This and that

Now that my blog is Members Only I seem to have run out of things to blog about.

Some thoughts and recommendations--I hope there's something here for you.

* G-Babs's latest on The Connection: what six words might sum up your life? I haven't decided but I have been thinking about it all day.

* These pumpkin bars I found on a random girl's blog. They're in the oven right now and smell so yummy. So what if it's February? Pumpkin is delicious all year long. (update: I just had one and it was tasty but very rich.) If you'd like something a little more Valentine-appropriate, definitely go ahead and serve up this strawberry treat to your loved ones...or to yourself.

* Iran So Far...an ode to Mahmoud; it's irreverent and that's my disclaimer.

* Recent Wash Post article, "The Oscars Fade to Bleak" by Robin Givhan--you need to register to read the article (free--takes 30 seconds), so if it's not worth it for you, here's a highlight:

"Like a lot of creative fields, it's hard to say precisely what inspires the confluence of similar sensibilities in moviemaking. What causes fashion designers from Paris to New York to one season create clothes in riotous floral prints? Why did furniture designers gravitate to shabby chic or mid-century modern? Why so many neo-soul singers? Nothing inspires imitation more than success, but the creative process remains mostly mysterious. Sometimes, the only explanation is simply that something is in the air.

"These movies reflect the tenor of the times: the frustration with the war in Iraq, the downward-spiraling economy, the cries for change in Washington -- even our once deliciously naughty popular culture is imploding. We can no longer guiltlessly delight in the mischief of celebrities; their lives have gotten too bad. People have moved beyond schadenfreude over Britney Spears's tumultuous life to the bracing realization that something is dreadfully wrong. Compassion has taken hold. The sudden death of actor Heath Ledger is pure tragedy. The sordid tabloid headlines speculating on the cause offer no prurient titillation.

"These films [The Diving Bell and the Butterfly; American Gangster; Charlie Wilson's War; Into the Wild; and There Will Be Blood] speak to fears of being stalked or trapped, of being judged greedy or immoral. Idealism and optimism are represented but they are doomed. The movies seem better suited for a graduate seminar than an awards show. Who wants to walk a red carpet and be asked 'Who made your dress?' in between questions like 'Is There Will Be Blood an indictment of organized religion?' or 'Covert wars: good or bad?' "

* I haven't decided who I'm voting for. Fortunately our primaries are next week so I still have a little time, and I am an Independent Woman, which in Virginia means I can sway to the left or to the right as my political conscience directs. At least this year there are better options than 2004. Bleah.

* Speaking of swaying to the left...Doonesbury:
"I'm a big, fat change agent! I change all the time!"
"Only his policy of looking really hot"

* I am so bored today for some reason. This is actually not typical for me.

* NPR is the best on boring days. What would I do without Kojo Nnamdi's DC issues? Diane Rehm (fave being the Friday news roundup)? Kai Ryssdal and Scott Jagow and their corny jokes? Steve Inskeep (that's Inskeep, not Insky)? Kenneth Turan's movie reviews? Ira Flatow and Science Friday for heaven's sake? I'll enjoy Tom and Ray Magliozzi with Matt on Saturday mornings even though I'm not that interested in cars. And let's not forget the voice that makes me chuckle every time he says "And I'm Robert Siegel"...Robert Siegel. Don't worry, I did in fact have to look up every single one of those names to get the spellings right. I think this deserves its own post. I never listened to NPR until we moved to DC and now...I actually feel guilty during the semiannual fund drives. I think I'll donate this year.

* Hope your February is going just dandily.