WHAT BOOKS HAVE MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION IN YOUR LIFE?

I have always loved to read. I used to read 4-5 books a week. I consider books my friends. I am very hesitant to loan out my books in fear that you will never return them, and that causes me great anxiety. I do not own a Kindle, nor do I want one. I need to dog ear my pages and underline sentences that speak to me. In my opinion, books are like going on a fantastic voyage to a far away place. You don't have to leave your chair, yet you can travel to the unknown and explore infinite emotions. I often go back and look at quotes I have underlined and it brings me right back to the story. Unfortunately, for various reasons, I have not had the attention span to read lately. Between losing my dad, divisive politics on the news all day long, Covid, and caring for an ailing Mom; reading has not appealed to me. In order to begin reading again, I need a book that will literally grab me on the first page. In the past few years, I have started so many novels and put them down never to reach for them again. This is so unlike me. I ALWAYS finish a book. But, I just haven't found one that will once again lead me back on the path of devouring a book in one day. My earliest memory of a book and still one of my favorites, was Harold And The Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, written in 1955. Harold, a curious little boy, has the power to develop a world of his own just by drawing it. He uses his imagination to create beauty and excitement. I loved this concept. His use of an oversized purple crayon to satisfy his imagination and curiousity, is exactly how books act as my own purple crayon! As I got a bit older, Shel Silverstein was a book of poems that I often read. Ther are so many wonderful lessons for children. I especially loved this quote: "Do a loony-goony dance 'cross the kitchen floor. Put something silly in the world that ain't been seen before." He's saying don't conform. It's okay to be different, and to think outside of the box. Dare to create what has not been done before. Today, there is so much pressure on kids to conform to be accepted. This little ditty tells you to have fun; be proud of who you are; and don't be afraid to try new things! Don't give in to peer pressure. Middle School and High School took me to a new level. There was Catcher in The Rye, The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, On the Road and Howl. Jack Kerouac's book, On the Road, is considered to be one of the best novels of all time, but it was met with shock at the time of it's release. The story is about two friends who embark on a road trip of North America. Another brilliant "Beat Generation" writer was Alan Ginsberg who wailed against capitalism and societal expectations. His book of poems sums up the generation's disdain for conforming and tradition. Everyone I know has read Catcher in The Rye! J.D.Salinger's book is about a boy's expulsion from his prep school and he narrates his story from a mental institution after suffering a nervous breakdown. Through his narration, he relays how he tries to connect with many types of people, but always fails due to his lack of maturity and his attempt to delay adulthood. As I matured, I realized my love for literature was much more about the cadence of the writing and how the words were written. For me, the plot is often secondary. I like getting lost in the dialogue and reading a sentence that places me directly into the situation. Writers that I really loved reading were Harper Lee, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Updike and Tolstoy. Published in 1960 and a Pulitzer Prize winner, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic of American Literature. It takes place in a small southern town, and is narrated by an 8 year old girl named Scout Finch. The plot explores human behavior focusing on the themes of kindness, hatred, racial discrimination and compassion. Lee's characters and writing should be cherished always. John Updike, who may be my favorite writer of all time, wrote a series of "Rabbit" books. A double Pulitzer Prize winning author, he explores middle class suburbia and the male psyche. The series starts out with Rabbit Angstrom, a "waspy" has-been high school basketball star. He hates his job, and is in a loveless marriage. He runs away from it all, drinks, has affairs, and suffers a few health scares. Updike's brilliance is in his spectacular writing. Phillip Roth and Updike are often compared and similar. Of different religions (Jewish and Protestant), they present common themes of male desires and angst. Their prose is opulent and I can't get enough! As for F. Scott Fitzgerald, it just doesn't get any better. Tender is the Night and The Great Gatsby are two books I have read over and over. Although Gatsby was a commercial failure at first, critics often refer to it as the "great American novel". The two books have some similar themes of materialism, searching for human fulfillment, and idealism. Fitzgerald's phrases are lyrical and poetic. He is a joy to read even if his stories are somewhat dark. Tolstoy is a very different writer