Trump’s Torturous Tribulations

Trump’s Torturous Tribulations

Trump’s Torturous Tribulations

By Cate Rees-Hessel w/ D.S.Mitchell

 

Disaster Impending

As we draw closer to the dreaded day of January 20th, Donald Trump’s second inauguration, something I thought I would never hear or say, allow me to point out more insane things he has done prior to his taking office again this month. We absolutely must resist this devastating excuse for a president

Cold Day in Hell?

But it should be noted first, even his inauguration itself demonstrates his all-consuming self-interest: the ceremony has been moved indoors because the temperature is predicted to be in the low twenties. At least two prior Presidents in the last 60 years or so were inaugurated outside in similar cold, and the last time an inauguration was moved indoors, the temp at noon was 7 above zero. Even more telling is the official statement that the most of the quarter-million tickets sold for the event when it was set for outside won’t be honored for indoor seats, but are now “commemorative”. In other words, worthless – but wait a minute, they were already. All the more reason we absolutely must continue to resist this coming travesty.

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A Woman of a Certain Age: Political Edition

A Woman of a Certain Age :

                      The Political Edition…

 

A Woman of a Certain Age:

                     The Political Edition…

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

  1. If you campaigned for Shirley Chisholm, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  2. If you know who Shirley Chisholm is…
  3. If you brought a folding chair to the table…
  4. If you campaigned for Mondale/Ferrara…
  5. If you’re not going back
  6. If you voted against Reaganomics…
  7. If you know what Reaganomics is,  just think “trickle down.”
  8. If you think President Biden is a hottie…
  9. If you think Donald Trump is a hottie, ewwwww – you actually need a comprehensive eye exam, at the very least…
  10. If you’re not going back…
  11. If you stood on street corners in the sun and rain to fight for ERA, reproductive freedom, going to bat for girls in sports…
  12. If despite your aches and pains, you are still willing to stand on street corners in the sun and rain again to fight for ERA, reproductive freedom, and girls/women in sports…
  13. If you can remember when women couldn’t get credit in their own names…
  14. If you voted for Jimmy Carter…
  15. If you’re not going back…
  16. If you subscribed to Ms. Magazine…
  17. If you know who Gloria Steinem is…
  18. If you’re old enough to be JD Vance‘s mother or grandmother, but glad you aren’t…
  19. If you thought we would finally see a women President after years of fighting for a female when Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris gave it their all…
  20. If you’re not going back…
  21. If you want your daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters to have equality and inclusion…
  22. If you quote Eleanor Roosevelt, Roslyn Carter, or Jackie Kennedy Onassis…
  23. If you think Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone…
  24. If you remember that awful day in Dallas when President John Kennedy was assassinated…
  25. If you’re not going back…
  26. If you were a founding member of NOW…
  27. If you remember Watergate…
  28. If ever wore a POW/MIA bracelet…
  29. If you are a “childless cat lady”…
  30. If you have ever been barefoot and pregnant, but your daughters and granddaughters are wearing shoes because you fought for freedom…
  31. If you ever declared, “we are young, good looking, we’ll be there”, and you’re empowered because you were there…
  32. If you’re not going back…
  33. If you attended Woodstock or Live Aid…
  34. If you participated in Hands Across America…
  35. If you never joined a protest in your youth but felt compelled to do so during Trump’s original term, please do so again…
  36. If you campaigned against the swimsuit competition in the Miss America pageant…
  37. If you’re not going back…
  38. If you supported Vanessa Williams when the scandal broke…
  39. If you thought Party Hearst might have possibly been not guilty…
  40. If you feel “Hell no, we won’t go” bubbling from your soul, because we are “NOT GOING BACK”…

24 Things to be Thankful For

24 Things to be Thankful ForJust because Trump was re-elected we still have much to be thankful for.

24 Things to be Thankful For

By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel

A Sad Day

Thanksgiving 2024 was a very sad day for so many of us. It’s unbelievable that Donald Trump has once again been elected president of the United States. But despite that despicable result, we still have many things to be thankful for. I was heartbroken hearing a favorite and familiar hymn being sung by right-wing conservative fundamentalists, when Trump received the number of electoral votes to win the election.

Blasphemy

I do still question the legitimacy of this outcome, and intend to fight back by joining in any and all peaceful protests against “The Donald” and JD Vance. As a devout liberal Christian of Jewish heritage, I found the singing of this hymn for Trump’s “win” to be blasphemous.

In This Storm

I do find comfort, however, in the lyrics of one of my favorite Christian contemporary songs by the very talented CCM recording artists “Casting Crowns”. For almost the past two decades “Praise You in this Storm” has brought me comfort. I am not sure where this band stands politically, but the music brings me hope. “Although my heart is torn, I will praise you in this Storm”. I do believe that God is in control, but I will always vehemently disagree with anyone supporting the orange monster, even those I care about.

