December Movies and notable TV

   My husband and I love the movies. We go as much as possible. When we are not going to the movies, we are looking to see what we can rent on demand at our home. In the past month or so, we have watched  all of the following.  I will list them in the order of  our favorites first.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK- Bradley Cooper (world's sexiest man- and yes, he is easy on the eyes!) and Jennifer Lawrence (star of Hunger Games) star in this, along with DeNiro. A  bipolar, 
Philadelphia Eagles Fan (is that redundant?) finds a new life, falls in love, and becomes a "regular guy" after attempting to kill the man he sees in his shower making love to his wife....loved it!

THIS IS 40-Sequel to Knocked Up. Leslie Mann, (real life wife of Judd Apatow) and his daughters star in this family comedy. Paul Rudd plays Pete, Mann's husband. Watch for Melissa McCarthy who has two great scenes, and Albert Brooks as Paul Rudd's Father. This is a movie that shows the realities of a marriage and family: we fight about the kids, money, life, our parents. Truthfully, this hit a little too close to home for me so it was not always funny....I cringed at a few of the topics. By the way, I do shop at Ann Taylor Loft! (see the movie). The topic of  how men drive
women crazy (gift selections, excessive bathroom time, not standing up to ridiculous parents who are completely out of line, etc.) shows all of us that we are not the only dysfunctional family on the block. Make sure to stay for the end and watch the credits-very funny.

LINCOLN-I predict Daniel Day-Lewis will get the academy award for this performance. Spielberg directs the movie which illustrates the 16th president's final months in office. We see a nation divided and a gridlocked house divided over how to end the war between the states and how to end slavery. This has a star studded cast and a terrific script. Watch how art imitates life-the movie is more timely than you would imagine with  parallel issues of government not coming to mutually acceptable agreements. Only, in this movie, the Republicans were the "good guys"!   A MUST SEE

DJANGO UNCHAINED-typical Tarentino. The movie starts two years before the Civil War ends. Jamie Fox is Django, a slave turned bounty hunter. He partners with Dr. King Shultz, a german born Bounty hunter portryayed brilliantly by Christoph Waltz (another academy award worthy nod).  Only Django can lead Shultz to the Brittle Brothers and so the story goes. If you like Tarentino, you will enjoy this. However, it is very long (2hrs. 46min), poorly edited, and exceedingly bloody, so be prepared. Not one of his better films.

THE GUILT TRIP-Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen star. A terrible script, one long "jewish, nagging, mother joke". Rogen steps back and lets Streisand star. Mother and Son go on a road trip to sell son's latest invention. Not funny, nothing redeeming about this movie. A total waste of your time. Don't Go.

MOVIES ON DEMAND

TED- Very Raunchy and Very Funny. Stars Mark Wahlberg and Mila Cunis. worth a look.
CENTRAL PARK FIVE-documentary about 5 black/latino teens arrested and charged for attacking and raping a white female in Central Park. They spent years in prison for a crime they didn't commit but were brutally forced to confess to by the corrupt cops. Hard to watch, infuriating that this could happen. Not an easy movie to stay with.
STRUCK BY LIGHTENING- Rebel Wilson(Pitch Perfect) and Chris Colfer(Glee) star.  Plot is about a teen trying to survive the dilemmas of highschool and his crazy parents. Very mediocre, not funny.
TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE- Amy Adams and Clint Eastwood star in this movie about a baseball scout and his daughter who are forced to spend some time together, and renew a relationship. Terrible-not worth watching.
SASSY PANTS-home schooled teen runs away from mom to live with dad. I fell asleep-my husband said it was horrible.

TELEVISION

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS-just a quick note about last night's program honoring David Letterman, Dustin Hoffman, Natilia Makarova, Buddy Guy, and Led Zeppelin.
   Much of the show was a snooze, but notable moments to watch on the internet:
The entire tribute to Led Zeppelin was AWESOME!  Kid Rock was spectacular, Lenny Kravitz singing Whole Lotta Love brought the house down. And finally, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart sang an amazing rendition of Stairway to Heaven.
    Most enjoyable was watching Obama with his arm around Michelle rocking to the music. And watch for Yo-Yo Ma  grooving to the beat- completely hysterical.

Jimmy Kimmel giving his tribute to Letterman: "You are the hero of all of us, with the possible exception of the people who came to see the ballerina."
Ray Romano telling us what he learned from Letterman: "Don't Quit! Do you quit when you're down one nothing in the Debates (as he looks up at Obama!)? No-you keep going."

Tracy Chatman and Reba's tribute to blues great, Buddy Guy-really, really great.

A New Laptop or A New Hip?

