Question

Do you have Whole Foods in your state? If not, you're missing out. Completely!

Question

What's for lunch?

Jon tries Kate's hat on for size

Is he trying to be funny?

The President, The Police Officer and The Professor (P.P.P.)

It's so nice to see the President, Police Officer and Professor getting along so well. What a difference a few weeks make.

Say it ain't so Joe!

Will they please tell Joe Jackson to quit talking.

Question

Do you attend church? What denomination? If not, why not?

Wrinkles at 35

Wrinkles at 35, who would have thought? I swear, I don't feel all that old however in talking about the things that I've done to become "healthier" (if you want to call it that) I think about the things that make me feel old. My wrinkles have really shown this year more than ever before. I see them in my eyes more than anywhere else. Now, some people call this a testament to how happy you are because they are linked to your laugh lines, but does that make you feel all that better when someone says it to you? Not so much for me. I've been using Oil of Olay lately and hope that it will make a little difference. The closer I get to 40, the more I think about these things.

Baby Steps

During the past year I have tried to incorporate a few "healthy" tidbits into my life. I know it's not much but you have to start somewhere!

The first thing I did was give up drinking soft drinks. I know you hear of so many people that say they loose weight from stopping the soft drink binge but I can say that it has not happened to me. The one thing that my friend Stephanie says it's done for me is help my complexion and I have to say, I think it really has. The only thing I really drink is water, the good ole H2O and Diet Lipton Green Tea (1 to 2 a day).

The second thing is taking Vitamin C at least one time a day if not two (1000mg). I have noticed a HUGE difference in my immune system. I have not had a cold in quite a long time and when I do feel like I'm coming down with something I double up. Now, at the moment I have a little sinus infection, but even with that I can tell a huge difference in the way I feel.

So, I have a few other things I want to try but until I have success with them, I'll keep them to myself. Sometimes, I think I give up too quickly on myself so I don't want to divulge anything until I stick with it for a while.

What have you given up or started doing to enhance your body and or mind?

Domestic Harmony

I can't take credit for the title. I actually heard Lisa Oz use the term this morning on Oprah & Friends. However, when I heard it, it made complete sense to me. Domestic Harmony has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I thought about my own household and whether or not Tim and I bring domestic harmony to our family and I have to toot my own horn, we do.

Tim and I have such a loving and respectful relationship with one another. Now, that's not to say we don't disagree on things from time to time but overall we really care about each other as a person and each others opinions. We also care about the opinion of our daughter. We strive to raise her in an environment where she is not involved in parental squabbles. She sees her Mommy and Daddy as two loving people who care and respect one another. It's visual for her. I hope this enables her to find a mate that will treat her with the same respect her father has for me.

Unfortunately, this topic also reminds me of those children who are in a place of total discord. Those who see their mother and father verbally and physically abuse one another. I can't imagine putting a child through that kind of stress. As an adult you think it's hard on you, but think of a child who can't really interpret what's going on during an argument between their mother and father. These are the ones that are suppose to love and support you but if they can't love and support one another, how can they even begin to love and support a child. Children do as they see and if a child sees the abuse they will more than likely grow up to do the same.

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner

I loved this movie growing up! So much so that I can recite it from beginning to end. It's even funnier when you hear Channing Tatum & Charlyne Yi recite it with a comical twist.

Email from Mom....

Kids, when we get to TX, this is something your Dad can do in his spare time. He won’t have 4 lawns to mow so this will keep him from getting bored!
Love you!
Mom

Question

Do you have XM Radio? What are your favorite stations?

Question

How far do you commute to work?

American Idol Contestant, Alexis Cohen Killed

Former American Idol contestant, Alexis Cohen was struck and killed by a car over the weekend just yards from her car. This morning, 23-year-old Daniel Bark has been booked on charges of death by reckless driving as well as leaving the scene of an accident. You'll remember Alexis with her "Take It, Take It, Take It" rampage after not making it to Hollywood in Season 7. She came back in Season 8, all polished up, but once again did not make it to Hollywood. She was very eccentric and out there, but you hate to hear of anyone loosing their life so young. Alexis was 25.

BEST WEDDING ENTRANCE

This is one wedding I would have loved to have been at. How great is this entrance?

What's your take.....