24 Reasons

But there are things to be yet thankful for in the holiday season. I want to offer encouragement to our saddened world this holiday season, so here are my twenty four things to be thankful for in ‘24…

  1. I am thankful for loved ones, including my furbabies.
  2. I am thankful that while we celebrate the conclusion of this year that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are still in office.
  3. I am thankful for the Lincoln Project.
  4. I am thankful that we can still put a turkey on the table this Thanksgiving before we have one in the White House again. My spouse feels calling Trump a turkey is an insult to the mean, cantankerous, stupid fowl, but it’s a far less insulting term than the ones I usually reserve for the Donald.
  5. I am thankful for Harris-Walz, and the honest campaign they ran.
  6. I am thankful for Democrats and our fight to retain democracy against the “dictator from day one”.
  7. I am thankful for certain Republicans like Liz Cheney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and others that actually voted against Trump.
  8. I am thankful for Mary Trump.
  9. I am thankful for feminist pride.
  10. I am thankful for every woman that did not die from miscarriages and lack of health care before the extremist “anti-abortion” laws, and I am broken hearted for those who perished at the hands of the tyrant Trump.
  11. I am thankful to currently live in a free democracy.
  12. I am thankful for the right to vote, and hope to continue living in our nation as I pray it remains a free country.
  13. I am thankful for necessary government programs that benefit the disabled, children, and seniors, but will I be able to say this next Thanksgiving? I hope so, but I am not holding my breath.
  14. I am thankful for those willing to fight for our freedom – our military will never be “suckers” or “losers”, no matter what the immoral orange haired monster calls them.
  15. I am thankful that I live in a state with a very strong Democratic governor.
  16. I am thankful for the many women that I have stood with over the years that fought for equality – we still won’t go back.
  17. I am thankful for COVID vaccines that President Biden made available after the Donald wrecked our economy and cost thousands to lose their lives with the mishandling of the pandemic.
  18. I am thankful the pandemic is over and we can finally manage COVID, thank you again to the Biden administration, as well as Dr. Fauci and all those who worked tirelessly to slow down and stop the pandemic.
  19. I am thankful for my neighbors that have immigrated to our nation in hopes of a better life or to be with family, but will they be deported?
  20. Although I am not diabetic, I am thankful for insulin being capped at $35 for those who do need it.
  21. I am thankful that no one’s cats or dogs were actually eaten – that rumor was started by a racist crazy man whose lemmings voted him unbelievably into office again.
  22. I am thankful that I am a childless cat lady that proudly voted for Kamala Harris and will continue to show my love for children and furbabies in my own ways, joining the many women who although are not mothers per se, are vital and strong without the approval of Mr. Vance.
  23. I am thankful I don’t use any of JD Vance’s hair products – I thought Brill Cream went out in the 1960’s.
  24. I am thankful that I won’t be purchasing blasphemous books that I simply can’t refer to as God’s Word signed by Trump (the Bible in no way needs his endorsement), or the bevy of Trumpy souvenirs this holiday season. My fireplace just isn’t big enough for MAGA hats and hideous gold sneakers, or worse yet Trumpy Bear (and burning those hats, sneakers, or “bear” would be toxic)…

In Conclusion

I would be very thankful to see Trump sentenced to prison for his 34 felonies this week. That would be a holiday miracle to benefit the greater good. Yes, our hearts are certainly torn up for sure, but we must not give up hope. Happy Trump-free holiday season for everyone. In closing, thanks to our current Biden Harris administration for the second year in a row the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner cost less than in previous years. Be blessed and stay safe everyone…

 

You Might Be a Woman of a Certain Age

More of the Famous, “You Might be a Woman of a Certain Age”. . . 

More of "Women of a Certain Age."

More of the Famous “You Might be a Woman of a Certain Age”…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

  1. If you ever had clear plastic enclosed furniture and got stuck to it while wearing hot pants, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  2. If you wore Charlie perfume when it originally came out, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  3. If you know Youth Dew Bath Oil came before the perfume, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  4. If you know what Youth Dew is and who still makes it, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  5. If you ever used Tinkerbell cologne, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  6. If you ever used Tinkerbell wash-off nail polish, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  7. If you had a little doll in a plastic perfume bottle, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  8. If you ever had a Dawn doll, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  9. If you ever had a Chrissy doll, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  10. If you had an original Alan or Midge doll, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  11. If you remember Growing Up Skipper – yes, her boobs grew (see the ”Barbie” movie for a demonstration), you might be a woman of a certain age…
  12. If you know who Spike the dog is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  13. If you know who Dennis Rodman is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  14. If you know what Terry Bradshaw’s occupation was before he became an actor, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  15. If you had day of the week panties, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  16. If you are ready to throw your Spanx at Sir Tom Jones, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  17. If you are ready to throw your Depends at Sir Tom Jones, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  18. If you are ready to throw yourself at Sir Tom Jones, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  19. If you ever had a beeper, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  20. If you watched Saturday morning cartoons growing up, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  21. If you ever ran through the sprinkler as a child, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  22. If you ever caught fireflies and put them in jar with blades of grass and a metal lid with punched holes, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  23. If you ever went berry picking, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  24. If you remember Mr. Ed or Here’s Lucy, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  25. If you ever had a metal glider on your porch, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  26. If you had a wicker laundry hamper with a flower accent, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  27. If you ever had a rubber bathing cap with a brightly-colored flower, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  28. If you ever had wax lips or bottles with a sugary beverage in them, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  29. If you ever chose your Christmas presents from the Sears Wish Book, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  30. If you ever shopped at Sears, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  31. If you ever shopped at Radio Shack, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  32. If you ever shopped at Zayre or Venture, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  33. If you ever ate a breakfast brownie from a box, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  34. If you ever had a Swanson frozen dinner with the metal tray, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  35. If you ever had a little tub of ice cream with a flat wooden spoon, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  36. If you ever had orange drink in a miniature milk carton, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  37. If you or your child ever had a baby crib with an animal applique, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  38. If you ever had an original Spirograph, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  39. If you ever had an original Lite Brite, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  40. If you ever spent any Saturday nights at Blockbuster, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  41. If you know who the Great Pumpkin is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  42. If you ever saw a flashing blue light right after hearing, “Attention K-Mart shoppers…”, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  43. If you ever consumed Sugar Babies, Bazooka, Mary Janes, Lemonhead, or Chico Sticks, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  44. If you ever called a radio station to play your request and dedication on the air, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  45. If you know who Casey Kasem is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  46. If you know who Wolfman Jack is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  47. If you know what musical House of WAXX is from, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  48. If you ever met the Flintstones or the Jetsons, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  49. If you ever smelled Jovan Musk Oil, English Leather, High Karate, or Aqua Velva, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  50. If you know Mikey hated everything, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  51. If you ever had Jiffy Pop, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  52. If you ever owned an avocado green electric fry pan, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  53. If you ever repaired a run in your stocking with clear nail polish, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  54. If you ever wore a Frank Mazzendrea design, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  55. If you ever wore an original Norma Kamali garment made of sweatsuit fabric, you might be a woman of a certain age…

