Whether it's dark chocolate mousse or melt in your mouth cheesecake, your favorite dessert speaks volumes about your personality. "Pleasant tastes release feel good chemicals in the brain," says psychologist Truman Shorts. "These pleasurable sensations, in turn, attract distinctively different personalities."
Ice cream -- You're a creative genius who's always full of new ideas, and you can handle several projects simultaneously. You're also outgoing, infinitely curious, and your genuine interest in others draws people to you in swarms. But for all your grownup abilities, just like your enthusiasm for yummy ice cream, you embrace life with the infectious enthusiasm of a child, seeing only the good in everyone.
Fruit -- You're a positive thinker who sees the silver lining in the gray cloud, while using all your talents to ambitiously forge ahead in your career. Nibbling fruit perfectly fits your temperament, since natural sugars don't produce dramatic highs or lows that alter brain chemistry. Your consistency of mood makes you a dependable person who rarely stays down for long and can be counted on to stand firm in a crisis.
Chocolate -- Your natural courage is boosted by eating chocolate, which triggers the urge to take risks. You're always at the center of the action, going for the solution that requires passionate commitment. People find your ebullient disposition and clever wit so charming that they easily fall under your spell and allow you to take the lead in most situations. You make an excellent boss.
Pecan pie or carrot cake -- You always tell the truth, but with a diplomatic flair that rarely ruffles any feathers. You're also intensely loyal to family and friends, and, like your favorite dessert, you are deeply connected to traditional values. Smart as a whip and flexible enough to resolve conflicts without losing your cool, you impress people with a mixture of idealism and sophistication that makes you a standout.
Cheesecake -- Your intuitive nature makes you aware of brewing conflicts before anyone else notices the danger signs. Just as cheesecake requires sensitive taste buds to appreciate its subtle flavor, your emotional savvy is a welcome ability in tense situations. You also possess an unerring sense of fairness, bringing harmony to any situation. Your calming influence is indispensable to your family.
Since we spend all of our winter lives in our coats I thought finding the right one might be a good idea. Here are some tips
A warm coat is the most-utilized piece in a woman's winter wardrobe, and with cold weather quickly approaching, there's little time to sugarcoat the need for every woman to find a cover-up that is both figure-flattering and fashionable. This guide to picking the right winter coat for your body type will help you bundle up beautifully, regardless of your size or shape.
If You're Bottom Heavy: When you have an ample rear, the wrong fit can make your coat appear to be too small, even if it's the right size for your body. Also, trenches, and coats that are double-breasted work well with wider hips.
If You're An Apple: A woman's stomach can easily appear larger and wider in an inappropriate coat style. Luckily, swing coats, are not only stylish this season but are also very flattering to the apple-shaped figure. Coat Styles to Shun: Belted coats are not flattering (or comfortable) on apple-shaped women, nor are extremely fitted coats.
If You're Extremely Busty: Well-endowed women often struggle to find stylish coats that fit across the bust line without adding inches elsewhere. To keep your chest under wraps without sacrificing style, opt for single-breasted coats with a tailored look.
If You're Extremely Thin: Being too skinny often creates chaos when looking for a well-fitting coat that doesn't swamp its wearer. Never fear, a well placed belt on a coat or jacket can create curves.
If You're Short: Being petite can leave you swimming inside of the wrong coat style, so it is very important that you invest in a fitted winter coat so the cut of your coat does not overwhelm your small frame.
If You're Plus-Sized: Larger women need to make sure their coats accentuate (not add to!) their curves. Less bulky (but still warm) fabrics in solid colors are a huge plus for fuller figures. Also, try drawing attention to your face with a v-neck coat in a classic pattern.
We talked about this on the show on Friday. Hard to believe a 9 year old kid hit the dating tips head on but he did!
Check them out:
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Alec Greven is only nine years old, but he "gets" the other sex so well, he's written a book to help other boys. The book, "How to Talk to Girls" is something that will teach a lesson or two to grown men, too. Alec did his research at recess, watching the boys talk to girls. He took notes. Here is some of Alec's advice:
A crush is like a love disease. It can drive you mad.
Girls don't like sloppy boys. Ditch the sweat pants and comb your hair if you want to get a girlfriend.
When meeting a girl, walk up to her casually. Say, "Hi." If she says "Hi" back, you're off to a good start.
