Judi's Mind Over Matter

National Donor Day 2012

2012-02-14T09:25:00.001-06:00

* In Alabama, more than 3,500 people are waiting for a transplant.

* There is no financial cost to the donor family for donation to occur. The family is responsible for their loved one's care until the time of death and for expenses related to the funeral and burial. All donation-related expenses are paid by the Alabama Organ Center.

More Quick Facts here. Read donor and recipient stories.

Happy Valentine's Day 2012

2012-02-14T08:28:00.003-06:00

Guest Photographer: Bob Gambrell

2012-02-13T11:59:00.002-06:00

Photos: Gosport, Alabama
Photographer: Robert (Bob) Gambrell, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Be Careful What You Want, or you will surely get it

2012-02-12T13:25:00.001-06:00

Sharing The Strip by Brian McFadden of New York Times Sunday Review, February 12, 2012

In Politics, Do Facts Trump Emotion?

2012-02-12T11:12:00.002-06:00

The very fact that I collect charts probably says a lot about me and may very well be why I have so few regular followers. Pro bloggers advise us to blog about what we are passionate about!

My first two charts were developed by Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois) in response to Newt Gingrich frequently referring to President Obama as the food stamp president. I feel fairly certain Gingrich does not care about the facts of food stamps because he is going after something more emotional, a dog whistle to the base. These were reprinted on the The Maddow Blog with a challenge to match the chart with the president. Answers below.

Answers: Chart 1 - President George H. W. Bush

Chart 2 - President George W. Bush

This is my favorite chart for several reasons. Everybody should be happy about this,

unless one is running against President Obama. (Original source unknown, seen on Obama re-election website but do not believe it originated there.)

This chart would suggest it isn't so much the Catholics but white evangelicals (probably males) against contraception coverage being required, despite it preventing pregnancy and potential abortions.

Today, we have the world at our fingertips. Yet, we find ourselves living more and more in our own bubble with our own media and our own facts, surrounding ourselves with only those who agree with us. I'm not saying I'm not guilty, although I am surrounded everyday by people who disagree with my beliefs here in Alabama.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, discussed this recent phenomenon of divisiveness and his book, The Righteous Mind, on Moyers & Company. This is the best explanation I've heard on how liberals and conservatives see the world based on their moral values. It is an hour program but well worth the time.

Test your morals with Haidt's assessment surveys related to Moral Foundations and Criminal Justice.

Do you think your moral values drive your political affiliation? If not, on what do you base your vote?

February Assessment: 2012 Goals

2012-02-11T11:04:00.001-06:00

Much Ado About Structure

2012 Goals

Structure?

So far, I'm on track. I've had to tweak my "rules" as I've put my plan into practice. For example, I changed cleaning one room a day to one major cleaning task per day. Why pull the vacuum cleaner out five days a week, right? Time spent outside can include running errands. You get the picture.

Goals?

1) Do something that frightens me? Done. Blind date. With a judge. This was a double whammy in that everything about blind dating and every variation of the word judge frightens me, but he turned out to be Old South, sincerely charming.

2) Continuing education? I have 19 hours so far and, to my delight, the Alabama Dietetic Association annual convention is in Birmingham this year!

3) Re-elect Obama? I'm still in snarky-mode, but I have my car flag to announce my allegiance and influence others and I am one of his low-dollar donors.

4) 52 book/per year challenge? I am into my seventh book so far! I love my Kindle app.

5) I have unpacked or opened everything ordered and received in a box except the mixer - did I mention what a teeny, tiny kitchen I have - and all my stacked-up mail (thanks for the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas cards and all that other stuff).

6-10) Planned but not executed. Four potential jobs found as well!

Accomplishment is really good for what ails you - physically, emotionally, mentally. I am so happy right now, but not in a manic, crazy kind of way.

Did you set goals for this year? How's it going? What are your obstacles and/or motivators?

Weekend Cat Blogging #349 and Pet Blog Hop

2012-02-11T10:11:00.001-06:00

Vincent Vega

There was absolutely no cooperation for photographs from Jules and Vincent, so I had to reach back in the archives.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by iMeowza.

Vincent will be our entry for The Saturday Pet Blog Hop.

Feel Good Friday

2012-02-10T07:26:00.002-06:00

The War on Women: 2012 Edition

2012-02-08T10:45:00.002-06:00

Update, 12:25 p.m.: Nation's Largest Catholic University: We Offer 'A Prescription Contraceptive Benefit'

Men, this is about you, too, so stand up and speak out.

From 1914 to 1921, Margaret Sanger fought for women's health and subsequently opened the first birth control clinic and started the American Birth Control League, the precursor to Planned Parenthood. Between then and 1957, research and development of a birth control pill was made available - but, only for women with severe menstrual disorders; in 1960, it was released to all women. In 1964, the Catholic Church got involved. (timeline source)

Today, the Catholic Church is still involved, along with their evangelical buddies. This week, the Department of Health and Human Services mandated that insurance companies provide coverage for women's preventative health services without co-pay effective on January 1, 2013. These include: domestic violence counseling, check-ups for gestational diabetes, lactation support, STD/HIV counseling and, yes, birth control. OMG! It's the end of the world as we know it!

Let's get real.
1) Isn't this really a back-door (insert joke here) argument about abortion? BIRTH CONTROL PREVENTS PREGNANCY, THUS REDUCING ABORTION. That problem solved.
2) If an insurance company - member of the revered private-sector - decided to provide this in the privacy of their boardroom, I seriously doubt we'd hear a rumble. In most cases, I imagine people would praise their insurance company for their excellent coverage despite the expensive rates.
3) Pissed that the government is forcing this pro-woman insurance coverage on you? Don't use it, political party supporters of individual choice.
4) Has anyone checked to see if insurance covers erectile dysfunction drugs?
5) Birth control helps more than preventing pregnancy. I was instructed to take birth control pills for one month to dissolve a painful cyst. It worked and life went on. Many parents of developmentally disabled girls, who are unable to understand sex or rape, have the option of choosing pills rather than surgical intervention. If you've ever had painful menstrual cramps, birth control pills will resolve that. Menstruation so severe that you become anemic? Prescription: birth control pills.

With the recent outrage about the withdrawal of funds by the Susan G. Komen Foundation to Planned Parenthood, one would think that there is support for women's health and health providers. Even the very, very red state of Mississippi this year rejected the Personhood Amendment. Yet, they fight on. Which is why I believe this is also a war on women.

I sincerely hope the White House will hold firm and not cave to religious pressure. If religious organizations are in the business of providing insurance for their employees then they are in the insuring business and should follow those guidelines. Or, if they choose to whine and opt out, then - in my best Soup Nazi voice - NO MORE TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR YOU. NEXT!

George Carlin, RIP, summed this up in just over a minute (NSFW, language):

Celebrating Black History Month 2012

2012-02-05T17:17:00.001-06:00

The speech, Ain't I A Woman?, was given by Sojourner Truth in 1851 at a Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio. Actor Alfre Woodard gives a powerful interpretative reading in the above video.

Events and resources celebrating Black History Month 2012 in the Birmingham, AL:

Birmingham Public Library Sites and Resources

Civil Rights Museum - February Events

University of Alabama-Birmingham - Events

Birmingham-Southern College - Events

Photo from MLK Day Breakfast and Unity Walk in January at Birmingham's new and beautiful urban park, Railroad Park

Weekend Cat Blogging #348 and Pet Blog Hop

2012-02-04T07:09:00.004-06:00

CAPTION THIS!

I captured this shot of Jules and put out a call on Facebook for caption suggestions. Here are a few ideas:

That's the biggest rat I've ever seen, but I've got the biggest mouth he's ever seen. I win!

I'm one tired kitty.

Yikes!! Is that what's for dinner??

Stranger!

I think I'm gonna spew!

LMAO!

STELLAAA!!!!

VINCENT!!!!!! You are supposed to cover THAT up with the litter!!!

Ack! Ack! Incoming!

Does that look like gingivitis way in the back?

Jules is this week's entry for Weekend Cat Blogging hosted by Pam & Cats at sidewalk shoes.

This will also be our entry for The Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.

Feel Good Friday

2012-02-03T10:18:00.003-06:00

Rest in love, peace and soul Don Cornelius.

Stuck in the Middle

2012-02-02T12:24:00.001-06:00

Yes, I'm stuck in the middle with you,

And I'm wondering what it is I should do.

It's so hard to keep this smile from my face,

Losing control, yeah, I'm all over the place.

Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, Here I am stuck in the middle with you.
~ Stealers Wheel

Remember those years between 10 and 12 and how hard they were for kids? As exciting as puberty sounded, it was an extremely confusing time physically and emotionally. I don't know about you, but I was an emotional roller coaster. The worst part for me was being stuck in the middle - too old for dolls, too young for boys. Or, at least, my parents thought I was too young for boys. Those were also joyful years full of wonder and discovery, as well.

To this day, I dislike the hours between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. It is that transitional time, after work but before the evening starts. These are times I feel stuck between two very different scenarios.

As a 1950's baby boomer, a middle boomer, I find myself dealing with that feeling of transition or of being "stuck" in between. I'm too old for many young people I find interesting and want to learn from, but too young to be around the retired bunch. Pause. Maybe I should say I'm too old for the computer-literate bunch and too young for the less computer-literate people. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

I found myself in a situation recently where this came to light. I even saw myself in the person, years back before my iPhone became a necessity to me. When someone asked me if I was leaving my phone in the car, I thought I had misheard them. When I glanced at my phone casually, the person thought I had received a phone call. Explaining everything - well, it seemed like a lot of work! Not that there is anything wrong with that.

I am the only one who can push myself over. I am the one who can stop over-analyzing every uncomfortable feeling. Some days, I'm good at this. Some days, I'm not. It is being stuck in the middle that feels so weird, a turtle without her sea legs. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Is this a privileged white girl problem? The middle is better than extremes, right?

February 2 is Alabama Gives Day

2012-02-01T11:37:00.002-06:00

Beginning at midnight on February 2 and for the next 24 hours, Alabamians will begin their campaign of individual charitable donations to hundreds of Alabama nonprofit organizations. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in this inaugural event.

According to the press release:

The History of the Gives Day Movement: The Gives Day movement began three years ago in Minnesota as a means to increase philanthropy and help grow the individual donor base of nonprofits. In 2011, Minnesota’s Give to the Max day saw 47,538 donations totaling $13.4 million. Colorado Gives Day recently had 52,000 donations totaling $12 million. Residents in other communities that have organized a Gives Day have overwhelmingly shown their support through donations, and while the immediate benefit is huge, the ripple effects of giving have helped spur other philanthropic endeavors in those communities. According to organizers in Minnesota, Colorado, North Texas, Pittsburgh, Seattle and other communities with a Gives Day, a key ingredient to their success has been through the support of the local media. “Rarely do local TV, Radio and Newspaper groups have an opportunity to make such a large impact on behalf of dozens of nonprofits in their local communities in just one day,” said Russell A. Jackson, Gives Day Manager for Alabama. “Gives Day certainly makes for an interesting news story but it’s more than that. This is a day to help fuel the nonprofits that make our state such a great place to live and to help jumpstart their 2012.”

