It's fun to get reacquainted with my Boyfriend's friends. And make new ones. Last Saturday morning I went to a neighborhood brunch by myself. (It was a golf morning.) I met several people but one was an artist who's married to an executive type Japanese woman whom I didn't meet because she's in Japan with their little seven year old daughter who's bilingual and will attend public school in Japan for the month of July.
Everybody has a story. Everybody's interesting.
My Boyfriend told me when I first arrived that he'd seen an old friend from the neighborhood who recently moved back - and he has a lady friend.
This morning I called him up, explained who I was, and invited them over for cake and coffee tonight.
When I'm at home I don't often do these things because there are already so many wonderful people in my life.
This afternoon I made the deluxe version of the recipe on the back of the Pillsbury Carrot Cake box. This required, in addition to the regular ingredients, pineapple, raisins, coconut and pecans. We worked on it together. It turned out well.
Maybe I'll make some new friends tonight.
***
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Meetings
I used to go to lots of meetings. Not so much anymore. When I sometimes ask my Boyfriend if he'd like to do something totally fun he says "Sure, I've got no meetings to go to!"
This morning I heard a man tell about 4 things he does to help him attend and conduct successful meetings and conferences. I agree with his list. Here it is. The comments are mine.
1. SHOW UP
I would add "Show up on time." A whole lot of getting things done is simply showing up. When I worked as a consultant I had to show up. No matter what. One time when I was really sick my Real Husband drove me to my meeting and practically carried me into my presentation. But I did it.
2. LISTEN
People who come off as really smart are actually listening very carefully to others before they speak.
3. TELL THE TRUTH
It needs to be done gently and with sensitivity but not telling the truth wastes a lot of time.
4. LOVE
This may not make sense to you for all kinds of meeting situations. But I see it as a way of life. I also believe this: "The most loving decision is usually the most businesslike decision." Even if somebody has to get fired.
***
This morning I heard a man tell about 4 things he does to help him attend and conduct successful meetings and conferences. I agree with his list. Here it is. The comments are mine.
1. SHOW UP
I would add "Show up on time." A whole lot of getting things done is simply showing up. When I worked as a consultant I had to show up. No matter what. One time when I was really sick my Real Husband drove me to my meeting and practically carried me into my presentation. But I did it.
2. LISTEN
People who come off as really smart are actually listening very carefully to others before they speak.
3. TELL THE TRUTH
It needs to be done gently and with sensitivity but not telling the truth wastes a lot of time.
4. LOVE
This may not make sense to you for all kinds of meeting situations. But I see it as a way of life. I also believe this: "The most loving decision is usually the most businesslike decision." Even if somebody has to get fired.
***
Friday, June 27, 2008
Learning to Love Evangelicals
Do you think "Evangelical" is a scary word? It actually means a person who finds salvation through the teachings of Jesus, i. e., giving ones self to Christ rather than, or in addition to, just taking the sacraments and doing good works.
The word "evangelical" is NOT synonymous with the "Religious Right."
According to polls taken in the past four years, more than half of all evangelicals have substantial differences with the Religious Right.
A whole new group of evangelical leaders is emerging. One of them is a man from my neighborhood, Joel Hunter. He heads up a remarkable church called Northland and each week preaches to 10,000 people.
Hunter came on the national scene when he was asked to be president of the Christian Coalition. But they soon parted ways citing differences in philosophy and vision.
Since then he's worked with a group of evangelicals and and others to try to establish common ground on polarizing issues such as the role of religion in public life.
He has condemned Bush Administration policies permitting torture and the inhumane treatment of detainees. He's attended the U.S.-Islamic World Forum.
He opposes government coercion on issues of private morality. He has a Biblically consistent pro-life agenda, i.e., one that includes war, poverty and human rights.
Another of the new evangelicals is Rick Warren. In '05 he called upon his huge congregation to support an effort in Rwanda to alleviate hunger, teach literacy and slow the spread of AIDS. His ultimate goal is to enlist Christians worldwide in the struggle against poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Bill Hybels, another evangelical and pastor of the mega church Willow Creek, is fighting AIDs and poverty worldwide.
Warren's been harshly criticized for inviting Barack Obama to an AIDs conference, and Bill Hybels was attacked for asking Jimmy Carter to speak at a conference on leadership.
(By the way, Jimmy Carter IS an evangelical.)
Most evangelicals are willing to work side by side with those of other faiths to do what the Gospel calls them to do.
Most evangelicals are expressing alarm about man-made global warming.
These evangelical leaders haven't endorsed a candidate or a political party. Parishioners are encouraged to make their own decisions.
In a paper called "For the Health of the Nation," they state that evangelicals see it as their duty "never to be completely equated with any party, partisan ideology, economic system or nationality," because that way faith loses its independence.
***
The word "evangelical" is NOT synonymous with the "Religious Right."
According to polls taken in the past four years, more than half of all evangelicals have substantial differences with the Religious Right.
A whole new group of evangelical leaders is emerging. One of them is a man from my neighborhood, Joel Hunter. He heads up a remarkable church called Northland and each week preaches to 10,000 people.
Hunter came on the national scene when he was asked to be president of the Christian Coalition. But they soon parted ways citing differences in philosophy and vision.
Since then he's worked with a group of evangelicals and and others to try to establish common ground on polarizing issues such as the role of religion in public life.
He has condemned Bush Administration policies permitting torture and the inhumane treatment of detainees. He's attended the U.S.-Islamic World Forum.
He opposes government coercion on issues of private morality. He has a Biblically consistent pro-life agenda, i.e., one that includes war, poverty and human rights.
Another of the new evangelicals is Rick Warren. In '05 he called upon his huge congregation to support an effort in Rwanda to alleviate hunger, teach literacy and slow the spread of AIDS. His ultimate goal is to enlist Christians worldwide in the struggle against poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Bill Hybels, another evangelical and pastor of the mega church Willow Creek, is fighting AIDs and poverty worldwide.
