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In this age of Donald J. Trump and the Mueller investigation, you can expect updates on what is happening to our country and its Constitution.

The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats: “Life Is Great; This Book Is Better”

By Connie Wilson

On November 20, 2014

In Books, Editorial, Education, Humor and Weird Wilson-isms, Reviews

I was checking on Amazon to see if there had been any “new” reviews of the newest Christmas Cats book. I’ve sent out about 20 FREE copies, and I even experimented with setting the price (temporarily) down to 99 cents in Kindle, as per instructions in one Webinar I recently sat through.

After the Webinar, I decided to keep the price of Book One (“The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats”) in Kindle permanently at 99 cents, because the 2 illustrators were, at the time, a high school student (Andrew Weinert) and a Venezuelan nanny (Emily Marquez Vlcek) NOT the professional illustrator who now handles those duties (Gary McCluskey of Rhode Island).

Now, as someone who taught in Silvis (IL) for close to 20 years, I recognize the surname of 2 of the young friends of Andy’s who have, apparently, decided it would be great fun to make merry at his expense. “Lampo” (Tom and Steve) was a name I was familiar with, and I remember that one of them I hired to tutor son Scott before he took algebra in 9th grade. That particular brother, one of 2 who graduated Valedictorian of their United Township High School class(es) and became engineers, was a recent graduate and looking for work. What year was that, you say? Well, it was BEFORE I opened my Sylvan Learning Center #3301 in 1986 and my son (who is now 47) was getting ready to enter 9th grade, having just completed 8th grade, so YOU figure it out. (A long time ago).

Andy always did have a good sense of humor.

Apparently, his friends do, as well.

Thanks for the FIVE-STAR reviews, guys! I really need them! You can’t even advertise your book or books on various “FREE” sites until you have something like 15 five-star reviews, and getting them is like pulling teeth. And I was delighted to see that I had 4 five-star reviews of “The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats.” But, I must add, the SECOND book in the series (“The Christmas Cats Chase Christmas Rats”) was just named one of the 7 Best Books of the Year from a Chicago author by the CWA (Chicago Writers’ Association) in October. Yes, I know: I don’t “live” in Chicago. But I DO have a condo there and daughter Stacey uses it as her crash pad to fly out of Midway, so I’m allowed to enter, anyway, and they picked 7 books that were “non-traditionally published” and mine was one of the Honorable Mention ones out of literally hundreds (OK….not quite hundreds. All right, 75. Well, maybe it was 71, but it WAS more than 7.)

Here are the reviews that I enjoyed tonight on Amazon for “The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats,” which, by the way, is the FIRST book in the series and will be on sale at various venues around town, including the Festival of Trees and the Moose Lodge in Geneseo on Dec. 7th, but never again in the Book Rack because there was absolutely NO foot traffic. None. Zip. Zero. AND a mean teenager shoved her cell phone in my face and was rude when I asked what happened to my expensive poster(s) and the like, so forgetabout THAT place in the future, but you might check Book World (South Park) at the holidays (signing there 1 to 3 on December 6) and/or Amazon or Sean Leary’s new “online bookstore,” which I can never find or I’d give you the link.

So, without further ado: the reviews. And yes, I WILL be reading these reviews aloud during “Read Local” at the Bettendorf Public Library at 7 p.m. on December 10th.

And, by the way, the very first and oldest book in the series (“The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats”) is permanently 99 cents on Kindle. If all of the effects of this book are true (Latin? Potty training?) you might want to pick one up for your kids!

So, I go out there to read the reviews, and I am here to tell you that I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I purchased this book for my two young beautiful daughters. They were acting like chi chi batty …, November 19, 2014

Spiro Dokolas – See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my two young beautiful daughters. They were acting like chi chi batty boys before I bought it – and I was very concerned about their mental states.After I purchased this book, my two year old instantly became potty trained and learned Latin. I heard that Andrew Weinert really goes by ‘Randii Weinert’ – and has subliminal messages in his drawings to force children to not be as chi chi – or batty.

Thank you so much Andii Weinert for everything you do for the kids. Now if only he would read his own book – so of course – he can cure his own chi chi batty boy problem – the world would be a better place.

Thanks again!

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Reading this book together resolved the beef between rappers Stitches …, November 19, 2014

Christopher Lampo – See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats (Paperback)

Reading this book together resolved the beef between rappers Stitches and Young Jeezy. They realized they can both be snow men with silly hats.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A work of Art, November 19, 2014

Alex – See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats (Paperback)

By far the best book about Christmas and cats. I used to be an atheist dog lover, but now I’ve seen the error of my ways and joined the local congregation, sent my dog to the pound, and adopted a litter of 7 kittens.

Life is great, this book is better!

The art brought tears to my eyes.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, November 19, 2014

Craig Douglas – See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats (Paperback)

I can’t even.

Christmas Cats Series Book Named One of Best Books of 2014 by Chicago Writers’ Association

By Connie Wilson

On November 6, 2014

In Books, Editorial, Local, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Pop Culture

“The Christmas Cats” series (www.TheXmasCats.com) has a new entry for Christmas this year entitled “The Christmas Cats Encounter Bats.“ It is Book #3 in the series and available on Amazon (in both paperback and Kindle versions) as well as at the Book Rack stores and Book World at Southpark Mall.

Recently, the Chicago Writers’ Association named “The Christmas Cats Chase Christmas Rats” , last year’s Christmas entry, one of the 7 Best Books of 2014 in its category (non-traditionally published) from among 75 entries.
Each book features a good moral lesson for children aged 3 to 10. As with the first 2 books, this year’s book was written for and with the author’s twin granddaughters, Ava and Elise Wilson.

Author Connie Wilson will be present at appearances throughout the holiday season, often with the Cat in the Hat accompanying her and available for photos. There is also a website at www.TheXmasCats.com with FREE coloring book pages from all 3 books, mazes, and other interactive activities for children aged 3 to 10.