     Lately, I have noticed my computer shuts down all by itself. I will walk out of the room and when I come back in, it has turned off! Then, to make matters worse, it often will not turn back on.  My family has explained that a computer is not meant to last for more than a few years. I think this one is about 6 years old.  I stay awake at night and watch HSN and QVC and SHOPNBC. Everyone has a deal. The computers are about $500 and come with several hundred dollars of software. My head starts to spin. I feel these networks all have great deals! I'll order a new one tomorrow, I say. Then tomorrow comes. And I can't betray my old friend. I am attached to my obsolete, failing computer. I just can't pull the trigger for some silly reason. And miraculously, she turns on.....
     Which brings me to my 58-year-old left hip. Recently, I noticed it shuts down all by itself. I try to walk out of the room or jog up the steps and it fails me. This can't possibly be happening, can it? The three doctors I have consulted tell me they can't believe I can even walk. "Bone on Bone" they all say. A hip of an 80-year-old they all say. Bah Humbug! I love this hip. I have walked through Yellowstone, Yosemite, Maine, Europe, Canada....it has gotten me far and done a pretty impressive job. I stay awake at night and think about which month to do the surgery, which doctor to use, which type of surgery (anterior vs. posterior), and which hospital I want to do it in. I play a schedule in my head....I actually commit. That's it-now or never, one b. I can't go on this way. I am definitely doing it- YES, I am.
   And then tomorrow comes. And I can't betray my old friend. I am attached to this obsolete, arthritic, failing hip. And I just can't pull the trigger for some insane reason. However, as I try to pull on my pants, I begin to think my new hip will be happening faster than my new computer.

I Always Advise An Advocate

     In the past year or so, it seems that I am surrounded by friends and relatives who have someone in their lives that has become ill and needed hospitalization. As we age, it is inevitable that we will be taking more of an active role in caring for our aging parents. While no one likes to think about the prospect of being the caretaker,  a child more often than not, takes on this responsibility. Even if there is a spouse still alive to take on this task , I find that too much information can become confusing and difficult to retain for the healthy spouse. It creates too much anxiety when they are worried about their loved one.
    I strongly recommend that someone accompanies the patient to the doctor's office and goes into the room with them. You should have questions ready and if necessary, write down all responses,  write down the protocol the doctor expects the patient to follow, the medications, and any other relevant information he discusses. Do not be intimidated by a curt or demeaning physician. Stand your ground.  Do not be rushed.
   If the patient has to be hospitalized, one should be there as much as possible. Specifically, you want to be there when medication is dispensed AND when the doctors typically make their rounds. Too many times the wrong medicine or the wrong dosage is given, or two medicines conflict with one another. Often one doctor isn't aware what another doctor has ordered. All kinds of issues can go wrong-and many mistakes happen all the time. I have had experiences while my children and my mom have been hospitalized, and I have caught  incidents with medication where a disaster was just about to happen. Personally, I suggest you keep a ledger of all nurses, their times on duty, and the meds dispensed and the times they are given. I also keep notes on each morning, afternoon, and evening visit by the doctors, the doctors' names and what they report.
   If you think a nurse is not tending to the relative properly, you must SPEAK UP. If you notice a symptom that has appeared or a reaction, SPEAK UP. Do not be afraid to ask a question, or ask for help, or call the doctor. Follow your instincts. In your gut, you can tell when someone is failing, hurting, or in need of attention. In the final analysis, having an advocate will help facilitate a speedier
recovery,  a more efficient rehabilitation or resolution, and a happier patient.
   It is always nice to know that someone is watching out for you-Especially at a time when you are not capable of doing this for yourself. You will be saving someone's life and that someone is a person you love very much.

Likes and Gripes

LIKES

movies
   Lincoln-Daniel Day Lewis and Sally Field are Superb. Academy Award Worthy
   Argo-Who knew Ben Affleck could be so good?
  
restaurants
   Angeloni's-Caldwell,N.J.   If you are a fan of thin crust pizza, eat their thinny thin with no crust.
                                               This is awesome. BYO. Great Menu for kids, families, weeknight.

holiday shopping
    Neiman Marcus and Target- December 1st!!!! Go to either store at 8 a.m., and each have the same
                                                  50 gifts. check out the Tracy Reese top, Thom Browne blazer,
                                                  Altuzarra old fashioned glasses and shaker,  the Altuzarra tray, the
                                                  Oscar De La Renta tote, the Robert Rodriquez black lace dress,
                                                  Tracy Reese dessert plates, Brian Atwood sunglasses. I could go
                                                  on and on-get there early-EITHER STORE!!! It will sell out in
                                                  seconds!  Ah, my two favorite stores......

   Bloomies-                              Michael Aram- olive branch or orchid ring holders. $59.00
                                                  Native Union-bright colored phone receivers that plug into your
                                                                         IPhone so you can talk at home in comfort. $30.00
                                                  Echo-cashmere "tech" gloves in great colors. You can use your phone
                                                           to text and keep your hands warm at the same time! $88.00
                                                  Ugg-quilted shearling earmuffs w/ plug for your ipod or iphone. $85

Lord & Taylor-                         Everything Cashmere! They do a great job with great pricing. Check
                                                  out their cashmere pop top gloves for $49.99. Can expose fingers
                                                  when necessary and cover them when necessary. Pretty colors/ cheap!

