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.

To London, To London

President and Mrs. O are off to London for the G20 conference. And they've been invited to Buckingham Palace to have dinner with Queen Elizabeth. Oh! To have an invitation to that dinner party! What I wouldn’t give to watch the Obamas charm the royal lace drawers off of that old bird.

I must admit to a long-term fascination with the British Monarchy. I was eighteen when Diana Spencer became engaged to Prince Charles. I remember so well getting up at 5:00 am with my mom to watch the festivities. We had just settled on the sofa when my Dad came around the corner and settled himself into his La-Z-Boy chair so he wouldn’t miss out on a moment.

And that’s the thing about that wedding, I don’t know anyone who didn’t watch. It was like watching a real-life version of Cinderella. And Diana....she was one of us. She had never outgrown the desires of her thirteen year-old self. When it came to engagement rings, she picked out the biggest sapphire in the British Isles. Wouldn't you? When it came to wedding dresses, she picked up the one with the most ruffles, bows and longest train. Bring it on! When it came to flowers, she said, ‘more, more, more!’ Fortunately, she also had good taste.

Queen Elizabeth, unfortunately, did not enjoy having a daughter-in-law that was so completely in touch with her inner 'tween. It’s too bad. Diana’s wedding was an incredible moment of good publicity for HRH. They’ve certainly had to work hard to remake their image after Diana’s death. The whole world was devastated when Cinderella’s real-life marriage didn’t work, and Diana died after running off to Paris with a rogue.

But this is a new era for all of us. And our new President and his missus are off to London to see the Queen.

Not to be outdone by the Obama administration forcing the White House into the information age, HRH Elizabeth has recently gone out and gotten herself a website. There are some other websites that are even more intriguing -- full of gossip and photographs of the current young royals and their nuptials.

All Up In Arms

Have you seen the commentary? Have you taken the on-line poll? Oh, yes. It’s the latest scandal rocking Washington DC. No, I’m not talking about the Rush Limbaugh vs. Barack Obama smackdown that seems to be building to an inevitable anti-climax. I’m talking about something way more important. I’m talking about Michelle Obama’s arms.

That’s right, the young vibrant First Lady of the United States appeared at her husband’s first ever speech to a joint session of Congress looking simply stunning in a sleeveless Amethyst dress, and all eyes were on her. How dare she reveal so much skin? And in February? For Heaven’s sake, what is she thinking? Did they think she pulled on a pair of Carharts and boots and hiked over snow drifts from the White House to the Capitol. The woman is the First Lady. She was driven there in the comfort of the finest and most lethal moving vehicle ever made, and I’m sure as the First Lady she was probably allowed to use the Congressional cloak room to leave her wrap.

So why are we talking about Michelle Obama’s arms?

I have to admit, I was really impressed with her husband’s presentation, but she looked marvelous. She and POTUS work out every day. She earned those guns she’s carrying and I think she should get to show them off to her best advantage. Besides every Cinderella over 40 learns to show off their best assest and camoflauge their liabilities. I’m just saying Michelle Obama is very light on liabilities – and that’s probably what’s making everyone’s tongue wag…but I’ll put money on the fact that they’re probably all talking about her while doing curls with 10 pound weights. I know, I am.

Read what they’re saying about Michelle Obama’s arms here. And learn more about the history of fashion forward First Ladies. And check out Michelle Obama’s spread in Vogue magazine. And the photos…

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."

I'm stuck in the middle with you

It's Wednesday and I feel stuck in the middle of two weekends. I don't know whether to remember last weekend fondly, or whether it's time to start to pine for Friday night. While I'm mired in indecision...

• I'm following stories that originate in Ojai...and involve President Obama. Two of my favorite things.

• Los Angelenos seem to have no sense of history. The first problem is that L.A. is a twentieth century town -- so nothing ever seemed old enough to be "historical." The second problem is that Los Angeles isn't confined by space -- rather it's defined by it's sprawl. Out here, if we can't tear down and build new, we go down the block and build new. Every once in a while someone points out that some spots in L.A. have thrived despite the circumstances. Clifton's Cafeteria is one of those L.A. spots.