Appearances:

November 15, Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Book Rack in Moline (NO CAT)

November 22, Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. at South Park Mall in Moline (NO CAT)

December 5, 2014, Friday: LeClaire, Razzleberries, 5 to 7 p.m. (CAT) **

December 6, 2014, Saturday: @ Book signing at Bookworld at South Park Mall from 1 to 3 p.m. (NO CAT)

Dec. 6, 2014: Village of East Davenport Christmas Walk, @ Freddy Fritters Doggie Bakery, 6 to 9 p.m. (CAT) **

December 10, 2014, 7 p.m., Read Local at the Bettendorf Public Library (NO CAT)

December 12, Friday in Rock Island, IL: Gallery Hop, 6 to 9 p.m. (location TBA) ( CAT)

December 13, Saturday, at the Book Rack in Davenport, 1-3 p.m. (NO CAT)

December 13, Saturday in Geneseo, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Four Seasons (CAT)

Dec.19-20: New Orleans, Writers for New Orleans Benefit (NO CAT)

Hillary Clinton Campaigns for Bruce Braley in Davenport (IA) on Oct. 29, 2014

By Connie Wilson

On October 30, 2014

In Editorial, Local, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Politics

Davenport, IA, Oct. 29, 2014 – I drove over to the Hillary Clinton appearance in support of Democrat Bruce Braley’s race for Tom Harkin’s soon-to-be-vacated Senate seat this evening at the Davenport (IA) River Center. I was surprised to see NO Braley signs along River Drive on my way to the venue, but a lot of Joni Ernst signs. At first, I thought, “It’s because this is a pricey neighborhood and primarily Republicans live here.” However, as I exited the building after the rally, I spoke with an African-American voter from a neighborhood far removed from those I had just driven by. She told me that they had seen no signs in their neighborhood, either, leading me to believe that the influx of outside money allowed the Republican challenger to literally blanket this county far removed from Ernst’s home base of Red Oak, Iowa—which is in the very southwest corner of the state, while Davenport is literally the opposite side of the state, on the Illinois border.
This Senate race is one of the most hotly-contested in the nation. The Democrats stand to potentially lose control of the Senate, something they want to avoid at all costs. This contest also pits two candidates against one another who are in stark contrast to each other.
Joni Ernst is an out-and-out Tea Party Conservative whose bus doesn’t even bear the word “Republican.” She is trying to become the first woman Iowa has ever elected to the Senate. That has earned her the support of some millennials and campus-age females, even though they are, in essence, voting against their own self-interest because of Ernst’s stances against access to contraception in any form. With Ernst’s avowed plan to promote a federal bill supporting “personhood,” young women of childbearing age would not have access to abortion or contraceptive services, even in the case of rape or incest, and such essential services as mammograms might not be provided. She was pleased to be publicly endorsed by Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor who was John McCain’s running mate in 2008.
Joni Ernst grew up in Montgomery County, Iowa in Red Oak, Iowa, and served as a Lt. Colonel in the Iowa National Guard and also served in Kuwait. She is a mother and grandmother, married to Gail, who is Career Army; she has served as Montgomery County Auditor. She has campaigned primarily as an anti-Washington D.C. candidate, but her controversial positions on trying to pass a federal “personhood” amendment that would deny women the right to abortion and contraception services, , even in cases of rape or incest, is noteworthy.
Ernst also failed to show up for the local newspaper’s (Quad City Times) round of editorial questions, which means she apparently has no need of endorsement by the Davenport-based newspaper, because she has far wealthier backers, the billionaire Koch Brothers. Clinton, in commenting on this, said, “Only one of the candidates answers your questions? She doesn’t show up for editorial board vetting? I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Braley, from Brooklyn, Iowa, has fought for such causes as veterans’ rights, environmental action, renewable energy, a raise in the minimum wage and equal pay for equal work. He first ran for Congress in 2006. He was re-elected in 2008, 2010 and 2012. His hard-luck story of a young boy whose father was injured in a grain elevator accident, (forcing his mother to go back to college and earn her teachers’ certificate so she could work to support the family) resonated with voters. (Braley’s mother still substitute teaches at age 85). He worked his way through college and attended law school at Iowa, ending up in Waterloo, where he and his wife still live. The Braleys have three grown children and live in Waterloo, Iowa, which is the northeast corner of the state and near where I grew up (20 miles away).
However, the single biggest issue in the Midwestern states that “Meet the Press’s” Chuck Todd is visiting by bus, (primarily Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas) is Washington gridlock. Iowans are sick of the infighting in Congress and the Senate and want both parties to work together to move the country forward. Anyone running on that platform has an edge, and that gives Ernst the nod over Braley, even if her idea of a woman’s place is something out of “Little House on the Prairie.” The prevailing mood is: punish the Democrats without rewarding the Republicans, because Republicans aren’t trusted as agents of change.
In Iowa—the “first in the nation” caucus state—the polls show a dead heat between Ernst and Braley or a slight lead for the challenger (44% to 44% on Sunday and slight movement in the 3 days since). Out of 7 sitting Senators, only 2 incumbents have a favorable rating, according to the “Meet the Press” Sunday morning (Oct. 26) poll results. To a certain extent, I agree with Rob Ortman (R/Ohio) who said on “Meet the Press,” “This is a national election. People are looking for a change.” Being in office is not a “plus” this election season; it is a negative. Therefore, Democrats are fighting an uphill battle, as President Obama’s approval ratings are only 36% in Iowa and not above 40% in any of the contested states.

.
Complicating the race is the infusion of outside cash. It is estimated that these mid-term elections might cost as much as $44 a vote, with Republicans outspending Democrats $5 for every $1. That is because outside billionaires (like the Koch brothers, who are worth $41.9 billion apiece) are pouring money in through PACs. Also, the Republicans have taken a page out of the Democratic playbook of 2008 and 2012, using early voting to their advantage.
Over $200,145,000 has been spent, to date, according to the Des Moines Register, which identified a list of contributors to each candidate as follows:
For Bruce Braley (D):
1) Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
2) Bruce Braley
3) NextGen Climate Action
4) Sierra Club
5) League of Conservative Voters
6) Vote Veterans Action Fund
7) Environmental Defense Action Fund
8) International Association of Firefighters
9) American Wind Energy Association
10) Planned Parenthood Votes
11) Service Employees International Union COPE
12) AFSCME People
13) MoveOn.Org
For Joni Ernst, (R):
1) American Crossroads
2) National Republican Senatorial Committee
3) Joni Ernst
4) Freedom Partners Action Fund
5) Crossroad GPS
6) United States Chamber of Commerce
7) Priorities for Iowa
8) American Chemistry Council
9) B-PAC
10) National Republican Senate Committee
11) Conservative War Chest

Hillary Clinton’s appearance was full of references to her new granddaughter, Charlotte, and the birthdays that Braley and Clinton had either recently celebrated (hers, October 27th) and Braley’s the next day (October 30th). She commented on Joni Ernst’s failure to answer questions saying, “In Iowa people do not get away without answering questions—except for those that are far in the future.” This was most certainly a coy reference to her potential run for president in 2016. (Buttons touting “Hillary for President” were being sold outside the venue.)

