We’re all going to pretend that it is still February and you are going to like it. So, as you see, Lisa G. Riley is visiting with us, and she has a really interesting post that covers a lot of ground. I think all the different voices and points of view are wonderful.
As a personal update, I am … all over the place. Constant low grade (or more) migraines, feverish on the weekends, so … this is why it’s still February in ALBTALBS land. Please don’t leave me. In fact I hope to fill in more things. That being said, you aren’t here to listen to me babble.
I do want to note that Ms. Riley had included pictures embedded into the word doc that she sent me. That … didn’t work out for a variety of reasons, but when I’m not longer at a government facility I’ll see what I can do about adding them. At least I’ve got links embedded for some, yes? :X
He Makes Me Swoon
Hi, all. I’m Lisa G. Riley, an author of several books in several romance sub-genres. When Limecello offered me the opportunity to do a guest post on her blog for Black History Month, I couldn’t help but jump at the chance.
I write this post the day after the Michael Dunn verdict and a few short hours after watching Jordan Davis’ mom hold back tears on television while at the same time saying she’ll pray for the man who murdered her son. I find that I’m almost numb to the all-encompassing rage that wants to take over, but wish I could be numb to the sorrow, fear and sense of hopelessness I feel on what feels like a cellular level.
Before the verdict, I had just about worked out the fluff (pardon me – fluff with meaning) piece I wanted to write for this post. Post-verdict, however, I nixed the idea, thinking that circumstances were too raw, too serious, just too freaking reprehensible for a fluff (even if it does have meaning) piece.
But I changed my mind. I had to. While I won’t forget about the verdict anytime soon (try never), nor stop fighting that kind of injustice, I’m trying to cope. To do that, I need to reverse the direction of my thoughts, so things like fluff and bits of silliness and whimsy are necessary for me. This piece, “he makes me swoon”, has very little to do with the chosen man’s physical looks, and is about men who by virtue of being excellent at their jobs, and are having an impact with their enthusiasm and passion make me sit up a little straighter, and sometimes, make my heart go pitter patter.
First up is Charles M. Blow.
Mr. Blow is an Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times. I first heard of him when he wrote about the Sandy Hook shootings. He is eloquent and impassioned, and he is making an impact.
This is part of what he said about the verdict in the George Zimmerman case in a piece entitled
The Whole System Failed Trayvon Martin:
“The system failed him when the bullet ripped through his chest, and the man who shot him said he mounted him and stretched his arms out wide, preventing him from even clutching the spot that hurt.
The system failed him in those moments just after he was shot when he was surely aware that he was about to die, but before life’s light fully passed from his body — and no one came to comfort him or try to save him.” ©2013 by Charles M. Blow, New York Times
I now follow Mr. Blow on Facebook, and I try not to miss any of his columns because he’s a man making his mark — a good, indelible one — on the world.
Actor Don Cheadle.
Mr. Cheadle is the thinking woman’s actor. He just brings such range to his roles (have you seen Crash or Talk to Me?). And just look at him in any interview — the man’s intelligence is unmistakable. Plus, dude always, always looks like he just smells so good! But seriously, beyond his acting abilities and what I’m sure is an awesome scent, Mr. Cheadle is a man aware of his power as a celebrity, and he uses that power for good. He co-founded Not on Our Watch Project, an organization that focuses global attention and resources on preventing mass atrocities around the globe. Think Darfur and Rwanda. Check out his book: Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond. This man is making a difference, and that is so hot!
Astrophysicist, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson
He looks kinda goofy, right? Well he can be sometimes. But that’s okay, because with that goofiness comes a fiercely keen and clever mind. He demoted a planet, for God’s sake! Bringing astrophysics to the masses, and making it sexy enough for we science-challenged folk to not only be interested in it, but to also understand it, Dr. Tyson who told us unapologetically why Pluto ain’t a planet is so danged cool, he frequently appears on shows like The Colbert Report and The Daily Show. This man is so bold and so confident in his knowledge of all things astrophysic-ky (I KNOW. It’s not a word. See “science-challenged folk” above) that he told director James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar, etc.) that the star field in one of the scenes in Titanic was inaccurate and needed to be changed. Of course James Cameron changed it.
Dr. Tyson is currently the director of the Hayden Planetarium and he hosted PBS’ Nova ScienceNow for five years. He will next be appearing in Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey on National Geographic in March, and was voted one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential persons in the world and was recognized by Discover Magazine for having one of the 50 Best Brains in Science. How cool is he? I adore an intelligent man!
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch
♫One of these things is not like the others…♫* I wasn’t going to add Mr. Cumberbatch because seeing as how it’s Black History Month…but…well… I mean he does actually fit into the criteria of men who make me swoon because they’re so good at what they do. And come on, he’s Sherlock! Shezza forever, baby!
Thank you again, Limecello for allowing me to take up space in your space. It’s much appreciated!
🙂