Some of life's questions to which there are no answers or explanations

There are issues we all face - okay that I face - which are most perplexing and to which there are no logical explanations, at least in my eyes. You know the type of inane thoughts that keep one up at night because they're so inane?

SO LONG SOAP OPERAS

As is the case with many TV viewers, I admit to watching soap operas or as many (okay - me) call them, "day time drama-dies." Most likely my attraction came about as a result of genetics in that my mother watched them when I was a child and I in turn absorbed the content (such as it was and is) over time and have carried on the tradition. My day time drama-dies of choice are "General Hospital", my favorite, and "All My Children." My mother liked "As the World Turns" which was cancelled a while back. Perhaps that act in itself was an omen or writing on the wall as they say. For their part, the networks are claiming that the rating numbers aren't there anymore. While I don't doubt this claim, perhaps had they offered viewers a plausible story line at least for "All My Children", which has turned into a sad joke with characters returning from the dead via a doctor who has somehow acquired God-like qualities. The shows in themselves can only be viewed as an escape from reality since everyone living in soap opera-ville are rich but don't work, become surgeons in six months to a year and never deal with real life situations like employment loss. Such is the appeal. Escape from reality.

Viwers who have stayed with the show over the years deserve better, writers and powers-that-be!

Word has it that General Hospital is also on the chopping block down the line and will be replaced by the new programs, "The Chew" a food whatever and still another food preparation show, "The Revolution". Just what viewers need. I find it difficult to believe that day time TV viewers are interested in basically cooking lessons. That's what it comes down to in the end and what's with this sudden fixation on cooking? Not to dismiss the male cooks and chefs, are we returning to the olden days where the  woman's place was in the kitchen cooking meals? Count me out as a future viewer of both of these shows. In as far as General Hospital is concerned, the word is that Katie Couric is slated to move in with a talk show. Again, just what we need - still another blah-blah-blah program.

Pass...and pass again.

MY INVITES ARE NOT AND NEVER WILL BE IN THE MAIL

In addition to not receiving an invitation to "the" royal wedding with my invitation somehow mis-directed by the mail delivery service and now stuck with a hat, there was also no invite to the Kardashian nuptials. It would have involved the purchase of a new dress and an airline ticket so I view it as saved money. Being in the "older" age category, how did this Kardashian family become a fixation virtually everywhere you look? What makes them special? Anybody want to share?

WOOKIE - WHY?

As a blog writer, I'm still amazed that the "lost cat" story that still has paws from last December, and is still being read by people dropping by here? No new information has been offered or forthcoming at least yet, as to the fate of Wookie the cat, who lives or once lived in England. Whereabouts or even whether the feline is still in the land of the living is a mystery, as are the cyber surfers who are intent on keeping the spirit of Wookie alive. As mentioned in previous Wookie-related comments, any Wookie updates as to his fate is appreciated and shared.

ETC. ETC. There are other issues of personal concern like Twitter un-followers who have me perplexed, supermarket sprays gone amock, rude shoppers who use their shopping carts to block access to bargain food items and as weapons of pain, dented cans that are only discovered dented upon arriving home, packaged cheese that goes blue/green/rancid within a week or two of purchase, lipstick shades that look  copper/orange-y in pharmacy light but end up pink at home (what is this obsession with pink lip color anyway!) - it just never ends! In the last three months, I've amassed 5 "reject" lipsticks that looked rust/beige-y but ended up pink.

As my mother used to say: "what cannot be cured - must be endured." Amen mom!

Kate and William wed - some last thoughts - and words

In the end, I watched Kate and William's wedding. Didn't even need a clock radio to wake me. Went to sleep pondering whether or not to get up but obviously my internal body clock sent a message to my brain to get conscious at 3 a.m. Once up and with the TV playing softly, I conducted a perfunctory scan of the various networks to see which one suited my personality. Sort-of disappointed in CNN although Piers Morgan, a Brit, was witty. Then continued pressing the channel selector buttons and finally ended up with ABC. Since everyone was using the same feed, it was the commentary accompanying the visuals that was the deciding factor. The ultimate celebrity interviewer, Barbara Walters, was professional and relaxed providing background commentary along with the ABC team including co-host, Diane Sawyer, and Robin Roberts reporting direct from London. Very obvious why Barbara gets to interview all the VIP's world-wide: she's good. More than very good - at least in my humble opinion.

