Captain Trips....could it be real?

Some of you may be aware of my major love for Stephen King. Some of you may not. That's kind of beside the point. Kind of...

If you've never read Stephen King's work, first of all shame on you! You're missing out on some really good stories. Second, you have no idea what Captain Trips is. If you have read his work then you know that he's used the idea of Captain Trips in several of his stories.

Basically it's an incredibly bad flu that wipes out the entire world...

I was browsing through my news stories this morning and came across an article from Tokyo. They are suffering through a pandemic flu called H1N1 that has killed 3 people so far. They have even stopped shaking hands on the campaign trail and said that they won't allow people close enough to the podium to get "spittle" on them during their speeches. They expect it to spread further during the autumn weather.

The idea of a flu wiping out tons of people has been in my mind for many years; mostly because of Stephen King. It scares me. It scares me badly. One of the campaigners said she was carrying disinfectant to her rallies. I think I would just skip being in public all together.

The cows are at it again

You may remember a story I wrote back in January about cows attacking people in Colorado (if you don't you can click here to read it). In that story the lady was just injured by a cow that was protecting her calf. Now the cows in Britain are not only attacking, they're killing.

Four people have been trampled to death in the last two months while walking their dogs near grazing cattle in Britain's main farming area. In the last eight years, 18 people have been killed by cows or bulls in Britain. That's scary.

I know it's not a large number considering that Britain has 7.5 million cows but that's still a lot of people to me. I grew up around many different types of animals and have had first hand experience with cows but I never saw one get aggressive.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) said that "cows can become aggressive and charge, especially when calves are present and walkers are accompanied by dogs." Aren't dogs used to help herd cattle? I believe they are. I've even had a COW DOG in the past. Why would the cows suddenly become enraged by dogs? Maybe they're tired of having dogs nipping at their hooves and running circles around them. I don't know.

I do know that would be a horrible way to die; under the feet of a very large animal. My heart goes out to the people that lost their loved ones.

I also wonder if Britain has dog parks like we do here in America. I would think that would be a better place to walk your dog then in a field full of cows. I know I wouldn't be in that field.

The rules have changed again: Feeding infants

We've been blessed with taking care of our newest grandchild Alexis several times recently. She's almost 3 months old. We know how to take care of infants having successfully raised our own. We thought we knew all we needed to know. Well guess what? The rules have changed again.

Last week when she was with us I gave her a small amount of water (3 ounces). I always gave my children water when they were infants. It never hurt them. Well, when we told Timothy we gave her water he told us we could not do that again. He said his pediatrician told him NOT to give infants water because it caused seizures. My initial reaction was WHAT? ARE YOU CRAZY?

So I got on my trusty computer and read and read and read until I thought my eyeballs were going to fall out of my head. The general consensus is not to give infants an abundant amount of water because they can suffer from water intoxication and it can cause seizures.

According to Wikipedia, "It can be very easy for children under 1 year old to absorb too much water, especially if the child is under nine months old. Because of their small body mass, it is easy to take in a large amount of water relative to body mass. Drinking water will replace lost water and avoid a dehydration, but if the person is unable to take any other drink or food then lost electrolytes will not be replaced, which can result in water intoxication. Water intoxication (also known as hyper-hydration or water poisoning) is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside of safe limits by over-consumption of water."

In other words, it's safe to give infants small amounts of water as long as they are getting the nourishment that they need. Pedialyte should be used in cases when formula, breast milk or food is not being consumed so that the electrolytes are replaced. Pedialyte will also help your infant from becoming dehydrated.

After all my research I feel a little better about the 3 ounces of water that we gave Alexis. Less guilty anyway. We would never want to hurt her and had no idea that water could do that.

Brat Pack loses their creator

I'm sad to tell you that I read about John Hughes passing away today at the age of 59. He was my very favorite director throughout the 80's and I loved every single movie he made. I'm so sad that he died on my birthday. Back in November of last year I wrote a blog on Shine about the 'Brat Pack' and I'd like to share it and the comments I received with you tonight...