It is 6 days until the election. My drive (along River Drive) that showed no signs for Braley concerned me. Another thing that concerned me was the general lack of a large crowd (only approximately 250 folks) and the fact that the crowd was primarily old. That is never a good sign. It signals that the mid-term election isn’t of much interest to the generation that swept Barack Obama to victory, and it is these voters, plus minority voters (what few exist in Iowa) that Braley needs to turn out in order to win.

Hillary made some brave pronouncements on behalf of Braley, one of which was, “He tries to find common ground, but he’s not afraid to stand his ground.” Said Hillary of Braley’s female opponent, “It’s not enough to be a woman; you have to be committed to expanding rights and opportunities for womanhood.” Clinton added, “It’s almost hard to believe these are some of the issues in this campaign…I think it’s amazing that we’re still debating this in the 21st century.” Another great Clinton quote: “Fear is the last resort of those who run out of ideas and out of hope,” in referencing the many negative ads that have been launched at Braley.

I feel concerned for Braley’s odds, given the mood of the country, which is anti-incumbent(s). Still, he seems the better choice in terms of his political policies. If a voter is in favor of saving the planet, equal pay for equal work, women’s rights, veterans’ rights and a middle-of-the-road approach, it would seem that he would be the better choice. As the woman introducing the pair said, “We can win this race. We can win this race. I’ve done this a lot of times and I can feel it.”

I do believe that woman was sincere, and I do believe Bruce Braley can (potentially) win this race.

Hillary Clinton & Bruce Braley at the River Center in Davenport (IA) on Oct. 29, 2014.

Hillary, onstage, listens to Braley’s remarks.

A crowd of 300 to 400 mills about at the Bruce Braley rally in Davenport on October 29th.

Hillary Clinton

Braley onstage at the River Center (10/29/2014).

Bruce Braley

Youngest Braley Democrat present, 5-month old Genevieve “Gigi” Metcalf.

91-year-old volunteer Bobbie Dodd, recognized from the stage by Hillary Clinton.

Spectators on the stage at Braley Rally.

Hillary Clinton in Davenport (IA) on Oct. 29, 2014.

Press to Bustos: Give Back the Money

By Connie Wilson

On October 2, 2014

In Editorial, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Politics

The Chicago “Tribune” is hammering Cheri Bustos in editorials demanding that she give back 10% of her pay, as she supposedly promised in interviews with the “Tribune’s” editorial board.

Transcript:

John McCormack: “If you’re elected, are you going to say to whoever the HR department is, “Keep 10% of my pay?”

“I’m saying—” she began.

“It’s yes or no,” McCormick interrupted. “Are you going to voluntarily give up 10% of your salary?”

“Yes,” Bustos said. “And I would propose that there’s a vote to cut 10% of the pay for every member of Congress.”

End of remarks.

Despite the fact that the “Tribune” leans Republican and “seldom is heard an encouraging word” about any Democratic office-holder, from the President on down through the Mayor and/or local representatives, the “Tribune” first hammered her on Wednesday, September 24 with the headline “Promises, Promises,” on page 23, in an article written by Eric Zorn. (Schilling’s attack ads have also picked up the scent of blood in the water and capitalized on it, which makes what I am going to suggest much more plausible.)

Zorn has proven himself capable of pointing out inconsistencies in candidates of both parties and once wrote a rather scathing indictment of former Governor Small (a review of another’s book), so one shouldn’t dismiss his comments as partisan, out-of-hand. The second attack came on Friday, September 26th, just 2 days after the first editorial (which was larger with a large picture) in a small piece on p. 20, Section 1, entitled, “When You Say It, Mean It.”

I think we’ve all had the misfortune to say something we later regretted. (Joe Biden, anyone?) I know I did, when I said, “That makes me mad enough to spit” within earshot of a reporter for the Moline “Dispatch”, which I quickly told the reporter was “off the record.”( It was in reference to a school board meeting in the seventies in Silvis, when I was leading the charge for recognition of our teachers’ group as Co-Chairman of the Silvis Education Association). Although I told the reporter the remark was NOT for attribution and that it was off-the-record, and the reporter agreed, she printed it, anyway. (Too bad the reporter supposedly covering the recount vote during the 2005 election, Jenny Lee, when I had more votes than the incumbent, didn’t report those results at all!)

I was particularly impressed by Eric Zorn’s piece, because it was bigger, appearing on the Perspectives page under a large picture of Bustos, and he has shown at least some degree of objectivity in past articles. Plus, Zorn had what I consider to be a really good idea, which was phrased this way in his piece entitled “Promises, Promises:” “One thousand dollars ostentatiously donated from Bustos’ personal account to each of 35 worthy charities in the district would repay her ostensible debt, put Schilling on the spot to make a similarly generous gesture, and mark her as ‘someone who can be trusted,’ as she says, instead of someone who will say anything ot get elected.”

Zorn went on to say: “All falling trees make sounds, just as all promises, no matter how quiet, create obligations Politicians with skill know how to turn those obligations into opportunities.”

I wrote this as a Bustos supporter (full disclosure) and, given the fact that her husband recently received an unexpected career boost to acting Sheriff, (which probably comes with an increase in pay, I’m thinking), and because I feel confident that $35,000 would be obtainable for someone with her political connections, I would agree with Zorn. It’s what Spike Lee called (in his film of the same name), “Do the right thing.” I’m not suggesting that Bustos has done the “wrong” thing; I’m merely pointing out what Zorn has already done so eloquently.

