ANM’s 2010 Beautiful Baby Contest
February 8th, 2010
Meet All Of Our Fabulous Contestants…
Here’s Charlee… 
His Mommy Shares:
Name: Charlee (with two e’s because he wants and needs to be different)
Breed: He’s a Keeshond, not to be confused with a little Pomeranian or a Chow Chow, and believe me that has happened.
Age: He’s 12 going on puppy.
Gender: And obviously from these pronouns, you’ve deduced he’s a boy, though he is neutered.Why He’s So Loved: I’ve included my favorite photo of him from this winter’s snow storm in his new outfit. He just loves snow…eating it, tumbling in it, catching snowballs in his mouth, which leads to eating them, and just running around in it. He’d live in the snow if I’d let him, but its too darn cold. I’ve had him since I was a pup when Anna and I were in college and just had to get a dog because we were never getting married and would be old maids anyway.
Make Room For KC…
Her Mommy Tells ANM:
Name: KC (pronounced “Casey”)
Breed: She’s a Cockapoo
Age: She’s still a pup at 2 Years Old
Gender: All Girl!Why She’s More Than Just A Pretty Face: KC currently attends the TOUCH therapy program through Support Dogs, Inc. and hopes to visit hospitals and nursing homes. She is the friendliest dog ever, and she wiggles her entire bottom when anyone approaches her, hence her nickname “Wigglebutt.” KC was given a second chance at life at a year old after several pennies she consumed attacked her red blood cells and almost killed her. After emergency surgery and a blood transfusion, her little “motor butt” came back to life and she was as good as new.
Hangin’ Out With Stella…
Her Mommy Tells ANM:
Name: Stella
Breed: Shihtzu/Poodle Mix
Age: 6 Years Young
Gender: Beautiful LadyWhy She’s A Beautiful Baby: She is a bit on the shy side, but she is incredibly sweet. Stella is obsessed with treats and sees my husband as one huge milkbone because every time he walks in the front door he gives her one!
Mr. Gunner…
His Daddy Tells ANM:
Name: Gunner
Breed: Boxer
Age: 8 Weeks
Gender: All BoyWhy He’s More Than Just Adorable: He is not the smartest dog, but loves everyone!! How could you not love this face.
Gunner’s Brother, Baxter…
His Daddy Tells ANM:
Name: Baxter
Breed: Boxer
Age: 3 Years
Gender: Any Doubt That He’s A Manly-Man?Why He’s More Than Just Adorable: He’s just like a human, if only he could talk. Best dog ever, plus he is adorable.
Here’s Wrigley…
His Mommy Tells ANM:
Name: Wrigley
Breed: German Shorthair
Age: Only 1 Year Old!
Gender: Boy o’ BoyWhy He’s More Than Just Adorable: Wrigley is the happiest little puppy! We rescued him from an abusive home and he has come a long way since. He’s always learning, always curious, and always making us smile just like a human, if only he could talk. Best dog ever, plus he is adorable.
Meet Ms. Bacall…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Bacall
Breed: Lynx Point Himalayan
Age: 8 years old
Gender: Definitely a little girlWhy She’s More Than Another Pretty Face: Bacall is our little princess. She is a petite cat, weighing only about 7-1/2 lbs., which is small for a Himalayan. However, she rules the roost over our 14 lb. male cat, Bogie. One day she did the funniest thing. I put food into their dishes, and both cats came running down the hallway. Bacall threw her hip into Bogie and knocked him right into the wall. Obviously, she arrived at the food dishes first and chose the one she preferred. Bacall is the boss of him for sure. For sure she owns all our hearts as well.
Bacall Can’t Be Without Her Bogie…
Name: Bogie
Breed: Lavender Point Himalayan
Age: 13 years young
Gender: Bacall’s Older Man!Why He’s So Special: Bogie is our “big boy.” As big as he is (14 lbs.), he is a gentle and easygoing cat. He lets our petite girl cat, Bacall, boss him around all she wants. He possesses insatiable curiosity about everything. Anything new that is brought into the house is subject to his immediate inspection. If it is big enough, he gives it the “sleep test” by lying down in or on it. From time to time he decides he has to see what is going on in one of our cupboards, and he opens the door with his paw to look inside. He is a real ham and loves to pose for pictures. They say you can’t read a cat’s face, but I can read his, and he always has a smile for us. We love him dearly.
Adorable Ted…
What Ted’s Dad Has to Say:
Name: Ted
Breed: Toy Fox Terrier
Age: 13 years young
Gender: Of course, he’s a boy!Why He’s So Special:Toy fox’s are not a very popular breed, as far as I can tell, because it took me 4 months to even find a breeder near our metro Detroit area. Since the day Ted came home to us, he has slept every night by my side. He is my constant companion when I’m at home, and sometimes maybe to much of a companion (if you know what I mean!). I’m followed everywhere, but I love it!
Here’s The Taz Man…
Taz’s Mommy Shares:
Name:Taz
Breed: Long Hair Chihuahua
Age: 9 Month Old Pup-A-Doodle-Do
Gender: Such a Mighty-Man!Why He’s So Special:He is a joy and charmer. He loves everybody and plays all day long. He has boundless energy and pesters his 7 year old sister constantly with toys till she plays with him. He has the longest legs we have ever seen on a Chihuahua so we have nicknamed him Giraffe although his full name is Tazmon Dickens and he lives up to it. He is well training and only plays with his toys, but he is insistent that you play with him. He comes and lays this toy on top of my computer over and over until I stop and play with him and if that doesn’t work, he starts stepping on the keys or scratching on my hands till I stop. And when he is pooped and wants to sleep it is across my lap, upside down with his head hung down and his feet in the air. He is just too funny!
