Re:  H. Brandt Ayers, "A little brain candy", Brandt finally "admits" an uplifting moment!!  Obviously, just learning that "in Kabul today you can hear music, see the shining faces of young women going to school, dine at new Indian and Thai restaurants and feel the lightness of freedom."

Along with consuming "a little brain candy", me thinks that Brandt was consuming "a little cane brandy".