Sunday Reflections: Life's Unheard Stories

The long driveway toward this building does not suggest what stories might lay behind these doors. I decided to take the driveway on Saturday; the multi-acre campus won't be around much longer, as the landlocked University of Alabama will be taking over this adjacent land and the residents relocated. It looks so stately on this winter, although sunny day.

This is Bryce Hospital or, as it was initially named, The Alabama Insane Hospital. The idea was conceived in 1852 and opened in 1861 at which time a 26-year-old man named Peter Bryce took over, a man who believed in the dignity and respect of patients and who helped abolished restraints and straitjackets. The Italianate building was designed by architect Samuel Sloan using the concept of "moral architecture" set forth by activist Thomas Kirkbride and reformist Dorothea Dix. It was one of the leading mental institutions in the United States. The main facility (above) was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

It survived the burning of the University of Alabama's adjacent campus in 1865 during the Civil War. It didn't survive the declining conditions, underfunding, and overpopulation. By the 1970's, conditions and treatment were said to be deplorable. In 1970, Alabama ranked last in funding for mental health; the Montgomery Advertiser compared the conditions to a concentration camp. The cigarette tax to fund mental health was cut. It wasn't until Ricky Wyatt, a 15-year-old boy housed there but labeled only as a "juvenile delinquent", was named in a class action suit that federal minimal standards were put into action.

As I drove through the large campus of old and newer buildings, I was reminded of the beauty of the existing land. What amazing stories must be held within those walls. I saw three people outside in a small fenced-in yard: one standing and holding onto the fence; one asleep on the ground; and, one at a picnic table who waved. I had waved to all three. I was once scared of Bryce and of the unknown. Now it only saddens me for the people with whom it housed, then and now.

History from Wikipedia and al.com blog and personal visits.

Our George Bailey Moment

Watching It's A Wonderful Life every holiday season is a tradition of many families; many people list it as one of their favorite movies of all time. What did George teach us? Every person makes a difference. People who work together can make a difference. Banks should not be too big to fail.

Who do you trust? George Bailey or Mr. Potter?



Community banks are the safest, soundest and most secure financial institutions in our nation. Community banks are common sense lenders that follow responsible business practices; are risk averse; and work every day to support their customers, communities and local markets. (source)

Independent Community Banks of America within 25 miles of my residence include:

Capstone Bank
First Federal Bank FSB
Bryant Bank
Bank of Moundville
Note: Credit Unions are also good alternatives to the big banks.

To learn more about this movement, check out Move Your Money. Sign the pledge on Facebook or Twitter. You really can make a difference.

"Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath?" - James Stewart as George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life."

Potluck: Chocolate Chip Chili

I'm only one week late preparing my potluck recipe but since I'm not officially a member of I Heart Cooking Clubs then who's to know!  For crashing February's potluck, I chose Chocolate Chip Chili from Nigella Lawson's cookbook, Nigella Christmas: Food Family Friends Festivities.  It may be old to everyone else but I've not tried it before.

I turned up Carly Simon (see sidebar) and started chopping. ....and, you say it's time we moved in together, raised a family of our own you and me.....hum, hum, hum.... I halved the recipe for myself.

Ingredients

10 (or 5 linked pairs) chorizo sausages (not the salami sort), approx. 1 1/4 lbs

3 1/4 lb boneless beef shank, cut into 3/4 inch cubes

3 onions (about 1 lb), peeled

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1 fresh long red chile, seeded

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Seeds from 3 cardamom pods

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup tomato ketchup

4 x 15 oz cans red kidney beans, drained

3 x 14 oz cans diced tomatoes

1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

1 cup water (swished out in one of the diced tomato cans)

Instructions:

-Heat the oven to 300 degrees F.

-Finely chop, or process the onion, garlic and chile.

-Heat the oil in a large ovenproof pan (with a lid) or cast-iron or enameled Dutch oven and fry the onion, garlic and chile until soft, on low for about 10 minutes, then add the cardamom sees, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and red pepper flakes.

-Stir the oniony spiced mixture together and then add the chorizo, sliced into 1/4-in. coins, letting them ooze their paprika-orange oil.

My note: Once I allowed the chorizo's paprika-orange oil ooze, I could have stopped right there. In fact, I did taste at this point and it was delicious.  Hum, hum, hum,..You don't have to prove to me that you're beautiful to strangers, I've got loving eyes of my own....hum, hum, hum, you belong to me!...