Warren's been harshly criticized for inviting Barack Obama to an AIDs conference, and Bill Hybels was attacked for asking Jimmy Carter to speak at a conference on leadership.
(By the way, Jimmy Carter IS an evangelical.)
Most evangelicals are willing to work side by side with those of other faiths to do what the Gospel calls them to do.
Most evangelicals are expressing alarm about man-made global warming.
These evangelical leaders haven't endorsed a candidate or a political party. Parishioners are encouraged to make their own decisions.
In a paper called "For the Health of the Nation," they state that evangelicals see it as their duty "never to be completely equated with any party, partisan ideology, economic system or nationality," because that way faith loses its independence.
***
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
They Could Bring Home the Bacon and Fry It Up in the Pan
Years ago I was asked to design a Bible study that would highlight women in the Bible who, in addition to being wives and mothers, made a difference for good in their world.
Yes, the roles of women were severely restricted. Yes, they were seen as the property of men.
But many of them broke out of the mold anyway.
Following are four of my favorite "take no prisoners" women from the Old Testament. I'm adding the Bible verses so you can look it up if you don't believe me.
Deborah - She was the only female Judge of Israel. Her hobbies were leading armies into battle and writing song lyrics. She told Barak to go to war. He was scared and said "You go with me." She did and they cleaned house.
Jael - (Same story) In the heat of battle, she lured the bad guy into her tent, put him to sleep with some warm milk, and then drove a tent peg through his head. End of battle. End of story. Judges 4 & 5
An interesting aside: When I was traveling in Israel my guide was named Jael. Only in Israel would parents name their little baby girl after this character.
Huldah - Some guys were repairing the Temple when they found an old scroll. What to do? Huldah, a prophet and the only person smart enough to interpret the scroll was called in. She read it, authenticated it and told the king he needed to make some big changes. He did. I Kings 22.
Abigail - She was married to this mean guy who disrespected David. This made him stupid as well. (His name means "fool.") When Abigail got wind of what he'd done she went to David and apologized profusely for her husband, thereby saving his life, her life and the lives of all their servants. When she got back home she told her husband what she'd done. He had a stroke and died. Then she married David. The end. I Samuel 25
***
Yes, the roles of women were severely restricted. Yes, they were seen as the property of men.
But many of them broke out of the mold anyway.
Following are four of my favorite "take no prisoners" women from the Old Testament. I'm adding the Bible verses so you can look it up if you don't believe me.
Deborah - She was the only female Judge of Israel. Her hobbies were leading armies into battle and writing song lyrics. She told Barak to go to war. He was scared and said "You go with me." She did and they cleaned house.
Jael - (Same story) In the heat of battle, she lured the bad guy into her tent, put him to sleep with some warm milk, and then drove a tent peg through his head. End of battle. End of story. Judges 4 & 5
An interesting aside: When I was traveling in Israel my guide was named Jael. Only in Israel would parents name their little baby girl after this character.
Huldah - Some guys were repairing the Temple when they found an old scroll. What to do? Huldah, a prophet and the only person smart enough to interpret the scroll was called in. She read it, authenticated it and told the king he needed to make some big changes. He did. I Kings 22.
Abigail - She was married to this mean guy who disrespected David. This made him stupid as well. (His name means "fool.") When Abigail got wind of what he'd done she went to David and apologized profusely for her husband, thereby saving his life, her life and the lives of all their servants. When she got back home she told her husband what she'd done. He had a stroke and died. Then she married David. The end. I Samuel 25
***
He is My...BOYFRIEND!
I've had a good bit of feedback from the "Movie Quotes I Like" posting. Seems everybody has their favorite movie lines. They've reminded me of many more that I like.
One of my favorite movies is Mel Brook's 1974 masterpiece "Young Frankenstein." Practically every line in the movie is quotable. But I have a very favorite.
When I started my blog I created names for the people I most often mention. I pondered for a while about what to call this very special man who's come into my life at this late date. I searched for a word that would connote the deep, deep feelings I have for him. It's hard for me because I'm not a romantic, mushy person.
Then I thought of my favorite line from "Young Frankenstein."
Young Dr. Frankenstein is having a conversation with the ancient, crazy housekeeper, Frau Blucher, played by Cloris Leachman. He discovers that his grandfather (the real Dr. Frankenstein) and Frau Blucher had been lovers.
Young Dr. F: Then you and Victor were...
Frau Blucher: YES, YES, say it. He vas my...BOYFRIEND!
***
One of my favorite movies is Mel Brook's 1974 masterpiece "Young Frankenstein." Practically every line in the movie is quotable. But I have a very favorite.
When I started my blog I created names for the people I most often mention. I pondered for a while about what to call this very special man who's come into my life at this late date. I searched for a word that would connote the deep, deep feelings I have for him. It's hard for me because I'm not a romantic, mushy person.
Then I thought of my favorite line from "Young Frankenstein."
Young Dr. Frankenstein is having a conversation with the ancient, crazy housekeeper, Frau Blucher, played by Cloris Leachman. He discovers that his grandfather (the real Dr. Frankenstein) and Frau Blucher had been lovers.
Young Dr. F: Then you and Victor were...
Frau Blucher: YES, YES, say it. He vas my...BOYFRIEND!
***
Monday, June 23, 2008
Running Shoes
I was a runner. I didn't run far and I didn't run fast but I ran for a very long time.
I got a lot of grief from people about my shoes.
I ran in Keds.
When the fancy new running shoes started coming out I tried them but they were way too heavy. By the time the lighter weight ones arrived I was too much in love with my Keds.
And, the more expensive athletic shoes became mandatory, the more I resisted. I used to remind people that, from the beginning of history - up to a couple of hundred years ago - we ran in our bare feet.
