (at Target and Old Navy). My favorite foundation! Great coverage. Has SPF. And, it is inexpensive and looks super great. I use the porcelain.






EYEBROWS






1) Anastasia's Triangle Brow Pencil/Brow definer. One side is a brush and the other is a pencil.
Very natural looking-fills in the brow realistically.






SHADOWS




Neutrogena-Recently I was having eye allergies and went to the Ophthalmologist. He suggested I
try Neutrogena's nourishing long wear eye shadow and built in primer. I tried the classic nude. Four
colors come in the palette. I wasn't impressed but my eyes were-they stopped itching!


Anastasia-I sound like a broken record, but I like their products. You can create your own customized palette of four. They come in ultra matte, titanium, shimmer, and metallic. Choices are endless.  And the ultra matte colors are full of color and creamy. They blend beautifully. Perfect in every way. Best shadows EVER!







LINERS






Wet and Wild-Hands down, their graphic marker eyeliner is the BEST. For $3.99 at CVS, splurge.
The liner stays all day, glides on easily and looks great. Say goodbye to Kat Von D's Ink and Tatoo
liners. They dry out quickly and cost $28.00.




Wet and Wild-their kohl crayon pour les yeux is a pencil. I prefer the graphic marker. The bronze and
Quartz are pretty colors for the lower eyelids.




Sephora's Eyeliner Pencil-Don't buy it!




Sephora's Long Lasting eyeliner-this liquid with tiny brush is excellent. Comes in a lot of colors.
Try it.








FAVORITE PRODUCTS


I have just reordered for the third time several Collagenesis products by SKINN. You purchase these from evine.com




Twenty-Four Hour Youth Preservation Cream Elite-Use this both morning and night. Your skin stings a little due to the Capryloyl Salicylic Acid which assists in top layer cell turnover. You can actually feel it working. Skin looks more supple, firmer, and smoother. I love....




Stem Rejen Elite-is an age delay facial serum. Can be used in a.m. or p.m. Try it before you moisturize. Better than La Mer-I swear.


Lip Stem Rejen Elite-helps diminish lines around the lip and nasolabial lines.  In my case, I can use all the help I can get. I slather this sesame seed serum on throughout the day.
These 3 products I cannot do without.

Run, Hide, Fight is this generation's Duck and Cover

Recently, while driving, I heard a public service announcement that reminded me of my days in grammar school. I attended grammar school in the 60's, quite a long time ago! The announcement I heard the other day was produced by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. It was information advising you what to do if an active shooter enters a place you are inhabiting: work, a movie, a mall, the street,a train, a plane, etc.  I thought: is this what our world has come to? Apparently so.
All of us should be prepared for this event, just as I had to prepare for a nuclear bomb attack so many years ago.
  Do any of you remember Bert the Turtle? And the "Duck and Cover" exercise we did once a month to prepare for a nuclear bomb blast from the Soviet Union? It was kind of like a fire drill, but different! We had to hide in a fetal position under our desks and cover our heads with our hands. You had to stay away from windows to prevent being hit with broken glass and getting a sunburn that wouldn't ever go away. Was a wooden and metal desk really going to protect us from a bomb? The boys liked this drill because back then little girls wore skirts and the boys got to look up their skirts. That is one thing that hasn't changed! Boys will always be visual!
  But, I digress. Back to Bert the Turtle. He was in a video that showed him hiding his head in his shell as a monkey tossed a lit firecracker at him. It didn't seem all that scary to us little kids! It was a just a cute cartoon.  Reflecting back on this Duck and Cover nonsense as an adult, I realize nothing would have saved us from an actual nuclear bomb attack, unless of course you had a bomb shelter, which many of my friends did, in fact, have.


On YouTube: Duck And Cover (1951) Bert The Turtle


So, now getting back to this recent public service announcement on the radio.  It advises us to Run and leave our belongings behind. Running should always be your first course of action Have an escape route in mind.  Many times there are additional exits at the back of stores for employees.  Or, if unable to escape, you must try and Hide from the shooters view. Barricade and lock a door, turn lights and cell phone off. Call 911 only when it is safe to do so. And finally, if you cannot Run or Hide; a last resort if your life is in imminent danger is to Fight. Attempt to incapacitate you attacker. Take him down. Use improvised weapons: chairs, fire extinguishers, pens, belts, etc.
   I have to admit, when I heard this announcement, I was a lot more scared than when I was hiding under a desk as a child.  This is our current reality. These incidents are all too common and we see many fatalities. The Washington Post reports that the U.S. now has one active shooter incident every three weeks.  What can we do?  Be aware of your surroundings, always know where exits are, and note anything that seems out of the ordinary. If you hear gunshots, do not freeze with fear. You only have seconds to figure out what to do.
   While shootings are increasing, they are still rare and we cannot live our lives in fear.  But, there is no downside to have a plan, stay alert, and be prepared.