View this as an opportunity, Cheri. I say this as the woman who ran the most active scholarship program in the country out of 900 Sylvan Learning Centers and received a Bi-State Literacy Award from then-sitting First Lady Barbara Bush as proof (a Republican leading lady, let it be noted). Did that cost me money? You bet! Was it more than $35,000? Probably, since it ran for close to 20 years and we never turned a poor kid away. Do some REAL good with the mean-spirited Schilling ad!

There are MANY worthy charities, locally, state-wide, and nationally, that would welcome $1,000 gifts, including my own old stomping ground (Sylvan). $35,000 would probably not derail the funding of your campaign, and I doubt if it would cramp your personal lifestyle, given your husband’s recent good fortune (at the expense of another Rock Island County officeholder biting the dust; by the way, whatever happened to Dick Leibovitz’s criminality? Just swept under the rug?)

I would suggest my own personal favorite non-profits, like the Midwest Writing Center, followed by various charitable and health organizations (Bi-State Literacy Council), followed by whatever health problem you care to support (diabetes, ALS, heart disease, breast cancer, etc.) There are homeless women’s shelters begging for funds, and I’d take a close look at them, as well. And just because Zorn says to make 35 different $1,000 contributions doesn’t mean you can’t divvy up the funds in some other manner.

All this simply means you should “carpe diem” and divvy up the funds in a timely fashion to prove your point. I do think you can be trusted. I do think that it would be a savvy political gesture, but I also think it would enhance your political prestige and reputation as the very first woman to serve as representative of our 17th district. I hope you and your political advisors consider Eric Zorn’s words carefully [and publicize your actions when you make good on the pledge].

Yes, the Republicans will decry your donation(s) as a “gesture” and as “politically motivated’ and as you being “shamed into it,” but the Republicans can’t really sit on too high a horse in the “shame” department these days, what with gridlock in Congress and all the partisan bickering the Sarah Palins of the world have brought us. You’re better than that, and your constituents should know it and see tangible proof of it.

Carpe diem. Seize the moment. If properly publicized (and you could even allow residents to vote on who gets the donation) it could seal the deal on this election for you. Godspeed! And remember: the election is just about a month off, so get cracking!

2014 Emmy Predictions Two Days Before the Aug. 25 NBC Program

By Connie Wilson

On August 23, 2014

In Editorial, Pop Culture, Television

2014 Emmy Awards on NBC on Aug. 25th: Predictions from the Peanut Gallery

As a dedicated television viewer (or, in this case, viewers) who once was assigned to write synopses of various network shows, I am offering up these predictions for the Seth Meyers hosted Emmy Awards that will be taking place on Monday, August 25th on NBC.
Without further ado, here are our thoughts on the nominees, with our pick(s) boldfaced:
• Drama Series: Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Mad Men, True Detective. Both my spouse and I believe that the Emmies will honor Breaking Bad, because it is now off the air and was one of the best series ever on the air. The only other comment we have on this category is that we think it was a mistake to put “True Detective” in as a drama series, rather than a mini-series, if that was a possibility.

8/25: Nailed it.
• Actor in a Drama: Bryan Cranston in “Breaking Bad;” Jeff Daniels in “The Newsroom;” Jon Hamm in “Mad Men;” Woody Harrelson in “True Detective;” Matthew McConaughey in “True Detective;” Kevin Spacey in “House of Cards.” It is undeniable that McConaughey and Harrelson were wonderful in “True Detective,” but this is “it” for “Breaking Bad,” which is now off the air, and there is the Hollywood factor that sometimes denies deserving Hollywood actors who appear on Broadway at the Tony Awards. For those reasons, we picked Bryan Cranston. There was a fairly heated discussion about Jon Hamm’s worthiness, since he has never won. My spouse gave the Cubs argument for Hamm: “Next year is his year.”

8/25: Nailed it.
• Actress in a Drama: Lizzy Caplan in “Masters of Sex;” Claire Danes in “Homeland;” Michelle Dockery in “Downton Abbey;” Julianna Margulies in “The Good Wife;” Kerry Washington in “Scandal;” Robin Wright in “House of Cards.” We had a very divided ballot on this one. And, no, we did not discuss our choices before making them. I think Lizzy Caplan deserves this and, as a close runner-up, I would vote for Julianna Margulies. My husband voted for Robin Wright in “House of Cards.” For my tastes, Robin Wright (formerly Penn) doesn’t have a big enough part in most episodes of “House of Cards,” which influenced my vote for Ms. Caplan and/or Margulies.

8/25: I give myself a point, as I knew Julianna Margulies had a great chance, but my heart went with the newer show “Masters of Sex.” So, I’m taking credit.
• Supporting Actor, Drama: Aaron Paul in “Breaking Bad;” Jim Carter in “Downton Abbey;’ Peter Dinklage in “Game of Thrones;” Josh Charles in “The Good Wife;” Mandy Patinkin in “Homeland;” Jon Voight in “Ray Donovan.” We had a split vote in this category, also. I selected Josh Charles because he was written out of “The Good Wife” in dramatic fashion, so we will not have the opportunity to honor him for this role in the future. I also was influenced with footage of a very young Josh in “Dead Poet’s Society” standing on the desk for Robin Williams (RIP). [My husband voted for Aaron Paul in “Breaking Bad” for the same reason we selected Bryan Cranston and agreed on “Breaking Bad” for Best Drama.]

8/25: Taking a point for my husband’s prescience in selecting Aaron Paul in “Breaking Bad.” Reminding myself that it was the “smart” vote. Taking a point here.
• Supporting Actress, Drama: Anna Gunn in “Breaking Bad;” Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey;” Lena Headey in “Game of Thrones;” Christine Baranski in “The Good Wife;” Christina Hendricks in “Mad Men;” Joanne Froggatt in “Downtown Abbey.” My husband voted for Anna Gunn in “Breaking Bad” and has the distinction of winning the Traveling Trophy for Oscar predicting both of the last 2 years—just to alert you to his proficiency at this. I realize that the Oscars are not the Emmys or the Tonys, but I selected Christine Baranski because the necklaces she wears on the show deserve an award. Check them out some time. As a woman of a certain age, those clunky, chunky necklaces draw attention to her face, and I wonder where she gets them? May I also say that I’d rather have root canal than have to watch ALL of “Downton Abbey” again, which I did do. Loved the clothes. Period.