from the others. Anna Karenina was a life changing experience for me. First, you need gumption to get through this huge book. But once you do, you will be so satisfied. Anna is a beautiful wealthy woman and mother, in yet again, another unhappy marriage. So, of course she escapes by having a tempestuous affair with Count Vronsky. Themes throughout the novel are love, religion, judgement, mental health, politics and isolation. Tolstoy's characters have so much depth and complexity, that you become intimate with each one of them.The writing is so superb you are totally absorbed in the story. Tolstoy has you hooked with the first line of the novel: "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Finally, some of my all time favorite novels that I read once I was married were Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy, Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, and Atonement by Ian McEwan. Prince of Tides was so well written that it was very sad to finish the book. Conroy writes covers 40 years of the life of the main character, Tom Wingo and his sister, Savannah. Conroy's prose is pure perfection. I wanted to underline every sentence in the book. I would stop and read the lines out loud because they were so beautiful and descriptive. For example, "A family is one of nature's solubles; it dissolves in time like salt in rainwater." Foer's novel, too, was incredible. I remember at the end of the novel, I literally stood on my bed and cheered! The plot is about a young man who sets out to find the woman who may have saved his grandfather from the Nazi's. This was not an easy book to read. Foer's debut novel is so well written. His humor is profound and heartfelt. And, it's hilarious and heartbraking at the same time. LOVED! Donna Tartt's book was talked about by everyone at the time it was released. I am always hesitant to read what others rave about. Generally, the book never lives up to everyone's accolades. However, in the case of this Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, I have to say I was utterly impressed. You may stay up all night to read this book. The plot is about a young boy living in New York who survives an accident that kills his mother. The book delves into the art underworld. Tartt's prose is elegant, her characters are sublime and the plot is mesmerizing. If you have not read this, I am jealous that you will be picking this up for the very first time. It is a magnificent novel. In Atonement, Ian McEwan wrotes about WWII England and a young girl who misinterprets her older sister's love affair with the family's gardener. Give the book a chance-the beginning might not be something you love, but the ending of the novel is unexpected and brilliant. If you are a lover of beautiful prose, you will enjoy reading McEwan. Upon reflection, I think a great book starts conversations. A great book develops a connection between the reader and the characters. A great book has you lose yourself in the story, and you are sad when you reach the last page. Often, great literature provokes us to think and see things that we never did before. I think a great book has you remembering and thinking about it long after you have finished it. So tell me, what was your most impactful novel? Wishing you all a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! There is lots for all of us to be grateful for. PEACE OUT-ONE B

I Love You, Terry Bradshaw! You Rock!

Well everyone, this was supposed to be an intellectual blog about the books that have been life changing. But, I have been sidelined (get it!) by the recent stories about Nets guard, Kyrie Irving and the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers. Always an insomniac, I have watched many many appearances of Terry Bradshaw on late night talk shows. Let me be very honest. I am not a football fan, and I know nothing about the sport. But I have always gotten a kick out of watching Terry Bradshaw on Letterman and Leno. One of the greatest football players of all time, he is chock full of personality, as well as athletic ability. Bradshaw pretends to be stupid. He's not. He is always able to play the comic foil to his co-hosts whether he's guesting on late night or commentating a football game. He makes me laugh out loud. Even now, when I watch him on The Bradshaw Bunch, I find him to be funny and endearing. Maybe I relate because he, like me, always tells it like it is. He is the voice of reason. So, what is the definition of a team player? A good teammate is someone who works towards common goals for the entire team. A team player doesn't have hidden agendas, compromises when needed, doesn't keep important information to themselves, and doesn't put their teammates in jeopardy. Bradshaw was a good team player. But Aaron Rodgers is not. Here is a guy who has a four year 134 MILLION DOLLAR contract. This is his profession. This is how he makes a living. What would possess him to put his life and his teammates lives and jobs at risk? Getting the covid vaccine ceases to be a personal choice when you become part of a professional team. You are now not only putting your teammates at risk, but you are putting the referees, the