He is so outgoing and fearless that at 6 months the doggie daycare had to move him from the puppy room to the adult dog room and he just jumped right into the middle of 30 adult dogs and started playing like crazy. He was half the size of the smallest dog in the room at the time. He will play with any dog of any size, even my son’s two pit bulls love to play with him. He runs them ragged out in the yard dashing back and forth and even right under their legs! What a sight! Our 7 year old Chihuahua just sits and shakes in the presence of the large dogs.
Meet Bailey…
Bailey’s Mommy Shares:
Name:Bailey
Breed: Shih Tzu
Age: 6 Months Young
Gender: Baby BoyWhy He’s So Special:Bailey is my husbands dog. We got him as a gift for Al for fathers day. He was a surprise and Al had come home from work and Bailey was hiding under the kitchen table. As Al walked around Bailey started to follow him and Al didn’t notice for about 10 minutes. It was really funny. Bailey is special because it was like he arrived in our home and decided that was ok by him. He never cried like some puppies do, he just took right to all of us. We have a second Shih tzu as well named Elmo and they are the best of friends.
Sweet Charlie…
Charlie’s Mommy Shares:
Name: Charlie
Breed: Minature Poodle
Age: Almost 4 Years Old
Gender: He’s a BoyWhy He’s So Special:Charlie is a rescue dog that was found on the streets about a year ago. He was skittish at first, but now is definitely one of the family! He loves people and would spend all day on someone’s lap if we let him, he does a cute little “circus” dance when he’s excited, and he loves children. Thanks to Charlie my daughter is no longer scared of dogs.
Book Bloggers… Guess Who This Is?
Her Book-Bloggin’ Mommy Shares:
Name:Milou
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Age: 14 Years Old
Gender: She’s a lovely ladyWhy She’s So Special: She is quite the princess and thinks she deserves to be treated like royalty. She loves to eat, sleep and get loving.
Ravin’ About Raven…
Her Book-Bloggin’ Mommy Shares:
Name: Raven
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: Just 1 Year Old
Gender: She’s a special gal, this one!Why She’s So Special: She Raven is a clown…and I think this photo aptly shows that
Introducing Poe & Hiccup…
Their Mommy Shares:
Names: Poe & Hiccup
Breed: Chi/Jack Russel/Papillon mixes
Age: Both Are 1 Year Old
Gender: Poe Is A Boy and His sister Hiccup is a girlWhy They Are So Wonderful: My roommate and I rescue dogs and we took in our neighbors chi/papillon mix, Gigi, a year and a half ago. They were going to take that beautiful 8lb girl to the pound. My roommate and I already had two chi mixes, boys, but when they told us she was fixed (and 9 mo. old) we decided to take her in. Our neighbors lied. We took her to the vet a couple weeks later and discovered she was over three years old and already pregnant by our smallest boy. Gigi had four tiny puppies in the kitchen in November of 2008. Hiccup was first and Poe was last, but was not breathing. We finally got him breathing and they have been such a blessing! Gigi and the other two puppies found great homes with friends a few months later, but Poe and Hiccup we just couldn’t part with. Poe is shy and sensitive, but incredibly obedient and Hiccup is outgoing, a little crazy, and totally independent. I was so scared to be having puppies, but it was one of the greatest things that could have happened.
Let Me Introduce You to Goldie
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Goldie
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: 4 Years Old
Gender: Lovely LadyWhy She is So Wonderful: Goldie is one of the most enthusiastic dogs I’ve ever had. I think it’s in the nature of the Labrador Retriever to be happy and silly, and she fits that description perfectly. She has also always been extremely patient with the kids. When we got her my youngest son was only a year old, and she would sit perfectly still as he climbed all over her. Even now she is very patient with the boys, but then she knows that if she gets tired of their antics all she has to do is lick their faces and they will run away shrieking, “Ew, dog germs! Get the disinfectant, get the iodine!”
A Cat Named Dewey…
His Mommy Shares:
Name: Dewey
Breed: Long Haired Tabby
Age: 3 Months Old
Gender: A Total Dude!Why He is So Wonderful: Dewey is awesome and we’ve only had him for about 2 weeks now. He likes to snuggle up into your neck/shoulder and purr his little head off.
Here’s Abby…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Abby
Breed: American Short Hair
Age: A Wee 7 Months Old
Gender: Gorgeous Girl!Why She is So Wonderful: Abby loves her people. We come home and she greets us at the door with a little “meeow”, and she follows us up to bed at night, where she tries her best not to sleep all night, and keep her “people” up to pet her all night. She’s quickly becoming the queen of the house, and my husband and I adore her. She will let us do anything to her…check her ears, put our fingers in her mouth to check her teeth, check her paws, pet her tail….she’s a great cat!
An Friend For Life In KoKo…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: KoKo
Breed: Short Hair Tabby
Age: A Senior Citizen At 15 Years Old
Gender: BoyWhy He is So Wonderful: Koko is the best cat ever. He has a very dog-like personality. He speaks to us constantly, and always has to know where his family is. If we leave him alone in a room for a minute, he starts crying and asking us to come back and pay attention to him. Since he’s getting older he can’t jump around a lot, so he loves laps, and cuddling up with his family for naps. He greets my mom at the door and follows her around the house, while talking the entire time. He’s a sweet little guy….he’s even turned cat haters into cat lovers. He’s just that special!
Say Hello To Cassie…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Cassie
Breed: American Feline
Age: 3 Years Old
Gender: GirlWhy She is So Wonderful: Cassie still acts like a crazy kitten. I’m sure she must be related to Tigger as she definitely has his bounce! We have nicknamed her Spawn of Satan as she likes to cause trouble. She gives us regular 5am wake up calls by climbing onto the headboard of the bed & pouncing onto our stomachs which I can assure you isn’t a fun way to wake up! When she’s not found climbing up the curtains she is usually causing trouble somewhere or bringing us home a present which could be anything from a rat, squirrel or blackbird – the bigger the better! Although there are times when I could strangle her it just takes 1 look at her cute little face & you can’t help but forgive her.