Joe Fresh-                                 My new favorite spot. Great sweaters, purses, ski jackets. All really
                                                 swell and you won't break the bank!

GRIPES
    
     movies

Skyfall-although it was entertaining, it was too long. It lacked "typical Bond sexual innuendo.
             Daniel Craig doesn't do it for me as Bond. Scrawny! Give me Roger Moore or Sean Connery.

The Fitzgerald Family Christmas-hasn't been released yet. Ed Burns returns with his family. The
                                                       saga is boring. Let your stupid dying dad come home for xmas!

    shows

The Performers-Henry Winkler starred for two days in previews before it closed. Have you ever
                           heard of a show closing in the 2nd day of previews? It must have really been BAD.

   politics

The Republican Party-they are just horrible. What is going on with Susan Rice? They are sticking
                                    needles at Obama. Are they trying to force a Kerry Nomination? They need to
                                    take a long walk off a short plank-all of them......are you serious, McCain?


                                                           

Reflections On being a Grandma-5 1/2 months later

     So I haven't checked in for awhile. I have been busy-"good" busy Where do I begin to describe what it is like to have a new role, a new name, a new responsibility? I am Nonni- which before the birth of the baby, was a much debated and controversial choice for my title in my family. I couldn't bare the thought of being Grandma Debbie-I know everyone is gasping right about now! But, Really? You can understand that one of us is sufficient for this universe. (And thank goodness she doesn't have a computer). So, I forged into  new territory- Since I love to cook, I love to eat,  and I love all things Italian-why not Nonni? It's as just as lovely as Gigi, Nanna, Bobbi, Grandma, Soffie, Savfta, etc. etc. You get the drift! OK-so FOCUS-back to topic: Being Nonni to my new grandson, Max!
     The feeling is indescribable. I am over the moon with joy! The things and people that used to bother me, annoy me, make me anxious miraculously disappear upon seeing his face. Whether he is sad (which is extremely rare), happy, asleep, screeching, or laughing; each emotion that he elicits is sheer heaven.
    Recently, we had the fortune of this little bundle sleeping over for a few days. I, literally, would lay awake from 5 a.m. in anticipation of hearing his first coos around 7:15 a.m. I would whisper to Pops (who is even more in love with this baby than I am, if that is actually possible) that this is what a child must feel like on Christmas morning awaiting that moment when they can open their gifts. Max is a gift-one that keeps on giving. Being a grandparent is very different from being a parent- and for me, it is soooooo much more fun. Not better, but more fun. Raising children and doing it well, is a serious business filled with joy, drama, stress, conflict, and hopefully when you are done, a lot of success. You need to work at it every second, and then pray a whole lot that you have created sensitive, kind, mature, creative, intelligent, thoughtful, and successful individuals that will add something to this world. And then you have to be lucky......I was/We were!
     Now, as a first time grandparent, it is completely a different ballgame. Sure you worry, but realistically, I know that my grandson has two brilliant parents that will worry better, and if they don't always know the answers, they will figure out how to find them. I have total confidence that they are up to the task.
After all, look at what this amazing couple created-the most wonderful, baby in the world. Ok, maybe I am prejudiced and all grandparents think that about their grandchildren! Truly this child is beyond special and joyous and fantabulous and gorgeous. So, for now I will take pleasure in watching his parents do the hard work.
And Pops and Nonni will relax, enjoy our time with him, and look forward to watching this little boy evolve into a person who will become as spectacular as his parents.

     

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

  Did you know that the average voter in the U.S. is White and Female? Did you know that 72% of voters are between the ages of 65-74?  And did you realize that about half of voting age Americans do not vote in Presidential Elections? This is something that makes my blood boil. I simply cannot tolerate or understand the decision for an individual not to vote in an election. No one has the right to complain about anything in our country, EVER, if they do not cast a vote.
   I am lucky and grateful to be an American who celebrates the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion.  We are priviledged to live in a democratic society where we get to determine who rules our states and government.  Many people have died to protect these rights and to attain our ability to vote. Not only is it our right, but it is also our duty, and moral obligation to vote. It is not something that should be taken for granted.
   As a woman, issues that are particularly important to examine: equal pay, contraception, the ability to be pro choice or pro life,  health care coverage for mammograms/pap/births , better education and schools for our children and their children, the preservation of social services.
   As an older woman, I am also extremely concerned about where medicare and social security is headed in this country.
   As Michelle Obama states: " No matter where you stand on these issues or who you plan to vote for, a healthy democracy DEPENDS on us making our voices heard."
   So set aside all the inevitable moaning about politicians and partisanship, and do what is right.
Take 15 minutes out of your day on November 6th and go to the polls. Do what many people all around the world are dying for, and dying to do: GO VOTE!
   YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.