trainers, the coaches, and your families in danger. In my opinion, it's bad enough that he refused to be vaccinated. But to lie about being "immunized" was the unforgivable act. Terry Bradshaw nailed it when he said that "it would have been nice if he'd just come to the Naval Academy and learned how to be honest. Learned not to lie. You lied to everyone." Instead Rodgers took ivermectin which does not create an immune response to covid, because it is primarily used to treat parasites! Clearly he wasn't protected! News Flash-he didn't miss the game yesterday because the NFL didn't allow him to play (because he hadn't been vaccinated). Rather, he missed the game because his deworming meds didn't prevent him from getting COVID. He has Covid!!!! Truthfully, I am glad they lost the game without him. But I would've been happier if they had WON without him. HAVE AT IT, Jordan Love! Get out there and show the world what you've got! I'm sorry you didn't knock everyone's socks off, but soon.. In the meantime, Prevea did the right thing by severing their relationship with Rodgers. State Farm should've made the same decision. This man lied and doesn't deserve endorsements. Why has lying become acceptable? What type of example does this set for our children and grandchildren? It is NEVER okay. He should be suspended and financially penalized. I won't even get into Rodgers misquoting Martin Luther King. Just ridiculous...And while we're discussing this, the management of the Packers are also at fault for allowing Rodgers to say he was "immunized" and allowing him not to be masked indoors. They too, should be held accountable for perpetrating these lies. Now I'll comment on Kyrie Irving. The situation is different in that he didn't lie. At least he was honest. He just refused to get the vaccine. Believe me, I consider this completely unacceptable for a professional basketball player. Not getting vaccinated cannot be a personal choice in these situations. This is pure bullsh-t. As I said above, when you are on a team, and make your living as a professional-you must follow the rules. If Irving truly loves basketball and respects his teammates, he would get the shot. One of the reasons James Harden and Kevin Durant were attracted to the Nets was because of Kyrie. He got them there, and should be standing with them. He is draining the team's chemistry. I am shocked that the players union is not mandating all players to be vaccinated. Yet, All the referees must be vaccinated!How can that be? Kyrie Irving has taken selfishness to a new level. But, Harden and Durant are two superstars that can carry the Nets. They are playing well. Truthfully, I hope they continue to win without Irving. And I wish Pepsi, Nike, and Foot Locker would discontinue their partnership with him. He doesn't deserve endorsements if he doesn't exhibit the qualities of a team player. Currently, the players on the Green Bay Packers and the Nets are refraining from voicing their opinions on Rodgers or Irving. But, mark my words. Let's wait until the season ends. Let's see what their final records are. I can promise you that players will comment on all of this once the season is over; especially if they don't come out on top. Then this silence will come to an end. PEACE OUT-ONE B

Turning 67: Reflecting on life

Recently I celebrated my sixty seventh Birthday. To be totally honest, that number totally freaks me out. On my Birthday, a high school friend asked if I would be attending our FIFTIETH REUNION? After a long pause and regaining consciousness, trembling I responded: I still feel seventeen-how could we be this old? I am now officially a Senior Citizen(for 2 years already). I am a member of AARP, I collect Social Security, I pay less to attend the movies, and in the Covid era my age now qualifies me as an individual who gets my vaccines before others. Thankfully, I haven't hit the early bird special at Denny's yet! Birthdays are often a time of reflection. I think about regrets, the advantages of being old, what I am grateful for, and lessons and wisdom that come with maturity. To be honest, I don't love the experience of mandatory colonoscopies, mammographys and ultrasounds, or the arthritis that shows up in my shoulders, knees, fingers, and toes. I regret that I am now the age where these are constant and real issues in my life. But what is, is. So,I do the required testings, and try to ignore the various nuisance issues as much as possible. Another regret might be that my parents never encouraged me to search for a career that I would love, and that I could have with a family. I wished they had stressed a career, as I did, with my daughters. Yet,I have been lucky enough to have several jobs (selling advertising for town guide books, being an activity director for an assisted living senior facility, and presently selling life and health insurance) that afforded me the opportunity to raise my girls and be present for them whenever they needed me. Not for one minute do I regret attending Christmas Choral Concerts, PTA Meetings, tennis matches, soccer and softball games, and being class mom for many years.