Chocolate Emergency

Margie: Edna, you'd better sit down. Here's some Special Tea. Take a few slugs because I have some very bad news to report. Do you need a nerve pill? I don't want you to stroke out.

Edna: You're scaring me, Margie! What is it? You can give it to me straight, I don't need any crutches. Just tell me.

Margie: Edna, Hershey is raising their prices 11% and Mars is also raising theirs. I know you're a chocolate addict.

Edna: Oh my lands, that's horrible news! What is wrong with those companies, are they trying to get people to buy less chocolate? Well, I'm sitting down and writing a letter, I won't stand for this. Those companies ought to be ashamed of themselves.

You're a chocolate addict too Margie, surely you're not taking this news in stride?

Margie: What you see, Edna, is the calm before I blow my stack. It's a conspiracy! Gas prices start falling yet chocolate prices have to rise? They're lying liars and they'll be sorry.

All chocolate addicts can band together and we'll make them rue this day forever.

Edna: You're absolutely right, sister. Those companies did not count on chocoholics getting organized in protest. The power of the people is mighty indeed.

Hand me that bag of Hershey Kisses, I need some fortification to start writing protest letters. Do you think we should have organized marches?

Margie: You start writing and I'll get on the phone to get the marches organized. The power of a woman denied her chocolate is not a pretty sight!

Exclusive Interview: Lauren Cohan

Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester
and Lauren Cohan as Bela Talbot.
Photo courtesy of the CW.

We interrupt Margie and Edna's regularly scheduled foolishness to bring you the following special presentation.

Jane and Beth, as well as Margie and Edna, are huge fans of Supernatural on the CW. Therefore, we are honored to present this exclusive interview with Lauren Cohan (Bela Talbot) who was fantastic in Supernatural's third season.

Whether you loved Bela or hated her, Lauren is a beautiful, talented actress who played the role of Bela to perfection. We thank Lauren for taking the time to answer our questions and we wish her much continued success.


1. When did you realize you wanted to be an actress? Are there any other actors in your family?

This is a funny one to answer because I don’t recall ever deciding to pursue a career in acting. I did theatre originally because I liked creating; going to school for it then moving to London felt like a natural progression. I’ve had times where I stop and think about this whole crazy playground, but as long as it continues to be fun and fulfilling, I’ll continue to not question it.

2. From the moment Bela made her first appearance on Supernatural there was a definite chemistry between her and Dean. Was this as apparent to you and Jensen Ackles as it was to many viewers?

There was a funny recognition on set when Jensen and I had the shoot out at Bela’s apartment where he, myself and the crew laughed at the tension of the scene and the fun chemistry between Dean and Bela. It was a great start to those two characters’ relationship.

3.Were you surprised by some of the negative reactions fans had to Bela? Do you think some of that was caused by their perception that you might be a love interest for Dean?

I can’t say I was surprised. Learning what I had about the fandom of the show and the fact that there weren’t many female regulars before Katie (Cassidy) and I, it made sense that fans would be protective of Sam and Dean. It's like anything, throw something new in the mix and people get to debate and ascertain their viewpoints.

4. Have you heard about the Bela Talbot movement started by some of your fans to get Bela brought back to Supernatural? Would you return if asked?

I hadn’t until now, that’s very flattering! Of course I’d return if the opportunity arose, I had a great time being Bela.

5. You are an extraordinary actress and your portrayal of Bela is fascinating. Was Bela difficult to play? What did you most enjoy about the role?

Thank you so much. I’d say the most enticing part of Bela was being mischievous; it was also the most challenging. It's hard to be mean… it's fun to be bad.

6. I saw a lot of possibilities for Bela had she remained on the show. Did you ever think about the directions she could have taken? What would you have liked to have seen her do?

See a big bag of money and not take it.

7. How far ahead of time were you aware of Bela's backstory; that is, when did you find out about the demon deal, and what she'd endured as a child? Did it change how you felt about Bela?

I thought her backstory made for a chilling and believable layer to Bela’s character. Despite reading the script, the finished episode still seemed so new and revealing. I really enjoyed it.