The 'Brat Pack' ....those were the days

user

• by Kathy, on Tue Nov 4, 2008 5:16am PST

• 31 Comments

Remember the brat pack? Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald and Alley Sheedy. I watched Weird Science last night and it got me thinking about all those great movies. I loved them! They ruled my world in the 80s!

I guess my first brat pack movie was Sixteen Candles in 1984. It was a GREAT movie! I totally related to Molly Ringwald’s character Sam. I felt her pain. I really did. And I was so happy for her when she got the cute rich guy in the end! And so jealous!

I think John Hughes had a teenage girl giving him his show ideas. He had to have, everything was so real! I just thought there was no way a man could make so many movies that I could relate to… ‘I’ as a teenage girl of course. The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty In Pink just to name a few… all gems to me.

What’s your favorite brat pack movie? Mine is The Breakfast Club. It probably has to do with my visits to detention in high school. I wish they could have been like that instead of just studying while a teacher stared at me all day…. And who was your favorite brat pack actor or actress. Mine was definitely Molly Ringwald. I think I really did connect with her way back in 1984. I was that same shy but opinionated girl she portrayed so well.

Related: movies, favorites, brat pack, actresses, actors, 80s

Posted by rockin' mom Tue Nov 4, 2008 5:22am PST

Those WERE the days!!!!!

Posted by MochaMama42 Tue Nov 4, 2008 5:24am PST

It's funny, I enjoyed all of the Brat Pack movies. I'm trying to decide which is my favorite, and I can't really narrow it down. Perhaps , Pretty in Pink, due to it's romantic, Cinderella-like theme of a Phoenix rising from the ashes analogy. I am curious to know what is going on acting wise with Judd Nelson. I really thought he would have been more of an acting presence at this juncture. Maybe he will have a "renaissance" moment like Patrick Dempsey.

Posted by Disgruntled Wed Nov 5, 2008 10:05am PST

My high school reunion is coming up so a very timely subject for me.

I'm not sure which movie is my favorite. For me it's a toss up between Sixteen Candles and Weird Science. Pretty in Pink was good but it always bugged me that Molly Ringwald didn't end up with Duckie (Jon Cryer). I always liked Duckie a lot more than the Andrew McCarthy character.

Posted by Question girl Thu Nov 6, 2008 5:33am PST

I never saw a full brat pack movie I'm to young but the parts I have seen are pretty good and your right their aren't many good teen movies any more.

Posted by Jess Thu Nov 6, 2008 8:38am PST

It has to be Sixteen Candles! Jake Ryan gives me butterflies in my stomach. Also, who doesn't have grandparents that annoy and love you at the same time.

Posted by Beth Thu Nov 6, 2008 8:46am PST

I love Pretty in Pink. And One Crazy Summer, does that count? :)

Posted by Brandy~Daisy~ Thu Nov 6, 2008 9:29am PST

My favorite was The Outsiders,Who could forget that one

Posted by Renaissancegirl Thu Nov 6, 2008 9:37am PST

The Breakfast Club was the ultimate Brat Pack movie for me. And Molly Ringwald? My greatest wish was to be her when I was a kid. She was perfect and so relatable. Even today I think she's wonderful.

Posted by coolgal18 Thu Nov 6, 2008 9:39am PST

i was born in 87 so i wasn't around early enough to fully appreciate and experience the 80's.

but god do i wish i was.

i own those movies now and totally wish i could go back and see what the 80's were like as a teen.

sixteen candles is one of the best, "jake ryan" makes me melt.

but pretty in pink is so romantic. i love it.

plus i love when duckie sings otis redding.

one of the best scenes.

Posted by MistressMinx Thu Nov 6, 2008 9:51am PST

Loved "The Breakfast Club"! I think I could relate to each of the characters in a different way, which was why it was such a great movie. The end pretty much summed it up, we are all a bit of each of those characters - the jock, the princess, the nerd, etc.