For about six months in the 90s I was a consultant for a man who owned nine athletic shoe stores. I taught him some things about how to treat his managers but I learned a lot too. New shoes come out every six months. High school kids have to have the latest. It's one thing to be killed for your shoes in a war torn country but it's astounding that it's fairly common in some areas of this country for a pair of Air Jordans.
Yes, I do understand the allure of the label. After all, I love my Chuck's.
But now today, of all things, I read in the paper that a growing number of runners are shedding their shoes and running barefoot!
Some experts are saying that it's a myth that cushioning in shoes is always better. That it's all about marketing! (The result of which has been shoes with gel pockets, air pumps and computer chips.) But for some runners they produce an unnatural gait where the heel, not the forefoot, absorbs the impact.
It's nice to be vindicated after all of these years but I would never run barefoot - except on the beach.
I'll stick to my lightweight, canvas tennies.
***
I got a lot of grief from people about my shoes.
I ran in Keds.
When the fancy new running shoes started coming out I tried them but they were way too heavy. By the time the lighter weight ones arrived I was too much in love with my Keds.
And, the more expensive athletic shoes became mandatory, the more I resisted. I used to remind people that, from the beginning of history - up to a couple of hundred years ago - we ran in our bare feet.
For about six months in the 90s I was a consultant for a man who owned nine athletic shoe stores. I taught him some things about how to treat his managers but I learned a lot too. New shoes come out every six months. High school kids have to have the latest. It's one thing to be killed for your shoes in a war torn country but it's astounding that it's fairly common in some areas of this country for a pair of Air Jordans.
Yes, I do understand the allure of the label. After all, I love my Chuck's.
But now today, of all things, I read in the paper that a growing number of runners are shedding their shoes and running barefoot!
Some experts are saying that it's a myth that cushioning in shoes is always better. That it's all about marketing! (The result of which has been shoes with gel pockets, air pumps and computer chips.) But for some runners they produce an unnatural gait where the heel, not the forefoot, absorbs the impact.
It's nice to be vindicated after all of these years but I would never run barefoot - except on the beach.
I'll stick to my lightweight, canvas tennies.
***
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Movie Quotes I Like
As you know, I love movies. There are endless numbers of movie quotes on line. I quote movies all the time when I'm at a loss for words. Here are just a few that I like - from movies I've seen.
My son knows the entire dialogue for "Blazing Saddles" (as do a number of men his age.) By the way, yes, he does have a job. A quote that comes in handy from "Blazing Saddles" when you're questioned about some decisions that have gone awry is,
"Mongo only pawn in game of life."
I like several quotes from "Fried Green Tomatoes." One of my favorites is when Kathy Bates has been taunted in the grocery store parking lot by some young skinny babes and she finally rams her car into theirs and yells,
"Face it girls, I'm older and I have more insurance."
My very favorite movie line is from "The Bill Chill." Jeff Goldblum says to his friend when she expresses concern that nobody will show up at her funeral,
"I'll come and I'll bring a date."
I've used the line many times to bring a little levity to the funeral situation. It's even more apropos now that I have a date to bring.
The two most quoted movie actors are Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The line of Clint's that I've used the most is,
"Do you feel lucky? Do you?"
That's not exactly the right quote but that's how I use it. Clint adds the word "punk."
My favorite Arnold quote is from "Kindergarten Cop."
"I have a headache."
Little kid says "Maybe it's a brain tumor."
(This is the quote I use.) "It's NOT a TUMuur."
A few years back I was listening to a friend of mine, a very prestigious professor, give his farewell speech. It was dry and scholarly. Besides that he has a heavy spanish accent. As he wrapped it up he said that he'd close, using both of his favorite languages, by quoting a famous immigrant who'd done well in politics. And he did by saying.
"Hasta Lavesta Baby."
***
My son knows the entire dialogue for "Blazing Saddles" (as do a number of men his age.) By the way, yes, he does have a job. A quote that comes in handy from "Blazing Saddles" when you're questioned about some decisions that have gone awry is,
"Mongo only pawn in game of life."
I like several quotes from "Fried Green Tomatoes." One of my favorites is when Kathy Bates has been taunted in the grocery store parking lot by some young skinny babes and she finally rams her car into theirs and yells,
"Face it girls, I'm older and I have more insurance."
My very favorite movie line is from "The Bill Chill." Jeff Goldblum says to his friend when she expresses concern that nobody will show up at her funeral,
"I'll come and I'll bring a date."
I've used the line many times to bring a little levity to the funeral situation. It's even more apropos now that I have a date to bring.
The two most quoted movie actors are Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The line of Clint's that I've used the most is,
"Do you feel lucky? Do you?"
That's not exactly the right quote but that's how I use it. Clint adds the word "punk."
My favorite Arnold quote is from "Kindergarten Cop."
"I have a headache."
Little kid says "Maybe it's a brain tumor."
(This is the quote I use.) "It's NOT a TUMuur."
A few years back I was listening to a friend of mine, a very prestigious professor, give his farewell speech. It was dry and scholarly. Besides that he has a heavy spanish accent. As he wrapped it up he said that he'd close, using both of his favorite languages, by quoting a famous immigrant who'd done well in politics. And he did by saying.
"Hasta Lavesta Baby."
***
Friday, June 20, 2008
Inspired by God
For many years I taught a popular class for adults called "Learning to Read the Bible." It wasn't a Bible study. It was "tips" on how to make reading the Bible easier. It's like "the lounge act before the big room." (A Vegas term.)
One of the questions we discussed was "What does the term 'Inspired by God' mean to you?"
Christians and Jews (and Muslims to a point) are supposed to believe that the Bible (for Christians all 66 books of the Bible) is "Inspired by God."
So it's important to know what that means.
I think it's a personal question.
in 1670 Spinoza was excommunicated from the Jewish faith because he published a paper saying the Bible should be interpreted as a document produced by human beings.
