True Blood Tuesday: I Wish I Was The Moon

Season 4, episode 6.                                                                

Arlene & Terry: Well, those little matches decided to create a big ’ole fire.  Terry, Arlene, and the older kiddos make it out safely. But, where is maybe-devil baby?  Oh no. The house just blew up.  Not to worry.  Maybe-devil baby is safe and sound…and so is the creepy baby doll.  Apparently, the little one was already outside, sitting on the lawn with his dolly. Yeah.  Arlene scoops baby Mikey into her arms.  Mikey looks over his mom’s shoulder and sees a woman smiling at him.  He giggles and grins while the mysterious woman waves at him.  When Arlene turns to see who has her baby so entertained, the woman was gone.   

Note: Now that we have a vanishing mystery woman in the mix, can we attribute all the weirdness to her? Maybe it’s not Arlene’s crazy ex or the baby after all.

Sookie & Eric, Part I: Oh my! It’s on! We have heaving making out and the shedding of clothes here, folks.  On the couch they go!  Eric begins kissing her body as he, ahem, heads down…and in storms Bill in full-on fang mode. Bill, you are trying my last hormone!  King Bill attempts to start a vampire showdown, but it doesn’t last long: Eric whips him pretty bad.  The Viking vamp was about to stake Bill, but Sookie tells him Bill is his King.  Eric falls to his knees and apologizes to a bewildered King Bill.  The king arrests his former superior and throws him in a cell with Pam. 

Pam & Eric: “It smells like death in here,” said Eric.  “It’s me,” whimpered poor rotting Pam. Eric commands her to remove the blankets covering her increasingly rotting face.  She tried to tell her maker what a little power hungry punk Bill is and that the old Eric hated him.  Eric didn’t want to hear it; he doesn’t want to be who he was before losing his memory.

Sookie & Bill: Sookie begs Bill to release Eric, but, naturally, he refuses, the stubborn mule.  They proceeded to exchange low blows:  “My entire existence does not revolve around who or what is between your legs.” Ouch, Bill, really nice.  Sookie refused to leave without Eric.  This prompted Bill to remove Sookie and order his men to arrest her should she ever show up on his premises again.  Jealous jerk.

Andy & Holly: Well, Andy’s still jumpier than a drunken cricket, but he does manage to make a play for Holly.  It wasn’t the smoothest play, considering Holly’s house was severely damaged in the fire.  But, I reckon it worked, since she conceded to a burger date at Merlotte’s. 

Alcide & Debbie: Dang, Alcide is in a shirt. Anyway, Debbie has decided to join the Shreveport pack, much to Al’s chagrin.  Marcus tells him they need a strong figure like him in the pack, especially during these troubled times.  Debbie convinces Al to join her at the pack meeting later that night.  She feels this is crucial to her recovery.  Before, all she had was Alcide, and when she lost him, she lost everything…like her mind.

Note: How long before Debbie goes crazy? Honestly, she just strikes me as being on the ragged edge. 

Sam & Tommy: While Sam dealt with the fallout of the fire (he owns the property), he called his still troubled brother to help manage things at Merlotte’s.  Tommy reluctantly agrees.  Before heading out, he had a little hate fest with himself and began violently hitting his head. This had quite the result: It turns him into Sam! Hello, Skinwalker!

Sookie , Tommy-Sam, & Maxine: Oh, no, I do NOT like Tommy! Tommy-Sam just fired Sookie! Not cool.  He sure seems to be enjoying his faux role as big brother Sam. Strutting around the joint like he owns it, Tommy-Sam got a rather rude awakening when he ran into Maxine.  She proceeded to tell him what a good-for-nothing Tommy was for leaving her; she called Tommy stupid and said he is dead to her.  This appeared to have devastated Tommy. 

Tommy-Sam & Luna: Dear heavens, Luna slept with Tommy-Sam.  This is so not good.  She seemed a little surprised by the sex—it was like they were strangers. Well, duh.  Tommy-Sam started feeling super sick and cruelly (in a bad way) tossed Luna out of his house, even throwing her dress in her face. After some harsh parting words, Luna stormed out.  Soon after her exit, Tommy-Sam shifts back to annoying-Tommy and…ew…pukes.  Sam later returned to find his brother unconscious with icky internal-organ-looking puke next to him.

Note: Way to go, ya little brat! Just screw up my new favorite couple! Ugh, can Tommy please leave the show now? I’m really, really tired of him. 

