And They Call It Puppy Love

Today the new first dog, Bo Obama is going to take his first official White House photo op with the rest of his young family. His life so far has not been easy. His first family rejected him because he didn't get along with their older Portuguese Water Dog. So he was sent back to the breeder, just about the same time that Senator Ted Kennedy called to see if they had a dog that would be a good fit for the President of the United States. And just like that, Bo (who was formerly known as Charlie), fell into a big tub of butter. He will not be chained up in the sideyard of a mobile home. He'll be spending the better part of the rest of his days romping in the White House rose garden. He looks like he's worthy of his fate.

I was about the age of Sasha and Malia when I was given my first dog for Christmas. Angus was the best scottie dog ever. I loved him. Unfortunately, my Dad and Angus took one look at each other and fell madly in love. They adored each other. Angus was given to me, but he was my Dad's dog. He made his choice. And by the looks of the photo above, Bo may be making the same decision. I'm sure Sasha and Malia will still love him.

I love you just the way you are...

How's your Wednesday going? I know. It's the day after St. Patrick's Day – so you may be nursing a corned beef and cabbage hangover. And a bad Wednesday can be so much worse than a bad Monday. On Monday, you expect to be running a little behind and arrive to an email box full of nasty notes from your boss. On Wednesday, those same little missives of love can cut like a knife. And just when the world seems to be too much to bear, there's Bella and Tara. The most unlikely of BFFs.

When you're alone and life is making you lonely...

I spent last night in the waiting room of the local urgent care. It was filled with little kids who were coughing and wheezing with assorted kinds of creaping crud. If I don't come down with consumption after two hours breathing their germs, it will be a miracle.

• While I was there, the Westminster Kennel Club show got on without me. The WKC dog show is the bright light in every frigid February. And if you miss the first night, no worries, things really get going on the second night. It is not to be missed. And this year, a scottie won the terrier group, so things are going to be sweet in the final round. Her bloodline includes the Anstamm kennel -- and my first dog, Angus, was an Anstamm on his father's side. So I'll be cheering tonight for a family member. The top four finishers in the terrier group (seen clockwise above from left): Scottish Terrier: Ch Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot. Female born Apr. 2, 2005. Sealyham Terrier: Ch Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice. Male born May 19, 2004. Norwich Terrier: Ch Skyscot's Poker Chip. Male born June 17, 2006. Miniature Schnauzer: Ch Earthsong Remedy For The Blues. Male born Dec. 21, 2006.

• Last night was President Obama's first White House press conference. While his performance is getting mixed reviews -- I still can't get over the fact that we have a guy running the country who properly uses the word, 'bellicose.' Unbelievable! Gobama!

• Here's the antidote to Valentine's Day. What kind of crazy dude runs away from Sandra Dee?

• Have you seen Captain Cool on television? I love this guy. My favorite quote: "I was sure I could do it." I would kill for that kind of confidence.

THIS JUST IN: Betty, who currently cohabitates with a white Scottie named Primrose, checked in this morning with this information: "Sadie, the 'real name' of the little Scottie who won the best of the terrier group, is owned by the people who own the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. She is the granddaughter of Bardene Bingo, who was imported from England and won best of Westminster in 1967. Sadie wore the lead worn by her grandmother last night at the WKC. Our Angus was the grandson of the same dog, and I think most of the Scotties in Michigan have a little Bingo in their blood."

Cinderellavision

I'm under the weather on this Monday. Fortunately, I received this video from a reader in my emailbox this morning that is guaranteed to make you smile. Thanks Kay!

And they call it puppy love....

It's Superbowl Weekend! Yay! You know what that means...yes. It's Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl. Watch the football game for the commercials and then the Puppy Bowl for the fun. I could watch those puppies play for hours. Check out the starting line-up here.

It's tradition during the Superbowl to eat food that's not very good for you. Meet a heart attack on a plate.

Everything old is new again...

What am I doing this weekend?

I'm going to the Smuckers' Stars On Ice. Woo hoo! Along with all the 'stars on ice,' my favorite skater, Yuka Sato, is going to be there. I've never seen her skate in person.I love Yuka Sato. I can watch her performances over and over again. Her skating style is something I've always aspired to -- and missed by a mile -- she's gentle, effortless, flowing, with artistic grace and athleticism in one perfect package. Ok, I'll stop gushing. Just watch.

What The Duck?

It's a classic romantic comedy: hunter meets his prey and he falls in love. Comedy ensues...

Cinderellavision

Meet Skidboot. Getting to know his story will make your day.

Cinderellavision

Happy Day After Christmas! Here's a criminal we can all cheer for...

Daily Hot Flash

• Tonight is the night! Top Chef takes a bite out of the Big Apple. I don't know about you but my New York City will always be Holly Golightly's version.

• Boxers, Silks Or Briefs...Maureen Dowd hits the target.

• Hold the popcorn. I can hardly afford the ticket and the parking. Hey! Can I get the senior discount? I still have my student ID...yes, it has been twenty years...

• Feeling a little blue? It's time for Puppy Cam. No seriously, you thought that Facebook was taking up all your time. I dare you to look away when these little guys start to squirm. And yes, you can watch in full screen.

Free TV Show from Ustream

Daily Hot Flash

• Gobama! We've got high hopes!

• Some words of wisdom from a real Cinderella.

• Rumors of the new First Family adopting a labradoodle puppy to go with them to the White House may be untrue. The Obamas may be looking to adopt a rescue puppy to be First Dog. I'm working on the screenplay over the weekend about the puppy on death row at a Chicago shelter that is chosen at random to go and live in the White House. No stealing my idea!

• I'm just not sure if this is a good idea...or not. I was very disappointed in the first movie version...if the second one is just as depressing...I'll save my $14 for a Cosmopolitan at the bar.

