TresSugar

Can Stress Turn Your Hair White?

DearSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

A close friend of mine in college had gorgeous dark brown hair, and he always had a few stray white hairs. He said it was because of stress, but can that really affect your hair?

Hair is a protein that gets its color from a pigment known as melanin - the same pigment that gives your skin its color. Over time, the amount of melanin in your hair decreases. Gray hair is simply hair with low levels of melanin and white hair has no melanin at all.

So can fear or stress change your hair color? It sounds believable to think that your emotional state can have a significant impact on the hormones that affect the amount of melanin deposited in each strand of hair, but there is NO scientific proof that this is true.

Most men start to turn gray in their early 30s, and for most women, it starts to happen after 35. Genetics can also play a role - causing you to develop premature white hair in your 20s. There's no way to prevent the graying process from happening - it's just a wonderful part of growing old.

While we're on the subject - if you do find a gray or white hair, and you pluck it out, contrary to popular belief, two more gray hairs will NOT grow in its place, so feel free to pluck away!

Source

A Doll of One's Own: Mattel Rolls Out New Black Barbies

TresSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0700

Mattel has launched some new black Barbie dolls, and they're getting praised and dissed in equal measure. Grace, Kara, and Trichelle, created by Stacy McBride-Irby to give her daughter and other African-American girls dolls that resemble them, have been criticized by some for not being "black enough."

"I love the black Barbie. It's about time," said Jua Simpson, a reporter for CNN's iReport. "But the hair is still a step backwards, since most of our hair is not straight and light brown." (Check out BellaSugar's review of Chris Rock's documentary Good Hair, which addresses this loaded subject for black women.)

These new black Barbies could be said to be a step in the right direction for a couple reasons. First off, it's important that there's not a monolithic (i.e. white) sense of what's beautiful, and studies have shown that little girls of color do absorb the idea that white equals beautiful.

Also, it sounds like more thought was put into creating Grace, Kara, and Trichelle than the Oreo Barbie (hand smacks forehead!) that Mattel came out with in 1997. I guess with all the focus groups and marketing Mattel must surely do, no one bothered to tell them that "Oreo" is a term used by some in the black community to denote someone who is black but "acts" white. (I'm guessing the Oreo Barbie tanked?)

My question is, should we be pushing dolls (of whatever color) on girls at all? Don't dolls just get them to focus on how they look, as opposed to toys that would invite them to invent, think and do things, like boys' toys? (I mean, boys have ~~dolls~~ action figures, but yeah, notice the emphasis is on action, on doing things rather than on just being pretty.)

What do you think about the new black Barbies and about dolls as girls' primary toys in general? Do you think it's outdated to push dolls on girls, or do you think girls gravitate to dolls naturally?

Source

Racial Preferences in Dating: Fetishism or Not a Big Deal?

TresSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0700

We all have our physical preferences when it comes to finding a romantic partner. Some women want men to be tall, broad shouldered, and dark haired. Men may want a big-breasted blonde. We objectify those we find attractive to some extent, but what are the implications of preferring someone of a different race?

After reading an article a friend sent me, A White Woman Explains Why She Prefers Black Men, I realized that there's a big implication: the desire could be based on racial assumptions and stereotypes that, just because they're "positive," don't make them any less pernicious, objectifying, or, to put it bluntly, racist. Want to find out about racial fetishism? Then read more.

Whether you have "jungle fever" or "yellow fever" (you date blacks or Asians exclusively), you would be described, in the parlance of the day, as having a "fetish." One thoughtful person has explained a fetish this way:

Sexual fetishism in general is the sexual attraction to something which is not in itself a sexual object, such as feet or leather. Sexually fetishizing a person or group of people however means reducing them to objects, important only in their sexual function or interest to the fetishizer. Race fetishization means effectively reducing all members of a racial group to a monolithic whole, only valued in terms of their racial stereotypes. You are hearing racial fetishization when people talk about how black men have big penises, Asian women are exotic and submissive . . . just because a stereotyped characteristic is a "good" characteristic, that doesn't mean it's not racist.