Most girls don't like showoffs.
When talking to a girl, act calm and don't be nervous.
If you do win victory with a girl, don't cheer in front of her. Go somewhere private, then knock your head off and cheer.
Pretty girls are like cars that need a lot of oil.
Pretty girls are more likely to dump a boy than regular girls.
Girls don't like the class clown. They tend to like the smartest kid in the class. That might be a good thing to shoot for, because then you pretty much get all the girls.
The rudest thing a boy can do to a girl is to say or do something mean.
It's hard to hold on to girls for a long time. Some boys might get the girlto like them at the start of a recess and at the end, the girl dumps them.
Life is hard. Move on. You have to get over it. Otherwise, everything just crashes down. You're all depressed. You don't play. You spend your time locked up in your room. You have to move on.
I know it makes me weird that the following story made me smile.
Non-Traditional Christmas Decorations In Oberlin, Ohio, artist Keith McGuckin is back at it doing what he does best -- pushing the artistic envelope. This time it's a rather unique Christmas display at the Oberlin Public Library which features a legless Santa Claus in a wheelchair being pushed down stairs by a crazed Christmas tree! Keith says his Santa has no legs because of an accident involving alcohol and some power lines. An accompanying narrative explains that the tree later goes off to a strip club with money from Santa's Salvation Army kettle. Keith's holiday creations have been raising eyebrows for years. His 2006 gingerbread Nazis drew so many complaints he was forced to remove them from a hardware store window. But library director Darren McDonough said the latest display is staying. He jokes that if a library doesn't have something that offends, it's not doing its job. (The Chronicle-Telegram)
I found myself wondering what other truly bazar holiday displays you could see in public or in your neighbors yard like....
What would it be like if someones nativity in their yard was done with those creepy lifesize Bratz dolls? Can you see the Bratz in the manger?
I also visualized the Heath Ledger Joker made up face on a giant inflatable santa inside one of those bubbles with the fan where the snow whirls wround in someones yard.
How about the the traditional santa and his sleigh of reindeer but they are all various taxedermied animals in santa hats.
Thursday, December 4, 2008, 07:51 AM CST [General]
Todd Walker FOX 9 Weekend Hit List December 4th - December 7th
Mall of America
Family Flicks - Catch a free movie at Theatres at Mall of America every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. This Saturday, Dec. 6 the movie is 'Transformers." Holiday Classics - With the donation of a non-perishable food item, your family can enjoy a free movie at Theatres at Mall of America every day at 10 a.m.. This week Monday through Thursday the film is "It's a Wonderful Life" and starting Friday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 11 the movie will be "Home for the Holidays."
Sunday, Dec. 7 Pet Photos with Santa Bring your favorite pet into "The Santa Experience" at Mall of America located on Level 3 South across from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to have their photo taken with Santa. Pets of all kinds are welcome to take part in a photo opportunity with their loving owners and Santa. 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
St. Paul River Center and Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show Friday-Sunday Friday: 1 - 9 p.m. / Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. / Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saint Paul RiverCentre Tickets are available at the door- $8 for adults, $4 for kids 12 and under, children under 3 are FREE
Michael W. Smith "It's A Wonderful Christmas" Featuring American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle Saturday - 7 p.m. Xcel Energy Center Great seats still available! $37 / $47 / $57 / $77
Trans-Siberian Orchestra The rock orchestra's musical style is often described as progressive rock, symphonic metal, heavy metal and classical music all mixed together. TSO is well-known for its laser lights show and rockin' renditions of traditional Christmas songs Sunday - 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Xcel Energy Center Tickets are going fast! $37 / $47
Shopping Gwen Leeds's popular Greed Gone Wild Sale takes place Thursday through Saturday. Shop an unbeatable selection of designer and vintage clothing, jewelry, hats, shoes, furniture, and more. Donate canned food to receive 10 percent off one item. Patina Props, 2014 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-789-6006
Don't miss the thirtieth annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar at Landmark Center this Thursday through Saturday. More than eighty Midwest artists exhibit holiday gifts, including jewelry, wood carving, dried flowers, wearable art, and more. 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul, 651-292-3225
Pottery Barn/Galleria Sunday, December 7 - 10 am Hosting the perfect holiday party and setting the perfect dinner table The class is free, but size is limited, so be sure to call Pottery Barn to make your reservation - (952) 925-1610.
