Hey, if you need the lamb skin and the initials...

Many of you probably despised school. Some of you might have hated it so much that you couldn't even think about going to college after you banked that high school diploma.

Many of you probably liked school, but grew sick of it after doing your third or fourth tour as a "professional student." I can relate to that. I didn't mind hiding from the real world for umpteen years in academia, but eventually I tired of the whole scene.

So, considering our shared distaste of additional higher education, doesn't it stink that getting ahead in many workplaces actually requires additional education. They say that a master's degree is like a college degree once was in the eyes of an employer. It's basically expected if you want any more responsibility than what is given to the guy who washes the exterior windows every other week.

The answer: Go back to school and get your ma, msa or mba online. Where? Heck if I know. I haven't done that much investigating yet. However, Capella University looks like a decent choice. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and are a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The offer a ton of degrees (76 including many masters programs) and serve over 16K students around the world with their online degree programs. Hey, if you need the lamb skin and the initials, Capella could be a decent choice.

Tribute to Rachael Ray

Ever have one of those moments when you can't tell if you are reading sarcasm or heartfelt sentiment? Witness the "Tribute to Rachael Ray" at "Jello With Sunflower Seeds."

There it is, one of the more popular Rachel Ray pics from the infamous FHM series...Rachael looking sexy in a little denim fantasy outfit, holding a freshly baked pie and smiling that girl-next-door, irresistible smile.

Then, the text... A commendation for Rachael Ray's ingenious technique for making a lasagna using cheese ravioli--which, by the way, really does work like a freakin' charm.

At face value, it seems like a big thumbs up for Rachael. But there is something about it... Something I just can't place... A scent of irony, perhaps..... Something that leads me believe this tribute may be mockery.

Well, whatever... The Tribute works for me on multiple levels. Yes, I have a girl crush on Rachael Ray, so I do like the picture. There. I said it. Leave me alone! Maybe Diane in Canada feels the same way. How should I know?

Am I kidding? Maybe. Anyway, if you feel the need to evaluate the tribute, it is available here.

Rachael Ray Rambling Rubs Roman Wrong...

If only "wrong" started with an "R."

Roman isn't too keen on Rachael Ray's advice on how to get a hubby out of the house of awhile. This Rachael Ray fan watched the new talk show (aka the Pinnacle of Good Television) and was "disappointed" with some of RaRay's wisdom.

Rachel Ray advised a guest with a sometimes-annoying husband to occasionally "conveniently forget" something and to then send the dude off across town. The tactic was designed to create a few hours of man-less time around the homestead.

Devious. Ethically questionable. But probably sound. That's my take on the advice. Roman says:

"Rachael, dear. Not cool. Though I did enjoy your female guest who said the only tool single women need is a power drill."

You can read his assessment of the best television on television here.

Just Fondue It with Rachael Ray

If you have a strong desire to melt things and/or to cook tiny chunks of food at the table, you are perfectly suited for a fondue dinner. I can remember fondue from back in its heady 70s heyday. Mi mamasita had a fondue set. It was completely tricked out with one of those brown and orange stripe patterns that have gone from "in" to "out" to "horrible" to "retro." I can't ever remember actually eating any fondue at home--I think the fondue kit came out at night, when the kids were tucked away for a night's slumber. Dad would brush his sideburns, mom would make sure her slacks were sufficiently bell-bottomed, the highball glasses would come out and those sophisticated adults melted the night away while talking about Watergate....

Well, sideburns may still be in the "out" category, but fondue is definitely in. And who else is "in?" That's right, Rachael Ray.

Thus, a convergence of "in-ness" has envolved... The Rachael Ray fondue set, which you can see here, along with a positive review. If you dig Rachel Ray or if you just want to have a groovy time with fondue, this is the way to go. No brown stripes, but very cool nonetheless. Check out the Rachael Ray fondue set and schedule that evening get-together with the neighbors. Watergate's history, but there is always good grist for the conversational mill available...Extraordinary rendition and melted Alpine Swiss, anyone?

Spears Kid Makes Esquire...

What do black lace, the "goth look," headbands, Julia Roberts and Britney Spears have in common? That's right, last Tuesday's gin-soaked party at my place in the Hamptons! JUST KIDDING. Apparently, Brit was a-shopping at a trendy LA clothier recently and expressed an interest in a black lace-based gothic look, but she ended up buying a polka dot headband that brought back memories of Ms. Roberts in Pretty Woman.

That wasn't the only thing to find its way into her shopping cart. She dropped $5K in the same amount of time it takes us non-celebrity mortals to catch a rerun of Three's Company on Nick at Nite. During her mini shopping spree, she spent a considerable amount of time checking out some cute baby t-shirts at the store, according to at least one newspaper.

That kind of attention to kiddie-wear detail landed her boy, Sean Preston, on Esquire's list of the best dressed men (and, apparently, boys). You can make 99.9% of all parents and kids happy with personalized baby gifts. Then, you have this .1% who are willing to spend the big bucks to get their kids into Esquire.