Chuck's Fish: Restaurant With A History

I had the pleasure of spending four hours at Chuck's Fish last week savoring Cosmopolitans, sushi, and nonstop conversation, all equally wonderful. I recommend the Spicy Tuna Roll or the Destin Roll, which is basically the same but with avocado. If you're from out-of-town, the safe bet is the Roll Tide Roll (yellowtail, green onions, and spicy sauce topped with tuna).


Chuck's is owned by the son of Charles (Chuck) Morgan, Jr., and is named for his father. Mr. Morgan was a student at The University of Alabama and law school graduate. Long before my drinking days, Mr. Morgan delivered Regal beer throughout the West Alabama area while in school.

Mr. Morgan became a civil rights attorney and gained national prominence the day after the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham when he delivered a speech on race relations in the South. Morgan said, "Every person in this community who has in any way contributed during the past several years to the popularity of hatred is at least as guilty, or more so, than the demented fool who threw that bomb".

He opened the American Civil Liberties Union’s Southern Regional office in Atlanta in 1964 and became legislative director of the ACLU’s national office in Washington, D.C., in 1972.

Mostly notably, he argued for the "one man, one vote" principle that redrew political maps (Reynolds v Sims, 1964) giving black voters a better chance of electing candidates. In 1966, he successfully appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Julian Bond, black political leader refused a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives because of a statement opposing the Vietnam War. And, he was part of the Muhammad Ali legal team that successfully appealed to the Supreme Court after Ali was convicted of draft evasion in 1967 when he cited his religious beliefs in refusing to serve in the military during the Vietnam war.

Mr. Morgan died in January of this year at his home in Destin, Florida and he was remembered in his obituary as the lawyer who championed civil and voting rights.

As with most restaurants in Tuscaloosa, the walls are plastered with pictures of Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant. In fact, a friend said he'd like to just once have a meal without Coach Bryant staring over his shoulder. Chuck's is no exception, but that's our college town. From now on when I have the opportunity to dine at Chuck's Fish, I'll raise my glass to another honorable man - Chuck.

Weekend Cat Blogging #195

If only it had been this easy yesterday when I was trying to herd cats into the downstairs bathroom during the numerous tornado warnings! I'd get one in then lose two.

Butch, Jules, Vincent, and I are glad you found a good home, Tristan.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Sir Tristan Tabby Cat Longtail.

Feel Good Friday

Today's selections are in honor of the second recipient of the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, Stevie Wonder.















(Photo by Ron Sachs / pool via Bloomberg News )

Thank You, President Obama

Now is the time to act boldly and wisely—to not only revive this economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity.

Sarah Vowell, author and contributing editor to NPR, said in an interview on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in October 2008 that she had turned to FDR's Fireside Chats to gain some reassurance and comfort since we were lacking any hint of leadership from the previous administration. I hope Sarah is feeling better after last night's speech by President Obama.

President Obama laid out a powerful, ambitious, and exciting plan for the United States with the strength, confidence, and intelligence of a real leader. Reactions have been positive from both parties. I was especially pleased to see less polarization in the chamber than in the past. More importantly, I was pleased to hear the President outline specifics for himself and a call of duty to our citizens. Yes, much of it was cheer leading, but we need that right now. I feel much better being told how we are going to rebuild our country together to be great again versus, in the past, how fearful we should all be and how we're going to destroy everything and everybody who gets in our way in an effort to be powerful. Who would not feel better after this speech?

During Governor Jindal's response, I kept thinking he reminded me of someone. Jason Linkins, editor of Eat The Press, nailed it for me - Kenneth the Page on 30 Rock. Exactly! Good call.

