Paul Rudd - Where isn't he?

Is it just me or is Paul Rudd everywhere? Check this out (and this is just a taste of his work. He's done so much more):

I Love you, Man

Knocked Up

Monsters vs. Aliens

Role Models

Little Britain USA

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Over Her Dead Body

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

The Ten

The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show

Robot Chicken

Diggers

Veronica Mars 

Reno 911

Night at the Museum

The 40 Year Old Virgin

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Friends (remember, he married Phoebe?)

The Shape of Things

Reaching Normal

Cider House Rules (seriously)

Clueless

I like his work. You? What's your favorite Paul Rudd film?

(photo www.thecinemasource.com)

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

When was the last time a show left you smiling? For me, it was 11 p.m. tonight. I watched the premiere of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" and was grinning from ear to ear. For lack of a better word, the show is sweet (not a term one usually associates with a program airing on HBO). It unfurls as one might expect a long, hot day to roll out across the beautiful Botswana landscape. Slow, leisurely and with a few unexpected interruptions for good measure. It's like a spa for your overly-stimulated, television-watching mind - relaxing, soothing and highly enjoyable. 

Jill Scott is a revelation as detective Precious Ramotswe and Anika Noni Rose delights as her "wrapped-a-bit-too-tightly" secretary, Grace. Honestly, there wasn't a weak link in the cast. 

I truly enjoyed it and think I may have found a new favorite show

Did you catch "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency? What did you think of it?

Your Next Career

If you were to change careers, what would you do? I think about this quite a bit and here's why: More and more people are working well into their 60s and 70s. We could, if we slogged away from college graduation until retirement at 70, be a cog in the machine better known as the "working world" for a good 45 to 50 years. Fifty Years! 

Did you think you'd work in one career for nearly 50 years? Egads. I studied communications in college and have had a great career in public relations and marketing for nearly 20 years now (though to be fair, I spent some years working as a freelance writer, went back to school for a bit, and waited tables here and there). 

But still, if I have another 20-plus years to work, do I want to keep on this career path? Maybe not. Change is good. Learning new skills is good. Challenging oneself and mixing things up is even better. 

So, here are some things I might want to do were I to do something different:

1. Fulfill a lifelong dream and host a television show (now you see why I have Six Minute Style). Oprah Winfrey is launching her new network and looking for content - anyone have a contact for me?!

2. Be a bike tour guide in a foreign country. I love to bike. I love to travel. I love the idea of a non-desk job that involves physical activity. 

3. Become an auto mechanic. I'd study new and emerging technologies -  hybrids, fuel cells, Flintstones - and be positioned to be on the forefront of the coming shift. My husband thinks I'm kidding whenever I tell him I want to do this, but I'm not. I'm actually quite intrigued. BTW - I just learned that my friend, Bruce, was once an auto mechanic. He's now my hero. Tell me you're a doctor, a lawyer, a pharmaceutical rep and I'll nod politely (while thinking, "man, I wish had your benefits"). Tell me you're a former mechanic now computer programmer and videographer and you've got my full attention.

4. Work with young girls -  here and in third-world countries - to ensure their access to education and healthcare. This one is gaining some serious traction on my "next career" list. Check out this video for more on the importance of education in a girl's life. 

So ... what's on your "Next Career" list? 

Short Story Goliath

Just learned that my favorite short story writer has a new collection set to hit book stands on March 24. Mary Gaitskill first wowed me with "Bad Behavior," a collection of stories so powerful, so raw, so honest, so ... the words fail me. Let me simply say she writes the way I would write if I could. I can't. So I devour her work whenever possible. 

If you don't know Gaitskill's writings, you should. She's brilliant. And bold. And daring. She has such a finely-tuned sense of women and women's lives that one suspects she's merely a journalist or documentarian collecting the true (and tried) lives of the down and out females who grace her pages. Oh to be that wonderful of a writer!

Let me be clear - Gaitskill goes where many writers fear to tread - into worlds of sexual obsession, odd predilections, drug use and, quite simply, bad behavior. Hope may well be a four-letter word in her world. 

If you've seen "Secretary," then you've seen Gaitskill at work (though to be fair, the movie was Hollywood polished and a bit watered down). The film (you know, the one where we fell absolutely, madly in love with Maggie Gyllenhaal via her brilliant and nuanced performance) was based on Gaitskill's short story. Up next was "Because They Wanted To," another collection of shorts that chronicles, quite eloquently, dysfunction, tension and strangeness. 

