Judy Blume has long held back on film/tv rights to her books, but she is setting them free, and the first one to hit the screen will be Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. A new way to buy books online and support independent bookstores. If you’re really bored, you can join the #moonselfie bandwagon. This photo Molly Ringwald posted of herself on her 52nd birthday is, in a word, classic. As always, R. Eric Thomas nails the pop culture zeitgeist with his tribute to Siba, the standard poodle who won the Westminster Dog Show. An in-depth look at 60 years of Africa’s independence. While you’re nibbling on a Thin Mint, chew on this article about the female empowerment inherent in being a Girl Scout. A fascinating look at sex tech, and the women who are fighting to make sure female pleasure gets it’s proper due.
FEBRUARY THEME: RISK
The Case of the Bad Panties
By Alice Bradley
"The panties in question were a pair of threadbare, beige-gray Hanes Her Way, with an elastic waistband that appeared to have been shredded by raccoons. They were at least a decade old. I don’t recall ever purchasing a pair of underwear that rose above my navel, which leads me to conclude, reluctantly, that I was wearing my mother’s underpants. I can’t imagine how this scenario came to pass, but there it is. My mom’s panties were serving as a chastity belt. She might appreciate the symbolism, if she weren’t praying so hard right now."
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Obsessed: Guilty Pleasure TV
Rob Lowe and Liv Tyler in 911: Lone Star (Image via TVLine)
We often use this space to wax on and on about the latest prestige TV juggernaut, or bemoan the fact that we don’t read books like we used to because “there’s so much good TV out there now.” Welp. Guess what? There’s also a lot of bad TV out there, and surprise, surprise...we watch the shit out of that, too. Margit and I got into a confessional conversation about our own bad choices (Margit is all in on Love Island UK, while I keep (mostly) mum on my love for Criminal Minds and 911: Lone Star), which prompted a post in our Facebook group T/N Spoiler Alert, asking people to share the TV shows they watch mostly in secret. Here is a sampling of just how lowbrow some of us can go:
Most of the “guilt” in guilty pleasures seems to come from unscripted shows. Topping that list for TueNighters is the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, which involves a man or woman from the U.S. trying to bring over their potential spouse from whatever foreign land they live in, after what was often a very brief courtship over the internet. We also have multiple fans of Dr. Pimple Popper, which is exactly what it sounds like: A show starring a dermatologist popping zits and exploding cysts (among other things).
The cutest couple watching award goes to TueNighter Rosemary Pittman and her husband, who get into bed together every weeknight and watch Maury. “We totally give our opinions on the situations and judge if the baby is the suspected father’s before Maury reads the DNA results.” #relationshipgoals
From Teen Mom to Ancient Aliens to Alaskan Bush People, it seems we all have our truly guilty pleasures. But maybe we should just own it all with pride. As TueNighter Crystal Durant says, “There is no shame in my Match Game game!”
—Karen Gerwin
TueNight 10: Roberta Lombardi
Roberta at home in Connecticut (Photo credit: Amy Etra Photography)
Age: 53
Quick Bio: Roberta is a three-year breast cancer survivor and founder and president of Infinite Strength, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to underserved/underinsured women diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of the women helped by her organization are single mothers who are financially disadvantaged and/or below the poverty level.
Beyond the bio: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 49 after I discovered a lump during a self-exam. I feel like I was just learning to embrace myself at that time: not concerned as much with what other people thought of me, and just enjoying life and my family. I loved my 40s! And then came the diagnosis. I lost my breasts, hair, self-esteem and dignity. When I was through with treatment I had to figure out who I was because I did not recognize myself, and it was a tough road.”
What makes you a grown-ass lady?: “Having breast cancer pretty much stripped me down to the bone emotionally. But in a lot of ways that was a good thing as I began to see myself in a totally different way. It taught me how strong I am, made me believe in myself, become more independent and more aware of what is really important in life. I was always a control freak, worrying about things that had not even happened. Now I don't worry about what I cannot control. I spend my time in much more positive ways, and I feel good about who I am. It is very freeing.”
1. On the nightstand: Always a stack of books. I am currently reading Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton and just finished The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes.
2. Can’t stop/won’t stop: Advocating for women who have a disease that is capable of not only taking their breasts, but shattering them emotionally, diminishing their cognitive ability and destroying them financially.
3. Jam of the minute: I have honestly been listening to Jonas Brothers "What A Man Gotta Do" every time I get in the car. It's upbeat and happy. Fits my mood.
4. Thing I miss: My dad. He died from lung cancer when I was 19, and I miss him every day.
5. ’80s crush: Robert Urich. Not just because he was adorable, but because he seemed like a genuinely nice guy.
6. Current crush: My husband. Through the ups and downs of life, he is the one.
7. Latest fave find: Ere Perez natural beauty products. Their mascara is absolutely amazing, but I love their foundation and powder as well!
8. Last thing I lost: My kids would probably say my mind. Seriously, chemo brain is a real thing, and I used to have a fabulous memory. Now I need to write everything down, and if I don't it is truly lost to me.
9. Best thing that happened recently: My oldest daughter got her first college acceptance letter — and then another and another. It was so exciting to see her face light up.
10. Looking forward to: Watching my three daughters grow up, go out in the world and recognize all their potential. I know they will use their talents to make the world a little bit better.
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