tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717Fri, 09 May 2008 14:38:30 +0000http://www.lighterside.com/blog/noreply@blogger.com (Betty)Blogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-4884961586494969618Fri, 09 May 2008 14:35:00 +00002008-05-09T10:38:30.358-04:00I'm planning on attending a Tampa Bay Rays game this weekend and have "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" stuck in my head. The Lighter Side® has been located in Bradenton, Florida since 1986. One of the perks of living in this area, aside from the (usually) nice weather, is that many major league baseball teams come down here for spring training during the winter. Currently the Pittsburgh Pirates and http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/05/spring-sports-roundup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-7562673283409980317Fri, 02 May 2008 13:33:00 +00002008-05-02T10:13:12.268-04:00Ah, the spring air brings to mind blooming flowers, spring showers…and graduation ceremonies. My high school ceremony was held in a hot gymnasium (before the modern days of A/C) while my college graduation ceremony was held outdoors. Fortunately, it was a nice day with no rain in sight. Though the graduating class walked away with diplomas and scorching sunburns! With both high school and collegehttp://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/05/pomp-and-circumstance.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-8374812220331270157Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:29:00 +00002008-04-25T11:21:52.186-04:00Pop quiz! Bet you didn't see this coming.Who helped raise her 8 (yes, EIGHT) younger siblings, even though it meant leaving high school early?Who saw to it that her daughter got to experience opportunities that she never had?Who did it all without losing her fabulous sense of humor?The answer, of course, is my mother! Because of her, I got to play on the boys' basketball team in high school. Thathttp://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/04/my-mother-my-hero.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-4805627749201361485Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:19:00 +00002008-04-18T12:22:10.217-04:00Earth Day 2008 is Tuesday, April 22nd, and it's getting a lot of press this year as America's environmental awareness continues to grow. Just think how quickly buzzwords like "carbon-neutral," "biodiesel," and "EcoMoms" are entering our daily vocabulary. To honor this special day, here's a Lighter Side-style tribute to green living (we've always been cheerleaders for "natural" gas).Is the only http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/04/earth-day-2008.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-55305288737309929Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:42:00 +00002008-04-11T09:59:54.763-04:00One of my favorite sayings is that while we may have to grow old, we don't have to grow up. One of my friends turned a Very Important Age over the weekend, and, being the good group of pals that we are, we planned a special day of torment for her.Some of my favorite highlights of the day:1.) Decorating the “chair of honor” with this cupcake chair cover, which had actually been used by another http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/04/birthday-party-hijinx.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-2754703223306397673Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:03:00 +00002008-04-03T16:14:08.898-04:00Betty's mix of cartoon sensuality and wide-eyed innocence has made her an unforgettable figure. During an era when many of her contemporary cartoon film stars have faded out of sight, Betty Boop remains implanted in the hearts of her fans. Not only that, this original Queen of Cartoons continues to attract new fans of all ages across the world.Entertainment Weekly has this great quote about Bettyhttp://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/04/betty-boop-series-part-four-dont-call.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-4774833072260310771Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:35:00 +00002008-03-28T11:44:08.519-04:00 While Betty Boop has always been the main attraction, she had a little help along the way. Here’s a quick look at Betty’s supporting cast members. We met Bimbo last week, where we learned how Betty, very innocently, stole his spotlight. You could never accuse Bimbo of holding a grudge though. This upright, talking dog played along as Betty’s loyal companion, adoring her as much as ever. http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/03/betty-boop-series-part-three-bettys.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-1842764412346104406Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:32:00 +00002008-03-21T08:39:52.418-04:00Take a step into the time machine with me and head back to 1930. The Roaring Twenties may have ended but many of the trends were still going strong, like the popularity of jazz music and the fashion styling of the flappers. Picture shorter hemlines, bobbed haircuts, and sassy independent attitudes (all fads that are in vogue today!).The pretty, wide-eyed girl we're familiar with made her debut http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/03/betty-boop-series-part-two-bettys-rags.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-5954739211996377450Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:12:00 +00002008-03-21T08:35:59.224-04:00Another daylight saving time adjustment has come and gone. I managed to remember to update all my clocks successfully, including my Betty Boop talking alarm clock. I'm never happy about losing an hour of sleep, but hearing Betty's little-girl voice wish me "Good Morning" is so cute that I can't help but wake up with a smile.Though she certainly doesn't look it, this vivacious vixen has a long http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/03/betty-boop-series-part-one-ive-got-boop.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-4101932512010316168Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:44:00 +00002008-03-19T12:30:23.414-04:00Well, where is the time going this year? Did you realize that March 23rd marks the earliest Easter since 1913? It won't be this early again until 2160!Mr. Cottontail better bundle up. It could still be quite chilly as he hides his Easter eggs this year. You, however, can keep your tootsies warm while watching the young ones hunt down their hidden treasures with a cute pair of fuzzy bunny http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/03/easter-tidings.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-2527491802043518251Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:38:00 +00002008-03-19T12:29:47.960-04:00Do you find people still pinch you if you're not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day? Ouch! To avoid that fate this year, be sure to stock up now on the best St. Patrick's Day gear.It's perfect timing for this adorable green "Lucky Dog" Snoopy T-shirt thanks to Uno the beagle and his groundbreaking "Best in Show" win at Westminster this year. You don't need to be Irish (or a dog) to be lucky! The http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/03/check-your-calendar-st-patricks-day-is.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-8257182154072899764Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:11:00 +00002008-03-19T12:29:18.856-04:00Super Bowl parties (not to mention the actual game) can be the stuff of legends. I certainly had a memorable experience this year, as you'll find out.I go to the same party every year, and every year my friend amazes me with her preparations and imagination. First, she sent out personalized invitations for the potluck party in which she included a suggested recipe for each of us (which were http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/03/super-party-super-bowl.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-9106982842175915022Fri, 08 Feb 2008 01:51:00 +00002008-03-19T12:28:44.518-04:00You can have a lot of fun with Valentine's Day, making anyone feel loved and appreciated (including yourself—you deserve extra attention too!). Here's a quick list of gift suggestions for men and women, kids and grandparents, and everyone in between.Webkinz are super popular right now with kids, and this adorable (and available only for a short time) Love Frog is sure to be a huge hit with the http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/03/valentines-day-make-it-delightful.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7042382925862162717.post-637640213817370269Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:02:00 +00002008-03-19T12:27:54.413-04:00Now there's no political agenda here—We're called The Lighter Side for a reason. We appreciate a good chuckle no matter what side of the political fence it's coming from. So with that in mind let's check out some of the latest political memorabilia possibly destined to be the next hot item on Ebay or even a future Antiques Roadshow showpiece!The political scene is on fire as the presidential http://www.lighterside.com/blog/2008/02/presidential-primary-parade.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Betty)