Mama and the sheet music

Edna: Margie, do you remember in Mama's will how she specifically left her vanity table to me? You know, the one she'd had since she was a young girl?

Margie: Edna, I certainly do know about Mama's vanity table. She always loved it so. I also know how you twisted her arm so you could get it.

Edna: Do you want to hear why I brought this up or not, sister? Because I certainly don't have to tell you about what I found if you're going to be snippy.

Margie: Tell it, Edna. What did you find? Money?

Edna: Trust me, if it had been money, I wouldn't be telling you about it. No, it was sheet music! I dropped my earring on the floor this morning, and when I was picking it up I noticed some papers sticking out of the back of the drawer. My lands, I was so surprised that I pulled them right out to see what they were. There were several pieces of sheet music and a note to me. Mercy, you'll never believe what that note said.

Margie: Edna, if it said for you to sing then I'm leaving now. You sound like Ernest Tubb with a bucket over his head when you try to sing.

Edna: I swear, you could try the patience of a saint! The note was from Mama to me, and it said that she had an embarrassing secret from her younger days, and it had to do with this music. She said that when she was younger, she fell in with a fast crowd of musicians, and that she was the belle of the group. And some of them were so inspired by her that they wrote some music about her. My lands, I doubt Daddy knew about this, some of this music is downright scandalous!

Margie: Lawsy me, Edna! No, Daddy surely didn't know. You best hide that note and music lest it fall into the wrong hands. I won't have people talking about my mama. You got that? This is private business.

But Mama didn't even go to college!

Mama was definitely sweet to us girls and Daddy...

"Eve wasn't modest till she ate that apple; We'll have to pass the apples again"
Edna: Oh no, Mama was a hussy just like Margie!

Step Right Up Folks

Margie: Edna, you know Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love watching the leaves change color and I love the smells of the coming holidays. I even enjoy baking because Cousin T always eats until his britches won't fasten.

Edna: Margie, you spoil that boy. I love autumn as well, the weather gets that little snap in the air that lets you know that winter is coming.

Margie: That little snap in the air also puts a hitch in my getalong! I don't get to go outside and work in my garden or tend to my flowers. This year will be different, Edna.

Edna: Margie, I'm almost afraid to ask, but what's different about this year?

Margie: I saw an article in the paper today, Edna. The Senior Center will be having belly dancing classes this Fall and I'm going. I'm not sitting here all day listening to you whine about the cold and the power bill.

Edna: After living with you all these years, I thought nothing would surprise me, but you've proven me wrong. Belly dancing classes? You'd best watch you don't throw your back out, you're no spring chicken. Then I'll be the one listening to you whine all winter.

Margie: Edna, you just never have anything good to say. Well, this is better than you telling me years ago that you wanted to be a hoochie-koochie dancer at the county fair!

Just you wait until I find a young man to watch my belly dancing. Jealous hussy.

Johnny Appleseed

Edna: Margie, I was at the grocery store today buying a jar of applesauce, and a woman in line told me that today is Johnny Appleseed's birthday. Is that true?

Margie: Edna, you mean applesauce has seeds? Johnny Appleseed? Didn't he live next door one time?

Apples sure do cost too much these days, Edna.

Edna: Please turn up your hearing aid and try to focus on what I'm saying to you, Margie. I'm asking you about Johnny Appleseed, the folk hero who planted apple trees all over the Midwest in the 1800's. My lands, what were you doing in the library all those years you worked there? I don't think you were reading the books.

Margie: Edna, you mumble then fuss when I don't hear you. Put your teeth in when you talk to me.

I remember Johnny Appleseed. I read stories about him. Daddy once talked about having an orchard too. You know Mama sure could bake an apple pie!

Edna: I pulled out our old book about folk stories, and here he is. This says that he didn't just wander around tossing apple seeds everywhere, he actually planted nurseries in many areas of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. I always thought he did it out of the kindness of his heart, but this says that he sold those trees to the settlers, making him an early and savvy businessman.

He was also credited for introducing cider to many people on the frontier. My lands, would you look at this picture of him? He looks like a bum!

Margie: He's scary looking. My word, Edna, no wonder people were willing to pay him.

You've made me want some cider. I do love it when October comes around. Actually, Edna, why don't we get Cousin T to plant an orchard for us? Wouldn't hot cider be lovely during the cold weather?

Edna: That's a fine idea, but I wonder if it's too late in the season here to plant apple trees? We could ask Cousin T and see what he thinks; maybe he'll be enticed by the idea of cider and apple pie. I know we've got Mama's recipe here somewhere.

Sweet Treats

Edna: Margie, I've noticed something interesting about our readers. Would you like me to tell you what it is?

Margie: I would like to know if you're planning to tell the truth.

Edna: Margie, unlike some others I could name, I almost always tell the truth. What I've noticed is that we get a lot of traffic and comments when we post pictures of hunky men, and when we post about sweet treats like donuts. What do you think about that?

Margie: Edna, that makes perfect sense to me. Hunky men are sweet treats! I have a lot of comments I could make about that subject. Would you like to hear them?

Edna: Margie, I only want to hear them if they can be repeated during Bible study. Otherwise, you just keep your smutty comments to yourself.


And now, just for our readers, we present the following...