When I was getting married, I thought of "Sixteen Candles" and the sister who takes valium (I think) and then the veil keeps making her crazy. That scared the daylights out of me (even though I didn't take any medication), so I opted for a hat instead. LOL!

Posted by 80'sgirl Thu Nov 6, 2008 10:27am PST

Having been a teenager in the 80's John Hughes movies were the big thing with us, he hit the nail with the wardrobe and lingo of the time.

Now adays the teenage movies are pretty racy (American Pie etc.)

I remember our dances being like Sixteen Candles.

Also anyone out there remember the "afterschool specials?"

Posted by Don M Thu Nov 6, 2008 10:29am PST

It's goot be a toss up between breakfast club and Fast times at Riddgemont High. Anyone remember Valley girls with N. Cage?

Posted by Don M Thu Nov 6, 2008 10:30am PST

Sorry for my misspelling got in a hurry.

Posted by comeflywithme1990 Thu Nov 6, 2008 10:38am PST

I LOVED THE 80'S!!!!!

Posted by fine...whatever... Thu Nov 6, 2008 10:55am PST

st. elmos fire is my fav brat pack movie...i have always had a huge andrew mccarthy crush and this was my fav movie of his.

was Say Anything an 80's movie? i can't remember now...another one of my top fav's though...john cusack is still awsome!!!


Posted by fine...whatever... Thu Nov 6, 2008 10:56am PST

i totally forgot about vally girls !!! LOL tha movie was great too ;-)

Posted by deleta Thu Nov 6, 2008 11:43am PST

I'm a tad older but I loved The Breakfast Club (and Emilio).

Posted by Lori N Ty Thu Nov 6, 2008 11:43am PST

Ahh, I love all of them. I just watched About Last Night for the first time this last weekend and was not as in love with that as I was (am) St. Elmo's Fire and Say Anything. LOVE the Brat Pack!!

Posted by Sheelah N Thu Nov 6, 2008 11:50am PST

The Breakfast club was my favorite. Then Weird Science.

Posted by ashleyluckey Thu Nov 6, 2008 12:14pm PST

I love Molly Ringwald! She was so fantastic and I loved following her movies. The Breakfast Club is my favorite followed by Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. However, I also loved For Keeps and Betsey's Wedding!!! Great for Molly Maniacs. I had a huge crush on Bender, he was so bad and that was hotttttttttt! Rob Lowe too, that man is beautiful!!!

Posted by mtag Thu Nov 6, 2008 12:51pm PST

It's a toss up between Breakfest Club and 16 candles - Jake Ryan. What about James Spader?! Long Duck Dong! Oh my, those were the days!

Posted by timmy2 Thu Nov 6, 2008 1:11pm PST

not full of the brat pack but your forgetting one of the best and that would be "some kind of wonderful"

Posted by kevin Thu Nov 6, 2008 2:29pm PST

breakfast club all the way... bueller... bueller

Posted by Bellisima Thu Nov 6, 2008 3:59pm PST

One Word:

Nostalgic.......

How sweet, those were classic, my daughter was born in '85, so there is so many memories from this era for me, including these awesome movies, she has all the movies of this era now. :) :) :)


Posted by camdavis@... Thu Nov 6, 2008 5:55pm PST

I've been told by many people that I look like Molly Ringwald but only when I wear my hair short.


Posted by Bunnysmummy Thu Nov 6, 2008 9:31pm PST

I love Sixteen Candles but The Breakfast Club is a close 2nd.I`m glad to see other people think as highly of the 80`s as I do!The 70`s usually gets alot more praise.

Posted by Disgruntled Fri Nov 7, 2008 9:52am PST

Bueller is Ferris Bueller's Day Off and darn it, I wish I'd thought of that. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is definitely my favorite '80s teen movie.


