Maureen Dowd's column this morning deals with blue eyed white guys. Over the centuries we've thought that they get all the breaks. But they also get blamed for the problems of the world.
When I was a kid I had a friend named Jimmy who had beautiful blue eyes. He got teased a lot. His nick name was "Jimmy Blue Eyes." I wonder whatever happened to him. I wonder if his eye color was a help or hindrance.
As Maureen quoted this morning, Paul Newman once predicted his epitaph:
Here lies Paul Newman, who died a failure because his eyes turned brown.
He was teasing and, of course, it didn't happen - but he knew the silly power of his baby blues.
Jesus is often depicted with light hair and blue eyes. When he lived on this earth he was a Jew who was born and lived in the middle east. He almost certainly had to be a dark skinned, dark eyed man. But to describe God's physical features is to diminish our concept of God. It's frivolous.
Just as it's frivolous to think that blue eyed, blond, tall males should rule the world.
But let's not hate them just because they have dreamy looks.
***
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Strengths and Weaknesses
There's a continuing battle going on in Texas on how (actually "if") evolution should be taught in the school system. Actually this battle continues in several other states as well, including mine.
The term "strengths and weaknesses" seems innocent but it's the term that keeps coming around as a way to dilute the theory of evolution. It influences how science is taught.
The world wide scientific consensus is that the theory of evolution has no weaknesses. Texas state board of education chairman, Day McLeroy, a self described creationist, says "Scientific consensus means nothing."
Why should you care if you don't live in Texas? Because Texas is where the school books for the nation are published and the state of Texas is their biggest customer.
Why should you care if you don't have children? Because we live in a global village where the United States must continue to produce scientists who can compete with - and work with - the rest of the scientific community.
I certainly don't believe that learning about the universe keeps me from God. In fact, it brings me closer to God.
***
The term "strengths and weaknesses" seems innocent but it's the term that keeps coming around as a way to dilute the theory of evolution. It influences how science is taught.
The world wide scientific consensus is that the theory of evolution has no weaknesses. Texas state board of education chairman, Day McLeroy, a self described creationist, says "Scientific consensus means nothing."
Why should you care if you don't live in Texas? Because Texas is where the school books for the nation are published and the state of Texas is their biggest customer.
Why should you care if you don't have children? Because we live in a global village where the United States must continue to produce scientists who can compete with - and work with - the rest of the scientific community.
I certainly don't believe that learning about the universe keeps me from God. In fact, it brings me closer to God.
***
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Revolutionary Road
We saw this movie on Tuesday at the dollar theater. As you may remember, it's had terrific reviews and has been touted as a very important film. Kate Winslett won golden globes for both this movie and "The Reader." The book it was made from has been seen as a mirror of life in the 1950s.
It was pretty much a bomb at the box office. My guess is because it's really talky, is a real downer and has no car chases.
The Wheelers, April and Frank, are seen as a perfect couple, living on a perfect street with perfect children, etc. They feel superior to all others. But they both feel trapped by their stereotypical rolls and are miserably unhappy.
When the got married they each got a life sentence. So they spend most of the movie trying to destroy themselves and each other. And they pretty much succeed.
I wish that somebody had explained to them that meaning comes from caring for and about other people.
Hello April and Frank! You have two children. Get a clue.
But I do believe that this would be a great movie for groups of couples to watch and discuss. (Be forewarned. It's rated R for good reason.)
But on another note I was sidetracked by the amount of chain smoking and binge drinking.
Do you remember that scene in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" when Robert Redford's afraid to jump off the high cliff into the raging rapids because he can't swim? And Paul Newman laughs out loud and says "Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you!"
When April and Frank were suffering through all this angst and self pity I kept thinking, Don't worry about it, the smokes and booze are gonna kill you!
***
It was pretty much a bomb at the box office. My guess is because it's really talky, is a real downer and has no car chases.
The Wheelers, April and Frank, are seen as a perfect couple, living on a perfect street with perfect children, etc. They feel superior to all others. But they both feel trapped by their stereotypical rolls and are miserably unhappy.
When the got married they each got a life sentence. So they spend most of the movie trying to destroy themselves and each other. And they pretty much succeed.
