Rapier's Wit

I'm giddy whenever I add something new to my iPod. There is no doubt that music is an integral part of my existence. I prefer a new playlist over a new pair of shoes. And I love shoe shopping. What makes music so different is that it never wears out. My feet never get sore with a new CD. I have never had blisters as a result of building a new mix for the iPod. Some of the playlists consist of new artists I stumble upon via myspace, but more likely from Sean Daly's Pop Life blog . I have shamelessly downloaded more music since becoming a comment regular. When it comes to the timeless tunes of my youth, I rely upon Steve Spears' Stuck in the 80s and his blog/podcast devotees for song suggestions. Recently, I was racking my brain for songs that are great, but put on the shelf and in need of a good dust bunny removal. This was due to a blog post by Spears. I was asking a friend his suggestions for such a list when it hit me who needed to be on that list: Joan Armatrading . I...

The other night -- while talking with a friend -- I inexplicably began talking about Leather Tuscadero of Happy Days . The singer/songwriter Suzi Quatro portrayed the leather clad, reform school bad-ass, sister of Pinky Tuscadero. Pinky, of course, was one of the few women who truly made Fonzie's heart go pitter patter. This discussion led me to a search on youtube.com(duh). I found plenty of delightful gems featuring the Happy Days gang. Suzi Quatro only appeared on six episodes of Happy Days, but she left an indelible mark on young men and aspiring rock chicks in the late 70s. My girl friends and I would emulate her trademark double slap to the hip followed by a double 'finger/thumb' gun shoot motion. You know the one. She wore leather. She played guitar. She sang with a raspy voice. We loved her. Her only hit in the US was Stumblin' In with Chris Norman. Despite her lack of success in the states, she's a big hit abroad and still rockin' at 57. She is, witho...

I just spent the good part of a half hour watching the videos of the ladies' performances. Last night reminded me of the time I went to the Humane Society kitty shelter. Like nails on a chalkboard; the ladies took the stage and kept the momentum of the guys started on Tuesday. I will say that Carly Smithson did a really great rendition of Crazy On You made famous by Heart . That's a tough one to tackle since Ann and Nancy Wilson seriously rock it. When an artist takes on Heart, they are asking for comparison. The only problem with Carly's performance is not working the stage. It's small. There shouldn't be such an issue. In fact, none of the ladies are comfortable working the stage or the audience. This woman just scares me. It seems that her range is all of 5 notes. Then, the hoarse squawking begins. I saw this and immediately started singing the song from 101 Dalmatians. 'Cruella DeVille. Cruella DeVille. If she doesn't scare you then no evil will.."...

That's not a typo you see in the post title. I meant it wholeheartedly. W E A K! I wanted my favorite men/boys to be stellar! Fantastic! Knock it out of the park fabulous! Meh. That's what I say. Michael Johns aka Love Kangaroo was up first and he just didn't rock it or sock it. Did he look great? Hell yeah. In his pre-perfomance video he told us how he loves tennis. I love his tennis legs. Mmm mmm. However hot his appearance may be, his performance was just shy of glorious. He performed Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way. It was alright. He's capable of so much more. He stated that he'd always wanted to do a Fleetwood Mac song and that's why he made the song choice (The judges questioned his judgement). Being that it was 70s night, I would have loved to hear him rock a Queen tune. Next up was my darling dreadlocked Jason Castro . I am really hoping he had enough appeal and fan base from last week to carry him into next week. The kid is adorable and truly has...

There's no doubt that my blog has no format. I'm all about being random. That's the one thing you can count on with me; randomosity. I don't even know if that is a legitimate word. I am adding it to my repertoire of blog labels. I have a feeling it will be used quite frequently. Today's subject matter is another insight into the mind and life of Marissa. Once again, I lifted this from Jane's blog . She's clever, what can I say? I'm drawn to the manner in which she indulges and divulges. Here's a short questionnaire: By what nickname(s) were you known as a child? Most commonly: Missy -- only family and close friends are permitted to still call me that. Rissie : I think only my Dad used that name. Snaggletooth and Sarah Heartburn : Painful reminders of torment inflicted upon me by my siblings. Snaggletooth came from me having a chipped front tooth. I slipped on the steps during a pillow fight with my brother. Thank God it was a baby tooth and the d...

This is what it looks like from my front door. Yes, that's snow. When I went to bed last night it was a mere dusting of the dreaded white stuff. We've had a great deal more this winter than in the past few years. It's great -- for penguins and polar bears. It's not idealistic for this girl. What makes it worse is that the DOT got out there and started cleaning the crap up early. NO flippin' snow day! C'mon! This is the stuff snowmen and snow forts are all about. It's wet snow; packing snow. It wouldn't matter to me, mind you. I'd still have to work. The mall never closes; therefore, my place of employment would still be open. This is the view from the back door. It's all around me! I can't get away from it. I had hoped I simply dreamed about being stuck in the white muck, but I'd wake up in a warm climate. Nope, that would be a dream. This is a nightmare. I have to brave it and drive later this morning. The wind is picking up and drifts ...

