UA BYE Week or Saturday Ramblings

The apartment is clean, the clothes are washed, SEC football games are on, and I'm cozy on the sofa with Jules, Vincent, and Dell (my laptop)......

Road signs on my morning drive to Mississippi indicated that federal money available through the Recovery and Reinvestment Act was being used to improve roadways and repair bridges.  Construction equipment was present at two locations just across the Mississippi line into Lowndes County.

Our first couple discusses the ups and downs of their relationship in Jodi Kantor's interview in the New York Times Magazine: The Obamas' Marriage.

Fox News Senior VP Michael Clemente confirmed Fox defined its news hours as 9am-4pm and 6-8pm. These times exclude Fox and Friends, Cavuto, O'Reilly, Hannity, Beck, and Van Susteren.  Watch For Fox Sake on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Speaking of Jon Stewart, The Daily Show had their first heckler in 11 years, who shouted "liar" (Joe Wilson-style) during the first few minutes of his interview with Anna Baltzer and Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, who dare to suggest diplomacy over war as the answer to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.  Read TPM's review here.  The Daily Show has been overwhelmed with angry letters and emails. To show your support of Stewart,  please take a moment to give a quick thank you to the Daily Show. Be sure to put "Thank you" in the subject line. Fill out the form here (make sure to choose The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as your topic). You can also try calling 212-468-1700.

It doesn't come as a surprise to hear that UT Coach Lane Kiffin idolized Steve Spurrier. Kiffin, the new Mouth in the South, has already made an impact on the conference by strengthing the SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 on suspensions and fines for coaches making public comments criticizing game officiating.  Kiffin met his idol on the field tonight in Knoxville; it really did look like old school football meets new school football. 

Reminder:  For North American readers, set clocks back one hour tonight for Daylight Savings Time.  Learn more about DST here.

Weekend Cat Blogging 230: Hallowe’en Black Cat Edition!

 

For Halloween treats, Jules prefers banana Popsicles. Vincent selects a 'mouse' so we can play a game (...after game after game...) of fetch.  Jules and Vincent wish everyone at WCB a Happy Halloween!

Weekend Cat Blogging: Hallowe'en Black Cat Edition is hosted by Luna at CatSynth.

Feel Good Friday

Marty and Moose

Marty and Moose interacting with others.

Major Civil Rights Legislation Signed Today

President Obama's remarks:  After more than a decade of opposition and delay, we've passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or who they are. I promised Judy Shepard, when she saw me in the Oval Office, that this day would come, and I'm glad that she and her husband Dennis could join us for this event. I'm also honored to have the family of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, who fought so hard for this legislation. And Vicki and Patrick, Kara, everybody who's here, I just want you all to know how proud we are of the work that Ted did to help this day -- make this day possible. So -- and thank you for joining us here today. So, with that, I'm going to sign this piece of legislation.  Continued (with videos) here....

Matthew Shephard's Story
 
James Byrd, Jr.'s Story

A B C Wednesday Round 5

O is for oleander

In the novel Dragonwyck, the plant and its poisonous effect are essential to the plot. The plant can be seen in the film by the same name.


White Oleander is a 1999 book by Janet Fitch that was made into a 2002 drama film with the same name directed by Peter Kosminsky; poisioning using the oleander plant is central to the plot.


The legend of Chloe is possibly the most well known of the Myrtles Plantation's supposed ghosts; Chloe was a slave who was reputed to have killed her mistress and the mistress' two daughters by cooking a birthday cake poisoned with oleander. Source: Wikipedia


O is for oleander.  ABC Wednesday Round 5 is hosted by Denise.
Photo by iStock.

Ten on Tuesday

This was so much fun that I couldn't stop at 10 so I stopped at 20. Consider it parts one and two of my favorite movie moments. 