How does Alabama Gives Day work? On February 2^nd, from midnight to 11:59pm, Alabamians will be driven to a dedicated online giving portal at www.alabamagivesday.org where they will choose to make a gift to one or more of the hundreds of participating nonprofits. “Donors will choose the nonprofit(s) they want to support from a list of 12 areas of interest, i.e. Children and Youth, Animals, Health, Environment, etc.,” said Jackson. “It’s all about connecting them to the missions they are most passionate about, and hopefully to a nonprofit they’ve never supported.”

“Connecting individual donors to nonprofits, while also promoting the safety and ease of online giving, is critical to helping our nonprofits be sustainable,” said John Stone, President and CEO for the Alabama Association of Nonprofits. “Never before has an event of this magnitude taken place in our state. This will be a defining moment for Alabama nonprofits participating in the event and the impact will be felt far and wide. We’ve seen what Minnesota, Colorado and other Gives Days have done, and with Alabama’s strong tradition of giving we believe that history can be made on February 2^nd.”

To learn more visit www.alabamagivesday.org

Much Ado About Structure

2012-01-30T20:55:00.004-06:00

(source)

Procrastination is like a credit card: it's a lot of fun until you get the bill. ~ Christopher Parker

The first month without a job was great! The second month was good. By the end of the third month, I'm struggling to get off the sofa to feed myself. Without daily structure, I procrastinated my way right into a funk. This was not depression, but it could have quickly spiraled into that without an action.

There is nothing more exhausting than a task(s) hanging over your head. That was what I determined was the cause of my said funk.

The action? My niece has carried a "to do" list in her back pocket for the last two decades. She told me, "if it's not on the list, it's not getting done". So, I adapted this idea and made it a "if it is on the list, it has to be done" list, but with rules:

1. I have to be off the computer by noon and can't get back on again until I have accomplished the tasks on my list (exception: access a recipe)

2. Clean one to two rooms thoroughly per day.

3. A designated amount of time spent outside, for reading, and for spider solitaire. When that time is over, it is over. Being outside and reading get more time than spider solitaire!

4. It is okay to accomplish more than is on the list in a day, but not less.

5. Work on one computer project per day, including job search.

If all the tasks for the day are accomplished then I have "free time" for more reading, spider solitaire, television, and free time.

Yes, this is elementary and practically a given for an adult, right? Yet, I'm back to structuring my day. So far, so good, much happier.

Do you need structure? Or, do you work better with spontaneity? How do you structure your day?

Weekend Cat Blogging #347 and Saturday Pet Blogger Hop

2012-01-28T09:23:00.001-06:00

Jules shines in black and white.

Vincent gave me gifts two times this week. I am loved...this week.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Kashim, Othello and Salome at Paulchens Foodblog?!

Jules will be my entry for this week's Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.

Feel Good Friday

2012-01-27T09:19:00.001-06:00

Photo: Valentine's Day Sale

2012-01-26T14:17:00.002-06:00

Am I the only one who finds this combination funny?

Blogging for Tornado Relief

2012-01-25T16:04:00.002-06:00

Blogger Rachel Callahan at Grasping for Objectivity alerted Alabama Bloggers on how we could help tornado victims in the April 27, 2011 tornado and in our more recent tornado on Monday morning, January 23, simply by blogging. Through The Alabama Disaster Relief Blogger Program, TopAlarmSystem.com will donate $25 for every blog written about thoughts on the tornado disaster(s) between now January 23 and March 1, with a goal set of $1,000. If interested, click on The Alabama Disaster Relief Blogger Program link above for instructions.

In the meantime, I will be donating money through my hair stylist, whose community, friends, and relatives of Paradise Hill were recent recipients of nature's violent storms.

State of the Union 2012

2012-01-25T12:47:00.001-06:00

I never acknowledged how nerdy* I was until I realized I was rushing through dinner to make sure I was home in time to hear not only the State of the Union (SOTU) address, but also the hours of pundits talking about it. I like the tradition of announcing the President of the United States and then the usual raucous applause. Until Joe Wilson (R-SC) soiled this by shouting "you lie" and a few Supreme Court Justices stopped attending, I liked the respect shown for the institution and chamber by its otherwise battling members.

Last night's presence of Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) who was shot at an event in January 2011 gave it a sentimental edge, as well as the visitors in the Lady's Box. (Read about these guests here by scrolling your mouse over each chair.)

Of course, I like it best when it is one of my party at the podium. Last night, President Obama gave one of his strongest SOTU addresses. I would be naive to think there wasn't a little reelection campaigning going on; however, I tend to think along those lines in election years. It felt very much like President Clinton's addresses, the "laundry list". As with most election years, presidential hopefuls start courting the independents and that is what last night's speech seemed to me.

No doubt, there were a few things in there that makes a true liberal cringe. No liberal likes to hear that war is an option. And, at this point, I don't think there is much of a chance to work with Republicans and I want him to kick them to the curb. If anyone could, though, it would be - it should be - President Obama. That is who he is. That is what he does. As I've said here before, that is one of the many reasons I voted for him.

Writer Andrew Sullivan reminds liberals and the GOP over and over again that President Obama is a "sensible, pragmatic centrist". I keep trying to tell my GOP friends that he is more like a better version of Ronald Reagan, but no one will believe me. Even independents are on his back because he did not accomplish everything they wanted in the first year.

*I use the label nerd and nerdy to lighten up this post. I have been rethinking the use of these terms after watching members of Congress claim that they weren't "nerds" and maybe they should get some "nerds" to help them with the legislation of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA). As Jon Stewart pointed out, maybe the term they were seeking was "experts".

What did you think of the State of the Union address? Is Andrew Sullivan right?

Fox News: 'Alternative Knowledge System' Says David Frum

2012-01-24T09:55:00.001-06:00

Former George W. Bush speechwriter who coined the phrase "axis of evil" was apparently willing to risk his GOP cred by speaking truth to Fox News and talk radio. He was even willing to go as far as pointing out the correlation between Fox News and their viewers having less factual knowledge of world events.

Frum wrote a News and Features article for New York Magazine in November 2011 titled, "When Did the GOP Lose Touch With Reality?" It is a long article but I encourage you to bookmark it; it helped me better understand what has happened to the GOP from someone who is actually willing to acknowledge it publicly.

Here is an example of what happens when organizations use conflict and division to make a living:From CBS News: An Arkansas political campaign manager was shocked to discover his family pet with one side of its head bashed in -- and the word "liberal" scribbled across the corpse in paint. More...

I include this photo not to be gruesome but to illustrate what happens when your neighbor is perceived as different and bad because of how they vote. Fortunately, it was reported the five-year-old child who first found the family cat could not read the word to make a connection.

After I wrote this, I scrolled down to see that I had posted the "Newt as Chucky" photo, so I am having to reflect on how much I contribute to this divisiveness. I personally don't think it compares since it is more pop culture and cartoonish, plus I do not have that many page hits in a day's time. We should all step back and examine closely what we contribute to the conversation.

Newt as Chucky

2012-01-21T20:29:00.003-06:00

(Source)

Movie Tagline: You'll wish it was only make-believe.

The candidate who won't die! I saw this on Twitter this morning sent to Up w/Chris Hayes, one of my favorite new MSNBC morning shows. I knew I had to share it. Anyone want to try their artistic hand at Bride of Chucky?

Chucky's Relationships
Tiffany
Glen
Glenda

Weekend Cat Blogging #346 and Saturday Pet Blog Hop

2012-01-21T09:57:00.002-06:00

I've posted before how attached Vincent is to his pet bed. If I wash his blanket, he will avoid it for a few weeks, pacing around it and grumbling under his breath. When the desire becomes too much, he begins to work diligently to tuck the blanket around the removable pillow with his back paws until he gets it back like he wants it.

Vincent sleeps.

He stretches.

He redecorates.

I recently watched Vincent take his head and push his pet bed to the center of the room. Once it was where he wanted it, he climbed in and relaxed.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Samantha, Clementine and Maverick at Life From A Cat's Perspective.

This will also be my entry for The Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. Check out the video of animals playing with iPads.

Eat Your Peas: Obama/Biden 2012

2012-01-20T20:27:00.004-06:00

(Source: We survived Bush. You will survive Obama. Facebook)

Liberals are upset with President Obama. As a liberal, I am upset. Despite that, he has accomplished quite a bit and could accomplish more over the next term. Ask yourself. Do you really want the alternative? No, you don't. I didn't think so.

Get involved.

Protect our progress.

Donate.

GOP Presidential Candidates

2012-01-20T11:28:00.002-06:00

Every day I think I'm going to write something about this interesting and bizarre group of GOP presidential candidates, but where would I start? Every day they up the ante with something more interesting and bizarre than the previous day.

GOP voters never cease to surprise me. Just when I think even the base won't accept and follow this weirdness they go there and two steps farther.

Possibly the biggest surprise to me is the acceptance and popularity of one Newton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich. What short memories we have of Newton! I have many favorite comments about Gingrich but my favorite came from Paul Krugman, who repeated a comment from his circles that "Gingrich is what stupid people think smart people sound like".

I suspect Rick Santorum's objective in running for president was to force the candidates farther right on social issues; Ron Paul's role was to force the GOP to address what they mistakenly believe they stand for even though their actions do not support that; Mitt Romney's role was to protect his money and the money of his friends, family and colleagues; and, Rick Perry's objective I never determined. He did not seem to know why he was there and never seemed to be able to articulate a reason. Jon Huntsman seemed to believe GOP voters would want someone who was actually qualified, thus disqualifying himself from the beginning. Gingrich is the bulldog, the playground bully who isn't afraid to growl and snarl and blow the dog whistle for those who choose to hear it.

Gingrich meet President Obama. He grew up with bullies. He is smart and savvy and ethical, and he will ~~kick your ass~~ win any debate. Although Romney will probably be the nominee, I would love to watch Barack Obama v Newt "I think grandiose thoughts" Gingrich.