I wish that somebody had explained to them that meaning comes from caring for and about other people.
Hello April and Frank! You have two children. Get a clue.
But I do believe that this would be a great movie for groups of couples to watch and discuss. (Be forewarned. It's rated R for good reason.)
But on another note I was sidetracked by the amount of chain smoking and binge drinking.
Do you remember that scene in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" when Robert Redford's afraid to jump off the high cliff into the raging rapids because he can't swim? And Paul Newman laughs out loud and says "Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you!"
When April and Frank were suffering through all this angst and self pity I kept thinking, Don't worry about it, the smokes and booze are gonna kill you!
***
Job Layoff
You've probably already heard that gossip columnist, Liz Smith was fired from the New York Post.
It's true. I read about it this morning in Newsweek. How tragic.
No, wait a minute. It's not quite as bad as the guy who's working at Circuit City supporting his family of five. She is 86 years old and rich.
The interview with Liz in this week's issue of Newsweek is funny. First she said she was fired because she didn't reach their standards. But then there was a discussion about whether or not the Times has standards.
When asked if she believes that celebrity culture has changed, Liz said, "Our economic problems have forced us to concentrate on important things."
She might be right but I find that when things are really stressful, watching somebody like Joel on "The Soup" make fun of silly celebs calms me down and makes me laugh.
And reading about 86 years old Liz Smith getting fired from the Times because they didn't agree on "standards" makes me smile as well.
*
It's true. I read about it this morning in Newsweek. How tragic.
No, wait a minute. It's not quite as bad as the guy who's working at Circuit City supporting his family of five. She is 86 years old and rich.
The interview with Liz in this week's issue of Newsweek is funny. First she said she was fired because she didn't reach their standards. But then there was a discussion about whether or not the Times has standards.
When asked if she believes that celebrity culture has changed, Liz said, "Our economic problems have forced us to concentrate on important things."
She might be right but I find that when things are really stressful, watching somebody like Joel on "The Soup" make fun of silly celebs calms me down and makes me laugh.
And reading about 86 years old Liz Smith getting fired from the Times because they didn't agree on "standards" makes me smile as well.
*
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Extreme Moms
We're all following the ongoing saga of Nadya Suleman, aka Octomom. She's the mother of 14 children, including 8 babies.
And there's Angelina Jolie. We keep hearing she has plans for more.
Then there's Michelle Duggar, pictured above, whose 18th child was born a few weeks before Suleman's.
All of these Extreme Moms have different reasons for bringing multiple babies into the world. (Actually we'll have to hand it to Angelina. Some of hers were already here.)
The Duggars are part of an extremely conservative patriarchal religious group called "Quiverfull" that sees any kind of birth control as a form of abortion. The moms are called "maternal missionaries." All of the children are home schooled.
I sincerely hope and pray that all of these multiple sets of children who must share one or two parents get what they need to become fully functional, healthy adults. But I'm nervous for them.
The Quiverfull movement is taken from a couple of verses in the book of Psalms, 127:3-5:
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
Yikes!
***
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Enough Is As Good As a Feast
As you know, I'm in the midst of teaching a class called "Enough - the Joy of Simplicity and Generosity."
I'm also taking the same class on Wednesdays at noon.
But it's very different.
One of the big differences is that the people in my class are older. The people in the Wednesday noon class are mostly younger professionals.
The discussion is very different.
Yesterday the most interesting thing I heard was this quote from Mary Poppins.
Enough is as good as a feast.
In this Wednesday noon class we have lunch. Yesterday we had these delicious giant stacked deli sandwiches as part of a boxed lunch. My boyfriend leaned over and said to me,
"Are you going to eat the other half of your sandwich?"
No, he didn't want it. He wanted to wrap it up for me and save it for dinner. But I declined. Despite the fact that I was stuffed, I ate the other half.
I was pretty miserable for the next couple of hours.
Wish I had listened to the wise young woman who quoted Mary Poppins.
Enough is as good as a feast.
They are words to live by.
***
I'm also taking the same class on Wednesdays at noon.
But it's very different.
One of the big differences is that the people in my class are older. The people in the Wednesday noon class are mostly younger professionals.
