Birthday Lunch And Torture

Early on, I called Mary S. to see how she was getting to the Women's Club Luncheon today.  Found that Lee S. was driving, but already had five in her car.  Will call her, but maybe will drive by myself, then make some stops in Atlantic County.
I was so sorry to hear that a neighbor and friend, Sid S., has died.  Sid was in the theatre company for a time and was a wonderfully warm, decent man.  He had been ill before, but had pulled through; guess he just couldn't this time.  Funeral is on Friday--sigh.
Aline, back from the city (in these parts, that's NYC), called, and we chatted, then made a date for dinner on Monday at ScoJo's.  She had taken her nine-year-niece to see The Nutcracker, and had a wonderful time.
Changed and left for the Betty birthday lunch.  Stopped at Santori's for feta beforehand, then met Betty and six friends at Italian Gourmet on Jimmie Leeds Road.  It was low-key, but pleasant, and we had a good time.  Parted after and I drove directly to Manahawkin where I again exchanged, had remedied, and bought anew.  Looked for a coat at Kohl's and found many I liked and some that fit, but wasn't able to put the two together.  Did buy two shells (not the kind on the beach).
Didn't get home until after 5:00, called Betty to hash over the day, then just hung out and puttered. 
WIDER:   Here's info on a movie that illustrates why I have no expectation at all this country will ever become more than a wasteland inhabited by savages:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/dec/10/zero-dark-thirty-torture-awards
But audiences will apply critical thinking to this tripe, won't they?  They'll research the subject and find that it rests on a diabolical lie.  They'll boycott the thing and let others know the efficiency of torture has no basis in fact.
Yeah, sure.