Gaitskill has managed to squeeze in a couple of novels, but it is in short-fiction where she really soars. "Don't Cry," is her latest gathering of words. I can't wait to pick up a copy.

Have you read Gaitskill? What are your thoughts on her work? 

Stem Cells

Just posted to Blogher on stem cell research. I know this is controversial territory and not the usual subject matter found on the Six Minute Style site and blog, but I'm one hundred percent okay with that. It's relevant, topical and critical. And while the SMS focus is mainly lifestyle, it's not the only thing that interests or concerns us. To assume that all our viewers care about is entertaining, traveling and green-cleaning, is to completely disregard women as multi-dimensional and complex beings. We bring to our lives myriad experiences, prejudices and beliefs that shape our opinions and expectations. I feel strongly that stem cell research is relevant and appropriate. You may not. Pro or con, I welcome your input. 

Enjoying the Simple Things

Picked up a bouquet of irises on Saturday and was thrilled at the speed at which they filled my home (not to mention my spirits) with a much-needed hint of carefree summer days, aimless barefoot (or at least flip-flopped) walks and flirty little skirts (sans wool socks, of course). Adding to the joviality, a friend brought me a bouquet of darling yellow daisies Saturday evening. We immediately added them to the vase housing the irises and Viola! A floral Om for the soul. It was as though the pale yellows and deep purples were whipped up in some faraway greenhouse with the sole purpose of coming together on a cold, gray winter day.  

It's wonderful that something so simple as a bouquet or two of flowers can bring so much joy. And to think, I paid all of $8.99 for the irises. Money well spent, I'd say. You?

Waking Up Monday

It's Sunday evening and all I'm thinking is, "I want a three-day weekend." It's not that this wasn't a fun and full two-plus days. It was. Two friends had art openings on Friday night, we hosted a dinner party on Saturday, then squeezed in a full day of "catch-up" on Sunday (bills, laundry, a week's worth of newspapers, loads of dishes and glassware, and some random/mindless television). So, why the need for an extra day?

I have a few thoughts - winter blues, time-change blahs, slight professional burnout. Given that I work for myself, I'm going to have to dig deep in the morning to fully embrace the work week (and perhaps brew a really strong pot of coffee). 

How are you feeling on a Sunday evening? How do you prepare for Monday morning? Anyone else staring down the winter blues?                                                

The Gratitude Post

In his Wall Street Journal "Moving On" column yesterday, Jeffrey Zaslow suggests "There may be a positive byproduct of our times: a decrease in the urge to complain." He presents the idea that as we move further into the throes of recession, "we're seeing a return to Depression-era stoicism and an appreciation of simpler things." It's no longer cool to complain. In fact, with rampant job losses, pay cuts, frozen bonuses, work furloughs and businesses faltering left and right, many people are taking stock and counting their blessings. Job satisfaction, he reports, is actually up. Seems it's a bit easier to be grateful for a paycheck when many are doing without.  

Zaslow closes his article with a recommendation from Dr. Sherene McHenry, a professor of counseling at Central Michigan University, who says we should "write down three things we're grateful for every day-no matter how simple they might seem." 

My "Grateful List" today includes:

1. Heat: The pilot light on our furnace went out this past weekend and for the life of me, I couldn't re-light it. While it wasn't freezing outside, it was cold enough for me to layer up and plug in my dusty old space heater. My husband returned home a few hours later and within no time, our furnace was up and running. I was so relived. The thought of going without heat, or calling in a service technician over the weekend (and paying sky-high weekend rates) was troubling. So this morning, when I rolled out of bed and, in mere seconds, adjusted our home's temperature from 59 to 68 degrees, I was eternally grateful. I took a moment to acknowledge how lucky I am to have heat, water, electricity and food at my fingertips. In many parts of the world (including parts of our own country), this isn't the case. 

2. Work - I work for myself and have the luxury - most days - of setting my own schedule. I work with wonderful clients, inspiring colleagues and talented media professionals. Today, I have a job and that's a good thing indeed. 

3. Coffee - The aroma, the taste, the kick-in-the-butt wake-up call it provides.  

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. What's on your "Grateful List" today?