The discussion is very different.
Yesterday the most interesting thing I heard was this quote from Mary Poppins.
Enough is as good as a feast.
In this Wednesday noon class we have lunch. Yesterday we had these delicious giant stacked deli sandwiches as part of a boxed lunch. My boyfriend leaned over and said to me,
"Are you going to eat the other half of your sandwich?"
No, he didn't want it. He wanted to wrap it up for me and save it for dinner. But I declined. Despite the fact that I was stuffed, I ate the other half.
I was pretty miserable for the next couple of hours.
Wish I had listened to the wise young woman who quoted Mary Poppins.
Enough is as good as a feast.
They are words to live by.
***
Bill in Space
When the space shuttle went off Sunday night it reminded me of the space program's greatest champion, Senator Bill Nelson. This is a famous picture of Sen. Bill Nelson. It was taken in 1986 when he went into space as a payload specialist on the shuttle Columbia. This copy is dedicated to my husband.
How did we meet Bill Nelson?
Sometime in the 70s when we lived in south Orlando, we looked out the window and saw this nice looking young politician going from door to door in the rain. My husband chased him down and gave him an umbrella.
Years later we were invited to see a movie with him and his lovely wife, Grace. As it turned out they had rented out the theater so we sat with several hundred other friends of Bill to watch one of the most motivating movies I've ever seen, "Chariots of Fire."
I've not always agreed with Bill Nelson's decisions (but I've agreed with most of them.) Most people agree that he's been an excellent public servant in various capacities over the years. About the worst thing I've heard said about him is that he's too low key (boring.)
Here is my favorite Bill Nelson story. The details may not be just right. As you may remember, when the Columbia was ready to descend in 1986, they had to circle the globe for several days and finally landed, unexpectedly, in Texas.
The exhausted astronauts were taken directly from the capsule to a hotel. As Bill told it, he walked into the lobby and asked for his key. The desk clerk asked for a credit card. Standing there in his astronaut coveralls, Bill said he didn't have one.
"I've just been in outer space."
The desk clerk was not impressed.
***
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More on Movies
Several good movies came out in the fall. It's taken us a while but I think we've finally seen all of the ones we want to see. I haven't seen "Benjamin Button" but it's coming to the discount theater soon. The problem is, it exceeds my two-hour-rule so don't know if I can sit through it.
The other one that I was on the fence about was "The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas." I know it's an excellent story but it's very painful to watch holocaust sufferers, especially children. My boyfriend saw it and tells me I need to see it.
By the way, I never rent movies. I like the theater experience.
Last Tuesday we saw the last of our "must sees," "Frost/Nixon."
I was thinking about it today while reading about AIG's big bonus mess and the Madoff mess. We human beings want justice but in lieu of that we'll sometimes settle for an apology.
In 1977 we needed, at least, an apology from President Nixon. It didn't happen.
And then along comes this Party Boy British Talk Show Host named David Frost. Nixon agreed to interviews because he wanted the money - and his prestige back. He had no intention of apologizing or even admitting wrong doing.
But he did.
And it helped heal the country.
Frost/Nixon was not the most entertaining movie I've ever seen. It's a movie made from a play made from a TV interview. But for those of us who lived through the Watergate experience, it's well worth seeing how it culminated.
Don't you think it's interesting that, since that time, every Washington scandal has the word "Gate" attached to it?
***
The other one that I was on the fence about was "The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas." I know it's an excellent story but it's very painful to watch holocaust sufferers, especially children. My boyfriend saw it and tells me I need to see it.
By the way, I never rent movies. I like the theater experience.
Last Tuesday we saw the last of our "must sees," "Frost/Nixon."
I was thinking about it today while reading about AIG's big bonus mess and the Madoff mess. We human beings want justice but in lieu of that we'll sometimes settle for an apology.
In 1977 we needed, at least, an apology from President Nixon. It didn't happen.
And then along comes this Party Boy British Talk Show Host named David Frost. Nixon agreed to interviews because he wanted the money - and his prestige back. He had no intention of apologizing or even admitting wrong doing.
But he did.
And it helped heal the country.