• Remember how hot Michael Phelps looked in his swim trunks? Now we know how unhot he looks doing bong hits. Should we be judgmental? Maybe. His is not the greatest crime committed, but he did receive $100 million to endorse products because he was a clean-cut American hero. Maybe we should start to hold people accountable for their actions, instead of rewarding them for their rehabilitation.

• Cool! Meet the Zamboni of the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver.

• Today's imagication is a trip in a bottle. Personally, I prefer bubble bath.

A snowy day in London town...

I've been looking everywhere for a print or photograph of my beloved London town to hang in my living room. When I saw this one, I thought to myself...finally! I haven't been in London in twenty years, but I still think of it as my kind of town. Britain is struggling under the effects of an unusually heavy snow storm, which is making travel difficult, but looks beautiful to those of us who live under sunny skies and palm trees.

• Yesterday's New York Times was a virtual cornucopia of intriguing Op-Ed articles about the current state of the economy. Start with Maureen Dowd and then move on to Frank Rich, and then wrap up with this little ditty about the state of the American shopping mall.

• Did you watch all the Super Bowl commercials?

• Meet the new Vice President's wife. She's pretty and smart -- quite a Cinderella.

• Today's imagication takes you on a tour of California wineries that make sparkling wines. Pack your bags and click here.

I'll Have Whatever She's Having...

For some Cinderellas, the clock just never seems to strike Midnight. I don't know what part of Manhattan Susan Sarandon lives in, but it's obviously near the Fountain of Youth. She looks incredible! While other movie stars of her vintage (most notably Jessica Lange) have succumbed to some really startling plastic surgery to ease their transition through middle age, Susan Sarandon either has the most subtle plastic surgeon on the east coast, or she's got great genes. She had it all going on at the SAG Awards last night. Check out all the dresses -- good and bad -- on the red carpet at the award ceremony.

• The lovely Lesley Stahl interviews the lovely Rachel Maddow.

• Are you still wondering what's going on in the White House with the new First Family? Yeah, me too. Since I'm an HGTV addict, I'm really intrigued by their choice of interior designer. Michael S. Smith is based in California and is known for mixing antiques with modern touches. But is he kid-friendly? And for your viewing pleasure, here's a Jackie Kennedy vs. Nancy Reagan smackdown over White House style. Still not over it yet? Then ask yourself what you would do if you were hired to give the White House a makeover.

• Here's a really good reason to pour yourself another cup of coffee and kill another hour and a half surfing the Internet. And just in case you've convinced yourself that you're crazy, Illinois Governor Blagojevich is there to make you realize just how sane you are. I love this guy!
  

Talkin' to myself and feelin' old

It's rainy and dreary here in Los Angeles. Which turns me into Karen Carpenter... without the eating disorder.Truth be told..It was my friend, Morgan Richter, who first started humming the lyrics to "Rainy Days and Mondays" this morning. So I know the only thing that can brighten a day like today is a cupcake.

• Can you ever see a cupcake without smiling? Or getting hungry? One cupcake turns any day into a party. What I wouldn't do for a cupcake.

• While the rest of the world is waking up to the realization that they've either been pink-slipped, are about to be pink-slipped, or are living in fear of being pink-slipped every single day for the rest of their lives, Brangelina was nominated for Academy Awards and found a new crib on Long Island for their colors of Benetton family.

• Have you ever had an IT guy come to save you from your computer that looked like Brad Pitt? Yeah, me neither.

• Places to go. Things to see.

• Visit President Obama's new office. And check out his very expensive 'BarackBerry.'

• U.S. Figure Skating Championships this weekend. It's in Cleveland...best to watch it on television.

At Last!