So how does our White Woman (who is also a sex columnist) Who Prefers Black Men rate on the racial fetishizer scale? She's off the charts, a textbook case. Here are some salient bits from her essay.

That phrase, "Once you go black, you never go back'" is all about the feeling of the skin . . . Black men have more energy, style and edge than white men . . . something white guys don't have anymore: confidence in their masculinity, their sexuality . . . I am sure there must be some black men who aren't good in bed. Personally, I have not experienced one who isn't . . . They look better than white men, they touch and kiss and make love better than white men. Statistically, their penises are only a fraction of an inch bigger on average, but they seem bigger and harder . . .

Obviously, this white woman likes black men - a lot. It's all about sexualizing them, though, reducing all of them to their skin, to their presumed sexual prowess, their instinctual energy and innate masculinity. If racism is about assuming things about people based on their physical traits, how is this not racism? More disturbingly, her desire, conscious or not, participates in the kind of sexualization of black men that once justified their persecution and even murder.

So what to do about these nonpolitically correct desires? Censor them? Pretend they don't exist? One of my favorite sex columnists, Dan Savage from Savage Love, provides some intelligent advice. He never argues that we should police our desires, just that we be aware of where they're coming from and what they could mean in how we treat our partners. "There's nothing wrong," he tells one person seeking advice who has a fantasy of having a black man have sex with his wife, "with treating someone like a piece of meat during sex . . . some people enjoy being treated like pieces of meat . . . Consent is . . . always and everywhere the magic ingredient . . . As long as you understand the cultural forces that shaped your fantasy . . . there's nothing unethical about realizing your fantasy."

One wonders if these black men who Susan Bakos hooks up with know that she views them all the same way. (One wonders if she thinks viewing them this way is problematic at all.) The heart may want what it wants, Woody Allen said euphemistically about hooking up with his adopted daughter, but that desire can have ripple effects far beyond the couple in question, particularly when one woman's desire is presented, without any qualms or self-questioning, in an essay many people will read.

America's Most Influential Women: Do You Know Them?

TresSugar — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:00:00 -0700

America has not made it to its 233rd birthday with white-haired men alone. Women have played indispensable roles in civil rights, art, politics, and everything in between. Do you know who's responsible for what?

Photo by Flickr User bobster855

Take the quiz

Uncovered: Good Books Can Have Bad Covers

TresSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0700

And, bad books can have bad covers, as Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan, the authors of Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart B*tches' Guide to Romance Novels know too well. After years of rating romance novels on their blog Smart B*tches, Trashy Books, they understand all the embossing in the world can't make up for a bad romance.

Today's the last installment of our five-part series with Candy and Sarah. We asked them if there is any correlation between cover cheesiness and book quality, and got book recommendations for the Summer.

I was looking through books you rated Fs, and found the Gold Plated Garbage Truck. Looking at the cover, what were you expecting?

Sarah: One thing I've learned about romances is that the authors are not ever in control of their covers. Often they get no say and the cover is miles away from the content - bringing new meaning to, "No, really, we mean it - don't ever judge a book by its cover." Especially a romance novel.

One of the most evocative and powerful romances is Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale, and the original cover has Fabio standing in a windstorm, holding out a handful of wildflowers with a truly bizarre expression on his face. Another book I enjoyed featured the biggest mullet I've ever seen coupled with a woman whose hair was so impossibly curly, I thought electroshock therapy was part of the plot.

With Gold Plated Garbage Truck, I figured there might be a crazy cover hiding a funny or silly plot, but, unfortunately, I was wrong.

