Julie and Julia

(Yes, I can't believe I paid full price and I went on opening night! I never do that!)

Julie & Julia Ticket $9.00
Medium Soda $3.75
Medium Popcorn $3.00 dinner (because no one saved me any)
Errands after the show $17.57
My first 3 hour break from the kids in eons...Priceless.

Meryl Streep was awesome. But Jane Lynch was a scene stealer too as her sister. In fact the scenes with the 2 of them were hilarious. I'm sure I missed a few lines because the whole theater was laughing so hard during their scenes. Watching this movie I just kept kicking myself that I never thought of this first...blogging my way through Julia Child's "Mastering The Art Of French Cooking".

As a kid I loved watching Julia Child on PBS. (I just looked up to see if Julia Child reruns are playing on my local PBS station and they are! Channel 11, Channel 20 and several Cable channels that I don't get. They are currently playing "Julia and Jacques Cooking At Home". I'm not a big fan of Jacques, but if I have to endure him to watch Julia, I will. If I'm home, I'll try to catch it.)

The only bone I have to pick in this movie is about the proportions. Meryl Streep is 5' 6" tall. The pumps that Meryl Streep wore had to be at least 4 inches. On a talk show Meryl Streep mentioned that they altered the size of props on the set to make her appear taller than the other actors, but sometimes between the size of the props and the camera angles, Meryl Streep playing Julia Child seemed like more a towering Amazon than Julia Child's actual 6' 2" height. Jane Lynch is actually 6' tall, but they made her appear even taller than that. Yes, I'm saying it wasn't proportionately accurate.

I haven't read the blog that Julie Powell wrote or the book. I haven't heard many good things about either. I think it's a great concept though and I did enjoy the movie.

I would really love to get my hands on a hardcover copy of "Mastering The Art Of French Cooking". Our son loves cooking and I would love to get a copy and cook through it with him. I think it would be an awesome experience for both of us. (And it could prove to be some excellent blog fodder as well. And you know I'm all about that.) And I do love spending time in the kitchen with him.

So have you seen the movie? What did you think of it?

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

TGIF VGNO!

Time For A Question - From Ann
If you are the age group who grew up with John Hughes movies, did you have a favorite? If so, why? Do you still quote John Hughes movies? Give me a quote!

My favorite line:
"Ferris: Not that I condone fascism, or any -ism for that matter. -Ism's in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me." Good point there. After all, he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. I'd still have to bum rides off people."

My all time favorite movie of our time is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). I even devoted an entire post to When Was Your Last Ferris Day? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) instilled in me a love of Chicago and it was a major influence in my decision to move from Wisconsin to Chicago.



One of the WGN radio hosts is suggesting that as on homage to John Hughes, everyone introduce themselves this weekend, wherever they go as Abe Froman, Sausage King Of Chicago. I think it's brilliant.

So, hi, I'm Abe Froman, Sausage King Of Chicago and I'd like to thank you for stopping by Lola's Diner today.

If you like what you see, please consider becoming a regular, by becoming a Follower.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

My Ninth Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge

My apologies, this post was due in July.

Some of you may recall my previous posts on the 10 Month - 10 Lives Challenge.
Join The Impact says “Join us in a challenge over the next 10 months that will make an IMPACT. 10 months - 10 lives changed. Everyone in this movement must help keep the conversation going.

"We are asking each and every one of you to engage in 10 conversations with someone who does not understand our struggle and help them to see our point of view. We are not asking that you try to infringe on or disrespect their beliefs. Change can not occur with insult, it will only occur with respect. If all of us work hard to positively affect 10 lives, we can change this entire nation!"

If you missed my original posts, be sure to click on each to view them:

My 1st Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 2nd Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 3rd Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 4th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.

My 5th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 6th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 7th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 8th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.

I thought I would share an email I received Wednesday. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) community is not only working for Marriage Equality. They are also working in many areas to reduce discrimination on the job (ENDA), working on hate crimes bills and working to repeal DADT. We have made great strides in finding supporters in Congress. Did you know:

In 29 states, you can be fired solely because you're gay
– and if you're transgender, that's 38 states.