Ten Favorite Movie Moments

Your girl is lovely, Hubbell.
Katie Morosky (Barbra Streisand) says this to Robert Redford's Hubbell Gardner in The Way We Were (1973), then brushes his hair away from his forehead.
View scene here: The Way We Were  (3:08)

No dialogue is needed when Diane Lane rides the train to her suburban home after an adulterous tryst with lover Olivier Martinez in Unfaithful (2002).  Lane reveals a gamut of emotions through her facial expressions and through the way she moves her body.
View part of scene here: Unfaithful (1:03)


 

In Out of Africa (1985), Baroness Karen von Blixen-Finecke (Meryl Streep) begins a relationship with big-game hunter, Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford) only to find that he ultimately belongs to Africa, not to her. On safari, there is a scene where he washes her hair. It is one of the most intimate and sensual scenes in the movie.
View a brief still photograph here: Out of Africa (1:03)


Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer): I love you, Pumpkin.
Pumpkin (Tim Roth): I love you, Honey Bunny.
Pumpkin: All right, everybody be cool, this is a robbery!
Honey Bunny: Any of you f***ing pricks move, and I'll execute every motherf***ing last one of ya!

There are so many memorable moments in Pulp Fiction (1994) that it is hard to choose just one. I chose the very first scene because I simply wasn't prepared for the wild, wild ride I was about to take, courtesy of Quentin Tarantino.

View scene here:  Pulp Fiction (warning-language!) (3:40)

When Effie White (Jennifer Hudson) realizes she has been replaced in the Dreams and has lost Curtis (Jamie Foxx), she sings And I Am Telling You. I hate to sound trite but I literally had chill bumps the first time I heard it as she revealed her pain and the longing through her voice. Powerful. View this scene here: Dreamgirls (2004)

In Annie Hall (1977), Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) are standing in a movie line. This scene is what Allen would like to see happen in real life.
View scene here: Annie Hall

Violet (Lily Tomlin): Why do you think?

Mr. Hart (Dabney Coleman): Because I'm a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot? 

Violet: Bingo.

Violet's fantasy to knock off the boss in Nine to Five (3:23)


You're my knight in shining armor.
Ethel and Norman Thayer (Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda) are preparing to celebrate Norman's 80th birthday on Golden Pond.  In this scene, Norman returns to their cabin after getting lost in a familiar setting.
View scene here: On Golden Pond (1981)






Put the candle back.
A hilarious film by Mel Brooks, this scene features Teri Garr and Gene Wilder.  I think this clip speaks for itself.

View scene here: Young Frankenstein (1974)

Fasten your seatbelts.  It's going to be a bumpy night.
Every scene in which Bette Davis appears is usually a good one.  As Margo Channing, she plays a talented but aging Broadway actress who is befriended by an aspiring and younger actress.
View scene here: All About Eve (1950)

I can't stop at ten!

11. Every scene Steve Martin appears is a movie moment.

12. You're just a kid.  You don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about. The park scene in Good Will Hunting between Robin Williams and Matt Damon

13. He's a Cinderella boy. Bill Murray in Caddyshack

14. That's so romantic. ~Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon)

*Language* - Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) calling the umpire a c**ksucker in Bull Durham.

15.  I'll dye Easter eggs, if it will works.

After becoming convinced that his slight hearing loss is the result of a brain tumor, Mickey (Woody Allen) begins to look at picking a religion in Hannah and Her Sisters.

16.  I'm telling you, you're coming along at a very dangerous time for rock and roll. The war is over. They won. And, they will ruin rock and roll and strangle everything we love about it.  

William Miller (Patrick Fugit) recalls being told this by music writer, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman) in Almost Famous.

17) You were not.  Amy Adams responding to her new sister-in-law's revelation that she was born in Japan in Junebug. (1:04)

18) LOVE the moment where Bren, Juno MacGuff's (Ellen Page) stepmother played by Allison Janney, rips the ultrasound tech (Kaaren de Zilva):

Bren: What is your job title exactly?

Ultrasound Technician: I'm an ultrasound technician, ma'am.
Bren: Well, I'm a nail technician and I think we both ought to just stick to what we know.
Ultrasound Technician: Excuse me?
Bren: Oh, you think you're so special because you get to play Picture Pages up there? Well, my five year old daughter could do that and let me tell you, she's not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed. So why don't you go back to night school in Mantino and learn a real trade.
19) Another Juno moment:
Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page): What? Cause I got bored and had sex with you and I didn't want to like marry you?
Paulie Bleeker (adorable Michael Cera): Like I'd marry you! You'd be the meanest wife ever, okay?
20) Floor Seven: the media. Sorry, that floor is all filled up.  Woody Allen as Harry in Deconstructing Harry as he descends on the elevator to hell.