-Drop in the cubes of beef, turning them in the pan with the chorizo and onion mix, to brown the meat.

-Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, drained kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Add the water and bring the chili to a boil.

Proof that I added the chocolate chips! 

-Once it's started bubbling, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the chili and give it a good stir. Put on the lid and transfer to the oven.

-Cook at this low heat for 3 hours. Once cooked it is best left overnight to improve the flavor.

Serves 12

Lawson suggested in her interview with NPR that she normally would top the chili with a dollop of guacamole and eat the chili with a baked potato.  I passed on the potato. For guacamole, I used a preprepared guacamole and freshened it up with one ripe avocado cut in chunks for texture, a few splashes of fresh lime, and cilantro. ...hum, hum, hum...And I know what I think I've known all along, Lovin' you's the right thing to do....

Finished product. Yes, I'm aware I put this in a cappuccino cup but I was going to eat on the sofa while I watched a movie and I thought it would be easier to eat. I watched "Everybody's Fine" starring Robert DeNiro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell.  It was a good Saturday night movie. The chili was very good, but not great. The chocolate added "real depth and a velvety savoriness", as Nigella stated.

The apartment smells wonderful, the movie was a good story, and the chili is a keeper, if only for the novelty of the chocolate chips. From outside my apartment, to all a good night.... I know nothing stays the same, But if you're willing to play the game, It's coming around again, So don't mind if I fall apart, There's more room in a broken heart....Carly Simon

Who Is So Vain? David Geffen.

From Carly Simon.com: In January of 1973, You're So Vain was the # 1 hit song on the radio. Carly had just married fellow pop-superstar James Taylor a month before, so when You're So Vain hit the airwaves, it stirred intense curiosity about which one of her previous lovers was the subject of this wry nod to the male ego.

Was it Mick Jagger? Cat Stevens? Warren Beatty? Kris Kristofferson? It was common knowledge that she had been involved with each of them in the past.

Carly has never revealed who she had in mind when she wrote You're So Vain, and over 37 years later, interviewers are still asking her this same question........

Beautiful and talented Carly Simon released the following as reported by Vanity Fair: Carly Simon has announced that the anonymous antagonist of “You’re So Vain” is record producer David Geffen.

I was convinced it was about Mick Jagger, who sang at the end of this song. Yet, the others mentioned could have fit very well. It was, after all, a song about vanity so I imagine everyone was convinced, you probably think this song is about you, don't you, don't you?!

This announcement comes just in time to promote her new CD Never Been Gone, which you can listen to and purchase here or on my sidebar. Supposedly, Simon whispers 'David' in the remake. There are many Davids, though. Carly, you're so sly.

Weekend Cat Blogging #247

Our regular visiting stray cat is back to taunt Jules. Within ten minutes of my picking up the blanket we provided for him on the patio, he appeared.  Jules practically stands on his head in an effort to reach him, although most of the time he is less than cordial.

Vincent found his own comfortable place last evening. He leaves the stray cat to Jules after Jules got a little too carried away one night and bit Vincent's ear (just a nic, not Van Gogh-style). 

They are starting to show some interest in the fireplace. J&V may be the only two cats in the world who are afraid of a fireplace! I'm sure they have their reasons that I am too human to understand.

Here's hoping everyone is staying warm!  This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Nikita Cat at Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat.

LogoGate

Get sick for one day and you'll miss a lot of major conspiracies.

Trumping President Obama as the Kenya-born Muslim and educated elitist who bows to Saudi kings, "hangs around with terrorists" and who, OMG, reads from a teleprompter, comes the missile defense logo or the super secret pro-Islamic/Obama connection.

About Obama, Loganswatch writes: He is as pro-Islamic as they come and this symbol is a disgrace to America, as it is a hybrid of an Obama-Islamic crescent symbol.  I followed the link to Loganswatch from the website of CPAC member, Frank Gaffney. Both Fox and CNN are showing these logos and asking this question, giving it some possible legitimacy.