Please take a moment to read this email from Equality Illinois. As you read it, think of what some of your friends, neighbors, relatives and people you've never met are going through in their job search today and those that are employed, how they are struggling to keep their jobs. Think of how tough the job market is. Put yourself in their shoes. In some states it is perfectly ok to discriminate based on sexual orientation and individuals lose their job every day because of it. An individual can be the most qualified candidate, but may be discriminated against because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.

Shouldn't the most qualified person get the job?
Shouldn't they get to keep their job?

Dear Lola,

Equality Illinois applauds today’s introduction in U.S. Senate of Employment Non-Discrimination Act (“ENDA”).

The bill, which enjoys bipartisan support in Congress, would add sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal employment non-discrimination laws and protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees from workplace discrimination. The bill was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (OR-D), Susan Collins (ME-R), and Edward M. Kennedy (MA-D).

Equality Illinois is pleased to announce the support of both U.S. Senators from Illinois. Senator Richard Durbin and Senator Roland Burris are co-sponsoring this bill. "Both Senator Burris and Durbin have long histories of supporting fairness and equality," said Rick Garcia, Director of Public Policy. "We are grateful to them and we look forward to their leadership in getting ENDA passed."

“The American Dream – that hard work is the key to success and opportunity – has no room for workplace discrimination.” – said Bernard Cherkasov, the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. “Hardworking LGBT Americans should not have to fear the loss of their jobs on the basis of their sexual orientation or their gender identity. When that day comes, America will have taken another step forward in assuring justice and equality for all.”

The State of Illinois leads the way in workplace protections, having enacted the law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in 2005. Equality Illinois played an instrumental role in securing support of state legislators and the governor for that law. 11 other states and more than 100 localities across the United States also prohibit workplace discrimination on similar grounds.

Equality Illinois was founded to secure, protect and defend the civil rights of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. It is one of the Midwest’s largest gay civil rights organizations.

However, we cannot succeed without your support. There are 2 steps you can take right now to help us with our mission: please go to www.EqualityIllinois.org to donate now and please sign up your friends and family for our e-news.

Learn more about employment non-discrimination and about Equality Illinois at www.EqualityIllinois.org.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

File this under...Don't Ever Do That Again!

Just when I thought I didn't have a post for Thursday, whammo! Wednesday, 10:45pm I have one.

File this under "Don't Ever Do That Again".

Take one 14 year old son, add a Nylon Cable Tie and some curiosity...and you have this:

For anyone who doesn't know what a Nylon Cable Tie looks before one strangulates their finger, they look like this:

And for anyone that doesn't know how they work, you wrap the Nylon Cable Tie around...I don't know...say...a CABLE, slide the triangular end through the little hole in the box and and pull until it's tight. Very tight. And in case you were wondering...if you do it correctly...the Nylon Cable Tie LOCKS! The only way to remove said Nylon Cable Tie is to find something to cut it.

Since everyone plays in my toolbox (son included) I sent him to retrieve some cutters. He brought me a very nice selection of pliers. (Note to dyke self, need to involve son more in projects around the house so he can better identify tools.)

Knowing I needed to act quickly, I grabbed the pliers with the smallest nub and set out to attack the box end that locked the Nylon Cable Tie. I viciously squeezed (squoze?) it until it collapsed and we were able to twist it and release his finger.

Of course before I viciously attacked it with the pliers, I had to grab the camera that just happened to be right next to me. (Honest, it was right beside me!)

Son: "Noooooooo, you're not going to blog about this!"
Me: "Do you want that thing off your finger or not?"
Son: "Well, yeah."
Me: "Smile". (click/flash)

After I got it off I told him he needed to ice it. He hates icing injuries. I'm going to have to keep an eye on him and make sure the ice stays on.

Me: "What ever made you do that?" (Famous Mother's last words, usually on the way to the ER.)
Son: "I don't know!"

So far ER trip averted. I'm going to have to keep an eye on it though.

