Ramblings of a Menopausal Broad

Tag: Patrick Stewart

Seven Things I Love (7-11-2022)

July 12, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Sorry I missed you all last week but I was down for about 10 days with some sort of (non-COVID) bug. Let me tell you guys, keep washing your hands and wearing your masks because you DO NOT want to get this, and apparently it’s going around.

1. This Oatmeal Cartoon – I don’t actually “love” this but it’s an excellent cartoon.

Christian Nationalism is currently one of the greatest threats to American democracy.

The Oatmeal explains in their usual indubitable way, why religious extremists SUCK…

2. This Target Commercial – Yay for body positivity! If only the body positivity movement had started 50 years ago.

3. This Podcast – Only the first episode is about the current residents of Windsor Palace (Prince Andrew and his shady association with Jeffrey Epstein), the other episodes are about Elizabeth I, “Mad” King George III, and Victoria (who was not the prim and proper monarch we thought she was…)

[Found on Grazia Magazine]

4. This Recycling Idea – My biggest gripe about weddings is the cost. My second biggest gripe is the waste. This young bride found a solution that addresses both issues.

Gwendolyn Stulgis found her dream wedding gown but it cost waaaay more than she had budgeted. She decided to buy it and then after her wedding give it to another bride who couldn’t afford a wedding gown.

She set up a contest on Facebook asking brides to submit their requests. She also laid out the following requirements:

The recipient of the dress should have a wedding date within a few months of the post, and after it is worn, the bride must dry-clean it and pass it on to another bride, creating an ongoing chain.

She found a very grateful woman who was overjoyed to win the dress and the contest went on to inspire other brides to do the same thing.

Now Stulgis has started a Facebook group called “Shared Dream Dresses” where women can share their wedding gowns and bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses.

[Found on The Washington Post]

5. This Yorkshire Tea Commercial – I would have given ANYTHING to have Sir Patrick be at my retirement party.

[Found on AdWeek]

6. This “Tilt Test” – Fascinating! Maybe they should have done the tilt test on Boris before making him PM. Oh well, he’s gone now (kind of…)

This is called the "Tilt Test" that helped prove that London’s Double-Decker buses were safe and not a tipping hazard, circa 1933 from interestingasfuck

[Found on Messy Messy Chic]

7. This New Marvel Series – Ms. Marvel is the first Muslim, Southeast Asian, female superhero and she ROCKS! I also love that they have brought some real history into the storyline, pulling in the India-Pakistan partition as part of the plot. I highly recommend you check this out on Disney+.

Word of the Week

Quote of the Week

Song of the Week

Seven Things I Love (5-10-2010)

May 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments
  1. 1. This Little Girl Who Got To Meet Her Hero, Rey from Star Wars – This shows how important it is that we have more strong, female lead characters in films. I LOVE Rey. I wish we had role models like her when I was a kid. “Younger” Leia was okay but nothing like some of the women girls have today, even “older” Leia. Still, it’s only a start.
This kid standing up to The Sith & meeting her heroes from MadeMeSmile

2. This Essay by George Orwell on How to Make a “Nice Cup of Tea” – Originally published in The London Evening Standard on January 12, 1946, the essay includes eleven rules that Orwells says you need to be follow to make a good cuppa. The text below is rather small so if you click on the graphic it will take you to the Orwell Foundation website and the full text (which is owned by the Orwell Estate and Penguin Books and why I’m not reprinting it here.)

3. This Swedish Street Food: Tunnbrödsrulle – Tunnbrödsrulle is mashed potatoes, sausage or hot dogs, lettuce, shrimp salad, mayonnaise dressing, onions, ketchup and mustard all wrapped up in a thin piece of flatbread. Anthony Bourdain once said that one particular Swedish street food was, “…the most disgusting thing ever…and I love it.” I know that I want to try it! I May give it a go this summer if a few other people are game to try it with me…

(By the way, I found out about Tunnbrödsrulle from Beryl Shereshewsky who is one of my most recent obsessions. She did a video on how people [around the world] eat hot dogs. Here it is.)

4. This Image that Shows How the Athenian acropolis may have looked with its original paintwork back in the 5th century BCE – I LOVE these sort of then and now images. I wish there were more of them.

