Monday, June 25, 2018

SOME STUFF YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW

Have you ever noticed that whenever someone's car alarm goes off, no one actually does anything?(lol)  Mostly, everyone just sort of looks around to be sure they don't have to run to their own car to shut it off, thinking it's a glitch or something. Then they just go back to doing what they were doing. (lol)



The first Margaritaville was opened in Key West, Florida in 1977 by Jimmy Buffet, but there are lots of them around the world these days.  If you can't make it to one of their locations, be sure to check out Margaritaville: The Cookbook, which has lots of fun and craveable recipes from their restaurants that are perfect for the summer season.

I chose this one because the ingredients not only grabbed my attention, but that's actually the name of their bars too.



5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE
1/4 Cup Light Rum
1 Tablespoon Passion Fruit Tequila or Silver Tequila
2 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice
2 Tablespoons Pineapple Juice
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Grenadine
Crushed Ice
1 Orange Wedge
1 Cocktail Cherry


Place the rum, tequila, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine in a shaker some ice,  shaking well to combine.  Fill a tall glass with ice and strain the mixture into it.  Garnish the with an orange wedge and the cherry, then serve immediately.
FAMOUS CLOCK
Big Ben in Britain weighs a whopping 6 tons, and can be heard up to 5 miles away!  It's accurate up to 1 second, but it was wrong just once.  In 1949, a flock of birds landed on the minute hand causing it to be off by a little over 4 minutes.

Are you a Book Blogger, and looking for more ways to get books for FREE?  Be sure to check  out http://www.booklookbloggers.com/


SNAG THIS GIG
If you have time to spare from Sunday through Thursday each week, feel free to work for Bustle as a Lifestyle Writer right from your own living room! All you need is 1-2 years writing experience (yes blogging counts!) and a sense of fun. Click here- Bustle 


MAMA MIA!
They say that everything is BIG in Texas, and as the new winner in the Guinness World Book of Records, Moontower Pizza Bar proves it with their slightly over 8 foot long commercially available pizza.  But this isn't just a publicity stunt.  If you give a 2 day advance notice, you really can order this mammoth 1 Topping treat called  "The Bus" for just  $299.95 + tax to feed all your friends and family, or maybe even the whole neighborhood.

MOVIE NEWS YOU'VE FORGOTTEN
If you were born in 1961, the biggest movie was West Side Story, ($43.7 million) and the best picture winner was West Side Story
But even if it didn't win the Oscar, it still was a movie that people still raved about.

If you were born in 1972, the top grossing movie was The Godfather which raked in $135 million in the US, and it also won top honors of best picture too.  

If you were born in 1982, you definitely phoned home as ET earned a whopping $359 million in the United States .  But Ghandi took home the Oscar for best picture.

If you were born in 1992, Aladdin grossed $212 million in the US, but Unforgiven, which happens to be the only western I've seen 8 times, and starring the amazing Clint Eastwood won a Best Picture Oscar. 


VALUABLE BRANDS
Even if you don't use them, these brands are still at the top of the list according to Forbes.

1.  Apple - Brand Revenue:  228.6 billion
2.  Google  - Brand Revenue: 98.4 billion
4.  Facebook - Brand Revenue: 35.7 billion
5.  Amazon -  Brand Revenue: 169.3 billion


FOODIE FLAVORS
Do you love experimenting with different flavors when cooking, but can't find the right ingredients?

Try shopping at these sites for something unique:


www.Latienda.com - Spain

Tokyocentral.com - Asian
Mediterraneanfoodsny.com - Greek


THE END IS PERMANENT
About 3 years ago, a friend gave me this pretty amazing kate Spade bag that can hold everything.  It's one of the only purses I haven't destroyed. (lol) 


Anthony Bourdain would have been 61 today, June 25.  I have a few of his books, and have watched him on television for years, falling in love with his sarcastic wit.

On June 18, the stats for veterans were released stating that suicide rates had increased for both Veterans and Non-Veterans, underscoring the fact that suicide is a national public health concern that affects people everywhere.


This is not my platform, and to be honest, it's normally a topic I stay away from because it hits so close to home, as a veteran and a daughter. 


I found my mother in our basement dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Screaming, I called the police then ran back downstairs, hoping there was something I could do to save my mother.  Holding her head in my lap, she whispered she was sorry, as she struggled to hold on.  I wondered if she wished she could have changed her mind, and put that bullet back into the chamber, as I prayed that she would make it. Shortly thereafter my brother arrived,  as we waited numbly for the police and ambulance. 


We  hear about these things, never thinking it could happen to someone we know.  Once it does, the reality of it is almost unbearable.  Those pictures in your brain, and the feelings inside can't be undone.  The loss of a loved one is traumatic in itself, but it leaves those left behind with confusion.