Well, yeah, it was. But billions of people believe that these human beings were inspired by God. What does that mean?
Were all great writers and artists inspired by God? How about Shakespeare, Mozart or the Beatles?
If so, then how is the Bible different? Maybe you believe that the Bible is the "infallible" word of God. What does that mean?
I have the answer for me but I don't have the answer for you. You have to decide. When you do it makes reading the Bible much more fun.
I hope you find a loving, kind, nonjudgmental group of people to help you ponder the question.
***
One of the questions we discussed was "What does the term 'Inspired by God' mean to you?"
Christians and Jews (and Muslims to a point) are supposed to believe that the Bible (for Christians all 66 books of the Bible) is "Inspired by God."
So it's important to know what that means.
I think it's a personal question.
in 1670 Spinoza was excommunicated from the Jewish faith because he published a paper saying the Bible should be interpreted as a document produced by human beings.
Well, yeah, it was. But billions of people believe that these human beings were inspired by God. What does that mean?
Were all great writers and artists inspired by God? How about Shakespeare, Mozart or the Beatles?
If so, then how is the Bible different? Maybe you believe that the Bible is the "infallible" word of God. What does that mean?
I have the answer for me but I don't have the answer for you. You have to decide. When you do it makes reading the Bible much more fun.
I hope you find a loving, kind, nonjudgmental group of people to help you ponder the question.
***
Michaelangelo's David
Despite being the subject of some bad jokes and questionable ads, Michaelangelo's David is considered to be the most superb masterpiece of the High Renaissance. Michaelangelo was originally hired to sculpt it for the facade of the cathedral in Florence. But when he completed it in 1504 , it was considered too extraordinary to be placed high up on the church where it could not be seen. Today it's displayed in the Galleria deli'Accademia. I hope to see it in person someday.
In 1991 a deranged painter attacked it with a hammer, breaking one of David's toes.
A decade before that I was in my kitchen baking a pie when I had a phone call from the mother of a friend of one of my children. He had told her (and I quote) "Mrs. C has a book on her coffee table with pictures of naked men in it."
Now, mind you, besides having my own precarious consulting career, I was the wife of the minister of the Methodist church. What did I do? I laughed and apologized, saying that her son was right but that it was a book of the works of Michaelangeo - with David on the front.
She replied, "Who?"
***
In 1991 a deranged painter attacked it with a hammer, breaking one of David's toes.
A decade before that I was in my kitchen baking a pie when I had a phone call from the mother of a friend of one of my children. He had told her (and I quote) "Mrs. C has a book on her coffee table with pictures of naked men in it."
Now, mind you, besides having my own precarious consulting career, I was the wife of the minister of the Methodist church. What did I do? I laughed and apologized, saying that her son was right but that it was a book of the works of Michaelangeo - with David on the front.
She replied, "Who?"
***
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Feeding the Homeless
A couple of times a year I help feed the homeless in my city. It's no big deal to them that I do this - there are hundreds of volunteers - but it's a very big deal for me.
It's rewarding and humbling.
In my last posting I wrote about the New Yorker article by Ian Frazier called "Hungry Minds." (May 26th issue.) He writes about holding writing workshops at a soup kitchen in The Church of the Holy Apostles in Manhattan.
This soup kitchen's first day was in 1982 when they served about 35 meals. Now they serve hundreds and hundreds. Every day. It takes hundreds more dedicated volunteers to pull this off.
Some cook, some serve, some keep order. From time to time some politicians stop by to serve - and have a photo op. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, who live in the area (Chelsea) have volunteered. Frazier, talking about the people who help keep order when (daily) fights break out, says of them,
"They step between the arguers, they remonstrate with them quietly, and soon the shouting dies down. The way they are completely firm and at the same time completely kind should be studied in the U.N."
It also should be studied by some parents.
When asked why they continue to do this day after day one of the pastors said, "Well, we do this because Jesus said to feed the hungry. There's no more to it than that. Jesus told us to take care of the poor and the hungry and those in prison."
***
It's rewarding and humbling.
In my last posting I wrote about the New Yorker article by Ian Frazier called "Hungry Minds." (May 26th issue.) He writes about holding writing workshops at a soup kitchen in The Church of the Holy Apostles in Manhattan.
This soup kitchen's first day was in 1982 when they served about 35 meals. Now they serve hundreds and hundreds. Every day. It takes hundreds more dedicated volunteers to pull this off.
Some cook, some serve, some keep order. From time to time some politicians stop by to serve - and have a photo op. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, who live in the area (Chelsea) have volunteered. Frazier, talking about the people who help keep order when (daily) fights break out, says of them,
"They step between the arguers, they remonstrate with them quietly, and soon the shouting dies down. The way they are completely firm and at the same time completely kind should be studied in the U.N."
It also should be studied by some parents.
When asked why they continue to do this day after day one of the pastors said, "Well, we do this because Jesus said to feed the hungry. There's no more to it than that. Jesus told us to take care of the poor and the hungry and those in prison."
***
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Writing Workshops
Over the years, from time to time, I've taught writing workshops. My close friend, a consultant with expertise in many areas, is my favorite writing teacher. He can always pull stories out of me.
In the May 26th issue of the New Yorker Magazine there's a remarkable article by a man named Ian Frazier who taught writing workshops for homeless people for 14 years. He started by stationing himself outside a soup kitchen in an Episcopal church in Manhattan, Many of his homeless students have had their work published.
Following are some of the people he encountered:
- A scary looking man in a hooded sweatshirt, seeing Frazier stationed outside the soup kitchen said, "Uh-uh, I ain't doin' no writer's workshop. I done that before." Turns out he had taken a writing class from John Cleever - that's JOHN CLEEVER - at the prison in Ossining. (John Cleever later wrote a No. 1 best-seller about the prison.)
