A Book Lover's Fall Feast

Photo courtesy of:  pagesofperception.com

This Saturday, September 28, 2013, book lovers in Columbia, South Carolina, will be treated to a feast of the mind and palate.  Pages of Perception Book Club is presenting a book club conference that will thrill book lovers, as well as authors, near and far.  Pages of Perception is a local book club whose members not only bond over tasty literary plots, but they also thrive on doing things that will better the lives of people in Columbia and the surrounding communities.  You can read all about this marvelous group, their service to those in need, and ways you can participate, help, or donate, on their website here.

Saturday, the Pages of Perception Book Club Conference will be held from 9:00am – 2:00pm at the beautiful South Carolina Archives and History Center.  The conference will open up with a delicious continental breakfast and close with a marvelous lunch.  Sandwiched between the opening and closing is a wonderful day filled with workshops on a variety of topics.  There will also be several speakers, including Karen Jenkins, host of  the weekly “Women, Wealth and Wisdom” segment on Live at 5, shown locally on WISTV 10.  Although space is limited, you still have time to take part in what promises to be an inspiring literary conference; full of books, knowledge, resources, food, and fellowship.  We’re also told there will be a fabulous vendor village that is not to be missed.

It’s all in the details:

• Date:  Saturday, September 28, 2013
• Time:  9:00am - 2:00pm
• Location:  South Carolina Archives and History Center,                                                 8301Parklane Rd., Columbia, South Carolina
• Convenient online Conference Registration:   PagesofPerception.com

"The Butler" Hurts So Good

Photo Credit:  Collider.com

“The Butler” is a wonderful movie in that it is a lot like real life.  Life is quite often good and fulfilling, but not always pretty.  Such is this movie.  Kudos to the actors for being willing to forego the glamour, and let the characters be the main focus.  For instance, after leaving the theater I remarked to a friend that I was under the impression that Mariah Carey had a role in the movie.  When my friend pointed out the character that Mariah had played, I was surprised because I hadn’t even been aware that it was her.  She played her role in such a way that the audience only saw her character’s plight.

As expected, Oprah Winfrey, Forrest Whitaker, and Terrance Howard turned in exceptional performances.  The makeup artists worked magic in showing the effects of life in the faces of these characters as they aged.  Oprah and Forrest were amazing in their portrayals of the subtle nuances of aging; from the slowing of their steps to the slightest turn of the head and tremor of the fingers.   Actors David Oyelowo and Elijah Kelly as their sons were outstanding.  They so accurately portrayed the deep love underlying the sibling spats and differences, that you felt like you were home at the kitchen table with your own family.  And Cuba Gooding, Jr. is an incredible comedic actor.  His timing is pitch perfect.

The movie was good, but the subject matter definitely hurt.  It took you on a rollercoaster of emotions from pride at the tremendous courage of the characters, to dismay at knowing that people really faced such atrocities.  The hurt hit home all the more due to director Lee Daniel’s use of actual news footage from the volatile civil rights struggle of the 1960’s.  Courage is a good thing, but no human being should be called upon to prove it while staring down the dripping fangs of German shepherds; nor whilst being slammed into walls by torrents of water gushing from fire hoses.  But survive they did and, amazingly, with their dignity intact.

“The Butler” is bittersweet, but I would definitely recommend seeing this movie.  Though long forgiven, these instances of man’s inhumanity to man must never be forgotten in order to not be repeated.   This movie is also delightfully entertaining.  It has an almost Forrest Gump type of charm where we, the viewers, feel like we are being inserted, right along with the characters, into fascinating slices of history.  The movie has numerous laugh-out-loud moments and occasions of downright joy.  So bite the bullet and take the pain because like momma always told you, this medicine may not taste so good, but you will feel so much better afterwards.  

Senators' Hard Hearts: An American Farce

 Photo Credit:  Doug Mills/The New York Times

Shame, Shame, Shame on the Senate of the United States of America.  Against the hard brick wall of partisan blocking, President Obama brought out the big "guns" (so to speak) of almost the only thing sure to turn hearts of stone into human hearts:  the eyes of those who had  lost loved ones in the Newtown Massacre.  And believe it or not, the Senate didn't blink.  They stood their ground against all reason.  Read, and please remember come election time, how your Senator voted. Did he/she vote in a way that really represents what you believe in?

The Senate trampled through the salty puddles of tears from the combined families with weak excuses like:

That's What Friends Are

Photo Credit:  www.mindfiesta.com

 

 

Our Daily Bread had a very interesting devotion today on Friendship. (1 Samuel 23:14-18. The Matthew Henry Commentary: "The very sight of Jonathan was reviving to David; but, besides this, he said that to him which was very encouraging. 1. As a pious friend, he directed him to God, the foundation of his confidence and the fountain of his comfort: He strengthened his hand in God. David, though a strong believer, needed the help of his friends for the perfecting of what was lacking in his faith; and herein Jonathan was helpful to him, by reminding him of the promise of God, the holy oil wherewith he was anointed, the presence of God with him hitherto, and the many experiences he had had of God’s goodness to him. Thus he strengthened his hands for action, by encouraging his heart, not in the creature, but in God. **Jonathan was not in a capacity of doing any thing to strengthen him, but he assured him God would.**"

Have you ever regretted that you didn't have the material resources to help a friend desperately in need? Well do all that you can to help, but remember also that even just showing up and/or praying for/with them can be the greatest gifts of encouragement because it releases them to the ONE who can do for them what you and the world (for all your good intentions) cannot. Be good to your friends and may your friends be good to you. :) Have a Blessed day.

Is The Water Killing Our Marines?

Photo Credit:  hammeringsparksfromtheanvil.blogspot.com

Dateline NBC recently aired a segment that was quite upsetting. Read the latest update here. This poor veteran and his family are suffering terribly.

The gist of the segment on Dateline NBC was that there are upwards of 500,000 veterans and their family members (adults and children) now suffering from a variety of different cancers that have been linked to contaminated water that was consumed or bathed in while the families were stationed at Camp Lejeune. The sad and sickening part is that it took so long before the public was made aware. To be fair the Marine Corps did provide a full response to queries raised by this story. Read here and form your own opinions. 

Obesity: The Winnable War at Home

Photo Credit:  eBaum's World



Hot off of the fantastic coverage and thrills of the 2012 Summer Olympics, most people are slowly settling back into their normal routines.  Yes, it was fun to watch our favorite athletes as they performed incredible feats, broke records, won medals and made their bodies do things that most of us can't recall doing recently, if ever.  For many of us, jumping up and down as we cheered them on was the most exercise we'd had in awhile.  And therein lies the problem.  Whether we viewed the Olympic games from our sofa, bed, or the local bar stool, we were watching.  Not only the Olympics, but we watch football, baseball, hockey, tennis, and many other sports from our living room.  All of this watching, along with other lifestyle habits, has led to an increase in health problems in American.  One of the fastest growing threats is...

Hair-raising Shenanigans at the 2012 Olympics!

Olympic Gold Medalist in gymnastics for the United States

Photo Credit:  Mike Blake/Reuters



Gabby Douglas, at the tender age of 16, has become the first African-American all-around gymnastics gold medalist for the United States of America.  Gabby, with the smile that lit up the arena in London like the candles lit up the sky during the opening ceremonies, has done her momma proud.  She has done her family proud, and man oh man, has she done her country proud.  And what are many people focusing on?