Jimmy Carter, one term. Bill Clinton, two terms. Barack Obama, one term (so far). If you believe your country has gone to shit maybe you should look at who you have been voting for president over the last almost 40 years. Then, look at what Carter and Clinton have done for our country and people nationally and globally since their presidency. Stop repeating what has failed over and over again - GOP policies. Not all, but some and certainly some most recently. The GOP set a very low bar. I didn't think it could get lower than that but it appears it is going to if voters do not take an honest assessment of where the problems lie, step out of their status zones, and vote for improvement in the lives of the people of this country.

Feel Good Friday

2012-01-20T07:41:00.003-06:00

Happy MLK Day 2012

2012-01-16T12:48:00.001-06:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Entrance, Kelly Ingram Park

Birmingham, Alabama

Useful links:

From the Archives: Dr. Martin Luther King at the White House

President Obama and Dr. King

National Day of Service

Hands on Birmingham 12th Annual MLK Day of Service

My WordCamp Weekend

2012-01-15T18:59:00.001-06:00

I went into WordCamp totally blind and with only my urgent need for continuing education hours motivating me to show up on one of Birmingham's coldest mornings of the year. What a pleasant weekend awaited me!

For anyone unfamiliar with WordCamp, it is a conference that discusses everything WordPress. WordPress is a "free and open source publishing platform that powers over 25 million websites". There were sessions for different levels of skill, knowledge, and interests on Saturday and workshops available on Sunday.

It was a wonderful learning experience for me. I was thrilled that I knew enough to recognize many of the referenced sites and most of the terminology. My favorite discovery: QR codes. I thought this was the coolest thing I had never heard of to date! Next task: implement what I've learned.

WordCamp Atlanta is February 3-4. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning to use WordPress or who wants to enhance their business.

(Note: I doubt I'll display my "W" button for fear of it being misinterpreted!)

Weekend Cat Blogging #345 and Saturday Pet Blog Hop

2012-01-14T08:10:00.003-06:00

Jules and Vincent, sharing a little brotherly love, body heat, and....

.......mouse watch.

This is my entry for this week's Weekend Cat Blogging and The Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.

Feel Good Friday

2012-01-13T10:14:00.001-06:00

The Sweetest Hangover (I don't want to get over)

2012-01-10T09:18:00.003-06:00

(source unknown)

I've attended two national championship games in New Orleans, but I doubt either were as sweet as last night's shutout of #1 LSU. It was sweet redemption for our special teams after the regular season game loss, 6-9 in OT, in Tuscaloosa. Coach Saban seemed happy, even after his Gatorade bath. This team seemed to be incredibly fit, the most prepared, and the more focused. I commented on Facebook about LSU being lifeless and someone responded that Bama made them lifeless. That may make for a boring game to someone else, but to this Bama fan? Sweet.

ESPN reports Alabama is Number 1 in the Associated Press (AP) with 55 votes; number 2 LSU with 1 votes; and, number 3 Oklahoma State with 4 votes. Oregon and Arkansas round out the top five in the AP.

Firsts:

Shutout in BCS Championship history

One state wins three national championships in a row (Alabama, Auburn, Alabama)

(source)

Winning the game isn't enough. Doing it the right way is what's important, Saban says. Serving others is important. (Disney Spirit Award)

Alabama Crimson Tide - National Champions 2011

2012-01-09T22:51:00.001-06:00

(source)

It's Championship Game Day!

2012-01-09T09:27:00.002-06:00

Not a Film Review: Final Scene of Secretariat

2012-01-08T09:04:00.001-06:00

Designed for ultimate suspense then joy, there is silence except for the voice of Penny Chenery (Diane Lane):

"He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing. He does not shy away from the sword. He cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds." (Video-spoiler)

And, into the final stretch comes my generation's greatest race horse, Secretariat. At the first note of Oh, Happy Day*, I'm a sniffling puddle of tears. Every single time I pause the remote on Starz to watch this scene, I lose it.

The race was won June 9, 1973. I was a first semester sophomore at a women's college and was going to summer school. It was my sister's birthday so I probably saw family that day. Whether I watched the actual race or saw it on the news, I really don't remember. The country was coming out of a violent decade of change and the big guys had won. Everyone was too tired to fight anymore. Maybe we needed something to pull us together as a country and that came to us in a horse's individualism and spirit.

I believe it is the "Everyman" story, the recognition of a spirit that is nurtured and overcame the odds and naysayers. It is the striving to excellence because of one's ability, but also because of someone's unconditional love, unwavering confidence, and encouragement to run their race. Ding. Ding. Ding. The still unhealed wound of not having that as a child equals tears. Boring to you, I know, but I don't cry at movies so I have to over-examine the reason.

That said, I resisted seeing this film because: 1) it was a Disney film, and 2) I didn't think it could come close to the film, Seabiscuit. Yet, in my humble opinion, Diane Lane is one of the best actresses of my generation and I try to see her act whenever I can. She has not received the accolades she deserves but maybe that is a good thing. Many actresses seem to fade into oblivion after winning the golden statue. Or, maybe that is the difference in an artist/actor and a celebrity. I consider Diane Lane an artist/actor.

If Aretha Franklin believes Halle Berry should play her in a biopic and Elton John thinks Justin Timberlake should play him, then I don't see why I can't chose Diane Lane to play me should I ever do anything worth filming. The entire story could be told in her facial expressions and body language; she is just that good.

*This video shows the original footage from Belmont at 3:15.

Weekend Cat Blogging #344 and Pet Blog Hop

2012-01-07T09:17:00.001-06:00

Jules - The Thermostat

We finally had a couple of cold mornings in Birmingham, high 20- and 30-degree mornings, as evidenced by where Jules found to nap. It took quite a bit of effort to untie my robe, find a way to turn around despite the sleeve, and get comfortable. Only a willing participant (me) would allow that to happen. We were back to the unseasonable 65-degrees and gorgeous yesterday afternoon.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Mind of Mog.

I have also decided to follow a fellow WCBer in participating in The Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. Notice it says "pet" and not "cat", but there are several felines to admire. That said, Jules will also be my entry for this week's Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.

Feel Good Friday

2012-01-06T10:44:00.002-06:00

From Iowa to New Hampshire

2012-01-04T19:14:00.003-06:00

It was ~~Monday~~ Tuesday night during college football bowl season and I settled in to watch television. Only one thing will trump a football game and that is politics. After the numerous debates, gaffes, comedy, and drama of the GOP presidential candidates leading up the Iowa caucus, it was sheer delight for the nerd in me. It did not disappoint.

The waiting for a decision was reminiscent of Gore v Bush in 2000 in that I was ready to go to bed before a winner was called. The pundits analyzed and the Twitter comments were funny.

For strictly politics, the biggest surprise to me was Rick Santorum's speech. I thought it was really good, authentic, and a story somewhat reminiscent to John Edwards' story. His background story was appealing; his claims were bizarre and unfounded to me as a Democrat, but completely Red State meat. Newt Gingrich's anger was visible. Doesn't he remind you of the playground bully? It also explains his crying last week. Rick Perry's speech? Poor guy. He read a letter from a supporter so that people would believe he was relevant. Michele Bachmann was personable but just set herself up for more jokes. Mitt Romney may have a message in there but he struggles to convey it. Jon Huntsman, in my opinion, would be a reasonable candidate for the GOP to pursue but they won't. He did not caucus. Ron Paul is Ron Paul. I agree with his comments on war and the cost of war, but his message becomes contradictory after that and I am concerned about his past.

I Googled Rick Santorum today - his full name, not just Santorum! - and I was impressed by some of his causes. However, I find his rigid religious beliefs frightening, being the firm believer in separation of church and state at all costs. Santorum appears to be a better steward for his church and his church's causes than leader of the country. I believe him about his commitment to family; I don't believe his family choice is the only family choice. And, I hate to say it, he sounds like he is just one gay sex scandal away from being forced to come out. Don't hate me. It is just my opinion.

I can not wait for the next debates and the New Hampshire caucus. I love election year!

Now, tell me. Don't you think the big winner last night was President Obama? Twenty-five thousand people (+/-) showed up in Iowa to hear him speak via a video address. Click here to donate to Protect Our Progress and Reelect Barack Obama. Yes, you can!

OSU Fans Whine Following Fiesta Bowl Win

2012-01-02T23:43:00.002-06:00

You can't slip something like this by a Bama fan

and not be called out on a blog and Twitter and Facebook.

This was seen in the stands following the OSU win against Stanford

in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

My 75 for 2011

2012-01-01T15:32:00.000-06:00

I completely stole this idea from The New York Times and Stuart Emmrich's The 75 Things New Yorkers Talked About in 2011. I repeated some of his and added others. These were just a few things that caught my attention in 2011, in no particular order. Feel free to share your own in the comments section.

1. The G.O.P. debates. The best reality TV show not on Bravo or TLC.

2. The best moment of the debates: “Oops.” Rick Perry helps make George W. Bush look smarter.

3. The UA Crimson Tide gets a second chance to play LSU in the BCS National Championship Game.

4. The April 27th tornado in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Southeast.

5. The harshest immigration law in the country, HB56, put in place by Alabama's dermatologist governor, Robert Bentley.

6. Adele.

7. Pro-Labor Union protesters in Wisconsin, petition to recall their governor.

8. The end of “don’t ask, don’t tell".

9. Toomer's for Tuscaloosa.

10. Alabama Shakes gets national attention.

11. Bama fan goes rogue and poisons trees at AU's Toomer's Corner.

12. Steve Jobs. Fittingly, many people learned the news of his death on their iPhones.

13. Occupy Wall Street: “the other 99 percent”.

14. Chaz Bono on Dancing With the Stars: a transgender star is born.

15. R.I.P., R.E.M.

16. Charlie Sheen visits Tuscaloosa post-tornado and post-public meltdown. #winning (#damagecontrol)

17. “9-9-9.”

18. Homeland. Angela Chase (Claire Danes) grows up into a pill-popping, bipolar, line-crossing C.I.A. operative. The most compelling character on television in 2011.

19. Gabrielle Giffords shot in Arizona.

20. You are what you tweet (see Anthony Weiner).

21. Funny women: Tina Fey, “Bridesmaids,” Amy Poehler, the showstopping moment at the Emmys when all the nominees for best actress in a comedy series came up onstage together.

22. Success of rookie quarterback from Auburn, Cam Newton, in the NFL.

23. Al Sharpton gets a TV show on MSNBC.

24. Keith Olbermann leaves MSNBC to go to Current TV, and nobody hears from him again.

25. Zooey Deschanel: adorable or irritating? Discuss.

26. End of the Iraq War.

27. Arab Spring, beginning with the vegetable vendor in Tunisia.

28. A hearty farewell to bin Laden, Qadaffi and Kim Jong-il.

29. War correspondent, Lara Logan, raped in Tahrir Square.

30. Same-sex marriage comes to New York State, the sixth but largest state to pass this.

31. Best video meme: Zach Wahls speaks about family

32. Kate Middleton marries Princess Diana's first-born son, Will

33. Nascar fans boo Michelle Obama and Jill Biden when they show up at a race — to promote a charity for military veterans and their families.