So, I took another one of those goofy quizzes. The chicken is cooking and I have time to kill while I contemplate making a delicious margarita. The result of this quizaroo is far more appealing than the one down below. Which TV Heroine Are You? Created by BuddyTV

I can't believe everything an online quiz tells me. However, this was amusing. The guy is sorta cute. I'd prefer a Jim Belushi type, but what the hell do I know? I only took the quiz. Surely it wouldn't be biased to characters on NBC, would it? I swiped this quiz from Jane's blog. Her results were the goofy guy from The Office. I should be delighted that it wasn't the character played by Rainn whatshiface. Burly, sarcastic, witty and intelligent; is it too much to ask? Oh well, here are my results. Who is Your Ideal TV Boyfriend? More on Gossip Girl . Created by BuddyTV

I wouldn't normally post something that is horrifically crass in nature, but this had me giggling this morning. I'm also running late, but felt this was campy and hilarious enough to risk racing the clock. There's a star-studded cast that comes together in celebration as they did for USA for Africa. Sit back, be astounded and keep the liquids away from your mouth until it's complete.

So, Bill Murray isn't really my boyfriend, but there were often times I fantasized he was. The span of my crush on Mr. Murray dates back to his days on Saturday Night Live. What made it even more intriguing was my former brother in law's affiliation with one of the funniest men alive. He told us of his days hanging out with Bill at Loyola Academy. There were photographs documenting his claims. A young Bill Murray, in a suit, standing next to my bro by marriage. Funny goes a lot further than incredibly handsome. By normal standards, Bill is not a looker. However, he exudes a sensuality that rips through the movie and television screen. I remember seeing Stripes for the first time and experiencing tingles. His caddish portrayal of Army recruit John Winger just sent me over the edge. As a result, I developed a crush on a guy who had a similar sarcastic, witty and charming personality. He, too, wasn't pretty to gaze upon. However, he captured my interests for many years. He ...

Oh, let the tears flow. The odd thing is that the stage wasn't being drenched by the victims of the American Idol guillotine. No, the crying came from the girls camp. The Fembots' faces were shmeared with mascara. I should clarify: The Fembots and Danny Noriega. I'm sure they were tears of relief. Considering the amount of suckage emitted from the "best top 24 yet," -- with the exception of my top 3 choices -- the sighs of relief could have been heard around the globe (even if you don't have a television). The night started out with this ridiculous showcase of all 24 contestants. Seriously, that stage is too small for that much hair! The girls appeared to be trying to upstage one another. I was certain one of the big haired girls would get an elbow to the eye. They pulled out the best of the worst vocal gymnastics when it was time for their solo. What should have been 8 notes easily turned into 24. Oh the dread! Just give Michael Johns more air time and be don...

Today was just one of those days off where I had no ambition. Having a hacking cough and congestion that starts at the base of my skull , I feel justified in doing very little. I have loads of laundry to do. I woke up knowing very well that I might trip over it on my way to the bathroom. Lucky for me, I sort of wobble when I walk first thing in the morning and I managed to bypass the heap that sat on the floor. In neat piles of white, dark, delicate and brights; it sat there. With sickly defiance, I ignored it's call. I dread the manner in which I have to accomplish doing laundry. It's downright humiliating at times, but it's the only means in which to have clean clothes, towels, bedding, etc... I have to humble myself at the coin operated laundry. Planning is everything along with timing. Even if I had a washer and dryer in my older than dirt rental home, I would have to wait days to complete one load. The water pressure is a mere trickle. I consider it a banner day to hav...

I have no idea when this performance was recorded. He looks younger, but still the sounds is phenomenal. I downloaded this particular stint in Michael's career from iTunes. The band name is FILM and the CD title is ROLLING Even with longer, Eddie Veder like hair he's gorgeous, but seriously, I am focusing on his talent. I mean it!

I totally pilfered this from Citizen Jane (she's the muse for the day, I guess). A meme to peel away the layers of you. LAYER ONE : Name : Marissa aka Miss Riss Birth date : August 11* Birthplace : Illinois* Current Location : Illinois* Eye Color : Green* Hair Color : Naturally: Dark Brown ... currently: Honey Brown* Height : 5'11"* Righty or Lefty : Righty* Zodiac Sign: Leo LAYER TWO * Your heritage : German/Irish/Cherokee* The shoes you wore today : Slippers* Your weakness : I'm super woman I have no weaknesses... except for that charming, witty, tells a good tale sort of man. Oh, and McDonald's fries.* Your fears : Losing my son* Your perfect pizza : Loaded with veggies and cheese. Medium thick crust. * Personal goals you'd like to achieve :To lose this extra weight so I can be a healthier more active person. To always be a good influence on my child. Become a better writer. LAYER THREE * Your most overused phrases on IM : Groovy, F*ckin' idiot Your ...

