Every Day Is A fresh...

 

Happy Halloween '25

 National Be-Something-Else" Day

Don't forget to "ESCAPE" and use this opportunity to show the world who you are.  Remember it is not a costume. it is your / my reality.  We are using Halloween as an opportunity.  

A good day to explain our transgender nature.  Yes, our unchangeable nature on full display to those you work with, have coffee with and love. Introduce to the world, your true self.  

For those interested, here is my National Be Something Else Day "first time out" Halloween story.  One of Rhonda's first outings. 

 Halloween is a sacred day for us to "ESCAPE"!   

You Only live once. 

"Your ________'s Clothes" - A Beautiful Comment

 

Tami commented on "Your ________'s Clothes"

My Note:  Thank you so much Tami... 

I was fortunate to be able to choose from my two older sisters’ and my mothers’ dresser drawers and closets full of feminine finery in the late 1950's. The selections before me were almost limitless, my only restriction was finding enough alone-time in our house to don these soft and feminine garments. When I knew everyone would be out for a long period of time, I would slip into their rooms, pick out some lingerie from their drawers, head into their walk-in closets, and slip into lots of different, slinky, soft clothing items.

I’m not sure if I would be as tempted to do this if I were growing up today, as the typical female everyday wardrobe of 2025 is not that radically different from a male wardrobe - slacks, wool or cotton socks, low heel or no heel shoes, courser fabrics overall, shirts instead of billowy blouses, etc. Of course most women do own some softer more feminine ‘girly’ clothing, but that seems relegated to more special occasions, or if required for working in an office, or reserved for nights in the boudoir. It’s a rare sight to see my favorite girly-girl item on any female today, sheer sensuous stockings. To me the bare leg look just isn’t as special. ’Tis a shame that sensuous slips and the like have mostly slipped away.

Anyway, I was a lucky child who loved female attire and had many amazing selections for my occasional forays into dressing like a girl. I tried on every girly concoction I could, and admired the view of myself in a full-length mirror, not only while wearing the wondrous lingerie - ruffled lace trimmed satin panties, long-line bras trimmed with lace, satiny girdles, garter belts, sheer stockings, slips, petticoats - but eventually if time allowed, I also donned their high heels, dresses, skirts, blouses, clip-on earrings, bracelets, necklaces, hair bows, pretty hats with lace and nets covering one’s face, and the like. No one in my house had wigs, so I had to make ‘do’ with my short male hair. I didn’t dare try to use makeup, because I worried about removing it completely, and understood that anything that was slightly used might be noticed. I would have loved to try the full effect of all female attire and makeup, even spraying myself with perfume, but that never happened in my youthful experiments with crossdressing at home.

Another benefit of growing up at that period of the utmost feminine finery, was the proliferation of one of my favorite girly item of all - petticoats. The fullest and pouffiest were designed to hold out the wide skirts of gowns. My sisters had two gowns each, one for Junior and one for Senior prom. They were my very favorites, chiffon and satin with long skirts, held out by layer after layer after layer of crinolines and petticoats. Wearing them was like turning yourself into a floating cloud. I couldn’t get enough of anything with a petticoat, wearing a gown or even a shorter skirt demanded that you give it a twirl, something that took some concentration when tottering on delicate shoes with thin, spiky, high heels. I don’t have any photos of those actual beautiful gowns I sometimes got to wear, but I have included photos of gowns similar to them.

In case anyone wonders if I ever got caught dressed as a girl, the answer is no, but it was close one time. I was almost done putting everything carefully back when I heard the garage door open and I had to rush. I wonder if they every noticed anything amiss, but I suspect my sisters probably thought the other sister had borrowed something and put it back. If my crossdressing escapades were ever suspected I never learned about it.

There must be more stories?

The Ever Present Lilly Look

 

As the rest of the country is storing their shorts and sandals for sweaters and boots, South Florida is reopening. Every day I see car-carriers delivering the snowbird's vehicles; so the crowds will follow.  

And, the ever present Lilly, pinks / teals and off shoulder tops are being restocked in women's boutiques. Just this past week Katie and I attended the "Thursday Evening" mixer at the Palm Beach Colony and we were ask if we were there for the event. Seemed there was a Lilly fundraiser also that evening.  Oh Darn! Had I been wearing my "Lilly" there would have been a gate crasher. "What do you mean my name is not on the list? check again."

Sitting at the bar were two very appropriately dressed ladies waiting for the event to open.  "I Know you", was one comment. Seem we met at the 
"Lilly Retreat" two years ago; small world. We talked for a while. 