34. Release of Apple's iPad2.

35. The Murdoch phone-hacking scandal.

36. GOP systematically attacked women's rights. Democrats failed terribly to defend those rights.

37. Elizabeth Warren becomes a household name.

38. Siri.

39. Lowe's makes worst advertising decision ever (All-American Muslim, TLC)

40. Academy Award winners/nominees appear in television series: Jessica Lange (American Horror Story, FX), Dustin Hoffman (Luck, HBO), William H. Macy (Shameless, Showtime)

41. "Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan"

42. Trending: shopping locally.

43. Jefferson County, Alabama declares bankruptcy.

44. Donald Trump.

45. President Obama nails Donald Trump.

46. The "speed-up" - work faster for no increase in pay.

47. Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report starts a Super PAC.

48. More focus on eating locally.

49. Newt Gingrich has 1.3 million Twitter followers; only 8 percent are real people.

50. Auburn Tigers win BCS National Championship.

51. Planking.

52. “Twilight.” Isn't it over yet?

53. What does $40 mean to you?

54. An estimated 1 million people change from banks to credit unions on Bank Transfer Day.

55. Andy Rooney signs off for the last time.

56. Woody Allen does for Paris in Midnight in Paris what he did for Manhattan in his film, Manhattan.

57. The Protester named Time magazine's Person of the Year.

58. Meryl Streep. And not just because she nails the accent (again) in The Iron Lady.

59. Egyptian Cobra breaks out of the Bronx Zoo (well, at least out of his cage but never left the reptile housing).

60. Hundreds of dead birds fall out of the sky in Arkansas again.

61. Casey Anthony. (I had never heard of her until the verdict, but I understand it was a big story.)

62. Oprah takes a year — and three finale shows — to say goodbye.

63. The 10th anniversary of 9/11.

64. Triple threat - the horror of what was the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent radiation leaks in Japan.

65. “I simply do not know where the money is.”

66. HBO Go.

67. The scandal at Penn State: What did JoePa know, and when did he know it?

68. Married people become the minority.

69. Catvertising.

70. Best photo of the year.

71. Tebowing.

72. Worst photo of the year.

73. Strange hats = money raised for charities.

74. Common at the White House and faux outrage.

75. USDA's ChooseMyPlate replaces food pyramid.

2012 Goals

2012-01-01T09:40:00.001-06:00

(source)

The confidence of a prepubescent child (Calvin) and someone pushing age 60 (me) is awesome. Resolutions? I don't need no stickin' resolutions. But, I will set some goals for 2012.

1) Try something that otherwise would frighten me (TBD). Job interviews don't count.

2) Finish my continuing education requirements before May 2012. I'm cutting it very, very close! May need to take a class.

3) Help re-elect President Obama in November.

4) Finish the 52 book/year challenge.

5) Unpack and use all the things I ordered, received, and never opened in 2011. Break this bad habit. (Kitchenaid Stand Mixer; Photoshop software; One Shot Photo Shop; mail)

6) Take that trip to the Mississippi Delta to eat tamales for the first time and visit the Blues Trail.

7) Plant and maintain fresh herbs.

8) Volunteer at the local humane society.

9) Take Amtrack to New Orleans.

10) Yoga.

NOTE: If I have to color my hair and lose weight in order to get a job, I will need an intervention from friends and family and possibly some rehab. Never be afraid to ask for what you need.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T07:20:00.001-06:00

Reverb11: Day 31

2011-12-31T12:10:00.001-06:00

First, I want to thank Writeous Babe for hosting this Reverb. It has been fun. For a blogger, it is especially nice to have a prepared outline to blog from every day!

Day 31: Where do you hope to be on January 1, 2013?

I hope I will be enjoying a holiday off from my new job, whatever that might be. I hope I will be fortunate enough to find a job I enjoy with a salary that will allow me to at least live with my current level of comfort, slim though it might be.

(source)

Most importantly, I hope I will still be striving to achieve a balanced life. I accept my personal limitations, yet hope to achieve balance wherever possible.

Weekend Cat Blogging #343

2011-12-31T06:31:00.000-06:00

Jules

Evolution of a Stretch

All felines and their humans know what is truly happening here, right? A cat has never seen a door that he/she did not want opened. Cuteness usually works to open said doors.

This week's New Year's Eve edition of Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Kashim, Othello and Salome.

Feel Good Friday

2011-12-30T05:18:00.001-06:00

Reverb11: Day 30

2011-12-29T19:42:00.001-06:00

Day 30: Write a letter to your future self.

Dear Judi,

I hope this finds you alive, healthy, alert, and sleeping on a mattress. Are you still stealing quotes from Chris Rock after all these years? Do you even remember Chris Rock?

How are you? Was it everything you hoped it would be? I sincerely hope you aren't wasting time on regrets. Remember what you used to say: I am doing the best I can with what I have available to me at the moment. Are you alone? That could be scary, even sad, at this point in your life. Remind yourself how much time you spent alone during your lifetime. You know how to do this. There is no reason to be afraid. Besides, no one is ever alone if they have their memories and, if you for some reason you can't remember, hold on to a feeling or a fragrance or a piece of music or use your imagination.

Make your own decisions. Don't allow anyone to call you baby, honey, sweetie or any of that other baby-talk nonsense. Don't forget to laugh often. Continue to sing and dance, if only in your head.

Judi

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Film Review: Newlyweds

2011-12-29T17:54:00.000-06:00

Film synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes:
Buzzy (Edward Burns) and Katie (Caitlin FitzGerald) are a newly married couple living a seemingly conflict-free life. But when Buzzy's damaged and impulsive half-sister Linda (Kerry Bishé) arrives at their doorstep expecting to stay for an indefinite period in their Tribeca loft, her antics threaten to disrupt the couple's commitment to an "easy" marriage. Meanwhile, with Katie's sister Marsha projecting suspicions of her own husband's infidelity onto Buzzy, will the couple's formerly trusting and insulated life be able to withstand the dysfunctions of their respective siblings? -- (C) Tribeca

Do you realize what filmmaker Edward Burns did for me? I was able to access his new film, Newlyweds, on my iPad2 via Vudu for $5.99 plus tax. Not living in a large market for independent films, it was likely I would not be able to see this so it was the perfect set-up. (I will pay my penance for using something owned by Wal-Mart.) Newlyweds will be released to iTunes tomorrow.

I saw the influence of Woody Allen throughout this film and, as in Allen's Manhattan and Midnight in Paris, Burns used his neighborhood, TriBeCa, as an extra. The film's quick cuts, edits, conversations, interview scenes were also reminiscent of Allen's films. I will admit those choppy edits left me a little dizzy at times. The film was also quite verbal, reminiscent of Hannah and Her Sisters. As a plus, there was humor throughout.

Why do we love certain films and not others? Because we relate viscerally. I believe I have been in each of these characters' situations at some point in my life and have even had many of these conversations. In my lower middle-class neighborhoods, it was not uncommon for couples to marry after short courtships or even work separate shifts. None of us lived in expensive cities and lofts but the human aspects are there regardless.

I vacillated between liking and hating these characters, yet also wanting to help them. I wanted Buzzy to tell Caitlin that he didn't call her sooner because he didn't want to wake her or for Linda to tell Caitlin about the situation with her ex-boyfriend so that maybe Caitlin could have better understood Linda's thoughtless decisions. Isn't that what families do - love and hate each other, sometimes simultaneously? Only Marsha, Caitlin's sister, had little saving grace here - hard, bitter, intrusive.

I thought Burns captured the differences between men and women quite well, too. Guys would never understand or even care about the towel situation or the coat fiasco, but many of the women viewers will know and they will indeed care. Isn't it the little things that drive us crazy, after all?

Buzzy: That's what we do. We tell each other everything. It's called honesty.
Linda: Really? That sounds like a terrible idea.

I don't think this film is for everybody, nor do I think it is an outstanding film. But, I liked it. I wanted to care about the characters and understand who they were and why. These weren't even unique situations. It was just life so don't look here for escapism.

3 of 5 stars
Access: Priceless!
Watch Trailer

Edward Burns and the Socialization of Indie Cinema

Reverb11: Day 29

2011-12-29T17:36:00.001-06:00

Day 29: How did your spirituality transform this year?

I didn't invest a lot of time on the subject this year so I have nothing to add. Next question.

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Reverb11: Day 28, Part 2

2011-12-28T17:36:00.002-06:00

The previous Day 28 Reverb was written late at night when I felt vulnerable, yet hopeful. This morning as I drove to Mississippi, I was thinking about my strengths. I wanted to add.....

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT.

I can take it.

Reverb11: Day 28

2011-12-28T00:13:00.001-06:00

Day 28: What new strengths did you discover about yourself this year?

My strength this year was the courage to take the risk to imagine a different dream for myself.

It is scary. It is exciting.

Reverb11: Day 27

2011-12-27T14:11:00.001-06:00

Day 27: What are 12 things you want to add to your life in 2012?

Wordle

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Trying My Peas and Carrots

2011-12-27T13:35:00.001-06:00

From my food blog - Dear Kitchen: Let's Be Friends

Many may not know what all goes in to writing a food blog - the constant recipe search; shopping; cooking; tasting; photographing; scrolling through numerous photographs in hopes of at least one being decent enough to post or, at the very least, not showing any cat hair; trying to think up little interesting and/or witty things to say; posting to social media; responding to comments; and the expense. Geez, the expense. Food bloggers can receive high praise (authoring cookbooks, media appearances, a salary) to extreme criticism (recipe too unhealthy to eat, recipe too healthy to enjoy, being accused of increasing the obesity rate of an entire state). Yet, we continue to sacrifice for the craft.

That is what I did today. I sacrificed for my craft of blogging. Anyone who knows me or who has read my blogs knows that I'd rather have a Jelly Belly Tropical Mix Jelly Bean than the most decadent dessert, and that the only food I truly dislike is green peas. When I saw the Jelly Belly Peas and Carrots Jelly Beans I felt it was my obligation as a food blogger to try them and report back to you, my reader(s).

I can honestly say that I am grateful I did not mix these with my Tropical Mix Jelly Beans or I would have been carefully pushing these to the side so as not to have to eat them, just like I do the vegetable-variety green peas. These are said to be a Mellocreme Mix, similar to the candy corn jelly beans. I prefer my intense sugar-flavored beans, please.

Since there were no children around to push these on then, sadly, the candy went into the trash. As I said, food bloggers sacrifice a lot. I sacrificed $1.98 plus tax so you would know. You're welcome.