What's your take on the President's Health Care Plan? I don't know enough about it and what I do know I can't say I completely understand, so I'd like some thoughts to ponder.

It's pouring here in Houston!

We haven't had a good thunderstorm in quite a while, that is until today. It's pouring here!

View from outside my window @ work:

"Precious"

In May, I posted the Tyler Perry & Oprah Winfrey trailer of "Precious".http://behindthewallsofvanderwilt.blogspot.com/2009/05/precious-trailer.html Well, it will be coming to theaters November 6, 2009.

Tyler Perry's - "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" - Trailer

Coming To Theaters September 11, 2009

SOOOOO SLEEPY TODAY!!!!

myspace layouts

Yo Quiero Taco Bell

Gidget, the dog who made "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" famous, passes away at 15. Awwwww, so sad but she did live a long life. Wow, that's 105 in human years.

All I Have To Do Is DREAM, dream, dream, dream

What's the best dream you've ever had? Scarriest you've ever had?

In your own home?

Police were called to the home of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. regarding a possible break in. When officers arrived at the home, they found the Professor there. It seems he had trouble unlocking the door, so he proceeded to have it knocked down. Gates showed the officer his drivers license and Harvard ID card but was still handcuffed and taken into custody for what they are calling "disorderly conduct towards an officer". Professor Gates is claiming it was nothing less than racial profiling and I don't know that I disagree with him. The man is in his own home, he has proof of who he is as well as his address, which matches his location. What else would the officers need to prove he was who he says he is, unless they just wanted to make a spectacle out of him? Charges have been dropped, but that's not the point. There are to many abuses in the criminal justice system and unless someone stands up and says "no more", this will continue to haunt the black community.

Something else that disturbs me about this case is the media coverage of the story. Almost all of the media I've seen have placed photos of Professor Gates coming out of his house, obviously yelling, or pictures of his mugshot. Well, I'm not going to do that to him, in fact I'm going to put a picture of the distinguished black scholar that he is!

We've sure come a long way but stories like this show you just how far we've yet to come.

Hell's Kitchen - 6th Season

I'm so excited about the 6th season of Hell's Kitchen tonight with Gordon Ramsey. Anyone else a fan or are you completely despise the show?

ICE - In Case Of Emergency

I heard about this on Oprah Radio this morning and it's also going to be a feature in "O - The Oprah Magazine" next month. I thought it was such a smart idea, I wanted to share it with you.

Do you carry around a Medical ID card or In Case Of Emergency information? No, well you're not alone as the majority of us don't. Do you have a cell phone? Guess what, you can enter a contact in your phone listed as ICE and that notifies whomever finds your phone pertinent information about you and who to contact in case of an emergency. Great idea, huh?

Blake Lewis - Sad Song

What do you think of Black Lewis' new song - "Sad Song"? I feel like I'm back in the 80's!

Remembering Farrah

Ryan O'Neal remembers his longtime relationship with his angel, Farrah Fawcett on the Today Show.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Chaos Ensues

This video is a hard one to watch. It shows absolute HERO'S rescuing 2 children and their mother from a burning SUV. My heart races and tears start to form as I watch the 4 minutes of footage where complete strangers surround this woman's car to save them all. The SUV could have blown at any moment but that didn't stop the bystanders and 2 off duty firefighters from doing everything they could to protect them from the fire. My heart goes out to the family and to the rescuers who will endure this event for quite some time.

Embedded video from CNN Video

Don't try this at home....

Ever considered plastic surgery? Ever thought you could do it just as well as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon? Think again...

"It's Too Late To Apologize, Too Late"

Are you buying Chris Brown's apology?

Kermit Would Be So Proud

This is too funny, look at what Lady GaGa decides to wear to a German interview. Too funny!

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

So, I took Laura to the Circus this weekend with my friend Stephanie and her sister, Tammy. Times must be hard even for Ringling Brothers because it was not as impressive this year as it was when I took Laura a few years ago. For most of the show we watched crazy antics from all of the clowns. The elephants and tigers were not out there very long, nor were the horses. I also don't remember ever seeing dogs at the circus. Maybe I'm just forgetting, but I really don't remember them. Well, they had a few dogs come out and do some tricks but other than that, it was somewhat uneventful. Laura enjoyed it though so I guess that's all that really mattered. I on the other hand found it to be quite disappointing. Maybe next year will be better.

