Princess Bea's Wacky Wedding Hat

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenia, 5th and 6th in line to the throne of England, and offsprings of Prince Andrew and former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson (a.k.a. Fergie), caused a post-wedding uproar on their fashionista epic fail of "not so subtle hats" at Prince William and Kate's wedding. Princess Bea's hat in particular, popularly dubbed "the pretzel hat," has reached social networking notoriety based on its 10,000+ Facebook fan following on the page called "Princess Bea's Ridiculous Royal Wedding Hat ." What consequently ensued has been a series of creative photos with said hat appearing on random objects (Heck! Even I gave it a try. LOL) and even on heads of  state (no pun intended) and government officials. It has been all in good fun, and Princess Bea has been smart to strike while the fire was hot by auctioning her infamous hat on e-Bay with proceeds going towards her favorite sponsored charity - UNICEF.  So, if you are in need of a mauve colored pretzel hat, and have $10,000+ in your bank account, be sure to go on e-Bay and bid on THE hat!

Update: Princess Bea's hat sold on e-bay for 81,000 British Pounds (or $130K USD).  Way to go, Bea!

Should Auld Acquaintance Bring Dan Fogelberg to Mind...

It's New Year's Eve, and I'm not thinking of parties, champagne and dancing in high heels, but of Dan Fogelberg oddly enough. I just heard "Same Auld Lang Syne".... a nostalgic classic that evokes bittersweet emotions every time I hear it... sadness... old joys... and shoulda-coulda-woulda's. Dan Fogelberg was a gifted songwriter. He could paint a story with his lyrics, and bring listeners to an emotional place.  Every time I hear this song, I picture ME bumping into an old lover at the grocery store... seeing my purse spill out... he and I laughing about it... engaging small talk at the checkout line... searching for a bar afterwards... buying a six-pack at the liquor store instead... drinking it in my car and reminiscing... he gets out... I drive away... and the snow turns into rain. Boom-Boom-POW! That was the power of Dan Fogelberg. You TOTALLY could see yourself in the scenarios he sings about with purity and honesty. I have ran into old lovers a time or two, but never with the poignancy like this song evokes. Wish they had. Dan Fogelberg, thank you for your music. Thank you for this song.  You left our world much too soon (1951-2007). Regrettably, he has NOT been inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. What a travesty! Wanna make the first difference in 2011? Click here and vote.  Dan, you are not forgotten.  HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Shopping at Mokattam Hills Recycling Center

Following my Coptic Churches tour, I went to the Recycling Center in Mokattam Hills, an area in greater Cairo where Garbage City is located. The Recycling Center is on the tourist circuit, because it's a section of Garbage City that rakes in monies for various charities in the community that focuses on the poor. In 1984, the Association for the Protection of the Environment (A.P.E.) registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs in Egypt. A.P.E. is a private voluntary organization that promotes environmentally safe waste management by "empowering garbage collectors, particularly women, children, and youths to manage a viable system of household waste including recycling in Egypt through comprehensive development: health, education, social, economic, and cultural programs to become better agents of change for a better environment." In a nutshell this group teaches women, who normally would not be able to support themselves, a craft trade such as weaving, quilting, and sewing so that they can lead independent lives and provide for their families. They create hand crafted items out of remnant materials, not thrown away in the garbage, but from cloth manufacturing factories that donate discarded material. In part, these women hand craft rugs, bags, clothing, wall hangings, and quilts via a small systematic production line. These items are then sold in a back storeroom where tourists and locals can purchase said items, and effectively fund the charities that A.P.E. sponsors. These programs include pre-schools and nurseries for indigent families; literacy programs and after school classes for people who didn't go to school; social activities and summer camps for impoverished children; awareness programs for adolescent girls to reduce the number of early marriages; treatment programs for mother-baby care and Hepatitis C patients; and prevention programs for infant mortality and hygiene care. It was wonderful knowing that the hand crafted kitchen rugs, wall hangings, and quilts I purchased at bargain prices were going to earn revenue for this charitable group, thus overriding any buyer's remorse I may have developed later. Finally! A worthy reason to go shopping!!

Race for the Cure In Cairo

On 24 October 2009, Cairo sponsored the first ever Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure event at the Giza Pyramids. I was Team Captain for my workplace, and we headed with high energy across town along with the rest of Cairo to take part in this historical and most worthy event.


Here's a self-portrait of said Team Captain on the bus ride over.


The buses were packed and full of anticipation.


Traffic to the event was horrendous. Ugh!


Local scenery passed on the way to the pyramids.


Yaaay! We finally arrived, but check out the traffic! Yikes!


I really liked this gal's choice of athletic shoes. Pretty in pink!


A sea of pink ribbon Susan G. Komen t-shirts were everywhere!


