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Friday, January 27, 2012

Cablevision needs to change; Maybe we all do



Ever watch the ads for any cablevision propaganda? “Hundreds of channels to chose from. Just one low price.”
 
Yeah. Right.
Hundreds of channels, but almost half are in a foreign language—no take that back, one foreign language. That’s great for any one who is “bi-lingual” in that particular language, but what about the majority of viewers who don’t know that verbage, but know another.

So why do we have to pay for channels that we don’t want or understand. Foreign speakers get more for their money. They have closed captioning in the language of their choice, don’t they?

Why can’t we have closed captioning on all shows that we pay to see whether in English, Spanish, German, Chinese, Italian, or whatever language the community seeks?  The captions would help students of the language become more fluent by hearing and seeing the words. It seems a win-win situation.

If we can get that perk in place, next let's talk about improving the quality of the closed captions.

But that is another argument in itself. Chaio.
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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Retirement Reality . . . Discounts Really?


Since I have retired (only less than two years ago), I have faced the reality of not enough money for the things I need and want. So I have gone on the great quest to clip coupons, dig discounts, and work ways to make more money.
Friends and Strangers have been very helpful. Some of those strangers became friends and are still giving me information.
Such is the case of Barbara. We met at a craft fair last November. Over lunch in the school cafeteria, we laughed and discussed ways to save money locally not just at Christmas, but all year long.  
I shared two places that offered unadvertised Senior discounts—City Market and Safeway double manufacturer’s coupons daily, they just don’t advertise that fact.
The other ladies were astonished, but they did know that Walgreen’s offers 15% off most products for over 55 patrons every Wednesday.
Everyone asked about other stores products, but the list was too long to remember. A week later my new friend Barbara sent me a three-page list of
                                  “Charlie Stroller’s Smart Spender Discounts” from his personal blog.

Restaurants:
Applebee’s:  15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Burger King: 10% off (60%)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20 % off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+) {Ours is so new, I’m not sure on this one.}
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55%)
McDonald’s: discounts on coffee every day (55+)
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Subway: 10% (60+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
Village Inn: 10% (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)

Grocery
Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of month (55+)
Safeway and
City Market: daily double manufacture coupons, up to $1 off limit

Retail and Apparel
Beall’s (In Montrose): 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Big Lots: 10% off
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Rite Aide: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Walgreen’s: 15% off (55+) each Wednesday

Activities and Entertainment
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% additional services including camping (62+)

Cell Phone Discounts
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)

Haircuts
Great Clips: $3 off haircuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

Travel: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
American Airlines: various discounts for 65+ (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for 65+ (call before booking for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members

Charlie Stroller’s blog article lists more discounts, so check out his entire list at www.fa-mag.com;blog/charlie-strollers-smart-spender-blog/8132-im-not-getting-older-getting-discounted.html

Remember, I have abbreviated it for the Western Slope area businesses, but you can ask at any local establishments if they offer the Senior Citizen discounts. If you don’t ask, you may never get the discount. business. Don’t be afraid to ask.
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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Don't call me Retired. . .Really

            Start of a new year and yet, I am now working three part-time jobs instead of the one I retired from a year and half ago.

            Why three jobs? Because I can't get hired full-time due to 1) the economy, 2) my old age of 61, and 3) the bilingual skill.

           But I'm not unhappy. I like my jobs, even though, one is not really a paying job.

1) I volunteer at two libraries on  two days a week.
This frees my soul and makes me happy although it doesn't pay for the gas I need to get to both places.

2) I free lance write for the local Senior Newsletter in the Valley.
This is fun also, but not every thing I write gets published. Plus, I only get paid if I get published. I still like meeting new people, interviewing them and writing up their interesting stories.

3) This month I got hired to take a tax class and prepare tax returns on a part time basis until April 15th. It pays real money-- not a lot, but it will buy gasoline and lunch meals with my girl friends. It too is fun.

This is my Retired life, Really.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

