MSPCA-Angell Headquarters (350 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, 617.522.7400) to see Food, Inc., the first installment of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Free Film Series. The documentary about the health risks, ethical quandaries, and environmental issues involved in America’s large-scale food-manufacturing processes was widely acclaimed when it was released last summer. Narrated by Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser and The Omnivore’s Dilemma writer Michael Pollan, the movie devotes itself in large part to the industrial production of meat, stepping inside factory farms and slaughterhouses to question their treatment of animals. Another free flick in the series is The Cove, a 2009 Sundance Film Festival winner that follows a dolphin trainer’s quest to expose Japanese dolphin hunting; it screens on Thursday, January 21. Both movies start at 6:30 p.m., and RSVPs are requested here. Potential tear-jerkers? Yes. But we think we owe it to our four-legged (or finned!) friends to check them out.

This NYT article about the new wave of pizzas got me thinking. I still have Cheri Burbach's book Internet Dating is not Like Ordering a Pizza here somewhere...I thought it was a unique and fun take on dating the Internet, from a survivor, with a sense of humor. How about a TShirt that reads: You looked so much better on your profile? "The book is full of advice and examples that daters (online or not) can use." All Books Review.

So here goes - a free copy of the book goes to the commenter who tells the best or worst date story (Internet or blind) and bonus points if you include a compelling pizza recommendation, or fun pizza story. 

I'll start the ball rolling because I know no one wants to admit they do it, but lots of us have found it useful. Personally, I think it's just smart. What if you live a block away from the right partner but you go to a different drycleaners, different coffee shops, and just never bump into each other? 

When I was single I wrote a great profile and had lots of hits. A few I dated. Most did not look like their profile picture. Most profiles I read, I didn't respond to because they'd filled it out like they were ordering a pizza. Checking boxes for what they wanted, but offering nothing interesting or intriguing about themselves. I'll never forget the one who insisted that "Only Jewish Runway Models need apply." Really? And no, he was not himself a model - let's just say he had very high self esteem. I would go to parties where there 40 couples and one single guy and me. Or a blind date where the response to my incredulous "What were you thinking?!" was "Well, he's single and you're single..." as if that were sufficient.

Let's face it, once you're out of college, the opportunity to regularly meet people of similar age and interests rapidly declines. 

The Bruni Pizza article notes that the new crop of pizza joints is partly a reaction to the current downturn in the economy. A pizza place is leaner to staff and cheaper to run. The new restaurateurs are being resourceful and smart. They're adjusting to the times. Increasing your odds by using tools like the Internet is also being resourceful, smart and adusting to the times. It's not about settling or about desperation, it's about mixing it up, meeting new people outside your normal circle.

Why not - if the date's a bust you can always order a pizza and get just what you want.

♥ To read more about Pizza and Amore, click here.

♥ To read my review of Hot Tomatoes, click here.

♥  Is the Best Pizza in Boston, in Cambridge?

♥ Boston's Best Pizza and Burgers?

Here's an excellent article on Vermouth by Kirsten Amann written for the Second Glass.

For the culinary angle see: Vermouth Rejuvenates Aromatized Wine Category, which I wrote for the Gourmet Food column.

The Second Glass were hosts to The Wine Riot which I wrote about in John Mariani's Virtual Gourmet here. "Mohawks and Merlot".