Review of Outlander Season 2 Episode 4

Jamie should not be in charge of naming their children. A sneeze indeed!

Stanley Weber and his French are just so hot!

She knows alcohol is bad for the baby, right?

What the hell did Comte Hottie do?!

Well, Jamie took that better than I thought he would. He does make a good point. He should get to kill Black Jack, not some cows.

Aw, poor Murtagh!

Ooh, the apothecary suspects something is not right with Claire. Is he a time-traveler, too?

Did they know about dinosaurs then?

A bit of foreshadowing here. She might not find it so easy to take her own advice later.

Oh. My. God. Stop talking, Jamie, while you still have all your parts!

Jamie's speech is both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. He's not just a pretty face.

Finally some Black Jack-free sex. Also, Jamie's a boob man.

No full-frontal Jamie here.

What the heck? They have a front door, Charlie!

Who needs a presentation at Court? Not Claire.

Um...this story is starting to sound familiar.

Another Castle/Beckett moment.

Sam Heughan looks so much better with his hair loose.

Her assistant, for lack of a better term is a young boy. Haha!

Fergus has a career in psychology ahead of him. He gets women.

What was that grease?

The duke knows the bee's nest he stirs up.

Poor Mary, that guy will crush her in bed!

Ha, Charlie won't know what hit him.

Dukey doesn't like the Jamie-Charlie bromance at all.

Poor Mary!! What was that "La Dame Blanche" business?

Keep it together Charlie. Don't be weird.

The Comte is not happy to see Claire. He definitely planned the attack.

If Mary and Alex are in love, how does she end up marrying the a-hole?

The duke is a fun guest. And Charlie, he's gay. Duh!

Those fat guys can throw a punch. And Sandringham left the battlefield again! Haha!

Murtagh's like, "Now this is a party!"

Fergus's first dinner party is a success.

Review of Outlander Season 2 Episode 3

Jamie's adjusting well to having servants!

How pregnant is Claire at this point?

She knows about Sawny, Jamie. She gave him back to you, remember?

Crap. Keep it together, Claire. Freak out at home. Poor Mary! Forget about Culloden, stop this! (Okay, not really. But still!)

Well, that answers the question of when Murtagh gets laid. Also, doesn't the maid look like Hailee Steinfeld?

Be nice to Murtagh, Claire. Remember the cave?

I want that library.

Stanley Weber is so hot.

Don't be so sure about that, Claire. Jamie's got a brain.

What the heck is a "urinoscopist?!

The abbess is testing her by making her empty chamber pots. I love it.

Jamie is all "Get off me, Charlie!" This guy is very touchy-feely.

Aw, Jamie is getting practice for when his kid is a teenager. What did we do before cell phones?

Ha! She grossed the hell outta poor Murtagh!

Claire would not make a good trophy wife.

Burn.

That's creepy!

A life of chess and bordellos hasn't hurt Jamie's fitness level, that's for sure.

Well, he did manage to fight a war without you, Claire. He's not an idiot.

Their marriage is...not so good.

Interesting approach. I didn't know dogs could sense infection.

They just did the Castle/Beckett mind-meld thing. So cute!

Tell him, tell him...

Aaarggghhh. This is gonna come back to bite her.

What Happened to Us?

I might lose some followers because of this post. That is a risk I am willing to take.

What happened to America? We were once a proud and forceful nation. Now, we are all scared of our shadows. And of offending our neighbors.

What is the deal with these transgender bathrooms? You're telling me I might have to share a bathroom with a she-male? And if I had a daughter, she might be getting an early sex education? Um, no thank you. I remember when my brother was little. We always felt bad bringing him into the ladies' room. What would happen now? And what about pedophiles? They can just claim to be transgender! No one can say anything.

A lot of events have been canceled because of recent legislation. Cirque de Soleil canceled events in North Carolina. Honestly, I happily boycotted their show. I'd rather go to the bathroom in a safe environment. New York canceled a Mississippi festival because of a law passed there stating marriage is between a man and a woman. First of all, what do New Yorkers have to do with Mississippi? Secondly, most of the country believes marriage should be between a man and a woman, people.

Another issue I have is with the news that Harriet Tubman will eventually replace President Jackson the $20 bill. Why disrupt the status quo? If MLK didn't mind, should we?  He was the president, no offense to Harriet Tubman.

Cracker Jacks are now apparently going to have no prizes at all. They are paper now, anyway. I remember getting actual prizes in the boxes, and I'm not even that old. Why are we so afraid of kids choking? If parents are letting their kids have that much sugar, we have bigger problems. I wasn't even allowed to have gum until third grade.