8/25: I have to give credit to my husband for his prescience, again, voting for Anna Gunn. We, as a team, will take the point. This is why he owns the Oscar Trophy. Smart voting!
• Comedy Series: “The Big Bang Theory;” “Louie;” “Modern Family;” “Orange Is the New Black;” “Silicon Valley;” “Veep.” First of all, “Silicon Valley” has no shot. All the buzz is with “Orange is the New Black.” We agreed that we both enjoy “Modern Family” enough to vote for it—again. I have to admit that I enjoy “Veep” a great deal and am watching an episode (streamed) right now. (The writing is great!) I also have no beef with either “The Big Bang Theory” or “Louie” but we agreed on “Modern Family.”

8/25: Nailed it.
• Actor in a Comedy: Jim Parsons in “The Big Bang Theory;” Ricky Gervais in “Derek;” Matt LeBlanc in “Episodes;” Don Cheadle in “House of Lies;” Louis C.K. in “Louie;” William H. Macy in “Shameless.” Jim Parsons is wonderful in “The Big Bang Theory,” so much so that I based a character on him in one of the volumes of “Ghostly Tales of Route 66,” but he has won. Ricky Gervais, Matt LeBlanc and Don Cheadle have virtually no shot. We love William H. Macy in “Shameless” (or anything else he does) and we agreed on this without any prior consultation.

8/25: Jim Parsons won. My husband and I voted with our hearts and not our heads for William H. Macy. No points.
• Actress in a Comedy: Lena Dunham in “Girls;” Edie Falco in “Nurse Jackie;” Julia Louis-Dreyfus in “Veep;” Melissa McCarthy in “Mike & Molly;” Amy Poehler in “Parks and Recreation;” Taylor Schilling in “Orange is the New Black.” We agreed on this without any consultation, although we both agreed that both “Orange is the New Black,” Melissa McCarthy and Lena Dunham have had a certain amount of buzz. Nevertheless, we pick Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is the beneficiary of wonderful writing.

8/25: Nailed it.
• Supporting Actor, Comedy: Andre Braugher in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine;”Adam Driver in “Girls;” Jesse Tyler Ferguson in “Modern Family;” Ty Burrell in “Modern Family;” Fred Armisen in “Portlandia;” Tony Hale in “Veep.” We agree on Ty Burrell. Yes, we (also) like Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and yes we like Tony Hale in “Veep,” but Ty Burrell is great in “Modern Family.” Fred Armisen in “Portlandia”? Please. And, while I’m on the subject, could Seth Meyer get a GOOD band, like The Roots. The band and theme song he has now is embarrassing.

8/25: Nailed it.
• Supporting Actress, Comedy: Mayim Bialik in “The Big Bang Theory;” Julie Bowen in “Modern Family;” Allison Janney in “Mom;” Kate Mulgrew in “Orange is the New Black;” Kate McKinnon in “Saturday Night Live;” Anna Chlumsky in “Veep.”

8/25: Did not figure Allison Janney in “Mom.” I don’t think we have ever seen “Mom.” I did enjoy Allison Janney on her guest spot in the James Brown bio-pic “Get On Up.”
• Miniseries: “American Horror Story: Coven;” “Bonnie & Clyde;” “Fargo;” “Luther;” “Treme;” “The White Queen.” This isn’t even a contest. “Fargo” is brilliant.

8/25: Nailed it.
• Movie: “Killing Kennedy;” “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight;” “Sherlock: His Last Vow;” “The Normal Heart;” “The Trip to Bountiful.” “The Normal Heart,” of course.

8/25: Nailed it.
• Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Chiwetel Ejiofor in “Dancing on the Edge;” Martin Freeman in “Fargo;” Billy Bob Thornton in “Fargo;” Idris Elba in “Luther.” No contest: Billy Bob Thornton. (with props to Martin Freeman in the same series.)

8/25: I’m taking a point here for my “props” to Martin Freeman-–although I will, perhaps, be told that it was really for “Sherlock”, not “Fargo.”
• Actress in a Miniseries or Movie: Jessica Lange in “American Horror Story: Coven;” Sarah Paulson in “American Horror Story: Coven;” Helena Bonham Carter in “Burton and Taylor;” Minnie Driver in “Return to Zero;” Kristen Wiig in “The Spoils of Babylon;” Cicely Tyson in “The Trip to Bountiful.”

8/25: Nailed it.
• Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Colin Hanks in “Fargo;” Jim Parsons in “The Normal Heart;” Joe Mantello in ‘The Normal Heart;” Alfred Molina in “The Normal Heart;” Matt Bomer in “The Normal Heart;” Martin Freeman in “Sherlock: His Last Vow.” It is entirely possible that Jim Parsons will win for this category, rather than “The Big Bang Theory,” but I’m voting for Hanks. I also like that I appear to be his Mom in the picture taken at the premiere of his film “The Great Buck Howard.” (I seem to have been the only one in the room who had ever seen Kreskin’s act AND had dinner with him, so he wanted to speak to me, as he had never met the man nor seen his act.)

8/25: Okay. THIS was the one where Martin Freeman triumphed. He is truly talented and, if you haven’t seen him in “Fargo,” check it out.
• Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Frances Conroy in ‘American Horror Story: Coven;” Kathy Bates in “American Horror Story: Coven;” Angela Bassett in “American Horror Story: Coven;” Allison Tolman in “Fargo;” Ellen Burstyn in “Flowers in the Attic;” Julia Roberts in “The Normal Heart.” We have a split decision here, with the other front-runner being Julia Roberts in “The Normal Heart.”

