New Information On Diva!


I am not adding any new posts to this account at this time. Instead, I invite you to check out my two new blogs and a new website for my side business, Diva Designs. I would love to hear from you! Go to:

Blogs:

http://www.lyricgurl66@wordpress.com/ - dedicated to all things Diva

http://www.thudson66@wordpress.com/ - dedicated to Journey to River Bend's Edge

Website:

www.freewebs.com/divadesignsart

Thanks for stopping by and have a great summer!

Saving Grace


Last night on TNT, the new series "Saving Grace" made it's debut after much hype over the past view weeks. Snippets of LeAnn Rimes singing "Amazing Grace" have played at almost every commercial break. The hype was well worth the hour of my time to watch Holly Hunter, as Grace Hanadarko, a cop living and working in Oklahoma City.

I've long been a fan of Ms. Hunter's; she's feisty and she's fearless. She exudes an intensity that is compelling and engaging with each role she plays. I suspect "SG" is one of my new favorite shows to give up precious time to watch.

I don't usually give reviews based on movies or TV and this blog is certainly not meant to fall into that category either. What struck me as poignant about this show is that it deals with a woman, living her life - sometimes well, most of the time not - who has begun to lose faith. In the storyline, it's shown that she grew up in a Catholic family and has a brother that is a priest. In this first episode, she makes it abundantly clear that she does not believe in God, but in actuality, she really does. She's just lost faith and she's gotten angry at God for allowing some events to have played out in her life. One of which, was the death of her sister in the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City.

A less than "pure" angel named Earl shows up to begin the process of helping Grace find her faith. He speaks and looks like a southern redneck that found Harley's late in life. The whole time he is talking to Grace, he is spitting tobacco juice into an empty soda bottle. NOT your typical image of an angel, by any means. I've always said, God meets you on the level that is most comfortable to you. Earl is the perfect "kind" of angel to wrangle with Grace. Tough as nails and gritty.

Lately I've been discussing the loss of direction with several people very close to me. Watching the show last night brought me to an epiphany. While I feel without direction and consistently held in some sort of emotional limbo over the past year, I really already know what it is in life I am gifted for. Just because life hasn't worked it out in a form that makes that calling visible on a daily basis doesn't mean it's any less my calling.

What no one bothers to explain to you is that having faith is living without evidence of anything about 99% of the time. It's not a feeling; it's not a sign that falls magically from the sky that reads, "turn right at next street"; it's more about knowing that street is exactly where you should be and going down it without any sign. As in all things, if we go too far, we usually get a 'stop' sign of some sort. In other words, proceed with caution until you come to a stop.

Since early childhood, I have had a love and gift of words. I may not have the fancy college degree in English or know everything there is to know about grammar and punctuation, I do know I have the gift to move people with my words. For the last ten years, I've been pursuing songwriting. As my beloved partner recently said to me, I'm not really a lyricist, I'm a poet. At first I was a bit put off by his assessment but in retrospect, I think I have to agree with him. First and foremost, I AM a poet. I've been worrying that I'm not that good of a songwriter. Hopefully someone, somewhere will want to use some of the songs we've written. If they don't, does that mean I'm still not a poet? Should I stop trying? Should I feel sorry for myself? Should I blame God?

Instead of spending much of my energy worrying about my lack of direction (ie. the sign to fall from the sky), I think I am going to do what I know to do, which is write. If some of them can be used in a song, great. If they can't, then I'll find some other use for them. Maybe my friends will be the only people to ever read them. Maybe they will lie in a journal somewhere until someone at my death discovers them and decides to publish them.

My gift is words and my direction is to write - it is my saving grace.

Thugs R Us


In my last few posts I've been lamenting my angst on life's injustices. I hate to tell you, but the saga continues. Today's rant is regarding the wide world of sports. I open up my Yahoo News, just like I do everyday and one of the top stories is regarding another fallen athlete who is in trouble with the law. Amazingly enough, it's NOT Adam "Pacman" Jones - shocker, I know - but this time it's Atlanta Falcon's Michael Vick. He has been indicted by the feds after a three month investigation of his proposed involvement of DOG FIGHTING!!!! Everyone is all up in the air about what NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell will do.