(Maybe, I could have done without the 6 a.m. phone calls that school is closed on a snow day!) I have been fortunate enough to witness my daughters mature into fabulous, kind, honest women with terrific careers, loving marriages, and beautiful families. It's such a mind blowing experience to observe your babies develop into spectacular adults. They handle life and parenthood with patience, wisdom and grace. My husband and I like to believe we might have played a small role in that. Along the way, I hope I have lightened the load for my girls, my husband, my parents, my sister, and my friends. "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else." Charles Dickens So although I didn't become CEO of a major company, I had the true honor and privilege of being a full time Mom to my children. So, really no regrets! As I age, I have often pondered what life lessons I learned. First and Foremost, " the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return." Eden Ahbez The only way to be happy is to love yourself so that you can love others. And after that, "the only way to be truly happy is to make others you love happy." (William Carlos Williams) Next, material objects don't buy happiness. Yes, money sure does make you life easier,and helps pay the bills; but it means nothing if you don't have your health. "The first wealth is health" (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Again, you must take care of yourself in order to take care of others. As a dentist's daughter, take care of your teeth!!! Don't ignore your body and any symptoms. Don't put off getting annual check ups! You know your body better than anyone. If something is bothering you, do not ignore it! Which brings me to the issue of what to do if you are sick. AND THIS IS MY MOST IMPORTANT LESSON: EVERYONE, NO MATTER AGE OR INTELLIGENCE, NEEDS AN ADVOCATE WITH THEM AT A DOCTOR VISIT OR AT A HOSPITAL STAY. When you are at a Doctor's office or in the hospital, the physician is spewing out a diagnosis, treatments, protocols, and medications, etc. You need to be armed with relevant questions and have someone by your side that you trust to listen, write down information, and for moral support. Often when scary information is being relayed, the patient tunes out, and memory is jumbled. BRING YOUR ADVOCATE. Another lesson (which I am still working on and trying to perfect) is LISTENING. When someone comes to you with a problem, or needs to vent their anger about work, their boss, a friend, or a family member; they just want your unconditional support, and a shoulder to lean on. They do not want your sage advice! Unless they specifically ask you, do not offer up your opinion. That is not the reason they are venting. Just LISTEN, and be there for them. Finally, this has been the hardest lesson of all for me: Lower your expectations. I have learned over the years that you cannot expect someone to act or react in the manner that you would. Family and friends are going to disappoint you at some juncture in your life. You will not always get the result you expect, and ultimately you will feel sad, and let down. It's hard, but you must let it go, and just keep going...MOVE ON! "Our heads are round so thought can change direction." Francis Picabia There are some ADVANTAGES TO GROWING OLD: 1) I am a Grandparent! Actually, I am Nonni! Grandchildren are the best invention in the world. They always make you smile, laugh,and keep you young. This is the greatest role of a lifetime! Who Knew? 2) I get to grow old with my BEST FRIEND! My husband, cofidant, and lover who is always right beside me. He's supportive, kind, patient, and really smart! Thank G-d for this guy. 3) Family dinners have increased in size as the years go on, and they happen often! Always fun! 5 kids running around like maniacs! 4) I'M NOT DEAD YET! "IN THREE WORDS, I CAN SUM UP EVERYTHING I'VE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE: IT GOES ON!" Robert Frost Happy Halloween! PEACE OUT-ONE B

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD?

Here we are-it's my FAVORITE season! We finally get to wear our sweaters, boots, cashmere scarves, and leather jackets. The leaves are changing. The air is crisp. The moon is magnificent. Van Morrison is playing non-stop on the radio. Halloween is coming. Autumn is what makes ME feel good. Good riddance to Summer. Yesterday, while visiting with my 94 year old mom, she complemented me on the jeans I was wearing. I laughed, and told her I own about 50 pairs of jeans. She asked, "why so many jeans?" I told her that I am ALWAYS in search of the "perfect" pair of jeans. Sometimes you want ankle length. Sometimes you want a boot cut. You might want a wide leg, a baggy boyfriend jean, or a tight skinny jean. There are so many options and then to decide on dark denim, faded denim,or indigo denim? Ripped or frayed? Or no holes at all? At 66, I should never be opting for ripped jeans but summer heat often leads me there. These are the big decisions in life! Truthfully, I can't remember the last time I "dressed up". After hybernating during Covid and not frequenting nice restaurants for 18 months, there was never a reason to get fancy. I don't buy designer jeans because my body type works