HEALTH: Treating and attacking possible breast cancer as soon as possible

I am fortunate to have a group of amazing women in my life...one of them who is a very close friend of mine, turned 40 this year. She recently was told by her doctor that a spot on her breast was suspicious looking and that she should have a biopsy. She is a very proactive person and didn't put it off and scheduled her appointment immediately. Thankfully, she caught it in time, before it progressed into something worse. During the time it brought back memories of my favorite Aunt who died at the same age from breast cancer. She was such an incredible spirit, who taught me so much, opening my eyes to all sorts of things I had never been exposed to. I fondly recall her introducing me to all kinds of different foods. She took me to my first sushi restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia (where I am originally from) and made me try sashimi for the first time. It was our time at the Indian restaurant, 20 years ago, that I remember most...it was then that she told me about a man named Deepak Chopra. Believe me, no one had heard much about him back then. I look back and realize she was so far ahead of her time. She told me about his work and explained his school of thought concerning the human body and spirit. As she spoke, she expressed how his teachings inspired her passion for life and encouraged me to read more about him. And then the strangest thing happened. The very next day I went to a business dinner at the Monkey Bar and there he was standing right in front of me...and I just stood there and couldn't say a thing (this is very unusual for me of course!). To think that the very man I was thinking so much about the day before, who stirred so much inside of the a woman I held in such high regard was right in front of me, and I couldn't get out a sentence - still makes me mad at myself Not a peep! But...as always I digress....you see even though my Aunt was extremely educated and very spiritual - she was also someone who focused on alternative medicine alone. Sadly, when the cancer formed in her body she put off treatment for too long, she died shortly after. I thank God, that my friend was proactive and discovered the growth early on. I just wish it had been the same for my Aunt. It is undeniable, studies show that early intervention has a significantly higher chance of remission. So please, if there is any possibility of a problem, don't put it off.

FASHION: Elie Tahari shows for the first time in the tents!

This past week we had our first fashion show in the tents at Bryant Park and were fortunate enough to have great reviews. Check out the show on style.com: 

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-ETAHARI/

GIFTS: Thinking out of the box and getting your kids involved

Every year when Elie's birthday comes around, I find myself wondering what to get for the man who has everything! I adore my husband, but he is difficult to shop for. So this year I decided to take the pressure off of me and asked the kids for some input. Elie and our son are attached at the hip on game days - whether it's football, baseball or basketball. Our boy is always catching or tossing some kind of ball around our movie room with my husband, so we decided to buy Elie a pair of Chuck Taylor's. When the weather warms up, the two of them can head (outside) to the courts to shoot a few baskets (instead of knocking down baskets of snacks all over the movie room)! My daughter quickly chimed in that the shoes were not pretty enough...so that's when Mom came up with the idea to decorate the shoes. The 3 of us had one of those afternoons that I will hold dear to my heart forever. Laughing, squirting paint at each other and making a happy mess. Covered in glitter and paint under our fingernails, the kids were so proud of what they had made. As I watched them put the final touches on the gift, I knew that I would forever cherish this moment filled with their giggles and happy chatter . The next day, when Elie unwrapped the box, he was so moved that he put the shoes on immediately. Adorable is not a word I would usually use to describe my Elie, but in those shoes with the kids running around him...he was adorable. Try something different when you gift give this year... something made with a whole lot of love and a little puffy paint can outshine a neck tie any day of the week.

http://www.zappos.com/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-slim-canvas-hi-white

IN THE NEWS: My brother on CNN.com!

I am a proud sister! My brother was recently featured on CNN.com. Here is the link:

MUSIC: Songs on my playlist...

1. Paradise Circus by Massive Attack. Massive Attack stays true to their signature sound of trippy sexy beats. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

2. Running Up That Hill by Placebo. A slinky update to the Kate Bush's 80s version.

3. Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down by Alicia Keys. I love the original with Jay-Z...but this version gives me goosebumps.

Lady Gaga v. Madonna. No comparison.