Mr. Goodell is playing it cautiously saying that it has not been proven yet that Vick is guilty of the crime he is charged but I say boot his sorry ass. I don't think suspensions should even be granted. Whether I agree or not, it IS a privilege to play in professional sports. The salaries these guys get are outrageous given they are playing a game - it's not brain surgery. Yes, I know, I know, pipe down. Many are very gifted and NO I couldn't do what they do if I tried. That's not the point. The point is that they have been given an opportunity to be in the publics eye, doing what they love for a living and being very well paid for it. If you are stupid enough to repeatedly involve yourself in illegal and questionable activity, then I think your privileges should end.

Pacman Jones has been questioned TEN times since he joined the Titans club. TEN. Granted, we all make mistakes. (The writer of this blog does not deny her many mistakes in life.) Okay, so you're hanging around the wrong people because the success and plethora of money is overwhelming and you get into a bit of trouble. For most people, once is all it takes to wake them up for fear of losing their job, their celebrity and free-flowing income. But TEN times??? Sorry, his butt needs to be shucked like last year's corn crop.

Now we come to Mr. Vick. Dog fighting? Murderer. Evil. How can anyone harm children and animals? Something is missing, like a soul maybe. He claims he had no knowledge that his family and friends were doing this at his house but witnesses say he was there often. There are dog pens in the back of your house and an area where the fightings were to have been held. C'mon! How stupid do you think we are?? You didn't know?? Sorry. Wrong answer.

Not wanting to sound like I'm picking on Mr. Jones and Mr. Vick exclusively; there have been several others with similar troubles, such as Chris Henry of the Cincinnati Bengals, and former Chicago Bears defensive tackle, Tank Johnson just to name a few. Another question is to ask why it seems most of these "troubled" athletes are in the NFL? Hmm....interesting.

I'm curious to see what Commissioner Goodell will do. Will he suspend Vick even if he's not found guilty? Naturally the Titans club is watching to see that their man is not treated unfairly over others in similar circumstance.

I'm sorry. I don't care how great you can play a game. If you are a thug at heart, no amount of money or prestige is going to turn you around simply because they all act like they are above the normal rules and regulations that fall to everyone else.

Shuck 'em I say! Shuck 'em!!

Stinko, Snobo & Sicko


Lately I have found myself pondering over the injustices of life, of which there are many. Nightly I watch in amazement at the information of the day's or week's events in our world in the political and social arenas. The best way for me to express what I'm thinking and feeling is by writing it all down.

There is not anyone that I know who doesn't think Bush has done a crap job over the past few years. The frustration is felt throughout all political parties. The Democrats are determined to be heard - "we told you so!" - while the Republicans are sinking further and further into their plush, leather chairs out of embarassment - "it wasn't us, it was him!" Bush's continued insistence that our troops need to remain in Iraq while more young men and women die on a daily basis has reached an intolerable rant. Now it would seem that instead of actually being a leader, he's out on the White House lawn dancing in the rose garden while our Vice President is actually calling the shots and the Homeland Security director has a "gut feeling" more terrorism is at hand. It's my opinion the biggest act of terrorism has been committed by the present administration. They have held our armed forces as hostages and instigated vicious acts against the American people of this wonderful country that entrust them to be honest, make the best decisions for our country and to make sure that the freedoms and rights our country were founded on, stay intact. Shame on them for committing the biggest act of terror of all. STINKO

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I am blessed with many friends. Throughout each phase of my life, I have had wonderful friends that I can rely on, cry with, laugh with. I'm fortunate that several have remained throughout all phases of my life, while others come and go in my social circle. Being a friend is easy. Being a good friend is a little harder. A friend is someone who you enjoy spending time with but maybe not someone you'd call in an emergency. A good friend will drop everything and come immediately regardless of what the crisis; one that accepts the ways and opinions of their friends, even when they disagree.

This week during a weekly lunch outing with a group of my good friends, we began discussing the most recent administrations blunder and the upcoming 2008 election. One thing led to another and somehow the topic of citizenship came up. Given all the angst surrounding border controls, we all had an opinion. One such opinion was that it would be OK if citizenship was only granted to those actually born in the U.S. It would seem that many countries do not grant citizenship to anyone from another country. While I understood where the statement was coming from, the more I thought about that idea, the more it bothered me.

One of the first things I learned in American History was that America is the "melting pot". Remember Schoolhouse Rock? They had a jingle about it. The visual of people from all over the world jumping into the huge pot and stirred together to become one has always stuck with me. It was the whole purpose of our ancestors coming to this country. We're ALL from another country, except our Native American friends. We basically came over, moved in and took control. So to hear anyone say we should shut our borders and deny citizenship has forgotten a lot of facts regarding American history. Do we need a better immigration system? Yes, I will not argue that point but close our borders and deny citizenship? That would make America the ultimate, arrogant, self-serving country other countries believe we have become. SNOBO.