Reverb11: Day 26

2011-12-25T17:24:00.002-06:00

Day 12: What are 12 things your life doesn't need in 2012? How will you eliminate them?

Good questions, Writeous Babe. Time for serious reflection, right? For the most part, I am reasonably satisfied, or at least resigned, to my life to date.

1-10: Negativity. Some interactions I can prevent and some I can't. I am better about my response to negativity than I used to be. I hope to seek out more positive energy by continuing to be involved with local groups who share similar interests.

11: Self-criticism. I need mega-confidence right now so I can get a job and I am, as many people can be, my worst critic. I may have to break down and do some things that will make me more employable, despite how strongly I feel against it. How will I eliminate it? I'm not 100% sure, as I am really, really good at this.

12. Body weight. I definitely don't need as much as I have right now. How will I eliminate it? Begrudgingly and with basic nutrition.

Can anyone tell I have been on Pinterest a lot lately?

Weekend Cat Blogging #342 Round-Up

2011-12-25T17:04:00.001-06:00

I thought this was a cute Christmas video. Oskar may be blind, but what a wonderful sense of hearing and play. Thanks to everyone who find and give forever homes to our feline friends.

The 30 Most Important Cats in 2011
*We all know the most important cats are our Weekend Cat Blogging cats!

Next week's hosts: Dec 31/Jan 1 New Years Edition Kashim, Othello and Salome

Twitter List

2011-12-25T16:50:00.002-06:00

My name on a list with Reg from Reg's Coffeehouse? Very cool.

This morning I woke up to find Magic City Post had placed me on their Magic City Post Conversation List. I'm not really sure why, unless maybe this group of tweeps tends to converse too often? Whatever the reason, I realize it will bring my name to a new group of Twitter users, which I appreciate.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T06:50:00.003-06:00

Reverb11: Days 23, 24, 25

2011-12-25T05:53:00.001-06:00

Day 23: Who do you want to attract in your life in 2012?

I have been that person, the one who sucked the happiness out of the lives of other people who were important to me. Being back in a (bleep-bleep) environment did that to me. Wake-up call! Be the kind of person you want to attract.

Day 24: What things added beauty to your life this year?

Being back in Birmingham; listening to good music; viewing great works of art; nature; continuing a hobby I have come to love.

Day 25: How did you add beauty to the lives of others?

I can't speak to that, but I hope that in some small way I did not allow an entire year to pass without doing something positive for somebody, somewhere.

Weekend Cat Blogging #342: Christmas Edition

2011-12-23T15:10:00.001-06:00

Seasons Greetings!

To all the cats in the blogosphere and to the humans who love them, welcome to Weekend Cat Blogging,

hosted by Jules and Vincent

Vincent, watching the rain
taken through the screen or the moment would have been lost forever

Jules, viewing the world from his printer perch

Please leave a link in the comments section so we can visit you over the holidays. We know everyone is busy, and we understand if you don't have time.

Feel Good Friday

2011-12-23T04:39:00.001-06:00

More Faux News Outrage (that I can't resist)

2011-12-22T12:39:00.004-06:00

Update: 3:18 p.m.

Who can turn a Christmas card similar to all the Christmas cards that have come before it into a "scary" news story? Why, none other than the news corporation whose viewers were the most likely to be misinformed about the news, Fox News.

By showing a segment from The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, I risk being dismissed as biased (I am) although there are numerous websites in which to find similar stories.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here is the scary Christmas card Palin questions:

Funny tweets seen on The Maddow Blog:

Let me be clear. I realize this is the job description at Fox News. So, if we stop talking about Palin will she go away? No. The trailer for the film, Game Change, has been released and ~~is set to open in theaters~~ can be seen on HBO in March 2012.

This is when phrases like the "gotcha" media entered our lexicon, things like "what do you read?" became "gotcha" questions. They became "gotcha" questions because it wasn't something she had seen on a bumper sticker at the local gun and bait shop or on an inspirational card at Cracker Barrel.

Oops. I don't sound filled with much holiday spirit here, either. Off the soapbox. No. One more thing. I am proud that a female was chosen to be a vice presidential candidate in a political party not known for supporting women's issues. There are so many extremely intelligent, capable women available who could do the job and make us proud. Why, pick a Palin? For those of us who have not read the book, this film should fill us in on the details and all the "why, why, why" questions.

BCS Championship Game: What to Wear

2011-12-22T11:20:00.001-06:00

Represent the Crimson Tide in championship style at the BCS Championship Game in New Orleans January 9th! Christmas Schmismas, we have a game to win! Check it out Polyvore. Roll Tide!

Reverb11: Day 22

2011-12-22T10:31:00.001-06:00

Day 22: Who did you miss?

I have been fortunate that the few people in my life remain in my life, maybe not daily but still around. That said, it isn't so much who I miss but what I miss. I miss the conversations, those long caffeine-induced running conversations that fed my soul and gave me the one thing I needed more than anything - someone closer to me than anyone else to talk and listen in return. I miss those conversations - routine, shallow and deep. I miss that so much sometimes that I literally can't breathe, that my eyes fill with tears.

Those particular conversations can never happen again because the trust and connection are gone, and it can never be recovered. It is a loss that hurts more than a loss from death.

Who do you miss? Do you have someone to talk to? Do you have someone who will listen to you?

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Update: 3:20 p.m. I will miss
Amy Winehouse's voice
Clarence Clemons' musicianship
Steve Jobs' vision

Reverb11: Day 21

2011-12-21T09:52:00.000-06:00

Day 21: What new friendships blossomed in your life this year?

I was once told by someone who knew me fairly well, someone who was a total social butterfly, that I did not consider someone as a "friend" unless I could sit down and have a serious, one-on-one conversation. I have come to realize that this is true, very hard to come by, and precious to me when I find it. Friendships are difficult for me, yet the one thing I desire most in my life.

I am happy to report that I have met several new people since being back in Birmingham through my hobbies and personal interests. The social butterfly would say I would consider these people as acquaintances, not friends.

What is your definition of friendship? Does friendships come easily to you? Are you a social butterfly?

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Can You Match The Headline with the News Organization?

2011-12-20T16:19:00.001-06:00

Headline One:
Republicans in House Reject Deal Extending Payroll Tax Cuts

Headline Two:
After House Vote on Payroll Tax Cut, Obama Demands GOP Give In

Is headline one:
1) The New York Times
2) Fox News

Is headline two:
1) The New York Times
2) Fox News

These were too easy, I know. These were what I first saw when I did a Google search for the details of the vote.

BCS Championship On My Mind

2011-12-20T14:46:00.001-06:00

My Favorite TV Shows of 2011

2011-12-20T14:25:00.002-06:00

I won't claim these are the best since I do not watch a lot of commercial television. The first 10 listed are my "must see" for this year, in no particular order, and excluding all football games:

1) Homeland (Showtime)

2) Breaking Bad (AMC)

3) Boardwalk Empire (HBO)

4) American Horror Story (FX)

5) Shameless (Showtime)

6) Treme (HBO)

7) Nurse Jackie (Showtime)

8) The Big C (Showtime)

9) The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)

10) The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)

I also watch and enjoy the following:

True Blood (HBO)

Damages (DirecTv)

Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

Enlightened (HBO)

The Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC)

Bored to Death (HBO)

Up with Chris Hayes (MSNBC)

The influx of film and stage actors to television and the excellent writing have made a huge difference this year: Clair Danes, Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt (I'm going to miss you!), Kelly MacDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Laura Linney, Jessica Lange, Glenn Close, Laura Dern, Dylan McDermott, Frances Conroy, Melissa Leo, Wendell Pierce, David Morse, Toni Collette, Dabney Coleman, Gretchen Mol, William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Anna Pacquin, Evan Rachel Wood, Zeljko Ivanek, Zack Galifianakis, even Dustin Hoffman is starring on HBO's upcoming series, Luck... and these are just the names I recognize! Could this be leading us out of reality TV, Charlie's Angels remakes and TLC hell and back into good drama and comedies?

What were your favorite television shows this year?

Reverb11: Day 20

2011-12-20T09:44:00.001-06:00

Day 20: How did you build community this year?

My personal community, not so well, although I do believe I became closer to my family this year with the help of technology and spending more time actual together.

I helped my physical community in a very small way by raising money and buying supplies for the Tuscaloosa tornado victims back in April and May. When approached by my niece about what they might do for Tuscaloosa, I suggested they raise money in their Wyoming community. My niece and great-niece raised $420 from residents of Casper with no real connection to Tuscaloosa or Alabama.

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Cartoon: A Zen GPS

2011-12-20T09:03:00.001-06:00

Reverb11: Day 19

2011-12-19T10:22:00.001-06:00

Day 19: What movies did you see?*

Films I saw in 2011 and reviewed on my blog:
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The Help
Win Win
Talihini Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon

Films I saw but did not review on my blog:
Water for Elephants

Commentary:
I scrolled through 2,500 of the 8,885 film titles on IMDbs Most Popular Feature Films Released in 2011 before I gave up and admitted I am paying way too much to DirecTv for the number of decent films I receive. Even my pay-per-view (PPV) selections are limited. This must change!

I viewed the IMDbs Top-US-Grossing Films in 2011 (thus far) and there is only one listed that I would be interested in seeing on cable. That said, I realize my taste in films do not run mainstream (I am an older adult, after all). Even so, I would be willing to pay extra per film to be able to select more interesting films on PPV.

Which were your favorites of 2011? Suggestions for a more cost-efficient way of seeing better films at home?

*Only listed those released in 2011. I saw several 2010 releases on cable.

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Boots v Birkenstocks: MoJo article by Josh Harkinson

2011-12-19T10:02:00.000-06:00

Seen in Mother Jones online magazine: Inside the 1 Percent's Texas Enclave by Josh Harkinson

A few things from this article struck me.

We don't need the government to do things for us—that's why the town is very, very independent," says Ray Washburne, a co-owner of the Highland Park Village mall and a native "Parkie."

Yet, Harkinson reports that Highland Park has: 1) the lowest property taxes in a state with no income tax; 2) one of the nation's best school systems; 3) and, emergency response time of 2.5 minutes. Apparently, they need the government for some things, which is why I suspect they donated the most money (77%) among 24 zip codes to politicians, specifically Republicans. This area gave the GOP more hard cash as well. This number, as reported by Harkinson, was from the Center for Responsive Politics.

The second thing from this article that struck me was this:

Real estate mogul Harlan Crow often hosts party fundraisers at his $24 million spread. He's presented numerous gifts to Clarence Thomas, including funding for a library project dedicated to the Supreme Court justice, a bust of Abe Lincoln, and, according to Politico, $500,000 in seed money for Thomas' wife, Virginia, to start a tea party group.

