An absolutely wonderful and mildly temperatured day. It's not humid, it's not cold, it's just right. This must be what Goldilocks felt like eating Baby Bear's porridge, sitting in his chair, and sleeping in his bed.

My classic video pick of the week this week is a 1945 Billy Wilder movie titled The Lost Weekend. It stars Ray Milland (who deservedly won the Oscar) as an alcoholic who goes on a weekend bender. Milland captures the desperation and ugliness of alcoholism including the hallucinations he experiences as a result. Jane Wyman stars as his codependent, oops, I mean his loyal and devoted girlfriend. Why she didn't leave him a long time ago is beyond me but then again why does anyone stay with someone unhealthy....it must be love. The film is a bit much at times such as when Milland falls down some stairs and the ending is just too pat. Suddenly he realizes he needs help. All in all a good film and is highly recommended. I'm surprised Hollywood hasn't remade this film yet. I'm seeing Tom Hanks or Sean Penn in the remake. Speaking of actors why is it that so many actors/entertainers from the 50's and 60's were once so svelte and now that are so heavy? Elizabeth Taylor used to be stunning as did Shelly Winters, yes even Ms. Winters was once thin. And believe it or not Burl Ives was not always overweight and the same goes for Della Reese. What happened????

Jaw dropper of the day: A 14-year-old girl in New Hampshire got a shock when she went to use the outhouse at a log cabin rest stop near Albany. The girl was going to use the outhouse at the Kancamagus Scenic Byway when she noticed something in the waste tank in the outhouse; a man's face looking up at her. Police think the man crawled in through the toilet seat and did not know how long he had been there. He's been charged with criminal trespass and goes to court on July 19th. Now that's just so disgusting.

Take a moment of silence today for the passing of Luther Vandross and the retirement of Sandra Day O'Connor.

Enjoy your day,

paul