Barack H. Obama has been sworn-in as the 44th President of the United States of America. Malia and Sasha steal the show at the nation's capitol. I love watching them squirm and wiggle in their chairs. So cute! Dang! Barack and Michelle are a good looking couple. And Michelle rocks it in gold. Millions of people fill the National Mall to witness the historic Inauguration. A few of them are people you might know. Check out the White House website. Too cool for school!

Luck Be A Lady Tonight

Rumor has it that the company I work for will be laying off approximately 1,000 employees on Monday. I believe I have a 50-50 chance of keeping my job. The report on the escalating unemployment rate in the United States this morning scared me to death...but I'm going to attempt to remain positive. It's tough. The minute that they tell you that your job may be in jeopardy, your skill set suddenly seems very small. I can write headlines and update a news website, but can I serve up a spicy bean burrito at the Drive-thru window? In the mean time...I'm going to focus on all the fun stuff that's happening right now.

Sunday is the Golden Globes awards. They mean nothing...the show does act as an unofficial kick-off to the award season...and I think it's great fun to see all the movie stars dressed up in gorgeous gowns to do the red carpet walk. And since they serve alcohol...the acceptance speeches can get outrageous. Good times!

Is it me or does the computer-enhanced image of what Barack Obama will look like at the end of two terms as President of the United States look a bit like George W. Bush? Scary, isn't it?

Check out this grand old dame of a distant era....photos here.

Oh and CNN put together a list of companies that will be hiring in 2009. Just in case!

Daily Hot Flash

• Tonight is Betty's favorite television night of the year. Yep, she considers this even better than the annual Christmas time broadcast of The Sound of Music in high definition. Shocking, I know, but true. This year, they're going to be honoring her boyfriend, Morgan Freeman too. It's almost too good to be true. Please, no phone calls after 8:00 p.m. EDT !

• Thinking about making a change in your appearance for the New Year? There's a fantabulous website that allows you to upload a photo and then preview what different styles would look like on you before you commit to one particular look with the scissors. I personally only have one or two good hair days a month -- which when working in tandem with the severe PMS I seem to be afflicted with means that I really only have a couple of days when I can interact with the public. A new hairstyle might be just the thing to turn it around for me.

• Here's a Cinderella who's not going to go without a fight. Hey sister! Go sister!

• A reporter is given the assignment to cover the current economic crisis from the perspective of people who've lost their jobs. And then she's finds out she's being fired as part of a big cost-cutting layoff at NPR. Ugh!

• White House Press Secretary Dana Perino went on Christmas vacation and left the interns in charge. Did anyone see the deputy press secretary give his briefing yesterday? Seriously! He looks like a junior in high school. What happened to gravitas? And does anyone know where George W. Bush is spending the holidays? I've heard it's Camp David, but I've seen no photographic evidence of the leader of the free world -- which makes me nervous because there's an all-out war going on in the Middle East. Could someone take the candy cane out of his hand and tell him to act like a world leader?

• I want one of these!

Hot Holiday Wishes

• Last night we went on a tour of local homes decorated with Christmas lights. When we pulled into one neighborhood we couldn’t believe our eyes. The neighbors had all pitched in and stretched sparkling lights across the street between their homes. I thought I’d seen everything when I spotted a car parked at the curb covered with at ten-foot tall Santa cap, until I saw the guy who was himself covered in Christmas lights. Throughout the neighborhood, groups of people had bundled up in warm clothes and gathered in front of woodfire pits in their driveways to watch all of the festivities. My favorite was the guy who was playing Christmas tunes on a piano in his garage, amped up so that the line of cars could hear him. And as people drove past small children offered the lookiloos ‘free candy canes.’ So if you want to be a Scrooge this holiday season, you’re going to have to do it some where other than the Santa Clarita Valley, because folks here seem to have the spirit – struggling economy or not. Need a little Christmas, right this very minute? Then you should go on your own holiday light tour.

• And then we stopped for some Hot Chocolate! Yummy!

• Don’t expect to see the President-elect and his family bundled up against the bitter chill of a Chicago winter this Christmas. The future first family will be chillin’ and keeping it real at a ‘multi-million dollar resort’ in Hawaii this year.