Thanks for listening!

The Head Doesn't Match the Body!

Okay, what is it with the actors of today? What happened to guys like Paul Newman and Gregory Peck? They had handsome faces, and when they took their shirts off, look out ladies! Hot face, hot body.

Now it seems like actors need only have a nice face to be on TV. The actor who plays Lucifer? Very good-looking, and that accent? Yum. And then he went shirtless. Eww. What ever happened to muscles?

Tom Mison looks good in Ichabod's full uniform; even when he's just wearing the brown coat. But at home, with Abbie, in his shirtsleeves? Why is his waist smaller than mine?! I feel like I could defeat him, never mind monsters from Hell.

Nathan Fillion is hilarious as Castle, but when did he get so doughy? His face blew up between Season 2 and Season 3, He must have really enjoyed that craft services table.

Basically, what I'm saying is, why is there a double standard? Why should women feel the need to diet and get plastic surgery so they look good on TV, when male actors can't even manage to get to the gym? Do men just care less about their bodies? Probably. But they should. At least a little.

CafePress Review

I've always been hesitant to order things online. I prefer going to a store and seeing what I'm getting. Of course, sometimes it's easier (and cheaper) to buy online. Who wants to go out in the snow to do Christmas shopping if you don't have to?

But I decided to take a chance on CafePress. They have so many products of practically any design you can think of. I was looking for something to show my love for "One Tree Hill", and Amazon just had shirts, which, let's face it, I won't wear. CafePress had a cute "Naley" keychain. They even have deals, depending on the day. So I ordered it, praying that 1) I would actually receive it and 2) it would actually look like the picture.

You can pay using an existing Amazon account. You get emails from Amazon and CafePress confirming your order. You don't always get a tracking number, same as Amazon. But they do give you a general date of arrival, which was helpful. In fact, I got my product early!

It was exactly what I wanted, and packaged perfectly. Thanks, CafePress! I've already ordered from you again.

*****

Methinks I Love My THINX!

THINX underwear are a blessing for us women that don't want to wear tampons or pads during that time of the month. Who needs the chemicals? Plus, bulk is not feminine.

The underwear come in different styles and sizes. You can decide how many you need based on your cycle. The inside is cotton, with five different layers treated with anti-microbial silver.

You can keep one pair on for hours, no joke. It's sounds gross, but you don't feel damp at all.

They are pricey. Hiphuggers, for your heavy days, are $34.00 each. Then again, how much do you spend on pads and tampons, not to mention ruined underwear?

To wash them, you should rinse them first, then cold wash. Technically, you're supposed to let them air-dry, but if you forget, it's not a big deal if they run through the dryer.

For every pair of THINX, bought, the company sends money to help AFRIpads give feminine hygiene products to women and girls in Uganda.

Find out more at https://www.shethinx.com/pages/index

Why Can I Never Remember Stuff?

If you're anything like me, you have the short-term memory of a gnat. Some people keep a To-Do list in the kitchen. I remember things in the bathroom.

Literally. I forget them as soon as I get to my room. It's like the bathroom is a vortex of memory. I've lost story ideas that I knew were really good. I remember to make phone calls days after I meant to.

This has lasted for years. I was going crazy, and just figured I was doomed to live in forgetfulness. It's not like you can bring a notepad into the shower with you.

Then I discovered Aqua Notes Waterproof Notepad http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Notes-Waterproof-NotepadMountable/dp/B003W09LTQie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage.
Oh. My. God. This thing is a lifesaver! It is a blank notepad with suction cups attached. I had a bit of trouble making it stick to the tile wall, but once you find the right section, it stays on unless you forcibly yank it off. It also comes with a pencil that you can stick on as well.

It is definitely waterproof, as advertised. You can write on it in the steam. Wet hands? Not a problem. I am definitely satisfied. Any aspiring writer needs one, for those times when an idea hits you at an, ahem, inopportune moment.

*****

Review of Outlander Season 2 Episode 2

Today marks the 270th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, which hasn't happened yet for Claire and Jamie. Chills.

The title sequence shows a women getting dressed in the 18th century French fashion. This juxtaposes nicely with last season's showing of Claire getting her Scottish gear on. Fewer layers!

Oh look, Claire and Jamie have their groove back. And yet....

Shades of Spartacus, another Starz production.

Wait, did I miss something? Do we know that for sure?

Servants have pride, too. I hope they really are trustworthy.

