Andy C

My Comments (433 so far…)

Will the Bush/Cheney presidential ticket be the last all-white-men ticket?

no, of course not.

What do you think of The New York Times's decision to withhold information regarding reporter David Rohde's kidnapping?

Good to know that they can exercise some caution though it be for one of their own.

How do you cool off in the heat of summer?

Let’s see…..hmmmmmm…….I whine about it a lot.

What thoughts do you have about Ruth Madoff as we near her husband's sentencing?

Your answer is my answer — absolutely — or perhaps not together but each with their own "Bubba".

You are walking in the woods and a UFO lands near you. Nonthreatening aliens offer you a ride. How do you react?

I wish that I was the type of brave person who would welcome the adventure; who would view this as such a great opportunity to learn about those different than I; a chance to answer that question: "is there life on…..?"…..but, no, I am such a wuss…….a sad, sad admission, but there it is.

Dear Mr. President …

Now there’s a King — thank you :)

Dear Mr. President …

Pres. Obama — little less talk/photo ops and a little more action. So far we’re not impressed.

As well, who is Mr. Wow?

Sexy Gray-Haired Men From Politics, Business and Hollywood (Photos)

And here I thought it was just me that was missing the George Clooney gene :)

Sexy Gray-Haired Men From Politics, Business and Hollywood (Photos)

Anderson Cooper just does it for me — that great combination of a sense of humor, intelligence, looks aren’t bad either :) and that little self-deprecating manner upon occasion…….got it all.

Should tobacco advertisements in magazines be banned?

I’m a former smoker from many years ago and, of course, it’s a horrible addiction contributing to so many diseases. But (you knew there was a "but") I am so sick of the big "They" that are looking out for our welfare. Drugs are a huge killer, yet they’re also a huge lobby so prescription drugs are regularly advertised both on television and in magazines. Alcohol addiction is also a serious problem, contributing to both automobile accidents, crime, health issues and death. They too, I’m sure, are a huge lobby. I could go on and on — sugar for a diabetic; Twinkies for children — how far do we go in an effort to keep people from thinking for themselves?

It was our belief that we should teach our children both by example and education. We found example to work best. As well, as educated, thinking people, we knew what we could and couldn’t do on our own without Big Brother.

I love that I can go into a restaurant and/or bar in our state and not be accosted by a smoke-filled room. But conversely, I hate that those who choose to are not able to smoke……that’s their business, not mine. While it did impact on my pleasure, I was content to go to a smoke-free environment. I think smokers are ridiculous, considering that the price alone would probably make me stop…..it’s still their business, not mine.

Again, having just gone through one more effort on behalf of our citizens (the big zap that killed so many televisions — no one has explained that properly to me yet), I’m just so sick and tired of those in power utilizing that power for things that just aren’t their business while unemployment is rampant, the economy is horrendous, long well-known businesses are going out, people who were the backbone of our country are now finding that their goernment screwed them — and they worry about advertising. The worry should be that the magazines stay in business.

Sorry for the soapbox — but I really am fed up with all the rules that are only common sense.

The Many Faces of Plastic Surgery, by Ruth Charny

I do agree with you DeBurca — let’s not forget Joan Rivers — one wants to hide small children’s eyes from that view. There are those who aren’t able to move their mouths, can no longer smile even with their eyes. I’m reminded of Todie Fields who "just wanted to be pretty". She started with an eye job, got blood clots from the surgery, lost a leg and eventually her life. And Carol Burnett who is still really odd looking from all the surgery — some would think addictive surgery. Of course there are those for whom plastic surgery is a god-send; deformities that cause them to feel grotesque. As for me, I don’t want the pain, it’s expensive and you don’t look real.

Should violence against medical doctors who perform abortions be viewed and prosecuted as domestic terrorism?

It does baffle me how murdering someone makes a statement against killing.

If you could have one piece of artwork by one artist to call your own, what would you choose? Why?

My first response was "anything Picasso" but then I remembered a painting that was in a restaurant in Washington, DC that still resonates all these years later. A jockey sitting on a fence; obviously having just lost. The artist captured this abject loss; shoulders slumped, holding the riding crop, head down, it just spoke to me…….if I could have one painting that would be it.

There is one I own, though a print, that shows two small figures…small in relation to their surroundings, holding hands, traveling through a forest with tall, tall trees. It struck me then and still does…..my husband and I traveling through life together facing all those frightening challenges….together. I know, I know, really sentimental; but there it is.

Mr. wOw: Less Than Wowed by 'Whatever Works'

Woody Allen is a pedophile and yet he continues to be celebrated…..so very annoying and so very wrong. No, I cannot watch him or his films and the gag reflex kicks in when mention is made of his "genius".

Whether this film is good or not is a moot point for me. Along with Mel Gibson, he is a non-entity and I will not contribute to either of their coffers by supporting anything they do. They have both become sad, sordid shadows of their former selves.