Lost's Josh Holloway in the August issue of GQ

Jensen Ackles, Supernatural

A succulent Krispy Kreme donut....yum!

Even Mr. Dimples can't resist a donut.

Honey, would you like something sweet?

Will You Sign My Book?

Margie: Edna, look what I found in the attic this morning. It's our autograph books that we had when we were girls. Just look at all the nice things people wrote. Well, in my book anyway.

Gail Green's grandpa says, "Margie, you are the prettiest girl in school. Will you marry me when we grow up? I will buy you a house."

Isn't that sweet? Read one of yours, Edna.

Edna: Well my goodness, would you look at those old things! I haven't seen those in years; bless Mama's packrat heart for hanging on to them.

You want me to share one of my friend's notes? Okay, here's one that Stanley Richmond's grandpa wrote to me: "You are so sweet and kind, and I'm sorry that I ever snuck that frog into your lunch pail. Please don't tell my mother." And I never did, either. He may have been a mama's boy when we were young, but he and I sure did have some good times when we were teenagers up in the hayloft at the Richmond Farm.

Margie: Edna, we don't need that much information. My word!

Look what Jake Green's grandpa wrote me:

"Roses are red
Violets are blue
I love you, Margie
Do you love me too?"

I almost married that young man, Edna, but he just didn't know how to kiss!

Edna: You're a fine one to talk about too much information, you hussy! Oh look, do you remember old Miss Dunwoody? My lands, she taught all us kids at Jericho Primary School at one time or another, didn't she? Just listen to what she wrote, "Dearest Edna, you will go far in life with your intelligence and zeal. Don't let your sister lead you astray." You see? Even then you were a troublemaker, Margie.

Margie: Edna, you made that up! She said no such thing. You tried to lead me astray but I'm too good a person.

Would you look at this one? Lawsy me. Remember Gertrude Bailey? She says, "Margie, you keep your eyes off my Albert. You hear me? I won't have it. Tell that to your sister too. You both are old flirts and I'll pull your hair out."

Edna: Oh lord, I remember her. She was a sour old biddy even when she was a little girl, wasn't she?

You know Margie, I like reminiscing as much as the next person, but maybe it's better to leave some of these memories up in the attic.

Emmy wrap-up

Edna: Margie, that sure was a dull awards show Sunday night. That's 3 hours of my life I'd like back, why did we watch the whole thing?

Margie: It surely was dull. If you hadn't misplaced the remote and if we both hadn't been so full of cake we couldn't move, then we could have changed the channel.

Edna: Margie, you were sitting on the remote, I didn't lose it. I should have hauled myself off the couch and changed the channel to something more interesting. We're old women and we can't afford to waste the time we have left on such idiocy.

And we barely got any of our predictions right, which just burns my biscuits! What's wrong with these Emmy voters?

Margie: I'll tell you what's wrong, Edna. The voters couldn't pour urine out of a boot if the instructions were on the heel. They just vote for who they like. They surely didn't vote for the best shows or the best people.

Edna: Now Margie, that seems a little harsh. But maybe you're just sulking because you didn't get any of your guesses right? Cousin T and I each got 2 of ours right, I guess we're just more observant than you are.

Margie: Edna, I guess you can just hush. The only reason I'm sulking is because Supernatural is the very best drama on TV and my Jensen is certainly the best actor.

Besides, why would I trust you? You always cheat at Jeopardy too.

Edna: I'm sure that I don't know what you're suggesting. If anyone wants to look at the correct predictions we made, they can just look at our posts from last week. And a full list of the Emmy winners can be found here. So you can just kiss my tushie, Margie.

Carry On My Wayward Son

Note: If you have not yet seen "Lazarus Rising" there are spoilers in this post.


Margie: Edna, I must say the season 4 premiere of Supernatural was everything I could have wanted. My Dean got out of Hell and his sweet voice and pretty face were intact.

There sure was something strange about Sam though. That boy was trying to act like Dean if you ask me. I'm keeping a close eye on him.

Edna: I think you're right, Margie. That Sam went through some changes while Dean was in Hell, no two ways about it. And he's become awfully secretive, hasn't he?

But Margie, I have to say this: sometimes this show makes me blush. Young ladies in their unmentionables, smutty language, young men flashing their chests...it's enough to make a lady weep.

Margie: Yes, Sam is secretive and he's hooked up with that Ruby. I don't trust her a bit.

Edna, you are so right about those things. You surely do blush and I smile all the way through the show. Ahem. Edna, do you think that man/angel really came from God?

Edna: You're a smiling hussy, Margie. I don't know where that angel came from, but when was the last time you saw an angel with black wings? I hope Dean is careful and uses his head before he decides whether or not to trust him.

I also hope that Mr. Kripke knows what he's doing. I think this is going to be an interesting season.

Margie: I agree with that, Edna. Did you hear something? That must be the pizza delivery boy. You wait right there, Edna.

Edna: Wait Margie, that's not Dean and Bobby out there, it really is the pizza delivery boy. Don't you dare answer the door in your bloomers! Oh Lord, I think we're going to have to find a new pizza place.

The M&E Awards

After getting into the TV award spirit this week, we decided to list some awards that we think are more accurate than anything the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences could come up with. And so, we present to you the M&E Awards!