Imagine going back in time to before the Twin Towers were even built. Same feeling, really, for Claire.

Talk about making a spectacle of yourself. Clearly the game plan does not include easing into society from the back.

Murtagh speaks French, after all. Aw, he misses Rupert and Angus! Clever nicknames.

I didn't think Jamie could be hotter, but I was wrong. I'm not sure about the queue, though.

This madam would make a killing selling Avon.

Bonnie Prince Charlie is kinda girly, and desperate. Sweat much?

Slow clap for Murtagh.

What was that sign, Jamie?

The pain of waxing transcends time.

Hello! I knew that was coming, but yikes!

Jamie learns about bikini waxes.

Son-of-a! Dude's not even there, but he's still ruining their lives.

Talk about a "staircase moment"!

Sorry Jamie, her dress is actually conservative. And geez, could they make that dress any wider?

Ha! Poor Murtagh!

What was the audition for the part of the king like, I wonder? "Can you act constipated?"

Murtagh likey!

The Duke seems to have orchestrated that meeting, doesn't he.

Secrets will out, Claire.

Review of "MacLean's Passion" by Sharon Cullen

Shades of Black Jack.

Say what? Ooh, this is getting good already.

Geez, I couldn't go all day without peeing.

You just busted out, and now you want to continue smuggling? Talk about balls.

Because every hissy fit should end in signing up for freakin' war...

Really, Gilroy? And just what is the "honest truth"?

I could never wear that many layers. Then again, those castles were drafty!

Oh, to have a tape recorder handy right now.

I'm really not liking her brother at all.

Too much information there, Innis. Haha.

Worst. Honeymoon. Ever.

Brice is a good friend.

For a tomboy virgin, she certainly knows what she's doing in the bedroom.

Die, redcoats.

Aw, you rock, Duff!

I'm reading this on the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. Very meta.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

****

IT"S NOT YOUR STALL!!!

Let me tell you a story. A few months ago, I was at Penn Station, waiting to use the handicapped stall in the bathroom. I have to use the bathroom where I can find it, really, so I couldn't just go somewhere else and hope I could use one at the next place. Even Starbucks is not always reliable.

So I'm waiting. I'm usually patient. I get it. When you gotta go, you gotta go. Especially if you're a woman. Five minutes went by. The attendant noticed me still waiting and banged on the stall door. Obviously she was taller than me, and could see inside the stall. The non-handicapped woman was sitting there reading on her phone!

The handicapped stall is not your personal spa room. It is to be used by people in wheelchairs and those using canes, crutches and walkers. It is not to give you more room to spread out. I've been waiting for the stall, and three women (and their suitcases) come out!

Many people are embarrassed, and immediately apologize upon seeing the handicapped woman waiting for the handicapped stall. I try not to knock to hurry people up, but sometimes it's necessary. Other times they just walk past me, as if the extra room is their due.

Basically, follow the Golden Rule, because one day, the wheelchair might be supporting your legs.

My New Facebook Fan Page!

Find me at https://www.facebook.com/ancienthistory45/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel. I will post certain blog posts that I think are important. Please follow me!

But It's the Law!

Whenever I go to the city, which is maybe once a month, I'm usually alone. I have zero social life, and it's easier to go without my family. They're usually not interested in what I want to do, anyway. They enjoy my stories, though!

I go to Broadway shows, movie premieres; basically, anywhere I can see and/or meet a celebrity. I'm honestly lucky to be in a wheelchair. Sometimes. I've been in the front row at concerts, assumed to be press at Fashion's Night Out, and the only one on line to get two hugs from John Stamos at the stage door of "Bye Bye Birdie". Those middle-aged ladies about died!

Then there are those other times. The times when it would be easier to be able to walk. When I go out, I have to plan my route beforehand. I have to give myself plenty of time before an event, hours even. Usually my mother drives me to the train station, but I also use Able-Ride, a shared bus service here on Long Island. They are notoriously late.

Once I actually get to the city, I have two options: walk or use the bus. Buses are a hassle because if they are full, I always feel bad making someone stand. Subways are impossible because I can't just jump over the gap. Taxis are just now becoming wheelchair-accessible, but they have never stopped to pick me up, even in the rain. They have tried to run me over, though!

Luckily, people are mostly willing to help me cross the street. There are those that will just watch you as you struggle, but thank God some people are angels. Then the real fun begins. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked why I don't have an umbrella in the rain. Where would you suggest I put it? I certainly cannot propel a wheelchair and hold onto an umbrella at the same time! And some people have experience pushing wheelchairs, while others find every crack and pothole in the city.