5. This NYC Ballerina with Alzheimer’s Listening to Swan Lake – no explanation necessary.

6. These Virtual Origami Classes through the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago – Lasting only 30 minutes, they are held every Wednesday and Saturday. It’s just the right amount of time to do one project. Loads of fun and by doing it every week you can improve your skills.

The classes on Wednesday and Saturday are the same so choose which day works better for you; the class is at 1 pm on both days. The cost is a donation – recommended amount is between $5-10 per class. You can sign up for a free trial class here.

I made this on Saturday (my first class.) In case you can’t tell, it’s a table and chair. The thing I think is great about these items is the first several folds for these are used for many other origami pieces.

7. This Photo of LeVar Burton and Patrick Stewart – Two of my most favorite people on the planet. (By the way, Levar did a new ad for Ryan Reynold’s Aviation Gin and not surprisingly it was a hoot!)

Word of the Day

Quote of the Day

Three good friends went for a swim.
The one who was fat wished she was thin.
The one who was curvy wished she was clever.
The one who was clever wished she swam better.
The really great swimmer wished she was witty.
The one who was witty wished she was pretty.
All three friends thought the other two were just fine.
If only they could let their own bright light shine.
So throw on your swimsuit if you’re fat or you’re thin.
Enjoy fun and friendship …. love the skin that you’re in!

Seven Things I Love (9-28-2020)

September 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Sorry guys, lots of videos this week but I had no choice, they are all just TOO good.

1. This Kindergarten Teacher, Mackenzie Adams (and a NY Times article that includes Adams and some other extraordinary educators is here.) The video shows that to teach virtually a teacher has to put in about 300% more energy to get students engaged. No doubt it must be exhausting but these dedicated individuals are up to the task and they’re doing it with smiles on their faces because you know what? Teachers aren’t in it for the money.

2. This (the) Cottage Fairy – I just discovered artist Paola Merrill and now I’m obsessed. She lives a “simple living” lifestyle in rural Washington state and as an artist loves to make things more visually beautiful. She releases new videos on Wednesdays so now I’ll have to wait because I binge-watched everything she had posted. It looks like her Facebook page has been around for a while and you can see some of her delightful art there. She also has an Etsy shop but since she got on YouTube her popularity is really taking off, so it’s empty at the moment. Who doesn’t need a little mindfulness and beauty right now?

3. This Dad, Craig Conrad – he created a series of videos for young women/girls who, when they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation. They can pull one of the videos up on their smartphone and it will appear as though they have called their dad. Then they can have a conversation with the video and whoever is around will believe that they have someone who knows where they are and that they are expected home shortly. Very cool.

https://twitter.com/nowthisnews/status/1291500044634513410?s=20

4. This Japanese photographer… definitely worth following on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFbIh5gg3Nc/

5. This (fake) trailer for the (fake) film ‘Harding’ from ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ – it was aired a while ago but I was reminded of it because there is a little bit of a kerfuffle with the Harding ancestors over and, well, you can read about that here but it just fits so well with trailer. Perhaps someone does need to make a movie called ‘Harding.’

6. RANDY RAINBOW – He’s a national treasure.

7. This Comedian Magician, Lucy Darling – my brother introduced me to Ms. Darling and I’m so glad he did. She’s, well, darling. Her shows are very cocktail-centric, which is something I appreciate. I was able to catch a virtual show last Friday and it was fabulous. I’m sure it has to be difficult to put together a show that will work online.

Bonus – This Mask PSA by “Certified Young Person” Paul Rudd – OMG, who doesn’t LOVE Paul Rudd?????

This ad for Hugh Jackman’s coffee company, Laughing Man, narrated by his “archenemy” and best bud, Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds could read the phone book and make it funny.

This ad for UberEats starring Sir Patrick and Mark Hamill. PINCH ME!!!

Have a great week!

Seven Things that I Love (8-10-2020)

August 11, 2020 / / 2 Comments

1. This videoclip from a 1996 episode of Sesame Street with Patrick Stewart (aka Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise) where he helps the Count get ‘Number One’ back in his(?) proper place. Those who know me know that I’ve been a HUGE fan of Sir Patrick for decades (that voice), and I’m a fan of the Count as well, so this is a two-fer. (Found on Laughing Squid.com)

2. This story about George Washington, who called for a temporary cease fire so he could return the dog to his enemy’s commanding officer. Although there currently is a bit of controversy surrounding our Founding Fathers due to their ownership of slaves, we will never be able to deny what they accomplished and contributed to the creation of our democracy (despite its current state.) And George Washington, for good or bad, will always be our first president and he seems to have had some good qualities despite not being able to recognize that slavery is abhorrent.