Kelly Hildebrandt to marry Kelly Hildebrandt

You hear the story all the time, a couple meet online and 8 months later they're engaged to be married. But have you ever heard of a couple getting married with the exact same name? Well, very soon Kelly Hildebrandt (groom-to-be) will be walking down the aisle with Kelly Hildebrandt (bride-to-be). How weird is that?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Paris Jackson Look Alike

It's amazing how much these two look alike.

On the left, Paris Jackson. On the right, my daughter, Laura.

Question

How often do you have to get your hair cut?

Walter Cronkite Dies At 92

Legendary CBS Evening News Anchorman, Walter Cronkite, died Friday, July 17th at the age of 92. Pictured above is Cronkite announcing the death of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

Jon & Kate X2

Jon Gosselin was spotted this weekend out with Kate Major, a reporter for Star Magazine. Nothing like sleeping with the enemy.... it seems if you don't like the publicity, then don't date a reporter.

Jon's just getting around since his separation from the Mrs. isn't he? Wonder if Ms. Hailey knows of Jon's whereabouts over the weekend. And by the way, what's this crap being reported on People.com about Jon and Hailey not dating until Kate filed divorce papers. I wholeheartedly don't believe that BS and I also don't believe that Jon was "heartbroken" about the dissolution of his marriage. And one other thing, do you really think Kate is the one that told Jon to "take a hike"? I don't!

40th Anniversary Of The Apollo 11 Lunar Landing

July 20th marks the 40th Anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin's 1st walk on the moon as Michael Collins orbited overhead. You can find out all sorts of information on the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11. You can also track the journey from July 16th thru the 20th at: WeChoosetheMoon.org.


As noted on www.news.aol.com, the Mission Patch to the right is "Unlike most mission patches, Apollo 11's does not include the names of the astronauts. "We wanted the design to be representative of everyone who had worked toward a lunar landing," said Michael Collins, who designed it with help from a fellow astronaut."

Rain in Houston???

Finally we saw rain in Houston over the weekend. It's been such a long time since we've seen it, I had to capture it on camera.

Jon's New Bachelor Pad

Well, Johnny Boy has been busy since his separation from wife, Kate, from Jon & Kate + 8. It seems he's rented an apartment in NYC, headed to St. Tropez with his new girlfriend, Hailey Glassman, and may possibly be a new kids fashion designer. Alot happens when you don't have 9 people depending on you. I hope he realizes what he's put his family through once he gets over his mid-life crisis. I'm ready for him to grow up already.

Daughtry

I was listening to Gayle King on Oprah Radio this morning, and yesterday she interviewed Chris Daughtry from the band Daughtry. I have such admiration for him and the band. Out of all the bands out there right now, Daughtry seems to be the most real and down to earth. It doesn't seem like the fame and fortune has gone too much to their heads. They were there to promote their new CD, "Leave This Town", which by the way is phenomenal.

When they played the following song, the hair stood straight UP on the back of my neck. The music, the lyrics, everything about it blows me away.
Acoustic version of "What About Now"

The video itself is so powerful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylgchWR-Ig

Oldest Mother Dies

69 Year Old mother of 2 1/2 year old twins dies. Guinness World Record names, Maria del Carmen Bousada, as the oldest woman to give birth at 66 years of age. She lied to the fertility clinic by telling them she was only 55.

What do you think of the situation, leaving 2 year old twin girls without a mother or father? Oh yes, did I not mention, she was a single mother that received in-vitro fertilization at 66? Now, in her defence she said that her mother died at 101 years of age, so she didn't see that giving birth at 66 was that big of deal because she would be around to see her children grow up just like her mother. Someone must not have given her the memo, "We're Not Guaranteed Our Time Here On This Earth!". I think it's quite selfish what she did. I understand the desire to have a child, I really do but couldn't you have started the process in your 30's, heck even in your 40's. 66 in my opinion is too late to start your child rearing years. I feel so bad for the girls who are left and will never remember their mother other than what they see in pictures. It's a heartbreaking situation.
http://news.aol.com/article/oldest-mom-dies/572373?icid=mainmaindl1link7http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Foldest-mom-dies%2F572373

Scott Peterson asking for donations?

