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Post by Siren on Jun 9, 2011 11:38:48 GMT -6
Xena has been an inspiration to many people over the years. But I thought it would be good to have a place to spotlight real people who are going above and beyond. I hope you'll share their stories here. I'll kick it off with the story of the world's oldest competitive female bodybuilder. Though it's lovely to see her looking so amazingly well at age 74, what really inspired me was learning that she didn't start going to the gym until she was in her fifties. It's a reminder that it's never too late to start taking better care of yourself. Thanks to Spock for finding these stories on Ernestine Shepherd. newsone.com/2020213/ernestine-shepherd-world-oldest-female-bodybuilder/ernestineshepherd.net/news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-b....174236116.ht ml |
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Post by stepper on Jun 9, 2011 17:50:29 GMT -6
Staff Segeant Bobby Henline. Blown up by an IED in Afghanistan that killed the other four people in the vehicle with him, he lost his left hand and was seriously burned over 30% of his body (chest up) - has started a new life as a stand up comedian using his injuries and over coming them as the main part of his routine. His goal is to entertain the troups who are deployed, and then return - in uniform - they way he should have and would have if it hadn't been for the IED. www.mysanantonio.com/default/photo/Army-Staff-Sgt-Bobby-Henline-entertains-the-454444.php |
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Post by Phalon on Jun 10, 2011 6:23:15 GMT -6
What a sweet-sounding lady! And what big guns she has!
Staff Sergeant Henline sounds like an inspiration too, Stepper.
Cool thread.
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Post by stepper on Jun 10, 2011 18:39:05 GMT -6
In a world full of people concerned about body image, a person with his horrific injuries puts himself up front for the world to see. He makes a those fussing about having not big enough muscles, or big enough boobs, or too much nose, etc., realize their own body image is a bit off center. I've seen one other person who I thought was equally brave. 20-year-old Jacqueline Saburido and four friends were on their way home from a birthday party when their car was hit near Austin, Texas, by an SUV driven by 18-year-old Reggie Stephey. Saburido was pinned inside the burning car and suffered severe burns over 60 percent of her body. She has had more than 100 operations. The title of the article about her is "Not everyone hit by a drunk driver dies." It's a bit graphic.. www.truediscipleship.com/Gtopics/general111.htm |
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Post by Siren on Jun 10, 2011 21:39:21 GMT -6
Wow. After reading that, I feel like someone punched me. I have a niece who is about Jacqueline's age, and I'm imagining if it were she who had to endure that. Jacqueline has a powerful, powerful will and life force. Truly an admirable person.
And to think that little ****head who killed two people, and left Jacqueline's life forever changed, will probably serve less than half of his sentence. Two of my cousins (sister and brother, ages 17 and 15) were killed by a drunk driver. I have zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
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Post by stepper on Jun 11, 2011 9:36:37 GMT -6
Sadly, you are probably right Siren. But, what's a fair sentence for getting drunk and killing someone - or destroying someone's life - and what's fair for the family left behind? I don't know. But then, I don't know how I'd be able to live with myself.
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Post by Siren on Jun 12, 2011 22:06:47 GMT -6
That's because you're a decent person, Step. The article said the drunk driver's appeal was refused. So, evidently, the drunk driver or someone speaking on his behalf thought that even a seven year sentence was too much.
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Post by stepper on Jun 12, 2011 22:32:17 GMT -6
People killed by drunk drivers are dead longer than that - people burnt in car wrecks are scarred longer than that - the families who have to live with the loss of a loved one server longer sentences than the one who caused the problem. I suppose at some point society should stop bearing the burden of paying for these people to be in jail - but why can't they be be released only on condition they have to take Campral or Vivitrol for life?
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Post by Phalon on Aug 17, 2011 22:15:11 GMT -6
"The White Mouse", the Allies' most decorated servicewoman, died August 8th, at aged 98. Nancy Wake, a spy for the Allied Forces during WWII, saved thousands of lives, and "was awarded France's highest honor, as well as three Croix de Guerre and a French Resistance Medal, Britain's George Medal and the US Medal of Freedom"....and finally, 60 years after her service, was recognized by the Australian government, becoming Australia's most decorated servicewoman. Here's her story: www.news.com.au/national/nancy-wake-the-white-mouse-has-died/story-e6frfkvr-1226110714515 |
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Post by Mini Mia on Aug 18, 2011 18:03:45 GMT -6
Wow! She killed a man with her bare hands? I'd like to learn how she did that. It should be taught to women the world over. It would be empowering for women to know how to protect themselves against attack and to be able to take out the bad guy before he takes you out.