best with junior labels or Levi's, which are my fav. So when getting ready to go out, my first principle rule is to figure out WHICH jean will work with WHICH shoe. For example, if I want to wear a suede heel, I prefer an ankle jean. If it's a knee high boot, I need a skinny tight jean, etc. Next, the piece that I eternally search for is that fabulous white shirt. I have so many, but none that I love! Should I choose the cotton, lace, silk, satin, oversized, fitted, collar or no collar? So, once you have decided on the jean and the suede kitten heel sling back or a leather boot; just add the white shirt, a great necklace, some cool earrings and a bold bracelet. Wallah-You are ready to face the world...This outfit will take you anywhere you want....Well almost! I guess we still need to dress for those occasional black tie affairs. But luckily, they are few and far between these days. Below are my new picks for this season: both makeup and clothes....Nothing I mention is insanely priced. Everything is super affordable. Enjoy! FOR THE FEET Stuart Weitzman Keelan suede knee high boots. Comes in four colors. The light creme is very pretty. (from $299-$499). Mia Cora suede leather bootie. I love that clunky rubber bottoms are in! I'm a clutz, have knarled toes, horrendous feet and need a "big" wide shoe to keep me comfortable. The beige suede is very cool. (Only $49.99!). Prada suede scallop pointed pump-This is very simple and classic. It will never go out of style. ($750). J.Crew Colette slingback pump in suede. Comes in taupe or black or hot pink. Super cute. ($238). Aquazurra St Honoree leather zip boot-Another great clunky combat boot that comes in beige or black. ($795.00). M.Gemi-Hurray! Clogs are back! Perfect for the hippy in me and for my feet that don't do well in confinement! The "Greta" clog is the way to go. Comes in three colors. ($268.00-$275.00). FOR THE NECK Bloomingdales-They have the greatest cashmere travel wrap. It comes in 11 colors and is awesome! It makes a great gift and is perfect for the plane or an air conditioned restaurant. Love. ($198). Burberry-If you want to go for the big bucks, Burberry makes a reversible Icon Stripe wool cape in Navy that is very pretty. More like a coat than a scarf. Keeps you very warm- it's like a blanket! ($960). ARM CANDY Christian Louboutin-I love so many of his handbags! The Large Cabarock Loubinthesky perforated leather tote is so pretty. The brown and red is awesome. ($1,590). Christian Louboutin Cabata Leather Spike Mini Tote or Large Tote-Simple and elegant and the straps fit on the shoulder. ($850-$1290) Christian Louboutin Foldover embellished clutch-calfskin clutch bag with mixed studs. Brown is super pretty. Perfect for a Saturday night out with your beau. ($1450). Gabriela Hearst knot hobo bag. Two colors: black or cognac. I wish it had a zipper, but it's lightweight and stunning. $(1990.00). COATS Orolay-Of course, this is the coat that went viral on Amazon. It literally is the warmest coat I own. So many pockets! You don't even need a purse! Comes in a variety of colors. It isn't the most flattering coat, but it sure is the coziest. ($159.99). Bernardo-I'm just not a fan of real fur anymore. It's become too cumbersome, too heavy and just not easy for me to wear. This year I happen to like Bernardo's unreal beaver fur jacket. . It's pretty and lightweight, yet warm. Comes in slate blue or grey. (Only $119.00-a bargain). Apparis-They make a cute "Goldie" coat in Latte. It's hip length and hooded. Looks great with jeans. ($250.00). FOR THE EYES Ryan Simkhai- VELVET READERS! I kid you not. This is my all time FAVORITE item for the fall and winter! They are really the greatest looking readers I have seen! This is how I prefer to wear velvet. "Cayley" comes in black, cobalt blue, burgandy, and purple velvet. A must have accessory! ($34.00). FOR THE FACE AND BODY OIL OF OLAY COMPLETE-My all time best moisturizer. It has a great scent and has an spf of 15. Begin your day with this. End your day with this. I use the "normal" with UV365. ($6.99). PACIFICA BABY SERUM BOOSTER GLOW DROPS-mix a drop of this into the OIL OF OLAY moisturizer and apply to your face. It gives you a dewy fresh look. ($16.00). ELF GREEN HYDRATING PRIMER-If you do use a primer before your foundation, this is my favorite. It glides on easily and makeup always looks great. ($7.00). WET AND WILD EYELINER-try either their pencil or their felt tip eyeliner. Each one is great. I use black. ($4.00-$4.77). ALMAY EYELINER Pen-they make a proline felt tip with a small ball at the end. Easy application of a straight line and hypo allergenic. ($8.49). FLOWER GEL CRUSH-Drew Barrymore's line. Now available in CVS. Doubles as blush and lip color. Comes in 3 colors. ($6.99). KYLIE-I hate to admit it but this Kardashian makes a nice lip liner and lipstick! I use the color "sweater weather". Available at Ulta. ($12.00 and 17.00). MAYBELLINE-Lash waterproof Discovery is my favorite "go to" mascara. Easy to use. The small skinny wand is the bomb. Hypoallergenic. ($6.54). Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1-This is the greatest product ever! Not only does it cleanse, but it also removes every last drop of makeup and refreshes. No oil, No sulfates, no fragrances. No rinsing is needed. ($8.99) Vaseline Intensive Care Radiant Spray Moisturizer-Comes in Cocoa Radiant, Aloe, or Plain. It works great after the shower. Not oily and very hydrating for every inch of your body. ($8.99). By now, you have noticed that none of the makeup I use is high end. Believe me, I have tried La Mer, Chanel, Yves St.Laurent, Armani, and Jurlique. I have bottles upon bottles. Trust me when I tell you that drugstore brands are just as fabulous, and often far better. Give them a try and see what you think. Now you have applied your make up; wriggled into an awesome pair of jeans, put on that beautiful shoe or boot, buttoned up your tailored white shirt and wrapped yourself in that gorgeous cashmere scarf. You are ready to get out and enjoy all those fall days and evenings. I hope you love October as much as I do! Enjoy this weather while you can because before you know it, we'll be dealing with the cold winter (which truth be told, I also enjoy!) HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET BOY, WILLIAM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER, STEVE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY YOUNGEST, LEXI! HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! PEACE OUT-ONE B

Emmy's 2021

Last night we finally returned to the glamour of award shows and the red carpet. Of course, my favorite part is before the actual awards are presented! I love the red carpet. Specifically, I love the fashion, the facial work, and most important, The Jewels! Okay-let's review. BEST DRESSED 1)Yara Shahidi-her lime Dior gown was off the charts! That fitted waist and off the shoulder were sensational. The gown was altered perfectly to her body. Loved Loved Loved! We'll get to her jewels later. 2)Michaela Jae Rodriquez-She was passed over for best actress, but wow was she a major winner in the dress category. She donned a turquoise vintage Versace gown that was magnificent. I wished she did a little more with her hair, but I thought she looked great. 3)Anya Taylor-Joy-Dressed in a yellow Dior Haute Couture gown, with a dramatic train; she looked stunning. Her hairstyle was perfect glam, highlighting the backless dress and the glittering Tiffany jewels cascading down her back added drama. This is not a gown that would normally appeal to me, but she carried it off. 4)Jennifer Coolidge-I thought she picked the perfect dress for her physique. She looked elegant in the navy Christian Siriano. Her sexy wavy blond hair complemented the look. 5)Rita Wilson-Although no one is really talking about her Tom Ford outfit, (because they are too busy talking about her rapping), I thought she looked cool and chic. Her haircolor was beautiful, and we'll discuss her face a bit later. WORST DRESSED 1)Traceee Ellis Ross-Hated everything about this look. She wore a red sequined Valentino Haute Couture- Normally, a fashion icon, this dress was the wrong choice and did absolutely nothing for her. I didn't like her hair and makeup. Nothing about this look worked. 2)Emma Corin-Adorned in a Pilgrim costume by Miu Miu, she looked appropriate for a Thanksgiving dinner. What was she thinking? Turkey dinner? 3)Cynthia Erivo-The blue and green feathered hem looked like the noodles you go through in a car wash. Her stylist generally nails it, but this was a clear miss. Louis Vuitton customed this white leather dress for her. The fit on top was too loose and the feathers made no sense. Ugly. 4)Kathryn Hahn-She was wearing a Lanvin strapless jumpsuit. I thought the belt was too overpowering. I didn't like her messy relaxed hair, but I did love that emerald and diamond necklace! 5)Taraji P. Hensen-Her black, shimmery low cut Elie Saab dress showed too much cleavage and looked cheesy. Very Las Vegas! 6)Sarah Paulson-I detested this Carolina Herrera red gown on Sara. Those balloon sleeves were too overpowering. Actually, so was the entire dress. Yuck! 7)Angela Basset-She looked like she was wearing a large pink ruffled question mark pasted to a black dress! But stay tuned-I have more to say about Angela. 8)Amy Poehler-By far, the worst dressed at the Emmy's. She wore a sparkling Galvan London dress and a crazy black belted Bella Freud jacket. She actually looked like she went to her dead aunt's closet blind folded and took clothes made for someone else of a different age and size. Horrid! BEST EARRINGS 1)Sudi Green-a writer on SNL, she wore stunning enormous emerald earrings. I don't know the designer but they looked awesome. 2)Cecily Strong-another SNL cast member, that accessorized her black gown and flowing hair with long dangling Gismondi diamond earrings. 3)Yara Shahidi- Awesome 18K Gold and diamond Cartier earrings that set off that gorgeous dress. I'll get back to her again 4)Angela Bassett-$120,000 Gismondi 18K white gold and ruby earrings. Very pretty and I'm not even a fan of rubies. 5)Issa Rae-I thought she looked fabulous. Loved that mesh gown, her shoes, and most of all those earrings. They were designed by Fernando Jorge and were made of 18k yellow gold and diamonds (cost-$60,000). Interesting contrast against that silver mesh gown. BEST NECKLACES 1) Billy Porter-He wore a magnificent statement necklace by Lorraine Schwartz. I'm not sure where else you would actually wear this piece in the real world. 