Here's me sporting my pink ribbon on my face. tee hee!


The starting line before it got crowded.


I thought this image captured RACE FOR THE CURE perfectly.


I thought the pyramids were the PERFECT backdrop.


Friends and colleagues were all there to show their support.


This photo shows why guys should never take pics. LoL.


More of my posse excited to be there!


Loved how these local girlz snazzed up their accessories to match the pink ribbon theme. In deference to the Q'uron, Muslim women only expose face, hands, and feet.

Team USA in da HOUSE.... woot! woot!

The starting line was reaaaally packed now!


I thought this local gal was styling n' profiling.


Some Muslim women zealously show their faith by covering their entire bodies except for 2 eye slits to see. This woman is wearing a burka, and even though you can't see it, she is also wearing black gloves. Regardless, I liked the fact she was sporting a Susan G. Komen ball cap. A true supporter!


An estimated 5,000 particpants came from all over Cairo.


As usual the pyramids were inspiring and beautiful to gaze upon.


As was the Sphinx, the guardsman of the Giza pyramids.


Yippeee! We finished!!!


The finish line surged with participants completing the 5K.

Afterwards, everyone meandered down to the big tent for the big after party. Survivors were recognized, awards presented, and all participants thanked for their contributions that helped fund breast cancer research. It was an incredible day and an incredible event : RACE FOR THE CURE ROCKED!

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

TAG! You're It!

Ever played Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? The original game version connects actors to Kevin Bacon within 6 links or less. My modified version links celebrity trivias - beginning and ending with a Kevin Bacon trivia. I've changed the rules purely for selfish reasons. I want to read more trivias! LoL. My siblings and I are notorious for spouting off senseless celebrity trivia thanks to the unwitting example of our dear ol' dad. *Note: Dad is brilliant with 1920-1970s trivia. Quiz him on recent celebs, however comma, and he hasn't a clue! LoL. (Pops, if you're reading this, you inspired today's blog tag).

Tag Rules? Cut n' paste this section of the tag onto your blog. Start with a Kevin Bacon trivia. Link it with correlating celebrity trivias without breaking the chain. End with a Kevin Bacon trivia. Post. The final count is up to you. Tag your blog readers. Have fun!

1. 
   
   Kevin Bacon starred in the movie Footloose with other new comers Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Penn.
2. 
   
   Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Penn dated briefly during the filming of Footloose.
3. 
   
   Chris Penn died at age 40.
4. 
   
   Chris Penn's brother is Sean Penn.
5. 
   
   Sean Penn's wives: 1) Madonna 2) Robin Wright Penn.
6. 
   
   Madonna dated veteran film star Warren Beatty during the filming of Dick Tracy.
7. 
   
   Warren Beatty's sister is veteran film star Shirley Maclaine.
8. 
   
   Shirley Maclaine played Weezer in the movie Steel Magnolias with Julia Roberts.
9. 
   
   Julia Roberts started dating and got engaged to Dylan McDermott during the filming of Steel Magnolias.
10. 
    
    Julia Roberts started dating and got engaged to Kiefer Sutherland during the filming of Flatliners.
11. 
    
    Kiefer Sutherland's father is veteran film star Donald Sutherland.
12. 
    
    Kiefer Sutherland and Jason Patric were in the movie Lost Boys.
13. 
    
    Jason Patric's grandfather was veteran tv actor Jackie Gleason.
14. 
    
    Julia Roberts dated Jason Patric after her split with Kiefer Sutherland.
15. 
    
    Julia Roberts's brother is Eric Roberts.
16. 
    
    Eric Roberts's daughter is Emma Roberts.
17. 
    
    Emma Roberts played the lead in the movie Nancy Drew.
18. 
    
    Tate Donovan played Emma Robert's father in Nancy Drew.
19. 
    
    Tate Donovan dated Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston each for about 4 years.
20. 
    
    Sandra Bullock played a detective opposite Ryan Gosling's psychotic adolescent character in the movie Murder by Numbers.
21. 
    
    Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling started dating during the filming of Murder by Numbers.
22. 
    
    Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams's characters were lovers in the movie The Notebook.
23. 
    
    Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams started dating during the filming of The Notebook.
24. 
    
    Rachel McAdams is currently dating Josh Lucas.
25. 
    
    Josh Lucas dated Salma Hayak.
26. 
    
    Salma Hayak and Ed Norton dated for about 4 years.
27. 
    
    Ed Norton graduated from Yale.
28. 
    
    Jody Foster graduated from Yale.
29. 
    
    Jody Foster played the lead in the original Freaky Friday movie.
30. 
    
    Veteran tv actor John Astin played Jodie Foster's father in Freaky Friday.
31. 
    
    John Astin married/divorced veteran tv actress Patty Duke.
32. 
    