Favorite quote by a pundit: "I don't know when men started to hug each other, but hug they do, and look at that." ~George Will, conservative columnist

Reminders:
To read and interact regarding the economy, go to http://www.recovery.org
To read and interact with the White House, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov
To check the facts of claims by both parties, go to http://www.factcheck.org

Recipe: Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli

I prefer quick and easy. I found this recipe at The Amateur Gourmet. I've never roasted broccoli; in fact, I'm not really a big fan of broccoli. However, I must admit this was delicious with its very earthy and spicy Middle Eastern flavors and may be the best broccoli I've ever eaten. I would recommend cutting back on some of the salt but the heat and flavor from the other seasonings were perfect. (P.S. As you can see, I'm not a food photographer and The Amateur Gourmet has a much better picture.)

Ingredients:
2 lbs broccoli
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp whole coriander seeds (1/2 tsp ground)
1 tsp whole cumin seeds (1/2 tsp ground)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp hot chili powder
1 pound shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 lemon

Directions:
1) Heat oven to 425 degrees.

2) On large cookie sheet, toss together 2 lbs broccoli cut up into florets (not tiny and with a little stem attached), 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/8 tsp hot chili powder. Spread into a single layer and pop into the oven for 10 minutes.

3) Meanwhile, toss together one lb large shrimp with 2 Tbsp olive oil, lemon zest from one lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper in a bowl. When the broccoli has been in the oven 10 minutes, add the shrimp to the broccoli and toss carefully.

This is five minutes into roasting, just before tossing and roasting the last five minutes.

4) Roast another 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the broccoli is tender and golden around the edges.

5) Spoon over rice and squeeze lemon juice over top. Serve and enjoy.

Sister's Vigil

Following yesterday's post, I was delighted to receive pictures of Sister's Vigil from the artist himself, Brad Morton. This piece was commissioned by St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham just over 10 years ago. It is my sense that people outside of the city do not associate Birmingham with a thriving arts community and, as importantly, patrons of the arts. This is only one fine example of what is available to enjoy.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I can sleep late and watch the morning news programs or, as I've done the last two Sundays, I can go out, enjoy the day, and try to take a few pictures.

Yesterday I visited a longtime friend in Birmingham, whose husband is a prominent sculptor. He works primarily in bronze, although occasionally with other metals, and prefers the more organic larger outdoor sculpture to integrate with nature. He has been commissioned to create work around Birmingham, as well as across the country.

It is amazing to watch the process from idea to completion; I know this because I am a recovering art studio groupie! You know, the kind who hangs around at one's place of business and drinks their beer:-) Needless to say, what I visualized when he began describing his piece for a local Catholic hospital, Sisters Vigil, wasn't nearly as wonderful as the finished product. Here are some pictures in various stages of completion.




In my search for a more recent photo, I found this picture on Birmingham Alabama Daily Photo from July 2008 showing a weathering sculpture, along with a history of the piece. Isn't it lovely?

25 Albums That Changed My Life

Through the blogs I routinely follow, I found a post by GingerSnaps who, as I understand it, received one of the infamous Facebook 25 question memes. I am jumping in - uninvited - in an effort to name my favorite 25 albums. I don't know if they 'changed' my life. I do know that they are the soundtrack to specific periods of my life. Here goes, in a somewhat particular order:

1. Sam Cooke - Sam Cooke
My teenage babysitter had a transistor radio. To this day when I hear Sam Cooke singing "Chain Gang" or "You Send Me" I am transported back and remember every detail about the first time I heard him on the radio. Before that babysitter, I don't recall hearing any music that made me feel that good.

2. Peter, Paul, and Mary - Peter, Paul, and Mary
Seriously. Songs, such as "500 miles", "Where Have All The Flowers Gone", "If I Had a Hammer", and "Lemon Tree", were songs I learned to play and sing on my ukulele. These were the songs we sang at camp. I believed I was destined to be a folk singer.

3. Meet The Beatles - The Beatles
The music world changed. I don't recall the first time I heard The Beatles but I do recall the buzz they generated in my elementary school cafeteria. I still listen to these songs today with the same joy that I did then. Although not musically complicated, these songs have held up for decades.

