"The Help" Revisited

So they made it into a movie. My daughter took my husband and me to see the movie. Better to have read the book before going to the movie, I think. The making of the book into a movie was nice, but the book had soooo much more meat to the story, and then there were scenes in the movie that just did not come from the book. I guess they put them in to make the movie more entertaining. As we watched, you could tell who in the audience had read the book because of the giggling and laughing when certain sections of the movie played out. Regardless, it was good. Can hardly wait for this author's next book.

OBAMA -- PRESIDENT OBAMA

Someone asked a question this morning, and after giving it much thought, I tend to see validity in the question--"Why is it that in the news media, the now President, President Obama, is referred to, by many, by only his last name, rather than his title of President and his last name?"

I've gone back and reviewed news clips--CNN, especially-- and media news headings and found that many of the news anchors and news headings referred to the President as simply, Obama rather than President Obama.

Check out these media headlines:

Obama sneaks in fighting words for GOP; After address to nation, Obama heads to Wisconsin; Barack Obama Stole His Empty State Of The Union ; Obama's Centrist Tone Hits Right Note; Obama's State of the Union: 'We Are Poised for Progress'; Will Congress answer Obama's call to 'work together tomorrow'?; Obama pushes expanding high-speed wireless service; Obama Praises Indian Chief Who Killed U.S. General; Obama: Leadership now 'Shared responsibility'

Is this just an oversight because the name is such a household word or chant--O-bam-a, O-bam-a! Or, all be it for me to say, is the news media simply not giving respect to the title?

President Clinton when in the White House was always President Clinton or President Bill Clinton--even when he was amongst controversy--he was President Clinton. President Bush--with all the controversy surrounding him--was always President Bush. President Carter, more times than not, was not just President Carter, but President Jimmy Carter. And the list goes on. BUT this President of the United States is hailed by the media as Obama. WHY?? Is the race card raising its ugly head here or is this the Republicans' and Tea Party's way of showing their respect (Pun intended) to the President?! You tell me!

I'm Back on "The Help"

Well, I promised to come back with my review of "The Help." I found this book to be a page turner, probably because I could identify with the help in the book. At age 12 I began going with my mother during the summers to help her perform the duties of the help at the houses that she worked in. Lots of what was shared in the book I remember--ironing clothes while watching the soaps; taking care of the young children in the house; polishing silver; changing beds, etc. When I reached high school, 8th grade, I had my own "white lady" (as they were referred to) whose house I cleaned, clothes I ironed, silver I polished, food I cooked, and children I cared for.

The tales were truly entertaining and the plot was excellent. It simply shows how resourceful we women can be when we put our minds to something. The book seems to be a hit as I could not catch it in any library that I tried in Memphis. It was always checked out.

If you are interested in "Gone With the Wind" or Southern type tales, "The Help" is truly a book you will enjoy reading.

On The Lighter Side of Campaigning

I don't know about you, but it's election time in my neck of the woods and every other commercial on television is from politicians vying for a bid for some position. What gets me is the things that these people are claiming that they will do if elected; i.e., one politician says that he is going to reduce government spending by 10% and repeal Obamacare . If one person had the power to reduce government spending by 10% and repeal Obamacare, don't you think one of the naysayers in Congress would have done it by now?! Isn't this country bound by the check and balance system which prevents this from happening? But this candidate assures his constituents that he's going to do it if they send him to Congress. Does his supporters really believe that he can accomplish this? Would saying that he will push to introduce legislation that will get this job done be a more accurate statement??? Now, on the other hand, if President Obama wanted to increase spending even more, he could. All he has to announce is that he is going to cut government spending and the naysayers will jump in to action to increase it instead. Mission accomplished, Mr. President. LOL

"The Help" -- Kathryn Stockett

Yesterday I began reading this novel while waiting to be called for my doctor's appointment. For me it was a definite page turner from page one. This novel has its setting in Jackson, Mississippi. It has the making of a definite must read especially if you like reading novels written about the struggles of the baby boomers, black and white. Reminds me of a "Gone With the Wind." I haven't finished the book, but believe me, I will be back to give my final thoughts. For those of you who may decide to read this novel, don't be alarmed as you begin to read this book as I was. Being a business teacher teaching typing for 35+ years, it is just second nature that I proofread as I read. Therefore, my first thought when I began reading the book was that the publishers published the book with a grammatical error on the first line, then I realized that the book was being written in the Ole South Negro dialect. Just a heads up.

And that's what's on my mind this morning.

Damned if You Do; Damned if You Don't

As I read this article about the capping of the pipe in the Gulf, I couldn't help but send up a prayer that they are doing the right thing. The thing that has me worried is this: "The danger is you could over-pressurize the pipe and cause it to explode causing mini leaks along the pipe," said Dr. Michio Kaku, author of the book, 'Physics of the Impossible.'"

I'm thinking it could cause an explosion that could be so devastating that you could compare it to a nuclear blast. Thus causing a more widespread disaster than what is now in the Gulf. I'm holding my breath and praying on this one.

Now, here's what else that's on my mind. The people in the Gulf. First they are upset because they say Obama did not act fast enough, is not doing enough, etc. Then he acts in what he says is in the best interest of the nation, and now this appears:

"BP's new tighter-fitting cap has brought hope that an end to the crisis is finally in sight. But that hope was dampened for many people in the Gulf who say President Barack Obama's latest drilling ban is another blow to the region's economy.

The White House admits its new moratorium will hurt the area's economy, but believes safety is more important.

'First and foremost, the president has and continues to believe that we have to be careful with what we're doing,' said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Federal courts have twice struck down the president's drilling ban, ruling it an over reaction to the spill. There has been no announcement yet on whether the latest drilling ban will also be challenged in court."

Now let's play devil's advocate. Say Obama gives the go ahead on drilling and another catastrophe occurs, who do you think is going to get the blame. "Oh, HE should have never given them permission to drill. He saw what happened with the BP incident." President Obama just can't catch a break--he's damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. It's like the critics want their cake, but want to eat it too.

And that's what's on my mind.

Hershey Kisses

Went to the local Walgreen's today and opted to buy a package of Hershey Kisses. I guess it's been some time since I made a packaged candy purchase because I was overwhelmed by the many varieties of my old chocolate favorite--Milk Chocolate Hershey Kisses. After much deliberation, I opted for a bag of Hershey Kisses with Almonds and a bag of Hershey Kisses with a soft milk chocolate center.

Once I got home, I began to wonder how many others pondered this questions and opted not to go for the old favorite. Hence this survey. Which do you prefer?