Change of Address

Hello friends and followers, I realize that I might have left you hanging. I thought I set this page up to redirect automatically, but then I realized that I never actually tested it to ensure that it worked. Oops. 

In the spirit of sharing and caring, consider this the belated but official announcement that my blog has a new location: www.steelymagnolia.com. I hope you'll join me as I get back into blogging and sharing some of my D.C. adventures and southern loves and stream-of-consciousness musings.

Happy Friday!

Skittles, Whole Foods and personal essays

I don't have anything worthwhile to add to the discussion surrounding the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the case of Trayvon Martin's death. It's a painful subject, and there are a multitude of opinions about the incident, the two people involved, and the outcome of the trial. Even Skittles is unsure how to react. 

However, Tuesday evening while I was eating at the cafe of my local Whole Foods, I noticed that every person in the seating area had turned his/her chair to face the television. I turned in my chair to see Anderson Cooper interviewing Juror B37 about the Zimmerman trial and the not-guilty verdict. No one spoke--my fellow diners were focused solely on the screen. Shoppers stopped on their way in and out of the store to hear snippets of this interview--shoppers who were male, female, black, white, Asian, Indian, young, old, etc. It's an oddly memorable moment in my mind, sitting there in Whole Foods, watching these people watch this interview.

To round out this post, just today I read this raw and honest essay by Questlove of the Roots, on why he thinks he and Trayvon Martin "ain't shit". Whether you agree or disagree with the facts of this particular case, consider how the verdict is viewed through the lens of an 300-pound black man with an afro. I've shared only part of the essay, the rest can be found here.

Questlove: Trayvon Martin and I Ain’t Shit

By Ahmir Questlove Thompson

The following essay is an adaptation of a Facebook post by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson in response to George Zimmerman's acquittal in the killing of Trayvon Martin. Questloveis the drummer for the Roots and the bandleader on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

I'm trying not to internalize these feelings about the Trayvon Martin case and make it about me — but hey, it is what it is, and maybe I'm melodramatic. All I'm consumed with is my positioning in life.

I often tell cute, self-deprecating celebrity run-in stories that end with my own "pie in the face" moment. But rarely do I share stories of a more serious nature, another genre of "pie in the face" moments, mostly because in the age of social media, most people are quick to dismiss my tales as #FirstWorldProblems. But I can't tell you how many times a year I'm in a serious situation, only to hear the magic words "Oh, wait … Questlove?" Hey guys, it's Questlove. "We're so sorry, you can go!" Like, five to seven times a year, a night ending in the words "Thank God for that Afro or we'd never have recognized you" happens to me.

I'm in scenarios all the time in which primitive, exotic-looking me — six-foot-two, 300 pounds, uncivilized Afro, for starters — finds himself in places where people who look like me aren't normally found. I mean, what can I do? I have to be somewhere on Earth, correct? In the beginning — let's say 2002, when the gates of "Hey, Ahmir, would you like to come to [swanky elitist place]?" opened — I'd say "no," mostly because it's been hammered in my DNA to not "rock the boat," which means not making "certain people" feel uncomfortable.

I mean, that is a crazy way to live. Seriously, imagine a life in which you think of other people's safety and comfort first, before your own. You're programmed and taught that from the gate. It's like the opposite of entitlement.

The rest of the essay can be found here.

Presidents and Assholes

Opinions are like assholes; everybody has one. I am reminded of this in life generally, and around Presidential elections particularly. Typically, I enjoy casual political discussions, but I loathe the name-calling and mudslinging that these conversations can turn into at times. The advent of social media has made it much easier to sling aforementioned mud, and it's been interesting to see how this growing medium has factored into the three Presidential elections in which I've been eligible to vote.

Politically, I'm moderate.  I can usually see both sides of an argument, and as such I identify with values represented by both the Democratic and the Republican party. There are numerous articles, analyses, thoughts and rants about this election on the Internet for you to peruse at your leisure. That's not what I'm writing about. What I'm writing is the drunken and immature student protest that occurred at the University of Mississippi after the announcement that President Barack Obama had won the Presidential race. You may have read about it, as the Washington Post posted an article about the "riot" that occurred.