- Sundance, a hobo, wrote about etiquette in hobo camps.
- Jay, a soup kitchen volunteer wrote interestingly about the history of the neighborhood, Chelsea.
- Donald wrote a book-length memoir about being homeless - and an article that was published on the Op-Ed page of the Times.
- William wrote about an intergalactic battle among God, various super-heroes, and the Alcoholics Anonymous Higher Power.
- Norm wrote a poem entitled, "On Achieving Section 8 Housing."
- Jeff disappeared one year and returned the next saying that he had been traveling internationally as a player on a homeless men's soccer team. (A claim that turned out to be true.)
Some of the best topics were "How I Came to New York," "The Other Me,"" "Shoes," and "My Best Mistake." Some topics had to be retired like "My First Love." It was producing too many wrenching tales of first encounters with drugs and alcohol.
All of us writers know that the # 1 rule is "Write about what you know."
***
In the May 26th issue of the New Yorker Magazine there's a remarkable article by a man named Ian Frazier who taught writing workshops for homeless people for 14 years. He started by stationing himself outside a soup kitchen in an Episcopal church in Manhattan, Many of his homeless students have had their work published.
Following are some of the people he encountered:
- A scary looking man in a hooded sweatshirt, seeing Frazier stationed outside the soup kitchen said, "Uh-uh, I ain't doin' no writer's workshop. I done that before." Turns out he had taken a writing class from John Cleever - that's JOHN CLEEVER - at the prison in Ossining. (John Cleever later wrote a No. 1 best-seller about the prison.)
- Sundance, a hobo, wrote about etiquette in hobo camps.
- Jay, a soup kitchen volunteer wrote interestingly about the history of the neighborhood, Chelsea.
- Donald wrote a book-length memoir about being homeless - and an article that was published on the Op-Ed page of the Times.
- William wrote about an intergalactic battle among God, various super-heroes, and the Alcoholics Anonymous Higher Power.
- Norm wrote a poem entitled, "On Achieving Section 8 Housing."
- Jeff disappeared one year and returned the next saying that he had been traveling internationally as a player on a homeless men's soccer team. (A claim that turned out to be true.)
Some of the best topics were "How I Came to New York," "The Other Me,"" "Shoes," and "My Best Mistake." Some topics had to be retired like "My First Love." It was producing too many wrenching tales of first encounters with drugs and alcohol.
All of us writers know that the # 1 rule is "Write about what you know."
***
Monday, June 16, 2008
Terrorist Alert
A few days ago Barack Obama was in St. Paul giving his victory speech. Just prior to going on stage he and Michelle were seen exchanging a little "dap," a kind of knuckle/fish hand touching. Most people saw it as an endearing sign of affection between spouses.
But, luckily, a person at Fox News recognized it for what it could be: a terrorist "fist Jab."
Don't laugh. We're well aware that Rachel Ray caused a major firestorm a while back when she wore a "Muslim terrorist" neck scarf in a Dunkin' Donuts commercial. As of today we still don't know which ones are the terrorists, Rachel or Dunkin' Donuts. But, thank goodness, the ad's been pulled.
Now I must confess that, many years ago, our family had a secret sign. My Real Husband developed it. He put the back of his hand under his chin, fingers facing out, and waved his fingers. We would return the sign.
Sometimes when he was sitting on a dais or was at a podium with thousands of people in the room, he would barely brush his hand to his chin, and fingers barely fluttered, but we knew the sign, and would return it.
We still do it sometimes in his memory.
So if you should see me at an airport leaving an SUV full of gorgeous kids and their parents and we're all wiggling our fingers under our chins, please know, we're not terrorists.
But, still, I always suspected there was something up with Carol Bernett doing the ear pulling all those years!
***
But, luckily, a person at Fox News recognized it for what it could be: a terrorist "fist Jab."
Don't laugh. We're well aware that Rachel Ray caused a major firestorm a while back when she wore a "Muslim terrorist" neck scarf in a Dunkin' Donuts commercial. As of today we still don't know which ones are the terrorists, Rachel or Dunkin' Donuts. But, thank goodness, the ad's been pulled.
Now I must confess that, many years ago, our family had a secret sign. My Real Husband developed it. He put the back of his hand under his chin, fingers facing out, and waved his fingers. We would return the sign.
Sometimes when he was sitting on a dais or was at a podium with thousands of people in the room, he would barely brush his hand to his chin, and fingers barely fluttered, but we knew the sign, and would return it.
We still do it sometimes in his memory.
So if you should see me at an airport leaving an SUV full of gorgeous kids and their parents and we're all wiggling our fingers under our chins, please know, we're not terrorists.
But, still, I always suspected there was something up with Carol Bernett doing the ear pulling all those years!
***
What You May Know But I Didn't Know About Toronto
My Boyfriend and I just spent 4 days in Toronto. What a city! Almost 5 million people! Very multicultural. It's the entertainment, financial and banking capital of Canada.
It's full of sky scrapers. (I was a rubber necker.) The CN Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the world.
And, like Chicago, it has a beach. Right downtown. It's on Lake Ontario, the coldest of the great lakes. We had lunch in one of the many outdoor restaurants facing the lake - and nearly froze. The next day we spent the afternoon with my Boyfriend's children in China Town. We sat in the park and ate lunch from a Chinese bakery.
We were all there to take part in my Boyfriend's mother-in-law's memorial service. She was 98 when she died. She outlived her husband and her children. Not something any of us would want to do.
My Boyfriend spoke at the service and told some funny, sweet stories. For instance when she was 95 and still living in her high rise apartment in downtown Toronto, there was a man riding up and down in the elevator with his iguana wrapped around his neck.
She was quoted in the paper as saying "I don't like it one bit. Iguanas belong in the Galapagos Islands, not in an elevator in Toronto."