I Love Lucy…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Lucy
Breed: Australian Shepherd/Golden Retriever Mix
Age: 3 Years Old
Gender: GirlWhy She is So Wonderful: (She is as wonderful as Shadow… see below) Before I rescued Shadow from the local animal shelter, I had Lucy. Lucy is also a rescue dog from the local animal shelter. Lucy was the only one there for me during one of the hardest times of my life. She would listen to me when I had no one to talk to and cuddle up next to me when I was sad or lonely. She really is a girl’s best friend. But, as life got better and we need more room to live in, I decided it was time to find a Lucy a playmate because Lucy has a lot of energy. With a big yard to run around in, I brought Shadow home. At first, Lucy thought Shadow was just a visitor, but the more time she spent with her, the more they grew to love each other as sisters. Now, they run and jump and terrorize squirrels in the yard together. They are really two great dogs, and I could ask for better babies.
Lucy’s BFF Shadow…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Shadow
Breed: Labrador Retriever Mix
Age: 1 Year Old
Gender: GirlWhy She is So Wonderful: See my wonderful story (above) with Lucy.
Meet Monty, Suzy & Alex…
Their Mommy Shares:
Names: Monty, Suzy & Alex
Breed: Shetland Sheepdogs
Age: Alex is 13 Years Young
Gender: Boy/Girl/BoyWhy They Are So Wonderful: All are Shetland Sheepdogs. Even though 2 are no longer with me, they will always be my sweet pretty babies. They are all eating peanut butter in this picture. Monty had the longest tongue and it was always funny to watch him eat peanut butter. Suzy was my baby; she helped me to not be scared of dogs anymore. We got Alex first and I was so scared of him; then a couple months later, we got Suzy and I fell in love. Monty was the baby and was such a character: stealing bread and anything with food in it. Alex is the athletic one; even at 13, he is still jumping onto my parent’s bed that is like 3 or 4 feet off the ground.
Marvelous Max…
His Mommy Shares:
Name: Max
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Age: Only 4 Years Old
Gender: BoyWhy He is So Wonderful: A picture tells 1,000 words… isn’t he the cutest?
Frankly Fritz…
His Mommy Shares:
Name: Fritz
Breed: Schnauzer/Brussels Griffons
Age: 1 & 1/2 Years Old
Gender: All BoyWhy He is So Wonderful: Fritz is a bundleful of energy, always dashing about. He’s quick to give you a kiss if you’re feeling down. If it’s a bit cool outside, he’ll plant himself at your feet, keeping them toasty warm. A perpetual optimist, he’ll never let anything keep him feeling down for long. Sweet and sassy, that’s my Fritz!
Oh La La, Don Juan…
His Mommy Shares:
Name: Don Juan aka D.J.
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Age: 1 Year, Months Old
Gender: Manly-ManWhy He is So Wonderful: His full name is shortened to “D.J.” and he is a lover. We have had D.J. since September. He is such a lovely boy but a bit reserved around men. Although he is fine with my husband Bill, he mostly stick with me. He is a mama’s boy.
Our Friend Robbie…
His Mommy Shares:
Name: Robbie
Breed: Malamute/Corgi/Sheltie Mix
Age: He’s In Doggie Heaven Now
Gender: A Perfect GentlemanWhy He Was So Wonderful: He has been gone for over a year now but we still miss him terribley He thought he was a rock star! We had to schedule our walks with him because they often took a long time. People would come up to us to meet him and ask questions about him. He was a Malamute, corgi, sheltie, we don’t know what else mix. We just couldn’t keep him from his public. He was a rescue, as all of our pet are and have been, so we weren’t exactly sure of his age. When he got sick, he was between 10-12 years old.
Tina’s Turning Heads…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Tina
Breed: Shorthair
Age: She’s In Kitty Heaven Now
Gender: A Lovely LadyWhy She Was So Wonderful: I got her when I was in my Twenties. She was a rescue and had been shot with a bee bee gun several times. She was only about 6 months old and pregnant. I helped to foster her. Once the surviving kittens were adopted out she was mine. She chose me, no question. She stuck to me like glue her entire life. She has been gone for about 2 years now but I still miss her so much. I feel like I did a lot of growing up with her. She helped me through me best and worst times. I still cry for her. She was about twenty when I had to let her go to Rainbow Bridge.
Oh, Jasmine…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Jasmine (aka Jazzy) (Featured With Porkchop The Guinea Pig)
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 6 1/2 Years Old
Gender:Girly-GirlWhy She Is So Wonderful: Jasmine is a sweet, mellow golden retriever who wasn’t too sure about giving up her “only pet” status in our family when my kids got their guinea pigs. She needed a little reassurance that she was still #1.
Our Buddy CJ…
His Mommy Shares:
Name: CJ
Breed: Rat Terrier/Poodle Mix
Age: 8 Months Old
Gender: Baby BoyWhy He Is So Wonderful: We got him from a pet adoption place. They said he is a Rat Terrier and Poodle mix, so a “Ratt-e-Poo”.
Handsome Babysitting, Broderick…
His Auntie Shares:
Name: Broderick (We call him Brody)
Breed: Golden Retriever/Labrador Mix
Age: We think 6-7 Years Old???
Gender: Complete GentlemanWhy He Is So Wonderful: Brody was a rambling man until he was adopted by a family who loves him dearly. Most days, he spends with his rambunctious buddy Aaron. He never tires of Aaron’s antics and is always there as not only a babysitter, but also a protector. Oh… the days of a ramblin’ man….