• The GOP is sending Sarah Palin to virtual Siberia. Did they not know that she's from Alaska? She knows how to deal with the cold and the snow. Geesh! You guys fight like girls!

• The L.A. Dodgers show Manny the money.

Daily Hot Flash

• "I'll have what she's having..."A few years ago I went to see a film adaptation of Henry Miller's "Golden Bowl" at a small movie theatre in Beverly Hills. It was a Saturday night and I was all alone in the theatre. Who else would be interested in seeing a costume drama/tragedy on a Saturday night? Much to my surprise, a few minutes after I sat down, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and their respective wives sat down in the row right in front of me. I was beside myself. I wanted to call everyone I knew on my cell phone and tell them what was happening. I wanted to go all James Lipton on them, and ask them questions about writing comedy. And I thought Anne Bancroft was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I'm so sorry they're both gone.

• Elizabeth Edwards seems like one of the most genuine political wives in recent history. She handles life's hurdles with grace.
  

• I don't know who this dude thinks he's kidding. I have a feeling there are a lot more people who'd like to see a 50 year-old supermodel naked than see him stripped down to his boxer shorts.
  

• Still searching for something fun to do on Halloween?

• If you have some extra cash lying around, you might want to consider bidding on this auction.

Daily Hot Flash

• Some people love Halloween a little too much.

• Caribou Barbie continues to shock and surprise me...and not in that good way.

• Did this women's mother teach her nothing? What kind of man can bring home the bacon when he can't even roll out of bed to get married? I guess I should have some sympathy for a 38 year-old bride...she's getting to that point when that constant ringing in your ears is your biological alarm clock. I'm not sure how she's going to...well, I'm gonna keep it a family show and say at least she's marrying a Guiness Book of World Records winner.

• Morning sing-a-long: Tea for two....Two for tea..Me for you...and you for me.

• Heart-warming story about a little puppy and some kittens.

Cinderellavision

Maybe it's time to embrace your inner crazy cat lady...

I'm Half-Crazy All For The Love Of You!

Last summer I found myself helping to find a home for an adorable chocolate lab puppy. Her parents loved her, but they couldn't keep her. It was heart-breaking. I contacted my friend, Suzanne, who as the daughter of a veterinarian, I knew was genetically engineered to love animals. I thought she might know of some animal rescue organizations that might help me. I didn't know at the time that Suzanne had been sending photos of chocolate labs to her husband in an effort to soften him up to get a puppy. When we took Daisy over to Suzanne and Jeff's house for an informal get-to-know-you tea party, Suzanne greeted me at the door, "we want her." I think Suzanne loved Daisy before she met her. Daisy fell into a tub of butter when she went to live with Suzanne and Jeff. They call her their 'chocolate bunny' and while they might both deny it -- I'm certain that she has her own pillow on the bed. It might even be monogrammed. Now I'm blessed to get stories about Daisy complete with photos in my email box from time to time....from Daisy's first birthday party to Daisy's first swim in the pool. Daisy is living the good life. Unfortunately, not all puppies are as lucky...so in order to help other dogs that need to find cozy homes with loving parents, Daisy is taking Suzanne for a walk this Sunday, October 19.

Click here to help Daisy and Suzanne reach their goal.

Cinderellavision

via videosift.com

In an effort to make you feel better in these trying times...Cinderellavision brings you a clip of an Iraq war vet returning home after 14 months away to be greeted by his two best friends. I hope it makes your day the way it made mine. In the end, it's the little things that matter the most.

'Lord, let me be the person that my dog thinks I am.'

Extra Tit-Bits

• When I was ten years-old, I wanted to go see "The Yearling" with my friends. My Dad, who could always be counted on to never say no, said absolutely not. I went anyway. I left the theatre right after the deer was shot in the head and ran all the way home with tears and snot streaming down my face. I take this trip down memory lane as a way of introducing you to this bittersweet animal story...and here's the happy ending that I wished had been in the movie.

• Friday is National Girlfriends Day! Before my boyfriend has a chance to freak out and hide his credit cards -- it's not that kind of girlfriend. It's a day to celebrate your female friends. The fabulous website, Girlfriendology, has created a list of ways you can let your 'girltourage' know that you love them.

• When I was twelve, I wanted to be an architect. When I was thirteen, I found out it involved math, thus bringing my career plans to a close. No worries, when I was fourteen, I wanted to be a rock star. I think we all know how well that turned out. I'm glad I left the architecture to the professionals -- here's a little something about one of the best.

Morning Hot Flash July 31, 2008

• From the category of "it should come as no surprise," turns out we like our women very thin and our cats very fat. I seriously wish it was the other way around. It would be healthier for all of us. And by-the-way, the vet just confirmed that "Princess Chunk" is actually "Prince Chunk." And his foster mom is claiming he has a thyroid problem. Hmmmmm....
  

• People under 40 -- go on yoga dates. People over 40 -- get drunk on Cadillac margaritas and then go home and wrestle for control of the television remote. Who's getting a better workout? I'll let you decide.
  
  
• One of my favorite websites, Jezebel is doing a feature on the new "Celebrity Cellulite" cover story on the National Enquirer. It's my favorite annual issue. Go on! Make yourself a second cup of coffee, and settle in to scrutinize the cottage cheese on the thighs of movie stars. You'll feel a whole better about your own dimpled bum-bum...
  
  
• I cry every Sunday night when they "move that bus," but I had a horrible feeling that something like this would happen...
  
  


• I fall in love with the drama of the Olympics every two years. I'm planning to order Chinese food and enjoy the opening ceremonies from Beijing next Friday night. Did you ever wonder what happens to the athletes after the games? The New York Times found out in a fabulous multimedia report.