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As most reading this blog will know, I am the proud parent of a feline named Hank. Hank came to live with me in 1997 not many months after the death of my Sophie kitty. He has been, from the very beginning, the most loving cat and always wants to be near me or lying on me. Many people tend to dislike cats because they think they are too aloof. While I've seen cats with this kind of temperment, Hank does not fall into that category. One afternoon with him and I know you'd agree.

This week has been a traumatic one for Hank and me. He was not feeling well so I made the trip to the Vet's office only to be told that he is diabetic. My ex was a diabetic and it never occurred to me that some of Hanks symptoms were mirrored in what I had already dealt with previously.

The good news is that he has suffered no liver or kidney damage and for all practical purposes, other than the diabetes itself, is in good shape. The prescribed course of action for now is 2 shots of insulin a day; one in the morning and one at night. I thought I would be more freaked out at having to give my cat a shot, but I guess my maternal instincts kicked in and instead I don't look at it as something negative but something positive that will help (hopefully) keep Hank with me for as long as possible.

The biggest shock of the whole situation came when I was told that the vial of insulin, about the size of my little pinky was going to cost $80! Since Hank is my pet and not my child, naturally this is not covered under my health plan.

Ah...managed healthcare. Seems like a good idea right? You have a group of doctors, in any given field, you choose from and instead of paying for a full doctor's visit, you pay a small co-pay. Included with your healthcare plan, with most plans, you have a prescription card that allows you to also pay a co-pay; usually one price for the name brand and a smaller amount for generics. Again, sounds okay, right?

For most, it IS okay. Meaning if you suffer from a sinus infection or a cold, the managed healthcare route works great. If you have something a little more serious or chronic? Well I'm not so sure that still applies. What happens if you have an illness that isn't readily detected with initial exams? Many times doctors have to fight the insurance companies or lie to get additional tests covered. The majority of the American people can not afford to pay "out-of-pocket" for additional procedures. If you are hospitalized, the insurance companies even dictate how long you should be in the hospital for said illness. After that time is up, doctor's are forced to fight the insurance company or release you. Sadly, many people get released far too early because the doctor's are so overworked and beaten down to even put up a fight.

And let's talk about medications. The rocketing prices are outrageous, most especially if your doctor prescribes a "new" drug. The elderly, who require the largest quantity of drugs, live on fixed incomes and whatever medicare will not pay for, they are left to decide if they purchase their medicine or food. Many are not fortunate enough to have children that can step in and help provide supplemental insurance for OR pay for it out of their own pockets. I personally pay for my own Mom's supplemental insurance for that very reason. Thankfully, she is in fairly good health for someone almost 80 years old, but she is on medications to help with the degenerative arthritis she suffers from. One of those drugs without insurance coverage would be $155 a month. Who can afford that? Certainly not a retired senior citizen living on their pension and social security.

My sister, a nurse, has said many times over the past years that our lovely government has managed "care" right out of healthcare. This is a sad state of affairs. Most people do not realize that the United States is one of the only nations that has people going bankrupt due to unpaid medical expenses. Some would argue the case of thousands dying from AIDS in Africa and other third-world countries but I attest that if our government would spend as much money for healthcare that many private individuals are spending on helping these other countries, maybe we would not have to choose whether we pay our light bills or pay for medication that will help keep us alive.

Then there's the argument over holistic lifestyles that will help you avoid having to take medications at all. This is a good theory also but not practical for most people. It costs even MORE to purchase organic foods and vitamins. What about the heart patient? The diabetic? The cancer patient? Sometimes you don't have any other option but to take the medications prescribed you, if you want to continue living. Being a cancer survivor myself, the alternative is not that appealing, so I took the chemo. 25 years later I'm still here to write this blog and share my concerns and opinions. Had a different option been available to me, maybe I would have felt differently. But that's just it, many people do not have any other option open to them.

No one anywhere should be denied access to doctors and medications at an affordable price that will sustain their lives. America, being the "land of plenty" should be the example, not the problem. Write your state representative and congressman; VOTE!; make yourself heard. Until our elected officials have been told by US how we feel about the healthcare system in America and what we EXPECT, nothing is going to change. SICKO.

