MSNBC recently had host Mika lay down on a fluffy luxurious bed with Katie Couric to discuss why women aren't taken seriously and have trouble with success.

I had to watch that in film class in college and it still haunts me ...

I want to go to there!

It's difficult to do well under the best circumstances, but I think we all agree that sex scenes are particularly weak right now. I was just watching To Catch A Thief and the scenes between Cary Grant and Grace Kelly were largely handled well (particularly the way he subtly talked about what they'd done after the fact) but even in the hands of Hitchcock it was kind of clumsy (fireworks? Really?).

Still, old movies had tons of eroticism whereas current ones just have female nudity. So unimaginative.

I'll go ahead and nominate Damage for this post, and I think what makes its sex scenes so great is that they aren't in any way confused with romance. Romance is intimate and private and vulnerable and honest in a way that sex scenes can't be.

My Dad has my back more than anyone I know. Sure, he was super tough at home, but he would help me out if anyone crossed a line. I once had a boss who was a bit too friendly. My dad came down to the office and took care of it.

He also took me fishing with him all the time and taught me how to change oil and tires.

He instilled in me a love of theology and he also showed me not only that he could discipline himself into being a better man -- but never to expect men to change and to just love them as they are. He exemplifies the Gospel, being  a forgiving person. He's also the toughest man I know, having passed literally 150+ kidney stones, endured a septuple bypass, and a host of other ailments -- but never letting anyone see him sweat.

He loves his children fiercely and he's grateful for all the time we've had together.

If you love your kids, it covers a whole host of mistakes and glitches.

Glad you put that link in. I thought it was this song.

Yes! That's great! We know each other through our shared Lutheran connections, but yes.

Finally:

WHAT DOES A SUPERVISORY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SPECIALIST DO?  ...The incumbent is responsible for development, organizing, directing, and evaluating all diversity and inclusion strategies for each business unit listed above. Specifically, the Director of BID would: provide subject matter expertise to problem solve, design, and deliver business-unit wide diversity and inclusion solutions that are integrated with business needs and other strategic human capital initiatives; act as a strategic business partner for leadership regarding diversity and inclusion considerations that impact business unit mission and operations;  serve as a change agent to provide strategies, solutions, training, tools, resources and thought leadership on diversity and foster inclusion across the business unit to build a high-performing workplace; build internal awareness, engagement, and accountability for diversity and inclusion at all levels; integrate diversity and inclusion into critical human capital functions such as recruitment, development, performance management, training; increasing/maintaining workforce diversity; serve as consultant to management by analyzing workforce data and trends to create an assessment and work plan to address strengths and opportunities; collaborate and support business-unit Diversity and EEO Advisory Councils to execute diversity and inclusion strategy and produce measureable outcomes; participate on appropriate business unit senior leadership meetings...

First things first, James, let's talk about:

WHY IS THE IRS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK? At the IRS, you will use your skills in accounting, business, finance, law enforcement, information technology, advocacy and more to help make America stronger. The IRS is one of the largest financial institutions in the world and the work we do helps fund America. We are counting on bright, talented and dedicated individuals like you to achieve our goals. You will be both challenged and supported so whether you are just starting out or looking for new opportunities, consider the IRS and start making a difference today.

then:

WHAT IS THE OFFICE OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION DIVISION? The Office advises IRS senior leadership on diversity and inclusion matters, and EEO policy. EDI helps coordinate cross-functional efforts to ensure diversity and inclusion is used as a business strategy to accomplish its mission.

I just want to say that this thread makes me proud to be a member of Ricochet. Where else can you get such substance?

One of my children has a severe nut allergy -- anaphylaxic shock and all that. We discovered the allergy after lots of Honey Nut Cheerio consumption, so if nuts ever touched those cheerios, I'd be very surprised.

I'm not entirely sure I like your tone, WC!

As a resident of the area, I completely agree. And all of my neighbors who are lobbyists? How am I to engage with them? I try to be nice.

And sorry about your Uncle and I hope that the family can get him into healthier and safer situations.

I don't have any words of wisdom either, other than to pray without ceasing, but I'm so very sorry to read this news. Men are particularly adept at hiding their pain and their rates of suicide are greater. Two of my relatives killed themselves and the sadness never goes away, but time really does help put some perspective in there -- and that can help.

One thing I'd say for helping family members is that the first days aren't actually the hardest. You're so busy with funeral arrangements and family members and what not that you don't even have time to deal with the horrific situation. It's after everybody leaves that things start breaking down.

So I'd work to remember them in an ongoing basis.

Really, I'd like to nominate Life. But:

Raycon,

Thanks for posting this. I was hoping someone would post on this fire. Don't we have Ricochetti in the Black Forest? I seem to recall during last year's fire, that some of our members said they were safe since they were across the highway in the Black Forest.

A family that is in my family's congregation in Castle Rock, but lives in the Black Forest, has evacuated and are safe. Not sure about their home.