So, there is no denying the fact that Lady Gaga has made her mark in the world of music and pop culture, some suggest that she has transcended Madonna. I am astounded by these claims scattered in throughout our newspaper columns, magazines, websites etc. Have we forgotten the story of the Material Girl - the kind of New York story that inspires the dreamers in the world that "anything can happen on the streets of New York"? May I remind you that Madonna Ciccone came from a middle class family in Detroit who came to this city with next to nothing? There was no corporate machine behind her as she looked interviewers dead in the eye claiming she "would rule the world". Her bravado and ambition was all her own - even her "look" was a unique blend of Gothic ballet dancer with thrift store quirkiness. Her image was all her own - she was actually one of the first stars to bring high fashion to the mainstream public eye. Lady Gaga, is talented yes...but from the beginning was a brand - even her music feels bottled. Can anyone tell the difference between Love Game and Poker Face? Let us not insult the icon that is Madonna...Lady Gaga has awhile to go before she can even live in the same realm as Lady M.

WALL STREET JOURNAL: Article about my hubby

Well I can't help myself and brag a little bit about my husbad. A wonderful article appeared last week in the Wall Street Journal.

Wall Street Journal

I believe the article gave an honest depiction on what the Elie Tahari label is, although I have to disagree with the commentary that suggests that we do not design fashion. Our aesthetic is clean and beautiful lines, with a sharp attention to detail. I believe our label to be the perfect balance of understated glamour with the perfect blend of timeless style and sophistication. So to those that deny us the title of fashion designer - I would like to know what your inflated definition of fashion designer is.

VACCINATIONS AND AUTISM

Last week, the Archives of Disease released a report saying that they are no longer linking the MMR vaccine to Autism. As I read this, I found it interesting that the vaccine that was in question was the DTP (diptheria, tetnus, pertussis) vaccination, which in the last 20 years appeared to have mutated to the DTaP vaccine. There is much fevered debate on this topic, yet we seem to be at a stand still on making heads or tales of it all. Forever gridlocked - is how it will remain. Let's face the facts - vaccinations are a multi-billion dollar industry. In 1971, they stopped giving Polio shots because more people were dying from the shot than were actually contracting the disease. It is mind blowing that the majority of vaccinations that are now being dispensed are for diseases that aren't prevalent in the United States. It is becoming out of control and I believe government needs to step in, the same way they did with big-tobacco and regulate its business, because that is what the vaccination business has become...BUSINESS.

For more information on the MMR vaccine:

Click Here

FASHION: A life that ended too soon: Alexander McQueen, one of the true great designers.

Last week, the untimely death of Alexander McQueen left a dark shadow over the fashion world. Dying at the age of 40, McQueen had established more than a name in fashion... he had given a voice to the rebel in fashion. Never understated, beyond bold and always showing his flare for the avant garde, McQueen thrilled us with his conceptual designs and theatrical runway shows. His shows will forever haunt my mind with visions of darkness and light, of good and evil. He knew how to make clothes that created an emotion when you wore them. Madonna, Lady Gaga and Kate Moss were some of the women who dared to play in his dark fashion wonderland. I personally own many of his pieces. His tailoring was impeccable and it always fit flawlessly on my body. I will miss his work - but his voice will not be forgotten... he will continue to inspire the fashion rebel. There is a picture I have posted on the site; I am wearing his red dress with one of my favorite necklaces, both that he designed.

Commercials that make me laugh!

So, the Super Bowl is not a life changing event in my world... I wasn't planning on watching it, but I ended up at my best friend's home and like most red-blooded American men her husband WAS watching. As he crouched intently forward in game watching stance with beverage in hand, I had no choice but to surrender to joining in the football festivities. When I found myself reaching for the suspicious looking chip dip (for the second time) - I was about to stop watching and resume my shutterfly.com album on my laptop - but he insisted that I stay and watch "the greatest thing ever". Preparing myself to try to get excited over a fumble, I sat down in defeat. He pressed play on the DVR/ TIVO and up came a scene that resembled something from Lost. It was probably one of the funniest commercials I have ever seen in a long time. It was a parody of the show - complete with a sweat-drenched Kate trying to persuade her fellow castaways to save themselves... but like any good beer commercial, the group comes across a beverage cart stocked with Budweiser and leaving the island is the farthest from their minds. Damn those Super Bowl commercials - they sucker me in every time. I ended up throwing in the towel and enjoyed the rest of the evening watching the game and even dipping a few more chips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt3GsTPgSGo

HAITI: George Clooney is more than just an actor

I am in awe of  George Clooney...and not for the reasons you might think. This man who is known for his good looks and charm on and off the screen happens to be one of the more persuasive political forces coming out of Hollywood. When stars lend their name and image to a charity, one can't help but be a bit skeptical on the true commitment and depth of involvement to the cause. Now George Clooney on the other hand, proves time and time again with his endless lobbying for Darfur and now his huge support for relief in Haiti, that he is a passionate and ambitious man who truly fights for what he believes in.