8. What would be your dream role?

There are so many parts I am excited to play as my career progresses. The kooky social outsider, the non-conformist, the best friend, Juliet, Cordelia and, definitely one day, the action heroine.

9. What do you like to do in your spare time?

See my family, that is the most important. Otherwise, anything that involves bicycles, peaceful venues or the big wide open.

Do you have anything you would like to add?

I’d like to thank everyone for taking such an interest, in me and in the show. It’s been great to witness and be involved in these passionate debates over the last year. And for those of you that I’ve received mail from or met at a convention, thank you for all your kind words and encouragement!

You can see me in the first episode of the CW’s Valentine which should air in September.


*** Lauren also appears in the upcoming film "Float."***

National Dog Day

National Dog Day has two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse.


Margie: Edna, we should make a donation to our shelter today. I wouldn't like being homeless and abused. How would you feel if we'd been abused and nobody wanted to adopt us? Poor dogs can't take care of themselves like people can. It's a crying shame how people can't see that poor animals need to be loved too.

Edna: Margie, I know we can't afford to give much, but I would willingly give up your special tea budget to help these poor animals. Dogs are such special creatures, and they deserve our love, and all the help we can give.

Margie: Edna, you can give up your tea budget if you like but I need that tea for my nerves. I'll donate a little out of my discretionary fund. I've been very careful with that money as you well know.

Dogs are special, Edna, and they love people unconditionally.

Hurricane Katrina, three years later

Edna: Margie, I know all this talk about Tropical Storm Fay has preoccupied everyone, but did you know that this week is the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina?

Margie: My word, Edna. Those were scary days. Remember how we watched all those poor people on TV? Some were stranded on the roofs of their houses. Some died in their homes. It broke my heart. I sure hope they're still recovering although I don't hear a lot of news about it these days.

Edna: Well, looky here at this article I saw today in the Jericho Tribune. It's all about Habitat for Humanity, and how hard they work every day to build new houses on the Gulf Coast for people who were displaced during Katrina.

That was such a massive tragedy, but it's taking so long to rebuild that it stands to reason that it's not at the forefront of people's minds any more. It's surely a good thing that those Habitat for Humanity folks don't feel that way.

Margie: That's the truth, Edna. I believe they've built over 1300 homes. Now that's an organization that could still use donations and volunteers.

If I was a young girl again I'd sure go give them some of my time. Wouldn't you, Edna?

Edna: Oh yes, Margie. And since neither one of us are as young as we used to be, it's wonderful that we have this blog so we can spread the word about wonderful programs like this.

To our wonderful and compassionate readers: at Habitat for Humanity's site for their Gulf recovery effort, there are links to click in order to donate your time and donate your money. Please consider doing one or both of these things very soon, they need all the help they can get.

++++++++++++++++

"'The New Orleans 100' is a worldwide initiative that will highlight and encourage discussion among millions about 100 of the most innovative and world-changing ideas to take root in the city since Katrina.

To combat top down media during the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we will leverage bottom up tools on the social web (email, blogs, twitter, facebook, digg, etc.), which can reach a combined audience of millions to raise awareness about New Orleans and inspire action to make a difference.

The list will be released on Monday, August 25th - the week of the Hurricane Katrina anniversary. Our goal is to reach 1,000,000 pageviews by 8/29/08. We encourage everyone to spread the word by emailing the list, blogging it, digging it, stumbling it, and yelling it out their windows.

You can make a difference. All it takes is a click!"

Our 6 unspectacular quirks

We're flattered to have been tagged recently by two separate bloggers for the six unspectacular quirks meme that's making the rounds of the blogosphere. Both Chilly at On The Bricks and Mr. The Hawg at The Natural State Hawg have tagged us, and we are flattered that they wish to know more about us.

Since Margie and Edna posted their quirks back in June when Chilly tagged us originally, this blog's authors will simply share a few of our own quirks with our readers. Since we co-write the blog, we're splitting up the six quirks between us. We don't think you all could handle the full impact of twelve of our combined quirks all at once.