One memorable story that stands out to dog lovers alike, is when George Washington showed his loyalty by returning a terrier to it’s rightful owner–even when the owner was the enemy. After the Battle of Germantown, Washington found a small terrier running around the battlefield between British and American lines. It turns out that General Howe’s dog had gotten loose, as it was identified by it’s collar. Washington’s soldiers suggested that the dog be kept as a trophy of the British to weaken the morale of the British General Howe.

Instead, Washington took the pup back to his tent where he fed him, brushed him and cleaned him. He then wrote a letter and attached it to the dog’s collar. To everyones surprise, he ordered a cease fire and had his aide return the terrier under a flag of truce.

From “George Washington Loved Dogs So Much, He Wrote To A British General About A Dog Mid-Battle” on BarkPost.com

3. Library Porn –

4. The Playlist from the series POSE – 80s bliss! (And the show is damned good too.)

5. Mapleworth Murders on Quibi – it’s like a hilarious, gay Murder, She Wrote. Dammit Quibi, why do you have to have to be so addictive???? (and for those of you not familiar with Quibi yet, it’s only available as an app for your phone/tablet and the shows/series episodes are all around 7 to 10 minutes long. I know that sounds strange but it totally works!)

https://youtu.be/YTlamTqFWjk

6. Jessie Gallan – Ms. Gallan passed away in 2015 after being declared not only Scotland’s but the entire UK’s oldest woman at 109 years of age. She said the secret to her longevity was avoiding men and eating porridge every day. I read this article several years ago but came across it again and have decided it’s time to take up a new life plan.

7. The Flying Train, Germany, 1902 – Denis Shiryaev is a master craftsperson the way he takes old black and white films and repairs them, colorizes them, and adds sound to make them look and feel so much more approachable. He’s done this to several videos but has difficulty actually finding clips that he can works with that are interesting and copyright free. He worked really hard on one video and apparently the organization that stored it told him he could put it online. Truly awful, considering how much work it takes to do just one short video. Anyway, enjoy this. It’s amazing.

Have a GREAT Week!

Five Things I Love (4-7-2020)

April 7, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Whoops, I missed a week. But I had some other things I had to blog about. I’m sure that it’s not the end of the world. I’ll have a doubly long list this week.

1. SomeGoodNews – John Krasinski (“The Office,” “A Quiet Place,” and “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) has begun a YouTube channel/”network” dedicated to reporting ONLY good news. It’s absolutely wonderful. This is the first show. You’re going to want to subscribe! (And wait until you see who shows up for episode two!!!)

2. Have you seen this Monty Python COVID-19 gif yet?

2. Sir Patrick – those who know me know I have had a lifelong love affair with Patrick Stewart. There are so many things to love about this man. His voice. His intelligence. His generous spirit. His sense of humor. I could go on and on. If you already aren’t aware of this, Sir Patrick has been reading a sonnet a day on his twitter feed and I tell you, there is nothing more calming. You need to check it out.

3. Fragrant Isle Lavender and Chamomile Dusting Powder – I’ve been obsessed with this stuff for a while. I realize dusting powder is an old fashioned term. The thing is, people really shouldn’t be using talcum powder anymore. I only buy dusting/baby powder that is made from corn starch. This fits that bill AND as an added bonus it reminds me of my Gramps, who used to smell of lavender dusting powder, pipe tobacco, and in the winter, wool.

4. This video compilation – Wes Anderson’s Social Distancing (though I still prefer the term physical distancing)

5. Alireza Pakdel –

From ‘My Modern Met’:

As people around the globe stay home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health care professionals continue to work at the forefront to serve the community. Iranian artist Alireza Pakdel captures the surreal state of the world in his series of emotional illustrations featuring brave doctors and nurses fighting the virus in both realistic and imaginative scenarios.

Pakdel uses reoccurring imagery of giant green germs to convey the fear of an unseeable enemy, while also casting medical staff as the true heroes that they are, tirelessly keeping the threat at bay. Mask-wearing characters save people from the virus in a multitude of metaphorical scenes where COVID-19 presents itself as a visible enemy. For example, Pakdel portrays the disease as handcuffs that doctors must break apart, as well as a maze that medics must pass through, and even as an enormous bear trap that threatens a car driving towards it. This type of ever-changing enemy is emblematic of the incredible challenge it poses to doctors on the front lines.