All the stars were there manning the telephones in an unassuming way while Beyonce, Sting and Wyclef Jean performed. It was Madonna's performance though, that blew me away. Singing "Like a Prayer," her voice sent chills down my spine. Usually criticized as more of a performer than a singer - she proved that she is and always will be unparalleled. Lady Gaga is no comparison - more on that later! If you didn't get to see her performance watch this...

http://www.youtube.com

After the telecast for Haiti my husband and I got into one of those conversations that made us reflect on what we are doing to make things right in this world for our children. What would be my legacy that I left behind for them? I lingered in the doorway of my little girl's room and watched her snuggled up under her blankets, her little chest rising and falling from the calm of deep sleep. She looked so small and delicate and it made me so sad as all the images from Haiti came flooding back into my head. I laid wide awake in my bed with my thoughts lingering on the bible quote "charity will save us from death." My children, the children of this world and those haunting images of the devastation in Haiti...if these aren't reasons enough to fuel our passion to be charitable...I don't know what is...We must give back to this world and leave it a better place; if not for us-at least for our children.

To donate to Haiti:

www.worldvision.org/worldvision/eappeal.nsf/egift-haiti-earthquake-relief?Open&campaign=113655125&cmp=KNC-113655125

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Capitalism a true love story- A MUST SEE

I have to admit I am a big Michael Moore fan (although I did not love Sicko) but "Capitalism: A Love Story" was GREAT. I really have to give it an A+. As always there are so many moments when he makes you laugh (imagine he takes an armored truck and drives around to every bank in Manhattan and demands each bank to give us our money back) but also educates you, reminding us of the laws that FDR wanted to enact before he died. Could FDR's ideas have prevented the financial meltdown the last year, probably not, but it does make you think. I remember I asked my father last October, who worked on Madison Avenue in the 80's, " Dad, is this what it was like in the 80's?" and he said "No!" and I was of course relieved until he continued "this is waaayyyyyyyyyyyyy worse. I've never in my lifetime experienced anything like this." Well, talk about a downer! (Moore calls President Carter in the film 'debbie downer'....until the new 'sheriff' arrived in town...Ronald Reagan that is...and then "chicken little" came around...G. Bush that is) I loved learning that the 'insiders' referred to the government as "Government Goldman" since so many Goldman Sachs executives were involved in running the government. Or that he compared Wall Street to "an insane casino. We allowed them to bet on anything they want." And to top it off he took 'crime scene' yellow tape and wrapped it around every bank he could find. Well, what can I say, it certainly made me pause when he pointed out that a manager at Taco Bell makes more money than most pilots in the airlines. Something is wrong with the world we are living in and his point is well taken that we have to do something about it or nothing will change.

STAYING ORGANIZED

I just finished my book tour this month and the most frequently asked question is how do I stay organized. I never really thought about it but I realized that GMAIL is an incredible way to stay organized. You can have all your email, contacts, and calendar coordinated. It is user friendly and can be accessed from anywhere. I previously had been using Microscoft Outlook and my brother for two years had been telling me to switch over to gmail and obviously I was stubborn to change (as most people are) and once I finally did it, I was HOOKED. It's amazing. Highly recommend it.

MUSIC: My new favorite songs

Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy

Magnetising by Marsmobil

Mirage by Shazz

Ramblin' (Wo)man by Cat Power

4 A.M. by M8

TRAVEL: My favorites from Marbella Spain

It was my best friends 40th birthday and we took a trip to Spain to celebrate. We stayed in the old city of Marbella. (highly recommend that you stay in town- if you stay out of town it's hard to get taxi's in town all the time) The main reason we went to Marbella is so we could go to the rock of Gibraltar to see the monkeys. It turns out that the rock of Gibraltar is governed by the British Government...so even though you are in Spain you will need to bring your passports if you want to go up to see the Monkey's.