Umm, yeah...don't ever do that again!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

calling all commenters

See, I was all nice. I didn't type "Calling All Comment Whores". Wasn't that nice of me? Do I get extra points for being polite? You know who you are. Aren't any of you going to take up my offer of 50 Entrecard Cards for each of my blogs that you do a review for on Kindle? Click here for complete details. What are you waiting for? (Oh, and for our resident commenter who has a penchant for 1 word comments, the blog review needs to be a few sentences.) Thanks pallies! I really appreciate the reviews.

Don't be alarmed! I'm skipping "If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays this week because I am just overwhelmed with our kids activities, back to school physicals, dental visits, etc. (Why did I schedule it all for this week? What was I thinking?) Please click here to submit topics for future "If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays", and find out how I reward bloggers whose topics I use. This meme will resume August 13th, 2009

Because the kids were at their golf class yesterday afternoon, Anastasia and I actually got a chance to go on a date. (Yes! I know! Woo Hoo!) We went out for a recession buster $5 lunch at Anastasia's favorite pub/restaurant. Have you seen these beer tube things?
It's like this 36 inch long tube of beer (100 ounces) with a tapper on it. If you click on the beer tube link, be sure to watch the video of this trade show dude extolling the virtues of beer tubes. Of course he doesn't say anything about dram shop insurance or drunk driving liability. We had too much on tap (pun intended) for the rest of the day to try one out, but they definitely looked interesting. It's a good thing they didn't have these when I was in my twenties. It would have given a whole new take on beer chugging contests.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Lola Is On Kindle!

See widget on right for links to each of my 3 blogs.Show me some love! (I hope you'll want to leave me a 5 Star Review!)
Leave me a Review on Kindle and earn 50 Entrecard Credits per review.

Offer is for a limited time.Limit of 3 reviews (one for each of my blogs) per person.

Leave me a comment with your Amazon name so I can find it.
If you've got your blog on Kindle, let me know. I'll be happy to write a review for your blogs. Just leave me a comment with the Amazon link for your blog.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who is able to do this. I'm hoping that if I get enough Reviews it will raise my ranking and possibly get me some sales. If nothing else, I'll have a chance to see what you all think of my 3 little pieces of the blogosphere. Hopefully you'll be kind.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

new IL tax increase like taking candy from a baby...or is it?

Have you heard that the tax on candy in Illinois is going up from 2% to 10.25% on September 1st? Read about it here and come back. I'll wait. Candy Or food? Confusion Grows As New Tax Looms - Chicago Tribune. Back already, good.

Our wonderful Governor Quinn is now going to make one of the few pleasures we have left in this economy even more expensive. He'll be literally taking candy out of the mouths of babes. Couldn't he find something else to tax? How about legalizing something illegal and taxing the hell out of it? Come on! You're picking on kids now, not to mention pms'ing women folk! It's bad enough that many of these kids are going to have all kinds of social services cut on them. Now they can't enjoy a friggin' candy bar?

Oh wait, and it's not that simple. Some candy bars aren't really candy bars according to a new Illinois law. Rejoice! Perhaps our babes can afford their sweet addictions.

"Sweets containing flour as an ingredient--and there are a lot of them--are not legally deemed to be candy, even if common sense and common taste say otherwise. And yes, licorice-based products such as Twizzlers have flour in them."

"That regular melt-in-your-mouth Hershey's bar? Candy for sure. But the Cookies 'n' Creme spinoff? That's food, not candy, according to a new state tax law.

A Butterfinger? Candy. Butterfinger Stixx with wafer center? Not candy.

Likewise, Twix, Kit Kat and Twizzlers, are all candy-aisle staples that Illinois no longer officially considers to be candy."

Thank goodness Governor Quinn isn't layin' a finger on my Butterfinger!


I wonder if O'Henry and Charleston Chews have flour in them. Hmmm...

What's your favorite candy addiction?

Would you be willing to pay an additional 8% tax on that sweet confection?

If I jones really bad for a Hershey Dark or some Raisnets, will you my out of state pallies send me some?

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

gratitude campaign

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009