Donald Trump: It Should Have Ended Then and There

Donald Trump:

It Should Have Ended Then and There

Trump is a destroyer not a builder

Donald Trump:

It Should Have Ended Then and There…

By Cate Rees-Hessel and Wes Hessel

  1. When Donald Trump announced his original run for the White House; June nine years ago, and we all thought it was a joke, it should have ended then and there…
  2. When he got the nomination in 2016, it should have ended then and there…
  3. When the Donald made fun of a disabled journalist, it should have ended then and there…
  4. When Trump bragged he “grabbed ‘em by the p_____”, it should have ended then and there…
  5. When Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, it should have ended then and there…
  6. When the orange haired monster talked about a military parade that only dictators do (of course, it was just one more thing the Donald didn’t follow through on), it should have ended then and there…
  7. When the Donald completely mismanaged the pandemic causing catastrophic loss of life, it should have ended then and there…
  8. When he told the nation to drink bleach, it should have ended then and there…
  9. When the orange buffoon touted the unproven and ineffective anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID, it should have ended then and there…
  10. When he promoted ivermectin, a drug primarily used to deworm animals like horses and is unsafe for humans, it should have ended then and there…
  11. When he said the windmills cause cancer, it should have ended then and there…
  12. When Trump claimed the Continental Army “took over the airports” during the Revolutionary War, it should have ended then and there…
  13. When he held a Bible upside down outside of a church that has he does not attend, it should have ended then and there…
  14. When he began selling autographed Bibles and a bevy of of other merchandise to his loyal followers, it should have ended then and there…
  15. January 6th, it should have ended then and there…
  16. When he was impeached twice, it should have ended then and there…
  17. When the orange marmalade was indicated, it should have ended then and there…
  18. When he was convicted on thirty-four felony counts, it should have ended then and there…
  19. When he claimed to be better looking than the beautiful (soon to be our next president) Kamala Harris, it should have ended then and there…
  20. When he “took a bullet” and only wore a bandage during rallies but not while golfing, claiming that his getting shot proves he is not a threat to democracy (Does anyone else stand with me that the bullet he took was a set up? Adolph Hitler faked his own assassination attempt…), it should have ended then and there…
  21. When he orchestrated the overturning Roe v. Wade, it should have ended then and there…
  22. When he bragged about overturning Roe v. Wade while woman are bleeding to death in their cars from miscarriages, it should have ended then and there…
  23. When he ran again after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, it should have ended then and there…
  24. When he got the Republican nomination despite being a convicted felon, it should have ended then and there…
  25. When he promised a “bloodbath”, it should have ended then and there…
  26. When Donny boy insisted Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, who are legally in the United States, are eating dogs and cats, it should have ended then and there…
  27. When he chose JD Vance as his running mate, it should have ended then and there…
  28. When he refused to release his tax records during his 2016 campaign, it should have ended then and there…
  29. When he claimed the 2020 election was stolen from him despite a record number of votes against him, it should have ended then and there…
  30. When Trump, the oldest candidate to seek the presidency, is slurring his words, speaking completely out of his mind more than usual, it should have ended then and there…
  31. When Project 2025 came to light, it should have ended then and there…
  32. After Trumpty Dumpty was not reelected but was giving Putin confidential pandemic information, it should have ended then and there…
  33. When the boxes of classified information were found in the bathroom at Mar-A-Lago, it should have ended then and there…
  34. The fact the Donald lies more than he breathes, it should have ended then and there…
  35. When we learned his abnormal and horrifying fascination with dictators, it should have ended then and there…
  36. When he made a promise to be a dictator from day one if he were to get another term, it should have ended then and there…
  37. When Trump told MAGA right wing “Christians” they will never need to vote again, it should have ended then and there…
  38. When conservative Republicans began to jump ship, it should have ended then and there…
  39. When he called our military members who made the ultimate sacrifice “suckers and losers”, it should have ended then and there…
  40. When The Donald tried to take credit for the $35.00 monthly insulin Biden and Harris arranged for seniors, it should have ended then and there…
  41. When he said “Do you want the black president or the white president, I think they want the white guy”, it should have ended then and there…
  42. When Trumpty Dumpty said black people can relate to him because he is now a felon, it should have ended then and there…
  43. When his plan is to tax ninety-five percent of the middle class more and give billionaires a tax break, it should have ended then and there…
  44. When the “My Pillow guy” and Elon Musk are his buddies, it should have ended then and there…
  45. When he called the intelligent and mentally astute former prosecutor and Vice President Kamala Harris “retarded” and a “low IQ individual” at one of his recent fundraisers, it should have ended then and there…