https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/active shooter pocket card 508.pdf

Siding Makes Me Want To Go Into Hiding

For all of you who have ever lived through construction or renovation of any kind, I commend you.
And for my dear friend who is an interior designer, you should get a medal of honor. Six months ago
it was decided by my section of our Condo Association that we were having siding installation start in April. The assessment would be $30,000 dollars before purchasing any new windows. This announcement put me, as well as many of my neighbors, into a tailspin. Although I was a bit (to say the least) depressed over the sum of money, I knew that this project needed to be done. I live off of a ridge which gets very intense weather and rotting wood was prevalent on my unit. But, I dreaded this project with incredible angst.
   After setting up various appointments to disconnect and remove wiring for my alarm system; remove screens (which required removing ENTIRE windows which led to springs breaking, etc.) and 3 storm doors,  take down mirrors, lights, glass shelves, photos in frames, all the baccarat crystal, and cover furniture and carpet with drop cloths, I was ready to go. At that point, I was also ready to be committed to a mental institution or swallow a bottle of vodka, or both.  But that was just the preliminary events.
    Let the real games begin: At least ten men converged upon my unit Monday Morning. They began to remove the rotted wood, Tyvek the unit, remove windows. Hammers abound-the house began to shake. Parking spaces in the area were covered with dumpsters and siding, so there was nowhere to park. Holes began to pop, trim began to crack and my head began to pound. The next thing I know black tar was dropped all over my front steps and walkway-this is an issue that cannot be resolved. Once tar penetrates limestone (which is porous), it cannot be cleaned. Thus my newly renovated steps(done in the fall) must be replaced. At this point, I was totally distraught but tried to remain calm. What a joke-we all know who's writing this, right? It wasn't possible-there isn't enough Xanax in the world. By Wednesday night, I was literally waiting at the door for Jud to arrive and take me out drinking (which is usually a no no for me on Sun., Mon., Tues., and Wed.-but due to the renovation I made an exception). I then came home and promptly fell asleep-an unusual event for me: Depression and Vodka together make for a sound sleep.  Who knew?   Friday I was scheduled to have the deck doors and arch window removed as well as all the windows recaulked. More trim cracked, locks no longer lined up and worked, and the caulking looked as if my 4 year old grandson had done it. I explained how to caulk, how to smooth it, and the men redid it with the help of my tutorial.
Of course, the engineer now knows I am meticulous and anal and has commiserated with all my insanity. The workmen are not quite as compassionate, and besides they don't speak English-lucky for them!
    I do see an end in sight because they have to eventually move on to other units. Oh-did I mention all the shrubs and perennials are ruined?
    All this being said, intellectually I know this is not arms and legs, and that everyone I love is happy and healthy.  I realize that I need to put this in perspective. Easier said than done! The good news is that in a few hours it will be 6 p.m. and all the workers will depart for the weekend! Now if only my car doesn't have a flat tire from the hundreds of nails scattered everywhere-I will drive it to the closest bar and dream of the time when ADT will return to reinstall my security system and my new steps will be installed without black tar all over them.  The end is in sight and after my "Nineteenth NERVOUS BREAKDOWN" " I WILL SURVIVE".

What's Hot? What's Not?

     With the warm weather approaching, some of my favorite television series have returned.

GIRLS-For me, this was the best season ever. The writing was beyond fabulous. I have literally put quotes from the first two episodes in my phone so I won't forget the lines. Last night's second part of the finale was PURE PERFECTION.  I loved every nuance and each second. Lena Dunham is a genius. I envy her insight and her ability to convey ideas so well on screen. And, let's not forget all the other characters who give brilliant performances. I can't get enough of Zosia Mamet-she lights up every scene. (HOT)

BETTER CALL SAUL-Tonight is the finale and then we wait an entire year for the new season.