Folks, this was not a riot. Unfortunately, Mississippi knows its riots all too well as it has a very sad, very horrifying, very bloody past. This event was a group of 30-40 drunk students (mostly freshman, so teenagers) who weren't happy with the way the election turned out; instead of acting like rational human beings, one person burned an Obama/Biden sign and several others yelled racial slurs. Once the initial group gathered, word spread of the protest via social media, so the crowd of onlookers, not protesters, grew to between 300-400 people.

I'm not pardoning nor condoning this behavior at all--I'm embarrassed that this occurred in my home state, I'm appalled that our president (regardless of his politics or skin color) was disrespected in such a significant way, and most of all I'm saddened that racism still exists on any level. While I personally would like to see these kids held accountable for their actions, I'm not sure how feasible that is considering our First Amendment protects the freedom of speech.

However, one obnoxious asshole burning a sign and a handful of immature and irrational college kids do not speak for our entire state or for its children. Mississippi certainly has a long way to go, and its violent past will never be forgotten, but I wish that it could also be remembered for something other than our troubles. I wish that the national media had also spent the same amount of energy publicizing the 600-participant We Are One Mississippi candlelight walk to condemn the protest. A candlelight vigil in and of itself won't solve bigotry or any other problem, but it's a great step to show that the vocal minority does not speak for the majority. (More here, here, and here.) 

UPDATE: Read the first-hand account of the protest.

Photo: Bruce Newman, Associated Press

In closing, one of my favorite quotes from a fellow Mississippian:

"Mississippi is like my mother, I am allowed to complain about her all I want, but God help the person who raises an ill word about her around me, unless she is their mother, too." Kathryn Stockett

The Scream: Follow Up

Yesterday, I shared that one version of Edvard Munch's "The Scream" would be up for auction at Sotheby's, and that the final bid was estimated to be around $80 million.  

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Well, the winning bidder, who has chosen to remain anonymous, ended up shelling out almost $120 million for the infamous work of art ($119,922,500.00, to be exact).  Bidding started at $40 million, and the sale broke the record for the final bid on any work of art, ever.  The second highest bid was a mere $106.5 million for Picasso's "Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust" sold in 2010 at a Christie's auction.  

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The other three versions of "The Scream" are in Norwegian museums.  This particular version is the most colorful of the four, and it is the only one that includes Munch's poem detailing the inspiration behind the artwork.  From an article detailing the auction:

Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father was a friend and patron of the artist, said he sold the piece through Sotheby's because he felt "the moment has come to offer the rest of the world the chance to own and appreciate this remarkable work." 

"I have lived with this work all my life, and its power and energy have only increased with time," Olsen said.  

Proceeds from the sale will go toward the establishment of a new museum, art center and hotel in Hvitsten, Norway, where Olsen's father and Munch were neighbors.  

The director of the National Museum in Oslo, Audun Eckhoff, says Norwegian authorities approved the Munch sale since the other versions of the composition are in Norwegian museums. One version is owned by the National Museum and two others by the Munch Museum, also in Oslo.

Alabama On My Mind

Today is the one-year anniversary of the day that tornadoes ripped through the city of Tuscaloosa, home of my alma mater, the University of Alabama.  I posted about this tragedy the day after, and there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said.  At work today, I read this poignant and sad article from the Crimson White, UA's student newspaper.  Natural disasters can often occur without warning, and it's a good to remember not only to have an emergency plan, but also to tell your loved ones that you love them.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and his wife Dianne walk past some 253 state flags, one for each victim, placed on the grounds of the Capitol during a memorial service for tornado victims on the steps of the Alabama Capitol in Montgomery Friday. Sixty two tornadoes left 253 people dead in Alabama a year ago.

Life Update

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." Robert Frost

I've put off posting because, quite frankly, I didn't want to put these words into writing yet again.  The short story is this: my position at work has been eliminated, and I'm out of a job.  The longer version doesn't really matter at this point, except that I was already looking for a new opportunity, and now I'm much more motivated to find one.  From here on out, January 25, 2012 will be the day that lives in infamy (as well as February 17, 2009).  Though on second thought, perhaps I shouldn't compare my loss of employment to the December 7, 1941, the day that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the day that truly lives in infamy.  [See, there I go again, making a World War II reference, and that relates directly to *my next post.]

*Initially, I inserted what is now the following post in this spot, since the segue from "the day that lives in infamy" miraculously fit the book I'd most recently finished.  BUT, I think I'm not quite being fair to myself if I don't at least mention a few things that have been floating about in my brain.

