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March 2009 Archives

Out of the Closet

MBTs

By Charlotte on March 25, 2009 12:51 PM | Read More

Kitten heels, wedges, stilettos, I have a weakness for shoes with some height.  I'm also obsessed with exercise but it seems there's never enough time to get to the gym.

 

That's why I'm crazy for MBTs.  The one and one-half inch, wedge-like heel on the MBT Sport helps you multi-task working out with cleaning house, getting mail or going to Target. 

 

Though pricy at $250+, Masai Barefoot Technology shoes make each step count.  This cushy footwear mbt-shoes.jpginvented for women and men by Swiss engineer Karl Muller helps tone your lower half.  The curved sole will have you walking with a rock-and-rock motion that enhances muscle activity in the buns, rear thigh and calves up to 19 percent.  In addition, this physiological footwear improves posture and reduces stress on knee and hip joints. 

 

With routine wear, you'll notice a difference in a few months.  And you won't be alone. When others begin asking for your firming secret, you'll know these shoes are well worth the investment.  

 

Positive reinforcement from family and friends (not to mention coming to terms with the mirror) had me living in my pair in the beginning.  However, you can get too much of a good thing.  Overdoing it can make other shoes less comfortable.  And since you sacrifice some style in these workout wonders (I'm sorry but it's tough to make athletic gear attractive), MBTs are best worn casually within limits.

 

Today, MBTs are my shoes of choice for errands and around the house but I leave them at home when I go to the office.  To find out more about their benefits, go to www.swissmasaius.com.  You can purchase MBTs in a variety of looks from www.Amazon.com.

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Daily Distraction

Hampton Court Palace

By Bob on March 25, 2009 12:18 PM | Read More

London's Hampton Court Palace.jpgI took this photo at Hampton Court Palace just outside of London.  It's the former home of King Henry VIII and the grounds are amazing (but then, if you had the Queen's money your backyard could be amazing, too).  If your budget doesn't allow transatlantic travel this summer, you can still take a look: http://www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace/

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MyPod

The Very Best of Dwight Yoakum

By Bob on March 25, 2009 11:02 AM | Read More

I've been a fan of the evil incarnation of Buck Owens for quite some time.  Why? 

Dwight Dwight Yoakum-Boom-Town.jpgYoakum channels Buck better than Buck ever channeled Buck.  He gets the twang just right and his crossover country licks never sounded better.  That's why, "The Very Best of Dwight Yoakum," is as the title promises, the very BEST.

 

Originally released in '04, this gem contains 20 tracks that cover everything from his breakout hit "Guitars, Cadillacs," to "Things Change" and the "Late Great Golden State".  Each one's an audio delight that should be required listening for any road trip of 100 miles or more. 

 

Buck invented the Bakersfield sound, "I've got a tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiger by the tail," but Dwight's been polishing that diamond to a sparkling brilliance for the past 25 years.  This isn't music you'll have to apologize for if you loan the Escalade to your kids and it comes BLASTING out of the speakers.  Dwight's all right and his Very Best is all good. 

 

The Very Best of Dwight Yoakum  ***** Highest rating

 

Road Readiness ***** 

A must have for any road trip

 

Got that Twang Thang ***** 

You've know Buck Owens, right?  Ditto, Dwight.

 

Embarrass the Kids? * 

No way.   If they balk, tell 'em Dwight was the "mean guy" in Sling Blade and then watch that movie with them.  If that doesn't convince them Dwight's a genuine badass, nothing will.

 

Wish List Worthy *****  

If it's not on your Amazon.com Wish List it should only be because you already have it in your collection.

 

Where Can I Get This Gem?

You can get the entire MP3 album for $10.99 at www.amazon.com.  If you like your music on CD it'll set you back $13.99 plus shipping. 

 

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DVDelicious

Rachel Getting Married

By Bob on March 25, 2009 10:56 AM | Read More

RachelGettingMarried.jpg

You know the difference between a severe concussion and a mild concussion?  A SEVERE concussion is one that happens to you.

 

It's the same way with black sheep.  Every family has one (or an entire flock).  The only time they're mild is when they belong to someone else.  When the black sheep are your problem it's a bitch.  "Rachel Getting Married" let's you enjoy the mild concussion of watching another family's black sheep in action.  It's film voyeurism at its very best.

 

Written by Jenny Lumet (yep, she's legendary director Sidney's daughter,)  directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Anne Hathaway in her Academy Award nominated role, "Rachel Getting Married" literally makes you part of the wedding party.  The film begins with black sheep Anne Hathaway being released from rehab and rushed home in time for the rehearsal dinner.  She's the chain-smoking been-in-and-out-of-rehab sibling of Rachel who's getting ready for her big day.

 

It's clear from the beginning that Kym (Anne Hathaway's black sheep character) is a train wreck in progress. 

 

While any sane family would assume the crash position in anticipation of the 12-step impact of a returning drug addict, these folks don't even buckle their seat belts. 

 

Guess what happens.   Everybody gets some bumps and bruises.  A few fare even worse.   

 

Along the way we're treated to all the (ab)normal trappings of today's weddings - from uncomfortable speeches at the rehearsal dinner to lame music at the reception.  It's all here as we watch Kym connect dependent to co-dependent as only a narcissistic narco-addict can.

 

If you're a Boomer dad shelling out the long green on your baby's summer wedding, you might want to send your regrets to this one.  It'll give you nightmares.  If, however, you want to see how another family handles their trip to dysfunction junction, send in your RSVP.  Rachel Getting Married is one wedding worth attending, even if you need a couple of aspirin.

 

The Boomer Brief recommends NetFlix (www.netflix.com) for your movie rentals.  The monthly rental packages start at only $4.99 - and you can cancel at any time.

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Boom Buzz

Boom Buzz

By Bob on March 20, 2009 11:23 AM | Read More

Read it? Watched it? Heard it? Ate it? Bought it? Share your faves with the Boomer Universe right here.

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New design launched using Movable Type

By Bob on March 19, 2009 10:50 AM | Read More

Our web site is sporting a new look and feel thanks to Movable Type and the Professional Template Set. The Professional Template Set makes it possible for just about anyone to get up and running with a new web site using Movable Type. It is literally as easy as just a few clicks. Just pick a new for your web site, select the Professional Template Set and publish. Then viola! a new web site. Thank you Movable Type!

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Red Thong Strong: Girlfriends Little Secrets to Smoothing Lifes Panty Lines
Guest Room

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

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Playing Favorites

Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

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