Oh La La, Leilani…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Leilani
Breed: Rat Terrier
Age: 9 Years Old
Gender: Lovely LadyWhy She Is So Wonderful: She is special to me because I’m only 21 years old, and so Ive had her since I was 12. I feel like we’ve grown up together, and she is truly is one of my best friends…I don’t care if she has 4 legs! She always knows when I’m crying or sick, and when I’m suffering from severe stomach pain, she seems to clue in because she always comes and rests her head on my belly knowing that the pressure is just what I need to feel better. She’s perfection and I love her!
Meet Jesse…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Jesse
Breed: Border Collie
Age: 11 Years Old
Gender: BoyWhy He Is So Wonderful: This is Jesse, he is an 11 year old Male Border Collie. He is the dog of a lifetime. This dog is my heart. He is as close to a person as any dog will ever get. I swear he reads minds. He talks to you as you give him love. He knows so many commands it is unreal. He even has learned some things that I have never taught him, like turn around and over there, etc. Jesse is a real love and will let kids hang all over him. He also was my first herding dog and started me in the sport of sheepdog trialing. He is an old man now with many health complications such as arthritis, bone spurs and preaniaul fistulis. It is going to be devastating to my family to lose this part of our family so I take really good care of him and he gets lots of TLC.
Lillies Are In Bloom…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Lily
Breed: Rat Terrier
Age: 4 Years Old
Gender: GirlWhy She Is So Wonderful: She has the greatest and funniest personality!! She’s very independent and has her own mind. If you do something she thinks is weird or out of the ordinary she’ll look at you funny and you can almost hear the thoughts going through her head. When she’s doing something she’s not supposed to do, she is so not good at hiding it. She will freeze or try to hide what she’s playing with and makes it so obvious. She likes to crawl in the hamper (which is NOT allowed) but she still tries to get away with it. We find her in other funny places too (I’m going to send over a couple additional pictures if I get home in time). She loves to play fetch and likes to try and cuddle up in our blankets!
Our Emmy & Finn…
Their Mommy Shares:
Names: Emmy & Finn
Breed: Sacred Birman
Age: Emmy: 2 Years Old & Finn 11 Months Old
Gender: Girl & Boy(friend)Why They Are So Wonderful: These two kittehs are blog stars – hogging the spotlight every Tuesday at Presenting Lenore with their adorable fluffy faces and tendency to sit on everything and anything in our apartment. They are very sweet natured and love to cuddle. Everyone who meets them falls in love and wants to take them home! We are so lucky to have such a loving pair.
Little Pumpkin…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Pumpkin
Breed: Long-haired Tortoiseshell
Age: Maybe 7 or 8 Years Old
Gender: GirlWhy She Is So Wonderful: I’m not sure of her age because we adopted her from the humane society. I think she is around 7 or eight years old. I was looking for a short haired cat either black or black and white. When I went into a room filled with cats and sat down to play with them she came over and climbed in my lap and every time I put her down she came back. So I ended up with a long haired tortoiseshell, not my short haired black cat. Pumpkin is very spoiled. She badgers me when I don’t pay enough attention to her and loves everyone who comes to visit. She unashamedly begs everyone for scratches and petting. She thinks she is a baby and drapes herself over my shoulder when she just want some cuddling. She can drive me crazy when I’m busy but her unqualified love makes it all okay.
Here’s Hope…
Her Mommy Shares:
Name: Hope
Breed: Chihuahua
Age: 4 Years Old
Gender: GirlWhy She Is So Wonderful: Hope is quite the character. She loves to run so fast no one would be able to catch her but she only really enjoys it when she is in the garden and around flowers. She will run and run and then stop in front of one that catches her eye and stand on her hind legs to sniff it so delicately. It is so adorable! I wish I had a picture of it but I think the picture I do have will make up for it in cuteness factor. She gets cold easily since we live in Washington so needs to wear clothes some of the time. She is obsessed with dresses and is able to put them on and take them off herself. She hates doggy beds and loves Cat beds and while they might say pups are color blind she likes all her dresses and beds to be pink or dark and all her toys to be blue (if they are large) or green!
(P.S. Thanks to Hope’s Mommy for saying that Tori & Claire are cute, too!)
Last But Not Least, Magellan and Penelope…
Their Mommy Shares:
Names: Magellan & Penelope
Breed: American Short Hairs
Age: A Little Over A Year Old
Gender: Boy & GirlWhy She Is So Wonderful: Magellan and Penelope are brother and sister from the same litter. Their other brother is black and white. He was adopted by someone else. They are the sweetest two kitties who are two peas in a pod. Even though they may be sitting across the room from each other -they mimic each other-from their cleaning routine to their sitting pose. Penelope loves to chatter away, making sure you are wide awake when she is at 4 AM, while Magellan likes to sleep in and sees no need to wake up until he is sure you are wide awake.
Note: If I have mistakenly missed adding your entry, please contact me before February 8th, 2010 so that I may get him/her added immediately. One vote per person, per category.
ALL VOTES ARE DUE IN BY FEBRUARY 21, 2010!!!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING!
Claire & Tori Thank You For Voting!
Tommy, Oliver & Dante Say, "Thanks For Voting Y'all!"
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My Letter to Gayle King Regarding Her Book Recommendation of Game Change by John Heilemann & Mark Halperin
February 5th, 2010
Author: John Heilemann & Mark Halperin
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN #: 978-0061733635
Type: Non-Fiction:Historical/Political
Pages: 464 Hardback
Published: January 11, 2010
Website: CLICK HERE
Purchase: $13.00 (HERE)
The Book
For any of you who are interested in knowing what this book is about, I’m afraid that you won’t get that here today. In fact, I refuse to waste my time or energy by typing a well-thought out, prolific summarization. However, for those curious ones out there, I’ll provide the Harper Collins’ website description of the book:
“This shit would be really interesting if we weren’t in the middle of it.”