4. Beatles '65 - The Beatles
We don't hear a lot about this album but it was the first Beatles album I owned. Needless to say, my parents got their money's worth.

5. Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
At my age, I had no idea of the musical significance of Brian Wilson and this album. All I knew at the time was that I loved music and became obsessed with California.

6. Rubber Soul - The Beatles
The Beatles took their music to the next level. "In My Life" remains on my iPod favorites' playlist.

7. Revolver - The Beatles
Did pop become rock with this album? I could use terms like melodic, balanced, mature, prolific, masterpiece, musical style, whatever. I don't know anything about that. I just know I loved this album then and I love it now.

8. Deja Vu - Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
The harmonies were beautiful. Simple, meaningful, unforgettable.

9. The Doors - The Doors
Okay, Jim Morrison was so sexy and I was at the age to notice. You can't deny that "Light My Fire" is worthy of notice.

10. Are You Experienced? - Jimi Hendrix
This album was legend to my 9th grade friends. We sang, we danced, we went to see him in concert, we matured.

11. Moondance - Van Morrison
Moondance was a radio hit and I loved it. It wasn't until years later than songs like, "Into The Mystic", changed my life.

12. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles
I received a call from a friend who said, "you have to hear this". He was right. Hours later, three friends sat in the floor and listened to this album in its entirety, totally mesmerized. For the rest of the summer, we rotated the album between the three of us until we were all able to afford one of our own. Again, The Beatles took music to another level.

13. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs - Derek and the Dominoes
I discovered this album on a trip out-of-town. I was sold the first time I heard "Layla". This album didn't make it to my hometown until over a year after its release. Not being a big fan of the blues, I was surprised at how taken I was with the blues influence on this album. I would spend hours listening to it, causing my father to come into my bedroom to make sure I was alright.

14. Buckingham Nicks - Buckingham Nicks
I wasn't introduced to this album until my early adulthood, despite its release date. Once I heard it, I couldn't stop playing it. I respect Stevie, but Lindsay Buckingham deserves much more credit that he receives.

15. Tapestry - Carole King
Perfect, perfect, perfect for a young female.

16. Between the Lines - Janis Ian
I was older than 17 when I first heard, "At Seventeen", but those emotions were still on the surface and she spoke to me on every level. (Years later, Ian wrote "When I Lay Down" and she channeled me all over again.)

17. Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits
I hate to use a greatest hits album but if there is an album with a perfect line-up this is it. Beautiful harmony and Simon's lyrics are poetry. This is my go-to music when I can't sleep or need to relax my mind.

18. Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder
I had followed Stevie Wonder but this album took me to another level.

19. Let It Be - The Beatles
This was the last Beatles album and was given to me the night before I moved to a new town. I couldn't believe I was moving and I couldn't believe The Beatles were breaking up. It seemed like the end of the world to me at the time. The album healed me.

20. Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
The ultimate break-up album. ...Now here we go again.... Go your own way.... Chains keep us together.

21. Harvest - Neil Young
CSNY didn't prepare me for the depth of Young's "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man".

22. Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morrisette
Wow! The music and lyrics on the album released anger and empowered me at the same time.

23. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
"Oh come take my hand".... I did and was taken on the musical ride of my life.

24. Fables of the Reconstruction - R.E.M.
I didn't have the foggiest clue what this album was all about. I had thought the earlier albums had been made for the college co-eds for which they so often played. By the time Document was released, I had caught up to them.

25. Jerusalem - Steve Earle
I was not familiar with the music of Steve Earle prior to this album. Needing an outlet for the status of the world, I found it in Earle's poetry.

Still, so many great artists are left out - The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell - but they are with me.

At The Parlour

Our usual conversation at The Parlour was absent on Friday; however, I did hear an indirect compliment about President Obama. Hooray for progress! Yes, we can.