My personal recommendations for a trip to Marbella:

Restaurants:

1. La Skina www.restauranteskina.com
2. Nikki beach www.nikkibeach.com
3. La Musa Latina (go upstairs- cool atmosphere and great food- the ceviche is to die for)
4. La Calima (sit outside- amazing food)

To Do:

1. go to the Rock of Gibraltar to see the monkey's (it's an hour and a half drive from Marbella)
2. consider taking a 2 hour boat ride to Morocco and visit Tangier
3. see bull fights on Sunday's
4. must take a trip to the port and see all the beautiful boats in the harbor 
5. take a day trip to Barcelona (it's a quick and affordable flight- easier to get there than Tangier!)

IN THE NEWS: OBAMA WINNING THE NOBEL PRIZE????

I know there has been much controversial discussion about him winning. I think it would be amazing if they could have posthumous prize for Ghandi (who never won a nobel prize)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Madonna's homage to Michael Jackson was A+

In case you missed it tonight (9/13/09) (which I did but thankfully Erin from my office bbim'd me), Madonna gave a speech/tribute to Michael Jackson at the Video Music Awards.

Part of what Madonna said that rang true was "When Michael Jackson was six, he became a superstar and perhaps was the world's most beloved child. When I was six, my mother died. I think he got the shorter end of the stick. I never had a mother but he never had a childhood. And when you never get to have something, you become obsessed by it. But how to re-create your childhood when you are under the magnifying glass for your entire life."

Watch it now!

TRAVEL: Amazing travel guide- Nota Bene

I love this information resource for the sophisticated traveller. It's called Nota Bene. Their website is under construction at the moment (www.notabenetrave.com) but I highly recommend it. Think of it as a super high end Fodor's guide. You can also email them at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have any specific questions about your trip.

IN THE NEWS: Texting while driving is NOT ok!

The other day I got into a disucussion with someone about texting while driving and the truth of the matter is is really dangerous. The funny thing is that the law says you have to use hands free to talk on the phone. So solution: don't talk on the phone but use your hands to type. I think we should all prepare ourselves that soon the laws are going to banish texting while driving.

PARENTING: Showing them your favorite movies

I distinctly remember when I was a young teenager growing up with my father in Greenwich Village, everytime I would ask him for a recommendation for a movie rental he would always have the perfect answer. He just seemed to know the perfect movie that I should see no matter what my age was. I really wanted to put a list of all time best movies ever made in my book with a column of recommended viewing ages to show your children, but somehow it didn't make it in the book.

Anyway, what made me think of this is that we decided last weekend that it would be ok for my eight year old son to watch Mel Brook's movie "History of the World Part 1" this past weekend. The movie completely held up, not only was hyterical, but I found myself realizing how OLD I felt. There was this scene in ancient Rome where this guy was walking down the street holding a huge boom box. I turned to my son and said "you see that big black box that guy is carrying on his shoulders? Well that is what people did before they had Ipods." I swear he turned to me very seriously and said 'NO WAY MOM. I DON'T BELIEVE IT." I have been laughing for days. I literally remember when people would walk down the street holding those things! Anyway, the point here is break out some of your old favorite movies and show them to your kids. You'll be surprised how much they will love things you do too!

GIFTS: Great Housewarming Gift

If you're looking for a cute fun gift to bring to a party, then 'Table Topics' is your answer. Every time I've brought it out at a party people have just gone wild for it. It somehow reminds me of when I was a child and we would play 'truth or dare.' It just is a well packaged box that has great questions- and there are many variations. Check them out here!

IN THE NEWS: My brother quotes in the New York Times!

My brother, Josh Green, who graduated from Harvard Business School, and then decided to start his own company called Panjiva, has been getting great press. He was even covered in the Harvard Business Review which I was very proud of. In fact he was getting so much press I was becoming used to it. So when this article in the New York Times appeared I didn't email him back and he was mad at me! So I want to make it up to him and put it here on my blog. Not to mention the article is interesting.