New missile defense logo

Old missile defense logo

President Obama's campaign logo

Islamic crescent

Why am I giving space to this? Because I know several people who depend on cable news for their main new sources, particularly Fox News. The Defense Department stated the logo was designed one year before the campaign and using the three-color logo was less expensive than a five-color logo. Unless someone takes the time to research the reporting, all they will hear is the pro-Islamic/Obama connection. Yikes!

For those who accept that this is some pro-Islamic/Obama conspiracy, let me suggest using water instead of Gatorade to grow your crops, even though you may believe Gatorade is... what plants crave. It's got electrolytes!!

Espresso Yourself!

MISSION: The Coffee Party Movement gives voice to Americans who want to see cooperation in government. We recognize that the federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges that we face as Americans. As voters and grassroots volunteers, we will support leaders who work toward positive solutions, and hold accountable those who obstruct them.


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Maxine on Saturday

c John Wagner

Hallmark, Inc.

Maxine on Saturday is hosted by Mary at Work of the Poet. Visit her blog to see other Maxine cartoons and/or to join the weekend fun.

Feel Good Friday

Health Insurance: Right v Privilege

At the Health Care Summit today, President Obama demonstrated once again that he was in touch with the reality of the majority of people's lives. The fundamental difference was in philosopy: health insurance as a right versus a privilege. The 'privilege' of health care insurance has been proven not to work for everyone and will only get worse for them and the rest of us.  This is our reality.

This exchange is an example of why I believe in President Obama's ideas and leadership as much as I do:

It could become an iconic moment in a six-hour health care summit that was at times a sleepy affair: President Obama debating Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)--a medical doctor--on whether guaranteeing catastrophic coverage is a sufficient answer to the country's health care woes.

"Would you be satisfied if every member of Congress just had catastrophic care--you think we'd be better health care purchasers?" Obama asked Barrasso. "I mean, is that a change you think we should make?"


"I think actually we would," Barrasso responded. "We'd really focus on it. We'd have more, as you say, skin in the game. And especially if they had a savings account--a health savings account--they could put their money into that, and they'd be spending the money out of that."


Obama's retort left Barrasso speechless:


"Would you feel the same way if you were making $40,000. Or if that was your income. Because that's the reality for a lot of folks," Obama said. (source and video at TPM)

Watching President Obama take charge of that room and address one after another after another after another after another GOP standard talking points, I was reminded of a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Symbolic only! (caution: language on screen)

Film Review: Good Hair

Let me begin by saying I will never, ever complain about my hair or the expense involved with maintaining my hair again.

Having said that, I found the documentary, Good Hair, more informative than the anticipated funny, although there were several entertaining scenes that could have easily been lampooned in the hands of someone other than Chris Rock. I never got the impression that Rock was doing more than asking the questions, listening empathetically to the answers, and creating a conversation about the subject of hair, specifically African American hair. I learned, not surprisingly, a lot about a subject I only thought I knew. 

The documentary, written and produced by Chris Rock, evolved from the question by Rock's young daughter, Lola, as to why she didn't have "good hair". Good hair, it seems, is equated to straight hair or relaxed hair or even a white person's hair. From that question, Rock begins an exploration of the hair industry and the personal feelings surrounding one's hair, specifically black women. There are political aspects to the topic as well: how white people own much of the black hair products' industry; the expenses involved in maintaining one's hair; and, in my opinion, how some of the human hair is acquired.  The scene I could not get out of my mind was women in India having their heads shaved as a sacrifice to God while their temple was selling the hair for profit.

I never thought I would be saying this but Chris Rock created an excellent documentary.  If you are interested in the subject, I would highly recommend it.  4 of 5 stars

Citadel Killed The Radio Star

Once again, Birmingham has lost an excellent radio station. On February 14, 2010, the adult album alternative radio station Live 100.5 (WWMM-FM) went off the air, taking Scott Register of Reg's Coffeehouse with it. Even when I lived in Nashville, I checked Reg's playlists for recommendations on new bands and music; if Reg liked it then most likely I would like it too. He has been resurrected for us in the past and, hopefully, he will again.

Corporate America, this time in the form of Citadel Broadcasting, will change Live 100.5 to a talk radio format. Information on petitions, boycotts, voicing support, etc., may be found on Facebook.

Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough...the tough get going!

Who's with me! Let's GOOOOO! (Bluto, Animal House)

Review: Flip Burger Boutique

Back in December, I blogged I Heart Burgers! about a new restaurant in Birmingham featuring gourmet burgers, sides, and milkshakes. I finally had an opportunity to eat there today.