Since I had the attention of a hair stylist, I felt it necessary to mention the sad state of Howard Fineman's hair. Fineman is Newsweek's senior Washington correspondent and regular contributor for MSNBC. Howard, sweetie, I truly applaud you. But, you need to trim the dark hair. I insist. I stopped coloring my hair about 10 years ago but took an easier path by shaving my head, living with the temporary consequences, and NOT appearing on television. I hope to see more and more Baby Boomers, particularly females, taking the action that you and I have. But, seriously, make an appointment. Now.

Back to The Parlour..... The Parlour on Main is located in an old house estimated to have been built in the early 1800s, around the time Northport was founded on the north banks of the Black Warrior River. Considering the number of times the river has flooded the downtown area, I have to question whether or not the original house could have withstood that damage. Historians believe the town was originally named Kentuck, which meant paradise or Shangri-la during that time. It is my theory the settlers looked around and concluded Northport was more realistic.

What was a nondescript decaying downtown during my early adolescent years is now a mixture of the old and new - a small but bustling arts district with a few good restaurants and art galleries along side an old barbershop, a dime store, and one of my favorite clothing stores. Just outside that mix sits The Parlour on Main.

One of Northport’s most notable cultural activities is the Kentuck Festival of the Arts held each October when hundreds of artists gather at Kentuck Park to showcase their work. Another longstanding tradition is Art Night held on the first Thursday of each month, when many of the art galleries and restaurants open their doors after hours. On the first Tuesday in December each year, Northport hosts Dickens Downtown where visitors can come and see the period setting of 19^th century England.


Outside of downtown we have the McDonald's where Ronald Reagan stopped for a photo op and lunch in 1984. I wasn't impressed then and I'm not impressed now but, Reagan fans, you may read about that here.





Red Dog sits atop one of the artist's studios in the downtown area. Pretty cool, huh? Red Dog is the work of Northport metal worker and artist, Steve Davis. I've yet to visit the recent large fire ant sculpture, although I'm quite familiar with the real Alabama fire ants.


So, that was my day at The Parlour where I got a great and much-needed hair cut (Howard, listen up) and a brief visit of my little town. Tell me about your town, or hair salon, or both.

Weekend Cat Blogging #194

Butch, Jules, and Vincent wish to use their day to pay respects to Socks, First Cat of the Clinton White House.

Socks Clinton dies; ex-First Cat known for sleeping was 20
Andrew Malcolm, LA Times

Word tonight that Socks Clinton, the one-time Arkansas stray adopted by the Clintons who rose to international prominence and literary fame as sole feline inhabitant of the White House, died today.

Throat cancer and a euthanasia shot were given as the cause. The cat who lived a Horatio Alger life was believed to be about 20.

Upon leaving the executive residence in Washington, the Clinton family gave the cat to the president's secretary, Betty Currie, who had recently lost her own pet.

Socks relinquished the public spotlight in 2001 due to term limits and spent his retirement living in Maryland where he expected regular home cooking and was particularly fond of chicken. Continued....

Rest in Peace, Socks.
Butch, Jules, and Vincent

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Amar and Luna at Catsynth.

Feel Good Friday

Recipe: Not-Greek Salad With Walnuts and Roquefort

Recently I learned via a meme that several members of my family are not fond of blue cheese. Surely they must be referring to bottled salad dressings, I thought. What about on burgers? Steak? Salads? Which led me to think about this recipe by Jill Santopietro, Tiny Kitchen for the NYT, and which led me to prepare this for dinner tonight. (Watch video instructions here.) It's easy and it's delicious. I now add ground pepper to my green apple snacks!

1 tablespoon butter

Salt

3/4 cup walnut halves

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons walnut oil

1 Granny Smith apple, cut into bite-size slices

Juice of half a lemon

8 cups mixed greens (endive, watercress, frisée, bibb lettuce, arugula)

3 ounces Roquefort.