Best Fictional Town That Should Be a Real Town: Jericho, Kansas

Coolest Car: Two-way tie between Dean Winchester's 1967 Chevy Impala (aka The Metallicar; Supernatural, the CW) and Jake Green's 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner (Jericho, CBS)

The Metallicar (Supernatural)

Jake's Roadrunner (Jericho)

The Miss Fix-It award: Heather Lisinski (Jericho, CBS)

Sweetest Voice: Jensen Ackles (Supernatural, the CW)

Best Dimples: Josh Holloway (LOST, ABC)

Hubba hubba!

Most Over-Rated Hero: Dr. Jack Shephard (LOST, ABC)

"He walks among us but he is not one of us..."
Uh, okay.

Most Insanity-Inducing Hiatus Span Between Seasons: 24 (Fox); runner-up, LOST (ABC)

Cutest Couple: Pam and Jim (The Office, NBC)

See how cute they are?

Cutest Non-Couple That Should Have Been a Couple: Jake Green and Heather Lisinski (Jericho, CBS)

Awwww!

Best Married Couple: Claudia (Kim Delaney) and Michael (Brian McNamara)- Army Wives (Lifetime)

Best Portrayal of a Psychologist: Roland (Sterling K. Brown)- Army Wives [Formerly seen on Supernatural]

Most Unjustly-Hated New Character (2007 season): Bela Talbot (Supernatural, the CW)

Best New Show (2008 season): Sons of Anarchy (FX)

Best Spy-in-Geek's-Clothing: Chuck Bartowski (Chuck, NBC)

Most Deserving of his Own Home Improvement Show: Cousin T

We'd watch it!

Supernatural returns tonight!

Edna: Oh my stars and garters, Margie, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! Do you know what tonight is?

Margie: Unlike you, Edna, I know what every night is. Tonight is when I spend time with my sweet voiced young man. I'm going to have to calm myself down or I may fly right out the roof.

Edna: Well, you're sharing Mr. Sweet Voice tonight with me and several million other people, you know. I can't wait to watch the season premiere, I can't believe it's finally here. I wonder how they're going to get poor Dean out of H-E-double-hockey-sticks?

Did you remember to go to the store and get us some snacks?

Margie: Edna, I am not going to watch some old hockey game! I'm watching Supernatural.

Snacks? Yes, I got brownies for me and out of date cakes for you. You can hush while the show is on too and don't make those crazy sounds.

Edna: Date cakes? You know perfectly well that the only dates I enjoy are the ones that involve dinner and dancing. Just for that, I'm sending Cousin T out to the Krispy Kreme, and we're not getting any of them for you. How do you like them apples?

As for making noise during the show, don't you worry. I'll be too wide-eyed to make any sounds. You just make sure you don't talk through the whole show like you usually do. I want to pay attention and see if Sam and Bobby can save Dean. I just love that Bobby, don't you?

Margie: Edna, did you always aspire to be a moron? You made it. Krispy Kreme doesn't have dates and Cousin T won't mistreat me.

Bobby is a fine man but I just want Dean. And, I'm not talking to you during the show anyway. I'm talking to somebody else. Isn't it your bedtime?

Edna: As soon Dean makes it out of you-know-where, I'm sending him your way with some rock salt and holy water, you demon.

Margie: Kiss my you-know-what, Edna.

Cousin T's Emmy picks

As we promised, we have a special guest blogger today as part of the ongoing Emmy coverage here at the Basement. He's Margie and Edna's long-suffering jack-of-all-trades, an all-around good guy, and a fantastic guest blogger. Ladies and gentlemen, Cousin T!

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Nominees: Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Monk, USA); Steve Carell as Michael Scott (The Office, NBC); Lee Pace as Ned (Pushing Daisies, ABC); Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy (30 Rock, NBC); Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper (Two And A Half Men, CBS)

The only one of these I have seen is Pushing Daisy's but I did not like it much so I am voting for Charlie Sheen because he got stuck with his own boring first name in that show plus he has to act with a kid and he has to put up with his Dad running around acting high and mighty.


Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Nominees: James Spader as Alan Shore (Boston Legal, ABC); Bryan Cranston as Walt White (Breaking Bad, AMC); Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan (Dexter, Showtime); Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House (House, FOX); Gabriel Byrne as Paul (In Treatment, HBO); Jon Hamm as Don Draper (Mad Men, AMC)

Everybody will be picking House and Dexter but I am picking Gabriel Byrne because I like that Sledgehammer song!


Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Nominees: Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell (The New Adventures Of Old Christine, CBS); Christina Applegate as Samantha Newly (Samantha Who? ABC); Tina Fey as Liz Lemon (30 Rock, NBC); America Ferrera as Betty Suarez (Ugly Betty, ABC); Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin (Weeds, Showtime)

America Ferrera because fake braces still get food caught in 'em I bet!


Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Nominees: Sally Field as Nora Holden-Walker (Brothers & Sisters, ABC); Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson (The Closer, TNT); Glenn Close as Patty Hewes (Damages, FX Networks); Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC); Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko (Saving Grace, TNT)

Sally Field for outlastin' Burt Reynolds and cause she is still cute as all get out.


Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Nominees: Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold (Entourage, HBO); Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama (Entourage, HBO); Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother, CBS). Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute (The Office, NBC). Jon Cryer as Alan Harper (Two And A Half Men, CBS).

Cousin T on Margie and Edna's Basement because what he lacks in comic timing he more than makes up for in general usefulness around the house.


Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Nominees: William Shatner as Denny Crane (Boston Legal, ABC); Ted Danson as Arthur Frobisher (Damages, FX Networks); Zeljko Ivanek as Ray Fiske (Damages, FX Networks); Michael Emerson as Ben (Lost, ABC); John Slattery as Roger Sterling (Mad Men, AMC)

William Shatner in hopes that if he wins it will go to his head and he will put out another record of far out songs. (Suggestion Bill: Ask Crispin Hellion Glover to collaborate for maximum bizarre effect.)


Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Nominees: Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt (Boston Legal, ABC); Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker-Whedon (Brothers & Sisters, ABC); Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy, ABC); Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang (Grey’s Anatomy, ABC); Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll (In Treatment, HBO)

Chandra Wilson because she is small but tough like the Fonz , Captain Kirk and Oprah; In that order.

Outstanding Comedy Series
Nominees: Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO; Entourage. HBO; The Office, NBC; 30 Rock, NBC; Two And A Half Men, CBS

30 Rock because it reminds me of Third Rock from the Sun, another show that was supposedly good that I never saw.


Outstanding Drama Series
Nominees: Boston Legal, ABC; Damages, FX Networks; Dexter, Showtime; House, FOX; Lost, ABC; Mad Men, AMC

Mad Men cause Hamm and Draper are equally dramatic last names.


Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs
Battlestar Galactica - Razor Featurette #4 • Sci Fi Channel.com; Friday Night Lights: Spotlight On Austin • NBC.com; Lost: Missing Pieces • ABC.com; Sarah Silverman Program Nugget • Comedycentral.com; 30 Rock: Kenneth The Web Page • NBC.com

What?


Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Nonfiction Programs
Deadliest Catch: The Real Dutch • Discovery.com; Great Moments From The Campaign Trail • History ChannelVOD; Jay Leno’s Garage • Jaylenosgarage.com

I wonder who came up with the word Doily???

Margie's Emmy Predictions

Margie: Edna thinks all a body's got to do is watch TV. Emmy winners my eye. Well, I can pick them better than she can.

You may wonder why I haven't listed sitcoms. Well, you live around Edna and Cousin T and see if you need to see comedy on TV.


Here are my picks:

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series


James Spader as Alan Shore

Boston Legal • ABC


Bryan Cranston as Walt White

Breaking Bad • AMC


Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan

Dexter • Showtime


Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House

House • FOX


Gabriel Byrne as Paul

In Treatment • HBO


Jon Hamm as Don Draper

Mad Men • AMC

** I pick James Spader because I think he's cute.




Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series


Sally Field as Nora Holden-Walker

Brothers & Sisters • ABC


Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson

The Closer • TNT


Glenn Close as Patty Hewes

Damages • FX Networks


Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC


Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko

Saving Grace • TNT

** This is a tough choice but I pick Sally Field because she has really turned her life around. First, she thought she wanted to be a Flying Nun then she got mixed up with Smokey and the Bandit. She's a respectable mother in "Brothers and Sisters" now so she should win.



Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series


William Shatner as Denny Crane

Boston Legal • ABC


Ted Danson as Arthur Frobisher

Damages • FX Networks


Zeljko Ivanek as Ray Fiske

Damages • FX Networks


Michael Emerson as Ben

Lost • ABC


John Slattery as Roger Sterling

Mad Men • AMC

** I pick Michael Emerson because he's a strange looking little man. I think winning an Emmy might help him get some more parts.




Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series


Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt

Boston Legal • ABC


Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker-Whedon

Brothers & Sisters • ABC


Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey

Grey’s Anatomy • ABC


Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang

Grey’s Anatomy • ABC


Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll

In Treatment • HBO

** I pick Rachel Griffiths. She's such a pretty young lady and very talented. She reminds me of myself when I was her age.



Outstanding Drama Series

Boston Legal • ABC
Damages • FX Networks
Dexter • Showtime
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
Mad Men • AMC

** I predict the winner will be Supernatural. Wait a minute. What dummy forgot to list my show here?

I guess I'll have to pick Lost but it's just not right.


Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series


SciFi Channel's "Battlestar Galactica"

"Stargate Atlantis,"

NBC's " Heroes,"

CBS "Jericho"

Discovery Channel documentary "Human Body: Pushing the Limits.

** The clear winner here is Jericho. What a show! Fantastic. Oh, here's an unannounced award:

The Emmy for Dumbest Decision by a Network goes to CBS for their cancellation of Jericho. Special mention to Leslie Moonves. Need I say more?



Outstanding Sound Editing For A Series
Supernatural • Jus In Bello • CW • Supernatural Films, Inc., and Warner Bros. Television Productions, Inc.

** No need to list more nominees. This is the clear winner. Why? All you have to do is listen to the sound of Jensen Ackles voice and you'll see why. There is no sweeter sound in all the world. Lawsy me, let him whisper in my ear.

Oops! I hear Edna calling me. Gotta run. Bye now.