We were questioned for a few moments, but it seemed like hours,  as we begged to ride in that ambulance with our mother, only to be denied.


Only 17, and with a 16 year old brother, we tried to make sense of the whole thing, wondering what we did wrong, or if we should have come into the house earlier, somehow preventing what had happened.  What were we going to do?  To make matters worse, the hospital sent me a bill for my mom's death and the cost of the ambulance, which I had to fight to have removed.


It took us years to overcome feelings of guilt and regret, so I know the families left behind from those who commit suicide are grieving and wondering what could have been done differently.  


The tragedy was painful, but has made me sympathetic to the plight of those who suffer from mental illness.


We didn't understand about depression back then, but there are many options and crisis resources out there now for those who feel hopeless or alone.  Please reach out to someone for help, and don't give up.  Yo
u are not alone.

If you know someone who's in trouble, you can still help, even if you're not a mental health professional.  Remember the #5, listed above.




National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday, including a chat line

Veterans Crisis Line Badge

Call 800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255.

59 comments:

  1. What an incredible post, RO. Beginning with Margaritaville, it set the tone for 5 o'clock fun. However, after seeing the brand recognition/revenue of places I never visit, I thought I was lucky to even be a blogger, because social media seems to have turned us into brand loyal customers.

    My friend Sally and I were discussing Anthony Bourdain at lunch yesterday and I couldn't understand how a person with such a charmed and vibrant life could have done what he did. My friend said mental illness often overshadowed a charmed life.

    I was saddened to read about your mother. The grief, the guilt, the sadness you felt was not yours to bear, although I'm sure you've learned that over time. However, unless you got IMMEDIATE emotional help and support from a caring psychologist or psychiatrist, you were genuinely scarred for life. I am always so proud how you try to help other vets in their struggles when they return home from a tour of duty. You are to be commended for that, so you know what it means to offer help to those who need it the most. Yes, it's too bad your mother didn't put the bullet back in the gun, but she's the one who pulled the trigger, not you, dear friend.

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    1. I thought it was sort of brilliant of Jimmy Buffet to come up with a beachy theme that translates all over the world now. I agree, Brand is everything now these days, and the reasons so many bloggers and influencers are making some big cash. He had a wicked sense of humor, and he was so brutally honest about people in the cooking and entertainment world, and it never seemed to bother him when they got mad. (lol) Proof again that money doesn't bring about happiness necessarily. Elizabeth, you just have this amazing wisdom about life that I so appreciate, and I feel sure that we were destined to communicate. Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. You're the best! Hugs...RO

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  2. That is very sad to read about your mother. I can't imagine being driven by such despair to do something like that.

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    1. She was clearly unhappy and unable to cope, but I wish she would have found the help she needed Andrew. Hugs...RO

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  3. I'm so sorry that you mom is gone. I doubt even past 17 you can't make sense of it. My heart aches for those in such a dark place.
    Been there and survived. Thanks for the moving post.

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    1. I'm so glad that you got through dear Margaret, and that you are still here to share how you survived. I hope that all those in such dark places seek the help they need to get through the pain. Hugs...RO

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  4. Such a terrible happening, and memory. Do hope both you and your brother, got help, with the after effects of this....

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    1. It certainly was rough going for a while, and we wish that no one would ever have to go through something like this for sure. Hugs...RO

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  5. Party time! My Dad has been to that Margaritaville and said the food was good too!

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    1. Judging from all the reviews, pictures online and now the cookbook, I can tell the food is a blast! Hugs...RO

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  6. It is lovely to see you back in the blogosphere. I have missed you.
    Another great eclectic post. Your last point speaks loudly to me. Here in Oz we lose more of our service people to suicide than we do in the theatre of war.
    And the pain ripples spread like a tsunami.

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    1. So many things going on dear EC,and I've missed you too. I always love hearing from you and appreciate the wonderful words of encouragement. Veterans struggle so much with homelessness, PTSD, brain injury, and having to fight for their benefits. As strong as they've been in the field, those final snubs push them over the edge of an already tenuous rope. It's so sad to hear of their suffering, but I just hope more and more people reach out to receive help. Hugs...RO

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  7. Always your postings are filled with info and humor and interesting tidbits, RO...but today's posting touched my heart deeply. No wonder you are always trying to help others...you have suffered through a terrible tragedy. I am so sorry for you and your brother to have at a young age faced such a tragedy.

    Big Hugs and My Sincere Sympathy ❤❤❤

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    1. Thanks a bunch Jan! I sure hope others reach out to get help, and to realize that they are loved and supported. I appreciate the kind hugs too! Hugs right back! RO

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  8. Thank you, RO, for posting those important telephone numbers.

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    1. I hope this number makes a different for someone Angela! Hugs...RO

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  9. A great post RO, enjoyed it a lot. West Side Story was a big deal in my town. I loved it but was so sad at the end.