1. In a small skillet, melt the sugar over medium-high heat without stirring. Shake the pan occasionally. Once the sugar is light brown, stir in the butter and a pinch of salt. Stir in the walnuts and cook until the caramel turns dark brown. Transfer to a small sheet pan to cool. Season to taste with salt and roughly chop.

2. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper until combined. Whisk in the oils in a slow, steady stream.

3. Place the apples in a bowl, toss with lemon juice and season with pepper.

4. Combine the greens in a large bowl. Toss with just enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Add the walnuts, apples and crumbled Roquefort and toss. Serves 3 to 4.

Photo by Jenny Woodward of the New York Times

The Republicans New Theme Song

Update: Elana Schor of Talking Points Memo reported yesterday that Aerosmith has asked the House GOP to pull their video secondary to copyright infringement claim.

Poor House Republicans. They were pretty psyched yesterday about that new troops-rallying video from Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) that used Aerosmith's "Back in the Saddle" to declare that "The House GOP is back" thanks to the party's unanimous opposition to the stimulus.

But unfortunately, Aerosmith wasn't feeling the love. Cantor's clip has been pulled from YouTube after a copyright infringement claim made by Stage Three Music, which owns the rights to "Back in the Saddle."

To borrow a phrase from Seth Meyers: Really?! You are promoting the fact that every Republican in the House voted 'no' on the stimulus bill. Really?! You're proud of that, are you? And, you are putting it on 'The Internets' with your new theme song, Back in the Saddle by Aerosmith. Really?! I love Aerosmith but a song about a prostitute? Really?! Isn't that against your usual family values mantra? Do you guys know anything about pop culture? Here are the lyrics of your new theme song....

I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again

Ridin' into town alone
By the light of the moon
I'm looking for ole' Sukie Jones
She crazy horse saloon
Barkeep gimme a drink
That's when she caught my eye
She turned to give me a wink
That'd make a grown man cry

I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back

Umm...come easy, go easy
Alright 'til the rising sun
I'm calling all the shots tonight
I'm like a loaded gun
Peelin' off my boots and chaps
I'm saddle sore
Four bits gets you time in the racks
I scream for more

Fools' gold out of their mines
The girls are soaking wet
No tongue's drier than mine
I'll come when I get back

I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm riding, I'm loading up my pistol
I'm riding, I really got a fistful
I'm riding, I'm shining up my saddle
I'm riding, this snake is gonna rattle

I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back

Ridin' high
Ridin' high
Ridin' high already

There are two things that would make this better: 1) Sukie Jones to be a guy, or 2) Aerosmith asks that you not use their music.

Right America: Review of Pelosi's Documentary

First of all, I think Pelosi is a good documentary film maker. Her documentaries are always about the people she is interviewing, not about her. And, of course, she documents subjects that are of interest to me personally.

I am trying to understand. I watched Alexandra Pelosi's documentary with the same desire to learn why the people I live among believe so differently than I do. I don't doubt that Republicans feel strongly about their beliefs and values; I do too. What concerns me most is how it is so intertwined with the business of religion/church. The idea that people are campaigning for Republican candidates in a church soup kitchen and sending campaign literature with people to take to their churches are especially concerning to me as a citizen who believes strongly in the separation of church and state. To hear a minister actually use Obama's name then tell his congregation not to vote for him is extremely upsetting to me. When they pay taxes, they can talk about politics all they want but otherwise I believe it should be off limits.

One can't ignore that the party is extremely...white. I'm not sure what that says about our country right now. It can't be good.

They go all nuts about a flag pin. I go nuts when I hear that Lee Greenwood song. The lyrics don't make any sense!! I want to move to a blue state.