Losing your job sucks.  It fucking sucks.  Since this has now happened to me twice, I consider myself an expert and know all the things about losing jobs.  When you work somewhere for almost five years, that place becomes home.  Did I wake up with absolute joy every day because I was heading in to the office?  Did I adore every single one of my 400+ co-workers and colleagues?  Was I happy with my job responsibilities after holding the position for almost three years?  The answer to these questions is a resounding no.  In fact, I'd begun looking for a new opportunity, though I was in the very, very early stages of such.

However... did I find satisfaction in my job, helping people achieve a difficult task?  Yes.  Did I make a difference in people's lives?  Yes.  Am I proud of the quality of work that I leave behind?  Yes.  Did I consider my direct co-workers and many of my colleagues friends?  Yes.  Did I have three years worth of junk (but my junk) accumulated inside and underneath my desk?  Yes.  Please don't interpret this post as a complaint, because it's not.  I choose to see this situation as an opportunity; for three months I'll be paid to look for a new job while not actually have to work at the old one.  That's a win-win, right?

compliments of my former co-workers

More than anything, I am so very extremely lucky and fortunate to have wonderful friends and family who have sent me love, cupcakes, and funny someecards to brighten this time in my life.  I am also lucky to have been treated well upon my exit, and I harbor no ill-will toward my former place of employment.  I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and that God has a plan for each of us even if we're reluctant to follow.

That's all, folks.

Sinking Cruise Ships and Anglophilia

When I was in Mississippi for Christmas, my family and I went to go see a movie (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.  It won't win an Oscar, but I really, really enjoy Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law, not to mention Rachel McAdams is in it, although I'd call her role a very long cameo.  I'd recommend it for a rental, it was very entertaining and included lots of witty banter.).

Previews shown before the movie included a trailer for the release of Titanic in 3-D.  (Yes, we can see Jack sketch Rose nekkid all over again, but in 3-D!  I will obviously be seeing this in the theaters.)  At first I wondered why the studio would re-release this movie, and in 3-D no less, but I realized that April 2012 will mark the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the unsinkable Titanic.  I found this interesting and gave it no further thought.

Prior to Christmas and hence, I've noticed several bloggers and tweeters talking about some PBS show called Downton Abbey.  Apparently it won like four Emmys in 2011, and while originally conceived as a miniseries, its popularity has ensured that it will be come a full-season drama.  It's a family-centric drama set in Edwardian England--who watches that stuff, right?  Right.  Well, I was home sick earlier this week and since daytime television is absolutely atrocious, I thought, "Hey, maybe I'll watch that PBS show that everyone is talking about."  Since it's a PBS show, you can watch past episodes for free online.  Y'all, this show is good.  Not only does it have all sorts of intrigue, sex, death, and Maggie Smith, but it's different than anything else on TV right now.  I highly recommend you watch it, as I'm hooked.  The first episode starts with the sinking of the Titanic, effectively eliminating the heir to the wealthy Grantham family's estate, Downton Abbey.  Anyway, watch it, it's good.  The second season is just starting on PBS, so if you hurry, you won't be relegated to watching the entire series on your computer.

Lastly, did you hear about the cruise ship that ran aground off the Italian coast?  The rest of this post is light-hearted, but I don't mention this lightly, it just fit the theme.  ABC reports:

The first course had just been served in the Costa Concordia's dining room when the wine glasses, forks and plates of cuttlefish and mushrooms smashed to the ground. At the magic show in the theater, the trash cans tipped over and the theater curtains turned on their side. Then the hallways turned upside down, and passengers crawled on bruised knees through the dark. Others jumped alone into the cold Mediterranean Sea.   

The terrifying, chaotic escape from the luxury liner was straight out of a scene from "Titanic" for many of the 4,000-plus passengers and crew on the cruise ship, which ran aground off the Italian coast late Friday and flipped on its side with a 160-foot (50-meter) gash in its hull.

It appears that most of the over 4,000 passengers have been rescued, although three deaths have been confirmed.  Naively, I thought that there wouldn't be stories of sinking cruise ships in the year 2012.

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Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Friggatriskaidekaphobia is a real word, meaning a fear of Friday the 13th.  Here's advance warning that if you suffer from this phobia, we've got two more Friday the 13ths in the year 2012; another one in April and a third in July.  