"Super" February Events Coming Soon


"And the winner is. . ."
             While football fans have been following the weekly play-off games that lead to the BIG title game, movie fans have been following the monthly award shows that signal the top contenders for the BIG Hollywood winners.
First week leads to the 46th National Football League Super Bowl game on Sunday, Feb. 5th. Other teams than the Broncos will be fighting for the title, but thousands of fans across the nation will be watching and celebrating.
The last Sunday will wrap up with one more celebratory event, the 84th Annual Academy Awards on Feb 26th. New York Daily reporter Richard Huff said last year jokingly called it, “the super bowl for women.”
Hollywood celebrities will be fighting for the top awards, as thousands of movie fans across the world will party with friends or privately while watching and celebrating.
“Who cares about that?” some might say. Many would be surprised to hear that this “Hollywood extravaganza” has been running longer than the NFL bowl, but both produce the same high TV ratings and high prices for its commercials.
So what does that matter to Grand Junction?
Here in the Grand Valley, at least two groups of movie lovers started plans for this month’s big party before the Jan. 26th announcement of the 130+ nominees.
River City Singles Club is hosting its 2nd annual Academy party at the Double Tree Hotel, according to Jim Saunders, one of the co-founders of this over 50+ social group.
“Like last year, we will have the traditional red carpet for guests to feel like the movie stars, and our leading man Ed Haynes will personally escort each lady to her table.
 “Last year’s party had a cocktail party atmosphere. Everyone had a good time. We are waiting for the nominations to be announced before finalizing our plans for this year’s party,” he said.
Across town on Feb. 26th, Laura Mourning’s family and friends will be welcoming guests to her Academy Awards Party. This will be their seventh Oscar party.
“ We don’t have a group name, but we have been organizing and partying since 2006,” Mourning said.
 This barely 50-year-old laughed as she recalled, “Only six friends came to the first one. Everyone enjoyed wine, food, decorations, especially the red felt carpet and they voted for their choices before we watched the live presentations of the awards.“
After that modest beginning the parties got bigger and more elaborate. In 2010 Mourning hosted 30-50 people in her backyard where she had transformed an old parachute into a hugh tent complete with palm tree murals, twinkling lights, giant tv screen, drinks and snacks while they were enjoying the awards program.
Last year her daughter Amelia Conner hosted it at her house; thirty people dressed in formal attire walked in on the same red felt carpet and partied all night until “The King’s Speech” was named best movie of the year.
“I love movies: the excitement, the glamour, every thing surrounding their celebration of the best of the year. So when a friend said ‘Let’s have a party while we watch the show,’ of course I said yes,” this Colorado Mesa University part-time instructor and full time businesswoman explained why she does this.
            “I love the movies, and I love to party. What better way to enjoy the Academy Awards,” Mourning and her friends keep repeating similar sentiments. “It’s another great reason for a party.”
Millions around the world will tune in and party while watching either telecast: the football game or the Hollywood game. What other reasons would any one need in February to enjoy either “super” bowl, or both. Party on
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Monday, January 16, 2012

New Year- - - New Traditions

When I look back at New Year's Eve traditions, the most common one is "I slept through it."
But the uncommon ones stay forever in my heart:
1978 - - After the birth of our first son in November, my husband took us to Miami, Florida, on a working vacation to cover the Orange Bowl game between University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

We left the two children: Rebecca, aged six-and-half and L.J., aged one month with my parents.
All I did on the two day drive from Muskogee, OK was sleep. All new mothers understand.
This was my first experience being at a National sports event. Everything was finely detailed and organized from the moment we registered at the hotel until a week later when we checked out.

My main activity was sleeping while Byron attended daily day and night events, interviewing, writing and calling in his stories as sports editor of the Muskogee Phoenix newspaper. This was fine for me. I could not attend the press events, even if I were awake enough.

After five days of almost non-stop sleeping (two on the road and three in the room), I finally revived from the childbirth and constant up-at-night baby care. One night my husband opened the door to find his non-sleeping wife dressed and ready to go out, albeit after 10 p.m. in a town where we didn't know the sites. Byron was just happy to finally see me awake. So we went out and immediately got lost.

We stopped at an open-all-night, name-less old diner where the people were forgettable and few. That was my first night out in glamorous downtown Miami Beach.

On Friday we left the hotel earlier looking for more lively restaurants and activities. Think Friday night in your typical metropolis, not a leisurely drive in the burbs, especially when you are an out of towner.
Hunger led us to an interesting Italian-style villa with an expensive menu posted on the door. But we were starving and lost so we went in.

Looking like a poor couple from small town America, we were seated in a back room at one of the three tiny tables surrounding one prominent large table in a back room. All alone Byron and I wondered if and when a waiter would find us.

Surprisingly after 10 to 15 minutes we heard the commotion coming through the front dining room. Entering our little back room were four waiters, the matre'd, a small

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Westley's Graduation - One Year later

Westley's Graduation - One Year later
Westley gets a hug from his mom the minute after he receives his diploma from Fruita Monument High School, Class of 2010.