And, I could continue.  But, I won't.

Ten on Tuesday is hosted by Yano at yanowhatimean?

Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health. Our goal is to help reduce meat consumption 15% in order to improve personal health and the health of our planet.

Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.

I have plans to "go meatless" Monday through Friday this week with the following recipes:

Monday: Emeril's Black Bean Cakes
I can't wait to try these!

Tuesday: Portobello Burgers with Celery Apple Slaw 
I'm actually adapting this recipe to make a simple portobello mushroom 'burger' topped with the celery apple slaw and good grainy mustard minus the buffalo meat.  I sold the idea to another woman today, who inquired about how I planned to use the mushrooms.  Shouldn't I get a percentage of that sale?:)

Wednesday: Portobello Mushroom 'Pizzas' or Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Thursday: Nigella's Roasted Vegetables 
This is a dish I enjoy frequently in the winter.  I must admit I go to this recipe when I'm cleaning out my refrigerator of those few unused peppers and potatoes.  I don't know about "mood-enhancing", as Nigella claims, but it is certainly easy and delicious so I suppose that is enough to enhance my mood.

Friday: Not-Greek Roquefort Salad (with video)
Love this salad, and I would love to see more Jill Santopietro videos.

Healthy Eating!

Sunday Reflections: Have a Blessed Day

So, it's a beautiful day outside and all is well with my world when I'm told by a cashier at the grocery store, "thank you and have a blessed day".  No, this isn't the first time I've heard this; after all, I live in the south. I finally replied, "I have absolutely no idea what that means."

When did a simple thank you for shopping with us become so inadquate that it has to be followed with some kind of personal religious reference?  The argument is that "have a blessed day" is as inocuous a remark as "bless you" after someone has sneezed.  If this person just kindly wishes that I have a good day then why can't she/he  just say that? To use the word "blessed" is to insert an element of Christianity or religious reference right here in the middle of this local grocery store and nothing makes me more prickly than that.

Unless I have been more alienated than I believe, this is a relatively new development in greetings, at least new within the last decade.  I'm sure if I reflected on this long enough I could find some reason to blame all this religious bravado on Ronald Reagan. Actually.... it doesn't take me long at all. After all, it was during the Reagan years that we saw this religious right revolution and their efforts to push the country back to the dark ages.  Yet, it is my sense that it was the George W. Bush religious bravado and chest pounding that gave religious people the courage to speak out to others with such confidence. Reagan and Bush were both accused of using "code" words to religous voters to keep them voting strictly GOP. I personally can't think of two people less religiously equipped than these two, except in their ability to court and accept the votes (pause briefly to catch my breath from laughing at the very thought!).

It is really quite easy to keep religion in churches, if you'll try.  I see absolutely no reason to bring it into the grocery store just to irritate me on such a lovely day.

(graphic from somelikeitscott on HubPages)

A Mount Cody Win

What I learned from Alabama's game against Tennessee today:

1. If your lucky shirt is in the dirty clothes, take it out and wear it anyway.

2. Don't start blogging about your win until the game is over.

3. Never be too confident when your team is in the SEC.

4. Thank the football gods for 'Mount' Terrence Cody and Leigh Tiffin!

(1) Alabama Crimson Tide 12 v Tennessee Volunteers 10

Next week:  UA - BYE

(1) Alabama Crimson Tide v Tennessee Volunteers

Saturday, October 24^th, 2009 - 2:30 PM CST
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL 

Roll Tide, Roll!

Graphics and video from Rolltide.com.

Weekend Cat Blogging #229

Jules has his own office chair by my desk now, complete with the comforts of his pet bed. He is always willing to share a little Jules love during the day.

Jules is this week's entry for Weekend Cat Blogging hosted by Mr. Tigger and the M-Cats Club.

....because the world should know

Today, October 24, people in 181 countries are coming together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people are gathering to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis.