Candy: You know, I've learned not to rely on romance covers to provide any kind of rubric of quality. At all. You know how you can surf the web, reading content, and somebody comments on something they see on the page you're on, and you're all "Whut?" and then you realize they're talking about the sidebar ads, which you have completely tuned out? Yeah. It's that way for me. I buy romance novels despite their covers, and I generally tune out the specifics of the covers. That said, the Gold-Plated Garbage Truck was a bit harder to ignore, because the self-identification and self-typing are too aggressive (another example would be Indian romances of a certain sort - usually ones involving savage brown men finding ever-loving bliss and fulfillment in some white chick's magic hoo-hoo). Seeing that book, I would've expected a book about a buncha losers, and going by Sarah's review, that's pretty much what it was.

For someone who wants to read a romance novel but is overwhelmed by the untamable options, where should she begin? To see their suggestions, read more.

If you like historical fiction, Loretta Chase's Lord of Scoundrels is incredible and has been held responsible for allowing even the most determined romance snob to rethink her position.

If you like funny contemporary books with incredible dialogue, Jennifer Crusie's Bet Me features a brave and authentic heroine and total hilarity.

If you like stories with paranormal elements, mythology and fierce intelligent women, look to the Norse mythology at work in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, especially No Rest For the Wicked. Or, Kelley Armstrong's Bitten, which is about a lone female werewolf living in hiding in Toronto.

The Dos and Don'ts of Bathing Suit Shopping

DearSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Now that Spring has sprung, it's time to start thinking about Summer! If you have plans to hit the beach, a comfy and flattering bathing suit is a must, but I'm with you if you're dreading that shopping trip. Before getting too discouraged, I have some easy tips for making bathing suit shopping as painless as possible. To see my dos and don'ts, just read more.

Don't

Shop with your body shape in mind.
Bring a close friend with you if you need a second opinion.
Get a spray tan before shopping - nothing is worse than trying on suits when you're feeling pasty white.
Make sure the suit fits properly. If your top is too big, it won't do your girls justice, and if your bottoms are too small, it'll cut into your side - not a good look.
Look in a three-way mirror so you can check out your backside.
Choose a color or print that flatters your skin tone, hair, and eye color.
Shop online (if the suits are returnable) so you can try them on in the comfort of your own home.

Go bathing suit shopping on a full stomach.
Berate yourself or fixate on what's "wrong" with your body - pay attention to the entire package.
Forget that fluorescent lights never do you justice.
Pay attention to the size of the suit. Most bathing suits run particularly small.

Source

Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:56:52 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

"Ready for coffee yet?" I e-mailed Leah, "I am DYING to tell you about my crazy weekend with Jordon...." "I can't" was the quick response. Curious since she was always so eager to hear the details of my one night stands that turn into a full weekend. Wait, was Jordan his name again? "Okay, well then, when?" Was my impatient reply. What was going on with her? "In 1 hour, I'm dealing with something right now. Star-bee's, k?" Leah responded. "K" I said. What was I going to do for one whole hour? I really wanted to tell her about Jordon, and find out what was going on with her!

I arrived at starbucks an hour later. That's odd, she usually arrives before me whenever we make plans to meet up I hope she's ok. She arrived 15 minutes late. I had already ordered my mochiato, and she went and ordered a white blueberry unsweetened shaken iced tea. She sat down and it began to rain outside.

"So what was the big hold up?," I asked Leah. "I was making an appointment for Caleb." Caleb was her three year old son and she just recently went back to work since having him. She had been freaking out ever since he has started pre-school. She cant stand being away from him for a full 8 hrs. She is constantly making appointments for him, always worried he has caught something from another child. "Well I want to tell you all about Jordon! Or wait...was his name George? Haha--"

"Angela!? Are you ever going to grow up! You're 34! What's up with all of the flings all the time!?," Leah screamed at me. "Jeeeeeeeeeeeeez. What is your problem?" I was shocked. Leah had never responded this way to my flings before. Leah burst into tears. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I've just been so jealous lately because I've been tied down with Josh and the baby. I miss our fun time together and I'm stressed about the baby and working. I'm so sorry."

