Out of the Box Reunion

 If you were a kid in the late '90s, had cable, and watched Disney probably have watched "Out of the Box"

which aired 1998-2004. You probably remember Tony and Vivian and that "Goodbye Song". 

Finally after 17 years since the last episode, Tony posts the "Goodbye Song" on TikTok, and squeals of childhood nostalgia freaked out and we were all waiting for and hoping Vivian would duet and YES!!!!!. And even bigger nostalgia freak-out. 

You can follow Tony and Vivian on TikTok: Vivvian and Tony

Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin Welcome Their First Child

 Former Disney starlet who most know her as London Tipton and Macaulay Culkin whom y'all know as Kevin McCallister welcome their first son Dakota.

Dakota was born on April 5, 2021. He was named after Macaulay's sister who died in
2008.

Hilary Duff Welcome's Baby

 In more baby news; another former Disney starlet Hillary Duff welcomes her 3rd child by Matthew Bair aka Matthew Kona. This is their 2nd child. She has a son Luca by Mike Comre. 

Hilary and Matthew welcomed their second daughter on March 24,2021. They named her Mae James Bair. 

Lady Marmalade's 20th Anniversary

 Christina Aguilera posted on Twitter that it's been 20 years since "Lady Marmalade". She, Mya, Pink, Lil Kim released the song in April 2001. 

But the song itself has been around for a spell. It was written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan back in 1974; 47 years ago by the Labelle's. Probably the most famous is the amazing Patti Labelle. 

Italian singer Sabrina Salnero recorded the song in 1987.

Enligh Candanian group "All Saints" recorded the song in  1998.

On a personal note, I remember my classmates singing in the hallways, in classrooms. It was risque then, but the songs today, singing them in the hallways....would not wanna be that student. 

Bindi Irwin Gives Birth

Just a few days after Ashley Tisdale gives birth to her son, Bindi gives birth to her daughter on March 25, 2021. 

Bindi is the late great animal conservationists aka "The Crocodile Hunter". Bindi is named after one of the Crocodiles in the Australia Zoo and Steve's dog Sui. 

Bindi and Chandler named their daughter Grace Warrior Powell. Although a lot of people wanted, kinda expected her to name her Stevie after her father, but in a way, she did actually name him after her father. She writes on Instagram that Grace is a family name in both Bindi and Chandler's family. Warrior is a tribute to her father because he was 'an incredible wildlife warrior'. 

Ashley Tisdale Gives Birth

 Former Disney starlet and "High School Musical" star Ashley Tisdale gave birth on March 23, 2021. Ashley and her husband Christopher French who is a music composer on TV series. He composed the theme song for "Young and Hungry" which another former Disney starlet who stared in "Hannah Montana, Emily Osment starred in the series. Ashley was the executive producer of the series. 

The couple named their daughter Jupiter Iris French. I think it's unique, but not corny like a lot of Celebrities' kids' names. 

Go To Quizzes

•  Which Winx Character Are You?
• Miley Cyrus-7 Things
  
• What Clique Are You?
  
• How Much of a Road Hog Are You?
  

Tik Tok Got Rickrolled

Rick Astley who popularized "Never Gonna Give You Up" song which was popularized later when people used it to rickroll people. Rick posted a video of him dancing to his song on Tik Tok rickrolling the entire TikTok community. 

 

Jason Priestly and Ian Ziering Reunite in "The Order"

     "The Order" is a Canadian Netflix series that aired in

March 2019. The series is about a college guy named Jack Morton who is a werewolf with magic.

     Ian Ziering and Jason Priestly if y'all don't know are the 90210 alumni and I mean the original from the 1990s.  play themselves from what I could find. They appear in Season 2 Episode 8, title "Spring Outbreak".

    Two former 90210 stars talk a little talk to each other in the episode. Jason tells Ian he couldn't use magic to save his career. And Ian throws out that he's been in six "Sharknado" movies. I have to admit, I love the series. Love you, Fin. But Ian pacifically says, "six "Sharknado"s and counting, so does that mean there's another one in the works even though "The Last Sharknado: It's About Time" is the final movie? 