Frost/Nixon was not the most entertaining movie I've ever seen. It's a movie made from a play made from a TV interview. But for those of us who lived through the Watergate experience, it's well worth seeing how it culminated.
Don't you think it's interesting that, since that time, every Washington scandal has the word "Gate" attached to it?
***
Monday, March 16, 2009
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. We spent a few days in Cork, Ireland last spring and saw a lot of St. Pat statues. He was a great man but he didn't do all of the things we hear about on his day.
For instance, there are still snakes in Ireland.
When my kids were growing up we celebrated everything. Like good grades (and bad grades if we really tried our best) and every holiday, large or small. Around St. Patrick's day we sometimes went to the Irish Store. Everything in the store is green and Irish. I still have several "Kiss Me I'm Irish" buttons from the store.
At meal time we got out the green food coloring and went crazy. Of course the mashed potatoes were green but sometimes the corned beef and sauerkraut as well.
St. Patrick's Day is a fun day. Some people like to drink a lot green beer and pick fights with the Scots. But you can have fun even if you don't.
Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. Have some good clean green fun.
***
Changing Attitudes
Last week, in the class I'm teaching, I gave some homework assignments. A couple of them were:
- Read something positive every day.
- No matter what your financial circumstances are, have fun without spending (much) money.
- Admire something somebody else has. Don't covet it. Just enjoy it.
I had the opportunity to do the all of these during the week. My boyfriend and I visited a close friend of his for a few days at his high rise condo on the beach. Do you know how to tell if you're entering a swanky apartment? Double doors. His unit covers the width of the building. You could play football in the living room. This couple (she was not there) is in no way pretentious. They're kind and gracious people who happen to have a really cool place and love to share it with friends.
So we had a great visit and I was able to admire the surroundings without burning with envy.
We had class again last night. We closed early so that whoever wanted to could walk the two blocks (with us) to the park where the Orlando Philharmonic was doing their annual show, "Hooray for Hollywood."
It was great and it was free. But we're sending them a donation.
***
- Read something positive every day.
- No matter what your financial circumstances are, have fun without spending (much) money.
- Admire something somebody else has. Don't covet it. Just enjoy it.
I had the opportunity to do the all of these during the week. My boyfriend and I visited a close friend of his for a few days at his high rise condo on the beach. Do you know how to tell if you're entering a swanky apartment? Double doors. His unit covers the width of the building. You could play football in the living room. This couple (she was not there) is in no way pretentious. They're kind and gracious people who happen to have a really cool place and love to share it with friends.
So we had a great visit and I was able to admire the surroundings without burning with envy.
We had class again last night. We closed early so that whoever wanted to could walk the two blocks (with us) to the park where the Orlando Philharmonic was doing their annual show, "Hooray for Hollywood."
It was great and it was free. But we're sending them a donation.
***
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Life is About Balance
We're hearing everyday about how we've overspent and helped caused this mess. I'm currently teaching a class on the subject - but we're trying to stay positive.
The other side of spending everything you have, plus everything your kids and grand kids might have in the future - is this concept of never spending any money whatsoever.
I've know a couple of these people and we read about them from time to time. They live miserly and miserable lives and then die and leave piles of money to others who DON'T live miserly and miserable lives. So what's the point?
Yesterday's paper had an article about a man named Bruce Lindsay who ate almost all of his meals at the cafeteria at tiny Vanguard University. In the mornings he stopped by the bank for a free cup of coffee, then breakfast at the cafe where he snatched some fruit for lunch, then to the library where he read free newspapers, then back to the cafe for dinner. This routine lasted for years.
At some point the school gave him the honorary title "student advocate." His pay was - free food.
He died recently at age 79. He left many millions of dollars to the school. That's a wonderful thing.
Apparently he was a real blessing to the students while he was still alive and that's good.
But I doubt that those who administer the millions of dollars he left will live miserly and miserable lives. They will spend and invest the money in responsible ways.
Life is about balance.
No matter your current circumstances, I hope you're having fun and counting your blessings every day. And spending a little bit of money on yourself.
***
The other side of spending everything you have, plus everything your kids and grand kids might have in the future - is this concept of never spending any money whatsoever.