Okay, so this was new. I carefully thought about it and then said. "I totally understand but you gotta remember not everything's greener on the other side of the fence. Granted we always had a blast in the past but remember all the heartache you were put through? Look at what you have now," I said with a smile. "I on the other hand..." "I am jumping from one bed to another at a pace that would stand freud's hair on end. Your son is beautiful, healthy and adores his wonderful mommy. Stop already. You can live the wild life through me! Now listen to MY story..."

Jordon's truck rumbled down the old dirt road as the blindfold tugged uncomfortably at Angela's hair. She strained her neck with the hope that it might loosen the cloth's unyielding grasp but with each bump she began to forget about the black and green stripped blindfold "Where are we going?" begged Angela. "We have at least been driving for 3 hours and as being the one who is temporarily blind I demand some freedom for me eyes."

Jordon only laughed and told Angela that their destination was only just around the bend but as they turned the sharp corner a huge blur cascaded upon their windshield and glass was now covering the blindfold that had transformed into her protection instead of her momentary handicap.

"Oh sh*t, oh my god, Angela are you okay?" cried Jordon. "Wh-what did we hit?" squeaked Angela and as she reached up to untie her bittersweet companion she felt it was bloody and when she removed her blindfold she saw that they hit a man. They quickly rushed to see is the man was badly hurt. "Oh my God!" Angela exclaimed. She was also surpised to see that the man they hit is her ex-boyfriend. "Travis are you okay?" Angela said while her trembling hands touched the face of the man they hit.

Leah stops Angela midway through her story. "Wait wait wait... what!? Are you serious?!" Leah exclaimed. "Of course not!" reassured Angela, "I was trying to shock you so you wouldn't think about the problems you're blowing out of proportion since we both know consoling you doesn't work. You know I love you Leah and will always be there for you whenever you need me." "Goodness gracious! I was starting to think you've gone crazy with that story of yours! So tell me what really happened with Jorden or Goerge or whatever the heck his name is haha," said Leah.

"We met at a party and flirted like all night. We went back to my place and had the best sex ever." "Are you going to see him again?" asked Leah. "I didn't get his number, or full name for that matter. Too bad, because I thought there was something there. He did however leave behind a briefcase with the initials "G.B.H." I then lifted up the briefcase and put it on the table. "Well then, his name is most likely George then.

Did he get your number?" "No," I said sadly. "This is really nice leather. I think it is italian." She tried to open it, but it was locked. "I know, it smells lovely. Should we break it open and try to find him? I so badly want to see him again. "

Leah carries around everything in her purse. Her husand, Josh, had recently given her a very expensive pocket knife. She took out a screwdriver and screwed out the screws holding the lock. The briefcase had been made for style, not security. They popped it open and inside was paper work and objects in plastic bags.

"Omg he's a lawyer!! It was Geordan B. Hoffler, the top prosecutor in the state!! He is doing that high profile case against Lindsay Lohan today."

Lindsay Lohan had recently been arrested, again, but this time for breaking into Philisophy cosmetics. It had stuned the media recently as to why. "Geordan?" I asked. "His parents are loaded and his father's name was Georgan, an his mother Jordan. His siblings are Georgianna, Skye, and Taylor. The own a hotel chain across Europe, but like it here in the US. Geordan wanted to do more than be an heir, and went to Yale."

When Leah was pregnant she spent time reading all about socialites.
"Well, we better get down to the courthouse then and get him his briefcase." As they stumbled through the crowd at Starbucks, all Leah could think about is how jealous she was of Angela's wealthy one night stand.