Life

I've been a bit remiss in posting. I had the best intentions when I added the blog to the Six Minute Style site, but life has a way interjecting and grabbing (stealing?) our attention. Suffice it to say, there are big changes on the near horizon that have my full attention. More on that later. For now, here are some random thoughts:

The Economy: Could it get any worse? It's nutty right now and it seems most people are feeling it in some way, shape or form. If you're not - good for you! If you are, here's what I want to know: What changes have you made to deal with the economic slowdown?

Film - Saw "The Wrestler." Is it worth all the hype? Absolutely. Mickey Rourke is flawless. The film is tight and lean (not a lot of extraneous scenes and sub-plots taking up screen time) and the photography is spot-on - simultaneously intimate and bold. See this film. Then see it again.  BTW, if you're shying away because of an aversion to director Darren Aronofsky's work, get over it. You'll be glad you did. This is a beautiful, visceral piece of art. What's your take on it?

Weather - It snows in the deep South the same day I'm out riding my bike (under warm and sunny skies) in the far, far North. Global Warming? A fluke? Or, just a really lucky day for me (in my book, heaven is all bikes, all the time). How's your winter weather treating you? Do you think weather patterns are changing?

How We're Cooking Now

What one seasoning, spice or herb do you use most often? I'm not talking salt here, though I do love the wonderful sea salts recently introduced to me by my friend, Lucy. What I'm talking about is your day-to-day cooking habits. Are you more Provence or Guadalajara? A taste of Italy or a taste of Bangkok? Chowda' or Chow Mein?

When first thinking about this, I immediately thought of fresh basil. I love to use it in a variety of meals served throughout the day - a yummy egg frittata, assorted soups, roasted chicken, and my work-in-progress shrimp curry. But then I had to acknowledge that nothing beats fresh rosemary. I count it among my favorite herbs and love sprinkling it with olive oil over soon-to-be roasted red potatoes, serving it and Stonewall Kitchen's Cranberry Horseradish sauce over pork loin chops, and mixing it up with a 'bunch of other stuff' to produce a popular rosemary chicken dish.

But when really thinking about it, I'd have to say that the seasoning I most often reach for and replace most regularly is ... cumin. It's ubiquitous, my little friend. Found in Mexican, Middle Eastern, Asian, and many African dishes, cumin is my go-to flavoring most days. I think my fascination with cumin began when living in the Southwest. 

Interestingly, a Serbian  friend who grew up in Canada and Seattle picked cumin as his top seasoning as well. He's traveled the world and eaten throughout and is convinced that cumin is evident in most country's culinary offerings. I feel so worldly ... living in my little town!

So, what's your go-to seasoning and why? What has most influenced your cooking style - geography, family recipes, travels?

Custom Artisanal Cereal. Eat Well.

Here are two things I haven't said before:

1. "My cereal was just delivered by UPS"
2. "My cereal" - as in, MY cereal, a hand-crafted "Six Minute Style" blend

I was contacted a few weeks ago by [me] & goji, an internet-based company that allows you, the consumer, to literally design your own morning blend. All with a few clicks of the keyboard and mouse. Even better, you get to craft your cereal from 30-plus all natural and organic ingredients. How great is that?

Now, I have to admit, I was initially hesitant. Cereal? Designed by me? Delivered by Brown? What's that going to look like? And, more importantly, what's it going to taste like?

Well, it tastes pretty darn good. Fabulous, actually. Imagine that. I mix together flavors I love with ingredients I know are good for me and Viola! A breakfast worth waking up for (and in the dead of winter, that alone is quite compelling).

My personal blend is a mix of granola, flaxed and flaked (organic corn, amaranth, flax and sesame), cinnamon, golden raisins, goji and walnuts. Yummy. And not just for breakfast. I sampled it dry, on the way to yoga last night and again, with milk, this morning. It passed both tastings with flying colors.  

And as much as I loved eating my very own blend, I really loved my husband's reaction to the way-cool cylinder labeled, "Six Minute Style." 

Yes, I have my own cereal. You should have your own, too. Check it out and let me know what you think. It's not cheap, but neither are the slim boxes in the health food store. And they don't have your name on the label. 