With the evening's disappointment behind me, I reached out to a Stuart "Pink Retreat" girlfriend to make sure I am in the know for future events. We are meeting for lunch next week to make sure my social calendar is up to date. 

That brings me to the above layout. Today my mall's Lilly store was featuring its last day "end-of-summer sale".  I guess no one got the memo that season is just starting here. I did purchase the above off-one-shoulder top.  I plan to wear it, as shown, with similar palazzo pants and low heels.  

I am ready for Season!!!!!

Beauty Illustrated

 

Ahhhhh - To be 40 years younger and be her!

Trump’s Wrecking-Ball Presidency

The East Wing Demolition Speaks 

"There may never have been a better metaphor."

My Note: Last week I ran a tongue-and-cheek Daily Beast HOA letter to Trump.  There were several interesting comments, and I always so appreciate those. One of which stated "[there] is enough serious stuff to deal with versus a privately funded project."  I agree. However, with the exception that this action is the most visible manifestation of a bully presidency that has no bounds. The blow CNN OPED on a wrecking-ball presidency addresses this.

I would like to discuss one other glaring flaw in the fact that this is "privately funded".  Political donations always have strings. The quid pro quo. Maybe bought-and-paid access or a covert bribe to get a favorable decision / influence. Do not be so naive as to think million are being given for only altruistic purposes. PBS: The Full List of donors. 

The Godfather: "Someday, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me."

______________________________

Analysis by Stephen Collinson

October25, 2025.

Everyone says the same thing the first time they go inside the White House: It’s much smaller than they expected.

Inside the West Wing, the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room and the offices of top officials are within steps of one another. The executive mansion, with its great state spaces like the East Room and State Dining Room, is elegant, but intimate. The Cross Hall, leading to the front door on the north front of the building, is imposing but not overwhelming. This is where the haunting picture of a pensive John F. Kennedy hangs, and where President Barack Obama walked down a long red carpet to announce the killing of Osama bin Laden in May 2011. There’s nothing like the scenes in the TV show “The West Wing” with idealistic young staffers doing the walk-and-talk through endless corridors of busy power players. If you tried to do that in the real West Wing, you’d hit a wall and break your nose.

Most presidents — unlike Donald Trump, who loaded up the Oval Office with gold trinkets — stick to traditional dignified furnishings. The place is tasteful but discreet. It hums with quiet intensity. But it’s not brawny. The power here is great, and it enhances itself through understatement. There is no need to boast.

Most visitors to the White House, for a tour or a Christmas party, would enter through the East Wing, a low-slung annex with a white-columned entrance. Guests traversed a corridor between wood panels, with doors leading off to office complexes for the first lady. Walls that soaked up history kept alive the aura of Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan. This was Eleanor Roosevelt’s domain.

That’s all gone now, turned into dust and rubble in a couple of extraordinary days when demolition teams ripped apart the East Wing on the orders of Trump, who is itching to build his $300 million ballroom in its place.

There may never have been a better metaphor for a presidency. Trump has spent nine months tearing away at the federal government, the rule of law and democracy. Now he’s turned his wrecking ball on the White House itself. All without consulting the citizens who gave him a temporary lease on the place.

Democrats, preservationists and historians slammed Trump as a philistine. His spokespeople counter that many presidents changed the White House. Franklin Roosevelt built the current Oval Office. Harry Truman gutted the entire interior and reconstructed it to stop it from collapsing. But no modern president contemplated Trump’s stark destruction — which followed his paving over of the iconic Rose Garden to emulate the terrace at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida, complete with yellow sun umbrellas.

So, what about the ballroom? The grand design seems to get bigger every time Trump pulls out his prints of artist’s impressions. Visiting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte looked surprised to get a sneak preview of plans for Trump’s new labor of love rather than maps of war-rattled Europe in the Oval Office on Wednesday.

Trump now envisages a massive edifice of at least 90,000 square feet — almost twice the size of the White House itself, and daubed with his signature gold leaf — that could accommodate huge events and parties. Trump has rightly complained the White House lacks a large venue. He even offered to build one for the Obama administration after seeing marquees on the South Lawn for a foreign leader banquet. But one of the perks of a state dinner invite, in the East Room for instance, is that it’s cozy. Wherever you sit, you’re within a few feet of the president. That’s what makes it special.