8/25: This one was a surprise: Kathy Bates in “American Horror Story: Coven.” Did not see that coming. No points. I voted for Allison Tolman because she had to show a range of emotion(s) in her groundbreaking debut and, also, because she isn’t model-pretty as most female leads on TV are. Looking forward to watching Allison next season on “Fargo.”
• Reality Competition Program: “The Amazing Race;” “So You Think You Can Dance;” “Dancing with the Stars;” “Top Chef;” “Project Runway;” “The Voice.” I’m sick of “The Amazing Race.” Adam Whatever Your Name was (3 name guy who writes and I almost said Adam Clayton Powell): this series blows most of the time. So there. “Dancing with the Stars” is so cheesy that I can’t even believe that a good friend watches it religiously. I actually can barely stand any reality TV, but, of these nominees, the least icky is “The Voice.”

8/25. No points. No score. Note my last line (“I can barely stand any reality TV”). I’m sick of “The Amazing Race” but I don’t really like watching any of these shows, so I don’t feel bad about our lack of perception in the category.
• Variety Series: “The Colbert Report;” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart;” “Jimmy Kimmel Live;” “Real Time with Bill Maher;” “Saturday Night Live;” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

8/25: Interesting that Jimmy Fallon, our (incorrect) choice went onstage and did the accepting for “The Colbert Report.” I like “The Colbert Report” a lot and it is going off the air after 9 seasons, so no harm, no foul.

I should mention that there were other categories mentioned on the awards show that did not show up on our ballot that was printed in “Entertainment Weekly.” Of those above, we got +12 right. There are 18 categories listed above (there were more on the actual program. That means we got 2/3 (or 66 and 2/3%) right in our first joint outing as predictors of television wins at the Emmys.

Dear Deer: Happy to Have You Here!

By Connie Wilson

On August 23, 2014

In Editorial, Local, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest

We live on a wooded lot in the Illinois Quad Cities, approximately one mile from the Mississippi River. Wildlife does exist on this border with Iowa, and, in our case, deer are sometimes seen strolling across the street that runs by our court street (Kennedy Drive) and I once saw a bear crash past our bedroom window and into the ravine. (Although no one believes me regarding that; I have been accused of dreaming that.)

I was not the one who saw the deer pictured here. I have to give full credit to my husband, who was home playing with his new IPhone “S.”

We had attended the “soft opening” of the brand new Sam’s Club at the foot of Kennedy Drive on August 19th, and husband Craig—who still had a flip phone from the eighties, I think—-would have been able to purchase an IPhone “C” for $27 IF they had had any. (They didn’t; I paid $500 for mine at the Verizon store at Avenue of the Cities.)

I think my spouse had the distinction of being the first-ever credit card sale at the telephone area (or so they claimed) and, given the amount of time it took for him to complete the deal, which cost roughly $100 (it is an IPhone “S”, newer than mine), I believe it. We strolled the aisles, bought food, outfits for the twin granddaughters and I even signed up for (yet another) credit card.

Fortunately for both of us, I had the foresight to buy a book on using your Iphone a long time ago—although I still haven’t gotten around to reading all of it. I did read enough of it to know how to put the fingerprint ID stuff in, and it has held my husband’s interest ever since, as he downloaded the flashlight app (I didn’t even have that one), etc.

At some point in the afternoon, while I was across the Mississippi River having my nails done in Iowa, these two deer decided to take a leisurely stroll through out backyard. Since Craig was there, with his new phone in hand, he decided to try to get some pictures and the ones you see here he took with his new IPhone “S.” At some point, he walked outside on the deck (you can see the back of a lawn chair in one photo). The deer were not phased at all. They merely looked at him with curiosity. He was afraid they might eat the hostas and other plants that bordered our deep ravine that goes down 1/2 mile. They did not.

I have seen deer in my mother-in-law’s back yard one street up at 3rd St. A (a house that is currently for sale, by the way) but I have never seen them quite so close to my own home previously. Mainly, I’ve seen them bolting across Kennedy Drive towards the neighbor’s gazebo,always in multiples.

So, without further ado, I hope this picture of the deer in our backyard entertains you. I hope you’re not one of the hunters who routinely trek out to Scott County Park to shoot them. I realize they can become pests, but, for me, today, I was just glad that the deer were here.

Review of “The Color of Evil” Series from Canadian Blogger (6/25/2014)

By Connie Wilson

On June 25, 2014

In Books, Editorial, Local, News, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Reviews

“Khaki=Killer” is on a virtual tour of several blogs and the first review is in, from Kristina Lenarczyk in Canada, the second stop on the tour (the total itinerary for which I will list at the bottom of this reprint of Kristina’s review of ALL THREE of the books in “The Color of Evil” series).

Without further ado, here are Kristina’s remarks on the series and on “Khaki=Killer:”

“I received these books as part of a blog tour, specifically of the third book, but that does not influence my opinion.

Something that I really enjoyed about the first book was that it got into all of the details for many characters. In the beginning there were chapters dedicated to each character, giving the reader different information on their past and ideas on their personality. It is such an easy novel to get into because it grabs your attention and keeps you interested.

The writing throughout this series is easy to read, and the chapters are short, so it is easy to fly through. This author did a fantastic job of getting you interested in each of the character’s lives, and you feel strong emotions towards all of them—both positive and negative.
Throughout the continuation of this series (“Red Is for Rage” and “Khaki=Killer”), it is evident that the writer finds her groove into the story, thus leading the reader to get even more involved.

I must inform you, however, that there is some darker, more adult content, including murder, sex (primarily only alluded to; not graphic), and child molestation, so be aware of this if that is not something you are fond of reading.

In my opinion, the third novel was the best of the three, because it wrapped everything up nicely, leaving few questions unanswered.

This is a series I would for readers around 17 or older because of the content, but it is an overall great series! You may find it odd that I am recommending such a strong series during the summer, but it is a good read because it is a quick one. Plus, guess what! Book #2 in the series (RED IS FOR RAGE) will be FREE on Kindle June 26th through June 30th. Make sure you pick it up!

Overall, I really enjoyed this series!”