Random Silliness - What Couldn't You Live Without

Imagine you're stuck on a deserted island. No, not Maui. This island is out in the middle of nowhere (but it's a warm nowhere). Unlike my favorite television show, you don't have access to the many luxuries provided by a downed 747 or "the hatch." Here's what I want to know: what 5 items would you have to have in order to survive? What couldn't you live without and WHY? Here's my list:

1. Dental Floss - I am a religious flosser. I could brush my teeth until I was blue in the face, but if I haven't flossed, I haven't cleaned my teeth. I feel pretty confident that I could fashion a toothbrush and some sort of "paste" from items found on the island, but I'm not willing to risk searching for a (leafy?) floss substitute. So, a supply of floss that lasts the duration of my "visit." NOTE: could double as fishing line

2. Sunscreen - I'm operating under the assumption that I will be rescued or will self-rescue (see #5 below). Skin cancer aside, I'm not excited about the idea of returning home to (a mirror of) sunspots and wrinkles. Plus, I'm Irish. Living sans sunscreen isn't an option.

3. Sunglasses - I'm so light-sensitive, I wear shades on the grayest of days. I'd want a pair that never scratches, never stretches out, and never, ever loses one of those annoying little screws.

NOTE: the lenses could help direct the sun when trying to light a fire

4. A vast collection of books - I'm going to have some time to kill. Fiction, non-fiction, essays ... you name, I want it.

5. My husband - For the obvious (really? you want me to spell it out? My mother could read this) and the utilitarian. My husband is THAT guy. You know the one. He can fashion pretty much anything out of any thing. A former river guide and Outward Bound instructor, he knows his way around the backcountry, has trained in emergency medicine, and can jerry-rig all sorts of useless stuff into very useful apparatus. But, most importantly, he's a wooden boatbuilder. He went to the Harvard of boatbuilding schools (yep, that's what they call it). We're stuck on an island. The island is surrounded by ocean. He's a boatbuilder. Brilliant. 

Okay, your turn...

 

How We're Living Now - Economic Woes

I'm curious how you all are faring in the slower economy. Has it caught up to you and your (Six Minute) lifestyle? Or, are you floating above it, immune to the perils and pitfalls faced by many?  Here at Six Minute Style, the weakened economy is reflected in less frequent videos (it's expensive to shoot our little show, even if only six minutes) and more blogging. On the home front, we're eating out less often and holding tight with our blurry, old television. My husband's work - he owns a hardwood flooring business - has slowed significantly. My full-time job in public relations is holding steady, but who knows what tomorrow will - or won't - bring.  

Here's some of what I'm hearing:

A friend called the other day saying she hasn't felt this "poor" since the early 90s (back then she was young in her career and not yet a mother, so could better roll with the punches). When her long-time employer was bought out by another company, this now mom-of-two saw her benefits shrink and their costs soar. Her husband, a builder, is without work.

A freelance writer friend says there are far fewer assignments - and paychecks - right now.

A waiter friend has seen her hours and tips drastically cut. 

One friend hopes the college savings accounts she's faithfully built for her kids bounce back and fast.

Yet another friend is an advertising executive ... in the auto industry. Ouch. 

Lay-offs, salary freezes, reduced benefits. Where do you fall on the job security scale? What steps have you taken to protect yourself and your family? Are you feeling the economic squeeze? Have you made any major or minor lifestyle changes? Please share your thoughts with us!

Put it in Writing. Please.

Sometimes it seems as though we have gotten far, far away from the little niceties that made life so memorable. When was the last time you received a hand-written letter or a personally designed invitation in your mailbox? Unless you've been on the wedding circuit, I'm betting it has been a while. 

I have nothing against the e-invite or even a quick, little email thank you (Lord knows I've used both), but let's face it. There's nothing overly charming or sophisticated about either. Which is why I was absolutely delighted to receive some adorable note card and gift wrap samples from a little company called Feterie.

With a tag line of "Modern Stationary and Bespoken Lovelies," Feterie brings a bit of style back to the fine art of gift giving and receiving. Designs run the gamut from clean and simple to bold and striking. I wrote up a thank you note today (be sure to tell me what you think, Suzanne) and felt perfectly pleased while doing so. Want your very own custom design? They have an atelier for just that! Stationary - for weddings, announcements and everyday use, note cards, gift wrap, wall decor and framed art round out the offerings.

Check it out and let me know what you think. And, let me know if you're more inclined to the handwritten note or the electronic version and why. Thanks!

   

Long Live the Leisure Suit

Remember the leisure suit? That cheap, shiny, "matchy-match," polyester uniform worn by a generation of middle-aged men back in the 1970s? Egads. Just thinking of it gives me the heebie-jeebies (not to mention quite a few chuckles). 