Of all the shocking things Trump has done so far in his second term, the bulldozing of the East Wing is the most tangible. Backhoes hacking away at the white plaster are likely to be among the defining images of this turbulent political era. But does the desecration of a not especially distinguished piece of architecture that most Americans will never visit really matter that much when millions are struggling with high grocery prices and rent? Probably not. That’s unless this moment comes to symbolize an increasingly profligate administration with plenty of cash for its pet priorities, like a $20 billion bailout for Argentina, but that seems oblivious to the cost of living — and dying, given high health care premiums.

Perhaps Trump will live up to his promises and prove he’s one of America’s great builders, and the new facility will become as beloved as the East Wing in time. But given the long list of corporate donors, it may end up as a monument to corruption and an administration that supped with oligarchs. (It is not the first White House renovation to be privately funded; President Gerald Ford’s swimming pool, for instance, was controversial at the time.)

Maybe the president is just misunderstood; maybe he’s being unfairly pilloried for gifting the nation a beautiful new gathering place. But this might also be the latest disconcerting echo of an autocratic-style obsession with grand projects that will tower over citizens when leaders are gone. Trump is also thinking of disrupting the classic Washington skyline with a huge arch across the Arlington Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial to mark America’s 250th birthday next year.

Ironically, the East Wing came tumbling down days after millions of Americans took part in anti-Trump protests last weekend under the banner of “No Kings.” The relative modesty of the White House, compared with the great castles and palazzos of Europe, was a reminder that the United States freed itself from monarchs and doesn’t need its leaders to live in palaces.

Trump seems to disagree.

 

Political Cartoons 10-26-2025 (A lot Happened Last Week)

No Kings Day Poster

 

Showing Off...

 

A Strongly Worded Letter From Donald Trump’s HOA

Property Violations 

My Note: If you live in a development, condo, planned community or town with a "Home Owners Association" (HOA), you know the dread a HOA letter carries. They always start with, You are in violation - "You have 10 day to clean your roof", "Cut your trees that are obstructing the street"...  It seems the HOA the governs the "Peoples House", the people of the USA, have a problem with an unauthorized demolition. Read what the DailyBeast thinks:  See my concluding comments at the end. 

Michael Ian Black
Published Oct. 22 2025 2:13PM EDT 

Dear Occupant,

White House expands East Wing demolition
as critics decry Trump overreach
 - The Washington Post

Let me begin this letter with an apology. Since you moved in next door nine months ago, I have been meaning to stop by with a plate of my famous oatmeal raisin cookies in order to introduce myself. I’m sorry I haven’t done so, and I’m doubly sorry that we’re meeting now under difficult circumstances. Nevertheless, I’m obligated to write to you now because you may be President of the United States, but I am President of the local Homeowner’s Association. And I think we both know which title, well, trumps the other.

A couple of days ago, I awoke to the sound of heavy machinery. I’d been out the day before attending my local No Kings march—no offense—and was trying to get a little extra shuteye before starting my work week began. Imagine my surprise when I looked out the window to investigate the source of the sound and discovered a couple of cranes demolishing a large section of your rental!

I’m sure you know where this is going.

When you moved in, you were supposed to receive a copy of the HOA handbook. (We call it our Constitution—cute, right?) I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn’t receive one, because I cannot imagine any other reason why you thought it would be ok to partially destroy a historic house you do not even own.

You will see that I enclosed a copy of the handbook with this letter. Please refer to Article IV, section 3, which reads, “Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States.”

The building you just ripped apart? It doesn’t belong to you. It belongs to the people of the United States. As such, I regret to inform you that you are in severe violation of the HOA.

To be fair, it’s not entirely your fault. Well, actually it is but I know we all love to blame the HOA. Or immigrants. And really, we should have spoken up more forcefully when you decided to rip up your garden and cover it with concrete. Everybody loved that garden. We decided not to make a big deal out of it because you’d just moved back in and were trying to be good neighbors, but we can now see that was a mistake.

Quick question: did the landlord conduct a proper credit check before approving your lease?

Yes, other occupants have made renovations over the years, but always by going through the appropriate channels—we’re generally very accommodating. We even let a previous tenant put in a bowling alley!

Obviously, though, a 90,000 sq. ft. ballroom replacing an entire, historic wing of your property is an order of magnitude greater than a couple of lanes in the basement. All the more reason why we should have had more of a conversation before you took it upon yourself to tear things down. Even temporarily, that is, unless you were planning on extending your lease, which would also be a violation of the rules. (Please refer to the handbook’s 22nd Amendment.)