—Barack Obama, September 2008In 2008, the presidential election became blockbuster entertainment. Everyone was watching as the race for the White House unfolded like something from the realm of fiction. The meteoric rise and historic triumph of Barack Obama. The shocking fall of the House of Clinton—and the improbable resurrection of Hillary as Obama’s partner and America’s face to the world. The mercurial performance of John McCain and the mesmerizing emergence of Sarah Palin. But despite the wall-to-wall media coverage of this spellbinding drama, remarkably little of the real story behind the headlines has yet been told.
In Game Change, John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, two of the country’s leading political reporters, use their unrivaled access to pull back the curtain on the Obama, Clinton, McCain, and Palin campaigns. How did Obama convince himself that, despite the thinness of his résumé, he could somehow beat the odds to become the nation’s first African American president? How did the tumultuous relationship between the Clintons shape—and warp—Hillary’s supposedly unstoppable bid? What was behind her husband’s furious outbursts and devastating political miscalculations? Why did McCain make the novice governor of Alaska his running mate? And was Palin merely painfully out of her depth—or troubled in more serious ways?
Game Changeanswers those questions and more, laying bare the secret history of the 2008 campaign. Heilemann and Halperin take us inside the Obama machine, where staffers referred to the candidate as “Black Jesus.” They unearth the quiet conspiracy in the U.S. Senate to prod Obama into the race, driven in part by the fears of senior Democrats that Bill Clinton’s personal life might cripple Hillary’s presidential prospects. They expose the twisted tale of John Edwards’s affair with Rielle Hunter, the truth behind the downfall of Rudy Giuliani, and the doubts of those responsible for vetting Palin about her readiness for the Republican ticket—along with the McCain campaign staff’s worries about her fitness for office. And they reveal how, in an emotional late-night phone call, Obama succeeded in wooing Clinton, despite her staunch resistance, to become his secretary of state. (…cont..)
Dear Gayle,
Gayle, Gayle, Gayle…
You know that you’re my girl, but this was NOT AT ALL as phenomenal as you promoted it to be!
Gayle, I trusted you on this one. But, now I shake my head in dismay.
I usually buy all of my books from Amazon.com at reasonable and sensible prices. However, since you RAVED, OOOH’D and AAAHHH’D about this book, I rushed over to Barnes & Noble and purchased this hardcover at full retail price (a mistake I am sure never to repeat). I’m sorry to tell that that, after reading Game Change, I can no longer take your book recommendations with 100% faith like I do with our girl Oprah’s book club selections.
I now bestow upon you an official “A Novel Menagerie TISK TISK TISK Award” for glorifying this tremendously boring read as a supposed work of “non-fiction.” During your interview show, the author claimed this book as factual based on the interviews hosted with numerous anonymous yet credible sources. I seriously question the credibility and honesty of these alleged witnesses. The authors definitely put a liberal (aka pro-Democratic) spin in this book. And, honestly Gayle, I think you’re too politically biased to be able to take a fair and impartial look at Game Change. (And, many would describe me as a middle-of-the road, yet a tree-hugging, fairly-liberal type.)
Reading this book was my biggest waste of time year-to-date. I find that many of the allegations in this book are greatly exaggerated, comparable to The Enquirer only in hardback. The entire read had a “gossipy” feel.
Another thing I must add is that these authors seemingly have no compassion and display little respect for Secretary of State Clinton, Senator McCain or Governor Palin. I can imagine that if I were in any one of their shoes, that I would have handled our country’s vigilante and out-of-control press in a much less graceful manner than any of them did. Considering the press they were facing, I feel they all did a super job in handling themselves.
Game Change insinuated that Governor Palin was uneducated, unsophisticated, and neurotic. I could not disagree with this book’s claims any more! Also, the picture that was portrayed of Elizabeth Edwards was abhorrent. But, I guess two men writing a book about strong, influential women is a tough task as they lack the mental and emotional intelligence to understand the true essence of a woman. Frankly, by attempting to minimizing these fine women, the authors more reflected their own inadequaceies and emotional shallowness.
Gayle, I know how much you admire our President. There are many things about him that I, too, find admirable. Although he isn’t my favorite president ever, he is definitely a step up from some of our nation’s prior leaders. However, don’t let your love for Obama cloud your opinion of other political players. There is a lot of good to be discovered in many of our nation’s representatives, senators, and state leaders. Rather than fueling more “bad press” about the our great nation’s corrupt politics, we should be promoting positive change and reinforcement of our elected officials.
To sum up just how much I hated this book, I will share with you that I usually finish a book of this size within 2-4 days; this one took me nearly 10 days. I found NO excitement, joy, or pleasure in reading this political rubbish. You led me down the wrong path, girl! Maybe you should stick to endorsing fiction, magazines, or fun reads that your female audience will enjoy as opposed to a controversial political rag.
At least my brother wants to read this and it won’t go as a complete waste.
Still your fan and will listen always,
Sher
FTC Disclosure: I purchased this book at a retail establishment. Clicking on the either the photo of the book cover or the link next to the purchase price stated above will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page. No purchases are necessary.
The Bachelor: Recap of Last Night’s Show — February 1, 2010
February 2nd, 2010
Could The Spoilers Be True?