2) Kathryn Hahn-I mentioned that beautiful emerald and diamond necklace above. Whe was wearing a Briony Raymond Estate jewel. 44 carats of Emeralds and 43 carats of diamonds. Very pretty. 3) YARI SHAHIDI-*****favorite piece of all. The Cartier Cactus inspired necklace. The yellow gold diamond and emerald collar was to die for! Couldn't take my eyes off of her. Be still my heart... 4) Catherine Zeta Jones-Although she looked lovely in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds, I find her look very ho-hum boring. She gets it all right, and is gorgeous, but nothing wows me. BEST FACIAL WORK 1)Angela Bassett-She doesn't admit to a face lift, however I watch 911. If you view her last year and then last night, she did not JUST have botox or ultherapy. This woman is 63, and looks like she did when she starred in How Stella Got her Groove Back in 1998 when she was 45! That skin, that body, those arms-sheer perfection! 2)Rita Wilson-at 64, this woman looks better than ever. She definitely has been tweaked! Impressive plastic surgery. 3)Catherine Zeta Jones-despite the fact, that she denies plastic surgery-it seems impossible that she remains ageless without the help of a plastic surgeon. Whatever she does and whomever she uses, she looks simply gorgeous. AWARD SUMMARY Watch the following if you haven't: Ted Lasso The Crown Queen's Gambit Mare of Easton Hacks Hamilton Movie Halston Fall shows begin tonight! So, You can check out Angela Bassett for yourselves in 911! This week New Amsterdam is back, Queen Sugar is on episode 3, American Rust (SHO)is on episode 2, The Resident returns, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD also return, and Scenes from a Marriage is worth a look on HBO. Welcome Fall-my favorite time of year! Peace Out-One B

The Intimacies of a Marriage

Recently, I was watching a show on Hulu called The Split. The main character, a prominent female attorney was describing her marriage (to her lover). I was intriqued by the character's analysis of her marriage. My husband, a Trust and Estate lawyer, often deals with NDA's, pre-nups and post-nups, contracts,and various structuring of assets. So, I am slightly familiar with these terms. An NDA or non disclosure agreement is often known as a confidentiality agreement. It's an important legal framework used to protect sensitive and confidential information from being made public by the recipient(s). In other words, it keeps a lid on very sensitive information. Anyway, I began to think that although most of us do not have written NDA's, or pre-nups or specific written contracts with our spouses,we all have unsaid, unwritten, and inferred parameters and specific "jobs" within our relationships. The character in this show believed that you have NDA's which you have "mentally signed on the dotted line." At no point in the marriage can either partner divulge their intricacies. When you marry, you essentially make a promise that "all the worst bits of yourself", even ones that are not okay, are between the two of you. You have found someone who "will live with them; will live around them; and who won't taunt you with them!" You each tell yourselves that these little quirks are what endear you to one another. They are what make you love each other. But, in reality, these may be the things that ultimately drive you nuts day after day. Leaving dirty clothes on the floor, using your tweezers to pluck an eyebrow or nose hair, leaving four grapes in the refrigerator after eating the whole bowl, never turning off the lights, or denying you said something vengeful after a night of drinking.... Ultimately, you may carry these tiny intimacies around like weapons and that can be dangerous. Let your partner know these things bother you before one of you explodes. Forty four years later and truly, my only complaint is those four grapes left in the fridge. He is perfect in every way! As far as the unwritten contract of who does what in a marriage, it usually just evolves as time goes on. Whether you both work or not, the roles become clear, especially, once children come into the picture. In my case, I am the decorator, the travel agent, the scheduler of social dates and restaurant reservations, the grocery shopper the cook, the baker, the housekeeper, the gift buyer, the holiday planner, and the bill payer. My husband is the salary provider, the dishwasher, the garbage and recycle guy, the one who buys the beverages(they're too heavy for me to schlep), and the one who goes to the ATM. Parental duties were always split 50/50, and anything to do with our grandchildren-we're both in 100%! Every marriage is different. Many of my friends have their husbands do the shopping and cooking, the bill paying, and the social dates. Whatever works is the key. It organically evolves and the goal should be that you appreciate all that your partner does, and that neither of you resent what your "jobs" are. Early in my marriage, I asked my husband to take over the bill paying. About a month later, fearing that my phone and lights would be shut off, I promptly took that job back! I recently read that a good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal. I, for sure, know I got the better deal! "Marriage is a thousand little things...It's giving up the right to be right in the heat of an argument. It's forgiving another when they let you down. It's loving someone enough to step down so they can shine. It's FRIENDSHIP. It's being a cheerleader and a trusted confidant. It's a place of forgiveness that welcomes one home, and arms they can run to in the midst of a storm." (Darlene Schact) BIRTHDAY HUGS TO: L.K., M.J., D.S.C. PEACE OUT-ONE B