Sookie & Jason: Sook went looking for Jason and found him handcuffed to the bed.  He told her he’s afraid he’s going to turn into a werepanther after being bitten. Sookie said she will stay with him, but Jason is terrified of hurting her.  Later that night, while Sookie popped inside to get him a fresh beer, Jason took off.  Naturally, Sookie went after him, shotgun in hand. Why do I have a feeling she’s going to run into someone other than Jason?

Lafayette, Jesus, and the Grandfather: Gramps isn’t too keen to help Jesus.  Before he will help, he requests a sacrifice.  While out in the night, Lafayette wonders why they don’t just grab a rabbit and go back.  Jesus explains that the sacrifice has to come to them, and it did…in the form of a rattlesnake. Have I mentioned how much snakes bother me?

The grandfather’s pregnant girlfriend or wife or whatever locks the door while Gramps cuts his arm over the fire.  He says this is the same magic Marnie is using; she is dangerous and wants possession at all costs.  He then had the snake bite Jesus and told Lafayette to save him.  Lafayette is clueless until a strange spirit man named Tio Luca possesses him.  Tio speaks a spell that heals Jesus.  Once over, Tio leaves Lafayette’s body.  It doesn’t appear Lafayette has any memory of what happened. 

Marnie & Antonia: Marnie was scratch happy in her cell as she continued to try and convince Antonia to possess her.  Once again, she mentally time travels to the year 1610.  This time, she sees Antonia being fed upon and eventually raped by Luis, the Louisiana sheriff who told of her abilities at the end of last week’s episode.  While burning on the stake, Antonia forces the vampires into the sun.  When Marnie returns to present day, Antonia appears to her in her cell, eerily whispers her name, and possesses her…for real this time. Marnie is now Antonia. 

While watching her on the monitor, Luis instantly knows Antonia has returned.  He foolishly goes to confront her, but she’s far too strong for him.  She forces him to retract his fangs and fall to his knees.  We have a powerful witch, here…and she’s on the loose.

Eric & Bill: Bill recommended the true death for Eric, to which Nan agreed.  In the moments before King Bill was to kill Eric, our hot Viking asked the King for a few favors: release Pam, and tell Sookie he was born the night she found him, that he can face death knowing what it means to love, and thank you.  He also said he hopes Bill and Sookie find their way back to each other after he’s gone because she deserves happiness. 

Tara & Naomi: Naomi shows up on Lafayette’s doorstep looking for Toni/Tara.  Tara comes clean on everything.  Though Naomi is understandably ticked, they make up and make out.  Later that night, they go to Merlotte’s for some dinner.  Tara seems a little uncomfortable when Jessica waits on their table.  I’m guessing she didn’t want to expose her girlfriend to the Bon Temps weirdness quite so suddenly.  Little did she know it was about to get a lot worse.  Jess, all bubbly and happy to finally be a server, begins taking their order when she sprouts fangs and takes off. After dinner, while out in the parking lot, Naomi thinks she likes Tara better than Toni after all.  They share a flirtatious moment when Pam shows up to seek revenge on Tara in a big way.  Hello, fangs, rotting skin, and lightning fast speed!  Welcome to Bon Temps, Naomi!

Jason & Jessica: Jess abruptly left Merlotte’s because she sensed Jason’s fear (that vamp blood forms a powerful bond).  Jess is worried about Jason being out at night alone.  He tells her about the whole werepanther deal before feeling dizzy and sick to his stomach.  Jess helps him regain his strength and tells him to focus on a happy place…which he does…staring at her breasts.  Oh, dear, does Jason have a crush? Reminiscing on the night she turned, Jess vowed to stay by his side and not let him go through it on his own. 

After a while, Jason realizes he’s not going to turn.  He asked Jess if she would go back to being human.  According to Jess, she wouldn’t go back.  Even though there are things she misses, like sunlight, she’s strong and fast and nobody can hurt her.  Jason admits growing up with Sook was difficult; he always wondered why she was chosen to be special and not him.  Surprised and moved, Jessica points out his success as a quarterback, as a ladies man, and then shyly tells him to look at himself...he couldn’t be anything but special. Uh-oh. We have a connection here! They began the uncomfortable babbling song and dance with Jason reminding her (and himself, I would think) that Hoyt’s his best friend.  They both agree not to share any of this with Hoyt. 

                            

Note: I LOVE Jessica and Hoyt together, but I must admit I’m really liking the connection between Jason and Jess.  Oooh, I’m confused! Hoyt and Jess are one of my favorite couples!