There is such depth to each character that you feel you know them intimately. Is Chuck ok after his fall? Will Jimmy become honest? Mike looks like a killer, but he only murders people as a last resort-he's nice, REALLY. Will Kim forgive Jimmy? And so it goes-another series that I believe is very well done. (HOT)

HOUSE OF LIES-Yawn. Yes, I think Don Cheadle is an amazing actor. That's where this show ends. I'm just very bored. I can't watch Kristen Bell anymore- she's annoying. The storyline is ho hum. A waste of time. (NOT)

THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE-Basically, if you are a guy, you WILL love watching this. Inspired by the 2009 Soderbergh film, Riley Keough(Elvis's granddaughter) is a beautiful law student who becomes an escort to fund her student loans and pay her rent. This is a dark and cynical series (on Starz) which lacks any emotion. On the plus side, there is a ton of explicit sex-watch the first two episodes! In the end, the question it raises: Does every relationship resemble a transaction in some way? You decide.

(Steaming HOT)

BANSHEE-This Cinemax series takes place in an Amish town in Pennsylvania called Banshee. The

show is filled with violence, action, villains, and sex. What more do you need? Characters are  interesting and people who you will care about.  (Spoiler Alert)-Can you believe Rebecca was pregnant with Hood's child at the time of her death? I love this show, but it's not for the faint of heart. (HOT)

REAL HOUSEWIVES NYC-I know- I admit that it's a train wreck. But, it is my guilty pleasure. I love these crazy women and I am so glad they are not my friends! I really dislike the new addition, Jules. I can't stand Caroline's boy toy, Adam. And John, Dorinda's love, is (in Countess LuAnn's words) so "uncool". But it never hurts to have a good dry cleaner around. It gets damn expensive, right? (NOT for most of you)

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BEST NEWS STORY LAST WEEK

Ivanka and Eric Trump, two of Donald's children, missed the change party enrollment date on 10/9/15. Therefore, they are unable to vote in the primary. HA!

SCARY NEWS STORIES LAST WEEK

Zika virus now linked to ADEM, a rare neurological disorder that is similar to multiple sclerosis. This is now a concern for everyone, not just pregnant women. And Zika has been found in 30 states thus far. Our lovely Republican  congressmen have stalled the President's and the health officials requests for 1.8 billion dollars to stop the virus from spreading.  So typical. The congress is as scary as the virus.

Super Strain of Gonorrhea threatens Britain-the spreading strain is now resistant to azithromycin, the drug that was used to cure the disease until now.  Not everyone exhibits symptoms- a great reason to practice safe sex.

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MOVIES TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR

VAXXED-This was supposed to premier at Tribecca Film Festival. Due to the controversial material it was pulled at the last minute. A look into the belief that certain ingredients in vaccines can cause children to develop Autism. A compelling interview to google: DeNiro on the Today Show last Wednesday discussing his son and Autism. He was clearly distressed and needed to voice his opinion. It looked as if he would explode pre- interview. In NY theaters now.

SUPERSEX-showing at Tribecca Festival now. Made by Matthew Modine and starring Ed Asner, Elizabeth Perkins, and Kevin Nealon (think Weeds cast!). Also, the prostitute is played by Modine's

daughter.  Check it out.

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Ok-what would my blog be if I didn't discuss jewelry?

Costume/or Inexpensive Options (HOT)

Stephen Dweck-I love him forever. His chunky pieces never disappoint. My wrists are too small for his bracelets though. The agony...

Alexis Bittar-always fun for summer. Especially his bangles.

Kendra Scott-Her hanging earrings are fun and fabulous. Pretty pastels look stunning with white tops!

Freida Rothman-A fabulous two tone line. Necklaces and Earrings are super great.

Costume (NOT)

Anthropologie

Kenneth Jay Lane

Heidi Daus

R.J. Graziano

Alex and Ani

The REAL Deal (HOT)

Verdura-I need a cuff!

Bavna-And some diamond and moonstone earrings would be nice. Also,  not too pricey and pretty.

Sienna Lasker-She's my girl. Not at all expensive. Sodolite necklace with Diamond Sapphire Nugget.

Fred Leighton-Crème de la Crème. Anything from here is acceptable.

Buccellati-A new wedding band with gold, diamonds, and sapphires is a perfect pick. In another lifetime when I get an inheritance.

Stephen Webster-the poison ivy collar is beautiful.

The REAL Deal (NOT)

David Yurman

Judith Ripka

Ippolita

Roberto Coin