COTW: RAINN

I know I have been MIA lately and I apologize profusely. I am in the midst of moving and just found out we’re changing our move date to TOMORROW instead of Friday, so this is my 5 minute break from running around like a chicken with my head cut off we moved a day earlier than planned, so I had taken a bit of time to post a Charity of the Week. (Also, I apologize for not posting anything, even a charity, last week.)

The Charity of the Week this last week (but let’s carry it into this week) is:

 

My good friend Mel suggested this cause to me (suggestions/comments/questions are always welcome!) and I had to move it above a couple of other philanthropies on my list. It is such a good cause and yet another way that we can all help, whether by giving money, time, or just by spreading the word. Christina Ricci is the spokesperson for RAINN, and I have tremendous respect for her. I have tremendous respect for any actor or celebrity who use their fame for good.

Since school is starting this month, RAINN is presenting National Campus Safety Awareness Month. Let’s promote campus safety as students go back to school. Encourage college-age women you know to carry their cell phones and keys with them when they leave a building (rather than become distracted by digging through their purses), to use the buddy system, and to always let people know where they are going and when they plan to return. Small acts such as this that are normally taken for granted could save lives.

So this week (and month) let’s spread the word for RAINN.

COTW: the ONE campaign

Obviously, I’m a big fan of celebs, so this week I am featuring a charity that many celebrities are involved with: the ONE campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to end extreme poverty and preventable disease throughout the world (currently most specifically targeted in African countries). ONE acts to hold leaders accountable, works for fair trade and supports aid and democracy. As their site says,

At ONE, we believe the fight against poverty is not about charity, but about justice and equality.

What I like about ONE is that they aren’t just asking for money. ONE asks you to help in any way you can. Volunteer some time. Post a link to their site. Spread the word. Sign petitions to senators. There are SO many ways you can make a difference by acting with and through ONE. Why don’t you start today?

A Tisket, A Tasket, Kendra's Baby with Hank Baskett

Just let me say that I feel like lately I have been surrounded by baby stuff: pregnant friends, friends with babies, baby showers, people asking when we’re going to have babies, etc. I am happy for all of you, all of your babies are adorable and cute and fun, and Taylor and I are not planning to have babies for several years (key word: PLANNING. I know accidents happen). I don’t have baby fever and it took me a long time to even admit that one day *EVER* I might want to have a baby.

WITH THAT SAID – I saw this picture of Kendra & Hank on PEOPLE and I think she just has the cuuuutest lil baby bump! I love them and I think they make a great couple and will be super-fun parents!

See the itty bitty baby bump?

Also, can I give myself props for a cute blog title? I’m sure I will have subsequent posts by the same name in coming months as Kendra’s tummy grows and when we are graced with lil Baby Baskett.

Aww, She's All Growed Up!

Can I just say that married life has been great for Fergie? I mean, look how awesome she looks – natural makeup, clear face sans eyebrow piercing, and luscious dark locks (no more brassiness!). Now, if only “My Humps” didn’t pop into my head every time I see her…

She got that Boom Boom Pow!

Definitely Fergalicious (come on, I had to).

When I have $$

After the bar exam, when my wonderful Husband has a full-time job and we are no longer slaves to penny-pinching and student loans, THIS IS WHAT I AM TREATING MYSELF TO:

Kindle 2 = LOVE

 

Katherine has the new Kindle and when she was here last weekend, I just got a glimpse of it because we were crazy busy. However, when I go to Houston in a couple of weeks, I plan to kidnap it and make sure it’s what I want – because far too often I buy something, only to return it a few days later because I expect it to completely revolutionize my world and it does NOT. But having talked to her at LENGTH about the Kindle 2, I believe it will be exactly what I need (especially since I just did my second bookshelf purge of 2009). ALSO, since the new iPhone and software are being released this month, AND since the iPhone features a Kindle app where you can sync them and pick up where you left off (so convenient not having to lug around 2 electronic devices at all times, especially since the Kindle won’t fit in a clutch or my pockets)…I plan on getting an iPhone to go with my Kindle. LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE!

Do you have a Kindle? THOUGHTS??

My Life is Now Complete

Two of the world’s most beautiful men, in the same picture…If David Beckham and/or Johnny Depp had been in this picture too, my heart literally would have stopped…

Ryan Reynolds + Hugh Jackman = Half of Heaven

Kim Loves Her Curves

Okay, so if I had cellulite and still looked like this:

Kim Kardashian's New Cover Shoot for Life & Style

I WOULD LOVE MY CURVES, TOO!

As is, every day I find another little wrinkle or bump, and I curse Father Time. Kim, we now have a love/hate relationship. I still love you, but I hate my genes just a little bit more.

I’ll probably feel better when the sun is shining again and I can get just a teensy bit more tan…

Why I Respect Our President (and his family)

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/30/obamas-to-use-own-cash-to-redecorate-white-hosue/

See? I told you!

Yesterday I read about this on the local news website. Then, I received the actual text, forwarded to me by a good friend (who also happens to teach middle school in one of the poorest, most gang-ridden schools in Tulsa, so I understand her concern). I proceeded to tell her about it’s falsehood. Now, Jezebel is blogging about it…please, don’t let it ruin the Twilight party!

Texting Hoax May Scare Off Women Attending Twilight Parties [Things That Suck]

from Jezebel by Margaret

A text message circulating in 16 states warns that women are being killed by gangs outside Walmarts. Fortunately it’s a hoax, but it may ruin the Twilight DVD release parties planned at 2,400 stores.

The hoax appears to be based on an urban myth circulated by e-mail since 2005. Police departments around the country have been getting calls about the texts, which are tailored to each local area and claim gangs are killing women at Walmart as part of their initiation rites. The texts are making the rounds in at least 16 states, including Maryland, Delaware, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Hawaii. It’s a particularly inopportune time for Walmart, since many stores are holding Twilight parties at midnight on Saturday, but it’s not clear if this is a coincidence or a coordinated effort to sabotage the event. [Advertising Age]

Goodbye, Natasha Richardson

This article from Jezebel is the best summary I’ve seen so far. Natasha Richardson, you will be missed. The theater, and humanity, has lost a shining star.

Natasha Richardson: Actress, Mother, Wife, Force Of Nature… Dead At 45 [R.i.p.]

from Jezebel by Sadie

Acclaimed actress Natasha Richardson died today of head injuries sustained in a skiing accident. She was 45.

Richardson was, famously, part of an acting dynasty: the daughter of the late director and producer Tony Richardson and actress Vanessa Redgrave, granddaughter of actors Sir Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, niece of actress Lynn Redgrave and actor Corin Redgrave, and sister of Joely Richardson. Married to Liam Neeson since 1994, the pair has two sons: Micheál, 13, and Daniel, 12.

Richardson’s career was varied, encompassing stage and screen roles. Her film roles were as wide-ranging as The Handmaid’s Tale, Nell, The Parent Trap and The White Countess. On stage, she won acclaim for her interpretation of Chekhov and Williams and a Tony for her starring turn in the revival of Cabaret. She appeared several times with her mother, Vanessa Redgrave, most recently in Evening.

Richardson’s death is shocking and saddening, and as a sensitive screen and stage presence – and a public figure of unusual grace and elegance – she’ll be very much missed. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to her family and two young sons, and for our part we’ll be having a screening of some of our favorite of her films tonight, starting with the lovely A Month in the Country in memoriam.