Jane's quirks:

1. I love to read and always have a stash of books nearby. I get antsy when I don't have anything around that I haven't read. I read anything except romances and westerns. My favorites are thrillers and mysteries. My favorite author is Steve Berry.

2. I will be an Alabama Crimson Tide fan until the day I die. It's been this way for more years than I care to mention. Roll Tide.

3. If I buy a fast food burger with fries then I eat the fries first. If I make a burger and fries at home then I can eat both at the same time.

Beth's quirks:

1. I hate it when my food touches on my plate. I don't mean food that could be a reasonable and palatable combo, like meat and vegetables. I mean gravy leaking onto your salad, or salad dressing leaking into your green beans. If I had my way, all food would be served either in separate bowls or on a divided plate.

2. I can't stand it when perfect strangers call me "honey" or "sweetheart", especially men. It so often comes off as condescending rather than a term of endearment. It's one thing when it comes from my great-uncle; it's another thing entirely when the guy trying to sell you a muffler does it.

3. I'm not sure if this is a quirk so much as an oddity: the second toes on both of my feet are longer than the big toes. I've been told that this is a sign of a dominant personality (not true) and/or a sign of Celtic or royal ancestry (possibly true). All I know is that it makes me look like I have monkey toes.

Rather than tag 6 more bloggers, we'd simply like to thank everyone who comes and reads our posts and leaves comments for the ladies. Thank you so much!

Senior Citizen's Day

Margie: Today is National Senior Citizen's Day. Listen to what I read in the newspaper:

"On this day, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of elderly people to home, family and society."

Lawsy me, I hope we have visitors today and they appreciate us with some good home cooking. I like chocolate and cookies, and a cake would be nice too. What do you think, Edna?

Edna: I think you're living in a fool's paradise if you think anyone's going to come and shower you with treats today. It's been a long time since anyone appreciated us around here, with the exception of poor Cousin T. I will say this, though: sometimes being a senior citizen does have its perks. Like the senior citizen discounts we get down at Bailey's Tavern.

Margie: I do love those discounts, Edna. You know what else I like? We can be as eccentric as we like and people chalk it up to our age. They don't know we've always been like this.

Edna: We? Speak for yourself, sister, I'm not the least bit eccentric and never have been. I do think that people are more polite to older folks, at least in my experience. Young men are constantly giving me their seat on the bus, and I reward them with a pleasant smile and a wink.

Margie: Get a life, Edna. You've never had a pleasant smile, you coined the term eccentric, and the young men probably thought your wink was a tic.

I must say, though, that I love how polite the young gentlemen are when they see me. They're always asking me for advice about romance.

Edna: Margie, they only ask you for advice because they want to know what not to do.

You and I both know that we could snipe at each other until the cows come home. How about if we just say that it's nice that senior citizens have their own day, and leave it at that?

Margie: It is nice, Edna, and may I add that I hope everyone will be kind to all senior citizens today?

Edna and the Pheasant Hat

Edna always believed herself to be the fashion queen of Jericho. She was always up to date on what was hot in NY & had to be the first in Jericho to have it.

One day Edna saw an ad in the NY Times:





Edna placed her order, the kit arrived, and Edna made her hat. Daddy laughed so hard when he saw it that Edna got as mad as an old wet hen. Daddy said he hoped there were no pheasant hunters in town.

Edna made me go for a walk with her so she could show off the hat. We happened by Richmond Farm & saw Stanley's great-grandpa sitting on the porch. He was near blind as a bat.

As we passed by, he let out a yelp and grabbed his shotgun. He shot those pheasant feathers clean into smithereens. I had never seen Edna as mad as she was that day.

I suppose you think Edna lit into old man Richmond & called him everything but his name. No. Edna lifted her head and high-stepped it home without saying a word.

When we got home, though, and Edna told Daddy what had happened, Daddy got up, put on his hat, and left the house without a word. We never did hear exactly what happened but I do know there was talk in Bailey's that old man Richmond never picked up another gun as long as he lived.

Daddy looked after us girls.