Alexandra Pelosi HBO Documentary Premieres Tonight

"In 2008, I followed the McCain campaign across the country to listen to Americans who did not want Barack Obama to be their President. While not representative of the entire Republican Party, these are just some of the party faithful who turned out at campaign rallies along the way." - Alexandra Pelosi

HBO Synopsis: For her fifth HBO project, Pelosi visited 28 states and spoke about the fight for the soul of the country with mostly conservative Americans, who feel underrepresented by the mainstream media. From the Pulpit Freedom Day in Bethlehem, Ga. to the NASCAR circuit, RIGHT AMERICA: FEELING WRONGED - SOME VOICES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL shows a country at war with itself over the religious and cultural identities that define America. Many interviewees were particularly incensed by what they saw as a lack of any meaningful media attention given to their message during the election campaign - including their views on such hotly contested issues as gun control, abortion rights, religion and gay rights - and by a perceived media bias against McCain and running mate Sarah Palin.

"The way the press handles the election, we feel like our side's never being really represented, never really given a fair shake," says one man. "It's almost like they think of us as a bunch of hicks, a bunch of idiots. And they don't even wanna hear our side or understand us."

"The liberal media is selling the American people short," observes one woman. "That's ridiculous and people should be outraged. And millions and millions of us are." "We're the backbone of this country," says another man. "We're hardworkin,' blue- collared workers that keep this country runnin.' He [Obama] talks like he knows us; he doesn't know us."

RIGHT AMERICA: FEELING WRONGED - SOME VOICES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL is a snapshot of some of the most enthusiastic conservative Americans, once labeled "the silent majority" of the voting American public. Many of them feel so alienated over cultural and political issues that they say they will never trust the new president, the Congress or the media.

I recently watched Pelosi's HBO documentary, "The Trials of Ted Haggard". My views on the business of religion, and evangelicals specifically, were not changed but strengthened. The man was not only exiled from the church he founded but was asked to leave the State of Colorado! According to Haggard, to some people being gay was worse than murder. However, my views on Haggard's personal conflict were challenged. Therefore, I am curious if Pelosi can activate a different thought process about the GOP faithful.

Sunday Signs

"Signs! Signs! Everywhere are signs...." Here are a few signs I captured while out on this February afternoon. Needless to say, there were signs of spring I was not expecting. I did not capture the few daffodils I saw in full bloom so I added this daffodils jigsaw puzzle picture.

Weekend Cat Blogging #193

This weekend's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Gree and Othello.

Feel Good Friday

February 9, 1964 - The Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and our world changed forever. I started thinking about that day after reading, Even Though I Was 7, I Was Born 45 Years Ago, Today posted by Sharon Cobb at News, Reviews, Views and Interviews

First appearance


Second appearance


Third appearance


We love you Beatles, oh, yes we do.

Update: Watching the videos a second time, I'm struck by what a large catalogue of music they had in 1964 that still holds up today. So much of the music that came before The Beatles sounds so dated today.

Help Repeal Prop 8

"Fidelity": Watch the video then go here to read and sign the letter to the California Supreme Court
Tell the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case (yes, THAT Ken Starr), and let loving, committed couples marry.
DEADLINE: Valentine's Day


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo."Fidelity" used with permission from Regina Spektor and EMI Records.

Obama Pizza

Isn't this amazing? I ran across this link while visiting the Weekend Cat Blogging sites. For information about this endeavor and the recipe, go to Not Quite Nigella.

As someone who watches Nigella, this appears way, way to labor-intensive for Nigella.

Very cool!

SNL Says It Best

If I only had a brain...a heart...some courage

"The world we've made, as a result of the level of thinking we have done thus far, creates problems we cannot solve at the same level of thinking" ~ Albert Einstein.

"Insanity is doing the same thing in the same way and expecting a different outcome." ~Chinese Proverb or/and Rita Mae Brown and/or Albert Einstein and/or Benjamin Franklin and/or Rudyard Kipling. Let me know if you locate a definitive author.

I once went with a group to my legislator's office to discuss a social issue. While waiting, one of the team leaders told us to remember, "In my experience, I have found legislators to be friendly but not very knowledgeable on very many subjects. Just remember, you know more about this subject than he does. You are here to educate him". Before that moment, I assumed it was the job of a legislator to learn about these subjects.