Would You Be a Martyr?

There are many things in life we have no control over. Even though none of us are given an instruction guide upon birth that will lead us through our time on Earth, before long, we learn by our circumstance, environment or condition that some things are not controllable by human hands or actions. We quickly learn to accept this fact and move on to deal with the things we can control. Things like what lip stick to wear with what outfit, which hair style best accentuates our face, what episode of "Sex and The City" should we revisit yet again in our series library - you know, the really important stuff!

However, there comes a time when we must put our foot down and say, "enough!" I find myself in this frame of mind today. I've always had a heart for the underdog, scuttling along on his belly in his daily plight to make the world a better place. Some have even dared to call me naive and even "a push-over" for a good sob story.

Yes, I admit there have been many times I was "taken-in" by the story of some who were really more intent on advancing their own personal cause rather than their fellow-man, but I'm proud to say those have been few and far between.

Today I read about a true underdog. A man who has lived his life trying to help others and provide a little friendship. That man is Bernie Ellis. There is a full-cover story spread in the "Nashville Scene" documenting his life and his current situation. I read the story because it sounded intriguing and the more I read, the angrier and more intrigued I became.

Bernie is a 57 year-old guy who has spent most of his adult life as a drug abuse researcher. He put himself through Vanderbilt and University of California, Berkeley. He has helped many addicts get into AA or rehab and educated people on the perils of drug abuse. Sounds like a highly intelligent, educated guy, right? So what's his angst, you ask? Bernie suffers from physical pain in his spine and hips due to a degenerative disease and has for years, grown cannabis for medicinal purposes (i.e. marijuana). Not a lot of marijuana, mind you, but a couple dozen plants on his 187 acre farm outside of Nashville, near Natchez Trace. Over the years, Bernie has shared his pot with others who suffer from AIDS, cancer, degenerative diseases, chronic pain sufferers, etc. He has never received money for any he has ever given away and in fact, worked on the counsel with the Governor of New Mexico to legalize medical cannabis. Many of the people he has helped over the years are rising up to support Bernie now. Some in fact, say they probably would not be around if it hadn't been for Bernie's help during their illnesses.

Bernie's nightmare begin with a raid from the Fed's in 2002, who swarmed his farm to uncover "his operation". All they found were a couple dozen plants that estimated at a street value of $7,000. Not a lot of money in today's drug wars and zero money for someone who was not growing it for sale but for personal use.

Until they wake up and pass the law to make marijuana legal in the State of TN, if you are caught growing enough of the offensive herb, you are charged with a felony. Thus was the outcome for Bernie. Due to the overwhelming outpouring of witnesses on HIS behalf, his clean record, his willingness to cooperate, he was mandated to spend 18 months in a half-way house. On May 10th, Bernie will have completed that 18 months and will be free to return to his farm. OH WAIT! That is if his still HAS a farm. Our federal government is trying to take Bernie's home and land as payment for his drug "debt". Considering the herb in his possession would have only brought about $7,000 (their figure, not mine) and his 187 acre farm near Natchez Trace has been appraised for around $1 million....hmm....let's do the math......just doesn't compute in my book. Seems there is the smell of something other than cannabis in the air.

Here's the rub......what bothers me is that the DEA spent tax payers money on investigating a man that even to their own admission, they could not find ONE single shred of evidence that he had ever committed any crimes, and who every person they spoke to only had great things to say about. Other than the actual growing of marijuana, it appears Bernie has done nothing but try to help and comfort his fellow-man his whole life. I find it ironic that a few pages over in the Nashville Scene this week, is an article on a support group for people who have had loved ones murdered and their killers remain free. Granted DEA is not homicide, but they all work for the same boss. Somehow we have to admit that our priorities have gotten extremely confused. I won't even go into all the issues our state is having with Meth uses and the lives that are/have been destroyed by the stuff.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not condoning doing something illegal. Growing marijuana in TN is illegal. Bernie plead guilty and is serving out his time at the half-way house. Why can't they leave well enough alone? Now they want to take his home?

The whole thing just seems to "stink" of much more than what appears. I dare say that if some were suffering from chronic pain or nausea from chemotherapy, they would have a different opinion on this subject. Being a cancer survivor myself, I can understand a body gets to the point you can't take anymore. I never smoked pot during my cancer illness but I have been around others that have. Knowing they were eased for a little while was a comfort to me.

