The Bachelorette-Hometown Dates

I know, you were screaming at the TV set, weren't you? Screaming that Jillian, you're such an idiot, right? I couldn't stand last night's episode. It's apparent why Jillian isn't married, she falls for the wrong guy and in this case it's Wes. Never mind that you sent home the perfect man, never mind that he came back to warn you about Wes, never mind that Jake even knew the name of the girl that Wes was involved with, Laurel, never mind that you didn't even stop to think how much bravery it took for Jake to do that, and with narely a thank to boot. Why is it that women want what they can't have? Seriously, she knows that there's something he's holding back, she even said that, but she still is clinging to the idea of them. Well, I hope she gets what she deserves and that's certainly not Jake. He too good for her! Jake should be the next bachelor in my book. Hey Jake, where do I sign up? Call me! Of the four hometown dates, marry Kip and you'll be set up for life. Wasn't his parents home beautiful? We used to live in Carlsbad, right next door to Encinitas and let me tell you, it's heavenly. Perfect weather, perfect homes, perfect beaches (except don't go too near the power plant on the beach). Marry Reid (from Philly) if you want to be the all American suburban housewife. Marry Jesse and you'll inherit a winery and land in Carmel. How enchanting is that? Kovack Bros Winery, it's right out of Dennis Quaid's Parent Trap lifestyle. Marry Mike and welcome to the mid-Cali family right next to Magic Mountain. And marry Wes and it's hicksville white trash trailer living, in search of the next big hit and a cheating husband. Let's see, looks like she's leaning toward the trailer and a strumming on the ole banjo kinda of guy. I bet he was hoping to make it to the hometown dates just so his band could play for a TV audience, well, I'm glad they mostly did a voice over their music. What a snake! Well, she'll deserves him! I was so mad that she didn't get rid of Wes, I was screaming at the TV, throwing my slippers and candy wrappers. She couldn't hear me, but I'm sure my neighbors got an earful. Hopefully, there's maybe a small glimmer of hope with the reappearance of Ed. What, did he tell his boss to take this job and shove it? He never did tell us, but Jillian seems smitten, hopefully, he'll start working on his chances since she did keep him around, but cut lose, Jesse and Mike. Those two were definitely not her type anyway, she goes for dark haired guys, notice? She's not into blonds hence the letting go of Mr. Perfect. Next it's on to Spain, can't wait since that is the place we plan to vacation at the end of July!-Single D

Sidebar-supposed photo of the mysterious Laurel, owner of an Austin boutique and previous girl to ex-bachelor, Brad Womack. Humm, curious...

Michael Jackson

It is always so shocking when a celebrity that one has grown up with dies. No matter how or the circumstance. It wasn't enough that early in the day, Farrah Fawcett had succumbed in her heartbreaking battle against cancer. Her chronicles of her struggle was brave and courageous. I grew watching "Charlie's Angels" who didn't? She was really beautiful. The true love story between her and Ryan O'Neal is touching and poignant. And so when on the heels of her death came the shocking news that Michael Jackson had died I know a collective gasp could be heard around the world and in a moment, time stood still just like those other gut wrenching days of past; 9/11, the death of Princess Diana, the assassination of President Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy.

Although I was very young, I remembered being in Hawaii when news came of President Kennedy being shot. In elementary school, we were on a field trip to the sugar cane factory when the news hit. Everyone on the bus started to cry, first the adults and then the kids. I guess the kids were crying because the adults were crying. When Bobby Kennedy was shot, I remembered I was sleeping on couch in the living room in California (something was wrong with my bed and it was getting fixed). I remembered that my dad came in and turned on the TV set. Never mind that it was late and he had the news on, I knew something bad had happened. Strange names like Sirhan Sirhan and Jack Ruby filled the room.

Years later, on 9/11, I was getting ready for work when my husband came into the bathroom and said that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers in NYC. We lived in Carlsbad, California then, I remembered I watched Good Morning America as I ate breakfast while they were showing the tower on fire. I remembered I had the news on in my car on my way to work in La Jolla, when Peter Jennings on the news had said another plane had crashed into the other tower, I was like what was going on? And then Peter Jennings, his voice incredulous said, the build has collapsed? I couldn't imagine what he was talking about. As I got into my office, all the TV's were on, people were standing around watching, shock and horror on their faces. We were all told to go home and so we went, sad and terrified.

And so, I know this too will be a day that will freeze in time as Pop Icon, Michael Jackson leaves this world. It will be one of those things of where were you when. I think I heard it best when someone on TV said, was it Hemingway that said, "Show me a hero and I'll show you a tragedy."

No matter what the world thought of him, his bizarre life, his strange actions, he will always and forever remain an American Icon.-Single D

Doubt-DVD Movie Review

I love any movie that has the great Meryl Streep in it, especially one that has Meryl donning a nun's outfit. Being a lapse Catholic, I secretly love all things Roman Catholic, from "Thorn Birds" to "Sister Act". Any movie with religious undertones pique my interest and so I waited anxiously for "Doubt" to make it's way into Blockbuster. I rushed in for several weeks only to find that it was out, gee must be a really good movie since it's such in demand. Finally, several weeks later there it was on the shelf! Victory! I take it home, plan the weekend around it. Don't bother me, I'll be watching videos this weekend! With the lights out, popcorn popped and water glass filled with ice, I sit. My daughter is in the other room, watching "Bunny House", I hear her laughing. Meryl plays the part of the sour nun perfectly and is the stereotypical nun I remembered from the days that my poor brother had to attend parochial school. Nuns that would whack knuckles at any laughter that ensued in class. Commit this to memory, there will be no laughter in class!

As the movie tried in all earnest to gain one's attention, I kept waiting for something to happen. I kept waiting for the critical scene, I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. I waited and waited and hoped with the outstanding supporting cast of Amy Adams and Seymour Hoffman surely it had to get better. It had to have more intrigue and suspense. But I was wrong. Sure in the end, there was that kernel of "Doubt", but was it enough to base an entire movie around? I think not. Meryl was superior in her restrained role, Amy great as the novice nun, and Seymour outstanding as the priest accused. But what really happened? Apparently not much. Sure, this coming off the Catholic priest scandal, we are supposed to assume something did transpire, but an entire movie based on conjecture and speculation? I guess that's where the name"Doubt" comes into play. Well, I doubt if I'll put this right up there with "The Exorcist" or "The Seventh Sign". I think Meryl should hang up her habit and that accent that wavered between Bostonian and Southern. No doubt you will not be missing a thing if you pass this one over. I should have watched "The Bunny House" with my daughter, no doubt there would have been a lot of laughter!-Single D