Midtown Global Market No Coast Craft-o-Rama has become a favorite holiday shopping destination for thousands. Now in its fourth year, this season's sale will feature more handcrafted gifts than ever; over 100 vendors will sell their homemade and self-designed wares December 5 and 6 at the Midtown Global Market. Friday, December 5 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Midtown Global Market, E. Lake Street and 10th Ave S. Minneapolis, MN
Events:
Grand Meander December 6 Grand Avenue's Grand Meander is a leisurely, family-friendly holiday event featuring carolers, trolley rides, a soup tasting, unique pieces by local artists, and great bargains at most of Grand Avenue's retailers. This year's Grand Meander will include the display of work by local artists in several avenue businesses to provide one-of-a-kind holiday gift ideas. Children are invited to attend a free pancake breakfast with Santa Claus himself at Tavern on Grand. Later that day, Santa and his reindeer will be spreading holiday cheer along the avenue. Shoppers can take advantage of free trolley rides beginning at 11 a.m. The day concludes with a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. in front of Charlemagne Fine Jewelery. 8:30a.m. - 5:00p.m. Grand Avenue Grand Avenue, St. Paul ; 651 699-0029
Life Time Fitness Reindeer Run 5K - Get into the spirit of the season and help support a great cause! Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis, Minn. Saturday, December 6 Race day registration - 8:00 - 9:15 a.m. Costume Contest - 8:30 a.m. Santa's official "Ho ho ho...go!" start - 9:30 a.m. Race Awards - 10:15 a.m. The Life Time Fitness Reindeer Run 5K run and walk will draw thousands of participants to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program. Each of the top five men and women will receive awards following the race and all participants receive a free t-shirt and refreshments. The event also features a pre-race costume contest at 8:45 a.m. Categories include: groups (three or more people, with a maximum of eight), pairs and individuals. Santa and his helpers will pick the top three costumes in each category and the crowd will help decide the first, second and third-place winners, with prizes awarded to the top three.
Holidazzle A Fairytale For All Thursdays through Sundays November 28th through December 21st 6:30 PM on Nicollet Mall between 12th & 4th streets
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ELF AT MACY'S SANTALAND Through Dec. 31: Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa's elves have arrived at Macy's. The annual holiday display "A Day in the Life of an Elf at Macy's Santaland" is open on the eighth floor of the Minneapolis store. North Pole vignettes show elves fetching Santa's mail and teaching reindeer to fly. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Sundays, Macy's Minneapolis, 700 Nicollet Mall; free; 612-375-5020.
British Television Advertising Awards - Walker Art Center Sundays and Fridays : (December 5 through December 28) Saturdays : (December 5 through December 29) Daily (December 29 through December 30) Price: $10 ($8 Walker members) 612-331-3889 The Walker Art Center presents multiple screenings of the 2008 British Television Advertising Awards. You may ask us why it is reasonable to charge admission to watch commercials, but these are commercials are well worth the $10 ticket. The British Television Advertising Awards honors only the highest caliber spots on their liberal airwaves, some directed by film giants like Harmony Korine and Martin Scorsese. Many are thought-provoking, many are sexy, many are funny and all of the winners will be playing at the Walker Art Center this month.