It’s announced via the ”Blogiverse” that the winner of this season’s The Bachelor is Vienna. According to reality blogger sources which I read before tonight’s episode, Jake would be narrowing the field to Tenley, Gia, Ali and Vienna. Sure enough, that’s what happened. The spoilers say that Ali apparently bows out of the hometown date at some point, leaving Gia, Tenley and Vienna to vie for Jake’s heart. The episode trailer for next week showed that there would be no rose ceremony. This clip reflected that there was unexpected drama. Could this rumor be true? Does Ali leave him? As I read on about the results of the show, it is speculated that Gia is tearfully sent home concluding in a finale decision between Tenley and Vienna. It is rumored that that Tenley is chosen for the next “Bachelorette.”Enough of the crystal ball and onto tonight’s recap…
Jake and the ladies settle in at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco. The gals share the “California Suite” and are rooming together. The first date was a 1-on-1 with Tenley. When she discovers that she is up first, she gets flustered and says, “Oh my gosh, my heart!” (*it’s almost as if she is a real disney princess, I kid you not!*) She expresses, “If he sends me home, I’ll be VERY VERY devastated.” It made me wonder… can you really be that invested at that point in a dating relationship that you would be VERY VERY devastated if you broke up? I just can’t wrap my head around that comment!
Jake gushes over Tenley’s innocent spirit and says that “… She’s so positive all the time. It’s awesome!” (*personally, i would become a diabetic around her constant sweetness*) Jake also admits that he’s starting to fall for Tenley. (*viewers are less shocked by this statement after we learn that he’s falling for everybody*)
-back in the suite…
A date card arrives and Corrie opens it up. She announces that the 2-on-1 date invite is for Ali and Vienna. Our precious, kind, and ever-so-gracious Ali blurts out, “I feel sick right now.” After Corrie gets a hardy-har-har, she admits that the true recipients are Gia and Vienna. I bet Ali would have loved to have known this information before she showed her true self and opened her nasty mouth. Vienna takes the opportunity to honestly and considerately call Ali out on her crap-talking not only on this comment, but also those of the prior rose ceremony. Our little Ali-cat LIES and claims that she didn’t say a thing. Without losing her cool, Vienna tells her “I heard you, Ali. I was standing right there.” (*YES! go Vienna!*)
-meanwhile, on the date…
Jake and Tenley have a dinner discussion about what she would do differently if she were to remarry. She admits that she wouldn’t take her husband for granted anymore. She goes on to say that in her marriage she didn’t jump out of her chair to welcome her husband home. (*OMG… OMG… you have got to be kidding me! that’s all you did wrong? no, he wanted out of the magic castle*) The most interesting part of the date for me was when Jake said the most endearing thing, “A marriage is never perfect, but the love can be.” In regards to Tenley’s ex-husband, he assures her, “Cheating is a choice.” The duo takes a stroll around the tower to take in the view after dinner and FINALLY… the “On The Wings of Love” theme song plays in the background. (*see? i told you it was coming*)
Double-Dating In The Castle
The next day, Gia and Vienna are presented a trunk full of clothes to wear on their “castle date.” The BFF’s take a limo to a winery in Napa called Castella di Amarosa. On the winery sits an actual castle made of brick and stone. In the castle-theme, Vienna gets ultra corny and says, “I’m my dad’s princess, Jake’s queen and he’s my Prince Charming.” (*really…? you did not just say that!*) Meanwhile, insecurity overcomes ultra-hot-bikini-model Gia and she shares, “Jake and Vienna are so tight.” Apparently, this made her feel like a 3rd wheel. While the 3 of them share a meal, Vienna finally lets Jake know about how crappy way Ali made her feel in the last rose ceremony. Jake tells Vienna that it was his full intention to have her there and that there were reasons behind his decisions. He flat out tells her, “I want you here.”
Jake takes Gia off for a romp in the castle. She admits her insecurities and Jake tries to soothe her by telling her that she is “drop dead gorgeous” and “I’m falling for you.” (*i told you, he’s falling for everybody*) Gia whines about the fact that the putting-her-legs-over-his-lap-thing is not personal to the two of them because all the girls put their legs over his lap. (*aaahhh… make it stop!*) Then she asks him, “Is it okay to fall?” His as-to-be-expected-answer is, “It’s okay to fall.” (*who says this mushy gushy stuff on dates? i would NEVER ask a guy that!*)
-while Gia & Jake make-out…
Vienna decides that she cannot wait any longer. She grabs a lantern and goes on a castle-hunt for her man. Even though she’s got an entire camera crew following her, she suddenly gets shockingly lost and cries out for Jake. She’s lost in the darkness, is scared and not-alone. “Jake.” “Honey?” (*honey?*) After the commercial break while we all pray that she’s safe in the castle, she finds her man and interrupts the kissing. They have some alone time in which she admits that it feels like a knife in her heart when she sees him with the other women and that she doesn’t want to share him. (*we’ve never heard that before in 14 seasons of this show*) He seems to really understand how she feels. But, he’s put up some type of wall between them and watching this intimate moment feels awkward.
-back in the suite…
Corrie’s date card arrives and states, “Love is a walk in the park. -Jake.” The women goo, gush and giggle.
-meanwhile, at the castle…
Jake takes the women to their bedroom where they will stay the night. (*i might add at this point that I was more interested in the awesome, pretty sheets and bedding than i was the drama going on… i’m telling you… great sheets!*) Vienna can’t sleep knowing that Jake is downstairs in his bedroom alone. She hijacks the trusty lantern and two glasses of red wine then she’s off for his lair. Jake goes on record to state that she looked sexy and that he really did want to do bad things to Vienna, but that out of respect for Gia who is sleeping upstairs, he felt it best that they stay G-rated. Gia fumes, “Vienna does things without thinking!”