She looked at Angela from the corner of her eye. Angela stood 5'7" tall and her long, auburn hair cascaded in waves down to her shoulder blades. Her big, hazel eyes gave the illusion of two planet earths floating in her sockets. Leah knew she was plain in comparison to Angela, with her short, blond bob and grayish-blue eyes. Her skin was much more fair is color than Angela's too. I wish I was a passionate sultriest, maybe then my husband and I wouldn’t be fighting over these... "Papers!..", exclaimed Leah and Angela stopped in her tracks.
"What?!" , inquired Angela..."Papers?" "Oh nothing, I was just remembering some papers I had to sign for work, but they can wait," answered Leah. They can always wait, she thought. She had never wanted divorce. They hopped into Leah's car and hurried down to the courthouse but was unable to get through due to the enormous amount of paparazzi filling up the streets.

"What are we going to do?," asked Angela. "There's no way we'd find Geordan in this chaos." Angela who had insisted that she drive, took a sharp u-turn and headed back towards the coffee shop. "Where are we going?" asked Leah. "I thought we were going to find Geordan no matter what?" "Oh shhh, we are going, trust me alright," bellowed Angela as she swerved through the Lindsay Lohan fans and haters.

The streets were full of old brick buildings that were now being obstructed by thousands of human bodies. Leah could not understand why this young star got so much attention but then again Leah wished she could walk down the same street and be loved and even hated by thousands.

She loved and hated her husband but she remembers it as if it were yesterday - the long dark strand of hair that she pulled out of his sweater as she does his laundry. She thinks she is being silly; that he works with women everyday. She beings to fold his gray, Calvin and Klein slacks, the same ones he wore when he went to his knees in their engagement. And as if in slow motion, the pink note slips out of the back pocket it says three simple words:

"Josh, I want a divorce." She said when they sat down for dinner four nights ago. They were having green beans and chicken. Josh just stared at her in shock, his mouth hanging open wide, and his fork midway to his mouth full of greenbeans. "..But why? We have been so happy! What about Caleb? Don't you love me? Don't you love him."
"I love you with all my heart," she said and got up from the table and threw the plate into the sink. It shattered in the sink. She grabbed her car keys and had been staying at her mother's house since. She hadn't been making a call to Caleb's doctor, but to her sister and divorce laywer, Rachel.

Rachel had tried to tell her she is jumping to conclusions. She knew her sister's marriage wasn't like the ones she always deals with. Leah wouldn't listen though. She couldn't imagine any other reason as to why there would be a note from a mysterious "A". "A" for Amber, "A" for Amanda, "A" for Ashley she thought..."A" for Angela?? "No, it can't be my Angela" she thought.

You would of never thought Angela to be a morale woman by any means. She was always bed hopping, and was quite the lush in college. But, Angela would of never have commited adultery. Not with her Josh right?

"You slut," said Leah outloud to Angela without thinking. Angela thought she was kidding. "Oh come on, you have always known I like my one night stands." "I found the note you left Josh." "The one about the necklace?"
"Pardon?"
"I picked up a custom made locket for him, that's for you. It has a picture of Caleb on one side, and the other of him. It is 18 k white gold. OMG! You think I slept with him!? Leah! Never!!!"

They now needed to rush to the court for Lindsay Lohan's trial, and to stop Rachel from writing up anymore paperwork. Outside a Lindsay Lohan fan was holding a sign that read "Save L-Lo." "Oh brother," said Angela. They had to walk 27 blocks to get to the court house through all the media.

"How are we going to get through?" asked Angela. There were twenty sherrif deputies controling the crowd. Leah went up to one and said, "I am meeting my lawyer Rachel Henry today here to look at some legal work." "Why aren't you meeting at her firm?" asked the deputy.
"She was having a hearing today for another case, and needed to see me asap. I wanted the paper work done right away." Leah showed him the divorce papers, and he recognized Rachel Henry's name. He let Leah and Angela up to the steps, through the doors.

