That was the tagline when The Wizard of Oz was released on this day in 1939. It's hard to argue that it wasn't true. Even today it remains one of the best loved American movies of all time.

Rightly so, in my humble opinion.

The special effects were breathtaking for their day. Where else could you see a whole house lifted into a massive tornado? A talking scarecrow, a tin man, and a lion who was afraid of his own tail? Where else would you find a horse of a different color? Or flying monkeys? Or a warty wicked witch and a wizard with his own special effects?

Toto was my favorite character, of course. Because...well...Toto was a dog. And like a lot of dogs his size: Toto was not scared of anyone or anything. Even if they were a lot bigger and definitely a lot badder than him.

Like a lot of kids, I lacked Toto's fearlessness. So, like a lot of kids, the film scared me half to death the first time I saw it. And the second. And probably the third, too. I never told my parents how scary it was because I wanted to see it again and again. I knew if they knew, they wouldn't let me go. Like most parents, they wouldn't have understood. Even when we were petrified to pieces, we loved The Wizard of Oz.

I still do. Every time I see it. And even when it still scares me a little.

Your "Off to See the Wizard Again" Gift Guru,
Linda

Every year here at the Lighter Side, we celebrate National Dog Day on August 26^th. Last year I showed you lots of ways to honor man's (and woman's) best friend on their special day. This year I was planning to come up with some new ways to celebrate our canine companions, but then I saw this video and went 'barking mad' with laughter. (I'm not kidding - my boss actually came into my office and asked if I was okay!)

Watch and you'll see why:


Curiosity is just one of the characteristics we love about our dogs. But who knew a river otter could be just as curious as a canine?

My dogs have played with lots of unlikely friends - a turtle, a rabbit, and even a mouse (ew!) - but never a river otter. The narrator says, "I've never seen nothing in my life like that!"

Me either.

But thanks to their quick work with the the video camera we all get to see it - just in time for National Dog Day!

Your "Cracking Up for Canine Cuteness" Gift Guru,
Linda

Remember your neighborhood Bookmobile? Ours turned me into a full-fledged bookworm. I'd read anything they had on board from short stories to comic books to biographies. My daughter, whose birthday is just around the corner, inherited my bookish ways so I never have trouble finding just the right gift for her.

If there's anything a bookworm loves, it's a new lamp. Even if it's not a reading lamp, a little mood lighting goes a long way toward setting the stage for a long summer's night with a good book. Since my daughter is also a self-avowed tree-hugger, this Tree of Life Lamp is perfect.

Pillows run a close second. Especially when your favorite bookworm likes to find cozy out-of-the-way spots to read. It doesn't have to be a giant body pillow or one of those ergonomically correct reading cushions. A comfy pillow that supports the lower back will do. All the better if you can find one with a lovely sentiment to remind them of you as they read.

And for when they're not reading, how about something that reminds them of their favorite pastime? A jewelry box disguised as a book hides valuables and fits nicely on any shelf, nightstand, or dresser. It has compartments for rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, and other little keepsakes. My daughter brought some some fallen leaves from William Faulkner's estate on a field trip last year. I have a feeling this will be the perfect place to store them.

I'm grateful for all the bookworms in my life. Not only do they share their latest "great reads" with me, it's easy to pick out their perfect gift. Even if all else fails, there's always a good book!

Your "Reading is Fun!" Gift Guru,
Linda

Whew! We're on the last leg. The Dog Days of Summer come to an end (officially if not literally) on August 15^th. Or on August 11^th, depending on who's doing the calculating. Either way, we still have at least one more week to go which calls for a celebration. Or two. Or seven. Or ten.

My favorite way to celebrate starts with shutting down the kitchen. From now until it's over there will be no cooking indoors. I'll order a pizza. Make a giant salad. Throw some dogs on the grill. Anything to avoid firing up that hot stove.

There are other ways to celebrate, too. Here are three of my favorites:

1. Get yourself invited to a pool party. (Or throw one yourself!) There's nothing like floating around in the blue water with a cool beverage to beat the Dog Day heat.
2. Take up residence in a hammock with a stack of good books. Swinging in a shady breeze is like nature's fan.
3. Hit the beach. Even if you don't jump into the ocean, it can be ten degrees cooler (or more) near a large body of water. 

Of course, air conditioning can also get you through, but it's not as much fun as getting out there and enjoying the last leg - before we have to start gearing up for the cold.

Your "Playing it Cool" Gift Guru,
Linda