My biggest disappointment was the location - The Summit, a very busy shopping center - so getting there and parking were a hassle. With today's lovely weather, it was equal to holiday traffic at its peak. The venue was hip (for a shopping center), crowded for 1:30 p.m., small, loud, and lovely.

The bar was to the left with modern booths to the right, and the center and back tables were family-style to better utilize the small space.

Don't you love the windows and the ceiling mural? The sunny day made everything brighter and everyone cheerful.

How often do you see a Nehi Grape on the menu? Rarely, if ever, so I had to order one for that very reason.  Super sweet but good - I described it as tasting like the first bite into grape bubblegum. My dining companion chose the tropical tea and highly recommended it.

My companion ordered the Flip, with zucchini fries. The burger was a 5.5 ounce patty of 100% grass-fed beef and served with onion, lettuce, marinated tomato, house-made pickles, ketchup, and FLIP sauce.  The meat was tender and juicy. The house-made pickles were too sweet for me. The basic burger was overall worth the 6.50 price. The zucchini fries, served with a smokey mayo dip, were an excellent alternative to potato fries. Both the crust and zucchini sticks remained crisp with very little apparent oil. Unlike potatoes, though, they did not remain crisp throughout the meal.

I ordered the po boyger - shrimp patty, old bay mayo, shaved lettuce, tomato, fried lemon, tabasco - with the smokey jalapeno slaw. I liked the blend of tabasco and mayo flavors, although the slaw could have used more tobasco. I could see diced shrimp in the patty and that contributed an excellent texture for mouthfeel. Unfortunately, I forgot about the fried lemon so I can't comment on it specifically:(

We skipped the interesting milkshakes and martinis for more time in that recently elusive sunshine. We did see the shakes and they were a perfect size (possibly 6 ounces?) and thick. Above was our view from outside the restaurant.

The worst things about Flip were the location and possibly the length of time it took to be seated, although I am patient about waiting. I was quite impressed that they did not offer to remove our plates until we were both finished eating and the menu only had single numbers for the prices, usually two good signs of a better quality establishment. The wait staff were friendly and helpful. The menu choices were unique and vegetarian-friendly (menu here). The food was only good. I can't say it was the best burger I ever ate, but it was certainly a good dining experience and I can't wait to go back.

Weekend Cat Blogging #246

As many of you know, I am a telecommuter, although I am being pulled back into a physical office situation more often.  I've been working on my laptop so Jules had to find another way of being close to me during the day. We work quite well together this way.

And, on my other side is....

....Vincent. It is the perfect work situation.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Sammy & Miles Meezer and Billy Sweetfeets Gingersnap at Dancing with Billy Sweetfeets. There is a celebration feast awaiting us there!

Dictionary: Get One. Use It.

Great tweet from Chuck Todd and seen at Southern Beale:

As seen on anti-Obama protest signs:
1) Morans
2) Pubic Option
3) Rashing Care
4) Teabagger (giggle)

Maxine on Saturday

© John Wagner

Hallmark, Inc.

I love the mornings.... as long as the mornings don't start until whatever time I wake up naturally. Go on. You may have that early bird worm. The only worm Maxine and I are interested in is the worm at the bottom of that Tequila bottle! Ole!

Maxine on Saturday is hosted by Mary at Work of the Poet. Visit her blog to see other Maxine cartoons and/or to join the weekend fun.

Define 'Homey'

At CPAC in Washington, Stephen Baldwin, right-wing talk show host, reality show guest, younger brother of Alec (the actor), and charged to mobilize young conservatives, made the following comments:

"I'm gonna be real straight with you," Baldwin told ABC's Jonathan Karl. "I am not happy about the way things are. I pray for President Obama every single day. But tell you what. Homey made this bed, now he has got to lay in it."

"'Homey' being President Obama?" Karl asked.

"That is correct," Baldwin said.

'Homey' was referred to as a 90's slang term, short for 'homeboy', that was defined as slang for a fellow gang member. I followed the provided link to homeboy at Dictionary.com and the slang definition read: Slang. A close friend or fellow gang member.