There in the lobby was Rachel, Geordan, two other lawyers, and Josh.
"Angela!!" yelled Geordan!! He ran over to her. "I was so upset you didn't call me! I wanted to see you again, and also I left my very important briefcase at your apartment."
"You didn't leave your number," said Angela.
"Yes I did, on the dry errase board in the kitchen."
Angela hadn't gone to the kitchen this morning. She has her breakfast at Starbucks every morning.
Leah turned to Josh, "I was all wrong about the note, I'm sorry! Angela told me about the necklace." "Well there goes your surprise," said Josh.
"It is ok, you're always giving me gifts, all I need is you and Caleb. They hugged each other in an embrace and he kissed her gently. Everyone around them made an "aww noise." "Well," said Geordan, "Angela you can go sit in the back of the court if you wish. We have an important trial today."

Angela went and took a seat in the courtroom. A half hour later the trial began. Every seat in the courtroom was filled and the noisy whispers made the courtroom seem like packed stadium. Angela handed Geordan his Italian leather briefcase and he kissed her softly on her cheek. She blushed and took a seat next to Rachael, Angela and Josh.
Geordan walked to the front of the courtroom with a hop in his step since he now had Angela and his briefcase back. Angela could not help but think how nice his ass really looked in his Gucci made suit and began imagining herself in a nice, silk designer wedding dress.
"Whoa..", she sighed out loud and Leah raised her left eyebrow is curiosity. Leah gave a sweet smile and then looked away. They had been friends for too long for Leah to not understand what Angela had been thinking but why did Leah even think she would have slept with Josh?

Leah was a beautiful women with Marylin Monroe hair cut that made her look like a porcelain doll. Her fair skin always showed her soft pink cheeks and her hair fell perfectly into front of her marble eyes.
Then Angela had an idea, maybe a necklace wasn't what Leah really needed... "I got it!" exclaimed Angela. Her sudden outburst halted the court's proceedings. She blushed and quickly hid her face behind her Birkin. Leah turned to her friend and asked, "What was that about?"
"oh nothing," answered Angela gleefully.

I hope LaBelle Spa Retreat has an opening this up coming weekend, thought Angela. Leah totally deserves to be pampered after going through postpartum depression. Since the birth of her baby girl Grace, she has been down. And with Caleb going off to pre-school, and thinking Josh was cheating. It was to much for her. Poor Leah.
As trail went on Leah grew bored with this L- Lo non-sense.....
She leaned into Angela and "Hey, Lets blow this joint!" "Seriously?" replied Angela, somewhat taken aback at the thought of having to miss watching her new man in action in the courtroom. "Where to?" Angela jerked her head around and squealed. Again, the whole courtroom turned around to see who was interrupting the proceedings.

"I have an idea... just follow me, it'll be a surprise!" And with that, she led Angela as quietly as possible out of the courtroom. Strangely enough, neither women looked back to see their men being left behind. They walked the 27 blocks back to the car. I feel really bad about accusing you with Josh," said Leah. "Well, I have always been a bit wild, but I'd never do that." "I know." "And you're right. I'm 34. I need to settle down a tad." "O really?" said Lead raising an eyebrow. "Well, as in settle down I mean dating one guy for awhile, and seeing where it takes me. I wont cast out marriage, as long as my husband is a sex machine, and can satisfy my many tastes." "And is Geordan that man?"
"Haha, maybe." "So, how are we going to get you with Geordan, and me to beg for forgiveness from Josh?" "What if I take Grace and Caleb this weekend, and you go to this great spa with Josh? They have couple massages, mudbaths, and a huge jacuzzi in your room. Courtesy of moi."
"That sounds nice."
"Now that I'm being such a saint, are you going to help me with Geordan?" "Of course! Well, you obviously already have him hooked. Perhaps you should be waiting there to celebrate with him after the trial, or comfort his loss?" "Haha, well Lohan is totally guilty."