...so can I. Actually, Larry isn't the inspiration behind this at all. I just wanted to put something that's probably highly searched on the web so my blog gets hits. People will think they are going to find a "Git R Done" homage and they find my sexy pin up girl blog banner instead. Sorry! Well, not really. Maybe they'll like what they read. Chances are that someone who likes Larry will also appreciate the curvy form of a 40s goddess. What I'm really here to write about is my jump-head-first into changing my life. Earlier on in my blogging here I wrote about how 2008 was going to be the Year of The Riss . I haven't really done much to prove that. Like so many resolutions before it, I lost sight of what I meant or intended. It doesn't take much to throw me off track. I have a lot of ooh! something shiny moments. I had a friend who told me he had a friend who worked high on the food chain with NutriSystem --sounds shady already, doesn't it? He insis...

Nice, huh? He's married, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate his artistry and delivery of a song. He's taller than Ryan Seacrest; which means he's probably at least 5'6". This is Michael Lee Johns who leaves out the Lee portion of his name. The producers of American Idol had this fine performer go last on Tuesday night. They know what the viewers want and need. His vocal performance wasn't the strongest, but he owned that circular portion of the stage. As one of my Pop Life co-bloggers stated, "Crocodile Hunkee goes back to the Val-Kilmer-doing-Jim-Morrison thing and the girls drool pumps go all the way up to 11" ~ Jeff in Cuba He performed "Light My Fire." I'm relieved he didn't inhabit the essence of Jose' Feliciano. Randy Jackson said that he felt MLJ was feeling the spirit of former INXS frontman Michael Hutchence. I don't know and don't care who he is most inspired by. I want to see more of this man wh...

This is just funny. I don't know who put this together on youtube, but they have provided me with chuckles, giggles, and nearly aspirating on my coffee. So, this is fair warning: DO NOT drink or eat while viewing this video.

Although I stand at 5'11" barefoot, I am not referring to myself in the title of this post. I've been called Amazon Woman countless times. For some reason, it never strikes me as flattering. It's like being told, " you're a big boned girl -- you carry your weight well ." to which I think in reply, " Uh, thanks ... you realize you just told me I was fat in a backhanded way, right ?" I've learned to live with it. Amazon.com is the culprit I refer to in the post title. I've never had any complaints about service with them. In fact, I find it all too easy to order on that site. It has everything I could conceivably ever desire. OK, not everything , but you get my drift, yes? I've been purchasing quite a few MP3s as a result of getting a digital download gift card with the purchase of my 8GB iPod Nano. I seriously needed someone to tell me what a GB was prior to buying. I'm going need a bigger one. That's what SHE said ::snort:: ...

I hung up the phone a mere 20 minutes ago. Blue Eyes called to fill me in on what's going on. I can't go into detail, but it has nothing to do with me. He did need my advice on something big that is taking place in his life. There isn't a new femme fatale beckoning; nor has he reduced his threats of showing up on my doorstep one day. Keep in mind that he's dared to do that for 6 years. What he needed from me was to speak parent to parent. He trusts me and I think I managed to calm him down. I did let him know I was a little disappointed that it wasn't more about me. He laughed and a comment about Redi-whip was made. PURE TORTURE! It's all par for the course with us. Old habits die hard. Tomorrow we celebrate or observe President's Day. My son is off school; and, for the first time in a long time, I am off work! Not that I don't get normal days off, but I'm off on a special No School day. Yippee!! What is on the agenda? Well, we will most likel...

It don't mean nothin'! That's what I'm telling myself, anyway. I've learned to never get overly excited about anything having to do with other people. What I mean is that I know I can only count on myself in the long run. If I have reduced expectations of others then I have a decrease in disappointment. One of the most dastardly things a girl can do to herself is get her hopes up, or read into anything the male of the species has to say. I'm not man bashing. Don't go accusing me, Douglas. I've just learned that it's best to see it for face value. No matter how baffling and hard it is to resist, it is best not to put the cart before the horse. It was Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14, 2008. Yes, it's a little dramatic for something that just happened two days ago. I have a flair for such things ... let me enjoy it. I had written in my previous post that I hadn't received any calls from the men of my past. I was groovy with that fact. ...