     OK, anyway, Ian calls Jason, "Mr., I'm Famous in Canada." I couldn't find anything about what that might mean except that Jason is from Canada and he's famous. 

     

Supernatural's Jessica's Death

At the very first episode, Dean takes Sam back to his house and he clearly drives off as Sam is standing there. Sam enters the house calling for Jess, but get no reply. He lies on the bed and drops of blood fall on his forehead. He opens his eyes and looks up and sees her on the ceiling and burst into flames. Dean kicks in the door clearly concerned for his brother. But like how did Dean know that Sam was in trouble? 

                   

Taylor Swift's "Tim McGraw" Song Facts

• Taylor wrote the song when she was around 15 and a freshman in high school.
• It is a breakup song.
• She wrote it 'cause she knew she and her senior boyfriend Brandon Borello would break up so he could go off to college.
• Taylor lived in Tennessee at the time, but the song takes place in Georgia.

Rule The Roost

     If you know anything about Role Island Reds or Plymouth Rocks, you have noticed that a flock---or roost--of chickens seldom includes more than one male. That's because a rooster comes out of the egg jealous and mean-spirited. He wants all of the hens and spring chickens for himself.

     Bigger, stronger, and louder than females, who make up his harem, Chanticleer literally rules every member of his roost--effectively that his conduct gave rise to the phrase that conveys the idea of unchallenged control.

OK

     This one actually blew my mind. O.K is actually a nickname from our eighth president Martin Van Buren which is a short version of "Old Kinderhook"
     It was his second campaign that popularized the phrase.

Two To Tango

     No one is sure how a Latin American dance first zoomed to popularity in America. Probably adapted from the beat of tribal drums in Africa, the tango in 2/4 or 4/4 time was found to be especially exhilarating by some who experimented with it.

     Many dance lend themselves to solo exhibitions. Not so the tango. This aspect of what was once a novel form of entertainment was emphasized in a popular song of the 1930s that stressed: "it takes two to tango"

     That made a vivid and emphatic way of saying that some activities require two participants. So the dance-floor expression originally came into wide use as a response to accusations of sexual misconduct. Today it has become a defense for any situation in which no one assumes full blame. 

(This is from a book called "Why We Say It")

Creamy Ranch Pork Chops & Rice

• Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 can milk
• 1 pkg ranch salad dressing mix
• (optional) paprika
• (And don't forget the rice)

Note: I got this recipe from Campbell's and rice wasn't listed in the ingredients. I've made this and it was really good. I used broccoli and cheddar soup instead of cream of mushroom soup because not a fan of mushrooms, and I used about a half cup of milk. It came out the same as the picture. I also copied the sides, but I don't like green beans, so I opted for carrots and peas instead.

• Heat oil in a skillet. Add chops and cook until done.
• Add soup, milk, and dressing mix. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 min. or until done. Sprinkle with paprika (optional).
• Sever with Ranch-style Rice. 

Note: That's the recipe that I have, lol. After you put the pork chops in the skillet, cook your rice, until done and add the soup, milk, and dressing mix into the rice. 

Serve with carrots and peas or carrots and bean, whatever, or as is. 

Prehistoric Animals Caught on Tape

     So I'm watching Youtube and come across this video about several prehistoric animals caught on tape. One was a video about a sea creature with a three-pronged tail fin. So I paused the video and did research and never did come across any sea animal with three-pronged tail fin. It's suggested in the video that the tail could have been messed up from a boat and I kinda have to agree.

     The next video is about the pterosaur. It was filmed in 1973 so it's a bit blurry. But researching pterosaurs, I found there are several types and two that have that crest on top of their heads. The pteranodon sternbergi and pteranodon ingens. But the sternbergi resembles it the most as suppose the ingens 'cause ingens crest is more pointy.
     Is it? I can't answer, but the resemblance is uncanny and I couldn't find any large crested bird on the internet. Maybe they survived somehow. There is still a lot of unexplored lands and Islands. I mean crocodiles, turtles, and alligators are dinosaurs too and they survived.