All the networks had reporters interviewing your ordinary folk lining the streets waiting and hoping for a glance at the newly weds. There were people who flew in from all over the planet from as far away as South America to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who excitedly explained that they were there to be part of history. All those people, many of whom slept for days in tents to get a good place, led me to wonder the bathroom situation. I mean, where did they - to put it in blunt terms - pee? I didn't see any porta-toilets, at least in camera range, but perhaps there were some hidden away behind trees or bushes or something. Still, that's a lot of people who had to relieve themselves, somewhere. Speaking of hygenic concerns and given the number of parade horses trotting along the streets, are royal horses toilet-trained, perchance, to avoid an embarrassing situation? But I digress.

The bride was resplendent in a stunning gown that suited her to a "T". As expected, female guest's hats were a cross section of personal statements including lots of feathers, flowers and shaky thingies. Some were actually visually nice while others were...interesting. Let's leave it at that Hopefully, the feathers were artificial.

One wonders what type of gifts they received. I mean, what does one give a couple with royal connections? A hand mixer? Coffee maker or a toaster? A gift certificate from Macy's or the British equivalent? Gift certificates are always a good option since recipients can buy what they need.

At one point I fell asleep but I'm not concerned since there will be wedding highlights on TV for the next couple of weeks. Probably longer. Tonight Queen Elizabeth is vacating the palace for the night, to the royal couple. That's a nice gesture. Then again, Prince Charles has set up a disco in the palace. Even a queen needs her sleep.

To watch or not to watch the royal wedding. Decisions...decisions

Can't even believe that I'm writing this but I've been thinking further about the royal wedding. Perhaps I've been caught up in all the frenzy stirred up by the media and don't want to appear out of the loop, if, or more likely when, the topic is discussed. In particular, the issue focuses on whether or not to get up at 4 a.m. in the morning to watch the TV coverage. Logically, I could record the program to watch later at a decent hour but somehow live broadcasts are more exciting.

What is obvious is that all the TV networks have sent a team of reporters or high profile personalities to cover the event. I'm wondering how close they will actually get or will they be joining the throngs of people hoping to capture the event for posterity. Most likely and being that they have special privileges, they will acquire a special area specifically designated for media. Your ordinary Brits and visitors who flew in for the occasion are sleeping in tents to ensure that they have a secure place to watch the parade pass by.

On Thursday, Barbara Walters, who seems to have reached the "I'm a special person and get to meet all the important people!" status will be examining the home and life of Queen Elizabeth. What's there to look at? She's royal, likes hats, does an amazing hand wave and lives in palatial splendor. That should take five minutes but guaranteed it will be stretched out for an hour or more.

So in the event that I'll watch, I'm thinking whether or not to dress up for the event given the early hour. I mean, I could watch in night wear but it seems so uncivilized, not that anyone would know. Perhaps I'll settle for a pair of comfortable jeans, my favorite piece of wardrobe, a nice top and maybe - haven't decided yet - a hat. Seems that hats are "in" these days but I've always found that they leave a helmet head shape upon removal.

Also, what should I eat? There are some frozen crumpets in the freezer along with my favorite berry jam and a cup of boiling hot (not tepid) tea served from a teapot, a slice of lemon, optional, would be appropriate. Actually, some finger sandwiches would add that certain je ne sais quoi feel to the event. So many choices...

So this is my dilemma. My apologies to William Shakespeare: to wake or not to wake. That is the question. Mr. Shakespeare would understand.

Dancing with the who? Pass!

Usually enjoy this show and the premise of well-known or people we've at least heard of, or seen their name in the headlines, dancing with professional dancers for our entertainment and votes. Just reading about the list of so-called stars chosen for this year's edition.

Stars - did I say stars? Not!

The only real personality (not star) is Kirstie Alley but in as far as the rest are concerned: who the heck are they and where did they find them? Read a while back that David Cassidy, he of Partridge Family fame, was slated as one of the non-professionals but he must have backed out. Not surprising given the unknown status of the participants.

For example: anybody ever heard of Chris Jericho? No? FYI - he's a wrestler. Or how about:

Petra Nemcova Who? me neither but she's a model.

Chelsea Kane, a star on the Disney channel. How do you say, searching for a younger demographic?

Mike Catherwood - Mike who?

On top of which, the always popular pro dancer, Derek Hough, is sitting this one out. Again, don't blame him.

This is one of the most boring line-ups since the show began. Guess some of the big(ger) names were too busy or something... Neh - gonna sit this one out.