Friday nights are always a great night to grab your significant other, a bag of your favorite popcorn, snacks, the beverage of your choice, and a new movie that's just hit the Redbox, Blockbusters, or Net FLix. I have been wanting to watch Winter's Bone and was lucky to have found it before it got checked out.
The quick take on this movie sounded intriguing and the fact that it was nominated for an Academy Award made it a sure pick. This is a story that takes place in the Ozark Mountains. Jennifer Lawrence plays Ree Dolly a 17 year old girl who is responsible for her younger brother, sister and her emotionally depressed mother. Her father, a long time crystal meth maker is on the lam after posting their home to obtain bond money. Ree, who is the "adult" in this family sets out to find him when he fails to show up for his trial date. Unless he is found or she can prove he has died, they will lose their home. The people she thinks can help her ( all hardcore drug dealers) tell her to leave things alone but Ree is determined to find her father no matter what the cost.
This is a drama that held my interest up to the very end. Jennifer Lawrence's performance was some of the best acting I have ever seen and it isn't hard to see why this movie was nominated for an Academy Award. The only negative thing I have to say about this movie was the way it ended. But you can decide for yourself.
If you love a good drama you will love this movie. Under my rating scale I give this movie 8 out of 10. See trailer above.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words so, I will let this video speak for itself and just add that according to statistical data obtained from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) domestic violence affects roughly 32 million Americans and this only reflects the number of cases reported. I am so saddened by this issue that I just had to write about it. It is a serious problem that does not get nearly the attention it should. Here is some information that will surely surprise you...it did me.
In the United States 1/3 of domestic violence cases are never reported. Why?
Could it be shame or a lack of confidence that keeps women from speaking out against domestic violence? Or, perhaps the inability of resources designed to protect them from this type of violence in making women feel safe in coming forward for help?
The United States Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. This can be physical with threats of violence, throwing objects, harming pets, unwanted physical contact or rape and murder. Domestic violence can also be psychological involving mental and emotional abuse, economic and social control i.e. controlling victim's money or not allowing contact with friends and family...isolation.
Statistics from the End Abuse Organization states the following:
On average 3 women a day are murdered by husbands or boyfriends. In 2005, 1,181 women were murdered by an intimate partner.
In 2008, the Center of Disease Control published data collected in 2005 that found women experienced 2 million injuries from intimate partners each year.
Nearly 1 in 4 women in the United States reports experiencing violence by a current or former spouse or boyfriend at some point in her life.
Women are more likely than men to be victimized by a current or former intimate partner.
Women represent 84% of spouse abuse victims and 86% of victims of abuse at the hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend and about 3/4 of the persons who commit family violence are male.
The statistics are staggering and I could go on and on. One thing is for sure that no one in this type of situation goes unscathed. 15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year and 7 million children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred.
2/3 of the majority of nonfatal intimate partner victimizations of women occur at home. Children under the age of 12 are residents of the households experiencing intimate partner violence in 38% of incidents involving female victims and in a single day in 2008, 16,458 children were living in a domestic violence shelter or transitional housing facility. Another 6,430 children sought services at a non-residential program. This is a social issue that merits more attention than it receives.
How is it that in the United States, a country that prides itself on being a world leader in personal freedom and a guardian of human rights can domestic abuse/violence exist? If the video from the Coalition Against Battered Women: Domestic Abuse does not move you to tears then I don't have a clue what would.
I find the different areas within cities fascinating. Each area has its own unique style and the Inner Loop in Houston is no different. The cities of Bellaire and West University comprise this area as well as other areas located inside Loop 610. This area is a mixture of historical landmarks, art, restaurants, sports arenas i.e. Astrodome, medical facilities and first class shopping.
This area combines older homes quietly nestled in with new construction with older homes being purchased strictly for the lots on beautiful tree lined streets in close proximity to some of Houston's best attractions. The new homes being erected range from 2000 to 8000 sq. Ft. and can range in price from $300,000 to upwards of seven figures.
This is another example of an existing home that is interspersed among the new construction. Many of the older homes are roughly 1,500 sq. Ft. and have 2 bedrooms, den, kitchen, and detached garages.
I find the style of this home to be quite different from the new homes that are springing up in this area. A very modern design with lots of concrete and glass.
Yet another example of the beautiful architecture going up in this area. I fell in love with the tiled roof on this house.
This of course, is the "creme de La creme" for moi. I love this house. The porch wraps completely around the front and sides of this house. It is stately, has presence and a European flair.
Many of the homes that are being constructed in this area have turrets which remind me of castles.
These are just a few of the breathtaking homes that are being built in the older established neighborhoods with gorgeous tree lined boulevards. I hope you have enjoyed today's tour. Which home is your favorite?