New York Times "U.S. Trade Deficit Widened as Imports Rose in June" by Jack Healy 8/13/09

The gap between what the United States imports and what it exports widened in June, the government reported on Wednesday.But economists saw some good news in the larger deficit, which had narrowed in recent months as the volume of trade between the United States and the rest of the world dwindled. The value of imports rose in June for the first time in nearly a year, and American exports increased from a month earlier, though not as much as imports. The $3.5 billion increase in imports primarily reflected rising costs of crude oil, fuel oils and other petroleum-based goods, but businesses and consumers in the United States were also buying more food and beverages from abroad, and demand for foreign-made cars rose.

“Growth in the rest of the world is picking up, and that’s critical to emerge from the worst recession since the Great Depression,” said Joseph Brusuelas, director at Moody’s Economy.com In July, the number of overseas manufacturers sending shipments to the United States increased by 7 percent, according to the private firm Panjiva, which tracks shipping. Still, the number of shipments from overseas was down 10 percent from last July. Over all, the trade deficit widened to $27 billion in June, from $26 billion in May, according to the Commerce Department. The United States imported a total of $152.8 billion in goods and services, and sent $125.8 billion to the rest of the world. Economists had expected the trade gap to widen to $28.5 billion for the month. The figures suggested the worst was over for the global economy, economists said, and that demand for American-made goods was picking up. The United States sent more capital goods like civilian aircraft, semiconductors and industrial machines to other countries, and also exported more industrial supplies.

“That’s what gives me a little bit more optimism here,” Mr. Brusuelas said. “That’s what we do — Boeing, semiconductors and telecom equipment. The only thing missing was computer accessories.”Exports of computer accessories dropped $32 million for the month. In July 2008, the trade deficit exploded to $65 billion as crude oil prices soared to $145 a barrel. But the gap between imports and exports later shrank as the global financial crisis rattled economies around the world, sending oil prices to nearly $30 a barrel and reducing consumer and business demand in the United States. Exports have picked up for two months since touching bottom in April, and economists said the figures on Wednesday would probably presage growth during the third quarter, as businesses restart production and restock their depleted inventories. The economy shrank at an annual pace of 1 percent in the second quarter, and most economists expect it to be flat or grow slowly in the third quarter. In June, the United States trade deficit with China grew to $18.4 billion while the deficit with oil-producing OPEC countries grew to $5.9 billion. “Exports should continue to grow in the months ahead because global economic activity is turning positive,” Abiel Reinhart, an economist at JPMorgan Chase, wrote in a research note. “Nonpetroleum imports should also start to recover soon because of rising domestic demand.”

TRAVEL: Moscow by far one of my most favorite cities!

I know that for most people Moscow isn't the first place that comes to mind when they are thinking about planning a trip but I recently went there (I also happen to live there for 2 years from 1996-1998) and it was fantastic. There is so much to do, the museums, the history, the shopping! It's hard to explain why this city is so intoxicating but if you are looking for a new idea. This is the one.

GIFTS: Must buy the Flip Mino in HD

The new Flip Mino in HD is just about the best present you could buy any new parent. It's so easy and quick to use and will capture all those precious memories. Highly recommend it! Check it out!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: If you haven't gotten a chance to see the Broadway musical "In the Heights" it is a must see. 

They were nominated for 13 Tony's and won 4, including Best Musical!

It is refreshing and innovative and just feels new. I also can't help myself and brag that my cousin is the director and he was one the youngest director to ever be nominated for a Tony.

Lin-Manuel Miranda who wrote and originally starred in the show was best friends with my cousin Tommy Kail ever since they met right after college. They spent over six years working on this project. I remember when they were still doing reading in the basement of a bookshop!  From basement to Broadway- gotta love that.

Anyway, this is the kind of story that dreams are made of and I have to say, run don't walk to go see this show. For more info: http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/index.html

p.s. In case you're wondering, no it didn't go to my cousin's head, even though he won 4 Tony Awards. He is the most grounded down to Earth amazing man I know. (and hardest working) How cool is that?

PARENTING: Getting ready to go back to school

1. Find last year’s backpack and gym clothes

2. Check shoes/sneakers/cleats to make sure they still fit.Clean and/or replace.

3. Find sweaters, jackets, and raincoats. Make sure they still fit. Write names on all new items.

4. Reorganize hair supplies.

5. Start getting children to bed on time

6. Make sure summer reading and/or other summer requirements are finished.

7. Go grocery shopping for snack items, lunches, favorite breakfast foods, Brown bags and/or lunch boxes.

8. Stock up on supplies for homework: Pencils, pens, highlighters Markers, crayons, erasersLined paper, ruler, stapler, calculator (get supply list from school – notebooks, spirals, etc….