It will finally end with a vote for Harris-Walz on November 5th, 2024. The Mango Mussolini’s reign of terror will finally end, and despite what the MAGA say, America will continue to be great. Every woman, man, non-binary gender, LGBTQ+ community member, other minority, each of those in drag and childless cat ladies must vote. Racism and bigotry must end, antisemitism must end, gun violence must end – hate will finally begin to end. Democrats and Republicans alike must vote and vote blue. Thank you, Joe Biden, for all you have done to heal our nation and bring us our next president – our first female VP and soon our first female biracial president. We are not going back. When we fight, we win. God bless America…

You Might Just Be A Childless Cat Lady

You Might Just Be A Childless Cat Lady

JD Vance's comments about childless cat ladies is abhorrent.

You Might Just Be a Childless Cat Lady

By Cate Rees-Hessel

We need the childless cat ladies’ vote in this important 2024 election. Here are twenty-four reasons you might just be one of us ladies:

  1. If you realize your own worth, you might just be a (childless) cat lady…
  2. If you own adorable feline(s) and/or canine(s) and treat them like children because they are your furbabies, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  3. If you show your love for children in other ways: auntie, teacher, foster parent and so forth, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  4. If you understand the pain of infertility but still support reproductive freedom, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  5. If you hiss, growl, and instinctively put claws out when you hear the names JD Vance or Donald Trump, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  6. If you proudly support Momola Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  7. If you realize what a complete moron JD Vance is, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  8. If you love a good cat reel or meme, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  9. If you dressed as Catwoman at the last costume party you attended, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  10. If you support animal welfare organizations, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  11. If you recognize locker room talk for the abuse it is, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  12. If you can’t be grabbed – we have claws and we’re not afraid to use them, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  13. If you will donate kitty litter to the next Trump rally, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  14. If you believe in woman’s rights, equal pay, ERA, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  15. If you despise sexism, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  16. If you want the world to be a better place for all daughters, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  17. If you believe in sisterhood, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  18. If you read Cat magazine, not National Affairs, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  19. If the sight of the Donald makes you want to cough up a hairball, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  20. If you want all children male or female to thrive, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  21. If you are a Democrat, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  22. If you wish you had a ball of string to strangle the Trumpy Bear that’s been advertised on television, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  23. If you bought a Trumpy Bear for your cat to use as a scratching post or chew toy, you might just be a childless cat lady…
  24. If you can be a playful kitty when the mood strikes, you might just be a childless cat lady…

Come on childless cat ladies, we can meow with the best of them. Our votes count, our lives have meaning, and frankly we are as cute as kittens…

Why I Am With Her

Why I Am With Her

The United States is a bi-racial country. The diversity is what makes us strong.

Why I Am With Her

By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel

 

The Democratic National Convention has been celebrating all week in Chicago at McCormick Place and United Center.  A sincere thank you to President Biden for all he has done to heal and restore our nation, as well as giving us our first female VP. I stand with Kamala Harris and can’t wait to call her Madame President, since we were robbed of the opportunity in 2016 when Hilary Clinton won the popular vote. We fondly remember the legacy laid by Shirley Chisholm and Geraldine Ferraro as we move forward with this year’s election.

I feel a great sense of pride that my city is hosting the Democratic Convention. Especially this week we ladies are featuring pearls and Converse shoes. Of course, we also have to watch where we walk – there’s glass everywhere on our streets from another proverbial ceiling being shattered… So for the 2024 election, here are 24 reasons that I am with her, our Vice-President, as our candidate for President of the United States:

  1. To save social security, I am with her…
  2. To protect children, I am with her…
  3. To protect women’s rights, I am with her…
  4. To protect reproductive freedom – not because I want to see woman have abortions but because I want to protect both woman and children, I am with her…
  5. To preserve the middle class, so everyone can live with dignity, I am with her…
  6. To protect health care, I am with her…
  7. To cut down on crime, I am with her, the successful prosecutor…
  8. To pass common sense gun laws and prevent violence, I am with her…
  9. To put food on the table and in the mouths of children, I am with her…
  10. To continue the work of President Biden, I am with her…
  11. To continue the work of President Obama, I am with her…
  12. To protect unions, I am with her…
  13. To protect basic human rights, I am with her…
  14. To bring forth affordable housing, imagine 3 new housing units in four years, I am with her…
  15. To govern as a democracy, not a dictatorship, I am with her…
  16. To protect education-not student loans, I am with her…
  17. To prevent predatory lending practices, I am with her…
  18. To eradicate racism, I am with her…
  19. To stop sexism, I am with her…
  20. To stop antisemitism, I am with her…
  21. To serve the American people, not big business, I am with her…
  22. To address climate change, not pretend it doesn’t exist, I am with her…
  23. To prevent a convicted felon from stepping back in the Oval Office that he never belonged in to begin with, I am with her…
  24. To stand up to the orange haired monster and make history once again, I am with the intelligent, beautiful, strong and compassionate lady, Kamala Harris, in 2024…

Once again, we are reminded of the words the late Helen Reddy sang best:

“I am woman, hear me roar

In numbers too big to ignore

And I know too much to go back an’ pretend

‘Cause I’ve heard it all before

And I’ve been down there on the floor

And no one’s ever gonna keep me down again

 

Yes, I am wise

But it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price

But look how much I’ve gained

If I have to, I can do anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman

 

You can bend but never break me

‘Cause it only serves to make me

More determined to achieve my final goal

And I come back even stronger

Not a novice any longer

‘Cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul

 

Yes, I am wise

But it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price

But look how much I’ve gained

If I have to, I can do anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman

 

I am woman, watch me grow

See me standing toe to toe

As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land

But I’m still a little embryo

With such a long, long way to go

Until I make my brother understand

 

Oh yes, I am wise

But it’s wisdom born of pain

Yes, I’ve paid the price

But look how much I’ve gained

If I have to, I can face anything

I am strong (strong)

I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman…”

So this November 5th, or sooner in many districts,  we need a blue wave across the nation, like we did in 2020. President Biden received then the highest number of popular votes in any presidential election in history, which removed Donald Trump from his desecration of the office. We must never let Trump set foot in the White House again; a convicted felon belongs behind bars.

Women of a Certain Age-Yet Again…

Women of a Certain Age – Yet Again…

Women of a Certain Age-Yet Again…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If you had a latch hook shag rug in colors of orange, yellow, and chocolate brown, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  2. If you had a macrame plant hanger and a bead curtain in your first apartment…
  3. If you remember some of the shows on “When Radio Was” when they originally ran…
  4. If you know exactly what “You’ll shoot your eye out” means…
  5. If you ever sent or received a telegram…
  6. If you read Dennis the Menace or Mary Worth comic strips in a print newspaper…
  7. If you still read and enjoy a print newspaper…
  8. If you wore puka shells…
  9. If you used Short and Sassy shampoo and conditioner…
  10. If you remember the advertisement that read, “The only important things you wear are your jeans and your hair”…
  11. If you remember “Curlers in your hair, shame on you”…
  12. If you own curlers that don’t heat up or plug in…
  13. If your boyfriend had a Mustang muscle car…
  14. If you know who “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha” is…
  15. If you ever ate in a Pizza Hut with a salad bar…
  16. If you recall when bell bottoms and platform shoes were in fashion…
  17. If you ever bought a cup of coffee for a quarter, or even 50 cents…
  18. If you remember “You deserve a break today” and “At McDonald’s, it’s clean” commercials…
  19. If you ever got change back from a dollar at McDonald’s…
  20. If you ever shopped at a five and dime store…
  21. If you know what a five and dime store is…
  22. If you ever ate at a Woolworth restaurant…
  23. If you remember the original dollar stores…
  24. If you paid six dollars for your first concert ticket…
  25. If you ever wore gloves and a hat on a regular basis…
  26. If you remember Woodstock the concert, not just the bird…
  27. If you remember “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want too…you’d cry too if it happened to you”…
  28. If you still own leg warmers and a double skinny belt…
  29. If you miss big hair, beehives and Aquanet…
  30. If you long for Dippity Do and DEP…
  31. If you ever used a hairspray called FREEZE…
  32. If you owned a smocked tunic top to wear over jeans…
  33. If you still wear Jean Nate body splash…
  34. If you still wear Sweet Honesty perfume…
  35. If you ever used Youth Dew bath oil…
  36. If you still use Prell Shampoo…
  37. If you love a good “Skybar”…
  38. If you know what a “Skybar” is…
  39. If you still bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan (of course, the bacon you bring home is still less than your male counterpart)…
  40. If you saw an Alfred Hitchcock film in a theater…
  41. If you remember theaters that had only one screen…
  42. If you would give anything for a Tab on ice…
  43. If you know what a Tab is…
  44. If a flower behind your ear was an elegant touch…
  45. If you know the lyrics to all the Carol King and Carol Bayer Sager songs…
  46. If you remember original Orange Julius drinks and Dilly Bars…
  47. If you know exactly what “One Adam Twelve” means…
  48. If you support and respect the older gentleman that authored the Violence Against Women Act and gave us our first female VP…
  49. If Dr. Jill Biden is your role model…
  50. If you weathered the rain and the sun marching for Girls in Sports, reproductive freedom, and ERA…

Who Would You Rather Run the Nation?