Moreover, the homeowner’s association would have very much liked the opportunity to weigh in on whether your rental property really needs an outsized vanity project which impacts the curb appeal of our entire street (and the broader reputation of our city) as well as presenting obvious conflicts of interest between you and all the corporate donors who are surely going expect political largesse in exchange for the generous ‘donations’ solicited for said project. Why not just put on a stoop sale instead?

... more

I apologize for being the bearer of bad news. But the fact remains: We have rules for a reason. We don’t let people in this neighborhood do whatever they want whenever they want because if we did that, we’d have total chaos. I mean, we might even end up with roving gangs of armed marauders snatching people up off the street! Worse still, novelty costumes.

Obviously, I’m exaggerating to make a point. Such a thing could never happen in the United States. But I’m doing so to illustrate that when people disregard the rules—such as the rule that doesn’t allow renters to tear down their house to erect a gold-gilded authoritarian fantasia without permission—we risk ruining the entire character of the neighborhood. It used to be a pretty good neighborhood, and I think we can make it great again, just as soon as you play by the rules.

Or pack up your sh-t and get the hell out.

Huffington Post 10/23/2025: The East Wing, where first ladies created history, planned state dinners and promoted causes, is now history itself. The two-story structure of drawing rooms and offices, including workspace for first ladies and their staffs, has been turned into rubble, demolished as part of the Republican president’s plan to build what he said is now a $300 million ballroom nearly twice the size of the White House.

_____________

One other note: Trump historically never pays his bills. Guess who will likely be stuck paying for this two acre monstrosity that overwhelms the existing historic structure. The bill has already gone up 100 million since it was announced six months ago and construction has not started. Don't hold you breath waiting for your invitation to the ball in a ballroom you never needed.   

I Will Bet You have Done This?

 

Wives who Dress Husbands as Women...

“Transforming husbands into stylish divas, one outfit at a time.”

Posted by author-avatar Laura Jake 
February 9, 2024

Introduction

Some wives choose to dress their husbands as women for various reasons, such as for role-playing, exploring their own fantasies, or simply for fun and experimentation. This practice can involve cross-dressing, where husbands wear clothing typically associated with women, including dresses, skirts, and makeup. It is a personal choice that varies from couple to couple and can be a way to enhance their relationship or explore different aspects of their sexuality.

The Impact of Cross-Dressing on Marital Relationships

In a world where gender norms and expectations are constantly evolving, it is not uncommon to come across couples who challenge traditional gender roles. One such phenomenon that has gained attention in recent years is wives who dress their husbands as women. This unique practice, known as cross-dressing, has the potential to impact marital relationships in profound ways.

At first glance, the idea of a wife dressing her husband as a woman may seem unconventional or even controversial. However, for many couples who engage in this practice, it is a source of empowerment and self-expression. By blurring the lines of gender, these couples are challenging societal norms and embracing their own unique identities.

One of the most significant impacts of cross-dressing on marital relationships is the deepening of emotional connection. When a wife takes on the role of dressing her husband as a woman, it requires a level of trust and vulnerability that can strengthen the bond between them. This act of dressing up becomes an intimate experience, allowing both partners to explore and embrace different aspects of their personalities.

Furthermore, cross-dressing can also serve as a form of escapism for couples. In a world filled with stress and responsibilities, the act of dressing up can provide a much-needed break from reality. For some couples, it becomes a way to step into a different persona and temporarily escape the pressures of everyday life. This shared experience can create a sense of adventure and excitement within the relationship.

In addition to the emotional and psychological impacts, cross-dressing can also have a positive effect on physical intimacy. By exploring different gender roles, couples are able to expand their understanding of pleasure and desire. This exploration can lead to a deeper level of intimacy and a greater sense of satisfaction within the relationship.

It is important to note that cross-dressing is not limited to heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples can also engage in this practice, further challenging societal expectations and norms. Regardless of sexual orientation, the impact of cross-dressing on marital relationships remains the same – it allows couples to explore and embrace their own unique identities.

While the impact of cross-dressing on marital relationships can be overwhelmingly positive, it is not without its challenges. Society’s perception and acceptance of this practice can vary greatly, and couples may face judgment or discrimination from others. It is important for couples to have open and honest communication about their desires and boundaries, and to support each other in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the impact of cross-dressing on marital relationships is a complex and multifaceted topic. For many couples, it is a source of empowerment, self-expression, and deepened emotional connection. By challenging traditional gender roles, couples are able to explore different aspects of their personalities and expand their understanding of intimacy. While there may be challenges along the way, the benefits of cross-dressing in a marital relationship can be truly transformative.