• Meanwhile, when the current President isn’t doing the terrorist fist bump with Santa, we hope he’s spending his time in the White House packing up his stuff this holiday season. There are plenty of volunteers willing to come over and help him put his stuff in boxes. Can I get a show of hands? Amen!

• In this holiday season when so much is so wrong and there is so very little to celebrate, we have People magazine to let us know that one type of pine tree is more trendy than any other. This type of fir tree is the choice of all the Hollywood celebrities. Not only are you supposed to feel bad about not having a Birkin bag tucked under your arm at the mall, you’re also supposed to feel bad about the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in your living room.

Daily Hot Flash

• Best headline news story of the day...Old is the new sexy. I couldn't be more pleased.

• Start humming a happy song...because I need to get happy and I've got to catch it from someone. Doctor, doctor...give me some good news...I need the 'get happy' virus.

• Wallets are very thin this holiday season. Here's some tips on how to have happy holidays when unhappiness comes knocking at the door.

• Here's a little nugget that you might find very intriguing...who's taking over Hillary Clinton's desk in the Senate?

• Honestly, I can think of only one worthy punishment for this guy. What a turd!

• Go mad for Jon Hamm on 30 Rock.

Daily Hot Flash

• Oh happy day! I have a kindred spirit in Noelle Carter at the LA Times. It was brought to my attention yesterday that Carter, a self-professed 'bacon fanatic', prepared a list of 1001 things you can do with bacon. Number one on the list is a Candied Bacon Martini...my interest is piqued...but what really intrigues is the recipe for an Apple Bacon Coffeecake. Yummy!

• NHL thug and Vogue magazine intern Sean Avery proved he's got a way with the ladies this week when he referred to his ex-girlfriend actress Elisha Cuthbert as "sloppy seconds" in pre-game comments. Cuthbert is currently dating Calgary Flames superstar Dion Phaneuf. I think the one thing that Avery made crystal clear with his statement is that while he's dated way, way more than his fair share of beautiful women...they've all dumped his ass and he's a bitter and lonely man. I have a feeling he'll find that hooking up with sober chicks is going to be much more difficult for him. Girls love hockey, but we can tell the difference between guys with talent and guys with nothing. And yes, I am using the word 'talent' as a euphemism.

• The other dude who bent over backwards to make a gigantic ass out of himself this week was Pennsylvania Governor Ed "Yes, I'd love another doughnut! Why not? I'll take two." Rendell, who backhandedly complimented Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as a good choice for Homeland Security Chief because she has "no family." Yes, despite the fact that this hard-working woman is smart -- she still has a vagina that might make her trip and fall down -- but since she's chosen not to use hers -- we can expect her to work 18 or 20 hours a day. Gosh, I don't know who should be more insulted -- unmarried women or working mothers. The one thing I think we can all agree on is that Rendell is a big fat boob. No wait -- boobies are good -- Rendell is a big fat moob. (That's a man-boob, Betty!)Let's face it -- with or without children -- women are capable and hardworking. I'm tired of the same old song about how women have to choose between children or a career. It's time to move on! Have we learned nothing from Hillary and Chelsea Clinton?

• I am the walrus...and I play the saxophone. Koo Koo Ka-choo!

• Cinderellas sell rocks when times are tough.

• Fashion designers submit sketches to Women's Wear Daily for Michelle Obama's inauguration gown. What will she wear?

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

• Michelle gets the VIP tour and then calls Hillary for some tips on living in a fish bowl. As for Sarah...God help us!

• I love chocolate...I'm just not sure I love chocolate that someone has worn all that much!

• Don't forget to stop into your local Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf today for yer FREE holiday beverage today! You'll be humming "Fa-la-la-la-lah!" for the rest of the day.

• Oopsy Daisy! This is why I've never wanted to take the helm of an ocean-going vessel. I've never managed to master the art of a three-point turn (mine are in double digits) in a Civic for heaven's sake.