***
It's full of sky scrapers. (I was a rubber necker.) The CN Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the world.
And, like Chicago, it has a beach. Right downtown. It's on Lake Ontario, the coldest of the great lakes. We had lunch in one of the many outdoor restaurants facing the lake - and nearly froze. The next day we spent the afternoon with my Boyfriend's children in China Town. We sat in the park and ate lunch from a Chinese bakery.
We were all there to take part in my Boyfriend's mother-in-law's memorial service. She was 98 when she died. She outlived her husband and her children. Not something any of us would want to do.
My Boyfriend spoke at the service and told some funny, sweet stories. For instance when she was 95 and still living in her high rise apartment in downtown Toronto, there was a man riding up and down in the elevator with his iguana wrapped around his neck.
She was quoted in the paper as saying "I don't like it one bit. Iguanas belong in the Galapagos Islands, not in an elevator in Toronto."
***
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Symbols
Last week, here in the northland, three senior high school boys were not allowed to graduate with their class because they, among other things, flew a confederate flag on the school grounds.
They said they didn't mean anything bad by it. They just wanted to be like those guys on "The Dukes of Hazard."
One commentator, reminding us that "The Dukes Hazard" TV show ended 20 years ago, said that it would be the same kind of excuse if they said they were influenced by "The Mary Tyler Moore" show.
Symbols remind us of something. In the South where I live the confederate flag is a volatile symbol. It reminds us, among other things, of a war where brother fought brother, slavery, and a separation from African Americans and Northerners. It's offensive and hurtful to most people.
I hope this is not what these young men had in mind. I hope it was just a prank and that they've learned something.
But I doubt that they were jeopardizing their graduation in order to emulate the Dukes of Hazard.
***
They said they didn't mean anything bad by it. They just wanted to be like those guys on "The Dukes of Hazard."
One commentator, reminding us that "The Dukes Hazard" TV show ended 20 years ago, said that it would be the same kind of excuse if they said they were influenced by "The Mary Tyler Moore" show.
Symbols remind us of something. In the South where I live the confederate flag is a volatile symbol. It reminds us, among other things, of a war where brother fought brother, slavery, and a separation from African Americans and Northerners. It's offensive and hurtful to most people.
I hope this is not what these young men had in mind. I hope it was just a prank and that they've learned something.
But I doubt that they were jeopardizing their graduation in order to emulate the Dukes of Hazard.
***
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
My Glass Menagerie
In the 70s I was part of a little theater group in South Florida. I didn't do any acting. In this venue we presented well known plays, then divided the audience into groups to discuss what they'd just seen. I led some of the discussion groups.
I became friends with a man who was the theater critic for the Miami Herald at the time. He was part of this group as well. Always an avid reader, I was fascinated with the southern writers. I was especially interested in their handle on human nature and their ability to delve into it and write about it.
But I was puzzled with how these writers knew so much about us and how we mess up our lives and, yet, their own lives seemed to be pretty messed up most of the time.
My friend, the theater critic, said to me one evening, "Just because they understand and can write about what it means to be whole and healthy doesn't mean they can do it." That stuck with me.
We did Tennessee Williams, "The Glass Menagerie." This was Williams heavily autobiographical story about a dysfunctional family - an overbearing mother, a jaded son (Williams) and a lonely daughter with serious emotional issues.
My friend suggested that I try out for the part of the daughter. I told him I wasn't an actress and couldn't possibly get the part. He said, "Maybe you can't act but I think you're a lot like this person. Just be yourself."
I didn't try out for the part but I thought long and hard about what he was telling me.
I became friends with a man who was the theater critic for the Miami Herald at the time. He was part of this group as well. Always an avid reader, I was fascinated with the southern writers. I was especially interested in their handle on human nature and their ability to delve into it and write about it.
But I was puzzled with how these writers knew so much about us and how we mess up our lives and, yet, their own lives seemed to be pretty messed up most of the time.
My friend, the theater critic, said to me one evening, "Just because they understand and can write about what it means to be whole and healthy doesn't mean they can do it." That stuck with me.
We did Tennessee Williams, "The Glass Menagerie." This was Williams heavily autobiographical story about a dysfunctional family - an overbearing mother, a jaded son (Williams) and a lonely daughter with serious emotional issues.
My friend suggested that I try out for the part of the daughter. I told him I wasn't an actress and couldn't possibly get the part. He said, "Maybe you can't act but I think you're a lot like this person. Just be yourself."
I didn't try out for the part but I thought long and hard about what he was telling me.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Rich Ministers
Last night "60 Minutes" featured a story on the evangelist, Joel O'Steen. Some say he's America's most popular preacher.
He preaches America's most popular theology.
Prosperity Theology.
I know the Bible pretty well and, as much as I'd like to think that God wants me to be rich, I just don't see it in there. I see giving and sacrifice and caring for the poor. I see joy in all kinds of circumstances and ways to find meaning in life. I see overpowering love.
Most of the people who've made great positive changes in the world haven't been rich. Moses, Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few.
The New Testament makes it pretty clear that a lot of rich people are going to have a tough time getting into heaven. It has something to do with how we handle our resources while we're here, namely sharing them with others.
I have an especially tough time with rich ministers.
I have an especially tough time with ministers who get rich from the gifts of their parishioners.
I have an especially tough time with rich ministers who preach "Prosperity Theology."
***
He preaches America's most popular theology.
Prosperity Theology.
I know the Bible pretty well and, as much as I'd like to think that God wants me to be rich, I just don't see it in there. I see giving and sacrifice and caring for the poor. I see joy in all kinds of circumstances and ways to find meaning in life. I see overpowering love.
Most of the people who've made great positive changes in the world haven't been rich. Moses, Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few.
The New Testament makes it pretty clear that a lot of rich people are going to have a tough time getting into heaven. It has something to do with how we handle our resources while we're here, namely sharing them with others.
