MerrinDonahue.com

I’ve started a new blog, but I’ve gotta warn you: unless you want to know graphic details of infertility treatments, stay away. How much uterus talk can you take?

I have found the most fabulous place on Earth. Who knew a trip to Sam Moon would lead to such a wonderful find? If you haven’t checked out the Fusion Factory yet, you need to. It’s in the Sam Moon Center off of Harry Hines. You get to create your very own candles, body lotions, scrubs, even shampoo. Best of all, you create a registry while you’re in the store, and then you can re-order online. You used to be able to do some of that at Garden Botanika, but since they don’t have any stand-alone stores here anymore, Fusion Factory has stepped right in. Plus, GB was a little pricey, and while Fusion Factory isn’t cheap, it is more reasonable.
Get down to Harry Hines and knock out all your Holiday shopping in one place. Yes, they do stuff for guys, too.
Oh, yeah. I got a purse and a super fun red hat with feathers for me. Maybe I can talk Kevin into posting pictures later……

Well, Kevin is in the kitchen making dressing balls, so it must be Thanksgiving. We’re headed next door in a little while, then back to our house for a little more turkey. Then, we’re off to Rudolf’s for dessert and……well, booze.
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. We sure are blessed this year with family and friends.

Remember the Dan Akroyd skit on SNL about the Bag O’ Glass? Well, the official list of the most dangerous toys was released today. Okay, the Fun Slides Carpet Skates (intended to mimic sliding in your socks over hardwood floors, something which I happen to know a little about) were probably not the best idea. I wholeheartedly agree, however, that the 3-Gun Squad Set—UZ1 Commando Machine Gun (not intended for children under 3 years) deserves to be on the list.
And yes, Josh, I can hear you chanting “liberal hippie” way over here.

There are three little words (hereafter referred to as TLW) being spoken with alarming regularity in the Donahue household lately. Now, if you know Kevin and me, you probably think you have a pretty good idea of what those words might be. You’re wrong. Sure, we say the traditional three little words eleventy billion times a day, and neither of us ever get tired of hearing them. The words to which I’m currently referring, however, are being used as a form of….well, if not revenge, then let’s just say “public outing”.
That’s right: The phrase striking fear into the heart of couples/friends/co-workers everywhere is “I’m Blogging This”. Now, granted, there have been many times that for the sake of my marriage, I have refrained from sharing (besides, Kevin usually does a pretty good job of outing himself with his “Confessions“. This is because he knows if he doesn’t own up to something, then I will out him).
Sure, this all sounds petty, and maybe a little mean, but you have to know us to appreciate it. Neither of us would ever twist the TLW to suit malicious purposes, but it sure is funny to think about exposing the uber-arm hair (I swear, Kevin has one arm hair that would make some poor bald man a mighty fine comb-over). In the end, I think I’ll just go order one of these, and throw it on when my husband’s antics strike me as particularly funny.

Here’s the email I received from WFAA about not airing Life As We Know It. Apparently, they presume that their viewers are unable to change the channel if they think something is offensive. And the FCC argument? Guess what, WFAA? Other markets aired the program and were not subject to fines. It’s just not your job to tell me what is or is not suitable for viewing.

Thank you for writing about our decision not to air an episode of ABC’s drama, “Life As We Know It” on Thursday night, October 28, at 8 p.m.

It is extremely rare that we pre-empt network programs due to inappropriate content, however after much discussion and careful consideration we believed it was necessary.

The program targets and is primarily marketed to one demographic: teens. The storyline contained explicit material about a teenage boy (a minor) having sex with one of his teachers. It was a provocative subject, and featured portrayals that went way over the top. The storyline and visual images were well beyond community standards particularly as it relates to teens.

We have been discussing the content of ” Life As We Know It” with ABC since its premiere, and this particular episode was one that crossed the line of appropriateness.

Being in television news, we believe that the right to free speech is of paramount importance. But, as a licensee of the FCC, we are obligated to monitor content for appropriateness, violence, sexual content and indecency.

We will continue to monitor the program and make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Best regards,

Kathy Clements