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    1. I remember watching that quite a bit and loving it too. They definitely don't make classics like that anymore. I always prefer a happy ending too, even in novels! Hope you have an awesome Tuesday Denise! Hugs...RO

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  10. Sorry about your mom. It is hard loosing someone, especially under such tragic circumstances.

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    1. Thanks a bunch Nadene, it was long ago, but it saddens me that so many veterans and others are filled with despair and want to take their lives today, and the numbers are growing. Always love when you stop by to say hello! Hugs...RO

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  11. My stars, that pizza!

    I am one who barely pays attention to car alarms. My neighbor sets his off at least twice a week.

    Hmm, the 1972 movie is closest for me. I know The Godfather is well-made and deserving, but its too much for me. Eek!

    Yes, suicide strikes close for my family, too (though not a parent or child- my sympathies, Radiant Ro), as does mental illness and addiction so I am deeply glad you give it a place here on your blog.

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    1. Pizza Party at your place Sophia!(lol) I'm a fan of the Godfather and have watched it several times, but some scenes are a little rough. Mental illness is so often overlooked or there is a stigma that makes some afraid to seek help. I just wish that there can be changes so we don't lose those we love. I'm so sorry for your family loss. Hugs...RO

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  12. I've never been to a Margaritaville sadly but I definitely need to try that drink! Maybe I'll have my own personal Margaritaville lol.

    I am so sorry to hear about your mother, but thank you for sharing your story- and for advocating for vets and mental illness. And just as a general note, I feel blessed to know you and your blog- sorry if that sounds sappy. :) I love these posts tho.

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    1. They have so many great drinks at the place and the food is pretty dang amazing. Jimmy Buffett really hit paydirt when he came up with this idea. But heck, if we can't go to the party, let's just create our own, right? (lol) Greg, you already know you're my Blogger Boyfriend! (lol) Hugs...

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  13. Okay so you are responsible for not being able to stop humming Margaritaville :)

    I was actually just watching Gail King on CBS this morning interviewing a group of people who have attempted suicide in the past. It was heartbreaking to watch. I have been lucky and don't know anyone who has or attempted to commit suicide. Depression however does run in my husband's family and affects both our daughters, our middle son and our nephew so we are careful to watch for signs that it's getting worse or their in a dark place. Thank you for sharing such a personal, tragic event in your life. I lost my dad in a car accident almost twenty years ago and haven't recovered from it. I can't imagine going through what you did. I guess this incident forged a path for your future though didn't it.
    xoxoxo hugs RO

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    1. LOL - That tune sure is catchy, right? I'm sorry I missed that program, but may be able to find it on Demand. It's good that you understand about depression and watch for crisis signs just in case. That's so important. I can imagine it had to be so rough to lose your dad, and yes even after so many years it still hurts. Hugs Debbie! RO

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  14. Rarely does the Best Picture even do that good at the box office. Granted main stream hollywood is often unoriginal anymore, and Oscar judges are only interested in films that do something original, which becomes weirder and weirder every year

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    1. So true Adam! I'm still shocked all these years later that Lord of the Rings was not only the biggest grossing movie in 2003, but also won best picture. I had a bet with a friend who owns this action figure toy line business that it would win, and of course he lost. That's still one of my fave movies of all time. Hugs...

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  15. Well written Ro. I remember those films as if they came out yesterday. I feel your pain at losing someone you love. I was nearly in tears at what you wrote.You must have lead a very difficult childhood. I hope everything is better now.

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    1. Terry, thanks so much for the kind words, and yes things are fine for sure. That's so cool that you remember all those movies, and so many of them I have on dvd. I'm a serious movie buff and collect a lot. Hugs...RO

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  16. Another big, fun and informative post. I remember all those films really well, and the first film I ever saw was "Dunno the flying elephant". Sorry about your awful experience with hour mom. And you are so right about car alarms! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. I remember that movie and it sure was fun, right? (lol) Can you imagine ever seeing a real elephant fly? The car alarm thing really has me scratching my head Valerie. (lol) Hugs and Happy Wednesday! RO

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  17. Oh wow, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Depression and suicide awareness has definitely come a long way, but as always, it's still devastating when someone dies by suicide.

    I didn't realize that the Margarittaville restaurant was around for so long. That's kind of cool!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Now I can't get that song out of my head Lauren. (lol) Suicide is and depression are definitely something that's rough for sure. Hugs and Happy Wednesday! RO

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  18. I'm so sorry that you lost your mom in that way. I watched my mom's boyfriend shoot himself in my kitchen when I was 12. That's not something I would wish upon someone else. Thank you for sharing your story.