I have an especially tough time with rich ministers.
I have an especially tough time with ministers who get rich from the gifts of their parishioners.
I have an especially tough time with rich ministers who preach "Prosperity Theology."
***
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Indiana Jones Is 65 and Still Cute as the Dickens
Saturday night my Boyfriend and I saw "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." When I say "night" I mean we saw it at 4:15 P.M. But we had to pay full price at the theater because AMC considers any movie showing after 4:00 P.M. to be "nighttime."
I had heard everything you've heard about this movie. That the last third is slow, that it isn't as funny as the others, etc.
I've enjoyed all of the other Indiana Jones movies because I think they're wonderful, playful, funny, good vs. evil, adventure stories.
I enjoyed every minute of this one as well.
Harrison Ford still has his quirky smile and is still impatient and bored (and certainly not frightened) by the bad guys.
We all know that the only thing that scares Indy is snakes.
I love the photography and the background in these movies. I especially like the stuff on Indy's desk and the way his apartment is decorated.
The are loads of very funny lines in the movie.
"Indy, don't you know it's dangerous to get into refrigerators?"
In the warehouse scene did I get a glimpse of the Ark?
Cate Blanchett is one cool lady. She gets beaten up numerous times and her hair never moves.
Shia LaBeouf (whom I never heard of) is cute in that 50's way.
Karen Allen plays the same part she played 30 years ago and plays it well. She is Indy's equal - and doesn't let him forget it. She's an excellent driver.
Go see this movie. You'll laugh. You'll be breathless when the action gets going. Harrison, George and Steven aren't getting any younger. They may not have another "Indiana Jones" in them.
Although the hat tells us different!
***
I had heard everything you've heard about this movie. That the last third is slow, that it isn't as funny as the others, etc.
I've enjoyed all of the other Indiana Jones movies because I think they're wonderful, playful, funny, good vs. evil, adventure stories.
I enjoyed every minute of this one as well.
Harrison Ford still has his quirky smile and is still impatient and bored (and certainly not frightened) by the bad guys.
We all know that the only thing that scares Indy is snakes.
I love the photography and the background in these movies. I especially like the stuff on Indy's desk and the way his apartment is decorated.
The are loads of very funny lines in the movie.
"Indy, don't you know it's dangerous to get into refrigerators?"
In the warehouse scene did I get a glimpse of the Ark?
Cate Blanchett is one cool lady. She gets beaten up numerous times and her hair never moves.
Shia LaBeouf (whom I never heard of) is cute in that 50's way.
Karen Allen plays the same part she played 30 years ago and plays it well. She is Indy's equal - and doesn't let him forget it. She's an excellent driver.
Go see this movie. You'll laugh. You'll be breathless when the action gets going. Harrison, George and Steven aren't getting any younger. They may not have another "Indiana Jones" in them.
Although the hat tells us different!
***
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Aging Rock Stars
Madonna will turn 50 years old on August 16th. At this age that super sexual image she portrays seems a little scary.
Of course they say that 50 is the new 30. If that's the case how old are you when you turn 30? Ten?
Remember when Sean Penn was beating up people who disrespected his wife, Madonna? He has moved on to other places to express his anger.
Following are some other stars (rock and otherwise) who turn 50 this year.
- Michael Jackson will turn 50 on August 29th.
- Prince turns 50 today! (Happy Birthday Purple One. I'm glad your name is no longer a glyph.)
- Kevin Beacon turns 50 on July 8th.
- Shaun Cassidy turns 50 on Sept. 27th (Remember, he's David's little brother.)
- Nancy Grace turns 50 on Oct. 23rd. (Didn't she just have two babies?)
- Ice T turns 50 on Feb. 16th. (I always get him confused with Ice Cube.)
- Jamie Lee Curtis turns 50 on Nov. 22nd. (She looks it and I love the way she looks.)
- Sharon Stone turned 50 on March 10. (Talk about somebody who's scary!)
Of course they say that 50 is the new 30. If that's the case how old are you when you turn 30? Ten?
Remember when Sean Penn was beating up people who disrespected his wife, Madonna? He has moved on to other places to express his anger.
Following are some other stars (rock and otherwise) who turn 50 this year.
- Michael Jackson will turn 50 on August 29th.
- Prince turns 50 today! (Happy Birthday Purple One. I'm glad your name is no longer a glyph.)
- Kevin Beacon turns 50 on July 8th.
- Shaun Cassidy turns 50 on Sept. 27th (Remember, he's David's little brother.)
- Nancy Grace turns 50 on Oct. 23rd. (Didn't she just have two babies?)
- Ice T turns 50 on Feb. 16th. (I always get him confused with Ice Cube.)
- Jamie Lee Curtis turns 50 on Nov. 22nd. (She looks it and I love the way she looks.)
- Sharon Stone turned 50 on March 10. (Talk about somebody who's scary!)
Friday, June 6, 2008
Should Entertainers Lead the Nation?
Here I am in Minnesota reading one of my very favorite newspapers, the StarTribune. Today's front page addresses Al Franken's bid to take the U.S. Senate seat from Norm Coleman.
Don't know who Al Franken is? He's a brilliant writer/performer, best known for his 20 plus years on Saturday Night Live. I especially loved him as Stuart Smalley (not a professional therapist but a member of several 12 step programs.) Also the guy who would report from all over the world with that huge silly satellite contraption on his head.
Franken wrote scores of smart, funny but extremely controversial skits on SNL.
So I'm not surprised to learn that Franken is having problems with his campaign. Even Planned Parenthood is after him for an "entirely inappropriate" article he did on PP in a 2000 issue of Playboy.
In his defense, almost everything he's ever done as a writer/performer has been "entirely inappropriate." That's his whole deal. Anybody who writes books with titles like "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Liar" is going to be controversial.
But in another sense I'm glad that voters are not making it easy for him.