350.org has organized the International Day of Climate Action.  Scientists (you remember scientists, don't you?) say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. Learn more about 350 – what it means, where it came from, and how to get there. Read More »

View the slideshow to see how people around the world are recognizing the day and taking action.
View the video here to learn more about 350.org.
View the FAQs to learn more about 350.

My Big Fat Chip

I started this post last week and deleted it.  After all, I was happy!  Alabama was #1 in the AP and #2 in the BCS rankings, and should have been #1 in the coaches poll. So, I overlooked that ESPN.com had photographs of a Florida player and a Texas player as their top story.  And, I ignored that Alabama's win over #22 South Carolina was only the sixth headline story. They did the obligatory story on UA's Mark Ingram being a stronger contender for the all-elusive Heisman at Alabama; even then, it was a split photo with Master "God bless" Tebow.

Today, however, Pete Carroll and USC's game is the top story photograph. Hello?  I had to scroll all the way down to the bloggers' section to find a picture of Coach Saban, the only reference to UA.  Correction: there's a story about the University of Tennessee and their next three upcoming games and UA is one of those games.

Do I have a big fat chip on my shoulder about this?  Yes. I do.  I am, after all, I die-hard Alabama Crimson Tide fan.  I have reminded myself that it shouldn't matter; we can leave it all on the field with a big win against UT tomorrow.  As far as I'm concerned, they can show up in any color jersey they want.  We'll take those penalty yards, thank you very much.  Georgia showed up in black last year and look what happened to them.

Feel Good Friday

Public Radio - One and Done Fundraising

Want real news that doesn't make you shout at the television or turn it off in disgust? Do you actually want to learn when you listen to news?  Then, turn on your radio! WBHM has reduced their fundraising into one day - today.  Make that call.  Make that pledge.  Listen to programming that you can enjoy (and no one is shouting).

One and Done!

If you want more programming and less on-air fundraising, then you will love One and Done! - WBHM's one day on-air fund drive, Thursday, October 22. Be part of its success by making your pledge now.

Marty and Moose

A B C Wednesday Round 5

N is for nyuk-nyuk-nyuk!

Oddly, this is my second nyuk-nyuk-nyuk post!  On March 26th, I posted about the casting of the long-awaited Farrelly brothers' film, Three Stooges.

The Three Stooges: Dutiful But Dumb, Part II (watch today's 'N' at 2:38)

N is for nyuk-nyuk-nyuk.  ABC Wednesday Round 5 is hosted by Denise.

Happy Wednesday!

W: Motivational Speaker

Rachel Maddow reported tonight that Former President George W. Bush would be speaking at the GET MOTIVATED seminar at San Antonio, Texas.
I was reminded of the comment about George Bush being "born on third base and believing he hit a triple". Maybe he can motivate people to be born into a wealthy family. Of course, Rachel also reminded me of Matt Foley, living in a van down by the river.....

Cookbook Giveaway!

**WIN A COPY OF GET COOKING BY MOLLIE KATZEN!**

Deborah at Taste and Tell says: Harper Studio has generously given me an extra copy to give away to you! 

There are two ways to enter:
1 - Leave a comment on the Taste and Tell post
2 - Tell someone about this giveaway, whether it be on a blog, facebook or twitter. Then go back and leave a new comment letting Deborah know.

This giveaway will go until Monday, October 26th at 11:59pm Mountain. The winner will be announced Tuesday, October 27th.

Check out Deborah's review at Taste and Tell.

Ten on Tuesday

Ten Guilty Pleasures

1) Skittles

2) Afternoon napping

3) Movie marathons

4) Expensive haircuts

5) Soaking my feet in olive oil

6) Dancing around the house to loud music

7) Award shows and award show fashion

8) Rich, decadent desserts

9) Bacon, bacon, bacon

10) Online real estate voyeurism (like to see how houses are decorated)

Ten on Tuesday is hosted by Yano at yanowhatimean?

Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health. Our goal is to help reduce meat consumption 15% in order to improve personal health and the health of our planet.

Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.

We had our first weekend of cool weather so I wanted something warm and hearty to enjoy while I watched Sunday Night Football.  I settled on Ina Garten's Cheddar Corn Chowder, minus the bacon and substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth.  Note: I did use milk and cheese.