Read Much More...

Conclusion

In a world that can often be judgmental and unforgiving, it is inspiring to see couples who are willing to challenge the status quo and redefine what it means to be married. These wives who dress their husbands as women are not only helping their partners explore their gender identity, but also paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society.

So let us celebrate these couples who are redefining marriage and challenging societal norms. Let us applaud their courage and their commitment to love and acceptance. And let us remember that love knows no boundaries, and that marriage is a beautiful and ever-evolving institution that can take on many different forms.

The Psychology of Lingerie: What’s the Point?

 It’s a Personal Decision

I couldn't help but overhear a conversation the other day: they were talking about how lingerie today doesn't fulfill a real purpose anymore. They mentioned that it used to be that bras and what not just held in the girls and were something basic to be worn under your normal clothes. Instead, nowadays there’s this whole new realm where everything is decked out with embellishments, bows, lace, even peep- holes. Pretty much anything goes. Upon hearing this, I was already imagining my favorite pieces and getting excited, but instead the women discussing it asked, “Whatʼs the point?” This lead me to think about the whole psychology of lingerie and why some women like it.

Obviously, not everyone is into lingerie

 It was interesting to listen in on the direction their conversation took. I can understand why some folks wonder what’s the point of lingerie. Besides having a special occasion with your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse many do not see why your underwear should be so fancy, sometimes even nicer than the clothes you put on top of it! So I asked myself, whatʼs the point? Why do I sometime choose to spend money on fashionable undergarments?

Lingerie and undergarments are as diverse as outerwear

I came up with about ten different answers for each of those questions. There are a lot of ladies that are waaaay more into it than I am but when I think about my purchases they fall into a couple different categories.

I buy the products because sometimes I actually need that specific type of panty to wear with something (strapless, racerback, nude color, etc). Maybe my favorite bra that Iʼve had and worn for years has seen better days and I need a replacement. Soemtimes you’re overall bra size changes (hello to getting older, lol).

Or sometimes whatever I happen to be looking at is so cute, feminine, flirty, romantic, and/or sexy that itʼs too perfect to pass up.

And of course, as a boudoir photographer I find that showing off sexy undergarments in a boudoir session is the perfect excuse for buying new garments.You can do anything you want while wearing sexy undergarments: exercising, working, sleeping, going to parties. Where your sexy skivies anywhere you want!

What it boils down to is that while some see underwear as purely functional, others see it as a statement. After all, clothing started out as just being functional, but look how that industry has evolved. Underwear and lingerie went in the same direction, and just because not everybody sees it on a daily basis doesnʼt mean it should be neglected.

I could be wearing sweatpants and an old t-shirt, but I still feel feminine and sexy because my matching bra and panties are made of lace and bows. If Iʼm going to a fancy party and have a killer dress on, wearing my sexy lingerie underneath just shoots my confidence through the roof. I even have a friend who says that when she has to wear the same boring work uniform everyday, choosing her underwear in the morning is her way of still being fashionable. And thatʼs why I love doing boudoir shoots–what better way to feel awesome about yourself than to star in a photo shoot that aims to express you sexuality?

It’s a personal decision

Although this all started with me overhearing someoneʼs conversation, it raised a very valid point. I already have an appreciation for fashionable lingerie, but there are also many people who question why this industry has become what it has. But the real answer: Itʼs for the customer. Lingerie is something personal to each individual and can make you feel more confident, pretty, sexy, or you may just like the way things feel against your skin. It’s a completely personal decision.

And if it’s your thing and you’re into it: why limit everything to blacks, whites, and nudes; straps, or strapless; briefs, or thongs? We clearly have functionality covered, so even if thereʼs no scheduled “special occasion,” throw on the jewels, add a little oomph with a sexy push up, get a matching garter belt! Why? Because you can.

Letʼs be honest, a pretty (well fitting!) bra never made anyone feel bad about themselves right?

I don't think Iʼm completely alone in these thoughts, so tell me–when it comes to the psychology of lingerie: what do you love about it and what do you not? Why do you wear what you do?

Feminine Differential - What Fits Your Body

 

We all see people at the mall wearing what does not flatter their body. With so many styles being available looking good in yours clothes is a feminine differential to be treasured. 