Today also marks the day before a long weekend, at least for many of us.  It's turned cold in DC, so my plans for the weekend have changed a bit.  Seems like a good weekend for movies and staying in (by the non-existent fire... one day...).  I do plan to watch the Saints game with some friends.  My Crimson Tide just won the BCS National Championship (that's our 14th national championship win, if you're keeping count), and I'd love for the Saints to at least go to the Super Bowl, if not win the damn thing.  

Speaking of the national championship, it was an honor for my alma mater to win; but I think it's also an outstanding accomplishment for the city of Tuscaloosa, home to the University of Alabama.  On April 27, 2011 an F-4 tornado ripped through the city and surrounding areas, demolishing several city blocks and killing more than 50 people in Tuscaloosa County alone.  The overall death toll from that day is 292, with countless others injured and left homeless.  Winning a football game in no way replaces those lives lost or the injuries sustained, but it does bring hope to a city that is, by all accounts, still recovering.

President Obama visiting Tuscaloosa after the tornados said, "I've never seen damage like this," and declared a state of emergency for the area.

In happier news, next weekend I'll be visiting some DC friends who recently moved to Baltimore.  I've only ever been to Baltimore when heading to BWI airport, so I'm looking forward to actually seeing the city.  I'll try to take pictures to document the trip, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather is nice since I've been elected to drive to our carpool there.


Have a happy weekend!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

For the past I-don't-know-how-many years, there have plans to erect a memorial to civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., in the District of Columbia.  The official unveiling of the long-awaited memorial was to be on Sunday, August 27, but that ceremony has been postponed due to that biotch Irene, who is making her presence known along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern corridor of the United States.

Since the monument itself is no longer hidden behind a partition, DC-area media and bloggers have already provided ample commentary on the design of the memorial, and it is not pretty.  Among the arguments are the fact that the Reverend looks angry, with his crossed arms and defiant stance.  By almost all accounts, Dr. King was a calm and respectful pacifist, and many critics do not feel that this memorial is an accurate portrayal of the man himself.

Says memorial architect Ed Jackson, Jr. in a NYTimes.com article:

The design [gives] form to a line from Dr. King’s “Dream” speech — “With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope,” said Mr. Jackson. In the memorial, he noted, Dr. King is seen emerging from the stone of hope. The two towering mounds set slightly behind him, forming a sort of passageway to the statue, are mountains of despair.... Some visitors said they did not like the fact that Dr. King was facing the Jefferson Memorial, not the Lincoln Memorial....

To add insult to perceived injury, Dr. King is misquoted on the monument (see photo of the quote, below).  Makes you wonder who approves and fact-checks these things, eh?

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Be My Valentine

I have a confession: Valentine's Day rivals the Fourth of July as one of my most favorite holidays. I'll tell you my secret--I was born on Valentine's Day 20-something years ago. Yes, that's right, regardless of whether I actually have a Valentine, I get flowers and presents. As much as some people think Valentine's Day is a cheesy holiday manufactured by greeting card companies in collusion with florists to sell more products, I think it's a day to remind your loved ones that you do, in fact, love them. Sometimes life gets busy and we forget these simple things!



Prayer Request

Kids, shit's about to get heavy.  I normally keep this blog light and fun, but I have a serious request for those of you who visit me here.  I'll keep it short and simple: my uncle went to his doctor last Wednesday after having some chest pain.  About halfway through his treadmill stress test, the cardiologist told him to stop walking and said he needed to have surgery as soon as possible to insert a stent due to blockage(s) in his veins.  While serious due to the blockages, it's a pretty simple surgery.  His surgery was scheduled for today, and after surgery he'd spend tonight in the hospital for observation and be back at work on Wednesday.  Well, today in surgery the doctors found that his blockages are so calcified that a stent won't solve the problem; instead, my uncle will undergo a quadruple bypass at 8:30am EST tomorrow, if there is not an "immediate" need before that time.  I'm a praying gal, and I would appreciate any and all prayers, compassionate thoughts, good vibes, incantations, etc. that he is in capable and compassionate hands and that he pulls through.  Assuming everything goes well in the morning, he will have at least a 90-day recovery period.  That's another conversation... one step at a time.

Dad on left, uncle on right. Look nothing alike, do they?