Hodgepodge 101

After taking off a week,"just" because she was without power (small problem...), Joyce is back at the Hodgepodge this week.  This is Hodgepodge #101 and here's the 101 on how to play:   Read my answers and respond with your comments, or better yet, post your own set of answers and keep the Hodgepodge a rollin'! 

Seriously, thank you Joyce!!  I am happy to report her power is finally back on, along with just about everyone else in the NJ town I used to live in. BUT, it took a LONG LONG time!  Some friends were without power for 13 days there!  Here's my "extra Hodgepodge question":  Would you stay in a cold, dark house for that long - or go visit relatives or find a hotel with electricity?   Remember, gas was scarce too!  I think when the next big storm is predicted not only will people be stocking up on bread, water, flashlights and batteries, but they will be buying gas cans and filling them up too!

Here are Joyce's questions, and my answers:

1. What rule of life should never be broken?

The rule of respect for your fellowman.  You don't have to agree with everyone, or like them, but you need to give everyone the same respect that you would like.  

2. What's your favorite family recipe?

I have a "my side of the family" recipe and "my husband's side of the family" recipe.  For my side it's my mother's apple dumplings, made from scratch - and used as the entree for dinner.  Hot out of the oven with cold milk poured on top! Yum!   From my hubby's side the recipe is for a pineapple cheese side dish.  I know it sounds like an unusual combination but it's REALLY good together...with the other ingredients.  We have it at almost all family get-togethers.

3. Is the media manipulative?

A resounding YES!   Back in the day when there was only 3 major networks the news slot was considered an unbiased time, and it was there to inform and "report" the news, without emotion or without editorial.  But, once the cable station numbers exploded and the competition got fierce, most news outlets felt they needed to "attract" viewership (which equals ratings) and fill the endless hours of news.  CNN was proud of being 24 - 7 when they first went on air.  But, in reality, it's too much time to fill - for all stations.  So, they started adding in "talk shows" and "creating" events, and either by design, or accidently, had a hidden agenda. They learned if their news programming appealed to a type of viewer (conservative, liberal, rural, urban, etc.) they would win their viewership, which means ratings, which means advertising money.   So, yes, the media (news media) IS very manipulative today. 

PS: Do you remember when you would see the words "Breaking News" come across the TV screen and you knew it was something VERY serious?  Now, it's used all the time.  EVERYTHING is breaking news!

4. Hubs and I saw "Skyfall" last weekend...are you a fan of Bond films? If so, who's your favorite BOND?

I am not a fan of Bond movies.  I saw the first couple of them - but have not seen any since. Wondering...How many are there now?  My favorite Bond?  Pierce Bronson sure looked good in the tux, with his martini lightly shaken. 

5. What is one thing you hope people NEVER say about you?

Only one thing??   ha!  I guess I hope people never say I am uncaring.  In reality I care too much, and that has gotten me in trouble occasionally.  But, I'd rather be TOO caring than NOT caring at all.

6. What's a nearby tourist attraction you'd like to see but haven't gotten around to visiting?

I would like to go to the Magnolia Plantation, just outside of Charleston.  But, I need to go in springtime when the azaleas are in bloom.   Maybe I'll go THIS spring!

7. Where's your favorite tree?

When I first read this question I thought Joyce mistyped "What's your favorite tree?".   But I like the "where" question.  My favorite tree is in Brookgreen Gardens, near where I live. It's a HUGE Live Oak tree with spanish moss hanging off of it.  The gardens are acres and acres of land that once was an old plantation, and was turned intio a living & sculpture garden by the Huntington family.  It's a "must see" for anyone coming this way!  Now, besides the gardens, there is a walking zoo, a nature center, historical tours, etc.  It's slogan is "every changing, ever beautiful" - and it is!

8. My random thought.

There's SO much I could talk about...  Sandy and her aftermath, the election, how early Thanksgiving is this year, etc.  But, this time I will simply say I am THANKFUL for each day, each season, each year!     Have a great week blogger friends!