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June 2015 Archives

Daily Distraction

Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold

By Bob on June 30, 2015 4:33 AM | Read More

...with chips and a drink!

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Here's the Dish

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

By Charlotte on June 26, 2015 6:29 AM | Read More

Ready to Eat bbq - 600.jpgTexans like Bob and I are pretty particular about our barbecue sandwiches. We like them piled HIGH with lean meat that's been slow cooked until it's so tender it practically shreds itself. Add a sweet-and-spicy sauce that lets the delicious beef flavor shine through and you've got the main ingredients for one of our go-to meals.

Adapted from an idea in a Fix It and Forget-It cookbook, this simply delicious recipe turns everyday chuck roast into a bbq lover's delight. It takes around 10 hours, start to finish, but most of that time (9 hours) is hands off while the crockpot works its magic.

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Daily Distraction

Why Is English Have To Be So Hard?

By Bob on June 23, 2015 4:28 AM | Read More

But it does explain why the pasteries are slippery.

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Don't Try This At Home

5 Baby Boomer Concert Rules

By Bob on June 22, 2015 4:30 AM | Read More

I've been attending concerts for decades. As a child of the 60's, I've seen everyone from Jerry Garcia and Dylan, to Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac and Bread (I'm not proud of the last one, but I'm all about full disclosure). Let's just say I've been around the concert block.

Nobody gives you street cred like the Red Headed Stranger...Bob & Willie-600.jpg

Trouble is, now that I/m middle-aged, going to concerts - at least the acts I'm drawn to - is starting to SUCK. Lemme 'splain.

The crowd at these shows is made up of, well, people just like us. That's understandable. Most of the rock icons from our youth (I'm looking at you Steve Miller) are in their early to mid-70's...so it's fair to assume they're gonna attract a slightly older demographic.

Yeah, I've seen ALL the greats
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THAT'S the problem.

Baby Boomers - for the most part - suck at concerts. Maybe it's the 60% hearing loss we have thanks to standing next to Jimmy Page's amp in '74...I dunno. But, let's be clear - the concert behavior you thought was OK in the 70's (and to be fair, it wasn't OK then) doesn't work today. 

I'm just gonna say what we're all thinking: Some of you people annoy the s**t outta me. Thanks, I feel better now. I know it's unfair to just point out the problem without offering a solution. Don't worry. I'm not gonna leave you hanging. 

We ALL want a better concert experience. So, as a public service to Baby Boomers everywhere, here are 5 unbreakable rules to follow at your next show.

 


You aren't the wafer-thin Will-O'-The-Wisp you were at Texas Jam in 1975...

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Daily Distraction

Looks Like We'll Need A New Sign

By Bob on June 16, 2015 4:23 AM | Read More

If "Drive Dumb!" isn't taken, I say we go with that.

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Out of the Closet

3 Activity Aids under $50

By Charlotte on June 15, 2015 6:35 AM | Read More

To stay fit, you've got to do more than sit at your computer. So Bob and I start most days with about an hour of exercise. He walks in the dark, risking run-ins with crazy ducks, foxes and all sorts of critters. I stay indoors where it's safe, climbing up and down the stairs to our second floor, tackling the treadmill and counting my steps. We've vowed to log at least 10,000 every day. Whew!

That's why I'm lovin' these three activity aids. Besides helping me keep moving, they're stylish enough to wear out and about. Even better, these breezy, wallet-friendly finds are all under $50.

Work Out Winners

To go the distance, I've got to have comfy clothes that stretch with me and keep me cool like these yoga-inspired winners from the fitness-accessory experts at Gaiam.

Reflection TanFront - 375.jpgk - This trendy, racer-back tank makes a great work-out partner. It includes a built-in shelf bra with a flattering fit so there's no need to wear anything underneath.

The sleeveless design and soft, wick-it dry fabric keep me cool with no worry of it sticking to my skin, even when I step up my pace on the treadmill. Plus, an eye-catching key-hole back, slimming cut with side ruching and rear-covering, tunic length make it attractive enough to wear at home, to exercise with friends or running errands. ($38 in sizes XS to XL)

I'm wild about this strappy top in the gorgeous purple splatter color. But it also comes in nice-and-neutral charcoal heather.

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Playing Favorites

St. Vincent

By Bob on June 11, 2015 4:19 AM | Read More

St. Vincent is one of the best movies of 2014 you probably overlooked. It's a great curmudgeon comedy/drama with a terrific cast and a not-so-preachy feel-good message. 

Bill Murray (America's film treasure) is Vincent, a Viet Nam vet whose life choices have left him without much of a life. That is, until Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and her son Oliver move in next door. Maggie's a single mom trying to make ends meet without unraveling the fragile ties that bind her and her family together.

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Daily Distraction

Peter Pan, The Early Years

By Bob on June 9, 2015 4:19 AM | Read More

So, is he saying he wants to be a Toy's R Us kid?

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Here's the Dish

Patsy's Perfect Potato Salad

By Charlotte on June 5, 2015 6:06 AM | Read More

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Since my mom Patsy often cooks from memory, she doesn't refer to a recipe. Instead, she combines ingredients, pauses for a taste test and adjusts seasonings as she works. My stepfather Ken likes being handy during this process just in case she needs a second opinion.

I know this about Mom but I took a chance and asked for her potato salad recipe anyway. After all, Bob and I had a craving and no one can top her in the kitchen. Although she could've laughed and said "What recipe?!," my precious mom actually made a batch, wrote down the instructions and passed them along to me in nothing flat. How sweet!

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Daily Distraction

You Normally Don't Spot These in the Wild

By Bob on June 2, 2015 4:13 AM | Read More

Yeah, he's a little wild, but he looks fabulous!

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Don't Try This At Home

Breaking Up is Hard to do

By Bob on June 1, 2015 4:09 AM | Read More

Charlotte and I made a decision the other night that I'm gonna share with you. No, we're not moving to the Amalfi Coast (but, if I ever go missing save yourself some time by looking there first). 

Nope, we decided that we're breaking up with Saturday Night Live.

How 'bout some forgive-and-forget noogies

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And before you think we got our boxers in a bunch over some skit, lemme assure you THAT'S NOT IT.

Insensitive, inappropriate, cringe-worthy is kinda why we've watched you for 40 years. No, it's more serious than that.

We've grown up.

Jane, you ignorant slut

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We watched you in college. Laughed at Weekend Update (Jane you ignorant slut!). Saw the birth of the Blues Brothers, Samurai TV Repairman, Olympia Diner (Cheeburger...Cheeburger!) and watched Todd and Lisa go to Nerd Prom.

That was GREAT STUFF. But, our tastes have changed and you just don't do it for us anymore.  


We DVR and stream everything from Inuit Pawn Stars to House of Shark Week

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

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

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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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and @CharlotteBoomer

  
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