I've know a couple of these people and we read about them from time to time. They live miserly and miserable lives and then die and leave piles of money to others who DON'T live miserly and miserable lives. So what's the point?
Yesterday's paper had an article about a man named Bruce Lindsay who ate almost all of his meals at the cafeteria at tiny Vanguard University. In the mornings he stopped by the bank for a free cup of coffee, then breakfast at the cafe where he snatched some fruit for lunch, then to the library where he read free newspapers, then back to the cafe for dinner. This routine lasted for years.
At some point the school gave him the honorary title "student advocate." His pay was - free food.
He died recently at age 79. He left many millions of dollars to the school. That's a wonderful thing.
Apparently he was a real blessing to the students while he was still alive and that's good.
But I doubt that those who administer the millions of dollars he left will live miserly and miserable lives. They will spend and invest the money in responsible ways.
Life is about balance.
No matter your current circumstances, I hope you're having fun and counting your blessings every day. And spending a little bit of money on yourself.
***
Monday, March 9, 2009
Calvin and Hobbes
My minister mentioned Calvin and Hobbes in his sermon yesterday. Why would he mention cartoon characters?
Oh, they are so much more.
Over the years they've given me some of my best insights into human behavior.
There is no way to properly describe them. You need to go to the bookstore and thumb through some of their books.
Calvin is a little six year old kid with a big mouth. He's rude, selfish and routinely gets himself into terrible messes. Like when he ties up the babysitter.
Hobbes is his stuffed tiger. He's smart, sardonic and is unfazed by Calvin's attics.
But we must remember that Hobbes and Calvin are two sides of the same personality!
Their creator, Bill Watterson, named Calvin after the 16th century French Reformation Theologian John Calvin. Hobbes is named after 17th century political philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
A card board box plays into their daily lives. It's many things but my favorite two are:
A Transmogrifier. Or, turned over, a Time Machine.
Following are some Calvin and Hobbes quotes:
When Hobbes isn't feeling well Calvin says: It's psychosomatic. You need a lobotomy. I'll get a saw.
Calvin to his teacher: I understand my tests are popular reading in the teachers lounge.
Below are a few to help us understand our current worldwide situation.
Calvin: Do you believe in the Devil? You know, a supreme evil being dedicated to the painful corruption and destruction of man?
Hobbes: I'm not sure that man needs the help.
Life's disappointments are hard to take when you don't know any swear words.
You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky underpants don't help.
***
Oh, they are so much more.
Over the years they've given me some of my best insights into human behavior.
There is no way to properly describe them. You need to go to the bookstore and thumb through some of their books.
Calvin is a little six year old kid with a big mouth. He's rude, selfish and routinely gets himself into terrible messes. Like when he ties up the babysitter.
Hobbes is his stuffed tiger. He's smart, sardonic and is unfazed by Calvin's attics.
But we must remember that Hobbes and Calvin are two sides of the same personality!
Their creator, Bill Watterson, named Calvin after the 16th century French Reformation Theologian John Calvin. Hobbes is named after 17th century political philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
A card board box plays into their daily lives. It's many things but my favorite two are:
A Transmogrifier. Or, turned over, a Time Machine.
Following are some Calvin and Hobbes quotes:
When Hobbes isn't feeling well Calvin says: It's psychosomatic. You need a lobotomy. I'll get a saw.
Calvin to his teacher: I understand my tests are popular reading in the teachers lounge.
Below are a few to help us understand our current worldwide situation.
Calvin: Do you believe in the Devil? You know, a supreme evil being dedicated to the painful corruption and destruction of man?
Hobbes: I'm not sure that man needs the help.
Life's disappointments are hard to take when you don't know any swear words.
You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky underpants don't help.
***
Saturday, March 7, 2009
No Shows
My Oldies didn't show up for breakfast this morning. I wasn't too worried because they sometimes forget what time to come.
We've only been doing this for twenty years.
But when they didn't show up after an hour or so, I called. Mrs. Oldie answered the phone. She was distressed and confused. Mr. Oldie was sick. She couldn't really give me any details.
Here's the thing. Much of the time when I see them I think maybe I'll never see them again. I don't get maudlin about it but I'm aware. Despite my occasional frustration I feel pure joy at the sight of them and can't really imagine not having them in my life.