The next day, Corrie and Jake head out for a date in the park. Jake shares that things are moving too slow with Corrie and that he has expectations for the date. Corrie tells that she is used to men pursuing her and that she likes to take it slow. As the couple have yet to kiss, Corrie’s interview shows her saying that she likes the man to come 90% of the way and she 10% of the way for that kiss. On the rowboat in the lake, Jake scoots in the for the kiss. Corrie gives him the look…. and… nothing. (*ribbit*) The scene switches to Jake’s interview where he states that he feels a man should go 80% of the way and the lady 20%. (*mathematical equations to kissing… hmmm… should go for the median and agree with 85%/15%?*)
Corrie and Jake wrap up their date by having dinner at the Science Center. It is here that Jake and Corrie attempt to get to brass-tacks and open up. After discussing living together before marriage, Corrie basically tips him off by indicating that she’s saving herself for marriage. Jake poses the follow-up question and it’s confirmed… Corrie is a virgin. This makes Jake so very happy. They finally kiss, which is basically a waste of energy because we all know that he won’t pick her.
On Ali-Date-Day, Ali finally lets her hair down (*thank god!*) She was to show him around her home town and favorite haunts of San Francisco. I was completely and totally grossed out when she kept squealing as they strolled down the street about how happy she was. She must have said it 100 times and I think we heard just about all of them. If she wasn’t shrieking about that, the viewers had to endure her repetitive comments about how happy she was that he was in her home town with her. Then she prods, “Do you like San Francisco? Can you see yourself spending time here?” (*it’s burning… it’s burning… make it stop!*) The entire date, Jake is itching to confront Ali about being mean to his girl, Vienna. He finally brings up the topic. and in fact says, “She’s so incredibly honest and goes out of her way to let me know that she’s here for me.” Ali tries to save face by saying that she’s ready to let go of it. (*how big of her!*) Now that Jake is convinced that sweet Ali didn’t harm his Vienna, he makes her run into the cold ocean in her puss-n-boots black, leather boots. All I can do is wonder why they didn’t stop and take their shoes off before they ran in the ocean. Those boots made the outfit. I was seriously disturbed.
Finally, it’s rose ceremony time. Jake takes Tenley away for the first private-time conversation. As he dances with her, we hear his voice saying, “It’s not about sex appeal, it’s about heart appeal.” Tenley pronounces, “I just want to stand out for you.” He responds, “You do.”
One by one, they all get there moments with Jake. This is after he says aloud to the flock that he is falling for all of them. Tenley is shaken to the core by this statement and can’t understand how she could be special to him at all if he feels this way about everybody. Saving his Vienna for last, Jake wisks her off to his private suite. They go out on the balcony and he shares his romantic view of the city with her. What I admired the most about Vienna at this juncture in the journey is that she asks him “How are you doing?” It appears that she sincerely means it. He opens up to her because she is his safety girl. Of course, they kiss and Jake’s voice over tells the viewers that he has been pulling himself back from her, that he doesn’t want to do that anymore, that he wants to fall into her, and that he’s ready to turn that corner. (*hmmm… makes you wonder about dem rumors*) Vienna tells the cameras that, at this point, she just wants Jake to be happy.
Ali: Trying to figure out a way to remove the foot from the mouth.
I’m still not liking Ali… in fact… I really dislike her immensely at this point. Outcome: She’s staying.
- Corrie: Despite the roll in the sand and the rowboat adventure, she just couldn’t capture his heart.
Even though she finally got that 1-on-1 time, it was just too late for them. I think that she was right when she told the cameras that, had he not been dating 4 other women, if they dated it would have had a completely different outcome. RESULT: Sent packing.
Gia: How can you be a bikini-model and be insecure? I'm missing something here. She's a smart girl, too! What's up with her?
After Jake tells her that she’s completely different from all of the other ladies in the house, she really falls for him. After all, he said it was okay. OUTCOME: She’s staying.
Tenley: Please God... PLEASE!!!! Don't let her be the next Bachelorette!
Last week I predicted that she’ll be in the final two. I’m holding onto that prediction and taking extra insulin. OUTCOME: She’s staying.
Vienna: Whether she's the winner or not, there's just something about her that I just kinda dig! But, don't leave her alone in a castle!
The Sunday Salon: Like A Moth To A Flame, She Cannot Resist!
January 30th, 2010
January flew by! I cannot believe that we are entering February of 2010. Did y’all watch The State of The Union Address? Since I was young, I always watched it with my family. I was encouraged by the speech and am hopeful that our nation’s future gets brighter. There were many things that our president said that I honestly applaud him for. I’m hopeful in so many ways… but, most of all that the politics between the Republicans and Democrats starts to diminish so that they can find a way to work for The American People. I agree with our president on that point, definitely.
So… the 31st is the last day to submit your photos and bio for ANM’s 2nd Annual Beautiful Baby Contest. There are a few of you out there who haven’t sent your submittals in and I know you were going to… (hint, hint, hint… ). I’m going to be posting the pageant this week. Also, my email is sometimes wacky and sends email into my spam account, so if your submittal doesn’t appear, please contact me immediately. If you aren’t submitting, please cast a vote for your favorite. I know that I’m really looking forward to it.
My children have been very bad this week and are, once again, on restriction. It’s almost as if they truly think they won’t get caught for improper behavior. Yet, they always get caught. When they are caught lying, they just get in double the amount of trouble. They just can’t avoid testing those limits with me… like a moth to the flame. Colie actually admitted today that they are in so much trouble that it feels like they will be on restriction forever. Why is being a mom so hard?
I asked their father to have a family meeting with me and, reluctantly, he agreed. He did end up backing my position and agreed with me on points. The girls just don’t seemed to be as affected by the family meeting as I thought they would. The duo just acts so smug and like they are smarter than us. I know they’re not… but, they certainly don’t believe that. Like I said, being a parent and trying to do the right thing is hard. You know, God should have thrown in a lifetime supply of Xanax as part of the deal for me delivering those twins! God, are you there? It’s me, Sheri. HELP!