Posted by Ashley R Sun Nov 9, 2008 7:02am PST

My favorite is Sixteen Candles. My fav Brat-Packer was Anthony Michael Hall.

Posted by allee Mon Nov 10, 2008 11:54am PST

I love them all. they are and always will be some of my fave movies. they take me back to before i had to worry about the world. they made me laugh. I still watch them, guess what, so do my kids.

Posted by klgirl78 Sat Nov 15, 2008 7:14am PST

They sure don't make gems like these anymore. Those were the good ol' days... My fave Brat Packers are definitely Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez & Robe Lowe. LOVE 'The Breakfast Club' & 'Sixteen Candles'!

Posted by BG Sat Nov 15, 2008 9:53pm PST

Good ole memories those 80's, and I've seen all those movies. My favorites are Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles. But there is one other movie I love and thats The Last American Virgin. It's funny and the soundtrack is awesome. If you like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, you'll like this one.

REST IN PEACE JOHN HUGHES...I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOUR MOVIES ♥ --Kathy

I'm satisfied

If you read my last blog you know that I was very dissatisfied with the phone service we received through Cricket Wireless. It turns out that the problem was actually with the dealer we bought the phones from (K Wireless in Katy, Texas) and not with Cricket itself.

I was contacted via email by the Senior Escalations/Customer Relations Rep for Cricket Communications after he read my blog. He was very helpful and respectful and I am happy to tell you that we will be receiving a full refund!

I guess I learned a valuable lesson: Go directly to the company and not an independent dealer in the mall! I'm so happy that we were able to resolve this issue!

Need cell phone service? CRICKET is NOT the way to go

Let me tell you a little story....

We were in the mall one day in Texas before we moved up here to Georgia and we saw the Cricket Wireless store. There were huge signs saying they were having a sale so we decided to check it out. We were very specific about what roads we'd be traveling to Georgia and where we'd be once we got here. The man in the store assured us that we would be covered the whole way. He even got out a map and showed us that we would be covered all the way up I10. His exact words were "I guarantee you'll have phone service the whole way". He lied.

We lost service when we crossed into Louisiana and didn't have a signal even one time until we got to Atlanta. We never left the course we told him we'd be driving. My children were on the road at the same time heading to Oklahoma and they were frantic because they couldn't get a hold of us. They didn't know if we'd been in an accident or something like that. Not to mention that I couldn't call them to make sure they were traveling safely. We had to stop at a pay phone so that I could check in. We paid $148 for the phones from Cricket just so I could stop at a pay phone and spend more money. Ridiculous.

Once we arrived in Atlanta and actually had a signal we called customer service and talked to a lady named Ann. She talked to her supervisor and they both agreed that they're representative at K Wireless in Katy Mills Mall in Katy, Texas did not tell us the truth. She was very understanding and told us because their services had been misrepresented that we would get a full refund. Sounds good, right? It's another lie.

They said to take the phones back to the store we purchased them from (which was no problem because we planned on traveling back to Texas to get the rest of our belongings) and that the man WOULD give us our money back. Tim arrived there this morning only to be told he would NOT get our money back. He was slightly mad. He DID act mad I'm sure. Who wouldn't after being guaranteed something, driving 900 miles and then being told no?

Not only did the man refuse to give our money back like we were told would happen, BUT Tim was kicked out of the store! How's that for customer service? That's a joke in itself. Cricket has no idea what customer service means. When you try to call them and speak to someone, all you get is a recording or told that you'll be on hold for a few minutes...which is about 45 minutes according to all my trying to contact a live human being since 8:00 this morning. After waiting that 45 minutes it disconnected me. I am not happy.

So my message to all of you in blogland is DO NOT USE CRICKET WIRELESS SERVICE. You may get lucky and not have any issues but from what I've learned since making the mistake of believing their salesman it's not worth it. They lie, lie, lie. They'll tell you what you want to hear just to get your money. And the service sucks as far as keeping a signal. Trust me on this. I'll happily use AT&T from now on.