Recipe: Cheddar Corn Chowder, adapted from Barefoot Contessa

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil

3 cups yellow onions, chopped (2 large)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
6 cups vegetable broth
3 cups Yukon gold potatoes, medium-diced, unpeeled
1 1/2 pounds frozen yellow corn
1 cup half-and-half
4 ounces white cheddar cheese, extra-sharp, grated

Directions:
Over medium-heat, add olive oil , onions, and butter and cook until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).

Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and tumrmeric and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add frozen corn, half-and-half, and cheddar cheese.  Heat thoroughly for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Healthy Eating!

Sunday Reflections: Strong in the Broken Places

A less than desirable situation that can happen when one moves back to a town where one has lived before is occasionally running into an old boyfriend. Making that less than desirable situation even worse is running into that old boyfriend after having had the flu all week and after not having washed your hair for three days or your face for two, and wearing a sweatshirt over the T-shirt you slept in the night before -- which is what I did today.  Of course, most people would never go out in that situation but I can easily slip in and out without being recognized because I've doubled my weight and stopped coloring my hair since I've lived here.

Yet when I saw my old beau and his wife, someone I've known even longer than him and, if my memory serves me correctly, I introduced.....I didn't see any reason not to speak. I wanted to say hello.  After our brief conversation, I finished shopping with this amazing, somewhat unfamiliar feeling. 

I was immediately reminded of how much I've changed and grown since that relationship; how much I've been through, good and bad; and, how incredibly strong I can be even when I really make a mess of things. I walked out of the store with a smile on my face and my head held high. It was a wonderful feeling. Either that or I was possibly still somewhat delerious from my illness, although I don't think that was it.

I was reminded of the Hemingway quote on my banner above: the world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.  When you've had the flu and you've felt alone and your fever convinces you that you'll die alone and no one will know or possibly even care and the only food your cats will have is your unwashed face to snack on until you're discovered by the apartment pest control guy..... you get a little reminder that you are just fine.  In fact, you are better than fine.  Realizing that you are happy with yourself and your life is worth running into an old boyfriend every now and then when your nose is running or when, considered even worse by those two, you're buying bacon, God forbid!

Be Careful What You Wish For....

Update, 4:15 p.m. - BCS top 5 rankings:

1. Florida

2. Alabama

3. Texas

4. Boise State

5. Cincinnati

*******************************************************************************

... or, you will surely get it! The BCS rankings are expected around 4 p.m. today.

2009 NCAA College Football Poll (AP)

1.  University of Alabama Crimson Tide, Baby!

2.  University of Florida Gators

3.  University of Texas Longhorns

4.  University of Southern California Trojans

5.  University of Cincinnati Bearcats

BCS Rankings Out Tomorrow

(2) Alabama Crimson Tide 20 v (22) South Carolina Gamecocks 6

ESPN's Lou Holtz may not "see a number #1 team" but let's face it: Coach Lou is old and just can't see beyond his beloved Notre Dame.  Mark May has better eyes (plus cooler eyeglass frames).  If one is looking for offensive style, Alabama may not be that team - yet. Defensively, Alabama is #1-plus.

Florida squeaked by Arkansas today with a field goal in the last seconds; Texas trailed and struggled against Oklahoma despite Sam Bradford's unfortunate reaggravated injury, discussed ad nauseum second only to Tim Tebow's concussion. Virginia Tech lost to Georgia Tech.  Notre Dame almost came back to beat USC; Ohio State lost.   

Alabama still should at least rank #2 in the AP and pass Texas in the Coaches polls tomorrow for #2, as well as in the BCS.  Alabama has Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State, and Auburn in the SEC and Chattanooga left to play.  For tomorrow, October 18th, Alabama should get the acknowledgement they have earned thus far.  The homecoming theme today was Return to Glory.  We've waded through the darkness of our past mistakes, rebuilt, and come out on the other side.  Acknowledge! 

Let the Florida Gators stay #1.  I had much rather beat them in the SEC Championship game!!  Roll Tide!

BTW...Auburn lost to Kentucky, 21-14.  First time UK has beaten Auburn since 1966.  Didn't you hear that roar in Bryant Denny Stadium when the score was announced? It's a perfect (almost) football weekend.  You're next, UT.