It was interesting that Fred Thompson didn't get far in his bid for the presidency. It didn't take the public long to realize that the D.A, on "Law & Order" and Fred were not the same person.
On the other hand, we've elected entertainers in the past who've done fairly well. Ronald Reagan comes to mind.
Al Franken is smart and extremely entertaining (while being extremely inappropriate) but all of us have to bare the responsibility of our past decision making.
Especially government leaders.
***
Don't know who Al Franken is? He's a brilliant writer/performer, best known for his 20 plus years on Saturday Night Live. I especially loved him as Stuart Smalley (not a professional therapist but a member of several 12 step programs.) Also the guy who would report from all over the world with that huge silly satellite contraption on his head.
Franken wrote scores of smart, funny but extremely controversial skits on SNL.
So I'm not surprised to learn that Franken is having problems with his campaign. Even Planned Parenthood is after him for an "entirely inappropriate" article he did on PP in a 2000 issue of Playboy.
In his defense, almost everything he's ever done as a writer/performer has been "entirely inappropriate." That's his whole deal. Anybody who writes books with titles like "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Liar" is going to be controversial.
But in another sense I'm glad that voters are not making it easy for him.
It was interesting that Fred Thompson didn't get far in his bid for the presidency. It didn't take the public long to realize that the D.A, on "Law & Order" and Fred were not the same person.
On the other hand, we've elected entertainers in the past who've done fairly well. Ronald Reagan comes to mind.
Al Franken is smart and extremely entertaining (while being extremely inappropriate) but all of us have to bare the responsibility of our past decision making.
Especially government leaders.
***
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Leaving On a Jet Plane
In about an hour I'm leaving for the North to spend the summer with my Boyfriend.
We've been apart for a month. In that time we both have accomplished a lot. Now it's time to enjoy the summer.
Over the weekend I had a great time with My Oldies. I'm sure I'll see them again - but when you're dealing with oldies - you never know.
Also caught up with family. I have a BIG ONE.
Yesterday afternoon my Power Rangers came to my house. We talked for hours. One of us just returned from Turkey so we discussed Whirling Dervishes, Turkish Baths and Islam. She had to leave a little early because, last night she was hosting a birthday dinner for her grandson and her dog.
One of us had a colonoscopy this week so we discussed Dave Barry's hysterical article, "The Colossal Colon."
Of course we talked about Hillary, Obama and John. We decided who the V.P. candidates will be.
Now I'm turning another direction. Tonight I'll be 1,600 miles away having pasta and Caesar salad in a neighborhood Italian restaurant - with my Boyfriend.
The condo is closed up and it's time to unplug. When I write again in a couple of days I'll let you know if there's snow on the ground.
My bags are packed,
I'm ready to go.
***
We've been apart for a month. In that time we both have accomplished a lot. Now it's time to enjoy the summer.
Over the weekend I had a great time with My Oldies. I'm sure I'll see them again - but when you're dealing with oldies - you never know.
Also caught up with family. I have a BIG ONE.
Yesterday afternoon my Power Rangers came to my house. We talked for hours. One of us just returned from Turkey so we discussed Whirling Dervishes, Turkish Baths and Islam. She had to leave a little early because, last night she was hosting a birthday dinner for her grandson and her dog.
One of us had a colonoscopy this week so we discussed Dave Barry's hysterical article, "The Colossal Colon."
Of course we talked about Hillary, Obama and John. We decided who the V.P. candidates will be.
Now I'm turning another direction. Tonight I'll be 1,600 miles away having pasta and Caesar salad in a neighborhood Italian restaurant - with my Boyfriend.
The condo is closed up and it's time to unplug. When I write again in a couple of days I'll let you know if there's snow on the ground.
My bags are packed,
I'm ready to go.
***
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Window Seat
On April 24th my Boyfriend and I flew from London to Chicago. I had the window seat. Usually, when we're traveling and sightseeing, he insists that I sit by the window.
Remember the Adam Sandler movie, "The Wedding Singer" where Adam learns that the way to tell if a person loves you is whether or not they offer you the window seat?
After flying about 6 hours (we were sitting on the tarmac at Heathrow for 2 hours so actually 8 hours on the plane) I was uncomfortable and tired.
As you know, I don't sleep.
I noticed the TV monitor on the plane showing us flying over Greenland. I used to get Iceland and Greenland confused. Iceland is actually more hospitable (warmer.)
Greenland is mostly above the arctic circle and mostly frozen - all the time. No use looking out the window I thought, nothing could be seen below the cloud cover and there wouldn't be anything much to see anyway.
But, still, I looked.
What I saw was stunning! The view of Greenland was crystal clear. There were mountains and rivers and icebergs in Baffin Bay. It was all snow covered but so varied in color and form. Mostly shades of blue. I was almost overcome, it was so beautiful.
I was also a little overcome because my Boyfriend insists that I have the window seat.
***
Remember the Adam Sandler movie, "The Wedding Singer" where Adam learns that the way to tell if a person loves you is whether or not they offer you the window seat?
After flying about 6 hours (we were sitting on the tarmac at Heathrow for 2 hours so actually 8 hours on the plane) I was uncomfortable and tired.
As you know, I don't sleep.
I noticed the TV monitor on the plane showing us flying over Greenland. I used to get Iceland and Greenland confused. Iceland is actually more hospitable (warmer.)
Greenland is mostly above the arctic circle and mostly frozen - all the time. No use looking out the window I thought, nothing could be seen below the cloud cover and there wouldn't be anything much to see anyway.
But, still, I looked.
What I saw was stunning! The view of Greenland was crystal clear. There were mountains and rivers and icebergs in Baffin Bay. It was all snow covered but so varied in color and form. Mostly shades of blue. I was almost overcome, it was so beautiful.
I was also a little overcome because my Boyfriend insists that I have the window seat.
***
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