Who Would You Rather Run the Nation?

I'd rather be Joe Biden than Donald Trump

Who Would You Rather Run the Nation?

Editor’s Note: Over the last couple days most of the political talk shows have been rehashing Joe’s poor debate performance. I think it involved terrible optics. Why did his people allow him to be facing away from the camera? Whoever it was on the presidents team that okay’d the studio lighting should be horsewhipped. And the total incompetent that was responsible for Joe’s make up should be fired.  So much of what happened was visual. In response to all the negative chatter Cate Rees-Hessel and hubby Wes Hessel wants to have a word with you. 

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel

 

Winner, and Still Champion…

After the first presidential debate, I must say that I honestly feel President Biden won. Why? Because he actually answered the questions, didn’t whine or insult like a spoiled brat, and he was honest. Would you rather have a slow talker that tells the truth, or a fast-talking felon as president? Yes, it comes down to this.

A Real Leader

Joe had a cold – his voice was a bit soft and raspy, but his answers were solid. He spoke slowly with his stutter, but that has never stopped him from being an effective leader. He has even helped empowered a little boy who has a stammer challenge, because Joe Biden is a good man. He cares about America. Even if you felt his lost his train of thought at times during the debate, many of us need to pause to think in order to give an intelligent answer. Taking a moment to compose yourself is not a sign of weakness, especially when you’re not feeling well from a bad cold – our President got the job done, because he is a professional. “The Donald” was arrogant, spewing the same old hate instead of giving legitimate answers.

Run, Joe, Run…

After the debate, our president said he walks a bit different, does not debate as well, but knows he can continue to run our nation because he is mentally and physically fit. He quipped that he is not a young man – that is stating the obvious – but I truly feel he does not look or act his age at all. When he accepted his victory in 2020, Joe jogged to the podium like a man half his age – that was only four years ago. I can recall President Obama stating that before his presidency he was a much younger man. The office can age a person, but President Biden is still as strong as ever.

Breakfast (Lunch, and Dinner) of Champions

He was on fire when he gave the State of the Union a few months back. One slow talking debate does not mean he is not able to continue being a strong leader. Donald Trump is only three years younger than President Biden. Just look at them – it’s clear Joe is in better shape than Trump, and that’s without the hair and makeup jobs that Trump has used for years. President Biden eats nutritious food, not a diet of junk food; he exercises and does not have the stress of a possible jail sentence like the Donald has.

Running Mate

Joe Biden also has a very capable vice president if Lord forbid something were to happen to him. Kamala Harris is a very capable woman that can run the country well. Trump has not even chosen a running mate – Lord only knows whom our president would be if Trump’s felony convictions or poor diet catch up with him. Rumor has it Marco Rubio may be his choice, and frankly Marco scares me with his extremist mind set and Tea Party-type association.

Just a Number

Age is just a number. Patrick Stewart at 84 is a fine actor, intelligent and powerful and still a little bit sexy. Engelbert Humperdinck is still entertaining audiences live at age 88 with a clear voice, moving about the stage with vigor and grace. Carol Burnett is still on the tube for MTV at 91, and Dick Van Dyke is going strong at 98 years old. And Clint Eastwood is still directing movies at 94. In fact, his recent thriller “Juror #2” should be released around Christmas. The number of capable senior citizens that continue to handle challenging careers is growing.

The Right Choice

I am voting for the silver fox, in the ever so cool Aviators. Joe Biden, is one of the best presidents to ever serve this country. Joe Biden is the first real working man’s president. Joe Biden knows what its like to worry if there will be enough money to make it through the month. He will stand up to terrorists, foreign and domestic. His administration has created a record number of jobs, cares about the environment and women’s rights, including reproductive freedom. Women with unsafe pregnancies that are approaching death’s door before they can get the medical treatment they need, can rely on Joe Biden to save their lives. He will protect the children already on this Earth with nutritious school lunches, quality child and health care.

Clean Up Man

Are prices higher than before Joe Biden took office? Yes, they are because during Trump’s reign of terror, the pandemic raged unchecked, leading to rampant deaths and economic collapse. Americans are back at work now, thanks to the hard work of Joe and Democratic lawmakers, and it’s only a matter of time before prices begin to decline, but only if President Biden remains in office. Trump gives tax breaks to big business and the ultra-wealthy, not caring if Americans can put food on the table.

…vs. Sell His Soul

Maybe you don’t like President Biden, perhaps he is not your first choice for whatever reason, but please recognize he is the only choice, because the alternative(s) is unthinkable: a convicted felon that holds the Bible upside down and then tries to sell them for sixty dollars apiece. A racist that tries to claim a connection to the African American community because he is now a convicted criminal, and wears gold sneakers that he is also peddling. That is the biggest insult to the Black community that I can even imagine. And his claim that immigrants are stealing “black jobs” should outrage us all. And then the rarely mentioned third candidate Robert Kennedy Jr, who is an extremist anti-vaxxer who claims a now dead worm ate a portion of his brain. Oh my. The choice is clear, Joe gets four more years.