     The third video is of a woolly mammoth in Siberia or supposedly. I watched both, the original and edited into a video. The edited one did have me believing it, but the original, after watching it on repeat a couple times, kinda just looks a bear carrying a fish. And Siberia does have brown grizzly bears and fish. A bear carrying a fish in a blurryish video from a distance would look like a woolly mammoth.


    Dragons. Do they exist or not? I watched the original and edited video. The original was just pure amazing footage. I was thinking maybe it was possibly a kite, but yeah. Then maybe a toy dragon controlled by a remote, but it's so large. I seriously think it's legit. That maybe dragons so exist.



     Pterodactyl. Do they exist? The photo that is featured was in Montana. I mean it really looks legit like a pterodactyl.









     Are raptor's real? So far on this list on two have been debunked. I researched raptors and I kinda have to say that it seems legit. It looks like the real deal. These tiny little terrors might actually exist. 

If People Matter To You, You'll Remember Their Names

     Think about how you feel when someone you just met remembers your name.
      I often hear people say, "I'm horrible at names." I reply, "Consider that you're as good as you choose to be, and depending on what is at stake, you are quite good." I go on to ask, "If there were ten million dollars on the line and all you had to do is remember someone's name, would you succeed?" The answer is always, "Yes!" They say, "I'd repeat it write it down, tattoo it on my arm; whatever it took, I would remember their name." The truth is that somewhere between 'it doesn't matter very much' and 'ten million dollars,' our priority, ability, and capacity to remember are revealed. This simply means we're capable of remembering names but consider it so unimportant that we choose not to improve the practice.
     We have great potential to be socially outstanding on a number of fronts but tend to exercise our skill level based on whom we're with at the moment. We tune in or check out depending on what we believe the payoff to be, and therefore develop no consistency or habit or remembering names. The result is that we remain relationally anemic and miss great potential in establishing rapport with others. The value in remembering people's names is one of the highest social rewards that exist. It is the quickest way possible to let someone you just met know that you care about them and translates to instant trust. The results are nothing short of amazing. Remember that!

      Questions to yourself:

• Am I resigned to the lie that I am no good at remembering people's names?
• Will I practice this discipline starting today?

Don't Let Television Take All The Vision From Your Life

     Is watching less TV a 'remote' possibility?
     75 years ago a little black box entered the home. For a few seasons families surrounded it together, but before long families could afford another one, two, or five. Family members split into their own rooms, each with their own black box, and thus, a very insidious division of the family began. Family goals and activities got shelved for the sake of 'The Honeymooners' or some other chewing gum for the brain. Tragic! If ever a device has robbed more life, vision, and potential from people and families, it would be the television (aka take-a-vision). Lost in news, sitcoms, and reality shows are hobbies, goals, and relational growth. Things or people we've wanted to invest in just have to wait because 'The Voice' is on in ten. Two hours and a thousand calories later, our life-vision is a bit more blurred while TV puts us further into a fog. With all the options to watch and the ability to buy a TV for the price of a pair of sneakers, it's a pandemic issue, and TV is doing everything it can to keep you glued to the box. Its finances depend on it, and 'Big Television', by nature of its increasingly carnal content, has no interest in your family or your goals in life Its interest is in ratings, pure and simple. Are they evil? Of course not. They can't take away our choice. But do consider or that by the time a person hits age 65, they'll have spent about 80years watching TV...or one-eighth of their life.
     Do the math; New careers have been learned in a year, billion-dollar businesses built in three years, books are written in six months, relationships reinvigorated in one month, and the list goes on. TV is an addiction that will steal your potential. It will sideline you from the richness of life, love, relationships, and passions as surely as the remote has become the sixth appendage.
     Questions to yourself:

• Which of my passions and goals are sidelined because TV is center stage?
• Are there TV programs that can actually enrich my life and my goals?

When You Begin To Think Less About What People Think of You, That's When You'll Be Able To Really Think!