9. Night before first day of school: Lay out clothes to wear on first day of school & make sure backpack is ready to go

10. Morning of first day of school: Make their favorite breakfast & wake kids up 15 minutes early since it will take a lot longer the first few days/weeks to get back into a routine!

HEALTH: Swine Flu...I'm not nervous

I often get asked my opinion on the severity of the situation with the swine flu and how I feel about it. To be honest my response is always the same: tell your kids about it and remind them to wash their hands all the time. I'm not minimizing the seriousness of the situation but I do believe that so much can be prevented from simply being vigilant and staying healthy. Eat healthy. Exercise. And keep you hands clean. And certainly do be around anyone who is sick. You don't want to run down your immune system. 

2009: My Absolute Favorite Songs

Ok, so it's true that I love music and I got so much slack (esp from my friend Marissa) for posting the Madonna song, I will list the following songs that are my favorite songs of the moment:

1. Amazing by Kanye West

2. Free by Seal

3. Hometown Glory by Adele

4. Wonderwall by Ryan Adams

5. Scream by Chris Cornell

6. You Get What You Give by New Radicals

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Beyond Belief is an amazing documentary

My dearest and closest friend, Beth Murphy, who also happens to be an award winning documentary filmmaker, had her documentary 'Beyond Belief' air on Sundance Channel last night. It has been in movie theaters all over the country the last few years but there was something about it being on Sundance that just made me so proud.

Here is the Film Synopsis:

Susan Retik and Patti Quigley are two ordinary soccer moms living in the affluent suburbs of Boston until tragedy strikes. Rather than turning inwards, grief compels these women to focus on the country where the terrorists who took their husbands' lives were trained: Afghanistan.

Over the course of two years, as they cope with loss and struggle to raise their families as single mothers, these extraordinary women dedicate themselves to empowering Afghan widows whose lives have been ravaged by decades of war, poverty and oppression - factors they consider to be the root causes of terrorism. As Susan and Patti make the courageous journey from their comfortable neighborhoods to the most desperate Afghan villages, they discover a powerful bond with each other, an unlikely kinship with widows halfway around the world, and a profound way to move beyond tragedy.

From the ruins of the World Trade Center to those of Kabul and back, theirs is a journey of personal strength and international reconciliation, and a testament to the vision that peace can be forged... one woman at a time.

http://www.principlepictures.com/beyondbelief/.

PARENTING: Cereal is not so bad!

My brother and I view eating cereal as a bonafide meal. Cereal is acceptable for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is of course a by-product of our father inventing the cereal "Cookie Crisp" and "Cinnamon Toast Crunch." (I'm not joking- for real) But this cereal eating habit is often frowned upon by family and friends. I even once had a friend tell me people who eat cereal having eating disorders, which I of course immediately dismissed. So the controversy over cereal continues. See below article the New York Times:

For Your Health, Froot Loops

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: THE ULTIMATE FASHION MOVIE TO SEE "Valentino: the last Emperor"

I know everyone is talking about Anna Wintour's movie "September Issue" which is good, but the documentary about the legendary fashion designer Valentino shows much better the true insanity that goes on behind the scenes at a fashion house (and I can tell you this is the real deal). You must see it. You can order it on Amazon now. Run don't walk. You will love it. Promise. Buy it now!

Here is a quick overview:

Tracing Valentino's life from his 70th birthday to his final couture show, this fashionable documentary captures the spirit of the legendary designer's influence on the style and substance of the way we look. Highlights include an intimate, behind-the-scenes peek at his relationship with longtime business partner and lover Giancarlo Giammetti, as well as an up-close and personal look at the designer's creative process.