(Kristina Lenarczyk, “Let’s Talk About Books!” blog (http://theprincessgummybearreviews.blogspot.ca/2014/06/the-colour-of-evil-series-review on 6/25/2014)

TOUR SCHEDULE:

Books & Quilts: June 23, 2014
Room with Books: June 24, 2014
Let’s Talk About Books: June 25, 2014 (*See above)
Cassandra M’s Place: June 26, 2014
The News in Books: June 30, 2014
Like A Bump On A Blog: July 1, 2014
BK Walker Books: July 7, 2014
Elizabeth McKenna: July 14, 2014
Giveaways & Glitter: July 18, 2014
Bound for Escape: July 21, 2014
The Wormhole: July 22, 2014
fuonlyKnew: July 23, 2014
Cheryl’s Book Nook: July 28, 2014
Paranormal Romance: July 29, 2014

Stacey Wilson: New Southwest Airline Stewardess, May 29, 2014

By Connie Wilson

On May 29, 2014

In Editorial, Education, travel

https:/

My daughter, Stacey Kristen Corcoran Wilson, age 26, a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville (who worked, briefly, for Taylor Swift’s 13M organization and traveled Australia for a year) just completed 5 weeks of training and graduated from Southwest Airlines—5 weeks of 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm. days. Apparently, Southwest invited around 1,000 wannabee stewardesses to come and train in Dallas their TOPS headquarters, putting the up at the downtown Sheraton. Only 700 of those are expected to make it through and (eventually) be hired.

Stewardesses are not paid during their time training, although they do get a lump sum payment of $1200 at the end of the 5 weeks’ of training, if they make it through. Unfortunately, not all do.

The RN who flunked First Aid. The 62-year-old divorced guy who made it all the way to the day their uniforms arrived (they have to buy their own uniforms) and then did not get 90% on a test and was sent home. The degreed older man who stormed out muttering during a test. Many were called, but few were chosen.

At the end, trainers with names like Margo, Ken, Becky, Alan, Alfonso, Renee stood by as host Andrea Bradford read off the names of 78 graduates of the 285th Southwest graduating class, turning them loose to fly for Southwest—thought to be the best domestic airline to work for. (Please excuse the preposition at the end there.)

Why is Southwest the “best.” I could go on about the “warrior spirit,” the “winning smile” or other things mentioned during the hour-long ceremony that began at 3:00 p.m., but the truth is they pay the best and have the most lenient policies in regards to letting relatives (i.e., Stacey’s father and me) fly free (“No Revenue,” it’s called) as well as many other very user-friendly employee policies that are as favorable as the fact that Southwest lets you take 2 bags without extra charges.

I now must learn to pack light, which will be a struggle, but I’m so excited for the daughter, who is off to see the world. I think back to her high school graduation, when I posted a picture of her wearing wings and a crown (and a darling ballerina outfit) and holding a wand and suggested that she now spread her wings and see the world.

And she has. As Andrea Bradford said, “Represent us well. Congratulations. Well done, and welcome aboard.”

Alex Preston Bites the Dust for Finals of “American Idol”

By Connie Wilson

On May 16, 2014

In Editorial, Music, Pop Culture, Television

Last night, while I was enjoying “Motown, the Musical” at the Oriental theater in downtown Chicago, Alex was eliminated from “American Idol” in one of the more anti-climactic developments in the competition. In fact, earlier in the day, I had tweeted that it looked like our new American Idol was Caleb Johnson, no matter what. It was simple logic that dictated that Alex would get the boot this night. It would be so much “neater” and “easier” if the two were most comfortable onstage (Caleb and Jena) got the nod.

Which they did. The “Finals” will be Caleb (who had injured his vocal cords when he appeared on the show on Wednesday) and Jena (who should really just give up and spell her name “Gina” if she wants everyone to pronounce it that way).

Caleb has been consistently the Powerhouse and, with the routine exception that Harry Connick, Jr., wanted him to sing fewer shout-out-loud numbers and more ballad-like beautiful songs, he always had the best production values: things exploded, microphone stands were trashed; fire—all the usual histrionics onstage. Gena had one good night with glow-in-the-dark sticks and, at only 17, she definitely has a bright career ahead of her.

On the other hand, what was the name of the girl who finished second to Philip Phillips? You don’t remember: Join the club.

I do think Jena (say it “Gina”) will go on to greater glory because she is so comfortable onstage AND has a good voice AND can play piano while singing (no small feat.) The voting found her in the bottom 3 one night during the competition, however, so that bodes ill for her winning it all.

We both went off to watch the fantastic Broadway hit (me for the second time) secure in the knowledge that it would be Jena and Caleb, with Caleb winning. And we were right.

Jason Bateman’s “Bad Words:” “The End Justifies the Mean”

By Connie Wilson

On March 25, 2014

In Editorial, Humor and Weird Wilson-isms, Movies, Pop Culture, Reviews

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc-x6tXjUcQ

Jason Bateman is a veteran character actor, familiar to audiences for his work on television’s “Arrested Development,” playing Michael Bluth, straight man to a cast of eccentrics. Bateman attributes much of his success to how he approached that role, saying, “It was a show the industry watched, as opposed to America. The people who hand out jobs watched it.”

And Bateman has been handed a lot of jobs since “Arrested Development.”

To be accurate, young Jason was acting long before that, starting at the age of 12 in 1981 with a recurring role on “Little House on the Prairie,” as well as with roles as varied as some on “Silver Spoons,” “Knight Rider” and “The Hogan Family.”

It was the latter series that gave him his first directorial experience at the age of 18, making him the youngest director in Directors’ Guild history and, also, allowing him to follow in his father’s footsteps. (His father was a director, actor and writer.) Jason’s older sister, Justine, was a regular on the Michael J. Fox sit-com “Family Ties” and he has been married (since 2001) to one of Paul Anka’s daughters, Amanda, (with whom he has two daughters). She plays the role of the National Public Television narrator in the film.