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    1. OMG Mary, that had to be so traumatic. As kids that not something we should ever have to go through, and I'm so glad you're okay. I feel your pain, and thanks for your kind words! Hugs and Happy Wednesday! RO

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  19. I am so sorry. I could not even imagine what that would have been like

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    1. It's not something I would want anyone to suffer through, and just hope more people are aware of depression and suicide within families and our friends. Hugs...RO

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  20. Hello Beautiful Soul, I am so sorry! So very sorry! One never truly knows. Just know it wasn't your fault or your brother's! I remember back in 2013/14, I was hitting rock bottom. I never stopped talking or crying. That was a good thing! So many people are lost and they don't know the way out! Sending you and your brother BIG HUGS!!!
    We have a close friend of the family who is 52. She has been on drugs for her depression since 1999. When Anthony died, she came over to our house and said, that could be me. My mom and I let her talk and kept saying, no, it's not going to be!
    I think just being able to talk, is such a good thing!

    I will have some pizza please and watch those good movies!

    Thanks for checking in on my blog! I'm still behind and I haven't been feeling well!

    Ro, thank you for your honesty! I know you have helped many!

    Much Love!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, and thank goodness you knew to keep talking and that someone took the time to listen to you and your heart when you were going through that rough patch. Your friend is blessed to have someone like you in her life. That has made all the difference. I say let's have a HUGE pizza party and watch some movies! (lol) Sure hope you feel better soon so I'm sending some cyber hugs your way, and I appreciate your kind words. Happy Wednesday! RO

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    2. Thank you my friend! Big Hugs!
      Feeling alot better! Was having some side back pains and pains under my chest, couldn't take deep breaths. All had to do with acid reflux!!!! LOL! Just taking things easy for now!
      I say yes to the Huge pizza party!! LOL!

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    3. I have a friend who suffers with that uncomfortable pain, and he says that using baking soda or drinking something super hot helps. I'm thrilled that you're now pain free and ready for the pizza party! (lol) Hugs...RO

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  21. I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother. Thank you for helping to spread awareness in hopes that more people are able to reach out when they need help.

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    1. It's so sad to know that so many vets and others feel so hopeless that they feel that ending their lives is the only way. I hope people realize that number is out there, along with friends/family who love them. Hugs...RO

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  22. We went to see Big Ben. All we saw was scaffolding:( It's under construction and apparently has been renamed Elizabeth Tower. Which I really don't see catching on;)

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    1. What in the heck Super Sandra? Elizabeth Tower?! (lol) Hugs and Happy Wednesday to you!!! RO

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  23. I forgot to say, you're right about the car alarm! LOL!

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    1. LOL! I can tell you some crazy stories about car alarms for sure! Hugs..RO

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  24. I'm so sorry to hear bout your mother Ro. Suicide has impacted my family but I'm grateful I was an adult and better able to handle to practical issues if not the emotional. It has definitely made me more sympathetic to mental illness as well as driven home that that is never the answer.

    That's crazy about the birds and Big Ben. Makes me wonder just what else birds could do if they set their mind to it. I still haven't recovered from the book though I haven't seen the movie yet.

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    1. Mental illness is still one of those things that I think make people feel uncomfortable, but I'd like to think it's getting better. Hope things are well in your family, and sorry you had to go through that. I watched the movie twice, and I have to admit that afterwards I felt myself looking around waiting for them to attack. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  25. Yes, you are so right about the car alarm!
    So much in your post, it was good to read.
    However, I was very sorry to read about your Mum, thanks for sharing your story. It is so important for people to reach out for help.

    My good wishes

    All the best Jan

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    1. That car alarm has me scratching my head pretty often Jan. (lol) Reaching out can make all the difference. Happy Thursday and Hugs...RO

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  26. I've always noticed how no one does anything when a car alarm goes off. 😂😂😂 This might be because everyone kind of expects it to happen by accident???

    I would love to work for Bustle actually. It's something I've aspired to since I started researching how I can use my blogging skills as a job one day. 😅😅😅

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    1. You have some fantastic writing skills and I bet they would love to have you at Bustle. Seems like a neat place to work. I agree, that very well may be the cause, but it sure gives a criminal a field day. (lol) Thanks a bunch for stopping by to say hello Sophia! Hugs...RO

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  27. well. Now it's 330am and I want some pizza! lol

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    1. Nothing wrong with a little late night snack, right, Awesome Anna? (lol)

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  28. How sad to hear the story of your dear mother, how awful. The love and happiness you shared, with a person you never stop loving, never leaves us.

    The Movie 'Unforgiven I have seen several times. the hanging of the two Swedish kids and singing 'Rock of Ages' Was a blasphemy.
    Yes i am into hugs but Kissing has passed me by too. Some kissing memories remain.

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    1. Thanks so much for the kind words. Unforgiven is a classic, but there were definitely some rough scenes to watch. So glad you stopped by! Hugs...RO

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