When Republican senators stand up and begin to pontificate, I like to imagine President Obama pulling them by their little baby ears back to their seats; I also like to imagine an occasional large polo mallet for the select few. Like John McCain. Writes Bob Herbert, NYT columnist, in Playing With Fire:

Senator John McCain echoed many of his Republican colleagues on Friday when he indignantly asserted, “This is not a stimulus bill; it is a spending bill.”

It was an objection that had been addressed by an incredulous President Obama on Thursday night. “What do you think a stimulus is?” the president asked, his voice rising. Spending, he said — to laughter from his audience — “is the whole point.”

Hebert writes:

On the front page of The Times on Friday was an article that said the number of women on the nation’s payrolls is poised to pass that of men for the first time in American history. This is not because women have been doing so well, but because men have been doing so poorly.

As I was reading the article, I thought of all the guys who used to listen to Rush Limbaugh while driving to or from work but are now tuning in from their living rooms because the benefits of the G.O.P.’s right-wing, tax-cutting ideology never trickled down to them and they are now jobless.

And, Herbert says:

It’s been clear for years that the G.O.P. is a party without a heart. But its pointless obstructionism, its overall lack of any serious response to what is a clear national economic emergency, seems to indicate it’s also a party without a brain.

The goal is twofold: to alleviate some of the enormous suffering (something that is easily understood if you have a heart), and to revive the battered economy (equally easy to understand by anyone with a brain).

I would add there is the need for courage, courage to step up and make the choices to do whatever is necessary for the country without obstructionism. Tax cuts don't create jobs. Taking a chance on reviving the economy is not waste. Do the right thing before we send all of you back to Kansas.

Weekend Cat Blogging #192

The wise indoor cat must use his imagination to entertain himself while always preparing for the chance at a surprise attack on its unsuspecting prey, such as older brothers, imaginary birds, or feet in socks. ~Vincent

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Mr. Tigger and The M-Cats Club.

Obama to House Dems: This is not a game.

In a fired-up, mostly impromptu speech to House Democrats in Williamsburg, Va., Thursday night, Obama accused his Republican critics of wanting to return to “the same policies that for the last eight years doubled the national debt and threw our economy into a tailspin.”

“I don’t care whether you’re driving a hybrid or an SUV,” he said. "If you’re headed for a cliff, you have to change direction. That’s what the American people called for in November, and that’s what we intend to deliver.”

Listen to a wonderful call to action by President Obama to House Democrats here.

As of 4:43 p.m. CST:
The Senate has reached a tentative deal on a $780 billion stimulus package.
One source told Politico: "We have a deal."

Feel Good Friday

I have this pesky thing called a job so I'm late with this post. I couldn't find anything last night that really made me smile. On my way home after lunch, I heard the beginning of this song as a ring tone. I smiled when I heard it and thought, there's my Feel Good Friday song. Enjoy the Reverend Al Green.

In the News

Will Michael Phelps do for marijuana while Rock Hudson did for AIDS? It might take someone white who we admire for their athletic accomplishments (face it, you know it's true) to take the public conversation on the destructive drug laws to another, more reasonable level and possibly end marijuana prohibition.
On Arrests, Demographics, and Marijuana (NYT, April 2008)
Michael Phelps, Hypocrisy, and American Drug Policy (Huffington Post, February 2009)

Image remains everything: Former Chief of Staff Andrew Card appears to be bothered by the fact that President Obama is not wearing a suit in some of the pictures shot in the White House. I have heard President Obama refer to having a home office plus they left him a pile of sh*t for him to muddle through. President Obama responds to a so-called "dress code".

The GOP continues to control the language: ThinkProgress reports that Republicans continue to outnumber Democrats on television news shows. The weeks of January 28th, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by 2:1 to discuss the stimulus bill. Media Matters had originally followed this through the Bush administration with the rationale being that they were the party in power.