We hurried right over to their building and up the outside elevator to the top floor. When we got off, there was Mr. Oldie, sitting outside in the sun, wearing his red velvet robe and reading his Wall Street Journal.
As it turns out, he has a stomach bug. Not pleasant but not life threatening.
Oh, and in the condo were two home health care workers and and a supervisor. The supervisor was getting ready to take Mrs. Oldie to her (as you know) standing hair appointment.
Mr. Oldie wasn't even fussing about the health care workers. He said one of them fixed his (3)computers.
We should all be so lucky.
***
We've only been doing this for twenty years.
But when they didn't show up after an hour or so, I called. Mrs. Oldie answered the phone. She was distressed and confused. Mr. Oldie was sick. She couldn't really give me any details.
Here's the thing. Much of the time when I see them I think maybe I'll never see them again. I don't get maudlin about it but I'm aware. Despite my occasional frustration I feel pure joy at the sight of them and can't really imagine not having them in my life.
We hurried right over to their building and up the outside elevator to the top floor. When we got off, there was Mr. Oldie, sitting outside in the sun, wearing his red velvet robe and reading his Wall Street Journal.
As it turns out, he has a stomach bug. Not pleasant but not life threatening.
Oh, and in the condo were two home health care workers and and a supervisor. The supervisor was getting ready to take Mrs. Oldie to her (as you know) standing hair appointment.
Mr. Oldie wasn't even fussing about the health care workers. He said one of them fixed his (3)computers.
We should all be so lucky.
***
Dumb Questions
They say that there are no dumb questions. But I seem to ask more and more of them these days.
The dumbest questions are the ones that have the answer in the question.
Who's buried in Grant's tomb?
How long was the 100 year war?
This morning I was thinking of trying a new bagel. On Saturday mornings I always have a blueberry bagel (double toasted) at Panera's to go with my boiled egg that I bring myself but keep in my pocket until I sit down.
But this morning I looked over all of them and thought I might try the Everything Bagel. I was nervous about it so I asked the young woman behind the counter,
What's in the Everything Bagel?
Guess what she answered.
***
The dumbest questions are the ones that have the answer in the question.
Who's buried in Grant's tomb?
How long was the 100 year war?
This morning I was thinking of trying a new bagel. On Saturday mornings I always have a blueberry bagel (double toasted) at Panera's to go with my boiled egg that I bring myself but keep in my pocket until I sit down.
But this morning I looked over all of them and thought I might try the Everything Bagel. I was nervous about it so I asked the young woman behind the counter,
What's in the Everything Bagel?
Guess what she answered.
***
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fashion Sense
There was an article in this morning's paper about Michelle Obama's fashion sense. A reader was questioning it, saying, Women with pear-shaped figures should try to wear things that help hide the hips.
Then she made an unkind remark about Michelle's behind.
I guess in these difficult times people need to let off a little steam and criticizing our First Lady's fashion sense is a pretty benign way to do it.
Hardly anybody got after Laura Bush but Nancy Reagan got her share of criticism and phrase. And people went nutty over everything Jackie Kennedy put on her body.
The fashion columnist in this morning's paper defended Michelle by saying that we women have worked ourselves silly by trying to appear to have top heavy or hour glass figures when most of us are pear shaped.
Michelle is embracing her natural shape instead of trying to disguise it.
As a woman with a big behind, I say, "Thanks Michelle."
The pictures are of my grandmother. I never met her but I understand she had great fashion sense for her day. Whadda ya think?
***
Monday, March 2, 2009
Free Food For My Oldies
Yesterday Mrs. Oldie told me that, at one of the twenty-one meals they had in restaurants last week, a stranger paid for their dinner.
She said, "He must have done it because we're old."
I replied, "Yes, my guess is because you're old and you're cute and he assumed you're on a fixed income. Of course, he wouldn't be happy if he knew where it was fixed."
***
She said, "He must have done it because we're old."
I replied, "Yes, my guess is because you're old and you're cute and he assumed you're on a fixed income. Of course, he wouldn't be happy if he knew where it was fixed."
***
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