The Urban Dictionary repeatedly referred to the term 'homey' as a close friend, someone trusted, someone you grew up with, and similar definitions. There was a definition suggesting this was a misprounced "Homme", which is a French word for man.  Considering he was at CPAC, I was suspicious if Baldwin was trying to make some misguided reference to Homey, the clown from In Living Color. From Wikipedia:

Homey D. Clown - Damon Wayans plays an ex-con who works as a clown (real name Herman Simpson) for his parole agreement, but violently lashes out at anyone (usually by hitting them on the head with a tennis ball-filled sock) who attempts to make him perform the standard antics of the role - "I don't think so... Homey don't play dat!". His goal in life is to get even with "The Man", a personification of the white males he thinks are "holding him down". Near the end of most sketches, Homey would lead a group of children (played by the adult cast members) in a call and response sing-along, which would end with him degenerating into an angry/paranoid rant then intimidating the children into repeating verbatim.

I found Homey and almost every sketch on In Living Color hysterical and endearing. That was back when Fox was more synonymous with innovative.  Do you think Stephen Baldwin might have been thinking Damon Wayans or just trying to degrade President Obama with a slang term that he may or may not have understood? I am not language-cool and have no slang cred so maybe I'm missing the point. It is hard for me to believe Stephen Baldwin has much slang cred either. Some people just can't pull it off!  Video here.

Feel Good Friday

A Good Journey

A GOOD JOURNEY
Ocean of Dharma Quote of the Week

Our life is an endless journey. It is like a broad highway that extends infinitely into the distance. The practice of meditation provides a vehicle to travel on that road. Our journey consists of constant ups and downs, hope and fear, but it is a good journey. The practice of meditation allows us to experience all the textures of the roadway, which is what the journey is all about. Through the practice of meditation, we begin to find that within ourselves there is no fundamental complaint about anything or anyone at all.

From THE POCKET CHOGYAM TTUNGPA
Note to self: This would be a good quote to read daily and even a better practice to live daily.

Not My Cats!

Thanks to Sharon Cobb for sharing this on her blog today. Personally, I know my two cats are total perfection so I seriously doubt they'd be "left behind".  I am mainly bewildered that Christians would want to leave their beloved pets in the care of the heathens! I wouldn't want to leave mine in the care of a rapture-believer; they would never forgive me.

Check out After The Rapture Health Care. Sharon claimed this wasn't a joke and I believe she'd do her research. You will get a good laugh or you can sign up.

Let's Move! Review

Let's Move! is a challenge to all Americans to take action to end childhood obesity. First Lady Michelle Obama is taking the lead in these efforts for making healthy choices and healthier schools, getting physically active and ensuring access to affordable, healthy food. 

After reviewing the webiste, I am impressed with the available educational materials and focus on physical activity challenges. If we want to meet the challenges of overweight and obese children, it will have to come from our communities and the commitment of both parents, students, and school leaders.

My degree in nutrition and years of work in the field left me cynical; that's ugly, I know, but I'm cynical nonetheless.  The sheer volume of nutrition information for profit that bombards the public makes a relatively simple nutrition message confusing and frustrating to the consumer. The marketing millions and subsidies for corn are two very big obstacles. If the school is dependent on funds from the school cafeterias and vending sales then, again, I fall back on my cyncism because what sells is always what is served.

As an inactive dietitian, I am not yet supportive of removing, taxing, or demonizing sugar-containing beverages in schools, i.e., soda. To educate someone about nutrition is to help them make choices in every situation using three main ideas: variety, balance, and moderation. Fruit juices are not the empty calories of soda but they do have calories nonetheless so again variety, balance, and moderation will need to be the guide for making food decisions.

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Roll Tide!

On Monday morning, Sylvia Pressler, the trailblazing judge whose 1973 ruling opened Little League baseball to girls, died. While serving as a hearing examiner with New Jersey's Division on Civil Rights, Pressler ruled that a 12-year-old New Jersey girl should have been allowed to play on a Little League team. `The institution of Little League is as American as the hot dog and apple pie,'' Pressler wrote in her opinion. ``There is no reason why that part of Americana should be withheld from girls.'' I include this to remind us of that part of relatively recent history.