Since the article in the Scene, along with publicity in The Tennessean and News Channel 5, the state has restricted Bernie's time outside of the "house" to 3 hours a week. This means he can not go to his job and earn the meager paycheck that was going towards paying the state's bill. On his website, he had a log of personal diary entries that friends and families could read and learn about what was happening with him. Those have been taken off his site - I suspect because the Feds caught wind of his site and realized they were being painted in a less than pleasing picture. That's too bad because reading his journals made me realize what a gentle spirit he has while at the time being a true renegade for mankind. Luckily I had the forethought to print those journal entries out. Each night before bed, I read one and am reminded to be thankful I lay my head down on a pillow in my own bed and home and no one can tell me what to do, other than maybe my cat.

Sometimes life just isn't fair and there is nothing you can do to change it, or can you? Just ask Bernie Ellis. To learn more about Bernie, go to www.saveberniesfarm.com. Click on the links provided and learn more about the man. Does it pay to be a martyr for something you believe in? I'd sure like to ask Bernie.

Spud Power


While traveling home from a music outing recently, my companion and I realized we were hungry. If you've ever gone out to some type of live venue on a weekend night, and traveled home in the wee hours of the morning, this is not an unusual occurrence.

We decide to pull up to one of the late-nite eateries for a quick drive-thru experience. We placed our orders, moved forward, paid, moved forward to the pick up window to receive our tasty treats. We end up waiting about 5 minutes because our fries are in the fryer. YUM - nothing like hot fries when you're hungry at 1 a.m.

At this point in the story, I must further explain that this past week was our first foray into experiencing real winter weather; snow on the ground, temps hovering just above single digits, school closings, road reports and tie-ups. Saturday night was in keeping with the weeks forecast, so the need of coats, scarves, hats and gloves were a necessity instead of a fashion statement.

So what's the big blog about, you ask? Here's the marshmallow in the mug of cocoa.......Whitey Ford does not have heat. If you've known me for any length of time, you have to know that I LOVE Whitey. He has been a good, solid ride over these past ten years. We have traveled the highway and byways singing and sharing at the top of our lungs. Hundreds of hours spent in sweet camaraderie. Only recently, during a tremendously emotional time has Whitey been down and out.

Being the sporty sedan he is, his leather seats have always provided a delightful cushion for my tushion. Sadly now, they are extremely sensitive to the current temp which translates to "if it's 90 degrees outside, it's 109 inside; or if it's 20 degrees outside, it's 10 degrees inside". Saturday night it was 10 degrees inside.

After receiving our bag of freshly fried fare, we pull away and start the short drive home. Quickly I notice the windows are starting to fog and my gloved hands that clutch the top of the bag are beginning to actually feel warm. How sad is it that your ride is so cold that a bag of French fries provides enough heat to steam the windows of the entire vehicle?

This got me to pondering over all things spud related. They truly are amazing if you stop and think about it. They are grown underground and considered a root vegetable. Versatile in their make-up you can mash, smash, boil, bake, grill, shred, puree, saute and of course, fry them. There are many varieties to choose from and each variety has a specialty. For instance, if you want to make good potato salad, you use red potatoes because they hold their firmness better and are sweeter to the taste. If you want mashed potatoes you use the Yukon Gold variety because they cream easier and have a meatier consistency. I could go on but I'll leave that blog for Paula and her two boys.

I began to ponder on other creative ways that spuds can enhance your life. Listed below are my top ten:

1. Decongestant - next time you have a cold, take two shoestring fries, freshly fried and salted and hold close to your nostrils. Breath deeply. If the heat doesn't help to open your nasal cavities, perhaps the salt you've snorted will sting the sensitive lining of your nose that produces tears that can help loosen phylum.

2. Defensive Safety Device - choose a mid-size Idaho baker and insert a jumbo sized paper clip, uncoiled in the top of the potato. Carry this in the bottom of your purse or gym bag. If you ever feel your safety is in jeopardy, scream "I've got a grenade and I'm not afraid to use it." Watch those criminals scam quickly!

3. Laser Hair Removal - take two freshly fried steak fries and place over any unwanted facial hair. Once you recover from those 2nd degree burns, that unsightly and unwanted hair will be gone!

4. Facial Mask - cream Yukon Gold's until smooth and all lumps are gone. Make sure you use plenty of milk and butter. Apply generously over your face. Wait 30 minutes and rinse. Your pores may not be unclogged but you'll have a sudden craving for gravy.