• I can't believe that the Beaver's older brother is an artist worthy of the Louvre. It seems crazy, doesn't it? Just yesterday morning I was watching an episode where his parents were worried that he was getting too serious with a girl.

• Visit glamorous locations where James Bond movies where filmed. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that most of the chicks I know believe wherever Daniel Craig is at any given time is the most desirable place to be.

• Just because she's gay isn't going to keep this Cinderella from getting married...again...and again...and again.

• From the Department of Could-be-true...Could be crap. In the interest of full disclosure, I've always been on Team Aniston.

Daily Hot Flash

• What's a girl to do now that she doesn't have Sarah Palin to kick around anymore? Escape to a tropical island? I wish...

• Back when John McCain first picked Sarah Palin as his running mate, I was enraged. How dare he believe that a rockin' chick like Hillary Clinton could so easily be replaced with just another vagina. It doesn't work for me...and it doesn't work for Gloria Steinem. I love it when a chick with some serious gravitas gets your back.

• The Handsomest Man Alive sent me the link to this article by Maureen Dowd in the New York Times. He has pretty good taste, I think. Don't you?

• I'm thrilled to say that the Brit comedian Stephen Fry started following me on Twitter this morning. Me and 10,000 other people across the globe. Now if only Rachel Maddow would follow me back. Yes, I have become addicted to tweeting...but that doesn't mean that Miss Goldie Rush will be getting her own twitter account any time soon.

• Joan Allen is going to play artist Georgia O'Keefe in a made-for-television movie. Joan and Georgia are two of my favorite artists.

• This post on Jezebel combines two of my most very favorite things: Project Runway and Michelle Obama's fashion sense. Thank you!

• Are you sleeping? Yeah. Me neither.

Cinderellavision

Michelle Obama is my new fashion role model. I love how she creates classic looks from the collections of cutting-edge designers.

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.

Cinderella Wears Slippers

Yesterday I left the house to go to work at 5:15 a.m. It was cold and rainy. Anyone who lives in Southern California knows it loses all its charm when it isn't warm and sunny. I knew I had to work until noon and then go vote, have lunch and go back to the office until midnight. When you work in the world of news...a presidential election is kind of like Cinderella's enchanted night at the ball. It's a really big deal. And so when I left the house at 2:15 p.m. to go back to the office for the second half of my split shift, I put my bedroom slippers in a bag with a change of clothing.

My bedroom slippers are the most comfy footwear I've ever owned. I think it's the combination of a very thick sole and the memory foam cushion, but I have never in my life owned footwear as comfortable as my white scuffs. They are not glamorous or sexy...that has been pointedly pointed out to me on more than one occasion...but I worship them as if they were a pair of stilettos. I bought them on sale at Mervyns. I went back and bought a pair for my mom a few weeks later. My cat has peed on them and I put them through the washer and dryer. I frequently take the garbage out in them. I have them waiting for me at my bedside every morning when I get up so I don't have to look for them. Some mornings looking forward to putting on my deliciously comfy slippers is the only thing that gets me out of bed at 4:30 a.m.

Last night around 8:00 p.m. when I realized that I'd been in my work clothes, and at work for more than twelve hours, I changed into my second work outfit of the day, and put on my slippers. I changed in the ladies room and then shuffled back in my slippers to the newsroom. At first, I wasn't going to leave my desk wearing my slippers, I didn't want anyone to know I was wearing them, but by the time the clock struck midnight everyone in the newsroom had been informed that I was comfortable and I was wearing slippers. I'd been up and down every hallway in the radio station in my slippers. When the AP flashed across my computer screen, 'Obama wins presidency,' I was happy and wearing comfy slippers. No, Cinderella wasn't wearing glass slippers at midnight, but at least I didn't embarrass myself wearing bunny slippers in the newsroom. I'd found a way to get through my nightmare workday...with a little bit of comfort. I think it's a good omen for the future.