I'm really quite relieved that Valentine's Day is finally here. My friend Shanna is delighted for the day after V-day as the candy is marked down tremendously. She's quite the little super saver gal. I don't blame her. Fannie May will probably mark things down quite a bit. I don't think I need anymore candy. I still have the eggnog creams in my freezer. I bought an entire tray (like 100 pieces) for a mere $4.98 after Christmas. Target will no doubt have their gift bags, rose wreaths, anything red marked down tremendously. Love the bargains! I haven't had any calls from past men. I'm sort of grateful. That whole schtick gets tiring. I mean, how many times can I do the emotional hula per year? I'm feeling a bewildering sense of neutrality on this eve of Valentine's Day. In one respect it's nice not havnig to worry about anyone other than myself and Man-cub. I did send out some myspace comments. On the other hand ... no, there is no other hand. I...

Who pleads with Cupid better than Sam Cooke? No one. That's why I'm poting this song.

There was a time when I had excuses beyond excuses for why I hated Valentine's Day. I can't think of any right now. Perhaps I've finally managed to let the ghosts of the past move on to a higher plain of existence. Just maybe I've managed to exorcise them from my existence. Nothing good comes from holding on to bitterness. In just a couple short days, Valentine's Day will come knocking. I'll be at work watching the scads of flower arrangements passing the window. I'll see the flurry of husbands and boyfriends making a mad dash to the jewelry stores, Victoria's Secrets, Fannie May, and Bath and Body Works. Carlton Cards will be a mad house as people attempt to find the perfect last minute card. I'm a sucker for those cards that plays the idiotic tunes when you open it. I'll laugh and make fun of the last minute shoppers. However, there's no doubt that I'll secretly long for a surprise delivery from an admirer. Now I'm laughing a tad ov...

Color me a slacker blogger today. This is one of those romantic songs that the cynic in me spits upon. However, the romantic, prose writing girl in me has caged the cynical beast for the time being. The first time I heard this was long before I watched "Moulin Rouge." It raised the little hairs on the back of my neck; tingles radiated through my spine.

I'm a sucker for a musical. Although, "Moulin Rouge" wasn't my favorite movie in the world, I do adore this corny song. What can I say? Love lifts us up ... where eagles fly ...

While driving home after shopping at Target and Marshall's , I was listening to Colin Hay's solo venture, Man @ Work. I highly recommend it if you loved the 80s Aussie band, Men at Work . His acoustic rendition of Overkill and Land Down Under are absolutely sublime. One of the tracks is Love is Innocent. It led me to think about what a bad rap LOVE gets from the world. It's not isolated to specific locales. It surrounds us, but love isn't to blame. Love is innocent! ... People? Not so much. I resent the number of times I've heard (personally and second hand) the phrase, 'If you love me ... " What a haphazard, horrific means of abusing the one pure thing the world has to share! For one reason or another it is we humans who've perverted the idea of love. It's not a recent occurance, either. It's as old as time. So, why is it so hard to put a little love in our hearts? Pride, perhaps? Fear? We're all too often left saying, "love,look w...

It's Friday, and it's been a couple of days since I posted. It's not that I've felt less than inspired to write, but I didn't want to write when I was absorbed in negativity -- work negativity. I gave stern consideration to expressing my frustration about the workplace; however, a little gut instinct made me refrain. It's truly not a worthy venture. I walked by Fannie May Candies today. Our store is just around the corner from this confectionary nightmare (at Valentine's Day season). The place looks like it was hosed down with a crimson spray gun that was out of control. I don't know what upsets me more: The fact that people will pay such exorbitant prices for chocolate. Or that I know I won't be given a heart shaped box to rip open and devour its contents ... or share. I know that I should find solace in knowing that I have a loving family, a son who adores me, friends who dig me. BUT! BUT!!! There's always that incredible sensation that someon...

I saw these gents back in 1993 when they opened for Steven Curtis Chapman. Along with me were my sisters Maureen and Mary and my niece Amanda. It was an amazing time. The love of Jesus Christ is what gets me through EVERYTHING in my life. I stumble. I falter. With the knowledge of HIS unconditional love I am able to get back up. When I look into the eyes of my child I see pure love. His eyes shine with reassurance that God's love will conquer all.

As a parent, I always learn something from my child. I know it's typical for the parent to be the instructor of life. However, my son teaches me by executing the lessons I lecture. There is a young woman (refer to her as Ardel) who has been a real thorn in Man-cub's side for a couple of years. His past teachers did everything possible to keep the two children away from each other. The situation seemed controlled by the second half of 6th grade. I encouraged him to keep in mind that we don't know what Ardel's home life was like. We need to show her compassion and learn to turn the other cheek. Always report incidences to the teachers, but try to remain calm; give her the benefit of the doubt. Consider that she might not have anyone to tuck her in at night or wake her with loving hugs and kisses. Perhaps she hadn't eaten, and realize that we get grumpy when we're hungry and feeling sad. Man-cub took this advice to heart and tried to show her the same consideratio...