Can you believe this douchebags family is asking for donations on his appeal in the murder conviction he received for killing his pregnant wife, Laci and unborn child, Connor? What scumbags!

Suicide Clinics

So, I'm reading this story... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090714/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_obit_downes and find myself dumbfounded by the whole thing. It seems a British couple have traveled to Switzerland to end their lives. Edward Downes, 85, has had trouble with his sight and hearing within the last several years and his wife, Joan, 74, was recently diagnosed with cancer. So, after 54 years of marriage they discussed the decision with their children and traveled to their final resting place, Switzerland. Their children issued a statement in which they said their parents died "peacefully and under circumstances of their own choosing".

Hmmmm, I don't think I would give my blessing to my parents if they came to me with the same wish??? Maybe that's selfish, but I wasn't raised to think like that. My parents didn't raise me to think like that. Unfortunately, we all get old and their are ailments we must all go through. However, suicide I don't think is the answer. There are so many young people who have so much life ahead of them and they are afflicted with the same things the Downes are going through, even worse in some cases.

What are your thoughts on assisted suicides and in this case suicide clinics?

Slap Chop Rap Commercial

Couple of 16 Children, Murdered

I am so saddened by the couple found shot to death in their Florida home this past weekend. It's absolutely awful for anyone to endure such a heinous crime, but it's even worse to know they were the parents of 16 children (12 of which were adopted children with special needs). It sounds like Byrd and Melanie Billings were upstanding citizens and some have even called Melanie "an Angel". It's very sad to think of these children without their parents, I just hope that someone will keep them all together. I have read where one of the oldest daughters is hoping to be able to keep their parents legacy alive by taking all of them in. I just pray that's the case.


Update - 7 individuals have been arrested this afternoon
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/14/florida.couple.slain/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., 35
Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Sr., 56
Wayne Thomas Coldiron, 41
Gary Lamont Sumner, 30
Fredrick Lee Thornton, 19
Donald Ray Stallworth, 28
An unidentified juvenile, 16

Michael Jackson's Dance Influences

Who knew, Michael Jackson wasn't the first to do the moonwalk?

Jeffrey Daniel's influence on Michael Jackson

Question

You call your husband. He asks "how are you" and your response is "not feeling so well, I'm tired and congested today". Would it piss you off if he sarcastically says "boy, I can't wait to see you tonight"?

So Awkward....

Weekends

Weekends seem to go by so fast, don't they? It's hard to come back to work when you have such a wonderful time with your family. Friday, Laura and I left for the beach and had such a wonderful time together. We didn't do anything special, just hung out by the pool, dinner at Rainforest Cafe and then spent Saturday by the pool and on the beach.It's nice to know that you don't really have to do anything in particular but hang out with someone and at the end of the day say you had a wonderful time. We had a blast, just the girls, playing in the pool and building sand castles. Only 5 more days until the weekend comes again - can't wait!

What a prick!

Jon Gosselin is such a lying prick!! Family friend my ass. Jon and his "girlfriend", Hailey Glassman (Doctor's daughter that performed Kate's tummy tuck) are photographed in Saint Tropez this weekend. What a prick!

Update 7/13 - You know, I'm not done with this prick! I don't care how Kate treated Jon! Not to say she wasn't wrong for treating him like he was a child, but if you act like a child then you should be treated like a child. He knew what type of personality she had when he proposed marriage to her. He definitely knew what she was like when they decided to get pregnant with the twins and by the 2nd pregnancy he knew how she was as a wife and mother. So, don't give me this BS that he was tired of the way he was being treated - he was tired of having a wife and 8 children and knowing Kate wore the pants in their relationship. They haven't even divorced yet and he's gallivanting in public with his mistress.

Kate, here's what I think - GOOD RIDDANCE and now you can take him for all he's worth (actually you were the one that would probably have had to pay him alimony but maybe now with pictures of his infidelity you wont have to)!

Mommy & Laura's trip to Galveston

Evian Commercial

This Evian commercial is too cute.

Freaky Deaky

This was posted on TMZ's website, http://www.tmz.com/2009/07/07/michael-jackson-7/ and it's too weird.

