SteffieB

There are so many possible things that could happen when we die, and at some point we'll all find out, won't we? I think schizophrenia is such a horribly complicated topic that whether or not one uses the term disease is purely semantics. It is most certainly a chronic health problem, and is that not the definition of disease? Perhaps it is the negative connotation here that is the issue? Which is my point exactly re: destigmatization.

Oh, man. I always admire people in the public eye who lay it all out there for other people -- and he is able to retain his wit and humor, too. I just today downloaded The Wee Free Men for my iPod. This makes me sad! Thanks for the notice:(

I think three books come to mind right away for me, and I'm not sure they're perfect for your purposes, but for some reason you've caused me to ponder on them -- She's Come Undone, by Wally Lamb, who is just excellent at getting into the mind of a teenager, and a girl at that. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, a brilliant writer who makes you think from another point of view in Nazi Germany. The Center of Everything, by Laura Moriarty, about a teenage girl in the middle of Kansas who has a lot on her plate. When it comes to ethics, I loved Complications, by Atul Gawande, who is amazing, but it's a medical book written by a surgeon here at Harvard (not sure it's what you're looking for). And for philosophy, that's just a tough one, period. What about Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaarder? It's an oldie, but a goody!! You should be able to find all of these on Amazon:)

Hi Finrod! Thanks for posting the yummy recipes:)

There is a new movement afoot to destigmatize mental health issues and diseases of the mind, and it makes me so very happy! Here in the US there is a new college-focused group called Active Minds, that has been gaining some ground. I work at a psych hospital, and it is so useful for people to know that they are not alone in the fight. Did you know Mark Vonnegut, Kurt's son, is a practicing pediatrician who has fought schizophrenia as well? I think more stories like his, and other real people, that highlight functionality are important and need to be passed on. Like Kitty Dukakis, wife of a former governor and presidential candidate here in Massachusetts, and her book about her depression (specifically ECT). And you're right, JenMcK, I think there is such a disparity in access to health care and resources that can really affect people's treatment as well. Thank you, Rebecca, for talking about this. And to Icecream for sharing:)

Yes, Trapiche! Love it:)

I'm psyched about this! I guess I'll just check back on the Dog Horn website, right? Thanks so much for the discount:)

Ok, so I love Harry, read them all multiple times. I thought the Golden Compass stuff was all right, I wouldn't mind seeing the movie if I have time. I noticed a rather obvious hidden meaning when I was reading them, but didn't really think anything of it, nor would I keep my kids (or nieces anyway) from reading them because of it. Neither would I forbid them from reading the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe because of it's overly religious themes to which I don't ascribe. Why is one ok and not the other? As a non-religious person, I find all religions fascinating, and respect people choices, as I hope they respect mine. There are extremists in all religions, aren't there? And non-religious people, too. But most Catholics I know are a lot more tolerant than a group that would boycott a movie. BTW, teddy bears are a purely American invention, thanks to President Teddy Roosevelt, and I can completely understand any anti-Western sentiment associated with naming one Mohammed. It's just another religious statement, isn't it?

I'm with you, DWMG:)

Ok, of the two people I have asked -- BF and BF's cousin, neither knew anything about "Creole city people" vs. "poor Cajun country people". Danny, the cousin, did say that there was some thing between Eastbank and Westbank -- The difference between creole and cajun, where as eastbank (creole) "that's east of the mississippi" and Westbank being more cajun. Pam (his wife) is from the Westbank and I grew up on the eastbank and we always looked down to people from the westbank. However, neither of them are of color, so I'm not sure his comment totally applies in this situation. Also, BF's family is French-Acadian. I know a great place where we could do some research though -- maybe we should all make a field trip to the Backstreet Cultural Museum! I've been there and can vouch for the history and really great people:)

I've never heard that, ii, but I'll have to ask the quasi-father-in-law, who is from NOLA. I'm curious!

I am surprised no one has mentioned Gone With The Wind, a classic if ever there was one. I am a huge fan of Carl Hiassen, and the swamp features heavily in his books, just not Louisiana Bayou. Also I think Grisham's Pelican Brief is in Louisiana, isn't it? Cajun always refers to someone of Acadian descent, those who were kicked out of Canada in the 1700s and migrated south to Louisiana. Creole is a confusing term, usually meaning someone of mixed heritage, often Spanish/French/Indian (as in Native American)/Black and lots of others. Regardless, both cuisines are ridiculously awesome. God, I love gumbo.

Hi Renius! I have to second It and Salem's Lot!! Nothing has ever come close to Stephen King for me. His son, Joe Hill, has a couple of books out. I tried Heart Shaped Box, and it was similar to King, though not as creepifying for me. I've actually seen King's house in Bangor, Maine, and it is just exactly what you would expect his house to look like. Old and slightly creepy, but in a very funky way, deep red, with a gorgeous cast iron fence with bats. So cool. :hide:Steffie

Wondering what you meant about the politics? It's been a LONG time since I read anything about Malcolm X..but I know he was an inspiring voice for me.

For my trip home to Thanksgiving, I insisted that my Mom pick up a local winery's product - Wollersheim in Wisconsin. This is a very historic winery that I used to live near, so I get nostalgic whenever I hear the name:blush: I adore their Rieslings and they also have a Prairie Fume' that turns me on. I wish I could get their wines out here in Boston. Otherwise I love Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, a good Alsatian Riesling, ports, and Malbec!

I read The Secret History and found it long-winded and predictable..difficult to finish. That said, I know a lot of people really liked it!

Really? Because the premise of this book, not having read it, does not appeal to me. But reviews like this pique my curiosity. Between you and Adam, you might change my mind, but I'm scared!

I saw this today, too, and checked it out on Amazon! It looks totally cool! If it weren't $400 I would be down with it:) Digging it, just waiting to see what happens with the price, etc. The cost includes Wikipedia and dictionary, and free all-the-time access (via some funky wireless cell-like technology, so better than Wi-Fi) to Amazon...so as to download books for $9.99 You can also get a memory chip to hold more books. I love a book like anyone else, but this sounds ecofriendly and super convenient. It's also shaped like a book with an eerily paper-like screen.

Hi Renius! I think you're going to like it here;)

Hello, newbie. Welcome aboard!

Wow! Great review! I haven't read his books, but you make a good case. Thank you.

Yes, Spongebob brings back memories of the way cartoons used to be for me -- silly, smart and funny:mrgreen:

Hey June! Welcome to here:006:

I love veggie burgers:D Today I had a fish burrito with rice, beans, and guacamole. Totally satisfying and even a little on the spicy side.

I have often thought I'm not into poetry, but I've lately begun to realize that just isn't true. I just haven't been exposed to enough:smile2: This is one I keep on my desk top to cheer me up, and I think of it as a symbol and inspiration that we really can make a difference. It speaks to me! Cherries (Cerezas) It happened this month, in this country. Unexpectedly: nevertheless all came to pass as I tell it: day after day the country brimmed over with cherries. It was stubborn, that masculine weather with its impudent kiss of the pole: no one could foretell the bounty I bore in the shadows (dead metals, the bones of volcanoes) (stillnesses so remote they bandaged the eyes of the islands): then, between boulders and rubble that labyrinth diminishing little by little till nothing could force its way forward but snow