Is this why Clarence Thomas sits on the bench and reportedly never asks any questions or talks? He already knows which way he is to vote on any given argument? Here is a man who probably would not fare well in this community if not protected by his position. Is that why Thomas appears so angry? His soul has been sold?

The last thing is the two "bubbles" themselves. It struck me as how similar these two neighborhoods are in their affluence, yet so starkly different. I admit to my personal prejudices, these being, but not limited to: 1) Adults in Highland Park practice yoga and buy organic food because of its trendiness. 2) Adults in Berkeley have a lower political giving rate because they have less need to get their sense of worth from being closely connected to power. 3) Then, there is the question of all the gun-porn. If Highland Park feels so safe, why are guns so status-worthy? 4) I don't understand golfing in Berkeley any more than I understand gun-lust in Highland Park.

Any thoughts are their similarities? Their differences? The gun-porn? The golfing in Berkeley?

Listen Up, Denver Broncos!

2011-12-18T10:24:00.002-06:00

SNL's skit on Denver Broncos' overtime win against the Chicago Bears last Sunday and Tim Tebow.
"If I'm the Son of God, Tom Brady has got to be God's nephew. That guy is a miracle worker." ~SNL Jesus

Reverb11: Day 18

2011-12-18T07:24:00.002-06:00

Day 18: What books did you read?

God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F*cked by Darrell Hammond
Bossy Pants by Tina Fey
Then Again by Diane Keaton
Cool, Calm & Contentious by Merrill Markoe

Two books by junior high school/high school classmates:
Sinner from the South by Alabama Jane Brown
Tales from a Southern Madhouse by Gale Major Vanderpol

Prompt by Writeous Babe

Reverb11: Day 17

2011-12-17T09:18:00.000-06:00

Day 17: What were your favorite songs of the year?

It comes as no surprise to anyone that 21 by Adele has been my favorite album of the year. I have listened to these songs so often that the other favorites pale in comparison. I have also become a big fan of Alabama Shakes.

The following songs and artists turned up on my iPod as my most played songs behind Adele from 2011, unless otherwise specified:

You Ain't Alone - Alabama Shakes

Hold On - Alabama Shakes
Violin - Amos Lee

Windows Are Rolled Down - Amos Lee

See You in the Spring - Court Yard Hounds featuring Jakob Dylan (released 2010, but I only discovered this year)

Lonely Boy - The Black Keys

Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars

Calamity Song - The Decemberists
This is Why We Fight - The Decemberists

Rock N' Roll is Free - Ben Harper

Time Spent in Los Angeles - Dawes

Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine

I have to mention Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People because it is the song most likely to get stuck in my head after I hear it. Catchy tune.

Prompt by Writeous Babe.

Weekend Cat Blogging #341

2011-12-17T08:24:00.004-06:00

Jules has been enjoying our unseasonable weather. As is the norm, the door must to be open so he can come and go as he pleases. If not, he begs to get in then begs to get out. I am well-trained to respond to his demands.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Billy Sweetfeets Gingersnaps.

Blog Archives: 1922 Newspaper Clipping

2011-12-16T04:22:00.001-06:00

Originally posted here on May 20, 2008:

I found this wonderful 1922 newspaper clipping at Going Gray Looking Great, as submitted by one of their members.

Feel Good Friday

2011-12-16T02:11:00.000-06:00

Reverb11: Day 16

2011-12-16T02:00:00.000-06:00

Day 16: Oprah asks you to write an article on your favorite things of 2011. What are they?

I rarely shop and don't generally lust after material items that often. Most of my favorite things this year were my favorite things last year and the year before that: Oil of Olay Body Wash and Body Lotion with Shea Butter, Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion, Sea Mud Soap, and pHelityl Lotion with SPF15, and Jelly
Belly Tropical Mix Jelly Beans. These favorite things never change.

Kashwere Robes

I discovered these at my hair salon in Nashville for $95. I bought one for me and three more for gifts. They are now listed for $135 so I take very good care of mine. Since then, I don't want any other robe. It is so warm, better even than a blanket. It is so soft. My cats love it, too!

iPad2

Perfection! Thin, light and easy to use. I read with my Kindle app and watch TV in my bedroom with my HBOGo and Directv apps. And, I'm totally addicted to Twitter. I am still more attached to my iPhone, but my iPad2 is a very close second.

Merrell Shoes

I said to hell with fashionable shoes over a decade ago. I choose comfort all the way!

Ralph Lauren Scarfs

My brother gave me two Ralph Lauren scarfs last Christmas. I pulled up YouTube and took a couple of scarf lessons. I wear them all the time. They are a wonderful accessory to an otherwise plain shirt, sweater, or coat, plus they are very warm.

Artist: Adele, Album: 21

I first heard Adele on the radio singing Chasing Pavements several years ago and was completely intrigued by her voice. This album, 21, speaks to the emotional rollercoaster that is personal relationships the same way Bonnie Raitt's I Can't Make You Love Me and Alanis Morrisette's You Oughta Know did. She has an amazing voice, but it is her lyrics that make this my favorite album of 2011.

Prompt by Writeous Babe.

It's 3 a.m. Do you know where your thoughts are?

2011-12-15T05:54:00.001-06:00

Currently.

I woke up at 3:11 a.m., after only three hours of sleep. Instead of trying to go back to sleep, I shocked myself with the bright light from my laptop and a 12-ounce Diet Mountain Dew. This was also a cue for my cat, Jules, to snuggle up under my left arm leaving me in a very uncomfortable typing position. It is now 5:30 a.m. That said, I was skulking around the web and saw the Writeous Babe, Javacia, had picked up this post from her friend. I decided to pick it up as well. As you can see, I have a whole lotta' traveling on my mind.

Obsessing over: traveling. What better time than now? I am still healthy enough to enjoy it and I may never get another opportunity. I am on the Travelocity website so much I expect the help center window to pop up begging me: for the love of God, please let us help you!

Working on: how I can travel during the time I have available, but with limited resources and a rapidly aging automobile.

Thinking about: taking the train to New Orleans; the Clinton library in Little Rock; the new Walton American art collection in Bentonville, AK; Las Vegas to see The Beatles' LOVE; Christmas Day with my family in Casper; the Grand Canyon; the Blues Trail in the Mississippi Delta eating tamales, taking cooking classes at Viking, and pampering myself at The Alluvian, and more.

Anticipating: my great-niece arriving on Friday. Today will be my last day available to clean up the apartment and get her bedroom ready and free of cat hair.

Listening to: the sounds of early morning, particularly my upstairs neighbor. I think he must be bowling. At some point later in my day, I will listen to NPR, Birmingham Mountain Radio and at least one Adele song.

Drinking: every chance I get:) Right now, though, it is Diet Mountain Dew.

Wishing: i didn't have to go back to a paid job, that I could work on being a more creative cook and blogger. Also, I am wishing that I would listen to my more practical voice that says if I would find a job then I could use my saved money as a down payment for a newer car. It is a values thing - I value travel experiences more than necessities.

Ask myself this: When I am on my deathbed, will I look back and appreciate that I experienced nature's Grand Canyon, spent Christmas with my family, and viewed great works of art OR that I once had a newer automobile?

How about you? What are you up to today? Are you rationalizing in the dark, too?

Reverb11: Day 15

2011-12-15T03:38:00.001-06:00

Day 15: Which blogs did you enjoy most this year?

Do you know how you quickly lose a dog's attention when he sees a squirrel or a tennis ball? I am that dog with blogs. I jump around with wild abandon! And, I am easily distracted. Squirrel!

Favorites or at least the ones I follow daily:
sidewalkshoes
The Bloggess
The Maddow Blog

Could these be more different in style and content?

What conclusions can we draw from these choices? I am apparently a big "L" liberal skewing towards geek (Maddow Blog) with a quirky sense of humor (Bloggess) who dreams of living in a lovely southern home surrounded by good food, books, cats and a yard full of beautiful herbs and flowers while drinking wine every Sunday on my porch - minus the teacher's job (sidewalkshoes).

Prompt by Writeous Babe.

Fox News Graphic Glitch

2011-12-14T22:27:00.002-06:00

This is too funny not to share. How did President Obama's photo end up above Romney's name?

For the dedicated Fox News viewer who might believe this is some "liberal" or "lame-stream media" graphic hoax, here is the video (originally seen by me on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart):

President Obama's Southern Dilemma

2011-12-14T01:34:00.004-06:00

Revised, 9:14 a.m.

I understand the ways of the Internet. I also understand not everyone is as geeky as I am about following national politics. I don't imagine too many people watched the GOP debate in Iowa on a Saturday night and then turned to Current TV to hear the panel discussion. Geez.

I see so much bulls**t online. Usually I bite my tongue, roll my eyes, and move on. Sometimes, as in the case below, I commented because it was posted by someone I know and this was a really good book.

Below is a good example of where many conversations I have had or have attempted to have about President Obama tend to go. I'm not sure how to explain it except to say that it must be some deeply held, emotional wound that trumps any and every fact where President Obama is concerned. It is as if every conversation goes directly to "I think everyone should work for a living..." whether the conversation is about foreign or domestic policies.

The above photo was shared on her wall by a Facebook friend.

Wall Photos:SOMEONE NEEDS TO GIVE HIM AN AMERICAN HISTORY BOOK. I AM CONVINCED THAT HE DOES NOT KNOW AMERICAN HISTORY.
If each person sends this to a minimum of twenty people on their address list, in three days, all people in The United States of American would have the message.
THIS WILL CURDLE YOUR BLOOD AND CURL YOUR HAIR.By: ********

Comment: Why am I not surprised!!!

ME: I've read The Post American World and it is an incredible book by Fareed Zakaria. He is a prolific writer who takes a thoughtful and realistic look at the rise of other countries, not the decline of the US. This book is at least 3-4 years old. Zakaria has since published a follow-up, and I look forward to reading it as well. (I got two likes.)

My Facebook Friend: I am conservative and don't agree with the direction our country is headed. The book may be ok, but don't like Obama. I think everyone should work for a living and that government should not stick their nose in every facet of my life. I'm thankful to live in a country where we can openly express our opinions without the fear of being killed or beaten.

ME: I completely respect your personal beliefs. I may have misread the intention of the photo, but it appeared to be focusing on the book rather than the person. Having read the book, I knew it was an incredible read. In fact, I would recommend it to any serious college student hoping to compete in today's global economy.

My Facebook Friend: I appreciate your comments, Judi. Yes, we are all different. That's what makes the world go round.