Weekend Cat Blogging #228

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads me to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry it
It ain't heavy, it's my cat toy.
(apologies to songwriters Bobby Scott and Bob Russell)

Jules is this week's entry for Weekend Cat Blogging hosted by Kashim at Paulchens FoodBlog?!

UA Homecoming 2009

Graphics and videos from Rolltide.com

World Food Day USA - October 16, 2009

 The destiny of human rights is in the hands of all our citizens in all our communities.

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

 World Food Day, October 16th, is a worldwide event designed to increase awareness, understanding, and informed year-round action to alleviate hunger.

Get involved: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for a world without hunger.

 Macy's has teamed up with Feeding America to Come Together with the goal of donating 10,000 meals across the nation.  What we can do:
* HOST a dinner party where guest are urged to make a donation to Feeding America.  An invitation creator and theme ideas are available on the Macy's website, Come Together.
* GIVE a dollar, provide seven meals for the needy.  Donate online, directly at Macy's registers, or mail in checks to Feeding America.
* SHOP for a cause on October 17th at Macy's. Purchasing a $5 shopping pass provides donations to local food banks.
* SHARE your ideas, stories, and donations at the interactive site: Come Together national community map.



Here are some interesting facts compiled by Huffington Post (unable to locate link at time of post):

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/05/macys-and-feeding-america_n_309957.html

* 1: number of new kitchen gardens planted at the White House this year AP
* 1943: the last time food was grown at the White House White House
* 20 million: the number of new gardens planted in 1943 LA Times
* 40%: percentage of nation's produce coming from gardens in 1943 LA Times
* 7 million: estimated number of new food gardens planted in the US in 2009 NGA
* $2000: amount of savings possible per year from a 40' x 40' garden KGI
* 90%: percentage of fruit/vegetable varieties lost in the US the last 100 years CNN
* 3500: number of vegetable varieties owned by Monsanto Monsanto
* 18,467: number of new small farms counted in the last agricultural census USDA
* 4,685: number of farmers markets nationwide USDA
* 4,100: number of Wal-mart stores and clubs in the US Wal-mart
* 187,000 ft2 : average area of a Wal-mart superstore Wal-mart
* 60,112 ft2: average area of a farmers' market USDA
* 9.5 million: number of imported food shipments arriving in the US each year Huffington Post
* 226,377: number of establishments registered to export food to the US Huffington Post
* 200: number of on-site inspections of these establishments conducted by the FDA last year Huffington Post
* 76 million: number of people who fall ill each year due to food poisoning CDC
* 50 gallons: volume of sugared beverages consumed per person in the US each year LA Times
* 22,727: number of Olympic-sized swimming pools those beverages would fill Answers.com
* $15 billion: annual estimated revenue of a penny-per-ounce tax on soda LA Times
* $20.5 billion: Coca-Cola's gross profit in 2008 Coca-Cola
* 72 million: number of American adults considered obese CDC
* 33%: percentage of US children likely to develop obesity or Type 2 diabetes CDC
* 10-15 years: average number of years their lives will be shortened as a result CDC
* 57 years: average age of the American farmer USDA
* 25 days: average shelf-life of a Twinkie Snopes
* 350 parts per million: sustainable level of CO2 in atmosphere 350.org
* 390 parts per million: current level of CO2 in the atmosphere NOAA
* 31%: percentage of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions attributable to food and agriculture IPCC
* 2020: year by which many geologists feel the world will have reached "peak oil" production UK Research Centre
* 10 calories: average amount of fossil fuel energy required to produce 1 calorie of food energy in industrialized food systems Cornell
* 29,100 calories: estimated fossil fuel calories required to produce one order of Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries Men's Health
* 1 billion: number of hungry people in the world in 2009 FAO
* 9.1 billion: projected world population in the year 2050 US Census
* 70%: percentage increase in global food production required to feed that projected population FAO
* 70%: percentage of world's fresh water used for agricultural purposes UNESCO
* 1.8 billion: number of people expected to experience "water scarcity" in the year 2025 UNEP
* 0: number of new, oil-rich, water-rich, fertile and inhabitable planets we are likely to discover in the next 40 years
* 1: number of people needed to make a positive difference in any of the above: you!