    John Astin and Patty Duke's sons are Sean Astin and MacKenzie Astin.
33. 
    
    Sean Astin played hobbit Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
34. 
    
    Liv Tyler played elf princess Arwen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
35. 
    
    Liv Tyler's father is lead singer and frontman Steven Tyler of the rock band Aerosmith.
36. 
    
    Alicia Silverstone was known as "that girl in the Aerosmith music videos".
37. 
    
    Alicia Silverstone played the lead role in the movie Clueless.
38. 
    
    Paul Rudd played Alicia Silverstone's love interest in Clueless.
39. 
    
    Paul Rudd played Lisa Kudrow's love interest/husband on the tv show Friends.
40. 
    
    Jennifer Aniston co-starred on Friends.
41. 
    
    Jennifer Aniston was married to Brad Pitt.
42. 
    
    Brad Pitt has 3 biological and 3 adopted children with partner Angelina Jolie.
43. 
    
    Angelina Jolie's father is veteran actor Jon Voight.
44. 
    
    Jon Voight played Ricky Schroeder's father in the movie The Champ.
45. 
    
    Ricky Schroeder was a child star on the tv show Silver Spoons.
46. 
    
    Jason Bateman was Ricky Schroeder's wise cracking sidekick on Silver Spoons.
47. 
    
    Jason Bateman's sister is Justine Bateman.
48. 
    
    Justine Bateman played ditzy daughter Mallory Keaton on the tv show Family Ties.
49. 
    
    Michael J. Fox played Mallory's wise cracking brother Alex P. Keaton.
50. 
    
    Michael J. Fox met wife Tracy Pollan on Family Ties.
51. 
    
    Kevin Bacon and Tracy Pollan dated for 6 years prior to her meeting Michael J. Fox.
52. 
    
    Kevin Bacon started dating Kyra Sedgwick after his split with Tracy Pollan.
53. 
    
    Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick married the same year as Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan.
54. 
    
    Kyra Sedgwick played Campbell Scott's love interest in the movie Singles.
55. 
    
    Campbell Scott's father is veteran film star George C. Scott.
56. 
    
    George C. Scott refused his Oscar for his portrayal of General Patton in the movie Patton.
57. 
    
    Veteran film star Marlon Brando refused his Oscar for his portrayal of Don Corleone in the movie The Godfather.
58. 
    
    Marlon Brando played Dr. Moreau in The Island of Dr. Moreau remake with Val Kilmer.
59. 
    
    Val Kilmer played Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun.
60. 
    
    Tom Cruise's wives: 1) Mimi Rogers 2) Nicole Kidman 3) Katie Holmes.
61. 
    
    Nicole Kidman co-starred with Renee Zellweger in the movie Stone Mountain.
62. 
    
    Renee Zellweger co-starred with Tom Cruise in the movie Jerry Maguire.
63. 
    
    Fellow Texans Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConnaughey debuted together in the movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation.
64. 
    
    Matthew McConnaughey attended the University of Texas in Austin.
65. 
    
    1950's blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield attended the University of Texas in Austin.
66. 
    
    Jayne Mansfield's daughter is tv actress Mariska Hargitay.
67. 
    
    Mariska Hargitay was a Kappa Kappa Gamma.
68. 
    
    Sophia Bush and Ashley Judd were Kappa Kappa Gammas.
69. 
    
    Sophia Bush married/divorced One Tree Hill tv co-star Chad Michael Murray.
70. 
    
    One Tree Hill is filmed in Wilmington, NC where Katie Holmes played Joey Potter on the tv show Dawson's Creek.
71. 
    
    Oliver Hudson played one of Joey Potter's love interest on Dawson's Creek.
72. 
    
    Oliver Hudson's sister is Kate Hudson.
73. 
    
    Oliver Hudson and Kate Hudson's father is musician Bill Hudson.
74. 
    
    Bill Hudson's wives: 1) Goldie Hawn 2) Cindy Williams.
75. 
    
    Goldie Hawn has never married longtime partner Kirk Russell.
76. 
    
    Goldie Hawn co-starred with Susan Sarandon in The Banger Sisters.
77. 
    
    Susan Sarandon has never married longtime partner Tim Robbins.
78. 
    
    Tim Robbins co-starred with Kevin Bacon in the movie Mystic River.
79. 
    
    Mystic River was directed by Clint Eastwood.
80. 
    
    Clint Eastwood has a daughter with former girlfriend Frances Fisher.
81. 
    
    Frances Fisher played Kate Winslet's mother in the movie Titanic.
82. 
    
    Kate Winslet is the youngest actress to garner 6 Academy Award nominations, and 1 Oscar win for the movie The Reader.
83. 
    