Well, guess what? The leisure suit is back and it's fabulous. Check out Target's latest take on this fashion icon. The Merona Cashmazing Suit (yes, that really is its name) replaces shiny with an acrylic "sweater" material that is both warm and comfortable. Available in Spice, Charcoal or Ebony (my choice), it's a nice alternative to sweats or pajamas when hanging around the house. Could you run errands in it? Sure. Should you? Please don't be that woman. 

Now, let me be honest - I'm not a leisure/track/warm-up/tennis suit kind of gal. That being said ... I love this outfit. As for why I'm calling it a "Leisure Suit?" It actually came up on my Facebook page when I Googled the term. Hey, if Target's comfortable marketing it that way, who am I to argue?

$21-99 - $24.99. Not a bad price for comfort.

TELL US: 

What do you wear around the house when your sole purpose is to be comfortable?

 

Drugstore Beauty Update

Our Drugstore Beauty episode is up and running on our YouTube page, so I thought it would be a good time for a quick update. Also, given the tough economic times, drug store beauty products are a much better fit for many budgets:

1. We said we were digging L'oreal True Match foundation and still are. I personally like it so much, I've given up my more expensive department store brand. True Match is light, sheer coverage that doesn't settle into lines and wrinkles. 

NOTE: Makeup artists recommend using less makeup as we age for this very reason. Heavy foundations and powders call attention to dry, older skin, often settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Your best bet is to use foundation sparingly and only where truly needed.

2. Still loving the pink and green bottle of Maybelline Great Lash mascara. Why spend more? The professionals don't.

NOTE: I received a comment from a YouTube viewer recommending that I not repeatedly pump the mascara wand in and out of the tube. She's right. It isn't necessary and actually dries out the mascara (clumps, anyone?).  Bad me. No more pumping!

3. I've added to my Olay skin care regimen. In the episode we singled out the Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum. Now, with the struggling economy tugging at my purse strings, I've replaced my oh-so-pricey moisturizer (recommended and sold to me by my aesthetician) with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. And you know what? My skin looks great. I haven't lost a thing, but certainly have saved a few bucks! What are your favorite drug store beauty products? What products would you refuse to purchase at a drug store? What items are you willing to splurge on? 

  

Organic or Not?

Organic foods are a great way to take good care of ourselves, our families and the planet. But let's face it, organics are expensive. I walked out of our local health food store a couple of days ago carrying one slim bag of food and $117 less in my wallet. Ouch!

We're doing a bit of research now for an upcoming Six Minute Style episode on this very topic. If you're a regular viewer, you'll recall that we previously reported (Pack the Perfect Picnic) that soft-skinned fruits such as strawberries and peaches easily absorb pesticides (and let me tell you - when I lived in CA, I saw plane after pesticide-carrying plane spraying who-knows-what on the endless acres of strawberry fields), so should always be purchased organic. 

But are there times when you can slide by with a non-organic? Keep in mind, traditional farming often relies on pesticides, hormones, herbicides, antibiotics, irradiation, even human sewage to produce the foods we eat, so "sliding by" may save you some bucks, but is it worth the price? And what about the impact on our planet? Any guilt supporting traditional methods that may deplete the soil and pollute our water supplies? Lots to think about when simply buying an apple.

One positive we've noticed  is an upswing in the number of available "store brand" organics. Both Albertson's and Safeway are offering a variety of organic foods - cereal, soups, chips, pasta - at a reasonable price. 

So, here's what we want to know: Do you buy organic? If so, why? Do you mix and match between organic and non-organic foods? Are store brand organics as good or appealing as their name brand organic counterparts? Thanks for sharing!

Wine Recommendation - What We're Drinking

I'm off to my monthly wine club meeting tonight and hope to walk away with some wonderful wine recommendations for us all. If the thought of a "wine" club is intriguing, check out my friend, Kate Murphy's, article in the Missoulian on forming a club of your own. It's a great way to learn more about wines, wine regions, grapes, even food pairings. 

For now, we're recommending our latest find: The 2006 Shooting Star Syrah. I'd been sipping Malbec and Rioja most often of late so was thrilled to re-visit this varietal. The first bottle we opened (yes, there have been a few) wowed us immediately with it's big nose and deep, vibrant hues. It seemed to stand up and announce, "drink me!"