      Does your worry over what others think of you hind your ability to think clearly and peacefully?
     If we measured how much of our thought life is caught up in what others think of us, we'd come up with a percentage. There's always a level of effort we put into climbing on the stage of life and performing to gain the approval of others. Sometimes it's a small amount; other times it consumes us and causes unnecessary relational strain. It's human nature to want to be valued. But when others' approval becomes a source of anxiety, insecurity, and self-focus--talking away precious mental energy--it's time to rethink the value of that attention. So rather than refining our performances in life and polishing the plastic, our time would be better spent refining the process of being fully ourselves, whatever that looks like.
     Take the risk and just be. Climb off the mental jungle gym of circumstantial acting and exercise the courage to just let you flow through. Although you may hit some 'you' snags, which you will, you'll be refining and polishing truth, not a lie, performance, or facade. You'll feel like you've lost a ton of emotional baggage. Your relationships will be more rewarding, and you'll discover a level of peace you may have thought was gone forever.
     I once pictured myself lying in my grave, asking, 'Was all the fear and distraction I experienced being wrapped in others' perception of me worth it, and did it add value to my life? Did all the facades I presented impress anyone or add value to anything?" The answer was no, and I realized hindsight can be 20/20, even if imagined.

Questions to yourself:

• How much time do I spend making an impression vs. making a difference?
• Will I take a week or so to test what it would be like to be completely me?

Many Opportunities For Learning Have Been Missed Because We Insisted On Talking Too Much

     If we're really honest, there are a few things in life more gratifying than when we say something cool, smart, or relvant--something that others get value from and that makes us look good for a fleeting moment. But if the same conversational energy and focus were used to be inquisitive and to learn from those around us, the 'moment of looking good' would pale in comparison to the learning value we would derive from each conversation. Don't get me wrong; talking intelligently is a valuable asset. But talking too much, and listening too little, can have those around us looking for the exit sign, whether our words are intelligent or not. What's worse is we miss so much when we get in the mode of a one-way broadcast and disregard the value of intentional listening and the art of inquiry.
     Admittedly, there are times when I'm talking that I get caught up in trying to convince others (and myself) that I am smart. In fact, during some conversations, I'll usually keep talking until I'm semi-sure what I said is deemed as intelligent. That can take a while, and the victim on the other end of my monologue frankly doesn't deserve to be caught up in my insecure need to be viewed as something special. Then there are times when I focus intently on listening, and altogether it's not as fun as talking. I'm always assured to be more intelligent than I ever am when talking. Another benefit is that the other person will leave the conversation feeling valued and will think I am smart for listening. The truth is, everything I ever wanted to know or needed to know could have been learned by simply listening.

Questions to yourself:

• When and where do I feel the need to do more talking than listening?
• How effective am I at drawing out what is fascinating about people?

ASAP Isn't A Commitment-----It's Confusion

     Ever made a request for something to be done only to hear, "I'll get it done ASAP', or "I'll get back to ASAP'? Typically we leave these conversations with nothing but uncertainty and confusion about what is real and when things will happen. Truth be told. ASAP is a phrase that doesn't come from anyone who is serious about getting things done. It is a strategy for postponement of work, poor performance, or breaking commitments, and is a chief cause of breakdowns in teams who count on each other to get things completed in a timely manner. ASAP is the vernacular for the semi-committed. It's for those who seem more comfortable living with unspecified promises than they are about giving the gift of clear communication. The phrase ASAP has no specifics or timelines attached to it and shows a lack of concern for others' commitments and responsibilities. It's a form of ambiguity that, in the end, will require more work than being clear in the first place....much more work...and anxiety...and relational conflicts. How much more effective could we be if every commitment and conversation were specific?
     People appreciate it when tell them what's real. They are able to stay accountable, share details of the commitment with others, and track progress along with the way.  Case in point: If you were in need of a critical medicine for deadly infection, would you rather hear, "I'll get it to you ASAP', or "You'll have it today by 2:00 P.M'? The remedy for life productivity and stress reduction rests largely on what we can count on, and counting on ASAP just isn't possible.
      Questions to yourself:

• In what areas of life do I avoid responsibility by being vague?
• What price do I and others pay for my unclear or incomplete commitments? 