Which could explain the opposition to the stimulus bill.... Just read all those awful things that a small percentage of the government/taxpayers' money might go towards. President Obama wrote an Op-Ed in today's Washington Post. Read Bernie Horn's blog who encourages us to "Stand up and Fight". I've called my senators. The policies of the past have us here. We must act.

And, lunch is over....

My Own Personal "TPS Reports" Hell

I have vowed not to mention my employment so I will just say.....we all have our "TPS Reports" hell, don't we?

Senator Shelby: Don't Panic

Calls to my Alabama GOP senators' offices to encourage them to support the stimulus bill were met with polite, although cool receptions. While Senator Jeff Sessions' office only took my message of support, Senator Richard Shelby's office staff took time to explain that Senator Shelby had some reservations about the bill in its current form. I expressed concern over the extended amount of time it was taking for action and was encouraged to "not panic", "we don't want to throw a trillion dollars away of the taxpayers' money." Hello? Can you say Iraq?

Some of our great economic forecasters have said that no one really knows what is going to work. If it's a crap shoot then let's get on with it. Stop quibbling over little things like contraception; you can all get together and giggle and make your little jokes later. You might even get a chance to talk about sex on C-SPAN; you guys seem to enjoy that. And, please, get over your usual "tax cut" mantra. Trying to stimulate the economy by putting an even extended divide between the rich and the poor will not improve anything. I'm not in a panic for me, Senator Shelby. I am in a panic for you to be brave enough and politically mature enough to put your toe in the water of the scary bipartisan aisle and take an action.

The Heart's Cupboard

Ah, how good it feels! The hand of an old friend. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A decade can feel like yesterday. On Saturday I reached back into my heart's cupboard to dust off memories of one decade ago and of four decades ago. When I met a dear friend for lunch after an absence of just over a decade, I wondered how one would go about catching up after so long. I relaxed the second I heard her first familiar, infectious laugh. We picked up the conversation as if we'd seen each other yesterday.

We both love good food...now; I'm only now appreciating the joy of good food. She recommended we meet at DePalma's Italian Cafe downtown where we ordered the Chicken Pesto Lasagna, a small arugula salad with the house balsamic vinaigrette, warm garlic bread, and a glass of Merlot. Just over two hours in we added dessert and coffee, a wonderful tiramisu for me and cheesecake for her.

Confession: I can sometimes lose sight of what is so precious in life. I can't wait to see her again.

Four Decades Ago, give or take a year.....
The DePalma's Italian Cafe is located in this very cool, very old building. The crest at the top of the building says 1871 and was originally the location of the First National Bank. What I had saved in my heart's memory cupboard was when it was Adrian's, a women's clothing store in the mid- to late-1960s. The name "Adrian's" was spelled out in the floor tiles at the front door and it was a big deal to go. Begging, whining, and bargaining were involved.

I recall at least one store on that block that had an elevator then, even with an elevator operator to politely take you to the second floor and back. Adrian's also had an elevator that took you to the third floor and into a young teenager's fashion fantasy - The Nunsuch Shop.

The Nunsuch Shop also had a teen board made up of local teenagers who modeled their clothes and, if I remember correctly, appeared once a week in the local newspaper. I was so envious! However, on that rare occasion that I got to shop there, I was thrilled. It was a little bit out of my family's $$ league, if you know what I mean.

My cupboard memory included one of my favorite outfits from there, an unlikely Easter dress for the small-town preacher's daughter: a bright yellow mini-dress with large black and white flowers, an empire waist, square neckline, and short puff sleeves. I talked my parents into allowing me to accessorize with a large, black floppy hat. I felt so cool. This was slightly less appropriate than my second favorite Easter dress and black patent shoes I wore to see Jimi Hendrix in concert. Show some respect -- it was Hendrix.

I moved away shortly after that year and I don't know when Adrian's closed. One Web historian referred to the building's history as housing the three C's - cash, clothes, and calzones.