The Speaker of the House is second in the presidential line of succession, immediately following the Vice President as designated by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. However, with the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy yesterday, that position currently stands vacant. Although Rep. Patrick McHenry was named acting speaker pro tempore, it is important to note that he does not have a claim to the presidency should it arise. According to the Presidential Succession Act, the president pro tempore of the Senate, currently Patty Murray, would assume the presidency until a new Speaker is elected.
Friday, October 6, 2023
White Wedding Dress
The tradition of a white wedding dress is commonly credited to Queen Victoria's choice to wear a white court dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. She selected a white dress, which was considered an unusual choice at a time when colors were more usual, made from heavy silk satin. The young queen decreed that no one else should wear white at her wedding—trend-setting, again—and had the pattern for her dress destroyed so that no one could copy it afterward. Wearing white was quickly adopted by wealthy, fashionable brides.
More Golden Girls
"Thank You for Being a Friend" is the iconic theme song of the beloved 1980s sitcom, "The Golden Girls." This show, which was a unique blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, captured the hearts of viewers and remains a classic in the world of television.
"The Golden Girls" originally aired on September 14, 1985, and ran for seven successful seasons until May 9, 1992. The show was created by Susan Harris and produced by Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions in association with Touchstone Television. It was groundbreaking in many ways, particularly for its focus on a group of older women who were witty, independent, and unapologetically themselves.
The series was set in Miami, Florida, and revolved around four housemates who shared a charming pastel-colored home. The main characters, all retirees, formed an unlikely but endearing friendship:
Dorothy Zbornak (played by Bea Arthur) was the no-nonsense, sarcastic, and often exasperated schoolteacher. She was the straight woman of the group, frequently reacting to the eccentricities of her roommates.
Blanche Devereaux (played by Rue McClanahan) was a vivacious, flirtatious Southern belle with a penchant for younger men. Her character added a touch of glamour and romance to the show.
Rose Nylund (played by Betty White) was the sweet and somewhat naive optimist from St. Olaf, Minnesota. Her stories about her hometown's quirky residents and her innocent outlook on life provided ample comedic moments.
Sophia Petrillo (played by Estelle Getty) was Dorothy's sharp-tongued, elderly mother who hailed from Sicily. Despite her diminutive stature, Sophia was a firecracker known for her memorable one-liners and comedic timing.
The show's premise was simple: these four women, from different walks of life, come together to share a home and navigate the ups and downs of aging, relationships, and friendships. The dynamic between the characters was the heart of the show, as they supported each other through thick and thin.
"The Golden Girls" tackled important social issues of the time, including ageism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ rights, with humor and sensitivity. The show was celebrated for its progressive approach to addressing these topics, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
One of the show's enduring strengths was its exceptional ensemble cast. Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty each brought their unique talents to the series, creating a chemistry that was both genuine and hilarious. Their performances earned them numerous awards, including Emmy Awards for all four main cast members.
"The Golden Girls" was a critical and commercial success, and it continues to have a dedicated fan base even decades after its original run. The timeless humor, memorable catchphrases, and the theme song "Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold all contributed to its enduring popularity.
Morganna Roberts
Morganna Roberts, famously known as "Morganna the Kissing Bandit," became a captivating personality in the world of sports during the 1970s and 1980s. Her trademark move entailed rushing onto the field or court to plant a passionate kiss on an unsuspecting athlete, much to the delight of fans and players alike. With her striking looks and fearless approach, Morganna became an iconic presence at ballparks across the country. In all, Morganna kissed 37 Major League Baseball players, 12 National Basketball Association players, and over a dozen managers and umpires.
R2 D2
R2-D2 is a legendary robot within the Star Wars universe, created by the visionary George Lucas. The origins of this iconic name can be traced back to the production of Lucas's earlier film, American Graffiti. Sound editor Walter Murch is credited with coming up with the name for the droid. During a pivotal moment, Murch casually requested "Reel 2, Dialog Track 2," succinctly abbreviated as "R-2-D-2." Lucas, who was in the room and had momentarily dozed off while working on the Star Wars script, woke when he heard the request and declared it was a "great name" before going back to writing his script.
Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field, located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most iconic ballparks in Major League Baseball. It is the cherished home of the Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest and most beloved franchises in the league. Wrigley Field has a storied history that dates back over a century and has played a significant role in the culture and tradition of both baseball and the city of Chicago.
The Chicago Cubs, often referred to as the "North Siders," are one of the two Major League Baseball teams in Chicago, with the other being the Chicago White Sox, who play at Guaranteed Rate Field on the city's south side. The Cubs are a member of the National League's Central Division. They are known for their passionate and loyal fan base, who are affectionately called "Cubs fans" or "Cubs Nation." The team's enduring popularity stems from its rich history, including the famous "Curse of the Billy Goat," which lasted for over 70 years until the Cubs won the World Series in 2016, ending one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports.
Wrigley Field, often referred to as "The Friendly Confines," is located in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago. It is the second-oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the United States, opening its doors in 1914. As of my last update in September 2021, it is a historic stadium renowned for its distinctive features and intimate atmosphere.
One of the most iconic aspects of Wrigley Field is its ivy-covered outfield walls. The brick wall that lines the outfield is adorned with Boston ivy, which turns a lush green in the spring and summer, creating a picturesque backdrop for baseball games. The manual scoreboard in center field, which is still operated by hand, adds to the ballpark's old-school charm.
Wrigley Field's unique features extend to the neighborhood surrounding the stadium. The area is bustling with bars, restaurants, and shops that cater to Cubs fans, creating a festive atmosphere on game days. The historic Wrigleyville neighborhood is an integral part of the ballpark's charm.
In recent years, Wrigley Field has undergone significant renovations to enhance the fan experience while preserving its historic character. These renovations have included new amenities, updated seating, and modern facilities, all while maintaining the classic look and feel of the ballpark.
Wrigley Field is a place where generations of Cubs fans have come together to cheer on their team. It has been the site of countless memorable moments in baseball history, including the famous "Bartman Incident" and the 2016 World Series victory. The ballpark's legacy is further cemented by the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch, a tradition that began with the late Harry Caray, the beloved Cubs announcer.
The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls aired on NBC from 1985 to 1992, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes spanning 11 seasons. The show's enduring appeal was its ensemble cast featuring Beatrice Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty portraying four older single women who shared a house in sunny Miami, Florida. The show's designer, Ed Stephenson, took inspiration from his experiences living in Florida to create a distinctive "Florida look" for The Golden Girls house set. In the series, their address was noted as 6151 Richmond Street in Miami.