Sookie, Alcide, & Debbie: While out looking for Jason, Sookie runs into Al and Debbie, who are on their way to a pack meeting.  Alcide is still in a shirt. Just sayin’. 

Sook asks if a bite can turn a human into a werepanther.  Debbie says it can’t happen unless a parent was pure blood panther.  Al adds that it’s hereditary, not a virus you can catch, and then asks what’s wrong.  Sookie , looking relieved, says everything’s fine and she can handle things from here.  Al watches her leave and even looks like he wants to go after her.  Debbie recognizes this, gets a tad ticked, and says, “I think Sookie’s saying she can take care of her own business.”

Note: Alcide cares for Sookie and I think it goes deeper than friendship.  Maybe it’s a subconscious longing.  Once again, how soon before Debbie cracks? And might it be the bond between Al and Sookie that sends her over the edge?

Bill: Alone, on his porch, standing in the moonlight, Bill looks sad and lost.  The next scene explains why.

Sookie & Eric, Part II: Still unable to locate Jason, Sookie finds something much more enticing: Eric.  Eric tells her the King set him free.  Those were the last words they spoke.  They lost themselves in each other’s arms…and made love right there in the moonlight.   

Note: I would like to personally thank the production crew of True Blood for the female friendly camera angles.  

My Blog Is On Fire, Which Means It's Award Time!

Mondays are so much better with an award! Anna thoughtfully passed this award to me and I couldn’t be happier. If you haven’t had the chance to visit her blog, please hop on over. She’s smart, sweet, funny, and just a joy to read. 

According to this award, my blog is on fire! How cool is that?!  This virgin’s blog is smoking hot! Sizzling!  Blazing! Okay, I’ll stop.  It’s just so exciting! Yeah, I need a social life.

The Blog on Fire Award

Rules:

1. Thank the kind blogger who passed this award to you (see above);

2. Reveal 5 things about yourself (if you want, how about making said revelations a little hot? After all, this is an on fire award). ;)

a. I’ve always wanted to dress up as Catwoman circa Michelle Pfeiffer.  Meow. Purr.  

b. “For your eyes only, darling.” What I will say to him (whoever he may be) one day.  It’s from the James Bond movie of the same name (For Your Eyes Only).  I’ve always thought it was a sexy thing to say. 

c. I totally melt when I hear Josh Turner’s I Wouldn’t Be A Man.  It’s beautiful, yet sexy, and the video is so sweet.  Ladies, if you haven’t heard his voice…prepare to get all melt-y. 

d. When I hear NASCAR engines rev up, um, I get a little…well…you know…turned on. Of course, this can be said for the start of the football season, too.  I reckon sports are just an aphrodisiac for me…unless my team loses…then they’re a dang poison that turns me into an inanimate object.  

e. Exercising. Not my favorite thing to do.  So, I spice it up a little. I like to shake it with a little Bollywood dancing, belly dancing, burlesque dancing, etc. It works, it’s fun, you feel super sexy, and you learn some saucy little moves. 

3. Pass this along to 7 fellow bloggers (as always, this award is open to everybody who wants it, since, to me, all of y’all are blazing hot!).  

a. Yvonne (after all you’ve been dealing with in the man market, you more than deserve this award)

b. Jewels (a total no-brainer)

c. Cinderita (another no-brainer)

d. KLo (because you’re awesome and have amazing thoughts to share)

e. That 20 Something Virgin (I mean, hello? Fellow virgin in the world!)

f.  Oilfield Trash(because, like his blog, he is on fire!)

g.  Lost.In.Idaho(again, because you’re awesome)

h. J. Day (I think you could rock this, country style)

i. Drake  (because you’re so funny and I just really want to see what your imagination would come up with)

j. Rawknrobyn  (your posts on why you’re celibate are brilliant and I think you could have fun with this award).

k. Beliza (no doubt you will come up with fun, yet thoughtful things for this award)

l. Chanel (with your humor, you just had to get this)

m. Barsola (no question, this award was going to you)

I know, I know, I picked more than 7...if I could, I'd go through and name all of you. Remember, this award is for EVERYONE, so snatch it up and have fun.

I want to also say a big "Hello" to my new followers--or, as I like to call y'all, my blogging friends. *waves 'hello'*

Er, huh? What? Oh...okay.

Well, this has been disappointing.  I recently found out this man I know is a L.I.A.R. (Lazy Inconsiderate Arrogant Rot).  I came up with that on a whim.  This man is a piece of work, let me tell you.  The whole thing has kind-of sent my brain into information overload.


So, what to write? Random tidbits? Um , yeah, okay.