I have recently gotten a cup-holder for my chair. This means I can finally drink during the day. Before, I wouldn't be able to just pop in and out of Starbucks with a to-go cup. I would have to sit down at a restaurant or a cafe. This leads to another problem:finding a bathroom that I can fit in with my chair and easily transfer to and from the commode. Not every building has one that meets my requirements. Many places seem to think the handicap stall needs to be just a few inches wider. That is simply not enough room. This means that I have to use the same few restaurants and offices, over and over. Trying a new restaurant just creates anxiety. "Handicapped-accessible" means different things to different people. Until you are actually in a wheelchair, you don't know what that means.

When I tell people this, their response is always "But there's a law!" This is the law: http://construction.about.com/od/Inspection/a/Ada-Regulations-For-Handicapped-Bathrooms.htm. But really, does every business follow the law to the letter? And what about buildings built before 1990?

Even getting on and off the train is a pain. I need a ramp to clear the gap. I have to wait for a conductor to notice me. Usually that means that my fellow passengers help me get on, because a conductor never seems to be around when you need them. And have you been in the elevator at Penn Station? Ew!

People often tell me I'm "brave" to be coming into the city by myself. I guess from their perspective, that's true. But isn't that true for anyone, disabled or not?

Review of "Be Here Now: The Andy Whitfield Story"

I was lucky enough to attend last night's premiere screening of this wonderful documentary.
being that Andy was living in Australia, where his wife and children still live, I enjoyed a delicious meat pie and tried Tim-Tam for the first time. Where has that chocolate-y goodness been all my life?

I arrived early to the theater, as I had to take two buses. They were offering a chance to have dinner with Vashti Whitfield and the filmmaker, Lilibet Foster, in exchange for a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am happy to report that I did see some people getting the upgraded ticket.

When Vashti entered the theater, the air changed. She was happy to see us, and we were all happy to see her. She was very gracious and made sure to greet every person there, whether they were press, fans or her own friends who had traveled from across the globe.

Vashti, Lilibet and Andy's co-manager Sam Maydew introducing the film

I was expecting the documentary to be very sad, and assumed I would spend the next two hours bawling my eyes out. Instead, I found myself laughing and smiling for most of the film. This is because Andy and Vashti spent most of their time thinking positively. They were either cracking jokes and yelling "F-ing cancer!" or they were spending time with their beautiful children, Jesse and India.

What also struck me was how their approach to treating the cancer differed. I had assumed, from reading her inspirational blog Maybe McQueen, that Vashti would be in favor of alternative treatment. Instead, it was Andy who wanted to explore Eastern medicine, and Vashti who wanted him to undergo chemotherapy. This being his second bout of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Andy understandably was trying to avoid chemotherapy as much as possible. He  even makes a point of saying chemotherapy kills off good cells as well as bad ones.

Jai Courtney, who played Varro on "Spartacus", joined them for the Q&A

It was heartbreaking to see him go to India to explore treatment, consult motivation and meditation experts, and still have to resort to chemotherapy. Unfortunately, neither chemotherapy nor radiation worked on this particular strain of the disease. Even his doctors were baffled. Through it all, Andy accepted that he might die sooner rather than later. And he was okay with that.

Andy Whitfield died in New Zealand in 2011, at the age of 39. His wife and children were able to be with him. He had gone there to explore more treatment, and took a sudden turn for the worse,

*****

Review of Outlander Season 2 Episode 1

I was able to watch episode 1 of Season 2 early. I was struck by the similarities between the episode and the first episode of season 1. They were almost  mirror-images of each other.

Season 1:

1. The first half-an-hour, Claire is living a "normal" life. The last half, she is in a strange time and place.

2. She mistakes Black Jack for Frank.

3. Everyone around her speaks Gaelic, and she doesn't know what they are saying, and neither does the audience.

4. She and Frank are trying to have a baby.

5. The first sign that she is truly in the past that she accepts is that there are no electric lights on in Inverness.



Season 2:

1. She is in a "strange" world for the first half, and then we return to her new "normal".

2. Frank displays some very Black Jack-like behavior. Tobias Menzies, you so need an Emmy!

3. Claire seems to speak perfect French, while Jamie apparently struggles with it. I don't think Murtagh speaks French at all. Subtitles abound.

4. She's pregnant with Jamie's child.

5. Loud noises bother her in the future. She adapted to the past very well.