What an inspiration. 
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Post by Siren on Aug 18, 2011 21:09:41 GMT -6
What a woman! What an amazing story and legacy! All that, and beautiful, to boot. Her looks remind me of Barbara Stanwyck. As I was reading that, I was thinking that surely someone had made a movie of her extraordinary life. Read down further, and there was Cate Blanchett, looking like a total bad*ss, in a movie based on Nancy Wake. Okay, that, I must see.
Thanks so much for posting that!
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Post by katina2nd on Aug 19, 2011 20:25:23 GMT -6
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Post by Siren on Aug 19, 2011 20:34:45 GMT -6
Oh, I hope it's not Nicole. I just don't think she's bad*ss enough. Sorry, Nic!
Actually Barbara Stanwyck would have made a GREAT Nancy Wake.
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Post by katina2nd on Aug 19, 2011 20:43:56 GMT -6
Agree on both counts, Nicole wouldn't be right for the part and Barbara Stanwyck would have been an ideal choice. Hope it's Naomi, superb actress and I think I'm a bit in luv with her as well .................. sorry Uma.  |
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Post by Siren on Aug 19, 2011 20:48:02 GMT -6
Lol! Again I say it...you dog!  Sorry for highjacking this thread, kat, but I must tell you - I saw "Shane" in a theater last night! Oh, it was wonderful - like I'd never seen it before. I even cried, and more than once! So, so good. It was like a new movie to me. I am just so thrilled my little hometown theater is showing these wonderful old films. |
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Post by katina2nd on Aug 19, 2011 20:53:15 GMT -6
 Who? Me? whywhatdidido? Lucky you Siren, sheesh there are a lot of films I'd love to see again on the big screen, LOTM not the least of them. Speaking of films, have you seen the sequel of The Descent, caught it on tele yesterday.
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Post by Phalon on Aug 20, 2011 6:33:15 GMT -6
I agree that Nicole doesn't seem right for the part. Actually, I think Angelina Jolie seems good to play Nancy Wake based on some of her roles in other movies - the Laura Croft movies, The Tourist, and Salt - kick-butt type characters with international intrigue.
I love when you guys talk movies. There have been times I've been flipping through the channels, came across a movie, and thought, 'oh, I remember Siren and Katina talking about this one'. I haven't been disappointed yet when watching something you two have mentioned.
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Post by Siren on Aug 20, 2011 7:31:21 GMT -6
What a nice compliment, Gams! I'm glad if Kat and I have put you onto some good ones. As dear Gabbin said, so long ago, I wish we could somehow share a couch and watch them together. BTW, the girls at another of my favorite blogs, www.gofugyourself.com, whose specialty is hilariously critiquing celebrity fashion, also heard about Nancy Wake's death, and were blown away by her. As they put it, "This obituary, of a woman who was a British spy during WWII, is going to make you wonder if you're doing enough with your life. Because she was straight-up awesome." gofugyourself.com/They included the link to Nancy's very interesting , beautifully written obit in the Washington Post (be sure and read the reader comments below it). Wow, I MUST read her biography! www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/nancy-wake-white-mouse-of-world-war-ii-dies-at-98/2011/08/08/gIQABvPT5I_story.htmlGams, I have no doubt that Angelina would do well as Nancy Wake. I love her action films. "Salt" was a thrill-ride, for sure, and I'm ready for a sequel. (Surely there WILL be a sequel. The end of that movie practically said, "SEQUEL AHEAD".) But somehow, I missed "The Tourist". Try to eliminate the beautiful vision of Johnny from your mind (difficult, I know), and give me your objective review.  Kat, I also missed the sequel to "The Descent". Was it anywhere near as effective as the original? What a good movie that was! Scare me silly! One more movie reference: Kat, I have already requested LOTM at the theater. Oh, I hope I hope I hope... |
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Post by katina2nd on Aug 20, 2011 22:04:08 GMT -6
Good to know we haven't put you onto any duds Gams ...... yet.  Kat, I also missed the sequel to "The Descent". Was it anywhere near as effective as the original? What a good movie that was! Scare me silly! Yeah I remember how much you enjoyed the first one Siren [ as did I ] if being terrified can be called enjoyment. As far as sequels go this one was fair, but a long way short of the original. Lacked that claustrophobic feeling of the first one, and some of the cast were a bit one dimensional, but worth a look I guess as long as your expectations are not to high. One more movie reference: Kat, I have already requested LOTM at the theater. Oh, I hope I hope I hope... Give me advance notice if they agree to your request [ how could they not ] and I'll hop on the first available flight. |
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Post by Phalon on Aug 21, 2011 7:16:26 GMT -6
You're kidding, yes? Eliminating that beautiful vision won't be just difficult, it's nearly impossible.