Michael Jackson signed his will on 7/7/02.
Michael Jackson's memorial was on 7/7/09 ... exactly 7 years after the will was signed.
Michael Jackson's two biggest hits -- "Black & White" and "Billie Jean" -- were each #1 for 7 weeks.
Michael Jackson's three biggest albums -- "Thriller," "Bad" and "Dangerous" -- each produced 7 top 40 hits.
Michael Jackson was the 7th of 9 children.
Michael Jackson was born in 1958 ... 19 + 58 = 77
Michael Jackson died on the 25th ... 2 + 5 = 7
Michael Jackson has 7 letters in his first and last name.

Weird, huh?

Here's some I thought of...
Michael Jackson's Idol, Elvis Presley, died in '77.
Michael Jackson's friend, Princess Diana, died in '97.

Paris Jackson remembers her father at his memorial

Paris calls her father "the best father you could ever imagine. I love him so much."

Memorial Service

Are you going to be watching the Michael Jackson Memorial Service? If so, where will you be watching? Work, home, cell phone?

4th of July Weekend

Idol Wedding

Kara DioGuardi marries Mike McCuddy in a private ceremony over the weekend in Maine.

Couples Retreat - Trailer

This looks like it's going to be a funny one.

Tribute to the "King Of Pop"

Madonna pays tribute to the King Of Pop at her concert in England over the weekend.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore attend the 4th of July White Party, hosted by Diddy and Kutcher to raise awareness for Malaria No More http://www.malarianomore.org/. At 47 years old, Demi Moore is one hot mamma!

Home video of Michael Jackson with his kids

To us, he was "King of Pop", to his 3 adorable kids, he was Daddy! You can tell how much he adored his children, but even more how much they adored him.

Firework Truck Explosion

Saturday morning in Ocracoke, NC a truck carrying fireworks for the local 4th of July celebration explodes, killing 4 and injuring 1. The island decided to cancel the fireworks but held a parade instead.

Steve McNair found dead

Unfortunately we're not going to remember Steve McNair as the happily married, charity organizing, father of four, NFL player... we're going to remember him as the murder victim found alongside his 20 year old mistress, also found dead. They are looking at it as a murder/suicide as McNair was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest and his mistress found with a single gunshot wound to the head.

How sad, his death, but also the fact that his character will forever be tainted with pure stupidity. When will men and women learn that nothing can be gained by having an affair?

Jon & Kate Come Together

Jon & Kate Gosselin put aside their differences over the weekend to spend the 4th of July holiday with their kids. For once, it's nice to see that they are keeping up with their end of the bargain and putting their kids first.

Sarah Palin Resigns as Governor of Alaska

Part 1

Part 2


What do you think the reason is? Presidency or scandal?

Happy 4th!

I'll be out for the weekend. Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

It's already been a week!

It's already been a week since Michael Jackson's death and so many tributes have been done in his honor. Here is one done to the a capella version of the Jackson 5's song "Never Can Say Goodbye".


Do you have a favorite song or video? This is mine, "You Are Not Alone"

Please don't let this woman be in Texas this weekend for 4th of July Festivities...

I don't know that we can handle Jessica Simpson. I don't mind her singing so much, but I can't stand her performance.

Jon Gosselin - Match.com Parody

Jon minus 9

Match.com-Jon Gosselin - watch more funny videos

Britney Spears -vs- Christina Aguilera

Can someone tell me why Britney Spears gets more hype than Christina Aguilera? When you compare the two singers, Christina definitely has a better voice than Britney. Britney seems to always be synthesized in her music and videos where as Christina seems to pull off a song without all of that. Christina also sings her songs live, without lip syncing like Britney does. I've never understood why Britney has been more popular or well known than Christina.

Britney Spears video "Radar"


Christina Aguilera singing "Hurt" Live

"I Wish It Were Me"

This morning Jermaine Jackson gave the 1st Jackson family interview relating to Michael Jackson's death. In the interview Jermaine says he "wishes it were" him as he felt he was Michael's "backbone" and someone who would speak for him when he knew he couldn't.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Later today the following video was released from CNN. This is Michael Jackson's last rehearsal, 2 days before his death. He is performing "They Don't Really Care About Us".

Peyton Manning - you gotta love him...