MuttonChops

Inverted bobs are the coifs that have sparked a new wave of wedge haircuts, popularized by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Rihanna. From the front, these sassy, crisp hair-dos can be attractive. The longer strands in front frame the face with a linear look, elongating the chin. From the back, the hairstyle tells a different story. When I first saw this hairstyle emerge, I immediately stifled a laugh because my only thought was, "That looks like a dog's butt." Women - stop it - please. Because, dare I say, you look like an ass (albeit a canine one).

The hour is late, and with the rest of the world, I am watching President Obama's announcement of Osama Bin Laden's death. As the news cameras focus on growing crowds in the street, cheering and singing, I cringe a bit. I am hesitant to rejoice in anyone's death because of my profound spiritual belief that there is a higher justice. Karma is a bitch, and as soon as I bleat with the sheep over Bin Laden's death, justice may turn the shears on me. I also stop myself from joining the pep rally because Bin Laden may have been the mastermind behind Al Qaida and terrorist acts, but he did not act alone. When Dorothy killed the witch, the guards looked upset, but quickly hailed her actions. I have a feeling members of Bin Laden's clique' will not be so quick to jump the fence into greener pastures. They are trained; they know how to retaliate. Americans cheering on worldwide television is merely going to piss off the terrorists. The crowd mentality is merely cem...

According to a recent study, napping on the job is a good thing because it increases productivity. Perhaps the fired air traffic controllers should be reinstated, compensated for undue stress, and given raises for actually doing a good job. Personally, I often wish I could take a nap, but the situation is not conducive for plunking down my head and dozing. I realize that the average five-hour-a-night rest that I get is not sufficient. I also heard about a study that says lack of sleep can cause weight gain. So, for my sanity, and in hopes of repairing my metabolism, I have made an effort to wedge out more time for a good night's rest. The result: I wake up after five hours, and when I go back to sleep, the remaining time is fitful with odd dreams, multiple awakenings, and a lot of movement. Maybe I can concentrate my efforts to have dreams about fitness classes and channel my movement to a workout in order to gain physical benefit to combat the effects of sleep loss. Anything beat...

I wrote an earlier blog about Ted Williams and his fast lane to popularity followed by the plummet to rehab. As a guest on The Today Show, Williams provided a positive update . ( video is not available for embedding yet - click the link provided). Time will tell if Williams is indeed on the road to recovery. Addicts are great manipulators and will say what they believe people want to hear. Sometimes, they want their tales to be true, and believe voicing the words will create the reality they want. They also try to minimize their problems and are trying to control the negativity of the situation. Certainly we can hope Ted is doing well and will stick with his recovery program. His road has become difficult and steep. Hopefully those around him will let him traverse at his own pace, provide support, and avoid enabling him. ( Photo by Brian/NCReedplayer )

Just like the Japanese came up with an idea for square watermelons, the North Carolina Watermelon Association has their own creative juices brewing. Specialized plates with a watermelon can be purchased for an extra fee that is far less than Japan's $82 food price tag. Obviously, the message is working because I was compelled to come home and look up our local growers. Watermelon is my favorite vegetable - yes veggie, not fruit. The summer delicacy is part of the cucumber and gourd family. (I looked that info up, too!). Like any other produce association, watermeloners have a queen. Queen Madelyn hails from Denton and is a student at High Point University . The public is invited to Make a Melon Memory at the annual Watermelon Festival which will be held July 22-24, 2011 in Fair Bluff. I would be amiss if I did not give a nod to the watermelon's cousin - the pickle. Mount Olive in Wayne County hosts the Pickle Festival in April. Pickle puns and tongue twisters abound whether ...

I am constantly astounded by the ease of which the general public will display their baaaaad tendency to follow the herd. Ted Williams' rise to fame was fueled by the same frenzy. He was panhandling, using his smooth voice to bait a soliciting trap when he was discovered by an Ohio news reporter. The story unfolded like a fairytale, and everyone wanted to see Williams take his rightful place in society. Like the young boy who drew the sword from the stone to become Ki ng Arthur, the public was eager for the derelict to sit on the throne with everyone singing his praises. Perhaps this is fueled by each person's secret desire to be rescued in some way. Living vicariously through Williams, each of us can imagine what it's like to be plucked off the streets, to have executives clamoring for our talent, to be propelled into the spotlight. Everyone wants to win the lottery, hit the jackpot, get a piece of the proverbial pie. When someone like Williams does it, the average person...

In spite of listing with the Do Not Call registry, I still get a few annoying solicitations. I've read the funny lines that can be delivered to telemarketers and often wish I could think on my feet fast enough to deliver them smoothly. One of the funniest was delivered by my own mother. A number of years ago, MCI and AT&T were competing for customers. An MCI representative called and delivered his opening line. Mom said, "I'm sorry, but we don't have a phone." The flustered caller said, "Oh, okay," and hung up. My latest calls have been from the local newspaper. I used to subscribe, so I suppose I'm in their database, and once in a while they decide to call. "I'm calling from the News & Record, and we wanted to be sure you received your paper today." I used to fall for the line, responding that I don't receive it, to which the caller then wanted me to subscribe. They have called often enough that I now have a pat response...