Edna does the Emmys!

Edna: Here are my Emmy picks for this year, we'll see if I'm right about these come next week. Hold on to your bloomers and stay with me folks, this is a long one.


Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Nominees: Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Monk, USA); Steve Carell as Michael Scott (The Office, NBC); Lee Pace as Ned (Pushing Daisies, ABC); Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy (30 Rock, NBC); Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper (Two And A Half Men, CBS)

Edna's Pick: Steve Carell as Michael Scott (The Office, NBC). This was a tough choice for me, because I just love that Pushing Daisies show. But I think that Mr. Carell is a hoot, even if he is awkward on his show, poor dear. Sometimes I have to cover my eyes because he's so hard to watch. But I still think he's funnier than the rest of the men in this category.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Nominees: James Spader as Alan Shore (Boston Legal, ABC); Bryan Cranston as Walt White (Breaking Bad, AMC); Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan (Dexter, Showtime); Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House (House, FOX); Gabriel Byrne as Paul (In Treatment, HBO); Jon Hamm as Don Draper (Mad Men, AMC)

Edna's Pick: James Spader as Alan Shore (Boston Legal, ABC). Here's where I have some harsh words for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, because I don't watch any of these shows! Where are the nominees from LOST? Supernatural? What about Chuck? (Is that even a drama?) Maybe I just don't watch enough dramas.

Be that as it may, I picked James Spader because he was so delightfully wicked in that "Pretty in Pink" movie. I told Margie then that boy would be going places, and I'll be darned if I wasn't right.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Nominees: Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell (The New Adventures Of Old Christine, CBS); Christina Applegate as Samantha Newly (Samantha Who? ABC); Tina Fey as Liz Lemon (30 Rock, NBC); America Ferrera as Betty Suarez (Ugly Betty, ABC); Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin (Weeds, Showtime)

Edna's Pick: Christina Applegate as Samantha Newly (Samantha Who? ABC). Who would have thought when little Miss Applegate started out on TV, she'd grow up to be so funny and talented? Samantha Who? was one of my favorite new shows last year, and she was one of the main reasons why.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Nominees: Sally Field as Nora Holden-Walker (Brothers & Sisters, ABC); Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson (The Closer, TNT); Glenn Close as Patty Hewes (Damages, FX Networks); Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC); Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko (Saving Grace, TNT)

Edna's Pick: Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC). Now, I was tempted to pick Sally Field because I just love her so much, and she's still as perky as anything even at her age. But I couldn't rightly do that since I've never even watched her show, it just wouldn't be honest. So I went with Miss Hargitay; I have watched her on this show before, even though I'm not a regular viewer, and she's very good. And I saw her accept an award a while back and she thanked her daddy, which was very sweet. I have a soft spot for girls who love their daddies, that is the truth.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Nominees: Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold (Entourage, HBO); Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama (Entourage, HBO); Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother, CBS). Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute (The Office, NBC). Jon Cryer as Alan Harper (Two And A Half Men, CBS).

Edna's Pick: Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother, CBS). Two words: Doogie Howser. Two more words: he's funny. Need I say more?

I wanted to pick Rainn Wilson, because he's funny on The Office, but his character is just too darn creepy. I also feel a little bad for not picking Jon Cryer, because he was so cute as Duckie back in the 1980s. But I can only use "Pretty in Pink" nostalgia as a voting technique so many times, I suppose.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Nominees: William Shatner as Denny Crane (Boston Legal, ABC); Ted Danson as Arthur Frobisher (Damages, FX Networks); Zeljko Ivanek as Ray Fiske (Damages, FX Networks); Michael Emerson as Ben (Lost, ABC); John Slattery as Roger Sterling (Mad Men, AMC)

Edna's Pick: Michael Emerson as Ben (Lost, ABC). Well now, this is more like it, somebody from LOST! Mind you, I would have picked him even if I had seen any of the other shows in this category, which I have not. Because Mr. Emerson is so creepy as Ben (and creepy is much better suited to a drama than a comedy).

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Nominees: Kristin Chenoweth as Olive Snook (Pushing Daisies, ABC); Jean Smart as Regina Newly (Samantha Who? ABC); Amy Poehler as Performer (Saturday Night Live, NBC); Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper (Two And A Half Men, CBS); Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater (Ugly Betty, ABC)

Edna's Pick: Jean Smart as Regina Newly (Samantha Who? ABC). You know,this was a tough choice too. I like that little Miss Chenoweth, but she's not nearly as funny as Jean Smart, who I have just adored since her "Designing Women" days. She has gotten funnier and funnier in each new project I've seen her in, and that's just wonderful.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Nominees: Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt (Boston Legal, ABC); Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker-Whedon (Brothers & Sisters, ABC); Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy, ABC); Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang (Grey’s Anatomy, ABC); Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll (In Treatment, HBO)

Edna's Pick: I abstain from this category; of the shows on the list, I've only ever seen Grey's Anatomy and I hated it.

Oh, all right, if I must choose someone, it would have to be Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll (In Treatment, HBO). I choose her because she's had quite the acting chops in everything I've ever seen her in (even though the poor dear never seems to know how to do her hair quite right. Have you ever noticed that? Every single thing she's ever been in, she's had bad hair, bless her heart. Lucky for her, bad hair never cost anyone an acting job--or an award, for that matter. The woman does have 2 Oscars, you know.)