There was absolutely nothing in my mind about this conversation on what I thought was about Zakaria's book that would lead someone to comment on people working for a living. Who these "people" are, I don't know. It seems that any conversation I have about President Obama immediately goes to a lowest common denominator comment. Decisions about President Obama appear to be made based on what people around me fear or what they believe might happen versus what actually happens. Many people I have listened to believe the most bizarre things they hear about the President, not based on any factual information. It continues to just baffle me.

I can't help but believe there is a racial edge to this. There is fear. There is ignorance. And, there isn't a snowball's chance in he** that President Obama will be able to convince some voters here in the south to vote for him. No matter how much he accomplishes, how intelligent and compassionate he is, or how he does everything people 'claim' they want, some people just will not vote for him. As I said, it baffles me.

Reverb11: Days 13 & 14

2011-12-14T01:03:00.000-06:00

Day 13: Write about a time this year when you gave up.
Day 14: Write about a time this year when you persevered.

As it turns out, these responses are surprisingly very similar. As I've written before, I lost my job on November 1st. In anticipation of this possibility, I was approached about what jobs were available for me at the same company and the opportunity to present an acceptable alternative. From what was presented to me past and present, I began to focus on marketing, utilizing our latest technology for customer involvement and introducing the use of social media. I spent my weekend hours designing the requested brochures, packets, PowerPoint presentations, and other marketing materials, while continuing to push for a Facebook and Twitter presence.

Whether I failed to convince anyone I had the ability to succeed in this position; whether it was never intended for me to work at any other position or only the one they had chosen for me; or, whether it was an attempt to allow me to work for as long as possible, it became apparent there was no longer a place for me. So, mentally and physically, I gave up. I gave in. I accepted my fate.

If there was a position available for me then why didn't I stay? It was a "job", after all. If I listened to many of the people I know, there is zero chance that I can find another job. Others are more supportive. I didn't stay because the job offered was such an extremely poor match to my personality and to my abilities. Driving three hours a day, five days a week to perform job duties in which I had no interest or skill would have been personally defeating before I ever started.

Photo source

That said, staying true to myself, in my opinion, is the definition of perseverance. Hopefully, I will continue to persevere and prove to my doubters that I can indeed find a job that I enjoy and that utilizes my skills and personality. Stay tuned.

Prompts by Writeous Babe.

Road Trip: Picasso to Warhol Art Exhibit, Atlanta

2011-12-12T09:14:00.002-06:00

High Museum of Art

Atlanta, Georgia

A beautiful Sunday called for a road trip. A mere 150 miles from where I live is the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States and architectural beauty, High Museum of Art. Despite this, I've not visited High but once since the Olympics in 1996. A Sunday afternoon before Christmas was the perfect time to go.

The Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters exhibit was curated by staff at New York's Museum of Modern Art, together with High. Several of the works I have had the opportunity to view in the past at other venues; however, I have never been allowed to photograph any of the museum's paintings.

From October 2011:

The High Museum of Art, working with award-winning Second Story Interactive Studios, has developed a new Smartphone application called ArtClix, which brings together photo-recognition software and social media to create a new kind of museum app that moves beyond traditional audio tours. The app has been created in its initial iteration to be used in conjunction with the High’s exhibition “Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters,” which opens to the public on Saturday, October 15.

ArtClix is free and currently available both for iPhones and Androids. It is available for download from Apple’s App Store and the Android Marketplace. (continue reading here)

High Museum website

The fourteen masters featured were Romare Bearden, Louise Bourgeois, Constantin Brancusi, Alexander Calder, Giorgio de Chirico, Marcel Duchamp, Jasper Johns, Fernand Leger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. More than 100 masterworks were displayed.

Below are a few of the photographs I captured:

Girl Before a Mirror, March 1932

Pablo Picasso

Dance (1), 1909

Henri Matisse

Goldfish and Sculpture, Spring-Summer 1912

Henri Matisse

Endless Column. Version I.

Constantin Brancusi

Dutch Interior (I), July-December 1928

Joan Miro

(Note: Example of the ArtClix prompt shown above.

The 100 numbers were for adult audio; 200 numbers for children audio; 400 numbers for ArtClix.)

Gothic, 1944

Jackson Pollock

Number 1A, 1948

Jackson Pollock

Self-Portrait, 1966

Andy Warhol

Morning Star, 1943 (foreground)

Flying Saucers, 1969 (left)

Snow Flurry, I, 1948 (background)

Alexander Calder

I know very little about art, historically or creatively. I go to museums and specific exhibits because I want to go. At certain times in my life, I need to go. It is like using a potent drug for the first time, as I have heard described. I am constantly searching for that same exhilaration I felt the first time I saw an original Renior or a Pollock or a Matisse.

Reverb11: Days 11 & 12

2011-12-10T23:35:00.001-06:00

Day 11: How did you celebrate and take care of your body this year?

Early morning - yoga followed by meditation; mid-morning - an hour of cardio and an hour of weight-training; and, healthy eating resulting in weight loss and management. In my dreams.

Reality is I could do better. Despite my less than ideal habits, I remain relatively healthy in all the major assessments.

My definition of celebrating my body is allowing my hair to remain its natural color - white. This is old news but I still have interesting comments and reactions, after all these years.

12. What or whom did you let go of this year? Why?

I thought it would be harder letting go of the job I've had and the people I've known since 1981. Letting go of who I was there so I can become who I'm going to be in my third act was easier than I thought; in fact, I rarely think of the job or of my co-workers. That was how I knew it was for the best. I let go of my ex by another fraction this year. Almost there! He is still the one person I want to talk to everyday.

Prompts by Writeous Babe.

Reverb11: Day 10

2011-12-10T16:13:00.001-06:00

Day 10: Where did you visit? Prompts by Writeous Babe

My major trip this year was to Casper, Wyoming (see Reverb11: Day Nine). Also, Imagines from My Vacation. Here are other photographs from a 2009 trip to Wyoming that doesn't include my photos of my family: Wyoming Vacation.

I have also made two quick trips to Nashville and one to Atlanta. Otherwise, I've stayed in the neighborhood.

Trips I'd like to take:
Best of Europe in 21 days - Rick Steves
Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV to see LOVE
Amtrak Train to New Orleans

Weekend Cat Blogging #336

2011-12-10T08:30:00.001-06:00

The Great Moth Hunt

My small apartment allows for minimal energy expenditure for Jules and Vincent. Play time can consist of immediately removing all the play mice I gather from under the furniture and place in a basket. That said, it is a big deal when a bug or especially anything that flies inadvertently finds its way into the apartment. Fun times!

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Pam at sidewalk shoes.

Reverb11: Day Nine

2011-12-09T15:00:00.001-06:00

Day Nine: How did you have fun this year? Prompt by Writeous Babe.

How did my brother, sister and their families end up in the western US, so far away? I am the only one still clinging to the south, although I now have an ally in my great-niece!

This year I had the wonderful opportunity to spend more time with my family. My brother, sister and I have been continuing my mother's annual tradition of cleaning and decorating the grave sites of our relatives in Mississippi the first Sunday in May or "Decoration Day". This year, however, I was unsure if I would have power or if we would be able to drive through Tuscaloosa following the tornado on April 27th. My Birmingham cousins were helping storm victims and neighbors in the Pleasant Grove area and were unable to meet us. Nonetheless, we made it to Mississippi, along with a cousin and his wife from LA (i.e., Lower Alabama), and had a great time together.

We celebrated a family milestone. I flew to Casper, Wyoming to attend the high school graduation of my great-niece, Jordan, and to visit with family. Decked out in my summer sandals - it was the end of May, after all - I was met in Cheyenne by unexpected snow and ice but an expected sister and niece.

(L-R) Judi, Jordan, Lane, Regan, Lori, Dot, John

Jordan was accepted to the University of Alabama and I got my first real taste of pledging a sorority. My niece was on campus for the week so we got to spend time together. I did my best to make my case as to why she needs to move back south but it is the nephew-in-law who needs to be convinced.

Lori, Dot, John and I attended Bid Day when Jordan got her bid to Pi Beta Phi. There were triple-digit temperatures, squealing girls, and a sad mother having to leave her daughter a long way from home.

Because her mother was 21+ hours away, I was invited to Jordan's initiation dinner at the University Club. She was one tired but happy sorority sister. I was one tired but proud great-aunt. Isn't she a beauty? Her sisters are as well.

Most recently, I spent the evening with my nephew in Nashville. He practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is so sweet and I had such a great time visiting with him, if only for an evening. Like my brother, his father, we talked nonstop.

Jordan has visited me during her first semester at UA and is coming up next weekend. I love being Birmingham tour guide. I am taking her to the Alabama Theater to one of their Holiday Film Series films before she flies back to Wyoming for Christmas break. I have truly enjoyed getting to know my great-niece better and getting to spend time with all my family this year.

I am looking for a cheap flight to Casper for Christmas but not having any luck to date. Denver's a possibility, though. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Feel Good Friday

2011-12-09T10:29:00.001-06:00

Reverb11: Days 6, 7 & 8

2011-12-07T20:02:00.000-06:00

I combined these days because I didn't have a lot to say about these questions.

Day Six: What goals for 2011 did you accomplish?
I don't routinely set goals for myself anymore. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't.

Day Seven: What goals for the year did you fail to meet?
See Day Six.

Day Eight: Looking back on this year, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I can't change it so I don't see any point. I certainly don't mean to suggest I could not make (huge) improvements in my daily life, because I could. I'd prefer to stay in the moment and just keep moving forward. I think it may be age-related.

Prompts by Writeous Babe

Reverb11: Day Five

2011-12-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

Day Five: What lessons did you learn this year? Prompt by Writeous Babe.

You can't always get what you want.

But, if you try, sometimes you get what you need.

~ Rolling Stones

Lessons I've learned since being laid off

"I feel about Photoshop the way some people feel about abortion. It is appalling and a tragic reflection on the moral decay of our society...unless I need it, in which case, everybody be cool."
~ Tina Fey

My mother was right. I can be stubborn.

This is the story of my life and it will never change.

Uncredited sources above were unavailable to me. Will be happy to remove and/or credit if contacted.

It's Official! Alabama v LSU in Rematch!

2011-12-04T19:55:00.001-06:00

Overnight in Nashville

2011-12-04T17:08:00.001-06:00

It was a good thing I knew my way around downtown Nashville. My iPhone was apparently having a bad app day. Two turns and I was in the (expensive) parking deck. My hotel was festively decorated and I had a wonderful view of the city from my hotel room.

It had been a long time since I roamed the streets of downtown Nashville. A trek into a Second Avenue bar led my nephew, visiting from Santa Fe, and me into an intense arm wrestling contest. My nephew teased they were still just guys holding hands!