Frank Deford writes in Sweetness and Light - UConn Women's Team Excels; Will America Notice?:

Have women's sports ever been so much in the news? Lindsey Vonn was ordained the very face of the Olympics. Danica Patrick's incursion into NASCAR has been all the vroom-vroom of motor sports. A bowler named Kelly Kulick whipped all the men in the Tournament of Champions. Serena Williams' victory at the Australian Open matched the headlines given to Roger Federer.

But notice something unique about this exceptional focus on women athletes?

All of them are in individual sports. Although more and more American schoolgirls grow up playing team games, those sports just don't attract commensurate attention at any level. With women's team sports, there is still a glass grandstand. .. Continue to read or listen here.

Crashing The Potluck

I'm not officially a member of the I Heart Cooking Clubs so I am officially crashing this month's potluck challenge of choosing any Nigella Lawson recipe and preparing it by Sunday, February 21.

I am a big fan of Nigella's; her descriptive adjectives and narratives are perfectly visual. I am still searching for a recipe for this challenge.

Stay tuned......

Saban Beats God on Facebook in Alabama

According to al.com, it appears University of Alabama football coach, Nick Saban, is #1 in the hearts of Facebook users in Alabama, while the Saints are #1 in Louisiana and Starbucks in Florida. God appears to be carrying the other southern states. It will be interesting to see if Alabamians react to this fun fact with the same outrage as they did against John Lennon.

Shhhh, Mommy Needs A Vodka

I'm not really a 'mommy' but I felt exhausted, slightly on edge, and overwhelmed with miles to go before I sleep when I arrived home from work today...a lot like women describe motherhood to me. I even experienced that mommy guilt and gave my cats three treats instead of petting them immediately when I walked in the door. Thus, I need a Vodka shot.

Chris Rock once joked that once you've had certain things you will no longer go back. Rock, of course, was talking about material possessions for women and sexual acts for men, but I thought of that joke today as I drove home from the office. I've been working from my home for over a decade and I'm not sure I'm willing to go back to that old style of working. Just this morning, after about four hours sleep, I dragged my sorry a** out of bed, pulled on my scrubs (yuck), athletic shoes (yes), and went outside in the cold weather to find my car door frozen shut. I arrived at work on time, after having been awake less than an hour with only a 12-ounce caffeinated beverage in my system and really, really bad hair.

I realize this is a typical day for many people. But, I'm not 'many people'. I'm high-maintenance me and I need a shot of Vodka. Now.

Film Review: Antichrist

I don't know why I can't just enjoy films like Dear John and The Blind Side like many of the women I know. But, nooooo. I am magnetically drawn to films like Lars von Trier's Antichrist. As the decaying fox says, "chaos reigns".  That is one smart decaying fox.

The film is divided into four parts: a prologue, an epilogue, and four chapters: Grief, Pain (Chaos Reigns), Despair (Gynocide), and The Three Beggars. The prologue is beautifully shot. Even the tragedy that ensues is beautifully done. The film then follows a couple who retreats to an isolated cottage in the woods called "Eden" to deal with their grief.

From there, it becomes a horror flick that I don't understand. I want its imagery and storyline to have some greater significance, but maybe it is left to me to ponder what it might mean. It is a fact that even though I didn't always understand what was happening I certainly couldn't turn away. I want to write down everything, as one does in an attempt to intepret a dream to see if I can make sense of it all.

I've seen two von Trier films: Dancer in the Dark and Dogville. I liked Dancer, but I consumed Dogville. I felt I really understood it from beginning to end. When the credits began, I sat frozen in my theatre seat in tears and filled with shame. I don't have a clue where he wanted us to go with Antichrist.

I don't think I would recommend this film to anyone I know so I have to give it a two out of five stars. I'm glad I saw it and I'm sure I'll continue to think about it for weeks to come. I certainly can't think of a more appropriate anti-Valentine's Day film.

Sunday Reflections: Recent Quotes

Occasionally, there are just too many good quotes to let them pass by without sharing or without comment. Here are a few I've reflected on more recently:

Sean Hannity: And tonight’s “Meltdown” is brought to you by the D.C. snow storm, you know, the storm that dumped about two feet of snow on the Washington area over the weekend causing thousands of power outages and keeping many people home from work today. And it’s the most severe winter storm in years, which would seem to contradict Al Gore’s hysterical global warming theories. [...]  Comment: It snows in February. Plus, despite how we choose to live and the beliefs of many,  it isn't all about us. The US is not the entire planet.