This Week’s Reads
This week, I reviewed:
Contests
Once again, I’m reminding you to send in your photos for ANM’s 2nd Annual Beautiful Baby Contest. You have until the 31st to submit your photos to anovelmenagerie@aol.com. (Click the picture below to take you to the contest details).
On TV
The Bachelor
Jakes starts weeding the wrong ones out of the group this week. I think he’s going to be narrowing down the group considerably in the next couple of weeks. I’m predicting Tenley and Gia for the finale as of this point. For this week’s recap, click HERE.
The Rest…
I am totally looking forward to a solid week at work and a mini-vacation in the mountains in February. There is tons of snow and the twins will get to snowboard (if they ever get off restriction). I am hanging in there on my diet and really miss Chardonnay! The twins are starting spring soccer next week, which should tire them out some. My wish to all the moms out there… have a great week and I wish you an easy week.
As always, my thanks to all of you for reading not only this post, but the others as well. Your readership means the world to me! AND, your comments are invaluable to me!
Book Review: The Body Scoop For Girls – A Straight-Talk Guide to a Healthy, Beautiful You by Jennifer Ashton, M.D., Ob-Gyn
January 28th, 2010
Author: Jennifer Ashton, M.D., Ob-Gyn with Christine Larson
Publisher: Avery (Penguin)
ISBN #: 978-1-58333-369-3
Type: Non-Fiction:Health & Science
Pages: 297 Trade Paperback
Published: December 29, 2009
Website: http://www.drjenniferashton.com
Purchase: $10.53 (HERE)
The Summary
Dr. Ashton delivers in this comprehensive guide, a resource for tweens, teens and women about their female health. This book provides the information that girls need during those difficult, growing years. She addresses the topics of female development, menstruation, breasts, hormones, acne, sex, piercings, weight, eating disorders, the vagina, reproduction, STD’s, smoking, drinking, and drugs. Like I said, it’s all-encompassing. The straight-talk approach in this book frankly discusses those taboo topics that are sometimes difficult for mothers and daughters to talk about.
Dr. Ashton’s no-nonsense and frank voice in this book not only provides much needed information, but she also offers sound advice. Take for example, she recommends that girls maintain their virginity until their body is mature at the age of 18 and not necessarily for moral reasons. In fact, her reasoning is more scientifically, logically and statistically based. What Dr. Ashton demonstrates is a thorough understanding of young women, how they feel and what they are experiencing.
My Thoughts
Honestly, I am completely open to my twins about 95% of the things they ask me about. I am happy to discuss any questions they have on sensitive topics. But the truth of the matter is that they don’t always want to discuss things with me. They believe it’s embarrassing to discuss this subject matter. I don’t think this is uncommon. That’s why tweens and teens obtain so much of their information on sensitive, adult topics from their peers. What Dr. Ashton provides in this book is a private one-on-one discussion with the reader about all of the main issues that girls face in growing up.
Not only does Dr. Ashton provide the information in a clear and positive manner, but she also communicates on a level that girls will understand and retain. One specific technique that I appreciated in this book was the recapping of the content’s major points in presenting them again in a highlighted box in either bullet points, true/false questions, or “Did You Know” factoids. This is beneficial as it delivers the facts to the reader in two different approaches. Reading the text is highly beneficial, but for those readers who are more visual-based learners, these “recap boxes” are great (not to mention the terrific illustrations throughout the book).
I absolutely FLEW through this book and learned a few things that I didn’t know. What I discovered is that I trust Dr. Ashton to deliver this information to my girls via this book. Apparently, I’m not the only one. Dr. Mehmet Oz said,
“Dr. Ashton offers a life-changing message of the right time to a generation of young women and their parents. I trust her with my daughters.”
Dr. Jennifer Ashton is a board certified ob-gyn who specializes in adolescent gynecology. In addition, she is a health correspondent for the CBS’ The Early Show and The Evening News with Katie Couric. She runs a successful practice in Englewood, New Jersey (shucks… too far for us to visit her!). Being a mother herself, I got the sense in reading the book that she can empathize with the difficulties that mom’s and daughters can experience with these crucial, yet sensitive matters.
(Picture me standing and giving a standing ovation). Dr. Ashton’s current, fresh, and enlightening book is a FANTASTIC tool and reference guide for both moms and teens. This book couldn’t have hit my hands at a better time as my twins approach 13. I know that there are many other mothers like me out there whom this book will most certainly benefit. Even if your daughter(s) are a few years away, this book is a great reference tool for moms in preparation of facing that time. Nearly all of the information is timeless so it will still serve as a great tool as your daughter(s) start developing. I do recommend that mothers read this book prior to passing it along to their daughter to ensure that they are comfortable with the level of information provided. As far as I’m concerned, I’d rather my girls know the truth about their bodies and consequences of decisions they make. In addition to me providing my girls with both my moral and religious family values, I am hopeful that this type of sound information will lead them to making solid decisions.
As far as my recommendation and rating, on ANM’s “Out of Ten Scale,” my rating for The Body Scoop for Girls a rating of 10 out of 10. It’s a mother of daughters must-have.
Great Health Advice From Dr. Ashton
Giving Thanks
Thank you, thank you, thank you to TLC Book Tours for including A Novel Menagerie in the this book tour. I feel so blessed to have received and read it!
FTC Disclosure: This book was provided to me from the publisher. Clicking on the either the photo of the book cover or the link next to the purchase price stated above will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page. No purchases are necessary.
Name: Sheri
Email:
Bio: Welcome & Thank You For Visiting!!! Hello... I'm Sheri, the proud keeper of my own personal menagerie consisting of twin daughters, 2 poochies, 3 kitties, and 3 fish tanks. To learn more about me, please visit my "About" Page where you can also access my BOOK REVIEW POLICY.