‘Illustrations Highlight Bravery of Healthcare Professionals During Coronavirus Pandemic’
By Margherita Cole on April 7, 2020

6. Every Hotel Ever – this video is HILARIOUS – it truly is EVERY hotel you’ve ever stayed in.

7. Blueberry Baked Oatmeal – I’ve been trying to cook/bake more while at home and I’ve been doing a halfway decent job of it. One of my favorite things to make is this recipe: Cookie and Kate’s Blueberry Baked Oatmeal. You could use other berries instead of blueberries. There are so many great things about this dish – it works with frozen fruit, it allows for all sorts of variations, it’s healthy, it’s really filling. Most importantly though, it’s delicious! It’s definitely on my comfort food list. I only use 1-1/2 tablespoons of butter (instead of the full 3) because I don’t save aside half to drizzle over the bake when it’s finished. Instead, when I am ready to eat a piece, I warm it up then I warm up a wee bit of milk as well and pour that over the top. Yum!

The photo on the Cookie & Kate site is much nicer than mine but my Bake looks very much the same as theirs. I didn’t split up the blueberries quite evenly enough between the top and the bottom though. There is going to be a lot of deliciousness on the bottom!

8. I texted a friend to check on her the other day and ‘Salright popped into my head. For those of you who remember Señor Wences. Are you ‘salright? I’m ‘salright.

9.

Five Things I Love (1/27/2020)

January 28, 2020 / / 0 Comments

1. I love making this recipe –

In England this is called Toad in a Hole though I haven’t exactly been able to figure out the origin of the name. The “in-the-hole” part seems easy/obvious enough to explain. The toad part is what is eluding me. What I have found out so far is that back in days when meat was scarce and expensive, household cooks would stretch out their beef, kidney, pork or other animal-derived victuals by cooking them into a pudding (that is how Yorkshire pudding came to be) or other dish made from less expensive ingredients. Often times this was done my hollowing out the center, most often a loaf of bread, and filling that with the more expensive ingredients.

Nowadays people will generally use a slice of bread, so this Toad-in-the-Bagel-Hole is a slight variation on what you will usually find in the UK. The only explanation I saw regarding the ‘toad’ part is that in the traditional toad-in-a-hole, the egg can sometimes look like the head of a toad popping out of a hole in the ground. Yeah, I don’t buy that one at all!

2. This method of storing sweaters is BRILLIANT! – How to Hang Sweaters So They Don’t Take Up Your Entire Closet.

And here’s another method that is equally clever (I am using both because each one works a little better for different types of sweaters)….

3. This video on why Daylight Saving is a bunch of hooey!

4. PICARD! I was gleeful when I first read that Patrick Stewart was returning as Jean-Luc Picard. I was a huge Star Trek: the Next Generation fan but I was a fan of his even before the show (that voice, he stands out in every roll he plays and since I am a fan of historical films, well, I got to see him in a few – I, Claudius, Excalibur, and one of my favorites, Lady Jane.)

I was NOT disappointed, first episode of Picard gave me goosebumps. Unfortunately in the US you have to subscribe to CBS Access if you want to see it without waiting for it to show up on Amazon Prime (it’s showing on Amazon Prime everywhere else in the world so I assume that after the first season they will move it over to Prime.) I have been resisting getting CBS Access out of principle but man, I cannot resist Patrick Stewart.

5. Last, but definitely not least, THIS ARTICLE about a man who, after being sentenced to 17 years in prison for having shot a former marine, is nearing completion of a Master’s Degree program. The man, Brandon Brown, has been participating in the University of Maine at Augusta prison college program. He received approval to do his thesis on research about his fellow inmates because he has come to realize that education and restorative justice are things he is extremely interested in and is passionate about. It’s a wonderfully hopeful article and I think it is evidence that education could and would help reduce the incarceration numbers in our country.

Brandon Brown is on track to be the first Maine State Prison inmate to earn a master’s degree while serving time. (Portland Phoenix/Jordan Bailey)

Thanks to my sister-in-law for originally posting this article! xoxoxo

© 2023 Ramblings of a Menopausal Broad

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