He's BACK! Billy Crystal is 2012 Oscar Awards Host

Remember Bohemian Rhapsody Mountain Dew parody Ad

The Help: the film dividing America

By Philip Sherwell 7:30AM BST 23 Oct 20115 Her book has sold 1.3 million copies in Britain and 10 million in the States, the film adaptation has already earned $160 million as the movie hit of the summer in America, and now Oscar buzz is mounting ahead of its release in the UK this week. These should be heady days for Kathryn Stockett, author of bestselling debut novel The Help, a publishing phenomenon that earned the devotion of book clubs and legions of predominantly female fans on both sides of the Atlantic. The Help is the emotive story of black maids in the segregated world of Sixties Mississippi at the height of the civil rights struggle – their narratives recounted by a sympathetic, young white woman who rejects the virulent inbred racism of her old school friends. There are clear autobiographical parallels with Stockett, 42, herself, a blonde Southern belle raised by a beloved African-American nanny in Jackson, the Mississippi state capital where the story is set. And her success is all the more remarkable, as the manuscript, five years in the writing, was rejected by some 60 literary agents (she stopped counting at 45). The Disney film version is being marketed as an inspiring mixture of chick lit and civil rights, based on a heart-warming sorority between the races. And there is growing speculation about Oscar nods for Viola Davis (who plays the central character, Aibileen Clark), Octavia Spencer (her feisty friend, Minny) and newcomer Emma Stone (as white socialite Skeeter Phelan). But not everyone in the US is feeling so good about the “feel-good” juggernaut that is The Help. Certainly not Ablene Cooper, the black housekeeper for Stockett’s brother, who brought a lawsuit against the writer, claiming she was the unwitting and humiliated model for the similarly named lead figure. Nor a leading black actor, or the commentators – many of them also African-American – who view the book and film as patronising portrayals that sugar-coat one of the most violent eras in modern history. Those visceral responses reflect deep and enduring fault lines about race in a country where the horrors of segregation, a painful living memory for many, were not washed away by the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president. In Mississippi, the scene of some of the most brutal acts of the freedom struggles five decades ago, those sensitivities are particularly raw. And that violent past reared its ugly head again recently when a black man was viciously beaten up by a gang of young whites and then mowed down and killed by a pick-up truck in what prosecutors claim was a racially driven hate crime. Against that turbulent backdrop, Stockett was perhaps always courting controversy. Most poignant among the objecting voices is that of Mrs Cooper, who sued the writer for $75,000, a humble sum by America’s litigious standards, for using her likeness without permission. She said she was distressed that in the book Aibileen lost her son – just as she had – and that in one exchange the maid said her skin was blacker than a cockroach. The case was thrown out under the statute of limitations, as Mrs Cooper failed to lodge it within a year of being sent the book. Still, she was not alone in her complaints. Wendell Pierce, New Orleans-born star of The Wire and Treme, launched a blistering attack on the film after watching it with his mother, who told him afterwards for the first time that she too had once worked as “the help." In a series of scathing tweets, he called the film “passive segregation lite that was painful to watch”, said his mother thought it was an “insult”, that it was a “passive version of the terror of the South” and a “sentimental primer of a palatable segregation history." Mr Pierce was at pains to praise the cast, particularly Davis and Spencer, but added that Hollywood often seeks films with black actors as long as there is also a “great white saviour." The most damning verdict on its allegedly saccharine version of reality was delivered by Max Gordon, an African-American, New York-based writer, who described his outrage as he watched the film. “The phenomenon of The Help is so depressing, as it undercuts the real heroes of the era by ignoring the real horrors,” he told The Sunday Telegraph. “This is not the South of lynchings and beatings, it’s the comfortable Hollywood take of the civil rights era. “I don’t think you can compare suffering and oppression, but what would people say if there was an executive decision to make a movie about the Holocaust and the Nazis without brutality, featuring only German officers’ wives and Jewish women, with no concentration camps or trains to Auschwitz?” But the two black stars are defending the film. Spencer, a friend of Stockett, was particularly combative. “We’ve gotten so PC and we’ve gotten so weirded out. We start labelling. You have to be a black person to write about black people, you have to be a white person…” she bemoaned in one interview, not needing to finish the thought process. “I have a problem with the fact that some people are making that an issue.” The book also received the imprimatur of Oprah Winfrey, the Mississippi-born talk- show queen whose views carry great weight with her overwhelmingly female and African-American audiences. The Help was described as a “favourite book” on her website. Stockett, a recently divorced mother of an eight-year-old daughter who worked in the magazine industry in New York before moving back to the South, is now working on her second novel, another tale of women, this one set during the Great Depression. The writer addresses some of the criticisms of The Help in a newly published version of the book. She denied that, despite the coincidence of names, her brother’s housekeeper was a model, saying she had barely met the woman. Rather, she wrote that the inspiration for the character was Demetrie, her beloved childhood maid who largely raised her after her parents divorced when she was six. “The Help is fiction, by and large,” she continued. Yet as she wrote it, she wondered what her family would say – and also what Demetrie, by then long dead, would have thought. She acknowledged that she was breaking what some have seen as a cultural and literary taboo. “I was scared a lot of the time that I was crossing a terrible line, writing in the voice of a black person,” she said. “What I am sure about is this: I don’t presume to think that I know what it really felt like to be a black woman in Mississippi, especially in the Sixties. I don’t think it is something any white woman at the other end of a black woman’s paycheck could ever truly understand.” But, she concluded, “trying to understand is vital to our humanity”. Loyal readers and cinema-goers might agree with these motives. Her critics, as adamantly, do not. As British box offices prepare for a lucrative new release, the polarisation shows no signs of abating. 'The Help’ is released on Wednesday in Britan.