Jackson Street Roundhouse Santa's Train Shop Returns - 8th Annual Event December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2008 10am-4pm The Jackson Street Roundhouse is home to Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and all sorts of exciting holiday treats for the whole family. Get your picture taken with Santa, tell him what you want this holiday season; take a ride on a real train, get up close with model railroads, including the Greater Midwest Lego train layout. Adults $10, Children $8, Family $35 (2 adults & 2 to 4 children)
St. Paul's Phalen Park Holiday Lights November 25 - December 31 A new holiday tradition is being added to St. Paul's Phalen Park. Holiday Lights in the Park is a drive-through exhibit of thirty-seven holiday-themed light sculptures created by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The tour is just over half-a-mile long, and proceeds go to various local charities. Tours run from 5:30-10:00 p.m. every night. Cost is $8 per car Sun. through Thur 5:30p.m. - 10p.m. Phalen Park 1615 Phalen Dr. E., St. Paul ; 612-455-1732
Holiday Flower Show - Como Zoo Park and Conservatory December 6 - January 19 The Holiday Flower Show decorates the Sunken Garden with more than 1,000 poinsettias. Como Zoo Park and Conservatory 225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul ; 651-487-8233
Theatre
"The Cooking Show con Karimi y Comrades Holiday Party for the People" Ruby's @ The Lab continues to bring fun, innovative performances to the Twin Cities with "The Cooking Show con Karimi y Comrades Holiday Party for the People." The live cooking performance features local revolutionary chef Mero Cocinero Karimi, an Iranian-Guatemalan activist, artist, and poet. Karimi crafts revolutionary recipes onstage and guarantees delicious samples, healthy political discussion and savory stories for every audience member. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays : 8 p.m. (December 4 through December 13) Sundays : 7 p.m. (December 4 through December 13) Price: $26.50-$29.50 Event Phone Number: 612.333.7977
Irving Berlin's White Christmas - Ordway December 2 - January 3 You know the classic story of two fame-hungry buddies who perform a holiday show at a Vermont Inn and find two lovely ladies to fall in love with along the way. What you may not know is that this blockbuster mega-show involves twelve semi-trucks full of props and equipment that took ten days to set up. The result: over-the-top holiday entertainment for all. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 345 Washington St., St. Paul ; 651-224-4222
All I want for Christmas is 700 Billion Dollars: Our 50th Noel Brave New Workshop December 4 - January 31 Not getting a big bailout for the holidays? BNW's latest will surely have everyone rolling with laughter through the holidays-even the scrooges in the audience won't be able to resist a chuckle. Brave New Workshop 2605 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ; 612-332-6620
Black Nativity - Hear Again the Christmas Story! - Penumbra Theatre November 28 - December 28 The Penumbra's annual holiday show is all about celebration, and includes many of the Twin Cities' finest singers and dancers, such as Yolande Bruce, Ginger Commodore, T. Mychael Rambo, and many more. Penumbra Theatre 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul ; 651-224-3180
Miss Richfield 1981's It's A Coo Coo Christmas - Illusion Theater November 28 - December 14 Miss Richfield's annual holiday show is full of advice you might never need, comedy that is under-rehearsed, and plenty of unpredictable participation. Starring the one-and-only Ms. Richfield 1981, this is a show that rarely disappoints, and usually sells out. Illusion Theater 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ; 612-339-4944
A Christmas Carole Petersen - Ordway Acclaimed storyteller, Tod Petersen, conjures the ghosts of Yuletides past in this hilarious and heartwarming musical tribute to his Mankato childhood and the show's namesake-his mother, Carole. Daily (ends December 21) Price: $19.00 651-224-4222
Martini & Olives Silent Night Fever - Bryant Lake Bowl December 28 : 7 p.m. December 30 : 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays : 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (ends December 27) Price: $23 advance / $25 day of show 612-825-3737 They're back, they're beautiful and they're burning the yule-log at both ends! It's Martini & Olive's 15th annual holiday celebration and they return to where it all started-the BLB!-with ridiculous medleys of music from the '70s, unbelievably funny dance numbers and very special guests (emphasis on "special"). Yes, Martini & Olive will give a funkified flu shot to that pesky ole Humbug.
Music
Gretchen Wilson - Myth Nightclub December 5 The singer of "Redneck Woman" hasn't been back to Minnesota since she performed with Big & Rich at the 2007 Glamorama. Expect to hear songs from her upcoming album, I Got Your Country Right Here. Myth Nightclub 3090 Southlawn Dr., Maplewood ; 651-779-6984
Tim Mahoney - Fine Line Music Cafe December 5 The popular local pop-rock artist officially went big time after his song "More Than a Moment" was featured on The Hills. OMG. His latest is Stay/Leave. Fine Line Music Cafe Minneapolis ; 989-5151
Lorie Line - State Theatre December 6 - December 13 This hometown pianist and singer brings her magnetic voice on tour every holiday season. She has released more than twenty albums in her career and is a local favorite. State Theatre 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ; 989-5151
Swinging Nutcracker - Orchestra Hall December 6 This may be one of the most interesting twists we've seen to Tchaikovsky's classic. A Duke Ellington-style jazz ensemble plays Ellington's translations of the original versions, the orchestra plays the originals, and the Minnesota Dance Theater adds the visual spark. 7:30p.m. Orchestra Hall 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