There are many blogs that show dos-and-don't and we can learn much there.  Shopping and using photos, I have learned mostly what works. This very weekend I am having a yard sale and I hang items to sell I cannot help but ask, "What was I thinking?" This outfit would not look good on anyone!

I guess we all learn over time and I find Pinterest to be a wonderful source for looks that many times I know will work or at least want to try.  

Chico's and Talbots are now sister stores of Soma and both of the items shown above are from these stores. Speaking of styles that work, I find "high- rise" jeans / pants to be a favorite. The tight fit works.

The Graphic Tee is has a nice feminine differential with a drawstring arm opening.  Also nice colors to match most any jeans. The Chicos "Zenergy® Scuba Bungee-Sleeve Tee" is out of stock online but you may be able to find it still in a local store. 

The Talbots "Flare Leg Banded Waist Jeans - Melody Wash" are current stock. The jeans have both Flare Legs and a High Waist.

Political Cartoons 10-19-2025

 

I Need To Be...

 

He Did Not "Lick-It-Off-The-Grass"

My grandmother use this idiom all the time: 

According to Google AI:

The phrase 'He didn't lick it off the grass' or 'lick it off the grass' means that someone's behavior is learned from their family or those around them. [Possibly] acquired from an unknown or random source. It suggests that the behavior is [maybe] inherited or picked up from others. Implying a shared influence... 

Fictionmaia abound with stories where the mother dressed her son to be / become the girl she always wanted. Is there any reality to this fantasy for you?  Does it exist in the wild?

Halloween (nation-be-something-else-day) was / is such an opportunity for sister / mothers to either willingly or coerced crossdressing. If this happened to you, please share. I am sure my readers would love your shared story.  

The womanless wedding / beauty contest is also another recurring theme.  Did you?????

If I get stories / experiences I will save then up for Halloween and post then as a group. This should be fun. Thanks in advance.  Use the comment tab. 

  

Your Sister's Clothes

 I was very envious of my friends that had sisters.  

I want to thank all for their comments. I hope a fun lookback. 

Please continue to comment.

The Slippery Slope

Content Warning - Highly Political Topic.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced he is set to posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday (October 14th), which would have been the political activist's 32nd birthday. 

Trump shared the news Friday during an unrelated news conference. They're going to have a great celebration at the White House -- in the East Room at the White House.

Fact - His assassinations is tragic, as all political assassinations are.  

Charlie Kirk built himself into the face of a conservative youth movement through Turning Point USA (TPUSA).

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) documented how TPUSA repeatedly framed immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and racial justice advocates as existential threats to “white Christian America,” warning followers that their families, religion, and entire way of life were under attack. In later years, Kirk openly embraced Christian nationalist language, claiming that liberty was only possible with a Christian population—a narrative tying freedom to demographic dominance, a cornerstone of supremacist logic (SPLC).

The mainstream press tracked this trajectory. The Guardian reported that Kirk’s rhetoric increasingly mirrored white supremacist and authoritarian themes, while campus watchdog groups chronicled repeated incidents of racist, homophobic, and transphobic speech at TPUSA events. 

Next - The Slippery slope of banning Hate Speech. 

The Hill:

Today, some argue that the opposition to gay marriage or the denial that climate change is a crisis are similarly extremes. Others argue that some kinds of speech critical of the state of Israel is anti-Semitic hate speech. In other words, be careful what you wish for because chances are that what you hold dear eventually will [Could] be labeled as 'extremism' by someone else."

Attorney General Pam Bondi: "There's free speech and then there's hate speech, and there is no place, especially now, especially after what happened to Charlie, in our society... We will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech."

Comment By Frederick M. Hess Gee (Education Next)

I can vaguely remember, way back in the Biden years, when Republicans stridently (and correctly!) argued that the First Amendment allows for no such carve-outs. Of course, that’s back when Democrats held that saying there were only two sexes was “transphobic” hate speech, and when Republicans were worried about being silenced.

Paraphrased from the Congressional Black Caucus: "A congressional resolution introduced in the House to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy and the President's posthumously award of the Medal of Freedom is not about healing or lowering the temperature of our political discourse... It is, unfortunately, an attempt to legitimize Kirk’s worldview — a view that includes ideas many Americans find racist, harmful, [transphobic], and fundamentally un-American."

 

 

Your ________'s Clothes

 

How did it all begin?  Sister? Mother? Girlfriend? Wife?  Fill in the blank in the title.