Here is the New York Times movie review:

Portrait of a Fashion King: Palazzos, Pugs and Peons

HEALTH: Great Website for Drug Interactions

I recently wasn't feeling well and THANK GOD I went on this website that checks interactions of any types of medications you are taking (you must put in all meds even if they are over the counter stuff) -

www.drugs.com

But be sure to tell your doctor as well!!!!!!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: My favorite documentary- Fog of War

Recently our past Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara died. An academy award winning documentary film director did a documentary with him called "Fog of War." It really is a must see. I love the fact that he was open about the mistakes he felt he had made and was willing to so candidly share them. The movie is based on what he refers to his "10 lessons on War" He felt "Any military commander who is honest with himself, or with those he's speaking to, will admit that he has made mistakes in the application of military power. He's killed people unnecessarily - his own troops or other troops - through mistakes, through errors of judgment. A hundred, or thousands, or tens of thousands, maybe even a hundred thousand. But, he hasn't destroyed nations."

LESSON #1: EMPATHIZE WITH YOUR ENEMY. Kennedy was trying to keep us out of war. I was trying to help him keep us out of war. And General Curtis LeMay, whom I served under as a matter of fact in World War II, was saying 'Let's go in, let's totally destroy Cuba.'"

LESSON #2: RATIONALITY WILL NOT SAVE US.
"I want to say, and this is very important: at the end we lucked out. It was luck that prevented nuclear war."

LESSON #3: THERE'S SOMETHING BEYOND ONE'S SELF.
"I took more philosophy classes - particularly one in logic and one in ethics. Stress on values and something beyond one's self, and a responsibility to society."

LESSON #4: MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY.
"In that single night, we burned to death 100,000 Japanese civilians in Tokyo: men, women, and children."

LESSON #5: PROPORTIONALITY SHOULD BE A GUIDELINE IN WAR.
"[I]n order to win a war should you kill 100,000 people in one night, by firebombing or any other way. LeMay's answer would be clearly 'Yes' . . . Proportionality should be a guideline in war. Killing 50% to 90% of the people of 67 Japanese cities and then bombing them with two nuclear bombs is not proportional, in the minds of some people, to the objectives we were trying to achieve."

LESSON #6: GET THE DATA.
"I was present with the President when together we received information of that coup. I've never seen him more upset. He totally blanched. President Kennedy and I had tremendous problems with Diem, but my God, he was the authority, he was the head of state. And he was overthrown by a military coup. And Kennedy knew and I knew, that to some degree, the U.S. government was responsible for that."

LESSON #7: BELIEF AND SEEING ARE BOTH OFTEN WRONG.
"We spent ten hours that day trying to find out what in the hell had happened. At one point, the commander of the ship said, 'We're not certain of the attack.' At another point they said, 'Yes, we're absolutely positive.' And then finally late in the day, Admiral Sharp said, 'Yes, we're certain it happened.' So I reported this to Johnson, and as a result there were bombing attacks on targets in North Vietnam. Johnson said we may have to escalate, and I'm not going to do it without Congressional authority. And he put forward a resolution, the language of which gave complete authority to the President to take the nation to war: The Tonkin Gulf Resolution."

LESSON #8: BE PREPARED TO REEXAMINE YOUR REASONING.
"Were those who issued the approval to use Agent Orange: criminals? Were they committing a crime against humanity? Let's look at the law. Now what kind of law do we have that says these chemicals are acceptable for use in war and these chemicals are not. We don't have clear definitions of that kind. I never in the world would have authorized an illegal action. I'm not really sure I authorized Agent Orange. I don't remember it but it certainly occurred, the use of it occurred while I was Secretary."

LESSON #9: IN ORDER TO DO GOOD, YOU MAY HAVE TO ENGAGE IN EVIL.
"How much evil must we do in order to do good? We have certain ideals, certain responsibilities. Recognize that at times you will have to engage in evil, but minimize it."

LESSON #10: NEVER SAY NEVER.
"One of the lessons I learned early on: never say never. Never, never, never. Never say never. And secondly, never answer the question that is asked of you. Answer the question that you wish had been asked of you. And quite frankly, I follow that rule. It's a very good rule."

LESSON #11: YOU CAN'T CHANGE HUMAN NATURE
"We all make mistakes. We know we make mistakes. I don't know any military commander, who is honest, who would say he has not made a mistake. There's a wonderful phrase: 'the fog of war.' What 'the fog of war' means is: war is so complex it's beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend all the variables. Our judgment, our understanding, are not adequate. And we kill people unnecessarily."