People Have Many Brands They Can Choose From. You Are One Of Them!

     If you were a brand, would you buy yourself or keep shopping?
     You may not give it much thought, but you are a 'brand' to everyone who knows you. Your personal brand is always speaking, and like all brands, it is subject to constant scrutiny and potential breakdown. Comprising your integrity, way of being, and, of course, your track record in day-to-day life, the way your personal brand resonates with others will profoundly impact your relationships, career opportunities, and life momentum. At the same time, your brand can stop you in your tracks if you're not clear about what you stand for and how you will make yourself relevant, and beneficial to those around you. Keeping commitments, showing up on time, excellence in work ethic, response times, how you handle the details, and the overall value you create for others are a few of the many ways your brand is measured. And in today's world of constant evaluation, keeping your personal brand intact is vital to sustaining your influence, position, and ability to move into new situations with a positive presence and credibility. With as little as a single experience or a quick search online, your brand is, or will soon be, in full view for the world to see. Will viewers be attracted or repelled? Will they buy in or move on? It all depends on the 'brand of you' they experience, online or off. Maintaining your personal brand standards and reputation does require work, but the alternative is sometimes a tainted personal brand that is beyond repair. An occasional close look in the mirror, plus honest feedback from others, will help you uncover ways to make your brand more compelling for all concerned.
      Questions to your Brand:

• How is my brand affecting others personally, professionally, and socially?
• Are there traits or behaviors I need to build into or remove from my personal brand to have better results in life?

Strawberry Short Cake

• 2 cups flour
• 4 tsps. baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 4-6 tbsps. shortening
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 quart berries
• 1 cup whipping cream

1. Sift together dry ingredients, and cut in shortening as for pie crust. 
2. Beat egg and milk until blended and stir in. pat out dough into a square on floured board to the thickness 1-4 inch. Brush half the top with melted butter.
3. Fold over other half or cut dough into rounds for individual servings if preferred.
4. Bake cake on a greased sheet in a moderately hot 425-degree oven for about 10-20 minutes. Split cake.
5. Serve with sweetened strawberries between layers and over top. Garnish with whipped cream.

Banana Cake

• 1/2 cup butter
  
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 1/4 sifted cake flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup mashed or riced bananas
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 cup sour milk

1. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Resift flour with baking powder, soda, and salt.
2. Add vanilla to milk. Stir sifted ingredients into butter mixture alternately with milk and bananas. Beat batter until smooth after each addition.
3. Bake the cake in two greased 9-inch cake pans in moderate 350-degree oven 15 to 30 minutes. 
4. Place sliced bananas between layers. Ice top of the cake with uncooked lemon icing. 

Reflection Ghost

      This ghost story starts with my sister one night who thought she saw someone standing by the washing machine which was just right by her bedroom door. She gave the figure no reaction and turned over and went back to sleep.
     Something, later on, I can't remember when, but I woke up in the middle of the night and saw a man, very clearly through the reflection of my TV standing at the headboard of my bed. He had dark hair, no facial hair, wore no glasses, thin, and had on a like a stripped suit.
     Oh, man, I was literally out of the bed in like a couple seconds. It really started me. My bird went to squawking as I threw on the lights which woke my sister up. She was a little startled at the racket. I told her I saw a man standing by my bed through the reflection of my TV. And that's when she told me of the above. I figure it was possibly the same figure. My sister gave ignored him, while I didn't. I went by to my room, turned off the light and he was gone. I went back to sleep.
      And this is where he turns into a like creepy stalker ghost. I can't remember if it was the next time or later, but I awoke again in the middle of the night and there he was again. I just turned on the TV and turned down the volume and went back to sleep. Every night, he was there, and every night, I turned the TV on and the volume down so I couldn't see him. One night I turned it off in the middle of the night just see if he was still there. Still freaking there, this time leaning over the bed. I got up that time and turned on the light. Not really sure how that would have helped, but... then I turned off the lights and looked at the TV and he was gone. I turned on the TV again and went back to sleep.
       This went on every night until I moved from there.