The ladies then went to Anthropolgie to get come cute outfits, and then to Agent Provocateur for something more sexy underneath. While trying on sexy lingerie Angela knew this was the time to boost Leah's spirits. She grabbed a nearby chemise she had been eying and told Leah to put it on. Leah stepped out of the changing room with her short, blond curls softly outlining her face her cheeks stained with an embarrassed blush. "Wow.." is all Angela could say while Leah soft smile turned into a frown. "You picked out a nice one," regarded Leah as she touched the pink chemise lined with silk white roses and pink lace.
"Pink was always my color," sighed Leah. "What's WRONG with you," cried Angela. "You are a bombshell that just need a little self-confidence boost and I still have no idea what is stopping you from wanting to make wild love to the lady you are looking at in the mirror, YOU!"

Leah laughed and Angela purr like a cat as Leah twirled in her new chemise. "Black Card to the rescue!" giggled Angela.

Ask E. Jean For DearSugar: How Can I Accomplish My Dream?

DearSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Dear E. Jean,

I have an unusual dilemma. My mother and I would like to buy/obtain land in Ocala, FL, open a sanctuary and call it Willow Star Haven.

This will be a wellness center for the elderly, a no-kill animal rescue shelter with a vet on site, and a children’s center for kids with learning disabilities. My mother is already working on the getting the permits. But obviously it will require a lot of money to bring our dream to life. Can you give me some ideas for fund raising? We can’t afford to hire a fund-raising firm. - A Better Tomorrow

To see E. Jean's answer read more.

Better, My Buttercup,

You’re going to need the bloodlines of Tinsley Mortimer, the brain of Eleanor Roosevelt, the brilliance of Mother Theresa, the stamina of Oprah, and the energy of cocaine addict just to find a decent parcel of land in Ocala, let alone buy it and build the sanctuary. But, so what? I completely and totally believe you can do it.

Why?

Because the only people who can accomplish anything this huge are the crazy ones - crazy to save dogs and cats, crazy to nurture kids, crazy to entertain old white-haired people. (Or as Jack Kerouac says: “the mad ones . . . the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn")

I also looked you up online, and I see that you have already established yourself as a non-profit charitable trust. Excellent! Anyone who can endure the interminable grind of obtaining 501c3 status from the IRS, can endure anything.

I advise you to start small. Don’t try to do the animal shelter AND the wellness center for the codgers AND the kids all at once. You must think like a corporation: Do one thing very well, establish a presence, burnish your reputation, gain the respect of the people of Ocala, and then you can start going to large corporations and soliciting funds.

To get the seed money for the land and the building materials, I suggest you seek partnerships with local businesses. (Begin with talking to their marketing/PR/advertising department heads.) It will be a boost for their company image to be connected with your sanctuary and good for you because they will give you the wherewithal to start! Good luck!

P.S. To see what just one little girl can do, look at this video! Her dad teaches at our local high school here.

To see more advice from E. Jean, visit Elle magazine and AskEJean.com.

Quiz Nation! Know About White House Weddings?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:00:40 -0700

Jenna Bush is getting married today, and while our invitation may have been lost in the mail, that will not stop us from getting in the White House wedding spirit! The Associated Press agrees with me - even though no media get to cover the event, they've put together a something old, new, blue White House quiz that I've borrowed from here. . . . see if you catch the bouquet or wind up holding back the maid of honor's hair.

Lynda Bird Johnson's spectacular 1967 wedding pictured here.

Source and Source

Take the quiz

Flashback: Bee Gees Stayin' Alive

GiggleSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:20:00 -0700

Word on the street is that the remaining two Bee Gees brothers (RIP, Maurice) are ~~threatening to~~ hinting that they may reunite for a tour. So in anticipation of that sweet moment, I thought we'd take a look at the boys in their prime. It takes a real man to put on tight white high-waisted jeans, blow-dry his hair until it resembles cotton candy, and sing in a falsetto. (Also. . .are these guys part werewolf?) In any case, I love the Bee Gees (Brothers Gibb) with the same, unironic affection I reserve for ABBA and Air Supply. Enjoy!