View last year's post on World Food Day here.

Feel Good Friday

Marty and Moose

Here Marty and Moose talked technology.  Today, M&M talk relationships.

Moose practices monogamy.

Marty practices serial monogamy! 

Flu Advice

Warning: Language
What would you expect? It's the flu!

My reality: It goes without saying you are going to sneeze, cough, and groan a lot. You are going to drink lots of fluids and curse the germ that made you so miserable. You won't enjoy that you have a day(s) off work because you feel like shit. 
Advice: Lots of juices, other fluids, tissue, and comfortable bedding

My reality: You'll wish you had the foresight to buy ice cream at the grocery store for that sore throat instead of all those apples or that you had prepared chicken soup instead of that megabean chili.
Advice: Comfort food. You won't want to eat all those high fiber foods! 

My reality: My cats have never experienced even a cold during their lives with me so I've had lots of laughs when they jump every time I sneeze and when they give me the "evil eye" when I wake them while trying to find a comfortable position. They are catching on; now, only their heads pop up every time I breath in right before a sneeze.
Advice: Enjoy your time with your animals. They are good cuddlers and will bring you a sense of wellbeing.

My reality: I didn't feel like reading so I spent today watching Woody Allen movies, specifically Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Hannah and Her Sisters. These are three outstanding films about relationships and about Allen's New York. Below is a video from the opening of Manhattan, enhanced by George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
Advice: If you feel like watching television, make it worthwhile by watching some really good films.  Don't watch bad commercial movies like Marley and Me.  That dog was an asshole.  A bad movie will just make you feel worse!

Lastly, don't wait four days before going to the doctor. No matter what you might believe, it doesn't just get better on its own! And, if you can find a comfortable position, don't move!

Feel better!  Wash your hands!

Know what to do about the flu.

A B C Wednesday Round 5

M is for Masks

Masks are worn on the face for amusement, protection, concealment, celebration, performance, and practical purposes. Some masks can be worn on places other than the face, such as my comedy/tragedy mask tattoo, or on one's finger for storytelling and dancing.

This ornate Venetian mask is worn during Carnavale or Carnival of Venice that starts around two weeks before Ash Wednesday. In the past, it was also worn as a device to hide one's identity and social status.

Most interesting to me are the masks we wear in our everyday lives in our attempt to hide who we really are from others or in our effort to conform.  One can become so skilled in hiding behind these masks that one begins to wonder if there is any identifiable substance within - do we even know ourselves and is there anyone inside. Is the price of conformity worth losing an interesting and beautiful individual?

The comedy/tragedy mask is most commonly known as the drama mask or theater mask. I have used this symbol to describe how I felt on any given day; however, it has occurred to me that there is a familial history as well. My father was a minister so what greater example of drama or theater than the ministry? The minister must use one's talent to reach people on an emotional level week after week on the same stage.

I found the following poems on comedy and tragedy by Eleanor Roosevelt's aunt, Corrine Roosevelt Robinson:

Comedy

I am the Comic Muse,

Soft as the summer rain,

Come the children I bear

Out of the breath of my brain;

Love,--and Laughter than lifts,

Joy with the lilt of a song,

Beauty that's born of praise,

And Faith that has righted wrong.

I am the heart of a child,

I am the trust of a maid,

Spirit and passion of man,

Love that is unbetrayed;

I am the Muse that smiles,

Lo! and gladness is rife,

Comedy, I am called,

I am the mirror of Life.

Tragedy

I am the Tragic Muse;

Born of the web of my brain,

Lo! my children shall pass,

Poverty, Pathos, and Pain;

Labor,--and Love forsworn,

Each in their turn I name.

Jealousy, evil born

Sorrow, and Sin and Shame.

I am the World's despair,

I am the heart's despite,

Woven of me is fear,

Shadow of mine is night;

I am the Muse that weeps,

Out of my grief is Strife,

Tragedy, I am called

I am the mirror of Life!

~ Corinne Roosevelt Robinson (1861-1933)

M is for Masks.  ABC Wednesday Round 5 is hosted by Denise.

Happy Wednesday!

Photos by iStock.