THERE'S NO VACCINE FOR STUPID (OR ANIMAL HOUSE 2021)

Remember when we associated the terms Delta, Epsilon, and Lambda with sororities and fraternities? Those were the good old days, not so long ago. Now we associate those words with mutant variants of the Covid Virus. The Delta variant is spreading: 89,977 cases is the current 7-day average, which is an increase of 30% over July, 2020. This virus is still causing death in mostly unvaccinated people. Sororities and fraternities can often be breeding grounds for ignorance, racial exclusion, classism, and silly/stupid behavior. College students are young and often make mistakes, so their behavior is somewhat excusable. But,now too, the people of the United States are mimicking the unacceptable behaviors of frat boys! Just like the frat parties that hold large gatherings and create widespread outbreaks of illness, Sturgis, South Dakota decided to have a motorcycle gathering this past weekend. These attendees are exhibiting willfull ignorance that affects negatively on the surrounding communities. It will, for certain, be a super spreader event. Yes, I know it is held outside. That is not where the problem lies. It's when the people get off their motorcycles and go into their hotel lobbies, eat indoors at a restaurant, and drink at the bars. This is how the spreading occurs. Journalist Donnie Johnson says: "American ingenuity could defeat Covid 19 but American ignorance won't let it. This virus has killed over a half million of our citizens, and left others with lifelong health issues. Yet, we have to pay or bribe people to protect themselves. Free drinks, $100 vouchers, etc. are the reward for getting the shot. Shouldn't not dying be the reward for you and your children? Why do we have to bribe a society to do what they should be doing anyway? Countries around the world are literally begging for this shot. Yet, we are turning it down, and actually throwing away unused doses. This is stupidity at its highest form-playing Russian Roulette with your life. Think of all the insane things you have done or put into your body when you were young! Pot, speed, LSD, shrooms, queludes and alcohol.... Now, this is where you draw the line-with a life-saving vaccine? Thanks to Trump and his team, three safe and effective vaccines were produced at record speed. Why isn't this man standing up in front of the world and taking credit for it? Why isn't he telling his constituency this vaccine is safe and everyone needs it? Why aren't his Republican senators and congressman doing the same? The Trump Republicans in Louisanna, Missouri, Nevada, Arkansas and Florida need to be convinced. The infections are soaring in those states. People on their deathbeds are lamenting their poor decisions-TOO LATE. Science doesn't lie. 70% of Americans who took the vaccine did not turn into monsters. They are not sterile. Our DNA has remained the same. Healthy Babies were born and Pregnant woman didn't die. And NOT ONE REPUBLICAN TURNED INTO A DEMOCRAT. We were almost near the end of this; we started putting away our masks; we were leaving our homes, going back to restaurants and our offices. We were resumming LIFE. Are we so stubborn and selfish that acting like entitled spoiled brats is acceptable? Why should unvaccinated people be allowed take down those who don't agree with their "herd immunity" theories? Putting yourself at risk is one thing. Hoasting that view on others is selfish, mean spirited, and plain ignorant. You are putting your own children, grandchildren, and neighbors at risk. WHETHER YOU ARE A DEMOCRAT OR A REPUBLICAN, NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO INFECT OTHERS WITH A DEADLY DISEASE! The goals of sorority and fraternity life should be the same as the larger society. We should teach the world how friendship and brotherhood enhances collabrative work and a sense of community. We should be good neighbors and friends. We should exhibit kindness and caring. This denial of scientific facts is resulting in physical and emotional trauma, not to mention death. The lies and misinformation must stop. Somehow we must create avenues for unity. Thomas Jefferson says, "Love your neighbor as yourself and your country MORE than yourself." If unvaccinated people profess to love their country and truly meant that-they would get vaccinated and save the lives of fellow Americans. Until then-All of the unvaccinated are on "Double Secret Probation-Actually Not So Secret." (Animal House) We'll be Watching.... PEACE OUT-ONE B