For you, though, I'll try. I know plenty of people that didn't care for The Tourist, but I loved it. It had all the elements I like in movies - lots of drama, mystery, action, with a heaping helping of romance, and just a dash of comedy, (here in the form of sarcastic one-liners, and a run across a tiled roof that screams Jack Sparrow).
If you liked Salt (I did; I rewatched it again earlier this week), you'll probably like The Tourist. It is what it is...an entertaining drama/action movie that's exciting to watch with lots of pretty scenery (to include Depp, Jolie, and the setting). What it's not is a film that is meant to leave the viewer pondering deep, hidden meanings.
The end was a bit predictable; I guessed it about halfway through (Hubs and LX hate when I do that, saying I ruin the ending for them. How is that possible, when I'm just guessing?). A friend (who also loved the movie) said the ending came as a complete surprise to him. I thought his reason was interesting - characters would never do or say the things they did when alone in a scene if it was to be played out as it did. I guess I look at things as a whole; he looked closer at individual scenes. Definitely one I'll watch again, playing closer attention to certain scenery...uhm, I mean scenes.
Me too!
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Post by stepper on Aug 21, 2011 13:55:28 GMT -6
Don't forget the popcorn. Somehow popcorn makes movies better.
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Post by Mini Mia on Aug 21, 2011 23:51:27 GMT -6
I enjoyed 'The Tourist' too, Siren. I had it figured out not long into the movie, but I figured I was wrong because it seemed like it was too easy a guess. Debating with myself caused me to get distracted the first viewing, so I had to watch it again. Watching it again and again is just due to me competing with Phalon for Johnny's affections.  
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Post by Siren on Aug 22, 2011 21:54:43 GMT -6
I saw "Salt" once at the movies. Yesterday, I saw the last 1/3 of it on tv. Boy, was that good! People underestimate Angelina, I think. Not everyone can make action scenes look as believable as she does. She makes you think she really could shoot you in the eye from 100 yards away, or kill you, swiftly, cleanly, and efficiently, in hand-to-hand combat. One thing we noticed is that the way Angie is dressed enhances her action-gal persona in "Salt". All those big coats and long dusters make her look bigger and more imposing. But in the scene where she was dressed as a man, then takes off her jacket, and is running and fighting in just tailored slacks and a dress shirt, you can see how small she really is. Suddenly, she looks more vulnerable. We also noticed how cold and closed-off her eyes and face are in most "Salt" scenes - perfect for a super-spy. But in the sweet scenes with her husband, and at his death, and in the scene at the end where she is trying to seduce the killer, her face is open and soft. Impressive work from Angie, I think. Lucy and Renee made action and fight scenes look real, too, which was part of why "Xena" was so much fun to watch. And the lead actress' inability to pull off the action scenes was one of the biggest reasons, IMO, that the attempted re-launch of "The Bionic Woman" a couple of years ago didn't work. The fights just didn't look real, and you just didn't believe she could kick your *ss, essential for an action star. I'm gonna take y'all's advice on "The Tourist". With Johnny and Angie, how could you go wrong? But I'm staying away from the catfight that's brewing between Jox and Gams. I totally hijacked this thread with my movie tangent. Sorry! How about I get us back on track. Here's a whole page full of everyday heroes. And by the way, the Denver news anchor, the very cute Mitch Jelniker, used to work in Oklahoma City. He always reminded me of Christopher Reeve. www.thedenverchannel.com/7everydayhero/index.html |
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Post by Siren on Aug 26, 2011 22:26:05 GMT -6
