When Writing is Flaccid.

Case in point: HBO's miniseries Hung.

Ahem.

The performance are stiff, the writing limp, the characters one-dimensional. All altogether unsatisfying. Which is ironic, given the provocative subject matter.

For crackling dialogue and acting that delivers, tune into Dexter or In Treatment.

The Power of Half.

"Are we raising consumers or citizens?" author Kevin Salwen wonders in his book The Power of Half: One Family's Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back.

It's co-written with his teenage daughter Hannah, who set the Atlanta family on their transformative journey.

I'm just beginning this book, but already its message is resonating.

http://www.thepowerofhalf.com

Eating As a Locavore.

Enjoyed a fine, five-course dinner last Friday at Loews Eleven restaurant. The focus was on frommage from Georgia's own Sweetgrass Dairy Farm.

Though the blue cheese ice cream was a bit outre for my tastes, the restaurant's gouda and aspargus risotto was served perfectly al dente, rich and creamy when paired with a mineral-ly quaff, vineaux blanc from North Georgia's Frogtown Winery.

It's heartening to see local restaurateurs embracing our state's farmers and vitners. Do you part and order local.

Takeout & Vino.

As PR stunts go it was unique: let us deliver lunch to your door, along with wines paired to typical "takeout" food.

Why, sure.

The good folks at Turning Leaf (their are affordable, food-friendly wines) brought fried chicken with merlot and a Greek Salad and baklava (!) with sauvignon blanc.

I enjoyed both. Gussied up the grub by a measure.

Other suggested combinations: riesling with pad Thai, cabernet sauvignon with a cheeseburger.

www.turningleaf.com

Underused Words.

July's list:

Winsome
Diabolical
Pernicious
Elan
Precipitous
Dumbstruck

Listen to This Man.

Stumbled across Bobby Pinson and am completely hooked by his whiskey-soakeed voice and heartfelt lyrics.

Every single song on Man Like Me is deeply relatable. If pressed, my favorite song (today, at least) is "Don't Ask Me How I Know."

I chop vegetables to it with great vigor, singing out loud with abandon. It's also great music for a road trip.

Even if you think you don't like "country rock," the man deserves to be heard.

http://www.amazon.com/Man-Like-Me-Bobby-Pinson/dp/B000IONJ4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1278800842&sr=1-1.

Adult Cinematic Fare.

Saw a clutch of movies over the long holiday weekend: Cyrus, Mother & Child, Please Give.

All are intelligent, challenging, character-driven and emotionally honest--unexpected summer fare for adults. Critical reviews have been positive for all of them.

The theme that connects three very different movies might be: charity begins at home.

Conquer summer's cinematic drivel and hang out in a dark, cool theatre, supporting independent filmmakers.

It Pays to Procrasdonate.

Love, love, love the idea of "time well spent."

But let's face it, I spend too much time in front of the TV, shopping, playing video games, Facebooking. The list is endless.

Enter a charitable incentive to stop procrastinating. Procrasdonate gives you a reason to feel good about being online.

Check it out at www.procrasdonate.com.

Chill Out.

"The weather is your enemy," emailed my cousin Svenja from Germany in response to my cyber-whining about the heat and humidity.

Well, yes. Svenja, you nailed it.

Eating light helps.

My friend Erin, who lived in Spain for eight years, had a dreamy look when recalling a chilled soup made with cucumers, almonds and green grapes. She likened it to gazpacho.

I did a bit of Internet sleuthing and here's the recipe: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/green-grape-and-marcona-almond-gazpacho/print.

It's easy to make and the lovliest shade of mint green. I've been eating it for three days and I can attest: it'll bring your body temperature waaaay down.

Bon Appetit and Happy 4th of July!

P.S. I wish you were here to sip some, Svenja.