We, of course, obliged, pairing it with grilled steak, lightly steamed green beans (tossed with olive oil and  Stilton crumbles) and roasted red potatoes. Since then, we've enjoyed it "picnic style" with a variety of cheeses, sourdough baguette, grapes and chocolate. It's an easy wine to linger over with subtle fruit flavors, a hint of pepper and the "earthiness" that syrahs are known for.  And, at $11.99 to $12.99, it's budget-friendly. Try it and tell us what you think. 

How Clean are You?

If you've watched our latest video (and I hope you have at www.sixminutestyle.com), you know we've been focused on vinegar as a safe, green and affordable home cleaning solution.

Walk through any grocery store and you'll find shelf after shelf of chemical-laden cleaning products. One for this job, one for that job. And yet more bottles and products for every other imaginable (or not imaginable) home cleaning situation. Ever read the ingredients? Ever considered how much of your body is coming into contact with them? From kitchen counters to floors to flatware to toilet seats (gross, maybe, but still...), we are almost constantly brushing up against one chemical or another. And yet ... here's vinegar. Ready and able to tackle most cleaning jobs, with no icky chemicals, fancy labels or million-dollar marketing campaigns. 

This translates into a product that is healthier and cheaper than pretty much everything else out there. Oh, did I mention that? It's really, really cheap. So, why aren't we all using it (I'm including myself in this as I still reach for many of my favorite and familiar cleaning solutions). Or are we? 

What are you cleaning with and why? What are your thoughts on the chemicals? Are you okay with them? Do you think the pros of some products outweigh the cons? Or, are you all green all the time? Share your thoughts, ideas and alternate cleaning solutions here.  

We Love "Kenny." Rent this Film!

Just watched a great little film titled, "Kenny." It's smart and funny and boasts an incredibly likable lead character named (what else?) Kenny. He's the guy who makes sure there's a port-a-potty at every event, concert and gathering we attend. He cleans, transports, fixes and unclogs those toilets-on-the-go so we can pee and flee without missing a beat. I know what you're thinking: a film about pee and poo? 

Yes, indeed. A film about pee and poo that will have you laughing out loud and cheering on the "knight in shining overalls." Kenny is proof that it isn't the work we do or the title we earn (no doctor ever looked this good) that defines us, but rather the character, compassion and civility we show to the world. 

Kenny is shot like a documentary film with acting so true and tight, you'll be hard-pressed to believe the roster is made up of actors and not real people. "Kenny" is charming, heartfelt and hilarious. Rent this film.

What We're Doing - Zumba

Do you Zumba? I'm hooked. Zumba is a Latin-infused dance workout that incorporates footwork, dance moves, music and instruction into a core-shaping, hip-swiveling exercise routine. It's so much fun, you'll forget that you're actually burning calories. Go to class with an open mind and willingness to learn and don't worry about how you look (trust me - I looked far sillier that first class). The best part? You'll find yourself laughing as hard as you are sweating. 

My first Zumba experience went something like this: I'm stepping/dancing forward while much of the class is sashaying backward. They go right, I'm over there on the left. My arms are all over the place (really? I'm supposed to work them and my feet and my hips all at the same time?!).  I'm laughing so hard I can barely stand up and before I know it, fifty minutes has passed. And, yes, I am sweating. During my second class I was able to focus a bit more on my hips and core - and was better able to keep up with the footwork.  

Share your Zumba experiences here. What's your favorite part? Are you any good? Any tips for (me) beginners? 

Titles, Labels and Descriptions. What We're Really Saying.

First thing this morning. Slap. Hello. There it is again. I was reading the light and fluffy "Personality Parade" in Parade magazine when I stumbled upon this sentence ... "Burt (Reynolds) even named his adopted son, Quinton after..."

It's such a simple word - adopted - yet it packs a powerful punch. Why, I wonder, do reporters always feel the need to single out a child as adopted? Why can't they simply say son, daughter or child? Why the need to qualify?

And speaking of qualifying, how come no one ever says, Tom and Barbara's fertility-drug-induced daughter, or so-and-so's sperm-donated son? How about Lacey's surrogate-carried sister? Or the Buckley's sex-in-the-back-seat-finally-got-them-pregnant twins.  Silly, huh? Your child is your child is your child. Unless, apparently, he or she is adopted. Then we slap on the labels, the explanations, the qualifiers. 

I'm soon (how I hope it's soon!) to be a parent. Yes, the path to our child is through the world of adoption, so yes, he or she will be adopted. But that's such a small slice of the pie. So why is it the piece always served by the media?