We all had our starting place. The " AH-HA" moment;  this feels good moment. I like the way this item seems to mesh with the way I feel about myself. 

I did not have a sister so migrated to my mother's dresses and shoes. She passed not long after my 12th birthday so her clothier never quite fit me the way I wanted.  First I was too large and then too small. Her shoes were my best option and pleasure. She loved shoes, heels especially.  They did fit especially as I got older. I would sneak moments and I learned to walk in her heels early on. 

Highschool and the girlfriends became my objects of desire. Girl watching was a favorite pastime that has never gone away.  One of my girlfriends left a bra in my car after a heavy petting session and this was a treasure for many years to come. I lied and never owned up to finding it. 

Today all of my clothes are "MY" clothes. I purchase styes I like and are me. If truth be told about 99% of my clothes are female cut/style.  (jeans, tops, sneakers)

If they were just androgynous in nature there would be more questioning looks or queries.  To the contrary, I am almost universally ma'amed.  And. even when not addressed as a female, I sense either a flirtatious nature or friendly gesture.  i.e. Door being opened for me or asked if I like/recommend  something. Very much not a typical male-to-male conversations.  I believe it is the long white hair (ponytail) that may be providing an older "woman" less threatening visual. 

So who provided your starter feminine differential?  Who today is your source and provider of feminine clothing?   Who is your role model?    

___________________ 

Diane Keaton

 

The ‘La-Dee-Da’ dame of Hollywood, dead at 79

Diane Keaton at the Ralph Lauren
Spring 2023 ready to wear

Keaton was a celebrated and prolific actor whose career spanned decades, early on earning an Academy Award in the best actress category for 1977’s “Annie Hall.” The film showcased Keaton’s abilities in the realm of comedy but also displayed her nimble handling of authentic and vulnerable moments.

Additionally, “Annie Hall” introduced filmgoers to Keaton’s matchless and gender-nonconforming sense of style – immediately identifiable by her use of men’s slacks, vests and hats. [A bold concept for its day] 

Decidedly ahead of her time from a fashion perspective, Keaton maintained a commitment to this sartorial mix well into her older years.

An undeniable comedic talent who said in 1997 that she’s “more inclined to live comfortably in the world of humor,” Keaton nonetheless also made her mark in a number of dramatic movies – including a pivotal role in Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed “Godfather” films, in which she played Kay, wife to Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone.

Thank you Diane Keaton for the years of entertainment you provided

Here is another good take on Diane's style at Janifer Connelly's Blog: Monday Musings: What Diane Keaton Taught Us About Timeless Style

Political Cartoons 10-12-2025

 

Let Go - Escape

 

You were meant to fly!

Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint
Born 1924

This is the "Look" we grew up wanting to emulate.

Wikipedia: Eva Marie Saint is an American actress. In a career spanning more than seven decades, she received an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. As of 2024, Saint is the oldest living and earliest surviving Academy Award winner.

Source: The Museum of Camp

Eva Marie Saint:

"I've never been intimidated by other actors because I'm an actor. I'm not in awe, but I certainly have respect for other wonderful actors."

"America is now obsessed by stars in an unhealthy way. They don't actually deserve this kind of attention. They're only actors - not scientists who are triumphing over cancer or doing some other wonderful thing."

"The longer you live, I believe, you learn so much about life that you have more to give."

"I don't wake up and say, 'Gee, it's a nice day, and I'm a legend.'"

We have another centenary to celebrate today - and the celebrant is, for a change, very much still with us!

Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint In 
In one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous
and acclaimed works,
"North By Northwest"

The radiant Eva Marie Saint, in her seven-decade career, starred opposite myriad fine actors - including Marlon Brando (in On The Waterfront), Cary Grant and James Mason (North By Northwest), Paul Newman (Exodus), Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (The Sandpiper), and many more - and held her own against all of them. 

Now she is one of the very few survivors of that classic Hollywood era, outliving them all...

Feminine Differential - Tops Blouses Shirts

GEMBERA Fitted T-Shirts, Scoop Neck, Short Sleeve ($16.99)

Tankaneo Henley T-Shirts Tees ($12.99)

Google AI:  A "top" is a broad, umbrella term for any upper-body garment, while a "shirt" is a specific type of top. Therefore, a T-shirt is a type of top, but not all tops are shirts or T-shirts.  [My addition: Tops are typically spoken of in a feminine context where shirts have a more masculine /unisex connotation.]

Quora: Why are men's shirts called shirts and women's called blouses? 