Sarah Palin: We need a Commander in Chief, not a Professor of Law standing at the lectern. Who better to interpret the constitution than someone with a background in constitutional law?

Bill Maher: I'll show you Barack Obama's birth certificate when you show me Sarah Palin's high school diploma.  Bada-bing-bam-boom.

Sarah Palin: Tax Cuts. Seen written in the palm of her hand. The GOP shout tax cuts like old concert-goers shout Free Bird.

Sarah Palin: So... how's that hopey-changey thing working for ya'? Get T-shirts with slogan practically everywhere on the Web. Maybe there is a job at CafePress for Ms. Palin. She is so cutesy-wootsy.

President Barack Obama - Surely you can question my policies without questioning my faith... or my citizenship. Don't call them Surely.

Email received this week: Grandpa says: Everyone Relax. When was the last time you saw a black guy keep a job for four years?  I don't know whether to alert this person that she might have a computer virus randomly sending emails from her address book or refer her to a diversity dialogue training session. I don't know her well enough to do either. I just know I feel a little sick.

Andy Borowitz headline (satire): Teabaggers finally Google 'teabag'. (giggle)

Happy Valentine's Day: Have Faith in Love

They say time takes it's toll on a body

Makes the young girl's brown hair turn grey

But honey, I don't care, I aint in love with your hair

And if it all fell out well I'd love you anyway

They say time can play tricks on a memory

Make people forget things they knew

But it's easy to see it's happening to me

I've already forgotten every woman but you.
~ Randy Travis

I can't make you love me, if you don't. ~ Bonnie Raitt

Love Stinks. ~ J. Geils Band

It's Valentine's Day, the day one enjoys when in a relationship or at least has the potential of a relationship. Otherwise, it is a reminder that you are alone and no one loves you. No one is sending you roses and you want to choke the women who don't appreciate receiving them (yes, they do exist).  What's wrong with me?, one could whine.

I got my heart broken two years ago. I believed in everything about us, but it failed a long time before it finally ended; I still believe in us.

I still have faith in love but back off, Hallmark. You aren't going to make me feel bad. The easiest thing to do would be to play the victim, one of the casualties of love gone wrong.  It would be easy to be cynical and give up on love altogether. Why would one want to do that? The only thing I am willing to do is to give up on Hallmark's idea of  love and Hollywood's and the Playboy Channel's idea of love.  Love comes to us in many ways. Cherish it. Have faith in it. Above all, don't believe you are somehow inadequate if you are not part of a couple on Valentine's Day.

'Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.'  ~ author unknown. Now, that's love.

Eye Candy

Update: I forgot Gale Harold!!   Definite eye candy!

A friend recently confirmed what I had been telling her all along: she needed her own tech guy. Of course, I reminded her that she didn't have to get romantically involved with him like I tend to do! I evidently: 1) find all that talk about hardware and software and pixels very hot, 2) find it very sexy when someone can swoop in, solve a problem, and make my life better again, or 3) find it psychologically fulfilling that someone can fill in my missing math gene. This is why guys like Nate Silver make it onto my Men I Love list.

Nate Silver

Not to take anything away from the guys on my Men I Love lists, but the guys below (and Joan Jett) stop me in my tracks simply by their appearance. Unlike a lot of men I've known, I can separate the two:-) Yes, guys like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Ben Affleck are attractive but I don't think "he is gorgeous" every time I see them. Okay, maybe Brad Pitt. Did someone mention cougar? I hate that word!

We all know what men find attractive, right? Who knows why women find certain features attractive? But, here is my 'beauty walk', in no particular order, and you'll find many of the usual suspects:

Daniel Sunjata

Lenny Kravitz

Leonardo DiCaprio

Tom Brady

Adrian Grenier

James Blake

Rahm Emanuel

Billie Joe Armstrong

Johnny Depp

Robert Downey, Jr.

Did you make it this far?
I don't call Paul Rudd gorgeous, but he is cute.

I love the other guys, too, but for different reasons. Funny is so sexy, Seth Rogen.

Breakthrough: Looking over my list, one thing stands out. Except for loving Sanjuta's smile and DiCaprio for being a grown-up, these are or have the potential to be bad boys (and Joan Jett).  Post a comment and tell me: who makes your eye candy list?