I'll have to admit this bar served a good burger and some decent fries. Two male tourists had just asked me for a recommendation of a good restaurant close to our hotel. I suggested Morton's. They replied they didn't want to go to a chain. So, I had to explain they had come to the wrong city if they expected good food. Mean, I suppose, but true.

Doesn't this Santa look real? It would not have surprised me if an aspiring country musician was hiding in this suit.

Saturday night was the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Isn't that a lovely festive blue? I wouldn't know but maybe blue is the new color of the season. It was quite lovely in person.

My trip was a brief but nice visit with my nephew. I did have a shoe/brick situation that caused me to fall in the street - embarrassing but no broken bones, which is something I have to worry about these days. I had such fun, and I only had a mild hangover this morning.

From my eighth floor window this morning I could see the Occupy Nashville protesters at the Capitol and War Memorial Plaza, and I could see a couple of the lights at LP Field where I spent more than a few hours during my life in Nashville.

Maybe my bad Nashville karma is abating. The worst thing I can say about my second visit since moving back to Birmingham is I fell in the street. Before, there was a very good chance I would have fallen in the Cumberland River or possibly pushed.

Reverb11: Day Four

2011-12-04T03:16:00.000-06:00

Day Four: When did you struggle? (prompt by Writeous Babe)
Knowing the inevitability of being laid off from a job where I worked off and on for 30 years was frightening. I struggled with the fear of the unknown and of rejection. What could have been a scary time in my life has instead been exhilarating. I am still hovering in the unknown and I may still get rejected, but it will still be preferable to accepting a job position with my same company that I was not suited to do and driving three hours a day five days a week just to avoid those fears.

Weekend Cat Blogging #339

2011-12-03T00:06:00.001-06:00

Jules, in black and white against the bare trees of autumn.

He's my sweetheart.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by iMeowza.

Reverb11: Day Three

2011-12-03T00:06:00.000-06:00

Day Three: When Were You Most Grateful? (prompt by Writeous Babe)

There is always so much more to be grateful for than we acknowledge. Many of us may forget to voice how grateful we are for our health, our friends and family, our ability to be self-reliant, our courage, clean water, healthy food...I could fill this page, couldn't you? So, how does one choose?

I have been laid off three times in my working life of 39 years. The first time I was 19. I took it personally and, fortunately, that is the worst thing I can say about that experience. The second time I was at a personal low point in my life and burdened by an incredible amount of credit card debt which came close to breaking me in a million little pieces. Even then, I had a wonderful man in my life who helped me keep it together.

I was laid off again on November 1st. I am most grateful that my financial house was in better order and I had enough of a cushion that I could take a couple of months to rest, regroup, and focus on my next move. I am grateful that I am still physically and mentally able to work. I am grateful that I have a skill and a college degree. I am grateful I have friends who have faith enough in my abilities to recommend me for jobs. I am grateful for my Internet friends I have never met but who have voiced emotional support and help to find me a job. I am grateful for my family member who offered me a place to live if worse comes to worst. I am grateful at how thankful I feel as I am typing this.

Here is a gratitude prayer I found online to share:

Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~
Source

Reverb11: Day Two

2011-12-02T09:41:00.000-06:00

Source

Day Two: What three words capture 2011? What three words describe how you feel about 2012?

2011
Routine - trumps chaos
Content - comes with age
Ludicrous - nationally

2012
Apprehensive - job search at my age and in this economy
Excitement - starting (another) new chapter

Curious - see above

Feel Good Friday

2011-12-02T08:09:00.000-06:00

This is a little different from my usual Friday Feel Good Friday videos, but I can't think of any video that made me feel as good as this one.

Reverb11: Day One

2011-12-01T15:49:00.001-06:00

What is Reverb11, you ask? I did not know either until the Writeous Babe herself, Javacia Harris Bowser, notified local bloggers and encouraged us to Reverb! She writes about continuing the practice from last year:

We participating bloggers received a prompt each day in December that encouraged us to reflect on the past year and manifest great things for the year to come.

She composed 31 prompts, some very similar to what I post in my end-of-year lists so I decided to participate.

Day One: Where did 2011 begin?

Only six months back in Birmingham at the beginning of 2011, I could not have been happier with my personal situation. I adored my small apartment that I share with my two cats, Jules and Vincent, and my neighborhood. I never thought I'd choose to live in Shelby County or anywhere close to Highway 280, but I found it was a small price to pay to be back in Birmingham.

Looking back on my blog for that January, I was struck by how guns and gun violence were weighing so heavily on my mind. Congresswoman Gabby Giffords had been seriously wounded by a gunman in Arizona, along with a staffer, constituents and little Christina Taylor Green born September 11, 2001. Only a few months earlier, a man attended a speech by President Obama to veterans who carried an assault rifle over his shoulder in Arizona. Conservative pundits were using analogies and images that indirectly suggested support of guns that made me uncomfortable and deeply concerned. Never before had the phrase "words have consequences" meant so much.

To demonstrate my concern, I began to boycott Arizona, which included boycotting the BCS Championship game featuring the state's Auburn Tigers. It was only a small gesture but I did not want to support a state with such a harsh immigration law and what appeared to me to be a lax attitude towards guns. Little did I know the harsh immigration law would make its way to Alabama.

Welcome to my first Reverb!
Signed,
Debbie Downer

World AIDS Day 2011: Be Aware

2011-12-01T09:46:00.001-06:00

World AIDS Day 2011

Proclamation from President Barack Obama, USA

The Beginning of the End (2015) Quilt

www.one.org

What is HIV?

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system - the body's defence against diseases. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person with HIV is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

How is HIV passed on?

HIV can be passed on through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal secretions or breast milk.

The most common ways HIV is passed on are:

Sex without a condom
Sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment

Is there a cure for HIV?

No, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live a healthy, active life – although some may experience side effects from the treatment. If HIV is diagnosed late, treatment is likely to be less effective.

How can I protect myself and others from HIV infection?

Always use a condom when having vaginal or anal sex. You may also want to use a condom or dental dam during oral sex although the risk of transmission of HIV is much lower. You can get free condoms from a sexual health clinic, which you can locate at via the FPA website. Never share needles, syringes or any other injecting equipment.

I don't know anyone with HIV... do I?

Today there are more people than ever before living with HIV in the UK, but many people think they don't know anyone with HIV. But one in four people living with HIV don't know they have it, and even if someone does know they are HIV positive, they may not feel able to tell you. See HIV statistics to find out more about who is living with HIV in the UK.

Did you know?

Over a quarter of people with HIV in the UK don't know they are infected
One in 20 gay men in the UK are living with HIV
For someone diagnosed with HIV today at 35 (the average age of diagnosis in the UK) life expectancy is over 72
The most common treatment today for someone diagnosed with HIV early is one or two pills a day
Lots of people with HIV work and their HIV does not affect their working life
HIV is not transmitted through normal everyday contact at work, school or in social situations
HIV is not transmitted by biting, scratching or spitting
With the right medical help, 99% of HIV positive women give birth to healthy babies without passing on HIV
HIV affects all ages – one in five people living with HIV in the UK are over 50 and last year one in ten people diagnosed were aged 16 to 24

Book Reviews: Bossypants and Then Again

2011-11-30T07:33:00.000-06:00

My Kindle app and not being employed have increased my reading time considerably. For that, I am grateful. These are numbers two and three of four celebrity memoirs I have chosen to read. The first was by Darrell Hammond (review). Each have had unique and gifted voices.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Even after reading this book, I'm not sure Tina Fey would consider herself a role model to women of all ages but I certainly believe so. Smart, clever, driven, and "exhausted" (to use her description), she has written her way to the top of a male-dominated industry. As she writes about her writing job interview with Saturday Night Live: “Only in comedy does an obedient white girl from the suburbs count as diversity.”

Filled with humor but also introspection beyond where many of us dare to go, she shares her insights and experiences as a teenager, an improv comedian, a writer, a producer, and a wife and mother. Best of all, she seems to really like and support women.

I had so many favorite quotes from this book that there are too many to repeat here. So, read the book. I dare you not to enjoy it.

5 of 5 stars

Then Again by Diane Keaton

I'll admit the gossip monger in me was initially interested in what Diane Keaton had to say about Woody Allen and Al Pacino. She does talk about them and their relationships in this book, although now I wish I didn't know that Allen used words like Snookums and Beet Head in his notes to her. It was only when I heard her interview on NPR's The Diane Rehm Show that I purchased the book with an interest in Keaton herself and her mother, Dorothy Deanne Keaton Hall.

Mothers and daughters can be a strange brew. It was obvious that Keaton adored her mother. Obsessed with one's own world, as young people tend to be, Keaton only began to wonder about her mother's dreams after her mother had died. Fortunately for Keaton, her mother left 85 journals throughout her years that offered a few clues, although no concrete answers, about who she was and what her dreams had been as a person outside of wife and mother.

Intertwined in writings by her mother and father, Jack, are stories about her own life, her career, her siblings, and her children. I heard Keaton's voice throughout and she gave her mother a voice as well. I believe this to be a beautifully written book, although as scattered as Keaton can appear at times in public.

Keaton has starred in several of my very favorite films: Annie Hall; Manhattan; Reds; and, of course, The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. This book, however, is less about her films and more about her life as the daughter of Dorothy and Jack.

4 1/2 of 5 stars

NEXT: Cool, Calm & Contentious by Merrill Markoe

REMINDER: Support your local bookstores!

Addressing Women and Men Dressing

2011-11-29T09:33:00.001-06:00

This is not a commentary on these particular celebrities. Someone does need to explain to me about the clothing choices. Did he just walk in from a snowstorm? Was she having hot flashes? Even his face looks cold, yet she doesn't have as much as a necklace on to keep her warm. It appears they are holding hands so I don't think this is photoshopped. What were the circumstances?

Below is another example of a man in three or more layers while the female is in a strapless. Considering the ages, she could be having hot flashes. I know I'd prefer strapless in most temperatures, including snow, these days.

The thing is, though, these are not uncommon photos I've seen of men dressed temperature-appropriate, tasteful, and comfortable while women have to suffer through stiletto heels and far too little fabric. Women are beautiful, no question. And, I get to see far too much of them most of the time.

Maybe there were extenuating circumstances in these particular photos. With all the photographers, she may have not had time to put on her coat and scarf. It is just that I usually hear women complaining of being the cold ones, yet they walk around in little to no clothes when they go out. Or, maybe this is at the end of this relationship and he is willfully saying '...if it is more important to you to make a fashion statement than stay warm then I'm certainly not loaning you my coat'. (been there, done that)

Hooray for women who embrace their ages - think Diane Keaton. Could anyone look any better or more stylish and lovely than Keaton? I'll bet she isn't cold.