In “Bad Words,” Jason has the opportunity to return to directing. His work is informed by such dead-pan black comedies as “Being John Malkovich” and “King of Comedy.” Bateman told Michael Phillips of the Chicago “Tribune,” “The comedy I’m most drawn to is a little tougher to market. Even though I’ve been involved with some high concept studio fare (think “Juno,” “Identity Thief,” and “Horrible Bosses”), I’m drawn to something a little more tamped down. A film like ‘Being John Malkovich,’ there’s no pie in the face. We used that one as a tonal example—a tonal and aesthetic example…I knew that because we weren’t spending a lot of money we wouldn’t be asked to wink a lot or to rewrite the script so there’d be some big set pieces they could cut a trailer with. I didn’t want them thinking we’d even have a shot at recouping on the first weekend, because the movie looked glossy or super-commercial.” So, right away, the theater-goer should realize that they’re in for a quirky sort of comedic turn, like Billy Bob Thornton’s “Bad Santa.”

The super-funny “Bad Words” features Bateman as a 40-year-old malcontent who never graduated from 8th grade and has spent the past 40 years “making bad decisions” and proofreading warranties for a living. A lot of his problems stem from childhood issues originating with his father. He has now found a loophole for entry into The Golden Quill Spelling Bee that will allow him to annoy the hell out of Grand Poo Bah Dr. Bowman (Philip Baker Hall) and the woman in charge, aka, the Queen Bee, Dr. Bernice Deagan, played by Allison Janney. [Janney is a well-known face from her work on “The West Wing” and is pitch-perfect in her role of someone just a little bit too fond of rules and regulations. Barbara Bush would say she is a “rhymes with witch” but Bateman/Dodge would just come right out and say she is a colossal bitch].

Bateman’s character is the same glib trash-talking character Vince Vaughan and Billy Bob Thornton have played in countless comedies. He is truly representative of someone who just doesn’t care what other people think or say about him. He is going to have HIS say whether they like it or not.

That, in fact, might well be an accurate one-line summation of the entire plot of “Bad Words.” And many audience members will find that kind of independence and courage liberating.

Sure, there are reasons (revealed as the plot develops) why Bateman’s character Guy Trilby behaves the way he does. A follow-up article in the March 24th Tribune by Steven Zeitchik attributed all the potty-mouthed misbehavior (as well as that of predecessors like Archie Bunker and Jonah Hill) to our current climate of political correctness, where any little joke can spell doom if offense is taken by any group of any kind. It doesn’t matter whether the joke is at the expense of an ethnic group, midgets, or an inanimate object: SOMEONE is bound to take offense. Therefore, characters in films by Judd Apatow, Todd Phillips, the Farrelly brothers, Adam Sandler and others—(all the way back to W.C. Fields)—-say what they’re thinking, which so many of us no longer have the freedom to do, and that is considered subversive in today’s society. Some find it offensive. Some find it liberating and secretly are muttering, “You go, Guy.” (Pun intended)

“Bad Words” was directed by Bateman from a script by a first-timer, Andrew Dodge. Dodge told Zeitchik, “I think comedies have gotten a little vanilla. We’re so afraid of offending, so it’s a reaction to that.” He added, “That makes independent filmmakers more willing to be bold.” The spec script for “Bad Words” kicked around Hollywood for years. A studio executive said to Dodge, “This is funny, but could Guy start helping the kids in the third act?”

Dodge’s response? It’s superhard to make a character likeable enough that you still want to watch him, but hateful enough that it’s still funny.”

Steven Zeitchik postulates that the film is a “Rambo”-like rise of a new type of Superhero: the male hero jerk</strong>. I’m not as convinced that there’s anything “new” to a comic jerk in the tradition of W.C. Fields. I laughed at the clever, smarmy way Bateman pulled off eliminating the other competitors, one by one—even though his methods were underhanded and less-than-honorable. He displayed the kind of psychological warfare that allowed one team to dominate this year’s Super Bowl or allowed Muhammad Ali to defeat the likes of Sonny Liston, 50 years ago. It was strictly, “All’s fair in love and war.”

Still, when Bateman is calling his Indian opponent Chaitanya Chopra (Rohan Chand) “Slumdog” and throwing lines at that adorable Indian boy that sound racist, it can be offputting. In telling the boy not to call a soft drink “soda pop” Guy says, “I’d just say soda. Otherwise, you’re just gonna’ get raped.” You do get the feeling that his young charge really enjoys the adult male attention and that, alone, may be enough of a reason to excuse some of Guy’s bad influence. At least he IS an influence in the lonely young scholar’s life, unlike the rigid father figure who is glimpsed coaching his kid in their own secret strategy to get rid of the competition.

When Guy is placed in a room that is actually the storage closet of the hotel, [a futile attempt to discourage him from competing] and co-star Kathryn Hahn (who plays Jenny Widgeon), the reporter who is his accomplice helping him gain access to the Golden Quill Spell-Off and with whom he occasionally gets it on (while she, all the while, screams, “Don’t look at me!”) asks about her missing underpants, Guy tells her he hasn’t seen them, noting, “I probably would have seen them. I have no sink, no closet and no bathroom.” Guy dubs his miniature admirer “a little Quaker” and, after encouraging him to let loose with some dirty words asks, “And did your soul just burst into flames?”

In other words, Guy is a horrible role model for young children, but his smirky Vince Vaughn-like delivery is hilarious to a slightly jaded and cynical older audience. This is NOT Family Friendly Fare, but the adults should give themselves a chance to feel a little naughty as they watch Guy and his young charge misbehave. Is this a good way to go through life? Probably not. On the other hand, there IS a compelling reason that Guy is the way he is, and you just know that, sooner or later, that will come into play to explain all the previous shenanigans. And maybe some of the more frequent movie-goers will find it a little bit too transparent early on. (“The Sixth Sense” this isn’t.)

The movie definitely is filled with blue language. There are many situations that any self-respecting parent will decry as setting a bad example, just as the employees of “Office Space” were not candidates for Employee of the Year but were funny as hell. For this viewer, the movie was a hoot. It was made even funnier at the Icon on Roosevelt in Chicago by a man a few rows behind me to my left whose loud laughter sounded exactly like explosive farting.

There was a lot of it from my fellow theater-goer on opening night, and even writing that line now makes me smile.

So, if you are not easily offended and enjoy making fun of stuffy, pompous events like The Golden Quill (and, Lord knows, I certainly qualify after my last post), you will find this movie hilariously entertaining. I’d put it in a comic indie category with the film “Cedar Rapids,” which featured Ed Helms and John C. Reilly and was similarly entertaining.