Coffee Is Good Again

If you were horses I'd have no other breed because you'd jump anything.But as women you are insanely difficult to live with.-Philippa Gregory"The Other Boleyn Girl"Drink more coffee! Coffee often gets a bad wrap; however, a steaming cup that wakes you up can also keep you healthy. Research shows that coffee protects against a variety of ailments—from cavities to colon cancer. There was an online article at the AARP (American Association of Retired...

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Blue Monday

Like any man who succeeded by his wits, he had his own sources of information.-Bette Bao Lord"Spring Moon"A dear friend, Susan Hartley, mentioned the remarkable performances of actress Irene Dunne recently. I was slightly embarrassed because I had ‘no clue’ about this movie star legend. I asked Susan to recommend a few of her favorite films and she suggested:1. My Favorite Wife2. Showboat3. I Remember MamaI watched this film clip with Irene opposite...

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The Colonoscopy

Michael drifted about, carrying a drink someone had shoved into his hand and marvelling how all these people were able to discard so quickly the inhibitions which must govern their conduct during the day.-Nial Kent"The Divided Path"It was my turn. It is no surprise that the “colonoscopy procedure” brings forth feelings of dread. I was dreading it but also wanted to ‘get it over with’. I was too busy having fun on my 50th birthday, so it only took...

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A Dog Named Atticus

"And you'll always be my friend, won't you?"The big eyes were so earnest and entreating."How could I ever be anything else?""Thank you...I knew you would. Well, I must go now. See you."And he was gone, leaving silence and great emptiness behind him.Michael knew only one thing--that he must get out of the house with all possible speed. He felt a movie, any movie, was what he wanted right now.Something to occupy his mind for a while.-Nial Kent"The...

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Until the End

It was merely that he needed someone to think about__someone sympathetic and understanding-and she had filled the bill for want of something better.-Nial Kent"The Divided Path"It’s time to honor a musical artist named ‘Matthew Duffy’. I heard some of his music on the cable series known as ‘Dante’s Cove’. I finally bought his HERE I COME, 2004 CD that includes this classic song (Until the End). What a great voice. I wonder why he is not more well-known....

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The Assignment

“That’s where all the good writing comes from…the imagination.”-Joe Caldwell, Dark Shadows TV series writerWhat is your “assignment” for today? Definition: AssignmentNoun: an undertaking that you have been assigned to do (as by an instructor or yourself)In the Mission Impossible television show (and films) top-secret assignments are taken on by an elite group of agents. This usually involves disrupting the activities of various small foreign powers...

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The 75th Kiss

She was a little in awe of Michael and uncertain what she should do next. She wondered how much experience he'd had. Could she hope for kisses...or more than that?-Nial Kent"The Divided Path"PHOTO: Manly Beach Taken Nov. 16, 2006Did you know there is a 'Manly Beach' in Australia. Yes, I have been there (back in November 2006). I wonder how or why they came up with that name. After some online investigation I learned that Manly is an actual suburb...

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Who is Amanda Harris ?

"Don't I know you from somewhere?"-Nial Kent"A Divided Path" as referenced about a dramatic play of the same nameIt was October 9, 2006 and the place was Madison Square Garden, New York City. The excited whispers and exclamations were all about Barbra Streisand doing a rare on-stage appearance via her tour with Il Divo.Before the show there was a loud, uniform gasp from the audience because Oprah Winfrey had just arrived in a long red gown. One would...

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Persepolis

“Men all think their ‘thing’ is irresistible.”-as heard while watchingthe 2007 film,PersepolisHave you seen the movie “Persepolis”? Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid dynasty. The Achaemenid empire was forged by Cyrus the Great, and spanned three continents, including territories of Afghanistan , Pakistan, parts of Central Asia, Asia Minor, Thrace, much of the Black Sea coastal regions, Iraq, northern...

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The Portrait Gifts: Janet Lance Hughes & Chris Davis

Part of growing up is learning how our actions effect other people and how we handle that power. It's kind of what it's like to be 'a parent' or 'a friend'.-as heard while watchingKYLE-XY, Season IIDo you ever crave a Cheese Danish? Alan found the place for one in Santa Monica, CA. It’s only $1.60 for one pocket. It’s called VIENNA PASTRY. It’s at 1215 Wilshire Blvd. (and there is a convenient post-office next door to mail any letters you may...

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Mr. Miller & the Chicago Connections

"Naturally, with a very advanced mind you find things wrong with a lot of things a lot of the time."-Woody Allenin his film "Whatever Works"While in PARIS, France on May 23, 2009, Alan became ‘Mr. Miller’ for a few hours. We asked our concierge about a great place for seafood and the ‘Brasserie Bofinger’ was highly recommended. There were no available tables but a guest in the Hotel had to unexpectedly shorten his trip and he (Mr. Miller) had a reservation....

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