What a Leader Looks Like

The real man of God is the one who prayed during his inaugural speech, attends church on a regular basis for worship of the Higher Power, not himself, and does not participate in “locker room talk”. A convicted felon cannot vote, so how can one run for political office? Donald Trump, the person that wants to be president, has lost his right to vote – think about that. He didn’t belong in the Oval Office before, and he certainly does not now.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

President Biden respects women – he wrote the Violence Against Women Act; he respects our military – his son served. He’s created a record number of good jobs, brought unemployment down, is daily working to protect our labor force and our unions. Joe stands up to large corporations, getting them to pay their fair share of taxes. He got insulin capped at $35.00, finally affordable for those that need it to control diabetes. Allowing Medicare (the government) to negotiate drug prices is another big Biden win.

Oh, Sleaze…

Donald Trump brought us the first “lady” with a belly button staple, President Biden brought us a beautiful Doctor of Education, a true lady. There is no doubt about it the Biden’s have brought class and dignity back to the White House. The Trump era had a mice infestation and a chief rat in the Oval Office. Don’t let our nation go back to being the laughingstock we were during the orange monster’s “presidency”. Trump had the audacity during the debate to refer to the Biden era as an embarrassment – this is surely the pot calling the kettle gray. There’s a reason, well, dozens of them, why he wasn’t reelected. Donald Trump promised a bloodbath if he does not win; don’t let that bully scare you, vote blue and the authorities will stop the violence. He promise to be a dictator from day one should on itself be disqualifying.

Democracy in Action

America is a democracy. We have the best economy in the world after the pandemic because Joe Biden took office – he is the clear choice. President Biden promises to stay in the race after this debate, because one debate does not define a President. A record of making a needed infrastructure bill happen, decreasing student loan debt, limiting rent raises for tenants, saving social security for our seniors, these things define a good president. “When you get knocked down, you get back up” – President Biden got right back up; ninety minutes does not define a presidency.

Go, Go, Go, Joe…

I agree with my girl Jill, there is no one I would rather see in the Oval Office than her husband, a President for the people, not a criminal puppet of Vladimir Putin. Let’s go Joe, four more years; there is still more work to be done, and you are the man to do it.

“Go, go, go, Joseph, you know what they say

Hang on now, Joseph, you’ll make it some day

Don’t give up, Joseph, fight till you drop

We’ve read the book, and you come out on top…”

(Go-Go-Go Joseph, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Andrew Lloyd Webber)

 

 

Summer Events on a Budget

Summer Events on a Budget

Summer Events on a Budget

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Celebrate…

June brides, grads, 4th of July patriots, and fun seekers can celebrate without breaking the bank with these money saving ideas:

  1. Wedding gown resale and discount shops offer dresses as lovely as the exclusive stores – don’t discount them, pun intended. A good seamstress and dry cleaner can be invaluable when choosing a pre-owned fashion, or a dress that’s been on the rack for some time. Choose a classic style and make it your own. A prom dress off the clearance rack can even be adapted with some sewing know how.
  2. Something borrowed can be a dress, shoes, or veil – just make sure the dress fits well; have alterations if need be. A tailor or seamstress can save you money by altering the size or changing the look of the garment, but ask the lender if it’s okay to make changes.
  3. Weddings, graduation parties, or showers can use items like plastic silverware, as long as it’s a higher quality plastic. Party stores, as well as big box retailers, stock heavy plastic cutlery that is ornate and in a variety of colors. Pair with pretty colored napkins and matching paper or heavy plastic plates and cups. Have pretty baskets on the buffet table to hold these items. After Mother’s Day is a perfect time to get pretty table items on clearance.
  4. Decorations can come from a dollar store, but be VERY choosey. Avoid cheaply painted ceramic, or plastic decor. A glue gun and pretty ribbons can be your friend.
  5. Make sure everyone has a good time – keep events fun filled. People will remember a great time more than an elegant but dull event, though do be very careful about being tacky. Tasteless and chintzy are also things guests will recall. Budget friendly does not have to equate to trashy. There are many nice inexpensive things available for festive times.
  6. Bridesmaids can wear dresses in coordinating hues of the wedding color scheme – just pull them together with matching scarfs, ribbons and jewelry.
  7. There is nothing wrong with a potluck, but if the item you are providing is leftover from another event, please keep that to yourself. A relative of my husband’s announced rather loudly that the appetizer she was serving was left over from a funeral. Needless to say I nearly choked on mine.
  8. To avoid the aforementioned tacky, streamers and crepe paper wedding bells that go from flat to puffy in the blink of an eye, are among the tackiest of decor. Don’t go there. Vintage touched are a better bet. Something from a loved ones wedding back in the day perhaps.
  9. Set up an area with a background for selfies and have a few fun props handy. Here is where a bit of tackiness is okay…
  10. Consider alternative venues for weddings or graduation parties. Water park, beaches, backyards and park district shelters can be very nice. Use plastic or linen table clothes, and clean the areas before guests arrive if the venue does not provide that service. Remember porta potties are modern equivalents of the dreaded old fashion outhouses – choose a place with indoor bathrooms. Make sure soap, lotion, toilet paper, and paper towels are well stocked – be prepared to bring your own. A basket of amenities, such as perfumes, breath mints, and a sewing kit with safety pins, needle, and thread are a nice touch. Maybe add a few fresh flowers in the wedding color to the restrooms in glass mason jars. Talk to the venue and find out what is allowed.
  11. If you are an invited guest of a casual venue wedding or other party, dress nicely. Don’t assume that a less formal venue means shorts, T-shirts or cheap flip-flops. Designer flops are fine with the right outfit, but wear a nice dress or casual suit. It’s still a celebration of someone’s nuptials or accomplishment, and being well dressed shows respect. Leave the sneakers and sweat pants at home. Deck shoes or a very nice new pair of jeans might be okay, but actual slacks or leggings would be very appropriate.
  12. Games are fun, and even a karaoke machine might be alright, but remember, after a couple glasses of wine, Uncle Fred’s off-key version of “Some Enchanted Evening” (or worse yet “Disco Duck”) can certainly bring down even the best party ever.
  13. Weddings can have thrifty themes and still be fun – beach or luau work for both showers and grad parties as well.
  14. Balloons all over can be very lots of fun and add pretty pops of color – just remember safety for children and the environment.
  15. If you are using a church social hall, school gymnasium, or the like, inexpensive tulle or satin look fabric to cover shelves of books or equipment can work to give the room a professional look. The same is true for VFW and other community type venues.
  16. Gazebo weddings are pretty for the actual vows; I know someone that had a beautiful ceremony under the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
  17. Be creative, museums, theaters or art galleries might be available, if you ask.
  18. Look for coupons or specials in your local paper or online for catering – this time of year they are often offering discounts.
  19. If you opt for a backyard wedding, mow the lawn and have a well stocked indoor powder room for guests; designate an indoor area in case of inclement weather or this year, cicadas.
  20. At-home showers can be intimate, friendly, and frugal. I was given a unique kitchen shower where everyone was asked to bring a favorite recipe, and the non perishable ingredients for the dish, along with their gifts; a nice way to stock the bride’s kitchen cupboards. Maybe make a couple of the recipes to serve at the event. Another options is a white elephant motif.
  21. In addition to gifts, bring a little some thing you have enjoyed in your home over the years with a story surrounding the item for happy couple to treasure – giving beautiful memories is priceless. Lingerie showers can include active wear as well as sexy nighties. Remember that couples showers are popular these days and can include themes like fix it or honeymoon travel. Spa showers can be fun for everyone, maybe with homemade scrubs or essential oils. Multi level marketing company reps sometimes offer theme showers, but if the bride is registered elsewhere or has a specific list, stick to that. Coordinate with guests to avoid duplicate gifts. Brides and grooms to be, please choose gifts in various price ranges to accommodate everyone’s budget.
  22. Don’t cut corners on certain items. Your wedding photos cannot be retaken, and trusting a beauty school student or multi level cosmetic sales rep to do your makeup, hair, or nails is not a good idea. Choose a seasoned professional – it’s worth the money. Trying bartering for these services, it may not work but it’s worth a try – just be polite and don’t be pushy. Some areas have barter groups that you might use. There is always Groupon, too.
  23. A pizza party rehearsal dinner is a bit in poor taste perhaps, but a buffet is fine. Engagement parties can be casual, appetizers and desserts work for this type of party, so do barbecues.
  24. If you opt for a cake and punch reception, utilize a Pittsburgh, PA tradition with a homemade cookies sweet table – have bakery boxes available for guests to take some goodies with them. Never bring plastic sandwich baggies or containers for left over party food from A candy table with mini chocolates and other confections with pretty bags for guests to bring home is a fun, memorable that can be done inexpensively.
  25. For graduation or engagement parties, a board game night can be lots of fun. Have everyone bring a favorite with them.
  26. Carnival theme parties with snow cones, funnel cakes, and cotton candy to go along with games of chance can be fun for summer birthday parties. Inexpensive trinket prizes and a large stuffed animal door prize can be fun. Give tickets to win the main award to everyone in attendance, and have the big reveal at the end. Have smaller prizes ready for everyone as they exit.
  27. Check local laws and regulations if you want to have your event at the beach or a local park – don’t leave anything to chance. Most forest preserves, public beaches, or parks require permits for private parties. They might be free or a nominal fee must be paid in advance – plan ahead, as reservations for spaces may have to be made at the beginning of the quarter or year.
  28. Memorable touches can mean more than pricey allocates. Dear friends that are like family recently celebrated a graduation with custom T-shirts exclaiming sister, brother, mother, father, grandmother, and grandfather of the graduate. Team Bride and Team Groom buttons, tees, or jackets are also a great way to commemorate a special day.
  29. Use a pretty chalkboard with the wedding colors for each bridal event leading up to the big day, as well as at the ceremony and reception themselves, to greet guests, welcoming them to each event. Include directions to seating areas, restrooms, and the like to help navigate their way through the venue with ease.
  30. DIY multimedia presentations can make for a enjoyable walk down memory lane without the high price tag – try websites like Canva.

Most of all, have fun, enjoy your loved ones, and these important summer moments…