5. Breast Enhancers - for you gals looking for a little "extra lift" choose two plump red potatoes and insert into your favorite push-up bra. Viola!

6. Foot Massager - choose two long and large bakers. Cut length-wise down each one leaving a flat surface. Take an ice pick and poke two holes side by side on both the tops and bottoms. Thread shoe laces through the holes. Place the spuds under each foot and tie securely with shoe laces. Not only will this provide cushion for those bunions and corns but will also save you time and money shoe shopping.

7. Organic jewelry - Using different varieties of spuds, cut into any shape and string with fishing line to make necklaces and bracelets. Earth friendly AND stylish!

8. Remember Pet Rocks? Why not a Pet Spud?? Choose your favorite and watch it sprout and shrivel!

9. Coffee stir - why not? We use cinnamon sticks, straws, spoons, peppermint, licorice - why not take a long crinkle fry and give it a whirl? Great for the caffeine and starch addicts!

10. Ear Wax Removal System - fry shoestring fries for 2 minutes, drain on a paper towel. Once all moisture has been removed, take the still warm fry and insert gently into the ear canal. Rotate until you hear a sizzling sound. This will be the wax in your ear frying away from your inner ear.

There you have it! Spuds, they ain't just for eatin' anymore!

Disclaimer: Children should not attempt these at home without a parent present.

Channeling Patsy Cline


It never fails! I do not care how exhausted I am, I will inevitably wake up around 3 a.m. each night. Sometimes I'm thirsty; sometimes I need to go to the potty and sometimes, like Tuesday night there is no apparent reason other than "Surprise By Design" is on Discovery Home Network and maybe in my sleep I heard the sweet sounds of Robert Verdi joking with Rebecca Cole, so therefore, I needed to wake up and watch it.

At any rate, there I was, snug in my bed with Hank Kitty by my side and bong eyes wide open. I look at the TV - yep...3 a.m. So I think, just lie still and hopefully drop back off to sleep. NOPE.

As I am prone to do...a tune begins percolating in my head. Why I believe it's "Crazy" by Patsy. Yep, you guessed it. I broke into full rendition, right there with Hank being the rapt audience as he has no other choice to be.....and I have to add.....I think it was probably one of the best renditions of her I've done yet.

Perhaps it was because the Peoples Choice Awards aired that evening on CBS. I only got the later half of the show and I highly suspect that I didn't miss anything in the first half that would have made any difference.

Being one of thousands of songwriters living in the metropolitan Nashville area, these shows discourage me greatly. Granted, the PCA's are not primarily music but some of the winners in the music category just boggle the mind. I don't get it. Perhaps the most discouraging of all is the fact that it really doesn't matter how talented you are vocally or instrumentally OR how great a songwriter. In fact, it really doesn't matter how BAD vocally, instrumentally or inept you area as a writer either. If one person with any clout or money happens to agree with you, you are allowed entry into the inner sanctum of celebrity.

Granted, it's not all about becoming a celebrity - well at least not for me - but more of being able to make a decent living doing what I feel I am most gifted to do and hopefully change the world in some small way.

Just to prove my point, I've made a list of ten songs that should have never made it but did:

1. Cracklin' Rosie - everyone's favorite made popular by Neil Diamond.
2. Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini - I don't know & I don't care!
3. Disco Duck - this needs NO explanation.
4. She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy - pipe down you TN hillbillies
5. Ice-Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice (I guess that's the name of it)....can we say JOKE?
6. Anything by Weird Al Yankovic - nuff said!
7. Fidelity - Regina Spektor - my sources say she is on VH1 right now....heard it...she needs to stay home!!
8. Puppy Love - by Donny Osmond - gag me!!!
9. Beauty School Dropout - Franki Valli - okay LOVE the movie but do your own hair at home son!
10. Tall Paul - one of the one-hit wonders from the 50's....my source says it sucks big time! All I can think of that brand of cigarettes....Pall Mall? something like that. Anyway, it ain't good.

See my point? For those of you who google and aren't familiar with any of these....go take a listen....trust me....you'll agree. I'm sure there are hundreds more that need to be added to this list but given the space and time....ten is all you're getting.

As for me....until that ONE person comes along who has the keys to the celebrity door or at least the broom closet, I'll just keep writing and singing and channeling Patsy at 3 a.m. There are worse I could be channeling.