Among my sheroes is Pat Summitt, Tennessee women's basketball's legendary coach, who has more wins than *any* college coach, male or female. She is a true pioneer, who took over the program at age 22 in the days when the head coach was also the laundress and bus driver, got very little money, and her sport got no respect. Over the decades, she has set the example for tough, fair coaching and brilliant tactics, and has had unparallelled success, building, perhaps, the greatest program ever in women's basketball - 8 national championships and over 1,000 wins. When I learned this week that Pat Summitt, at age 59, has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia/Alzheimer's, I cried. It's a horrible, horrible thing to happen to anyone. But to a person so intelligent and vital, it's especially cruel. But leave it to Coach to face the problem squarely and with determination. The tributes to Pat are pouring in, and they should. Here are a few of the articles reflecting on her startling announcement: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/pat-summitt-tennessee-womens-basketball-coach-diagnosed-with-alzheimers-disease/2011/08/23/gIQADEuDZJ_print.htmlespn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6889143/tennessee-lady-vols-pat-summitt-spent-life-fighting-uphill-battlesaol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-08-26/pat-summitts-substance-will-outlast-danica-patricks-style |
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Post by Phalon on Aug 27, 2011 4:32:52 GMT -6
I saw the headlines about her diagnosis, and her determined attitude this past week. Pat Summit? Even I, who doesn't follow the sport, and knows practically nothing about basketball, knows who Pat Summit is. It's a testimony to her legendary reputation.
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Post by Siren on Aug 28, 2011 21:21:43 GMT -6
I've had a number of people mention Pat's illness to me who I'm sure know nothing much about basketball. You're right, she has that kind of reputation. A friend remarked that the only good thing to come out of this is the attention Pat will bring to this disease. I think that's already happening. It is shocking to many people that someone so young could get a disease associated with elderly people. I hear it can happen to people in their 40s, too.
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Post by stepper on Sept 17, 2011 12:50:36 GMT -6
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Post by Siren on Sept 22, 2011 21:18:35 GMT -6
The story is horribly tragic. What a crushing, heartbreaking loss for that family. I'm glad the mom's faith has been restored. But frankly - and y'all may be offended by me saying this - I'd have felt better if she hadn't just openly said, "Buy the book." ~~~~~~~~ Here's a feel-good story about a kid who did the right thing: www.mncrosscountryhub.com/news_article/show/103780?referrer_id=374048 |
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Post by Phalon on Sept 26, 2011 4:56:23 GMT -6
I loved the story of the cross-country runner; the young man not only is a good Samaritan and displayed good sportsmanship, but at an age when a lot of times 'it's all about me', he put another before himself.
Speaking of that age....
I have to admit, Stepper, I have no desire to click on that link you posted; too close to home, I think. "How would you cope with that?" you asked. I couldn't. Though LX isn't driving yet (she will all too soon), most of her friends are....and I cringe every time she gets in the car with one of them behind the wheel. Mom always used to say when us kids got the car keys, that's when the real worry started. I used to "pfft" her; now I know exactly how she felt.
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Post by Phalon on Nov 7, 2011 5:53:27 GMT -6
I usually quickly find something to keep me occupied whenever the girls want to watch a Nickelodeon Awards Show which usually involves slime and a lot of kids screaming on the television. Last night though, we watched a very emotional and inspiring awards show on TeenNick - The Halo Awards. The Halo Awards honor young people who are making a difference in their communities, and even the world. There were five honorees last night, each of them accomplishing amazing things. One young woman was especially inspiring: Shanoah Washington was the daughter of the founder of a violent gang, and having been raped twice as a young teenager, her life was spiraling downward very quickly. The Boys and Girls Club gave her the confidence to pick herself up, and she went on to form Sista2Sista, a mentoring program for at-risk girls. Well-spoken and motivating, full of enthusiasm and inspiring, this young lady is going places. You could just feel it watching the show. Here's the accomplishments of all last night's Halo honorees: dreamerent.com/2011/11/be-the-change-young-changemakers-honored-at-the-teennick-halo-awards-2011/ |
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Who? Me? whywhatdidido? 