Well, I mistakenly watched The Phantom of the Opera.  *insert tears and stuffy nose* When they sing All I Ask of You...well, just hand me the Kleenex 'cause I'm gone.  Definitely a film to watch solo.

Oh, I saw two earwigs getting it on.  At least, I think that's what they were doing.  Two bugs were having sex on my porch railing.  I mean, bugs? Really? The whole world is just get-it-on-central! Like I really needed a reminder in the form of bugs. 

I think my teeth are claustrophobic.  A single bristle popped off of my toothbrush and practically cemented itself in between my teeth.  Let me tell you, this is not a fun experience.  It hurt like all heck! As the discomfort increased, so did the panic.  It took far too long to dislodge the dang thing.  Fair warning--have floss and tweezers handy.

So, this weekend is the Brickyard.  I've got my trusty new AMP t-shirt (sans Dale's name and number as to avoid any possibility of a jinx) ready to go.  No doubt he'll give it his all--he always does.  Lady Luck better back off or I'll...I'll...well, I'll shake my fist at her and call her a name! *yeah, that's so not intimidating*

Did you hear the drumbeat for HBO (or equivalent) to make a series out of Harry Potter? I read an article where someone thought it would be cool to do a Game of Thrones with Harry and explore more of the books than the films did.  It seems to be gaining ground with fans.  What do you think?  Good idea?   Gotta tell you, I'd watch.

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!!!

True Blood Tuesday: Me and the Devil

Season 4, episode 5.

Tommy, Sam, & Ick Family: Wow. Well, two of my least favorite characters were killed off in the first couple of minutes.  Tommy bludgeoned Joe Lee to death and then accidentally struck his mom, killing her instantly.  Sam decides to help Tommy hide the bodies of their parents. While tossing their bodies into a swamp, Tommy says he’s going to hell.  Sam assures him he won’t go to hell if the killing was in self-defense or in the course of war. He then confesses his crimes to Tommy (the time he killed those two scam artists for stealing his money).  I guess it was a bonding moment for them.  I’m still not convinced it will make Tommy any less annoying. 

Note: Now, would the concept of Skinwalkers apply to Tommy and his mom??

Arlene & Terry: Reverend Daniels and his new wife, Tara’s mom, arrive at Arlene and Terry’s house to pull a little “this house is clean” Poltergeist moment.  Given their comical technique, I’m thinking it didn’t work.  Arlene and Terry later share an intimate moment…while some matches light off on their own. Yeah, it didn’t work.

Jessica, Hoyt, & Jason: After getting Jason to their house, Hoyt is appreciative to Jess for saving his best friend, to which she replies, “It’s all in the wrist.” Vampire humor—gotta love it.  Jess was acting really odd and a bit distant.  Glamour guilt, maybe?  Now, we all know V blood creates sexual fantasies, but this one has got to take number one on the weirdness scale.  Jason’s dream had Jess doing a little, ahem, riding, while calling Hoyt’s name over and over. Now, I think Jess ends up morphing into Hoyt in his dream, and it was Hoyt who kept going on top of Jason.  I’m a little confused.  As Jason said when he woke up, “Oh my gravy.”

Tara, Lafayette, Jesus, and Marnie: Marnie is getting on my nerves.  Tara, Lafayette, and Jesus have had it with Marnie and the spirit witch-goddess possessing her.  Lafayette agrees to go with Jesus to see his grandfather. We won’t mention the flashback goat scene.  Tara decides to go back to New Orleans and calls her girlfriend.  Uh-oh.  Tara’s girlfriend is ticked—she found letters with the name “Tara” on them. Yikes.  It’s time to come clean, Tara.

Sookie & Eric, Part I: Godric!!!! Um…Godric?  He's so not the gentle, caring Godric we remember from Season 2. Godric tells Eric he’s a creature of death, not love, and convinces him to drink from Sookie.  Ah! It’s a dream. Phew! Just as an aside…why can’t Eric sleep in the nude?  Awww, Eric went to Sookie for comfort from his bad dream.  Cuteness!  More awws as Eric rests his teary little head on her lap and Sookie strokes his hair.  He asks to sleep in her bed until dawn, to which she agrees.  He takes her hand in his, wraps her arm around him, and they spoon. One, two, three…Awwwww!

Bill & Portia: Ew! Portia is still hot for her great granddaddy!!! Okay, that’s not right. She just planted a big kiss on Bill and rattled off a ton of laws justifying their sexual relationship.  Yuck!  Darlin’, have some respect for yourself!!! Well, clearly she’s not giving up, so Bill had to glamour her away by replacing her sexual attraction to him with straight up fear. That worked.