Outstanding Comedy Series
Nominees: Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO; Entourage. HBO; The Office, NBC; 30 Rock, NBC; Two And A Half Men, CBS

Edna's Pick: The Office, NBC. I do love watching this show, it's very amusing. It reminds me of when I used to be a receptionist at the salt mine back in my younger days. I think I was a little bit like that cute Pam who answers the phones. I even had handsome and attentive young men hanging around my desk all day, just like she does.

Outstanding Drama Series
Nominees: Boston Legal, ABC; Damages, FX Networks; Dexter, Showtime; House, FOX; Lost, ABC; Mad Men, AMC

Edna's Pick: Lost, ABC. If you've been paying any attention at all, this should not be a surprise to you. Despite what those silly critics might say, I think this show gets better and better every season. Even if it gives me a headache every time I watch it from trying to keep track of all the little details and mysteries. And there's way too much time to wait between seasons, but that's not the show's fault.

Let me tell you though, if Supernatural or Jericho had gotten a nomination in this category, all bets would be off.


There you have it, dear readers, my picks for this year's major Emmy categories. There are a lot more categories I could talk about, but I think you all have had enough of my nattering on. Don't forget to watch the show on Sunday, then check back here on Tuesday to see if I was right. I bet I get more right than dumb old Margie, who only likes to watch TV shows with handsome men in them.

Margie and Edna take on the Emmys

Edna: My sister and I come from a long line of people who enjoy a good story. Growing up, we spent many happy evenings out on the front porch with Mama and Daddy, visiting with neighbors and listening to the grown-ups trade gossip and fond remembrances.

Margie: Edna just told on herself. She enjoys a good tale for sure but she makes hers up. Talk about trading gossip? Edna is like the fountain of gossip.

Edna: Hush up you harpy, and let me finish! Anyway, as far as Margie and I are concerned, watching a good television show is just like listening to a good story: it engages you, makes you feel good afterwards, and it makes you want more. We watch a lot of television in our old age, and thank goodness for that, since that means that we don't have to talk to each other for 30-60 minutes at a time. The 2008 Primetime Emmy awards are this coming Sunday (September 21st), and we're going to spend all week on our own special brand of Emmy coverage. We'll be sharing our insights about who should win what, and we'll be having a special guest blogger too!

This is going to be a fun week here in the basement, so stay tuned folks!

Margie and Edna go Rollerblogging!

Margie and Edna would like to thank RollerKaty over at the Rollerblog for letting two old ladies visit and...

...chatter on about one of their favorite movies of all time. Head on over to the Rollerblog if you'd like to find out what it was.

Thank you, Miss RollerKaty!

Cream-filled Donut Day

Edna: Margie, you know what would be tasty with our coffee this morning? A cream-filled donut. My lands, I haven't had one of those in ages!

Margie: My goodness! What a lovely thought. I'm kind of partial to those with lemon filling.

Edna: Lemon filling? Margie, it's times like this that makes me doubt we're even related. Everyone knows that the best donut in the world is the chocolate-iced cream-filled donut.

Besides, I don't think that lemon filling is technically a "cream". That's like saying that a jelly donut is cream-filled. I suppose next you're going to tell me that you believe that we never landed on the moon.

Margie: Edna, can't I even have a favorite donut without you trying to call me a liar? Lemon is technically a cream just like you're technically a control freak.

How do you know we landed on the moon? Prove it, Edna.

Edna: You know, this bickering isn't good for my digestion. Not all of us have the constitution of an ox, some of us are delicate flowers.

What do you say I send Cousin T into town for a box of donuts? My treat. You can even get a lemon-filled donut if you want.

Margie: Edna, that's so nice of you. I'd love a lemon one. What kind of delicate flower am I, Edna?

Edna: You're a stinkweed, Margie.

Sunday, September 14th is National Cream-Filled Donut Day, so eat as many as you want. There are no donut calories on national holidays!

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We want to thank Lex at Bittersweet Collide for creating this lovely stamp for us for reciprocating Entrecard card drops.

Thank you Lex, we love it!

Heather or Sprague?

*photo courtesy of FX

Edna: Margie, I saw this girl on a TV commercial the other day that reminded me so much of our little Heather Lisinski here in Jericho. You don't suppose she has a twin, do you?

Margie: I don't know about a twin, Edna, but I saw a girl who looked like her cavorting with some biker men. You know I do love biker men. Vroom!

Edna: Well, they're probably not related then; I don't think our Heather would engage in such degenerate behavior. She told me that she's often embarrassed by your antics, you know.

What TV show did you say you saw this girl on?

Margie: It's called Sons Of Anarchy, Edna. It's on that FX channel. Let me tell you that they use some bad language but who's listening with all those biker men on the screen?

Edna: Of course that's what you'd be paying attention to, you hussy.

You know, I looked up this girl on the computer. Her name is Sprague Grayden, and she's quite a busy actress. It looks like she's going to be on "24" next season. I don't watch that show Margie, it makes my nerves jump too much.

Margie: Oh honey, I know just what you mean. I tried to watch it once but it made me have nightmares.

Doesn't Sprig ever make any movies, Edna?

