Cougars, Kittens, and Kelly--OH MY!

I originally posted this commentary on my Facebook and MySpace profiles, so it is not academic, researched, or even partially well-written. However, my lack of time compels me to include a post on this subject of "cougars" and hopefully when I have more time, I'll come back and expand on this post.

Ok...I need to take a time out and write something about these new (or are they old) terms for women. Kitten, I've heard before, but Cougar? WTF?

This morning [when I originally wrote this it was Tuesday 19 June 2007] while I getting dressed I turned the tv on and started watching Live with Regis and Kelly. I love/hate the show for various reasons that have to do with misogyny and sexism that I just am not going to get into now. Well, Kelly's husband, whatever his name is, he's a pretty-boy, is the host of a new show called The Age of Love (I think). It's another stupidly idiotic show about a bunch of women trying to get a guy. Oh my god, let me give them a freaking award for originality... Anyways, there are two groups of women on the show who seem to be fighting for some dork's affection. One group is of kittens (young women, in their 20s) and the other is called cougars (older women, over 40).

BTW, Kelly stupidly told a little anecdote about her husband calling her a cougar and acting all sad-like because she wasn't called a kitten. WTF? She's always acting so retarded on that show and now this? I mean--c'mon, I love shoes and nice outfits too, but that's not the extent of my brain. She should at least try to get a little more respect, especially from Regis who is a closeted misogynist.

Well, tonight, after getting home from school I thought I would flip on the TV, relax for an hour or so before I start working on the scary Spenser paper that's due Thursday. What do you think is on my freaking TV screen? Secret Lives of Women and tonight's episode is about cougars. Of course! Where did this stupid word come from? How could I have heard it twice in the same day?

Well, I shouldn't have to explain why this makes me so mad, if you know me, you know why I am pissed...

Now I don't care if an older woman dates a younger man, but why the fuck does society feel the need to label that? When men date younger women they are not called or labeled anything! I can't believe such stupidity and ignorance still prevails. You'll never see men being called anything similar... nor will you see a tv show that labels a group of men anything as stupidly retarded as kittens and cougars.

Panera, oh, my Panera Bread

My brand new favorite place to buy bread, eat a yummy pastry, and grab a cool coffee is Panera Bread. Unfortunately, the location is a bit out of the way, but we make a trek over to Doral to get our bread fix.

This place has it all! It’s like a Starbucks on steroids (or just a big helping of yeast). There’s also wireless internet and lots of tables, and PLUGS! Yes, laptops do need power—my biggest qualm with places boasting about wireless access is that there is usually no place to plug in. But, the most startling revelation for me, which I just noticed on their website is that their wireless is free! Yes, FREE! I didn’t notice that it was free when I went, since I didn’t take my laptop with me, but I saw others, and assumed that, like all the other places, you had to pay for it. Apparently, not! What a great feature!

I’d give you a sampling of their menu, but it is really varied. They have everything from panini’s to freshly made pizza to scones. You’ll just have to visit their website. They even serve a soufflé in the mornings, which I have not had the chance to eat because so many people get there early to eat them.

The service is great considering you walk up to a counter to order your food, bread, drink, or dessert. The place is also clean, which is very important to me. There are a lot of patrons at all times of the day chatting which makes for a pleasant environment and the décor is modern and inviting.

Now…about the bread. Oh, do I love my bread! The first day we went to Panera, we actually got a loaf for free because we wanted French bread and they were baking some at that moment. So, they gave us one of their cheese breads, sliced it for us, and gave it to us for free! WOW. Free food! Awesome!

The most recent bread we bought was their mountain bread, which was just beckoning me from their rack. It is by far the most scrumptious raised dough I’ve ever had. I just had the last slice today and it was still as fresh tasting as the first day.

This place has a lot to offer and is a great place for people who love cafés, but who are a little tired of the Starbucks scene. Bread aficionados need to go and take a look too.

I hope that Panera will open more convenient locations soon… I’m actually going to try and swing by tomorrow to pick up some bread for the week.

Here’s the addy:

Panera Bread
9717 Northwest 41st Street
Miami (Doral), FL 33178
(305) 406-3330 | phone