Bill & Pam, Part I: “You eff with my face, it’s time to die.” Even with a rotting face, Pam rocks. Bill tells her his hands are tied because Marnie is human and it’s against AVL policy to kill humans.

Sookie & Marnie: Sookie channels her inner Nancy Drew and decides to “get a reading” from Marnie.  After convincing Marnie to give her a reading (note to self: if you want a reading after hours, just say Sabrina and Charmed were your favorite shows growing up.  I actually liked Charmed a lot), Sookie realizes Marnie hears her Gran.  Marnie tells her that Gran wants Sookie to look after Jason.  She also cautions her not to give her heart to the new man in her life because the situation is only temporary.  Somewhere between her warning about Eric and a new warning about Marnie, Sookie listens in on the witch’s mind and actually hears her Gran talking directly to her.  Gran tells her the woman before her is dangerous and yells at Sook to run away. Sookie, of course, runs, leaving Marnie perplexed. 

Tara & Sookie: Tara finally reveals her relationship to Sookie.  It was a nice bff moment…until Eric popped out from his lair and all hell breaks loose.  While Tara freaks, Sookie defends Eric and upsets her best friend in the process.  Tara calls her a hypocrite and takes off. 

Marnie & Bill: Thanks to his little witch-spy, Bill captures Marnie.  While sitting in one of Bill’s high-tech cells, Marnie mentally time travels to 1610 where the spirit goddess and other prisoner witches were chanting in a dungeon.  Two religious figures entered their dungeon and proceeded to feed on one of the witches.  Yep, they were vampires.  When Marnie “returned,” Bill glamoured her for answers, but found nothing useful.  Marnie is merely a vessel for this spirit-goddess-woman of the past. 

Alcide: Marcus, the pack-master of Shreveport, shows up on Al’s doorstep, angry that he hasn’t registered with the pack.  Al, cool, calm, and sexy, says, “I’m currently exploring free agency.”

Note: Gotta love a dreamy werewolf who references sports. Sigh.

Sookie & Eric, Part II: Eric and Sook had a little heart-to-heart on the couch, where Eric told her she has a beautiful light and he couldn’t bear it if he snuffed that out.  So, he leaves.  Eric doesn’t get very far when Sookie runs outside and asks him not to go.  As he walks back to her, she holds her arms out for him.  He returns to her arms and…THEY KISS!!!! YES!!!  It was the real deal. 

Note: Loved the music during this scene.

Bill & Pam, Part II: Bill calls a meeting with the remaining Louisiana sheriffs to address the witch problem.  Here, we learn a little more about this spirit goddess.  In 1610, a sorceress named Antonia used necromancy to pull all vampires within twenty miles from their sleep and into the daylight.  The all burned.  The sheriffs want to kill Marnie, but it would mean going against the AVL.  In Pam’s frustration, she reveals that Eric lost his memory.  Infuriated, Bill demands she tell him where Eric is hiding…which she does.  Crap.  There goes Bill.  Dang.

The Good Old Crush

Do you ever miss having a crush? In junior high and high school, crushes seemed like the most complicated things in the world.  The inevitable “do you think he likes me?” question took on a life of its own with tentacles that grabbed at each brain cell and prevented you from ever thinking clearly again—and certainly not about math. 

In class, you’d get lost staring at the lone off-color florescent light.  You analyzed every little thing he said, eager to find one small sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, he liked you.  Helping you open your locker meant he cared.  Walking to you to class meant he liked you.  Giving you his pen because yours ran out of ink meant he kind-of really liked you.  And making sure he saw you before homeroom meant you were heading for young love.  Hey, we were young and had stars in our eyes.

From Monday through Wednesday, you hoped he would ask you out (because everyone knew a guy didn’t usually ask you out for Friday or Saturday past Wednesday).  You dreamed of how he would ask you out, pictured your first date, and fantasized about the first kiss.  Walking down the hall hand-in-hand was as big a deal as world peace.  And, of course, visions of the “I love you” moment were soon to follow. 

Then Wednesday comes and goes with no call, no note, and no date.  A little sad, you gathered yourself up and looked forward to next week, then the next week after that, and the week after that.  Little did you know the weeks would pass as quietly and regularly as the seasons.  You were a good girl.  But, the passing weeks didn’t really matter because you had hope—it kept you going.