Edna: It's "Sprague," not "Sprig," you nitwit. It looks like she was mostly on the television before now, but it says here on the computer screen that she's got a couple movies that she's been working on. I don't think they're coming out any time soon, though. Looks like your best bet is to keep watching for her on your biker TV show.

Even if she isn't related to our Heather, I like this girl. I hope we see a lot more of her.

Margie: Me too, Edna, but I really hope we see a lot more of the biker men. I wish they'd visit Jericho.

Remembering The Peddler

Margie: I love sitting on our porch of a Sunday afternoon, Edna. It also makes me think about the old days. Things move too fast for me now.

Just looking at today's newspaper reminded me of how the old peddler used to go house to house. Remember Edna? We didn't have store bought food. Mama would get all her supplies from the peddler and she'd pay him with a chicken or ham or some of her homemade jellies and jams.

Edna: You're right about things moving too fast now. All of these young folks think that you have to move a mile a minute in order to get anything done. I hope they realize that everything always gets done, in its own time.

My lands Margie, I haven't thought about that old peddler's wagon in ages! We were just little girls then, weren't we? Remember when Mama would buy gingham to make us pinafores? That peddler had such lovely bolts of cloth, and he never did tell us where he got it from.

Margie: My goodness! I do recall Mama making us those pinafores. She was a fine seamstress. I wonder where he did get that cloth?

Edna, do you remember that hen Mama gave you? You were so little that I bet you don't remember what happened.

Edna: Margie, maybe you'd better tell our readers what happened, I might not get the details right. But don't you go telling them anything embarrassing, you hear?

Margie: Edna, I'm so tickled. Mama gave you that old hen because you loved it. You loved candy too and the peddler always had lots of hard candy. One day, when you were about 5 years old, you wanted candy. Well, Mama told you that you could trade your hen for candy.

The three of us walked to the peddler's wagon and you carried your hen. When Mama told you to give that hen to the peddler you started bawling and ran back to the house with the hen. You yelled, "I can't sell my hen, Mama."

Mama got you some candy anyway but that old hen lived on for years.

Edna: I remember the hen but I don't remember that story! Well, I suppose it's true, since I surely do love hard candy. And that sounds like Mama, she always was soft-hearted. I remember the peddler always had horehound candy, and he'd sneak me a piece when Mama wasn't looking.

Margie, as much as I've seen and done in this world, it's the old days that make me yearn the most. I suppose that's true of anyone when they get to our age, isn't it?

Margie: I believe it is true, Edna, I surely do.

Margie's Class Reunion

Margie: Edna, I went to my high school reunion last night. I went to the 50th and said I'd never go again. I should have done what I said. It was such a disappointment even though I was voted prettiest, best dressed, most popular, and youngest looking.

Edna: Well good grief Margie, this was what, your 70th reunion? My lands, no wonder you were voted all those things, you were probably the only one in your high school class still alive to attend!

Margie: Edna, you know good and well that's not so! Betty Lou was there and so was my old sweetheart Mr. Ford. He asked me to dance but he never could get out of that wheelchair.

Edna: Wasn't Betty Lou the name of your childhood imaginary friend?

That was sweet of Mr. Ford to ask you to dance, but I bet that his eyesight is so bad that he thought you were someone else. I don't know why you went to that thing anyway.

Margie: Edna, you make me sick. If you'd gone to your reunion you'd be bragging all about it and how they said you were lovely. You're a fruit loop and you can't stand for anybody to say something nice about me!

Well, you need help. Mental help. You're just a vicious old woman. I'm going to the basement before I tar and feather you!

Edna: Fine by me. You go spend a good long time down in that basement, you harpy. Maybe by the time you come back up, I'll be happy to have a reunion with you. I wouldn't count on it, though.

Margie and Edna go visiting

Edna: Margie, I surely did have a nice time visiting with Silly Willy and Fluffy up in Ohio. And for once you behaved like a lady, I was mighty proud of you.

Margie: Don't start with me, Edna. You were rude to those sweet clowns. First, you dozed off then you stuffed funnel cakes in your purse. They probably think we're so poor that we can't afford groceries! No wonder we never get invited to nice places.

Edna: Margie, don't you ruin our nice visit with your criticism, I won't have it! Besides, I'm sure they had a delightful time, although I do wonder what they thought about meeting us.

Meanwhile, back in Ohio...

Silly Willy: So what do you think about Margie and Edna?

Fluffy: They are two of the sweetest ladies we have ever met! Cousin T is quite a mechanic. He sure loves driving his car doesn't he?

Silly Willy: Yepper!

Silly Willy: Those teacakes were fantastic. They sure know how to cook. The ladies were surprised at all the funnel cake stands at Cedar Point. I think Edna stuffed a couple into her purse for the trip home.

Fluffy: We heard the girls had spats from time to time but they sure were on their best
behavior!

Silly Willy: Do you think they liked the surprise visit to Cedar Point?

Fluffy: They said, "They will never forget this trip. It was the best ever!"

Silly Willy: We have met two precious hearts that beat as one!

Read A Book Day

Margie: Edna, you know how I feel about books and people reading them. It helps your vocabulary and takes you to other times and places. It's fun and educational too.