    Ralph Fiennes co-starred in The Reader.
84. 
    
    Ralph Fiennes's brother is Joseph Fiennes.
85. 
    
    Joseph Fiennes played Gwyneth Paltrow's love interest in Shakespeare in Love.
86. 
    
    Gwyneth Paltrow's parents are veteran actress Blythe Danner and director Bruce Paltrow.
87. 
    
    Blythe Danner played Nick Nolte's wife in the movie Prince of Tides.
88. 
    
    Barbra Streisand acted, directed, and produced the Prince of Tides.
89. 
    
    Barbra Streisand's husbands: 1) Elliot Gould 2) James Brolin.
90. 
    
    James Brolin's son is Josh Brolin.
91. 
    
    Josh Brolin's wife is Diane Lane.
92. 
    
    Diane Lane's ex-husband is Christopher Lambert.
93. 
    
    Chistopher Lambert played Connor Macleod in the Highlander movie series.
94. 
    
    Virginia Madsen co-starred with Christopher Lambert in Highlander II: The Quickening.
95. 
    
    Virginia Madsen has a son with former boyfriend Antonio Sabato, Jr.
96. 
    
    Antonio Sabato, Jr. played Heather Locker's abusive ex-husband on the tv show Melrose Place.
97. 
    
    Heather Locklear's ex-husbands: 1) Tommy Lee 2) Richie Sambora.
98. 
    
    Bon Jovi band member Richie Sambora dated Denise Richards after his split with Heather Locklear.
99. 
    
    John Bongiovi, a.k.a. Jon Bon Jovi, changed the spelling of his name and rock band because people kept misspelling it.
100. 
     
     Jon Bon Jovi supports a celebrity charity organization for sixdegrees.org.
101. 
     
     Kevin Bacon founded sixdegrees.org, an online charitable foundation based on celebrities and philanthropists supporting worthy causes in order to capitalize on the popculture game phenomena, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

[Blogger's Note: It's embarrassing how much senseless trivia I've squirreled away in my funny little brain. I could've kept going, but I started to get blogger's cramp. LoL. I can't wait to read all the tags!]

"Only in a Woman's World" Contest

Wanna win a Girlz-Wanna-Have-Fun-Get-A-Way-For-2 in NYC ? Enter the "Only in a Woman's World" Contest, and submit a funny tale about yourself. The winner's tale will become the season finale webisode (episode 13), and the winner will receive fabo prizes to be shared with a lucky BFF!

Just imagine....

• Round-trip air transportation
• Accomodations in a luxury hotel x 3 nights - Holla!
• Pampering spa treatment for 2 deservant galz
• Tour of the big apple - NYC, baaaby!
• $500 spending money for guiltfree shopping spree

Click here to register:

• must be 18 years or older to enter
• legal resident of any state or DC in the good ol' US of A
• not an employee of Frito-Lay, Inc. or its affiliated companies
• not a family member or live-in of employee of Frito-Lay, Inc., etc.
• submit entry NLT 10:00 PM CT on August 17, 2009
• get-a-way to be held in September

Submission criteria:

• 100-2000 character limit
• identify WHO (character or characters)
• identify WHAT (situation)
• identify WHEN (time of day)
• identify WHERE (place of action)
• have insightfulness or connection with real women
• have comedic value
• fits with current webisode series on website
• be sure to follow online submission instructions

Share your hilarious tale! NYC or Bust.... G' Luck!

Do the 3/50 Project!

Ever hear of the 3/50 project? Thanks to its founder Cinda Baxter, thousands of citizens are doing their part to help our troubled economy. This inspiring blogger first created the concept on a flyer, posted it on her blog AlwaysUpward.com, and then created the 3/50 project website. Within 1 week, her site received 7500 hits, and it has since continued to grow in strength. What is the 3/50 Project you ask?

1) Pick 3 fave independent stores in your community (no national chains!)

2) Divy and spend $50/month on your fave 3 (or as much as you can!)

3) Save your local economy (do your part!)

"For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays... Spend it online and nothing comes home."

Now we gotta do our part by spreading the word, and spending a li'l monthly retail therapy on 3 fave mom n' pop stores.

Goes to show that the power of the blog can go a lonnnnnng way. So, blog it forward!

New Found Duct Tape R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Wanna help a high schooler win a $3000 college scholarship? Vote here for your FAVORITE prom outfits MADE OUT OF DUCT TAPE! Who woulda thought duct tape would come in so many colors? I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY by the creativity and talent of all the contestants and how game they were for wearing their DTs to prom. There were over 200 entries! I showcased my faves below. I especially loved the ones with a theme. Entry #252 got my vote. Which one has yours? Last day to vote is July 2nd. [Update: Peacock Costume below won 1st place.]

Vote for #252!