It was commonplace for girls to talk on the phone for hours and analyze the dreaded "does he like me" question.  My friends found the dwelling part both necessary and an annoying obsession, like watching a movie and having to say the lines before they happen.  I was their sounding board and I never minded--to me, they weren't obsessing...they were hoping. 

For me, it was the wondering that kept me company.  I guess it filled a void in a way. It was like picturing how you would have your life be, if you could—like you’re writing a story and you’re the main character.  

The only baggage you had involved deciding on what to wear, wanting a boyfriend, going on a date, or getting asked to a dance.  And those little flavored roller-ball lip glosses made you feel like the sexiest girl in school.  I had the strawberry flavored one.  

Life was simple, even though it felt impossibly complex.  Back then, the boys hoped for sex.  As you get older, men expect it, and soon.  

Sometimes, I just miss the simplicity of a crush that goes absolutely nowhere.  

Harry Potter's Alternate Ending?!?!

Greg Palast, an investigative journalist, claims J.K. Rowling told him of a rather interesting alternate ending for her beloved Harry Potter series.  He revealed this ending on his website (see link below).

Here are the highlights:

* The climactic showdown would have taken place in the Forbidden Forest when Harry makes the journey to face Voldemort. 

* Rather than Harry's parents, Lupin, and Sirius walking him to his fate, Tom Riddle's parents appear as his protective, ghostly guides. 

* Meanwhile, Voldemort found a way to, in essence, collect hundreds of Dementor's kisses within his wand.  Once unleashed, the power of the kiss would forever freeze Harry in place; he would be a cold reminder of Harry's defeat and Voldemort's ultimate triumph. 

* Voldemort becomes enraged when he sees the spirits of his parents and immediately sends his spell hurling towards a defenseless Harry. 

* Voldemort's ghostly parents soar towards their son. He begins to grow younger and younger, until he becomes a little child once more. 

* The curse struck Harry's scar; excruciating pain ensued before the curse turned back towards its sender. As the curse neared, Voldemort's parents placed their arms lovingly around their son. Now, forever more, there would be a monument to three souls: A young Tom Riddle, his protective father, and his loving mother.

Harry Potter, 2130:

* On his 150th birthday, Headmaster Potter knew he would soon fill the empty picture frame alongside Dumbledore and headmistresses McGonagall and Chang. 

* Rather than growing old, Ginny transformed into a bird of paradise (and, yes, she can talk).

* After the Dementors escaped Voldemort's spell, the existence of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was erased from everyone's memory...except Albus Dumbledore's portrait-self and Harry Potter.  No one even wondered about the little entombed family any longer. 

* Before Harry attended his 150th birthday celebration, he decided to keep a watchful eye on his great, great grandson. 

* Baby Tom was happily playing with a chocolate frog when he exploded in a fit of rage and crushed the candy frog.  Harry watched, knowing the wizarding world would face dark times once more. 

So, there you have it! Personally, I'm glad she went with the one we have.  This one certainly held my attention and I can totally see Harry as a future headmaster of Hogwarts, but I'm not sure I can completely gel with the Riddle clan being this loving, happy family, given their backgrounds.  Bird Ginny didn't quite feel right to me, either.

If this indeed was an alternate ending, what do y'all think?

You can read the full write up on Mr. Palast's site here: Harry Potter, Jo's Other Ending.

Is Marriage Obsolete?

To start, I believe in fate, love, romance, and all the things some people like to explain away. But, I can't say in all honesty that certain things today don't create some sort of doubt in my mind; I've just gotten very good at pushing the questions away, at least for a time. 

Recently, I saw a poll showing how roughly 60% of people now believe marriage is becoming obsolete. 

Then, while contemplating an excursion in online dating, I found an article where the founder of e-Harmony basically says we may no longer need marriage.  Of course, he does go on to say that marriage can be a beautiful, fulfilling experience if people took the time to select a marriage partner. This makes sense, given how many people we see jumping into marriage at the drop of a dime, only to hop right back out in the not-so-distant future. 

Do I need to rethink this marriage thing? Could I?

I get that it's just a piece of paper and it shouldn't matter when it comes to love.  But, well, I just can't accept that...not for me.  Maybe I'm too old-fashioned for my own good because I still believe in true love and marriage. I know the world has changed; I understand the dynamics of relationships have changed.  And I'm acutely aware that I was, in all likelihood, born in the wrong era.  Still, I love believing in what doesn't seem possible. 

Here's the question burning my brain cells:  If the majority of the world views marriage as wholly unnecessary, how does someone like me ever hope to find a man in this great big cynical world who still believes in a little thing called vows?