Here are some books I picked out for you to read. It's not reading when you look at fashion magazines or read about the latest celebrity news!

Edna: Margie, I am tired of you putting down my reading material! I am not so frivolous that all I ever read are those horrible gossip rags. (And, might I point out, I saw Cousin T bring you that National Enquirer the last time he was here. So don't you go pointing fingers at me.)

Why are you bringing this up now?

Margie: Edna, I was at my book club meeting last night and some of the ladies asked why you never attend. They snickered and somebody said you only looked at picture books.

I want to help you so you're not the butt of so many jokes.

Edna: Don't try and pull that helpful sister act with me. I could care less what the "ladies" in your book club think of me and my reading habits, Miss Smarty-Pants. But, if I did care, you could very easily put those unfounded allegations to rest by telling them that I have a stack of books on my nightstand a foot high. And you know perfectly well that I check a bag of books out the library every week.

But I don't have to defend myself to them or to you. I know what I like to read, and how often I like to read, and that's that.

Margie: Edna, leave it to you to be critical of my life's work of trying to get more young people to read. As usual, you care only about yourself and what you do.

You put that stack of books there to flatten out those old love letters you claim you got during the war.

Edna: Well good night nurse, you are plumb driving me to distraction! Who was criticizing your life's work? You're the one who brought up the ladies of your book club and said that they were snickering at me behind my back, I was just defending myself. I'm all for encouraging young people to read, you nitwit.

Honestly, I can't talk to you any more today, I'm retiring to my room with my smelling salts and a book. You're on your own, sister.


"Read a Book Day is today. Take time out of your busy life, and relax with a good book."

Margie and Edna take a drive

Margie: Edna, I had Cousin T wash the car so we can take a nice afternoon drive later. Bring your money for the gas, dear.

Edna: Oh no you don't, sister, I paid for gas last time! Besides, you still haven't paid me back for the gas we used to take the trip into town so you could have your hair blued.

Margie: I was going to buy the ice cream but not now. You're an old penny pincher, Edna. I never saw anybody so darned selfish. Besides, I paid for the car wash!

Edna: Margie, don't you lie to me! You just said you got Cousin T to wash the car, and I know good and well that he never accepts our money for anything that he does. You're just trying to bilk me out of gas money, and I won't have it!

Margie: That's fine, Edna. Show your old tushie to the world. I'll go driving by myself. It'll make for a more pleasant trip anyway.

Edna: By all means, go by yourself! It will give me some time to savor the peace and quiet around here.

You love us, you really love us!

Edna: Margie, come look at this! Mr. The Hawg gave us an award, wasn't that nice? He must really love us, but then we are pretty lovable. Well, I am anyway.

Margie: Dream on, Edna. I happen to be the one who inspired that award. He is such a nice Hawg. I always did love pork rinds too.

Edna: You know, this award got me to thinking. We've already gotten two blogging awards, and this is our third. Surely we can't be as wonderful as people say we are, can we?

Margie: That's a half-truth, Edna. I am as nice as people say. They just include you because they don't want to be rude.

Edna: You hush up, I'm trying to make a point here, you dimwit! I would like our readers to know that from now on, there is no need to give us any more awards. Let's stop beating around the bush here, people. You know we're wonderful and we know we're wonderful. I think we can all agree to agree and move on, don't you think?

Margie: I can agree with that, Edna. I've beat all the bushes I ever care to. Rugs too.

I do thank everyone for the nice awards though.

Edna: Me too, I am grateful that people feel we're award-worthy. And we think that all of you are award-worthy too. So, instead of naming names, we're sharing this with all the hard-working bloggers out there who blog for the joy of it. Keep doing what you do, and we all benefit.


We also recently recevied this award from lidian at The Virtual Dime Museum. We are touched to have been honored by two such entertaining and talented bloggers. Thank you both!

Supernatural Season 3 DVD

Margie: Edna, I've been thinking and I owe you an apology. You have been a good sister. I know you love me but you don't like showing your feelings a lot. Christmas is coming and I don't want us to be at odds. Let's be friends.

You're a good person, Edna. I could just write forever about your good qualities.

Edna: Margie, I truly hope that you're not trying to butter me up so I'll buy you one of those Supernatural Season 3 boxed DVD sets that comes out today. Because you are out of your cotton-pickin' mind if you think that.

Margie: Edna, I'm as sincere as I can be. You don't have to buy me anything. I was just trying to be a nicer person. I should be grateful to have a good sister and I am.

Would you like for me to make some of those nice brownies you love so?

Edna: Margie you stop that right now, you're starting to freak me out, as the hipsters say today. It's like you've become a pod person, or maybe you've been possessed. That's it, isn't it?

Well, I'll be buying my DVD set at the store today. If you've really turned a new leaf and become a more loving sister, you'll show that love by keeping your grubby paws off my copy.

Margie: Edna, I tried being nice. If you don't buy me a copy of my own, you selfish hoodlum, I'll watch yours until there's no Jensen left to see on it.

You got that, Edna?

Edna: A-ha! There you have it folks, I knew she was faking it! Margie, you can go buy your own copy, you deceitful hag. And while you're at it, you'd better leave the acting to the professionals.

Happy Labor Day!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Love, Margie and Edna