The distinction comes from the dictatorial preference of socialites separating the clothes men and women are allowed to wear. Usually blouses are loose and fluffy fitting, are made with softer materials, and where needed ribbons, straps, or hook and eyelets are used to close or stylishly contour openings, not buttons, snaps, or zippers (with some exceptions depending on the design). The dressier shirts generally have collars, fits the wearer’s torso by contouring around the wearer’s neck and chest areas, are made with stiffer and non-stretchable materials, and usually has buttons or snaps for fastening the overlapping front. The casual shirts, such as t-shirts, camisoles, tank tops, and bustiers generally have no collars or sewn seams, except for hems and possible sleeve attachments, are made with softer materials, and are pulled on over the head for wearing. Some blouse and shirt designs blur the lines of the sex orientations."

My fashion layout today represent two tops (T-shirts) I just received from Amazon. Both were reasonable, attractive and meet my feminine differential criteria. And touch sexy. 

I purchased recently, with my associate discount, several new SOMA bras; Stunning Push-up Plunge Bra. Wow, what a beautiful fit and enhanced look. My bra size had changed over the years and I discovered that wearing the right style, proportioned band/cup makes all the difference on how tops drape and/or are fitted. Maybe time for you to get a fitting.  

Attention

 

Bill Maher

Mocks Trump And Hegseth

The "Real Time" host on Friday hilariously challenged the administration's supposed "warrior ethos"

 “Are you kidding?” added the comedian and political pundit. “This is supposed to be an exercise in morale building. Because nothing pumps you up like taking a 22-hour flight to be yelled at by a Fox News dry drunk about your love handles.”

The Least of Peoples Worries

 

Political Cartoons 10-5-2025

 

Revolutionary...

 

Canadians with ‘X’ passports

 Warned they could face problems at U.S. border

Story by Victoria Bisset
October 2, 2025

My Note: I have a US Passport (I am a citizen) with the "X" Marker.  I am studying to see what lies ahead for me.  If Canada to reciprocates, I will be denied entry.  I guess could happen.  Update - See below

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The Canadian government has updated its travel advice to warn citizens with gender-neutral passports that their documents may no longer be accepted at the U.S. border.

“While the Government of Canada issues passports with a ‘X’ gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries,” Canada’s new travel advisory for the United States reads. “You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the ‘X’ gender identifier.”

The page also states that U.S. federal systems “are changing to no longer accept markers of gender identity,” adding that information on the sex an individual was assigned at birth may now be requested on U.S. forms and processes such as visa and passport applications, as well as passenger manifests.

Canada’s Department of Global Affairs did not immediately respond to an overnight request for comment on when the travel advice was updated. However, archived versions of the website indicate that it was changed within the past 10 days.

Within hours of his inauguration this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the U.S. recognizes only two sexes. Days later, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suspended passport applications using a gender-neutral marker, reversing a move by the Biden administration to allow transgender, nonbinary, intersex or gender-nonconforming people to use the “X” designation, rather than male or female, without providing medical documents.

The policy is being challenged in court. In June, a federal judge temporarily blocked the policy, ruling that transgender and nonbinary Americans should be able to reflect their gender identities on newly issued passports. In September, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to let it enforce the policy.

U.S. passports bearing the “X” marker remain valid until their expiration date, according to the State Department.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency responsible for inspecting passports at ports of entry, has previously denied that international LGBTQ+ visitors would face additional scrutiny or be detained when entering the country. Several countries, including Denmark, Germany, Finland and Ireland, have nonetheless issued travel advisories to citizens with the “X” gender designation this year.

Canada introduced the “X” designation for passports, travel documents, citizenship certificates and permanent resident cards in 2019, with the government saying at the time that “Canadian citizens and residents deserve to be respected and have the opportunity to live according to their own identity.”

The Canadian government said in January that about 3,600 Canadians are estimated to have the “X” designation on their passports, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

In August, Canada updated its policy for Nexus travel cards, which allow expedited border entry at U.S. and Canadian borders, meaning that Canadians with the “X” identifier on their passports now have to select either male or female when applying for a new card.

CBP did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Thursday on the updated Canadian travel advice. In a statement to The Washington Post in April, it said: “A foreign traveler’s gender as indicated on their passport and their personal beliefs about sexuality do not render a person inadmissible. Claims to the contrary are false.” It added that “travelers must present an official government-issued travel document and be the rightful bearer of that document when seeking entry at a U.S. Port of Entry.”

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Travel.State.Gov