Before Midnight didn't idealize the relationship. That was part of the point. It was all so realistic. My friends, who are married, both found it painfully so. Instead of enjoying a romantic evening together, the couple were busy thrashing out what they were going to do about the future. 

If a sequel explored the consequences on Jesse's first wife and son, it would certainly be very interesting. The son had a good relationship with Jesse, and seemed to be doing well in life. But if Jesse moved back to America, what would be the reality there?

Fascinating post, Dr. Steve! Thanks for so much factual information. It helps understand what is going on with this story.

Sounds fascinating, Barkha, but even 15-20 minutes at 115 would be too hot for me.  

I can only speak for Canada, with a population of just over 35,000,000. This article by the National Post of Canada, breaks down the figures in many ways.

Canada has one long border with the United States, and immigrants come from all over the world, not mainly from a porous southern border. 

The Conservative Party of Canada wanted to win over the immigrant vote, and did this by moving into the immigrant communities and getting to know the people. It was found that the immigrants have similar values to the Conservative Party. They value: family; hard work; improving themselves, their communities, and the country; business; and fiscal and social responsibility. When the Conservatives pointed out the similarities, the immigrants voted for the Conservatives, who won their first majority government under Stephen Harper, since the rout of the Conservatives in 1993. That small percentage made a huge difference in outcome.

Whether this would apply in the States is the question?  

Beautiful photo, Dave!

I find it is best to allow people into one's personal life who add to it. Your Unfriended was certainly not adding anything positive to your life. Good for you for pressing that button. It's his loss! 

Part of the picture seems to be that it is necessary to grow more food, more efficiently, to feed the people of China. I was talking to a friend today who is just back from China and she was pointing out that the farmers of China have had small plots from which they feed their own family only. They are generally pleased to be paid for their plots, and given new homes. Often, they are also given jobs. 

This time let's hope China will make the great leap forward successfully.

What a beautiful baby! When you look back, these will be among the loveliest, happiest, days of your life. Relax and enjoy! They go too soon.

At the end of life, nothing else seems as fulfilling as one's children. They bring so much joy. :-) 

If we believe the latest statistics, it would appear that the military are an extremely randy lot, and not in control of their sexual urges. Surely this is not true, generally speaking.

Also, aren't male on male sexual assault cases higher than those male on female?

Having lived in mining towns that have disappeared almost overnight, and in Northern Rhodesia, Africa, which became Zambia, and transformed overnight, when economic activity ceases, most people have to leave. 

Very sad! But, on the other hand, when one door closes, another opens.

Life is to be enjoyed!

Music:  The New World Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, by Antonin Dvorak, 1893. It evokes in me the beauty of the spirit of America.

Book: Little Women and Good Wives, by Louisa May Alcott, 1880. I still remember my mother reading these books to me at bedtime, when I was around five years old. They aroused in me a love for America, and would give the aliens an insight into what kindly people Americans are.

.Movie:  Gone with the Wind, 1939. The aliens will be thoroughly entertained while learning something of American history. 

Beautiful music, enjoyable book, and fascinating movie: the aliens will be wanting to become Americans. :-)

Casey: I've tweeted your link four times already this morning! Best thing I've read so far on the subject of how to deal with sexual assault in the military.

Women senators publicly shaming military personnel is not the way to do it. So demeaning all round. I am amazed those women could behave in such a disgusting way. Obviously, they didn't realise it makes them look like Inquisitors. 

No sooner wished for, than done! How do you like my latest avatar?

Crimson Kitty, with a gun! :-)

Stephen Harper is my man! I am a total fan! What he has achieved in restoring the Canadian Armed Forces to their rightful place is admirable.

I liked him bringing back the "Royal", and having each Force have its own distinctive uniform once again. 

Apparently, the Canadian military has been having discussions about sexual assault, but nothing like the public shaming of the military people that has been going on in the States. The National Post reports on a private survey being given to the troops on this subject.

Wow! I am impressed, Casey! How right you are, the place to begin is with one's self.

I used to run my business WITH my employees, and I found that made for a close team, and better work performance all round, including from me. 

I like "crimson kitty", Casey. Just for that, I will tweet that great article again this morning, more than once. :-)

Do you notice the gun my crimson kitty avatar is holding. I wish I could find a better picture of a ginger cat with a gun.